‘Dads To Hold “Miracle of Hickory” Weekend

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Team Will Wear Specialty Miracle Jerseys

Hickory, NC- The Crawdads are excited to announce “Miracle of Hickory” weekend, presented by WHKY 1290AM & 102.3FM, which will take place on Saturday, June 6th and Sunday, June 7th.

The ‘Dads will wear specialty jerseys during both games as the team honors the emergency hospital constructed to treat the polio crisis of 1944 that would become known as the “Miracle of Hickory”. The jerseys are purple in honor of the March of Dimes, which was originally established during World War II to help fight the polio epidemic.

In June of 1944, the Catawba Valley was hit with one of the worst polio outbreaks in the country. At the time there were no established hospitals in the area to treat patients so building a facility became critical. In just 54 hours a hospital was constructed and began admitting patients, most of which were children who are most susceptible to the illness.

The community came together to construct buildings, paint, clear debris, dig water trenches and donate food. WHKY helped to spread the word of needed hospital supplies such as beds, washing machines, and office supplies.

Hundreds of doctors and nurses, who were known as the “Angels of Mercy”, were sent by the American Red Cross and other volunteer organizations to help treat the patients. Over the course of nine months, the Hickory Emergency Infantile Paralysis Hospital treated 454 children for polio. The March of Dimes deemed the hospital and its remarkably low death rate the “Miracle of Hickory” on its posters nationwide.

The hospital no longer exists but its site is about a mile from LP Frans Stadium. The Hickory Music Factory, the armory and Jaycee Park were constructed on the grounds of the former hospital. The City of Hickory recently renamed the Jaycee Park to Miracle of Hickory Park and began a renovation project on the property. A mural was also painted this winter on the side of a building on 1st Avenue NW in downtown Hickory to commemorate the Miracle of Hickory.

The Saturday date will feature a special firework show as the City of Hickory celebrates its 150th anniversary.

The Miracle of Hickory jerseys will be auctioned off via the Live Source app throughout the weekend. The proceeds of the auction will be donated to the Miracle of Hickory Foundation. Artifacts from the hospital will also be on the concourse on Saturday.

Trunk-Or-Treat to Return October 28th

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Hickory, NC- The Crawdads will once again host a Trunk-Or-Treat at the ballpark this year. This year’s event is scheduled for Monday, October 28th from 6pm to 8pm. The free event will feature a family-friendly place for kids to trick-or-treat, food, Halloween-themed games, a costume contest, and ‘Dads ticket specials.

This Trunk-Or-Treat will take place on the warning track. Fans will enter the stadium down by the clubhouse and proceed down the line of tables, wrapping up by the visiting dugout. From there, fans will head up to the main concourse towards the Catawba Farms Crawdads Café, which will be open for food and refreshments with a limited menu. There will also be an inflatable bounce house, speed pitch, cornhole, and a retail table set up on the concourse.

Fans will be able to purchase sweetFrog Claw Club, the official Crawdads kids club for kids 12 and under, packages for a discounted $34 (regular price $49). Silver Slugger, the ‘Dads club for fans 60+ presented by Hickory Falls Health and Rehabilitation, memberships are also available for 2020.

Crawdads ticket books for next season are currently on sale and fans can take advantage of a limited-time offer of the regular 10 ticket books plus a bonus 4 tickets for $70 (total savings of $66 off the single game ticket price). There will be Spooktacular savings on half plans as well with the ‘Dads best offer ever. Fans will receive 8 tickets plus 2 bonus vouchers for just $49. The discount is only available in person at the Trunk-Or-Treat.

The Crawdads will open their season at L.P. Frans Stadium on April 16th against the Lexington Legends. For more information about the Crawdads, including promotions, ticket books, and group outings please visit www.hickorycrawdads.com or contact the front office at (828) 322-3000.

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

Crawdads to Host Trunk-Or-Treat at the Ballpark

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Hickory, NC- The Crawdads will be hosting their first-ever Trunk-Or-Treat at the stadium on Monday, October 29th from 6pm to 8pm. The free event will feature a family-friendly place for kids to trick-or-treat, food, Halloween-themed games, and ‘Dads ticket specials.

The Trunk or Treat will have $2 specials on hot dogs, Pepsi products and Dippin’ Dots in addition to free popcorn. The Catawba Farms Crawdads Café will be open for food and refreshments with a limited menu. There will also be an inflatable bounce house, speed pitch, and cornhole set up at the event.

Fans will be able to purchase sweetFrog Claw Club, the official Crawdads kids club for kids 12 and under, packages for a discounted $34 (regular price $49). Silver Slugger, the ‘Dads club for fans 60+, memberships are also available for 2019.

Crawdads ticket books for next season are currently on sale and fans can take advantage of a limited-time offer of the regular 10 ticket books plus a bonus 4 tickets for $70 (total savings of $56 off the single game ticket price).

The Crawdads will open their season at L.P. Frans Stadium on April 11th against the Kannapolis Intimidators. For more information about the Crawdads, including promotions, ticket books, and group outings please visit www.hickorycrawdads.com or contact the front office at (828) 322-3000.

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

Minor League Teams Across Carolinas Unite For Storm Relief

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ASHEVILLE, N.C. – In the wake of Hurricane Florence that hit and devastated parts of South Carolina and much of North Carolina over the past week, thirteen Minor League Baseball teams in the two states are coming together to support and raise money for those victims in their states. The Asheville Tourists, Burlington Royals, Carolina Mudcats, Charleston RiverDogs, Charlotte Knights, Columbia Fireflies, Down East Wood Ducks, Durham Bulls, Greensboro Grasshoppers, Hickory Crawdads, Kannapolis Intimidators, Myrtle Beach Pelicans and Winston-Salem Dash announced today that they have created a joint GoFundMe page, raising funds for branches of the American Red Cross in affected areas of North Carolina and South Carolina.

The thirteen-­‐‑team dual state alliance will work together to maximize fundraising efforts across the state, utilizing the hashtag: #CarolinaStrong.

A State of Emergency was issued on September 7 by North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper and on September 8 for South Carolina by Governor Henry McMaster. More than 1 million people were told to evacuate coastal areas in the two states. President Trump declared a State of Emergency in the Carolinas on September 10. A day later FEMA announced that federal emergency aid would be made available.   As of Thursday, 37 deaths had been reported due to Florence with 27 confirmed in North Carolina and eight in South Carolina.

Both states have received unprecedented rainfall and flooding from a tropical cyclone, and hundreds of miles of roads were closed in each state. North Carolina Department of Public Safety is reminding residents to stay alert for continued flooding, power outages, and downed trees. Though evacuation orders have been lifted for the coastal regions of South Carolina, Florence’s aftermath has already begun to flood parts of the state while other areas remain on high alert for flooding in the coming days. Even this morning, Florence County issued a mandatory evacuation for several areas due to severe flooding.

“We’ve seen time and again that the residents of North and South Carolina are strong and resilient. In difficult times we stand by one another and lift up those in need. This time won’t be any different,” said the General Managers of the 13 MiLB teams in a joint statement. “Our teams are an integral part of the fabric of the community within our respective cities across North and South Carolina. While most days we operate as separate organizations, today we band together to support the citizens of these two great states.”

Those wishing to contribute can head to the #CarolinaStrong GoFundMe page at the following link: http://bit.ly/GoFundCarolinaStrong. All funds raised through this campaign will be donated to the American Red Cross in affected areas of North Carolina and South Carolina.

ABOUT THE ASHEVILLE TOURISTS: They are the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Colorado Rockies and play their home games at McCormick Field in Asheville, North Carolina. Their General Manager is Larry Hawkins. For more information on the Tourists please call (828) 258-0428.

ABOUT THE BURLINGTON ROYALS: They are the Rookie affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and play their home games at Burlington Athletic Stadium in Burlington, North Carolina. Their General Manager is Mikie Morrison. For more information please call (336) 222-0223.

ABOUT THE CAROLINA MUDCATS: They are the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers and play their home games at Five County Stadium in Zebulon, North Carolina. Their General Manager is Joe Kremer. For more information please call (919) 269-2278.

ABOUT THE CHARLESTON RIVERDOGS: They are the Class A affiliate of the New York Yankees and play their home games at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park in Charleston, South Carolina. Their General Manager is Dave Echols. For more information please call (843) 723-7241.

ABOUT THE CHARLOTTE KNIGHTS: They are the Class AAA affiliate of the Chicago White Sox and play their home games at BB&T Ballpark in Charlotte, North Carolina. Their General Manager is Rob Egan. For more information please call (704) 274-8300.

ABOUT THE COLUMBIA FIREFLIES: They are the Class A affiliate of the New York Mets and play their home games at Spirit Communications Park in Columbia, South Carolina. Their President is John Katz. For more information please call (803) 726-4487.

ABOUT THE DOWN EAST WOOD DUCKS: They are the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Texas Rangers and play their home games at Grainger Stadium in Kinston, North Carolina. Their General Manager is Wade Howell. For more information please call (252) 686-5172.

ABOUT THE DURHAM BULLS: They are the Class AAA affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays and play their home games at Durham Bulls Athletic Park in Durham, North Carolina. Their Vice President-Baseball Operations is Mike Birling. For more information please call (919) 687-6500.

ABOUT THE GREENSBORO GRASSHOPPERS: They are the Class A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates and play their home games at First National Bank Field in Greensboro, North Carolina. Their Vice President of Baseball Operations is Katie Dannemiller. For more information please call (336) 268-2255.

ABOUT THE HICKORY CRAWDADS: They are the Class A affiliate of the Texas Rangers and play their home games at L.P. Frans Stadium in Hickory, North Carolina. Their General Manager is Mark Seaman. For more information please call (828) 332-3000.

ABOUT THE KANNAOPLIS INTIMIDATORS: They are the Class A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox and play their home games at Intimidators Stadium in Kannapolis, North Carolina. Their President/General Manager is Brian Radle. For more information please call (704) 932-3267.

ABOUT THE MYRTLE BEACH PELICANS: They are the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Chicago Cubs and play their home games at TicketReturn.Com Field at Pelicans Ballpark in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Their General Manager is Ryan Moore. For more information please call (843) 918-6000.

ABOUT THE WINSTON-SALEM DASH: They are the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Chicago White Sox and play their home games at BB&T Ballpark in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Their Vice President of Baseball Operations is Ryan Manuel. For more information please call (336) 714-2287.

Crawdads’ Battle of the PTOs Raises Over $2,500

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Hickory, NC- The Hickory Crawdads are proud to have hosted their annual Battle of the PTOs presented by Denise Clay: Edward Jones last Friday night. This year twelve schools participated in the fundraiser and combined to raise over $2,500 that was all donated to back to PTOs.

Local schools signed up to participate in the fundraiser to raise money for their respective PTO. Each school received vouchers to the game. For each voucher turned in at the Crawdads box office, the school’s PTO received a donation of $4. The schools competed to win an extra $250 for having the most vouchers redeemed.

Ray Childers Elementary had the most vouchers turned in on Friday night and will receive $922. Snow Creek Elementary and Dudley Schoals Elementary tied for second place and will receive $125 in addition to the money raised from their vouchers.

“The Crawdads were very excited to be a part of raising money for our local PTOs again this season,” said Crawdads Executive Director of Sales and Merchandise Douglas Locascio. “We were happy to see so many families come out to help support their schools and raise over $2,500 for the PTOs.”

The other schools participating this year were: Kings Creek School, Bonoak Elementary, Jenkins Elementary, Mountain View Elementary, George Hildebran Elementary, Clyde Campbell Elementary, Startown Elementary, Pumpkin Center Primary, and St. Stephens Elementary.

The Crawdads return to the Frans on Wednesday, May 9th and will be home through Tuesday, May 15th. On Thursday May 10th, the ‘Dads will be hosting Dunder Mifflin Night and Thirsty Thursday. On Friday Night, Crawmoms weekend will kick off and will include a post-game fireworks show. Throughout the weekend, the ‘Dads will be playing as the Crawmoms and will wear special caps and jerseys. On Saturday, the first 1,000 fans will receive a replica Crawmoms jersey thanks to Pepsi. The weekend will wrap up on Sunday with a special Mother’s Day celebration. The first 100 moms will get a rose courtesy of Whitfield’s Flowers and More. Wine and Design will also be at the stadium for a Crawmoms themed class on the picnic deck.

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

‘Dads Donate Auction Proceeds to Frye Patient Fund

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Hickory, NC- The Hickory Crawdads have announced that 100% of the proceeds from last month’s auction for game-used pink bats have been donated to the Patient Fund at Frye Regional Medical Center.

“The Hickory Crawdads are such an asset to our community, and Frye appreciates their willingness to raise money to help women who need a mammogram but can’t afford one,” said Dana Killian, Vice President of Business Development for Frye Regional. “Many women in our community will benefit from this donation, and in the battle against breast cancer, early detection is key.”

The Patient Fund covers the cost of mammography services for women who may be indigent or underinsured and would not otherwise be able to afford the imaging services. The fund pays for screening mammograms, diagnostic mammograms (when a screening mammogram may detect an abnormality), breast ultrasounds and breast biopsies. From Sept. 2015 to April 2017, the patient fund has helped 86 women and covered the cost of 101 exams.

Frye Regional Medical Center is the official hospital of the Hickory Crawdads. For more information, call the ‘Dads at 828-322-3000.

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

Crawdads & Barkley Baseball Camps

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

Hickory, NC- The Hickory Crawdads and Barkley Baseball School are partnering once again to provide fans with both a free, one-day clinic and a four-day, paid camp this season at L.P. Frans Stadium.

The Free Clinic is scheduled for Saturday, April 29th from 2:50 pm -5:00 pm. Kids ages 5-14 will receive training from both the Barkley Baseball School instructors and Crawdads players, while also taking home a free ticket to that night’s ‘Dads game.

The four-day, paid Baseball Camp will run from Tuesday, July 18th through Friday, July 21st. Attendees will receive in-depth instruction from Barkley teachers and Crawdads players every day from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm, while also getting a baseball camp t-shirt, a free meal each day, a ticket to every ‘Dads game during the camp, and a pre-game parade around the field on July 21st.

Registration for the Baseball Camp is only $80 for all Claw Club members and $99 for non-members until June 30th. The fee rises to $115 from July 1st – July 17th, and is $130 if paid the day of the camp. Registration forms for both the Free Clinic and 4-day Baseball Camp are available online or at the Crawdads front office.

For more information or to register for either the Free Clinic or paid Baseball Camp, contact the Crawdads front office at (828) 322-3000.

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

Downtown Crawdads Bash Announced

Free downtown event “Under the Sails” on Tuesday, May 12th

Hickory, NC – The Hickory Crawdads, the Hickory Downtown Development Association, and the Hickory Convention & Visitors Bureau are teaming up to host the free Downtown Crawdads Bash event on Tuesday, May 12th from 5:00 – 8:00 pm “Under the Sails” in downtown Hickory.

The event will feature live music, fun games and activities, and the chance for Crawdads fans to meet and mingle with their favorite ‘Dads players and coaches while collecting autographs. Food and beverages will be available for purchase throughout the evening as well.

“We’re really excited about the Downtown Crawdads Bash and we think it’s going to be a lot of fun for the fans and players,” said Crawdads Dir. of Community Relations & Events Megan Meade. “We had such a positive response to our downtown event during the All-Star Game last year and thought it would be something fans would enjoy experiencing again!”

The Crawdads are scheduled to play the Savannah Sand Gnats the morning of the event, with first pitch at L.P. Frans Stadium scheduled for 11:00 am.

For more information regarding the Downtown Crawdads Bash, call the ‘Dads front office at (828) 322-3000.

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

Crawdads Barkley Baseball Camps

Free clinic April 25th; Paid camp July 14th – 17th

 

Hickory, NC – The Hickory Crawdads and Barkley Baseball School are once again teaming up to provide fans with both a free, one day clinic and a four-day, paid camp this season at L.P. Frans Stadium.

The Free Clinic is scheduled for Saturday, April 25th from 10am – 12:15 pm. Fans ages 5-14 will receive training from both the Barkley Baseball School instructors and Crawdads players, while also taking home a free ticket to that night’s ‘Dads game.

The four-day, paid Baseball Camp will run from Tuesday, July 14th through Friday, July 17th. In addition to the in-depth instruction from Barkley teachers and Crawdads players every day from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm, attendees of the camp will receive a baseball camp t-shirt, a free meal each day, a ticket to every ‘Dads game during the camp, and a pre-game parade around the field on July 17th.

Registration for the Baseball Camp is only $80 for Claw Club members and $99 for non-members until June 26th. The fee rises to $115 from June 27th – July 13th, and is $130 if paid the day of the camp.

For more information or to register for either the Free Clinic or paid Baseball Camp, contact the Crawdads front office at (828) 322-3000.

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

Dads Groundskeeper Helps Community

Zach Van Voorhees builds new mound for Northview Middle School

Hickory-CrawdadsHickory Crawdads Head Groundskeeper Zach Van Voorhees lent his time and expertise to help out the community over the weekend, as the ‘Dads grounds specialist helped a group of volunteers build a new mound for Northview Middle School.

Using new field dirt supplied by the Northview Middle School Boosters Club, Van Voorhees and a group of parent volunteers rebuilt the school’s mound and prepared the field for the season. The mound was raised approximately five inches, while both the back and front slopes were reshaped to provide better safety and performance.

“I was just trying to give back a little bit,” said Van Voorhees. “It was good practice for me for (the Crawdads) upcoming season, and now they know how to maintain it.”

Les Stewart, a parent of two Northview students and a member of the Boosters Club, was one of five parent volunteers who assisted Van Voorhees.

“We were very appreciative of the work Zach did for Northview Middle School baseball,” said Stewart. “I was hoping Zach would give us some advice on how to best use the limited resources we had to get the field playable. He came on Saturday, his day off, and spent several hours in the cold helping us shape up the field and build the kids an awesome mound. We are thankful to the Crawdads and Zach for helping improve youth baseball in our community.”

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

‘Dads & Sam’s Club Partner for Military

Sam’s Club Military Ticket Deal provides free tickets for armed forces

Hickory-CrawdadsThe Hickory Crawdads are proud to announce a new partnership with Sam’s Club of Hickory, which will provide free tickets to all active and retired military personnel throughout the 2015 season as a part of the Sam’s Club Military Ticket Deal.

The Sam’s Club Military Ticket Deal will allow any active or retired member of the armed forces or their spouses to receive two complimentary tickets to any of the Crawdads 70 home games with a valid military ID. As one of the few teams in Minor League Baseball to offer free military tickets throughout the season, the Crawdads gave away more than 3,000 complimentary tickets to members of the armed forces in 2014.

“At Sam’s Club, we greatly appreciate the men and women of the armed forces who have served and continue serve our country,” said Sam’s Club of Hickory’s Club Manager Tim Hasson. “They have dedicated their lives to our country and deserve to be recognized for their commitment. We are proud to partner with the Hickory Crawdads to honor all military personnel. In addition, Sam’s Club always offers a $15 gift card for all new and renewing Sam’s Club active duty and veteran members. I want to thank each of you and your families for the sacrifices that you make.”

Sam’s Club Military Tickets can be redeemed in person at the L.P. Frans Stadium box office up to a week in advance of any Crawdads home game.

For more information regarding the Sam’s Club Military Ticket Deal, call the Crawdads front office at (828) 322-3000.

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

Shoeboxes for Children Claw Club Sale

‘Dads team with Elevation Church & Hickory Soup Kitchen

Hickory-CrawdadsThe Hickory Crawdads are partnering with Elevation Church and the Hickory Soup Kitchen to offer fans a half-priced 2015 Claw Club membership in exchange for donating select items that can be included in special Shoeboxes for Children this Holiday season.

Fans have until December 15th to donate to the Shoeboxes for Children program and receive a Claw Club membership for only $19, half the normal price. The program provides a special shoebox filled with warm weather essentials, school supplies, hygiene kits, and small toys to every child at the Hickory Soup Kitchen on Christmas. Hickory-Soup-KitchenAcceptable items for fans to donate include:

  • Brush/Comb sets
  • Kids sized sunglasses (non-gender specific)
  • $5 gift cards to McDonald’s
  • Pairs of socks
  • Small, low-priced toys (non-gender specific)

Elevation Church is also requesting children’s Bibles, while the Crawdads will be making and accepting hand-made Christmas cards to include in the shoeboxes as well. Both items will be accepted for a half-priced Claw Club membership. Donations can be made to the ‘Dads front office at L.P. Frans Stadium, along with a completed Claw Club Form.

For more information regarding the Hickory Soup Kitchen visit www.hickorysoupkitchen.org. More information about Elevation Church can be found at www.elevationchurch.org.

The Claw Club is the official kids club of the Hickory Crawdads. A membership includes:

  • One ticket to ALL 70 Crawdads home games in 2015
  • Official Membership Card
  • One Complimentary Speed Pitch, Carousel, & Bounce House Voucher each Saturday
  • One Complimentary ticket for Dad on Father’s Day
  • One Complimentary ticket for Mom on Mother’s Day
  • Special Events during the off-season and regular season
  • Claw Club Newsletter via E-Mail
  • 15% Discount at the Crawdads’ Team Store!
  • $30 Discount on a Birthday Party

For more information on the Claw Club or the Shoeboxes for Children sale, call the Crawdads Front Office at (828) 322-3000 or email Director of Community Relations and Events, Megan Meade at mmeade@hickorycrawdads.com.

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

Classroom Connections Claw Club Sale

Donate school supplies for half-priced Claw Club membership

Hickory-CrawdadsThe Hickory Crawdads are partnering with Classroom Connections in the month of October to help collect much needed school supplies for area teachers, while giving fans the opportunity to purchase a 2015 Claw Club membership for half price.

Fans have until October 31st to donate school supplies for Classroom Connections in exchange for a $19 Claw Club membership, half the normal price. Donations can be dropped off at the Crawdads front office at L.P. Frans Stadium, along with a completed Claw Club Form.

The Claw Club is the official kids club of the Hickory Crawdads. A membership includes:

  • One ticket to ALL 70 Crawdads home games in 2015
  • Official Membership Card
  • One Complimentary Speed Pitch, Carousel, & Bounce House Voucher each Saturday
  • One Complimentary ticket for Dad on Father’s Day
  • One Complimentary ticket for Mom on Mother’s Day
  • Special Events during the off-season and regular season
  • Claw Club Newsletter via E-Mail
  • 15% Discount at the Crawdads’ Team Store!
  • $30 Discount on a Birthday Party

Classroom Connections is a store where teachers from schools with high percentages of students with free and reduced lunch can shop for free school supplies. The program works to have a continuous impact on meeting teachers’ needs for classroom materials for every student by supplying classroom resources such as pencils, paper, glue, pens, poster board, notebooks, workbooks, rulers, calculators, graph paper, copy paper etc.

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

Crawdads Serve at Hickory Soup Kitchen

Dads players helped prepare and serve food over two days

Hickory-CrawdadsThe Hickory Crawdads recently lent a helping hand at the Hickory Soup Kitchen, with the ‘Dads players helping to clean, prepare, and serve food on August 7th & 8th.

Six players and one front office member volunteered over four separate shifts during the two-day span. The Crawdads helped out with everything from peeling potatoes and bagging groceries, to serving food and interacting with the guests.

Hickory-Soup-Kitchen“We are always happy to help out in the community when we get a chance,” said Crawdads General Manager Mark Seaman. “It was a good opportunity for the players to give back and see first hand some of the challenges that our fellow citizens face on a daily basis.”

The Hickory Soup Kitchen began in 1983 with six downtown churches before moving to its current location in 1990. HSK serves an average of 152 people per day and more than 70,000 people every year. The kitchen is open weekdays from 7:00 am to 1:00 pm.

For more information regarding the Hickory Soup Kitchen, contact Executive Director Austin Pearce at (828) 327-4828 or email hickorysoup@embarqmail.com.

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

Crawdads Help Out NC Boys Academy

‘Dads players/coaches help prepare campus for grand opening

Hickory-CrawdadsThe Hickory Crawdads recently teamed up with the newly formed North Carolina Boys Academy, with several ‘Dads players and coaches helping to prepare the NCBA’s Lake Hickory campus for its first ever class of boys this fall.

The entire Crawdads team spent time on July 17th helping to paint several buildings on the campus. The ‘Dads also had a chance to showcase their skills in a whiffle ball game with the boys from Camp David, NCBA’s corresponding summer camp.

Teen-Challenge-International“We were more than happy to spend our time helping out such a good cause,” said Crawdads Manager Corey Ragsdale. “It was good for our guys to be a part of something like that. We also learned that they’re all better baseball players than painters.”

The North Carolina Boy’s Academy is a therapeutic Christian boarding school for teenage boys struggling with life-controlling problems. The program exposes students to godly male roles models in a 12-15 month process that includes 3 phases, P1- Wilderness, P2 – Advanced, P3 -Leadership.

The NCBA’s campus was originally opened as a leadership-training center for Duke Power Co. in 1959. The Boy’s Academy purchased the facility in December of 2013, with the inaugural class scheduled to start this September. The Campus contains 12 buildings and 28 lodging rooms spread across a 16-acre campus on Lake Hickory.

For more information regarding the North Carolina Boys Academy, visit their website at ncboysacademy.org, or contact camp facilitator John Steigerwald at (828) 256-2126.

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