M-Braves blanked on Saturday in front of 5,473 fans for Pediatric Cancer Awareness Night

PEARL, MS – In front of a crowd of 5,473 at Trustmark Park on Saturday, the Birmingham Barons (55-66, 28-24) turned the tables on the Mississippi Braves (58-65, 25-29), tossing a one-hit shutout to win the rubber match of the series, 3-0.

The Mississippi Braves, in partnership with Gold Glove Charites, recognized local youth on Saturday by wearing the name of a child battling cancer on the back of each specially designed jersey. Those jerseys were sold via silent auction with funds going towards custom-designed, once-in-a-lifetime experiences for local children battling cancer.

Claudio Custodio  (L, 4-4) made his second-straight start for the M-Braves on Saturday, throwing a season-high 82 pitches, but suffering the loss. Over 3.2 innings, the 28-year-old gave up three runs on fives hits while striking out four and walking four.

Birmingham scored all three of their runs in the top of the third inning. Nate Nolan and former M-Brave Luis Valenzuela reached on singles to start the inning, but Custodio bounced back and sat down the next two batters. With two outs, Damek Tomscha, Gavin Sheets and Ti’Quan Forbes recorded three-straight RBI singles to give Birmingham the lead.

For the second time in three games, a Birmingham starter was perfect through 3.0 innings. Tanner Banks (W, 2-7) struck out five over 7.0 innings of one-hit baseball, notching his first win since June 6. Ray-Patrick Didder  led off the bottom of the fourth inning with a single, Mississippi’s lone hit on the night.

Once again the M-Braves’ bullpen was fantastic. Tyler Matzek  made his organizational debut on Saturday, and the former Rockies first-round pick (11th overall) in 2009 retired all seven batters, striking out five over the 2.1 innings. Matzek was signed by Atlanta on Wednesday and Mwas assigned to the roster on Friday. The California native was pitching for the Independent American Association’s Texas Airhogs.

Jason Hursh  made his first appearance since being activated from the IL on Wednesday and worked 2.0 innings of one-hit baseball, striking out two. Ben Rowen , the submarine right-hander, struck out two over a perfect top of the ninth inning. The three relievers combined for 5.1 innings of one-hit baseball, walking nobody and striking out nine.

Luis Ramirez (S, 4) came in for Banks in the eighth inning and pitched the final 2.0 innings to finish off the shutout.

The Barons clinched the season series, taking six of ten meetings in 2019 from the Braves.

The M-Braves begin the second-leg of the 11-game homestand on Sunday and welcome the Pensacola Blue Wahoos for six games in five days. RHP Connor Johnstone  (5-3, 4.23) will start for the M-Braves against RHP Jhoan Duran (1-3, 7.58) for the Wahoos. First pitch is set for 5:05 pm with coverage beginning at 4:50 pm on 103.9 WYAB, TuneIn Radio, First Pitch App. and MiLB.tv (subscription required).

Sunday’s Promotions:
Mugshots Sunday Family Fun Day – Take advantage of a ticket deal and bring out the entire family. Receive (1) Dugout Level seat, (1) hot dog, (1) 16 oz fountain soda, (1) small popcorn, (1) M-Braves cap, and (1) FREE Fun Zone wristband FOR ONLY $18. Additional tickets with extras are $18 each. (AVAILABLE AT THE BOX OFFICE ONLY).
Kids Run The Bases – After each Friday and Sunday home game, kids 14-and-under are invited run the bases like the M-Braves after the game!

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

M-Braves Honoring Local Kids Fighting Cancer on Saturday

All M-Braves players and coaches will wear specialty jerseys with each adorning the name of a child fighting cancer. These jerseys will be auctioned off on the stadium concourse during the game by Gold Glove volunteers via silent auction with proceeds funding custom-designed, once-in-a-lifetime experiences for local children battling cancer.

The children participating are mainly from Batson Children’s Hospital of Mississippi.

“The M-Braves are proud to team up with Mike Martin and Gold Glove Charities on this impactful event,” said Pete Laven, vice president, and general manager for the Mississippi Braves. “We are grateful to Children’s of Mississippi for bringing our organization together with these brave children and their families for an enjoyable night of baseball at Trustmark Park.”

“Gold Glove Charities is excited to partner with both Children’s of Mississippi and the Mississippi Braves,” added Mike Martin, founder of Gold Glove Charities. “Everyone involved has embraced this night to showcase and honor some amazing children who are fighting cancer. We look forward to a long partnership that will continue to provide custom-designed once-in-a-lifetime experiences to local kids who are battling cancer!”

There will be a meet and greet on-field before the game and photo shoot for a Gold Glove calendar with kids and players. The kids will be paired with the player that is wearing their name on the back of their jersey during introductions as they take the field and exit the third base dugout.

At the end of the fourth inning, a “Home Run for Life” will take place in which both teams will line up on each baseline as one child rounds the bases.

The silent jersey auction will conclude at the end of the seventh inning.

Saturday is also Princess Night at Trustmark Park with a pregame Daddy/Daughter Princess Parade and Post-Game Fireworks following the game. Anna and Elsa will be on hand to take pictures with fans. For tickets or more information, visit mississippibraves.com.

M-Braves to Salute Military and First Responders with $5 Tickets All Season

PEARL, MS – The Mississippi Braves are proud to announce that beginning in 2019; all members and veterans of all branches of the U.S. military and first responders/emergency personnel will receive $5 field level tickets ($7 discount) to all Mississippi Braves home games when presenting a valid ID. This expanded discount on tickets for all Mississippi Braves home games at Trustmark Park to our local heroes is an extension of SportClips Military Monday and AMR First Responders Wednesday.

On SportClips Military Monday this season, FREE field level or general admission tickets will be offered to all members and veterans of all branches of the U.S. military. One random fan, representing the military, will receive a SportClips prize pack. AMR First Responders Wednesday offers FREE field level or general admission tickets to first responders/emergency personnel.

“The M-Braves want to say thank you to all members of our armed forces and first responders/emergency personnel for their service and sacrifice,” said Mississippi Braves Vice President and General Manager, Pete Laven. “Recognizing these exemplary citizens by providing them a fun ballpark experience is something which the Braves and our partners SportClips and AMR are very proud. We look forward to seeing these local heroes and their friends and family at Trustmark Park this season.”

“To keep our communities safe day and night, emergency responders must often sacrifice time with their families,” said Stan Alford, Operations Manager, AMR Central Mississippi. “Thanks to the M-Braves’ promotions for first responders, fire, police and EMS personnel can enjoy more games at the ballpark with their loved ones all season long. It’s AMR’s special joy to team up with the Braves to make these promotions possible.”

The military discount is not available for tickets ordered online, and purchases must be made at the Trustmark Park box office. Fans may now secure their single-game tickets for each of the 70 Mississippi Braves games at Trustmark Park. Tickets may be purchased at mississippibraves.com, by calling 888-BRAVES4 or stopping by the Trustmark Park box office Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. The Braves will open their 15th season at Trustmark Park on Wednesday, April 10 at 6:35 pm, featuring a Post-Game Fireworks Extravaganza. Fans will save from the day-of-game pricing by purchasing tickets in advance. The season begins on the road at Tennessee on April 4.

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

Atlanta Braves Foundation Awards $2,500 Grant to Girl Scouts of Greater Mississippi

PEARL, MS – The Mississippi Braves, in partnership with the Atlanta Braves Foundation, recently awarded a $2,500 grant to the Girl Scouts of Greater Mississippi.

As a grant recipient, the Girl Scouts of Greater Mississippi will support the Girl Scout Leadership Experience for underserved girls that focuses on the Girl Scout anti-bullying campaign and provides hands-on STEM Badge Activities.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Braves and this great opportunity to partner and work together for our youth,” said Becky Traweek, CEO of the Girl Scouts of Greater Mississippi. “This grant will allow us to work with more girls in underserved areas and bring Girl Scouts to those that might not be able to participate. We are also looking forward to another successful baseball season in 2019!”

“The Braves Foundation strives to support the local community through as many channels as possible,” said Adrian Williams, Atlanta Braves’ Senior Director of Diversity and Community. “Giving back to those in Braves Country is extremely important to the Braves.”

“On behalf of the M-Braves, we consider it a privilege to partner with the Girl Scouts of Greater Mississippi and join their mission in serving the youth of our region,” added Pete Laven, Mississippi Braves’ Vice President, and General Manager.

The Atlanta Braves Foundation is the non-profit arm of the Atlanta Braves and raises money throughout the year through various initiatives such as a 50/50 raffle, ballpark, and online auctions, Braves License Plate program, SunTrust Park Brick Paver Program and an annual golf tournament. The Atlanta Braves Foundation announced in September that it has contributed $315,000 to charities in Braves Country, and will award 29 local non-profit organizations with grants to fund their 2018-19 initiatives.

For more information on the Atlanta Braves Foundation and the grant program, visit www.Braves.com/grants.

The M-Braves will open the 2019 season on the road against the Tennessee Smokies, April 4-8, before beginning the 15th season at Trustmark Park against the Mobile BayBears, April 10-14.

2019 season tickets and holiday stocking stuffer packs are on sale now! For more information, call the M-Braves Front Office at 601.932.8788 or 888-BRAVES4, or visit www.mississippibraves.com. Individual tickets start at just $6!

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

M-Braves Collecting Food and Supply Donations for Hurricane Michael Relief Efforts Through End of October

PEARL, MS – The Mississippi Braves, Double-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves will be collecting food and supply donations at Trustmark Park through the end of the month to assist those affected by Hurricane Michael. All items donated will be given to Feeding Florida, which assists the Panhandle and Tallahassee areas, and Feeding the Valley, which aids Southwest Georgia and Columbus. The team is also asking Braves Country to donate to the Red Cross Hurricane Relief efforts by visiting www.redcross.org/atlantabraves.

“Seeing the devastation caused by Hurricane Michael was our call to action,” said Derek Schiller, Braves President, and CEO. “We encourage Braves Country to donate necessity items throughout October to help those impacted by the storm. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with those who are affected.”

Here is a list of items being collected by the teams: granola bars, peanut butter, tuna, soup, fruit (cups, canned or dried), cereal, grits and oatmeal, rice and pasta, bottled water, cleaning supplies and personal hygiene items. Trustmark Park will begin accepting donations on Thursday, Oct. 18 through the end of the month. 

The Mississippi Braves’ drop-off location for donations will be the front office at Trustmark Park (1 Braves Way, Pearl, MS 39208) Monday-Friday from 9 am – 5 pm. Those donating items will receive a voucher for (2) Field Level Tickets for the 2019 season.

Earlier this season, the Braves distributed over 6,000 tickets over three-days to those evacuated due to Hurricane Florence and raised $100,000 for Red Cross hurricane relief efforts through the 50/50 raffle and in-game silent auctions. For more information and other ways to donate, please visit www.braves.com/hurricanerelief.

The M-Braves will open the 2019 season on the road against the Tennessee Smokies, April 4-8, before commencing the 15th season at Trustmark Park against the Mobile BayBears, April 10-14.

2019 Season Tickets are on sale now! For more information, call the M-Braves Front Office at 601.932.8788 or 888-BRAVES4, or visit www.mississippibraves.com. Individual tickets start at just $6!

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

Halfway To Mardi Gras Raises Over $5,000 For K&J Foundation

Prior to their South Divisional Playoff game on September 5, the Biloxi Shuckers presented a check to Brian and Yvette Pearse of the K&J Foundation for $5,399.56. The funds were raised from the Shuckers “Halfway to Mardi Gras” jerseys.

“Brian is a part of the Shuckers family, and when an opportunity presented itself to help out the K&J Foundation, we were thrilled to do what we could to help out,” said Shuckers General Manager Hunter Reed. “We want to thank Matt Stebly for designing another eye-grabbing jersey for the Shuckers, and we hope that the money raised helps Brian and Yvette continue their work to increase seatbelt safety awareness.”

Founded by Brian and Yvette, the K&J Foundation is committed to raising teen seatbelt safety awareness as a legacy to their children, Kiara and Jameel. During their game on August 18, the Shuckers wore special jerseys for “Halfway to Mardi Gras” night designed by local artist Matt Stebly. The game worn jerseys were featured on ESPN’s SportsCenter that morning and were auctioned off during the game. Fans were able to meet Shuckers players on the field and receive their jersey after the game concluded.

The Shuckers remain committed to community involvement and proactively seeking ways to improve the quality of life along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. This season, the Shuckers have raised over $13,400 through jersey auctions, special events and sponsorship that have benefited organizations throughout the greater Biloxi area.

Playoff tickets for the Biloxi Shuckers 2018 Postseason can be purchased at the MGM Park box office or over the phone through Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Group outings are also available and can be reserved by calling 228-233-3465 or visiting www.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. For more information please visit biloxishuckers.com and follow us on Twitter @biloxishuckers and at facebook.com/biloxishuckers.com.

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

M-Braves Announce 2018 Baseball Camp

PEARL, MS – The annual Mississippi Braves Baseball Camp is scheduled for July 25-26. The two-day event takes place at Trustmark Park from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm each day and offers boys and girls between the ages of 5 and 14 the opportunity to work with professional baseball players and the M-Braves staff.

The cost of the camp is $100 per child or $75 for 2018 M-Braves season ticket holders. All participants must pre-register. Each camper receives individualized instruction on the fundamentals of baseball, a Mississippi Braves baseball and other merchandise, as well as a certificate of achievement at the completion of camp. Lunch will be served daily at approximately noon. Campers also receive two tickets to the Mississippi Braves game each night.

On the final day of camp, participants may obtain autographs from Mississippi Braves players and staff during an organized autograph session. Due to limited space, the camp is limited to 200 participants and is on a first-come, first-served basis. Each camper is required to bring his or her own glove. For more information, call 888-BRAVES4 or click the link below for the registration form.

2018 M-Braves Baseball Camp Registration Form

The Mississippi Braves are the Double-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. Since the inaugural 2005 season, 132 M-Braves have gone on to Major League Baseball. The M-Braves have made postseason play four times and went on to win the Southern League Championship in 2008. Stop by Trustmark Park or call 888-BRAVES4 Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. For the latest news and updates, visit mississippibraves.com or connect with @mbraves on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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

Trustmark Park to become smoke-free in 2018

PEARL, MS – The Mississippi Braves have announced plans for a smoke-free Trustmark Park in 2018.

This initiative will be implemented with the support of Merit Health and The Mississippi Tobacco Quitline.

The smoke-free policy will prohibit smoking in the ballpark, including electronic devices and will apply to all Mississippi Braves staff, players and fans.

Trustmark Park becoming a smoke-free ballpark is part of a movement by the M-Braves to help exemplify a healthy environment and create a positive model for our youth to follow.

If you find you are ready to quit smoking, help is available. Merit Health and the MS Tobacco Quitline can provide resources to assist anyone that is ready to stop using tobacco.

Merit Health, a network of 9 hospitals and over 25 primary care clinics throughout the state of Mississippi, can provide medical assistance for smoking cessation. To schedule an appointment with a primary care provider near you, call 844-MSMERIT.

The Mississippi Tobacco Quitline is a telephone & online support service for any Mississippian who is ready to quit tobacco. If you or a friend or family member is ready to stop using tobacco, the Tobacco Quitline staff is available to help. Many Mississippians have contacted the Tobacco Quitline to take advantage of professional help to learn to be tobacco free. Information, referrals, and support are confidential, and support sessions are designed on a schedule that is convenient to the caller. You can reach the MS Tobacco Quitline at 1-800-784-8669 (1-800-QUITNOW). Services are free of charge.

The Mississippi Braves are the Double-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves and will open their 14th season on Thursday, April 5 against the Tennessee Smokies at Trustmark Park. Since the inaugural 2005 season, over 125 M-Braves have gone on to Major League Baseball. The M-Braves have made postseason play four times and went on to win the Southern League Championship in 2008. Stop by Trustmark Park or call 888-BRAVES4 Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. For the latest news and updates, visit mississippibraves.com or connect with @mbraves on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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

Biloxi Shuckers make major community impact in 2017

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

BIBiloxi ShuckersLOXI, MS – In a season marked by several on-field accomplishments in the third year of Minor League Baseball on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, the Biloxi Shuckers are most proud of their various community outreach efforts. From theme nights to jersey auctions, the Shuckers have made a financial and symbolic impact on their community throughout the 2017 season.

The Shuckers were nominated by the Minor League Baseball Community as a finalist for a prestigious “Golden Bobblehead” award for the “Best Community Promotion or Event” after helping with the Hattiesburg/Petal tornado relief efforts and William Carey vs. Biloxi Shuckers exhibition game. Shuckers’ employees traveled to Petal, Mississippi to assist cleanup crews. The tornado caused damage to the campus of nearby William Carey University, so the Shuckers scheduled a benefit exhibition game against the school’s baseball team before the first road trip of the season. The game raised $6,090 for the university’s tornado recovery efforts. This effort coupled with numerous other initiatives garnered the recognition.

Watch: Youtube Video

In addition to the recognition by Minor League Baseball, the Shuckers were also a finalist for the Southern League’s Community Service Award.

Shuckers’ front office members laid the groundwork for a successful season with several other community initiatives. Employees laid sod at an athletic complex in Moss Point, Mississippi to revitalize the area’s youth baseball program.

Watch: Youtube Video

In partnership with Walmart, the inaugural Shuckers “Hit the Books” reading program brought Schooner the Seagull to 17 schools and over 10,000 students to incentivize reading with Shuckers tickets as a reward.

Watch: Youtube Video

Since their inception, the Shuckers have had a strong relationship with nearby Keesler Air Force Base and the substantial military presence on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. That trend continued in 2017, as every Monday became “Military Monday” with special discounts for active and retired members of the armed forces. Special camouflage jerseys, worn every Monday and designed with input from Keesler staff, and were auctioned off at the end of the season with proceeds benefiting local military causes.

Throughout the season, the Shuckers have partnered with several charitable organizations to raise money and awareness for deserving local causes. Three additional jersey auctions earlier this season have brought in money for the March of Dimes, Mississippi Center for Autism, and Favre4Hope breast cancer research.

Watch: Youtube Video

The Shuckers have also hosted a Christmas in July toy drive for the Uplift Foundation, Seatbelt Safety night for the K&J Foundation (started by team photographer Brian Pearse), and Skin Cancer Awareness night in partnership with the MiLB Charities Sun Safety Initiative.

Youth outreach was not limited to the “Hit the Books” program. The Shuckers turned their two “Education Day” games into vocational field trips, with visits from Biloxi Fire and Police, NASA, the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, Department of Marine Resources, University of Southern Mississippi’s Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, and Mississippi State University’s Coastal Research Extension.

Former New York Mets catcher and Biloxi native Barry Lyons was formally invited into the Shuckers organization as an ambassador prior to the 2017 season, and the team assisted him in the creation of the first series of Shuckers Kids Clinics for local youth. In addition, the “Field of Dreams” program allowed more than 100 young baseball and softball players from the area to take the field alongside Shuckers players for the national anthem.

In partnership with the Knights of Columbus, the Biloxi Shuckers collected 765 lbs of food/product during a food drive on Sunday, July 30th for them to distribute in the community.

In addition to these widespread efforts, the Shuckers have also made numerous player and mascot appearances in the community over the course of the season. The Shuckers in-kind donations and in-stadium fundraising initiatives have raised $155,455.91 for over 100 charitable organizations. The Biloxi Shuckers understand the responsibility that comes with their platform in the community and are determined to make a positive impact on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

In addition to monetary contributions, the Biloxi Shuckers front office staff have logged 265 community volunteer hours thus far in 2017. Those hours have been spent working with area schools, NCBC’s Child Development Center, Humane Society of South Mississippi, VA Medical Center, Loaves and Fishes and cleanup efforts from Hurricane Harvey.

The Shuckers open up their 2018 season on the road at Montgomery before their home opener against Mississippi on April 11. More information on the fourth season of Biloxi Shuckers baseball will be available at biloxishuckers.com as the offseason progresses.

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

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

Shuckers to team up with Corpus Christi for Hurricane Harvey relief efforts

The Biloxi Shuckers front office staff is teaming up with the Corpus Christi Hooks to aid the Texas Coastal Bend residents in Hurricane Harvey relief efforts! Members of the front office staff will travel to Texas to help in the cleanup efforts and deliver much-needed supplies.

ITEMS NEEDED:
Water, diapers, animal food, bug spray, and toiletries are all in high demand. Fans can drop off items at the Biloxi Shuckers front office at MGM Park.

You can also provide a monetary donation via this LINK. 

Donations will be accepted after the week of September 18, as any donations dropped off after our trip will be donated to Hurricane Irma relief efforts in Florida.

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The Corpus Christi Hooks are meeting Texas Coastal Bend residents at their point-of-need by partnering with local and national charities in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. The devastating Category 4 storm made landfall at Rockport, Texas, on Friday, August 25, 2017.    

Please help our efforts to get Texas Coastal Bend residents back on their feet. 

This relief initiative is vitally important to the Corpus Christi Hooks Baseball Club because so much of the affected region is in our area. For example, of 51 high school communities, approximately 40 percent were affected by Harvey, including those hardest hit: Rockport-Fulton, Port Aransas, Aransas Pass, Ingleside, Refugio, Woodsboro, Victoria, Port Lavaca, Flour Bluff, Sinton, Taft, Gregory-Portland, Beeville, and Odem.    

Fans from these towns and others have been instrumental in our success since the Hooks began play in 2005 and we want to use our platform to give back and make sure their needs are met during this time of great adversity.   

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

Shuckers present check for $5,763.50 to Favre4Hope Fund at Memorial Hospital Foundation

BILOXI, MS – During the June 2 game against the Mobile BayBears, the Biloxi Shuckers wore Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Jerseys that were auctioned off with the proceeds benefitting Favre4Hope and Memorial Hospital Foundation.

Biloxi Shuckers fans answered the call once again, and before Saturday night’s game against Jacksonville, a check for $5,763.50 was presented to the Favre4Hope fund at Memorial Hospital Foundation from that evening’s jersey auction.

“Thank you for the generosity of Shuckers fans and the support you showed last week,” said Dave Estorge, Memorial Hospital Foundation president. “The Favre4Hope Foundation has matched dollar-for-dollar what was raised last week, plus additional donations, bringing the total contribution to $16,000. Thank you for joining us and Memorial Hospital Foundation the fight against breast cancer.”

Favre4Hope has helped women and men with breast cancer on the Gulf Coast and since 2006. The Favre4Hope fund has provided $144,512 in assistance to 93 breast cancer patients in our community.

“We were happy to partner with the Favre4Hope and Memorial Hospital Foundation for a great night at MGM Park to support a cause that affects so many people,” said Shuckers general manager Chuck Arnold. “Our staff is committed to serving the community and are always seeking ways to make a positive impact on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.”

The Shuckers have raised $11,873.67 during the first two jersey auction nights this season, benefitting March of Dimes and the Favre4Hope fund at Memorial Hospital. The Shuckers will partner with Mississippi Center for Autism and Related Developmental Disabilities for a night of awareness and special jersey auction during the July 16 game against the Birmingham Barons.

The homestand continues on Sunday with great promotions:

Family Fun Day – Every Sunday is a Family Fun Day at MGM Park with a discounted Family Four Pack offer, which includes 4 Reserved Tickets and 4 Schooner Specials (hot dog, chips, and drink) for just $60! Fans will have the opportunity to get autographs from Shuckers players before each Sunday home game on the concourse in front of Shuckers Shop and after the game, bring your glove and a baseball and play catch on the field.

Schooner’s Birthday Party and Kids Krewe Sunday – YOU’RE INVITED! Schooner the Seagull is turning TWO! Join Crawford the Mudbug, Kernel Cobb, Spud & Schooner’s other Gulf Coast mascot friends for a birthday party celebration! It’s also Schooner’s Kids Krewe Sunday presented by Smallcakes D’iberville! Our Kids Krewe members are invited to celebrate with Schooner on the field!

Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance at any Ticketmaster outlet or biloxishuckers.com.

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

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

Shuckers to salute Navy Sailor of the Year tonight in pregame ceremony

BILOXI, MS – Prior to tonight’s 6:35 pm contest against the Montgomery Biscuits, the Shuckers will recognize Naval Construction Battalion Center’s Sailor of the Year, Petty Officer 1st Class (SW/AW) Terrance L. Pringle.

Petty Officer Pringle is from Mobile, Alabama and joined the Navy in the Delayed Entry Program in April 1994. He received recruit training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes IL.

Petty Officer Pringle’s personal awards include Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievements Medal (7), Flag Letters of Commendations (3), Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Expert Pistol and Rifle, and various unit and campaign medals.

Upon graduation from boot camp, he reported to Airman Training School in Great Lakes, IL. Following training school, he reported onboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), North Island, CA, in December 1994 where he was assigned to Fuels Division as an undesignated airman.

He reported to Operation Specialist “A” School in Dam Neck, VA. After graduation, he transferred to his first command in June 2002, USS Taylor (FFG-50), Mayport FL where he advanced to Petty Officer 3rd class and Petty Officer 2nd class and earned the Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist designator.

In September 2004, Petty Officer Pringle crossed decked to the USS Philippine Sea (CG-58), Mayport FL after graduating from Anti-Submarine/Surface Tactical Air Controller “C” School, Norfolk, VA. As one of three ASTAC’s onboard, he logged over 720 hours of live and 130 synthetic control hours.

Following his tour on the Philippine Sea, he transferred to Commander, Navy Region South East Jacksonville, FL in July 2007. While at CNRSE he was assigned to the Regional Operational Center (ROC) and qualified as an Assistant Regional Watch Officer, Staff Career Counselor, and as the Building Manager. During this tour, he advanced to Petty Officer First Class.

In May 2010, Petty Officer Pringle transferred to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 70, Jacksonville, FL where he was converted to Navy Counselor and assumed the duties as the Administration Department Leading Petty Officer and earned the Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist designator.

In June 2014 Petty Officer Pringle reported to Naval Construction Battalion Center, Gulfport, MS to work as the Command Career Counselor.

He is married to Stacey of Jacksonville, FL and has two sons Mehkel (15) and Jayden (12), and resides in Gulfport, MS.

Every Saturday home game this season, fireworks will light up the sky over MGM Park and downtown Biloxi. Experience the best fireworks show on the Mississippi Gulf Coast! This show will have a Country music theme! The homestand will wrap up on Sunday with Family Fun Day and an appearance by Breakin’ BBoy McCoy. Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance at any Ticketmaster outlet or at biloxishuckers.com.

ABOUT THE BILOXI SHUCKERS:

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

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

Shuckers raise over $6,000 for March of Dimes

BILOXI, MS – For their April 22 game against the Jackson Generals, the Biloxi Shuckers wore special coast-themed jerseys which were auctioned off with the proceeds benefitting March of Dimes. In addition to the jersey auction, members of the Shuckers front office and seasonal employees participated in the South Mississippi March for Babies on April 29.

Biloxi Shuckers fans answered the call once again and helped to raise just over $6,000 for the March of Dimes from the jersey auction, proceeds from that night’s launch-a-ball promotion, t-shirt drive & online fundraising campaign.

Video: March of Dimes Jersey Night Recap

“The March of Dimes was thrilled to partner with the Biloxi Shuckers for our largest fundraising event, March for Babies,” said Jennifer Parker, Executive Director of Market Development at March of Dimes.

“The jersey auction was a great way to raise funds for the vital work of the March of Dimes. It was incredible to see so many people connect about the March of Dimes mission all the while enjoying a great evening of fun. My family won a jersey and my son now has it placed in a shadow box in his bedroom. The partnership between the Biloxi Shuckers and March of Dimes has made a remarkable impact on the monies raised here in Mississippi and the overall mission to give every baby a healthy start.”

The jerseys were designed by local tattoo artist Matt Stebly, showcasing the beauty of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The custom design features a redfish, a pelican and the iconic Biloxi lighthouse in a watercolor style. The game-worn jerseys were auctioned during the game in a silent auction. After the game, winners had the opportunity to meet the player or coach who wore the jersey and get it autographed.

The March of Dimes funds lifesaving research and works to end premature birth, birth defects, and infant mortality.

The Biloxi Shuckers are committed to their community and are proactively seeking ways to improve the quality of life on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The Shuckers partner with non-profits, military, schools and youth athletic organizations to provide benevolent outreach. In addition to financial assistance, the Shuckers front office staff has volunteered 144 hours so far in the community this year.

The Shuckers return to action tonight at MGM Park, in the homestand opener against the Montgomery Biscuits. First pitch tonight is scheduled for 6:35 pm. Bring your appetite to MGM Park each Wednesday this season for an all-you-can-eat buffet in the Left Field Terrace which will include hamburgers, hot dogs, and offerings from Papa John’s, Aztecas Restaurant & Cantina, Murky Waters, Krispy Kreme and more. The all-you-can-eat ticket is just $20! Season ticket holders will have the option to upgrade their tickets each Wednesday for only $10. Limited all-you-can-eat tickets are available, so reserve your spot in advance.

The homestand continues on Thursday with Thirsty Thursday and Star Wars Night, a Sand Koozie Giveaway presented by Corona on Friday, post-game fireworks on Saturday and Breakin’ BBoy McCoy and Family Fun Day on Sunday.

Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance at any Ticketmaster outlet or at biloxishuckers.com.

ABOUT THE BILOXI SHUCKERS:

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

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

Shuckers present check for $6,090 to William Carey University

BILOXI, MS – Prior to the Shuckers game against the Jackson Generals on April 24 at MGM Park, Biloxi Shuckers general manager Chuck Arnold and field manager Mike Guerrero presented William Carey University senior project manager Richard Vogel and athletic director D.J. Pulley with a check for $6,090.

“We can’t thank the Shuckers enough for what they have done for us,” said Vogel. “For the Shuckers to play a NAIA school in an exhibition game gained us much exposure on the coast. The contributed funds from tickets sold will go a long way to help our recovery and greatly improve our university. We have a vision of where we are going as a university, and we know the Shuckers will be a great partner for what we are trying to accomplish going forward.”

The check was net ticket proceeds from the exhibition game played between the Shuckers and Crusaders on April 4 at MGM Park. William Carey’s Hattiesburg campus was impacted by tornadoes in January with damages occurring to dorms, Tatum Court, Thomas Hall and the library.

“We are honored to have played a small role in the recovery efforts at William Carey University,” said Arnold. “We want to thank our fans for their generous support of this great cause.”

The Biloxi Shuckers are committed to their community and are proactively seeking ways to improve the quality of life on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The Shuckers partner with non-profits, military, schools and youth athletic organizations to provide benevolent outreach. In addition to financial assistance, the Shuckers front office staff has volunteered 144 hours so far in the community this year.

The Shuckers return to action tonight at 6:35 pm for game four of the series against the Jackson Generals. The Shuckers will offer $2 Polk’s hot dogs on Tuesdays this season and fans can bring in their Polk’s Meat Products label to the MGM Park box office and receive a buy one, get one Box or Reserved Level ticket! Also on Tuesday, the Gulf Coast Corvette Club will have a pregame parade around the warning track (weather permitting).The homestand continues through Wednesday with the first Education Day of the year on Wednesday with a Business Person’s special.

Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance at any Ticketmaster outlet or at biloxishuckers.com.

ABOUT THE BILOXI SHUCKERS:

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

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

Shuckers announce inaugural Kids Clinic series

BILOXI, MS – The Biloxi Shuckers announced plans for their inaugural Shuckers Kids Clinic Thursday morning, launching another effort to engage with the community through baseball.

The Biloxi Shuckers Kids Clinic aims to help youth baseball players along the Mississippi Gulf Coast improve their baseball skills while receiving hands-on instruction from former Mets catcher and Shuckers team ambassador Barry Lyons.

Lyons, a Biloxi native and Shuckers team ambassador, will lead the series of events as he imparts his wisdom gleaned from a 7-year Major League career. The 1986 World Series champion will enlist the help of current Shuckers players at the four camps over the course of the summer.

The clinics are tailored to different age groups to ensure that instruction is as personalized as possible. Camps on May 31 and June 12 are targeted towards kids age 5-8, and the June 1 and June 13 dates are intended for kids age 9-12.

Registration and sign-in begins at 8:30 a.m., and the clinics will run from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Participants will receive a Shuckers Kids Clinic t-shirt, autographs from Barry Lyons and Shuckers players, a Shuckers team photo, a ticket voucher for a 2017 game, Papa John’s pizza and pre-game recognition on the field before that night’s Shuckers game.

Kids are encouraged to bring their own baseball equipment and wear proper baseball attire, including a cap and athletic shoes or cleats. Water will be provided, and parents are invited to stay during the camp.

The cost of registration is $60 per child. Space is limited, so early sign-up is encouraged. Kids must be signed up by May 24 to guarantee the correct t-shirt size. For more information or to reserve your child’s spot at a Shuckers Kids Clinic, contact Community Relations Coordinator Jenifer Truong at (228) 271-3469 or jtruong@biloxishuckers.com.

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

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