A. We don't have a lot in our files about this important event, but news articles say that the Mets signed a 15-year contract in the spring of 1986. It was not until February 1988 that the New York Mets began their training here. The first home game was March 5,1988, and special guests were given bronze versions of tickets
At that time it was the Thomas J. White Stadium, named after the developer of St. Lucie West. He was the major force behind the Mets and St. Lucie County agreeing to build the stadium. It has had a number of names since then as St. Lucie County has been selling the naming rights. Currently it is Tradition Field.
-- PSL Historical Society volunteer