Blue Wahoos To Host Pitch, Hit and Run Competition On PLAY BALL Weekend

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Blue Wahoos Stadium will host a Pitch, Hit and Run competition on Saturday, June 11 as the Blue Wahoos join Major and Minor League Baseball in celebrating PLAY BALL Weekend. Pensacola’s Pitch, Hit and Run competition will be held from 9:00 AM-12:30 PM and is free to participate in for children ages 14 and under.

Participating youth athletes will have the chance to participate in a 90-foot sprint, a pitching challenge, and a hitting challenge. Both baseball and softball players are eligible to compete. Winning athletes will be declared in both baseball and softball based on age groups (under 7, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14), and top competitors will have the opportunity to compete in a regional Pitch, Hit and Run competition at a later date.

Athletes should bring their glove and bat to the competition. Rubber cleats or tennis shoes are permissible on the field at Blue Wahoos Stadium.

The first 200 youth athletes to register will also receive a free bat and ball set courtesy of Franklin. In addition, all registrants will receive a free subscription to MLB.TV and MiLB.TV, allowing them to stream Major and Minor League Baseball games throughout the season.

All athletes must be registered in advance to compete. Registration is free and can be completed through PensacolaBlueWahoos.LeagueApps.com.

PLAY BALL Weekend is a nationwide initiative through Major and Minor League Baseball to engage young fans and share the fun of playing baseball and softball. PLAY BALL events will be held in all 50 states on June 10-12, 2022 including every Major and Minor League market.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Blue Wahoos To Wear Navy Uniforms As Part Of Memorial Day Celebration 

The three Blue Wahoos players stared in silent awe at the dark blue, vintage World War II fighter plane positioned in a center display at the National Naval Aviation Museum.

It was a Vought F4U Corsair, a replica to the one Ted Williams flew nearly 80 years ago in Pensacola, while pausing one of baseball’s greatest careers during World War II to complete training at Naval Air Station-Pensacola and become a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps.

“This is incredible,” said Blue Wahoos infielder Cobie Fletcher-Vance, looking up at the plane while a tour guide explained how Williams took leave of absence from the Boston Red Sox to join the U.S. Navy– one year after his first Triple Crown batting season in Major League Baseball.

In 1941, Williams became the last player in baseball history to bat over .400 and his unmatched career included being a 19-time MLB All-Star, between two military service duties in Pensacola.

He was among more than 500 MLB players and more than 2,000 Minor League Baseball players who served in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II.

Williams, who later flew combat missions in the Korean War, was part of a sizeable contingent of professional baseball players who came to NAS-Pensacola for training.

“There is so much history here,” said Blue Wahoos relief pitcher Colton Hock, after joining Fletcher-Vance and outfielder Thomas Jones for a trip May 11 to the base. “So cool to see all this.”

Part of that history includes the wartime connection between baseball and NAS-Pensacola that will be celebrated Memorial Day weekend at Blue Wahoos games on Saturday and Sunday.

In both games against the Mississippi Braves, the Blue Wahoos will wear special uniforms, approved by the Navy. Officers from NAS-Pensacola will attend the games.

The three Blue Wahoos players wore the Navy jerseys on their recent visit to the base as a preview.

On Saturday, Capt. Terry Shashaty, Commanding Officer of NAS-Pensacola will throw out a first pitch, along with others before the two games.

The Blue Wahoos will show off their permanent display to Navy baseball in Pensacola, located on the wall above the stairs leading from the main entrance.

“When the players came that day and wore those Navy jerseys, the people who saw them that day just thought that was awesome,” said Jason Bortz, the public affairs officer at NAS-Pensacola.

“And to wear them (Saturday-Sunday) in front of thousands of people for a couple times this season, I think it’s going to be one of the best nights we’ve had for the base had in several years,” he said. “We have been through a lot the last several years.

“This is going to be a great night for Pensacola. We are honored to be a part of this.”

The Navy baseball jerseys will also be worn by the Blue Wahoos on July 2 during Fourth of July weekend at the ballpark.

Following that game, the jerseys will be auctioned to benefit the Navy-Marine Relief Society, a non-profit organization hat provides financial assistance and additional services to members of the Navy and Marine Corps and their families.

Also on Saturday, there will be a book signing from 11 a.m to 12 p.m. at the Bodacious Bookstore and Café on Intendencia Street, featuring Anne Keene, author of “The Cloudbuster Nine” an award-winning book about MLB players training during World War II to become Navy pilots.

Keene, a renown military historian, will be joined by Sharon Hornfisher, wife of late Navy historian Jim Hornfisher, who wrote the book “Who Can Hold The Sea, The U.S. Navy And The Cold War.”

Keene assisted the Blue Wahoos with compiling information, photos and details about the Navy baseball history in Pensacola.

“We say it all the time at the base and we truly mean it… that Pensacola is the best military community in the country,” Bortz said. “By far, it is the most military friendly.

“It is the most supportive of the military and this is a great opportunity for people in the community, whether they are in the military. or were in the military, or just living in the community to come out and see something that shows the relationship with the base, the Navy and the local community.”

Williams led an all-star baseball team, the Bronson Bombers, during his time in Pensacola. Bronson Field was an auxiliary base with baseball fields that is now part of the Blue Angel Recreation Park for military members.

The team had other MLB players training in Pensacola and competed in a championship series against Corpus Christi during 1943.

The U.S. Armed Forces used baseball and other sports as a way to help build morale and friendships while the pro athletes of that era were training.

“I think that speaks to the unselfishness of Ted Williams and that whole generation during World War II,” Bortz said. “He was a professional baseball player in the prime of his career, who didn’t have to serve, or if he did serve, he didn’t necessarily have to be in a combat situation.

“He voluntarily chose that. He wanted to be a pilot. He wanted to go into combat. It was more important to serve his country than his baseball legacy. That speaks highly of him.”

Williams, who died in 2002, played his entire 19-year career with the Boston Red Sox.

Bill Vilona is a retired Pensacola News Journal sports columnist and now senior writer for Pensacola Blue Wahoos. He can be reached at [email protected]

WANT TO GO?

WHAT: Navy Baseball Celebration

WHEN: Saturday, Sunday and July 2

WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium

WHO: Events part of Blue Wahoos games this weekend vs. Mississippi Braves and July 2 vs. Montgomery Biscuits. Blue Wahoos will wear specialty designed Navy baseball uniforms on these days.

TICKETS: Limited number of game tickets available for Saturday’s 6:05 p.m. game Tickets available for Sunday (4:05 p.m.) and July 2 games at www.bluewahoos.com/tickets.

BOOK SIGNING: In conjunction with weekend, a book signing Saturday at 11 a.m. at Bodacious Bookstore and Café features award-winning author and Navy baseball historian Anne Kleene, who wrote “Cloudbuster Nine”, along with Sharon Hornfisher, wife of late-author Jim Hornfisher.

Keene assisted Blue Wahoos in compiling photos, information on Navy history. Free admission to bookstore.

MGM Park To Host Gulf Coast Diamond Classic on May 21

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

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE.

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

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

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

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

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

ABOUT THE BILOXI SHUCKERS:

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

Three Of Pensacola's Best Provide Wisdom, Advice On Blue Wahoos' Women In Sports Night 

Blue Wahoos vice president Donna Kirby, far left, moderates seminar with Michelle Snow, left, Melissa Miller-Schubeck and Beth Barr on April 22 during the Blue Wahoos special Women in Sports Night at ballpark. (Nino Mendez)

They grew up in Pensacola and competed in totally different sports, but with similar aspirations during a breakthrough era.

That commonality, along with their unique athletic success gave Michelle Snow, Melissa Miller and Beth Barr a powerful role in blazing a trail for so many other female athletic stars from this community who have followed.

The three were together for the first time last Friday at Blue Wahoos Stadium, participating in a pregame symposium at the Blue Wahoos’ first Women In Sports Night last week at the ballpark.

Snow went from stardom at Pensacola High to playing for Pat Head Summit at Tennessee, then onto the WNBA and international basketball as Pensacola’s greatest female basketball player.

“I believe people have to understand there will be a lot of obstacles in the way and a lot of fears you have to overcome,” said Snow, addressing the young athletes in the audience that day inside the season-ticket holders lounge. “You have to overcome that fear.”

Miller, now Miller-Schubeck, a Tate High grad, won back-to-back SEC All-Around championships in 1988-89 for the Florida Gators and was inducted into the UF Athletic Hall of Fame as one of its greatest athletes.

“I think it is important to have goals,” she said. “If you don’t have goals, you are not shooting toward anything.”

Barr, now Barr-Gifford, a Booker T. Washington and University of Texas graduate, was the youngest member at 16-years-old for the 1988 U.S. Olympic Women’s Swim Team. She won a silver medal for the U.S. in the team’s medley relay, and just missed the podium in her two other Olympic events that year.

All three overcome adversity in their development to attain the highest level of success. Here were their thoughts on two powerful topics during the symposium. They were also recognized by throwing out a first pitch that night and on the dugout, following the second inning, as well as in-game interviews on the Blue Wahoos radio broadcast.

Since you all competed, so much has changed in women’s sports. If you mentor young girls or if still involved in some way, how would view the state of your particular sports today?

MICHELLE SNOW

“For me the state of mentoring, the state of basketball in the WNBA, and everything like that, I think it is in a beautiful place. We just had one of the best CBA (collective bargaining agreement with owners and players) deals. ESPN just did another multimillion deal. Nike now owns a 25-percent stake in the WNBA. Things are getting there, the endorsements are there, you don’t have to go overseas now if you don’t want to. These young ladies are making that good, good cash.

And it is a blessing because it is the people who started it, who fought for it, who are still invested in it, that get to see that become a dream and possibility. When I was coming up, there was no WNBA. It didn’t happen until my senior year in high school. With these young ladies, they get to see it from the day they are born all the way the way up, they get to come to games and see their favorite athletes.

I mentor several players. I also do the WNBA podcast. It is a lot of fun seeing where the game is going and the opportunities that are available.

MELISSA MILLER

“The state of gymnastics and where it is at… it doesn’t have much in a professional realm. It is more in the collegiate level. And it has changed so much over the years. And I am so glad that I am not doing gymnastics anymore, because (competitors) are way too good. Where I have seen the biggest change is the growth in the sport. More people are involved into it.

Now, it’s grown with more and more college teams getting gymnastics and top notch gymnastics. If you watched the national championship last week, Auburn was in the final four for the first time ever in gymnastics. It is growing, because there is just more interest in the sport.

It is really neat to see the expansion in the sport in a lot of different areas. The equipment has really changed too. A lot of changed.”

BETH BARR

“Swimming is constantly changing. With equipment and bathing suits and fitness. It is more of a strength sport now. When I was swimming, I was a small swimmer and more of a technician in the water. The girls now are so strong. Swimming now relies more heavily on strength. There is also some professional swimming now which is great to see. It is also great to see swimmers can now expand their careers. The ages are getting older. As far as females they are definitely getting older and able to still compete.”

You all went through adverse situations in your careers on way to achieving so much success. How did each of you handle those tough times?

MELISSA MILLER

“As a young kid, my goal was to make the Olympic team. I was in eighth grade, and I moved away from home went to visit top coaches in the country. I got hurt right before qualifications for the Olympic trials. So my biggest dream was now shattered. I didn’t understand it at the time. When the plans you have don’t work out the way you want them, what do you do? For me, I realized God had a different plan. When I had that loss, I was redirected and I was able to get a scholarship at Florida and because of that, I had a successful career. It really made up for it.

You may have your mind set that you want to do this, this and this… and want to be a D-1 athlete, and it may not plan out. You can get hurt in an instant and your career may be over. You have to realize that and have a backup plan.”

BETH BARR

‘”I would rather face failure any day. Because failure provides an opportunity. You want that. Athletes go through depression. Because, it’s like I don’t know what to do now. You succeeded and now what? Embrace failure. My son just won a state wrestling title in Arizona, but he would call me when he lost a match and I would say, okay, what did you learn from that? What will you do better? When you win, you don’t learn anything… Always look at failure as an opportunity.”

MICHELLE SNOW

“Fear actually motivated me. And it motivated me because I was so afraid of certain things. I remember getting all the way to state final four (at Pensacola High) our freshman year and we lose. Went to the NCAA Final Four twice (with Tennessee) and got blown out in the championship game. That is tough. I get all the way to the pros and get drafted (in WNBA) by a team (Houston Comets) that has never kept a rookie. That is terrifying. You may not ever play and you worked your entire life to get there. I go overseas (first season) and I get fired (cut).

My mother had Lupus growing up. I didn’t know how much time she had. I didn’t know if she would wake up that next morning. It is scary It is a terrifying thing. People thought I wanted to play pro basketball because I wanted the cars, the fame, the money. I wanted to play because I wanted to buy my mother medicine. Her medicine was $500 for one prescription. I wanted to go pro so I could make a difference in her life.”

Ballpark Yoga Returns To Blue Wahoos Stadium This Sunday!

By popular demand, “Seventh Inning Stretch” Ballpark Yoga will return to Blue Wahoos Stadium throughout the summer, with four new dates in May and June announced today by the Blue Wahoos.

“After our first Ballpark Yoga session in April, we heard from so many fans clamoring for more, so we’re very excited to add four new dates this summer,” Blue Wahoos events manager Shannon Reeves said. “We’re very grateful to our friends at Disko Lemonade for leading these sessions and making them fun for all ages and experience levels.”

Ballpark Yoga will be offered in May on Sunday, May 1st and Sunday, May 22nd and in June on Sunday, June 12 and Sunday, June 26. All sessions will begin at 9:00 AM – late enough to allow fans to sleep in but early enough to not miss brunch downtown afterwards – and will be led by expert instructors from Disko Lemonade Yoga Studio.

Tickets to each session are available at BlueWahoos.com for $12. Yoga is held in centerfield at Blue Wahoos Stadium, offering attendees exclusive access to the field at the stadium, and participants are encouraged to bring a yoga mat, blanket, or towel to exercise on.

Get Tickets:

Sunday, May 1
Sunday, May 22
Sunday, June 12
Sunday, June 26

Tennessee Smokies Announce Smokies Trot 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run for June 18

SEVIERVILLE, TN – The Tennessee Smokies have announced the team will host its Smokies Trot 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run at Smokies Stadium on June 18, 2022 at 8:00am. Early packet pick-up will take place on June 17, 2022 from 4:00pm-7:00pm inside The Batter’s Box Bar + Grill.

The Smokies Trot 5K will begin at Smokies Stadium, continue onto roads surrounding the stadium, and finish with runners rounding the bases and crossing home plate.

Registration for the race will open at 9:00am on April 1 and will be $30. The registration fee will increase closer to the event. The fee for the 1 Mile Fun Run will be $25. Participants may register in teams or individually. Registrants will receive a Smokies Trot 5K t-shirt and a field level ticket voucher good for any June 2022 Smokies home game.

Age groups for the event will include 16U male, 16U female, 17-29 male, 17-29 female, 30-39 male, 30-39 female, 40-49 male, 40-49 female, 50-59 male, 50-59 female, 60+ male, and 60+ female.

The top three overall male and female winners will receive a custom Tennessee Smokies full size wood baseball bat. Age group winners in the 5K will receive a Smokies Trot medal.

During and after the event, beer and concessions will be available for purchase.

For full details on the Smokies Trot 5K please visit smokiesbaseball.com/5K. To register for the race, please go to https://runsignup.com/Race/TN/Kodak/SmokiesTrot5k . Please direct any questions to [email protected].

The full schedule for this season and season ticket information can be found online at smokiesbaseball.com, or by calling the Smokies Ticket Office at 865-286-2300.

ABOUT THE TENNESSEE SMOKIES

The Tennessee Smokies are the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. Members of the eight-team Southern League, Smokies baseball has been entertaining families and fans of America’s national pastime in the East Tennessee region for over 100 years. To learn more about the Tennessee Smokies, visit www.smokiesbaseball.com.

Blue Wahoos Welcome Michelle Snow, Beth Barr, and Melissa Miller-Schubeck For Women In Sports Seminar

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

The Pensacola Blue Wahoos have joined with local athletic legends Michelle Snow, Beth Barr, and Melissa Miller-Schubeck to present Women In Sports Night on Friday, April 22 at Blue Wahoos Stadium. Prior to the Blue Wahoos game against the Montgomery Biscuits that evening, Snow, Barr, and Miller-Schubeck will lead a seminar for female high school and college students focused on inspiring young women in our community to pursue opportunities and careers in athletics.

“Today, more than ever before, women are empowered to create their own destiny, make substantive contributions, and leave our mark on the world of sports. And, while we’re making our difference in real-time, we’re also paving the way for women coming up behind us in this industry so what an important role for us to play,” Blue Wahoos Vice President of Fan Experience Donna Kirby, who will host the seminar, said. “Women are strong and powerful – we are creative thinkers and problem-solvers. It’s gratifying to see our talents leveraged so that the impact we are having both now and in the future, will leave lasting and positive impressions on the sports industry as a whole. Women in Sports Night is a great first step for those interested in learning more about where we are, where we’re going, and the role that they can play in helping organizations across all sports, not just baseball, achieve greatness.”

Tickets to Women In Sports Night are available to local female students for $14 at BlueWahoos.com and include the leadership seminar and the Blue Wahoos game that evening. The seminar will begin at 4:30 PM in the Blue Wahoos Stadium Lounge. Gates at the ballpark will open at 5:30 PM for the game with first pitch scheduled for 6:30 PM.

A graduate of Pensacola High School, Snow was named Florida’s “Miss Basketball” in 1998. After starring at the University of Tennessee, where she became the third woman in NCAA college basketball history to dunk during a game, she was a first round selection in 2002 WNBA Draft and went on to a 13-year career in the WNBA, making two All-Star teams. Since, she’s become a nationally-recognized speaker, investor, and business advisor.

As a 16-year-old at Booker T. Washington High School in Pensacola, Barr won a silver medal in the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, swimming the backstroke on Team U.S.A.’s women’s 4×100-meter medley relay. She then attended the University of Texas, winning the 1991 National Championship in the 200-meter backstroke and being named All-America four times. After her swimming career she opened Barracuda Swimworks in Pensacola, using her expertise to help teach children in our community to swim.

Tate High graduate Miller-Schubeck starred nationally in gymnastics as a youth before attending the University of Florida. Named to six All-America teams during her collegiate career, Miller-Schubeck won the SEC All-Around championship in back-to-back years in 1988 and 1989 and was inducted into the University of Florida Hall of Fame. Today, she serves as a Youth Services Director at Heritage Baptist Church.

The Pensacola Blue Wahoos begin their 10th season by the Bay on Friday, April 8 as they welcome the Biloxi Shuckers to Blue Wahoos Stadium. Full-season memberships, mini plans, and single game tickets are available at BlueWahoos.com.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

Shuckers To Host Job Fair On March 24

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

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

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

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

ABOUT THE BILOXI SHUCKERS:

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

Lookouts & The Bessie Smith Cultural Center Announce Negro League Appreciation Weekend

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – The Chattanooga Lookouts and the Bessie Smith Cultural Center announce Negro League Appreciation Weekend at AT&T Field in partnership with Food City and TVFCU. This two-day celebration will take place on Friday, May 27, and Saturday, May 28 during the Lookouts games against the Birmingham Barons. On Friday night the team will shoot off postgame fireworks and on Saturday the team will give out commemorative seat cushions to the first 1,000 fans in attendance.

“We are excited and incredibly thankful for Food City and TVFCU for their support of this historic weekend at AT&T Field,” said Paula Wilkes, President of the Bessie Smith Cultural Center. “It is important to honor the incredible legacy of the Negro Leagues and be able to share their story with the Chattanooga community.”

On Negro League Appreciation Weekend, the Lookouts will wear Chattanooga Choo-Choos jerseys to honor the minor league Negro League team that played at Engel Stadium from 1940 – 1946. The Barons will don the jerseys of the Birmingham Black Barons who were members of the inaugural Negro Southern League in 1920.

The two games between the Choo-Choos and the Black Barons will also feature appearances from former Negro League players. On each night the Negro League alumni will be honored and available for autographs during the game.

Tickets for Negro League Appreciation Weekend are on sale now at Lookouts.com! The rest of the Lookouts 2022 promotional slate will be released on Wednesday, March 16. For more information on how to secure your seats to the season’s best games, including the team’s home opener on April 12, call the Lookouts’ ticket office at 423-267-4TIX.

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About the Chattanooga Lookouts

The Chattanooga Lookouts, a founding member of the Southern League in 1885, are the 2015 & 2017 Southern League Champions and the Double-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds. The Lookouts play their home games at AT&T Field, located on Hawk Hill in downtown Chattanooga. For more information, keep up with the Lookouts year-round at www.lookouts.com, or by following us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/Chattanooga Lookouts), Twitter (@ChattLookouts), and Instagram.

National Anthem Tryouts For Shuckers' Games Set For March 12



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

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

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

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

ABOUT THE BILOXI SHUCKERS:

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tennessee Smokies to Host Second Job Fair on March 19th

 

SEVIERVILLE, TN – The Tennessee Smokies have announced that the club will be hosting a second Job Fair at Smokies Stadium on Saturday, March 19 from 10:00am until 2:00pm. When arriving please enter at The Batter’s Box Bar + Grill Restaurant located on the left side of the parking lot.

The job fair will feature positions from many departments with part-time and seasonal positions within Smokies Stadium. The Tennessee Smokies are looking for employees who are able to work all home games and additional events as needed inside Smokies Stadium. Most games are held during evening hours of the week and many weekends.

Available departments include new hires for food and beverage, ticketing, production, promotions, merchandise, and stadium operations.

Food and Beverage is looking to fill positions for cooks, cashiers, runners, servers, picnic attendants, and group area attendants. Other available positions in the Restaurant include cooks, servers, bartenders, and hosts.

Ticketing is looking to fill positions for ticket sellers and group area attendants.

Promotions and Production are looking to fill positions for mascots, rally crew promotion team members, camera operators, and press box personnel.

Merchandise is looking to fill team store representatives.

Stadium Operations is looking to fill positions in first aid, ushers, and kid zone attendants.

Most Smokies Stadium positions require a person to stand and walk for extended periods of time, as well as run, sit, navigate stairs, kneel, or crouch. Prospective employees may also be asked to occasionally lift and/or move up to approximately 25 pounds and be exposed to various weather conditions and noise levels.

The Smokies will commence their 2022 home opener against the Chattanooga Lookouts on Friday, April 8, 2022. Season ticket information can be found online at smokiesbaseball.com, or by calling the Smokies Ticket Office at 865-286-2300.

ABOUT THE TENNESSEE SMOKIES

The Tennessee Smokies are the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. Members of the eight-team Double-A South League, Smokies baseball has been entertaining families and fans of America’s national pastime in the East Tennessee region for over 100 years. To learn more about the Tennessee Smokies, visit www.smokiesbaseball.com.

Remembering When Blue Wahoos Honored Pensacola Team Breaking Little League Color Barrier 

 

On an August night in 2018, Jerry Cowart had traveled more than 750 miles from West Virginia to Pensacola, so he could reconnect with special history.

He was a pitcher-infielder on the 1955 Orlando Kiwanis, an 11-12-year-old Little League team, which agreed to play the Pensacola Jaycees in a game which shook youth baseball in the southeast.

The Pensacola Jaycees were a team of all Black players. Orlando’s team was all White players. Their Florida Little League state semifinal game on August 10, 1955, at Orlando’s Lake Lorna Doone Park broke the game’s color barrier

That game, that moment, and those players, which spawned the movie “Long Time Coming: A 1955 Baseball Story,” were honored August 18, 2018 by the Pensacola Blue Wahoos prior during their game at Blue Wahoos Stadium.

It was something the Blue Wahoos and team owner Quint Studer made happen as a well to honor the moment 63 years earlier, but also remind of its significance.

As Major League Baseball celebrates the final day of Black History Month in February 2022, this story is a fitting way to recognized Pensacola’s history with baseball and great Black players in the community’s history.

“I would have never missed this,” said Cowart, who engaged in embrace with fellow 70-year-old men who played for the Jaycees. “It’s very special. I know back then, we wanted to play that game. We didn’t care. We just wanted to play baseball.

“We didn’t think one bit of the implications,” said Cowart, whose team won the game 5-0 to advance to play Miami for the 1955 state title, which Miami won 1-0. “I know (Jaycees) were scared. And we were uptight too. But it was fun. We had a good time.”

On that night in 2018, PGA Tour star and Pensacola resident Bubba Watson, a co-investor with the Blue Wahoos, returned from his busy schedule to hand out commemorative plaques to all players and show his support.

That was a joyous surprise to the members of both teams and their families. Blue Wahoos players and Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp players applauded from both dugouts during the ceremony.

The cheers became louder during the second inning when a sellout crowd (5,038) had filled the seats.

“I almost wish I could have been a part of it back in that era,” said former Blue Wahoos manager Jody Davis, who grew up in Gainesville, Georgia, and went on to become a Major League All-Star catcher with the Chicago Cubs and Atlanta Braves

“But I wasn’t born until ’56, so it was just a little bit ahead of my time, but this game of baseball has kinda smoothed over a lot of rough times.

“That bunch from Orlando did the right thing, we all know that. It is historic. I was glad to be part of it and see those guys out here. I hope they had a good time.”

The Blue Wahoos wore replica home jerseys of the Pensacola Jaycees.

The players from both the Jaycees and Orlando Kiwanis gathered on the concourse that night, signing autographs, posing with fans for pictures, or just taking in the whole experience.

At one point, Escambia County commissioner Lumon May approached four of the Orlando team members and hugged each one. It was his emotional way of saying “thank you” for what they accomplished.

“It was baseball that brought it all together and baseball is doing it again here (Saturday),” said Ted Haddock, the film’s producer.

The game was eight years after Jackie Robinson, who was born in Cairo, Georgia, made his debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers to break Major League Baseball’s color barrier.

“One of our own coaches quit before we played that game, because he didn’t want to go against a black team,” Cowart said.

The Pensacola Jaycees reached the state Little League semifinals, because teams from Fort Walton Beach and Panama City both forfeited playoff games after refusing to play against black players.

“We really didn’t know, because we had baseball fields to play on,” said Willie Robinson, a shortstop on the Jaycees and nephew of former Booker T. Washington principal Sherman Robinson. “There were baseball fields everywhere in Pensacola back then.”

“But people outside of us didn’t know we could play so well. We weren’t the best ballplayers, necessarily, in the south, but other teams didn’t get the same opportunity.”

The team traveled in three cars to get to Orlando. Only one gas station company in Florida — Phillips 66 — permitted African-American travelers to use their restrooms and drink from their water fountains.

“There were some very rough towns back then … racist places,” said Rev. Freddie Augustine, a second baseman on the Pensacola Jaycees. “We couldn’t just stop anywhere.”

But they made it happen. And 63 years later, so did the Blue Wahoos.

Blue Wahoos Stadium provided a fitting venue. It was only blocks away from where the Pensacola Jaycees played at their field that once existed on the corner of Government Street and Intendencia.

“This all goes back to our covenant about bringing the community together,” Studer said that night. “But it is also to let people know we have a ways to go. We’ve always wanted to make this ballpark like a neighborhood.. an integrated neighborhood.”

The players from both teams met for the first time two years ago in Pensacola to film the documentary. It was their first meeting since 1955. It was at a ballpark near A.K. Suter Elementary School — a field that was off-limits to the Jaycees in 1955.

Neighborhood kids saw the film crews and the production. The youth players asked the former players, all now in their 70s, about what was going on.

When they found out, the kids began asking for autographs and bonded with the men in a way that touched their hearts.

“I thank the Lord for what happened,” Robinson said. “My only disappointment is that (the local African-American community) never recognized us back then. That is my disappointment.

“But I am overwhelmed now because they are finally getting to know what we did. It’s just they can’t really feel the full impact.”

‘The Nine’ Greatest Black Athletes In Shuckers’ History

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

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

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

Corey Ray

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

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

Tyrone Taylor

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

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

Devin Williams

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

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

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

Trent Grisham

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

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

Jake Gatewood

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

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

Johnny Davis

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

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

Troy Stokes Jr.

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

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

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

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

Dillon Thomas

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

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

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

Chuckie Caufield

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

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

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

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

ABOUT THE BILOXI SHUCKERS:

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

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

Named for the number Jackie Robinson wore during his only season playing in MiLB with the Triple-A Montreal Royals in 1946, “The Nine,” a new, Black-community-focused outreach platform specifically designed to honor and celebrate the historic impact numerous Black baseball pioneers made on the sport. The Nine will provide new opportunities for youth baseball and softball participation, further diversify the business of baseball, and embrace millions of passionate fans throughout MiLB’s 120 communities nationwide.

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

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

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

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

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

The story of Bob Braddy.

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

To repeat, Braddy won TWELVE SWAC titles.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here are some of Mississippi’s Black baseball pioneers.

George “Boomer” Scott (Greenville)

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

James “Cool Papa” Bell (Sessums)

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

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

Luke Easter (Jonestown)

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

Dennis “Oil Can” Boyd (Meridian)

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

Ellis Burks (Vicksburg)

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

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

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