Top five Black players to dawn a Salem jersey

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

 

This February, in honor of Black History Month, Minor League Baseball will launch The Nine Program. As such MiLB teams have been asked to reflect upon past players and highlight five standouts.

Players do not need to be Hall of Famers, All-Stars or to have even played in the Major League. These are, instead, individuals who have made an impact in their community or the sport.

With that said, here is a look at five of the best Black players to wear a Salem jersey.

Mookie Betts

Born Markus Lynn “Mookie” Betts, he was drafted in the fifth round of the 2011 MLB Draft. On July 9, 2013, he was promoted to Salem where he batted .341 with seven home runs and 39 RBIs. That season, Betts received Offensive Player of the Year and Breakout Player of the Year in the Red Sox organization.

He made his MLB debut on June 29, 2014, for the Red Sox and recorded his first hit that night against Chase Whitley of the New York Yankees. After the season, he moved full time to the outfield where Betts has become a superstar in baseball.

Betts had a breakout year in 2018 when he hit .346 with 32 home runs and 80 RBIs. He was voted American League MVP, Gold Glove, Silver Slugger winner. That year he also won his first World Series title beating his current team, the Los Angeles Dodgers.

During his six seasons with the Red Sox, Betts hit .301 with 139 home runs and 470 RBIs. He also collected four Gold Gloves and All-Star appearances, three Silver Sluggers, a batting title, MVP award and World Series championship.

Jackie Bradley Jr.

Bradley was drafted in the supplemental first round of the 2011 MLB Draft. Before the start of the 2012 season, he was named to the opening day roster with the Salem Red Sox.

During the season, Bradley hit .359 with three home runs and 34 RBIs through 67 games before being called up. That year, he was named Minor League Defensive Player of the Year in the Red Sox organization.

Bradley made the Opening Day roster in 2013 and made his debut on April 1 against the New York Yankees. He had his first major hit a couple days later, on April 4.

During the 2016 season, he made it to his first and only All-Star Game appearance. Bradley hit .267 with 26 home runs and 87 RBIs.

He was also a member of the 2018 World Series team where he collected the American League Championship Series MVP after hitting nine RBIs in the series. That season, he also won his first and only Gold Glove award.

Bradley returns to Boston for the 2022 season after spending last season in Milwaukee.

*Josh Ockimey *

Ockimey was drafted in the fifth round of the 2014 Draft by the Red Sox. He made the Opening Day roster for the Salem Red Sox during the 2017 season.

That year, he played 100 games with the team and had a .275 average with 11 home runs and 63 RBIs. It was his best season in his career, as he was also called up to AA Portland where he hit .272 with three home runs and 11 RBIs.

Ockimey has spent all seven seasons in his career within the Red Sox organization. Although he has not been called up to the majors, he has spent his time the last three seasons with the Red Sox AAA organization.

In addition to his on-field accomplishments, Josh has engrained himself in the minor league communities that are part of the Red Sox farm system. This past year, Ockimey was an active member of the WooSox Foundation helping at local food pantries during the holiday season. He uses his platform to educate and raise awareness about social issues.

Dave Parker

Parker was drafted in the 14th round of the 1970 MLB Draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates. He spent the 1972 season with the Salem Pirates, which was the inaugural season of the team.

He hit .310 with 22 home runs and 101 RBIs in 135 games. It was the most home runs and RBIs in his four-year minor league career.

During the 1973 season he was called up to Pittsburgh. Parker’s breakout season came in 1975 when he played in double the number of games as the previous year. He hit .308 with 25 home runs and 101 RBIs. That season Parker also finished third in the NL MVP voting.

After finishing in the top three of MVP voting in two of three seasons, he captured it in 1978 hitting .334 with 30 home runs and 117 RBIs. Parker fractured his jaw in late June of that season but decided to wear a face mask the rest of the season instead of sitting out. He received baseball’s first million-dollar-a-year contract after the season.

Parker decided to retire after 19 years in the majors after the 1991 season. He finished hitting .290 with 339 home runs and 1493 RBIs. Parker also had seven All-Star Game appearances, three Gold Gloves and Silver Slugger awards, two NL batting titles and two World Series titles with the Pirates (1979) and Athletics (1989).

*Tony Womack *

Womack was drafted in the seventh round of the 1991 MLB Draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates. He made the Opening Day roster of the Salem Buccaneers in 1993.

During that season, Womack played in 72 games and hit .299 with two home runs and 18 RBIs. He made his MLB debut later that season playing in 15 games.

Womack went up and down for a couple years before becoming a mainstay in the majors during the 1997 season. That year he made his first and only All-Star Game appearance hitting .278 with six home runs and 50 RBIs while stealing 60 bases.

Womack was a member of the 2001 World Series champion Arizona Diamondbacks. He famously had the game-tying one-out double against Mariano Rivera in Game 7 of the World Series.

During his 13-year MLB career he hit .273 with 36 home runs and 368 RBIs while also stealing 263 bases. Womack led the NL in stolen bases for three consecutive years from 1997 to 1999 and is the Diamondbacks career leader in the category.

460 Battle Brings Communities Together

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Roanoke, VA, September 10, 2020 – There’s nothing like a battle to bring people together for a greater purpose. Blue Eagle Credit Union, the Lynchburg Hillcats, and the Salem Red Sox have planned a rivalry baseball game to:

1. Bring back baseball locally and have some fun!

2. Unify communities with a little friendly competition!

3. Recognize some of the key ‘players’ in making our communities a great place to live, work, and PLAY!

“We are thrilled to partner with Blue Eagle Credit Union to rekindle the 460 Rivalry with the Hillcats and the city of Lynchburg. This inaugural game will be a bright spot in 2020 and something that we can continue each year to honor these two great communities.” Allen Lawrence, General Manager, Salem Red Sox

The game is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Friday, October 9, 2020 at the Salem Memorial Ballpark. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. The teams are being drafted currently and will be announced soon. Teams will be made up of local ‘celebrity MVPs’.

Admission is free, thanks to Blue Eagle Credit Union’s sponsorship, but limited to the first 1,000 fans. Don’t miss the action, reserve your tickets early by going online to https://www.milb.com/salem/events/blue-eagle-460-battle. Donations will be accepted at the gate to benefit the American Red Cross and the United Way (in both Lynchburg and Roanoke). Both of these organizations have local programs instrumental in supporting the financial, medical, family, safety, and education aspects of our communities. “Elevating awareness and support for the Red Cross and United Way is a big part of the game – and we’re hoping we hit a home run for them both with donations.” shared Laurissa Grubb, Director of Marketing for Blue Eagle Credit Union.

Andrew Alegre, Brand Ambassador for Blue Eagle Credit Union added “We’ve partnered with the Hillcats and Red Sox for years. We choose to do so because we share common values and a desire to see our communities prosper. We love finding unique and fun ways to get the job done!”

Though this inaugural game will be held in Salem, there’s talk that the game would rotate between the two cities. Matt Klein, Assistant General Manager for the Lynchburg Hillcats comments “We couldn’t be more excited to ramp up the 460 rivalry with The Salem Red Sox and The Lynchburg Hillcats all in the name of “Community”. A wonderful opportunity to connect two great cities, collaborate with Blue Eagle Credit Union, and compete on the “diamond” by celebrating members of each community that play a vital role in making our cities “move and shake!”

Game Day Bonus – The first 500 fans in the gate will receive a limited edition 460 Community Battle t-shirt! Visit the Blue Eagle Credit Union table on game day for additional giveaways (while supplies last). Not a Blue Eagle Credit Union member yet? See what they have for you on game day! You won’t want to miss it.

*– END – *

Blue Eagle® Credit Union is a local not-for-profit financial cooperative serving the greater Roanoke and Lynchburg areas, since 1948. Blue Eagle® Credit Union’s Google review rating averages 4.9 out of 5 stars_, a direct result of their commitment to improving the financial picture of their members and the communities they serve. Blue Eagle® Credit Union wants you to see banking differently! Insured by NCUA. _

_The Salem Red Sox are the Advanced-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox and call Salem Memorial Ballpark in Salem, Virginia home. The team was founded in 1968 and purchased by Fenway Sports Management in December of 2007. _

_The Lynchburg Hillcats are the Advanced-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. The Hillcats are eight-time Carolina League Champions, having most recently won the Mills Cup Championship in 2017. The Hillcats play their home games in Lynchburg, VA which has been home to Minor League Baseball since 1940. Visit the Hillcats online at Lynchburg-hillcats.com, and follow the Hillcats on Twitter (@LynHillcats), Instagram (@LynHillcats) and Facebook (Lynchburg Hillcats). _

Salem Red Sox to Host “The Last Inning” – High School Senior Baseball Game

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Salem Red Sox to Host The Last Inning – High School Senior Baseball Game

Salem Red Sox to host senior baseball game featuring 63 players from 21 local high schools on August 1st

SALEM, Va. – On Saturday, August 1st, Salem Memorial Ballpark will open its’ gates to welcome 63 local high school senior baseball players along with their friends and family during The Last Inning. Comprised of 4 teams, sponsored by Coke, American National Bank, Kroger, & Guelich Capital Management, The Last Inning features players from 21 local area high schools.

“This game means a lot to me, being able to play with the other seniors in the valley one last time is going to be exciting,” said North Cross Senior, Nick Carey. “I am so thankful for everyone that organized this event. Not getting to play my senior year was very disappointing but this game is giving all of the seniors a chance to play that final game and have closure on our high school baseball career.”

Gates will open at 1:30p with Game 1 starting at 3p. “Senior Day” player recognition will occur in between games, with Game 2 beginning at 6:30p. The evening’s event will conclude with post-game fireworks. Players will receive the full-game experience with announcements, head shots, and jerseys provided by the Salem Red Sox.

“I personally have so many friends involved in this event. From coaches to parents of the seniors, each are super excited to have the opportunity to play in the game with their teammates and on Salem Memorial Field,” said Gary Walthall, retired William Byrd High School, Athletic Director. “The players are thankful for the chance to play and excited to see their friends again.”

Admission is free and concessions will be available for purchase. No outside food or beverage will be permitted. All social distancing guidelines and CDC recommendations will be followed. Masks are encouraged.

“We wanted to make the most of an unfortunate situation and hope to replicate their Senior Day while giving them one last game to play together,” said General Manager, Allen Lawrence. “Our staff is excited to be a part of this memorable event and we encourage the community to join as we applaud their hard work.”

Teams will hold practice at Salem Memorial Ballpark next Tuesday and Wednesday at 4:30p and 6p. Gates will be open for spectators and media. To view The Last Inning roster, please visit SalemSox.com.

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The Salem Red Sox are the Advanced-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox and call Salem Memorial Ballpark in Salem, Virginia home. The team was founded in 1968 and purchased by Fenway Sports Management in December of 2007.

Pulaski Yankees, Salem Red Sox join forces for MiLB CommUNITY First campaign

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Pulaski Yankees, Salem Red Sox join forces for MiLB CommUNITY First campaign

PULASKI, Va./SALEM, Va. – The Pulaski Yankees and Salem Red Sox today announced the two Minor League Baseball teams are joining forces for a national community initiative in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In partnership with Feeding America®, Minor League Baseball ™ (MiLB™) is launching the MiLB CommUNITY First campaign to raise funds for local food banks while also honoring local heroes who are risking their lives on the front lines of the pandemic.

“We are excited to put the Red Sox/ Yankees rivalry aside and partner with our friends in Pulaski on this great initiative,” said Salem Red Sox General Manager Allen Lawrence. “Our food banks need our assistance now more than ever so we need to come together as one, as we are all in this together.”

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

Contributions from Red Sox and Yankees fans and Minor League Baseball will help ensure families and individuals across the country most impacted by the pandemic are fed and cared for during these uncertain times. Additionally, one ticket for a future MiLB game will be donated to a local first responder, healthcare worker, or grocery store worker per $10 donation.

To make a donation, fans can visit MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst. Once on the site, fans can choose their donation amount and will have the option to select either the Pulaski Yankees or the Salem Red Sox as their favorite team, with the funds and tickets routed back to each community. The campaign will conclude on May 31, 2020.

“We are excited to work with our friends in Salem on this initiative and look forward to seeing Yankees fans and Red Sox fans come together to support our communities during this time,” said Pulaski Yankees General Manager Betsy Haugh. “Our local heroes are working so hard to keep us all safe and healthy during this pandemic, and this is a great way for us all to show our appreciation for their tireless efforts.”

More than 100 Minor League Baseball teams are participating in the MiLB CommUNITY First initiative across the United States, and the MiLB national office has committed a $5,000 donation from MiLB Charities, equaling 50,000 meals provided through Feeding America. To join the national campaign by donating or for more information, visit MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst and use #MiLBCommUNITYFirst on social media to show your support.

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The Pulaski Yankees are the Advanced Rookie affiliate of the New York Yankees, competing in the Appalachian League. The team plays at Motor Mile Field at Calfee Park, which was renovated for the team’s first season as a Yankees affiliate in 2015.

The Salem Red Sox are the Advanced-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox and call Salem Memorial Ballpark in Salem, Virginia home. The team was founded in 1968 and purchased by Fenway Sports Management in December of 2007.

Feeding America® is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States. Through a network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs, we provide meals to more than 40 million people each year. Feeding America also supports programs that prevent food waste and improve food security among the people we serve; educates the public about the problem of hunger; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Individuals, charities, businesses and government all have a role in ending hunger. Donate. Volunteer. Advocate. Educate. Together we can solve hunger. Visit www.feedingamerica.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

Salem Red Sox Raise Over $1700 for Non-Profits

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

 

Salem, Virginia (April 9, 2020) – The Salem Red Sox raised over $1700 during the recent “I Miss Baseball” fundraising campaign. Partnering with local vendor Press Press Merch, the collaboration included the development of a limited edition “I Miss Baseball” Salem Red Sox t-shirt. The efforts focused on supporting non-profits in Southwest Virginia, during the COVID-19 crisis.

“The Salem Red Sox wanted to find a way to give back to our local community in this time of need,” said Group Sales Manager, Alex Michel. “While we do not have the daily escape that sports gives us, we felt we wanted to spread positivity by creating a t-shirt that helps give to our local non-profit organizations that we partner with and support.”

Over 130 t-shirts were purchased during the campaign, with 2019 Salem Red Sox outfielder Tyler Esplin purchasing 30 for the Lake Bluff U12 travel baseball team in his hometown of Lake Bluff, Illinois. With each purchase, fans received one t-shirt and two undated tickets for the 2020 season, with proceeds going to the non-profit of their choice. Additionally, the Red Sox announced a matching campaign in which every donation made, the team would provide two complimentary tickets for healthcare workers at Carilion and other healthcare facilities. Esplin chose to donate his tickets and proceeds to Carilion Children’s.

“We were excited to partner with the Salem Red Sox during this initiative”, said Greg Szechenyi, owner of Press Press Merch. “This was a fun and engaging way to connect with our communities and local non-profits, all while supporting our local professional baseball team.”

While the Salem Red Sox season is currently postponed, the Red Sox continued to develop unique ways to stay connected to the fans near and far away. Follow the Salem Red Sox on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to stay up-to-date on daily activities and information.

The Salem Red Sox are the Advanced-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox and call Salem Memorial Stadium in Salem, Virginia home. The team was founded in 1968 and purchased by Fenway Sports Management in December of 2007.

 

Sox Donate to Feeding America SW VA on Giving Tuesday

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

SALEM, VA (Monday, November 27) – The Salem Red Sox announced today that, in partnership with BUSH’S® Beans, they will provide a donation to Feeding America Southwest Virginia as part of #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration, on Tuesday, Nov. 28.

Celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving and the widely-recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving. Since its inaugural year in 2012, #GivingTuesday has become a movement that celebrates and supports generosity and philanthropy.

This past season, Michael Chavis was named the BUSH’S Most Valuable Player (MVP) at the 2017 Carolina League All-Star Game in Salem, Virginia, after knocking in both runs in the North division’s 2-0 victory. As an extension of this award, BUSH’S and the Red Sox will provide a $1,000 donation to Feeding America Southwest Virginia.

“Feeding America has provided a vital service to the residents of Southwest Virginia for decades,” said Ryan Shelton, President and General Manager of the Salem Red Sox. “Red Sox fans have supported Feeding America for years with food drives and volunteer efforts, but this year the involvement of BUSH’S Baked Beans really took the partnership to another level.”

BUSH’S Beans sponsored 11 All-Star Game MVP awards throughout Minor League Baseball this summer. BUSH’s is making a donation to a local charitable organization chosen by each MVP Award winner’s home club.

“One of the things that attracted BUSH’S to Minor League Baseball is how the clubs and their local communities support each other,” said Mike Morris, Senior Brand Manager at Bush Brothers & Company. “We are proud to recognize the contributions of each BUSH’S MVP Award winner by giving back to his team’s local charity.”

Minor League Baseball unveiled a multi-year, strategic partnership with BUSH’S Beans last December, making it the “Official Beans of Minor League Baseball,” and a “Preferred Partner” of a number of MiLB teams, beginning in 2017. Bush Brothers & Company is the recognized brand leader in beans. The partnership was activated across a range of touch-points this year, including in-ballpark celebrations such as National Baked Bean Month in July and the integration of a variety of BUSH’S Beans products in teams’ concessions.

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About Minor League Baseball 

Minor League Baseball, headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida, is the governing body for all professional baseball teams in the United States, Canada and the Dominican Republic that are affiliated with Major League Baseball® clubs through their farm systems. Fans are coming out in unprecedented numbers to this one-of-a-kind experience that can only be found at Minor League Baseball ballparks. In 2017, Minor League Baseball attracted 41.8 million fans to its ballparks to see the future stars of the sport hone their skills. From the electricity in the stands to the excitement on the field, Minor League Baseball has provided affordable family-friendly entertainment to people of all ages since its founding in 1901. For more information, visit www.MiLB.com.

Follow Minor League Baseball on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

About BUSH’S® Beans

BUSH’S® is all about friends & family, and a certain Secret Family Recipe. When you enjoy our beans (doesn’t matter if they’re baked beans, chili beans, black beans, pinto beans…well, you get the picture), you can trust that they’re the very best. Because we wouldn’t serve your family anything less. Since we got our start more than 100 years ago in Chestnut Hill, Tenn., BUSH’S® has always maintained that quality is the best policy. We pursue excellence and exceptional taste in our beans, sauces and everything we do. That’s why, from mouthwatering Baked Beans & Chili Beans to satisfying bean recipes, you’re cooking up the best with BUSH’S BEST®. For more information, visit www.bushbeans.com.

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

Sox Offering Free Admission to all Service Members on Military Appreciation Night

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

SALEM, VA (Friday, September 1, 2017) – The Salem Red Sox will offer free admission to any and all military service members on Military Appreciation Night on Saturday, September 2 against the Winston-Salem Dash.

Due to the overwhelming support from Veterans of Foreign Wars, Military Family Support Center, and our fans donating tickets at every home game this year, Salem Red Sox President Ryan Shelton has decided to match our partners’ contributions by giving free admission to all military service members (active or retired) who do not already have a ticket. Eligible fans can show their military ID at the gates for free entrance.

“In recent years, we have significantly increased our commitment to our fighting men and women,” Shelton said. “This year, with such overwhelming support from our fans, the VFW and MFS for the Tickets for Troops program, we wanted to ensure that every soldier, sailor and airman was able to attend and be recognized.”

In addition, the first 1,000 fans through the gates will receive a free military-style t-shirt featuring a stars-and-stripes motif similar to our 2017 Military Jerseys. The Salem Red Sox look forward to recognizing our military service members at the game through pre-game activities, special recognitions and symbolic song dedications.

Fans who want to buy tickets for themselves or others should visit the Salem Red Sox box office at Haley Toyota Field at 1004 Texas St. in Salem, visit the team website at http://www.SalemSox.com, or give the Sox a call at 540-389-3333.

Salem Red Sox, Feeding America Team Up for Food Drive

Fans urged to become someone’s superhero on Superhero Night

SALEM, Va. – The Salem Red Sox have announced a partnership with Feeding America of Southwest Virginia that includes a food drive to be held on Superhero Night, Saturday, May 23, when the Red Sox take on the Winston-Salem Dash.

Fans are asked to bring non-perishable food items to LewisGale Field when they arrive for the 6 p.m. contest. The Sox and Feeding America are encouraging fans to bring a box of macaroni and cheese (or other boxed pasta) to serve as a noisemaker during the game and then donate to Feeding America after the game.

Tickets for the game are available at salemsox.com. Fans who pre-purchase their tickets online not only will save $2 over the walk-up price, but will be able to donate $2 to Feeding America by using the promo code: FOOD.

About Feeding America: “Feeding America of Southwest Virginia has served the 26 counties and municipalities that make up Southwest Virginia for the last three decades. As the leader in hunger relief in this region, FASWVA distributes more than 20 million pounds of food annually to nearly 400 partner agency soup kitchens, rescue missions and food pantries.”

For more information on Feeding America of Southwest Virginia, visit https://www.faswva.org/. For more information on the food drive or the Salem Red Sox, visit salemsox.com or call 540-389-3333.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Salem Red Sox. Click here to view the original story.

Salem Red Sox Make Record Donation to Susan G. Komen

Annual Pink in the Park weekend proceeds donated to charity

SALEM, Va. – The Salem Red Sox are pleased to announce that a record donation will be made to Susan G. Komen for the Cure as a result of the extremely successful Pink in the Park Weekend.

This year, the Red Sox will be donating $4,652.27 to the non-profit organization. This amount comes from two silent auctions: Saturday night’s pink jerseys and Sunday’s pink bats. In addition, a portion of the proceeds from pink paraphernalia that was sold at the park this past weekend was included.

This year’s donation is the largest the Salem Red Sox have made in the eight-year history of the Pink in the Park series. Over the previous seven years, the Red Sox have donated $21,000 to the organization.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Salem Red Sox. Click here to view the original story.

Salem Red Sox to Honor Military Members With Trading Card Set

Fans encouraged to submit local Military members through June 26

SALEM, Va. – The Salem Red Sox are excited to announce that as part of the season-long Freedom Friday series, the team will honor local military members with a trading card set on Military Appreciation Day in August.

Starting with tonight’s contest, fans can submit a family member or friend from the Roanoke area that has served or is currently serving in any branch of the United States armed forces. Submissions will be accepted at the guest services booth on the concourse at LewisGale Field on the following Freedom Fridays: May 1, May 8, May 22, June 5, June 12, and June 26. Submissions need to include a photo and background information of the military member.

The submissions will then be sent to a selection committee and the final list of members that will be included in the trading card set will be announced in early July. The entire set will be given away on Military Appreciation Day on Saturday, August 29. In addition, those members selected will be honored with an on-field ceremony prior to the game.

Not all submissions to the Red Sox will be selected due to limited space in the trading card set. Any active, retired or deceased member of the military is eligible for submission and subsequent selection. Fans that are unable to attend the selected games, but would still like to submit a military member can do so by e-mailing military@salemsox.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Salem Red Sox. Click here to view the original story.

Red Sox to Host Kids Take Over the Park Day on June 14

Kids ages 5-12 given opportunity to run the show for Salem Sox game

SALEM, Va. – The Salem Red Sox and Blue Eagle Credit Union are teaming up for the first-ever Kids Take Over the Ballpark day on Sunday, June 14 at LewisGale Field. When the Red Sox take on the Wilmington Blue Rocks at 4:05 p.m., nearly 30 kids ages 5-12 will have the opportunity to run the show at Salem Memorial Ballpark.

Children selected to participate in the event will have the opportunity to shadow one of the following positions: on-field host, public address announcer, grounds crew, diamond crew, radio broadcaster, box office representative, bat boy and camera operator. A casting call is scheduled for Saturday, May 2 at 5 p.m. prior to the Red Sox game against the Potomac Nationals. A table will be set up prior to the game for those interested in auditioning.

In addition, there will be a social media audition for kids who would like to help manage the Salem Red Sox for a day. All children interested in auditioning for manager should post a one minute video explaining why they would like to be selected and post it on the Salem Red Sox Facebook page or mention the Salem Red Sox on Twitter.

For more information on Kids Take Over the Ballpark day, please e-mail either Lindsey Schmidt (lschmidt@salemsox.com) or Chelsea Booth (cbooth@salemsox.com) or call 540-389-3333.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Salem Red Sox. Click here to view the original story.

Salem Red Sox Eager to Salute Local Heroes

“Military Appreciation Baseball Card Giveaway” Scheduled for August 9

With Opening Day fast approaching, the Salem Red Sox are proud to announce an unprecedented promotion that will offer well-deserved recognition to some of the bravest men and women of the Roanoke Valley. In addition to creating a baseball card set of the Carolina League Champions in 2014, the team will also generate a pack of cards featuring many of the region’s dedicated servicemen and women for a “Military Appreciation Baseball Card Giveaway,” scheduled for Saturday, August 9 at LewisGale Field.

Starting immediately, fans can log onto the Salem Red Sox Facebook page and submit nominations of family members and/or friends who are worthy of inclusion in this one-of-kind creation. Each submission should include the following information:

  • Name with rank
  • Military Branch
  • Height
  • Weight (if wanted)
  • Years of service
  • DOB (if wanted)
  • Hometown
  • A bio about his or her history in the military (preferably 75-100 words)
  • A photo (headshot or full body in dress uniform)

Fans are asked to submit their candidates by March 31. After receiving nominees, all photos will be placed in an album where the “likes” will be tallied, and the 30 photos with the most “likes” will be chosen for this special card set. In the event of a tie, the earlier photo submitted will have the honor of being included as part of this collection. Voting via “likes” will continue through the first half of the season.

The final product will be a collector’s item of 30 cards, with 1,000 decks to be distributed to the first 1,000 fans through the gate on “Military Appreciation Night” on August 9, when the Salem Red Sox host the Potomac Nationals at 6:05. In addition to the hero recognition, that night at the ballpark will also include a free player poster giveaway along with the weekly Saturday spectacle “Nine Innings of Winning.”

The defending Carolina League champs open the 2014 season in Myrtle Beach on April 3, while the home opener at LewisGale Field, featuring the Mills Cup Trophy and championship banner unveiling, is scheduled for Tuesday, April 8 at 7:05 against Winston-Salem. For tickets or more information, please contact the Salem Red Sox Front Office at (540)-389-3333.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Salem Red Sox. Click here to view the original story.

Salem Red Sox to Donate to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Virginia

Salem Will Donate $3,159 Raised During Annual Salem-Roanoke Baseball Hall of Fame Banquet

Salem, VA (February 1, 2012) – The Salem Red Sox, Advanced Class-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, will donate $3,159 to the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Roanoke, a non-profit organization that provides mentoring organizations serving children, their families, and communities. Since its inception in 1904, Big Brothers Big Sisters operates in all 50 states and 13 countries around the world.On Thursday, January 26, 2012, the Salem-Roanoke Baseball Hall of Fame held their annual banquet at the Salem Civic Center. The Salem Red Sox held an auction during the event with items donated from local restaurants and businesses, along with national organizations and sporting teams. Items included tickets to a Boston Red Sox-New York Yankees series, as well as local area gift cards, and various baseball memorabilia. Guest speaker, Billy Sample, a Salem native, was in attendance to show support for the four inductees and the cause.

“The Salem-Roanoke Baseball Hall of Fame Banquet and induction ceremony was a wonderful opportunity for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Virginia. We appreciate the great generosity from the auction proceeds and the support of the Salem Red Sox and all those who made the event very meaningful for us!” stated Marguerite Hansell, Fund Development Associate with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Virginia.

All of the proceeds from the auction went to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Virginia.

“The auction went off without a hitch,” said Todd Stephenson, general manager of the Salem Red Sox, “there were some high bid wars going on, all for a great cause.”

For more information about the Salem Red Sox’ various fundraising programs, visit our fundraising page.

ABOUT BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS:
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Virginia is an affiliate of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, the largest and most successful national network of mentoring organizations serving children, families, and communities. Our mission is to help children in southwest Virginia who are facing adversity fulfill their potential through strong and enduring professionally supported, one-to-one mentoring relationships that provide a measurable impact and change their lives for the better. Big Brothers Big Sister of Southwest Virginia currently supports over 350 Big and Little matches. The money that is raised and donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Virginia goes to supporting our matches in southwest Virginia. For more information visit www.bigslittles.org.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Salem Red Sox. Click here to view the original story.