Food & Beverage Hiring Events in January

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CLEARWATER – The Philadelphia Phillies Florida Operations will be holding a four-day hiring event in January 2023.

  • Jan. 12, 2p-5p
  • Jan. 13, 11a-2p
  • Jan. 19, 2p-5p
  • Jan. 20 11a-2p

Interviews will be conducted on-site for seasonal Food & Beverage and Merchandise gameday positions during 2023 Phillies Spring Training and the Threshers summer seasons.

Positions available include stand leads, cooks, cashiers, bartenders, food prep, food runners, warehouse runners and merchandise associates.

BayCare Ballpark is located at 601 N. Old Coachman Rd. in Clearwater. Please contact Alyssa at [email protected] for more information.

Follow the links to schedules for Phillies Spring Training and Threshers summer season.

Amazin’ Mets Foundation Hosts Holiday Magic with the St. Lucie Mets

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PORT ST LUCIE, Fla. – For the second consecutive year, the Amazin’ Mets Foundation hosted Holiday Magic with the St. Lucie Mets, an event that creates a special holiday memory for underserved children in the community. On Tuesday, December 6 and Wednesday, December 14, the Amazin’ Mets Foundation and United Way of St. Lucie & Okeechobee treated 24 second and third grade students from White City Elementary to a holiday shopping spree at Target in Tradition.

The kids were paired with a Mets front office staff member who helped guide them through the store, where they could pick out any toy they wanted. After shopping, the kids were treated to a pizza party at Blaze Pizza and received a gift card for their families.

“The Amazin’ Mets Foundation is committed to positively impacting our community in Port St. Lucie,” said Alex Cohen, President of the Amazin’ Mets Foundation. “We hope that Holiday Magic with the St. Lucie Mets creates a special holiday memory for all of the children who participated.”

The Amazin’ Mets Foundation also recently supported the Annual Coney Island Holiday Toy Giveaway. The Foundation is active in the Port St. Lucie area and distributed 575 meals for the Thanksgiving holiday at Clover Park.

About the Amazin’ Mets Foundation

The Amazin’ Mets Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the New York Mets. The Foundation is committed to providing needed services and opportunities to children, families and underserved groups in our neighborhoods and communities.

Breakfast with Santa returns to Clover Park on Dec. 3rd

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PORT ST LUCIE, Fla. – The 6th annual New Horizons Breakfast with Santa will be held this Saturday from 8 a.m. – noon at Clover Park. The event is free for youth 17 and under. Adult admission is $5 or adults can bring an unwrapped gift or gift card to the toy drive.

The holiday celebration features an all-you-can-eat breakfast, photos with Santa, games, prizes, cookie decorating, card making, face painting and more. The goal of Breakfast with Santa is to create wholesome memories that will last a lifetime.

The event is sponsored by the St. Lucie Mets, Stewart Materials, Boys and Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County, Children’s Services Council of St. Lucie County, Treasure Coast Photography Center, Fred Stalls of Waterstone Mortgage, Terilco Events & Décor, Keller William Jupiter, Hilton Garden Inn, Mary Kay – Jerry Koedyker, Aramark, Pat Austin and Southern Eagle Distributing.

“This event is so much fun for kids of all ages, from all backgrounds – creating memories they will carry with them throughout their lives as a cherished holiday tradition,” William Wims, CEO of New Horizons, said. “Wholesome activities in a safe, family-friendly environment have a positive impact on the children in our community.”

The all-you-can-eat menu includes scrambled eggs, pancakes, bacon, sausage, juice and hot chocolate. The Treasure Coast Photography Center will be taking photos of attendees with Santa that they can take home, and the Children’s Services Council will give away free grade-level books as well.

Donated toys and gift cards will be given to children and teens from low-income and foster families associated with New Horizons.

Additional funds raised at Breakfast with Santa help purchase supplies for children’s programs at New Horizons that improve engagement and enhance the therapeutic experience.

For more information about Breakfast with Santa please visit www.nhtcinc.org or call 772-672-8333.

Phillies Spring Training Two-Day Job Fair on Dec. 7th and 9th

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CLEARWATER – The Philadelphia Phillies Florida Operations will be holding a two-day Food & Beverage Job Fair from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. on December 7th and 9th, 2022, at BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater.

Interviews will be conducted on-site for seasonal gameday positions during 2023 Phillies Spring Training and the Threshers summer seasons. Positions available include stand lead, cooks, cashiers, bartenders, food prep, food runners, and warehouse runners.

Entrance to the event will be from the west gate parking lot, off the 601 N. Old Coachman Rd. drive. Please contact Alyssa at [email protected] for more information.

Boo Bash 2023 at BayCare Ballpark

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CLEARWATER, Fl. – The City of Clearwater Parks & Rec Department, along with the Threshers, invite the community to the 2023 edition of Boo Bash at BayCare Ballpark. This free, family-friendly Trick-or-Treat event is on October 31st from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Local businesses and vendors will be passing out candy to kids on the concourse as families walk table to table. Hay rides, games and an on-field costume parade highlight the evening. The playground, concessions, and facilities will be open.

BayCare Ballpark is located at 601 N Old Coachman Rd in Clearwater.

Saturday is Treasure Coast Hospice Night of Hope

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Saturday is Treasure Coast Hospice Night of Hope. The Mets will wear special jerseys that will be auctioned off to benefit Treasure Coast Hospice’s Little Angels Pediatric Care Program & Good Grief Children’s Bereavement Program. The jersey auction begins Friday at 5:00 p.m. and ends on Tuesday at 9:00 p.m. You can bid at milbauctions.com.

Saturday at Clover Park there will be a local celebrity softball game at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are good for both the softball game and the Mets game.

Local celebrities include fire chief Nate Spera, former NFL player Luther Robinson III, WPTV Reporter Meghan McRoberts,fFormer MLB Player & World Series champion Rusty Meacham and members of our local police and fire agencies.

There will be postgame fireworks!

One Day Baseball Clinic June 12th

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The Dunedin Blue Jays along with Major League Baseball’s PLAY BALL Weekend will host a free clinic at TD Ballpark on Sunday, June 12th beginning at 9:45 AM. Attendees will receive instruction designed for players between the ages of 5 and 12.

Registration is free! You must sign up online in advance of the event. by CLICKING HERE. Registration begins at 9:00 am and the clinic will run from 9:45 am to 10:45 am.

The Dunedin Blue Jays take on the Lakeland Flying Tigers at 12:00 PM following the clinic. Kids who sign up for the clinic receive a free ticket to the game along with other prizes for attending. Parents and adults who would like to see the clinic and game must purchase a ticket at our Dunedin Blue Jays website or by clicking HERE.

*Camp available to the first 200 kids who sign up. Sign up will close when all spots are filled.

Tarpons partner with Curemark on Sensory Safe Suite

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The Tampa Tarpons are excited to team up with Curemark, LLC this season.

Suite 4 will be available to one family per-game to experience the Tarpons game. The Curemark Suite will provide a comforting, relaxing, and less stimulating space for families with children on the autism spectrum and with special needs to experience a Tarpons game while still being fun and functional. This allows guests in the suite to decompress and enjoy baseball with their family away from the louder, hectic and often over-stimulating environment in other areas of the ballpark.

Families can request use of Suite 4 by filling out this request form.

For more information on the Curemark Sensory Safe Suite, please email [email protected].

The Greats: Marauders Celebrate Black History Month

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In celebration of Black History Month, throughout February, teams across Minor League Baseball are looking 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 Marauders.

Evan Chambers (Outfielder, 2011-12) — A third-round draft pick in 2009 out of Hillsborough Community College in Tampa, Chambers played nearly 200 games across two seasons for the Marauders, hitting 12 home runs and stealing 31 bases. The Lakeland native brought a radiant smile and a positive presence to the field and the clubhouse.

In December 2013, Chambers died in his sleep at the age of 24 of an undetected genetic heart condition. In his memory, a sign bearing his number 53 adorns the boardwalk in right field at LECOM Park. He was posthumously inducted into the Florida State League Hall of Fame in 2017.

Ke’Bryan Hayes (Infielder, 2017) — The Pirates selected Hayes in the first round of the 2015 draft out of Concordia Lutheran High School in Texas. Hayes enjoyed an outstanding season with the Marauders in 2017, hitting .278 while stealing 27 bases, second-most among Pirates farmhands. He earned a selection to the Florida State League all-star game and was named a Gold Glove award winner at third base for all of Minor League Baseball.

Hayes made his major league debut in 2020 and batted .376 with a .442 on-base percentage in the shortened season, finishing sixth in National League rookie of the year voting.

Hayes is a proud second-generation major leaguer; his father, Charlie, played 14 seasons in the majors from 1988 to 2001, most notably with the Phillies and Rockies.

Cal Mitchell (Outfielder, 2019) — Mitchell, the Pirates’ second-round pick in 2017, patrolled right field for the Marauders throughout the 2019 season and led all Florida State League right fielders with a .977 fielding percentage.

Mitchell’s 15 home runs that season ranked second on the team, and he was selected to the Florida State League all-star game in Jupiter. He started in right field and earned all-star game MVP honors, going 2-for-4 with a pair of doubles and a run scored.

Gift Ngoepe (Infielder, 2010; 2012-13) — Ngoepe, a native of Randburg, South Africa, made baseball history as the first African-born player in the major leagues when he debuted for the Pirates in 2017. On his way to the majors, Ngoepe spent all or parts of three seasons in a Marauders uniform, stealing a total of 29 bases and providing solid infield defense.

Ngoepe made his major league debut on April 26, 2017 at PNC Park, going 1-for-2 with a single in his first at-bat. Time zone differences meant that, in his native South Africa, Ngoepe’s debut fell on the morning of April 27, known as Freedom Day—a date commemorating the nation’s first post-apartheid election.

After brief stints with the Blue Jays and Phillies organizations and a short return to the Pirates’ system in 2019, Ngoepe has continued his career in the independent leagues, most recently with the Quebec Capitales of the Frontier League in 2021.

Cole Tucker (Infielder, 2016-2017) — The Pirates’ first-round pick in 2014, Tucker starred at shortstop for the Marauders in the second half of 2016 and the first half of 2017. In addition to his slick defense, Tucker ran rampant on the basepaths, swiping 41 bases in 133 total games as a Marauder.

On May 12, 2017, Tucker homered from both sides of the plate in a 20-2 Marauders victory, finished a single shy of the cycle, and drove in seven runs, tying a franchise record.

Tucker made his major league debut for the Pirates on April 20, 2019, going 1-for-3 with a two-run homer for his first major league hit.

Black History Month: Five of the Top Black Players in Clearwater History

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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.

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 Clearwater.

Ron Jones (1986)

After turning down draft offers in 1982 and 1983, Ron Jones signed with the Philadelphia Phillies as a free agent in 1984.

During his 108-game stint with Clearwater in 1986, the outfielder led the team in every offensive category aside from home runs and led the Florida State League in batting average (.371), hits (153), slugging percentage (.524), on-base percentage (.423) and triples (12). His stand-out numbers led to Jones being voted FSL MVP. It would have been a unanimous decision, but since teams are not allowed to vote for their own player, Jones did not get the two votes from Clearwater representatives.

Jones was part of the first duo of players to win a Paul Owens Award, an honor given out annually since 1986 to the best position player and pitcher in the Phillies minor league system.

The left-handed hitter had thirteen game-winning RBIs for the Single-A team before skipping Double-A and being promoted straight to the Triple-A club (Portland).

Jones made his major league debut on August 26, 1988, for the Philadelphia Phillies. In just 33 games to finish out the 1988 season, Jones drove in 26 runs including eight home runs for the big-league club. However, Jones’ major league career was plagued with injuries to both knees that ultimately ended his flourishing career. After retiring from the game in 2000, Jones turned to coaching and eventually opened the Big League Batting Academy in Houston, Texas, along with former teammate Charlie Hayes.

Jimmy Rollins (1998)

Jimmy Rollins was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the second round of the 1996 June Amateur Draft out of Encinal High School (Alameda, CA).

At 18 years old, Rollins was the youngest member of the 1998 Clearwater (A+) team. The switch hitter totaled a .244 batting average with six home runs in 119 games with the Florida State League club. As a shortstop with Clearwater, Rollins carried a league-best .952 fielding percentage. His top-notch fielding earned Rollins a spot on the mid-season FSL All-Star Team.

He made his big-league debut with the Phillies on September 17, 2000. During his sixteen-year career, he led the National League in triples four times. He is a three-time All-Star (2001, 2002, 2005), was named the National League MVP in 2007, won the Gold Glove award four times (2007 – 2009, 2012), and garnered a Silver Slugger award in 2007. The shortstop played an important role in the Phillies’ 2008 World Series Championship and was honored at the end of the season with a Fielding Bible Award as the top shortstop that season. Rollins was inducted into both the Clearwater Phillies and Threshers Wall of Fame and the Florida State League Hall of Fame in 2013. He was a co-recipient of the Roberto Clemente Award in 2014.

After he retired from playing in 2017, Rollins returned to the Phillies as a special advisor for the team and acted as an on-air commentator for television broadcasts.

Ryan Howard (2003)

Ryan Howard was signed by the Philadelphia Phillies in the fifth round of the 2001 MLB Draft out of Missouri State University.

Howard spent the entirety of the 2003 season with the Clearwater Phillies. He was voted Florida State League MVP, named Best Power Prospect in the FSL, and led the league in three categories: average (.304), home runs (23), and slugging percentage (.514). He was the 2003 and 2004 recipient of the Paul Owens award and played in the 2003 All-Star Futures game.

The first baseman was a September call-up for the Phillies on September 1, 2004. Howard was named National League Rookie of the Year in 2005 after leading all rookies with 22 home runs and posting a .288 average and 63 RBI in just 88 games. Nicknamed “The Big Piece”, Howard is known for being the player to reach 100 home runs and 200 home runs the quickest. He spent his entire 13-year career playing for the Phillies.

The lefty was awarded National League MVP in 2006, finishing the season with a .313 batting average 58 home runs, and 149 RBI. He was part of the 2008 Phillies World Series Championship team contributing six RBI including three home runs during the series. Howard was inducted into the Clearwater Phillies and Threshers Wall of Fame in 2016.

Greg Golson (2006)

Greg Golson was signed by the Philadelphia Phillies in the first round of the 2004 MLB draft out of John B. Connally High School (Austin, TX).

Golson made his professional debut that summer with the Gulf Coast League Phillies, hitting .295 in 47 games. After continuing to show power and speed in Lakewood with a .264 average and 25 stolen bases, Golson was added to the squad in Clearwater late in 2006. He started the 2007 campaign back in Clearwater, and in 99 games with the Threshers that year, Golson hit .285 with 12 long balls and 52 RBI to land himself a spot on the Florida State League All-Star team. His 139 games with the Threshers make him the first-round pick to play in the most games with the Clearwater club.

Golson appeared in the 2008 futures game and made his major league debut the same year as a September call-up with the Philadelphia Phillies. The outfielder was traded to the Texas Rangers in 2009 and played the next two years with the New York Yankees before making his final appearance in September of 2011. Golson was later hired by the Los Angeles Dodgers as part of their pro scouting department in 2019.

Quintin Berry (2008)

Quintin Berry was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the fifth round of the 2006 MLB Draft out of San Diego State University.

Berry began his career in Batavia (A) and led the club in walks. He was a Paul Owens award recipient in 2007 before joining the squad in Clearwater in 2008. The speedster had the most stolen bases (51) in the Florida State League and throughout the entire Phillies Minor League system. He was the only player to represent the Threshers on the 2008 Postseason All-Star team.

The outfielder was claimed off waivers by the San Diego Padres and played around the minor leagues with the Padres, Mets, Reds, and Tigers organizations. Berry made his major league debut with the Tigers on May 23, 2012. He set an American League record for most bases stolen without being caught stealing (21). Berry earned a World Series ring in 2013 as a pinch-runner and defensive replacement for the Boston Red Sox, swiping three postseason bases.

Berry transitioned into coaching after his retirement in 2018. In 2019, he became the Milwaukee Brewers outfield and base running coordinator and in 2021 he was promoted to the major league coaching staff as the first base coach.

MiLB, Palm Beach Cardinals Launch “The Nine” and Recognize Outstanding Black Players

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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.

Minor League Baseball 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. The initiative aims to provide new opportunities for youth baseball and softball participation, while further diversifying the business of baseball that embraces millions of passionate fans.

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 Palm Beach Cardinals.

Tommy Pham

Palm Beach Cardinals outfielder Tommy Pham lays down a bunt at Roger Dean Stadium in 2009. The then 21-year-old hit eight home runs that year on his way to a .691 OPS that season.

Tommy Pham was a Cardinal, both for the big league club in St. Louis and as a coveted prospect in the minor league system. Selected by the Redbirds in the 16th round of the 2006 Major League Baseball draft, the outfielder reached Palm Beach in 2008.

The Las Vegas native spent parts of three seasons with the Beach Birds, including all of 2009. He slashed .232/.313/.378 that year, following that up with a .262/.377/.392 line in 68 games in 2010. Pham also hit 12 homers across his 209 total games with Palm Beach before earning a promotion to Double-A Springfield midway through ‘10.

Pham would reach the majors with a callup to St. Louis in 2014, the same season he was named a St. Louis Cardinals Minor League All-Star. The right-handed slugger would remain in St. Louis until midway through 2018.

Xavier Scruggs

Xavier Scruggs of the Palm Beach Cardinals in action during a 2011 game against the Tampa Yankees at the George Steinbrenner Field in Tampa.

After the Cardinals took Xavier Scruggs in the 19th round of the 2008 draft, the first baseman spent 2010 and 2011 with Palm Beach and stood out for his power. Scruggs hit 34 homers in 204 total games with the club. After compiling an OPS of .834 in ‘11, the California native was promoted to Double-A Springfield.

Scruggs earned a call to the majors in 2014 while also spending 2015 in St. Louis. The then 28-year-old did not return to MLB after 2016, instead finishing his career with stints in the Korean and Mexican leagues. In 2021, he returned to the Cardinals as the organization’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Consultant while also taking an analyst position at ESPN.

Adron Chambers

Adron Chambers slugs a line drive against the Tampa Yankees in 2009. The outfielder batted .284 in his lone season with Palm Beach.

Hailing from Pensacola, Fla., Adron Chambers was selected in the 38th round of the 2007 MLB Draft by St. Louis out of Pensacola State College. The lefty reached Class-A Advanced in 2009, spending the entire season with Palm Beach. He sported a .284/.370/.400 slash line in the Florida State League before earning a promotion to Double-A Springfield ahead of 2010.

Chambers is perhaps best known for his role in the 2011 World Series championship run for the Cardinals. The outfielder only saw action in 18 regular season games for the club, but accumulated a .375 batting average during that stretch. Chambers scored the game-winning run as a pinch runner against the Chicago Cubs on September 24, helping the team clinch a playoff berth by a single game. The Cardinals would beat the Texas Rangers in a thrilling seven-game World Series one month later, bringing the franchise its 11th world title.

Sam Freeman

Sam Freeman pitches for Palm Beach during the 2009 season. The southpaw threw 33.0 innings on the year.

Sam Freeman was another major leaguer who went through Palm Beach on his way to ‘The Show.’ Selected by the Cardinals in the 32nd round of the 2008 draft out of the University of Kansas, he only appeared in a single game for Palm Beach after spending most of the season in the Rookie Leagues.

Freeman stood out as a member of the Florida State League club in 2009, where in 26 appearances, the relief pitcher boasted a 1.64 ERA and a 0.939 WHIP.

The native of Houston recovered from Tommy John surgery in 2010 before earning a callup to St. Louis in 2012. He spent parts of three seasons with the Cardinals and would remain a major leaguer through 2020.

Maikel Cleto

Maikel Cleto delivers a pitch for the Triple-A Memphis Redbirds in 2013. The right-handed arm would pitch in the big leagues in 2011, 2012 and 2013.

Maikel Cleto was signed as an international free agent from the Dominican Republic. The right-handed pitcher was part of a trade to the Cardinals organization in 2011 after spending time as a prospect for both the New York Mets and Seattle Mariners. In five starts for Palm Beach, Cleto accumulated a 2.48 ERA and a WHIP of 1.034 in 2011. The impressive numbers helped earn him a promotion to Double-A Springfield, before being called up directly to the majors in June.

Cleto would spend time with both the Cardinals and Chicago White Sox from 2011-14, where he saw action in 41 big league matchups as a relief pitcher.

The Nine: Jupiter Hammerheads

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

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.

Minor League Baseball 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. The initiative aims to provide new opportunities for youth baseball and softball participation, while further diversifying the business of baseball that embraces millions of passionate fans.

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 Jupiter Hammerheads.

Dontrelle Willis

Dontrelle Willis—known for his iconic leg kick and commonly known as “D-Train”—continues to be one of the best-known players to ever sport the Marlins teal. One of his first stops along the way to World Series glory in South Florida was at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium.

Picked up by the Chicago Cubs in the 8th round of the 2000 draft, the Alameda, Cal. native would be traded to the Marlins ahead of the 2002 season. The lefty’s first Marlins affiliate was Jupiter, where he started five games and compiled a 1.80 ERA. During his stint with the Hammerheads, Willis was lethal to opposing batters, striking out 27 and walking just three while allowing a WHIP of 0.90. After impressing in Jupiter, he would be in the big leagues just one year later. In 2003, D-Train was named National League Rookie of the Year and an All-Star while guiding the Marlins to a World Series title over the heavily favored New York Yankees.

Willis was selected to the All-Star Game once again in 2005 while leading the NL in wins that year. The southpaw’s MLB career lasted through 2011, with time spent on the Detroit Tigers, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Cincinnati Reds.

Dontrelle Willis, and that iconic high leg-kick, donned a Hammerheads uniform in 2002 before leading the Marlins to a World Series the following season.

Brandon Phillips

Before Brandon Phillips was a mainstay for the Cincinnati Reds, he stood out for the Jupiter Hammerheads in 2001. Phillips was taken in the 2nd round of the 1999 Major League Baseball Draft by the Montreal Expos out of Redan High School in Stone Mountain, Ga. In his lone season with the Hammerheads, who were affiliated with the Expos at the time, the righty slashed .284/.414/.428.

In 239 plate appearances across 55 games, Phillips also complied 23 RBIs and 17 stolen bases before being promoted to the then Double-A affiliate Harrisburg Senators.

In 2002, the middle infielder was traded to the Cleveland Indians alongside Grady Sizemore and Cliff Lee, which also sent Bartolo Colon to the Expos. The then 25-year-old was traded again in 2006, this time to the Cincinnati Reds, where he’d spend the majority of his big league career. Phillips went on to become a three-time MLB All-Star, a four-time Gold Glove award winner, and a Silver Slugger recipient.

After his time in the majors, Phillips underwent stints in Independent and Mexican League baseball before becoming a joint player-owner of the Atlantic League’s Lexington Legends.

Alejandro De Aza

Alejandro De Aza may have made an impact at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium but will be remembered for his impact on baseball’s most global stage.

Like Mota, De Aza hails from the Dominican Republic. The two also share the distinction of being selected in the Rule 5 Draft, with De Aza joining the Marlins organization in 2004 after spending three years with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The outfielder’s first stop in the Marlins’ farm system was with Jupiter, where he spent the entirety of 2005. The then Class-A Advanced club enjoyed all 123 of De Aza’s appearances, with the future big leaguer slashing a robust .286/.370./.394. De Aza was called up to majors in 2007 and would go bat .260 with 51 home runs across his 10-year career.

In addition to his lengthy MLB tenure, De Aza notably helped lead the Dominican Republic to international glory as World Baseball Classic Champions in 2013, with the lefty going 1-3 in the championship game against Puerto Rico.

Arquimedes Caminero pitched in 21 games for the Jupiter Hammerheads.

Guillermo Mota

At the tender age of 17, Guillermo Mota was signed by the New York Mets out of high school in 1990. The San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic native would then be picked up by the Montreal Expos in the 1997 Rule 5 Draft. The Expos gave the young prospect a new career beginning and a new position, being converted from an infielder to a pitcher.

Thankfully for Mota, a dominant stint with the Hammerheads was right around the corner. Starting the 1998 campaign at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium as a reliever, he posted a 0.66 ERA and an eye-popping 0.585 WHIP over 20 games.

Unsurprisingly, Mota was swiftly promoted in-season to the former Double-A affiliates Harrisburg Senators. By 1999, he was in the majors, having hit a home run in his first at-bat with the Expos. The righty went on to enjoy a lengthy career and earned a World Series ring after pitching a scoreless frame in Game 2 of the 2010 World Series for the San Francisco Giants, who beat the Texas Rangers in five games.

Mota’s career came full circle after the 2013-14 Caribbean Series after representing the Dominican Republic as a member of the national team. 23 years after signing his initial contract, he hung up the cleats for good.

Arquimedes Caminero

Very few numbers could stand out more than a 0.44 ERA, but that is what right-handed reliever Arquimedes Caminero posted for the Hammerheads in 2012.

The Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic native struck out 27 and walked just nine in his 19 relief outings that season. With a 1.016 WHIP, it came as no surprise that Caminero was promoted to Double-A Jacksonville that season and earned a big-league call-up to the Marlins one year later.

From 2013-16, Caminero accumulated a 3.83 ERA for the Marlins and Pittsburgh Pirates before stints in Japan and Mexico.

Alejandro De Aza tracks down a fly ball for the Marlins during Spring Training. De Aza played over 125 games with the Hammerheads.

The Jupiter Hammerheads have had many other influential Black players since their inaugural 1998 season, and are excited for the many more to come.

The Hammerheads will be kicking off their 25th Season at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium on April 8th when they host the Palm Beach Cardinals. Tickets for the 2022 season are available here, and upcoming promotions will be announced at a later date. If you’re itching to come see baseball at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium, secure your Marlins Spring Training dates here.

National Anthem Auditions

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Bradenton, Fla. – The Pittsburgh Pirates are accepting auditions for the National Anthem. Anyone interested in singing The Star Spangled Banner or O Canada prior to a Pirates Spring Training game in 2022 may submit a video or a YouTube link to be considered. Prospective singers must feel comfortable performing in front of a camera and performing in front of audiences of 7,000 people or more. Submissions are also open to choirs. All submissions must be conducted a cappella.

Pirates employees will watch the videos and determine which performers to invite to fill open spots in the Spring Training schedule. Contestants that wish to sing the Canadian National Anthem before the Pirates game against Toronto are welcome to sing O Canada as well. Participants that submit videos but are not selected will have their information kept on file for potential anthem openings during the Bradenton Marauders season.

Videos or links must be submitted to Rebekah Rivette, Manager of Marketing & Game Presentation via email to [email protected]. Those wishing to perform must send in their audition no later than February 18th.

For more information about Pittsburgh Pirates Spring Training or the National Anthem, please call 941-747-3031, visit www.bradentonmarauders.com, or email [email protected].

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Mets Job Fair coming January 15th

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PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. – The St. Lucie Mets will host their annual Job Fair for New York Mets spring training and the St. Lucie Mets season on Saturday, January 15th at Clover Park.

The Job Fair, which features several game day positions, will run from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in the conference room just to the left of the Box Office. Positions of need are security for open workouts and stadium, gate checkers, camera operators and more.

Concessions, run by Aramark, will host a separate job fair with details to be announced at a later date.

For more information email [email protected].

Mets announce 5K to kick off spring training festivities

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PORT ST LUCIE, Fla. – The St. Lucie Mets are excited to unveil plans for the first Swing into Spring Training 5K to be held on the eve of spring training, Sunday, February 13th at Clover Park.

The Swing into Spring Training 5K, sponsored by the Hospital for Special Surgery, will begin at 8 a.m. and is open to participants of all ages and skill levels.

Runners will receive a race bib, custom finisher medal, Swing into Spring Training T-shirt, swag bag and a ticket to a Mets spring training game (March 5th vs. Washington, March 18th vs. Pittsburgh or March 18th vs. Houston).

“The beginning of spring training is always an exciting time of year and this is great new way to kick off the season,” Lauren DeAcetis, St. Lucie Mets Director of Corporate Sales, said. “The Swing into Spring Training 5K will be fun for all runners, as they get to enjoy racing a new course in and around Clover Park.”

Adult entry fee is $50 prior to January 14th. After January 14th the cost is $55 and on race day it is $60. For kids 12-and-under the cost is $45 prior to January 14th, $50 after January 14th and $55 on race day. There is no fee for children under three.

A portion of the proceeds from the Swing into Spring Training 5K will benefit the Treasure Coast Hope for Homeless Foundation.

To sign up, click here.

The race course begins near the Clover Park main gate, goes out along Peacock and California Boulevards, winds back around through the practice fields and concludes at home plate of the stadium. After the race participants can gather in the stadium to enjoy refreshments and live music while waiting for the awards ceremony.

General inquiries about the Swing into Spring Training 5K should be sent to [email protected].

Sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact Lauren DeAcetis, Director of Corporate Sales, at [email protected].