Chisholm, Lewis pitch in for Bahamas relief

MIAMI -- Hurricane Dorian didn't make landfall in South Florida, but the powerful storm did inflict major damage to the Bahamas, home to three Miami prospects.

Two of them -- shortstops Jazz Chisholm (Miami’s No. 4 prospect) and Ian Lewis -- were at Marlins Park on Tuesday for batting practice before the Marlins’ 4-3 loss to the Brewers to assist in a relief drive by the club that will run through the end of the homestand on Thursday. Miami Minor Leaguer Anfernee Seymour also is from the Bahamas.

The club’s goal is to “just create as much awareness as we can for our friends in the Bahamas,” Marlins president of baseball operations Michael Hill said. “This whole homestand has been a concerted effort to try to bring as many supplies as possible to be able to help a hurricane-ravaged country."

South Florida dealt with hurricane and tropical storm watches and warnings, but not a direct hit from Dorian.

“It hits close to home for us, with three Bahamian players that we have in the organization," Hill said.

Chisholm, 21, was acquired on July 31 from the D-backs for right-hander Zac Gallen. Lewis, 16, is an international signee, who came to terms on July 2.

“My family is good,” Chisholm said. “Some friends are in a rough spot right now. I know a couple of friends who moved to West Palm Beach to go to high school because they have nothing to go to at home.”

Chisholm was playing for Double-A Jacksonville when Hurricane Dorian impacted the Bahamas.

“With the families and my friends from Abaco and Freeport, they had to move over here for school,” Chisholm said. “I’m just praying that we have a speedy recovery in the Bahamas.”

Chisholm currently is in the Marlins’ instructional league, which is taking place at the Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium complex in Jupiter, Fla.

“As soon as instructional league is over, we’re going to go to Freeport and Abaco to help out, and check out what damage has been done,” Chisholm said.

Drop-off locations for donations at Marlins Park are on the East and West Plazas, which are open two hours before first pitch for all the remaining games of the series against the Brewers.

The Miami Marlins Foundation is donating all 50/50 raffle proceeds, and it will match the funds raised, to the relief efforts. In addition, fans attending the games at Marlins Park can donate $1 at any Marlins Park concession stand and round up their purchases for donations at the Marlins Park retail stores. These donations will be matched by the Miami Marlins Foundation as well.

“We want to thank everyone for their donations and helping our island,” Lewis said. “We really appreciate it. We couldn’t ask for a better support team.”

The Bahamas have become a fertile market for young baseball talent, reflected by the emergence of prospects like Chisholm, Lewis and Seymour.

“[It’s] definitely an area that will continue to be on our radar,” Hill said. “The situation that happened with Hurricane Dorian, and a situation where the Marlins are trying to be proactive and do everything in our power to help as best we can.”

BBWAA Awards

Before Tuesday night’s game, the South Florida Chapter of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA) presented its annual awards. During an on-field ceremony, the chapter recognized four winners.

The Most Valuable Player award goes to third baseman/right fielder Brian Anderson. Sandy Alcantara is the Rookie of the Year. Miguel Rojas is the recipient of the Charlie Hough “Good Guy” Award. And Neil Walker received the Jeff Conine Heart and Professionalism Award.