Bradenton Explorers
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The Bradenton Explorers were one of the eight original franchises that began play in the US Senior Professional Baseball Association in 1989. The club had a record of 38-34 and finished in second place in the league's Northern Division, narrowly holding off the Orlando Juice. Jim Morrison led the league with 17 home runs, and pitcher Rick Lysander added a league-high 11 saves. In the playoffs, the Explorers lost to the St. Petersburg Pelicans, who went on to become league champions.
For the league's second season, the team moved to Daytona Beach and became the Daytona Beach Explorers. The team played in the Senior Professional Baseball Association in 1990 when the Bradenton Explorers relocated to Daytona Beach, FL.
They ceased operation when the circuit folded in December of that year.
Home Ballpark: McKechnie Field
Manager: Clete Boyer
1989 Opening Day Roster:
PITCHERS: Tom Brown, Dave Freisleben, Bruce Kison, Ken Kravec, Rick Lysander, Mickey Mahler, Tommy Moore, Rick Peterson, Randy Sealy, Earl Stephenson
CATCHERS: Stan Cliburn, Pat Kelly
INFIELDERS: Willie Aikens (also with St. Lucie), Steve Dillard, Wayne Garrett, Garth Iorg, Wayne Krenchicki, Jim Morrison, Al Oliver
OUTFIELDERS: Gary Alexander, Gene Clines, Al Cowens, Hal McRae, Danny Meyer
DISABLED LIST: Tippy Martinez, Omar Moreno, Wayne Nordhagen
Other Players: Dan Boone, Doug Capilla (also with West Palm Beach), Chuck Dobson, Ron LeFlore (also with St. Petersburg), Graig Nettles (also with St. Lucie), Jim Nettles (also with St. Lucie), Jerry Royster, Manny Sanguillen, Sammy Stewart (also with St. Petersburg)
