Jumbo Shrimp commit to Jacksonville for the long-haul
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (BVM) — Jacksonville may be known as a warm vacation spot or a rapidly growing urban center, but what some don’t know is that the baseball history in Jacksonville is unparalleled to that of other U.S. cities. In the 1800s, the city hosted a Negro League team and in 1904, the first ever Minor League Baseball team was established there. Some baseball historians even argue that the first Major League spring training was held in Jacksonville.
This rich tradition of baseball in Northeast Florida is why the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, the Miami Marlins Triple A affiliate, have decided to stick around through at least the 2043 season. The club has recently re-upped its lease on 121 Financial Stadium, one of Minor League Baseball’s state-of-the-art facilities.
“In modern times, the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp and before that, the Jacksonville Suns, have had a rich tradition of making memories in the community here for people,” Jumbo Shrimp play-by-play broadcaster Scott Kornberg said. “Minor league baseball is important for this community here in Northeast Florida. We appreciate and are gracious for the support we’ve received … it’s important to show we are rooted here in the long-term.”
So for years to come, the Jumbo Shrimp will get to continue their mission in delivering affordable, family fun to the people of Jacksonville. That’s been their long standing goal, considering the Miami Marlins are the ones who decide who bats third or who starts at shortstop.
The roster and coaching staff is out of the organization’s control, but what it delivers to its fans in terms of entertainment is all in its hands.
“We do everything we can to make sure we are providing a first-class food and beverage experience, a first-class promotional experience, the best fireworks in Minor League Baseball, some of the best giveaways, the best happy hour for a thirsty Thursday game,” Kornberg said. “It’s all about the fan experience since we can’t control who plays baseball.”
But when the franchise was promoted to become the Marlins’ Triple A affiliate as of this season, it learned a lot about the people in Jacksonville. While the fan experience is high on their list of priorities, they actually care a good deal about the baseball product.
Upon the announcement that they’d be moving up a classification, season ticket sales went through the roof. Fans are ready to see some high-level baseball in Jacksonville.
“I think we underestimated the people here … and how excited they are to see not just the very best prospects coming up the minor league ladder, but also major leaguers we have down here in Jacksonville,” Kornberg said. “We had nine players in our Opening Day roster with major league experience.”
Currently, the Jumbo Shrimp have five-year MLB catcher Jorge Alfaro playing with the squad, and last year, top-10 pitching prospect Sixto Sanchez made his debut with the Jumbo Shrimp. Perhaps the depth of the Marlins’ farm system will play a key role in the continual growth of Jacksonville.
“It’s a rapidly expanding area,” Kornberg said. “Jacksonville is always on those lists of one of the most rapidly growing cities or regions in the country. Not only do you have prior fan support, but an influx of people coming in and tourist numbers were record high, over 18 million in 2018.”
Any way you look at it, the Jumbo Shrimp made the right move by sticking in Jacksonville long-term, further solidifying their relationship with the Miami Marlins. Between the fanbase and the ownership team in Miami giving them full support, the Jumbo Shrimp feel right at home.
“The Marlins have been nothing but incredible to work with,” Kornberg said. “That reflects upon their new ownership in that so much has changed in how they deal with the community to make sure that the fan experience is first-class.”
