The Albuquerque Isotopes “Breaking Bad/Better Call Saul” silent auction raised $100,790. All of the proceeds will be split between the New Mexico Veterans Integration Centers and Children’s Cancer Fund of New Mexico.
Top three selling items:
Salamanca Cousin Boots – $10,600
Walter White Life-Size Bust: $7,000
“Better Call Saul” Pilot Script: $6,500
Thirteen of the 37 packages sold for $4,000 or more.
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – A crowd of 5,313 fans, the largest of the season for the State College Spikes at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, cheered on the Spikes on Saturday night as they took a 6-3 win over the Mahoning Valley Scrappers and raised the most funds in a single Paint the Park Pink Night presented by Mount Nittany Health.
Fans responded in full force to join the fight against breast cancer as together, they raised $9,265 in bidding on the Spikes’ special Pink and Black Jerseys to benefit the Mount Nittany Foundation and the work done by the Breast Care Center at Mount Nittany Health, as well as through the 50/50 Drawing at the ballpark.
The night was capped by the second straight night of FIREWORKS from the Field, as fans were invited onto the ballpark infield to see another spectacular lighting up the skies thanks to Mount Nittany Health. Three more shows remain on the 2022 schedule, with College Township presenting the action on Saturday, August 20, McClure Company presenting the show on Saturday, August 27, and Starfire Corporation presenting the show at the season finale on Sunday, September 4.
Saturday night’s crowd, many of whom were decked out in pink themselves to show their support for the fight, helped generate the Spikes’ (5-4 2nd half) late surge to take their third straight win. Ryan Chesney and DeAndre Shelton each took bases-loaded walks to break a 3-3 tie in the eighth inning, with Trent Taylor’s infield single bolstering the lead to three.
State College bounced back from going down 2-0 in the third on Dom Bucko’s RBI single and an error to plate a run in the fourth. Brody Perkes beat out an infield single to start the inning, then stole second and advanced a base on back-to-back flyouts, the last a Colin Adams sacrifice fly to score the run.
In the fifth, Nick Gile drove in his eighth run, the most for the Spikes in the second half, with a single to center field to score Shelton. A passed ball then brought in Taylor to give State College the lead.
In the eighth, Mahoning Valley (3-6 2nd half) tied the game on Adam Fogel’s RBI double before the power of pink drove the Spikes’ late flurry.
Spikes reliever Tristen Hudson (1-0) earned the win with 1 1/3 scoreless innings to close the game. Hudson, who recorded the final out for North Greenville in the NCAA Division II national championship game this June, gave up just one hit and recorded one strikeout to net his first MLB Draft League win.
Scrappers reliever Brenton Thomas (0-1) took the loss after being charged with all three of the Spikes’ eighth-inning runs in 1/3 of an inning on the mound. Thomas yielded one hit and four walks.
The Spikes and Scrappers are set to finish their four-game series at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park on Sunday, with State College looking for the sweep in the 4:05 p.m. contest. Right-hander Beau Nichols (0-1) will get the start for the Spikes, while right-hander Jarod Sprinkle (0-0) gets the ball for Mahoning Valley.
Sunday’s fun is headlined by Still Strong Night, featuring a special appearance from foundation co-founder, former NFL defensive lineman and proud Blue & White alum Devon Still. In addition to Still throwing out a first pitch and being part of the night’s activities, proceeds from the Spikes’ 50/50 drawing for the night will go to the Still Strong Foundation, and fans will have many ways to find out how to support the foundation and its cause.
It’s also a a Sunday Funday presented by Bigfoot Country Classics, with a Pre-Game Catch on the Field from 3:00-3:30 p.m., half-price hard seltzers from 3:00-5:00 p.m_.,_ and Kids Eat Free as the first 250 kids get a voucher good for a free hot dog, chips and soda.
Plus, it’s another Kids Run the Bases Home Run Edition after the game, presented by Mount Nittany Health.
Tickets for every game remaining in the second half of the Spikes’ biggest regular season home schedule in franchise history are available now. Tickets can be purchased by calling (814) 272-1711 or by visiting the Spikes Ticket Office in person from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Fans can also buy and download single-game tickets, and view the full 2022 promotional schedule, at the only source for authentic Spikes tickets online by visiting StateCollegeSpikes.com.
More ticket packages, including Flex Books and an array of group and hospitality options for the 2022 season, are currently on sale by calling the Spikes at (814) 272-1711. Additional information on all club ticketing options, as well as team news and schedule info, can be viewed at StateCollegeSpikes.com.
Catch all of the action of the Spikes’ game on Sunday via the Spikes Radio Network presented by Penn State Sports Medicine, Official Healthcare Provider of Penn State Athletics with Steve Jones and Joe Putnam on the call. The broadcast starts with Spikes Live! presented by Mount Nittany Health, on the air from Medlar Field at Lubrano Park at approximately 3:40 p.m.
The game can be viewed worldwide on the MLB Draft League streaming platform at MLBDraftLeague.com/streaming, along with the “Listen Live” link on StateCollegeSpikes.com and the TuneIn Radio app.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Louisville Bats announced that they will be holding a bottled water/canned good drive at their Sunday, July 31 game at 1:05 p.m. against the Columbus Clippers. In addition, the team announced it will hold an online auction for a signed Jack Harlow Bats jersey. All proceeds will benefit the Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund.
Fans are encouraged to drop off bottled water and/or canned goods at the July 31 game. Donation bins will be in the Hall of Fame pavilion located inside the west entrance to Louisville Slugger Field. In exchange for a donation, fans will receive a coupon valid for a 20 percent discount in the Bats Team Store.
The team will also auction a jersey signed by music superstar and Louisville-native Jack Harlow. Fans can bid on the jersey on the Bats website (www.batsbaseball.com) beginning Sunday night (July 31) and bidding will continue for a full week.
All proceeds will benefit the Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund. Established by Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear following the floods and severe weather system of the past week, the fund will support those impacted by flooding in the eastern part of Kentucky. Fans can also make monetary donations by visiting the fund’s website (https://secure.kentucky.gov/FormServices/Finance/EKYFloodRelief)).
The Bats today also announced that kids tickets for all remaining Sunday home day games, including this Sunday (the 31st) will be just $5. Please call the Louisville Bats Office at (502) 212-2287 with any questions, Mon-Fri (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.). And, for information about the donation drive and jersey auction, please visit www.batsbaseball.com.
The night, which is presented by Young Talkers, marks the 4th annual event for the team
August 12th will mark the return of Deaf Awareness Night to Pelicans Ballpark presented by Young Talkers. To increase awareness and raise funds for the deaf community, the Pelicans will wear specially-designed jerseys, courtesy of Young Talkers, that replace the traditional Myrtle Beach script with American Sign Language (ASL). The back of the jersey will also feature the “I Love You” sign in ASL, a strong symbol within the deaf community. The club will auction off the commemorative jerseys with proceeds benefiting the Pelicans Organization for the Deaf.
In an effort to create an inclusive experience for members of the deaf community, sign language interpreters will be infused into the Pelicans’ game day experience. Interpreters have been assigned to special sections within Pelicans Ballpark for the evening. Fans needing an interpreter for the game on August 12 should purchase tickets online at myrtlebeachpelicans.com using promo code DA2022. The dedicated interpreter sections for the evening will be 107 and 208. Additionally, the first 500 fans through the gates will receive a gift bag courtesy of Young Talkers.
Gates will open at 6 PM for the 7:05 PM game against the Columbia Fireflies (affiliate of the Royals). For tickets and additional information visit myrtlebeachpelicans.com/asl.
ABOUT YOUNG TALKERS: Young Talkers is an adult & pediatric therapy clinic located in Myrtle Beach, SC and Pawleys Island, SC. Their mission is to provide quality speech-language and feeding/swallowing therapy services to the pediatric and adult population in order to enhance their verbal/non-verbal communication and feeding/swallowing skills. They accomplish this by identifying concerns through specialized evaluations and the development of goals to meet the needs of the patient and their family. Young Talkers has received first place in Best of the Beach for six years in a row for Best Medical Clinic, Group or Office. For more information, visit them online at YoungTalkers.com.
ABOUT PELICANS ORGANIZATION FOR THE DEAF: Pelicans Organization for the Deaf (POFD) is a non-for-profit organization that provides educational and cultural events which serves members and board with diverse in the Myrtle Beach area. POFD recognizes the differences and diversities in people and members who encourage interaction amongst one another for stimulating and exciting exchanges of ideas , concepts, information and leadership. Each POFD member is unique and appreciated as an individual. Without them, POFD would not exist. The programs, service, events and new activities provided by POFD continues to attract new members and volunteers. A growing number of members in this organization shows that POFD is truly meeting its goals and needs in the community.
Oklahomans working to destigmatize mental health and substance use struggles are being recognized during Dodgers games this season in partnership with Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Dodgers are partnering with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) this season to help #StrikeOutTheStigma and increase awareness on the topic of mental health and substance use in our community.
The partnership focuses on education, advocacy and support to help destigmatize the connotations that come with mental health and substance use struggles. Oklahomans who are working to do so will be recognized throughout the 2022 Dodgers baseball season.
The second honoree of 2022 is Reggie Whitten, a practicing lawyer in Oklahoma City who spends his free time advocating about the dangers of substance abuse across the state following the death of his son in 2002. Whitten founded Fighting Addiction Through Education (FATE).
Whitten will be recognized during the Dodgers’ game against the Sugar Land Space Cowboys at 7:05 p.m. Saturday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.
“Through our partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, we want to help raise awareness on the topic of mental health by talking openly about the subject and providing educational resources,” OKC Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes said. “By sharing the personal stories of Oklahomans who have been impacted by, or work to provide, mental health and substance use services in our community, we want to help strike out the stigma and provide support to our fellow Oklahomans.”
Whitten’s son Brandon was a well-loved, popular kid who was homecoming king at Westmoore High School and went on to win a NAIA football championship with Southwestern Oklahoma State.
Unknown to many however, he became addicted to opioids, leading to a deadly motorcycle crash in 2002.
Whitten shares his son’s story through his work with FATE, wanting to change the stigma of how addiction is viewed.
“It is not a shameful thing,” he said. “It is a disease of the brain.”
He emphasizes that those struggling with addiction face a stigma that people afflicted by other diseases don’t.
“There is no stigma associated with cancer, diabetes, asthma or any other disease I can think of,” he said. “When your loved one gets addiction, there’s nobody knocking at the door to bring over food or give you a hug.”
Whitten notes that there are a myriad of resources available through the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and that addiction can be treated like any other disease.
He said it’s critical to make the public aware of the dangers of opioids.
“The need for this is greater now than ever,” Whitten said.
To read Whitten’s full story, visit the OKC Dodgers’ “Beyond the Bricks” website at: medium.com/beyond-the-bricks.
The Dodgers continue a six-game series against the Sugar Land Space Cowboys at 7:05 p.m. tonight and the teams play nightly through Sunday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.
Friday Night Fireworks are set to follow Friday night’s 7:05 p.m. game.
Whitten will be honored during Saturday night’s 7:05 p.m. game. Saturday is also Marvel Defenders of the Diamond Night and the Dodgers will wear special edition Marvel-branded jerseys on the field. Special guests Thor and Star-Lord will be in attendance. A Braum’s Friends and Family group offer is available Saturday for groups of 10 or more to receive a game ticket, OKC Dodgers hat and meal voucher to use at any Braum’s location in Oklahoma for a special ticket price.
Following Sunday night’s 6:05 p.m. series finale against the Space Cowboys, kids can run the bases.
OKC Dodgers tickets can be purchased through okcdodgers.com/tickets. For more information, please visit okcdodgers.com or call (405) 218-2182.
Live radio coverage of each OKC Dodgers game begins 15 minutes before first pitch on AM 1340 “The Game,” 1340thegame.com and through the free iHeartRadio or MiLB First Pitch apps. OKC Dodgers games are also available streamed live on MiLB.TV with a subscription.
OKLAHOMA CITY – The 11th season of the INTEGRIS Health “Home Run for Life” series continues Friday night as Cliff Allison will be recognized prior to the Oklahoma City Dodgers’ 7:05 p.m. game against the Sugar Land Space Cowboys at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.
Allison, 53, suffered acute mitral valve failure during the summer of 2020. However, a buildup of fluid in his lungs made it impossible to operate on his heart. Allison was flown from Tulsa to INTEGRIS Health in Oklahoma City where he would receive an advanced life-saving treatment called extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).
“There’s no question that what INTEGRIS Health did was a life-saver,” Allison said.
“Home Run For Life” recognizes individuals in the community who have overcome a significant medical event with the help of their families, physicians and health care professionals. To symbolize the end of their battle against adversity, honorees take a home run “lap” around the bases during a pregame ceremony.
“Each month during the baseball season, we are proud to partner with INTEGRIS Health to honor the perseverance and courage displayed by these incredible Oklahomans,” OKC Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes said. “’Home Run For Life’ allows us to uniquely recognize their amazing and inspiring stories of triumph over significant health challenges.”
Allison was mowing his lawn on a warm June day in 2020 when he suddenly felt overheated and had trouble breathing. His symptoms did not improve and testing at an urgent care revealed the levels of oxygen in his blood were dangerously low. He was rushed to the emergency room in Tulsa.
There, he was diagnosed with acute mitral valve failure, but unfortunately, by the time the cause was discovered, Allison had suffered further complications, including a buildup of fluid in his lungs, which made a heart operation impossible at that time.
After being flown to INTEGRIS Health in Oklahoma City, Allison started ECMO treatment, which works like a set of heart and lungs for a patient. It is often considered as a “last hope” for patients with hearts in critical condition.
ECMO bought Allison’s body time to heal, and once he was stable, Dr. Marshall Bell, M.D., a cardiothoracic surgeon at INTEGRIS Health, was able to replace Allison’s mitral valve and save his life.
“If it weren’t for the skill and care I got at INTEGRIS Health, I wouldn’t be here today,” Allison said.
To read Allison’s full story, visit the OKC Dodgers’ “Beyond the Bricks” website at: medium.com/beyond-the-bricks. Photos of Allison are attached for use (credit: OKC Dodgers).
The Dodgers continue a six-game series against the Sugar Land Space Cowboys at 7:05 p.m. tonight and the teams play nightly through Sunday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.
Allison will be honored prior to Friday night’s 7:05 p.m. game and Friday Night Fireworks are set to follow the game.
Saturday is Marvel Defenders of the Diamond Night and the Dodgers will wear special edition Marvel-branded jerseys on the field. Special guests Thor and Star-Lord will be in attendance. A Braum’s Friends and Family group offer is available Saturday for groups of 10 or more to receive a game ticket, OKC Dodgers hat and meal voucher to use at any Braum’s location in Oklahoma for a special ticket price.
Following Sunday night’s 6:05 p.m. series finale against the Space Cowboys, kids can run the bases.
OKC Dodgers tickets can be purchased through okcdodgers.com/tickets. For more information, please visit okcdodgers.com or call (405) 218-2182.
Live radio coverage of each OKC Dodgers game begins 15 minutes before first pitch on AM 1340 “The Game,” 1340thegame.com and through the free iHeartRadio or MiLB First Pitch apps. OKC Dodgers games are also available streamed live on MiLB.TV with a subscription.
Four-year-old Charlie Ferguson has dreams of one day becoming a doctor, or a chef. So intrigued, in fact, that she was given a stethoscope of her own during a recent appointment.
CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO BEACON CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
In October of 2021, after experiencing random headaches, her mom Kelsie decided to take her to Beacon Children’s Hospital in South Bend for a CT scan. What followed was terrifying and unexpected.
“It was fast getting that news. In for a CT, 30 minutes later, my family doc called me and told me they found something. I was terrified and so was she,” said Kelsie.
Two days later, Beacon Children’s Neurosurgeon Dr. Daniel Fulkerson performed an emergency 12-hour surgery removing some, but not all, of a large tumor tucked away in Charlie’s brain stem.
A second surgery was performed months later, followed by three rounds of chemotherapy and six weeks of radiation that would remove most of what was left of the tumor.
“Beacon has been amazing. The staff, Dr. Fulkerson, everyone. Charlie is doing therapy now and we are very optimistic. We know she’ll be ok,” said Kelsie.
The near future may be uncertain for the Ferguson’s, but this close knit family has faith that Charlie will one day share her story of resilience with patients of her own.
Beacon Children’s Hospital is Michiana’s only community-owned, not-for-profit hospital designed just for kids!
Home Run for Life 2022 Dates (click each date to purchase tickets)
When you have been battling an illness so long that hospital visits have been routine since childhood, it becomes a lot simpler to identify the good days when they come.
On a not-too-hot Monday afternoon, 38-year-old mother Amanda “Mandi” Furness had a good day.
She looked on as her 10-year-old son, Hudson, played a game of baseball with his friends on the field of Blue Wahoos stadium as her father, Herb, secured the pitching mound. Her wheelchair was pulled up to the fence in the dugout, her family laughing and cheering beside her. With tears welled underneath her sunglasses, she was acutely aware and grateful for every second.
Furness spent many days and nights in the hospital throughout her childhood, but it wasn’t until 2009 that doctors diagnosed her illness as lupus. She received a multiple sclerosis diagnosis in 2020.
Her mobility is now limited and her vision comes and goes. But she still decks herself out in pink, from her bright, painted toenails up to a chunky, pastel necklace. With each new round of treatment, she has been taken in and cared for by her sister,
Christin Keeney, and her sister’s husband, Thomas, who is more like a brother than a brother-in-law. Her mom and dad have continued to be her support system since she was a little girl. Her mother still only leaves the hospital to shower, a routine dating back to the days before Furness ever received a diagnosis.
“(Dad) is my hero, my mother is my best friend,” she said. “I struck the lottery.”
When she decided she had had enough of hospital admissions two months ago, Furness was told by doctors it was time to prepare to say goodbye to her family.
It was a task she felt prepared for, even writing letters to her son to be delivered at life milestones she may not be around to witness. When Furness was given a wish by the Covenant Care Foundation, she decided to do something not for herself, but for her son, and wished for him and his friends to be able to play baseball at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
For people surprised by her decision to spend the once in a lifetime wish on a child’s baseball game, she simply replied, “That’s just because you’ve never seen my son play baseball.” Aaron West, vice president of the Covenant Care Foundation, said the nonprofit health care organization has granted 2,600 wishes for seriously or terminally ill people like Furness since they launched the My Wish program in 2018.
With the help of community donors and partners, they have helped veterans into planes for their final flight, sent patients out on fishing expeditions and have even organized baptisms and weddings.
“We add life to days when days are limited in life,” West said. With her son Hudson’s help, lately Furness has been feeling a renewed zest for life, even training to walk across the Pensacola Bay Bridge. Though she is not ready yet, each day she gets a little stronger.
With each step she practices at home, Hudson will chime in and say, “That’s one step closer to walking that bridge,” she said.
Despite her looming diagnosis she continues to make progress “The doctors cannot explain it, but I’m getting better,” Furness said. “Science only goes so far. Then comes God.”
She watched with each fielded ball or run that Hudson scored as all his fears disappeared for a moment and he could focus on having fun. “That is a really cool wish for a mama, because she could have wished for just about anything,”
Angela Bottesini, senior director for My Wish said. “She wanted to create an environment as if they were one of the real-deal players.”
Furness’ father, Herb Westphal, thought back on the days when he would watch his daughter play softball in Germany as he coached.
“She was a tough little girl,” he recalled. Now he warms up with his grandson out on the baseball diamond, who has been following in his mother’s footsteps for as long as he can remember. Watching the two worlds collide hit home. “My daughter has been sick for a very long time,” he said. “For some reason, she’s here now. … It means the world.”
West said each wish averages out to have an impact on 13 people when it is granted. Hudson’s baseball team looked on as he was presented with a baseball autographed from every Blue Wahoos player, and every eye turned as the boy folded into his mother, one hand gripping the signed baseball and other looped around his mom’s neck.
“Nothing. You know what’s better than this? Nothing,” he told his mom
The Spokane Indians and Les Schwab Tires teamed up in support of our Armed Forces and restored a pair of softball fields at Fairchild Air Force Base on Tuesday, July 19th as part of the team’s Community Fields Project presented by Les Schwab Tires.
“We always enjoy supporting baseball and softball at a grassroots level in our community and getting the chance to do it for our friends at Fairchild was especially meaningful,” said Otto Klein, Spokane Indians Senior Vice President. “We’re grateful for the sacrifices they’ve made and hope they enjoy utilizing these refurbished fields.”
Indians front office staff and members of the grounds crew as well as volunteers from Les Schwab removed weeds and rocks, added new sod to the infield skirt, spread field conditioner, installed new mounds and bases on both fields, and striped and prepped the fields.
“Les Schwab is proud to invest time and resources into events and organizations that promote responsibility, hard work and serving the community – values our company believes in,” said Chris Zimmerman, Airway Heights Les Schwab Store Manager. “We are happy to have the opportunity to support our friends at Fairchild.”
Additional supplies and materials for the project were made possible by supporting sponsors AAA and Bulldog Rooter.
Previously restored fields include War Veterans Memorial Field in Wellpinit, Washington in 2021 and Glover Field (now Redband Park) in Peaceful Valley in 2017.
Through the Community Fields Project, the Indians and partners have pledged to restore a minimum of one baseball/softball field in the Spokane region each year. Suggestions for new fields to be included in the program can be submitted to: [email protected].
Greenville, S.C. – The Greenville Drive, the High-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, announced today that Dr. Burke Royster has been selected as the honoree for the team’s annual Green Day celebration, presented by TD Bank, this year to be held on Wednesday August 10th at Fluor Field when the Drive host the Hickory Crawdads.
Each year, the Drive pays tribute to an individual who has helped make Greenville one of the most livable, desired, and thriving cities in the country. Throughout his tenure leading Greenville County Schools, Dr. Royster has helped not only to improve the district’s overall report rating but also to deliver enhancements across the board in instructional delivery, student engagement, and rigor while achieving a double-digit increase in the county’s high school graduation rate. He has also helped to create innovative public/private partnerships and curriculum changes like the Graduation Plus program that have resulted in developing a more prepared area workforce. The Drive are excited and honored to recognize Dr. Royster as this year’s Green Day honoree.
“As long-standing supporters of our public schools, the Drive organization knows that there is no more direct and tangible impact on the future than education,” said Greenville Drive President and Owner Craig Brown. “As we celebrate Green Day this year, we’re honored to recognize and celebrate Dr. Royster for his efforts in empowering and educating all of our community’s young people and preparing them for an even brighter tomorrow.”
“I greatly appreciate this recognition, and I’m deeply honored to serve alongside the 11,000 employees within Greenville County Schools who are working to inspire, support and prepare our students each and every day,” said Dr. Royster. “We cannot do what we do without the leadership of the GCS Board of Trustees and significant community partnerships like the one we have with the Greenville Drive. I appreciate the opportunity to celebrate on Green Day all that Greenville County Schools and this community have accomplished, and I look forward to being a part of the continued progress as we make sure that Greenville County remains one of the best places in the country to live, learn, and work.”
Royster joins an acclaimed group of Green Day honorees, including Mayor Max Heller and his wife, Trudy (2006); Greenville City Councilwoman Lillian Brock Flemming and Greenville County Councilwoman Xanthene Norris (2007); former Greenville Technical College President Dr. Tom Barton (2008); businessman and philanthropist C. Dan Joyner (2009); civic leader, judge and attorney Merl Code (2010); former S.C. Governor and U.S. Secretary of Education Dick Riley (2011); South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities Founder Dr. Virginia Uldrick (2012); environmentalist and attorney Tommy Wyche (2013); philanthropists Hayne and Anna Kate Hipp (2014); Centennial American Properties CEO David Glenn (2015); Erwin Penland Co-Founder Joe Erwin (2016); Hughes Development Corporation Chairman Bob Hughes (2017); Spinx Chairman Stewart Spinks (2018); Southernside Neighborhood President Mary Duckett (2019) and Mayor Knox White (2021).
In honor of Green Day and Greenville’s birthday celebration, Drive players will wear special green uniforms and caps on Green Day, and fans are encouraged to create a “green out” by sporting green, as well. First pitch is set for 7:05pm against the Hickory Crawdads. The first 2,000 fans through the stadium gates will receive a commemorative Green Day t-shirt, and the first 1,000 kids will receive a commemorative Green Day cape, all courtesy of TD Bank. Dr. Royster will be honored on the field just prior to the first pitch and again during the game. Following the game, the Drive invites fans to stick around for a spectacular birthday firework show in celebration of Greenville’s birthday.
To purchase tickets for Green Day on Wednesday, August 10th, go to the Main Street Box Office, call (864) 240-4528 or *[CLICK HERE](https://gd1.glitnirticketing.com/gdticket/web/stadiumgb_svg.php?status_id=2&event_id=98&tfl=Greenville_Drive_Single_Game_Tickets-tickets-na-single_game_tickets-x0-unknown-unknown&ga=2.182487334.1289177350.1658498356-458190560.1646148210&refresh=1658850205). *
LOUISVILLE, KY- The Louisville Bats have partnered with the Louisville Sports Commission (LSC) and Humana to host a drive to collect new and outgrown youth baseball and softball equipment to support the LSC’s Playing It Forward program. Items collected will be distributed later this year to youth in Louisville’s marginalized areas.
The program’s goal is to help eliminate the cost of equipment as a barrier for kids to participate in organized sports. The equipment collection will help Louisville-area kids take part in sports in their own neighborhoods as a means to getting and staying active.
The event will take place tomorrow night, Tuesday, July 26 from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. at Louisville Slugger Field before the Louisville Bats host game one of a six game series with the Columbus Clippers (Triple-A Affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians).
Collections will be taking place at all four of the primary entrances into the ballpark. Fans who donate sports equipment will receive a voucher good for a free hot dog, small popcorn and small Pepsi.
Fans can purchase tickets to tomorrow night’s game via the following link:
[LSC’s Playing It Forward Program]
**More About the Louisville Sports Commission**
The Louisville Sports Commission (LSC) is a Louisville, Kentucky-based 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to create a legacy of economic and social vitality through sports. The LSC attracts and hosts sporting events and activities that have a positive economic impact on Louisville, enhance the area’s image as a premier sports destination, promote healthy lifestyles and improve the quality of life for community members of all ages. More information is available online at www.louisvillesports.org, www.facebook.com/louisvillesportscommission and @SportsinLou on Twitter and Instagram.
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — The Fayetteville Woodpeckers, in partnership with ServiceSource, Miller’s Crew, Bravery Kids Gym and the Vision Resource Center, will host its first-ever “Ability Awareness Day” at Segra Stadium. “Ability Awareness Day” will take place during the Woodpeckers game on Sunday, August 14th at 2:05 pm vs the Down East Wood Ducks. The goal of the initiative is to promote inclusion and celebrate the abilities of all people within Fayetteville and Cumberland County.
The day will kick off with a free baseball skills clinic for Special Olympics Cumberland County athletes. Prior to the first pitch, the Fayetteville Parks and Recreation Buddy Sports baseball team will take the field with the Woodpeckers for starting lineups and the national anthem. Throughout the game, the Woodpeckers will hold a Houston Astros autographed baseball auction, with all proceeds benefitting ServiceSource, Miller’s Crew, Bravery Kids Gym and the Vision Resource Center. In addition, fans can purchase food at the Miller’s Crew food truck outside the front gates.
The Woodpeckers will transform a room inside the stadium into a sensory friendly space for those who may feel overwhelmed by the crowd, noise or other factors. Sensory friendly stations provided by Bravery Kids Gym will be set up around the concourse. Fans can also check out sensory friendly bags that include headphones, fidget toys and cue cards (available at the guest services table during every Woodpeckers game).
Fans can purchase tickets for the “Ability Awareness Day” game at fayettevillewoodpeckers.com/tickets or by visiting the Truist Box Office at Segra Stadium. For more information on “Ability Awareness Day,” please visit www.fayettevillewoodpeckers.com.
(Trenton, NJ) – The Trenton Thunder are calling on their fans to support five local community organizations as part of the 12th Annual Good Deed Day at Trenton Thunder Ballpark on Saturday, July 30th. Good Deed Day is Day 3 of Cloudman’s Heroes Week
Good Deed Day will feature collection tables on Times Square (the area outside the ballpark) for the following non-profit organizations:
The United Way of Greater Mercer County will be collecting school supplies out front of the ballpark. For almost 100 years, United Way has been involved in our local community connecting people with resources, propelling individuals and families to reach their fullest potential. The Thunder have also been partnering with United Way of Greater Mercer County as an official collection site for non-perishable food items during the month of July.
HomeFront, an organization that helps families break the cycle of poverty, will collect personal care items such as shampoo, conditioner, lotion, bandaids, bar soap, toothpaste tubes and other toiletry items that will be put to use in their Family Preservation Center and other residences.
Mercer Street Friends Food Bank will be collecting non-perishable food items. The Mercer Street Friends Food Bank, established in 1987, leads the community response to hunger in Mercer County. Its mission is to alleviate hunger through food distribution, nutrition education and assistance, weekend and summer meals for children, advocacy and outreach. The Food Bank distributes 2.6 million pounds of food annually and helps to feed over 25,000 low-income children, adults and seniors at-risk for hunger.
Pet Rescue of Mercer will be at the ballpark collecting pet food and supplies. Pet Rescue of Mercer is an all volunteer non-profit group that rescues neglected, abused, and abandoned animals and finds quality homes for them. Adoptable dogs and cats are placed in foster homes until they can be found permanent homes.
On Saturday, July 30th, the Thunder will host the Williamsport Crosscutters at 6:30 pm. It’s also Thunder’s Faith & Family Night with fireworks after the game. Stick around after the fireworks for a Postgame Concert from members of the Hamilton Square Presbyterian Church.
All Thunder tickets are available by calling 609-394-3300, opt 4 or online at trentonthunder.com/tickets.
On Saturday, July, 9, the Worcester Red Sox paid tribute to their Pawtucket Red Sox history and Rhode Island roots. In order to commemorate their 50 years in Pawtucket, the WooSox transformed back to the PawSox, wearing their old jerseys and hosting their old mascots.
Worcester hosted more than 500 fans, friends, and employees from their time spent in RI, including some who have been watching the team since 1970. Former Red Sox and PawSox player Ken Ryan was in attendance to take pictures and sign autographs for fans throughout the day. Ken is a native of Pawtucket who has deep ties with the organization.
The WooSox also continue a tradition that was held at McCoy Stadium: the “Scout Sleepover,” where Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts are invited to camp out overnight on Polar Park’s outfield grass. The sleepovers were implemented in Worcester last season and this was the third of the season.
Among those honored in the pre-game ceremonies were the Pawtucket YMCA and the Pawtucket Boys and Girls Club. Both were longtime community partners of the organization during its time in Pawtucket. Representing the YMCA were leaders Charlene Lamountain, Jennifer Cantone, and Joemeli Garcia-Torres. For over 72 years, children from the Boys and Girls Club received tickets to attend a World Series game, a tradition started by local umpire Hank Soar.
Representing the Boys and Girls Club of Pawtucket were Phil Ayoub, Arthur Kaufman, Joe Fleming, and Matt Bergeron. Also in attendance was State Representative Carlos Tobon, who was a member of the program and currently serves as first Vice Chair of the House of Veterans’ Affairs Committee and a member of the House Innovation, Internet, and Technology Committee.
Throwing a Ceremonial First Pitch was former PawSox and current WooSox photographer and talented singer Tayla Bolduc. A Pawtucket native, Bolduc was a huge fan of the PawSox growing up before following her beloved team to Worcester.
Honored as the Hometown Hero was the president and CEO of the Rhode Island Foundation, Neil Steinberg. Steinberg’s leadership has helped raise over $600 million in funds since 2008. He also led the charge in creating the Crater Roger Williams Scholarship and the Andrew Scholarship.
Next, the WooSox honored a group of employees who worked for both the PawSox and WooSox. First up was “The King of Baseball,” and former president of the Pawsox, and current vice chairman of the WooSox, Mike Tamburro. Also honored was public relations stalwart, Senior Vice President of Communications Bill Wanless; Senior Vice President of Corporate Partnerships Michael Gwynn; corporate sponsorships member Mike Lyons; Vice President of Ticket Operations Sammy Soccoia-Beggs; Senior Vice President of Marketing and Assistant General Manager Brooke Cooper; Chief Ambassador and five-generation Rhode Islander Rick Medeiros; and ushers Steve Martin, Tony Souza, Graham Watkins, Russell Giles, Brendan Teller, and Louann Valleta.
The pre-game ceremonies concluded with the singing of the national anthem and the Game Ball to the Mound presentation. The anthem was performed by the Private Label, a barbershop quartet that performed the anthem at McCoy Stadium over 40 times. The game ball was delivered by a 10-year-old Pawtucket native named Brayden.
Honored on Saturday during the “In Debt to a Vet” ceremony was Sergeant Dan Foley, who served in Vietnam in 1969 and 1970; Staff Sergeant and Major Jack Dean, who is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and Army and served in the Vietnam war; Petty Officer First Class Thomas Newell, who served in the United States Navy from 1974-1996 and is a former PawSox Season Ticket Holder; and E-4 Specialist Joseph Vadnais, who is a veteran of the United States Army, serving from 1990-1995.
The WooSox lost a close game, 3-2, to the Scranton Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, the Triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, but for hundreds of fans, it was still an impactful day.
Tuesday, July 19, 2022
Free panel features longtime T&G sports reporter Jen Toland,
7-time WFA champion Allison Cahill, and others;
Fans will be greeted virtually in-game by Janet Marie Smith,
Bianca Smith, Katie Krall, and Emma Tiedemann.
WORCESTER, MA — The Worcester Red Sox will celebrate “UniBank Women in Sports Day” at Polar Park Saturday, July 23, when the team hosts the Syracuse Mets (Triple-A, New York Mets) at 4:05 p.m.
From 12:30–1:30 p.m., the club will host a free panel in Polar Park’s DCU Club. Comprising the panel are influential women in the sports industry, such as Jen Toland, who has been a sports reporter for the Telegram & Gazette for more than 30 years; Kate Myshrall, who covered the Boston Red Sox, Boston Bruins, National Football League, and Summer Olympics for 13 years as a sports reporter for NESN and NBC; Boston Renegades star Allison Cahill, who is the first quarterback to lead a women’s football team to seven national titles; Professor Libby O’Hara, who directs the sport management program at Assumption University; and Katie Wickstrom, a former captain of the Santa Clara University women’s rowing team.
Fans can register for the panel at WooSox.com/WIS.
During pre-game ceremonies, the WooSox will honor panel guest Kate Myshrall as their “Hometown Hero.” As their “Heart of Worcester,” the club will recognize Girls Inc.
Other pre-game honorees will include Missy Clement of the Sharks Women’s Slow Pitch softball team out of Warwick, RI; reigning America’s Most Beautiful Miss Massachusetts Britt Klocko, a former New England Patriots cheerleader and current ER nurse at UMass Memorial; and reigning America’s Most Beautiful Miss Connecticut Dr. Brianna Muñoz, a former Pats cheerleader who now serves as president of the Connecticut Oral Health Initiative.
WooSox photographers and talented singers Tayla Bolduc and Natalie Reid will perform the National Anthem.
During the game, fans will be greeted on the videoboard by several prominent women in the Red Sox family: Janet Marie Smith, who partnered with WooSox Chairman and Principal Owner Larry Lucchino to create Oriole Park at Camden Yards, save Fenway Park, and design Polar Park; trailblazing Red Sox coaches Bianca Smith and Katie Krall; and Director of Broadcasting for the Portland Sea Dogs, Emma Tiedemann.
“For more than 33 years, women have held the highest positions in organizations run by Larry Lucchino,” said WooSox President Dr. Charles Steinberg. “We would like to show young women that the doors are open, the pathways are clear, and heights are limitless.
“At the WooSox, women have various leadership roles, from Executive Vice President to Senior Vice President to Vice President to department heads. There is nothing gender-specific about the love of baseball or of career opportunities in baseball.”
Fans will receive a special “UniBank Women in Sports” silicone bracelet as they enter Polar Park. In addition, the WooSox Team Store will sell limited-edition “Women in Sports” shirts.
Earlier on Saturday, all youngsters can participate in the second free WooSox Youth Clinic of the season, presented by Hanover Insurance at 10 a.m. WooSox players, coaches, and front office staff will teach the basic mechanics of hitting, pitching, and fielding on Polar Park’s outfield grass. The first clinic, held Saturday, July 9, attracted more than 120 children of various ages. Register at WooSox.com.
Following the clinic, participants will be invited to a “meet-and-greet” with several women from the WooSox front office.
Following the game, all can enjoy a gentle Sunset Catch on the Field, presented by Dunkin’.
A special $24 ticket package includes a “UniBank Women in Sports” shirt, $2 of ballpark credit, and a spot on the Simply Orthodontics Berm in left field. The $38 ticket package includes a shirt, $2 of ballpark credit, and a seat in the third base field box. Fans can purchase their package at fevo.me/womensports.
Tickets are available at WooSox.com, the Polar Park Ticket Office, or by calling (508) 500-1000. Fans may reach Group Events Manager Tom Steiger at [email protected].
