Black History Month: The Best Black Players to Play for the Red Wings

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

 

In celebration of Black History Month, throughout February, teams across Minor League Baseball are looking back at five of the best Black players to suit up for their club or play for a team within its market.

While some of these standout performers went on to long and illustrious Major League careers, others simply had great Minor League careers or, in some cases, just one incredible season that went down as “a year for the ages.”

Here is a look at five of the best Black baseball players ever to suit up for the Rochester Red Wings.

DON BAYLOR—Don Baylor played parts of three years for the Red Wings (1968, 1970-1971) winning The Sporting News Minor League Player of the Year award in 1970 (.327-22-107 with 26 SB) before starring for the legendary 1971 Red Wings team that won the Governors’ Cup and the Junior World Series. Baylor would play 19 years in the Major Leagues as an outfielder, first baseman and DH accumulating 2,135 hits and 338 home runs. He won the American League Most Valuable Player award in 1979 with the Angels and played on the World Series winning Twins in 1987. After his playing days, Baylor managed the Rockies and the Cubs in the Major Leagues.

LUKE EASTER—Despite segregation keeping Luke Easter out of the big leagues until he was in his 30s, the slugging first baseman crushed more than 25 home runs three straight seasons for Cleveland from 1950 to 1952. Easter became one of the most feared sluggers in the International League after his Major League career was over winning the IL MVP with Buffalo in 1957. Even though he was well into his 40s, he played for parts of six years for the Red Wings at the end of his playing career, and—with his gregarious personality—became one of the most popular players to ever play in Rochester. His number 36 is one of only two retired numbers—along with Joe Altobelli—among former players in the long history of the Red Wings franchise.

BOB GIBSON—One of baseball’s greatest right-handed pitchers of all-time, Gibson won 251 games in a 17 year MLB career spent entirely with the Cardinals. A nine-time All Star, Gibson won the National League Cy Young Award in 1968 and 1970 while also winning the NL MVP Award in his historic 1968 season when he posted a 1.12 ERA. He was also one of the best fielding pitchers of all-time winning nine Gold Glove Awards. Additionally, Gibson performed well when it mattered most earning World Series MVP honors in 1964 and 1967. Gibson pitched in Rochester in 1958 and 1960 shortly after being a two sport athlete (baseball and basketball) at Creighton University in his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska. Gibson was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1981.

EDDIE MURRAY—One of only six men with 3,000 hits and 500 home runs in Major League history, Murray was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2003. The first baseman played 21 years in the big leagues winning the 1977 American League Rookie of the Year Award with the Orioles while being selected to the All Star Game eight times. The Los Angeles native has the second most hits (3,255) and the second most home runs (504) of any switch-hitter in baseball history. Amazingly, Murray started switch-hitting in 1975 while in the Minor Leagues…just one year before he joined the Red Wings. On an IL pennant winning team in 1976, Murray hit 11 home runs and batted .274 in only 54 games before making his Major League debut one season later.

FRANK ROBINSON—The first African-American manager in Major League Baseball history, Robinson was also the first African-American manager in the history of the Red Wings. Robinson first managed in the big leagues as a player/manager for Cleveland in 1975-1977 at the end of his Hall of Fame playing career. He took over as the Red Wings manager in 1978 after Ken Boyer left the team early in that season to take over as the big league skipper of the Cardinals. Aside from his original managerial stint with Cleveland, Robinson would also manage the Giants, Orioles, Expos and Nationals at the Major League level. In his stellar playing career, Robinson amassed the 10th most home runs in MLB history (586). He won the American League Triple Crown with Baltimore in 1966 while winning Most Valuable Player honors in both leagues….1961 with the Reds and 1966 with the Orioles. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982.

Red Wings Join “The Nine”, A New Initiative To Celebrate, Engage, And Welcome Black Fans

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

 

Minor League Baseball has announced the launch of “The Nine,” a new, Black-community focused outreach platform specifically designed to honor and celebrate the historic impact numerous Black baseball pioneers made on the sport, provide new opportunities for youth baseball and softball participation, further diversify the business of baseball, and embrace

Minor League Baseball has announced the launch of “The Nine,” a new, Black-community focused outreach platform specifically designed to honor and celebrate the historic impact numerous Black baseball pioneers made on the sport, provide new opportunities for youth baseball and softball participation, further diversify the business of baseball, and embrace millions of passionate fans throughout MiLB’s 120 communities nationwide.

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

The Nine will recognize and honor numerous Black pioneers and trailblazing civil rights leaders in all 120 MiLB communities, ensuring the heroes of the past and their contributions continue to be celebrated through ceremonies and events at MiLB ballparks and in the community. Recent tributes and celebrations have included Negro Leagues commemorative games honoring the Austin Black Senators in Round Rock (TX), the Bradenton (FL) Nine Devils, and Page Fence Giants near Lansing (MI). Additional tribute games are being planned for the 2022 season and beyond.

“The Nine will shine bright spotlights on these successful initiatives and transform them into national campaigns reaching more fans and communities, further showcasing our teams’ commitment to representing, honoring, and welcoming all fans to MiLB’s unique brand of fun,” said Kurt Hunzeker, MLB’s Vice President of Minor League Business Operations. “The Nine is just the latest example of MiLB teams being true community champions.”

In addition to player- and team-related content, The Nine will focus heavily on creating new opportunities for youth participation among young Black boys and girls, particularly in communities where youth baseball and softball programming is either nonexistent or difficult to access.

Central to this youth-focused push is a planned expansion of Major League Baseball’s Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) Program throughout MiLB’s national footprint. New competitions in MLB’s Pitch, Hit & Run and Junior Home Run Derby event series will also debut in MiLB markets beginning in 2022.

MiLB teams will continue to build relationships with local Black-owned and operated businesses, local artists and entertainers in an effort to embrace Black culture and make MiLB ballparks a hub for culturally relevant concerts, shows, and community events.

With several MiLB teams having a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in their community, opportunities will be provided for those schools to start internship and mentorship programs with their local team, creating opportunities for on-the-job experience for students prior to entering the job market. Additionally, MiLB recently partnered with TeamWork Online to create a more inclusive virtual job fair and ongoing talent pipeline that aims to recruit and position qualified and ready-for-hire candidates from across the country for potential management- and executive-level roles within MiLB team front offices.

Food and Beverage hosting Open Interview Day February 26

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

 

The Red Wings Food and Beverage Department are in search of highly motivated and customer-orientated employees to join their food and beverage team for the 2022 season! The Open Interview Day is Saturday, February 26 from 10 am – 2 pm.

The Red Wings will be hiring the following: concessions workers, picnic staff, suite attendants, suite runners, kitchen, and warehouse positions.

Applicants must be 18 years of age, and be fully vaccinated to apply. Interviews will be held at Frontier Field, visitors may park in the VIP parking lot and enter the facility through the Suites/Administrative Entrance adjacent to the box office.

Bisons top Rochester American Giants on Negro League Night

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

 

The Red Wings celebrated Juneteenth playing as the Rochester American Giants – a minor league Negro League team that called the Flower City home in the 1940s.

Unfortunately, the Buffalo Bisons spoiled the party outslugging the American Giants, 8-6, at Frontier Field.

Rochester built a 3-1 lead after four innings, scoring single runs in the second, third and fourth innings on RBI hits from Brandon Snyder, Jake Noll and Alec Keller.

The Bisons would tie the game in the fifth and score four more in the seventh to take control of the game.

A two-run homer from Yadiel Hernandez in the seventh inning brought the Rochester American Giants to within two at 7-5.

Sterling Sharp made the start for Rochester allowing three runs (one earned) over 4 2/3 innings.

Alberto Baldonado suffered the loss allowing all four runs in the seventh inning.

The final game of the series is Sunday after at 1:05 from Frontier Field.

Wings, County announce Covid-19 Vaccine Clinic at Frontier Field

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

 

Monroe County Executive Adam Bello and Rochester Red Wings President & CEO Naomi Silver are excited to announce that Frontier Field will host a pop-up COVID-19 vaccine clinic on Saturday, April 24 from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. As an incentive, those who get their vaccine at Frontier Field on Saturday will receive a coupon good for a hot dog when they come to a Red Wings game this season.

Appointments required: PLEASE CLICK HERE TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

“Summer nights at Frontier Field are a Monroe County tradition that residents and families missed out on in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the Red Wings anticipated return on the horizon, now is the time to get your COVID-19 vaccine and ensure you’re able to catch a game at Frontier Field this season,” said Bello. “Vaccination is key to returning to normalcy and enjoying the things we love most about the summer months in Monroe County. We can all end this together, and it starts with the simple act of getting your COVID-19 vaccine.”

“I want to thank County Executive Bello and his staff for arranging this vaccination clinic to be held at Frontier Field. This is a great service to both our fans and employees who recognize the need for the safety the vaccine provides. Proof of vaccination will be the simplest way to gain access to games and other events at Frontier Field, and the more fans – and others – who are vaccinated, the safer we will all be in our community and beyond,” added Silver. “Please get vaccinated and come to a game! Let’s get our lives back to normal! I’d like to see our community be a leader in the effort to get to herd immunity.”

The COVID-19 vaccine is FREE to anyone, regardless of health insurance or coverage. This clinic will offer first-dose Pfizer vaccine, which is approved for anyone 16 years of age and older. Appointments will be required for this vaccine clinic and can be made on the Monroe County scheduling website, https://www.monroecounty.gov/health-covid19-vaccine, or by calling the Monroe County COVID-19 hotline at (585) 753-5555. Second-dose Pfizer appointments for anyone attending this clinic will be held on Saturday, May 15 at the same time as your first-dose appointment.

The Rochester Red Wings are slated to make their long-awaited return to Frontier Field on May 18, 2021, with an extended home stand until May 30. The Red Wings will then have another extended home stand from June 15 – June 27.

Under New York State COVID-19 guidelines, fans will have to present proof of full COVID-19 vaccination OR a recent negative COVID-19 test in order to attend outdoor professional sporting events, including Rochester Red Wing games at Frontier Field. Anyone vaccinated at through this weekend’s clinic will be eligible to attend games at Frontier Field starting May 29 under the full vaccination guidelines, meaning no COVID-19 test will be required.

For updated information about Monroe County Department of Public Health vaccination efforts, please visit https://www.monroecounty.gov/health-covid19-vaccine. For more information on additional vaccination opportunities in the Finger Lakes Region, visit the appointment finder on the Finger Lakes Region Vaccination Hub website at https://flvaccinehub.com/getting-your-vaccine/.

Wings host food drive to benefit Boys & Girls Club

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

 

The Rochester Red Wings will be hosting a food drive to benefit the hundreds of children and families that are supported by the Boys and Girls Clubs of Rochester on December 16-19 at Frontier Field. Individuals and companies interested in donating can drop off bags of food in the VIP parking lot or at the Red Wings Team Store from 11 am – 5 pm December 16, 17 and 18, and in the team store only on Saturday, December 19 from 10 am – 2 pm. Everyone that donates will receive a 20% off coupon that can be used at the Red Wings Team store, in person or online at RedWingsBaseball.com.

Suggested items for donation include:

1. Canned fish and lean meats

2. Peanut Butter/ other nut butters

3. Canned soups and stews

4. Cereal

5. Shelf stable milk

6. Whole Grains

7. Canned Fruits and Vegetables

8. Pasta, pasta sauce and canned tomatoes

9. Packaged snacks

Please avoid donating:

1. Perishable products

2. Home canned or Homemade goods

3. Non Food Items

4. Expired items

“The Boys & Girls Club of Rochester is honored that the Rochester Red Wings are hosting a food drive to help the Club with the lack of food not only in our community but the entire country. With no guarantee of a new stimulus package, the Club anticipates a rise in the number of families who will need food support,” said Dwayne Mahoney, Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Rochester.

“The Red Wings are proud to give our fans the opportunity to help the Boys and Girls Clubs of Rochester serve its families. Food insecurity is at such a high level right now, with the need greater than ever. People in our community want to help, but don’t always know how, so we are glad to facilitate this important effort in time for the holidays, “ said Red Wings President/CEO/COO Naomi Silver, who also serves as Board Chair for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Rochester.

The Red Wings would like to thank Zweigle’s, celebrating thier 140th anniversary this year, DiPaolo Baking Company and Lidestri Foods for kick-starting the food drive. Zweigle’s donated 30 cases of Chicken Chorizo and DiPaolo Baking Company donated a corresponding number of hot dog rolls to pair with the sausages. Lidestri Foods was kind enough to donate 15 cases of 45 oz. jars of Francesco Rinaldi pasta sauce.

Wings celebrate Negro Leagues 100th Anniversary June 19

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

Red Wings to wear throwback Rochester American Giants jerseys

The Rochester Red Wings are joining Minor League Baseball in celebrating the 100th anniversary of Negro Leagues baseball on Friday, June 19 at Frontier Field.

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

The Rochester American Giants – a minor league team affiliated with the Negro Leagues – called the Flower City home in the 1940’s. The Wings will honor that team by wearing replica jerseys. The jerseys will be auctioned off using the LiveSource mobile app with proceeds benefitting the “They Stepped Up To The Plate” Foundation – a local non-profit led by Honeoye Falls resident Jeff Klein and his family whose mission is to spread the stories of former Negro League players.

“We look forward to the opportunity to educate and inform our fans about the Rochester American Giants and many of the other great players and teams from the Negro Leagues as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Negro Leagues,” said Red Wings General Manager Dan Mason. “Our fans will have the incredible opportunity to meet and hear from some former Negro League Players as well as check out an incredible traveling display of Negro League photos and artifacts. We are fortunate to be working with Jeff Klein and his family on this event and we look forward to helping raise some funding for the ‘They Stepped Up to the Plate’ Foundation so that they can continue to educate fans in our community about these great men who played in the Negro Leagues.”

The night will also feature appearances from Ernest Fann, who was a catcher for the Raleigh Tigers, and Ike Walker, a Rochester resident who was a catcher on the 1963 Satchel Paige All-Star Team. Both men will be available on the Frontier Field concourse before the game for a meet-and-greet and will take part in a pre-game interview on the field.

The discussion will also include Sean Gibson – the great grandson of Josh Gibson, one of the most prolific Negro League players of all time. Sean is the executive director of the Josh Gibson Foundation and will have a traveling Negro Leagues display that will be available for fans to check out on the concourse during the game.

The night will conclude with a post-game fireworks show.

Red Wings to Host Job Fair on February 29

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

 

The Rochester Red Wings are in search of highly-motivated and customer-oriented game day employees for the upcoming 2020 baseball season. The annual job fair will take place on the suite level of Frontier Field on Saturday, February 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Wings are hiring for the following positions:
• Concession Stand Attendants – Stand Managers, Assistant Managers, Cashiers, Cooks and Preps
• Warehouse Workers
• Kitchen Staff – Line Cooks, Cold Prep, Grill Cooks, Hot Prep, and Dishwashers
• Suite Attendants/Runners
• Bartenders and Beverage Room Attendants
• Picnic Attendants – Team Leaders, Servers, Event Set Up
• Accounting Room

Those interested in employment must be at least 18 years old to receive an interview. Parking is available in the VIP lot off of Morrie Silver Way, and job seekers can enter through the double glass doors next to the Ticket Office windows.

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

Wings celebrate Deaf Culture on April 28

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

The Rochester Red Wings have teamed up with the Rochester Institute of Technology, National Technical Institute for the Deaf and the Rochester School for the Deaf for Deaf Culture Day on Sunday, April 28 at Frontier Field.

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE — Students, faculty and staff at RIT, NTID and RSD and their families can get $2 off tickets by using a special promo code that will be supplied them.

“We are proud to partner with NTID and Rochester School for the Deaf for Deaf Culture Day so we can celebrate the deaf community and the important impact deaf citizens have had in Rochester. We look forward to hosting many deaf members of the Rochester community and their families while also educating all fans about deaf culture,” said Wings GM Dan Mason.

The Wings will wear specialty jerseys and caps to celebrate the day. The jerseys will feature “Red Wings” in American Sign Language across the chest, while the cap will have the ASL “R” on the front with the Spikes logo on the side. The jerseys will be auctioned off using the LiveSource mobile app, with proceeds benefitting both NTID and RSD.

TICKET PACKAGES (click the package to purchase):

– Deaf Culture T-shirt + game ticket = $20
– Deaf Cultire adjustable cap + game ticket = $22

PRE-ORDER MERCHANDISE:

Click here to pre-order your Deaf Culture Day merchandise.

There will be dozens of interpreters stationed throughout the ballpark on April 28 including in the seating bowl, at concession stands and at the ticket offices to assist hearing impaired individuals. Portions of the game will be captioned on the videoboard for the first time ever courtesy of NTID.

Other aspects of the day include a silent inning where there will be no PA announcements or music of any kind. We’ll also be highlighting deaf individuals who have made a significant impact in society throughout the game.

As part of Deaf Culture Day, the Wings will welcome back the only superhero to ever roam the grounds of Frontier field. Ogden Whitehead, an NTID grad and former Red Wings employee, will reprise his role as “Recycleman” and lead the crowd in some of the cheers that made him famous during his time with the Red Wings in the late 90s and early 2000s.

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

Autism Awareness Day Set For April 13

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

The Rochester Red Wings have partnered with Autism Speaks for a second year in a row to host Autism Awareness Day at Frontier Field on Saturday, April 13 when the Wings host the Lehigh Valley IronPigs at 1:05 p.m.

The Red Wings and Autism Speaks aim to create an environment that will allow families dealing with Autism to enjoy a day at Frontier Field while also raising awareness for Autism, a disorder that affects one in 59 American children.

Senior Coordinator of Autism Speaks, Jessica Joanis, explained the importance of an event like this:

“Every April Autism Speaks celebrates World Autism Month with autism-friendly events and educational activities around the local community to increase understanding and acceptance and foster support. Autism Speaks has partnered up with the Rochester Red Wings for a second year in hosting an Autism Awareness Day. I hope you will join us for the game on Saturday, April 13 to help us go blue for Autism during the month of April.”

Some components of Autism Awareness Day are as follows:
– Lower volume levels throughout the stadium along with other fan-friendly adjustments
– In-game production will be altered to minimize abrupt sound effects and video board displays
– Fans are asked to refrain from bringing “noise makers” that day
– A limited number of blue pom-poms will be available at the Autism Speaks table to substitute for noise makers
– A Safe Zone located in Club 3000 will be open all game long for children in need of a quiet reprieve from the game.
– Designated Autism Aware Section, reserved exclusively for guests with family members on the Autism spectrum.
– Various items and ballpark experiences available via Live Source with proceeds benefitting Autism awareness

To purchase discounted tickets in an exclusive Autism Aware Section contact:
Mike Ewing at (585) 454-1001 ext. 3036 or MEwing@RedWingsBaseball.com.

-OR-

Visit www.TicketReturn.com and use the login:
Username: Autism19

Password: 2019

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

Wings Nominated for John Henry Moss Community Service Award

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

The Rochester Red Wings have been nominated by the International League for the John Henry Moss Community Service Award.

The award is presented to a Minor League club for their ongoing commitment to charitable service and their support and leadership within the community and the baseball industry. The honor was created in 2013 by Minor League Baseball in honor of the late John Henry Moss, who founded what would become the South Atlantic League in 1959 and headed the circuit until 2007.

Community is the team’s middle name in Rochester, where over eight thousand community members came together in 1957 to form Rochester Community Baseball and keep the Red Wings in Rochester. The team has continually developed partnerships with local socially concerned organizations, lending support in a variety of formats such as programs, promotions, awareness events, charitable contributions, appearances, volunteer service.

“The act of doing, giving and participating is more a way of life for us than a concerted effort,” Red Wings President Naomi Silver said. “In baseball, we all know that the impact that we make on a community goes well beyond what we do inside our fences. It’s the outreach we make the other 295 non-game days a year that allows us to really make a difference. In Rochester, we treasure our role in giving back in support of our community. Since 1957 when the Red Wings became incorporated as Rochester Community Baseball, we have taken our commitment seriously. It is a tremendous honor to be recognized outside of our own community.”

“All Minor League Baseball teams are involved in their community in many positive ways, but the front office of the Red Wings takes this to another level entirely,” said International League President Randy Mobley. “From the very first person on the organizational chart to the very last, all are involved in multiple community organizations and many serve in multiple leadership positions. The breadth and depth of the commitment by this staff to ‘do good’ in the community is not only commendable, but truly inspiring. The Red Wings front office is a wonderful example for us all.”

The award will be presented at the Winter Meetings Awards Luncheon on Monday, December 10 in Las Vegas.

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

Autism Awareness Day Set For April 21

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

ROCHESTER, NY – The Rochester Red Wings have partnered with Autism Speaks to host an Autism Awareness Day at the ballpark on April 21st when the Red Wings host the Columbus Clippers at 1:05pm.

The Red Wings and Autism Speaks aim to create an environment that will allow families dealing with Autism to enjoy a day at Frontier Field, while also raising awareness for Autism, a disorder that affects 1 in 68 American Children.

Senior Coordinator of Autism Speaks, Jessica Joanis, explained the importance of an event like this. “For the ninth year, Autism Speaks will kick-off World Autism Month in April, and begin a month-long calendar of events and activities in support of the Autism community. Local partnerships such as Autism Awareness Day with the Rochester Red Wings helps us to increase support, understanding and acceptance of people with Autism across the spectrum and throughout the life span. We hope you will join us for the game on Saturday, April 21, as we light the world blue.”

Some components of Autism Awareness Day are as follows:

• Lower volume levels throughout the stadium along with other fan-friendly adjustments
• In-game production will be altered to minimize abrupt sound effects and video board displays
• Fans are asked to refrain from bringing “noise makers” that day
• Limited number of Blue pom-poms will be available at the Autism Speaks table to substitute for noise makers
• A Safe Zone located in the PERCH will be open all game long for children in need of a quiet reprieve from the game.
• Designated Autism Aware Section, reserved exclusively for guests with family members on the Autism spectrum. Tickets available now.

To purchase tickets in an exclusive Autism Aware Section contact: Mike Ewing at (585) 454-1001 ext. 3036 or MEwing@RedWingsBaseball.com.

-Or-

Visit www.TicketReturn.com and use the login: Username: Autism18 Password: Speaks

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

Red Wings, Turnbull team up for Military Salute

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

The Rochester Red Wings have teamed up with Turnbull Heating and Air Conditioning to honor local veterans and active military members as part of the 7th Inning Military Salute in 2018.

The Red Wings will recognize a local military member, active or retired, on the field prior to the playing of God Bless America after the top of the 7th inning is over. Through the partnership with Turnbull, each person who is honored will receive two free premium tickets to that night’s game, VIP parking and 25 Diamond Dollars, which is ballpark currency that can be used at the Red Wings Team Store, Ticket Office or concession stands.

For more information or to nominate an active military member or veteran please contact Travis Sick at (585) 454-1001 ext. 3042 or TSick@RedWingsBaseball.com.

The 2018 season begins Friday, April 6 when Rochester hosts Buffalo at 6:05 p.m. Single-game tickets for all 70 games, including Opening Day, are on sale now at RedWingsBaseball.com. The Ticket Office will open for the first time on Friday, March 23 for the 2nd Baseball’s Back Bash.

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

Defending Hope benefit set for Sept. 30

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

Join the Rochester Red Wings, Brass Bar and Lounge, QES Solutions, and the Alzheimer’s Association Rochester and Finger Lakes Region Chapter for “Defending Hope” Saturday, September 30.

Please join us for an evening full of fun while we raise money and celebrate the efforts of our local Alzheimer’s Association chapter.

Your evening will be hosted by former Rochester Red Wing Logan Darnell, whose personal family connection to Alzheimer’s prompted him to organize several high profile awareness and fundraising events during his time as a Red Wings player. Logan’s efforts for the Alzheimer’s Association Rochester and Finger Lakes Region Chapter were recognized with two Harmon Killebrew Awards for Community Service from the Minnesota Twins.

What: Defending Hope to benefit Alzheimer’s Association Rochester and Finger Lakes Region Chapter

Hosted by: Former Red Wings pitcher Logan Darnell

When: Saturday Sept. 30, from 6-10 p.m.

Where: Brass Bar and Lounge, 363 East Ave. at the corner of Alexander St.

Donation: $20 cash at the door, be sure to arrive early and assure your spot at this great event

Your evening will include:

* live music by Worthy Duncan and Brianna Collichio

* Heavy apps will be served

* Guest bartenders just may appear

* Cash bar with drink specials

* Silent auction and raffle prizes

Auction items available for bid include:

* Autographed guitar and gift bag from country music star Thomas Rhett

* Red Wings Honorary Bat Kid experience for a 2018 home game

* Red Wings VIP behind the scenes tour with VIP parking, four seats behind home plate, and dinner for a 2018 home game

* Autographed items from sports stars and entertainment celebrities

and many more unique experiences and items, to benefit tour local Alzheimer’s Association chapter.

Click here for the official Facebook event page and let your friends know you are supporting this special event and cause!

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

Wings of Hope event set for Aug. 13

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

Rochester Community Baseball, the Rochester Red Wings, Sharing Kindness, Inc., and Villa of Hope held a press conference to announce a new initiative, “Wings of Hope” to raise awareness of suicide risk factors, suicide prevention and community resources for treatment. A special day at the ballpark has been scheduled for Sunday, August 13.

Dan Mason, General Manager of the Rochester Red Wings and Villa of Hope President and CEO, Christina Gullo was joined on May 24 by Red Wings players Jason Wheeler, John Ryan Murphy, D.J. Baxendale, ByungHo Park, Trevor Hildenberger, and Alan Busenitz. Wheeler spoke on behalf of his teammates and shared his experience demonstrating the importance of this partnership.

Jason Wheeler and his family know the effect suicide has on a family, “Mental illness and suicide have personally affected me and my family. We lost my 16 year-old brother-in-law Jeremy, almost eight months ago. Since this tragedy, we have been astonished at not only how common mental illness and suicide are, but also how unable we are as a society to speak about them because of the strong stigma associated with these issues. As a family, we are working towards eliminating stigma surrounding suicide, and changing the perception in our communities that mental illness is different from any other illness. We feel very fortunate to be partnering with the Red Wings and Villa of Hope to help raise mental health awareness, improve education, and start an ongoing conversation about suicide, both in the Rochester community and nationwide.”

Dan Mason, General Manager of the Rochester Red Wings shares, “We are fortunate to have great players on our team but even more fortunate that these young men are outstanding citizens who want to make a difference in the lives of other people. It is atypical for a minor league baseball player to sponsor a promotion for his team and we are thrilled that Jason is partnering with us and our friends at the Villa of Hope to help raise awareness and funds for suicide prevention and mental health. This is a very personal matter for he and his family and everyone at Rochester Community Baseball applauds and supports him for using his status as a professional baseball player to raise awareness and funding for such an important topic in our society today. ”

Five months ago, Villa of Hope moved into its new, larger Behavioral Health (Mental Health and Chemical Dependency) Outpatient Clinic at Water Tower Park in response to the rapidly growing need in the Rochester area. Christina Gullo, President and CEO of Villa of Hope states, “Twelve percent of children under the age of 18 have considered suicide in the past year and seven percent attempted it. S uicide is the second leading cause of death for young people ages 15 to 24. As a community we need to have the resources for parents and kids to find help before these become life-altering or life-threatening events.”

Special Red Wings jerseys, hats, socks and Minnesota Twins collectibles will be available for auction at the Sunday, August 13th game at 1:35 p.m. All proceeds of the auction will benefit Villa of Hope and Sharing Kindness, Inc. That game is a designated “Kids Club Day” and will include sports entertainer “BirdZerk!” and a chance for kids to run the bases with Spikes and Mittsy after the game.

About Sharing Kindess

Sharing Kindness is a newly-formed non-profit, started by the Walters family after the death by suicide of their 16 year old son Jeremy, in October of 2016. It is dedicated to overcoming the stigma surrounding mental illness, depression and suicide. Sharing Kindness is about having the courage and compassion to start and sustain the conversation in our communities about these issues that have traditionally been so difficult to talk about. We are currently developing and helping fund various awareness and education programs in the lower and outer towns of Cape Cod, MA, an area plagued with higher than average rates of suicide, with special focus on our schools.

About Villa of Hope

Through a network of high quality programs and services, Villa of Hope specializes in helping at-risk youth overcome emotional and behavioral challenges and build lifelong strengths. The Villa’s community-based, residential and educational programs address mental health needs, trauma-informed care, life-skills development, and chemical dependency. Founded in 1942, today Villa of Hope serves more than 3,000 young people and their families annually.

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