Twins, Lee Health team up for Southwest Florida community

The 2023 MLB American League Central Division Champions and the Southwest Florida leader in health and wellness are teaming up again to support our community. 

Building on their partnership successes, these two longtime popular players announced an extensive 10-year agreement that makes Lee Health the Minnesota Twins’ official Florida healthcare partner for players and their families who visit Fort Myers or even call it home for several months of the year.

It also renames the Twins’ Fort Myers facilities the “Lee Health Sports Complex.” 

The Lee Health/Twins partnership was announced at Hammond Stadium on Nov. 16.

More than just naming rights

The new agreement further evolves the relationship between these two organizations with a shared commitment to Lee County and its residents: The Twins and Lee Health will continue their longstanding practice of teaming up to provide free health clinics and other community-enriching opportunities. 

Lee Health and its healthcare experts have provided medical care and services to the Twins and their players since 1991 when the Twins and the club’s six minor league affiliates made Fort Myers their spring training home. 

Over the past decade, the Minnesota Twins also have raised more than $1 million to support patients battling cancer at Lee Health Cancer Institute.

“We have worked with the Twins in numerous capacities over the years, and we are thrilled to enter into this deeper partnership with the Twins organization,” says Chris Simoneau, Chief Development, Marketing and Communications Officer for Lee Health. “They share Lee Health’s vision of community service with a focus on a healthy, long-lasting, positive impact on Southwest Florida.”

Meka White Morris, Twins Executive Vice President & CBO, says, “We are incredibly proud to align our Fort Myers complex with a like-minded, locally-based and community-driven business that shares our desire to shape a better tomorrow for all.” 

With the announcement, the Lee Health Sports Complex encompasses the year-round home of the Twins Player Development Academy, the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels (Minnesota’s Low-A affiliate), and the organization’s rookie-level Florida Complex League Twins. 

The location also hosts various other games and tournaments, bringing thousands of teams and visitors to Lee County each year.

This cornerstone partnership also features many initiatives to benefit our communities:

• Programs at the Lee Health Sports Complex may include free health checks during Twins spring training home games
• Additional non-game day health fairs
• Opportunities for increased community wellness activities, such as fitness classes for all ages, softball leagues, yoga nights, 5K runs, and more

Community leaders and Minnesota Twins officials speak at a news conference about the announcement on Nov. 16.

Lee Health also becomes the presenting partner for the Twins’ annual Southwest Florida-based lineup of free youth baseball and softball clinics, held at the complex and youth league sites throughout our region.

“We are proud to be the Twins’ official Florida healthcare provider and we can’t wait to see what we accomplish together for health and wellness in the Southwest Florida region in the next decade,” Chris says.

“Lee Health’s work to provide the very best in health and wellness is both inspirational and aspirational, while our shared civic pride in Lee County made this partnership a natural fit,” Meka adds. “We are excited for what the future holds!” 

The Twins are set to play 18 spring training home games at Hammond Stadium at the Lee Health Sports Complex in 2024; fans can access spring season, group and “Pick Five Pack” ticket plans starting now. 

For more information, including a complete schedule and a ballpark seating chart, visit twins.com/springtraining.

- published on Nov. 17, 2023