Indians to Offer Employee Donation Match Program

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

INDIANAPOLIS – In honor of Giving Tuesday, the Indianapolis Indians have announced a new Employee Donation Match Program. As of December 3, 2019, all full-time Indians employees are eligible to donate up to $500 annually with a one-to-one match from Indianapolis Indians Charities.

Earlier this offseason, the team announced the creation of Indianapolis Indians Charities, its new 501(C)(3) organization focused on uplifting Central Indiana youth and families through partnerships with local nonprofits who work in youth development, family success, education and neighborhood development. Rolling out in early 2020, fans will be able to donate directly to Indianapolis Indians Charities to support its efforts around Central Indiana youth and families.

This season was the third consecutive year the Tribe set a franchise record for total charitable giving, highlighted by a total contribution of $583,623 to Central Indiana organizations. The front office also set a record for staff volunteer hours, giving back through 1,486 hours of volunteer service projects.

Tickets for the 2020 season of Indianapolis Indians baseball are on sale now in full- and half-season plans, plus mini and flex plans. Groups can also purchase tickets for the new Elements Financial Club, a social VIP space scheduled to open in time for Opening Night on Thursday, April 9. Single-game tickets go on sale March 1.

For more on the Indianapolis Indians, contact the Victory Field Box Office at (317) 269-3545 or visit IndyIndians.com.

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

Indians Set New Records for Charitable Giving

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

INDIANAPOLIS – For the third consecutive year, the Indianapolis Indians set a franchise record for total charitable giving. Including monetary donations and in-kind contributions, the Tribe gave back $583,623 to community organizations in fiscal year 2019. The Indians operate with a fiscal year of October 1-September 30.

Earlier this offseason, the team announced a new 501(C)(3) organization, Indianapolis Indians Charities, focused on uplifting Central Indiana youth and families through partnerships with local nonprofits who work in youth development, family success, education and neighborhood development.

Of the $583,623 in charitable contributions in 2019, $307,823 came from monetary donations to community events and in-stadium fundraising during Tribe games. The other $275,800 came from gifts in-kind of donated tickets, merchandise and mascot appearances.

“The Indians have been a community asset for a long time, and we continue to value our role in giving back,” said Indians President and General Manager Randy Lewandowski. “One of the most impactful ways we work with our partners is providing them the platform of Victory Field and the nearly 600,000 fans that attend home games each season. Now we’re finding new ways to work outside our walls, like Indianapolis Indians Charities and the continued dedication of our staff volunteering their time around Central Indiana.”

The Indians front office volunteered for 40 organizations in 2019, totaling more than 1,486 hours, another team record. The club instituted a staff volunteer program last season that allows employees to volunteer for local organizations during office hours throughout the year. Tribe players also got involved, making 40 appearances for 175 service hours.

Fans were instrumental in two initiatives in 2019-specialty jersey auctions and Thirsty Thursdays at Victory Field. The Indians auctioned off eight specialty jerseys for themes ranging from the team’s new Circle City alternate logo to MARVEL Super Heroes to Indy 500 Night to Stars & Stripes on Independence Day. Fan participation from the auctions drove the total donation for the season to nearly $55,500, another franchise record.

Thirsty Thursdays also received strong fan support in 2019. The new promotion offered discounted soda and draft domestic, premium and craft beer, including $1 from every Sun King craft beer purchase going to a different local nonprofit every Thursday night. The Tribe donated nearly $10,000 to eight non-profits through the Thursday promotion.

Tickets for the 2020 season of Indianapolis Indians baseball are on sale now in full- and half-season plans, plus mini and flex plans. Groups can also purchase tickets for the new Elements Financial Club, a social VIP space scheduled to open in time for Opening Night on Thursday, April 9. Single-game tickets go on sale March 1.

For more on the Indianapolis Indians, visit IndyIndians.com.

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

Indians Specialty Jersey Auctions Break Records

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indianapolis Indians announced today the team and its fans raised $55,461 through specialty jersey auctions in 2019, a record-breaking total for one of the club’s most popular promotions every season. The funds were raised through in-park auctions benefiting seven different nonprofit organizations.

“Specialty jersey auctions have held a prominent place on the Indianapolis Indians promotions calendar for the past ten years, which speaks to their popularity among our fans and partners,” said Indianapolis Indians President and General Manager Randy Lewandowski. “It’s important we use our platform as a long-standing community partner to lift up those around us. We’re focused on helping Central Indiana youth and families, and the Victory Field experience is one way we can do it.”

The 2019 beneficiaries were Folds of Honor Indiana (May 3 – Indy 500), Indiana National Guard Relief Fund (July 4 – Stars & Stripes), Children’s TherAplay Foundation (July 6 – Spider-Man), Teachers’ Treasures (July 20 – Prospects Night), Riley Children’s Foundation (August 3 – The Incredible Hulk), Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Indiana (August 17-18 – PAW Patrol, August 23-24 – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), and Special Olympics (Postseason – Circle City).

Earlier this offseason, the Tribe announced the creation of Indianapolis Indians Charities, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to helping youth and families grow stronger together, learn more and live healthier lives. It will support organizations across Central Indiana who serve in youth development, family success, education and neighborhood development. Established in 1902, the Indians are formalizing their community outreach for the first time in franchise history.

For more information or to purchase a 2020 ticket package, visit IndyIndians.com or call (317) 269-3545.

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

Tribe Unveil New Indianapolis Indians Charities

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indianapolis Indians today announced the formation of Indianapolis Indians Charities, a new nonprofit organization dedicated to helping youth and families grow stronger together, learn more and live healthier lives.

It will support organizations across Central Indiana who serve in youth development, family success, education and neighborhood development. Established in 1902, the Indianapolis Indians will formalize their community outreach efforts for the first time in franchise history.

“The Indianapolis Indians are proud to create a new organization devoted specifically to amplifying our efforts to give back to the community,” said Indianapolis Indians Chairman and CEO Bruce Schumacher. “We take pride in our reputation as a longstanding grassroots partner, and we look forward to going deeper with new and existing relationships.”

The new organization’s first project is a field renovation at Forest Manor Park on the near eastside of Indianapolis on Friday, September 27. Plans include a complete rebuild of the large baseball diamond and refurbishment of the youth and softball diamonds. Four community entities use the diamonds at Forest Manor Park-Indy Parks, Indianapolis Public Schools, RBI Indianapolis and The BASE Indianapolis.

“Indianapolis Indians Charities provides us an opportunity to support youth and urban baseball programs in new ways,” said Indianapolis Indians President and General Manager Randy Lewandowski. “The Charities board is finalizing plans on new initiatives supporting our partners both at Victory Field and in the community. We’re excited for 2020 and beyond.”

The organization’s board of directors include from the Indianapolis Indians: Schumacher (Board President), Lewandowski (Board Vice President), Assistant General Manager – Corporate Sales and Marketing Joel Zawacki, and Director of Merchandise Mark Schumacher. Other board members include Strada Education Network CEO Bill Hansen and Indy Parks Director Linda Broadfoot.

“The Indianapolis Indians have been a key part of the Indianapolis community for many years, and I am gratified to play a role in the organization’s renewed and deepened commitment to youth and families around Central Indiana,” said Hansen. “I look forward to being part of the board charged with determining where the Indians can make the most impact in improving the lives of our fellow community members.”

“Partnerships are key to thriving communities, making today’s announcement even more valuable,” said Broadfoot. “The support from the Indianapolis Indians to Indy Parks is incredibly supportive of our mission and purpose—creating places and spaces that inspire. We are ecstatic about working with the Indians to beautify Forest Manor Park.”

For more on Indianapolis Indians Charities, visit IndyIndians.com/Charities.

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

Owen Tabbed as Indy’s Pirates Community Commitment Award Winner

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

INDIANAPOLIS – Representing the Indianapolis Indians with class both on and off the field, utilityman Hunter Owen will be honored in an on-field ceremony at Pittsburgh’s PNC Park on Wednesday, September 18, prior to the Pirates hosting the Seattle Mariners at 7:05 p.m. ET. The Evansville, Ind. native and Indiana State University product has been selected as Indy’s 2019 Pirates Community Commitment Award winner.

Owen led all Indians players by dedicating a combined 15 volunteer service hours to the Altoona, Pa. and Indianapolis communities. One honoree is chosen from every affiliate in the Pirates farm system each season.

In Indianapolis, Owen devoted off-the-field hours to Make-a-Wish and the Indianapolis Kiwanis Luncheon, where he was a guest panelist. Owen, 25, also dedicated his time to youth clinics, meet-and-greets with young Indians fans and autograph signings. In Altoona, he volunteered at the Central Pennsylvania Humane Society.

Instituted in 2008, the Pirates Community Commitment Program (PCCP) helps each player in the Pirates organization understand the personal and professional growth opportunities linked to community service, as they are viewed as role models or potential leaders.

To purchase season tickets, contact the Victory Field Box Office at (317) 269-3545 or Tickets@IndyIndians.com.

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

TRIBE TO CELEBRATE ARMED FORCES MAY 16

indianapolisindians_2015-05-14

On May 16, Armed Forces Day, fans in attendance for the Indianapolis Indians vs. Norfolk Tides baseball game, will be treated to several unique experiences including Tribe players donning camouflage jerseys, a postgame fireworks show, and the opportunity to support advance education opportunities for Indiana National Guard members.

Using Qtego Auction Technology and via one’s mobile phone, Indians fans will be able to bid on the jerseys worn by the players and coaches via a special auction. Proceeds will help fund WGU Indiana scholarships for Indiana National Guard members.

Once registered, Qtego’s service instantly informs participants of the current high bid on an item of interest or notifies they have been outbid.

“This is a fun, unique way for all Indians fans everywhere, both at Victory Field or not, to connect with our players while supporting education opportunities for Hoosier soldiers,” said Indians Senior Marketing and Communications Manager Jon Glesing.

Once fans arrive on Saturday, they may register their mobile phone at the Qtego display in Victory Field’s PNC Plaza, or online at IndyIndians.com in advance. Once registered, one can participate in the auction immediately. Information, including the list of Indians players and coaches whose jerseys will be up for auction, will be posted on the team’s blog prior to the start of the game. Victory Field gates open at 5 p.m. with first pitch at 7:05 p.m.

Armed Forces Day is a national day of observance in the United States on the third Saturday of May each year. Indiana currently has 16,000 active duty National Guard members. Recognition for their service on Saturday will continue after the game with a special fireworks show courtesy of the Indiana National Guard and WGU Indiana.

“This is a day to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country,” Brigadier General Corey Carr said. “We honor the Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen who have given their lives for the cause of freedom and American ideals. The Indiana National Guard is grateful to Hoosiers and Americans everywhere for their continued support over the past decade of war and for taking the time to honor Indiana’s fallen heroes this Armed Forces Day. We recognize and appreciate the patriotism and support of the Indianapolis Indians and WGU Indiana as they wear ACU (Army Combat Uniform) jerseys to raise scholarship funds for Hoosier Soldiers and their families.”

“With more than 200 veteran students and alumni, we’re happy to partner with the Indiana National Guard in the Indianapolis Indians Armed Forces Day game sponsorship,” WGU Indiana Chancellor Allison Barber said. “We not only praise the many sacrifices of our veterans, but also support them in their efforts to pursue their degree through scholarships and our online, competency-based model that fits their busy lifestyles.”

Tickets to Indianapolis Indians games are available through IndyIndians.com, the Victory Field Box Office or by calling (317) 269-2282. Box office hours are Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and in the Hot Corner Gift Shop Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fans save $2 when they purchase at least a day in advance.

About the Indiana National Guard

The Indiana National Guard is a joint-force organization. The Indiana Army and Air National Guard are reserve components of the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force. During times of national emergency, National Guard members may be called into active federal service by the President of the United States. During peace times, the National Guard assists local law enforcement agencies during emergencies at the direction of the governor. The distribution of soldiers, equipment and facilities across the state allows the National Guard to respond quickly and efficiently to emergencies statewide.

About WGU Indiana

WGU Indiana is an online, competency-based university designed to expand access to higher education for Indiana residents. Established by the state of Indiana in partnership with Western Governors University, WGU Indiana is designed to serve the needs of Indiana citizens. WGU Indiana offers more than 50 accredited bachelor’s and master’s degrees in high-demand career fields.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Indianapolis Indians. Click here to view the original story.

Peanut Allergy Awareness Night

 

Peanuts. Close-up.
Peanuts. Close-up.

PEANUT ALLERGY AWARENESS NIGHT AT VICTORY FIELD, APRIL 29

April 27, 2015 – On the short list of foods fans most-commonly associate with the game of baseball is probably peanuts. After all, they are referenced in the beloved song,“Take Me Out to the Ballgame.”

But this popular snack fare that Americans consume on average over 1.5 billion pounds of each year in the form of peanut butter and peanut products is also what forces a growing number of families from attending and enjoying a visit to an Indianapolis Indians game. According to Food Allergy & Research Education the number of children in the U.S. with peanut allergy more than tripled between 1997 and 2008.

In an effort to draw awareness to this medical condition, on April 29, 2015 the Tribe will partner with Indy PoCHA (Parents of Children Having Allergies) for Peanut Allergy Awareness Night.

Indy PoCHA

With representatives from Indy PoCHA on site in Victory Field’s PNC Plaza, this inaugural night at the ballpark is intended to help educate fans and draw awareness to Food Allergy Awareness Week 2015 (May 10-16).

“This is a special opportunity to shine a spotlight on food allergies,” said Lauren Kossack with PoCHA. “There are many easy ways you can get involved in raising awareness, educating others and inspiring action. We’re grateful for the opportunity to do just that at Victory Field.”

On this night when the Indianapolis Indians host the Louisville Bats at 7:05 p.m., Victory Field will suspend for one night the sale of all products with ties to peanuts – peanuts, CRACKER JACK®, peanut M&Ms, and peanut-related ice cream toppings – and will make every reasonable effort to thoroughly clean the stadium, but cannot guarantee complete absence of peanut particles or residue. Peanut products will also be disallowed in The Lawn area on April 29.

Peanut Allergy Awareness Night does not mean the ballpark will be completely peanut-free. Fans with peanut allergies should exercise their normal precautions.

Other facts you may or may not know about peanuts and peanut allergy:

  • Peanuts are not nuts. They are legumes – a type of plant with seeds that grow inside pods such as peas or beans.
  • Peanuts grow underground, not on trees like nuts (almonds, cashews, walnuts, etc.). Peanut seeds flower above ground and then migrate underground to reach maturity.
  • It takes an average of 540 peanuts to make one 12-ounce jar of peanut butter.
  • 30,000 peanut butter sandwiches can be made from one acre of grown peanuts.
  • More than 3 million Americans report having an allergy to peanuts, tree nuts or both. That’s roughly 3x the population of Indianapolis.
  • Click here to view a peanut allergy fact sheet.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Indianapolis Indians. Click here to view the original story.

Circuit Of Fun Scout Night

Circuit Festivities Include Food, Games & Player Appearances

The Circuit of Fun Scout Night will officially kick off the 2013 slate of Boy and Girl Scout events.
The Circuit of Fun Scout Night will officially kick off the 2013 slate of Boy and Girl Scout events.

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Indians will officially kick off their 2013 slate of Boy and Girl Scout events with the Tribe’s first ever Circuit of Fun Scout Night. This year’s new event is set for Saturday, May 11 and will include an exciting pre-game Scout party before the Tribe’s 7:05 p.m. contest against Toledo.

Scout groups participating in the first annual Circuit of Fun Scout Night will be treated to free games in the PNC Plaza located in center field, and have the option of purchasing a discounted food and drink package during the pre-game party, scheduled from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The Tribe’s award-winning mascot Rowdie will also be on hand to sign autographs and entertain patrons, as well as several players from the first-place Indianapolis Indians squad. Tickets to the Circuit of Fun Scout Night include admission to the regularly scheduled Indians game, a special patch to commemorate the event and the opportunity to stick around after the evening’s contest to run the bases.

The Tribe’s Circuit of Fun Night is only the first of four fantastic scouting events scheduled this year at Victory Field. The Indians will also be hosting overnight Boy Scout Campouts on Friday, June 7 and Friday, June 28, as well as a Girl Scout Campout on Friday, June 21.

Reservations for the first annual Circuit of Fun Night and the Boy and Girl Scout Campouts, which historically sell out, can be made by visiting IndyIndians.com or calling the Victory Field Box Office at (317) 269-3545.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Indianapolis Indians. Click here to view the original story.

Scout Events At Victory Field

Schedule Includes Three Campouts and Circuit of Fun Night

Victory Field will host several exciting Scout Events during the 2013 season.
Victory Field will host several exciting Scout Events during the 2013 season.

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Indians are proud to announce the 2013 schedule of the annual Boy and Girl Scout events at Victory Field. This year’s slate will include three overnight campouts, as well as the Tribe’s first ever Circuit of Fun Scout Night on Saturday, May 11, which will include pre-game festivities and a post-game bases run.

Scout groups participating in the first annual Circuit of Fun Scout Night will be treated to free games in the PNC Plaza located in center field, and have the option of purchasing a discounted food and drink package during the pre-game party, scheduled from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The Tribe’s award-winning mascot Rowdie will also be on hand to sign autographs and entertain patrons, as well as several players from the 2013 Indianapolis Indians squad. Tickets to the Circuit of Fun Scout Night include admission to the regularly scheduled Indians game, a special patch to commemorate the event and the opportunity to stick around after the evening’s contest to run the bases.

Victory Field will turn into an overnight camp ground for troops, dens and packs during the Tribe’s Boy and Girl Scouts Campout events. The fun-filled evening will begin with the regularly scheduled Indians game, followed by a fantastic fireworks show. Campout participants can remain in the ballpark after the game and are treated to popcorn and a movie on the videoboard. Scout groups will also have the opportunity to take to the Tribe’s outfield to set up their tents for the evening, with the grand event being capped off by breakfast on Saturday morning.

Overnight Boy Scout Campouts are set for Friday, June 7 when the Indians take on the Durham Bulls at 7:15 p.m., and Friday, June 28, as the Tribe battles the Rochester Red Wings at 7:15 p.m. The Girl Scout Campout is scheduled Friday, June 21 immediately following the 7:15 p.m. contest between the Tribe and the Charlotte Knights.

Reservations for the Boy and Girl Scout Campouts, which historically sell out, and the first annual Circuit of Fun Night can be made by clicking here or calling the Victory Field Box Office at (317) 269-3545.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Indianapolis Indians. Click here to view the original story.

Youth Clinic & Scout Campouts

Campouts & Clinic Offer Kids Exclusive On-Field Experience

Scout Campouts and the annual Youth Baseball Clinic give kids an exclusive on-field experience.
Scout Campouts and the annual Youth Baseball Clinic give kids an exclusive on-field experience.

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Indians are proud to announce the return of the annual Youth Baseball Clinic as well as Boy and Girl Scout overnight Campouts for the 2013 season.

Troops, dens and packs can pack Victory Field for a full night of exciting activities during the Tribe’s Boy and Girl Scouts overnight Campout events. The fun begins with the regularly scheduled Indians game, followed by a fantastic fireworks show. Campout participants can remain in the ballpark after the game and are treated to popcorn and a movie on the videoboard. Scout groups will also have the opportunity to take to the Tribe’s outfield to set up their tents for the evening, with the grand event being capped off by breakfast on Saturday morning.

Overnight Boy Scout Campouts are set for Friday, June 7 when the Indians take on the Durham Bulls at 7:15 p.m., and Friday, June 28, as the Tribe battles the Rochester Red Wings at 7:15 p.m. The Girl Scout Campout is scheduled Friday, June 21 immediately following the 7:15 p.m. contest between the Tribe and the Charlotte Knights.

Reservations for the Boy and Girl Scout Campouts, which historically sell out, can be made by clicking Scout Events or calling the Victory Field Box Office at (317) 269-3545.

The 2013 Youth Baseball Clinic will also offer fans an exclusive on-field experience as participants will receive one-on-one instruction from the Indianapolis Indians’ coaches and players. The clinic, which is set for Thursday, June 6 at 5:00 p.m., includes several skills stations which will focus on various throwing, fielding and pitching drills. All kids ages 14 and under may participate in the event and admission is included with the purchase of a single-game ticket to Thursday night’s game between Indianapolis and the Durham Bulls.

Individuals interested in participating in the 2013 Youth Baseball Clinic are not required to register for the event, and only need to buy a June 6 game ticket and arrive at Victory Field by 5:00 p.m. Groups of 25 or more patrons will receive a $3 discount off the ticket price, and those with 100 or more participants will be granted $4 off game-day admission.  To book a group outing for the 2013 Youth Baseball Clinic fans can call the Victory Field Box Office at (317) 269-3545.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Indianapolis Indians. Click here to view the original story.

Indianapolis Indians Lend a Helping Glove

The Indianapolis Indians are giving away $10,000 in celebration of 125 consecutive years of professional baseball in Indianapolis. The program entitled “Lend a Helping Glove” has five local charities competing for a $10,000 grand prize.

Given a blank slate on a 5 foot fiberglass baseball glove, charities were asked to decorate their glove and put it on display in Indianapolis. Through a text vote, online vote and a celebrity panel vote, a winner will be decided. Voting began on June 3rd and ends at 11:59 PM EDT on August 19th. The winner will be announced at the Indians game on Friday, September 2nd versus Louisville.

Participating charities include the Boys and Girls Clubs of Indianapolis, Boys Scouts of America, CICOA, Indy Reads and the Salvation Army Indiana.

For more information on the program, visit www.lendahelpingglove.com.

Glove for the Salvation Army of Indiana.
Glove for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Indianapolis.
Glove for CICOA.

Indians Give Back

What could be better than playing basketball in an air-conditioned gym on a hot summer day?  How about playing basketball with a professional baseball player?  Jeff Clement, first baseman for the Indianapolis Indians, spent the morning playing and hanging out with the kids at The Salvation Army’s Eagle Creek Community Center.  “Today was a great opportunity to come down to The Salvation Army and spend time with these kids.  It’s more fun, than anything because I’m just a big kid myself,” said Clement.

The kids are all part of The Salvation Army’s Summer Food Program, which provides nutritional meals for at-risk youth in the Eagle Creek area.  “For some of the kids here, this is the only full meal they get during the day,” said Captain Leti Crowell, Corps Officer for The Salvation Army Eagle Creek.  The program was started to bridge the gap between school sessions.  Nearly all of the children qualifiy for the Federal School Lunch program and many would go without a quality meal this summer without the help of The Salvation Army.

A big part of the day is organized recreation and when Clement heard about the opportunity to go and play with the kids, he jumped at it.  “It means so much to these kids that a player like Jeff Clement of the Indians cares about them enough to take time out of his schedule to come and play with them for a few hours.  These kids aren’t just hungry for food, they’re hungry for attention.  They’re going to go home after this and talk about it for a long time,” said Captain Crowell.

This is the second year that players from the Indianapolis Indians have spent a day with the kids at the Eagle Creek Salvation Army.  Last summer, Indians pitchers Eric Hacker and Chris Bootcheck played whiffle ball with kids.

Jeff Clement, first baseman for the Indianapolis Indians, helps 10 year old Mikhal dunk.

Mascot Musical Teaches Students

The Indianapolis Indians are proud to announce that their mascot Rowdie, along with a team of actors from the Actors Theatre of Indiana, is currently participating in the second season of the educational program “Rowdie: Home Run for Health”.

The play is designed to entertain and educate elementary school students on the “bases” of scoring a healthy home run in the game of life. The play’s script pays special attention to three key areas of a healthy lifestyle: nutrition, exercise and personal hygiene.

Indianapolis Indians Community Relations Manager Ryan Bowman expressed that the play acts as an add-on for the information students are already learning.

“Rowdie: Home Run for Health was started to reinforce the healthy lifestyle lessons taught in our local elementary schools. We are extremely excited to work with the Actors Theatre of Indiana in the development of such a fantastic learning mechanism for young students.”

This program evolved due to the need for improved awareness of childhood obesity. After speaking with local elementary school officials and parents, the staff behind the play learned that many school districts rated child obesity as their biggest challenge to overcome in their schools.

The 25-minute play plans to journey to more than 30 Indianapolis-area schools, with the final performance to be held on Thursday, April 1. Aside from a free viewing of the show, each student also receives a multi-page Rowdie Fun & Fitness Activity Book filled with great activities and games promoting the play’s message of a healthy lifestyle.

The show itself includes a hand-created Victory Field backdrop accompanied with its very own flip down food pyramid. The play also features many baseball themed song and dance routines such as “Food for Thought” and “Let’s Get Some Exercise”.

Students get math lesson at ball park

Tuesday was a picture perfect day for a baseball game. The stands at Victory Field were nearly full for a rare 11 a.m. game. That’s because an estimated 13,000 students from across the state were invited to share in the fun.

St. Joan of Arc advanced math students scored a homerun getting to come to Victory Field but, they couldn’t just kick back, they had to compute.

“We have to write down their name and write what they do, like, if they get on base or if they get an out,” said seventh grader, Shani Ayers.

Brent Kahl is a St. Joan of Arc volunteer. He comes every other week to help students with advanced math activities. He’s been using an online curriculum designed by the Indianapolis Indians. The program is called, “Baseball in Education.”

“It’s a great way, I think, to put math in a real world setting and get a lot of fun out of it too,” said Kahl.

Indians Director of Marketing and Communications Chris Herndon said, “We make sure it meets the Indiana standards. There’s math activities and science activities — all that pertain to baseball.”

The Indians have partnered with the Indianapolis Public School District. The team donates thousands of tickets to the students each year. IUPUI is also a partner and underwrites tickets for students across the state.

But the most important numbers Tuesday: Indians 5, Syracuse 4.

Click on the play button to watch the report that aired on the local TV station:

This story by Leslie Olsen and the accompanying video first appeared on www.wishtv.com (Channel 8 CBS affiliate in Indianapolis, IN).  Click here for the original story