The St Paul Saints will mark Black Business Month in August by partnering with broadcaster, podcaster and business owner Sheletta Brundidge and her platform ShelettaMakesMeLaugh.com.
At the August 8 game at CHS Field, the Saints organization will cheer on the important role of Black entrepreneurs in the community.
“We want to offer the ballpark as a place for conversations and connections and to build new partnerships within the Black community,” said Eddie Coblentz, director of community partnerships and fan services for the Saints.
“This came about in our talks with Sheletta before the season about how we could give Black businesses some visibility for what they are doing and use the ballpark as a place for a mixer,” he added.
Black Business Month at the Ballpark on August 8 will include a $6 general admission roaming ticket, free Play Zone wristbands for kids and drawings for prizes, including a chance to visit the ballpig, the Saints mascot, on the field.
More importantly, the Saints are going to bat for Black entrepreneurs on game night by providing six Black-owned businesses with the chance to set up booths on the concourse level at CHS Field before and during the game.
“It’s so crucial that these Black-owned businesses find new customers and new revenue streams,” Brundidge said. “The Saints are waiving the vendor fees so these Black entrepreneurs can get this exposure at the ballpark and it won’t cost them anything.”
The front office team for the Saints joined Brundidge last February when ShelettaMakesMeLaugh.com sponsored Black Entrepreneurs Day at the Capitol.
“The Saints are allies and are building relationships with Black entrepreneurs,” Brundidge added.
Brundidge herself will be in the spotlight on the field; she will have the honor of throwing the first pitch before the game with the Columbus Clippers. She promises to “not embarrass myself” thanks to practicing her windup in advance of her guest appearance on the mound.
“Last time I played baseball was with a broomstick in the street when I was a kid,” Brundidge said. “But I believe I will get the ball over the plate. I have faith.”
Brundidge will no doubt bring her trademark humor to an interview schedule with Saints play-by-play announcer Sean Aronson before the game.
Coblentz hopes the August 8 celebration of Black Business Month will be the first of an annual night of such support and celebration.
“I hope Black Business Month at the ballpark will be a chance for all Black baseball fans to have some fun and Black business owners to do some networking,” Brundidge said. “I want to use my connections to make sure everyone gets a hookup.”
Saint Paul Saints vs. Columbus Clippers
Thursday August 8
CHS Field/360 N Broadway St, St Paul
Gates Open 5:30 pm
First pitch by Sheletta Brundidge 7:07
$6 general admission roaming ticket
Purchase tickets online at saints-groups.com
Password: BlackBusiness
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