WINNING PLAYS

upscale CEO Bernard Bronner sat down for a conversation with Major League Baseball (MLB) coach and former player Delino DeShields. DeShields was also a coach with the Reds organization for fourteen years. For this issue, DeShields was a contributor to our Health and Wellness article.

pg 22

BB: What was your role with the Reds and what’s your present role?

Bernard Bronner

Publisher

Ceobernardbronner

Bernardbronner

Bernardbronner

DD: During my time with the Reds, I managed at every level for ten years and was the MLB first base coach for an additional four years.

Currently, I am in my first year with the Washington Nationals. I am the manager for their Double A affiliate, The Harrisburg Senators.

BB: How long have you been involved with baseball?

DD: Basketball is my first love. I received a full scholarship to Villanova to play hoops in 1987. That same year I was also a first-round draft pick

From the desk of Bernard Bronner

I am pleased to announce that for this issue. Hip-Hop’s Diamond Princess Trina has been featured on our cover. Catch the exclusive story penned by Jazmyne Courtnii Byrd (pg 28)

Celebrating 50 years of Hip- Hop! A powerful milestone- Upscale pays tribute to the musical icons who have paved the way (pgs 8, 24)

Journey with upscale to Cartagena and Port Antonio through our interesting and fun Travel Guide (pg 52) by the Montreal Expos in the MLB June Draft. I decided to forgo my scholarship and to take my chances playing baseball. Needless to say, things worked out and I played in the MLB for fourteen years. I started coaching in 2009 so this will be my fifteenth-year coaching in Professional Baseball.

BB: What has been one of your most memorable experiences?

DD: One of my most memorable experiences was getting four hits in my Major League debut with my mother in the stands. Someday soon, I hope to manage in the Major Leagues.

VP / Editorial Director P. Nigel Killikelly

Art Director Michael A. Chester

Associate Editors Utamu Belle, E. Monique Johnson

Editors at Large Michelle Elliott DeShields, Tash Van Doimen

Senior Writers Jocelyn Amador, Sheryl Nance-Nash, Hal Peat

Fashion Editor Dr. Courtney A. Hammonds

Copy Editor Evelina Singh

Writers Kitty J. Pope, Pat Ramanou

Editorial Events Manager Dirk ìChiggaî Christiani

Senior Contributors Shindana Johnson, Leslie E. Royal, Annita Stokes Thomas

Contributors Yannason Duncan, Carolyn Walcott, Ibiyi J. Wilson

Correspondents Terry Allen, Nicole Baskins, Bentley Diolier, Errol McCollin, K. Nkosi Killikelly

VP / National Sales and Marketing

Senior Account Manager

National Sales and Promotions

National Sales / Health and Wellness

East Coast Sales and Promotions

West Coast Sales and Promotions

Media Consultant and Advisor

Newsstand Sales Director

Publicist

Millie Y. Harrell

Armenious Patterson Jr.

Endura Govan

Leris Bernard

Jay Ellis

William M. Johnson

Bob McNeil

John Blassingame

Jonell Whitt

Digital Manager Denise Powell

Regional Promotions Manager

Event Manager

Gail Foster/Midwest

Marie Tichler

We continue to stress the importance of maintaining both mental and physical health, through our Health and Wellness articles, featuring expert advice (pgs 19, 22) as well as important

Relationship tips

(pg 21) upscale highlights the inspirational work of Ambassador Waleed Shamsid-Deen (pg 26)

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