By Hunter Reed
Biloxi Shuckers General Manager
The fourth season of Biloxi Shuckers baseball at MGM Park has somehow already come and gone.
While coming up short in the Championship Series against the Jackson Generals was a disappointing end to a very memorable season, there is definitely a lot to be proud of this year.
The Milwaukee Brewers have continued to provide great talent to our Gulf Coast team as evidenced by our fourth straight winning season and second appearance in the championship round. However, this year’s team accomplished feats previously unseen by other Shuckers squads.
Just a few notable achievements from this season on the field include franchise records and league highs in wins (81), home wins (47), and home runs (145) while becoming the first Shuckers team to win both the first and second half division titles. That’s a big credit to the leadership of Southern League Manager of the Year, Mike Guerrero.
Some players received well-deserved recognition for their individual accomplishments as well. Centerfielder Corey Ray, who became the first Shucker to be named the Southern League MVP, was the first player in league history to lead the league in both homeruns (27) and stolen bases (37). Starting pitcher Zack Brown, named the league’s Most Outstanding Pitcher, had a record of 9-1 and led the league with a 2.44 ERA. Not surprisingly, Ray and Brown were also named the Brewers’ Minor League Player and Pitcher of the Year.
Off the field, there is a lot to be proud of as well. Despite a rainy season in the Southern League, the Shuckers were one of only two teams to play every single game this season. It took a few doubleheaders, but no games were cancelled. By playing every game and making the postseason, the Shuckers actually saw an overall increase in total attendance which is a credit to our loyal and growing fan base.
One thing that will never change is our dedication to first class, family fun entertainment for our fans. Our surveys that we send out after every game indicate we are still on the right track, and we are excited to continue to improve upon the fan experience in 2019.
Next year is going to be bigger and better than ever before, and it will be highlighted by the Mississippi Gulf Coast hosting the Southern League All-Star Game for the very first time next June. We have a great front office that’s just itching to get started, and season ticket memberships and plans are already being sold at the box office.
In the meantime, we’ll be looking forward to having more time to be involved in community projects for the betterment our of coastal home.
Thank you to all our sponsors, season ticket members, group leaders, media partners and fans for such a great season!
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