Blue Wahoos, FDOH-Escambia Partner To Offer Four Vaccine Clinics In June

 

The Pensacola Blue Wahoos, in partnership with the Florida Department of Health in Escambia County, will offer free COVID-19 vaccines to fans at their games on June 5, June 6, June 19, and June 20.

Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines will be administered to eligible fans ages 12 and up. Recipients of the Pfizer vaccine will be scheduled to receive their second dose at FDOH-Escambia the week of Monday, June 28. Single-shot Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccines will also be available to eligible participants ages 18 and up.

No appointments will be necessary for fans attending the games.

Fans interested in attending the Blue Wahoos games during which vaccines will be administered can secure their tickets at BlueWahoos.com.

For more information about FDOH-Escambia and COVID-19, fans may visit EscambiaHealth.com.

Florida State University To Host Youth Football Clinic At Blue Wahoos Stadium

 

Florida State University will hold a youth football clinic at Blue Wahoos Stadium on Wednesday, May 26 from 6:30-8:00 PM. The clinic will be free, and youth football players currently enrolled in 2nd through 8th grade are eligible to attend.

“I am incredibly excited for this opportunity to invest in communities throughout the state of Florida,” head coach Mike Norvell said in a team announcement about the clinic tour. “Our focus will be on serving our state’s youth by providing a positive, impactful experience. There has been so much adversity this year and sacrifices our children have had to make. This will be an opportunity to have fun, develop athletically and celebrate the Seminole Way.”

Florida State clinics are open to all youth currently in 8th grade and younger. They will feature fun, age-appropriate instruction from the Florida State football coaching staff, as well as special appearances by FSU football alumni. All clinics will have COVID protocols in place as established by the CDC, FSU and local regulations.

Parents/guardians may register their youth camp participant to attend by clicking here.

M-Braves partner with MS Food Network for “Strike Out Hunger” Nights at Trustmark Park

 

PEARL, MS – The Mississippi Braves and Mississippi Food Network are partnering for the first of two “Strike Out Hunger” Nights on Tuesday, May 18, at Trustmark Park.

Fans bringing non-perishable food items to Mississippi Food Network representatives outside the Trustmark Park main gate, or box office, will receive a $3 Field Level Ticket voucher. The first pitch is set for 6:35 pm as the M-Braves take on the Chattanooga Lookouts and begin a 12-game homestand. Mem

“We are once again thrilled to partner with the Mississippi Food Network for Strike Out Hunger Night at Trustmark Park,” said Mississippi Braves vice president and general manager Pete Laven. “Our fans always come through for this drive, and we know they will again this time. The ticket discount is just an added incentive.”

The second “Strike Out Hunger” Night is scheduled for Tuesday, August 10 against Biloxi.

The Braves will return to Trustmark Park for 12 games in 13 days, May 18-30, against the Chattanooga Lookouts and Montgomery Biscuits. The homestand will feature the return of Bark in the Park, two Post-Game Fireworks Shows, and two great giveaways. On Friday, May 21, the first 1,000 fans receive a Dansby Swanson replica jersey, courtesy of the Mississippi Forestry Commission. On Friday, May 28, the Braves will wear throwback Jackson Generals jerseys, and the first 1,000 fans will get a replica Generals cap, courtesy of NCADD.

For tickets and more information, be sure to visit mississippibraves.com, or call 888-BRAVES4.

Blue Wahoos Partner With FDOH-Escambia To Offer In-Game Vaccines

 

The Pensacola Blue Wahoos, in partnership with the Florida Department of Health in Escambia County, will offer free COVID-19 vaccines to fans at their games on Tuesday, May 11th, Saturday, May 15th, and Sunday, May 16th. Single-shot vaccines will be available to medically-eligible fans ages 18 and up and will be administered by Department of Health nurses.

“We’re so excited for the opportunity to work together with the Florida Department of Health to offer vaccines to our fans,” team president Jonathan Griffith said. “Helping get Pensacola vaccinated meets our mission as an organization to improve the quality of life in our community. I’m so excited about this chance that I’ve committed to get vaccinated myself on the dugout during the 7th inning stretch while singing Take Me Out To The Ballpark!”

No appointments will be necessary for fans attending the games. 500 vaccine doses will be available at the ballpark in first-come, first serve fashion.

“This collaboration with the Pensacola Blue Wahoos is not only a great opportunity to increase vaccinations in our community but also a model of the vital role that partnerships play in our public health system,” Marie Mott, health officer and administrator for FDOH-Escambia, said. “The COVID-19 vaccine is an important tool to stop the spread of COVID-19, and I encourage all eligible persons to get vaccinated.”

Fans interested in attending the Blue Wahoos games during which vaccines will be administered can secure their tickets at BlueWahoos.com.

M-Braves to continue $5 Ticket Program for military, veterans and first responders

 

PEARL – The Mississippi Braves are proud to announce the continuation of a program that offers discounted tickets to our local first responders, military, and veterans. All members and veterans of all branches of the U.S. military and first responders/emergency personnel will receive $5 Diamond Level tickets ($10 discount) to all Mississippi Braves home games in 2021 when presenting a valid ID at the box office. This expanded discount on tickets for all home games at Trustmark Park to our local heroes is an extension of AMR First Responders Day each Wednesday, in which a complimentary Field Level ticket is offered.

“The M-Braves want to say thank you to all members of our armed forces and first responders/emergency personnel for their service and sacrifice,” said Mississippi Braves Vice President and General Manager Pete Laven. “Recognizing these exemplary citizens by providing them a fun ballpark experience is something which the Braves and AMR are very proud of. We look forward to seeing these local heroes and their friends and family at Trustmark Park this season.”

The discount is not available for tickets ordered online, and purchases must be made at the Trustmark Park box office.

Fans may begin securing their single-game tickets for each of the 60 games at Trustmark Park on Thursday at 2:00 pm. Tickets may be purchased at mississippibraves.com by calling 888-BRAVES4 or stopping by the Trustmark Park box office Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.

Opening Day for the Mississippi Braves is Tuesday, May 4 at 6:35 pm against the Pensacola Blue Wahoos at Trustmark Park. Fans can guarantee their seat with 2021 season tickets. Also currently available are flex plans, group tickets, suite nights, and sponsorship opportunities. View ticket options HERE. For more information, fans are encouraged to visit mississippibraves.com or call 888-BRAVES4.

Calling All Workers, Blue Wahoos Seek Seasonal Help For Games

 

The excitement of a new Blue Wahoos baseball season, a new era, includes a welcome challenge for the organization to find game day staff members.

That is why an April 6-7 Job Fair at the stadium, which encompasses part-time positions within the Studer Family of Companies, is a needed two-day venture. The job-seeking event is open to all area residents who meet legal working age requirements in Florida.

There are a multitude of positions available within the Blue Wahoos, as well as Bubba’s Sweet Spot and Bodacious Shops on Palafox Street, plus the new Oyster Bay Boutique Hotel on Bayfront Parkway. The event at the stadium will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. each day and job-seekers will be given an application form to complete before interviews.

A majority of positions for Blue Wahoos games will be in food and beverage, helping to operate the stadium’s massive concession operation.

“We need as many folks as we can get our hands on,” said Candice Miller, human resources director. “We’re back. We are ready to play ball. We are committed to playing. And we will also do it in a safe manner.

“We are ready to help some of the people who have not been able to get back to work to get to work with us. They will get to experience our culture and everything we are about.”

When the Blue Wahoos play their 2021 home opener on May 11 against the Birmingham Barons, it will be the first Blue Wahoos game since September 7, 2019 – a span of nearly 20 months.

The first impact of the global coronavirus pandemic in March 2020 wiped out all of last season across Minor League Baseball. The Blue Wahoos held a job fair a year ago before the season was cancelled.

“It is a different experience than it has been,” said Miller, referring to changing times from all other Blue Wahoos seasons. “I am hoping we can get some good quality, customer-oriented people to come out and express the interest we are looking for… and to match them up with the right departments.

“It is so important to get these jobs filled, so we can provide the level of service that we are known for doing year afer year,” she said.

Applicants attending the job fair are asked to dress for a job interview, along with presenting a resume that includes contact information, education history, job experience and references. Candidates will be interviewed for all SFOC positions by members of the company staff.

Masks will be mandatory. Physical distance will be maintained. Other COVID-19 related procedures will be in place.

“People who are considering working for us should understand we do have safety protocols in place,” said Danielle Djuric, SFOC human resources assistant. “And that we have procedures, standards we follow.

“We are requiring masks. We are finding alternative methods to engage fans in a crowd during Blue Wahoos games and still show them a good time. So we want to make sure everyone is safe.”

More information on the Job Fair as to specific positions can be found on www.bluewahoos.com or by calling 850-934-8444 during regular business hours.

WANT TO GO?

WHAT: Blue Wahoos Job Fair

WHEN: April 6-7, 4 p.m.-7 p.m.

WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium

WHO: Open To All Legal Age Workers In Florida

POSITIONS: Vary.

INFO: www.bluewahoos.com

Braves Bookworms Reading Program Returns for 2021

 

PEARL, MS — The Mississippi Braves and Whataburger are pleased to announce the Braves Bookworms Reading Program’s return in 2021. The program is designed to encourage and enhance literacy among Central Mississippi youth through partnerships with local schools. The program is entirely free for students and educators. Click HERE for our Reading Program Central and fun educational resources.

Braves Bookworms strives to make reading fun by bringing the exciting experience from Trustmark Park into the classroom. All students from Pre-K through 8th grade are invited to participate. Braves Bookworms incentivizes students to read outside the classroom by rewarding them for reaching specific goals set by their teachers. The program is designed to run for four weeks.

Schools participating will have the opportunity to have Mississippi Braves mascots and staff present a Braves Bookworm Kickoff Pep Rally virtually. From January to March 2020, the M-Braves visited over 30 schools. The pep rally encourages participation and communicates the importance of reading.

Students participating in the program will receive an M-Braves bookmark. Once the objectives are complete, the bookmark becomes a voucher that students can exchange for (2) tickets to any 2021 Mississippi Braves home game! Vouchers may be exchanged at the Trustmark Park box office, based on availability! They must reach goals set by educators while they “Read Around the Bases,” creating a customizable incentive-based program to encourage children to read.To register for the program, download and fill out this FORM and send it to Darius Green at [email protected] or by mail (1 Braves Way, Pearl, MS 39208), fax (601-936-3567). Once we receive your enrollment form, a member of the M-Braves front office will contact you regarding program materials. Contact the Braves with any questions you might have at 601-932-8788.

Opening Day for the Mississippi Braves is set for Tuesday, May 4 at 6:35 pm against the Pensacola Blue Wahoos at Trustmark Park. Fans can guarantee their seat with 2021 season tickets. Also currently available are flex plans, group tickets suite nights, and sponsorship opportunities. View ticket options HERE. Individual game tickets will go on sale to the general public in April. For more information, fans are encouraged to visit milb.com/mississippi/tickets or call 601-9328788.**

ABOUT THE MISSISSIPPI BRAVES:**
Based in Pearl, MS since 2005, the Mississippi Braves are the Double-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. Since the inaugural season, there have been 150 M-Braves go on to play in Major League Baseball, including Brian McCann, Jeff Francoeur, Freddie Freeman, Craig Kimbrel, Andrelton Simmons, Dansby Swanson, Ozzie Albies, Max Fried, Mike Soroka, Austin Riley, Ian Anderson, Cristian Pache, and Ronald Acuña Jr. The M-Braves are owned and operated by the Atlanta Braves, the longest continuously operated franchise in Major League Baseball.

Smokies Host Second Job Fair at Smokies Stadium 

 

SEVIERVILLE, TN –The Tennessee Smokies have announced that the club will be hosting a second Job Fair at Smokies Stadium this Saturday, March 13 from 10:00am until 3:00pm. When arriving please enter at the Restaurant located on the left side of the parking lot. Attendees will be required to wear a mask and maintain social distance while at the job fair.

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 takers, 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 for 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.

Potential employees will be asked to fill out their top three job choices on their interview questionnaire, which will be provided at the job fair. All persons seeking employment may not be able to work in their area of choice, as jobs will be offered by strength of application and/or resume.

The Smokies will commence their 2021 home opener against the Montgomery Biscuits on Tuesday, May 4, 2021. 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.

Blue Wahoos Staff Teams To Help Pensacola Youth Soccer Prepare For New Season 

 

Later in March, Pensacola Youth Soccer hopes to begin practices, then games for an upcoming season that has presented varied challenges.

The Blue Wahoos front office staff has helped toward making it possible.

As part of the team’s ongoing community service outreach, Blue Wahoos employees joined together Feb. 24 to dig, remove and carry away rocks embedded in the grass acreage of Mallory Heights Park.

Before the area could soon be set up and lined for multiple youth soccer fields, clearing away debris was a necessity.

“We could not have a season, had we not done this. It’s that simple,” said Phil Nickinson, board president of Pensacola Youth Soccer, praising the team of Wahoos staff members. “Having everyone from the Wahoos out here in one afternoon was very special.”

The Blue Wahoos have made youth field restoration in the Pensacola area part of their annual schedule. This was the first soccer field project.

“It helps us meet our mission,” said Anna Striano, the Blue Wahoos community relations director and merchandise manager. “If we weren’t out helping, it’s likely (Pensacola Youth Soccer) would not have been able to play soccer.

“Definitely, if these rocks had stayed on these fields, it could not have been used for practice. Somebody would have hurt themselves playing on these fields. Now, they are going to be able to hold practices.”

Since the team’s inaugural season in 2012, the Blue Wahoos have traveled throughout Escambia and Santa Rosa County to youth ballfields. If a request is submitted, the field is checked out for what equipment is needed and whether it is possible to make significant improvements during a day.

Dustin Hannah, the Blue Wahoos head groundskeeper, helps direct the work effort at the field.

“With the coronavirus situation, this year has been a little different, because what organizations are looking for the most is raising funds,” Striano said. “What we can provide is a day where our staff can come out and work together to smooth a field and make light repairs.

“This one (at Mallory Heights) came together quickly. But with everything we were able to do in helping with the recovery in our community from Hurricane Sally in mid-September, it has just flowed together. We have been able to help wherever we can.”

Mallory Heights Park is among 96 parks within the City of Pensacola Parks and Recreation Department. And only a small number of those parks are usable for soccer.

More fields will soon be available when the city opens a $3 million soccer complex at Hitzman-Optimist Park.

“Once Hitzman is done, these fields (at Mallory Heights) can be used for practices and smaller games of six on six soccer,” NIckinson said.

Pensacola Youth Soccer has approximately 750 kids participating in the recreational youth soccer organization for ages 4 through 17.

“And that number of kids is actually the fewest we’ve had since 2015,” Nickinson said. “We did minimal advertising, because we knew we had to cap registration because we don’t have the field space.”

The main benefit of getting the fields ready is just having a season again. When the coronavirus pandemic struck a year ago in March, all youth sports were either discontinued or greatly curtailed.

“We haven’t done anything since last spring,” Nickinson said. “We haven’t used these fields in the past year. We are hoping to have half of our practices out here.”

M-Braves to Host Job Fair on Saturday, March 20th

 

PEARL – The Mississippi Braves will hold a job fair for part-time/seasonal positions for the 2021 season on Saturday, March 20, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. 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.

Applicants should be energetic, friendly, dependable, and ready to contribute to the family atmosphere of Trustmark Park.

Attendees will have the chance to interview for a variety of positions, including:

Food & Beverage:
• Restaurant Manager
• Concession Stand Manager
• Bartender
• Catering Food Prep
• Concession Stand Attendant
• Concession Stand Cook
• Dishwasher
• Host/Hostesses
• Kitchen Prep Staff
• Line Cooks
• Restaurant Wait Staff
• Suite Attendants

Stadium Operations:
• Customer Service Representative
• Grounds Crew
• Merchandise Store Attendant
• Money Audit Staff
• Security
• Usher

Ticket Operations:
• Ticket Seller
• Ticket Taker

Production & Promotions:
• Technical Operator
• Camera Operator
• Mascot
• Promotions Team
• Video Board Operators
• Video Production Crew

These jobs are all paid and include the opportunity to work many of the team’s 60 home games and other special events between March and September. All applicants are required to attend the M-Braves Job Fair. Applicants are encouraged to submit an application online via the link below. Masks will be required for all attendees, and the M-Braves will enforce all social distancing guidelines.

Visit our EMPLOYMENT AND JOB FAIR page for more information and to apply online.

All applicants must be at least 16 years of age and able to work nights, weekends, and some holidays. The Mississippi Braves are an equal opportunity employer.

The 2021 game schedule is here, so season tickets, flex plans, group outings, and sponsorship opportunities are available now by calling 888-BRAVES4.

Blue Wahoos Provide Needed Place For Reuniting Mr. Robbins Neighborhood Program 

 

Crystal blue sky and the welcome return of warmer temperatures added to the experience, as members of Mr. Robbins’ Neighborhood gathered at Blue Wahoos Stadium.

A group of area high school athletes in the Playbook Program were together Feb. 20 for the first time since the 2020 school year ended in June.

Several had never met each other. Most had only visited via Zoom conferences. The ongoing coronavirus pandemic forced limitations in an organization designed to mentor and educate young athletes about the necessity of preparing for a future beyond sports.

Now, finally, they were on a field, working out together, and in meetings at the stadium.

“I’m telling you, it’s great just to be outside again, be on a field again, be with these kids in person again. It means so much,” said Fred Robbins, the retired NFL defensive star, who co-founded the outreach program with his wife, Tia, as a way to mentor athletes, inform about getting into college and reinforce the importance of having a Plan B outside of sports.

“Those who are on Zoom, I know you are tired of Zoom,” said Robbins, addressing the group. “I am Zoomed out, too. This is way to get outside.”

Through the help of Blue Wahoos co-owners Quint and Rishy Studer, the stadium became a way to get outside. A way to get the athletes’ parents together, have the athletes go through some workouts, then gather for a meal inside the stadium’s lounge.

The athletes were also able to utilize the Blue Wahoos home clubhouse. It was a full afternoon and evening for the program members, something they have not had since COVID-19 affected everything.

“The kids needed it,” said Tia Robbins. “The program had to transition into everything being done virtually. And Mr. Studer brought up this up about using the stadium, and said, ‘Let’s make this happen.’

“Just having little fun is so important. And getting the parents together to give them information is so much easier to do this way.”

The athletes thanked the Studers in a Facebook video. Many of the athletes had requested to Fred Robbins about a way for the Playbook Program to meet outside on a field again.

“We were doing everything on just Zoom calls,” said Fred Robbins, who went from Tate High and Wake Forest into winning a Super Bowl as starting defensive tackle for the New York Giants. “We tried to get to a kid at a football game on Friday. And we try to get him on a Zoom call on Saturday morning.

“But we could just tell the focus wasn’t there. The good thing about it, is that some of them realized it, too. And they said, ‘Hey is there any way we can get together? These Zooms aren’t doing anything.’

“That is what this day is about.”

Before activities began, Fred and Tia met with the athletes to reinforce the importance of registering with the NCAA Clearinghouse, an online portal that is essential for being recruited and verifying academic eligibility.

As Tia pointed out to the athletes, there’s a case of one area athlete unable to get a scholarship simply because he did not register with the NCAA Clearinghouse.

“I don’t care if you have a 30 on the ACT, or a 4.5 grade point average,” Fred Robbins said to the athletes. “If you haven’t registered for the (NCAA) Clearinghouse, you are not getting in college. All you have to do is register. It is easy.

“But if I’m a college coach and I don’t see your name in the Clearinghouse, If I don’t see his name, I can’t recruit you. This is a way they can see your film, see who you are. Make sure you guys do it.”

Mr. Robbins’ Neighborhood is now in its seventh year. The athletes include football players, basketball players, baseball and soccer. This year, the Playbook Program welcomed the first are female athlete.

The idea was formed when Fred Robbins got injured late in his 12-year NFL career. As he was in the hospital after surgery, he realized what would happen if he could not return to playing. What now?

He wanted to make sure teenage athletes grasp the reality of long odds just to play college sports. And the percentage of athletes who ever rise from high school to earning a professional contract is miniscule.

It is why having a Plan B is vital.

“We’re now seeing some ours kids in the program in college now,” Tia Robbins said. “We’ve seen the difference this making with them.”

Regions Field to Host Fultondale High School Baseball Home Opener

 

Regions Field is honored to announce that it will host the Fultondale High School Wildcats home opener against the Ramsay High School Rams on Saturday, February 27th. The game will begin at 12:00 p.m. with gates opening at 11:00 a.m.

Due to the recent tornado damage sustained to Fultondale’s home field, the team has been forced to move their practices and home games 20 miles away to Tarrant Field. To assist in this incredibly tough time for the club, Regions Field is proud to offer the Wildcats the chance to play their home opener on the very same field that the Birmingham Barons call home.

“Our prayers and thoughts continue for our Fultondale neighbors as they recover from the recent tornado,” said Barons President and General Manager Jonathan Nelson. “Knowing Fultondale’s High School Baseball Team had their 2020 season cut short due to COVID, and then to not have a home season at their ballpark due to this devasting tornado is heartbreaking. We are honored to help Fultondale kick-off their season against Ramsay High and want to make this a special experience for Fultondale’s student-athletes as well the entire Fultondale community.”

With their home field destroyed, Fultondale is living by the motto “Home is Where the Heart is”. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, the team has decided to bring the bases and the home plate from their home field to every game. This act represents the pride the team has for their community, and to always remain Fultondale Strong.

“We dug up home plate and are taking it everywhere we go because our heart is back at our home field, wherever we are fortunate to play will now become our home.” Said Fultondale Head Coach Michael Franklin. “We really hope to have the community come out to Regions Field and support the boys on February 27th.”

Tickets for the Fultondale’s home opener can be purchased at the GoFan digital ticketing site for $6. Fans will also be able to purchase tickets at Regions Field on the day of the game. Proceeds from the ticket sales will go directly back to the Fultondale Baseball Team.

As with all events at Regions Field, the facility will be enforcing all social distancing and safety regulations set forth by the City of Birmingham and the Jefferson County Department of Health Department.

Shuckers & American Red Cross to Host Blood Drive at MGM Park

 

The Biloxi Shuckers and American Red Cross announced Wednesday that a blood drive will take place at MGM Park on Wednesday, February 17th from 1:00pm-7:00pm to assist in restocking the blood supply shortage faced by the pandemic.

When asked about the necessity of blood donations, American Red Cross Senior Account Manager Denise Smith said, “There is a constant need for blood, patients need blood and/or blood products every two seconds.” Due to the pandemic and winter storms, numerous blood drives were cancelled both locally and nationally, creating a higher need.

Those interested in donating are advised to schedule an appointment online by visiting www.redcrossblood.org and use the sponsor code SHUCKERS. Appointments can also be made by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). All blood donors who participate will receive a custom Mardi Gras themed t-shirt courtesy of the Biloxi Shuckers and American Red Cross while supplies last. COVID protocols will be in effect including a temperature screening prior to entry, providing masks and hand sanitizer and extended cleaning between each donor. Additionally, all donations will be tested for COVID-19 antibodies.

“The COVID antibody testing tells the donor whether they have been exposed and their body has created the defensive antibodies,” said Smith. “If a donation tests positive for the antibodies we will test that sample again to see if the plasma can be pulled out of that donation to go to current critical COVID patients. This enables donors to not only help save up to three patients but possibly help a current COVID patient.”

Group Sales Coordinator Layton Markwood noted, “The Shuckers are thrilled to partner with the American Red Cross to help support our community in this time of need. We are constantly working to be an active member of our community and we’re honored to be able to offer up our facility for this important event. We look forward to seeing all of our generous fans at MGM Park on February 17th.”

Full Shuck Nation Memberships,Half Shell Shuck Nation Memberships, Flex Plans and Group Outings for the 2021 season are available by calling 228-233-3465, option 3. A full game schedule will be released at a later date.

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.

Trash Pandas to Host Job Fair on February 27th

 

In preparation for the inaugural 2021 baseball season, the Rocket City Trash Pandas will conduct a job fair at Toyota Field on Saturday, February 27th at 10 A.M. Central.

The team is looking for candidates with great energy and enthusiasm to work during Trash Pandas home games, helping to create the best fan experience in baseball. Positions are available across all departments: Food & Beverage, Retail, Ushers, Ticket Takers, Promotions, Production, Parking, Security, and 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. However, if you are not hired in one of your top three positions, you may be offered a spot in another department. Each interview will take about five (5) minutes.

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

CDC and Madison County COVID safety mandates will be followed at the job fair, and interviews will be conducted in a socially distant manner. Masks are required.

Blue Wahoos Provide Special Covenant Care Wish For Beloved Youth Baseball Coach 

 

The hallway entrance doors opened, providing Jeff LaMonte first glimpse of the gathering ready to embrace him on the field at Blue Wahoos Stadium.

As he was slowly guided in a wheelchair down the dugout ramp, joyful surprise enveloped his face.

Standing near home plate were friends and relatives. Some traveled from far away. Former players from decades ago, now with their own families, had their gloves and bats ready to play ball.

All stood anxious Nov. 28 to greet the beloved youth baseball coach, who impacted so many lives for decades in the Pace Athletic and Recreation Association, commonly known as PARA.

“This is the first time I’ve ever been here,” said LaMonte, who is battling a terminal illness. “I always wanted to come to a game, but just could never get here.”

Now he was here on this day, thanks to Covenant Care in Pensacola.

The organization’s “My Wish” program made it happen. In this case, it was a wish for baseball. For several hours, LaMonte was positioned behind the batting cage, his brother by his side, watching kids, then adults play in sandlot style games.

Each inning, former players he coached would exchange greetings. Among LaMonte’s family and long-time friends, eyes welled. Emotion flowed.

They wore powder blue T-shirts with an inspirational message on the front and #TeamJeff on the back.

“This is amazing, it is magical,” said Christie Parker, Covenant Care senior director of development. “It is our goal for every patient to have a wish like this. Something that is meaningful for them and also their entire family and their friends.

“So, it means the world to us to be able to experience this with them and it’s because of the Blue Wahoos that we were able to bring it all together and make it happen.”

LaMonte’s life is filled with memories of coaching Tee-Ball players who became high school players. Travel Ball players who became college players.

Four of his prodigies are a group including Minnesota Twins third baseman Josh Donaldson, former Chicago Cubs shortstop Addison Russell, former St. Louis Cardinals pitcher P.J. Walters and infielder Drew Cumberland, former first round pick by the San Diego Padres.

They all went from PARA to professional baseball.

“I really want to show my gratitude and say thank you for everything you’ve done, not only for me, but everyone in the community,” said Russell, in a video tribute shown on the stadium video board during the My Wish event.

The poignant experience this day was part of Covenant Care’s fast-expanding My Wish program. It started three years ago with approximately 80. Before this year ends, Parker said there will have been 450 or so My Wish experiences in 12 months.

Each one is different, powerful in its own way. The one with LaMonte was large-scale, open for anyone in the Pace community — touched in some way by LaMonte — to come to Blue Wahoos Stadium and show their support.

“This is My Wish in its best form,” said Angela Bottesini, senior director of My Wish and Patient Family Experience for Covenant Care. “This was (LaMonte’s) dream that he knew would never happen. And when we found that out… to be able to bring it to fruition this good is just wonderful.”

Covenant Care is one of the Blue Wahoos’ company partners. Both dugouts at the stadium have Covenant Care sponsorship signs.

When Bottesini contacted Blue Wahoos president Jonathan Griffith about the stadium availability on Nov. 28 and the possibility of using the stadium in this way, he immediately gave approval.

LaMonte grew up in Albany, Ga, before moving to Pace. He got started in PARA when his stepson became old enough to play youth baseball. He continued coaching and mentoring hundreds of kids through the program.

It made a My Wish day at Blue Wahoos Stadium with men he coached as kids even more impactful.

“The program itself was the brainchild, the heart baby of our CEO Jeff Mislevy,” Bottesini said. “He said we need to be part of this community in a way that we have never done before. That’s how this developed.

“In five years, our goal will be to have done 10,000 wishes.”

Blue Wahoos owner Quint Studer, who attended the My Wish experience for LaMonte, has been a long-time supporter of Covenant Care’s mission.

In a season without baseball, the Blue Wahoos have been able to connect with the community in hosting a variety of events that would not be possible without the expansive space of the ballpark.

Studer has also donated the Blue Wahoos’ Airbnb clubhouse experience for selected dates for Covenant Care’s Camp Connect program, designed to provide a special moment for children ages 6-17, who lost a loved one.

“We are so fortunate in Northwest Florida to have Covenant Health,” Studer said. “They make wishes come true. “That’s what they did (Nov. 28) for Team Jeff, so ballplayers could come out and thank him for decades of coaching and his impact in the community.

“We are fortunate the Blue Wahoos and Blue Wahoos can be part of making a difference in our community just as Covenant Health does.”

One of those ways the team made a difference occurred on Aug. 23, 2019 when the Blue Wahoos hosted an equally special My Wish moment for 96-year-old Albert Lane, a World War II, U.S. Army fighter pilot.

Mr. Lane flew over the stadium during a Blue Wahoos game with aid of another pilot in a vintage military plane from that era. It was days before Mr. Lane’s next birthday. He passed away months later.

“Before he died he wanted to do a fly over,” Bottesini said. “As he was passing, he held the social worker’s hand and said that was the finest point in his life.

“So that tells you how big of an effect this stadium has made on Covenant Care and the patients we serve.”

Jeff LaMonte was joined by family members in a special Covenant Care My Wish experience Nov. 28 at Blue Wahoos Stadium.