Palm Beach Cardinals, Jupiter Hammerheads shifting home games to West Palm Beach
The Palm Beach Cardinals and Jupiter Hammerheads have been on the move in the Florida State League standings all season, but now they literally will be on the move to another stadium and town.
The last game with fans at Jupiter’s Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium was set for Saturday when the Hammerheads were to host Fort Myers. Sunday’s rematch is the actual stadium finale but it is a no-fans event.
Because of stadium renovations, the Hammerheads, a Miami Marlins’ single-A affiliate, and Cardinals will be displaced — as will their fans, creating varying degrees of inconvenience.
The two single-A teams will play the rest of their seasons at the Ballpark of the Palm Beaches, which has no minor league team but hosts the Houston Astros and Washington Nationals for spring training.
The Astros and Nationals have a state-of-the-art facility. Hence, the St. Louis Cardinals and Miami Marlins, who share Roger Dean Stadium as spring training headquarters, want updates to a facility that hadn’t seen a major renovation in 26 years.
The first game in West Palm Beach will be played July 25 but the debut for fans is July 26 when the Hammerheads face the Clearwater Thrashers.
More: A LOOK BACK: Roger Dean Stadium interns helped keep the fields ready for game time in 2006
“We can’t wait to share the finished product at “The Dean” with our fans,’’ said Mike Bauer, the stadium’s general manager. “But until that happens, we’re fortunate to have a partner and facility just 10 miles down the road to help us continue to deliver a great game experience. Their complex has great player development area and still allows us to deliver a family-friendly environment for our fans.’’
The renovation was planned three years ago but was delayed by the pandemic. The original plan called for playing the full slate of FSL games at Roger Dean this season while the renovation began. That proved logistically impossible.
Some fans not happy with move
However, some fans aren’t thrilled. Those from the Jupiter area and north have a longer commute. And the big question is where to feast pregame as Roger Dean Stadium is located in quaint Abacoa with plenty of choices nearby.
“The big thing everyone is talking about is a lot of people before the game eat at the Stadium Grille — a 100-yard walk,’’ said Florida State League superfan Larry Weisman. “People are like, 'Where are we going to eat?' It’s a nice ballpark (in West Palm) but you’re no longer right in the middle of Abacoa where there’s a dozen choices to eat before the game. In West Palm, where the ballpark is, there’s nothing around there.’’
Saturday was expected to be a melancholy day for the Stadium Grille.
“It’s always a bummer to lose sales,’’ Stadium Grille chef/manager Rick Ayres said. “But we’ve always been the spot for people to come before the game. It’s not a great thing for us. But next year, with improvements, it could be better than ever before. We just have to make it through till then.’’
Meanwhile, Weisman is part of the Silver Sluggers’ 700-member fan group that pays $40 for the season. It allows them free admission on Wednesdays plus a complimentary hot dog, drink and entry into baseball bingo with cash prizes.
Initially, according to Weisman, there was a holdup because the vendor at West Palm Beach refused to give up the free weiners and beverages before relenting.
The Silver Sluggers (55-and-over) make up most of Wednesday’s crowds as they brandish their complimentary T-shirt that has the logos of the two ballclubs.
"We’re happy we will still see some games,’’ Weisman said. “But Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium feels like home. I find it (more intimate) than the Palm Beaches. People who come north from Stuart, I don’t know if they’re willing to make the ride.’’
Despite the extensive remake, February’s spring training will not be interrupted, Bauer said, but the process will not be completed. The Cardinals and Hammerheads expect to play at the rebuilt ballpark next season.
'Beach' coming to renovated ballpark
The first priority, according to sources, is tearing down the present clubhouses to build spiffier new ones. An expansion of the team store and concessions is part of the overhaul.
Sources also say the buildings beyond the outfield walls will be knocked down and moved in order for a beach-setting area for fans.
In addition to the Silver Sluggers Night, other perks and season ticket plans will transfer to the new West Palm Beach stadium.
The regular season ends Sept. 9 and is followed by the playoffs. The Cardinals have clinched a playoff berth as the first-half division champion (The Hammerheads were in second place).
At least Roger Dean went out with a bang. On July 4, more than 5,000 fans packed the stadium and viewed the postgame fireworks show.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Palm Beach Cardinals, Jupiter Hammerheads shift home games to West Palm Beach
