Archives for January 2021

The Change Up Field Project

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The Change-Up Field Project is committed to positively impacting the lives of individuals in our local community by enhancing existing facilities into safe spaces to further develop skills necessary for baseball and life.

On January 31st, 2020 the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation in partnership with The Cape Group awarded the Change-Up Field Project grant to two deserving youth baseball organizations – Richmond City Baseball Association and Dunbar Little League.

Due to the impacts of COVID-19 on local baseball organizations, we paused the application process for The Change Up Field Project for the 2021 cycle as it is important for our community to directly impact from the upgrades made to these facilities. Applications for the Change Up Field Project 2022 cycle will be accepted in August 2021 (subject to change).

While we understand that many organizations are in need of support, we require that grant applicants meet the following criteria for eligibility:

The Change Up Field Project increases access for children and youth programs that focus on:

· Self-development of youth increasing the access to the sport of baseball

· Developing life skills of all those that have access to the facility

· Facility upgrades to allow for inclusion of all youth to utilize the space regardless of ability

· The Change Up Project proposals may include, but are not limited to:

· The building of new infrastructure benefitting the league and local community

· Improving existing spaces to increase programming capacity, overall usage, safety, accessibility and inclusiveness for all participants

The application process for the 2020-21 Change-Up Project cycle is currently closed.

Updates from the 2020 recipients of the Change Up Project grant:

Richmond City Baseball Association

Following receiving the Change-Up Project $50,000 grant, the City of Richmond installed full natural turf infields at Palmer Secondary School to the three main diamonds. These were previously used for fastball and the turf infields have made them more playable in rain and given true bounces for safer plays.

In order to have the greatest impact on all age groups that play with RCBA, portable mounds were also purchased allowing for the easy field conversions from U11 to U13 distances and are very consistent and require no maintenance compared to clay mounds.

Dunbar Little League

The summer of 2020 was supposed to look a lot different for Dunbar Little League as they were supposed to host the British Columbia Little League Provincials. At Memorial Park located in Dunbar, there was several upgrades that were needed to accommodate all the ages that play within League.

With the Change-Up Project grant, the playing surface on both the majors and minors fields will be improved to provide a safe environment for all athletes. In order to allow for a long training season for the teams, the batting cages located near the Major Field will also be seeing some upgrades with new lighting, wind screens and proper storage for field equipment to keep up the facility.

A Thank You from the Boys and Girls Clubs of South Coast BC

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Through the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation, C’s Co-Owner Jeff Mooney and wife Suzanne Bolton have committed to providing scholarships to members of the Boys and Girls Clubs or South Coast BC who were in either Grade 11 or 12 could step forward and apply for post-secondary grants that could reach up-to-$15,000.

Several of the Boys and Girls Clubs of South Coast BC recipients from the the scholarship program wanted to share their appreciation for the opportunity to pursue their academic dreams.

We are excited to see how these young adults can make an impact in our community!

To learn more about the Foundation: https://www.milb.com/vancouver/commun…​

To support during #BeyondTheNat​ Week: https://trellis.org/beyondthenatweek

Jumbo Shrimp to hold food & beverage job fairs Feb. 6 & 17

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Club seeks candidates for seasonal food and beverage positions

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – With the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp’s 2021 season of Affordable Family Fun on the horizon, the club has set two job fairs in February for 2021 seasonal food and beverage positions at 121 Financial Ballpark.

The Jumbo Shrimp will host food and beverage job fairs from both 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, February 6 and 4:30-8 p.m. on Wednesday, February 17 at 121 Financial Ballpark.

The Jumbo Shrimp are seeking candidates for:

-Concessions Manager

-Concessions Floor Supervisor

-Warehouse Manager

-Suite Attendant

-Concessions Workers

-Concessions Cook

-Bartender

-Warehouse Worker

-Party Deck Attendant

-Vending Hawker

-Line Cook

-Kitchen Utility

-Cashier

-Keg Operator

-Office Coordinator

-Clean Team

Interested applicants may find full position descriptions and an application form at www.jaxshrimp.com. Applicants may bring a completed application to the job fair. All applicants will be required to wear face coverings, should be prepared to interview at the job fairs and are encouraged to bring a resume and dress appropriately. Potential employees are subject to a background check and drug test.

Parking for the events will be in Lot P and applicants may enter through the Home Plate Gate at the corner of A Philip Randolph Blvd. and E. Adams St.

Open positions are for seasonal employment, including but not limited to 70 Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp home baseball games, additional stadium events and training.

The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are an equal opportunity employer.

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.

NEST, Storm Chasers Announce Annual Writing Sweepstakes

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Seventh and eighth grade students to create essays about “Why I Want to Go to College”

The Nebraska Educational Savings Trust (NEST) and the Omaha Storm Chasers have officially begun the 19th annual “Why I Want to Go to College” essay sweepstakes, Nebraska State Treasurer John Murante announced Tuesday.

Seventh and eighth grade students from around the country may submit their entries leading up to the April 1 sweepstakes deadline. Essays must be 750 words or less, describing the value of a college education and the student’s educational goals for the future. Entries are to be typed, double-spaced, on 8½-by-11-inch paper and must be the student’s original work. Each essay must be accompanied with the required cover sheet (2021 Writing Sweepstakes Cover Sheet).

Three winners will be chosen from each of Nebraska’s three Congressional districts, and three others will be selected from outside Nebraska. Winners will receive contributions to the NEST college savings accounts equaling $2,000 for first place, $1,000 for second and $500 for third.

All winners from Nebraska will be notified in April. Winners will also receive four tickets to a Storm Chasers game and will be recognized prior to the contest for their achievements.

Entries must be postmarked by March 31 and sent to:

Omaha Storm Chasers

Attn: Andrea Bedore

12356 Ballpark Way

Papillion, NE 68046

The Omaha Storm Chasers play at Werner Park in Papillion, Sarpy County, Nebraska. For more information please visit omahastormchasers.com and follow us on Twitter @omastormchasers and “like” us at facebook.com/omahastormchasers.

Jeff Mooney & Suzanne Bolton Scholarship Program

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The Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation (VCBF) is committed to helping local children find opportunities in their community to play the game of baseball among friends and dedicated coaching staff. There are many youths between the ages of five and ten who simply cannot play because of family struggles to make ends meet in today’s tough economic climate.

Through the VCBF, we look to help bridge the divide by providing these children with the means to get on the field and enjoy a summer without the worry of financial burdens that can come with organized sports. To further the commitment to these children’s development, Canadians co-owner Jeff Mooney, and his wife Suzanne Bolton created a scholarship program, in 2017 designed to help high school students within the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Coast BC to continue with post-secondary education. Since the start of this program, over 32 students have benefitted from the Jeff Mooney and Suzanne Bolton Scholarship which has allowed these young-adults to explore an education after high school.

Teens in Grades 11 and 12 can apply through their local Boys & Girls Club and are vetted by a selection committee that includes Vancouver Canadians staff, Boys & Girls Clubs staff and a handful of external members, including the donor of the scholarship, Suzanne Bolton. The applicant must show a willingness to attend a post-secondary institution, as well as commit to bettering their community through volunteer services or a programs benefiting local youth.

For 2021, Jeff Mooney and Suzanne Bolton have generously increased their donation to $150,000 to provide more opportunities for kids in our community to continue their post-secondary educations.

To learn more about the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation: HERE

To support during #BeyondTheNat Week: HERE

Thank you to our volunteers!

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Our Foundation’s success is because of your generosity. Whether it comes in the form of monetary support, or it’s simply you rolling up your sleeves to join us as a volunteer, we ‘Thank You’!

Since the start of the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation League in 2012, we have had a core group of dedicated volunteers. These volunteers have provided mentorship for the thousands of kids we welcome to the stadium each year. One of the many standout volunteers is Al Carruthers. Al has been a member of the Foundation League for the last 6 years. Through a long-term basketball teammate, Carolynn Tuckwell (President & CEO of Boys and Girls Clubs of South Club), he had learned about the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation and wanted to be involved in some capacity as he was moving into his retirement. Over the 6 years of being a volunteer with the Foundation League, he enjoys seeing the development of the kids whether it is an improvement of baseball fundamentals, teamwork, or leadership skills.

“It’s important that they come away from the Foundation League with something positive. Whether it’s running to first and not third when they hit the ball, or learning how to work together as a team — they leave the field with a new skills set.” — Al Carruthers

Al is a regular volunteer with other programs with the Boys and Girls Clubs of South Coast BC, who sees many of the children who come out each summer to Nat Bailey Stadium. Being a familiar face and mentor for these kids is certainly a highlight for Al and the other volunteers within the Foundation League.

When asked “who would make a great volunteer for the Foundation League”?

“Volunteers don’t need to have a baseball or softball background, it’s as simple as taking the time a few days during the summer and bringing a friend to come out and spend time with the children. It’s good for the kids to learn how to work together as this Foundation League opportunity may be their first experience in a team environment.”

It’s not about keeping score or making outs, but providing a safe and welcoming environment for the children of the Boys and Girls Clubs to be together. Over the last couple of years, we have integrated fun activities for the kids to stay active and entertained after having their meal. Some of these activities include signing an ‘Official Player Contract’ as a member of the Foundation League, racing against the C’s Sushi Mascots, and team photos that they can keep.

Thank you to each and every one of our Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation members who helped take our commitment within our community to a whole new level. For more information about the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation click HERE or email community@canadiansbaseball.com on how to become a volunteer.

WooSox to present first Polar Park Job Fair Saturday & Sunday afternoons, February 20 & 21

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More than 300 part-time positions will be filled in the coming months;

WooSox welcome all to learn about these opportunities in a virtual event;

Positions range from Ushers, Ticket Sellers, and Ticket Takers, to the Concessions Crew, Cleaning Crew, and Polar Park Ambassadors;

Details at woosox.com.

WORCESTER, MA — The Worcester Red Sox will present their first Polar Park Job Fair to recruit local potential part-time seasonal personnel, Saturday February 20, and Sunday, February 21, from noon to 4 p.m. each day. The virtual event will give prospective employees a snapshot of the various opportunities that the club will be offering in the coming months.

From Parking Attendants, Ushers, and Vendors to Ticket Sellers, Ticket Takers, and Merchandise Staff, to the Concessions Crew, Cleaning Crew, and Polar Park Ambassadors, this staff brings Worcester’s new ballpark to life.

A staff comprising more than 300 part-time members is needed to operate the ballpark during the season.

In addition to offering these fan-facing positions, the club will also be providing opportunities in facilities maintenance, videoboard and camera operations, and the actors who portray the club’s mascot. The Job Fair will provide more details about these areas of opportunity.

To participate, prospective staff members can visit woosox.com to provide information and to then receive registration information. The club will also welcome emails sent to jobs@woosox.com to answer those with particular questions.

“We have long looked forward to meeting the members of the Worcester community who would like to join the WooSox team,” said club President Dr. Charles A. Steinberg. “We seek a staff that reflects the best of Worcester. We are blessed to have arrived in a diverse, inclusive city whose multiculturalism bursts with civic pride. We hope to have a staff of which our city can be proud.”

“One of the many special things about the new Polar Park will be the familiar faces from Worcester working at the facility, creating their own memories, or building the foundation for a future career,” Worcester City Manager Edward M. Augustus Jr. said. “Providing job opportunities to many different people from in and around Worcester will add to the charm and appeal of the ballpark. This is particularly important as we emerge from a pandemic that has left many unemployed or in need of an extra income.”

“For many, these positions represent ‘Day One’ of their career in professional baseball,” Steinberg added. “Many of our full time staff have risen through this ‘farm system,’ whether by greeting fans, giving tours, or developing innovative content for the world to see. For others, it represents a second job, a summer job, or a working retirement. For all, your presence gives you a voice in our organization, and an opportunity to enhance the lives of so many in the City of Worcester, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and all of New England.”

2020 Gail and Michael Hause Volunteer of the Year Award: Ray Shum

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Since the inception of the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation League, we have been fortunate to have many great volunteers come out to Nat Bailey Stadium and work with children as they learn both baseball and life skills. In memory of two great volunteers and supporters of the foundation, we created the Gail and Michael Hause Volunteer of the Year Award in 2017. Over the past few years, we have presented this award to the volunteer who has gone above and beyond throughout the summer in a ceremony prior to one of our games. Unfortunately, in 2020 we were not able to run our foundation league. However, that did not stop the amazing supporters of the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation from finding ways they could contribute – especially one individual.

For close to a decade, Raymond Shum has been pivotal in raising awareness and funds for the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation. He has made countless donations to our foundation with a couple key goals in mind: help children play baseball and grow as individuals. Raymond came to realize the power of sport and how it can bring communities and people from all backgrounds together when his son started playing baseball. The teamwork and camaraderie that his son experienced had an impact on both him and his son. Seeing those connections and friends that his son made through playing a team sport made Raymond feel that all children should have that opportunity, one he did not have growing up.

Over the years, Raymond has brought many groups out to games as an introduction to the Canadians and to our foundation. On occasion, he has used these as mini fundraisers for the foundation and to give back to the community that he loves. In one instance, he was instrumental in getting a large group from Help Change My City out to a game. Most of the youth that came that day had never seen a baseball game before. Through all the donations and groups, Raymond believes in “making baseball a real fun event” for all.

Raymond never stops looking for ways that he can contribute. He believes that “giving back is important and other people can learn from what you do”. His passion for the game of baseball, the City of Vancouver, and the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation is truly inspiring. All of us at the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation cannot thank him enough for all his support.

For Raymond’s never-ending pursuit to support the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation we can think of no one better to be awarded the 2020 Gail and Michael Hause Volunteer of the Year Award. Raymond, thank you for all you do for the foundation, the Canadians, and our community.

To learn more about the Vancouver Canadians impact within our local community click HERE

Beyond The Nat Week will be running from January 25 – 29, 2021 — to support the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation click HERE

South Bend Cubs Host Fifth Polar Plunge March 21

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The annual Special Olympics Indiana signature event will be held at Four Winds Field and spectators can watch the event online.

SOUTH BEND, IN – For the fifth year in a row, the South Bend Cubs are teaming up with Special Olympics Indiana to present the 2021 South Bend Polar Plunge on Sunday, March 21. Registration is now open, and participants are encouraged to register online.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER OR TO DONATE

To limit crowds and to ensure social distancing guidelines can be followed while plunging, the South Bend Polar Plunge will use a segmented schedule with multiple plunge times spread over a two-hour period beginning at 12:00 PM ET. Spectators will also be limited at all Polar Plunge events, with only guardians encouraged to attend. Other adjustments will be implemented on a case-by-case basis according to guidelines issued by the St. Joseph County Health Department and state of Indiana.

The Polar Plunge is an annual fundraising event for Special Olympics that is held across the United States. Special Olympics Indiana is a non-profit organization whose mission is to empower those with intellectual disabilities. All funds raised by these events directly benefit more than 18,000 Special Olympics athletes throughout the state, giving them the means to train locally and compete at the state level in a number of Olympic-type sports.

“During the pandemic, our athletes need Special Olympics more than ever,” said Special Olympics Indiana President and CEO Jeff Mohler. “Last March and April, our athletes were isolated from their friends and teammates. Yet we remain connected to them through our various virtual sports and fitness challenges through the year and we continue to keep them active and engaged, ready for competition to begin again.”

In the winter of 2020, Special Olympics Indiana set an all-time high when more than 3,500 plungers took part in their signature fundraiser and brought in over $920,000 to support year-round programs and events for their athletes. To date, the South Bend Polar Plunge has raised nearly $80,000 in the last four years.

“With the help of our good friends, the South Bend Cubs and Mr. Berlin, Special Olympics makes a difference every day, whether in-person or virtual,” continued Mohler. “We thank the Cubs for their ongoing support and for hosting our annual Polar Plunge, as we all hope to soon hear those words, “Play ball!”

“This year’s plunge will be a little different, but the Special Olympics’ mission remains the same,” said South Bend Cubs Assistant General Manager for Marketing & Media Chris Hagstrom-Jones. “These fundraisers make it possible for athletes to stay active and participate in a number of local and state programs. The South Bend Cubs are proud to host this event year after year.”

Those who cannot attend the South Bend Polar Plunge will be able to watch the entire event on the South Bend Cubs Facebook page.

To better accommodate supporters who wish to be a part of the fun without attending an in-person Polar Plunge event this year, a new and improved Virtual Plunger program will be offered. Find out how to Earn Your Wings for Special Olympics Indiana this winter by clicking here.

To participate in the 2021 Michiana Polar Plunge, individuals or groups must raise a “bear” minimum of $75 in pledges. All funds raised will benefit Special Olympics Indiana. Participants can register as an individual or gather friends, family members, co-workers, civic group or school group and register as a team. Register by clicking here.

About Special Olympics Indiana

Special Olympics Indiana is a not-for-profit organization that provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in more than 20 Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, reaching more than 18,000 athletes across Indiana. The organization receives no federal- or state-appropriated funds, is not a United Way agency and relies entirely on corporate, civic and individual donations. For more information about Special Olympics Indiana, call (317) 328-2000 or visit soindiana.org.

About the South Bend Cubs

The South Bend Cubs are the Class A-Advanced minor league affiliate of the 2016 World Series Champion Chicago Cubs. Over the past 33 years, the team has won four Midwest League titles, most recently in 2019, and has captured eight 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.

Raines, Ribault to play under the lights at second annual High School Heritage Classic

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PURCHASE HIGH SCHOOL HERITAGE CLASSIC TICKETS

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – As part of the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp’s salute to Black History Month, the club is hosting historic Duval County Public Schools rivals William M. Raines High School and Jean Ribault High School to play in the second annual High School Heritage Classic exhibition game presented by Rubenstein Law at 6:35 p.m. on Friday, February 12 under the lights of 121 Financial Ballpark.

Raines and Ribault student-athletes will wear customized Jacksonville Red Caps uniforms in a tribute to the Negro Leagues team that resided in Jacksonville from 1938-42. The exhibition contest will feature historical references to Negro Leagues players and teams throughout the game. The winning team will earn the A. Philip Randolph Cup, commemorating the civil rights activist who moved to Jacksonville in 1891.

A limited number of socially-distanced seating is available in the 121 Financial Ballpark seating bowl at the price of $5 for reserved seats and $10 for 121 Financial Crustacean Corner seats. They can be purchased online at www.jaxshrimp.com by clicking here. For group tickets, please contact the Jumbo Shrimp at (904) 358-2846.

“I am proud and excited to bring back this special game that celebrates the rich history of the Negro Leagues in Jacksonville and honors the many Negro Leagues players who laid the foundation for our entire industry,” said Jumbo Shrimp executive vice president/general manager Harold Craw. “I want to thank Duval County Public Schools and the students and faculty of both Raines and Ribault High Schools for kicking off the Jumbo Shrimp’s annual commitment to commemorate the Negro Leagues. We encourage all fans to learn about the extraordinary Negro Leagues players who complete the history of the sport we all love.”

In the inaugural High School Heritage Classic, played in February 2020, the Raines Vikings beat the Ribault Trojans 8-4 to take home the inaugural A. Philip Randolph Cup.

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.

Baseballtown Charities Phillies Winter Tour Series

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Event with Phillies Players and Coaches will begin on Feb. 4

The Reading Fightin Phils are pleased to announce the 2021 Phillies Winter Tour presented by Leibensperger Homes, Inc. The tour is six nights long and showcases never before seen interviews with players and coaches. It also includes a unique online auction with novelty R-Phils and Phillies items. All proceeds benefit Baseballtown Charities, its programs, and its facilities.

The tour begins on February 4 with an interview from Philadelphia’s top starting pitcher, Aaron Nola. Each Thursday thereafter, at 8pm Eastern Standard Time, those who join in will get access to an interview with a notable Phillies player or coach. Fans will learn about the player’s preparation for the 2021 season, hear untold stories about their time in Reading, and gain insight into their personalities. Each episode in the series will be streamed on Facebook live, Twitter, Twitch, and YouTube. The schedule is as following:

Thursday, February 4th 8pm (EST) – Aaron Nola
Thursday, February 11th 8pm (EST) – Zach Eflin
Thursday, February 18th 8pm (EST) – Andrew Knapp
Thursday, February 25th 8pm (EST) – Steve Noworyta
Thursday, March 4th 8pm (EST) – Alec Bohm
Thursday, March 11th 8pm (EST) – Dusty Wathan

In addition, the Fightin Phils will be hosting an online auction filled with sports collectibles. Fans will have the opportunity to bid on one-of-a-kind mementos and autographs to support Baseballtown Charities. The auction will close on March 11th at 9pm.

Executive Director of Baseballtown Charities, Tonya Petrunak emphasizes how excited the R-Phils are to partner with the Phillies for this event. “We are looking forward to hosting the first Baseballtown Charities Phillies Winter Tour and utilizing technology to support Baseballtown Charities mission of growing the game of baseball in our community,” Petrunak said. “The online format will be a fun way to bid on exclusive auction items, hear from front office leadership, and interact with their favorite Philadelphia Phillies.”

Baseballtown Charities is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization founded to keep baseball alive in Reading so youngsters can benefit from the many life lessons the game teaches. Also, help physically and developmentally challenged kids as well as those with financial challenges to have the opportunity to play baseball and softball. Support the growth and prosperity of Baseballtown Charities as it reaches throughout the community and touches many different types of people to allow everyone to benefit from the game of baseball.

Be a part of the show by becoming a sponsor of the Baseballtown Charities Phillies Winter Tour! Email Joe Bialek at jbialek@fightins.com to become a part of this big event. There are three levels of sponsorship with different volumes of participation, but every sponsor will be included in all six nights of the tour. Visit rphils.com/wintertour for more information!

RiverDogs-CCSD continue “Reading Around the Bases” despite COVID-19

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Program enters fifth season focusing on continued literacy development and success among CCSD 2nd graders

Charleston County School District (CCSD) and the Charleston RiverDogs are moving forward with “Reading Around the Bases” for the fifth year in a row. The partnership started during the 2016-2017 school year as a way to encourage literacy. The Lowcountry’s professional baseball team (and Single-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays) is ready to generate excitement about literacy with second graders throughout the district again in 2021.

Starting on Monday, January 25, 2021, second graders from 11 elementary schools throughout Charleston County will begin a 10-week baseball-themed incentive program. Every student will receive a Reading Challenge packet that includes a scorecard, tracking sheet, and their very own personal baseball card.

To move around the bases on the scorecard, a student must read a certain number of pages: 100 pages for a single, 200 pages for a double, 300 pages for a triple, and 500 pages for a home run.

Special guests from the RiverDogs will visit schools (virtually) in CCSD throughout the 10 weeks to provide encouragement, fun, and serve as volunteer readers.

“We cannot thank the Charleston RiverDogs enough for their commitment to their partnership with our district,” said Karolyn Belcher, CCSD’s Chief Academic Officer. “Even with the obstacles presented the COVID-19 pandemic, the RiverDogs are working hard to have a meaningful presence in our schools and continue to drive home the point that reading, while critical, is fun.”

The unofficial kickoff event for “Reading Around the Bases” in 2021 will be at Angel Oak Elementary School on Johns Island Monday, January 25, 2021, at 9:45 a.m. Media outlets are welcome to attend.

The top-25 second graders from each participating school will be honored at a RiverDogs’ game during the upcoming season.

“The RiverDogs are proud to be a part of what has been a mutually beneficial relationship with the Charleston County School District over the last two decades,” added RiverDogs President and General Manager Dave Echols. “Literacy and education continue to be a pillar of our team’s commitment to the Charleston community, and we are excited to continue to further the development and impact of the Reading Around the Bases program in its fifth year.”

For more information on “Reading Around the Bases,” please contact Christy James, CCSD’s Library and Media Services Coordinator, at (843) 790-3707, or Chris Singleton with the RiverDogs at (843) 723-7241.

Students can win ceremonial first pitch in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. essay contest

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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – With Black History Month upcoming, the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are asking students what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have A Dream” speech means to them. The club’s essay contest will reward the winning students with free tickets for their entire class to attend a Jumbo Shrimp regular season game at 121 Financial Ballpark.

The Jumbo Shrimp’s essay contest is open to all K-12 students in Duval County, Clay County and St. Johns County. Submissions will be divided into three categories (Grades K-5, 6-8 and 9-12, respectively). The contest will begin on Martin Luther King Jr. Day at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, January 19. All entries should be submitted by 5 p.m. on Friday, February 19 to [email protected], and must include the student’s name, age, grade and school.

Following the submission process, each category will have their respective winners notified by email and announced on Friday, February 26.

For any questions regarding the Jumbo Shrimp’s Dr. King “I Have A Dream” speech essay contest, please contact Director of Community Relations Andrea Williams at [email protected].

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.

National Hat Day – $5 Hats to Support BlueClaws Charities

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JERSEY SHORE, NJ – As part of National Hat Day on Friday, and through Sunday, select BlueClaws hats will be available through the BlueClaws team store (online orders only) for just $5 with all proceeds going to BlueClaws Charities!

Click here to purchase your hats.

These include select fitted caps among other hats and the hats at this link are the only ones eligible.

Jersey Shore BlueClaws On-Field Caps

Jersey Shore BlueClaws fitted caps are currently available via pre-order by clicking here. They are expected to ship in February.

About BlueClaws Charities

BlueClaws Charities, the team’s official 501c3 organization, supports a wide variety of non-profit, locally-based Community Partner organizations around the Jersey Shore with grants as well as hundreds of area fundraising events throughout the year.

-BlueClaws-

Nashville Sounds Foundation Now Accepting Applications for the 2021 Scholarship Program

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Again in 2021, the Nashville Sounds Foundation will award four scholarships worth $2,500 each to graduating high school seniors who plan to attend college in the Fall of 2021.

The program, which began in 2016, has awarded $50,000 in scholarships and is designed to assist deserving Nashville and Middle Tennessee students in paying for college tuition during their freshman year.

“Amidst a year of financial hardship and uncertainty in education, we’re extremely proud to continue this scholarship program for a sixth straight year,” said Nashville Sounds General Manager Adam Nuse. “The Nashville Sounds Foundation is thankful for the consistent support of our fans through various fundraising efforts to make this possible.”

Interested seniors must complete the entire application process here. The process includes submitting a 250-or-less word essay explaining how they overcame a life challenge or obstacle in the year 2020.

In addition to the essay, each submission must include at least two letters of recommendation from a teacher and/or coach, and an official high school transcript. The scholarship will be awarded based on the culmination of the student’s schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and involvement in the community.

Each winner will receive tickets to a select 2021 Nashville Sounds game and a special surprise from the Nashville Sounds Foundation. The deadline to be considered for the 2021 scholarships is Friday, February 26, 2021. Scholarship winners will be notified no later than April 9, 2021.

Winners from 2020 include Sydney Armstrong (Howard University), Tucker Lovell (Harding University), Osiris Pizen-Magana (Middle Tennessee State University) and Katherine Wright (Duke University).

The Nashville Sounds play at First Horizon Park. The 2021 Minor League Baseball Schedule will be announced at a later date. For more information on 2021 Season Ticket Memberships, call 615-690-4487, or e-mail [email protected].

About the Nashville Sounds Foundation:

The mission of the Nashville Sounds Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization, is to utilize baseball to positively impact the communities throughout Middle Tennessee by emphasizing the importance of social responsibility, education and the power of sport to transform lives.

The Nashville Sounds Foundation is funded through monetary donations, private entities, memorabilia auctions and in-game custom public address announcements.