Blue Wahoos Provide Special Covenant Care Wish For Beloved Youth Baseball Coach 

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

 

The hallway entrance doors opened, providing Jeff LaMonte first glimpse of the gathering ready to embrace him on the field at Blue Wahoos Stadium.

As he was slowly guided in a wheelchair down the dugout ramp, joyful surprise enveloped his face.

Standing near home plate were friends and relatives. Some traveled from far away. Former players from decades ago, now with their own families, had their gloves and bats ready to play ball.

All stood anxious Nov. 28 to greet the beloved youth baseball coach, who impacted so many lives for decades in the Pace Athletic and Recreation Association, commonly known as PARA.

“This is the first time I’ve ever been here,” said LaMonte, who is battling a terminal illness. “I always wanted to come to a game, but just could never get here.”

Now he was here on this day, thanks to Covenant Care in Pensacola.

The organization’s “My Wish” program made it happen. In this case, it was a wish for baseball. For several hours, LaMonte was positioned behind the batting cage, his brother by his side, watching kids, then adults play in sandlot style games.

Each inning, former players he coached would exchange greetings. Among LaMonte’s family and long-time friends, eyes welled. Emotion flowed.

They wore powder blue T-shirts with an inspirational message on the front and #TeamJeff on the back.

“This is amazing, it is magical,” said Christie Parker, Covenant Care senior director of development. “It is our goal for every patient to have a wish like this. Something that is meaningful for them and also their entire family and their friends.

“So, it means the world to us to be able to experience this with them and it’s because of the Blue Wahoos that we were able to bring it all together and make it happen.”

LaMonte’s life is filled with memories of coaching Tee-Ball players who became high school players. Travel Ball players who became college players.

Four of his prodigies are a group including Minnesota Twins third baseman Josh Donaldson, former Chicago Cubs shortstop Addison Russell, former St. Louis Cardinals pitcher P.J. Walters and infielder Drew Cumberland, former first round pick by the San Diego Padres.

They all went from PARA to professional baseball.

“I really want to show my gratitude and say thank you for everything you’ve done, not only for me, but everyone in the community,” said Russell, in a video tribute shown on the stadium video board during the My Wish event.

The poignant experience this day was part of Covenant Care’s fast-expanding My Wish program. It started three years ago with approximately 80. Before this year ends, Parker said there will have been 450 or so My Wish experiences in 12 months.

Each one is different, powerful in its own way. The one with LaMonte was large-scale, open for anyone in the Pace community — touched in some way by LaMonte — to come to Blue Wahoos Stadium and show their support.

“This is My Wish in its best form,” said Angela Bottesini, senior director of My Wish and Patient Family Experience for Covenant Care. “This was (LaMonte’s) dream that he knew would never happen. And when we found that out… to be able to bring it to fruition this good is just wonderful.”

Covenant Care is one of the Blue Wahoos’ company partners. Both dugouts at the stadium have Covenant Care sponsorship signs.

When Bottesini contacted Blue Wahoos president Jonathan Griffith about the stadium availability on Nov. 28 and the possibility of using the stadium in this way, he immediately gave approval.

LaMonte grew up in Albany, Ga, before moving to Pace. He got started in PARA when his stepson became old enough to play youth baseball. He continued coaching and mentoring hundreds of kids through the program.

It made a My Wish day at Blue Wahoos Stadium with men he coached as kids even more impactful.

“The program itself was the brainchild, the heart baby of our CEO Jeff Mislevy,” Bottesini said. “He said we need to be part of this community in a way that we have never done before. That’s how this developed.

“In five years, our goal will be to have done 10,000 wishes.”

Blue Wahoos owner Quint Studer, who attended the My Wish experience for LaMonte, has been a long-time supporter of Covenant Care’s mission.

In a season without baseball, the Blue Wahoos have been able to connect with the community in hosting a variety of events that would not be possible without the expansive space of the ballpark.

Studer has also donated the Blue Wahoos’ Airbnb clubhouse experience for selected dates for Covenant Care’s Camp Connect program, designed to provide a special moment for children ages 6-17, who lost a loved one.

“We are so fortunate in Northwest Florida to have Covenant Health,” Studer said. “They make wishes come true. “That’s what they did (Nov. 28) for Team Jeff, so ballplayers could come out and thank him for decades of coaching and his impact in the community.

“We are fortunate the Blue Wahoos and Blue Wahoos can be part of making a difference in our community just as Covenant Health does.”

One of those ways the team made a difference occurred on Aug. 23, 2019 when the Blue Wahoos hosted an equally special My Wish moment for 96-year-old Albert Lane, a World War II, U.S. Army fighter pilot.

Mr. Lane flew over the stadium during a Blue Wahoos game with aid of another pilot in a vintage military plane from that era. It was days before Mr. Lane’s next birthday. He passed away months later.

“Before he died he wanted to do a fly over,” Bottesini said. “As he was passing, he held the social worker’s hand and said that was the finest point in his life.

“So that tells you how big of an effect this stadium has made on Covenant Care and the patients we serve.”

Jeff LaMonte was joined by family members in a special Covenant Care My Wish experience Nov. 28 at Blue Wahoos Stadium.

U.S. Marine Corps Hold Special Birthday Ceremony At Blue Wahoos Stadium 

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

 

A special moment in American history was honored Tuesday morning at Blue Wahoos Stadium.

More than 400 U.S. Marines gathered for commemoration of the 245th birthday of the Marine Corps, complete with a traditional cake cutting ceremony and recognition of service.

Across the nation, Tuesday marked another milestone in the formation of the U.S. Marine Corps on Nov. 10, 1775, just eight months prior to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The Marine Corps was established on that date by the Second Continental Congress.

In Pensacola, the ability of Blue Wahoos Stadium to host the ceremony and keep the gathering in proper physical distance made it a desired choice.

Shannon Reeves, the Blue Wahoos events manager, was contacted in September by Group Gunnery Sergeant Chris Clerico, operations chief for the Marine Aviation Training Support Group 21, to begin preparing for Tuesday’s ceremony.

The Blue Wahoos have worked with the Marines and other branches of the military in hosting previous events.

“They knew we had a lot of outdoor space and they could bring this many people,” Reeves said. “Plus, have a central location at home plate and the pitcher’s mound to do what they wanted to do, along with enabling everyone to see it, so it really worked well.”

The ceremony included the U.S. Marines Corps Hymn, along with playing of the Star Spangled Banner and other patriotic tributes to the moment in history.

It was another testament to what we can do here,” she said. “We just had 400 Marines and what a great ceremony and show. It was so great to see this.

“And to have everyone with masks on, so respectful, that was really great. They came in here (Tuesday morning) and roped off the entire sections of our stadium in about five minutes, so people could sit wherever they wanted and be safe.

“They really are a well-oiled machine in terms of how quickly they get it done and so respectful.”

Blue Wahoos Show Community Love Helping Residents, Agencies In Hurricane Recovery 

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

 

In the month that has passed since Hurricane Sally’s wrath, the Blue Wahoos have kept focused on community involvement.

It has involved front office staff members chopping trees and piling leaves. Bagging ice and hauling trash. Raking yards and fixing fences.

Barbecuing pork and dicing potatoes. Scooping vegetables and boxing meals. Crunching numbers and filing forms. Showing care and bringing grit.

One team, one community, one mission. All within a quest to help people and give boost to non-profit organizations.

“It has been extremely gratifying,” said Anna Striano, the Blue Wahoos merchandise manager and community relations coordinator, who has led and directed efforts among 20-plus co-workers to reach out and help with various projects since the Sept. 16 storm.

“One of the biggest things making this so special is that people typically see us as a baseball team or organization,” she said. “And that’s understandable. But they don’t see us in the realm of doing community service like this. And now, they have.

“So, I think what this has done is put us in front of new audiences, new places where we can help people and truly meet our mission statement to help improve the quality of life in our community.”

Last week, the Blue Wahoos were at the Brownsville Assembly of God Church helping Escambia County process grant applications for hurricane relief help with residents in the Brownsville community.

Since Sept. 21, the Blue Wahoos staff has combined to work more than 500 hours in a variety of community service efforts.

They were joined the first week by three members of the Mississippi Braves front office staff — Zach Evans, director of stadium operations, account executive Darius Green and office manager Christy Shaw.

The three M-Braves staff members stayed in the Blue Wahoos Airbnb at the stadium. During the day, they worked tirelessly with Blue Wahoos staff they met for the first time.

“They called us and said, ‘What can we do? What can we bring?’ They were such a big part of this effort, especially when it was the most labor intensive,” Striano said. “We’re grateful for the Mississippi Braves and traveling all this way to Pensacola to help.”

During that week, the Blue Wahoos group joined with Mercy Chefs – a national agency — to help prepare and serve meals to hundreds of people in the Brownsville community.

They helped clear debris from three University of West Florida managed museums and learning centers in the Pensacola Historic District.

They joined with the Salvation Army of Pensacola to help serve food.

They cleared massive amounts of debris from two homes of elderly season-ticket holders. One was the waterfront home of 91-year-old Vic Goeller and his wife, Diane.

“It was really gratifying to see everybody coming together during all of this,” said Striano, a native of Big Bear Lake, Calif. who joined the Blue Wahoos in 2017. “While everything is so crazy and everyone’s lives were kind of chaotic…. for everyone on our staff to take time to help… I think was very important.”

While helping aid the community, the Blue Wahoos staff stayed busy throughout the summer during an uncertain time in minor league baseball.

Since mid-March, back when spring training was halted during the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic, the Blue Wahoos began to transition as if there would not be a minor league season.

That proved essential in a pivot to being an events-oriented company.

In April, Blue Wahoos co-owners Quint and Rishy Studer decided to keep all full-time staff employed. Most minor league teams suspended operations for the year and either furloughed or laid off their staffs.

The Blue Wahoos team began formulating ideas to start a variety of events, including the launch of the Airbnb clubhouse experience, along with delivering meals and reaching out to the community.

The mission magnified after Hurricane Sally struck Northwest Florida on Sept. 16.

“When we made the whole decision not to lay off anyone, we also knew we may not have a 2021 schedule for quite awhile,” Quint Studer said. “Without wrap-up of a season, without UWF football, we knew we were going to have staff availability.

“When we saw that, I kept thinking about two things. I thought about the Peace Corps, how young people use to go and do this marvelous work. And we also knew that with COVID-19, all these non-profit agencies were taking a beating and needed help.

“So both of those things played into how we would move ahead.”

The Peace Corps, established in 1961 by then-President John F. Kennedy, has now grown with Americans helping people in 141 different countries.

“I sort had this idea for a little bit of a Peace Corps feeling, because of learning how people used to return so enriched from what they accomplished,” Studer said. “I felt like we have this talented group of people on our staff and we really don’t have much for them to do right now.

“We know our from our Early Learning, our Early Brain Development initiatives that people are not able to give like they used to… philanthropy wise. So we can help.”

In an effort that followed the weekend after Hurricane Sally struck, the Blue Wahoos spent hours each day as a team going to different parts of the community to help.

“I spoke with people who said they couldn’t have done it without us,” Striano said. “Getting everybody there to these places and getting the bigger stuff out of the way, so they could come back and get the smaller stuff. It made their lives a little bit easier.”

One of the biggest was preparing full course meals on two days with the Mercy Chefs organization. It was part of helping Mercy Chefs, a faith-based, non-profit, disaster relief organization, based in Portsmouth, Va., serve more than 20,000 meals during their six-day stay.

A team from Mercy Chefs traveled to Pensacola and set up temporary headquarters in the Brownsville Community Center parking lot where they prepared meals during the morning and served food at lunch.

The Blue Wahoos staff impressed by immediate jumping in to prepare food under direction of five chefs from the organization.

“It was amazing,” said Molly MacDonald, the volunteer director for Mercy Chefs. “You need the volunteers to make sure this can all happen. With just five people traveling here from our (Mercy Chefs) team, you can’t push out 1,000 meals at a time — like we have done — without volunteers like this.

“I’m impressed with the heart of this community. We had people here from Alabama, Panama City and Tallahassee joining with the local volunteers in Pensacola. People coming from all over and helping neighbors.”

The Blue Wahoos are continuing their community outreach through Thanksgiving week with non-profit agencies. The efforts occur during a period when Major League Baseball is deciding the direction and future for Minor League Baseball.

It’s uncertain when a 2021 schedule will be finalized or other operational matters. But the non-profit help is something that continues keeping the staff active.

“Many of these non-profits have been forced to downsize,” Quint Studer said. “And these non-profits do such great work in our community. My thought was, hey we can help them get over a hump by giving them talented staff.

“When you look at our staff, we have finance people, operations people, grounds people, sales people, technology people, media communications people… and so forth. In essence we have a whole company you can utilize. It could be for a day, could be for a month.

“I also feel like so much of our staff will be enriched. To see it happen like this, I definitely feel special about it.”

Twins Reach Out To Blue Wahoos, Help Out Community In Time Of Need

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

 

In the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Sally on Sept. 16, the Minnesota Twins reached out to their Double-A affiliate in Pensacola.

A $10,000 donation was on the way to help the community.

Dave St. Peter, the Twins president, contacted Blue Wahoos owner Quint Studer last week, following the hurricane’s destructive wrath in the Pensacola area.

“He said, ‘We want to do something, can you find out how we can help.’ And so, I started thinking of the right way,” Studer said. “Instead of saying, ‘Oh we have stadium damage, send the money here,’ I wanted to find out what’s the best way to contribute .

“I did some digging and what I kept hearing is the United Way of West Florida seems to be the right place, because they will make sure it is utilized in the best way.”

Studer connected the Twins with Laura Gilliam, president and chief executive officer of the United Way of West Florida. Alex Hassan, the Twins’ director of player development finalized the contribution.

In a thank you note to St. Peter, Gilliam wrote, “We are grateful for this generous donation from the Minnesota Twins. It will be put to good use to help individuals in our community recover from the devastating effects of Hurricane Sally.”

The effects of Hurricane Sally on the Pensacola community have been extensive. The eyewall of the slow-moving category two hurricane sat over the community overnight, dumping over two feet of rain and subjecting buildings, trees, and structures to sustained winds that reached 100 miles per hour.

Power was knocked out for hundreds of thousands of citizens and damage totals to homes and businesses are still being calculated. Early estimates place the damage totals well over $30 million and parts of the community remain without power a week after the storm.

Studer said two of the first people to contact him last week, once the storm has passed, were Major League Baseball’s executive office and the Twins executive office, which is directed by team owner Jim Pohlad.

“Both of them asked if there was anything we need,” Studer said. “Mr. Pohlad and the whole Twins organization, they are just so community oriented. It’s the same way in Minneapolis when you look at all the great things they do in their city.

Blue Wahoos’ Employees Available To Lend A Hand At Local Non-Profits

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

 

In their season without baseball, the Blue Wahoos were still able to spend the summer bringing the community into the ballpark.

Through varied events, the Wahoos worked to provide an outlet for families in the community to enjoy a safe, affordable night out while most other entertainment options were limited due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. All-in-all, the team held over 130 community events during the months they would have been playing baseball in a regular year.

With school back in session, the team transitioning into their would-be off-season, and many of the restrictions lifted across the community, the Blue Wahoos are again pivoting to help the community in new ways.

Beginning this week, the Blue Wahoos have made their staff available to help local non-profit organizations across Pensacola.

“It’s a good opportunity for us to meet our mission to make a difference in our community by reaching out area non-profit organizations,” said Anna Striano, the Blue Wahoos merchandise manager and community relations coordinator, who is directing efforts for staff help to area organizations.

“Everybody has been so appreciative of what we have been doing here at the stadium with our events and we’re so thankful for the support of our community. This is an opportunity for us to reach out and take it a step further and give people the help they are needing now.”

Area non-profits who would like to request volunteer help from the Blue Wahoos can do so by clicking this link. Through the link, registered 501c(3) non-profit organizations can supply the dates help is needed, a description of the project volunteers will help complete, and the number of helpers needed.

“Our mission as an organization is to help improve the quality of life in our community, and this is a great direct opportunity to do that,” team president Jonathan Griffith said. “A Minor League Baseball team has people on its staff with such varied skills, from groundskeeping to sales to website building to graphic design to event planning. We’re confident we can help find a staff member with the right skills to help local organizations no matter the project.”

The volunteer effort meets a quest by team owners Quint and Rishy Studer when they announced their decision in April to maintain full employment for the front office staff. The Blue Wahoos are among just a small handful of professional sports franchises at any level that did not reduce their staff during the ongoing pandemic.

“Quint and Rishy kept all of us on, and in return, the plan has been for us to help if we can with non-profit agencies,” said Striano. “If we have available hours, we can offer our staff to do whatever a non-profit organization might need. Whatever we can do to ease some of the burden that the COVID situation has created for them. We know that a lot of non-profits have probably been hit really hard. Lay offs have affected numerous local non-profits and the pandemic has made it difficult to find needed volunteers.”

Thanks to the commitment by the Studers, all front office employees, trainees, and interns kept their jobs for the season.

“It has been incredible to watch (the Studers) lay out and live out the mission they set for the organization,” Striano said. “In Minor League Baseball, and this being a smaller business industry, you get to know a lot of people working with other teams. Watching many of my friends in this industry be furloughed or lose their job entirely was heartbreaking and made me incredibly grateful for the opportunities we have here. It’s special to be with the Blue Wahoos.”

Concert, testimonials highlight Family Faith Night

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

PURCHASE FAMILY FAITH NIGHT TICKETS HERE

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Performances from Christian recording artists Josh Wilson and Summer Frost and comedian Ron Barnett and a testimonial from former Jacksonville Jaguars ROAR cheerleader Shenette Doyle highlight the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp’s Family Faith Night presented by Sight & Sound Productions. The event is set for 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 19 at 121 Financial Ballpark, with gates opening at 4:30 p.m.

Socially-distanced tickets are available in the 121 Financial Ballpark seating bowl for $10 per person in increments of two ($20 total), four ($40), six ($60) and eight ($80) by calling the Jumbo Shrimp at (904) 358-2846 or ordering via this link. For larger groups, please call the Jumbo Shrimp at (904) 358-2846.

Wilson, who is headlining the event, has amassed multiple Top 10 hits on Billboard’s Hot Christian Singles charts, including “Savior, Please,” “I Refuse,” “Fall Apart,” “Carry Me,” “Before the Morning,” and “That Was Then, This Is Now.” A multi-instrumentalist and live-looping enthusiast, he’s been known to play and record as many as 20 instruments on stage at any given time.

A native of Jacksonville, Doyle cheered as a Jaguars ROAR cheerleader from 2008-14, reaching the role of captain during her final season. Doyle is the founder of Holy Girls Rock Purity, a movement that challenges young ladies to make a choice to stand for P.U.R.I.T.Y. (Publicly Unwavering Righteousness In Today’s Youth). The group meets monthly with the intention of learning how to live healthy, empowered, faith-filled and happy lives and impacts girls in the city through scholarship funding and community involvement.

Frost is a singer songwriter with a folk/indie/contemporary Christian sound. She plays guitar, keyboard and flute, and her EP “Worth The Wait” came out in May.

Barnett is a stand-up Christian comedian and musician. He enjoys finding the funny in everyday situations and performs regularly at comedy clubs and private events.

Free parking is available in Lot Z behind the video board, with entry to the ballpark at the Third Base Gate. Entry is cashless. Additionally, no outside food or beverage is permitted. Full concessions and adult beverages will be available for cashless purchase, meaning guests must come prepared with card payment options. The Jumbo Shrimp Souvenir Store will also be open for card payment options.

All Jumbo Shrimp employees will be wearing face coverings throughout the event and all guests will be required to wear face coverings upon entry and while they move about the ballpark. Face coverings may be removed once guests arrive to their socially distanced area.

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

Tortugas High School Ambassadors plan community beach cleanup

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

 

Tortugas Care Foundation will also unveil new beach cleanup station

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The Daytona Tortugas will host a community beach cleanup and unveil a new beach cleanup initiative on Wednesday, Aug. 26.

The event is being planned and produced by the Tortugas High School Ambassadors, a group of high school students from across Volusia County who explore careers in the sports and entertainment business as part of the team’s partnership with Volusia County Schools.

The public is invited to join in Wednesday’s cleanup from 10 a.m. to noon at Sun Splash Park, 611 S. Atlantic Ave. Supplies and water will be provided, but volunteers are asked to bring reusable gloves and a reusable bucket or bag if possible. Want to participate but can’t make it to the park? Go to your local beach and do your own cleanup with family and friends! Don’t forget to post about your cleanup on social media using #TugasCleanup.

The event will also include a ceremonial unveiling of a new beach cleanup station established by the Tortugas Care Foundation. TCF has partnered with Volusia County and Fill A Bag, a Key Biscayne nonprofit organization, to create and maintain the station.

Fill A Bag stations make it easy to turn walks on the beach into meaningful cleanups. Starting Wednesday, the public is invited to grab a bucket from the station and pick up trash while walking the beach. Once finished, users should empty the collected items into the nearby trash or recycling bin and return the bucket to the station for future users.

ABOUT THE DAYTONA TORTUGAS

The Daytona Tortugas are the High-A Affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and a member of the Florida State League. The Tortugas play at Jackie Robinson Ballpark in downtown Daytona Beach, Fla. Jackie Robinson Ballpark also plays host to Bethune-Cookman University and many large community events and initiatives throughout the season.

ABOUT THE TORTUGAS CARE FOUNDATION

The Tortugas Care Foundation is a nonprofit philanthropic organization of the Daytona Tortugas. It was established in 2016 and supports the community through financial and in-kind contributions with a focus on youth sports and sea turtle conservation initiatives.

Star panel highlights Refusing To Lose: A Discussion on Diversity in Sports luncheon

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

 

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp have lined up an All-Star panel for the club’s Refusing To Lose: A Discussion on Diversity in Sports luncheon presented by Sight & Sound Productions and Mugwump Productions, which runs from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Friday, September 18 at 121 Financial Ballpark.

The panel, moderated by First Coast News sports director Chris Porter, features former Minor League Baseball player and current Charleston RiverDogs director of community outreach Chris Singleton, Jacksonville Jaguars senior vice president and chief marketing officer Julian Duncan, Jaguars vice president of social responsibility and impact T-Neisha Tate, ATP Tour director of player development Erika Kegler and Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp executive vice president/general manager Harold Craw. Discussion will be versed around the role of diversity in sports, the challenges the industry faces in regards to diversity and how such diversity can make the sports industry a leader in promoting positive change.

A limited number of tables, priced at $100 for a group of four, are available for the luncheon. Each table includes access to a food line featuring a menu of fried coconut torpedo shrimp, pulled pork with Texas toast and slaw, marinated chicken breast, scalloped potatoes, fresh green beans, dinner rolls, chef salad, fresh fruit, sweet tea, lemonade, water, cookies and assorted fried donuts. Tables must be reserved by Wednesday, September 16 by calling the Jumbo Shrimp at (904) 358-2846.

A former Chicago Cubs minor league farmhand from 2017-18, Singleton is a nationally-renowned speaker whose message of forgiveness following the loss of his mother, Sharonda Coleman Singleton, in the June 2015 Mother Emanuel AME Church tragedy helped galvanize the city of Charleston and the nation. He has presented to over 50 organization in 2020 alone and has been featured on ESPN’s E:60, Sports Illustrated, CNN, The Today Show and USA Today. His first book, “Different,” has sold thousands of copies and has been featured by numerous outlets, including The Obama Foundation. Singleton has also created the Love Thy Neighbor brand with a message of spreading love and putting an end to racism.

As the Jaguars’ chief marketing officer, Duncan is responsible for leading the strategic and creative development of all marketing, branding, digital, experiential, and promotional strategies and tactical execution platforms for the Jaguars and Bold Events. A native of Houston and former student-athlete at Rice University, Duncan pursues his passion of increasing minority participation in the marketing field via his role on the advisory board of the Marcus Graham Project, whose mission is to identify, expose, mentor and train ethnically diverse women and men in various aspects of marketing and brand management.

A native of Jacksonville, Tate is one of the public faces of the Jacksonville Jaguars Foundation, which awards nearly $2 million annually for programs in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia that spotlight children and families, education, active-duty military and veteran support, women’s health, youth football, sports safety, fitness and nutrition and community and neighborhood development. The Raines High School graduate has helped the Jaguars Foundation implement NFL initiatives like the Play 60 youth nutrition and exercise program while also partnering with NFL and local philanthropies to bring LISC, a national community development nonprofit, to Jacksonville.

As director of player development at the ATP Tour, the governing body of the men’s professional tennis circuit, Kegler guides the organization’s player enrichment programs for professional tennis players, elite juniors and alumni. The programs include professional and personal development workshops, continuing education opportunities and career transition services. A native of Jacksonville who earned her MBA from the University of North Florida, Kegler has worked at the ATP Tour for over 25 years, holding a broad range of responsibilities while providing customized services for world-class athletes, international tennis tournaments and global media organizations.

The first African-American to win Executive of the Year for any league in Minor League Baseball, Craw was voted the 2017 Southern League Jimmy Bragan Executive of the Year by the general managers of the league member clubs. With 17 seasons of Minor League Baseball experience, the Chattanooga, Tenn., native oversees the Jumbo Shrimp’s marketing and sales, community engagement, game-day experience and all other operational aspects of the organization. He is an active volunteer in the Jacksonville community, mentoring middle school youth through Jacksonville’s Duval County Public Schools 5000 Role Models program. While working for the RiverDogs, Craw co-founded and co-chaired the Charleston RBI Baseball League.

A three-time Emmy-nominated journalist, Porter leads the First Coast News sports team and serves as the station’s primary sports anchor on weekday evenings and nights.

All Jumbo Shrimp employees will be wearing face coverings throughout the event and all guests will be required to wear face coverings upon entry and while they move about the ballpark. Face coverings may be removed once guests arrive to their socially distanced table.

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

Even Without Baseball, Blue Wahoos Create Special Night For Hall Of Fame Batboy 

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

 

His face aglow, Wade Vadakin stood near home plate at Blue Wahoos Stadium, soaking in the cheers and relishing a special moment in his inspiring life.

There’s no minor league baseball season, of course, in this summer of the coronavirus pandemic. No games to work as he has done the past two-plus decades.

No runs to celebrate.

And his former team, the Mobile BayBears, where he became the beloved face of the franchise as team batboy for its 22 seasons in Mobile, now no longer exist.

But the Blue Wahoos, who “signed” Vadakin exactly one year ago Tuesday (Aug. 11, 2019) to join their team as batboy, were able to now honor him for his 2020 induction into the Southern League Hall of Fame.

“It feels great. It feels a little awkward, because I spent my whole career working in Mobile,” said Vadakin, 41, who has overcome so much in his life since being born with congenital brain-stem damage and visual impairment, along with battling diabetes since he was 13 months old.

The Blue Wahoos honored him during their August 8th “Summer Spectacular,” following the movie, “Sandlot,” and before fireworks lit the sky above Pensacola Bay. The event was a rebrand from the planned Fourth of July show, which had to be postponed during the surge of COVID-19 cases in the area and rising concerns.

Blue Wahoos team president Jonathan Griffith, who traveled to Mobile last year before the teams’ last-ever series, presented Vadakin with the Hall of Fame award as people were gathered in safe distances throughout the infield.

“We were going to do (presentation) on opening day (back in April). And of course, that didn’t happen,” Griffith said. “Then we were going to do it on the Fourth of July celebration and that didn’t happen.

“But (August 8) is the biggest event we’ve had all summer. Now we were able to honor him in a safe way… and his history in the Southern League.”

Vadakin was thrilled, along with his parents, Jeff and Kit, who have taken care of him and have driven him to all the games from their family home in Fairhope.

“With that team (BayBears) being gone, I have hooked on with this team here,” said Vadakin, clutching the Hall of Fame plaque with both hands and a vice-grip of pride. “When I first got that voice mail about being inducted, I thought, could this be real?

“Could this actually be happening. I am still trying to wrap my head around this whole thing… It’s crazy.”

It’s also notable for so many reasons.

Vadakin was given a key to the city by a former Mobile mayor in 2012 after working his 1,000th game for the BayBears. He’s worked hundreds more through 2019 season when the BayBears had their farewell season and transferred into the Rocket City Trash Pandas in Madison, Ala., near Huntsville.

Former baseball star Jay Bell, a Tate High grad, who rose in MLB stardom and a World Series title, would have been the Trash Pandas manager this season.

During the past decade, Vadakin has beat back cancer in 2014 and double-pneumonia in February 2019.

Vadakin has been featured on his own baseball card and in other ways during his two-plus decades as BayBears batboy.

“You exemplify what Minor League Baseball is really about and your presence has made a major impact on everyone who has known you,” said Lori Webb, the Southern League president, in a video message played at Blue Wahoos Stadium during the on-field presentation.

“Wade, you officially become a member of a very select circle of folks who have made an indelible mark in the Southern League.”

This year’s SL Hall of Fame Class includes former Cincinnati Reds manager Sparky Anderson, who is enshrined in the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y. as one of the greatest managers in MLB history.

Another Cooperstown member, former Seattle Mariners third baseman Edgar Martinez, is part of the Southern League 2020 class, along with current Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker and former Charlotte O’s owner Frances Crockett Ringley.

“I’m honored to be considered a member of this great, great group,” Vadakin said. “Just look at the people who have been inducted over the years… my all-time favorite player Willie Mays (who grew up in Westfield, Alabama, near Birmingham) Randy Johnson, Bo Jackson. Turner Ward… just unbelievable.

“I’ve been part of four (Southern League) championship teams over in Mobile. This ranks right there. Being chosen for the Hall of Fame, that’s right up there with one of those championship rings.”

Once it became known the BayBears were ending their franchise in Mobile, Griffith met with Blue Wahoos owner Quint Studer about the possibility of bringing Vadakin to Pensacola for selected home games.

“(Family) were pretty devastated when the BayBears announced they were going to leave and go to Madison,” Griffith said. “It’s been such a part of his Wade’s life, part of the family’s life.

“I just felt like we needed to make sure we try to take care of that and offer him a job, an opportunity to work in Pensacola. And we weren’t sure he would take it or not. So, it worked out well and we are happy to have Wade on our staff now.”

The Blue Wahoos will continue to offer movie and fireworks nights through the next several weeks, including this Saturday (Aug. 15) with the showing of Walt Disney’s “Angels In The Outfield,” followed by fireworks. Admission is $5.

Masks will be required for entrance, or be provided for those who don’t have one. The team’s request is for people to wear the masks whenever on the concourse, or in line for concessions. The Blue Wahoos staff will be wearing masks and everyone handling tickets or money will be wearing gloves.

The rescheduled Fourth of July event on Aug. 8 attracted nearly 2,000 fans, the largest attended event of the year, so far, for the Blue Wahoos.

“I think it shows that, when you can do an event in open air, and the weather is good, people will come out,” Griffith said. “I think we’re able to give people space to have events.

“People want to come out. You have to do it in a safe way.”

Tortugas planning special event in honor of Jackie Robinson Ballpark’s namesake

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

 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The Daytona Tortugas invite the community to celebrate Jackie Robinson Day with a special event at Jackie Robinson Ballpark on Aug. 28.

Attendees will have the opportunity to watch on the Tortugas’ 36-foot-wide videoboard as the Cincinnati Reds take on the Chicago Cubs from Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati as part of Major League Baseball’s celebration of Jackie Robinson Day. In addition, fans will be invited to play catch on the field and win prizes by playing Baseball Bingo.

Tickets are $15 per person and include an official Florida State League baseball with each ticket. Tickets must be purchased in advance via the Tortugas’ website. Fans also can purchase Stand With The Jack jerseys for only $15 as an add-on option at checkout.

Gates will open at 6:30 p.m., and the Reds-Cubs game is scheduled to start at 7:10 p.m. All Tortugas staff will wear face masks in accordance with the Tortugas’ Re-Opening Protocols, and all attendees are encouraged to do so as well.

Blue Wahoos Help Recognize Two Area Scholarship Winners In MiLB Rising Stars Program 

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

 

A partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida enabled the Blue Wahoos to help celebrate national recognition for two area high school graduates.

Dashawn Appleberry from Rocky Bayou Christian School in Niceville, along with Rhett Hardy from Pine Forest High School, were both recipients of Rising Star Student awards for $500 through a scholarship program with Minor League Baseball and the national Big Brothers Big Sisters organization.

They were among 20 winners nationwide in a program MILB Charities founded in 2016 for deserving BBBS student enrollees in Minor League Baseball communities across the nation. A partnership began in 2004 with the national Big Brothers Big Sisters organization and Minor League Baseball.

“Think of this, there are 162 teams (in MiLB) and there are 20 scholarships,” said Blue Wahoos owner Quint Studer, who participated in a Zoom conference call Monday to honor the two area seniors. “So that means one out of every eight teams could possibly get somebody to be named a winner and we have two.

“On behalf of the Blue Wahoos, we would like to thank Minor League Baseball…we’re just carrying a message. It is wonderful testimony to the quality of applicants we have right here (in Northwest Florida).”

Appleberry, whose family moved to the area from New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina’s wrath in 2005, will be the first from his family to attend college. He will begin classes later this month at Florida State where he will major in Computer Science.

He graduated with a 3.85 cumulative grade point average. He has been mentored by his Big Brother Richard for the past 10 years.

Hardy, who was a member of the Pine Forest baseball team, attained a 4.87 GPA and will attend the University of Florida where he will major in Biomedical Engineering. He has spent three years with his Big Brother mentor, shadowing him once a month in a School To Work program at Navy Federal Credit Union.

“They both blew it out of the park, no pun intended, to apply for this scholarship,” said Dana Hall, director of development for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida. “We are so excited they were selected. This is going to help them kick-start their next adventure.”

Appleberry and Hardy are classified as “Littles” in the BBBS program. Their mentors are business employees in the community and classified as “Bigs”.

“We have done several events with the Blue Wahoos…recruitment events, spirit nights, a Big/Little first pitch,” Hall said. “We have been incredible partners with Blue Wahoos.

“So when this opportunity came out from our national office, we really wanted to encourage all of our Big Brothers to get with their Little Big Brother/Sister and apply for this scholarship.”

The MILB partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters included scholarship stipends to graduating seniors who start college this fall semester. The application process included either a written essay submitted online or a video presentation of qualifications.

“I’m very grateful I was one of the few who got picked,” said Appleberry during the Zoom video conference.

“I want to thank everybody who helped get me this scholarship,” said Hardy, who was a member of the National Honor Society at Pine Forest.

Hall thanked Studer and the Blue Wahoos for all the support the team has provided during the nine years of the franchise. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year as part of the national organization.

“Quint is a huge advocate of not only our mission, but just mentoring in general,” Hall said. “The Pensacola Blue Wahoos have done so many things in our community. Even with the pandemic going on, they have gone above and beyond with just giving us a little sense of normalcy and still bringing the community together.”

Jumbo Shrimp Youth Baseball Camp returns August 10-14

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

 

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – After a successful July camp in teaching the young fans of Crustacean Nation the fundamentals of baseball in a fun environment, the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp’s Youth Baseball Camp is returning from 9 a.m.-noon during the week of August 10-14 at 121 Financial Ballpark.

Former college baseball players and Jumbo Shrimp staff members will teach children ages 5-12 right on the field of 121 Financial Ballpark. Campers will be served lunch daily upon the conclusion of camp, and each camper will receive a special camp T-shirt. Daily arrival begins at 8:30 a.m., with camp starting at 9 a.m. The cost is $200 per camper.

Camp size is limited to 30 attendees and camp groups will be divided by ages with groupings capped at 10 campers. Each group will have one coach and at least one counselor with them at all times. To register, please contact Jumbo Shrimp assistant director, ticket sales James Abbatinozzi at (904) 374-4569 or [email protected].

Campers are instructed to bring their own hats, gloves, bats, helmets, personal water bottles and flat tennis shoes – no cleats will be accepted.

In accordance with city and state health officials, face coverings are mandatory for all Jumbo Shrimp employees, coaches and counselors. Drop off/check will require all to be in face coverings and include temperature checks for all campers and all family members wishing to enter and stay to watch camp.

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

Spectrum Field Host to Pinellas County High School Graduations

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

Senior Ceremonies Continued for the Class of 2020 with Safety Protocols in Place

CLEARWATER, Fla. – Spectrum Field in Clearwater was the host for 16 Pinellas County High School Graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2020 during the week of July 7-10. The Phillies and Threshers teamed up with the City of Clearwater, Pinellas County Schools and the Pinellas County Health Department to ensure that Pinellas County graduates were given an opportunity to walk in their cap and gown.

“We felt it was important and the right thing to do for our community. We were able to create a safe environment in which our graduates could be honored and participate in their graduation ceremonies,” said Doug Kemp, General Manager of Spectrum Field.

Four graduation ceremonies were held each day over the four-day period. To accommodate proper health guidelines, the schools and graduates were assigned specific times and locations to park and proceed into the ballpark and across the stage. Social distancing measures were in place and masks were mandatory for students, families and event staff. Although no one was allowed in the seating bowl, each graduate entered with their immediate families and walked across the stage to be recognized via the stadium’s PA and video board, serving as a photo opportunity. The ceremonies were live streamed on the Pinellas County Schools website.

“We are proud to have had such a significant role in honoring our Pinellas County graduating class,” added John Timberlake, The Phillies Director of Florida Operations. “I believe it underscores the commitment that the Phillies and the City of Clearwater maintain for our community and all of Pinellas County, even during these challenging times.”

Spectrum Field has been the site of Clearwater High School’s graduation ceremonies since 2007 and the ballpark has held as many as seven local high school graduations in previous years. The Clearwater Threshers have been playing their home games at Spectrum Field since the 2004 opening and the Philadelphia Phillies make the facility their Spring Training home.

Jumbo Shrimp Youth Baseball Camp runs from July 20-24

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

 

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are offering young fans of Crustacean Nation the chance to learn the fundamentals of baseball in a fun environment. The club’s Youth Baseball Camp will run from 9 a.m.-noon during the week of July 20-24 at 121 Financial Ballpark.

Former college baseball and softball players and Jumbo Shrimp staff members will teach children ages 5-12 right on the field of 121 Financial Ballpark. Campers will be served lunch daily upon the conclusion of camp, and each camper will receive a special camp T-shirt. Daily arrival begins at 8:30 a.m., with camp starting at 9 a.m. The cost is $200 per camper.

In accordance with city and state health officials, face coverings are mandatory for all Jumbo Shrimp employees, coaches and counselors. Camp groups will be divided by ages with groupings capped at 10 campers. Each group will have one coach and one counselor with them at all times.

Campers are instructed to bring their own hats, gloves, bats, personal water bottles and flat tennis shoes – no cleats will be accepted.

Camp size is limited to 50 attendees. To register, please contact Jumbo Shrimp assistant director, ticket sales James Abbatinozzi at (904) 374-4569 or [email protected].

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

Campout on field highlights Jumbo Shrimp Scout Night

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

 

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are inviting Scouts to sleep under the stars at 121 Financial Ballpark on Saturday, July 18 for Scout Night presented by Flamingo Lake RV Resort. The event, which begins at 4 p.m. on July 18, allows Scouts to take swings on the field and features stadium game and activity stations, a baseball movie on the video board and an overnight campout on the field.

For just $25, Scouts will receive an on-field campout, 2020 Jumbo Shrimp Scout Patch, one burger, chips and 12 oz. soft drink and five swings from the batter’s box at 121 Financial Ballpark. Of each ticket purchased, $5 will be donated to the Boy Scouts of America North Florida Council.

The Jumbo Shrimp will also provide stadium game and activity stations for Scouts throughout the event, with all Scouts able to enjoy a baseball movie on the high-definition video board prior to the night’s camp out. Check-in for Scout Night is at 3 p.m., with events commencing at 4 p.m. Following the campout, wake up will be at 7 a.m. on Sunday, July 19, with exit by 8 a.m.

Space is extremely limited to register. Fans must register by July 15 by contacting Jumbo Shrimp assistant director, ticket operations Peter Ercey at (904) 374-4548 or [email protected]. There will be no on-site registration for Scout Night.

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