Archives for August 2020

Star panel highlights Refusing To Lose: A Discussion on Diversity in Sports luncheon

 

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp have lined up an All-Star panel for the club’s Refusing To Lose: A Discussion on Diversity in Sports luncheon presented by Sight & Sound Productions and Mugwump Productions, which runs from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Friday, September 18 at 121 Financial Ballpark.

The panel, moderated by First Coast News sports director Chris Porter, features former Minor League Baseball player and current Charleston RiverDogs director of community outreach Chris Singleton, Jacksonville Jaguars senior vice president and chief marketing officer Julian Duncan, Jaguars vice president of social responsibility and impact T-Neisha Tate, ATP Tour director of player development Erika Kegler and Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp executive vice president/general manager Harold Craw. Discussion will be versed around the role of diversity in sports, the challenges the industry faces in regards to diversity and how such diversity can make the sports industry a leader in promoting positive change.

A limited number of tables, priced at $100 for a group of four, are available for the luncheon. Each table includes access to a food line featuring a menu of fried coconut torpedo shrimp, pulled pork with Texas toast and slaw, marinated chicken breast, scalloped potatoes, fresh green beans, dinner rolls, chef salad, fresh fruit, sweet tea, lemonade, water, cookies and assorted fried donuts. Tables must be reserved by Wednesday, September 16 by calling the Jumbo Shrimp at (904) 358-2846.

A former Chicago Cubs minor league farmhand from 2017-18, Singleton is a nationally-renowned speaker whose message of forgiveness following the loss of his mother, Sharonda Coleman Singleton, in the June 2015 Mother Emanuel AME Church tragedy helped galvanize the city of Charleston and the nation. He has presented to over 50 organization in 2020 alone and has been featured on ESPN’s E:60, Sports Illustrated, CNN, The Today Show and USA Today. His first book, “Different,” has sold thousands of copies and has been featured by numerous outlets, including The Obama Foundation. Singleton has also created the Love Thy Neighbor brand with a message of spreading love and putting an end to racism.

As the Jaguars’ chief marketing officer, Duncan is responsible for leading the strategic and creative development of all marketing, branding, digital, experiential, and promotional strategies and tactical execution platforms for the Jaguars and Bold Events. A native of Houston and former student-athlete at Rice University, Duncan pursues his passion of increasing minority participation in the marketing field via his role on the advisory board of the Marcus Graham Project, whose mission is to identify, expose, mentor and train ethnically diverse women and men in various aspects of marketing and brand management.

A native of Jacksonville, Tate is one of the public faces of the Jacksonville Jaguars Foundation, which awards nearly $2 million annually for programs in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia that spotlight children and families, education, active-duty military and veteran support, women’s health, youth football, sports safety, fitness and nutrition and community and neighborhood development. The Raines High School graduate has helped the Jaguars Foundation implement NFL initiatives like the Play 60 youth nutrition and exercise program while also partnering with NFL and local philanthropies to bring LISC, a national community development nonprofit, to Jacksonville.

As director of player development at the ATP Tour, the governing body of the men’s professional tennis circuit, Kegler guides the organization’s player enrichment programs for professional tennis players, elite juniors and alumni. The programs include professional and personal development workshops, continuing education opportunities and career transition services. A native of Jacksonville who earned her MBA from the University of North Florida, Kegler has worked at the ATP Tour for over 25 years, holding a broad range of responsibilities while providing customized services for world-class athletes, international tennis tournaments and global media organizations.

The first African-American to win Executive of the Year for any league in Minor League Baseball, Craw was voted the 2017 Southern League Jimmy Bragan Executive of the Year by the general managers of the league member clubs. With 17 seasons of Minor League Baseball experience, the Chattanooga, Tenn., native oversees the Jumbo Shrimp’s marketing and sales, community engagement, game-day experience and all other operational aspects of the organization. He is an active volunteer in the Jacksonville community, mentoring middle school youth through Jacksonville’s Duval County Public Schools 5000 Role Models program. While working for the RiverDogs, Craw co-founded and co-chaired the Charleston RBI Baseball League.

A three-time Emmy-nominated journalist, Porter leads the First Coast News sports team and serves as the station’s primary sports anchor on weekday evenings and nights.

All Jumbo Shrimp employees will be wearing face coverings throughout the event and all guests will be required to wear face coverings upon entry and while they move about the ballpark. Face coverings may be removed once guests arrive to their socially distanced table.

ABOUT THE JUMBO SHRIMP: The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp offer affordable family fun at 121 Financial Ballpark. Their inaugural season garnered the Southern League’s Don Mincher Organization of the Year, Promotional Trophy and Jimmy Bragan Executive of the Year, won by general manager Harold Craw. The club added its second Promotional Trophy in three years following the 2019 season. To experience the excitement with the terrific value of ticket and group options, call the Jumbo Shrimp at (904) 358-2846 or visit www.jaxshrimp.com.

Paul Davis Scholarship At Clinton Community College Announced

The LumberKings and the entire Clinton community lost a good friend in March with the sudden passing of LumberKings President Paul Davis. To honor his memory, friends and family have established a scholarship at Clinton Community College to honor him and his commitment to education and the community. Paul Davis

The LumberKings and the entire Clinton community lost a good friend in March with the sudden passing of LumberKings President Paul Davis. To honor his memory, friends and family have established a scholarship at Clinton Community College to honor him and his commitment to education and the community.

Paul Davis grew up in Des Moines, Iowa and attended Clinton Community College. An agent with the Iowa Bankers Association in Des Moines, he placed great value in education. He was a dedicated volunteer and champion for many causes in the community. His love of sports grew from being an athlete as a young kid, to coaching at all levels, especially the 20-plus seasons of coaching his children’s teams. He loved attending events with wife Kris, and supporting his family by cheering on any team they are part of.

Camanche High School Basketball Coach Josh Davis said this about his father, “Dad was a great example on how to serve others. It was great to have him involved with our basketball program in Camanche. Most of the things I do as a coach, I learned from watching him when I was a kid. This scholarship will be a great way to honor his memory.”

Paul was an official with the Iowa High School Boys and Girls Athletic Associations, as well as the NAIA and NCAA college associations. He served on a variety of foundations including Riverboat Days, Clinton Junior Baseball, local volleyball organizations, and was Past President of the Clinton LumberKings Baseball Club.

Clinton LumberKings General Manager Ted Tornow commented, “Paul valued education and learning. He was always looking for ways to improve not only himself, but others. He touched many lives in this community and this scholarship is a testament to a life well-lived. Many future students will benefit from this and I know that Paul would be very happy to know that.”

The Paul Davis Memorial Scholarship, an annual $500 scholarship through the Paul B. Sharar Foundation for Clinton Community College, will be awarded to a CCC student who makes a difference. The student must demonstrate a commitment to their education and to the community through hard work and active volunteerism. Paul Davis believed that everyone in the community could come together to make this a great place. He valued hard work, and also appreciated the lessons that extracurricular activities could provide.

For more information about the Paul Davis Memorial Scholarship, contact the Paul B. Sharar Foundation at 563-244-7040. Donations can be made to the Paul Davis Memorial Scholarship at Clinton Community College Sharar Foundation, 1000 Lincoln Blvd., Clinton, Iowa or at https://www.eicc.edu/alumni-and-giving/sharar-foundation/.

Even Without Baseball, Blue Wahoos Create Special Night For Hall Of Fame Batboy 

 

His face aglow, Wade Vadakin stood near home plate at Blue Wahoos Stadium, soaking in the cheers and relishing a special moment in his inspiring life.

There’s no minor league baseball season, of course, in this summer of the coronavirus pandemic. No games to work as he has done the past two-plus decades.

No runs to celebrate.

And his former team, the Mobile BayBears, where he became the beloved face of the franchise as team batboy for its 22 seasons in Mobile, now no longer exist.

But the Blue Wahoos, who “signed” Vadakin exactly one year ago Tuesday (Aug. 11, 2019) to join their team as batboy, were able to now honor him for his 2020 induction into the Southern League Hall of Fame.

“It feels great. It feels a little awkward, because I spent my whole career working in Mobile,” said Vadakin, 41, who has overcome so much in his life since being born with congenital brain-stem damage and visual impairment, along with battling diabetes since he was 13 months old.

The Blue Wahoos honored him during their August 8th “Summer Spectacular,” following the movie, “Sandlot,” and before fireworks lit the sky above Pensacola Bay. The event was a rebrand from the planned Fourth of July show, which had to be postponed during the surge of COVID-19 cases in the area and rising concerns.

Blue Wahoos team president Jonathan Griffith, who traveled to Mobile last year before the teams’ last-ever series, presented Vadakin with the Hall of Fame award as people were gathered in safe distances throughout the infield.

“We were going to do (presentation) on opening day (back in April). And of course, that didn’t happen,” Griffith said. “Then we were going to do it on the Fourth of July celebration and that didn’t happen.

“But (August 8) is the biggest event we’ve had all summer. Now we were able to honor him in a safe way… and his history in the Southern League.”

Vadakin was thrilled, along with his parents, Jeff and Kit, who have taken care of him and have driven him to all the games from their family home in Fairhope.

“With that team (BayBears) being gone, I have hooked on with this team here,” said Vadakin, clutching the Hall of Fame plaque with both hands and a vice-grip of pride. “When I first got that voice mail about being inducted, I thought, could this be real?

“Could this actually be happening. I am still trying to wrap my head around this whole thing… It’s crazy.”

It’s also notable for so many reasons.

Vadakin was given a key to the city by a former Mobile mayor in 2012 after working his 1,000th game for the BayBears. He’s worked hundreds more through 2019 season when the BayBears had their farewell season and transferred into the Rocket City Trash Pandas in Madison, Ala., near Huntsville.

Former baseball star Jay Bell, a Tate High grad, who rose in MLB stardom and a World Series title, would have been the Trash Pandas manager this season.

During the past decade, Vadakin has beat back cancer in 2014 and double-pneumonia in February 2019.

Vadakin has been featured on his own baseball card and in other ways during his two-plus decades as BayBears batboy.

“You exemplify what Minor League Baseball is really about and your presence has made a major impact on everyone who has known you,” said Lori Webb, the Southern League president, in a video message played at Blue Wahoos Stadium during the on-field presentation.

“Wade, you officially become a member of a very select circle of folks who have made an indelible mark in the Southern League.”

This year’s SL Hall of Fame Class includes former Cincinnati Reds manager Sparky Anderson, who is enshrined in the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y. as one of the greatest managers in MLB history.

Another Cooperstown member, former Seattle Mariners third baseman Edgar Martinez, is part of the Southern League 2020 class, along with current Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker and former Charlotte O’s owner Frances Crockett Ringley.

“I’m honored to be considered a member of this great, great group,” Vadakin said. “Just look at the people who have been inducted over the years… my all-time favorite player Willie Mays (who grew up in Westfield, Alabama, near Birmingham) Randy Johnson, Bo Jackson. Turner Ward… just unbelievable.

“I’ve been part of four (Southern League) championship teams over in Mobile. This ranks right there. Being chosen for the Hall of Fame, that’s right up there with one of those championship rings.”

Once it became known the BayBears were ending their franchise in Mobile, Griffith met with Blue Wahoos owner Quint Studer about the possibility of bringing Vadakin to Pensacola for selected home games.

“(Family) were pretty devastated when the BayBears announced they were going to leave and go to Madison,” Griffith said. “It’s been such a part of his Wade’s life, part of the family’s life.

“I just felt like we needed to make sure we try to take care of that and offer him a job, an opportunity to work in Pensacola. And we weren’t sure he would take it or not. So, it worked out well and we are happy to have Wade on our staff now.”

The Blue Wahoos will continue to offer movie and fireworks nights through the next several weeks, including this Saturday (Aug. 15) with the showing of Walt Disney’s “Angels In The Outfield,” followed by fireworks. Admission is $5.

Masks will be required for entrance, or be provided for those who don’t have one. The team’s request is for people to wear the masks whenever on the concourse, or in line for concessions. The Blue Wahoos staff will be wearing masks and everyone handling tickets or money will be wearing gloves.

The rescheduled Fourth of July event on Aug. 8 attracted nearly 2,000 fans, the largest attended event of the year, so far, for the Blue Wahoos.

“I think it shows that, when you can do an event in open air, and the weather is good, people will come out,” Griffith said. “I think we’re able to give people space to have events.

“People want to come out. You have to do it in a safe way.”

Cutters & SCI Launch “My Best Summer Read” Contest

 

The Williamsport Crosscutters have teamed up with Susquehanna Computer Innovations of South Williamsport to offer area students a chance to win a new laptop computer system with the “My Best Summer Read” Contest.

“We are grateful to Susquehanna Computer Innovations and their owner Tim Heitzman, for teaming up with us for this special program,” stated Gabe Sinicropi, the Cutters Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations. “SCI has been a long-time partner in our Grand Slam Reading Program which was suspended this year due to schools closing in the spring. Despite that, the Cutters and SCI both agreed that we still wanted to offer something to area students.”

The contest is open to all area students age 14 and under. To enter, parents are required to send an email entry with a photo of their child holding a favorite book that they read this summer. Along with the photo, the email entry should contain the child’s name, age, the book title and author along with what they liked most about the book (in 50 words or less). All entries are to be submitted via email no later than September 7 to [email protected].

All valid entrants will receive a certificate for a free ticket to a Williamsport Crosscutters game of their choice in 2021. The winning entry will be determined via a random drawing of all valid entries. The drawing, done by Boomer, the Cutters mascot, will take place live on the Williamsport Crosscutters Facebook page September 8 at 7pm.

Fans can find more information on the “My Best Summer Read” Contest by clicking HERE.

DOWN EAST WOOD DUCKS TO HOST YOUTH SOFTBALL CAMP

 

Kinston, North Carolina – The Down East Wood Ducks will host a Youth Softball Camp, Presented by Stallings Plumbing, Heating and A/C, on Monday, August 31st through Wednesday, September 2nd.

The Youth Softball Camp will offer daily sessions from 9am-1pm. The three day camp is $50 per participant for all three days. This camp will include instructions on infield, outfield, pitching, catching and hitting.

The instructors will include current and former team members from the Shockers travel softball team along with Head Coach Jody Turner. The Shockers teams have produced 104 D1 college athletes over the years and the current team will be sending one hundred percent of its senior class to play collegiate softball. “The Shockers are both honored and thrilled to partner with the DEWDS to bring fast pitch softball to historic Grainger Stadium. We cherish every opportunity to cultivate a young girl’s dream of playing a game that promotes integrity in all aspects of life” says head coach Jody Turner

As part of our COVID19 event protocol, each child is responsible for bringing their own equipment to the camp (i.e bat, glove, cap, catching equipment if applicable) as well as water or Gatorade. Limited concessions will be available daily. Each session will be limited in space to not only help with one on one instruction time but also for social distancing. Parents will be required to sign a waiver for the participant and themselves prior to entering the Grainger Stadium.

Parents may register their children by calling Jackson Cook at 252-686-5142 or email Jackson at [email protected].There is limited space so don’t delay, contact Jackson and register today as we expect the camps to fill up in advance.

Volcanoes’ Cancer Awareness Tradition to Continue

Event to include Fans, Fan Cutouts, Survivors and Fireworks; Volcanoes to take the field for first and only time in 2020!

KEIZER, Oregon — The Salem-Keizer Volcanoes’ Cancer Awareness tradition of honoring survivors will continue with a celebration and baseball game planned for Thursday, Oct. 1, 2020, at Volcanoes Stadium.

“While things will look different than prior years, we felt it was especially important for the event to survive the pandemic and provide something for survivors to look forward to,” said Lisa Walker, co-owner of the Volcanoes. “We’ve been doing this for nearly 20 years. It is one of our marquee events and something the Volcanoes have become known for and thanks to Dr. Bud Pierce of Oregon Oncology, co-founder of the event, the tradition will continue this year. It’s also a perfect way to kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month.”

Thanks to collaboration with Derek Legg, Head Coach for Corban University, the Volcanoes will field a team for the first and only time in 2020 and play a game versus the Corban University Warriors at Volcanoes Stadium. Game time will be 6:35 p.m.

Cancer Survivors may e-mail volcanoes@volcanoesbaseball.com and request FREE tickets to the game, compliments of Dr. Pierce. Capacity will be limited to 250 people per Covid-19 protocols and to allow for 6’ social distancing.

“We have over 4,000 seats, so this is a perfect venue for social distancing and provides a safe environment,” said Walker.

The balance of the stadium will not be empty as fans, for just $30 each, will have the opportunity to have a cardboard cutout image of themselves, or order a cutout to honor a cancer survivor whom was unable to attend, or have a cutout in memory of a loved one placed in a seat at the stadium. The cutout(s) will be available for fans to pick up as a keepsake following the event! Fans should e-mail volcanoes@volcanoesbaseball.com for complete details on how to submit their photos. Deadline for submission is Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2020.

The Volcanoes will also be providing a gift to all cancer survivors who attend the game and the evening will conclude with a spectacular fireworks show.

Cardinals, Missouri Lottery partner for Teacher of the Month Award

 

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Springfield Cardinals and Missouri Lottery are proud to announce the Cardinals Teacher of the Month Award program, presented by Missouri Lottery.

Created as a way to honor local-area educators from all grade levels, the Cardinals Teacher of the Month Award program, presented by Missouri Lottery, is set to launch on August 12. The Cardinals are accepting Teacher of the Month nominations right now on SpringfieldCardinals.com/molotteryteachers, creating an opportunity to shine the spotlight on teachers who are making a difference in the lives of their students during these challenging times.

To show gratitude for their important contributions to the Southwest Missouri community, each Teacher of the Month will receive one 2021 Luxury Suite Rental with food and beverage for up to 18 people, one Ceremonial First Pitch, recognition on the Cardinals Video Board and 18 Cardinals Caps, all made possible by Missouri Lottery.

One hundred percent of Missouri Lottery profits are earmarked for education. In fact, since Lottery began 34 years ago, it has generated more than $6.5 BILLION for the state and public education.

“We’re really excited to recognize some of the great educators in the region,” Cardinals Vice President & General Manager Dan Reiter said. “Both the Cardinals and Missouri Lottery have worked closely with and supported local schools and teachers for years, making this partnership a perfect fit to honor a profession that truly shapes the future leaders of our country.”

In order to be eligible for the program, nominees for Teacher of the Month must be public school teachers in the state of Missouri. Missouri public school teachers at all grade levels and disciplines are eligible for nomination.

Tortugas planning special event in honor of Jackie Robinson Ballpark’s namesake

 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The Daytona Tortugas invite the community to celebrate Jackie Robinson Day with a special event at Jackie Robinson Ballpark on Aug. 28.

Attendees will have the opportunity to watch on the Tortugas’ 36-foot-wide videoboard as the Cincinnati Reds take on the Chicago Cubs from Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati as part of Major League Baseball’s celebration of Jackie Robinson Day. In addition, fans will be invited to play catch on the field and win prizes by playing Baseball Bingo.

Tickets are $15 per person and include an official Florida State League baseball with each ticket. Tickets must be purchased in advance via the Tortugas’ website. Fans also can purchase Stand With The Jack jerseys for only $15 as an add-on option at checkout.

Gates will open at 6:30 p.m., and the Reds-Cubs game is scheduled to start at 7:10 p.m. All Tortugas staff will wear face masks in accordance with the Tortugas’ Re-Opening Protocols, and all attendees are encouraged to do so as well.

Register for the Rip It Baseballtown Charities Fall Showcase 

 

Rip It Baseballtown Charities is excited to announce its fall showcases for 13U, 14U, 15/16U, and 18/19U. All games are played at America’s Classic Ballpark, FirstEnergy Stadium, the home of the Reading Fightin Phils!

With the uncertainty of fall sports, the Rip It Baseballtown Charities Showcase will provide athletes with the opportunity to play on a professional baseball field. The showcase is open to all teams within the age classification. Join us for two weekends filled with memorable baseball and fun!

Rip It Baseballtown Charities Showcase 15/16U

Friday, September 11 – Sunday, September 13

$750 for a two game showcase at America’s Classic Ballpark – FirstEnergy Stadium, the home of the Reading Fightin Phils!

Teams will be paired against like opponents.

SPACE IS VERY LIMITED! Enter today so you are not shut out!!!

Rip It Baseballtown Charities Showcase 18/19U

Friday, September 11 – Sunday, September 13

$750 for a two game showcase at America’s Classic Ballpark – FirstEnergy Stadium, the home of the Reading Fightin Phils!

Teams will be paired against like opponents.

SPACE IS VERY LIMITED! Enter today so you are not shut out!!!

Rip It Baseballtown Charities Showcase 13U

Friday, September 18 – Sunday, September 20

$750 for a two game showcase at America’s Classic Ballpark – FirstEnergy Stadium, the home of the Reading Fightin Phils!

Teams will be paired against like opponents.

SPACE IS VERY LIMITED! Enter today so you are not shut out!!!

Rip It Baseballtown Charities Showcase 14U

Friday, September 18 – Sunday, September 20

$750 for a two game showcase at America’s Classic Ballpark – FirstEnergy Stadium, the home of the Reading Fightin Phils!

Teams will be paired against like opponents.

SPACE IS VERY LIMITED! Enter today so you are not shut out!!!

Call C.J. Lindsay at 484-784-7392 or email *[email protected]* to reserve your spot.

Please note – if any games are unable to be played, either because of weather, or Covid-19 related issues, teams will receive a full prorated refund (ie. if you pay $750, and only play 1 game, you would receive a $375 refund). Teams must provide a Certificate of Insurance in advance.

This showcase is presented by T-Mobile, E.G.Smith, Inc, Abilities in Motion, Fleetwood Bank, Comfort Pro Inc, Albright College, Stoney Creek Rentals, Deer Country Farm & Lawn, Inc., and PSECU!

Proceeds will benefit Baseballtown Charities – helping more kids play baseball. Specifically – Inner-City kids, and physically and developmentally challenged kids. Thank you for supporting Baseballtown Charities. Admission, as well as parking, is FREE for all fans. R-Phils concessions will be open at all games for fans to enjoy their favorite ballpark food and drink.

All information about the showcase and FirstEnergy Stadium’s COVID safety guidelines can be found at milb.com/reading/events/showcase.

FirstEnergy stadium is the Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies and the home of the Reading Fightin Phils. The stadium is located at 1900 Centre Avenue, Reading, PA 19605.

Shorebirds Baseball Camp Set for August 25 – 27

 

The Delmarva Shorebirds are excited to announce that we will be hosting a 3-day Shorebirds Baseball Camp from August 25 – 27 with each day running from 9 AM to 12 PM. The camp is limited to the first 50 people ages 5 – 12 and will be led under the instruction of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore baseball staff including Hawks Head Coach Brian Hollamon.

“We have a tremendous relationship with Coach Hollamon and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and are excited to partner together for the Shorebirds Baseball Camp,” said Shorebirds General Manager Chris Bitters. “Throughout these unprecedented times, we all have been forced to adapt, but we are thankful that we are still going to be able to host our annual baseball camp and continue to teach the game of baseball to our youth with first-class instruction from Coach Hollamon and his staff.”

The camp will run from 9 AM to 12 PM each day from August 25 through August 27 and costs $120 per camper for the entire event. Each camper will receive lunch after each day and one Camp T-Shirt that is all included with your child’s registration for the Shorebirds Baseball Camp. To register for this event, please click here or go to our website at www.theshorebirds.com.

Coach Hollamon has been the skipper of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore since August of 2017 as 2020 marked his 3rd season with the Hawks. Hollamon is a fixture in the Delmarva baseball community, after coaching Parkside High School to 14 straight winning seasons, two-state finalist appearances, and earning the accolades of Bayside South Coach of the Year three times and District 8 Coach of the Year twice before taking the helm for the NCAA Division 1, University of Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks.

All campers are required to bring their own equipment and campers will not be permitted to share equipment due to local and state health guidelines. Baseballs will be provided and we ask that all campers please arrive in proper baseball attire by 8:45 AM each day.

Parents are allowed to watch the camp inside Arthur W. Perdue Stadium, but will be required to wear a mask until reaching their seat. Campers should wear a mask when arriving to the stadium, but will not be required to wear masks when participating in athletic activities and the Shorebirds will be sanitizing all frequently touched areas throughout the event.

To register, please visit theshorebirds.com by clicking here. If you have any questions at all in regard to the event, please email [email protected] or call 410-219-3112.

“Week of Giving” Presented by Truist

 

2020 Week of Giving

 

The Charlotte Knights are pleased to announce that the team’s “Knights Care 4 CLT” initiative, which was launched back on April 15, has raised over $125,000 and the team will now disperse the funds to those affected by COVID-19. With help from a $75,000 donation from naming rights partner, Truist, and additional contributions from Charlotte Knights Charities, sponsors and fans, the team will donate those funds to healthcare workers, seven local-area charities, and Knights’ employees (part-time, game-day, and full-time) who are in need.

“As this pandemic continues to affect so many in our community, we are very pleased to begin dispersing these much-needed funds to those who need some help,” stated Dan Rajkowski, Charlotte Knights Chief Operating Officer. “We are so thankful to Truist, as well as our generous partners and fans who helped us raise these funds for those in need. Baseball has a way of bringing communities together and we hope that we are able to help those in the community who have been affected by this difficult time in our nation’s history.”

In addition to the funds dispersed to Knights’ displaced employees due to COVID-19 from the cancellation of the 2020 season, the team is also contributing $15,000 from the “Knights Care 4 CLT” fund to Atrium Health, one of the team’s founding partners.

Rajkowski added, “In the face of this pandemic, our healthcare workers rose to the challenge and continued to care for our community in this time of need. As a part of our Knights Care 4 CLT campaign, we are very pleased to donate a portion of the funds to the Atrium Health Essential Needs Fund, addressing PPE and supply shortages.”

“It’s generous support from community partners like the Charlotte Knights that continues to enhance Atrium Health’s efforts to fulfill its mission of providing the best care to all during the current pandemic,” said Armando Chardiet, President of Atrium Health Foundation. “The Charlotte Knights organization has been a close friend of the Foundation since 2002, and we are extremely grateful for their recent $15,000 contribution to the Atrium Health Essential Needs Fund.”

As part of this initiative, the Knights have selected seven local Charlotte area nonprofits who were in need of some extra funding during these unprecedented times. Organizations receiving the allocated funds — a total of $40,000 — include Bright Blessings, Care Ring, Classroom Central, Promising Pages, Roof Above, Second Harvest Food Bank and A Child’s Place | Thompson Child & Family Focus. As part of the financial donations to these organizations, members of the team’s front office staff will also volunteer their time from August 3-10 during the club’s annual “Week of Giving” presented by Truist. The Knights’ front office staff committed to a goal of 500 community service hours through non-profits, blood drive contributions, and an educational outreach program as part of the Knights Care 4 CLT campaign. To date, the Knights have given 550+ hours back to the community through various in-person and virtual volunteer opportunities.

The Ems Tip Their Cap to the 100th Anniversary of the Negro Baseball League

 

This season the Eugene Emeralds were set to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the formation of the Negro Baseball League at PK Park. This league was known for spotlighting some great sportsmanship. Although the pandemic has stopped the Emeralds season, we will move forward with recognizing some of the great players who played in the Negro Baseball Leagues.

Baseball had a prominent standing in African American society since the mid to late 1800s. Racist norms of the day prevented teams with black players from joining the Association of Amateur Baseball Players and this segregation was codified in the 1890’s by a “gentlemen’s agreement” among National League owners. Banned from the major leagues, black athletes and teams barnstormed in the US, competing against anyone who would play them.

In 1920, Andrew “Rube” Foster, the managers of one of these teams and a former pitcher, met with 7 of the owners of similar teams in Kansas City, MO and created the Negro National League, comprised of eight teams from the Northeast and Midwest. This Negro National League is generally recognized as the first of the Negro Leagues, and it provided a spotlight on some of the best baseball players of the era.

From the beginning the league had many hardships. In addition to racism, Jim Crow laws, and tough economic conditions, most teams played in ballparks owned by white teams which were only available when the white team was out of town. Games were sometimes cancelled when a profitable exhibition against a white team became available. Wide disparity in the quality of teams exasperated financial woes and led to a number of team failures which, in turn, led to league failures. Despite the hardships, the decades between 1920 and 1950 always included at least one active league.

World War II led to an improvement in the economic situation of many African Americans, which in turn lead to a great improvement in the leagues. Similar to MLB, many teams lost players to the armed forces, but the leagues continued to put a quality product on the field. Teams became a linchpin for economic development in black communities. Games drew crowds of over 5,000 and black business men and women started to build their businesses around the game of baseball. They saw the chance to offer goods, services and entertainment to the players as they would come through town for games. Cities began to see hotels, restaurants, night clubs, barbershops and barrooms being created to cater to players and their crowds.

The integration of Major League Baseball that started in 1947 with Negro League alumnus Jackie Robinson led to a slow but irreversible gutting of talent of the Negro Leagues. Teams were not able to compete financially and did not want to stand in the way of African Americans playing in the Majors. Quality of play declined and finances suffered. Teams tried to stay relevant by signing white players as well as women, but it wasn’t enough and the last one folded in the 1960’s.

Many outstanding players started their playing careers in the Negro League and the Eugene Emeralds will be highlighting some of the players over the next week. Be sure to watch the Emeralds Facebook page as we learn more about founder Rube Foster, Josh Gibson, James Bell and Toni Stone. You can also visit the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum e-museum (http://www.nlbemuseum.com/ to find out more about the League and its players. Please join us as we tip our cap to honor the Negro Leagues in its centennial year.

Bulls & WGU North Carolina Announce Military Appreciation Event

 

The Durham Bulls announced today the launch of a recognition program in partnership with WGU North Carolina and the USO of North Carolina, to provide a unique, special experience for active military and their families.

Beginning Monday, the Bulls will host pre-registered military families at Durham Bulls Athletic Park and provide the opportunity to take batting practice, play catch in the outfield, enjoy yard games or just breathe in the fresh air for a 45-minute session, underneath the stadium lights.

“We are extremely happy to be able to offer these military families a special experience at the ballpark,” said Nick Bavin, Director of Corporate Partnerships at the Durham Bulls. “We are always grateful for the sacrifice these individuals and their families make for us, so we’re excited to be able to play a part in putting a smile on their faces during these trying times.”

“As a military spouse, I know firsthand that opportunities like these are greatly appreciated,” said WGU North Carolina Chancellor Catherine Truitt. “We look forward to hosting these families for a memorable experience of a lifetime.”

In addition to the on-field experience, the event will also serve as a ‘Back to School’ kickoff with WGU North Carolina providing school supplies to the children in attendance.

WGU North Carolina is a One Star Patriot Circle Partner of the USO of North Carolina and was recently named the number one military school in the nation in the category of online/vocational in an announcement that can be found here: https://www.wgu.edu/newsroom/press-release/2020/02/wgu-named-number-one-by-military-friendly.html.

About WGU North Carolina

WGU North Carolina is an online competency-based university established to expand access to higher education for North Carolina residents. The university offers more than 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the fields of business, K-12 teacher education, information technology, and health professions, including nursing. Degrees are granted under the accreditation of Western Governors University, which is accredited through the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Driving innovation as the nation’s leading competency-based university, WGU has been recognized by the White House, state leaders, employers, and students as a model that works in post-secondary education. WGU has been named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies, and has been featured on NPR, NBC Nightly News, CNN, and in The New York Times. Learn more at nc.wgu.edu.

TinCaps Donate $10,000 to the Parkview Foundations

Money Raised Through “IN This Together” T-Shirt Sales

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The Fort Wayne TinCaps are proud to have donated $10,000 to the Parkview Foundations, as a way of expressing support and appreciation for healthcare workers during the fight against COVID-19. The money was raised through the sales of special edition TinCaps “IN This Together” t-shirts.

“We’re glad to support healthcare workers in our community while they’re protecting us during these uncertain times,” said Michael Limmer, TinCaps Vice President for Marketing and Promotions. “In addition to our tremendous appreciation for our healthcare heroes, we also send gratitude to all of our fans who purchased an ‘IN This Together’ t-shirt.”

Parkview Health is a not-for-profit health system. As a 501(c)(3), Parkview Foundations accept tax-deductible donations. These fund essential needs such as new equipment, enhanced health services, outreach programs, the expansion of medical facilities, access to medication, and assistance to patients and their families. 100% of every gift made through Parkview Foundations is used to benefit patients, their families, and the care received at Parkview Health locations.

“We’d like to thank each of the TinCaps fans who bought a t-shirt and supported the Parkview Foundations,” said Ben Miles, President of Parkview Regional Medical Center and Affiliates, and Interim Senior Vice President of Parkview Foundations. “These donations are going to support our Parkview Health frontline workers. Each of us has been impacted in some way during this pandemic. Your donation to the Parkview Foundations is helping us to keep patient care at the forefront of everything we do. We’re honored to serve you and to support our TinCaps as well.”

The t-shirts, which were produced by _18 Threads_, a Fort Wayne-based custom print apparel shop, are green and read “TinCaps” across the chest. While the team’s primary logo features a red apple at the center, this design substituted in a red heart. Below that is the phrase “IN This Together,” part of a statewide campaign to promote social distancing to keep Hoosiers healthy and return Indiana to normal social interactions and business operations. Nearly 1,000 shirts were sold from late April through late June.

Fans can continue to support the Parkview Foundations thanks to a partnership that allows tax-deductible monetary donations to be used to provide TinCaps Meal Kits to Parkview Health frontline workers. For more information on how you or your organization can donate to this program, call 260-407-2813 or email limmer@tincaps.com.