Advertisement

Under new leadership, Mighty Mussels unveil promotions including Miracle throwbacks, Carole Baskin

Dustin B Levy, Fort Myers News-Press
·3 min read

There’s a baseball card of "Big Papi" David Ortiz, the newly elected Hall of Famer, wearing a Fort Myers Miracle jersey at Hammond Stadium.

That is the promise of minor league baseball – a chance to see some of the future stars of the sport.

Under new leadership, the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels are embracing that and building around it with a flashy promotional schedule that will feature fireworks shows, Miracle throwback nights and Carole Baskin. The Mussels are the Minnesota Twins' affiliate in the Low-A Southeast League.

John Martin, a previous minority partner, was announced as the new managing partner of the club with Andrew Kauffman, formerly in that role, staying on as a minority partner and special advisor.

John Martin, the majority owner of the Mighty Mussels minor league baseball team with the Mighty Mussels mascot.
John Martin, the majority owner of the Mighty Mussels minor league baseball team with the Mighty Mussels mascot.

Changes: Brian Meyer returns as Mighty Mussels manager, rest of 2022 coaching staff announced

ADVERTISEMENT

Coming back: Mighty Mussels return from COVID-19 hiatus ready for re-brand debut in newly structured league

Martin, 42, runs several agriculture companies in Illinois and has dealt in Southwest Florida real estate for 20 years. He has been affiliated with the Mighty Mussels the past two years.

“This is a little kid living out his dreams,” Martin said of his new role. “When I got to be a senior in high school, there was nobody in the world that was ever going to pay to watch me play baseball anymore, but I loved the game with the same passion that a kid loves the game, and I still do. … The excitement level is off the charts for me right now.”

As a managing partner, Martin will act as the liaison for the ownership group – the “boots on the ground” for the day-to-day operations, he said.

Martin’s vision for the Mussels includes a heavy investment in the promotional schedule.

That means Baskin, the controversial “Tiger King” star, coming to throw out the first pitch and sing during the seventh-inning stretch. Or Brian Baumgartner (better known as Kevin from “The Office”) signing autographs for fans.

Thursdays at Hammond Stadium will bring back the Miracle, the team's former name before a change before the 2020 season, with players wearing throwback uniforms and Sway the Palm Tree mascot as well as $1 and $2 beers. Martin also advertised the stadium’s biggest-ever fireworks show on July 3.

It is all part of creating a ballpark experience that is “second to none,” Martin said.

John Martin, right, the majority owner of the Mighty Mussels poses with Chris Peters, the president of the Mighty Mussels minor league baseball team and their mascot.
John Martin, right, the majority owner of the Mighty Mussels poses with Chris Peters, the president of the Mighty Mussels minor league baseball team and their mascot.

Chris Peters, the president of the Mussels since 2017, praised Martin’s leadership and vision for the future.

“It’s been great getting to know him, and he brings such a great energy,” he said.

It’s an enthusiasm they hope will be infections when fans are welcomed to the ballpark this year.

“Minor-league baseball creates this opportunity for a true blank slate,” Martin said. “You have the ability to be as creative as you can possibly be in minor league baseball.”

2022 Mighty Mussels Promotional Schedule

Highlights

  • April 15: Carole Baskin celebrity appearance; Tiger-themed specialty jerseys

  • April 16: On-field Easter egg hunt

  • April 28: Halfway to Halloween Night

  • April 29: Brian Baumgartner celebrity appearance

  • April 30: Beer festival, brought to you by Budweiser and Killebrew Root Beer

  • May 12: 60's Night

  • May 14: 'Party at the Park' concert with Joe Nichols and Parmelee

  • June 1: Island Nights

  • June 3: Jon Gries celebrity appearance;

  • June 4: Faith & Family Night, Pink Out Cancer specialty jerseys

  • June 17: Hulk Smash specialty jerseys

  • June 18: Jerry Lawler celebrity appearance; Beer festival, brought to you by Budweiser and Killebrew Root Beer

  • June 29: Camp day with Big Splash celebration

  • July 3: '92 Olympic basketball-themed jerseys

  • July 13: Camp day with Big Splash celebration

  • July 30: Christmas in July Night; Beer festival, brought to you by Budweiser and Killebrew Root Beer

  • August 5: Margaritaville Night

  • August 6: Bike Night

  • August 27: Beer festival, brought to you by Budweiser and Killebrew Root Beer

The Mighty Mussels mascot.
The Mighty Mussels mascot.

Daily Specials

Follow News-Press Sports Reporter Dustin Levy on Twitter: @DustinBLevy. For additional coverage of sports across Southwest Florida, follow @newspresssports and @ndnprepzone on Instagram.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Fort Myers Mighty Mussels unveil promos: Miracle throwbacks, Carole Baskin