Archives for August 2018

Pelicans give back to area high schools with rivalry series

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (August 22, 2018) – The Myrtle Beach Pelicans are giving back to area high schools through their rivalry series this coming week, August 27-30. Fans can purchase tickets online through MyrtleBeachPelicans.com/rivals. A portion of the proceeds from tickets purchased through this link will be donated to the school of their choice.

On Monday, the battle will be between Georgetown and Waccamaw High Schools. Carolina Forest and Conway collide on Tuesday while Wednesday features Socastee versus St. James. The Pelicans’ home slate concludes on Thursday with the Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach rivalry.

As part of Grand Strand Rivals Week courtesy of Angelo’s Steak and Pasta, each game will feature between-inning match-ups between the schools. All game times are 7:05 p.m. against the Buies Creek Astros. Gates will open at 6 p.m.

Tickets are on sale now and are available online at MyrtleBeachPelicans.com/rivals

The 2018 season is the 20th season for the Pelicans franchise and fourth as the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. For tickets visit MyrtleBeachPelicans.com/softball, call (843) 918-6000, or visit the Pelicans Box Office.

ABOUT THE PELICANS: The Myrtle Beach Pelicans are the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Chicago Cubs and play their home games at TicketReturn.Com Field at Pelicans Ballpark in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Since being acquired by a group led by Chuck Greenberg during the 2006 season, the Pelicans have repeatedly set team attendance records and become known as one of Minor League Baseball’s most innovative and creative franchises. The team and its employees have been dedicated to making a difference in the Myrtle Beach community, specifically giving back over $2 million in donations, fundraising proceeds, in-kind services and community service since launching the Pelicans Play It Forward Community Initiative in 2013. TicketReturn.Com Field at Pelicans Ballpark has ranked in the top eight in all of Minor League Baseball by Stadium Journey in six of the last seven seasons. The same publication also placed the Pelicans in the Top 100 Stadium Experiences and the best in the Carolina League for six of the past seven seasons. In June 2017, the Pelicans won the 2017 TripAdvisor.com Certificate of Excellence award. On the field, the team has won four Mills Cup Championships, including claims to back-to-back titles in 1999 and 2000, and again in 2015 and 2016. The Pelicans have made 11 postseason appearances behind 13 half-season Southern Division championships, including the first half of the 2015 season, second half of 2016 and first half of 2017. For more information on the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, please contact the Pelicans at (843) 918-6000 or email Info@MyrtleBeachPelicans.com.

Wahoos Team Up with Community Partners to Renovate Century Ball Fields

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

PENSACOLA, Fla. – The Blue Wahoos helped to renovate a cluster of fields at Showalter Park in Century, Fla. on Tuesday. The team had help from Pensacola State College baseball and softball, the PSC foundation, Bill Bond Little League and Waste Management.

The group got started at 9 a.m. and worked together to overhaul the infield clay, clean up weeds and mow the fields. The crews also worked to edge the dirt and paint the foul poles. The improvements brought the fields up to game-ready condition so that teams have a safe place to practice and play games.

“This was a great day for our community and our organization,” said Blue Wahoos President Jonathan Griffith. “It’s tremendous to see the enthusiasm that all of our volunteers had while taking time out of their busy schedules and give back to the community.”

Roughly 100 volunteers worked together on the coordinated effort led by Blue Wahoos groundskeeper Dustin Hannah. The crews worked in two shifts, morning and afternoon with lunch provided for everyone by the Blue Wahoos. Work wrapped up at roughly 5:00 p.m. with the fields looking ready for action.

This is the third year, the Blue Wahoos have led a local field renovation project. Showalter Park was selected based on the Century community’s request for assistance to revitalize the busy complex.

– Pensacola Blue Wahoos –

 

The Pensacola Blue Wahoos are the Double-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds. The 2018 season is winding down, and the playoffs are on the horizon. Postseason tickets are available now by calling (850) 934-8444 or online. Follow the Blue Wahoos at bluewahoos.com, facebook.com/PensacolaBlueWahoos, and twitter.com/BlueWahoosBBall

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

CT Tigers Announce Food Drive on August 26

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

NORWICH, Ct. – The Connecticut Tigers, Class A Short Season affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, are proud to announce a partnership with the Catholic Charities Diocese of Norwich for the 2018 Minor League Baseball CommUNITY Initiative presented by Allegiant Airlines.

On Sunday, August 26, the Tigers will host a food drive at Dodd Stadium to benefit the Catholic Charities Food Pantry during an afternoon game against the Lowell Spinners beginning at 4:05 p.m. Fans who donate any non-perishable food items at the front gate will be entered in a drawing to win a $500 flight voucher from Allegiant Airlines, proudly serving as the airline for America’s hometowns.

Minor League Baseball announced the creation of the MiLB CommUNITY initiative in 2016 as a response to a collection of tragedies and tension that developed in communities across the country. Our ballparks have long been a place of fun and enjoyment, providing a break from the ills of today’s society. The MiLB CommUNITY Initiative presented by Allegiant Airlines encourages fans to take action in their communities and promote unity, understanding, acceptance and inclusion. This is the first time the Connecticut Tigers have teamed up for the MiLB CommUNITY Initiative presented by Allegiant Airlines.

The Connecticut Tigers are the New York-Penn League affiliate of the Detroit Tigers at Dodd Stadium in Norwich, Connecticut. Individual tickets for all 2018 home games, season memberships to “The Club,” ticket mini-plans, and Tigers team merchandise are now on sale at Dodd Stadium, by phone at 860-887-7962, and online at CTTigers.com.

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

Shorebirds Present Toy Donation To Brooke’s Toy Closet

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

SALISBURY, MD – The Delmarva Shorebirds are proud to announce in conjunction with partners at Market Street Inn, MoJo’s, and the Peninsula Regional Medical Center, the results of the Brooke’s Toy Closet Toy Drive, held on Saturday, July 21st and Friday, August 3rd at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.

In total, 449 items were donated by Shorebirds fans, with the Shorebirds presenting the donation to Brooke’s Toy Closet at the Peninsula Regional Medical Center recently, along with members from Market Street Inn, MoJo’s, and the Peninsula Regional Medical Center Foundation, which oversees and maintains Brooke’s Toy Closet. An anonymous donor donated $1,000 that was used by Shorebirds’ first baseman, Ryan Ripken, Shorebirds’ front office staff, Brooke’s half sister, Arden, and Brooke’s long time friend, Greyson, to go purchase toys to be included in the donation to Brooke’s Toy Closet.

Toy Donations ranged from activity books, stuffed animals, interactive toys, coloring books, books, action figures, etc. All these items will be extremely beneficial to replenishing Brooke’s Toy Closet and very much appreciated from members of the Peninsula Regional Medical Center Foundation.

“For the third straight year, Shorebirds fans in this community have come together as one to help support this tremendous community asset at the Peninsula Regional Medical Center. We are extremely grateful for these partnerships. Thank you to all the fans who made this possible!” said Shorebirds Director of Marketing Eric Sichau.

“Thank you to all those who made a donation to Brooke’s Toy Closet through this event. Please know that I am humbled and very grateful for all your support and compassion. As a local business man in a small community, I have been committed to giving back to the community that has supported Brooke and I am humbled by your loyal support. Between the strong continued partnership with the Delmarva Shorebirds, and the creation of the Brooke Mulford Memorial Fund in 2017 at the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, which will help support Believe in Tomorrow House by the Sea and Camp Fairlee, for local children and their families, these initiatives will further strengthen the support of the local community in honor of Brooke for the future.” said Rob Mulford, owner of Market Street Inn.

Brooke’s Toy Closet was started in 2014 by Brooke Mulford, a local girl who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, an aggressive form of cancer, in 2009, when she was 4 years old. Brooke, unfortunately, lost her battle with cancer on June 12th, 2017. The closet is a special cabinet filled with toys, coloring books and other goodies that PRMC’s Emergency Department and Pediatrics Unit can give to children who are hospitalized. The recipients of these gifts will be able to use them when they’re in the hospital and take them home to enjoy when they are feeling better. For more information on the Peninsula Regional Medical Center Foundation and Brooke’s Toy Closet, contact the PRMC Foundation at 410-543-7140.

For more information on the Delmarva Shorebirds Community Relations efforts, contact the Shorebirds at 410-219-3112 or visit theshorebirds.com.

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

Blue Jays Minor’s Top Contributor In “Team Up Against Hunger” Food Drive

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

Minor League Baseball and BUSH’s Beans announced on Tuesday that the Dunedin Blue Jays were the top contributing team in the “Team Up Against Hunger” July food drive initiative. Blue Jays fans donated 1,126 pounds of non-perishable food items at Dunedin’s annual Hometown USA celebration, the largest donation of nearly 80 participating Minor League teams from across the country. In recognition of the generosity of Dunedin fans, BUSH’s Beans and MiLB Charities will match the Blue Jays’ donation to the Dunedin Cares, Inc. Food Pantry to help local families in need in Pinellas County.

Over five tons of food was collected during the 2018 food drive throughout the Minor Leagues, which will help provide over 9,000 meals to families in need in 35 states. The food items donated by Blue Jays fans and the matching donation from BUSH’s Beans/MiLB Charities will go to Dunedin Cares, Inc., a local food pantry that has distributed over 85,000 pounds of food to over 6,500 local residents since 2015.

Blue Jays staff, mascot DJay, and players Riley Adams and Connor Eller visited the Dunedin Cares, Inc. Food Pantry to deliver the team’s donation and help sort and distribute the food to local families in late July. At the Blue Jays July 3rd Hometown USA event, $595 was raised for Dunedin Cares through an in-game 50/50 raffle in addition to the donation of non-perishable food items.

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

Paul Ferguson to Celebrate “Home Run For Life” Friday with OKC Dodgers

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Dodgers and INTEGRIS conclude the 2018 “Home Run For Life” series Friday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark by recognizing Paul Ferguson, one of two people in the state of Oklahoma and surrounding region living with a Total Artificial Heart.

Ferguson had a history of cardiac issues and already had two mechanical heart valves when he was admitted to INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center in early December 2017 with a failing heart at the age of 65. In order to save his life, doctors took the bold step of removing Ferguson’s natural heart and replacing it with a Total Artificial Heart.

“Home Run For Life” recognizes individuals in the Oklahoma City community who have overcome a significant medical event with the help of their families, physicians and health care professionals. To symbolize the end of their battle against adversity, honorees take a home run “lap” around the bases during an in-game ceremony.

“For the eighth straight year, we are proud to partner with INTEGRIS to recognize some amazing Oklahomans who have faced extraordinary adversity with their health,” OKC Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes said. “Their perseverance and courage are great examples and we are pleased to have the opportunity to honor their hard work in overcoming these challenges.”

The Total Artificial Heart is the only FDA-approved device of its kind in the world. While traditional heart pumps assist one side of the heart or the other, the Total Artificial Heart replaces both ventricles. Instead of working with a person’s existing heart, the device is a heart substitute and the natural heart is physically removed from the patient.

“Our experience told us that Paul’s heart disease was so bad that a traditional heart pump wouldn’t be enough,” said Doug Horstmanshof, M.D., heart failure cardiologist and co-director of the INTEGRIS Advanced Cardiac Care program. “So, we decided to try something different – completely replacing the heart with the Total Artificial Heart.”

A constant, rhythmic thumping now follows Ferguson wherever he goes. The steady, pulsing sound of forced air stems from a small pump enclosed in a backpack that never leaves his side. That vital piece of equipment and even beat keep his heart pumping – 131 times a minute to be exact.

The Total Artificial Heart is powered by a portable pneumatic drive connected to the patient’s body by tubes. A heart transplant is often the next step for these patients, and the Total Artificial Heart is designed to allow them to wait for a matching donor heart at home rather than staying in the hospital, potentially for months on end.

Ferguson received his Total Artificial Heart in December and started inpatient rehabilitation at INTEGRIS Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation in January.

“It’s a very humbling experience,” Ferguson said. “It’s a journey.”

He has since returned home to Bethany and is back to enjoying retirement with his family and friends. Ferguson and his wife Kathy have three children and six grandchildren in the Oklahoma City area with whom they share much of their time.

After retirement, the couple purchased lakefront property at Lake Eufaula in eastern Oklahoma. With Ferguson’s Total Artificial Heart, they are still able to visit the lake with their family and enjoy time out on the water riding on their new pontoon boat.

Kathy said her husband has more flexibility than one would expect with his Total Artificial Heart. Charged batteries and electrical outlets need to be within reach wherever they go, but they even have a car charger for the backpack pump to add to his adaptability.

“This goes with me everywhere,” Ferguson said about the backpack. “I just set it down by my chair and I just plug in to the wall.”

Ferguson said he has learned the importance of living every day one day at a time throughout his journey. He is extremely grateful to his wife, family and the staff at INTEGRIS for their tremendous care.

“INTEGRIS is fantastic, and not just because of this,” Ferguson said. “The time I spent up there watching them work with other people, they are truly compassionate and caring people.

“They are very gifted and talented people and they are where they should be.”

Ferguson’s family, children and grandchildren provide his daily motivation. His youngest granddaughter is quickly nearing her second birthday.

“One of my reasons for getting this was my little one,” he said. “I want her to remember me.”

The Dodgers are in the midst of their final homestand of the regular season. They continue a three-game series against the Omaha Storm Chasers at 7:05 tonight at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark and then at 7:05 p.m. on a $2 Thursday, featuring $2 Pepsi products, bottled water and select beer.

The Dodgers’ final home series of the regular season opens against the Colorado Springs Sky Sox at 7:05 p.m. Friday to kick off Fan Appreciation Weekend at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. The OKC Disc Dogs will perform on the field and fireworks will follow the game, presented by Francis Tuttle.

The series continues at 7:05 p.m. Saturday, featuring the Clubhouse Collectibles silent auction presented by The Oklahoman. The final Chaparral Energy Family Sunday takes place at 6:05 p.m. Sunday, before the Dodgers host their final regular-season home game at 7:05 p.m. Monday against Colorado Springs.

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.

Black Bears Host 2018 Pirates Miracle League Camp

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

Granville, W. Va. -Smiles ran rampant around Monongalia County Ballpark on Saturday morning, as the West Virginia Black Bears hosted a Pittsburgh Pirates Miracle League Camp with SteppingStones.

Black Bears players got to spend the morning with the Miracle League athletes, making new friends and teaching new skills in a variety of stations around the ballpark.

The day started off in centerfield, as each player received a Pittsburgh Pirates jersey customized with their name and number on the back to wear during the clinic. The Pepperoni Rolls and Cooper the Bear also made an appearance at the event, spending time with the athletes and getting them excited for their big day.

After the Miracle League players split off with their new Black Bears teammates, all athletes stood silent side-by-side for the National Anthem before breaking off into their respective stations.

In right field, the Pirates’ prospects threw batting practice, as the campers crushed home runs over the fence and into the bullpen. At the station down the first base line, the pitching staff gave the players some pointers how to throw an electric fastball to strikeout their opponents.

The Miracle League athletes also got to run the base paths with the Black Bears, zooming through the infield and crossing home plate to put runs on the scoreboard. They then traveled down the third base line to field some grounders, following that up by shagging fly balls in left field.

The final station was a game of catch, as the campers got to throw around with the Black Bears’ players while exchanging laughs, hugs and plenty of pictures.

Once the clinic was over, all the athletes got together for a group photo to commemorate a fun morning of bonding and baseball. They finished the day with a lunch on the suite level, as everyone chowed down with a beautiful view of the rolling West Virginia hills.

Stepping Stones West Virginia is a non-profit organization that gives children and adults with disabilities the opportunity to achieve their goals and stay active though many recreational activities. More information on this organization is available at www.steppingstones.askwhymedia.com.

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

Minor League Baseball and BUSH’S® Beans donate over 10,000 pounds of canned and dry food goods to local food banks

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

ST. PETERSBURG, Florida and KNOXVILLE, Tennessee — Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) and BUSH’S® Beans today announced they collected over five tons of food for Feeding America and other local food banks as part of their “Team Up Against Hunger” July food drive. The combined efforts will allow Feeding America and other local food banks to provide over 9,000 meals across 35 states. The donation of canned and dry goods comes at an ideal time as the number of food drives traditionally slows down in the summer, and the lack of school-provided meals creates a greater need.

Participating Minor League Baseball teams worked with food banks in their local communities to encourage fans to bring non-perishable food donations to the ballpark on designated July game dates. BUSH’S Beans developed social media messaging, press releases and in-park materials to help each team in the fight against hunger and create awareness for the national food drive. Teams rewarded fans who donated non-perishable food items with incentives such as tickets to a future game or a buy one, get one free ticket offer.

“Minor League Baseball, its teams and its partners are dedicated to making a positive impact on children and families in their communities,” said Heather Raburn, Assistant Director of Partnership Marketing for Minor League Baseball. “We are grateful for this partnership with Bush Brothers, and along with our supportive fan base, we have a platform to be able to give back to those in need during these critical summer months.”

En Español

“We are proud to work with nearly 80 Minor League teams from around the country to Team Up Against Hunger. As a family-owned food company, it is important to all of us at BUSH’S to do what we can to help those who are hungry,” said Michael Morris, Senior Brand Manager for BUSH’S Beans.

In addition to donations from fans, BUSH’S Beans and MiLB Charities plan to match the donation total from the top contributing MiLB team. The Dunedin Blue Jays, the Class A Advanced affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, collected 1,126 pounds of non-perishable food items. BUSH’S Beans and MiLB Charities will match this donation to Dunedin Cares in recognition of the generosity of Dunedin Blue Jays fans.

BUSH’S Beans was named the “Official Beans of Minor League Baseball” in December 2016.

About Minor League Baseball

Minor League Baseball, headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida, is the governing body for all professional baseball teams in the United States, Canada and the Dominican Republic that are affiliated with Major League Baseball® clubs through their farm systems. Fans are coming out in unprecedented numbers to this one-of-a-kind experience that can only be found at Minor League Baseball ballparks. In 2017, Minor League Baseball attracted 41.8 million fans to its ballparks to see the future stars of the sport hone their skills. From the electricity in the stands to the excitement on the field, Minor League Baseball has provided affordable family-friendly entertainment to people of all ages since its founding in 1901. For more information visit MiLB.com.

Follow Minor League Baseball on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

About BUSH’S® Beans

BUSH’S® is all about friends & family, and a certain Secret Family Recipe. When you enjoy our beans (doesn’t matter if they’re baked beans, chili beans, black beans, pinto beans…well, you get the picture), you can trust that they’re the very best. Because we wouldn’t serve your family anything less. Since we got our start 110 years ago in Chestnut Hill, Tenn., BUSH’S® has always maintained that quality is the best policy. We pursue excellence and exceptional taste in our beans, sauces and everything we do. That’s why, from mouthwatering Baked Beans & Chili Beans to satisfying bean recipes, you’re cooking up the best with BUSH’S BEST®. For more information, visit www.bushbeans.com, like us on Facebook or follow BUSH’S® Beans on Instagram and Twitter.

‘Pack the Park for Midlands Gives’ Raises $9,000 for Local Non-Profits

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

COLUMBIA, S.C. – In partnership with Midlands Gives and Central Carolina Community Foundation, the Columbia Fireflies helped raise $9,000 dollars for 48 different non-profit organizations that participated in the team’s annual ‘Pack the Park for Midlands Gives’ fundraising initiative on August 7. The event allows each non-profit to individually sell tickets in a collective effort to raise money and awareness for their organizations. Each non-profit receives a percentage of the money from their tickets sales; the Fireflies also donate extra money to the top three selling non-profits.

“Pack the Park is a great annual opportunity for us to support numerous non-profits from our local community all in one day,” said Fireflies Team President John Katz. “We are very excited to be donating a record amount of $9,000 back to the non-profits who participated in the event this season.”

In its third season Pack the Park set a record of total tickets sold and in turn, money being donated back. With nearly 1,700 tickets sold by non-profits for the event, $9,000.00 has been donated back to the non-profits this year. Family Promise of the Midlands was the non-profit that raised the most money in 2018 and set a record for number of tickets sold by an individual non-profit.

“It has been an amazing experience working with the Central Carolina Community Foundation on Pack the Park since our inaugural season,” said Fireflies Marketing/Client Services Manager Ashlie DeCarlo. “It’s been incredible watching the event’s growth and we can’t wait to break those records again next season. Event sales have more than doubled since the kickoff in 2016.”

For more information on fundraising programs with the Fireflies, contact 803-726-4487.

********************************************************

About the Columbia Fireflies

The Columbia Fireflies are the South Atlantic League affiliate of the New York Mets. Winners of Ballpark Digest’s Best New Branding and Logo Award in 2016, the Fireflies play games across the southeast and mid-Atlantic regions, including against in-state rivals in Charleston and Greenville. The team partnered with the city of Columbia and Hughes Development to construct Spirit Communications Park, a multi-use outdoor sports and entertainment venue at the center of the BullStreet District. The Columbia Fireflies are owned by Hardball Capital, owners of the Fort Wayne TinCaps of the Midwest League and the Chattanooga Lookouts of the Southern League. For more information, visit ColumbiaFireflies.com, or follow the Fireflies on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

About Spirit Communications Park

Spirit Communications Park, the 2016 Ballpark Digest Ballpark of the Year, is a 365-day per year multi-use sports and entertainment venue located in the heart of downtown Columbia, SC. Spirit Communications Park is the home ballpark for the Columbia Fireflies, the South Atlantic League affiliate of the New York Mets. Designed for baseball, concerts, football, soccer and a host of other activities, the venue seats approximately 9,000 for sporting events and up to 15,000 for major outdoor concerts. With 16 luxury suites and a 7,000 square-foot Club Level Lounge, Spirit Communications Park can also host everything from business meetings to wedding receptions, and everything in between. The venue is open 365 days a year and serves as a public park with the wrap-around concourse representing 1/3 of a mile for walkers and joggers. For more information, visit SpiritCommunicationsPark.com.

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

City Stadium to host Food Truck Tuesdays this fall

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

Lynchburg, Va. – The Lynchburg Hillcats are excited to present Food Truck Tuesdays, which will be coming to City Stadium next month.

Food Truck Tuesday will occur every Tuesday from September 4 to November 27, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the City Stadium parking lot.

“As the regular season begins to wind down, we’re thrilled to announce this weekly event that will begin immediately during our off-season,” said Hillcats Assistant General Manager, Matt Klein. “Food Truck Tuesdays offer Lynchburg business owners a unique opportunity to showcase their products in a fun, laid back, and spacious environment that City Stadium has to offer. The 13 Tuesdays this fall will also allow Lynchburg and Central Virginia residents to taste all of the amazing food trucks that have recently sprouted throughout the area. We look forward to bringing people together to enjoy lunch of all different kinds of recipes this fall.”

Vendors are asked to arrive no later than 10:30 a.m. each Tuesday to set up their truck. Additionally, vendors must be self-sufficient with their trucks in supplying their own power and water needs. To boost variety, Food Truck Tuesdays will be limited to five trucks per day, along with one truck per food specialty.

To maximize attendance at Food Truck Tuesdays, the Hillcats will promote the notion during the clubs remaining home games in 2018. Video board and public address announcements will spur fans excitement for this off-season experience, as well as through social media posts on the Hillcats Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.

Sign-ups for the event will be scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. Please email mklein@lynchburg-hillcats.com to reserve your spot now. There is no up front cost to sign up, rather, a 10% of net sales fee per event will be charged for a spot at the Lynchburg Hillcats facility.

“Businesspersons in the community deserve a chance to consistently set up shop and unleash their talented cooking skills,” Klein said. “We’re excited to see the local impact that Food Truck Tuesdays has in our neighborhood, and are hopeful that this is a launching pad for these vendors to book more events in the future.”

The Lynchburg Hillcats are the Advanced-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. The Hillcats are eight-time Carolina League Champions, having most recently won the Mills Cup Championship in 2017. The Hillcats play their home games at City Stadium, which has been home to Minor League Baseball in Lynchburg since 1963. For more information about the Lynchburg Hillcats, please contact Max Gun at mgun@lynchburg-hillcats.com.

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

Tortuga Intern Honored with FSL Scholarship

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

DAYTONA BEACH, FL – The Daytona Tortugas, in conjunction with the Florida State League and the Miami Marlins, are proud to award the franchise’s fourth FSL Scholarship to Theodore Cannon. Cannon is the Tortugas Creative Media Intern.

“It’s a great honor that I was the one selected over everyone else involved in the internship program with the Daytona Tortugas,” Cannon said about the award.

Cannon, an Irmo, South Carolina native, is a rising Junior at Clemson University, where he is majoring in Architecture with a Visual Arts minor.

He helped design jerseys, provide content for social media, and was instrumental in the game day production involving the new video board at The Jack, but he quickly learned that there things outside of your job description that go into the nightly production of a MiLB game.

“I was hired on as a graphic design intern and even though that is my official position, I have done a little bit of everything at the ballpark,” Cannon stated. “I helped pull tarp, I’ve helped in concessions, and sometimes I helped with ticket sales.”

The Florida State League Scholarship Committee awarded twelve $1,500 educational scholarships to applicants from each team in the league. The award is based on both financial need and grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Students eligible for the scholarship must be an employee, or the child or grandchild of an employee, of the participating club from April 5 to September 2 and must be at least a high school junior by the 2018 fall term.

Cannon is going to use the scholarship money on supplies for the upcoming school year. “I can now afford things I couldn’t before, which is great, so it’s a little weight off my chest.”

The Miami Marlins have sponsored this program for more than 18 years and have contributed over $200,000.

Cannon hopes to take his work ethic from the summer into the school year.  

“This is probably the most I’ve worked in any period, let alone the summer period.” He added, “this has taught me to think things through in my head, allocate my time wisely, and give every task the desired amount of time.”

Cannon was honored at Radiology Associates Field at Jackie Robinson Ballpark on Tuesday, August 7, prior to a Tortuga game against the Dunedin Blue Jays, by throwing out the first pitch.

“It’s a great honor to be able to throw out the first pitch,” Cannon mentioned prior to the moment. “The fact that they allowed an intern to do it is very interesting, hopefully I don’t mess that up.”

Cannon capped off the ceremony by firing a perfect strike.

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

Mariachis Jersey Auction to Benefit AHCC Education Excellence Scholarships

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

The Albuquerque Isotopes announced today an online jersey auction to benefit the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce (AHCC) Foundation’s Education Excellence Scholarships program.

The auction will be held exclusively online at abqisotopes.com. Bidding will start this Sunday at 5:00 pm and will conclude at noon on Wednesday, Aug. 22.

In addition to the players’ autographed, game-worn jerseys, two other items will be up for auction; a team-signed Mariachis de Nuevo México jersey and a unique Coco-themed, team-signed guitar.

Members of the AHCC’s own Board of Directors collectively raised $2000 to purchase the first Mariachis jersey, which will be on display inside the Chamber’s board room.

“The Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce Foundation does phenomenal work and provides terrific services and opportunities to students through these scholarships,” said Isotopes Vice President / General Manager John Traub. “Like all great causes, this program needs funding, and that’s what we hope to do through this auction.”

“John Traub said it best when he said that Mariachi is the soundtrack to our lives,”

said AHCC Vice President Jim Garcia. “We appreciate our partnership with the Mariachis de Nuevo México and are grateful that they have chosen to give back to our community with this generous gift to our Foundation.”

The AHCC Foundation is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes which support, benefit or carry out the purposes of the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce.

AHCC’s Education Excellence Scholarships program strives to empower future leaders by providing an average of 100 students annually with college access, financial aid awareness and scholarships.

BIDDING LINK WILL BE POSTED SOON

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

Staten Island Yankees Fight Against Cancer

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

STATEN ISLAND, NY: The Staten Island Yankees players and staff will be joining the fight against breast cancer in honor of General Manager Jane Rogers.

 

The Staten Island Yankees have encountered many changes over the past 20 years, but one thing that has always stayed the same is Jane Rogers’ presence. As the first person to be hired by the Staten Island Yankees, she rose from office manager to special assistant and eventually took on the role of General Manager. Jane has put her heart and soul into the organization since her hiring and is proud to be a part of the team’s history and success. This past year, Jane was diagnosed with Breast Cancer and has been undergoing chemotherapy treatment throughout this season.

 

“The support of the Staten Island Yankees ownership, staff, coaches, team and fans has been overwhelming,” said Rogers. “Since being diagnosed almost six months ago, I certainly haven’t been alone in this journey. I truly believe the positive energy everyone sends my way has much to do with my recovery. I’m looking forward to resuming my normal work activities at the ballpark and thank everyone for their amazing support! Please come out and join us on August 29th.”

 

As a part of the fundraising effort, Mia Passione Salon provided their services to the Staten Island Yankees for a “Shave Your Head for Cancer” event. All male front office Staten Island Yankees staff members, along with outfielder Alex Junior, pitchers Matt Sauer and Frank German, athletic trainer Jon Becker and clubhouse manager Joe Valenti, shaved their heads as a sign of support for Jane in her courageous fight.

 

The Staten Island Yankees will also be wearing pink jerseys on August 29, which will then be auctioned in a “Jersey Off the Back” auction throughout the game. All proceeds from the auction will join the total donation.

 

In addition to the players wearing pink on-field jerseys, the Staten Island Yankees will be giving away pink shirts with a donation. The shirts will have the Staten Island Yankees primary logo on the front and don the number 99 along with Rogers’ name. Every dollar donated will be combined with the proceeds from the jersey auction and will go to the New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation, per Jane Rogers’ wishes.

 

***

The Staten Island Yankees are the Single A-Short Season Affiliate of the New York Yankees and play at the Richmond County Bank Ballpark at St. George. The Staten Island Yankees are six-time New York-Penn League Champions (2000, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2009 and 2011). For more information, visit siyanks.com and pizzaratsbaseball.com.

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

Fire Frogs a Hit with Miracle League

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (Aug. 13, 2018) – The Florida Fire Frogs competed against the Fort Myers Miracle in a contest between two Florida State League teams on at Osceola County Stadium, but it was a different kind of miracle that brought a joyous atmosphere to Kissimmee on Saturday.

The Atlanta Braves’ Advanced-A affiliate spent the afternoon with the Miracle League of Central Florida prior to taking on Fort Myers for a day of fun. According to the league’s mission statement posted on its website, the purpose of the Miracle League is to, “help individuals with disabilities build self-worth, overcome boundaries, and achieve their dreams by participating in America’s past-time: Baseball.”

Florida’s team president, Erik Anderson stated, “We want to let the community know that the results of this team aren’t always based on what happens on the diamond. It’s about winning in life and doing the right thing.”

Every player from the Fire Frogs roster participated with the children in attendance from the Miracle League. The club’s home run leader, Braxton Davidson, saw the occasion as a special opportunity.

“I like to give back to the community. That’s something that I’ve always been a part of ever since I was in high school,” the 2014 first-round draft pick said. “I wear a bracelet that says, ‘Autism Speaks,’ I have family members that are disabled.

“It’s a great opportunity for all the guys to put themselves out in the community in a good way.”

Fire Frogs manager Luis Salazar had a pleasure teaching the children of the Miracle League not just about the fundamentals of the game, but to always have fun while playing.

“It’s always a pleasure, and I enjoy the time with the Miracle League,” the skipper said. “To get those kids on the field, running, sliding…It’s a very special day for those kids.

The main thing is to have fun, and to give those kids the best that we can do for them. When they leave here, they know they can go home and say, ‘We played for the Fire Frogs.'”

To contact the Central Florida Miracle League, or volunteer, please visit cflmiracleleague.com.

About the Florida Fire Frogs

 

The Florida Fire Frogs are the Advanced-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves and compete in the Florida State League. The Fire Frogs play their home games at Osceola County Stadium, located at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Fla. For more information, please visit www.FloridaFireFrogs.com, and follow the team on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube.

###

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

Annual Florida State League/Miami Marlins Scholarship Winners Announced

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Tarpons are pleased to announce Tyler Hernandez has been named one of the 12 winners of the 2018 Florida State League/Miami Marlins Scholarship Program. Each winner receives a $1,500 scholarship and is invited by the Marlins to be recognized in an on-field pregame ceremony at Marlins Park on Sunday, August 12th.

Hernandez recently graduated with a 3.5 GPA from Alonso High School, where he played lacrosse and was a member of both the Beta Club and the National Honor Society. He also has worked in clubhouse operations for Tampa since 2016. Hernandez plans to attend the University of Tampa.

This is the 19th-conecutive year for the program, which has been funded by the Miami Marlins and the Florida State League. Each $1,500 scholarship is presented to a student employee, child or grandchild of an employee. A total of 228 scholarships have been awarded to qualified applicants since the inception of the program.

The purpose of the program is to encourage and reward our school age applicants and send a message that an education is the key to success in life.

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

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