Baseball has a rich history in Florida, with a number of popular teams and players calling the state their home. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the best Florida baseball teams in this list, from the professional leagues to college and travel teams.
Florida MLB Teams
Florida is a hotbed for baseball enthusiasts and has been home to three Major League Baseball (MLB) teams. Currently, two Florida MLB teams, the Miami Marlins and Tampa Bay Rays, represent the Sunshine State in the MLB.
Miami Marlins
The Miami Marlins, founded in 1991 as the Florida Marlins, is the younger of the two Florida-based MLB teams. The team plays at LoanDepot Park (formerly Marlins Park), located in Little Havana, Miami, and has won two World Series championships. The Marlins have had several standout players, including Miguel Cabrera, Giancarlo Stanton, and Dan Uggla.
Despite being one of the youngest teams in the league, the Marlins have made it to the playoffs twice in their history. Their most recent playoff appearance was in 2020 when they made it to the Wild Card round. The Marlins have been investing in their farm system and are looking to build a team that can contend in the near future.
Tampa Bay Rays
The Tampa Bay Rays, founded in 1998 (making the Rays the oldest Florida MLB team), has become a force to be reckoned with in the MLB in recent years. The team plays at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg and has won two American League (AL) Pennants and an AL East Division title.
The Rays have a reputation for being a small-market team that excels at developing young talent. They have had several successful seasons in the past decade, making it to the playoffs in five of the last 15 seasons, including a World Series appearance in 2020. The Rays have had several standout players, including Evan Longoria, Carl Crawford, and David Price.
Both the Miami Marlins and Tampa Bay Rays have loyal fan bases in Florida and beyond. While the Marlins are working towards building a competitive team in the near future, the Rays have established themselves as a contender in the league. Regardless of their current standings, both Florida baseball teams offer exciting games and a great fan experience.
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Minor League Baseball Teams in Florida
Florida is not only home to Major League Baseball teams but also to several minor league teams that are worth watching. Here are some of the top minor league baseball teams in Florida:
Pensacola Blue Wahoos
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos are a Double-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins and are one of the top minor league baseball teams in Florida. The team is based in Pensacola and plays in the Southern League.
Since their establishment in 2012, they have had several successful seasons, including winning the Southern League championship in 2017. Some of the top players who have played for the Blue Wahoos include Jose Siri, Shed Long, and Luis Castillo.
Clearwater Threshers
The Clearwater Threshers are a Single-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies. The team is based in Clearwater and plays in the Florida State League. They have had several successful seasons, including winning the Florida State League championship in 2007 and 2019. Some of the top players who have played for the Threshers include Bruce Ruffin, Scott Rolen, and Jimmy Rollins.
Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are a Double-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins. The team is based in Jacksonville and plays in the Southern League. They have had several successful seasons, including winning the Southern League championship in 2017. Some top players who have played for the Jumbo Shrimp include Eddy Alvarez, Austin Barnes, and Luis Castillo.
Florida Fire Frogs
The Florida Fire Frogs are a Single-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. The team is based in Kissimmee and plays in the Florida State League. They have had some successful seasons since their establishment in 2017. Some top players who have played for the Fire Frogs include Zack Greinke., Miguel Cabrera, and Jose Altuva.
Daytona Tortugas
The Daytona Tortugas are a Single-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds. The team is based in Daytona Beach and plays in the Florida State League. They have had several successful seasons, including winning the Florida State League championship in 2011 and 2013. Some of the top players who have played for the Tortugas include Alex Cabrera, Danny Young, and Will Ohman.
Lakeland Flying Tigers
The Lakeland Flying Tigers are a Single-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. The team is based in Lakeland and plays in the Florida State League. They have had some successful seasons, including winning the Florida State League championship in 2012. Some of the top players who have played for the Flying Tigers include Dave Huppert, Andrew Graham, and Mike Rabelo.
If you’re a baseball fan and looking for some exciting games to watch, check out these minor-league teams in Florida. They may not be as well-known as the MLB teams, but they provide a great opportunity to watch up-and-coming players work their way to the top.
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Florida College Baseball Teams
Florida is home to some of the country’s most successful college baseball teams. From the University of Florida Gators to the Florida State University Seminoles, the Sunshine State has consistently produced top-tier college baseball programs. Let’s take a closer look at these Florida college baseball teams and their impressive achievements.
University of Florida Gators
The University of Florida Gators baseball team has a storied history that spans over a century. The Florida baseball team has made multiple appearances in the College World Series and has produced numerous MLB players, including Mike Zunino and Pete Alonso.
Head coach Kevin O’Sullivan has led the team to several SEC titles and has been named SEC Coach of the Year multiple times. The Gators have a strong pitching staff, led by Tommy Mace and Hunter Barco, and a talented offense that includes Jud Fabian and Nathan Hickey.
Florida State University Seminoles
The Florida State University Seminoles baseball team is another powerhouse program in the state. The team has made more appearances in the College World Series than any other team in the ACC and has produced a number of MLB players, including Buster Posey and J.D. Drew.
Head coach Mike Martin led the Seminoles for 40 years before retiring in 2019, leaving behind an impressive legacy that includes multiple ACC championships and a runner-up finish in the 2012 College World Series. The team’s current head coach is Mike Martin Jr., who is continuing his father’s legacy. The Seminoles have a talented pitching staff, led by Parker Messick and Bryce Hubbart, and a strong offense that includes Matheu Nelson and Robby Martin.
University of Miami Hurricanes
The University of Miami Hurricanes baseball team is a consistently strong program that has won multiple national championships and produced a number of MLB players, including Ryan Braun and Yonder Alonso.
The Florida baseball team is led by head coach Gino DiMare, who took over the program in 2019. The Hurricanes have a talented pitching staff, led by Alejandro Rosario and Carson Palmquist, and a solid offense that includes Adrian Del Castillo and Yohandy Morales.
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Best Travel Baseball Teams in Florida
Orlando Scorpions
The Orlando Scorpions are among the best travel baseball teams in Florida, with a long history of success. The team was founded in 1994 by Sal Lombardo and has since become one of the country’s most respected and competitive travel baseball organizations. The Scorpions have produced many top MLB draft picks, including Zack Greinke and Chris Sale.
The team has a strong focus on player development, with a staff of experienced coaches and trainers who work to improve the skills of each player on the team. They offer year-round training programs and opportunities to compete in some of the most prestigious tournaments in the country. The Orlando Scorpions have a reputation for excellence both on and off the field and are a great option for young players looking to take their game to the next level.
FTB Rockets
Another top travel baseball team in Florida is the FTB Rockets. The team was founded in 2004 by Frank Damas and has quickly become one of the state’s most successful travel baseball organizations.
Like the Orlando Scorpions, the FTB Rockets strongly focus on player development. They offer year-round training programs and opportunities to compete in some of the most prestigious tournaments in the country. The team has a staff of experienced coaches and trainers who work to improve the skills of each player on the team. The FTB Rockets are known for their competitive spirit and dedication to the game of baseball and are a great choice for young players looking to take their skills to the next level.
Overall, Florida is home to some of the best travel baseball teams in the country, and the Orlando Scorpions and FTB Rockets are just a few examples of the many excellent options available to young players in the state. Playing for a travel team can provide valuable experience and exposure and help players develop their skills and love of the game.
Conclusion
Florida is truly a baseball lover’s paradise, with a wide range of Florida baseball teams and leagues for fans of all ages and skill levels to enjoy. If you’re a baseball enthusiast looking to take your love of the sport to the next level, consider joining Jobs in Sports to explore career opportunities in the industry. From sports marketing to team management, our platform offers a range of job openings, including baseball jobs in Florida, for passionate sports professionals. Start your journey today and take the first step towards your dream job in the world of sports!
