In first pro game, Rainer offers pop, promise to Tigers fans
NORTH PORT, Fla. -- Bryce Rainer’s pro career consisted of workouts and batting practice until Sunday.
NORTH PORT, Fla. -- Bryce Rainer’s pro career consisted of workouts and batting practice until Sunday.
As the 19-year-old shortstop jumped a 2-0 fastball and crushed a line drive into left-center field for a two-run single Sunday, Rainer’s inexperience didn’t show. The left-handed hitter waited on his pitch and sent it towards the opposite gap at 114 miles per hour, according to the Braves video board. It was his second hit and second and third RBI of his unofficial pro debut. It looked like a Major League approach, and it came from a teenager whose career is just getting started.
“Honestly, it didn't feel like I hadn't played a game in a year,” Rainer said after the Tigers’ 6-3 win for their second consecutive Spring Breakout victory. “It felt like I was just rolling right back out there.”
As far as opening statements go, the Spring Breakout game is a nice platform. It was a statement victory for an organization rated as having baseball’s best farm system by MLB Pipeline.
Rainer’s first hit also went to the opposite field, a fly ball that sent Braves left fielder Owen Carey to the fence but unable to make the catch, plating a run.
“I think the wind might have helped that one a little bit,” said Rainer, the No. 4 ranked prospect in the Tigers system and No. 52 in the MLB Pipeline Top 100.
The Tigers counted their blessings when Rainer fell to them with the 11th overall pick in last year’s Draft. His left-handed power bat and 6-foot-3 frame has brought comparisons to Rangers star shortstop Corey Seager, but injury prevented him from putting that on display last summer.
“I know he’s said it to me, that Corey Seager [comp], being from the L.A. area and all that,” said Hall of Famer and Tigers special assistant Alan Trammell, who managed the team to a Spring Breakout win for a second straight year. “That would be awesome, wouldn’t it? Anybody would like to pattern their game after him. But he has the ability to be that kind of [player] with the size and the swing. And the defense is really good. I mean, I’m pleasantly surprised with his defense at this point in his career.
“He’s just getting his feet wet in pro ball. Pro ball’s different. Like anybody that played, we can help them, but they have to figure out some of it on their own. And he’s just in the early stages, but he’s going to be fine.”
📩 SUBSCRIBE TO THE BASEBALL TRAVELER NEWSLETTER
Rainer worked out at the team facility in Lakeland last summer, but stayed out of games. After a normal offseason, he was an early arrival to Spring Training.
Not surprisingly, Trammell takes particular interest in shortstops, as Rainer has discovered.
“He’s there a ton. I don’t think I haven’t seen him there in a day. It’s honestly pretty crazy,” Rainer said. “People think he just talks about defense, but he’s in the cage with us, he’s on the field giving us whatever he’s got. It seems like he’s always working.”
The line-drive single in his third and final at-bat is an example of the up-and-middle approach the Tigers preach to their hitting prospects.
“Trying not to do too much,” Rainer said.
Rainer’s first pro at-bat in the second inning looked like it could have been a hit. He bolted down the line and might have beaten the throw to first on his ground ball to the left side. He didn’t get the call, leaving him smiling as he slowed up past the bag, but he more than made up for it.
The first glimpse hopefully carries Tigers fans for a bit. While the talent is apparent, Rainer still has to start his climb up a Tigers farm system that has built depth, especially at his position. Their starting infield for Sunday’s Spring Breakout featured three ranked shortstop prospects. While Rainer got the start at short, Kevin McGonigle (Detroit’s No. 3 prospect and MLB Pipeline’s No. 28 overall) started at third. Franyerber Montilla, the Tigers’ No. 14 prospect, started at second.
“It’s awesome,” said Rainer, who added the crowd surpassed his expectations. “I really didn’t know what to expect. Some of the guys from the Draft before mine didn’t even get to play in this, and it was kinda new to a lot of us. It was definitely good, especially to get a win.”
Senior Reporter Jason Beck has covered the Tigers for MLB.com since 2002.
Kloud 7 Yacht Club Headlines Keesler Federal Park Upgrades for 2025
BILOXI, MS – The Biloxi Shuckers have announced that the former Kloud 7 Sky Box at Keesler Federal Park will undergo extensive renovations prior to the Shuckers’ 10th anniversary season in 2025 and be renamed the Kloud 7 Yacht Club. The upgrades continue a multi-year renovation at Keesler Federal Park,
Shuckers Announce 2025 Promotions, Giveaway and Theme Nights
BILOXI, MS – The Biloxi Shuckers have announced daily promotions, giveaways and theme nights for the team’s 10th anniversary season, set to begin at Keesler Federal Park on Tuesday, April 8 at 6:05 p.m. against the Columbus Clingstones. The promotional schedule is highlighted by multiple premium giveaways, including a Shuckers
Shuckers-Pearl River Set to Meet in Exhibition Clash on Wednesday, April 2 in Biloxi
BILOXI, MS – The Biloxi Shuckers have announced a 7-inning exhibition game against the Pearl River Community College Wildcats on Wednesday, April 2 at Keesler Federal Park at 6:35 p.m. The match-up marks the third consecutive year that the two teams will meet in a 7-inning exhibition game and will
Spring Notebook Part III | One Step Closer to Opening Day
From March 13-20, the “Voice of the Shuckers”, Javik Blake, will be at Brewers Spring Training in Phoenix, Arizona. Including interviews and videos across the Shuckers' social media channels, he’ll also publish Spring Training Notebooks throughout the trip, highlighting the top moments, quotes and videos as the team gets set
Spring Notebook Part II | Time to Breakout!
From March 13-20, the “Voice of the Shuckers”, Javik Blake, will be at Brewers Spring Training in Phoenix, Arizona. Including interviews and videos across the Shuckers' social media channels, he’ll also publish Spring Training Notebooks throughout the trip, highlighting the top moments, quotes and videos as the team gets set
Shuckers Spring Training Notebook Part 1
From March 13-20, the “Voice of the Shuckers”, Javik Blake, will be at Brewers Spring Training in Phoenix, Arizona. Including interviews and videos across the Shuckers' social media channels, he’ll also publish Spring Training Notebooks throughout the trip, highlighting the top moments, quotes and videos as the team gets set
9 Former Shuckers Selected for Brewers 2025 Spring Breakout Roster
BILOXI, MS – Major League Baseball and Minor League Baseball announced today on MLB Network the Milwaukee Brewers roster for the 2nd annual Spring Breakout, with nine former Biloxi Shuckers named to the roster. The Brewers' top prospects will compete on Sunday, March 16 at 6:40 p.m. CT against the
Beach Chickens, King Cakes Set to Return in 2025, First Promotions Revealed
BILOXI, MS – The Biloxi Shuckers have announced today that the Biloxi Beach Chickens and Biloxi King Cakes will return in 2025, continuing after a highlight-filled 2024 season at Keesler Federal Park. The Shuckers will transform into the King Cakes on Saturday, April 12, Saturday, May 24 and Saturday, June
Single-Game Tickets Now On Sale for Shuckers 10th Anniversary Season
BILOXI, MS – The Biloxi Shuckers have announced that single-game tickets are now on sale for all 69 home games at Keesler Federal Park for the 2025 season, the team’s 10th-anniversary campaign. The Shuckers will begin their home slate on Tuesday, April 8 at 6:05 p.m. against the Columbus Clingstones.
National Anthem Tryouts Set for Saturday, March 22 at Keesler Federal Park
BILOXI, MS – The Biloxi Shuckers will be hosting auditions to perform the National Anthem during the 2025 season on Saturday, March 22 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Keesler Federal Park. Those wishing to audition can enter the ballpark and check in at the north gate. Performers are
Shuckers to Honor 10th Anniversary Season with Commemorative Logo
BILOXI, MS – In celebration of the Biloxi Shuckers' 10th season on the Coast, the team has announced a commemorative 10th-anniversary logo. The logo will appear on merchandise as well as the team’s home and blue alternate jerseys in 2025. Fans can purchase commemorative 10th-anniversary shirts in blue or coral
Battle at the Beach Returns to Keesler Federal Park with Top High School Talent
BILOXI, MS – The Biloxi Shuckers have announced that the Battle at the Beach High School Baseball Tournament will return to Keesler Federal Park for six games over three days featuring some of the top talent on the Coast. Games will take place on Friday, March 7, Thursday, March 13
Junior Journalism Program Returns for Shuckers' 10th Anniversary Season
BILOXI, MS – The Biloxi Shuckers are excited to announce the return of their Junior Journalism Program ahead of the team’s 10th anniversary season in 2025. The program, which began in 2024, is designed to highlight and promote the best student-led sports journalism on the Coast. Student organizations and individual
Keesler Federal Park Nominated as a USA Today Readers' Choice 10Best Minor League Ballpark
BILOXI, MS – USA TODAY announced today that the home ballpark of the Biloxi Shuckers, Keesler Federal Park, has been selected as a nominee for the USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Award for Best Minor League Ballpark. Voting begins on Monday, February 17th at 11 a.m. CT and ends on
Shuckers Announce Front Office Promotions and Additions for 2025 Season
BILOXI, MS – The Biloxi Shuckers have announced multiple additions and promotions in preparation for the team’s 10th anniversary season, which begins on Friday, April 4 on the road against the Pensacola Blue Wahoos before the home opener on Tuesday, April 8 at 6:05 p.m. against the Columbus Clingstones at
Ayrault Returns as Manager, Brewers Announce Shuckers Complete 2025 Staff
BILOXI, MS – The Milwaukee Brewers have announced the coaching staff for the Biloxi Shuckers' 10th anniversary season in 2025, headlined by the return of Joe Ayrault as the team’s manager. Ayrault, entering his second season, will be joined by hitting coach Kevin Martir (1st season with Biloxi), pitching coach
Southern Miss, Nicholls Set to Meet in Biloxi for Hancock Whitney Classic
BILOXI, MS – The Biloxi Shuckers have announced that the Southern Miss Golden Eagles will return to Biloxi for a second consecutive season, taking on the Nicholls Colonels on Tuesday, March 25 at 6:05 p.m. as part of the Hancock Whitney Classic. Gates will open at 5:00 p.m. Southern Miss
Mississippi State Set to Return to Biloxi for Two-Game Hancock Whitney Classic
BILOXI, MS – The Biloxi Shuckers have announced that the Mississippi State Bulldogs will return to Biloxi for the 2025 Hancock Whitney Classic on Tuesday, March 11 at 6:00 p.m. and Wednesday, March 12 at 5:00 p.m. against the Old Dominion Monarchs and Nicholls Colonels. Gates will open one hour
Clubhouse Manager Craig Thomas, Groundskeeper Trey Bowman Earn Southern League Honors
BILOXI, MS – Minor League Baseball announced today that Biloxi Shuckers’ staff members, Craig Thomas and Trey Bowman, have been honored as the Southern League Home Clubhouse Manager of the Year and Head Groundskeeper of the Year. The pair becomes the first Shuckers clubhouse manager and groundskeeper to earn honors.
Pratt Earns MiLB Rawlings Gold Glove Award® at Shortstop
BILOXI, MS – Minor League Baseball and Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc. announced on Monday that Biloxi Shuckers infielder Cooper Pratt was named the 2024 MiLB Rawlings Gold Glove Award® winner at shortstop. It marks the third consecutive year a Shuckers player has won the award, with Pratt joining Jeferson
Shuckers Announce Full Schedule, First Pitch Times for 10th Anniversary Season
BILOXI, MS – The Biloxi Shuckers, in conjunction with Minor League Baseball, have announced the team’s full 2025 schedule and home game times, which features 138 games, including 69 games at Keesler Federal Park during the Shuckers 10th anniversary season. Shuckers fans can click HERE to purchase a 2025 Shuck
Three Shuckers Selected for the 2024 Robin Yount Performance Awards
BILOXI, MS – The Milwaukee Brewers announced today that Biloxi Shuckers’ pitchers Craig Yoho and K.C. Hunt and shortstop Cooper Pratt have all been selected for the organization’s Robin Yount Performance Awards. Yoho and Hunt were named the Brewers Co-Minor League Pitchers of the Year while Pratt was named the
Ernesto Martinez Jr., Blake Holub Named Southern League All-Stars
BILOXI, MS – Minor League Baseball announced today that Biloxi Shuckers first-baseman Ernesto Martinez Jr. and reliever Blake Holub were named 2024 Southern League All-Stars. It marks the fifth time in franchise history that multiple Shuckers were named to the post-season All-Star team and the second consecutive season after a
Craig Yoho, Jacob Misiorowski Honored by Baseball America
BILOXI, MS – Baseball America announced today that Biloxi Shuckers’ pitchers Craig Yoho and Jacob Misiorowski earned end-of-season awards from the publication. Yoho was named a Baseball America First-Team Minor League Baseball All-Star and Misiorowski was named the publication’s Brewers Minor League Player of the Year. Yoho, the Brewers' eighth-round
LSU, Samford Set for Exhibition Game in Biloxi on November 3
BILOXI, MS – The Biloxi Shuckers have announced that the LSU Tigers and Samford Bulldogs will play a fall exhibition game as part of the Hancock Whitney Classic at Keesler Federal Park on Sunday, November 3. First pitch is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. and gates open at 10:00 a.m. The