Archives for November 2013

SeaWolves Announce Week of Giving

The SeaWolves are pleased to announce the team’s first annual “Week of Giving” to support area non-profit organizations during the holiday season.

Each weekday from December 9-13, a local non-profit organization will receive 20 percent of merchandise purchases made at the SeaWolves Team Store at Jerry Uht Park and online at SeaWolves.com.

SCHEDULE:

Monday, December 9 – Second Harvest Food Bank – Promo Code: Harvest

Tuesday, December 10 – Twilight Wish Foundation – Promo Code: Twilight

Wednesday, December 11 – Barber National Institute – Promo Code: Barber

Thursday, December 12 – The Epilepsy Project – Promo Code: Epilepsy

Friday, December 13 – Autism Society of Northwest Pennsylvania – Promo Code: Autism

The SeaWolves will encourage the community to support these causes by rewarding the top daily merchandise spender with a special prize. The individual with the top merchandise dollar total each day during the “Week of Giving” will receive a SeaWolves VIP Experience, which includes four infield box seat tickets, a ceremonial first pitch and the opportunity to meet a SeaWolves player before a 2014 game at Jerry Uht Park.

“The SeaWolves’ Week of Giving is an opportunity to support five outstanding community organizations and spread some holiday cheer,” SeaWolves president Greg Coleman said. “We’d like to thank all of our community partners and SeaWolves fans for their support throughout the year.”

 

Second Harvest Food Bank:

The mission of the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania is to distribute food to hungry people and eliminate the waste of food.

In 1982, the first year of operation, Second Harvest distributed 444,916 pounds of food to 40 agencies. During fiscal year 2012-13, Second Harvest distributed 11.4 million pounds of food to 285 member agencies and 135 distribution sites for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program for low-income seniors.

Twilight Wish:

The mission is to honor and enrich the lives of deserving seniors through wish granting celebrations that connect generations.

Twilight Wish honors and acknowledges seniors for all they have given to others by bringing comfort and joy into their lives through individual wish granting celebrations. Twilight Wish grants wishes to deserving elderly, age 68 and older, who earn less than 200% of poverty level annually, or who live in a nursing facility. By treating the elderly with compassion, we restore their dignity and bring them hope.

Barber National Institute:

We are “Making dreams come true.” We provide children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families the education, support and resources needed to be self reliant, independent and valued members of their community. In addition, we provide the professionals who serve them with world-class education and training.

The Epilepsy Project:

Our mission is to bring Epilepsy Awareness to the world through our events, fundraising, and confidence!

Based in Erie, Pennsylvania, The Epilepsy Project focuses its efforts in mid-size communities where people may not have easy access to information, medical facilities, or events. It’s essential to feel supported when living with a disease that is, at times, unpredictable, so our goal is to make it FUN while spreading the important message of seizure safety, frequency, and fundraising for a cure!

Autism Society of Northwest Pennsylvania:

The Autism Society – Northwestern Pennsylvania (ASA-NWPA) is a local chapter affiliated with the Autism Society of America (ASA), the nation’s leading grassroots autism organization, which exists to improve the lives of all affected by autism. ASA does this by increasing public awareness about the day-to-day issues faced by people on the spectrum, advocating for appropriate services for individuals across the lifespan, and providing the latest information regarding treatment, education, research and advocacy. As a local chapter we make this information available to our membership and the community at large through support groups, our website, education, workshops, and seminars.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Erie SeaWolves. Click here to view the original story.

ValleyCats Accepting Applications for ‘4 in 24’ Youth Field Renovations

‘4 in 24’ kicks off a new season for the Community Grounds Crew, a partnership between the ‘Cats and BlueShield of Northeastern New York.

Tri-CityValleyCats_2013-11-25

TROY, NY- The Tri-City ValleyCats are now accepting applications from youth leagues across the Capital Region for the 4th Annual ‘4 in 24’ youth field renovations. The renovations will take place in a 24-hour time period in early April 2014, as four chosen youth fields will have new sod placed on their infield while also seeing their pitcher’s mound and home plate areas rebuilt.

The ‘4 in 24’ is the kick-off event for the Community Grounds Crew, an expanded initiative with the assistance from BlueShield of Northeastern New York. This program will undertake additional projects and renovations on numerous other youth fields throughout the spring and summer.

“BlueShield is proud to continually support the ‘4 in 24’ Field Renovations,” said Brian O’Grady, vice president, BlueShield of Northeastern New York. “Year after year we see the positive impact these field renovations have on the children using the spaces and the community as a whole. Our company takes pride in encouraging children to learn the importance of making healthy choices, like playing and staying active, because we all know – Healthy Changes Everything.”

“With the continued loyal support of BlueShield of Northeastern New York, we are able to provide safe and well-maintained fields of play for the youth in our community, an initiative that is immensely important to us,” said ValleyCats Vice President/General Manager Rick Murphy.

Leagues interested in having their field considered for the ‘4 in 24’ or other Community Grounds Crew renovations must complete an application that can be found on the ValleyCats website, www.tcvalleycats.com. Leagues are required to submit photos of the field along with their application.

In order to be eligible for the ‘4 in 24’ renovation, applications must be returned by Monday, February 3. Those submitted beyond that date or not selected for the ‘4 in 24’, will remain in consideration for the Community Grounds Crew program, which will accept and evaluate applications on an ongoing basis.

The efforts of the Community Grounds Crew will be recognized at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium during the ValleyCats 2014 season. Youth leagues from across the area will take part in Youth Baseball Night tentatively scheduled for June 16 and Softball Night on June 24.

The ValleyCats’ field renovations have been an annual tradition since 2003 when the first field was officially renovated by the ‘Cats in South Troy, just one mile away from Joseph L. Bruno Stadium. Each year since, they have expanded upon its success.

Each project is also supported by the New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation. Contributions come from past events such as the Capital Region Craft Brewers Festival, hosted by the ValleyCats and Brown’s Brewing Company, and two corporate baseball tournaments that take place at “The Joe” including the Battle of the Beverages and the Capital Region Series.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Tri-City ValleyCats. Click here to view the original story.

Baseball Dinner Breaks $1 Million Mark

Surpassed $1 million in total money raised during 2013 dinner

MANCHESTER, N.H. – With a retrospective video and a burst of confetti, the New Hampshire Fisher Cats announced tonight that the 2013 edition of the Granite State Baseball Dinner has pushed the event’s fundraising total beyond a milestone marker. Tonight’s proceeds, which are still being finalized, have driven the money raised by the dinner since 2007 beyond $1 million to benefit the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock (CHaD), the Ted Williams Museum, and the Fisher Cats Foundation.

“Since our team became involved in reviving the dinner in 2007, this event has meant so much to our organization,” said Art Solomon, Fisher Cats owner and Chairman of the Fisher Cats Foundation Board. “We are so pleased to reach this milestone, and we take pride in being able to continue the rich tradition of this dinner. We want to thank all of the celebrated guests, sponsors, and fans over the years that have joined us in making a positive impact on three incredible organizations.”

The Fisher Cats first involvement in the Granite State Baseball Dinner, now presented by Northeast Delta Dental, came in January of 2007. In 2008, the team followed up its January event with a second dinner in November, permanently shifting the state’s largest fundraising dinner to its current place on the calendar on the Saturday before Thanksgiving.

Since the revival in 2007, the total funds raised by the dinner sat at $979,794.46 entering tonight. During that time, CHaD has received nearly $430,000 to support the programs at one of the world’s leading research hospitals. The Fisher Cats Foundation has received a similar amount, and it has used that money, in part, to fund scholarships to 80 college-bound seniors in New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts. The Ted Williams Museum has been gifted with $125,000 to continue its mission to provide youth baseball programs and scholarships while adding to the heritage of the national pastime.

The 2013 dinner was highlighted by World Champion Boston Red Sox outfielder Jonny Gomes and New Hampshire legend Chris Carpenter, who announced the end of his illustrious career just a few days ago. Additional past celebrities have included baseball Hall-of-Famers Wade Boggs and Jim Rice, ‘Mr. Red Sox’ Johnny Pesky, renowned sluggers Cecil Fielder and Fred McGriff, and legends of the Boston sports scene including the Bruins’ Terry O’Reilly, the Celtics’ Cedric Maxwell, and the Patriots’ Steve Nelson. More than 7,200 fans have enjoyed the company of these celebrities – and many more – since 2007.

The 2014 Granite State Baseball Dinner will be held on Saturday, November 22.

Opening Day at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium is Thursday, April 10, 2014, against the Binghamton Mets (New York Mets). Fisher Cats Full and Half-Season Tickets packages and Mini-Ticket Plans are on sale now. Each package comes with an array of benefits and free gifts, ranging from free birthday parties and all-you-can-eat barbecues to free ski passes and gift cards to local restaurants. To view all the ticket packages for the 2014 season, visit www.nhfishercats.com or call (603) 641-2005.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. Click here to view the original story.

Chiefs aid tornado relief efforts

Peoria hosts auction, donation drive to help community

Many teams in the Midwest are donating items for an auction to aid victims of Illinois tornadoes. (AP)
Many teams in the Midwest are donating items for an auction to aid victims of Illinois tornadoes. (AP)

When disaster strikes, a game of baseball becomes meaningless, but the players and coaches have the ability to come together and impact those in need.

In an effort to help tornado victims, the Peoria Chiefs are hosting an online auction and a donation drive. All of the proceeds will go to residents of the central Illinois towns who were affected by the recent storms.

“The response on the auction front has been outstanding,” said Chiefs director of media relations and baseball operations Nathan Baliva.

Items up for auction range from a baseball signed by Hall of Famer Stan Musial to an unopened American Girl Doll. Players from the Cardinals, Cubs and other Illinois professional teams, along with former Chiefs players, continue to donate more items to the auction, as it will stay open indefinitely. Local businesses and Minor League teams are also contributing to the auctions.

The Chiefs are the Class A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals. They previously served as the Chicago Cubs’ affiliate in the Midwest League.

“Every former player I’ve contacted has just said, ‘What do you need and where do I send it?’ It has been remarkable; they all want to help any way they can,” Baliva said. “The response from other teams both in the Midwest League and across Cardinals and Cubs affiliations has been overwhelming and we are very appreciative.”

The Chiefs had asked for donations of bottled water, toiletries and other necessities for those who have been affected by the storms. However, with limited space at shelters and storage facilities and overwhelming efforts by the community, the Chiefs are no longer asking for those items.

Anyone interested in making auction or monetary donations can call Baliva at (309) 680-4018 or nathanb@chiefsnet.com.

 

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

Baseball Academy to Host Holiday Clinics

December 26th – 28th at FirstEnergy Park

LakewoodBlueClaws_2013-11-18

LAKEWOOD, NJ – BlueClaws Baseball Academy will host two holiday camps, each for players ages 8-13 running from Thursday, December 26th through Saturday, December 28th at FirstEnergy Park.

The Holiday Hitting Camp runs from 9 am – 10:30 am each day. This three-day program is designed to teach players the essential techniques and philosophies of hitting. Each day, players will work on pre-pitch techniques, stride, balance, grip, bat path, and hitting zones among other aspects of hitting. There will also be games to make this a fun, informative environment.

The Holiday Pitching Camp runs from 11 am – 12 pm each day. This three-day progressive program is designed to teach players the proper throwing mechanics to keep them healthy during the season. Each session will build on the previous in order to give the players a multitude of drills that they can use at home throughout the winter months to be ready to pitch when the season starts.

All camps are kept to a maximum of 16 players to allow for an intimate setting.

Registration for the Hitting Camp is $149 and registration for the Pitching camp is $129. Those that register for both can do so for $235, savings of 15%. To sign up, call Joe Agnello at 732-901-7000 ext 209 or sign up on line by clicking here.

Camps will be run by Agnello, BlueClaws Baseball Academy Executive Director, and the staff of the BlueClaws Baseball Academy Claws, the 17-under travel team. Agnello, who played Division 1 baseball, has experience coaching for MLB Player Development at the international level and has eight years of collegiate coaching experience at the Division I, Division III, and Junior College levels.

About BlueClaws Baseball Academy: BlueClaws Baseball Academy provides elite baseball instruction to youth players throughout the year at FirstEnergy Park and is fully supported by the Lakewood BlueClaws, single-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies. This fall, the BlueClaws and BlueClaws Baseball Academy ran two 17-under teams, believed to be the first time that a Minor League Baseball team had their own youth teams playing home games in the Minor League stadium. 33 players from Monmouth, Ocean, and Burlington Counties participated.

– BlueClaws Baseball Academy –

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

Chasers in the Community: November 14th – November 30th

Storm Chasers staff to participate in Salvation Army Bell Ringing and Open Door Mission’s Drumsticks on Wheels

Spotlight: Salvation Army Bell Ringing at Hy-Vee Shadow Lake – Nov. 14

­The Storm Chasers staff will serve as bell ringers for donations to the Salvation Army in front of Hy-Vee Shadow Lake on Thursday, November 14th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. This is the third consecutive year the Storm Chasers staff has served as bell ringers. Mascot Stormy will be participating from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

 Thursday, November 14

  • SilverRidge Assisted Living Visit (2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.) – Before their “Birthday Party” on November 15th in the Storm Front Team Store, all three Chasers mascots will be visiting the residents of SilverRidge Assisted Living (sponsor of the Silver Chasers Club) to celebrate their “Birthday” in a private event.

Friday, November 15

  • Hands of the Heartland Ribbon Cutting (11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.) – Mascot Casey will attend this Bellevue Chamber Ribbon Cutting Celebration, to welcome this new business to the community.
  • Stormy & Vortex’s Birthday Party (4:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.) – Stormy and Vortex celebrate the third anniversary of their introduction as mascots at the Storm Front Team Store. Guests are encouraged to bring new unwrapped toys to benefit Toys for Tots and in exchange will receive a 40% coupon to the store (up to three toys max per person). Free refreshments will be provided and party games will be played.

Saturday, November 16

  • Westroads Mall Santa’s Arrival Event (9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.) – Stormy will join friends of Westroads Mall to await Santa’s arrival. Once Santa arrives, Stormy will be part of Santa’s parade through the mall.

Monday, November 18

  • Majestix Salon Ribbon Cutting (11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.) – Mascot Casey will attend this Bellevue Chamber Ribbon Cutting Celebration, to welcome this new business to the community.

Saturday, November 23

  • Open Door Mission Drumsticks On Wheels – Members of the Storm Chasers Front Office Staff will volunteer their time to deliver the fixings of a proper Thanksgiving dinner to those in need in the Omaha Metro throughout the day. This is the third consecutive year the Chasers have participated in this cause.

 

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Omaha Storm Chasers. Click here to view the original story.

Legends reserve seat for POW/MIA

Lexington-Legends-2013The Lexington Legends celebrated Veterans Day by permanently reserving a seat at Whitaker Bank Ballpark in honor of military personnel who are prisoners of war or missing in action.

Seat one in row 14 of section 201, located on the first base side near the top of the seating bowl, will never be sold or occupied.  The seat has been painted black.  An attached plaque reads “Reserved for a MIA/POW.  We will never forget you.”

Rolling-Thunder-KY5-logoA ceremony to dedicate the seat was held at the ballpark today (Monday).  Members of Rolling Thunder, an organization of motorcycle-riding veterans, made their entrance through the outfield gates and rode their motorcycles around the warning track before coming to the seating bowl for the ceremony.  The national anthem was sung by Sgt. Shawn McCall.  Students from Forest Hill Military Academy, including a color guard, also took part.

“The Legends are proud to take this step as a way to remember those who have sacrificed on our behalf,” said Legends President/COO Andy Shea.

Lex-POW-MIA seat
Lex-POW-MIA seat dedication 2013

 

Jordy Nelson Charity Softball Game to be held Sunday, June 8, 2014

Kwik Trip presents the game at Fox Cities Stadium

Jordy Nelson will host the 2014 Charity Softball Game at Fox Cities Stadium.
Jordy Nelson will host the 2014 Charity Softball Game at Fox Cities Stadium.

GRAND CHUTE, WI – Green Bay Packers Super Bowl Champion Jordy Nelson will host the annual Charity Softball Game at Fox Cities Stadium on Sunday, June 8. The offense and defense of the Green Bay Packers face each other starting at 1:05pm. Nelson is currently tied for 3rd in the NFC in touchdowns and 5th in the NFC for total yards for wide receivers.

Nelson has played numerous times in this Charity Softball Game, and he is excited to host the game this year. “It will be an honor to host the annual Charity Softball Game this year. I hope that the fans, my teammates and the Packers organization will continue to support this amazing community event that helps so many charitable causes. Everyone will see a great show this year, and of course, a victory for the offense!”

“We are extremely happy to have Jordy on board for this event and, at the same time, want to thank Donald for all of his time and support over the past six years,” Timber Rattlers president Rob Zerjav said. “This charity softball event is great for our community and we look forward to another sold out game.”

A record crowd of 9,010 were in attendance for the 2013 game – hosted by Donald Driver – that featured a 24-20 victory by the defense.

“Jordy Nelson is a great player and friend,” said Driver. “I am excited that he will be hosting the game this year. I want to thank all of the fans for their amazing support during the six years I hosted the game. Thank you to the Timber Rattlers and Packers organizations for supporting the game.”

Fans may purchase tickets for the game as part of a package starting Monday, November 18 at 10:00am. The ticket package includes three Timber Rattlers games and the Jordy Nelson game:

Sunday, June 8 – Jordy Nelson Charity Softball Game
Sunday, June 29 – vs. Burlington Bees
Sunday, July 13 – vs. Quad Cities River Bandits
Sunday, August 24 – vs. Beloit Snappers

Prices for the packages are:
Premium Box Seat: $86
Box Seat: $70
Reserved Seat: $50

The first two rows of the seating bowl are the premium box seat option in this ticket package.

Individual tickets for the Jordy Nelson Charity Softball Game presented by Kwik Trip go on sale Thursday, November 21 at 10:00am. Tickets for the softball game are $50 for a premium box seat, $34 for a box seat, $23 for a reserved bleacher seat, and $12 for a general admission grass seat. There are also a limited number of patio tables available at $200. Patio tables seat four people and include waitstaff service and an autographed item from Jordy Nelson.

All You Can Eat Seats are available for $87 for the softball game only. These seats are located on the first base side of the stadium, include a ticket to the Jordy Nelson Charity Softball Game and an all-you-can eat picnic. These seats go on sale November 21.

Tickets to the Jordy Nelson Charity Softball Game are available in one of the following ways: Over the phone at 800-WI-TIMBER or (920) 733-4152; in person at the Fox Cities Stadium Box Office; or through the internet at www.timberrattlers.com. The Timber Rattlers box office is open from 9am until 5pm Monday through Friday.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. Click here to view the original story.

12/14: Breakfast With Buster Food/Toy Drive

14th annual event benefits the Salvation Army of Ocean County

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LAKEWOOD, NJ – The BlueClaws will host their 14th annual Breakfast With Buster Holiday Food & Toy Drive on Saturday, December 14th from 9 am – 11 am at FirstEnergy Park. The team will collect unwrapped toys and non-perishable food to benefit the Salvation Army of Ocean County.

Buster and his holiday friend, Santa Claus, will be at the park to greet fans who donate.

Bagels will be provided by Manhattan Bagel of Brick while the BlueClaws will provide coffee for fans. The free event will be held in the Upstairs Club on the Luxury Suite level.

“This has been one of our best events for the last 13 years,” said BlueClaws General Manager Brandon Marano. “We look forward to another successful holiday food and toy drive benefiting those less fortunate in our area.”

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. They have led the South Atlantic League and New Jersey in attendance in all 13 years of existence.

Ticket packages and group outings for the 2014 season are on sale now by calling 732-901-7000 option 3 or online at BlueClaws.com.

– BlueClaws –

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

Baseball Camp set for Thanksgiving weekend

Learn baseball from the Rams inside BB&T Ballpark

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WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (Nov. 11, 2013) – After a successful event last week, the Winston-Salem Dash and Winston-Salem State University are partnering to hold a three-day Baseball Camp at BB&T Ballpark from November 29 through December 1, the three days after Thanksgiving.

All participants will work with the Rams players and coaches on various baseball skills, such as hitting, throwing and fielding. All campers will also receive a t-shirt to commemorate their experience, along with a free token to The Hitting Zone. Also, lunch will be provided after Friday and Saturday’s activities.

The registration fee is $50 per day or $120 for the entire three-day camp. Here is the camp schedule:

Friday, November 29: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Saturday, November 30: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Sunday, December 1: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

To register, parents can call Brian Boesch at (336) 714-2287 (extension 1130), stop by the Dash’s front office at 926 Brookstown Avenue or fill out this form and fax it to (336) 714-2288. Payment via cash, check or credit card will be accepted, and parents must pay in advance.

The baseball camp is open to young baseball players at least five years old. Participants must bring a glove, and they are encouraged to bring their bat, too.

Full- and partial-season ticket plans for the 2014 season are on sale now, and the Dash’s schedule will be released soon. For more ticket information or to purchase Dash tickets for next season, call (336) 714-2287 or visit wsdash.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Winston-Salem Dash. Click here to view the original story.

Military Recognition Program Returns

RailRiders Searching for Military Members & Families to Honor

Moosic, Pa. – Veterans Day is a time of reflection, thanks and love for the brave men and women that defend our nation. The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Triple-A/New York Yankees) are no exception on this special day. Today, the team announced the formal return of its Military Recognition Program for the 2014 season that will pay tribute to those that serve in our nation’s armed forces and their loved ones in NEPA. The search is on for the special folks that will receive these recognitions.

Each 2014 home game will spotlight these local heroes with recognition on the video board at PNC Field, the opportunity to throw out a ceremonial first pitch, and four field reserved seats to enjoy the game. The team is actively searching for a title sponsor of the program that will all the more solidify PNC Field as NEPA’s community ballpark.

“On behalf of our entire organization, a huge thank you to all of our veterans,” said RailRiders president/GM Rob Crain. “We try to do what we can for our own here in NEPA, but this program truly stands out since it helps those that help us all on the ultimate level.”

Area veterans, active military and families thereof are encouraged to contact the team’s community relations department with their armed forces tale as the nightly honors are expected to go quickly. Please submit the military member’s name, military branch, preferred month to attend, telephone number, e-mail address and street address. E-mails can be sent to SWB’s community relations manager, Rachel Mark, at rmark@swbrailriders.com. Or fans may mail their tales to the address below:

SWB RailRiders
ATTN: Community Relations
235 Montage Mountain Rd.
Moosic, PA 18507

The RailRiders’ 2014 season begins on Thursday, April 3 when the club kicks off a seven-game road trip at Syracuse against the Chiefs (Washington Nationals). The home slate commences a week later on Thursday, April 10 when the Chiefs visit PNC Field for a four-game series and homestand. For season ticket information, call (570) 969-BALL (2255) or visit swbrailriders.com.

– SWB RailRiders – All Aboard! –

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Scranton Wilkes-Barre Yankees. Click here to view the original story.

Swings for Sparks Raises $3,690

100% of Proceeds to SMS Compassion Fund

For Immediate Release
Nov. 11, 2013

RENO, Nev.–The Reno Aces raised $3,690 to benefit the SMS Compassion Fund during the Swings for Sparks event on Saturday, the club announced today.

 “We were overwhelmed with the response to Swings for Sparks, and our entire staff stayed nearly three hours beyond the closing time to make sure everyone had a chance to participate,” said Aces Chief Operating Officer Eric Edelstein. “We are all proud to be a part of the healing process for those affected by this tragedy.”

 Throughout the day, 156 fans took swings on the field at Aces Ballpark. Each pitch had a suggested minimum donation of $1, with many fans taking advantage of the 25 pitches for $20 bulk deal.

 All donations and proceeds from the event will go directly to the SMS Compassion Fund, set up by the Community Foundation of Western Nevada.

 For up-to-date news and notes throughout the season, visit www.RenoAces.com, follow the club on Twitter (@aces) or like the team on Facebook. Ticket packages for the 2014 season are on-sale now at RenoAces.com or by calling (775) 334-4700.

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

Grand Junction wins Moss Award

Rockies affiliate captures inaugural community service honor

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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Minor League Baseball announced Thursday that the Grand Junction Rockies are the winners of the first John Henry Moss Community Service Award for their ongoing commitment to charitable service and their support and leadership within the Grand Junction community and the baseball industry.

The Rockies are committed to make an ongoing annual gift to the NJCAA World Series played annually each year in Grand Junction, Colo., with a substantial monetary contribution per year that is earmarked for the capital building and remodel plan for Suplizio Field, “Home of the JUCO World Series” and the Pioneer League club. Colorado Mesa University (CMU), local high schools and many other groups also use the facility on a regular basis throughout the year. The Rockies have also made a multi-year commitment to the Mesa County School District #51 athletic program to pay for varsity uniforms for all four local high school baseball and softball teams.

The Rockies also partner with the CMU Sports Management/Marketing and Mass Communication departments to provide on-the-job training for students during the season. Each year, six students receive class credit for working as paid interns with the club. This season, another half dozen students gained valuable experience by being responsible for the entire production and video streaming of all 38 home games that were seen on MiLB.com.

Grand Junction principal owners Dick and Charlie Monfort’s monetary contribution to CMU was a key component to the construction of a performance lab built on campus. General manager Tim Ray is a member of the Community Hospital Foundation Board and the NJCAA World Series Baseball Committee. Other Grand Junction staff members serve on the committees of civic organizations as well.

The Rockies conduct an indoor baseball camp in January for local youths with professional coaches and players from the Colorado Rockies organization serving as instructors. All net monetary proceeds from the camp benefit the CMU baseball scholarship program.

Numerous other charities benefited from Grand Junction’s support in 2013 as well, including Special Olympics Colorado, Ed Randall’s Fans for the Cure, Riverside Education Center, A.C. Foundation, Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra, City of Grand Junction Audubon Society, Mesa County Firefighters and the Community Hospital Foundation.

“The Rockies have fully immersed themselves into their community since relocating to Grand Junction just two seasons ago,” Pat O’Conner, president and CEO of Minor League Baseball, said. “Their numerous philanthropic endeavors with civic organizations, local high schools and Colorado Mesa University are examples of their strong commitment to give back to their community and contribute to its quality of life.”

“This honor is a reflection of the community commitment by our ownership” said Ray. “The opportunity to partner with a community that has such a rich history of baseball and has already shown such enthusiasm for Minor League Baseball is exciting.”

The John Henry Moss Community Service Award is named after the former South Atlantic League president, who founded the circuit and presided over it for a half-century from 1959-2008.

Grand Junction will receive their award at the Baseball Winter Meetings Banquet at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort in Orlando, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 12.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Rookie Pioneer League. Click here to view the original story.

Spikes recognized as a PA “Waste Watcher”

Team one of 76 statewide to be honored for green initiatives

StateCollegeSpikes_2013-11-07Env

The State College Spikes were recently recognized by The Professional Recyclers of Pennsylvania (PROP) and the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) – Keystone Chapter for the team’s outstanding recycling program and related ballpark and community outreach efforts from the 2012 calendar year.

The Spikes were one of 76 municipalities, counties, private businesses, individuals, and community organizations to be recognized as part of the Pennsylvania Waste Watchers Program. This program highlights recycling, waste reduction, reuse, and composting programs in Pennsylvania that have exhibited exemplary performance.

The team and Medlar Field at Lubrano Park were recognized in part for the distinction as the world’s first L.E.E.D Certified ballpark and for the team’s dedication to promoting green initiatives during home games. In addition, the Spikes’ popular school program called “Project I.K.E.,” which stands for “Inspiring Kids to be Eco-Friendly,” has provided dozens of free and fun school assemblies the past three years. The program, which has been sponsored by the Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority, incorporates team mascots, players and staff to teach children about the importance of “going green” and incorporating eco-friendly practices in their daily lives.

Of the 76 Waste Watcher recipients, 19 were based in Centre County. The Spikes would like to congratulate fellow local “Waste Watchers” Autoport Restaurant, Centre County Recycling & Refuse Authority, Columbia Gas of PA Inc., Corl Street Elementary School, Foxdale Village, Gray’s Woods Elementary, Harris Township Memorial Day Festival, Harrison’s Wine Grill & Catering, Mount Nittany Middle School, Park Forest Elementary School, PSU School of Hospitality Management, Restek Corp., State College Friends School, The Art Alliance of Central PA, the Borough of State College, the Centre County Grange Encampment and Fair, the Prom Attire Event, and Village Eatinghouse.

Additional information about Medlar Field at Lubrano Park’s L.E.E.D Certification and other club green initiatives is available by clicking here.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the State College Spikes. Click here to view the original story.

Annual Rome Braves Pancake Breakfast

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Join the Rome Braves on December 7th for the Annual All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast featuring visits with Santa, Romey and Roxie! The event is open to the public from 8am-12pm and is $8 per person. The menu includes All You Can Eat pancakes and sausage with juice or coffee. Also on the same day, the Tradin’ Post will hold their annual 50% Off Sale from 8am-3pm and the ticket office will be open with holiday 12 Packs. The 12 Plack Flex plan will be the first to include a ticket to the Atlanta Braves Exhibition Game on March 29th.

Proceeds from the event benefit the Braves Miracle Field of Rome. Tickets go on sale Monday November 11 at the box office. For more information, call 706-378-5144.

 

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