Twerkin’ on the mound: Sheletta Brundidge throws out first pitch at Saints game on Black Business Night at the Ballpark

The St. Paul Saints are known for their goofy crowd-pleasing ballpark stunts that are as much a part of the action at CHS Field as the baseball play on the field.

But a celebrity throwing out a ceremonial first pitch while twerking may have been a first.

Broadcaster, podcaster and business owner Sheletta Brundidge was proud not only of her discrete twerking but also of her ability to toss the baseball from the mound and have it bounce on the ground just short of home plate.

“I think I invented something. Combining twerking and pitching—I’m baseball’s first twitcher,” Brundidge said.

Whatever it’s called, many in the crowd, including notables in attendance, had a good laugh over Brundidge’s move and were somewhat impressed by her pitch.

“We’re proud of her arm. That pitch was a solid sinker; she did good,” said St Paul Mayor Melvin Carter.

In her oversized Saints jersey with SHELETTA spelled out on the back, Brundidge was in the spotlight because of her partnership with the St Paul Saints.

The podcaster, broadcaster and business owner brainstormed with the team's management and together the Saints and her business ShelettgaMakesMeLaugh.com sponsored Black Business Night at the Ballpark.

“The Saints have been allies. They wanted to know what they can do right now to support Black-owned businesses and they put their money where their mouth is,” Brundidge said.

At the game on August 8, in recognition of August as Black Business Month and at Brundidge’s urging, the Saints waived their usual vendor fees for a half dozen local Black-owned small businesses and gave each of them a free table on the concourse at CHS Stadium.

This gave the Black entrepreneurs an opportunity to sell their wares or provide information about their services to the crowds of Saints baseball fans as they strolled by.

Nneka Onuma, owner of Sweet Heaven by Nne, almost sold out of her cake-in-a-jar treats, Nigerian sweets, and a selection of fresh-baked cookies. She also connected with potential customers interested in the custom cakes she creates.

“This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me to get this kind of exposure,” Onuma said. “It takes a village to raise a small business and I am so grateful for the support from Sheletta and the Saints to be here, where I can show people what I can make and bake for them.”

As fans arrived for the game on the cool August evening, they also got a chance to meet Shontel Booker, certified yoga teacher and owner of the St Paul-based Dream in Color Healing. At her table near the stadium’s front gate, she offered information about upcoming yoga classes and delighted passers-by as she tipped her shoulders down into a stool and then launched into an eye-catching headstand.

Fans also connected Michael Roberts, a real estate agent/ broker and property manager. He had wheel for young fans to spin for a chance to win prizes of fidget toys, sunglasses and candy.

“It was amazing. I got a chance to really talk to some parents while their kids were spinning the wheel. I came here with a thousand business cards and I probably have two dozen left,” smiled Roberts. “I met some people that I know I will be able help when they’re ready to buy or sell a home. Sheletta is always looking for ways to hep us get that foot in the door.”

While the Saints were victorious over the Columbus Clippers, winning the night’s game by a score of 2-1, the Black-owned businesses featured at the field were also winners.

“The Saints are very much a part of our community and it’s meaningful they are working with Sheletta to have fun and create a collective experience for our Black-owned businesses,” Mayor Carter said.