Lexington Legends

Bats, Hot Rods & Legends Announce “Team Kentucky” COVID-19 Relief Effort

April 16, 2020

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

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Louisville Bats, in conjunction with the Bowling Green Hot Rods (Class-A Tampa Bay Rays) and Lexington Legends (Class-A Kansas City Royals), today announced they have formed a joint effort “Team Kentucky” campaign to benefit respective local charities that are offering assistance to those affected by COVID-19.

The three clubs have joined for the first time to create a T-shirt which showcases both the unity of the teams and their shared goal of providing assistance to those in need from the Coronavirus pandemic. The shirts proudly display the state of Kentucky and feature each of the three teams’ logos in relative location to where to their home ballpark is located. The words “We are Team Kentucky” surround the silhouette from above and below, stressing that everyone in the commonwealth is banding together in this time of need.

Shirts will be available for just $15 online through the Bats team store by clicking HERE. A portion of the proceeds from each shirt ordered through the Bats’ website will benefit One Louisville: COVID-19 Response Fund. Likewise, $5 from each purchase through the Hot Rods (HOTEL Inc., a Bowling Green based nonprofit dedicated to finding solutions for the housing crises and homelessness) and Legends (The Coronavirus Response Fund, which is organized by the United Way of the Bluegrass and Blue Grass Community Foundation to provide resources to organizations who support the region) will benefit a respective local charity.

Fans can order shirts beginning today (April 16). The Bats will only take preorders for this limited-edition T-shirt, and production is slated to begin May 15.

For additional information, contact the Bats’ team store at (502) 614-4509.

Legends to Host Lexington’s Pride Week Kickoff June 23rd

June 17, 2019

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

WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK (Lexington, KY) – The Lexington Legends, in partnership with Minor League Baseball’s new initiative MiLB Pride, announce today Pride Day on June 23^rd. MiLB Pride is the largest documented Pride celebration in professional sports and the Legends’ event will help kick off Pride Week in Lexington.

“We are excited to help kick off Pride Week in Lexington this year! We want every fan that walks through our gates to know that they are welcome here. Baseball is for everyone,” said Legends President/CEO Andy Shea.

From 11am until the 3^rd inning of the Legends game, the organizations will be accepting donations. Attendees can choose which organization they would like to donate to with donation boxes for each organization. At the start of the 3^rd inning, the donations will be counted and tallied. The Legends will match the donations (up to $10,000) in proportion of the amount of the total donations the organization received. The total will be announced during the 4^th inning. A cash bar will be open while DJ Crow spins the tunes and fans can snack on hors d’oeuvres.

Ten organizations from the Lexington area will attend the event: Arbor Youth Services, AIDS Volunteers, INC. (AVOL), JustFundKY, Kentucky Bourbon Bears, Moveable Feast, Lexington Fairness, Pride Community Services Organization (PCSO), PFLAG, and the University of Kentucky Office of LGBTQ+ Resources. The Imperial Court of Kentucky will also be performing throughout the event.

Throughout the game, the Legends will be featuring the ten organizations to bring more awareness of what each does for the LGBTQ+ Community in Lexington.

Tickets are $10 each and they include entrance to the event as well as a ticket to the Legends game with first pitch at 2:05pm. Parking will be free for attendees as well.

Gates for the Legends game will open at 12:30pm for Family Playtime on the Outfield and kids (12 and under) get in FREE!

The Legends, a Class A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and member of the South Atlantic League, play all home games at Whitaker Bank Ballpark in Lexington, Kentucky. For ticket information, call (859) 422-7867 or visit LexingtonLegends.com.

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

Lexington Legends to Host A+ Teacher Appreciation Night

May 21, 2018

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

WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK (Lexington, KY) – The Lexington Legends are excited to announce Teacher Appreciation Night on 90’s Night with a guest appearance by Saved By The Bell’s Mr. Belding on Thursday, May 24 at 7:05 p.m. Teachers who show their ID at the box office will receive $3 off box seats for the night.

“We are excited to honor all the hard work that teachers do each and every school year. We invite them to kick off summer with Teacher’s Appreciation Night as well as our other promotions such as Thirsty Thursday and Bark in the Park. We are also pleased to welcome 90’s icon, and one of the most well know principals: Mr. Belding from Saved By the Bell,” said Legends President/CEO Andy Shea.

In order to honor some of the hardest work people in Kentucky, the Legends invite teachers to Whitaker Bank Ballpark to celebrate the school year and take in a baseball game. Teachers will also be involved in on-field promotions throughout the game, in what is sure to be an A+ night.

One of the most famous Principals will also be making an appearance at Whitaker Bank Ballpark. Mr. Belding from Saved By the Bell will be on hand to meet fans, sign autographs, take pictures and find out exactly what is going on in here.

On Throwback Thursday, the Legends will be throwing it back to the 90’s with scrunchies, neon clothing and more. Be prepared for all the best hits, including the sweet tunes of the Backstreet Boys, Spice Girls and other top groups from that decade.

It is also Thirsty Thursday courtesy of Kentucky Ale and Pepsi. Enjoy $1 12 oz. beers and $3 16 oz. beers at the Bullpen Patio, First Base Pavilion Tent, and the Handlebar in the first base concourse. $1 Pepsi products will be available in the 1^st base and 3^rd base concession stands.

Fans can also bring their best friend, of the K9 variety, for Bark in the Park with a $2 donation to Scott County Humane Society.

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

Take a Deep Breath, Legends To Host Yoga on the Field Presented by Bourbon on Rye

April 30, 2018

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

WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK (Lexington, KY) – Fans can breathe deep on May 12 at 10 a.m. when the Lexington Legends host Yoga on the Field Presented by Bourbon on Rye. This complimentary community event is open to yogis of all ages and allows fans to do yoga on the same field as the Legends.

Beginning at 10 a.m. Brooke Williams will lead a 60-minute Vinyasa Flow. Bend and zen alongside the Legends players and Big L in this practice designed for beginners to advanced yogis. Following yoga, fans can indulge in $2.00 post-yoga mimosas.

“We are excited to host Yoga on the Field again this year. This is a great opportunity to get outside and exercise with our players and Big L. You don’t have to be a professional athlete to enjoy yoga, so we encourage fans of all yoga levels to come out to Whitaker Bank Ballpark,” said Legends President/CEO, Andy Shea.

Please use this link to RSVP for the event. Special thanks to our partner, Athleta, for helping to make this possible!

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

Dancing with the Students Returns to Crawford Middle School During 2018 Arts Night

April 24, 2018

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

WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK (Lexington, KY) – The Lexington Legends are proud to conclude another successful year of “Dancing With The Students” with Crawford Middle School students during 2018 Arts Night. The finale will be held in the gymnasium of Crawford Middle School on Friday, April 27 at 6 p.m. Media is welcome to attend the finales for photographs and interviews with the students.

Dancing with the Students is a non-profit organization based out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania originally founded in 2005 by Lexington Legends Secretary and Principal Sue Martinelli Shea. The program came to Lexington after Legends President and CEO, Andy Shea, won the Dancing with the Stars of Lexington Competition with Arthur Murray Dance Instructor, Rae Mickelwait. “As an Arthur Murray ballroom dance instructor, I am so excited to be participating in my third Dancing with the Students Grand Finale with Crawford Middle School! A big thank you to the Lexington Legends for sponsoring such a wonderful program, that uses ballroom dance, my career and passion, to teach life-skills, respect, positive self-image and teamwork,” said Mickelwait.

“I am so honored that the Legends and Crawford Middle School have partnered up for another year of Dancing with the Students. I am very proud of my Mother and the program she has helped to create. I cannot wait to see the finale and all the hard work the students have put into their dances!” said Legends President and CEO, Andy Shea.

Students involved in the competition are in sixth, seventh and eighth grade and focus on not only ballroom dancing, but other skills such as respect, manners and positive self-image. Through a partnership between their Physical Education class as well as Arts and Humanities, students learn four dances: Waltz, Tango, Merengue and Swing while also learning the history behind the social dances and cultures. Local Arthur Murray Trained dance instructor, Mickelwait, trains the students on all aspects of ballroom dancing. “I am so thrilled with the partnerships among the Lexington Legends, Dancing with the Students and Crawford Middle School,” said Legends Secretary and Principal, Sue Martinelli Shea. “The students are the winners every time!”

In Margaret Van Hook Stevens’ Arts and Humanities course, students learn the history behind ballroom dancing and how it can have positive impacts in their lives. Van Hook Stevens’ grandfather was a farmer from Winchester, Kentucky who won a Waltz competition which earned him an invitation to dance at MGM Studios in the 1930’s. In her classroom, she says she “stresses the importance that your hobby or your extracurricular activity you participate in could one day provide open door opportunities or extra income because of skills learned. Dance provided extra income for my grandfather and his family in the 1930’s and dance provides additional income for my family today.”

Also during 2018 Arts Night will be the CMS Art Gallery Walk. Students have spent the past 18 days creating 57 different sketches in their Arts and Humanities Class which can be viewed throughout the event, as well.

For more information about Dancing with the Students, visit www.dancingwiththestudents.org or contact Jillian Waitkus at jwaitkus@lexingtonlegends.com or 859-422-7847.

The Legends, a Class A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and a member of the South Atlantic League, will return home to Whitaker Bank Ballpark to face the West Virginia Power on April 27, 2018 at 7:05 pm. For ticket information, call (859) 422-7867 or visit lexingtonlegends.com.

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

Legends Pair Baseball and Learning with STEM Program in Partnership with Lexmark

April 6, 2018

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

WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK (Lexington, KY) – The Lexington Legends are excited to announce two Education Days this season: April 11 and May 9, both beginning at 10:35 a.m. In addition to the Education Days at the ballpark, the Legends will continue the Lexington Legends STEM Program, in a new partnership with Lexmark.

Modeled after the Legends Hit the Books Program, the goal of the Lexington Legends STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) Program is to help children in Fayette County Public Schools gain the skills required to succeed in today’s world.

“Lexmark is proud to partner with the Legends in support of STEM education. Learning through hands-on activities related to baseball sparks an interest in STEM, steering our youth toward successful careers in critical fields,” said Lexmark’s Director of Global Talent Management, Diversity and Corporate Citizenship and NA Business Partners, Sheri Evans Depp. “Lexmark and other innovative companies will need these qualified candidates to fill future STEM jobs. And as a nation, we will rely on this next generation of innovators to drive our economy. ”

In 2017, 4,500 students in FCPS participated in this program. This year, that number has grown to 8,600 students actively participating in the initiative to create interest in STEM-related careers and topics. Students are rewarded for completing in-school STEM-related projects with free tickets to a Legends game. They have to master four aspects of learning: Critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and communication. These are accomplished by one hour of coding, creating an innovative project, attending a STEM Fair or STLP Meeting and then teaching someone what they learned. This four-step process helps to reinforce new learning and broaden what the students would learn in the classroom.

On April 11 and May 9, students from across the area will take in a Legends game at Whitaker Bank Ballpark on Education Days. During those games, students will be able to learn more about the science of baseball with launch angles, speed, velocity and more being broadcasted on the television screens on the concourse. Lexmark will also be sponsoring a STEM Fair for students to gain hands-on learning from a variety of Lexington-area organizations. Students can learn about meteorology from WKYT and Bryan Station High School will have virtual reality opportunities. The US Army, Kentucky American Water, Whitaker Bank, Explorium, Lexmark, Denham-Blythe (May 9^th only), Bechtel and Kumon will also have interactive setups for the STEM Fair.

“Pairing baseball and learning for our Education Days is something we take great pride in. Not only will students learn how science relates to the sport, but they will also have the opportunity to take in a variety of other subjects and topics in the STEM Fair. This is a unique program we enjoy offering that fills Whitaker Bank Balllpark with students each season,” said Legends President/CEO Andy Shea.

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

Legends Announce Whitaker Bank Ballpark to be Tobacco Free

April 3, 2018

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

WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK (Lexington, KY) – The Lexington Legends announced today that Whitaker Bank Ballpark, along with all city-owned and operated ball fields, will be tobacco free. In conjunction with Tobacco Free Kentucky and the City of Lexington, the news was announced at Media Day at Whitaker Bank Ballpark.

“Almost 15 years ago, Lexington became the first city in the state to enact a smoke-free ordinance. The results were almost immediate, with fewer smoking related emergency room visits and a better quality of life. This new tobacco-free policy at Whitaker Bank Ballpark and our city-owned and operated ball fields is a logical next step,” said the honorable Jim Gray, Mayor of Lexington.

Whitaker Bank Ballpark will be a smoke free environment for the first time in the stadium’s history. Baseball and tobacco have gone hand in hand for decades, with chew being the most noticeable tobacco product, but new initiatives, led by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, are trying to change that. Extended use of tobacco products including cigarettes, chew, snuff and other products have been proven to have long-term negative health effects.

“Lexington is once again taking the lead on health when it comes to protecting residents from the dangers of tobacco use,” said Ben Chandler, President and CEO of the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky. “By making all city ball fields tobacco-free, including Whitaker Bank Ballpark, Mayor Gray and Andy Shea are sending a powerful message to young baseball players looking to emulate their hometown baseball idols: tobacco use is unsafe, unhealthy, and not at all cool.”

Lexington has been on the forefront of enacting tobacco-free legislation in the state of Kentucky, with Whitaker Bank Ballpark and the Legends taking the next step of prohibiting tobacco products inside the gates. Previous smoking areas, such as behind the bleachers in left field, will no longer be designated smoking areas. There will also be no smoking on the suite level. All types of tobacco products such as cigarettes and vapes, are not allowed.

“We are very proud to be one of the first Minor League Baseball facilities in the country to go tobacco-free. Being one of the premiere family entertainment options in the region, we felt this move had to be made. We are honored to lead the way in making the Central Kentucky community a healthier and happier place to live,” said Legends President/CEO, Andy Shea.

Fans will be able to smoke outside the facility on the first base side, behind the Stables, in the fenced in area.

About the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky

Funded by an endowment, the mission of the nonpartisan Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky is to address the unmet health needs of Kentuckians by developing and influencing policy, improving access to care, reducing health risks and disparities, and promoting health equity. Since the Foundation opened its doors in 2001, it has invested more than $27 million in health policy research, advocacy, and demonstration project grants across the Commonwealth Follow the Foundation on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube, and visit www.healthy-ky.org.

About the Lexington Legends

The Legends, a Class A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and member of the South Atlantic League, kickoff the 2018 season at Whitaker Bank Ballpark against the Charleston RiverDogs, an affiliate of the New York Yankees, on Opening Day – April 5, 2018. For ticket information, call (859) 422-7867 or visit LexingtonLegends.com. All individual game tickets are now on sale.

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

Legends Announce Partnership with UK HealthCare for Sensory Friendly Kits and Days at Whitaker Bank Ballpark

March 28, 2018

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

WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK (Lexington, KY) – The Lexington Legends are proud to announce Sensory Friendly Days on Sunday, May 13 and Monday, June 11, 2018 in partnership with UK HealthCare. Along with special considerations around the ballpark before the games, the Legends will have Friendly Access Sensory Safety Kits provided by Life Is Washable Inc. available throughout the entirety of the season.

On the days of May 13 and June 11, fans with sensory sensitivities and their families will be able to enter the ballpark at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 13 and 5:00 p.m. on Monday, June 11 to take part in pre-game festivities they previously may have had to skip. There will be no loud music or public address announcements made during this time. Legends players will be available for autographs and the Toyota Triple Play Zone will be open, also. Legends mascots, Big L and Pee Wee will be on hand, but will not approach children. Instead, they will allow the children to come up to them for autographs and photographs as desired. When gates open for the public at 12:30 p.m. (Sunday, May 13) and 6:00 p.m. (Monday, June 11), children and their families can make their way to Guest Services to pick up one of the thirty Sensory Safety Kits for the remainder of their time at Whitaker Bank Ballpark.

“This new partnership with UK HealthCare opens Legends games to children and adults who normally would not be able to attend due to sensory sensitivities,” said Legends President/CEO Andy Shea. “We always want to strive to make our games as accessible as possible and this is a huge step towards that. Families can come out and enjoy a game utilizing the new Sensory Safety Kits that will be available all season long.”

Included in the Friendly Access Sensory Safety Kits provided by Life is Washable Inc. and sponsored by UK HealthCare, are stickers, a wrist band, ID card, communication card, a sensory toy, anti-glare glasses, earmuffs and tissues. At the end of each night, fans will return the kits to Guest Services so they can be sanitized, restocked, and ready for the next event. With the partnership with UK HealthCare, there are certain items provided that the child can keep after the game.

“We are thrilled to join the Legends’ efforts to provide an opportunity for more of Kentucky’s kids to enjoy America’s favorite pastime. The sensory kits will allow children who would otherwise not be able to attend a baseball game due to loud noises and other environmental factors to enjoy a fun day at the ballpark, making lifelong memories,” said Scottie Day, Interim Chair, UK Department of Pediatrics.

Previously, minor league hockey teams have done similar nights, but the Legends are ensuring that fans can enjoy games for the entirety of the season by utilizing the Friendly Access Sensory Safety Kits. Thirty kits will be stocked in Guest Services to start the 2018 season, as interest and demand dictates, more kits can and will be added to inventory for fan use.

For more information about Sensory Friendly Day, contact Sarah Bosso at sbosso@lexingtonlegends.com or 859-422-7855. The Legends, a Class A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and a member of the South Atlantic League, kickoff the 2018 season at Whitaker Bank Ballpark against the Charleston RiverDogs, an affiliate of the New York Yankees, on Opening Day – April 5, 2018. For ticket information, call (859) 422-7867 or visit LexingtonLegends.com.

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

Legends Stache Tank Program – Update 3/20

March 20, 2018

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

WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK (Lexington, KY) – The Lexington Legends announce today the winning specialty food item from Crawford Middle School – Legends fans will be able to indulge in Uncle Ray’s Potato Chip Crusted Chicken Wraps all season long.

Teams of Crawford Middle School students presented their final presentations to a panel of community judges at Whitaker Bank Ballpark. Other finalists included the Panwich (renamed from the pancakerito; a breakfast sandwich made out of pancakes) and a Texas-toast sandwich with macaroni and cheese with barbeque chicken.

“Stache Tank was first started as part of our diversity and inclusion initiative, and we are beyond proud of how it has taken off. We have received tremendous support both locally and throughout the Minor League Baseball community,” said Legends President/CEO, Andy Shea. “The most challenging part of the entire program is selecting one winning group out of all the incredibly creative ideas these kids come up with!”

The wrap will include chicken tenders that will be breaded in Uncle Ray’s Potato Chips, the official Potato Chip of Minor League Baseball. The wrap will also include lettuce, tomatoes, onions and pickles. Fans will receive a side of French fries with three options of dipping sauces that include ranch, honey mustard and barbecue sauce. The Uncle Ray’s Potato Crusted Chicken Wrap will be available in the Kentucky Ale Taproom at Whitaker Bank Ballpark.

The members of the winning group (picture attached) are: Hannah Cook (Team Lead), Madison Green, Alyssa Waugh, Nakita Epsy, and Annamarie Seamans.

“This year’s Stache Tank was a huge success! I am so proud of our students for their hard work and creativity. The food items were delicious and the presentations were excellent. I appreciate the Lexington Legends for allowing students from CMS this incredible opportunity,” said Crawford Middle School Principal, Mike Jones. “To see them use math, team work, technology, and other school related skills in a real-world setting makes me extremely proud.”

Northern Elementary students are working on their final presentations for their give-a-way item project that the first 1,000 fans will receive at a Legends home game during the month of August. The top three giveaway items that have moved on to the final round of judging are: Light-up bracelet, lunch bag, and PopSocket phone stand. Students will present their final presentations to a panel of community judges that include Kimberly Bussell of Whitaker Bank, Phil Holoubek of Lexington’s Real Estate Co, Jade Miles of Lexmark, Kellen Dargle of WKYT, 1^st District Councilmen James Brown, Former UK Quarterback Patrick Towles of Traditional Bank, and James Webb of G& J Pepsion on Monday, March 26 at 10 a.m. in the boardroom at Whitaker Bank Ballpark.

The Legends welcome media to the final round of Northern Elementary School presentations on Monday, March 26, 2018 at 10 a.m.

For more information about the Legends Stache Tank Program, contact Sarah Bosso at sbosso@lexingtonlegends.com or 859-422-7855.

The Legends, a Class A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and a member of the South Atlantic League, kickoff the 2018 season at Whitaker Bank Ballpark against the Charleston RiverDogs, an affiliate of the New York Yankees, on Opening Day – April 5, 2018. For ticket information, call (859) 422-7867 or visit LexingtonLegends.com.

ORIGINAL RELEASE from 2/20/2018

Legends Stache Tank Program

Bryan Station High School Winners Selected; Middle and Elementary School Programs in Full Swing

WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK (Lexington, KY) – Lexington Legends announce the winning Opening Day plans from Bryan Station High School Stache Tank—Legends fans will see a “Tropical Electric” theme as they enter the gates for the first time April 5, 2018.

Teams of Bryan Station High School students competed to create themed event plans for the 2018 Opening Day game for the April 5 Legends home opener. Other ideas included “Slumber Sluggers” focusing around a large pajama party idea which involves bringing live sheep to the ballpark, a “Luau Day” for fans to imagine themselves on a tropical island or on Spring Break, playing fun tropical themed activities and potentially having fun taking whacks at an old junk car to help relieve stress, and a theme centered around everything “jumbo;” jumbo games, jumbo prizes, etc. However, in final presentations on February 6^th, the panel of judges comprised of community members ultimately selected the “Tropical Electric” theme to reign supreme.

Fans can anticipate Tropical Electric Opening Day to include features such as: neon lights in the concourse, a photo booth with tropical themed props up front, inflatable palm trees, dog costume dress up contest in tropical attire for Bark in the Park presented by Pepsi, glow sticks distributed at fireworks time, Hawaiian flower balloons decorating the seating bowl and other tropical décor hanging from breezeways, Hawaiian flower designs on a Legends script staff tee, Bryan Station Academy booths with games/showcasing all academies (virtual reality, etc.), a hula dance cam on the video boards, an arm wrestling contest, and face painting for kids.

Tropical Electric winning group members (picture attached) are: Anna Hassloch, Drake Witt, Jade Finley,Stephen Lyal, Caden Tarry, Kate Jones, Joko Bojang, Ariana Rojas

“We are so excited to continue to strengthen the partnership between the Lexington Legends and Bryan Station High School and to once again be taking over Opening Day” said Heather Epply, Academy Coach at Bryan Station High School. “StacheTank is such an amazing opportunity for our students to apply their creativity and skills to a real world situation. Going through the process of idea generation, planning, presenting, accepting critical feedback, and polishing their presentations teaches them so much more than they would learn in a traditional classroom. Our students are so excited to see their hard work become a reality on April 5^th!”

Crawford Middle School students are presenting their final presentations to a panel of community judges at Whitaker Bank Ballpark in the Executive Boardroom on Wednesday, February 28 at 11 a.m. The top three specialty food item presentations that have moved on to the second round of judging are: a Panwich (renamed from the pancakerito; a breakfast sandwich made out of pancakes), a sandwich wrap featuring chicken tenders battered in Uncle Rays Potato Chips (Uncle Rays is the official potato chip of Minor League Baseball), and a Texas-toast sandwich with macaroni and cheese with barbeque chicken.

Judges for round two for Crawford Middle School students are: Kimberly Bussell of Whitaker Bank, Councilwoman Angela Evans of the 6^th District, Phil Holoubek of Lexington’s Real Estate Co., Former UK Quarterback Patrick Towles of Traditional Bank, Elizabeth Murphy of Lexington Clinic, Arthur Lucas of LFUCG, and Daryl Love of Valvoline.

The Northern Elementary students are working on their Stache Tank give-a-way item project that the first 1,000 fans will receive at the Legends home game later in the season during the month of August. This group of students is completing research by doing some initial market surveys to see what would excite fans. As they progress through their project, they’ll incorporate speech writing, math skills and presentation techniques as they too will present to members of the Legends Front Office for round one of presentations on March 7 at 2 p.m. and then have final presentations to a panel of community members later in March.

The Legends welcome media to the Crawford Middle School presentations on Wednesday, February 28, 2018 at 11 a.m.

For more information about the Legends Stache Tank Program, contact Sarah Bosso at sbosso@lexingtonlegends.com or 859-422-7855. The Legends, a Class A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and a member of the South Atlantic League, kickoff the 2018 season at Whitaker Bank Ballpark against the Charleston RiverDogs, an affiliate of the New York Yankees, on Opening Day – April 5, 2018. For ticket information, call (859) 422-7867 or visit LexingtonLegends.com.

ORIGNIAL RELEASE from 2/2/18

Legends Stache Tank Program for 2018 in Full Swing: Gearing up for presentations

WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK (Lexington, KY) – Stache Tank is back. The Lexington Legends are holding another round of Stache Tank competition, as students on the elementary, middle and high school levels from Fayette County Public Schools compete on a variety of entrepreneurial business and event project designs connected to Legends baseball at Whitaker Bank Ballpark.

Stache Tank follows a format similar to the popular television program “Shark Tank,” in which entrepreneurs present their ideas to a panel of potential investors. The Legends call the competition “‘Stache Tank” in recognition of the team’s mustache logo. Currently, teams of students at Northern Elementary, Crawford Middle School, and Bryan Station High School have been competing with each other at their schools to create and build the best ideas and presentations. The finalists will make presentations at Whitaker Bank Ballpark to a panel of judges made up of community leaders and Legends officials as their project timelines come to a close.

Teams of Bryan Station High School students are creating themed event plans for the 2018 Opening Day game for the April 5 Legends home opener. Ideas include “Slumber Sluggers” focusing around a large pajama party idea which involves bringing live sheep to the ballpark, a “Tropical Electric” neon light/glow stick experience for fans, a “Luau Day” for fans to imagine themselves on a tropical island or on Spring Break, playing fun tropical themed activities and potentially having fun taking whacks at an old junk car to help relieve stress, and a theme centered around everything “jumbo;” jumbo games, jumbo prizes, etc.

The Bryan Station High School teams will make their presentations in the executive board room at Whitaker Bank Ballpark on Tuesday, February 6 at 10 a.m. to a panel of judges comprised of community members. Judges on the panel include: Kimberly Bussell of Whitaker Bank, James Webb and Morgan Reaguer of G&J Pepsi, Laci Poulter of Lexington Clinic, Phil Holoubek of Lexington’s Real Estate Co., 1^st District Councilman James Brown, Former UK Quarterback Patrick Towles of Traditional Bank, Sheri Evans Depp of Lexmark and Christina Briggs of Kentucky Children’s Hospital.

Crawford Middle School students are creating a specialty food item to be served in the Kentucky Ale Taproom restaurant throughout the 2018 season. Among the early contenders are items like: a pancakerito (a breakfast burrito made out of pancakes), a special take on a pretzel bun pulled pork sandwich, a sandwich wrap featuring chicken tenders battered in Uncle Rays Potato Chips (Uncle Rays is the official potato chip of Minor League Baseball), a hamburger hotdog, a donut burger with coleslaw, and a Texas-toast sandwich with macaroni and cheese with barbeque chicken.

“It’s been fun watching the wheels turn in the student’s minds,” said Crawford Principal Mike Jones. “I have been challenging them to think big, bigger than they ever have before. I feel as though sometimes we do not allow our students opportunities to think outside the box enough. I actually told our students, create a new box if you want. We just had our initial taste tests, and so far, the kids are impressed with their creativity. I also think the kids are excited they have an opportunity to present an idea to members of the community and hear their feedback” he added.

Crawford Middle School students will present their initial presentations to members of the Legends Front Office and then have final presentations to a panel of community members at Whitaker Bank Ballpark on February 28, 2018 at 11 a.m.

The Northern Elementary students are working on a give-a-way item that the first 1,000 fans would receive at the Legends home game later in the season during the month of August. This group of students is beginning their research by doing some initial market surveys to see what would excite fans. As they progress through their project, they’ll incorporate speech writing, math skills and presentation techniques as they too will present to members of the Legends Front Office and then have final presentations to a panel of community members. Those presentation dates will be set at a later date.

The Legends welcome media to the Bryan Station High School presentations on Tuesday, February 6, 2018 at 10 a.m.

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

LexArts Inc. and Legends Seek Artist for Lou Johnson Tribute At Whitaker Bank Ballpark

March 19, 2018

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

WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK (Lexington, KY) – In partnership with LexArts Inc. and the Lexington Legends, Legends President/CEO Andy Shea announced to the Sweet Lou Johnson Lexington Chapter of the Society of American Baseball Research that the Legends are currently searching for an artist from the region (Kentucky and contiguous states) to create a piece to honor Lexington native, and World Series hero, “Sweet” Lou Johnson.

Sweet Lou Johnson was born in Lexington and attended Dunbar High School. He signed as a free agent for the New York Yankees in 1953, and saw his first major league action in 1962 with the Milwaukee Braves. Johnson was then traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers and subsequently led the Dodgers to a World Series victory in 1965, hitting the game winning home run in a decisive game seven. After various injuries, Johnson retired from baseball in 1970. He ended his career batting .258 with 48 home runs, 232 RBI and 50 stolen bases.

The partnership between the Legends and LexArts Inc. began in 2017 after the Legends hosted an On The Table event. Community members voiced their opinions of ways to improve the city in different capacities to make it more vibrant and engaged. During the same time, Lexington Mayor Jim Gray called for a more diverse narrative for public art, which led to the idea of incorporating Sweet Lou Johnson into Whitaker Bank Ballpark. The Legends and LexArts Inc. applied, and received, a grant from Blue Grass Community Trust Foundation to begin the first phase of the project to seek proposals from artists around the region. They not only wanted to honor Lexington’s history, but the incredible contribution that Sweet Lou Johnson made to the game of baseball.

“It is an honor to have the opportunity to pay homage to Lou Johnson. Not only will this showcase Johnson and the impact he had in the world of baseball, but also bring together sports and the arts at Whitaker Bank Ballpark.” said Legends President/CEO Andy Shea. “We are proud to be able to honor this part of Lexington history and showcase the contribution that Sweet Lou Johnson made to baseball.”

The project will consist of two phases:

Phase 1: RFQ/RFP

The Request for Qualifications / Proposals will seek to identify artists in the region that are interested in creating work to celebrate Lou Johnson. Artists must provide resume, past work and a cover letter that identifies the type of work they would create, what materials it would use and describe concept.

Phase 2: Commissioned Proposals

Three artists will be paid $500 to further develop their concepts and provide a rendering.

The three finalists’ proposals will be displayed for the public to see at the Whitaker Bank Ballpark in late Spring 2018. One proposal will be selected to be realized.

The deadline for qualifications is April 7, 2018 and artists will be notified by April 13. Final proposals will be due May 31 and then the proposals will be viewed by the public June 1-21 at Whitaker Bank Ballpark at Lexington Legends games.

The anticipated budget for the project will be $50,000 which includes artist fee and travel, materials and installation.

All interested artists should visit www.lexarts.org/participate/artists/ for more information and to submit their applications. All artists must go through LexArts Inc. with their submissions.

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

Maxwell Elementary student wins the Legends ‘Hit the Books’ Reading Program Bookmark Design Contest

March 6, 2018

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WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK (Lexington, KY) – Legends announce 10 year old LeQuon Greer, a 5th grader at Maxwell Elementary in Lexington, as the overall winner of the bookmark design contest that is part of the Lexington Legends Hit the Books reading incentive program sponsored by Waffle House.

Greer (picture with graphics attached) received a Legends prize pack that included Legends merchandise, a framed Hit the Books poster featuring his artwork, and membership in the 2018 Kids Club. He also will be invited to throw a ceremonial first pitch at a designated Legends game for his school. Bookmarks featuring his artwork will be distributed to students at every school that participates in the Hit the Books program. More than 43,000 students from over 110 Central Kentucky schools take part in the program, which runs through April 1 with bookmark redemption nights throughout the season.

In Hit the Books, a baseball diamond is used to record credit for a student’s reading. For every book a student reads, a teacher places his or her initials on a base. When the student has all three bases and home plate initialed by the teacher, the student may bring a Hit the Books bookmark to the Legends Box Office at Whitaker Bank Ballpark to exchange it for two (2) tickets to a Legends home game designated for their school.

“Hit the Books will continue to be an important part of community outreach for the Legends,” said Dominique Neel, the Legends Hit the Books coordinator and Account Executive. “We enjoy going out to the schools, meeting with students and providing an incentive for their efforts in reading. It’s great to be part of a program that has a positive impact in the educational development of so many students.”

Runners-up in the design contest were Tiffany Setters, 3rd grader at Bourbon Central Elementary in Paris, Kentucky and Audrie Kind, 8th grader at Garrard Middle School in Lancaster, Kentucky. Both of these students (pictures also attached) also received Legends prize packs and opportunities to represent their schools at a game with a ceremonial first pitch opportunity.

The 2018 season is the 18th for Legends baseball in Lexington, and will also mark the 15th year that the Legends have been associated with Hit the Books. Over the course of the program, over 350,000 students have participated in the reading program sponsored by Waffle House.

For more information about the Hit the Books reading program, contact Dominique Neel at dneel@lexingtonlegends.com or (859) 422-7851. The Legends, a Class A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and member of the South Atlantic League, kickoff the 2018 season at Whitaker Bank Ballpark against the Charleston RiverDogs, an affiliate of the New York Yankees, on Opening Day – April 5, 2018. For ticket information, call (859) 422-7867 or visit LexingtonLegends.com. All individual game tickets are now on sale.

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

Legends Stache Tank Program in Full Swing

February 20, 2018

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Tropical Electric winning group members (picture attached) are: Anna Hassloch, Drake Witt, Jade Finley, Stephen Lyal, Caden Tarry, Kate Jones, Joko Bojang, Ariana Rojas

The Legends welcome media to the Crawford Middle School presentations on Wednesday, February 28, 2018 at 11 a.m.

ORIGNIAL RELEASE from 2/2/18

Legends Stache Tank Program for 2018 in Full Swing: Gearing up for presentations

The Legends welcome media to the Bryan Station High School presentations on Tuesday, February 6, 2018 at 10 a.m.

Legends Stache Tank Program for 2018 in Full Swing: Gearing up for presentations

February 2, 2018

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The Legends welcome media to the Bryan Station High School presentations on Tuesday, February 6, 2018 at 10 a.m.

Legends sponsor University of Kentucky students to attend 2017 Winter Meetings and PBEO Job Fair

December 11, 2017

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WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK (Lexington, KY) – For the third consecutive year, the Lexington Legends are sponsoring a group of students, both at the undergraduate and graduate level, who will attend the Winter Meetings, an annual event held each December, that includes seminars, a trade show and a job fair at The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort in Orlando, Florida. The 2017 Winter Meetings mark the first year the Legends have partnered with students from the University of Kentucky.

Over the last several months, the Legends have developed a partnership with the UK Chapter of the national student group MANRRS (Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences), led by faculty advisor Dr. Quentin Tyler, Assistant Dean & Director for Diversity at the University of Kentucky.

“The Legends are pleased to be able to partner with this UK student group and provide guidance for this first step towards their career,” said Legends President/CEO Andy Shea. “We appreciate the students’ interest, and we think they will really enjoy the opportunity to learn first-hand from experts about a variety of careers in baseball.”

The 2017 Winter Meetings began December 10^th in Orlando, and will continue through December 14^th. The Winter Meetings are an annual gathering of representatives of all 30 Major League Baseball teams and their 160 Minor League Baseball affiliates. Personnel from all teams convene for four days to discuss league business and conduct off-season trades and transactions. Some of Major League Baseball’s biggest player trades and free agent signings occur at Winter Meetings, but much of the agenda at the minor league level concerns the off-the-field business of professional baseball.

The PBEO Job Fair, which the UK students will attend, provides connections and opportunities for those who would like to work in baseball in a variety of areas, including promotions, ticket sales, community relations, media relations, broadcasting and others.

The students will also have an opportunity to attend the Business of Baseball seminars and workshops, which have been part of the winter meetings for more than 20 years and cover a wide range of baseball business topics. Students will also attend the Trade Show, which features hundreds of vendors from various aspects of the baseball industry.

In addition to entry fees, the Legends are supporting the students also through a one-year subscription to PBEO.com (Professional Baseball Employment Opportunities), the official employment service of Minor League Baseball.

The UK students who are attending the meetings are: Drexler Blue, Montreale Jones, Jericho Curry, Mia Farrell, Ty’Asia Jones, Jahqtehea Johnson and Aerin Mitchell. The students are being accompanied by Dr. Tyler.

The Legends are excited to expand upon their growing partnership with the University of Kentucky through this hands-on educational program.

Andy Shea and Lexington Legends to receive prestigious distinguished philanthropist award

November 8, 2017

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WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK (Lexington, KY) – (November 7, 2017) – The Association of Fundraising Professionals – Bluegrass Chapter presents the Distinguished Philanthropist Award to an individual, corporation, or foundation that has made a significant contribution to our community through their acts of kindness and charitable giving. “Over the years, only a select few have received this special recognition and this year’s recipient is definitely worthy of this honor,” said Patrick Robinson, AFP President.

On Friday, November 10, during the National Philanthropy Day Luncheon at the Marriott Griffin Gate, Andy Shea and the Lexington Legends will receive the 2017 Distinguished Philanthropist award.

In 2017, the Legends donated over $1.1 million to hundreds of charitable organizations in eastern and central Kentucky. One hundred percent of the Legends staff is currently involved in the community outside of the workplace.

President/CEO Andy Shea is the driving force behind all of the Legends’ community initiatives and philanthropic accomplishments. He sets an example of empathy, kindness and selflessness for everyone he meets and encourages others to utilize their unique talents and passions in order to serve others.

Shea serves on the boards for LexArts and Junior Achievement. He has built relationships with 10 little brothers through Big Brothers Big Sisters, three of whom were groomsmen in his wedding this past October. He was also the 2013 and 2015 champion of Dancing With The Lexington Stars, which supports the Rotary Club Endowment Fund and Surgery on Sundays. In 2016, Andy won the American Diabetes Association’s Kiss-A-Pig Campaign Individual Winner award for his fundraising efforts towards curing and preventing diabetes. This year, he was humbled to provide the lead gift towards Midway University’s new baseball stadium, which will increase the university’s athletic merit and offer Midway student-athletes the opportunity to compete in state-of-the-art collegiate facilities for the first time.

“It’s clear that Andy Shea and the Lexington Legends make a huge impact in our community,” adds Robinson. “AFP – Bluegrass Chapter is pleased to give this prestigious award to both an individual and a team who are touching many lives through their philanthropy.”

(The National Philanthropy Luncheon will be held on Friday, November 10, from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at the Marriott Griffin Gate in Lexington. The Distinguished Philanthropist Award will be presented between 12:45 p.m. and 1:15 p.m.)

For more information about the Legends, contact Sarah Bosso at sbosso@lexingtonlegends.com or 859-422-7855. The Legends, a Class A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and a member of the South Atlantic League, will return home to Whitaker Bank Ballpark against the Charleston RiverDogs, an affiliate of the New York Yankees, on Opening Day – April 5, 2018. For ticket information, call (859) 422-7867 or visit LexingtonLegends.com