South Mississippi performers hope to have the Shuck Factor

BILOXI -- They came to MGM Park with their hopes and dreams in their hands and stars in their eyes Wednesday, each hoping to be the next big star of the Biloxi Shuckers.

People turned out by the dozens for the Shuck Factor, an MGM Park-produced talent show for the Shuckers organization to audition for a variety of slots including on-field emcees and on-field promo team members and singers hoping to sing the national anthem on the ball field.

Shuckers media director Chris Harris said the talent contest has grown considerably since the team's first season on the Coast.

"Last year, we had a contest for national anthem singers at (Edgewater) Mall," he said. "But we wanted to expand it this year, because we have a lot of new things going on this season."

One of the new positions will be the team's new mascot.

"We're looking for someone through the contest to wear the mascot costume when we unveil it soon," Harris said.

Carlos Griffith of Biloxi was one of several who was hoping to land the mascot gig.

He performed for the crowd in a T-Rex costume.

He said he has plenty of experience working as a mascot.

"I've been the yellow M&M, Tony the Tiger -- any time I'm in a costume I love it," he said.

"I love the kids and the adults and the atmosphere."

Emily Applegate of D'Iberville was also at MGM Park auditioning to be the Shuckers' first mascot.

"I was the mascot at D'Iberville High School," she said. "I love the Biloxi Shuckers and the chance to be their first mascot would be amazing."

The competition was judged by park personnel and local media representatives.

The winners will be announced at a later date.

This story was originally published March 16, 2016 at 8:30 PM with the headline "South Mississippi performers hope to have the Shuck Factor ."