Bats to Hold Canned Good Drive and Jersey Auction for Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief

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LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Louisville Bats announced that they will be holding a bottled water/canned good drive at their Sunday, July 31 game at 1:05 p.m. against the Columbus Clippers. In addition, the team announced it will hold an online auction for a signed Jack Harlow Bats jersey. All proceeds will benefit the Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund.

Fans are encouraged to drop off bottled water and/or canned goods at the July 31 game. Donation bins will be in the Hall of Fame pavilion located inside the west entrance to Louisville Slugger Field. In exchange for a donation, fans will receive a coupon valid for a 20 percent discount in the Bats Team Store.

The team will also auction a jersey signed by music superstar and Louisville-native Jack Harlow. Fans can bid on the jersey on the Bats website (www.batsbaseball.com) beginning Sunday night (July 31) and bidding will continue for a full week.

All proceeds will benefit the Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund. Established by Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear following the floods and severe weather system of the past week, the fund will support those impacted by flooding in the eastern part of Kentucky. Fans can also make monetary donations by visiting the fund’s website (https://secure.kentucky.gov/FormServices/Finance/EKYFloodRelief)).

The Bats today also announced that kids tickets for all remaining Sunday home day games, including this Sunday (the 31st) will be just $5. Please call the Louisville Bats Office at (502) 212-2287 with any questions, Mon-Fri (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.). And, for information about the donation drive and jersey auction, please visit www.batsbaseball.com.

Louisville Bats Partner with Louisville Sports Commission to Collect Sports Equipment

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LOUISVILLE, KY- The Louisville Bats have partnered with the Louisville Sports Commission (LSC) and Humana to host a drive to collect new and outgrown youth baseball and softball equipment to support the LSC’s Playing It Forward program. Items collected will be distributed later this year to youth in Louisville’s marginalized areas.

The program’s goal is to help eliminate the cost of equipment as a barrier for kids to participate in organized sports. The equipment collection will help Louisville-area kids take part in sports in their own neighborhoods as a means to getting and staying active.

The event will take place tomorrow night, Tuesday, July 26 from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. at Louisville Slugger Field before the Louisville Bats host game one of a six game series with the Columbus Clippers (Triple-A Affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians).

Collections will be taking place at all four of the primary entrances into the ballpark. Fans who donate sports equipment will receive a voucher good for a free hot dog, small popcorn and small Pepsi.

Fans can purchase tickets to tomorrow night’s game via the following link:

[LSC’s Playing It Forward Program]

**More About the Louisville Sports Commission**

The Louisville Sports Commission (LSC) is a Louisville, Kentucky-based 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to create a legacy of economic and social vitality through sports. The LSC attracts and hosts sporting events and activities that have a positive economic impact on Louisville, enhance the area’s image as a premier sports destination, promote healthy lifestyles and improve the quality of life for community members of all ages. More information is available online at www.louisvillesports.org, www.facebook.com/louisvillesportscommission and @SportsinLou on Twitter and Instagram.

Louisville Bats Celebrate Pride on June 23

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The Louisville Bats will be partnering with the Louisville Pride Foundation, Queer KY, and Derby City Pride League to host the second-annual Pride Night at Louisville Slugger Field on Thursday, June 23.

The event will be sponsored by UAW Local 862 and fans can purchase tickets and support the fundraiser at the Louisville Bat Online Box Office – Pride Night. A portion of each ticket purchased through this link will go directly to the organizations supporting our community here in Louisville.

The evening will host a bundle of promotions including a Pride Koozie giveaway to the first 500 fans (Sponsored by UAW Local 862), a ceremonial first pitch from Chris Hartman from the Fairness Campaign, and a performance of the national anthem by the Louisville Gay Men’s Chorus.

On top of these activities, Thursday Night Louisville Slugger Field promotions will also be in effect, including Game Time Happy Hour, with $2 beers from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. throughout the ballpark (21 or older only).

Louisville Bats Team Up with UMPS CARE

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LOUISVILLE, KY – The Louisville Bats today announced that they are partnering with the UMPS CARE Charities and have donated a host of items to their annual online auction being hosted by MLB.com.

Bats fans can visit the official MLB auction site to bid on a signed Aristides Aquino jersey or a Tickets + First Pitch package. Fans can also view a wider range of the UMPS CARE live auctions at the UMPS CARE Charities main page.

UMPS CARE Charities was founded through the compassion of Major League Baseball (MLB) umpires. UMPS CARE provides financial, in-kind and emotional support for America’s youth and families in need. Founded in 2006, UMPS CARE provides VIP experiences to participants from youth-based organizations and military families, visits to pediatric hospitals (complete with Build-A-Bear furry friends) and college scholarships. In addition, UMPS CARE supports families facing financial need within the baseball community.

MiLB Play Ball Weekend at Slugger Field

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LOUISVILLE, KY – The Louisville Bats today announced that they will host the upcoming MiLB Play Ball initiative, a youth baseball clinic, in partnership with the Louisville Slugger Hitting Science Center.

[Link for Registration]

The event will take place at Louisville Slugger Field on Saturday, June 11 from 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Registration is free and open to kids ages 5-13 years old.

The Play Ball initiative is baseball’s collective effort to encourage young people and communities to engage in baseball or softball-related activities, including formal leagues, special events, and casual forms of play.

Play Ball events have become MLB’s signature youth engagement activity during the professional and amateur baseball and softball calendar, especially on key dates throughout MLB’s Championship Season and through the World Series. Play Ball events demonstrate the positive way the game can serve as an outlet for physical activity, fun with friends and learning how to play the sport at its most basic levels.

Bats Outfielder Rey Volunteers at Youth Clinic

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DAYTONA, FLORIDA — Just before departing for Spring Training, Louisville Bats outfielder Brian Rey volunteered at a youth baseball clinic in Daytona.

Rey worked with the youth ballplayers on fundamentals during the camp on March 2, but when he addressed the group after the workout, he stressed the importance of having fun while learning baseball.

“As you guys learn this game some of this could get frustrating,” Rey told the youth players. “(Eventually) you will get the hang of it, I promise…but the number one thing for you guys right now is to have fun.”

[WATCH THE FULL VIDEO HERE]

Rey made his Triple-A debut with the Bats on Sept. 29 last season and logged five hits with three RBIs in four games. Following the regular season, he starred in the Winter League in Puerto Rico, hitting .362 with a .455 OBP in 14 games for the Indios De Mayaguez

Job Fair Feb. 26 at Slugger Field

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The Louisville Bats are hosting a job fair for game-day positions for the 2022 baseball season! Earn some extra cash or pick up College credit while spending your summer at the ballpark with our exciting game-day opportunities!

The job fair will be hosted at Louisville Slugger Field on Saturday, Feb. 26 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the Hall of Fame. Hiring managers for available positions will be on-site for the event and are looking for qualified candidates to work across a variety of positions this summer.

The available positions include but are not limited to:

  • Bat Boys
  • Ushers
  • Game-Day Promo Team (Pepsi Squad)
  • Concessions positions with Centerplate

–

CLICK HERE FOR A COMPLETE LISTING OF AVAILABLE POSITIONS

(Attendees are asked to park in the East Parking Lot to enter the ballpark for the Job Fair)

The Nine: 5 Impactful Players In Louisville Franchise History

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LOUISVILLE, KY – As part of The Nine outreach initiative, Minor League Baseball teams are featuring a list of standout players from each team’s all-time franchise history. Below are five impactful Louisville alumni and several highlights from their tenure with the team:

1. Deion Sanders

Best Louisville Season (2001): 19 games, .459 average, 10 XBH, 6 SB, .494 OBP
Career Highlights: 4x finished 2nd in NL in stolen bases, led NL in triples in 1992

Sanders, better known as “Primetime,” starred in both the National Football League and Major League Baseball during his pro career. The former Bats outfielder scored the franchise’s first ever run at Louisville Slugger Field during the 2000 season and went on to hit at an impressive .459 clip during the 2001 campaign.

2. Billy Hamilton

Best Louisville Season (2013): 123 games, .256 average, 28 XBH, 41 RBI, 75 SB
Career Highlights: 2014 NL Rookie of the Month (June), 2014 Baseball America Major League All-Rookie Team

Speedster Hamilton stole a Minor League Baseball record-setting 155 bases in 2012 prior to his full season with the Bats in 2013. He continued his impressive pace with 75 additional steals for Louisville in 2013, which finished as nearly double the next-closest amount by any International League player that year. Hamilton ultimately earned both Mid and Postseason All-Star selections with the Bats and was named a Futures Game selection for the second straight year.

3. Hunter Greene

Best Louisville Season (2021): 14 starts, 4.13 ERA, 79 SO/65.1IP
Career Highlights: Selected second overall by Cincinnati in 2017, Rated Top 5 prospect in Reds system by Baseball American from 2018-22, 3x Top 100 prospect by BA

Greene burst onto the scene with a 100+ MPH fastball that dazzled scouts at showcases and flummoxed opponents on the diamond. He dominated at the Double-A level to open the 2021 season to rank second in all of Minor League Baseball in both wins and strikeouts en route to his first promotion to the Triple-A level. He unleashed a 104 MPH pitch against the Omaha Storm Chasers in his debut and went on to cap his first Triple-A stint with 79 strikeouts over 65.1 innings of work.

4. Dmitri Young

Best Louisville Season (1996): 122 games, .333 average, 54 XBH, 90 R, 16 SB
Career Highlights: Member of 1995 Louisville Redbirds American Association Championship team, 2003 AL All-Star, 2007 NL All-Star, 2007 NL Comeback Player of the Year

Nicknamed “the Meat Hook,” Young was a member of the Louisville Redbirds 1995 American Association championship team before becoming a standout and both mid and postseason All-Star with Louisville during the 1996 campaign. Following several productive years in the Majors between St. Louis, Cincinnati and Detroit, Young earned his second and final MLB All-Star selection of his career in 2007 by boasting a .320 average and 51 extra-base hits over 136 games with Washington.

5. Didi Gregorius

Best Louisville Season (2012): 48 games, .243 average, 25 R, 19 XBH, .981 FPCT
Career Highlights: 2018 AL Player of the Month (April), AL Player of the Week (2018), 2016 Yankees Heart and Hustle Award

The slick-fielding Gregorius converted 209 of his 2013 chances in the field between shortstop and second base with the Bats in 2012, registering a solid .981 fielding percentage while holding down the middle infield for Louisville. He went on to fill the huge shoes of Hall of Famer Derek Jeter at shortstop for the New York Yankees and was rewarded with the team’s Heart and Hustle Award for the 2016 campaign.

Bats Join MiLB In Launch Of “The Nine” Outreach Program

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LOUISVILLE, KY. – The Louisville Bats, in conjunction with Minor League Baseball, today announced the team will be at the forefront of a nation-wide outreach program to help connect Black communities to baseball. The new program, “The Nine,” will feature local outreach initiatives from 60 participating teams across Minor League Baseball during the 2022 season.

Named for the number Jackie Robinson wore during his only season playing in MiLB with the Triple-A Montreal Royals in 1946, The Nine will connect MiLB teams’ existing, Black-community focused development efforts with new national programming and future special events in a coordinated and centralized campaign. The new inclusion initiative follows MiLB’s Copa de la Diversión Latino fan engagement platform introduced in 2017 that included 76 MiLB teams in 2021.

The Bats initiatives for The Nine during the 2022 season will include:

  1. Dedicating a memorial at Eastern Cemetery for Felton Snow, a former baseball player for the Louisville Black Caps and Louisville White Sox of the Negro Southern League. The Bats, Louisville’s chapter of the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR), Louisville Urban League and Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory will help host a special recognition ceremony for the dedication later this season.
  2. The Bats front office staff will completely renovate two youth baseball fields at Shawnee Park this March. All labor will be volunteers and the Bats’ staff will be joined by participants from the Louisville Sports Commission and HUMANA.
  3. Continuing the “Playing it Forward” initiative with item drives for youth sports equipment during the 2022 baseball season. The Bats have partnered with Humana and Louisville Sports Commission each of the last three years for the campaign, working to provide new or gently-used youth baseball or softball equipment to low-and moderate-income families.
  4. Paying tribute and honoring the history of the former Negro League teams of Louisville on Friday, Sept. 2 vs. Indianapolis.

–

For additional information on The Nine, visit MiLB.com.

Greene Donates Thousands of New Cleats to Youth Players

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LOS ANGELES – Louisville Bats star pitcher Hunter Greene gave away 3,000 pairs of new baseball cleats (each valued around $100) to local kids and high school baseball players near his hometown in Los Angeles.

“I’m doing this because I have the platform to be able to give back,” Greene told CBS LA on Saturday (Nov. 27). “It’s important to spread the love, be able to provide kids with the best resources, the best equipment… Especially with the pandemic and COVID last year, it was really hard for families to put their money together and get the best of the best for their children. If I can help with that and make the kids feel special, that’s the ultimate goal. And I’m happy and proud to do that.”

View the full story/video here:

https://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2021/11/27/baseball-pitcher-hunter-greene-gives-away-thousands-of-cleats-to-kids-in-pacoima

Greene also previously donated new baseball equipment to the Kentucky Diamonds (a youth baseball program which provides sports opportunities for youth minorities who may otherwise be unable to afford them) in a postgame ceremony at Louisville Slugger Field in September. The baseball club publicly thanked Greene in a Facebook post here:

https://www.facebook.com/KYDiamondsBaseball/posts/939467600116670

Greene made his Triple-A debut with the Bats in 2021, finishing 5-8 with a 4.13 ERA and 79 strikeouts in 14 starts. He is currently ranked by MLB.com as the Cincinnati Reds’ No. 1 overall prospect.

Trick-Or-Treat At Louisville Slugger Field

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LOUISVILLE, KY – The Louisville Bats are treating families to a night of Halloween fun at Louisville Slugger Field for the first-ever Trick-or-Treat at the Ballpark on Friday, Oct. 22 from 6:30 – 10 p.m. The holiday festivities will include trick-or-treating on the concourse, a costume contest with prizes for both kids and adults and a screening of the Halloween classic “Hocus Pocus” on Louisville Slugger Field’s giant, high-definition video board.

Trick-or-Treat at the Ballpark is free to attend for kids ages 12 and under and just $5 for each accompanying adult. Tickets can be purchased in advance at batsbaseball.com or in-person at the Box Office window upon arrival to the ballpark.

The event offers the opportunity to trick-or-treat in a fun, safe and family-friendly environment. The Bats will have trick-or-treating stations set up around the concourse and participating sponsors will provide treats for trick-or-treaters as families make their way around the ballpark throughout the evening.

While trick-or-treating, fans can stop by the Suite Lobby behind Section 115 to register for the evening’s costume contest. Registration must be completed by 7:30 p.m. and the Bats will announce winners for best costume (adult), best costume (child), best couple costume, scariest costume and funniest costume at 8 p.m. Each winner will receive a special trophy and limited-edition Bats Prize Pack.

Following the costume contest, fans are invited to grab seats in the park for a screening of the Halloween classic “Hocus Pocus” (rated PG). Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis on the outfield grass and within the stadium-bowl seating area (chair-back seats). The movie is scheduled to run from 8 – 10 p.m.

Concessions will be open throughout the evening on the concourse. Available items and pricing will be consistent with a normal Louisville Bats game day.

Visit batsbaseball.com or email [email protected] for additional information.

MiLB To Donate $50 Per Bats Home Run To Boys & Girls Club Of Kentuckiana

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LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) today announced the creation of a charitable component to the 10-game Triple-A Final Stretch of games that will benefit 501(c)3 charities in each Triple-A city.

For each home run hit by Triple-A teams (home and road games) during the Triple-A Final Stretch, Minor League Baseball will donate $50 per home run to a local charity selected by the team. The team hitting the most home runs over the 10-game span will generate an extra $5,000 donation for their charity.

The Louisville Bats have selected the Boys & Girls Club of Kentuckiana as the beneficiary for donations.

The Bats begin their 10-game Final Stretch Wednesday against the Toledo Mud Hens (Triple-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers) at 1 p.m. at Louisville Slugger Field. The team’s Final Stretch includes a five-game series vs. Toledo (Sept. 22-26) and at Columbus (Sept. 29 – Oct. 3).

“Minor League Baseball teams have long been great community partners, and we are pleased to make a donation to each of these local charities on behalf of our Triple-A teams for their performance during the Triple-A Final Stretch,” said Major League Baseball’s Vice President, Minor League Operations and Development, Peter Woodfork. “These charities provide a variety of valuable services to their community, and it is our honor to recognize their efforts.”

Strike Out Cancer Night, Remembrance of 9/11 Set for Second Half of Homestand

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LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Louisville Bats’ 12-game homestand rolls on with five games against the Indianapolis Indians (Triple-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates) at Louisville Slugger Field from Sept. 8 – 12. The series is highlighted by Strike Out Cancer Night with specialty jerseys and a postgame fireworks show on Friday, Sept. 10 and a Remembrance of 9/11 with patriotic-themed uniforms and several pregame ceremonies honoring first responders on Saturday, Sept. 11.

**NOTE: SATURDAY’S GAME TIME IS 1 P.M.**

[BUY TICKETS HERE]

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 8 || First pitch, 6:30 p.m. (Gates 5:30 p.m.)

Sluggerita Wednesday
Presented by Number JUAN Tequila

THURSDAY, SEPT. 9 || First pitch, 6:30 p.m. (Gates 5:30 p.m.)

Pride Night (A portion of ticket proceeds will benefit Louisville Pride Foundation, Derby City Pride League or Queer Kentucky. Click HERE for additional information).

Thirsty Thursday, Live Music
Presented by Miller Lite, Coors Lite, the Kentucky Lottery & iHeart Radio

FRIDAY, SEPT. 10 || First pitch, 7 p.m. (Gates 6 p.m.)

Strike Out Cancer Night with Specialty Jerseys
Sponsored by UofL Health and the Brown Cancer Center

Final Postgame Fireworks Show of Season
Sponsored by Lucas Oil

Family Four Pack (sponsored by Republic Bank), Atrium Brewing Ticket Package
Presented by Jack Daniels Country Cocktails, Meijer, Cattleman’s Roadhouse and Campbellsville University

Scout Night with Boy Scout Campout (Boy Scouts will have an overnight campout in the outfield grass at Louisville Slugger Field)

SATURDAY, SEPT. 11 || First pitch, 1 p.m. (Gates 12 p.m.)

Remembrance of 9/11 with Patriotic-Themed Jerseys, On-Field Flag Display, Color Guard by LMPD, Singing of National Anthem & “God Bless America” by LMPD representatives — *$4 and $6 tickets available for first responders and their families by using coupon code “HEROES”

“Party at the Park” Presented by Old 502 Winery, Fall City Craft Beer, Against the Grain, Smithworks Seltzer & Great Clips

SUNDAY, SEPT. 12 || First pitch, 1 p.m. (Gates 12 p.m.)

Kids Eat Free, Postgame Kids Run the Bases
Presented by Meijer, Pepsi & YMCA

Top Prospect RHP Hunter Greene Scheduled Start

Bats To Host Peanut Allergy Awareness Night Tuesday, Aug. 31

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LOUISVILLE, KY. – The Louisville Bats are hosting Peanut Allergy Awareness Night to open their upcoming homestand on Tuesday, Aug. 31 against the Nashville Sounds (Triple-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers) at Louisville Slugger Field. To provide a safe environment for families and children with peanut allergies, no peanuts, peanut-related products or items made with nut ingredients will be sold or permitted at Louisville Slugger Field throughout the entire game.

[BUY TICKETS HERE]

Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and first pitch for the Bats and Sounds is 6:30 p.m.

Louisville Slugger Field will be completely pressure washed by the team’s cleaning crew to ensure a peanut-free experience for fans. This promotion will allow fans – especially families with younger children – the opportunity to enjoy baseball at a Bats game without experiencing symptoms of peanut allergies.

Tuesday night’s game is also $1 Menu Night with chips, hot dogs, popcorn and Pepsi products available for just $1 each throughout the game, courtesy of Meijer, Pepsi and iHeart Radio.

Top prospect Hunter Greene is expected to start for the Bats Tuesday against the Sounds.

For additional information, contact the Bats front office at [email protected] or (502) 212-2287.

Bats Team Up With Humana, UPS & LSC For “Playing It Forward” Item Drive

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

 

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Louisville Bats have partnered with Humana, Louisville Sports Commission (LSC) and UPS to host an item drive for the “Playing it Forward” initiative during Thursday’s (Aug. 12) game against the Nashville Sounds (Triple-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers) at 6:30 p.m. at Louisville Slugger Field. Fans who donate new or gently-used youth sports equipment will receive a voucher for a FREE hot dog and Pepsi product to be used during Thursday’s Bats game.

Donations can be made at any of the four gates to Louisville Slugger Field upon entrance to the ballpark Thursday. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and first pitch is set for 6:30 p.m.

The Playing It Forward initiative is designed to provide new or gently-used youth baseball or softball equipment to low-and moderate-income families, with the goal of eliminating the cost of equipment as a potential barrier to participation in organized sports.

The Bats, Humana and LSC also previously teamed up in April for the first item drive of the 2021 season. Fans generously donated sports equipment during the Bats’ Open House event and were treated to an intrasquad scrimmage between members of the Cincinnati Reds’ Alternate Training Site team at Louisville Slugger Field.

For additional information on LSC, visit louisvillesports.org.

Fans can purchase tickets to Thursday’s game by clicking HERE.