Tortugas announce 12-week charitable donation campaign

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DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The Daytona Tortugas have announced a 12-week campaign of charitable donations to give back to the community that has stood steadfastly with the team in its quest to keep affiliated professional baseball at historic Jackie Robinson Ballpark in Daytona Beach.

The Tortugas Care Charity Foundation, the team’s philanthropic organization that supports local youth sports and sea turtle conservation initiatives, will make a financial contribution to a deserving community organization each week leading up to April 9, the 2020 season’s Opening Day. Recipients will be selected through an open application process that will begin immediately.

The Tortugas decided to launch the 12 Weeks of Thanks campaign after being overwhelmed with support from the community in the wake of news that Daytona is one of 42 communities slated to lose affiliated professional baseball under a plan put forward by Major League Baseball that would take effect in 2021.

“We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support we’ve received from the community to ‘Save our Tortugas'” said Tortugas co-owner Bob Fregolle. “From the support we’ve gotten from local government, the media, and the fans, it’s meant a lot to us as we do everything we can to save baseball here in Daytona. This seemed like a wonderful way to say ‘Thank You’ and to generate even more momentum as we head into what promises to be an amazing season at The Jack.”

To start off the campaign, the Tortugas will make a donation to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Volusia/Flagler. Boys & Girls Clubs of Volusia/Flagler operate in eight communities in the areas of greatest need within Volusia and Flagler counties and provide young people with adults who respect and listen to them, a safe environment, and constructive activities that channel youthful energy into challenging pursuits. The Tortugas are proud to support their efforts.

“The Tortugas organization is a great partner for the Boys & Girls Club and the Daytona Beach community,” said Joe Sullivan, Chief Professional Officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Volusia/Flagler Counties. “They have made it possible for our kids and families to attend games and provided financial support for our clubs. Our Daytona Tortugas are involved champions of our organization and area.”

Organizations that would like to be considered for subsequent contributions during the Tortugas’ 12 Weeks of Thanks campaign should contact Josh McCann, Community Relations & Outside Events Manager, by emailing josh@daytonatortugas.com.

The Tortugas begin the 2020 season on April 9th against the Florida Fire Frogs. Jackie Robinson Ballpark and the Daytona Tortugas will host the Florida State League All-Star Game on Tuesday, June 23rd. For more information, contact the team at 386-257-3172 or visit the Tortugas website at www.daytonatortugas.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Tortuga Intern Honored with FSL Scholarship

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DAYTONA BEACH, FL – The Daytona Tortugas, in conjunction with the Florida State League and the Miami Marlins, are proud to award the franchise’s fourth FSL Scholarship to Theodore Cannon. Cannon is the Tortugas Creative Media Intern.

“It’s a great honor that I was the one selected over everyone else involved in the internship program with the Daytona Tortugas,” Cannon said about the award.

Cannon, an Irmo, South Carolina native, is a rising Junior at Clemson University, where he is majoring in Architecture with a Visual Arts minor.

He helped design jerseys, provide content for social media, and was instrumental in the game day production involving the new video board at The Jack, but he quickly learned that there things outside of your job description that go into the nightly production of a MiLB game.

“I was hired on as a graphic design intern and even though that is my official position, I have done a little bit of everything at the ballpark,” Cannon stated. “I helped pull tarp, I’ve helped in concessions, and sometimes I helped with ticket sales.”

The Florida State League Scholarship Committee awarded twelve $1,500 educational scholarships to applicants from each team in the league. The award is based on both financial need and grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Students eligible for the scholarship must be an employee, or the child or grandchild of an employee, of the participating club from April 5 to September 2 and must be at least a high school junior by the 2018 fall term.

Cannon is going to use the scholarship money on supplies for the upcoming school year. “I can now afford things I couldn’t before, which is great, so it’s a little weight off my chest.”

The Miami Marlins have sponsored this program for more than 18 years and have contributed over $200,000.

Cannon hopes to take his work ethic from the summer into the school year.  

“This is probably the most I’ve worked in any period, let alone the summer period.” He added, “this has taught me to think things through in my head, allocate my time wisely, and give every task the desired amount of time.”

Cannon was honored at Radiology Associates Field at Jackie Robinson Ballpark on Tuesday, August 7, prior to a Tortuga game against the Dunedin Blue Jays, by throwing out the first pitch.

“It’s a great honor to be able to throw out the first pitch,” Cannon mentioned prior to the moment. “The fact that they allowed an intern to do it is very interesting, hopefully I don’t mess that up.”

Cannon capped off the ceremony by firing a perfect strike.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Tortugas Announce Veterans Job Fair

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DAYTONA BEACH, FL – The Daytona Tortugas are pleased to announce their first Veterans Job Fair, which will take place at Jackie Robinson Ballpark as part of Memorial Day Weekend. The job fair is the first of it’s kind for Minor League Baseball.

The job fair is designed for local Veterans who are searching for a new job, career change, or just a chance to get back on their feet.

The Tortugas have partnered with CareerSource Volusia Flagler for the event, which will be held on Friday, May 25th, from 5:30-7:30 PM during Daytona’s Military Appreciation Weekend.

The jobs will range from entry-level positions to post-grad degree required positions. Any Veteran interested in attending is asked to enter at the East Gate of The Jack (by the tennis courts) to check in, and to bring plenty of resumes with them.

All attendees of the Veteran’s Job Fair will receive a free ticket to the Tortugas game, courtesy of Budweiser.

 

For any questions, or additional information, in regards to the job fair, please call the Daytona Tortugas at (386) 257-3172.

The Tortugas will be celebrating Veterans throughout Memorial Day Weekend, when they host the Dunedin Blue Jays Friday-Sunday. For tickets, you can call the Tortugas or visit daytonatortugas.com.

The Tortugas are also looking for candidates for their Hometown Hero Card Set. You can submit a Hero here.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Tortugas Partner with Blossoms Workforce Academy

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DAYTONA BEACH, FL –The Daytona Tortugas are partnering with the Blossoms Workforce Academy for the 2018 season, as announced Tuesday afternoon. Blossoms Workforce Academy was founded with a mission to develop a workforce that has been empowered with knowledge, skills and ethical work practice to promote the best interests of local healthcare providers and general businesses within Volusia County and to the wider State of Florida,and will be sponsoring all mound visits at Jackie Robinson Ballpark during the 2018 season.

 

“Blossoms Workforce Academy is very excited to partner with the Daytona Tortugas for the 2018 season. Because our mission is identical to the Tortugas in giving back to the community, promoting diversity, and stressing the importance of education and learning. Blossoms’ partnership with the Tortugas was a no-brainer. We look forward to our partnership in creating an atmospheric community for togetherness, where everybody has an opportunity to learn and grow,” said Blossoms CEO Paul Sturdgess.

 

Blossoms teaches CPR and AED training, provides CNA test prep and scheduling, and teaches customer service and management skills to all members of the community, among other services.

 

“We’re very happy to partner with a company like Blossoms Workforce Academy,” said Tortugas president Ryan Keur. “The services that they provide, and the way they are able to help so many in our community, align with our organizational goals.”

 

The Tortugas hope the mound visits will be one-sided when the season begins this Thursday, April 5th, against the Florida Fire Frogs. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM with fireworks to follow the final out. To purchase your tickets, call the Tortugas at (386) 257-3172 or visit daytonatortugas.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Daytona Tortugas Make Donation for Giving Tuesday

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DAYTONA BEACH, FL – The Daytona Tortugas announced today that, in partnership with BUSH’S® Beans, they will provide a donation to Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida as part of #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration, on Tuesday, Nov. 28.

Celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving and the widely-recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving. Since its inaugural year in 2012, #GivingTuesday has become a movement that celebrates and supports generosity and philanthropy.

This past season, Gavin LaValley was named the BUSH’S Most Valuable Player (MVP) at the 2017 Florida State League All-Star Game in Lakeland, Florida, after homering twice and finishing 2-for-3 with four RBI’s in a 5-2 victory for the North division. As an extension of this award, BUSH’S and the Tortugas will provide a $1,000 donation to Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida.

“The Tortugas are blessed to be surrounded by such great partners in Minor League Baseball and BUSH’S Beans,” said Ryan Keur, President of the Daytona Tortugas. “The commitment to our community is evident with the support of this donation and impacts many lives throughout Central Florida. The Tortugas, BUSH’S Beans and Minor League Baseball strive each day to build better communities.”

 

BUSH’S Beans sponsored 11 All-Star Game MVP awards throughout Minor League Baseball this summer. BUSH’S is making a donation to a local charitable organization chosen by each MVP Award winner’s home club.

“One of the things that attracted BUSH’S to Minor League Baseball is how the clubs and their local communities support each other,” said Mike Morris, Senior Brand Manager at Bush Brothers & Company. “We are proud to recognize the contributions of each BUSH’S MVP Award winner by giving back to his team’s local charity.”

Minor League Baseball unveiled a multi-year, strategic partnership with BUSH’S Beans last December, making it the “Official Beans of Minor League Baseball,” and a “Preferred Partner” of a number of MiLB teams, beginning in 2017. Bush Brothers & Company is the recognized brand leader in beans. The partnership was activated across a range of touch-points this year, including in-ballpark celebrations such as National Baked Bean Month in July and the integration of a variety of BUSH’S Beans products in teams’ concessions.

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About Minor League Baseball  

 

Minor League Baseball, headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida, is the governing body for all professional baseball teams in the United States, Canada and the Dominican Republic that are affiliated with Major League Baseball® clubs through their farm systems. Fans are coming out in unprecedented numbers to this one-of-a-kind experience that can only be found at Minor League Baseball ballparks. In 2017, Minor League Baseball attracted 41.8 million fans to its ballparks to see the future stars of the sport hone their skills. From the electricity in the stands to the excitement on the field, Minor League Baseball has provided affordable family-friendly entertainment to people of all ages since its founding in 1901. For more information, visit www.MiLB.com.

Follow Minor League Baseball on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

About BUSH’S® Beans

BUSH’S® is all about friends & family, and a certain Secret Family Recipe. When you enjoy our beans (doesn’t matter if they’re baked beans, chili beans, black beans, pinto beans…well, you get the picture), you can trust that they’re the very best. Because we wouldn’t serve your family anything less. Since we got our start more than 100 years ago in Chestnut Hill, Tenn., BUSH’S® has always maintained that quality is the best policy. We pursue excellence and exceptional taste in our beans, sauces and everything we do. That’s why, from mouthwatering Baked Beans & Chili Beans to satisfying bean recipes, you’re cooking up the best with BUSH’S BEST®. For more information, visit www.bushbeans.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Jackie Robinson Ballpark to Become Tobacco Free

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DAYTONA BEACH, FL – On Thursday, November 16th, the Daytona Tortugas will be making a special announcement regarding Radiology Associates Field at Jackie Robinson Ballpark. The Daytona Tortugas will announce plans for a tobacco free ballpark in 2018 with the support of community partners including the Tobacco Free Volusia County Partnership, One Voice for Volusia, Bethune-Cookman University, the Florida Department of Health in Volusia County, and others.

 

In 2017, the Daytona Tortugas have welcomed over 175,000 fans to Tortugas games, charity runs, concerts and many other events at the ballpark. The Tortugas mission is to provide affordable, family-fun entertainment to Volusia and Flagler Counties, and the Central Florida Region. The Tobacco Free Policy will prohibit tobacco use in the ballpark, including electronic devices and apply to all Tortugas staff, players and fans.

 

Jackie Robinson Ballpark becoming a tobacco free ballpark is part of a movement by the Tortugas to help exemplify a healthy environment and create a positive model for our youth to follow. Daytona Tortugas President, Ryan Keur stated “this is a big step for the Tortugas and Jackie Robinson Ballpark in our community. As the premier family destination for Volusia County, it’s important that we are role models in our community and provide a healthy, family-friendly atmosphere for our fans.” A Tobacco Free Florida booth will be present at the games, providing information on how to quit tobacco use.

 

The Tortugas will be celebrating this change with The Great American Smoke Out at The Jack on Thursday, November 16th, sponsored by Tobacco Free Florida and the State of Florida. To commemorate the event, the Tortugas will be holding a press conference and Mayor’s Luncheon. Interested community members are invited to attend and celebrate this initiative with the Tortugas and their mascot Shelldon. The event begins at 12:00 pm on Thursday, November 16th.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Tortugas Seeking Nominations for Military Heroes Card Set

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DAYTONA BEACH, FL – The Daytona Tortugas are seeking nominations for their first annual Military Heroes baseball card set. The card set will represent each branch of the military and honor those who are currently serving our country, veterans who have served in the past but are no longer active, and those who bravely fought for our country, but have since passed away.

The card set will be given away to the first 500 fans at Jackie Robinson Ballpark as part of our Military Appreciation Day on Saturday, May 27th. Nominations will be taken until Monday, May 15th.

Please email nominations to info@daytonatortugas.com

– Military Title
– First & Last Name
– Military Branch
– Years of Service
– Born
– Hometown
– Contact number person doing the nominating
– Email address person doing the nominating
– Short Bio/Resume (75 words or less)
– Photo (300 DPI, Minimum resolution of 750 pixels x 1050 pixels)

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Tortugas Care Charity Foundation Issues First Grant

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Daytona Beach, FL — The Tortugas Care Charity Foundation issued their first $500 grant to The Miracle League of Volusia County Tuesday afternoon.

The Tortugas Care Charity Foundation was founded in September of 2016 by the ownership group of the Daytona Tortugas, with the mission of enriching the lives of youth in the community through physical education and sports. With the Daytona Tortugas serving as an affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds, a partnership with a local foundation impacting the lives of youth through baseball is the perfect marriage.

Miracle League of Voluisa County was formed in early 2015 and will give those with special needs the opportunity to play America’s favorite pastime. The city of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, has donated land for the future home of our local Miracle League; however, there is still a dire need to raise funds to officially break ground.

For more information on The Miracle League of Volusia County, and ways that you can help get 13,000 school-aged children to step up to the plate, please go to http://www.miracleleaguevolusia.org

And please like the Tortugas Care Charity Foundation Facebook page.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Tortugas Ownership Group Establishes Community Foundation

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Daytona Beach, FL – The ownership group that acquired the Daytona Tortugas Advanced A Minor League Baseball Club last year is excited to start the new year giving back to the local community with its announcement today that it has established a charitable foundation designed to benefit youth sports and turtle conservation efforts in the community.

The Tortugas Care Charity Foundation was established with seed funding from team owners Reese Smith, Bob Fregolle and Rick French as a way of giving back to the local community that has supported baseball at Jackie Robinson Ballpark for more than a century.

Fregolle and French will serve on the board of trustees of the foundation, along with recently-appointed team President Ryan Keur. Current team Community Relations Director Kristen Alford will also serve as day-to-day Director of the foundation.

The Tortugas Care Charity Foundation is a 501(c)3 philanthropic organization that is committed to enriching the lives of youth in the local community through recreational opportunities — and in a nod to the Tortugas team name — contributing to sea turtle conservation efforts.

The foundation has already made a pledge to support the Miracle League of Volusia County and Tough Baseball, a local organization that uses athletics to teach and mentor children in the community.

During the 2017 baseball season, the team is planning jersey auctions to benefit the foundation and all 50/50 raffle proceeds will also fund foundation grants. The foundation also plans to host other fundraising events throughout the upcoming season in addition to an annual signature event that will be announced soon.

The ownership group will use its social media channels, radio partnerships, team newsletter and a portion of its print advertising budget to support the growth of the foundation, which will officially launch in January.

“The Tortugas Care Charity Foundation is something that Reese, Rick and I have wanted to establish from the moment we acquired the team because each of us has adopted Daytona Beach as our second home and want to give back to the local community that comes out and supports our organization year-round” said Fregolle.

Once the foundation officially launches in a few weeks, both grant applications and donations will be accepted at the Tortugas principal office at 110 East Orange Ave, Daytona Beach, FL 32114 and via their new Facebook Daytona Tortugas Care Charity Foundation Facebook page.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Michael Edwards Awarded FSL Scholarship

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Daytona Beach, FL – The Daytona Tortugas, in conjunction with the Florida State League and the Miami Marlins, are proud to award the franchise’s second Florida State League Scholarship to Account Executive Michael Edwards.

Edwards, a native of nearby DeLand, is prepping for his junior year at the University of Florida.

“It means a lot [to win the scholarship]. I appreciate the opportunity to earn a scholarship, and winning it meant even more since it is the first scholarship I’ve ever been chosen for,” Edwards explained.

The Florida State League Scholarship Committee awarded twelve (12) $1,500 educational scholarships to applicants from each team in the league. The award is based both on financial need and a grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Students eligible for this award must be an employee, or the child or grandchild of an employee, of the participating club and must be at least a high school junior by the 2016 fall term.

“I didn’t want to pass up the opportunity to gain experience [with the Tortugas]. Working in the front office of a sports team is what I eventually hope to be doing,” said Edwards, a sports management major, about the internship.

The Miami Marlins have sponsored this program for more than 16 years and have contributed over $160,000 to the Florida State League Program.

The Daytona Tortugas honored Edwards prior to a home game on July 25th at Radiology Associates Field at Jackie Robinson Ballpark. In addition, he was also mentioned during a pre-game ceremony at the Miami Marlins game on Sunday, July 31st, along with the other Florida State League team award winners.

Edwards, now back at school, enjoyed his summer in the FSL.

“It was great! I learned a good amount and got to do things that I never expected to be doing. It was definitely tiring at times, but working through those long homestands will help me in the long run!”

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Cubs & PNC Bank Donate 5,300 Notebooks

The Daytona Cubs & PNC Bank have partnered to donate 5,300 notebooks to at-risk Volusia County second through fifth graders.

Daytona-Cubs-logoAs part of the The Daytona Cubs education program, the Cubs have teamed up with PNC Bank to provide notebooks to 5,300 at-risk second through fifth graders in Volusia County.

PNC Bank has joined forces with the Daytona Cubs in this initiative because the bank recognizes the role school readiness plays in the well-being of local children, their families and ultimately, the economy. Research shows the measurable impact school readiness has on the future success of at-risk children in school and life. By preparing the Daytona area’s youngest citizens for educational success, The Cubs and PNC Bank can help build a solid foundation for the future of this region.

Volusia-County-Schools-logo2Cubby, the Daytona Cubs team mascot, the Cubs staff members and PNC Bank representatives have already delivered the notebooks to 10 elementary schools, with the final three schools scheduled for the week of March 18th.

This article orginally appeared on the Daytona Cubs’ website