Dawgs and Freedom hit the diamond

Winter Park Mayor Ken Bradley will throw out the first pitch as the Winter Park Diamond Dawgs take the mound at their home opener at 7 p.m. June 6 against the College Park Freedom. That’s barring rain delays, which have already threatened the opening of the season in DeLand, College Park and Leesburg, who were set to start things off Wednesday at press time.

The College Park Freedom were set to play their debut game that night for the first time in their new stadium at Bishop Moore Catholic High School. The Freedom had previously played at the home of Orlando’s First Academy.

Two full months of MLB-draft-level baseball will give fans a reason to cheer with Winter Park residents enjoying two local teams playing in the heart of the city or only a few blocks from its western border.

Missing the first Dawgs game? Don’t worry, they’re back at Rollins College’s Alfond Stadium at 7 p.m. on June 8 against the Leesburg Lightning, then again at 7 p.m. on June 11 hosting the DeLand Suns.

After the showdown against Winter Park, College Park will be right back home at 7 p.m. on June 7 against the Sanford River Rats. At 5 p.m. on June 9, they’ll host the Rats again.