Archives for August 2022

Jumbo Shrimp feature sports industry leaders for Women Belong in Sports Panel & Networking Event

PURCHASE TICKETS (Password, please include spaces: Women Sports Panel)

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A star-studded cast of executives highlight the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp’s Women Belong in Sports Panel & Networking Event presented by First Citizens Bank and We Matter Too, Inc. from 4-6 p.m. prior to the club’s 7:05 p.m. game on Tuesday, September 6 at 121 Financial Ballpark.

The panelists will discuss the important role women play in sports, providing insight on how they broke into the sports industry and rose through the ranks into the roles they have carried for their careers. Topics of discussion also include the challenges women face when entering a male-dominated field, the strong benefits and value of mentorship from women and both the present and future challenges for women working in sports.

The highly successful panelists who are planning to offer their time and insight at this event includes:

  • Linda McNabb – Senior Vice President of Sales, Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
  • Donna Orender – CEO, Orender Unlimited, Former president of the WNBA, Former Senior Vice President of the PGA
  • Megha Parekh – Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, Jacksonville Jaguars, Bold Events, All Elite Wrestling
  • Lauren Muni – Vice President of Marketing, Zaywer Sports
  • Alex Baldwin – President, Korn Ferry Tour (PGA TOUR)
  • Donna Kirk – Senior Associate AD, Compliance & Administration/SWA, University of North Florida

For just $50, the Women Belong in Sports Panel & Networking Event includes a ticket to the event, Hors d’oeuvres and one drink ticket during the event and a game ticket in SkyDeck 4 for the Jumbo Shrimp’s 7:05 p.m. contest against the Iowa Cubs. Fans interested in purchasing tickets can call Jumbo Shrimp account executive Jenna Smith at (904) 374-4598 or [email protected] or visit this link to register and purchase seats Password, please include spaces: Women Sports Panel).

For those unable to make the game but still want to listen to the panel, the event is also virtual. The price is $5 for individuals and $25 for organizations/businesses via this link (Password, please include spaces: Women Sports Panel).

“The Jumbo Shrimp are elated to offer the opportunity to hear from highly-accomplished female executives from throughout the sports industry,” said Jumbo Shrimp executive vice president/general manager Harold Craw. “These women have worked incredibly hard to overcome every single obstacle put in their path on the way to the respective leadership positions they hold. The advice and insight they can share is going to be invaluable for any individual looking to enter the sports industry.

Attendees will walk away from Women Belong in Sports Panel & Networking Event presented by First Citizens Bank and We Matter Too, Inc. having the knowledge that women already are and can continue to be leaders in the sports industry while showcasing the sisterhood that exists among women currently working in sports. The event is designed to provide all attendees with a strong understanding of some of the hurdles and challenges that they may encounter along their own career path, better preparing them for their journey into the sports industry.

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. The 2021 season marked the return of Triple-A baseball in Jacksonville. 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.

Thunder Honor 100-Year-Old World War II Veteran

(Trenton, NJ) Your Trenton Thunder, presented by NJM Insurance Group, were proud to honor 100-year-old World War II Veteran Dan Morgan during the game on Sunday, August 7th as part of the Thunder’s Cloudman’s Hometown Heroes Program.

Dan Morgan is a World War II Veteran where he served as an aviation machinist’s mate First Class in the United States Navy. Dan was born and raised right here in Trenton, then moved to Allentown, NJ where he raised his four daughters.

Dan was a volunteer fireman at the Hope Fire Department in Allentown and went on to be the Allentown Police Commissioner. Dan recently turned 100 years old and has always been an avid fan of baseball. He was at the Thunder game Sunday surrounded by the family he loves, watching the sport he loves.

Sunday’s game also featured an Honor Guard presenting the American flag from the Knights of Columbus – Regina Mundi Council (below).

Cloudman’s Hometown Heroes program recognizes and celebrates individuals and groups that perform inspirational, selfless acts of kindness in our community! Cloudman is always looking for hometown heroes to honor in front of Thunder fans at Trenton Thunder Ballpark. Opportunities include pre-game ceremonies and in-game ceremonies before the presentation of “God Bless America” in the 7th inning of every Thunder home game.

To nominate a Hometown Hero of your own to be recognized at Trenton Thunder Ballpark, click here!

New Jersey’s Baseball Team | Big League Futures. Major League Fun.

The Trenton Thunder have drawn over 10 million fans over 28 years and have won the three major awards that Minor League Baseball teams can win; the Johnson Trophy for the “Nation’s Best Franchise”, the Larry MacPhail Trophy for Outstanding Club Promotion, and the Bob Frietas Award for Long-Term Success, given by Baseball America. The team has given back over $7.5 million worth of goods, services, and monetary donations through Trenton Thunder Charities, under the Grand Slam We Care Foundation umbrella. The Thunder can be found online at trentonthunder.com, facebook.com/trentonthunder, twitter.com/trentonthunder, and on youtube.com/AATrentonThunder.

Recycle Right with Montgomery County Environmental Services and the Dayton Dragons

Recycling Bin Initiative (RBI) Program Celebrates at a Dragons Game on Tuesday, August 9

Dayton, Ohio – The Dayton Dragons and Montgomery County Environmental Services have teamed up for Heater’s Recycling Bin Initiative (RBI) Program. This free, fun, and educational program is for kids and families to learn about household recycling and how recycling benefits the economy and the environment. The RBI Program only requires two weeks of tracking recycling to participate, but families are encouraged to keep up the good work afterwards.

This year, participants learned about how to “recycle right,” as well as what items can and cannot be recycled. Hundreds of thousands of cans, glass, cardboard, and plastic have been saved from the landfill thanks to the recycling efforts of participants over the past ten years.

All participants will receive up to four Dragons lawn tickets to the RBI Night on Tuesday, August 9 at the Dragons game. They can also redeem exclusive RBI gifts and will be eligible to win other great Dragons prizes and experiences.

Visit www.daytondragons.com/rbi to get more information.

About Montgomery County Environmental Services

Montgomery County Environmental Services provides water and water reclamation (sewer) services to 80,000 customers, and solid waste and recycling services to 525,000 citizens in Montgomery County, Ohio. The department offers educational outreach programs for local schools, communities, and businesses that want to learn more about conservation and sustainability in the Miami Valley region. For more information, visit www.mcohio.org/departments/environmental_services/, or follow us on Twitter or Facebook (@mcohioes).

More Information:_ The Dayton Dragons are the affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play a 66-game home schedule at beautiful Day Air Ballpark_ in the heart of the Water Street District. Individuals and groups seeking information about Dayton Dragons group tickets, lawn tickets, the season ticket wait list, sponsorship opportunities or booking a Dragons speaker are encouraged to contact the Dragons by calling at (937) 228-2287, emailing at [email protected], or on the web at daytondragons.com.

Dragons to Host Naturalization Ceremony on the Field During August 9 Game

Dayton, Ohio—The Dayton Dragons will host a naturalization ceremony for 25 new citizens who will take their oath of allegiance on the field during an inning break of the Dragons game on Tuesday, August 9. In addition, the crowd will join in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance with the newly naturalized citizens.

This will mark the third consecutive Dragons season in which a naturalization ceremony has been held on the field during a Dragons game. Similar events were held during the 2019 and 2021 Dragons seasons.

The game on August 9 will start at 7:05 p.m. at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District as the Dragons host the Lansing Lugnuts. For ticket information, go to https://www.milb.com/dayton/tickets/single-game-tickets. Tickets can also be purchased by phone at (937) 228-2287.

More Information:_ The Dayton Dragons are the affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play a 66-game home schedule at beautiful Day Air Ballpark_ in the heart of the Water Street District. Individuals and groups seeking information about Dayton Dragons group tickets, lawn tickets, the season ticket wait list, sponsorship opportunities or booking a Dragons speaker are encouraged to contact the Dragons by calling at (937) 228-2287, emailing at [email protected], or on the web at daytondragons.com.

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Saints Announce Winners Of Inaugural Jimmy Lee Umpire Awards, Headlined By Larry Gallagher, As Part of Minor League Baseball's “The Nine” Initiative

ST. PAUL, MN — (August 5, 2022) – Umpires are rarely honored for their hard, often underappreciated work, let alone with an award named for a man as well-respected as the late, great Jimmy Lee. To provide the recognition they so richly deserve, the Saints have introduced an initiative to promote the importance of, and the need for, great umpires and have selected seven winners in the inaugural Jimmy Lee Umpire Awards class.

The following exemplary umpires will be honored during a pregame ceremony celebrating Jimmy Lee and his impact on the Saint Paul community, prior to the Saints August 9 home game:

Lifetime Achievement in Umpiring – Larry Gallagher and Bryan DeVos

Most Dedicated Umpire – Duane Reed & Peyton Yurek

Rookie Umpire of the Year – Nathan O’Brien

Young Umpire of the Year – Ethan Agre

Most Improved Umpire – Chase Hebel

Both baseball and softball umpires were nominated by their league’s assignors in five different categories and a panel including Saints leadership and leaders in the officiating community selected the final award winners. This class of winners is headlined by one of the most respected umpires in Minnesota, Larry Gallagher.

The 82-year-old Gallagher retired in 2020 after 59-years as an umpire and is the Dean of the Northwest Umpires Association. During his final year playing catcher at Augsburg in 1961, an umpire working one of the games thought Gallagher would be a good ump, based on the fact he had been a catcher his entire life. Gallagher, who had a passion for the game and a teaching degree, agreed with the sentiment and thus a long and storied career began.

By his estimation, Gallagher believes he umpired well over 5,000 games and acquired the nickname “Dr. Balk.” A typical season saw Gallagher umpire between 100-150 games, and he was known for studying the rule book intently.

Gallagher got his opportunity to umpire in the Major Leagues in 1979 when the umpires went on strike at the start of the season. In his first Major League game on May 3, he was the first base umpire as the Minnesota Twins hosted the Detroit Tigers at Metropolitan Stadium. All told, Gallagher umpired seven games in the Major Leagues, two behind the plate.

He continued umpiring at various levels of amateur baseball as well as officiating high-school football, basketball, and wrestling. He was a high-school physical-education teacher and coach until he retired in 1999. In addition to umpiring, which he still does, Gallagher is a baseball rules interpreter and coordinator for the Minnesota State High School League.

The Jimmy Lee Umpire Award will be an annual honor given out by the Saints to the most deserving umpires in the area. The award is named after one of the most well-respected officials in Minnesota history. Jim “Jimmy” Lee was born in Vicksburg, Mississippi, moved to St. Paul when he was 23, and got a job with a downtown bank. He was involved in sports and played on the Uptown Sanitary Shop and the Twin Cities Colored Gophers, two of the most renowned Black baseball teams at the time. He became a local referee in both football and basketball and an umpire in baseball, considered by many the greatest official in the area at all three sports. He was the first black baseball umpire in the Big 10. He wrote columns for the _Minneapolis Spokesman _for over a decade. Lee was inducted into the Minnesota High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame (1972), the Minnesota Softball Hall of Fame (1982) and posthumously into the Minnesota State High School League Hall of Fame in 2013.

This is the second of two nights promoting “The Nine,” a new, Black-community focused outreach platform specifically designed to honor and celebrate the historic impact numerous Black baseball pioneers made on the sport, provide new opportunities for youth baseball and softball participation, further diversify the business of baseball, and embrace millions of passionate fans throughout MiLB’s 120 communities nationwide.

The award ceremony will take place prior to the Tuesday, August 9 game between the Saints and the Columbus Clippers.

Saints tickets continue to be a tremendous value. Tickets begin at $5 for the Treasure Island berm seating, $6 bleacher seats, $15 for outfield reserved, $18 for drink rail, infield reserved, and home plate reserved. Friday home games with Post-Game Fireworks are an additional $2 per ticket. Post-Game Fireworks Supershows (September 4) are an additional $3 per ticket. Tickets purchased on the day of the game are an additional $2 per ticket. Children under the age of 12 and seniors 65 and older receive $1 off the admission price. Children under 2 that don’t require a seat are free.

Second Annual “WooSox Foundation Golf Classic” Presented by Hanover Insurance, scheduled for Monday, August 29

WORCESTER, MA — The Second Annual “WooSox Foundation Golf Classic,” presented by Hanover Insurance, is scheduled for Monday, August 29, at the Haven Country Club in Boylston, MA. Worcester Red Sox players and coaches will attend, and proceeds will directly benefit the many programs run by the WooSox Foundation, the charitable arm of the WooSox.

The registration donation of $1,200 per foursome includes greens, cart fees for 18 holes, lunch, dinner, and a complimentary WooSox swag bag. In addition, tee box signs are available for $1,000. Two raffles and a live auction will provide opportunities for special gifts, memorabilia, and exclusive experiences.

Attendees can register now at woosoxfoundation.org/golf.

Day-of registration will open at 9:30 a.m. August 29, with golf beginning at 11 a.m. with a shotgun start in a Texas Scramble tournament format. Each golfer tees off, then plays their own ball from the location of the foursome’s best drive until each golfer holes out. The lowest score in the foursome is counted toward the team’s score.

The Haven Country Club, located at 369 Cross Street, is a private country club featuring a gorgeous 18-hole, par-72, 6,800-yard course.

Comprising four pillars—Education, Social Justice, Conquering Cancer, and Diamond Sports—the WooSox Foundation funds many programs that benefit the community.

  • The WooSox Scholars program annually awards a $10,000 college scholarship to four exceptional eighth grade students in Worcester Public Schools.
  • The “WooSox Most Valuable Teachers” program, presented by Country Bank, awards stipends to nominated teachers in the area.
  • Created in the loving memory of Paxton Little Leaguer Tyler Trudell, “Tyler’s Teammates” helps aspiring ballplayers afford the registration fees and equipment required to play organized baseball and softball.
  • The WooSox Familia honors the loving memory of Officer Manny Familia by supporting the Manny 267 Foundation.
  • Foundation volunteers take the WooSox Foundation Care-A-Van, presented by Bank of America, out into the community to provide various services and resources.

To learn more about the Foundation’s programs and initiatives, visit woosoxfoundation.org.

ValleyCats and American National Insurance to Honor 9 Community Heroes at “The Joe”

TROY, NY – The Tri-City ValleyCats and American National Insurance Company have partnered again this season to recognize nine heroes within the Capital Region community during a special on-field ceremony prior to tonight’s rubber match against the Ottawa Titans.

The “Home Run Community Heroes Starting Nine” is chosen through an online fan nomination process. The ‘Cats and American National Insurance encourage fans to nominate hospital staff, health care workers, military personnel, law enforcement, firefighter/EMS agencies, non-profit organizations, as well as teachers, volunteers, children, and everyday people that have helped make a positive impact within the Capital Region!

This year’s honorees are:

  • Cody Alessi, 7th Grade Student
  • Lindsey Bedell, Teacher, Corinth Elementary School
  • Jason Chevrier, Superintendent, Schodack Central School District
  • Chris DelVecchio, Communications Officer, Rensselaer County Public Safety
  • Heather McKenna, Physical Therapist, Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital
  • Jamie Panichi, Investigations Sergeant, Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office
  • Casey Rowland, Teacher, Sand Creek Middle School
  • John Soychak, Paramedic, North Greenbush Ambulance
  • Trevor Taylor, Teacher, School 12, Troy City School District

The ValleyCats and American National Insurance Company’s Glenmont Office will recognize our nine community heroes in a special on-field ceremony beginning at approximately 6:05 PM ahead of tonight’s game against the Ottawa Titans.

For tickets, stop by the box office, call 518-629-CATS, or log on to tcvalleycats.com. Enter the promo code “HERO” at checkout for discounted tickets.

Thunder to Team Up With Vs. Cancer Foundation on August 17th

(Trenton, NJ) – Your Trenton Thunder, presented by NJM Insurance, has once again joined forces with the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation’s Vs. Cancer program to defeat childhood brain cancer – the deadliest disease affecting children in the United States.

Started by a pediatric brain cancer survivor and former collegiate athlete, Vs. Cancer empowers any sports team, any athlete, and any community to help kids with cancer. As a signature fundraising campaign of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, Vs. Cancer proceeds help fund local hospital programs for children battling brain tumors and other cancers, financial assistance and critical resources for patient families nationwide, and groundbreaking research to cure pediatric brain tumors – the deadliest form of pediatric cancer.

“The Thunder are proud to partner again with the Vs. Cancer Foundation,” said Thunder President and General Manager Jeff Hurley. “I can’t wait to see everyone at the ballpark on Wednesday, August 17th when we’ll shave our heads during the game to raise money for this important cause.”

In partnership with Vs. Cancer, and thanks to the generous support of friends, family and fans, the team is on its way to meeting their fundraising goal. You can contribute by making a donation here: FUNDRAISING PAGE

Dave Mays, the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation’s Senior Vs. Cancer Campaign Manager understands how vital these athletes are to the nonprofit’s mission. “Vs. Cancer athletes are changing the game for children with cancer. Brain cancer is the deadliest and most common form of cancer in children under 15, but each Vs. Cancer game gets us one step closer to a cure. Together we are fighting for healthier, happier futures.”

About the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation

Every day, 13 children and teens are diagnosed with a brain tumor, the deadliest and most common form of cancer in kids under 15. Every day after, they are in a fight for their life. It’s a fight the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation is here to help families win. A leader in the brain tumor and childhood cancer communities, PBTF’s mission of Care. Cure. Thrive. reflects its commitment to curing all pediatric brain tumors and transforming how children and their families are cared for. Since 1991, PBTF has provided strategic leadership and funding to accelerate the number of targeted therapies for children battling brain tumors today, while equipping families with the patient-family education, financial relief, and emotional support they need to navigate their child’s journey. The Vs. Cancer Foundation merged with the PBTF in 2016 and now is a signature fundraising campaign of the nonprofit. A world without childhood brain tumors is possible when we work together to put kids first. Learn more at www.curethekids.org. To get involved with Vs. Cancer, visit www.vs-cancer.org.

New Jersey’s Baseball Team | Big League Futures. Major League Fun.

The Trenton Thunder have drawn over 10 million fans over 28 years and have won the three major awards that Minor League Baseball teams can win; the Johnson Trophy for the “Nation’s Best Franchise”, the Larry MacPhail Trophy for Outstanding Club Promotion, and the Bob Frietas Award for Long-Term Success (Given by Baseball America). The team has given back over $7.5 million worth of goods, services, and monetary donations through Trenton Thunder Charities, under the Grand Slam We Care Foundation umbrella. The Thunder can be found online at trentonthunder.com, facebook.com/trentonthunder, twitter.com/trentonthunder, and on youtube.com/AATrentonThunder.

Woodpeckers to host Alzheimer's Awareness Night at Segra Stadium

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – AUGUST 3, 2022 – The Alzheimer’s Association – Eastern North Chapter is teaming up with the Fayetteville Woodpeckers for Paint the Park Purple — Alzheimer’s Awareness Night on Friday, August 12 at Segra Stadium.

Proceeds from Paint the Park Purple will support the Association’s 2022 Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Fayetteville taking place on October 29 —to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.

The game against the Down East Wood Ducks begins at 7:05 p.m., with gates opening at 6 p.m. The game will conclude with fireworks. Fans are encouraged to wear purple and the first 1,000 fans through the gates will take home a custom purple hat sponsored by Edward Jones Cumberland County featuring the Woodpeckers signature logo.

The Woodpeckers will take the field wearing purple jerseys in honor of all who have been impacted by Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. A jersey auction will take place both in-game and online with the proceeds benefiting the Fayetteville Walk.

Those wishing to learn more about Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Fayetteville are invited to come early and stop by the Walk Kickoff Tent to learn more, meet the local committee, register for the Walk and pick up information and team captain resources. The tent will be located outside next to the stadium’s box office from 1 – 3 p.m.

The inaugural Paint the Park Purple took place in 2019 and has since raised over $16,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association.

“We appreciate the Fayetteville Woodpeckers support over the last several years to raise funds and awareness for a world without Alzheimer’s,” said Lisa Roberts, executive director for the Alzheimer’s Association – Eastern North Carolina Chapter. “Alzheimer’s Association Awareness Nights like this provide the opportunity for us to talk about the impact Alzheimer’s and all other dementia has and the care and support the Association can provide to local families in Cumberland County and surrounding areas.”

To purchase tickets for Paint the Park Purple — Alzheimer’s Awareness Night click here.

More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease – a leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, more than 11 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In North Carolina alone, there are more than 180,000 people living with the disease and 356,000 caregivers.

To sign up as a walker or Team Captain or to learn more about becoming a sponsor of Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Fayetteville, visit act.alz.org/fayettevillenc or call 800-272-3900.

The Alzheimer’s Association hosts 17 walks across North Carolina including: Alamance County, Asheville, Charlotte, Gaston/Cleveland/Lincoln Counties, Fayetteville, Guilford County, Henderson County, Iredell County, Jacksonville, Moore County, Mount Airy, New Bern, Rowan-Cabarrus Counties, Triangle (Raleigh and Durham), Unifour (formerly Hickory), Wilmington and Winston-Salem. To register and receive the latest updates on any of this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s, visit: alz.org/walk.

Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s®

The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Since 1989, the Alzheimer’s Association® mobilized millions of Americans in the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk®; now the Alzheimer’s Association is continuing to lead the way with Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Together, we can end Alzheimer’s.

Alzheimer’s Association®

The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Visit alz.org or call (800) 272-3900.

About the Alzheimer’s Association – Eastern North Carolina Chapter

The Eastern North Carolina Chapter provides patient and family services, information and referral, education, and advocacy in 51 eastern North Carolina counties. It offers opportunities to get involved and to make a difference, in addition to a variety of services including: a 24/7 Helpline, support groups, educational programs, and MedicAlert®. For more information about Alzheimer’s disease, or the Alzheimer’s Association, Eastern North Carolina Chapter, visit alz.org/nc or call 800-272-3900. For the latest news and updates, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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

Dayton, Ohio—Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Ohio and the Dayton Dragons will host 8-year-old Beckett Richards during the iconic Anthem Home Run for Life program on Wednesday, August 3, when the Dayton Dragons take on the Peoria Chiefs 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.

Beckett’s Story

It was Wednesday, January 10, 2018, when Beckett Richards was rushed to the hospital after a phone call that changed his life. After recent blood tests, doctors were concerned with his white blood cell count – Beckett tested at 48,000 where the standard range is around 4,000 – 8,000. These numbers were indicators for leukemia. Not only that, but his red blood cell count was very low, he was anemic, and he needed a blood transfusion immediately.

Beckett’s parents, Kelly and Nathan, picked up their family and rushed to the hospital. This 3-year-old received a bone marrow biopsy and a spinal tap confirming his diagnosis: acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). This cancer, while having an 80% success rate, was going to take Beckett through a long 4-year journey. During that time, he received around 12 types of chemotherapy, 92 port infusions, over 1,200 oral chemo doses, among many other medications and procedures.

Beckett’s journey was difficult, and just as the family was learning to cope with this change, COVID was sweeping the nation. Kelly and Nathan agreed that they couldn’t risk Beckett being exposed at school during this time. They had taken him and his brother out of classes and homeschooled them while he received treatment.

The steroids, chemotherapy, and infusions are difficult on a child’s body, and with Beckett having an extremely low immune system, can be even harder. During this difficult journey, Beckett was diagnosed with Veno-Occlusive Disease (VOD) from the high doses of medication. He was experiencing body discomfort, a bloated abdomen, and liver failure.

Beckett’s journey with cancer is coming to a happy ending as he is in ‘remission’ having had his final treatment in April of 2021. Beckett will be returning to school at Harold Schnell and has the heart of a fighter. During his journey, Beckett reminded himself to “be strong” which drove him to finally ring the Survivors Bell at the hospital.

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

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

More Information:_ The Dayton Dragons are the affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play a 66-game home schedule at beautiful Day Air Ballpark_ in the heart of the Water Street District. Individuals and groups seeking information about Dayton Dragons group tickets, lawn tickets, the season ticket wait list, sponsorship opportunities or booking a Dragons speaker are encouraged to contact the Dragons by calling at (937) 228-2287, emailing at [email protected], or on the web at daytondragons.com.

M-Braves to host JMS Burn & Reconstructive Center Night on Thursday, August 4th

PEARL, MS – The Mississippi Braves, in partnership with Merit Health’s JMS Burn and Reconstructive Center and the Burn Foundation of America, will host a special game on Thursday, August 4th at 6:35 pm against the Biloxi Shuckers at Trustmark Park.

Burn survivors from across the state of Mississippi will be recognized pre-game, and M-Braves players and coaches will be wearing special jerseys designed by OT Sports, with a unique design based on the Burn Foundation of America’s “Flame and Water” logo. These jerseys will be available to fans via silent auction during the game, with proceeds benefitting the Burn Foundation of America.

“The M-Braves are honored to take part in recognizing the brave burn survivors as well as those local heroes, our friends at Merit Health’s JMS Burn Center, that provide comfort to them and their families,” said Pete Laven, Mississippi Braves Vice President /General Manager. “Raising awareness for their care center is the main goal of the evening, along with them being able to enjoy a fun, care-free night at the ballpark!”

In addition to direct patient assistance, the Burn Foundation of America focuses on providing burn victims with mobility devices, compression garments, and distraction therapy, as well as covering the costs of hotel nights and transportation for the patient’s families.

“The Burn Foundation of America is proud to serve burn patients and their families from across the state of Mississippi,” said Steve Chalker, Burn Foundation of America’s Chief Operating Officer. “We’re honored to have many of them as our guests and look forward to seeing them at the Burn Survivors Reunion with the Mississippi Braves!”

Fans interested in purchasing tickets for this game or any other 2022 Mississippi Braves home game may visit mississippibraves.com/tickets or call 888-BRAVES4. The M-Braves will host Biloxi from August 2-7.

Trash Pandas To Host Military Tribute Night, Donut 5K Challenge 

USA Patriots Softball Game set for September 10, Donut 5K Challenge on September 24

The Rocket City Trash Pandas today announced details for two events taking place at Toyota Field in September, the Military Tribute Night on Saturday, September 10, and the Rocket City Trash Pandas Donut 5K Challenge on Saturday, September 24

The Military Tribute Night on September 10 will be a celebration to pay tribute to our Armed Forces. In partnership with AUSA, the evening will feature pregame festivities such as a parachute team, large flag presentation, color guard, and more.

Team USA Patriots will take on Team AUSA in a softball game that night, before the evening will conclude with fireworks and a performance from Scotty Hasting, Nashville artists, and Army combat veterans. Tickets are now available and can be purchased by CLICKING HERE.

Tickets cost $10 in advance with the price increasing to $15 on September 10. Gates will open at 5 p.m. The USA Patriots will be hosting a pre-game meet and greet with an autograph signing on the concourse from 5:15-5:45 p.m. Scotty Hasting will then perform at 5:45. Following a patriotic pre-game display, the game will begin at 6:15 and last nine innings. Scotty Hasting, Nashville artists, and Army combat veterans will perform a post-game concert as well.

Group and hospitality options are available. To learn more, please call (256) 325-1403 extension 2.

Two weeks later, Toyota Field will host the Rocket City Trash Pandas Donut 5K Challenge, a great test of endurance for fans with an appetite. Participants will start inside Toyota Field then run to the designated donut pick up spot inside Town Madison. After eating at least three donuts, participants will make their way back to the Start/Finish line inside Toyota Field. The race will begin promptly at 8:30 a.m.

Medals will be awarded to the Top 3 Male and Female Finishers who complete the challenge by eating the donuts and crossing the finish line. Registration is now open by CLICKING HERE and costs $30 in advance, with the price going up to $50 on the day of the race. Registration will include a T-Shirt, Bib, Donuts for the challenge, access to the post-race celebration at the Inline Electric Rock Porch with one drink voucher included per participant, as well as a post-race healthy snack. The deadline to register and receive a T-Shirt is Sunday, September 4, and the deadline to register online is at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, September 21.

The Inline Electric Rock Porch will be open for spectators and participants to enjoy a nice cold beverage and to partake in a Build Your Own Bloody Mary Bar.

Senators and First National Bank Partner for “Homefield Makeover” Initiative

The Harrisburg Senators and First National Bank, the largest subsidiary of F.N.B. Corporation (FNB), are pleased to announce the start of their “Homefield Makeover” initiative which gives one local youth baseball or softball league an updated field. The renovation will consist of $10,000 in goods and services from the Senators and FNB.

The goal of the initiative is to provide a safe, playable field for a local youth sports league. The field makeover will take place this fall so the field is ready for the upcoming youth baseball and softball season. Members of the Senators front office and FNB employees are donating their time to help with the field renovation. The renovation will tentatively take place in October with a grand opening slated for the 2023 season.

One youth baseball or softball league will be chosen for the field makeover based on an application process. The nature of the renovation will be based on the needs of the field chosen and could vary from fencing to supplying new infield dirt. Field equipment, such as rakes and shovels, will be donated to the league for upkeep of the field, along with a professional consultation with the Harrisburg Senators Grounds Crew team. Leagues can apply on the Senators website (www.senatorsbaseball.com). Leagues may apply beginning Tuesday, August 2 and applications close Tuesday, August 16.

“This is an idea that was part of a brainstorming session with our partners at First National Bank,” said Senators President Kevin Kulp. “We are always wanting to collaborate on community initiatives together and this is one that we plan on starting this year. To be able to help provide our kids a safer and more professional place to play baseball or softball is very exciting. The plan is that this is something that will be done annually so that we can touch more parts of our community over the years.”

“First National Bank is proud to continue to partner with the Senators on new community outreach projects that drive change in our region,” said Tony Sacco, Regional Market Executive and President of FNB’s Capital Region. “The Homefield Makeover initiative is representative of our commitment to improving the communities we serve and will create better places for local teams and their families to play.”

The Senators offices are open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. Tickets for any game this season are available online 24 hours a day or in person at the box office or over the phone during normal business hours. For information about Sensylvania Club Season Memberships please call the Senators at 717-231-4444 or visit the Senators online at www.senatorsbaseball.com. You can find the Senators on Facebook at facebook.com/senatorsbaseball or @hbgsenators on Twitter.