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BLUE ROCKS AND ROWAN UNIVERSITY ENHANCE PARTNERSHIP ONCE AGAIN IN 2022

March 24, 2022

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



The Wilmington Blue Rocks are pleased to announce yet another expansion to the partnership with Rowan University and Rowan Radio 89.7 WGLS-FM. Last year, as part of a collaborative educational effort between the team and the university, Rowan students exclusively handled all aspects of the broadcast, including play-by-play, color commentary and production of all home game broadcasts. As the season continued, additional students were added to the roster in the game presentation and production departments.

“Heading into the 2022 season, we had a great foundation based on how our partnership unfolded during the previous year” said Blue Rocks Assistant General Manager Liz Welch. “When we sat down to discuss 2022, we knew that we could build from that foundation and add additional layers to provide more and more students with valuable industry experience. We’re really excited to get these young professionals in here and to have the chance to work with them.”

This season, over 20 Rowan University students will join the Blue Rocks in various departments, including broadcasting, promotions, and creative services. A rotation of eight student broadcasters will once again call all of the action on the field at Frawley Stadium during the 2022 season. In addition, there will be a staff of three students in the Rowan Radio studios producing each broadcast and hosting the pre and post-game shows. These candidates were selected after a live interview and audition process in late-February.

Some of the new elements of the expanded partnership include a team of reporters who will act as beat writers and cover each game, complete with post-game stories that will be published on both Rowan’s own campus news site ‘The Whit’ as well as BlueRocks.com.

Rounding out the program will be a team of promotions assistants that will help in various roles throughout the game including marketing, creative services, in-game entertainment, and much more.

The complete roster of students selected to serve with Blue Rocks for the 2022 season are:

Game Broadcasters:

  • Dillon Siddiqi – Senior
  • Jason Joseph – Senior
  • Paul Stainker Jr. – Senior
  • Nicholas Earnshaw – Senior
  • Kara Guno – Junior
  • Aaron Hook – Sophomore
  • Danny Ryan – Sophomore
  • Jack Miller – Freshman

———————————————–

Studio Host/Producers:

  • Spencer Reyes – Junior
  • Harley Sarmiento – Junior
  • Aiden Butler – Sophomore

———————————————–

On-Field Host:

  • Danny Ryan – Sophomore

———————————————–

Production

  • Jakob Snyder – Senior
  • Michael Pawling – Senior
  • Stone Clemente – Junior
  • Jarquil Young – Sophomore
  • Primo Centuolo – Freshman

———————————————–

Promotions Team:

  • Joshua Counts – Junior
  • Brandon Voss – Junior
  • Harley Sarmiento – Junior
  • Nicholas Wiley – Freshman

———————————————–

Reporters:

  • Brianna Mac Kay – Junior
  • Matthew Green – Junior
  • Berry Andres – Junior
  • Ashley Craven – Junior
  • Tyrese Williams – Junior
  • Nicholas Rizzo – Freshman

———————————————–

Field Timing Coordinators:

  • Paul Stainker Jr. – Senior
  • Nicholas Earnshaw – Senior

———————————————–

Creative Services Assistant:

  • Joey Nicolo – Senior

———————————————–

“We pride ourselves on providing the best sports experiential learning opportunities for our students” said Neil Hartman, Director for the Center for Sports Communication and Social Impact at Rowan University. “Rowan’s partnership with the Blue Rocks has played a significant role in preparing our sports communication and media students for the industry. Four Blue Rocks interns from last year landed full-time jobs in sports, and two of them are involved in minor league baseball. We are so excited to get the season started and have a new group of students enjoy this incredible experience. “

Rowan University has a strong history of developing students into professional broadcasters, including former Blue Rocks radio voice John Sadak (Blue Rocks broadcaster: 2006-2012), who is now the play-by-play announcer for the Cincinnati Reds.

The Blue Rocks have partnered with Rowan Radio for live broadcasts since 2011 and all 66 home games will be heard live on the 750 watt station with a signal that reaches South Jersey, parts of Philadelphia, and Delaware. Games can also be streamed online at www.bluerocks.com.

The Blue Rocks open their 30th Anniversary Year in 2022 against the Brooklyn Cyclones (New York Mets) on Friday, April 8 at 6:35 p.m. at Frawley Stadium.

Tagged as : Children's Health and Development, Delaware, Education/Teacher Support, South Atlantic League, Washington Nationals, Wilmington Blue Rocks { }

BlueClaws, Girl Scouts of Jersey Shore Set For June 17th Girl Scout Family Night

March 14, 2022

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



The BlueClaws and the Girl Scout of the Jersey Shore announced a continuation of their community partnership that is headed by Girl Scout Family Night, set for Friday, June 17th. Thousands of Girl Scouts of all ages, their families, and friends will participate in the evening that will feature activities that showcase programming offered by the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore and the impact those programs make in girls’ lives.

“Friendship, adventure, and making a difference are hallmarks of the Girl Scout experience. At Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore, we have welcomed 2,500 new members and are serving over 10,000 total members in Monmouth and Ocean County. Girl Scouts has been a force for positive change and a champion of girl ambition for 110 years. We are grateful to the BlueClaws for being a member of the Girl Scout family and supporting the next generation of changemakers,” said Heather Coburn, Chief Executive Officer for the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore.

Girl Scout Family Night includes a full and unique experience for Girl Scouts from the gates opening until the last fan departs! Before the game, Girl Scouts take part in a pre-game parade around the warning track. There will be other on-field activities and promotions, plus fireworks after the game!

“Girl Scout Family Night is one of our most popular and fastest-growing nights on the calendar over the last few years,” said Bob McLane, BlueClaws Senior VP of Ticket Sales & Service. “We’re very much looking forward to June 17th and welcoming in Girl Scouts from all over the Jersey Shore!”

Tickets for Girl Scout Family Night are just $15 and include a hot dog, soda, novelty ice cream. There is an optional on-field overnight open to registered Girl Scouts for an additional $10 and includes a viewing of “Raya and the Last Dragon,” snacks and continental breakfast the following morning. Ticket proceeds will benefit local programs and activities for Girl Scouts from Monmouth and Ocean Counties.

To purchase ticket for a troop, click here. For additional information, click here or contact Jamie Wagner at 732-901-7000 ext 177.

About Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore

Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore serves more than 10,000 girls ages 5-18 in Monmouth and Ocean counties, providing a time-tested leadership experience that inspires and motivates them to take action for themselves and their communities. For over 100 years, Girl Scouts has helped girls become women of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. For information on how to join, volunteer, partner or donate, visit JerseyShoreGirlScouts.org or call (800) 785-2090.

About the BlueClaws

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment, having drawn over 7.8 million fans since 2001. Opening Night at the Jersey Shore, presented by Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, is set for Friday, April 8th at 7:05 pm. For ticket information, visit BlueClaws.com/Tickets.

– BlueClaws / Girl Scouts –

Tagged as : Children's Health and Development, Girl Scouts, Jersey Shore BlueClaws, New Jersey, Philadelphia Phillies, Public Recognition/Celebrations/Events, South Atlantic League, Supporting the Community { }

Black History Month: Highlighting Some of the Best Black Players to Play for the BlueClaws

February 28, 2022

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

 

JERSEY SHORE, NJ – In celebration of Black History Month, throughout February, teams across Minor League Baseball are taking a look back at some 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 some of the best Black baseball players ever to suit up for the BlueClaws.

Ryan Howard played for the BlueClaws in 2002 after being drafted by the Phillies the year prior from Southeast Missouri State. With the BlueClaws, Howard hit 19 home runs in 2002 and came back for rehab assignments in 2007, 2010, and 2012. In 2010, the BlueClaws retired his number 29. Howard and Cole Hames (#19) are the only BlueClaws to have their numbers retired by the team.

After leaving the BlueClaws, Howard won the 2005 National League Rookie of the Year and 2006 National League MVP. He helped the Phillies win the World Series in 2008.

The last BlueClaw to ever wear number 29. Happy Birthday @ryanhoward! pic.twitter.com/DeLOQK8Wtr

— Jersey Shore BlueClaws (@BlueClaws) November 19, 2021

Michael Bourn played for the BlueClaws in 2004. Drafted by the Phillies out of the University of Houston, he played for the BlueClaws in 2004, stealing 57 bases while hitting .317. He hit .266 over an 11 year Major League career with the Phillies, Astros, Indians, Braves, Diamondbacks, and Orioles and stole 341 big league bases. Bourn led the National League in stolen bases in 2009 (61), 2010 (52), and 2011 (61) while twice making the All-Star Game.

As a landlord, he waived rents for his tenants during the early COVID-shutdown period in 2020. You can read more about that here.

Quintin Berry was drafted by the Phillies in 2006 out of San Diego State. He spent 2007 with the BlueClaws, stealing 55 bases and hitting .312. Eventually, he made his big league debut with the Tigers in 2012 and played for four different major league teams, winning a World Series title with the Red Sox in 2013.

He is currently the first base coach for the Brewers.

RELATED – We talked about the history of Negro League Baseball in New Jersey with Dr. Larry Hogan on Hook Line & Splitter, a Jersey Shore BlueClaws podcast.

Anthony Gose broke Berry’s team stolen base record when he swiped 76 bases in 96 attempts with the BlueClaws in 2009. Playing for manager Dusty Wathan, Gose was the everyday leadoff hitter and centerfielder and helped the BlueClaws win the franchise’s second championship that season. Gose also homered leading off the bottom of the first inning in Game One of the SAL Championship Series, a series the BlueClaws won 3-1 over the Greenville Drive. Gose went back to pitching in an attempt to make it back to MLB, and after playing for the US Olympic team last summer, returned to the big leagues with the Cleveland Guardians in September.

Jiwan James played for the BlueClaws in 2010, hitting .270 with 33 stolen bases and played a spectacular centerfield. He helped the BlueClaws win the 2010 South Atlantic League title, their third in team history and second straight. After reaching Double-A with the Phillies, James played one year in the Tigers system and is now a youth baseball coach in his home state of Florida. We caught up with Jiwan last year and you can watch the interview below.

JP Crawford is still the only high school draftee to play for the BlueClaws in the year he was drafted. Taken in the first round of the 2013 draft, he made his BlueClaws debut that August. Crawford’s home debut came on August 20, 2013, the day Roy Halladay made a rehab appearance for the BlueClaws. Crawford came back to the BlueClaws for the first half of the 2014 season where he hit .295 with 14 stolen bases. After being named to the SAL All-Star Game, he was promoted at the all-star break that season. He is currently the shortstop for the Seattle Mariners.

-Jersey Shore BlueClaws-

Tagged as : Diversity/Inclusion, Honoring History, Jersey Shore BlueClaws, New Jersey, Philadelphia Phillies, South Atlantic League { }

Five of the Best Black Baseball Players for Winston-Salem 

February 28, 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 have been 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 Winston-Salem.

CECIL COOPER (1971) – Cecil Cooper almost never played in Winston-Salem. Left unprotected by the Boston Red Sox in the 1970 Rule 5 Draft, the St. Louis Cardinals picked him up and tried to mold him for the outfield. At the end of spring training, the Sox bought Cooper back and assigned him to the Class-A Winston-Salem Red Sox. Cooper, frustrated that he was assigned to a level at which he already proved he could play, went on to embarrass Carolina League pitchers in 1971. The 21-year-old slashed .379/.449/.575 in 42 games for Winston-Salem and found himself in Double-A Pawtucket for 98 games that same season. An impressive performance in Rhode Island warranted a late-season big league debut for Cooper, who went on to lead a long career in Major League Baseball. In 16 seasons spent between the Boston Red Sox and Milwaukee Brewers, Cooper posted a career average of .298, mashed 241 home runs and amassed five All-Star selections, two Rawlings Gold Glove Awards, and three Silver Slugger Awards. Cooper spent the prime years of his career in Milwaukee, where he is enshrined on both the American Family Field Walk of Fame and the Milwaukee Brewers Wall of Honor.

TIM ANDERSON (2014) – Tim Anderson was the White Sox’ first round pick in 2013 and put on a show in Kannapolis that same year. He began 2014 with the Dash and put up an impressive .297 batting average, 18 doubles, seven triples and six homers. With 68 games under his belt, a wrist injury stopped Anderson in his tracks, but he healed quickly. The Sox then designated him to Double-A Birmingham, where he remained for the last ten games of the 2014 season. After another year and some change spent between Double-A and Triple-A, Anderson was called up to the big leagues on June 10, 2016. Anderson has hit a stride in recent seasons, earning an American League batting title in 2019, a Silver Slugger award in 2020, and an All-Star selection in 2021. He continues to project as one of the top contributors to the White Sox for the foreseeable future as the team continues the push for the first World Series victory since 2005. Anderson additionally made his mark on baseball history in 2021 by hitting a walk-off home run to give the White Sox a 9-8 victory against the New York Yankees in Major League Baseball’s inaugural Field of Dreams game.

DOUG GLANVILLE (1992) – In 1991, the Chicago Cubs had the 12th pick in the MLB Draft and selected 20-year-old Doug Glanville out of the University of Pennsylvania. The following year, the Cubs sent the young outfielder to their High-A affiliate, Winston-Salem Spirits. Glanville spent all of 1992 in Winston-Salem. Glanville cut his teeth with the Spirits, slashing .258/.318/.336 with four homers and 36 RBI. He began 1993 in High-A ball when the Cubs switched their affiliate to Daytona and was promoted to Double-A Orlando that same year. Glanville made Triple-A in 1994 and shined through the rest of a successful minor league campaign. The Chicago Cubs called him up to the big leagues in 1996. Over the course of a nine-year career, he batted .277 while totaling 333 RBI, 166 2B and 32 3B. Since retiring from baseball in 2004, Glanville has worked as a broadcaster for ESPN and NBC Sports Chicago as well as a sportswriter for several national outlets. He is also an adjunct professor at the University of Connecticut’s Neag School of Education.

LEO DAIGLE (2005) – While Leo Daigle never made the Major Leagues, his 2005 season with the Winston-Salem Warthogs was unforgettable. The San Diego-native first baseman who had never cracked Double-A went on a tear to help the Hogs reach first place in the Carolina League South Division. He slashed .341/.414/.637 while knocking 112 RBI and 29 homers. Daigle’s performance merited a promotion to Triple-A for 32 games near the end of the season. His efforts also landed a Triple Crown, marking the second ever won by a Carolina League player (The first was won by Ray Jablonski, slugger for the Winston-Salem Cardinals in 1951). Daigle was also named Carolina League MVP in 2005. He retired from baseball in 2006, but his time in Winston-Salem is remembered fondly by coaches, teammates, executives, and fans.

JOEL BOOKER (2017-18) – Joel Booker was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the 22nd round of the 2016 MLB Draft. The young outfielder found himself in Winston-Salem a couple months into the 2017 season. In 52 games with the Dash, Booker hit a modest .233 with only two homers and 21 RBI. He was sent back down to Kannapolis for the remainder of the season to work on his bat. Booker began the 2018 season in Winston-Salem and looked like a completely different player. He slashed .297/.389/.469 with the Dash and was selected as a Carolina League All-Star. Since his promotion to Birmingham that same season, Booker has never played below Double-A and still holds Major League potential.

Tagged as : Chicago White Sox, Diversity/Inclusion, Honoring History, North Carolina, South Atlantic League, Winston-Salem Dash { }

Top Black Baseball Figures in Rome History

February 25, 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 some of the best Black players to suit up for their club.

With the professional baseball in Rome still so young, we thought we would look at the top baseball figures in Rome’s history.

Bobby Moore

Born in Cincinnati, OH, Moore was first drafted out of high school by the Detroit Tigers, but ultimately chose to attend college instead. He was then drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the 16th round of the 1987 MLB Amateur Draft out of Eastern Kentucky University. At the age of 25, Moore – an outfielder – played in 18 games during the 1991 season for the Royals. In December of 1991, he was traded to the Atlanta Braves where he was assigned to their triple-A affiliate from 1992 through 1996. He ultimately retired from playing in 1996 due to a hip injury. In 1997, he began coaching in the Atlanta Braves organization and is now an assistant coach with the Rome Braves, where he will be starting his 25th year of coaching during the 2022 season. His career highlights include being inducted into his High School Hall of Fame, as well as his College Hall of Fame for his coaching successes. He has helped bring home two South Atlantic League Championships with the Rome Braves, in 2003 and 2016. When asked about what shaped him into the coach he is today, Moore stated that all his coaches in Little League Baseball, High School ball, and all the way up to Major Leagues have helped him in one way or another. Among these influences are his mother and father and his brothers, who have helped to keep him focused and grounded throughout the years. Moore, his wife, Jane, and his sons Robert Jr. and Chaz love living and being involved in the Rome Community. Moore has found much joy and passion in helping with the Rome Braves Miracle League, as well as volunteering with the Rome-Floyd Community Kitchen. Throughout his personal and professional journey, he has been blessed by good people who have developed his skills on and off the field.

Nath McClinic

Nathaniel “Nath” McClinic was born in Silver Creek, GA in 1924. McClinic served in the Army and led the Army baseball team to an island championship before being discharged in 1946. After the service, Nath played in the Negro League for several teams, including the Chattanooga Choo Choo’s, Cleveland Buckeyes, Atlanta Black Crackers, and Birmingham Black Barons. Nath settled in Rome after his Negro League playing career was finished. He continued playing for the Lindale Dragons of the all-black Josh Gibson League. Nath later went on to become Floyd County’s first African-American police officer in 1965; and became the first African-American graduate of the Georgia State Police Academy a year later.

Max Manning

Maxwell Manning was born in Rome, GA in 1918. Nicknamed Dr. Cyclops, Manning was known for his thick glasses he wore on the mound. His family moved to Mississippi then Pennsylvania when he was young, and, after being a standout high school player, Manning went on to the play for the Newark Eagles of the Negro National League in 1939. He was drafted into the US Army in 1942 and would not return to baseball until after his service for the 1946 season. Upon his return, the Newark Eagles would go on to defeat the Kansas City Monarchs to win the Negro League World Series. Manning appeared in 3 games helping the Eagles secure the title. Manning retired from baseball after the 1948 season.

Tagged as : Atlanta Braves, Diversity/Inclusion, Georgia, Honoring History, Rome Braves, South Atlantic League { }

Honor a Loved One Affected by Cancer with the Drive’s Special Package

February 21, 2022

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

 

The Greenville Drive, along with Bon Secours and the American Cancer Society, will be creating a specially designed Survivors jersey to honor and celebrate those in our community affected by cancer.

Packages are available for Drive fans to celebrate their loved one by including their name in the jersey design and each opportunity also comes with tickets to a 2022 Drive game as well as a donation back to the American Cancer Society.

The Drive will proudly wear these jerseys during their home game at Fluor Field on Sunday, May 8th and we will auctioning off the players’ jerseys during the game to raise additional funds to fight this terrible disease.

To learn more about the packages and how you can reserve a spot for your loved one, CLICK HERE.

Tagged as : American Cancer Society, Boston Red Sox, Cancer Awareness, Charity Auctions/Raffles, Greenville Drive, South Atlantic League, South Carolina { }

BlueClaws Accepting Online Anthem Applications

February 16, 2022

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

 

JERSEY SHORE, NJ – The BlueClaws will be hosting Virtual National Anthem Tryouts this year, with performers encouraged to submit an audition video online for consideration.

To submit, CLICK HERE and fill out the form completely.

Performers are asked to submit links (YouTube, Twitter, Vimeo) of their performances only of the National Anthem and/or God Bless America. Performances of any other song will not be considered.

Groups of up to three may apply. Groups of four or larger are asked to call a BlueClaws representative at 732-901-7000 option 3.

Applications will be reviewed on a first-come-first-served basis and performance times at games later in the summer will be determined at a later date.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment.

– BlueClaws –

Tagged as : Arts Appreciation, Contests/Competitions/Auditions, Jersey Shore BlueClaws, New Jersey, Philadelphia Phillies, South Atlantic League { }

Celebrating Wilmington’s Top Five Black Players

February 15, 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 some of the best Black players to suit up for their club.

In this article we will be showcasing five players who’ve had a tremendous impact both on and off the field for the City of Wilmington.

JUDY JOHNSON – Judy Johnson never spent time with the Blue Rocks, but his legacy continues to resonate in the City of Wilmington and in our community. William Julius “Judy” Johnson was born in 1899 in Snow Hill, Maryland but moved to Wilmington, Delaware early in his childhood. His career as a professional baseball player spanned from 1921-1937. He was also the first person from Delaware to be elected into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown in 1975.

The Blue Rocks honor the local legend every season by highlighting his contributions to the game, and his impact on the local community, and the importance of his role of the integration of Negro League Baseball into Major League Baseball.

For more information on the life and legacy of Judy Johnson, please visit our Legacy of Judy Johnson webpage: https://www.milb.com/wilmington/community/legacy-of-judy-johnson/.

TERRANCE GORE – Terrance Gore made his debut with the Blue Rocks during the 2014 season. The five-foot, seven-inch outfielder made an immediate impact for the Rocks, as he got on base with 55 hits and 20 walks in his 287 plate appearances that season. His speed was most noticeable, as he swiped a team-leading 36 bases (out of 40 attempts) for a 90% stolen base average.

His speed got him a nod to quick promotion, as the Macon, Georgia native was sent to Triple-A Omaha, where he finished the minor league season with an additional 11 stolen bases. Since the then parent-club Kansas City Royals were in a pennant chase in 2014, Gore got the call to the big leagues, and made his Major League debut on August 31, 2014. In 11 games, he swiped an additional five bags. Gore was activated for the Royals postseason roster and contributed a stolen base in the come-back win over the Oakland A’s in the American League Wild Card Game. He added two additional steals for the eventual American League champions during their Divisional Series against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

Gore continued to be a tear on the bases, as he spent parts of the 2014-17 seasons with the Royals, before moving onto the Chicago Cubs in 2018, and then back to the Royals in 2019. In the pandemic-shortened season, Gore was a member of the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers, and in 2021, captured another World Series ring with the Atlanta Braves.

MICHAEL TUCKER – Michael Tucker was a member of the inaugural modern Blue Rocks team in 1993. The South Boston, Virginia native, and first round selection (10th overall) by the Kansas City Royals in the 1992 June Free Agent Draft, made his professional debut as a player for the Blue Rocks in 1993. In his first 61 games, he smacked 14 doubles along with six home runs, 44 RBIs, while he swiped 12 stolen bases and scored 42 runs before his mid-season promotion to Double-A Memphis. He would finish the 1993 season in Memphis. In 1994, he spent the entire season in Triple-A Omaha. He appeared in 132 games and was amongst the leaders in most offensive categories. Some argue he would have made his Major League debut that year, if it was not for the MLB lock-out. Starting the 1995 season in Omaha, Tucker played in a handful of games before getting the call from Kansas City that his time to join the Royals had come.

On April 26, 1995, he made his Major League debut with the Royals. He and Chris Eddy made their debuts on the exact same day (Eddy with the Oakland A’s). Tucker and Eddy were just the second and third Blue Rocks to make it to the big leagues (the first was Jon Lieber on May 15, 1994).

Tucker would play for the Royals in parts of the 1995 and 1996 seasons, before being traded to the Atlanta Braves with Keith Lockhart for Jermaine Dye and Jamie Walker. Tucker would be traded five times in his career, and spent time with the Royals (1995-96, 2002-03), Braves (1997-98), Cincinnati Reds (1999-2001), Chicago Cubs (2001), San Francisco Giants (2004-05), Philadelphia Phillies (2005) and New York Mets (2006).

Tucker retired after spending the 2007 season with the Triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox. His Major League career spanned 12 years, which saw him appear in 1,417 games. He smashed 125 home runs with 528 RBIs, along with 208 doubles, 49 triples, 490 walks, 114 stolen bases and 625 runs scored for his career. Tucker also saw time in the postseason in 1997 and 1998 with the Braves and in 2006 for the Mets.

DONOVAN DELANEY – Donovan Delaney is one of the more familiar names to early Blue Rocks fans. The Shreveport, Louisiana native was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the 45th round of the 1993 June Free Agent Draft out of Bossier Parish Community College in Bossier City, Louisiana. The outfielder joined the Eugene Emeralds in 1994 and smacked six home runs, 16 doubles and 33 RBIs in 63 games for his minor league rookie season. In 1995, he was assigned to Wilmington. In his first season with the Rocks, he batted .250 with a team-leading seven triples, adding 13 doubles, three homers, and 39 RBIs, as the Blue Rocks made the Carolina League postseason and won the Northern Division Championship Series.

The following season, Delaney was a solid contributor on the field. In 124 games, he collected 105 hits (17 doubles, four triples, and four home runs) to help lead the Rocks to the 1996 Carolina League title, the second championship in franchise history.

Delaney spent the 1997 season in Wilmington and was amongst the offensive leaders, as he played in 124 games. Following the 1997 season, Delaney made a career change within baseball, as the Royals converted him from a position player into a pitcher.

In 1998, Delaney appeared in 25 games for the Low-A Lansing Lugnuts of the Midwest League. In his 36.2 innings pitched, he had a 3.19 ERA with 47 strikeouts and three saves with 12 games finished. The 1999 season would be his final season in baseball, but his fourth overall with the Blue Rocks. He made 23 relief appearances for the Rocks, with three saves, for the 1999 Carolina League co-Champions. To date, Delaney holds the distinction as the longest-tenured Blue Rocks players (in terms of seasons in Wilmington, 1995-97, 99).

Following the 1999 season, Delaney retired from baseball and remained a pillar in the local community. Delaney joined the New Castle County Police, and currently serves as a Sergeant with the police force.

JARROD DYSON – Jarrod Dyson spent the 2008 season in Wilmington. The McComb, Mississippi native played in 93 games for the Blue Rocks. That season he batted .260 with 32 walks, 24 RBIs, and 40 runs scored. He had an impressive 39 stolen bases, but was second behind teammate Derrick Robinson, who had 62 steals. In total, the 2008 club had 258 base swipes. Dyson also contributed 32 walks to a team that compiled 496 in total (led by that season’s leader, Josh Johnson).

Dyson made his Major League debut on September 7, 2010 for the Kansas City Royals. Over the next 11 seasons he saw time with six teams, with a majority of his career spent in Kansas City (also played for the Seattle Mariners, Arizona Diamondbacks, Chicago White Sox, Pittsburgh Pirates and Toronto Blue Jays). He has appeared in 992 regular season games, batting .244 with 83 doubles, 38 triples, 21 home runs, 185 RBIs, and 387 runs scored.

Dyson saw time in the Major League postseason on both the American League champion Royals team in 2014, and the World Series champion Royals in 2015. During those two postseason runs, the outfielder saw action in 19 games, with 20 at bats and two walks. He also demonstrated speed on the base paths with four stolen bases. He appeared in two games during the 2020 postseason with the White Sox. Dyson was granted free agency on November 3, 2021.

Tagged as : Delaware, Diversity/Inclusion, Honoring History, South Atlantic League, Washington Nationals, Wilmington Blue Rocks { }

Best African-American Tourists Baseball Players of All Time

February 7, 2022

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

ASHEVILLE- 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.

Here is a look at the top five African-American baseball players to suit up in Asheville, along with a few honorable mentions; criteria ranges from MLB performance, numbers put up in Asheville, and significance in both the baseball world as well as the Asheville community:

#5 Clarence Moore

Originally a member of the Asheville Black Tourists, Clarence Moore founded the Asheville Blues in the 1940s and recruited a number of his teammates to his new club; one of the most talented Negro baseball teams in the region.

Moore was born in El Dorado, Arkansas in 1908 and was drawn to baseball at an early age. During his teenage years and into his twenties, Moore faced off against some of the best African-American ballplayers including “Cool Papa” Bell and Satchel Paige. In 1934, Moore became a teacher and Athletic Director at Stevens-Lee High School in Asheville. Leading up to the 1944 season, Moore purchased the Asheville Blues. For the first two years of its existence, the Blues were Asheville’s only professional baseball team.

Moore led the Blues to back-to-back Negro Southern League championships in 1946 and 1947. He was then named the president of the newly formed Negro American Association, a league which was based in North Carolina that Moore and the Blues joined in 1948. Despite losing a lot of talent throughout the season, Moore led the Blues to a 38-9 record in the first half of the season and ultimately a runner-up finish in the championship.

1946 Asheville Blues, Negro Southern League Champions. C.L Moore is in the front row all the way on the left.

Clarence Moore retired in 1973. He was inducted into Shaw University’s Athletic Hall of Fame, the Western North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame, and the North Carolina High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame (Mitchem, 2012). Moore’s contribution to the city of Asheville goes well beyond baseball; however, his Asheville Blues were one of the most successful and historically significant baseball teams in the city’s history.

*The information and photographs used to highlight Clarence Moore are from the article “Wonder Team of the Carolinas” C.L. Moore, the Asheville Blues, and Minor League Blackball in the South by Pamela Mitchem.

Player Number 4 – Tuesday

Player Number 3 – Wednesday

Player Number 2 – Thursday

Player Number 1 and Honorable Mentions – Friday

Tagged as : Asheville Tourists, Diversity/Inclusion, Honoring History, Houston Astros, North Carolina, South Atlantic League { }

The Greenville Black Spinners & Mayberry Park

February 4, 2022

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

Greenville and the Upstate region has a rich baseball history. Everyone knows the stories of “Shoeless” Joe Jackson and others, including Tommy Lasorda, Nolan Ryan, and Jim Rice. However, the lesser known stories include the Greenville Black Spinners, St. Anthony’s, and Sterling High School – teams that also utilized Mayberry Park and Meadowbrook Park.

As the Drive continues the celebration of Black History Month, we are proud to pay homage to the Greenville Black Spinners, with a commemorative Greenville Black Spinners t-shirt. You can pre-order the t-shirt by CLICKING HERE. Proceeds from the sale of this t-shirt will support the City of Greenville’s Unity Park project, particularly the restoration of Mayberry Park.

Greenville Drive owner Craig Brown and his wife, Vicki, are among the first partners with the City of Greenville in donating to Unity Park. The couple provided funding for the restoration and preservation of historic Mayberry Park, built in the 1920s for Black children at a time they were not allowed to play in the city’s segregated parks. Mayberry Park, which sat just beyond the outfield wall of Meadowbrook Park, will be known as Mayberry Field when Unity Park opens in spring 2022.

The following passages were taken from the upcoming book, Voices from Meadowbrook Park, Memories of Greenville, South Carolina’s Historic Baseball Park (1938-1972) written by Greenville historian, author, and Drive season ticket holder, Mike Chibbaro. The book will be released in late March 2022, and can be preordered by CLICKING HERE.

____________________________________

On a warm June morning in 2021, John Calvin Whiteside returned for a visit to Mayberry Park. He stood in a familiar spot on the grass covered infield, halfway between second and third base. More than fifty years have passed since Whiteside was a slick fielding shortstop for his high school team, the Sterling Tigers. Sterling practiced at Mayberry Park and played its home games at the adjacent Meadowbrook Park.

Whiteside was one of many youth from the surrounding neighborhoods who chased down baseballs beyond the boundaries of Meadowbrook Park, sometimes even jumping into the Reedy River to retrieve the souvenir. “We would take the balls and sell them to the White parents going into the game who gave them to their children. We would get anywhere from twenty-five cents to a dollar for a ball, which would give us money to go to a movie, plus buy us something at the concession stand,” Whiteside remembered. “Sometimes we would take the ball to the gate at Meadowbrook and if we gave it back, they would let us in the game free.”

Whiteside and his friends often watched games at Meadowbrook standing atop a small hill outside the park and peering over the left field wall. “I remember standing on that hill watching Willie Stargell hit one over the right field wall and over the Reedy River,” Whiteside’s cousin, Marion Butler, said about a memorable home run the future Hall of Famer hit in 1961 while playing for the Asheville Tourists.

On that June morning when Whiteside returned to his shortstop position at Mayberry Park, the sounds of heavy construction equipment could be heard as workers graded the land for the planned 60-acre, $40 million Unity Park. The new park is in part an attempt by the city to right some of the past wrongs related to the inadequacy of recreational facilities offered to Greenville’s Blacks during segregation. Whiteside smiles at the irony of the massive construction in an area where the city’s investment was so minimal during the days of his childhood.

“The infield at Mayberry was lots of lumps and bumps. We’d have to pick up rocks and glass out of the infield before practice,” Whiteside said. “We had a single merry go round that held about three of us, a swing set and one see-saw.”

____________________________________

The distance between the outfield fence of Mayberry Park and the concrete outfield wall of Meadowbrook Park was a few hundred feet. In terms of access for Blacks, there was a vast chasm between the two parks, a divide that had been built over years of legalized racial segregation.

For most of Meadowbrook’s life, it was a place where Blacks were only allowed to use the park on selected dates and times, and their access came with a series of restrictions. If a Black resident attended a “non-Black” event they were forced to sit in the designated “colored section” along the third-base line. Separate, but certainly not equal, concession and restroom facilities were provided. Members of Black teams playing at Meadowbrook dressed in their uniforms prior to arriving at Meadowbrook as they were not allowed to use the park’s locker rooms.

____________________________________

Like many other American cities, Greenville’s Black community built its own baseball world. Author Donn Rogosin in his book, _Invisible Men, Life in Baseball’s Negro Leagues_, explains that these baseball sub-cultures were built out of necessity.

Baseball has long been called America’s game. It was not just white America’s game, it was a game loved by all races, but due to the segregated society that emerged in America during reconstruction, Black communities were forced to build their own baseball world.

In segregated America, great Black baseball players were forced to exhibit their talents behind a rigid color barrier—victims of the unwritten law that no black man was allowed in the major leagues. Men of extraordinary athletic ability passed their lives in obscurity, absent from the sport pages of the white newspapers, obliterated from American sports history.

Confronted by an intolerant society, the Black athlete and the Black community built their own sports world. Black teams were formed and later, black leagues…Black teams, representing Black communities, formed a replica of major-league baseball, separate and unequal in everything but athletic ability.

Baseball was played non-stop by youth at Mayberry Park or on any other open field within the black neighborhoods of Greenville. Adults played baseball as well as softball on evenings and weekends.

Meadowbrook Park became the home field for games for the following Black teams: The Sterling High School Tigers, The Greenville Black Spinners, The Greenville Red Socks, the St. Anthony Braves and the Greenville Negro All-Stars. The most prominent of the semi-pro teams was the Greenville Black Spinners.

The first reference to an organized Black baseball team in Greenville dates to 1910 when The Greenville News reported on a game between the Greenville Giants and a similar team from Anderson. The Giants were referred to as “Greenville’s fast colored team” and one of “the best colored teams in the State.” The team disappeared around the time World War I began but made a brief reappearance in the late 1940s.

The Black Spinners were a collection of mostly local players who competed against teams like the Spartanburg Sluggers, Easley Browns, Asheville Blues, Charlotte Black Hornets or the Raleigh Tigers. Initially, home games were played on the baseball field on Perry Avenue and later at Graham Field, and Meadowbrook became the Black Spinners official home when it opened in 1938. Many of the Black Spinners games were scheduled for Monday evenings when the park was not being used by Greenville’s White professional team.

Infrequent and brief accounts of Black Spinners’ contests appeared in The Greenville News from 1921 to 1969. Advertisements for the games always included the following statement: “A special section will be reserved for white fans at the game.” Most often, this meant that the entire grandstand section on the third base side was reserved for Whites. The games drew large crowds, particularly those against archrival Spartanburg. Whenever gate receipts were significant enough, players were paid small amounts of money for their play.

____________________________________

Meadowbrook also became a stop-over for traveling Negro League teams. The Kansas City Monarchs appeared at Meadowbrook in 1955, 1961 and 1962. The Monarchs opponent in their August 16, 1962 visit to Meadowbrook was the Harlem Stars, a team that featured legendary Hall of Fame pitcher Leroy “Satchel” Paige. The 56-year-old Paige hurled three scoreless innings before a sparse crowd of 528 as Harlem defeated Kansas City 8-4.

The Indianapolis Clowns of the Negro American League played at Meadowbrook eight times between 1953 and 1970. The 1953 appearance of the Clowns showcased their second baseman Toni Stone, the first female player in the Negro Leagues.

A barnstorming group of Negro Major League All-Stars played a series of exhibition games throughout the southeast in 1960 and stopped at Meadowbrook on the evening of October 20. The game featured the Milwaukee Braves’ Hank Aaron who went on to break Babe Ruth’s career homerun record, along with the L.A. Dodgers Maury Wills, Cincinnati’s Vada Pinson and Cleveland’s Jim “Mudcat” Grant. The Greenville News promoted the game, yet no account of the game’s results appeared the following day in either the morning or evening papers in Greenville.

Tagged as : Boston Red Sox, Diversity/Inclusion, Greenville Drive, Honoring History, South Atlantic League, South Carolina { }

Black History Month:  A Look Back With Cory Vaughn

February 3, 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 some of the best Black players to suit up for their club.
We will be showcasing these players – in no particular order – throughout the month and introducing a video

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

We will be showcasing these players – in no particular order – throughout the month and introducing a video series where we chat with each player about their time in Brooklyn and where life has taken them since their time on Coney Island.

First up is Cory Vaughn. Without a doubt, Cory Vaughn was the most prolific power hitter in Cyclones history during their time in the New York-Penn League. His 14 home runs and 56 RBI were both franchise records, until the Cyclones became a full-season affiliate following the 2019 season. Cory also led the NYPL with a .557 slugging percentage and a .953 on-base percentage. The 4th Round selection in the 2010 MLB Draft was a New York-Penn League All-Star in 2010 and made it all the way to Triple-A Las Vegas with the Mets in 2015 before finishing his career in the Independent Atlantic League with Southern Maryland.

Tagged as : Brooklyn Cyclones, Diversity/Inclusion, Honoring History, New York, New York Mets, South Atlantic League { }

BlueClaws Open New Period of Virtual Job Fair Interviews

February 3, 2022

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

 

JERSEY SHORE, NJ – The BlueClaws, by popular demand, have opened a new period of virtual interviews for gameday positions at the ballpark this summer!

Positions are available in a wide variety of departments: Custodial Services (Post-Game Cleaning Crew, In-Game Cleaning Crew), Concourse Level Food & Beverage (Cashiers, Food Runners, Cooks, Picnic Area Attendants, and more), Suite Level Food & Beverage (Food Runners and Party Deck Attendants), Back-of-House Food & Beverage (Day and Night Warehouse), Retail Operations (Cashiers, Sales Floor, Hawkers), Grounds (Grounds Crew), Game Day Operations (Parking Attendants, Bat Boys, Kids Zone Attendants), Production (Camera Operators, Instant Replay), and Promotions (Claws Crew, On-Field Emcee).

“We’ve been excited over the last few weeks to add more and more energetic individuals to our team for the upcoming season,” said Kayla Reilly, BlueClaws Director of Events & Operations. “We look forward to interviewing even more applicants and to join our BlueClaws family heading into another great season.”

How To Apply:

Click here to apply for an open position in Custodial Services:

· Post-Game Cleaning Crew

· In-Game Cleaning Crew

Click here to apply for an open position in Food & Beverage:

· Concourse Level Food & Beverage

o Cashiers

o Food Runners

o Cooks (Portables, Back of House, Prep, etc.)

o Picnic Area Attendants

· Suite Level Food & Beverage

o Food Runners

o Party Deck Attendants

· Back-of-House Food & Beverage

o Day and Night Warehouse

Click here to apply for all other open Game Day positions:

· Retail Operations

o Cashiers

o Sales Floor

o Hawkers

· Grounds

o Day and Night Grounds Crew

· Operations

o Parking Attendants

o Bat Boys

o Kids Zone Attendants

· Production

o Camera Operators

o Instant Replay

· Promotions

o Claws Crew

o On-Field Emcee

A BlueClaws representative will be in touch schedule a virtual interview to take place between February 7th and 18th.

With any questions, please email **[email protected]**.

All positions are part-time and begin with on-boarding and training in March with Opening Night set for April 8th. Positions run through the team’s last home game in September, though there is opportunity for additional work at team and ballpark events as needed. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age by April 1st and pass a background check. Nights and weekends are required.

Each position starts at $13 per hour.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. Since their 2001 inception, the BlueClaws have drawn over 7.8 million fans to FirstEnergy Park.

The BlueClaws will enter 2022 in their second season as both the Jersey Shore BlueClaws and as the High-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies. Opening Night at the Jersey Shore is Friday, April 8th against the Aberdeen IronBirds. 2022 ticket packages and group outings are currently on sale by calling 732-901-7000 option 3 or online at BlueClaws.com.

-Jersey Shore BlueClaws-

Tagged as : Employment Opportunities, Jersey Shore BlueClaws, New Jersey, Philadelphia Phillies, South Atlantic League { }

BlueClaws Recognize Staff on National Girls & Women In Sports Day

February 2, 2022

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

 

The BlueClaws would like to recognize the 11 amazing women on our staff as part of National Girls & Women In Sports Day on February 2nd.

In the above photo, from left to right:

Bottom Row: Kayla Reilly (Director of Events & Operations), Jamie Bertram (VP of Promotions & Entertainment), Gianna Fiocco (Promotions Manager), Susan Wallace (Hospitality Manager)

Top Row: Haley Kopf (BlueClaws Sales Academy), Tori Boughton (Account Executive), Kristina Poetsch (BlueClaws Sales Academy), Jane Rogers (Administrative Coordinator), Rachael Pabon (Food & Beverage Coordinator), Jamie Wagner (Merchandise & Ticket Sales Manager).

We asked these staff members about working in the sports industry, their experiences, and their stories.

Kayla Reilly: For me, the best thing about working in sports is the relationships I have made across the industry and having the chance to work with incredible people from diverse and varied backgrounds. Honestly, I never thought I would be working in the sports industry. (I thought I would be teaching in an elementary school!) So it is always a *pinch me* moment when I realize how far I have come in the last few years and the historic events I have seen and been a part of.

Jamie Bertram: I love being able to take my artistic side and bringing that out in our theme nights, gate giveaways, jersey designs and in game experience. It is really cool to see what you have been working on for months come to life and thousands of people enjoying what you created. Being able to inspire and help other women break into the Sports Management world truly brings me joy and seeing them grow professionally and be so successful makes me very proud.

Gianna Fiocco: My favorite part about working in sports is getting to meet people from all walks of life, from local fans who enjoy a summer game at the stadium to game-day staff from all over the country, to managers from across the globe. I consider myself very lucky to work in an industry where I can learn from the diverse backgrounds of those I encounter on a daily basis. I am most proud of being a woman in such a male dominated industry. I have learned so much from the women that I work with, and am more successful everyday because of them. I am proud to be part of such an amazing team.

Susan Wallace: There is nothing like the thrill of working in sports! Every day is a new adventure, every game is like opening night! The sight of a packed stadium, the sound of the screaming fans, the smell of fresh popcorn popping… there’s nothing else like it! The highs are high, the lows are low, but the thrill of the game makes it all worth it! As a woman working in a previously male-dominated industry, I am most proud of how I am accepted and respected in my role. As the great Venus Williams once said, ‘Sports are a great place to show that equality can happen.’ ”

Haley Kopf: My favorite part about working in sports is the excitement of knowing you are part of a team that leads to the ultimate success of a sports organization. I also love the idea of networking and meeting new people in this industry. You never know who you are going to meet and how that can lead to new opportunities. I am most proud of the tremendous opportunity of growth for women in the sports industry. Seeing how far we have already come and the major advances we’ve taken inspires me to achieve my goals while hopefully inspiring the next generation of women to start their career in sports as well.

Kristina Poetsch: The best part about working in sports for me are the fan interactions! You never know when it could be a child’s first baseball game and getting to be a part of something like that is really special. What we do everyday leading up to the season is all for the fans and without them, the energy and atmosphere of the ballpark wouldn’t be the same. Just to be a woman in sports in general is what I’m most proud of and I think all women in sports can agree. Given that this is a predominantly male profession, it’s important for us women to be shown the same respect as our male colleagues. I love that the number of women working in sports has increased year after year, and it just goes to show you that women can do anything just as well (if not better) than men.

Jane Rogers: I am thrilled to be working in sports. It is a fast-paced environment and every day brings new challenges. Find your challenge, work hard at it, and you will feel engaged and fulfilled. Being a woman in sports for nearly 25 years, I don’t realize how fortunate I am. I’ve been lucky enough to work with so many talented people, cultivated many relationships and contributed to the professional development of many employees. I’ve always been someone that people look up to for advice. It’s been a pleasure sharing my work knowledge with everyone. Climbing the racks from an Office Manager to President/GM of a minor league baseball team is something I will always be proud of.

Jess Szewczyk (not pictured): I’m not a sports fan, but the design aspect of the sports industry is so fun. You can’t even imagine how many different things need to be designed for the stadium. I get to design everything from concession stand stadium signage to Star Wars theme night advertisements. And seeing my designs being used while the game is happening and the stadium is filled. Being a woman in a male-dominated industry is hard, but it’s also totally cool. I feel like the women in the office consistently prove that we deserve to be here just as much as the men do. And by working closely with our interns and assistants, we set a precedent for the future of sports by showing them that women do an exceptional job in all aspects of the sports industry.

-Jersey Shore BlueClaws-

Tagged as : Jersey Shore BlueClaws, New Jersey, Philadelphia Phillies, Public Recognition/Celebrations/Events, South Atlantic League { }

Celebrating Black Greenville Drive Players and Coaches

February 2, 2022

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

 

As part of Black History Month, and the Drive’s participation in Minor League Baseball’s new “The Nine” initiative, we’ll be spotlighting all of our Black alumni during the month of February. Over the span of the Drive’s 15 seasons, we’ve had 20 Black players, and 7 Black field staff members.

We’ll be highlighting the players in alphabetical order, and concluding with the field staff. This write-up will be added to every week during the month of February, and will include additional photos of each player on Drive social media platforms – Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Luke Bandy, Outfielder // 2021

Began the 2021 season with the Drive…appeared in 19 games (14 in centerfield and 5 in leftfield)…amassed a .972 fielding percentage…hit his first professional home run on May 18th, 2021 at the Asheville Tourists…drafted by the Red Sox in the 29th round of the 2019 MLB Draft…spent three seasons at Dallas Baptist University, where he earned First-Team All-MVC honors as a junior, also being named to the league’s All-Defensive Team

Mookie Betts, Infielder // 2013

One of the Drive’s most heralded alumni…appeared in 76 games with the Drive during the 2013 season, hitting .296 with 8 home runs, 63 runs, 26 RBI, 63 runs scored, 24 doubles, and 18 stolen bases before a July call-up to the Salem Red Sox…was named a mid-season South Atlantic League All-Star…made his MLB debut with the Boston Red Sox on June 29th, 2014 – becoming the 37th Greenville alum to reach the big leagues…in 2018, he became the first player in MLB history to win the MVP, Silver Slugger, Gold Glove, batting title, and World Series all in the same season…MLB accomplishments include a 5x All-Star (2016-2019, 2021), 2x World Series Champion (2018, 2020), 2020 MLB First Team (2020), All-MLB Second Team (2019), 4x Silver Slugger (2016, 2018-2020), 5x Gold Glove (2016-2020), Wilson Defensive Player of the Year (2016), and 30/30 Club (2018)

Jackie Bradley, Jr, Outfielder // 2011

Following a standout career at the University of South Carolina, where he was a two-time College World Series Champion (2010, 2011) and named the CWS Most Outstanding Player honors in 2010, was selected 40th overall by the Red Sox in the 2011 MLB Draft…appeared in 4 games with the Drive at the end of the 2011 season, all on the road – which means he’s played more games at Fluor Field as a member of the Gamecocks than he did with the Drive…made his MLB debut on April 1st, 2013 for the Red Sox, becoming the 24th Drive alum to reach the big leagues…in 2016, amassed a 29-game hit streak tying Johnny Damon for the fourth longest in Red Sox franchise history…earned MLB’s AL Player of the Month honors for May 2016…became a World Series Champion and won a Gold Glove in 2018…was named the American League Championship Series MVP in 2018

Ryan Dent, Infielder // 2009

Appeared in 99 games with the Drive in 2009, helping lead the team to the South Atlantic League’s First-Half Southern Division Championship…tied a career-high with 6 homers while, tying for third on the club with 24 doubles…spent 8 seasons in the minors, reaching Triple-A with both the Red Sox (Pawtucket 2012 and 2013) and Cubs (Iowa in 2015) organizations…was a career .236 hitter, totaling 508 hits, 144 doubles, and 288 runs scored…spent the 2019 season with the independent York Revolution, where he was named a mid-season All-Star…originally selected by the Red Sox as the 32nd overall pick in the 2007 MLB Draft

Tagged as : Boston Red Sox, Diversity/Inclusion, Greenville Drive, Honoring History, South Atlantic League, South Carolina { }

MiLB Announces “The Nine” to Celebrate, Engage and Welcome Black Fans

February 1, 2022

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

 

NEW YORK, NY, Feb. 1, 2022 — 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 : Brooklyn Cyclones, Diversity/Inclusion, Honoring History, New York, New York Mets, Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI), South Atlantic League, Supporting the Community, 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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