The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

After missing out on an historic Major League 20/20 (home run/stolen base) feat this past season that was hampered by an injury, Bahamian Jasrado “Jazz” Chisholm said he’s looking forward to improving in his quest to go after the Most Valuable Player award.

The Miami Marlins’ second baseman and shortstop completed the season with 18 home runs and 23 stolen bases to go along with 115 hits, 70 runs and 53 runs batted in from his 464 at-bats with an average of .248.

The Marlins, managed by Don Mattingly, finished with a 67-95 win-loss record for fourth place in the Nationals League East, but it wasn’t enough to get them in the postseason.

Chisholm, who has been a smashing hit for the Marlins because of his flamboyant style of play, said it was good to finally be back home in two years since he cracked Miami’s line-up on September 1, 2020 and made his defensive debut that night against the Toronto Blue Jays.

He was greeted at Fusion Superplex IMAX by Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg, members of the Bahamas Baseball Association and family and friends in a welcome ceremony.

“Welcome back home,” Bowleg told Chisholm. “I felt the injury held you back. If you had not gotten injured, I know you would have made that 20/20. So I’m looking forward to some great things from you in the future.”

As the new “sheriff” in town, Bowleg promised Chisholm that anytime he returned home, he would be treated in the manner as was the case during his return on Sunday. He ensured that he could call on him at any time for his assistance.

BBA president Sam Rodgers said while he and Chisholm enjoyed their friendship over the years, he was pleased to welcome him home on behalf of the BBA, which has been following his progress with a lot of interest.

“We thank you for what you are doing for baseball in the world and for the Bahamas,” he said. “We’re behind you 100 percent and whatever we can do, please call us and we will make sure that you come home in style.”

BBA’s secretary general Teddy Sweeting, who organised the event along with Tommy Stubbs, thanked everyone for coming out and showing their support for Chisholm.

“We have a big announcement on Thursday night about the Bahamian Heritage Night in Miami for Jazz,” Sweeting revealed. “Looking forward to it and to everybody coming into Miami for that big night.”

One of the special dignitaries on hand for the brief ceremony was professional boxer Tureano ‘Reno’ Johnson, who also welcomed Chisholm home.

“Congratulations on your past work and continue to work hard,” Johnson said. “You have shown a lot of resilience, especially after that injury you had. Welcome home buddy.”

Javari Southard, the director of food and beverage at Fusion Superplex IMAX, said Chisholm has been an inspiration to the Bahamas and they have pledged their full support of his endeavours by allowing him access to their property whenever he deems it necessary.

Nardo Dean, representing the Ministry of Tourism, said it was a pleasure to welcome Chisholm home.

“You have done a great job for our country and I’m sure our minister, I. Chester Cooper, we are proud to have you here,” Dean said. “You are a Bahamian, who has done an awesome job representing us. Welcome back. We are proud of you.”

After a long day making the journey home, Chisholm thanked all of the persons who came and put a smile on his face as they continued to show him their love and support.

While he said the first thing he wanted to do was “eat some cracked conch,” Chisholm said he’s going to “win the MVP. That is where my focus is. Even though I came out to hang out with my family and friends, I will be in the gym working at 7am (today).

“I want to win the MVP. I know the injury kind of stopped it, but I know my potential that I have, so ain’t nothing wrong about challenging it. I’m going to go for it.”

Chisholm said he’s also looking forward to participating in the fourth Don’t Blink Home Run Derby that will be staged on Saturday at Atlantis, the title sponsor for the week-long event.

During his stay here, Chisholm said he will be working out with his local coaches Geron Sands and Albert Cartwright, who both came to Miami when he was on the 10-day disabled list and they held batting practice for him to help him in his rehab.

Having worked with him since he was eight years old, Sands said because of their close relationship, he is quite aware of his talent.

“He has a lot left in the tank. But I’m just proud of him,” said Sands, making reference to Cartwright, who also played a pivotal role in Chisholm’s success. “He’s a guy that puts in the work on and off the field. That’s what you get when you put in the work like he does.”

Chisholm, however, said his trek through baseball would not be possible without the support of his grandparents, including Pat Coakley, whom he hugged and thanked for her support.

When asked to give some words of advice to the youngsters hoping to follow in his footsteps, Chisholm told them to “never give up”.

“The day you give up is the day you will never make it,” he said.

“Even though you have all the talent to make it and you’re one of the best players in the world and you give up on your dreams or any dreams that you have as a baseball player, basketball, football player, anybody, I feel that’s when it goes down the drain. So never give up.”