Archives for April 2019

TinCaps Continue Military Appreciation Night in 2019

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The Fort Wayne TinCaps once again have partnered with OmniSource LLC, Steel Dynamics Inc., and the San Diego Padres to welcome military personnel to Parkview Field for Military Appreciation Night on Monday, Aug. 19 (7:05 p.m.), when the team hosts the Bowling Green Hot Rods (Tampa Bay Rays affiliate).

Complimentary tickets are currently available for military families-both active and veteran-to enjoy the game on Aug. 19, thanks to the generosity of OmniSource, Steel Dynamics, the Padres, and caring individual donors.

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

“We’re indebted to our nation’s military members and their loved ones,” said TinCaps President Mike Nutter. “This gives us an opportunity to show our gratitude for their sacrifices to our country. We’re also thankful to have teammates like OmniSource, Steel Dynamics, and the San Diego Padres to help us honor our military.”

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

The TinCaps are also continuing their partnerships with multiple military organizations, offering military personnel in attendance the chance to visit kiosks highlighting many of the support organizations and offerings available to military in the area.

On Military Appreciation Night, the TinCaps will be wearing camouflage jerseys, which will be auctioned off on TinCapsJersey.com, with proceeds donated to Honor Flight Northeast Indiana.

Military personnel and their family can request Military Appreciation Night tickets at TinCapsMilitary.com. Tickets will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Fans with questions can contact Rachel Lopez with the TinCaps at 260-407-2809 or lopez@tincaps.com.

In addition, the TinCaps continue to take nominations for the team’s Military Salutes throughout the season on fireworks nights. Click here for more details.

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

Nice Catch – Celebrating Kind Kids

Northeast Credit Union believes at the heart of every community are good people doing good things. NECU has partnered with The Portland Sea Dogs to create “Nice Catch – Celebrating Kind Kids” Initiative to recognize and celebrate kids who demonstrate compassion, empathy, and kindness toward others.

Northeast Credit Union’s Nice Catch Initiative encourages teachers, coaches, youth leaders, community members, and family members to nominate children 18 and younger who consistently exhibit acts of kindness and overall helpfulness to make their communities a better and brighter place.

Winners will experience a special game day celebration at a Portland Sea Dogs home game with 9 additional tickets to bring family and friends. Each kind kid will have a special shout out, be featured on the game-day signage, throw out a ceremonial pitch and be awarded a Northeast Credit Union swag bag of goodies.

Nomination Period:    April 1 – May 31, 2019

For Official Rules & to make Nominations visit TheLYC.com/nicecatch

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

Rockies Partner With Community Hospital For 2019 Jerseys

The Grand Junction Rockies are partnering up once again with Community Hospital for a 2019 jersey auction. This year’s theme is Breast Cancer Awareness. Fans can purchase space for the name of a loved one who is battling or has battled breast cancer. The signatures and names will be placed on the GJ Rockies players’ pink jerseys that will be worn Saturday, June 29, 2019 for Breast Cancer Awareness Night presented by Community Hospital’s Grand Valley Oncology. After the game, the jerseys will be auctioned off with all proceeds going to Grand Valley Oncology. Each name space is available for puchase at $20 each and will include four reserved tickets to the game on Saturday, June 29, 2019. More information is available by calling the Grand Junction Rockies at 970-255-7625. The deadline to purchase the name spaces is April 30th or until the name spaces are full.

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

OKC Dodgers and LifeShare of Oklahoma Partner to Encourage Organ Donation

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Dodgers proudly continue their partnership with LifeShare of Oklahoma to join the organization’s mission of gaining and educating organ donors in the state of Oklahoma. April is National Donate Life Month, which coincides with the start of the OKC Dodgers baseball season, and guests to Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark can sign up during any Dodgers’ 2019 home game to become LifeShare Everlasting Fans.

 

Throughout the 2019 season, fans who sign up to become an organ donor during an OKC Dodgers game will receive an exclusive LifeShare Everlasting Fans T-Shirt by visiting the promotions table located on the concourse behind section 110.

Last season, more than 1,400 people registered to become an organ donor at OKC Dodgers games.

 

“We are excited to continue our partnership with the Oklahoma City Dodgers this season,” said Jeffrey Orlowski, President and CEO of LifeShare of Oklahoma. “Allowing fans to register their decision to be a donor at Dodgers home games gives hope to nearly 700 Oklahomans waiting on a lifesaving transplant.”

 

National Donate Life Month began in 2003 and is celebrated in April to “help encourage Americans to register as organ, eye and tissue donors and to celebrate those that have saved lives through the gift of donation,” according to the Donate Life America website.

 

LifeShare of Oklahoma was created in 1986 and is a nonprofit, federally designed organ procurement organization dedicated to the recovery of organs and tissue for transplant purposes. LifeShare works closely with five transplant centers and 145 health care organizations in Oklahoma to facilitate donation.

LifeShare of Oklahoma strives “to raise awareness for organ, eye and tissue donation through public education,” according to the organization’s website.

 

The OKC Dodgers open their second homestand of the season Tuesday against the Omaha Storm Chasers at 7:05 p.m. at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, followed by a 7:05 p.m. game Wednesday between the teams. The Dodgers wrap up their three-game series against Omaha at 7:05 p.m. on a $2 Thursday, featuring $2 Pepsi products, bottled water and select beer.

Oklahoma City remains home and opens a four-game series against the Iowa Cubs at 7:05 p.m. Friday, with fireworks scheduled to follow the game, presented by True Sky Credit Union. In addition to fireworks, the fun, inflatable characters of the ZOOperstars! will dance, perform acrobatics, tricks and comedy on the field between innings.

Saturday’s 7:05 p.m. game is 89ers Night and players and coaches will wear jerseys and hats inspired by original Oklahoma City 89ers gear. The game-worn jerseys will then be auctioned off via silent auction to benefit the OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation. The 89ers played at All Sports Stadium from 1962-97, winning two Pacific Coast League titles in 1963 and 1965, and two American Association titles in 1992 and 1996 before the franchise relocated to Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark in 1998.

Sunday’s 2:05 p.m. game falls on a Chaparral Energy Family Sunday, featuring pregame player autographs, a mascot meet-and-greet, face painters, inflatables and postgame kids run the bases. The homestand then wraps up with a 7:05 p.m. game Monday, April 22.

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

Live radio coverage of each game begins 15 minutes before first pitch on AM 1340 “The Game,” 1340thegame.com and through the free iHeartRadio or MiLB First Pitch apps.

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

Chiefs Partner With Busey Bank to Honor Teachers

PEORIA, IL – The Peoria Chiefs have partnered with Busey Bank to honor an area teacher as the Central Illinois Teacher of the Year.

  The award will be presented at Teacher Appreciation Night on Thursday, May 30 and fans are encouraged to nominate their favorite teacher over the next month.

Fans can nominate an active Central Illinois teacher who has impacted their lives or gone above and beyond for their classroom or school. Email community@chiefsnet.com and tell us in 200 words or less why your nominee deserves to be the Teacher of the Year. Also provide the name of the teacher, their school and the class or grade they teach. Nominations will be accepted through Wednesday, May 15.

“Busey is thrilled to partner with the Peoria Chiefs to recognize outstanding teachers in Central Illinois,” said Mark Joseph, Commercial Market President of Busey Bank. “The impact teachers have on their students, families, schools and communities is immense-we are proud to help honor a deserving individual in the profession with the Teacher of the Year award.”

The Chiefs will select the winner on Friday, May 17 and honor the Teacher of the Year during the 6:35 p.m. game against the Kane County Cougars on Thursday, May 30. The winner will be honored on field with an award, a first pitch and the winner also gets to watch the game from a Dozer Park suite with tickets and food for 15 guests.

“For the past few seasons we have honored teachers at the last home game in May to say thank you for what they do and help kick off their summer,” said Jason Mott, Chiefs General Manager. “Last year we started the Teacher of the Year Award with Busey Bank and in 2019 look to take it to the next level. We are very proud to partner again with Busey Bank on another community initiative.”

The Chiefs host the Cougars for a 6:35 p.m. contest on May 30 with Teacher Appreciation Night. Starting Monday, April 22, all teachers in Central Illinois can call 309-680-4000 to get one free ticket to the May 30 game and they can purchase additional tickets for a discount of $8.00. In addition to being a Beer & Brat Thirsty Thursday with $2 12 ounce domestic cans and sodas and $4 16 ounce craft drafts, margaritas and brats, there is also a post-game Fireworks show on May 30!

Tickets and Promotions:

    Group tickets and season ticket packages, including full-season, a 35-game ticket package, an 18-game ticket package or a Flex Plan are currently on sale by calling 309-680-4000. Individual game tickets are also on sale with the Dozer Park Box Office open Monday – Friday from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm and online at www.peoriachiefs.com which also lists all of the season’s promotions. Game times and promotions are subject to change.

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

Cougars to Host Inaugural Mental Health Awareness Night on May 10

GENEVA, Ill. – The Kane County Cougars have teamed up with local organizations to host the teams inaugural Mental Health Awareness Night on Friday, May 10. First pitch is at 6:30 PM against the Lansing Lugnuts. For tickets, visit www.kccougars.com.

In an effort to strikeout the mental health stigma, the Kane County Cougars Baseball Foundation, Inc. will make a $100 donation for each strikeout recorded by a Cougars pitcher during the game. All funds will be divided among TriCity Family Services along with National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of DuPage and Kane County.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and the awareness color is lime green. The team will take the field in their lime green jerseys while Cougars staff members will wear lime green ribbons.

Throughout the night, videos and public service announcements from Seize the Awkward as well as TriCity Family Services and NAMI will be played. TriCity Family Services, NAMI DuPage and Kane County will also be in attendance with information and resources available to those in need.

In addition, the Cougars are hosting a Mental Health Awareness contest. Fans are encouraged to create a poster promoting awareness for mental health issues. The Cougars will select 10 winners to receive complimentary tickets for the game on May 10. Poster submissions can be emailed to art@kanecountycougars.com. The winning posters will also be displayed throughout the ballpark.

Tweet from @KCCougars: #YourCougars are hosting our inaugural Mental Health Awareness Night on May 10! We need your help creating posters to promote awareness for mental health issues. Send your poster submissions to art@kanecountycougars.com for the chance to win. pic.twitter.com/XLZD6ncedk

Following the game, fans will be treated to the first post-game fireworks show of the season set to modern pop music. Fans are also invited to run the bases after the fireworks.

For updates on the Cougars 2019 season, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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 173 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.

Dragons Players and Mascots to Visit Schools Next Week

DAYTON, Ohio – Dayton Dragons players and one of the team’s mascots, Heater, and staff will visit schools in four counties across the Miami Valley next week. The visits are part of the Dragons MVP program and members of the local media are invited to cover them. The players will introduce themselves to the students, answer questions, and are available for pictures. Each student will also receive a school folder and a Dragons pencil. The following schools are listed with an address, date, and time of visit:

Monday, April 15, 2019

10:00am-10:45am

Grigsby Intermediate School

100 Jamaica Rd.

Franklin, OH 45005

Phone: 937-746-8969

11:15am-12:00pm

Dayton Christian School

9391 Washington Church Rd.

Miamisburg, OH 45342

Phone: 937-291-7249

Tuesday, April 16, 2019

10:00am – 10:45am

Indian Valley Intermediate School

510 S. Xenia Dr.

Enon, OH 45323

Phone:

11:45am – 12:30pm

Concord Elementary School

3145 W. St. Rt. 718

Troy, OH 45373

Phone: 937-332-6730

Tuesday, May 7, 2019

10:00am – 10:45am

Parkwood Elementary School

1791 Wilene Dr.

Beavercreek, OH 45432

Phone:937-429-7604

11:15am – 12:00pm

Harry Russell Elementary School

123 Elementary Dr.

West Carrollton, OH 45449

Phone: 937-859-5121

Members of the media may contact schools individually at the numbers listed above if they intend to attend and cover the visits.

The Dragons MVP Program, a tool for teachers, uses the marketing power of Dayton Dragons Baseball as an educational tool for fourth and fifth grade teachers, helping them motivate and reward students for success both in and out of the classroom. The Dayton Dragons MVP Program is made possible by Ohio’s 529 Plan, Sinclair College, Panera Bread, WDTN-TV and Dayton’s CW. For more information on the Dragons MVP Program, contact the Dayton Dragons or visit www.daytondragons.com/mvp.

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

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Giants Unveil 2019 Military Trading Card Set

San Jose, CA– The San Jose Giants officially unveiled today the 2019 Military Trading Card Set, presented by Operation: Care and Comfort. This extraordinary 40-card set consists of brave military personnel who were nominated by fans and who served our country. The card set represents the 7th installment of the special promotion designed to honor the men and women in our armed forces. All honorees receive complimentary card sets and 100 copies of their own respective card. The honorees/representatives receive their trading cards on Military Appreciation Night, April 13th during a special pregame ceremony that takes place at 4:15 PM.

2019 Military Trading Card Set Honorees:

341st Military Police Company, Becky Good, Chester Bradley, Courtney Davis, Craig Jones, Diep Le, Erick Aldama, Gustavo Rangel, Guy DePonzi, Hal Taylor, Heather Deming, James Grissom, James Shidawara, Jesse Lester McCard Jr., Joe Follen, John Casey, John McLachlan, Justin Luke McCard, Kevin Ebbert, Lindsey Reyes, Nathaniel Pleasantbey, Niko Diaz, Orin Good, Patrick Michael DePonzi, Robert Bylsma, Robert John Veasey, Robert Sisco, Russell Hughes, Sharon Wagner, Shelley Reyes, Socorro Muniz, Steve Langridge, Tristan Aller, William Danko, William Meyer, Ysidor M. Sanchez and Zachary Phelps.

“We are humbled to recognize many incredible honorees in this year’s Operation: Care and Comfort Military Trading Card Set,” said Jeff Black, San Jose Giants Vice President of Marketing. “Thank you to all of the families and individuals who have shared their stories with us and thank you for your service.”

On April 13, as a part of Military Appreciation Night, honorees will be recognized on field during a special pregame ceremony at which time they will receive their trading cards. The first 1,000 fans receive a military trading card set giveaway as well. All-new, camouflage themed jerseys will be worn by the Giants which fans can bid on-all proceeds benefit Operation: Care and Comfort. The bidding begins on April 13 and concludes on Memorial Day.

“The mission of Operation: Care and Comfort is to allow caring Americans to donate their time, talent and treasure to honor those currently serving our country and to those who have served. Salute to the Military Night embodies this mission and we cannot wait for the special evening,” said Julie DeMaria, Operation: Care and Comfort President and Co-Founder. “On behalf of O.C.C., we thank all current military personnel, veterans and those we have lost-you epitomize what it means to be a hero.”

First pitch for Military Appreciation Night on April 13 is at 5:00 PM and gates open at 4:00 PM. The special Military Trading Card Set Ceremony begins at 4:15 PM. The San Jose Giants home opener is Thursday, April 11. For information on tickets call 408.297.1435, visit sjgiants.com or stop by the stadium Box Office.

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. 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.

Cougars Partner with TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® to Help Moms in Need

 

GENEVA, Ill. – The Kane County Cougars have announced that Northwestern Medicine Field will serve as a donation drop-off site this season as part of the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Movers for Moms® program. Donations will be accepted through Thursday, May 9.

Thousands of mothers across the country are overlooked each Mother’s Day due to circumstances that force them to live in shelters as a result of domestic abuse or homelessness. That’s where TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® steps in to ensure that these women receive the love and appreciation they deserve for Mother’s Day. Donations collected through the Movers for Moms® program will be provided to women staying at Mutual Ground in Aurora, Ill.

Fans are encouraged to bring new, unopened donations of essential care items including body spray, laundry detergent, athletic shoes, utensils, drinking glasses, diapers and baby wipes.

Click here for a full list of much-needed items.

A donation bin is located inside the atrium of the Cougars front office at Northwestern Medicine Field for fans that would like to drop off donations during regular business hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Representatives from TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® will also be on hand during the game on May 9 to collect donations.

For every two items donated to the Movers for Mom® program, fans will receive one (1) undated reserved seat ticket voucher valid for a 2019 regular season Cougars game. There is a maximum of 10 complimentary ticket vouchers per fan.

For more information about Movers for Moms®, visit twomenandatruck.com/moversformoms.

Follow the Cougars on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for all the up to date promotional information.

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 173 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.

Dragons to Recognize “Folds of Honor” Recipients During Game on April 12

Dayton, Ohio–The Dayton Dragons will recognize two local “Folds of Honor” scholarship recipients during inning breaks of the Dragons game on Friday, April 12 against the Lake County Captains at Fifth Third Field. The game will start at 7:00 p.m.

Folds of Honor is a non-profit organization that provides educational scholarships to the families of military citizens who have fallen, or been disabled, while deployed in the United States armed forces. Their educational scholarships support private education and tutoring for children in grades kindergarten through 12 in addition to higher education tuition assistance for spouses and dependents. Folds of Honor provides scholarships for elementary, middle, and high school students through the Children’s Fund as well as for those seeking a bachelor’s or certification through the Higher Education Scholarship. These scholarships can be valued up to $5,000. Since the creation of Folds of Honor, nearly $20 million of scholarships have been awarding to 20,000 recipients in all 50 states and multiple U.S. territories. Folds of Honor accepts applications for scholarships each calendar year from February 1 to April 1 for the next academic year. Applicants will be notified during the summer months of that year if they have been chosen and what dollar amount they shall receive. To learn more about this night or to make a donation to Folds of Honor, visit daytondragons.com/foldsofhonor.

This event is the first of five special Hometown Heroes spotlights at Dragons games this season. At each Hometown Heroes event, the Dragons pay tribute to all service men and women past and present. Presenting sponsors are the Dayton Development Coalition, SRC, Inc., Reynolds & Reynolds, TACG, and the Dayton Dragons. Additional tributes are scheduled for May 22, June 23, and July 11, each focused on a different aspect or organization involved in the military. The season-long celebration will wrap up with American Celebration Night on August 10, featuring post-game fireworks.

For more information on the Hometown Heroes program, please visit daytondragons.com/HometownHeroes.

Single-game tickets for all Dragons 2019 home games are available at www.daytondragons.com or by phone at (937) 228-2287.

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

Blue Wahoos Donate Team Bus To Dixon School Of Arts And Sciences

The Blue Wahoos team bus will soon be seen on the streets of Pensacola again.

On Tuesday morning, Kazoo took one last drive in his trusty bus, taking it from the stadium to the nearby Dixon School of Arts and Sciences in downtown Pensacola to be officially donated to the school.

Since 2008, the K-8 charter school has provided for at-risk youth in Pensacola, fostering creativity through a curriculum centered on a world class fine arts program and science, technology, and math. Providing transportation for their students, both to and from school and to the host of nationwide academic competitions their students compete in, was a critical need for the school.

“What an honor and privilege it was to be able to present our Blue Wahoos bus to the students and faculty of Dixon Arts and Sciences this morning,” Blue Wahoos vice president of operations Donna Kirby said. “Our hope is that Dixon will be able to use this bus to help build on their exciting curriculum. Kazoo really loved all of the hugs and high fives that the students gave him, too!”

The school’s president, Dr. Donna Curry, and students from all grades met Kazoo and the Blue Wahoos outside the school and offered a tour of the grounds, showing off the art projects, dance studio, and music hall that help students positively deal with trauma through expressing creativity.

“We were so impressed to see the extraordinary and magnificent artwork that the students have created.” Kirby said. “There is no doubt in my mind that we are going to see that talent on display in museum and art galleries at some point in the near future!”

The Blue Wahoos selected the Dixon School of Arts and Sciences to receive the bus through a social media campaign to find a new home for the bus.

“We received entries from so many worthwhile local non-profits doing great work in our community. We wish we had a bus to give to each, as Pensacola has a tremendous community of charitable organizations helping make this city great,” Kirby said. “We were proud to select the Dixon School because their mission as a school aligns closely with ours as a ballclub, and the Studer Family of Companies has a strong focus on early learning and improving educational outcomes.”

The mission of the Pensacola Blue Wahoos is to improve the quality of life for citizens of Pensacola and make it the best place to live in the world. In their seven years in the Southern League, the team has won the league’s Community Service Award four times, including in each of the past three seasons consecutively.

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

Bandits and TBK Bank Partner to Renovate Youth Field

The Quad Cities River Bandits and TBK Bank, SSB have announced an initiative to renovate youth baseball and softball fields in the Quad Cities and surrounding areas. The first project as part of this initiative will be completed this week at Northwest Park in Davenport.

The Northwest Park Babe Ruth Field will undergo a transformation on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week in order to give the young athletes playing on this field a better baseball experience. River Bandits Head Groundskeeper Andrew Marking will lead a team of volunteers from the River Bandits front office and TBK Bank team members throughout the project. Some of the planned improvements include new pitching rubbers and plates in the bullpens, re-sloping the pitching mounds, cleaning up and leveling the area around home plate, cleaning the edges of the infield, clearing the infield dirt of grass and weeds and replacing some of the sod on the field. QC Custom Tees has partnered with the program to provide t-shirts for all of the volunteers.

The field is home to the Scott County Babe Ruth League. The league gives children under the age of 18 an opportunity to play baseball in the spring prior to their summer baseball seasons. For some of the players who won’t play high school ball this represents their last chance to play organized baseball.

The River Bandits and TBK Bank will hold a press conference at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 11 at Northwest Park to unveil the renovated field. Members of the media are invited to attend and take footage of the new field. River Bandits General Manager Jacqueline Holm, TBK Bank, Midwest Division President John DeDoncker and Mike Lizak from the Scott County Babe Ruth League are scheduled to address the media at this event.

Volunteers will be working on the field Tuesday and Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

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

Registration for 2019 Meijer Baseball Academy Now Open

SOUTH BEND, IN – With the 2019 Midwest League season underway, the South Bend Cubs players and coaches are preparing for the 2019 Meijer Baseball Academy at Four Winds Field this July. The organization will welcome young baseball players of all skill levels to participate in the Academy for two three-day sessions that run from July 10 through July 12, and again from July 24 until July 26.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

The two academy training sessions are to help keep the camp sizes more concise and to allow more one-on-one interaction with the South Bend players and coaches. Registration is open to children from 6 to 12 years of age. Instruction from players and coaches will be based on the age and skill level of each participant. Throughout the three-day experience, participants will learn about hitting, pitching, fielding (infield and outfield), catching, and base running.

The registration fee for one, three-day session is $125.00 per child. All attendees will receive a Meijer Baseball Academy t-shirt, a South Bend Cubs hat, lunch after each day of camp, and four (4) tickets to a South Bend Cubs game where all academy campers will participate in a pre-game recognition on the field.

Check-in for the first day of each session will begin at 8:30 a.m. ET. Camps will run from 9:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., with lunch at 11:50 a.m. Do not delay in registering, there is a limit of only 85 kids per session with the registration deadline set for June 10. To sign up, download the application and wavier form available here and email it to Marketing@SouthBendCubs.com. Payments can be mailed or dropped off at the South Bend Cubs main office at Four Winds Field. Registration is not complete until payment has been received.

About the South Bend Cubs

The South Bend Cubs are the Class A minor league affiliate of the 2016 World Series Champion Chicago Cubs. Over the past 31 seasons, the team has won five Midwest League titles, most recently in 2005, and has captured 12 division titles. In 2019, the South Bend Cubs will host the Midwest League All-Star Game. In June 2017, Four Winds Field, home of the South Bend Cubs, was voted Best Class A ballpark in the country by Ballpark Digest. In 2015 the team was named Ballpark Digest’s Team of the Year and received the John H. Johnson President’s Award, the highest award in minor league baseball. The team is owned and operated by Swing-Batter-Swing, LLC whose principal shareholder is Andrew T. Berlin of Chicago, Ill.

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

F.I.E.L.D. Program Returns to Renovate West End Little League

The Thunder, presented by NJM Insurance, are pleased to announce the return of their F.I.E.L.D. Program. F.I.E.L.D. is a Thunder initiative that stands for Focused Initiative for Enhanced Learning and Development.

The program supports youth baseball in the area. Members of the Thunder front office, The Grand Slam We Care Foundation, Aetna Better Health of New Jersey, the City of Trenton, Isles Youth Institute and the Mercer County Improvement Authority will come together to renovate the field, paint the bleachers and dugouts, and devote efforts toward the overall beautification of the facility at West End Little League located in Trenton, NJ on Thursday, April 18 at 9 a.m.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to see our community work together and provide an opportunity for the kids at West End Little League to play on a brand new playing surface,” said Thunder GM/COO Jeff Hurley. “We at the Thunder are huge supporters of youth baseball in the Capital City and I thank the folks at Aetna Better Health of New Jersey, the Mercer County Improvement Authority, Isles Youth Inc., and DuraEdge for their contributions to this program.”

“Efforts such as this are an example of how our Mercer County home team consistently steps up to the plate for the betterment of the community,” said Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes. “It is an incredible honor for me to lead this county of true winners, and I thank all the volunteers working to improve the West End Little League ballpark.”

The F.I.E.L.D. program would not be possible without the outstanding support of the Mercer County Improvement Authority and Aetna. In 1967 the Mercer County Improvement Authority (MCIA) was created under the County Improvement Authorities Law to undertake certain projects for the benefit of the residents of Mercer County. As such, programs and services are available to assist the County, municipalities, school and fire districts and not-for-profits in the areas of financing, project management, redevelopment, solid waste and recycling. For more information, visit www.MCIANJ.org.

Aetna Better Health of New Jersey, one the nation’s leading diversified health care benefits companies, supports the F.I.E.L.D. program through a generous donation to provide materials for athletes at the West End Little League to play on a brand new field for their Opening Day on April 27. For more information visit www.aetnabetterhealth.com/NJ.

“Our students are the future of Trenton. Many of them will grow old living in Trenton. It is our job to expose them to opportunities to impact the community through service learning,” said Shenette Gray, Managing Director of Isles Youth Institute. “The Partnership with Trenton Thunder allows our young people to experience community involvement in a very hands-on way. They learn that they can be the catalyst to change the narrative of Trenton.”

Isles Youth Institute, participating for the third consecutive renovation, is a community development and environmental organization based in Trenton, New Jersey. With a mission to foster self-reliant families and healthy, sustainable communities, Isles designs and develops effective services that support this mission and share what they learn with others who can make a difference. Beyond its central New Jersey base, Isles works to influence policy and practices that support healthy, self-help agendas. For more information, visit www.isles.org. 

DuraEdge Engineered Soils will provide infield mix and other field materials in support of the F.I.E.L.D. program. With scientifically engineered solutions for every infield in the nation, DuraEdge provides materials for more than half of Major League Baseball’s teams and a host of minor league, collegiate, high school, little league and recreation facilities. For more information visit them online at www.duraedge.com.

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.

Cougars Stand Aurora Strong; Announce Community Fund as Charitable Beneficiary

GENEVA, Ill. – The Kane County Cougars and the Kane County Cougars Baseball Foundation, Inc. have announced that they will donate a portion of the 50/50 raffle proceeds to the Aurora Strong Community Fund for the 2019 season.

Following the tragic event that took place at the Henry Pratt facility on February 15, the Cougars organization began brainstorming ways to show support for their local community. The decision was made that half of the proceeds raised through the sale of 50/50 raffle tickets throughout the 2019 season will be donated to support the families of the employees who lost their lives to this senseless act of violence.

Fans visiting the ballpark during the 2019 season can participate by purchasing 50/50 raffle tickets. Monies raised will be provided to the families via the Kane County Cougars Baseball Foundation, Inc. with the assistance of the Aurora Policemen Credit Union at the end of the 2019 season.

Additional details regarding an employee appreciation night for members of the Henry Pratt company as well as a first responders appreciation night for the Aurora Police and Fire Departments will be announced at a later date.

The Cougars 2019 season begins on Thursday, April 4 at 6:30 PM against the Clinton LumberKings. For more information, including the full schedule of theme nights, entertainment acts and giveaways, visit www.kccougars.com.

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

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 173 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.