The two organizations, local officials, and student athletes celebrated the groundbreaking partnership at the iconic Jackie Robinson Ballpark.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., Jan. 11, 2024 – Amidst the historic backdrop of the Jackie Robinson Ballpark, the Daytona Tortugas, a Minor League Baseball team affiliated with the Cincinnati Reds, announced AdventHealth as the team’s official and exclusive health care provider.
“My heart swells with pride as we celebrate today,” said Audrey Gregory, Ph.D., RN, executive vice president and CEO for the AdventHealth East Florida Division. “For 110 years, the Jackie Robinson Ballpark has graced downtown Daytona Beach, and it is a historic national landmark. It is an extraordinary privilege for AdventHealth to contribute to the ongoing legacy rooted in this very field where Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in 1946.”
As part of this seven-year partnership, two AdventHealth Medical Group physicians, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Michael Campbell and sports medicine physician Dr. Ron Rosenberg, will jointly serve as dedicated team physicians.
“Our dedicated team physicians and their skilled expertise are the backbone of our commitment to help keep our Tortugas athletes at the top of their game,” said Ilene Gilbert-Droge, president and CEO of AdventHealth Medical Group. “Dr. Campbell previously served as an assistant team physician to the Philadelphia Eagles and the Philadelphia Phillies, and both physicians support local student athletes through our partnerships with the school systems in Volusia and Flagler counties.”
Additionally, the City of Daytona Beach anticipates beginning construction this year on a new AdventHealth Training Center for the Tortugas.
“Expected to open in 2025, the state-of-the-art 20,000-square-foot facility has been thoughtfully designed to complement the historic essence of the Jackie Robinson Ballpark and will be equipped to provide comprehensive sports medicine services to the players,” said David Weis, president and CEO of AdventHealth Daytona Beach and the East Volusia market.
As the oldest stadium in Minor League Baseball, Jackie Robinson Ballpark opened in 1914 on the riverfront City Island in historic downtown Daytona Beach. Located in an area that has undergone intense revitalization efforts in recent years, the new AdventHealth Training Center at the Jackie Robinson Ballpark will be located on the northeast corner of Orange Avenue and Jackie Robinson Parkway.
“This partnership goes beyond baseball and caring for the Tortugas; it’s about the positive impact we can collectively make on our community. Like in baseball and health care, teamwork is crucial for achieving our goals, and we’ve assembled a fantastic team for this collaboration,” said Jim Jaworski, Daytona Tortugas general manager, as he presented commemorative jerseys to AdventHealth leaders, each with a number carrying special significance:
- 42: Robinson’s jersey number which has been retired across all major league teams.
- 9: Robinson’s jersey number during the 1946 Spring Training in Daytona Beach, when Daytona became the first city to permit Robinson to play alongside white players.
- 15: Symbolizes both April 15, 1947, when Robinson became the first Black player to appear in a Major League Baseball game. and the year 2015, which is the first year of the Daytona Tortugas.
- 24: Recognizes the current year and the new partnership between AdventHealth and the Daytona Tortugas.
“We could not be happier with our partnership with AdventHealth as it will enhance our ability to showcase the Major League Baseball stars of tomorrow at a first-class facility with a first-class health care partner,” said Bob Fregolle, Daytona Tortugas co-owner and operating partner. “We are excited to be a part of their history of excellence of supporting athletes in Florida.”
Long known for bringing world-class medical care to professional athletes, AdventHealth also serves as the official health care provider for the Daytona International Speedway, Legacy Motor Club, Orlando Magic, Orlando Solar Bears, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tampa Bay Lightning, and more.
About AdventHealth
Headquartered in Altamonte Springs, AdventHealth is a connected system of care with the mission of Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ. Employing over 90,000 team members, AdventHealth is one of the nation’s largest faith-based health care systems, spanning more than 50 hospitals and hundreds of care sites in nearly a dozen states. With over 11,000 team members, the AdventHealth East Florida Division is the largest hospital system in the area with 1,361 inpatient beds across hospitals in Daytona Beach, DeLand, New Smyrna Beach, Orange City, Palm Coast and Tavares.
About The Daytona Tortugas
The Daytona Tortugas are the Single-A Affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and a member of Minor League Baseball’s Florida State League. The Tortugas play at Jackie Robinson Ballpark in downtown Daytona Beach, Fla. Jackie Robinson Ballpark also plays host to Bethune-Cookman University, the Jackie Robinson Museum and many community events and initiatives of all sizes throughout the season.
