Photo by Mic Smith.
Josh Shea
AGE: 37.
HOME TURF: Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park, Charleston.
CLAIM TO FAME: He’s the chef behind the gourmet food and beverage offerings fans enjoy at Charleston RiverDogs home games.
LITTLE-KNOWN FACT: Like RiverDogs part-owner Bill Murray, Shea is also known for his comedy routines.
WHAT BILL MURRAY EATS: “I recently fixed lunch for Bill and one of his sons, and he requested our brisket melt with fries, but he truly enjoys trying all the different food we serve.”
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To say that Josh Shea can cook and talk baseball is like saying Julia Child could sure roast a chicken. Shea is Vice President, Food and Beverage, of the Charleston RiverDogs, Class A affiliate of the New York Yankees at beloved Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park (aka “The Joe”), overlooking the Ashley River in Charleston.
“There is just something special about working at The Joe for the RiverDogs that keeps me inspired to better myself and to better the experience that all fans will have,” says the lifelong baseball fan. “The opportunities to create incredible food, but also great memories, are endless for me here.”
The Abbeville native, a graduate of Clemson University and Culinary Institute of Charleston, takes pride in a creative, gourmet menu with items ranging from a brisket ramen bowl to “beer shakes” in multiple flavors. But it was the huge footlong hot dog he calls The Homewrecker (it’s topped with a quarter-pound of pimento cheese, another quarter pound of coleslaw, pickled okra, bacon and more) that RiverDogs co-owner Bill Murray raved about on a recent episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live.
When the COVID-19 pandemic canceled the 2020 Minor League Baseball season, Shea and his staff launched To Go at The Joe, offering takeout meals and meal kits, but he can’t wait for the 2021 season when fans can once again enjoy his menu at the historic park.
“2021 is going to be an explosion of fun, excitement and craziness,” he says with a smile. “It’s going to be one for the history books.”
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Get More
Order up! Learn more about To Go at The Joe at milb.com/charleston/ballpark/drive-thru.