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Scott Proposes State Funding for Spring Training Baseball

PHOTO: Joker Marchant Stadium
PHOTO: Joker Marchant Stadium

February 29, 2013 | WMFE- Governor Rick Scott spent the day working at Lakeland's Joker Marchant stadium Wednesday raking the field and selling strawberry shortcake. But he also made an announcement about state funding for baseball.

 

Governor Scott worked for part of the day at the Lakeland stadium as the Detroit Tigers took on the Atlanta Braves.

Scott said spring training baseball is attracting record numbers which is good for Florida.

"Spring training's a big part of our state.” Scott said. “We have 15 teams here, they have a big economic development which means more jobs for Florida families."

To help keep those teams here, Scott is proposing the state spend $5 million every year to maintain and improve spring training facilities. Each project would require a local match.

In recent years, the state has been losing baseball teams to Arizona. Scott says he hopes this money will help to lure them back. 

"Why would you want to be clear out in Arizona.” Scott said. “This is where spring training started. it's clearly where spring training grows. So, they'll be back."

The Tigers have been coming to Lakeland for 77 years, making it the longest relationship between a Major League team and its spring training home.

 

 

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