Archives for May 2012

Efren Navarro Visits With Youth

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Efren Navarro knows what it is like to want to give up, but more importantly, he knows what it takes to keep going.

On Monday morning, Navarro visited with youth in the Observation and Assessment program of Utah’s Juvenile Justice Services in South Salt Lake City. He offered insight into what it is like to play professional baseball, to live out a dream and what it takes to make it happen.

“Now is an important time in your lives. You are figuring out who you are and deciding what you want to be. You don’t want to live your life with regrets,” Navarro stressed. “Work hard to achieve your dreams and don’t give up.”

Navarro also emphasized the importance of education. He shared stories of when he was in high school and not taking school as seriously as he should have. But too many people believed in him and would not let him give up so easily.

He told them that changes don’t just happen overnight even once you decide you want to make that change. It can be hard and frustrating. His advice, “keep working. And don’t give up.”
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Salt Lake Bees. Click here to view the original story.

Bees to Honor U.S. Military Personnel on Saturday, May 26

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SALT LAKE CITY – The Salt Lake Bees will honor men and women of the United States Armed Forces during Military Appreciation Night, sponsored by University of Phoenix, on Saturday, May 26 as the Bees take on the Las Vegas 51s at 6:35 p.m. The team will wear camouflage jerseys during the event.

The Bees are offering half-priced tickets for Saturday’s game, available to all military personnel and their families who provide military identification at the Spring Mobile Ballpark box office.

The pregame ceremony will include an on-field parachute jump by the Compulsive Flyers, a giant outfield flag display, the presentation of the colors by the United States Marine Corps and the performance of the national anthem by the 419th Fighter Wing Anthem Choir from Hill Air Force Base.

A concourse booth will be open throughout the game to allow fans an opportunity to send a message via postcard to active military personnel. The 419th Fighter Wing Anthem Choir will also perform “God Bless America” during the seventh-inning stretch and a postgame fireworks show will begin at the conclusion of the game.

The Salt Lake Bees return home for an eight-game homestand beginning tomorrow, Friday, May 25 against the Las Vegas 51s at 6:35 p.m. 2012 Bees season tickets are on sale now with prices starting at just $432 per person. For more information, call (801) 325-BASE or visit slbees.com.

 

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Salt Lake Bees. Click here to view the original story.

Phanatic, Troop Supply Drive on June 14th

Phanatic appearance thanks to OceanFirst Bank

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The Phillie Phanatic will be here for Military Appreciation Night on June 14th.

LAKEWOOD, NJ – The BlueClaws will host their annual Troop Supply Drive on Military Appreciation Night at their June 14th game (7:05), a night that also features an appearance by the Phillie Phanatic, thanks to OceanFirst Bank.

Boxes will be set up for the Troop Supply Drive in the front of the ballpark and fans are encouraged to donate razors, snacks, baby wipes, shampoo, soap, non-chocolate candies and sweets, sun block with SPF 40+, lip balm, writing utensils, silly string, deodorant, tissues, q-tips, white socks, batteries, insect repellent, and flashlights.

JERSEY AUCTION: The BlueClaws will be wearing camouflage jerseys. These will be auctioned off (silent auction) on the concourse during the game.

This supply drive is in conjunction with the Monmouth-Ocean Central Labor Council Military Committee, Monmouth-Ocean Building Trade Council, National Guard, Toms River Armory, A.R.M.S, Troop Clothing Drive, and IBEW Local 400 Military Committee.

Further, fans are also encouraged to bring gently used clothes to also be shipped to the Troops by A.R.M.S & JDK Wholesale.

In addition, the BlueClaws encourage fans are also to bring items for the K9 Sgt. Denny Project, sponsored by the Dennis W. Zilinski Foundation. Sergeant Denny is a two year old German Shepherd stationed in Afghanistan and trained to detect explosives. His handler is a Monmouth County native. Suggested items include: tennis balls used as training rewards, one-ingredient treats (such as freeze dried liver), KongR toys, NylaboneR chews and toys, unscented shampoo with oatmeal added to prevent dry skin, collapsible water bowls, and leather leashes.

“Military Appreciation Night here in Lakewood has been a great event these last seven years,” said Pat O’Keefe of the IBEW Local 400 Military Committee. “It’s great to see the local community come out and support the event and our Troops overseas.”

The BlueClaws will also be collecting, as always, gently used cell phones at the NJR Information Booth to benefit Cell Phones for Soldiers.

There will also be a Black Hawk helicopter provided by the New Jersey Army National Guard. Fans are encouraged to go inside the helicopter and take pictures from 5 pm until the 7th inning stretch.

In addition, the Phillie Phanatic will be making his first of two visits, thanks to OceanFirst Bank. The popular Phillies mascot will be entertaining fans throughout the game like only he can. He has been the Phillies mascot since 1978 and has been at FirstEnergy Park since the BlueClaws began play in 2001.

Now the dean of all professional sports mascots, the Phanatic has entertained millions of fans all over the world. He has traveled to Japan, Australia, Mexico, Canada, Venezuela, and Puerto Rico and made numerous national television appearances appearances on shows like the “Today Show” and “Good Morning America.” He has also starred in commercials on ESPN and the Fox Network.

Finally, the night is a Thirsty Thursday, presented by 66MVP, with $1 beer and soda plus 50-cent wings from Ivy League Restaurant, in the Coors Light WRAT Trap.

To order tickets to this or any BlueClaws game, call 732-901-7000 option 2 .

– BlueClaws –

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

Offer to students: Report card good for free ticket

(WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK, Lexington, Ky.) The Lexington Legends are helping students celebrate the end of the school year.

Students who bring their final report card for the spring semester to the Legends box office will receive a free reserved box seat or general admission ticket for the games of May 21 through May 23 and May 28 through May 30 (one ticket per card).

The Legends will play the West Virginia Power, an affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, at Whitaker Bank Ballpark May 21, 22, and 23.

May 28-30, the Legends will take on the Augusta GreenJackets, an affiliate of the San Francisco Giants.

Game time for all six games is 7:05 p.m.

For ticket information, call (859) 422-7867 or visit www.lexingtonlegends.com.

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

The 66ers Welcome the Arrowhead United Way on May 21st

The Inland Empire 66ers welcome the Arrowhead United Way to the game on Monday, May 21st @ 7pm. This baseball game night event is to celebrate all high school students who attended the Teens Make a Difference Annual Awards ceremony held at the Inland Center Mall on May 10th, 2012. This ceremony recognizes local high school students for their outstanding volunteer service throughout the community.

Please join us for a night of family friendly fun, and celebrate the POWER OF YOUTH! Tickets start at $6 and can be purchased at the box office on the night of the event.

Arrowhead United Way is a volunteer driven organization that actively supports health and human services by focusing on education, income, and health. These services address the underlying causes of the community’s issues and create lasting change. The organization was established in 1891 and is led by prominent respected community leaders; it is one of the oldest United Ways in the country. Arrowhead United Way encourages individuals to become more involved in the community by giving, advocating, and volunteering.

Arrowhead United Way is working to advance the common good by creating opportunities for a better life for all. By focusing on education, income, and health, we strive to bring about lasting changes that address community problems. We all win when people emerge from crisis, achieve their potential and live independent lives.

Please join us for a night of family friendly fun, and celebrate in the POWER OF YOUTH!

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FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (Media) Please contact:
Sheika Hurd, AmeriCorps Volunteer Coordinator
[email protected]
(909) 884-9441 ext. 227
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Inland Empire 66ers. Click here to view the original story.

Prostate Cancer Awareness Night set for May 18th

Post-game concert provided by the Black Honkeys

The Clearwater Threshers are proud to bring back Prostate Cancer Awareness Night on Friday, May 18. The team will once again be wearing special blue jerseys, many of which will be available for purchase in a silent auction during the game.

Additionally, the first 1,000 guests through the gates for the 6:30pm matchup versus Jupiter will receive a special blue Threshers hat sponsored by First Priority. Gates open at 5:30pm.

After the game is over, winning bidders of the auction will be able to meet the player on-field and have them sign the jersey. Proceeds will go to the Morton Plant Mease Foundation and the Ed Randall “Bat for the Cure” program, as we work together to help stop prostate cancer in its tracks.

Once the auction and jersey presentations are complete, everyone in attendance is invited to take part in a special concert brought to you by the Black Honkeys!

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

Armed Forces Day is Saturday, May 19th

Retired and active military personnel will be recognized.
Retired and active military personnel will be recognized.

The Drive’s Let’s Hit 350 campaign shows its patriotic commitment Saturday as the team joins the City of Greenville to celebrate all of our Armed Forces and what they mean for our Country and our Community.

Fluor Field will host the evening portion of Greenville’s Armed Forces Day celebration in conjunction with the Drive’s 7 o’clock game.

The Greenville Armed Forces Day Parade will begin in Downtown Greenville at 5:15 p.m. and will conclude at Fluor Field just before 6 o’clock. Following the parade, visit Field Street to check out many of the vehicles participating in the parade.

During Saturday’s game, visit the military tables on the concourse to learn about the history of the American forces stationed here in South Carolina.

On the field, help us honor all of the troops in many fun and interesting ways as we’ll see which military branch takes the cake in tug-o-war, frisbee tic-tac-toe, and other competitions!

Plenty of great seats still remain for Saturday’s game, and can be purchased by calling the Fluor Field Box Office at (864) 240-4528, or logging onto GreenvilleDrive.com.

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

Over 12,500 Students to Attend Prevention Dimensions Day on May 15

SALT LAKE CITY (May 12, 2012) – The Salt Lake Bees, in conjunction with the Utah State Office of Education, will host Prevention Dimensions Day at the Bees vs. Albuquerque Isotopes game on Tuesday, May 15 at 10:35 a.m. The Bees will welcome over 12,500 students to this ninth annual event at Spring Mobile Ballpark which promotes drug and alcohol prevention.

The fifth and sixth grade students in attendance will enjoy an opening ceremony featuring more than 400 Utah elementary students. Also participating in the program will be Bountiful native Tade Biesinger, star of Broadway’s hit show “Billy Elliot,” Utah’s First Lady, Jeanette Herbert, and Verne Larsen from the Utah State Office of Education.

In addition, the Bees are teaming up with the Utah Food Bank in an effort to promote service through the Prevention Dimensions curriculum while encouraging students to donate a canned food item upon entry.

Prevention Dimensions is Utah’s Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities lesson set, which supports the Utah State Office of Education pre-kindergarten through 12th grade health core. The program began in 1982 as a joint effort between the Utah State Division of Substance Abuse, Utah State Department of Health, Utah State Office of Education, and Utah State PTA, and has been revised several times since. The mission of PD is to give students a strong foundation of effective violence and substance abuse prevention skills.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Salt Lake Bees. Click here to view the original story.

Bark in the Park with Paws for Claws

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Humans and Hounds alike, join us at State Mutual Stadium for the Bark in the Park game on Sunday May 27. This season the Rome Braves are partnering with Claws for Paws to help the homeless pets of Rome and Floyd County. All of the money raised by Claws for Paws goes directly back to animal rescue efforts in the local community.

The festivities begin at 2pm but you can register today. There will be a 1.3 mile Dog Walk around State Mutual Stadium followed by pet contests, a Frisbee Dog Demo and stop by the Flealess Market throughout the day. Then bring your dog into the ballpark and cheer on the Rome Braves for the 5pm game.

The Bark in the Park event along with the festivities and t-shirt is only $20! To sign up today just click here. If you are just interested in joining us for the game with your dog you can purchase tickets at Gate 6 the day of the game for $10. For more information please call 706-378-5100.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Rome Braves. Click here to view the original story.

PawSox team with area schools for education program

Pawtucket-Red-SoxIt is 10 o’clock on a rainy Thursday morning and McCoy Stadium already is buzzing.

The Pawtucket Red Sox game against Rochester is still two hours away, yet there are kids everywhere. The parking lots are filling with school buses.

McCoy Stadium draws plenty of kids for every Pawtucket Red Sox game. But why two hours before game time on a weekday morning? Augusto “Cookie” Rojas Jr., the PawSox general sales manager, smiles when someone asks.

“It’s part of our Baseball in Education program,” Rojas explains. “It’s something we started four years ago and had 50 kids involved. Today we have 1,400.”

The program is the latest in what seems to be the team’s never-ending involvement with the community. Rojas is the man behind it. He organized it based on experiences he had with his own kids.

“I have kids in school. They go on field trips sometimes,” Rojas said. “I thought, ‘There has to be a way for us to offer something here’ … I started tinkering around and talking to some of my friends in baseball and I came up with this idea.

“I ran it past Mike (Tamburro, the team president) and Lou (Schwechheimer, the vice president general manager) and they said go with it, run with it.”

Rojas was told that any field trips students take must be educational. So he went to one of the state’s training grounds for teachers, Rhode Island College.

“We have great partners at Rhode Island College. They’ve helped us develop a curriculum that meets all the educational guidelines. They made it a project for their seniors, their student-teachers,” Rojas related.

The educational aspect is why all the students were there so early.

On the first-base side, junior high students from Middletown were being timed throwing baseballs. They were then given a sheet in which they could calculate how fast they were throwing the ball.

On the third-base side, a large group of students from Winman Junior High in Warwick was listening to a presentation on the longest game in baseball history and doing it directly in front of the display that honors the 33-inning game against Rochester (which also was the opponent Thursday) in 1981.

With the help of the teachers and professors at RIC, components were drawn up not only in math and history, but also with social studies and science. Once students were seated, the video board in right field showed videos on the science of baseball, explaining how a ball flies and proper fielding techniques.

The program took a major leap forward this year because of another agreement Rojas worked out. In the first three years he ran the program, a number of schools expressed interest in participating, but had to decline because of costs.

“It is very expensive to get buses,” Rojas noted. “The First Student bus company has become a sponsor this year. They really cut their prices for us.”

The event Thursday was the second of two such days this year. Students from North Kingstown, Warwick, Middletown, Cranston, Providence (the first time a Providence school has participated) and Franklin, Mass., were among those taking part.

The educational aspect did not stop once the game began. Rojas loves keeping score at games. Minute Man Press has joined the program. Students are given booklets that contain educational material, including trivia questions. And there is a section that teaches students how to keep a scorebook.

“It’s been a labor of love. It’s a great joy for me,” Rojas said.

He received a special bonus late in the game.

“I have a daughter (Madison) who is an eighth-grader. Her school was the first one here today. She sent me a text saying, ‘It was awesome, dad. I have fun.’ ”

Carolyn Higgins, who was with fellow Winman teacher Norm Bouthillier, said there was only one problem.

“It’s really nice what they do,” she said. “The only part that could be better is the weather. We came last year, too, and the weather was bad then, too.”

This article by Paul Kenyon originally appeared on the official website of the Providence Journal.  Click here to view the original story.

‘Cats Clutch in Breast Cancer Awareness Win

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A thriller on the 6th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Night saw the Hillcats take their second consecutive game from the Winston-Salem Dash, 7-5. A season-high 4,788 saw Edward Salcedo come through with two clutch hits to give the ‘Cats the lead. Lynchburg closer, Juan Jamie, shut the door with two on in the ninth with back-to-back strikeouts.

It had all the makings of a pitchers’ duel early on at Lynchburg City Stadium. The 6th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Night began with both Dash righty Matt Heidenreich and J.R. Graham tossing two no-hit innings. However, the Dash struck first in the top of the third.

Miguel Gonzalez got the game’s first hit with a single under the glove of Hillcats’ shortstop Nick Ahmed. Jake Oester executed a perfect hit-and-run with Gonzalez on the move just one batter later. Gonzalez advanced to third with the league’s hottest hitter due up. Marcus Semien extended his league-best hit streak to 18 games with a single between the third baseman and shortstop, Oester advanced to second base and Gonzalez scored to make it 1-0. Dan Wagner laid down a sacrifice bunt to move Semien to second and Oester to third. The number three prospect in the White Sox organization, Trayce Thompson was up next. He laced a double into the left-center field gap. Both Semien and Oester scored to give the Dash a 3-0 lead. With one out, Hillcats’ third baseman, Edward Salcedo made an amazing play to rob Dan Black of a certain double. A ball was on a line when Salcedo dove to his left in full extension. After making the catch, Salcedo threw from his knees to second baseman Tommy La Stella to get Thompson, who was racing back towards second.

Heidenreich, continued his perfect game bid through four. It wasn’t until the bottom of the fifth that the Hillcats could do any damage. Tim Smith took a pitch off the right shoulder to end the perfect game. Garcia got the first hit off Heidenreich between the first and second baseman to advance Smith to second. Mycal Jones, laid down a bunt intended to be for a hit and it was exactly that down the third base side. The bases were now loaded for Braeden Schlehuber after the Robby Hefflinger strikeout. Schlehuber hammered a double over Brady Shoemaker’s head in left. Smith and Garcia cruised home, but an errant throw by Shoemaker was recognized by Jones at third and he broke for home. Semien gathered the ball and threw home to Gonzalez, but Jones went head first with a hook slide to the back part of the plate. He reached his left hand around and touched home before Gonzalez could get to him. The score was tied 3-3.

A two-run rally would give the Hillcats the lead in the sixth. Smith got his fourth double of the season with two outs. Sacledo came through in the clutch with a single just one batter later to give the ‘Cats their first lead of the game, 4-3.

The Dash answered back in the top of the seventh. Gonzalez hit a slow roller over to Salcedo at third, Salcedo made a running throw, but it was off-target and got past Garcia at first. Gonzalez advanced to second base on Salcedo’s 12th error of the season. Oester was the next batter. He hit a hot shot down the right field side, but it was snagged by a diving Garcia on a hop. Gonzalez advanced to third for Semien. A liner up the middle by Semien scored Gonzalez to tie the game at four.

Lynchburg began the bottom of the eighth with walk to Matt Lipka by Nick McCully. La Stella added a one out single to right, the ball was bobbled by Nick Ciolli, Lipka broke for the third and La Stella broke for second on the Ciolli throw to third; each player was safe. The Dash intentionally walked Smith to load the bases for Salcedo. For the second time in the game, Salcedo came through in the clutch with a single up the middle to score Lipka and give the Hillcats a 5-4 lead. With the bases loaded, Garcia entered the box. He hit a high-chopper over Black at first, Black combined with Semien to get the lead runner, but McCully broke late to first and couldn’t get Garcia in time and dropped the Semien throw. Recognizing the mistake, Smith raced home and scored the second run of the play to give the Hillcats a three run cushion.

Lynchburg brought in the first of its closer duo, Matt Chaffee. The inning started with as solo blast by Michael Early to cut the lead to 7-5. Chaffee walked the next batter before a high fly ball was lost by Lipka in center field. Runners were at first and second for Semien, who tried to sacrifice himself, but couldn’t get the job done and eventually went down with the bunting strikeout. That would be the end of the night for Chaffee and part two of the closer duo, Juan Jamie entered. Wasting no time, Jamie came he challenged the Carlos Sanchez and Trayce Thompson with the gas. Neither could hit it and the Hillcats walked away with a thrilling victory in front of a packed house.

Chasen Shreve improved to 2-0 on the season. He went 1.2 innings, surrendering one and fanning one. Nick McCully fell to 2-2 after giving up three runs–two earned–in just 0.2 of a inning. He also walked two and struck out one. Juan Jaime got his fifth save of the season.

The series finale is slated for 2:05pm. The Hillcat’s will look for their third series sweep of the season. Aaron Northcraft (4-1, 2.12) will look to close out the Dash. Righty Jake Petricka (2-3, 5.63) will try to salvage the series for Winston-Salem. The Faith Night Sunday festivites will begin when the gates open tomorrow at 1:00 pm at Lynchburg City Stadium. If you can’t make it to the park, tune in and listen live to all the action on 105.5 FM KD Country and online at lynchburg-hillcats.com starting with the Hillcats On-Deck Show coming on the air at 1:40pm with Erik Wilson and Mike Viso.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lynchburg Hillcats. Click here to view the original story.

Chiefs to honor troops on Armed Forces Day Saturday

Fort Drum’s 10th Mountain Division to be on hand

Syracuse, NY- The Syracuse Chiefs, the Triple-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals, will honor our nation’s military with an Armed Forces Celebration on Saturday, May 12 before and during the team’s 2:00 PM game at Alliance Bank Stadium against the Rochester Red Wings.

The event will begin in the stadium parking lot at 12-noon with static displays of military vehicles and equipment including high-mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicles (HMMWV’s) and an MQ-9 Reaper, an aircraft which has a wing span of 66-feet by 36-feet in length. In combat, the MQ-9 Reaper is an armed multi-mission, medium-altitude, long endurance, remotely piloted aircraft. In addition, the Fort Drum rock band, “Avalanche,” is slated to perform in the parking lot for a pregame concert starting at 12:30 PM.

Pre-game activities will continue inside the ballpark with on-field recognitions of several military award winners, a performance by national recording artist Chris Taylor, and flag presentations.

Chiefs players and coaches will wear special Stars & Stripes themed jerseys for the game in honor of the men and women of the Armed Forces.

For more information, contact Chiefs Operations Assistant Brandon Massey at 315-474-7833. Tickets for Saturday’s game, and all Chiefs home games, can be purchased in person at the Chiefs Ticket Office at Alliance Bank Stadium, by calling 315-474-7833, or online at SyracuseChiefs.com.

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

Chiefs to host Strike-Out Bullying Night

Local organization to educate fans about teen bullying

Strike-Out Bullying Night on Wednesday aims to "Stop the Hate, Spread the Hope."
Strike-Out Bullying Night on Wednesday aims to “Stop the Hate, Spread the Hope.”

The Syracuse Chiefs, Triple-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals, are proud to host Strike-Out Bullying Night at Alliance Bank Stadium tonight before and during the team’s game with the Durham Bulls.In collaboration with a movement led by West Genesee High School students known as “Stop the Hate, Spread the Hope,” Strike-Out Bullying Night aims to educate Chiefs fans about teen bullying, support all those who have been or are being bullied, and to simply raise awareness for an important issue that is often overlooked.

Chiefs fans in attendance for tonight’s 7:00 p.m. game will learn how they can play a role in putting an end to bullying and show their solidarity by signing a peace pledge. Stop the Hate, Spread the Hope fundraising merchandise will also be available for sale at Strike-Out Bullying Night.

Stop the Hate, Spread the Hope was founded in 2010 by Wendy Cross, Michael McCartney, Nick Longo, and Brett Henderson, who are now seniors at West Genny. To learn more about Stop the Hate, Spread the Hope, visit the organization’s website www.sthsquared.com, Facebook page (www.facebook.com/sthsquared), and Twitter at twitter.com/@sthsquared.

Tickets for tonight’s game, and all Chiefs home games, can be purchased in person at the Chiefs Ticket Office at Alliance Bank Stadium, by calling 315-474-7833, or online at SyracuseChiefs.com.

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

Bob Brown Bear goes ‘Dreamin’ at the Aquarium

Canadians Mascot cheers on kids as they get special night after hours at Vancouver Aquarium

Bob Brown Bear was more than happy to enjoy a night at the Vancouver Aquarium. (Alex Dachis)
Bob Brown Bear was more than happy to enjoy a night at the Vancouver Aquarium. (Alex Dachis)

(Vancouver, BC) – Vancouver Canadians mascot Bob Brown Bear was thrilled to get a chance to attend ‘Dreamnight’, which is an annual event organized by the Vancouver Aquarium to share their facility with children that have life threatening illness.

These brave young children along with their families got the opportunity to visit the Aquarium past regular hours and connect with the aquatic animals and exhibits.

The night welcomed over 500 children and their families where they got to meet Bob, learn all about aquatic environments and animals as well as managed to see the famous Vancouver Aquarium dolphins and much more.

Many of the children were from BC Children’s Hospital and would not have had the opportunity to visit the Aquarium during regular hours due to their situation in the hospital.

The Vancouver Canadians Baseball Club is proud to support local initiatives that give children the opportunity to enjoy life to the fullest.

Our thanks and admiration to all involved for giving so many children the chance to create a new and exciting memory as they fight to stay healthy and positive.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Vancouver Canadians. Click here to view the original story.

Thrill of a Lifetime

Canadians fan Andrew Von Rosen helps our Foundation by enjoying the Blue Jays in Toronto

The Blue Jays supplied Andrew Von Rosen with a team autographed jersey!
The Blue Jays supplied Andrew Von Rosen with a team autographed jersey!

(Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium – Vancouver, BC) – When Andrew Von Rosen heard the word ‘sold’ at the 2nd Annual Scotiabank Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation Hot Stove Luncheon back in February, he knew he was about to get the experience of a lifetime.

One of the Canadians live auction items that was in place to help raise funds for the newly-formed Vancouver Canadians Baseball League was a trip for two to Toronto to see the Blue Jays welcome the Texas Rangers.

The series itself did not disappoint with Andrew getting the chance to see Langley, B.C. native Brett Lawrie hit a game-winning, walk-off home run in the bottom of the 9th inning on May 1st against the defending American League champions.

“Without question that was one of the highlights,” says Andrew who is a lifelong baseball fan.

On the field, Andrew and his guest got to see Rangers pitching sensation RHP Yu Darvish who outpitched Blue Jays arm RHP Kyle Drabek in a hard fought 4-1 victory for Texas.

The next night the Blue Jays fell behind 5-0 early before Toronto fought back with Lawrie’s heroics capping off a 7-6 victory.

Andrew’s final day saw Rogers Centre open up the roof to reveal piercing sunshine and an offensive explosion for the Jays and they topped the Rangers 11-5 to take the three-game series.

“To get to see the dome both open and closed was great. It is like two completely different stadiums”.

Aside from Toronto and the Rangers exchanging pleasantries on the field, Andrew got to see the Blue Jays organization from behind the scenes including a tour of Rogers Centre, a meet and greet with broadcasters Pat Tabler and Buck Martinez as well as dinner at the exclusive VIP Club located right behind home plate.

The total package included flight, accommodation, tickets to all three games vs. Texas, dinner at the VIP Club and a team autographed Blue Jays jersey along with all the ‘behind the scene’ elements which included a viewing of the 1992 and 1993 World Series trophies.

Andrew’s hotel room overlooked the field at Rogers Centre while one of his highlights was getting a tour of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s National Headquarters just steps away from Rogers Centre.

The Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation would like to thank Andrew Von Rosen for bidding on this exciting trip. Thanks to his generosity, more than 20 local children will have the chance to play baseball this summer out at historic Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium in the Vancouver Canadians Baseball League.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Vancouver Canadians. Click here to view the original story.