Hot Rods Chosen to Receive Truist Spirit of Community Award 

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*Bowling Green, Kentucky *– On Sunday, the Volunteers in Action executive committee recognized the Bowling Green Hot Rods as their 2022 Truist Spirit of Community Award winner. The Hot Rods join other local businesses and organizations that have won the award including Tony Rose, Crocker Law Firm, Houchens Industries, Chick-Fil-A, and American Legion – Post 23.

Eric C. Leach, Hot Rods General Manager and COO, and Kyle Wolz, Assistant General Manager, received the award at the Warren County Public Library on behalf of the Hot Rods organization on Sunday. The team has been involved in various community initiatives since its start in 2009. The Hot Rods have volunteered and partnered with local organizations like Boyz to Men, the Stuff the Bus Foundation, Kids on the Block, Norton Children’s Hospital, Down Syndrome of Southern Kentucky, Norton Children’s Hospital, and numerous other charitable organizations.

Most recently, the Hot Rods jumped in to aid the community after the devastating tornados that laid waste to Bowling Green and the surrounding areas. The front office assisted in cleaning up from the storm’s damage while also spearheading a charity auction featuring items from all over the country that were donated by various sports teams, colleges, and organizations. On April 10, the team also had #BGStrong day where the Hot Rods wore special jerseys on the field which were auctioned off following the game. All of the proceeds went to continued tornado relief efforts in the area.

“The community of Bowling Green has given us so much since we opened our gates in 2009,” Leach said. “We’ve been able to develop a beautiful ballpark downtown thanks to this amazing city and all the people in it. We’re incredibly honored and humbled to receive this award. It’s a testament to the hard work everyone at our organization has done and continues to do, to make sure we’re always trying our absolute best to be an active member of the community.”

The Hot Rods have also taken on various causes at Bowling Green Ballpark during the season, including hosting an annual Easter Egg Hunt, hosting a community organization of the night at each game, and introducing the Bolidos de Bowling Green alternate identity to celebrate Hispanic heritage in the community.

The Hot Rods proudly accept the 2022 Truist Spirit of the Community award and can’t wait to continue their partnership and work with the South Central Kentucky community!

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*Hot Rods Baseball *


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Black History Month: A Look at the Top Five Black Players in Hot Rods History

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In celebration of Black History Month, throughout February, teams across Minor League Baseball are taking a look back at five of the best Black players to suit up for their club.

While some of these standout performers went onto long and illustrious Major League careers, others simply had great Minor League careers or, in some cases, just one incredible season that went down as “a year for the ages.”

Here is a look at five of the best Black baseball players ever to suit up for the Bowling Green Hot Rods.

TIM BECKHAM

Photo courtesy of Brian Bissell/FutureStarPhotos.com

The first overall selection of the 2008 MLB Draft, Tim Beckham joined the Hot Rods in 2009, as part of the inaugural team. In his first full season, the 19 year old held his own.

Not only the holder of the Hot Rods’ first hit, but also the first home run, Beckham batted .275 with 33 doubles, four triples, five home runs and 63 RBI in 125 games for Bowling Green and quickly worked his way up to making his Major League debut with the Rays in 2013. In his Major League career, Beckham batted .249 with 75 doubles, 63 home runs, 198 RBI and 402 hits in 472 games for the Rays, Orioles, and Mariners.

Beckham was a South Atlantic League Mid-and-Post-Season All-Star with the Hot Rods in 2009 while also representing the Rays as part of Team USA in 2011 during the Futures Game at MLB All-Star Weekend.

ANDREW TOLES

Photo courtesy Emily Jones/MiLB.com

Andrew Toles joined the Rays organization after being taken in the third round of the 2012 MLB Draft.

After getting his feet wet in affiliated baseball that season, Toles joined the Hot Rods for his first full-season of baseball in 2013. All he did was hit. In 121 games that season, Toles hit .326 with 169 hits, 35 doubles, 16 triples, two home runs, and 57 RBI, while also adding 62 stolen bases. Toles made his Major League debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2016, and played with the team for parts of three season before stepping away from baseball. In his Major League career, Toles hit .286 with 66 hits, 14 doubles, one triple, eight home runs, and 35 RBI.

Toles’ name is all over the record books here in Bowling Green, where his .326 batting average in 2013 is the best for a batter with 300+ plate appearances in team history, as are his 169 hits during that season. His 62 stolen bases are the most in Hot Rods history, 19 more than second (Vidal Brujan). Toles also has the single-season mark in total bases with 242, at-bats (519), and triples (16). He also ranks in the top-10 in doubles (35), plate appearances (552), Runs (79), and slugging percentage (.466). Due to his tremendous 2013 campaign, Toles was named a Midwest League Mid-and-Post-Season All-Star, a Topps Class-A All-Star, a MiLB.com Organization All-Star, and the Rays’ Minor League Player of the Year.

JUSTIN WILLIAMS

PHOTO CREDIT STEVE ROBERTS/BOWLING GREEN HOT RODS
Steve Roberts/Bowling Green Hot Rods

The Rays acquired Williams in a 2014 trade that sent Jeremy Hellickson to the Arizona Diamondbacks. The following season, Williams joined the Hot Rods, manning right field.

Even though he only spent two-thirds of the season with the Hot Rods, Williams quickly proved why the Rays acquired him. Williams hit .284 with 25 doubles, two triples, seven home runs, and 42 RBI in 99 games before being promoted to High-A Port Charlotte.

Williams made his Major League debut with the Rays in 2018, before being traded to the St. Louis Cardinals. Across parts of three seasons with the two clubs, Williams has hit .160 with four home runs and 11 RBI in 55 career games.

GREG JONES

PHOTO CREDIT STEVE ROBERTS/BOWLING GREEN HOT RODS
Steve Roberts/Bowling Green Hot Rods

Selected 22nd overall out of UNC-Wilmington in the 2019 MLB Draft, Greg Jones wowed during his 2021 season with the Hot Rods.

The speedy switch-hitter only played 56 games with the club, but it was 56 games of highlights and energy. Jones hit .291 with seven doubles, four triples, 13 home runs, and 38 RBI, while also swiping 27 bases. Despite his August 10th promotion, Jones finished the season tied for the third most steals in the High-A East. Perhaps the most memorable moment of his Hot Rods career, Jones hit an 11th inning, walk-off grand slam to beat the Asheville Tourists 7-3, a home run that was capitalized by an emphatic bat flip.

Jones was promoted to Montgomery midway through the 2021 season, but the future is bright for the young phenom. MLB Pipeline has Jones as the Rays 5th overall prospect, whereas Baseball America has him as the Rays 6th overall prospect, Jones has the talent to be a bonafide Major League Baseball player for years to come.

During his 2021 season, Jones was an MiLB.com Organizational All-Star, as well as being named the Tampa Bay Rays Minor League Baserunner of the year.

TAJ BRADLEY

PHOTO CREDIT GUNNAR WORD/BOWLING GREEN HOT RODS
Gunnar Word/Bowling Green Hot Rods

One of the youngest players in the 2018 MLB Draft, the Rays selected Bradley in the 5th round out of Redan High School in Stone Mountain, Georgia.

Even though he was promoted from Charleston to the Hot Rods on August 3rd of 2021, the 20-year-old right hander was dominant. With the Hot Rods, Bradley posted a 1.96 ERA with 42 strikeouts in 36 2/3 innings, picking up three wins in his eight starts with the club.

But it’s what Bradley did across both levels that is even more impressive. Posting a 1.83 overall ERA with 123 strikeouts in 103 1/3 total innings for Charleston and Bowling Green. His ERA was the lowest among all Minor Leaguers to complete at least 100 innings in 2021, while his .180 opponent’s batting average ranked sixth among all pitchers in that group.

MLB Pipeline has Bradley as the Rays 6th overall prospect, whereas Baseball America has him as the ranked 56 on their list of Top 100 Prospects, in addition to listing him as the Rays 4th overall prospect. Bradley has proven with his arsenal of pitches that he is a force to be reckoned with.

After the 2021 season, Bradley was named a Baseball America Minor League All-Star, an MiLB.com Organizational All-Star, and won a MiLBY for Top Starting Pitcher.

Hot Rods Set Up Tornado Relief Auction Online

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Bowling Green, Kentucky–The Bowling Green Hot Rods, in conjunction with Major League Baseball, have announced the team will hold a special online auction to aid in relief efforts across South-Central Kentucky. The auction will feature many items and experiences donated from around baseball with 100% of the proceeds staying local to help the Bowling Green community rebuild.

“Our staff and stadium are fine, but just a little over a mile from the ballpark is completely devastated,” Hot Rods GM/COO Eric C. Leach said in a letter to other Minor League Baseball teams earlier this week. “Over 500 homes and 100+ businesses have been destroyed, and sadly (multiple) deaths from the storms have been confirmed. Our goal now is to serve our community in the best way possible, and this is where we need your help!“

The baseball community responded in droves to Leach’s call for action. Autographs from baseball Hall of Famers like Cal Ripken Jr. and Joe Torre will be available for bidding as well as signatures from others around entertainment like Bill Murray. Others have donated things like special experiences for events and non-baseball-related items. All proceeds from the auction will stay in the community thanks to partnerships with the Stuff the Bus Foundation of Southern Kentucky and the Warren County Public Schools Synergy Relief Fund.

Those looking to bid on items can do so through the Hot Rods website over a 10-day period beginning Thursday when the auction goes live.

On Friday, December 17, Blood Assurance will be conducting a blood drive at Bowling Green Ballpark. Those who wish to donate can sign up online here. Limited spots are available.

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BGStrong

Boys To Law Enforcement Day To Be Held at Bowling Green Ballpark

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Bowling Green, Ky. – Boys to Men, Bowling Green Police Department, Warren County Sheriff’s Department, Western Kentucky University Police and the Bowling Green Hot Rods are please to announce the Inaugural Boys to Law Enforcement Day at Bowling Green Ballpark. The event will be held on Saturday September 26th from 10am to 5pm.

The event is to build positive relationships with law enforcement and young males in our community through education and athletics. ” I personally know that initiatives like this build positive relationships with law enforcement and young males in our community. Education and Athletics is a great way to tie these organizations together. They require discipline, integrity, teamwork, confidence, and trust. The most important thing that we want to build is love and positive energy. We want our officers to be seen in a positive light. We want our students to know that they can become one of them and much more. This is a great community, with great children and people. We must continue to shed light on the good of our community and not the tragedies of the world. Bowling Green Hot Rods, have been supportive of our organization. Along with a number of community partners, we see a great need to mentor and provide every resource possible to ensure that these students have a positive pathway towards adulthood.” Said Boys to Mens Director, Tyreon Clark.

Boys To Law Enforcement Day will consist of an array of activities that include: Run Bases with a Cop, Catch with A Cop, Home Run Derby & ending in a Flag Football Charity Game. Each Activity will be broken down into grade levels within the program. This day will be full of fun, and it will shed light on the positive relationships that our local officers are committed to building with young men in our community. “I think this partnership will help the Bowling Green Police Department by providing positive role models to your group and bridging the gap between the police department. You never know who’s life you might change or influence. Our goal is to help you encourage these young men and get them to believe in themselves. Once you believe then you can achieve. I look forward to helping and hopefully inspiring these young men.” Said Bowling Green Police Chief Michael Delaney.

The goal of the event is to introduce officers to students, provide a safe and fun environment for students and officers to interact, and develop positive relationships with students and law enforcement. “We are very committed to building partnerships that invest within our community and the lives of those that live here. I look forward to making plans to build our partnership” said Warren Country Sheriff Brett Hightower.

The gates to Bowling Green Ballpark will open up at 9:30 am with opening ceremonies at 10am. The days events will include ceremonial first pitch, run bases with a Cop at 10:20, catch with a Cop at 11am, Home Run Derby at noon, followed by a Flag Football Charity Game at 2pm. Concessions will be open beginning at 11am during the event. Eric C. Leach, Hot Rods General Manager and COO said “We are looking forward to hosting the inaugural event at our ballpark. We have partnered for the past two years with Boys to Men and love how they are impacting our community. We always want to be a place for the community to gather, make positive impacts, and help be a part of positive change.”

For media requests Boys to Men Tyreon Clark can be reached at [email protected] or at 931-999-3031.

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Hot Rods to Host High School Senior Showcase Presented by Reed Law Group

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BOWLING GREEN BALLPARK (Bowling Green, KY) — The Bowling Green Hot Rods have scheduled a Senior Showcase game for Saturday July 25th at Bowling Green Ballpark. The game is presented by Reed Law Group and will feature area high school baseball players who missed out on their senior season.

“We wanted to provide an opportunity for all the area High School Seniors to have a proper send off.” Said Hot Rods General Manager and COO Eric C. Leach. “We are going to do it up right with headshots, video board, promotions, and post-game fireworks. These players deserve a chance to play one final game and have our great community support them.”

Tickets will go on sale Thursday July 16th to the general public and will cost $10 per reserved seat. With the COVID-19 restrictions, capacity will be 1,500 people. Suites will be available for $250 and include 18 tickets.

“It is a privilege for Reed Law Group to help to provide this special group of seniors with one final chance to lace up their spikes and take the field’, said Ryan Reed, owner of Reed Law Group. “We believe strongly in moving people forward during challenging times. And having another turn at bat is an invaluable part of moving forward for these students, who were deprived of the chance to close out their athletic pursuits the way they envisioned. We cannot wait for first pitch!”

The gates will open up at 5:30 for the general public and first pitch is scheduled for 6:35pm. Vette City Catering will have concessions stands open and all the traditional ballpark favorites available. The fireworks spectacular will immediately follow the game.

Fans coming to Bowling Green Ballpark can expect to follow the following guidelines: Socially distant seating (each available seat will be marked), masks to worn into the ballpark and in all common areas, a temperature screening upon entering the ballpark, and hand sanitizing stations located throughout the ballpark. The Van Meter Axles Adventure land and the Graves Gilbert Clinic Carousel will not be open for sanitary purposes. The Graves Gilbert Splash Pad will be open as the water is all freshly treated.

Tickets can be purchased online by visiting bghotrods.com or calling the Hot Rods front office at 270-901-2121. New office hours are Monday thru Thursday 9am-4pm and Friday from 9am-1pm.

# # # Hot Rods Baseball

Bats, Hot Rods & Legends Announce “Team Kentucky” COVID-19 Relief Effort

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LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Louisville Bats, in conjunction with the Bowling Green Hot Rods (Class-A Tampa Bay Rays) and Lexington Legends (Class-A Kansas City Royals), today announced they have formed a joint effort “Team Kentucky” campaign to benefit respective local charities that are offering assistance to those affected by COVID-19.

The three clubs have joined for the first time to create a T-shirt which showcases both the unity of the teams and their shared goal of providing assistance to those in need from the Coronavirus pandemic. The shirts proudly display the state of Kentucky and feature each of the three teams’ logos in relative location to where to their home ballpark is located. The words “We are Team Kentucky” surround the silhouette from above and below, stressing that everyone in the commonwealth is banding together in this time of need.

Shirts will be available for just $15 online through the Bats team store by clicking HERE. A portion of the proceeds from each shirt ordered through the Bats’ website will benefit One Louisville: COVID-19 Response Fund. Likewise, $5 from each purchase through the Hot Rods (HOTEL Inc., a Bowling Green based nonprofit dedicated to finding solutions for the housing crises and homelessness) and Legends (The Coronavirus Response Fund, which is organized by the United Way of the Bluegrass and Blue Grass Community Foundation to provide resources to organizations who support the region) will benefit a respective local charity.

Fans can order shirts beginning today (April 16). The Bats will only take preorders for this limited-edition T-shirt, and production is slated to begin May 15.

For additional information, contact the Bats’ team store at (502) 614-4509.

Hot Rods Announce Second-Annual Charity Dinner and Silent Auction

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BOWLING GREEN BALLPARK (Bowling Green, KY) — The Bowling Green Hot Rods, Class-A Affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays and member of the Midwest League, are excited to announce their second-annual Charity Dinner sponsored by Van-Meter Insurance featuring guest speaker and two-time MLB All-Star Rob Dibble. The event will take place on January 30, 2020, at the Corvette Museum in Bowling Green and will feature a silent auction.

Dibble, who made stops with the Cincinnati Reds, Chicago White Sox, and Milwaukee Brewers over a seven-year career, will join the Hot Rods for their second-annual Charity Dinner. While the right-handed reliever was best known for being a member of the 1990 World Series Champion Reds team and a member of the “Nasty Boys” bullpen, he’s also enjoyed a successful career after baseball.

Proceeds from the event will benefit Norton Children’s Hospital, Stuff the Bus, and Kids on the Block. There will also be a silent auction and bar during the event, as well.

“We’re excited to host another charity dinner and partner with these three organizations,” said Hot Rods COO/General Manager Eric C. Leach. “Last years’ event was fantastic and we’re looking forward to another incredible night!”

In January of 2019, the Hot Rods hosted their inaugural dinner featuring Hall of Famer George Foster with great success. The event raised over $5,100 for local charities. As an organization, the Hot Rods donated $300,000 in gifts, in-kind donations, and donations back to South Central Kentucky.

“The Bowling Green Hot Rods are a vital community partner for not only Stuff the Bus but numerous outlets,” said Tony Rose of Stuff the Bus and host of the Tony Rose Show. “We are in debt to the Hot Rods and their incredible front office for allowing us to be part of their programs that help us with our mission statement of creating a level playing field for all students.”

The event will start at 5:00 PM with a meet-and-greet with Dibble until 5:30 PM. A meet-and-greet with the general public with the guest speaker will begin at 5:30 PM and conclude at 6:30 PM, when dinner will begin.

Tables are available for $400 while individual tickets are on sale for $40. Tickets can be purchased over the phone at 270-901-2121, www.bghotrods.com or at Bowling Green Ballpark prior to the event.

Ticket packages for the 2020 season are on sale now! Fans can choose from a Holiday pack that includes six tickets and an All-Star shirt for $60 and an All-Star Holiday Pack with six tickets, tickets to both the 2020 Midwest League Home Run Derby and Fanfest, as well as an All-Star Game ticket and a tee-shirt for $85! Individual tickets will be available beginning in February 2020. For the event package information please visit www.bghotrods.com or call 270-901-2121.

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Hot Rods Baseball

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

Hot Rods Announce Inaugural Charity Dinner

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The Bowling Green Hot Rods, Class-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays, today announced their Inaugural Charity Dinner and Auction to be hosted on Thursday February 21st. The event will take place at the Corvette Museum and feature special guest, Cincinnati Reds Hall of Famer and former NL MVP George Foster.

The dinner will also help raise funds and awareness for three area charities; Center for Courageous Kids, Playing for Mason, and ‘Boys to Men’ Program. “We are excited to be partnering with these three organizations and help them reach so many others with what they do in the community.” Said Eric C. Leach, Hot Rods General Manager & COO. During the 2018 season the Hot Rods donated over $350,000 last year back into the South-Central Kentucky community and did over 1,700 hours of volunteerism. “Giving back is part of our staff culture and what we are all about. Each organization has a huge impact and that is why we chose them.”

The night will feature a pre-dinner autograph session and meet and greet with George Foster, silent auction, dinner, speakers, and also a live auction where fans can bid on one of kind experiences and memorabilia. 100% of the proceeds from the event will be equally shared with all three of the selected charities. Full tables are for sale for $400 and include 8 tickets, dinner, early meet and greet with George Foster, and one autographed bat. Individual tickets are also on sale for $35 each. Both tickets may be purchased over the phone at 270-901-2121 or online at www.bghotrods.com. The dinner will start at 6:30 pm with the pre-dinner autograph times to be announced shortly.

Bowling Green Hot Rods Opening Night is on Saturday April 6, 2019. For ticket packages, memberships, or clubs please visit www.bghotrods.com or call 270-901- 2121.

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

Hot Rods to Host Annual Halloween Event

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Bowling Green, KY – The Bowling Green Hot Rods announced on Wednesday that the team will once again celebrate Halloween at the ballpark by hosting the newly branded Hot RodderWeen event on Sunday, October 23. The free event will take place from 2-4 p.m., and will include a new haunted clubhouse tour, trick or treating, photo booth, costume contests, and more.

“Our Halloween event has become a staple on our offseason calendar and we love hosting this free event for the community,” said Hot Rods General Manager Eric C. Leach. “In addition to the costume contest and trick or treating, we are adding in a haunted clubhouse tour, which will be a lot of fun for both kids and adults.”

The Hot RodderWeen event will begin at 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 23 and will run until 4 p.m., rain or shine. Attendees are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes, as there will be a costume contest for both children and adults. The event is also dog-friendly (they must be on a leash) as the Hot Rods will have a special costume contest for all dogs in attendance.

Attendees will be able to trick or treat at various locations throughout the ballpark, including the Graves Gilbert Carousel and Van Meter Insurance Axle’s Adventureland playground. A photo booth will be set-up for families to document their outing at the ballpark. And the Body Shop, official merchandise store of the Hot Rods, will be open so fans can stock up on their favorite orange Hot Rods apparel. Hot dogs, popcorn, and soda will all be available for $1.00.

The Hot Rods welcome any community organization or business that would like to hand out candy at the event. If interested, please contact Jennifer Johnson at 270-901-2121 or by email via jjohnson@bghotrods.com.

The Hot Rods open their ninth season in South Central Kentucky on Thursday, April 6th against the Fort Wayne TinCaps. Mini-plans and season tickets are now available for the 2017 season at the Hot Rods front office and online at BGHotRods.com.

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Hot Rods Baseball – #FanDriven

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

Fifth Annual EasterFest to Flood BGBP with Easter Eggs on Saturday, April 4

Kids Set to Find 50,000 Easter Eggs in BG’s Largest Easter Celebration

Bowling-Green-Hot-Rods-LogoThe Bowling Green Hot Rods and Crossland Community Church are proud to partner up and bring EasterFest to Bowling Green Ballpark on Saturday, April 4. The completely free event will run from Noon CT until 3 p.m., and it will feature the largest Easter egg hunt in the South-Central Kentucky region. Over 50,000 Easter eggs will grace the field with four different age groups set to take the field and find their Easter treasure.

“We love what Crossland Community Church does for the community, and their outreach fits right into what we’re trying to do with the ball club,” said Hot Rods Assistant General Manager Eric C. Leach. “We’re proud to once again partner with hem for this event, and we can’t wait to provide families a superb venue for what will surely be the biggest Easter celebration in the area.”

Over 50,000 Easter eggs will blanket the field at Bowling Green Ballpark, and four different age groups will get the chance to showcase their Easter-egg hunting prowess. The age groups go all the way up to fifth graders, and smaller children will get to explore separately. Entry to the event is completely free, and 16 bicycles will be given away to those in attendance. Free popcorn and Pepsi products will be served in the concession stands, and the Easter bunny will make a grand entrance to help celebrate the event.

“We consider EasterFest a great opportunity to express our love and gratitude to our community. We are blessed to live in South-Central Kentucky and feel a very strong responsibility to help, encourage and bless the people of this community and not just the members of our church,” said Gregg Farrell of Crossland Community Church. “Jesus gave up His life for us and we feel a strong calling and responsibility to give of ourselves to this community.”

The newly-minted Axle’s Adventureland presented by VanMeter Insurance will be open and ready for play, and just like Easterfest itself, entry to the play area is completely free. Popular inflatables like the bounce house and speed pitch will also be ready for big outdoor party. All of the fun begins right at Noon, and the gates will remain open until 3 p.m. CT.

EasterFest will be the first event held in the ballpark in April, but it will the lid-lifter of a very busy month. That following Tuesday, on April 7, the Hot Rods will take the field as a team for the first time this season and host Western Kentucky University in a historic exhibition contest. Season ticket packages are on sale now, and they provide the most savings while offering the greatest flexibility. For more information about EasterFest, upcoming games, or anything else Hot Rods, please visit BGHotRods.com, call 270-901-2121, or folks can stop by the ballpark in downtown Bowling Green.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Bowling Green Hot Rods. Click here to view the original story.

Hot Rods’ Holiday Home Run for Kids Set for December 14

Hot Rods’ Holiday Home Run for Kids Set for December 14

Bowling-Green-Hot-Rods-LogoThe holidays may not occur during baseball season, but the Bowling Green Hot Rods are not allowing a simple calendar fact get in the way of celebrating them. The Hot Rods are pleased to introduce the inaugural Holiday Home Run for Kids. Not only will there be fun and entertainment for kids, but families can help the Hot Rods help those in need in South-Central Kentucky by contributing to the Toys for Tots drive. This free event will take place on Sunday, December 14, and it will run from 2-4 p.m. CT.

Toys-for-Tots-logo-2014b“We experienced outstanding support from the community with the Spring Rev-Up and most recently with Funner-Ween, and we hope to top both of them while helping a great cause,” said Hot Rods Assistant General Manager Ben Hemmen. “By contributing a toy to the Toys for Tots Drive, families can help their neighbors in need while also securing a discount in the team store. It’s a great chance for kids to meet Santa at the ballpark, and with prizes for everyone, it’ll be fun for all ages.”

Santa will be present and taking kids’ Holiday wishes. Holiday Home Run for Kids will take place in The Body Shop at Bowling Green Ballpark, and is loaded with free items. In addition to free entry, free cookies, candy canes, and hot chocolate will be handed out. The donation of unwrapped toy(s) to Toys for Tots will net the donor 10% off their entire purchase in the team store.

Fans who attend will also be eligible to win a number of presents, including free entry to a 2015 club at Bowling Green Ballpark, game-worn jerseys, 2014 prize packs, and even a 2015 Owners Experience Night, which features a free game inside the spacious Owner’s Suite for a 2015 Hot Rods regular-season game. The Body Shop will feature a large collection of clearance items, along with game-used merchandise. Fans will have the opportunity to purchase holiday packs, FUNNER cards, season-ticket packages, and more.

All are encouraged to keep checking the Hot Rods social media accounts every day, as a new deal and offer is revealed during the club’s 25 Days of Christmas. Daily offers include discounts on tickets, merchandise, and more. The Hot Rods can be found on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and even Pinterest.

Season tickets for the 2015 season are available now, and they can be purchased for as little as $90. While Opening Night is set for Saturday, April 18, the Hot Rods will host Western Kentucky University in an exhibition game on Tuesday, April 7. Plans offer numerous exclusive benefits and provide the greatest flexibility. For more information on the club and to secure your seats for the 2015 season, fans can logon to BGHotRods.com, call 270-901-2121, or visit the Bowling Green Ballpark box office.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Bowling Green Hot Rods. Click here to view the original story.

Inaugural FUNNER-Ween to Spook Bowling Green Ballpark on October 26

Free Halloween Event Includes Candy, Contests, Games, and More

Bowling-Green-Hot-Rods-LogoWith temperatures taking a dip and leaves changing color, Halloween is officially approaching us. The Bowling Green Hot Rods will celebrate the spookiest of holidays by holding FUNNER-Ween at Bowling Green Ballpark on Sunday, October 26. The free event will run from 2-4 p.m., and it will include candy, games, costume contests, and more.

“Halloween is a great way for us to stay involved with the community,” said Hot Rods Assistant General Manager Ben Hemmen. “Our staff has done a great job staying active through numerous off-season appearances, but we’re excited to be bringing this free event to the ballpark. It will be a fantastic get-together for all of South-Central Kentucky.”

FUNNER-Ween will begin at 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 26, and the free event will run through 4 p.m. Families are encouraged to dress in their Halloween attire, as there will be costume contests for all people of all ages. Don’t forget your furry friend either, dogs are welcome and there will be a separate contest for pooches. Candy will be handed out to kids in a “trick by seat” format. Season ticket holders are encouraged to enjoy the event from their seat and hand out candy to the youngsters.

Pumpkin stencils will be handed out to guests upon entry, and merchandise specials will be available all afternoon. Kids will be able participate in a zombie walk on the field, a candy security checkpoint will be available for safe eating, and Axle’s candy bag dash will give kids the opportunity to win even more candy. The Bowling Green Ballpark concourse will also be filled with more games, a prize wheel, and face painters/balloon artists. Things may get a bit messy when the Halloween cupcake eating contest takes place.

The Hot Rods welcome any community organizations and businesses who would like to hand out candy at the event. To get involved, those interested are encouraged to contact Ben Hemmen directly at 270-495-6017, or by email via ben@bghotrods.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Bowling Green Hot Rods. Click here to view the original story.

Hot Rods Host Relay For Life Night

The Bowling Green Hot Rods, Class-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays, were pleased to host the first annual Relay For Life Night at Bowling Green Ballpark on Friday, May 13th.

In conjunction with the local American Cancer Society, the Hot Rods reached out to local Relay For Life teams and presented them the opportunity to not only fundraise for ACS, but also the chance to enjoy a ballgame, be honored on field pre-game and share their personal stories with fans.

Relay For Life is an over-night event hosted across the country that celebrates survivors, honors those who have lost their battle with cancer and all while raising money for the American Cancer Society.

Relay For Life team representatives threw out first pitches to kick off the night and participated in a on field check presentation. Over 700 Relay participants were on hand for the festivities. Through the fundraising program with the Hot Rods, over thirty Relay For Life teams from four separate counties raised $3,580 for the American Cancer Society.