Spring Notebook Part III | One Step Closer to Opening Day
From March 13-20, the “Voice of the Shuckers”, Javik Blake, will be at Brewers Spring Training in Phoenix, Arizona. Including interviews and videos across the Shuckers' social media channels, he’ll also publish Spring Training Notebooks throughout the trip, highlighting the top moments, quotes and videos as the team gets set
From March 13-20, the “Voice of the Shuckers”, Javik Blake, will be at Brewers Spring Training in Phoenix, Arizona. Including interviews and videos across the Shuckers' social media channels, he’ll also publish Spring Training Notebooks throughout the trip, highlighting the top moments, quotes and videos as the team gets set for the 2025 season.
It’s unfortunately the end of my trip to Arizona this spring, but it finished out with a bang! Along with back-to-back days with the Shuckers in action, former Shucker Shane Smith started against the Brewers on Wednesday. Manager Joe Ayrault also talked about the final stages of Spring Training, spending time on the big league side during camp and players who have made an impact. Click HERE to listen to the interview.
NOTABLE QUOTES
Joe Ayrault on the Spring Breakout - “Our scouts have done a great job; our amateur guys and our international guys. We got a bunch of dudes coming in the door. You look at guys like Made, the young bucks in that game and you also look at guys who have been around like Wilken and the guys playing in that game. It was great to see them [on MLB Network].”
2025 Shuckers Manager Joe Ayrault joined Shuckers broadcaster @javblake8 to chat about the final stages of Spring Training, spending time on the big league side during camp, players who have made an impact and more!
— Biloxi Shuckers (@BiloxiShuckers) March 19, 2025
🎧 https://t.co/3RyYY4l3Oz
📺 https://t.co/nj3KcsxngX pic.twitter.com/AiMtOChWxA
Chris Hook on the First Game in Biloxi - “It was a long day, but at the end, Brent Suter rounding third and scoring the winning run will be embedded in my memory forever.”
Javik Blake caught up with our first pitching coach and the current #Brewers pitching coach, Chris Hook, about the 2015 season, coaching in Biloxi and more! pic.twitter.com/P2ACA3Jeco
— Biloxi Shuckers (@BiloxiShuckers) March 18, 2025
Brandon Woodruff on Biloxi - “That was probably my favorite stop on the way to Milwaukee, just a special year for me, not only development-wise. I had a really good year and pitching back home in my home state is always fun. I had college roommates that lived on the Coast and friends and family got to come watch me all the time being in the Southern League.”
Great to catch up with former @HailStateBB and ‘16 @BiloxiShuckers Brandon Woodruff on his time in Biloxi and playing close to home!#ShuckYeah #ThisIsMyCrew pic.twitter.com/g44k4Qt8O1
— Javik Blake (@javblake8) March 19, 2025
Shane Smith on Pitching in Front of Former Teammates - “I think it’s cool. They usually see me coming from their own dugout, now they’re seeing me come from the other one, which I think is fun.”
Great to catch up with former @BiloxiShuckers Shane Smith after his start today! Lots of fun to hear about his roommates for the spring ('24 BLX teammates Tate Kuehner, Brett Wichrowski and Logan Henderson) pic.twitter.com/lwAxJuRl7q
— Javik Blake (@javblake8) March 19, 2025
MONDAY
The Shuckers faced the Akron RubberDucks, Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians, on the backfields at American Family Fields of Phoenix. Abdiel Mendoza, signed as a Minor League Free Agent this past off-season after eight seasons between different organizations, got the start for the Shuckers. He struck out four over his outing, including 2024 top draft pick Travis Bazzana. Kaleb Bowman, Nate Peterson and Tyler Bryant also appeared for the Shuckers. Bryant, who topped out at 97, enters 2025 after a 1.82 ERA with 33 strikeouts over 24.2 innings between High-A Wisconsin and Single-A Carolina last season.
It’s an easy 96+ for former Frontier League arm Tyler Bryant (who’s such an AWESOME story and had a 1.29 ERA in High-A last year) pic.twitter.com/fuywTvkCr3
— Javik Blake (@javblake8) March 17, 2025
Other notables included two hard-hit line drives from Brock Wilken, including a double that was off the bat at over 110 MPH. Luke Adams also recorded a hard-hit single off former Mississippi State arm Doug Nikhazy.
Mike Boeve, while not appearing in the game, has joined the Shuckers for infield drills as he continues to recover from off-season shoulder surgery.
So great seeing Mike Boeve back in action on the backfields today! pic.twitter.com/AfjU78iC7k
— Javik Blake (@javblake8) March 17, 2025
TUESDAY
For the second time in under a week, the Shuckers traveled to Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, this time to face the Hartford Yard Goats, Double-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies.
K.C. Hunt got the start for the Shuckers and worked into the fourth. Ramón Rodriguez, who appeared in 74 games with High-A Wisconsin in 2024, smashed a grand slam to left-center. Bladimir Restituyo, facing his former organization, also homered with a solo shot to left.
KC Hunt back on the mound? We’re all in 😎 pic.twitter.com/520Thlq5Ci
— Biloxi Shuckers (@BiloxiShuckers) March 18, 2025
In the field, Adam Hall and Garrett Spain, a Rule 5 selection in the MiLB-Phase this past off-season, starred with diving plays in left.
Yerlin Rodriguez also appeared and sat in the high 90s with his fastball after 71 strikeouts over 50.0 innings with High-A Wisconsin a year ago.
WEDNESDAY
While the Shuckers had a light day on the back fields as part of a camp day, the biggest story at the complex was Shane Smith, the former Shuckers star in 2024. Smith, who was selected first overall in the 2024 Rule 5 Draft by the Chicago White Sox, made his fourth spring start of the year and his first against the Brewers.
With the Shuckers in 2024, Smith made 27 appearances and 16 starts. He held a 3.08 ERA with 106 strikeouts across 87.2 innings. As a start, he shined, holding opponents to a .190 average with a 2.96 ERA and 74 strikeouts over 67.0 innings. As a Rule 5 selection, Smith must spend the entire season on the White Sox active roster or be returned to the Brewers organization. He’s set to become the 78th former Shucker to make their MLB debut and the third member of the 2024 team to reach the milestone.
Smith reached up to 98 MPH with his fastball, including strikeouts of Rhys Hoskins and Christian Yelich. Smith faced multiple former Shuckers teammates, including Tyler Black and Jackson Chourio. Smith was teammates with both during the final week of the 2023 season in Biloxi.
Shane Smith (‘23-‘24) strikeouts are alive and well in the desert 🌵⚾️ pic.twitter.com/wD5k0RpA1N
— Biloxi Shuckers (@BiloxiShuckers) March 19, 2025
Shuckers Playoff Tickets On Sale NOW For Southern League Playoffs
BILOXI, MS – The Biloxi Shuckers have announced the release of tickets for games 2 and 3 of the Southern League Division Series, set to be held at Keesler Federal Park on Thursday, September 18 and Friday, September 19. After the Shuckers’ first division title since 2019, they will host
Shuckers Drop Series Finale in Extras to Barons
BILOXI, MS – The Biloxi Shuckers (49-38, 7-11) clawed back from a 3-0 deficit, but fell in 10 innings, 4-3, against the Birmingham Barons (49-38, 11-7) at Keesler Federal Park in the Sunday series finale and final game before the four-day All-Star Break. The Barons struck first in the first
Shuckers Fall to Barons on Friday Night
BILOXI, MS – The Biloxi Shuckers (49-36, 7-9) brought the potential tying run to the on-deck circle in the seventh inning or later for the fourth consecutive game, but fell to the Birmingham Barons (47-38, 9-7), 6-2, at Keesler Federal Park on Friday night. The Barons took an early lead
Kuehner Ties Career-High with Six Innings in Shuckers Loss to Barons
BILOXI, MS – In the fifth straight game decided by three runs or less, the Biloxi Shuckers (49-35, 7-8) fell to the Birmingham Barons (46-38, 8-7), 5-2, at Keesler Federal Park on Thursday night. Despite the loss, a fourth-inning home run from Zavier Warren marked the Shuckers' 80th of the
Wichrowski Sets Career-High with 6.1 Innings, Shuckers Fall to Barons
BILOXI, MS – The Biloxi Shuckers (49-34, 7-7) had the tying run at second with two outs in the ninth, but a potential comeback fell short for the second straight day in a 6-4 loss to the Birmingham Barons (45-38, 7-7). Despite the loss, Luis Lara tied his career-high with
Warren Drives In a Pair in Shuckers Loss to Barons
BILOXI, MS – The Biloxi Shuckers (49-33, 7-6) fell to the Birmingham Barons (44-38, 6-7), 7-5, at Keesler Federal Park in a series-opener on Tuesday night. Despite falling behind 5-0 in the fourth, the Shuckers scored five of the game’s final seven runs in the loss. Jacob Gonzalez started the
Shuckers Comeback Falls Short in Series Finale Against Blue Wahoos
BILOXI, MS – A furious ninth-inning comeback came up 90 feet short as the Biloxi Shuckers (49-32, 7-5) fell to the Pensacola Blue Wahoos (41-39, 7-4), 4-3, at Keesler Federal Park on Sunday evening. Pensacola struck first in the top of the first inning with a solo home run from
Bryant Records First Double-A Save, Miller Hits Go-Ahead Homer in Shuckers Win
BILOXI, MS – The Biloxi Shuckers (49-31, 7-4) clinched their sixth consecutive home series win with a 6-4 victory over the Pensacola Blue Wahoos (40-39, 6-4) at Keesler Federal Park on Saturday night. With the win, the Shuckers extended their Double-A-best home record to 27-11, with wins in 15 of
Offense, Pitching Dominate in Shuckers Win in Front of Sellout Crowd
BILOXI, MS – In front of a sellout crowd of 6,098, the Biloxi Shuckers (48-31, 6-4) earned a 10-4 win over the Pensacola Blue Wahoos (40-38, 6-3) at Keesler Federal Park on Friday night. The win marked the Shuckers' third straight on Independence Day, while the sellout was the team’s
Shuckers Fall to Blue Wahoos, 2-1, in Pitcher's Duel in Series Finale
PENSACOLA, FL – The Biloxi Shuckers (47-31, 5-4) fell to the Pensacola Blue Wahoos (40-37, 6-2), 2-1, at Blue Wahoos Stadium in the series finale on Thursday night. Despite the loss, Brett Wichrowski lowered his season ERA to 2.35 with one earned run allowed across 5.2 innings with three strikeouts.
Crow, Adams Named Brewers Minor League Pitcher, Player of the Month
BILOXI, MS – The Milwaukee Brewers announced today that Biloxi Shuckers starter Coleman Crow and infielder Luke Adams have been named the organization’s Minor League Pitcher and Hitter of the Month for June. The pair became the second and third Shuckers to earn a Brewers monthly award after Brock Wilken
Boeve Reaches Base Six Times in Shuckers Doubleheader Split in Pensacola
PENSACOLA, FL – The Biloxi Shuckers (47-30, 5-3) and Pensacola Blue Wahoos (39-37, 5-2) split a doubleheader on Wednesday at Blue Wahoos Stadium. In game one, which was the resumption of Tuesday’s suspended game, the Shuckers earned a 10-4 win while the Blue Wahoos took game two 5-1, in seven
Shuckers Earn Series Win Behind Hardin's Five Shutout Innings
COLUMBUS, GA – The Biloxi Shuckers (46-29, 4-2) fell three outs shy of becoming the first Southern League team to record three consecutive shutouts since 2017, but earned a series win with a 4-1 victory over the Columbus Clingstones (28-44, 2-4) at Synovus Park on Sunday afternoon. Over the final
Kuehner Strikes Out Nine, Shuckers Earn Second Straight Shutout Win
COLUMBUS, GA – The Biloxi Shuckers (45-29, 3-2) earned their second straight shutout win and the pitching staff extended their scoreless streak to 19 innings with a 6-0 win over the Columbus Clingstones (28-43, 2-3) at Synovus Park on Saturday night. In the win, Tate Kuehner tossed 5.1 scoreless innings
Wichrowski's Dominant Start Leads Shuckers to Shutout Win over Clingstones
COLUMBUS, GA – Brett Wichrowski retired 16 of the final 17 batters he faced, tied his career-high with six shutout innings and led the Biloxi Shuckers (44-29, 2-2) to a 3-0 win over the Columbus Clingstones (28-42, 2-2) at Synovus Park on Friday night. The win marked the Shuckers’ fourth
Shuckers Fall to Clingstones on Thursday Night
COLUMBUS, GA – The Biloxi Shuckers (43-29, 1-2) fell to the Columbus Clingstones (28-41, 2-1), 3-1, at Synovus Park on Thursday night. Despite the loss, the Shuckers held an opponent to four runs or less for a fifth straight game dating back to Saturday night. The Shuckers took an early
Warren's 10th Inning Double Lifts Shuckers to Extra-Innings Win
COLUMBUS, GA – A two-out, two-run double from Zavier Warren proved to be the difference in a 5-3 win for the Biloxi Shuckers (43-28) over the Columbus Clingstones (27-41) at Synovus Park on Wednesday night. The Shuckers opened the scoring in the fourth when a two-run home run to right
Hardin Stars as Shuckers Fall in Fastest Game in Franchise History
COLUMBUS, GA – Tyson Hardin and Ian Mejia locked horn in a pitcher’s duel throughout the night, but two runs proved to be the difference as the Biloxi Shuckers (42-28, 0-1) fell to the Columbus Clingstones (27-40, 1-0), 2-0 at Synovus Park on Tuesday night. At one hour and 49
Shuckers Record Most Wins in a Half Since 2015, Earn 5th Straight Home Series Win
BILOXI, MS – The Biloxi Shuckers (42-27) earned their fifth consecutive home series win with a 3-2 win over the Knoxville Smokies (32-36) at Keesler Federal Park on Sunday night. With the win, the Shuckers earned their 42nd win of the half, their most in any half since the first
Shuckers Announce 2025 Promotions, Giveaway and Theme Nights
BILOXI, MS – The Biloxi Shuckers have announced daily promotions, giveaways and theme nights for the team’s 10th anniversary season, set to begin at Keesler Federal Park on Tuesday, April 8 at 6:05 p.m. against the Columbus Clingstones. The promotional schedule is highlighted by multiple premium giveaways, including a Shuckers
Vargas Ties Season-High with Three Hits in Shuckers Loss to Smokies
BILOXI, MS – Jeremy Vargas tied his season-high with three hits and Abdiel Mendoza tossed three scoreless innings in relief, but the Biloxi Shuckers (41-27) fell to the Knoxville Smokies (32-35), 4-3, at Keesler Federal Park on Saturday night. During the game, the Shuckers transformed into the Biloxi King Cakes,
Shuckers Win Streak Snapped in Extra-Innings Loss
BILOXI, MS – The Biloxi Shuckers (41-26) fell in 10 innings, 10-6, against the Knoxville Smokies (31-36) at Keesler Federal Park on Friday night. The loss snapped the Shuckers' four-game win streak and seven-game win streak at Keesler Federal Park. The two teams combined for 16 runs, 25 hits and
Boeve's First Career Walk-Off Lifts Shuckers to Fourth Straight Comeback Win
BILOXI, MS – Despite a 63-minute rain delay prior to first pitch, Mike Boeve’s walk-off RBI single lifted the Biloxi Shuckers (41-25) to a 5-4 comeback win over the Knoxville Smokies (30-35) at Keesler Federal Park on Thursday night. The walk-off marked the first of Boeve’s career and the fourth
Hardin Leads Shuckers to South Division Title in Double-A Debut
BILOXI, MS – Behind Tyson Hardin’s strong start in his Double-A debut, the Biloxi Shuckers (40-25) clinched the First Half title in the South Division with a 6-2 victory over the Knoxville Smokies (30-34) at Keesler Federal Park on Wednesday night. The division title marks the Shuckers’ first since 2019,
Shuckers on Verge of Division Title After Comeback 9-8 Win over Smokies
BILOXI, MS – The Biloxi Shuckers (39-25) saw their magic number fall to one with a comeback, 9-8, win over the Knoxville Smokies (30-33) at Keesler Federal Park on Tuesday night. The game saw the teams combine for 17 runs, 27 hits and nine extra-base hits. At three hours and