Osceola County paying baseball team $500K to leave

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (FOX 35 Orlando) - "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" will no longer be sung at the Florida Fire Frogs stadium in Kissimmee.

On Friday, FOX 35 News learned the team will end its run after the 2019 season. According to Osceola County, the team agreed to a half-a-million dollar deal to leave town. The Class-A minor league team, is not even three years old.

“We have ended our contractual relationship with the team and entered into an agreement that provides a settlement of $500,000. Baseball is a uniquely cherished american sport, and we look forward to a final exciting season in Kissimmee,” said Don Fisher, Osceola County Manager.

County documents state the departure of the team could generate upwards of $500,000 each year, between cost savings and opportunity to host other events at the stadium. County officials say the decision was mutual.

Most people we spoke did not know much about the team but they all agree having a hometown team builds pride.

“It’s always important for a community to have a team, gives people something to go see and look forward to,” said Carl Daley, an Osceola County resident.

“It’s always good for the kids to have a team like that here because we need to encourage kids to play baseball,” said Carlos Solero, another resident.

FOX 35 News reached out to the team for comment, but they did not respond.