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

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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

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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 [email protected]

-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

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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 [email protected].

-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 [email protected]

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.

McCoy Charity Softball Game Returns June 4

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The LeSean McCoy Foundation and Rochester Red Wings have announced the fourth annual LeSean McCoy Charity Softball Game will be held at Frontier Field on Sunday, June 4 with festivities beginning at 2 p.m.

McCoy and his Buffalo Bills teammates will take on a team of local heroes comprised of police, firefighters and emergency medical technicians. Former NFL players who have participated in this event in the past include Cam Newton, Victor Cruz, DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, Brian Westbrook, Thurman Thomas, Sammy Watkins, Chris Hogan and Tyrod Taylor.

Gates will open at 1 p.m. The Home Run Derby begins at 2 p.m. with the game starting at approximately 3 p.m.

Tickets will go on sale Friday, April 28 at 9:00 a.m. at Frontier Field Ticket Office, online at RedWingsBaseball.com or by calling (585) 423-WING. Tickets are $25 for platinum box, $20 for premium box, $15 for upper box and $10 for reserved. Red Wings Season Seat Holders will have until Thursday, April 27 at 5:00 p.m. to claim their seat location. On Friday, April 28, those seats will be released for sale to the general public.

A limited number of suites will be available for this event. A 16-person suite including food and non-alcoholic beverages will be $750. Fans purchasing these suites can buy additional tickets (up to four) at $25 each. A 10-person suite with the same amenities is $600 and additional tickets (up to two) can be purchased for $25 each.

This year’s softball game will feature live autograph signings, a silent auction and several raffles.

Proceeds from the event will be directed to the LeSean McCoy Foundation to provide educational and resource programs to disadvantaged youth and to raise awareness and funds directly benefitting individuals and families battling Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. LeSean’s grandmother, Maryann Branch, lost her battle with ALS.

Tickets to this charity event are considered a non-refundable donation the LeSean McCoy Foundation. No refunds will be issued due to inclement weather if the event cannot take place.

Media wishing to cover the event must contact Theresa Jones of the LeSean McCoy Foundation at [email protected]

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

2017 Red Wings Baseball Camp, July 19-20

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

The Red Wings 2017 Baseball Camp presented by Advantage Federal Credit Union will take place at Frontier Field July 19-20. The camp is open to boy and girls ages 7-12. Camp will run 9 am to 12 om on July 19 and 9 am to 1 pm on July 20.

Campers will learn techniques and fundamentals of the game from Red Wings players and coaches. The instructors will cover everything from fielding and pitching to hitting and base running. Each session will include games.

CLICK HERE FOR A CAMP BROCHURE

The camp fee is $115 and includes two days of camp instruction from Wings players/coaches, FREE camp t-shirt, a picnic after the final day of camp, two tickets to a Red Wings game and refreshments/snacks during the camp.

Early registration is suggested as enrollment is limited. For more information call Kevin at (585) 454-1001 ext. 3046.

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

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Family Campout Night Announced for August 25

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

For a second straight year we’ve got a FAMILY CAMPOUT NIGHT planned at Frontier Field on Friday, August 25 presented by Dunkin’ Donuts and Meyer’s RV Superstores! 

Any fan with a ticket to the game on Friday, August 25 can CAMPOUT under the stars at Frontier Field that night! Following the game we will be showing the movie “Little Big League” on the videoboards. Popcorn, soda and water will be available for purchase from one of the Red Wings concession stands before and during the movie.

 In the morning, Dunkin’ Donuts will be here with FREE coffee and donuts for all those who camped out!

Campout in Style: One lucky campout group will be upgraded to spend the night in an RV on the field, courtesy of Meyer’s RV Superstores. For your chance to spend the night in the RV, use promo code CAMPOUT when purchasing tickets online and you will automatically be registered for the upgrade experience. We’ll announce the guest upgrade before the movie begins. Don’t have a tent but want to camp out? The staff from Meyer’s will be here selling discounted tents and supplies.

In an effort to keep track of how many fans we’ll have sleeping over on August 25, please use promo code: CAMPOUT (all caps) when purchasing tickets online if you plan on staying over. To order tickets over the phone, please call Mike Ewing at (585) 454-1001 EXT. 3036.

PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE HERE (Be sure to use the promo code)

We can’t think about a Campout Night without remembering TENT BOY! In the Summer of 2002, with the Wings mired in a long losing streak, Wings GM Dan Mason took to a tent in the Red Wings bullpen…

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

Wings’ jersey’s journey to Afghanistan

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

Rochester, N.Y. to Afghanistan — 6,673 miles.

That’s the distance between Rochester and Afghanistan. That distance would take you from New York to L.A. and back to Des Moines, Iowa.

Jose Berrios has memorabilia that resides there, but he doesn’t know it.

On the Fourth of July a season-high 11,574 spectators filed into Frontier Field as the Wings dropped a 5-2 decision to Buffalo. That night Rochester donned patriotic threads that were silent auctioned following the game to benefit the Veteran’s Outreach Center in Rochester.

Gracious fans raised $3,380 on Independence Day to lay claim to the unique game worn Wings artifacts. Many of the jerseys can be seen worn by fans around the park while others have them framed in their homes.

Jose Berrios’ jersey won’t be seen by anybody for quite some time because his is currently 6,673 miles away in Afghanistan.

Danny Cashman has been in the military since 2005 where he joined as a military police officer and was sent to Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri for one station unit training. Later that year he was sent to Fort Benning in Georgia where he participated in jump school as a paratrooper in the 82nd airborne. He was then stationed in Fayetteville, North Carolina before being stationed in Afghanistan for 15 months from 2007-08.

There is not a lot to do in down time while overseas. One day Cashman was sent a baseball and he went out in the field with the guys and played with it. Soldiers were sent soccer balls and they played with those. Practically anything over there could be used to goof off and have a good time.

Now, Cashman sends whatever he can get his hands on overseas. Upon his return in 2008 he has been collecting game-used baseballs, bats, and a game-used base from a Red Wings game that hangs in the dining hall of his former base. He’s also sent over basic supplies like socks and T-shirts because at the end of the day he knows anything is appreciated.

“The baseball stuff (we received) was a surprise and it was like ‘Hey this is awesome!’ Stuff like that sent to any solider packages would be utilized and it was nice. Unless you have a family member or friends sending you things it can be tough and you don’t know what you are going to get. Being able to keep their morale up is huge.”

Jose’s jersey was sent over to a good friend of Cashman not only because of the patriotic colors of the jersey, but also because of the number.

The duo both thoroughly enjoy the movie The Replacements and quarterback Shane Falco sports #16 in the film so the number has stuck for the two men.

So while the $3,380 is going to help war veterans in Rochester, the jerseys themselves are having an impact themselves over 6,000 miles away.

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

Baseball Buddies Program Better Than Ever

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

The Red Wings Baseball Buddies program has been revamped in 2016 thanks to our friends at Dairy Queen!

Want your team to take the field in uniform before a Red Wings game? How does 10 FREE tickets sound? Or how about a FREE Wings cap for all your players?

As part of the Baseball Buddies program, your Little League team…

  • will be introduced individually over the PA system prior to first pitch.
  • will stand with the Red Wings players and coaches for the National Anthem.
  • receives 10 FREE tickets.
  • gets a FREE Red Wings cap for each player.
  • receives coupons for a FREE Blizzard at Dairy Queen

Need more than 10 tickets? Additional tickets are available for friends and family of the team at the discount group rate.

Sign your team up today by contacting Bob Craig at (585) 454-1001 ext. 3021 or email him.

IMPORTANT LINKS:

Promotions || Schedule || Ballpark Birthdays || Knot Hole Gang Kids Club

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