CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

 

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

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

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

2B Joe Morgan (’63)

Hall-of-Famer Joe Morgan is a NorCal native that began his pro career in Modesto. Morgan went to Castlemont High School in Oakland. He played at Cal Sate – East Bay and Merritt College before he was signed. Over 45 games with Modesto in 1963, Morgan hit .263 while slugging .434. Morgan would reach the big leagues and make his debut later that season as a 19-year-old for the Houston Colt .45s.

Morgan would be inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1990. He was a two-time MVP, a two-time World Series champion, a ten-time all-star and a five-time Gold Glove winner.

OF Reggie Jackson (’66)

Hall-of-Famer Reggie Jackson spent 56 games in Modesto during his first season as a professional. The second overall pick in the 1966 draft went on to provide one of the most spectacular displays of power in franchise history. As a 20-year-old, Jackson smashed 21 home runs in just 56 games. It was a rate of one home run per 11.5 at-bats. The very next season, he made his Major League debut with the Kansas City A’s.

Jackson went on to become one of the greatest sluggers the game has ever seen. He crushed 563 career home runs. He was the 1973 MVP, a 14-time all-star, and a five-time World Champion.

Rickey Henderson (’77)

Hall-of-Famer Rickey Henderson was drafted in the 4th round of the 1976 draft out of Oakland Technical High School. The next year he made his full-season professional debut in Modesto. He put on a show for the California League. He hit .345 and stole 95 bases in 134 games. Just two years later he made his Major League debut at the age of 20 with the Oakland A’s.

Henderson was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2009. He set the Major League record for stolen bases with 1,406 during his career. He was a ten-time all-star and a two-time World Series Champion.

OF Kyle Lewis (’17-’18)

After being underrecruited out of high school, Lewis attended Mercer University where he electrified college baseball. In 2016, Lewis hit .395 and slugged .731 while crushing 20 home runs in 61 games. Lewis won the Golden Spikes Award that year which is awarded to college baseball’s top player each season.

Later during the 2016 season, Lewis suffered a devastating knee injury at the end of the minor league season that kept him out for an entire year. He would return from the knee injury in June of 2017 with the Modesto Nuts but reaggravated it after just two games. Lewis would return to Modesto again in July. He was able to stay healthy the rest of the year and was an integral part of the Nuts run to the 2017 California League Championship.

Lewis would return to Modesto in 2018 for 49 games where he hit .260 with five home runs. He made his Major League debut in 2019. In 2020, Lewis was named the A.L. Rookie of the Year after batting .262 with 11 home runs in 58 games during the pandemic shortened season for the Mariners.

RHP Reggie McClain (’17-’19)

Reggie McClain was selected in the 13th round of the 2016 draft out of the University of Missouri. The next season he joined Modesto and earn all-star honors after an electrifying first half. McClain spent the entire season pitching in the Nuts’ rotation on a team that won the First Half North Division Championship. That squad would later go to a perfect 6-0 run through the postseason on the way to their first California League Championship since 2004.

McClain returned to Modesto in 2018 but struggled to repeat the same success over 23 starts. Finally, during the winter of ’18-’19, McClain went to the Mariners “Gas Camp” where he added almost ten miles an hour to his fastball. McClain spent a third straight opening day with Modesto at the start of the 2019 season but this time he was working out of the bullpen throwing heat. He quickly zoomed through the Mariners MiLB system until he made his Major League debut on August 2nd, 2019.

MODESTO NUTS RELEASE 2021 COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT

 

MODESTO, CA – The report covers the 2021 fiscal year and discloses the Nuts contributions of over $170,000 to community related programs.

“It was an absolute honor to return in 2021 and offer Stanislaus County a safe, affordable place to enjoy friends, family & co-workers,” said Zach Brockman, General Manager of the Modesto Nuts. “We are supremely confident that our organization will complete that comeback in 2022 and get back to hosting more fans and attending more community events. Donations, in-kind services & direct support for quality-of-life projects in the Modesto area will return in full. We couldn’t be more excited for the future!“

With the help of The Parks Group and Mocse Credit Union, the Modesto Nuts began the Health and Wellness Program with over 10 schools enrolled and about 10,000 students participated. The Health and Wellness Program motivated children to focus on mental health, physical health, and cleanliness by offering performance-based incentives from Save Mart, Health Plan of San Joaquin, and The Modesto Nuts.

Non-profit organizations and little leagues used the Modesto Nuts ticket fundraising program to generate much needed funds. Additionally, the Nuts donated gift baskets which included game tickets, premium suites & autographed memorabilia.

Modesto front office donated their time generously to different organizations throughout the community. From school career fairs, to little league opening days, and much more; the Modesto Nuts were able to teach important values such as chasing dreams, having integrity and working hard for what they want.

In back to back years, the Modesto Nuts have doubled their community appearances. For more information on how you can have a Modesto Nuts representative at your event, please head to our Community Appearance Page.

CLICK HERE for the full 2021 Community Impact Report

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About the Nuts:

The Modesto Nuts Professional Baseball team is the Class A Affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. For more information visit modestonuts.com or call 209-572-HITS (4487)

MODESTO NUTS PARTNER WITH CRYSTAL CREAMERY & SUTTER HEALTH TO RECOGNIZE FRONTLINE WORKERS

 

MODESTO, CA – The Modesto Nuts are proud to partner with Crystal Creamery and Sutter Health to recognize local Frontline workers as part of the 2020 “Hometown Heroes” promotion. During this pandemic, countless local heroes have risked their own well-being for the betterment of their community. These heroes will be recognized with a weekly campaign on social media highlighting all their extraordinary accomplishments.

Previous to the pandemic, the Modesto Nuts have executed the “Hometown Heroes” promotion annually in August. “It’s truly awesome to be able to continue this great promotion, even if baseball isn’t being played. We’re honored to have Crystal Creamery & Sutter Health assist with this effort.” said Zach Brockman, Modesto Nuts General Manager.

In addition to the recognition that these heroes will receive on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter the Modesto Nuts will be inviting all of them back to see a ballgame (as soon as circumstances allow). Each hero will receive 4 tickets to a future game and be invited to throw out a ceremonial first pitch prior to game start.

If anyone would like to nominate a Hometown Hero*, head over to ModestoNuts.com/HometownHeroes. Anyone making a nomination will be asked to submit nominee contact information, a brief bio & photo. The Nuts look forward to learning more about local residents that have stepped up while the world was in crisis.

*For 2020/2021, Hometown Heroes to be categorized as medical personnel, grocery store workers, truck drivers, and delivery drivers.

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About the Nuts:

The Modesto Nuts Professional Baseball team is the Class A-Advanced Affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. For more information visit modestonuts.com or call 209-572-HITS (4487)

Modesto Nuts Join Minor League Baseball’s CommUNITY First Campaign 

National Initiative will raise funds for Feeding America in response to global pandemic

Modesto, CA, April 28th, 2020 – The Modesto Nuts today announced they are joining MiLB CommUNITY First, a new national initiative developed by Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) in conjunction with Feeding America®, to raise funds for local food banks and to honor individuals risking their lives on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nuts fans are encouraged to visit CommUNITY First through May 31 to donate. Once on the site, fans can choose their donation amount and the “Modesto Nuts” as the recipient of their donation to direct funds to the Modesto/ Central Valley community. For every $10 donated, the Nuts will donate one ticket to a future home game this season or in 2021 to a local hero of the pandemic.

School closures, rising unemployment and rising poverty due to quarantine and extended stay-at-home orders have disproportionately impacted people already at risk of hunger and could result in an estimated additional 17.1 million people experiencing food insecurity in the next six months, according to Feeding America. As the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization with a network of more than 200 affiliates, Feeding America has projected a $1.4 billion shortfall in the next six months alone.

In response, contributions from Nuts fans and Minor League Baseball will help ensure families and individuals across the country most impacted by the pandemic are fed and cared for during these uncertain times. Join the national campaign by donating and selecting Modesto Nuts at MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst and use #MiLBCommUNITYFirst on social media to show your support.

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About the Nuts:

The Modesto Nuts Professional Baseball team is the Class A-Advanced Affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. For more information visit modestonuts.com or call (209)572-HITS (4487)

About Feeding America

Feeding America® is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States. Through a network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs, we provide meals to more than 40 million people each year. Feeding America also supports programs that prevent food waste and improve food security among the people we serve; educates the public about the problem of hunger; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Individuals, charities, businesses and government all have a role in ending hunger. Donate. Volunteer. Advocate. Educate. Together we can solve hunger. Visit www.feedingamerica.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

Nuts Announce Charity 5K

MODESTO, CA – Opening Day is usually an incredibly exciting time for communities all over the country. Ballparks open their doors to the smell of fresh cut grass, hot dogs & cotton candy. Families enjoy affordable entertainment that features fun, between inning games, great baseball action and post-game fireworks. Friday, April 17th would have been Opening Day for professional baseball in Stanislaus County. Unfortunately, more important public health issues intervened.

“Baseball will still be here when the COVID-19 pandemic passes. People throughout this community will still need that outlet. Given the circumstances I think it has the potential to come back even stronger than it was before. However, it’s not in anyone’s best interest to be congregating in big groups right now. The health of our community, employees & players is our highest priority” said Zach Brockman, Modesto Nuts General Manager.

Although the doors to John Thurman Field will be closed on April 17th, that doesn’t mean that our community should sit idle. The Modesto Nuts have partnered with Brenda Athletic Clubs to host a very special event. The “Cashew Later Charity 5K” will celebrate what would have been Opening Day, generate much needed funds for families & individuals in need due to COVID-19 and promote health & wellness by asking the community to get up and be active.

“It is our duty as a community venue to do all we can to help those in need. Fitness & Fundraising are synonymous with baseball so why not have a fun active community event that everyone can participate in while still following social distancing standards” continued Brockman.

The Modesto Nuts encourage all fans to participate in a celebration of health & wellness while still maintaining a safe, 6ft distance. The 5K will take place separately and fans will be able to share their run times via social media. Top runners will also receive swag from the Modesto Nuts and Brenda Athletic Clubs (see Facebook event page for details).

Registering for the “Cashew Later Charity 5K” is as easy as 1-2-3.
1.Click this link to register

2. Run a 5K at any point duirng Opening Weekend (4/17 – 4/19) then post a screenshot of your time on social media with the #nnutsAboutFitness hashtag. To track your run time download a  run tracker app (or similar app of your choosing). Please be responsible & keep adequate social distance (6 feet).

3. Have fun and win cool prizes (see Facebook event page for details).

Donations to the Love Our Neighbors COVID-19 Fund are not required to participate. However, your donations would be more than welcomed. To donate please visit  Love Our Neighbors.
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About the Nuts:
The Modesto Nuts Professional Baseball team is the Class A-Advanced Affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. For more information visit   modestonuts.com or call  (209)572-HITS (4487)

 

MODESTO NUTS ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP WITH THE SAVE MART COMPANIES TO OFFER EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES TO GAME DAY STAFF

MODESTO, CA – Last week Minor League Baseball announced, in a release, that the start of the 2020 season will be delayed. Each season, a crew of amazing individuals come to work at John Thurman Field staffing all areas of our ballpark including but not limited to; Concessions, Parking, Ticketing, Games Area, Ushering, Production, Merchandise & Batboy. The Modesto Nuts would not be able to host the consistent, affordable, family-friendly entertainment without the wonderful game day staff.

With the COVID-19 epidemic currently sweeping our nation the Modesto Nuts reached out to 20-year partner, The Save Mart Companies for help. “Our game day staff looks forward to and depends on the supplemental income during the baseball season. It is our obligation to do everything we can to assist our team members in these tough times.” said Zach Brockman, Modesto Nuts General Manager.

The grocery industry is currently in dire need of employment assistance to keep up with the rising demand of consumers. “We care deeply about our employees and this community as a whole. In times like these we need to find ways to help each other. Joining forces with a company like Save Mart that shares all the same values was an easy decision,” Zach Brockman continued.

The Save Mart Companies will offer temporary employment opportunities to current Modesto Nuts game day staff members at local Save Mart and FoodMaxx stores. Click here for more information on employment opportunities with The Save Mart Companies.

We recognize the fear that comes with the current state of our world, and with the help of The Save Mart Companies, we want to bring some peace of mind to the lives of our staff and fill a need for one of our longest tenured partners. Stay healthy and safe, we’re in this together!
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About the Nuts:
The Modesto Nuts Professional Baseball team is the Class A-Advanced Affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. For more information visit modestonuts.com or call 209-572-HITS (4487).

About The Save Mart Companies
The Save Mart Companies operates 205 stores throughout California and Northern Nevada under the banners of FoodMaxx, Lucky and Save Mart. The Save Mart Companies is committed to sourcing a wide variety of local products to communities throughout California and Northern Nevada. In addition to its retail operation, the company also operates Smart Refrigerated Transport and is a partner in Super Store Industries (SSI), which owns and operates a distribution center in Lathrop and the Sunnyside Farms dairy processing plant in Turlock. For more information on the company, please visit: www.TheSaveMartCompanies.com.
For media inquiries, please contact Victoria Castro at 209.985.4229

 

MODESTO NUTS ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP WITH THE SAVE MART COMPANIES TO OFFER EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES TO GAME DAY STAFF

MODESTO, CA – Last week Minor League Baseball announced, in a release, that the start of the 2020 season will be delayed. Each season, a crew of amazing individuals come to work at John Thurman Field staffing all areas of our ballpark including but not limited to; Concessions, Parking, Ticketing, Games Area, Ushering, Production, Merchandise & Batboy. The Modesto Nuts would not be able to host the consistent, affordable, family-friendly entertainment without the wonderful game day staff.

With the COVID-19 epidemic currently sweeping our nation the Modesto Nuts reached out to 20-year partner, The Save Mart Companies for help. “Our game day staff looks forward to and depends on the supplemental income during the baseball season. It is our obligation to do everything we can to assist our team members in these tough times.” said Zach Brockman, Modesto Nuts General Manager.

The grocery industry is currently in dire need of employment assistance to keep up with the rising demand of consumers. “We care deeply about our employees and this community as a whole. In times like these we need to find ways to help each other. Joining forces with a company like Save Mart that shares all the same values was an easy decision,” Zach Brockman continued.

The Save Mart Companies will offer temporary employment opportunities to current Modesto Nuts game day staff members at local Save Mart and FoodMaxx stores. Click here for more information on employment opportunities with The Save Mart Companies.

We recognize the fear that comes with the current state of our world, and with the help of The Save Mart Companies, we want to bring some peace of mind to the lives of our staff and fill a need for one of our longest tenured partners. Stay healthy and safe, we’re in this together!

Modesto Nuts Release 2019 Community Impact Report

 

The report covers the 2019 fiscal year and discloses the Nuts contributions of over $375,000 to community related programs.

“Our community is the backbone of everything we do, without it we cannot exist.” said Zach Brockman, General Manager of the Modesto Nuts. “In the coming years, we will be continuing to increase our community footprint and we invite all of our current and potential partners to join us in this initiative.”

With the help of The Parks Group and Mocse Credit Union, the Modesto Nuts Reading Program involved around over 80 schools and over 35,000 local students. The Reading Program motivated children to reach their reading goals by offering performance-based incentives from Save Mart, Chuck E. Cheese, Taco Bell, and The Modesto Nuts.

Non-profit organizations and little leagues used the Modesto Nuts ticket fundraising program to generate much needed funds. Additionally, the Nuts donated gift baskets which included game tickets, premium suites & autographed memorabilia to over 200 different local charities.

Modesto Nuts players, coaching staff, and front office donated their time generously to different organizations throughout the community. From school career fairs, to little league opening days, and much more; the Modesto Nuts were able to teach important values such as chasing dreams, having integrity and working hard for what they want.

In back to back years, the Modesto Nuts have doubled their community appearances. For more information on how you can have a Modesto Nuts representative at your event, please head to our Community Appearance Page.

CLICK HERE for the full 2019 Community Impact Report

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About the Nuts:

The Modesto Nuts Professional Baseball team is the California League Class A-Advanced Affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. The Modesto Nuts is the Central Valley’s place for family, fun, affordable entertainment. For more information on season tickets, group rates, sponsorships and more visit modestonuts.com or call 209-572-HITS (4487).

California League Baseball Teams Unite to Assist With Fire Relief Efforts

Oxnard, CA – As California begins it’s slow recovery process after some of the most deadliest & destructive fires in California history, the baseball teams of the California League have decided to step up to the plate and do their part for the relief efforts.

The California League boasts eight teams located throughout the state: San Jose, Stockton, Modesto, Visalia, Lancaster, San Bernardino, Rancho Cucamonga, and Lake Elsinore. Each team will be producing their own logoed cap with a firefighter theme, created by Cotapaxi, a custom design and manufacturing corporation located in San Diego. These custom caps will only be available for a limited time from each team & can be purchased for $20. Net proceeds from these sales will be donated to support the disaster relief efforts as we enter this holiday season.

“Minor League Baseball is all about being involved with our local communities. These fires have affected everyone in the state, and we all want to do our part to help out as much as we can” stated California League President, Charlie Blaney.

If you would like to purchase one of these caps, you can contact each team individually via their respective websites:

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About the Inland Empire 66ers of San Bernardino
The Inland Empire 66ers of San Bernardino are the Class A Advanced affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. The 66ers will enter a new season on April 4, 2019, their 9th season as an Angels affiliate. Ticket packages and corporate sponsorship packages are now available. To be a part of the 2019 Inland Empire 66ers season, please contact the 66ers at (909)888-9922, visit us online at www.66ers.com, or follow us on Facebook (Inland Empire 66ers), Instagram (@66ersbaseball), and Twitter (@66ersbaseball).

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

Cal League Teams Unite to Assist With Fire Relief Efforts

California League Baseball Teams Unite to Assist With Fire Relief Efforts

Eight Minor League Baseball Teams Selling Firefighting Themed Caps

Oxnard, CA   As California begins it’s slow recovery process after some of the most deadliest & destructive fires in California history, the baseball teams of the California League have decided to step up to the plate and do their part for the relief efforts.

The California League boasts eight teams located throughout the state: San Jose, Stockton, Modesto, Visalia, Lancaster, San Bernardino, Rancho Cucamonga, and Lake Elsinore. Each team will be producing their own logoed cap with a firefighter theme, produced by Cotapaxi, a custom design and manufacturing corporation located in Commerce, CA. These custom caps will only be available for a limited time from each team & can be purchased for $20. Net proceeds from these sales will be donated to support the disaster relief efforts as we enter this holiday season.

“Minor League Baseball is all about being involved with our local communities. These fires have affected everyone in the state, and we all want to do our part to help out as much as we can” stated California League President, Charlie Blaney.

If you would like to purchase one of these caps, you can contact each team individually via their respective websites:

Or if you’d like to purchase all 8 caps for $150, you can contact Matt Blaney in the California League office.

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About the Visalia Rawhide
The Visalia Rawhide are a professional baseball team in the Class ‘A’ Advanced California League and are the only professional sports team in Tulare and Kings counties. On April 4th, 2019; the Rawhide will open their 73nd year of play, and 13th as an affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Rawhide will be defending their 2018 Northern Division Championship, and look to continue providing competitive baseball and affordable family entertainment. To be a part of the 2019 Visalia Rawhide season, please contact the Visalia Rawhide Ticket Office at 559.732.4433, visit us online at rawhidebaseball.com, or follow us on Facebook (TheRawhide), Instagram (@VisaliaRawhide), and Twitter (@VisaliaRawhide).

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