Pictured: The Bradenton Marauders post game fireworks show. Photo courtesy of The Bradenton Marauders.

The Bradenton Marauders of the 10-team Florida State League kick off their season on Friday night against the Clearwater Threshers. The Single-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Marauders are entering their 14th season at Bradenton’s LECOM Park and will feature a number of different promotional nights throughout the season. On opening weekend alone, several promotions will be in play, including a free t-shirt giveaway on Friday night along with a Friendly City Friday happy hour to promote local businesses before the game. A post-game fireworks show will also take place on Saturday night.

After just missing out on the playoffs last season, the Marauders enter 2024 with a new manager, Jim Horner. Horner, who managed the Pirates’ Florida Complex League team last year (the entry level to the minor leagues and one level below Single-A), is no stranger to teaching and developing young players. Horner spent nine years in the minors as a player in the Seattle Mariners organization and has spent the last four coaching and managing in the Pirates’ minor league system.

This year, the Marauders will feature a number of prominent prospects for the Pirates on their roster. Mitch Jebb, a 2023 2nd round draft pick out of Michigan State University and the Pirates’ 8th ranked prospect according to MLB.com, will start the year out in Bradenton. Last season, the shortstop impressed with a batting average of .297 and 11 stolen bases over 34 games. Lonnie White Jr., an intriguing outfielder who played both football and baseball at Penn State, looks to show off his skills in Bradenton this year. White Jr., a 2021 draft pick, has had trouble staying on the field–injuries have been an issue with the former dual-sport star, but his raw power and speed could be enough to see him advance higher in the Pirates’ farm system this year.

LECOM Park, 1611 9th St W, Bradenton.

Pictured: The Bradenton Marauders post game fireworks show. Photo courtesy of The Bradenton Marauders.

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