As the 2025 baseball season kicks off, excitement is in the air for the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels.
With a roster featuring top Minnesota Twins prospects, a new manager at the helm, and a local talent making his professional debut, there's plenty of anticipation surrounding the team’s return to action.
Stepping into the manager role is Seth Feldman, who brings experience from five seasons coaching at the Twins' rookie levels. He’s eager to continue developing young talent and fostering a competitive team atmosphere.
"This is going to be a fun team to watch and a team that's going to work hard and play hard every single day," said Feldman. "It’s going to be a really cool experience. You see these guys grow up, see how they developed. And where they're at now, that's a pretty exciting thing to see."
The 2025 Mighty Mussels roster features a mix of returning players and promising newcomers. Thirteen players from last season are back, including veteran catcher Poncho Ruiz, who is stepping into a leadership role.
"I'm more experienced than the guys that are here," said Ruiz. "So I'm going to try to help other people to develop more. Pitching staff, develop that as well, and go win ball games."
Among the fresh faces is Dasan Hill, a left-handed pitcher and the Twins’ second-round draft pick.
"It's a dream come true," said Hill. "It sounds cliche, but this has been what I've been dreaming of since I was two. And to somehow finally be here and now, finally get to compete at this level is just awesome."
Ranked as Minnesota’s 11th-best prospect, Hill is making the transition straight from high school to professional baseball.
"[There are] huge changes in the training staff and strength programs compared to high school," he added. "It’s a lot more focused, a lot more consistent. I feel like just hitting on that every week, every day, it's going to really help me stay healthy. These trainers obviously do a good job, strength coaches. It's going to be good."
For Peyton Carr, the 2025 season carries extra meaning. The Fort Myers native and Fort Myers High School graduate grew up attending games at Hammond Stadium, and now, he’s suiting up as a Mighty Mussel.
"By God's grace and mercy," said Carr. "I grew up coming to games here. Spring training games, Low A games with the Miracle. To look out to those guys growing up and now being in that spot, it's a blessing."
Feldman acknowledges the special homecoming for Carr and expects the young infielder to have strong local support.
"He's probably going to have more than a handful of people in the stands rooting for him every single night."
The Mighty Mussels open their season on the road against the Palm Beach Cardinals, but fans won’t have to wait long to see them in action at home.
The team’s home opener is set for Tuesday, April 8, when they will host the Tampa Tarpons at Hammond Stadium.