Archives for December 2014

Meet Reedy and Santa on Saturday!

Dynamic duo will be at the Drive Team Store from 11 AM-1:30 PM

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Greenville-DriveKids all over the world adore Santa Claus, and Drive mascot Reedy Rip’It is one of the most beloved mascots around. On Saturday, December 13th, you can get the chance to meet them both!

Santa Claus and Reedy Rip’It will be stopping by the Greenville Drive Team Store on Main Street from 11 AM-1:30 PM on the 13th to talk Christmas wishes and take photos.

You won’t want to miss this great opportunity to meet these two jolly, lovable friends!

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

Brooklyn Baseball Academy

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Brooklyn-CyclonesThe Brooklyn Baseball Academy is recognized throughout New York City as one of the premier developmental baseball programs in the five boroughs. This winter, MCU Park will host a five-week program designed to develop and sharpen the fundamental skills that all of our athletes need in order to be successful on the baseball diamond. The offseason is not a time of rest for the serious baseball player. Our winter program is designed for the serious athlete in mind who wants to gain that competitive edge on the field.

The Brooklyn Baseball Academy is available starting on Monday, December 8th. There will be four different sessions per week.

  • Monday: Hitting (Swing Mechanics, Advanced Drill Work, Plate Approach, Live BP and Video Analysis)
  • Tuesday: Hitting (Swing Mechanics, Advanced Drill Work, Plate Approach, Live BP and Video Analysis)
  • Wednesday: Pitching (Mechanical Work and Drills, Grips, Pitchers Fielding Practice and Video Analysis)
  • Thursday: Open Development (Players Will Have Option to Choose What they Want to Work On)
* Each session will last one (1) hour and there will be a limit of four players per group.
** Sessions start at 5:00 PM and run through 9:00 PM each night

WHERE: The five-week Winter Baseball Developmental Program will run at MCU Park, home of the Brooklyn Cyclones. The program will use the same training facilities that the professionals use every day during the Cyclones season.

WHEN: We will be training athletes ages 8 and up.

REGISTRATION: The cost per player the for the five-week program is $200 which also includes two ticket vouchers for a 2015 Brooklyn Cyclones game.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Individual Lessons

30 Minutes $50
60 Minutes $90
5 Pack of 30 Minute Lessons $230
10 Pack of 30 Minute Lessons $420

Group Lessons

Two Players $60 per player
Three Players $45 per player
Four Players $40 per player

Batting Tunnel Rentals

30 Minutes $35
60 Minutes $60

To Reserve Your Spot Contact :

Tommy Cardona

718 – 382 – 2682 / TCard@BrooklynCyclones.com

Gary Perone, Founder – Brooklyn Baseball Academy,

718 – 382 – 3608 / Gary@BrooklynCyclones.com

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

San Jose Giants Release 2014 Community Report

Report showcases organization’s impact in the South Bay

San-Jose-GiantsThe San Jose Giants released today their 2014 Community Report. The report is a complete detail of the organization’s community involvement and contributions. From expanding the team’s extensive fundraising efforts to a record number of mascot appearances and the organization’s rise from twenty-fifth in Minor League Baseball’s social media rankings to second overall, the San Jose Giants presence was felt well beyond the Municipal Stadium gates this year.

“I want to personally thank all of our fans and partners for your loyalty and passion for the San Jose Giants and our place in the community,” said Daniel Orum, San Jose Giants President and CEO. “Through the organization’s extensive work with youth sports groups, schools and regional non-profit organizations, the team has introduced baseball to millions of homes in Northern California and this year alone raised over $480,000 for charitable causes.”

The 2014 Community Report showcases the variety of charitable efforts the San Jose Giants are involved with both inside and beyond the Municipal Stadium gates. Highlights of the report include over 150 appearances made by San Jose Giants personnel, unique, community-centered evening’s at Municipal Stadium, events in partnership with the Giants Community Fund to help under served youth and in-kind donations to more than 750 local and national organizations.

For more information on the San Jose Giants and how to get your organization involved next season, call (408) 297-1435 or visit sjgiants.com.

Read 2014 San Jose Giants Community Report

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

“Anchor the Anchors” Child Car Seat Event Saturday

Event in Conjunction with the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office and Safe Kids Oklahoma

Oklahoma-City-RedHawks-LogoThe Oklahoma City RedHawks, the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office, and Safe Kids Oklahoma are teaming up to sponsor a free car seat check from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Sept. 13 at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

Technicians will be on hand to install car seats and to check previously installed seats for the general public. Local media, especially television anchors, are encouraged to attend and participate to ensure their car seats are properly installed and correctly “anchored” in their vehicles.

Safe-Kids-Oklahoma“Studies show that four out of five car seats are installed incorrectly,” said Katie Mueller, Executive Director at Safe Kids Oklahoma. “Events like this give parents and caregivers a chance to make sure their car seats are properly installed and to ensure that they are using the correct type for each child’s age, size, and weight.”

A very limited number of cars seats will be available for $10 to attendees on a first-come, first-served basis. In order to be eligible to receive a car seat, the child and the legal guardian must be present and show proof of state assistance, food stamps, WIC, etc.

“We encourage families and caregivers to stop by and make sure they have all car seats properly installed,” Mueller said. “Our goal is to be sure that occupants in each car leave the event safer than when they arrived.”

“The RedHawks are pleased to have the opportunity to partner with the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office,” said RedHawks President/General Manager Michael Byrnes. “OHSO is among the leaders in communicating important safety measures to the public, and their partnership with Safe Kids in organizing these events further shows what an asset they are to our community.”

For more information about Oklahoma’s occupant protection laws, car seat guidelines, and other seat check events across the state, visit www.ohso.ok.gov.

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

Mascot Stormy Debuts Children’s Book Saturday at The Bookworm

“Stormy and the Case of the Terrible Twister” is first ever children’s book produced by Storm Chasers

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Omaha-Storm-Chasers-2014The Omaha Storm Chasers mascot Stormy has many accomplishments since he was born in 2010, but he will now add his own book to that list! “Stormy and the Case of the Terrible Twister,” the first ever children’s book produced by the Storm Chasers, will be officially released this Saturday at The Bookworm, and the mascot himself will be there!

Home-Run-Foundation-of-Omaha-logoThe Bookworm, located at 2501 South 90th Street, will host Stormy on December 6 from 1 – 3 p.m. as part of the celebration for “Take Your Child to a Bookstore Day.” The price for each book is $13.95, and portions of the proceeds from purchases will go to the Home Run Foundation of Greater Omaha.

“Stormy and the Case of the Terrible Twister” was written David Green (son of Storm Chasers owner Gary Green) and Constantine Ladikos, while being illustrated by Andre Frattino. In the book Stormy learns a twister might spoil his special day at Werner Park, so he goes on a search to find the threatening twister.

Fans can also purchase “Stormy and the Case of the Terrible Twister” at the Storm Front Team Store or online here:

http://stormchasers.milbstore.com/store_contents.cfm?store_id=117&dept_id=-1&product_id=58218.

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

Hot Rods’ Holiday Home Run for Kids Set for December 14

Hot Rods’ Holiday Home Run for Kids Set for December 14

Bowling-Green-Hot-Rods-LogoThe holidays may not occur during baseball season, but the Bowling Green Hot Rods are not allowing a simple calendar fact get in the way of celebrating them. The Hot Rods are pleased to introduce the inaugural Holiday Home Run for Kids. Not only will there be fun and entertainment for kids, but families can help the Hot Rods help those in need in South-Central Kentucky by contributing to the Toys for Tots drive. This free event will take place on Sunday, December 14, and it will run from 2-4 p.m. CT.

Toys-for-Tots-logo-2014b“We experienced outstanding support from the community with the Spring Rev-Up and most recently with Funner-Ween, and we hope to top both of them while helping a great cause,” said Hot Rods Assistant General Manager Ben Hemmen. “By contributing a toy to the Toys for Tots Drive, families can help their neighbors in need while also securing a discount in the team store. It’s a great chance for kids to meet Santa at the ballpark, and with prizes for everyone, it’ll be fun for all ages.”

Santa will be present and taking kids’ Holiday wishes. Holiday Home Run for Kids will take place in The Body Shop at Bowling Green Ballpark, and is loaded with free items. In addition to free entry, free cookies, candy canes, and hot chocolate will be handed out. The donation of unwrapped toy(s) to Toys for Tots will net the donor 10% off their entire purchase in the team store.

Fans who attend will also be eligible to win a number of presents, including free entry to a 2015 club at Bowling Green Ballpark, game-worn jerseys, 2014 prize packs, and even a 2015 Owners Experience Night, which features a free game inside the spacious Owner’s Suite for a 2015 Hot Rods regular-season game. The Body Shop will feature a large collection of clearance items, along with game-used merchandise. Fans will have the opportunity to purchase holiday packs, FUNNER cards, season-ticket packages, and more.

All are encouraged to keep checking the Hot Rods social media accounts every day, as a new deal and offer is revealed during the club’s 25 Days of Christmas. Daily offers include discounts on tickets, merchandise, and more. The Hot Rods can be found on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and even Pinterest.

Season tickets for the 2015 season are available now, and they can be purchased for as little as $90. While Opening Night is set for Saturday, April 18, the Hot Rods will host Western Kentucky University in an exhibition game on Tuesday, April 7. Plans offer numerous exclusive benefits and provide the greatest flexibility. For more information on the club and to secure your seats for the 2015 season, fans can logon to BGHotRods.com, call 270-901-2121, or visit the Bowling Green Ballpark box office.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Bowling Green Hot Rods. Click here to view the original story.

Charlie Brings Santa to The Joe!

Charlie Brings Santa to The Joe!

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Charleston-RiverDogsDuring this holiday season, the Charleston RiverDogs invite kids of all ages to The Joe to have their photo taken with the club’s popular mascot Charlie T. RiverDog AND Santa Claus on December 13.

The RiverDogs will interrupt Santa’s busy season and will have him from approximately 11am – 1 pm at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park. Santa and Charlie will be spending time with fans to help them enjoy the holiday season, RiverDogs style!

Salvation-ArmyIn order to have the free picture taken with Santa and Charlie, one must donate a new and unwrapped toy to the Salvation Army Giving Tree or a cash donation, which will be donated to the Salvation Army through one of their recognizable kettles.

As Christmas music will be played over the Riley Park sound system, fans may enjoy a free cup of hot chocolate. There will be a station for kids to write their letters to Santa so that he can take them back to the North Pole with him that evening. There will be holiday themed crafts, including an ornament making area where kids can bring their creations home with them. Fans will be given the chance to tour the clubhouse and other parts of The Joe. Those shopping in the RiverDogs Souvenir Shop will receive 25% off all clothing.

While the photo opportunities with Charlie and Santa will cost a toy or a donation to the Salvation Army, entry into Riley Park for this event is free.

For more information, please contact the RiverDogs at 843/577-DOGS (3647).

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

Shoeboxes for Children Claw Club Sale

‘Dads team with Elevation Church & Hickory Soup Kitchen

Hickory-CrawdadsThe Hickory Crawdads are partnering with Elevation Church and the Hickory Soup Kitchen to offer fans a half-priced 2015 Claw Club membership in exchange for donating select items that can be included in special Shoeboxes for Children this Holiday season.

Fans have until December 15th to donate to the Shoeboxes for Children program and receive a Claw Club membership for only $19, half the normal price. The program provides a special shoebox filled with warm weather essentials, school supplies, hygiene kits, and small toys to every child at the Hickory Soup Kitchen on Christmas. Hickory-Soup-KitchenAcceptable items for fans to donate include:

  • Brush/Comb sets
  • Kids sized sunglasses (non-gender specific)
  • $5 gift cards to McDonald’s
  • Pairs of socks
  • Small, low-priced toys (non-gender specific)

Elevation Church is also requesting children’s Bibles, while the Crawdads will be making and accepting hand-made Christmas cards to include in the shoeboxes as well. Both items will be accepted for a half-priced Claw Club membership. Donations can be made to the ‘Dads front office at L.P. Frans Stadium, along with a completed Claw Club Form.

For more information regarding the Hickory Soup Kitchen visit www.hickorysoupkitchen.org. More information about Elevation Church can be found at www.elevationchurch.org.

The Claw Club is the official kids club of the Hickory Crawdads. A membership includes:

  • One ticket to ALL 70 Crawdads home games in 2015
  • Official Membership Card
  • One Complimentary Speed Pitch, Carousel, & Bounce House Voucher each Saturday
  • One Complimentary ticket for Dad on Father’s Day
  • One Complimentary ticket for Mom on Mother’s Day
  • Special Events during the off-season and regular season
  • Claw Club Newsletter via E-Mail
  • 15% Discount at the Crawdads’ Team Store!
  • $30 Discount on a Birthday Party

For more information on the Claw Club or the Shoeboxes for Children sale, call the Crawdads Front Office at (828) 322-3000 or email Director of Community Relations and Events, Megan Meade at mmeade@hickorycrawdads.com.

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

Michigan Baseball Foundation Reflects During Season of Giving

Area MBF grant recipients will be highlighted in coming weeks

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Great-Lakes-LoonsAs we enter this season of giving, we’d like to take time to reflect on the impact the Michigan Baseball Foundation has had on other non-profit organizations in our region.

The MBF has always strived to hit a home run when it comes to promoting regional economic development and supporting local non-profit organizations. These organizations encompass a vast range of community engagement and improvement – from homeless shelters to local Little Leagues.

Michigan-Baseball-FoundationAnd now we’d like to show not only how MBF grants have helped non-profits in the Great Lakes Bay Region, but also the good works that those groups do.

In the coming weeks, we will spotlight some regional non-profit organizations that have received MBF grants. We’ll share information about the organization, including their mission and the work they do in the community, as well as show how their MBF grant was used by the organization to enhance their efforts.

In 2014, a total of $98,555 was distributed by the MBF between 25 different organizations. To date, the MBF grant program has awarded 209 grants totaling $721,014 to non-profit organizations in the Great Lakes Bay Region.

But there’s always more work to be done.

The MBF accepts grant applications throughout the year and awards grants of various amounts to deserving non-profit organizations. In order to qualify for a grant, applicants must contribute to regional economic development, serve young people in the Great Lakes Bay Region, or fund projects promoting amateur sports.

The grant money is used to fund projects within the non-profit organization, but isn’t intended to fund day-to-day operations.

Primary consideration is given to organizations in Midland, Bay, Saginaw, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Genesee, Isabella, Ogemaw, Tuscola, Huron, Arenac and Iosco counties. The MBF is currently accepting grant applications from now until February 13, 2015.

MBF owns and operates Dow Diamond – home of the Great Lakes Loons – as an engine of economic growth, charitable giving and high quality of life through its Dow Diamond All-Stars program, a charitable giving program that enables its members to contribute to future enhancements of Dow Diamond. Through a tax-deductible donation to the Dow Diamond All-Stars Fund, supporters are able to select a distinct level of giving, with levels beginning at $10.

Dow Diamond has been rated as one of the premier minor league baseball stadiums since it opened on April 13, 2007. Over 2-million fans have attended Loons games through eight seasons.

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

RailRiders to Unfurl Banners of Honor in 2015

Team Seeks Community Input to Recognize NEPA’s Most Helpful & Courageous

Scranton-W-B-RailRiders-logoThere are many pieces to the puzzle that make up why NEPA is such a great place to live, work and play. The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Triple-A/New York Yankees) believe that the people of NEPA stand at the top of that pyramid. The team would like to invite our neighbors to submit nominations for the newly-minted Banners of Honor program that will salute those that have exemplified excellence in public service. Those with service time in the military, police force, fire department, emergency medical service, volunteer activities or other related fields are eligible.

Entries can be sent by e-mail to info@swbrailriders.com or to the RailRiders front office at PNC Field, 235 Montage Mountain Rd., Moosic, PA 18507 with special attention to “Banners of Honor”. Each submission should include a summary and photo of the person being nominated. Selections will be made by Jan. 30, 2015. The selected winners will be honored with banners inside of PNC Field throughout the 2015 season.

“We believe that some of the most helpful and respected people to enter our stadium have never played on the field, but are the men and women of our community,” said Rachel Mark, the RailRiders’ community relations director.

The RailRiders open their 2015 season at home on April 9 against the Syracuse Chiefs (Washington Nationals). For more information please call (570) 969-BALL (2255) or visit swbrailriders.com.

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

CYCLONES HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE

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TOY DRIVE

Brooklyn-CyclonesStarting on Monday, December 2nd and running through Friday, December 13th the Brooklyn Cyclones will be collecting toys at MCU Park to be distributed to those in need this holiday season.  Anyone who donates a toy, valued at $10 or more, will receive a FREE box seat to our Christmas in July Celebration on July 25th. (Limit One Per Person, not per toy)

You can bring your new, unwrapped toys to the MCU Park administrative offices during normal business hours (9 to 5, Monday through Friday).  In addition, there will be a special Holiday Party on Tuesday, December 10th from 6:00 – 8:00PM in the Cyclones team store.  Fans will receive a special offer of 50% off everything in stock  and have a chance to take their photo with Santa and Sandy.  The team will also be collecting non-perishable food items for local food pantries as part of Brooklyn Eats Cares.

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

Santa Claus is Coming…Back to PNC Field

Breakfast with St. Nick & Friends on Dec. 13

Scranton-W-B-RailRiders-logoIt’s the most wonderful time of the year…for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Triple-A/New York Yankees) fans that is. On Saturday, Dec. 13 from 9 a.m.-11 a.m., the big man himself, Santa Claus, and several of his friends will be on hand in the Mohegan Sun Club at PNC Field for breakfast and more.

The full breakfast features scrambled eggs, mini-pancakes, home fries, ham, sausage, juice and coffee. The accent sure to excite – a hot chocolate bar with all the fixins kids can add including sprinkles, marshmallows, candy canes, whipped cream and chocolate syrup.

There will be activities for the little ones as well with craft tables sporting: reindeer puppets, candy cane reindeer ornaments, Christmas cookie decoration and Christmas cards for veterans. Every guest will also be eligible for three different baseball-related prize giveaways on a raffle basis during the breakfast. One lucky guest will receive a grand prize giveaway of four tickets to Opening Day 2015.

Toys-for-Tots-logo-2014bSanta and the RailRiders’ mascots will be available for pictures along with the chance for a Christmas family photo in the RailRiders clubhouse. The Marines will be on hand as well to accept new, unwrapped Toys for Tots donations. The first 100 people to donate toys will receive a RailRiders baseball. The team store, SWB Station, will have gear available for your holiday needs.

Tickets for the event are on sale now in advance at the PNC Field box office (open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.), or the day of the event. All payments will be run through the box office and guests shall receive tickets that must be presented at the door to gain entrance to the breakfast. The ticket prices are $12.00 for adults and $6.00 for kids 3-12. Children that are 2 and under will be allowed in at no charge.

The RailRiders open their 2015 season at home on April 9 against the Syracuse Chiefs (Washington Nationals). For more information please call (570) 969-BALL (2255) or visit swbrailriders.com.

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