Miami Marlins – Page 6

Paul Davis Scholarship At Clinton Community College Announced

August 18, 2020

The LumberKings and the entire Clinton community lost a good friend in March with the sudden passing of LumberKings President Paul Davis. To honor his memory, friends and family have established a scholarship at Clinton Community College to honor him and his commitment to education and the community. Paul Davis

Paul Davis grew up in Des Moines, Iowa and attended Clinton Community College. An agent with the Iowa Bankers Association in Des Moines, he placed great value in education. He was a dedicated volunteer and champion for many causes in the community. His love of sports grew from being an athlete as a young kid, to coaching at all levels, especially the 20-plus seasons of coaching his children’s teams. He loved attending events with wife Kris, and supporting his family by cheering on any team they are part of.

Camanche High School Basketball Coach Josh Davis said this about his father, “Dad was a great example on how to serve others. It was great to have him involved with our basketball program in Camanche. Most of the things I do as a coach, I learned from watching him when I was a kid. This scholarship will be a great way to honor his memory.”

Paul was an official with the Iowa High School Boys and Girls Athletic Associations, as well as the NAIA and NCAA college associations. He served on a variety of foundations including Riverboat Days, Clinton Junior Baseball, local volleyball organizations, and was Past President of the Clinton LumberKings Baseball Club.

Clinton LumberKings General Manager Ted Tornow commented, “Paul valued education and learning. He was always looking for ways to improve not only himself, but others. He touched many lives in this community and this scholarship is a testament to a life well-lived. Many future students will benefit from this and I know that Paul would be very happy to know that.”

The Paul Davis Memorial Scholarship, an annual $500 scholarship through the Paul B. Sharar Foundation for Clinton Community College, will be awarded to a CCC student who makes a difference. The student must demonstrate a commitment to their education and to the community through hard work and active volunteerism. Paul Davis believed that everyone in the community could come together to make this a great place. He valued hard work, and also appreciated the lessons that extracurricular activities could provide.

For more information about the Paul Davis Memorial Scholarship, contact the Paul B. Sharar Foundation at 563-244-7040. Donations can be made to the Paul Davis Memorial Scholarship at Clinton Community College Sharar Foundation, 1000 Lincoln Blvd., Clinton, Iowa or at https://www.eicc.edu/alumni-and-giving/sharar-foundation/.

Jumbo Shrimp Youth Baseball Camp returns August 10-14

July 29, 2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jumbo Shrimp Youth Baseball Camp runs from July 20-24

July 9, 2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

Campout on field highlights Jumbo Shrimp Scout Night

July 9, 2020

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

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

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

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

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

Raines Vikings win inaugural High School Heritage Classic

February 13, 2020

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Raines High School Vikings beat the Ribault High School Trojans 8-4 on Thursday to win the inaugural High School Heritage Classic presented by Rubenstein Law Firm, taking the A. Philip Randolph Cup in the exhibition contest at The Home of the Jumbo Shrimp.

“I want to congratulations Raines High School on winning the A. Philip Randolph Cup and Ribault High School on an excellent game,” said Jumbo Shrimp executive vice president/general manager Harold Craw. “The Jumbo Shrimp want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who helped make the High School Heritage Classic such a huge success in kicking off our team’s Centennial Celebration of the Negro Leagues.”

Both teams wore customized Jacksonville Red Caps uniforms to commemorate the Negro American League team that played in Jacksonville from 1938 until 1942. Raines High School won the A. Philip Randolph Cup that honors the legacy of local Civil Rights icon Asa Philip Randolph.

As part of the club’s Centennial Celebration of the Negro Leagues, the Jumbo Shrimp will play as the Red Caps twice this season; Once on May 1 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first-ever Negro League game and again on July 11 as part of the club’s Salute to the Negro Leagues Weekend in which former Negro Leagues players will also be on-hand.

UP NEXT: The Jumbo Shrimp’s 2020 Home Opening Day is Wednesday, April 15 against the Biloxi Shuckers at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville. Season tickets, mini plans and group outings are on sale now. Visit www.jaxshrimp.com or call 904-358-2846 to secure yours today.

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

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Jumbo Shrimp to hold food & beverage job fairs Feb. 15 & 19

February 11, 2020

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – With the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp’s 2020 season of Affordable Family Fun on the horizon, the club has set two job fairs in February for 2020 seasonal food and beverage positions at The Home of the Jumbo Shrimp.

The Double-A Southern League affiliate of the Miami Marlins will host job fairs from both 9 a.m.-noon on Saturday, February 15 and 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday, February 19 at The Home of the Jumbo Shrimp.

The Jumbo Shrimp are seeking candidates for:

-Floor Supervisor

-Concessions Stand Manager

-Warehouse Manager

-Suite Attendant

-Concessions Attendant

-Concessions Cooks

-Bartenders

-Bar backs

-Keg Operators

-Warehouse Staff

-Vending Hawkers

-Line Cooks

-Pantry Stewards

-Cashiers

-Operations/Clean Team

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

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

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

The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are an equal opportunity employer.

UP NEXT: The Jumbo Shrimp’s 2020 Home Opening Day is Wednesday, April 15 against the Biloxi Shuckers at The Home of the Jumbo Shrimp. Season tickets, mini plans and group outings are on sale now. Visit www.jaxshrimp.com or call 904-358-2846 to secure yours today.

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

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Jumbo Shrimp open registration for February 20 National Anthem auditions

February 3, 2020

2020 NATIONAL ANTHEM REGISTRATION FORM

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – As the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp prepare to open their schedule of 70 home games on April 15, the club is inviting the talent of Northeast Florida to audition to perform the National Anthem before a Jumbo Shrimp home game this season. Individuals and groups can now register for the February 20 National Anthem auditions, to be held at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.

National Anthem auditions will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, February 20 – rain or shine – at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville. Interested individuals and groups may schedule an audition time by completing a registration form emailing it to director of promotions & special events David Ratz at david@jaxshrimp.com or faxing to (904) 358-2845.

Individuals or groups who performed during the 2019 Jumbo Shrimp season are not required to audition if they are interested in performing again in 2020. Such individuals or groups should still complete and email the registration form, indicating a past performance at a Jumbo Shrimp game.

“We always enjoy listening to local individuals and groups perform to have an opportunity to open each Jumbo Shrimp game in the 2020 season,” said Jumbo Shrimp executive vice president/general manager Harold Craw. “Jumbo Shrimp games at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville are community events, and we are excited to build another extraordinary lineup of local talent that will be among the highlights of each night of Affordable Family Fun.”

The Jumbo Shrimp’s full promotional schedule will be announced at a later date. Fans can secure tickets to these great dates by booking a season ticket package, mini plan or group outing – beginning at 24 people – by calling the Jumbo Shrimp’s front office at 904-358-2846.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Jumbo Shrimp kick off Negro Leagues Centennial Celebration with High School Heritage Classic

February 3, 2020

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – As part of the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp’s salute to Black History Month and the Negro Leagues’ Centennial Celebration, the club is hosting the inaugural High School Heritage Classic exhibition game presented by Rubenstein Law Firm at 11:05 a.m. on Thursday, February 13 between historic Duval County Public Schools rivals William M. Raines High School and Jean Ribault High School at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.

Raines and Ribault student-athletes will wear customized Jacksonville Red Caps uniforms in a tribute to the Negro Leagues team that resided in Jacksonville from 1938-42. The exhibition contest, coincides with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum’s commencement of the 100^th anniversary of the founding of the Negro Leagues, will also feature historical references to Negro Leagues players and teams throughout the game. The winning team will earn the inaugural A. Philip Randolph Cup, commemorating the civil rights activist who moved to Jacksonville in 1891.

“I am so proud to bring this one-of-a-kind game to celebrate the rich history of the Negro Leagues in Jacksonville and honoring the many Negro Leagues players who laid the foundation for our entire industry,” said Jumbo Shrimp executive vice president/general manager Harold Craw. “I want to thank the students and faculty of both Raines and Ribault High Schools for kicking off the Jumbo Shrimp’s year-long commitment to commemorate the Centennial Celebration of the Negro Leagues. We encourage all fans to learn about the extraordinary Negro Leagues players who complete the history of the sport we all love.”

Tickets for the High School Heritage Classic are $5 for reserved seats and $10 for 121 Financial Crustacean Corner seats and a limited number of seats in the PNC Home Plate Club. They can be purchased in-person at the Jumbo Shrimp box office at 301 A Philip Randolph Blvd or online by clicking here.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

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

January 17, 2020

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – With Black History Month upcoming, the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are asking students what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have A Dream” speech means to them. The club’s essay contest will reward the winning students with free tickets for their entire class to attend a Jumbo Shrimp regular season game at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville, as well as a classroom visit by either Scampi or Southpaw.

The Jumbo Shrimp’s essay contest is open to all K-12 students in Duval County, Clay County and St. Johns County. Submissions will be divided into three categories (Grades K-5, 6-8 and 9-12, respectively). The contest will begin on Martin Luther King Jr. Day at 9 a.m. on Monday, January 20. All entries should be submitted by 5 p.m. on Friday, February 21 to win@jaxshrimp.com, and must include the student’s name, age, grade and school.

Following the submission process, each category will have their respective winners notified by email and announced on Friday, February 28.

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

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Jumbo Shrimp help package 50,000 meals for Rise Against Hunger

October 17, 2019

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Members of the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp’s front office volunteered at Maxwell House Wednesday to help package 50,000 meals for Rise Against Hunger’s packaging event.

“We are thankful to have been included in such a great event,” said Jumbo Shrimp Director of Community Relations Andrea Williams. “We’re proud to partner with our neighbors at the Maxwell House to be able to do something so impactful! At our very core, we strive to be great community stewards and give back to a community that gives us so much.”

Over two hours, the Jumbo Shrimp packaged meals of 23 essential vitamins and nutrients, vegetables, soy protein and white rice. The event was the first in the offseason for the club’s annual #ShrimpService.

Rise Against Hunger supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to end hunger by 2030. The organization works in four focus areas as its Pathways to End Hunger: Nourishing Lives, Empowering Communities, Responding to Emergencies and Growing the Movement.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Little League champs to be honored Thursday

August 27, 2019

The Eastbank All-Stars, Little League World Series champions from River Ridge, will be honored at the New Orleans Baby Cakes’ home finale on Thursday by throwing out the ceremonial first pitch.

The Eastbank Little League softball team, national runners-up, will also be honored during the pregame ceremony preceding the Baby Cakes’ game against the Memphis Redbirds at 7 p.m.

Eastbank won the Little League World Series with an 8-0 victory over Curacao in Williamsport, Pennsylvania on Sunday.

The ‘Cakes wrap up the home schedule on Thursday with fan appreciation giveaways, Thirsty Thursday drink specials, and a postgame fireworks show.

For more information, contact the Baby Cakes at (504) 734-5155.

Jumbo Shrimp initiate A Better Jacksonville Series

March 22, 2019

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jumbo Shrimp are continuing their commitment to serving the city of Jacksonville and its surrounding areas by introducing the club’s new A Better Jacksonville Series. Fans who donate to each of these monthly charitable drives will be entered into a drawing to throw out a ceremonial first pitch prior to the Jumbo Shrimp’s 6:35 p.m. game on Sunday, August 25 at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.

The Jumbo Shrimp’s A Better Jacksonville Series begins on Friday, April 26 with a greeting card donation drive. During this 7:05 p.m. game on Military Appreciation Night, the club will use donated greeting cards by allowing fans to write to active military.

The Jumbo Shrimp will team with the Jackson Five, the club’s internship program with Andrew Jackson High School, on Monday, May 20 to hold an Education Day Shoe Drive prior to the club’s 11:05 a.m. contest. All shoes donated will be sent to the City Rescue Mission.

Fans will be asked to donate toys on Sunday, June 9 for a 3:05 p.m. game on A Story of Toys Day. All proceeds will benefit One More Child. When the Jumbo Shrimp celebrate Mac & Cheese Day at 3:05 p.m. on Sunday, July 14, all fan non-perishable food donations will benefit Feeding Northeast Florida.

The inaugural A Better Jacksonville Series will wrap up prior to the Jumbo Shrimp’s 6:35 p.m. game on Saturday, August 10 with a school supply donation. Each donation will benefit Duval County Public Schools.

Fans who donated to each of the five monthly drives throughout the 2019 season will be entered into a drawing to throw out a ceremonial first pitch. The winner will toss out that ceremonial first pitch prior to the Jumbo Shrimp’s 6:35 p.m. contest on Sunday, August 25.

UP NEXT: Opening Day for the Jumbo Shrimp in 2019 is Thursday, April 4, against the Jackson Generals at the Baseball Grounds Jacksonville. Season tickets, mini plans, and corporate outings are on sale now. Visit www.jaxshrimp.com or phone 904-358-2846 to secure yours today.

ABOUT THE JUMBO SHRIMP: The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp offer affordable family fun at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville. 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. 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.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Jumbo Shrimp to host Family Holiday Event at the Baseball Grounds Dec. 8

November 6, 2018

RSVP HERE I Facebook Event

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp and Fun 4 First Coast Kids invite fans to kick off the Holiday season with our very Shrimpy Christmas event on Saturday, December 8 at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.

The event will run from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. with Christmas movie classics How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Frosty’s Winter Wonderland being shown on the high-definition video board. Fans can also enjoy free pictures with Santa Claus, face painting and Christmas crafts. There will be s’more for sale, as well as other Christmas treats, and a kid zone on the field with a bouncy house and inflatable slide.

Admission is only $1 per person at the home plate gate or free with one new unwrapped toy, per family, to donate to children in need this holiday season. All toys will be donated to the Florida Baptist Children’s Homes and One More Child. You can learn more about them at http://www.fbchomes.org/our-mission/contact-us/.

Attendees may sit on the field, and the stadium seating bowl will be open for seating. There is stroller- and wheelchair-accessible seating available both on the field and in the stadium seating bowl. Attendees are welcome to bring blankets for seating on the field. However, no chairs will be allowed on the field. No outside food or beverages will be permitted in the stadium.

UP NEXT: Opening Day for the Jumbo Shrimp in 2019 is Thursday, April 4, against the Jackson Generals at the Baseball Grounds Jacksonville. Season tickets, mini plans, and corporate outings are on sale now. Visit www.jaxshrimp.com or phone 904-358-2846 to secure yours today.

ABOUT THE JUMBO SHRIMP: The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp offer affordable family fun at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville. 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. 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.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Muckdogs meet young fans at YMCA

August 2, 2018

BATAVIA, N.Y. — Four players from the Batavia Muckdogs began their day by making some new friends.

Marlins prospects Tanner Andrews, Sean Reynolds, Igor Baez and Chris Vallimont signed autographs and talked about their experiences playing professional baseball with young campers at GLOW YMCA in Batavia on Thursday.

The GLOW YMCA serves four counties in western New York through the Genesee County YMCA in Batavia, the Wyoming County YMCA in Warsaw, the Orleans County YMCA in Medina, Camp Hough located on the shores of Silver Lake in Perry and a virtual branch beginning to serve Livingston County out of the Village of Geneseo.

Have a picnic at the ballpark

Andrews was the Marlins’ 10th-round pick out of Purdue in June and has appeared in eight games this season, seven with Batavia. Reynolds was Miami’s fourth-round pick in 2016 while Vallimont was selected in the fifth round this summer from Mercyhurst High School. Baez signed with the Marlins as a free agent last August.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Jumbo Shrimp receive JAXUSA Industry Leader Award

June 21, 2018

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp received the JAXUSA Partnership Industry Leader Award on at the second quarter JAXUSA Partnership Luncheon on Tuesday, June 12. Team owner Ken Babby accepted the award, which is presented to a company each quarter that has shown outstanding growth and community involvement.

The award winner is selected by the JAXUSA senior leadership team and is based on criteria including continued growth in the region, innovative work and a commitment to the community it serves. JAXUSA recognizes the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp as a key community contributor making a positive economic impact in North Florida.

Since Babby’s Fast Forward Sports Group took ownership of the Southern League franchise in September 2015, the organization has focused on Affordable Family Fun, with notably improved fan areas – adding the Budweiser Tiki Terrace and Hot Corner, expanding the Wheelhouse Lounge, and renovating luxury suites on the BDO Suite Level. The club enhances fan experience, partnering with Community First Credit Union on a new Jumbo Shrimp VISA® Debit Card, with FIS to make the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville the flagship of “Ballparks of the Future,” and with Advanced Disposal to become the Cleanest Ballpark in Minor League Baseball. The ballpark’s non-baseball event lineup has grown to include Family Movie Nights, charity events, an annual craft beer festival and the JAX Chamber Gala. In the community, Jumbo Shrimp staff have done regular volunteer projects, and the organization has partnered with Andrew Jackson High School on a unique Jackson Five Program to introduce high school students to the sports business industry.

“We are humbled and honored by the JAXUSA Partnership Industry Leader Award, which is also a credit to the great partners we have throughout the community,” Babby said. “With their support and the enthusiastic response of our fans, we are further energized in our mission of providing Affordable Family Fun.”

The award follows the Jumbo Shrimp’s recognition in the past year as the Southern League Organization of the Year and Promotional Trophy Winner, General Manager Harold Craw’s selection as Southern League Executive of the Year, as well as the club’s nomination for “Sports Breakthrough of the Year” by Sports Business Journal. The Jumbo Shrimp have been lauded for everything from marketing and social media (the club won “Best Local Twitter Account” by Folio Weekly readers) to concession offerings (Travel Channel’s “Food Paradise featured the club’s Shrimp & Pulled Pork Nachos and Bold City Burger Pie in its Minor League Baseball episode)

The JAXUSA Partnership is a business membership organization focused on regional economic development. JAXUSA facilitates the creation and retention of quality jobs and significant capital investment, resulting in a higher standard of living and better quality of life in Northeast Florida.

ABOUT THE JUMBO SHRIMP: The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp offer affordable family fun at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville. 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. 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.