The Myrtle Beach Pelicans, High-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, will wear specially designed jerseys to promote deaf awareness for a game later this season.
The uniforms replace the Pelicans’ traditional script with drawings of hands spelling the team name in American Sign Language. While some of the uniforms will be auctioned off to benefit the deaf community, many will be given to members of the deaf community through a free raffle.
Pregame and in-game events will be hosted by Curtis Pride, who is deaf and played 11 seasons with the Angels, Expos, Red Sox, Tigers, Braves, and Mets. Pride currently serves as MLB’s Ambassador for Inclusion, and is the head coach for the baseball team at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., a private university for the deaf and hard of hearing.
Per the team, “In an effort to create an inclusive experience for members of the deaf community, sign language interpreters will be infused into the Pelicans’ gameday experience. The night will include a silent inning. Additionally, Jason Hurdich, an RID certified deaf interpreter, will perform the National Anthem, and for the first time in club history, the Seventh Inning Stretch will be performed by an ASL interpreter.”
Deaf Awareness Night will take place Sunday, August 19, with a 6:05 pm game against the Buies Creek Astros.
