Archives for June 2018

Registration Open For Annual Charity Bowling Tournament

Registration is officially open for the fifth annual Dunedin Blue Jays Charity Bowling Tournament to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay held on Saturday, July 21st at Maple Lanes Countryside. Last year’s tournament raised over $12,800 to help local families in need through Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay, a total the Blue Jays hope to eclipse in 2018.

The tournament will offer fans and participants the opportunity to bowl with and meet and greet their favorite Dunedin Blue Jays players and coaches, the chance to take home great Blue Jays memorabilia in a raffle and silent auction, and chances to win autographed merchandise, gift certificates, art, and other prizes throughout the event all while supporting a great cause.

Participation in the tournament costs $25 per bowler and includes two games of bowling, shoe rental, food and drink, a ticket to attend that evening’s Dunedin Blue Jays game, and a special participation gift. Individual bowlers and full teams of six are welcome to register. All proceeds from the tournament will be donated to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay.

Interested bowlers can find out more information and register for the tournament by visiting www.DunedinBlueJays.com/Bowling. Local businesses interested in being a lane sponsor at the event and having their logo and advertising displayed at the event can visit the same link or contact the Blue Jays at (727)-733-9302 for more information.

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

Military Appreciation Day is Sunday, July 1st

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS FOR MILITARY APPRECIATION DAY

The Drive will celebrate Military Appreciation Day on Sunday, July 1st at Fluor Field. The game against the Charleston RiverDogs will begin at 4:05 PM, and the Drive are honored to recognize the brave men and women who have served, or continue to serve, our country as part of this special day.

Throughout the evening, the Drive will team up with Upstate Warrior Solutions, a nonprofit that assists warriors with future opportunities and encourages the community to embrace them as neighbors and friends.   Prior to the game, the Drive will have a special military vehicle display on Field Street for kids to take pictures with.

The military celebrations will also begin before the game with a fly-in by the U.S. Army Special Forces Parachute Team and a flyover of Warbirds Vintage Aircrafts.

Don’t miss this special celebration of the military at Fluor Field on July 1st! Tickets are available now at 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.

Cutters Dominican Dinner Returns July 10

The Williamsport Crosscutters have teamed up with A.C.E.S. North America in announcing the 5thAnnual Dominican Plate – An Evening of Dominican Dining and Entertainment with the Cutters.

The event will be held on Tuesday, July 10 in the Grand Ballroom of the Genetti Hotel, 200 W. Fourth St., Williamsport. Doors open at 5:30pm with hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar followed by a Dominican-style dinner served at 6:30pm.

The buffet dinner of traditional Dominican fare will be served by members of the Williamsport Crosscutters who hail from the Dominican Republic, along with some of their teammates.

Proceeds from the event benefit A.C.E.S. North America, an organization working to create sustainable development projects in the Dominican Republic. The charity, founded in Williamsport in 2005, uses all-volunteer personnel for its operations.

A.C.E.S. Founder Linell Stabler stated, “Teaming up with the Crosscutters for this Dominican fundraiser has been a great way to raise funds for our mission of helping people in the Dominican Republic.”

In addition, the night will feature live musical entertainment, Chinese and live auctions of sports memorabilia and other items plus a balloon bust wine raffle.   Last year’s event raised over $7,000 for the charity.

“This is a tremendous opportunity to help out a worthy charity that does outstanding work in an area of the world many of our players call home,” said Gabe Sinicropi the team’s Vice-President of Marketing and Public Relations.

Due to the popularity of this event in the past, reserved seating is utilized to make for a more comfortable evening for all attendees. Tickets for The Dominican Plate are $20 for adults and $10 for children age 12 and under. Tables of 8 may be purchased for $150. Tickets must be purchased in advance online at crosscutters.com, by phone at (570) 326-3389 or by visiting the Sawmill Team Store at BB&T Ballpark.

CLICK HERE to purchase tickets to the Dominican Plate

For more information on A.C.E.S., visit www.acesnorthamerica.org.

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

Hillsboro Hops Contribute $300,000 to Fund State-Of-The-Art Turf Field for Boys Baseball & Girls Softball

July 3, 2017; Hillsboro, OR, USA; Hillsboro Hops vs Everett Aquasox at Ron Tonkin Field. Photo: Craig Mitchelldyer-Hillsboro Hops (Craig Mitchelldyer, Craig Mitchelldyer/Hillsboro Hops)

The Hillsboro Hops @Hillsborohops announced a major gift of $300,000 to the Hillsboro School District that will fund a new state-of-the-art Hillsboro Hops Youth Field. The Hillsboro Hops Youth Field will be used for boys baseball and girls softball and is part of Glencoe High School’s new multi-use turf field funded by the Hillsboro Bond.

There was a groundbreaking ceremony this morning with dignitaries including Mike McMurray (Chairman & Co-Owner, Hillsboro Hops), K.L. Wombacher (President & General Manager, Hillsboro Hops), Mike Scott (Superintendent, Hillsboro School District), Rian Petrick (Director of Extracurricular Programs & Community Outreach, Hillsboro School District), Steve Callaway (Hillsboro Mayor) and Jerry Willey (Washington County Commissioner-elect) to officially commence the construction of the field, which will be made of FieldTurf.

“We are excited about this collaboration with the Hillsboro School District to develop a high-quality year-round youth field,” said Hillsboro Hops President & GM KL Wombacher. “Over the last three years, youth baseball has seen an average yearly growth of 14.3%, which is exciting. Softball participation is also growing. To accommodate this growth and inspire more kids to play in the future locally, we need more fields, especially high-quality fields. We are very motivated to help accomplish that and expect this field to be a great starting point.”

“The Hillsboro Hops and Hillsboro School District share common goals with this collaboration,” Hillsboro School District Superintendent Mike Scott stated. “It’s about supporting our youth and helping them develop and grow, not just in sports, but in life. It’s about connecting them with teammates, caring adults, and their community to foster their future success. The Hillsboro Hops Youth Field provides the foundation for those goals.”

The field is expected to be completed by late August or early September 2018.

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

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Sea Dogs Partner with Goodwill for Donation Drive

Portland, Maine– The Portland Sea Dogs have partnered with Goodwill Northern New England to host the 9th Annual Goodwill Night and Donation Drive at Hadlock Field on Wednesday, June 20th when the Sea Dogs take on the Reading Fightin Phils at 7:00 PM.

Fans are encouraged to bring bags of gently used clothing, books, and other household items to Hadlock Field to donate to Goodwill. Goodwill will have a donation center at Hadlock Field to collect the items. For a list of acceptable donations, please visit Goodwill’s website: http://www.goodwillnne.org/donate/acceptable-donations/ .

Donations help fund Goodwill services that strengthen our local communities by getting people back to work and receiving the support they need to lead more stable lives.

Puffy G, Goodwill’s mascot, will be there to throw out the first pitch.

Goodwill Northern New England runs retail, cleaning and health care services that help fund workforce services in our region.

As an employer of more than 2,000 people and a social service provider, Goodwill has a unique perspective that can help other employers build their own workforce through its Workforce Services.

Goodwill operates 29 retail stores across Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont.

Goodwill Neurorehabilitation Services in Portland, Maine, and Lewiston, Maine offers comprehensive brain injury services and treatment options for people with acquired brain injuries. At Goodwill Neurorehabilitation Services, comprehensive, community-based therapies are provided to assist individuals with cognitive, emotional and physical needs – so lives can get back on track after a brain injury.

Goodwill Northern New England also operates Good Clean Property Services – a full-service commercial property maintenance company offering the perfect combination of quality, customized, eco-friendly services.

Please visit www.goodwillnne.org for more information.

Tickets are available for all remaining 2018 Sea Dogs’ home games. Tickets can be purchased by contacting the Sea Dogs Ticket Office at 207-879-9500 or online at www.seadogs.com.

Special Dragons Jersey Friday on Defeating Cancer Night

DAYTON, OHIO-The Dayton Dragons will wear specially-designed jerseys on “Defeating Cancer Night” at Fifth Third Field on Friday, June 8 when they host the Bowling Green Hot Rods at 7:00 p.m. Each jersey will be autographed by the Dragons player or coach who wore it that night for a jersey auction that will begin after the game. All proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society.

The specially-themed jersey night will be a first in the Dragons 19-year history. The Dragons have never worn specially-designed jerseys for a single game and then conducted a jersey auction after the game.

Jerseys worn by all Dragons players and coaches will be part of the auction, which will last one week and be viewable at daytondragons.com.

“The Dragons organization is very excited with this opportunity to assist the American Cancer Society in their continuous fund-raising efforts,” said Robert Murphy, Dragons President & General Manager. “This will be the first full-team jersey auction in our history and we are pleased to give fans the opportunity to bid on these special jerseys to be worn on Friday night by our players and coaches.”

“We are looking forward to Friday night and sharing our resources with the community,” said Shayna Knack, Senior Manager, Community Development, with the American Cancer Society. “It’s an honor to be part of this event and we want to thank the Dragons organization for partnering with us in the fight to end cancer.”

Defeating Cancer Night at Fifth Third Field on June 8 will include a variety of special events and activities.

  • The American Cancer Society’s pink semi-truck will be parked on the plaza in front of the ballpark with an information table.
  • The Bob Ross Auto Group’s pink vehicle will be parked on the plaza with a tent and showcase items.
  • The Pink Ribbon Girls’ pink fire truck will be parked on the plaza with a tent and information table.
  • Free sunscreen samples will be available through a partnership between Minor League Baseball and the American Cancer Society that promotes awareness and prevention of skin cancer.
  • Andrew Heil, a two-time cancer survivor, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch.
  • The event will also feature in-game recognition of cancer survivors, battlers, care providers, and family members.

A portion of ticket revenue from the game on June 8 will also be donated to the American Cancer Society and Pink Ribbon Girls.

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

Local Students Read For Over 290,000 Minutes During Reading Program

A record 19 local elementary schools participated in the eighth annual Dunedin Blue Jays Bookin’ It To The Ballpark Reading Program sponsored by TD Bank in 2018. Recognizing literacy as a key skill necessary for academic achievement, the Blue Jays have encouraged and rewarded local students for reading with their annual reading program since 2011. This year, over 1,500 elementary school students across Pinellas County combined to read for 296,383 minutes during the six-week program. In hours, those totals would equal 4,940 hours of reading or over 205 full days spent reading by local students.

The Blue Jays visited all 19 schools during the course of the program, bringing players and their mascot DJay to encourage students. Dunedin players read to and with the students, answered questions from students and teachers, shared their experiences on and off the field, and gave advice on school and sports.

Participating students tracked their reading on baseball-themed bookmarks provided by the Blue Jays, advancing around the bases of a baseball diamond as they read outside of class to score runs for their class. Students who scored two runs for the class by reading 20 minutes at home eight times were rewarded with a ticket voucher to attend a Dunedin Blue Jays game. At the end of the program, the Blue Jays returned with pizza and a classroom library donation for the class that read the most in each school. Of the 19 participating schools, students at Curtis Fundamental Elementary (56,363 minutes) and Lake St. George Elementary (36,920 minutes) read for the most total minutes.

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

TinCaps & Padres to Donate to Challenger Baseball League

FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The Fort Wayne TinCaps and the San Diego Padres are donating $1,000 to provide bats and helmets to the local Challenger Baseball League at Northcrest Little League.

The Little League Challenger Division is an adaptive baseball program for individuals with physical and intellectual challenges. Any individual with a physical or intellectual challenge may participate. The Challenger Division accommodates players ages 4-18, or up to age 22 if still enrolled in school. Locally, there are six teams in the Challenger League that meet every Sunday. There are over 950 Challenger programs in 10 countries around the world with over 30,000 athletes participating in the Challenger Division every year.

 

“When we heard about the opportunity to support such a tremendous organization in our community, we were excited to help in any way possible,” said TinCaps President Mike Nutter. “The Challenger Baseball League has an amazing mission, and we’re grateful to have a Major League affiliate like the Padres who are committed to helping us make a positive impact in our community.”

 

The Fort Wayne and San Diego organizations are in their 20th season of affiliation together, going back to 1999. Annually, the Padres sponsor more than 1,500 tickets that are donated to non-profit organizations in the Fort Wayne area that allow less fortunate fans to attend games at Parkview Field. In addition, the Padres underwrite the costs for 1,000 tickets for military families on Military Appreciation Day at Parkview Field (which this year is set for Sunday, June 10). Not to mention, Padres prospects with the TinCaps volunteer to make appearances in the community throughout the season.

 

“The Padres are always committed to helping the TinCaps make a difference in the community in Fort Wayne as we do in San Diego,” said Todd Stephenson, Padres Manager for Minor League Administration. “Like the TinCaps, as an organization, the Padres are committed to making the game of baseball inclusive for all. The Challenger Baseball League does an incredible job and hopefully our donations help these kids and young adults create special baseball memories that will last a lifetime.”

 

Representatives from the TinCaps, including team mascot Johnny TinCap, will deliver the equipment on Sunday, June 3.

 

About Challenger Baseball:

The Challenger Baseball program was initiated by Little League Baseball in 1989 to meet the needs of physically and mentally challenged brothers and sisters of Little League players. The Fort Wayne Challenger program began in 1991 with two teams totaling 17 players, playing games alternately between the Northcrest and Forster Park Little League complexes, to be accessible for wheelchairs.

 

In 1999, two additional teams were added with 46 players ages eight through age eighteen or High School graduation. In 2008, Fort Wayne was chartered with the first experimental Senior Challenger program for players ages 14 to unlimited age, which now serves an additional twenty-two players.

 

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

Dayton Dragons MVPs to Celebrate at Fifth Third Field

Dayton, Ohio– The Dragons MVP Program presented by Bob Evans Farms provides thousands of area fourth and fifth grade students with “MVP Field Day” at Fifth Third Field this Saturday, June 2, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The students from Clark, Greene, Miami, Montgomery, and Warren Counties were all recognized by their teachers through the “Dragons MVP Program” as having done something extraordinary inside or outside of the classroom this school year.

The Dragons MVP Program provides students, who are recognized by their teachers, with a unique opportunity to attend this special event where they will have a chance to meet the 2018 Dayton Dragons and enjoy a day of fun activities at Fifth Third Field. Among the activities scheduled are inflatable games, carnival games, mascots, a special treat from Bob Evans Farms, a free team poster, “baseball skills” stations with the Dragons players, and an autograph session.

FACTS ABOUT THE MVP PROGRAM

This is the 13th season for the Dragons MVP Program. More than 1,200 classrooms and 35,000 students participated during the 2018 season.

Each teacher selected five Dragons MVPs for their classroom, resulting in more than 6,000 students being recognized for their achievements in and out of the classroom.

The children selected as Dragons MVPs received a customized certificate and complimentary tickets to enjoy a Dragons game at Fifth Third Field with their families. At the game, they received a specially designed Dragons MVP ball cap. MVPs also received tickets to the “MVP Field Day” to be held at the stadium on June 2.

The Dragons MVP program presented by Bob Evans Farms is also made possible courtesy of CollegeAdvantage, Sinclair College, WDTN-TV and Dayton’s CW.

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.

Tampa Tarpons Announce HOPE Week 2018

TAMPA, Fla. – The Tampa Tarpons will participate in HOPE Week (Helping Others Persevere & Excel) from Tuesday, June 5th through Sunday, June 10th, 2018. Throughout the week, players will visit and host families and organizations worthy of recognition and support.

HOPE Week is a community program, created by the New York Yankees in 2009, designed to bring to light five remarkable stories intended to inspire individuals into action in their own communities. The initiative is based on the fundamental belief that acts of goodwill provide hope and encouragement to more than the recipient of the gesture. Visit www.hopeweek.com for more information.

Tuesday, June 5th – The Tarpons will visit a summer camp for underprivileged children at United Cerebral Palsy of Tampa Bay from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The children and their families will receive tickets and food vouchers to see the Tarpons take on the St. Lucie Mets at 6:30 p.m. at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Prior to first-pitch, the Tarpons will present a check for $2,500 to United Cerebral Palsy of Tampa Bay.

“The mission of United Cerebral Palsy of Tampa Bay is to guide and assist families and individuals with any disability or other barriers to achieve their full potential, resulting in community inclusion and independence.” – www.ucptampa.org.

Wednesday, June 6th – Tarpons players will visit the Children’s Home Network from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Kids and staff members will receive tickets and food vouchers to see the Tarpons battle the St. Lucie Mets later that evening. Prior to the game, a check for $2,500 will be presented to the Children’s Home Network. Select children will then take the field alongside the Tarpons as part of the Baseball Buddies program.

“We unlock the potential of at-risk children and families by providing compassionate and effective services that create opportunities for success.” – www.childrenshomenetwork.org.

Thursday, June 7th – The Tarpons will present Trinity Café with a $2,500 check and assist in serving lunch from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Staff members and volunteers will also receive tickets and food vouchers to see Tampa host St. Lucie at 6:30 p.m.

“Trinity Café is a free restaurant, serving more than 380+ hot and hearty meals daily, at two locations, 365 days a year.” – www.trinitycafe.org.

Friday, June 8th – The Tarpons will partner with Seminole Hard Rock to host a baseball camp for the Boys & Girls Club at George M. Steinbrenner Field from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. All campers and Boys & Girls Club representatives will receive tickets to see the Tarpons take on the Bradenton Marauders at 6:30 p.m. Prior to the game, a check for $2,500 will be presented to the Boys & Girls Club of Tampa Bay.

Saturday, June 9th – Families from MacDill Air Force Base are invited to practice with the Tarpons from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Families will be playing catch as well as taking batting practice. Families will then receive tickets and food vouchers to see the Tarpons take on the Marauders at 6:30 p.m.

Sunday, June 10th – Teenagers from “Starting Right, Now” will receive tickets and food vouchers to see the Tarpons play the Marauders at 6:30 p.m. Prior to the game, a $2,500 check will be presented to “Starting Right, Now.” The teens will then be invited to hang out with the players for an hour following the game.

“Starting Right, Now ends homelessness for youth by providing one-on-one mentoring, a stable home, assisting with employment opportunities, teaching financial literacy/life skills and promoting educational achievement.” – www.startingrightnow.org.

The Tampa Tarpons are the Single-A Advanced Affiliate of the New York Yankees. For more information, call (813) 673-3055 or visit www.tarponsbaseball.com.

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