The Tampa Bay Rays boast numerous minor league affiliates. Montgomery Biscuits serve as their Class AA affiliate and have proven adept at producing future MLB stars, such as Evan Longoria and BJ Upton.
https://www.managed-it-tampa.com/what-are-tampa-bay-minor-league-teams
The Rays made the move to Charleston as part of an overall plan to consolidate their player development operations and make them easier for affiliate teams in other leagues to access their player pool. Their most distant domestic affiliate currently is High-A Bowling Green Hot Rods from Midwest League.
Vero Beach Stone Crabs
The Charlotte Stone Crabs are a minor league baseball team playing in the Florida State League as the Class A Advanced affiliate of Tampa Bay Rays. Based out of Charlotte Sports Park in Port Charlotte, they were originally known as Vero Beach Dodgers before Ripken Baseball purchased it in 2008.
The Stone Crabs are proud members of five local area Chambers of Commerce and work in tandem with many non-profits to raise thousands of dollars for community initiatives, all while offering affordable family entertainment in Southwest Florida.
Joe's restaurant is one of the premier spots to enjoy stone crabs. Offering both boiled and grilled varieties of this delicacy, as well as breakfast to dinner menu items ranging from seafood dishes. Additionally, Joe's Crab Take Away serves similar meals in an informal atmosphere.
Lakeland Flying Tigers
Lakeland may not be on Florida's major sports radar, but its beauty makes Lakeland an attractive option for minor league baseball fans. Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium hosts a team that honors Lakeland's aviation history – plus, it is conveniently close enough to Orlando and Tampa so a trip there doesn't require an all-day commitment!
The Flying Tigers' uniforms feature designs inspired by the National Aircraft Insignia, and they are the first team in minor league baseball to allow an on-field manager to wear a different hat than his players. Their name pays homage to World War II's Flying Tigers who were famous for their distinctive red shark-teeth paintjobs.
Fans of the Flying Tigers can look forward to an all-you-can-eat brunch before every game, featuring items like fresh Florida fruit, pastries, breakfast potatoes, yogurt parfaits and scrambled eggs. In addition, children may participate in various activities after each game.
Bowling Green Hot Rods
Bowling Green Hot Rods, owned and operated by MC Sports and playing in the Midwest League. Their name pays homage to Bowling Green's bootlegging and bourbon history while they also host special event nights throughout the year.
The Hot Rods boast an exciting roster this year. Prospects Garrett Whitley and Jesus Sanchez possess impressive tools, while Jovan Ciuffo and Lucius Fox bring plenty of potential. It will be an important season as the Hot Rods make the transition to High-A.
Fans can experience an affordable family outing at the ballpark with tickets starting from $8 and kids two and under are free at every game. In addition, The Hot Rods provide several amenities, such as an inflatable car and kids play area featuring a carousel for younger fans to enjoy during games – as well as new additions such as Hiller Outdoor Suite area and two Lawless Orthodontics birthday decks so fans can host parties during games!
Charleston RiverDogs
The Charleston RiverDogs are a Class Single-A baseball team located in Charleston, South Carolina. At Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park they play their games and offer an enjoyable viewing experience for friends or families. Renowned for its family-oriented environment as well as developing young talent, this Minor League baseball club pride themselves on creating an enjoyable baseball experience with great atmosphere for everyone involved.
The RiverDogs have long enjoyed relationships with Major League teams, most recently signing an agreement with Tampa Bay Rays through 2022. Prior to that they played for 16 seasons under New York Yankees – serving as their MLB affiliate from 1997-2004 while helping shape stars such as B.J. Upton, Rocco Baldelli, and Carl Crawford during that time.
The RiverDogs have earned several prestigious awards, such as the Erik Walker Community Champion Award recognizing outstanding teamwork and sportsmanship among its players. Furthermore, families enjoy RiverDogs games thanks to family-oriented events like Kids Eat Free Night and Reading With The Dogs!