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

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

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

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

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

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

Shorebirds to Host Walk-In Wednesdays Job Interviews!

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

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

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

National Anthem Auditions Set for April 2

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

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

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

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

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

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

Black History Month Feature: Shorebirds Top 5 Black Players 

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In celebration of Black History Month, throughout February, teams across Minor League Baseball are taking a look back at five of the best Black players to suit up for their club.

While some of these standout performers went on to long and illustrious Major League careers, others simply had great Minor League careers or, in some cases, just one incredible season that went down as “a year for the ages.”

Here is a look at five of the best Black baseball players ever to suit up for Delmarva Shorebirds.

CEDRIC MULLINS

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

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

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

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

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

MYCHAL GIVENS

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

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

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

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

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

WILLIE HARRIS

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

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

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

DARNELL MCDONALD

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

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

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

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

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

TIM RAINES JR.

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

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

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

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

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

In celebration of Black History Month, throughout February, teams across Minor League Baseball are taking a look back at five of the best Black players to suit up for their club.

While some of these standout performers went on to long and illustrious Major League careers, others simply had great Minor League careers or, in some cases, just one incredible season that went down as “a year for the ages.”

Here is a look at five of the best Black baseball players ever to suit up for the Bowie Baysox.

JEFFREY HAMMONDS

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

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

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

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

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

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

CALVIN PICKERING

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

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

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

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

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

CURTIS GOODWIN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CEDRIC MULLINS

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

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

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

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

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

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

HONORABLE MENTIONS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

QUINCY LATIMORE

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

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

DARNELL MCDONALD

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

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

Delmarva Shorebirds Announce 2022 Job Fair February 19, 2022!

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Minor League Baseball has announced the launch of “The Nine,” a new, Black-community focused outreach platform specifically designed to honor and celebrate the historic impact numerous Black baseball pioneers made on the sport, provide new opportunities for youth baseball and softball participation, further diversify the business of baseball, and embrace

Minor League Baseball has announced the launch of “The Nine,” a new, Black-community focused outreach platform specifically designed to honor and celebrate the historic impact numerous Black baseball pioneers made on the sport, provide new opportunities for youth baseball and softball participation, further diversify the business of baseball, and embrace millions of passionate fans throughout MiLB’s 120 communities nationwide.

Named for the number Jackie Robinson wore during his only season playing in MiLB with the Triple-A Montreal Royals in 1946, The Nine will connect MiLB teams’ existing, Black-community focused development efforts with new national programming and future special events in a coordinated and centralized campaign. The new inclusion initiative follows MiLB’s Copa de la Diversión — the Latino fan engagement platform introduced in 2017 that included 76 MiLB teams in 2021.

The Nine will recognize and honor numerous Black pioneers and trailblazing civil rights leaders in all 120 MiLB communities, ensuring the heroes of the past and their contributions continue to be celebrated through ceremonies and events at MiLB ballparks and in the community. Recent tributes and celebrations have included Negro Leagues commemorative games honoring the Austin Black Senators in Round Rock (TX), the Bradenton (FL) Nine Devils, and Page Fence Giants near Lansing (MI). Additional tribute games are being planned for the 2022 season and beyond.

“The Nine will shine bright spotlights on these successful initiatives and transform them into national campaigns reaching more fans and communities, further showcasing our teams’ commitment to representing, honoring, and welcoming all fans to MiLB’s unique brand of fun,” said Kurt Hunzeker, MLB’s Vice President of Minor League Business Operations. “The Nine is just the latest example of MiLB teams being true community champions.”

In addition to player- and team-related content, The Nine will focus heavily on creating new opportunities for youth participation among young Black boys and girls, particularly in communities where youth baseball and softball programming is either nonexistent or difficult to access.

Central to this youth-focused push is a planned expansion of Major League Baseball’s Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) Program throughout MiLB’s national footprint. New competitions in MLB’s Pitch, Hit & Run and Junior Home Run Derby event series will also debut in MiLB markets beginning in 2022.

MiLB teams will continue to build relationships with local Black-owned and operated businesses, local artists and entertainers in an effort to embrace Black culture and make MiLB ballparks a hub for culturally relevant concerts, shows, and community events.

With several MiLB teams having a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in their community, opportunities will be provided for those schools to start internship and mentorship programs with their local team, creating opportunities for on-the-job experience for students prior to entering the job market. Additionally, MiLB recently partnered with TeamWork Online to create a more inclusive virtual job fair and ongoing talent pipeline that aims to recruit and position qualified and ready-for-hire candidates from across the country for potential management- and executive-level roles within MiLB team front offices.

Delmarva Shorebirds 2021 Holiday Community Impact

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

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

Thanksgiving for Thousands

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

Salvation Army Bell Ringing

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

Santa’s Letters

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

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

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

Holiday Parades

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

Halo Trees of Hope Festival

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

Jaycees Christmas Shopping Tour

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

Penguin Swim

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read & Hit a Home Run Reading Program Returns For 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shorebirds and Valvoline Instant Oil Change Collect Over 200 Books to Donate to Local Little Free Libraries!

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Throughout the 2021 season, the Delmarva Shorebirds and Valvoline Instant Oil Change collected books for children to donate to local Little Free Libraries through the Wicomico Rotary Club.

In partnership with Valvoline Instant Oil Change, every Tuesday night, fans had the opportunity to bring new or gently used books to the Shorebirds game in exchange for a $5 Flock Shop Merchandise Discount through the Tuesday Merch Book Exchange Promotion. In total, the Shorebirds collected over 200 books to donate to the local little free libraries of the Eastern Shore.

“We are very appreciative of our generous fans and their donations to the little free libraries throughout our local community” explained Shorebirds General Manager Chris Bitters. “By partnering with Valvoline Instant Oil Change, we are thrilled to be able to assist in growing youth literacy in our community and extending the reach of the Wicomico Rotary Club’s initiative to impact as many lives as possible through reading.”

Residents will be able to start picking up these books in little free libraries very soon scattered throughout the local community.

To learn more about Shorebirds community initiatives, merchandise, season tickets, and anything in regards to the Shorebirds, please visit theshorebirds.com. Also stay tuned for 2022 season information as the Shorebirds are slated to begin April 8, 2022 against the Fredericksburg Nationals by following the Shorebirds’ Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram social media pages.

Shorebirds to host Hocus Pocus Halloween Movie Night and Trick or Treating Event Saturday, October 23 presented by T-Mobile

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On Saturday, October 23, the Delmarva Shorebirds will be hosting a special Halloween Movie Night featuring the film Hocus Pocus along with Trick or Treating prior to the film at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium presented by T-Mobile. Gates will open for Trick or Treating at 5 PM on the second level concourse with the movie Hocus Pocus being shown on the Shorebirds high definition videoboard beginning at approximately 6:30 PM.

Admission to the Shorebirds Movie Night is $5 per person, which includes entry for Movie Night and Trick or Treating along with one (1) free small popcorn and a canned Pepsi product or bottled water. To purchase tickets for Shorebirds Movie Night, please visit theshorebirds.com and all kids 3 and under get in free. The Shorebirds encourage people to buy tickets in advance online at theshorebirds.com or by clicking here as a limited number of walk-up tickets will be available on the day of the event at the gates.

“The Shorebirds are excited to partner with T-Mobile to host another Movie Night and incorporate Trick or Treating into the festivities this season,” explained Shorebirds General Manager Chris Bitters. “We are thrilled to continue to bring the community together after a successful 2021 season and partner with great local businesses like T-Mobile for fun and exciting community events here at Perdue Stadium.”

Parking for the event will be free and candy will be distributed by local businesses on Delmarva. If your business is interested in reserving a table to market your brand and pass out candy, please contact Ben Vigliarolo by email at [email protected] or call the office at 410-219-3112. Booth space is limited to the first 20 businesses.

Concessions and bathrooms will be open during the event and fans will be able to choose a seat anywhere in the seating bowl on a first-come, first-serve basis. In addition, if fans want to sit on the grass berm located down the left field line, the Shorebirds recommend bringing a blanket, pillows, etc. to sit on during the show.

For any questions, please call the Shorebirds front office at 410-219-3112 or email the Shorebirds at [email protected]. The Shorebirds thank you for your support and can’t wait to see you for Shorebirds Movie Night with Trick or Treating prior to the show on October 23 presented by T-Mobile.

2021 Perdue Strike Out Hunger Challenge On Delmarva Delivers 173,000 Meals For Hunger Relief

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SALISBURY, MD. (Tuesday, September 22, 2021) — As part of Perdue Farms’ “Delivering Hope To Our Neighbors®” hunger-relief initiative, the company teamed with the Delmarva Shorebirds minor league baseball team and three Delmarva Peninsula food banks to deliver 173,000 meals across the region’s communities in the season-long 2021 Perdue Strike Out Hunger Challenge on Delmarva.

“The impact of the pandemic has brought so much uncertainty and challenge to individuals and families struggling with food insecurity on the Delmarva Peninsula,” said Kim Nechay, executive director of the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation. “After pausing the Strike Out Hunger Challenge last year because of the pandemic, we’re pleased that this year’s campaign once again provided a collaborative platform to raise public awareness about the problem of hunger and food insecurity and deliver much-needed relief to our neighbors in the communities where we live and work.”

According to research from the food banks, on average one in seven people on the Delmarva Peninsula are challenged by food insecurity. One third of that food-insecure population is children.

Since 2011, Perdue, the Shorebirds, food banks and the community at-large have embraced the Strike Out Hunger Challenge to generate more than 1.2 million meals for those in need on Delmarva.

“The Delmarva Shorebirds are so proud of this collaborative partnership that continues to put food on the table for so many of our neighbors in need during these difficult times,” said Jimmy Sweet, assistant general manager of the Delmarva Shorebirds. “We look forward to continuing our work with Perdue in this important effort to improve the quality of life on Delmarva.”

To drive this year’s Perdue Strike Out Hunger Challenge on Delmarva, Perdue Farms issued a $15,000 challenge grant funded by the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Foundation — the charitable giving arm of the company — to benefit the Eastern Shore Branch of the Maryland Food Bank, the Food Bank of Delaware and the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore.

Each of the food banks were required to engage the Delmarva community to raise the equivalent of 10,000 meals in order to claim their equal share of the first $10,000 of the Foundation challenge grant. This included any combination of pounds of food collected, monies collected and donated, or volunteer hours throughout the duration of the Shorebirds’ season. Perdue also donated $10 for each time the Shorebirds’ pitchers struck out an opposing batter, up to $5,000.

“This annual campaign remains a pivotal part of the Maryland Food Banks’ ability to meet the needs of those who struggle to feed their families,” said Jennifer Small, senior regional program director for the Eastern Shore branch of the Maryland Food Bank. “As a result of our longstanding partnership with Perdue Farms and the Delmarva Shorebirds, and the support committed through the Perdue Strike Out Hunger Challenge on Delmarva, we are able to provide more food to Eastern Shore Marylanders challenged by food insecurity.”

As Chad Robinson, community relations manager for the Food Bank of Delaware, explains, “We are so grateful for Perdue’s leadership with this annual initiative. Partners like Perdue play a critical role in not only raising much needed funds, but bringing awareness of the critical issue that so many in our community face.”

About the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation
The Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation, the charitable giving arm of Perdue Farms, was established in 1957 by company founder Arthur W. Perdue and is funded through the estates of Arthur W. Perdue and Frank Perdue. As part of our belief in supporting the communities where and with whom we do business, the Foundation provides grants on behalf of Perdue Farms in communities where large numbers of our associates live and work. At Perdue Farms, we believe in responsible food and agriculture®.

About Perdue Farms

We’re a fourth-generation, family owned, U.S. food and agriculture company. Through our belief in responsible food and agriculture, we are empowering consumers, customers, and farmers through trusted choices in products and services.

The premium protein portfolio within our Perdue Foods business, including our flagship PERDUE® brand, Niman Ranch®, Panorama Organic Grass-Fed Meats®, Coleman Natural®, and Yummy®, as well as our pet brands, Spot Farms® and Full Moon®, is available through various channels including retail, foodservice, club stores, and our direct-to-consumer website, PerdueFarms.com.

Perdue AgriBusiness is an international agricultural products and services company.

Now in our company’s second century, our path forward is about getting better, not just bigger. We never use drugs for growth promotion in raising poultry and livestock, and we are actively advancing our animal welfare programs. Our brands are leaders in no-antibiotics-ever chicken, turkey, pork, beef and lamb, and in USDA-certified organic chicken and beef. Learn more at Corporate.PerdueFarms.com.

About the Delmarva Shorebirds

The Delmarva Shorebirds were founded in 1996 and have been the Class-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles since 1997. The Shorebirds have won two South Atlantic League championships in 1997 and 2000 and were named the MiLB.com Minor League Team of the Year in 2019 after going 90-48 in the regular season. Based in Salisbury, Maryland, the Shorebirds are proud to represent the entire Delmarva Peninsula and have hosted two SAL All-Star Games in 1999 and 2011. The Shorebirds are owned by 7th Inning Stretch, LP, based in Stockton, California headed by Chairman Tom Volpe and President Pat Filippone.

Shorebirds & Preston Automotive Group Raise Over $10,000 in Funds and Toys to Support the Fight Against Cancer

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SALISBURY, MD – On August 6, 2021, the Delmarva Shorebirds and Preston Automotive Group teamed up to host Flock for a Cure night at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium to support and raise awareness for those affected by cancer. During the game, the Shorebirds wore special jerseys that allowed fans to place the names of loved ones affected by cancer on the jersey and place bids on these authentic, game-worn jerseys.

Through both fans purchasing a name space on the jersey and the Flock for a Cure jersey auction, the Shorebirds and Preston Automotive Group were able to raise $8,366 for local charities and purchase over $1,000 in toys to donate to Brooke’s Toy Closet!

“Our community is and always will be a top priority for the Shorebirds and we are thrilled to help out many organizations through the tremendous success of this jersey auction,” explained Shorebirds General Manager Chris Bitters. “Initiatives like this are vital to powering our community and would not happen without the support of partners like Preston Automotive Group that allow us to positively impact Delmarva.”

“The meaning behind Flock for Cure is near and dear to our hearts and we know that cancer has unfortunately impacted many other’s lives as well,” said President of the Preston Automotive Group, David Wilson Jr. “Community is one of our core values at the Preston Automotive Group and we are grateful to have had this opportunity to partner with the Shorebirds to give back to organizations that do so much for our local community members in need.”

Over the last couple of seasons, the Shorebirds have partnered with Brooke’s Toy Closet to collect toys for children who are hospitalized in the TidalHealth Peninsula Regional Emergency Department. Through this year’s Flock for a Cure Jersey Auction and fans’ donations on Flock for a Cure Night presented by Preston Automotive Group, the Shorebirds were able to collect over $2,000 worth of toys to donate to Brooke’s Toy Closet.

“Hospitals, for all the good they do, can be an unsettling place at times for kids,” said Denise Billing, President, TidalHealth Foundation, “Donations like this from the Shorebirds help our healthcare team to be able to relieve some of that anxiety by providing that child a toy at a time they need a smile. We appreciate the Shorebirds doing something special for our youngest patients.”

In addition, the Shorebirds and Preston Automotive Group were able to raise an additional $1,000 to donate to Brooke’s Toy Closet to purchase more toys in the future for other children who are admitted in the TidalHealth Peninsula Regional
Emergency Department.

The Flock for a Cure jersey auction also raised proceeds for two other charities helping further our local community and support the fight against cancer.

Through the auction, the Shorebirds and Preston Automotive Group donated $3,683 to both the Brooke Mulford Memorial Fund at the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore and Relay for Life, helping grow both of their initiatives in the fight against cancer.

“On behalf of the American Cancer Society and Relay For Life of Wicomico, I would like to thank the Delmarva Shorebirds and Preston Automotive Group for their generous donation and support in the life saving work of the American Cancer Society,” said Relay for Life of Wicomico Chair Ashley Clevenger. “ We have all been touched by Cancer in very personal ways, and through events such as Relay For Life we are uniting with countless others to fight this vicious disease globally, as well as locally within our Community. Together we can imagine a world without Cancer, knowing all of our efforts ARE making a difference!”

In total, the Shorebirds and Preston Automotive Group raised $8,366 for Brooke’s Toy Closet, Brooke Mulford Memorial Fund at the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, and Relay for Life while also donating over $2,000 worth of toys to Brooke’s Toy Closet at TidalHealth helping Flock for a Cure Night result in a terrific success.