Archives for July 2016

Round Rock Express Backs the Blue This Sunday

ROUND ROCK, Texas – For 72 games a year, the Round Rock Express rely on the help of local law enforcement, the Round Rock Police Department, to keep Dell Diamond and their fans, staff, players and coaches safe.

With the recent attacks on law enforcement and the shooting of Round Rock citizen and Travis County Sheriff Deputy Sgt. Craig Hutchinson, the Express are backing the blue this Sunday, July 31 and encouraging fans to wear blue in a stand of solidarity with local law enforcement. The Express will raffle off a team-autographed blue jersey with all proceeds from raffle ticket sales going to the family of Sgt. Hutchinson and local law enforcement agencies.

“These officers protect us every single day at the ballpark and in the community,” Express Manager Jason Wood said. “They’ve become family and when one of our family members is attacked, we rally around them. We want them to know that we stand with them and appreciate the work they do in putting on that uniform every day.”

The Express players and coaches will also wear blue uniforms on Sunday in a show of support as they take on the Memphis Redbirds at 7:05 p.m.

For more information on the Express, visit www.RoundRockExpress.com or call (512) 255-2255. Keep up with the Express on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter!

Seneca County Chamber of Commerce honors Doubledays

(Romulus, NY) – The Seneca County Chamber of Commerce recently presented its 2016 Small Business of the Year Award to the Auburn Doubledays Baseball Club during a ceremony at the Chamber’s Annual Membership BBQ event held at Knapp Vineyard Winery and Restaurant.

The Doubledays were among five finalists for the membership award, which also included: the Glove House (Waterloo), Jessica & Company (Waterloo), Main Street Drivers (Seneca Falls) and the Seneca County House of Concern (Seneca Falls).

Founded in 1958, the Auburn Doubledays Baseball Club is currently a Class “A” Short Season Affiliate for Major League Baseball’s Washington Nationals. Under the direction of new General Manager Mike Voutsinas, the organization experienced a 22% increase in home game attendance over the last two years (most of any team in the league). New community partnerships and regional collaborations were formed with a special focus on providing opportunities for children in neighboring little leagues, schools, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.

Corporate sponsorships have nearly tripled, allowing the organization to make several needed infrastructure improvements to Falcon Park and added amenities related to fan experience. The net result was the first operating profit for the franchise in more than five years.

“We congratulate the Auburn Doubledays on their noteworthy achievements and significant contributions to our regional quality of life,” said Chamber President Jeff Shipley. “Despite limited staff and resources, small businesses such as the Auburn Doubledays play a vital role in the health and well being of our local communities.”

More than 200 Chamber members and guests attended the event, sponsored by Generations Bank. The award was developed by the Chamber in 2007 to recognize and celebrate the impact that small businesses have on local communities. Small businesses account for nearly 98 percent of all businesses in New York State – providing nearly 4 million jobs and contributing over $190 million in payroll.

For more information about this event or for details about Chamber membership, benefits and programs, please call (315) 568-2906 or visit www.senecachamber.org.

Military Mom Surprises Children With Special Homecoming At Cougars Game

Technical Sgt. Ashley Reese embraces her three children Luke (10), Micah (6) and Leia (3) following a seven-month deployment in Qatar. Luke and Micah each threw out a first pitch before the Cougars game on July 14 followed by their mom coming out of the dugout to surprise them with her homecoming (Kane County Cougars – Donnell Collins)

GENEVA, Ill. – The Kane County Cougars had the privilege of assisting Technical Sergeant Ashley Reese with surprising her three children before the game on Thursday evening against the West Michigan Whitecaps. Ten-year old Luke and six-year old Micah each threw out a first pitch while their three-year old sister Leia looked on in excitement. Immediately following the first pitches, Cougars on-field MC Sam Ostrowski, informed the crowd that a special guest was on hand as Ashley made her way out of the Cougars dugout to embrace her children as well as her parents, Diana and Mike, for the first time in seven months. The special moment brought more than 8,800 fans to their feet to give the family a standing ovation.

Ashley, who grew up in Wayne, Ill. returned home this week following a seven month deployment in Qatar with the National Guard. As her husband Michael Hommowun also serves in the military, grandparents Diana and Mike Reese, residents of Elgin, Ill. help with childcare when both are deployed or must report for military drills. Sgt. Reese and her husband, who reside in Bristol, Tenn. with their three children, have planned a family camping trip to Dollywood.

Video Courtesy of NBC 5 Chicago – Regina Waldroup

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

Cougars To Host Peanut-Free Night on July 13

GENEVA, Ill. – The Kane County Cougars have announced that Wednesday, July 13 will be Peanut-Free Night when they host the West Michigan Whitecaps in a 6:30 p.m. game at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark. The game will not include the sale of peanuts or any peanut-related products to allow fans with peanut allergies the opportunity to safely attend a Cougars game.

Beginning in 2007, the Cougars have hosted their annual Peanut-Free Night for the last nine years for families of children with peanut allergies. Peanut allergies are one of the most common food allergies and can cause a severe and potentially fatal allergic reaction. In addition to peanuts, the following items will also not be available for fans to purchase on July 13: Dippin’ Dots, Oberweis ice cream, Oreo churros, Cracker Jacks, candy including plain and peanut M&M’s, as well as cookies and brownies.

Fans are asked to visit Guest Services located on the third base concourse with questions regarding the food and the ingredients they contain in relation to Peanut Free Night.

Tickets for Peanut-Free Night are available now by calling 630-232-8811 or by ordering online at www.kccougars.com.

Other promotions throughout the night include Half-Price Hump Day, presented by The GFS Store with specials on reserved and lawn tickets plus regular-size sodas, burgers, pizza, nachos, popcorn and select souvenirs as well as the opportunity for fans of all ages to run the bases after the game.

For updates throughout the season on ticket and promotions follow the Cougars on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About the Kane County Cougars

The Cougars, Class-A Minor League affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, have been at the forefront of family-friendly entertainment since 1991. In 2015, the franchise became the first Class-A team in Minor League Baseball history to welcome 11 million fans through the gates. A total of 144 former Cougars have reached the Major Leagues including Miguel Cabrera, Nelson Cruz, Josh Beckett, Adrian Gonzalez and Kyle Schwarber.

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

Baysox Host Equipment Collection

BOWIE, Md. – The Bowie Baysox announce today that the Oriole Advocates will collect new and used sports equipment at Prince George’s Stadium Saturday, August 27, as the Baysox take on the Binghamton Mets at 6:35 p.m. The organization collects the equipment for its Cardboard To Leather program, which provides equipment to underprivileged children in developing countries.

The Cardboard To Leather program accepts donations of all baseball and softball equipment: bats, balls, gloves, uniforms, bags and spikes. Baseball gloves, duffle bags and useable helmets are the hardest items for Cardboard to Leather to acquire.

If fans are unable to make it to the game, they can bring donations to the Baysox office during regular business hours, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Since the program’s inception, more than 50 tons of baseball equipment have been sent to children in developing countries.

The 2016 Bowie Baysox season is presented by Money One Federal Credit Union. The Baysox 2016 season is underway. Don’t miss a minute of the action as the Baysox defend their 2015 Eastern League Championship. Single game tickets are now on sale at www.baysox.com.

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