### MLB Spring Training Facilities on Florida's West Coast Largely Unscathed by Hurricane Milton

Major League Baseball spring training facilities in western Florida largely avoided severe damage from Hurricane Milton. Unlike the destruction caused by Hurricane Ian two years ago, which inflicted substantial damage on the Tampa Bay Rays' spring training home in Port Charlotte, teams have not reported significant disruptions this time.

The Tampa Bay Rays are currently evaluating their training complex and stadium in Port Charlotte and Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg. Tropicana Field, which has housed the Rays since their inception in 1998, suffered roof damage during the storm. The aftermath of Hurricane Ian had previously incurred more than $17 million in damages, forcing the Rays to split their 2023 spring training between Disney World near Orlando and St. Petersburg. The Port Charlotte complex, including Charlotte Sports Park, was reopened in time for last winter's spring training.

The Atlanta Braves, who train in Venice, Florida, are still in the process of assessing any damage to their facilities. Meanwhile, the Boston Red Sox reported minimal wind and water damage to JetBlue Park in Fort Myers, with no power loss during the storm. The Red Sox announced that Lee County would use the ballpark to stage 2,000 rescue workers over the next two weeks for clean-up efforts around Fort Myers.

The Pittsburgh Pirates, who train in Bradenton, experienced minor damage including a portion of the outfield wall padding being knocked down at LECOM Park and a destroyed batter's eye at Pirates City. Pirates senior vice president of communications and broadcasting, Brian Warecki, emphasized that the damage is minor compared to the broader impact of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, and that they are collaborating with local first responders.

At the New York Yankees training complex in Tampa, damage was limited to downed foul poles and fences. Seventy-five families found refuge at the complex during the storm. The Philadelphia Phillies reported several inches of water in the lower level of BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater. While the Phillies work on repairs with the city, the complex remained without power as of Friday with no timeline for the resumption of normal operations.

On the east coast of Florida, initial reports from Port St. Lucie indicated that the New York Mets' spring home avoided significant damage, despite the area being hard-hit by tornadoes preceding Hurricane Milton. The team noted that officials are continuing to assess the situation.