2022 Shorebirds Summer Reading Program Presented by Caprichos Books Donated Over 200 Books

SALISBURY, MD – The Delmarva Shorebirds Summer Reading Program presented by Caprichos Books rewards kids for completing their library’s summer reading program with two free tickets to a Shorebirds game.

For the 2022 season, over 30 libraries across Delmarva participated in the program and over 8,000 tickets were distributed to the participants. The Shorebirds and Caprichos Books visited 12 libraries with Sherman to read to the kids as well as facilitate a book exchange with books provided by Caprichos Books.

Through the book exchange, the Shorebirds were able to donate over 200 books to local free little libraries across Delmarva to help spread the joy of reading in our community. “We are very appreciative of Caprichos Books and our local libraries for helping us donate this incredible amount of books to little libraries on the Eastern Shore,” said Shorebirds Community Relations Manager, Sam Lehman. “Literacy on Delmarva is very important to the Shorebirds and something we like to expand upon each year through our community initiatives like the Summer Reading Program.”

Caprichos Books enjoyed partnering with the Shorebirds Summer Reading Program and the reach it had on the community. “This was such a great opportunity to visit all over Delmarva with the Shorebirds and I am proud of how many people we were able to reach in our first year partnership. Caprichos Books looks forward to continuing to meet and support readers and literacy programs with the Shorebirds and library partners,” explained Caprichos Books owner, Liz Decker

To learn more about the Shorebirds’ community initiatives, upcoming events, and the 2023 season, visit the shorebirds.com or follow the Shorebirds’ Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts.

Tides Front Office to Participate in MLB's Play Ball Weekend at Tidewater Park Elementary

The Norfolk Tides today announced that the front office will be participating in Major League Baseball’s “Let’s Play Weekend” on Friday, June 10. The initiative is for Minor League Baseball teams to get together with their local schools to celebrate the game of baseball and encourage the kids to play.

While the team on the road at Nashville, the Norfolk Tides front office will visit Tidewater Park Elementary. The school is just down the road from Harbor Park and is in Booker T. Washington High School’s district.

The Tides’ front office will arrive and set up at 10 a.m. on Friday and finish around noon. The kids will be divided up into groups of 20 or so kids, and play 10 vs. 10 whiffle ball games. The students will all have an opportunity to hit and play the field, learning how to play and enjoy the game with friends.

After the students are finished playing, they will be treated with ice cream. Team mascot Triton will also be on site to play with and take pictures with the kids.

Tides to Do Field Makeover at Suffolk Youth Athletic Association

The Norfolk Tides today announced their grounds crew and front office staff will travel to Suffolk Youth Athletic Association to makeover their baseball field. This comes after winning a contest held online on the Tides website, where the league earned the most votes by fans.

The Tides will head to the field on Tuesday May 3, and will be there from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The renovations will include regrading the field, leveling the field and then topping it with turface. The staff will also be redoing their bleachers by providing the league with fresh wood.

Since the inaugural renovation in 2012, the Tides have renovated 15 local fields: Eason’s Crossroads (Gates, NC), Ocean View Little League (Norfolk), Smithfield Recreation Association (Smithfield), Bennett’s Creek Little League (Suffolk), Phoebus Little League (Hampton), Shore Little League (Nassawadox), Cradock Little League (Portsmouth), Little Creek National (Norfolk), Gloucester Youth Baseball (Gloucester), Surry County Pony Baseball (Surry), Deer Park Youth Field (Newport News), Plaza Little League (Virginia Beach), Thalia/Malibu Baseball (Virginia Beach), Churchland Little League (Portsmouth) and Albemarle (North Carolina).

The project is made possible thanks to the Tides Youth Baseball Fund, a program established by the Tides in 1990 as a way to raise money for youth baseball and softball programs in Hampton Roads. The Youth Baseball Fund is partially financed by scoreboard announcements at Harbor Park throughout the season, and those wishing to make a donation directly to the Youth Baseball Fund can do so via norfolkides.com under the “Harbor Park” section.

The Norfolk Tides are in the middle of a two-week road trip and just finished a six-game series at Gwinnett. Tomorrow, the Tides head to Nashville for the first time in franchise history. They play at 7:35 p.m. ET from Tuesday, May 3 through Saturday, May 7. The series finale between Nashville and Norfolk will be at 3:05 p.m. ET on Sunday May 8 before the Tides head back to Harbor Park to host Memphis on May 10 at 6:35 p.m.

Shorebirds to Host Walk-In Wednesdays Job Interviews!

 

Salisbury, MD — The Delmarva Shorebirds and Professional Sports Catering will be hosting Walk-In Wednesdays with open interviews starting March 2 from 3-6 PM to fill various gameday roles. Professional Sports Catering is looking to fill the positions of cooks, suite attendants, catering attendants, and cashiers for the 2022 Shorebirds season.

How it works: Interested applicants can arrive to Arthur W. Perdue Stadium between 3-6 PM on Wednesdays, interview, and potentially be hired on the spot for the Shorebirds 2022 season! The whole process should take less than 30 minutes and all applicants are encouraged to fill out an application early by clicking here to expedite the process.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Shorebirds front office at 410-219-3112 or e-mail [email protected].

National Anthem Auditions Set for April 2

 

The Bowie Baysox will host live auditions at Prince George’s Stadium on Saturday, April 2, 2022 to perform the national anthem before a 2022 Baysox home game. Stadium gates will open for registration at 9:00 a.m. and auditions will begin at 9:30 a.m. The team will feature a live performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” before all 69 home games this season as it has done for all home games since 1994.

Every participant must register in person, and auditions will be conducted on a first-come, first-audition basis. The auditions will be held rain or shine. National Anthem word/lyric sheets will not be permitted to be used during the audition process nor will they be permitted to be used by those selected to perform the anthem on a game date. All auditions must be done in person. No recordings or videos will be accepted as an audition. People who either performed or were approved to perform during the 2021 season do not have to audition again this year.

The auditions are open to any individual or small group that is interested. Auditions are open to singers and instrumentalists.

Large groups such as school or church organizations interested in performing the national anthem at a game should call the Baysox at (301) 464-4880 during regular business hours, Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and speak with a member of our Group Events department.

The 2022 Bowie Baysox season will begin on Friday, April 8, 2022 against the Richmond Flying Squirrels at 7:05 p.m. Keep up to date with all the Baysox news during the offseason by visiting baysox.com and be sure to follow the Baysox on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

For Anthem Audition questions, please e-mail [email protected] with the subject “Anthem Auditions”.

Tides Organization to Continue Youth Field Renovation Project

 

The Norfolk Tides today announced the return of The Youth Field Makeover Project, a contest in which a local youth field will be renovated by Tides groundskeepers and front office staff. This field makeover will include an upgrade to the playing surface, an improvement to existing dugouts, based on need. The recipient of the makeover will be determined by a fan vote on the Tides website in March.

“Year in and year out, this is a special project that allows our staff to give back to very deserving members of the Hampton Roads community” said Tides General Manager Joe Gregory. “Each time we help renovate a field, we’re just thrilled to be making a difference.”

Those interested in having the Tides make over their facility should submit a picture of their field to Heather McKeating at [email protected]. Along with the photo, fans are asked to include a brief synopsis of why their league’s field should receive this enhancement. The deadline to submit this information is March 11, with online voting set to take place on the Tides website after March 14.

Since the inaugural renovation in 2012, the Tides have renovated 15 local fields: Eason’s Crossroads (Gates, NC), Ocean View Little League (Norfolk), Smithfield Recreation Association (Smithfield), Bennett’s Creek Little League (Suffolk), Phoebus Little League (Hampton), Shore Little League (Nassawadox), Cradock Little League (Portsmouth), Little Creek National (Norfolk), Gloucester Youth Baseball (Gloucester), Surry County Pony Baseball (Surry), Deer Park Youth Field (Newport News), Plaza Little League (Virginia Beach), Thalia/Malibu Baseball (Virginia Beach), Churchland Little League (Portsmouth) and Albemarle (North Carolina).

The project is made possible thanks to the Tides Youth Baseball Fund, a program established by the Tides in 1990 as a way to raise money for youth baseball and softball programs in Hampton Roads. The Youth Baseball Fund is partially financed by scoreboard announcements at Harbor Park throughout the season, and those wishing to make a donation directly to the Youth Baseball Fund can do so via norfolkides.com under the “Harbor Park” section.


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Black History Month Feature: Shorebirds Top 5 Black Players 

 

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 Delmarva Shorebirds.

CEDRIC MULLINS

Cedric Mullins, 27, started his major league career after being drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 13th round of the 2015 MLB Draft. Making his MLB debut in 2018, Mullins developed across 4 different minor league teams, including the Delmarva Shorebirds in 2016 where he earned his first Orioles Organizational All-Star nod.

Raised in Snellville, Georgia where he attended Brookside High School, Mullins began his collegiate career at Louisburg College before transferring to Campbell University becoming the first person from Louisburg to make the MLB. After joining the Orioles organization, Mullins played parts of 5 seasons in the minors highlighted by his 2016 season with the Shorebirds where he hit .273 with 14 home runs, 55 RBI, and 30 stolen bases in 124 games.

After Delmarva, Mullins continued his upward trajectory moving up to Double-A and Triple-A the next few seasons bouncing between the Bowie Baysox and the Norfolk Tides. In 2018, Mullins got the call up from the O’s making his MLB debut on August 10, 2018.

Mullins debut was against the Red Sox bringing in 3 hits, 2 RBI, drawing a walk, and scoring 3 runs. Mullins’ fast start helped make a name for himself becoming the first Oriole in franchise history to earn three hits in his MLB debut and became only one of five players in MLB history to score three or more runs and collect two or more base hits in his debut.

From there, Mullins has continued to perfect is craft which shined through recently during the 2021 campaign. In 2021, Mullins hit for a .291 batting average and .518 slugging percentage turning in an impressive 30/30 season. Mullins dominant season resulted in being named a 2021-22 MLB All-Star as well as earning a Silver Slugger in the outfield.

MYCHAL GIVENS

Mychal Givens’ journey throughout the majors has been one to remember for the Delmarva Shorebirds and Orioles fans alike. Having a high school career that turned heads of MLB scouts, Givens has been racking up accolades throughout his baseball career.

During his high school playing days, Givens dominated winning two All-State selections and was selected to be in the Aflac All-American High School baseball game. Not stopping there, Givens earned the Jackie Robinson Award, given to the nation’s best high school baseball player, capping off a stellar high school career as one of the most highly touted prospects in 2009.

Instead of electing to play in college, Givens was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles as the 54th overall selection in the 2009 MLB draft. Entering the Orioles organization, Givens began his professional career as a shortstop with Delmarva before making the transition to the mound where he found his path to the big leagues.

After being brought back up to Delmarva in 2013, this time as a pitcher, Givens pitched 42.2 innings recording 36 strikeouts with a 4.22 ERA. After 5 years in the minors, Givens got the call-up to the Orioles on June 24, 2015 where he tossed a scoreless inning, striking out one batter.

Givens’ role throughout his tenure with the Orioles varied. Being used as a set-up man, relief pitcher, and sometimes a starter, Givens found himself in a utility role being able to fill many gaps in any pitching staff. Traded to Colorado and then Cincinnati at the end of the 2020 season, Givens ended his time with Baltimore notching a 3.32 ERA, 20 saves, and a WHIP rating of 1.137.

WILLIE HARRIS

Willie Harris continues to be one of the most memorable second basemen to ever play for the Shorebirds spending the better part of two seasons on the Eastern Shore including the 2000 championship season for Delmarva. Harris, recently selected to the Shorebirds silver anniversary team, was a table-setter for the Shorebirds scoring 106 runs in 2000 etching himself into the history books as no Shorebird has come within 15 runs of his single-season runs scored record.

The championship season was just the beginning for Harris. He jumped straight to Double-A Bowie in 2001, hitting .305 with 54 stolen bases in a full season with the Baysox. The O’s rewarded him with a September callup on September 2, 2001, and he played nine games with Baltimore to close out the season. His time at Camden Yards was brief, though; the Orioles traded him to the White Sox that offseason.

Harris became a key contributor for the White Sox, playing in 313 games for Chicago over the next four seasons. In 2006, Harris joined the Red Sox as a free agent and bounced around between the Braves, Nationals, Mets, and Reds before calling it quits in 2012 at age 34. He played in 1046 games over his 12 major league seasons, batting .238 with 39 home runs and 212 RBIs and 365 runs scored.

DARNELL MCDONALD

Darnell McDonald was a journeyman in MLB as an outfielder and member of the Baltimore Orioles, Minnesota Twins, Cincinnati Reds, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, and the Chicago Cubs after beginning his professional baseball career in Delmarva in 1998.

Originally a dual-sport athlete in baseball and football at Cherry Creek High School, McDonald was a two-time baseball All-American and essential contributor to one of the most successful high school sports dynasties in Colorado history. Exiting high school as a highly touted prospect, McDonald was recruited to play both football and baseball before making the decision to focus strictly on baseball.

Drafted late in the first round with the 26th overall pick in the 1997 MLB draft by the Baltimore Orioles, the Colorado native found his way to Delmarva quickly in his first season in the O’s system. Garnering high expectations as a first round draft pick, McDonald want on to have an illustrious career in the minors including a 134 game stint with the Shorebirds that fans surely will remember.

With Delmarva in 1998 after just 4 games in Frederick to start the year, McDonald was a force at the plate and on the bases. In that season alone, McDonald slugged for a .261 average and stole 35 bases which ended up being a professional career high. The success in Delmarva was just the beginning as McDonald would then quickly work his way up through the Orioles farm system on his journey to Baltimore.

In 2003, McDonald earned the call up to Triple-A Affiliate before eventually punching his ticket to the big leagues making his Major League Baseball debut on April 30, 2004. McDonald ended his career in Baltimore playing in just 17 games, before joining various other teams with his most notable seasons with the ’09 Cincinnati Reds and ’10 Boston Red Sox.

TIM RAINES JR.

Tim Raines Jr. is a name that stands out and is by far one of the most recognized players from his time with the Delmarva Shorebirds. Raines, son of MLB Hall Of Famer Tim Raines, attended Seminole High School in Sanford, Florida playing center field and entering the prospect circuit as a very promising player.

The Baltimore Orioles selected Raines in the 6th round pick, 189th overall, in the 1998 MLB draft. Coming to Delmarva in 1999, Raines quickly made a name for himself playing in 117 games collecting 103 hits with 34 extra-base hits. From there Raines quickly moved his way up through the minor league ranks making his MLB debut on October 1st, 2001.

On October 4th, 2001, Tim Raines Junior and Tim Raines Senior would become just the second father-son duo to play together in MLB history (first being Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr.). Raines did not play for Baltimore in 2002 but returned for another two seasons in ‘03. In three total seasons for the O’s, Raines hit .213 with seven RBI and no home runs in 75 total games.

Black History Month: Top Five Black Players In Bowie Baysox 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 Bowie Baysox.

JEFFREY HAMMONDS

After being the 4th overall pick in the 1992 MLB First Year Player Draft by the Baltimore Orioles, Hammonds played on the USA Olympic Team during that summer. After playing in one game at Camden Yards during the pre-Olympic Tour, he signed with the Orioles immediately following the game and was introduced to the home crowd during that night’s Orioles vs. Twins game.

He would be assigned to begin his first pro season with the new Bowie Baysox in 1993 and played in 24 games with the club, hitting .283/3/10 before being promoted to AAA Rochester. He played in 36 games with the Red Wings before being promoted to Baltimore.

Hammonds would hit .305 during his first year in Baltimore and play for the Orioles from 1993-1998 before being traded to Cincinnati where he would play two seasons. He was then traded to Colorado for the 2000 season where he was selected as a National League All-Star and hit .335 with 20 home runs and 106 RBIs. He then signed a 3-year deal with Milwaukee but struggled with injuries during that tenure. He would also play for the Giants in 2003-04 and the Nationals in 2005 before retiring.

In a career that came full circle, he played his final pro game at Prince George’s Stadium while on a rehab assignment for the Nationals with the Harrisburg Senators.

Today, Hammonds is the Associate Director of Player Programs and Initiatives at the Major League Baseball Players Association in New York.

In Bowie, Hammonds will forever be known as the first Baysox player to have ever been called up to the Major Leagues.

CALVIN PICKERING

A 35th round (976 overall) Draft Pick of the Orioles in the 1995 MLB First Year Player Draft, Calvin Pickering had to overcome big odds against him making it to the big leagues. He was an intriguing talent, with the power to match his 6’5″ and 2660 pound frame. He steadily progressed through the Orioles minor league system and showing the baseball world what he could do.

In 1996, he hit .325/18/66 for rookie-level Bluefield in 60 games and followed that up with a .311/25/79 line in 122 games for low-A Delmarva in 1997. Then came a big promotion from low-a to double-A Bowie, skipping over high-A Frederick, for the 1998 season. He would not be phased.

Pickering would continue his development in a big way during the 1998 season with the Baysox, hitting .309 with 31 home runs and 114 RBIs (a single season Bowie record that still stands) on his way to winning the Eastern League MVP award. He also won the home run and RBI legs of the Triple Crown in the league.

Following his MVP season, he would be called up to Baltimore to make his MLB Debut on September 12, 1998. He would spend much of the next three seasons at AAA Rochester, being called up to Baltimore for one 23-game stint with the Orioles in 1999. He would play a total of 95 MLB Games with Baltimore, Boston, Cincinnati and Kansas City between 1998-2005.

In Bowie, he will forever be the first league MVP in team history.

CURTIS GOODWIN

A 12th round selection of the Baltimore Orioles in the 1991 MLB First Year Player Draft, outfielder Curtis Goodwin wasn’t among the top rated players in his draft class. He did make a name for himself in the Orioles system with his hitting prowess and speed. In 1992 & 1993, Goodwin hit .282 with a total of 113 stolen bases between Low-A and High-A. He would be assigned to play with Bowie during a rather unique season in 1994.

The Baysox were scheduled to play a full season in their new home of Prince George’s stadium in 1994, however construction delays brought on by weather issues in the winter delayed the opening until mid-June. The Baysox would play “home” games at the United states Naval Academy, University of Maryland and Harry Grove Stadium in Frederick before playing their first real home game on June 16, 1994. These developments didn’t seem to slow down Goodwin in his quest to make it to the Majors.

Goodwin had a season to remember for the Baysox that year, leading the team in games played (142), at bats (597), runs scored (105), hits (171), stolen bases (59) while hitting .286. Those numbers still rank as single-season records for the Baysox franchise today.

He would be called up for his MLB Debut with the Orioles on June 2, 1995 and play 87 games for the big club that season. He would go on to play two seasons with the Reds in 1996-97, one season with Colorado (1998) and split the 1999 season between the Cubs and Blue Jays. He played a total of 431 MLB games. He finished his playing career spending 73 games with Oklahoma City (AAA) in 2001 and playing in some independent leagues between 2002-2007.

One of seven first round draft picks of the Orioles in the 1999 MLB First Year Player Draft, Keith Reed was rated as the Orioles #1 prospect in 2001 and made his MLB Debut for the Orioles on May 11, 2005.

Reed would be assigned to play with Bowie for part of the 2001 season where he hit .254/1/8 in 18 games. He would return to Bowie and play 372 games over three seasons (2002-2004) with the Baysox.

He is among the Baysox all-time franchise leaders in many categories including:

  • Games played: 390 (5th)
  • Hits: 382 (3rd)
  • Runs: 189 (5th)
  • Doubles: 66 (8th)
  • Home Runs: 42 (4th)
  • RBIs: 176 (4th)

Reed would only get to play in six MLB games for Baltimore in his career, going 1-5 in 2005. He would spend the 2006 season with AAA Ottawa and then spent the 2007-08 seasons playing independent ball before retiring.

CEDRIC MULLINS

From being a 13th round draft pick to MLB All-Star, Cedric Mullins had a steady ascent through the Orioles farm system before hitting a roadblock on his way to becoming one of the top outfielders in the game today.

He would spend the 2017 season with Bowie, hitting .265/13/37 before returning to begin the 2018 season with the Baysox. He wouldn’t be in Bowie too long, playing in just 49 games and compiling a .313/6/28 line before getting promoted to AAA Norfolk. He would also get called up to Baltimore to make his MLB Debut on August 10, 2018 and play in 45 games for the Orioles.

Entering the 2019 season, he seemed to have a lock on a job in the outfield for the Orioles, but after hitting just .094/0/4 in 22 games, Mullins was sent back to AAA Norfolk where he continued to struggle. After 66 games at AAA, he would be sent back to Bowie to try to recapture what got him to the Big Leagues. Mullins would work hard and persevere in 51 games with the Baysox, hitting .271/5/18 and helping lead the team back to the playoffs and a berth in the Eastern League Championship series.

The 2020 MLB season, shortened by the Covid-19 pandemic, would see Mullins begin the season as part of the 30-man squad preparing at the “alternate training site” in Bowie. He would be called up early in the season and played in 48 games, hitting .271/3/12. He was back on the map and seemed to enter the 2021 season as the incumbent in centerfield. What came next, most people did not expect…except maybe Cedric.

Cedric started the 2021 season as the Orioles leadoff hitter and starting centerfielder and he would not relinquish that position all season long. He was a rock in the lineup, playing in 159 of 162 games and putting together a season to remember. He spent much of the season near the top of the American League batting leaders and finished with a .291 average. He also hit 30 home runs, a career high, and knocked in 59 runs. He also added 37 doubles (5th in A.L.), 30 stolen bases (2nd in the A.L.) and had 175 hits. He was also named as an American League All-Star for the first time in his career. He also won the MLBPAA Orioles Heart and Hustle Award.

In early February, 2022, Mullins revealed that he was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease in November, 2020. In the spring of 2020, Mullins felt ill for a bit but thought it might have been food poisoning. At the time, Trey Mancini was battling Colon cancer and Mullins was certainly concerned with the pain that followed throughout the season. He found out in November, 2020 that he had Crohn’s and over 10 centimeters of his intestine was surgically removed. Due to an infection, he lost around 20 pounds. He built himself back up and had a breakthrough and breakout season.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

We would be remiss if we didn’t mention the names and accomplishments of six additional players who suited up for part of their career in Bowie.

JERRY HAIRSTON, JR: Hairston was drafted by the Orioles in the 11th round of the 1997 MLB Draft. He made his pro debut with the rookie-level Bluefield Orioles in 1997. He made a quick rise up in the O’s farm system, beginning the 1998 season with high-A Frederick, where he played 80 games. He was then promoted to Bowie, where he hit .326 in 55 games and received a September promotion to Baltimore. He made his MLB Debut for the Orioles on September 11, 1998.

He would go on to have a 16 year Major League career, playing for the Orioles, Cubs, Rangers, Reds, Yankees, Padres, Nationals, Brewers and Dodgers. He would win a World Series as part of the 2009 Yankees team. Today, he works as part of the Dodgers broadcast team.

WILLIE HARRIS: A 24th round draft pick of the Orioles in the 1999 MLB Draft, Harris rocketed through the O’s farm system, reaching AA Bowie in just his 2nd full season in pro ball. He would not disappoint, putting together a solid season, hitting .305 with nine home runs and 49 RBIs while playing 133 games for the Baysox. He also stole 54 bases, a total that ranks second in Baysox team history for a single season. Following the Bowie season in 2001, he would be called up to Bowie for his his MLB Debut with the Orioles.

After the 2001 season, Harris was traded to the Chicago White Sox where he played for four seasons. He was an important piece of their 2005 World Series Championship. In game four, he scored the only run in a 1-0 win by the White Sox, clinching the series championship.

Following the 2005 season, he was picked up by the Red Sox and he would play 47 games in Boston in 2006. He would go on to play for Atlanta (2007), Washington (2008-10), New York Mets (2011) and Cincinnati (2012) before hanging up his cleats. Since retiring, Harris has served as a minor league coach and manager in the White Sox and Giants organizations. He has also served as the Cincinnati Reds baserunning and outfield coordinator and most recently was the third base coach for the Chicago Cubs.

TIM RAINES, JR.: “Little Rock” as many called him, was drafted in the 6th round of the 1998 MLB Draft by the Orioles. He would spend parts of the 2001-2003 seasons with the Baysox where he would show off his speed on the base paths. He would swipe 90 bases in his Bowie career, becoming the team’s all-time career leader in that category. In his minor league career, he amassed 453 stolen bases.

“Little Rock” is the son of Baseball Hall of Fame outfielder Tim “Rock” Raines. On October 4, 2001, Raines, Jr. played centerfield for the Orioles while his dad, played left field. They became the second major league father-son duo to play in the same game for the same team (Griffey’s). Raines, Jr. has also coached in the Orioles farm system, serving as the Hitting Coach for the Aberdeen IronBirds during the 2017 season.

WALTER YOUNG: Selected by the Pirates in the 31st round of the 1999 MLB Draft, Young was a very imposing figure. Standing 6′ 5″ tall and weighing around 300 pounds, Young could launch baseballs all over the ballpark. While a student at Purvis High School in Purvis, Mississippi, he turned down a scholarship offer to play football at LSU to sign with the Pirates. He would play in the minors for the Pirates though the 2003 season, but was released prior to the 2004 season and he was signed by the Orioles and assigned to Bowie.

During the 2004 season with the Baysox, he overcame a slow start to play in 133 games, hitting .274 with 33 home runs and 98 RBIs. The 33 home runs are tied for the single-season record in Baysox team history. Young would be named to the Eastern League All-Star game in 2004 and participate against Ryan Howard in the All Star Game Home Run Derby. During the Derby, Young launched a home run over the flag pole in deep centerfield that was going UP as it left the stadium.

Young would be called up to make his MLB Debut on September 6, 2005 after a solid season at AAA Ottawa. He would play in 14 games for the Orioles, hitting .303 with his only MLB home run. Those would be the only MLB games he would play. He would retire from baseball after playing for a few independent league teams between 2007-2010 and became a shift sergeant at the county jail in Forrest County Sheriff’s Department in Hattiesburg, MS. He died of a heart attack on September 19, 2015.

QUINCY LATIMORE

“Q” was originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 4th round of the 2007 MLB Draft out of Middle Creek High School in Apex, NC. Through 2021, he has played in over 1,700 professional games across the world, including stops in the U.S., Mexico and even Australia. Entering the 2022 season, he is looking forward to getting at least 43 more RBIs, which would give him 1,000 for his professional career.

Latimore was signed by the Orioles as a minor league free agent after playing the previous four seasons across the Eastern League, including two seasons in Altoona, one in Akron and one Harrisburg. The 2015 season would be his fifth consecutive season in the same Double-A league. It was here in Bowie where he had a breakout, hitting .274 with a career single-season best 20 home runs and 64 RBIs. He was also a key member of the Baysox 2015 Eastern League Championship Team, providing timely offense, stellar defense and infectious, positive attitude everyday at the ballpark. The 2022 season will be Latimore’s 15th professional season playing baseball and maybe his final season as a player.

DARNELL MCDONALD

D-Mac as his teammates called him throughout his career, was drafted by the Orioles in the first round of the 1997 MLB Draft out of Cherry Creek High School in Greenwood Village, CO. His first professional experience would be with the Low-A Delmarva Shorebirds, spending one season there in 1998. He would move up to High-A Frederick in 1999 and then join Bowie for the 2000 season. McDonald would play in 183 career games with the Baysox between 2000-2002 and would make his MLB Debut for the Orioles on April 30, 2004.

Throughout his professional baseball career, he played in over 1,800 games, 331 of those in the majors, for seven organizations including: Baltimore, Cleveland, Minnesota, Cincinnati, Boston, Yankees and Cubs. While with the Red Sox in 2010, he hit a pinch hit, game tying home run, making him just the ninth player in team history to hit a home run in his first at bat.

The Nine – Norfolk’s Top 5 Black Players All Time

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 Norfolk Tides:

Outfielder D.J. Dozier was born in Norfolk, Virginia on September 21, 1965. He attended Kempsville High School in Virginia Beach and excelled as a baseball and football player. He was drafted out of high school by the Detroit Tigers in the 18th round of the 1983 MLB Draft but elected to not sign and went to play football at Penn State University. Dozier led the Nittany Lions in rushing yards all four years he played and scored the game-winning touchdown in the 1986 Fiesta Bowl to help Penn State win the National Championship. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings with the 14th overall pick of the 1987 NFL Draft, but left the NFL after the 1989 season to pursue a baseball career. He signed with the New York Mets in 1990 and played two seasons with the Tidewater Tides in 1991 and 1992, where he totaled 107 games and batted .250 with eight home runs and 47 RBI. He played 25 games with the Mets in 1992, making him one of 67 people to have played a game in both MLB and the NFL. Dozier was inducted into the Hampton Roads Sports Hall of Fame in 2015.

Seven players have won league MVP for the Tides, and third baseman Butch Huskey was one of them. After the MLB Strike Year in 1994, Huskey returned for his second season with Norfolk and hit .284 with 28 home runs and 87 RBI in 109 games to earn the International League MVP Award and a Postseason All-Star selection. The 28 homers are tied for the third most by a Tide in a single season. In his career with Norfolk, Huskey played 238 games between three seasons (1994-95, 1998), hitting .253 with 38 home runs and 147 RBI. He ranks among Tides franchise career leaders in home runs (T-11th) and RBI (17th). Huskey went on to play in seven different seasons in MLB (1993, 1995-2000), totaling a .267 average, 86 home runs and 336 RBI in 642 games. Huskey was one of the last Mets to wear number 42 before MLB retired Jackie Robinson’s number throughout the league.

Like Dozier, Huskey was also a football player. He played both sports at Eisenhower High School in his hometown Lawton, Oklahoma, where he was an All-State tight end and was offered a scholarship to play at the University of Oklahoma. Instead, he signed with the New York Mets after being drafted in the seventh round of the 1989 MLB Draft.

Cedric Mullins

In 2015, outfielder Cedric Mullins was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 13th round in the MLB Draft out of Campbell University. Mullins started his baseball career as a switch hitter but decided to only bat left-handed before the 2021 season. That decision paid off, as he went on to earn his first MLB All-Star selection and won an AL Silver Slugger Award as an outfielder. In 159 games, he hit .291 with 91 runs, 37 doubles, 30 home runs, 59 RBI and 30 stolen bases. He was the second player in franchise history to record at least 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases, joining Ken Williams (St. Louis Browns, 1922). The outstanding season placed him ninth in AL MVP voting. He was the first Oriole to start in an All-Star game since Manny Machado did so at the shortstop position in 2018.

Mullins played 126 games with the Tides between the 2018 and 2019 seasons, hitting .235 with 81 runs, 25 doubles, 11 home runs, 43 RBI and 25 stolen bases. He hit leadoff in 111 of those games.

One of the most decorated players in Tides’ history is Darryl Strawberry, who was the number one overall pick in the 1980 MLB Draft by the New York Mets. After playing the 1982 season with Double-A Jackson, he was called up to Tidewater to help the Tides compete in the International League playoffs. He went 5-for-20 in five playoff games, including a home run and two RBI, which helped Tidewater go 6-0 in the playoffs for their second Governors’ Cup title.

Strawberry started the 1983 season with the Tides and played 16 games before being called up to the Mets. He went on to win the NL Rookie of the Year Award that season. Strawberry’s success continued from there, earning eight-straight All-Star selections from 1984 to 1991. He also won NL Silver Slugger Awards as an outfielder in 1988 and 1990, where he also placed in the top-three in MVP voting those seasons.

Strawberry is one of seven former number one overall picks to play for the Tides. Among former Tides, he ranks among MLB career leaders in home runs (335, 2nd), stolen bases (221, 8th) and RBI (1,000, 8th).

In game six of the 1986 World Series, Mookie Wilson made his mark in baseball history. With the Mets down to their final out against the Boston Red Sox, Wilson hit a routine groundball to first baseman Bill Buckner which should have won Boston their first World Series since 1918. However, the ball rolled through Buckner’s legs and Mets went on to win game six and seven to win the World Series.

Prior to winning a World Series with the Mets, Wilson played in three seasons with the Tides. He played two full seasons in 1979 and 1980, while playing nine games in 1986 on an injury rehab assignment. In 282 games, he hit .280 with 180 runs, 34 doubles, 24 triples, nine home runs, 84 RBI and 103 stolen bases. He’s the franchise leader in triples, while ranking third in stolen bases and tied for tenth in runs scored with Clint Hurdle. He’s one of eight Tides to play at least 140 games in a season and owns the single-season triples record with 14 in 1980.

Delmarva Shorebirds Announce 2022 Job Fair February 19, 2022!

 

Salisbury, MD – The Delmarva Shorebirds, in conjunction with Professional Sports Catering, are excited to announce the upcoming Shorebirds Job Fair at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium on Saturday, February 19, 2022 from 10 AM – 1 PM. The Shorebirds and Professional Sports Catering will be hiring for all positions and candidates that are interested in working for the Shorebirds this season must show up for the Shorebirds Job Fair on Feb. 19.

The Delmarva Shorebirds and Professional Sports Catering are seeking people to fill a wide variety of roles for the 2022 season of Shorebirds baseball. Positions include Grounds Crew, the Flock, Pressbox, Amusements, food service jobs, and many more that can be located in the Shorebirds 2022 Job Fair application.

Job seekers are encouraged to fill out an application prior to the Shorebirds Job Fair, which can be found by clicking here, however, applications will be available at Perdue Stadium on the day of the Job Fair if needed. The interview process should take less than 30 minutes and candidates should refrain from returning their application to Perdue Stadium prior to February 19.

As a member of the Shorebirds staff, gameday employees will receive the following additional benefits:

  • Complimentary Tickets for friends and family to select Shorebirds games
  • Shorebirds Staff Shirt and Jacket for the season
  • Shorebirds Merchandise Employee Discount
  • Opportunity to be entered into an incentive program to win special prizes at the end of the season
  • Shorebirds end of the season staff party

The ideal candidate must be trustworthy, outgoing, reliable, and enthusiastic. All applicants must be 16 years of age or older by April 8 in order to work for the Shorebirds or Professional Sports Catering.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to [email protected] or call 410-219-3112.

The Shorebirds staff is vital to powering the Shorebirds each and every season and making the magic of Perdue Stadium a reality for fans. The Shorebirds encourage all candidates to show up to the Shorebirds Job Fair on February 19 to be part of the best crew on the shore!

Baysox & MiLB adds to inclusion efforts with ‘The Nine’

 

Minor League Baseball has 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

Minor League Baseball has 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 — the 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.

Delmarva Shorebirds 2021 Holiday Community Impact

 

After the silver anniversary season of Delmarva Shorebirds baseball, the ‘Birds were eager to join together with community leaders to keep the good times rolling with an emphasis on creating a positive impact in our community. From packing boxes for those in need, to holiday gift drives, parades, and more,

After the silver anniversary season of Delmarva Shorebirds baseball, the ‘Birds were eager to join together with community leaders to keep the good times rolling with an emphasis on creating a positive impact in our community. From packing boxes for those in need, to holiday gift drives, parades, and more, the Shorebirds carried their mission through the beginning of the offseason to lend a helping hand and spread some holiday cheer to those on Delmarva this holiday season.

Thanksgiving for Thousands

The Delmarva Shorebirds kicked off the holiday season by participating in Mountaire Farms annual Thanksgiving for Thousands. The Shorebirds have been involved with Mountaire Farms Thanksgiving for Thousands for many years now and helped Mountaire pack over 10,000 Thanksgiving boxes for families in need across Delmarva. This event is a favorite of the Shorebirds front office and was a wonderful way to kick off the holiday season.

Salvation Army Bell Ringing

An annual tradition, the Delmarva Shorebirds’ front office staff partnered with the Shorebirds’ Fan Club to participate in Salvation Army’s Bell Ringing in front of the Salisbury Walmart this holiday season. By participating in bell ringing, the Shorebirds were able to help the Salvation Army raise holiday funds for families in need in our community, while sharing a smile and holiday cheer with customers and Shorebirds fans.

Santa’s Letters

Next, Sherman and the Shorebirds visited Santa’s Letters in Dagsboro, Delaware to help ring in the Christmas season. This event spread Christmas cheer by allowing kids to play in the winter wonderland, drink hot chocolate, and put their letter to Santa in Santa’s mailbox. Sherman was very excited for Santa to read his letter! Sherman and the Shorebirds enjoyed helping Santa’s Letters spread the joy of the holiday season for those young and old. Despite the cold, Sherman’s feathers kept him warm!

Home Instead’s “Be a Santa to a Senior” Program

At the beginning of December, the Delmarva Shorebirds partnered with Home Instead for their “Be a Santa to a Senior” program. The Shorebirds decorated a Christmas tree in their front lobby and put ornaments from Home Instead that were labeled with gifts that seniors could use this holiday season. With the help of our amazing fans, the Shorebirds were able to give many presents to the seniors in our community through the “Be a Santa to a Senior” Program. Plus, Sherman visited the MAC Center with Home Instead to spread holiday cheer to the seniors as they received their gifts. This wonderful community initiative is something the Delmarva Shorebirds welcomed for the first time this season and plan to join forces with Home Instead for the years to come.

Holiday Parades

Sherman was a very busy bird this holiday season as he attended seven (7) Christmas parades across Delmarva. On November 29th, the Shorebirds started their parade route by attending the Pocomoke Christmas Parade followed by the Berlin Christmas Parade a few days after on December 2nd. Sherman and the Shorebirds had a double header on December 4th as Sherman shook his tailfeather at both Ocean City and Seaford Christmas parades. Sherman flew closer to the nest on December 5th as he spread holiday cheer at the Salisbury Christmas Parade giving his hometown fans a reminder that baseball will soon be back at Perdue Stadium. The Shorebirds ended the parade route with the Rehoboth Christmas Parade on December 6th and the Bridgeville Christmas parade on December 12th.

Halo Trees of Hope Festival

The Shorebirds donated a Shorebirds themed Christmas tree decked out with various memorabilia including Shorebirds bobbleheads, upper reserved tickets to a Shorebirds game, and a Shorebirds Suite Night, all valuing at $1000 to Halo’s first Trees of Hope Festival. The Shorebirds’ Christmas tree along with many other trees donated by organizations across Delmarva were auctioned off with the proceeds benefiting Halo Ministry and their mission of helping those experiencing homelessness in the area.

Jaycees Christmas Shopping Tour

Sherman and the Shorebirds helped the Jaycees with their annual Christmas Shopping Tour where they spread the Christmas cheer and gave out Christmas gifts to children in the area at the Salisbury Elks Lodge #817. The Jaycees do amazing work in the community each year, and the Shorebirds are always excited for the opportunity to join forces with such a wonderful organization.

Penguin Swim

Sherman attended Atlantic General Hospital’s annual Penguin Swim in Ocean City on New Year’s Day! He cheered on attendees as they dipped their tail feathers in the ocean. Sherman was a warm, friendly face for the participants who dunked themselves in the frigid waters. The proceeds of the event benefited the hospital and their mission of providing quality care to their community, and Sherman and the Shorebirds were proud to support such an incredible event.

The Delmarva Shorebirds were able to join forces with incredible community members this holiday season to give back to our supportive community and spread holiday cheer. The Shorebirds participated in recurring events that are beloved by the team as well as new ones that the Shorebirds hope to continue year after year. With the 2022 Delmarva Shorebirds’ season quickly approaching, the team will continue to fulfill its mission of making a positive impact on the community as well as gearing up for an exciting 2022 season of Shorebirds baseball that is bound to be one of the best years yet!

Shorebirds and Concord Pet Foods & Supplies Donate over $2,500 in Pet Supplies and $900 in cash to Humane Society of Wicomico County

 

Through the Shorebirds Wag Your Tail Tuesday promotion during the 2021 season, the Shorebirds and Concord Pet Foods & Supplies were able to raise over $2,500 worth of pet supplies to donate to the Humane Society of Wicomico County. In addition, through Wag Your Tail Tuesdays and Shorebirds Season Ticket Holders, the Shorebirds were able to raise an additional $900 in cash to donate to the Humane Society of Wicomico County to aid in their efforts of finding forever homes for animals.

Through the Shorebirds Wag Your Tail Tuesday Promotion hosted every Tuesday starting on June 15, 2021, the Shorebirds and Concord Pet Foods & Supplies teamed up to allow fans to bring their dog to Perdue Stadium to watch a Shorebirds game. In turn, fans were able to gain free admission for their dogs if they donated a toy, treats, food, or paper towels to the Humane Society of Wicomico County. Through this initiative, the Shorebirds and Concord Pet Foods & Supplies were able to raise over $2,500 worth of pet supplies that were donated to the Humane Society of Wicomico County earlier this month.

“Through partners like Concord Pet Foods & Supplies, we are able to positively impact our community in a variety of different ways like the Wag Your Tail Tuesday Promotion,” said Shorebirds General Manager Chris Bitters. “We love seeing all the dogs at Perdue Stadium and we are thrilled to have been able to partner with Concord Pet Foods & Supplies, our Season Ticket Holders, and fans to donate pet supplies and a monetary donation to the Humane Society.”

In addition to the donation of pet supplies, the Shorebirds also teamed up with Season Ticket Holders and Concord Pet Foods & Supplies to raise an additional $900 to donate to the Humane Society of Wicomico County. Prior to the season, Season Ticket Holders were given the opportunity through the Shorebirds Season Ticket Holder rollover incentive program to donate a portion of their tickets to a charity of their choice. Through this program and monetary donations collected through the Wag Your Tail Tuesday promotion, the Shorebirds were able to provide the Humane Society of Wicomico County with an additional $900 to support their efforts in finding animals their forever home.

In total, the Shorebirds, Concord Pet Foods & Supplies, and Season Ticket Holders were able to raise over $3,400 in pet supplies and monetary donations to support the Humane Society of Wicomico County.

For more information on Shorebirds community initiatives, merchandise, season tickets, and anything in regards to the Shorebirds, please visit theshorebirds.com. Also, you can stay tuned in with everything leading up to the 2022 season of Shorebirds baseball slated to begin April 8, 2022 against the Fredericksburg Nationals by following the Shorebirds on social media on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Read & Hit a Home Run Reading Program Returns For 2022

 

Bowie, Md: The Bowie Baysox are excited to announce the return of their “Read & Hit a Home Run” Reading Program in partnership with Educational Systems Federal Credit Union for the 2021-2022 school year. This year marks the program’s 25th year working with schools to encourage literacy education around the region.

The program, which began in 1996 (the 4th season of Baysox Baseball), works with over 200 schools across the DMV region, impacting over 35,000 elementary and middle school students a year. Those numbers include public schools, private schools and area homeschools/co-ops, helping encourage and foster an excitement for literacy in students.

Registration for the free program is now open for the 2021-22 school year. Public, Private and Home Schools can register for the program HERE. Registered schools can participate in the program by having their students read four (4) books during the given time frame. Every student that completes the reading goal will receive two free tickets to their school’s Read & Hit a Home Run Reading Program Rewards game during the Baysox 2022 season. Students that completed the program will be recognized for their accomplishments during the game.

All reading teachers & media specialists and homeschool teachers/directors are encouraged to register their school. Once registered, all students can participate in a jersey design contest, with the winning design being unveiled at a school assembly. Actual jerseys will be made out of the winning design, and those jerseys will be worn by the Baysox players during a game. The game worn jerseys will be auctioned off with a portion of the proceeds being donated to the school of the winning designer.

To register your school and for more information on the program, CLICK HERE or contact Dani Fox, Reading Program Coordinator, at [email protected] or by calling 301.464.4873.

Shorebirds Raise over $4,900 for Operation We Care through 9/11 Patriotic Jersey Auction

 

On Saturday, September 11, 2021, the Delmarva Shorebirds wore special patriotic jerseys to honor the 20th anniversary of all those lost through the terrible attacks of September 11, 2001. Through the patriotic jersey auction, the Shorebirds were able to raise $4,916.52 for Operation We Care to support the men and women who serve in the military and as first responders. In addition, Operation We Care will be donating a portion of the proceeds to the Department of MD VFW Family Assistance Program.

“Operation We Care is a great initiative that the Shorebirds are proud to support each and every year,” explained Shorebirds General Manager Chris Bitters. “Our men and women in our military, hospitals, and first responders have been battling on the front lines throughout the pandemic and we are thrilled to support them by donating to Operation We Care to aid in their efforts.”

The special patriotic jerseys honored all our military branches with all the service marks located on the back of each jersey. On the front of the jersey underneath the Shorebirds script, was the United States official seal with stars and stripes located just below each player’s jersey number. On the right sleeve of each jersey, the Shorebirds placed a Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States badge in support of all veterans and those who have served our country. The jersey auction was held online from September 11 to September 22 with fans having the opportunity to bid on these special, game-worn autographed jerseys.

On September 11, 2021, the Shorebirds hosted a special patriotic night to honor the lives lost during the September 11th attacks presented by Pohanka of Salisbury. The night featured the players wearing these patriotic jerseys, special in-game tributes, and the night capped with the final fireworks show of the year presented by Pohanka of Salisbury.

For more information on jersey auctions, merchandise, season tickets, and anything in regards to the Shorebirds, please visit theshorebirds.com. Also, you can stay tuned in with everything leading up to the 2022 season of Shorebirds baseball slated to begin April 8, 2022 against the Fredericksburg Nationals by following the Shorebirds on social media on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.