Shuckers in the outfield: former top draft picks bring speed to Biloxi

When the Biloxi Shuckers return to MGM Park for tomorrow’s long-awaited home opener versus the Mississippi Braves, it’ll also be the home debut of one of the fastest outfield trios in all of minor league baseball.

With the way this year’s Double AA roster is currently constructed, there’s no time for days off for the Shuckers in the outfield.

Two first round picks and a fourth roaming the outfield of MGM Park screams potential as the 2018 season gets underway. Right fielder Trent Grisham said, “We’re well acclimated, we know each other very well. Same with Stokesy. We’ve played a lot of games together, a lot of innings and we know each other pretty well.”

Trent Grisham, a first round pick of the Milwaukee Brewers back in 2015, is your everyday rightfielder. In center is another first rounder from the 2016 first year player draft, that’s Corey Ray. They’re accompanied by Troy Strokes Jr., a fourth round selection in 2014. Combined they swiped 91 bags last season. Shuckers Manager Mike Guerrero said, “I believe all of the outfielders, they’ve got the ability to run the bases pretty good and be consistent stealing bases.”

Center fielder Cory Ray said, “No, I don’t think so. I don’t think anybody wants to challenge me for stealing bases.”

“Yeah, that’s what he always says. He likes to talk a lot and we’ll see what happens.”

“I’m just kidding. Our challenge as an outfield, as speed outfield to just catch everything that we can. To try to take as many hits and extra base hits away as we can. Maybe a few home runs, too,” said Ray.

Through five games, Ray and Grisham each have a stolen base to their name. Together, the outfield trifecta is in a three-way tie for the team lead with four runs apiece. More importantly, they’ve all started and finished all five games and that’s the way it’s gotta be without a single backup outfielder on the roster. “Get in the training room, get in the weight room and stay healthy. Cause we’ve got three guys and we all want to play and we all want to help the team win and be on the field for 142.”

“Every time I step on the field, do whatever it is I can do that’ll allow my team to win and try to be the best player on the field every given night.”

Ray says that drive to succeed has newfound meaning following the birth of his daughter back in November. Her name, which is also Cori, is on his glove and on a chain he wears around his neck. “You come out here and some days you feel tired and you say I guess I need a day, there’s no time for any days anymore. I’ve got to get it going and I’ve got to do what I can to feed my family.”

First pitch between the Shuckers and M-Braves is set for 6:35 p.m. tomorrow from MGM Park. News 25 will be live at the stadium at 5 and 5:30 with highlights to follow at 9 and 10 in sports.