Archives for June 2014

Help Paint the Park Purple on July 3

June 30, 2014

On July 3, the Great Falls Voyagers will team again with the Cascade County Relay for Life when they play the Helena Brewers in the 2014 edition of Paint the Park Purple. Local Relay teams have helped raise funds for the American Cancer Society through the sale of tickets to the game as well as special T-shirts.

The amount of money raised through the local teams will determine how “purple” Centene Stadium becomes. For example, $100 raised by teams will result in a banner being hung at the ballpark. For every hundred dollars raised after that, another form of on-field recognition will be triggered:

Fundraising levels:

$1-100 – Banner hung up at the ballpark
$101-200 – Pre-game parade for all teams
$201-300 – Pre-game balloon release
$301-400 – Players, coaches, staff, and Relay teams wear purple armbands
$401-500 – Purple banner painted on field
$501+ – Purple ribbons handed out to all fans in attendance

How the money is raised

Local Relay teams will be selling General Admission tickets for the July 3rd game against the Brewers. Each $8 ticket will result in $4 going back to the Relay. T-shirts to the event are $20 with $4 going back to the Relay team. Ticket and T-shirt packages are $25 with $7 going back to the Relay team. Ten packs of tickets for the game will be $80 with $44 going back to the Relay team. And the Ultimate Team Fight Pack of ten tickets and ten T-shirts is $250 with $75 going back to the Relay team.

For more information on how to contact a local team for tickets or shirts, you can call the Voyagers’ business office at 406-452-5311 or Cascade County Relay For Life Co-Chair Heidi Reiste at 406-781-1827.

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

Dragons Celebrate Matt Louis, Community All-Star

June 30, 2014

Heavy flooding after a very rainy day on May 21 led to a dangerous situation on interstate 75. Thankfully for several local residents, a hero was ready to risk his life to save others.

Flood waters rose quickly along interstate 70 near Huber Heights. The water consumed several cars, leaving them stranded and in need of help. Matt Louis stepped up to the plate.

“It was all instinct,” Matt said. “A little bit of adrenaline kicked in. One woman was screaming that she can’t swim, and I just had to help.”

Matt waded into flood waters that reached his chest and approached one of the cars. He carried an infant from the car back to safety and then went back to help the baby’s mother. Matt went out for a third time to save another woman in a second car who was unable to swim.

“Matt really earned his Superman cape,” Erin Dorn, a friend of Matt’s, said. “We were just glad everybody was okay. That was very brave to go out there in the water not knowing what the current was.”

For risking his own life to save the lives of others, Matt has been selected as a Dragons Community All-Star. The Dragons Community All-Stars Program honors individuals and organizations that have gone above and beyond to improve the quality of life in the Miami Valley.

The Dragons Community All-Stars Program is made possible by the generous support of Vectren. For more information on the program or to read about the All-Stars we have honored in 2014, visit daytondragons.com.

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

US Bank Kid’s Clinic Huge Success

June 29, 2014

It was a beautiful day as over 100 kids took Melaleuca Field by storm to learn from their favorite Chukars players and coaches Saturday afternoon. Four stations were set up around the field including pitching, hitting, outfield, and infield.

Brandon Thomas was one of a handful of pitchers that ran the pitching station over by the home bullpen.

“Right now we’re trying to teach them about releasing the ball out front and hand separation. There’s a drill called 10 toes which works on separating your hands. Another one is where you spread your legs out a little bit more and it forces you to get on your front side, and other than that we’re working on long toss,” Thomas said. “Each one is unique in their own way and it’s cool to see them throw and just have fun.”

At the outfield station, Jerrell Allen helped work with the kids on pop fly balls and grounders.

“We’re trying to teach them how to read the wind when a pop fly comes, stay ahead of a ground ball, and keeping your glove on the ground to come up with the ball and throw it in,” Allen said. “Basically we want them to learn what we learned coming up and give back to them.”

Shortstop Corey Toups paired up with teammates to show the kids some infield drills like fielding ground balls and throwing to second.

“We have the kids set up at the shortstop position at normal depth taking slow ground balls. We’re teaching them about having a good center of gravity and a good base to make a strong throw over to first base,” Toups said. “Secondly, we have them taking grounders at double-play depth and doing a short toss to second. Most of them understand it and say they are infielders so it’s pretty easy.”

Alexis Rivera was one of several players running the hitting station. It was his second year helping with the clinic and he said he enjoys it.

“There’s a lot more kids this year. We started off the hitting station with five swings each but had to cut it down because there were so many kids,” Rivera said. “But it’s fun to have so many kids out here, teach them, and help future baseball players. We learn so many things and it’s fun to give back and teach the kids about the basics of baseball: fielding, pitching, and hitting.”

That was the consensus among the players who all said they enjoyed their time working with the kids.

“I went to camps like this when I was little. It’s so much fun to be here and be able to do that as a professional,” Toups said.

Allen said teaching was hard but he loved the Kid’s Clinic.

“(Teaching) is pretty hard but I’ve actually seen a decent amount of athletes out here,” Allen said. “You want to go out there with the guys and it makes you want to be a kid again. I love doing this kind of stuff.”

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

GARY CARTER FOUNDATION FUNDRAISER — JUNE 29th

June 29, 2014

Earlier this year, the Mets family lost a long-time member with the passing of beloved Hall of Fame catcher and Mets icon, Gary Carter, who left us on February 16th after a courageous battle with brain cancer. Throughout his Hall of Fame career, Gary Carter graced the game he loved with the fearlessness of a warrior and the joyful exuberance of a kid. His passion, leadership and guidance cemented his place in Mets lore as one of the most influential players in franchise history.

The Kid was a key cog during the Mets World Series Championship in 1986, and will forever be revered as a fan favorite by those who root for the orange and blue. Although Carter entered the Hall of Fame as a member of the Montreal Expos, he always had the orange and blue of his beloved New York Mets running through his veins.

With that in mind, the Cyclones will remember Gary Carter in a special pre-game ceremony on Friday, June 29th prior to the 7:00 pm game against the Aberdeen IronBirds. That evening the Cyclones will wear special orange and blue jerseys with a “Kid 8” memorial patch on the right sleeve – the same patch that the New York Mets are wearing throughout the season.

These special jerseys will be raffled off throughout the game with a portion of the proceeds to benefit the Gary Carter Foundation. This organization carries on Gary’s mission to better the physical, mental and spiritual well being of children in need. Even after his death the Kid continues to enrich the lives of those less fortunate.

Here’s a look at the special jerseys the team will wear and raffle off that evening:

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

Photo squares on sale for Autism Awareness Jerseys

June 27, 2014

River Bandits will wear specialty jerseys for third annual photo jersey auction Friday, Aug. 8

The Quad Cities River Bandits are again offering fans the chance to put their photographs in small squares in the team’s jersey numbers for the annual photo jersey auction on Autism Awareness Night presented by KWQC on Aug. 8 at Modern Woodmen Park. All of the proceeds of the square purchases and jersey auction will benefit the Quad Cities Autism Center Inc.

At $25 per square, fans can purchase a space in the River Bandits’ jersey numbers to feature a photograph of themselves, a family member or friend, or a picture chosen by the Quad Cities Autism Center. A limited number of squares are available, and each square comes with a certificate of purchase. Each square is guaranteed to be on at least one jersey, and the maximum individual order is five squares.

In 2012, the River Bandits became the first U.S. professional sports team to hold a photo jersey auction for charity, and the team’s second annual event was recognized last season with the annual Golden Bobblehead Award for the Best Charity Promotion or Event in Minor League Baseball.

“We are thrilled to partner again with the Quad Cities Autism Center to give River Bandits fans another incredible opportunity to be part of a nationally-recognized promotion and help fight autism right here in the Quad Cities,” said River Bandits owner Dave Heller. “The Quad Cities community has shown generous and enthusiastic support for the photo jersey auction and has demonstrated its determination to help fight autism, and we are excited for another memorable event at Modern Woodmen Park!”

In 2013, the River Bandits’ Autism Awareness Night raised more than $12,000. The promotion was selected in September 2013 among nearly 200 nominations as a finalist in its promotional category. It was later selected as the 2013 Golden Bobblehead Award winner for Best Charity Promotion or Event at Minor League Baseball Promotional Seminar in Louisville, Ky., last September.

Fans can order the photo squares by completing the form at www.riverbandits.com, calling 563-324-3000 or emailing Alex@riverbandits.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Quad Cities River Bandits. Click here to view the original story.

Military Appreciation Night on Tuesday

June 26, 2014

USO and Upstate Warrior Solution on hand to support the military; Fireworks to follow the game

As part of an exciting kickoff to the Fourth of July weekend, the Drive are proud to honor both current and retired members of the military as they host Military Appreciation Night on Tuesday, July 1^st at Fluor Field. The game between the Drive and Asheville Tourists begins at 7:05.

USO will be on hand to show their support for all military members in attendance. USO is a nonprofit organization that relies on the generosity of individuals and other organizations to perform their mission of lifting the morale of America’s troops and their families. They will have an enter-to-win table on the concourse for a pair of Stars and Stripes hats signed by Drive players.

Fluor and Duke Energy, a pair of Drive partners, will also be on hand to support military members all game long.

Before the game, fans will get a chance to see parachute jumpers enter the stadium, and children of military members will participate in the “Field of Dreams” and take the field with Drive players.

During the game, the Drive and Upstate Warrior Solution will present Purple Hearts and Navy Commendation Medals on the field in between innings. Upstate Warrior Solution is a community-based nonprofit organization in the Upstate that connects warriors and their families to the resources they need in their lives.

A fantastic post-game fireworks show will cap off a special patriotic evening. Don’t miss out as the Drive honor the bravery of current and retired military members and thank them for their service for our country!

To purchase tickets for Tuesday’s game, stop by the Main Street Box Office, call (864) 240-4528, or log on to GreenvilleDrive.com.

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

Donate new or used children’s books: Sunday, 7/20

June 26, 2014

Want to help inspire a child to read? On Sunday, July 20, the Mud Hens and the Toledo Lucas County Public Library will host a book drive at Fifth Third Field. Fans coming to the game that day are encouraged to bring new or lightly used children’s books, with donations to benefit the Books 4 Buddies program.

Founded in 2012 by Toledo native L. Toure McCord, the mission of the Books 4 Buddies program is to enhance literacy for boys and young men and building leaders one book at a time. Donated books will be given to disadvantaged youth, but particularly to encourage and inspire young boys to read.

Before and during the game the Toledo Lucas County Public Library will be promoting and encouraging participation in their summer reading program and other children’s reading initiatives.

The Mud Hens take on Louisville at 6 p.m. on Sunday, July 20. Gates opening at 4:30 p.m. Call 419-725-4367 for tickets or order online.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Toledo Mud Hens. Click here to view the original story.

Batting for Scholars Home Run Derby rescheduled for Sept. 21

June 26, 2014

First-Ever Event will Welcome Participants from Tee Ball Through Adult to Modern Woodmen Park

The first-ever Batting for Scholars Home Run Derby to benefit the Bandit Scholars Program has been rescheduled for Sunday, Sept. 21. The event will give fans and people across the Quad Cities region the chance to swing for the fences at Modern Woodmen Park.

Presented by Modern Woodmen of America and Triumph Community Bank, the Batting for Scholars Home Run Derby will include a Minors Division, with participants from Tee Ball through age 17, and a Majors Division, including all ages at a competitive level. Registration will begin at 10 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 21. The Minors Division event will take place at 11 a.m., and the Majors Division event will be at 2 p.m. that day. Participants receive a free River Bandits T-shirt and a ticket to a 2015 River Bandits game. Non-participants are welcome to catch balls in the outfield of Modern Woodmen Park during the derby.

“The Batting for Scholars Home Run Derby offers a great opportunity for people in the Quad Cities to show off their skills and enjoy a unique and memorable experience on the field of Modern Woodmen Park,” said River Bandits owner Dave Heller. “The best part is all of the money raised at this unique event will help pay the college tuition for Quad Cities area students – perhaps in the future including one of the young participants in this first-ever Batting for Scholars Home Run Derby!”

The Minors Division will have three competitions – Single A (players in Tee Ball through levels under age 10), Double A (ages 10 to 12), and Triple A (ages 13 to 17). The top three winners in each division will receive prizes. Registration is $20 per participant, and each hitter can choose to hit baseballs or softballs. The registration deadline is Monday, Sept. 15.

Majors Division will include all ages at a competitive level, hitting softball pitches. The winner will receive $200 cash and a 2015 suite rental as prizes. Registration is $30 per participant and limited to the first 50 who register. The deadline is Monday, Sept. 15.

All fans are welcome to catch balls in the outfield during the derby. Non-participants for the home run derby are asked to make a $5 donation to the Bandit Scholars Program.

The Batting for Scholars Home Run Derby registration form is available at Modern Woodmen Park and at www.riverbandits.com. More information is available by contacting Brittany Carter at 563-333-2736 or emailing Brittany@riverbandits.com.

The Bandit Scholars Program was founded in 2009 by the Quad Cities River Bandits’ team owners Dave Heller and Bob Herrfeldt; the program pays the entire first year of college tuition for Quad Cities area students through the Bandit Scholarships. The scholarships are administered by the non-profit Community Foundation of the Great River Bend, and recipients are selected by a committee made up of River Bandits’ staff, CFGRB volunteers and area community leaders. Awarded annually to Quad Cities area high school seniors, each scholarship includes a summer internship with the River Bandits following the winner’s first year of college. Tax-free donations to the scholarship fund can be made through the CFGRB web site.

The scholarships are funded by fan donations and fund-raising efforts by the River Bandits and the team’s ownership. Fundraising events include the annual Frost Fest, Bandits Race to Home 5K and Bandit Scholars Home Run Derby, set for July 26-27 this season. Through the partnership with the Community Foundation of the Great River Bend, donors can make online, tax-deductible donations to the Bandit Scholars Program by going to www.cfgrb.org. Fans can also visit the Bandit Scholars Program page on the team’s website, www.riverbandits.com, and follow a link to the Bandit Scholars page on the Foundation’s website. Beginning with the next scholarship application cycle in 2015, students from eight Quad Cities-area counties – Henry, Mercer, Rock Island and Whiteside Counties of Illinois, and Cedar, Louisa, Muscatine and Scott Counties of Iowa – will be eligible for the scholarships.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Quad Cities River Bandits. Click here to view the original story.

Homestand: Peanut Allergy Awareness, Fireworks, ‘Bark” and more

June 26, 2014

Former UK star Riddle returns with Greensboro

A peanut allergy awareness night, three Ford Fireworks shows, including one for an Independence Day celebration, and a Bark in the Park night will highlight a seven-game homestand for the Lexington Legends beginning Friday, June 27. The Legends will also welcome a former Kentucky Mr. Baseball back to the Bluegrass.

The Legends, class A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals, will take on the Augusta GreenJackets, an affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, in a four-game series June 27-30. The Greensboro Grasshoppers, an affiliate of the Miami Marlins, will be in for a three-game series July 1-3.

The schedule:

Friday, June 27: Legends vs. Augusta, 7:05 p.m. The Legends and Family Allergy & Asthma are teaming up to provide a fun, worry-free evening for those with peanut allergies. At one game each year, the Legends remove all forms of peanuts, sunflower seeds and any foods prepared with peanut oils, so that fans may enjoy the game – and the concessions — without concern about a possible allergic reaction. There will be giveaway items and chances to win prizes donated by Family Allergy and Asthma. A Ford Fireworks show will follow the game.

Saturday, June 28: Legends vs. Augusta, 7:05 p.m. Saturday is Lexington Clinic Night, and fans should look for information and giveaways from Lexington Clinic representatives. A Ford Fireworks show will follow the game.

Sunday, June 29: Legends vs. Augusta, 6:05 p.m. It’s a JIF Kids Club Sunday. Kids Club members receive free admission to the game, and all kids may run the bases after the game.

Monday, June 30: Legends vs. Augusta, 7:05 p.m. All Monday night home games are “Kids Eat Free” nights, sponsored by Members Heritage Federal Credit Union. All kids age 12 and under will receive a voucher good for a free meal and drink.

Tuesday, July 1: Legends vs. Greensboro, 7:05 p.m. Every Tuesday night is 37-cent hot dog night. The price is in recognition of the Ford F-150 being the number one selling truck for 37 consecutive years.

The visiting Grasshoppers have a Kentucky connection: Frankfort native and former Western Hills High School and University of Kentucky star J.T. Riddle is with Greensboro after being drafted in the 13^th round and signed by Miami in 2013. Riddle was Kentucky High School Mr. Baseball in 2010.

Wednesday, July 2: Legends vs. Greensboro, 7:05 p.m. Wednesday is Bark in the Park night, presented by IncrediPet. Fans may bring their dogs to the game.

Thursday, July 3: Legends vs. Greensboro, 7:05 p.m. It’s a Kentucky Ale Thirsty Thursday, and beer and Pepsi products will be on sale for one dollar each. There is no home game on July 4, so the Legends invite fans to celebrate Independence Day Thursday with a Ford Fireworks show after the game.

For ticket information, call 859 422-7867 or go online to lexingtonlegends.com.

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

Everyday Heroes Night on July 3rd

June 25, 2014

On Thursday, July 3rd the Tampa Yankees will host Everyday Heroes Night at George M. Steinbrenner Field to honor all those who work to keep our nation safe as they play the Lakeland Flying Tigers at 7:00 pm. The gates open at 5:00pm to all fans.

All active & retired Military, EMT Specialists, Firefighters & Police Officers will receive FREE ADMISSION if they show up with a valid I.D.

In honor of Everyday Heroes Night, each of the players will wear a customized jersey, which will be auctioned off during the game in a silent auction. All proceeds will benefit the Everyday Heroes non-profit organization and each purchaser will have the opportunity to have their jersey signed and meet the player it was worn by.

Before the game, fans will enjoy a Food Truck Rally with Tasty Stacy, PAO Truck, Kona Ice, Hot Mess, Disco Donuts, Sarges BBQ, PaniniRiffic and Escomo.

Everyday Heroes Night, lands on a Thursday and you know what that means…Throwback Thursday! Instead of paying $6 for reserved seating or $ 4 for general admission, fans will be able to purchase tickets like it’s 1994. Reserved seating will only cost $2 and general admission will be just $1. In addition to our reduced ticket pricing , fans can enjoy 14 oz. Draft Beers for $2, small sodas for $1 & half price nachos from 5-7 pm, presented by 98.7 The Fan.

After the game, fans will enjoy a fireworks display as a celebration of Independence Day, courtesy of Budweiser.

Tickets for Everyday Heroes Night, as well as future Tampa Yankees games, can be purchased at George M. Steinbrenner Field Box Office or through TicketMaster

The Tampa Yankees are the Single-A Advanced affiliate of the New York Yankees. For more information please contact the Tampa Yankees offices at (813) 673-3055 or visit www.tybaseball.com.

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

Socks & Underwear Drive Set for Thursday

June 25, 2014

The IronPigs and the United Way are hosting a Socks and Underwear Drive prior to the IronPigs-Red Wings game on Thursday, June 26 at Coca-Cola Park. The drive will benefit the students of the 12 United Way Community Schools in the Lehigh Valley region.

For each and every donation, fans will receive raffle tickets to win a variety of great autographed memorabilia. Receive one raffle ticket for each newly packaged pair of socks or piece of underwear donated. Raffle tickets will also be available for purchase with proceeds benefiting the Sock and Underwear Drive.

Those that donate an item will be entered to win one of five autographed items:

Darren Daulton Autographed Baseball
Tommy Green Autographed Baseball
Seth Rosin Autographed Baseball
Old Saturday Game Worn Jersey
2014 Miracle League Jersey (size XL)

For more information on the Drive, please contact Kelly Gooley at kgooley@ironpigsbaseball.com.

Single-game tickets, mini plans and group tickets for all IronPigs home games presented by Capital BlueCross, are on sale now and can be purchased at the Coca-Cola Park Ticket Office, online at www.ironpigsbaseball.com or by calling (610) 841-PIGS (7447).

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. Click here to view the original story.

Burlington Bees to host Community Blood Drive on Monday, July 14

June 24, 2014

The Burlington Bees will host a community Blood Drive from 3 PM to 6 PM on Monday, July 14 at Community Field inside the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center bus.

Donors on that day will each receive a ticket voucher for any home game of their choosing during the rest of the season. All presenting donors will also be entered to win a party night with the Burlington Bees, including 4 box seat tickets to a home game, hot dogs, chips, and soft drinks for 4 and 2 Burlington Bees t-shirts.

To donate, please contact Kim Parker at (319) 754-5705 or visit www.bloodcenterimpact.org.

Potential donors must be at least 17 years of age (or 16 with parental permission form found at www.bloodcenter.org) and must weight more than 110 pounds. A photo I.D. or MVRBC Donor Card is requried to donate. Donors who last gave blood on or before May 19, 2014 are eligible to give blood at this drive.

Blood donation is a safe, simple procedure that takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Individuals with diabetes or controlled high blood pressure may be accepted as eligible donors.

Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center is the provider of blood and blood components to more than 87 hospitals in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri and Wisconsin. In your area, MVRBC is the exclusive provider to http://www.bloodcenter.org/about-us/service-hospitals.aspx.

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

Timber Rattlers host Military Appreciation Series July 1-3

June 24, 2014

Players and coaches to wear military-themed jerseys during three game set

The Timber Rattlers and American National Bank present a Military Appreciation Series from July 1 through July 3.

The three games between the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers and Cedar Rapids Kernels at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium from Tuesday, July 1 through Thursday, July 3 will have a distinctly military feel to them. The Timber Rattlers and American National Bank prepare you for your Independence Day celebrations with a Military Appreciation Series.

Timber Rattlers players and coaches will wear jerseys with a military camouflage design during all three games of the series. Each of the jerseys will have a different military motto where the player name usually goes. The players and coaches will also wear patriotic caps during the series.

There will be a silent auction for both the jerseys and the hats with proceeds to benefit the Fox Valley Veterans Council Emergency Fund. The silent auction will begin at 5:30pm on July 1 and conclude at the end of the seventh inning of the game on July 3. Fans may phone in bids for the military-themed jerseys by calling (800) WI-TIMBER or (920) 733-4152 from 9:00am to 2:00pm on July 2 and July 3. Bids for the silent auction on the hats must be made in person during the games.

The Timber Rattlers are offering a free reserved bleacher seat to all active, reserve, and retired military personnel for all three games of this series. Please bring a valid military ID or form DD-214 to the box office to receive free admission to these games. Friends and family of the person receiving the free ticket may purchase additional reserved bleacher seat tickets at a discounted rate of $7.00 per ticket.

Additionally, Boxkar will be performing a free concert outside the stadium before the game on Wednesday, July 2.

All three games of the series are scheduled to begin at 7:05pm and the regular weekly promotions will be offered on their respective nights. These promotions include the Baker Tilly Business Person Special from WVBO and WNAM on Tuesday; WIXX Bang for Your Buck on Wednesday; and Arty’s Old Fashioned Drinks Thirsty Thursday presented by 95.9 KISS-FM.

American National Bank and the Timber Rattlers will also be giving away a Jim Henderson bobblehead on Tuesday, July 1. The first 1,000 fans to enter the stadium on that date will receive a bobblehead of Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jim Henderson, the Timber Rattlers closer in 2009.

There will also be a special Thursday night fireworks display on July 3, the final game of the series and of the homestand.

Tickets for the Military Appreciation Series are available online, over the phone at (920) 733-4152 or (800) WI-TIMBER, or in person. The free ticket offer for military personnel is only available in person at the Box Office. The Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium Box Office is open from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm Monday through Friday and Saturdays from 10:00 am to 3:00pm.

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

ACS Relay for Life at Frontier Field July 19-20

June 24, 2014

Overnight night event returns to Wings’ home

The Rochester Red Wings will host the 2^nd annual American Cancer Society Relay For Life event at Frontier Field from Saturday, July 19 to Sunday, July 20.
The overnight, community walk around the warning track at Frontier Field will begin with opening ceremonies at 6:00 p.m. on July 19 and conclude the following morning, July 20, with closing ceremonies around 6:00 a.m.

In between, participants will take turns walking, running or otherwise circling the track “relay” style to raise funds to fight cancer. In addition, the celebration will include live music, Zumba, a movie, live comedy and food. A Candle Light Luminaria Ceremony will be held at nightfall to honor cancer survivors and caregivers and to remember those lost to cancer.

“Last year’s inaugural Relay For Life was such a great success, that we are thrilled to be able to partner with the American Cancer Society to host this event again in 2014,” said Red Wings General Manager Dan Mason. “Everyone in some way, shape or form as been affected by cancer and this event is a great way to honor the victims and survivors as well as fight back against this terrible disease.”

Relay participants can sign up individually or as a member of a team at www.RelayForLife.org/RochesterNY and are encouraged to raise money prior to the event.

Last year, over 200 participants helped raise over $30,000 for the American Cancer Society.

The ACS’s Relay for Life event ignites team spirit among participants and works to raise funds used to save lives and create more birthdays by helping you stay well, helping you get well, by finding cures, and by fighting back.

Since 1985, Relay for Life has spread to more than 5,200 communities in the U.S. and has become a worldwide movement, taking place in more than 25 countries.

All fans are encourage to drop off any old pairs of shoes, sandals, ice skates, at the American Cancer Society Relay for Life Table outside the Red Wings Ticket Office on Sunday, June 29 and Saturday, July 5. Fans who drop off shoes will receive $2 off their ticket purchase at the Ticket Office window. The shoe drive proceeds will benefit the Rochester City Relay of the Red Wings.

You can register, donate and learn more at www.RelayForLife.org/RochesterNY. You can also contact Red Wings representative Derek Swanson at 454-1001 ext. 3036.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Rochester Red Wings. Click here to view the original story.

Cardinals having an impact on and off the field

June 24, 2014

Members of the Palm Beach Cardinals and Jupiter Hammerheads shaved their heads on June 17 to support the Vs. Cancer Foundation. Over $7,500 was raised for the event.

The Palm Beach Cardinals, the Class-A Advanced affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, have had a terrific first half to the 2014 season. The team landed five All-Star selections to the Florida State League South roster, individuals have won weekly league awards and have been promoted within the organization, and overall, the team has been winning a lot of games.

None of the individual honors or impressive team winning streaks come close to how the 2014 squad has impacted the community off the field.

Earlier this month the Cardinals teamed up with the Vs. Cancer Foundation to raise money to help the fight against childhood cancer. On Tuesday, June 17th, Roger Dean Stadium hosted the Vs. Cancer Foundation Fundraiser Night at the Ballpark. Members of the Palm Beach Cardinals lined up to get their heads shaved in front of the dugouts following the game that night against the Jupiter Hammerheads.

Prior to the event, players on both the Cardinals and Hammerheads collected donations via fundraising pages to support the cause. Once the Cardinals learned that half of all proceeds from the fundraiser would benefit national childhood cancer research and the other half would help local children at Palm Beach Children’s Hospital, the team joined together to make the event a huge success.

The whole team took to social media right away, getting hundreds and hundreds of retweets from family, friends, and fans. Former college teammates and loyal supporters in the Cardinals organization took notice and helped spread the word. News about the team’s efforts spread like wildfire and the donations started pouring in.

The team goal of $5,000 was met after just three days of fundraising and was eventually shattered by more than one thousand dollars. Members of the team, led by Charlie Tilson and Joe Cuda, created an autographed ball giveaway for select fans who donated. The team spread the news via twitter that five autographed balls would be given away at random to those who donated to the cause.

“I’m just glad I could be a part of this,” Cuda said. “I never would have thought that it would have created this much buzz. It’s crazy how the baseball community is so connected together.”

On June 17th, the Cardinals gathered in front of the home dugout following the game to cap an extremely successful fundraising campaign by shaving select team members heads. Players who participated in the head shaving event were, Cuda, Tilson, Iden Nazario, Bruce Caldwell, Alex Mejia, Jesus Montero, Nick Martini and Jimmy Bosco. Even head trainer Keith Joynt stepped into the dugout barber shop to support the cause.

For the Cardinals, this wasn’t a one-time ordeal. Players have been giving back to the community all season long.

In early May, members of the team signed up to visit Palm Beach Children’s Hospital to spend time with children for a few hours before a home game. While just a few guys were asked to ride along for the visit, multiple players asked if they could go as well for fun.

While the fact that the Palm Beach Cardinals ranked in the top five in numerous batting and pitching categories among Florida State League teams in the first half of the season is impressive, the character of the guys in the Cardinals clubhouse is something to be commended.

The 25 players in the Cardinals locker room are truly making a difference in the Palm Beach community.

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