Protests planned when Scott throws Rays' first pitch

They're as American as apple pie: baseball and political protest.

On Friday, they come together.

Hundreds of people on Facebook say they'll join a "Boo Rick Scott on Opening Day" event set for the Tampa Bay Rays' season opener Friday night.

And at least one local union, the Hillsborough Classroom Teachers Association, is organizing a rally before the game, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The governor is scheduled to throw out the first pitch as the Rays face the Baltimore Orioles 7:10 p.m. at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg.

"We want to share our frustrations about cuts to education and the treatment of educators and other public employees,'' said Stephanie Baxter-Jenkins, executive director of the 8,000-member teachers association.

Union members will carry signs, but no boos are planned.

Leave that to the 700 people who had signed up by this evening for the "Boo Scott" Facebook page. It was created by Peter Schorsch of Saint Petersblog, an irreverent website featuring commentary on Florida news.

"A political protest is as American as baseball,'' said Schorsch, a 35-year-old sometimes political consultant.

"I was just so fed up,'' he said. "Honestly, the drug testing of state employees. Even Republicans are fed up.

How many of the Facebook pledges translate into game-time action will depend on how many people followed through and bought a ticket.

The game was nearly sold out this evening, with only single seats and obstructed views available.

It would be the second time in as many weeks that Scott, Florida's 45th governor, drew boos at a local ball game.

At a March 19 spring training game in Tampa, where the New York Yankees hosted the Toronto Blue Jays, Scott donned a Yankees cap and jacket and threw a fast one for the ceremonial pitch.

Some fans in the stands gave him the Bronx cheer.

Friday's game will be the real thing, though - the regular season opener with more than 30,000 people attending.

Rays' officials don't plan additional security measures, said Rick Vaughn, vice president of communications for the ball team.

Ticket holders with signs can take them in as long as the signs aren't abusive, Vaughn said.

How is Scott taking all this?

"His only concern is that the Tampa Bay Rays defeat the Baltimore Orioles,'' deputy press secretary Amy Graham said in an email to The Tampa Tribune.

"He respects the freedom of expression Americans enjoy.''

Winthrop Newton wishes he were there to do some expressing, but as president of the St. Petersburg Association of Firefighters he'll be challenging Scott on another front.

He's in Tallahassee this week working against one of the moves drawing protesters to Tropicana Field: A proposal limiting collection of union dues through the state payroll and eliminating collective bargaining for public employees.

"I support anything labor is doing in this environment,'' Newton said. "The impact on the middle class, the working class, is real. It's here."

Still, Scott will not stand alone Friday.

Members of the Republican Party of Pinellas County will gather at 5 p.m. in the next best thing to Tropicana Field, nearby Ferg's Sports Bar and Grill.

"I'm not dissatisfied with the governor,'' said Gail Hebert, president of the St. Petersburg Republican Club.

"He's doing exactly what he said he was going to do during his campaign,'' said Hebert, 68. "We're such a knee-jerk country. Let's give it some time.''

Besides, she added, booing is disrespectful.

"This is a nonpartisan sporting event. It's good for our local businesses.''

Hebert's family will be inside the stadium.

"And they definitely won't be booing.''

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