Archives for May 2018

Kettering Health Network Presents the “Strike Out Stroke” Event

Dayton, Ohio – Manual Bidaara, a stroke survivor, will throw out the first pitch at the Dayton Dragons game on Sunday, May 20, at 2:07 p.m. when Kettering Health Network presents the “Strike Out Stroke™” event. The Dragons will be hosting the Great Lakes Loons at Fifth Third Field in downtown Dayton. Strike Out Stroke is a registered trademark of the “Retreat and Refresh Stroke Camp.”

Bidaara, a 17-year-old foreign exchange student from Portugal, was brushing his teeth one morning in April and noticed he couldn’t move his left arm or hand. Then, his left leg gave out and he collapsed. The whole left side of his body went numb and Bidaara began to slur his speech.

Bidaara’s host brother helped him up and notified his host guardian, Jim. Jim knew something was wrong and took Bidaara to the emergency room at Soin Medical Center. There, he was stabilized by Scott Balonier, DO.

After evaluation, it was theorized that Bidaara, who is active in sports, had recently suffered an ankle injury that created a blood clot. The clot moved upwards through his body and passed through a hole in Bidaara’s heart due to a heart condition from his childhood. Then, the clot made its way to Bidaara’s brain and caused the stroke.

Bidaara had surgery in early May at Kettering Medical Center and is on the road to recovery. His career ambition is to one day become a neurologist to study the brain himself.

Kettering Health Network will be on the plaza from noon-2:30 p.m. with stroke awareness and prevention information and will also be passing out various stroke awareness items.

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.

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

Culmination of OKC Dodgers MVP Program Presented by Devon Energy Saturday

OKLAHOMA CITY – More than 4,300 third- and fourth-grade students from 172 classrooms in the Edmond, Mid-Del, Norman, Oklahoma City and Putnam City school districts participated in the second year of the Oklahoma City Dodgers MVP Program: Encouraging STEM Education presented by Devon Energy.

The free program rewards area elementary students’ achievements in science and math and encourages area students and their teachers to participate in STEM curriculum. Top-performing MVP students received tickets to an OKC Dodgers game and a commemorative MVP baseball hat.

“Devon Energy is committed to helping communities inspire young people to pursue an interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) subjects by working with schools and community organizations to enhance access to STEM education,” said Christina Rehkop, manager of community affairs for Devon Energy. “Partnering with the OKC Dodgers for the MVP Program provided an ideal opportunity to further this goal.”

The second year of the program culminates Saturday with MVP Field Day at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark – an exclusive event for MVP students and teachers, as well as their families. STEM activities will be available throughout MVP Field Day, presented by Science Museum Oklahoma, Oklahoma City Memorial Museum, OERB, Engage Learning Oklahoma, Geological Foundation of Oklahoma, iFly Indoor Skydiving, Girl Scouts of Western Oklahoma, and First Robotics. OKC Dodgers players will also be on hand, helping with hitting and throwing instruction, as well as signing autographs.

Participation in the program grew more than 300 percent in its second year after approximately 1,000 third- and fourth-grade students in Oklahoma City Public Schools benefitted during the program’s first year in 2017.

“We are proud to have the chance to reward MVP Program students and teachers for their hard work during the school year and encourage future participation in STEM education throughout the greater Oklahoma City area,” OKC Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes said. “We have received incredible responses from teachers and students during the program’s first two years and we look forward to providing a fun MVP Field Day Saturday.”

The OKC Dodgers MVP Program presented by Devon Energy will resume in August for the 2018-19 school year. Teachers seeking additional information about the OKC Dodgers MVP Program and how to participate in the third year of the program may contact Katy White at katy.white@okcdodgers.com or (405) 218-2105.

The OKC Dodgers open a four-game series tonight against the Nashville Sounds at 7:05 p.m. at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark on a $2 Thursday, featuring $2 Pepsi products, bottled water and select beer. The teams meet again at 7:05 p.m. Friday on Hometown Heroes Military Celebration Night, with fireworks to follow the game, presented by Oklahoma Blood Institute. The series continues at 7:05 p.m. Saturday before wrapping up at 2:05 p.m. on a Chaparral Energy Family Sunday.

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

Threshers Veterans and Military Appreciation Night is June 2

CLEARWATER, Fla. – The Threshers are saying ‘thank you’ and honoring those who serve at Veterans and Military Appreciation Night at Spectrum Field on Saturday, June 2. The day features inter-service softball games in the afternoon, a Hero Card Set giveaway, a POW/MIA Chair of Honor Dedication, a troop care package packing event, on-field ceremonies, a game-used jersey auction, and post-game fireworks. The night is presented by Bosley and Bratch, Lawyers for Veterans.

The first 1,000 guests to arrive will receive a free Hero Card Set giveaway, a baseball-style card set featuring local military heroes and veterans – with their photo and a bio included. The heroes, or their representatives, will be honored along the 3rd base line prior to game time.

Along with Rolling Thunder and Hussey Seating, the Threshers will be dedicating as part of the pregame ceremonies, a POW/MIA Chair of Honor to be on permanent display at Spectrum Field. Media is encouraged to attend this photo opportunity with military, local, and team officials.

In addition to the displays and happenings on the concourse, there will be a swearing-in of new recruits on-field, and SOCOM Para-Commandos from MacDill AFB will be jumping in to the ballpark. The special Threshers camouflage game jerseys will be part of a silent auction fundraiser during the game. Those with winning bids may collect their jersey from the player with an autograph, on-field after the game.

The Stano Foundation is partnering with the Threshers for a Troop Care Package packing event to take place during the game on June 2.

Military Night Packing Event Flyer PDF

Items to fill the snack sacks may be dropped off in the administration office of Spectrum Field during business hours in the weeks leading up to Veterans and Military Appreciation Night. Donations are encouraged of protein bars, granola bars, trail mix, peanuts, small bags of chips, and similar snacks.

Gates open at 5 p.m. for the 6:15 p.m. game with the Florida Fire Frogs, and a huge fireworks show follows the game. A portion of every military ticket sold will benefit the Haley House Fund and Injured Warriors of Florida. Historic military equipment from various branches including the Coast Guard will be on display around the park with many vendors inside.

 

The ‘Battle of the Branches’ softball games, organized by Navy Federal Credit Union, will take place on Spectrum Field during the afternoon preceding the Threshers game. Teams from the U.S. Coast Guard Sectors St. Pete and Clearwater, MacDill AFB, and VetSports will be competing for fun and bragging rights. Group tickets are available for the softball.

Call the BayCare Box Office at 727-467-4457.

Ticket Prices:

Field Box Seats – $10

Box Seats – $8

Military/Child/Senior – $6

Berm – $6

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

Dragons to Participate in Great American Cleanup

Dayton, Ohio – Montgomery County Environmental Services will host the Great American Cleanup event on Saturday, May 19 from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Ft. McKinley United Methodist Church on 3721 W. Siebenthaler Ave. in Dayton.

The Dragons will kick off the event from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. with hats, raffle prizes, Dragons players, members of the Dragons Green Team, members of the front office staff, and a mascot. The cleanup of the area will begin at 10:00 a.m. and continue until 2:00 p.m. Dragons players, Green Team and staff will assist in the cleanup until 12:00 p.m.

At this time, 2018 Great American Cleanup registration is full, but you can still show up to the event to help cleanup and enter the raffle or organize your own cleanup. You can visit www.kmbcohio.org to organize your own event.

This is a rain or shine event. In the event of severe weather, keep an eye on the Dragons Facebook and Twitter pages for updates on the morning of May 19.

About the Great American Cleanup

The Great American Cleanup is the largest organized volunteer litter cleanup and community improvement program in the country. This long standing Keep America Beautiful event, which runs annually from March 1 until May 31, is sponsored locally by the Keep Montgomery County Beautiful (KMCB) program. Keep Montgomery County Beautiful provides volunteers with cleanup supplies and can assist with litter disposal. KMCB can also help coordinate cleanup events and provide other resources for large scale community projects. For more information on KMCB programs, please visit www.kmcbohio.org or call (937) 225-4999.

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

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

Paige Hathaway coming to Frisco for Get Fit Festival June 15-16

FRISCO, Texas (May 16, 2018) – Celebrity fitness icon and trainer Paige Hathaway is joining the Frisco RoughRiders as part of their Get Fit Night on Friday, June 15 and Get Fit Festival on Saturday, June 16.

For just $20, fans can attend both the game on Friday and the Get Fit Festival on Saturday. To take advantage of this special offer, click here.

Hathaway, 26, has dedicated her life to help others get healthy, fit and confident. She is well-known through her various social media platforms – including on Instagram (@paigehathaway), where she has more than four million followers – as well as for her PHFit program and for being an F45 Global Ambassador.

Hathaway’s visit to Frisco begins Friday when the Riders host Get Fit Night. She will be throwing a ceremonial first pitch and will also be available for a special public meet and greet session from 8-9:30 p.m. Plus, Hathaway will participate in some of the Get Fit Night activities between innings, as the Riders dedicate the night to personal health and well-being. To top it off, the first 1,500 fans through the Dr Pepper Ballpark gates will receive a free Riders pedometer to kick off their Get Fit journey.

The fun continues the next morning with Get Fit Festival at Dr Pepper Ballpark. The action begins at 9:00 with a Pure Barre class, 5k walk/run and a Tour de Frisco bike ride. Starting at 10 a.m., Hathaway will host an F45 workout on the field. The activities continue at 11:00 with a kids healthy fit challenge and a water aerobics program in the world-famous Choctaw Lazy River. During the entirety of the festival (9:00-noon), a free weight workout will be held at the BBQ terrace.

For tickets to Get Fit Night 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.

Free Community Shred Day Sat. May 19

Money One Federal Credit Union and the Bowie Baysox are hosting a free shred-only event that allows you to protect your identity and safely dispose of old documents with personal information on Saturday, May 19 from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm. (no 3-ring binders, paperclips or rubbish please)

*New* Electronic Device Recycling! Bring any old computers, monitors, printers, and cables too! This will help support employment training and community jobs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We cannot provide destruction of computer hard drives.

This event will take place at Prince George’s Stadium, home of the Baysox and will run from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm.

For a complete list of items that will be accepted, please CLICK HERE.

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

Dragons Set for IGS Energy’s “Little Big Leagues” Takeover

DAYTON, OHIO – The Dayton Dragons and IGS Energy continue their partnership to enhance the youth baseball experience all over the Dayton area in 2018. The “Little Big Leagues” program, presented by IGS Energy, has been an integral part of connecting Dragons players with aspiring youth baseball players over the years, and this program extends out into the community as well.

The “Little Big Leagues” Takeover is one of the favorite events for youth baseball players in the area. The event, presented by IGS Energy, is on Saturday, June 9, and gives local kids the chance to “bring the Dragons to your home turf”. Not only will the famed Green Team, Heater, and Gem make appearances at local youth baseball fields and practices, but Dragons players will be in attendance too. Kids have the chance to learn baseball fundamentals from current Dragons players. Teams won this experience by signing up for a Little Big Leagues Pre-Game Parade.

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.

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

Squirrels to Host 5th Annual Guns & Hoses Softball Game

Funnville – The Richmond Flying Squirrels, Double-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, will celebrate the culmination of National Police Week (May 13-19) and the beginning of National EMS Week (May 20-26) with a First Responders Day at The Diamond on Sunday, May 20. The day will feature the fifth annual Guns & Hoses charity softball game between the Richmond Police Department and Richmond Fire Department following the Flying Squirrels’ 1:05 p.m. contest against the Harrisburg Senators.

Pregame activities for First Responders Day at The Diamond are scheduled to include a Touch-A-Truck-style event with fire trucks, law enforcement and EMS vehicles parked outside the front gates of the ballpark beginning at noon. Richmond Sheriff Antionette Irving and members of her staff will participate in Catch with a Cop in the outfield from 12:15-12:35 p.m.

“We’re committed to the greater Richmond community, and a day like this gives us an opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to the men and women who serve and protect our community every day,” said Flying Squirrels VP & COO Todd “Parney” Parnell. “The competitive spirit between the Richmond police and fire departments is a lot of fun to watch and we encourage our fans to come out and support both on the field as well as their charitable causes.”

Both the Richmond police and fire departments are selling fundraiser tickets to Sunday’s game. Proceeds from the Richmond police fundraiser will benefit the Bike for Blue campaign while Richmond fire proceeds support the Muscular Dystrophy Association summer camp. Both organizations will also be selling T-shirts during Sunday’s game as an additional fundraiser to benefit the respective charities they are supporting.

To purchase tickets to support the Richmond Police Department fundraiser, click here: https://groupmatics.events/Richmondpolice

To purchase tickets to support the Richmond Fire Department fundraiser, click here: https://groupmatics.events/Richmondfire

As part of every Sunday home game, kids ages 14 and younger can run the bases after the game presented by Richmond Family Magazine. The Guns & Hoses softball game will begin immediately after kids run the bases.

For more information regarding First Responders Day, call 804-359-FUNN (3866). To learn more about upcoming events in Funnville and to purchase tickets, visit www.squirrelsbaseball.com.

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

South Bend Cubs Co-Host Inaugural Military Honor & Appreciation Fair on Memorial Day

SOUTH BEND, IN – As a kickoff to South Bend’s “Best.Week.Ever.” festival, the South Bend Cubs will host the inaugural Military Honor & Appreciation Fair at Four Winds Field on Monday May 28. The fair is part of “Armed Forces Week”, a special week of home games dedicated to the United States military service branches starting on Monday, May 21st and culminating with Military Appreciation Days on Sunday evening and Memorial Day.

“Every year, we are honored to partner with Express Employment Professionals over Memorial Day weekend,” said South Bend Cubs President Joe Hart. “This season, we have expanded the weekend to include the full eight game homestand as well as a Military Honor and Appreciation Fair to help bring awareness to issues that our active duty military and veterans are facing.”

Co-hosted by Express Employment Professionals, Military Appreciation Days on Sunday, May 27 and Memorial Day, May 28, will honor veterans and currently-serving military personnel by offering two free tickets to either the Sunday or Monday games with proof of service.

On Sunday, visitors around the Four Winds Field Plaza will be visually inspired by 50 US flags placed in-line by the Indiana Patriot Guard Riders in dedication to Vietnam veterans. This display will recognize members of the Vietnam Veterans of America. The Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association will also ride their motorcycles onto the field, which will be followed by a live flyover and field landing of UH-1 Huey 369, a restored Huey helicopter from American Huey 369 out of Peru, Indiana.

On Memorial Day, Express Employment Professionals and the South Bend Cubs will host the inaugural Military Honor & Appreciation Fair. The event starts at 10:45 a.m. with a special wreath-laying ceremony featuring area dignitaries that include Indiana’s 2nd District Congresswoman Jackie Walorski, 95.3 MNC’s afternoon radio host Casey Hendrickson, and South Bend Cubs President Joe Hart. Other participants will include the Miller’s Vets Color Guard, area Boy & Girls Scouts, and representatives of the Indiana Army National Guard, who will perform TAPS and the National Anthem.

Following the ceremony will be the Military Appreciation Fair. Over 25 local military service organizations will be represented along with military vehicles and equipment on display. There will also be a paintball shooting booth from BlastCamp out of Hobart, Indiana. All events on Monday will take place outside of Gates A & B in the Four Winds Field plaza.

Prior to first pitch on Monday, the families of fallen service members will be recognized on the field, organized by US Army Survivor Outreach Services and Helping Hands for Freedom.

In addition to the events on May 27 and 28, the South Bend Cubs and Express Employment Professionals will host a food drive during all eight games. Nearly 25% of food insecure Hoosiers are our military veterans. All food and money collected will benefit the Food Bank of Northern Indiana and their area food agencies, who help feed hungry and food insecure families across North-Central Indiana.

About Express Employment Professionals
Express Employment Professionals is a leading workforce staffing provider in the U.S., Canada and South Africa. Founded in 1983, Express Employment Professionals has nearly 800 franchise locations, including three franchise offices covering a six-county area and located in Mishawaka, Elkhart, and Warsaw, in North-Central Indiana. Express specializes in the placement of job-seekers with employers for commercial, administrative, skilled trades, and professional positions.

About the South Bend Cubs
The South Bend Cubs are the Class A minor league affiliate of the 2016 World Series Champion Chicago Cubs. Over the past 30 seasons, the team has won five Midwest League titles, most recently in 2005, and has captured 12 division titles. This year, Four Winds Field, home of the Cubs, was named Ballpark Digest’s Best Single-A ballpark. In 2015, the team was named Ballpark Digest’s Team of the Year and received the John H. Johnson President’s Award, the highest award in minor league baseball. The team is owned and operated by Swing-Batter-Swing, LLC whose sole shareholder is Andrew T. Berlin of Chicago, Ill.

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

Tortugas Announce Veterans Job Fair

DAYTONA BEACH, FL – The Daytona Tortugas are pleased to announce their first Veterans Job Fair, which will take place at Jackie Robinson Ballpark as part of Memorial Day Weekend. The job fair is the first of it’s kind for Minor League Baseball.

The job fair is designed for local Veterans who are searching for a new job, career change, or just a chance to get back on their feet.

The Tortugas have partnered with CareerSource Volusia Flagler for the event, which will be held on Friday, May 25th, from 5:30-7:30 PM during Daytona’s Military Appreciation Weekend.

The jobs will range from entry-level positions to post-grad degree required positions. Any Veteran interested in attending is asked to enter at the East Gate of The Jack (by the tennis courts) to check in, and to bring plenty of resumes with them.

All attendees of the Veteran’s Job Fair will receive a free ticket to the Tortugas game, courtesy of Budweiser.

 

For any questions, or additional information, in regards to the job fair, please call the Daytona Tortugas at (386) 257-3172.

The Tortugas will be celebrating Veterans throughout Memorial Day Weekend, when they host the Dunedin Blue Jays Friday-Sunday. For tickets, you can call the Tortugas or visit daytonatortugas.com.

The Tortugas are also looking for candidates for their Hometown Hero Card Set. You can submit a Hero here.

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

Military Appreciation Night headlines weekend homestand

FRISCO, Texas (May 15, 2018) – Military Appreciation Night on Saturday, May 19, highlights an action-packed four-game homestand for the Frisco RoughRiders, Double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers, this Friday-Monday at Dr Pepper Ballpark.

As part of the franchise’s annual Military Appreciation Night, presented by ABC Home & Commercial Services, the Riders are offering discounted tickets to all military personnel. The Riders will suit up in special military-themed uniforms, which will be auctioned during the game to benefit Patriot Anglers of North Texas. Additionally, the first 1,500 fans will receive a Riders “Land of the Free and Home of the Brave” T-shirt.

The LEGO Let’s Play tour visits Dr Pepper Ballpark Friday through Sunday. As part of LEGO Let’s Play, kids and their families will have access to plenty of hands-on activities and displays, with more than 2,000 square feet of LEGO fun in the park.

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

Friday, May 18 vs. Corpus Christi (Astros), 7:05 p.m.

* Fireworks Friday, presented by Ambit Energy: Fans can watch a sparkling fireworks show from the field after the game.
* LEGO Let’s Play Friday: Kids and their families will have access to more than 2,000 square feet of special LEGO displays and activities.

Saturday, May 19 vs. Corpus Christi, 7:05 p.m.

* Military Appreciation Night, presented by ABC Home & Commercial Services: The Riders honor the brave men and women who serve and have served our country. The first 1,500 fans take home a special Riders “Land of the Free and Home of the Brave” T-shirt.

* Saturday Post-Game Party: Enjoy live music from DJ Roven and DJ Chris Floyd, along with half-price drinks starting in the ninth inning at the Bull Moose Saloon.

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

Sunday, May 20 vs. Corpus Christi, 4:05 p.m.

* Kids Sunday Funday: Kids and their families can participate in a free pregame catch on the field from 3:00-3:30 and enjoy $1 ice cream sandwiches from all game long.

* LEGO Let’s Play Sunday: Experience more than 2,000 square feet of special LEGO displays and activities.

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

Monday, May 21 vs. Corpus Christi, 11:05 a.m.

* Education Day: The Riders welcome students from across DFW to Dr Pepper Ballpark. The day features in-game educational features in addition to a fun day of baseball.

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.

OKC Dodgers Host Hometown Heroes Military Celebration Night Friday

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Dodgers will honor the service and dedication of local military members and their families Friday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark on the first of two Hometown Heroes Military Celebration Nights this season.

The Dodgers play the Nashville Sounds at 7:05 p.m. Friday, and special festivities will be held throughout the evening, culminating with postgame fireworks, presented by Oklahoma Blood Institute.

“Our Hometown Heroes Military Celebration Nights are always some of our most anticipated dates on our schedule because they provide us with the opportunity to show our gratitude to our local service members and their families first-hand,” OKC Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes said. “These commemorative nights allow us to honor the sacrifices and commitments made by these devoted individuals and show how appreciative the Oklahoma City community is for their service.”

An Air Force F-16 Mini-Jet and customized SUVs will be on display on the Warren Spahn and Johnny Bench Plazas and a swearing-in ceremony of new Air Force recruits will take place on the field prior to the game.

Representatives from Tinker Air Force Base will participate in several pregame events. Col. Geoffrey Weiss, 552 Air Control Wing CC, is scheduled to throw out the first pitch. Command Chief Master Sgt. Mark Hurst is slated to deliver the lineup card and Airman Lauren McNary will perform the national anthem. The Tinker Air Force Base Honor Guard will present the colors.

Retirement and re-enlistment ceremonies will take place between innings, as well as a working dog demo by Tinker Air Force Base’s Security Forces.

The Dodgers open a four-game series against Nashville at 7:05 p.m. on a $2 Thursday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, featuring $2 Pepsi products, bottled water and select beer.

The series continues at 7:05 p.m. Friday and Saturday before wrapping up with a 2:05 p.m. game on a Chaparral Energy Family Sunday, featuring pregame player autographs, a mascot meet-and-greet, face painters, inflatables and postgame kids run the bases.

The second Hometown Heroes Military Celebration Night of the season is slated for Friday, Aug. 17 when the Dodgers play the Iowa Cubs at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

OKC Dodgers tickets are available through the OKC Dodgers ticket office located on South Mickey Mantle Drive, by phone at (405) 218-2182, or by visiting okcdodgers.com.

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

Hispanic Heritage Celebration highlights next homestand

The Lehigh Valley IronPigs return to Coca-Cola Park for a four-game homestand May 21-24 against the Rochester Red Wings. Fans should look forward to the two-night Hispanic Heritage Celebration presented by La Mega Radio that includes both a jersey auction and cap raffle featuring our “Tocino” logo.

We are kicking off Wednesday’s theme night with a team photo and autograph session presented by People First Federal Credit Union. Guests will have the opportunity to take photos with and get autographs from players from 5:30-6:15 p.m. before the first pitch at 7:05 p.m.

In addition, the jersey auction and cap raffle presented by Tito’s Handmade Vodka will take place over the two-night event. The winners will be announced following the game on May 24. The jersey, which has a white base with blue sleeves and red accents, features the word “Tocino” in bacon-filled letters across the chest. The numbers on the back feature the same bacon pattern and a blue outline. The cap includes the same “Tocino” script and features alternating white and red panels with a blue bill. Proceeds from the jersey auction will benefit the Fe Foundation and their ‘Futuros Empresarios’ (Future Entrepreneurs) Program.

The celebration will be complete with Hispanic music, entertainment, and food choices.

5/21 (7:05 p.m.): $1 Berks hot dogs | TD Bank Dog Days | St. Luke’s EMS Night

5/22 (7:05 p.m.): Penn State Lehigh Valley/ IronPigs visor presented by UGI Utilities | Agriculture Night | Lucky Ticket Tuesday presented by PA Lottery

5/23 (7:05 p.m.): Team photo and autograph session presented by People First Federal Credit Union | Hispanic Heritage Celebration presented by La Mega Radio | Tocino jersey auction and cap raffle presented by Tito’s Handmade Vodka

5/24 (7:05 p.m.): Hispanic Heritage Celebration presented by La Mega Radio | Tocino jersey auction and cap raffle presented by Tito’s Handmade Vodka

The 2018 Season is the IronPigs’ 11th season at Coca-Cola Park and 11th as the top affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies. Fans can get closer to the team than ever before with a Bacon, USA membership — a year-round IronPigs experience pass featuring numerous amenities such as savings on parking at games and at the Majestic Clubhouse Store at Coca-Cola Park, on-field VIP access to watch batting practice, access to the annual holiday party, and more. For more information, visit IronPigsBaseball.com or call (610) 841-PIGS (7447).

The 2018 IronPigs baseball season is presented by Capital BlueCross.

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

Dragons Baseball Camps Set for This Summer

DAYTON, OHIO – The Dayton Dragons and IGS Energy continue their partnership to enhance the youth baseball experience all over the Dayton area in 2018. The Little Big Leagues program has been an integral part of connecting Dragons players with aspiring young baseball players over the years, and this program expands out into the community as well.

This summer, the Dragons will host two baseball camps at Fifth Third Field as part of the Little Big Leagues program, presented by IGS Energy. The camps run for two days each from 9 AM to 1 PM each day. Participants will learn baseball fundamentals from Dragons players and coaches. The experience includes player autographs, a Dragons shirt, Dragons hat, certificate of participation, a gift from IGS Energy, and four tickets to a future Dragons home game.

The dates for the camps are June 25 and 26 as well as July 30 and 31. Any youth baseball or softball player ages 7 through 14 is eligible to participate in the two-day camp. The cost is $90 for the two-days and lunch will be provided at the ballpark on the second day of the camp.

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.

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

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TinCaps to Again Host Military Appreciation Day

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The Fort Wayne TinCaps once again have partnered with OmniSource LLC and Steel Dynamics Inc. to welcome military personnel to Parkview Field for Military Appreciation Day on Sunday, June 10, when the team hosts the Lansing Lugnuts (Toronto Blue Jays) at 3:05 p.m.

Complimentary tickets are currently available for military families-both active and veteran-to enjoy the game on June 10, thanks to the generosity of OmniSource and Steel Dynamics, caring individual donors, and the San Diego Padres.

As they have in the past, the Padres, Fort Wayne’s MLB affiliate, are underwriting the costs for 1,000 tickets for military families. The San Diego Padres are proud to partner with the TinCaps in support of military and charity initiatives in the Fort Wayne area. The Padres had the first military outreach program in professional sports and it is currently the largest in Major League Baseball.

“It’s an honor to provide military families the appreciation they deserve on this special day,” said TinCaps President, Mike Nutter. “This gives us an opportunity to give back to the men and women, and their loved ones, who’ve done so much for this country. We’re proud to have partners in OmniSource and Steel Dynamics, as well as the San Diego Padres, to help us host a game like this.”

“The men and women of our OmniSource and SDI family are proud and honored to be a part of this celebration for our courageous United States military heroes,” said Russ Rinn, President & COO OmniSource LLC. “We all know that because of them, we live in freedom.”

The TinCaps also have continued their partnerships with multiple military organizations offering military personnel in attendance the chance to visit kiosks highlighting many of the support organizations and offerings available to military-active and veteran-in the area.

For this game, TinCaps players will be wearing red, white, and blue patriotic jerseys. The TinCaps also will wear these jerseys on the Fourth of July. On Independence Day, the jerseys will be auctioned off on TinCapsJersey.com, with proceeds being donated to Honor Flight Northeast Indiana.

Military personnel and their family who are eligible to request tickets to Military Appreciation Day can visit TinCapsMilitary.com for more information. Tickets will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Those with questions can contact McKenzie Brown with the TinCaps at 260-407-2809 or brown@tincaps.com.

In addition, the TinCaps continue to take nominations for the team’s Military Salutes throughout the season on fireworks nights. Contact TinCaps Vice President David Lorenz (260-407-2815, lorenz@tincaps.com) for more information.

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