Blue Wahoos Share Holiday Spirit, Community Impact In December

A classroom door opened at Pensacola’s Montclair Elementary School and joyous screams ensued.

Yes, Kazoo was in the house.

The Blue Wahoos beloved mascot was part of a special Literacy Night program December 15 for young grade school students. Joined by Lauren Scott, the Blue Wahoos community relations and merchandise manager, along with Erik Bremer, the voice of the Blue Wahoos as broadcast director, the group delighted and enlightened children that day with a special appearance before school let out for the holiday break.

“You see that kind of reaction and it’s special,” Scott said. “The kids are screaming ‘Kazoo! Kazoo!’ and they know us through Kazoo, even though many haven’t been to a baseball game yet.

“So it’s neat and we had a lot of fun doing it, reading to the kids and just interacting with them. Erik was getting everyone involved so it was a great time.”

Blue Wahoos beloved mascot Kazoo greets thousands of parade spectators at Pensacola’s annual Christmas parade downtown on December 10.
Dan Venn/Blue Wahoos

The experience that day was part of the Blue Wahoos busy December. A lot has happened this month at a time presumed to be a slow period in the professional baseball world.

In the days leading up to Christmas, the Blue Wahoos staff participated in two Christmas parades, spent one day restoring a baseball field at Pensacola’s Catalonia Square, had team executives attend the Baseball Winter Meetings in San Diego, been host to private parties and events at Blue Wahoos Stadium, plus provided team representation at other community events.

“It has been a whirlwind, but in a great way,” said Steve Brice, who joined the Blue Wahoos in mid-November as the team’s executive vice president and general manager, working in tandem with team president Jonathan Griffith. “I love being busy.”

Members of the Blue Wahoos front office staff joined together on Dec. 15 to help renovate a City of Pensacola youth baseball field as part of an annual project.
Dan Venn/Blue Wahoos

During a time traditionally viewed as the slowest point of an off-season, the Blue Wahoos have kept active within the Pensacola community heading into the Christmas and New Year holiday weekend.

Kazoo and team staff members were part of the Gulf Breeze Christmas Parade on December 3, followed by the Cox Pensacola Christmas Parade on December 10.

Working in two shifts, the group also recently helped restore two baseball fields at Catalonia Square, a City of Pensacola park which is also known for being where Pro Football Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks began his youth football career. A lot of weed-pulling, debris clearing and removal of glass shards occurred.

“Even though the field might not have looked like it was in too rough of shape from afar, it still took us most of the day to fix it,” Scott said.

The project was part of an annual commitment the Blue Wahoos make in the community in a partnership with Waste Management, a Blue Wahoos corporate partner. Each season since the inaugural 2012 season, the Blue Wahoos staff and groundskeeping crew have taken on a project at one area baseball field to upgrade and restore the conditions.

It’s another way the team meets a mission to improve the quality of life in the Pensacola community.

Participating in the Christmas parades provides opportunity for the Blue Wahoos to reconnect with fans and further awareness.

For Brice, it was his first experience in both the community parades. He was tossing beads, candy and passing out Blue Wahoos hats to throngs of people in the massive downtown Christmas parade.

“I jokingly said to someone, I feel like I’m part of The Beatles right now,” Brice said. “People were yelling, “Go Wahoos!’ and everyone wanted a hat, or one of the cushy baseballs we had. There were so many people that night downtown and to be part of that was really great.”

The biggest challenge? Trying to figure how much candy, beads, hats and other items to participate in two parades.

“Even prepping for it was wild because I had cases of candy here and (co-staff worker) said, ‘Oh that’s not enough. I literally bought Sam’s (Club) out of candy,” said Scott, who joined the Blue Wahoos in March and was promoted to a dual role as merchandise and community relations manager. “That was wild having to go back and almost double everything to have enough.”

“In the baseball season it was so busy and everyone was telling me, ‘oh the offseason that’s the chill time”. And the whole time I have been like, yes there are not games on the field, but I am still really busy and it’s different thing.”

But as Scott pointed out, it’s also been a good thing in ways to stay connected in the Pensacola area and keep the Blue Wahoos awareness with community impact.

Blue Wahoos To Host Two Education Day Games In 2023

For the first time in franchise history, the Blue Wahoos will host a pair of morning Education Day games during the 2023 season, offering an educational day at the ballpark to local students from schools across the Panhandle.

“We’re very excited to pack Blue Wahoos Stadium with local students and provide a fun-filled and educational field trip experience for local schools at the ballpark,” team president Jonathan Griffith said. “Our mission is to improve the quality of life in our community, and creating an enriching and enjoyable learning experience at our games for local students will be a fun new step towards that goal.”

Pensacola’s Education Day games will be held on Wednesday, April 19 against the Birmingham Barons and on Wednesday, May 3 against the Mississippi Braves. Both games will start at 11:00 AM with gates opening one hour prior to first pitch.

Tickets to each game are $16 per student and include the Blue Wahoos game, group seating in the seating bowl, educational activities throughout the event, and a ballpark meal for each attendee. Schools interested in reserving their spot can contact the Blue Wahoos at (850) 934-8444 or by email at [email protected]

Season Ticket Members will have the exclusive opportunity to enjoy both games from the Hancock Whitney Club at Blue Wahoos Stadium.

Click here for more information and to fill out the interest form!

Very Shrimpy Christmas presented by the Law Offices of Ron Sholes and Fun 4 First Coast Kids set for Dec. 10

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are inviting families to kick off the holiday season with the fifth annual Very Shrimpy Christmas event presented by The Law Office of Ron Sholes P.A. and Fun 4 First Coast Kids from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. on Saturday, December 10 at 121 Financial Ballpark. Admission is only $1 per person at the home plate gate, with free parking available in Lot P.

Fans can enjoy free pictures with Santa Claus, holiday crafts, vendor tables with treats and visits from Jumbo Shrimp mascots Southpaw and Scampi as the HD videoboard as 121 Financial Ballpark screens holiday movie classics. Concessions, holiday treats and refreshments will be available for purchase. Additionally, the Jumbo Shrimp Souvenir Store will be open.

A Very Shrimpy Christmas is a stroller and wheelchair-accessible event with seating available both on the concourse and in the stadium seating bowl. The field will not be open for this event, and no outside food or beverages will be permitted into the ballpark.

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 marked 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.

Celebrate Halloween At The Ballpark Friday And Saturday!

Blue Wahoos Stadium will host a pair of Halloween events during the upcoming weekend beginning with a showing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show on Friday, October 28 followed by the return of the annual Wahooloween celebration at the ballpark on Saturday, October 29.

Guests ages 18+ can experience The Rocky Horror Picture Show on the big screen at Blue Wahoos Stadium this Friday at 8:00 PM. Gates open at 7:00 PM and attendees are encouraged to come in costume prepared to sing and dance along with the cult classic film. Tickets are $20 and include a prop bag (while supplies last) to participate with the film. Guests may sit in the stands at the stadium or bring a blanket to enjoy the film from the field. Click here for tickets

The festivities continue on Saturday at Wahooloween, a family-friendly, all-ages event. Gates open at 5:00 PM and guests can trick-or-treat around the ballpark until 6:00 PM with over 30 vendors handing out candy and treats. At 6:00 PM, guests can settle in for a showing of the Halloween hit Hocus Pocus on the videoboard. Tickets are $7 and include trick-or-treating and the film. During the movie, guests may sit in the stands at the stadium or bring a blanket to watch from the field. Halloween costumes are highly encouraged. Click here for tickets

Outside food and beverage may not be brought into the stadium at either event. Chairs, wagons, strollers, and high heels may not be brought onto the field at Blue Wahoos Stadium.

Tickets to both events are available at BlueWahoos.com, by phone at (850) 934-8444, and at the ballpark box office.

Catch The 30th Annual Soul Bowl On Saturday At Blue Wahoos Stadium

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

The 30th annual Soul Bowl will be played at Blue Wahoos Stadium on Saturday, October 15 from 9:00 AM until 6:30 PM. The full-day youth football festival pits the crosstown rival SYSA Tigers against the East Pensacola-Magee Field Rattlers in five different age-division games.

The fun-filled day at the ballpark will begin with the kickoff of the first game at 9:00 AM with subsequent games following at 10:30 AM, 12:00 PM, 2:30 PM, and 4:00 PM. Age divisions include 6-under, 8-under, 10-under, 12-under, and 14-under.

Gates will open at 8:00 AM. Tickets purchased in advance are $9 and include access to all five games. V.I.P. tickets are available for $50 which include access to the full day of football and an exclusive chef-prepared meal in the Hancock-Whitney Club at the ballpark from 12:00-2:00 PM. General Admission and V.I.P. tickets are available AT THIS LINK.

Outside of the ballpark, a family-fun tailgate experience will be set up, offering a variety of Soul Food, food trucks, and vendors to guests. Stadium concessions will also be open and available inside the stadium. Food and beverage purchased from the event vendors may be brought into the stadium, but other outside food and drink is prohibited.

The 2022 Soul Bowl is made possible through the support of Troy Rafferty and Levin Papantonio Law Firm, Cox Communications, and Florida Blue.

First National announces field renovation winner

BELOIT — First National Bank and Trust, in conjunction with the Beloit Sky Carp, are proud to announce the recipient of the first annual local Little League field renovation.

After all submissions were tallied, a committee of representatives from both First National Bank and the Beloit Sky Carp chose the winning field. For year one of the program, the main goal was to renovate the field that would have the most impact on the local community.

The committee is pleased to announce that field #2 from the Stateline Family YMCA Youth Sports Complex was chosen. The local YMCA serves thousands of people in the community. Renovating this field will increase safety and help beautify the Complex.

“Our partnership as the Exclusive Bank for the Beloit Sky Carp allows First National Bank and Trust the opportunity to engage in great community outreach programs such as this little league field renovation,” said David McCoy, President and CEO of FNBT. “By helping to update the Stateline Family YMCA Sports Complex, we will support area youth and the YMCA’s mission of strengthening our community family by providing an opportunity for everyone to learn, grow, and thrive, which aligns with FNBT’s mission of helping all our families succeed.”

The winning field was selected among several other deserving local candidates. As part of this process, the Beloit Sky Carp will be drafting a plan for renovation and sharing that plan with each of the other facilities. The goal is to ensure all of the runners-up in the contest know how to improve their fields as well,

“We are extremely grateful to have the opportunity to impact so many kids,” Sky Carp President Zach Brockman said. “First National Bank and Trust has stepped up to help us fulfill the mission of improving the quality of life in the people in our community.”

Stateline Family YMCA CEO Ann Hankins was excited to see the process take place.

“The Stateline Family YMCA is thrilled to have been picked by the Sky Carp and First National Bank and Trust for a field renovation to Field 2 at our YMCA Sports Complex.,” Hankins said. “Every day, the YMCA works to help youth and families learn, grow and thrive. This same dedication shown by the Sky Carp and First National Bank and Trust will provide a top-notch field where kids not only learn the fundamentals of their sport but also teamwork and other critical life skills. The YMCA is grateful for this incredible investment in the youth of our community.”

Work on the project is expected to begin on October 11th and be completed by the following day.

Jumbo Shrimp to partner with Duval County Supervisor of Elections Office to promote National Voter Registration Day

JACKSONVILLE, Fla_. _– The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are excited to announce a partnership with the Duval County Supervisor of Elections Office to promote National Voter Registration Day on Tuesday, September 20, 2022.

Established in 2012, National Voter Registration Day celebrates an annual moment for the entire nation to focus on registering Americans to exercise their most basic right – the right to vote.

“We are looking forward to doing our part to promote National Voter Registration Day, an incredibly important day in our country every year,” said Jumbo Shrimp executive Vice President/General Manager Harold Craw. “We are excited to use our Jumbo Shrimp social media feeds to get the word out on registering to vote and other important information regarding upcoming elections.”

Duval County Supervisor of Elections Mike Hogan said “Our office is proud to partner with our valued Voter Education Partner, the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, as we promote National Voter Registration Day to share how easy it is to register to vote or look up important election awareness information.”

On September 20, 2022, the Jumbo Shrimp will release a social media postcard on their @JaxShrimp social media feeds. The postcard will share a QR code and website link to help drive people to the Duval County Supervisor of Elections’ website, helping eligible voters exercise their right to be heard at the ballot box by registering to vote.

For questions about this expansive voter awareness initiative, please contact Duval County Supervisor of Elections Director of Community Outreach and Events Greg Clark at [email protected] or 904-742-1277.

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 marked 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.

Submissions Wanted: Blue Wahoos & Waste Management Partner To Renovate Local Field

For the eleventh consecutive year, the Blue Wahoos and Waste Management have partnered to renovate an area youth athletic field and are accepting nominations from the community to select the field to be restored.

“We are very excited to continue our partnership with Waste Management and help renovate a local ballfield,” Blue Wahoos community relations manager Lauren Scott said. “Our mission is to improve the quality of life in our community, and helping provide children a great place to play sports locally will benefit families across our community.

The Blue Wahoos will be accepting nominations to choose a field to receive a makeover until September 20th. Any local citizen or organization can submit a field by emailing Scott at [email protected] and including photos or video of the field and a short explanation of why the field should be considered. Fields must be within 40 miles of Blue Wahoos Stadium to be selected.

First National Bank & Trust to renovate Little League field

BELOIT — First National Bank and Trust has partnered with the Beloit Sky Carp to continue the mission of improving the quality of life in our community.

The latest project? Selecting a local Little League field and giving it professional attention with the goal of increasing safety for all children that play on it.

“Our partnership as the Exclusive Bank for the Beloit Sky Carp allows First National Bank and Trust the opportunity to engage in great community outreach programs such as this little league field renovation,” said David McCoy, President and CEO of FNBT. “Providing resources to beautify our local ball fields along with the expertise of the Beloit Sky Carp team is just another way we hope to help our community families succeed.”

Community members are encouraged to submit a local field (must be in the Stateline region) that needs a makeover. A committee, comprised of Sky Carp and First National Bank and Trust employees, will review all submissions and determine the field most in need.

The field will be selected by the committee by mid-September.

“This is just another way we can give back to the community that has supported us so well,” Sky Carp President Zach Brockman said. “We are so grateful that First National Bank and Trust has stepped in to make this happen, and we are happy to lend our expertise to see it through. ”

Know of a field in need? Submit it by Friday, September 2 through this link: https://www.milb.com/beloit/community/field-renovation.

The Beloit Sky Carp are the High-A Affiliate of the Miami Marlins and play their games at ABC Supply Stadium — the heart of the Riverbend District.

Get tickets at SkyCarp.com or call the Box Office at 608-362-2272.

Follow the Sky Carp on Twitter at @BeloitSkyCarp, on Instagram at @BeloitSkyCarp, and like them on Facebook via www.facebook.com/SkyCarpBaseball.

Sky Carp to host Women in Baseball Luncheon

BELOIT — The Beloit Sky Carp and First National Bank and Trust (FNBT) are excited to announce they will be hosting a free Women in Baseball Luncheon on Wednesday, August 31 at ABC Supply Stadium.

The luncheon, which will be prepared by Sky Carp Sous Chef Amorin Thomas, will feature a panel of Marlins, Sky Carp and First National Bank and Trust women, speaking on their experiences as women in male-dominated industries and their paths to success. Doors will open at 11:30, with the panel beginning at noon.

The women on the panel, which will be moderated by Sky Carp Vice President of Entertainment Maria Valentyn, come from a variety of backgrounds and work in vastly different roles within baseball and banking.

The panel features:

MARIA VALENTYN, Beloit Sky Carp: A native of the Milwaukee area, Valentyn has been with the Sky Carp since April of 2021, and has been working in the baseball industry in various roles since 2015.

GRACEY MCDONALD, Beloit Sky Carp: A native of Pensacola, Fla, Gracey is the Event Sales Manager for the Sky Carp and has been with the Studer Family of Companies since 2019, previously working for the Pensacola Blue Wahoos.

JESSICA COOK, Miami Marlins: Jessica is the Sky Carp’s athletic trainer. A graduate of the University of North Georgia, this is Jessica’s first season with the Marlins organization.

COLLEEN MITCHELL, Miami Marlins: Colleen serves as the Manager of Player Care and Service for the Marlins and has been employed with the organization since 2018. She currently oversees the creation and implementation of a professional development curriculum covering a range of subjects, including social media, financial literacy, domestic violence, diversity, equity inclusion and social justice.

JESSICA HERNANDEZ, First National Bank and Trust. A graduate of Northern Illinois University, Jessica serves as Vice President, Cash Management Officer for First National. She is skilled in sales, team building, employee training and project implementation.

“The Beloit Sky Carp are thrilled to be partnering with, First National Bank and Trust on this event,” says Sky Carp President, Zach Brockman. “It’s a tremendous way for the broader community to see the incredible work the women in our organizations do to bring about our success.”

“First National Bank and Trust is proud to be a founding partner of the ABC Supply Stadium and the exclusive bank of the Beloit Sky Carp,” said David McCoy, President and CEO of FNBT. “This event recognizes contributions that women have made over the years to the baseball industry as well as banking, all in an effort to support our community family, making the Stateline area a great place to live, work, and raise our families.”

The luncheon is welcome to anyone interested, but an RSVP prior to Friday, August 19 is required. Those wishing to register may visit: https://www.milb.com/beloit/events/luncheon.

The Beloit Sky Carp are the High-A Affiliate of the Miami Marlins and play their games at ABC Supply Stadium — the heart of the Riverbend District.

Get tickets at SkyCarp.com or call the Box Office at 608-362-2272.

Follow the Sky Carp on Twitter at @BeloitSkyCarp, on Instagram at @BeloitSkyCarp, and like them on Facebook via www.facebook.com/SkyCarpBaseball

Jumbo Shrimp feature sports industry leaders for Women Belong in Sports Panel & Networking Event

PURCHASE TICKETS (Password, please include spaces: Women Sports Panel)

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A star-studded cast of executives highlight the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp’s Women Belong in Sports Panel & Networking Event presented by First Citizens Bank and We Matter Too, Inc. from 4-6 p.m. prior to the club’s 7:05 p.m. game on Tuesday, September 6 at 121 Financial Ballpark.

The panelists will discuss the important role women play in sports, providing insight on how they broke into the sports industry and rose through the ranks into the roles they have carried for their careers. Topics of discussion also include the challenges women face when entering a male-dominated field, the strong benefits and value of mentorship from women and both the present and future challenges for women working in sports.

The highly successful panelists who are planning to offer their time and insight at this event includes:

  • Linda McNabb – Senior Vice President of Sales, Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
  • Donna Orender – CEO, Orender Unlimited, Former president of the WNBA, Former Senior Vice President of the PGA
  • Megha Parekh – Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, Jacksonville Jaguars, Bold Events, All Elite Wrestling
  • Lauren Muni – Vice President of Marketing, Zaywer Sports
  • Alex Baldwin – President, Korn Ferry Tour (PGA TOUR)
  • Donna Kirk – Senior Associate AD, Compliance & Administration/SWA, University of North Florida

For just $50, the Women Belong in Sports Panel & Networking Event includes a ticket to the event, Hors d’oeuvres and one drink ticket during the event and a game ticket in SkyDeck 4 for the Jumbo Shrimp’s 7:05 p.m. contest against the Iowa Cubs. Fans interested in purchasing tickets can call Jumbo Shrimp account executive Jenna Smith at (904) 374-4598 or [email protected] or visit this link to register and purchase seats Password, please include spaces: Women Sports Panel).

For those unable to make the game but still want to listen to the panel, the event is also virtual. The price is $5 for individuals and $25 for organizations/businesses via this link (Password, please include spaces: Women Sports Panel).

“The Jumbo Shrimp are elated to offer the opportunity to hear from highly-accomplished female executives from throughout the sports industry,” said Jumbo Shrimp executive vice president/general manager Harold Craw. “These women have worked incredibly hard to overcome every single obstacle put in their path on the way to the respective leadership positions they hold. The advice and insight they can share is going to be invaluable for any individual looking to enter the sports industry.

Attendees will walk away from Women Belong in Sports Panel & Networking Event presented by First Citizens Bank and We Matter Too, Inc. having the knowledge that women already are and can continue to be leaders in the sports industry while showcasing the sisterhood that exists among women currently working in sports. The event is designed to provide all attendees with a strong understanding of some of the hurdles and challenges that they may encounter along their own career path, better preparing them for their journey into the sports industry.

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 marked 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.

Blue Wahoos Help Make My Wish Experience Memorable For 10-Year-Old Boy, Ailing Mother 

Victor Victor Mesa, the favorite player for 10-year-old Hudson Furness, joins with his mother, Mandi Furness, during batting practice Wednesday. (Daniel Venn)

When you have been battling an illness so long that hospital visits have been routine since childhood, it becomes a lot simpler to identify the good days when they come.

On a not-too-hot Monday afternoon, 38-year-old mother Amanda “Mandi” Furness had a good day.

She looked on as her 10-year-old son, Hudson, played a game of baseball with his friends on the field of Blue Wahoos stadium as her father, Herb, secured the pitching mound. Her wheelchair was pulled up to the fence in the dugout, her family laughing and cheering beside her. With tears welled underneath her sunglasses, she was acutely aware and grateful for every second.

Furness spent many days and nights in the hospital throughout her childhood, but it wasn’t until 2009 that doctors diagnosed her illness as lupus. She received a multiple sclerosis diagnosis in 2020.

Her mobility is now limited and her vision comes and goes. But she still decks herself out in pink, from her bright, painted toenails up to a chunky, pastel necklace. With each new round of treatment, she has been taken in and cared for by her sister,

Christin Keeney, and her sister’s husband, Thomas, who is more like a brother than a brother-in-law. Her mom and dad have continued to be her support system since she was a little girl. Her mother still only leaves the hospital to shower, a routine dating back to the days before Furness ever received a diagnosis.

“(Dad) is my hero, my mother is my best friend,” she said. “I struck the lottery.”

When she decided she had had enough of hospital admissions two months ago, Furness was told by doctors it was time to prepare to say goodbye to her family.

It was a task she felt prepared for, even writing letters to her son to be delivered at life milestones she may not be around to witness. When Furness was given a wish by the Covenant Care Foundation, she decided to do something not for herself, but for her son, and wished for him and his friends to be able to play baseball at Blue Wahoos Stadium.

For people surprised by her decision to spend the once in a lifetime wish on a child’s baseball game, she simply replied, “That’s just because you’ve never seen my son play baseball.” Aaron West, vice president of the Covenant Care Foundation, said the nonprofit health care organization has granted 2,600 wishes for seriously or terminally ill people like Furness since they launched the My Wish program in 2018.

With the help of community donors and partners, they have helped veterans into planes for their final flight, sent patients out on fishing expeditions and have even organized baptisms and weddings.

“We add life to days when days are limited in life,” West said. With her son Hudson’s help, lately Furness has been feeling a renewed zest for life, even training to walk across the Pensacola Bay Bridge. Though she is not ready yet, each day she gets a little stronger.

With each step she practices at home, Hudson will chime in and say, “That’s one step closer to walking that bridge,” she said.

Despite her looming diagnosis she continues to make progress “The doctors cannot explain it, but I’m getting better,” Furness said. “Science only goes so far. Then comes God.”

She watched with each fielded ball or run that Hudson scored as all his fears disappeared for a moment and he could focus on having fun. “That is a really cool wish for a mama, because she could have wished for just about anything,”

Angela Bottesini, senior director for My Wish said. “She wanted to create an environment as if they were one of the real-deal players.”

Furness’ father, Herb Westphal, thought back on the days when he would watch his daughter play softball in Germany as he coached.

“She was a tough little girl,” he recalled. Now he warms up with his grandson out on the baseball diamond, who has been following in his mother’s footsteps for as long as he can remember. Watching the two worlds collide hit home. “My daughter has been sick for a very long time,” he said. “For some reason, she’s here now. … It means the world.”

West said each wish averages out to have an impact on 13 people when it is granted. Hudson’s baseball team looked on as he was presented with a baseball autographed from every Blue Wahoos player, and every eye turned as the boy folded into his mother, one hand gripping the signed baseball and other looped around his mom’s neck.

“Nothing. You know what’s better than this? Nothing,” he told his mom

Blue Wahoos And Marcus Pointe Baptist To Hold Baptisms And Baseball

The Blue Wahoos and Marcus Pointe Baptist Church have partnered to hold “Baptism And Baseball” on Sunday, July 31 at Blue Wahoos Stadium. Following the Blue Wahoos game against the Mississippi Braves that afternoon, any interested fan in attendance will have the opportunity to be baptized by Marcus Point Baptist Church on the field at the stadium following the game.

“We’re excited to partner with Marcus Pointe Baptist to bring this first-of-its-kind event to our ballpark,” team president Jonathan Griffith said. “The idea actually originated with my six-year-old son who came home from church one day and said he wanted to be baptized. I asked where and he said ‘at the ballpark!’ We called Marcus Pointe to see if it would be possible and we’re excited to be able to offer the opportunity to any interested fan.”

The Blue Wahoos game that afternoon will begin at 4:05 PM with the baptism event following the game’s conclusion. The team will also offer postgame kids run the bases and family toss in the outfield thanks to WKRG 5 News.

Tickets to the game can be purchased at BlueWahoos.com. All participants in “Baptisms And Baseball” will receive an exclusive t-shirt from Marcus Pointe Baptist Church and there is no fee to participate in the baptism event.

Blue Wahoos And Cox Honor Legacy Of Chappie James To End Homestand On Juneteenth 

The Blue Wahoos were unable to sweep their week-long series against the Tennessee Smokies.

But they won the day in other ways Sunday, following a 5-1 loss at Blue Wahoos Stadium on an unforgettable Father’s Day at Blue Wahoos presented by Cox Communications that coincided with Juneteenth, National Freedom Day.

In addition to their title sponsorship of the day’s festivities, Cox Communications provided 100 game tickets, hats, and food to children in the community and the opportunity for the kids to take the field with the Blue Wahoos!
Nino Mendez

Their lone loss in this six-game series with the Smokies still kept the Blue Wahoos on verge of clinching the first-half division race in the Southern League South Division. The other three South Division teams, including nearest chaser Biloxi Shuckers, all lost Sunday as well.

While bats were quieted, the Blue Wahoos still stirred crowd attention among the 4,123 who braved the hot afternoon.

For the first time, the Blue Wahoos wore specialty, all-blue jerseys which included four silver stars in honor of the Gen. Daniel “Chappie” James Jr., who rose from Pensacola to become in 1975 the first African-American four-star general in United States Armed Forces history.

James’ decorated legacy included tours of combat duty in the Korean War and Vietnam War, earning him rarefied placement in U.S. Air Force history prior to his death 1978.

His granddaughter, Britt James, who was attending her brother’s wedding in Washington state, provided a video tribute and local members of the Chappie James Flight Academy and Chappie James Memorial Bridge Foundation were recognized on the field.

Then moments before the National Anthem was played, an 11-year-old boy tossed a ceremonial first pitch to a man who been in a stepdad role. On the baseball were the words, “Let’s Make This Official.”

The two melted in each other’s arms with tears as paperwork was presented for the adoption to become official.

Happy Father’s Day, indeed.

There were also youth league teams across the field in pregame warmups as part of a sponsorship from Cox Communications, who provided 100 game tickets, hats, and food to children in the community. In what might be a team record, 10 different people threw out a first pitch.

The game itself fell in what seemed a familiar comeback scenario to the Blue Wahoos.

After trailing 4-0, they had the first two batters on base in both the seventh and eighth innings. Unlike previous home game, late-inning comebacks, the Blue Wahoos (33-25) could not follow with a big hit to extend a five-game winning streak.

As it turned out, however, win or lose Sunday, the Blue Wahoos position for a playoff-clincher would not have changed. Playing hours earlier, Biloxi fell 7-6 in 10 innings, on the road against the Chattanooga Lookouts, ending Biloxi’s four-game win streak.

The Blue Wahoos will travel to Biloxi on Tuesday to begin a six-game series with the Shuckers (30-31) that will end the first half schedule. The Blue Wahoos need just one win to wrap up first-place in the first half and gain a playoff spot for mid-September.

Because each team in the South Division has played a different number of games, winning percentage is what determines the first half winner.

Cody Mincey delivered a solid start Sunday for the Blue Wahoos, working six innings, giving up all three of his runs in the second inning, but not walking a batter in his outing. He had tough luck in the second when a potential double-play was botched with a wide throw, leading into Cole Roederer’s two run single.

The Blue Wahoos got their lone run in the seventh on Jan Mercado’s two-out single, but managed only six hits against three Smokies pitchers. Cobie Fletcher-Vance went 2-for-3 as the Blue Wahoos’ lone multiple-hit batter.

WHAT’S NEXT?

WHO: Blue Wahoos vs. Biloxi Shuckers

WHEN: Tuesday (June 21) through June 26.

WHERE: MGM Park, Biloxi, Miss.

GAMETIMES: Start times are 6:35 p.m. for games Tuesday through Saturday, then 5:05 p.m. on Sunday (June 26).

TICKETS: www.biloxishuckers.com/tickets.

RADIO: : ESPN-Pensacola (99.1 FM and 1330 AM and WYCT 98.7 HD4).

TV: YurView (check provider) and MILB.tv (streaming) through www.milb.com/live-stream-games with subscription discount using BLUE WAHOOS.

NEXT HOME SERIES: Begins on June 28 vs. the Montgomery Biscuits.

Jumbo Shrimp bring baseball to Historic Eastside for PLAY BALL Weekend event

Pitcher Will Stewart and the Jumbo Shrimp hosted their PLAY BALL Weekend from June 10-12. (Colleen Mitchell/ Miami Marlins)

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp partnered with the Henry Brown Athletic Association to put on a free instructional clinic designed to encourage the growth of the game of baseball and inspire recreational play amongst underserved communities in Jacksonville.

The clinic, which took place at Kooker Park in the Historic Eastside of Jacksonville on June 10, was an effort to support a culturally-rich and important neighborhood less than a mile from the team’s home at 121 Financial Ballpark.

Jumbo Shrimp players and front office staff provided hands-on skill development during five different sessions in which participants received free instruction on hitting, fielding, catching, pitching and running. At the conclusion of the clinic, the youngsters were gifted a Franklin bat and ball set.

“It was such a rewarding experience to help provide a positive environment for our local Jacksonville youth to learn more about the amazing sport of baseball,” said Jumbo Shrimp community relations manager Miranda Rossum. “Our mission is to grow the game and ensure that kids who want to play baseball and softball have the opportunity to do so.”

Pitcher Matthew Kent speaking with children during PLAY BALL Weekend. (Colleen Mitchell/Miami Marlins)

“It gives you a real appreciation for how lucky we are,” Jumbo Shrimp pitcher Will Stewart said, “It felt good to be able to go out there and help them out and give them a little knowledge and just show that we care about them.”

In addition to the hands-on learning experience, participants had a chance to attend a Jumbo Shrimp baseball game that evening and see the players in action on a big-league field.

“They were extremely loud that night at the ballpark, it was great! I’m glad they were there,” said Stewart.

The event was part of Major League Baseball’s PLAY BALL initiative, which encourages participation in the sports of baseball and softball amongst all ages, with a special focus on youth. PLAY BALL events took place across 30 MLB teams, 120 MILB teams and seven different continents.

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 marked 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.