South Atlantic League

Safe Kids Upstate Day on April 12th

April 3, 2015

The first 300 kids at the Main St. gate will be fitted for bike helmets

The Drive will host Safe Kids Upstate Day at Fluor Field on Sunday, April 12^th vs. the Augusta GreenJackets. Sunday’s game begins at 4:05 PM, and gates will open at 3:00 PM.

The first 300 kids through the Main Street gate on Sunday will be fitted for bicycle helmets from Safe Kids Upstate. A pregame parade for Upstate safety patrols will begin at 3:30 PM, and during the game, Drive players/coaches will be wearing special Safe Kids jerseys that will be available for fans in a silent auction.

To purchase tickets to Safe Kids Upstate Day, stop by the Main Street Box Office, call (864) 240-4528 or click here.

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

Intimidators teaming up with JGCF in 2015

April 2, 2015

Wristband proceeds to go benefit Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation and come with voucher for free Pepsi product at the ballpark

The Kannapolis Intimidators have teamed up with the Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation for the 2015 season to raise money at all 12 Friday home games at CMC-NorthEast Stadium. The Intimidators will be selling JGCF wristbands at the ballpark for $5, and each wristband comes with a voucher for a free Pepsi product at the concessions stand ($3 value).

The mission of the Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation is to support children battling cancer by funding programs that improve patients’ quality of life, treatment programs that increase survivorship and pediatric medical research dedicated to finding a cure. In addition, the Foundation provides support to the Jeff Gordon’s Children’s Hospital in Concord, NC, which serves children in the community by providing a high level of primary and specialty care, regardless of their ability to pay.

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

RiverDogs Named “Best Local Sports Team” AGAIN by Charleston City Paper

April 1, 2015

Charleston City Paper readers continue to endorse the ‘Dogs

The Charleston RiverDogs’ “Fun Is Good” philosophy seeks to make each and every fan’s experience a special one at The Joe. Judging by the Lowcountry’s response, the initiative continues to be very successful.

For the 11th consecutive year, readers of the Charleston City Paper selected the RiverDogs as the city’s “Best Local Sports Team.”

“We are excited once again to be named the ‘Best Local Sports Team’ by the readership of the Charleston City Paper,” said RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols. “The Charleston City Paper is an integral part of our community, so this award is a big one for us to receive once again. All the thanks for this award go to our fans, because without them the RiverDogs baseball experience wouldn’t be possible.”

Known for wholesome family entertainment, RiverDogs games are a fun experience for people of all ages. This past year was especially special for the club as they donned new seersucker uniforms for Sunday games, brought back Disco Demolition on its 35^th anniversary, gave away Bill Veeck “bobble-legs” and staged Rainbows Night while entertaining scores of fans on a consistent basis.

Whether it is the game between the foul lines, the tasty food and beverage options at The Joe, the unique merchandise available in the souvenir store, the Kids Zone or the always entertaining between-innings promotions, RiverDogs baseball has become synonymous for a great night out with family and friends in Charleston.

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

Celebrate National Siblings Day at April 10th Game

March 26, 2015

Includes $1 tickets and post-game fireworks

Join the BlueClaws and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ocean County for National Siblings Day at the Friday, April 10th BlueClaws game which starts at 7:05.

Tickets for the game are just $1 thanks to the Asbury Park Press and there will be post-game fireworks thanks to River Rock Restaurant & Marina Bar.

Fans are encouraged to send in a funny picture(s) with their siblings prior to the game. The best ones will be used during the game on the video board (bonus points for pictures taken at FirstEnergy Park or in BlueClaws gear). Please email all photos to Ryan Cassirer at rcassirer@blueclaws.com.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ocean County will have a table on the concourse, and fans can take pictures with their siblings at the table and share on Twitter & Instagram using the hashtag #BCSibsDay. Winners will be selected and prizes, including tickets to a future game, will be awarded.

There will also be sibling movie clips shown throughout the game as well plus on-field promotions pitting siblings against each other.

To order tickets, call 732-901-7000 option 2 or order online by clicking here.

To learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ocean County, please click here.

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

Honor Your Hero On Opening Day

March 24, 2015

BlueClaws to honor 15 heroes during pre-game ceremony on April 9th

In celebration of the start of the BlueClaws 15th season, the team will be honoring 15 BlueClaws Community Heroes on Opening Day!

Fans are encouraged to nominate their heroes – first responders, teachers, coaches, parents, or anyone else – by emailing heroes@blueclaws.com.

Please include your hero’s name, connection to the nominating individual, a description as to why they are being nominated (such as why your hero is important to you or what he/she does for your family or the community) and contact information.

15 winners will be selected and honored on the field in a pregame ceremony on Opening Day. Plus, all 15 heroes will take the field with BlueClaws players during the traditional player introductions. Each will also receive two complimentary tickets to the game.

Winners will be notified via phone call. All submissions must be made by April 1st.

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

Bowling With The BlueClaws – April 15th

March 11, 2015

Event, with BlueClaws players, returns to Sea Girt Lanes

BlueClaws Charities is proud to announce its fifth annual Bowling With The BlueClaws fundraising event returns to Sea Girt Lanes on Wednesday, April 15th. BlueClaws players will again be at the event, a great chance for kids to have a fun night out with players and Buster while raising money for a worthy cause.

The charitable bowling event takes place from 6-8pm. For just $12, participants will receive bowling shoes, a raffle ticket for a series of prizes, pizza and soda, and unlimited bowling games.

Raffles will be held throughout the night for limited edition autographed merchandise and other door prizes. In addition to prizes being given out, BlueClaws players will be there to hang out with you! All proceeds from the night will benefit BlueClaws Charities and their Community Partners.

For more information or to reserve a spot, contact JoAnne Bell at 732-901-7000 ext. 100 or at jbell@blueclaws.com. Space is limited and those interested are encouraged to book early.

BlueClaws Charities, the official charity of the Lakewood BlueClaws, is a 501c3 dedicated to supporting the underpriveleged Ocean and Monmouth counties. BlueClaws Charities has donated over $195,000 over the past three years to community organizations, including donations in the form of grants to BlueClaws Charities Community Partners.

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

Miracle Field Registration Begins March 6

March 3, 2015

The Rome Braves and Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation Authority announce spring registration for the Braves Miracle Field of Rome. Registration begins Friday March 6^th through Rome-Floyd Parks & Recreation Authority and ends March 27^th. The registration fee remains $50 per player; however, there are scholarship opportunities for interested families.

On April 4^th we will host our pre-season practice at the field at 10am and uniforms will be distributed. Then the season will open up on Saturday April 11^th. The season will continue every Saturday through May 16^th with games at 10am, 11am, & 12pm.

For more information please contact Tammy Bryant with the Rome Floyd Parks and Recreation Authority at 706-234-0383 or Erin Elrod with the Rome Braves at 706-368-9388.

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

Bourbon Central student wins Hit the Books design contest

March 3, 2015

Ana Flores-Ortiz, a Bourbon Central Elementary student and winner of the Lexington Legends Hit the Books bookmark design contest, was congratulated by the Legends' Big L (center) and Pee Wee during a presentation at the school March 3. (Bourbon Central Elementary/Lexington Legends) — Ana Flores-Ortiz, a Bourbon Central Elementary student and winner of the Lexington Legends Hit the Books bookmark design contest, was congratulated by the Legends’ Big L (center) and Pee Wee during a presentation at the school March 3. (Bourbon Central Elementary/Lexington Legends)

Ana Flores-Ortiz, a fifth grade student at Bourbon Central Elementary School, was the winner of a bookmark design contest that is part of the Lexington Legends Hit the Books reading incentive program sponsored by Waffle House.

Ana received a Legends prize pack, including Legends merchandise, a framed Hit the Books poster featuring her artwork, and membership in the 2015 Little Legends Kids Club. She also will be invited to throw a ceremonial first pitch at a designated Legends game for her school. Bookmarks featuring her artwork will be distributed to students at every school that participates in the Hit the Books program. More than 30,000 students from 74 central Kentucky schools are expected to take part in the program, which runs through April 1.

“Hit the Books will continue to be an important part of community outreach for the Legends,” said Tim Vieira, the Legends’ community outreach coordinator. “We enjoy going out to the schools and meeting with students. It’s great to be part of a program that has a positive impact in the educational development of so many students.”

In Hit the Books, a baseball diamond is used to record credit for a student’s reading. For every book a student reads, a teacher places his or her initials on a base. When the student has all three bases and home plate initialed by the teacher, the student may bring a Hit the Books bookmark to the Legends’ box office at Whitaker Bank Ballpark to exchange it for two tickets to a Legends home game designated for their school.

The 2015 season is the 15^th for Legends baseball, and also marks the 15^th year that the Legends have been associated with Hit the Books. About 205,000 students have participated.

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

Education Days, presented by Zaxby’s, back for 2015

February 27, 2015

Hello from Whitaker Bank Ballpark!

The Lexington Legends are happy to announce that we will continue the tradition of award-winning, family-friendly entertainment for students, teachers, administrators, and parents through our Education Day Program presented by Zaxby’s. Our Education Day games consistently sell out with schools traveling from around the region to attend! As the name suggests, Education Day is about educational opportunities as well as a fun day at the ballpark.

The dates for the 2015 Education Days are as follows and we sincerely hope that one of them will work for your class schedule in the Spring:

Wednesday, April 22^nd @ 10:05 AM vs. Greenville Drive (Boston Red Sox)
Wednesday, April 29^th @ 10:05 AM vs. Rome Braves (Atlanta Braves)
Monday, May 11^th @ 10:05 AM vs. Kannapolis Intimidators (Chicago White Sox)

We play these games at 10:05 AM to allow teachers and students to take a field trip during the school day and enjoy America’s Pastime, Lexington style. Baseball has played a significant role in American history and the civil rights movement, and every game is filled with scientific and mathematical learning opportunities. New this year, we will incorporate an educational curriculum that you can use in the classroom prior to the day of the game and also on game day. It’s a great combination that will make your day at Whitaker Bank Ballpark memorable – and educational!

Group Tickets and Add-Ons:

Discounted tickets available for groups of 20 or more – prices range between $4 and $7 per ticket.
Sack lunches available for an additional $5 each and includes the following:
- o Zaxby’s chicken finger sandwich comprised of three chicken fingers on a toasted bun with Zax sauce
- o Bag of chips
- o Soft drink
  - We deliver these to your students in their seats meaning you do not have to journey around the ballpark with your kids looking for lunch while here.

We are taking reservations now for groups to attend these games so please contact your Account Executive or call the Lexington Legends Ticket Office at 859-252-HITS (4487) to reserve your seats now while they are still available. You can also reply to this email to make your reservation or seek more information.

Have a great day and Go Legends!

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

Dads Groundskeeper Helps Community

February 24, 2015

Zach Van Voorhees builds new mound for Northview Middle School

Hickory Crawdads Head Groundskeeper Zach Van Voorhees lent his time and expertise to help out the community over the weekend, as the ‘Dads grounds specialist helped a group of volunteers build a new mound for Northview Middle School.

Using new field dirt supplied by the Northview Middle School Boosters Club, Van Voorhees and a group of parent volunteers rebuilt the school’s mound and prepared the field for the season. The mound was raised approximately five inches, while both the back and front slopes were reshaped to provide better safety and performance.

“I was just trying to give back a little bit,” said Van Voorhees. “It was good practice for me for (the Crawdads) upcoming season, and now they know how to maintain it.”

Les Stewart, a parent of two Northview students and a member of the Boosters Club, was one of five parent volunteers who assisted Van Voorhees.

“We were very appreciative of the work Zach did for Northview Middle School baseball,” said Stewart. “I was hoping Zach would give us some advice on how to best use the limited resources we had to get the field playable. He came on Saturday, his day off, and spent several hours in the cold helping us shape up the field and build the kids an awesome mound. We are thankful to the Crawdads and Zach for helping improve youth baseball in our community.”

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

BlueClaws Host Scout Patch Design Contest

February 11, 2015

Winning patch will be given out to all scouts at BlueClaws games this year!

The BlueClaws are holding their annual Scout Patch Design Contest to determine the official patch that will be given out to scouts at Scout Nights this summer.

Click here to download the official contest rules and a design template.

Use 10 colors or less to fill in the circle with your patch design. Please note on each sheet the scout’s name and their parent’s contact information. As a reminder, 2015 is the BlueClaws 15th season in Lakewood, so keep that in mind when designing your patch!

The winner will be decided on April 1st, and will be rewarded a ceremonial first pitch before whichever 2015 Scout Night they attend.

In order to be eligible for the contest, a Scout must be a member of a pack that has already booked its 2015 outing with the BlueClaws. For additional information about the BlueClaws Scout Program, visit www.blueclaws.com/scouts.

Once you are ready to submit your patch, you may return the form to the BlueClaws at the following address:

Kyle Volp
BlueClaws Scout Patch Contest
2 Stadium Way
Lakewood, NJ 08701.

If you have any further questions about the contest or booking a Scout outing at one of our Scout Nights, please contact Kyle Volp at 732-901-7000, ext. 142.

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

RiverDogs & Palmetto Goodwill Partner for Hiring Events

February 6, 2015

Events to include on-site interviews to fill gameday positions for the upcoming season.

The Charleston RiverDogs and Palmetto Goodwill will host a pair of Jobs at The Joe Hire Me! hiring events to fill gameday positions for the upcoming season.

The hiring events will take place at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park with two sessions on Thursday, February 19 at 10 am and 4 pm along with one session on Sunday, February 22 from 1-5 pm.

All interested applicants MUST pre-register for this event by emailing hireme@riverdogs.com.

On-site interviews will be conducted for positions in the following areas:

food & beverage (front and back of the house)
ushers
ticket takers
box office attendants
Kids Zone
stadium clean-up crew
parking attendants
And if you have what it takes, you can possibly be Charlie T. RiverDog!

Applicants are encouraged to dress appropriately.

The RiverDogs open the 2015 season on Thursday, April 9^th vs. Lexington on Budweiser Thirsty Thursday with postgame fireworks. RiverDogs baseball can be heard all season long on the flagship radio home WTMA 1250AM.

For more information please contact the RiverDogs at 843/577-DOGS (3647) or online at www.riverdogs.com.

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

Cintas Hometown Heroes: Recognition for military

February 4, 2015

The Lexington Legends and Cintas are teaming up to recognize members of the military at Legends games this season.

New for 2015, the Legends are inviting nominations for the Cintas Hometown Heroes program. Nominations may be made by completing a form that is available online at www.lexingtonlegends.com under “Community.”

At 35 Legends home games in 2015, hometown heroes selected from the nominations will be provided four game tickets and will be recognized on the field during the game. Veterans and retired military personnel, as well as those on active duty, may be nominated.

“We are excited to introduce this new program,” said Legends’ corporate account executive Anne Brenner, who has been involved with the development of the program. “We know how much our fans have enjoyed our annual Military Appreciation Night, and that will continue. The Cintas Hometown Heroes program will provide an opportunity to bring even more recognition to our veterans and active military throughout the season.”

For more information on the Cintas Hometown Heroes program, contact Sarah Bosso, Legends director of business development, at 859 422-7855 or sbosso@lexingtonlegends.com.

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

Fluor Field Hosts Complimentary Coaching Clinic on February 5th

January 28, 2015

Drive Manager Darren Fenster leads the clinic from 6:00-8:30 PM

The Greenville Drive have announced they will hold a complimentary coaching clinic led by Drive Manager Darren Fenster on Thursday, February 5th from 6:00-8:30 PM in the home clubhouse at Fluor Field. The clinic is available for coaches at all levels of baseball, including little league, middle and high school, and travel baseball.

Fenster will cover a wide array of topics during the interactive forum, ranging from individual skills such as hitting, throwing, and fielding to team fundamentals such as cutoffs, relays and rundowns. Fenster will provide insight on a general approach to coaching, while also touching on practice organization and how to keep players engaged while getting the most out of their time on the field.

Additionally, those in attendance will have the unique opportunity to experience exactly how the Drive coaching staff employs this approach to their daily work during the 2015 season.
“With the amazing support that the Greenville and entire Upstate communities give us throughout the course of the season, I wanted to find a creative way to give back to the very people who make our days at Fluor Field so rewarding,” said Fenster. “I couldn’t think of a better way to do so than by putting together a coaching clinic that will benefit the next generation of players through this generation of coaches.

“Baseball has given me a platform as a coach that I truly value, and I take a great sense of responsibility to share my passion for and knowledge of the game with as many others who want to listen. To do this in the place I’ve called home for parts of the past few years is a special opportunity.”

Fenster has accumulated a wealth of experience during his time as a player and coach at both the college and professional levels. He was a two-time All-American shortstop at Rutgers University before spending five seasons in the Kansas City Royals system from 2000-2004, and he received an invite to major league spring training during his time with the Royals.

Following his playing career, Fenster returned to his alma mater and spent six seasons on the staff of the Scarlet Knights, serving under legendary coach Fred Hill, who earlier this month was inducted into the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. He also spent a season as an assistant coach for the Orleans Cardinals in the Cape Cod League in 2008.

In 2013, Fenster created Coaching Your Kids, an initiative that shares his love and understanding of the game to the baseball community of coaches, players, and fans in general through camps and clinics in addition to media forums such as Twitter (@CoachYourKids), print magazines, and online blogs and podcasts.

He joined the professional coaching ranks in 2012 as the Drive’s hitting coach before getting his first managing opportunity with the Gulf Coast League Red Sox in 2013, leading the club to the league championship series. The 2015 season will be Fenster’s second piloting the Drive.

“We are thrilled to give back to the local coaching community with this clinic at Fluor Field,” said Drive General Manager Eric Jarinko. “Darren Fenster is a terrific coach as well as being an outstanding person, and his passion for the game and his ability to connect with players of all ages and ability levels are second to none. He truly is a great ambassador for both the Greenville Drive and the game of baseball, and we couldn’t be happier to have him on board for this coaching clinic and the 2015 season at Fluor Field.”

The clinic is complimentary, but registration is required as space is limited. Coaches interested in registering for the clinic can do so by clicking here.
For additional info, please contact Cameron White, the Drive’s Media Relations Manager, at cameron@greenvilledrive.com.

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

Non-profits invited for Community Org program

January 20, 2015

The Lexington Legends are inviting non-profit organizations to participate in their Community Organization of the Night program during the 2015 season.

The Community Organization program, sponsored for 2015 by Dean Dorton, offers non-profits a variety of opportunities to publicize their work at Whitaker Bank Ballpark and on Legends radio broadcasts during each of the Legends’ 70 home games. Hundreds of organizations throughout central and eastern Kentucky have participated.

“Community involvement has been important to the Legends since day one,” said Legends’ President/COO Andy Shea. “Our Community Organization of the Night program allows us to put the spotlight on the great work being done by many organizations throughout Kentucky, and we’re very happy to help get their message out.”

On their night at the ballpark, organizations may set up a display on the concourse, where they can greet fans and distribute information. Before the game, a representative of each Community Organization of the Night is interviewed on the public address system. The representative also is a guest on the radio broadcast for a half-inning during the game. Each organization receives four complimentary tickets to their game.

Solicitation is not permitted, but there is a fund-raising element in the program. To maximize exposure and to boost fund-raising, organizations that reserve their night for a Thursday, Friday or Saturday game will purchase a minimum of 60 Legends fundraiser tickets at four dollars each. Fundraiser tickets may then be sold by the organization for up to the regular face value of 10 dollars, allowing the organization to raise up to six dollars per ticket sold.

“Also, the more tickets sold, the more supporters each organization will have at the game,” said Sarah Bosso, the Legends director of community relations and special events. “It’s fun for everyone involved, and it’s always for a great cause.”

Game dates will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, call (859) 422-7855 or send e-mail to sbosso@lexingtonlegends.com.

The Legends, class A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals, will open the 2015 season at Whitaker Bank Ballpark Thursday, April 16 at 7:05 p.m. against the West Virginia Power, an affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates. More information is available at lexingtonlegends.com.

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

Hit The Books bookmark contest winner honored

January 7, 2015

Berlin Intermediate’s Emily Sandt draws winning design

The Delmarva Shorebirds, class “A” affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles and Dr. James M. Crouse at The Brace Place, presenting sponsor of the Hit the Books program, honored Emily Sandt of Berlin Intermediate School for winning the 2015 Hit the Books Bookmark Design Contest. Her winning design was distributed to all participating students on the Delmarva Peninsula.

The Hit the Books initiative officially kicks off January 20 and will continue through February 27.

The program encourages elementary and middle school students on the Delmarva Peninsula to read outside of their regular classroom assignments. Students that complete their reading goals receive two free tickets to a Shorebirds home game during the 2015 season.

Sandt’s winning design featured a drawing of Sherman the Shorebird on a baseball field with airplanes flying overhead encouraging students to “Read, Read, Read.”

“Her design perfectly illustrated the goal of the program, to get students to read beyond the classroom,” said Shawn Schoolcraft, Director of Marketing and Community Relations. “We look forward to seeing the kids realize the fruits of their labor at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium this spring.”

In 2015, over 40,000 students from over 100 local schools are participating in the “Hit The Books” program, which is the largest non-school funded reading program on the Delmarva Peninsula.

“Reading books is a favorite pastime of mine and I love to see young people reading books,” said Dr. James M. Crouse at The Brace Place. “Our sponsorship of the Shorebirds ‘Hit the Books’ program is a perfect fit for us at The Brace Place.”

Participating schools will be notified in March about their game date at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium, and students will be honored as part of a pregame parade around the field. For more information, contact the Delmarva Shorebirds at 410-219-3112.

Season ticket and group outing packages are currently on sale for the 2015 season. The Shorebirds offer full season tickets, half season tickets, a 22-game plan and a 12-game plan along with a number of opportunities for groups to enjoy a night out at the ballpark. To secure your seat(s), call 410-219-3112.

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

Legends’ donations top $715,000 for 2014

December 22, 2014

14-year total nears $13 million

Lexington Legends President/COO Andy Shea (at left) and LBX President/CEO Eric Sauvage (second from left) present a check to representatives of Kentucky Cancer Link, Susan G. Komen and the Markey Cancer Center for funds raised in the Legends' annual Breast Cancer Awareness game. The Legends make donations to a variety of organizations throughout the region. (Lexington Legends) — Lexington Legends President/COO Andy Shea (at left) and LBX President/CEO Eric Sauvage (second from left) present a check to representatives of Kentucky Cancer Link, Susan G. Komen and the Markey Cancer Center for funds raised in the Legends’ annual Breast Cancer Awareness game. The Legends make donations to a variety of organizations throughout the region. (Lexington Legends)

The Lexington Legends today announced donations for 2014 totaling $715,645 to a variety of non-profit organizations serving central Kentucky. The Ivy Walls Charitable Giving Foundation Fund at Bluegrass Community Foundation, in cooperation with the Legends and business sponsors, has presented checks to organization representatives throughout the month of November.

Ivy Walls Management is a Lexington-based organization that manages the operation of the Legends.

In its 14-year history, the Legends organization has donated close to $13 million to the region.

“There’s nothing more important to our organization than giving back to our community,” said Sarah Bosso, the Legends’ director of community relations and special events. “Each season, the Legends look forward to working with all of these amazing organizations and to developing new partnerships as well.”

“The Legends will always be active in the community,” added Legends President/COO Andy Shea. “We’re proud to have the opportunity to support these great organizations.”

Among organizations receiving funds in 2014 were:

–Boy Scouts of America Bluegrass Council: The Legends supported the Boy Scouts through their participation in the “Brave the Blue III” campaign, in which donations were raised by those who rappelled down the 30-story Financial Center building in downtown Lexington. The Legends’ Big L has been among the rappellers in all three years of the campaign.

-Breast Cancer Research and Awareness: The Legends held a Breast Cancer Awareness Night July 12. Funds raised through an auction of pink jerseys and pink bases used during the game, along with t-shirt sales, benefited Kentucky Pink Connection, which serves breast cancer patients on a personal basis by reducing or eliminating barriers to screening, diagnosis and treatment; The Markey Cancer Center, established in 1983 as a Comprehensive Cancer Center; and Susan G. Komen, the world’s largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer. The Legends and LBX held a dinner, with proceeds going to those same three breast cancer charities.

–Military Missions: The Legends’ Military Appreciation night June 14 included an auction of camouflage jerseys to benefit Military Missions, a local non-profit organization that supports troops in a variety of ways, including the sending of care packages.

–P.A.W.S. and the Lexington Humane Society: The Legends held five “Bark in the Park” nights during the 2014 season, on which dog owners were invited to bring their dogs to a Legends game. The “admission” price for dogs was a donation to the Paris Animal Welfare Society (P.A.W.S.) and the Lexington Humane Society.

-St. Joseph Hospital Nursing Scholarship Fund: At the end of every baseball season, the Legends hold a silent auction for the home jerseys worn during the season with proceeds going to the St. Joseph Hospital Nursing Scholarship Program. About $4,000 was raised from the 2014 auction.

–United Way of the Bluegrass: The Legends and United Way are longtime partners on ticket donations to United Way donors, as listed below.

–Vs. Cancer: Legends President/COO Andy Shea and catcher Chad Johnson had their heads shaved following the Legends game August 15 as part of a Vs. Cancer fund-raiser and sign of solidarity with young cancer patients.

In-kind donations

The Legends also make substantial in-kind donations throughout the year to many groups and organizations, including a long-standing relationship with United Way of the Bluegrass. Donors to the annual United Way of the Bluegrass campaign receive two free box seat tickets to a Legends home game.

In the 2014 season, more than 84,000 box seat tickets were donated to various organizations and camps through the Legends’ partnership with United Way, along with Hit the Books, a Legends’ campaign to encourage Central Kentucky students to read. More than 300 donations were made through the Legends online donation request system at lexingtonlegends.com under the “Community” tab.

In addition, the Legends made more than 200 public appearances in 2014 with their mascots, Big L and Pee Wee, at schools, hospitals, nursing homes and other organizations.

Aramark, the Legends’ concession partner, made significant donations to school booster clubs, primarily for work done at concession stands during games.

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

Blood Drive at Fluor Field on Saturday

December 10, 2014

Donors will receive a special Team Store voucher

The Drive and the Blood Connection will team up for a blood drive at Fluor Field on Saturday from 11 AM-3 PM.

Each donor will receive a voucher that gets them $10 off any purchase in the Team Store of $30 or more. The voucher is good for Saturday only. The Team Store hours on Saturday are 10 AM-4 PM.

Donors must be at least 16 years of age.

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

‘Dads & Sam’s Club Partner for Military

December 5, 2014

Sam’s Club Military Ticket Deal provides free tickets for armed forces

The Hickory Crawdads are proud to announce a new partnership with Sam’s Club of Hickory, which will provide free tickets to all active and retired military personnel throughout the 2015 season as a part of the Sam’s Club Military Ticket Deal.

The Sam’s Club Military Ticket Deal will allow any active or retired member of the armed forces or their spouses to receive two complimentary tickets to any of the Crawdads 70 home games with a valid military ID. As one of the few teams in Minor League Baseball to offer free military tickets throughout the season, the Crawdads gave away more than 3,000 complimentary tickets to members of the armed forces in 2014.

“At Sam’s Club, we greatly appreciate the men and women of the armed forces who have served and continue serve our country,” said Sam’s Club of Hickory’s Club Manager Tim Hasson. “They have dedicated their lives to our country and deserve to be recognized for their commitment. We are proud to partner with the Hickory Crawdads to honor all military personnel. In addition, Sam’s Club always offers a $15 gift card for all new and renewing Sam’s Club active duty and veteran members. I want to thank each of you and your families for the sacrifices that you make.”

Sam’s Club Military Tickets can be redeemed in person at the L.P. Frans Stadium box office up to a week in advance of any Crawdads home game.

For more information regarding the Sam’s Club Military Ticket Deal, call the Crawdads front office at (828) 322-3000.

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

Meet Reedy and Santa on Saturday!

December 4, 2014

Dynamic duo will be at the Drive Team Store from 11 AM-1:30 PM

Kids all over the world adore Santa Claus, and Drive mascot Reedy Rip’It is one of the most beloved mascots around. On Saturday, December 13th, you can get the chance to meet them both!

Santa Claus and Reedy Rip’It will be stopping by the Greenville Drive Team Store on Main Street from 11 AM-1:30 PM on the 13th to talk Christmas wishes and take photos.

You won’t want to miss this great opportunity to meet these two jolly, lovable friends!

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