Archives for May 2018

Military Appreciation Night, Troop Supply Drive on June 14th

Military Appreciation Night on June 14th includes a Troop Supply Drive.

—

LAKEWOOD, NJ – The BlueClaws will be hosting their annual Military Appreciation Night and Troop Supply Drive, presented by OceanFirst Bank, at the game on Thursday, June 14th. First pitch is at 7:05 pm.

There will be both pre-game and in-game ceremonies honoring members of the armed forces. A Black Hawk Helicopter will be stationed on the Great Lawn in front of the ballpark for pictures with fans.

Tickets – Call 732-901-7000 option 2 or click here to order online.

Additionally, the BlueClaws will once again be collecting items for their Troop Supply Drive. Boxes will be set up for the Troop Supply and Care Package Drive in the front of the ballpark and fans are encouraged to donate razors, snacks, baby wipes, shampoo, soap, non-chocolate candies and sweets, sun block with SPF 40+, lip balm, writing utensils, silly string, deodorant, tissues, q-tips, white socks, batteries, insect repellent, and flashlights.

The BlueClaws will also be collecting, as always, gently used cell phones at the New Jersey Natural Gas Information Booth to benefit Cell Phones for Soldiers.

This supply and care package drive is in conjunction with the Monmouth-Ocean Central Labor Council Military Committee, Monmouth-Ocean Building Trade Council, National Guard, Toms River Armory, A.R.M.S, and IBEW Local 400 Military Committee.

Vets Night Out – Through the BlueClaws Vets Night Out program, presented by OceanFirst Bank, fans can donate tickets that will be given directly to veterans to enjoy BlueClaws games on June 14th and August 21st this year. For more in Vets Night Out, click here or call Tyler Odle at 732-901-7000 ext 124.

In addition, former Yankee Bucky Dent will be signing autographs at the game. Dent hit one of the most famous home runs in baseball history to win a one-game playoff against the Red Sox in 1978. His signing will begin at 6 pm when the gates open.

Bucky Dent VIP Express Pass – A VIP Express Pass lets holders skip the main autograph line. A limited number of express passes are available and can be ordered online by clicking here on the phone at 732-901-7000 option 2. Please note when ordering that the VIP Line price includes a game ticket ($23 adults, $20 junior/senior).

It’s also a Thirsty Thursday, presented by 95.9 WRAT, with dollar beer and soda plus 75-cent wings in the BlueClaws Biergarten. For more on the BlueClaws Thirsty Thursday Club, which includes seven undated Thursday tickets and access to a VIP Line in the BlueClaws Biergarten, click here.

– BlueClaws –

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

Fluor Field Hosts Blood Drive on Thursday, June 7th

The Greenville Drive and The Blood Connection are teaming up again in 2018 to hold blood drives at Fluor Field. The next blood drive at Fluor Field is scheduled for Thursday, June 7th. The Blood Connection buses will be set up outside the Main Street gates between 11:00 AM and 7:00 PM.

Fans who stop by Fluor Field and donate blood will receive a ticket voucher to a 2018 Drive game at Fluor Field, subject to availability, and a Blood Connection t-shirt. They will also be provided with a hot dog, chips and a drink after donating.

For more information on The Blood Connection and donating blood, CLICK HERE.

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

Keyote’s Birthday, Scout Night and Meet the Team Highlight Upcoming Homestand

FREDERICK, MD-The Frederick Keys return to Nymeo Field from Friday, June 1-Sunday, June 3. This jam-packed weekend includes Keyote’s Birthday, Scout Night, the second Meet the Team Event of the year plus a pair of fireworks shows. Fans can pick up their tickets by calling 301-815-9939 or by visiting frederickkeys.com.

Friday night’s game is at 7:00 p.m with gates opening at six, as the Keys take on the Lynchburg Hillcats. The first 1,000 fans receive a Trey Mancini shirsey sponsored by Nymeo. A member of the Keys in 2014-15, Mancini comes off an outstanding 2017 season with the Orioles where he was one of the top rookies in Major League Baseball.

It is also Keyote’s LEGO-themed birthday party. LEGO Batman and Emmet will be on hand while fans can purchase an exclusive meet and greet package. This includes a general admission ticket, hot dog, chips and drink. Fans can book their spot by calling the Keys Groups Office at 301-815-9900. After the game, there are fireworks also courtesy of Nymeo. This is a fan vote fireworks night and those attending can visit the Keys Facebook page to vote on their musical accompaniment.

Saturday is Scout Night sponsored by Wegman’s. Gates open at 5 p.m and first pitch is at 6. Local scout troops who attend can participate in a pre-game parade starting at 5:30, while those who sign up receive an exclusive food package and a chance to camp out on the outfield following the game. Additionally, the first 1,000 campers receive a special patch. For more information, fans can contact the Keys Groups Department. Fireworks follow the game presented by Wegman’s and Tops Inc.

The homestand wraps up on Sunday at 2 with the second Meet the Team Event of the year. From 1-1:30 those who come to the game can head down to the field to meet their favorite Keys players and coaches and get autographs. During this time fans who bring a ball and glove can also enjoy a catch in the outfield as part of Sunday Funday. It is also Sun Safety Awareness Day sponsored by Minor League Baseball.

For additional information about upcoming homestands, fans can contact the Keys at 301-815-9939 or visit frederickkeys.com.

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

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Dragons present an Anthem Home Run for Life

Dayton, Ohio – Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Dayton Dragons will host 12-year-old Gabe Duplechian during the unique Anthem Home Run for Life program on Wednesday, May 30, at 7:00 p.m., when the Dayton Dragons take on the West Michigan Whitecaps at Fifth Third Field.

The Anthem Home Run for Life program provides children in the Dayton region who are battling serious medical conditions with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Each honoree gets to take a lap around the bases at Fifth Third Field during a sold-out Dragons home game while the crowd cheers them on.

Gabe’s Story

Around Christmas of 2012, Gabe Duplechian came home from school with a sore arm. There was no incident earlier that day that would have caused the constant pain Gabe was feeling, so his parents took him to urgent care. Based on preliminary tests, it was suggested Gabe had a fracture and his arm was placed in a cast to heal.

Unfortunately, this didn’t solve Gabe’s issues. Quickly after having his cast removed, he had similar pain in his other arm and then shortly thereafter his legs. The pain was so excruciating that he was unable to walk and perform daily functions. After months of tests with results seemingly normal, Gabe’s parents were frustrated and took him to the emergency room for some answers.

After many more tests, Gabe and his parents were shocked to learn he had Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). Gabe didn’t have the typical signs of this condition, and it had taken months for the family to get an accurate diagnosis.

ALL is a cancer of the white blood cells characterized by excess lymphoblasts. Malignant, immature white blood cells continuously multiply and are overproduced in the bone marrow. This form of cancer causes damage by crowding out normal cells in the bone marrow, and eventually spreads to other organs.

Treatment started immediately for Gabe. He had a one-week induction with steroids and then started chemotherapy. Gabe went through 30 days of isolation, lost his hair multiple times, had a buildup of ammonia, and experienced liver issues during his treatment.

Today, Gabe is 12-years-old and feels great. His last round of chemotherapy was in June of 2016 and he’s extremely grateful to be in remission. “This experience has taught me to not take things for granted,” Gabe said. “Things could always be worse. And even though I had cancer, cancer didn’t have me.”

Gabe will be in eighth grade at Kettering Middle School next school year. He enjoys english, wrestling, and playing the saxophone.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Dayton Dragons applaud all those who have been instrumental in Gabe’s life, including his parents Jason and Adrienne, his specialist Dr. Dole, and his entire medical team. Please join us in cheering on Gabe as he completes his Home Run for Life at Fifth Third Field on May 30.

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 at (937) 228-2287, emailing 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.

Strikeout Cancer Weekend takes center stage in coming homestand

FRISCO, Texas (May 24, 2018) – The return of Strikeout Cancer Weekend garners the spotlight as part of the coming six-game homestand for the Frisco RoughRiders, Double-A affiliate of the Rangers, which runs from Tuesday, May 29 until Sunday, June 3 at Dr Pepper Ballpark.

As part of the franchise’s annual Strikeout Cancer Weekend, which runs from Friday, June 1-Sunday, June 3, the Riders are dedicating the three-game stretch to raising awareness and funds in the battle against cancer. Each night, the Riders will partner with a different cancer-fighting non-profit organization to spotlight their efforts and aid their mission: the National Breast Cancer Foundation (Friday), Rumble Against Cancer (Saturday) and Team Holly (Sunday).

The team will don special Strikeout Cancer uniforms for all three games, which will be auctioned throughout the weekend to benefit the three partnering non-profits. Plus, the first 2,000 fans through the gates at each game will receive a free Riders Strikeout Cancer wristband.

In addition to the special weekend, the homestand also features the return of $1 beer with Thirsty Thursday and the Deep Ellum Brewing Party @ The Yard on Thursday, May 31. For just $10, fans 21 and older can join the BIGGEST party in North Texas and enjoy great drink specials, tailgate games, rotating food trucks, non-stop music and a whole lot more. Plus, for just $29, partygoers can enhance their experience by taking it in from the world-famous Choctaw Lazy River.

Here’s a full breakdown of what to expect this homestand at Dr Pepper Ballpark:

Tuesday, May 29 vs. Northwest Arkansas (Royals), 7:05 p.m.

* North Texas Food Bank Night, presented by Whataburger: Fans who donate two or more canned food items will receive a free Whataburger coupon.

* Taco Tuesday: Take advantage of $2 tacos all game long, plus select $3 beers and half-price margaritas from 6-8 p.m.

* Kids Run The Bases: Youngsters can take a lap around the diamond after the game.

Wednesday, May 30 vs. Northwest Arkansas, 7:05 p.m.

* Weiner Wednesday presented by Texas Chili Company: Feast on $1 hot dogs all night long.

* Kids Run The Bases: Youngsters can show off their speed on the bases after the game.

Thursday, May 31 vs. Northwest Arkansas, 7:05 p.m.

* Deep Ellum Brewing Party @ The Yard: Experience the BIGGEST part in North Texas! For just $10, enjoy access to $1 beers, a wide selection of food trucks, tailgate games, non-stop music and more (fans 21 & older only).

* Thirsty Thursday: Sip away on $1 domestic draft beers, $2 craft and import beers and $1 Dr Pepper products from 6-8 p.m.
* Kids Run The Bases: Kids get a chance to run the same bases as the Riders after the game.

Friday, June 1 vs. Arkansas (Mariners), 7:05 p.m.

* Strikeout Cancer Weekend, presented by the National Breast Cancer Foundation. All weekend long, the Riders are raising awareness and funds to help in the ongoing battle against cancers of all kind. The first 2,000 fans through the gates will receive a free Riders Strikeout Cancer wristband.

* Fireworks Friday, presented by InTouch Credit Union: Fans can watch a sparkling fireworks show from the field after the game.

Saturday, June 2 vs. Arkansas, 7:05 p.m.

* Strikeout Cancer Weekend, presented by Rumble Against Cancer. All weekend long, the Riders are raising awareness and funds to help in the ongoing battle against cancers of all kind. The first 2,000 fans through the gates will receive a free Riders Strikeout Cancer wristband.

* Saturday Post-Game Party: Enjoy live music, with half-price drinks starting in the ninth inning at the Bull Moose Saloon.

* Kids Run The Bases: Youngsters get to traverse the diamond after the game.

Sunday, June 3 vs. Arkansas, 7:05 p.m.

* Strikeout Cancer Weekend, presented by Team Holly. All weekend long, the Riders are raising awareness and funds to help in the ongoing battle against cancers of all kind. The first 2,000 fans through the gates will receive a free Riders Strikeout Cancer wristband.

* Kids Sunday Funday: Kids and their families can participate in a free pregame catch on the field from 6:00-6:30 and enjoy $1 ice cream sandwiches from all game long.

* Postgame fireworks, presented by Park Place Lexus: Head down to the field after the game to watch a dazzling fireworks show.

For tickets to these games and other remaining home games during the Riders 15th Anniversary Season, visit RidersBaseball.com, call (972) 731-9200 or visit the Dr Pepper Ballpark box office.

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 13 seasons (2005-2017). In August 2014, the RoughRiders were purchased by an ownership group led by Chuck Greenberg. Since then, the new ownership group, together with the City of Frisco, has spearheaded numerous major franchise enhancements, investing over $8 million in a wide array of facility upgrades and improvements, including a state-of-the-art HD video board, sound system, Bull Moose Saloon, InTouch Grille, Riders Outpost Team Store and the world’s largest water feature in a sports facility, the massive Choctaw Lazy River. These enhancements earned the Riders and the City of Frisco Ballpark Digest’s prestigious “Best Ballpark Renovation” award for two consecutive years (2015 and 2016). More than 140 former RoughRiders players have gone on to play Major League Baseball, including All-Stars Chris Davis, Adrian Gonzalez, Ian Kinsler and Neftali Feliz, 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 Ryan Rouillard at RRouillard@RidersBaseball.com.

Cardinals and Isabel’s House partner for Baby Supply Drive, $1 tickets

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Springfield Cardinals are excited to partner with Isabel’s House to host the 2018 Cardinals Baby Supply Drive.

Running right now through the Tuesday, May 29 game at Hammons Field, the Cardinals and Isabel’s House are seeking donations of the following items:

– Diapers (Sizes 2 & 4)
– Pull-Ups (Sizes 2T-5T)
– FUN Underwear (Toddler)
– Boxers/Boxer Briefs (7-13)*
– Kids socks (toddler – pre-teen)
– Kids toothbrushes
– Kids hairbrushes
– Enfamil Gentlease Formula (new/unopened)
– New toddler clothes (boys 2T-5/6)
– New pajamas (2T-5/6)
– Kites, bubbles, chalk

*No white underwear/”tighty-whities”

All fans who donate may purchase a discounted $1 ticket to the May 29 game for each item donated! First Pitch on Tuesday, May 29 is 6:30pm with gates opening at 5:30pm.

Tuesday is also a Great Southern Bank $1 Dog Day! The combination of helping your southwest Missouri community, $1 tickets to the Cardinals and $1 dogs may seem too good to be true, but it’s not!

All baby supply items donated through the Cardinals Baby Supply Drive will benefit Isabel’s House, where immediate refuge throughout the Ozarks is provided for children ages birth to 12 whose families are in crisis.

To donate, please bring your baby supply items to the Cardinals Front Office at Hammons Field, located at 955 E. Trafficway, or the Box Office. The Front Office is open from 9am – 5pm, Monday – Friday. For more information, call the Front Office at (417) 863-0395.

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

Celebrate Autism Awareness Day and Dr. Seuss Day on Sunday, May 27th at Northwest Federal Field at Pfitzner Stadium

The Potomac Nationals are excited to host Autism Awareness Day at Northwest Federal Field at Pfitzner Stadium on Sunday, May 27th! The day will be highlighted by the team wearing Autism Awareness jerseys, presented by Extreme Custom Collision, which will be auctioned off to benefit Autism Speaks. It will also be Dr. Seuss Day, Sun Safety Day, and as always, Kids Day Sunday with Kids Eat Free and post-game player autographs, kids run the bases and catch on the field.

“Little Big Leagues” Grand Prize Game Winner Selected

DAYTON, OHIO – It doesn’t get much better than baseball played by kids. The love affair with our national pastime began on little league fields across the country for so many of us. In that spirit, the Dayton Dragons and IGS Energy are proud to continue a multi-year partnership to shine a spotlight on youth baseball players all across our region.

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

IGS Energy is sponsoring a Grand Prize Game on Tuesday, June 5 at 7 PM. Two local youth baseball teams from Midwest Ohio Baseball will square off under the lights at Fifth Third Field as if they were playing in a Dragons game. All the elements from a Dragons game, including PA announcers, video board graphics, Dragons in-game entertainment, and more, will be part of this experience. Gates open at 6 PM for this free open to the public event. The two teams won this opportunity by signing up for a Little Big Leagues Pre-Game Parade, presented by IGS Energy.

Thousands of youth baseball players have the opportunity to participate in one of the IGS Little League Parades before a sold-out Dragons game this summer. Leagues that come to a Dragons game as part of a group outing will be escorted for a lap around the warning track at Fifth Third Field during pre-game warmups and have an opportunity to take a league-wide photo on the field. Leagues were encouraged to sign up early so they could be entered to win the Grand Prize Game and other experiences.

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, email dragons@daytondragons.com, 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 as well as 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.

Lexington Legends to Host A+ Teacher Appreciation Night

WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK (Lexington, KY) – The Lexington Legends are excited to announce Teacher Appreciation Night on 90’s Night with a guest appearance by Saved By The Bell’s Mr. Belding on Thursday, May 24 at 7:05 p.m. Teachers who show their ID at the box office will receive $3 off box seats for the night.

“We are excited to honor all the hard work that teachers do each and every school year. We invite them to kick off summer with Teacher’s Appreciation Night as well as our other promotions such as Thirsty Thursday and Bark in the Park. We are also pleased to welcome 90’s icon, and one of the most well know principals: Mr. Belding from Saved By the Bell,” said Legends President/CEO Andy Shea.

In order to honor some of the hardest work people in Kentucky, the Legends invite teachers to Whitaker Bank Ballpark to celebrate the school year and take in a baseball game. Teachers will also be involved in on-field promotions throughout the game, in what is sure to be an A+ night.

One of the most famous Principals will also be making an appearance at Whitaker Bank Ballpark. Mr. Belding from Saved By the Bell will be on hand to meet fans, sign autographs, take pictures and find out exactly what is going on in here.

On Throwback Thursday, the Legends will be throwing it back to the 90’s with scrunchies, neon clothing and more. Be prepared for all the best hits, including the sweet tunes of the Backstreet Boys, Spice Girls and other top groups from that decade.

It is also Thirsty Thursday courtesy of Kentucky Ale and Pepsi. Enjoy $1 12 oz. beers and $3 16 oz. beers at the Bullpen Patio, First Base Pavilion Tent, and the Handlebar in the first base concourse. $1 Pepsi products will be available in the 1st base and 3rd base concession stands.

Fans can also bring their best friend, of the K9 variety, for Bark in the Park with a $2 donation to Scott County Humane Society.

The Legends, a Class A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and member of the South Atlantic League, play all home games at Whitaker Bank Ballpark in Lexington, Kentucky. For ticket information, call (859) 422-7867 or visit LexingtonLegends.com

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

Bees Downed by River Cats on Pink Night

SALT LAKE CITY (May 19, 2018) -Despite hitting three home runs on “Pack the Park Pink” night, the Salt Lake Bees were defeated 11-7 by the Sacramento River Cats Saturday night at Smith’s Ballpark.

Salt Lake honored and recognized those who have been affected by cancer by wearing pink uniforms with the name of a person who has been impacted by the disease on the back. The Bees also raised money with pink t-shirt sales and combined with Swing For Life the Bees raided $26,523 for the Huntsman Cancer Research Institute to fund their fight to find a cure.

Rymer Liriano, Kaleb Cowart and Wade Wass all blasted home runs for the Bees. Wass’ homer was his first Triple-A hit of his career as he made his debut at that level Saturday night. Cowart finished 4-for-5 with three RBIs in the losing effort. David Fletcher saw his consecutive on-base streak end at 30 games with an 0-for-4 night. Jose Miguel Fernandez extended his on-base streak to 27 games by going 1-for-3 with a double and a base on balls. Bees starter Ivan Pineyro went four innings, giving up five runs. Reliver Greg Belton (0-2) got tagged with the loss after giving up three runs in the sixth to give Sacramento the lead. The Bees would chip away and cut the deficit to 9-7 in the eighth inning, but Sacramento scored two insurance runs in the ninth to put the game away.

The Bees are back to playing Sunday at 1:05 at Smith’s Ballpark for the final game of the four-game series. The club will be hosting “Brunch in the Ballpark” where $25 will get fans admission to the game and a delicious brunch served in one of the stadium’s food patios. Tickets are available at slbees.com.

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

ValleyCats, Community Resource Federal Credit Union partner to recognize Capital Region’s Community Heroes!

TROY, N.Y. – The Tri-City ValleyCats and Community Resource Federal Credit Union have teamed up again in 2018 on the “Home Run Community Heroes Starting 9” initiative, a program that aims to highlight those that go above and beyond in the Capital Region community.

A selection of nominees will be recognized in an on-field ceremony on Thursday, July 19, prior to the ValleyCats game versus the Brooklyn Cyclones.

“We are honored to join with the ValleyCats again this year to honor our Community Heroes,” said Marc DeNofio, VP of Marketing at Community Resource FCU. “Our everyday heroes are at the very core of what makes the Capital Region a great place to live. At CRFCU we enjoy supporting these selfless individuals, and offering banking services that enrich the lives of all residents.”

The ‘Cats and Community Resource FCU are encouraging fans to nominate personnel from military, law enforcement, firefighter/EMS agencies, non-profit organizations, as well as teachers, volunteers, children and everyday people that have helped make the Capital Region a better place to live.

“We are excited to partner with Community Resource Federal Credit Union to recognize the efforts of those who have had a positive impact within our community,” said ValleyCats General Manager Matt Callahan. “There is plenty of heroic work being done within the Capital Region that many people may not know about, so we’re glad to be able to showcase a handful of those circumstances.”

The nine nominees selected will also be treated to a luxury suite as guests of Community Resource FCU, with complimentary food and drink.

Fans who want to nominate a Community Hero can do so by filling out the form located online at tcvalleycats.com/communityheroes. The ValleyCats will be accepting nominations through Friday, June 29. Forms can be faxed with attention to Elyse Zima at 518-629-2299, e-mailed to elysezima@tcvalleycats.com, or dropped off at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium.

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

Chasers Garner Business Excellence Honors

The Omaha Storm Chasers are the recipient of a Greater Omaha Chamber’s Business Excellence Award for leadership. The organization was also honored for their 50 years in business at the chamber’s award ceremony on Thursday evening at the Embassy Suites La Vista.

“To receive this Business Excellence Award and to be recognized for 50 years in the Omaha community is special, and behalf of our entire front office I would like to thank the Greater Omaha Chamber,” said Storm Chasers President and General Manager Martie Cordaro. “I’m very proud of our ownership and leadership group for providing an environment for our employees’ professional growth in their current and future endeavors.”

The Omaha franchise is currently in its 50th season playing in the Omaha Metro dating back to 1969. The team has been affiliated with the Kansas City Royals for all 50 seasons, marking the longest current running Triple-A affiliation in Minor League Baseball. The organization has welcomed over 14 million fans through the gates of Rosenblatt Stadium and Werner Park for games and special events. The franchise has also had an economic impact of more than $17 million annually.

Off the field the Storm Chasers has garnered numerous industry honors, including two nominations for Minor League Baseball’s John H. Henry Moss Community Service Award, in addition to earning Ballpark Digest’s 2016 Charity Award. Over the past seven years alone, the front office has combined to donate more than $4 million in cash, goods, services and in-kind donations to more than 600 community organizations.

The organization was one of 21 Business Excellence Award recipients. Other winners included First National Bank and Open Door Mission, who both partner with the Storm Chasers organization as well.

The Omaha Storm Chasers are the Triple-A Affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. The Storm Chasers play at Werner Park in Papillion, Sarpy County, Nebraska. For more information please visit omahastormchasers.com and follow us on Twitter @omastormchasers and at facebook.com/omahastormchasers.

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

Andrew Jackson students to host ballpark food drive Monday

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A group of students from Andrew Jackson High School are using the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp’s annual Education Day game to help those in need in local schools and the Northeast Florida community. The students will host a food drive for Feeding Northeast Florida at the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp’s Education Day game on Monday, May 21, at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.

Students from the Jackson Five program, which introduces high school students to the sports business industry, will collect non-perishable food items at the third base gate before and during the 11:05 a.m. game. Gates open at 10:00 a.m. Everyone who donates an item at the third base gate will be entered in a drawing for prizes from the Jumbo Shrimp.

“We are so impressed by the effort students at Andrew Jackson High School are making on behalf of those most vulnerable in our community,” said Feeding Northeast Florida President and CEO Frank D. Castillo. “This food drive comes at a perfect time. Without access to the free or reduced school lunch programs, many of the families we serve struggle to feed their children during the summer months. More than 81,000 local kids are considered food insecure, and it is inspiring to see these students at Andrew Jackson stepping up to help their fellow students.”

In its second year after beginning as a unique partnership between the Jumbo Shrimp and Andrew Jackson High School, the Jackson Five program has 10 students who gained hands-on experience during the series of high school games at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville in March and have had mentoring sessions with various departments of the Jumbo Shrimp front office. Students will also be involved in Monday’s game day operations and helped contribute to this press release.

“I am proud of the growth of the Jackson Five Program and the students who show selfless dedication to making an impact for our community,” said Jumbo Shrimp General Manager Harold Craw. “Through the program, students are getting a first-hand look at our organization, and their enthusiasm and ideas energize our staff. We are grateful they chose to share their talents with us.”

UP NEXT: The Jumbo Shrimp open a six-game, five-day homestand with Mobile at 7:05 p.m. Thursday. Gates open at 6 p.m. for Budweiser Thirsty Thursday, with $1 12-oz. and $2 24-oz. beers at select locations, plus $1 sodas at the main concession stands. For National Police Week, Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams will throw a ceremonial first pitch, and police vehicles and trucks will be on display at the ballpark. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Bigs with Badges program will attend the game.

ABOUT THE JUMBO SHRIMP: The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp offer affordable family fun at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville. Their inaugural season garnered the Southern League’s Don Mincher Organization of the Year, Promotional Trophy, and Jimmy Bragan Executive of the Year, won by General Manager Harold Craw. To experience the excitement with the terrific value of ticket and group options, call the Jumbo Shrimp at (904) 358-2846 or visit www.jaxshrimp.com.

Girl Scout Day is Sunday at Fluor Field

The Drive’s homestand against the Augusta GreenJackets concludes with Girl Scouts Day on Sunday at 4:05 PM.

The Drive are excited to team up with the Girl Scouts of South Carolina Mountains to Midlands for another day of celebration. Girl Scouts will participate in a pregame parade around Fluor Field, and when the gates open, there will be an on-field bridging ceremony in which Girl Scouts receive a commemorative patch from this special day.

During the game, Girl Scouts will take part in the Education Adventure Challenge that teaches the importance of healthy living by combining Scout practices with the game of baseball.

Stick around after the game for Kids Run the Bases presented by BlueCross BlueShield!

Purchase tickets for Sunday’s game at Fluor Field by visiting the Main Street Box Office, by calling (864) 240-4528 or by CLICKING HERE.

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

Drive Celebrate Mauldin Miracle League on Saturday

The Drive will celebrate Mauldin Miracle League Night at Fluor Field on Saturday night. First pitch is at 7:05, and prior to the gates opening, the Mauldin Miracle League will hold two games on the field with players, coaches and staff members from the Drive and Augusta GreenJackets.

The Mauldin Miracle League gives every child the opportunity to play baseball, no matter their disability, and these games will create lifetime memories for everyone involved. The Drive’s relationship with the Mauldin Miracle League has been ongoing for 13 years, and all of the players in Saturday’s games on the field will be wearing Drive and Red Sox jerseys, provided by the Drive.

The Drive will also be recognizing players and staff members from Mauldin Miracle League and Greenville Little League throughout the night.

To purchase tickets for Saturday’s game at Fluor Field, stop by the Main Street Box Office, call (864) 240-4528 or CLICK HERE.

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