Get to Know the Team Behind the Scenes at Keesler Federal Park
We all know the stars of the show: the Biloxi Shuckers players who thrill and entertain us on the field throughout baseball season. But what about those behind the scenes who make what the players do possible? I’m talking about the people in the back office who make the magic on the field possible. Let’s get to know a few of these unsung heroes of Keesler Federal Park, shall we?
So, the next time you’re at a Shuckers game, remember that the players may be in the spotlight, but it’s these people, and many more, who work tirelessly to create unforgettable experiences. Their love for the game is matched only by their love for the Mississippi Coast.
Hunter Reed
General Manager
Hometown: Piney Flats, Tennessee.
How long have you lived on the Mississippi Coast? 8 years.
What is one thing fans might not realize about your job? There really is no “off-season” because that’s when all the planning and preparation goes into making the gamedays what they ultimately become.
What’s your go-to restaurant on the Coast? There are so many to choose from, but it’s hard to beat a good lunch at Desporte Seafood which is thankfully just a short walk from the ballpark.
What would you do if you had a free day to explore the Coast? I really enjoy getting out on the water and visiting the barrier islands. It’s beautiful out there and it feels like a real getaway.
Sydney Vadney
Ticket Operations Manager
Hometown: Monroe, Georgia.
How long have you lived on the Mississippi Coast? 1 year.
What is one thing fans might not realize about your job? We work year-round!
What’s your go-to restaurant on the Coast? It’s hard to pick one with how much great seafood there is around the area!
What would you do if you had a free day to explore the Coast? Explore Downtown Ocean Springs and take a trip to Bay St. Louis.
Makenzie Crampton
Director of Marketing
Hometown: Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
How long have you lived on the Mississippi Coast? 2 years.
What is one thing fans might not realize about your job? Fans might not realize how much goes into planning game days – from coordinating promotions to managing in-game content, it’s a behind-the-scenes whirlwind that starts months in advance!
What would you do if you had a free day to explore the Coast? I’d start with coffee at a local café, then visit one of the art museums, like the Walter Anderson Museum of Art, and end the day watching the sunset over the water.
Pam Hendrickson
Director of Accounting and HR
Hometown: LaPorte, Indiana.
How long have you lived on the Mississippi Coast? 3 years.
What is one thing fans might not realize about your job? We work year-round. I get asked all the time what I do in the off-season. We are very busy getting ready for the next year during the off-season.
What’s your go-to restaurant on the Coast? Mr. and Mrs. Crab Seafood.
What would you do if you had a free day to explore the Coast? I love to visit the small downtown shops in Diamondhead and Bay St. Louis.
David Blackwell
Community Development
Hometown: New Orleans, Louisiana.
How long have you lived on the Mississippi Coast? 3 years.
What is one thing fans might not realize about your job? We’re here to make Biloxi and the Gulf Coast a great place to live, work, and visit, and I’m privileged to help in leading that charge.
What’s your go-to restaurant on the Coast? Ground Zero Blues Club and Murky Waters for lunch/supper.
What would you do if you had a free day to explore the Coast? I’d book a stadium tour at Keesler Federal Park, shoot a round of golf, catch a Shuckers game at night and then head over for some live music at Ground Zero.
Javik Blake
Media Relations Manager and Broadcaster
Hometown: Norton, Massachusetts.
How long have you lived on the Mississippi Coast? 2 years.
What is one thing fans might not realize about your job? Not only is my job year-round with media relations efforts, but a gameday begins at 10 a.m. with game notes, stat packs, preparing for the broadcast, doing a pregame interview and more… all before a 6:35 p.m. first pitch!
What would you do if you had a free day to explore the Coast? I love hiking and being outdoors, hanging out at Fly Llama and enjoying the warm weather!
Trey Bowman
Head Groundskeeper
Hometown: Ackerman, Mississippi.
How long have you lived on the Mississippi Coast? 5+ years.
What is one thing fans might not realize about your job? I work closely with the umpires monitoring the weather and giving them updates on when rain or lightning will arrive at the park.
What’s your go-to restaurant on the Coast? Murky Waters BBQ.
What would you do if you had a free day to explore the Coast? Go to the beach and then dinner with my family.
