The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Tribune Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

Bahamian culture will once again take centre stage at loanDepot Park when the Miami Marlins hosts its second annual celebration of the relationship between the franchise and the Bahamas.

The Marlins will host a Bahamian Appreciation Celebration on June 25 when they face the New York Mets in Miami, Florida.

First pitch is at 4:10pm but the day is expected to be filled with activity to showcase Jazz Chisholm Jr and Bahamian heritage.

Bahamas Baseball Association Secretary General Teddy Sweeting said the move is another milestone in the development and exposure of Bahamian baseball.

“This is an exciting time for baseball in our country. The doors are wide open and everything is just moving in the direction we anticipated and we are very, very excited,” he said, “Last year, It was exciting to celebrate one of our very own and also our heritage. We had Junkanoo, brass bands, and events that showcase our heritage. I want to thank the Marlins for giving us that opportunity. This is the second one, we want this one to be the most exciting one ever. We always go to Miami, pick this weekend to do your shopping and do your celebration with us at loanDepot Park. This is a great opportunity for us to continue to grow sports tourism.”

In addition to Chisholm at the MLB level, the Miami Marlins minor league pipeline includes five Bahamian players - Ian Lewis, Steven Adderley, Andre Arthur, Toby Simmons and Cherif Neymour.

“When the scouts for the Marlins come over and view these young men they are ready. That is due in large part to our developmental leagues and the work done by our academies, Maximum Development, International Elite and Antoan Richardson’s Project,” he said, “The sport of Baseball, we all know its history but we are so excited about what is happening for our young men in this country.”

Tickets can be booked on the Miami Marlins website or through the website of the Bahamas Baseball Association.

Purchasing a Bahamian Heritage ticket package includes an exclusive Bahamian Heritage Marlins Jersey. Fans can also enjoy pregame Junkanoo and postgame entertainment presented by Truly Hard Seltzer on the West Plaza.

A portion of the proceeds from each ticket will benefit the Bahamian Baseball Association (BBA).

Jersey distribution is based on a first-come, first-served basis and will be available for pick up from when gates open at 2:30PM until the end of the 4th inning – have your ticket ready to show at the redemption table.

Ticket prices are subject to change and the Bahamian Appreciation jersey is of limited quantity.

Miami Marlins Group Sales Services Executive Brad Johnson said the expectations for this year’s event are at an all time high after the success of 2021.

“Last year we were limited a little bit because of some of our restrictions per seating. We were only allowed 7,500 people in this stands. This year everybody and anybody can come and have an opportunity to celebrate with us,” he said, “It also provides an opportunity to provide everyone with ticket packages with our Bahamian Heritage jersey, which we are very proud of. Last year we had t-shirts with the slogan ‘242 To The World’ and we all hope everyone will support and wear these jerseys.

“We also provide food that is in line with the culture. We will be working very closely to bring the taste of The Bahamas back to the stadium,” Johnson said, “The Marlins have a very open opportunity to welcome our international players. And the Bahamas field system has provided quite a number of prospects. We have a huge dedication and commitment to the talent that has been coming out of The Bahamas. We welcome all Bahamian talent and will always be on the look out for more Bahamian talent.”

Vice President of Public Affairs Alfredo Mesa spoke of the connection between the city of Miami and The Bahamas.

“The city of Miami would not exist without the Bahamian people. The rich culture of Bahamian heritage is embedded into who we are as a city,” he said, “This is the second annual but hopefully the trend will continue because there are so many families who will feel at home having Jazz as the face of Bahamian pride.”

Last year the Marlins celebrated rising star Jazz Chisholm Jr and “Bahamian Heritage Night” at Loan Depot Park with a 4-2 win over the Atlanta Braves.

Chisholm scored the game’s first run on Jesus Aguilar’s sac fly in the first inning but the celebration from the pregame festivities, to the final out centred around Jazz and franchise’s connection to The Bahamas.

Scores of Bahamian supporters, both local and based in the United States were on hand at Loan Depot Park. Julien Believe performed the Bahamian national anthem and fans were treated to a Junkanoo rush out on the stadium’s West Plaza.

Chisholm has taken the Miami, Florida area by storm with his bright blue coloured hair and his spectacular performance as a starting infielder at shortstop and second base.

He signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks as an international free agent in July, 2015. On July 31, 2019, the Diamondbacks traded Chisholm to the Marlins for pitcher Zac Gallen.

The Marlins also celebrate their multi cultural representation with Cuban, South Florida Black Legacy, Japanese, Nicaraguan, Italian, Puerto Rican, Dominican Republic, Jewish, Venezuelan, Colombian and Mexican Heritage nights.