Bay News 9's Project Weather is using balls and strikes to pass on a little math and science know-how.

And it all happened at Bright House Field in Clearwater.

  • Project Weather part of a special interactive pre-game presentation
  • Virginia Johnson, Josh Linker talk to kids about lightning safety
  • Kids learn from the 'Thunder Lion" when thunder roars, go indoors
  • Project Weather educates kids about weather sciences

Hundreds of Tampa Bay area youth took part in a special interactive pre-game presentation.

Entertainment Host and Reporter Virginia Johnson and Meteorologist Josh Linker stood on ball field looking up at the stands teaching children how to stay safe in Florida’s weather.

"Throughout the summer season we get the thunderstorms,” said Linker, “And if you are outside during a thunderstorm, lightning could be not only dangerous, but deadly."

To teach kids to get inside at the sound of thunder, Josh and Virginia directed the children’s attention to the outfield big screen.

There Juli Marquez appeared and introduced the weather mascot “Thunder Lion.”

Thunder Lion roared on screen, as Virginia and Josh chanted, “When thunder roars.”

Bay News 9 and Clearwater Threshers volunteers held up signs in all caps “GO INDOORS.”

Of course the children happily complied, yelling this lifesaving answer at the top of their lungs.

"When thunder roars, go indoors” became the teaching moment of the presentation.

There were other mascots in the learning fun including the Threshers’ Phinley the shark and Al G, the big little blob of algae.

And Bay News 9’s very own mascot—Sunny! And yes, it’s huge sun with rays on two feet with red shoes.

Juli also appeared back in the outfield screen to use math for tracking lighting.

"Once you see lighting, start counting the seconds,” said Marquez, “One mile equals five seconds.”

And she also used science to learn all the worlds water -- is recycled!

For Josh, these fun teaching moments are part of his mission as a scientist-- inspiring young people to learn about our atmosphere.

"That's how I got my start,” said Linker. “I was fascinated in weather as a little kid and I took it to where I am today.”

So could this Project Weather event inspire a new weather scientist?!

"There could be a meteorologist in there-- just don't take my job!" said Linker.

Linker may only have a few years left!