Pelicans jerseys raise awareness of mental health issues

The Class A Advanced Myrtle Beach Pelicans planned to wear specialty jerseys Sunday, May 31, which would been Mental Health Awareness Night. In the absence of actual baseball, the team unveiled the design and used it as a “Wallpaper Wednesday” template on social media.

Per the team, the stripes on the jersey represent percentages of adults in the U.S. who are affected by mental illness each year, numbering in the millions. The promotional night would have been held in conjunction with the Lighthouse Behavioral Health Hospital in Conway, South Carolina, and a jersey auction would have benefited the National Alliance on Mental Illness, which raises public awareness, fights stigmas associated with mental health issues, and advocates for better health care.