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Watch: J.B. Bickerstaff Throws First Pitch at Redbirds Game

By Christian Dudley

MEMPHIS, TN - MAY 2: J.B. Bickerstaff of the Memphis Grizzlies speaks with the media during a Press Conference announcing himself as Memphis Grizzlies Head Coach on May 2, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - MAY 2: J.B. Bickerstaff of the Memphis Grizzlies speaks with the media during a Press Conference announcing himself as Memphis Grizzlies Head Coach on May 2, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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MEMPHIS, TN – MAY 2: J.B. Bickerstaff of the Memphis Grizzlies speaks with the media during a Press Conference announcing himself as Memphis Grizzlies Head Coach on May 2, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN – MAY 2: J.B. Bickerstaff of the Memphis Grizzlies speaks with the media during a Press Conference announcing himself as Memphis Grizzlies Head Coach on May 2, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /

J.B. Bickerstaff helps to keep the Memphis Grizzlies’ fanbase strong by throwing the first pitch on Saturday evening. 

In what always feels like a long offseason, this year will seem even longer. As all of Grizz Nation knows, the Memphis Grizzlies failed to qualify for the 2018 NBA Playoffs.

Rather than a nice, deep playoff run through the months of April and May, it has been an early ending to Memphis’ season.

No Playoffs mean plenty of free time for the Grizzlies, including newly-introduced head coach, J.B. Bickerstaff. Therefore, he made an announced appearance at Saturday’s Memphis Redbirds home game at AutoZone Park.

The Memphis Redbirds are a Minor League Baseball club, more specifically a Triple-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals.

The Redbirds are located a short distance down the street from the home of the Memphis Grizzlies. The baseball team annually hosts at least one Grizzlies-inspired game night during the summer.

Coach Bickerstaff threw the honorary first pitch for the Redbirds on “Grit-‘N’-Good Luck” night. Take a look for yourself directly below.

His attempt was not too shabby, though Memphis Grizzlies forward Jarell Martin poked fun at his coach on Instagram.

https://twitter.com/memgrizz/status/995453999762505729?s=21

Important to note, Martin was one of the first members of the Grizzlies’ roster to publicly congratulate J.B. Bickerstaff on his official hire by the Grizz.

Nearly falling off the team prior to the 2017-18 regular season, Martin’s saving grace truly was Bickerstaff. Jarell’s performance and role on the team increased once J.B. accepted the interim position.

J.B. Bickerstaff’s appearance at the Memphis Redbirds’ stadium assists in retaining the attention of locals, reminding them that the next Grizz season will be an excellent one.

Moving forward, this further proves that J.B. is locked into the franchise’s goals and is going to do what it takes to keep his word of making the fans proud of the fight his team will display.

Continue to follow Beale Street Bears throughout the offseason with plenty of insight surrounding the NBA Draft, Free-Agency, and much more! 

Go Grizz! 

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