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Prospects aiding storm relief efforts for the Bahamas
MIAMI — In wake of the devastation from Hurricane Dorian, Miami Marlins prospects and Bahamas natives Jazz Chisholm and Ian Lewis are doing their part to help the recovery efforts for their homeland.
On Tuesday, the two shortstops were at Marlins Park as part of an ongoing relief drive for the Bahamas. Through Thursday, the stadium will serve as a donation site for people to drop off essential items.
Water, canned goods, can openers, mosquito spray, sunscreen, diapers, baby formula, first aid items, flashlights, batteries and small generators are among the needed items requested by the Miami Marlins foundation. Those wishing to donate can make drop-offs at the East and West Plaza, beginning two hours prior to first pitch.
“We’re grateful for the support of Miami,” Chisholm said. “Seeing all our friends from the island sending videos and watching it was really heartbreaking. When I see the community come together in a time of need and help us; it really warms my heart.”
Two of the organization’s newest prospects, Chisholm and Lewis were both in Jupiter when the storm hit the Bahamas. A top-100 prospect, Chisholm, 21, was acquired at the July 31 trade deadline for Zac Gallen. Lewis, 16, officially joined the Marlins in July as an international free agent.
Both hailing from Nassau, Chisholm and Lewis witnessed the devastation from afar in Palm Beach County. Playing with the Marlins’ instructional league team at the time, Chisholm was frantically reaching out to friends and family as the Category 5 hurricane ravaged the Bahamas for nearly two days.
“Every time I got a break to check my phone, I would check it and call people,” Chisholm said. “When I wasn’t in touch with them I was really scared, so I would keep blowing up the phone when the power was out or the service connection was out.
“It was really scary see all that happening.”
Chisholm and Lewis said they’ve safely heard from their all their family members following the storm. While their immediate friends and family members survived the hurricane, Chisholm said many are facing dire circumstances.
“Some friends are in a rough spot,” Chisholm said. “I know some friends who moved to West Palm Beach to go to high school because they have nothing to go to at home in Abaco and Freeport. I’m just praying we have a speedy recovery in the Bahamas.”
Once baseball wraps up this year, both players said they plan on returning to the Bahamas to help out.
“I’d like to say thank you to everyone for the donations and helping,” Lewis said. “We really appreciate it.” to