Mission Accomplished for Marauders 2026 Broadcaster

Mission accomplished.

Matthew Hargrove came to Bradenton in the spring to be the voice of the Marauders. In completing the 2026 Florida State League, Hargrove is a better professional.

“I just loved being part of the Pirates organization,” Hargrove, a native of Franklin, Tennessee, said. “During spring training, I got to meet the Pirates broadcasters. I’ve continued to get advice from Joe Block. Obviously, he’s great at what he does, so I’ve tried to listen to his advice.”

Listening to Hargrove review his introduction to the Pirates way and absorbing what Manatee County has to offer, it’s clear Hargrove was like a thirsty sponge throughout the FSL season. 2026 was his fourth season learning the ropes of MiLB. But unlike his role as a communications assistant with the Triple-A Nashville Sounds, or broadcast assistant with the Bowling Green Hot Rods (High-A Tampa Bay affiliate), with the Marauders Hargrove was the lead media voice.

“I’ve always been an assistant broadcaster wherever I’ve been,” Hargrove tells. “To have the opportunity to broadcast six out of seven days was great. Even when you may have a bad broadcast, you come back the next day and get to figure it out how to have a good next broadcast.”

Hargrove is quick to thank his fellow co-workers for allowing him to slide into the broadcast booth at LECOM Park and feel confident. Among the many who Hargrove cites as offering their expertise to him are Brian Spradlin (manager – game presentation and marketing) and Jacari Patterson (marketing and game presentation assistant).

“Being around them made me feel better because of how talented they are.”

Just like the ballplayers working on their skills at Pirate City and LECOM Park, working every day during the season on his delivery for Marauders fans listening in on radio or watching on TV, Hargrove improved his delivery. Now that the season is over, keeping an equally busy schedule during the fall and winter is an ambitious goal he hopes to keep.

Freelancing with other sports teams in the region is what Hargrove wants to do. Learning more about calling a hockey game is at the top of his “can-do” list.

“One thing that I would really like to learn is hockey. I’ve never done (broadcast) it. I’d like to find a minor league hockey team in the area and see if there is extra room in the press box. Calling hockey play-by-play is something that would really challenge myself. I think hockey would be a cool thing to learn.”

As for the spring, Hargrove would like to return next season to remain the voice of the Marauders. Any broadcast openings that may present themselves at a higher level than the Single-A FSL, whether with a Double-A or Triple-A ballclub, that could change Hargrove’s mailing address come March. He is content and feels privileged to be among the Pirates family, and that’s a really cool place to be.