Blue Wahoos Share Holiday Spirit, Community Impact In December

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A classroom door opened at Pensacola’s Montclair Elementary School and joyous screams ensued.

Yes, Kazoo was in the house.

The Blue Wahoos beloved mascot was part of a special Literacy Night program December 15 for young grade school students. Joined by Lauren Scott, the Blue Wahoos community relations and merchandise manager, along with Erik Bremer, the voice of the Blue Wahoos as broadcast director, the group delighted and enlightened children that day with a special appearance before school let out for the holiday break.

“You see that kind of reaction and it’s special,” Scott said. “The kids are screaming ‘Kazoo! Kazoo!’ and they know us through Kazoo, even though many haven’t been to a baseball game yet.

“So it’s neat and we had a lot of fun doing it, reading to the kids and just interacting with them. Erik was getting everyone involved so it was a great time.”

Blue Wahoos beloved mascot Kazoo greets thousands of parade spectators at Pensacola’s annual Christmas parade downtown on December 10.
Dan Venn/Blue Wahoos

The experience that day was part of the Blue Wahoos busy December. A lot has happened this month at a time presumed to be a slow period in the professional baseball world.

In the days leading up to Christmas, the Blue Wahoos staff participated in two Christmas parades, spent one day restoring a baseball field at Pensacola’s Catalonia Square, had team executives attend the Baseball Winter Meetings in San Diego, been host to private parties and events at Blue Wahoos Stadium, plus provided team representation at other community events.

“It has been a whirlwind, but in a great way,” said Steve Brice, who joined the Blue Wahoos in mid-November as the team’s executive vice president and general manager, working in tandem with team president Jonathan Griffith. “I love being busy.”

Members of the Blue Wahoos front office staff joined together on Dec. 15 to help renovate a City of Pensacola youth baseball field as part of an annual project.
Dan Venn/Blue Wahoos

During a time traditionally viewed as the slowest point of an off-season, the Blue Wahoos have kept active within the Pensacola community heading into the Christmas and New Year holiday weekend.

Kazoo and team staff members were part of the Gulf Breeze Christmas Parade on December 3, followed by the Cox Pensacola Christmas Parade on December 10.

Working in two shifts, the group also recently helped restore two baseball fields at Catalonia Square, a City of Pensacola park which is also known for being where Pro Football Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks began his youth football career. A lot of weed-pulling, debris clearing and removal of glass shards occurred.

“Even though the field might not have looked like it was in too rough of shape from afar, it still took us most of the day to fix it,” Scott said.

The project was part of an annual commitment the Blue Wahoos make in the community in a partnership with Waste Management, a Blue Wahoos corporate partner. Each season since the inaugural 2012 season, the Blue Wahoos staff and groundskeeping crew have taken on a project at one area baseball field to upgrade and restore the conditions.

It’s another way the team meets a mission to improve the quality of life in the Pensacola community.

Participating in the Christmas parades provides opportunity for the Blue Wahoos to reconnect with fans and further awareness.

For Brice, it was his first experience in both the community parades. He was tossing beads, candy and passing out Blue Wahoos hats to throngs of people in the massive downtown Christmas parade.

“I jokingly said to someone, I feel like I’m part of The Beatles right now,” Brice said. “People were yelling, “Go Wahoos!’ and everyone wanted a hat, or one of the cushy baseballs we had. There were so many people that night downtown and to be part of that was really great.”

The biggest challenge? Trying to figure how much candy, beads, hats and other items to participate in two parades.

“Even prepping for it was wild because I had cases of candy here and (co-staff worker) said, ‘Oh that’s not enough. I literally bought Sam’s (Club) out of candy,” said Scott, who joined the Blue Wahoos in March and was promoted to a dual role as merchandise and community relations manager. “That was wild having to go back and almost double everything to have enough.”

“In the baseball season it was so busy and everyone was telling me, ‘oh the offseason that’s the chill time”. And the whole time I have been like, yes there are not games on the field, but I am still really busy and it’s different thing.”

But as Scott pointed out, it’s also been a good thing in ways to stay connected in the Pensacola area and keep the Blue Wahoos awareness with community impact.

Trash Pandas Successfully Launch Non-Profit Foundation

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MADISON, Alabama – In just its first year, the Rocket City Trash Pandas Foundation raised more than $150,000 in donations for non-profit organizations in North Alabama and the Tennessee Valley. The Foundation, the 501(c)3 charitable arm of the Trash Pandas was incorporated prior to the 2022 baseball season, is dedicated to educating and promoting healthy lifestyles through sport and to positively impact communities in the region.

The donations were fueled by fundraising events, both new and returning, including Game-Worn Jersey Auctions, Community Clubhouse Sales, Youth Camps, and the Trash Pandas Food & Beverage Volunteer Program.

CLICK HERE to view the full 2022 Rocket City Trash Pandas Community Impact Report.

Highlights from 2022 include:

  • Six specialty game-worn jersey auctions featuring jerseys worn by Trash Pandas players and coaches during select home games. After the game, jerseys were auctioned with proceeds going to local non-profits that raised over $100,000 throughout the season. 2022 jersey auctions included Space Night, Star Wars Night, Armed Forces Night, Patriotic Jerseys for Independence Day, Marvel Defenders of the Diamond Night, and Huntsville Stars Throwback Night.
  • The Trash Pandas Food and Beverage Volunteer Program allowed organizations to assist in operating concession stands during games. Each volunteer was paid hourly with profits going to their organization, which collected over $57,000.
  • The Trash Pandas Foundation hosted two Community Clubhouse Sales in 2022, offering a variety of autographed and game-used memorabilia to fand in a garage sale fashion. Items included autographed cards, mystery autographed baseballs, broken bats, game-worn hats, limited-edition specialty jerseys, and more. These sales raised over $21,000 for the foundation.
  • Trash Pandas players took part in a Youth Instructional Camp where over 100 children aged 7-10 learned baseball fundamentals. Players also embraced the North Alabama community, making appearances at the St. Jude’s Clinic and Pediatric Wing at Huntsville Hospital, Volunteering with Rock, Steady, Boxing’s Senior Class, and reading to students at local schools.
  • During each Wednesday home game, fans were invited to bring their four-legged friends to Toyota Field for Dog Day, with a $1 donation per dog going to an animal-related non-profit. Throughout 10 Dog Days, over $700 was collected.
  • Sprocket made dozens of appearances at special events such as school visits, Little League Opening Days, a Huntsville Havoc game, and even a trip to Los Angeles.
  • Throughout the year, Toyota Field also hosted school groups ranging from elementary to college for behind-the-scenes tours of Toyota Field with stops including the press box, clubhouses, the field, and luxury suites.

The Rocket City Trash Pandas Foundation is led by Director of Community Relations, Maddison Kendrick, who has been with the team since 2020 following a successful three years leading community relations for the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. The Foundation looks forward to continuing their work in the local community as the 2023 season approaches. To learn more about the foundation and get involved, CLICK HERE.

Blue Wahoos To Host Two Education Day Games In 2023

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For the first time in franchise history, the Blue Wahoos will host a pair of morning Education Day games during the 2023 season, offering an educational day at the ballpark to local students from schools across the Panhandle.

“We’re very excited to pack Blue Wahoos Stadium with local students and provide a fun-filled and educational field trip experience for local schools at the ballpark,” team president Jonathan Griffith said. “Our mission is to improve the quality of life in our community, and creating an enriching and enjoyable learning experience at our games for local students will be a fun new step towards that goal.”

Pensacola’s Education Day games will be held on Wednesday, April 19 against the Birmingham Barons and on Wednesday, May 3 against the Mississippi Braves. Both games will start at 11:00 AM with gates opening one hour prior to first pitch.

Tickets to each game are $16 per student and include the Blue Wahoos game, group seating in the seating bowl, educational activities throughout the event, and a ballpark meal for each attendee. Schools interested in reserving their spot can contact the Blue Wahoos at (850) 934-8444 or by email at [email protected]

Season Ticket Members will have the exclusive opportunity to enjoy both games from the Hancock Whitney Club at Blue Wahoos Stadium.

Click here for more information and to fill out the interest form!

Celebrate Halloween At The Ballpark Friday And Saturday!

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Blue Wahoos Stadium will host a pair of Halloween events during the upcoming weekend beginning with a showing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show on Friday, October 28 followed by the return of the annual Wahooloween celebration at the ballpark on Saturday, October 29.

Guests ages 18+ can experience The Rocky Horror Picture Show on the big screen at Blue Wahoos Stadium this Friday at 8:00 PM. Gates open at 7:00 PM and attendees are encouraged to come in costume prepared to sing and dance along with the cult classic film. Tickets are $20 and include a prop bag (while supplies last) to participate with the film. Guests may sit in the stands at the stadium or bring a blanket to enjoy the film from the field. Click here for tickets

The festivities continue on Saturday at Wahooloween, a family-friendly, all-ages event. Gates open at 5:00 PM and guests can trick-or-treat around the ballpark until 6:00 PM with over 30 vendors handing out candy and treats. At 6:00 PM, guests can settle in for a showing of the Halloween hit Hocus Pocus on the videoboard. Tickets are $7 and include trick-or-treating and the film. During the movie, guests may sit in the stands at the stadium or bring a blanket to watch from the field. Halloween costumes are highly encouraged. Click here for tickets

Outside food and beverage may not be brought into the stadium at either event. Chairs, wagons, strollers, and high heels may not be brought onto the field at Blue Wahoos Stadium.

Tickets to both events are available at BlueWahoos.com, by phone at (850) 934-8444, and at the ballpark box office.

Catch The 30th Annual Soul Bowl On Saturday At Blue Wahoos Stadium

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CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

The 30th annual Soul Bowl will be played at Blue Wahoos Stadium on Saturday, October 15 from 9:00 AM until 6:30 PM. The full-day youth football festival pits the crosstown rival SYSA Tigers against the East Pensacola-Magee Field Rattlers in five different age-division games.

The fun-filled day at the ballpark will begin with the kickoff of the first game at 9:00 AM with subsequent games following at 10:30 AM, 12:00 PM, 2:30 PM, and 4:00 PM. Age divisions include 6-under, 8-under, 10-under, 12-under, and 14-under.

Gates will open at 8:00 AM. Tickets purchased in advance are $9 and include access to all five games. V.I.P. tickets are available for $50 which include access to the full day of football and an exclusive chef-prepared meal in the Hancock-Whitney Club at the ballpark from 12:00-2:00 PM. General Admission and V.I.P. tickets are available AT THIS LINK.

Outside of the ballpark, a family-fun tailgate experience will be set up, offering a variety of Soul Food, food trucks, and vendors to guests. Stadium concessions will also be open and available inside the stadium. Food and beverage purchased from the event vendors may be brought into the stadium, but other outside food and drink is prohibited.

The 2022 Soul Bowl is made possible through the support of Troy Rafferty and Levin Papantonio Law Firm, Cox Communications, and Florida Blue.

Submissions Wanted: Blue Wahoos & Waste Management Partner To Renovate Local Field

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For the eleventh consecutive year, the Blue Wahoos and Waste Management have partnered to renovate an area youth athletic field and are accepting nominations from the community to select the field to be restored.

“We are very excited to continue our partnership with Waste Management and help renovate a local ballfield,” Blue Wahoos community relations manager Lauren Scott said. “Our mission is to improve the quality of life in our community, and helping provide children a great place to play sports locally will benefit families across our community.

The Blue Wahoos will be accepting nominations to choose a field to receive a makeover until September 20th. Any local citizen or organization can submit a field by emailing Scott at [email protected] and including photos or video of the field and a short explanation of why the field should be considered. Fields must be within 40 miles of Blue Wahoos Stadium to be selected.

M-Braves, Atlanta Braves partnering to provide $1 tickets, and concession vouchers to Jackson residents for Sunday’s game

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PEARL, MS – The Mississippi Braves will offer $1 tickets to all Jackson residents (with proof of residency) for their 6:05 pm game this Sunday, Sept. 4, against the Tennessee Smokies at Trustmark Park. In addition, each Jackson resident that attends Sunday’s game will receive a free meal voucher for a hot dog, chips, and a 16 oz drink, courtesy of the Atlanta Braves. Tickets and vouchers are only redeemable at the Trustmark Park box office at the ticket window. The Trustmark Park box office is open at 10 am on Sunday.

“Our thoughts have been with all of those currently struggling with their daily routine due to the current water crisis,” said Pete Laven, vice president, and general manager of the Mississippi Braves. “We appreciate the Atlanta Braves joining forces with us on this event as we invite all Jackson residents out for a fun, carefree night at Trustmark Park.”

Sunday’s game features a special holiday weekend Fireworks show following the game. For more information about the Mississippi Braves, visit mississippibraves.com, or call 888-BRAVES4.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Jackson State University: Challenging Minds, Changing Lives

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

Media contact: [email protected]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Trash Pandas To Host Military Tribute Night, Donut 5K Challenge 

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USA Patriots Softball Game set for September 10, Donut 5K Challenge on September 24

The Rocket City Trash Pandas today announced details for two events taking place at Toyota Field in September, the Military Tribute Night on Saturday, September 10, and the Rocket City Trash Pandas Donut 5K Challenge on Saturday, September 24

The Military Tribute Night on September 10 will be a celebration to pay tribute to our Armed Forces. In partnership with AUSA, the evening will feature pregame festivities such as a parachute team, large flag presentation, color guard, and more.

Team USA Patriots will take on Team AUSA in a softball game that night, before the evening will conclude with fireworks and a performance from Scotty Hasting, Nashville artists, and Army combat veterans. Tickets are now available and can be purchased by CLICKING HERE.

Tickets cost $10 in advance with the price increasing to $15 on September 10. Gates will open at 5 p.m. The USA Patriots will be hosting a pre-game meet and greet with an autograph signing on the concourse from 5:15-5:45 p.m. Scotty Hasting will then perform at 5:45. Following a patriotic pre-game display, the game will begin at 6:15 and last nine innings. Scotty Hasting, Nashville artists, and Army combat veterans will perform a post-game concert as well.

Group and hospitality options are available. To learn more, please call (256) 325-1403 extension 2.

Two weeks later, Toyota Field will host the Rocket City Trash Pandas Donut 5K Challenge, a great test of endurance for fans with an appetite. Participants will start inside Toyota Field then run to the designated donut pick up spot inside Town Madison. After eating at least three donuts, participants will make their way back to the Start/Finish line inside Toyota Field. The race will begin promptly at 8:30 a.m.

Medals will be awarded to the Top 3 Male and Female Finishers who complete the challenge by eating the donuts and crossing the finish line. Registration is now open by CLICKING HERE and costs $30 in advance, with the price going up to $50 on the day of the race. Registration will include a T-Shirt, Bib, Donuts for the challenge, access to the post-race celebration at the Inline Electric Rock Porch with one drink voucher included per participant, as well as a post-race healthy snack. The deadline to register and receive a T-Shirt is Sunday, September 4, and the deadline to register online is at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, September 21.

The Inline Electric Rock Porch will be open for spectators and participants to enjoy a nice cold beverage and to partake in a Build Your Own Bloody Mary Bar.

Blue Wahoos Help Make My Wish Experience Memorable For 10-Year-Old Boy, Ailing Mother 

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Victor Victor Mesa, the favorite player for 10-year-old Hudson Furness, joins with his mother, Mandi Furness, during batting practice Wednesday. (Daniel Venn)

When you have been battling an illness so long that hospital visits have been routine since childhood, it becomes a lot simpler to identify the good days when they come.

On a not-too-hot Monday afternoon, 38-year-old mother Amanda “Mandi” Furness had a good day.

She looked on as her 10-year-old son, Hudson, played a game of baseball with his friends on the field of Blue Wahoos stadium as her father, Herb, secured the pitching mound. Her wheelchair was pulled up to the fence in the dugout, her family laughing and cheering beside her. With tears welled underneath her sunglasses, she was acutely aware and grateful for every second.

Furness spent many days and nights in the hospital throughout her childhood, but it wasn’t until 2009 that doctors diagnosed her illness as lupus. She received a multiple sclerosis diagnosis in 2020.

Her mobility is now limited and her vision comes and goes. But she still decks herself out in pink, from her bright, painted toenails up to a chunky, pastel necklace. With each new round of treatment, she has been taken in and cared for by her sister,

Christin Keeney, and her sister’s husband, Thomas, who is more like a brother than a brother-in-law. Her mom and dad have continued to be her support system since she was a little girl. Her mother still only leaves the hospital to shower, a routine dating back to the days before Furness ever received a diagnosis.

“(Dad) is my hero, my mother is my best friend,” she said. “I struck the lottery.”

When she decided she had had enough of hospital admissions two months ago, Furness was told by doctors it was time to prepare to say goodbye to her family.

It was a task she felt prepared for, even writing letters to her son to be delivered at life milestones she may not be around to witness. When Furness was given a wish by the Covenant Care Foundation, she decided to do something not for herself, but for her son, and wished for him and his friends to be able to play baseball at Blue Wahoos Stadium.

For people surprised by her decision to spend the once in a lifetime wish on a child’s baseball game, she simply replied, “That’s just because you’ve never seen my son play baseball.” Aaron West, vice president of the Covenant Care Foundation, said the nonprofit health care organization has granted 2,600 wishes for seriously or terminally ill people like Furness since they launched the My Wish program in 2018.

With the help of community donors and partners, they have helped veterans into planes for their final flight, sent patients out on fishing expeditions and have even organized baptisms and weddings.

“We add life to days when days are limited in life,” West said. With her son Hudson’s help, lately Furness has been feeling a renewed zest for life, even training to walk across the Pensacola Bay Bridge. Though she is not ready yet, each day she gets a little stronger.

With each step she practices at home, Hudson will chime in and say, “That’s one step closer to walking that bridge,” she said.

Despite her looming diagnosis she continues to make progress “The doctors cannot explain it, but I’m getting better,” Furness said. “Science only goes so far. Then comes God.”

She watched with each fielded ball or run that Hudson scored as all his fears disappeared for a moment and he could focus on having fun. “That is a really cool wish for a mama, because she could have wished for just about anything,”

Angela Bottesini, senior director for My Wish said. “She wanted to create an environment as if they were one of the real-deal players.”

Furness’ father, Herb Westphal, thought back on the days when he would watch his daughter play softball in Germany as he coached.

“She was a tough little girl,” he recalled. Now he warms up with his grandson out on the baseball diamond, who has been following in his mother’s footsteps for as long as he can remember. Watching the two worlds collide hit home. “My daughter has been sick for a very long time,” he said. “For some reason, she’s here now. … It means the world.”

West said each wish averages out to have an impact on 13 people when it is granted. Hudson’s baseball team looked on as he was presented with a baseball autographed from every Blue Wahoos player, and every eye turned as the boy folded into his mother, one hand gripping the signed baseball and other looped around his mom’s neck.

“Nothing. You know what’s better than this? Nothing,” he told his mom

Blue Wahoos And Marcus Pointe Baptist To Hold Baptisms And Baseball

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The Blue Wahoos and Marcus Pointe Baptist Church have partnered to hold “Baptism And Baseball” on Sunday, July 31 at Blue Wahoos Stadium. Following the Blue Wahoos game against the Mississippi Braves that afternoon, any interested fan in attendance will have the opportunity to be baptized by Marcus Point Baptist Church on the field at the stadium following the game.

“We’re excited to partner with Marcus Pointe Baptist to bring this first-of-its-kind event to our ballpark,” team president Jonathan Griffith said. “The idea actually originated with my six-year-old son who came home from church one day and said he wanted to be baptized. I asked where and he said ‘at the ballpark!’ We called Marcus Pointe to see if it would be possible and we’re excited to be able to offer the opportunity to any interested fan.”

The Blue Wahoos game that afternoon will begin at 4:05 PM with the baptism event following the game’s conclusion. The team will also offer postgame kids run the bases and family toss in the outfield thanks to WKRG 5 News.

Tickets to the game can be purchased at BlueWahoos.com. All participants in “Baptisms And Baseball” will receive an exclusive t-shirt from Marcus Pointe Baptist Church and there is no fee to participate in the baptism event.

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

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

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

Story of the Tougaloo Nine:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blue Wahoos And Cox Honor Legacy Of Chappie James To End Homestand On Juneteenth 

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The Blue Wahoos were unable to sweep their week-long series against the Tennessee Smokies.

But they won the day in other ways Sunday, following a 5-1 loss at Blue Wahoos Stadium on an unforgettable Father’s Day at Blue Wahoos presented by Cox Communications that coincided with Juneteenth, National Freedom Day.

In addition to their title sponsorship of the day’s festivities, Cox Communications provided 100 game tickets, hats, and food to children in the community and the opportunity for the kids to take the field with the Blue Wahoos!
Nino Mendez

Their lone loss in this six-game series with the Smokies still kept the Blue Wahoos on verge of clinching the first-half division race in the Southern League South Division. The other three South Division teams, including nearest chaser Biloxi Shuckers, all lost Sunday as well.

While bats were quieted, the Blue Wahoos still stirred crowd attention among the 4,123 who braved the hot afternoon.

For the first time, the Blue Wahoos wore specialty, all-blue jerseys which included four silver stars in honor of the Gen. Daniel “Chappie” James Jr., who rose from Pensacola to become in 1975 the first African-American four-star general in United States Armed Forces history.

James’ decorated legacy included tours of combat duty in the Korean War and Vietnam War, earning him rarefied placement in U.S. Air Force history prior to his death 1978.

His granddaughter, Britt James, who was attending her brother’s wedding in Washington state, provided a video tribute and local members of the Chappie James Flight Academy and Chappie James Memorial Bridge Foundation were recognized on the field.

Then moments before the National Anthem was played, an 11-year-old boy tossed a ceremonial first pitch to a man who been in a stepdad role. On the baseball were the words, “Let’s Make This Official.”

The two melted in each other’s arms with tears as paperwork was presented for the adoption to become official.

Happy Father’s Day, indeed.

There were also youth league teams across the field in pregame warmups as part of a sponsorship from Cox Communications, who provided 100 game tickets, hats, and food to children in the community. In what might be a team record, 10 different people threw out a first pitch.

The game itself fell in what seemed a familiar comeback scenario to the Blue Wahoos.

After trailing 4-0, they had the first two batters on base in both the seventh and eighth innings. Unlike previous home game, late-inning comebacks, the Blue Wahoos (33-25) could not follow with a big hit to extend a five-game winning streak.

As it turned out, however, win or lose Sunday, the Blue Wahoos position for a playoff-clincher would not have changed. Playing hours earlier, Biloxi fell 7-6 in 10 innings, on the road against the Chattanooga Lookouts, ending Biloxi’s four-game win streak.

The Blue Wahoos will travel to Biloxi on Tuesday to begin a six-game series with the Shuckers (30-31) that will end the first half schedule. The Blue Wahoos need just one win to wrap up first-place in the first half and gain a playoff spot for mid-September.

Because each team in the South Division has played a different number of games, winning percentage is what determines the first half winner.

Cody Mincey delivered a solid start Sunday for the Blue Wahoos, working six innings, giving up all three of his runs in the second inning, but not walking a batter in his outing. He had tough luck in the second when a potential double-play was botched with a wide throw, leading into Cole Roederer’s two run single.

The Blue Wahoos got their lone run in the seventh on Jan Mercado’s two-out single, but managed only six hits against three Smokies pitchers. Cobie Fletcher-Vance went 2-for-3 as the Blue Wahoos’ lone multiple-hit batter.

WHAT’S NEXT?

WHO: Blue Wahoos vs. Biloxi Shuckers

WHEN: Tuesday (June 21) through June 26.

WHERE: MGM Park, Biloxi, Miss.

GAMETIMES: Start times are 6:35 p.m. for games Tuesday through Saturday, then 5:05 p.m. on Sunday (June 26).

TICKETS: www.biloxishuckers.com/tickets.

RADIO: : ESPN-Pensacola (99.1 FM and 1330 AM and WYCT 98.7 HD4).

TV: YurView (check provider) and MILB.tv (streaming) through www.milb.com/live-stream-games with subscription discount using BLUE WAHOOS.

NEXT HOME SERIES: Begins on June 28 vs. the Montgomery Biscuits.

Trash Pandas Explore Negro League History

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

Baseball is a game built on its history, with the sacrifices of players’ past paving the way for today’s stars to shine brightest. In Alabama, that history is especially significant, with professional baseball’s roots in the state dating back more than a century.

The Rocket City Trash Pandas are the newest addition to Alabama’s rich baseball history, blasting off with the inaugural season in 2021. This week, the Trash Pandas will celebrate the history with Negro League Tribute Night on Thursday, June 16.

The second annual Negro League Tribute Night at Toyota Field will feature appearances from former Negro League players Eugene Scruggs of the Detroit Stars and former Birmingham Black Baron Horace Moore. Also on the concourse will be a traveling exhibit from the Negro Southern League Museum in Birmingham.

During the Trash Pandas’ road trip in Birmingham in May, several players and coaches visited the museum before a game, learning about the history of the game that is their passion. At the museum, the Trash Pandas explored a wide variety of Negro League memorabilia and artifacts, including uniforms, equipment, contracts, and even a hologram of the legendary Satchel Paige with a hologram of his arsenal on the mound to show movement on his pitches.

It was an eye-opening experience for the Trash Pandas, and a preview of what fans can expect on Thursday night.

“It’s an awesome opportunity for the players. I’m really excited for them to be able to experience this,” Trash Pandas Manager Andy Schatzley said. “It’s incredibly informative and celebratory of a portion of the game that needs to be celebrated and recognized.”

“Coming here and getting to take in the museum, it’s definitely humbling and I’m also proud of the heritage of the people that came before me that paved the way for me to be able the game that I love today,” said outfielder Torii Hunter Jr., who was recently promoted to Triple-A Salt Lake. “I’m extremely grateful, appreciative, and I’m also humbled because they endured a lot to get us to where we are now but I’m thankful for everything they’ve done and the contributions they’ve made to this game.”

The exhibits featuring Negro League legends such as Paige, Josh Gibson, Willie Mays, and many more were especially meaningful to some, and it speaks to the overall message of the Negro Southern League Museum.

“We tell the story of black baseball through the eyes of Birmingham and the country,” said Valerie Wilson, Project Manager for the Negro Southern League Museum. “It’s so important to pay respect and homage to the players and their adventures.”

The story behind many of the exhibits on display feature even greater significance, with each player paving their own success story. That message was felt by the Trash Pandas.

“The biggest thing is that people didn’t care about what kind of bat was used or what kind of glove they had. They were just out there to play the game and be the best they could,” Hunter Jr. said. “There were not a lot of excuses being made. It makes me take a step back and look at my career and how everything has gone for me. There’s not many excuses for me to not go out there and play the game the right way because that’s what they did, especially given the circumstances that they were in.”

“It was nostalgic,” Schatzley added. “Understanding that every player, these players included, have their own individual path to getting to where they want to be and being able to learn and empathize with the path of some players that came before these guys is awesome for the players to see.”

“In the minor leagues you go from city to city, league to league, it’s a grind,” said Hitting Coach Kenny Hook. “I think it’s important for them to understand the history of the Southern League. There’s so much history here and it’s something they are proud to be a part of.”

“Being here and seeing all of the history. It’s cool to be able to take a step back and see where our game was and how our game has grown,” added pitcher Kolton Ingram.

Those thoughts echo what the museum is hoping to hear when players from other teams stop by throughout the season.

“It’s extra special for us that current players respect their elders and want to learn about their history,” Wilson said. “We’re always excited when players take the time to come here and learn.”

For more information on the Negro Southern League Museum in Birmingham, visit birminghamnlsm.org.