Archives for October 2019

Hartford Yard Goats Win Top Community Award from Minor League Baseball

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

Yard Goats Win John Henry Moss Award for Top Community Service Team in Minor League Baseball

Hartford, Conn- The Hartford Yard Goats Baseball Club, the Double-A Eastern League Affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, has won the top community award from Minor League Baseball in 2019, the John Henry Moss Community Service Award. The award is given to the club which demonstrates an outstanding, ongoing commitment to charitable service, support and leadership. The Yard Goats were selected from a field of 160 minor league clubs across America and are the youngest franchise ever to win the award in just their third season at Dunkin’ Donuts Park. The John Henry Moss Award will be presented by Minor League Baseball in December at the 2019 Baseball Winter Meetings in San Diego, California.

“When we were creating the Hartford Yard Goats brand, we spent a great deal of time talking about the kind of organization we wanted to be,” Yard Goats team owner Josh Solomon said. “We wanted our actions and our commitment to community to be so demonstrative that people associated us as much with our philanthropy as our baseball. Our community programs are vital to the Yard Goats organization, and we feel that it is our job to welcome in our neighbors and connect them with professionals who offer training, career, and higher education opportunities so they can reach their goals.”

The Yard Goats established the “Aetna Community Center” at Dunkin’ Donuts Park as a base for several youth community programs sponsored by the Yard Goats. These programs include the Young Ambassadors Program, Youth Performing Arts Program, Youth Culinary Arts Program, Fitness Program, and Dance Team.

The Yard Goats open the 2020 season on April 9th (7:10 PM) against the Red Sox affiliate, the Portland Sea Dogs. Yard Goats season tickets are available by calling 860-246-GOAT (4628), or in person by visiting the Click It or Ticket Box Office at Dunkin’ Donuts Park.

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

Sponsor Spotlight: Navy Federal Utilizes Blue Wahoos Stadium For Employees’ Event

 

The versatility for holding events at Blue Wahoos Stadium was recently exemplified during a partnership with Navy Federal.

In its annual “Big Day Out” employee appreciation event, Navy Federal was able to provide a festive, carnival-style setting for the company’s Pensacola employees and their friends and families.

More than 4,000 attended the Oct. 19 event, exclusive for Navy Federal employees, families and guests. It included live bands, inflatable slides and bounce houses, live reptiles provided by Reno’s Reptiles of Pensacola, a mechanical bull, face painters, a pumpkin patch, balloon artists, various food and vendors and bingo and casino-style games for adults.

All of this happening at the same time on a Saturday afternoon.

“It’s our biggest private event by a longshot,” said Shannon Reeves, the Blue Wahoos’ events sales manager. “We just turn the stadium into something it normally isn’t. There’s just so much happening and it creates a fun experience for everyone.”

Navy Federal is a charter partner, joining as sponsor with the Blue Wahoos’ inaugural 2012 season. In addition to an outfield fence sign, the company’s partnership has been visible in a variety of other ways throughout each year, including as a game-day sponsor during the Blue Wahoos home schedule.

The “Big Day Out” event has been a signature element of the partnership.

“We’re grateful to be connected,” Reeves said. “They’re so good and it’s fun seeing them grow. I feel like we’ve been able to grow this event with them.

“Their communications team has been fantastic. They have a great team of planners there.”

With its 7,500-plus employees in the Pensacola area, Navy Federal has become a huge economic engine for the region. Blue Wahoos Stadium has been a natural venue the company’s appreciation day.

“We really start planning the next one this right after the (current) event ends,” Reeves said.

A prior forecast of rain this time added to the challenge. Fortunately, the weather cleared by noon, the sun returned and the event was another big success.

“Everything worked out, other than I lost sleep,” said Reeves, laughing. “But in the events world, this happens. I was a wedding planner for a long time.. more than 10 years…. so I certainly have been one to watch the weather and refresh a weather app about 40 times a day.

“We wanted to do everything we could to keep it on the planned date.”

As Reeves emphasized, Blue Wahoos Stadium can be utilized for these types of events for other companies as well.

When built, the bayfront stadium was designed to be a multi-use facility. It’s something available for other employee appreciation days on smaller-scale levels.

“While we have limited dates, we open the stadium or the grounds to the community almost every single weekend,” Reeves said.

On Navy Federal’s “Big Day Out,” children and their parents were able to enjoy the entire grounds. For the first time, Reno’s Reptiles and staff were able to put a few of its species on the field.

A sizable, African spur-thigh tortoise, crawled on the infield grass a few feet from an Albino Burmese python. Both creatures were main attractions for kids and picture-takers and weren’t fazed by the amount of people around.

“That was obviously a big hit,” Reeves said. “We had a lot going on. If you can imagine it, we can do it. The stadium lends itself to being a concert venue, a festival fair, a picnic, a place for kids to play, all at once.”

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

Toys for Tots Drive Kicks Off November 4

 

FREDERICK, MD – For the eighth straight year, the Frederick Keys are partnering with the Toys for Tots Program. Starting on November 4, the Keys will be collecting new and unwrapped toys which will then be handed out to less fortunate children on Christmas Day. This year’s Toys for Tots Drive runs through Wednesday, December 11.

“Everyone deserves to have a great Christmas and that’s we are excited to continue our partnership with Toys for Tots,” said Frederick Keys Director of Marketing Erin Lawson. “Last year’s support from our fans and community members was awesome and we are excited to help out local children again in 2019.”

One of Frederick County’s top donation destinations, Nymeo Field will be open for drop off from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. To drop of a toy(s) fans should visit the main office (adjacent to the main stadium gates). Anyone who makes a contribution will receive a Keys hat and a pair of tickets to a game in 2020. Prize packs are awarded one per person.

Fans will also be able to bring toys to the Keys Holiday Event on Saturday, December 7 which runs from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. This event will include a CooKEY contest, a chance to meet Keyote Claus and much more. Further details about this event will be announced at a later date.

In 2018, 25,405 toys were distributed to children across Frederick County, supporting over 3,600 children. Toys for Tots began in 1947, while there are more than 150 Marine reserve sites as well as more than 800 local Toys for Tots programs across the country.

A link to the entire schedule for the Keys 2020 season is available here. Fireworks dates and a full Keys promotional schedule for 2020 will be announced at a later date. To stay tuned for the latest team news and for ticket information fans can visit frederickkeys.com and follow the team on Twitter (@frederickkeys), Facebook and Instagram (@frederickkeys.com).

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

Salt Lake Bees Join Utah Sports Figures in “Lead Together”

 

SALT LAKE CITY (October 25, 2019) – Joined by sports franchises, universities and athletes representing the state of Utah, the Salt Lake Bees today unveiled “Lead Together,” a long-term commitment to cultivating and promoting a community culture of inclusion and belonging.

“Lead Together” is introduced by a video, which will be played in sporting venues across the state, featuring Jazz players Bojan Bogdanović, Mike Conley, Rudy Gobert, Joe Ingles and Donovan Mitchell; Los Angeles Angels outfielder and former Salt Lake Bees player Mike Trout ; Real Salt Lake players Kyle Beckerman and Nedum Onuoha; Utah Royals and World Cup players Verónica Boquete, Kelley O’Hara, Christen Press and Becky Sauerbrunn; professional golfer Tony Finau; Olympic figure skater Nathan Chen; Utah State University head football coach Gary Andersen; Weber State University head football coach Jay Hill; University of Utah head football coach Kyle Whittingham; and Brigham Young University head football coach Kalani Sitake.

“We need to take responsibility when the words we hear cause pain, anger and divisiveness. Be mindful of what you say. If you hear something wrong, offensive or hateful, speak up,” said members of the “Lead Together” video, who pledged to stand against discrimination, inequality, injustice and racism.

“Everyone who walks through the doors of a sporting event, whether it’s a fan, staff member, coach, player, or guest, should expect courtesy, respect, common decency and civility,” said Gail Miller, owner and chairman of the Larry H. Miller Group of Companies and the Utah Jazz. “We are united in our values, and we’re all joining together as citizens of our communities and the state of Utah to make a clear statement about who we are and what we’re about. Words matter. No one wins when respect goes away.”

“In sports, we’re always looking for ways to improve and get better, and this is no different. There have been too many negative instances in our community, and we all felt a shared responsibility to act. We hope ‘Lead Together’ sparks conversations in locker rooms, classrooms, board rooms and across kitchen tables about how we treat each other,” said Don Stirling, executive vice president of Larry H. Miller Sports & Entertainment. “Fundamentally, this isn’t about the volume of our cheering, but about the words we choose to say. The era of, ‘I didn’t know these words were hurtful,’ has passed.”

The Utah-based collaboration leans on the success of the “Take The Lead” initiative established by New England sports teams. The Jazz consulted with the Boston Red Sox, including President Sam Kennedy and Vice President of Fan Services and Entertainment Sarah McKenna, to learn best practices and help craft state-wide messaging as well as Tanisha M. Sullivan, president of the Boston branch of the NAACP, who played a key role in helping shape New England’s effort.

Locally, the Jazz enlisted assistance and input from diversity, inclusion and belonging thought-leaders across the state. Emma E. Houston, inclusion director for Salt Lake County’s Office of Diversity Affairs, said, “We appreciated the willingness of the Utah Jazz organization to not only seek advice but embrace it. Our conversations were frank, instructive and productive.”

“Respect is something to be shared and we are all responsible for our own words, deeds and actions. We should enthusiastically cheer for our favorite teams to win. However, words used to disparage the other team create a disrespectful environment that no one should be a part of. We all need to be courageous enough to speak up by taking the lead against disrespectful conduct,” Houston added.

The 60-second “Lead Together” video is available upon request at leadtogetherutah.org for sports organizations at all levels to download and feature at their games. In addition to professional and collegiate athletics, the Jazz have partnered with the Utah High School Activities Association and its 155 member schools to assist with promoting an inclusive, safe and friendly in-venue environment at their activities.

Junior Jazz, which serves more than 60,000 players across seven states, will also use “Lead Together” to add to the youth league’s message of sportsmanship, fair play and respect on the court.

“When we first started having conversations as a group across Utah sports, we realized that our experiences were all too common,” said Elaina Pappas, vice president of marketing and fan development for the Jazz and a former student-athlete. “We created ‘Lead Together’ after we looked in the mirror and realized we could all do better. We understand the platform we have and the power of joining together in a unified voice, and we hope this is just the beginning of an ongoing effort to re-examine the way we conduct ourselves in sporting venues and throughout society.”

A core principle of “Lead Together” is the development and introduction of programming that fosters a positive culture in the workplace and throughout the community. The Jazz are planning to conduct a series of “Let’s Talk” town hall events for community education and outreach on diversity, inclusion and belonging with actionable steps that can be taken by both individuals and organizations.

The Utah sports organizations and athletes will employ the hashtag #LeadTogether to continue the conversation on social media, where players, coaches and fans can show how they are promoting the values and mission of “Lead Together.”

For more information, please visit leadtogetherutah.org.

Indians Specialty Jersey Auctions Break Records

 

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indianapolis Indians announced today the team and its fans raised $55,461 through specialty jersey auctions in 2019, a record-breaking total for one of the club’s most popular promotions every season. The funds were raised through in-park auctions benefiting seven different nonprofit organizations.

“Specialty jersey auctions have held a prominent place on the Indianapolis Indians promotions calendar for the past ten years, which speaks to their popularity among our fans and partners,” said Indianapolis Indians President and General Manager Randy Lewandowski. “It’s important we use our platform as a long-standing community partner to lift up those around us. We’re focused on helping Central Indiana youth and families, and the Victory Field experience is one way we can do it.”

The 2019 beneficiaries were Folds of Honor Indiana (May 3 – Indy 500), Indiana National Guard Relief Fund (July 4 – Stars & Stripes), Children’s TherAplay Foundation (July 6 – Spider-Man), Teachers’ Treasures (July 20 – Prospects Night), Riley Children’s Foundation (August 3 – The Incredible Hulk), Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Indiana (August 17-18 – PAW Patrol, August 23-24 – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), and Special Olympics (Postseason – Circle City).

Earlier this offseason, the Tribe announced the creation of Indianapolis Indians Charities, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to helping youth and families grow stronger together, learn more and live healthier lives. It will support organizations across Central Indiana who serve in youth development, family success, education and neighborhood development. Established in 1902, the Indians are formalizing their community outreach for the first time in franchise history.

For more information or to purchase a 2020 ticket package, visit IndyIndians.com or call (317) 269-3545.

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

FirstEnergy Stadium to Host 13th Annual Eastern PA Toy Run

 

(Reading, PA) – FirstEnergy Stadium will welcome the 13th Annual Eastern PA Toy Run, presented by Classic Harley-Davidson, on Sunday, November 3rd from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Tompkins VIST Bank Plaza.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the United States Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program and The Children’s Home of Reading. Guests will be admitted to the holiday event by presenting a new, unwrapped toy of any value or by making a monetary donation that will be used to purchase additional toys for children.

Attendees who donate to the cause will also be treated to a free hot dog and drink, and enjoy live music in the VIST Bank plaza. Santa Claus will be on hand for photos from noon to 2 p.m.

Enjoy live music beginning at 12 pm with a performance by “Stupak Gallagher”

The Steve Moyer Subaru Fightin Phils Team Store will be open during the event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Everything in the store will be 20% off, with some merchandise discounted up to 50%.

Motorcycle registration for the Toy Run will begin at 9 a.m. at Classic Harley-Davidson. Santa Claus will lead the ride as it departs from Classic Harley-Davidson on Route 183 at 11 a.m. and follows a 25-mile course before arriving at America’s Classic Ballpark at approximately noon. All motorcycles, Jeeps, and classic cars are welcome to participate in the Eastern PA Toy Run with a donation of an unwrapped toy.

The Eastern PA Toy Run began in 2007 after the Berks County Toys for Tots motorcycle run was nearly cancelled due to the deployment of the Marine Corps Reserve Unit. Multiple motorcycle runs combined and teamed with the Fightin Phils in order to continue benefitting Toys for Tots in Berks and Lebanon counties as well as The Children’s Home of Reading.

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

Support the 14th Trick-Or-Beat on October 29

 

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (October 23, 2019) – The West Virginia Power, in conjunction with 98.7 The Beat, will host the 14th annual Trick-Or-Beat celebration, presented by Todd Judy Ford, at Appalachian Power Park on Tuesday, October 29. This event provides an all-purpose environment for Charleston area children to enjoy the thrills of trick-or-treating with their families in a safe manner.

The evening will consist of two trick-or-treat sessions, with the first one starting at 6 p.m. and lasting until 7 p.m. The second session commences at 7:30 p.m. and runs through 8:30 p.m. During these timeframes, children ages 12 and younger are free to roam around the ballpark, accumulating candy from various decorated and well-lit stations while jamming out to Halloween-themed music provided by DJ ActRight.

Any businesses that wish to set up a table to pass out candy or make a monetary donation towards the purchase of candy should fill out this form and contact the Power front office at 304-344-2287.

There is no cost of admission for the event, but all children are required to have a ticket to enter the ballpark. All tickets come with a pizza voucher redeemable after each child finishes traveling around the ballpark. Adults do not need a ticket to attend the event and should refrain from taking candy from the designated stations and pizza from the concession areas.

For more information on the 14th annual Trick-Or-Beat, presented by Todd Judy Ford, at Appalachian Power Park, call the Power at 304-344-2287 or visit wvpower.com.

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

Grand Slam We Care Foundation Makes Donation To Support American Red Cross – Puerto Rico

Pictured (L-R) Lydia Rios (VP, Marketing and Sponsorships – Trenton Thunder), Ana Montero (Recovery Executive Officer – American Red Cross, Puerto Rico Chapter), Carmen Garcia, Esq

The Thunder, presented by NJM Insurance, are pleased to announce that The Grand Slam We Care Foundation, the Thunder’s 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization, has made a $2,000 donation in support of on-going relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico.

As part of the Thunder’s participation in MiLB’s Copa de la Diversion campaign, the franchise raised money through ticket fundraisers, 50-50 donations and special experiences in the ballpark to support the American Red Cross’ Puerto Rico chapter in their on-going relief efforts.

“One of the most rewarding parts of my time here at the Thunder has been the impact our organization can make on communities not only right here in Mercer County, but, in communities that are important to our fans,” said Thunder GM/COO Jeff Hurley. “Once we started to engage with our local Latino community we found that a program of this nature would be paramount to them and I am thrilled that our Grand Slam We Care Foundation could find a way to support the American Red Cross’ Puerto Rico chapter in their continued relief efforts for those affected in their community.”

El Trueno de Trenton took the field for four games during the 2019 season and will once again take the field in 2020. Dates for next season will be announced at a later date as part of the 2020 Promotional Schedule.

For more information on Thunder baseball visit www.TrentonThunder.com or call 609-394-3300.

Braves Donate to United Way, Danville-Pittsylvania Cancer Association

DANVILLE, Va. – The Danville Braves donated over $2,600 to the United Way of Danville-Pittsylvania County and the Danville-Pittsylvania Cancer Association from fundraisers during the 2019 season.

In total, the Danville Braves have given over $48,000 in goods and services to Danville and the surrounding communities in 2019.

The Braves charitable contributions for the United Way came from the second annual D-Braves 5K, presented by HomeTrust Bank. The event had over 65 participants and the route of the race finished inside the Danville Braves stadium. In total, the Danville Braves were able to raise nearly $1,500 for the efforts of the United Way, who support 16 organizations across the greater Danville-Pittsylvania County area. For more information about the good work that the United Way does in Danville and surrounding areas, visit unitedwaydpc.org.

The donation for the Danville-Pittsylvania Cancer Association comes from the D-Braves Star Wars night on July 19, presented by Centra Health, where fans could purchase game-worn jerseys from Danville Braves players and coaches. On that date, Braves players touted special Han Solo jerseys. The proceeds of the sale totaled over $2,200. The Braves also sent over $1,100 to the Centra Foundation. In total, the Danville Braves have raised over $18,000 as a result of the jersey auction sales over the past nine seasons.

DPC provides financial, educational and emotional support to cancer patients in the Danville and Pittsylvania County area. Donations to the organization aim to defray the cost of cancer-related prescriptions, equipment, supplies, transportation reimbursement, nutritional supplements, as well as other special needs. For more information about the organization, visit www.danvillevacancer.org.

For more information about the Braves community initiatives or information about the 2020 season, visit dbraves.com or follow the Danville Braves on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

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

TinCaps Gear Up for Halloween

 

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The Fort Wayne TinCaps are gearing up for Halloween.

From Monday, Oct. 21 through Friday, Oct. 25, fans can go to TinCapsWin.com and enter a contest for their child to go trick-or-treating with Johnny TinCap on Thursday, Oct. 31.

Before then, Parkview Field is hosting a Scavenger Hunt on Saturday, Oct. 19 (5:00–6:45 p.m) as part of Downtown Fort Wayne’s Fright Night.

Fans are invited to the ballpark to search for items hidden around the venue. Attendees can take as much time as they need to participate. The fan who guesses the correct number, or closest to that, will win a special prize pack from the TinCaps and Parkview Field. The ballpark will also have limited concessions available, plus Halloween-themed content playing on the video board, and an appearance by Johnny TinCap. The event is suitable for all ages. Click here for more details on Fright Night.

As part of the Halloween season, Johnny TinCap will also be making the rounds at other community events such as trunk-or-treats.

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

Sounds to Host Job Fair for GLOW Nashville on Monday, October 28 at First Tennessee Park

The Nashville Sounds Baseball Club will host a job fair for part-time employment in preparation for the must-see holiday attraction GLOW Nashville on Monday, October 28 at First Tennessee Park.

The Sounds and Centerplate, the team’s food and beverage provider, will combine to hire approximately 150 employees to operate Nashville’s brightest Christmas experience from November 22 through December 31.

Positions to be hired include guest relations, ticketing, concessions cooks, dishwashers, cashiers, catering and bartenders (must have TABC Server Permit). Age requirements vary from 16 to 18 depending on the position.
TO APPLY ONLINE, CLICK HERE.

As the newest must-see holiday attraction in the Southeast, GLOW Nashville will feature one of the country’s tallest Christmas trees, millions of lights adorning larger-than-life sculptures, epic ice skating and tubing experiences, a life-size Santa’s workshop and many more immersive activities designed to create memories for all ages.
WHO: Nashville Sounds Baseball Club and Centerplate
WHAT: GLOW Nashville Job Fair
WHEN: Monday, October 28 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: First Tennessee Park – Club Level. Attendees should enter through the glass Club & Suite Entrance doors adjacent to the ticket office on Junior Gilliam Way.

All positions offer flexible hours and schedules, shifts ranging from four to eight hours in length, and hourly wages varying by position.
Interested applicants should come prepared to interview with a Sounds or Centerplate staff member and should bring two forms of government issued identification (one with a picture).

The 2020 season begins on Thursday, April 9 when the Sounds host the Iowa Cubs. 2020 season ticket memberships are on sale through the Nashville Sounds ticket office. For more information on membership packages, call 615-690-4487, or e-mail [email protected].

 

Mudcats Donate Baseball Equipment to East Wake High School

 

ZEBULON, N.C. – The Carolina Mudcats, the Class-A Advanced affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers, today donated over 50 game ready cleats and baseball equipment to the baseball program at East Wake High School in Wendell, NC. The equipment and donated cleats were worn or used by several Mudcats players throughout the club’s 2019 Carolina League season.

The Mudcats, represented by mascot Muddy the Mudcat and Director of Marketing and Community Relations Sam Barry, presented the East Wake Warriors players and coach Tony Piercy with the cleats and equipment donation to the local Title I baseball program today.

“Local schools and students in our community mean so much to our organization” said Barry. “To be able to provide these kids with such an amazing donation from our players just goes to show what we have always known, we are more than just a sports team.”

Pitcher Noah Zavolas, the 2019 Carolina League Pitcher of the Year, championed the donation effort by collecting the cleats, and other game used equipment, from his Mudcats’ teammates this past season. Zavolas was also the recipient of the Mudcats’ Ed Hales Award last season. The Ed Hales Award is awarded annually to the Mudcats player(s) who best exemplifies unselfish spirit, dedication and commitment to the community.

The Mudcats will celebrate 30 years of baseball in North Carolina when they begin the 2020 season by hosting the Winston-Salem Dash on Thursday, April 9 at Five County Stadium in Zebulon, NC. Ticket information is available by visiting the Five County Stadium front office in Zebulon, by calling (919) 269-CATS (2287) and by visiting carolinamudcats.com.

The Carolina Mudcats are the proud Carolina League, Class-A Advanced affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. First established in 1991, the two-time Southern League Champion Mudcats are entering their 30th consecutive season of baseball at Five County Stadium in Zebulon, N.C. The Mudcats are owned and operated by the Milwaukee Brewers.
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Mudcats Donate Baseball Equipment to East Wake High School

 

ZEBULON, N.C. – The Carolina Mudcats, the Class-A Advanced affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers, today donated over 50 game ready cleats and baseball equipment to the baseball program at East Wake High School in Wendell, NC. The equipment and donated cleats were worn or used by several Mudcats players throughout the club’s 2019 Carolina League season.

The Mudcats, represented by mascot Muddy the Mudcat and Director of Marketing and Community Relations Sam Barry, presented the East Wake Warriors players and coach Tony Piercy with the cleats and equipment donation to the local Title I baseball program today.

“Local schools and students in our community mean so much to our organization” said Barry. “To be able to provide these kids with such an amazing donation from our players just goes to show what we have always known, we are more than just a sports team.”

Pitcher Noah Zavolas, the 2019 Carolina League Pitcher of the Year, championed the donation effort by collecting the cleats, and other game used equipment, from his Mudcats’ teammates this past season. Zavolas was also the recipient of the Mudcats’ Ed Hales Award last season. The Ed Hales Award is awarded annually to the Mudcats player(s) who best exemplifies unselfish spirit, dedication and commitment to the community.

The Mudcats will celebrate 30 years of baseball in North Carolina when they begin the 2020 season by hosting the Winston-Salem Dash on Thursday, April 9 at Five County Stadium in Zebulon, NC. Ticket information is available by visiting the Five County Stadium front office in Zebulon, by calling (919) 269-CATS (2287) and by visiting carolinamudcats.com.

The Carolina Mudcats are the proud Carolina League, Class-A Advanced affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. First established in 1991, the two-time Southern League Champion Mudcats are entering their 30th consecutive season of baseball at Five County Stadium in Zebulon, N.C. The Mudcats are owned and operated by the Milwaukee Brewers.

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

San Jose Giants Release 2019 Community Report

The San Jose Giants released today their 2019 Community Report. The report serves as an overview of the organization’s community outreach, charitable fundraising efforts, youth development, in-stadium service and community events hosted at Municipal Stadium as well as a ‘thank you’ to all fans, partners, players and staff members.

“We are extremely blessed to open the Excite Ballpark gates to the best fans and partners in all of Minor League Baseball. The passion and loyalty displayed by our community is the inspiration behind every San Jose Giants home game and community event.,” said Daniel Orum, San Jose Giants President and CEO. “We are eager to continue the momentum next year and are working hard to bring an even better experience to Excite Ballpark in 2020.”

 

The 2019 Community Report demonstrates the club’s activity in the community and overall pledge to giving back both inside and outside the stadium’s gates. Highlights of the report include information about Giants player and mascot appearances, staff volunteer efforts, Excite Credit Union Hometown Heroes, special fundraising programs, Minor League Baseball community initiatives, in-stadium service, San Jose Giants baseball and more. For the complete 2019 San Jose Giants Community Report, click on the link below.

For more information on the San Jose Giants and how to get your organization involved next season, call 408.297.1435 or visit sjgiants.com.

View 2019 Community Report

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

SMOKIES TO HELP RESTORE CATON’S CHAPEL ELEMENTARY’S BASEBALL/SOFTBALL FIELDS

SEVIERVILLE – The Tennessee Smokies have announced they have teamed up with Tennessee 811, Sevier County Utility District, and Sevier County Electric to host a Field Restoration at Caton’s Chapel Elementary School Baseball Field on Tuesday, October 22nd.

“We are very appreciative of the generosity of the Tennessee Smokies Baseball Team and their interest in Caton’s Chapel Elementary School. Our students will greatly benefit from the renovated baseball field and facilities,” said Dr. Cline of Sevier County Schools. “The involvement of community partners in our school is helpful and allows us to do many things that might otherwise be difficult.”

Staff from all four organizations will spend the day assisting in renovations for the baseball/softball field at Caton’s Chapel Elementary School. The organizations will create a new playing surface; reset the mound and bases; repaint, repair and clean the concession stand; fix and update the batting cage as well as other renovations to the field. Equipment will also be donated after the renovation to give the elementary school the proper tools to maintain the renovated areas.

“We’re thankful for this opportunity to work alongside the Smokies and local utilities to give back to the residents of Sevier County and the students at Caton’s Chapel Elementary,” said Craig Ingram, Public Awareness Manager for Tennessee 811, the statewide “Call Before You Dig” service. “We hope the improvements to the ball field create new opportunities for children to get outside and active and are a source of pride in the community.”

“The Sevier County Utility District (SCUD) is honored to be part of the Caton’s Capel Elementary School Baseball Field renovation. By providing a renovated and updated facility, we are laying the groundwork for lessons in sportsmanship, team building, and perseverance. These are all traits we pride ourselves on at SCUD. It is a privilege for us to be a small part of helping these young kids develop their character and athletic ability.”

“Community involvement is one of Sevier County Electric System’s core values. We appreciate the invitation from the Tennessee Smokies to participate in this revitalization project,” said Allen Robbins of Sevier County Electric Systems. “This endeavor also provided SCUD and SCES the opportunity to educate the public on the importance of the 811 Call Before You Dig Campaign.”

“Being able to support our community in such a meaningful way is very important to us,” said Tim Volk, General Manager of the Tennessee Smokies. “We love getting out into the community and giving back as much as we can.”

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

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