
The Florida Fire Frogs baseball team was a Minor League Baseball team in the Florida State League, operating from 2017 to 2020. As the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, the team served as a developmental hub for prospects aiming for the Major Leagues.
The Fire Frogs were born from the relocation of the Brevard County Manatees, moving from Viera to Kissimmee, Florida, in 2017. Their name, chosen through a fan-driven “Name the Team” contest, reflected the region’s vibrant culture, with “Fire Frogs” beating out finalists like Dragonflies, Mud Kickers, and Rodeo Clowns. The team’s logo, featuring a flaming red coqui frog, paid homage to Kissimmee’s Puerto Rican community, adding a unique local flair.
Florida Fire Frogs Minor League: Role in the Braves’ System
As part of the Florida Fire Frogs minor league system, the team played a crucial role in the Atlanta Braves’ player development pipeline. Positioned at the Class A-Advanced level, the Fire Frogs were a step above Single-A and below Double-A, offering a competitive environment for prospects to refine their skills.
The team’s affiliation with the Braves, formalized through a four-year Player Development Contract from 2017 to 2020, ensured a steady flow of talent, with players like Drew Waters and Ian Anderson passing through on their way to the Majors. The Florida Fire Frogs MLB affiliate status made them a key stop for prospects, balancing raw talent with professional polish.
Florida Fire Frogs Team History: A Brief but Vibrant Run
The Florida Fire Frogs team history began in 2017 when the Brevard County Manatees relocated to Osceola County Stadium in Kissimmee, part of the Greater Orlando area. Under the leadership of Team President Joe Harrington, the Fire Frogs debuted on April 6, 2017, against the Daytona Tortugas, drawing over 3,000 fans to their inaugural game.
The team’s colors—fire red, navel orange, and golden sun—along with their “Bull Frog” alternate logo, embraced Central Florida’s rodeo heritage and created a lively fan experience. Despite modest on-field success, with a best record of 54-81 in 2017, the Fire Frogs were known for their entertaining promotions, including free beer nights and tributes to Jackie Robinson. Their tenure was cut short by external factors, leading to their dissolution in 2020.
What Happened to the Florida Fire Frogs: The End of an Era
For those asking, what happened to the Florida Fire Frogs, the team’s demise was a result of multiple challenges. In May 2019, Osceola County offered the Fire Frogs a $500,000 buyout to vacate Osceola County Stadium, which was being repurposed for an MLS training complex for Orlando City SC. The team accepted, ending their lease after the 2019 season.
Plans to relocate to CoolToday Park in North Port, the Braves’ new spring training facility, were set for 2020, but the move came with complications, including a territorial conflict with the nearby Charlotte Stone Crabs and a six-figure payment to resolve it. The 2020 Minor League Baseball season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, halting any games at CoolToday Park. Ultimately, Major League Baseball’s 2021 reorganization of the minor leagues excluded the Fire Frogs from the Braves’ affiliate list, leading to their dissolution on December 9, 2020.
Florida Fire Frogs MLB Affiliate: The Braves Connection
The Florida Fire Frogs MLB affiliate relationship with the Atlanta Braves was central to their identity. Replacing the Carolina Mudcats as the Braves’ Class A-Advanced affiliate in 2017, the Fire Frogs provided a platform for prospects to develop under Atlanta’s coaching staff.
The affiliation agreement, signed in 2016, was set to run through 2020, aligning with the team’s move to Kissimmee. Notable players like pitcher Ian Anderson, who later starred in the Braves’ 2021 World Series run, and outfielder Drew Waters, a top prospect, honed their skills with the Fire Frogs. The Braves’ decision to exclude the Fire Frogs from their restructured affiliates in 2020 marked the end of this partnership, as the organization streamlined its minor league system.
Florida Fire Frogs Schedule: A Look at Their Seasons
The Florida Fire Frogs schedule followed the Florida State League’s structure, typically running from April to September with 140 games, split between home and away matchups. In 2017, their inaugural season began with a home opener on April 6 against the Daytona Tortugas at Osceola County Stadium. The schedule included games against rivals like the Lakeland Flying Tigers, Tampa Tarpons, and Dunedin Blue Jays, with series often played in three- or four-game sets.
The 2019 season, their last at Osceola County Stadium, ended early due to Hurricane Dorian, canceling the playoffs. The 2020 season, planned for CoolToday Park, was canceled entirely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving no final schedule to execute. Historical schedules and game logs are available through minor league baseball records for fans seeking detailed insights.
Florida Fire Frogs Players: Notable Names and Prospects
The Florida Fire Frogs players included several prospects who left a mark on the Braves’ system. Key names include:
- Ian Anderson (P): A 2016 first-round pick, Anderson pitched for the Fire Frogs in 2018, posting a 2.49 ERA before becoming a postseason hero for the Braves in 2021.
- Drew Waters (OF): A 2017 second-round pick, Waters showcased his speed and hitting with the Fire Frogs, earning a 2019 All-Star nod before debuting in the Majors.
- William Contreras (C): Now an MLB All-Star, Contreras played 44 games for the Fire Frogs in 2018, developing his defensive skills.
- Cristian Pache (OF): A top prospect, Pache’s time with the Fire Frogs in 2018 highlighted his elite defensive abilities in center field.
These Florida Fire Frogs former players demonstrate the team’s role in nurturing talent, with many advancing to Double-A Mississippi or the Majors. Rosters typically featured 25-30 players, blending draft picks, international signings, and rehabbing Major Leaguers.
Florida Fire Frogs Stadium: From Kissimmee to North Port
The Florida Fire Frogs stadium history reflects their brief tenure. From 2017 to 2019, they played at Osceola County Stadium in Kissimmee, a 5,300-seat venue previously home to the Kissimmee Cobras and Houston Astros’ spring training. The stadium, part of Osceola Heritage Park, offered a family-friendly atmosphere with amenities like shaded seating and affordable concessions.
In 2020, the team planned to move to CoolToday Park in North Port, a modern 8,000-seat facility built for the Braves’ spring training. However, the COVID-19 cancellation meant no games were played there. The move to CoolToday Park was a one-year plan, complicated by territorial disputes with the Charlotte Stone Crabs, and the stadium’s primary use remains for Braves’ spring training and their Low-A affiliate, the Augusta GreenJackets.
Florida Fire Frogs Relocation: A Series of Moves
The Florida Fire Frogs relocation story began with their inception, as they were the relocated Brevard County Manatees, moving from Space Coast Stadium in Viera to Kissimmee in 2017. The Manatees, a Milwaukee Brewers affiliate, faced declining attendance and facility issues, prompting the move. In 2019, Osceola County’s buyout forced another relocation, with CoolToday Park in North Port selected for 2020.
The team’s co-owner, David Freeman, expressed interest in returning to Brevard County, eyeing Coastal Florida Sports Park, but Space Coast Stadium’s unavailability and the 2021 minor league reorganization halted these plans. The Fire Frogs’ dissolution ended any further relocation efforts, marking the end of their franchise.
Florida Fire Frogs Merchandise: A Collector’s Legacy
Florida Fire Frogs merchandise was a hit with fans, featuring vibrant designs that captured the team’s fiery identity. Items included jerseys, hats, t-shirts, and hoodies in fire red, navel orange, and golden sun colors. The primary logo, a flaming coqui frog, adorned most products, while the “Bull Frog” alternate logo, nodding to Kissimmee’s rodeo heritage, was popular on caps and decals.
Fans could purchase merchandise at Osceola County Stadium’s team store or online during the team’s active years. Since the Fire Frogs’ dissolution, merchandise has become a collector’s item, available through secondary markets like eBay or fan exchanges. The “Name the Team” contest winners, Karah Morrison and Steven Strickland, received season tickets, but merchandise remains a lasting memento for fans.
Florida Fire Frogs Fan Base: A Community Connection
The Florida Fire Frogs fan base was diverse, drawing from Kissimmee’s local community, the Greater Orlando area, and Braves fans across Florida. The team’s family-friendly promotions, like free beer nights and kids’ activities, fostered a welcoming atmosphere, earning praise from local business owners who called games “a fantastic destination for families and friends.”
The Puerto Rican-inspired coqui frog branding resonated with Kissimmee’s large Puerto Rican population, creating a cultural connection. Despite their short tenure, the Fire Frogs drew solid crowds, with over 3,000 fans at their 2017 opener. The fan base’s enthusiasm waned after the 2019 buyout and 2020 cancellation, but former fans still share memories on social media, keeping the team’s spirit alive.
Florida Fire Frogs Team Stats: Performance Highlights
The Florida Fire Frogs team stats reflect a competitive but modest run in the Florida State League. From 2017 to 2019, the team’s best season was 2017, finishing with a 54-81 record. In 2018, they improved slightly to 60-76, led by prospects like Ian Anderson, who posted a 2.49 ERA in 20 starts. The 2019 season ended early due to Hurricane Dorian, with a 54-82 record. Key stats include:
- Batting: Drew Waters led with a .319 average in 2018, while Cristian Pache hit .277 with 8 home runs.
- Pitching: Ian Anderson’s 119 strikeouts in 2018 were a team high, with Kyle Muller adding 89 in 2017.
- Team OPS: The 2018 team posted a .678 OPS, solid for Class A-Advanced.
Stats are available through minor league baseball databases, offering a glimpse into the team’s contributions to player development.
Florida Fire Frogs Former Players: Where Are They Now?
The Florida Fire Frogs former players include several who reached the Majors or remain active in baseball:
- Ian Anderson: A key pitcher in the Braves’ 2021 World Series win, now recovering from 2023 Tommy John surgery.
- Drew Waters: Debuted with the Braves in 2022, now with the Kansas City Royals.
- William Contreras: An MLB All-Star catcher with the Braves, known for his power hitting.
- Cristian Pache: Traded to the Philadelphia Phillies, known for elite defense.
Many former Fire Frogs continue in minor leagues or independent circuits, while others, like pitcher Kyle Muller, have bounced between MLB and Triple-A. The team’s role in developing these players underscores its importance in the Braves’ system.
Florida Fire Frogs News Update: Recent Developments
The latest Florida Fire Frogs news update confirms the team is no longer active. After the 2020 season cancellation and the 2021 minor league reorganization, the Braves excluded the Fire Frogs from their affiliates, focusing on teams like the Augusta GreenJackets and Mississippi Braves.
Discussions on platforms like X occasionally mention the Fire Frogs nostalgically, but no official plans exist for revival. The team’s legacy lives on through former players and fan memories, with CoolToday Park now hosting Braves’ spring training and Low-A games.
Are the Florida Fire Frogs Still Playing: The Final Answer
To address the Florida Fire Frogs still playing, the answer is no. The team ceased operations after the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 cancellation and MLB’s 2021 minor league reorganization, which eliminated the Fire Frogs from the Braves’ affiliate structure.
The team’s planned move to CoolToday Park never materialized, and no efforts to revive the franchise in Brevard County or elsewhere have succeeded. The Fire Frogs remain a fondly remembered chapter in Florida’s minor league history.
FAQs About Florida Fire Frogs
- What were the Florida Fire Frogs?
The Florida Fire Frogs baseball team was a Class A-Advanced Minor League team in the Florida State League, affiliated with the Atlanta Braves from 2017 to 2020. - What happened to the Florida Fire Frogs?
The Florida Fire Frogs ceased operations after the 2020 season due to a $500,000 buyout from Osceola County, the COVID-19 season cancellation, and MLB’s 2021 minor league reorganization. - Where did the Florida Fire Frogs play?
The Florida Fire Frogs stadium was Osceola County Stadium in Kissimmee from 2017 to 2019, with plans to move to CoolToday Park in North Port in 2020. - Who were notable Florida Fire Frogs players?
Florida Fire Frogs players included Ian Anderson, Drew Waters, William Contreras, and Cristian Pache, many of whom reached the Majors. - What was the Florida Fire Frogs MLB affiliate?
The Florida Fire Frogs MLB affiliate was the Atlanta Braves, with a Player Development Contract from 2017 to 2020. - Is Florida Fire Frogs merchandise still available?
Florida Fire Frogs merchandise is no longer sold officially but can be found on secondary markets like eBay as collector’s items. - Are the Florida Fire Frogs still playing?
No, the Florida Fire Frogs are not playing, having been dissolved after the 2020 season due to MLB’s reorganization.
Conclusion on
Florida Fire Frogs
The Florida Fire Frogs left a lasting impression on Central Florida’s baseball scene despite their brief four-year run. From their vibrant branding and connection to the Florida Fire Frogs fan base to their role in developing future MLB stars like Ian Anderson and William Contreras, the team embodied the spirit of minor league baseball.
The Florida Fire Frogs team history was marked by challenges, including relocations and the 2020 season cancellation, culminating in their dissolution during MLB’s 2021 reorganization. While the Florida Fire Frogs are not still playing, their legacy endures through former players, collectible Florida Fire Frogs merchandise, and fond memories of games at Osceola County Stadium. For fans and baseball enthusiasts, the Fire Frogs remain a unique chapter in Florida’s rich sports heritage.