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Orlando Dreamers announces MLB ambassador, next steps
Pat Williams wanted to make the "Orlando Dreamers" a major league reality. Members of his team say that "dream" is still very much alive. Dreamers management announced a new MLB ambassador, Wednesday, former Cincinnati Reds player and hall-of-famer Barry Larkin.
ORLANDO, Fla. - Pat Williams wanted to make the "Orlando Dreamers" a major league reality.
Members of his team say that "dream" is still very much alive.
Dreamers management announced a new MLB ambassador, Wednesday, former Cincinnati Reds player and hall-of-famer Barry Larkin.
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What they're saying:
Larkin said he was confident Orlando could get a big league team.
"I will work tirelessly and I'm sure the team will work tirelessly to make this thing happen. It will be a great, great honor to see it come to fruition."
Dreamers officials said their best bet to make it happen, was by bringing the Tampa Bay Rays up the road to Orlando.
RELATED: First look: Orlando group proposes $1.7B stadium to lure MLB franchise to Central Florida
With their stadium needing repairs and their funding in question, the Rays leadership may feel this is the best time to change cities.
Jim Schnorf, Co-Founder of the Orlando Dreamers, said Orlando was rolling out the red carpet.
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Orlando Matters: Pat Williams, Orlando Dreamers
There is a renewed push to build a major stadium in Orlando with the goal of luring a MLB baseball team to Central Florida. FOX 35's Ryan Elijah talks with Pat Williams, who owns the Orlando Dreamers, about his plans.
"Looking at our situation, we're prepared to match privately whatever funding is put up by Orange County or other government sources. This is a terrific arrangement for taxpayers, for the community, for county government."
The Rays have until March 31 to come with funding for their stadium. Dreamers officials said that was a key milestone to figure out their next steps.
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The Source: The information in this article comes from reporting done by FOX 35's Matt Trezza.