M-Braves Partnering With MiLB To Launch CommUNITY First Campaign

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

For every $10 donated, the M-Braves will donate one ticket to a future home game to a local hero

PEARL, April 28, 2020 – The Mississippi Braves today announced they are joining MiLB CommUNITY First, a new national initiative developed by Minor League Baseball, in conjunction with Feeding America® and Mississippi Food Network to raise funds for local food banks and to honor individuals risking their lives on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

M-Braves fans are encouraged to visit MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirstthrough May 31 to donate. Once on the site, fans can choose their donation amount and the Mississippi Braves as the recipient of their donation to direct funds to the central Mississippi community. For every $10 donated, the M-Braves will donate one ticket to a future home game this season or in 2021 to a local hero of the pandemic.

“The central Mississippi community is known for rallying around those that are in need. The M-Braves, together with our fans, look forward to partnering with MiLB CommUNITY First, Feeding America and our friends at the Mississippi Food Network on this important initiative.”

School closures, rising unemployment and rising poverty due to quarantine and extended stay-at-home orders have disproportionately impacted people already at risk of hunger and could result in an estimated additional 17.1 million people experiencing food insecurity in the next six months, according to Feeding America. As the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization with a network of more than 200 affiliates, Feeding America has projected a $1.4 billion shortfall in the next six months alone.

In response, contributions from Mississippi Braves fans and Minor League Baseball will help ensure families and individuals across the country most impacted by the pandemic are fed and cared for during these uncertain times. Join the national campaign by donating and selecting MISSISSIPPI BRAVES at MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst and use #MiLBCommUNITYFirst on social media to show your support.

 

M-Braves Holding National Anthem and Mascot Auditions Saturday, March 7th

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PEARL, MS — The Mississippi Braves are once again looking for local talent to perform at games this season. Auditions for the National Anthem and mascots will be held Saturday, March 7 at Trustmark Park, from 10 am to 2 pm. Individuals or groups may participate.

WHAT: National Anthem and Mascot Auditions
WHEN: Saturday, March 7 from 10 am-2 pm
WHERE: Trustmark Park

“We are excited to be having our annual National Anthem tryouts for the upcoming season,” said Mississippi Braves promotions and entertainment manager Ali Nerini. “We are looking for individuals who will represent the M-Braves in performing a powerful rendition of our National Anthem.”

National Anthem Auditions: 
Candidates will perform over the stadium PA system. Come prepared with a traditional rendition of the National Anthem. The chosen singers will perform at M-Braves’ home games during the 2020 season. Choirs and larger groups are welcome to audition to deliver the National Anthem. Participants will be judged on a cappella and acoustic instrumental renditions only, as no electric or amplified instruments can be utilized for game day performances. All singers who would like to sing the anthem in 2020, including those who have sung at an M-Braves game in the past, are required to attend this audition. Video audition tapes will not be accepted.

“Our mascots are an important part of the experience at Trustmark Park,” added Nerini. “We will be looking for energetic, fun-loving people who love nothing more than bringing smiles to fans’ faces!”

Mascot Auditions:
The Braves are looking for energetic, friendly and enthusiastic individuals to fulfill this position. A suit will not be provided for your audition, so bring your own or be prepared to audition without a suit. Come prepared with a 30-second routine of your choice as well as being ready for an improv performance.
Auditions will take place inside Trustmark Park, and participants will enter through the main gate. Local celebrities and Braves staff will judge the auditions. There is no appointment necessary, and performers will audition in the order in which they arrive. The tryout is open to all area performers and musicians, allowing Braves fans the unique chance to be a valuable part of the game-day atmosphere. Also, any tryout participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the audition.

The 2020 season begins on Thursday, April 9, when the M-Braves host the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp. 2020 season tickets, group outings, and sponsorship are on sale through the Mississippi Braves front office. For more information on membership packages, call 888-BRAVES4 or visit mississippibraves.com.

 

M-Braves to host Job Fair on Saturday, Feb. 15

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PEARL, MS – Visit Trustmark Park’s Farm Bureau Grill, Saturday, Feb. 15, from 10 am to 3 pm for the M-Braves’ 2020 Job Fair. M-Braves staff members will conduct open interviews on a first-come, first-serve basis for seasonal, part-time positions.

Applicants should be energetic, friendly, dependable and ready to contribute to the family atmosphere of Trustmark Park.

“We pride ourselves on providing the best guest experience in all of Minor League Baseball,” said Mississippi Braves vice president and general manager Pete Laven. “These interviews provide individuals an opportunity to join the M-Braves family, help us serve our fans, and make some additional money during the summer months.”

Attendees will have the chance to interview for a variety of positions, including:

Food & Beverage 
Bartender
Catering Food Prep
Concession Stand Attendant
Concession Stand Cook
Dishwasher
Host/Hostesses
Kitchen Prep Staff
Line Cooks
Restaurant Wait Staff
Suite Attendants

Stadium Operations:
Bat Boy
Clean Up / Custodial
Fun Zone Attendants
Grounds Crew
Merchandise Store Attendant
Money Audit Staff
Parking Attendant
Usher

Ticket Operations:
Ticket Seller
Ticket Taker

Production & Promotions:
Camera Operator
Mascot
Promotions Team
PA Announcer
Video Board Operators
Video Production Crew

Press Box:
Pitch Clock/Trackman Operators

These jobs are all paid and include the opportunity to work many of the team’s 70 home games and other special events between March and September. All applicants are required to attend the M-Braves Job Fair. Applicants are encouraged to submit an application online via the link below.

SUBMIT ONLINE APPLICATION

All applicants must be at least 16 years of age and able to work nights, weekends, and some holidays.

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

M-Braves launch Braves Bookworms Reading Program

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PEARL, MS – The Mississippi Braves are pleased to announce the implementation of the Braves Bookworms Reading Program. The program was created to encourage and enhance literacy among the youth of Central Mississippi. The program is entirely free for students and educators.

Braves Bookworms is designed to help promote a lifelong love of reading and baseball in children through a partnership with local schools. All students from Pre-K through 8th grade are invited to participate. Braves Bookworms incentivizes students to read outside the classroom by rewarding them for reaching specific goals set by their teachers. The program is designed to run for four weeks, beginning in January, 2020.

Schools participating will have the opportunity to invite Mississippi Braves mascots and staff to present a Braves Bookworm Kickoff Pep Rally at the school to encourage participation and communicate the importance of reading. These Pep Rallies will be scheduled on a first-come first-served basis to schools within 30 miles of Trustmark Park.

Students participating in the program will receive an M-Braves bookmark. Once the students’ objectives are complete from your teacher, the bookmark becomes a ticket voucher that can be exchanged for an actual ticket at the Trustmark Park for a 2020 Mississippi Braves home game between April 9 – June 15! They are required to reach goals set by educators while they “Read Around the Bases,” creating a customizable incentive-based program to encourage children to read. Specific Reading Program dates will be set to recognize students for completing the program with a pregame ceremony and parade around the field.

To sign your school up for the program, fill out the ONLINE REGISTRATION FORM and send it back to the Braves either by mail, fax, or email. Once we receive your enrollment, we will contact you regarding our game dates, Reading Pep Rally as well as delivery of your program materials. Please contact the Braves by calling 888-BRAVES4 or emailing us at [email protected].

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

M-Braves blanked on Saturday in front of 5,473 fans for Pediatric Cancer Awareness Night

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PEARL, MS – In front of a crowd of 5,473 at Trustmark Park on Saturday, the Birmingham Barons (55-66, 28-24) turned the tables on the Mississippi Braves (58-65, 25-29), tossing a one-hit shutout to win the rubber match of the series, 3-0.

The Mississippi Braves, in partnership with Gold Glove Charites, recognized local youth on Saturday by wearing the name of a child battling cancer on the back of each specially designed jersey. Those jerseys were sold via silent auction with funds going towards custom-designed, once-in-a-lifetime experiences for local children battling cancer.

Claudio Custodio  (L, 4-4) made his second-straight start for the M-Braves on Saturday, throwing a season-high 82 pitches, but suffering the loss. Over 3.2 innings, the 28-year-old gave up three runs on fives hits while striking out four and walking four.

Birmingham scored all three of their runs in the top of the third inning. Nate Nolan and former M-Brave Luis Valenzuela reached on singles to start the inning, but Custodio bounced back and sat down the next two batters. With two outs, Damek Tomscha, Gavin Sheets and Ti’Quan Forbes recorded three-straight RBI singles to give Birmingham the lead.

For the second time in three games, a Birmingham starter was perfect through 3.0 innings. Tanner Banks (W, 2-7) struck out five over 7.0 innings of one-hit baseball, notching his first win since June 6. Ray-Patrick Didder  led off the bottom of the fourth inning with a single, Mississippi’s lone hit on the night.

Once again the M-Braves’ bullpen was fantastic. Tyler Matzek  made his organizational debut on Saturday, and the former Rockies first-round pick (11th overall) in 2009 retired all seven batters, striking out five over the 2.1 innings. Matzek was signed by Atlanta on Wednesday and Mwas assigned to the roster on Friday. The California native was pitching for the Independent American Association’s Texas Airhogs.

Jason Hursh  made his first appearance since being activated from the IL on Wednesday and worked 2.0 innings of one-hit baseball, striking out two. Ben Rowen , the submarine right-hander, struck out two over a perfect top of the ninth inning. The three relievers combined for 5.1 innings of one-hit baseball, walking nobody and striking out nine.

Luis Ramirez (S, 4) came in for Banks in the eighth inning and pitched the final 2.0 innings to finish off the shutout.

The Barons clinched the season series, taking six of ten meetings in 2019 from the Braves.

The M-Braves begin the second-leg of the 11-game homestand on Sunday and welcome the Pensacola Blue Wahoos for six games in five days. RHP Connor Johnstone  (5-3, 4.23) will start for the M-Braves against RHP Jhoan Duran (1-3, 7.58) for the Wahoos. First pitch is set for 5:05 pm with coverage beginning at 4:50 pm on 103.9 WYAB, TuneIn Radio, First Pitch App. and MiLB.tv (subscription required).

Sunday’s Promotions:
Mugshots Sunday Family Fun Day – Take advantage of a ticket deal and bring out the entire family. Receive (1) Dugout Level seat, (1) hot dog, (1) 16 oz fountain soda, (1) small popcorn, (1) M-Braves cap, and (1) FREE Fun Zone wristband FOR ONLY $18. Additional tickets with extras are $18 each. (AVAILABLE AT THE BOX OFFICE ONLY).
Kids Run The Bases – After each Friday and Sunday home game, kids 14-and-under are invited run the bases like the M-Braves after the game!

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

M-Braves Honoring Local Kids Fighting Cancer on Saturday

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All M-Braves players and coaches will wear specialty jerseys with each adorning the name of a child fighting cancer. These jerseys will be auctioned off on the stadium concourse during the game by Gold Glove volunteers via silent auction with proceeds funding custom-designed, once-in-a-lifetime experiences for local children battling cancer.

The children participating are mainly from Batson Children’s Hospital of Mississippi.

“The M-Braves are proud to team up with Mike Martin and Gold Glove Charities on this impactful event,” said Pete Laven, vice president, and general manager for the Mississippi Braves. “We are grateful to Children’s of Mississippi for bringing our organization together with these brave children and their families for an enjoyable night of baseball at Trustmark Park.”

“Gold Glove Charities is excited to partner with both Children’s of Mississippi and the Mississippi Braves,” added Mike Martin, founder of Gold Glove Charities. “Everyone involved has embraced this night to showcase and honor some amazing children who are fighting cancer. We look forward to a long partnership that will continue to provide custom-designed once-in-a-lifetime experiences to local kids who are battling cancer!”

There will be a meet and greet on-field before the game and photo shoot for a Gold Glove calendar with kids and players. The kids will be paired with the player that is wearing their name on the back of their jersey during introductions as they take the field and exit the third base dugout.

At the end of the fourth inning, a “Home Run for Life” will take place in which both teams will line up on each baseline as one child rounds the bases.

The silent jersey auction will conclude at the end of the seventh inning.

Saturday is also Princess Night at Trustmark Park with a pregame Daddy/Daughter Princess Parade and Post-Game Fireworks following the game. Anna and Elsa will be on hand to take pictures with fans. For tickets or more information, visit mississippibraves.com.

M-Braves to Salute Military and First Responders with $5 Tickets All Season

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PEARL, MS – The Mississippi Braves are proud to announce that beginning in 2019; all members and veterans of all branches of the U.S. military and first responders/emergency personnel will receive $5 field level tickets ($7 discount) to all Mississippi Braves home games when presenting a valid ID. This expanded discount on tickets for all Mississippi Braves home games at Trustmark Park to our local heroes is an extension of SportClips Military Monday and AMR First Responders Wednesday.

On SportClips Military Monday this season, FREE field level or general admission tickets will be offered to all members and veterans of all branches of the U.S. military. One random fan, representing the military, will receive a SportClips prize pack. AMR First Responders Wednesday offers FREE field level or general admission tickets to first responders/emergency personnel.

“The M-Braves want to say thank you to all members of our armed forces and first responders/emergency personnel for their service and sacrifice,” said Mississippi Braves Vice President and General Manager, Pete Laven. “Recognizing these exemplary citizens by providing them a fun ballpark experience is something which the Braves and our partners SportClips and AMR are very proud. We look forward to seeing these local heroes and their friends and family at Trustmark Park this season.”

“To keep our communities safe day and night, emergency responders must often sacrifice time with their families,” said Stan Alford, Operations Manager, AMR Central Mississippi. “Thanks to the M-Braves’ promotions for first responders, fire, police and EMS personnel can enjoy more games at the ballpark with their loved ones all season long. It’s AMR’s special joy to team up with the Braves to make these promotions possible.”

The military discount is not available for tickets ordered online, and purchases must be made at the Trustmark Park box office. Fans may now secure their single-game tickets for each of the 70 Mississippi Braves games at Trustmark Park. Tickets may be purchased at mississippibraves.com, by calling 888-BRAVES4 or stopping by the Trustmark Park box office Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. The Braves will open their 15th season at Trustmark Park on Wednesday, April 10 at 6:35 pm, featuring a Post-Game Fireworks Extravaganza. Fans will save from the day-of-game pricing by purchasing tickets in advance. The season begins on the road at Tennessee on April 4.

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

Atlanta Braves Foundation Awards $2,500 Grant to Girl Scouts of Greater Mississippi

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PEARL, MS – The Mississippi Braves, in partnership with the Atlanta Braves Foundation, recently awarded a $2,500 grant to the Girl Scouts of Greater Mississippi.

As a grant recipient, the Girl Scouts of Greater Mississippi will support the Girl Scout Leadership Experience for underserved girls that focuses on the Girl Scout anti-bullying campaign and provides hands-on STEM Badge Activities.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Braves and this great opportunity to partner and work together for our youth,” said Becky Traweek, CEO of the Girl Scouts of Greater Mississippi. “This grant will allow us to work with more girls in underserved areas and bring Girl Scouts to those that might not be able to participate. We are also looking forward to another successful baseball season in 2019!”

“The Braves Foundation strives to support the local community through as many channels as possible,” said Adrian Williams, Atlanta Braves’ Senior Director of Diversity and Community. “Giving back to those in Braves Country is extremely important to the Braves.”

“On behalf of the M-Braves, we consider it a privilege to partner with the Girl Scouts of Greater Mississippi and join their mission in serving the youth of our region,” added Pete Laven, Mississippi Braves’ Vice President, and General Manager.

The Atlanta Braves Foundation is the non-profit arm of the Atlanta Braves and raises money throughout the year through various initiatives such as a 50/50 raffle, ballpark, and online auctions, Braves License Plate program, SunTrust Park Brick Paver Program and an annual golf tournament. The Atlanta Braves Foundation announced in September that it has contributed $315,000 to charities in Braves Country, and will award 29 local non-profit organizations with grants to fund their 2018-19 initiatives.

For more information on the Atlanta Braves Foundation and the grant program, visit www.Braves.com/grants.

The M-Braves will open the 2019 season on the road against the Tennessee Smokies, April 4-8, before beginning the 15th season at Trustmark Park against the Mobile BayBears, April 10-14.

2019 season tickets and holiday stocking stuffer packs are on sale now! For more information, call the M-Braves Front Office at 601.932.8788 or 888-BRAVES4, or visit www.mississippibraves.com. Individual tickets start at just $6!

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

M-Braves Collecting Food and Supply Donations for Hurricane Michael Relief Efforts Through End of October

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PEARL, MS – The Mississippi Braves, Double-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves will be collecting food and supply donations at Trustmark Park through the end of the month to assist those affected by Hurricane Michael. All items donated will be given to Feeding Florida, which assists the Panhandle and Tallahassee areas, and Feeding the Valley, which aids Southwest Georgia and Columbus. The team is also asking Braves Country to donate to the Red Cross Hurricane Relief efforts by visiting www.redcross.org/atlantabraves.

“Seeing the devastation caused by Hurricane Michael was our call to action,” said Derek Schiller, Braves President, and CEO. “We encourage Braves Country to donate necessity items throughout October to help those impacted by the storm. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with those who are affected.”

Here is a list of items being collected by the teams: granola bars, peanut butter, tuna, soup, fruit (cups, canned or dried), cereal, grits and oatmeal, rice and pasta, bottled water, cleaning supplies and personal hygiene items. Trustmark Park will begin accepting donations on Thursday, Oct. 18 through the end of the month. 

The Mississippi Braves’ drop-off location for donations will be the front office at Trustmark Park (1 Braves Way, Pearl, MS 39208) Monday-Friday from 9 am – 5 pm. Those donating items will receive a voucher for (2) Field Level Tickets for the 2019 season.

Earlier this season, the Braves distributed over 6,000 tickets over three-days to those evacuated due to Hurricane Florence and raised $100,000 for Red Cross hurricane relief efforts through the 50/50 raffle and in-game silent auctions. For more information and other ways to donate, please visit www.braves.com/hurricanerelief.

The M-Braves will open the 2019 season on the road against the Tennessee Smokies, April 4-8, before commencing the 15th season at Trustmark Park against the Mobile BayBears, April 10-14.

2019 Season Tickets are on sale now! For more information, call the M-Braves Front Office at 601.932.8788 or 888-BRAVES4, or visit www.mississippibraves.com. Individual tickets start at just $6!

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

Atlanta Braves and their Minor League affiliates to collect food and supply donations for Hurricane Michael relief efforts through end of October

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ATLANTA (October 16, 2018) – The Atlanta Braves, Rome Braves, Mississippi Braves and Gwinnett Stripers, will collect food and supply donations through the end of the month to assist those effected by Hurricane Michael. All items donated will be given to Feeding Florida, which assists the Panhandle and Tallahassee areas, and Feeding the Valley, which aids Southwest Georgia and Columbus. The team is also asking Braves Country to donate to the Red Cross Hurricane Relief efforts by visiting www.redcross.org/atlantabraves.

“Seeing the devastation caused by Hurricane Michael was our call to action,” said Derek Schiller, Braves President and CEO. “We encourage Braves Country to donate necessity items throughout October to help those impacted by the storm. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with those who are affected.”

Here is a list of items being collected by the teams: granola bars, peanut butter, tuna, soup, fruit (cups, canned or dried), cereal, grits and oatmeal, rice and pasta, bottled water, cleaning supplies and personal hygiene items. All locations will start accepting donations starting tomorrow, October 17 through the end of the month.

The Atlanta Braves will be collecting donations at the SunTrust onUp Experience at The Battery Atlanta. Located at 800 Battery Ave. SE Suite #110, the store front will be open for donations seven-days a week from noon-6 p.m. Sunday-Wednesday and noon-8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday.

The Gwinnett Stripers will be collecting food and supply items at their ticket office (2500 Buford Drive, Lawrenceville, GA 30043) Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

The Mississippi Braves’ drop-off location for donations will be the front office at Trustmark Park (1 Braves Way, Pearl, MS 39208) Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The Rome Braves Ticket Office (755 Braves Blvd, Rome, GA 30161) will be accepting donations from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday-Friday till the end of the month. A second drop-off location will be at the Sara Hightower Regional Library’s front desk and children’s department (205 Riverdale Parkway, Rome, GA 30161) from 8:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturdays. Rome has also organized a one-day supply drive on Saturday, October 20 at the Braves Miracle Field of Rome from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Earlier this season, the Braves distributed over 6,000 tickets over three-days to those evacuated due to Hurricane Florence and raised $100,000 for Red Cross hurricane relief efforts through the 50/50 raffle and in-game silent auctions. For more information and other ways to donate, please visit www.braves.com/hurricanerelief.

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

M-Braves Announce 2018 Baseball Camp

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PEARL, MS – The annual Mississippi Braves Baseball Camp is scheduled for July 25-26. The two-day event takes place at Trustmark Park from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm each day and offers boys and girls between the ages of 5 and 14 the opportunity to work with professional baseball players and the M-Braves staff.

The cost of the camp is $100 per child or $75 for 2018 M-Braves season ticket holders. All participants must pre-register. Each camper receives individualized instruction on the fundamentals of baseball, a Mississippi Braves baseball and other merchandise, as well as a certificate of achievement at the completion of camp. Lunch will be served daily at approximately noon. Campers also receive two tickets to the Mississippi Braves game each night.

On the final day of camp, participants may obtain autographs from Mississippi Braves players and staff during an organized autograph session. Due to limited space, the camp is limited to 200 participants and is on a first-come, first-served basis. Each camper is required to bring his or her own glove. For more information, call 888-BRAVES4 or click the link below for the registration form.

2018 M-Braves Baseball Camp Registration Form

The Mississippi Braves are the Double-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. Since the inaugural 2005 season, 132 M-Braves have gone on to Major League Baseball. The M-Braves have made postseason play four times and went on to win the Southern League Championship in 2008. Stop by Trustmark Park or call 888-BRAVES4 Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. For the latest news and updates, visit mississippibraves.com or connect with @mbraves on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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

Trustmark Park to become smoke-free in 2018

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PEARL, MS – The Mississippi Braves have announced plans for a smoke-free Trustmark Park in 2018.

This initiative will be implemented with the support of Merit Health and The Mississippi Tobacco Quitline.

The smoke-free policy will prohibit smoking in the ballpark, including electronic devices and will apply to all Mississippi Braves staff, players and fans.

Trustmark Park becoming a smoke-free ballpark is part of a movement by the M-Braves to help exemplify a healthy environment and create a positive model for our youth to follow.

If you find you are ready to quit smoking, help is available. Merit Health and the MS Tobacco Quitline can provide resources to assist anyone that is ready to stop using tobacco.

Merit Health, a network of 9 hospitals and over 25 primary care clinics throughout the state of Mississippi, can provide medical assistance for smoking cessation. To schedule an appointment with a primary care provider near you, call 844-MSMERIT.

The Mississippi Tobacco Quitline is a telephone & online support service for any Mississippian who is ready to quit tobacco. If you or a friend or family member is ready to stop using tobacco, the Tobacco Quitline staff is available to help. Many Mississippians have contacted the Tobacco Quitline to take advantage of professional help to learn to be tobacco free. Information, referrals, and support are confidential, and support sessions are designed on a schedule that is convenient to the caller. You can reach the MS Tobacco Quitline at 1-800-784-8669 (1-800-QUITNOW). Services are free of charge.

The Mississippi Braves are the Double-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves and will open their 14th season on Thursday, April 5 against the Tennessee Smokies at Trustmark Park. Since the inaugural 2005 season, over 125 M-Braves have gone on to Major League Baseball. The M-Braves have made postseason play four times and went on to win the Southern League Championship in 2008. Stop by Trustmark Park or call 888-BRAVES4 Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. For the latest news and updates, visit mississippibraves.com or connect with @mbraves on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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

M-Braves to assist in Hattiesburg disaster relief efforts

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M-Braves to assist in Hattiesburg disaster relief efforts

Donations accepted at Trustmark Park in Pearl

By Miranda Black / Mississippi Braves

01/24/2017 3:38 PM ET

PEARL, MS — The Mississippi Braves, in conjunction with partners of The Connection, have teamed with The Salvation Army to spearhead a Central-Mississippi drive to aid in tornado relief efforts in the aftermath of devastating storms in the Hattiesburg area over the weekend.

In conjunction with The Connection, which is the area surrounding Trustmark Park including The Outlets of Mississippi, Bass Pro Shops, The Holiday Inn at Trustmark Park and Sam’s Club alongside the M-Braves, donations will be accepted near the main entrance at Trustmark Park starting Wednesday, January 25 at 9:00 AM.

“The Mississippi Braves strive to continue to be great supporters of our communities in Mississippi and feel we have the responsibility to assist wherever and whenever we can when our friends and neighbors in Mississippi are in need,” said M-Braves General Manager Steve DeSalvo. “However, our feeling of responsibility aside, most importantly, we have the sincere desire to help any way we can.”

The M-Braves will have a truck parked in front of Trustmark Park to collect relief items January 25 through February 3, between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM on weekdays (Monday through Friday). Items will later be transported to Hattiesburg by members of the Mississippi Braves staff.

For relief efforts in Hattiesburg, The Salvation Army is in need of the items listed below. At this time, due to storage space in the area, clothing cannot be accepted. However, if this changes, an announcement will be made.

  • Monetary Donations (cash/checks made out to The Salvation Army)
  • Non-Perishable Food (canned goods)
  • Water
  • Cleaning Supplies
  • Toiletries

“The M-Braves will make a substantial donation of goods ourselves, and we challenge our season ticket holders, sponsors, fans and fellow members of the community to assist,” DeSalvo added. “If we fill up a truckload, that will be fantastic, but we’re not afraid to fill up and deliver 10 truckloads if we can.”

The Mississippi Braves baseball team is the Double-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. Since the inaugural 2005 season, over 115 M-Braves have gone on to play in the big leagues. The M-Braves have made postseason play four times and went on to win the Southern League Championship in 2008. Stop by Trustmark Park or call 888-BRAVES4 Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. For the latest news and updates, visit mississippibraves.com or connect with @mbraves on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

M-Braves schedule ALS Awareness Nights

Braves to host several upcoming awareness nights to help ‘Strikeout ALS’

Mississippi-BravesThe Mississippi Braves baseball team is proud to announce three upcoming ALS Awareness Nights, benefiting The ALS Association: July 3, July 12 and August 22. ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, has no known cause or cure and progressively paralyzes its victims, attacking nerve cells and pathways in the brain or spinal cord.

We’re honored to have the Mississippi Braves’ support,” said Brandi Nickles, Care Services Director of the Louisiana-Mississippi Chapter of The ALS Association. “These events at Trustmark Park will bring a tremendous amount of awareness to the disease, as well as provide a fun event for those living with ALS and their families. In addition, the dollars raised from these events will provide much needed funding for research for finding a treatment and ultimately a cure for ALS.

ALS-logo2Minor League Baseball is a major supporter of The ALS Association because of baseball’s connection to Lou Gehrig,” said Steve DeSalvo, M-Braves General Manager. “This year marks the 75th anniversary of Lou Gehrig’s farewell speech. We’ve gotten behind the efforts of the Louisiana-Mississippi Chapter and plan to put on a lot of various events at Trustmark Park so we can help them not only find a cure but also a treatment for this fatal disease.

Since the M-Braves are not home on July 4, the anniversary of Gehrig’s famous speech, the Double-A Braves will honor Gehrig’s legacy and raise money for the fight against ALS on July 3. The Braves will also hold a charitable Tennis Ball Toss following the game prior to the Supersized Fireworks Show Independence Day Celebration. All proceeds will go to the fight against ALS.

On July 12, M-Braves players will wear special military/camouflage jerseys with ALS patches on the sleeves. The jerseys will be auctioned off during the game. Players will sign their respective jerseys after the game before handing them over to the highest bidders. 100% of the auction proceeds go to the ALS Association. The Braves will also donate $2 to the ALSA for every ticket purchased to the game.

On August 22, M-Braves players will wear special military/camouflage caps with the ALS and Mississippi Army National Guard logos incorporated on them. Similar to the jerseys, each cap will be signed by the player and auctioned off with 100% of the proceeds going to the ALS Association. The first 1,500 fans through the gates will get one of the free replica caps. Once again, the Braves will donate $2 to the ALSA for every ticket purchased to the game along with 100% of that night’s proceeds from the post-game Tennis Ball Toss.

Walk-to-Defeat-ALSAs previously announced, the annual Walk to Defeat ALS has been relocated to Trustmark Park with the M-Braves commitment as presenting sponsor. The walk is scheduled for Saturday, September 27. The Walk to Defeat ALS is The ALS Association’s signature event in which all funds directly support cutting-edge research, programs and patient care. All interested walkers should call 800-891-3746, or register online at http://web.alsa.org/Jackson2014.

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

M-Braves to host Walk to Defeat ALS

Trustmark Park to host awareness walk and other events September 27

MississippiBraves_2014-06-07

Mississippi-BravesIn conjunction with The ALS Association Louisiana-Mississippi Chapter, the Mississippi Braves baseball team is proud to announce its commitment as presenting sponsor of the 2014 Jackson Walk to Defeat ALS. Trustmark Park will host the annual event Saturday, September 27.

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, progressively paralyzes its victims, attacking nerve cells and pathways in the brain or spinal cord. ALS has no known cause or cure, but the community is rallying together to help change that. The ALS Association is a perfect fit for the Mississippi Braves. M-Braves General Manager Steve DeSalvo has agreed to serve as Chairman of the Walk to Defeat ALS. Trustmark Park will also host other events over the weekend to raise more money and awareness for ALS.

Walk-to-Defeat-ALS“Minor League Baseball is a major supporter of The ALS Association because of baseball’s connection to Lou Gehrig,” DeSalvo said. “This year marks the 75th anniversary of Lou Gehrig’s farewell speech. We’ve gotten behind the efforts of the Louisiana-Mississippi Chapter and plan to put on a lot of various events at Trustmark Park so we can help them not only find a cure but also a treatment for this fatal disease.”

Kelly Viator, Executive Director of The ALS Association Louisiana-Mississippi Chapter, is excited to have the Braves on board. “We’re very grateful for the Mississippi Braves’ support of our signature event, the Walk to Defeat ALS,” Viator stated.

“This event builds awareness of ALS, raises funds to support patient services and research for treatment and a cure, and brings the community together for an important cause,” she said. “As the presenting sponsor and host for the walk, the Braves will have a significant impact on families living with ALS in the Jackson area. We’re looking forward to a successful partnership.”

In addition to hosting the Walk to Defeat ALS, the Braves will host A Night with The ALS Association on Thursday, July 10 in the Farm Bureau Grill at Trustmark Park. Guests will enjoy light refreshments and learn more about the work that The ALS Association Louisiana-Mississippi Chapter is doing in the Jackson area and how community business leaders can become involved as corporate supporters.

I was fortunate enough to accompany a group of pALS (persons living with ALS), caregivers, Chapter staff and friends on a trip to Washington D.C. in May to tell their story to the Mississippi legislature,” DeSalvo explained. “This has had a huge impact on me, and I want to ask the Jackson-Metro Area to help ‘Strike out ALS’.

For more information or to attend A Night with The ALS Association, contact Chelsea Moreau at 225-343-9880, ext. 6 or [email protected]

Persons with ALS (pALS) will gather with their families and friends at The Walk to Defeat ALS, hoping their steps will make a difference for ALS patients living in Jackson. Many who walk have a loved one who is still fighting the deadly disease. Others walk in memory of a loved one. Some walk out of a simple concern for those who are suffering with Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

With a life expectancy of only two to five years, patients have an urgent need, and the community is stepping in to fill it by walking for those who can’t. The Walk to Defeat ALS is The ALS Association’s signature event in which all funds directly support cutting-edge research, programs and patient care.

Last year’s events in Louisiana and Mississippi raised $535,000. The ALS Association Louisiana-Mississippi Chapter holds six walks throughout the two states annually. The chapter aims to raise $600,000 this year to continue ALS research and to extend local patient services programs. The Mississippi Braves baseball team is the first presenting level sponsor in the history of the Jackson walk.

All interested walkers should call 800-891-3746, or register online at http://web.alsa.org/Jackson2014.

About The ALS Association Louisiana-Mississippi Chapter

The ALS Association Louisiana-Mississippi Chapter was founded in April 2005 to serve the needs of those living with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and their caregivers. The ALS Association is the only national not-for-profit health organization dedicated solely to the fight against ALS. The Louisiana-Mississippi Chapter works with The ALS Association’s National Office to accomplish a shared mission. Our chapter focuses primarily on helping local patients and families living with ALS while the National Office focuses primarily on research and national advocacy. The Chapter supports the National Office through revenue sharing and research contributions. The National Office supports the Chapters by providing up-to-date information and materials. For more information about The ALS Association Louisiana-Mississippi Chapter, go to www.ALSALAMS.org.
About the Mississippi Braves

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