Pirates Bradenton Booster Club Keeps Spring Training Tradition Alive
Baseball is more than just a game for Michael Roteman—it’s a passion and a way of life. As the president of the Pirates Bradenton Booster Club, Roteman leads a team of dedicated volunteers who help create a top-tier fan experience at LECOM Park during the Pittsburgh Pirates’ spring training season.
The Pirates Bradenton Booster Club, which has been an integral part of Pirates spring training operations since the team’s arrival in Bradenton in 1969, is the only organization in Major League Baseball made up entirely of volunteers who handle ushering, greeting fans, program sales, and even parking operations. The club's 125 volunteers, with 75 working any given game, are stationed throughout the ballpark, ensuring guests enjoy every moment of their visit.
Roteman, now in his eighth season as the club’s president, oversees operations from his vantage point near the press box. His primary focus is on the smooth operation of the stadium rather than the action on the field.
Many of the club’s volunteers are lifelong baseball fans who hail from Pittsburgh, Ohio, and even Canada, coming together in Bradenton each spring to support the Pirates. Roteman himself is a Pittsburgh native and a Pirates season ticket holder, returning to Pennsylvania for the start of the regular season before heading back to Bradenton after the final pitch in the fall.
The Pirates' connection to Bradenton dates back over five decades, making them one of the longest-standing Major League teams with a dedicated spring training home in Florida. The team’s arrival in 1969 established a lasting relationship with the community, bringing baseball enthusiasts together and bolstering Bradenton’s reputation as a key hub for America’s pastime.
Since its formation, the booster club has played a crucial role in preserving this tradition, ensuring that generations of fans experience the excitement of spring training. The club's mission extends beyond game day logistics—it’s about fostering a love for baseball in new fans, making each visit to LECOM Park a memorable one, and upholding the deep-rooted history of the Pirates in Manatee County.
With another season underway, the Pirates Bradenton Booster Club continues its legacy, proving that baseball is more than just a game—it’s a community, a tradition, and for its members, a lifelong commitment.