Deadline Extended for National Anthem Tryouts

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DAYTON, OHIO – A traditional sign that baseball season is just around the corner in the Miami Valley is National Anthem Tryouts, presented by the Dayton Daily News. Auditions for this summer’s national anthem performers are VIRTUAL on the Dragons website.

Audition videos, which are being accepted in lieu of in-person auditions this year, should be uploaded at www.daytondragons.com/nationalanthem.

Finalists will perform the national anthem at Dragons games throughout the season, with the grand prize winner performing on Opening Day 2022 before the Dragons host the Fort Wayne TinCaps on Friday, April 8 at 7:05 PM.

In addition, 25 national anthem finalists will be selected to not only sing to a sold-out crowd at Day Air Ballpark, but also to the entire Miami Valley region! These individuals or groups will perform LIVE on the Dragons television broadcast for 25 games during the 2022 season – games are broadcast on WDTN’s Dayton CW.

Because of the overwhelming interest, the Dragons have extended the deadline to apply. The NEW deadline is Tuesday, March 1, 2022.

The Dayton Dragons reserve the right to change performance details throughout the season to ensure health and safety has been met for all performers, fans, and staff.

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Celebrating Black History Month: Five Former Dragons Stars

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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 on to 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 Dayton Dragons.

BILLY HAMILTON

Billy Hamilton produced one of the greatest base stealing seasons in baseball history with the Dayton Dragons in 2011 as he gained national recognition for his speed on the diamond, a quality that would continue to gain attention throughout his career.

Hamilton, a second round draft pick by the Reds in 2009 after a record-setting three-sport high school career (baseball, basketball, and football) in Taylorsville, Mississippi, began his season in Dayton by stealing second base in the first inning of his first game with the Dragons. Before the end of May of that season, Hamilton had already broken the club record for stolen bases in a season, and on September 3, he became the first player in the history of the Reds organization to reach the 100 steal mark. He finished the year with 103 stolen bases. Hamilton became so popular with fans at Day Air Ballpark that every time he reached safely, a growing murmur of excitement would fill the stadium as spectators waited to see when he would try to steal his next base.

In 2012, Hamilton moved up in the Reds system and surpassed his stolen base total from the previous year, swiping 155 bases over the course of a season split between High-A Bakersfield and Double-A Carolina. That total broke the all-time record for all of Minor League Baseball and was 25 more than Rickey Henderson’s Major League record. Hamilton made his Major League debut with the Reds late in the 2013 season and in 2014, still holding rookie status, stole 56 bases for the Reds to break their all-time rookie record.

Hamilton has more than 300 career stolen bases in the Major Leagues and finished second in the National League for five straight seasons from 2014-18. He emerged as one of the greatest defensive center fielders in baseball and was part of the Chicago White Sox division championship team in 2021.

HUNTER GREENE

Hunter Greene was only 18 years old when he opened the 2018 season with the Dragons, firing a 100 mph fastball with his very first pitch of the year at Day Air Ballpark in Dayton. By the time Greene was drafted by the Reds with the second overall selection of the 2017 draft out of Notre Dame High School in suburban Los Angeles, he had already appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated.

Greene was undoubtably the most famous Minor League player in the nation in 2018 with the Dragons, thrilling fans with the tremendous velocity on his pitches and attracting sports media outlets from across the country. In July of that season, he broke the stadium record when his fastball reached 102 mph, topping the mark of MLB all-star Aroldis Chapman four years earlier when he appeared in Dayton on a Major League injury rehab assignment.

Greene, still only 22 years old, reached the Triple-A level in 2021 with Louisville in the Reds organization and is counted upon as future standout on the pitching staff in Cincinnati.

AMIR GARRETT

Amir Garrett spent two seasons with the Dragons in 2013-14 as he made the transition from college basketball star to professional baseball pitcher. Garrett had been drafted by the Reds as a developmental prospect in the 22nd round in 2011 out of Findlay College Prep School in Henderson, Nevada, a school that did not have a baseball program. Garrett was a 6’5” basketball player at St. John’s University in the Big East Conference who was able to spend part of 2013 with the Dragons before returning to college before the end of the baseball season to retain his eligibility on the hardwood.

In 2014, Garrett returned to the Dragons and made tremendous progress as a pitcher, dominating at times, which convinced him to give up his future basketball career to focus on baseball full-time.

Garrett continued to climb through the Reds farm system before earning a spot on the Reds Opening Day roster in 2017. He became a regular contributor out of the Reds bullpen, pitching in at least 60 games in 2018, ’19, and ’21, and in the abbreviated season of 2020, he posted an ERA of 2.45 while striking out 26 batters in 18 innings and allowing just 10 hits.

CHRIS DICKERSON

Chris Dickerson enjoyed an outstanding 2004 season with the Dragons on the way to a successful seven-year Major League career with the Reds, Brewers, Yankees, Orioles, and Indians from 2008-14.

Dickerson batted .303 for the Dragons in 2004, adding 27 stolen bases with a .410 on-base percentage. He represented the Dragons in the Midwest League all-star game and was also selected as an outfielder on the full-season league all-star team as selected by the circuit’s managers.

Dickerson reached the big leagues with the Reds in 2008, batting .304 in 31 games, and hitting .275 in 97 games the following year. Before his retirement, Dickerson played in 355 MLB games and was on the Yankees playoff roster in 2011.

TAYLOR TRAMMELL

Taylor Trammell was a key member of the Dragons playoff team in 2017 as a combination of power, speed, and toughness on the field. Trammell had been a high school football legend at Mount Paran Christian School in Kennesaw, Georgia, where he scored 39 touchdowns in one season as a senior. The Reds drafted Trammell in the supplemental first round in 2016 and he immediately became one of the top prospects in the organization.

Trammell was only 19 years old when he opened the 2017 season with the Dragons, but he emerged as one of the league’s best players and helped carry the Dayton club to the semi-final round of the post-season playoffs. Trammell was selected as a Baseball America Class-A All-Star and finished second in the league in runs batted in, stolen bases, and walks while ranking third in hits and triples.

In 2018, Trammell moved up in the Reds organization and was selected as the Most Valuable Player of the Sirius XM All-Star Futures Game. In 2021, he made his big league debut with the Seattle Mariners at the age of 23, appearing in 51 games with Seattle and blasting eight home runs.

Registration Underway for National Anthem Tryouts

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DAYTON, OHIO – A traditional sign that baseball season is just around the corner in the Miami Valley is National Anthem Tryouts, presented by the Dayton Daily News. Auditions for this summer’s national anthem performers will be VIRTUAL on the Dragons website.

Audition videos, which are being accepted in lieu of in-person auditions this year, can be submitted beginning Monday, January 10, and should be uploaded at www.daytondragons.com/nationalanthem.

Finalists will perform the national anthem at Dragons games throughout the season, with the grand prize winner performing on Opening Day 2022 before the Dragons host the Fort Wayne TinCaps on Friday, April 8 at 7:05 p.m.

In addition, 25 national anthem finalists will be selected to not only sing to a sold-out crowd at Day Air Ballpark, but also to the entire Miami Valley region! These individuals or groups will perform LIVE on the Dragons television broadcast for 25 games during the 2022 season – games are broadcast on WDTN’s Dayton CW.

Deadline to apply is Friday, February 11, 2022.

The Dayton Dragons reserve the right to change performance details throughout the season to ensure health and safety has been met for all performers, fans, and staff.

More Information: The Dayton Dragons are the High-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play a 66-game home schedule at beautiful Day Air Ballpark in downtown Dayton, easily accessible from Interstate 75. 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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50/50 Raffle Raises over $14,000 for Hannah’s Treasure Chest

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DAYTON, OHIO — The Dayton Dragons Foundation and Day Air Credit Union announced today that $14,303.50 will be presented to Hannah’s Treasure Chest after completion of a special holiday online 50/50 raffle. The 50/50 raffle began on November 29 and continued until December 9. A total of $28,607 was generated and was split equally between Hannah’s Treasure Chest and the lucky winner, a woman from Springboro.

“We’re thankful to have been chosen by the Dayton Dragons and Day Air Credit Union as the charity partner in this fun, online raffle. Both organizations have proven to be committed to making the Dayton region a better place to live. This event was a perfect fit for us since all proceeds will benefit our mission of enriching the lives of local children in need. We remained open throughout the pandemic because children’s needs never stop and generous support like this when in-person fundraising isn’t an option means more children will receive the items they need to grow and thrive. That’s a home run in my book,” said Deanna Murphy, Executive Director at Hannah’s Treasure Chest.

“Day Air takes pride in supporting local organizations who share our passion for helping the community thrive,” Day Air Credit Union CEO and President, Bill Burke said. “This holiday season we’re excited to partner with the Dayton Dragons to sponsor this unique and fun opportunity for members and our community to give to Hanna’s Treasure Chest.”

Hannah’s Treasure Chest (HTC) is a local non-profit in Centerville that enriches the lives of children in need by creating care packages of clothes, toys, books, cribs, car seats, diapers, and more. They work through 70 community partners, including Homefull, YWCA, Daybreak, CareSource, St. Vincent de Paul Society, and Dayton Children’s Hospital, to give children experiencing poverty the necessities required to support their dignity and to thrive. For 20 years, HTC has served over 4,000 children annually in the Dayton area. To learn more about the local charity benefitting from this 50/50 raffle, please check out www.hannahstreasure.org

“Each season, we host 50/50 raffles inside Day Air Ballpark and online to support various causes in our community through the Dragons Foundation,” said Dragons President, Robert Murphy as the most recent raffle began.

Throughout the 2021 baseball season, the Dragons conducted 50/50 raffles, raising thousands of dollars for local charities and the Dragons Foundation. The Hope Center for Families, the Dayton Art Institute, Dayton Live, and Muse Machine received money from the raffle, along with the Dragons Foundation, which provides necessary funding and resources to support the countless donations, charitable giving requests, in-kind donations, unique game experiences, and community wide Dragons programs.

Dragons Home Run Challenge Presented by Lexus of Dayton Raises More Than $17,000 for the Dayton Foodbank

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As the Dayton Dragons entered the 2021 season, the organization developed a goal of doing more than saying “thank you” to the community. The Dragons organization felt that it was important to express its appreciation with action.

Fans throughout the region had provided an overwhelming outpouring of love and support towards the Dragons organization during the challenging summer of 2020. In response, the Dragons organization made a pledge to give back to the community in new and creative ways in 2021. That pledge led to the development of a new program called the “Home Run Challenge.”

The concept was simple: For every home run hit by the Dayton Dragons at Day Air Ballpark during the 2021 season, the Dragons and Lexus of Dayton would donate $200 to a worthy local charity.

As the Home Run Challenge got underway and Dragons fans learned about the program, they began contributing as well. By the end of the Dragons season, the Home Run Challenge had raised $17,798 for the Dayton Foodbank.

On October 25, the Dayton Dragons and Lexus of Dayton General Manager Aaron Forland presented The Foodbank with a check for $17,798. The Foodbank’s Chief Development Officer, Lee Truesdale, graciously accepted the donation.

ABOUT THE DAYTON FOODBANK:

The Foodbank’s mission is to relieve hunger in the community through a network of partner agencies by acquiring and distributing food. They are able to serve as the charitable hunger relief network in Montgomery, Greene, and Preble counties. Just one dollar donated provides those in need with 5 meals.

ABOUT THE HOME RUN CHALLENGE, PRESENTED BY LEXUS OF DAYTON:

https://www.milb.com/dayton/community/homerunchallenge

Dragons to Conduct Auditions for Green Team, Other On-Field Entertainment Positions

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DAYTON, OH —The Dayton Dragons are conducting auditions for several professional entertainment positions with the team.

The Dragons are holding auditions for the “Green Team,” on-field entertainment hosts, and mascot performers for the 2022 season. The Dragons are seeking fun, energetic, and enthusiastic performers for these positions.

What is the Green Team?

Green Team members facilitate all in-game entertainment skits and entertain fans during home games and special events at Day Air Ballpark. Other duties include: selecting contestants, welcoming fans as they enter the stadium, preparing contestants for skits, assisting mascots and hosts, dancing on the dugouts, shooting t-shirts to the crowd, and creating a fun, family-friendly atmosphere.

The Host with the Most

The Dragons on-field hosts serve as the emcees of the entire entertainment show that takes place during inning breaks throughout Dragons home games. The hosts introduce contestants, skits, and contests; provide personality and enthusiasm; and deliver witty commentary.

Mascot Performers

The Dragons’ two primary mascots, Heater and Gem, are the central characters and most visible entertainers at the ballpark. They dance, are part of nearly every skit, and constantly interact with fans as they visit various areas of the ballpark. Mascots also make appearances within the community outside of Dragons games.

Candidates must be at least 16 years old by January 1, 2022. They must be able to work nights and weekends; have strong communication skills; an outgoing personality; and be reliable, responsible, and confident performing in front of large crowds.

Individuals can audition for any or all of these three positions. Interested individuals can visit daytondragons.com/greenteam for more information. Applicants should submit a headshot, résumé with references, and cover letter to [email protected] by November 4, 2021, to begin the audition process.

Dayton Dragons Blood Drive is Coming September 8th

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*Dayton, Ohio – *To help rebuild the blood supply participate in the Dayton Dragons community blood drive Wednesday, September 8th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Day Air Ballpark Plaza, 220 N. Patterson Blvd., Dayton. Everyone who registers to donate can choose a free item of Dragons gear and will also get the new “Cancer Fighters are the GOAT” t-shirt honoring September Blood Cancer and Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and October Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Appointments are encouraged. Schedule online at today www.DonorTime.com or call (937) 461-3220.

Blood donation requirements: Donors are required to provide a photo ID that includes their full name. Past Community Blood Center donors are also asked to bring their CBC donor ID card. Donors must be at least 17 years of age (16 years old with parental consent: form available at www.givingblood.org or at CBC branch & blood drive locations), weigh a minimum of 110 pounds (you may have to weigh more, depending on your height), and be in good physical health.

The Dragons play at beautiful, downtown Day Air Ballpark and are scheduled to play 10 more home games during the regular season. Game times are 7:05 p.m. for Tuesday through Saturday games and 2:05 p.m. on Sundays. No Monday games are scheduled at this time. Gates open one hour prior to game time. Single-game tickets for all Dragons 2021 home games are available at www.daytondragons.com or by phone at (937) 228-2287.

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Dragons to Recognize “Community All-Stars” Recipient During Game on August 17

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*Dayton, Ohio *— The Dayton Dragons will recognize The Hope Center for Families as a “Community All-Stars” recipient during a special inning break of the Dragons game on Tuesday, August 17 against the Lake County Captains at Day Air Ballpark. The game will start at 7:05 p.m. In addition, half of the 50/50 proceeds will be donated to The Hope Center for Families.

The Dragons Community All-Stars Program honors individuals who have gone above and beyond to improve the quality of life in the Miami Valley. They could be firefighters or police officers, doctors or good Samaritans. It could be a first responder or a volunteer. The Dragons are going to highlight these Community All-Stars at games all summer long.

More than half of children in the City of Dayton live below the poverty level. The statistics show that when those children grow up, they are likely to continue the poverty cycle to their children as well. The “poverty cycle” often persists across multiple generations unless that cycle is interrupted through outside intervention.

The Hope Center for Families was developed to interfere with the poverty cycle in Northwest Dayton, giving families the support and hope needed to grow and advance into sustainable living wages.

The Hope Center for Families is an initiative by the Omega Community Development Corporation that focuses on the two-generation model – a model that targets low-income children and their parents simultaneously. The center will focus on the three main factors that aid in the reduction of poverty through workforce, health, and educational development.

Mini University, Sinclair Community College, and Dayton Children’s Hospital will have a significant presence within the Hope Center. Mini University will operate an early learning program within the center. Sinclair Community College will offer certificate programs for adults to further their education, allowing them to gain higher wages. Dayton Children’s Hospital will aid in childcare.

The Center plans to start transforming the lives of the people of Northwest Dayton as soon as the door open in Fall 2021.

Vanessa Ward, Omega Community Development Corporation president, said her dream once the center is open would be that when people walk in, they will be greeted by people that care.

For going above and beyond to improve the quality of life in Miami Valley, The Hope Center for Families is being honored as a Dragons Community All-Star.

Help support the development of The Hope Center for Families at the following links:

You can nominate other individuals or organizations that are going above and beyond for the Dayton community at www.daytondragons.com/communityallstar.

This event is the fourth of five special Community All-Stars spotlights at Dragons games this season. Presenting sponsors are Flying Ace Express Carwash, CenterPoint Energy, Great Clips, and Synchrony. An additional tribute is schedule for September 1, focused on a different individual or organization who has gone above and beyond to improve the quality of life in the Miami Valley.

The Dragons play at beautiful, downtown Day Air Ballpark and are scheduled to play 18 more home games during the regular season. Game times are 7:05 p.m. for Tuesday through Saturday games and 2:05 p.m. on Sundays. No Monday games are scheduled at this time. Gates open one hour prior to game time. Single-game tickets for all Dragons 2021 home games are available at www.daytondragons.com or by phone at (937) 228-2287.

Yoga in the Outfield Back at Day Air Ballpark for the Second Time in 2021

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*DAYTON, Ohio – *The annual “Yoga in the Outfield” event is back at Day Air Ballpark on Tuesday, July 20th. Tuesday marks the second of three events this year, with the third occurring on August 24th. The one-hour yoga class will be led by the founder of local yoga studio Ignite Yoga, Justina Sanford.

This event is perfect for yogis of all skill levels. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. before the class, and the yoga starts at 6:00 p.m. Stick around after the event to mingle with fellow yoga lovers, enjoy a complimentary drink at Day Air Ballpark, and see if you are a winner of any raffle prizes. The event will conclude at 9:00 p.m.

Cost of admission is only $15.00. Along with the yoga class, tickets include entry into a raffle for Dragons merchandise, as well as admission to the Happy Hour in the Sam Adams Pub after the class.

To order your tickets, call Andrew Hayes of the Dayton Dragons at (937) 228-2287 x129 or email at [email protected] for more information. Tickets will also be available at the gate on the day of the event.

About Ignite Yoga: Located in Centreville, Ignite Yoga offers classes seven days a week at various skill levels. The studio offers private and group sessions along with meditation and nutrition counseling.

The Dragons play at beautiful, downtown Day Air Ballpark and are scheduled to play 24 more home games during the regular season. Game times are 7:05 p.m. for Tuesday through Saturday games and 2:05 p.m. on Sundays. No Monday games are scheduled at this time. Gates open one hour prior to game time. Single-game tickets for all Dragons 2021 home games are available at www.daytondragons.com or by phone at (937) 228-2287.

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Dragons 5K at Day Air Ballpark Next Saturday

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Dayton, Ohio– The annual Dragons 5K presented by Orthopedic Associates is taking place Saturday, July 24, at 8:00 a.m. at Day Air Ballpark. The event began in 2011 and has become a local tradition as one of the largest races in the Miami Valley region, featuring over 2,000 people each year.

Due to the continued impact of COVID-19, the Dragons 5K will continue offering a virtual option for those that prefer that method for 2021. Participants that sign up for the virtual option can complete the race on their own time then input their time online by July 24.

All race participants (including virtual) will receive four (4) tickets to a Dragons game, Dragons 5K shirt, Dragons hat, and finisher’s medal. The registration fee is $25.00 for ages 18 and up and $15.00 for ages 17 and under. The registration fee will increase to $30.00 after July 17, so be quick to register before this price increase. For the virtual race option, there is an additional charge of $10.00 for swag bag shipping or they can pick-up the week following the 5K at the Dragons Box Office.

Fans can still sign up online at www.daytondragons.com/dragons5ksignup or by visiting the Dragons Box Office at Day Air Ballpark between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Sign up is also available on the day of the race starting at 7:00 a.m.

Early race bag and bib pickup for participants will take place on Friday, July 23 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Day Air Ballpark located in front of the Dragons Box Office. Anyone not able to make early race bag pickup can pick up their bag and race bib before the race beginning at 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 24.

The race will begin at 8:00 a.m. and participants may choose to run or walk the course. Baby strollers are also permitted. The course will move through downtown Dayton and end back at the ballpark. Following the race, fruit and water will be distributed to all participants.

Once race results are finalized, winners will be posted on the Dragons 5K race page and will be contacted via email with information on how to claim their prizes. The top three male and female overall finishers will receive a specially engraved baseball bat and be honored during a special inning break at a Dragons game. Awards will also be given out to the top three overall males and females in each age group and top three finishing groups. Top groups will receive great group prizes and the grand prize is a luxury suite to a future Dragons game!

For any Dragons 5K related questions, please visit the Dragons 5K race page or contact Sydney Zengler, [email protected].

The 2021 Dragons 5K is being presented by Orthopedic Associates. As the regional leader in comprehensive orthopedic care, Orthopedic Associate’s passion is helping Dayton’s families get back to doing what they love. Orthopedic Associates is proud to be the trusted orthopedic provider serving your Dayton Dragons for more than a decade. Learn more at www.OAdoctors.com__.

The Dragons play at beautiful, downtown Day Air Ballpark and are scheduled to play 30 more home games during the regular season. Game times are 7:05 p.m. for Tuesday through Saturday games and 2:05 p.m. on Sundays. No Monday games are scheduled at this time. Gates open one hour prior to game time. Single-game tickets for all Dragons 2021 home games are available at www.daytondragons.com or by phone at (937) 228-2287.

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Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio and Dragons present Anthem Game Changers

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*Dayton, Ohio – *Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Ohio and the Dayton Dragons will host Paramedic, Nathan Heaton, EMT, Jennifer Domenick, and their employer, Kettering Health, for the unique Anthem Game Changers program on Wednesday, July 14, when the Dayton Dragons take on the Great Lakes Loons at Day Air Ballpark.

The Anthem Game Changer program recognizes essential workers, and their organizations, for the relentless commitment to the community during the pandemic. Their selfless efforts to provide necessities such as food, education, and emergency medical support throughout Covid-19 are immeasurable. Please join us to thank these Game Changers for their support and dedication. They changed the game for many in our community.

Nathan and Jennifer’s Story

When the pandemic shut the world down last spring, essential personnel rose to the occasion to provide critical needs for our community. The selfless efforts of these people ensured we still had access to necessities such as food, education, and emergency medical support. Today, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Ohio and the Dayton Dragons highlight Nathan Heaton, Jennifer Domenick, and their employer, Kettering Health, for being Game Changers during COVID-19.

In the spring of 2020, Paramedic Nathan Heaton and EMT Jennifer Domenick paired up as an emergency transportation team for Kettering Health. As a transportation team, Nathan and Jennifer drove patients from an emergency room to one of Kettering Health’s main hospitals. Along the way, one drives the vehicle while the other assisted the patient with their medical needs.

The emergency response team saw a direct impact of the pandemic. The volume of rides increased while the number of available COVID units decreased. This meant that Nathan and Jennifer drove thousands of miles and hours more to ensure COVID patients could reach appropriate care. In addition, the importance to keep riders safe meant following new health and safety protocols like personal protective equipment (PPE) and truck decontaminations.

But while this team was faced with adversity, they continued to put their patients and other staff at Kettering Health before themselves. Nathan and Jennifer would treat each patient as they would a family member; remembering to stay calm, communicate well, and keep things positive. During their time off or slower shifts, the team would also jump in and help with room visits at main hospitals and emergency rooms to assist with the overload of new patients.

After seeing the effects of their work, Nathan and Jennifer want to urge Dragons fans to not procrastinate and take advantage of the time we have now to see the people we want to see and take the trips we want to take, because there will be a moment when we will not have any more time. Their line of work unfortunately shows them too often that time with loved ones can be fleeting, and they do not want anyone to have regret over what they did not do.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio and the Dayton Dragons applaud Nathan, Jennifer, and Kettering Health for their commitment to provide for our community during an unprecedented time. They changed the game for many in the community! Please join us in thanking this Anthem Game Changer at the Dragons game on Wednesday, July 14.

The Dragons play at beautiful, downtown Day Air Ballpark and are scheduled to play 30 more home games during the regular season. Game times are 7:05 p.m. for Tuesday through Saturday games and 2:05 p.m. on Sundays. No Monday games are scheduled at this time. Gates open one hour prior to game time. Single-game tickets for all Dragons 2021 home games are available at www.daytondragons.com or by phone at (937) 228-2287.

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Dragons to Recognize “Community All-Stars” Recipient During Game On July 9

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Dayton, Ohio — The Dayton Dragons will recognize CareSource and the CareSource Foundation as a “Community All-Stars” recipient during a special inning break of the Dragons game on Friday, July 9th against the West Michigan Whitecaps at Day Air Ballpark. The game will start at 7:05 p.m.

The Dragons Community All-Stars Program honors individuals who have gone above and beyond to improve the quality of life in the Miami Valley. They could be firefighters, police officers, doctors, or good Samaritans. It could be a first responder or a volunteer. The Dragons are going to highlight these Community All-Stars at games all summer long.

It says a lot about a company for its employees to embrace its mission statement and commit their personal time to its foundation.

This is the case at CareSource. Employees live the CareSource Foundation’s mission statement of improving and making a lasting difference on the physical and mental health and well-being of the Dayton community.

CareSource is downtown Dayton’s largest employer, employing over 3,000 people in the Miami Valley. Each year, these employees volunteer thousands of hours to serve their Dayton neighbors.

Since 2006, the CareSource Foundation has supported the local Dayton community with 21 million dollars in funds donated to nearly 900 community partners.

While CareSource and the CareSource Foundation have always been committed to meeting community needs, during the global pandemic they stepped up to the plate. The CareSource Foundation donated over one million dollars in funds to help keep small businesses afloat and supported unexpected needs for community partners. These efforts included packing food boxes for seniors in the early days of quarantine and supporting digital equity efforts to bring internet and Chromebooks to Dayton neighborhoods.

CareSource and the CareSource Foundation have remained committed to the Dayton community during this unprecedented time and will continue to support and be a proud part of the local community.

For going above and beyond to improve the quality of life in the Miami Valley, the CareSource Foundation is being honored as a Dragons Community All-Star.

Nominate other individuals or organizations that are going above and beyond for the Dayton community at https://www.milb.com/dayton/community/cas

This event is the second of five special Community All-Stars spotlights at Dragons games this season. Presenting sponsors are Flying Ace Express Carwash, CenterPoint Energy, Great Clips, and Synchrony. Additional tributes are scheduled for July 28, August 17, and September 1 each focused on a different individual or organization who have gone above and beyond to improve the quality of life in the Miami Valley.

The Dragons play at beautiful, downtown Day Air Ballpark and are scheduled to play 34 more home games during the regular season. Game times are 7:05 p.m. for Tuesday through Saturday games and 2:05 p.m. on Sundays. No Monday games are scheduled at this time. Gates open one hour prior to game time. Single-game tickets for all Dragons 2021 home games are available at www.daytondragons.com or by phone at (937) 228-2287.

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Dragons to Recognize “Hometown Heroes” Recipient During July 7 Game

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Dayton, Ohio — The Dayton Dragons will recognize St. Vincent Supportive Services as a “Hometown Heroes” recipient during a special inning break of the Dragons game on Wednesday, July 7th against the West Michigan Whitecaps at Day Air Ballpark. The game will start at 7:05 p.m.

The Dayton Dragons shine the spotlight on the military, past and present, through the Hometown Heroes program. This program hosts military families at every Dragons game, recognizes outstanding military organizations and individuals and welcomes the newest members of the armed forces during special ceremonies.

On any given night in America, there are 76,000 US military veterans sleeping on the streets. Those same veterans who once defended America’s freedom are forced to call park benches and bus stops their bed for the night. The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) has instituted many programs aimed at solving the causes of veteran homelessness. One of these programs is right here in our backyard. It is the St. Vincent de Paul’s Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF).

The SSVF assists veterans and their families with homelessness prevention and rapid re-housing. The program identifies veterans who are homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless, and helps them secure stable and affordable housing. Many of the veterans served by SSVF are in very low-income families who reside in or are transitioning to permanent housing.

The task is no small one for the SSVF. Seventeen percent of the overall homeless population is made up of veterans and more than half of those homeless veterans also have disabilities. Whether they suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder or another disability, it is much harder for disabled veterans to secure employment, especially in the times of the current pandemic.

In these cases, the SSVF provides the veteran with help in obtaining their rightful VA benefits, plus additional support such as rent and utility assistance, and connections to employment opportunities.

If you are a local veteran needing assistance, or know someone who is, please visit St. Vincent de Paul’s website for more information and to reach out for help. Their website is located at stvincentdayton.org.

This event is the third of five special Hometown Heroes spotlights at Dragons games this season. At each Hometown Heroes event, the Dragons pay tribute to all service men and women past and present. Presenting sponsors are the Dayton Development Coalition, Reynolds & Reynolds, and the Dayton Dragons. Additional tributes are scheduled for August 1 and August 21 each focused on a different aspect or organization involved in the military.

For more information on the Hometown Heroes program, please visit https://www.milb.com/dayton/community/hometownheroes

The Dragons play at beautiful, downtown Day Air Ballpark and are scheduled to play 35 more home games during the regular season. Game times are 7:05 p.m. for Tuesday through Saturday games and 2:05 p.m. on Sundays. No Monday games are scheduled at this time. Gates open one hour prior to game time. Single-game tickets for all Dragons 2021 home games are available at www.daytondragons.com or by phone at (937) 228-2287.

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Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio and Dragons present Anthem Game Changers

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

 

Dayton, OH – Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio and the Dayton Dragons will host Katherine Stewart and her employer, Kroger, for the unique Anthem Game Changers program on Wednesday, June 16, when the Dayton Dragons take on the Fort Wayne TinCaps at Day Air Ballpark.

The Anthem Game Changer program recognizes essential workers, and their organizations, for the relentless commitment to the community during the pandemic. Their selfless efforts to provide necessities such as food, education, and emergency medical support throughout Covid-19 are immeasurable. Please join us to thank these Game Changers for their support and dedication. They changed the game for many in our community.

Katherine’s Story

When the pandemic shut the world down last spring, essential personnel rose to the occasion to provide critical needs for our community. The selfless efforts of these people ensured access to necessities such as food, education, and emergency medical support. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio and the Dayton Dragons highlight Katherine Stewart and her employer, Kroger, for being Game Changers during COVID-19.

In the spring of 2020, Katherine started as a Clerk at her local Kroger. After a couple months, her employer noticed her leadership skills and promoted her to Store Lead. As a Store Lead, Katherine saw firsthand how the pandemic affected her shoppers. Many customers felt uncomfortable in public and were paralyzed by the potential to hurt themselves or their loved ones.

As many were met with an inability to get their groceries, Katherine knew she wanted to help. She applied for the E-Commerce Supervisor position and was quickly promoted. As an E-Commerce Supervisor, Katherine oversees 20 associates who assist customers with their online shopping and provide them a safe, no-contact, pickup. Katherine believes that helping others is what she was meant to do, especially when that help is making sure her community is secure in their food source.

Outside of work, Katherine continues to lead as an example in the community. When she is not shopping for her customers, Katherine invests her time with her _Anything’s Pawsible Animal Rescue Center_, rings bells for the Salvation Army during the holidays, and is on the Senior Citizens Task Force in Clark County. On top of her already busy life, Katherine also home schools her five children who range from age 5 to 15.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio and the Dayton Dragons applaud Katherine Stewart and Kroger for their commitment to provide for our community during an unprecedented time. They changed the game for many in the community! Please join us in thanking this Anthem Game Changer at the Dragons game on Wednesday, June 16.

The Dragons play at beautiful, downtown Day Air Ballpark and are scheduled to play 42 more home games during the regular season. Game times are 7:05 p.m. for Tuesday through Saturday games and 2:05 p.m. on Sundays. No Monday games are scheduled at this time. Gates open one hour prior to game time. Single-game tickets for all Dragons 2021 home games are available at www.daytondragons.com or by phone at (937) 228-2287.

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Dragons to Recognize “Community All-Stars” Recipient During Game on June 9

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

 

Dayton, Ohio — The Dayton Dragons will recognize The Hope Center for Families as a “Community All-Stars” recipient during a special inning break of the Dragons game on Tuesday, June 9th against the Great Lakes Loons at Day Air Ballpark. The game will start at 7:05 p.m. In addition, half of the 50/50 proceeds will be donated to The Hope Center for Families.

The Dragons Community All-Stars Program honors individuals who have gone above and beyond to improve the quality of life in the Miami Valley. They could be firefighters or police officers, doctors or good Samaritans. It could be a first responder or a volunteer. The Dragons are going to highlight these Community All-Stars at games all summer long.

More than half of children in the City of Dayton live below the poverty level. The statistics show that when those children grow up, they are likely to continue the poverty cycle to their children as well. The “poverty cycle” often persists across multiple generations unless that cycle is interrupted through outside intervention.

The Hope Center for Families was developed to interfere with the poverty cycle in Northwest Dayton, giving families the support and hope needed to grow and advance into sustainable living wages.

The Hope Center for Families is an initiative by the Omega Community Development Corporation that focuses on the two-generation model – a model that targets low-income children and their parents simultaneously. The center will focus on the three main factors that aid in the reduction of poverty through workforce, health, and educational development.

Mini University, Sinclair Community College, and Dayton Children’s Hospital will have a significant presence within the Hope Center. Mini University will operate an early learning program within the center. Sinclair Community College will offer certificate programs for adults to further their education, allowing them to gain higher wages. Dayton Children’s Hospital will aid in childcare.

The Center plans to start transforming the lives of the people of Northwest Dayton as soon as the door open in Fall 2021.

Vanessa Ward, Omega Community Development Corporation president, said her dream once the center is open would be that when people walk in, they will be greeted by people that care.

For going above and beyond to improve the quality of life in Miami Valley, The Hope Center for Families is being honored as a Dragons Community All-Star.

Help support the development of The Hope Center for Families at the following links:

· Donate here – https://bit.ly/3gaMS8v

· Learn more here – https://www.omega-cdc.org/hope-center.html

You can nominate other individuals or organizations that are going above and beyond for the Dayton community at www.daytondragons.com/communityallstar.

This event is the second of five special Community All-Stars spotlights at Dragons games this season. Presenting sponsors are Flying Ace Express Carwash, CenterPoint Energy, Great Clips, and Synchrony. Additional tributes are scheduled for July 9, July 27, and September 1 each focused on a different individual or organization who have gone above and beyond to improve the quality of life in the Miami Valley.

The Dragons play at beautiful, downtown Day Air Ballpark and are scheduled to play 48 more home games during the regular season. Game times are 7:05 p.m. for Tuesday through Saturday games and 2:05 p.m. on Sundays. No Monday games are scheduled at this time. Gates open one hour prior to game time. Single-game tickets for all Dragons 2021 home games are available at www.daytondragons.com or by phone at (937) 228-2287.

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