Mariachis Jersey Auction to Benefit AHCC Education Excellence Scholarships

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

The Albuquerque Isotopes announced today an online jersey auction to benefit the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce (AHCC) Foundation’s Education Excellence Scholarships program.

The auction will be held exclusively online at abqisotopes.com. Bidding will start this Sunday at 5:00 pm and will conclude at noon on Wednesday, Aug. 22.

In addition to the players’ autographed, game-worn jerseys, two other items will be up for auction; a team-signed Mariachis de Nuevo México jersey and a unique Coco-themed, team-signed guitar.

Members of the AHCC’s own Board of Directors collectively raised $2000 to purchase the first Mariachis jersey, which will be on display inside the Chamber’s board room.

“The Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce Foundation does phenomenal work and provides terrific services and opportunities to students through these scholarships,” said Isotopes Vice President / General Manager John Traub. “Like all great causes, this program needs funding, and that’s what we hope to do through this auction.”

“John Traub said it best when he said that Mariachi is the soundtrack to our lives,”

said AHCC Vice President Jim Garcia. “We appreciate our partnership with the Mariachis de Nuevo México and are grateful that they have chosen to give back to our community with this generous gift to our Foundation.”

The AHCC Foundation is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes which support, benefit or carry out the purposes of the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce.

AHCC’s Education Excellence Scholarships program strives to empower future leaders by providing an average of 100 students annually with college access, financial aid awareness and scholarships.

BIDDING LINK WILL BE POSTED SOON

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Isotopes, Cumulus Media to hold “Pack the Van” Clothing Caravan

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

The Albuquerque Isotopes and Cumulus Media Albuquerque are partnering to help Locker #505 provide clothing to Bernalillo County students in grades K-12 in need.

The “Pack the Van” Clothing Caravan’s goal is to collect new or gently used clothing for the Locker #505 program. There is a need for clothing in a variety of sizes for children in grades K-12, with an emphasis on hoodies, winter gloves, winter coats, winter hats and new socks. Donations for the Caravan will be accepted from Feb. 20 through Mar. 2. The Clothing Caravan of Isotopes and Cumulus vans to Locker #505 will take place on Saturday, Mar. 3.

“Our eight radio stations are dedicated to serving New Mexico,” said Cumulus Albuquerque Market Managers Jeff Berry. “We’re proud to work with our long-time partner, the Albuquerque Isotopes and Locker #505, whose mission is so noble and critical in helping clothe the students of Bernalillo County.”

Isotopes Vice President and General Manager John Traub stated, “This is a great opportunity for everyone to help the kids of our community. We look forward to working with Cumulus over the next two weeks, bringing in as much clothing as possible for the youth of Albuquerque.”

Donations can be dropped off at Isotopes Park or at a number of Cumulus radio remotes throughout Albuquerque over the Caravan’s two week duration. Collection sites for “Pack the Van” include Isotopes Park (Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm) and the Burlington Coat Factory East and West side locations on Feb. 23 and Mar. 2, 4pm – 6pm.

Locker #505 is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that has established a student-focused facility where children can try on and choose outfits that they feel good about wearing. Having appropriate school clothing allows children to concentrate on their school work, not their clothing. It also helps keep children, who might not go to class because of their clothes, stay in school.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

APD Officer Golson To Throw Out First Pitch

Golson Is Recovering From Being Shot In The Line Of Duty January 3

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Albuquerque-IsotopesAlbuquerque Police Officer Lou Golson is scheduled to throw out the first pitch for the Albuquerque Isotopes on Opening Night, April 9, when the Isotopes host the Reno Aces at 6:35 p.m.

Officer Golson was shot four times on January 3 when he initiated a traffic stop for a suspected DWI. Upon Golson approaching the vehicle, the driver flung open his door and fired five shots at Golson, striking him four times. He was shot in the leg, breaking his left femur, while another bullet penetrated his bulletproof vest. He also broke his wrist when he fell to the pavement.

Golson returned fire as the suspect fled the scene and maintained his composure to call for help on his radio. Golson was able to accurately identify the suspect, and the suspect was apprehended a few days later.

“We are honored to have Officer Golson joining us for Opening Night,” Isotopes General Manager John Traub said. “He has been making a remarkable recovery since being shot in the line of duty earlier this year, and we’re thrilled he will be able to throw out the first pitch of the 2015 season. We are very thankful for his service to the community as well as the service of all of our military members and public safety officers.”

A 31-year veteran of the Albuquerque Police Department, Golson also served in the Armed Forces in many different capacities. He’s worked a variety of beats at APD, including traffic and SWAT, but recently volunteered to return to DWI Patrol. He was also honored by MADD as a hero awardee on November 8.

Mayor Richard J. Berry, Colorado Rockies Senior Director of Player Development Zach Wilson and Isotopes President Ken Young are also scheduled to be on hand for the Opening Night festivities.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Albuquerque Isotopes. Click here to view the original story.

Isotopes Donate $3,996.14 to S.A.F.E. House

“Dodger Blue” Jerseys Benefit Domestic Violence Shelter

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Albuquerque-IsotopesThe Albuquerque Isotopes presented a check in the amount of $3,996.14 to S.A.F.E. House Domestic Violence Shelter on Tuesday, November 18th with funds raised from the “Dodger Blue” weekend jersey auction.

This money is invaluable to us,” said Michele Fuller, Executive Director of S.A.F.E. House Domestic Violence Shelter. “We will use it help residents register for day care, buy gas so a survivor can continue to get to work, or pay for a child’s birthday cake. Many, many thanks to the Isotopes organization and to all of their fans for making this possible.”

SAFE-HouseIn recognition of October as “Domestic Violence Awareness Month,” the Isotopes held an online auction from October 17-24 for their “Dodger Blue” jerseys, many of which were game-worn. Bids were received nationwide with Alex Guerrero garnering the highest overall bid at nearly $220. Although most of the bids were from New Mexico, winning bids were also received from Arizona, California, Georgia, Maryland, Utah and Wisconsin.

Traditionally donned by Albuquerque during weekend home games, the jersey featured “Isotopes” script lettering across the front with the Topes’ “A” logo on the right sleeve and the Los Angeles Dodgers’ “LA” logo on the left sleeve.

“S.A.F.E. House does great work in our community, and we hope that this donation will help fulfill their mission,” said John Traub, General Manager of the Albuquerque Isotopes. “Michele and her staff do a tremendous job to help heal wounds of families and raise awareness for domestic violence in Albuquerque.”

S.A.F.E. House Domestic Violence Shelter aims to shelter and empower survivors of intimate partner domestic violence and to improve the way New Mexico responds to domestic violence. S.A.F.E. House strives for a community that is free from all forms of oppression and violence and serves more than 1,000 families through our doors annually. S.A.F.E. House provides programming aimed at healing the wounds, breaking the cycle, and improving the lives of families in our community. More information about S.A.F.E. House Domestic Violence Shelter can be found at http://www.safehousenm.org.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Albuquerque Isotopes. Click here to view the original story.

Isotopes Support Operation Christmas Child

Toy Drive at Isotopes Park Pro Shop This Saturday

Albuquerque-IsotopesAlbuquerque Isotopes fans are invited to join Orbit this Saturday at the Isotopes Park Pro Shop from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. as the Isotopes will be hosting an Operation Christmas Child toy drive, the world’s largest Christmas project of its kind that uses gift-filled shoeboxes to share God’s love in a tangible way with needy children around the world.

Fans are encouraged to bring either a packed shoebox or “shoebox sized” toy (such as a stuffed animal) for donation to Operation Christmas Child. Gifts can include toys, school supplies, non-liquid hygiene items, accessories and a personal note. A $7 donation is needed to help cover the shipping cost for each box. Additional details on how to pack your shoebox can be found at samaritanspurse.org.

“ThisSamaritans-Purse-Operation-Christmas-Child is a great organization and a great event that is able to provide a little bit of Christmas to children around the world,” said John Traub, General Manager of the Isotopes. “We are thrilled to be able to open our Pro Shop for a great cause like this and invite our fans to contribute.”

Orbit will be on hand to welcome guests and select prizes will be given away throughout the day. The Isotopes Pro Shop will open exclusively for this event from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Since 1993, Samaritan’s Purse has collected and delivered more than 113 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in over 150 countries through Operation Christmas Child. In 2014, Samaritan’s Purse hopes to collect enough shoebox gifts to reach another 10 million children through the Operation Christmas Child project. Shoebox gifts are collected in the United States, Australia, Austria, Canada, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. More than 500,000 volunteers worldwide, with more than 100,000 of those in the United States, are involved in collecting, shipping, and distributing shoebox gifts.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Albuquerque Isotopes. Click here to view the original story.

Isotopes Auction Off “Dodger Blue” Jerseys

Weekend Jerseys To Benefit S.A.F.E. House Domestic Violence Shelter

Weekend "Dodger Blue" Jerseys To Benefit S.A.F.E. House Domestic Violence Shelter.
Weekend “Dodger Blue” Jerseys To Benefit S.A.F.E. House Domestic Violence Shelter.

Albuquerque-IsotopesIn recognition of “Domestic Violence Awareness Month,” the Albuquerque Isotopes will be auctioning off authentic “Dodger Blue” weekend jerseys with net proceeds benefiting S.A.F.E. House Domestic Violence Shelter. More than 40 game-worn jerseys featuring player nameplates will be auctioned off exclusively online, and an additional 26 authentic jerseys without nameplates will be auctioned.

SAFE-House“With October being domestic violence awareness month, we saw this as a great opportunity to provide a unique, game-used item to our fans and give something back to the community,” said John Traub, General Manager of the Isotopes. “S.A.F.E. House does great work in our community, and we are honored to be able to donate funds to help them fulfill their mission.”

The auction will begin Friday, October 17th, at noon MT and run through Friday, October 24, at noon MT. To bid on a jersey, visit http://isotopes.milbauctions.com. Opening bids for game-worn jerseys with nameplates will start at $180, while other authentic jerseys without a nameplate will begin at $150. Each jersey will also be accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity.

“We are truly grateful for the support we have received from the Isotopes over the last several years,” said Michele Fuller, Executive Director of S.A.F.E. House. “The jersey auction is an exceptional event because it demonstrates both their awareness of domestic violence and their commitment to helping end that violence in our community.”

Traditionally donned by Albuquerque during weekend home games, the jersey features “Isotopes” script lettering across the front with the Topes’ “A” logo on the right sleeve and the Los Angeles Dodgers’ “LA” logo on the left sleeve (see photo attached).

S.A.F.E. House Domestic Violence Shelter aims to shelter and empower survivors of intimate partner domestic violence and to improve the way New Mexico responds to domestic violence. S.A.F.E. House strives for a community that is free from all forms of oppression and violence and serves more than 1,000 families through our doors annually. S.A.F.E. House provides programming aimed at healing the wounds, breaking the cycle, and improving the lives of families in our community. More information about S.A.F.E. House Domestic Violence Shelter can be found at http://www.safehousenm.org.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Albuquerque Isotopes. Click here to view the original story.

Isotopes Raise More than $7,000 to Strike Out Cancer

Net Proceeds of Breast Cancer Awareness Homestand to Benefit Susan G. Koman of Central New Mexico

Albuquerque-IsotopesThe Albuquerque Isotopes raised more than $7,000 during their Breast Cancer Awareness homestand that took place from July 26-29. In support of the Breast Cancer Awareness campaign, the Isotopes wore special pink jerseys each game of the series which were then signed and auctioned off to benefit Susan G. Komen of Central New Mexico in their fight to strike out cancer.

The top selling item in the live auction was Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp’s game-worn Isotopes jersey for $725, while thSusan-G.-Komene item with the highest bid in the three-day silent auction was Justin Sellers’ game-worn pink Isotopes jersey, which went for $465. The four-game homestand included ceremonial first pitches honoring breast cancer survivors, various organizations providing information to fans and a Mammogram Van provided by Lovelace Health Systems on site.

The net proceeds from the silent and live auctions totaled $7,006.40 and will benefit Susan G. Komen of Central New Mexico.

This article originally appeared on the Isotopes website and can be viewed here.

Isotopes Raise More than $7,000 to Strike Out Cancer

Net Proceeds of Breast Cancer Awareness Homestand to Benefit Susan G. Koman of Central New Mexico

The Albuquerque Isotopes raised more than $7,000 during their Breast Cancer Awareness homestand that took place from July 26-29. In support of the Breast Cancer Awareness campaign, the Isotopes wore special pink jerseys each game of the series which were then signed and auctioned off to benefit Susan G. Komen of Central New Mexico in their fight to strike out cancer.

The top selling item in the live auction was Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp’s game-worn Isotopes jersey for $725, while the item with the highest bid in the three-day silent auction was Justin Sellers’ game-worn pink Isotopes jersey, which went for $465. The four-game homestand included ceremonial first pitches honoring breast cancer survivors, various organizations providing information to fans and a Mammogram Van provided by Lovelace Health Systems on site.

The net proceeds from the silent and live auctions totaled $7,006.40 and will benefit Susan G. Komen of Central New Mexico.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Albuquerque Isotopes. Click here to view the original story.

Isotopes “Batting for Boston” Raises Nearly $4,500

Albuquerque-IsotopesWhen called upon to help victims of the devastating events in Boston, Albuquerque responded emphatically, contributing nearly $4,500 as part of the “Batting for Boston” fundraiser last Saturday, April 20, at Isotopes Park. Over the course of five hours, more than 200 cars came through the drive-thru fundraiser, which was hosted by the Albuquerque Isotopes.

Contributions ranged from a few dollars to a check for $500.00, as people throughout the Duke City took time out of their busy day to donate to the great cause which raised $4,368.65. Proceeds from the fundraiser go directly to the One Fund Boston, Inc., created by the City of Boston to benefit the victims and their families most affected by the tragic events during the Boston Marathon.

One-fund-Boston“The generosity of the people of Albuquerque is truly amazing,” said Isotopes General Manager John Traub. “We were overwhelmed by the response of the community and we offer our profound thanks to everyone who took the time to come down to Isotopes Park and donate.”

This article originally appeared on the Isotopes’ website.  Click here to view.

‘Topes Host 130 Participants for Second Youth Baseball Clinic

The Albuquerque Isotopes hosted 130 participants in their second of two McDonalds Youth Skills Baseball Clinics on Saturday morning at Isotopes Park.

Follow an opening reception from the Isotopes team, Manager Lorenzo Bundy, hitting coach John Valentin, pitching coach Glenn Dishman, strength and conditioning coach Brandon McDaniel; pitchers Michael Antonini, Blake Johnson, Derrick Loop, Scott Rice, Will Savage; infielders Joe Becker and Alex Castellanos, and outfielders Jerry Sands and Brian Cavazos-Galvez offered one-on-one instructions to kids ages 5-15 on a variety of baseball fundamentals.

Clinic participants were divided into groups and rotated through a series of stations including; throwing, bullpen, outfield, conditioning, infield, and hitting. Each station ran nearly 30 minutes to provide ample opportunity for each participant to fully take part in all of the baseball action.

After each group had a chance to try each station, those in attendance were served lunch courtesy of McDonald’s in the picnic pavilion. ‘Topes players and coaches concluded the clinic by spending time with the participants and signing autographs.

The Isotopes hosted a combined total of 242 participants for both clinics.

‘Topes Host Over 100 Participants for Youth Baseball Clinic

The Albuquerque Isotopes hosted 112 participants in their first of two annual Youth Baseball Clinics on Saturday morning at Isotopes Park.

Follow an opening reception from the Isotopes team, Manager Lorenzo Bundy, hitting coach John Valentin, pitching coach Glenn Dishman, strength and conditioning coach Brandon McDaniel; pitchers Stephen Fife, Blake Johnson, Derrick Loop, Scott Rice, Will Savage, Cole St. Clair; infielders Joe Becker and Tyler Henson, and outfielders Jerry Sands and Brian Cavazos-Galvez offered one-on-one instructions to kids ages 5-15 on a variety of baseball fundamentals.

Clinic participants were divided into groups and rotated through a series of stations including; throwing, bullpen, outfield, conditioning, infield, and hitting. Each station ran nearly 30 minutes to provide ample opportunity for each participant to fully take part in all of the baseball action.

After each group had a chance to try each station, those in attendance were served lunch courtesy of McDonald’s in the picnic pavilion. ‘Topes players and coaches concluded the clinic by spending time with the participants and signing autographs.

‘Topes Staff Begins Belen Little League Renovations

On Tuesday, March 20, the Isotopes award-winning field staff began upgrades to Belen Little League as part of “Minor League Makeover.” The staff was met by several sponsors volunteering both time and donations to the project.

The first Albuquerque Isotopes “Minor League Makeover” turned out to be a smashing success, with Belen Little League earning a field makeover by virtue of amassing the most “Likes” in the ‘Topes’ Facebook contest.

Belen got the word out early and racked up a total of 4,718 likes and 813 shares, barely holding off West Gate Little League, which accumulated 4,682 likes. The 13 fields participating in the contest ended up generating a total of 13,865 total likes and 1,515 total shares, testament to the passion the area has for Little League baseball.

The Isotopes field staff will continue refurbishment to Belen’s Little League field throughout the day on March 20th. The Home Depot has also decided to chip in on the effort, providing fences and dugout materials. The makeover is scheduled to include field surface refurbishment, outfield fence repair, and dugout renovation.

 

 

 

Celebrity Softball Game Delivers Fun and Funds

The Albuquerque Isotopes’ first celebrity softball game turned out to an immense hit, as around 30 celebrities ended up raising $10,000 for YDI in Albuquerque.

Billed as “Breaking Bad” vs. “In Plain Sight,” the game featured actors from those two shows as well as others shooting projects in the area, such as Cobie Smulders from “How I Met Your Mother,” and even local luminaries like Mayor of Albuquerque Richard J. Berry.

Each roster also featured a number of local news celebrities including Dean Staley and Jessica Garate from KRQE 13, Jeremy Jojola from KOB 4, Chief Meterologist Joe Diaz from KOAT 7, and Nikki Stanzione and Kristen Van Dyke from New Mexico Style on KASA Fox 2. Assorted radio personalities TJ Trout (94 Rock), Buck, Dex and Baxter (104.1 The Edge), Jeff Siembieda (610 The Sports Animal) and Albuquerque Journal Sports Editor Randy Harrison also took part in the fun. Voice of the Isotopes Robert Portnoy and Myles Copeland from Big I 107.9 served as emcees.

Team “Breaking Bad” was managed by three-time Emmy Award winner Bryan Cranston, while the “In Plain Sight” side was helmed by the star of that program Mary McCormack. In the end, it was McCormack who ended up pulling all the right strings, leading the “In Plain Sight” team to an exciting 5-4 win.

The real winners, however, were Youth Development Inc. of Albuquerque, which was the recipient of $10,000 thanks to generous support from Wells Fargo.

All in all the game featured a lot of fun, a lot of funds, and a ton of smiles from both those participating and those fans watching.

Over 30 celebs took part in the Isotopes’ celebrity softball game benefiting YDI.

This story was originally posted on the Albuquerque Isotope’s website. Click here.  

Isotopes Players and Orbit Visit Tingley Hospital

Albuquerque Isotopes outfielder Dee Brown and relief pitcher Dwayne Pollok joined Orbit for a special visit to Carrie Tingley Children’s Hospital on May 27.

During their time there, the players toured rooms throughout the hospital’s Inpatient Unit, visiting with patients as well as signing autographs.

Orbit, Dee Brown and Dwane Pollok take a photo with a young fan and his father.