Major Composting Effort Highlights Cannon Ballers Earth Day Initiatives

 

 (KANNAPOLIS, N.C.) – Expanding the team’s commitment to making Atrium Health Ballpark one of the “greenest” venues in Minor League Baseball, the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers have announced new composting efforts aimed at reducing gameday waste.

During each Cannon Ballers home game, fans will now see green composting receptacles located throughout the ballpark concourse. Although locations for trash and recycle still exist, the green bins provide an opportunity for fans to dispose of compostable items which will transform into nutrient-rich soil within a few months. Since their inaugural season, the team had already taken strides to ensure all food waste from kitchen preparations were properly composted.

Concessions at sporting events traditionally create massive amounts of waste each year. As a result, the Cannon Ballers set out to focus their efforts on utilizing more environmentally friendly products in all concession and food service areas. Partnering with Colorado-based Eco-Products, the team has migrated the majority of their food packaging to new items made out of compostable materials. Such items include food containers, beer and soda cups, straws and lids, utensils, napkins, and plastic bags. Along with any leftover food, all of these items can be diverted from landfills and redirected to composting facilities.

“We have been working diligently with all of our vendors to utilize as many compostable products as possible,” said Chris Beasley, Director of Food & Beverage at Atrium Health Ballpark. “Team leadership is deeply committed to a sustainable future and I am confident that our efforts will lead to long term impacts.”

Another key contributor to the Cannon Ballers initiative is locally based Crown Town Compost. Once items are properly placed in the composting receptacles, they are delivered to Crown Town’s Charlotte location for sorting and then redirected to their composting facility that creates soils, mulches, and other landscaping materials from the compost.

Over the course of the season, the team will be educating fans and building awareness on the impact of composting and why it is important for the environment. “Our goal is to educate the community while making it fun at the same time,” remarked Cannon Ballers General Manager Matt Millward. “We will be creating videos with our players that will be shown each night, as well as doing some interactive in-game promotions that bring awareness to what items are compostable.”

In addition to waste diversion, LED field lights and motion sensor lighting assist with energy conservation at Atrium Health Ballpark. The Cannon Ballers also have plans to further reduce their carbon footprint by focusing on strategies aimed at water conservation.

 

Community-Focused Nights Added to Cannon Ballers Schedule

 

(KANNAPOLIS, N.C.) – Community initiatives have remained a core focus for the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers and today the team announced a variety of additional highlights for the 2022 season.

This Saturday, April 23rd, the Ballers will host their inaugural HBCU Night at Atrium Health Ballpark. The night will highlight the impact of Historically Black Colleges and Universities and feature a live pregame performance by the Livingstone College Marching Blue Thunder. High school students will also have the opportunity to meet with admissions representatives from Johnson C. Smith University, Winston-Salem State University, and many others.

The Cannon Ballers also announced their first ever Pride Night taking place on Wednesday, July 6th. Celebrating inclusion and support for members of the LGBTQ+ community, Pride Night will include in-game programming highlighted by Salisbury Pride, as well as live performances from the Charlotte Pride Band, One Voice Chorus, and Courtney Lynn & Quinn. Merchandise featuring the team’s rainbow-colored logo will also be available in the Cannon City Supply Co. Team Store.

On Friday, August 26th, the Cannon Ballers will host Women in Sports Night at Atrium Health Ballpark. The night will welcome special guest appearances from female athletes, coaches, front office, and media members that have made a profound impact within the sports industry. On the following day, Saturday, August 27th, the team will host their 2nd annual Starry Night benefiting the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. As part of a special on-field postgame ceremony, the team, players, and all in attendance will light up the ballpark with colored lanterns in support of finding a cure for childhood brain tumors.

The 2022 season also features a variety of theme nights focused on additional community groups such as Boy Scout Night (June 10th), Girl Scout Night (July 22nd), and Faith Night (June 24th). Celebrating heroes who serve our communities throughout the year, the Cannon Ballers will be hosting a special Armed Forces Night (May 21st) and First Responders Night (August 9th).

Group, season, and individual game tickets are currently available at the F&M Box Office, online at kcballers.com, or by phone at 704-932-3267. Fans are also encouraged to follow the Cannon Ballers social media pages and sign up to become an email “Insider” to receive exclusive team updates, promotions, and ticketing information to their inbox.

Kannapolis Baseball Black History Month Feature: Micah Johnson

 

In honor of Black History month, the Cannon Ballers will highlight former Kannapolis ball players who have not just made a name for themselves on the diamond, but players who have continued to make strides off the field to better others.

Typically, when a professional baseball player’s career ends, the vision for their next journey in life might not be as crystal clear as one would think. However, in Micah Johnson’s case, his future life’s canvas could not be more perfectly painted.

Johnson was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana, just 50 miles north of where he attended college in Bloomington, home to the Indiana Hoosiers. After two highly successful seasons in the Big Ten, earning second team All-Big Ten honors, the infielder was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the ninth round of the 2012 MLB Draft.

Once he received his promotion to the Intimidators 2013, Johnson tore up the South Atlantic League, putting up one of the most memorable seasons in Kannapolis baseball history. During his 77 games, Johnson slashed .342/.422/.530 at the plate, leading the team in triples (11), stolen bases (61), and walks (40), while also placing in the top five in 13 other offensive categories.

Johnson quickly climbed his way through the Chicago system and by the beginning of the 2015 season, the Indiana native earned a spot on the Opening Day roster for the White Sox, batting ninth and playing second base. Wasting no time at all, he recorded his first MLB hit in his second at-bat that day. Johnson went on to play in 36 games in 2015, batting .230 with 10 runs scored and three stolen bases.

Following his first year at the MLB level, Johnson was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers with there still being upside to his young career. However, during spring training in 2016, Dodger’s manager Dave Roberts asked a question that quite possibly changed the rest of Johnson’s career focus moving forward. Roberts wanted to know what they like to do in their spare time and for them to share it to the entire team. Not wanting to play the piano in front of everyone, Johnson answered art, sparking a connection with a love that he had never fully committed to.

After just one year in L.A., the Atlanta Braves traded for Johnson before the start of the 2017 season, throwing his baseball journey another curveball. Johnson spent the majority of his time in the minor leagues with both the Dodgers and Braves organizations, surpassing only 25 games played in the majors over the two-year span.

With his baseball career slowly coming to an end after a season with the Durham Bulls in 2018, Johnson decided to shift his focus to art, making the leap and officially retiring from baseball.

The artist began his new career in New Hampshire, learning to express himself on a canvas in an art studio, instead of on a baseball diamond in front of thousands of fans, although, the fans surely came running to Johnson soon again.

“Mom, can astronauts be black?” This powerful quote, spoken by his four-year old nephew, helped shape Johnson’s artwork and mindset.

Johnson’s new mission for his work: Inspire racial equality throughout all demographics, while emphasizing the need for young African-American’s to chase their dreams without limitations.

Johnson’s niche mindset proved successful early, as he began to orchestrate and sell his brilliant artwork by using the fast-growing medium of NFT’s.

On October 28, 2020, the former MLB player unveiled Sä-v(ə-)rən-tē, presenting an astronaut on one side of a closed door in an open field, with two young African-American kids (his nephews) on the other side. Each year, the programmable artwork will see the door open more and more on their birthdays, with fans having the ability to give to Johnson’s nephew’s dreams of achieving anything that they set their mind to. His nephews will share what their future goals are each year, allowing the consumer to fully understand the purpose of this well-thought-out piece of work. Making his work even more unique, all viewers will only be able to give back by the use of Bitcoin.

Following its release, ‘Sä-v(ə-)rən-tē was sold for $120,000 at an auction, making it the second highest sale for an NFT art piece at that time.

After selling his most beloved piece of art, Johnson has since constructed many other depictions of his nephews in an astronaut suit and helmet, with other pictures still gaining a wealth of online traction for their powerful stance on equality needed throughout America.

Johnson continues to push the art boundaries with the help of Art Angels, a Los Angeles based art company that showcases his work. For more information on Johnson, his story, and his work, visit https://www.artangels.net/art/micah-johnson.

Kannapolis Selects Top 5 Black MiLB Players in Organization’s History in Conjunction with “The Nine”

 

To honor one of the world’s greatest trailblazers, Hall of Famer Jackie Robinson, the Cannon Ballers have created a list of the Top 5 Black Minor League Baseball players that have ever worn a jersey in Kannapolis. Making its debut in 2022, MiLB announced that they created “The Nine,” an initiative that will engage and welcome Black fans, businesses, schools and civic leaders. In 1946, Robinson wore the number nine in his only year at the minor league level. The criteria to make the Top 5 list broke down to the player’s success at the major league level.

Jimmy Rollins

In 1997, the former second-round draft by the Phillies quickly became a household name in Kannapolis by leading the team in a plethora of offensive categories. That season, Rollins (18 years old) topped the team in games played (139), runs (94), hits (151), triples (8), stolen bases (46), and total bases (207).

Nicknamed “J-Roll,” the California native went on to play 17 MLB seasons, including his first 15 years with the Phillies. In 2001, 2002, and 2005, Rollins earned a spot on the National League All-Star team, with the 2001 season being his rookie year. Despite not getting an invite to MLB’s Fall Classic in 2007, Rollins took home the league’s Most Valuable Player award, proving to be the only Kannapolis baseball alumnus to do so.

The talented shortstop brought back more hardware throughout his luxurious career, collecting a Silver Slugger award in 2007 and four Gold Glove awards (‘07, ‘08, ‘09, ‘12). Although his time in Kannapolis in 1997 was not spent while under a contract by the White Sox, Rollins played his last season in the majors in 2016 with the Sox in the South Side of Chicago.

Tim Anderson

Anderson, the current Chicago White Sox everyday shortstop, sported a Kannapolis Intimidators jersey in 2013 for 68 games, getting his first crack at baseball at the professional level. At 20 years old, Anderson batted .277, along with 24 stolen bases, and 10 doubles.

Born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, “T.A.” moved his way up to the White Sox by 2016, batting an impressive .283 in 99 games. That season, Anderson came in seventh in the Rookie of the Year voting. Just a few seasons later in 2019, Anderson slashed .335/.357/.508 from the right side of the plate, with his .335 batting average earning him MLB’s American League Batting Title, the only such award won by a former Kannapolis ball player. With the entire country now knowing his name, Anderson established himself as the leader of a White Sox rebuild, helping the team make a birth to the playoffs in 2020, their first since the 2008 season.

During the 2021 campaign, Anderson led the Sox to their most wins (93) in a season since their World Series championship in 2005, while also earning his first trip to the All-Star game. T.A. remains a beacon of light for young African Americans around the country, as he started “League of Leaguers” in 2019, a youth-focused charity to empower kids in Chicago’s South Side and Tuscaloosa after losing his best friend to gun violence.

Marcus Simien

The California Golden Bear product began his professional baseball career in Kannapolis after being drafted in the sixth round of the 2011 MLB draft. In 229 at-bats, Simien batted .253 with 15 doubles, and three homeruns. After making it to the majors in 2013 and playing two seasons in Chicago, Simien was traded to the Oakland A’s, allowing him to return to his home state from 2015-2020.

Simien’s name leaped towards the top of all second basemen in baseball right after the 2019 season, a year in which he batted .285 with 33 home runs, leading to a third-place finish in that year’s MVP voting. The Toronto Blue Jays were in need of a second baseman following the 2020 season, as they signed Simien to a one-year deal. In 2021, Simien made a start at second base in his first All-Star game, and also won a Gold Glove, and Silver Slugger award. In that same season, Simien smacked 44 home runs, breaking Davey Johnson’s MLB record for the most home runs in a season by a player who played 75 percent or more of his games at second base.

Concluding that historic season, the nine-year veteran signed a seven-year, $175 million contract with the Texas Rangers, now playing up the middle with Kannapolis native, Corey Seager, who signed a 10-year, $325 million contract.

Marlon Byrd

In 2000, Byrd appeared in 133 games with the Piedmont Phillies, putting his name on the map as a top power-hitter in the Phillies organization. A former 10th round pick in the 1999 MLB draft out of college, Byrd hit 17 home runs, 29 doubles, 13 triples, and swiped 41 bags.

After two more seasons in the minors, Byrd received his call up to the majors in 2002 at 24 years old, seeing himself play in 10 games. In his rookie year in 2003, Byrd came in fourth place in the Rookie of the Year voting, putting up an impressive .303 batting average, including 28 doubles and 11 stolen bases. Byrd spent two more seasons in Philadelphia before being traded to the Washington Nationals in 2005.

Byrd went on to play for 13 of the 30 MLB, including two years with the Cubs in Chicago. The 15-year MLB veteran earned his first and only All-Star appearance almost halfway through his career in 2010 with the Cubs, finishing the year with a .293 average. Byrd finished his career with 159 home runs, smacking 20 or more in a single season five times.

Chris Young

Young had his way at the plate once he walked onto the field in Kannapolis in 2004, hitting 24 home runs, 31 doubles, and collecting 31 stolen bases. Skipping over Class-A Advanced ball in Winston-Salem, Young was named the Chicago White Sox Minor League Player of the Year in 2005 after his stellar play with the Birmingham Barons. Following his second MiLB season, the White Sox traded Young to the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Just one year later in 2006, Young made his debut for the D-Backs, and began the 2007 season as the D-Backs’ everyday center fielder. Young set multiple Diamondbacks’ rookie records, including hitting 32 home runs in his historic first season. A few years later in 2010, the Houston native made it to MLB’s Fall Classic, a year in which he batted .257 with 27 homers and 28 stolen bases.

Young jumped around the league after completing seven years in Arizona, with stops in OaklaKannapolis Selects Top 5 Black MiLB Players in Organization’s History in Conjunction with “The Nine”

nd, New York (Mets and Yankees), Boston, and Los Angeles (Angels). The 13-year veteran finished nine home runs shy of 200 and just 12 doubles shy of 300.

Full list of Black MiLB players that have made it to the MLB after/before playing in Kannapolis:

Jason Boyd, Piedmont Phillies, 1995

Reggie Taylor, Piedmont Boll Weevils, 1996

Jimmy Rollins, Piedmont Boll Weevils, 1997

Marlon Byrd, Piedmont Boll Weevils, 2000

Chris Young, Kannapolis Intimidators, 2004

Brandon Allen, Kannapolis Intimidators, 2006-07

Chris Carter, Kannapolis Intimidators, 2008-07

Marcus Simien, Kannapolis Intimidators, 2011

Tim Anderson, Kannapolis Intimidators, 2013

Micah Johnson, Kannapolis Intimidators, 2013

Jacob May, Kannapolis Intimidators, 2013

Keyvius Sampson, Kannapolis Cannon Ballers, 2021

CANNON BALLERS HONOR HEROES THROUGH FIELD OF HONOR®

 

(KANNAPOLIS, NC) – In a tribute of those whose actions made them heroes in our lives, the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers bring their inaugural Field of Honor® display to Atrium Health Ballpark.

It is appropriate to honor our heroes with a display of the flag that they honored through their service and sacrifice. The Field of Honor® display of United States flags bring volunteers, residents, and visitors together as hundreds of flags are posted. This inspiring and memorable panorama of red, white, and blue is hard to describe, but once experienced it is not to be forgotten.

Each 3-foot by 5-foot flag comes with its own story and displays a tag identifying both the flag honoree and the person who sponsored the flag. Flags may be purchased to honor the memory of a veteran or current service member from any branch of service. The purchaser will be permitted to take home the flag following the conclusion of the event. This living display of heroism flies as a patriotic tribute to the strength and unity of Americans, and honors all those who are serving, have served, and have made the supreme sacrifice for our nation’s security and freedom.

The Field of Honor® will fly starting November 2nd thru November 11th. The Cannon Ballers will host an Opening Ceremony for the placing of the first flag on November 2nd at 12:00pm at Gate #1 (West Ave). The field will then be open to the public 24 hours a day for viewing and observation. Each evening, “Taps” will be played at sunset. A Closing Ceremony will be held on November 11th at 11:00AM inside of Atrium Health Ballpark with guest speakers, musical tributes, and the reading of the names of the veterans honored on the field. All ceremonies pending social distancing standards and the mandates from the Office of the Governor.

Flags are available for purchase for $40 at the Cannon Baller team store or online at www.kcballers.com. Cash, check, or credit/debit card are available.

For more information on the Field of Honor®, visit www.kcballers.com or call 704-932-3267. Those interested in sponsorship opportunities are encouraged to contact Ryan Pegarsch at 704-935-1529 or [email protected].

About Kannapolis Cannon Ballers
The Kannapolis Cannon Ballers are a Minor League Baseball team of the South Atlantic League and the Class A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. Currently located in Kannapolis, North Carolina, the team was established in 1995 as the Piedmont Phillies until 1996 when they changed their name to the Piedmont Boll Weevils.

What is Field of Honor®?
The Field of Honor® program is part of a national movement that started out as a way to commemorate the lives lost on September 11, 2001 and was founded by the Colonial Flag Foundation.

In just a short amount of time, the concept has grown and communities like ours across America are turning to Field of Honor® tributes to raise money and awareness for a growing array of causes. The Field of Honor® is a community project of remembrance, and an expression of humanity and patriotism.

Cannon Ballers to Host National Anthem Auditions for Inaugural Season

 

(KANNAPOLIS, N.C.) – The Kannapolis Cannon Ballers will be searching for the best National Anthem performers that the surrounding counties have to offer on Sunday, March 15th at Cabarrus Brewing Company for their inaugural season at Atrium Health Ballpark. This free event, hosted by one of Cabarrus County’s top breweries, will take place from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and performers of all ages are welcome (performers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult).

To secure an opportunity to audition on March 15th, interested performers must pre-register at kcballers.com before the day of the event. Each individual will be given no more than two minutes to sing the National Anthem acapella. Performers with instruments are more than welcome to audition but will need to bring their own equipment and a supply of power will not be available.

Cabarrus Brewing Company Address: 329 McGill Ave NW, Concord, NC 28027

The Cannon Ballers open the gates to Atrium Health Ballpark for the inaugural 2020 season on Thursday, April 16th against the West Virginia Power. Season tickets and group hospitality areas are on sale now. For more information on how to be a part of this historic season, please visit www.kcballers.com or contact the Cannon Ballers Ticket Office by phone at 704-932-3267.
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Minor League Teams Across Carolinas Unite For Storm Relief

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.

Intimidators to host raffle at playoff game to raise money for Hurricane Harvey relief aid

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. (Sept. 6, 2017) – As the Kannapolis Intimidators, Class A Affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, prepare to open the 2017 post-season, the team has announced a special in-stadium raffle at Friday’s home playoff game to help raise money for Hurricane Harvey relief in conjunction with Minor League Baseball and MiLB Charities. Fans at the playoff game Friday, Sept. 8, can purchase raffle tickets to enter to win a team-signed Stars & Stripes Military Jersey, a team-signed bat, an autographed 2017 team card set, a Darryl Strawberry signed baseball, and more, and MiLB Charities will match all combined club donations raised, up to $10,000. Gates open at 6 p.m. for Game 2 of the Best-of-3 series against the Greensboro Grasshoppers, and first pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. at Intimidators Stadium supported by Carolinas HealthCare System.

**Online auction for team-signed Stars & Stripes jersey**

Fan unable to attend the game can participate in an online auction for a second team-signed Stars & Stripes military jersey to raise money for Harvey relief. The Intimidators are also accepting donations to send to the relief effort at the ballpark throughout Friday’s playoff game. Tickets to the South Atlantic League Northern Division Series in Kannapolis are available by calling the F&M Bank Box Office at (704) 932-3267 or by visiting IntimidatorsBaseball.com.

The Intimidators begin the 2017 post-season tonight at Greensboro with Game 1 of the Best-of-3 series at First National Bank Field at 7:00 p.m. Kannapolis will host Game 2 on Friday at 7:05 p.m. as well as Game 3, if necessary, on Saturday at 7:05 p.m.

About the Intimidators
The Intimidators are currently playing the 23rd season of professional baseball in Kannapolis and 17th season as a Chicago White Sox affiliate. Since the team’s inception in 1995, a total of 98 players have gone from Kannapolis to the Major Leagues. The team plays at Intimidators Stadium supported by Carolinas HealthCare System located off I-85, Exit 63 in Kannapolis. Single-game tickets are available by calling the F&M Bank Box Office at (704) 932-3267 or by visiting IntimidatorsBaseball.com.

Stars & Stripes jerseys up for auction Aug. 25

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. (August 17, 2017) – The Kannapolis Intimidators will host a jerseys-off-our-backs silent auction on Friday, August 25, featuring the team’s Stars & Stripes jerseys which have been worn at all Friday home games during the 2017 season. The silent auction begins when gates open at 6:00 p.m. for the 7:05 p.m. game against the Lakewood BlueClaws, and bidding ends with the final out of the sixth inning. Auction proceeds will go to benefit local veterans groups, including the VFW Post 8989 in Kannapolis.

**Order game tickets online**

The Intimidators’ Stars & Stripes uniforms feature a camo body and Mount Rushmore motif with red and white stripes down the left sleeve and a white stars on a blue background down the right sleeve. Winners of the jersey-off-our-backs silent auction will have the opportunity to go down onto the field following the game and have their jersey autographed by the Intimidators player who wore it during the game.

Tickets are still available for the team’s final regular season Friday on August 25, which will also feature Get Healthy Kannapolis where fans can earn Ballpark Bucks for healthy snacks by taking a physical challenge at the ballpark. Tickets are available through the F&M Bank Box Office by calling (704) 932-3267 or by visiting IntimidatorsBaseball.com.

About the Intimidators
The Intimidators are currently playing the 23rd season of professional baseball in Kannapolis and 17th season as a Chicago White Sox affiliate. Since the team’s inception in 1995, a total of 92 players have gone from Kannapolis to the Major Leagues. The team plays at Intimidators Stadium supported by Carolinas HealthCare System located off I-85, Exit 63 in Kannapolis. Single-game tickets are available by calling the F&M Bank Box Office at (704) 932-3267 or by visiting IntimidatorsBaseball.com.

Sun Screen Giveaway this Sunday, June 4

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. (May 30, 2017) – The Kannapolis Intimidators will take part in Minor League Baseball’s Cover Your Bases initiative to promote sun safety awareness this Sunday, June 4, when the Intimidators take on the Greensboro Grasshoppers at Intimidators Stadium supported by Carolinas HealthCare System at 5:05 p.m. Gates open at 4:00 p.m., and the first 1,000 fans will receive a sample of Blue Lizard sunscreen as the Intimidators and Minor League Baseball team up with the American Cancer Society to educate fans about the danger of skin cancer.

Cover Your Bases, a partnership between MiLB and the American Cancer Society, will provide 75,000 free samples of sunscreen to Minor League fans at over 80 different ballparks this summer. The Intimidators, along with dozens of other MiLB teams will work to educate fans about the measures they can take to reduce the risks of cancerous developments and overexposure to UV rays.

“Each year, more than 3 million people develop skin cancer, the most common of all cancers,” said Sharon Byers, chief development and marketing officer, American Cancer Society. “This partnership gives us an opportunity to educate baseball fans about being sun smart.”

The American Cancer Society recommends:

• Seek shade: Avoid being outdoors in direct sunlight too long between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when

UV light is strongest.

• Protect your skin with clothing: When you are out in the sun, wear clothing to cover your skin. Long-sleeved shirts, long pants, or long skirts cover the most skin and are the most protective. A tightly woven fabric protects better than loosely woven clothing. If you can see light through a fabric, UV rays can get through, too.

• Wear a hat: A hat with at least a 2- to 3-inch brim all around is ideal because it protects areas that are often exposed to intense sun, such as the ears, eyes, forehead, nose, and scalp.

• Wear sunglasses that block UV rays

• Use sunscreen: Use an SPF 30 or higher broad spectrum sunscreen. Ideally, about one ounce, about a shot glass or palmful, should be used to cover the arms, legs, neck, and face of the average adult. Sunscreen needs to be reapplied at least every two hours to maintain protection.

Sunday is a Bark in the Park game as well as Kid’s Day, featuring a pregame autograph session with several Intimidators’ players, and postgame kids run the bases. First pitch is scheduled for 5:05 p.m. Tickets are available by calling the F&M Bank Box Office at (704) 932-3267, or by visiting Intimidatorsbaseball.com.

Jurassic Ballpark, PS4 Giveway, Reading All-Stars highlight 4-game home stand April 20-23

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. (April 18, 2017) – With dinosaurs, fireworks, and a Play Station 4 giveaway, the Kannapolis Intimidators 4-game home stand April 20-23 has something for everyone. Fans in attendance on April 20 will be eligible to win a PS4 as the Intimidators host Gamer Night on Thirsty Thursday at Intimidators Stadium supported by Carolinas HealthCare System. Two nights later, journey back 65 million years at the Intimidators annual Jurassic Ballpark on Saturday, April 22, featuring the life-like dinosaur displays of Dakota and Friends plus post-game rock n’ roll fireworks.

Also this weekend, the Intimidators celebrate kindergarten through eighth grade students who have been nominated by their teachers as Reading All-Stars in Rowan-Salisbury School System and Stanly County Schools. Reading All-Stars will get to parade around the field before their games as a reward for their academic accomplishments this year.

All Saturday home games will feature post-game fireworks throughout the remainder of 2017, giving fans a total of 12 fireworks shows after Intimidators games this season. Single-game tickets, group packages, and suites are available by calling the F&M Bank Box Office at 704-932-3267 or by visiting IntimidatorsBaseball.com.

Thursday, April 20 at 7:05 p.m. | Gates at 6 p.m. | vs. Hickory Crawdads | Tickets >>

The home stand kicks off with Gamer Night as the Intimidators give away a PS4 to one lucky fan in attendance. All fans that purchase a ticket to Thursday’s game are eligible to win, and the game will be themed out with special video-game promotions and contests.

Thursday’s game is a Thirsty Thursday featuring discounted drinks all game long including 16 oz. draft beers for $1.50 and 24 oz. draft beers for $2.50, plus bottled Pepsi products for only $2 all game long. Also on Thursdays, fans can stick around after the game to play Launch-A-Ball for a chance to win great prizes.

Friday, April 21 at 7:05 p.m. | Gates at 6 p.m. | vs. Hickory Crawdads | Tickets >>

Friday is our first Get Healthy Kannapolis game of the 2017 season where the Intimidators are promoting a healthy and fit lifestyle to the community. Throughout the night, fans can participate in special contests and promotions as well as enjoy discounted healthy menu items. Students in kindergarten through eighth grade from Rowan-Salisbury School System will be recognized at the game as part of the Reading All-Stars Celebration which recognizes local students for the academic achievements.

Also every Friday game this season is Military Appreciation Ngith where the Intimidators will wear special patriotic jerseys to honor the Armed Forces. The camo jerseys feature a Mount Rushmore motif with stars and striped sleeves. Fans have a chance to buy raffle tickets to win one of these jerseys next on July 21.

Saturday, April 22 at 7:05 p.m. | Gates at 6 p.m. | vs. Hickory Crawdads | Tickets >>

Join the Intimidators on Saturday for Jurassic Ballpark as fans can observer and interact with some of the most amazing dinosaurs since the Crustaceous period. The dinosaurs from Dakota and Friends will be on hand at the main entrance for children of all ages to get an up-close look at these prehistoric pets. Also on Saturday, we will light up the sky with post-game rock n’ roll fireworks.

Students from Stanly County Schools will be in attendance for their Reading All-Stars Celebration Game for as the Intimidators welcome students from kindergarten through eighth grade who have earned a ticket to the game through their extraordinary efforts in literacy.

Sunday, April 23 at 2:05 p.m. | Gates at 1 p.m. | vs. Hickory Crawdads | Tickets >>

Families will enjoy all of the fun in store on Sundays at Intimidators Stadium in 2017 as players are available for pre-game autographs at the main entrance, and after the game, kids who join the Intimidators Gator Gang kids club have a chance to run the bases. Students in kindergarten through eighth grade from Rowan-Salisbury School System will be recognized at the game as part of the Reading All-Stars Celebration which recognizes local students for the academic achievements.

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

Intimidators join with CPS for Medication Take Back Event

The Kannapolis Intimidators have partnered with the Center for Prevention Services to host a “Medication Take Back Event” at Opening Night on Thursday, April 6, at Intimidators Stadium supported by Carolinas HealthCare System. This provides a great opportunity for community residents to dispose of their unwanted, unused, and expired medications. Fans that bring medications to drop off will receive a voucher for $2 off their ticket at the Intimidators Opening Night game.

Fans will have a chance to meet Major League Baseball legend Darryl Strawberry, who will be signing autographs and taking pictures with fans from 7-9 p.m. courtesy of Hope Haven and Serenity House.

The Center for Prevention Services will have an educational booth located inside the stadium with safe medication storage and disposal information, keychains, t-shirts and so much more to share with game attendees. The Center for Prevention Services will be supported by community partners and high school students (members of Taking Responsible Actions in Life Program) in their effort to reach out to community residents with this great message.

Be sure to to drop off your medications and enjoy the game. Gates open at 6 p.m. with first pitch against the Lakewood BlueClaws set for 7:05 p.m. as the Kannapolis Intimidators open their 23rd season of baseball in our community.

Intimidators teaming up with JGCF in 2015

Wristband proceeds to go benefit Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation and come with voucher for free Pepsi product at the ballpark

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Kannapolis-IntimidatorsThe Kannapolis Intimidators have teamed up with the Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation for the 2015 season to raise money at all 12 Friday home games at CMC-NorthEast Stadium. The Intimidators will be selling JGCF wristbands at the ballpark for $5, and each wristband comes with a voucher for a free Pepsi product at the concessions stand ($3 value).

The mission of the Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation is to support children battling cancer by funding programs that improve patients’ quality of life, treatment prograJeff-Gordons-Children-Foundationms that increase survivorship and pediatric medical research dedicated to finding a cure. In addition, the Foundation provides support to the Jeff Gordon’s Children’s Hospital in Concord, NC, which serves children in the community by providing a high level of primary and specialty care, regardless of their ability to pay.

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

Now accepting nominations for Local Heroes Nights to recognize community leaders

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(Ray Marsden/Kannapolis Intimidators)

 

Kannapolis-IntimidatorsThe Kannapolis Intimidators, Class A Affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, are now accepting nominations for a new “Local Heroes Night” series in 2015. Throughout the season, the Intimidators will be recognizing those who have gone above and beyond for our community by dedicating a night at the ballpark in their honor. Fans can submit nominations online at IntimidatorsBaseball.com.

*Click here to Nominate a Local Hero*

“There are people in our community that have been a hero in one way or another to those they serve. Teachers and coaches, police officers, firefighters, public servants, religious leaders, volunteers, and so many others have played such an important role in the growth and development of our community. We want to give them a chance to be recognized,” said Randy Long, Intimidators General Manager.

Local Heroes will be recognized at an Intimidators home game during the 2015 season with the opportunity to throw out a ceremonial first pitch, receive premium tickets to the game, and have their contributions to the community celebrated throughout the game. Nominations will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.

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

Send in your ACN Charity Night applications

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Kannapolis-IntimidatorsThe Kannapolis Intimidators have teamed up with ACN Inc. to once again host Charity Spotlight Nights during the 2015 season to give local non-profit organizations a larger platform to raise money and awareness for their cause. Organizations can apply through the team website or by calling the front office at (704) 932-3267. Groups interested in applying are encouraged to do so now as consideration will be given on a first-come, first-served basis. ACN Charity Spotlight Nights will be on five Friday nights during the 2015 season: April 17, May 1, May 23, June 26, and July 31.

Up to four area non-profits will be able to set up an information table on the stadium concourse to promote their cause to fans on each ACN Charity Spotlight Night. Organizations will also receive vouchers for discounted tickets to distribute to supporters throughout the community. The Intimidators will donate 50% of proceeds from these vouchers to the organizations. During each ACN Charity Spotlight Night, the Intimidators will also recognize that night’s spotlighted non-profits over the public address and on the scoreboard.

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