Free Baseball Skillz & Drillz Clinic this Saturday

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Greeneville-Astros-2014The Greeneville Astros and the Boys & Girls Club of Greeneville & Greene County are teaming up to host the 10th Annual Baseball Skillz & Drillz Clinic on Saturday, July 12, 2014 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. The clinic will be held at Pioneer Park, home of the Greeneville Astros, located on the Tusculum College campus. The clinic is sponsored by Greeneville Pediatric Clinic and Laughlin Memorial Hospital.

The Greeneville Astros players and coaches will work with youBoys-&-Girls-club-of-Americngsters ages 14 and under on the basic fundamentals of baseball. Throwing, base running, catching and hitting are just a few of the fundamentals that will be worked on during the free clinic.

Participants in this year’s event will receive a free Baseball Skillz & Drillz Clinic T-shirt while supplies last as well as a ticket to the Astros home game Saturday night.

After the clinic, Greeneville Astros players and coaches will sign autographs and refreshments will be served to the baseball clinic participants.

For more information on the free baseball clinic, call Scott Bullington or Cathy Osborne at the Boys & Girls Club at (423) 787-9322 or contact Kelsey Thompson, David Lane or Hunter Reed with the Greeneville Astros at (423) 638-0411.

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

“Pink the Park” is Back for the Second Straight Year!

Jammers and WCA Hospital will team up to raise awareness for Breast Cancer June 20th.

Jamestown-JammersNext Friday (June 20th), WCA Hospital and the Jamestown Jammers will team up to host the second annual Pink the Park baseball game at Russell E. Diethrick Park. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. followed by the first pitch at 7:05 p.m. as the Jammers begin their two-game series against the State College Spikes.

In addition to decorating the park in pink, the Jamestown Jammers players and coaches will be donning pink socks and wrist bands (courtesy of the Jamestown Cycle Shop), and are asking fans to join them as they Pink the Park by also wearing pink.

WCA-HospitalIn addition to raising awareness for good breast health and promoting annual mammograms, WCA and the Jammers will pay tribute to breast cancer survivors just before the ceremonial first pitch. All breast cancer survivors are invited to gather near the Jammers dugout along the third base line at 6:45p.m. before being honored on the field.

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

Kia Country Pink in the Park This Saturday

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Savannah-Sand-GnatsOn Saturday, May 17, the Savannah Sand Gnats will join forces with Kia Country of Savannah and Susan G. Komen For the Cure Coastal Georgia Affiliate to bring awareness to breast cancer education and research.

“Pink in the Park is one of the most emotional nights of the season,” said team president, John Katz. “We celebrate the Survivors, remember those that lost the fight, and reinforce the message that early detection is critical.”

Susan-G.-KomenAs in years past, Sand Gnats players and coaches will take the field in special pink jerseys. Throughout the game, fans are encouraged to bid on each jersey. After the game, the highest bidders will be presented with their jersey by their respective player or coach.

All proceeds from the pink jersey auction go directly to Susan G. Komen For the Cure Coastal Georgia Affiliate.

“It is through the generous support of Kia Country of Savannah that provides the opportunity for us to donate 100% of the proceeds from the Jersey Auction to Susan G. Komen for the Cure Coastal Georgia Affiliate,” added Katz.

Any breast cancer survivors who participated in the most recent Race for the Cure on April 12, are asked to wear their race t-shirt for free admission to the baseball game. Please contact Beth Desloges, Executive Director of Susan G. Komen for the Cure Coastal Georgia Affiliate at (912) 232-2535 or beth@komencoastalgeorgia.org for more information.

Fans are also encouraged to stay after the game for a spectacular fireworks show. Gates to Historic Grayson Stadium will open at 5:00 p.m. and first pitch against the Charleston RiverDogs is set for 6:05 p.m.

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

Jacob G. Smith Wins Doubles for Technology Grant

Thomas and Hutton supports technology needs with generous donation

Savannah-Sand-GnatsThe 2013 South Atlantic League Champion Sand Gnats were fantastic to watch throughout last season. While their pitching was dominant from Opening Night through the League Championship, one offensive stat will pay dividends for school children in the Savannah area.

Thanks to a generous pledge from Thomas & Hutton and 116 doubles at Historic Grayson Stadium from the potent Gnats’ lineup, Jacob G. Smith Elementary will receive a $2,900 technology grant. Thomas and Hutton will present the check to the school on the field at Historic Grayson Stadium just before the Sand Gnats game on Friday, May 16.

“This is a great partnership between Thomas & Hutton and the Sand Gnats,” said Sand Gnats team president, John Katz. “Both of our organizations are passionate about education and we’re excited to be able to help Jacob G. Smith Elementary expand their access to technology.”

“Thomas & Hutton is excited about providing this grant to Jacob G. Smith Elementary for their use in expanding technology,” stated Ben Jones with Thomas & Hutton. “Our partnership with the Sand Gnats provided us with a great opportunity to place technology directly into a classroom and to help our students prepare for a successful future.”

J.G. Smith Elementary was named a “Title I Highest-Performing Reward School” in 2014 by the Georgia Department of Education and is ranked among the top five percent of Title I schools in Georgia, having the highest absolute performance over three years for the “All Students” group on the statewide assessments.

The grant will be used for the school to purchase Chromebooks, providing second grade students and their teachers the opportunity to utilize another technology resource that will enhance instructional practices in reading and math and help students prepare for testing such as the Scholastic Reading Inventory (SRI) and Measures of Academic Progress (MAP). Additionally, students will be more prepared for the Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests (CRCT) which begin in the third grade.

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

MiLB donates to Snohomish United Way

Contribution to help disaster recovery after Oso, Wash. landslide

MiLB-CharitiesMinor League Baseball™ Charities announced today that it is donating $10,000 to the United Way of Snohomish (Wash.) County’s Disaster Recovery Fund to aid in the relief efforts related to the March 22 mudslide in Oso, Wash. More than three dozen people have lost their lives and several others are still missing as a result of the devastating incident. The mudslide occurred just 30 miles from the Everett AquaSox, a Minor League Baseball club in the Northwest League.

“Through MiLB Charities, we are able to give back and offer support to the communities in which our clubs are a part, especially in times of need when natural disasters like the Oso mudslide occur,” said Tina Gust, MiLB™ Vice President of Business Development.

United-WayThe AquaSox will present the $10,000 check, on behalf of MiLB Charities, to the United Way of Snohomish County on Friday. A formal check presentation will be made to the organization prior to an AquaSox game this summer.

The club is also donating all walk-up ticket sales from its June 16 game to the relief and recovery efforts.

“As we enter our 30th year in Snohomish County, this is the least we can do to try and help those affected by this tragedy,” said AquaSox Executive Vice President Tom Backemeyer. “We are very appreciative of Minor League Baseball and the support they have offered to our community through this generous donation.”

Through donations and support it receives from fans, teams and partners, MiLB Charities is able to contribute to local organizations in times of need and support causes that are important to its extended baseball family. Minor League Baseball Charities is a tax exempt, 501(c)(3) charitable organization affiliated with the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues.

Visit http://milbcharities.milbstore.com to make a tax-deductible donation to MiLB Charities or http://charities.milbauctions.com for additional opportunities to show your support.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Class A Short Season Northwest League. Click here to view the original story.

Cancer Awareness Night with a Jersey Silent Auction Aug. 10th

The High Desert Mavericks are proud to announce the Cancer Awareness night with a silent jersey auction on August 10th. There will be a pre game survivor walk at 5:30PM followed by the Mavericks game against the Lancaster Jethawks with first pitch at 6:05PM. During the game there will be a silent auction for the game worn, player autographed, jerseys with proceeds going to the American Cancer Society that will end at the completion of the 7th inning. Following the game there will be a luminaria ceremony with a post game fireworks display.

For more information and to get your tickets call the Mavericks Box Office at 760-246-6287.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the High Desert Mavericks. Click here to view the original story.

Jamestown Jammers to Hold Can Food Drive

Team up with Area Credit Unions & Harley-Davidson of Jamestown

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Jamestown, NY- For the fourth straight year, the Jamestown Jammers will team up with the Jamestown Chapter of the Credit Union Association of New York for a canned food drive. New this year, Harley-Davidson of Jamestown has joined the event to bring extra support to the Community. This drive will benefit the St. Susan Center in Jamestown and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Youth Organization in Dunkirk.

The food drive will take place at a Jammers game on July 18th against the Connecticut Tigers at 7:05 p.m. Items will start being collected at the gates when they open at 6:00pm. A Harley-Davidson trailer will be on site at Diethrick Park to collect non-perishable food items. All fans who donate will have a chance to win a wide array of prizes; the more items fans donate the more chances they will have to WIN! The prizes include amongst other items, $250 worth of Harley-Davidson items, autographed balls, and team signed bats.

Last year, the Jammers and the local credit unions combined to collect 500 pounds of food to benefit the St. Susan Center, which provides hot, nutritious meals to those in need and the CYO which also helps feed the hungry through its food closet program. In the past three years, over 1,250 pounds of food have been donated.

This year, the participating Credit Unions from the Jamestown Chapter are; Affinity One FCU, Cattaraugus County EFCU, Greater Chautauqua FCU, Inner Lakes FCU, Jamestown Area Community FCU, Jamestown Post Office ECU, Southern Chautauqua FCU, and SUNY Fredonia FCU to collect food for both food banks.

Tickets are available for next Thursday’s game at all of the Credit Union locations listed above, plus at Harley-Davidson of Jamestown’s store front. Fans need to bring their tickets to the park along with at least one non-perishable food item for admission to the game and a chance at the prizes being given out.

The Jamestown Jammers are a short-season Class A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates. The team is owned by Rich Products Corporation, which also owns two other minor league teams. For more information about the Jammers or a complete schedule of games and promotions, visit www.jamestownjammers.com.

Jamestown Jammers Baseball…”The BUCS Start Here!”

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

Marlins, FSL continue scholarship program for 2013

168 scholarships have been awarded over 14 years

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (May 30, 2013) – The Miami Marlins and Florida State League, for the fourteenth straight year, will fund the Florida State League Scholarship Program for the 2013 baseball season.

The scholarships have a monetary value of $1,500 each and will be presented to a student employee, child or grandchild of an employee of Florida State League teams. Selection will be based on grades, leadership capabilities and job performance. A total of 168 scholarships have been awarded to qualified applicants since the inception of the program.

The Miami Marlins provide a generous contribution to the scholarship program. The purpose of the program is to encourage and reward our school age applicants and to send a message that an education is the key to success in life.

For more information on the Miami Marlins Florida State League Scholarship Program call the Florida State League office at (386) 252-7479.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Fort Myers Miracle. Click here to view the original story.

New York-Penn League Announces 2013 Scholarship Competition

Graduating high school seniors from each of the league’s 14 markets competing for over $10,000

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ST. PETERSBURG, FL – The Class-A Short-Season New York-Penn League and its member clubs are proud to announce that the league’s philanthropic arm, the NYPL Charitable Foundation, will once again award over $10,000 in scholarships this summer to deserving high school graduates from the league’s 14 markets.

Now in its fifth year, the 2013 NYPL Scholarship Contest is open to any graduating senior from a public or private high school within the league’s footprint. Any student who has been accepted at a two or four-year college or university, vocational school, or technical education institution is eligble. Applicants will be judged based on academic performance, volunteer and extracurricular activities, and the impact their local NYPL club and Minor League Baseball have had on their lives.

The scholarship contest will consist of two stages – a local round and a divisional round. In the local stage, students will apply directly to their local NYPL team, with one applicant chosen by each of the 14 teams to advance to the divisional/final round. The 14 finalists will be separated by the division of the team they represent. The winning application from each of the NYPL’s three divisions (McNamara, Pinckney and Stedler) will receive the top prize of a $2,500 scholarship. All other finalists will receive a $250 book award.

“The New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation and our 14 member clubs are committed to giving back to our local communities and our annual scholarship competition has become one of the anchors of our community outreach program over the past five years,” said Ben J. Hayes, President of the New York-Penn League. “In addition to selecting those students who meet and exceed traditional scholarship criteria, we enjoy being able to assist those who have enjoyed many special memories with their hometown team over the years.”

The New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation initiated the scholarship program in 2009 as a way to assist high school seniors from within our league’s footprint who not only meet and exceed traditional scholarship criteria, but have also demonstrated the positive benefits their local NYPL club has had on their life,” said Ben J. Hayes, President of the New York-Penn League. “The Foundation is pleased to have this scholarship program in place and to support our 14 member clubs in their year-round community outreach efforts.”

High school seniors interested in entering the 2013 Scholarship Contest can obtain the official application from the Jamestown Jammers front office located at Diethrick Park, by clicking here or by visiting the league’s official website, New York-Penn League.com.

The deadline to submit applications to the Jammers front office is June 28, 2013. Each club’s winner, including the three $2,500 scholarship recipients, will be selected in late July and honored at a game in August.

The New York-Penn League and its 14 member clubs created the New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, in 2003. The mission of the Foundation is to provide focus and support for the collective and individual charitable and community efforts of the New York-Penn League, its Clubs, and their staff.

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

Sand Gnats Annual ‘Pink in the Park’ this Saturday, May 11

Savannah, GA – On Saturday, May 11, the Savannah Sand Gnats join forces with the Coastal Georgia Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure to bring awareness to breast cancer and raise funds for local breast health programs and critical breast cancer research.

As in years past, Sand Gnats players will take the field in special pink jerseys. Throughout the game, fans are encouraged to bid on each jersey. After the game, the highest bidders will be presented with their jersey by their respective player.

The Sand Gnats will donate All proceeds of the pink jersey auction to Komen Coastal Georgia. Pink bases and coaches jerseys will also be auctioned.

“It’s a great night for a great cause,” says President John Katz.

Any breast cancer survivors who participated in the most recent Savannah Race for the Cure on April 13 are asked to wear their race t-shirt for free admission to the baseball game.

Fans are encouraged to stay afterward for a free fireworks show.

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UPCOMING SERIES VS. ROME BRAVES, MAY 9-12

This will be the first full four-game series at home against the Rome Braves for the Sand Gnats, Thursday May 9 to Sunday May 12. After two different split series in April, the Sand Gnats are 3-4 against the Braves (one game had been postponed due to inclement weather). Probable pitchers are RHP Gabriel Ynoa (3-2, 3.49), RHP Steven Matz (1-0, 1.96), RHP Rainy Lara (4-1, 1.45) and LHP Matthew Koch (1-1, 6.75). Enjoy half off small sodas and draft beers on Thirsty Thursday presented by Budweiser.

ABOUT THE SAVANNAH SAND GNATS
The Savannah Sand Gnats, the Class-A affiliate of the New York Mets, is a professional minor league baseball team and a member of the South Atlantic League. Savannah plays its home games at Historic Grayson Stadium in Savannah, Georgia, just minutes from downtown Savannah. Historic Grayson Stadium is situated within Savannah’s Daffin Park, creating a unique atmosphere and a “Park within a Park” setting. Follow the Savannah Sand Gnats at www.sandgnats.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sandgnats and on twitter at @gnatsbaseball.

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

Rock Cats to Host Welcome Home Player Dinner for Connecticut Children’s Medical Center

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The New Britain Rock Cats Baseball Club, the Double-A Eastern League Affiliate of the Minnesota Twins, has announced its “Welcome Home Dinner” will take place on Tuesday, April 2 at Hawks Landing Country Club in Southington.  Fans will have the opportunity to have dinner with the players before the 2013 season starts.  A team autograph session will take place at 5:00pm and dinner will be served at 6:00 pm with each table featuring a player or coach.  The Rock Cats Foundation along with the New Britain Elks Lodge #957, Connecticut Children’s Medical Center and Gordon Bonetti Florist will sponsor the annual “meet the team” event, as the club arrives from spring training.  Individual tickets are only $35 for adults and $25 for children (12 and under), with the proceeds benefiting the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center.  Tickets are on sale at the box office or by calling the Rock Cats at 860-224-8383 ext 22.  Tables and event sponsorship opportunities are available for local businesses.  Tickets are sold on a first come first serve basis. This popular event is expected to sell out.

The Annual “Rock Cats Welcome Home Dinner” serves as an occasion to celebrate the arrival of spring and the start of another professional baseball season in Connecticut.  Members of the Rock Cats organization- players, coaches, front office personnel and Rocky, (the team’s popular mascot)- will be present at this festive dinner.  As in the past, Rock Cats players will meet and greet all those in attendance, while also expressing their collective appreciation for the tremendous support the community has extended to this franchise for more than three decades.

Proceeds from the “Rock Cats Welcome Home Dinner” will benefit the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, which is dedicated to improving the physical and emotional health of children through family-centered care, research, education and advocacy.  “This unique event provides the public a unique opportunity to spend an evening with the players they will be rooting for this season while benefiting a wonderful cause in the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center,” Rock Cats President John Willi said.

The Rock Cats open their 31st season on April 4 in Richmond, Virginia and return to the Hardware City a week later on Thursday, April 11 (6:05) for the home opener against the Red Sox affiliate, the Portland Sea Dogs.

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

Community award named for Moss

Longtime Sally League president was committed to charity

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Minor League Baseball™ Charities announced today that it has created a community service award that will bear the name of a longtime, former South Atlantic League president. Beginning this year, the John Henry Moss Community Service Award will be presented annually at the Baseball Winter Meetings™ to a club that has demonstrated an outstanding, on-going commitment to charitable service and has exhibited support and leadership within its local community and the baseball industry.

The award honors Moss for his dedication and charitable service to baseball and his community during his 50-year tenure as a league president. Moss founded the South Atlantic League and presided over it from 1959-2008. He died in 2009 at the age of 90.

He also served as the mayor of his native Kings Mountain, N.C., from 1965-88. During his tenure, Moss obtained more than $40 million in federal grants for his city, resulting in numerous improvement projects. One such project included the building of the Kings Mountain Reservoir, also known as Moss Lake, named in his honor.

He also served as president of the Cleveland County (N.C.) Sports Commission. Gardner-Webb University in nearby Boiling Spring, N.C., named its baseball park John Henry Moss Stadium as a tribute to his long-term relationship with the school and Moss’ many financial contributions to it.

“Our clubs do a tremendous job of becoming involved in their communities, especially when it comes to charitable endeavors,” said MiLB™ assistant director of business development Jill Dedene, who manages the day-to-day operations of Minor League Baseball Charities. “We felt it was time that we annually recognize one of our clubs for its exceptional community service. Naming the award after John Moss, the longest tenured president in Minor League Baseball history who dedicated his life to public and community service, ensures that his numerous contributions to our industry and others will always be remembered.”

“I think it is great that an award has been created to acknowledge the charitable and philanthropic efforts of the clubs,” South Atlantic League president Eric Krupa said. “Using John’s name in the award is an excellent way to honor his legacy. He certainly deserves to be remembered for all that he did for the game of baseball and for his contributions to his own community of Kings Mountain, as well as those to many of the communities that now host Minor League Baseball teams.”

“I know that John would be extremely honored to have this award named after him because he loved to give to his community,” said Moss’ niece, Cindy Meek, who granted MiLB Charities the permission to use his name for the award. “Hopefully this will encourage others to do the same.”

Each of the 14 domestic-based leagues whose clubs charge admission to their games can nominate one of their clubs for the honor. MiLB™ Charities will then select a winner from these nominees.

Some of the criteria that will be used to choose the winning club include the community service involvement of players, staff and/or ownership, company policies or programs that promote volunteerism among the staff, club-sponsored charitable initiatives and programs, donations to local not-for-profit organizations and community groups, involvement with civic organizations, participation in league-wide initiatives and committees, support of MiLB Charity Partners and engagement with MiLB Charities, and support of baseball-related not-for profit organizations, among others.

About MiLB Charities
Minor League Baseball Charities is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization dedicated to giving back to, and enhancing, the communities its teams call home. Through donations and support it receives from fans, teams and partners, MiLB Charities is able to contribute to local organizations in times of need and support causes that are important to its extended baseball family. Minor League Baseball Charities is affiliated with the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues.

The mission of Minor League Baseball Charities is to give back and to enhance communities that have supported its member clubs for more than 100 years. When hardship strikes one of its member cities and surrounding communities, MiLB Charities will be there to provide a positive example that will impact the communities in which its leagues and clubs live and work. Minor League Baseball Charities will set an example by working with established charities for the greater good and by identifying worthy causes for support through the central office along with the aid of its member clubs.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Minor League Baseball. Click here to view the original story.

School Supply Drive Throughout July

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Throughout the month of July, the High Desert Mavericks are collecting school supplies for local students through Desert Communities United Way. Donations will be collected during all home games in July at the Customer Service Corral or the Box Office. For each school supply item donated, fans will receive one free Lower Box ticket. For more information, contact the Front Office at (760) 246-6287.

Desert Communities United Way (DCUW) is a local non-profit organization which participates and cooperates with other agencies to coordinate health and human services to best meet the needs of our communities in the Victor Valley. Their offices are located at 16192 Siskiyou Rd. #4 in Apple Valley.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the High Desert Mavericks. Click here to view the original story.

Money From Last Homestand Given to Red Cross

More than $1,000 to be used to help fire victimes

The Yakima Bears were proud to present the American Red Cross with $1,110 Wednesday. The funds were raised during the team’s most recent homestand to help the victims of the Taylor Bridge Fire in central Washington.

Money was accepted at each of the six games the Bears played from Thursday to Tuesday. There were cups at each concession stand and a bucket near the front gate where fans could drop cash donations. Bears fans also participated in nightly raffles with the winners taking home a variety of jerseys and team-signed baseballs.

“It was exciting to see the response from our fans, who were inspiring with their generosity,” said Bears general manager K.L. Wombacher.

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

Bears to Accept Donations for Fire Victims

Fans can donate in a variety of ways

The Yakima Bears have announced that throughout the six-game homestand beginning today the team will be collecting donations for the victims of the Taylor Bridge fire.

“While we can only imagine the hardships suffered by our neighbors in central Washington, we know that with roughly 10,000 people expected to come through Yakima County Stadium over the next six days we can provide an avenue for aid,” said Bears General Manager K.L. Wombacher.

The Bears will have a bucket at the front gate and collection jars at concession stands for all six games. The team will also be holding a raffle for game-worn jerseys and team signed baseballs on a nightly basis. The Bears will give 100% of the funds collected to the Ellensburg Chapter of the American Red Cross to help victims of the fire.

As of Wednesday, it had been reported the fire near Ellensburg and Cle Elum in central Washington had burned approximately 22,000 acres and hundreds of people had been displaced.

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