Archives for November 2018

Cal League Teams Unite to Assist With Fire Relief Efforts

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

California League Baseball Teams Unite to Assist With Fire Relief Efforts

Eight Minor League Baseball Teams Selling Firefighting Themed Caps

Oxnard, CA   As California begins it’s slow recovery process after some of the most deadliest & destructive fires in California history, the baseball teams of the California League have decided to step up to the plate and do their part for the relief efforts.

The California League boasts eight teams located throughout the state: San Jose, Stockton, Modesto, Visalia, Lancaster, San Bernardino, Rancho Cucamonga, and Lake Elsinore. Each team will be producing their own logoed cap with a firefighter theme, produced by Cotapaxi, a custom design and manufacturing corporation located in Commerce, CA. These custom caps will only be available for a limited time from each team & can be purchased for $20. Net proceeds from these sales will be donated to support the disaster relief efforts as we enter this holiday season.

“Minor League Baseball is all about being involved with our local communities. These fires have affected everyone in the state, and we all want to do our part to help out as much as we can” stated California League President, Charlie Blaney.

If you would like to purchase one of these caps, you can contact each team individually via their respective websites:

Or if you’d like to purchase all 8 caps for $150, you can contact Matt Blaney in the California League office.

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About the Visalia Rawhide
The Visalia Rawhide are a professional baseball team in the Class ‘A’ Advanced California League and are the only professional sports team in Tulare and Kings counties. On April 4th, 2019; the Rawhide will open their 73nd year of play, and 13th as an affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Rawhide will be defending their 2018 Northern Division Championship, and look to continue providing competitive baseball and affordable family entertainment. To be a part of the 2019 Visalia Rawhide season, please contact the Visalia Rawhide Ticket Office at 559.732.4433, visit us online at rawhidebaseball.com, or follow us on Facebook (TheRawhide), Instagram (@VisaliaRawhide), and Twitter (@VisaliaRawhide).

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

Dragons Leandro Santana Wins Reds MiLB Community Service Award

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Dayton, Ohio-Dayton Dragons infielder Leandro Santana has been selected as the Cincinnati Reds 2018 Minor League Community Service award winner. The Reds announced their Minor League player awards at RedsFest.

Santana spent the entire 2018 season with the Dragons. He was selected for the award based on his efforts in Dayton this season as a volunteer as part of various Dragons community service endeavors.

Santana became the seventh Dragons player to win the Reds Minor League Community Service Award since 2011. The award is given to only one player each year across all levels of the Reds farm system. Previous Dragons winners of the Reds Community Service Award were Drew Hayes (2011), El’Hajj Muhammad (2012), Brent Peterson (2013), Jon Matthews (2014), Avain Rachal (2015), and Aaron Fossas (2017).

Also at RedsFest, the Reds named the following Minor League player awards: Sheldon “Chief” Bender Minor League Player of the Year: Ibandel Isabel; Minor League Hitter of the Year: T.J. Friedl; Minor League Pitcher of the Year: Tony Santillan. Friedl and Santillan are both former Dragons. Friedl spent the first half of the 2017 season with the Dragons, while Santillan spent all of 2017 in Dayton after briefly pitching for the Dragons in 2016.

The Reds Minor League Player of the Year award is named after Sheldon “Chief” Bender, who worked in professional baseball for 64 years, 39 of those with the Reds. Bender oversaw the Reds farm system from 1967-’88, producing stars such as Ken Griffey Sr., Dave Concepcion, Ron Oester, Mario Soto, Eric Davis, Barry Larkin, Chris Sabo, Paul O’Neill, and countless others. Bender passed away in 2008 at the age of 88.

Sheldon “Chief” Bender Award winners:

2000 Austin Kearns

2001 Adam Dunn

2002 Brandon Larson

2003 Stephen Smitherman

2004 Richie Gardner

2005 Chris Denorfia

2006 Homer Bailey

2007 Jay Bruce

2008 Chris Valaika

2009 Chris Heisey

2010 Devin Mesoraco

2011 Billy Hamilton

2012 Billy Hamilton

2013 Seth Mejias-Brean

2014 Ben Lively

2015 Tyler Mahle

2016 Aristides Aquino

2017 Nick Senzel

2018 Ibandel Isabel

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

Toy drive leads Foundation’s holiday initiatives

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With the holiday season underway, the RoughRiders Foundation continues to be an active supporter of local non-profit organizations in Frisco and surrounding areas.

On Friday, December 7, the foundation is hosting its annual toy drive in partnership with Toys For Tots during the RoughRiders Winter Wonderland event. The drive is one of the Foundation’s biggest events each year, generating boxes full of toys for kids in need during the holidays. Fans can donate new, unwrapped toys at the home plate gate from 5-10 pm. The event will also include live updates from the ballpark on FOX4.

“The holidays are such a great time to give back and we’re doing our best to assist in every way we can,” said Breon Dennis, Executive Director of the RoughRiders Foundation. “We’re especially excited about the toy drive and thank our great fans in advance for their generous donations.”

In addition to the toy drive, RoughRiders players and staff have been busy spreading holiday cheer the last few weeks by volunteering at local schools, food banks, and animal shelters. The foundation also staged a silent auction on November 27 as part of “Giving Tuesday” to help fund future initiatives with community partners.

If you would like the RoughRiders to volunteer with your organization, please email community@ridersbaseball.com. For more information on the RoughRiders Foundation, click here.

The 2019 season begins April 4 at Dr Pepper Ballpark. Ticket memberships and group hospitality packages are now on sale. The promotional calendar will be unveiled in early 2019 with single-game tickets going on sale soon after. For more information, visit RidersBaseball.com or call (972) 731-9200.

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 14 seasons (2005-2018). 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.

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

Blue Rocks Staff Volunteer in Harvey Hanna Coat Drive

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The Wilmington Blue Rocks front office was out in the community on Thursday as they participated in Operation Warm at Warner Elementary School in Wilmington. The event, which was presented by Harvery Hanna and The Delaware Kids Fund, provided local children with brand new winter jackets.

Kids would walk into the school’s cafeteria, introduce themselves to a volunteer from the community and then get the opportunity to pick out a jacket of their choice courtesy of Operation Warm. They then received a kindness coin and signed a giant thank you poster for the generous folks at Harvey Hanna.

“It was an awesome event,” said Blue Rocks Director of Merchandise Jim Beck. “The kids were so grateful and it was just a terrific opportunity to speak with them, get to know them a little bit and then play a very small part in putting a smile on their faces. We want to thank both Operation Warm and Harvey Hanna for giving our organization a chance to be involved.”

Operation Warm provides warmth, confidence and hope to children in need through the gift of brand new winter coats. The organization believes a brand new coat is more than a coat. Through serving millions of children in need across North America, it has seen that a brand new coat offers a child physical and emotional warmth, confidence to socialize and succeed, and hope of a brighter future. For more information on the organization their website is OperationWarm.org.

The Blue Rocks were honored by the Carolina League in 2018 with the Matt Minker Community Service Award. The award goes to the club which best demonstrates an outstanding, on-going commitment to charitable service, support, and leadership within its community. The award is named after the Blue Rocks’ founder, Matt Minker, who owned the club until his death in 2007. Minker, whose construction company built Frawley Stadium, remains the team’s honorary president.

The Blue Rocks participated in numerous school programs, charitable endeavors and hospital visits in 2018 and team works with area schools to promote academic achievement (DSEA Rocky’s Reading Challenge), citizenship (Grotto Pizza Outstanding Student Program) and overall knowledge (Discover Baseball and Education Day).

The organization also helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for good causes such as Habitat for Humanity, Fight for the Gold, Boys and Girls Clubs of Delaware, Special Olympics Delaware, Food Bank of Delaware and many other charities through partnerships with local businesses such as Chase and Food Lion. Several times during the season, the team’s players and mascot also visited local hospitals, brightening the spirits of patients and their families.

The Blue Rocks recently announced a two-year extension of their Player Development Contract to remain the Advanced-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. Season seats, mini plans and group packages for the 2019 season are available now at BlueRocks.com.

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

RiverDogs Host Charlie Claus Toy Drive and Movie Night at The Joe

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CHARLESTON, S.C. – With the holiday season underway, Charlie and the RiverDogs family are asking fans to help give back. The Charleston club will host their annual Charlie Claus Movie Night, featuring a special presentation of “The Muppet Christmas Carol,” on Saturday, December 8 from 2-5 p.m, while accepting donations to help benefit the Salvation Army Angel Tree Charleston.

Fans that bring a new, unopened toy benefitting the Angel Tree program will gain free admission to the event, hosted by the RiverDogs’ signature mascot, Charlie T. RiverDog. Tickets to the event are $5 otherwise, while kids 3 and under and members of the MUSC Children’s Health Kids Club get in free.

“We’re excited to once again bring back the Charlie Claus Movie Night, while partnering with the Salvation Army Angel Tree in this initiative for the first time,” said RiverDogs Director of Community Relations Walter Nolan-Cohn. “Our generous donations from fans will have a profound impact to help bring much-needed gifts to kids in the Lowcountry this time of year.”

In addition, all fans that donate at least a day before the event, in-person at The Joe will receive a Family Four-Pack (includes four tickets, four hot dogs, four drinks and four bags of chips) to a RiverDogs game in 2019, plus a free admission to the Charlie Claus Movie Night. Salvation Army Angel Tree bins will be available for fans to drop off donations all week leading up to the event (Dec. 3-7) from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. each day. Fans can drop off donations and redeem their tickets at the Riley Park front office.

Along with the feature presentation from the Muppets, there will be a visit by Santa, letter writing stations for the North Pole, hot chocolate, and even an appearance from Charlie Claus himself.

About the RiverDogs

On the heels of their second straight year eclipsing 300,000 fans through the turnstiles, the RiverDogs have already begun preparations for another year down at The Joe. RiverDogs season tickets, partial season plans, and groups tickets, including options to the Riley Park Club, are now available for the 2019 campaign at riverdogs.com/tickets or by contacting the RiverDogs front office at 843-577-3647 (DOGS). The RiverDogs begin their home schedule on April 11 when they host the Greensboro Grasshoppers at The Joe, preceded by a weeklong road trip. A full schedule and list of game times for the 2019 season is available at riverdogs.com.

–RIVERDOGS–

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

Cougars Announce Annual Winter Coat Drive Begins December 3

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GENEVA, Ill. – The Kane County Cougars have announced the dates for the organization’s annual Winter Coat Drive. Beginning Monday, December 3 fans are welcome to drop by the Cougars front office located at Northwestern Medicine Field (34W002 Cherry Lane, Geneva, IL 60134) week days between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to donate winter coats for those in need this holiday season.

Donations of new or gently-used winter coats for infants, children and adults are all encouraged. Fans will receive one (1) undated reserved seat ticket voucher valid for a 2019 regular season Cougars game with each donated item. There is a maximum of 15 complimentary ticket vouchers per fan.

In partnership with the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans, all donated coats will be given to local families and individuals in need of cold-weather outerwear this winter.

The Cougars are requesting that all gently-used winter coats be donated by Friday, December 14 at 4 p.m.

For more information, contact the Cougars front office at 630-232-8811.

Ticket packages for the 2019 season are now on sale including the Cougars Christmas Pack. From now until December 31, purchase the Christmas Pack for just $89 and you’ll receive four (4) box seat ticket vouchers valid for any game during the 2018 season, one (1) general lot parking pass, $60 in Cougars cash plus two (2) reserved seat ticket voucher for Opening Night on Thursday, April 4. That’s a savings of over 40% which makes it the perfect gift for the baseball fan on your shopping list this holiday season. Visit kccougars.com for more information or to purchase your Christmas Pack today.

Follow the Cougars on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates on tickets and promotions for the 2019 season

About the Kane County Cougars

The Cougars, Class-A Minor League affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, have been at the forefront of family-friendly entertainment since 1991. In 2015, the franchise became the first Class-A team in Minor League Baseball history to welcome 11 million fans through the gates. A total of 171 former Cougars have reached the Major Leagues including Miguel Cabrera, Nelson Cruz, Josh Beckett, Adrian Gonzalez and Kyle Schwarber.

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

Hooks and BUSH’S® Beans Donate to Driscoll Children’s Hospital

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CORPUS CHRISTI – The Corpus Christi Hooks, in partnership with BUSH’S® Beans, announced today they will provide a donation to Driscoll Children’s Hospital as part of #GivingTuesday, a movement that celebrates and supports giving and philanthropic events at the start of the holiday season, on Tuesday, Nov. 27.

Since its inaugural year in 2012, Giving Tuesday has been a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration. Celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving and the popular shopping holidays Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the event kicks off the giving season each year by inspiring people to give back.

This past season, first baseman Taylor Jones was named the BUSH’S Most Valuable Player (MVP) at the 2018 Texas League All-Star Game in Midland. In addition to the award, BUSH’S and the Hooks will contribute to the local community by providing a monetary donation to Driscoll Children’s Hospital.

“Driscoll Children’s Hospital ensures the youth of South Texas have access to the best medical care available,” Hooks General Manager Wes Weigle said. “We are always delighted to aid them in this mission. I’d like to thank Taylor Jones for coming up with that big swing, and BUSH’S Beans for helping us make an impact in the Coastal Bend.”

BUSH’S Beans sponsored 11 All-Star Game MVP awards throughout Minor League Baseball this summer. Each BUSH’S MVP Award recipient’s team will be donating to a local charitable organization of the team’s choosing.

“It is truly inspiring to see how MiLB clubs and their local communities support each other,” said Mike Morris, Senior Brand Manager at Bush Brothers & Company. “We are proud to recognize the contributions of BUSH’S All-Star MVP Award winner Taylor Jones by joining with the Hooks to contribute to Driscoll Children’s Hospital.”

Click here to learn more about the long-term partnership Minor League Baseball and BUSH’S Beans, the “Official Beans of Minor League Baseball,” cooked up in 2016.

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

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Boise Hawks Announce Holiday Food Drive

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BOISE, ID: The Boise Hawks have announced they will be hosting a food drive this holiday season, benefiting 7Cares Idaho Shares, hosted by KTVB. For every donation, fans will have the opportunity to spin the wheel for great Hawks prizes.

“The demand to collect food for those who need the community’s support is year-round.” said Bob Flannery, Boise Hawks General Manager. “During the holiday season, being able to support a great cause by KTVB is something we are proud of.”

Non-perishable food donations can be made at the Hawks Front Office, located at Memorial Stadium (5600 N. Glenwood Street). Hawks Front Offices are open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Donations can be made through December 7, 2018.

For more information on 7Cares Idaho Shares, visit KTVB.com.

About the Boise Hawks

The Hawks are the Treasure Valley’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. The Boise Hawks announced that they will be hosting the Northwest League / Pioneer League All Star Game in 2019. Deposits for all 2019 season seat plans (guaranteeing tickets to the 2019 Northwest League / Pioneer League All-Star Game) are currently being taken. To stay up to date on all things Boise Hawks, follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/boisehawksbaseball) or visit www.BoiseHawks.com.

– Hawks Baseball –

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

Local Program Recipient of Phillies Charities, Inc. Grant

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The Philadelphia Phillies recently announced that their charity arm, Phillies, Charities, Inc., has awarded a $15,000 grant to Family Promise of Lycoming County.

Family Promise of Lycoming County brings the community together to help families regain their housing, their independence, and their dignity. Family Promise aims to help children and their families who are facing homelessness.

“Each year, Phillies Charities reaches out to us to provide information about worthy charities in our area,” said Sarah Budd the Crosscutters Director of Ticket Operations & Community Relations. “We are elated they chose to support Family Promise of Lycoming County, an organization with a great track record of success in our community.”

Family Promise Director Jenny Hull stated, “Family Promise of Lycoming County is so grateful and humbled to receive this wonderful gift from Phillies Charities. With this significant contribution we are able to continue to serve homeless families and provide services to the children of Lycoming County.”

Representatives from Family Promise, accompanied by Crosscutters representatives, will be in attendance on Thursday, December 6, at the Phillies Charities, Inc. Holiday Giving Party at Citizens Bank Park, where they will be recognized and saluted along with other award recipients by the organization for their charitable efforts.

In the past year, more than $1.2 million was awarded by Phillies Charities, Inc. to charitable organizations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and near the Phillies spring training and minor league affiliates. Phillies Charities, Inc. serves as the fundraising arm of the Phillies organization and awards grants to a variety of charitable organizations each year. For more information on Phillies Charities, Inc. please visit www.phillies.com/community.

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

Chihuahuas & Chick-fil-A to Partner for Paws for Presents Toy Drive

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Paws for Presents presented by Chick-fil-A will benefit the Child Crisis Center of El Paso & Jardin de los Niños in Las Cruces

EL PASO – November 27, 2018 -The El Paso Chihuahuas and area Chick-fil-A restaurants present “Paws for Presents”, a holiday toy drive assisting the Child Crisis Center of El Paso and Jardin de los Niños in Las Cruces.

The drive begins today, Tuesday, November 27th and continues through Saturday, December 15th. The Chihuahuas and Chick-fil-A request all gifts be new and not gift wrapped for children up to the age of 12.

“The Chihuahuas are proud to partner with Chick-fil-A on this special toy drive to help give kids in our region a smile and some toys during the holidays,” said MountainStar Sports Group Senior Vice President and Chihuahuas General Manager Brad Taylor.

Donations can be dropped off at any of the seven El Paso Chick-fil-A locations, the three Chick-fil-A locations in Las Cruces or the Chihuahuas Team Shop. The Team Shop is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

“We hope the El Paso and Las Cruces communities will come out and support the Paws for Presents Toy Drive so that we can bring some holiday cheer to those who are going through difficult times,” said Chick-Fil-A Operator Edgar Ortega. “In Chick-fil-A, our goal is to inspire people to take good care of each other. We look forward to seeing the joy on the faces of the people who are touched by our community’s generosity.”

Any monetary donations can be made at the Chihuahuas Team Shop located at Southwest University Park. Monetary donations will not be accepted at Chick-fil-A locations.

The Child Crisis Center was opened in 1980 and serves to “protect children from abuse and neglect by providing shelter, advocacy and family support services,” according to the website.

Jardin de los Niños opened in 1995 and serves to provide education, intervention and services to homeless or near homeless children.

For more information call Kate Lewis at (915) 242-2029.

PAWS FOR PRESENTS

WHAT: Paws for Presents presented by Chick-fil-A, a toy drive benefiting the Child Crisis Center of El Paso and Jardin de los Niños in Las Cruces. Toys must be new and unwrapped for children up to the age of 12.

WHEN: Tuesday, November 27, 2018 through Saturday, December 15th, 2018.

WHERE: Chick-fil-A area locations (see list below) and the Chihuahuas Team Shop at Southwest University Park.

CHICK-FIL-A LOCATIONS

El Paso, Texas

Chick-fil-A Sunland Park Mall; 750 Sunland Park Dr. VC-6, El Paso, TX 79912

Chick-fil-A Mesa Street; 7597 N. Mesa St., El Paso, TX 79912

Chick-fil-A North Hills; 10721 Gateway South Blvd, El Paso, TX 79934

Chick-fil-A Airway; 1300 Airway Blvd., El Paso, TX 79925

Chick-fil-A Cielo Vista Mall; 8401 Gateway West, El Paso, TX 79925

Chick-fil-A Zaragoza; 1840 N. Zaragoza Rd., El Paso, TX 79936

Chick-fil-A Montana; 12240 Montana Ave., El Paso, TX 79938

Las Cruces, NM

Chick-fil-A Mesilla Valley Mall; 700 S. Telshor Blvd. #1254, Las Cruces, NM 88011

Chick-fil-A University; 1105 E. University Ave., Las Cruces, NM 88001

Chick-fil-A Lohman; 2091 E. Lohman Ave., Las Cruces, NM 88001

Baseball Dinner Has Donated Over $1.7 Million

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Manchester, N.H. – Continuing the team’s holiday tradition, the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Blue Jays Double-A affiliate) announced today that the proceeds generated from the 2018 Granite State Baseball Dinner brought the overall donation total above $1.7 million since 2007.

Through sponsorship donations, ticket sales, silent and live auctions, and raffle ticket sales, a donation of over $91,000 from this year’s event will benefit the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock (CHaD), the Ted Williams Foundation, and the Fisher Cats Foundation.

Presented by Northeast Delta Dental, the 2018 dinner welcomed first-time guests like First Ballot Hall of Famer Steve Carlton, 2004 World Series Champion Orlando Cabrera, and Big Red Machine staple George Foster. The event also featured two of the only MLB first round draft picks to come out of New Hampshire: Chris Carpenter (1993) and Grant Lavigne (2018).

The Fisher Cats will open the 2019 season on Thursday, April 4 at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium against the Binghamton Rumble Ponies (New York Mets). Full and Half-Season Tickets and Mini-Ticket Plans are currently on sale, and each features a variety of benefits, gifts, and experiences. To learn more, stop by the box office at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium, call (603) 641-2005, or visit www.nhfishercats.com.

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

Gift of Baseball Program Returns To Benefit Area Non-Profits

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The Thunder, presented by NJM Insurance, will give fans the chance to share the fun experience of Thunder Baseball with underprivileged families in the community. For each Season Ticket, Pic-A-Plan and Mini Plan purchased before January 2, the Thunder will provide tickets to 2019 games via the team’s Tickets for Kids program that will be distributed to the Thunder’s non-profit partners.

“I am thrilled to announce the return of the Gift of Baseball program for the 2019 season,” said Thunder GM/COO Jeff Hurley. “Attending the family-friendly atmosphere of a game at ARM & HAMMER Park is an experience that no family or child in our community should miss out on in 2019. I thank our fans for their continued support as their purchases this holiday season will give more families and kids a chance to enjoy Thunder Baseball.”

In the first 13 years of the Gift of Baseball Program, the Thunder have donated 9,724 tickets to area non-profits.

Fans can secure their tickets to 2019 games by purchasing a package plan. Pic-A-Plans, Mini Plans, Full and Half Season Tickets are on-sale now by phone at 609-394-3300 and online by clicking here. For every ticket purchased between November 26 and January 2, the Thunder will make a matching donation to their Tickets for Kids program to underprivileged families and kids attend 2019 games.

The 2019 season will begin in Erie on Friday, April 5 at UPMC Park. Opening Night at ARM & HAMMER Park will take place on Friday, April 12 against the Portland Sea Dogs (Boston Red Sox).

Stay up to date with the latest news and information on Thunder baseball, presented by NJM Insurance, by signing up for Fun on Deck; the team’s bi-weekly email newsletter. Click here to sign up.

DOWNLOAD THE 2019 THUNDER SCHEDULE

JetHawks Foundation to Host 3rd Annual Hot Stove Banquet

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The Lancaster JetHawks are proud to announce they will be hosting their Third Annual Hot Stove Banquet on Thursday January 31st, 2019. The Hot Stove benefits the JetHawks Baseball Foundation, presented by Learn 4 Life. This evening event will be held at the University of Antelope Valley Ballroom.

In the coming weeks we will be releasing more information on time, speakers, auction prizes and more. Last year’s event was completely sold out. Do not miss your chance to attend this fantastic event that will feature great food and a night of fun benefiting the JetHawks Baseball Foundation and the youth of the Antelope Valley. Order your tickets today by calling 661-726-5400, or stopping by the stadium offices at 45166 Valley Central Way, Lancaster, CA.

The Lancaster JetHawks are proud to announce they will be hosting their Third Annual Hot Stove Banquet on Thursday January 31st, 2019. The Hot Stove benefits the JetHawks Baseball Foundation, presented by Learn 4 Life. This evening event will be held at the University of Antelope Valley Ballroom.

Since its inception in 2017, the JetHawks Baseball Foundation has provided more than 240 children in the Antelope Valley with the opportunity to learn baseball and vital life skills at The Hangar. Through the support of our sponsors and donors, the JetHawks Baseball Foundation provides bats, gloves, shirts, hats, and experiences that will last a lifetime for each child who participated, all at no charge to them or their families.

In the coming weeks we will be releasing more information on time, speakers, auction prizes and more. Last year’s event was completely sold out. Do not miss your chance to attend this fantastic event that will feature great food and a night of fun benefiting the JetHawks Baseball Foundation and the youth of the Antelope Valley. Order your tickets today by calling 661-726-5400, or stopping by the stadium offices at 45166 Valley Central Way, Lancaster, CA.

For all the information on this year’s Hot Stove Banquet, click here.

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

Chasers Set All-Time Charitable Giving Record

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The Omaha Storm Chasers set an all-time record in charitable giving for the sixth consecutive year in 2018, assisting with over 300 different organizations. In total, the Storm Chasers franchise donated $851,237.75 to local charities over the course of their 50th season in franchise history, an increase of $51,055.30 compared to last year.

CLICK HERE TO READ FULL COMMUNITY RELATIONS REPORT (PDF)

“Relationships and community are imperative to what this organization is about,” said Martie Cordaro, President and General Manager of the Omaha Storm Chasers. “Werner Park is a community center so we have a responsibility to Sarpy County and the Omaha Metro to continue to be engaged by being present and giving back.”

The Storm Chasers organization provided a platform for 70 non-profit organizations at Werner Park as its Community Organization of the Night. The McDonalds and Huber Chevrolet Hurl the Pearl promotion also raised $17,683.25 for the Ronald McDonald House. In addition, $23,840 was donated to local charities including Methodist Hospital Foundation, Food Bank for the Heartland, NWTF, United Way of the Midlands, and Javelan through five Game-Worn Jersey Auctions, with players and coaches wearing specialty jerseys.

The organization remained visible throughout the Omaha Metro, with mascots and players combining for over 530 appearances in the community. The Storm Chasers front office also combined for 1,055 hours of community service during the 2018 campaign.

A full overview of the Storm Chasers’ 2018 Community Relations efforts can be found online at this link: https://www.milb.com/omaha/community/community-relations-report

Werner Park is slated to host the Kansas City Royals on March 25, 2019 in an exhibition game presented by Cobalt Credit Union. Tickets are still available for that contest and can be purchased at this link: http://bit.ly/2BUsp72.

Following the Royals Exhibition Game, the Storm Chasers franchise is set to start their regular season slate on Tuesday, April 9. The Omaha Storm Chasers are the Triple-A Affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. The Storm Chasers play at Werner Park in Papillion, Sarpy County, Nebraska. For more information please visit omahastormchasers.com and follow us on Twitter @omastormchasers and at facebook.com/omahastormchasers.

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

13th Annual Hot Stove Banquet to Benefit NAMI

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The Williamsport Crosscutters 13th Annual Hot Stove Banquet will be held on Wednesday, January 16 in the Grand Ballroom of the Genetti Hotel in Williamsport. The event is presented in part by Panda Patriot Power, River Valley Transit, WRAK 1400AM, and the Williamsport Sun-Gazette.

A portion of the proceeds from this year’s event will be donated to the local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). “The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of North Central PA is very excited and honored to be selected as the beneficiary of the Hot Stove Banquet charity funds,” stated NAMI chairperson Carol Sides. “We will utilize the donation towards educational opportunities for our community on mental health awareness, suicide prevention and suicide awareness.”

Guests at this year’s event include former Phillies outfielder Gary “Sarge” Matthews, ESPN baseball analyst Tim Kurkjian and from the Academy Award nominated movie “Field of Dreams”, actor Dwier Brown.

Matthews, a first round draft pick of the San Francisco Giants in 1968, hit .281 in his 16-year major league career with 234 home runs and 978 RBI’s. Matthews was the National League Rookie of the Year in 1973 with the San Francisco Giants and the MVP of the National League Championship Series in 1983 with the Phillies. After his playing and coaching career, he was a popular broadcaster for the Phillies from 2007-2013.

Kurkjian has covered baseball since 1978 and has been a baseball writer, reporter, analyst and host at ESPN since 1998. He has been a regular on Baseball Tonight and Sportscenter. Kurkjian has been part of ESPN’s coverage of the MLB Little League Classic the last two years at Williamsport’s BB&T Ballpark.

Brown, an actor for 37 years, has appeared in hundreds of films, plays and televisions shows, but it was his role as Kevin Costner’s father, John Kinsella, in “Field of Dreams” that changed his life.

The evening will consist of a full-course dinner, live and silent auctions of sports memorabilia along with interviews and question and answer segments with the special guests. Additionally, Brown will speak about the making of “Field of Dreams” and the special bond between fathers, sons and the game of baseball. Other highlights of the event include the inductions of the latest members to the Bowman Field Hall of Fame and the Lycoming County Sports Walk. Those inductees are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

The ballroom doors open at 5:30 PM with the dinner and entertainment portion of the event kicking off at 6:30 PM. An autograph session will take place at the close of evening.

Tickets are $59 per person and can be purchased by calling the Cutters offices at (570) 326-3389 or ordering online at the link below. This event is a virtual sell-out every year, so fans are encouraged to purchase tickets now. Reserved seating is assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis as tickets are ordered. Business sponsorships for the event are also available.
Tickets – Order Now!

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