.News 13 has learned the Houston Astros and the Washington Nationals may be discussing moving their spring training sites out of Central Florida and to South Florida.
The Astros currently train in Kissimmee and the Nationals train in Viera. Thousands of baseballs have been hit and bases stolen since the Houston Astros started their Spring Training program in Osceola County almost 30 years ago.
Now, they have pitched an idea to come to Palm Beach County. Both the Astros and the Washington Nationals, who currently host spring training in Viera, are looking for Palm Beach County’s help in building a $140 million complex. If that’s approved and the teams leave, it could be a huge blow to Central Florida’s economy.
We spoke with the Osceola County Sports and Events Facility Director Don Miers, who has been working with the team for years.
“[The team] puts Kissimmee on the map; not just because we are the doorstep to Disney, but also because we are a host for major league baseball,” said Miers.
Miers also explained the Astros have become a big part of the county. Both teams have even said Spring training brings a combined annual economic impact of $120 million to the area. Those millions could get moved to Palm Beach County if commissioners there decide they want to spend the money to build a new stadium.
Brevard County has offered to make $30 million in upgrades to the Space Coast Stadium stadium if the Nationals stay. However, in Osceola County a new stadium for the team was proposed to be built, but didn’t pass.
If the Astro’s leave, Miers says Osceola County will explore other options.
“Let’s say that we don’t get them to stay. Then our job would be to find another major league tenant that would come and stay,” Miers explained.
Both teams still have contracts, so no moves will be happening in the immediate future.