FOX Sports Florida, the regional television home of the Miami HEAT and statewide television home of the Miami Marlins, took some time this week to not only celebrate their partnership with the aforementioned pair of South Florida teams, but also, salute employees for their amazing year-round efforts.
On Thursday, Sept. 12, FOX Sports Florida employees hopped aboard the Marlins Fan Express for a quick day trip to Marlins Park. Employees watched the Marlins battle the Atlanta Braves and while the team fell just shy on the field that day, the true grand slam came before the game. Graphic Designer Steve Garcia tossed the first pitch for a strike down the middle of the plate, while General Manager / SVP Steve Tello, Executive Producer Brett Opdyke and Coordinating Producer John Valek were honored in a pregame ceremony by the team for their efforts in putting together the annual FOX Sports Florida Fantasy Auction. The auction, which was hosted by broadcasters Rich Waltz and Tommy Hutton from the popular Clevelander Pool at Marlins Park, raised $93,000 for the Marlins Foundation benefiting local educational charities. In addition to the group, employee’s Danny Fernandez, Diana Murphy, Marie Hightower, Ashley Levine and Rich McLelland were honored as part of the Marlins’ FOX Sports Florida Appreciation Day. Oh, and can’t forget, the FOX Sports Florida Girls also came on the field to celebrate the day!
On Friday, Sept. 13, employees welcomed a familiar presence to the studio in what has become a welcomed, annual tradition with the Miami HEAT’s Larry O’Brien Trophy. Miami HEAT Chief Marketing Officer Michael McCullough, Account Manager Sara Sciambi and HEAT mascot Burnie paid a visit to the FOX Sports Studio in Fort Lauderdale with the NBA World Championship Trophy. Steve Tello and Michael McCullough addressed employees, thanking them for their unwavering support throughout the past several years, and welcomed employees to take pictures with Mr. Larry O himself.
