Baseball is back on the First Coast, and the defending Triple-A National Champion Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are returning to Vystar Ballpark on Friday, March 27, to take on the Rochester Red Wings.
The Jumbo Shrimp, Triple-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins, defeated the Las Vegas Aviators 8-7 on Sept. 28 to capture their first national title. They finished last season with a 89-61 record.
Catcher Joe Mack led the Jumbo Shrimp in home runs last season with 18. Mack will return for the Jumbo Shrimp this season as will Jacob Berry. Berry will go down in Jumbo Shrimp history as the hero of the national title game as he hit a walk-off home run in the ninth inning to secure the win.
Opening weekend festivities kick off on Friday with fireworks, a magnet schedule giveaway for the first 2,000 fans, drink specials and red shirt Friday discounts at the box office for fans wearing red.
Opening weekend continues Saturday, March 28, with a championship celebration theme night. The first 2,000 fans through the main gate will receive a Triple-A National Championship replica ring. Opening weekend will conclude on Sunday, March 29, with family funday, Kids Round the Bases and Walk Off Charities Day.
The Jumbo Shrimp have several key matchups this season as they chase another championship. The team will face the Durham Bulls, one of their biggest rivals, for their first series of the season at the end of April.
For the full Jumbo Shrimp schedule including theme nights go to milb.com/jacksonville.
