Orlando native Johnny Damon, once rated the #1 high school baseball prospect in the country by Baseball America while playing at Dr.Phillips High School, is deepening his involvement in the push to bring Major League Baseball to Orlando.
Winner of numerous prestigious awards, including induction into the Asian American Hall of Fame and international Sports Hall of Fame
ORLANDO, FL – Former Major League Baseball All-Star Johnny Damon has formally joined the Orlando City Baseball Dreamers (“Orlando Dreamers” or the “Dreamers”) as an MLB Strategic Advisor, the group announced today. Damon’s expanded role will focus on community and fan engagement, and also advising on baseball strategies as the Dreamers aim to secure a franchise by 2026.
A Local Legend Backs the Bid
The move signals growing momentum for orlando’s pursuit of a Major League Baseball team, bolstered by high-profile endorsements and strong community interest.
- Johnny Damon’s increased involvement leverages his deep ties to the Orlando area.
- MLB Hall-of-Famer Barry Larkin praised Damon’s passion and knowledge of the game.
- Over 15,000 fans expressed immediate interest in season tickets with minimal marketing.
- Orlando’s tourism surge and growing media market strengthen its case for a franchise.
MLB Hall-of-Famer Barry Larkin, the MLB Ambassador for the Dreamers, welcomed Damon’s involvement, stating, “Johnny is a fan favorite, which makes him the perfect choice for this expanded role.”
Snorf revealed that over 15,000 local fans immediately expressed interest in season tickets following the initial proclamation of the MLB pursuit-a response generated with only a public announcement and a basic website, without any formal marketing or social media campaigns. In early 2026, the Dreamers plan to ramp up community engagement, and Damon’s strategic assistance will be crucial in increasing visibility. “With the important progress already made, Orlando is the only ready solution for any MLB situation in need, whether via relocation of an existing franchise or one of the planned expansion slots,” Snorf stated.
Damon, a two-time World Series champion, expressed his excitement. “I am incredibly excited to be part of the effort to bring Major League Baseball to Orlando, where I have spent most of my life and raised my family,” Damon said. “Being able to play a strategic role in helping obtain an MLB franchise for the area is a dream come true.I look forward to doing my part to make this dream become a reality.”
Orlando’s Growth Makes a Compelling Case
orlando is currently experiencing a significant surge in tourism, further boosted by the recent opening of Epic Universe theme park near the proposed stadium site. The Orlando metro area is the most-visited destination in North America and the #15 media market in the country,recently surpassing Miami,Denver,and Minneapolis-St. Paul. It is projected to overtake Detroit in the near future to become the #14 media market-the largest without an MLB team.
This year, Orlando anticipates nearly 80 million tourists, and revenues from the Tourist Advancement Tax reached a record high of approximately $385 million for the recently concluded fiscal year.
An self-reliant study completed in 2023 by the Orlando Dreamers indicated that bringing Major league Baseball to Orlando and constructing a domed stadium on the 35.5-acre parcel adjacent to SeaWorld and the Orange County Convention Center would generate approximately 25,000 permanent jobs and create over $40 billion in economic impact for Orange County over 30 years. The study also projected an additional $26 million annually in Tourist Development Taxes.
