Archives for June 2014

M-Braves to host Walk to Defeat ALS

June 7, 2014

Trustmark Park to host awareness walk and other events September 27

In conjunction with The ALS Association Louisiana-Mississippi Chapter, the Mississippi Braves baseball team is proud to announce its commitment as presenting sponsor of the 2014 Jackson Walk to Defeat ALS. Trustmark Park will host the annual event Saturday, September 27.

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, progressively paralyzes its victims, attacking nerve cells and pathways in the brain or spinal cord. ALS has no known cause or cure, but the community is rallying together to help change that. The ALS Association is a perfect fit for the Mississippi Braves. M-Braves General Manager Steve DeSalvo has agreed to serve as Chairman of the Walk to Defeat ALS. Trustmark Park will also host other events over the weekend to raise more money and awareness for ALS.

“Minor League Baseball is a major supporter of The ALS Association because of baseball’s connection to Lou Gehrig,” DeSalvo said. “This year marks the 75th anniversary of Lou Gehrig’s farewell speech. We’ve gotten behind the efforts of the Louisiana-Mississippi Chapter and plan to put on a lot of various events at Trustmark Park so we can help them not only find a cure but also a treatment for this fatal disease.”

Kelly Viator, Executive Director of The ALS Association Louisiana-Mississippi Chapter, is excited to have the Braves on board. “We’re very grateful for the Mississippi Braves’ support of our signature event, the Walk to Defeat ALS,” Viator stated.

“This event builds awareness of ALS, raises funds to support patient services and research for treatment and a cure, and brings the community together for an important cause,” she said. “As the presenting sponsor and host for the walk, the Braves will have a significant impact on families living with ALS in the Jackson area. We’re looking forward to a successful partnership.”

In addition to hosting the Walk to Defeat ALS, the Braves will host A Night with The ALS Association on Thursday, July 10 in the Farm Bureau Grill at Trustmark Park. Guests will enjoy light refreshments and learn more about the work that The ALS Association Louisiana-Mississippi Chapter is doing in the Jackson area and how community business leaders can become involved as corporate supporters.

I was fortunate enough to accompany a group of pALS (persons living with ALS), caregivers, Chapter staff and friends on a trip to Washington D.C. in May to tell their story to the Mississippi legislature,” DeSalvo explained. “This has had a huge impact on me, and I want to ask the Jackson-Metro Area to help ‘Strike out ALS’.

For more information or to attend A Night with The ALS Association, contact Chelsea Moreau at 225-343-9880, ext. 6 or chelsea.moreau@alsalams.org.

Persons with ALS (pALS) will gather with their families and friends at The Walk to Defeat ALS, hoping their steps will make a difference for ALS patients living in Jackson. Many who walk have a loved one who is still fighting the deadly disease. Others walk in memory of a loved one. Some walk out of a simple concern for those who are suffering with Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

With a life expectancy of only two to five years, patients have an urgent need, and the community is stepping in to fill it by walking for those who can’t. The Walk to Defeat ALS is The ALS Association’s signature event in which all funds directly support cutting-edge research, programs and patient care.

Last year’s events in Louisiana and Mississippi raised $535,000. The ALS Association Louisiana-Mississippi Chapter holds six walks throughout the two states annually. The chapter aims to raise $600,000 this year to continue ALS research and to extend local patient services programs. The Mississippi Braves baseball team is the first presenting level sponsor in the history of the Jackson walk.

All interested walkers should call 800-891-3746, or register online at http://web.alsa.org/Jackson2014.

About The ALS Association Louisiana-Mississippi Chapter

The ALS Association Louisiana-Mississippi Chapter was founded in April 2005 to serve the needs of those living with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and their caregivers. The ALS Association is the only national not-for-profit health organization dedicated solely to the fight against ALS. The Louisiana-Mississippi Chapter works with The ALS Association’s National Office to accomplish a shared mission. Our chapter focuses primarily on helping local patients and families living with ALS while the National Office focuses primarily on research and national advocacy. The Chapter supports the National Office through revenue sharing and research contributions. The National Office supports the Chapters by providing up-to-date information and materials. For more information about The ALS Association Louisiana-Mississippi Chapter, go to www.ALSALAMS.org.
About the Mississippi Braves

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

Dinner on the Diamond to benefit local non-profits July 24

June 6, 2014

Fun-filled, unique & collaborative night of dinner, dancing & more planned

The Missoula Osprey in conjunction with the Hospice Care Foundation, Missoula Aging Services and Aspen Hospice of Montana announced their partnership on the second annual Dinner on the Diamond that will take place Thursday, July 24 at Ogren Park Allegiance Field.

The unique evening will allow event-goers to have dinner on the Blackfoot Party Deck at Ogren Park Allegiance Field. A buffet-style traditional ballpark menu with sides, soda, water and dessert is on tap. Beer and wine will be available for purchase.

Tickets for the event are $25 per person. Tickets for a family of four to five may be purchased for $100. Call the Hospice Care Foundation for other ticket options.

The gates will open at 5:30 p.m. for a social time, with dinner and games scheduled from 6-8 and music by DJ Aaron Traylor as well as dancing and other activities from 8 – 10 p.m.

The event will also feature a reverse raffle, silent auction and 50-50 raffle.

“The Osprey are proud to help produce Dinner on the Diamond for a second year to benefit these local non-profit groups,” said Osprey Vice President/General Manager Jeff Griffin. “It is great to use the facility on a non-baseball game day to improve the quality of life in the community.”

“We recognize the importance of collaborative efforts and using partnerships to raise funds,” said Hospice Care Foundation Chief Executive Officer Kevi Berger. “The Hospice Care Foundation is proud to collaborate with these other high achieving partners and the Missoula Osprey to carry out an event which will help to financially support all of the organizations, all while providing an interactive and fun event for the public.”

Tickets for the event are on sale at the MSO Hub Box Office and from the Hospice Care Foundation, Aspen Hospice of Montana and Missoula Aging Services.

The Osprey play 38 regular season home games each summer. The 2014 home opener is slated for June 19 versus Great Falls.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Missoula Osprey. Click here to view the original story.

CYCLONES ANNOUNCE SEAT OF HONOR FOR 2014

June 6, 2014

On a day in our nation’s history that is forever connected to the sacrifices made by the members of our armed forces, the Cyclones have announced that they will partner with Rolling Thunder – NYC Chapters to have a Chair of Honor at MCU Park. The chair, which will be painted black and feature the POW / MIA emblem, will remain unoccupied in perpetuity in honor of the more than 80,000 American soldiers who have gone missing in action.

“As a nation, we are eternally grateful for the sacrifices the men and women of our armed forces have made, and continue to make, so that we can enjoy the freedoms that come with being an American,” said Cyclones Vice President Steve Cohen. “This is our organization’s way of showing that their sacrifices will never be forgotten.”

The seat, which will be located in the first row of section seven, will be unveiled in a pre-game ceremony prior to the July 4th game against the Aberdeen IronBirds.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Rolling Thunder for this endeavor,” said Brooklyn Cyclones Account Executive Angelina Tennis, whose husband is an Army veteran that served in Iraq and Afghanistan as part of a POW / MIA task force, and is heading this project for the Cyclones. “I have a personal connection to the POW/ MIA cause, so I’m especially proud that our organization is the first team in New York City to join with Rolling Thunder for this project.”

Rolling Thunder is a not-for-profit organization that focuses on POW / MIA initiatives. With over 90-chartered chapters across the United States, Rolling Thunder looks to educate the public about the tens of thousands of men and women unaccounted for in past conflicts, while also aiming to protect future veterans from being left behind. The addition of the Chair of Honor at MCU Park is another step towards the Rolling Thunder’s goal of having a POW / MIA chair in every professional sports venue across the United States of America.

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

2014 NYPL Scholarship Contest

June 6, 2014

The Class-A Short-Season New York-Penn League and its member clubs are proud to announce that the league’s philanthropic arm, the NYPL Charitable Foundation, will once again award over $10,000 in scholarships this summer to deserving high school graduates from the league’s 14 markets.

Download Application Form »

Now in its sixth year, the 2014 NYPL Scholarship Contest is open to any graduating senior from a public or private high school within the league’s footprint. Any student who has been accepted at a two or four-year college or university, vocational school, or technical education institution is eligible. Applicants will be judged based on academic performance, volunteer and extracurricular activities, and the impact their local NYPL club and Minor League Baseball have had on their lives.

The scholarship contest will consist of two stages – a local round and a divisional round. In the local stage, students will apply directly to their local NYPL team, with one applicant chosen by each of the 14 teams to advance to the divisional/final round. The 14 finalists will then be separated by the division of the team they represent. The winning application from each of the NYPL’s three divisions (McNamara, Pinckney and Stedler) will receive the top prize of a $2,500 scholarship. All other finalists will receive a $250 book award.

“The New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation and our 14 member clubs are pleased to have the opportunity to assist outstanding high school seniors within our league’s footprint for the sixth consecutive season,” said Ben J. Hayes, President of the New York-Penn League. “This program will again recognize those seniors who not only meet and exceed traditional scholarship criteria, but demonstrate the positive community impact and lifelong memories fostered by their local NYPL clubs throughout the year.”

High school seniors interested in entering the 2014 Scholarship Contest can obtain the official application from their local NYPL club, or by visiting the league’s official website, New York-Penn League.com.

The deadline to submit applications to the nearest NYPL team is June 27, 2014. Each club’s winner, including the three $2,500 scholarship recipients, will be selected in late July and honored at a game in August.

Download Application Form »

The New York-Penn League and its 14 member clubs created the New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, in 2003. The mission of the Foundation is to provide focus and support for the collective and individual charitable and community efforts of the New York-Penn League, its Clubs, and their staff.

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

Scrappers Partner With Krinos Group to Honor Members of the Community

June 5, 2014

This season, the Scrappers and Krinos Group, a Family of Financial Services, have partnered together to honor upstanding members of our community who have shown the qualities associated with being Scrappy; resiliency and a determined spirit.

Fan are encouraged to nominate members of the community who encompass these traits and the selected nominees will receive four all inclusive seats in the Mr. Rooter Diamond Club. A different winner will be honored during each 2014 Scrappers home game, courtesy of Krinos Group.

All ages will be considered. Fans recommending nominees should provide a brief overview of why the nominee should be selected as well as contact information for both the nominator and the nominee. The form may be downloaded here.

Nominations can be emailed to astoltenberg@mvscrappers.com or sent to the Mahoning Valley Scrappers, 111 Eastwood Mall Blvd, Niles, OH 4446 Attn: Annie Stoltenberg. Nomination forms are available at www.mvscrappers.com.

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

Reliant, CCISD, Hooks Team Up

June 5, 2014

MEND Program Takes Center Stage Next Week

Reliant Energy, the Corpus Christi Independent School District and your Corpus Christi Hooks are joining forces to attack the child obesity crisis.

MEND (Mind-Exercise-Nutrition-Do It!) is CCISD’s tool to work with overweight and obese children and their families. Teaching the target audience methods to develop behaviors that support sustainable and healthy lifestyles is the goal.

Reliant Energy has donated 5,000 general admission tickets to MEND program participants over three Hooks game dates – June 8, 9 and 11. On Sunday the 8th, up to 2,000 CCISD students and their families will hear pregame presentations from Corpus Christi manager Keith Bodie, members of his coaching staff and Hooks players about the importance of a healthy lifestyle. That evening, the Hooks play host to the San Antonio Missions at 6:10.

This fall, MEND continues to tackle the issue with free 10-week weight management courses after school throughout CCISD. Fifteen campuses were involved during 2013-14.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Corpus Christi Hooks. Click here to view the original story.

Support Uplifting Athletes by attending tonight’s game

June 5, 2014

Please join the Penn State Chapter of Uplifting Athletes in fighting kidney cancer with the State College Spikes on Friday, July 11! A portion of tickets sold will be donated to Uplifting Athletes to assist in the fight against rare diseases.

Tickets can be purchased at TicketReturn.com for $12 each. When ordering your tickets, use the Username “Uplifting” and the password “Athletes“ to receive your discount and benefit Uplifting Athletes. Uplifting Athletes tickets are also available by calling 814-272-0237.

Even if you are unable to attend the game, you can still help! We will be taking ticket orders as donations for any family who is affected by a rare disease. Too often a baseball game is not in the budget for some of these families, but you can indicate that your ticket donation is for a family in need and we will make sure they gain free admittance. Even better, a portion of your donation will also be given to Uplifting Athletes to help fight rare diseases.

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

2014 Nick Adenhart Memorial Scholarship winner Claire Wenisch

June 5, 2014

The Cedar Rapids Kernels and Kernels Foundation will present Claire Wenisch as the winner of the 2014 Nick Adenhart Memorial Scholarship before the Kernels game with Burlington on Sunday, June 15^th.

Claire is a 2014 graduate of Cedar Rapids Xavier HS where her school activities, academic accomplishments and accomplishments in track and swimming were quite impressive, making her an excellent choice for the scholarship. Claire plans on attending the University of Northern Iowa to major in accounting.

Nick Adenhart was a bright young pitcher who played for the Cedar Rapids Kernels in 2006, and was a rising star in the Los Angeles Angels organization. Only hours after Nick’s 2009 season debut on the mound for the Angels, a drunk driver tragically killed him on April 9, 2009 at age 22.

Nick’s family continues to honor him with the awarding of a $1,000 scholarship in his memory. The Kernels Foundation is privileged to administer the scholarship on behalf of Nick’s family.

Fans can enjoy all the action with Morgan Hawk on the radio home of Kernels baseball, 1450 KMRY AM, 93.1 KMRY FM, or listen on-line at www.kmryradio.com, or www.kernels.com.

Tickets may be purchased on-line at www.kernels.com, or by calling the Kernels Ticket Office at 896-7560. Ticket office hours are 10 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday, and 10 am to 2 pm on Saturday.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Cedar Rapids Kernels. Click here to view the original story.

Spikes, First National Bank form CCUW Home Run Club

June 5, 2014

Pledge donations for Spikes homers, earn free Spikes tickets!

The State College Spikes will be providing fans a new way to show their support for the Centre County United Way in 2014 with the Home Run Club, presented by First National Bank. Fans will be able to make a pledge for each time a Spikes player hits a homer at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park this summer, and the donations will benefit the Centre County United Way and its 34 partner agencies.

Spikes fans will be encouraged to join First National Bank and the Spikes in making a pledge through public address announcements and videos during each game. Pledge cards can be filled out at Spikes games throughout the season at the Collegiate Pride Customer Service Center on the main concourse behind home plate.

At the end of the season, businesses and individuals who have made home run pledges will be invited to participate in an on-field check presentation with First National Bank, Spikes and Centre County United Way representatives. Plus, any individual who joins the Home Run Club will receive two (2) free Spikes tickets to a future game.

“Our ability to improve lives in Centre County is a direct result of the support and advocacy of the Spikes and First National Bank,” said Tammy Gentzel, Executive Director of Centre County United Way. “We are having fun with this opportunity to ‘play ball’ and to Live United with two incredible community partners. We hope Spikes fans will join in the fun and make the Home Run Club a great success.”

The Spikes’ partnership with the Centre County United Way this season also includes the seventh annual Centre County United Way Partner Agency Series. The Partner Agency Series will shine the spotlight on 15 different organizations over the course of the summer.

The dates and spotlighted agencies for the Spikes’ CCUW Partner Agency Series are as follows:

June 27: Mid-State Literacy Council
June 29: Child Development & Family Council, Centre Crest Auxiliary and Centre County Youth Service Bureau
July 6: Centre County Youth Service Bureau
July 10: The Arc of Centre County
July 12: House of Care and Centre County Child Access Center
July 13: Centre County Youth Service Bureau
July 22: Centre HomeCare/Crossing Hospice
July 24: Easter Seals
July 26: Centre County Youth Service Bureau – presented by Stocker Chevrolet Subaru
August 1: Juniata Boy Scout Council and Skills of Central PA
August 2: TIDES
August 3: Centre County Youth Service Bureau
August 4: Centre for Alternatives in Community Justice
August 14: Strawberry Fields

This article originally appeared on the official website of the State College Spikes1. Click here to view the original story.

Miracle host 5th annual Breast Cancer Awareness Night

June 4, 2014

Festivities include postgame fireworks, survivor walk and silent auction

On Saturday, June 7, the Fort Myers Miracle will host a very special evening at the ballpark with the 5th annual Breast Cancer Awareness Night presented by the Lee Regional Cancer Center and 96.9 MORE FM.

The Miracle play the Lakeland Flying Tigers at 6:05 p.m. at Hammond Stadium and fireworks will light up the Southwest Florida sky after the game. Breast cancer survivors will receive a free ticket to the game. The first 500 women to come through the gates will receive a pink bag compliments of Vein Specialists.

In honor of breast cancer survivors, the Miracle will wear pink jerseys that will be available for auction during the game. The auction will take place on the concourse and conclude in the middle of the sixth inning. Fans with the winning bids will be invited onto the field after the game to receive the jersey from the respective player.

The silent auction will also other items including a Key West Express tickets, local hotel and restaurant certificates, dinner and show for four from the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, a Chicago White Sox Robin Ventura autographed jersey, a Paul Molitor autographed jersey and ball and much more.

A portion of the net proceeds from the jersey auction, silent auction and raffles will benefit the Lee Memorial Health Systems Regional Cancer Center to assist with mammogram services for uninsured and underinsured patients.

Prior to the game, a survivor walk will begin at 5:15 p.m. around the warning track at Hammond Stadium. Fans who are survivors, and their families, are invited to take part.

Fans can enjoy a SINK or SWIM Saturday. For just $12, fans get a wristband for All You Can Drink domestic draft beers through the sixth inning.

Tickets are available at the Miracle offices on the third floor of Hammond Stadium from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Fans can purchase tickets online at www.miraclebaseball.com or call (239) 768-4210.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Fort Myers Miracle. Click here to view the original story.

Tigers Unveil CT Military All-Stars Promotion

June 4, 2014

Honorees to be recognized on Military Appreciation Night

The Connecticut Tigers, in partnership with the Better Business Bureau, announce the 2014 Connecticut Military All-Stars promotion in conjunction with the annual Military Appreciation Night.

For the second consecutive year, the Better Business Bureau Military Line will be the presenting sponsor of Military Appreciation Night on Friday, August 8^th. The Tigers and Better Business Bureau have teamed up with The Day to help recognize nine individuals for their service on that night.

Fans are encouraged to visit theday.com/ctmilitaryallstars between June 1 and June 13 to nominate their military all-star to be recognized. A panel of community judges will select the nine nominees they feel best fit the spirit of the promotion to be honored on the field prior to the game on August 8^th. In addition, those selected will be part of a commemorative Connecticut Military All-Stars baseball card set given away to the first 1,000 fans through the gates that night courtesy of the Better Business Bureau Military Line.

All current and former military will receive a reserved ticket and a food voucher redeemable for a hot dog, bag of chips, and non-alcoholic bottle beverage for just $7 when showing their military ID at the Dodd Stadium box office on August 8^th. In addition, the Tigers will be wearing special “stars and stripes” uniform tops that will be auctioned off during the game on the concourse. Fans will have the opportunity to bid on the jerseys in a silent auction. The proceeds from that auction will go towards a scholarship for a deserving military family to help offset the cost of college tuition through the Better Business Bureau Military Line.

There is also a $2 discount off Premium, Reserved, and Grandstand tickets with a military ID at the Dodd Stadium box office for all Connecticut Tigers games.

The Connecticut Tigers are the New York-Penn League affiliate of the Detroit Tigers and play a 76 game schedule that runs from mid June through early September. The 2014 home schedule begins Wednesday, June 18^th against the Lowell Spinners (Red Sox affiliate) with fireworks after the game presented by US Foods! 2014 season tickets, mini plans, individual game tickets, and team merchandise are now on sale! The front office and ticket office is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and can be accessed in person, at cttigers.com, or by calling 860-887-7962.

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

The Gwinnett Braves have announced the recipients of their $1,000 grants for the months of March and April.

June 4, 2014

Grace Faith Ministries, GLUE Foundation receive $1,000 monthly grants

The Gwinnett Braves have announced the recipients of their $1,000 grants for the months of March and April. Grace Faith Ministries has been awarded March’s “Salute to the Arts” themed grant, aimed at assisting organizations that support art programs and education. GLUE Foundation has received April’s “Take me out to the Ballgame” themed grant, intended to promote youth athletics and activities in the community.

Grace Faith Ministries, the March recipient, started as an open “Jam Session” within a small group of high school and middle school-aged artists, but quickly evolved into a weekly program in Norcross. The goal of the ministries is to encourage and teach youth how to impact the community through creative arts.

Since its inception in 2012, the program has grown in size and has collaborated with Heir of Excellence Inc., to launch a school-based program. The program is growing and becoming an influential presence in the community.

The grant awarded by the Gwinnett Braves will fund the purchase of after-school snacks and equipment for the program, as well as contribute to an end-of-semester youth showcase.

“We understand the importance of youth development as well as the obvious impact and influence of media as an intricate element in the lives of young people,” said Lloyd George, Youth Coordinator at Grace Faith Ministries. “Therefore, our ministry utilizes media arts to reach and engage youth – meeting them where they are. Our overarching vision is to create dynamic, socially relevant programs wherein our youth can constructively communicate with their community and the world around them in them new exciting ways. With this grant from the Gwinnett Braves Foundation, we will be able to expand our youth initiatives and student-media projects.”

GLUE Foundation, recipient of the April grant, has served the city of Lawrenceville for over 10 years. The foundation provides athletes with the necessary resources to become well-rounded contributors to society.

Founded in 2003 by Rishal Stanciel, GLUE, which is an acronym for Giving Love Unites Everyone, is a faith-based non-profit that is designed to work with middle school and high school student-athletes as they pursue academic and athletic excellence. GLUE facilitates workshops for student-athletes and their parents to prepare them for the transition to college.

GLUE will use the grant awarded by the Gwinnett Braves to support quarterly workshops and to provide ACT exam fees, college application fees, as well math and writing tutoring fees.

About Grace Faith Ministries: Grace Faith Ministries was founded in 2011 by Pastor Lloyd George Sr. The mission of Grace Faith Ministries is to love God, to love others, and to magnify the name of Jesus Christ. The vision of our church is to glorify our God and Savior, Jesus Christ, to make true disciples throughout all the nations by means of missionary activity and support, to minister the ordinances, to edify believers, and to do all that is sovereignly possible and biblically permissible to magnify the name of Jesus. For more information about the program and the church please contact their youth coordinator Lloyd George Jr at lloydg072@gmail.com.

About GLUE Foundation: GLUE, which is an acronym for Giving Love Unites Everyone, is a faith-based non-profit that is designed to work with middle school and high school student-athletes as they pursue academic and athletic excellence. After spending over 15 years in corporate America in marketing and sales, Rishal Stanciel founded GLUE as a non-profit organization to reach today’s youth with a life transforming message. GLUE facilitates workshops for student athletes and their parents to prepare them for the transition to college. Some of the workshop topics include NCAA Eligibility Center guidelines, Seven Success Strategies for Transition to college, ACT/SAT Prep, Taking Care of your body, Academic Excellence Must be Pursued, Math is Necessary, and Understanding the Finances of college. Stanciel is a college Career Coach for MLT, and also co-authored “Coached For a Success,” a book to help students experience success in college. The book is available on Amazon.com. For more information about the program please contact Stanciel at rishal21@hotmail.com.

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

Chiefs to hold Little League Appreciation Night

June 4, 2014

All Little Leaguers in attendance can enter June 14th game for free

The Syracuse Chiefs are pleased to announce the details of this year’s Little League Appreciation Night, presented by Hofmann Sausage Company. Little League Appreciation Night will be held on Saturday, June 14th, when the Chiefs play the Norfolk Tides at 7:00 PM.

All Little Leaguers wearing their team jersey or uniform to the Chiefs’ game on June 14th will receive free admission. Little Leaguers in attendance will be able to walk with their team banners in a pregame, on-field parade, where each team’s name will be read over the stadium’s public address system. In addition, the first 1,000 kids to enter the stadium will receive a replica Chiefs jersey as part of Giveaway Saturday, courtesy of Hofmann.

“We want to honor the kids playing the greatest game in the world and can’t wait to have them show up on Little League Night”, said Chiefs general manager Jason Smorol. “Maybe we’ll even have some future Syracuse Chiefs in uniform!”

The Chiefs will contact Little League coaches and league presidents directly to ensure that Little League players receive their free ticket for June 14th’s game. Upon arrival to the stadium that night, coaches can pick up their team’s tickets by checking in with our ticket office representatives outside the main gate.

For tickets and information regarding Little League Night or all other Chiefs games, call the Chiefs at 315-474-7833, stop by the NBT Bank Stadium ticket office during regular business hours or visit syracusechiefs.com.

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

MCU AND CYCLONES TO OFFER FREE YOUTH CLINICS

June 3, 2014

Municipal Credit Union (MCU) is launching the first MCU Youth Baseball and Softball Clinic Series. The Clinics, which are open to children 7 – 14 years of age, will be held on Monday, June 23, Wednesday, July 16 and Monday, August 4 at MCU Park before the Brooklyn Cyclones baseball games. The Youth Baseball and Softball Clinic Series is part of MCU’s corporate commitment to giving back to the communities in which it serves, in particular the youth of the community.

John Franco, MCU spokesperson and Mets Hall of Fame Pitcher, will be the Head Coach of the Clinics. Current Cyclones players, area high school coaches and players, and other special guests will also serve as volunteers to coach Clinic participants.

Youth participating in the Clinics will take part in drills on fielding, running, throwing, and injury prevention/stretching. They will also be able to take part in a question and answer session with volunteer coaches and a photo op with John Franco.

Each participant will also receive four tickets to that evening’s Brooklyn Cyclones game at MCU Park. There is a limit of 100 participants per clinic, and participation will be on a first come, first serve basis.

“I am excited to be part of the MCU Youth Baseball and Softball Clinics this summer. My lifelong dream of playing professional baseball began in Brooklyn, and the instruction and encouragement I received from coaches throughout my career allowed me to live that dream. Being able to give back to the community by teaching young ballplayers the right way to play is something I am honored to do, and I’m so proud to work with MCU and the Brooklyn Cyclones to provide the City’s kids with this invaluable opportunity,” said Franco.

“MCU is proud to host our first annual Youth Clinic series at MCU Park this summer. We are honored to work with the Brooklyn Cyclones and our spokesperson John Franco to provide a unique opportunity for young baseball and softball players to receive professional instruction on a professional field, and we hope that this program could continue to grow as another shining example of the work that we do as an institution to give back to the communities which we serve,” said Kam Wong, President/CEO of Municipal Credit Union.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to work with MCU for the Youth Baseball and Softball Clinics. As an organization, we pride ourselves on being active members within our community while also helping to grow the game of baseball with young people throughout the city. This program helps accomplish both of those goals, while also providing kids with the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play on the same field that many current major leaguers, including Curtis Granderson and Daniel Murphy, once played on,” said Steve Cohen, Cyclones Vice President.

To participate in any of the Clinics, individuals must sign up at www.nymcu.org/youthclinics or CLICK HERE.

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

Blue Jays initiate reading program

June 3, 2014

The Bluefield Blue Jays, the Appalachian League affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, have announced the start of a reading initiative aimed at children in the two Virginias. “Reading is a Homerun” is an interactive program that allows Blue Jays staff and players to share their joy of reading with students. The team has united with Craft Memorial Library in downtown Bluefield in an effort to reach children this summer.

“We are looking forward to working with the Blue Jays and feel as though this will be a very beneficial program” said Eva McGuire, the director at the Craft Memorial Library.

“Literacy is one of the most important building blocks for success” said Blue Jays General Manager Chris Maxwell. ” We just want to show that reading isn’t about just schoolwork it’s about having fun and let your imagination take you to amazing places” he added

The team will encourage fans to bring used children’s books that can be distributed to those less fortunate. “Libraries are one of the greatest resources that our young people have today, but we would also like those who can’t afford it to be able to feel like they can have books of their own” says Maxwell. Teachers, summer camps, or learning centers who are interested in having players come down and read this summer should contact Chris Maxwell at 276-326-1326.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Bluefield Blue Jays. Click here to view the original story.