Jumbo Shrimp bring baseball to Historic Eastside for PLAY BALL Weekend event

Players, front office staff help grow the game of baseball, inspire play in Jacksonville’s underserved communities

Pitcher Will Stewart and the Jumbo Shrimp hosted their PLAY BALL Weekend from June 10-12. (Colleen Mitchell/ Miami Marlins)

By Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp

June 17, 2022

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp partnered with the Henry Brown Athletic Association to put on a free instructional clinic designed to encourage the growth of the game of baseball and inspire recreational play amongst underserved communities in Jacksonville. The clinic, which took place at Kooker Park in the

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp partnered with the Henry Brown Athletic Association to put on a free instructional clinic designed to encourage the growth of the game of baseball and inspire recreational play amongst underserved communities in Jacksonville.

The clinic, which took place at Kooker Park in the Historic Eastside of Jacksonville on June 10, was an effort to support a culturally-rich and important neighborhood less than a mile from the team’s home at 121 Financial Ballpark.

Jumbo Shrimp players and front office staff provided hands-on skill development during five different sessions in which participants received free instruction on hitting, fielding, catching, pitching and running. At the conclusion of the clinic, the youngsters were gifted a Franklin bat and ball set.

“It was such a rewarding experience to help provide a positive environment for our local Jacksonville youth to learn more about the amazing sport of baseball,” said Jumbo Shrimp community relations manager Miranda Rossum. “Our mission is to grow the game and ensure that kids who want to play baseball and softball have the opportunity to do so.”

Pitcher Matthew Kent speaking with children during PLAY BALL Weekend. (Colleen Mitchell/Miami Marlins)

“It gives you a real appreciation for how lucky we are,” Jumbo Shrimp pitcher Will Stewart said, “It felt good to be able to go out there and help them out and give them a little knowledge and just show that we care about them.”

In addition to the hands-on learning experience, participants had a chance to attend a Jumbo Shrimp baseball game that evening and see the players in action on a big-league field.

“They were extremely loud that night at the ballpark, it was great! I’m glad they were there,” said Stewart.

The event was part of Major League Baseball’s PLAY BALL initiative, which encourages participation in the sports of baseball and softball amongst all ages, with a special focus on youth. PLAY BALL events took place across 30 MLB teams, 120 MILB teams and seven different continents.

ABOUT THE JUMBO SHRIMP: The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp offer affordable family fun at 121 Financial Ballpark. Their inaugural season garnered the Southern League’s Don Mincher Organization of the Year, Promotional Trophy and Jimmy Bragan Executive of the Year, won by general manager Harold Craw. The club added its second Promotional Trophy in three years following the 2019 season. The 2021 season marked the return of Triple-A baseball in Jacksonville. To experience the excitement with the terrific value of ticket and group options, call the Jumbo Shrimp at (904) 358-2846 or visit www.jaxshrimp.com.