Just two seasons ago, Fort Myers High School’s baseball program was in turmoil. The team’s season was cut short after players walked out in protest over a racial slur sent by an assistant coach. The controversy made national headlines, leading to coaches being fired, lawsuits against the district, and the cancellation of the rest of the 2023 season.
Now, just two years later, the Green Wave have transformed their story. Under new leadership, coached by Estero-alum Brad Crone, they are headed to the state semifinals for the first time in nearly 60 years, with a shot at the state championship. The road to redemption has been filled with hard work, dedication, and grit, and the team is determined to finish what they started.
“It speaks volumes about the talent around this area for baseball, the coaching, and how these guys work and develop their players to get them to this point,” Fort Myers head coach Brad Crone said. “I’m extremely proud of these guys and everything they’ve done this season.”
Fort Myers isn’t the only team from Lee County still alive in the postseason. Bishop Verot and Canterbury also remain in the chase for a state title. All three teams are playing for a championship in their own backyard at Hammond Stadium.
“It’s huge. It means everything to me. I love the school, the program, the guys out here,” said senior catcher Cory Banasiak. “It’s exciting to be this close.”
The Green Wave’s journey to the state semifinals has been marked by resilience. After several tight, come-from-behind wins, they secured their spot in the Final Four with a dramatic walk-off victory in Game 3 of the regional finals against Braden River.
“It was just an amazing feeling. It brought us all closer together,” Banasiak said. “I’m just excited for the next step.”
Crone, however, doesn’t want anyone to think this is a fluke. Despite the challenges the team faced in previous years, he has instilled a winning mentality.
“I told the guys — this isn’t a Cinderella story,” Crone said. “You guys are supposed to be here. We were built to be here. You’re one of the top teams in the state.”
The Green Wave have been playing together for years, and that chemistry has translated to success on the field.
“We’ve been playing together since we were about 9 or 10, and the chemistry is unmatched,” senior infielder Ashton Mora said. “It would mean everything to win state. We’ve been dreaming of this since we were little.”
Now, just two wins away from the ultimate prize, Fort Myers has a chance to make history. A state championship would not only cap off an incredible season but also serve as redemption for a program that has overcome so much.
As the Green Wave prepares for their biggest game in decades, their focus remains clear.
“We just need to take it one step at a time,” Banasiak said. “Do what we do and take it from there.”
No. 3 Fort Myers faces No. 2 Mater Academy Charter in the Class 5A state semifinals on Thursday, May 15, at 1 p.m. at Hammond Stadium.