The Miami Marlins, on June 2nd, welcomed the Florida Memorial University Lions to LoanDepot Park to honor the baseball program, winners of last month’s 2023 Black College World Series. The champions won their first national title by defeating Albany State 5-4, this past May 13th and the Marlins gave FMU the red-carpet treatment.
The Marlins extended the hospitality to Florida Memorial before their three-games home series with the Oakland Athletics.
Florida Memorial players, coaches, and staff were all appreciative of the pre-game recognition which included the Marlins and A’s batting practice experience, and the honor bestowed when the players were greeted by both Marlins and Oakland Athletic players and coaches during batting practice.
Florida Memorial head coach Tino Burgos thanked the Marlins organization for recognizing them on winning the BCWS championship. Burgos stated, “It’s an honor for the Marlins to host our players and be recognized by such a great organization.”
Burgos threw out the game’s ceremonial first pitch to mark the end of pregame festivities and the start of the game. The FMU players watched the nine-inning affair which ended with a Marlins win.
Marlin player giving hitting advise to Florida Memorial players
Batting instructions tips
FMU Assistant Coach Andre Payne, Former Oakland A’s pitcher Dallas Braden, FMU Head Coach Tino Burgos, and Black College Nines Michael Coker at Miami Marlins Honoring Black College World Series Champion Florida Memorial University at LoanDepot Park.
Oakland A’s pitching coach Scott Emerson was one of the pitching coaches in Oakland when Bluefield State head coach Drew Bailey was in the minor leagues. Emerson was Bluefield State First-Pitch Dinner Speaker in January. His nephew pitched for Bluefield (Jacob Emerson) last year
Black College World Series champs during Marlins batting practice
Oakland A’s infielder Tony Kemp greeting national champions Florida Memorial
Black College World Series founder Michael Coker, Florida Memorial national champion head coach Tino Burgos and assistant coach Andre Payne
FMU athletic trainer Katelyn “Genesis” Brooks preparing head coach Tino Burgos for ceremonial first pitch
Head Coach Tino Burgos
Coach #TinoBurgos of @BaseballFmu prepares for the first pitch at the @Marlins game as the @GoFmuLions baseball team is honored for winning the @HbcuNines World Series! 🦁⚾️🏆
🎤: @haMBAlievable
🏫:@FLMemorialUniv
🏟: @loanDepotpark
🤝🏾: @HbcuNines
⚾️: @Marlins + @BaseballFmu pic.twitter.com/9sgIKL9zDO— FMU Lions Athletics (@GoFmuLions) June 3, 2023
Let’s go!!! @GoFmuLions @Marlins @FLMemorialUniv pic.twitter.com/9m19k9lOO9
— FMU Baseball (@BaseballFmu) June 2, 2023