Archives for February 2022

Flying Squirrels hosting four job fairs ahead of 2022 season

 

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Flying Squirrels will host four job fairs in the coming weeks to fill part-time, game-day positions for the upcoming 2022 baseball season.

Positions are available in food & beverage, ticketing and other areas for the team’s home games from April through September. Information on the Flying Squirrels’ upcoming job fairs can be found here.

The job fairs will take place at The Diamond (3001 N Arthur Ashe Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23230) on the following dates:

  • Saturday, February 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Thursday, March 10 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Saturday, March 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Saturday, April 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Interested candidates can enter the stadium through the main gates next to Arthur Ashe Boulevard.

Available positions include:

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Concession Stand Managers

Cashiers

Food Runners

Bartenders

Line Cooks

Prep Cooks

Banquet Servers

Dishwashers

Fry Cooks

Vendors

Warehouse Runners

TICKETING

Ticket Sellers

OPERATIONS

Grounds Crew

Anyone interested in working with the Flying Squirrels can fill out the Candidate Information Form and return it to [email protected]. The Flying Squirrels’ 2022 game schedule can be found here.

The Nine: Former Mudcats making a difference with the Players Alliance

Founded in part by former Carolina Mudcats outfielder Cameron Maybin, the Players Alliance is a nonprofit that was formed in the summer of 2020 by a group of more than 100 current and former Black MLB and MiLB players.

The Players Alliance has since grown to over 150 members, and has made major strides in accomplishing the goals set forth at its inception. Those goals include using the collective voice and platform of its roster of participating players to create new opportunities for the Black community in all areas of baseball and society.

Cameron Maybin with the 2008 Carolina Mudcats
NIKOLAUS

The Players Alliance roster features several former Mudcats including Maybin (2008 Mudcats), Quintin Berry (2011 Mudcats), Devin Williams (2018 Mudcats), Monte Harrison (2017 Mudcats), Corey Ray (2017 Mudcats), Troy Stokes Jr. (2017 Mudcats), Dillon Thomas (2018 Mudcats), and Travis Demeritte (2016 Mudcats).

That extensive list of former Mudcats also includes catcher and utility man Zavier Warren who played for Carolina during the 2021 season.

“My involvement (with the Players Alliance) started the year I was drafted,” said Warren. “The Players Alliance reached out and invited all of the African-American players from that draft (2020) to join a Zoom call with guys like Curtis Granderson and Dusty Baker. They let us know that we could contact them if we ever needed anything. They also let us know about the history and goals of the Players Alliance program.”

“I thought it was important to join mainly because many of these guys have done what I’m hoping to do,” added Warren. “Their guidance is very helpful in helping me achieve my goal of making the big leagues. It’s great to have a network of guys to lean on and reach out to, especially other Black players.”

The Brewers selected Warren in the third round of the 2020 MLB Draft out of Central Michigan. He was primarily an infielder in college but was drafted by the Brewers as a catcher. Warren would later make his professional debut in 2021 with the Mudcats and split his playing time playing in the infield and behind the plate. He sees himself as a utility player moving forward, but is eager to continue on the catching path.

“There haven’t been many Black catchers,” said Warren. “It’s a small group of guys, and I want to see if I can join that group of big-league catchers. I think it can be impactful for me to make it as a catcher and maybe inspire a kid that might look like me to pursue that position as well.”

“That’s where I hope I can make an impact with the Players Alliance too. A big part of what they do is getting kids involved in the game at an early age.”

Warren appeared in 53 games and hit .251/.374/.471 with a .845 OPS, eight doubles, 10 homers and 30 RBI with the Mudcats in 2021. He later finished the season with High-A Wisconsin where he would hit .267/.357/.400 with a .757 OPS over 36 games.

Warren was also one of several top prospects selected by the Brewers to participate in “Build-Up Camp” and early Spring Training ahead of the 2022 season.

Read More about 2022 Build-Up Camp

Learn More about the Players Alliance

Lugnuts to honor Bud Fowler, Page Fence Giants on June 24

 

LANSING, Mich. – The Lansing Lugnuts will honor incoming 2022 National Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Bud Fowler with a bobblehead giveaway on a special Page Fence Giants Night on June 24 at Jackson® Field™, the Lugnuts announced today.

The tribute night, honoring Fowler and the dominant trailblazing 19th-century team he co-founded, is part of Minor League Baseball’s “The Nine,” a Black-community focused initiative that will celebrate the legacies of Black baseball pioneers throughout the upcoming season. The Lugnuts will wear the Page Fence Giants’ black and maroon uniforms, with the first 1,000 fans through the gates receiving a special Bud Fowler commemorative bobblehead, presented by Physicians Health Plan. LAFCU Fireworks will follow the game.

“Our connection with Bud Fowler and the Page Fence Giants began last year, when we learned their story as they were inducted into the Michigan Baseball Hall of Fame,” said Lansing Lugnuts owner Tom Dickson. “Theirs is an important story to retell: a Black professional baseball team based out of Michigan that won an overwhelming number of the games they played. We are proud to continue to tell their story and join The Nine during the same summer that Bud Fowler rightfully takes his place in Cooperstown.”

“Celebrating the rich history of baseball in Michigan, especially when we honor players like Bud Fowler and the rest of the Page Fence Giants, is absolutely incredible. Lansing is proud to be the home of the Lugnuts, and even prouder to join with them for this great night of baseball. I look forward to seeing the Page Fence Giants’ uniforms in action at Jackson Field this season and saluting the memory of Bud Fowler,” stated Lansing Mayor Andy Schor.

Bud Fowler, born John W. Jackson, Jr., in 1858, was the first professional Black baseball player. He began his baseball career as a fine pitcher and catcher before turning to the infield after developing arm troubles. Wrote the Sporting Life, “With his splendid abilities he would long ago have been on some good club had his color been white instead of black. Those who know say there is no better second baseman in the country.” By the time he was done, Fowler had logged over 2,000 at-bats during a career lasting two decades. His final team in organized baseball was the 1895 Lansing Senators, with whom he batted .331 in 31 games.

In August of 1894, Fowler broke his leg in a game. He spent his rehabilitation time joining with young slugger Grant “Home Run” Johnson and a trio of white businessmen in Adrian to found the Page Fence Giants in September 1894. Sponsored by the Page Woven Wire Fence Company, the Giants traveled around the Midwest and Canada in their own private railroad car, winning over 100 games each year from 1895 through 1898. In their most famous moment, they convincingly defeated the Cuban X-Giants in 1896 in a series that was promoted as determining the best Black baseball team of the era.

The Lugnuts will open 2022 on Wednesday, April 6, playing the Michigan State Spartans in the Crosstown Showdown, before welcoming the Lake County Captains to Jackson® Field™ on Friday, April 8, raising the curtain on the 132-game High-A season.

For more information on “The Nine,” visit milb.com. For the latest information about the Lansing Lugnuts, visit lansinglugnuts.com or call (517) 485-4500.

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The Top Black Players in Travelers History

 

In celebration of Black History Month throughout February, teams across Minor League Baseball are taking a look back at five of the best Black players to suit up for their club.

Narrowing the list of standout Black players who have been part of Travs history was not easy and left out many worthy candidates including Garry Templeton, Lance Johnson and Bernard Gilkey just to name a few.

This list is presented in alphabetical order and includes representatives from nearly every recent era of the franchise’s history. Let’s take a look at five of the best Black baseball players to play for the Arkansas Travelers.

Dick Allen, OF/3B/1B

Travelers 1963

Philadelphia Phillies 1963-69, 1975-76; St. Louis Cardinals 1970; Los Angeles Dodgers 1971; Chicago White Sox 1972-74; Oakland A’s 1977

Nearly elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame again this past winter, Dick Allen was the first Black player in Travelers history. Known as Richie Allen during his season in Arkansas, Allen played for the Travs during their time as the Phillies’ Triple-A club. He played 145 games as a 21 year old and hit 33 home runs, still the franchise record for a right-handed batter. At the end of the ‘63 season, he made his Major League debut and went on to become one of the most underrated star sluggers of his era.

Allen won the National League Rookie of the Year Award in 1964 and finished seventh in the MVP voting while launching 29 homers for a Phillies team that finished just a game back of the NL pennant. The next season marked the first of his seven All-Star selections in his 15 big league seasons with at least three of those coming in each league. Allen was on the move in the early 70’s being traded in three consecutive offseasons. He had his best season at the end of that stretch in 1972 when he won the American League MVP award with the White Sox while topping the AL in home runs (37), RBIs (113), walks (99), on-base percentage (.420) and slugging percentage (.603). He led his league in homers, on-base and slugging multiple times during his career.

Howie Kendrick, 2B/OF

Travelers 2005

Los Angeles Angels 2006-14; Los Angeles Dodgers 2015-16; Philadelphia Phillies 2017; Washington Nationals 2017-2020

As a 10th round pick in 2002 by the Angels out of community college, Kendrick showed a quick aptitude to hit professional pitching. A career .358 hitter in the minors, he earned a promotion to Double-A and the 2005 Travs for the final two months of the season and Texas League playoffs. While with Arkansas, Kendrick slashed .342/.382/.579 in 42 games and was part of a lineup that featured future big leaguers like Mike Napoli, Kendrys Morales, and Erick Aybar.

Kendrick was a consistent line drive hitter over a 15-year big league career posting a career batting average of .294. He played second base regularly for the Angels through 2014 and was named an All-Star in 2011. After nine seasons in Anaheim, he jumped to the National League and transitioned to a utility/bench bat role where he was feared for his late game plate appearances. Kendrick became a regular in October, making the playoffs in eight different seasons culminating in the 2019 Washington Nationals run where he was named MVP of the NLCS and won a World Series ring.

Fergie Jenkins, RHP

Travelers 1963-65

Philadelphia Phillies 1965-66; Chicago Cubs 1966-73, 82-83; Texas Rangers 1974-75, 1978-81; Boston Red Sox 1976-77

A 6’5” right-hander from Chatham, Ontario, Canada, Jenkins began his pro career as a member of the Phillies organization and was a Trav at the Triple-A level for the Phillies. He first reached Arkansas as a 20-year old in 1963 and spent time as a Traveler each of the next two seasons totaling 189 innings in 47 appearances before making his big league debut in 1965. Jenkins’ career took off after being traded from Philadelphia to the Cubs in April of 1966 and moving to the starting rotation full-time a year later.

Jenkins became the leader and workhorse of the Cubs rotation in 1967. Four times he led his league in complete games, three times in games started, twice in wins, once in strikeouts and once in innings pitched. A three-time All-Star selection, he won the 1971 National League Cy Young Award accumulating 24 wins with a 2.77 ERA and 30 complete games over 325 innings. He finished in the top 3 of his league’s Cy Young voting on four other occasions (1967, ’70, ’72, ’74) and was the first pitcher to end his career with at least 3,000 strikeouts and fewer than 1,000 walks. Jenkins was enshrined in Cooperstown in 1991.

Ray Lankford, OF

Travelers 1989

St. Louis Cardinals 1990-2001, 2004; San Diego Padres 2001-02

One of the smoothest players to ever don a Travs uniform, Ray Lankford was the Cardinals 3rd round pick in 1987 out of Modesto Junior College. He made the jump from Low-A to Double-A at age 22 and hit .317/.396/.488 with 28 doubles, 12 triples, 11 homers and 98 runs batted in while stealing 38 bases. That 1989 team also featured future St. Louis regulars Bernard Gilkey and Geronimo Pena and went on to win the Texas League Championship.

Lankford made his big league debut late in 1990 and would be the Cards’ primary centerfielder for the next decade. Over a 14-year career, his combination of power and speed produced 356 doubles, 238 home runs, 258 stolen bases and an NL best 15 triples in his first full season. He finished 3rd in the Rookie of the Year voting in that 1991 season and earned his lone All-Star nod in 1997. Lankford produced a career Wins Above Replacement of 38.2.

Terry Pendleton, 3B

Travelers 1983

St. Louis Cardinals 1984-1990; Atlanta Braves 1991-94, 1996; Florida Marlins 1995-96; Cincinnati Reds 1997; Kansas City Royals 1998

Drafted as a middle infielder by St. Louis in the 7th round in 1982 out of Fresno State, Terry Pendleton played 48 games (all at second base) for the Travs in 1983 at the age of 22. He hit .276 with 17 extra base hits and was named a league mid-season All-Star. His defensive shift to 3rd base began early in the 1984 season at the Triple-A level before he was promoted to the big leagues later that year.

Pendleton played the first seven of his 15 years in the Majors with St. Louis before signing a free agent deal with the Braves. His first season in Atlanta saw him win the 1991 NL Most Valuable Player Award and then he followed that with an MVP runner-up, leading the league in hits both years. He won three Gold Glove awards at third base in 1987, ’89 and ’92 and was an All-Star in 1992. Pendleton played on five different teams that reached the World Series yet his team never won a championship.

Storm Chasers to host daily open interviews for gameday positions 

 

PAPILLION, Neb. – The Storm Chasers are hosting daily open interviews at Werner Park for gameday employee positions for the 2022 season from Monday, February 28-Friday, March 4 from 1:00-5:00 p.m. There will be an additional opportunity to interview at Werner Park on Saturday, March 5 from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

These interview opportunities are in addition to the organization’s Walk-In Wednesday opportunity, where prospective gameday employees can arrive at Werner Park and interview for a gameday position each Wednesday from 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. between January 26-March 30.

For inquiries, prospective gameday employees can contact Human Resource Manager Aniya Tate by email at [email protected] or by phone at (402) 738-2187.

Gameday positions available for application include, but are not limited to: Amusements, Bat Boy/Girl, Fan Services, Game Operations, Grounds Crew, Mascots, On-Field Host, Parking Lot Attendant, Promotions Team, Public Address Announcer, Storm Front Team Store, Ticket Seller, Ticket Taker, Usher, and Video Production Team. Those interested can find more information and apply online here. The Storm Chasers are also seeking applicants for the Ballpark Security Team, a new addition to the Werner Park stadium staff for 2022.

Gameday Internship positions are also available for college students interested in exploring a career in the sports industry. Storm Chasers interns have the opportunity to work in every aspect of gameday and event operations at Werner Park, allowing interns to learn as much about the business as possible, gain valuable experience, and discover their own passions and goals. Those interested in an internship opportunity can contact Aniya Tate for more information and submit an application here.

The Omaha Storm Chasers are scheduled to begin the 2022 season on April 5 at Indianapolis before welcoming fans to Werner Park for the home opener on April 12 vs. Louisville. The full 2022 schedule can be found here and single-game tickets are now available here. For more tickets and more information, please visit omahastormchasers.com, call the Werner Park Ticket office at (402) 738-5100, and follow the team on social media. You can follow the team on Twitter @omastormchasers, on Instagram @omahastormchasers, and “like” the team on Facebook at facebook.com/omahastormchasers.

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Jumbo Shrimp ballpark job fairs set for March 3, 12 & 16

 

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are building their team for another season of Affordable Family Fun at 121 Financial Ballpark. The club will hold three job fairs for 2022 game day positions from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, March 3, 9 a.m.-noon on Saturday, March 12 and 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 16 at the ballpark.

Interested applicants need only attend one of the job fairs, and will be asked to complete an employee application form. Applicants may bring a completed application to the job fair. All applicants should be prepared to interview at the job fairs and are encouraged to bring a resume and dress appropriately. Potential employees are subject to a background check and drug test.

Parking for the job fairs will be in Lot P and applicants may enter through the main stadium gates at the corner of A Philip Randolph Blvd. and E. Adams St.

Open positions are for seasonal employment, including but not limited to 75 Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp baseball home games, additional stadium events and training. The ideal candidate is outgoing, enjoys being part of a team atmosphere and is ready to have FUN while providing top-notch customer service.

The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are seeking candidates for the following positions:

· GAME DAY TICKET SELLER/TICKET TAKER: One of the first points of guest interaction, the game day ticket seller/ticket taker will staff a ticket window at the box office approximately one hour before the gates open for that night’s game and work until the majority of the crowd has been served, approximately an hour after the game begins. 121 Financial Ballpark utilizes the Glitnir ticketing system, and the game day ticket seller will work in an efficient manner to meet fans’ needs for ticket purchases, exchanges and upgrades at the ticket window. Ticket takers will be responsible for greeting guests at the gate and scanning them into the ballpark.

· KIDS ZONE ATTENDANT: The kids zone attendant will staff one of the multiple children’s attractions at 121 Financial Ballpark. From the speed pitch to the giant inflatables and carnival-style games, the attendant is responsible for overseeing the safety of those in the area, as well as ensuring everyone is having FUN. Arrival time would be approximately one hour before gates open and end time would be dependent on crowd size.

· BIRTHDAY PARTY HOST: The birthday party host will assist in all day-of executions of our birthday party packages at the ballpark. From working with our full-time staff members, to helping prepare the birthday area prior to guest arrival, to greeting and hosting the guests at the ballpark, to cleaning up once the party concludes, the ideal candidate will have an outgoing and upbeat personality with attention to detail and a priority on having FUN at the ballpark a must. The host will also have the opportunity to work as a Kids Zone Attendant.

· MERCHANDISE STORE EMPLOYEE: From stocking and organizing the store prior to the gates opening on game day to assisting customers with their merchandise purchases, the merchandise store employee will provide top-notch customer service while maintaining organization and attention to detail. Additionally, the merchandise employee may also be operating satellite merchandise kiosks, as well as hawking smaller items in the stands. Arrival time would be approximately a half-hour before gates open, and end time would be dependent on crowd size but could be following the game on busier nights. Retail experience is a plus.

· 50/50 TICKET SELLER: Ticket sellers sell tickets to fans for the nightly 50/50 charitable raffle at Jumbo Shrimp home games. Sellers should comfortably handle large cash transactions and credit card machines, as well as the sale and distribution of 50/50 raffle tickets throughout their work shift. They work to engage fans and staff to spread awareness of the 50/50 raffle program. They solve problems quickly and efficiently and answer questions fans may have about the 50/50 raffle program. Ticket sellers are responsible for meeting and/or exceeding designated sales goals per game. Preferred candidates will be available to work a majority of the 70 home games, arriving 1.5 hours prior to game time.

· FAN EXPERIENCE REPRESENTATIVES: The Jumbo Shrimp’s most visible and helpful game day employee, the ideal Fan Experience Representative candidate is outgoing, knowledgeable about the ballpark and its rules and regulations, and enjoys interacting with people and having FUN. The Fan Experience Representatives will be located throughout the ballpark, including entry areas of the stadium. Fan Experience Representatives will also serve as friendly faces in many tasks including assisting fans to their seats, answering any questions guests may have, inspection of bags brought into the ballpark by guests and other tasks as needed. These staff members will also direct entry and exit of guests through areas within the ballpark. Arrival time would be approximately a half-hour before gates open for wiping down and preparing their seating section and last until at least the final out of the game, pending postgame activities.

· GROUNDS CREW: A great opportunity to experience baseball in a whole new way. Join the Jumbo Shrimp Grounds Crew and see what it is like to work on a top-tier MiLB field. Be a part of a team within a team and help keep the field in game-ready condition. Must be physically fit, able to lift 50 lbs and be available to work all games on a consistent basis.

· GAME DAY CLEAN TEAM: Team members will work throughout the game keeping 121 Financial Ballpark clean. Responsibilities will include keeping the main concourse tidy, responding to spill calls, emptying trash receptacles throughout the game, keeping restrooms clean and stocked with paper products and soap and generally keeping the stadium presentable. Team members will generally arrive a half hour before the gates open and work through the end of the game, reporting to the stadium operations manager. Candidates may also be considered for non-game day work.

· BAT BOY: Collecting bats from the field is the part you have probably seen at a game, but there is more to the job of a bat boy – from filling water jugs before the game to getting the dugouts prepared and any other duties as assigned by the clubhouse manager. All bat boys must be at least 16 years of age by Opening Day (April 5).

· ID CHECKER: Fans consuming alcohol at Jumbo Shrimp games must first stop by an ID Check station to have their age verified and receive a wrist band from an ID Checker. ID Checkers will arrive at the ballpark a half-hour before gates open, and end time will be based on crowd size and no later than the seventh inning when alcohol sales end.

· PROMOTIONS TEAM: Assist and execute between-inning games and promotional activities on the field, handing out giveaway items, assisting with first pitches, Anthems and engaging fans throughout the game!

· CONCESSIONS LEAD: Responsible for overall operation of a concession stand, including knowledge of setting up a stand, determining levels of production, cleanliness and sanitation of the concession stand, maintaining outstanding quality of customer service, following food HAACP guidelines, alcohol awareness, proper handling of cash, inventory, organization of inventory, and the knowledge to clean and close the stand at the end of the shift. Must have experience operating on a variety of kitchen equipment and cleanup. Responsible for monitoring all aspects of concession stand operation throughout the game. Food Handler Card required.

· CONCESSIONS FLOOR SUPERVISOR: Responsible for directing and overseeing all aspects of the operation of the concession stands and food and beverage portables, including setup and breakdown. Must ensure employees are exemplifying quality of service and customer satisfaction needs. Management experience preferred.

· WAREHOUSE COORDINATOR: Responsible for the operation of the warehouse. The duties include directing and overseeing the receiving and verifying of deliveries from purveyors, proper storage, care, inventory of all products, distributing products to all areas of the stadium, and setup and breakdown of all food and beverage stations. The warehouse manager will work in conjunction with the F&B Team to ensure that all deliveries are dispersed in the most efficient fashion. Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds.

· CONCESSIONS ATTENDANT: Help set up the concession stand per Concession Lead’s instructions while keeping the workspace cleaned and organized throughout the shift. Help within concessions to greet customers and ensures that correct order has been placed while taking payment. Ensure order freshness and quality before serving to guest. Refer all guest complaints to Concession Lead or supervisor. Help close and clean the concession stand at the end of the shift per Concession Lead instructions.

· COOK: Responsible for preparing menu items per the instructions of the F&B Team. Must have some experience as a cook in a professional or industrial kitchen, and experience using a variety of kitchen equipment. Must have some knife skills and a sense of urgency in completing tasks. Must have a Food Handlers’ Card or ServSafe Certificate per the Health Dept. Duties include but not limited to; preparing food items according to the Chef and Kitchen Lead’s instructions, maintaining cooking temperature records, maintain a clean cooking station throughout the event, and adhering to safety and sanitation guidelines. Must be able to remain standing for the entirety of the shift.

· WAREHOUSE WORKER: Duties include receiving and verifying deliveries from purveyors, storing items in areas as directed by the Warehouse Manager, setting up and breaking down portables. Required to put product orders together and deliver them to different areas of the stadium.

· KITCHEN UTILITY: Works closely with kitchen staff, assisting cooks and leads in food prep, overall cleaning and sanitation of the kitchen and cleaning all dishes, small wares, and utensils as directed. Involved with delivering food to various parts of the stadium as needed. Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds and withstand freezer elements.

· PARTY DECK ATTENDANT: Responsible for all duties needed to service the party area. This includes the setup/breakdown of the catering area. Throughout the event, must ensure the area stays clean, food stays replenished, and maintained hot or cold. Maintain a positive attitude while greeting/speaking to members of the party throughout event and relaying any comments or concerns to supervisor throughout party.

· VENDING HAWKER: Duties include selling food and beverage in the seating bowl and along the stadium concourse before and during the event. The hawker will be responsible for all cash transactions with fans and will reconcile the money and inventory with the vending manager at the end of the shift. Employee needs to be in good physical condition and be able to carry loads of up to 50 pounds up and down the stairs of the stadium. Hawkers are responsible for ensuring accurate inventory after each game.

· KITCHEN LEAD: Responsible for helping the Chef supervise all aspects of food prep, production, and safety and sanitation in the catering kitchens. Must have experience in a professional or industrial kitchen. Must have a Food Handlers’ Card or ServSafe Certificate per the Health Dept. Duties include but not limited to; preparing, producing, organizing, and storing menu items in accordance with catering BEOs and F&B Team’s instructions.

The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are an equal opportunity employer.

ABOUT THE JUMBO SHRIMP: The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp offer affordable family fun at 121 Financial Ballpark. Their inaugural season garnered the Southern League’s Don Mincher Organization of the Year, Promotional Trophy and Jimmy Bragan Executive of the Year, won by general manager Harold Craw. The club added its second Promotional Trophy in three years following the 2019 season. The 2021 season marked the return of Triple-A baseball in Jacksonville. To experience the excitement with the terrific value of ticket and group options, call the Jumbo Shrimp at (904) 358-2846 or visit www.jaxshrimp.com.

Patriots And NJEA To Honor A+ Educators

 

Bridgewater, New Jersey – The Somerset Patriots, the New York Yankees Double-A affiliate, have teamed up with New Jersey Education Association to honor A+ Educators.

The A+ Educator program is designed to recognize the work of teachers and education support professionals (ESPs) that provide an inclusive learning environment, engaging instruction and curriculum, encourages lifelong learning, and inspires a passion for education beyond the classroom and into the future.

CLICK TO NOMINATE YOUR FAVORITE EDUCATOR!

“We always appreciate the work of our educators and everything they do to help children learn in the classroom and achieve their goals beyond,” said Patriots President/General Manager Patrick McVerry. “This program is a way for our team to recognize a few of these very special people in the field of education that make a positive and lasting impact on students.”

The Patriots and NJEA are asking for nominations through the team’s website. Nominations will be accepted through an online entry form that will include a writeup of why teachers/ESPs should be considered for the honor. In order to be eligible, educators must work at a public school in Somerset, Middlesex, Union, Hunterdon, or Morris counties.

Nominations are now open and will end on Friday, June 10, 2022. 25 total teachers and ESPs will be selected by judges and honored on the Patriots website, social media platforms, at TD Bank Ballpark, and throughout the season. Selected educators will receive four complimentary tickets to enjoy a 2022 Patriots game.

The A+ Educator program continues the Patriots and NJEA’s partnership to honor education professionals that make a difference in the lives of their students and impact the community as a whole.

“The A+ Educator program is an exciting way for us to work with the Patriots and recognize the extraordinary work of our members,” said Meredith Barnes, Associate Director of Communications for NJEA. “The goal is to showcase some of our best public school educators out on the field at the ballpark and with the greater Somerset Patriots community through the team’s various multi-media platforms.”

About the Somerset Patriots

The Somerset Patriots are the New York Yankees Double-A Affiliate and develop today’s top minor league talent into the pinstriped superstars of tomorrow for MLB’s winningest team. The Patriots compete in the Double-A Northeast League and play their home games at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, NJ, where fans of all ages and levels of baseball fandom get to enjoy the unique experience that is minor league baseball.

To learn more, visit: www.somersetpatriots.com

About NJEA

The New Jersey Education Association is proud of our great public schools, ranking #1 in the nation year after year. The mission of the NJEA is to advance and protect the rights, benefits, and interests of members, and promote a quality system of public education for all students. To learn more, visit: www.njea.org

AquaSox To Host Job Fair – February 25th & 26th

 

EVERETT, WA: The Everett AquaSox will be hosting a job fair for prospective employees on Friday, February 25th, 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM, and Saturday, February 26th from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. We are looking for game day team members of all ages to fill a wide variety of positions at Funko Field for the 2022 season. Candidates must be trustworthy, outgoing, reliable, and enthusiastic.

Our goal is to provide affordable family entertainment and excellent customer service to every guest who walks through our gates. Do you have what it takes to help create the best fan experience in baseball?

We have a wide variety of positions available such as ticket takers, promotions team, concessions, mascot, ushers and more. Each team member is critical in providing the best experience to our guests. All those interested in working with the AquaSox this season must be at least 15 years old and able to work the majority of the AquaSox’ 66 home games.

Job seekers are encouraged to fill out an application prior to the AquaSox Job Fair, which can be found by clicking HERE, however, applications will be available on the day of the Job Fair if needed.

All interviews will take place at the AquaSox Front Office located at 3802 Broadway. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to [email protected] or call (425) 258-3673.

AutoZone Park to Hire Event Staff at Four Upcoming Job Fairs 

 

AutoZone Park to Hire Event Staff at Four Upcoming Job Fairs

MEMPHIS, Tennessee – AutoZone Park will be holding three Job Fairs to hire Event Staff for Memphis Redbirds and Memphis 901 FC games during the 2022 season, with the first set for tomorrow, Thursday, February 24.

The Job Fairs will be on the Club Level at AutoZone Park (198 Union Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103) on the following dates:

  • Thursday, February 24, from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, February 26 from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday, March 1 from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 pm.
  • Thursday, March 3 from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 pm.

Available Event Staff positions include:

Guest Services Representative: Responsibilities range from scanning tickets, checking bags, operating security wands at gates, giving general information and directions throughout the stadium and more.

Promotional Team Member: Set up and execute in-game promotions, lead the crowd in cheers and rallies from on top of the dugout, entertain and interact with the crowd from entrance to exit, work with mascot to fulfill appearances, dance and conduct contests to hype crowd and maintain stadium energy.

Grounds Crew Member: Responsibilities include maintaining mounds/plates, batting practice setup/tear down, game setup for both baseball and soccer, assisting with field security and assisting with converting the field to and from baseball and soccer. Day and night shifts are available.

Team Attendant (Bat Boy/Girl): Responsible for setting up and breaking down sidelines, batting practice, dugouts and bullpens; assisting with field security; shagging foul balls during batting practice and games; collecting bats and balls during the game; assisting umpires, referees, trainers and clubhouse personnel; and helping with load-in/out for the teams.

Team Store Associate: Responsible for Team Store set-up, conversion between teams, running a cash register, folding apparel and any other Team Store needs.

Camera Operator: Responsible for capturing live fan shots, gameplay, fan engagement elements, host stand-ups and more during all Memphis Redbirds/Memphis 901 FC home games. Must have experience operating HD cameras and understand the basics of exposure, focusing, and composition.

All new hires must be at least 18 years of age and successfully pass a background check and drug screening. All positions are part-time, paid hourly. Prospective Event Staff need to attend just one Job Fair. Returning Event Staff who were employed at the end of the 2021 season do not need to attend.

For more information, visit milb.com/memphis/ballpark/job-fair or call 901-721-6000.

Top 5 Black Players in Fresno Grizzlies History

In celebration of Black History Month, throughout February, teams across Minor League Baseball are taking a look back at five of the best Black players to suit up for their club.

While some of these standout performers went on to long and illustrious Major League careers, others simply had great Minor League careers or, in some cases, just one incredible season that went down as “a year for the ages.”

Here is a look at five of the best Black baseball players ever to suit up for the Fresno Grizzlies:

Fred Lewis

Fred Lewis was selected by the San Francisco Giants in the 2nd round of the 2002 draft out of HBCU Southern University and A&M College. Lewis dominated the lower levels of the Giants system before being called up to Fresno for a cup of coffee in 2004. After that quick stint, Lewis would make it back to the Grizzlies for the 2006 season. Over 120 games, Lewis batted .276 with an .828 OPS and at the time, a single-season, franchise-record 11 triples. His season was extended as he earned a September call-up to the Giants. In 2007, Lewis split time with Fresno and the Giants, appearing in a combined 100 games with a .290 batting average. Lewis’ last stint in Fresno came in 2010, playing in seven games. Lewis finished his career in 2015, but was known as a crowd favorite among both Grizzlies and Giants fans.

Tony Kemp

Tony Kemp was selected by the Houston Astros in the 5th round of the 2013 draft out of baseball powerhouse Vanderbilt University. Kemp vaulted through the lower levels of the Houston system before reaching Fresno during the middle of the 2015 season. For the next couple of years, Kemp would bounce between the Grizzlies and Astros. When he donned the F-slash, Kemp was unstoppable. Over four seasons (2015-18) with the Grizzlies, Kemp appeared in 296 games, slashing .312/.373/.425. He also ranks in the Top 10 of four different offensive categories for Grizzlies career records. He is first in triples (21), fourth in steals (67), eighth in runs (206) and 10th in hits (372). Despite multiple trades and teams, Kemp is still talked about as one of the biggest and kindest-hearted players to ever play for the Fresno Grizzlies.

Calvin Murray

Calvin Murray was selected by the Cleveland Indians in the 1st round of the 1989 draft, but decided to not sign and take his talents to the University of Texas. Three years later, the San Francisco Giants drafted Murray with the 7th overall pick and he signed. Murray was a part of the first 1998 Fresno Grizzlies team after spending a couple of seasons with the Phoenix Firebirds. He would spend three seasons in Fresno (1998-99, 2001), with the major chunk of it coming in 1999. In that year, Murray would go on to win the PCL Most Valuable Player, one of only two Grizzlies to ever earn those honors. Murray played 130 games, racking up 183 hits, 297 total bases and scoring 122 runs. The latter three statistics are all single-season Grizzlies records. Murray also stole 42 bases and batted .334 (top 10 single-season marks). That season will go down as one of the best offensive displays in Grizzlies history, despite it being only the second year of the Grizzlies’ existence. Besides that, Murray is known as the batter facing Randy Johnson when Johnson hit a dove with a fastball in a spring training game in 2001 and is the uncle of NFL Quarterback Kyler Murray.

Emmanuel Burriss

Emmanuel Burriss was selected by the San Francisco Giants in the 1st round of the 2006 draft out of Kent State University. Burriss spent his first couple of seasons at the Single-A Level before making the leap to Fresno in 2008. After two weeks-worth of games, Burriss had his contract selected by the Giants. For the next four years, Burriss would split time between the Central Valley and the Bay Area. He enjoyed a couple of bright spots over those four years, which included being San Francisco’s youngest Opening Day starting second baseman (2009) since Robbie Thompson back in 1986. In 2011, Burriss batted .297 over 45 games with the Grizzlies, stealing 24 bases and scoring 31 times. Most notably, he swiped a Grizzlies franchise-record four bags on April 8th against the Las Vegas 51s. Burriss finished his Fresno career playing 172 games over five seasons and became one of the best do-it-all players in Grizzlies history.

Jalal Leach

Jalal Leach was selected by the New York Yankees in the 7th round of the 1990 draft out of Pepperdine University. After playing for eight years and a trio of teams, Leach still hadn’t cracked the big leagues. At that point, he was offered a coaching position by Brian Sabean, despite still wanting to play. After some roster moves, Leach was activated as a player and would head to Fresno for the next four years, which included joining the 1998 Grizzlies club. Over those four seasons, Leach became one of the most lethal bats in the Pacific Coast League and Grizzlies history. He finished his Fresno career with four Top-10 franchise records, which included homers (8th, 52), triples (6th, 15), doubles (7th, 73) and RBI (7th, 216). The culmination of his determination and prowess at the plate earned him his long-awaited call-up to the Giants in 2001. Leach is the definition of Farm Grown in Fresno.

NATURALS JOB FAIR AT ARVEST BALLPARK RESCHEDULED FOR MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28TH

 

SPRINGDALE, Ark. – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals and Patina Restaurant Group have announced that they will be rescheduling their next Job Fair to Monday, February 28th from 5:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in the Northwest Health Community Room at Arvest Ballpark. The original event was scheduled for February 24th but has been moved due to the weather to accommodate those that want to attend.

People attending will be asked to enter at the Associate’s Entrance on the south side of the ballpark to fill out an application before proceeding to the Northwest Health Community Room for the interview portion of the event. The Naturals along with Patina Restaurant Group, the official caterer of Arvest Ballpark, will be taking applications and conducting on-site interviews for part-time, Gameday associates who, if selected, will be instrumental in providing top-notch customer service to fans.

Details of available positions are listed below and additional information regarding can be obtained by calling (479) 927-4900. People that are unable to make the job fair can stop out at our Administrative Offices at Arvest Ballpark between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday to fill out an application. All applicants are encouraged to interview with both organizations to increase their potential for hire.

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS NATURALS

Kids Zone Attendant

Kids Zone Attendants are responsible for ensuring all children play safely while having fun. This area includes four (4) inflatables, kid’s train, a mini-golf course, speed pitch, and our wiffle ball field.

Retail Associate

Requires organizational skills, ability to complete sales, and maintain inventory accurately. The ability to multi-task is also important as the retail store may be very busy at times throughout each game. Money handling and customer service experience a plus, but not required.

Mascot

Engaging, enthusiastic individual that will act out the character of the Naturals mascots “Strike” and “Sinker”. Perform at all (or majority of) home games at Arvest Ballpark and some community appearances, as requested. Must be able to be active for up to 2 hours in costume and have a willingness to show your personality through the characters. Training and a script for each game is provided, and a handler is also assigned to help with crowd control and getting mascots into position.

Clubhouse Attendant

Responsible for a clean baseball environment for all the players, coaches, and umpires throughout the course of pre-game, during the game, and post-game. Will be responsible for retrieving bats and other equipment, foul balls, and keeping the umpires furnished with liquids among various other tasks.

Camera Operator

Camera operators are responsible for setting up, operating, and breaking down game day cameras. The cameras used are JVC GY HM-800s. Training will be provided for setup, breakdown, and operation.

Grounds Crew

Grounds crew is needed for home games, high school games, and other special events. Duties involve batting practice tear down, cleaning equipment, 5th inning drag, and post-game patching. Applicants must be able to lift a minimum 50 pounds, be willing and able to work in various weather conditions.

PATINA RESTAURANT GROUP

Concession Cashiers, Runners and Servers

Serve our fans in a fast and professional manner. Must be friendly, personable, and well groomed.

Cooks

Preparing all food to proper temperature and ensuring consistency of product. Capable of working fast.

Suite Attendants

Provide guests with reliable, professional, and courteous food and beverage service. Experience in a la carte waiter service is preferred but not required.

“The Nine” – One day, everyone will remember Giancarlo Stanton’s name

 

In celebration of Black History Month, throughout February, teams across Minor League Baseball are taking a look back at five of the best Black players to suit up for their club. On February 1, the Jumbo Shrimp unveiled five of the best Black players to ever suit up for Jacksonville (Henry Aaron, Willie Wilson, Giancarlo Stanton, Frank White, Buck O’Neil), plus a legendary Negro leagues star with ties to the city (John Henry “Pop” Lloyd).

Here is a deeper look at Giancarlo Stanton, one of the best Black players in Jacksonville history.

Giancarlo Cruz Michael Stanton had a few of different options for college coming out of Notre Dame High School (Sherman Oaks, Calif.). A three-sport athlete who starred in baseball, basketball and football as a wide receiver and cornerback, the University of Southern California offered him a baseball scholarship with an opportunity to walk-on to the football team coached at the time by Pete Carroll. UNLV offered the opposite; floating a football scholarship with the chance to walk-on to the school’s baseball team. Stanton ultimately accepted a baseball-only scholarship from Tulane.

But he never played for the Green Wave. The then-Florida Marlins had selected him in the second round of the 2007 draft and Stanton opted to sign to begin his professional baseball career.

Stanton was known then as Mike Stanton. His mother had wanted to name him Fidel but his father refused it, with the since-divorced couple ultimately settling on Giancarlo. That name, however, was not used at all during his minor league career or even his first two seasons in the major leagues. He had been going by “Mike” since sixth grade, when he tired of his legal name Giancarlo getting made fun of and his friends having trouble pronouncing it.

In the offseason following the 2011 campaign, Stanton took a baseball trip to Europe, performing clinics in the Netherlands, Czech Republic and Italy. His mind was immediately encapsulated by what he saw on the continent, specifically with the architecture, food and culture that was so unlike what he had grown up with near Los Angeles and what he’d seen playing in the minor leagues and later in Miami. Stanton was so taken with Europe that he even loved hearing the way names like Gianpiero, Gianpaolo, Gianluigi, and yes, Giancarlo were pronounced. When he returned, he informed his parents and the Marlins that he wanted to be known as Giancarlo Stanton.

By this time, baseball was well acquainted with Stanton. During his time in the minor leagues, he had long been regarded as a top prospect. In 2009, at just 19 years old, Stanton wound up leading both High-A Jupiter and Double-A Jacksonville in home runs despite playing in just 50 and 79 games, respectively, with the clubs.

Stanton returned to Jacksonville to start the 2010 campaign and mashed 15 home runs in his first 28 games, tallying 28 walks, 28 runs and 33 RBIs with a batting line of .340/.481/.854 during that stretch. After 52 games, he was hitting .313/.442/.729 with 21 home runs and 52 RBIs before the Marlins called him up to the major leagues.

In 12 MLB seasons since with the Marlins and New York Yankees, Stanton has walloped 347 long balls while batting .268/.358/.543 (143 OPS+). A four-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger Award winner, Stanton was named the 2017 NL MVP after leading MLB in both home runs (59) and RBIs (132). His slugging percentage (.631) and OPS+ (169) topped the National League during that campaign. Stanton also finished second in the MVP balloting in 2014 after besting the NL in homers (37) and slugging percentage (.555).

As always, the biggest question surrounding Stanton has been his health. Through his age-31 season, he has played in more than 140 games in a campaign only four times. When he’s been able to get on the field, however, he has performed at a Hall of Fame-level, posting 5.4 WAR/162 games, a higher mark than the average Hall of Fame outfielder. On his Baseball-Reference page, three of the top four most similar batters through all age-31 seasons in baseball history are Hall of Famers in Harmon Killebrew, Ralph Kiner and Jim Thome.

How much are we surprised by what we see on the field or court in sports nowadays? Every highlight is a simple notification or scroll on social media away, right at our fingertips. There’s just not much left to the imagination, and in many ways, that’s a great thing for fans.

Perhaps, though, this is why Giancarlo Stanton is so special. A lot of things still have to happen for him to one day have a plaque in Cooperstown, because, no, he hasn’t always been able to stay on the field. But when he has, even through all those highlights we are inundated with daily, he has still found a way to blow the mind.

With his 500-plus-foot home runs and 122-plus exit velocities, Giancarlo Stanton has seemingly changed what is possible for a hitter on a baseball field. And if that’s it, that’s the only thing his legacy ends up becoming… it’s one that most baseball fans will never be able to forget. Giancarlo Stanton will be known forever.

Join Our Game Day Staff!

 

Join the River Bandits family at Modern Woodmen Park for the 2022 season!

We are hiring for several part time positions within food and beverage, production, promotions, the box office and more! Join our team and enjoy a ticket, team store discount, employee meal, and a full summer of baseball!

APPLY HERE!

To learn more about joining our game day staff, call 563-324-3000!

The Nine: Michael Taylor

 

In celebration of Black History Month, throughout February, teams across Minor League Baseball are taking a look back at five of the best Black players to suit up for their club.

While some of these standout performers went on to long and illustrious Major League careers, others simply had great Minor League careers or, in some cases, just one incredible season that went down as “a year for the ages.”

Here is the fourth installment of five of the best Black baseball players ever to suit up for the Sacramento River Cats.

Former Sacramento River Cats outfielder Michael Taylor is one of the most successful hitters to don the RC logo.

Drafted out of Stanford University in the fifth round by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 2007 MLB Draft, Taylor had a well-decorated MiLB career. His impressive production in the Philadelphia system led to his inclusion in the Phillies’ 2009 trade for Hall-of-Fame right-hander Roy Halladay.

Taylor was a five-time Player of the Week (one with Sacramento in 2012), two-time Mid-Season All-Star, a Post-Season All-Star, a Topps Double-A All-Star, and two-time Organization All-Star while with the River Cats in 2012 and 2013.

The 6’5 outfielder did everything for the River Cats during his five seasons in Sacramento.

He was the River Cats’ Most Improved Player in 2010, Defensive Player of the Year in 2011, and Most Exciting Player in 2013.

He still holds the title of River Cats’ all-time RBIs leader with 325 and also ranks second in games played (511), at-bats (1,900), runs (299), hits (521), doubles (112), walks (266), and steals (60).

Taylor played 37 games in the Majors for the Oakland A’s and Chicago White Sox, hitting his first MLB home run off left-hander Derek Holland on Sept. 20, 2011. He hit his 100th professional home run on May 1, 2014 against Tacoma.

NOW HIRING: Bisons to hold Open Interviews on Saturday, February 26 

 

The Buffalo Bisons will hold Open Interviews for 2022 Seasonal and Part-time Employment on Saturday, February 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. inside the Consumer’s Pub at the Park restaurant of Sahlen Field.

Available positions include concessions stand managers, cashiers, cooks, porters and vendors and restaurant servers, bartenders, cooks and dishwashers. There are also positions available in merchandise retail, grounds crew and stadium operations, such as cleaning supervisor, first class stationary engineer and gate manager.

View the Bisons Employment page for more information on all positions. Applicants can apply online at any time.

Interested candidates who want to attend open interviews on February 26 should enter Sahlen Field via the Consumer’s Pub at the Park entrance on Washington St. and proceed up to the restaurant on the Mezzanine level of the ballpark. Applicants are encouraged to download an application from Bisons.com for faster interview service on Saturday.