Minor League Game Leaves Major Impression

Jacksonville Florida is one of the largest cities in the country - geographically speaking.  With its grand size, soft sand beaches, sunny weather and not having a state income tax, we are known to attract many  from all over.  Our diversity also brings the love of a variety of sports teams to the city. As a die-hard Atlanta Braves fan, I love the salty beach life but miss my Major League ballgames. Watching it in high def simply isn’t the same as the energy of the ball crowd is undeniable.  

My kids and I took in a Wednesday night game to watch the Jumbo Shrimp at Bragan Field in downtown Jacksonville. Yes, it turn out that most of the minor league teams have silly names. That night could have easily turned into a rainout.  However, the overcast skies made for a cool and perfect night at the ballpark. As much as I anticipated taking in the ball game experience and immersing in the memories of Turner Field and SunTrust Park in Atlanta, this experience wasn’t quite the same. We have attended countless Braves games so I assumed taking in a minor league game would be a great experience as well…but on a smaller scale. 

From the moment we walked up to the lineless window to buy our tickets, I knew this was going to be different and my expectations weren’t very high. With plenty of seats available, my son was fortunate enough to choose the row directly behind the Jumbo Shrimp dugout and even picked his lucky numbers for our seats.  This night’s theme was “Corks and Forks” presented by Publix.  Each usher we encountered donned a Publix chef’s coat, publicizing and promoting the combined event.

Minutes before the National Anthem, we were barely in our seats when a Jumbo Shrimp employee asked my kids if they would like to participate in some on-the-field 7^th inning fun with the mascots and other attendees. You would have thought my son won the lottery as he rose out of his first row seat and quickly gave his name to sign up.

The “minor league game experience” was getting better each passing moment. Though my daughter shied away from the ballpark events, the cameramen caught a tender patriotic moment when he focused in on her during the anthem. She looked as beautiful and sweet as ever on the Jumbo Tron. A few innings into the game against the Pensacola Wahoos, both Jumbo Shrimp mascots (Scampi the Shrimp and Southpaw the dog) waddled their way over to our section, sat with us, gave high-fives and posed for selfies with all the children in our section.

 Let’s not forget the personal interaction with the ball players as they entered in and out of the dugout. The players were so patient and kind as they signed every item put in front of them by every wide eyed kid that awaited the sought after ball player signature. Occasionally, my son would run around to the outfield hoping to catch a memorable foul ball.  He made it back to his seat by the 7^th. Not only did he compete on a bouncing blown up horse at the first base line, he was taken underground and behind the scenes of Bragan Field. The look on his face passing the ball players’ locker room was priceless. He felt special to be in an area reserved for ball players and VIPs. After throwing on a red Nimnicht  Dealership sponsored shirt, the Jumbo Shrimp announcer called out his name to the crowd. There he and his competitor were on the Jumbo Tron – a young boy’s dream to be larger than life with everyone in the stadium to see.  Although he lost the competition, like a true sportsman he went down with a huge smile on his face and simply enjoyed the experience.

The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp defeated the Pensacola Wahoos 6-4!  The Jumbo Shrimp minor league game may have been small, but the intimacy and personalization of the Bragan Field experience left a major impression with us that night. Walking out of the stadium, my son looked up at me and asked if we can come back the next night. Rather than going to just watch a ballgame, we felt at home with the team and part of the action. With all of our minor and major experiences, we truly do “Love Where We Live.”

Tara Belanger, Real Estate Professional
Watson Realty Corp
904.501.9037
Tara@NortheastFLLiving.com

www.NortheastFLLiving.com

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