Archives for March 2019

Sea Dogs to Host Autism Awareness Day on April 20

The event will be held with the support of the University of New England Occupational Therapy graduate students. The UNE students will create and facilitate activities for children and families in a special “Sensory Room” that will allow children with autism to self-regulate using movement, calming sensory input and fidget items. Earplugs will also be available.

In addition to the “Sensory Room,” early entrance into the ballpark will be available for any families who wish to avoid crowds.

The goal of the event is to raise autism awareness and to help people with autism perform the occupations of everyday life.

Tickets to the game are available at the discounted rate of $6.00.

Fans attending the April 20th game are asked to wear the color orange to show support for Autism Acceptance.

The Sea Dogs open the 2019 season on Thursday, April 4th at 6:00 PM.

Birds renew partnership with Axelrod & Associates and Make-A-Wish Foundation

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (March 29, 2019) – The Myrtle Beach Pelicans, the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, in partnership with Axelrod & Associates, P.A., are glad to announce the renewal of the home run promotion which benefits the South Carolina Make-A-Wish Foundation. For every home run hit by a Pelicans player in a 2019 game at TicketReturn.Com Field at Pelicans Ballpark, Axelrod & Associates will donate $100 to the South Carolina Make-A-Wish Foundation.

“Come out and support Make-A-Wish and the Pelicans,” Managing Attorney Stuart Axelrod said. “Got baseball?”

Additionally, the GotAxelrod.com billboard in right-centerfield returns, which includes a caricature of Mr. Stuart M. Axelrod extending a glove to make a catch. If a home run ball by a Pelicans player goes through the cutout hole in the glove then one lucky fan in attendance will be chosen at random to win $100,000. Fans must be present at TicketReturn.Com Field at Pelicans Ballpark to win. The winner will be selected based on the tickets scanned at the gates prior to the first pitch.

The Pelicans’ 2019 season kicks off on April 4 against the Lynchburg Hillcats. Season tickets are available now. For more information or to purchase tickets visit myrtlebeachpelicans.com or call 843-918-6000.

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.

TinCaps Seek Nominees for Military Salutes in 2019

The Fort Wayne TinCaps, along with OmniSource LLC and Steel Dynamics Inc., will salute our military throughout the 2019 season and need your help.

All those who serve our country, or have served, deserve to be saluted. The TinCaps are looking for nominations of active or veteran military personnel to honor at games. If you have a friend or family member you’d like to see honored at Parkview Field, then let the team know.

Selected nominees will be rewarded with VIP treatment at Parkview Field. This includes tickets to the game for them and their family, and recognition on the field before that night’s fireworks show.

The TinCaps ask that you submit a short essay explaining why the community should know about your hero’s story. Submissions should be sent to TinCaps Community Engagement Manager Morgan Olson atolson@tincaps.com. You can also call Morgan at 260-407-2812.

Click here to see the 30 dates the TinCaps have fireworks nights in 2019.  

Through the generosity of the OmniSource, Steel Dynamics, caring individual donors, and the San Diego Padres, the TinCaps also invite all members of the military and their families to attend Military Appreciation Night on Monday, Aug. 19 (7:05 p.m.) when the TinCaps host the Bowling Green Hot Rods. Complimentary tickets for that game can be requested at TinCapsMilitary.com.

The TinCaps will wear special patriotic jerseys on Military Appreciation Night. The jerseys will be auctioned off with all proceeds benefitting Honor Flight Northeast Indiana.

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

Pride Night Set For June 10 at ARM & HAMMER Park

The Thunder, presented by NJM Insurance, in partnership with the New Jersey LGBT Chamber of Commerce are pleased to present their first-ever Pride Night at ARM & HAMMER Park on Monday, June 10.

“We have always striven to create an inclusive environment at ARM & HAMMER Park,” said Thunder GM/COO Jeff Hurley. “I look at our Pride Night as a bedrock of our continued emphasis on the fact that everyone is welcome and accepted here.”

The night will feature a special Pride Hat Giveaway to the first 1,000 fans, ages 14 and older, presented by the New Jersey LGBT Chamber of Commerce and a special pre-game event.

“The Chamber is honored to partner with the Trenton Thunder to sponsor their very first Pride Night, and thrilled to share our message and mission with every fan,” said Laurie Seliger, Chamber Board President. “Equality and visibility not only make sense ethically but also economically. In the U.S., there are 1.4 million LGBT business owners, adding $1.7 trillion to the national economy each year. Our corporate partners, BCB Community Bank, PSE&G, and TD Bank have all recognized that working with the LGBT community is an essential part of their economic growth. We are happy to be the bridge that connects and empowers NJ’s LGBT and allied business community and helps them to leverage those relationships for their mutual success. The Chamber is looking forward to an enduring partnership with the Trenton Thunder Organization, and the support they give to our mission.”

As an Affiliate Chamber of the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, the NJ LGBT Chamber is New Jersey’s premier LGBT business organization dedicated to strengthening LGBT and allied businesses in the NJ tri-state area. It is their mission to bring together Chamber Members and Allies with resources from across the business spectrum. To learn more, visit: www.njlgbtchamber.org.

The Thunder are pleased to welcome a special appearance from Billy Bean; MLB’s Ambassador for Inclusion on June 10. Bean, who made public that he was gay in 1999, was named MLB’s first Ambassador for Inclusion in 2014. The California native played parts of six seasons in the major leagues with the Detroit Tigers, Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres across the 1987-89 and 1993-95 campaigns.

“I am extremely proud of the Trenton Thunder for making such a powerfully inclusive message to their amazing fans and community,” said Bean. “A night like this is another bright example of baseball’s effort to make every fan feel welcome and supported. I look forward to attending the game and meeting as many Thunder fans as possible.”

Organizations that are interested in participating in Pride Night, presented by the New Jersey LGBT Chamber of Commerce, may contact Group Sales and Special Events Representative Casey Borish at CBorish@TrentonThunder.com for more information.

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). Individual tickets are on-sale now at www.TrentonThunder.com.

#Teach864 Night is Tuesday, April 9th at Fluor Field

The Drive are thrilled to host the second annual #Teach864 Night at Fluor Field on Tuesday, April 9th. First pitch against the Augusta GreenJackets is at 7:05 PM.

#Teach864 Night is an opportunity for Greenville to celebrate and elevate our teachers in the Upstate, who are the most important professionals in the lives of our community’s youth. Public Education Partners, Greenville County Schools and The Greenville Drive invite the thousands of Greenville County teachers, our partners, our friends and the entire community to a night of fun, fellowship and baseball.

Pre-game and in-game recognitions include Greenville County Schools Teachers of the Year, Teacher Cadet and GATE programs, a Teacher Dance Break, and a Teacher “Signing Day” with new teachers.

All Greenville County Schools teachers will receive a complimentary “My Drive to Teach” t-shirt, and $5 meal voucher to use at any of the concession stands.

To purchase tickets, visit the Main Street Box Office, call (864) 240-4528 or CLICK HERE.

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

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Safe Kids Upstate Day is Sunday, April 7th

The Greenville Drive are excited to host the annual Safe Kids Upstate Day at Fluor Field on Sunday, April 7th in celebration of Safety Patrol members across Greenville, Pickens, and Oconee Counties.

First pitch against the West Virginia Power is at 3:05 PM, and the first 300 kids to arrive when gates open at 2:00 will receive a complimentary, custom-fit bike helmet.

All afternoon, the Drive and Safe Kids Upstate have plans for fun activities, family safety exhibits and giveaways! The interactive exhibits include Buddy’s Safety House, a Teen Driving 3D Road Course Challenge, Hands Only CPR Demonstrations, and a chance to meet with local firefighters and law enforcement. Great prizes like drones, scooters and giant pool inflatables will be given away throughout the day.

To purchase tickets for Safe Kids Upstate Day on April 7th, visit the Main Street Box Office, call (864) 240-4528 or CLICK HERE.

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

Giants Heritage Night Series Released

San Jose, CA– The San Jose Giants released today their expanded Heritage Nights schedule. The schedule features eight heritage nights all aimed at fostering inclusive environments that authentically celebrates different cultures. Planned Heritage Nights include Irish Heritage, Hawaiian Heritage, Greek Heritage, Sikh Heritage, Hispanic Heritage, Italian Heritage and Japanese Heritage. Throughout the series, fans can enjoy culturally relevant food, music, performances and more.

“San Jose’s rich cultural diversity is something our organization is proud of and excited to celebrate,” said Dan Orum, San Jose Giants President and CEO. “Each heritage night represents a special homage to the respective culture and a fun way to learn about and enjoy their customs, foods, music and traditions.”

Fan favorites, Hawaiian Night, Italian Night, Hispanic Heritage Night and Japanese Heritage return from the Giants past promotional calendars and feature new and returning elements. Highlights include Hawaiian Night Margaritaville™ themed jerseys, a Lenn Sakata Shirsey giveaway, a special pig-roasting ceremony, Italian Night themed jerseys, Italian fare, authentic Japanese cuisine and performances, a San Jose Churros Plush Doll giveaway on Hispanic Heritage Night, San Jose Churros jerseys and much more. New installments to the heritage schedule include Irish Heritage Night, Greek Heritage Night and Sikh Heritage Night. More information about these new, exciting Heritage Nights will be made available throughout the season.

The Heritage Night schedule dates are as follows: Irish Heritage Day (June 16), Hawaiian Night (June 30), Greek Heritage Night (July 7), Sikh Heritage Night (July 21), Hispanic Heritage Night (August 10), Italian Heritage Night (August 17), Japanese Heritage Night (August 18) and a final Heritage Day (September 1).

To purchase Heritage Night tickets, visit sjgiants.com, the San Jose Giants Box Office or call 408.297.1435.

The San Jose Giants 2019 home-opener is Thursday, April 11, 2019 at Municipal Stadium versus the Visalia Rawhide. Single game tickets, ticket packages and season tickets are all on sale now! For more information, visit sjgiants.com or call 408.297.1435.

Purchase San Jose Giants Tickets

View the 2019 San Jose Giants Schedule

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ABOUT THE SAN JOSE GIANTS

The San Jose Giants are a professional baseball team in the Class A Advanced California League and have been an affiliate of the San Francisco Giants since 1988. San Jose has won six California League Championships as a Giants affiliate (2010, 2009, 2007, 2005, 2001 and 1998) and eleven overall. The San Jose Giants have graduated 206 Major League players, 149 of whom have played or currently play for the San Francisco Giants. Municipal Stadium, the home of the San Jose Giants, first opened in 1942 and has seen well over 7 million fans enter through its gates. The organization has been honored with the Larry MacPhail Award, presented to the club with the best creative marketing and promotions, and the President’s Trophy, granted to the most complete franchise. For 2019 tickets or to reserve your group outing, please contact the San Jose Giants Box Office at 408.297.1435 or visit us online at sjgiants.com. San Jose Giants baseball in your backyard since 1942, Our Town, Our Team, Our Giants.

Renovations to four youth ball fields set for April 11

TROY, NY- The Tri-City ValleyCats and their partners, BlueShield of Northeastern New York and Hannaford Supermarkets, are set to renovate four youth ball fields on Thursday, April 11th during the 9th Annual ‘4 in 24’ youth field renovation project. Upon completion, over 36 fields will have been revamped by this strong community initiative which has positively impacted thousands of youth ballplayers in the Capital Region and beyond.

The four leagues to be renovated on April 11 will be Green Tech High Charter School, Rensselaer Little League, Broadalbin Little League, and Brunswick Girls Softball. The project will be focused primarily on the infield surface, with the mission to allow for a safe place to learn and play ball.

The scope of work includes laying brand new grass, rebuilding the pitcher’s mound and home plate areas, grading and raking the baselines, installing a new pitching rubber, plate, bases and more.

“First I want to express our gratitude to BlueShield of Northeastern New York and Hannaford Supermarkets for being tremendous partners in this initiative,” said ValleyCats General Manager Matt Callahan. “We all share in the common goal of a bright future for our youth, and this project goes a long way to provide the resources to help them succeed.”

Both longtime supporters of the ‘4 in 24’ project, BlueShield and Hannaford make the renovations possible through the aid of necessary monetary resources, and volunteer efforts of their staff.

“With more than 30 fields renovated over the last nine years, BlueShield’s commitment to the community continues to provide our region’s young athletes access to healthy activities as they grow,” said Nicky Chlopecki, Manager, Community Relations, BlueShield of Northeastern New York. “As a longtime partner of the Tri-City ValleyCats, our employees are eager to rebuild fields alongside the players as they work to make a positive impact in our community.”

“Hannaford is committed to promoting healthy lifestyles at all ages and youth sports are an ideal way to instill the importance of activity and wellness in our community’s youngest members,” said Hannaford Supermarkets Community Relations Specialist Brian Fabre. “We are pleased to continue this partnership with the ValleyCats and BlueShield as we provide local ball players with not only improved facilities, but also the opportunity to grow as individuals and members of a team.”

The renovations will commence at daybreak on Thursday, April 11, with four crews split up among the fields. A press conference will be held at Green Tech High at 9:00 a.m. to officially kick off the project.

The efforts are also supported by Admar Construction Equipment, Brightview, Profile Products / Turface Athletics, and SiteOne Landscape Supplies, who are contributing some of the necessary equipment and materials. Additional support comes from ‘Cats Care, the ValleyCats’ arm of the New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation.

League Snapshots

Green Tech High Charter School

Field Address: 99 Slingerlands Street, Albany, NY, 12202

Opening Day: April 1, 2019

League Information: Green Tech’s baseball team currently plays their home games off site because they don’t have a useable field at their high school. The ValleyCats and their partners will transform an old softball field at the school into a baseball field for their team to call home. The field will also be used for Eastern New York Travel Baseball league games.

League Statement:

“Green Tech is very excited to be getting a new baseball field that the young scholars will be able to play on. It has been tough the last four years finding a place to practice that didn’t require players to travel. Now with a field, the team will operate like a normal program. Green Tech thanks the ValleyCats for their time and effort building a field for the boys at Green Tech.” – Quentin Jensen, Green Tech Director of Athletics

Rensselaer Little League

Field Address: 112 Lawrence Street, Rensselaer, NY, 12144

Opening Day: April 6, 2019

League Information: Rensselaer Little League is utilized by 150 players across 14 teams. Fideli Field has had drainage issues and is need of a leveling of the infield playing surface. The current baselines are not aligned properly, and the pitcher’s mound and home plate area is in disrepair. With these renovations, the field will receive a much needed facelift to the infield surface with brand new sod, infield mix, a complete overhaul of the pitching and home plate areas, and more.

Broadalbin Little League

Field Address: 30 First Avenue, Broadalbin, NY, 12025

Opening Day: May 4, 2019

League Information: The work will focus on the Majors Field at Broadalbin, a league that serves over 160 players with 13 teams. The league was in the process of flipping the current field to avoid sun glare, but was unable to finish due to bad fall weather.

League Statement:

“Without the ValleyCats help, we were facing a decision of possibly not being able to host games for all of our Majors teams and even some of our Minors teams. We still feel like we are dreaming and can’t thank the ValleyCats and their partners enough. This amazing gift will truly benefit our small community for years to come.” – Mike Eglin, Broadalbin Little League President

Brunswick Girls Softball

Field Address: Brunswick Sports Complex, 4165 Route 2, Troy, NY 12180

Opening Day: April 13, 2019

League Information: With 13 teams and over 180 softball players, the renovations to Field 2 at the Brunswick Girls Softball League will go a long way in maintaining a safe field for the athletes to learn and grow.

League Statement:

“The athletes, families, and board of the Brunswick Girls Softball League would like to thank the Tri-City ValleyCats organization as well as their partners, BlueShield of Northeastern New York and Hannaford Supermarkets for awarding us the 4 in 24 field renovation for 2019. We are a small rural league and depend exclusively on volunteers for all aspects of the league including field maintenance. Our field 2 was in dire need of repairs, and the renovation of this field will ensure that all of our athletes share the same great and safe softball experience. We appreciate the ValleyCats commitment to our local communities and the betterment of female centered youth sports.” – Brunswick Girls Softball League

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

Scrappers Set To Host 2019 Youth Camp

NILES, OH – The Mahoning Valley Scrappers are excited to announce that they have partnered with Vlad Pediatrics to host a three-day Youth Baseball Camp July 30 through August 1.

The Scrappers Youth Camp provides kids ages 8-13 a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn from some of the very best players in Minor League Baseball. All exercises and instruction will be taught by Scrappers players and coaching staff, and will focus on baseball fundamentals, sportsmanship and healthy competition. Boys and girls of all ability levels are encouraged to participate and learn from the Scrappers players and coaches in a small group setting.

Camp registration includes instruction each day from 9am until 12pm, a ticket to the Thursday, August 1st Scrappers game against the Aberdeen IronBirds, on field recognition prior to the August 1st game, a camp t-shirt, and a lunch the final day of camp. To ensure that your child receives individualized attention, the Youth Baseball Camp has been limited to 100 campers and early registration is highly encouraged. The 2019 Scrappers Youth Baseball Camp is $100 per child.

To register for the 2019 Scrappers Youth Baseball Camp, click here or call (330) 505-0000.

The Scrappers Home Opener is set for Sunday, June 16 at 6:35pm against the Batavia Muckdogs. Ticket memberships and ticket packages can be purchased now at mvscrappers.com, the Chevy All Stars Box Office at Eastwood Field or by calling (330) 505-0000.

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

Jumbo Shrimp initiate A Better Jacksonville Series

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jumbo Shrimp are continuing their commitment to serving the city of Jacksonville and its surrounding areas by introducing the club’s new A Better Jacksonville Series. Fans who donate to each of these monthly charitable drives will be entered into a drawing to throw out a ceremonial first pitch prior to the Jumbo Shrimp’s 6:35 p.m. game on Sunday, August 25 at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.

The Jumbo Shrimp’s A Better Jacksonville Series begins on Friday, April 26 with a greeting card donation drive. During this 7:05 p.m. game on Military Appreciation Night, the club will use donated greeting cards by allowing fans to write to active military.

The Jumbo Shrimp will team with the Jackson Five, the club’s internship program with Andrew Jackson High School, on Monday, May 20 to hold an Education Day Shoe Drive prior to the club’s 11:05 a.m. contest. All shoes donated will be sent to the City Rescue Mission.

Fans will be asked to donate toys on Sunday, June 9 for a 3:05 p.m. game on A Story of Toys Day. All proceeds will benefit One More Child. When the Jumbo Shrimp celebrate Mac & Cheese Day at 3:05 p.m. on Sunday, July 14, all fan non-perishable food donations will benefit Feeding Northeast Florida.

The inaugural A Better Jacksonville Series will wrap up prior to the Jumbo Shrimp’s 6:35 p.m. game on Saturday, August 10 with a school supply donation. Each donation will benefit Duval County Public Schools.

Fans who donated to each of the five monthly drives throughout the 2019 season will be entered into a drawing to throw out a ceremonial first pitch. The winner will toss out that ceremonial first pitch prior to the Jumbo Shrimp’s 6:35 p.m. contest on Sunday, August 25.

UP NEXT: Opening Day for the Jumbo Shrimp in 2019 is Thursday, April 4, against the Jackson Generals at the Baseball Grounds Jacksonville. Season tickets, mini plans, and corporate outings are on sale now. Visit www.jaxshrimp.com or phone 904-358-2846 to secure yours today.

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

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

Sea Dogs to Host Pride Night at the Ballpark on June 8th

Pride Night at the Ballpark will be part of the Pride Portland’s! 10 Days of Pride Events which is highlighted by the Parade and Festival through downtown Portland on June 15th. As part of Pride Night at the Ballpark on June 8th, Pride Portland! will participate in a pregame parade around the field, throw out a ceremonial first pitch, and provide a National Anthem performer and Honor Guard.

“Pride Portland! is excited to team up with the Portland Sea Dogs for Pride Night at Hadlock Field as an official 10 Days of Pride event,” stated Pride Portland’s! 2019 Events Chair, Alix Towler. “The Sea Dogs are an enthusiastic and welcoming partner, and we can’t wait to see our community and all the fans at the ballgame!”

Sea Dogs President & General Manager Geoff Iacuessa said, “The game of baseball is for everyone. We are proud to be partnering with Pride Portland! to engage in inclusivity, diversity, and unity at the ballpark.”

Tickets for the game can be purchased online at www.seadogs.com or by calling the Sea Dogs Ticket Office at 207-879-9500.

A special ticket package has also been developed for the night that includes a reserved seat ticket to the game and a Sea Dogs pride hat that features the Sea Dogs logo in rainbow colors. The packages are available for $15.00 and can be purchased online at www.seadogs.com and by calling the Sea Dogs Ticket Office at 207-879-9500. Only 250 hats are available.

Pride Portland! brings people in the Greater Portland, Maine area together to celebrate and honor the accomplishments of the LGBTQ+ movement, raise awareness of the community’s ongoing struggles, and foster an environment of inclusivity, accessibility, and solidarity.

Spokane Indians and Banner Bank Team Up to Help Local Students Attend College

SPOKANE, Wash. – For the fourteenth consecutive year, Banner Bank and the Spokane Indians will team up to reward deserving high school seniors with college scholarships. Five area students will be selected to receive a $500 scholarship based on achievement in leadership, community involvement, scholarship, and character.

“Hard work and dedication deserve to be rewarded-that’s why we are pleased to again partner with the Spokane Indians to award five deserving students with college scholarships,” said Keith Weathermon, Banner Bank Senior Vice President.

Any high school senior in the graduating class of 2019 attending a high school within Spokane County and Kootenai County and/or a member of one of the six (6) regional tribes (the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, the Colville Tribe, the Kalispel Tribe, the Kootenai Tribe, the Nez Perce Tribe, and the Spokane Tribe) is eligible for this scholarship. Applications for the scholarship are due to the Spokane Indians office by Friday, May 3rd, 2019. CLICK HERE for more info and to apply.

“It’s gratifying for us to know that as an organization we’ve had a direct impact on education for over a decade,” said Indians Senior Vice President Otto Klein. “We love celebrating great students in our community.”

Students interested in receiving a Banner Bank Scholarship application should contact their school’s scholarship coordinator or email Darby Moore at dmoore@spokaneindians.com for more information.

About the Spokane Indians
The Spokane Indians are the Short Season Class “A” affiliate for the Texas Rangers. Avista Stadium is home to the $5 Bench Seat courtesy of Multicare. CLICK HERE to reserve your seats today. Parking at all Spokane Indians games is FREE. The Spokane Indians Team Store is open M-F 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, and 10:00 AM on all game days.

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

Emeralds Set to Hit a Home Run in Reading

The Eugene Emeralds are excited to announce they are once again partnering with Oregon Medical Group and Wildish for Sluggo’s Home Run Reading Challenge. Starting this week, the program is designed to motivate students to become better readers by completing reading assignments to earn free Ems tickets!

Last year, 56 schools signed up for the Reading Challenge and a record 11,528 completed the program. “The growth of the Reading Program over the 10 years here at PK Park has been incredible,” said Ems Assistant General Manager Matt Dompe. “It is one of our biggest community outreach programs year after year, and it’s a great way to kick off the Emeralds season with games filled with kids that completed the reading challenge.”

For 2019, the new and improved Reading Challenge assembly will take on a Super Hero theme as Sluggo travels faster than a speeding green bear all over Lane County to spread the joy of reading. At the end of the assembly, teachers will give their students a 10-task reading goal, which students will track with a Sluggo-themed bookmark.

Students who complete their bookmarks receive two free tickets to a Eugene Emeralds baseball game this summer. In addition to the tickets, students will be invited to go down onto the field at PK Park and have a chance to meet some of the 2019 Emeralds players!

“We are committed to helping build healthier communities, and the connection between literacy and health is strong. Oregon Medical Group is excited to once again be part of Sluggo’s Home Run Reading Challenge. It motivates kids to read, and it gets them out to a ballgame – that’s a pretty healthy combination.” says Josh Cox, Director of Marketing and Public Relations.

The Emeralds and OMG will be updating the progress of Sluggo’s Home Run Reading Challenge through social media posts all spring so be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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

Ocean View Little League wins Field Renovation Project

As part of The Youth Field Makeover Project, Ocean View Little League in Norfolk has won a contest in which the Tides organization will renovate their baseball field.

Ocean View received over 2,300 votes to win the contest. This field makeover will include an upgrade to the playing surface and is set to take place this spring.

Since the inaugural renovation in 2012, the Tides have renovated 13 fields in the Hampton Roads community: Ocean View Little League (Norfolk), Smithfield Recreation Association (Smithfield), Bennett’s Creek Little League (Suffolk), Phoebus Little League (Hampton), Shore Little League (Nassawadox), Cradock Little League (Portsmouth), Little Creek National (Norfolk), Gloucester Youth Baseball (Gloucester), Surry County Pony Baseball (Surry), Deer Park Youth Field (Newport News) and Eason’s Crossroads Ballpark (Gates, NC), Churchland Little League (Portsmouth) and Thalia/Malibu Rec (Virginia Beach).

The project is made possible thanks to the Tides Youth Baseball Fund, a program established by the Tides in 1990 as a way to raise money for youth baseball and softball programs in Hampton Roads. In addition to assisting with field renovations, the Youth Baseball Fund also helps local teams and leagues with travel expenses. The Youth Baseball Fund is partially financed by scoreboard announcements at Harbor Park throughout the season.

Norfolk opens the 2019 regular season on Thursday, April 4th with a 7:05 game at Gwinnett before opening the home portion of its schedule on Thursday, April 11th with a 6:35 contest vs. the Toledo Mud Hens. Individual tickets, season tickets and group tickets are currently available for the 2019 season. For pricing and additional information, visit the Harbor Park offices or call (757) 622-2222.

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

Pelicans to host first-annual charity fishing derby

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (MARCH 14, 2019) – On Monday, May 6, the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, in conjunction with Murrells Inlet Fishing Charters and Wahoo’s Fish House, will hold the first-annual Pelicans Community Fund Fishing Derby. All funds raised through the event will benefit the Pelicans Community Fund, which annually supports over 200 local charities. Since the initiation of the fund in 2013, the Pelicans have given back at least $250,000 per year to the Grand Strand for a total of more than $2.2 million.

A limited number of charters are available for this exclusive event. Entry into the derby is $1,200 and includes a four-hour fishing trip for four people, an after-party at Wahoo’s Fish House, breakfast, an event shirt and a gift bag. A limited number of after-party passes will be released at a later date.

“Even without a marquee fundraising event, the Pelicans Community Fund has allowed us to give back a substantial amount to the Grand Strand area,” stated Pelicans General Manager Ryan Moore. “While $2.2 million in six years is great, we want to do more. A signature event such as the Pelicans Community Fund Fishing Derby will allow us to do just that. Additionally, it’s a really unique event that we believe will be a lot of fun for everyone involved.”

Those wishing to participate in the event can reserve a spot by calling the Pelicans Front Office at 843-918-6000.

The Pelicans’ 2019 season kicks off on April 4 against the Lynchburg Hillcats. Season tickets are available now. For more information or to purchase tickets visit myrtlebeachpelicans.com or call 843-918-6000.

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.