Squeeze Ready to Start Second Season at Horizon

Entering its second season at Horizon High School, the 2026 Winter Garden Squeeze will look to build on a 13-22 fifth-place finish in 2025. Under a new coaching staff led by head coach Steven Crabtree and pitching coach Dewon Brazelton, the Squeeze will begin a new chapter as the organization continues its pursuit of its first Florida League championship.

The Squeeze will feature a refreshed roster in 2026 while retaining a few familiar faces from previous seasons. Shortstop Javier Calzadilla (Hillsborough) and left-handed pitcher Jack Sanchez (Keiser) return from the 2025 squad, while right-handed pitcher Nick Rich of Embry-Riddle previously appeared for the Squeeze during the 2024 season.

The roster currently consists of 33 players, including several competing in their hometown of Winter Garden. Sanchez, along with third baseman Josh Bell (Florida A&M), pitcher Keith Holden (Rollins), and pitcher Rylee Gibson (The Citadel), all played for Winter Garden Little League and grew up attending Squeeze games.

In particular, Gibson served as the bullpen catcher during the 2023 championship game against the Leesburg Lightning and called the opportunity to play for the Squeeze a "full-circle moment."

The Squeeze will play home games at Horizon High School, located at 10393 Seidel Road in Winter Garden, Florida. All games are scheduled for 6 p.m., except for Sunday home games, which begin at 5 p.m.

Opening Day at Horizon High School is scheduled for Friday, May 29, against the DeLand Suns. June features a heavy home schedule, with 11 of the team's 18 home games set to take place during the month.

The organization would also like to thank its partners for the 2026 campaign, including Huey Magoo's, Rock & Brews Restaurant, Legends on Deck Podcast, Portillo's, King of Pops, Clean Eatz, Skyline Chili, Jet's Pizza, The Learning Experience, Community Health Centers, Urban Air, and PopStroke, for their continued support.

Zach Moore (University of Florida)