Page 56 - South Mississippi Living - March, 2017

SPORTS & OUTDOORS play ball TAKEMEOUTTOTHE
Shuckers season opener April 12
against Pensacola Blue Wahoos
story by Susan Ruddiman photos courtesy of Biloxi Shuckers
he Biloxi Shuckers are returning for a third season at MGM Park with the promise of a great season.
“We are a fun family event that happens to be around a baseball game,” said Chris
Harris, manager of media relations and broadcasting.
The Shuckers will host the Pensacola Blue Wahoos at 6:35
p.m. for opening day on April 12. The Monday through Saturday evening games will start at 6:35. Sunday games will start at 1:05 p.m. in April and May before switching to a 5:05 p.m. start time for the remainder of the season. The Shuckers will host a pair of 10:35 a.m. Education Day games on April 26 against Jackson and May 16 against Mississippi.
Season ticket prices will remain the same in 2017. Club level seat holders will have access to an indoor lounge featuring televisions, snacks, sodas and a private restroom. Club ticket holders will be able to take advantage of the special entrance behind the home plate.
Of the 140 games the Shuckers will play between April and September, 70 will be home at MGM Park.
It’s at those home games where entertainment and promotions will appeal to people of all ages, Harris said. People have been recruited and hired to promote the Shuck
Factor that’s visible at each game from performing the National Anthem to suite attendants and ticket sellers. Mascot Schooner Seagull will be joined by newly named Crawfish Boil Racers. To the thrill of fans, Crawford the Mudbug, Kernel Cobb and Spud will race around the field.
After the home games on Saturday evenings, there will be a fireworks display, and items will be given away each Friday.
Polk’s Meat Products are now the official hotdog and sausage of MGM Park. This new partner will offer a two for one Tuesdays. Fans who bring a Polk Meat Product label to a Tuesday home game will receive a buy-one-get-one-free reserved level game ticket. There will also be $2 hotdogs on Tuesdays.
Biloxi native Barry Lyons, a former Major League baseball player who played in the 1986 World Series Championship with the New York Mets, has been named as the ambassador for the Biloxi Shuckers.
“I’m very excited to be joining the Biloxi Shuckers team and looking forward to contributing to the overall success of the organization,” Lyons said. “I am excited about getting out in the community and promoting the Shuckers.”
In addition, Lyons will assist in organizing the Shuckers youth baseball camp over the summer.
56 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • March 2017
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