Archives for January 2015

Barons, FOX6 WBRC & Life South Host Blood Drive Feb. 13 at Regions Field

January 29, 2015

Donate Blood Friday, February 13 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. in the Schaeffer Eye Center Club Lounge

The Birmingham Barons, along with FOX6 WBRC and Life South Community Blood Centers, are hosting a community blood drive Friday, February 13 at Regions Field.

“Being an active Birmingham community partner is extremely important to our organization, and this blood drive is another event in which we want to continue our commitment,” Barons General Manager Jonathan Nelson said. “This past December we hosted a coat drive in which the great folks in this community supported, and we hope that we receive that same support with this blood drive. It is an honor to work with FOX6 and Life South. We hope to promote the importance of blood donation, and we hope to see a lot of donors at Regions Field who want to impact the lives of those in need of a transfusion.”

The drive is located in the Schaeffer Eye Center Club Lounge, hosted on the second floor at Regions Field, and is set to run from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. All participants will receive a drawstring backpack, courtesy of Life South.

“FOX6 WBRC is excited to partner with the Barons and Life South to provide a service that is extremely important to the Birmingham community,” stated FOX6 WBRC Marketing Director Jim Heinrich.

Donors must be 17 or older, (16-year-olds may donate with written parental consent) weigh 110 pounds or more and show I.D. All donors receive a recognition item and a cholesterol screening. For more information about Life South Community Blood Centers, call (888) 795-2707 or visit lifesouth.org.

“We are in emergency need for blood,” Life South Birmingham Community Director Brian Garrett said. “We appreciate the partnership with the Barons and FOX6 WBRC in an effort to get the Birmingham community involved and giving back to local patients.”

Birmingham opens the 2015 season Thursday, April 9 as Regions Field hosts the Mobile Bay Bears at 7:05 p.m. Tickets for opening night are currently on sale and are available for purchase online, by phone or in person at the Joe Drake Ticket Office at Regions Field. For more information about the Barons Regions Field and the complete 2015 schedule, please call (205) 988-3200 or visit www.barons.com, www.facebook.com/birminghambarons or on Twitter: @bhambarons.

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

Fluor Field Hosts Complimentary Coaching Clinic on February 5th

January 28, 2015

Drive Manager Darren Fenster leads the clinic from 6:00-8:30 PM

The Greenville Drive have announced they will hold a complimentary coaching clinic led by Drive Manager Darren Fenster on Thursday, February 5th from 6:00-8:30 PM in the home clubhouse at Fluor Field.

The clinic is available for coaches at all levels of baseball, including little league, middle and high school, and travel baseball.
Fenster will cover a wide array of topics during the interactive forum, ranging from individual skills such as hitting, throwing, and fielding to team fundamentals such as cutoffs, relays and rundowns. Fenster will provide insight on a general approach to coaching, while also touching on practice organization and how to keep players engaged while getting the most out of their time on the field.

Additionally, those in attendance will have the unique opportunity to experience exactly how the Drive coaching staff employs this approach to their daily work during the 2015 season.

“With the amazing support that the Greenville and entire Upstate communities give us throughout the course of the season, I wanted to find a creative way to give back to the very people who make our days at Fluor Field so rewarding,” said Fenster. “I couldn’t think of a better way to do so than by putting together a coaching clinic that will benefit the next generation of players through this generation of coaches.

“Baseball has given me a platform as a coach that I truly value, and I take a great sense of responsibility to share my passion for and knowledge of the game with as many others who want to listen. To do this in the place I’ve called home for parts of the past few years is a special opportunity.”
Fenster has accumulated a wealth of experience during his time as a player and coach at both the college and professional levels. He was a two-time All-American shortstop at Rutgers University before spending five seasons in the Kansas City Royals system from 2000-2004, and he received an invite to major league spring training during his time with the Royals.

Following his playing career, Fenster returned to his alma mater and spent six seasons on the staff of the Scarlet Knights, serving under legendary coach Fred Hill, who earlier this month was inducted into the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. He also spent a season as an assistant coach for the Orleans Cardinals in the Cape Cod League in 2008.

In 2013, Fenster created Coaching Your Kids, an initiative that shares his love and understanding of the game to the baseball community of coaches, players, and fans in general through camps and clinics in addition to media forums such as Twitter (@CoachYourKids), print magazines, and online blogs and podcasts.

He joined the professional coaching ranks in 2012 as the Drive’s hitting coach before getting his first managing opportunity with the Gulf Coast League Red Sox in 2013, leading the club to the league championship series. The 2015 season will be Fenster’s second piloting the Drive.

“We are thrilled to give back to the local coaching community with this clinic at Fluor Field,” said Drive General Manager Eric Jarinko. “Darren Fenster is a terrific coach as well as being an outstanding person, and his passion for the game and his ability to connect with players of all ages and ability levels are second to none. He truly is a great ambassador for both the Greenville Drive and the game of baseball, and we couldn’t be happier to have him on board for this coaching clinic and the 2015 season at Fluor Field.”

The clinic is complimentary, but registration is required as space is limited. Coaches interested in registering for the clinic can do so by clicking here.
For additional info, please contact Cameron White, the Drive’s Media Relations Manager, at cameron@greenvilledrive.com.

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

Sixth Annual Baseball Basics for Women Clinic Announced

January 27, 2015

Clinic to be held March 23

The Pittsburgh Pirates and Bradenton Marauders are accepting registrants for the sixth annual Baseball Basics for Women clinic presented in partnership with Manatee Memorial Hospital. The clinic is intended for young adult and adult women interested in learning or refining their baseball fundamentals. It will be held Monday, March 23 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at McKechnie Field.

The registration fee is $45. Pirates Major League and minor league players and coaches will instruct participants in hitting, catching, running the bases, and fielding. Each of the women will also receive a free t-shirt, a goodie bag filled with great prizes , like a free massage at Elements Massage, and a ticket to the Saturday, March 28 Spring Training game against the Blue Jays. Gecko’s Grill & Pub will provide dinner after the clinic. The Kona Bar built by NDC Construction will be open for family members and guests during the clinic and for participants during dinner. All participants will be entered in a raffle for a ceremonial first pitch opportunity for the March 28 game.

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Manatee Memorial Foundation. The Manatee Memorial Foundation is a non-profit organization that supports the health-related needs of the Manatee County community. Community healthcare needs and scholarships for medical education are the benefactors of the Foundation.

Registration for Baseball Basics for Women must be completed by Monday, March 2 in order to be guaranteed a t-shirt. The Baseball Basics for Women registration form can be accessed online at www.bradentonmarauders.com. For more information or to register, call Carly Paganelli at 941-747-3031 (ext. 4362) or email Carley.Paganelli@pirates.com.

Participants can receive a $5 registration discount by joining the new Lady Marauders Club. For $50, Lady Marauders receive admission to every Saturday night Bradenton Marauders home game, happy hour specials from 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. at Saturday games, a club T-shirt, and invitations to special pre-game events before select Saturday games. For more information on the Lady Marauders Club, call Anne Putnam at 941-747-3031 (ext. 4350) or email Anne.Putnam@Pirates.com.

For more information about the Manatee Memorial Foundation, visit www.manateememorial.com/community-information/mm-foundation-inc.

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

Gwinnett Braves Award December Grant to The Next Stop

January 26, 2015

Organization receives $1,000 “Season of Giving” themed grant

The Gwinnett Braves have announced the recipient of their $1,000 grant for the month of December. The Next Stop Foundation, Inc. has been awarded the “Season of Giving” themed grant, aimed at funding an education organization.

The Next Stop works with developmentally disabled adults, as well as those with traumatic brain injuries in Gwinnett County and the surrounding area. The non-profit organization provides members who have aged out of the school system with a place to socialize, learn and enjoy friendships in a fulfilling and challenging way. Through high-quality group activities, learning opportunities and personalized mentorship, The Next Stop helps its members grow in the areas of self-confidence, social skills, maturity, life skills and awareness.

One such group activity, cooking education, provides members with a cooperative environment in which to exercise cognitive and motor skills. Each small group works together to perform recipe preparation and clean-up before enjoying the fruits of their labor. The $1,000 grant awarded by the Gwinnett Braves will fund over two months of kitchen costs associated with the cooking education program.

“We are truly grateful to the Gwinnett Braves for this grant award,” said Vicki LaRoche, Co-Founder and Executive Director of The Next Stop. “At The Next Stop we provide opportunities for members to experience social situations, recreational fun and life appreciation learning. Because our members cook each day at The Next Stop, these funds will be used to support our kitchen education.”

About The Next Stop Foundation, Inc.: Founded in 2006, The Next Stop provides programs where high-functioning developmentally disabled and brain injured young adults can gather to socialize, enjoy recreation and learn life application skills. The vibrant, one-of-a-kind center is small by design, but big on success. Families report that 98 percent of members have improved their social skills or remained stable since entering the program. For more information, call 404-932-3953 or visit www.thenextstop.org.

For more information on the Gwinnett Braves Grant Program, including details on how your organization can apply for future grants, call Community Relations Coordinator Alison Atkins at 678-277-0346 or email Alison.Atkins@braves.com.

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

Scout for fun at Fifth Third Field this summer

January 26, 2015

Calling all Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops! Back by popular demand, the Toledo Mud Hens are hosting Scout Experience Nights during the 2015 season. This is a great opportunity for scouts to watch the world famous Mud Hens in action, meet boys and girls from other troops, and have a sleepover at the ballpark!

Scout Experience Nights for Boy Scouts will be held on: May 23, June 6, June 19, July 17, July 18 and August 15. Scout Experience Nights for Girl Scouts will be held on: June 20 and August 8.

MORE INFO ON 2015 SCOUT NIGHTS

Tickets are $10, which includes a pregame Scout Parade on the field, a ticket to the Mud Hens game as well as an awesome postgame fireworks display! Add a picnic snack voucher for $5, redeemable at the game for a hot dog, chips and soft drink. Add the sleepover adventure for $8, which includes running the bases following the fireworks, building a tent, rolling out the sleeping bag and enjoying a family-friendly movie on the video board during an overnight stay at Fifth Third Field.

Other options include an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet for $8 and Scout Night t-shirts: $12 for youth and $15 for adults.

With limited availability and the growing popularity of these events, you’ll want to make your reservations early! Call the Scout Line directly at 419-725-9292 or send an email to scouts@mudhens.com.

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

IronPigs Charities Announce Record-Setting Donations

January 23, 2015

Grants Were Awarded during Thursday’s Phillies Winter Banquet

IronPigs Charities, presented by The Air Production Foundation, a non-profit organization striving to provide educational and recreational opportunities for children in the Greater Lehigh Valley area, awarded a record-breaking 101,897.45 in cash grants to 22 non-profit organizations during Thursday’s Phillies Winter Banquet at the Sands Events Center. Since debuting in 2008, IronPigs Charities has contributed a total in excess of $750,000 in cash grants to dozens of local non-profit entities. Between the IronPigs Charities organization and the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, the total all-time cash distribution is nearing $1.1-million.

“The Phillies Winter Banquet, coupled with the opportunity to make meaningful donations to so many deserving local organizations, is truly the highlight of our year,” remarked IronPigs Charities President Kurt Landes. “It’s genuinely humbling to be in such a position to be able to impact our community in such a significant manner. And, the best is yet to come.”

The 2015 beneficiaries are listed below:

Allentown School District Foundation
Boy Scouts of America, Minsi Trails Council
Boys and Girls Club of Allentown
Boys and Girls Club of Bethlehem
Boys and Girls Club of Easton
Center for Vision Loss
Community Bike Works
East Side Memorial Little League
East Side Youth Center
Easton Area Police Athletic League
Friends of Allentown Parks
Girl Scouts of Eastern PA
Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living
Lower Macungie Athletics
Mikayla’s Voice
Miracle League of Lehigh Valley
Northeast Ministry
Sacred Heart Hospital
Wildlands Conservancy
YMCA of Bethlehem
YMCA of Easton, Phillipsburg & Vicinity
Youth Education in the Arts

Philadelphia Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro, Jr., manager Ryne Sandberg along with OF Ben Revere, INF/OF Darin Ruf and RHP David Buchanan headlined the 2015 Phillies Winter Banquet presented by The Air Products Foundation, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Service Electric Cable TV & Communications and Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network. Other Phillies dignitaries included broadcaster Tom McCarthy, Assistant General Manager Scott Proefrock and Assistant Director of Player Develoment Steve Noworyta.

The Phillies Winter Banquet beneficiary, IronPigs Charities, is a recognized 501(c) (3) non-profit organization on the state and federal level. The annual Phillies Winter Banquet is IronPigs Charities’ flagship event and all of the money raised at the event directly benefits IronPigs Charities.

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

Raise money for your non-profit organization in 2015

January 23, 2015

The Toledo Mud Hens are once again offering a fun and exciting opportunity for organizations to raise money during games at Fifth Third Field. We are putting out a call for groups with friendly, hard-working volunteers to work the concessions stands and portable food and beverage carts during the 2015 season.

The Mud Hens are eager to partner with organizations wanting to share in our success and earn some additional funds for their cause. A group will be given the tools needed to be successful, such as training, supervision and a percentage of the sales. Each year, contributions to local non-profit organizations taking part in our fundraising program total more than $140,000.

Volunteers must be at least 16 years old, and they must be at least 21 years old in order to sell or serve alcohol. Click for all the details on group fundraising opportunities.

Questions? Contact Corey Pleasant at 419-725-4396 or email at cpleasant@mudhens.com.
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This article originally appeared on the official website of the Toldeo Mud Hens. Click here to view the original story.

MBF Grant Application Deadline is Feb. 13

January 22, 2015

Grant applications can be picked up at Dow Diamond or downloaded online

The Michigan Baseball Foundation’s 2015 grant application season will be closing on Friday, February 13.

Grant applications can picked up at Dow Diamond or downloaded at Loons.com. All grant applications must be received by the Michigan Baseball Foundation via mail (825 E. Main St.; Midland, MI 48640), in person at Dow Diamond, or via email at eramseyer@loons.com.

MBF has awarded 209 grants totaling $721,014 to non-profit organizations across 14 counties of the Great Lakes Bay Region over the past seven years.

To be considered for a grant from MBF, the organization must meet one or more of the following guidelines, which reflect the purposes for which the Michigan Baseball Foundation operates.

– The organization contributes to regional economic development by expanding employment opportunities, and promoting the general welfare of the area.

– The organization is based in the Mid-Michigan area and serves young people.

– The funded project promotes amateur sports and fitness.

The Michigan Baseball Foundation will consider funding Mid-Michigan non-profit organizations that use the grant money to fund projects; the grants are not intended to fund day-to-day operations.

Grant recipients will be notified by mid-April 2015. Recipients will also be asked to respond to the Michigan Baseball Foundation Board of Directors on the success of the project for which the grant was used.

The Michigan Baseball Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity that was founded in 2006 to create regional economic development through creative partnerships, and to enhance the efforts of regional organizations that serve young people. The Michigan Baseball Foundation owns and operates Dow Diamond, home of the Great Lakes Loons, a Class A partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

For more information contact Eric Ramseyer at 989.837.6166, or at eramseyer@loons.com.

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

Northwest Arkansas Naturals Announce 2015 Fundraising Information

January 22, 2015

The easiest, most popular fundraiser in the area – over $450,000 raised since the 2010 season

The Northwest Arkansas Naturals have released their fundraising information for Season 8 of Naturals baseball at Arvest Ballpark. The Naturals fundraising program has raised over $100,000 each of the past four seasons and is available to non-profits, sports teams, school organizations, civic groups, and churches.

Fundraisers at Arvest Ballpark are offered for a pre-determined Sunday-Thursday home game. Participants will resell Naturals Reserved tickets for their pre-determined game at $8, which is $1 less than the day of game price. No deposit is required after the date is scheduled; however, we ask that a member of the fundraising group informs their Naturals rep 10-14 days before the game with the exact amount of tickets that will be needed for their game. The percentage back that is received is based upon the size of the group but can be up to 50% of the ticket total.

There is no maximum to the amount of tickets sold and the Naturals will offer prizes to all groups and their top sellers. There are different tiers based on the size of the group but prizes can include a Pre-Game or Post-Game photo on the field with your group, ten (10) person VIP Tour of Arvest Ballpark before or during the game, tickets to a future Naturals game, autograph baseball, and one (1) ceremonial first pitch at your designated fundraising date.

The Naturals will also provide ticket forms and promotional materials to assist with the group’s effort. In addition, a free Strike the Sasquatch mascot appearance is offered to groups to help promote their fundraiser at the ballpark.

The 2015 fundraising flyer is now available and can be found on our website at www.nwanaturals.com under the Groups & Events tab or by emailing us at groups@nwanaturals.com. To check date availability or if you have any questions, you can give us a call at (479) 927-4900 or visit our Administrative Offices located at Arvest Ballpark.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. Click here to view the original story.

“Hit The Books” Bookmark Contest Winners

January 20, 2015

Overall Bookmark Contest Winner will be announced February 4

The highlight of the Storm Chasers “Hit The Books” Literacy Program, the 2015 Bookmark Contest Winners have been announced out of more than 10,000 submissions. This year’s “Hit The Books” Program saw the most schools participating in its history at 52, reaching 16,583 students.

The “Hit The Books” literacy program, presented by Nebraska Educational Savings Trust, has encouraged area elementary students that reading is an essential skill to have since 2007. Teachers at each school determine four different reading goals for the program. Students who “round the bases” receive four different prizes, including the grand prize of a ticket to a 2015 Storm Chasers game.

“Hit The Books” students can also participate in the Bookmark Contest, with a winner announced for each grade level. The overall winner, whose bookmark is distributed as a prize to all students, will be one of these grade level winners selected by the Storm Chasers:

Kindergarten: Kara Salton – Black Elk Elementary
1^st Grade: Nathan Russell – Wheeler Elementary
2^nd Grade: Blake G. – Black Elk Elementary
3^rd Grade: Giuliana Gagliolo – Reeder Elementary
4^th Grade: Callie Kirchner – Reagan Elementary
5^th Grade: Jenna Christensen – Reagan Elementary
6^th Grade: Nick Brickman – Patriot Elementary

The announcement/presentation for the overall Bookmark Contest winner is planned for February 4.

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

Hometown Heroes Program Presented by MetLife Launches

January 20, 2015

RailRiders Pay Homage to Public Service, Military & More

Your mom. Your neighbor. Your son. A classmate from long ago. Any one of them could be among the local heroes honored by the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Triple-A/New York Yankees) during the 2015 season thanks to the team’s Hometown Heroes Program presented by MetLife.

The RailRiders are calling for nominations for the initiative 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.

Each 2015 home game will spotlight these local heroes with recognition on the video board at PNC Field, the opportunity to throw out a ceremonial first pitch, and four field reserved seats to enjoy the game.

Entries can be sent by e-mail to HometownHeroes@swbrailriders.com or to the RailRiders’ front office at PNC Field, 235 Montage Mountain Rd., Moosic, PA 18507 with special attention to “Community Relations”. Each submission should include the potential honoree’s name, reasons for his/her nomination, a preferred month to attend for the honor and contact information (telephone number, e-mail address and a mailing address).

“This is our way of saying thank you to those that serve,” said Rachel Mark, the RailRiders’ community relations director. “It also allows us to show our respect and gratitude for the sacrifices so many of our neighbors make on a daily basis.”

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.

Bandits, Genesis plan Community Day Saturday, Jan. 31, at 9 a.m.

January 20, 2015

Ballpark to host 500 free flu shots, youth activities, team’s annual job fair, national anthem tryouts

The Quad Cities River Bandits and Genesis Health System are inviting the Quad Cities community to join their team to protect the community from seasonal influenza, and to build a lineup that will make another memorable season for guests at Modern Woodmen Park. Community Day on the morning of Saturday, Jan. 31, will include 500 free vaccinations to protect against seasonal influenza, the River Bandits’ annual job fair, and auditions for national anthem singers.

“We hope people who haven’t yet gotten a flu shots this year will take this pitch out of the park,” said Ken Croken, vice president of marketing and corporate communications, Genesis Health System. “We know it has already been an active flu season locally and nationally, but the only real protection is a flu shot, and it isn’t too late to get that protection. And at this event, it will be free.”

The Genesis Flu-Free Quad Cities program – which the River Bandits and Main Street Amusements supported as part of a $50,000 donation to the Genesis Health Services Foundation in November – has provided flu shots to about 48,000 Quad Cities adults and children since the fall and protected thousands more indirectly. Nearly 9,000 elementary school children received free flu shots at their schools this fall.

“The River Bandits and Main Street Amusements have been proud to partner with Genesis Health System to make the family-friendly fun of Modern Woodmen Park become a positive and lasting impact for our community with programs such as Genesis Flu-Free Quad Cities,” said River Bandits owner Dave Heller. “Community Day continues our strong partnership to provide fun, health and wellness to entire Quad Cities region.”

The doors will open for all Community Day events at 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 31. All events will be on the suite level of Modern Woodmen Park. Information about each event are listed below.

9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
500 free flu shots and Genesis events

Complications from seasonal influenza can be fatal for as many as 30,000 nationally in a single year. The youngest, the oldest and those with chronic conditions are at highest risk for serious complications. Each person who receives seasonal influenza vaccinations is believed to protect five people around them, including higher-risk individuals.

Genesis will also host a throwing clinic to prevent injuries in young baseball and softball players; free blood pressure checks; and a jump analysis for kids.

9:00 a.m. – noon
2015 Modern Woodmen Park Job Fair

The Quad Cities River Bandits, Main Street Amusements and Professional Sports Catering, the food and beverage provider at Modern Woodmen Park, are seeking outgoing, hard-working, fun-loving, friendly people to assist fans and be a part of the team that will help make another memorable season for guests at the ballpark.

The River Bandits, Main Street Amusements and Professional Sports Catering will host a job fair on Saturday, Jan. 31, from 9 a.m. to noon at Modern Woodmen Park to fill the ballpark’s game day staff and food and beverage positions. Interested individuals can fill out an application and be interviewed on the suite level during the job fair.

Listed below are the positions that the River Bandits, Main Street Amusements and Professional Sports Catering need filled:

Amusements
Amusements and kids zone workers (includes work on non-game days)

Box Office & Ticketing
Box Office Intern
Box Office Employees
Ticket Takers

Ballpark Hospitality
Ushers
Parking Attendant

Concessions
Kitchen Staff
Gameday supervisors
Warehouse Employees
Seat Vendors
Attendants
Cooks
Cashiers
Bartenders

Field/Stadium Maintenance
Field/Grounds Crew
Custodial Host (Mornings)
Custodial Host (Game Ops)

Merchandise
Retail Store Employees

Promotions
“Street Team” in-game entertainment staff

Video Production
Video production interns

The River Bandits, Main Street Amusements and Professional Sports Catering are equal opportunity employers; women, minorities and U.S. veterans are encouraged to apply.

9:00 a.m. – noon
2015 River Bandits National Anthem and Talent Auditions

The River Bandits will hold tryouts on Saturday, Jan. 31, from 9 a.m. to noon for individuals and groups, including National Anthem singers, to perform and entertain fans with their talents prior to home games during the 2015 season.

National Anthem and other pre-game performance tryouts will take place in the Budweiser Champions Club at Modern Woodmen Park. Registration is first come, first served. Talents can range anywhere from singing, dancing, and comedy to miming, juggling or magic.

Everyone participating in the tryouts will perform their talent for a panel of River Bandits staff and local judges. Those talented enough to entertain crowds at River Bandits games this summer will be included in the show during the 2015 season.

9:00 a.m. – noon
Ticket plans, Kids Club and more on sale

Fans may learn about ticket plans and group outings, and purchase or renew ticket packages for the 2015 season. For children ages 14 and under, the River Bandits will offer another one-day special on 2015 Kids Club memberships. Normally $30 per child 14 and under, a membership will be $25 at Modern Woodmen Park on Saturday, Jan. 31. A Kids Club Membership includes a free bleacher ticket good for all River Bandits 2015 regular season home games, a membership card, a T-shirt, a 10 percent discount off purchases in the team store, an email newsletter with exclusive special offers and much more.

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

Non-profits invited for Community Org program

January 20, 2015

The Lexington Legends are inviting non-profit organizations to participate in their Community Organization of the Night program during the 2015 season.

The Community Organization program, sponsored for 2015 by Dean Dorton, offers non-profits a variety of opportunities to publicize their work at Whitaker Bank Ballpark and on Legends radio broadcasts during each of the Legends’ 70 home games. Hundreds of organizations throughout central and eastern Kentucky have participated.

“Community involvement has been important to the Legends since day one,” said Legends’ President/COO Andy Shea. “Our Community Organization of the Night program allows us to put the spotlight on the great work being done by many organizations throughout Kentucky, and we’re very happy to help get their message out.”

On their night at the ballpark, organizations may set up a display on the concourse, where they can greet fans and distribute information. Before the game, a representative of each Community Organization of the Night is interviewed on the public address system. The representative also is a guest on the radio broadcast for a half-inning during the game. Each organization receives four complimentary tickets to their game.

Solicitation is not permitted, but there is a fund-raising element in the program. To maximize exposure and to boost fund-raising, organizations that reserve their night for a Thursday, Friday or Saturday game will purchase a minimum of 60 Legends fundraiser tickets at four dollars each. Fundraiser tickets may then be sold by the organization for up to the regular face value of 10 dollars, allowing the organization to raise up to six dollars per ticket sold.

“Also, the more tickets sold, the more supporters each organization will have at the game,” said Sarah Bosso, the Legends director of community relations and special events. “It’s fun for everyone involved, and it’s always for a great cause.”

Game dates will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, call (859) 422-7855 or send e-mail to sbosso@lexingtonlegends.com.

The Legends, class A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals, will open the 2015 season at Whitaker Bank Ballpark Thursday, April 16 at 7:05 p.m. against the West Virginia Power, an affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates. More information is available at lexingtonlegends.com.

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

Hot Stove Banquet Raises Over $6,000

January 20, 2015

With a guest list that included two hall of famers, a World Series MVP and a former 30-game winner and a sold out Genetti Ballroom, the Williamsport Crosscutters 9th Annual Hot Stove Banquet was a great success while raising over $6,000 for charity.

Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg, former Phillies GM Pat Gillick, former World Series MVP Pat Borders & legendary pitcher Denny McLain entertained attendees with stories, signed autographs and answered audience questions.

In talking about the 2015 Phillies, Sandberg stated, “We are rebuilding and we’ll have a lot of changing faces but at the same time it will be exciting watching a new core of players develop for the team. We have to start the process of getting younger.”

The night, presented by Lycoming Mall, Woodlands Bank, WRAK Radio and the Williamsport Sun-Gazette, was also highlighted by auctions that featured a wealth of sports memorabilia including a bat and jersey signed by Sandberg, a special breakfast with the Phillie Phanatic, a special VIP Package to a Phillies vs. Yankees game and much more.

Other highlights of the event included the induction of Paul Velte into the Bowman Field Hall of Fame. Velte was responsible for bringing pro ball back to Williamsport in 1994 where he owned the team for 21 seasons until recently selling the team to Cutting Edge Baseball headed by new principal owner Peter Freund

A portion of the proceeds from the evening were donated to the American Rescue Workers whose mission is to give spiritual and material aid to those in need. At the conclusion of the festivities, the Rescue Workers were presented with a check for $6,175 which represents the largest-ever donation from this event.

The Crosscutters open the 2015 season on June 19 at State College with the home opener slated for Saturday, June 20 against the Spikes at Susquehanna Bank Park. Season tickets, Bonus Books and group packages are currently available and can be purchased online at www.crosscutters.com or by calling the Cutters at (570) 326-3389.

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

Bully Busters Anti-Bullying Program Returns

January 16, 2015

Elementary School Assembly Program Expands to Wake and Orange Counties

The Durham Bulls have announced the return of the successful anti-bullying program “Bully Busters,” which debuted in February of 2014. The initiative, in which the Bulls provide free school assemblies to raise awareness for a priority issue in elementary schools, will again travel to schools throughout Durham County, while expanding this year to Wake and Orange counties as well. ARS Rescue Rooter has partnered with the Bulls to present the program in its second year.

Using beloved mascot Wool E. Bull as the driving force, each interactive assembly engages students in recognizing bullying behavior and exploring what to do should they witness or experience bullying. At the conclusion of the 20-minute presentation, students are asked to take the “Bully Buster Pledge” at home with their families, and students who do so will be rewarded with two complimentary tickets to a select Durham Bulls game this spring. Additionally, the Bulls provide teachers and students with take-home activity books, further reinforcing the anti-bullying message.

In its inaugural campaign, the program reached over 10,000 students throughout Durham County. The success from 2014 has prompted growth into Wake and Orange counties in 2015, nearly tripling the number of schools the Bulls will visit in the initiative’s second year.

“We’re thrilled to bring back this extremely successful program for 2015,” Bulls General Manager Mike Birling said. “In our first year we reached a large number of students for a very pertinent, meaningful issue, and we’re excited to grow Bully Busters even further throughout the Triangle.”

Bully Busters, presented by ARS Rescue Rooter, will run from mid-January through the end of March. School administrators seeking more information about booking a Bully Busters assembly can do so by visiting the Bully Busters webpage.

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