Tortugas seek National Anthem performers

 

SUBMIT VIRTUAL AUDITION HERE

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The Daytona Tortugas are launching a virtual search for National Anthem performers for the 2021 season.

In lieu of in-person auditions this year, all interested singers, vocal groups and musicians should enter a digital submission (video or audio) here. Candidates who have been chosen from the virtual auditions will be contacted to schedule a date to perform the National Anthem.

The Daytona Tortugas open the 2021 season on Tuesday, May 4 at the Palm Beach Cardinals (STL). Opening Night at Jackie Robinson Ballpark is set for Tuesday, May 11 vs. the St. Lucie Mets (NYM).

For any questions, please contact Josh McCann, Community Relations & Outside Events Manager, at [email protected].

ABOUT THE DAYTONA TORTUGAS

The Daytona Tortugas are a proud affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds. 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 year.

Marauders to Highlight Non-Profits, Small Businesses at Home Games

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 26, 2021

BRADENTON, Fla. — The Bradenton Marauders, Low-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, have announced plans to feature local area non-profit organizations and small businesses for Friday and Saturday games at LECOM Park in 2021. The Marauders will partner with the Manatee Chamber of Commerce, the Manasota Black Chamber of Commerce, and the Gulf Coast Latin Chamber of Commerce to promote the program.

The Marauders will feature one non-profit organization at each Friday home game (10 scheduled) and one small business at each Saturday home game (10 scheduled). Businesses and organizations that would like to participate are encouraged to submit a nomination at BradentonMarauders.com.

Each winning non-profit or small business will receive a free advertising package that includes four complimentary tickets, in-park and digital activations on the day that they are selected.

“Non-profit organizations and small businesses are the lifeblood of our community. After a challenging year, we’re excited to provide them with an opportunity to share their mission or their brand,” Marauders General Manager Craig Warzecha said.

For more information about the Bradenton Marauders, please call (941) 747-3031, visit BradentonMarauders.com, or email [email protected].

###

Threshers Food and Beverage Now Hiring

 

The Clearwater Threshers Food and Beverage department at BayCare Ballpark is now hiring for the summer season. The open positions are currently grill/fry cooks and cashiers at the concession stands.

Threshers games start on May 4 with homestands continuing through September 12. For more information or to apply, please contact Justin Stone at [email protected] or 727-712-4401.

Now Hiring Cooks & Cashiers: Apply Today!

To apply for a job today, fill out the application here and email it to General Manager Judd Loveland and [email protected].

The Fort Myers Mighty Mussels food and beverage department is now hiring for the 2021 season.

The Mussels are looking for cooks and cashiers right now!

To apply for a job today, fill out the application here and email it to General Manager Judd Loveland and [email protected].

Jumbo Shrimp & 121 Financial Credit Union to host second annual virtual coloring contest

 

CONTEST INFORMATION/DOWNLOAD COLORING SHEET

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp and 121 Financial (pronounced “One to One”), Jacksonville’s hometown credit union, are teaming up again to host the second annual virtual coloring contest, running through May 3. Free and open to the community, “kids” young and old can download a coloring sheet of Jumbo Shrimp mascot “Scampi” at https://go.121fcu.org/scampis-back-2021 and then enter a picture of their best work via the same page.

There is no limit to the number of entries and the public can vote for their favorites. Coloring-sheet printouts can also be picked up at 121 Financial Credit Union branches, using the drive-thru teller lanes.

On May 4, the Jumbo Shrimp and 121 Financial will award three cash (gift card) prizes: $250 for first place; $100 for second place; $50 for third; and $100 for the people’s choice.

In January 2020, 121 Financial acquired the naming rights to the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville and introduced 121 Financial Ballpark.

Visit https://go.121fcu.org/scampis-back-2021 for more information and to download your coloring sheet.

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. The 2021 season marks the return of Triple-A baseball in Jacksonville. 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.

ABOUT 121 FINANCIAL CREDIT UNION: 121 Financial Credit Union (pronounced “One to One”) provides personalized banking and financial services to its more than 45,000 members throughout the Jacksonville and North Florida region. Since its founding 1935 as Florida Telco, the credit union has worked to be a trusted partner to the community with personalized solutions for every stage of life. 121 Financial offers a range of products for both consumers and businesses and specializes in deposit accounts and loans, including mortgages. For more information or to become a member, visit https://121fcu.org.

Fans invited to nominate Jumbo Shrimp Budweiser Military Family of the Game

 

NOMINATE A BUDWEISER MILITARY FAMILY OF THE GAME

JUMBO SHRIMP MILITARY APPRECIATION

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are seeking to honor active and retired military, Veterans and their immediate families by continuing the Budweiser Military Family of the Game program throughout the 2021 season presented by FIS.

Fans can nominate candidates by completing a submission form via this link. The Budweiser Military Family of the Game will be honored during 2021 Jumbo Shrimp home games with a public address announcement while they are shown on the 121 Financial Ballpark videoboard.

For questions or more information on the Budweiser Military Family of the Game, fans are welcome to contact Senior Director, Community Engagement Andrea Williams at [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. The 2021 season marks the return of Triple-A baseball in Jacksonville. 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.

St. Lucie Mets Community Market Coming April 25th

 

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (April 14, 2021) – The St. Lucie Mets are excited to announce the launch of the St. Lucie Mets Community Market.

The mission of the St. Lucie Mets Community Market is to promote and support regional artists, crafters and food vendors by providing a viable and productive market place where local producers can create mutually beneficial interactions with area residents and visitors. Promoting healthy food and local commerce fosters a sense of a community supported economy. There are over 30 vendors ranging from food, crafts, artists and vegan/all-natural products that will be joining us.

The launch date of the first market is Sunday, April 25th from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Clover Park. Moving forward the Community Market will take place two Sundays per month. Parking and entry to the market is free.

“The St. Lucie Mets look forward to sharing recently renovated Clover Park with our neighbors and friends in the a different way,” Doug Dickey, Mets Manager of Fantasy Camp & Events, said. “The Market is an opportunity for our fans and newcomers to the facility to explore locally made foods, home items and other unique times that are available to purchase from local vendors. We invite those who enjoy outdoor markets to visit us on Sunday, April 25th.”

Future Community Market dates are May 9th, May 23rd, June 6th and June 20th. Guests are asked to follow CDC guidelines by wearing a mask, social distancing and using hand sanitizer while attending.

People or businesses interested in becoming vendors should apply at milb.com/st-lucie/community or contact Doug Dickey at [email protected].

Calling All Workers, Blue Wahoos Seek Seasonal Help For Games

 

The excitement of a new Blue Wahoos baseball season, a new era, includes a welcome challenge for the organization to find game day staff members.

That is why an April 6-7 Job Fair at the stadium, which encompasses part-time positions within the Studer Family of Companies, is a needed two-day venture. The job-seeking event is open to all area residents who meet legal working age requirements in Florida.

There are a multitude of positions available within the Blue Wahoos, as well as Bubba’s Sweet Spot and Bodacious Shops on Palafox Street, plus the new Oyster Bay Boutique Hotel on Bayfront Parkway. The event at the stadium will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. each day and job-seekers will be given an application form to complete before interviews.

A majority of positions for Blue Wahoos games will be in food and beverage, helping to operate the stadium’s massive concession operation.

“We need as many folks as we can get our hands on,” said Candice Miller, human resources director. “We’re back. We are ready to play ball. We are committed to playing. And we will also do it in a safe manner.

“We are ready to help some of the people who have not been able to get back to work to get to work with us. They will get to experience our culture and everything we are about.”

When the Blue Wahoos play their 2021 home opener on May 11 against the Birmingham Barons, it will be the first Blue Wahoos game since September 7, 2019 – a span of nearly 20 months.

The first impact of the global coronavirus pandemic in March 2020 wiped out all of last season across Minor League Baseball. The Blue Wahoos held a job fair a year ago before the season was cancelled.

“It is a different experience than it has been,” said Miller, referring to changing times from all other Blue Wahoos seasons. “I am hoping we can get some good quality, customer-oriented people to come out and express the interest we are looking for… and to match them up with the right departments.

“It is so important to get these jobs filled, so we can provide the level of service that we are known for doing year afer year,” she said.

Applicants attending the job fair are asked to dress for a job interview, along with presenting a resume that includes contact information, education history, job experience and references. Candidates will be interviewed for all SFOC positions by members of the company staff.

Masks will be mandatory. Physical distance will be maintained. Other COVID-19 related procedures will be in place.

“People who are considering working for us should understand we do have safety protocols in place,” said Danielle Djuric, SFOC human resources assistant. “And that we have procedures, standards we follow.

“We are requiring masks. We are finding alternative methods to engage fans in a crowd during Blue Wahoos games and still show them a good time. So we want to make sure everyone is safe.”

More information on the Job Fair as to specific positions can be found on www.bluewahoos.com or by calling 850-934-8444 during regular business hours.

WANT TO GO?

WHAT: Blue Wahoos Job Fair

WHEN: April 6-7, 4 p.m.-7 p.m.

WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium

WHO: Open To All Legal Age Workers In Florida

POSITIONS: Vary.

INFO: www.bluewahoos.com

Jumbo Shrimp ballpark job fairs set for March 13 & 16

 

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are building their team for another season of Affordable Family Fun at 121 Financial Ballpark. The club will hold a pair of job fairs for 2021 game day positions from 9 a.m.-noon on Saturday, March 13 and 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 16 at the ballpark.

Interested applicants need only attend one of the job fairs, and will be asked to complete an employee application form. Applicants may bring a completed application to the job fair. All applicants will be required to wear face coverings, should be prepared to interview at the job fairs and are encouraged to bring a resume and dress appropriately. Potential employees are subject to a background check and drug test.

Parking for the job fairs will be in Lot P and applicants may enter through the main stadium gates at the corner of A Philip Randolph Blvd. and E. Adams St.

Open positions are for seasonal employment, including but not limited to 72 Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp baseball home games, additional stadium events and training. The ideal candidate is outgoing, enjoys being part of a team atmosphere and is ready to have FUN while providing top-notch customer service.

The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are seeking candidates for the following positions:

-GAME DAY TICKET SELLER/TICKET TAKER: One of the first points of guest interaction, the game day ticket seller/ticket taker will staff a ticket window at the box office approximately one hour before the gates open for that night’s game and work until the majority of the crowd has been served, approximately an hour after the game begins. 121 Financial Ballpark utilizes the Glitnir ticketing system, and the game day ticket seller will work in an efficient manner to meet fans’ needs for ticket purchases, exchanges and upgrades at the ticket window. Ticket takers will be responsible for greeting guests at the gate and scanning them into the ballpark.

-KIDS ZONE ATTENDANT: The kids zone attendant will staff one of the multiple children’s attractions at 121 Financial Ballpark. From the speed pitch to the giant inflatables and carnival-style games, the attendant is responsible for overseeing the safety of those in the area, as well as ensuring everyone is having FUN. Arrival time would be approximately one hour before gates open and end time would be dependent on crowd size.

-MERCHANDISE STORE EMPLOYEE: From stocking and organizing the store prior to the gates opening on game day to assisting customers with their merchandise purchases, the merchandise store employee will provide top-notch customer service while maintaining organization and attention to detail. Additionally, the merchandise employee may also be operating satellite merchandise kiosks, as well as hawking smaller items in the stands. Arrival time would be approximately a half-hour before gates open, and end time would be dependent on crowd size but could be following the game on busier nights. Retail experience is a plus.

-50/50 TICKET SELLER: Ticket sellers sell tickets to fans for the nightly 50/50 charitable raffle at Jumbo Shrimp home games. Sellers should comfortably handle large cash transactions and credit card machines, as well as the sale and distribution of 50/50 raffle tickets throughout their work shift. They work to engage fans and staff to spread awareness of the 50/50 raffle program. They solve problems quickly and efficiently and answer questions fans may have about the 50/50 raffle program. Ticket sellers are responsible for meeting and/or exceeding designated sales goals per game. Preferred candidates will be available to work a majority of the 70 home games, arriving 1.5 hours prior to game time.

-FAN EXPERIENCE REPRESENTATIVES: The Jumbo Shrimp’s most visible and helpful game day employee, the ideal Fan Experience Representative candidate is outgoing, knowledgeable about the ballpark and its rules and regulations, and enjoys interacting with people and having FUN. The Fan Experience Representatives will be located throughout the ballpark, including entry areas of the stadium. Fan Experience Representatives will also serve as friendly faces in many tasks including assisting fans to their seats, answering any questions guests may have, inspection of bags brought into the ballpark by guests and other tasks as needed. These staff members will also direct entry and exit of guests through areas within the ballpark. Arrival time would be approximately a half-hour before gates open for wiping down and preparing their seating section and last until at least the final out of the game, pending postgame activities.

-GAME DAY CLEAN TEAM: Team members will work throughout the game keeping 121 Financial Ballpark clean. Responsibilities will include keeping the main concourse tidy, responding to spill calls, emptying trash receptacles throughout the game, keeping restrooms clean and stocked with paper products and soap and generally keeping the stadium presentable. Team members will generally arrive a half-hour before the gates open and work through the end of the game, reporting to the stadium operations manager. Candidates may also be considered for non-game day work.

-BAT BOY: Collecting bats from the field is the part you have probably seen at a game, but there is more to the job of a bat boy – from filling water jugs before the game to getting the dugouts prepared and any other duties as assigned by the clubhouse manager. All bat boys must be at least 16 years of age by Opening Day (May 4).

-ID CHECKER: Fans consuming alcohol at Jumbo Shrimp games must first stop by an ID Check station to have their age verified and receive a wrist band from an ID Checker. ID Checkers will arrive at the ballpark a half-hour before gates open, and end time will be based on crowd size and no later than the seventh inning when alcohol sales end.

-PROMOTIONS TEAM: Assist and execute between-inning games, promotional activities, handing out giveaway items, and engaging fans in a FUN manner!

-BIRTHDAY PARTY HOST: The birthday party host will assist in all day-of executions of our birthday party packages at the ballpark. From working with our full-time staff members, to helping prepare the birthday area prior to guest arrival, to greeting and hosting the guests at the ballpark, to cleaning up once the party concludes, the ideal candidate will have an outgoing and upbeat personality with attention to detail and a priority on having FUN at the ballpark a must. The host will work based on birthday party bookings.

The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are an equal opportunity employer.

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.

Blue Wahoos Staff Teams To Help Pensacola Youth Soccer Prepare For New Season 

 

Later in March, Pensacola Youth Soccer hopes to begin practices, then games for an upcoming season that has presented varied challenges.

The Blue Wahoos front office staff has helped toward making it possible.

As part of the team’s ongoing community service outreach, Blue Wahoos employees joined together Feb. 24 to dig, remove and carry away rocks embedded in the grass acreage of Mallory Heights Park.

Before the area could soon be set up and lined for multiple youth soccer fields, clearing away debris was a necessity.

“We could not have a season, had we not done this. It’s that simple,” said Phil Nickinson, board president of Pensacola Youth Soccer, praising the team of Wahoos staff members. “Having everyone from the Wahoos out here in one afternoon was very special.”

The Blue Wahoos have made youth field restoration in the Pensacola area part of their annual schedule. This was the first soccer field project.

“It helps us meet our mission,” said Anna Striano, the Blue Wahoos community relations director and merchandise manager. “If we weren’t out helping, it’s likely (Pensacola Youth Soccer) would not have been able to play soccer.

“Definitely, if these rocks had stayed on these fields, it could not have been used for practice. Somebody would have hurt themselves playing on these fields. Now, they are going to be able to hold practices.”

Since the team’s inaugural season in 2012, the Blue Wahoos have traveled throughout Escambia and Santa Rosa County to youth ballfields. If a request is submitted, the field is checked out for what equipment is needed and whether it is possible to make significant improvements during a day.

Dustin Hannah, the Blue Wahoos head groundskeeper, helps direct the work effort at the field.

“With the coronavirus situation, this year has been a little different, because what organizations are looking for the most is raising funds,” Striano said. “What we can provide is a day where our staff can come out and work together to smooth a field and make light repairs.

“This one (at Mallory Heights) came together quickly. But with everything we were able to do in helping with the recovery in our community from Hurricane Sally in mid-September, it has just flowed together. We have been able to help wherever we can.”

Mallory Heights Park is among 96 parks within the City of Pensacola Parks and Recreation Department. And only a small number of those parks are usable for soccer.

More fields will soon be available when the city opens a $3 million soccer complex at Hitzman-Optimist Park.

“Once Hitzman is done, these fields (at Mallory Heights) can be used for practices and smaller games of six on six soccer,” NIckinson said.

Pensacola Youth Soccer has approximately 750 kids participating in the recreational youth soccer organization for ages 4 through 17.

“And that number of kids is actually the fewest we’ve had since 2015,” Nickinson said. “We did minimal advertising, because we knew we had to cap registration because we don’t have the field space.”

The main benefit of getting the fields ready is just having a season again. When the coronavirus pandemic struck a year ago in March, all youth sports were either discontinued or greatly curtailed.

“We haven’t done anything since last spring,” Nickinson said. “We haven’t used these fields in the past year. We are hoping to have half of our practices out here.”

Blue Wahoos Provide Needed Place For Reuniting Mr. Robbins Neighborhood Program 

 

Crystal blue sky and the welcome return of warmer temperatures added to the experience, as members of Mr. Robbins’ Neighborhood gathered at Blue Wahoos Stadium.

A group of area high school athletes in the Playbook Program were together Feb. 20 for the first time since the 2020 school year ended in June.

Several had never met each other. Most had only visited via Zoom conferences. The ongoing coronavirus pandemic forced limitations in an organization designed to mentor and educate young athletes about the necessity of preparing for a future beyond sports.

Now, finally, they were on a field, working out together, and in meetings at the stadium.

“I’m telling you, it’s great just to be outside again, be on a field again, be with these kids in person again. It means so much,” said Fred Robbins, the retired NFL defensive star, who co-founded the outreach program with his wife, Tia, as a way to mentor athletes, inform about getting into college and reinforce the importance of having a Plan B outside of sports.

“Those who are on Zoom, I know you are tired of Zoom,” said Robbins, addressing the group. “I am Zoomed out, too. This is way to get outside.”

Through the help of Blue Wahoos co-owners Quint and Rishy Studer, the stadium became a way to get outside. A way to get the athletes’ parents together, have the athletes go through some workouts, then gather for a meal inside the stadium’s lounge.

The athletes were also able to utilize the Blue Wahoos home clubhouse. It was a full afternoon and evening for the program members, something they have not had since COVID-19 affected everything.

“The kids needed it,” said Tia Robbins. “The program had to transition into everything being done virtually. And Mr. Studer brought up this up about using the stadium, and said, ‘Let’s make this happen.’

“Just having little fun is so important. And getting the parents together to give them information is so much easier to do this way.”

The athletes thanked the Studers in a Facebook video. Many of the athletes had requested to Fred Robbins about a way for the Playbook Program to meet outside on a field again.

“We were doing everything on just Zoom calls,” said Fred Robbins, who went from Tate High and Wake Forest into winning a Super Bowl as starting defensive tackle for the New York Giants. “We tried to get to a kid at a football game on Friday. And we try to get him on a Zoom call on Saturday morning.

“But we could just tell the focus wasn’t there. The good thing about it, is that some of them realized it, too. And they said, ‘Hey is there any way we can get together? These Zooms aren’t doing anything.’

“That is what this day is about.”

Before activities began, Fred and Tia met with the athletes to reinforce the importance of registering with the NCAA Clearinghouse, an online portal that is essential for being recruited and verifying academic eligibility.

As Tia pointed out to the athletes, there’s a case of one area athlete unable to get a scholarship simply because he did not register with the NCAA Clearinghouse.

“I don’t care if you have a 30 on the ACT, or a 4.5 grade point average,” Fred Robbins said to the athletes. “If you haven’t registered for the (NCAA) Clearinghouse, you are not getting in college. All you have to do is register. It is easy.

“But if I’m a college coach and I don’t see your name in the Clearinghouse, If I don’t see his name, I can’t recruit you. This is a way they can see your film, see who you are. Make sure you guys do it.”

Mr. Robbins’ Neighborhood is now in its seventh year. The athletes include football players, basketball players, baseball and soccer. This year, the Playbook Program welcomed the first are female athlete.

The idea was formed when Fred Robbins got injured late in his 12-year NFL career. As he was in the hospital after surgery, he realized what would happen if he could not return to playing. What now?

He wanted to make sure teenage athletes grasp the reality of long odds just to play college sports. And the percentage of athletes who ever rise from high school to earning a professional contract is miniscule.

It is why having a Plan B is vital.

“We’re now seeing some ours kids in the program in college now,” Tia Robbins said. “We’ve seen the difference this making with them.”

Jumbo Shrimp to hold food & beverage job fairs Feb. 6 & 17

Club seeks candidates for seasonal food and beverage positions

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – With the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp’s 2021 season of Affordable Family Fun on the horizon, the club has set two job fairs in February for 2021 seasonal food and beverage positions at 121 Financial Ballpark.

The Jumbo Shrimp will host food and beverage job fairs from both 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, February 6 and 4:30-8 p.m. on Wednesday, February 17 at 121 Financial Ballpark.

The Jumbo Shrimp are seeking candidates for:

-Concessions Manager

-Concessions Floor Supervisor

-Warehouse Manager

-Suite Attendant

-Concessions Workers

-Concessions Cook

-Bartender

-Warehouse Worker

-Party Deck Attendant

-Vending Hawker

-Line Cook

-Kitchen Utility

-Cashier

-Keg Operator

-Office Coordinator

-Clean Team

Interested applicants may find full position descriptions and an application form at www.jaxshrimp.com. Applicants may bring a completed application to the job fair. All applicants will be required to wear face coverings, should be prepared to interview at the job fairs and are encouraged to bring a resume and dress appropriately. Potential employees are subject to a background check and drug test.

Parking for the events will be in Lot P and applicants may enter through the Home Plate Gate at the corner of A Philip Randolph Blvd. and E. Adams St.

Open positions are for seasonal employment, including but not limited to 70 Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp home baseball games, additional stadium events and training.

The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are an equal opportunity employer.

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.

Raines, Ribault to play under the lights at second annual High School Heritage Classic

 

PURCHASE HIGH SCHOOL HERITAGE CLASSIC TICKETS

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – As part of the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp’s salute to Black History Month, the club is hosting historic Duval County Public Schools rivals William M. Raines High School and Jean Ribault High School to play in the second annual High School Heritage Classic exhibition game presented by Rubenstein Law at 6:35 p.m. on Friday, February 12 under the lights of 121 Financial Ballpark.

Raines and Ribault student-athletes will wear customized Jacksonville Red Caps uniforms in a tribute to the Negro Leagues team that resided in Jacksonville from 1938-42. The exhibition contest will feature historical references to Negro Leagues players and teams throughout the game. The winning team will earn the A. Philip Randolph Cup, commemorating the civil rights activist who moved to Jacksonville in 1891.

A limited number of socially-distanced seating is available in the 121 Financial Ballpark seating bowl at the price of $5 for reserved seats and $10 for 121 Financial Crustacean Corner seats. They can be purchased online at www.jaxshrimp.com by clicking here. For group tickets, please contact the Jumbo Shrimp at (904) 358-2846.

“I am proud and excited to bring back this special game that celebrates the rich history of the Negro Leagues in Jacksonville and honors the many Negro Leagues players who laid the foundation for our entire industry,” said Jumbo Shrimp executive vice president/general manager Harold Craw. “I want to thank Duval County Public Schools and the students and faculty of both Raines and Ribault High Schools for kicking off the Jumbo Shrimp’s annual commitment to commemorate the Negro Leagues. We encourage all fans to learn about the extraordinary Negro Leagues players who complete the history of the sport we all love.”

In the inaugural High School Heritage Classic, played in February 2020, the Raines Vikings beat the Ribault Trojans 8-4 to take home the inaugural A. Philip Randolph Cup.

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.

Students can win ceremonial first pitch in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. essay contest

 

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – With Black History Month upcoming, the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are asking students what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have A Dream” speech means to them. The club’s essay contest will reward the winning students with free tickets for their entire class to attend a Jumbo Shrimp regular season game at 121 Financial Ballpark.

The Jumbo Shrimp’s essay contest is open to all K-12 students in Duval County, Clay County and St. Johns County. Submissions will be divided into three categories (Grades K-5, 6-8 and 9-12, respectively). The contest will begin on Martin Luther King Jr. Day at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, January 19. All entries should be submitted by 5 p.m. on Friday, February 19 to [email protected], and must include the student’s name, age, grade and school.

Following the submission process, each category will have their respective winners notified by email and announced on Friday, February 26.

For any questions regarding the Jumbo Shrimp’s Dr. King “I Have A Dream” speech essay contest, please contact Director of Community Relations Andrea Williams at [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.

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

 

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.