RailRiders hosting Family to Family emergency food drive-thru May 27

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

 

MOOSIC, PA (May 21, 2020) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders will serve as the hosts for the Family to Family Emergency Drive-Thru Food Giveaway on May 27. The event is run by the Friends of the Poor in response to the global health pandemic and will take place in the parking lot at PNC Field from 2:30 to 5:30 PM Wednesday.

The Family to Family Food Basket Program and the Friends of the Poor have partnered with the Weinberg Northeast Regional Food Bank for COVID-19 emergency food drive-thrus since late March. These drive-thrus have taken place each Wednesday in different locations around the Scranton area. The emergency drive-thru on May 27 at PNC Field, however, will be the first one located between Scranton and Wilkes-Barre and expectations are for over 1,000 vehicles to attend.

All attendees must remain in their vehicles for the safety and well-being of all guests and volunteers. Food bags will be placed directly into each vehicle.

This event is open to the public. Attendees will be asked what their zip code is as well as how many adults, children and elderly live in each household.

For more information, find the Friends of the Poor on Facebook.

CommUNITY First: SWB partners with MiLB

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

MOOSIC, PA (April 28, 2020) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders have announced that they are joining MiLB CommUNITY First, a new national initiative developed by Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) in conjunction with Feeding America®, to raise funds for local food banks and to honor individuals risking their lives on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The local benefactor is the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Northeast Regional Food Bank in Pittston.

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

“In these trying times, we should do what we can to help those in need around us,” said John Adams, the RailRiders Team President. “Minor League Baseball, as an industry, has always done a great job in community-driven events and focused efforts like this. Donations to this cause will help benefit our region immensely. While we are certainly aware that times are tough financially, this is a tremendous way for those who can donate to make an impact.”

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

In response, contributions from RailRiders fans and Minor League Baseball will help ensure families and individuals across the country most impacted by the pandemic are fed and cared for during these uncertain times.

Join the national campaign by donating and selecting Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders at MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst and use #MiLBCommUNITYFirst on social media to show your support.

Book Smart: READing RailRoad Returns for 2020

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

 

MOOSIC, PA (April 15, 2020) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders are pleased to announce the return of their READing RailRoad program this spring and summer. Schools across the state have been required to remain closed for the remainder of the academic year, with continued education turning to homeschooling and online offerings. The RailRiders reading program allows children aged 4-13 the chance to read five books and be rewarded for their work with a free ticket to an upcoming home game at PNC Field.

“As parents and guardians look to help their children’s education, we are happy to bring back this great program,” said Jordan Maydole, the RailRiders Director of Community Relations. “The READing RailRoad is a simple way to have your child read five books, get the reward of a free baseball ticket and the satisfaction of accomplishment in these unusual times.”

Parents and guardians must register their child or children by sending their name, their phone number, their child’s name and their mailing address to Jordan Maydole. Each participant can download and print their own READing RailRoad bookmark to track the books that they read. As each book is finished, the reading log on the bookmark must be completed and the parent/guardian must initial each numbered box. When all five books are read, parents must send a completed copy or photo of the bookmark to [email protected].

The READing RailRoad program is limited to one bookmark and free ticket per child. Parents may purchase tickets for family and friends when redeeming the child’s free ticket voucher at the E-Auto Box Office at PNC Field once it reopens. The ticket voucher is valid for one 2020 regular season home game once the schedule begins and those tickets are subject to availability. Vouchers will be mailed to each participating household once the child has completed reading five books, the parent or guardian sends a photo or copy of the child’s completed bookmark (with parent initials) to [email protected] and as soon as the RailRiders staff is back in the office at PNC Field. Participants must finish the five books and submit proof of completion by June 19, 2020, to be eligible for their free ticket voucher.

More information and the printable bookmark are available now at swbrailriders.com.

2020 RailRiders Community Series Announced

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

Annual series puts local collegiate, high school and special needs teams on PNC Field.

MOOSIC, PA (March 2, 2020) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders are pleased to announce the schedule for the RailRiders University Community Series, presented by Geisinger. Each spring, the RailRiders welcome local collegiate, high school and special needs teams onto PNC Field to showcase their talents.

2020 RailRiders University Community Series
April 2 Scranton High School vs. West Scranton High School- 4:30 PM
April 3     Valley View High School vs. Honesdale High School- 4:30 PM
April 4     Mountain View High School vs. Lackawanna Trail High School- 1:30 PM
Riverside High School vs. Mid Valley High School- 3:30 PM
April 17   Nanticoke Area High School vs. Dallas Area High School- 4:30 PM

Bill Howerton Strike Out Cancer Weekend- 
April 18   Holy Cross High School vs. Holy Redeemer High School- 1:30 PM
Honesdale High School vs. North Pocono High School- 3:30 PM
April 19   Scranton High School vs. Western Wayne High School- 2:00 PM
April 22   Penn State University (Main Campus) vs. Lafayette University- 6:30 PM
April 26   Hanover Area High School vs. Holy Redeemer High School- Immediately after RailRiders game
April 27   Western Wayne High School vs. Honesdale High School- 4:30 PM
May 2      Abington Heights High School vs. Hazleton Area High School- 3:00 PM
May 3     Abington Heights High School vs. West Scranton High School- 4:00 PM
May 4      Pocono Mountain East High School vs. Pocono Mountain West High School- 4:30 PM
May 10   State College High School vs. Hazleton Area High School- Immediately after RailRiders game
May 15-17   Second Annual RailRiders University Junior High Tournament- Times TBA
May 24-27   PIAA District 2 Tournament- Times TBA
July 20-24   RailRiders University Summer Camp #1
August 3-6   RailRiders University Summer Camp #2

The RailRiders are also proud to host the Wyoming Valley Challenger League as part of the Community Series at 9:30 AM on May 31, June 14, 28 and July 26. The RailRiders University Community Series is presented by Geisinger as part of their continued commitment to Northeastern Pennsylvania. For more information, please contact the RailRiders front office at (570) 969-BALL.

 

Star Search: SWB adding game day talent

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

Team seeking applicants for the Pinstripe Patrol, emcees and PA announcers

The RailRiders are seeking talented individuals to help boost the fan experience at PNC Field this coming season. The team needs energetic and dedicated men and women to join the game day staff in several key areas.

Pinstripe Patrol:
Want to help bring the best game day experience to PNC Field for the SWB RailRiders 2020 season? Well here’s your fit — join the RailRiders Pinstripe Patrol! You’ll get to help with on-field promotions, providing some in-game entertainment, selling elements to promotions, greeting fans as they enter PNC Field and more! You’re here to enhance the OVERALL game day experience for RailRiders fans to keep them coming back!
Click here to apply for the 2020 Pinstripe Patrol!

Emcee:
Are you outgoing, energetic and just LOVE baseball? Want to work alongside the Pinstripe Patrol to bring the best game day experience to PNC Field? Fill out the application to see if you can be a SWB RailRiders emcee. You’ll be the in-stadium host walking the crowd (and contestants) through in-game promotions, capturing the magic through interviews and more!
Click here to apply to be a RailRiders 2020 Emcee!

Public Address Announcer:
Like a conductor keeping the train moving, the public address announcer is a vital part of the game day experience and every RailRiders game. We’re looking for someone to be one of our voices from “above” at PNC Field for the 2020 season. You’ll talk our fans through the game, hit after hit and run after run! This individual must be able to multi-task while helping keep our show moving from the time the gates open until after the final out.
Click here to apply to be a RailRiders PA Announcer!

All applications must be completed in full and submitted by Wednesday, March 4, 2020. 

Pinstripe Pals: Little League program returns in 2020

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

 

MOOSIC, PA (December 20, 2019) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, in partnership with Maines Food and Party Warehouse, will once again offering the Pinstripe Pals program, supporting area youth softball and baseball leagues. Applications are being accepted now and 10 youth leagues will be chosen to receive a sponsorship from The SWB Pinstripes Foundation and a gift card from Maines.

Pinstripe Pals heads for year six in 2020. Each of the ten leagues selected will receive a $500 sponsorship to help pay for costly supplies, such as uniforms and equipment, as well as a $500 gift card to Maines Food and Party Warehouse, which can be used to help teams pay for items for concessions, thus raising more money for their respective league.

Click here to print the application.

Each league selected will have the opportunity to participate in a pre-game parade at PNC Field before a RailRiders home game and the opportunity for RailRiders assistance with league fundraising. Selected leagues will have a photo of their choice placed in the GuideRail game day program on your league’s night and one of the teams in each league will serve as the “Field of Dreams” club on that night and take the field with our players.

League representatives are encouraged to fill out the Pinstripe Pals application form and submit a 500 word essay describing why their league should be chosen. The deadline to apply is Friday, February 21, 2020.

Completed applications can be emailed to Jordan Maydole at jmaydole@swbrailriders.com, faxed to 570-963-6564 or mailed to:
SWB RailRiders
Attn: Pinstripe Pals
235 Montage Mountain Rd.
Moosic, PA 18507

For more information on the Pinstripe Pals program, presented by Maines Food and Party Warehouse, please contact Jordan Maydole or Robby Judge at 570-969-2255. The 2020 season opens on April 9 at PNC Field against the Buffalo Bisons.

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

You’re Hired: RailRiders holding two job fairs

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

 

MOOSIC, PA (December 19, 2019) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders are holding two job fairs in January to hire seasonal employees for the upcoming 2020 season at PNC Field. The RailRiders will host the Keystone Mid Summer Classic next summer, featuring the 2020 Triple-A All-Star Game presented by the Lackawanna County Visitor’s Bureau, and are seeking energetic and dedicated personnel for the upcoming season.

The first job fair is scheduled for Saturday, January 18, 2020, from 10 A.M until noon. A second will be held on Wednesday, January 22, from 6 to 8 P.M. Those interested in seasonal employment only need to attend one of the two events to be considered. Potential employees will fill out applications and the front office staff will do interviews on the spot during the job fair. Both job fairs will be held in the Geisinger Champions Club at PNC Field.

“The game day staff is a key part of our fan experience at PNC Field,” said Katie Beekman, the RailRiders General Manager. “From the moment you arrive until the time you leave this great ballpark, it is the responsibility of our game day employees to make sure our fans are enjoying the game. We need individuals who will take pride in what we do every game.”

Scranton/Wilkes-Barre is looking for game day employees to fill a variety of roles within the organization. The game day staff includes bat boys/ girls, club level attendants, custodians, grounds crew, parking attendants, security staff, ticket sales representatives, ticket takers, ushers and video/ production assistants. The team is also looking for members of the Pinstripe Patrol, the on-field promotions crew, as well as fun zone employees and performers to serve as the team’s mascot during games. Potential RailRiders employees must be aged 16 or older.

Legends, the official catering, concessions and merchandise provider of the RailRiders, will also conduct interviews on January 18 and 22. Legends is seeking concession stand managers, workers and cashiers. In addition, Legends will hire prep cooks, grill cooks, food vendors, general kitchen help, suite attendants, retail associates and interns. Most Legends positions start at $10 per hour and candidates must be 18 or older.

For more information on the upcoming job fairs, contact the RailRiders front office at (570) 969-BALL or visit our 2020 Job Fair information page.

The 2020 season opens on April 9 against the Buffalo Bisons at PNC Field. The Keystone Mid Summer Classic takes place at PNC Field in July with the 2020 Triple-A All-Star Game presented by the Lackawanna County Visitor’s Bureau at 7:05 P.M. on July 15.

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

Learning Curve: RailRiders seeking interns

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

 

MOOSIC, PA (December 10, 2019) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, Triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, are accepting resumes for their 2020 internship program. The team is seeking interns in a variety of areas and will offer both paid and for-credit positions.

The RailRiders are offering internships in the following areas/ fields: Client/Corporate Services, Community Relations, Game/ Business Operations, Media Relations, Ticket Sales and Video/ Promotions.

More information regarding these internships is available on www.swbrailriders.com. Resumes can be sent to the proper department supervisor as listed online for further review. Interviews will be set by each department head at their own discretion.

The RailRiders will hold their annual job fairs on January 18 and 22 at PNC Field for seasonal employment. Internship interviews will not be conducted during these job fairs.
For more information on the 2019 RailRiders internship program and available positions, please visit swbrailriders.com or call (570) 969-BALL.

The 2020 season begins at PNC Field on April 9 and the RailRiders will host the Keystone Mid Summer Classic on July 14 and 15, featuring the Triple-A All-Star Game presented by the Lackawanna County Visitor’s Bureau.

Giving Thanks: Student luncheon a success

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

 

MOOSIC, PA (November 21, 2019) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders and their charitable arm, the SWB Pinstripes Foundation, hosted the first of two holiday luncheons on Wednesday, November 20, at PNC Field in the Geisinger Champions Club. Over 230 middle and high school-aged Life Skills and Special Education students from across Northeastern Pennsylvania were in attendance along with their teachers and class aides.

“We were absolutely thrilled with the turnout,” said Jordan Maydole, the RailRiders Director of Community Relations. “We had a great group from nine different local schools. After a delicious lunch prepared by Legends, students made Thanksgiving-themed crafts, met with our mascot CHAMP and received a gift card to the team store. The day was free of charge to these students and their teachers thanks to donations to the SWB Pinstripes Foundation.”

“Many of the students we met today and even several of the teachers,” Maydole continued, “had never been on a class field trip before or had ever visited PNC Field. I can’t tell you how special it was to see them all enjoying a good meal, getting their CHAMP dolls and RailRiders hats in the team store, taking pics with CHAMP, and getting to escape from the classroom for an afternoon!”

A second holiday luncheon will be held on December 12 for elementary and early middle school-aged children and will feature appearances by Santa and CHAMP.

Donations to help fund these and other initiatives through the SWB Pinstripes Foundation can be made by clicking here.

For more information on the SWB Pinstripes Foundation, please contact Jordan Maydole or Amy Miller in the RailRiders front office at (570) 969-BALL or visit swbrailriders.com.

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

SWB Pinstripes Foundation hosting holiday luncheons at PNC Field

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

 

MOOSIC, PA (November 19, 2019) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders and their charitable arm, the SWB Pinstripes Foundation, will host two luncheons this holiday season. The first, a Thanksgiving meal, is slated for Wednesday, November 20, at 11:30 AM in the Geisinger Champions Club at PNC Field and will serve 200 middle and high school-aged Life Skills and Special Education students from across Northeastern Pennsylvania.

“We are pleased to welcome these students, their teachers and aides to PNC Field for a Thanksgiving lunch,” said Jordan Maydole, the RailRiders Director of Community Relations. “After lunch, the children will create a Thankgiving-themed craft to prepare for the upcoming holiday and get pictures with our mascot, CHAMP. We expect a great crowd and hope to create impactful meaning and memories along the way.”

These luncheons are free for the students and staff in attendance and made possible through donations to the SWB Pinstripes Foundation over the last year. A second holiday lunch will be held on December 12 for elementary and early middle school-aged children and will feature appearances by Santa and CHAMP. Students in attendance at either luncheon will also receive a $25 gift card to the RailRiders team store.

“The SWB Pinstripes Foundation remains firm in the commitment to the underserved and underprivileged in our area,” said Amy Miller, the manager of the SWB Pinstripes Foundation. “To provide these free holiday meals and to continue our outreach in the community, we rely on the generosity of our donors. We are still accepting donations to support our next event and encourage those who can get involved to be a part of what we are doing here in NEPA.”

For more information on the SWB Pinstripes Foundation, please contact Jordan Maydole or Amy Miller in the RailRiders front office at (570) 969-BALL or visit swbrailriders.com.

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

Help Wanted: Two job fairs set in January

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

MOOSIC, PA (December 19, 2018) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders will host two job fairs in January to hire seasonal employees for the upcoming 2019 season at PNC Field. The club is celebrating 30 years of professional baseball in Northeast Pennsylvania and is looking for energetic and dedicated personnel for 70 home games plus additional events during the new calendar year.

The first job fair is on Saturday, January 12, 2019, from 10 A.M until noon. A second will be held on Wednesday, January 16, from 6 to 8 P.M. Those interested in seasonal employment only need to attend one of the two events to be considered. Potential employees will fill out applications and the front office staff will do interviews on the spot during the job fair.

“Our game day staff is vital to what we accomplish at PNC Field,” stated Josh Olerud, the RailRiders President and General Manager. “We are working on bringing a ‘Fan First Philosophy’ to one of Northeast Pennsylvania’s premier experiences. We need individuals who will take pride in what we do every game.”

The RailRiders are looking for game day employees to fill a variety of roles within the organization. The game day staff includes bat boys/ girls, club level attendants, EMTs, grounds crew, parking attendants, porters, security staff, ticket sales representatives, ticket takers, ushers and video/ production assistants. The team is also looking for members of the Pinstripe Patrol, the on-field promotions crew, as well as fun zone employees and performers to serve as the team’s mascot during games.

Legends, the official catering, concessions and merchandise provider of the RailRiders, will also conduct interviews during each job fair. Legends is seeking concession stand managers, workers and cashiers. In addition, Legends will hire prep and grill cooks, food vendors, general kitchen help, suite attendants and retail associates.

Interviews for internships will not be conducted during the two RailRiders job fairs. More information regarding internships will be available in January.

The 2019 season begins on the road at Buffalo on April 4 with the home opener scheduled for Thursday, April 11. For more information, contact the RailRiders front office at (570) 969-BALL.

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

Making their Pitch: ESU students to toss ideas at RailRiders front office staff

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

MOOSIC, PA (December 5, 2018) – On Thursday, December 6, students majoring in sport management at East Stroudsburg University will have a unique opportunity to present their marketing plans to the front office staff of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders during a class titled “Concepts of Sport Marketing.”

Earlier in the year, students in this class traveled to PNC Field to attend a RailRiders game and to meet members of the front office, including Team President and General Manager Josh Olerud, to learn about the organization’s marketing plan overviews. Throughout the semester, the students have been building strategic sport marketing plans to meet the needs of the RailRiders organization. The class culminates in the student presentations to members of the RailRiders executive team.

“We are excited to see the culmination of their work,” Olerud said. “This has been a lengthy process for these students, but was surely a valuable experience, both for this course and for their future as well. The RailRiders have had a strong partnership with East Stroudsburg University and this opportunity is tremendous. They gain insight and practice, we always learn a thing or two and may even find a future intern or employee. On behalf of the RailRiders, I would like to thank the students for their hard work and effort.”

For interviews or more information regarding the “Concepts of Sport Marketing” class, please contact Liz Richardson at (570) 422-3139 or at erichard10@esu.edu.

The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders begin the 2019 campaign on April 4 in Buffalo before opening PNC Field for the first time in the new season on April 11. Season tickets, corporate partnerships, and mini-plans, including the new nine-game bobblehead plan, are available now. Visit swbrailriders.com or call (570) 969-BALL for more details.

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

Giving Thanks: Foundation holds luncheon

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

MOOSIC, PA (November 15, 2018) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders and their charitable arm, the SWB Pinstripes Foundation, held their first of two luncheons this holiday season on Wednesday. The RailRiders welcomed 200 elementary school-aged Life Skills and Special Education students from across Northeast Pennsylvania for the event.

“As this season of giving begins, we were thrilled to host these children for lunch,” stated Jordan Maydole, the RailRiders Director of Community Relations. “The children were able to participate in Thanksgiving-themed arts and crafts to create a keepsake that they could bring home and show their families. The luncheon went well and it seemed like they all had a great time!”

Wednesday’s event was made possible thanks to approximately $10,000 in donations through the SWB Pinstripes Foundation. A second holiday lunch will be held on December 13.

“The SWB Pinstripes Foundation is committed to aiding the underserved in our community and giving back to the community that has given us so much support,” said Amy Miller, the manager of the SWB Pinstripes Foundation. “To provide these free holiday meals and to continue our outreach in the community, we rely on the generosity of our donors. We are still accepting donations to support our next event and encourage those who can get involved to be a part of what we are doing here in NEPA.”

For more information on the SWB Pinstripes Foundation, please contact Jordan Maydole or Amy Miller in the RailRiders front office at (570) 969-BALL or visit swbrailriders.com.

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

Alzheimer’s Night Jerseys Unveiled for June 29 game

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

MOOSIC, PA (June 26, 2018) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, Triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, will host the Pawtucket Red Sox this Friday, June 29, on Alzheimer’s Awareness night. The RailRiders will wear custom jerseys during the game that will be auctioned off to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association.

Gates will open at 6:00 p.m. on Friday with the first 2,500 fans receiving the Shelley Duncan bobblehead giveaway, presented by DLP. Duncan’s bobblehead will be added, in seven-foot form, to the SWB Bobblehead Hall of Fame.

During the game, the RailRiders will wear custom jerseys. These tops will be autographed and the proceeds from the night’s jersey auction will benefit the Alzheimer Association.

Register and bid online by clicking here.. By registering, fans will receive notifications when the jersey numbers and names are uploaded.

After the final out, ShurSave Supermarket is the presenting sponsor of a post-game fireworks extravaganza.

For tickets or more information on Friday’s festivities, please visit swbrailriders.com or call (570) 969-BALL.

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

The EMPIRE GIVES BACK on May the Fourth

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

MOOSIC, PA. (April 24, 2018) – On May the Fourth, in a ballpark not too far away, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders embrace the rebellion as the Empire Gives Back at PNC Field. In conjunction with their annual Star Wars Night, the RailRiders will host the Pawtucket Red Sox at 6:35 p.m. and will work with two tremendous organizations to raise funds and awareness.

The first 2,500 fans through the gates will get a Chance Adams bobblehead, presented by Geisinger. The RailRiders will wear custom Star Wars-themed jerseys, which will be auctioned off to benefit the Children’s Miracle Network.

Before the PawSox’s plans for the weekend become fully operational, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre is also pleased to partner with Tyler Austin, a former RailRider and current New York Yankee. Austin was diagnosed with testicular cancer at age 17, and, thanks to early detection and after several surgeries, he is now cancer-free. In April, which is Testicular Cancer Awareness Month, Austin created a fundraiser for the Sean Kimerling Testicular Cancer Foundation. Sean Kimerling, the Emmy Award-winning anchor of WB 11 Sports in New York and pre-game announcer for the Mets. Sean died from testicular cancer on September 9, 2003, at 37 years young.

In addition to the jersey fundraiser benefiting the Children’s Miracle Network, a limited number of t-shirts from Austin’s April fundraiser will be for sale with all proceeds benefitting Tyler Austin’s effort for the Sean Kimerling Testicular Cancer Foundation.

All fans who purchase a “Ball Out” t-shirt that evening will be entered into a raffle at PNC Field. One autographed Tyler Austin baseball will be given away every inning, and, at the end of the game, one fan will win four tickets to an upcoming Yankees game and will have the chance to meet Austin.

In honor of Austin’s jersey number 26, the RailRiders will also donate 26% of all walk-up ticket sales to his fundraising effort.

The RailRiders will also have a dunk tank set up on the concourse at PNC Field featuring Darth Vader. All proceeds from the dunk tank will be included in the donation to the to the Sean Kimerling Testicular Cancer Foundation.

“There is nothing evil about this empire,” stated Josh Olerud, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders Team President and General Manager. “We have the chance to be leaders on many different levels, and the ability to partner with Geisinger, the Children’s Miracle Network as well as Tyler Austin’s fundraising efforts for the Sean Kimerling Testicular Cancer Foundation, shows that the force of good is strong in Northeast Pennsylvania’s Minor League Baseball club.”

The RailRiders are committed to cancer research, fundraising and awareness through the SWB Pinstripes Foundation. On April 18, the club began a text-to-donate campaign, benefitting Stand Up To Cancer. Fans can make a $5.00 donation by texting SWBRR to 40202.

Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, the Triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, will host the Pawtucket for a two-game series beginning on May 3 and 4 prior to a two-game set at McCoy Stadium in Rhode Island beginning May 5. For more information on all the events scheduled on May 4 at PNC Field, please contact the RailRiders front office at (570) 969-BALL.

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