Archives for September 2017

Chasers in the Community: August

Storm Chasers players and front office members participated in the third annual Chasers Community Week last month, which included visits to Southwest YMCA, Ronald McDonald House and Children’s Hospital. The Storm Chasers and Werner Enterprises were both honored to have The Wall That Heals at Werner Park which featured a half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. In total, front office staff members also combined to record 208 hours of community service in the month of August.

Community Week Recap (208.75 Hours from front office)

  • Storm Chasers players Christian Binford and Logan Moon played baseball with kids at the Southwest YMCA– July 31
  • Meals that Heals for Ronald McDonald House with Summit Dental – August 1
  • The Storm Chasers organization along with Werner Enterprises hosted The Wall That Heals, half-sized replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, at Werner Park – August 3-6
  • Storm Chasers players Christian Binford and Logan Moon visited Children’s Hospital  – August 4
  • Storm Chasers Players and Front Office Staff Members participated in Bellevue Buddy Baseball at Werner Park – August 5
  • The Omaha Storm Chasers organization teamed up with WOWT and First National Bank to Stuff the Bus – August 5

Community Events in August

  • Be the One Ralston Public Schools Kickoff – August 11
  • Stormy and Storm Chasers player Logan Moon attended the End of Summer Bash at First National Bank – August 12
  • Storm Chasers players Christian Binford and Terrance Gore visited with patients at Madonna Hospital– August 15
  • Focus on the Future Welcome at Papillion La Vista South High School – August 16
  • Heartland Hope Mission Pantry Sponsor of the Month – August 17
  • ALS Walk – August 19

Upcoming Community Events in September

  • St. Robert Bellarmine School Walk – September 15 (10:00am)
  • St. Stephen the Martyr Event – September 15 (9:00am)
  • Prairie Queen Fun Run – September 22 (9:00am)

Notable Mascot Appearances for August (over 40 appearances)

  • Fremont Raising Cane’s Ribbon Cutting – August 8
  • JDRF One Walk – August 19
  • Millard Days Parade – August 26
  • Bellevue Public Schools– August 31

Upcoming Scheduled Mascot Appearances for September

  • Child Saving Institute Touch A Truck – September 9
  • American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Fundraiser – September 10
  • Turner BBQ – September 22
  • Down Syndrome Alliance Buddy Walk – September 30
  • HyVee Pinky Swear – September 30

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

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RoughRiders raise more than $30,000 for Hurricane Harvey relief

FRISCO, Texas (Sept. 6, 2017) – The Frisco RoughRiders Foundation raised $30,856 for Hurricane Harvey relief throughout the team’s final homestand of the regular season, which ended Sept. 4. The proceeds will be donated to the American Red Cross.

“The outpouring of support for those impacted by Hurricane Harvey over the last week is truly inspiring,” RoughRiders Chief Operating Officer Scott Burchett said. “We’re so proud to witness the tremendous generosity of RoughRiders fans and their unwavering assistance for our neighbors along the southeast Texas coast.”

The RoughRiders, the Double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers, employed several fundraising efforts during the seven-game homestand, including 10 percent from all sales at the Riders Outpost team store, proceeds from special Pass the Boot activities during games, cash donations at the RoughRiders Foundation table and auctions of RoughRiders items.

Riders Outpost also has limited edition “Texas Tough” T-Shirts available both in store and online for a minimum $10 donation to the American Red Cross’ Hurricane Harvey relief efforts. More than 1,000 t-shirts have been ordered and will continue to be available at roughriders.milbstore.com through Friday, Sept. 8.

Fans can visit www.redcross.org/donate/cm/friscorr-pub for more information and to continue to donate. Donations through the American Red Cross are welcome by texting HARVEY to 90999.

About the RoughRiders Foundation

The mission of the RoughRiders Foundation is to enhance the community we serve through charitable contributions, grants, and programming initiatives. The RoughRiders Foundation supports programs and organizations in our community that motivate and reward children and families in the areas of education, good health and community services activities.

For more information on the Frisco RoughRiders Foundation, contact Breon Dennis at breon@ridersbaseball.com or at community@ridersbaseball.com.

About the RoughRiders

The Frisco RoughRiders are the Double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers and play their games at beautiful Dr Pepper Ballpark in Frisco, Texas. The team was founded in 2003 and has finished first among all Double-A franchises in attendance in each of the last 12 seasons (2005-2016). In August 2014, the RoughRiders were purchased by an ownership group led by Chuck Greenberg. The new ownership group, together with the city of Frisco, has spearheaded numerous major franchise improvements over the past two seasons, investing nearly $8 million in a wide array of facility upgrades and improvements, including a new state-of-the-art HD video board, sound system, Bull Moose Saloon, InTouch Grille, Riders Outpost Team Store and the newest and biggest creation, the 174-foot Choctaw Lazy River. The upgrades made prior to the 2015 season earned the Riders and the City of Frisco “Best Ballpark Renovation” of 2015 by Ballpark Digest. The same publication also honored the Choctaw Lazy River as the best ballpark improvement over $1 million for the 2016 season. More than 140 former RoughRiders players have gone on to play Major League Baseball, including All-Stars Chris Davis, Adrian Gonzalez, Ian Kinsler and Nelson Cruz, as well as current Rangers stars Elvis Andrus, Rougned Odor and Nomar Mazara. For more information on the Frisco RoughRiders and Dr Pepper Ballpark, please visit RidersBaseball.com or contact Art Garcia at AGarcia@RidersBaseball.com or Ryan Rouillard at RRouillard@RidersBaseball.com.

Free Movie Night set for October 21 at BB&T Ballpark

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (Sept. 6, 2017) – The Winston-Salem Dash, in conjunction with the Winston-Salem Police Foundation, are proud to announce a free Movie Night at BB&T Ballpark on Saturday, October 21. Gates open at 5 p.m., with the hit movie Sing beginning at 6:30 p.m. The Dash are also teaming with Sunshine and WXII 12 News for this exciting event.

Admission to this event is free to the public; however, donations of cash or blankets are strongly encouraged for all attendees. All donations will go to the Winston-Salem Police Foundation, a non-profit, independent organization dedicated to enhancing the capacity of the Winston-Salem Police Department to be more effective in improving public safety. The Foundation focuses on community outreach, funding and raising resources to assist the Police Department in making Winston-Salem a safer place to live, work and enjoy life. More information on the organization is available at wspolicefoundation.org, where you can also donate to the Foundation.

“We always enjoy bringing members of the police department and community together to create conversations about how we can continue to improve public safety in Winston-Salem,” said Scott Sewell, President of the Winston-Salem Police Foundation. “BB&T Ballpark provides a perfect atmosphere for a fun-filled evening of learning and socializing.”

There will be free parking for all attendees, and concession stands throughout the facility will have food and beverages available for purchase. No outside food or beverage is permitted. The Kids Zone will also be open for free on Saturday, with several free carnival games featured on the concourse as well. Before the movie, district representatives of the Winston-Salem Police Department will have their various vehicles on display, including police cars, motorcycles, bike patrol bicycles and rescue/hazardous device vehicles. Members of the K-9 unit will be in attendance as well.

“These Movie Nights at the ballpark have started so many necessary conversations between the people who protect us every day and those whom they are protecting,” Dash President Geoff Lassiter said. “We certainly encourage everyone in the community to partake in this great event.”

In case of inclement weather in the area on October 21, the make-up date is Sunday, October 22, with gates opening at 4 p.m. and the movie starting at 5:30 p.m.

Starring the voices of renowned actors and actresses Matthew McConaughey, Seth MacFarlane, Reese Witherspoon and Scarlett Johansson, Sing tells the story of a koala bear named Buster Moon who is fighting to save his once-beloved theater with the greatest singing competition the world has ever seen. Each of the contestants has a unique personality that he or she brings to the stage, and every one of them believes this competition is their shot to change their lives forever.

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

Intimidators to host raffle at playoff game to raise money for Hurricane Harvey relief aid

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. (Sept. 6, 2017) – As the Kannapolis Intimidators, Class A Affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, prepare to open the 2017 post-season, the team has announced a special in-stadium raffle at Friday’s home playoff game to help raise money for Hurricane Harvey relief in conjunction with Minor League Baseball and MiLB Charities. Fans at the playoff game Friday, Sept. 8, can purchase raffle tickets to enter to win a team-signed Stars & Stripes Military Jersey, a team-signed bat, an autographed 2017 team card set, a Darryl Strawberry signed baseball, and more, and MiLB Charities will match all combined club donations raised, up to $10,000. Gates open at 6 p.m. for Game 2 of the Best-of-3 series against the Greensboro Grasshoppers, and first pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. at Intimidators Stadium supported by Carolinas HealthCare System.

**Online auction for team-signed Stars & Stripes jersey**

Fan unable to attend the game can participate in an online auction for a second team-signed Stars & Stripes military jersey to raise money for Harvey relief. The Intimidators are also accepting donations to send to the relief effort at the ballpark throughout Friday’s playoff game. Tickets to the South Atlantic League Northern Division Series in Kannapolis are available by calling the F&M Bank Box Office at (704) 932-3267 or by visiting IntimidatorsBaseball.com.

The Intimidators begin the 2017 post-season tonight at Greensboro with Game 1 of the Best-of-3 series at First National Bank Field at 7:00 p.m. Kannapolis will host Game 2 on Friday at 7:05 p.m. as well as Game 3, if necessary, on Saturday at 7:05 p.m.

About the Intimidators
The Intimidators are currently playing the 23rd season of professional baseball in Kannapolis and 17th season as a Chicago White Sox affiliate. Since the team’s inception in 1995, a total of 98 players have gone from Kannapolis to the Major Leagues. The team plays at Intimidators Stadium supported by Carolinas HealthCare System located off I-85, Exit 63 in Kannapolis. Single-game tickets are available by calling the F&M Bank Box Office at (704) 932-3267 or by visiting IntimidatorsBaseball.com.

Local Pro Sports Teams Combining Efforts on Disaster Relief and Recovery in Oregon and Around the Country

PORTLAND, Ore. (September 5, 2017) – With disaster response and relief efforts happening in their own communities and across the country, the Portland Trail Blazers (NBA), Portland Timbers (MLS), Portland Thorns FC (NWSL), Portland Winterhawks (Western Hockey League) and Hillsboro Hops (Northwest League) will band together to raise much-needed funds and blood donations to channel through the American Red Cross. This is the first joint-philanthropic initiative among the five local professional franchises focusing on a specific cause – to bring aid to victims of Oregon’s wildfires; Hurricane Harvey in Texas; and the potential impact of Hurricane Irma in Florida.

“The destruction we’ve seen from the Oregon wildfires and Hurricane Harvey is heartbreaking,” said Chris McGowan, President & CEO of the Trail Blazers and Rose Quarter. “The journey to recovery will be a long one for all impacted areas. The professional sports community here in Portland is rallying our respective fan bases, employees and partners to contribute resources to assist in the effort where it’s needed most.”

“Our hearts go out to the families and individuals affected by the devastating fires in Oregon and the communities in Southeast Texas as they begin the process to rebuild and heal,” said Mike Golub, President of Business for the Timbers and Thorns FC. “By working together with our local partners, we are able to maximize our collective impact in support of the communities affected by the devastation caused by these disasters.”

The first steps taken will be to hold individual blood drives starting tomorrow, with each team hosting its own specially-designated day at the headquarters for the Portland American Red Cross, located at 3131 North Vancouver Avenue. The need for blood is constant and the American Red Cross is the largest supplier of blood and blood products to hospitals in the nation.

Fundraising efforts by each team will take place in the coming weeks and months at select home games and events to be announced soon. The Timbers, Thorns FC and Hops seasons are currently underway, with the Winterhawks and Trail Blazers beginning their 2017-18 seasons soon. Additional information will be posted on each team’s website and through their social media channels.

“We’re pleased to be involved with the team effort to raise funds and support the relief efforts locally and nationally,” said K.L. Wombacher, President and General Manager of the Hillsboro Hops. “Having two players on our roster that we care deeply about being from the Houston area, Hurricane Harvey hits home for us. Our hearts go out to all those who have lost so much over the last week. We hope to do everything we can to help them get their lives back.”

“Between the forest fires threatening the Northwest and the hurricanes causing catastrophic damage on the Gulf Coast, the resources of the American Red Cross are being stretched to the limits,” said Doug Piper, President of the Portland Winterhawks. “We are proud to stand with the Portland sports community and bring aid to those who so desperately need it.”

Red Cross blood donations can be conveniently scheduled online at www.redcrossblood.org for any of their blood drive locations throughout the region; or through the mobile app by texting BLOODAPP to 90999. Here is the schedule of upcoming blood drives hosted by each Portland-area pro sports team (**Note: Donors should use visitor parking for their vehicles, or dial (503) 528-5800 for parking guidance if visitor spaces are full):

• Wednesday, September 6 – Hillsboro Hops; 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Thursday, September 7 – Portland Timbers and Portland Thorns FC; 80 appointment slots from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Friday, September 8 – Portland Winterhawks; 7:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
• Saturday, September 9 – Portland Trail Blazers; 100 appointment slots from 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

For financial donations, text REDCROSS to 90999 to give $10 to American Red Cross Disaster Relief, which helps people affected by disasters such as hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, wildfires and tornadoes. Charges will appear on your wireless bill, or be deducted from your prepaid balance. All purchases must be authorized by account holder. Donors must be 18 years of age or have parental permission to participate. Message and Data Rates may apply. Text STOP to 90999 to STOP. Text HELP to 90999 for HELP. Full Terms and Privacy Policy: hmgf.org/t.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN RED CROSS The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/Cascades or find us on Facebook at RedCrossCascades, Twitter at @RedCrossCasc and find us on Instagram at @RedCrossCascades. ###

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

2017 Golf Tournament Date Announced

“The Rome Braves 9th Annual Celebrity Shootout Golf Tournament will be held in conjunction with the Floyd County Police Department on Friday, November 3rd at Stonebridge Golf Club in Rome. The day will consist of registration and driving range at 9:30am, a shotgun start at 11am, followed by an awards reception after the tournament. Food and drinks will be provided. Teams or individuals can register at the Floyd County Police Station, the ticket office located at State Mutual Stadium, home of the Rome Braves or by emailing the registration form to Christina.Shaw@braves.com. Hole and team sponsorships are available.

Participants can also take advantage of special pre & post-tournament rates at Stonebridge.

The proceeds from this year’s golf tournament will benefit local Rome organization- Summit Quest. Since 2007, Summit Quest has been dedicated to providing support services and meeting the needs of those affected by cancer.”

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

Blue Wahoos, One Blood Team Up for Hurricane Relief

PENSACOLA, Fla., – The Pensacola Blue Wahoos are pleased to announce a partnership with One Blood to assist in Hurricane Harvey relief. OneBlood will be setup at Blue Wahoos Stadium for blood donations from 12:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 6th.

Donors will receive a free SRO ticket per donor for the Blue Wahoos playoff game against the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp.

“We are very proud to team up with OneBlood,” said team President Jonathan Griffith. “It’s important for us to give back to not only the Pensacola community, but all communities in need of help.”

 

OneBlood is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) community asset responsible for providing safe, available and affordable blood.

Generally healthy people age 16 or older who weigh at least 110 pounds can donate blood. Photo ID is required.

 

Tickets to the 2017 playoffs are now on sale! Purchase tickets online at bluewahoos.com, visiting the Box Office or calling 850-934-8444. The Pensacola Blue Wahoos are the Double-A Affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and a member of the Southern League. Follow the Pensacola Blue Wahoos at BlueWahoos.com, facebook.com/PensacolaBlueWahoos and twitter.com/BlueWahoosBBall.

–www.bluewahoos.com–

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

RubberDucks Offer Special Labor Day Ticket Deal for Hurricane Harvey Relief

(AKRON, OHIO) Sept. 1, 2017 – The Akron RubberDucks announced today a special ticket deal for Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 4, to raise money for the Hurricane Harvey relief efforts in Texas. Reserved tickets, which are normally $11, will only be available online until midnight Sunday for $7 with $2 from each ticket set to be donated.

Monday’s game is the annual Fan Appreciation Day and is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. vs. Erie SeaWolves. Fans can purchase the Hurricane Harvey relief tickets directly at https://groupmatics.events/event/HurricaneHarvey or through a link on the front of http://akronrubberducks.com.

“Even though our season winds down at Canal Park with a fun fireworks-packed holiday weekend, our thoughts and prayers are with the people in Texas who have had their lives thrown into chaos by Hurricane Harvey,” said RubberDucks General Manager Jim Pfander. “Our tremendous fans have always supported us with great enthusiasm, and we know they will show that same level of support helping out in this crisis.”

FAN APPRECIATION MONDAY, September 4 at 1:05 p.m. vs. Erie SeaWolves, presented by Plato’s Closet in Sagamore Hills

Probables: Erie – RHP Sandy Baez (0-1, 7.20) vs. Akron – RHP Shane Bieber (2-1, 2.42)

  • Fan Appreciation Day (1:05 p.m. start)
  • Fans will have a chance to win fantastic prizes throughout the game such as 2018 RubberDucks tickets, autographed baseballs, and pre-game experiences! All fans will also receive a 10% discount with their game ticket at the BRAND NEW Plato’s Closet in Sagamore Hills.

Regular-season RubberDucks tickets start at $5 and fans can purchase tickets by stopping at the Akron RubberDucks box office at Canal Park weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., or on a game day starting at 10 a.m. and running until gates open one hour before the scheduled game time. Tickets are also available by calling 330-253-5151 or on www.akronrubberducks.com.

All RubberDucks games are broadcasted on Fox Sports 1350 AM, the WARF iHeart channel, and the TuneIn Radio App. All RubberDucks home games are also available via MiLB.TV.

The Akron RubberDucks are the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians and defending Eastern League champions. The 2017 season is the franchise’s 21st since moving to Akron. For more information about the team, please visit akronrubberducks.com, on Facebook facebook.com/AkronRubberDucks, Twitter @AkronRubberDuck, and Instagram at @akronrubberducks.

Sox Offering Free Admission to all Service Members on Military Appreciation Night

SALEM, VA (Friday, September 1, 2017) – The Salem Red Sox will offer free admission to any and all military service members on Military Appreciation Night on Saturday, September 2 against the Winston-Salem Dash.

Due to the overwhelming support from Veterans of Foreign Wars, Military Family Support Center, and our fans donating tickets at every home game this year, Salem Red Sox President Ryan Shelton has decided to match our partners’ contributions by giving free admission to all military service members (active or retired) who do not already have a ticket. Eligible fans can show their military ID at the gates for free entrance.

“In recent years, we have significantly increased our commitment to our fighting men and women,” Shelton said. “This year, with such overwhelming support from our fans, the VFW and MFS for the Tickets for Troops program, we wanted to ensure that every soldier, sailor and airman was able to attend and be recognized.”

In addition, the first 1,000 fans through the gates will receive a free military-style t-shirt featuring a stars-and-stripes motif similar to our 2017 Military Jerseys. The Salem Red Sox look forward to recognizing our military service members at the game through pre-game activities, special recognitions and symbolic song dedications.

Fans who want to buy tickets for themselves or others should visit the Salem Red Sox box office at Haley Toyota Field at 1004 Texas St. in Salem, visit the team website at http://www.SalemSox.com, or give the Sox a call at 540-389-3333.

Chiefs to Raise Money for Hurricane Harvey Relief Efforts

PEORIA, IL – The Peoria Chiefs are partnering with Minor League Baseball Charities to raise funds for Hurricane Harvey relief efforts. The Chiefs will hold a Mystery Ball & Bobblehead Grab Bag at Friday’s regular season finale with all proceeds going to the Hurricane Harvey relief efforts and the team will also hold an online auctionof game-used items and other memorabilia over the next week. MiLB Charities announced Thursday that they will match each Minor League Baseball team’s contributions to the fund, up to $10,000.

     Fans attending Friday’s fan appreciation night game at 6:30 against Quad Cities can purchase a mystery ball for $20. Every ball in the grab bag is autographed by a Major or Minor League player or by former Major Leaguers. Teams from around Minor League and Major League Baseball made donations to the Mystery Ball Grab Bag throughout the season. Fans could walk away with baseballs signed by: Kyle Schwarber, Mookie Betts, Rollie Fingers, Kolten Wong, Stephen Piscotty, Willie McGee, Lee Smith and team signed balls from various Minor League teams. Among the bobbleheads are Derek Jeter, Willie Stargell, Mariano Rivera, Lucas Giolito and a New York Yankees Hello Kitty bobblehead.

The online auction will run through Friday, September 8 at Noon Central and all proceeds will be donated to the MiLB Charities Hurricane Harvey relief efforts. Among the items up for online auction are: Stephen Piscotty’s game-worn and autographed Sunday Chiefs throwback jersey and navy blue road jersey from his 2017 rehab appearance, Kolten Wong signed replica Chiefs jersey (not game-worn), Kramer Robertson‘s game-worn 2017 Sunday Chiefs jersey, Dylan Carlson‘s game-worn Sunday Chiefs jersey, Houston native Jordan Hicks‘ game-worn 2017 Sunday Chiefs jersey, MWL baseballs signed by former Chiefs pitcher Greg Maddux, MWL baseball signed by Kramer Robertson and 2017 Chiefs posters signed by Kramer Robertson and Jordan Hicks.

All funds raised by the Chiefs and other Minor League teams will go to MiLB Charities and then sent to organizations selected by MiLB to help those impacted by Hurricane Harvey.

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

PawSox and Rhode Island Blood Center to Host Second Annual 9/11 Blood Drive at McCoy Stadium

For the second year in a row, the Pawtucket Red Sox and the Rhode Island Blood Center are teaming up on September 11 to host a “Day of Remembrance” Blood Drive in the Visiting Clubhouse at McCoy Stadium. The drive will take place from 1:00pm-8:30pm, and fans who donate blood will receive a $5 Dunkin’ Donuts Gift Card and a PawSox Baseball Cap.

Last year on the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, members of the PawSox community set a club record by donating 71 units of blood for the Rhode Island Blood Center at McCoy Stadium. PawSox blood drives in past years had garnered less than a dozen units.

“When America was attacked on 9-11, it affected us, unified us, and inspired us to do what we could to help,” said PawSox President Dr. Charles A. Steinberg. “The PawSox commemorate this spirit with our annual ‘Day of Remembrance’ Blood Drive, when again, we come together as a community to do what we can–this time to save the lives of our friends and neighbors.”

There are over 370,000 people in Rhode Island who are eligible to donate blood, but only about 5% of the state’s population donates on a regular basis. Over 200 units of blood are needed each day by the RIBC, which is where people in the PawSox Community can make a difference.

“It’s important for more people to begin donating blood and try to give as often as possible,” said Kara LeBlanc, Communications Manager of the Rhode Island Blood Center. “Unfortunately, we live in a world where disasters happen too frequently. Because blood donations take two days to test and process, it is the blood on the shelves from regular donors that save lives.”

Fans who donate blood will also be able to take photos on the field, and take a trip down the PawSox Hall of History.

For more information, please contact PawSox Director of Communications and Community Relations, Joe Bradlee, at jbradlee@pawsox.com

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