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Celebrating Black History Month with the Top 5 Black Players in Las Vegas Professional Baseball History

February 8, 2022

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

Aviators Recognize Top 5 Black Players in Franchise History

In honor of Black History Month, the ballclub gives a tip of the cap to five of its all-time greats

By Matt Jacob | Las Vegas Aviators | @MattRJacob

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

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

Here is a look at five of the best Black baseball players ever to don a Las Vegas Stars, 51s or Aviators uniform.

James Loney (Las Vegas 51s, 2006-07)

A first-round pick of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2002 amateur draft, James Loney had modest success during his first four professional seasons. Playing exclusively in the low minors, the Houston native batted .280 with 181 RBI in 431 games.

Loney then earned his first Triple-A promotion ahead of the 2006 season. Upon arriving at Cashman Field, the 22-year-old first baseman promptly showed why the Dodgers made him a first-round selection. Loney won the Pacific Coast League batting crown with a .380 average, collecting 136 hits — including 33 doubles — in 98 games. He finished the season with eight home runs, 67 RBI and 64 runs, and by the following April, he was on the Dodgers’ opening-day roster.

Loney returned to Las Vegas briefly in 2007, and finished his 51s career with a .341 batting average, nine homers, 99 RBI and 92 runs in 156 games. He went on to enjoy a productive 11-year Major League career with the Dodgers, Tampa Bay Rays, New York Mets and Boston Red Sox. In nearly 1,500 big-league games, Loney batted .284 with 108 homers, 267 doubles and 669 RBI.

Matt Kemp (Las Vegas 51s, 2006-07)

It didn’t take Matt Kemp very long to race through the Los Angeles’ Dodgers minor-league system. Just three years after L.A. drafted him in the sixth round, Kemp was patrolling the outfield at Dodger Stadium and showcasing the hitting prowess that would make him a frequent MVP candidate.

Las Vegas baseball fans got a first-hand glimpse of Kemp’s five-tool talents during parts of two seasons with the 51s. The Oklahoma native was promoted from Double-A Jacksonville during the 2006 season and hit .368 with three homers and 36 RBI in 44 games in Las Vegas. After finishing the 2006 campaign in L.A., a 22-year-old Kemp returned to the 51s to start the 2007 season and he hit .329 with four homers and 20 RBI in 39 games.

That was enough for the Dodgers to come calling again, and Kemp never looked back. In 15 big-league seasons — the first nine of which were spent with the Dodgers — Kemp made three All-Star teams, won two Silver Slugger awards and two Gold Gloves.

During a particularly prolific three-year run from 2009-2011, Kemp hit .290 with 93 home runs, 83 doubles, 17 triples, 316 RBI and 294 runs. The best of those seasons was in 2011, when Kemp posted a career-best .324 batting average and led the National League with 39 homers, 126 RBI and 115 runs. In a controversial vote, he fell just short of winning the NL MVP.

Kemp retired after the 2020 season, finishing his career with a .284 average, 287 homers and 1,031 RBI in 1,750 Major League games.

Shane Mack (Las Vegas Stars, 1986-89)

Shane Mack’s baseball career began with a bit of a gamble: After the Kansas City Royals drafted him in the fourth round of the 1981 draft, the Los Angeles native declined to sign, instead accepting a scholarship from UCLA. The decision paid off, because three years later, the San Diego Padres selected Mack with the 11th overall pick of the 1984 draft and promptly sent the outfielder to Double-A.

After two solid seasons with the Beaumont (Texas) Golden Gators, Mack was elevated to Triple-A Las Vegas during the 1986 season. He would spend parts of the next four seasons with the Stars, batting .326 across 137 games.

In addition to being part of Las Vegas’ only two Pacific Coast League championship teams in 1986 and 1988, Mack earned his first two big-league promotions, playing a combined 201 games for the Padres in 1987 and 1988.

Prior to the start of the 1990 season, Mack was traded to the Minnesota Twins, where he enjoyed his greatest Major League success. In five seasons in Minnesota, he hit .309 with 67 homers, 119 doubles, 24 triples, 315 RBI, 351 runs and 71 stolen bases. At age 27, Mack was an integral part of the Twins’ 1991 World Series-winning team, batting .318 with 18 homers, 27 doubles and 74 RBI.

Mack ended his nine-year Major League career with a .299 batting average — and he finished it with the team that initially drafted him: the Royals.

Bip Roberts (Las Vegas Stars, 1987-88; 1995)

Like Mack, Leon “Bip” Roberts bypassed pro ball when he was initially drafted in 1981 by the Pittsburgh Pirates. But after the second baseman spent one season at Chabot College in Heyward, California, the Pirates came after Roberts again, selecting the Berkeley native in the first round of the 1982 draft.

This time, Roberts signed. However, he never played a game for the Pirates, as the San Diego Padres plucked him in the 1985 Rule 5 Draft. In so doing, the Padres had to keep Roberts on the big-league roster for the entire 1985 season or offer him back to Pittsburgh. They did just that, and Roberts hit .253 in 101 games with San Diego.

No longer under Rule 5 constraints, the Padres shipped diminutive infielder to Triple-A Las Vegas before the 1987 season. Needless to say, the 5-foot-7 Roberts rose to the challenge, as he batted .329, scored 139 runs and stole 56 bases in 198 games with the Stars in 1987-88.

Roberts was a huge contributor to the Stars’ 1988 Pacific Coast League championship club. He hit .353, posted a .406 on-base percentage, delivered 36 extra-base hits (including eight triples) and stole 29 bases in 36 attempts.

The Padres finally recalled Roberts in September 1988, and “The Bipster” spent the next decade as a big leaguer with six different teams (Padres, Royals, Reds, Indians, Tigers and his hometown A’s). In all, he played 12 Major League seasons and hit .294 with 30 home runs, 203 doubles, 31 triples, 663 runs, 352 RBI and 264 stolen bases.

Roberts, who played three games for Las Vegas in 1995 on an injury rehab stint, also made the 1992 National League All-Star team and finished among the top 10 NL hitters in 1990, 1992 and 1994.

Eddie Williams (Las Vegas Stars, 1990, 1994, 1998)

If ever there was a poster child for the phrase “baseball journeyman,” it was Eddie Williams.

Drafted by the New York Mets with the fourth-overall pick in 1983, Williams played for 11 different Major League organizations from 1983-1999. He then went on to play four seasons of independent ball and one season in the Mexican League.

A prodigious power hitter from San Diego, Williams did three tours of duty with his hometown Padres in 1990, 1994-95 and 1998. And each time the first baseman/third baseman returned to the San Diego organization, he found his way to Las Vegas, where he frequently tormented Pacific Coast League pitchers.

Never was this truer than on April 22, 1998, when Williams had a game for the ages north of the border: Facing the Calgary Cannons, Williams exploded for a Las Vegas franchise-record four home runs and 10 RBI in a wild 20-15 victory.

Every time he donned a Stars uniform, Williams delivered at the plate. He hit .316 with 17 homers and 75 RBI in 93 games in 1990; .352 with 20 homers and 54 RBI in 59 games in 1994; and .336 with 20 homers and 77 RBI in 90 games in 1998.

Altogether, Williams’ career statistics rank among the best in Las Vegas history: .332 batting average, 57 homers, 65 doubles, 176 runs and 206 RBI.

Williams spent parts of 10 seasons (395 games) with six big-league clubs, but he did the bulk of his damage for San Diego. In 177 games with the Padres, Williams hit .279 with 26 of his 39 career home runs and 96 of his 150 career RBI.

Tagged as : Diversity/Inclusion, Honoring History, Las Vegas Aviators, Nevada, Oakland Athletics, Pacific Coast League { }

Las Vegas Ballpark, in partnership with Vitalant, will host the One October Memorial Blood Drive

September 28, 2020

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

 

LAS VEGAS BALLPARK® HOSTS VITALANT ONE OCTOBER MEMORIAL BLOOD DRIVE

PRESENTED BY NEVADA HEALTH LINK

Together we are #VegasStronger

WHAT: Las Vegas Ballpark®, in partnership with Vitalant, the largest blood provider in Nevada, will host the One October Memorial Blood Drive, a one-day blood drive in memory of One October.

The public drive is presented by Nevada Health Link, the online insurance marketplace operated by Silver State Health Insurance Exchange that will offer this year more than 50 insurance plans and is the only place Nevadans can qualify for subsidies to offset the cost of insurance.

The One Memorial Blood Drive takes place at Las Vegas Ballpark from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, October 1.

Leadership from Las Vegas Ballpark as well as local icons will kick off the drive with personal donations starting at 9 a.m. They will be cheered on by Las Vegas Ballpark mascots – Spruce the Goose and Aviator – who will be on hand to greet donors.

Donors must make appointments in advance at www.bloodhero.com and are encouraged to keep social distance recommendations. Per state mandates, masks are required for entry into the facility and temperature checks will be enforced.

Vitalant, the largest blood provider in the state of Nevada, is providing COVID-19 antibody testing with every successful donation. Donors will receive their antibody test results on their private online donor profile. Donors that receive positive results can then choose to aid in the fight against COVID-19 by donating convalescent plasma, the only antibody treatment available for critically ill COVID-19 hospital patients. For those who have recovered from COVID-19, Vitalant will also be collecting convalescent plasma donations at this blood drive. For full eligibility requirements and application, go to www.Vitalant.org/COVIDFree. Appointments are strongly recommended.

WHEN: ** **Thursday, October — 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.

WHERE: ** **Las Vegas Ballpark

_ 1650 S. Pavilion Center Drive_

Las Vegas, NV 89135

** About Las Vegas Ballpark**®

Las Vegas Ballpark®, located on eight acres in Downtown Summerlin® just south of City National Arena – practice facility for the Vegas Golden Knights, is the home of the Las Vegas Aviators®, the city’s professional Triple-A baseball team of the Pacific Coast League (PCL) and affiliate of the Oakland Athletics. The team is wholly owned by The Howard Hughes Corporation®, developer of the award-winning master-planned community of Summerlin® and developer of Las Vegas Ballpark. With a wide range of seating options including 22 suites, club seats, berm seating, party zones and decks, picnic tables, kids’ zone, bars and a pool beyond the outfield wall, Las Vegas Ballpark boasts a capacity of 10,000. Designed to host a variety of events in addition to baseball, the site is landscaped to complement the surrounding master-planned community. The site is easily accessed from all regions of the valley via the 215 Beltway. For more on Las Vegas Ballpark, visit www.thelvballpark.com.

About Nevada Health Link

Nevada Health Link is the online insurance marketplace operated by the Silver State Health Insurance Exchange (Exchange), which was established per Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) in 2011 by the State of Nevada and began operations in 2013 on the belief that all Nevadans deserve access to health insurance. In 2019, the Exchange transitioned away from the federal marketplace, HealthCare.gov and became a fully operational State Based Exchange (SBE), in time for its seventh Open Enrollment Period (OEP). Nevada Health Link connects eligible Nevada residents to budget-appropriate health and dental coverage and is the only place where qualifying consumers can receive federal tax credits to help cover premium costs. Open Enrollment has concluded; for more information or to see if you’re eligible for a Special Enrollment Period, visit our website. Subscribe to Nevada Health Link’s Blog and YouTube channel, like them on Facebook or follow on Twitter and Instagram. Nevada Health Link always encourages consumers to use the free assistance of a licensed enrollment professional by calling 1-800-547-2927 or by visiting NevadaHealthLink.com.

About Vitalant

Vitalant (“Vye-TAL-ent”) is the nation’s largest independent nonprofit blood service provider, supplying comprehensive transfusion medicine services for nearly 1,000 hospitals and health care partners for patients in need across 40 states. Vitalant inspires local communities to serve the needs of others and transform lives through the selfless act of donating blood. Every day, almost 5,000 blood donations are needed to meet the needs of people throughout the country, and Vitalant’s 800,000 donors supply 1.8 million donations a year. In addition to blood products, Vitalant offers customers transfusion services, medical consulting, quality guidance, ongoing education, research and more. For more information and to schedule a donation, visit vitalant.org or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825). Join the conversation about impacting the lives of others on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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CONTACTS:

Faiss Foley Warren Public Relations

Melissa Warren / McKinzie Cogswell

702-528-6016; 702-234-5307

[email protected]; [email protected]

Tagged as : Blood Drives, Las Vegas Aviators, Mascot Appearances, Nevada, Oakland Athletics, Pacific Coast League { }

51s to host Auvi-Q “Peanut-Free Night”

August 7, 2017

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

The first, Las Vegas 51s, peanut free night will be Sunday, August 20. For more information please call 702-943-7200 and get your tickets today.

To learn more about the Minor League Baseball partnership with Auvi-Q and its food allergy awareness campaign click here for the complete press release.

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

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Tagged as : Allergy Awareness, Disability Awareness, Family Relief/Resources, Las Vegas Aviators, Nevada, New York Mets, Pacific Coast League { }

Missing Child From 51s Stadium Signage Found

October 3, 2016

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

          

LAS VEGAS: The Las Vegas 51s professional baseball team, Triple-A affiliate of the New York Mets, announced today that a missing child seen on 51s signage at Cashman Field this past season has been found and returned home safely.

            Stephanie Swanson was safely located in Henderson, Nev., on September 21, 2016. The BairFind signage location was at the front entrance of the ballpark.

            The BairFind Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to finding missing children. The Foundation points out that the number one proved method to finding missing children is to have as many eyes as possible “looking.” If you or someone you know has any information on the whereabouts of a missing child, please call 1-800-THE-LOST and the website is www.BairFind.org

The 51s will open their 35th season in the Silver State on Thursday, April 6 at El Paso, Texas against the Chihuahuas, Triple-A affiliate of the San Diego Padres. The 2017 home opener is on Tuesday, April 11 against the Fresno Grizzlies, Triple-A affiliate of the Houston Astros, at Cashman Field at 7:05 p.m.

2017 season tickets and mini-plan packages (11, 22, 36-game plans) are available by calling the 51s office at (702) 943-7200. Individual game tickets for the 71-game home schedule will go on sale in March.

Official licensed 51s team merchandise is available on the “Team Shop” section of the website.

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

Tagged as : Bairfind Foundation, Children's Health and Development, Family Relief/Resources, Las Vegas Aviators, Nevada, New York Mets, Pacific Coast League, Supporting the Community { }

51s Present Hometown Heroes Night (Friday, May 13)

May 8, 2016

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

                LAS VEGAS: The Las Vegas 51s professional baseball team of the Pacific Coast League (PCL), Triple-A affiliate of the 2015 National League Champion New York Mets, will open a brief four-game homestand on Tuesday, May 10 against the El Paso Chihuahuas, Triple-A affiliate of the San Diego Padres, at Cashman Field. All games on the homestand from Tuesday-Friday, May 10-13 will begin at 7:05 p.m.

The 51s, under fourth-year manager Wally Backman, are currently playing a stretch of 16 out of 20 games on the road from May 2-22. Las Vegas is 3-3 on the eight-game road trip (2-2 vs. El Paso; 1-1 vs. Sacramento). The trip will conclude in Northern California on Monday evening against the Sacramento River Cats, Triple-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants.

The 51s organization have the proud distinction of being the longest enduring franchise in the history of professional sports in the state of Nevada.

2016 ATTENDANCE: In 14 dates, Las Vegas’ total is 76,788 for an average of 5,485. The season-high “home crowd” was an overflow sellout of 11,726 vs. Tacoma on April 28 for Fireworks/Star Wars Night. The Las Vegas franchise has reached the 300,000 plateau in “home” attendance in all 33 seasons (1983-2015). The all-time attendance total now stands at 11,054,517. The Las Vegas franchise welcomed the 11-millionth fan (Brian Johnson) during the opening homestand on April 14 vs. Sacramento.

HOMETOWN HEROES NIGHT – FRIDAY, MAY 13

               8 News Now Viva Las Vegas Fireworks (post-game show),” presented by The Orleans & Gold Coast will be featured on Hometown Heroes Night.

The GUNS AND HOSES will play a preliminary game at 5 p.m., pitting local police agencies, against local firefighters. All ticket holders will be able to come inside and watch the first responder showdown, and then stay for the rest of the festivities. At 6 p.m., there will be a static display of emergency service and patrol vehicles parked in front of Cashman Field for attendees to tour and learn about the types of vehicles and technology used to keep our community safe. A K-9 unit will also be on hand for a brief demonstration.

The 51s organization will conduct a special pre-game ceremony dedicated to recognize, support and to thank our emergency service providers including the police, fire and emergency medical providers of Southern Nevada. The “Color Guard Ceremony” will feature members of the Police and Fire Departments and including ceremonial first pitches for individuals who will be honored for their acts of heroism.

Individual police officers, firefighters and emergency personnel who have dedicated their lives to helping others will be acknowledged during the pre-game ceremony.

The 51s will have a special “thank you” announcement for the families of our local Hometown Heroes.

“The 51s organization is excited to present the annual Hometown Heroes Night at Cashman Field,” 51s President/COO Don Logan said. “We are honored to have all of the departments & organizations with ties to First Responders at the ball park for this special evening.

“We are privileged to acknowledge the members of the police, fire and emergency medical providers and for all of the important jobs that they all serve for the safety of our entire community.”

The following is the Departments & Organizations with ties to First Responders who will be at Cashman Field:

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department; City of North Las Vegas Police Department; City of Henderson Police Department; Nevada Department of Public Safety – Highway Patrol Division; Crime Prevention and Community Relations – Clark County School District Police Department; Friends of Las Vegas Metro Police Department Foundation; Clark County Fire Department; City of Las Vegas Fire Department; City of North Las Vegas Fire Department; City of Henderson Fire Department; Henderson Firefighters Benevolent Association; Special Olympics; Operation FireHEAT; Save the Fire Truck.

Budweiser Dollar Beer Night will also be presented on Thursday, May 12 in game three of the four-game series against El Paso. Dollar Beer Night will be featured at every Thursday home game during the 2016 season. Proper identification and wristbands are required for dollar beer night.

El Paso’s roster features two of the top 10 prospects in the Padres organization, according to Baseball America: Top prospect: outfielder Manuel Margot (No. 2) and outfielder Hunter Renfroe (No. 3).

Former Las Vegas 51s first baseman James Loney is also a member of the El Paso roster. Loney played two seasons for Las Vegas (2006-07, Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers) and was the 2006 PCL Batting Champion with a .380 average (98 games, 139-for-366, 33 doubles, 8 HR, 67 RBI). The .380 average is a Las Vegas single-season franchise record.

Four Las Vegas players in franchise history (1983 – present) have recorded PCL Batting Titles: John Kruk (.351, 1985); Loney in 2006; Terry Tiffee (.378, 2008); David Cooper (.364, 2011).

Loney has enjoyed a successful 10-year Major League career with the Dodgers (2006-12), Boston (2012) and Tampa Bay (2013-15). He has appeared in 1,343 career ML games and has a career .285 average (1,334-for-4,680) with 251 doubles, 99 home runs and 635 RBI. He was originally selected in the first round (19th overall) by the Dodgers of June 2002 First-Year Player Draft.

The 51s will broadcast all games on Lotus Broadcasting on NBC Sports Radio AM 920 ‘THE GAME’, which will carry live all 144 regular season games. Also, all games will be available on the 51s website (Major League Baseball Advanced Media, MLBAM) at www.LV51.com. Russ Langer, the 10-time Nevada Sportscaster of the Year by the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association (NSSA), is in his 17th season behind the microphone calling 51s baseball.

All 51s games (home & away) will also be broadcast on MiLB.TV via LV51.com.

Following the homestand, Las Vegas will start a stretch of 16 straight games against the American Conference from May 14-30, beginning in Oklahoma City, Okla., against the Dodgers, Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The four-game series will conclude on Tuesday, May 17. The next scheduled off day for the PCL is Wednesday, May 18. The 51s will then continue the eight-game road trip at Colorado Springs, Colo., on Thursday, May 19 against the Sky Sox, Triple-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. The four-game series will conclude on Sunday, May 22.

Tickets for all 51s home games can be purchased at the America First Credit Union Box Office at Cashman Field. The box office is open Monday-Friday (non-game days) from Noon to 4:30 p.m. Tickets can also be purchased through Ticketmaster (1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com). Ticketmaster outlets are located at selected Smith’s Food & Drug.

The individual game tickets for the 72-game home season are priced at $11.00 (reserved, $12.00-Day of Game); $14.00 (plaza, $15.00-Day of Game) and $16.00 (field, $17.00-Day of Game) & the blue dugout seats at $30.00. The traditional $2.00 discount for Military personnel is offered on plaza, field and reserved seats throughout the season except for the “Fireworks Extravaganza” on Monday, July 4 (all seats priced at $16.00-presale & $17.00-Day of Game for this special event).

Season tickets and mini-plan packages (11, 22, 36-game plans) are available by calling the 51s office at (702) 798-7825.

Official licensed 51s team merchandise is available on the “Team Shop” section of the website.

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

Tagged as : First Responders, Las Vegas Aviators, Nevada, New York Mets, Pacific Coast League, Public Recognition/Celebrations/Events { }

Donate Life Night with the 51s – Saturday, April 9

April 2, 2016

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

Las Vegas, NV – March 25 – During the 6th annual Donate Life Night with the Las Vegas 51s, Nevada Donor Network will invite more than 2,000 of their supporters to fill the stands at Cashman Field in honor of National Donate Life Month. Through a strong partnership with Nevada Donor Network, the Las Vegas 51s work tirelessly to maximize every opportunity to promote donation throughout the year and particularly during Donate Life Night. Fans of the Las Vegas 51s are encouraged to register as organ, eye and tissue donors, becoming “Fans for Life” in honor of the 51s.

Local Nevadans who have received a lifesaving transplant, family members of donor heroes, and living donors will be introduced alongside Las Vegas 51s players during the pregame. One of the evening’s very special honorees, Manny Solis, was diagnosed at just two months old with Denys-Drash syndrome. The rare genetic disorder caused his kidneys to deteriorate to the extent they needed to be removed. He stopped growing. Learning to walk was out of the question as Manny was imprisoned in his crib, enduring 10 to 15 hours of dialysis a day to survive. His adopted mother, Cynthia, gave him the gift of life when Manny was just two years old by donating one of her kidneys to him. Now a happy, healthy seven year old, Manny will be throwing out the honorary first pitch of the night!

Nevada Donor Network will have several information tables at the event to promote donation and encourage all in attendance to register as a donor hero in honor of the more than 120,000 people in the U.S. awaiting a lifesaving gift.

WHAT:           Donate Life Night with the Las Vegas 51s

WHO:             Nevada Donor Network and Las Vegas 51s

WHERE:         Cashman Field, 850 Las Vegas Blvd N, Las Vegas, NV 89101

WHEN:           7:05pm Saturday April 9, 2016: Las Vegas 51s vs. Fresno Grizzlies

CONTACT:     Kelli Little, Nevada Donor Network, 702-750-3377 (office), 503-871-5772 (cell)

Jim Gemma, Las Vegas 51s, (702) 943-7226 (office)

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

Tagged as : Las Vegas Aviators, Nevada, New York Mets, Organ/Tissue Donation, Pacific Coast League, Public Recognition/Celebrations/Events { }

Lather Up, then Batter Up With CCCN & The 51s

March 4, 2015

LasVegas51s_2015-03-04
Photographer: Tom Donoghue

‘Lather Up, Then ‘Batter Up’ with Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada (CCCN) & The 51s

Las-Vegas-51sThe Las Vegas 51s professional baseball team of the Pacific Coast League (PCL), Triple-A affiliate of the New York Mets and the 2013 & 2014 Pacific Conference Southern Division Champions, announced today they have teamed up with Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada (CCCN) to offer complimentary sunscreen at Cashman Field during the 2015 baseball season. The sunscreen will be available beginning with the Big League Weekend “day game” between the Chicago Cubs vs. Oakland A’s on Saturday, March 14 at 12:05 p.m. CCCN medical oncologist Dr. Paul Michael will throw out the ceremonial first pitch at the game.

CCCofNevadaFans will be able to protect themselves from potentially harmful UV-A and UV-B rays by visiting one of two CCCN sunscreen kiosks on the main concourse at the ballpark. Additionally, skin-safety messages will be displayed on the videoboard and public address announcements will remind guests to stay proactive with skin protection. Cashman Field ushers will also have a supply of complimentary sunscreen available for fans, so they may conveniently reapply during the game.

“Awareness as well as a preventative approach are critical in preventing skin damage and potentially skin cancer,” said James Kilber, executive director of CCCN. “So many of our local families enjoy a trip out to Cashman Field each year. We hope everyone will take advantage of the free sunscreen and skin safety messages this season as they cheer on the 51s to victory.”

The partnership offers complimentary SPF 30 sunscreen to the projected 300,000 plus fans that will visit Cashman Field throughout the summer. The 51s have 11 day games scheduled at Cashman Field during its 2015 season.

“We are excited with the partnership with CCCN and it will provide the fans at the ballpark an opportunity to apply sunscreen during the matinee games at Cashman Field,” 51s President/COO Don Logan said. “The awareness of skin cancer is very important and with the help of CCCN, it will provide a safer experience for both the players and fans this season.”

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Las Vegas 51s . Click here to view the original story.

Tagged as : Cancer Awareness, Children's Health and Development, Las Vegas Aviators, Men's Health, Nevada, New York Mets, Pacific Coast League, Promoting Health/Fitness, Women's Health { }

The Shade Tree Night – Friday, July 25

July 22, 2014

51s Team Up With Volunteers from The Venetian Hotel & Casino to Host Donation Drive for The Shade Tree!

(photo by Tom Donoghue)
(photo by Tom Donoghue)

Las-Vegas-51sThe Las Vegas 51s professional baseball team of the Pacific Coast League (PCL), Triple-A affiliate of the New York Mets & 2013 Pacific Southern Division Champions, will open an eight-game homestand on Friday, July 25 against the Salt Lake Bees, Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, at 7:05 p.m. at Cashman Field.

The 51s organization will team up with volunteers from the Venetian Hotel and Casino to present a donation drive for The Shade Tree. The Shade Tree’s Mission Statement: To provide safe shelter to homeless and abused women and children in crisis and to offer life-changing services promoting stability, dignity, and self-reliance.

The-Shade-Tree“The Shade Tree is blessed to have such caring and compassionate partners as the Las Vegas 51s and the Sands Corporation,” Erica Thompson, The Shade Tree Director of Fundraising & Major Gifts, said. “Guiding women and children on a path to self-sufficiency can be difficult at times. We know though that by combining our resources with the generosity of community leaders like the 51s and the Sands Corporation, together we can provide help, healing and hope to those in need.”

“The 51s recognize the importance to be a Community Partner and to team together with Las Vegas Sands to provide donated items from our great fans for such an outstanding organization like The Shade Tree,” 51s President/COO Don Logan added.

Fans are encouraged to bring donated items to “The Shade Tree Booth” located inside Cashman Field and fans will receive two free 51s hats for their generous donation.

The donated items requested by The Shade Tree include: women’s underwear (sizes 6-10), feminine hygiene products (tampons, sanitary pads, panty liners), bath towels, wash cloths, bed sheets, mattress covers, women’s shorts (sizes 5-22), hats, trash bags, bottled water, plus sized women’s clothing, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, body wash, diapers (all sizes), boy’s underwear (sizes 14-16), girl’s underwear (sizes 14-16), toilet tissue, paper towels, socks (for adults & children).

“Part of the mission of Sands Cares is to aid the causes that are most important to our team members in the Las Vegas community,” Stephanie MacDonald, Property Chair, Sands Cares Las Vegas, said. “The Venetian/The Palazzo and Sands Expo team recognized The Shade Tree as an organization that leads the way in providing support to the underserved women, children and pets in the city.

“We are proud to partner with them as they celebrate their 25th anniversary and encourage Las Vegas 51s fans to assist in our efforts by bringing a donation to the stadium on Friday night.”

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Las Vegas 51s. Click here to view the original story.

Tagged as : Children's Health and Development, Donations, Family Relief/Resources, Las Vegas Aviators, Nevada, New York Mets, Pacific Coast League, Shelters/Housing, Toiletries Drives, Toy/Clothing Drives { }

51s Team Up With Donate Life Nevada – Sat., April 13

April 11, 2013

51s Landon Powell to participate in Donate Life Nevada

LasVegas51s_2013-04-11

 

LAS VEGAS: The Las Vegas 51s professional baseball team of the Pacific Coast League (PCL), Triple-A affiliate of the New York Mets, will host “Donate Life Nevada” Night on Saturday, April 13 against the Colorado Springs Sky Sox, Triple-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, at 7:05 p.m. at Cashman Field, to help promote awareness of the need for organ donors.  The first 2,500 fans through the gates will also receive a 51s Fleece Blanket Night, sponsored by Nevada Donor Network.

Donate Life Nevada is proud to team up with the 51s to bring awareness to the critical shortage of lifesaving organs, celebrate the lives of those saved by transplant and honor the heroic donors who have given a second chance to so many people. Donate Life Nevada will have a table in the concourse to help fans learn how the decision to be an organ, tissue and eye donor could save or change lives of more than 60 people.

“We are excited to partner with Donate Life Nevada and to help educate the baseball fans on the importance of donating lifesaving organs,” 51s General Manager Chuck Johnson said. “We welcome all of the organ recipients that will participate with the “on field” festivities prior to the game.”

Donate Life Champion Award:

Don Logan, 51s Executive Vice President, will present fellow Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame Inductee Simon Keith with the Donate Life Champion award. Simon was a star on the soccer field for many years, including at UNLV, now he’s a supporter of organ eye and tissue donation.  Keith was the recipient of a heart transplant in 1986 (27 years ago).

“Simon has the true heart and soul of a champion, said Joe Ferreira, Nevada Donor Network CEO. “He never misses an opportunity to teach and learn from others to make the world a better place in honor of his heroic donor. He does this with his relentless care and compassion for those around him, no matter what their needs or struggles. The donation and transplant community is fortunate to have such a remarkable person as an advocate and a champion.”

Donate Life America (DLA) will work with state affiliates to present more than 50 Donate Life Champion awards to well-known athletes, teams and other role models within the sports community who have demonstrated remarkable support for donation.

More than 117,000 Americans are currently waiting for a life-saving organ transplant.

51s Catcher Landon Powell:

Catcher Landon Powell, a member of the 2013 Las Vegas 51s, will also address the crowd regarding his experiences and why he became an advocate/fundraiser for Donate Life and organ donation.

Powell suffers from autoimmune hepatitis (had the disease since birth), a genetic disorder that caused his immune system to attack the liver cells and may be a candidate for a liver transplant later on in his life. His daughter, Izzy, passed away on January 25, 2013 from a rare disease and he and his wife, Ally, donated his daughter’s tissue.

“The Donate Life charity is near and dear to my family’s heart for personal reasons,” Landon Powell said. “The organization does great work nationwide and 1 organ donor can save up to eight lives. What better way to leave this world than to be a hero by being an organ donor.”

He is in his first season in the Mets organization and played in parts of three Major League seasons with Oakland (2009-11) and caught the 19th perfect game in Major League history and was behind the plate for Dallas Braden’s Mother’s Day gem on May 9, 2010 vs. Tampa Bay.

This following links is in regards to Landon Powell’s story.

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/mets/mets-powell-opens-losing-daughter-rare-disease-article-1.1275286

http://espn.go.com/new-york/mlb/story/_/id/8868869/landon-powell-fought-autoimmune-disease-now-trying-make-new-york-mets-m

 

Important Facts – Organ Donors

1 organ donor can save up to 8 lives!

1 tissue donor can heal more than 50 people!

More than 117,000 people are waiting for life saving transplants, that’s enough to fill all the seats at Cashman Field nearly 13 times!

A new name is added to the waiting list every 10 minutes.

In Nevada, 543 people are waiting for life saving transplants.

Organ donors save the lives of more than 25,000 people every year.

Fans interested in being an organ donor are encouraged to register at http://www.nvdonor.org

The 51s are home for an eight-game homestand against Colorado Springs (April 12-16) and a four-game series against division-rival, the Sacramento River Cats, from Tuesday-Friday, April 16-19, all games at 7:05 p.m.

Season tickets and mini-plan packages (10 & 10-Game You Pick’em, 20, 33-game plans) are available by calling the 51s office at (702) 798-7825.

Official licensed 51s team merchandise is available on the “Team Shop” section of the website.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Las Vegas 51s. Click here to view the original story.

Tagged as : Las Vegas Aviators, Nevada, New York Mets, Organ/Tissue Donation, Pacific Coast League, Public Recognition/Celebrations/Events { }

Welcome to clubphilanthropy.com!

Minor League Baseball clubs have been actively involved in their communities for many years. For the first time, their activities and contributions will be chronicled on this site.

Clubs don’t publicize all of their activity, so these stories represent a mere fraction of the contributions MiLB clubs make to their communities every year.

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