Archives for August 2019

Spann presented with Troubh Community Service Award

Portland, Maine- The Portland Sea Dogs are proud to announce that the 2019 recipient of the William Troubh Community Service award is Gretchen Spann. Spann was presented the award by Sea Dogs’ President & General Manager Geoff Iacuessa along with members of Mr. Troubh’s family including wife Nancy in a pre-game ceremony at Hadlock Field on Friday, August 30th when the Sea Dogs hosted the New Hampshire Fisher Cats.

The “William Troubh Community Service Award” was established in 2015 to honor a local citizen who is making a positive impact within the city of Portland. Mr. Troubh was a lifelong resident of the city of Portland who dedicated his life to making Portland a great place to live and work. He served multiple terms on the Portland City Council and was Mayor of the city in 1974 and 1975 and again in 1983 and 1984. Mr. Troubh was instrumental in bringing the Portland Sea Dogs to the city in 1994. He also played a major role in the development of the Portland Waterfront, Cumberland County Civic Center and the Portland Ice Arena, now named in his honor. His contributions will be enjoyed by residents and visitors of the city for generations to come.

Over the last 10 years, Spann our has gone above and beyond for an organization that is near and dear to her heart – the Maine Children’s Cancer Program (MCCP). Since 2012, Spann has served on the Board of Directors for the program and has been an integral part in raising vital funds and spreading awareness to support Maine’s youngest cancer fighters. For a decade, Spann has led Team MCCP, “running for Kids with cancer”, in the Maine Marathon, providing a space for patient families, supporters and friends of MCCP to challenge themselves and go to tremendous distances for children in Maine battling cancer. In ten years, Team MCCP has raised over $290,000, none of this possible without Spann’s leadership and dedication. Spann’s hard work, drive, and compassion towards Maine Children’s Cancer Program is one of the many reasons she has been nominated today. In addition to her work with MCCP she also volunteers with numerous other non-profits and with her children’s school.

Past recipients of the award include Marc Lamontagne (2018), Howard Spear (2017), Roger Goodoak (2016) and John Menario (2015).

The Sea Dogs will begin accepting nominations for the 2020 award in February.

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

SMOKIES AND U.S. CELLULAR TO HOST LITTLE LEAGUE TAKEOVER

SEVIERVILLE – The Tennessee Smokies have announced they have teamed up with U.S. Cellular to host a Little League Takeover on Tuesday, September 3rd at Sevierville City Park Baseball fields from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM. 2019 marks the second year in a row the event will take place at the Sevierville City Park Baseball fields, and the third year in a row the Smokies have partnered with U.S. Cellular for this event overall. The U.S. Cellular Little League Takeover will allow the youth baseball players ages 5-13 to experience what it is like to be a Smokies player for a day.

“We are extremely excited to team up with U.S. Cellular for this event,” added Smokies President and COO Chris Allen. “This is a great event to allow these kids the chance to experience what it is like to be a Smokies player for a day. We are thrilled to be involved in this event as we love being a part of this Sevierville community.”

The event will take place at the Sevierville City Park Baseball fields located at 1005 Park Rd, Sevierville, TN 37862. The youth baseball players will play their scheduled games with a host announcing the players, on-field games, inflatables, prizes, and much more. The youth baseball players will also have a chance to feel like a true Smokies player with a mock interview station featuring a podium and a media backdrop where they can answer questions following their game.

“At U.S. Cellular, we’re happy to bring interactive experiences like this to the communities we serve,” said Nathan Waddell, director of sales for U.S. Cellular in Tennessee. “Providing an opportunity for these kids to enjoy a day in the life of a professional baseball player is as exciting for us as it is for them. We hope they all soak in this once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

The U.S. Cellular Little League Takeover will also feature the Smokies mascot interacting with the players throughout the event.

ABOUT THE TENNESSEE SMOKIES

The Tennessee Smokies are the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. Members of the ten-team Southern League, Smokies baseball has been entertaining families and fans of America’s national pastime in the East Tennessee region for over 100 years. To learn more about the Tennessee Smokies, visit www.smokiesbaseball.com

ABOUT U.S. CELLULAR

U.S. Cellular is the fifth-largest full-service wireless carrier in the United States, providing national network coverage and industry-leading innovations designed to elevate the customer experience. The Chicago-based carrier is building a stronger network with the latest 5G technology and offers a wide range of communication services that enhance consumers’ lives, increase the competitiveness of local businesses and improve the efficiency of government operations. To learn more about U.S. Cellular, visit one of its retail stores or www.uscellular.com. To get the latest news, promos and videos, connect with U.S. Cellular on Facebook.com/uscellular, Twitter.com/uscellular and YouTube.com/uscellularcorp.

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

C’s partner with The Cape Group on New Community Initiative

(Nat Bailey Stadium – Vancouver, B.C.) – The Vancouver Canadians Baseball Club in cooperation with The Cape Group are proud to announce a new community initiative that will give local baseball organizations the chance to truly make a difference for players of all abilities.

The Change-Up Field Project will award two (2) baseball organizations from within the Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD) with a grant of $50,000 to refurbish a facility/field that is utilized within their community for amateur baseball.

Applicants will have to meet a criteria set in place by The Change-Up Field Project (click HERE for details) and the recipients of this annual grant will be announced at the Vancouver Canadians Annual Hot Stove Luncheon in January of 2020.

“When we look at a submission from an organization, we are looking for goals that directly benefit the youth from within its membership,” states Vancouver Canadians President Andy Dunn.

“Whether it’s creating a better ballpark environment through field improvements or building something new for children of all abilities to access their ballpark – we are looking for constructed ideas that show a direct benefit to children from across the GVRD.”

Applications are now set to be received and close on November 1st, 2019.

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

CPR Mass Training Event at Four Winds Field September 5

SOUTH BEND, IN – For the third year in a row, the South Bend Cubs will host a CPR Training Event with over a thousand local children participating from South Bend Community School Corporation and School City of Mishawaka at Four Winds Field. This event is the largest in the region.

Unlike heart attacks or strokes, which result from disruptions of blood flow, Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) occurs when the heart has an electrical malfunction and stops beating without warning. SCA is the leading cause of death in adults over 40. In 2015, several Saint Joseph County physicians created a task force to collect data on survival rates and conduct evidence-based interventions to improve those survival rates. They found that 70% of these incidents occur in the home and that, on average, one resident of Saint Joseph County suffered SCA every 28 hours. Despite these startling statistics, SCA is treatable. Prompt administration of CPR within 3-5 minutes is the key to survival.

On September 5th, over 1,800 8th-grade students from Saint Joseph County schools will gather at Four Winds Field to be taught hands-only CPR using take-home training kits. Multiple studies have shown that students, when given this kit, train an average of 2.5 additional people at home and in their communities. To improve knowledge retention, community leaders and first responders will also present testimonies that inspire students to engage in the training by expressing the importance of this life-saving skill.

With the support of numerous community partners, the event was coordinated by enFocus, a local nonprofit, and the Out-Of-Hospital-Cardiac-Arrest (OHCA) Task Force to drive home the importance of prompt bystander intervention for victims of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). Sponsors of this event are enFocus, St. Joseph Health System, Beacon Health System, the University of Notre Dame, Press Ganey, and the South Bend Cubs. Additional partners are Dr. William Sarnat, OHCA Task Force, and the City of South Bend.

The event is not open to the public, but news media representatives are welcome. Please see the second page for a specific timeline. In the event of inclement weather, enFocus will announce the postponement of the event to Thursday, September 19th.

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

Makynlee Culbertson to Celebrate “Home Run For Life” with OKC Dodgers Friday

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Dodgers conclude the 2019 “Home Run For Life” series Friday night as they partner with INTEGRIS to recognize Makynlee Culbertson during the Dodgers’ game against the New Orleans Baby Cakes at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

Culbertson, who was diagnosed at just six weeks old with spinal muscular atrophy, became the first child in Oklahoma to receive a new one-time gene therapy known as Zolgensma® thanks to the help of her child neurologist Jennifer Norman, M.D., at INTEGRIS Pediatric Neurology at Baptist Medical Center.

Spinal muscular atrophy, or SMA, is a severe neuromuscular disease that leads to progressive muscle weakness and paralysis.

On July 19, at 17 months of age, Culbertson received Zolgensma® via an IV over the course of one hour. Now just six weeks later, improvements in Culbertson’s health are already evident – and continue to emerge.

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

“Five times a season we are proud to welcome these extraordinary Oklahomans to take the field at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark,” OKC Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes said. “This is the ninth straight year we have partnered with INTEGRIS to honor these amazing individuals’ perseverance and courage to overcome major health challenges.”

SMA is characterized by the loss of motor neurons, which are responsible for communicating with muscles and telling them to work properly. This loss of motor neurons, which cannot be brought back, is due to a SMN1 gene that is missing or not working properly. Without enough SMN protein, motor neuron cells eventually stop working and die leading to difficulty breathing, eating, speaking and lifting the head.

Zolgensma was recently approved for the treatment of pediatric patients younger than two years of age with SMA. The one-time intravenous infusion is designed to address the genetic root cause of SMA by providing a functional copy of the SMN gene to halt disease progression. It is intended to replace a lifetime of chronic therapy for pediatric patients with SMA.

“This treatment has truly created a paradigm shift for what was previously a uniformly devastating and fatal disease,” Norman said. “SMA is essentially the ‘Lou Gehrig’s Disease’ of childhood. With early treatment, we can now give these kids a normal life. That was essentially unthinkable even just three years ago. It has truly revolutionized the practice of neuromuscular medicine.”

Advances in Culbertson’s health have already arisen in August, which is fittingly SMA Awareness Month.

“She’s significantly louder already, where before she had a really weak cry and couldn’t really cough like you or I can. Now she can,” Shanna Culbertson, Makynlee’s mom, said. “Her grip and strength in her arms; her head control has gotten significantly better; her core strength; she can hold herself up for longer. We see little things every day. We just hope to keep gaining off of it.”

Shanna Culbertson noted that while the treatment is not a cure for SMA, it will continue to help improve her daughter’s quality of life.

“She’s still going to have a lot of therapy and rehab and stuff to gain back what she’s lost, but it stops the progression of it,” she said.

The Culbertson family, of Moore, Okla., feels very fortunate that their primary and secondary insurance plans covered 100 percent of the therapy that comes with a hefty $2 million price tag.

“It is definitely crazy expensive,” Norman said. “But ultimately, over the course of a child’s life, the one-time cost is actually a substantial savings compared to what insurance companies and families would spend for the intensive medical needs children with this disease would otherwise require.

“In addition to overall cost savings, there is also a huge quality of life benefit to the drug, which really can’t be described with a dollar amount.”

To read Culbertson’s full story, visit the Dodgers’ “Beyond the Bricks” website at: medium.com/beyond-the-bricks.

The Dodgers continue their homestand with 7:05 p.m. games tonight and Thursday against the Iowa Cubs at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. An on-field naturalization ceremony will take place prior to tonight’s game as 40 people will be naturalized as United States citizens in conjunction with a U.S. District Courts initiative. The series then concludes on a $2 Thursday, featuring $2 select beer, bottled water and Pepsi products.

Fan Appreciation Weekend opens at 7:05 p.m. Friday when the Dodgers begin their final series of the season against the New Orleans Baby Cakes at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. Gates open at 6 p.m. and the first 1,000 fans will receive a Dodgers hat. Select players will be available for pregame autographs and the OKC Disc Dogs will perform on the field. Friday Night Fireworks, presented by Supermercados Morelos, are scheduled to follow the game. Culbertson’s “Home Run For Life” will take place following the third inning and fans will have the opportunity to bid on game-used, game-worn and autographed Dodgers memorabilia during the Clubhouse Collectibles silent auction, presented by The Oklahoman.

Saturday’s game between the Dodgers and Baby Cakes starts at 7:05 p.m. and fireworks are slated to follow, presented by Allstate. Select players will be available for autographs prior to the game and fans will receive a complimentary 2019 team poster when they exit the ballpark.

Sunday’s game against New Orleans starts at 2:05 p.m. on a Chaparral Energy Family Sunday, featuring many family friendly activities including inflatables, face painters and kids can run the bases after the game. Red the Bat Dog will assist on the field during pregame activities and serve as bat dog for the game’s first three innings Sunday before interacting with fans on the concourse during the game. Red is a three-year-old Labrador retriever/German shepherd mix trained by Lukas Miller of Sit Means Sit dog training in Oklahoma City and Tulsa.

Catch the final OKC Dodgers game of the season on Labor Day starting at 11:05 a.m. Monday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

Dodgers public address announcer Jared Gallagher will work from the concourse during the game. Fans can also celebrate the unofficial end of summer with the OKC Dodgers and Downtown OKC by participating in fun activities on the Mickey Mantle Plaza, including sidewalk chalk, bubbles and hula hoops.

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.

Little League champs to be honored Thursday

The Eastbank All-Stars, Little League World Series champions from River Ridge, will be honored at the New Orleans Baby Cakes’ home finale on Thursday by throwing out the ceremonial first pitch.

The Eastbank Little League softball team, national runners-up, will also be honored during the pregame ceremony preceding the Baby Cakes’ game against the Memphis Redbirds at 7 p.m.

Eastbank won the Little League World Series with an 8-0 victory over Curacao in Williamsport, Pennsylvania on Sunday.

The ‘Cakes wrap up the home schedule on Thursday with fan appreciation giveaways, Thirsty Thursday drink specials, and a postgame fireworks show.

For more information, contact the Baby Cakes at (504) 734-5155.

Eight-year-old Pensacola girl embraces Home Run For Life moment

Before she ever got the go-ahead signal, Scarlett Helm was ready to race around the bases.

Helm, an 8-year-old Pensacola girl, who successfully battled through attention deficit disorder and undiscovered diabetes, was honored for her courage and spirit Saturday in the season’s final “Home Run For Life” celebration during the Blue Wahoos game against the Jackson Generals.

Smiling and eager to embrace the moment, Helm raced around the bases as a sellout crowd cheered and both teams’ lined the baselines to congratulate her.

Her life has changed since February. Back then, her parents noticed she was often exhausted and experiencing frequent, erratic, mood swings. Her appetite decreased. She couldn’t gain weight.

Her parents figured it was part of side effects from the medication she was taking for attention deficit, hyperactive disorder. But as she began to fall into worse symptoms, her parents suspected something more serious was happening.

Her pediatrician conducted a blood test which revealed her blood-sugar levels were almost three times the normal range. She was immediately admitted into the Pediactric Emergency Room at Sacred Heart Hospital. It was then discovered she had Type 1 diabetes.

With treatment, care and her parents help, the diabetes in now under control and Helm is a normal, young girl.

She recently started second grade at the Montessori School of Pensacola. She listed her favorite animal as a sloth on her biography. He favorite movie is Rapunzel.

She is now enjoying gymnastics.

As she showed on Saturday, Helm sped around the bases, her hair waving, her face aglow as she easily touched every base and jumped on home plate, then into the arms of Kazoo, the Blue Wahoos mascot.

It was another special moment provided by the Blue Wahoos and the Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart.

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

South Bend Cubs to Host Trick or Treating Event on October 28

SOUTH BEND, IN – After the success of last year’s event, the South Bend Cubs have once again partnered with the South Bend Police Department to bring back Stu and Swoop’s Cops and Goblins trick or treating event on Monday, October 28 from 5:00 P.M.-7:30 P.M at Four Winds Field.

Over 6,000 kids and parents packed the ballpark last year in a massively successful first go-around of the event. Stu and Swoop’s Cops and Goblins allows local families to come out and enjoy safe trick or treating as the South Bend Police and Fire Department will be joined by other city officials. The groups will hand out candy with other South Bend community sponsors. Along with the groups present, South Bend Cubs mascots Stu and Swoop will be present to meet and take pictures with the kids.

With the completion of The Ivy at Berlin Place Apartments and “Gateway to South Bend” between the two buildings, patrons attending the event can enter and exit through Gate D past center field. The success and attendance of last year’s event has also brought in more vendors for this year’s function. Tables will be set up all throughout the concourse.

The South Bend Fire Department will also bring along their smoke house to the event. The partnership between the Cubs and South Bend Police Department allows the tandem to give back to the entire South Bend community.

“Community policing is a priority for the South Bend Police Department and this annual trick or treat event is the one officers look forward to the most,” South Bend Police Chief Scott Ruszkowski said. “This fun and safe event for families is yet another opportunity for the community and officers to come together and continue to build positive relationships that benefit the city as a whole.”

“We were hoping for a good turn out last year but did not expect our first year hosting this wonderful event to be so successful,” South Bend Cubs Director of Media and Promotions Chris Hagstrom-Jones said. “Given the success of last year, we plan to use more of the ballpark to space out candy tables and try to get more kids through the lines.”

Halloween music will also be playing from the speakers around the ballpark. Both the Cubs Den Team Store and 1st Source Bank Performance Center will be open to the public. Kids hoping to check out the Performance Center will be able to take swings in the same batting cages used by the South Bend Cubs players.

Kids arriving in their Halloween costumes will have the chance to enter a costume contest at the park. Prizes will be awarded to those who are wearing the most fun and creative costumes. Make sure to arrive early, as a crowd exceeding last year’s 6,000 is expected this year.

Any other businesses and organizations who are interested in hosting and sponsoring a table at the event can contact Officer Keenan Lane at 574-235-5941 for more information.

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 hosted 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.

Blue Wahoos, Covenant Care help 97-year-old WW II fighter pilot fulfill wish

Attired in a fighter pilot’s suit, Albert J. Lane clutched a cold beer in his left hand and a century of life spirit in his heart.

Mr. Lane, a U.S. Army fighter pilot in World War II, had just taken one final flight Friday night, which included a flyover at Blue Wahoos Stadium, perfectly timed after the National Anthem, as a cheering, sellout crowd waved at the vintage aircraft.

Through Pensacola’s Covenant Care, a Blue Wahoos corporate partner and its “My Wish” program, Mr. Lane was able to exit his wheelchair and settle into the co-pilot’s cockpit of a vintage, dual-wing, 1943 Boeing N2S-4 Stearman aircraft and fulfill his own wish.

It was 82 years ago when Mr. Lane, a Michigan native, last climbed into an open cockpit plane of that era, training for a future role as a B-17 Bomber in the United States Army. He remembered how to do it again Friday night.

“How about that! I got in that plane,” said Mr. Lane, excitedly, about an hour after the flight, as young children and admiring adults gathered around him on the stadium concourse.

It created a powerful, emotional scene that made even Jhoan Duran‘s no-hit bid into the seventh inning, along with the Blue Wahoos eventual 3-2 win against the Jackson Generals, seem secondary on this memorable night.

“That was really special to see,” said Blue Wahoos manager Ramon Borrego, who stood and cheered from the dugout as Mr. Lane was honored on the first base line in the bottom of the sixth inning. “When you see a guy like him who went to World War II and served this country…I was thinking about it and thought, ‘Wow, this guy fought in World War II. He gave everything to his country.’

“And he still had energy. He began to get up from that wheelchair. That was amazing to see. I could think and see this man, say back when he was in his 20’s in that airplane.”

Mr. Lane lives in Greenwood, a small town near Marianna in Jackson County, about two hours east from Pensacola. When Covenant Care got involved and arranged a My Wish request, the Blue Wahoos joined to help provide the flyover experience at the stadium.

“It’s such a great tie-in for us,” said Blue Wahoos president Jonathan Griffith. “The wishes Covenant Care grants are local and regional and in our own footprint, so it’s awesome to be part of, and meets our own mission to improve the quality of life in our area. It’s very cool to be part of this.”

The My Wish program began about a year ago and has provided a couple hundred such final wishes, according to Covenant Care president and CEO Jeff Mislevy.

“We thought about how do we connect donors to these wishes. And it’s a unique platform,” Mislevy said. “Because an individual donor has an opportunity to entirely support a wish for someone. You make that person to person connection and there is just so much power in that.

“I wanted to be here to see him fly over. It chokes you up in a way. I can’t imagine the emotion that must be pouring through his veins right now. That’s what powers us to do this. And this was unique to him.”

The gold vintage bi-plane that Mr. Lane was flown in was provided by Pensacola’s Roy Kinsey, who operates Veterans Flight and annually participates in the Pensacola Beach Air Show.

Kinsey and others at Pensacola Aviation Center helped Mr. Lane from his wheelchair. They aided him to climb on a step-stool, hoisted him on the wing and into the open-air co-pilot cockpit of the plane. Kinsey then flew the aircraft.

Lane’s physician, Robin Albritton, who lives in Marianna and works there at Jackson Hospital, was at Blue Wahoos Stadium standing on the concourse, watching the flyover.

“When Covenant Care called me two weeks ago to tell me what they were doing, I put my phone down and cried,” said Albritton, his voice wavering with emotion. “He is a real American hero. He deserves this so much.

“Having taken care of him for the past eight years, I knew he probably got into that plane by himself. That man is sharp as a tack. He first came to me at 90-years-old and gave me the biggest, ol’ hug. I’ve had long conversations with him when he visits. I have done just enough to not get in his way these years. To see this is unbelievable. People like him remind me of why I do this.”

After the plane returned to Pensacola Aviation, Mr. Lane and his group traveled to Blue Wahoos Stadium. Covenant Care staff were there waiting to congratulate the World War II veteran.

The smile on his face, the throng of strangers, including so many children, who wanted to meet him and get his autograph, were poignant examples of how meaningful, how special this experience became.

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

Home Run for Life: The Story of Lainey Loftus

  While baseball may be our focus here at Leidos Field at Ripken Stadium, the IronBirds take pride in being a part of the Aberdeen community and strive to make an impact that goes beyond the sport itself. On August 18th, the IronBirds recognized fourth-grader Lainey Loftus, whose brave story has inspired us all.

Last November, Lainey began having vision issues, which led her parents to bring her to an Ophthalmologist. It was there that they discovered something was pressing on her optic nerves and causing her loss of vision. After a CAT scan revealed a brain tumor on her optic nerves and Pituitary gland, her family was sent to Oncology at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center. The doctor at Johns Hopkins decided the best course of action for Lainey was chemotherapy and radiation. Over the next few months, Lainey had four rounds of chemo and 24 proton radiation treatments. After many long months of fighting, an MRI in May showed that the tumor was gone, and her treatments were over. With her tumor gone, Lainey is gaining strength every day and begins fourth grade in a month.

Lainey enjoys playing softball and is excited to get back onto the field soon now that she is healthy again. She has always been a big Orioles fan and even got the chance to go to a game recently. At last Sunday’s game, Lainey threw out the first pitch before the game. The IronBirds are proud to honor Lainey for her bravery in fighting this terrible disease, and so happy for her and her family now that she is growing stronger every day. No family should have to go through what the Loftus family has gone through in the past year. The IronBirds wish Lainey and her family the best as they begin a new chapter in their lives.

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

Tampa Tarpons and ECHO Outdoor Power Equipment to Refurbish Local Playing Fields

TAMPA, Fla. – On August 28, the Tampa Tarpons will be participating in MiLB Charities’ new field refurbishment initiative, MiLB Project: Refresh powered by ECHO Outdoor Power Equipment. Through the initiative, the Tarpons and the Yellow Jackets Little League will renovate Calvin Taylor Park by leveling and aligning the clay infield.

Minor League Baseball Charities is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to giving back to and enhancing the communities our teams call home. In conjunction with ECHO Outdoor Power Equipment, Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) and its teams are working to enhance local baseball and softball communities in MiLB cities across the country. Through MiLB Project: Refresh, the Tarpons and Yellow Jackets Little League will join in efforts to refurbish Calvin Taylor Park and give back to thousands of Tampa area youth baseball and softball players.

Who:   Tampa Tarpons and Yellow Jackets Little League

What: The Tarpons, with help from ECHO Outdoor Power Equipment, its local distributors and volunteers, are working with the Yellow Jackets Little League to refurbish Calvin Taylor Park as part of MiLB Project: Refresh powered by ECHO Outdoor Power Equipment.

When: Wednesday, August 28, 2019 at 8:00 am.

Where: Calvin Taylor Park: 611 W Indiana Ave. Tampa, FL. 33603

Why: Contribute to Minor League Baseball’s goal to give back to and enhance youth baseball and softball communities in MiLB cities across the country.

For more information, contact the Tampa Tarpons at (813) 673-3055 or TarponsPR@TarponsBaseball.com.

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

IronPigs raise more than $26K on ‘Strike Out Cancer’ Night

The Lehigh Valley IronPigs in conjunction with Air Products, the Lehigh Valley Health Network Cancer Institute and the Lehigh Valley Cancer Community raised $26,100 while donating 450 IronPigs game tickets to those fighting cancer, or aiding the fight versus cancer, and their families for the special “Strike Out Cancer Night” game on Tuesday, August 20. All proceeds from the game were donated to the “Strike Out Cancer’ initiative.

For the second straight season, IronPigs fans, Air Products, the Lehigh Valley Health Network Cancer Institute, our sponsors and the entire Lehigh Valley Cancer Community made this night a memorable one”, said IronPigs President and General Manager Kurt Landes. “The entire community came out in such a strong way and we couldn’t be more thankful for the impact this night has made in the community and in helping to raise valuable funds for the fight against cancer.”

“Strike Out Cancer Night” has now raised just over $40,000 over the past two seasons combined. Last season, over $14,000 was raised in the first ever “Strike Out Cancer Night”.

Nine local organizations – Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley, Angel 34 Foundation, Life Always Facing Forward, Julia’s Grace Foundation, Cancer Support Community, Dream Come True, Boutique at the Rink, Women’s 5K Classic and the American Cancer Society were on-hand to help make this night memorable for the 8,551 fans who were in attendance on Tuesday evening. Each organization will share in the proceeds in helping to further their specific missions.

The highlight of the night, in the middle of the 5th inning, featured every fan in attendance standing in silence holding their “Strike Out Cancer” placard honoring their loved ones who are battling or have battled cancer.

All proceeds from the evening’s 50/50 raffle went towards the Strike Out Cancer initiative along with the proceeds from all Strike Out Cancer T-Shirt sales. The IronPigs donated $4 per ticket from the tickets purchased for the night through a special “Strike Out Cancer” link.

The team also hosted a raffle and sold a unique Purple Ribbon Drink Special throughout the game with all proceeds supporting “Strike Out Cancer.”

A list of additional sponsors who helped make this night possible: • Keystone Canna Remedies
• Olympus
• Buckno Lisicky & Company
• Bennett Toyota
• Joe’s Battery and Tire
• Diversified Refrigeration
• PALCS
• Clemens
• Apgar Oil
• Buzzi Unicem, USA
• Piramal Critical Care
• ASR Media
• KD & Son Heating
• Jean Roth
• Lehigh-Northampton Airport

The 2019 IronPigs season is the team’s 12th as the top affiliate for the Philadelphia Phillies and 12th at Coca-Cola Park. Follow the IronPigs on Twitter at @IronPigs and like them on Facebook via Facebook.com/LHVIronPigs.

The 2019 IronPigs season is presented by Capital BlueCross.

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

Jersey Auction Raises $2435 for CAMC Foundation

CHARLESTON, W. Va. (August 20, 2019) – Thanks to an overwhelming amount of support and donations from the community of Charleston, W.Va., the West Virginia Power was able to donate $2,435 to the CAMC Foundation from their recent ‘Hot Shot’ jersey auction held on CAMC Night, August 2, at Appalachian Power Park.

During the Power’s game against the Greensboro Grasshoppers on Friday, August 2, the team sported special baby blue jerseys with ‘Hot Shots’ embroidered across the front and a stethoscope snaking around the jersey top. The CAMC Foundation logo was displayed on the sleeve as well. Throughout the game, these jerseys were auctioned off on the LiveSource app, with fans bidding on them via their smartphones all across the country. The $2,435 raised during the event pushed the Power’s charitable donation total above $12,000 for the season.

“At the CAMC Foundation, our motto is ‘Giving you the power to change lives’. No truer words could be spoken about our partnership with the Power,” said Bryan Cummings, Senior Development Officer at CAMC. “Their players, administrators, and, most importantly, fans, have helped maximize the impact of charity and philanthropy in our community by connecting passionate donors to causes they care deeply about. Our shared investment in West Virginia creates an opportunity to share and increase knowledge, improve health care and pursue opportunities for positive change. It’s a home run in our eyes.”

The CAMC Employee Emergency Fund, where the money from this auction went towards, is a relief fund set up to assist fellow CAMC employees when something unexpected occurs, such as a sudden financial or medical expense. Over the 19 years that this program has been in existence, the CAMC Foundation has permitted more than 1,500 grants and upwards of $1,000,000 in grant money to employees who have dealt with natural disasters, unsafe living conditions, loss of family members, etc.

Most of the money circulated into this program comes from fellow CAMC employees, who donate anywhere from $2.00 to $15.00 per paycheck to help protect their co-workers when times get tough. According to the CAMC, “If every CAMC employee gave just $2.00 per paycheck, it would raise more than $350,000 a year!”

If you would like to make a donation to the CAMC Foundation, please send your gift/pledge to: CAMC Foundation, 3414 Staunton Ave., Charleston, WV 25304 or visit www.camcfoundation.org.

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

Staten Island Yankees Announce 2019 Pride Night Promotion

STATEN ISLAND – Pride Night returns to Richmond County Bank Ballpark on Friday, August 30th as the Staten Island Yankees host the Hudson Valley Renegades at 7:00 p.m. Gates to the ballpark open at 6:00 p.m.

The promotion will feature a game-worn jersey auction as the Staten Island Yankees will wear home replica jerseys featuring multi-colored pinstripes as represented in the Pride flag. You Can Play is sponsoring the jerseys. All proceeds from the sale of the jerseys will benefit You Can Play.

The Pride Center of Staten Island is participating in the promotion as well. A special package combining a ticket + hat has been developed to raise awareness and funds for the Pride Center. Tickets purchased in advance using the promotional code “2019Pride” will receive a voucher to pick up a Staten Island Yankees hat branded with a “rainbow” “y”-logo. The package is $20/person and $10 of every package sold will be donated to the Pride Center of Staten Island. Visit https://groupmatics.events/event/2019pride.

The Pride Center of Staten Island provides programming for youth, Sage programming for our elderly and allies, free mental health services, with support groups and case management, free HIV testing and sexual health education that is LGBTQ specific, Luv on a leash (our dog therapy program), as well as partnerships and resources throughout Staten Island.
Pride Night first occurred at Richmond County Bank Ballpark in 2015.

Also, on August 30th, you can celebrate Broadway at the Ballpark. Enjoy special performances throughout the night and sing along to Broadway hits. Additionally, the first 1,000 fans will receive a Staten Island Yankees 20th Anniversary Poster. And lastly, the night will end with a fireworks display over the New York harbor.
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You Can Play is dedicated to ensuring equality, respect and safety for all athletes, without regard to sexual orientation and/or gender identity. You Can Play works to guarantee that athletes are given a fair opportunity to compete and also seeks to challenge the culture of locker rooms and spectator areas by focusing only on an athlete’s skills, work ethic and competitive spirit.

The Pride Center of Staten Island is a brave and welcoming space with quality local services, support and activities that promote the overall physical, mental and emotional well-being for Staten Island’s LGBTQ individuals and allies.

The Staten Island Yankees are the Class A Short Season Affiliate of the New York Yankees and play at Richmond County Bank Ballpark at St. George. The Staten Island Yankees are six-time New York-Penn League Champions. Groups, ticket plans, and individual tickets are on sale now. Richmond County Bank Ballpark will also host the 2019 New York-Penn League All-Star Game on August 21st at 7 p.m. For more information, visit siyanks.com and pizzaratsbaseball.com.
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Dragons Host Dayton Area Police Night at Fifth Third Field on August 22

Dayton, Ohio – The Dayton Dragons are pleased to welcome the Dayton Area Police to Fifth Third Field on Thursday, August 22, when the Dragons host the Fort Wayne TinCaps at 7:00 p.m. The night at the ballpark will also raise money for a Bootleggers, Bandits, and Badges exhibit that tells the story of Prohibition Era Dayton.

Fans are invited to get to the ballpark early and check out a large, interactive display on the plaza. The Dayton Police Department (DPD) will have tables set up for fans to see SWAT gear as well as a Bat Car, bomb squad items, motorcycles and bicycles all used by the DPD. McGruff the Crime Dog will also be on the plaza to interact with fans and take photos.

Once fans are in the park, the DPD will be a part of the pregame festivities. Retired Lt. Colonel Virgil F. McDaniel will throw out the ceremonial first pitch. McDaniel was the Dayton Assistant Police Chief from 1990 to 1994 and served on the Ohio Fraternal Order of Police executive board for over 30 years. Following the ceremonial first pitch, the Dayton Police Department’s Color Guard will present to colors for the performing of the national anthem.

The Department is raising money through the Dayton Police History Foundation for the Bootleggers, Bandits and Badges exhibit that will open on October 28 at Carillon Park. The exhibit will primarily feature tools of the trade from the early 20th century used by both police and gangsters. This includes a paddy wagon, a 1921 colt machine gun, also known as a “Tommy Gun”, and items from when “Public Enemy #1” John Dillinger was arrested in Dayton.

More Information:  The Dayton Dragons are the Midwest League affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play a 70-game home schedule at beautiful Fifth Third Field in downtown Dayton, easily accessible from Interstate 75. Individuals and groups seeking information about Dayton Dragons group tickets, lawn tickets, the season ticket wait list, sponsorship opportunities or booking a Dragons speaker are encouraged to contact the Dragons by calling at (937) 228-2287, emailing at dragons@daytondragons.com, or on the web at daytondragons.com

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