Archives for July 2017

Chasers Players, Front Office Staff to Participate in Chasers Community Week

The Omaha Storm Chasers organization’s third annual “Chasers Community Week” presented by Summit Dental Health kicks off on Friday, July 29. Omaha Storm Chasers players and front office members will be volunteering their time throughout the Omaha Metro community from July 29-August 6. Details for each day of “Chasers Community Week” can be found below, which include players visiting Children’s Hospital and the Southwest YMCA, as well as participating in Buddy Baseball at Werner Park. In addition, the front office will help serve dinner at Ronald McDonald House, and volunteer at The Wall That Heals among many other events in the community.

Planned Events for “Chasers Community Week”

  • Saturday, July 29 – The Storm Chasers organization will be auctioning off Christmas sweater jerseys on Christmas in July presented by Mannheim Steamroller, with the proceeds benefitting Moving Veterans Forward. There will also be a lemonade stand hosted by the Storm Chasers and Summit Dental at Werner Park that evening, with proceeds benefitting the Open Door Mission.
  • Sunday, July 30 – The Storm Chasers organization hosts the first of two UnitedHealthcare Library Nights at Werner Park. This will be in addition to hosting First Responders and having interactive fire, police and medical displays, including a helicopter in the parking lot, on First Responders Night that evening.
  • Monday, July 31 – Several Storm Chasers players will be visiting Southwest YMCA starting at 11:00 a.m. to play a pickup game of baseball with kids at that location. That evening, the Storm Chasers organization’s second UnitedHealthcare Library Night will take place at Werner Park, in addition to a Drawstring Backpack Giveaway presented by Huber Chevrolet.
  • Tuesday, August 1 – Storm Chasers front office members along with Summit Dental Health employees will assist in cooking and serving dinner at the Ronald McDonald House.
  • Wednesday, August 2 – The organization will host their annual Jirschele Family Memorial Golf Outing at Tara Hills Golf Course to help benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association beginning at 9:00 a.m. The Wall That Heals, a half-scale duplication of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C., is also set to arrive at Werner Park that day thanks to Werner Enterprises. Storm Chasers players and front office members will also participate in the Leader Reader at the Children’s Museum. Storm Chasers front office members and a mascot will also be visiting Offutt Air Force Base that day.
  • Thursday, August 3 – The Wall That Heals, a half-scale replica of the Vietnam War Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. will be open beginning at 11:00am until the closing ceremonies take place at approximately 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 6.
  • Friday, August 4 – Storm Chasers players will be visiting with patients at Children’s Hospital.
  • Saturday, August 5 – Bellevue Buddy Baseball will take place at Werner Park at 9:00 a.m., with Storm Chasers players and front office members assisting in the morning event to support the Down Syndrome Alliance. The event will feature headshots and walk-up songs for the buddies playing baseball. Storm Chasers players and Casey will also be at First National Bank on 132nd & Center for their annual Stuff the Bus school supply drive.
  • Sunday, August 6 – The Storm Chasers organization salutes all former and current members of our armed forces on Military Appreciation Day at Werner Park. Following that day’s contest at approximately 6:00 p.m. will be a closing ceremony for The Wall That Heals, which will include the playing of “Taps”.

The Storm Chasers return to Werner Park to begin an eight-game homestand on Saturday, July 29, starting with a four-game set versus the Fresno Grizzlies. First pitch of the series opener is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. that evening.

Single game tickets for all remaining Storm Chasers home contests are still available, and can be purchased online at www.omahastormchasers.com, or by calling the Werner Park Ticket Office from noon until 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday at (402) 738-5100.

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

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NATURALS PARTNER WITH AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE

SPRINGDALE, Ark – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are proud to partner with the American Red Cross on a blood drive in August. An emergency call for blood and platelet donations was issued due to a current shortage.

Recently it was announced that the American Red Cross is experiencing a severe blood shortage and has issued an emergency call for the need of blood and platelet donations as right now there is more blood being distributed to hospitals than being donated. Thus the American Red Cross will be hosting a blood drive in August and the Naturals are teaming up with them to try and reach a goal of over 150 donors at blood drives across the region.

Each person that donates blood or platelets to the American Red Cross from August 1 through August 15 will receive a voucher for two (2) FREE Dugout Premium tickets to the Naturals 7:05 p.m. game on Tuesday, August 22 against the Springfield Cardinals (Double-A St. Louis Cardinals). The voucher will need to be turned into the Arvest Ballpark Box Office in advance or on the day of the game where it will be exchanged for the best available seats.

Find out more information or make an appointment to give blood by downloading the Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS. The donated blood and platelets will go to patients in need.

Follow the Northwest Arkansas Naturals on Twitter @NWANaturals all throughout the year by using the hashtag #NaturalPastime and #CrowntoCrown for all of our up-to-date information on Season 10 of Naturals baseball.

The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are the Double-A Texas League Affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. The Naturals play at state-of-the-art Arvest Ballpark in Springdale, Ark. For more information, including statistics, ticket options, and more, please visit NWANaturals.com, and follow us on Twitter @NWANaturals and Facebook.com/Naturals.

-Naturals-

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

Sam Dekker to Appear at Timber Rattlers Strike Out Cancer Day on August 22

GRAND CHUTE, WI – Sam Dekker is coming to Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium for Strike Out Cancer Day on Tuesday, August 22. Strike Out Cancer Day is presented by McClone and Bergstrom Automotive with the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers hosting the Peoria Chiefs at 7:05pm.

Dekker, a former Wisconsin Badgers basketball star and current Los Angeles Clipper, will be available for a pre-game autograph session in the Fox Communities Credit Union Fox Club from 5:30 until 6:30pm. This opportunity is available for $25 and is limited to 100 people.  The ticket for the game is separate from the ticket to this pre-game autograph session. Autographs are limited to one item per person. Attendees may also have one photograph with Dekker per person. Contact the Timber Rattlers ticket office at (920) 733-4152 to reserve your spot for this event.

Timber Rattlers players and coaches will be wearing jerseys with a University of Wisconsin theme for this game. These jerseys will be available for auction starting on Sunday, August 20 through www.TimberRattlersAuctions.com. The auction will end at 9:00pm on August 22.

Proceeds from the pre-game autograph session and the jersey auction will be donated to the Timber Rattlers Charity Fund to benefit the Children’s Cancer Family Foundation of Northeast Wisconsin. The CCFF’s vision is to help local families preserve their family life, when life as they know it has been turned upside down by cancer. By providing financial assistance and allowing families to find support and strength within each other, they can help them get back to their normal family life and know that they aren’t alone in their journey.

Additionally, the first 1,000 fans to attend the game will receive a bobblehead of Dekker shooting the Bratzooka! courtesy of Cher-Make Sausage. The game is scheduled to start at 7:05pm. The gates to Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium will open at 5:30pm.

Tickets are available for this game.

Partial season and group ticket packages are currently available for the 2017 Wisconsin Timber Rattlers season. Tickets packages are available online, over the phone at (920) 733-4152 or (800) WI-TIMBER, and in person. Individual game tickets for this season are also on sale now.   Groups of 20 or more may order tickets over the phone or in person. The Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium Box Office is open from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm Monday through Friday and from 10:00am to 3:00pm on Saturdays.

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

Shorebirds Present Donation to VFW

SALISBURY, Md. — The Delmarva Shorebirds are proud to announce the results from their July 4 jersey auction to benefit the VFW’s Military Assistance Program and Operation We Care, as the team presented a check for $5,258.02 at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.

“We made sure to include this great cause in our celebration of Independence Day along with fireworks on one of our biggest crowds of the year,” Shorebirds General Manager Chris Bitters said. “We were very excited and proud to see the generosity and support our fans showed through this auction of our specialty Patriotic jerseys.”

The jerseys, which were specially made for the game that night, resembled an American flag waving in the wind, while featuring the emblems of all five military branches on the back above the numbers. A silent auction for the game-worn jerseys was held during the game, with Shorebirds players and coaches presenting them to winning bidders.

Delmarva has more special jersey nights scheduled in 2017, including a Christmas In July jersey night on July 29, a Maryland Pride Thursday jersey auction on August 24, and an Orange Friday jersey auction on September 1. All three auctions will benefit the Shorebirds’ Fly Together Fund.

Skip the line, buy tickets online, and print at home ahead of time at www.theshorebirds.com/tickets.
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The Delmarva Shorebirds are the Class “A” Affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. The Shorebirds are owned by
7th Inning Stretch, LLC, the same company that owns the Stockton Ports of the California League and the Everett AquaSox of the Northwest League.

The Shorebirds celebrated their 20th season in 2015, and have entertained over five million fans since beginning play at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium in Salisbury, Md. in 1996. The team has captured South Atlantic League titles in 1997 and 2000 while successfully hosting the South Atlantic League All-Star Game in 1999 and 2011.

For more information on the Shorebirds, call 410-219-3112 or visit theshorebirds.com.

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

Strike out hunger with a Food Drive, July 27

Did you know roughly one out of every eight Americans struggle with hunger? The Toledo Mud Hens are teaming up with Bush Brothers to host a food drive on Thursday, July 27, in conjunction with National Baked Beans Month.

Fans are encouraged to bring canned food items to Fifth Third Field on Thursday and drop them off at the collection bins located at Guest Services on the main concourse. All donations will be taken to the Seagate Food Bank for distribution to the people they serve.

GAME TICKET ($12) – BUY TICKETS

What you get:

  • July 27 Mud Hens game ticket

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

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Muse Machine Named 2017 Community All-Star

The Dragons and Vectren will honor Muse Machine during the unique “Community All-Stars” program on Monday, July 24, at 7:00 p.m. when the Dayton Dragons take on the Burlington Bees at Fifth Third Field.

The Dayton community is a great place to live, work and play. But what makes Dayton truly great are the people that call Dayton home. We have great people and great organizations in our community that do incredible things each and every day. Throughout the season, the Dragons and Vectren will honor five “All-Stars” with a special inning break tribute in recognition of their service.

Muse Machine’s Story

Muse Machine is an arts education organization that uses the arts to enrich the educational experiences of children in 109 schools. The organization was founded by Suzy Bassani in 1982, after she noticed that the audience at most performances in theaters and other similar venues lacked young people

Participating schools receive multiple performances in their schools and discounted tickets to shows in Dayton and around the country. Students at Muse schools have the opportunity to audition for the organization’s productions and to attend workshops with well-known performers. Teachers from Muse-participating schools can attend year-round professional development programs offered by Muse.

Mary Campbell Zopf, the executive director of the organization since 2014, explained that the program always aims for the highest quality of work, while never forgetting about the capacity for arts to bring joy to children. “Muse Machine opens the door to artistic experiences and the power they can have on someone’s life,” said Campbell Zopf.

Later this summer, the Suzy Bassani Theater Off Third will open inside the newly renovated downtown branch of the Dayton Metro Library. This addition will make Muse Machine programming available to local children with a library card, making it easier for kids to get arts-related experiences outside of school.

Initially, the program was part of 22 schools in the Dayton area. Now in its 35th year of existence, Muse Machine serves more than 72,000 preschool through high school students in 12 counties across Central and Western Ohio, and now also in Kentucky. For more information on the program visit www.musemachine.com.

For making a difference in the community, Muse Machine has been selected as a Dragons Community All-Star. The program honors those that have gone above and beyond to improve the quality of life in the Miami Valley.

The Dragons Community All-Stars Program is made possible by the generous support of Vectren. For more information or to nominate an All-Star in your life, visit daytondragons.com/communityallstar.

More Information: The Dayton Dragons are the Midwest League affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play a 70-game home schedule at beautiful Fifth Third Field in downtown Dayton, easily accessible from Interstate 75. Individuals and groups seeking information about Dayton Dragons group tickets, lawn tickets, the season ticket wait list, sponsorship opportunities or booking a Dragons speaker are encouraged to contact the Dragons by calling (937) 228-2287, by email at dragons@daytondragons.com, or on the web at daytondragons.com.

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

Legends & SAL teams partner with The BairFind Foundation

WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK (Lexington, KY) – The Lexington Legends are pleased to announce three missing children, whose status as missing was advertised at Whitaker Bank Ballpark through The BairFind Foundation, have been located and returned home. The BairFind Foundation partners with 153 Minor League Baseball teams to publicize missing children with the hope of locating them as a result. So far this baseball season 224 children have been located across the country. Teams in the South Atlantic League have successfully helped locate over 30 missing children as a result of their participation in the BairFind program, a testament to the passion of our fans for our community.

“The SAL partnership with The BairFind Foundation is a great example of how the Clubs turn the support they receive from their fans into another way to help their communities” said Eric Krupa, South Atlantic League President. “While the act of looking at a sign seems simple, all those eyes on those signs can really help the families whose children are missing. Everyone can participate and do their part by taking a moment to look at the pictures the next time you are at the ballpark.”

The BairFind Foundation is a tax exempt 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to find missing children, and is an Official Homegrown Charity Partner of Minor League Baseball, which was just named a Classy Top 100 Non-Profit and Social Enterprise for 2017. The BairFind Foundation produces high definition, attractive signs for sports stadiums and arenas that feature photos of each city’s missing children. BairFind signs are placed in high visibility areas and are seen by millions of sports fans each season, greatly increasing the chances that featured children will be safely located.

The Lexington Legends are immensely proud to support and partner with The BairFind Foundation (www.bairfind.org) in conjunction with other Minor League Baseball teams across the country, as recently featured in USA Today (article below). The BairFind Foundation founder Dennis Bair, a former minor league baseball pitcher, said “A major challenge for a family with a missing child is how to keep their child’s photo in public view. This summer, the Lexington Legends have placed a BairFind sign featuring area missing children on their ballpark concourse for all the fans to see, greatly increasing the chances that someone will recognize a child’s picture and that they’ll be safely located. We are proud to partner with the Lexington Legends and the South Atlantic League, who were among the earliest adopters of our initiative.”

The Lexington Legends Executive Vice President Gary Durbin, will be officially placing ‘FOUND’ stickers on The BairFind Foundation sign on the children who have been located during the 7:05pm game tonight, July 21, 2017.

For more information on this remarkable charitable project, please consult The BairFind Foundation website: www.bairfind.org, follow on Twitter: @BairFind or contact Sarah Bosso at sbosso@lexingtonlegends.com or 859-422-7855. The Legends, a Single-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and a member of the South Atlantic League. For ticket information, call 859-422-7867 or visit www.LexingtonLegends.com

USA Today BairFind Foundation Article:

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2017/07/18/minor-league-ballpark-signs-raise-awareness-missing-kids/489037001/

RiverDogs Reschedule Peanut-Free Night at The Joe

CHARLESTON, S.C. – After a rain out on Wednesday night, the Charleston RiverDogs have announced they have rescheduled Peanut-Free Night presented by Charleston Allergy and Asthma at The Joe to an upcoming home date on Wednesday, August 2 at 7:05pm.

For one night only, no peanuts will be on sale at the park with special sections for those with peanuts allergies available. The designated areas will be completely peanut-free with a thorough cleansing of the sections prior to the game.

Lower reserved tickets to the peanut-free zone are $10 each. For $17, fans receive a ticket to the peanut-free seating along with a meal voucher. For fans that can’t miss out on the favorite ballpark snack, packing peanuts and circus peanuts will be available for sale as the RiverDogs take on Columbia.

Along with the peanut-free festivities at the park, the first 1,248 fans at the gate will receive their very own Justin Pope hat as part of “Wardrobe Wednesdays” presented by WEZL in recognition of the Charleston pitching coach who guided the RiverDogs’ 2016 staff to a franchise record strike out total. “The Pope” and the RiverDogs hurlers will take on the Columbia Fireflies in the finale of a three-game series.

In the United States, approximately three million people report allergies to peanuts and tree nuts. Studies show the number of children living with peanut allergy appears to have tripled between 1997 and 2008.

For more than 30 years Charleston Allergy & Asthma has used the most up-to-date and advanced treatments and our convenient three locations. We’ve built trusting, long-lasting relationships with our patients. Today, our six board certified allergists continue to strengthen our services and relationships – all in an effort to ensure our patients are able to breathe better, feel better and live better.

RiverDogs tickets, including options for the all-new Riley Park Club, are now available and can be secured by contacting the box office at (843) 577-DOGS (3647) or online at riverdogs.com/tickets. Those that can’t make it to the park can follow every pitch of the RiverDogs season on WTMA 1250 AM in the tri-county area or by streaming online at riverdogs.com and the TuneIn Radio App by searching “RiverDogs.” All 70 RiverDogs home games are available with online streaming video at MiLB.tv.

–RIVERDOGS–

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

Learn from the pros Sunday at the Chevy Youth Clinic

Kids 6-12 can learn baseball fundaments from State College Spikes players and coaches at the Chevy Youth Baseball Clinic this Sunday at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, completely FREE courtesy of your local area Chevrolet dealers!

Sign-in begins at 10:30 a.m., and the clinic will get underway at 11 a.m. Each participant will receive a fun giveaway and lunch following the clinic, as well as a ticket to the Spikes’ 6:05 p.m. game on Sunday night against the Mahoning Valley Scrappers (Cleveland Indians).

To register your child now:

1. Click on the ‘Youth Clinics’ tab at www.chevroletbaseball.com

2. Select “Johnstown-Altoona” as your Region

3. Select “Other” as your League

Please feel free to contact the Chevy Youth Baseball Team at 888-600-4369 or info@chevroletbaseball.com with any questions. See you on Sunday for the Chevy Youth Baseball Clinic!

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

Nearly $75K to Stand Up To Cancer, Smokies top Shrimp, 9-3

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp pitchers struck out 13 Tennessee Smokies – each time raising $5,300 from Fifth Third Bank for Stand Up To Cancer – and with 5,898 in attendance meaning another $5,898, the single night raised $74,798, while Tennessee won a 9-3 final Thursday night at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.

Jumbo Shrimp right-hander Trevor Richards (2-2) fanned nine batters in the first six innings, including a stretch from the second to fourth inning that included seven straight strikeouts – one shy of the Southern League record. Right-hander Tyler Higgins struck out one, and left-hander Victor Payano struck out three. The 13 were two shy of the club’s season high.

Jax Jumbo Shrimp Highlights – July 20, 2017

Tennessee (16-11 second half, 52-44 overall) tallied a first-inning run, after center fielder Trey Martin hit a leadoff double to right field and scored on third baseman Jason Vosler‘s sacrifice fly. Jacksonville (13-14, 43-54) answered in the bottom of the inning against Chicago Cubs rehabbing left-hander Brett Anderson (2-2), as center fielder Kyle Barrett reached on an error by shortstop Carlos Penalver, and left fielder Austin Dean hit an RBI double to left field, reaching third base on left fielder Daniel Spingola‘s error. After right fielder John Norwood walked, first baseman Dustin Geiger hit an RBI single to center field, and catcher Rodrigo Vigil hit a one-out RBI single. Anderson did not allow another run in his six total innings.

Randy Ready Postgame vs. Tennessee 7/20/17

The 3-1 score remained until Spingola’s fifth-inning solo home run to right field. Richards began the seventh inning with a 3-2 lead but allowed an infield single to right fielder Yasiel Balaguert and second baseman David Bote‘s single. Higgins entered, recording one out on a bunt fielder’s choice, before a walk, catcher Cael Brockmeyer‘s game-tying single, pinch-hitter Andrew Ely‘s go-ahead single, and first baseman Ian Rice‘s two-out, bases-loaded walk. Vosler added a two-run single off left-hander Jeff Kinley to make it 7-3. Richards allowed the first four runs, while Higgins allowed three. In the eighth inning, Payano allowed a two-run single to pinch hitter Kevin Cornelius, extending the 9-3 Smokies lead.

UP NEXT: The Jumbo Shrimp continue their series with Tennessee at 7:05 p.m. Friday, when Jacksonville right-hander Joe Gunkel (3-6) is scheduled to face Smokies right-hander Trevor Clifton (5-5). Fans may visit any participating NAPA AutoCare Center to get a FREE general admission ticket for the games, which will be followed by NAPA AutoCare Family Fireworks. The Jumbo Shrimp will wear red “Bold City” jerseys on Red Shirt Friday, and fans who wear red can save $1 per ticket at the box office, or donate the $1 to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. for Miller Lite Happy Hour, presented in part by Wild Wing Café, with Miller Lite beer specials in the Craft Cave inside the third-base gate until 7:30 p.m. The Wheelhouse Chef’s Table will include a buffet in the suite-level lounge open to all fans for $12 per plate. The game is presented by WEJZ Lite 96.1.

ABOUT THE JUMBO SHRIMP: The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are beginning a new era of affordable family fun with the 2017 season presented by Community First Credit Union at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville. With a new lineup of ticket and group options, there is a reason for everyone to get part of the action by calling the Jumbo Shrimp at (904) 358-2846 or visiting www.jaxshrimp.com.

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

Shorebirds to Hold Collection for Brooke’s Toy Closet

SALISBURY, Md. — The Delmarva Shorebirds are proud to partner with Market Street Inn and MoJo’s again in 2017 to hold a toy drive to benefit Brooke’s Toy Closet at Peninsula Regional Medical Center.

Brooke’s Toy Closet was started in 2014 by Brooke Mulford, a local girl who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, an aggressive form of cancer, in January of 2009, when she was four years old. Brooke, unfortunately, lost her battle with cancer earlier this year on June 12th. Brooke’s Toy Closet is a special cabinet filled with toys, coloring books and other goodies that PRMC’s Emergency Department and Pediatrics Unit can give to children who are hospitalized. The recipients of these gifts will be able to use them when they’re in the hospital, and take them home to enjoy when they are feeling better.

The toy drive will be held on Saturday, July 29th when the Shorebirds host their annual Christmas in July game at 7:05 PM against the Greensboro Grasshoppers. Gates will open at 4:00 PM so that fans can watch the Shorebirds and Grasshoppers take batting practice. The Shorebirds will be holding the collection in the Fun Zone outside the main gates of Arthur W. Perdue Stadium. Those who make a donation will receive a ticket voucher to a future 2017 Shorebirds home game, a $10 gift card to Market Street or MoJo’s and an entry in a raffle to win another $50 gift card to each restaurant. The Shorebirds will accept new unwrapped toys, activity books, and other children’s toy items.

That night’s game will also feature the Shorebirds wearing special Christmas-themed jerseys that will be auctioned off to benefit the Shorebirds Fly Together Fund and a postgame Q105 fireworks show presented by MoJo’s and Market Street Inn.

For more information on the toy drive, contact the Shorebirds at 410-219-3112.

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The Delmarva Shorebirds are the Class “A” Affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. The Shorebirds are owned by
7th Inning Stretch, LLC, the same company that owns the Stockton Ports of the California League and the Everett AquaSox of the Northwest League.

The Shorebirds celebrated their 20th season in 2015, and have entertained over five million fans since beginning play at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium in Salisbury, Md. in 1996. The team has captured South Atlantic League titles in 1997 and 2000 while successfully hosting the South Atlantic League All-Star Game in 1999 and 2011.

For more information on the Shorebirds, call 410-219-3112 or visit theshorebirds.com.

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

Dragons and IGS Energy to Surprise Local Little League Saturday

It doesn’t get much better than baseball being played by kids. The love affair with our nation’s pastime began on little league fields across the country for so many of us. In that spirit, the Dayton Dragons and IGS Energy have a multi-year partnership to shine a spotlight on little leaguers all across our region.

The Dragons “Little Big Leagues” program, presented by IGS Energy, is a season-long program filled with amazing experiences for little leaguers and a chance for all fans to celebrate youth baseball.

IGS Energy is featuring a Little League Surprise this Saturday, July 22 from 10am-12pm. Dragons players will “surprise” Patterson Park Youth Baseball players during a baseball clinic at 1013 Irving Avenue in Dayton. In addition to the Dragons players, mascots Heater and Gem, along with members of the Green Team will be in attendance. There will be colored hairspray, balloon animals and an autograph session – fun for everyone! The baseball clinic will focus on hitters, but also outfielders, infielders, catching, and pitching.

“It doesn’t get any more American than little leaguers playing the game of baseball,” Dragons Team President Robert Murphy said. “This partnership is going to shine the spotlight on youth baseball in our region and give these kids some amazing memories they’ll keep with them for the rest of their lives.”

“We’re glad to support the Dayton Dragons, and the many ways they give back to the next generation of baseball players in the community. IGS Energy has been proud to supply natural gas and electricity to area businesses and homeowners for over 25 years, along with home protection services, and we’re honored to give back to the community through this partnership, as well,” said Brandon Childers, chief marketing and technology officer.

For more information on how little league teams and players can get involved in the Dragons “Little Big Leagues” program, presented by IGS Energy, contact the Dragons group sales department at (937) 228-2287 or visit www.daytondragons.com/IGS.

About IGS

IGS is a leading provider of retail energy supply, home services products, distributed generation such as solar and combined heat and power, and compressed natural gas services. With over 25 years of experience, the company leverages extensive in-house expertise to bring innovation to the energy industry. By embracing new technologies, supporting alternative energy resources, and encouraging energy independence, IGS is inspiring homeowners, businesses, and communities to make smart energy decisions. The company also has a community investment program which provides employees with opportunities to get involved with and give to causes that are meaningful to the company and to them personally.

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

Red Sox Foundation and Pawsox Foundation Partner with Rhode Island Little League to Support all 48 Leagues in the State

The Red Sox Foundation and the PawSox Foundation, the charitable arm of the Pawtucket Red Sox, today announced a partnership to support all 48 Little Leagues throughout the Rhode Island. The relationship will include leadership and instructional skills training for coaches and administrators.

“We are proud to partner with our Triple-A affiliate, Pawtucket Red Sox, to support Rhode Island Little League and expand on the important work the Red Sox Foundation has begun with Boston’s inner city youth through Rookie/RBI programs and Little League teams in Massachusetts,” said Red Sox Foundation Board Member Mike Egan. “As a former little leaguer, I know how important playing the game as a child can be to fostering a lifelong love for the game, and we look forward to helping the league pass along the invaluable lessons about teamwork and camaraderie that baseball imparts.”

The partnership will assist the 48 leagues with production and development, and will include sponsorship of three events: the Rhode Island Little League State Tournament, which opens on Saturday, July 22; the Rhode Island Little League Volunteer of the Year Award, which will be presented in August; and a coaches’ clinic this fall.

“The support of the Red Sox Foundation, PawSox Foundation and its partners on the Rhode Island Little League program is real and tangible,” said Rhode Island Little League Board Member John Pesaturo. “The sponsorship that is available to each league provides them with funding along with opportunities for teams to come to Fenway Park and for some, a special mascot visit to their home town. Chartered Leagues from Providence to Newport are enjoying a new connection as part of Wally’s team thanks to the Red Sox Foundation!”

“As Rhode Island’s professional baseball organization, we are eager to embrace and enhance our support of the Ocean State’s Little Leagues,” said PawSox President Dr. Charles A. Steinberg. “We are continually inspired by the commitment of coaches and administrators who devote so many hours to our children, and we are constantly gratified to see these children learn the lessons of life that baseball can teach.”

The tournament’s opening ceremonies will take place in Johnston, Rhode Island, hosted by Johnston Little League at Kennedy Field at 1583 Hartford Ave. The Volunteer of the Year, a coach selected based on nominations by peers and teams, will be honored at Boston’s Fenway Park on Rhode Island Day, August 1st, and again at Pawtucket’s McCoy Stadium later in the month. Applications were made available by John Pesaturo, Rhode Island Little League, District Administrator, and were due July 3rd. The coaches’ clinic will take place in the fall.

The 48 Rhode Island Little Leagues, comprised of over 1,100 teams and over 16,000 children from ages 5 to 16, allow Rhode Island’s children play baseball and softball, and learn the importance of teamwork, sportsmanship, and inclusion.

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

Cougars to Honor First Responders on July 29

GENEVA, Ill. – The Kane County Cougars have announced that they will honor first responders at Northwestern Medicine Field on Saturday, July 29. Tickets are on sale now at kccougars.com or by calling the box office at 630-232-8811.

First responders who wish to attend the game can purchase a buy one, get one free reserved seat ticket deal in person at the Cougars box office beginning today through July 29. Proof of identification must be presented at the time of purchase. There is a limit of 10 tickets per order. Offer is not valid on previously purchased tickets.

In addition, there will be local first responder vehicles displayed outside the gates for fans to admire including patrol cars and fire engines.

For the game, the Cougars will sport limited edition First Responder Night jerseys. One half of the jersey is fire engine red with yellow and orange flames running down the sleeve to represent our heroic firefighters while the other half of the jersey features an armored look to represent the police officers who protect us.

Before the game, St. Charles police officer John Losurdo will throw out a ceremonial first pitch. Officer Losurdo, named the top police officer in Kane County, was presented the 2016 Louis Spuhler Award for his outstanding police work. Additional first responders will be honored throughout the game including an in-game presentation for the Meijer Hometown Hero.

Graduates from the Kane County Sherriff’s Office Junior Deputy Program (JDMP) will also be in attendance and honored on the field. The JDMP helps students between the ages of 14-17 build their self-esteem while providing insight into the professional life of law enforcement officers in an effort to build trust between the Sherriff’s Office and the community.

Other highlights for First Responders Night include a pre-game performance by Beatles tribute band, American English, in the Acres Music Garden from 4:45-6 PM while the always hilarious ZOOperstars! will provide in-game entertainment. Gates will open at 4:30 PM.

For updates throughout the season on tickets and promotions follow the Cougars on Twitter, Facebook or 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 157 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.

Dragons Host Start of Warrior Weekend Thursday

The Dayton Dragons are hosting the opening event of the 2017 Team Fastrax Warrior Weekend to Remember at Fifth Third Field on Thursday, July 20 during their game with the Peoria Chiefs. First pitch is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

Dragons fans are already familiar with Team Fastrax, the professional skydiving team that has landed in the outfield carrying the American flag prior to games on multiple occasions. The team is composed primarily of military veterans and four years ago, co-founders John and David Hart decided that they wanted to do more to honor our nation’s heroes. That is when Warrior Weekend came to fruition.

“It is important that we honor and remember our nation’s veterans and the families that have lost their loved ones,” explained co-founder David Hart. “Especially those who have been injured physically and emotionally.”

The mission of the weekend is to honor veterans, combat injured/Purple Heart recipients, and the families of fallen military members by providing life-changing experiences that facilitate new friendships and emotional healing. Each year, over 50 individuals are honored as part of the event.

The Dragons game on Thursday is just the first of several Warrior Weekend events in the Dayton area that are open to the public. Others include a car show, silent auction, balloon festival, and 5k run/walk.

“We invite everyone to come out and join us,” said John Hart, co-founder of the event. “There are many events that the general public can get involved in. Visit our website, attend, and celebrate these amazing men and women.”

Prior to the game, there will be army vehicles, motorcycles from the US Veterans Motorcycle Club, and Muddy Buddys jeeps on the plaza. On the field before the game, the jeeps will take part in a parade around the warning track, skydivers from Team Fastrax will land in center field with the American Flag, and Medal of Honor/Purple Heart Recipient Command Sgt. Maj. Bennie Adkins will throw out the first pitch. More information on Adkins’ story can be found here. Festivities will continue throughout the length of the game as well.

For more information on the schedule of events and to find out how you can get involved, visit warriorwtr.com.

More Information: The Dayton Dragons are the Midwest League affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play a 70-game home schedule at beautiful Fifth Third Field in downtown Dayton, easily accessible from Interstate 75. Individuals and groups seeking information about Dayton Dragons group tickets, lawn tickets, the season ticket wait list, sponsorship opportunities or booking a Dragons speaker are encouraged to contact the Dragons by calling (937) 228-2287, by email at dragons@daytondragons.com, or on the web at daytondragons.com

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