Bradenton Baseball Field Renamed To Honor Coach’s Legacy: County

BRADENTON, FL — The big-league baseball field at G.T. Bray Park will be renamed as John Carlock Field to honor the coach’s contributions to the sport and society, according to a Manatee County news release.

A renaming ceremony will take place on the field April 14, 5:45 to 7 p.m.

Carlock, who served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, was a well-respected coach and teacher in Manatee County.

After beginning as an instructor at Prine Elementary School in 1981, he moved to Manatee High School the next school year and took the reins of the Hurricanes’ baseball team, earning a 158-89 record from 1984 to 1993, the county said. He also spent several years coaching football and fastpitch softball at Manatee High.

He was the first baseball coach at the new Braden River High School in 2005-06, leading the Pirates to a 21-28 record over the first two seasons.

“His dedication and passion for his work left a lasting impact on the community, and his legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched,” the county said.

The ceremony includes the unveiling of the new sign bearing Carlock's name, a dedication of the field in his honor, and other festivities paying tribute to his contributions as a teacher and coach. The event will be followed by a Manatee High School home baseball game, with the Hurricanes hosting the Lennard High School Longhorns.

"This is a fitting tribute to his legacy as an outstanding coach and teacher who had a positive impact on many young people's lives,” Manatee County Commission Chair Kevin Van Ostenbridge said.

The commemorative event is open to the public with no cost to attend. Admission for the baseball game that follows the renaming ceremony is $5. Tickets must be purchased online here..