Greater Bradenton Wins As Marauders 2025 Season Ends

Saying goodbye is rarely easy, even to a Bradenton Marauders’ season.

The Marauders' final game of their Florida State League schedule was canceled on Sunday. When the top of the third inning came about, so did bad weather.  Since the game didn’t matter either way in the league’s Western Division, not only is their record 60-69, but to avoid any risk of injury to the players, it was best to call it a season.

The Dunedin Blue Jays had an early departure from LECOM Park, and both clubs could begin planning for their first game against each other in 2026 on April 2nd.

As someone who is around the Marauders as a fan and journalist from Game 1, starting in early April, seeing the ballpark buttoned up for the next better part of the next six months, it’s tough to accept. 

The games are what drive baseball fans to come out and support Bradenton’s entry into the FSL. But there is so much more as to why residents in the Greater Bradenton are supporting the Marauders.

It’s an evening out, be it with your kids, your spouse, co-workers, or community organization, Bradenton baseball is a great escape from “everyday life’s” demands.  Also, LECOM is an excellent place to make new friends. After attending a few games, the faces of the security staff, concessions workers, ushers, and Marauders’ employees all become like extended family members.

There are multiple promotions each homestand to make your visit that much more memorable. Plus, there are routinely tables set up along the concourse behind the home plate area, where there are plenty of “freebies” for the taking.  Most importantly, Marauders’ baseball is affordable.  I find it so rewarding when I see families walking into LECOM.  Kids of all ages take great pleasure in chasing foul balls and working hard to get autographs.

Then there is Marty – the Marauders’ mascot.  If I had a dollar for every time kids and adults requested to have photos taken with him, well, I could buy a season ticket.

Baseball fans in Bradenton are spoiled. The Pirates are in town for six weeks for spring training. Going through withdrawal when the MLB club heads north at the end of March, knowing that the Marauders step in and fill a baseball void is a luxury few communities have.

The highlight for me, and I think that I could speak for other Pirates/Marauders’ fans in Manatee County this season, was having the privilege of watching Konnor Griffin grow as a man and ballplayer.  Until his promotion to Greensboro in June, Griffin excelled rapidly in each position he played: shortstop, center field, and designated hitter. He has big league star written all over his game.

Griffin was amazing in taking the time to meet fans, sign autographs, and make time for the media. This kid was raised right, and now the Pirates are molding him into a potential MLB superstar, all at the tender age of 19.

As an outsider looking in at all the moving parts of the Marauders, there aren’t any changes I could offer. Much of the overall success, from when the gates swing open for the Grapefruit League schedule to the Marauders’ gear is stowed for the off-season, goes to club general manager Craig Warzecha. 

Warzecha has been part of the Marauders’ family for 10 seasons. If all else fails, with questions about the club or any aspect of LECOM that remains unclear, Warzecha is easy to spot at any time the gates open.

The Marauders are one of many quality entertainment options in Manatee County and the surrounding areas. Is there postseason play this month at LECOM – no.  It’s okay. Many memories have been made over the months, so baseball fans should make it through the quiet months and be ready for spring training.