Shuckers to salute Navy Sailor of the Year tonight in pregame ceremony

BILOXI, MS – Prior to tonight’s 6:35 pm contest against the Montgomery Biscuits, the Shuckers will recognize Naval Construction Battalion Center’s Sailor of the Year, Petty Officer 1st Class (SW/AW) Terrance L. Pringle.

Petty Officer Pringle is from Mobile, Alabama and joined the Navy in the Delayed Entry Program in April 1994. He received recruit training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes IL.

Petty Officer Pringle’s personal awards include Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievements Medal (7), Flag Letters of Commendations (3), Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Expert Pistol and Rifle, and various unit and campaign medals.

Upon graduation from boot camp, he reported to Airman Training School in Great Lakes, IL. Following training school, he reported onboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), North Island, CA, in December 1994 where he was assigned to Fuels Division as an undesignated airman.

He reported to Operation Specialist “A” School in Dam Neck, VA. After graduation, he transferred to his first command in June 2002, USS Taylor (FFG-50), Mayport FL where he advanced to Petty Officer 3rd class and Petty Officer 2nd class and earned the Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist designator.

In September 2004, Petty Officer Pringle crossed decked to the USS Philippine Sea (CG-58), Mayport FL after graduating from Anti-Submarine/Surface Tactical Air Controller “C” School, Norfolk, VA. As one of three ASTAC’s onboard, he logged over 720 hours of live and 130 synthetic control hours.

Following his tour on the Philippine Sea, he transferred to Commander, Navy Region South East Jacksonville, FL in July 2007. While at CNRSE he was assigned to the Regional Operational Center (ROC) and qualified as an Assistant Regional Watch Officer, Staff Career Counselor, and as the Building Manager. During this tour, he advanced to Petty Officer First Class.

In May 2010, Petty Officer Pringle transferred to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 70, Jacksonville, FL where he was converted to Navy Counselor and assumed the duties as the Administration Department Leading Petty Officer and earned the Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist designator.

In June 2014 Petty Officer Pringle reported to Naval Construction Battalion Center, Gulfport, MS to work as the Command Career Counselor.

He is married to Stacey of Jacksonville, FL and has two sons Mehkel (15) and Jayden (12), and resides in Gulfport, MS.

Every Saturday home game this season, fireworks will light up the sky over MGM Park and downtown Biloxi. Experience the best fireworks show on the Mississippi Gulf Coast! This show will have a Country music theme! The homestand will wrap up on Sunday with Family Fun Day and an appearance by Breakin’ BBoy McCoy. Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance at any Ticketmaster outlet or at biloxishuckers.com.

ABOUT THE BILOXI SHUCKERS:

The Biloxi Shuckers are the Double-A Southern League Affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. The Shuckers play at MGM Park in Biloxi, Mississippi. For more information please visit biloxishuckers.com and follow us on Twitter @biloxishuckers and at facebook.com/biloxishuckers.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Shuckers raise over $6,000 for March of Dimes

BILOXI, MS – For their April 22 game against the Jackson Generals, the Biloxi Shuckers wore special coast-themed jerseys which were auctioned off with the proceeds benefitting March of Dimes. In addition to the jersey auction, members of the Shuckers front office and seasonal employees participated in the South Mississippi March for Babies on April 29.

Biloxi Shuckers fans answered the call once again and helped to raise just over $6,000 for the March of Dimes from the jersey auction, proceeds from that night’s launch-a-ball promotion, t-shirt drive & online fundraising campaign.

Video: March of Dimes Jersey Night Recap

“The March of Dimes was thrilled to partner with the Biloxi Shuckers for our largest fundraising event, March for Babies,” said Jennifer Parker, Executive Director of Market Development at March of Dimes.

“The jersey auction was a great way to raise funds for the vital work of the March of Dimes. It was incredible to see so many people connect about the March of Dimes mission all the while enjoying a great evening of fun. My family won a jersey and my son now has it placed in a shadow box in his bedroom. The partnership between the Biloxi Shuckers and March of Dimes has made a remarkable impact on the monies raised here in Mississippi and the overall mission to give every baby a healthy start.”

The jerseys were designed by local tattoo artist Matt Stebly, showcasing the beauty of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The custom design features a redfish, a pelican and the iconic Biloxi lighthouse in a watercolor style. The game-worn jerseys were auctioned during the game in a silent auction. After the game, winners had the opportunity to meet the player or coach who wore the jersey and get it autographed.

The March of Dimes funds lifesaving research and works to end premature birth, birth defects, and infant mortality.

The Biloxi Shuckers are committed to their community and are proactively seeking ways to improve the quality of life on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The Shuckers partner with non-profits, military, schools and youth athletic organizations to provide benevolent outreach. In addition to financial assistance, the Shuckers front office staff has volunteered 144 hours so far in the community this year.

The Shuckers return to action tonight at MGM Park, in the homestand opener against the Montgomery Biscuits. First pitch tonight is scheduled for 6:35 pm. Bring your appetite to MGM Park each Wednesday this season for an all-you-can-eat buffet in the Left Field Terrace which will include hamburgers, hot dogs, and offerings from Papa John’s, Aztecas Restaurant & Cantina, Murky Waters, Krispy Kreme and more. The all-you-can-eat ticket is just $20! Season ticket holders will have the option to upgrade their tickets each Wednesday for only $10. Limited all-you-can-eat tickets are available, so reserve your spot in advance.

The homestand continues on Thursday with Thirsty Thursday and Star Wars Night, a Sand Koozie Giveaway presented by Corona on Friday, post-game fireworks on Saturday and Breakin’ BBoy McCoy and Family Fun Day on Sunday.

Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance at any Ticketmaster outlet or at biloxishuckers.com.

ABOUT THE BILOXI SHUCKERS:

The Biloxi Shuckers are the Double-A Southern League Affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. The Shuckers play at MGM Park in Biloxi, Mississippi. For more information please visit biloxishuckers.com and follow us on Twitter @biloxishuckers and at facebook.com/biloxishuckers.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Shuckers present check for $6,090 to William Carey University

BILOXI, MS – Prior to the Shuckers game against the Jackson Generals on April 24 at MGM Park, Biloxi Shuckers general manager Chuck Arnold and field manager Mike Guerrero presented William Carey University senior project manager Richard Vogel and athletic director D.J. Pulley with a check for $6,090.

“We can’t thank the Shuckers enough for what they have done for us,” said Vogel. “For the Shuckers to play a NAIA school in an exhibition game gained us much exposure on the coast. The contributed funds from tickets sold will go a long way to help our recovery and greatly improve our university. We have a vision of where we are going as a university, and we know the Shuckers will be a great partner for what we are trying to accomplish going forward.”

The check was net ticket proceeds from the exhibition game played between the Shuckers and Crusaders on April 4 at MGM Park. William Carey’s Hattiesburg campus was impacted by tornadoes in January with damages occurring to dorms, Tatum Court, Thomas Hall and the library.

“We are honored to have played a small role in the recovery efforts at William Carey University,” said Arnold. “We want to thank our fans for their generous support of this great cause.”

The Biloxi Shuckers are committed to their community and are proactively seeking ways to improve the quality of life on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The Shuckers partner with non-profits, military, schools and youth athletic organizations to provide benevolent outreach. In addition to financial assistance, the Shuckers front office staff has volunteered 144 hours so far in the community this year.

The Shuckers return to action tonight at 6:35 pm for game four of the series against the Jackson Generals. The Shuckers will offer $2 Polk’s hot dogs on Tuesdays this season and fans can bring in their Polk’s Meat Products label to the MGM Park box office and receive a buy one, get one Box or Reserved Level ticket! Also on Tuesday, the Gulf Coast Corvette Club will have a pregame parade around the warning track (weather permitting).The homestand continues through Wednesday with the first Education Day of the year on Wednesday with a Business Person’s special.

Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance at any Ticketmaster outlet or at biloxishuckers.com.

ABOUT THE BILOXI SHUCKERS:

The Biloxi Shuckers are the Double-A Southern League Affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. The Shuckers play at MGM Park in Biloxi, Mississippi. For more information please visit biloxishuckers.com and follow us on Twitter @biloxishuckers and at facebook.com/biloxishuckers.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Shuckers announce inaugural Kids Clinic series

BILOXI, MS – The Biloxi Shuckers announced plans for their inaugural Shuckers Kids Clinic Thursday morning, launching another effort to engage with the community through baseball.

The Biloxi Shuckers Kids Clinic aims to help youth baseball players along the Mississippi Gulf Coast improve their baseball skills while receiving hands-on instruction from former Mets catcher and Shuckers team ambassador Barry Lyons.

Lyons, a Biloxi native and Shuckers team ambassador, will lead the series of events as he imparts his wisdom gleaned from a 7-year Major League career. The 1986 World Series champion will enlist the help of current Shuckers players at the four camps over the course of the summer.

The clinics are tailored to different age groups to ensure that instruction is as personalized as possible. Camps on May 31 and June 12 are targeted towards kids age 5-8, and the June 1 and June 13 dates are intended for kids age 9-12.

Registration and sign-in begins at 8:30 a.m., and the clinics will run from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Participants will receive a Shuckers Kids Clinic t-shirt, autographs from Barry Lyons and Shuckers players, a Shuckers team photo, a ticket voucher for a 2017 game, Papa John’s pizza and pre-game recognition on the field before that night’s Shuckers game.

Kids are encouraged to bring their own baseball equipment and wear proper baseball attire, including a cap and athletic shoes or cleats. Water will be provided, and parents are invited to stay during the camp.

The cost of registration is $60 per child. Space is limited, so early sign-up is encouraged. Kids must be signed up by May 24 to guarantee the correct t-shirt size. For more information or to reserve your child’s spot at a Shuckers Kids Clinic, contact Community Relations Coordinator Jenifer Truong at (228) 271-3469 or jtruong@biloxishuckers.com.

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ABOUT THE BILOXI SHUCKERS: The Biloxi Shuckers are the Double-A Southern League Affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. The Shuckers play at MGM Park in Biloxi, Mississippi. For more information please visit biloxishuckers.com and follow us on Twitter @biloxishuckers and at facebook.com/biloxishuckers.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Shuckers and March of Dimes team up for fundraiser

BILOXI, MS – For their April 22 game against the Jackson Generals, the Biloxi Shuckers will trade in their usual uniforms for a good cause. Special coast-themed jerseys will be worn during the game, then auctioned off with the proceeds benefitting March of Dimes.

WATCH THE FACEBOOK LIVE UNVEILING 

The jerseys, designed by local tattoo artist Matt Stebly, showcase the beauty of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The custom design features a redfish, a pelican and the iconic Biloxi lighthouse in a watercolor style. The game worn jerseys will be auctioned during the game in a silent auction with proceeds benefiting March of Dimes. After the game, winners will have the opportunity to meet the player or coach who wore the jersey after the game and get it autographed.

“The March of Dimes is thrilled to partner with the Biloxi Shuckers and Matt Stebly for this unique fundraising opportunity,” said Jennifer Parker, Executive Director of Market Development for March of Dimes, Gulfport and Biloxi. “Our mission supporters look forward to having a great time at The Shuckers game on the 22nd and sharing the important work of the March of Dimes all the while having a great time at the ball field.”

The March of Dimes funds lifesaving research and works to end premature birth, birth defects and infant mortality. In addition to this jersey auction, the Shuckers organization will be sponsoring a team in the South Mississippi March for Babies on April 29.

The Saturday night game will also feature the second Post-Game Fireworks Extravaganza of the season. The Shuckers will launch fireworks after every Saturday home game this season, as well as a special show on Tuesday, July 4 against Pensacola.

“This is something I never thought I would have the opportunity to do,” said Stebly on designing a jersey that players could wear on the field. “I wanted to come up with a design that would look good on a jersey and that fans would want to purchase for a great cause. One of my goals was to give baseball fans around the country a vibe of our Mississippi Gulf Coast.”

Matt, Jenna and Anderson Stebly pose with the design after the Facebook Live reveal in Matt’s shop, Twisted Anchor Tattoo in Ocean Springs.

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW

Opening Day for the 2017 season is Thursday, April 6 at Montgomery. The Shuckers will open their third season at MGM Park on Wednesday, April 12 at 6:35 p.m. against the Pensacola Blue Wahoos. Season tickets, mini plans, group tickets and single-game tickets are on sale now. To purchase a ticket package or book a group outing this season, call 228-233-3465. Single-game tickets for all regular season games at MGM Park are available at biloxishuckers.com/tickets.

ABOUT THE BILOXI SHUCKERS:
The Biloxi Shuckers are the Double-A Affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. The Shuckers play at MGM Park in Biloxi, Mississippi. For more information please visit biloxishuckers.com and follow us on Twitter @biloxishuckers and at facebook.com/biloxishuckers.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Shuckers launch “Hit The Books” Reading Campaign

BILOXI, MS – The Biloxi Shuckers, in partnership with Walmart, unveiled Tuesday their plans for the “Hit the Books” reading program, which aims to teach local students the importance of literacy. The incentive-based drive will reward students who reach their reading goals with a ticket to a Shuckers home game this season.

Over the course of the next six weeks, beginning this Friday, Schooner the Seagull and other Shuckers representatives will lead pep rallies and classroom visits at 19 local schools with a message stressing the benefits of reading. At these visits, students will receive a special “Hit the Books” bookmark with a reading log on its reverse side. Once a student has read six books and their list is verified by a teacher, the bookmark can be redeemed at the MGM Park box office for a ticket to a pre-determined Shuckers home game this season.

Qualifying students will also be invited to participate in an on-field parade before their scheduled game. The parade, led by Schooner, will allow Shuckers fans to honor “Hit the Books” participants for their commitment to reading. This year just over 10,000 students will be receiving a bookmark.

“This program is a great way for young Shuckers fans to reap the rewards of hitting the books,” said Jenifer Truong, Community Relations Coordinator for the Shuckers. “Reading is already a fun thing for students to do, but the added incentive to see their hard work recognized by the Shuckers should only serve to enhance that experience.”

The “Hit the Books” tour schedule is as follows:

Friday, February 17                             North Bay Elementary School
Friday, February 17                             Coast Episcopal School
Friday, February 17                             Bayou View Elementary School
Wednesday, February 22                    Vancleave Upper Elementary School
Thursday, February 23                        Gaston Point Elementary School
Friday, March 3                                   Gorenflo Elementary School
Friday, March 3                                   Nativity BVM Elementary School
Thursday, March 9                              Anniston Elementary School
Wednesday, March 15                        Harrison Central Elementary School
Wednesday, March 15                        Singing River Academy
Friday, March 17                                 North Woolmarket Elementary/Middle School
Friday, March 17                                 Hancock North Central Elementary School
Friday, March 17                                 West Hancock Elementary School
Friday, March 24                                 St. Martin East Elementary School

ABOUT THE BILOXI SHUCKERS:
The Biloxi Shuckers are the Double-A Affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. The Shuckers play at MGM Park in Biloxi, Mississippi. For more information please visit biloxishuckers.com and follow us on Twitter @biloxishuckers and at facebook.com/biloxishuckers.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Shuckers Hit Home Run with Community Contributions and Initiatives in 2016

BILOXI, MS – During the Biloxi Shuckers second season, the team continued to give back to the community. The Shuckers have become a resource for local organizations including non-profits and schools by helping to raise funds and awareness through various methods.

The Shuckers and its concessionaire, Spectra Food Services & Hospitality raised over $178,000 for local nonprofits and donated over $30,000 of in-kind contributions. Through Shuckers initiatives including the Ticket Fundraising Program, In-Stadium Auctions and Spectra NFP Fundraising Program which benefits qualified local 501 (c) (3) nonprofit groups through concessions, the club led the ten-member Southern League for In-Stadium Fundraising.

Among the highlights of the organization’s 2016 charitable work included providing a platform for: Habitat for Humanity, Biloxi Miracle League, Mississippi Center for Autism and Related Learning Disabilities, Jackson County Animal Shelter, Memorial Hospital Foundation and Favre 4 Hope, Special Olympics, Salvation Army of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, ALS Association, American Cancer Society and Ohr O’Keefe Museum of Art.

“We give back to our community because we believe we have a responsibility to do so,” stated Shuckers Community Relations and Promotions Coordinator Jenifer Truong. “Whether it’s local schools or non-profits, the Shuckers offer not only a chance to raise funds for your organization, but also awareness to a large audience.”

In addition to the organization’s charitable contributions, Shuckers’ season ticket holders donated just over 1,500 tickets to local non-profits, military personnel and their families, and first responders. The organization also made frequent mascot and player appearances in the community and members of the Shuckers front office also joined forces to record over 200 hours of community service in 2016.

Spectra’s NFP program seeks to provide qualified nonprofit groups and civic organizations a unique fundraising opportunity. Groups provide volunteers to assist with concession stand operations as cashiers, vendors, and stand workers. Those organizations work to reach fundraising goals while providing great service to fans.

“Involving area nonprofit organizations in our operation has helped us hit a home run with the community and Shuckers’ fans,” said Spectra General Manager Mike Brulatour. “Since the opening of MGM Park in June 2015, thousands of volunteers have raised over $300,000 for their respective charities. The commitment and dedication of these volunteers has enabled us to provide a consistent level of exceptional customer service to our patrons while supporting the Mississippi Gulf Coast communities which we serve. Spectra Food Services and Hospitality strives to be a strong partner with the Biloxi Shuckers and a valued member of the Gulf Coast business community.”

Organizations interested in partnering with Spectra or the Shuckers may contact Mike Brulatour at mike_brulatour@comcastspectacor.com or Jenifer Truong at jtruong@biloxishuckers.com.

The Biloxi Shuckers are the Double-A Affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. The Shuckers play at MGM Park in Biloxi, Mississippi. For more information please visit biloxishuckers.com and follow us on Twitter @biloxishuckers and at facebook.com/biloxishuckers.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Shuckers, Biloxi FD Teaming Up To Collect Supplies for Flood Victims in Louisiana

BILOXI, MS. – The Biloxi Shuckers are teaming up with the Biloxi Fire Department to collect supplies that will be distributed to those in need from the severe flooding in Louisiana.

The current items in need are as follows:

  • Bottled Water
  • Cleaning Supplies
  • Heavy Duty Garbage Bags
  • Rubber Gloves
  • Liquid Products – Disinfectants
  • Baby Diapers/Wipes
  • Non-Perishable Food – that doesn’t required a can opener

The Shuckers will be collecting these items through Sunday’s game at the MGM Park front office on the northeast side of the stadium and at stadium gates during games.

The Shuckers continue their final homestand of 2016 tonight at MGM Park with the third game of a five game series against the Mississippi Braves. Tonight the Shuckers will be saluting Gulf Coast Police, Fire and EMS with First Responder Night.

Thursday is another Double Play Thursday, featuring $2 ballpark specials; Fridayis Strikeout ALS Night and the first 1,500 fans will receive a Biloxi Shuckers Drawstring Backpack, presented by Beau Rivage Resort & Casino; Saturday will be the final Post-Game Fireworks Extravaganza of 2016 and also meet Marshall, Chase and Skye from PAW Patrol; Sunday is McDonald’s Family Fun Day, with pregame autographs and post-game catch on the field. It’s also SuperHero Night, presented by WXXV-TV; Monday is Cancer Awareness Night with the American Cancer Society. Tuesday, Aug. 30 the Shuckers will let the good times roll with Halfway to Mardi Gras Night; Wednesday, Aug. 31 is Fan Appreciation Night featuring a post-game team autograph session. For tickets go to Ticketmaster.com or biloxishuckers.com.

About the Biloxi Shuckers:            

The Biloxi Shuckers are the Double-A Affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers and a member of the Southern League. For up-to-date news and notes throughout the offseason, visit biloxishuckers.com, follow the club on Twitter (@biloxishuckers), Instagram (@officialbiloxishuckers) or like the team on Facebook (facebook.com/biloxishuckers).

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.