Winter Garden Squeeze Return to Horizon West for a Summer of Baseball and Community Fun
WG Squeeze Bring the 2026 Season to Horizon High with Affordable Games, Local Partners and Hometown Energy
WG Squeeze Team with local Winter Garden Little League Players
The Winter Garden Squeeze baseball team is stepping up to the plate in Horizon West again this summer! As they enter their 13th season in the Florida Collegiate Summer League (FCSL), the Squeeze are sliding back into Horizon High School for the summer, bringing competitive college baseball right to the heart of Horizon West.
With 18 home games stretching between May 29 and July 17, residents have plenty of chances to cheer on the team without ever leaving town.
For General Manager Adam Bates and Assistant GM Brian Koss, returning to Horizon High for a second season is an opportunity to deepen the team’s connection with the Horizon West community. “The Horizon West community is always looking for things to call their own. We’re excited to bring our Squeeze back to Horizon this year and offer an opportunity for neighbors to gather at the ballpark,” said Bates.
To further embrace their Horizon High home, the Squeeze have also updated their team colors from blue and orange to purple and orange, reflecting the school colors and strengthening the connection between the team, the campus and the Horizon West community.
This is a unique opportunity for Horizon West residents to rally behind a local sports team once again. But, perhaps best of all, Squeeze baseball offers locals an affordable outlet for entertainment centered around competitive college-level baseball.
These games will serve as community events, a chance to mingle with neighbors and soak up Horizon West's gorgeous sunsets with the whole family!
Assistant General Manager Brian Koss and General Manager Adam Bates
Baseball, Eats, Fireworks & Family Fun!
Squeeze games aren’t just for die-hard baseball fans, they’re designed to be full-on community events.
Enjoy tasty eats from local favorites like Huey Magoo’s and Jet’s Pizza. Other local restaurants like Clean Eatz, Portillo’s, Skyline Chili and Rock & Brews have helped fuel the team. King of Pops is on-hand every night with sweet, frozen treats and everyone can enjoy the great view of the nightly fireworks from Magic Kingdom!
Don’t forget your lawn chairs! Seating is limited and the vibe is casual and relaxed. Tickets are affordable at just $10 for adults and $5 for seniors and military.
The Squeeze are proud to partner once again with Community Health Centers and The Learning Experience - Horizon West to help bring free admission for kids 12 and under. And at the end of the 5th inning of every game, 'Kids Run the Bases' is brought to you by the Learning Experience - Horizon West.
Bringing the Squeeze to Horizon West has presented more opportunities to grow with local partners. On May 26, their team hosted a baseball card trade night at Home State Brewing for local collectors. The collaboration with Home State has also resulted in a new Winter Garden Squeeze beer, offering a citrusy summer refreshment that gives back to the team. Special Squeeze branded merchandise can also be purchased at the brewery.
Two of Horizon West’s favorite entertainment venues are now a standard at Squeeze games. The Popstroke Putt-off is now a regular event at the end of the 4th inning on the concourse. Win and enjoy discounts on golf and food at PopStroke.
Urban Air is also partnering with the team and on hand for the game night experience. Visit the Urban Air tent for a chance to win prizes and learn more about everyone’s favorite local indoor amusement park.
Whether you're there for the crack of the bat or just a sunset hang with neighbors and community partners, there’s something for everyone.
What’s the FCSL? A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Summer College Baseball
Never heard of the Florida Collegiate Summer League? That's Ok because once you experience a game, you’ll be hooked!
Each summer, college players from across the country join summer leagues like the FCSL to stay sharp, gain experience and showcase their talents with wooden bats (just like the pros use, even if their home schools don't).
The league attracts plenty of local Florida talent, but you’ll also spot players from all around the country.
Many of these athletes stay with local host families, giving them a true home-away-from-home experience while building lasting bonds with the communities they represent. And speaking of local talent, Horizon High’s own baseball and softball programs continue to demonstrate success on the diamond. Horizon Baseball recently welcomed their new head coach, Nathan Schrekengost, who was promoted from assistant and is looking to build on the success of out-going coach Dane Wisneski.
Having FCSL here is a win-win for player development and school pride.
💥 Get in the Game: Join the Squeeze Squad
Behind the scenes, it takes a team to support a team—and the Squeeze are building just that. In addition to the Florida League interns that provide the core support for the team all summer, a student-led group, the Horizon Game Changers are stepping up in a big way.
The Game Changers were formed following the 2025 Squeeze season. Providence Koss, a rising sophomore and daughter of Squeeze assistant GM Brian Koss, launched the club on campus last fall to assist with the management of events at the high school.
“My daughter helped us run game night operations for the Squeeze last summer. She enjoyed it so much, she thought launching an organization at the high school to support events would add a lot of value and help students earn volunteer hours,” Koss shared. Game Changer volunteers have already become an integral part of game nights for the Squeeze this season, assisting with set-up, ticketing, concessions and raffles.
Whether you're a student, a local resident or local business, the Squeeze is always looking for community members to get involved with the team. Community volunteers and local businesses can score big by partnering for exposure and community connection.
Want to help? Contact Adam Bates by phone or email or reach out to Assistant GM Brian Koss by phone or email.
Let’s fill those stands, Horizon West—summer is calling, and the Squeeze are ready to play ball!
Gamer Changers volunteers with Florida League interns and Winter Garden Squeeze GM and Assistant GM
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