Indians to Donate $1 for Every Playoff Ticket to Hurricane Relief Efforts

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indianapolis Indians are offering fans a way to help with hurricane relief efforts already underway. In collaboration with the American Red Cross, the Indians will donate a $1 for every ticket sold to their playoff games at Victory Field. The first game in Indianapolis is Friday, September 8 at 7:15 p.m.

“As we know, Hurricane Harvey devastated the Houston metropolitan area and parts of southeast Texas over the last week and a half,” said Randy Lewandowski, Indians president and general manager. “Now, meteorologists are predicting a potentially similar impact in Florida with Hurricane Irma. We have this platform for the next several days, potentially hosting games at Victory Field from this Friday through Wednesday, September 13. We want to use this time to help those in need and provide a direct outlet for our fans to help, as well.”

Each playoff game the Indians host at Victory Field will be considered for the donation. The Tribe could host as many as five home playoff games, depending on how the action on the field unfolds.

The Indians play their first postseason game at home on Friday, September 8, which is Game 3 in their first round best-of-five series versus the Durham Bulls. First pitch is scheduled for 7:15 p.m., with the first 1,000 fans getting an Indians playoffs t-shirt. Fans are encouraged to stick around after the game for the season’s last on-field Friday Fireworks display.

If necessary, the Indians also host Games 4 and 5 on Saturday, September 9 at 7:05 p.m. and Sunday, September 10 at 1:35 p.m.

If the Tribe advance past Durham, they host Games 1 and 2 of the Governors’ Cup championship series on Tuesday, September 12 and Wednesday, September 13. Both games are scheduled to start at 7:05 p.m.

All playoff games will be Dollar Menu days at Victory Field concession stands, with hot dogs, peanuts, Cape Cod Potato Chips, Cracker Jack and popcorn available for just $1 each. Ticket requests for Knot Hole Kids Club members and flex ticket vouchers will be accepted for each game and will count towards the American Red Cross hurricane relief donation.

For tickets, visit IndyIndians.com or the Victory Field Box Office.

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

Tribe’s Jersey Auctions Bring in Haul for Local Charities

INDIANAPOLIS – After eight specialty jersey auctions during the 2017 season, the Indianapolis Indians have donated $48,953.18 to six local nonprofit organizations. The Tribe wore specialty jerseys for eight games this season, with custom designs ranging from super heroes like Superman and Batman to patriotic uniforms for Memorial Day and Independence Day.

“We have our fans to thank for this strong show of support to our local nonprofit partners,” said Randy Lewandowski, Indians president and general manager. “We’ve been raising money for nonprofit organizations through specialty jersey auctions since 2010, and now you start to see jerseys from previous games around the ballpark every night. We’re thrilled to offer this opportunity to fans while supporting such noble causes.”

Eight times this season, the Indians wore specialty jerseys customized to the theme of that day’s game. Each game-worn jersey was auctioned off during the games, with proceeds benefitting local nonprofits partnered with each game.

Beneficiaries this season were Community Health Network Foundation (May 13 – Guardians of the Galaxy), Indiana National Guard Relief Fund (May 20 – Camouflage and July 4 – Stars & Stripes), Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Indiana (June 3 – Superman and August 12 – Batman), Make-a-Wish Foundation (June 10 – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), Riley Children’s Foundation (July 1 – Captain America) and Shepherd Community Center (July 29 – Thor).

“These games allow our sponsors to highlight and raise money for their favorite local nonprofit organizations,” said Joel Zawacki, Indians assistant general manager for corporate sales and marketing. “This season we paired the jersey auctions with special character meet-and-greets and giveaways like bobbleheads and super hero capes. We’ll keep looking for unique promotions for our fans while finding new ways to give back to the community.”

The Tribe’s final home game of the regular season is Fan Appreciation Day on Sunday, August 27. The Indians and Pepsi say thank you to fans by offering the chance to win TVs, Beats headphones, Indians jerseys, t-shirts and more. All fans who enter the Victory Field gates for that day’s game are entered to win prizes.

If the Tribe hold on to the IL West Division lead, playoff baseball comes back to Indy on Friday, September 8. The Indians would host Game 3 of their first round playoff series at 7:15 p.m. The first 1,000 fans through the Victory Field gates get an Indians playoff t-shirt, and fans are invited to stick around after the game for a fireworks display overlooking the downtown skyline.

Plus, all playoff games will be Dollar Menu days at Victory Field concession stands, with hot dogs, peanuts, Cape Cod Potato Chips, Cracker Jack and popcorn available for just $1 each. If necessary, the Tribe would host Games 4 and 5 on Saturday, September 9 at 7:05 p.m. and Sunday, September 10 at 1:35 p.m., respectively.

For tickets to Sunday’s home regular season finale, visit IndyIndians.com or the Victory Field Box Office. Playoff tickets are on sale for season ticket holders and will go on sale to the general public once the Tribe clinch a postseason berth.

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

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