Dragons Green Team Performing at Area Schools

Opening night for the 2017 baseball season is 10 weeks away, but Dayton Dragons mascots Heater and Gem along with the Dragons Green Team are already bringing the excitement of baseball season to local elementary schools. For the fifth straight year, the Dragons entertainment team is performing assemblies at Miami Valley elementary schools. The program continues into April.

Click here for more information on the Dragons School Assembly program.

Each 30-minute interactive, fun, high-energy performance includes a visit by Heater or Gem and members of the Green Team, the Dragons signature group that facilitates skits, contests, and sing-a-longs during Dragons games at Fifth Third Field. Each assembly focuses on the benefits of proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle. The performances, typically held in the school gymnasium, include some of the same entertainment skits seen at the ballpark, plus some new material designed specifically for the schools.

All Dragons assemblies are performed free of charge for schools that sign up. Participating elementary schools on board so far stretch from Springboro to Sidney.

The assemblies provide an introduction to the Dayton Dragons School Program, an incentive-based school fundraiser that provides prizes to students and allows the schools to keep a portion of ticket sales to Dragons games.

The Dragons are providing prizes as part of the program including team merchandise, an invitation to a Donatos Pizza Party with Dragons players, and the grand prize, a Google Chromebook.

The Dragons 18th Opening Night is set for Thursday, April 6 at 7:00 p.m. at Fifth Third Field against the Lake County Captains. On April 1 at Fifth Third Field, the Dragons will host the Cincinnati Reds Futures Game, when the Reds battle a team of their top minor league prospects.

###

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

Free to Breathe Run/Walk at Fifth Third Field Sat., Oct. 22

Dayton, Ohio- Hundreds of local residents are joining forces to fight lung cancer, united in the belief that surviving lung cancer should be the expectation, not the exception. These everyday superheroes will be meeting at the Dayton Free to Breathe 5K Run/Walk and 1-Mile Walk on Saturday, October 22 at the Fifth Third Field. All proceeds from the event support Free to Breathe, a lung cancer research and advocacy organization dedicated to doubling lung cancer survival by 2022.

EVENT SCHEDULE

8:00 a.m. – Registration & check-in
9:30 a.m. – Opening rally
9:45 a.m. – 5K run/walk & 1-mile walk
11:15 a.m. – Closing rally

REGISTRATION FEES/DEADLINES

ONLINE (CLOSES OCT. 19)

$25/$15*

EVENT DAY (BEGINNING AT 8:00 A.M.)

$30/$20*

*youth ages 12 & under

REGISTRATION FEE INCLUDES:

Entry into the 5K run/walk or 1-mile walk, 2016 branded Free to Breathe event t-shirt, refreshments and entertainment. All online registrants who participate are guaranteed an event t-shirt. A limited quantity of t-shirts in limited sizes will be available for those registering on event day.

It’s easy to join the ranks of these lung cancer heroes. Simply register, raise funds, and run or walk. “By fundraising and joining us on event day, you are bringing hope to those touched by the disease,” said volunteer event chair Kathy Fennig of Dayton. “More treatment options are needed, and the innovative research we’re funding can help ensure everyone diagnosed with the disease has a fighting chance.”

The Free to Breathe events community has raised over $14 million to support groundbreaking research and educational programs since 2005. This year the organization will be funding two new lung cancer research grants totaling over $1.2 million dollars.

Last year, community members, teams, and companies across the region supported the Dayton Free to Breathe 5K Run/Walk and 1-Mile Walk by raising over $33,000. Event chairs hope to surpass that total in 2016, which will go a long way in supporting programs specifically designed to ensure that more patients become survivors. Every dollar counts to the more than 224,000 people diagnosed in the U.S with lung cancer each year. In Ohio alone, an estimated 10,550 residents will be diagnosed with lung cancer in 2016.

This year’s event will feature a 5K run/walk and 1-mile walk. The day will also include a silent auction, a variety of kids activities, the chance to meet Gem, the Dayton Dragons mascot and fun for the whole family. Special recognition will be given to top finishers and fundraising heroes. Gather your superhero squad, and join us for an inspiring day focused on doubling lung cancer survival. To register and begin fundraising, visit www.freetobreathe.org/dayton.

Free to Breathe

Free to Breathe, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is a partnership of lung cancer survivors, advocates, researchers, healthcare professionals and industry leaders dedicated to doubling lung cancer survival by 2022. For more information, visit www.freetobreathe.org.

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

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk is Saturday

DAYTON, OHIO – The 2016 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk will take place at Fifth Third Field on Saturday, October 15. Registration will begin at 8:00 a.m. The walk will start at 9:00 a.m.

This event is part of a national fundraising effort. In 2015 alone, over 1 million walkers across the country collected more than $60 million to help fight this disease.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of death in women between ages 40 and 55. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and it is estimated that over 40,000 lives will be lost to breast cancer in 2016. And while the breast cancer diagnosis rate has increased, there has been a steady drop in the overall breast cancer death rate since the early 1990’s.

You can help win the fight. The walk and donations go directly to the support, transportation, recovery and other needs that arise with the diagnosis of breast cancer. The American Cancer Society also invests in groundbreaking breast cancer research to better understand, prevent, find and treat the disease.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. The Dragons website, www.daytondragons.com, has gone pink in October in support of efforts by Kettering Health Network to increase Breast Cancer awareness in the Miami Valley.

###

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

Dayton Walk to End Alzheimer’s is Saturday at Fifth Third Field

The Alzheimer’s Association invites you to join them at the Dayton Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday, October 8. The Walk will be held at Fifth Third Field – home of the Dayton Dragons. Registration will open at 8:30 a.m., and the Opening Ceremony will begin at 10:00 a.m. The Walk will start following the opening ceremonies.

The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s® is the world’s largest Alzheimer’s awareness and fundraising event. Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, this inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to reclaim the future for millions affected by the sixth-leading cause of death.

By participating in the Walk, you will help fuel the Alzheimer’s Association’s mission-related initiatives of research, and care and support in the Miami Valley.

For more information and to register for the Walk, visit alz.org/walk or call (800) 272-3900.

Alzheimer’s disease is an epidemic, currently affecting more than 200,000 individuals in the state of Ohio. With your help, we can end this devastating disease together. The end of Alzheimer’s starts with you. Will you join us on October 8?

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

Dragons Website Going Pink in October

Dayton, Ohio – The Dayton Dragons have gone pink during the month of October. In partnership with Kettering Health Network, the Dragons have turned their website pink to support the upcoming Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. The Dragons website, www.daytondragons.com, will remain pink to help draw attention to the efforts by Kettering Health Network to increase Breast Cancer awareness in the Miami Valley.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of death in women between ages 40 and 55. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and it is estimated that over 40,000 lives will be lost to breast cancer in 2016. And while the breast cancer diagnosis rate has increased, there has been a steady drop in the overall breast cancer death rate since the early 1990’s.

You can help win the fight. The walk and donations go directly to the support, transportation, recovery and other needs that arise with the diagnosis of breast cancer. The American Cancer Society also invests in groundbreaking breast cancer research to better understand, prevent, find and treat the disease.

The 2016 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk will be at Fifth Third Field on October 15 at 9:00 a.m. This event is part of a national fundraising effort. In 2015 alone, over 1 million walkers across the country collected more than $60 million to help fight this disease.

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

JDRF One Walk Dayton at Fifth Third Field Saturday

Dayton, OH – JDRF Southwest Ohio will host its annual JDRF One Walk Dayton on Saturday, October 1 at Fifth Third Field, where more than 2,500 participants are expected.

The event is one of more than 200 community Walks nationwide that bring together thousands of people each year who share JDRF’s mission to create a world without T1D.

Walk check-in begins at 8:00 am. The 4k walk, which begins at 9:00 a.m., starts and ends at Fifth Third Field in downtown Dayton.

The Walk’s Corporate Co-Chairs this year are Steve Petitjean, Market Manager at Fifth Third Bank and Liz Heitner, Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Synchrony Financial. There is also a committee of lead volunteers and walk coaches driving the Walk to success.

“Our mission at JDRF is to turn type one into type none, and participating in the JDRF One Walk Dayton is a great way for individuals to support the Dayton community and experience a fun event. This year’s Walk features the One Walk Model, which focuses on JDRF’s mission to fund research for a cure for type one diabetes. We hope attendees will enjoy returning to Fifth Third Field as we’ve add some extra fun surprises for this year.” said Samantha Redden, Dayton Development Coordinator for JDRF Southwest Ohio.

JDRF One Walk is the most powerful peer-to-peer fundraising program in the world for T1D, raising more than $75 million annually. As JDRF’s flagship fundraising event and the largest T1D event in the world, JDRF One Walk provides the perfect opportunity to get more involved in your local JDRF community and show your commitment to creating a world without T1D.

Since 1992, the event has raised more than $1 billion dollars for life-changing T1D research-research that has led to breakthrough discoveries, many of which have already moved into clinical trials and real-world testing. Although there has been considerable progress, there is plenty more we have yet to accomplish. View past JDRF One Walk Dayton event photos at their Flickr page.

JDRF gratefully acknowledges its national corporate partners who support its efforts to create a world without T1D. The JDRF One Walk Elite Partners include Advance Auto Parts, Ford Motor Company, Lilly Diabetes, Marshalls, Novo Nordisk and Walgreens. Local corporate partners for Southwest Ohio’s Walk include Fifth Third Bank, Synchrony Financial, Messer Construction, Dayton Childrens, Heidelberg Distributing, Ford Lima Engine Plant, RSM and Fifth Third Field. Event day emcees are John Seibel from WDTN with and Frye Guy from K99.1 FM.

Interested participants can find more information and register at walk.jdrf.org/dayton or by contacting the Southwest Ohio office at (937) 690-9176.

###

About JDRF

JDRF is the leading global organization focused on type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. Driven by passionate, grassroots volunteers connected to children, adolescents, and adults with this disease, JDRF is now the largest charitable supporter of T1D research. The goal of JDRF research is to improve the lives of all people affected by T1D by accelerating progress on the most promising opportunities for curing, better treating, and preventing T1D. JDRF collaborates with a wide spectrum of partners who share this goal.

Since its founding in 1970, JDRF has awarded more than $1.6 billion to diabetes research. Past JDRF efforts have helped to significantly advance the care of people with this disease, and have expanded the critical scientific understanding of T1D. JDRF will not rest until T1D is fully conquered. More than 80 percent of JDRF’s expenditures directly support research and research-related education. For more information, please visit swo.jdrf.org or connect with us on Facebook (JDRFSWOhio) or Twitter (JDRFSWOhio).

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

Fifth Third Field to Host AHA Walk/Run on Saturday

Dayton, Ohio – Fifth Third Field will host the American Heart Association’s Greater Dayton 5K Heart Walk/Run on Saturday, September 24th from 7:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon. A signature event of the American Heart Association, the Heart Walk/Run promotes physical activity and healthy living in an environment that’s fun for the whole family. All proceeds will go toward funding research and education involving the reduction of heart disease and stroke. Individuals or teams can register online at heart.org/daytonwalk or by calling Kim Doherty at (937) 853-3110.

The Walk/Run is specifically designed for children and adults of all ages and abilities. Day-of registration starts at 7:30 a.m., which is also when the gates open at Fifth Third Field. Before the event begins, families can roam the concourse or enjoy a fun and interactive health and wellness fair on the plaza. Sponsors will give out a heart-healthy snack and allow attendees to check blood pressure and help figure out body mass index (BMI). There will be inflatable games for children to enjoy, and Dragons mascots Heater and Gem will roam the concourse and take pictures with those in attendance.

Heart disease and stroke survivors are also encouraged to visit the survivor area, created especially for the “honored guests” of the Heart Walk. Special gifts will be available to survivors at the walk.

The third annual Kids Fun Run/Walk will begin shortly after 8:30 a.m. Opening ceremonies begin at 9:00 a.m. The 5K Race and Heart Walk is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m.

Registration is quick and easy if you visit heart.org/daytonwalk. Once you click “Register,” you can join a team, join as an individual, or start your own team. After you complete registration, you can personalize your site and invite friends and family to participate or sponsor your efforts.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION OF GREATER DAYTON

Located in Kettering, the American Heart Association of Greater Dayton covers 12 counties in the area and is committed to fighting heart disease and stroke throughout Ohio. The mission of the American Heart Association is to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Currently, the American Heart Association is funding $660,000 of experimental research at Wright State University’s Boonshoft School of Medicine. For more information, visit heart.org/dayton.

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

Dragons to Host Fifth Third Bank College Prep Night

Dayton, Ohio – The Dayton Dragons and Fifth Third Bank will hold College Prep Night, a free educational event for prospective college students, at Fifth Third Field on Wednesday, September 28 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. College Prep Night is a one-stop college resource event to guide incoming college students and their parents through the process of planning an educational path. High school students can talk to representatives from many of the region’s top colleges, and one lucky student in attendance will win a $1,000 college scholarship.

More than 1,000 students and their guests attend and more than 40 colleges and universities participate in this free event. Among the colleges scheduled to appear are Miami (Ohio) University, Purdue University, University of Cincinnati, University of Dayton, University of Kentucky, Wright State University, and many more schools from around the region. Representatives will be on hand to answer whatever questions that students might have about college life at each particular school.

The $1,000 scholarship will be given away during the event to one lucky college-bound student. To be entered to win, parents or students must RSVP before the event at www.daytondragons.com/collegeprep and must attend the event.

In addition to visiting with the different schools, students and parents can participate in many of the dynamic, informative workshops that will tell them everything they need to know about college. Fifth Third Bank will educate attendees on navigating financial aid and how to pay for college.

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

Fifth Third Field to Host MVDSA Buddy Walk

Dayton, Ohio-The 14th Annual Miami Valley Down Syndrome Association (MVDSA) Dayton Buddy Walk® will take place at Fifth Third Field on Saturday, September 17th beginning at 8:30 a.m. More than 2,000 people are expected to attend the event, which is one of over 250 Walks across the country this fall to raise awareness and funds for programs that benefit people with Down syndrome and their families.

The National Buddy Walk® Program welcomes participants of all ages and abilities. The goals of the program are to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome and to positively influence local and national policy and practice. Last year alone, Buddy Walk® events raised nearly $13 million to benefit national advocacy initiatives, as well as local programs and services. All funds raised through the National Buddy Walk® Program support both local and national programs.

The MVDSA Dayton Buddy Walk® will feature something fun for everyone – exhibitors, activities, inflatables, a basket raffle, a 50/50 raffle, silent auction, and more! Activities around the ballpark begin at 8:30 a.m. The Entertainment Fun Zone will be open with face painters and a photo booth. Dragons mascots Heater and Gem will roam the concourse and take pictures with those in attendance. Individuals with Down syndrome will receive a medal as they complete the walk. To learn more, visit www.DaytonBuddyWalk.org, or contact the MVDSA at office@mvdsa.org or 937-222-0744.

About the Miami Valley Down Syndrome Association: The MVDSA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing life enriching opportunities, as well as information, resources and support, for individuals with Down syndrome, their families and their communities. The MVDSA serves the Miami Valley of Ohio, including the following 11 counties: Auglaize, Champaign, Clark, Darke, Greene, Logan, Mercer, Miami, Montgomery, Preble and Shelby. Learn more at www.mvdsa.org.

Contact: Jenna Stites

Executive Director

Miami Valley Down Syndrome Association

Phone: (937) 222-0744

Email: office@mvdsa.org

###

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

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Dragons Team Up For “Home Run For Life”

Parker McCalip will celebrate her Anthem Home Run for Life on Wednesday, May 6

Dayton, Ohio — Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Dayton Dragons will host 13-year-old Parker McCalip during the unique “Home Run for Life” program on Wednesday, May 6, at 7 p.m. when the Dayton Dragons take on the Fort Wayne TinCaps at Fifth Third Field.

The Anthem Home Run for Life program provides children in the Dayton region a once-in-a-lifetime experience as they battle serious medical conditions. Each honoree gets to take a symbolic home run lap around the bases of Fifth Third Field during a sold-out Dragons home game while the crowd provides a standing ovation.

Parker’s Story

When Parker was just eight years old, her second grade teacher noticed she was having frequent staring spells during school. Parker’s parents had feared something was wrong based on similar behaviors at home and took action once someone outside the family noticed her symptoms, as well.

The family’s pediatrician referred Parker to the neurology department at Dayton Children’s Hospital where she received an EEG, a test to detect abnormalities related to electrical activity of the brain. Parker was quickly diagnosed with epilepsy that included absence (petit mal) seizures. Absence seizures cause a short period of “blanking out” or staring into space.

Immediately, Parker started medication to get her condition under control. “I thought I wasn’t normal because no other kid I knew had to take medicine,” Parker said. As she got older and started to wean off the medication due to significant improvement, her situation suddenly became worse.

In August of 2009, Parker had her first grand mal seizure. These seizures are much more serious than absence seizures; they can involve violent muscle contractions and loss of consciousness. These more severe seizures continued through April 2012 for Parker. Fortunately, she hasn’t had once since then and is seizure free.

Parker is now 13 years old and in eighth grade at Oakwood Junior High School. Her epilepsy is something that she will have to manage her entire life, but it’s not going to stop her from achieving her goals. “I love science, inventing things and working with computers. When I grow up I want to be an engineer and a game designer,” Parker said.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Dayton Dragons applaud all those who have been instrumental in Parker’s life, including her parents Ben and Jenny, Dr. Roer, Dr. Kumar, and the entire medical team at Dayton Children’s Hospital. Please join us in cheering on Parker as she completes her Home Run for Life at Fifth Third Field on May 6.

More Information:  The Dayton Dragons are the Midwest League affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play a 70-game home schedule at beautiful Fifth Third Field 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 dragons@daytondragons.com, or on the web at daytondragons.com.

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

Fifth Third Bank and Dayton Dragons Team Up to “Strike Out Hunger”

Canned goods to be collected for The FoodBank, Inc. May 4-6

daytondragons_2015-05-01

Dayton, Ohio – Fifth Third Bank and the Dayton Dragons have teamed up to “Strike out Hunger” in the Miami Valley. Monday through Wednesday, May 4-6, volunteers will be collecting canned goods and non-perishable items on the plaza outside Fifth Third Field between 5:30-7:00pm. Community members are encouraged to bring out their donations and stay to watch the Dragons take on the Fort Wayne TinCaps. Game time is 7:00 p.m. each night.

Each person who donates will be entered into a raffle to win autographed Dragons prizes.

Fifth Third Bank and the Dayton Dragons have a goal of providing 530,000 meals to families in the Miami Valley in honor of Fifth Third Day, May 3. An estimated 50 million Americans, including one in five children, live in “food insecure” households, meaning they are not always sure where or when they will be getting their next meal. For the past 20 years, Fifth Third Bank has used their holiday to support the communities in which they operate.

“In 2015, Fifth Third Bank and our community partners are seeking to raise enough canned goods for 530,000 meals,” Doug Compton, Fifth Third Bank’s Dayton City Executive, said. “Here in Dayton, in collaboration with the Dragons, we hope to raise awareness of the number of families living in ‘food insecure’ households and the tremendous year-round mission of The FoodBank.”

A full list of items The FoodBank, Inc. is especially in need of is below:

  • Chili/Soup
  • Cereal
  • Peanut Butter & Jelly
  • Canned Fruit & Vegetables
  • Pasta & Canned Sauce
  • Rice & Beans
  • Baking Mixes
  • Canned Meat & Fish

Please visit daytondragons.com/strikeouthunger or the Dragons app for more information.

More Information:  The Dayton Dragons are the Midwest League affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play a 70-game home schedule at beautiful Fifth Third Field 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 dragons@daytondragons.com, or on the web at daytondragons.com.

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

Dragons to Host Public Safety Day on April 26

Kettering Health Network and Dragons team up for Pregame Event on the Plaza

(NICK FALZERANO )
(NICK FALZERANO )

Dayton, Ohio – The Dayton Dragons announced today that Public Safety Day will be held Sunday, April 26 on the Plaza at Fifth Third Field. Kettering Health Network and the Dragons are partnering to bring this free event to the public. From noon to 2:30 p.m., families will be allowed to explore special displays featuring a fire truck, SWAT vehicles, K-9 units, an ambulance, and police cars.

Public Safety Day allows members of the Dayton community to recognize the area’s exceptional police and fire departments by letting them get up close and personal with these vehicles. Dragons mascots Heater and Gem will take photos with fans on the plaza before the game. Children will receive a free plastic emergency hat (while supplies last). There will also be raffle prizes throughout the event.

 

Sgt. Mark Spiers, Officer of the Year, will be honored during the pregame ceremony. Sgt. Spiers shows extreme empathy for fellow officers and is always reliable, often plowing snow in front of the station for patrons. He assisted a retired officer, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, acquire a wheelchair. While he is reliable, Sgt. Spiers also leads by example, never asking anything of his officers that he would not do himself.

Also during the pregame ceremony, members of the Vandalia Fire Department will be honored for their brave exhibition. The firefighters responded to a person at a local YMCA who was not breathing. They arrived at the patients side within three minutes and transported the patient to Grandview Medical Center in 37 minutes. The patient survived and left the hospital in good condition thanks to the immediate response time of the Vandalia Fire Department and the expert care at the hospital. Representing the fire department is Chad Garver who will throw out the first pitch.

More Information:  The Dayton Dragons are the Midwest League affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play a 70-game home schedule at beautiful Fifth Third Field 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 dragons@daytondragons.com, or on the web at daytondragons.com.

—end—

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

Kroger Baseball Buddies Program Returns to Fifth Third Field

Take the Field with the Dragons!

Visit your local Kroger store to sign up for a chance to be a Baseball Buddy! Kids (ages 7-13) who are randomly selected as winners will get the experience of a lifetime! To enter, look for the display at your local Kroger store (at the Customer Service Desk).

The Kroger Baseball Buddies experience includes:

  • Hanging out in the dugout during pre-game to meet the Dragons players
  • Getting autographs and photos with the Dragons team
  • Being introduced over the PA like a player
  • Running out on the field with the team before that day’s game

Kroger Baseball Buddies will also receive several gifts including:

  • A replica Dragons jersey
  • Dragons baseball hat
  • Drawstring backpack
  • Dragons pen and baseball to be autographed
  • And more!

One lucky baseball buddy will win a free kickball game to be played at Fifth Third Field with 20 of their friends and Dragons players!

More Information: The Dayton Dragons are the Midwest League affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play a 70-game home schedule at beautiful Fifth Third Field 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 (937) 228-2287, by email at dragons@daytondragons.com, or on the web at daytondragons.com

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

Dragons Players and Mascots to Visit Schools in Three Counties This Week

Heater will join players as part of Dragons MVP Program

DAYTON, Ohio – Dayton Dragons players and one of the team’s mascots, Heater, will visit schools in three different counties across the Miami Valley this week. The visits are part of the Dragons MVP program and members of the local media are invited to cover them. The players will introduce themselves to the students, answer questions and take pictures. Each student will also receive a Dragons pen. The following schools are listed with an address, date and time of visit:

Tuesday, April 14

10am-10:45am

Cox Elementary

506 Dayton Avenue

Xenia, OH, 45385

Phone: 937-372-9201

 

11:15am-12pm

Main Elementary

2942 Dayton-Xenia Rd.

Beavercreek, OH, 45434

Phone: 937-429-7588

 

Wednesday, April 15

9:45am – 10:30am

Perrin Woods Elementary

431 West John Street

Springfield, OH, 45506

Phone: 937-505-4310

 

11:15am – 12pm

Rolling Hills Elementary

2613 Moorefield Rd.

Springfield, OH, 45502

Phone: 937-399-2250

 

Friday, April 17

10am-10:45am

Salem Christian

6500 Southway Rd.

Clayton, OH, 45315

Phone: 937-836-9910

 

11:15am-12pm

Dayton Leadership Academies

1416 W. Riverview Ave.

Dayton, OH, 45402

Phone: 937-567-9426

Members of the media may contact schools individually at the numbers listed if they intend to cover the visits.

The Dragons MVP Program, a tool for teachers, uses the marketing power of Dayton Dragons Baseball as an educational tool for fourth and fifth grade teachers, helping them motivate and reward students for success in and out of the classroom. The Dayton Dragons MVP Program is sponsored by Bob Evans, WDTN-TV, Dayton’s CW Television, and Sinclair Community College. For more information on the Dragons MVP Program contact the Dayton Dragons or visit www.daytondragons.com.

More Information:  The Dayton Dragons are the Midwest League affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play a 70-game home schedule at beautiful Fifth Third Field 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 dragons@daytondragons.com, or on the web at daytondragons.com.

—end–

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

Dragons Expand School MVP Program to 5 Counties

daytondragons_2015-02-24

Dayton-DragonsThe Dayton Dragons today announced the expansion of their elementary school MVP Program into two additional counties, taking the program to more than 1,100 classrooms in 2015. A total of 274 classrooms in 34 schools in Miami and Warren counties have been added to the program, which already included 842 classrooms in Montgomery, Greene, and Clark counties.

Click here for the Dayton Daily News story regarding the Dragons School MVP Program.

In 2015, the program will include 1,116 fourth and fifth grade classrooms in 183 schools over 48 school districts. About 34,000 children will participate (up from 26,000 in 2014). The program will enter its 10th year in 2015. Due to the support of the participating sponsors, the program is completely free of charge to the schools.

How does the Dragons School MVP Program work?  The teacher in each of the 1,116 classrooms over the five-county area will select five MVP’s based on the teacher’s judgment of performance, effort, citizenship, and improvement. The five MVPs selected by their teacher in each classroom will get four tickets to a Dragons game, tickets to a special Field Day event at the stadium during the season, an MVP certificate and a Dragons MVP hat. Dragons players and mascots will visit selected classrooms over the course of the season.

Additionally, MVPs are highlighted throughout the season. They record their own radio commercials that play during Dragons broadcasts. Their story is also featured in our PlayBall game program and in a 30-second commercial on Dayton’s CW.

Twelve Dragons games during the season are designated as “MVP Game Nights.” On those nights, one MVP gets to throw out the ceremonial first pitch to the game, another does an on-air interview during the Dragons game broadcast on Fox Sports 980 AM, and another participates in an entertainment skit during the Dragons game. Two times each season, all classroom MVP’s are invited to attend the Dragons MVP Field Day at Fifth Third Field and interact with Dragons players.

The Dragons MVP Program is also promoted via Facebook and Twitter, daytondragons.com, and in advertisements in the Dayton Daily News.

“The Dragons MVP Program has become a tradition in the Miami Valley and we are thrilled to expand it to two new counties,” said Robert Murphy, Dragons President. “The program represents a significant partnership between the Dragons and the community and has impacted thousands of children over the last nine years. We look forward to another successful year with this program in 2015.”

Dragons School MVP Program 2015 Summary (All five counties)

School Districts: 48 in 2015 (30 in 2014)

Schools: 183 in 2015 (149 in 2014)

Classrooms: 1,116 in 2015 (842 in 2014)

What this means…
Number of kids reached with program: over 34,000 in 2015 (26,000 in 2014)

Number of MVP winners: 5,580 in 2015 (4,210 in 2014)

The Dragons MVP Program presented by Bob Evans is also made possible by the generous support of Sinclair Community College, WDTN TV and Dayton’s CW Television.

The Dragons open their 16th season in the Midwest League on April 9 at West Michigan and open the home season at Fifth Third Field on April 12 vs. South Bend.

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