Archives for March 2013

BlueClaws, Horizon Open Healthy Plate Concession Stand

Puts Good Nutrition Right in Baseball Fans’ Strike Zone

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LAKEWOOD, NJ – As a nutrition-conscious America looks for more healthy menu options when dining out, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey and the Lakewood BlueClaws are teaming up to bring smarter eating choices to America’s pastime.

Just in time for the BlueClaws 2013 baseball season, Horizon BCBSNJ is opening a new “Horizon Healthy Plate” concession stand at FirstEnergy Park, where fans at every game will be able to find nutritious alternatives to the traditional ball park fare.

“Good food and family fun are the great staples of a professional baseball game at any of New Jersey’s Minor League ballparks,” said Jonathan Pearson, Director of Corporate Philanthropy and Community Affairs for Horizon BCBSNJ.  “Healthy eating should be a part of the ballpark experience, too. That’s why Horizon BCBSNJ’s pitch to fans is to bring their appetites to the Horizon Healthy Plate concession, where menu options are both nutritious and delicious,” Pearson said.

“Enhancing our ballpark menu to offer a more healthy variety of food is something that we are excited to do this summer,” said BlueClaws General Manager Brandon Marano. “We thank Horizon BCBSNJ for their support and we think our fans will enjoy these new options.”

The Horizon Healthy Plate concession has received the support of the New Jersey Department of Health, which administers ShapingNJ, a public/private partnership for nutrition, physical activity and obesity prevention.

“The New Jersey Department of Health and the ShapingNJ  Partnership are pleased to collaborate with Horizon BCBSNJ to bring healthy concessions to places where our residents enjoy leisure-time activities,” said Peri L. Nearon, MPA,  Director of the Office of Nutrition & Fitness, NJ Department of Health. “It is so important to give families and individuals healthy choices, and to make healthy choices easier  for people to make not only for themselves, but for their children.”

The BlueClaws and Horizon BCBSNJ will officially open the Horizon Healthy Plate concession stand on Thursday night with a ceremony at 5:45 pm, before the 6:35 pm game.

The Horizon Healthy Plate menu was designed by certified dieticians under the direction of Glenn D. Pomerantz, MD, JD, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of Horizon BCBSNJ.  The menu includes a long list of popular heart-healthy dining choices, such as a grilled vegetable sandwich, a turkey burger, and frozen yogurt topped with fruit. The  Horizon Healthy Plate menu also includes nutritional alternatives to the traditional ballpark fare, such as a veggie burger, a veggie hot dog and pop chips.  From entrees to appetizers; from side dishes to beverages; each affordably-priced item includes calorie and other nutritional information.

Click here to see a full menu.

“Making the right nutrition choices in every meal, including those enjoyed at leisure-time, is key to maintaining health and wellness,” Pearson said. “We encourage fans to take their smart eating habits out to the ball game this season by stepping up to the Horizon Healthy Plate concession at FirstEnergy Park.”

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About Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, the state’s oldest and largest health insurer, is a tax-paying, not-for-profit health services corporation, providing a wide array of medical, dental, and prescription insurance products and services.  Horizon BCBSNJ is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, serving 3.6 million members with headquarters in Newark and offices in Wall, Mt. Laurel, and West Trenton.  Learn more at www.HorizonBlue.com.

About the BlueClaws

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. They have led the South Atlantic League in attendance in all 12 years of existence.

– BlueClaws –

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

RedHawks Join Greater Oklahoma City Sports Consortium

Organization to enhance city’s profile through sports and special events

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OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City RedHawks announced they have joined the newly-formed Greater Oklahoma City Sports Consortium. The non-profit organization’s goal is to raise the economy and overall profile of the Oklahoma City metro area through sports and special events.

The organization will be governed by a 15-member board. The RedHawks will occupy one of 12 permanent slots, featuring the area’s most influential members in the sports and special event industry. RedHawks President/General Manager Michael Byrnes will serve as the team’s representative on the board.

“We’re very happy to be part of this initiative,” Byrnes said. “Annually we host 72 RedHawks games, the Bedlam Series, and the Phillips 66 Big 12 Baseball Championship, so anything we can do to continue to attract large-scale events to Oklahoma City will benefit the entire sports community.”

Other permanent members of the Greater Oklahoma City Sports Consortium include All Sports Association, Amateur Softball Association, City of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma City Boathouse Foundation, Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau, Oklahoma City Thunder, Oklahoma City University, Oklahoma State Fair, Prodigal, SMG, and University of Central Oklahoma.

“This is another great example of private industry, government, and sports franchises coming together for the betterment of Oklahoma City and its surrounding communities,” said Chairman of the Greater Oklahoma City Sports Consortium Bob Funk, Jr. “The Sports Consortium will provide a platform for communication and collaboration between the various entities involved in sports and special events.”

The RedHawks begin their 2013 home schedule Friday, April 12 at 7:05 p.m. against the Memphis Redbirds. For more information on single-game tickets, partial season ticket packages or group outings, please call the RedHawks at (405) 218-1000 or visit okcredhawks.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Oklahoma City RedHawks. Click here to view the original story.

Potomac Nationals Team Up with the U.S. Army to Hire Veterans

Pilot program captained by Army Chief of Staff, Ray Odierno, will facilitate the hiring of U.S. Army Soldiers

PotomacNationals_2013-03-29

Woodbridge, VA- Minor League Baseball’s Carolina League and the Potomac Nationals are joining the U.S. Army in launching a pilot program focused on hiring U.S. Army Soldiers transitioning to civilian careers, veterans and their families for the 2013 baseball season.

This initiative has stemmed directly from one of the Army Chief of Staff, General Ray Odierno’s top priorities of assisting soldiers transitioning from the Army, as well as Army Reserve and National Guard soldiers in finding jobs.

“We must do our utmost to ensure that the Soldiers leaving the force are treated fairly and that they and their families are provided with support to help them successfully transition to civilian life,” said Odierno.

This task falls directly to the U.S. Army Transition Strategic Outreach (TSO) and U.S. Army Reserve Employer Partnership Office (EPO), whose main mission is to provide civilian organizations Soldiers and veterans with proven leadership skills, work well as a member of the team, possess skills that allow them to efficiently perform under stress and solve problems while adapting to change.

The pilot program will begin with Northern Virginia’s Potomac Nationals and, if successful, will expand to the other Carolina League teams throughout the season.

“Those of us who have been in baseball a long time know the value of veterans as employees, and we are happy to share this experience with our fans and business partners. We are very proud that our Potomac club and the Army have taken this step, and I expect to be taking this initiative league-wide in the near future,” said John Hopkins, Carolina League President.

The pilot program will be announced during the Potomac Nationals’ season opener against the Lynchburg Hillcats (Atlanta Braves) on Friday, April 5th where they will recognize the first veteran of the program to be hired, Retired Army Sergeant Arthur Bouvier IV. He will be given the honor of throwing out the first pitch and will be joined by officials from the Potomac Nationals and U.S. Army on field. Additionally, fans attending the game will be treated to the U.S. Army’s Fife and Drum Corps prior to the game for a special performance in honor of this initiative.

“The Potomac Nationals are proud to be a part of this effort with the U.S. Army, and look forward to working with the great men and woman who have served our country with such pride, integrity and leadership. These are important qualities to the Potomac Nationals’ organization and we look forward to a great season,” says Potomac Nationals Vice President/General Manager, Josh Olerud.

This new relationship between the U.S. Army, Potomac Nationals and the Carolina League is a part of an ongoing Army commitment to connect with the community, and to successfully reintegrate Soldiers, veterans and their families into civilian life.

About The U.S. Army Transition Strategic Outreach Office: The TSO is the primary conduit for Employers and Industry to access the Army Talent Pipeline. Our staff of strategically-focused professionals serves as the Army’s preferred point-of-contact for Businesses and Hiring Managers – thereby facilitating the connection between transitioning Soldiers and potential job opportunities. We help Employers “navigate” the Army’s reintegration network by developing lasting Industry relationships. This targeted effort then builds the foundation for numerous long-term, value-added partnerships between Businesses and the Army. For more information visit: www.hrc.army.mil/tagd/ArmyTalentPipeline.

About the Employer Partnership Office: The Army Reserve Employer Partnership program launched in 2008 with a mission to connect military-friendly civilian organizations that have employment opportunities to reserve or veteran status job seekers. There are currently has more than 3,700 Employer Partners with the Army Reserve across industries such as law enforcement, medical, and transportation and more than 45,000 job seekers registered with the Employer Partnership Office. For more information visit, www.employerpartnership.org.

About the Carolina League: Founded during World War II, the Carolina League’s inaugural 1945 season featured two Southside Virginia cites. But throughout the 1940s and ’50s it was known as a predominately North Carolina League. Over its first 65 years, the Carolina League has established itself as one of baseball’s premier Minor Leagues, a circuit renowned for hot prospects, intense rivalries, memorable pennant races and excellent play. The league has fielded anywhere from four to 12 teams, in places ranging from metropolitan centers to tiny Red Springs, N.C., with only 4,000 people. For more information visit, www.milb.com.

The Potomac Nationals Professional Baseball Club is the Class-A Advanced affiliate of the Washington Nationals and competes in the Carolina League. P-Nats 2013 season tickets and mini plans are on sale now. Renew your season tickets at Pfitzner Stadium for only $50 per seat. Sponsorship opportunities for the ’13 season are now available. Plan your corporate outing now in preparation for next season as the P-Nats offer discounted group rates and all-inclusive picnic options. Visit the P-Nats online at www.potomacnationals.com or call the ticket office at 703-590-2311 for more!
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Potomac Nationals. Click here to view the original story.

We Salute to Military Personnel All Season at The Joe

Club Offers $5 Tickets to Current and Past Military Personnel All Season

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CHARLESTON, SC – The Charleston RiverDogs will be offering military personnel $5 tickets all season at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park thanks to General Dynamics Land Systems-Force Protection. Plus, the club has planned several Military Appreciation Nights and military-themed promotions throughout the season.

Fridays will feature a sea of red at Riley Park as the popular family-friendly General Dynamics Land Systems-Force Protection Red Shirt Friday returns. All fans who wear red shirts to the game on Friday will save $1 off the purchase of their ticket at the box office, plus RiverDogs players and coaches will be wearing special red digi-camo jerseys. The dollar saved by fans off of their ticket can be donated to benefit the charity Carolina Canines, a local charity which works with military prisoners at the Naval Consolidated Brig in Charleston and teaches them how to train rescue dogs as service animals for wounded and injured veterans. Additionally, information on the Medal of Honor Museum at nearby Patriots Point will be on hand throughout the season at the Guest Relations booth.

In addition to the military theme on Friday nights, the RiverDogs are also hosting three different Military Appreciation Nights: Thursday April, 25, Saturday July, 13 and Wednesday, August, 21. Each Military Night allows active and retired military members FREE entry for themselves and their family members by showing a Military ID at the box office.

Also, the RiverDogs will be hosting Coast Guard Night on Thursday, May 23. This is a night to salute Coast Guard Sector Charleston. Game time is set for 7:05 pm as the RiverDogs host the rival Greenville Drive.

The RiverDogs begin the home portion of the season on April 11 – a Thirsty Thursday – as the Augusta GreenJackets come to Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park to open a seven-game home stand that also includes a three-game visit from the Rome Braves. For tickets, please contact the Riley Park Box Office at 843-577-DOGS (3647) or online at www.riverdogs.com.

–RIVERDOGS–

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

Muckdogs Announce “Hit the Books” Reading Program

The Batavia Muckdogs today announced a new reading program, designed to promote reading amongst the youth of the local communities. Along with the help of Smoke Free NOW, 2013 will mark the first year of the “HIT THE BOOKS with the Batavia Muckdogs” reading program.

As part of this program, the Muckdogs have provided various schools and libraries across local counties with customized bookmarks.  On the back of these bookmarks, children can have a parent, guardian, teacher, or librarian initial each time they complete a book. When a child completes 10 books, they can redeem the bookmark at the Dwyer Stadium box office for a FREE TICKET to any Sunday-Thursday (excluding July 3rd) Batavia Muckdogs’ game!  If a child reads 20 books, they will be entered into a drawing to win autographed memorabilia, opportunities to throw out a first pitch at a Muckdogs game and other great prizes.

Bookmarks will be made available to children at the following local libraries:

  • Richmond Library (Batavia)
  • Lee-Whedon Memorial Library (Medina)
  • Byron-Bergen Public Library
  • Stevens Memorial Community Library (Attica)
  • Haxton Memorial Library (Oakfield)
  • Perry Public Library
  • Holley Community Free Library
  • Hoag Library (Albion)
  • Pavilion Public Library
  • Warsaw Public Library
  • Woodward Memorial Library (LeRoy)
  • Wyoming Free Library

Any questions about the reading program, bookmarks, or redeeming for tickets can be answered by Mike Ewing, at 585-343-5454 x 1005.

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

BlueClaws, Stop & Shop to Help Strike Out Hunger

Stop & Shop to make donation to Food Bank for each strikeout by a BlueClaws pitcher at FirstEnergy Park this summer

Stop & Shop will make a donation to the Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties for every BlueClaws strikeout.
Stop & Shop will make a donation to the Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties for every BlueClaws strikeout.

LAKEWOOD, NJ – The BlueClaws, in conjunction with Stop & Shop, will help Strike Out Hunger this summer at the Jersey Shore.

Each time a BlueClaws pitcher strikes out an opposing hitter at FirstEnergy Park, Stop & Shop will make a donation to the Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties as part of this new Strike Out Hunger initiative.

“Providing food for the less fortunate in Ocean and Monmouth Counties is a cause we are thrilled to aid,” said BlueClaws General Manager Brandon Marano. “We are very grateful to Stop & Shop for their support and look forward to a summer of strikeouts from BlueClaws pitchers.”

“Stop & Shop focuses on improving the lives of children and fighting hunger in the markets it serves.  We are proud to partner with the BlueClaws on this initiative to benefit the Food Bank of Monmouth & Ocean Counties.  It is our way of giving back to the community and helping support those in need,” said Arlene Putterman, spokesperson for Stop & Shop New York Metro Division.

BlueClaws.com will keep a running tally throughout the season. Further, on August 31st, Stop & Shop will sponsor a BlueClaws Lunch Bag giveaway for the first 2,000 fans 17 & under. There will be a presentation on the field before the game as part of the Strike Out Hunger program.

The Food Bank of Ocean and Monmouth Counties serves over 260 pantries, soup kitchens and other feeding programs with almost 7 million pounds of food distributed annually. With the help of roughly 1,000 volunteers each year, the FoodBank’s programs are truly a community effort, working to eliminate hunger by providing emergency food, skills training, outreach programs and advocacy for families in need. For more, visit www.FoodBankMOC.org.

Stop & Shop is proud to have donated over $29 million in 2012 through donations and in-kind support to help local communities fight hunger, combat childhood cancer, and promote general health and wellness – with emphasis on children’s educational and support programs.  Stop & Shop operates 184 stores in the New York Metro Division with 62 stores in the state of New Jersey.

Opening Day at FirstEnergy Park is Thursday, April 4th, as the BlueClaws kick off the season against the Kannapolis Intimidators (White Sox). Tickets for Opening Day and every regular season game, plus the 2013 South Atlantic League All-Star Game and Celebrity Hitting Challenge, are on sale now by calling 732-901-7000 or online at BlueClaws.com.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. They have led the South Atlantic League in attendance in all 12 years of existence.

– BlueClaws –

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

C’s in the Community

Canadians mascots enjoy annual Umbrella Decorating Challenge at Safeway

(Vancouver, B.C.) – The Vancouver Canadians Baseball Club took part in Safeway Canada’s latest community initiative by partnering with Easter Seals Canada and Special Olympics Canada to launch a fundraising and awareness building campaign in support of Canadians with physical and intellectual disabilities.

Through the month of April, Canada Safeway will be asking their shoppers to help support both Easter Seals and Special Olympics across Canada through a number of awareness campaigns.

On Tuesday, the Vancouver Canadians were able to help Safeway Canada with their annual Umbrella Decorating Challenge.  Located at Safeway in downtown Vancouver, C’s mascots Bob Brown Bear, Chef Wasabi and Ms. BC Roll joined a number of local celebrities including B.C. home building icon Shell Busey to decorate a number of bright and fun umbrellas.

“Helping our neighbours living with a diverse range of abilities has long been a Safeway priority,” siad Canada Safeway President and COO Chuck Mulveena.

“When we were asked to join in this community ‘call to action’, for the Vancouver Canadians, it was for certain that we would be here to help,” added Canadians Manager, Community Relations Jeff Holloway.

Last year, over $1.6 million was raised during the annual campaign which sent hundreds of children with disabilities to Easter Seals camps and provided support for local programs offered through Special Olympics.

The Vancouver Canadians Baseball Club is proud to support a number of local businesses including Canada Safeway who are committed to making our communty a better place. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

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

Express Teams Up With “Donate Life Texas”

Recent Heart Transplant Recipient to be Honored During Ceremonial First Pitch

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ROUND ROCK, Texas – The Round Rock Express is proud to announce they have partnered with the Texas Organ Sharing Alliance (TOSA) and St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center to host “Donate Life Texas” Night on Opening Day, Thursday, April 4 at Dell Diamond, to promote awareness of the need for organ donors.

The non-profit organization will have a strong presence in the ballpark during Opening Day festivities, including manning a kiosk on the home plate concourse and taking part in a pre-game, on-field interview. Also, recent heart transplant recipient JR Box will be recognized and honored during the ceremonial first pitch. As he continues his recovery from surgery back in February, his wife Brooke Box, a former Round Rock Emergency Department nurse (and current Air-Evac flight nurse), will throw out the first pitch to honor JR’s heart donor.

“We’re proud to be able to use the platform of Express games to raise awareness for local non-profits all season long,” said Tim Jackson, Express director of community relations. “We’re delighted to host ‘Donate Life Texas’ Night on Opening Day this season, and we hope that our Express fans can help make a difference.”

TOSA will be giving away reusable grocery bags, courtesy of St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center, to the first 500 people who either sign up on the state registry at the game or show their driver’s license with a DONOR heart in the lower right-hand corner.

The Texas Organ Sharing Alliance is one of 58 federally designated Organ Procurement Organizations (OPO) in the United States. Founded in 1975 as a not-for-profit corporation, TOSA covers 56 counties in Central and South Texas.  TOSA is committed to providing organ donation and recovery services to families wishing to donate, and to those waiting for a life-saving organ transplant. For more information, visit www.DonateLifeTexas.org.

Round Rock kicks off the regular season on Thursday, April 4 with an eight-game home stand that includes four-game series against Omaha (April 4-7) and Iowa (April 8-11). To reserve your Opening Day tickets and ticket plans, including full season, 20-game and flex plans, call the Express ticket office at (512) 255-2255 or visit www.RoundRockExpress.com. Keep up with the Express on Facebook and Twitter!

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Round Rock Express. Click here to view the original story.

Pelicans partner with ‘Backpack Buddies’

‘Make a Splash Monday’ presented by HTC

Every Monday Pelicans home game will be a “Make a Splash Monday” at TicketReturn.Com Field. “Make a Splash Monday” enables fans to “connect with your community” and it is presented all season long by HTC.

The Pelicans have adopted the “Backpack Buddies” program as the primary charitable partner of “Make a Splash Mondays.” “Backpack Buddies” provides food, books, clothing and school supplies to impoverished children so they have the tools to succeed outside of school hours.

Each “Make a Splash Monday,” fans who donate an item listed on the “Backpack Buddies” donation list will receive half-price admission along with a complimentary autographed baseball card from a Pelicans player that features him doing work in the community.

“Backpack Buddies” is part of the Help 4 Kids 501c3 and has been in existence since 1989 to provide basic necessities to the children of the working poor in Horry County.

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The following items will be accepted as donations:

Ramen Noodles

Pop Tarts

Individual servings of pudding

Individual servings of apple sauce

Fruit Cups

Beenie Weenies

Vienna Sausage

Cereal

Raviolis (Pop Top Cans)

Chicken Noodle Soup (Pop Top Cans)

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For more information on the program, check out the “Tickets and Promotions” section of the Pelicans Web site.

 

 

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. Click here to view the original story.

San Jose Giants to Host Salute to the Military Day

Operation: Care and Comfort and BAE Systems partner with San Jose Giants to Honor the Troops

SAN JOSE, CA- On Sunday, April 14, the San Jose Giants will bring patriotism to Municipal Stadium for the second annual Salute to the Military Day, presented by Operation: Care and Comfort along with BAE Systems. All fans showing a military ID at the Municipal Stadium Box Office will receive FREE admission to that day’s 1:00 PM game against the Visalia Rawhide.

“We are very excited to again be hosting Salute to the Military Day with Operation: Care and Comfort and BAE Systems,” said Juliana Paoli, San Jose Giants Chief Marketing Officer.  “The military holds a special place in the heart of our community and we are honored to dedicate this game to the men and women that serve our country.”

The entire afternoon will honor the brave men and women defending our country as the team will wear special military themed jerseys. These jerseys will be part of an in-game silent auction directly benefitting Operation: Care and Comfort. Each of the highest bidders will be able to go on the field following the game and receive their new autographed jersey right off the respective San Jose Giant’s back.  The pregame festivities will include a first pitch ceremony, color guard presentation and other presentations.

“Operation: Care and Comfort is so proud to renew our partnership with the San Jose Giants and BAE Systems to honor our troops, veterans and their families,” said Julie DeMaria, Operation: Care and Comfort President and Co-Founder.  “We received a tremendous response during last year’s inaugural event and hope to have troops, veterans and their families from across Northern California excited about coming out to this game.”

Prior to Sunday’s game, fans will have the opportunity to get directly involved in helping the military. Since 2003, Operation: Care and Comfort has been sending monthly care packages containing items such as toiletries, food, batteries, and DVD’s to adopted military units until they return home. At the 7:00 PM game on Friday, April 12 and 5:00 PM contest on Saturday, April 13, all fans who bring an item to include in a care package will receive two free future game tickets.  Volunteers interested in assembling the packages should come to Municipal Stadium on Sunday, April 14 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

“We are thrilled to join with Operation: Care and Comfort and the San Jose Giants for the second annual Salute to the Military Day,” said Gary Layton, BAE Systems Site Executive. “BAE Systems’ employees in San Jose, Santa Clara, Milpitas and surrounding areas work hard supporting the warfighter by providing our best products to be used in the field protecting our troops. Supporting an event like this gives us an opportunity to show our gratitude for the sacrifices our troops and their families have made.”

Tickets are still available for Salute to the Military Day. For tickets, visit the Municipal Stadium Box Office, call (408) 297-1435 or visit sjgiants.com.

View our entire Promotional Schedule online at sjgiants.com.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the San Jose Giants. Click here to view the original story.

Pelicans launch ‘Make a Splash’ campaign

“Make a Splash Monday” headlines wide array of community-based initiatives

The Myrtle Beach Pelicans are launching their “Make a Splash” marketing campaign as part of the team’s 15th Anniversary season on the Grand Strand. As part of the initiative, the Pelicans hope to raise $250,000 in an effort to make Myrtle Beach a better place to live, work and play.

“The barometer for success in professional sports is determined by success at the turnstile and in how a franchise succeeds in becoming part of the fabric of their community,” General Manager Andy Milovich said. “We want to celebrate our 15th anniversary season by making new memories and changing lives for the better.

Every Monday Pelicans home game will be a “Make a Splash Monday” at TicketReturn.Com Field. “Make a Splash Monday” enables fans to “connect with your community” and it is presented all season long by HTC.

The Pelicans have adopted the “Backpack Buddies” program as the primary charitable partner of “Make a Splash Mondays.” “Backpack Buddies” provides food, books, clothing and school supplies to impoverished children so they have the tools to succeed outside of school hours.

Each “Make a Splash Monday,” fans who donate an item listed on the “Backpack Buddies” donation list will receive half-price admission along with a complimentary autographed baseball card from a Pelicans player that features him doing work in the community. A full list of accepted items can be found here.

“Backpack Buddies” is part of the Help 4 Kids 501c3 and has been in existence since 1989 to provide basic necessities to the children of the working poor in Horry County.

In addition to Mondays at the TicketReturn.Com Field, the “Make a Splash” campaign will feature charity ticket fundraisers, more than 10 of which are already scheduled. Additional efforts include Bruce Dal Canton fundraising, Miracle League Improvement and American Red Cross Blood Drives. Pelicans players and front office members will continue to volunteer community service time.

The Pelicans will also be honoring companies and organizations that demonstrate their commitment to the community. Those organizations that submit a “Pelican Pledge” or are nominated by another party for their efforts in the community will receive complimentary tickets to “Make a Splash Monday” and will be recognized at the ballpark. Honorees will be recognized on the video board and would have a first pitch opportunity prior to a Pelicans home game.

Check out our Splash Park. For more information check out the “Tickets and Promotions” section of the Pelicans Web site.

The Pelicans open the 2013 season on Thursday, April 4 at 7:05 p.m. against the Wilmington BlueRocks. The first “Make a Splash Monday” is slated for April 15. To buy tickets or for more information on the “Make a Splash” campaign, call 918-6000.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. Click here to view the original story.

Augusta GreenJackets getting involved in community through reading program

Augusta-GreenJacketsThe Augusta GreenJackets are bringing baseball to the classroom with the GreenJackets Reading Program. The program is designed to give students fun incentives, while accomplishing reading goals at their school.

Students are given a reading goal, which is set by the teacher during the four week program. At the end of each week, all the students who achieved their goal will be rewarded with prizes. The final prize for completing all four weeks of the reading program is a free ticket to a GreenJackets baseball game. At the game, students will be recognized in a pregame ceremony.

“This is the fifth year that we’ve implemented the GreenJackets Reading Program and every year it continues to improve and grow,” Augusta GreenJackets General Manager Bob Flannery said. “We already have a record-high number of students participating in this year’s reading program, and we are looking forward to getting more schools and students involved.”

The reading program has been a huge success so far this year. The GreenJackets have seen a significant increase in students involved from last year. Currently there are 58 schools participating.

Although the GreenJackets Reading Program has already started, schools are still welcome to sign up. However, the entire school does not have to participate. The program can be done by just a grade level at the school or even an individual classroom. The GreenJackets will continue their involvement in the classroom when they unveil their Anti-Bully Program and Most Improved Student Program this spring.

For more information on the GreenJackets Reading Program, call (706) 736-7889 or email Bill Levy at blevy@greenjacketsbaseball.com.

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

Senior and Caregiver Expo at McKechnie Field March 27

Expo Coincides With Pirates Spring Training Game Versus Minnesota

(Network Administrator)

Bradenton, Fla. – The Pittsburgh Pirates will host a Senior and Caregiver Expo at McKechnie Field on Wednesday, March 27. The expo will run from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., coinciding with the Pirates Spring Training game against the Minnesota Twins. The game begins at 1:05 p.m.

The expo is open to all fans attending the game at no additional cost. The event is presented by Manatee Memorial Hospital and Humana. Local businesses and non-profits that provide services to senior citizens will have exhibitor tables at the event. The first 2,500 fans will receive a free Pirates eco-friendly bag courtesy of the event sponsors.

CARES Outreach Services of Sarasota will conduct free screenings for blood pressure, glucose/diabetes, and HIV in the roundabout outside the main gate. A TOTAL cholesterol screening will also be offered for $5. These screenings are available to the general public. Participants that opt for all four screenings can get their results in 15 minutes or less. In order to get the most accurate results, participants should fast for at least eight hours before the TOTAL cholesterol and two hours for the glucose/diabetes screenings.

Free Distance Vision and Glaucoma screenings will be available from the Eye Associates Sight Mobile outside of the main gate.

The Pirates are accepting exhibitor booth registration for the expo until Friday, March 22. To register a booth at the expo, call 941-747-3031 ext. 4161. All Pirates Spring Training tabling guidelines apply to expo exhibitors.

Pirates Spring Training season ticket holders can exchange any unused tickets for tickets to the Pirates game on Sunday, March 24 and March 27. Exchanges are subject to availability restrictions and must be made in person at the McKechnie Field ticket office. Unused tickets to the Black and Gold Game and the exhibition against Team Spain are not eligible to be exchanged.

For more information about the Senior and Caregiver Expo, call 941-747-3031 or visit www.BradentonMarauders.com. To purchase tickets to the game call 877-893-2827 or visit the McKechnie Field Ticket Office on weekdays between 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., or Sunday from 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Bradenton Marauders. Click here to view the original story.

Gloves for Kids Drive

The SeaWolves, have announced a Gloves for Kids Drive to collect equipment for youth baseball and softball players in the Erie community.  The project is a joint effort between the SeaWolves and the SeaWolves Student Ambassadors.

The SeaWolves Student Ambassador Program provides area high school students with opportunities to learn about careers in sports and participate in community service projects such as the Gloves for Kids Drive.

The SeaWolves and SeaWolves Student Ambassadors are collecting new or gently used baseball and softball equipment, including gloves, balls, youth bats, and catcher’s gear, from now through April 20.  Fans are invited bring their items to the game on Saturday, April 20 or drop off equipment in advance at the SeaWolves Ticket Office.  Items collected will be donated to Erie area youth organizations including Boys and Girls Baseball in Erie, Inc.

“The SeaWolves want to encourage kids in our community to play ball ,” said SeaWolves President Greg Coleman.  “We’d like to thank the Student Ambassadors and SeaWolves fans alike for lending their support so we can give deserving kids the resources they need to get out and play.”

Thanks to support from SeaWolves sponsors, each fan that donates a glove or other youth baseball equipment will receive a complimentary ticket any SeaWolves home game from May 25-June 6, 2013.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Erie SeaWolves. Click here to view the original story.

South Bend Silver Hawks Wrap Up Equipment Drive

Mishawaka Little League to Receive New Equipment

The Silver Hawks collected monetary donations, bats, gloves, helmets and other various baseball equipment over the past few weeks on behalf of the Mishawaka Little League. The local community support will allow the little league to rebound after being vandalized.

All those who donated to the equipment drive received a free ticket voucher good for (2) free tickets to one home game played between April 8th to April 24th. Watch full video
This article originally appeared on the official website of the South Bend Cubs. Click here to view the original story.