Bradenton Marauders

Photo Credit: Marty Morrow

Marty the Marauder is the mascot for The Bradenton Marauders based in Bradenton, Florida. They play in the Florida State League. The Marauders are affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Their home games are played at LECOM Park, which also serves as the Pirates’ spring training facility.

Marauder was born on April 23, 1978. His mother and father were famous Marauders, and Marty was born into the trade. At age 14, Marty became a deckhand aboard “The Filthy Squid,” a famous Marauder ship known for looting and treasure seeking.

For 18 years Marty served on the ship. He was happiest when he was joking around with shipmates, playing practical jokes, and basically having fun. No matter how hard he tried, Marty was not a big fan of the Marauder lifestyle.

On March 23, 2010, “The Filthy Squid” pulled into the shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico just off the coast of Anna Maria Island, Florida, and Marty jumped ship to find a more satisfying life.

Marty came ashore on Bradenton Beach, and as he hit the ground, he saw people eating, drinking, and being merry. He thought this might be his kind of place. Marty met some people that were in town for vacation, and they told him they had traveled to the area to see a team of Pirates play in Bradenton. Marty thought the idea of Pirates getting a chance to “play” was a grand idea, and he wanted to explore this “game of baseball.”

He made it to the gates of the field just before a Pirates Spring Training game began. He was amazed. This place was unlike anything he had ever seen before. He smelled the aroma of hot dogs, popcorn, cotton candy, and heard cheering fans; it felt like heaven. He looked down on the field, and there they were, the Pirates!

Marty watched the entire game and loved every second of it. He especially loved watching the crowd be entertained by the Pirate Parrot. He continued to fall in love with baseball and Bradenton. At one of the games, Marty caught the eye of Pirates management. Intrigued by this big fellow, management watched Marty throughout the week, The Pirates manager approached him, “Your name is Marty the Marauder, you say? We have a new team coming to Bradenton-the Marauders- and we think you’d be a perfect addition to the club.”

Marty was ecstatic and the newly formed Bradenton Marauders had found their perfect Mascot. He’s a crazy one! He’s Marty the Marauder!


Fun Facts:

Favorite Player: Pittsburgh Pirates - Roberto Clemente
Favorite Movie: "Pirates of the Caribbean"
Favorite Color: Pirates Gold
Favorite Baseball Stadium: PNC Park/LECOM Park

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