Major League Baseball spring training facilities on Florida’s west coast have fortunately been spared major damage from Hurricane Milton. This is a relief compared to the devastation caused by Hurricane Ian two years ago, which had shut down the Tampa Bay Rays’ spring home in Port Charlotte.
Teams have reported minimal issues that might affect their operations this winter, with the Rays assessing the situation at their training complex and stadium in Port Charlotte, as well as at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg. The damage from Hurricane Ian had cost over $17 million to repair, leading the Rays to split workouts and spring training games between Disney World and St. Petersburg in 2023.
While the Atlanta Braves in Venice, Florida, were still evaluating the situation, the Boston Red Sox at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers experienced minimal wind and water damage, with no power loss. The Pittsburgh Pirates in Bradenton faced some destruction to the outfield wall padding at LECOM Park and a batter’s eye at Pirates City.
At the New York Yankees complex in Tampa, damage was limited to blown-down foul poles and fences, with the complex providing shelter for 75 families during the storm. The Philadelphia Phillies in Clearwater encountered several inches of water in the lower level at BayCare Ballpark, still without power on Friday.
On the east coast, the New York Mets’ spring home in Port St. Lucie had no major damage reported after being hit by tornadoes preceding Hurricane Milton’s arrival. Teams are assessing the situation and working towards repairs in collaboration with the city.
Overall, it appears that MLB spring training facilities have fared relatively well in the face of Hurricane Milton, with teams coming together to assess damage, assist in clean-up efforts, and ensure the safety of their players and staff. The resilience shown by these teams highlights the importance of preparation and teamwork in the face of natural disasters.