Archives for March 2014

San Jose Giants’ Unveil Military Trading Card Set

All branches of United States Military represented in 36 card set

San Jose, CA– The San Jose Giants unveiled today their 2014 Military Trading Card Set, presented by Operation: Care and Comfort. All branches of the United States Military are represented in the set. In addition, the trading cards include current military personnel, men who have been killed in action as well as veterans from World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and the Gulf War. Included in the set are local San Jose heroes Joe Bell and Pat Tillman. The following is a complete list of all selections for the 2014 San Jose Giants Military Trading Card Set:

Joe Bell, Abeytia Brothers, Lloyd C. Anderson, Edward Balli, Jerome J. Bleeg, Aaron R. Boyles, Don F. Bushard, Jaclyn Abbott Caselli, Charles Deane Cavit, Joseph Coggins, David Del Real, Jack DeMartini, William J Difu, Mickey Ganitch, Eduardo O. Garcia Jr., John Giudici, Joseph A. Graves, Robert N. Grewohl, Trevor Hanrion, Raymond D. Hill II, Richard K.H. Lum, John G. Mathrusse, Vlado Mrdutt, Phillip Olavarri, Dale S. Parsley, Manuel Pereira, Fred Poritz, Gary Wayne Rangel, Anthony Saso, Gregory Scott, John Stone, John S. Urzi, Vanessa Verbica, Joseph Viola, Denny Weisgerber and Pat Tillman.

“It is truly an honor to have these 36 brave men and women make up our first-ever Military Trading Card Set, presented by Operation: Care and Comfort,” said Juliana Paoli, San Jose Giants Chief Marketing Officer. “We received nearly 100 nominations for the trading cards and want to thank everyone who shared stories of their heroes among us. This set is not only meant to recognize the individuals selected, but also all of the brave men and women who have protected and are still protecting our country.”

The sets will be given away to the first 1,000 fans through the gates on Salute to the Military Day on April 13. The day will be an entire afternoon dedicated to honoring the brave men and women defending our country as the pregame festivities will include a first pitch ceremony, color guard presentation and on-field recognition of the individuals chosen for the Military Trading Card Set. The team will also wear special military themed jerseys. The team will don these jerseys again on Memorial Day, May 26 against the Visalia Rawhide, where they will be part of an in-game silent auction directly benefiting Operation: Care and Comfort. On May 26, 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.

“It is a privilege for Operation: Care and Comfort to be a part of this promotion, honoring the men and women who have served our country,” said Julie DeMaria, Operation: Care and Comfort President and Co-Founder. “The individuals who make up this set span generations and are a tremendous representation of the heroes in our community.”

First pitch for the San Jose Giants home opener will take place at 7:00 PM on Thursday, April 10 against the Bakersfield Blaze. San Jose’s 2014 season begins on Thursday, April 3. The Giants will host games at Municipal Stadium on Mother’s Day (May 11), Memorial Day (May 26), and Independence Day (July 4).For information on the 2014 season and ticket packages please visit sjgiants.com, call (408) 297-1435 or visit the Municipal Stadium Box Office Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the San Jose Giants. Click here to view the original story.

Express Teams Up with Donate Life Texas on Opening Day

Mother of Organ Donor Honored During Ceremonial First Pitch

ROUND ROCK, Texas – The Round Rock Express is proud to announce they have partnered with Texas Organ Sharing Alliance (TOSA) and St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center to host “Donate Life Texas” Night on Opening Day, Thursday, April 3 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. Pam Porter, whose son passed away and saved many lives through his organ donations, will be recognized and honored during the ceremonial first pitch. Donate Life Texas will also have a kiosk on the home plate concourse and take part in a pre-game, on-field interview.

“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 again 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 300 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.

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.

The Express kick off its 15th season with a four-game series against the Oklahoma City RedHawks (Houston Astros affiliate) followed by a four-game series against the Colorado Springs Sky Sox (Colorado Rockies affiliate). For tickets and more information on the Express, visit www.RoundRockExpress.com or call (512) 255-2255. 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.

Spirit of Boston Run to be Held on Monday

Timed 5K will benefit City of Greenville Youth Baseball Program

(Picasa)
(Picasa)

Greenville, SC – The Greenville Drive, emediagroup, Caine Halter YMCA and Setup Events have combined forces to coordinate the Spirit of Boston Run, a timed 5K, on Monday, April 21st. The 5K will begin at 5:30 PM, and the run leads into the Drive’s game against the Asheville Tourists at 7:05.

All funds raised will go to the City of Greenville Community Youth Baseball Program, which provides inner city children with an opportunity to play baseball in a structured program at their community park.

“We are thrilled to host the Spirit of Boston Run on April 21st,” commented Drive General Manager Eric Jarinko. “With over $20,000 raised, last year’s Run for One event was a huge success in support of the events at last year’s Boston Marathon, and making this an annual event will be a great step as we continue our efforts to bring the Greenville community closer to the city of Boston.”

Jarinko continued, “We are proud of our affiliation with the Boston Red Sox, and the run will live up to its namesake by channeling the spirit of Boston on the same day as the Boston Marathon. That combined with all funds benefitting the City of Greenville’s Youth Baseball Program will make this an exciting day for everyone involved.”

Runners and walkers will start at the Caine Halter YMCA at 5:30pm. The course will wind its way through Cleveland Park from the YMCA and have its own version of Boston Marathon’s “Heartbreak Hill”. Runners and walkers will finish by entering Fluor Field, running by its own version of the iconic Green Monster, and crossing home plate while high-fiving players and coaches from the Drive.

“We believe that having Drive players and coaches greeting runners as they finish adds a nice touch to the event,” said Jarinko. “They have aspirations of playing or coaching in Boston one day, so they understand the significance of this event and how much the Red Sox organization means to Boston.”

The Drive collected new and lightly used equipment at the Hot Stove event in January, and partly because of the Drive’s efforts, the league is all set for play in 2014.

“Having the Greenville Drive as the Title Sponsor of the Community Youth Baseball Program has been a huge benefit as the program continues to grow,” said Dana Souza, Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Greenville. “The Drive is such a positive force in the entire Upstate Region, and we are pleased that their generous support allows so many children to enjoy a happy and healthy lifestyle through baseball.”

The Drive will provide all participants with a complimentary ticket to attend that evening’s game against the Tourists. Participants and fans will be given the opportunity to purchase t-shirts with the Spirit of Boston logo on them for just $10.

“emediagroup is thrilled to partner with the Greenville Drive and Setup Events on an event that will do so much good for the Greenville community now and in the coming years,” said Bill Bishop, co-owner of emediagroup.

“The Spirit of Boston Run is very important to the Drive organization with our ties to Boston,” added Drive Co-Owner and President Craig Brown. “We are pleased to channel the energy of the wonderfully lively city of Boston, and we are excited to make this inspiring event for a great cause an annual tradition here in Greenville.”

Registration and packet pickup for the race will begin at 4:30 PM. For more information, and to register before the day of the race, click here.

 

WHAT: Spirit of Boston Race

WHEN: Monday, April 21st

WHERE: Fluor Field at the West End, Downtown Greenville

DETAILS:

-4:30 PM: Packet pickup/Registration

-5:30 PM: 5K begins

-7:05 PM: Greenville Drive vs. Asheville Tourists

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

Blood Drive Thursday at Fluor Field

Donors receive a t-shirt, 2 Drive tickets, a hot dog and a Pepsi

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The Drive and The Blood Connection will team up for the first blood drive at Fluor Field of 2014 on Thursday, April 3rd. Those wishing to donate can come to the Field Street Gate between 11 AM to 7 PM.

Each donor will receive a commemorative t-shirt, a voucher good for two tickets to a 2014 Drive game at Fluor Field, a complimentary hot dog and a 12 ounce Pepsi product.

Donors must be at least 16 years of age.

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

Drive Partnering with Ronald McDonald House

One Night One Shirt campaign to help families in need

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On Friday, May 9th, the Greenville Drive are partnering with the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Carolinas for a fantastic cause, One Night One Shirt! That day has been designated by organizations across the Upstate as a casual day, and employees of these organizations who purchase a One Night One Shirt t-shirt for $13.00 will be able to wear the t-shirt to work, and in doing so, they will help sponsor a night at the Ronald McDonald House for a family in need.

In addition, employees who wear the t-shirt will receive a complimentary ticket to the Drive’s game that night at Fluor Field against the Greensboro Grasshoppers. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM.

The deadline to order the T-shirts is Tuesday, April 1. For more information please contact Emily Muserallo at 864-272-0197 or by email, or visit the One Night One Shirt website.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Greenville Drive1. Click here to view the original story.

‘Dads Reveal Winning Cover Design

Sawmills Elementary’s Nathan Connor creates winning artwork

Hickory, NC – The Hickory Crawdads are proud to announce the winner of this year’s Cover Design Contest, with Nathan Connor of Sawmills Elementary creating the winning entry. Nathan’s artwork will appear on the cover of the first edition of the Crawdads Chronicle, the ‘Dads game day program.

Nathan’s artwork depicting Crawdads mascots Conrad and Candy was chosen from nearly 2,000 total entries from area schools. The winning picture also incorporates the ‘Dads All-Star logo and a bright yellow banner with the Crawdads alternate claw logo.

“Nathan’s picture really stood out to us,” said Crawdads Director of Community Relations & Events Megan Meade. “I always love going through all the artwork and this year really gave us some great ones to choose from. In the end though, Nathan’s was the one that won us over.”

The Crawdads will honor Nathan at the ‘Dads April 15th home game against Kannapolis. Nathan and his family will receive 4 free tickets to the game, where the 4th grader will also throw out the first pitch as part of his VIP treatment for the night.

The remaining 24 finalists submissions in the Crawdads Cover Design Contest will be displayed in the stadium concourse for the game. All of the children who submitted artwork, along with their families, will be recognized in a pre-game parade around the outfield.

Now in its 4th year, the Crawdads annual Cover Design Contest allows children from all area elementary and middle schools to submit their unique artwork for consideration. The Crawdads select the top 25 covers from nearly 2,000 total submissions. The winning artwork is then voted on by the ‘Dads staff.

Sawmills Elementary will receive $200 from the Crawdads thanks to Nathan’s winning art, while St. Stephen’s Elementary in Hickory will also receive a $200 prize for having the most participants in this year’s contest.

The Crawdads open the season on Thursday, April 3 in Greensboro before playing their home opener at the newly renovated Crawdads Stadium on Thursday, April 10. Tickets are now on sale for all 70 ‘Dads home games, as well as the South Atlantic League All-Star Game on June 17. Tickets may be purchased online, over the phone, or in-person at the Crawdads Ticket Office.

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

Hillsboro Hops and Barley Lead Anti-Bullying Campaign at Local Schools

“Strike Out Bullying” All-Stars to be Honored at Hops Home Games this Summer

Hillsboro, OR (March 27, 2014) – The Hillsboro Hops (@HillsboroHops) and their mascot Barley (@BarleytheHop) are leading an anti-bullying campaign in Hillsboro schools the team announced today. The program, titled, “Strike Out Bullying” with the tag line “I stand with Barley against Bullying” will launch this spring.

Currently there are 10 Hillsboro schools totaling over 5,000 students that have signed up to host anti-bullying assemblies with Barley. All students participating in the assemblies will receive a free ticket to a Hops game and a bumper sticker that says, “I Stand with Barley Against Bullying”.

The Hillsboro Hops will hold four anti-bullying games this summer (6/23, 7/14, 7/29, 8/20) and students participating in the “Strike Out Bullying” campaign will receive free tickets to one of the four games.

All students will have a chance to nominate an “All-Star” student – fellow students who stand up to a bully or perform an act of kindness. The Hops will collect “All-Star” nominations for each grade and will honor the recipients on the field at a Hops home game this season.

To register your school for a “Strike Out Bullying” campaign with Barley, call the Hillsboro Hops office at 503-640-0887 or email Ariel Wagner at arielw@hillsborohops.com.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Hillsboro Hops. Click here to view the original story.

Muckdogs Announce “Hit the Books” Reading Program

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

The Batavia Muckdogs today announced the start of their reading program, designed to promote reading with the youth of the local communities. Along with the help of Smoke Free NOW, 2014 will mark the second 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 the area 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.

In addition to the many participating schools, 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)
  • Hoag Library (Albion)
  • Pavilion Public Library
  • Corfu Free 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. The Muckdogs home opener is set for Saturday, June 14th vs. Auburn at 7:05. Season tickets, coupon books and ticket packages are all on sale now. They can be purchased at Dwyer Stadium or by calling (585)343-5454.

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

Voyagers 9 Innings of Reading Program off to a Strong Start

(GREAT FALLS, Mont.) – The Voyagers “9 Innings of Reading Program” presented by the Great Falls Voyagers and sponsored by Noodle Express and Great Falls College, is off to a strong start in 2014. During the first three weeks of the program there has been close to 5,000 total prizes awarded to students who have reached their reading goals at Lewis and Clark, Mountain View, Whittier, Valley View, Roosevelt, Belt, Sunnyside, and Meadow Lark Elementary Schools.

“We are excited about the response that we have already received for the first three weeks of this program,” said Scott Lettre, Director of Sales, “We love to see the local elementary school students get excited about reading.”

The Voyagers look to award around 15,000 prizes to these local elementary school students by the end of the 9-week long reading program that will end on May 9th. Starting the week of May 12th, the Voyagers will be throwing a pizza party at each school. All students who completed all 9 innings of the program will receive an invitation to this pizza party, with special guest, Orbit.

Each week during the program, students from these schools have certain goals to reach based on what grade they are in. These goals are then divided by difficulty into four categories: single, double, triple, and home run. Each student is able to win a prize depending on what category they meet.

Prizes for the 2014 reading program include a pencil, bookmark, notebook, luggage tag, eraser bracelet, water bottle, and a free youth ticket to one of our four reading program days during the 2014 season. The reading program dates at the field are June 24th, July 12th, August 7th, and August 29th.

The reading program is currently in its second year. During the first year in 2013, there were five local elementary schools that participated.

“I really think the program was wonderful,” said Jennifer Crisman, Mountain View Elementary Librarian about the first year of the program, “Anytime we can get students excited about reading and continue to read solidly for nine straight weeks, we are definitely accomplishing a beautiful goal.”

The Voyagers are excited to partner with local school districts for this program, along with sponsors Noodle Express and Great Falls College.

The Voyagers will open their season June 16th against the Billings Mustangs on the road and will open at home on June 21st against the Billings Mustangs.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Great Falls Voyagers. Click here to view the original story.

Reno Aces Foundation Announces “Dream Week”

Reno, Nev.- For the fourth-straight year, the Reno Aces Baseball Club will present the Reno Aces Foundation Dream Week, which will serve to highlight members of the community with once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

The objective of the initiative is to reward outstanding and exceptional groups and fans throughout northern Nevada who have made a positive impact on the community.

“Our hope for Dream Week is to acknowledge some of the incredible people right here in northern Nevada that have made our community a better place to live,” manager of promotions and community relations Audrey Hill said.

On Wednesday, April 2, Reno Aces players will visit Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center to visit children who are being treated at the hospital. On Friday, children of Nevada Guard Soldiers and Airmen will have a meet and greet with the players, and they will have the opportunity to watch batting practice on the field.

Saturday will feature a player meet and greet with Children’s Specialty Center and on Sunday fans will have the chance to play catch on the field and take a photo with their favorite Aces players before the game.

The Aces kick off the 2014 season at home on April 3 by hosting the El Paso Chihuahuas, the newest Pacific Coast League franchise. First pitch is slated for 6:35 p.m. Discounted full and partial season tickets are on sale now. For more information, and to purchase an Aces ticket plan, call (775) 334-4700. For up-to-date news and notes throughout the offseason, visit www.RenoAces.com, follow the club on Twitter (@aces) or like the team on Facebook.

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

Adopt-a-Field Program Back in 2014

Nominations Accepted Through April 4, Voting Begins April 6

Moosic, Pa. – There’s something special about a baseball diamond. Add kids to the scene and you have the storybook home run. The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Triple-A/New York Yankees) hope to help area youth enjoy America’s pastime all the more with the 2014 edition of the team’s Adopt-a-Field Program.

What began a few years ago with two teams getting the annual makeover, one each from Lackawanna County and Luzerne County, has blossomed into a four-field program. In 2014, that will consist of one high school field, one softball field, and two youth fields. Field nominations should be sent to the RailRiders’ community relations manager Rachel Mark (rmark@swbrailriders.com). Entries from both Lackawanna and Luzerne counties will be accepted and they should include both photos of the fields in need of renovation and related contact information.

The RailRiders will select the top five fields in each category. From there, online voting will determine the winners. The voting will run from April 6-13 with the victors announced on April 14.

“We want every kid in our community to play at their own version of PNC Field,” said RailRiders team president/GM Rob Crain. “That means a high-quality field that can be properly maintained for years to come. I love this program. We as a franchise are committed to doing what we can for our neighbors and this is one of the most fun and directly impactful efforts we can provide. We owe a lot of thanks to Bob Seltzer at Fisher & Son, Company and Pro’s Choice for their generous donations of materials to make this all possible.”

The program affords an individualized evaluation and athletic field maintenance clinic to the chosen sites. More than the initial facelift care of the RailRiders’ raw manpower and expertise, the teams will be taught how to keep up that same professional-level look for years to come.

“This is a great opportunity to provide those maintaining local fields with the knowledge needed to maintain a safe and beautiful playing surface,” said the team’s director of field operations, Steve Horne. “Many leagues don’t have the tools, manpower or guidance needed to keep their fields in good shape. Hopefully, after our crew comes in to help get them started, we can develop a plan that will benefit the leagues and their players for years to come.”

Media members and fans will be invited to document and watch the progress throughout the day at each site. The first makeover will take place on April 29. Other dates and all sites will be announced at a later date once voting concludes.

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 or to book a ballpark group outing, 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.

“We Salute You” Wednesdays to Honor Military

Individuals or businesses can make tax-deductible donations

LakewoodBlueClaws_2014-03-24

LAKEWOOD, NJ – The Lakewood BlueClaws are pleased to bring back the Military Partners Program and We Salute You Wednesdays for the 2014 season. Through the program, companies can donate tickets to a series of Wednesday games for exclusive use by both veterans and active military members.

The five We Salute You Wednesday dates are April 16th, May 7th, June 11th, July 2nd, and August 27th.

At these We Salute You Wednesday games, the BlueClaws will have an extensive military presence including an assortment of the following:

  • Special Military-Themed Jerseys Worn By Players and Coaches
  • Rendition of God Bless America
  • Pre-Game Military Ceremonies (such as honoring a soldier returning from active duty or a re-enlistment ceremony)
  • Prize Raffles Exclusively for Military Personnel

Each participating donor (individual or business) will receive exposure through various BlueClaws outlets as well as the potential for tax deductbility.

There are six levels of donations: 10 tickets, 25 tickets, 50 tickets, 100 tickets, 250 tickets, and 500 tickets. Each donated ticket is $7 and the donation levels range from $70 to $3,500. Additional bonuses for participating donors, in the form of BlueClaws tickets and outings, are available depending on donation levels.

With any questions or for more information, please call Kevin Fenstermacher at 732-901-7000 ext 115 or email kfenstermacher@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 13 years of existence.

Tickets for all 2014 BlueClaws home games are currently available by calling 732-901-7000 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.

LITTLE KIDS, BIG STARS PROGRAM NEW FOR 2014

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Brooklyn, NY – March 24th – Spring is finally here, and that means baseball season can’t be far behind. After the winter we’ve had, little leaguers throughout the city are chomping at the bit to get back on the field and throw baseballs instead of snow balls. With that in mind, the Brooklyn Cyclones have introduced the all-new “Little Kids, Big Stars” Program to highlight the best and brightest in youth baseball and softball from the five boroughs and Long Island.

Saturday, April 12th and running through Saturday, June 7th, coaches can nominate one player from their team every week by visiting BrooklynCyclones.com. Every week, the Cyclones will pick five winners from those submitted who will be named the “Little Kids, Big Stars” of the week.

“We are really excited for this new program,” said Cyclones Vice President Steve Cohen. “It is designed to recognize those children who truly have a passion for the game. This year MCU Park will host the New York-Penn League All-Star Game, so we thought it was a great opportunity to highlight the all-stars from not just the NYPL but from youth baseball and softball leagues all across the Metropolitan area.”

What makes a Big Star? The program is open to boys and girls between the ages of five and fourteen, and winners will be selected based on the following criteria:

  • Passion for baseball / softball.
  • Sportsmanship.
  • Serves as a leader on the team.
  • Positive attitude.
  • Helpful to coaches and teammates.
  • Skilled on the field of play.

The team program isn’t looking to highlight just the best players from around the city, but instead, looking to highlight the best examples of what it means to have a passion for the game of baseball/softball.

Each of the winners will receive an exclusive invitation to a baseball clinic with Cyclones players and coaches, tickets and on-field recognition prior to our June 29th game vs. Staten Island, access to the field for Cyclones Batting Practice, a chance to throw out a first pitch, a commemorative t-shirt and recognition in the Cyclones 2014 game program.

To submit your nominations — CLICK HERE.

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

Gwinnett Braves Continue Non-Profit Partnership Series in 2014

Team to continue helping local organizations raise awareness, funds for third straight season

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA – The Gwinnett Braves have announced plans to continue their Non-Profit Partnership Series for a third straight season in 2014. Introduced in 2012, the series is an all-inclusive program that allows multiple organizations who volunteer for a common cause to rally together on themed nights that correspond with the Gwinnett Braves Grant Program. The goal is to help local organizations raise awareness and funds for their causes all season long.

The Non-Profit Partnership Series will continue to follow the monthly themes of the Gwinnett Braves Grant Program, giving special recognition to grant recipients from 2013 and 2014. Each grant theme will be assigned a different game date during the 2014 season. Respective grant recipients will be given free promotion and acknowledgement on their date as well as a concourse table, pregame video PSA, on-field check presentation and tennis toss profit (when applicable).

All grant applicants will be given free tickets for the event and will have the opportunity to purchase additional tickets as a fundraiser. Applicants who were not selected to receive a grant will be given a concourse table if they purchase 30 or more additional tickets. The group who purchases the most tickets will have an opportunity to spread their message via a live radio interview.

The series is not just limited to grant applicants. All non-profit groups whose causes fit the event theme are invited to participate.

Gwinnett Braves 2014 Non-Profit Partnership Series

 (all dates, times and promotions subject to change)
Date Theme / Month Cause / Description
Sunday, May 42:05 PM All About Kids (September) Organizations that benefit children. Part of “Star Wars Day” at Coolray Field.
Thursday, May 810:35 AM I Have a Dream (January) Organizations that grant wishes, dreams and opportunities for the youth, elderly, injured or sick. Part of “Belk Education Day” at Coolray Field.
Friday, May 237:05 PM Salute to the Arts (March) Organizations that support art programs or education. Part of “Educator Appreciation Day” at Coolray Field.
Sunday, May 252:05 PM Four-Legged Friends (October) Organizations that benefit animals. Part of “Bark in the Park” at Coolray Field.
Sunday, June 82:05 PM Summer of Safety (June) Organizations that fund or run safety programs for children. Part of “Public Safety Day” at Coolray Field.
Friday, June 277:05 PM Red, White and Blue (July) Organizations that support the military or military families. Part of “Military Appreciation Night” at Coolray Field.
Sunday, June 292:05 PM Heart Month (February) Organizations that bring awareness and/or raise funds for heart related diseases and illnesses or that promotes a healthy diet and fitness programs for children.
Saturday, July 197:05 PM Thanksgiving (November) Organizations that work to end hunger and/or homelessness, that support children and families that are homeless or that run and maintain a food bank.
Sunday, July 202:05 PM Season of Giving (December) Organizations that benefit youth, education or sports programming. Part of “Christmas in July” at Coolray Field.
Saturday, August 27:05 PM Back to School (August) Organizations that support education or afterschool/mentoring programs. Part of “Back to School Night” at Coolray Field.
Sunday, August 102:05 PM Take Me Out to a Ball Game (April) Organizations that promote youth athletics or activities. Part of “Chopper’s Birthday Celebration” at Coolray Field.
Saturday, August 307:05 PM Cancer Awareness (May) Organizations that bring awareness to cancer prevention/detection or that raise funds for cancer research. Part of “G-Braves vs. Cancer Night” at Coolray Field.

For more information on the Non-Profit Partnership Series, including details on how your organization can participate, call Shay Marlowe with the Gwinnett Braves at 678-277-0346 or email shay.marlowe@braves.com.

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

Intimidators inaugural Reading All-Stars include hundreds of students from Kannapolis City Schools

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. (March 19, 2014) – The Kannapolis Intimidators are excited to announce that, as a part of the team’s new reading program, hundreds of students in Kannapolis City Schools are among the first in the community to be named 2014 Reading All-Stars.

The Intimidators’ Reading All-Stars Program challenges third through eighth grade students to read four extracurricular books in four weeks to be named a Reading All-Star and receive a complimentary ticket to an Intimidators game and participate in a pre-game parade around the field. The four-week reading program for Kannapolis City Schools recently came to a close, and students will receive a voucher through their schools in the coming weeks good for a ticket to the KCS Reading All-Stars Celebration Game on Friday, April 4, at 7:05 p.m. at CMC-NorthEast Stadium.

“The Reading All-Stars program has been a tremendous success, and we are extremely grateful to the Kannapolis Intimidators for bringing it to our schools,” said Dr. Pam Cain, Superintendent of Kannapolis City Schools. “Building a love of reading is one of the most important things we can do to help children succeed, and we look forward to continuing this outstanding partnership.”

In addition to working with KCS, the Intimidators have also teamed up with Cabarrus County Schools, Rowan-Salisbury School System and Stanly County Schools to offer this opportunity to more than 33,000 third through eighth grade students in the community. The reading period for students in Cabarrus, Rowan and Stanly counties is still in progress.

“We launched this program to do our part to encourage local students to get excited about reading,” said Intimidators General Manager Randy Long. “If giving these children a fun experience at the ballpark will get them to pick up a book, then we are more than happy to reward them for their hard work.”

In addition to providing a complimentary ticket to the students who are named a Reading All-Star, the Intimidators are offering discounted tickets for $3 to family members of the students to attend the Celebration Game.

Dates of Reading All-Stars Celebration Games for other school districts are Friday, May 2 for Cabarrus County Schools; Friday, May 16 for Stanly County Schools; and Sunday, May 18 for Rowan-Salisbury School System. Information on attending the Celebration Games will be distributed through the schools two to three weeks before the game.

The Intimidators are preparing for the 20th season of professional baseball in Kannapolis and 14th as a Chicago White Sox affiliate. Opening Night of the 2014 season is Thursday, April 3, against the Greenville Drive (Boston Red Sox) at 7:05 p.m. Since the team came to town in 1995, a total of 77 players have gone from Kannapolis to the Major Leagues, including 2007 NL MVP Jimmy Rollins and former NFL standout and 1998 Heisman Trophy winner Ricky Williams. Season tickets, mini-plans and single-game seats are currently available by calling the F&M Bank Box Office at (704) 932-3267 or by visiting the team website at www.IntimidatorsBaseball.com.

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