Solidarity and Baseball

MAPE members enjoyed a night at the Saints game, marking the fourth consecutive year. Local 401 President Jeff Gintz has been the driving force behind making the Saints outings a success. This year, eight locals participated, selling nearly 1,000 tickets between members and their families.

"MAPE is happy to get together so many of our members every year for a night of solidarity at the St. Paul Saints game. Our union enjoyed a pregame picnic and MAPE was recognized on the big screen. The Saints also allowed some of our members to go onto the warning track to enjoy the postgame fireworks," said Gintz.   

Local 1101 member Logan Towne threw out the first pitch. Members also participated in between-inning promotions, including Local 401’s Benjamin Crowder, Alexis Loftness, Amanda Christianson, Julie Andrus and Brian Fischer, Local 602’s Sanderia Davis, Local 701’s Jack Jackson and Local 1101’s Vidal Castaneda.

New this year, some members participated in a traditional dragon dance with the Hong De troupe before the game.

"I'm really proud to be part of a Union that offers opportunities to build community and rapport with other organizations,” explained Local 502’s Carolyn Murphy. “This particular event allowed our members to participate in a cultural event which supports Asian arts.”

Murphy joined in the dance, saying “Our membership is diverse and that's something to be proud of! And I got to feed and dance with a little lion, how cute was that?"

“Overall, it was a great night,” Murphy said. “My son’s friend ended up catching a fly ball!”