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Expecting a great night at McKechnie Field

Trevor Gooby delivering a baby bobblehead

You remember the drama last February at McKechnie Field, when Trevor Gooby delivered a baby outside the ballpark gates. In true MiLB form, the Bradenton Marauders are issuing a bobblehead to commemorate the occasion.

The story: Gooby, the senior director of Florida operations for the Pittsburgh Pirates in Bradenton and GM of the Bradenton Marauders (High Class A; Florida State League) was at the ballpark with the rest of his staff for an event to recognize Pirates spring-training season-ticket holders — a soft opening for spring training, as it were. A very pregnant Latisha Kirk was walking to the ballpark when she started having contractions, an unexpected development as she wasn’t due until April 1. Gooby and his team went into action — calling 911 and placing her in a wheelchair — before reality hit: baby McKechnie K’Marion Brand was ready to meet the world much soon than anyone anticipated. It was a quick delivery, with baby born before the EMT crew arrived to take mother and son to Manatee Memorial Hospital.

To honor the occasion, the Marauders have scheduled a Babies on Deck promotion (presented by Manatee Memorial Hospital, naturally) for August 28. The first 1,000 fans will receive a Bobble Baby, a figurine of Gooby holding a baby. Gooby’s arms bobble as he presents the baby to the world. Between-inning contests will include the baby stroller obstacle course, the baby-changing relay, blindfolded baby food tasting, and many more.

Gooby, a father of two, believes the celebration will be an evening to remember, just like his night in February.

“I can’t wait to see the ballpark full of babies and mothers on August 28,” Gooby said. “Although I would prefer not to deliver any more at the stadium. Once was enough.”

Image courtesy of the Bradenton Marauders.

RELATED STORIES: Pirates’ Gooby delivers more than pitch at ballpark

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