When the Phillies take the field for their upcoming Grapefruit League home opener on March 1, they will be doing so at the newly named BayCare Ballpark. 

The Phillies announced today that their long-time affiliate BayCare Health System is taking on an even more involved role as the team’s new naming rights partner for their spring training facility in Clearwater, Fla. As part of this six-year agreement with a five-year renewal option, BayCare Ballpark is the new name for the official home of Phillies spring training and the Threshers, the club’s low-A affiliate. In addition, BayCare HealthSystem will be the exclusive healthcare system partner for the Phillies in the Florida market. 

Financial terms to the agreement were not disclosed. 

BayCare Health System has been a partner with the Phillies at their 8,500-seat spring training ballpark for more than 17 years. Also, a benefactor of the Threshers Pitch for Pink Night breast cancer initiative, BayCare is a leading not-for-profit health care system that connects individuals and families to a wide range of services at 15 hospitals and hundreds of other convenient locations throughout West Central Florida. 

“BayCare is an important part of our community, as they have set the standard for high-quality compassionate care and healthcare excellence for so many individuals and families in our area,” said John Timberlake, Phillies Director of Florida Operations. “We are extremely proud to welcome a leading healthcare hero as our new naming rights partner, as their commitment to helping others is second to none.” 

While BayCare Ballpark is the new name, BayCare, a community-owned health care system, is most excited for the opportunity to partner with the baseball organization to raise public awareness about healthy lifestyles and accessing health care. 

“If we have learned anything in the past year it’s how important it is for everyone in the community to work together for better health,” said Ed Rafalski, BayCare’s Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer. “We see our partnership with the Phillies organization and the Clearwater Threshers as a way to reach deep into the community and share information that could impact individuals’ health but also improve our community’s collective health.”