Aug 3, 2022Thank you, VinMore than anything, I feel grateful that I got to listen to Vin Scully. I’ve already read so many articles today, and they’ve mentioned his numerous legendary calls — Sandy Koufax’s perfect game, Henry Aaron’s 715 home run, Kirk Gibson’s pinch-hit home run, the ball squirting through Bill Buckner’s legs…Vin Scully2 min readVin Scully2 min read
Published inShrimp & Grits·Dec 1, 2021Finally given a chance, Jason Alexander’s improbable journey has him standing out a step from the majorsJason Alexander typed in another number on his phone. The phone rang, one in what was becoming a long line of calls. …Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp8 min readJacksonville Jumbo Shrimp8 min read
Published inShrimp & Grits·Nov 19, 2021What Al Pedrique is bringing to the Marlins’ major league staffIn so many ways, the 2021 Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp were confounding. Despite being outscored on the season, despite a grand total of 284 roster moves, an average of more than two per game played that saw the most players used in franchise history (77), despite a franchise-record 21 different starting…Al Pedrique5 min readAl Pedrique5 min read
Published inShrimp & Grits·Nov 5, 2021Zach Thompson, intent on becoming on a doctor, embraced the unusual in 2020 to break out in 2021One day, perhaps, Zach Thompson will be able to diagnose the unusual circumstances that led him here. How a pitcher with a career 5.70 ERA in Triple-A proceeded to break out as a rookie for the Miami Marlins. How he prepared for this season by throwing into a net in…Zach Thompson6 min readZach Thompson6 min read
Published inShrimp & Grits·Aug 5, 2021Games 79 & 80: Tides at Jumbo ShrimpThursday, August 5, 2021 — Game 1: 5:05 p.m. ET, Game 2 will start approximately 30 minutes after Game 1 Norfolk Tides (30–46) at Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (44–34) 121 Financial Ballpark — Jacksonville, Fla. LAST TIME OUT: The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp and Norfolk Tides had their Wednesday doubleheader washed away…Preview4 min readPreview4 min read
Published inShrimp & Grits·Mar 23, 2021He pitched in only one MLB game, but Al Autry is forever a big leaguerFor a moment, think about how extraordinary you have to be to play Major League Baseball. Each year, an estimated that 2.2 million children play Tee-ball across the world. Like a candle slowly burning, that number gradually gets smaller and smaller as kids get older. In the 2019–20 school year…Jacksonville Baseball4 min readJacksonville Baseball4 min read
Published inShrimp & Grits·Feb 3, 2021Do MLB’s best players really skip Triple-A?It’s a question that’s been asked somewhat consistently since the Jumbo Shrimp received an invitation to become the Miami Marlins’ Triple-A affiliate: Yes, Triple-A is the highest level of Minor League Baseball, but isn’t it just an extension of the major league roster and not a place for a team’s…Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp5 min readJacksonville Jumbo Shrimp5 min read
Published inShrimp & Grits·Jan 22, 2021Appreciating Henry Aaron, the greatest Jacksonville player of allEleven different Hall of Famers either played or managed in Jacksonville at some point during their careers. The list includes Tom Seaver, Randy Johnson, Nolan Ryan, Phil Niekro and Rube Marquard (one day, in this dream rotation, Clayton Kershaw will push Marquard to the bullpen), which is a manager’s dream…Hank Aaron7 min readHank Aaron7 min read
Published inShrimp & Grits·Jan 14, 2021The “Freshest Man on Earth,” Jacksonville’s earliest major leaguerIt’s quite possible that the first Jacksonville player to appear in a major league game has the greatest nickname in baseball history: Arlie Latham, after all, was known as “The Freshest Man on Earth.” It’s been downhill ever since. “The Freshest Man on Earth” is not a nickname bestowed upon…Jacksonville Baseball4 min readJacksonville Baseball4 min read
Published inShrimp & Grits·Dec 11, 2020The relationship continues: Jacksonville and the Marlins through the yearsThe Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp being invited to Triple-A is a lot like rekindling an old friendship; Jacksonville fielded a team at Minor League Baseball’s top level from 1962–68. The Jumbo Shrimp potentially continuing their affiliation with the Miami Marlins, which dates back to 2009, is slightly different; No, they aren’t…Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp3 min readJacksonville Jumbo Shrimp3 min read
