Appalachian League celebrates 2022 charitable contributions

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CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The Appalachian League announced that the league’s charitable outreach grew to more than $3.4 million of gift-in-kind and monetary donations this year. Additionally, the league and its clubs volunteered more than 11,000 hours of community service.

The league’s reach impacts the towns and cities their 10 teams call home across North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Appalachian League executives, team staff members and players volunteered through food pantries, reading programs, baseball clinics, toy drives, youth centers, hospital visits and numerous service organizations.

“As league members, we appreciate the opportunity to continue giving back through volunteering, donating and providing outreach to the communities that have supported our clubs for more than 100 years,” stated Elizabethton River Riders GM and Appalachian League Charity Committee Chair Kiva Fuller.

In January, Appy League representatives participated in the 27th annual MLK Day of Service. Volunteering in 11 communities across four states, team members were involved with food pantries, book drives, local YMCA and libraries, as well as the House of Hope and Good Samaritan Ministries.

In conjunction with the League All-Star Game, league executives volunteered at the City Gate Dream Center in Burlington, N.C. Along with moving items to the center’s storage unit, the group packaged and bundled diapers for families in need.

On the day of the All-Star Game, the Sock Puppets hosted a successful Play Ball youth clinic at Burlington Athletic Stadium where all 2022 All-Stars participated.

Prior to the GM meeting in Bluefield on Oct. 18, Appalachian League clubs participated in a service project at the Bluefield Union Mission. A total of 19 league and club representatives packaged meals and prepared personal hygiene kits for families in need.

More details and a full breakdown of the 2022 Appy League Community Impact Report can be found here.

The 2023 Appy League season begins Tuesday, June 6. The full schedule for the upcoming season can be found here.

The Appalachian League is a part of USA Baseball and powered by MLB. For more information on the Appalachian League, please visit appyleague.com or follow the league on Twitter and Instagram (@AppyLeague).

MiLB and the American Cancer Society to bring back annual cancer fighting initiative

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Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) today announced a multi-year renewal of its long-time partnership with the American Cancer Society (ACS). The renewal will see a reprisal of the “Hope At Bat” program – a fundraising and awareness campaign in support of cancer research – for the first time since the 2019 season. The initiative will launch in June in support of National Cancer Survivors Month and continue through the remainder of the 2022 season in MiLB ballparks across the country.

“MiLB constantly strives to work with great partners and provide new opportunities to make a positive impact in our communities,” said Kurt Hunzeker, MLB’s Vice President of Minor League Business Operations. “Our long-standing partnership with American Cancer Society certainly has allowed us to help fight cancer nationwide by raising awareness and charitable donations for cancer research, and we are excited to start our next chapter together this season.”

As an Official Charity Partner of Minor League Baseball, ACS will have cancer survivors and caregivers participate in ceremonial first pitch events and fans and players will have the opportunity to create “I Go To Bat For….” cards as part of in-game tributes to those who are currently battling, or have previously battled cancer. All teams will be auctioning off two team autographed purple bats featuring the Hope At Bat logo with the proceeds from one bat going to a local cancer fighting organization and the other raising funds for ACS’ national campaign.

MiLB teams will hold a fundraiser on behalf of ACS to assist in their battle against cancer with local youth baseball and softball teams playing a part in the fundraising efforts. Any youth team that raises over $1,000 for ACS in the month of June will receive a special ballpark trip and experience with their local MiLB team.

Future years of the program will feature players wearing purple-themed attire during games to help honor and celebrate those who have fought cancer or are currently battling cancer, as well as a digital cancer assessment tool that fans can use to understand their cancer risk.

“We are very excited about working with MiLB, their teams and their local communities all across the country,” said Sheri Barros, Vice President of Sports Alliances for the American Cancer Society. “Hope at Bat is awareness with action, raising much needed funds and providing important information to the public about cancer risk. We couldn’t be more grateful.”

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About Minor League Baseball

Minor League Baseball consists of 120 teams across four classification levels (Single-A, High-A, Double-A and Triple-A) that are affiliated with Major League Baseball’s 30 teams. Fans flock to MiLB games to see baseball’s future stars and experience the affordable family-friendly entertainment that has been a staple of MiLB since 1901. For more information, visit MiLB.com.

About the American Cancer Society_
The American Cancer Society is on a mission to free the world from cancer. We invest in lifesaving research, provide 24/7 information and support, and work to ensure that individuals in every community have access to cancer prevention, detection, and treatment. For more information, visit cancer.org._

Appalachian League participates in MLK Week of Service 

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CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Appalachian League executives participated in a Week of Service, volunteering in 11 communities across North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Jan. 17, 2022 marked the 27th annual MLK Day of Service. Tabbed as a “day on, not a day off” to celebrate the life and legacy of the Civil Rights leader, MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities.

Across the league, executives volunteered at food pantries, libraries, ministries, YMCAs, book readings and educational centers assisting with preparing meals, stocking shelves, cleaning facilities, distributing books and tutoring. To see images of clubs service projects, click here.

“We appreciate continued opportunities to give back to our communities and are happy to have joined many across the country in celebrating MLK Day of Service,” said Appalachian League President Dan Moushon.

For more information about the MLK Day of Service, visit https://americorps.gov/newsroom/events/mlk-day.

The Appalachian League is a part of USA Baseball and powered by MLB. For more information on the Appalachian League, please visit AppyLeague.com.


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Appalachian League celebrates 2021 charitable contributions

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

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The Appalachian League announced the league’s charitable outreach totaled more than $2.5 million of gift in kind and monetary donations this year. The league and its teams continued to be actively engaged in safely helping and assisting their local communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The league’s reach stretches across four states and impacts the towns and cities their 10 teams call home. Appalachian League executives and team staff members volunteered through food deliveries, speaking engagements, mask donations, player appearances, jersey auctions and more.

“As a league, we appreciate the opportunity to give back and to enhance the communities that have supported our member clubs for more than 100 years,” league president Dan Moushon said.

Appy League representatives participated in a league service project at Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium in conjunction with the annual league meetings service project in Kingsport. Club members picked up trash and removed brush from parking lots and natural areas. Prior to the All-Star Game, the Pulaski River Turtles hosted a very successful Play Ball youth clinic at Calfee Park.

Several Appy League teams contributed more than $100,000 of gift in kind and monetary donations for their communities. More details and a full breakdown of the 2021 Appy League Community Impact Report can be found here.

The 2022 Appy League season begins Thursday, June 2. A complete schedule for the upcoming season can be found here.

The Appalachian League is a part of USA Baseball and powered by MLB. For more information on the Appalachian League, please visit AppyLeague.com.

Drillers to Unveil Jackie Robinson Mural

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The Tulsa Drillers, in conjunction with the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce, announced plans today to add a 26 ft. by 40 ft. mural beyond the left field concourse at ONEOK Field that will feature Jackie Robinson. The full-color mural will pay tribute to Robinson, the former Brooklyn Dodgers great who broke baseball’s color barrier in 1947.

The Robinson artwork will be located just steps from the Osage Casino Greenwood Entrance at the northeast corner of ONEOK Field and painted directly onto the brick wall of the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce West Building facing into the stadium.

It is the Drillers’ goal to increase traffic through the Greenwood District on game days, as well as when the team is on the road, while also beautifying the space. The mural will be visible throughout ONEOK Field, and will have public access for visitors year-round.

“We are very proud and honored to be able to say that Drillers Baseball and ONEOK Field are located in the Historic Greenwood District,” said Drillers General Manager Mike Melega. “We have always looked for ways to increase our association with the Greenwood Chamber, and we thought a tribute to Mr. Robinson would be a great addition. He did so much for our country and the game of baseball, and with us being an affiliate of the World Champion Los Angeles Dodgers, it made for a perfect fit.”

Greenwood Chamber of Commerce President Freeman Culver hopes the project will bring wide exposure. “It is important to continue to honor the memories of Jackie Robinson, Hank Aaron, Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher, and others that paved the way for the United States to distance itself from its dark past of racial segregation,” said Culver. “What better place to house the Jackie Robinson mural than the back of the Neeley and Vaden Building also called the Greenwood Chamber – West Building. There are people who live in Tulsa today who have no idea or knowledge of the historical significance of the 100 N. Block of Greenwood Avenue.”

“This mural will expose the Greenwood District to residents and businesses who do not know much about Deep Greenwood. We are excited to partner with the Tulsa Drillers on this endeavor,” added Culver.

Tulsa-born, African American artist Chris “Sker” Rogers and Denver-based artist Thomas “Detour” Evans will collaborate on the project. Both artists come with high credentials.

Sker has been commissioned for professional graffiti artwork by numerous companies, private clients and organizations. He was the project manager for the Black Wall Street in Greenwood Tulsa, and he created the “Welcome to Greenwood” mural. He has also done work for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Guthrie Green, Booker T. Washington High School and the American Idol TV show.

“I’m humbled to do the work that I do, and I’m privileged to play my part in Tulsa’s creative scene,” said Sker. “I want to thank the Drillers organization and the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce for their vision in creating this project. I’m excited to partner with such a talented artist as Detour, working together to create a dynamic new mural for all of Tulsa to enjoy.”

Detour specializes in large-scale public art, portraiture, immersive spaces and creative directing while mixing traditional mediums with new approaches. He previously created the “Tulsa Sound” downtown mural.

The Robinson mural is planned to be completed in time for the start of the Drillers 2021 season and joins other projects being completed in Greenwood this year, including the Greenwood Rising historical center and the Pathway to Hope in this 100-year anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre.

“This painting is our way of celebrating Jackie Robinson and the Historic Greenwood District, and we feel it will become an iconic part of the district and the ballpark,” said Melega. “We hope that it will increase traffic in the area while also becoming an often-used entrance and exit to and from the stadium. With the addition, we will now offer most giveaway items at the Osage Casino Hotel Greenwood Entrance.”

The final design for the mural will released in the coming weeks.

Cougars Announce Winter Coat and Boot Drive Begins December 2

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GENEVA, Ill. – The Kane County Cougars have announced the dates for the organization’s annual Winter Coat Drive. New for this season, the Cougars will also be collecting donations of winter boots.

Beginning Monday, December 2, fans are welcome to stop by the Cougars front office at Northwestern Medicine Field (34W002 Cherry Lane, Geneva, IL 60134) between 9 AM and 4 PM, Monday through Friday. Donations of new or gently-used winter coats and boots for infants, children and adults are encouraged. Fans will receive one (1) undated reserved seat ticket voucher valid for a 2020 regular season Cougars game with each donated item. There is a maximum of 10 complimentary ticket vouchers per fan.

In partnership with the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans and Mutual Ground, all coats and boots will be donated to local individuals and their families in need of cold-weather outerwear this winter.

The deadline to donate for this year’s Winter Coat and Boot Drive is Friday, December 13 at 4 PM. For more information, contact the Cougars front office at 630-232-8811.

Your Cougars 30th anniversary season kicks off on Thursday, April 9 at 6:30 PM against the Cedar Rapids Kernels. For updates on all the festivities, including ticket and promotion specials, follow the Cougars on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About the Kane County Cougars

The Cougars, Class-A Minor League affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, have been at the forefront of family-friendly entertainment since 1991. In 2015, the franchise became the first Class-A team in Minor League Baseball history to welcome 11 million fans through the gates. A total of 180 former Cougars have reached the Major Leagues including Miguel Cabrera, Nelson Cruz, Josh Beckett, Adrian Gonzalez, Kyle Schwarber and Willson Contreras.

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

MVDSA Buddy Walk coming to Fifth Third Field on Saturday, Sept. 28

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Dayton, Ohio – Fifth Third Field will host the 17th Annual Miami Valley Down Syndrome Association Buddy Walk® on Saturday, September 28th from 8:30 a.m. – 12 noon. The Buddy Walk®, which raises awareness and promotes inclusion for individuals with Down syndrome, will take place at Fifth Third Field for the seventh consecutive year. Online registration is open to the public for $5.00. Individuals with Down syndrome can register for free to include a Buddy Walk® shirt. Limited sizes of event shirts will be available for sale on event day. Every dollar benefits the MVDSA.

Fifth Third Field will open its gates for day-of registration starting at 8:30 a.m. on September 28th. Donations will also be accepted at the registration table.

Activities at the ballpark begin at 8:30 a.m. The Dragons Zone will be open with face painters and a photo booth. Dragons mascots Heater and Gem will roam the concourse and take pictures with those in attendance. The walk around Fifth Third Field begins at 10 a.m., with the post-walk fun continuing until 12:00 noon when raffle prize and silent auction winners will be announced.

More information is available at ds-stride.org/daytonbuddywalk

The Buddy Walk® was established by the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness and to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. Today, the Buddy Walk® program is supported nationally by NDSS and organized at the local level by the Miami Valley Down Syndrome Association (MVDSA).

ABOUT THE MVDSA

The Miami Valley Down Syndrome Association is a network of parents, health care providers, volunteers, family members, and community supporters providing help and support to people throughout the Miami Valley with Down Syndrome. Through the generous support of the community, the MVDSA is able to develop programs and services that will help to enhance the quality of life for individuals with Down Syndrome. For more information, visit their website at http://www.mvdsa.org/

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

Minor League Baseball, American Cancer Society “Cover Your Bases” Sun Safety Initiative Gets Underway This Memorial Day

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Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) is partnering with the American Cancer Society for the third consecutive year on a nationwide initiative to promote sun safety measures and educate baseball fans about the dangers of overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. From May 27 to June 30, participating MiLB teams will provide free Blue Lizard Sunscreen samples to fans, players, staff and all other attendees at their games. The “Cover Your Bases” initiative is one of MiLB Charities’ annual campaigns.

“Minor League Baseball fans love to spend their summers watching games at our ballparks, and we, in partnership with the American Cancer Society, want to encourage them to be safe and #CoverYourBases when outdoors,” said Courtney Nehls, assistant director of community engagement for MiLB.

The annual campaign has impacted hundreds of thousands of individuals since its launch in 2017, not only providing sun protection, but also information on skin cancer and measures fans can take to help reduce their overall risk. More than 120 MiLB teams are participating in the 2019 initiative.

“Minor League Baseball has always provided opportunities to join impactful initiatives that bring awareness to our communities,” said Hunter Horenstein, director of fan engagement for the Myrtle Peach Pelicans. “With Myrtle Beach being the perfect destination for outdoor fun, the Pelicans look forward to joining MiLB’s ‘Cover Your Bases’ program each year to help educate our fans to take the necessary precautions when it comes to sun exposure.”

According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is by far the most common type of cancer in the U.S., and one of the best ways to help prevent it is by protecting the skin from excessive UV rays, including sun exposure and indoor tanning devices. ACS advises people to seek shade whenever possible, wear a hat, sunglasses, and protective clothing, and use broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.

“The American Cancer Society is proud to continue our work with Minor League Baseball,” said Sharon Byers, chief development marketing and communications officer for the American Cancer Society. “We deeply appreciate their support and the opportunity to share these important public health messages.”

Minor League Baseball Charities is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to giving back to and enhancing the communities MiLB teams call home. Through donations and support it receives from fans, teams and partners, MiLB Charities contributes to local organizations in times of need and supports causes that are important to the extended baseball family. For more information about MiLB Charities and the Minor League Baseball Charity Partners Program, visit www.MiLB.com.

Minor League Baseball and BUSH’S® Beans donate over 10,000 pounds of canned and dry food goods to local food banks

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ST. PETERSBURG, Florida and KNOXVILLE, Tennessee — Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) and BUSH’S® Beans today announced they collected over five tons of food for Feeding America and other local food banks as part of their “Team Up Against Hunger” July food drive. The combined efforts will allow Feeding America and other local food banks to provide over 9,000 meals across 35 states. The donation of canned and dry goods comes at an ideal time as the number of food drives traditionally slows down in the summer, and the lack of school-provided meals creates a greater need.

Participating Minor League Baseball teams worked with food banks in their local communities to encourage fans to bring non-perishable food donations to the ballpark on designated July game dates. BUSH’S Beans developed social media messaging, press releases and in-park materials to help each team in the fight against hunger and create awareness for the national food drive. Teams rewarded fans who donated non-perishable food items with incentives such as tickets to a future game or a buy one, get one free ticket offer.

“Minor League Baseball, its teams and its partners are dedicated to making a positive impact on children and families in their communities,” said Heather Raburn, Assistant Director of Partnership Marketing for Minor League Baseball. “We are grateful for this partnership with Bush Brothers, and along with our supportive fan base, we have a platform to be able to give back to those in need during these critical summer months.”

En Español

“We are proud to work with nearly 80 Minor League teams from around the country to Team Up Against Hunger. As a family-owned food company, it is important to all of us at BUSH’S to do what we can to help those who are hungry,” said Michael Morris, Senior Brand Manager for BUSH’S Beans.

In addition to donations from fans, BUSH’S Beans and MiLB Charities plan to match the donation total from the top contributing MiLB team. The Dunedin Blue Jays, the Class A Advanced affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, collected 1,126 pounds of non-perishable food items. BUSH’S Beans and MiLB Charities will match this donation to Dunedin Cares in recognition of the generosity of Dunedin Blue Jays fans.

BUSH’S Beans was named the “Official Beans of Minor League Baseball” in December 2016.

About Minor League Baseball

Minor League Baseball, headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida, is the governing body for all professional baseball teams in the United States, Canada and the Dominican Republic that are affiliated with Major League Baseball® clubs through their farm systems. Fans are coming out in unprecedented numbers to this one-of-a-kind experience that can only be found at Minor League Baseball ballparks. In 2017, Minor League Baseball attracted 41.8 million fans to its ballparks to see the future stars of the sport hone their skills. From the electricity in the stands to the excitement on the field, Minor League Baseball has provided affordable family-friendly entertainment to people of all ages since its founding in 1901. For more information visit MiLB.com.

Follow Minor League Baseball on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

About BUSH’S® Beans

BUSH’S® is all about friends & family, and a certain Secret Family Recipe. When you enjoy our beans (doesn’t matter if they’re baked beans, chili beans, black beans, pinto beans…well, you get the picture), you can trust that they’re the very best. Because we wouldn’t serve your family anything less. Since we got our start 110 years ago in Chestnut Hill, Tenn., BUSH’S® has always maintained that quality is the best policy. We pursue excellence and exceptional taste in our beans, sauces and everything we do. That’s why, from mouthwatering Baked Beans & Chili Beans to satisfying bean recipes, you’re cooking up the best with BUSH’S BEST®. For more information, visit www.bushbeans.com, like us on Facebook or follow BUSH’S® Beans on Instagram and Twitter.

Minors teams raise over $300,000 for disaster relief

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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Minor League Baseball Charities today announced the distribution of over $180,000 in cash to charities assisting with recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma. Minor League Baseball’s 160 teams combined to raise over $300,000 for disaster relief.

The city of Corpus Christi, Texas, and the surrounding communities suffered significant damage during Hurricane Harvey. As a result of Minor League Baseball’s fundraising efforts, the Corpus Christi Hooks, the Double-A affiliate of the Houston Astros, made a significant donation to the Coastal Bend Disaster Recovery Group and will be making donations to Little League programs in Port Aransas, Rockport, Refugio, Aransas Pass and Ingleside to help the leagues repair facilities and purchase equipment that was damaged or lost in the storm.

“We are overwhelmed with gratitude at the generosity of teams across Minor League Baseball as our industry meets the needs of those who have come into harm’s way,” said Corpus Christi Hooks Vice President of Sales and Marketing Andy Steavens. “These funds will help fuel recovery in the Coastal Bend as the calendar turns to 2018. It’s a long process, but we’re pleased and privileged to help and proud to be a part of this region and Minor League Baseball.”

“These donations are another example of the collective power of Minor League Baseball and our 160 teams across the country,” said Courtney Nehls, Assistant Director, Community Engagement, for Minor League Baseball. “In times of need, whether a natural disaster or otherwise, our organization and its teams have proven time and time again that together, our charitable efforts help build stronger communities.”

With the devastating flooding that took place in Houston, Minor League Baseball Charities made a significant donation to the Houston Astros Foundation to assist with its disaster relief projects, and with guidance from the Astros Foundation, made donations to the Houston Police Department’s Blue Santa Program, the Houston Food Bank and the Houston Children’s Charity, which will provide beds and linens to children when they return to their homes.

As Hurricane Irma cut a path across Florida, three Florida State League communities and one Southern League community saw extensive damage, and Minor League Baseball raised over $50,000 for relief assistance in those areas.

The Fort Myers Miracle, the Class-A Advanced affiliate of the Minnesota Twins, split a donation from MiLB Charities between eight worthy organizations in their community: The Harry Chapin Food Bank, Everglades Wonder Gardens, Goodwill, Lee County Schools, Midwest Food Bank, Naples Zoo, New Horizons of Southwest Florida and the Southwest Florida Community Foundation.

The Charlotte Stone Crabs, the Class-A Advanced affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays, donated their portion of the Hurricane Irma relief funds to the United Way of Charlotte County to assist with their continued recovery efforts.

The St. Lucie Mets, the Class-A Advanced affiliate of the New York Mets, split their donation between the Mustard Seed Ministries, SAFER St. Lucie and the United Way of St. Lucie County.

The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, the Double-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins, donated their portion of the Hurricane Irma relief funds to the Trinity Rescue Mission Women and Children’s Center.

In addition to the $180,000 distributed by Minor League Baseball Charities, Minor League Baseball teams made donations totaling over $120,000 directly to relief organizations including the Red Cross, The Salvation Army and United Way Worldwide.

Prevention Night / Alcohol-Free Event Announced

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Binghamton, NY – The Binghamton Rumble Ponies, the Double-A affiliate of the New York Mets, are pleased to announce a partnership with Broome Opioid Abuse Council (BOAC) Drug Free Communities to provide a Prevention Night at NYSEG Stadium on April 19. In order to create an environment where families and community members can enjoy a fun-filled night and create lasting memories, no alcohol will be served during the Rumble Ponies’ game that evening. This is part of this year’s “We Care Wednesdays”, which will be announced separately.

“Being a part of the community with outreach efforts aimed at helping families achieve FUNN experiences is something we will always strive to do,” stated team owner John Hughes. “Getting involved with an organization that is working hard on critical issues which are impacting friends and families across the Southern Tier is the kind of effort the Rumble Ponies can stand behind and contribute to.”

April is Alcohol Awareness Month and coincides perfectly with the Rumble Ponies/BOAC Prevention Night.

“We aim to highlight underage drinking prevention, and provide an alcohol-free family-fun activity,” said Kara Skellett, Drug-Free Communities Coordinator. “With the assistance of the Rumble Ponies, we will put the focus on community education, outreach and prevention, and substance abuse treatment.”

Gates open at 5:30 PM for the April 19 game against the Portland Sea Dogs. Details of the event will be provided at www.bingrp.com with additional sponsors mentioned during the game.

All questions can be directed to John “JB” Bayne, the Rumble Ponies’ Assistant General Manager and Director of Community Relations, at (607) 722-3866 or by email at jb@bingrp.com.

The Rumble Ponies open the 2017 season on the road in New Hampshire on April 6 before celebrating their home opener at NYSEG Stadium on April 13 against Erie. Individual tickets for the 2017 season are on sale now.

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

Help The Blue Wahoos and Whataburger Support USO Northwest Florida

Donated items will be accepted at all home games in May.

PENSACOLA, Fla., – For Military Appreciation Month, the Pensacola Blue Wahoos and Whataburger are teaming up for a second year to collect donations for USO Northwest Florida. Donations will be collected during the Blue Wahoos’ home games during the month of May. The USO will deliver the items directly to the troops currently serving the United States.

Fans who donate during the drive will receive a coupon for a free Whataburger. Donations can be dropped off at the entry gates.

The Blue Wahoos, Whataburger and the USO are asking for specific items during each homestand. The dates and requested items are as follows:

May 5th-9th vs. Tennessee Smokies

Individually wrapped salty and sweet snacks such as pretzels, cookies, peanut butter crackers, etc.

May 16th-20th vs. Mississippi Braves

Single-serve microwavable snacks such as mac and cheese, ramen noodles, ravioli, etc.

May 21st-25th – vs. Jackson Generals

Center supplies such as copy paper, dish soap, batteries, paper towels, etc.

All Home Games – Bottled Water

ABOUT WHATABURGER:

Whataburger has focused on its fresh, made-to-order burgers and friendly customer service since 1950 when Harmon Dobson opened the first Whataburger as a small roadside burger stand in Corpus Christi, Texas. Dobson gave his restaurant a name he hoped to hear customers say every time they took a bite of his made-to-order burgers: “What a burger!” Within the first week, people lined up around the block for his 25 cent, 100 percent beef burgers served on five-inch buns. Today, the company is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, with more than 770 locations in 10 states with sales of more than $1 billion annually.

ABOUT USO:

The mission of the USO is to lift the spirits of troops and their families and that mission is accomplished on a daily basis thanks to the dedication and generosity of the American people. Whether it is a commitment of time from a volunteer or a contribution of dollars from a donor, the USO turns this generosity into centers, programs and services that reach troops in the most remote corners of the globe.

–www.bluewahoos.com–

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Pensacola Blue Wahoos. Click here to view the original story.

Rock Cats Extend Thanks to Local Community with Annual Thanksgiving Food Donations

Baseball Club Will Again Warm Holiday for Local Families

New-Britain-Rock-CatsThe New Britain Rock Cats Baseball Club, the Double-A Eastern League Affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, will once again donate non-perishable food items – along with Thanksgiving turkeys and Holiday food baskets – to local families who might otherwise go without during this great American holiday.  The Presentation will take place today, November 25 at 4:30 PM at The Friendship Center (85 Arch Street) in New Britain.  All media is welcome to the event.

This is the 15th consecutive year that the Rock Cats will make such donations to assist their neighbors in need.

Friendship-Service-CenterThe Rock Cats Foundation recently hosted its annual World Series Party at New Britain Stadium and collected from season ticket holders and sponsors, non-perishable food items which will be donated to The Friendship Center, the locally-based non-profit that provides both a home and related community supports for homeless and otherwise disadvantaged persons living in greater New Britain. The Center also works with many families who have moved out of their shelter and are seeking to live independently in the community.

The Rock Cats are pleased to be partnering with Stew Leonard’s of Newington and Trader Joe’s to provide Thanksgiving food baskets to families served by the Friendship Center. This year’s Thanksgiving baskets – which will contain a turkey, stuffing, and other assorted food items necessary to prepare the traditional dinner – will be distributed to families who The Friendship Center is transitioning out of their shelter and into independent community living arrangements.

“We are so thankful to help bring the spirit of the holiday to local families in need,” Rock Cats General Manager Tim Restall said.  “Our annual Thanksgiving Dinner deliveries are made possible only by our tremendous fans and local businesses that support the Rock Cats Foundation each year.”

This article originally appeared on the official website of the New Britain Rock Cats. Click here to view the original story.

Sand Gnats Team President to Get Prostate Exam While Singing ‘Take Me Out to the Ballgame’

Savannah-Sand-GnatsThe Savannah Sand Gnats will be raising awareness for cancer during their game on Saturday, August 16, at Historic Grayson Stadium as part of Prostate Cancer Awareness Night. Sand Gnats team president John Katz will receive a prostate exam while singing the seventh inning stretch classic, “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.”

Ed Randalls BFTC logoKatz was nominated as the next participant among baseball executives to help raise awareness for cancer by “Playing it Forward.” Myrtle Beach Pelicans vice president and general manager Andy Milovich first received a prostate exam during a Pelicans game and then nominated Lake Elsinore Storm president Dave Oster to take the challenge. Oster complied, and challenged Charleston RiverDogs general manager Dave Echols to do the same. Echols used the “Two Knuckle Challenge” to gain Facebook “likes” for “Fierce Fallon,” a page dedicated to fundraising for nine-year-old cancer patient Fallon Emery of Carolina Forest, S.C.

“Prostate Cancer is the most common cancer among men after skin cancer,” said Katz. “Early detection and treatment leads to high survival and cure rates.”

Katz, 44, has never been known to back down from a challenge. He enlisted his physician, Dr. John Barrett, to lend a “helping hand” and administer the exam.

The Sand Gnats will continue that trend, asking to gain Facebook “likes” for “Fierce Fallon,” as well as “Team Alexa- Fight Back.” Alexa, a five-year-old brain tumor patient, formed a close connection with several Sand Gnats players during a recent hospital visit, and spent the day Tuesday playing with her new friends at the ballpark.

“I’m proud to have the opportunity to raise awareness for Fallon and Alexa,” Katz added. “Ed Randall’s Bat for the Cure has made amazing strides in educating men about prostate cancer, and I am honored to do my part and take one for the team.”

Ed Randall’s Bat for the Cure organization will also be on hand, distributing information on prostate cancer and the importance of screening for the dangerous disease. A Sand Gnats team autographed baseball bat will be raffled off by Ed Randall’s Bat for the Cure.

The Gnats will be taking on the Greenville Drive with a first pitch of 6:05 p.m. Gates to Historic Grayson Stadium will open at 5:00 p.m. Fans can stay after the game for a spectacular fireworks display brought to you by Pruitt Health.

Check the Sand Gnats Facebook page next week for video highlights, and to see who Katz will challenge next.

 

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Savannah Sand Gnats. Click here to view the original story.

Sand Gnats to Honor Military on Thursday with Free Admission to JCB Military Appreciation Night

Savannah-Sand-GnatsThe Savannah Sand Gnats will hold JCB Military Appreciation Night at Historic Grayson Stadium this Thursday, July 31. The Gnats will honor the service off Savannah’s military community by offering free general admission tickets to any military, both veteran and active duty, with a valid military I.D.

Sand Gnats players and coaches will wear special military camouflaged jerseys as they take on the Hickory Crawdads, a Texas Rangers affiliate. The jerseys will be auctioned off for charity during the game, with winners receiving their autographed jerseys from players and coaches on-field after the game.

“We all owe a debt of gratitude for the brave men and women serving stateside and abroad, and we hope to see plenty of military families from across the Coastal Empire for a great night of baseball and a tribute to their service,” said Sand Gnats president John Katz. “Thanks to JCB, we were able to coordinate this great camouflaged jersey auction in an effort to raise funds for military charities,” continued Katz.

Fans will also be treated to half-priced draft beer and soda thanks to Thirsty Thursday sponsored by Budweiser, Coors Light, Miller Lite, Connect Savannah, E93, and I-95 FM.

The Third Infantry Division’s Third CAB Color Guard will present the colors, while Third CAB Commander Colonel John Kline will throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Sergeant First Class Dana Fischl, also of the Third Infantry Division, will sing the National Anthem as part of the pre-game ceremonies.

Gates will open at 6:00 p.m. and first pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. For tickets and information please call (912) 351- 9150 or visit SandGnats.com

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Savannah Sand Gnats. Click here to view the original story.