Miracle to open 2010 schedule against Bradenton
The Fort Myers Miracle open up their 19th season of baseball in Southwest Florida at Bradenton on Thursday, April 8, 2010. The Miracle return home the following night, Friday, April 9 to host the newest member of the Florida State League at 7:05 p.m. at Hammond Stadium. There will be special pre-game activities and ceremonies with a spectacular post-game fireworks show.
The opening weekend homestand concludes against Bradenton on Saturday, April 10 at 7:05 p.m.
The 2010 season will also mark the Miracle managerial debut of Jake Mauer, brother of 2009 American League MVP Joe Mauer of the Minnesota Twins.
The Florida State League is a split season schedule of 140 games, with two halves each consisting of 70 games. The league’s annual all-star game will be played in Brevard County on Saturday, June 12, with the regular season concluding on Sunday, Sept. 5 at St. Lucie.
The Miracle will play nine home games in April, 15 in May, 14 in June, 15 in July, 15 in August and two in September. The schedule features 10 Thursday games, nine Friday dates and 12 action-packed Saturday night games.
The entire schedule may be viewed on the Miracle Web site at www.miraclebaseball.com.
Some other 2010 season highlights include:
Post-game fireworks shows (5) – April 9, May 22, July 3, July 31 and Aug. 28.
Education Day June 2 (10:35 a.m. start)
Dog Daze (4) April 22, May 15, June 15 and July 10
The entire 2010 promotional and giveaway schedule will be released at a later date. Many of the traditional promotions such as Two-For-One Tuesday, Thursty Thursday and Happy Hour Friday will return along with giveaways and live entertainment. Miracle fans can also plan on seeing new and exciting promotions throughout the upcoming season.
“We are eagerly anticipating the upcoming season of baseball here in Southwest Florida,” said Miracle General Manager Steve Gliner. “Our schedule allows us to continue to create that buzz around the ballpark that is synonymous with Miracle Baseball.”
The Miracle will play Bradenton 20 times and face the other four clubs in the South Division 18 times. The Miracle will face teams in the North Division eight times apiece. The Miracle and Charlotte Stone Crabs renew their rivalry for the first time on Tuesday, April 13 in Charlotte. The two teams met in the South Division Finals last season.
The Florida State League is comprised of 12 teams divided into two divisions: the North and South. The Miracle, affiliated with the Minnesota Twins, compete in the South Division along with the Bradenton (Pittsburgh Pirates), St. Lucie Mets (New York Mets), Jupiter Hammerheads (Florida Marlins), Charlotte Stone Crabs (Tampa Bay Rays) and Palm Beach Cardinals (St. Louis Cardinals). Bradenton replaces the Sarasota-based Cincinnati Reds affiliate.
The North Division consists of the Daytona Cubs (Chicago Cubs), Brevard County Manatees (Milwaukee Brewers), Tampa Yankees (New York Yankees), Dunedin Blue Jays (Toronto Blue Jays), Clearwater Threshers (Philadelphia Phillies) and Lakeland Flying Tigers (Detroit Tigers).
Start times for games at Hammond Stadium in 2010 are 7:05 p.m. for games Monday through Saturday, except for June 2 (10:35 a.m.). Sunday games will begin at 1:05 p.m., with the exceptions being, May 16 (4:05 p.m.) and July 18 (4:05 p.m.)
For more information on Fort Myers Miracle season tickets, group outings, ticket plans, merchandise, sponsorship opportunities or any other inquiries, individuals and companies are encouraged to contact the Fort Myers Miracle at 239-768-4210 or visit www.miraclebaseball.com for more information.