Bookleggers to Host Budweiser Burger & Beer Event at Marlins Park

Bookleggers, the nonprofit community mobile library that has built a cult following in Miami over the past few years, is heading to the big leagues — specifically, Major League Baseball. The organization is partnering with Marlins Park for a burger, beer, and book event July 8. 

Budweiser Burger & Beer Friday will offer knowledge-hungry, legally drinking fans one helluva deal. With the purchase of one $30 Bullpen Reserved First Base seat to the Marlins vs. the Cincinnati Reds, attendees will also receive a craft burger and a 16-ounce beer. In addition, fans will get a complimentary book provided by Bookleggers, and pregame happy hour specials at the Budweiser Bow Tie Bar, including $4 domestic drafts (for fans 21 and older) from 5:30 to 7 p.m. 

A portion of the ticket proceeds will benefit Bookleggers and their never-ending mission to get a book in everyone's hands via monthly rotating venue stops at bars, parks, galleries, and public access points. Fans who wish to take additional books may do so for just $2 each. 

Bookleggers Library founding member Nathaniel Sandler prides himself on getting books into the hands of readers in some of the city's most unusual places. A Marlins game definitely is in line with that thinking. 

"Bookleggers loves putting books in weird and unexpected places, and we think in the middle of a professional baseball game fits that bill." Sandler tells the New Times. According to Sandler, the event planned next week at Marlins Park is meant to stand out. 

"We also want people to have fun. This event will be fun. Beer, burgers, and books in a bizarre place. We hope a couple people there for the ball game will be pleasantly surprised by the presence of a few weirdos giving out books. I imagine it will be a very strange sight for your standard baseball fan." 

So how did Bookleggers and the Marlins coordinate such an odd marriage? Like many things in life, it's who you know. Sandler happens to have known someone who has worked with the Marlins for a long time. 

"One of my oldest friends on the planet, Charles Sano, works in the front office for the team. We grew up together in Miami, played sports together, and we even skipped school and went to opening day in 1993 together to watch old man (Charlie) Hough knuckle his way to the Fish's first victory ever." 

Sandler hopes Bookleggers' night at the park begins a funky tradition where literary-minded Marlins fans meet up for two of their favorite things: baseball and books. 

"I imagine that a genuine and somewhat goofy sense of community will grow out of everyone sitting in the same section with a book. Plus, there's a special where if you show up early, the beers are dirt cheap. Batting practice with a Bud and a book?" 

For more information and to purchase tickets to Bookleggers' new Budweiser Burger & Beer Friday at Marlins Park this July 8 visit mlb.com/marlins.