Horizon West Welcomes the WG Squeeze for Summer Baseball
21 May, 2025
“Summertime is almost here, that old ballpark man is back in gear” might be the lyrics from a Kenny Chesney song, but it’s the new reality for the residents of Horizon West. The Winter Garden Squeeze will launch their 12th season in the Florida Collegiate Summer League starting on May 31st. And for the first time, the Squeeze will call Horizon High School home.
Bringing college summer baseball to Horizon West offers new opportunities for the Squeeze to expand their reach throughout the greater Winter Garden area. Despite Horizon West’s proximity to the area’s biggest tourist attractions, it has always looked to maintain a charming, village based approach to suburban living. In many ways, this makes Horizon West an ideal location for a community based, summer wood bat baseball team.
The Florida Collegiate Summer League has six teams throughout Central Florida, the others located in Deland, Leesburg, Orlando, Sanford and Winter Park. College players from around the country flock to leagues like the FCSL to sharpen their skills and hope to gain attention from scouts. For the Squeeze players, Horizon West will now be a part of their baseball journey.
In a recent article in the Orange Observer, Squeeze General Manager said of the move to Horizon High School, “We’re really excited about this growing area and have already begun developing potential partnerships with local organizations, churches, restaurants and more. This area of town, the south side of West Orange County that borders Disney, really wants things to call their own — and we’ve seen that with the different events and everything that have popped up — and with the type of growth that’s happening here we think our team will be something that resonates with the community.”
The social media response to the Squeeze’s move has reinforced this notion. Bates goes on to say that the enthusiasm from Horizon baseball coach, Dane Wisneski, and Athletic Director, Adam Miller, has made this an easy transition. The Squeeze season will consist of sixteen home games starting on May 31st through July 17th. These games present a unique opportunity for Horizon West residents to gather with their neighbors and enjoy some great, college level baseball in our own backyard.
Ticket prices for Squeeze games are $10 for adults and $5 for seniors, military and children (7-12). Children six and under are free. There are also season ticket packages available for $120 and group outings that offer the benefit of raising money for local organizations. Tickets can be purchased at the gate, via cash or card. Plenty of concession options will also be available.
Due to limited bleacher space, attendees will want to bring camping chairs to set up behind home plate for a great view of the game. Enjoy a beautiful Horizon West sunset and late game Magic Kingdom fireworks all surrounding the action on the diamond.
Become a Part of the Squeeze Squad
The Winter Garden Squeeze invites community members to get involved with the team. Local Host Families have already signed up to open their homes to players coming from out of the area, providing them room and board for the summer.
The Squeeze are engaged in partnerships with local businesses like Huey Magoos, Jet’s Pizza, Rock & Brews, Portillos, King of Pops and Skyline Chili who will be providing team meals and food services throughout the season. Crossline Community Church Kid Zone will keep the youngsters entertained. If you have a business in the Horizon West area and would like to sponsor the team or you are willing volunteer your time to assist with operations, there are a variety of ways to get involved.
This summer offers a unique opportunity to make collegiate summer baseball a part of the expanding appeal of the Horizon West community. The Horizon Hawks baseball and softball teams both played in the FHSAA Regionals this season, paving the way for the game’s deeper connection to the local area. Come on out this summer and enjoy some games and be a part of the tailgate style, community based atmosphere of your Winter Garden Squeeze!
For more information on how to become a sponsor or volunteer, contact:
Adams Bates, General Manager
407-694-7569
Brian Koss, Assistant GM
248-854-5932
