Archives for August 2022

BlueClaws, RWJBarnabas Health to Host Equipment Drive Over Last Homestand

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The BlueClaws and RWJBarnabas Health are pleased to host a baseball equipment drive at the games from September 6th – 11th! The drive will benefit communities in the Dominican Republic and provide education and life skills using baseball at the foundation.

Donate at the NJEA Ticket Kiosk on the concourse behind home plate.

Fans that donate will receive two complimentary tickets to BlueClaws Opening Night, set for April 11, 2023.

Click here to order tickets to the final homestand of the season.

-Jersey Shore BlueClaws-

Bluefield Ridge Runners announced as recipient of Lee Landers Community Service Award

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CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The Appalachian League announced that the Bluefield Ridge Runners have been named the recipient of the 2022 Lee Landers Community Service Award. The Lee Landers Community Service Award is presented to the club that demonstrates an outstanding, ongoing commitment to charitable service, support and leadership within their local community and within the baseball industry.

The staff of the Bluefield Ridge Runners has contributed $259,307 in cash and in-kind services through July 31, along with 866 hours to various community organizations. The Ridge Runners participated in Project Graduation, charity car shows, concerts, food drives and flood relief efforts. The Ridge Runners have also contributed to community organizations such as Rotary International, the Chamber of the Two Virginia’s, Sacred Heart Catholic Church Food Bank, Bluefield Area Little League, the Union Mission, the annual Mountain Festival, the Bluefield Restoration Committee and the Bluefield Beautification Committee.

“The Bluefield Ridge Runners are honored to be presented the Lee Landers Community Service Award for 2022,” said Ridge Runners general manager Rocky Malamisura. “The receipt of this award affirms the efforts of the club to be an integral part of the surrounding community.”

This season, Ridge Runners players volunteered a recorded 370 hours in the community at places like food pantries to reading programs and autograph sessions. Two baseball camps were provided by the Ridge Runners at no cost to the participants, which allowed more than 70 children to benefit from these camps. The Bluefield Club also participated in the Play Ball initiative with area Little Leagues and Vet Tix.

ThAdditionally, Ridge Runners catcher Parker Redden (Delaware) was named the Appalachian League Humanitarian of the Year. When the Ridge Runners were in town, Redden drove approximately 35 miles each way to volunteer at Freedom Farms, a nonprofit, faith-based organization for at-risk youth in West Virginia.

“It is especially satisfying to uphold the values of the award’s namesake Mr. Lee Landers,” Malamisura added. “Service before self is a trademark of what we value here with the Ridge Runners. Our staff, coaches, players and patrons strive to give back to the community that has itself given so much to us.”

Lee Landers served as the Appalachian League president from 1996-2018 and passed away May 17, 2021. Lee always placed others first and encouraged all clubs and staff to become involved and give back to their communities. Lee’s involvement over the years included: Roman Cultural Society, Jaycees, Police Benevolent Association, D.A.R.E, Senior Olympics Board, Baseball Chapel, American Heart Association and Springfield Chamber of Commerce.

Grant Woolley, 8-year-old cancer survivor, will celebrate his Anthem Home Run for Life at a Dragons Game

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Dayton, Ohio—Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Ohio and the Dayton Dragons will host 8-year-old Grant Woolley during the iconic Anthem Home Run for Life program on Wednesday, August 31, when the Dayton Dragons take on the Cedar Rapids Kernels at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District.

The Anthem Home Run for Life program provides children in the Dayton region who are battling serious medical conditions with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Each honoree gets to take a lap around the bases at Day Air Ballpark during a Dragons home game while the crowd cheers them on.

Grant’s Story

Grant Woolley was just two years old when he was experiencing nausea, constant urination, and severe thirst. While many would think this is just a baby phase, Grant’s parents, Ryan and Katie, knew that their gut was telling them otherwise. They had taken their child to a family doctor who ran several tests. His blood sugar came back at 400 milligrams while the normal person rests around 80-90. The sure signs of type 1 diabetes.

Ryan and Katie were instructed to take Grant to the hospital but didn’t understand how serious this case was just yet. As they arrived, doctors were waiting to take Grant into an intensive care unit (ICU) where he stayed for 36 hours. He was continually monitored in the hospital for a total of four days, and during that time, they treated Grant with insulin and continued to track his blood sugar.

When they transitioned back home, the Woolley’s had a lot to adjust to – counting carbs, weighing food, and administering shots. Grant left with an Omnipod and a Dexcom device to monitor his levels and deliver insulin as needed. Every 30 days, he moves the pods to another location on his body.

As he was turning six years old, he hit another bump in the road. He couldn’t move his neck, wrists, and was limping. He was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis which, as an autoimmune and inflammatory disease, is going to be a lifelong journey for Grant. Luckily infusions and medication can ease the swelling and stiffness.

While Grant will continue to battle type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, he and his support system have narrowed down his needs to a science. The counting carbs and finger pricks are all small sacrifice for this eight-year-old to be comfortable whether he is going to school or playing outside with his best friend, Bennett.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Dayton Dragons applaud all those who have been instrumental in Grant’s life, including his mom, dad, sister, and his entire medical team.

To learn more about Anthem Home Run for Life, please visit www.daytondragons.com/hrfl.

2022 Nolan Ryan Foundation Dinner & Golf Tournament Announced

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ROUND ROCK, Texas – The Nolan Ryan Foundation announced the dates for the 2022 Nolan Ryan Foundation Dinner & Golf Tournament. The dinner will take place on October 23 at Kalahari Resorts & Convention Center, while the golf tournament will be held on October 24. The location of the tournament will be provided upon registration.

Hall of Famers, Joe Torre and Nolan Ryan will be in attendance for this intimate, once-in-a-lifetime dinner. Torre and Ryan will sit down with Round Rock Express CEO, Reid Ryan, for a short program as they discuss their Hall of Fame careers with the crowd. To register for a table or become a sponsor, click here.

“The Nolan Ryan Foundation Dinner & Golf Tournament is a major driver for the scholarships and grants we award each year,” said Mary Conley Thompson, Manager of the Nolan Ryan Foundation. “With this year’s event at Kalahari Resorts & Convention Center, we are looking forward to our biggest year yet.”

All proceeds from the event will directly benefit the Nolan Ryan Foundation scholarship and community grant programs. The Nolan Ryan Foundation’s mission is to provide resources for youth, education, and community development in the Central Texas area. In the last year, the Nolan Ryan Foundation has given approximately $250,000 in scholarships and community grants.

The Nolan Ryan Foundation began in 1990 in Alvin, Texas and relocated to Round Rock in 2017. The foundation became the non-profit arm of the Round Rock Express. Nolan Ryan, Reid and Reese Ryan, along with Don, Bret and Brad Sanders make up the ownership group of the Express.

In Partnership with Augusta Technical College, SRP park to Host September 2nd

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Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Technology night announced

In Partnership with Augusta Technical College, SRP Park to Host September 2nd

North Augusta, SC – The Augusta GreenJackets, Single-A Affiliate Carolina League of the Atlanta Braves, in partnership with Augusta Technical College and the WORC Grant are excited to announce the 2nd Annual Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Technology Night at SRP Park. Students and families are encouraged to join us on Friday, September 2nd as the GreenJackets kick off Fan Appreciation Weekend against the Salem Red Sox (Red Sox). Gates open at 6:00pm and the first 1,000 fans will receive a collector’s Cup Giveaway presented by Augusta Technical College as well as access to the Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Technology Fair on the main concourse.

The Inaugural Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Technology Night was a success and we look forward to building on the momentum with this year’s event! This evening provides K-12 students throughout the CSRA and their parents a unique look into the world of STEM education and opportunities. Participating exhibitors will allow students to receive a hands-on experience with virtual and augmented reality, robotics, 3D animation and printers, and so much more! To see the full rundown visit: https://www.milb.com/augusta/community/atcmen

The evening festivities will kick off at 6 pm. Upon arrival at SRP Park, students are invited to check in at the Young Innovator’s Club table to receive a checklist to visit each vendor set up on the concourse. As students and parents visit and experience each exhibitor at SRP Park, they’ll sign your checklist. Upon completion, turn-in your checklist at Guest Relations Booth – located by the main entrance on the concourse (next to the Beestro) – and they will receive a collector’s T-shirt.

“We are excited to partner with Augusta Technical College to build upon the success of this event from last season,” stated GreenJackets Vice President Tom Denlinger. “We invite K-12 students and parents to come and check out the many great exhibitors on the main concourse while enjoying the last weekend of GreenJackets Baseball.”

Throughout the game, guests will be able to see the amazing technology, talent and work experiences that make up the exciting new world of Advanced Manufacturing in the CSRA. All the activities and exhibits are being planned to share that story, and the evening programming and entertainment will be designed to open the eyes of young people who represent the future manufacturing workforce.

Educators and manufacturers supporting this event include: Amazon, Augusta Technical College Augusta Economic Development Authority, Bridgestone, Carole Fabrics, Ingevity, SRNS, Technical Training Aids, Textron and others will be on hand with exhibits.

Click the link to learn more and to purchase discounted tickets available for K-12 students: https://www.milb.com/augusta/community/atcmen

Stay up to date on all things GreenJackets and Events at SRP Park by following us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and sign up for the ‘Jackets Buzz e-newsletter today by visiting https://atmilb.com/3yr4mrw

* * *

About Augusta Technical College

Augusta Technical College, a unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, is a public post secondary academic institution that provides technical education, customized business and industry training, continuing education, student support, economic development, and adult education services to its service area (Burke, Columbia, Lincoln, McDuffie, and Richmond Counties) at a competitive financial value. Associate of Science Degrees, Associate of Applied Science Degrees, diplomas, and technical certificates ofcredit are provided through traditional and distance delivery methods. For more information, visit augustatech.edu.

About SRP Park/Augusta GreenJackets

The Augusta GreenJackets are the Single-A Carolina League Affiliate of the Atlanta Braves playing in the state of the art SRP Park located in North Augusta, SC. 2022 Augusta GreenJackets season seat memberships and individual tickets are on sale now. To learn more about the benefits and to get in on the action, visit www.gjmembers.com or call (803) 349-WINS (9467). SRP Park is the anchor piece of Riverside Village, a live, work, “playball” development which includes apartment living, retail, restaurants, class “A” office space, and a Crowne Plaza Hotel and Conference Center. To learn more about SRP Park and hosting events and availability, visit www.thesrppark.com.

-GreenJackets –

Knights to Host Inaugural HBCU Night Presented by Truist on Friday, September 2nd 

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(UPTOWN CHARLOTTE, NC) – The Charlotte Knights are pleased to partner with Johnson C. Smith University to host HBCU Night presented by Truist on September 2 at Truist Field. The inaugural event will take place as the Knights host the Durham Bulls in a doubleheader with first pitch of game one set for 5:35 p.m. from Uptown Charlotte.

Gates for the doubleheader will open at 5:00 p.m. and the first 2,000 fans will receive a special HBCU T-Shirt. The night will feature special pre-game performances by the Golden Bullettes as fans enter the ballpark. In addition, there will be a pre-game, on-field performance by Blue Satin from JCSU. The ceremonial first pitch of the night will be thrown by Dr. Jemayne King, a JCSU professor. Dr. King was a contributing author to “The New York Mets and Popular Culture” book, which is enshrined in the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

Throughout the night, fans can expect performances by Divine 9 from JCSU, as well as a special appearance from Smitty, JCSU’s beloved mascot. After the game, the JCSU Drumline will perform for fans on the field. Following the performance, the Knights will light up the Uptown Charlotte skyline with post-game fireworks presented by Truist and WBT Radio.

For more information about this inaugural event, as well as information on purchasing tickets to Friday’s twin bill, please visit www.CharlotteKnights.com. Tickets can also be purchased by phone at 704-274-8300 or at the Truist Field ticket office, located at 324 S. Mint Street.

Patriots Welcomed Young Heart Patient As Part Of Yankees’ HOPE Week

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Bridgewater, New Jersey – The Somerset Patriots, the New York Yankees Double-A affiliate, welcomed four-year-old Nathaniel Montaque to TD Bank Ballpark as part of a Yankees’ HOPE Week event on Wednesday, August 24.

The Yankees’ HOPE Week initiative (Helping Others Persevere & Excel) is rooted in the fundamental belief that acts of goodwill provide hope and encouragement to more than just the recipient of the gesture. New York’s affiliates are encouraged to participate in the program as well and plan special events at their given ballparks and community.

“It was our first time going to a baseball game so we didn’t know what to expect but the experience was amazing,” said Nathaniel’s mother Natalie. “He is officially a baseball kid now and we are now lifelong Somerset Patriots fans.”

Nathaniel was born prematurely with ASD (atrial septal defect), a hole in the wall of his heart that divides the upper chambers, at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center at 31 weeks. His condition eventually required surgery to repair the hole in his upper heart, which was performed in March of 2021 at the Children’s Heart Center at Children’s Hospital of New Jersey at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, an RWJBarnabas Health facility.

Thanks to pediatric cardiologist, Dr. Mark Michael, pediatric nurse practitioner, Kelly Thibault, the expert medical teams at both Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, and his incredible family support system, Nathaniel is healthy, active and doing great.

Organized by RWJBarnabas Health, the Official Health Care Provider of the Patriots, Nathaniel was joined by his parents, brother and aunt as he came to the ballpark to watch batting practice and meet the players and coaches of the 2022 team. Manager Dan Fiorito, top prospects Anthony Volpe, Everson Pereira, Austin Wells, Elijah Dunham and many others greeted the family, took pictures, and signed for the kids.

“Days like these are special for our team and organization,” said Fiorito. “It was great meeting Nathaniel and his family and being able to give him this unique experience. We know he is a special kid and everyone here wishes him continued health and even more brighter days ahead.”

In addition to the team autographed baseballs, Pereira gave Nathaniel a special bracelet that he wears for good luck as a gift. The luck continued on the field, as Pereira’s sixth inning triple started a rally that put Somerset up in the team’s 3-2 win over the New Hampshire Fisher Cats.

Prior to the game, the Montaque family took a tour of TD Bank Ballpark and then were escorted down on the field where Nathaniel threw out a ceremonial first pitch joined by Dr. Michael and Kelly Thibault.

“It was a privilege to join Nathaniel for the ceremonial first pitch,” said Dr. Michael, pediatric cardiologist at the Children’s Heart Center at Children’s Hospital of New Jersey at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, an RWJBarnabas Health facility. “He’s such an inspirational young boy and thanks to the Somerset Patriots, the entire family enjoyed an incredible gameday experience.”

Added Natalie,”Nathaniel enjoyed throwing the first pitch and even still wears the bracelet he received from Everson. The fireworks at the end was the cherry on top for him.”

About the Somerset Patriots

The Somerset Patriots are the New York Yankees Double-A Affiliate and develop today’s top minor league talent into the pinstriped superstars of tomorrow for MLB’s winningest team. The Patriots compete in the Double-A Eastern League and play their home games at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, NJ, where fans of all ages and levels of baseball fandom get to enjoy the unique experience that is minor league baseball.

To learn more, visit: somersetpatriots.com.

The Drive Will Host Their Second Innovation and Entrepreneurship Night on September 8th!

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The Greenville Drive are excited to host their second annual Innovation and Entrepreneurship Night at Fluor Field September 8th.

Join us to celebrate the entrepreneurs, leaders, businesses and organizations advancing Greenville’s innovative and entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Attending will be some of Greenville’s up-and-coming startup founders. On the concourse, there will be highly engaging and interactive exhibits from leading innovative organizations that include:

  • City of Greenville
  • Greer Development
  • Mill Village
  • And Many More!

You can also enjoy all these fun exhibits while drinking affordable beer since it’s Dollar Drink Night!

Purchase your tickets here to be a part of this fun, signature event! Gates open at 6:00 PM while first pitch is 7:05 PM.

First National Bank & Trust to renovate Little League field

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BELOIT — First National Bank and Trust has partnered with the Beloit Sky Carp to continue the mission of improving the quality of life in our community.

The latest project? Selecting a local Little League field and giving it professional attention with the goal of increasing safety for all children that play on it.

“Our partnership as the Exclusive Bank for the Beloit Sky Carp allows First National Bank and Trust the opportunity to engage in great community outreach programs such as this little league field renovation,” said David McCoy, President and CEO of FNBT. “Providing resources to beautify our local ball fields along with the expertise of the Beloit Sky Carp team is just another way we hope to help our community families succeed.”

Community members are encouraged to submit a local field (must be in the Stateline region) that needs a makeover. A committee, comprised of Sky Carp and First National Bank and Trust employees, will review all submissions and determine the field most in need.

The field will be selected by the committee by mid-September.

“This is just another way we can give back to the community that has supported us so well,” Sky Carp President Zach Brockman said. “We are so grateful that First National Bank and Trust has stepped in to make this happen, and we are happy to lend our expertise to see it through. ”

Know of a field in need? Submit it by Friday, September 2 through this link: https://www.milb.com/beloit/community/field-renovation.

The Beloit Sky Carp are the High-A Affiliate of the Miami Marlins and play their games at ABC Supply Stadium — the heart of the Riverbend District.

Get tickets at SkyCarp.com or call the Box Office at 608-362-2272.

Follow the Sky Carp on Twitter at @BeloitSkyCarp, on Instagram at @BeloitSkyCarp, and like them on Facebook via www.facebook.com/SkyCarpBaseball.

Woodpeckers Announce Sponsorship of The Big Tiny Project

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FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — The Fayetteville Woodpeckers are sponsoring The Big Tiny Project, an initiative to support homeless and at-risk veterans. The Big Tiny Project, created by the Fayetteville-based nonprofit Off-Road Outreach, is a planned tiny home community designed to be a bridge between being on the street and permanent housing. All services will be free of charge to veterans.

The Woodpeckers Foundation and Community Leaders Program donated $10,000 to The Big Tiny Project to cover the renovation of three 290-square-foot tiny homes that will house homeless and at- risk veterans. Other sponsors of The Big Tiny Project include Lowe’s, Wells Fargo, the All-Veteran Group, U.S. Veterans Corps, Window World and ServiceSource.

The purpose of The Big Tiny Project is to provide up to 180 days of bridge housing to homeless and at- risk veterans. The Big Tiny Project will provide on-site support for navigating benefits, identification services, mental and physical health referrals, financial counseling and employment. In addition, veterans can utilize a food pantry, community garden and transportation services. The project is set to be completed by the start of 2023.

“We are incredibly thankful to the Woodpeckers Foundation for their support of The Big Tiny Project,” said Stacey Buckner, the director and founder of Off-Road Outreach. “This bridge housing program is long overdue in Fayetteville and will satisfy an immediate need. We can’t wait to show the impact this will have on our veterans.”

For more information on the Woodpeckers Foundation and Community Leaders Program, please visit www.fayettevillewoodpeckers.com.

Showcasing Job & Career Opportunities throughout the CSRA

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*2022 CSRA Job & Career Fair set for Tuesday, August 30th *

Showcasing Job & Career Opportunities throughout the CSRA

NORTH AUGUSTA, SC: The Augusta GreenJackets, Single-A Carolina League affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, are excited to announce that on Tuesday, August 30th, while the GreenJackets take on the Salem Red Sox (Red Sox) at 7:05 p.m., SRP Park will play host to the 2022 CSRA Job & Career Fair from 6-8 p.m. Fans who bring a resume to the SRP Park Box Office can get a $5 General Admission/Standing Room Only ticket which will gain them admission into the ballpark for both the GreenJackets game, and the Job & Career Fair.

“We look forward to hosting this annual event at SRP Park to showcase the great employment and career opportunities throughout the region,” stated GreenJackets Vice President Tom Denlinger. “This is going to be a unique event where GreenJackets guests can not only enjoy an entertaining night of baseball, but they will also have the opportunity to see opportunities available in the region and network with local businesses and colleges in the CSRA.”

Businesses and Colleges from the CSRA that are scheduled to attend include: Aiken Technical College; Augusta Technical College; Augusta University Health; Augusta University; Bridgestone; Cintas, City of North Augusta, Coke United Augusta, E-Z-GO/Textron; Family Y of Greater Augusta, Georgia Army National Guard; Leidos; SRP Federal Credit Union; TaxSlayer; and more.

Along with the Job & Career Fair, it’s also the final First Responder Tuesday presented by Academy Sports and Outdoors. All Fire, Police, and EMS can receive $2 off reserved or general admission (standing room only) ticket options with valid ID at the SRP Park Box Office. It’s also our final $2 TWOs-day of the season where from 6-8pm SRP Park features $2 Hotdogs, Nachos, Fresh Popped Popcorn, Coca-Cola Fountain Products and Miller Light Drafts.

Fans are encouraged to pre-register for the Job & Career Fair by clicking here: https://bit.ly/AGJ-JobFair-Registration

Fans who bring a resume to the SRP Park Box Office can get a $5 General Admission/Standing Room Only ticket which will get them admission into the ballpark for both the GreenJackets game, and the Job Fair. For more information, fans can go to the SRP Park Box office, visit GreenJacketsbaseball.com or call (803) 349-WINS (9467).

Tickets start at only $9. To learn more or purchase your tickets visit www.greenjacketsbaseball.com/tickets

Stay up to date on all things GreenJackets and Events at SRP Park by following us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and sign up for the ‘Jackets Buzz e-newsletter today by visiting https://atmilb.com/3yr4mrw

About SRP Park/Augusta GreenJackets

The Augusta GreenJackets are the Single-A Carolina League Affiliate of the Atlanta Braves playing in the state of the art SRP Park located in North Augusta, SC. 2022 Augusta GreenJackets season seat memberships and individual tickets are on sale now. To learn more about the benefits and to get in on the action, visit www.gjmembers.com or call (803) 349-WINS (9467).

SRP Park is the anchor piece of Riverside Village, a live, work, “playball” development which includes apartment living, retail, restaurants, class “A” office space, and a Crowne Plaza Hotel and Conference Center. To learn more about SRP Park and hosting events and availability, visit www.thesrppark.com.

-GreenJackets –

INTEGRIS Health Cancer Institute Provides Life-Saving Treatment for Enid Native in Two Oklahoma Cities

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Christian Brown received care at INTEGRIS Health in Enid and Oklahoma City to treat stage three colon cancer after diagnosis at young age

OKLAHOMA CITY – The 11th season of the INTEGRIS Health “Home Run for Life” series wraps up Saturday night as Christian Brown will be recognized prior to the Oklahoma City Dodgers’ 7:05 p.m. game against the El Paso Chihuahuas at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

Brown was diagnosed with stage three colon cancer at the age of 27. She had surgery at INTEGRIS Heath Cancer Institute in Enid, then traveled to INTEGRIS Health Cancer Institute in Oklahoma City twice every other week for treatment and chemotherapy.

She attended classes at Northern Oklahoma College between eight rounds of chemotherapy. She even carried her medicine pump with her around campus as she studied to become a registered nurse.

“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.”

Brown, an Enid native, had been traveling for work and had been a licensed practical nurse for five years.

Suddenly, she began experiencing extreme abdominal pain and ended up in the emergency room. What she thought were menstrual cramps turned out to be a mass obstructing her bowels and stage three colon cancer in June 2019.

The diagnosis caught Brown by surprise as she had no family history of cancer.

“It was emotional,” she said. “I’d always been healthy prior.”

Colorectal cancer numbers are rising in young people, but the reason why remains a mystery, said Sumbal Nabi, M.D., with the INTEGRIS Health Cancer Institute in Enid.

“When someone is diagnosed with cancer at a young age, people automatically suspect genetics, but experts still haven’t been able to use genetics to explain the surge,” Nabi said.

Angered but determined, Brown put her head down and got to work. She attended classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays and made trips to OKC for treatment Wednesdays and Fridays.

“Going to school really helped me,” she said. “It gave me motivation to get out of bed.”

What made balancing class and treatment a bit easier for Brown was the care she received at INTEGRIS Health.

“The staff was amazing,” she said. “There’s nowhere else I would’ve rather gone for my treatment.”

To read Brown’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 El Paso Chihuahuas at 7:05 p.m. tonight and the teams play nightly through Sunday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. Series highlights include:

• Hometown Heroes Military Celebration Night presented by Dell: Current and former local military personnel and their families will be honored Friday during Hometown Heroes Military Celebration Night presented by Dell. Dodgers players and coaches will take the field for the 7:05 p.m. game in special commemorative camouflage jerseys that will be auctioned online through the MiLB Auctions website to benefit the OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation. The evening’s festivities are scheduled to include a flyover featuring an E-3 Sentry (AWACS) from the 552nd Air Control Wing at Tinker Air Force Base, static displays of military equipment from Fort Sill and performances from the 77th Army Band. Military personnel will be honored throughout the night and participate in other activities such as an oath of enlistment ceremony and in-game entertainment. Fireworks are scheduled to follow the game presented by SpringHill Suites. A special $20 ticket offer that can be purchased here includes a $5 donation to the USO and an OKC Dodgers baseball cap.

• OKC 89ers Night: In addition to Brown being honored before the 7:05 p.m. game, Saturday is also OKC 89ers Night and Dodgers players and coaches will wear special retro OKC 89ers jerseys and hats in a nod to the franchise’s history. The evening’s entertainment will feature throwback themes and the team’s jerseys will auctioned online through the MiLB Auctions website to benefit the OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation. The 89ers played at All Sports Stadium from 1962-97 before the franchise relocated to Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark in 1998. Groups of 10 or more can take part in a special ticket offer featuring all-you-can-eat ballpark fare, a terrace-level game ticket and an OKC Dodgers hat for $25 per person.

• Kids Run the Bases: Following Sunday’s 6:05 p.m. series finale, kids can run the bases like the pros.

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.

Rochester Red Wings, RIT/NTID, and Rochester School for the Deaf partner for Deaf Culture Day

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ROCHESTER, NY – The Rochester Red Wings, in partnership with Rochester Institute of Technology’s National Technical Institute for the Deaf and Rochester School for the Deaf, will host the third Deaf Culture Day at Frontier Field, on Friday, September 16. The 6:05 p.m. game is against the Lehigh Valley IronPigs.

Interpreters from Interpretek will be on site during the game at Frontier Field to assist fans at the Ticket Office, concession stands, guest services, Team Store, and various other locations around the ballpark. The 7th inning will be a “silent inning,” without public address announcements or music, to raise further awareness about deafness. Portions of the game will be captioned on the videoboard.

The National Anthem and God Bless America will be performed in sign language by NTID’s traveling performance troupe Sunshine 2.0.

The Red Wings will don American Sign Language jerseys which will be auctioned off to benefit NTID and RSD. The game-worn jerseys will be auctioned off online at RedWingsBaseball.com/Auction.

Rochester Red Wings General Manager Dan Mason said:

“Based on the popularity and success of our first event in 2019, we are proud to partner with NTID for our third annual Deaf Culture Day at Frontier Field. It’s been such a unique event, and we look forward to making this a true celebration of the Deaf community and the important impact that deaf citizens have had in Rochester. We look forward to hosting many deaf members of the Rochester community and their families, as well as members of the RIT/NTID student body, while educating all fans about Deaf culture.”

RIT/NTID President Gerry Buckley added:

“RIT/NTID is thrilled to be working with the Red Wings on our third Deaf Culture Day. We are grateful for the organization’s commitment to Rochester’s Deaf community—one of the largest per capita in the nation—and know that Sept. 16 will be a great night for our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the rest of the Rochester area.”

RSD will be collecting school supplies during the game. Fans donating school supply items will receive $2 off their ticket. The discount only applies to in-person purchases at the Ticket Office. Fans will show their supply and drop it off at Guest Services the day of the game. Items that RSD is in need of are listed here.

For more information regarding your ticket purchase, e-mail [email protected] or visit the Rochester Red Wings website.

Cutters Help ACES North America

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The Williamsport Crosscutters players and staff recently held the Cutters Dominican Plate event in conjunction with ACES North America.

The event, held annually, consists of a buffet dinner featuring Dominican food along with auctions, music and dancing. Proceeds from the event benefit ACES North America, a non-profit organization formed in Williamsport that is dedicated to making the world a better place by supporting sustainable grassroots projects and programs in the Dominican Republic’s impoverished communities. Further, they strive to empower individuals and communities for sustainable development.

Prior to the Cutters August 14 game, the team presented a check to ACES North America in the amount of $10,200 representing the proceeds from the event.

Redden named Appalachian League Humanitarian of the Year 

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CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The Appalachian League announced that Bluefield’s Parker Redden (Delaware) was named the Humanitarian of the Year. The Humanitarian of the Year award is given to the Appalachian League player that has been judged to have made the most notable contributions in his community during the season through active participation in community service projects.

Redden works closely with Freedom Farms, a nonprofit, faith-based organization for at-risk youth in West Virginia. When the Ridge Runners were in town, Redden drove approximately 35 miles each way to help with meal preparation, maintenance, agricultural activities and his mentoring opportunities. Redden also delivered leftover food to Freedom Farms as quantities allowed so that waste was minimized. Baseball and softball lessons are an integral part of his focus with the youth. Redden and his family have also worked to establish a 4H club as an outlet for the kids from their day-to-day trials.

“Parker unselfishly gives of himself to others and conducts himself in such a way that you know that he understands that the game will end but his mission in life will continue,” said Ridge Runners general manager Rocky Malamisura. “Parker is the epitome of what we cherish most in athletes and what baseball teaches those who pay attention. We are so proud to have had such a young man as a member of the Ridge Runners.”

During the 2022 season, Redden volunteered for each of the Ridge Runners community service projects that were scheduled. The projects included working at local food pantries, stadium walkabouts with fans and autograph sessions. Redden also worked both kids camps as an instructor, mentored several local at-risk children and provided baseball lessons for numerous little league children.

“Parker was a catalyst in helping our organization educate and encourage the attitude and spirit of giving back,” said Bluefield manager Mike Weatherford. “Once his teammates recognized Parker’s contributions in Bluefield and the surrounding communities, it became enjoyable for our players to routinely volunteer. Parker was a leader in getting teammates involved off the field and that dedication to others followed him on the field.”

The 20-year-old catcher from Shady Spring, W.V., is heading into his sophomore year at the University of Delaware. Redden played in 15 games for the Ridge Runners this summer after he played for the Burlington Sock Puppets in 2021.