Snappers Ready to Reign in 2026 Season

The Orlando Snappers are set to defend their title as they begin their 2026 Florida Collegiate Summer League campaign. They return one player from their championship run while also introducing a complete coaching staff overhaul. Here's what to watch for as the Snappers open the season on May 28 at Sanford Stadium.

Alan Kunkel steps in as the Snappers' head coach, adding to his illustrious baseball résumé. Kunkel began his playing career at Glen Oaks Community College in Centreville, Michigan, from 1995 to 1997. He then transferred to the University of North Carolina, where he played in Chapel Hill from 1997 to 1998. His coaching career has included stops throughout baseball, including with the Blue Jays, Padres, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, the University of South Florida, and several high schools. He currently serves as the head coach of The First Academy Royals (TFA), which is also the Snappers' home field.

Kunkel has a knack for player development and has produced more than 10 MLB Draft picks during his high school coaching career alone. The 2026 Orlando Snappers roster features three former TFA Royals who played under Kunkel: shortstop Roy Rodriguez, center fielder Luis Machado, and pitcher Ryon Smith. All three know Kunkel's approach and have expressed excitement about reuniting with their former coach.

One common theme for these Snappers is the number of unproven players on the roster. More than half of the team has not appeared in a collegiate game, either due to redshirting or because they are recent high school graduates. That creates a double-edged sword for Kunkel and company, as these players have yet to reach their full potential, but the lack of experience must also be addressed early in the season. The only player with FCSL experience is pitcher Ryland Happel, who is also the lone returner from the Snappers' 2025 championship team. Happel spent his first collegiate season redshirting at Lake-Sumter State College.

The Orlando Snappers play all home games at The First Academy, located at 2667 Bruton Boulevard in Orlando, Florida. The Snappers open the season with a three-game series against the Sanford River Rats beginning on May 28, with the home opener scheduled for May 29 at 7 p.m. The Snappers will host 18 contests during the 36-game campaign and hope to see strong representation from the local community throughout the summer. The league season runs through July 20, with the playoffs and championship series taking place the following week.

Beyond the competition on the field, the Florida Collegiate Summer League also serves as a valuable opportunity for players to gain experience while giving back to the community as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

The Snappers are eager to break out of their shelled hibernation and return to the field for an exciting 2026 season.

Theo Shernoff (University of Michigan)