Top Black Baseball Figures in Rome History

 

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

With the professional baseball in Rome still so young, we thought we would look at the top baseball figures in Rome’s history.

Bobby Moore

Born in Cincinnati, OH, Moore was first drafted out of high school by the Detroit Tigers, but ultimately chose to attend college instead. He was then drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the 16th round of the 1987 MLB Amateur Draft out of Eastern Kentucky University. At the age of 25, Moore – an outfielder – played in 18 games during the 1991 season for the Royals. In December of 1991, he was traded to the Atlanta Braves where he was assigned to their triple-A affiliate from 1992 through 1996. He ultimately retired from playing in 1996 due to a hip injury. In 1997, he began coaching in the Atlanta Braves organization and is now an assistant coach with the Rome Braves, where he will be starting his 25th year of coaching during the 2022 season. His career highlights include being inducted into his High School Hall of Fame, as well as his College Hall of Fame for his coaching successes. He has helped bring home two South Atlantic League Championships with the Rome Braves, in 2003 and 2016. When asked about what shaped him into the coach he is today, Moore stated that all his coaches in Little League Baseball, High School ball, and all the way up to Major Leagues have helped him in one way or another. Among these influences are his mother and father and his brothers, who have helped to keep him focused and grounded throughout the years. Moore, his wife, Jane, and his sons Robert Jr. and Chaz love living and being involved in the Rome Community. Moore has found much joy and passion in helping with the Rome Braves Miracle League, as well as volunteering with the Rome-Floyd Community Kitchen. Throughout his personal and professional journey, he has been blessed by good people who have developed his skills on and off the field.

Nath McClinic

Nathaniel “Nath” McClinic was born in Silver Creek, GA in 1924. McClinic served in the Army and led the Army baseball team to an island championship before being discharged in 1946. After the service, Nath played in the Negro League for several teams, including the Chattanooga Choo Choo’s, Cleveland Buckeyes, Atlanta Black Crackers, and Birmingham Black Barons. Nath settled in Rome after his Negro League playing career was finished. He continued playing for the Lindale Dragons of the all-black Josh Gibson League. Nath later went on to become Floyd County’s first African-American police officer in 1965; and became the first African-American graduate of the Georgia State Police Academy a year later.

Max Manning

Maxwell Manning was born in Rome, GA in 1918. Nicknamed Dr. Cyclops, Manning was known for his thick glasses he wore on the mound. His family moved to Mississippi then Pennsylvania when he was young, and, after being a standout high school player, Manning went on to the play for the Newark Eagles of the Negro National League in 1939. He was drafted into the US Army in 1942 and would not return to baseball until after his service for the 1946 season. Upon his return, the Newark Eagles would go on to defeat the Kansas City Monarchs to win the Negro League World Series. Manning appeared in 3 games helping the Eagles secure the title. Manning retired from baseball after the 1948 season.

“The Nine” – Coach Bob Braddy changed the game in Mississippi 

Named for the number Jackie Robinson wore during his only season playing in MiLB with the Triple-A Montreal Royals in 1946, “The Nine,” a new, Black-community-focused outreach platform specifically designed to honor and celebrate the historic impact numerous Black baseball pioneers made on the sport. The Nine will provide new opportunities for youth baseball and softball participation, further diversify the business of baseball, and embrace millions of passionate fans throughout MiLB’s 120 communities nationwide.

The rich history of baseball stretches generations in Mississippi, and the organization will tap into that history using this unique platform to tell those stories and create beneficial activations.

From the legendary stories of the speed of James Thomas Bell, better known as “Cool Papa Bell,” to the power-hitting prowess of Luke Easter, Mississippi has produced some of the greatest baseball players we’ve ever seen. Mississippi is also the home of the Hank Aaron Baseball Academy, an enduring legacy of one of the game’s greatest players.

As part of “The Nine” activation, Trustmark Park will host a part of a two-day tournament, May 7-8, for ages 6 – 17, with a field of travel and recreational / city league teams. In addition, the Aaron-Andrews qualifying event will include youth teams from the under-served communities, with the winning teams receiving a free entry into the Hank Aaron Championship that occurs October 14 – 16 in Jackson at the Hank Aaron Sports Academy and Trustmark Park.

The M-Braves will also pay tribute to the Negro Leagues and don 1938 Atlanta Black Crackers home uniforms during a game this season. The club was a member of the Southern Negro League and eventually the Negro American League.

Mississippi has the best college baseball in the country. The passion is evidenced by consistently high rankings and the historic Mississippi State national championship in 2021. But you can’t tell the college baseball story in Mississippi without maybe the most impressive of all.

The story of Bob Braddy.

Braddy is from Florence, Mississippi. He attended Jackson State University and while playing for the Tigers, Braddy was named All-Conference pitcher in 1962 and 1963 under coach Joe Gilliam Sr. He returned to the university in 1973 to become the head baseball coach. He turned Jackson State into a powerhouse during his tenure from 1973-to 2000. Braddy went 824-546, setting the coaching victories record for the Southwestern Athletic Conference, winning 12 SWAC titles.

To repeat, Braddy won TWELVE SWAC titles.

Braddy was named the SWAC coach of the year eight times, coached eight players who made the Major Leagues, and, along the way, had some legendary experiences, which have been recounted, since his career ended. His 1978 team went 52-12, a Jackson State and SWAC record for most wins. In addition, Braddy led the Tigers to three NCAA tournament appearances, two NCAA play-in games, and four NAIA tournaments.

“Baseball’s provided me so many opportunities to meet individuals. It’s just unbelievable,” he said in an article before his induction into the College Baseball Hall of Fame in 2016.

Hall of Fame slugger Frank Robinson came to Jackson to do a clinic and stayed at Braddy’s house. After that, Hall of Fame manager Tommy Lasorda became a regular for a while.

Braddy was relentless. He wrote different people in the Major Leagues – players, coaches – and asked them to come down, speak at a banquet, and do a clinic. Tommy Lasorda was one of them, and he never thought he would hear back. But Lasorda came down four times to help raise money for the program. He even bought the team a tractor to drag the field with. They named it the Tommy Lasordamobile.

Braddy finished coaching in 2001, but he wasn’t finished at Jackson State. He became the Tigers’ athletic director, and the university named the baseball field after him in 2009 in honor of his 34 years in service. Of Braddy’s 52 players who signed pro contracts, two were first-round draft choices, and eight made it to the big leagues. Curt Ford, Dave Clark, and Wes Chamberlain were big-league outfielders in the 1980s and 1990s.

Braddy was the first African-American to be inducted into the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2003, the National College Baseball Hall of Fame in 2016, and the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in 2017. He was also inducted into the JSU Sports Hall of Fame in 1985 and the SWAC Hall of Fame in 2005.

Jackson State went 24-0 in SWAC play last season; they were one out from winning the SWAC tournament championship in 2021 but fell short. The Tigers, led by head coach Omar Johnson, were picked first in the 2022 preseason SWAC poll.

The 81-year-old Braddy is still involved with baseball and serves his community.

Here are some of Mississippi’s Black baseball pioneers.

George “Boomer” Scott (Greenville)

A three-time American League All-Star in 1966, 1975, and 1977, George Scott is one of Mississippi’s great power hitters. He hit over 20 homers in six of his 14 major league seasons, tying the great Reggie Jackson in 1975 with a league-best 36 homers. He was also a career .268 hitter who earned two Gold Glove Awards with his defense.

James “Cool Papa” Bell (Sessums)

Though statistics were not meticulously maintained for most of Bell’s career, it’s clear that he was one of the best players in the history of Negro league baseball. We know he was an eight-time All-Star and finished his 24-year career with a .341 average. His speed on the basepaths and in the outfield was legendary.

A 19-year- old Bell got his nickname in 1922 when he displayed calmness and finesse as a lefty pitcher with the St. Louis Stars. His switch-hitting/base-running catapulted him to Cooperstown in 1974. He batted .343 in a storied Negro Leagues career with St. Louis, Pittsburgh Crawfords, Homestead Grays, and others.

Luke Easter (Jonestown)

Easter, a 6’4″/240-pound giant, was once called “the greatest home run hitter since Babe Ruth.” He starred on the 1948 Homestead Grays, which defeated the Birmingham Black Barons, with 17-year-old Willie Mays in the 1948 post-season. Easter hit .274, 93 homers, 340 RBI with Cleveland, MLB; 269 homers in 13 minor league seasons; and .402, 14 homers, 80 RBI, 80-game 1948-49 Puerto Rico season for Mayagüez.

Dennis “Oil Can” Boyd (Meridian)

Oil Can Boyd got his nickname from “rot-gutter whiskey” via a Meridian moonshiner. He attended Jackson State University before his 10-year MLB career with Boston, Montreal, and Texas. Boyd was 16-10 for the 1986 Red Sox and pitched in the World Series versus the Mets.

Ellis Burks (Vicksburg)

Burks’s 18-year MLB career with Boston, Chicago White Sox, Colorado, San Francisco, and Cleveland included three years (1987-89) as Oil Can Boyd’s teammate. Burks received a World Series ring after his final (2004) season with Boston. He hit .291, with 352 home runs and 1,206 RBI in the majors.

For more biographies and information about “The Nine,” click HERE.

Photos courtesy of Jackson State University and the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame.

Gwinnett Stripers to Host Job Fair on February 19

 

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – The Gwinnett Stripers will host a Job Fair at Coolray Field on Saturday, February 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will take place in the Suite Lounge.

During the Job Fair, individuals with a passion for delivering exceptional fan experiences can apply for the following part-time, seasonal gameday positions:

  • Ushers / Guest Relations
  • Parking Attendants
  • Security
  • Ticket Sellers
  • Team Store Associates
  • Grounds Crew
  • Cleaning Crew
  • Hype Squad
  • Amusements Attendants
  • Video Board Production / Control Room
  • Stats Operators
  • Photographers

Coolray Field’s concessionaire, Professional Sports Catering, will also be present at the Job Fair and accepting applications for:

  • Catering/Club Attendants
  • Suite Servers
  • Cocktail Servers
  • Bartenders
  • Cooks (Premium & Concessions)
  • Cashiers
  • Runners

Applicants for all positions should bring printed copies of their resume. Parking is free, and attendees will enter through the Coolray Field Main Gate.

For those interested who cannot attend the Job Fair, please email [email protected].

The Stripers’ 2022 season is not affected by the current lockout of Major League Baseball and will go on as scheduled. Gwinnett begins the year on Tuesday, April 5 at Memphis before returning to Coolray Field for Opening Night on Tuesday, April 12 vs. Nashville.

Single-game tickets for all Gwinnett Stripers 2022 home games will go on sale to the public on Sunday, March 13 at 10 a.m. Memberships, Luxury Suites, Group Outings, and more are on sale now at GoStripers.com.

MiLB’s ‘The Nine’: Top Black Players in Atlanta Braves Triple-A History

In celebration of Black History Month and Minor League Baseball’s launch of “The Nine,” teams across MiLB are taking a look back at five of the best Black players to suit up for their franchise.

Black players have held a starring role in every era of Atlanta Braves Triple-A history, from Tommie Aaron, Dusty Baker, and Ralph Garr in the early days of the Richmond Braves in the 1960’s and 70’s, to Gerald Perry, Lonnie Smith, and Tony Tarasco of the 80’s and 90’s Richmond teams, to Stefan Gartrell, Travis Demeritte, and Touki Toussaint of the more recent Gwinnett clubs.

Recognizing the five best Black players in Richmond and Gwinnett’s combined 56-year history is no easy task, but the players below all have one thing in common: they left lasting marks in the Triple-A record books.

5: Stefan Gartrell (2011-13)

Stefan Gartrell blasted 54 career home runs with Gwinnett from 2011 to 2013.
Karl L. Moore

Gartrell is the lone entrant on the list from the Gwinnett era. The prolific slugger ranks among Gwinnett’s career leaders in home runs (2nd, 54), doubles (4th, 63), runs (4th, 166), and RBI (4th, 180) since 2009. He bashed 25 long-balls and drove in 91 runs in 116 games during the 2011 season with the G-Braves, earning him selection to the International League Postseason All-Star team. Those 25 clouts are tied for eighth-most in a single season in franchise history.

Gartrell returned to launch 20 homers in 2012 and nine more in 2013 before ultimately calling it a career. Of his 137 career minor league clouts over eight professional seasons, nearly 40% came in a Gwinnett uniform. Despite his prodigious power, the San Francisco, CA native never reached the Majors.

4: Bill Robinson (1966)

In Richmond’s inaugural year of existence as the Braves’ Triple-A affiliate in 1966, Robinson became the franchise’s very first International League Postseason All-Star. The McKeesport, PA native batted .312 with 30 doubles, four triples, 20 home runs, 86 runs, and 79 RBIs in 139 games, helping the R-Braves reach the Governors’ Cup Finals.

To date, Robinson still ranks among franchise single-season leaders in hits (T-3rd, 159), and total bases (7th, 257). He went on to play a 16-year Major League career with the Braves, the New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, and Pittsburgh Pirates from 1966-83.

3. Gerald Perry (1982-83, 1986)

Gerald Perry was named an International League Postseason All-Star in 1983 and 1986.
Richmond Braves Archives

Perry’s accomplishments in three seasons with Richmond are numerous. As a Triple-A rookie in 1982, he became the third player in franchise history to hit for the cycle (May 12 vs. Tidewater) and ranked among franchise single-season leaders in RBIs (T-6th, 93), walks (8th, 91), and runs (T-8th, 94). Perry returned to the R-Braves in 1983 and again in 1986, and earned International League Postseason All-Star honors both years, making him one of only three players in franchise history to win twice.

The Savannah, GA native played 353 total games with Richmond, batting .311 (5th-best in franchise history) with 73 doubles, 17 triples, 38 homers, 244 runs, and 238 RBIs. He went on to a 13-year Major League career with the Braves (1983-89), Kansas City Royals (1990), and St. Louis Cardinals (1991-95).

2. Ralph Garr (1969-70)

After playing for the R-Braves from 1969-70, Garr returned to the team as a coach from 1985-87.
Richmond Braves Archives

Garr is quite simply the greatest hitter for average in Atlanta Braves Triple-A history, thanks to his franchise-record .356 career batting average with Richmond. He is the only player in franchise history to win two International League Batting Titles, accomplishing the feat in each of his two seasons with the R-Braves (.329 in 1969, franchise-record .386 in 1970). Garr also led the IL in stolen bases both years (63 in 1969, 39 in 1970) as he earned consecutive selections to the IL Postseason All-Star Team.

Following a 13-year Major League career with the Atlanta Braves (1968-75), Chicago White Sox (1976-79), and California Angels (1979-80), Garr returned to Richmond as a coach from 1985-87 and was part of the 1986 Governors’ Cup Championship club. The Monroe, LA native was elected to the IL Hall of Fame in 2008.

1. Tommie Aaron (1966-67, 1971-72, Manager from 1977-78)

Tommie Aaron hoists the Governors’ Cup as manager of the 1978 International League champion Richmond Braves.
Richmond Braves Archives

The younger brother of baseball icon Hank Aaron, Tommie Aaron became a legend in his own right as the only man in International League history to earn league Most Valuable Player honors and manage a Governors’ Cup champion. The Monroe, AL native hit .309 as the IL MVP in 1967, helping the Richmond Braves capture their first IL pennant. Ten seasons later, he became the league’s first Black manager. In just his second season at the helm, Aaron led Richmond to their first Governors’ Cup Championship in 1978.

Aaron also played 437 games over a seven-year Major League career with the Milwaukee Braves (1962-63) and Atlanta Braves (1968-71). He and Hank still hold the MLB record for most combined home runs by brothers (768, 13 by Tommie and 755 by Hank).

Aaron’s number 23, originally retired by Richmond in 1985 shortly after his passing in 1984, remains retired by Gwinnett. In 2008, he joined Garr in being elected to the IL Hall of Fame.

Honorable Mentions:

Albert Hall (1982-83, 1985-86)

Hall is the greatest speedster in Atlanta Braves Triple-A history, ranking among record holders in career stolen bases (1st, 186), triples (2nd, 32), and runs (6th, 302) following his two stints with Richmond. He owns two of the franchise’s top four single-season triples totals (franchise-record 15 in 1982, T-4th with 11 in 1983), two of the top five single-season runs totals (franchise-record 120 in 1983, T-5th with 97 in 1982), and three of the top seven single-season steals totals (2nd with 72 in 1986, 4th with 62 in 1982, and T-7th with 46 in 1983).

Hall’s quickness helped him become the second player in franchise history to hit for the cycle on May 3, 1982 at Syracuse. The Birmingham, AL native went on to play parts of nine Major League seasons with Atlanta (1981-88) and Pittsburgh (1989).

Larry Whisenton (1976-81, 1983-85)

Whisenton is the king when it comes to longevity, having played a franchise-record 773 games over parts of nine seasons with Richmond. He was in the R-Braves’ Opening Day starting lineup in six of those years (1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1983, 1984).

Though he was never selected to an IL Postseason All-Star team, Whisenton did reach the 100-hit plateau in three different seasons, including a 114-hit campaign as a 21-year-old in 1978 and 121 hits in his final full Triple-A season in 1981. His 657 career hits stood as a franchise record until 2021, when he was surpassed by Gwinnett’s Sean Kazmar Jr. (675). In addition to games and hits, Whisenton ranks among the franchise’s top five hitters in triples (1st, 46), runs (1st, 392), RBIs (2nd, 308), walks (3rd, 432), at-bats (3rd, 2,505), and stolen bases (4th, 93).

Drafted by Atlanta in the second round in 1975, the St. Louis, MO native went on to a 116-game Major League career with the Braves (1977-79, 1981-82).

M-Braves Join “The Nine”, A New Initiative To Celebrate, Engage, And Welcome Black Fans

 

Minor League Baseball® (MiLB™) today announced the launch of “The Nine,” a new, Black-community focused outreach platform specifically designed to honor and celebrate the historic impact numerous Black baseball pioneers made on the sport, provide new opportunities for youth baseball and softball participation, further diversify the business of baseball, and

Minor League Baseball® (MiLB™) today announced the launch of “The Nine,” a new, Black-community focused outreach platform specifically designed to honor and celebrate the historic impact numerous Black baseball pioneers made on the sport, provide new opportunities for youth baseball and softball participation, further diversify the business of baseball, and embrace millions of passionate fans throughout MiLB’s 120 communities nationwide.

Named for the number Jackie Robinson wore during his only season playing in MiLB with the Triple-A Montreal Royals in 1946, The Nine will connect MiLB teams’ existing, Black-community focused development efforts with new national programming and future special events in a coordinated and centralized campaign. The new inclusion initiative follows MiLB’s Copa de la Diversión Latino fan engagement platform introduced in 2017 that included 76 MiLB teams in 2021.

The Nine will recognize and honor numerous Black pioneers and trailblazing civil rights leaders in all 120 MiLB communities, ensuring the heroes of the past and their contributions continue to be celebrated through ceremonies and events at MiLB ballparks and in the community. Recent tributes and celebrations have included Negro Leagues commemorative games honoring the Austin Black Senators in Round Rock (TX), the Bradenton (FL) Nine Devils, and Page Fence Giants near Lansing (MI). Additional tribute games are being planned for the 2022 season and beyond.

“The Nine will shine bright spotlights on these successful initiatives and transform them into national campaigns reaching more fans and communities, further showcasing our teams’ commitment to representing, honoring, and welcoming all fans to MiLB’s unique brand of fun,” said Kurt Hunzeker, MLB’s Vice President of Minor League Business Operations. “The Nine is just the latest example of MiLB teams being true community champions.”

In addition to player- and team-related content, The Nine will focus heavily on creating new opportunities for youth participation among young Black boys and girls, particularly in communities where youth baseball and softball programming is either nonexistent or difficult to access.

Central to this youth-focused push is a planned expansion of Major League Baseball’s Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) Program throughout MiLB’s national footprint. New competitions in MLB’s Pitch, Hit & Run and Junior Home Run Derby event series will also debut in MiLB markets beginning in 2022.

MiLB teams will continue to build relationships with local Black-owned and operated businesses, local artists and entertainers in an effort to embrace Black culture and make MiLB ballparks a hub for culturally relevant concerts, shows, and community events.

With several MiLB teams having a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in their community, opportunities will be provided for those schools to start internship and mentorship programs with their local team, creating opportunities for on-the-job experience for students prior to entering the job market. Additionally, MiLB recently partnered with TeamWork Online to create a more inclusive virtual job fair and ongoing talent pipeline that aims to recruit and position qualified and ready-for-hire candidates from across the country for potential management- and executive-level roles within MiLB team front offices.

Gwinnett Stripers to Host Virtual National Anthem Auditions

 

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – The Gwinnett Stripers are once again launching a virtual search for National Anthem performers.

All interested singers, vocal groups (five singers or less), and musicians can send a digital submission (video or audio) of their acapella or unaccompanied performance of the National Anthem to [email protected] by January 31.

Candidates will be judged on tone, pace (90 seconds or less), and clarity. Beginning in February, top candidates will be invited to participate in virtual auditions. No in-person auditions will be held. Those who have been chosen from the virtual auditions will be contacted to schedule a date to sing the National Anthem during the 2022 season.

The Gwinnett Stripers’ 2022 Home Opener at Coolray Field is set for Tuesday, April 12 vs. Nashville. Secure your 2022 tickets now by purchasing a Membership at GoStripers.com/memberships.

M-Braves to host Job Fair on Saturday, January 29

 

PEARL – The Mississippi Braves will hold a job fair for part-time/seasonal positions for the 2022 season on Saturday, January 29, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. The job fair will take place inside Trustmark Park’s Farm Bureau Grill. M-Braves staff members will conduct open interviews on a first-come, first-serve basis for seasonal, part-time positions.

Applicants should be energetic, friendly, dependable, and ready to contribute to the family atmosphere of Trustmark Park. The M-Braves will play 69 home games in 2022, with Opening Day set for Friday, April 8, vs. Montgomery at 6:35 pm.

Attendees will have the chance to interview for a variety of positions, including:

Food & Beverage:

  • Restaurant Manager
  • Concession Stand Manager
  • Bartender
  • Catering Food Prep
  • Concession Stand Attendant
  • Concession Stand Cook
  • Dishwasher
  • Host/Hostesses
  • Kitchen Prep Staff
  • Line Cooks
  • Restaurant Wait Staff
  • Suite Attendants
  • Warehouse Attendant

Stadium Operations:

  • Customer Service Representative
  • Grounds Crew
  • Merchandise Store Attendant
  • Usher
  • Gate Attendant
  • Bag Checker

Ticket Operations:

  • Ticket Seller
  • Ticket Taker

Production & Promotions:

  • Technical Operator
  • Camera Operator
  • Mascot
  • Promotions Team
  • Video Board Operators
  • Video Production Crew

Press Box Operations:

  • Official Scorer
  • Datacaster

These jobs are all paid and include the opportunity to work many of the team’s 69 home games and other special events between March and September. In addition, all applicants are required to attend the M-Braves Job Fair.

All applicants must be at least 16 years of age and work nights, weekends, and holidays. The Mississippi Braves are an equal opportunity employer. For more information on careers with the M-Braves, click HERE.

The 2022 game schedule is HERE, so Season tickets, Flex Plans, Group Outings, and Sponsorship Opportunities are available now by calling 888-BRAVES4.

8th Annual Line Drive Canned Food Drive

For Immediate Release:

GreenJackets Media Contact:

(803) 349-9467

[email protected]

8th Annual Line Drive Canned Food Drive

Free Baseball Clinic at SRP Park on November 13th

NORTH AUGUSTA, SC – The Augusta GreenJackets, Single-A Affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, in conjunction with Complete Game, are excited to announce the 8th Annual Line Drive Canned Food Drive FREE Baseball Clinic in memory of Terry Childers Sr. on Saturday, November 13th from 11:00 am – 12:30 pm.

“We are excited to bring back the 8th Annual Line Drive Canned Food Drive and FREE Baseball Clinic to SRP Park in 2021,” stated GreenJackets Vice President Tom Denlinger. “This is a morning full of great professional instruction, an opportunity to help Golden Harvest Food Bank and a time to celebrate the legacy of Terry Childers Sr. It’s our privilege to work with Matt and the Childers family to play a small roll in this growing annual event.

In memory of Terry Childers Sr., families across the CSRA are invited to come and take part in this FREE clinic & Canned Food Drive benefiting Golden Harvest Food Bank. Families are encouraged to bring canned goods and other non-perishable food items to be donated to Golden Harvest Food Bank, who will be on site to collect.

You can also bring items anytime between now and Nov. 13th to the Complete Game facility at 3855 Washington Rd. You do not have to participate in the clinic to bring food donations! Over the past seven years, 2,500 meals have been collected with 3,500 lbs. of donated goods! Come join us for this awesome event in our community!

Register online at www.playpscg.com.Go to all registrations for your free registration. Any questions, contact Complete Game at (706) 814-5916

“We are excited for our 8th Annual Line Drive Can Drive. We are grateful to be partnering with the Augusta GreenJackets and Golden Harvest Food Bank for the 8th consecutive year. This FREE Baseball clinic is held in Memory of Terry Childers Sr. Terry grew up in Augusta Ga, just blocks away from SRP Park. After Terry completed his professional playing career, he coached many players from this area and had a positive impact on a lot of people’s lives. We ask that camp participants as well as anyone in the community that desires to bring can goods and nonperishable food items to SRP Park on Nov. 13. Our partners at Golden Harvest Food Bank will be collecting all items. This is a great time of year to help support our local food bank as well as a great time of the year for players in our area to give back to the community by providing awesome instruction that the kids will receive. We will have coaches with high school, collegiate, professional and Major League Baseball experience helping and giving back during the FREE clinic. We look forward to seeing everyone there,” stated Complete Game Owner Matt Childers.

Event Details:

  • Saturday, November 13th from 11:00am-12:30pm
  • SRP Park, 187 Railroad Ave, North Augusta, SC 29841
  • Giving back to the community with a FREE baseball clinic – beginning to experienced players welcome
  • Professional instruction from Complete Game
  • All players ages 6-15
  • Bring canned food items and non-perishable food items to benefit Golden Harvest Food Bank
  • Opportunity to support the community together and have some FUN
  • Register in advance click here: https://www.esoftplanner.com/v3/planner/camps.php?access=0dG81LSVxNmo65bAt2SEsZ6Hpw==
  • Onsite registration available day of as well
  • Until the GreenJackets take the field in 2022, join us for these other offseason events at SRP Park, to learn more visit: www.thesrppark.com:

· Dugout Movie Theater presents Hocus Pocus – Friday, October 29th

o More information or tickets visit: https://www.milb.com/augusta/community/gj-dugout-theater

· Palmetto Peach Half Marathon, 10k, 5k – Saturday, November 27th

o Learn more or to register visit: https://runsignup.com/Race/SC/NorthAugusta/PalmettoPeachHalfMarathon

· 8th Annual Auggie’s Holiday BUZZar & Toys for Tots Drive – Saturday, December 11th

o Learn more or register to be a vendor: https://www.milb.com/augusta/community/auggies-fall-market

To stay up to date on all things GreenJackets and Events at SRP Park by following us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and sign up for the ‘Jackets Buzz e-newsletter today by visiting https://bit.ly/AGJBuzz.

About Complete Game

Complete Game is the CSRA’s Home to an Amazing Indoor Baseball & Softball Facility. Batting cages, pitching lanes, Hit Trax software for Baseball & Softball. Complete Game has an awesome staff of personal instructors and coaches for all positions for baseball & softball that offer individual lessons and group camps. You can visit Complete Game any day or take advantage of their monthly memberships! The Cosmic Birthday Parties are a big Hit! End of the season team functions and group Events held under the Black Lights with Music! Check us out at 3855 Washington Rd. Martinez, Ga. 30907 or at our website www.playpscg.com. They take reservations every day for parties and group Events!

About the Augusta GreenJackets

2022 Augusta GreenJackets season seat memberships are on sale now. To learn more about the benefits and to get in on the action, visit www.gjmembers.com or call (803) 349-WINS (9467).

Opening Day is Tuesday, April 19th, 2022 – Mark your Calendars!

SRP Park is the anchor piece of Riverside Village, a live, work, “playball” development which includes apartment living, retail, restaurants, class “A” office space, and a Crowne Plaza Hotel and Conference Center. To learn more about SRP Park and hosting events and availability, visit www.thesrppark.com.

– GreenJackets –

Gwinnett Stripers Award $2,500 September Grant to Helping Mamas

 

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – The Gwinnett Stripers, in conjunction with the Atlanta Braves Foundation, have awarded their $2,500 September grant to Helping Mamas.

Helping Mamas, based in Norcross, is a baby supply bank that partners with over 150 agencies to provide low-income mothers and children with access to basic needs and essential items (like diapers, wipes, car seats, cribs, etc.) to help them thrive and grow. Over the last seven years, Helping Mamas has distributed over two million essential items to families throughout Georgia.

The Stripers selected Helping Mamas to receive the September grant, focused on Health and Wellness. The $2,500 grant will be utilized by the organization to purchase items of critical basic need for their distribution events. The funds will support the diapering of approximately 825 children through mobile distributions to families desperately in need.

“We appreciate the support from local community partners like the Gwinnett Stripers,” said Jan Ruth Mayheu, Director of Major Giving for Helping Mamas. “With this grant, we will serve hundreds of families experiencing diaper needs during these trying times. Collaborations and community partners are what help make our communities stronger and keep families healthy and thriving.”

Representatives from Helping Mamas received the grant from the Stripers on September 17 at Coolray Field.

For more information on Helping Mamas, including how you can donate, visit helpingmamas.org.

About the Gwinnett Stripers Grant Program: The Stripers will award four $2,500 grants to different nonprofits in 2021, with each month focusing on a different category of nonprofit organizations aligning with the Atlanta Braves Foundation’s pillars of “Live, Learn, Play, and Serve.” The four categories are Service-oriented programs (June), Military programs (July), Youth programs (August), and Health and Wellness programs (September). Grant applications were collected through May 14. Each grant recipient will be recognized during a Stripers home game at Coolray Field in 2021.

For more information on the Grant Program and all other Stripers community initiatives, visit GoStripers.com/community.

M-Braves, MDPS hosting First Responder & Military Appreciation Night on Saturday, 9/11

 

PEARL, MS – On Saturday, September 11, the Mississippi Braves, in partnership with the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, and commissioner Sean Tindell, will remember and honor the bravery of American citizens and first responders on the 20th Anniversary of the 9/11 attacks with special pregame events, videos, and patriotic post-game fireworks.

All first responders, active-duty and retired military, and Mississippi Department of Public Safety employees will receive two complimentary tickets to the 6:05 pm game against the Montgomery Biscuits. The tickets will be available at the Trustmark Park box office by simply presenting your work ID or law enforcement badge.

“This will be the first time in team history the M-Braves have had a home game at Trustmark Park on September 11,” added Pete Laven, vice president, and general manager of the Mississippi Braves. “As an organization, we want to pay our respects to all of those that lost their lives on that day 20 years ago and honor them and our local first responders through our national pastime.”

Before the first pitch, the Mississippi Highway Patrol Honor Guard will present the evening’s colors, and the 172nd Airlift Wing of the Mississippi Air National Guard will perform a pregame flyover.

The first-place Mississippi Braves are playing their final homestand of the regular season this week through Sunday. For tickets and more information on promotions, or postseason ticket, fans can visit mississippibraves.com or call 888-BRAVES4.

M-Braves, Humana hosting Food Drive at Trustmark Park, Sept. 7-10

 

PEARL, MS – In partnership with the Mississippi Braves, Humana will be hosting a canned Food Drive benefiting the VA Food Pantry from Tuesday, September 7 through Friday, September 10 at Trustmark Park. Any fan that donates 2-or-more canned goods at the Trustmark Park Box Office between 10 am-3 pm will receive a $3 Field Level ticket for the September 11th game against the Montgomery Biscuits.

The Mississippi Braves will host their final homestand, September 7-12, against the Montgomery Biscuits at Trustmark Park. The homestand will feature the last Thirsty Thursday of 2021, Drew Waters MVP Statue Giveaway, Kid’s Backpack Giveaway presented by the Mississippi Department of Health, First Responders, and Military Appreciation Night on September 11, and Post-Game Fireworks presented by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety and Commissioner Sean Tindell. For a complete list of promotions and to purchase tickets, visit mississippibraves.com, or call 888-BRAVES4.

For any more questions on the Humana Food Drive, please contact Garrett Butler at 601-664-7630 or [email protected].

Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) is committed to helping our millions of medical and specialty members achieve their best health. Our successful history in care delivery and health plan administration is helping us create a new kind of integrated care with the power to improve health and well-being and lower costs. Our efforts are leading to a better quality of life for people with Medicare, families, individuals, military service personnel, and communities at large.

Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Technology Night Announced

For Immediate Release:

GreenJackets Media Contact:

(803) 349-9467

[email protected]

Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Technology Night Announced

In partnership with Augusta Technical College, SRP Park to host event on Friday, September 10th

North Augusta, SC – The Augusta GreenJackets, Single-A Affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, in partnership with Augusta Technical College is excited to announce the inaugural Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Night at SRP Park on Friday, September 10as a part of the baseball game against the Columbia FireFlies (Kansas City Royals). The first 1,000 fans will receive a collector’s Hot Prospect Poster Giveaway presented by Augusta Technical College.

“Augusta Technical College is proud to partner with the Augusta GreenJackets and regional manufacturers to expose K-12 students and families about the great careers available in our marketplace” stated college president Dr. Jermaine Whirl. “Advanced manufacturing is a multibillion-dollar industry throughout the CSRA, and we want to ensure we have a pipeline of talent that will keep this region prosperous for years to come.”

This new signature event provides K-12 students throughout the CSRA and their parents a unique look into the world of STEM education and opportunities. Participating exhibitors will allow students to receive a hands-on experience with virtual and augmented reality, robotics, 3D animation and printers, and so much more! To learn more about Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Night please visit: https://www.milb.com/augusta/community/atcmen

The evening festivities will kick off at 6 pm. Upon arrival at SRP Park, students are invited to check in at the Young Innovator’s Club table to receive a checklist and GreenJackets collector’s item. As students and parents visit and experience each exhibitor at SRP Park, they’ll sign your checklist. Upon completion, turn-in your checklist at the Shepeard Community Blood Center Guest Relations Booth – located by the main entrance on the concourse (next to the Beestro) – to be eligible for awesome prizes and experiences!

“Over the past year, the GreenJackets and Augusta Technical College have been putting the foundation together for this night as a way to showcase the Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering opportunities here in the CSRA, and we look forward to growing this new tradition at SRP Park,” stated GreenJackets Vice President Tom Denlinger. “We invite K-12 students and parents to come and check out the many great exhibitors on the main concourse while cheering on GreenJackets Baseball for our final homestand.”

Throughout the game, guests will be able to see the amazing technology, talent and work experiences that make up the exciting new world of Advanced Manufacturing in the CSRA. All the activities and exhibits are being planned to share that story, and the evening programming and entertainment will be designed to open the eyes of young people who represent the future manufacturing workforce.

Educators and manufacturers including Augusta Technical College, Augusta Economic Development Authority, Carole Fabrics, Columbia County Development Authority, Georgia Power, GIW-KSB, Ingevity, Technical Training Aids, Textron and others will be on hand with exhibits.

To learn more and to purchase discounted tickets available for K-12 students and parents visit: https://www.milb.com/augusta/community/atcmen

The MLB Mandated clear bag policy is in effect for the 2021 season. Click herefor a complete rundown of SRP Park Gameday Rules.

To stay up to date on all things GreenJackets follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and sign up for the ‘Jackets Buzz e-newsletter today by visiting https://bit.ly/AGJBuzz.

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About Augusta Technical College

Augusta Technical College, a unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, is a public postsecondary academic institution that provides technical education, customized business and industry training, continuing education, student support, economic development, and adult education services to its service area (Burke, Columbia, Lincoln, McDuffie, and Richmond Counties) at a competitive financial value. Associate of Science Degrees, Associate of Applied Science Degrees, diplomas, and technical certificates of credit are provided through traditional and distance delivery methods. For more information, visitaugustatech.edu.

About SRP Park/Augusta GreenJackets

GreenJackets Baseball Tickets are on sale now and available online www.GreenJacketsBaseball.com. Join us to BEE a FAN all summer long at SRP Park. 2022 Augusta GreenJackets season seat memberships are on sale now. To learn more about the benefits and to get in on the 2021 action, visit www.gjmembers.com or call (803) 349-WINS (9467).

The Low-A East schedule is subject to change. It is the Low-A East and Major League Baseball’s commitment to protecting the health and safety of players, club employees, and fans.

SRP Park is the anchor piece of Riverside Village, a live, work, “playball” development which includes apartment living, retail, restaurants, class “A” office space, and a Crowne Plaza Hotel and Conference Center. To learn more about SRP Park and hosting events and availability, visit www.thesrppark.com.

– GreenJackets –

Gwinnett Stripers Award $2,500 August Grant to Mentor Me North Georgia

 

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – The Gwinnett Stripers, in conjunction with the Atlanta Braves Foundation, have awarded their $2,500 August grant to Mentor Me North Georgia.

Mentor Me North Georgia is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the diverse needs of children and youth, ages 6 to 17, in Forsyth County since 2002. Their mission is to serve school-age children and youth in need of positive role models, to help them grow into healthy and productive members of our society and community.

The Stripers selected Mentor Me North Georgia to receive the August “Youth Programs” themed grant. The $2,500 grant will be utilized by the organization to expand its Mentoring After School (MAS) program at elementary schools in North Georgia.

“Mentoring is reciprocal and a collaborative effort that provides youth with character development, drives personal growth, and develops a skill set that gives every child the opportunity to reach their full potential,” said Kerry Carithers, Executive Director of Mentor Me North Georgia. “Thank you to the Gwinnett Stripers and the Atlanta Braves Foundation for their generous support. The grant will allow our organization to expand our outreach by serving more youth in our Mentoring After School (MAS) program this Fall.”

Representatives from Mentor Me North Georgia received the grant from the Stripers on August 13.

For more information on Mentor Me North Georgia, including how you can make a donation, visit mentorga.org.

About the Gwinnett Stripers Grant Program: The Stripers will award four $2,500 grants to different nonprofits in 2021, with each month focusing on a different category of nonprofit organizations aligning with the Atlanta Braves Foundation’s pillars of “Live, Learn, Play, and Serve.” The four categories are Service-oriented programs (June), Military programs (July), Youth programs (August), and Health and Wellness programs (September). Grant applications were collected through May 14. Each grant recipient will be recognized during a Stripers home game at Coolray Field in 2021.

For more information on the Grant Program and all other Stripers community initiatives, visit GoStripers.com/community.

M-Braves to host Autism Awareness Day on Sunday at Trustmark Park

 

PEARL, MS – The Mississippi Braves have partnered with William Carey University to help raise awareness and funds for the fight against Autism this Sunday, July 22, when the M-Braves host the Biloxi Shuckers at 2:05 pm.

Mississippi Braves players and coaches will wear special Autism Awareness jerseys, featuring the Braves logo across the chest with Autism Awareness puzzle pieces. A silent auction will be held at Trustmark Park beginning when gates open at 1:00 pm for fans to bid on each player and coach’s jersey. The current M-Braves roster features 11 of the Atlanta Braves top 30 prospects, including 2019 first-round selections Shea Langeliers and Braden Shewmake. Immediately following the game, players will autograph their jerseys for the auction winners. In addition, the jerseys will be signed by the player that wears them. The silent auction will end after the last out of the 6th inning.

Proceeds to the jersey auction will benefit TEAAM, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of Mississippians with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Intellectual Disabilities, Developmental Disabilities, or Specific Learning Disabilities by cultivating and enhancing family and community supports.

“TEAAM has been honored to support the autism community now for more than two decades,” added Dr. Mark H. Yeager, executive director of TEAAM Autism. “We have just completed our 21st summer of providing summer camp fun for youth and adults with autism. Over those years we have seen numerous families benefit from what we see as our mission, providing community-based experiences and access to recreational events such as this event partnering with the Mississippi Braves! It is partnerships such as these with William Carey University and the Mississippi Braves that allow us to continue to grow the opportunities for individuals and their families. And of course, we are honored to have both Mississippi teams on the field for our day in the sun!”

The M-Braves and William Carey University aim to create an environment that will allow families dealing with Autism to enjoy a day at Trustmark Park while raising awareness for Autism, a disorder that affects one in 59 American children. Sunday is also Family Fun Day, with post-game kids run the bases after the game.

“William Carey University is proud to support the efforts of Dr. Yeager, our faculty member and coordinator of our special education department, and his TEAAM organization in all of the work they do in the field of autism,” said Ben Burnett, Ph.D., executive vice president at WCU. “He has dedicated his entire career to serving those with special needs and WCU is proud to have him teaching and leading on our campus.”

For tickets to Sunday’s game and information on upcoming promotions, visit mississippibraves.com, or call 888-BRAVES4.

Gwinnett Stripers Award $2,500 July Grant to Gwinnett Coalition

 

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – The Gwinnett Stripers, in conjunction with the Atlanta Braves Foundation, have awarded their $2,500 July grant to the Gwinnett Coalition and its Gwinnett Veterans Resource Center.

The Gwinnett Veterans Resource Center (GVRC) seeks to meet the needs of veterans and their military families by providing information, referrals, and resources in a welcoming environment that honors their service and sacrifice to our country.

The Stripers selected the Gwinnett Coalition to receive the July “Military” themed grant. The $2,500 grant will be utilized by the Gwinnett Coalition in the GVRC’s Gift Card Program. To address food insecurity and prevent loss of transportation (which can cause job loss), the GVRC assists veterans and their families with gift cards to purchase food and gas. Veterans who receive gift cards for specific purchases are required to submit receipts showing that the card was used for the purpose for which it was given.

“We are grateful to the Gwinnett Stripers for this generous contribution to our efforts to help Gwinnett veterans in need,” said Renee Byrd-Lewis, Executive Director of Gwinnett Coalition. “Everyone needs the basics, like food and gas, a roof over their head, to be safe, to belong, and to live to their full potential. Those who’ve served our country have sacrificed so much and when our veterans fall on hard times, we owe it to them to step in and give them the support they need. Thanks to this grant we will be able to connect more veterans and their families to a wealth of resources that will enable them to thrive.”

Representatives from the Gwinnett Coalition received the grant from the Stripers during the “Red, White, & BOOM Patriotic Celebration” on July 9.

For more information on the Gwinnett Coalition, including how you can make a donation, visit www.gwinnettcoalition.org.

About the Gwinnett Stripers Grant Program: The Stripers will award four $2,500 grants to different nonprofits in 2021, with each month focusing on a different category of nonprofit organizations aligning with the Atlanta Braves Foundation’s pillars of “Live, Learn, Play, and Serve.” The four categories are Service-oriented programs (June), Military programs (July), Youth programs (August), and Health and Wellness programs (September). Grant applications were collected through May 14. Each grant recipient will be recognized during a Stripers home game at Coolray Field in 2021.

For more information on the Grant Program and all other Stripers community initiatives, visit GoStripers.com/community.