Read With Ballplayers January 15 At The Bodacious Bookstore!

 

In conjunction with Fish Fest at Blue Wahoos Stadium, Miami Marlins prospects Jordan McCants and Jeff Lindgren will visit the Bodacious Bookstore and Café on Saturday, January 15 for a morning of family-friendly fun at Books With Ballplayers! From 11:00 AM until noon, McCants, Lindgren, and Blue Wahoos mascot Kazoo will read with children in attendance and participate in a question and answer session. The event is free to the public. Interested participants are encouraged to arrive early as space is limited.

In accordance with Major League Baseball health and safety protocols, face masks are required for all guests at Books With Ballplayers.

The Bodacious Bookstore and Café opened in August 2019 at 110 E. Intendencia Street in downtown Pensacola offering a wide selection of books for both children and adults, a children’s area highlighted by a replica lighthouse, and a full menu of coffee, tea, smoothies, and café-style food.

Following the Books With Ballplayers event, McCants and Lindgren will head to Blue Wahoos Stadium for the first annual Fish Fest event at Blue Wahoos Stadium. Held from 2:00 – 4:00 PM, the event will feature autographs, question and answer sessions, a yard sale, behind-the-scenes tours, and more. Free tickets to Fish Fest and more information on the event can be found AT THIS LINK.

2021 Trash Pandas Community Impact Report 

 

The Rocket City Trash Pandas are thrilled to assist the North Alabama community by raising more than $100,000 in cash donations for non-profit organizations during the team’s inaugural season in 2021.

The funds were raised through a series of events throughout the season including Game-Worn Jersey Auctions, Dog Day Donations, and the Trash Pandas Food & Beverage Volunteer Program.

CLICK HERE to view the full 2021 Rocket City Trash Pandas Community Impact Report.

Highlights from 2021 include:

  • Five 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 $65,000 throughout the season.
  • The Trash Pandas Food and Beverage Volunteer Program allowed organizations to assist in operating concession stands during games with profits going to their organization, which collected over $47,000.
  • 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 $750 was collected.
  • Four drive-through food drives at Toyota Field where over 40,000 pounds of food was distributed at each event to provide more than 2,500 families with much-needed food during the pandemic.
  • Trash Pandas players took part in a Youth Instructional Camp where over 200 children aged 8-10 learned baseball fundamentals. Players also posed with rescue animals for a calendar photo shoot to help puppies find a new home.
  • Sprocket made dozens of appearances at special events such as school visits, Little League Opening Days, trade shows, visits with Trash Pandas partners, and delivering holiday meals to those in need.
  • 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 Trash Pandas are looking forward to continuing their work in the community as the 2022 season approaches. To learn more on how to get involved in Trash Pandas community events, please CLICK HERE to view the Community Tab at TrashPandasBaseball.com.

Opening Night at Toyota Field is set for Tuesday, April 12, 2022 at 6:35 p.m. against the Pensacola Blue Wahoos.

Trash Pandas To Host Job Fair On February 19

 

In preparation for the second season in franchise history in 2022, the Rocket City Trash Pandas will be hosting a job fair at Toyota Field on Saturday, February 19 from 8 a.m. to noon.

The Trash Pandas are currently seeking candidates with strong energy, passion, and enthusiasm to work at Trash Pandas home games at Toyota Field to help create the best fan experience in professional baseball. Positions are available across many departments including ushers, ticket takers, promotions, production, parking, security, food and beverage, retail, and many more!

Interested candidates must be at least 16 years of age with legal work status. During the job fair, applicants will be able to interview for a maximum of three (3) positions. Each interview will take about 5-10 minutes. Individuals who might not be hired for one of their top three positions, may be offered a role in a different department.

All applicants MUST have a completed job application prior to being interviewed. The application can be downloaded and filled out in advance by CLICKING HERE, and there will also be forms available on-site at the job fair. Job preference sheets will be available for those interviewing for multiple positions.

The 2022 Trash Pandas season starts on the road in Birmingham on Friday, April 8 before the home opener at Toyota Field against the Pensacola Blue Wahoos on Tuesday, April 12.

Blue Wahoos Partner To Help Provide Holiday Meals For Those In Greatest Need 

 

A volunteer enthusiastically greeted Angie Ishee, the executive vice president of the Waterfront Rescue Mission, while she stood on the sidewalk entrance to Blue Wahoos Stadium.

“This kicks off a right kind of Thanksgiving, doesn’t it?” Ishee said.

A nod of approval became the common theme.

For the first time, the Blue Wahoos played a significant role in helping feed thousands of needy people on Thanksgiving Day as part of the facility’s “Feeding Of The 5,000” quest.

After executive chef Travis Wilson and sous chef Carl Sackman prepared more than 50 turkeys, a team of volunteers worked Thanksgiving Day morning to add complete dinner meals, then box the food into Styrofoam containers for delivery into the community.

“This is basically using our resources for the greater good,” Wilson said. “We have the high powered ovens, we have the space to do this. It is the least we can do to help.”

The stadium’s Better Homes & Garden Lounge became staging area for a unified effort to help people in need throughout the Pensacola area.

The initial efforts for Thanksgiving may be followed with help for Christmas meals that Waterfront Rescue Mission provides.

“It is a massive undertaking,” Ishee said. “The Blue Wahoos have been wonderful. This (stadium) provide a central location for our team of volunteers to come day and get the food prepared, loaded and sent out to places we are serving.”

It was the 72nd year that Pensacola’s Waterfront Rescue Mission has provided Thanksgiving meals to homeless, elderly shut-in people and others within the community in need.

The facility has done it with partnership of the Appleyard Agency. Company president Dick Appleyard said he got involved 35 or 40 years ago while his father, John Appleyard, was the company CEO and has stayed actively involved every year.

“I was part of trying to solve the problem,” Dick Appleyard said. “We knew the problem then and now the problem is front and center in the community.

“These guys at Waterfront Mission have been doing this now for nearly 75 years. They know their stuff. And at the end of the day, they are going to be part of the solution to help alleviate this problem of homelessness.”

Sackman said the Blue Wahoos kitchen area and the massive ovens enabled them to cook 41 turkeys at once.

“With turkeys, especially since they come frozen, thawing them is always what takes the longest,” said “When you have so many big turkeys together, they are basically giant ice cubes, so it keeps each one more frozen. These were all together.

“It takes over a week to thaw them out effectively.”

In 2020, Sackman and Wilson combined efforts to create takeout holiday meals the Blue Wahoos provided for Thanksgiving and Christmas. It enabled people to pre-order their family dinners, then pick up the food before each holiday.

“This time, they approached us and asked for our help and we said, sure we can make some turkeys,” Wilson said. “We have the space here to do things like this and the amount of ovens to use.”

All of the food and costs were donated. Appleyard said the plan will be to follow suit for Christmas meals.

“(Blue Wahoos) were a godsend to us,” he said. “The facility can be used for so many things. It is so fantastic.

Blue Wahoos Providing Trick-Or-Treat On The Diamond Friday In Halloween Event 

 

Returning a Halloween-themed event to Blue Wahoos Stadium a year ago provided organizers with a new idea.

What about having Trick-or-Treat stations on the field, thus giving children a more wide-open, space and place to run around?

That will happen Friday night, beginning at 5 p.m. when the Blue Wahoos host a Halloween celebration night, sponsored by T-Mobile, and complete with popcorn, candy stations set up by area businesses, a Walt Disney movie, and a fireworks show above the stadium for families to enjoy.

Admission is $5 for the event and gates will open at 5 p.m. Friday to start the Trick-or-Treat procession.

“I love offering the stadium as a safe space for parents to have an alternative from, say, going door to door (in neighborhoods) for Halloween,” said Shannon Reeves, the Blue Wahoos events director. “I feel having businesses giving out candy in an open community space, still checks the boxes for kids to ‘Trick or Treat’, but also brings some comfort for wary parents who might not want kids to go door to door.”

The movie “Hocus Pocus” will be shown at 6 p.m. on the stadium video board. Ticket holders can either sit on the field (blankets only, no chairs), or utilize the stadium bowl seats to watch the film. Fireworks will follow. T-Mobile is providing popcorn bags for the first 500 people.

Following the movie, there will be a fireworks display to close out the event.

“To me, Hocus Pocus is your perfect, family, Halloween movie,” said Reeves, who wanted to ensure a movie did not contain violence or rough language. “It is a cult favorite and I think always will be. It is a fun, family movie.”

The Blue Wahoos have partnered with 30 area businesses, who will set up their stations along the perimeter of the field. A year ago, the Halloween night at the stadium utilized the concourses for Trick or Treat stations.

This time, it will enable people to purchase beverages and food at concessions areas without crowding the area.

“We’re excited about the plan to have everything on the field,” Reeves said. “The concourse is not super conducive to a Trick or Treat type of event with the main gate stairs in the middle. We wanted to give people the opportunity to go here, there, or everywhere and not be stuck in a line.

“Kids can run from booth to booth and have free reign of the stadium which I know parents will love. Get treats and then watch the movie.”

Incorporating local businesses was a popular pitch, she said.

“It gives those businesses a chance to come out, free of charge, and to have their businesses showcased in front of a large amount of people,” Reeves said.

“I think people really appreciated that. We were offering a chance to be part of a community event without having to pay anything.”

The Blue Wahoos held Halloween events in their early part of the team’s history. A year ago, the concept was brought back and revised during a time when the ongoing coronavirus pandemic cancelled many indoor Halloween events.

From that experience, the Blue Wahoos made the current revision.

“We had such a great turnout, such a great response,” Reeves said. “People were very grateful for it. We did it with a movie, which we had not done before in previous Halloween events.

“This gives us a chance to fulfill our mission again in the community. When we talked about this year, we decided on how to make this an even smoother, even better event.

“We’re just trying to give families a safe place to come, and give kids a safe place to come in their costumes. And not worry about traffic. Or not worry about running in the street.”

Friday’s event closes out a busy October at the stadium. In addition to a variety of smaller private events, Blue Wahoos Stadium has been a venue for the Soul Bowl youth football event, the Nitro Circus stunt bikes show, the First City Art Pumpkin Patch, along with two UWF football games.

‘It has been a banner October,” Reeves said. “We have seen probably the most diverse group of events in this stadium than I have ever seen. All of these events have brought in different audiences and demographics. And (Friday) will be a great finale to the month.”

WANT TO GO?

WHAT: Blue Wahoos Halloween Night

WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium.

WHEN: Friday, gates open at 5 p.m.

ADMISSION: $5 apiece.

FORMAT: Trick or Treat for children begins at 5 p.m. on the field with area businesses setting up stations. The Walt Disney movie, Hocus Pocus, will be shown at 6 p.m., followed by a fireworks display. Sponsor T-Mobile will provide popcorn bags.

TICKETS: Available online at www.bluewahoos.com or at the stadium box office.

PARKING: Available at stadium main lot, as well as the addition lots across street from ballpark.

Trash Pandas Hosting Trunk or Treat on October 30

 

Trunk or Treat and Halloween Movie Night will be returning to Toyota Field for the second time on Saturday, October 30. Trick-or-treating at Toyota Field will be from 5-7 p.m. in the Toyota Outfield Experience followed by a screening of The Haunted Mansion at 7:15 p.m.

“We are looking forward to welcoming fans back to Toyota Field for the biggest Halloween celebration in North Alabama,” Trash Pandas General Manager Garrett Fahrmann said. “This event is perfect for fans of all ages, and we can’t wait to see everyone dressed in their Halloween costumes.”

Tickets are $10 if purchased before the day of the event. On October 30, tickets will be available for $15. Parking at Toyota Field is free and available at the gravel parking lot.

The Rocket City Wranglers will be on hand to provide over 60 trunks for the event from 5-7.

The Dumpster Dive concession stand will be open for fans to purchase traditional ballpark fare.

Tickets are available online by clicking here or in person at the Toyota Field box office.

Soul Bowl Return To Blue Wahoos Stadium Brings Welcome Community Boost 

 

For the first time in its three decades, the Soul Bowl didn’t happen in 2020. Another unfortunate event cancellation amid the coronavirus pandemic.

That void has created an emotional backdrop for Saturday’s 29th annual youth football showcase at Blue Wahoos Stadium, which organizers were determined to make happen.

“It was extremely important we have the Soul Bowl,” said Lumon May, long-time director of the Southern Youth Sports Association, along with serving on the Escambia County Commission.

“I have been around sports all my life,” said May, 51, who has been part of this event since the first one was staged. “And so to not have the Soul Bowl… something as significant, particularly to the African-American community in Pensacola as this is… it was very sad, very odd last year.

“This year, all the coaches, all the parents, they were not worried about cancelling the season. They said, ‘If we don’t play any other games, if we don’t play any other Saturday, let’s just play the Soul Bowl. Even if we can’t finish the season, we want to go down to the Wahoos Stadium and play the Soul Bowl.’

“That’s what the Soul Bowl has meant.”

The event will feature five games among five different age divisions between the SYSA Tigers and Albritton & Gant East Pensacola Rattlers. This will be the first football played on the newly resodded Blue Wahoos Stadium, after last Saturday’s scheduled game with the University of West Florida was cancelled.

The continued concern and effect of COVID-19 in the community has led to alterations for this year’s Soul Bowl. There will be Soul Food vendors outside the stadium — a decision reached Thursday — but not the mass variety as before.

The Unity Circle celebration in early afternoon Saturday will instead be a solemn memorial to those with ties to the Soul Bowl who passed away from complications involving the horrific virus.

“We’ve lost coaches, cheerleader coaches, volunteers who had been part of this game for a long time,” May said. “So it’s going to be emotional.

“We know we will have some hiccups. But if we can just get the kids out there to play, that’s the biggest win. We may not have the Soul Food trucks and all the outside activity we’ve have had in the past.

“But I thought it was important for the community to have this and most important for the children involved that we do something for them.”

May said there was some debate on whether to put on the Soul Bowl this year. But after talking with Blue Wahoos owner Quint Studer, who led the way 10 years ago for the Soul Bowl to move into Blue Wahoos Stadium from its previous two neighborhood park venues, it reaffirmed a push to stage the 2021 event.

The day-long event is made possible through sponsorship of attorney Troy Rafferty, shareholder in the Levin, Papatonio, Rafferty Law Firm, along with Cox Communications, the Blue Wahoos and other sponsors.

“Quint said, ‘Let’s do it,’ and that was great,” May said. “.And thanks to Quint Studer it has become the signature event for inclusion in downtown Pensacola.”

With favorable weather forecast, the expectation Saturday is for a festive atmosphere and celebration of youth football, which includes parents and spectators setting up tailgate tents inside the stadium and picnic-style atmosphere around kids playing football.

“It’s just a fun thing to see,” said Shannon Reeves, the Blue Wahoos events director who has coordinated as stadium host the past four Soul Bowl games. “The stadium is packed, the music is loud, little kids are everywhere, parents are taking pictures, parents are excited.

“And it really has found its niche here. I feel like people expect it to be here. It’s a well oiled machine from their side (Soul Bowl organizers) of things. Parents know what to expect, coaches know what to expect.”

29th SOUL BOWL YOUTH FOOTBALL

WHO: Southern Youth Sports Association (SYSA) Tigers vs. Albritton & Gant East Pensacola Rattlers

WHEN: Saturday, games are at 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12 p.m.. 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.

WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium

ADMISSION: $8 general admission (good for all games) if purchased Thursday or Friday; $10 on Saturday. Children 3-under admitted free.

FORMAT: Games begin with teams ages 6-under, then 8-under, 10-under, 12-under, 14-under for final game. Stadium gates will open at 8 a.m.

RESTRICTIONS: Food purchased outside at one of the food vendors will be permitted inside stadium. But no other outside food or beverage will be permitted to be brought into stadium. Concessions will be open before the first game.

Wahoos Octoberfest Is Month-Long Array Of Popular Community Events 

 

The field transformation at Blue Wahoos Stadium into a football venue has ushered another change, which has evolved in recent years.

It’s now viewed in a different realm as a fall events place.

From the annual Soul Bowl youth football event on Saturday (Oct. 2), it begins the stadium’s own version of an Octoberfest.

Events in the month include a specialty Bingo Night on Oct. 7, the First City Art Center Pumpkin Patch on Oct. 9, a first-time appearance by the Nitro Circus motorcycle stunt riders on Oct. 14, the Light Up Learning gala on Oct. 21, a Halloween weekend event (Oct. 29), along with University of West Florida football games on Oct 16 and Oct .23, plus high school homecoming parties.

“There’s not a weekend — from now until the end of the year — that we don’t have something going on,” said Shannon Reeves, the Blue Wahoos events manager. “Either on a Friday, a Saturday, a Sunday or on multiple days the same weekend.

“I see more people interested in booking something at the stadium. It’s become a place where a lot of people can get together in a safe way.”

It’s now approaching 20 months into the coronavirus pandemic and its effect and reshape of the entertainment and sports world. After making a quick pivot a year ago in a 2020 summer without baseball, the Blue Wahoos have continued to find the ballpark viewed as a safe haven for events.

A full October calendar at the stadium is proof of that.

“COVID showed us a lot about what we can do here,” said Blue Wahoos president Jonathan Griffith. “We were doing movie nights, dinner nights, bingo nights, trivia nights (in 2020) and I think it gives people an option during COVID as far as having a place to go that is outdoors and a safe environment.

“I think that is still a thing for us. Especially among a lot of non-profit organizations, who are having their events here. You don’t get any more open air than Blue Wahoos Stadium.

“Even in our version of a suite area, the Hancock Whitney Club, it is open air. So no matter where you are, as far as a event, this is a great place to have that. And having Shannon Reeves to drive that has been great.”

Whether it’s through baseball games or special events without connection to sports, the stadium has provided the Blue Wahoos options to meet the quest for year-round activities.

It is something baseball team owners Quint and Rishy Studer wanted to ensure when pitching a multiuse stadium project more than a decade ago.

“Quint built the stadium as a community space and my job is to keep it a community space and pack these events in here,” Reeves said. “With our Blue Wahoos staff, we have all these fantastic minds coming together about. ‘let’s do this or have that.’

“Just super creative minds in the community to bring these events to our stadium.”

The First City Art Center Pumpkin Patch event moved to Blue Wahoos Stadium last year. Thousands of pumpkins were sold. It was the first time all pumpkins were sold. This year, a couple thousand people are expected for the day-long Oct. 9 event.

“I started here four years ago, and really not a lot of people knew about our events,” Reeves said. “In the last four years our team has come together and we’ve turned the stadium into a space where we’re holding everything under the sun here.

“And with that comes different audiences. When you host a variety of events, it brings a variety of new eyes, new audiences and this new awareness of, ‘Oh my gosh, look at what they can do here.’

“So it’s not just seen as a baseball stadium. We’ve really worked to make it a year-round events center.”

WAHOOS OCTOBERFEST

Biggest public events in October at Blue Wahoos Stadium.

Oct. 2 – Soul Bowl Youth Football (All day).

Oct. 7 – Bingo Night (6-10 p.m.)

Oct. 9 – First City Art Center Pumpkin Patch (2-6 p.m.)

Oct. 14 – Nitro Circus (7-9:30 p.m.)

Oct. 16 – UWF Football Homecoming Game vs. West Georgia (4 p.m.)

Oct. 21 – Light Up Learning Fundraiser Gala (5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.)

Oct. 23 – UWF Football vs. Shorter (4 p.m.)

Oct. 29 – Halloween Trick-or-Treat, Movie Night, Fireworks (5 p.m.-9 p.m.).

Tickets/Info: www.bluewahoos.com and www.goargos.com.

Shuckers Donate Equipment To Stone County High School

 

Following the conclusion of the 2021 season, the Biloxi Shuckers players collected baseball equipment and apparel that was donated to Stone County High School on Tuesday.

Spearheaded by pitcher Noah Zavolas, the Shuckers’ players collected lightly used cleats, turf shoes, apparel and any other equipment that could be utilized by the Stone County baseball team.

“If it helps even one kid or baseball player continue his career or feel better about his career, then this was a win,” said Zavolas. “Minor League Baseball is here to engage with different baseball programs. With COVID it made it difficult for us to interact with programs and players, but this was something we were able to do and give back in a small way.”

“It helps us even if we can’t use every piece of equipment,” said Stone County Athletic Director Adam Stone. “Our kids are excited. Who doesn’t like to get something donated that you didn’t have to pay for, and mom and dad didn’t have to pay for, that makes what you do a little easier?”

Stone County played for the Mississippi 4A South State Championship in the 2020-21 season, and prior to 2020 Spring Training Zavolas stopped in the Biloxi area and worked out at Stone County, getting to know their players and head coach Sean Miller. With a color scheme that matches the Shuckers, Stone County was a natural fit for the teams’ donation.

“As Pros, a lot of this stuff gets sent to us for free, and you can forget that baseball is an expensive sport if you’re buying all of your own gear,” said Zavolas. “If that pair of cleats has 50 games left in them, let’s get those 50 games out of them.”

“Receiving this donation helps what we’re trying to do, which is just get better,” said Stone. “If you can improve every day then you’re going to be on the right path.”

The 2022 Biloxi Shuckers schedule has been announced and 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) 271-3486.

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 and are members of the Double-A South. For more information, please visit biloxishuckers.comand follow us on Twitter @biloxishuckers and at facebook.com/biloxishuckers.

Trash Pandas To Host September 11 Tribute Night

 

On Saturday, September 11 the Rocket City Trash Pandas, in conjunction with AUSA, are proud to host a special Tribute Night at Toyota Field as we honor and remember our heroes in recognition of the 20th Anniversary.

This tribute day will feature events throughout the day, capped off by a softball game featuring the USA Patriots against the BeArded WARRIORS, a dazzling post-game fireworks display, and a live concert after the game with Brandon Elder. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 on the day of the event.

Pre-Game Activities

  • 9/11 Memorial Service: Madison Fire and Police departments will be hosting a memorial service beginning at 8:30 a.m. in honor of all of those who perished on September 11, 2001.
  • Adventure Fun Run: AUSA and Huntsville Boot Camp will be hosting a free adventure at Toyota Field following the conclusion of the 9/11 Memorial Service. Runners can register at https://bit.ly/AUSAfunrun. Check in starts at 8 a.m.
  • Cornhole Tournament: The AUSA Redstone Huntsville will be hosting a 16-team cornhole tournament beginning at 10 a.m. Space is limited and teams must register at https://bit.ly/AUSAcornhole.
  • Softball Clinic: The USA Patriots will be hosting a free youth softball clinic from 10:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. with stations including infield and outfield drills, pitching, hitting, and throwing. Registration is open at https://bit.ly/AUSAsoftballclinic.

Tribute Night Game

  • Gates Open: All gates will open at 5 p.m. The USA Amputee Patriots and BeArded WARRIORS softball game will be seven innings and is scheduled to begin at 6:35 p.m.
  • T-Shirt Giveaway: The first 2,000 adults through the gates will receive a commemorative Tribute Night T-Shirt, presented by Northrop Grumman.
  • Meet and Greet: The USA Patriots softball team will be available for a meet and greet to sign autographs and take photos with fans on the concourse at Toyota Field from 5-5:30 p.m.
  • Parachute Team: Before the game, the All-Veterans Group Parachute Team will jump from the Rocket City sky and land on the field.
  • National Anthem: Sheena Collier will perform the national anthem, as a large American Flag is unfurled on the field by members of the local ROTC.
  • Tribute Night Fireworks: Following the game, a dazzling fireworks display will light up the Rocket City sky, presented by Northrop Grumman.
  • Post-Game Concert: After the fireworks, country music star and former American Idol contestant Brandon Elder will be performing live from home plate.

M-Braves, MDPS hosting First Responder & Military Appreciation Night on Saturday, 9/11

 

PEARL, MS – On Saturday, September 11, the Mississippi Braves, in partnership with the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, and commissioner Sean Tindell, will remember and honor the bravery of American citizens and first responders on the 20th Anniversary of the 9/11 attacks with special pregame events, videos, and patriotic post-game fireworks.

All first responders, active-duty and retired military, and Mississippi Department of Public Safety employees will receive two complimentary tickets to the 6:05 pm game against the Montgomery Biscuits. The tickets will be available at the Trustmark Park box office by simply presenting your work ID or law enforcement badge.

“This will be the first time in team history the M-Braves have had a home game at Trustmark Park on September 11,” added Pete Laven, vice president, and general manager of the Mississippi Braves. “As an organization, we want to pay our respects to all of those that lost their lives on that day 20 years ago and honor them and our local first responders through our national pastime.”

Before the first pitch, the Mississippi Highway Patrol Honor Guard will present the evening’s colors, and the 172nd Airlift Wing of the Mississippi Air National Guard will perform a pregame flyover.

The first-place Mississippi Braves are playing their final homestand of the regular season this week through Sunday. For tickets and more information on promotions, or postseason ticket, fans can visit mississippibraves.com or call 888-BRAVES4.

M-Braves, Humana hosting Food Drive at Trustmark Park, Sept. 7-10

 

PEARL, MS – In partnership with the Mississippi Braves, Humana will be hosting a canned Food Drive benefiting the VA Food Pantry from Tuesday, September 7 through Friday, September 10 at Trustmark Park. Any fan that donates 2-or-more canned goods at the Trustmark Park Box Office between 10 am-3 pm will receive a $3 Field Level ticket for the September 11th game against the Montgomery Biscuits.

The Mississippi Braves will host their final homestand, September 7-12, against the Montgomery Biscuits at Trustmark Park. The homestand will feature the last Thirsty Thursday of 2021, Drew Waters MVP Statue Giveaway, Kid’s Backpack Giveaway presented by the Mississippi Department of Health, First Responders, and Military Appreciation Night on September 11, and Post-Game Fireworks presented by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety and Commissioner Sean Tindell. For a complete list of promotions and to purchase tickets, visit mississippibraves.com, or call 888-BRAVES4.

For any more questions on the Humana Food Drive, please contact Garrett Butler at 601-664-7630 or [email protected].

Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) is committed to helping our millions of medical and specialty members achieve their best health. Our successful history in care delivery and health plan administration is helping us create a new kind of integrated care with the power to improve health and well-being and lower costs. Our efforts are leading to a better quality of life for people with Medicare, families, individuals, military service personnel, and communities at large.

M-Braves to host Autism Awareness Day on Sunday at Trustmark Park

 

PEARL, MS – The Mississippi Braves have partnered with William Carey University to help raise awareness and funds for the fight against Autism this Sunday, July 22, when the M-Braves host the Biloxi Shuckers at 2:05 pm.

Mississippi Braves players and coaches will wear special Autism Awareness jerseys, featuring the Braves logo across the chest with Autism Awareness puzzle pieces. A silent auction will be held at Trustmark Park beginning when gates open at 1:00 pm for fans to bid on each player and coach’s jersey. The current M-Braves roster features 11 of the Atlanta Braves top 30 prospects, including 2019 first-round selections Shea Langeliers and Braden Shewmake. Immediately following the game, players will autograph their jerseys for the auction winners. In addition, the jerseys will be signed by the player that wears them. The silent auction will end after the last out of the 6th inning.

Proceeds to the jersey auction will benefit TEAAM, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of Mississippians with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Intellectual Disabilities, Developmental Disabilities, or Specific Learning Disabilities by cultivating and enhancing family and community supports.

“TEAAM has been honored to support the autism community now for more than two decades,” added Dr. Mark H. Yeager, executive director of TEAAM Autism. “We have just completed our 21st summer of providing summer camp fun for youth and adults with autism. Over those years we have seen numerous families benefit from what we see as our mission, providing community-based experiences and access to recreational events such as this event partnering with the Mississippi Braves! It is partnerships such as these with William Carey University and the Mississippi Braves that allow us to continue to grow the opportunities for individuals and their families. And of course, we are honored to have both Mississippi teams on the field for our day in the sun!”

The M-Braves and William Carey University aim to create an environment that will allow families dealing with Autism to enjoy a day at Trustmark Park while raising awareness for Autism, a disorder that affects one in 59 American children. Sunday is also Family Fun Day, with post-game kids run the bases after the game.

“William Carey University is proud to support the efforts of Dr. Yeager, our faculty member and coordinator of our special education department, and his TEAAM organization in all of the work they do in the field of autism,” said Ben Burnett, Ph.D., executive vice president at WCU. “He has dedicated his entire career to serving those with special needs and WCU is proud to have him teaching and leading on our campus.”

For tickets to Sunday’s game and information on upcoming promotions, visit mississippibraves.com, or call 888-BRAVES4.

Smokies Stadium to Host Officer Robert Frederick Charity Softball Tournament 

 

SEVIERVILLE, TN – Smokies Stadium will host the Officer Robert Frederick charity softball tournament on July 20, 2021 at 6:00pm in conjunction with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Frederick, an officer with the Gatlinburg Police Department, was injured over Memorial Day weekend when his family’s home was destroyed by a fire and took the life of his daughter, a recent Gatlinburg-Pittman High School Graduate, Shauna, and his father-in-law, Edmond Davis. The money raised during the event will go back to help cover costs the family has endured.

The tournament will begin at 6:00pm with gates opening at 5:00pm. This is a free event open to the public. During the tournament, $10 raffle tickets will be sold for items from various sponsors of the event. Smokies concessions and GoTeez Locker Room will be open, donating a portion of sales back to the Frederick Family.

There are currently five teams made up of local law enforcement, fire, EMS agencies, and 911 emergency dispatchers. Each game will be 50 minutes long, ending with a championship game.

For those that can not attend the event in-person, Knoxville TVA Employees Credit Union has a benefit account set up with Officer Frederick and his family. Donations can be made online or inside any local Knoxville TVA Employees Credit Union branch.

For additional information, contact the Jefferson County Sheriff’s office at 865-471-6000.

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.

Blue Wahoos, SFOC Team To Help Pensacola Habitat For Humanity

 

Undeterred by thick humidity, or the soaking from two rain showers, several Blue Wahoos employees extended the team’s community impact Monday in a special way.

The group, which included team vice president Donna Kirby, joined with members from entities within the Studer Family of Companies to help construction of two homes in a partnership with Pensacola Habitat for Humanity.

The adjacent homes were on 48th Street near New Warrington Road. The three bedroom, two bath homes will soon be ready for first-time homeowners.

“It was a really fulfilling and rewarding experience,” said Anna Striano, the Blue Wahoos community relations and merchandise manager. “I know everybody was super tired. We had just worked a six-game homestand (which ended June 21 against the Montgomery Biscuits), but it was a lot of fun.

“A lot of hard work and the weather was not the greatest, of course, but everyone I think felt a sense of accomplishment when we left that day.”

The SFOC group combined to help construction on the roof, front porch, installing and fastening hurricane reinforcement rods and other parts of the home.

The team began at 7:30 a.m. that morning, which followed the Blue Wahoos completing a six-game homestand about 36 hours earlier. Members from the Bodacious Café and Shops along with SFOC finance joined the effort.

“I think it is always fun to give back to the community, especially something like this, when you are physically making a difference… it is very rewarding,” said Gracey McDonald, in her second full year as the events sales specialist at 5eleven Palafox, a multipurpose events venue and part of the SFOC entities.

McDonald, a Milton High and University of West Florida graduate, worked the past several years in the Blue Wahoos front office handling a variety of roles.

Her sister, Betsy, is part of the team at Pensacola Habitat for Humanity.

“She mentioned to me one day that she was going out to help build, because they are able to go out and build whenever they want to and I thought that would be so much fun,” McDonald said. “So, she set me up with the person who sets up all their coordination and volunteer efforts and it just kind of steamrolled from there.”

This is the 40th anniversary for Pensacola Habitat for Humanity. The non-profit organization has built more than 1,400 homes in Escambia and Santa Rosa County.

“As far as I know, this is our first project with them,” said Striano, a California native and graduate of Grand Canyon University, now in her fifth year with the Blue Wahoos. “They have come out for fundraisers at our games, but this may be a first for us working to help build two homes.

“It was real special for me. My dad was a home builder and always talked to me about Habitat for Humanity and how much he appreciated what they were doing,” she said. “He always wanted to do a build, but there were not any options where we live, so this has a personal connection.”

The efforts were part of the Blue Wahoos continued outreach in the community.

Striano said in 2020, the Blue Wahoos worked a combined 1,012 hours in various community service projects or one-day events. With baseball returning this year, the availability is more limited, but she is able to take requests and determine if the time fits or not.

One added element with the home building project is the SFOC group worked alongside a homeowner for one of the homes as she was helping build her house.

“We got to know her a little bit and that kind of made it more personal,” Striano said. “You are working with the person who is actually going to be living in that house.

“A lot of what we have done recently has been restoration and cleanup efforts. This was definitely a little different than what we were used to, but I felt like it was so rewarding.”