A Century of Advocacy for Major League Baseball
The St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce asserts that no other city or chamber of commerce in the United States has worked harder to bring Major League Baseball to the region than its own organization. Chris Steinocher, president and CEO of the St. Pete Chamber of Commerce, stated that the group played a major role in securing a future for baseball in the Tampa Bay area before the team's first game in 1998.
Steinocher emphasized the depth of this historical commitment by pointing to financial investments made nearly a century ago. The chamber made a $2,500 investment in 1922 to keep baseball going in the Tampa Bay Area, establishing an early precedent for institutional support of the sport in the region.
Spring Training Legacy and Institutional Support
The chamber's involvement with baseball in the region extended well beyond its initial financial contributions. Over subsequent decades, the chamber hosted spring training teams including the St. Louis Browns, Philadelphia Phillies, Boston Braves, Yankees, Cardinals, Giants, and Mets.
To further support these efforts and foster relationships within the sport, the chamber created the Governor’s Dinner for players and the league. This initiative helped solidify the region's reputation as a welcoming destination for professional baseball organizations during spring training.
Creating Awards and Lobbying for a Franchise
The organization also established the Dick Howser Trophy to honor a baseball legend, giving the award to a college. This effort highlighted the chamber's desire to celebrate baseball excellence beyond just local team acquisition.
In 1988, Steinocher said the chamber sold the idea of Major League Baseball working in Florida to the governor using data and money. This strategic lobbying was part of a broader campaign to attract professional teams to the area.
St. Petersburg later tried attracting other teams, resulting in a rivalry where Chicago sent "dirty white socks" and St. Pete sent orange pits. This colorful exchange underscored the competitive spirit between cities vying for baseball attention during that era.
Awarding a Franchise and Recent Performance
St. Petersburg was awarded its own franchise in 1995. The Tampa Bay Devil Rays opened at Tropicana Field, marking the realization of long-standing efforts to secure Major League Baseball status for the region.
Steinocher noted the team's third appearance in the World Series and described the organization as "super resilient" over the last two years. This characterization reflects the chamber's view of the team's ability to withstand challenges while maintaining a presence in the highest levels of professional baseball.