The Bradenton Marauders are bringing the excitement of professional baseball to young athletes in Lakewood Ranch with their first Little League Takeover on Saturday, November 7, 2026.
The special event will begin at 9 a.m. at the Lakewood Ranch Little League fields, located at 5350 Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, near the intersection of Lakewood Ranch Boulevard and Malachite Drive in Bradenton.
The takeover will feature a six-inning exhibition game between teams composed of Lakewood Ranch Little League All-Stars. The game will be presented in the style of a Bradenton Marauders home game, complete with entertainment and appearances by Marty the Marauder, the team’s mascot.
Members of the Marauders’ front office staff will also participate in the event, helping recreate the atmosphere of a professional minor league baseball game for the young players and their families.
The event provides an opportunity for local Little League athletes to experience some of the traditions and excitement associated with professional baseball while showcasing their skills on their home fields.
The Bradenton Marauders have been part of Manatee County’s baseball community since 2010, when the franchise began playing in Bradenton after relocating from Sarasota. The team is the Single-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates and competes in the Florida State League.
The Marauders play their home games at LECOM Park in downtown Bradenton, a historic ballpark that opened in 1923 and has served as the Pirates’ spring training home since 1969. The Marauders have won two league championships, in 2016 and 2021, and have helped develop several players who advanced to Major League Baseball, including Gerrit Cole, Paul Skenes and Ke’Bryan Hayes.
Lakewood Ranch Little League, founded in 2003, serves young baseball players in East Manatee County. The nonprofit organization emphasizes baseball fundamentals, teamwork and sportsmanship while providing opportunities for children to develop their skills.
Saturday’s takeover will bring together two generations of the local baseball community, allowing Little League All-Stars to enjoy a professional-style game experience while celebrating youth baseball in Manatee County.