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M-Braves, JSU partnering to salute the Negro Leagues on Saturday

August 18, 2022

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

*JACKSON, MS *– Jackson State University is partnering with the Mississippi Braves for their family and friends night at 6:05 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 20, at Trustmark Park. The first-time collaboration will also honor the 100th anniversary of the Negro Leagues.

“We are very excited that we are finally in a place where we can see this project to fruition. We’ve been working on it since 2020,” said Yolanda Owens, assistant vice president for the Division of Institutional Advancement at JSU. “The pandemic paused our plans, but we are excited that in 2022 we can bring this partnership together.”

Although The Negro League’s 100th anniversary was in 2020, and initial plans stalled, the fun and festivities will go down on Saturday as the Mississippi Braves take on the Pensacola Blue Wahoos.

During the game, several tributes will be made in memory of the league established for Black baseball teams in the early 20th century. A silent auction will also be held, and all proceeds will go to JSU’s GAP program.

“There’s going to be a number of historical videos, script material, and a variety of things talking about the history of the Negro Leagues. We probably have more of a focus on Cool Papa Bell, who had Mississippi ties, and [we’re] just celebrating the history, nostalgia, and importance of the Negro Leagues,” explained Tim Mueller, assistant general manager of the Mississippi Braves.

Mueller says the partnership between the Braves and JSU is long overdue, calling the university an icon and fixture of Mississippi and the capital city.

“Kelvin Moore, who is now deceased, was the first player from Jackson State actually to be drafted into Major League Baseball, so this is a great opportunity for us to honor him and some of our other MLB greats and honor those who paved the way for us through the major leagues,” added Owens.

Former Minority Mississippi Braves player Vaughn Grissom and Minority Mississippi Braves player Justyn-Henry Malloy are proud of the team’s efforts to recognize the Negro League, noting its contributions to their opportunity to play professional baseball.

“I wouldn’t be able to play our sport now without the people who took the first step. The league is being flooded with more African-American talent, and it’s fun to see,” said Grissom, who played infielder for the Braves at the time of this interview.

“Even 10-to-15 years ago, the league was predominately white, and now you get to see a lot more color. We have an opportunity to make tons of money now [and] that wasn’t available back then, even if you were the best of the best.”

Malloy, drafted by the Braves in 2021, plays left field for the M-Braves. He admires the passion the players of the Negro Leagues had for the game.

“Knowing the history of what those guys have done before us and the amount of struggling they really had to go through too, it kind of put things in perspective with us playing such a difficult game,” Henry shared. “Those guys were super tough. They were hungry; they really loved the game for them to do what they had to do to play out here, so I think it’s important for us to know and recognize that.”

Keeping true to the Mississippi Braves tradition, a post-game fireworks show will follow the game. Tickets can be purchased from the Trustmark Park box office or in-person at the Department of Alumni and Constituency Relations located at 101 W. Capitol Street in downtown Jackson.

Editor’s note: Shortly after this interview, Grissom was promoted to Atlanta on Wednesday, August 10. Grissom started that evening for the Braves at second base, and during his third plate appearance at historic Fenway Park, he hit a home run over the monster for his first hit as a Major Leaguer.

About Jackson State University: Challenging Minds, Changing Lives

Jackson State University, founded in 1877, is a historically black, high research activity university located in Jackson, the capital city of Mississippi. Jackson State’s nurturing academic environment challenges individuals to change lives through teaching, research, and service. Officially designated as Mississippi’s Urban University, Jackson State continues to enhance the state, nation, and world through comprehensive economic development, healthcare, technological and educational initiatives. The only public university in the Jackson metropolitan area, Jackson State, is located near downtown, with five satellite locations throughout the area. For more information, visit www.jsums.edu or call 601-979-2121.

Media contact: [email protected]

Tagged as : Atlanta Braves, Charity Auctions/Raffles, Diversity/Inclusion, Education/Teacher Support, Fundraising Opportunities, Honoring History, Mississippi, Mississippi Braves, Public Recognition/Celebrations/Events, Southern League { }

M-Braves to host JMS Burn & Reconstructive Center Night on Thursday, August 4th

August 1, 2022

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

PEARL, MS – The Mississippi Braves, in partnership with Merit Health’s JMS Burn and Reconstructive Center and the Burn Foundation of America, will host a special game on Thursday, August 4th at 6:35 pm against the Biloxi Shuckers at Trustmark Park.

Burn survivors from across the state of Mississippi will be recognized pre-game, and M-Braves players and coaches will be wearing special jerseys designed by OT Sports, with a unique design based on the Burn Foundation of America’s “Flame and Water” logo. These jerseys will be available to fans via silent auction during the game, with proceeds benefitting the Burn Foundation of America.

“The M-Braves are honored to take part in recognizing the brave burn survivors as well as those local heroes, our friends at Merit Health’s JMS Burn Center, that provide comfort to them and their families,” said Pete Laven, Mississippi Braves Vice President /General Manager. “Raising awareness for their care center is the main goal of the evening, along with them being able to enjoy a fun, care-free night at the ballpark!”

In addition to direct patient assistance, the Burn Foundation of America focuses on providing burn victims with mobility devices, compression garments, and distraction therapy, as well as covering the costs of hotel nights and transportation for the patient’s families.

“The Burn Foundation of America is proud to serve burn patients and their families from across the state of Mississippi,” said Steve Chalker, Burn Foundation of America’s Chief Operating Officer. “We’re honored to have many of them as our guests and look forward to seeing them at the Burn Survivors Reunion with the Mississippi Braves!”

Fans interested in purchasing tickets for this game or any other 2022 Mississippi Braves home game may visit mississippibraves.com/tickets or call 888-BRAVES4. The M-Braves will host Biloxi from August 2-7.

Tagged as : Atlanta Braves, Charitable Foundations, Charity Auctions/Raffles, Family Relief/Resources, Mississippi, Mississippi Braves, Southern League { }

Mississippi Braves to honor civil rights icons The “Tougaloo Nine” on Saturday, July 16

July 1, 2022

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

PEARL, MS – In conjunction with Minor League Baseball’s initiative “The Nine”, on Saturday, July 16, when the Mississippi Braves take on the Rocket City Trash Pandas at Trustmark Park, the team will be honoring the brave students that made up the historic Tougaloo Nine.

“The M-Braves look forward to recognizing the courageous members of the Tougaloo Nine on this night”, said M-Braves vice-president and general manager Pete Laven. “Their story is vital to the fight for civil rights history in not just our great state but the entire nation. We are honored and humbled that several of the Tougaloo Nine will be present for the game.”

Story of the Tougaloo Nine:

In March 1961, the Tougaloo Nine became the first Mississippi students to stage a sit-in against segregation when they staged a demonstration at the main public library in Jackson. Just over a year earlier, on February 1, 1960, students from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical College launched the sit-in movement with a protest at a Greensboro lunch counter. Students from black colleges across the South followed suit at a variety of public places—lunch counters, libraries, and department stores—that denied service to blacks.

On March 27, 1961, nine members of the Jackson Youth Council of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People—Meredith Coleman Anding Jr., James Cleo Bradford, Alfred Lee Cook, Geraldine Edwards, Janice Jackson, Joseph Jackson Jr., Albert Earl Lassiter, Evelyn Pierce, and Ethel Sawyer—entered Jackson’s main library and began browsing through the card catalog and then sat down to read. When police arrived and asked the students to leave, they refused and were arrested on charges of breach of the peace. Medgar Evers gathered bail for their release, and Jack Harvey Young Sr., a civil rights lawyer, represented the students. They were ultimately convicted, fined one hundred dollars each, and given thirty days in jail, though that part of the sentence was suspended. However, their actions led to the integration of what is now the Jackson Metropolitan Library System, and they have been honored by the college and by the City of Jackson.

On July 16, Mississippi Braves players will wear vintage Tougaloo College baseball jerseys from the 1960s that feature the last name of one of the Tougaloo Nine students on the back.

“Tougaloo College is honored to be a part of this special occasion as the Mississippi Braves pay tribute to the Tougaloo Nine,” said Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Social Justice, Dr. Daphne Chamberlain. Tougaloo College has a rich civil rights history that has been well documented, and the Tougaloo Nine are a significant part of that history. More than sixty years ago, these young people challenged the status quo in their actions to integrate the Jackson Public Library. The Tougaloo Nine inspired and empowered young people across Mississippi to join the fight for freedom. The role the Tougaloo Nine played in effectuating positive social change in Mississippi during one of the most turbulent periods in this state and this nation’s history is a testament to their bravery and commitment to securing human dignity for all people.”

These jerseys will be available for our fans to purchase during the game via silent auction, with proceeds benefitting the Ella Josephine Baker Social Justice Scholarship.

Before the 6:05 pm first pitch will be a pre-game ceremony to include current Tougaloo College baseball players, video tributes before the game, a mobile museum kiosk on the stadium concourse, and appearances by living members and families of the Tougaloo Nine. The evening will conclude with a phenomenal Post-Game Fireworks Show.

For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit mississippibraves.com, or call 888-BRAVES4.

Tagged as : Atlanta Braves, Charity Auctions/Raffles, Diversity/Inclusion, Honoring History, Mississippi, Mississippi Braves, Public Recognition/Celebrations/Events, Southern League { }

MGM Park To Host Gulf Coast Diamond Classic on May 21

May 17, 2022

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

The Biloxi Shuckers and BCSG 360 announced today they will host the Gulf Coast Diamond Classic on Saturday, May 21, 2022 at MGM Park. The Gulf Coast Diamond Classic will feature HBCUs Jackson State University (Jackson, MS) and Mississippi Valley State University (Itta Bena, MS).

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE.

The contest will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday. The gates at MGM Park will open one hour prior to game start time.

Fans have three ticket options for the Gulf Coast Diamond Classic:

  • Adult Ticket – $20 includes entry for game.
  • Youth Ticket – $10 includes entry for game.
  • Premium Ticket – $30 includes entry for game and premium seating access.

When purchasing tickets, unless buying premium tickets, select ‘BERM’ for your ticket option. For the Gulf Coast Diamond Classic, these will allow you to sit anywhere in the seating bowl that is not in the premium section.

Jackson State University will serve as the away team for the game and Mississippi Valley State University will be the home team.

ABOUT THE BILOXI SHUCKERS:

The Biloxi Shuckers are the Double-A Affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. The Shuckers are members of the Southern League and play at MGM Park in Biloxi, Mississippi. For more information please visit biloxishuckers.comand follow us on Twitter @biloxishuckers and at facebook.com/biloxishuckers.

Tagged as : Biloxi Shuckers, Diversity/Inclusion, Education/Teacher Support, Milwaukee Brewers, Mississippi, Southern League, Supporting the Community { }

Shuckers To Host Job Fair On March 24

March 17, 2022

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

The Biloxi Shuckers will host a job fair on Thursday, March 24 from 4 pm to 6 pm at MGM Park. The Shuckers are seeking seasonal employees for the upcoming 2022 season.

Available positions include ushers, ticket takers, ticket sellers, access control, camera operators, press box production, mascots, retail, grounds crew, bat boys/girls, entertainment team and on-field emcee. Interested applicants can enter through the visitors’ clubhouse on the north side of MGM Park and should bring a copy of their resume.

Spectra Food services will also be interviewing candidates for cooks, suite attendants, food runners, bartenders, dishwashers, warehouse workers and help with food preparation. Applications for Shuckers’ seasonal employment and Spectra are available on site but are also available online to download here.

The Biloxi Shuckers open their seventh season on the road against the Pensacola Blue Wahoos on Friday, April 8. Biloxi then returns to MGM Park for their home opener against the Mississippi Braves on Tuesday, April 12 at 6:35 pm. Individual tickets, Shuck Nation Memberships, Flex Plans and group outings are available for the 2022 season by calling (228) 233-3465 or visiting biloxishuckers.com.

ABOUT THE BILOXI SHUCKERS:

The Biloxi Shuckers are the Double-A Affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. The Shuckers are members of the Southern League and play at MGM Park in Biloxi, Mississippi. For more information please visit biloxishuckers.comand follow us on Twitter @biloxishuckers and at facebook.com/biloxishuckers.

Tagged as : Biloxi Shuckers, Employment Opportunities, Milwaukee Brewers, Mississippi, Southern League { }

National Anthem Tryouts For Shuckers' Games Set For March 12

March 11, 2022

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



Prior to the start of their 2022 season, the Biloxi Shuckers will host auditions for National Anthem performers on Saturday, March 12 at MGM Park.

Auditions will take place from 11 am to 1 pm. Those wishing to audition can enter the ballpark through the north gate. Performers are expected to perform the entirety of ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ in less than two minutes. Individual singers, instrumentalists and bands are all welcome to audition and are required to complete a contact form before auditioning.

Additionally, virtual auditions are open from March 7 through March 18. All virtual auditions must include an unedited video with all performers visible and a full performance of the ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ in under two minutes. As with in-person tryouts, individual singers, instrumentalists and bands are all welcome. Please submit virtual auditions to Allyson Staton at [email protected] with the subject line ‘2022 National Anthem Audition,’ an mp4 of your video and a completed contact form, available for download here.

The Biloxi Shuckers open their seventh season on the road against the Pensacola Blue Wahoos on Friday, April 8. Biloxi then returns to MGM Park for their home opener against the Mississippi Braves on Tuesday, April 12 at 6:35 pm. Single game tickets, Shuck Nation Memberships, Flex Plans and group outings are now available for the 2022 season. Event spaces at MGM Park can be booked for private events during the offseason by calling (228) 233-3465.

ABOUT THE BILOXI SHUCKERS:

The Biloxi Shuckers are the Double-A Affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. The Shuckers play at MGM Park in Biloxi, Mississippi. For more information please visit biloxishuckers.comand follow us on Twitter @biloxishuckers and at facebook.com/biloxishuckers.

Tagged as : Arts Appreciation, Biloxi Shuckers, Contests/Competitions/Auditions, Milwaukee Brewers, Mississippi, Southern League { }

M-Braves to host job fair plus National Anthem/Mascot Auditions March 19th

March 8, 2022

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



PEARL – The Mississippi Braves will hold an additional job fair on Saturday, March 19, at Trustmark Park from 10 am to 2 pm to fill part-time and seasonal positions for the 2022 season. This job fair will also include your chance to audition to sing the national anthem at a game this season and perform as the mascot.

Job Fair:
The job fair will take place inside Trustmark Park’s Farm Bureau Grill. M-Braves staff members will conduct open interviews on a first-come, first-serve basis for seasonal, part-time positions. In addition, the mascot and National Anthem audition will take place on the field.

Applicants should be energetic, friendly, dependable, and ready to contribute to the family atmosphere of Trustmark Park. The M-Braves will play 69 home games in 2022, with Opening Day set for Friday, April 8, vs. Montgomery at 6:35 pm.

Attendees will have the chance to interview for a variety of positions within these departments:

  • Concessions
  • Ticket Office
  • Stadium Operations
  • Grounds Crew
  • Promotions/Production
  • Press Box

*National Anthem Auditions: *
Candidates will perform over the stadium PA system. Come prepared with a traditional rendition of the National Anthem. The chosen singers will perform at M-Braves’ home games during the 2022 season. Choirs and larger groups are welcome to audition to deliver the National Anthem. Participants will be judged on a cappella and acoustic instrumental renditions only, as no electric or amplified instruments can be utilized for game day performances.

Mascot Auditions:
The Braves are looking for energetic, friendly, and enthusiastic individuals to fulfill this position. A suit will not be provided for your audition, so bring your own or be prepared to audition without a suit. Come prepared with a 30-second routine of your choice as well as being ready for an improv performance.

Auditions will take place inside Trustmark Park, and participants will enter through the main gate. There is no appointment necessary, and performers will audition in the order in which they arrive. The tryout is open to all area performers and musicians, allowing Braves fans the unique chance to be a valuable part of the game-day atmosphere. Also, any tryout participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the audition.

For more information about the 2022 season, purchase season tickets flex plans or inquire about a group outing, visit mississippibraves.com or call 888-BRAVES4.

Tagged as : Arts Appreciation, Atlanta Braves, Contests/Competitions/Auditions, Employment Opportunities, Mississippi, Mississippi Braves, Southern League { }

‘The Nine’ Greatest Black Athletes In Shuckers’ History

February 26, 2022

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 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.”

In no particular order, here is a look at nine of the best Black baseball players ever to suit up for the Biloxi Shuckers.

Corey Ray

Ray spent the entire 2018 season with the Shuckers and put together one of the most impressive campaigns in Southern League history. Taken by the Brewers with the fifth overall pick in the 2016 MLB Draft out of Louisville, Ray was named the Southern League MVP after notching 32 doubles, seven triples and 27 home runs while recording 74 RBI, 86 runs scored and 37 stolen bases in 44 attempts. He led the Southern League in total bases (254), extra-base hits (66), home runs and stolen bases, tied the league lead in doubles, was second in runs scored and slugging percentage (.477), fourth in RBI and tied for fourth in triples. The Shuckers’ outfielder also became the first player in Southern League history to lead the league in home runs and stolen bases in a single season.

During his breakout campaign, Ray was named the Southern League Player of the Week for July 16 through 22, earned recognition as the Southern League Player of the Month in July and was honored as a Midseason and Postseason All-Star en route to capturing the League MVP and the Brewers’ Robin Yount Minor League Player of the Year honor. Ray returned to the Shuckers for a brief spell in 2019 and has his name all over the Shuckers’ single season and career records. He holds the record for most home runs in a season, most RBI in a season, most runs scored in a season, most games played and at bats in a season, tied for the most triples in a season, second in doubles and stolen bases in a season and third in hits in a single season. In 146 career games with the Shuckers, he is third all-time in stolen bases (40) and fourth all-time in home runs and triples. Ray made his Major League debut with the Brewers on April 24, 2021.

Tyrone Taylor

A founding member of the Biloxi Shuckers, Taylor played in 128 games with Biloxi in 2015, 134 games in 2016 and 25 of his 32 games played in 2017. His name occupies many of the top spots in the Shuckers’ record books, leading the franchise in hits (247), doubles (41), games played (287) and at bats (1,004) while sitting second in runs scored (114) and fifth in RBI (83).

While playing in the Shuckers’ inaugural campaign in 2015, Taylor was a constant cog in an offense that won a league-best 78 games. Playing in all but three games during the season, the Torrance, CA native hit .260 with 20 doubles, three triples, three home runs, 43 RBI, 48 runs scored and 10 stolen bases. He was named the Southern League Player of the Week on June 15, hitting .423 for the week with four doubles, two home runs, eight RBI, two stolen bases and no strikeouts. During that week, Taylor helped the Shuckers clinch a series victory in their inaugural homestand at MGM Park and on June 14, he went 3-for-5 with a double, two RBI and a run scored in a 9-0 Biloxi victory that clinched the South Division First Half Title, giving the Shuckers a playoff berth in their inaugural season. Taylor made his Major League debut with the Brewers on September 7, 2019. In 130 games at the Major League level, Taylor has slashed .251/.324/.467 with 15 doubles, three triples, 14 home runs and 50 RBI.

Devin Williams

Devin Williams’ meteoric rise began in Biloxi during the 2019 season. After missing the entire 2017 season and appearing in just 14 games at High-A in 2018, Williams started the 2019 campaign on the Shuckers’ roster. By the end of the year, he was in the Brewers’ bullpen and pitching meaningful innings on a team headed to the postseason for a second consecutive year.

Williams primarily pitched in long relief to start the 2019 season, finishing the first half with a 2.91 ERA. After the All-Star Break, Williams was moved into a late-innings role and became the most dominant reliever in the league over that spell. During nine outings from June 21 to July 22, Williams went 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA and four saves in four opportunities. Across 10 innings, Williams surrendered just four hits, walked one batter and struck out 17. The righty was selected for the MLB All-Star Futures Game and shortly afterwards he was promoted to Triple-A San Antonio on July 26. After making just three appearances with the Missions, Williams had his contract selected by the Brewers and made his Major League debut on August 7, 2019.

In the 2020 season, Williams established himself as the most dangerous setup man in baseball, primarily fueled by his high-90’s fastball and unique changeup, which earned its own nickname, ‘The Airbender.’ In 22 appearances, Williams went 4-1 with a 0.33 ERA, allowing eight total hits, four runs and one earned run. The former second-round pick walked nine batters and racked up 53 strikeouts, earning both the National League Rookie of the Year award and the Trevor Hoffman Award, given to the National League’s top reliever, along with an All-MLB Second Team selection and NL Reliever of the Month honors in September of 2020.

Trent Grisham

Bearing a new last name when he arrived in Biloxi to start the 2018 season, Trent Grisham spent all of 2018 and the first half of 2019 in a Shuckers uniform. Much like Williams, Grisham’s ascension to the Major Leagues took off during the 2019 season. After slashing .223/.360/.348 with 10 home runs, two triples, seven home runs, 31 RBI and 45 runs scored in 107 games in 2018, Grisham returned to the Shuckers in 2019.

The outfielder was hitting .215 for the season on May 25 but caught fire and finished his time with Biloxi on an emphatic note. Across his final 20 games with the Shuckers, Grisham slashed .342/.479/.822 with seven doubles, two triples, eight home runs, 25 RBI and 20 walks with just eight strikeouts. He became just the second player in franchise history to homer in four consecutive games and was named a Southern League Mid-Season All-Star before earning a promotion to Triple-A San Antonio on June 20. On August 1, the Brewers selected Grisham’s contract and he made his Major League debut that same day. Despite playing the final month of the season with the Brewers, Grisham was selected as the Robin Yount Minor League Player of the Year for 2019 and would go on to win a Rawlings Gold Glove with the San Diego Padres in 2020.

Jake Gatewood

Gatewood claims the title of Home Run King for the Shuckers, mashing 36 homes runs during his time with Biloxi. The Clovis, CA native received a late promotion to the Shuckers in 2017, hitting four home runs in 23 games to end the season. He returned to Biloxi with vengeance in 2018, hitting 19 doubles, a triple and 19 home runs with 59 RBI in 94 games. Gatewood was named a Midseason All-Star but had his season cut short when he suffered an ACL tear in Jackson, Tennessee on July 24, 2018. At the time of his injury, Gatewood was tied for second in the Southern League in home runs, trailing only Corey Ray, was fourth in RBI and extra-base hits (39) and fifth in total bases (164).

Gatewood missed the first month of the 2019 season while rehabbing from his ACL tear but returned to the Shuckers on May 12. In his first at bat, Gatewood hit a solo home run to right field, one of 13 home runs for the season. He took sole possession as the franchise leader in home runs on July 27 when he hit a walk-off two-run homer against the Jackson Generals and is also the franchise leader in postseason home runs, hitting four during the Shuckers 2019 postseason run to the Southern League Championship Series. Gatewood is also second in Shuckers’ history in RBI (113), third in runs scored (103) and fifth in hits (174).

Johnny Davis

Johnny Davis is regarded as one of the fastest players ever to grace the field at MGM Park and justly carries the record as the all-time leader in stolen bases, swiping 68 bags across 202 games with the Shuckers. During the 2017 season, he set the Shuckers’ single season stolen base record, stealing 52 bags in 64 attempts, leading the Southern League in steals in the process. He is also second in franchise history in hits in a single season (133), trailing only Orlando Arcia, tied for second in triples (6) and third in games played in a season (133).

The speedster is also the franchise leader in triples, recording 10 three-baggers in his time with the Shuckers, and fifth all time in runs scored (95). For his dogmatic play and tenacity, Davis was awarded the Southern League Hustler of the Year as part of the leagues’ postseason awards in 2017. He also famously had the number one play on ESPN’s Sportscenter for a home run robbery he made on April 13, 2017 at MGM Park. A 22nd round pick by the Brewers in 2013, Davis made his Major League debut with the Tampa Bay Rays on September 11, 2019.

Troy Stokes Jr.

In one of his highlight catches of the season, Troy Stokes Jr. leaps before taking a seat in the left field corner. Stokes took home a Gold Glove for his efforts in 2018.
Michael Krebs

The primary left fielder during his 164 games with the Shuckers, Troy Stokes Jr. consistently made highlight-worthy plays in the outfield en route to a Rawlings MiLB Gold Glove in 2018. A fourth-round pick by the Brewers in the 2014 draft, Stokes earned a late promotion to Biloxi at the end of the 2017 and impressed in a small sample size, hitting .252 with nine doubles, six home runs, 18 RBI and 19 runs scored in just 35 games.

As part of an outfield that also featured Ray and Grisham, Stokes put together an All-Star campaign with Biloxi in 2018, earning a spot in the Midseason All-Star Game in Birmingham, AL. The Towson, MD native slashed .233/.343/.430 with 23 doubles, six triples, 19 home runs, 58 RBI and 19 stolen bases, helping the Shuckers secure both half division titles and a berth in the Southern League Championship Series. During the playoffs, Stokes hit .367 with three doubles, a home run, three RBI and a franchise postseason record 10 runs scored.

Along with his postseason records, Stokes is fifth in Shuckers history in home runs (25) and tied for fifth in triples (6) while also ranking second in a single season in walks (65) and third in runs scored (74). He made his Major League debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates on May 9, 2021.

Dillon Thomas

Dillon Thomas’ nearly decade journey through the Minor Leagues saw him make his penultimate stop in Biloxi. He was added to the Shuckers’ postseason roster in 2018 and appeared in five games, hitting a home run in the ninth inning of Game 1 of the Southern League Championship Series against the Jackson Generals.

Thomas was assigned to Biloxi to begin the 2019 season and given consistent playing time for the first time in his entire career in affiliated baseball the outfielder thrived. Thomas jumpstarted his season by recording six RBI across two games of an Opening Night doubleheader against the Birmingham Barons and helped carry the Shuckers to a first-half South Division title, earning a spot as a Midseason All-Star. The Houston, TX native slashed .265/.339/.434 with 25 doubles, six triples, 13 home runs, 62 runs scored and 22 stolen bases. His 71 RBI are the second most in the single season in franchise history and he’s tied for second in triples (6) while ranking fourth in hits (119) and doubles.

Thomas delivered one of the most iconic moments in franchise history when he smashed a walk-off solo home run in the tenth inning of Game One of the South Division Championship Series against the Pensacola Blue Wahoos, giving the Shuckers a thrilling 11-10 victory. He would go on to make his Major League debut with the Seattle Mariners on June 9, 2021 after playing 670 games in the Minor Leagues.

Chuckie Caufield

While Caufield has not actually played for the Shuckers, he’s been a vital part of the organization since joining the coaching staff in 2017. Caufield has served as a coach with an emphasis on outfielders and helped the likes of Taylor, Ray, Stokes, Grisham and Thomas on their journeys through Biloxi. He was named the Shuckers’ hitting coach heading into the 2020 season, a role he has held ever since.

Caufield also carries the distinction of serving as one of three managers in Shuckers’ history. The Ada, OK native stepped in and managed Biloxi on an interim basis during the entire month of April in 2019 while Mike Guerrero was sidelined with an injury. During the entirety of 2019, he also worked as Biloxi’s third base coach, high fiving players as they round third on home runs and even getting all the way on the ground to signal to players that they should slide into third base.

Originally selected by the Brewers in the 39th round of the 2006 draft out of the University of Oklahoma, Caufield spent six seasons in Milwaukee’s farm system and played in 221 games for the Huntsville Stars between 2009-11. The Stars ultimately relocated from Huntsville in 2015 and became the Biloxi Shuckers.

The Biloxi Shuckers open their seventh season on the road against the Pensacola Blue Wahoos on Friday, April 8. Biloxi then returns to MGM Park for their home opener against the Mississippi Braves on Tuesday, April 12 at 6:35 pm. Shuck Nation Memberships, Flex Plans and group outings are now available for the 2022 season and individual tickets will go on sale at a later date. Event spaces at MGM Park can be booked for private events during the offseason by calling (228) 233-3465.

ABOUT THE BILOXI SHUCKERS:

The Biloxi Shuckers are the Double-A Affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. The Shuckers play at MGM Park in Biloxi, Mississippi. For more information please visit biloxishuckers.comand follow us on Twitter @biloxishuckers and at facebook.com/biloxishuckers.

Tagged as : Biloxi Shuckers, Diversity/Inclusion, Honoring History, Milwaukee Brewers, Mississippi, Southern League { }

“The Nine” – Coach Bob Braddy changed the game in Mississippi 

February 25, 2022

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

Named for the number Jackie Robinson wore during his only season playing in MiLB with the Triple-A Montreal Royals in 1946, “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. The Nine will 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.

The rich history of baseball stretches generations in Mississippi, and the organization will tap into that history using this unique platform to tell those stories and create beneficial activations.

From the legendary stories of the speed of James Thomas Bell, better known as “Cool Papa Bell,” to the power-hitting prowess of Luke Easter, Mississippi has produced some of the greatest baseball players we’ve ever seen. Mississippi is also the home of the Hank Aaron Baseball Academy, an enduring legacy of one of the game’s greatest players.

As part of “The Nine” activation, Trustmark Park will host a part of a two-day tournament, May 7-8, for ages 6 – 17, with a field of travel and recreational / city league teams. In addition, the Aaron-Andrews qualifying event will include youth teams from the under-served communities, with the winning teams receiving a free entry into the Hank Aaron Championship that occurs October 14 – 16 in Jackson at the Hank Aaron Sports Academy and Trustmark Park.

The M-Braves will also pay tribute to the Negro Leagues and don 1938 Atlanta Black Crackers home uniforms during a game this season. The club was a member of the Southern Negro League and eventually the Negro American League.

Mississippi has the best college baseball in the country. The passion is evidenced by consistently high rankings and the historic Mississippi State national championship in 2021. But you can’t tell the college baseball story in Mississippi without maybe the most impressive of all.

The story of Bob Braddy.

Braddy is from Florence, Mississippi. He attended Jackson State University and while playing for the Tigers, Braddy was named All-Conference pitcher in 1962 and 1963 under coach Joe Gilliam Sr. He returned to the university in 1973 to become the head baseball coach. He turned Jackson State into a powerhouse during his tenure from 1973-to 2000. Braddy went 824-546, setting the coaching victories record for the Southwestern Athletic Conference, winning 12 SWAC titles.

To repeat, Braddy won TWELVE SWAC titles.

Braddy was named the SWAC coach of the year eight times, coached eight players who made the Major Leagues, and, along the way, had some legendary experiences, which have been recounted, since his career ended. His 1978 team went 52-12, a Jackson State and SWAC record for most wins. In addition, Braddy led the Tigers to three NCAA tournament appearances, two NCAA play-in games, and four NAIA tournaments.

“Baseball’s provided me so many opportunities to meet individuals. It’s just unbelievable,” he said in an article before his induction into the College Baseball Hall of Fame in 2016.

Hall of Fame slugger Frank Robinson came to Jackson to do a clinic and stayed at Braddy’s house. After that, Hall of Fame manager Tommy Lasorda became a regular for a while.

Braddy was relentless. He wrote different people in the Major Leagues – players, coaches – and asked them to come down, speak at a banquet, and do a clinic. Tommy Lasorda was one of them, and he never thought he would hear back. But Lasorda came down four times to help raise money for the program. He even bought the team a tractor to drag the field with. They named it the Tommy Lasordamobile.

Braddy finished coaching in 2001, but he wasn’t finished at Jackson State. He became the Tigers’ athletic director, and the university named the baseball field after him in 2009 in honor of his 34 years in service. Of Braddy’s 52 players who signed pro contracts, two were first-round draft choices, and eight made it to the big leagues. Curt Ford, Dave Clark, and Wes Chamberlain were big-league outfielders in the 1980s and 1990s.

Braddy was the first African-American to be inducted into the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2003, the National College Baseball Hall of Fame in 2016, and the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in 2017. He was also inducted into the JSU Sports Hall of Fame in 1985 and the SWAC Hall of Fame in 2005.

Jackson State went 24-0 in SWAC play last season; they were one out from winning the SWAC tournament championship in 2021 but fell short. The Tigers, led by head coach Omar Johnson, were picked first in the 2022 preseason SWAC poll.

The 81-year-old Braddy is still involved with baseball and serves his community.

Here are some of Mississippi’s Black baseball pioneers.

George “Boomer” Scott (Greenville)

A three-time American League All-Star in 1966, 1975, and 1977, George Scott is one of Mississippi’s great power hitters. He hit over 20 homers in six of his 14 major league seasons, tying the great Reggie Jackson in 1975 with a league-best 36 homers. He was also a career .268 hitter who earned two Gold Glove Awards with his defense.

James “Cool Papa” Bell (Sessums)

Though statistics were not meticulously maintained for most of Bell’s career, it’s clear that he was one of the best players in the history of Negro league baseball. We know he was an eight-time All-Star and finished his 24-year career with a .341 average. His speed on the basepaths and in the outfield was legendary.

A 19-year- old Bell got his nickname in 1922 when he displayed calmness and finesse as a lefty pitcher with the St. Louis Stars. His switch-hitting/base-running catapulted him to Cooperstown in 1974. He batted .343 in a storied Negro Leagues career with St. Louis, Pittsburgh Crawfords, Homestead Grays, and others.

Luke Easter (Jonestown)

Easter, a 6’4″/240-pound giant, was once called “the greatest home run hitter since Babe Ruth.” He starred on the 1948 Homestead Grays, which defeated the Birmingham Black Barons, with 17-year-old Willie Mays in the 1948 post-season. Easter hit .274, 93 homers, 340 RBI with Cleveland, MLB; 269 homers in 13 minor league seasons; and .402, 14 homers, 80 RBI, 80-game 1948-49 Puerto Rico season for Mayagüez.

Dennis “Oil Can” Boyd (Meridian)

Oil Can Boyd got his nickname from “rot-gutter whiskey” via a Meridian moonshiner. He attended Jackson State University before his 10-year MLB career with Boston, Montreal, and Texas. Boyd was 16-10 for the 1986 Red Sox and pitched in the World Series versus the Mets.

Ellis Burks (Vicksburg)

Burks’s 18-year MLB career with Boston, Chicago White Sox, Colorado, San Francisco, and Cleveland included three years (1987-89) as Oil Can Boyd’s teammate. Burks received a World Series ring after his final (2004) season with Boston. He hit .291, with 352 home runs and 1,206 RBI in the majors.

For more biographies and information about “The Nine,” click HERE.

Photos courtesy of Jackson State University and the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame.

Tagged as : Atlanta Braves, Diversity/Inclusion, Honoring History, Mississippi, Mississippi Braves, Southern League { }

MGM Park To Host High School Tournament On February 19

February 16, 2022

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

Greene County High School will host a six-team tournament on February 19 at MGM Park. The six teams will include Greene County, Pascagoula, Vancleave, Oak Grove, Sumrall and Lumberton.
The day kicks off at 11 am when Sumrall takes on Vancleave. Oak Grove will matchup against Pascagoula at approximately 2

Greene County High School will host a six-team tournament on February 19 at MGM Park. The six teams will include Greene County, Pascagoula, Vancleave, Oak Grove, Sumrall and Lumberton.

The day kicks off at 11 am when Sumrall takes on Vancleave. Oak Grove will matchup against Pascagoula at approximately 2 pm and the day draws to a close with a 5:00 pm matchup between Greene County and Lumberton.

“We put feelers out there for good programs that we had relationships with, and it has come together better in the first year than I expected,” said Greene County Head Coach Nick Chatham “We’ve got Sumrall who is a perennial powerhouse every year in 4A who played in the State Championship last year and won it the year before. Vancleave is obviously local and has a great program that won state a few years back. Oak Grove is a tradition rich baseball program and Pascagoula played for a State Championship last year. When you have good teams involved, most people want to be a part of that. And we wanted to have it at MGM Park to make it something special for those that participate.”

Tickets will be available for purchase on the day of the game at the northeast gate of MGM Park for $10 and will grant admission to all three games. The MGM Park concession stand will be open with a limited menu for the day.

The Shuckers open their seventh season on the road against the Pensacola Blue Wahoos on Friday, April 8. Biloxi then returns to MGM Park for their home opener against the Mississippi Braves on Tuesday, April 12 at 6:35 pm. Shuck Nation Memberships, Flex Plans and group outings are now available for the 2022 season and individual tickets will go on sale at a later date. Event spaces at MGM Park can be booked for private events during the offseason by calling (228) 233-3465.

Prior to the start of the Shuckers’ season, MGM Park will host a Top 25 college baseball matchup on March 8 and 9 as the defending national champion Mississippi State Bulldogs, ranked the #3 team in Baseball America’s preseason poll, take on the #23 ranked Texas Tech Red Raiders in the Hancock Whitney Classic. Suites are sold out for both games, but individual tickets are available for both games at biloxishuckers.com.

ABOUT THE BILOXI SHUCKERS:

The Biloxi Shuckers are the Double-A Affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. The Shuckers play at MGM Park in Biloxi, Mississippi and are members of the Double-A South. For more information, please visit biloxishuckers.comand follow us on Twitter @biloxishuckers and at facebook.com/biloxishuckers.

Tagged as : Biloxi Shuckers, Children's Health and Development, Education/Teacher Support, Milwaukee Brewers, Mississippi, Southern League, Youth Sports { }

M-Braves Join “The Nine”, A New Initiative To Celebrate, Engage, And Welcome Black Fans

February 1, 2022

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

 

Minor League Baseball® (MiLB™) today 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

Minor League Baseball® (MiLB™) today 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 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.

Tagged as : Atlanta Braves, Diversity/Inclusion, Honoring History, Mississippi, Mississippi Braves, Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI), Southern League, Supporting the Community, Youth Sports { }

Biloxi Shuckers Join in Minor League Baseball’s “The Nine” 

February 1, 2022

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

 

Minor League Baseball® (MiLB™) today 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

Minor League Baseball® (MiLB™) today 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 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.

###

*About Minor League Baseball *

Minor League Baseball consists of 120 teams across four classification levels (Single-A, High-A, Double-A and Triple-A) that are affiliated with Major League Baseball’s 30 teams. Fans flock to MiLB games to see baseball’s future stars and experience the affordable family-friendly entertainment that has been a staple of MiLB since 1901. For more information, visit MiLB.com. Follow MiLB on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Tagged as : Biloxi Shuckers, Diversity/Inclusion, Honoring History, Milwaukee Brewers, Mississippi, Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI), Southern League, Supporting the Community, Youth Sports { }

Spectra To Host Hiring Event At MGM Park on February 2

January 28, 2022

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

 

Spectra Food Services, the official concessionaire of MGM Park, will host a hiring event at MGM Park on Wednesday, February 2 from 5 to 7 pm.

Available jobs for the 2022 season include cooks, suite attendants, food runners, bartenders, dishwashers, warehouse workers and help with food preparation. Interested applicants can enter the ballpark through the commissary area, located behind home plate at the ballpark. Applicants can park in the lot on the northeast side of the stadium, located off the corner of Caillavet and Howard Avenue.

Applications are also available online through Spectra’s website here.

The Biloxi Shuckers open their seventh season on the road against the Pensacola Blue Wahoos on Friday, April 8. Biloxi then returns to MGM Park for their home opener against the Mississippi Braves on Tuesday, April 12. Shuck Nation Memberships, Flex Plans and group outings are now available for the 2022 season and individual tickets will go on sale at a later date. Event spaces at MGM Park can be booked for private events during the offseason by calling (228) 233-3465.

Prior to the start of the Shuckers’ season, MGM Park will host a Top 25 college baseball matchup on March 8 and 9 as the defending national champion Mississippi State Bulldogs, ranked the #3 team in Baseball America’s preseason poll, take on the #23 ranked Texas Tech Red Raiders. Suites are sold out for both games, but individual tickets are available for both games at biloxishuckers.com.

ABOUT THE BILOXI SHUCKERS:

The Biloxi Shuckers are the Double-A Affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. The Shuckers play at MGM Park in Biloxi, Mississippi and are members of the Double-A South. For more information, please visit biloxishuckers.comand follow us on Twitter @biloxishuckers and at facebook.com/biloxishuckers.

Tagged as : Biloxi Shuckers, Employment Opportunities, Milwaukee Brewers, Mississippi, Southern League { }

M-Braves to host Job Fair on Saturday, January 29

January 14, 2022

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

 

PEARL – The Mississippi Braves will hold a job fair for part-time/seasonal positions for the 2022 season on Saturday, January 29, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. The job fair will take place inside Trustmark Park’s Farm Bureau Grill. M-Braves staff members will conduct open interviews on a first-come, first-serve basis for seasonal, part-time positions.

Applicants should be energetic, friendly, dependable, and ready to contribute to the family atmosphere of Trustmark Park. The M-Braves will play 69 home games in 2022, with Opening Day set for Friday, April 8, vs. Montgomery at 6:35 pm.

Attendees will have the chance to interview for a variety of positions, including:

Food & Beverage:

  • Restaurant Manager
  • Concession Stand Manager
  • Bartender
  • Catering Food Prep
  • Concession Stand Attendant
  • Concession Stand Cook
  • Dishwasher
  • Host/Hostesses
  • Kitchen Prep Staff
  • Line Cooks
  • Restaurant Wait Staff
  • Suite Attendants
  • Warehouse Attendant

Stadium Operations:

  • Customer Service Representative
  • Grounds Crew
  • Merchandise Store Attendant
  • Usher
  • Gate Attendant
  • Bag Checker

Ticket Operations:

  • Ticket Seller
  • Ticket Taker

Production & Promotions:

  • Technical Operator
  • Camera Operator
  • Mascot
  • Promotions Team
  • Video Board Operators
  • Video Production Crew

Press Box Operations:

  • Official Scorer
  • Datacaster

These jobs are all paid and include the opportunity to work many of the team’s 69 home games and other special events between March and September. In addition, all applicants are required to attend the M-Braves Job Fair.

All applicants must be at least 16 years of age and work nights, weekends, and holidays. The Mississippi Braves are an equal opportunity employer. For more information on careers with the M-Braves, click HERE.

The 2022 game schedule is HERE, so Season tickets, Flex Plans, Group Outings, and Sponsorship Opportunities are available now by calling 888-BRAVES4.

Tagged as : Atlanta Braves, Employment Opportunities, Mississippi, Mississippi Braves, Southern League { }

Shuckers Donate Equipment To Stone County High School

September 21, 2021

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

 

Following the conclusion of the 2021 season, the Biloxi Shuckers players collected baseball equipment and apparel that was donated to Stone County High School on Tuesday.

Spearheaded by pitcher Noah Zavolas, the Shuckers’ players collected lightly used cleats, turf shoes, apparel and any other equipment that could be utilized by the Stone County baseball team.

“If it helps even one kid or baseball player continue his career or feel better about his career, then this was a win,” said Zavolas. “Minor League Baseball is here to engage with different baseball programs. With COVID it made it difficult for us to interact with programs and players, but this was something we were able to do and give back in a small way.”

“It helps us even if we can’t use every piece of equipment,” said Stone County Athletic Director Adam Stone. “Our kids are excited. Who doesn’t like to get something donated that you didn’t have to pay for, and mom and dad didn’t have to pay for, that makes what you do a little easier?”

Stone County played for the Mississippi 4A South State Championship in the 2020-21 season, and prior to 2020 Spring Training Zavolas stopped in the Biloxi area and worked out at Stone County, getting to know their players and head coach Sean Miller. With a color scheme that matches the Shuckers, Stone County was a natural fit for the teams’ donation.

“As Pros, a lot of this stuff gets sent to us for free, and you can forget that baseball is an expensive sport if you’re buying all of your own gear,” said Zavolas. “If that pair of cleats has 50 games left in them, let’s get those 50 games out of them.”

“Receiving this donation helps what we’re trying to do, which is just get better,” said Stone. “If you can improve every day then you’re going to be on the right path.”

The 2022 Biloxi Shuckers schedule has been announced and Shuck Nation Memberships, Flex Plans and group outings are now available for the 2022 season. Event spaces at MGM Park can be booked for private events during the offseason by calling (228) 271-3486.

ABOUT THE BILOXI SHUCKERS:

The Biloxi Shuckers are the Double-A Affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. The Shuckers play at MGM Park in Biloxi, Mississippi and are members of the Double-A South. For more information, please visit biloxishuckers.comand follow us on Twitter @biloxishuckers and at facebook.com/biloxishuckers.

Tagged as : Biloxi Shuckers, Children's Health and Development, Equipment Donations, Family Relief/Resources, Milwaukee Brewers, Mississippi, Southern League, Youth Sports { }

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Welcome to clubphilanthropy.com!

Minor League Baseball clubs have been actively involved in their communities for many years. For the first time, their activities and contributions will be chronicled on this site.

Clubs don’t publicize all of their activity, so these stories represent a mere fraction of the contributions MiLB clubs make to their communities every year.

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