Tides looking for Youth Field Makeover nominations

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

The Norfolk Tides are looking for nominations for our annual Youth Field Makeover Project.

The field makeover includes an upgrade to the playing surface from our groundscrew and front office staff. To nominate a field, send a photo of the field and a brief description by email to John Rogerson at JRogerson@norfolktides.com. Nominations are due by September 17th, and there will then be a contest on the Tides Facebook page to determine the recipient of the makeover.

Since the inaugural renovation in 2012, the Tides have renovated 13 fields in the Hampton Roads community: Smithfield Recreation Association (Smithfield), Bennett’s Creek Little League (Suffolk), Phoebus Little League (Hampton), Shore Little League (Nassawadox), Cradock Little League (Portsmouth), Little Creek National (Norfolk), Gloucester Youth Baseball (Gloucester), Surry County Pony Baseball (Surry), Deer Park Youth Field (Newport News) and Eason’s Crossroads Ballpark (Gates, NC), Churchland Little League (Portsmouth), Thalia/Malibu Rec (Virginia Beach) and Ocean View Little League (Norfolk).

The project is made possible thanks to the Tides Youth Baseball Fund, a program established by the Tides in 1990 as a way to raise money for youth baseball and softball programs in Hampton Roads. In addition to assisting with field renovations, the Youth Baseball Fund also helps local teams and leagues with travel expenses. The Youth Baseball Fund is partially financed by scoreboard announcements at Harbor Park throughout the season.

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

Ocean View Little League wins Field Renovation Project

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

As part of The Youth Field Makeover Project, Ocean View Little League in Norfolk has won a contest in which the Tides organization will renovate their baseball field.

Ocean View received over 2,300 votes to win the contest. This field makeover will include an upgrade to the playing surface and is set to take place this spring.

Since the inaugural renovation in 2012, the Tides have renovated 13 fields in the Hampton Roads community: Ocean View Little League (Norfolk), Smithfield Recreation Association (Smithfield), Bennett’s Creek Little League (Suffolk), Phoebus Little League (Hampton), Shore Little League (Nassawadox), Cradock Little League (Portsmouth), Little Creek National (Norfolk), Gloucester Youth Baseball (Gloucester), Surry County Pony Baseball (Surry), Deer Park Youth Field (Newport News) and Eason’s Crossroads Ballpark (Gates, NC), Churchland Little League (Portsmouth) and Thalia/Malibu Rec (Virginia Beach).

The project is made possible thanks to the Tides Youth Baseball Fund, a program established by the Tides in 1990 as a way to raise money for youth baseball and softball programs in Hampton Roads. In addition to assisting with field renovations, the Youth Baseball Fund also helps local teams and leagues with travel expenses. The Youth Baseball Fund is partially financed by scoreboard announcements at Harbor Park throughout the season.

Norfolk opens the 2019 regular season on Thursday, April 4th with a 7:05 game at Gwinnett before opening the home portion of its schedule on Thursday, April 11th with a 6:35 contest vs. the Toledo Mud Hens. Individual tickets, season tickets and group tickets are currently available for the 2019 season. For pricing and additional information, visit the Harbor Park offices or call (757) 622-2222.

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

Churchland Little League in Portsmouth wins Field Renovation Project

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

As part of The Youth Field Makeover Project presented by Orkin, Churchland Little League in Portsmouth, VA has won a contest in which the Tides organization will renovate their baseball field. This field makeover will include an upgrade to the playing surface, an improvement to existing dugouts, and pest prevention services courtesy of Orkin. The field renovation is set to take place this fall.

In addition to Churchland Little League, the Tides will also be renovating Thalia/Malibu Rec Association in Virginia Beach, with that renovation set to take this fall. Thalia/Malibu Rec Association won that renovation in a contest that took place in February.

“We are continuously amazed at the outpouring of support we receive each time we run these contests” said Tides General Manager Joe Gregory. “Our entire organization is excited to help make a difference for the young ballplayers in our community.”

Since the inaugural renovation in 2012, the Tides have renovated 11 fields in the Hampton Roads community: Ocean View Little League (Norfolk), Smithfield Recreation Association (Smithfield), Bennett’s Creek Little League (Suffolk), Phoebus Little League (Hampton), Shore Little League (Nassawadox), Cradock Little League (Portsmouth), Little Creek National (Norfolk), Gloucester Youth Baseball (Gloucester), Surry County Pony Baseball (Surry), Deer Park Youth Field (Newport News) and Eason’s Crossroads Ballpark (Gates, NC).

The project is made possible thanks to the Tides Youth Baseball Fund, a program established by the Tides in 1990 as a way to raise money for youth baseball and softball programs in Hampton Roads. In addition to assisting with field renovations, the Youth Baseball Fund also helps local teams and leagues with travel expenses. The Youth Baseball Fund is partially financed by scoreboard announcements at Harbor Park throughout the season, and those wishing to make a donation directly to the Youth Baseball Fund can do so via norfolkides.com under the “Harbor Park” section.

Season tickets, group tickets, picnics and patios are currently available for the 2019 season. For pricing and additional information, visit the Harbor Park box office or call (757) 622-2222. For more information about Orkin’s pest control services, visit Orkin.com.

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

Nominate a local youth field for a makeover

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

The Norfolk Tides today announced the return of The Youth Field Makeover Project presented by Orkin, a contest in which a local youth field will be renovated by Tides groundskeepers and front office staff.

This field makeover will include an upgrade to the playing surface, an improvement to existing dugouts, and pest prevention services courtesy of Orkin. The recipient of the makeover will be determined by a fan vote on the Tides Facebook page in September.

“Year in and year out, this is a special project that allows our staff to give back to very deserving members of the Hampton Roads community” said Tides General Manager Joe Gregory. Each time we help renovate a field, we’re just thrilled to be making a difference.”

Those interested in having the Tides make over their facility should submit a picture of their field to John Rogerson at JRogerson@norfolktides.com. Along with the photo, fans are asked to include a brief synopsis of why their league’s field should receive this enhancement. The deadline to submit this information is August 31, with online voting set to take place on the Tides Facebook page (Facebook.com/NorfolkTides) in early September.

Since the inaugural renovation in 2012, the Tides have renovated 11 local fields: Eason’s Crossroads (Gates, NC), Ocean View Little League (Norfolk), Smithfield Recreation Association (Smithfield), Bennett’s Creek Little League (Suffolk), Phoebus Little League (Hampton), Shore Little League (Nassawadox), Cradock Little League (Portsmouth), Little Creek National (Norfolk), Gloucester Youth Baseball (Gloucester), Surry County Pony Baseball (Surry) and Deer Park Youth Field (Newport News). The Tides are also set to renovate Thalia/Malibu Rec Association in Virginia Beach this fall.

The project is made possible thanks to the Tides Youth Baseball Fund, a program established by the Tides in 1990 as a way to raise money for youth baseball and softball programs in Hampton Roads. In addition to assisting with field renovations, the Youth Baseball Fund also helps local teams and leagues with travel expenses. The Youth Baseball Fund is partially financed by scoreboard announcements at Harbor Park throughout the season, and those wishing to make a donation directly to the Youth Baseball Fund can do so via norfolkides.com under the “Harbor Park” section.

For more information about Orkin’s pest control services, visit Orkin.com.

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

Tides to continue Youth Field Renovation Project

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

The Norfolk Tides today announced the return of The Youth Field Makeover Project presented by Orkin, a contest in which a local youth field will be renovated by Tides groundskeepers and front office staff. This field makeover will include an upgrade to the playing surface, an improvement to existing dugouts, and pest prevention services courtesy of Orkin. The recipient of the makeover will be determined by a fan vote on the Tides Facebook page in late February.

“Our entire organization is excited for this contest to return, and we’re very appreciative of the folks at Orkin for helping to make this project a reality,” said Tides General Manager Joe Gregory. “Baseball is such an integral part of the Hampton Roads community, and we’re happy to do our part in helping children play the game in facilities they can be proud of.”

Those interested in having the Tides make over their facility should submit a picture of their field to Heather McKeating. Along with the photo, fans are asked to include a brief description of why their league’s field should receive this enhancement. The deadline to submit this information is February 16, with online voting taking place on the Tides Facebook page from February 19 to February 23.

Since the inaugural renovation in 2012, the Tides have renovated 10 local fields: Ocean View Little League (Norfolk), Smithfield Recreation Association (Smithfield), Bennett’s Creek Little League (Suffolk), Phoebus Little League (Hampton), Shore Little League (Nassawadox), Cradock Little League (Portsmouth), Little Creek National (Norfolk), Gloucester Youth Baseball (Gloucester), Surry County Pony Baseball (Surry) and Deer Park Youth Field (Newport News).

The project is made possible thanks to the Tides Youth Baseball Fund, a program established by the Tides in 1990 as a way to raise money for youth baseball and softball programs in Hampton Roads. In addition to assisting with field renovations, the Youth Baseball Fund also helps local teams and leagues with travel expenses. The Youth Baseball Fund is partially financed by scoreboard announcements at Harbor Park throughout the season, and those wishing to make a donation directly to the Youth Baseball Fund can do so via norfolkides.com under the “community” section.

The Tides will open the regular season on Friday, April 6th with a 7:05 p.m. contest vs. Gwinnett. Season tickets, group tickets, picnics and patios are currently available for the 2018 season. For pricing and additional information, visit the Harbor Park box office, call (757) 622-2222 or visit NorfolkTides.com.

For more information about Orkin’s pest control services, visit Orkin.com.

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

Tides to renovate Deer Park Little League

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

After nearly 2,500 votes were cast on the Norfolk Tides Facebook page, Deer Park Little League has won the Youth Field Makeover Project presented by Orkin. This field makeover will include an upgrade to the playing surface and an improvement to existing dugouts.

Deer Park Little League received nearly 1,300 votes to win the contest, which consisted of three local youth fields. Tides groundskeepers and front office staff will visit Deer Park (located in Newport News) to assist in renovating their field.

2017 is the sixth consecutive year in which the Tides have renovated a field in Hampton Roads. Since the program was introduced in 2012, the Tides have renovated nine local fields: Ocean View Little League (Norfolk), Smithfield Recreation Association (Smithfield), Bennett’s Creek Little League (Suffolk), Phoebus Little League (Hampton), Shore Little League (Nassawadox), Cradock Little League (Portsmouth), Little Creek National (Norfolk), Gloucester Youth Baseball (Gloucester) and Surry County Pony Baseball (Surry).

The project is made possible thanks to the Tides Youth Baseball Fund, a program established by the Tides in 1990 as a way to raise money for youth baseball and softball programs in Hampton Roads. In addition to assisting with field renovations, the Youth Baseball Fund also helps local teams and leagues with travel expenses. The Youth Baseball Fund is partially financed by scoreboard announcements at Harbor Park throughout the season, and those wishing to make a donation directly to the Youth Baseball Fund can do so via norfolkides.com under the “community” section.

Volunteers from Safelite AutoGlass will join the Tides staff in assisting with the field renovation efforts, which will take place in late September.

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

Tides to wear Merman jerseys on August 18th

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

The Norfolk Tides today announced that the team will be wearing specialty Norfolk Merman jerseys during their game on Friday, August 18th. The jerseys will be worn by the Tides during that night’s game with the Toledo Mud Hens and will then be auctioned off for charity after the game.

When the Tides changed primary logos prior to the 2016 season, the club had several different options that made it into the final stages of the review process. One of those logos was a Merman yielding a trident, the logo featured on the upcoming specialty jersey.

“When we underwent the logo change process, we had several exciting potential designs to choose from” said Tides General Manager Joe Gregory. “Some were simple, clean and traditional, while others – like this Merman logo – were fun and unconventional. We thought it would be a fun idea to showcase what one logo would have looked like if we had gone in that direction.”

During the August 18th game, the Tides will hold a silent auction for the jerseys on the Harbor Park concourse, with proceeds going to charity. Winning fans will then get the jerseys directly off the players’ backs following the game.

Buy Tickets to the August 18th game

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

Tides to renovate youth field in the fall

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

The Norfolk Tides today announced the return of a contest in which a local youth field will be renovated by Tides groundskeepers and front office staff. Proudly presented by Orkin, this field makeover will include an upgrade to the playing surface and an improvement to existing dugouts, with the recipient of the makeover being determined by a fan vote on the Tides’ Facebook page.

“We’re thrilled to be able to add an additional field renovation to our schedule this year” said Tides General Manager Joe Gregory. “We’ve had such phenomenal success with this program in the spring that we decided to add another field makeover in the fall, and our entire organization is looking forward to helping out another worthy community.”

Those interested in having the Tides make over their facility should submit a picture of their field to Heather McKeating at HMckeating@norfolktides.com. Along with the photo, fans are asked to include a brief description of why their league’s field should receive this enhancement. The deadline to submit this information is August 18, with online voting taking place on the Tides’ Facebook page from August 21-25.

2017 is the sixth year the Tides have renovated a local youth field. Since the program was introduced in 2012, the Tides have renovated nine local fields: Ocean View Little League (Norfolk), Smithfield Recreation Association (Smithfield), Bennett’s Creek Little League (Suffolk), Phoebus Little League (Hampton), Shore Little League (Nassawadox), Cradock Little League (Portsmouth), Little Creek National (Norfolk), Gloucester Youth Baseball (Gloucester) and Surry County Pony Baseball (Surry).

The project is made possible thanks to the Tides Youth Baseball Fund, a program established by the Tides in 1990 as a way to raise money for youth baseball and softball programs in Hampton Roads. In addition to assisting with field renovations, the Youth Baseball Fund also helps local teams and leagues with travel expenses. The Youth Baseball Fund is partially financed by scoreboard announcements at Harbor Park throughout the season, and those wishing to make a donation directly to the Youth Baseball Fund can do so via norfolkides.com under the “community” section.

Volunteers from Safelite AutoGlass will join the Tides staff in assisting with the field renovation efforts, which will take place in late September.

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

Tides join WWI Centennial Commission to remember veterans

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

To mark the 100th Anniversary of America’s joining World War I, the Norfolk Tides will join with the US World War One Centennial Commission and teams across the International League to honor the veterans of World War I on Sunday, June 4th during that day’s 1:05 game against the Rochester Red Wings.

The June 4th game will feature a WW1-themed giveaways, local history presentations and representation from area veteran groups.

“The military is such an integral part of the Hampton Roads area, so any time we get a chance to commemorate those who serve and protect our freedom we’re honored to do so” said Tides General Manager Joe Gregory.

The U.S. World War I Centennial Commission is a Congressional Commission, created to provide public outreach, education programs, and commemorative events for America’s involvement in World War I. Congress also authorized the Commission to create the new National World War I Memorial in Washington DC.

The WW1CC is also active on the state level, working with the WW1 Commission of Virginia along with veteran leaders, elected officials, historians and youth groups in honoring the veterans of WW1.

The WW1CC’s Executive Director, Dan Dayton, is thrilled by the partnership with the International League teams. “This is a great opportunity for the World War I Centennial Commission, to partner with the people of the league, the teams, and with the fans, to remember these American veterans, and what they did for us all”.

Randy Mobley, President of the International League agreed: “The story of baseball has roots in World War I, and the story of World War I has close ties with baseball. One hundred years ago, hundreds of professional and semi-professional players put their baseball careers on hold in order to serve overseas in the war, including Ty Cobb, Christy Mathewson, and Eddie Grant. The International League is proud to partner with the WW1CC on this important commemoration and it is fitting that baseball be part of our national tribute to those who served in WW1.”

More information on the World War I Centennial Commission can be found here: ww1cc.org. 

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

Tides to renovate Surry County youth field

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

After nearly 7,500 votes were cast on the Norfolk Tides Facebook page, Surry County Pony Baseball has won a contest in which the Tides organization will renovate their baseball field. This field makeover will include an upgrade to the playing surface and an improvement to existing dugouts, with the renovations taking place in mid-April.

Surry County Pony Baseball received nearly 2,000 votes to win the contest, which consisted of nine local youth fields. Tides groundskeepers and front office staff will visit Surry to assist in renovating their field.

“We’re thrilled to offer our assistance to the people of Surry, as they demonstrated a remarkable amount of support for this contest” said Tides General Manager Joe Gregory. “The number of votes cast shows how important youth baseball is to families in the Surry community, and our entire organization can’t wait to get started.”

2017 is the sixth consecutive year in which the Tides are renovating a field in Hampton Roads. Over the first five years of the program, the Tides have renovated eight local fields: Ocean View Little League (Norfolk), Smithfield Recreation Association (Smithfield), Bennett’s Creek Little League (Suffolk), Phoebus Little League (Hampton), Shore Little League (Nassawadox), Cradock Little League (Portsmouth), Little Creek National (Norfolk) and Gloucester Youth Baseball (Gloucester).

The project is made possible thanks to the Tides Youth Baseball Fund, a program established by the Tides in 1990 as a way to raise money for youth baseball and softball programs in Hampton Roads. In addition to assisting with field renovations, the Youth Baseball Fund also helps local teams and leagues with travel expenses. The Youth Baseball Fund is partially financed by scoreboard announcements at Harbor Park throughout the season, and those wishing to make a donation directly to the Youth Baseball Fund can do so via norfolkides.com under the “community” section.

Volunteers from Safelite AutoGlass will join the Tides staff in assisting with the field renovation efforts, with the exact date of the renovation being announced at a later date.

The Tides will play their first game of 2017 at Harbor Park on Friday, March 31st in an Exhibition Game against the Baltimore Orioles. Norfolk will then open its regular season on Thursday, April 6th with a 7:05 contest at Charlotte before kicking off the home portion of its schedule on Monday, April 10th with a 6:35 game vs. Gwinnett.

Season Tickets, group tickets, picnics and patios are currently available for the 2017 season. For pricing and additional information, visit the Harbor Park box office or call (757) 622-2222.

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

Tides to continue youth field renovation project

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

Members of the Tides organization helped renovate the Gloucester Youth Baseball field in 2016.

The Norfolk Tides today announced the return of a contest in which a local youth field will be renovated by Tides groundskeepers and front office staff. This field makeover will include an upgrade to the playing surface and an improvement to existing dugouts, with the recipient of the makeover being determined by a fan vote on the Tides’ Facebook page.

“Our entire organization looks forward to this project each year” said Tides General Manager Joe Gregory. “We’ve been able to extend a helping hand to many outstanding communities, and it’s a great feeling to know that we’ve made a difference in the baseball experience for so many children across Hampton Roads.”

Those interested in having the Tides make over their facility should submit a picture of their field to Heather McKeating at HMckeating@norfolktides.com. Along with the photo, fans are asked to include a brief description of why their league’s field should receive this enhancement. The deadline to submit this information is February 13, with online voting taking place on the Tides’ Facebook page from February 20 to February 24.

2017 is the sixth consecutive year in which the Tides are renovating a local youth field. Over the first five years of the program, the Tides have renovated eight local fields: Ocean View Little League (Norfolk), Smithfield Recreation Association (Smithfield), Bennett’s Creek Little League (Suffolk), Phoebus Little League (Hampton), Shore Little League (Nassawadox), Cradock Little League (Portsmouth), Little Creek National (Norfolk) and Gloucester Youth Baseball (Gloucester).

The project is made possible thanks to the Tides Youth Baseball Fund, a program established by the Tides in 1990 as a way to raise money for youth baseball and softball programs in Hampton Roads. In addition to assisting with field renovations, the Youth Baseball Fund also helps local teams and leagues with travel expenses. The Youth Baseball Fund is partially financed by scoreboard announcements at Harbor Park throughout the season, and those wishing to make a donation directly to the Youth Baseball Fund can do so via norfolkides.com under the “community” section.

Volunteers from Safelite AutoGlass will join the Tides staff in assisting with the field renovation efforts, which will take place in April.

The Tides will play their first game of 2017 at Harbor Park on Friday, March 31st in an Exhibition Game against the Baltimore Orioles. Norfolk will then open its regular season on Thursday, April 6th with a 7:05 contest at Charlotte before kicking off the home portion of its schedule on Monday, April 10th with a 6:35 game vs. Gwinnett.

Season Tickets, group tickets, picnics and patios are currently available for the 2017 season. For pricing and additional information, visit the Harbor Park box office or call (757) 622-2222.

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

Tides to renovate local youth field

NorfolkTides_2015-01-08

4th year of field makeover contest

Norfolk-TidesThe Norfolk Tides today announced the return of a contest in which a local youth field will be renovated by Tides groundskeepers and front office staff. Proudly presented by Goodwill, this field makeover will include an upgrade to the playing surface and an improvement to existing dugouts, with the recipient of the makeover being determined by a fan vote on the Tides’ Facebook page.

“This project has become a yearly highlight for our entire front office staff” said Tides General Manager Joe Gregory. “We’re excited to offer our resources to these worthy organizations, as they provide a home for children to learn the game of baseball while serving as an environment conducive to fitness and fun.”

Goodwill2Those interested in having the Tides makeover their facility should submit a picture of their field to Heather McKeating at HMckeating@norfolktides.com. Along with the photo, fans are asked to include a brief description of why their league should receive this enhancement. The deadline to submit this information is February 6, with online voting taking place on the Tides’ Facebook page from February 16 to February 20.

2015 is the fourth year in which the Tides will be renovating a local youth field. Over the first three years of the program, the Tides have helped renovate six local fields – Ocean View Little League (Norfolk), Smithfield Recreation Association (Smithfield), Bennett’s Creek Little League (Suffolk), Phoebus Little League (Hampton), Shore Little League (Nassawadox) and Cradock Little League (Portsmouth).

In addition to the field makeover, the Tides will be hosting a youth baseball groundskeeper seminar on Wednesday, February 11 at Harbor Park from 5-8 pm. The event will allow two members per youth league the opportunity to tour the Harbor Park playing surface alongside Tides groundskeepers Kenny Magner and Derek Trueblood. This free seminar will then feature dinner at Hits at the Park Restaurant followed by a question and answer session designed to help youth baseball leagues prepare their fields each year. Those interested must RSVP by February 4 to Heather McKeating at HMckeating@norfolktides.com.

“Goodwill is proud to support this amazing community giveback effort for a second consecutive year” said Danielle Cronin, Community Relations Manager for Goodwill. “As a nonprofit, we strengthen families and communities throughout Hampton Roads with our job training programs and career development services. The leadership and staff at Goodwill look forward to being a part of the field renovation – it’s just one more way we can give back to our local community.”

The project is made possible thanks to Goodwill and the Tides Youth Baseball Fund, a program established by the Tides in 1990 as a way to raise money for youth baseball and softball programs in Hampton Roads. In addition to assisting with field renovations, the Youth Baseball Fund also helps local teams and leagues with travel expenses. Those wishing to make a donation directly to the Youth Baseball Fund can do so by clicking here.

The Tides open their 2015 regular season with a nine-game road trip beginning Thursday, April 9, with the home opener slated for Saturday, April 18 vs. Durham at 7:05 pm. Season tickets, group tickets, picnics and patios are currently available for the 2015 season. For pricing and additional information, stop by the Harbor Park Box Office, visit norfolktides.com or call (757) 622-2222.

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

Tides organization to renovate local youth field

NorfolkTides_2014-01-15

The Norfolk Tides today announced the return of a contest in which a local youth field will be renovated by Tides groundskeepers and front office staff. Proudly presented by Goodwill, this field makeover will include an upgrade to the playing surface and an improvement to existing dugouts, with the recipient of the makeover being determined by a fan vote on the Tides’ Facebook page.

“After the overwhelming community support we’ve received over the first two years of this program, we are thrilled to be continuing this project again” said Tides General Manager Joe Gregory. “Our entire staff looks forward to helping out these worthy organizations, and we enjoy doing our part to ensure children can be proud of where they play baseball.”

Those interested in having the Tides makeover their facility should submit a picture of their field to Heather McKeating at hmckeating@norfolktides.com. Along with the photo, fans are asked to include a brief description of why their league should receive this enhancement. The deadline to submit this information is February 7, with online voting taking place on the Tides’ Facebook page from February 17 to February 21.

2014 is the third year in which the Tides will be renovating a local youth field. Over the first two years of the program, the Tides have helped renovate five local fields – Ocean View Little League (Norfolk), Smithfield Recreation Association (Smithfield), Bennett’s Creek Little League (Suffolk), Phoebus Little League (Hampton) and Shore Little League (Nassawadox).

“Goodwill is proud to get behind such an amazing program, and we know the importance of supporting local initiatives like this one” said Goodwill Community Relations Manager Danielle Cronin. “Goodwill delivers employment services to moms and dads throughout Hampton Roads every day, which we refer to as Family Strengthening. If mom and dad have the right supports in place at home, the likelihood of being and staying successfully employed is greater. Keeping kids positively influenced through a sport like baseball is critical to the success of everyone – individuals, families and communities.”

The project is made possible thanks to Goodwill and the Tides Youth Baseball Fund, a program established by the Tides in 1990 as a way to raise money for youth baseball and softball programs in Hampton Roads. In addition to assisting with field renovations, the Youth Baseball Fund also helps local teams and leagues with travel expenses. Those wishing to make a donation directly to the Youth Baseball Fund can do so by clicking HERE.

The Tides open their 2014 regular season at Harbor Park on Thursday, April 3 with a four-game series against division rival Charlotte. Season tickets, group tickets, picnics and patios are currently available for the 2014 season. For pricing and additional information, stop by the Harbor Park Box Office, visit norfolktides.com or call (757) 622-2222.

 

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

Tides to renovate Shore Little League Wednesday

The Norfolk Tides organization will be renovating the Shore Little League field in Northampton County on Wednesday, April 24. Shore Little League was a participant in the 2012 Field Renovation Contest, with the Eastern Shore community garnering over 2,700 votes for the field.
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Phoebus Little League makeover photos

Members of the Tides front office staff, including head groundskeeper Kenny Magner, will take part in the field makeover, which will include an upgrade to the playing surface and an improvement to existing dugouts. The staff will spend 9 am – 4 pm Wednesday working on the field.

“We were extremely impressed by the number of votes Shore Little League field received in our inaugural Field Renovation Contest last year” said Tides General Manager Joe Gregory. “The outpouring of support the small community received was overwhelming, and we are very happy to do our part in helping city of Nassawadox have a field their children can be proud to call their own.”

Shore Little League, which is the only chartered league in the county of Northampton, is the fifth youth field the Tides have renovated since the beginning of 2012. The Tides helped to renovate three fields in 2012 – Ocean View Little League (Norfolk), Smithfield Recreation Association (Smithfield) and Bennett’s Creek Little League (Suffolk) – before renovating the Phoebus Little League field in Hampton last week.

The project is possible because of the Youth Baseball Fund, a program established by the Tides in 1990 as a way to raise money for youth baseball and softball programs in Hampton Roads. In addition to assisting with field renovations, the Youth Baseball Fund also helps local teams and leagues with travel expenses.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Norfolk Tides. Click here to view the original story.

Celebrating a Centennial of Naval Aviation

On July 9 we celebrated the Centennial of Naval Aviation at Harbor Park. Wings Over America is a non-profit scholarship foundation that raises money for children of pilots, the crew, and mechanics of air wings to apply for scholarships for there children to attend college. They raised over $1800 for the foundation that night by selling tickets.

Two helicopters also participated in the event. The first one was a helo that hovered at about 30 feet above centerfield and dropped six Navy Seals out of it with the game ball being brought in to Rear Admiral Ted Branch. The second helicopter flew over with the American Flag for the National Anthem and one of the navy gentleman sang the National Anthem.

During the seventh inning stretch we had all the crew and seals back to the field to be honored for volunteering there time that night.It was a great night all around and also helped a worthy cause raise money and awareness at Harbor Park.

HSC-26 & Navy Seals wow the crowd while repelling out of the plane! (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ryan McLearnon)
Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic Rear Adm. Ted Branch throws the Ceremonial First Pitch. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ryan McLearnon)
Honoring the crew from the helicopter squadrons at the 7th inning stretch!