Knights to Host Inaugural HBCU Night Presented by Truist on Friday, September 2nd 

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

(UPTOWN CHARLOTTE, NC) – The Charlotte Knights are pleased to partner with Johnson C. Smith University to host HBCU Night presented by Truist on September 2 at Truist Field. The inaugural event will take place as the Knights host the Durham Bulls in a doubleheader with first pitch of game one set for 5:35 p.m. from Uptown Charlotte.

Gates for the doubleheader will open at 5:00 p.m. and the first 2,000 fans will receive a special HBCU T-Shirt. The night will feature special pre-game performances by the Golden Bullettes as fans enter the ballpark. In addition, there will be a pre-game, on-field performance by Blue Satin from JCSU. The ceremonial first pitch of the night will be thrown by Dr. Jemayne King, a JCSU professor. Dr. King was a contributing author to “The New York Mets and Popular Culture” book, which is enshrined in the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

Throughout the night, fans can expect performances by Divine 9 from JCSU, as well as a special appearance from Smitty, JCSU’s beloved mascot. After the game, the JCSU Drumline will perform for fans on the field. Following the performance, the Knights will light up the Uptown Charlotte skyline with post-game fireworks presented by Truist and WBT Radio.

For more information about this inaugural event, as well as information on purchasing tickets to Friday’s twin bill, please visit www.CharlotteKnights.com. Tickets can also be purchased by phone at 704-274-8300 or at the Truist Field ticket office, located at 324 S. Mint Street.

Patriots Welcomed Young Heart Patient As Part Of Yankees’ HOPE Week

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

Bridgewater, New Jersey – The Somerset Patriots, the New York Yankees Double-A affiliate, welcomed four-year-old Nathaniel Montaque to TD Bank Ballpark as part of a Yankees’ HOPE Week event on Wednesday, August 24.

The Yankees’ HOPE Week initiative (Helping Others Persevere & Excel) is rooted in the fundamental belief that acts of goodwill provide hope and encouragement to more than just the recipient of the gesture. New York’s affiliates are encouraged to participate in the program as well and plan special events at their given ballparks and community.

“It was our first time going to a baseball game so we didn’t know what to expect but the experience was amazing,” said Nathaniel’s mother Natalie. “He is officially a baseball kid now and we are now lifelong Somerset Patriots fans.”

Nathaniel was born prematurely with ASD (atrial septal defect), a hole in the wall of his heart that divides the upper chambers, at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center at 31 weeks. His condition eventually required surgery to repair the hole in his upper heart, which was performed in March of 2021 at the Children’s Heart Center at Children’s Hospital of New Jersey at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, an RWJBarnabas Health facility.

Thanks to pediatric cardiologist, Dr. Mark Michael, pediatric nurse practitioner, Kelly Thibault, the expert medical teams at both Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, and his incredible family support system, Nathaniel is healthy, active and doing great.

Organized by RWJBarnabas Health, the Official Health Care Provider of the Patriots, Nathaniel was joined by his parents, brother and aunt as he came to the ballpark to watch batting practice and meet the players and coaches of the 2022 team. Manager Dan Fiorito, top prospects Anthony Volpe, Everson Pereira, Austin Wells, Elijah Dunham and many others greeted the family, took pictures, and signed for the kids.

“Days like these are special for our team and organization,” said Fiorito. “It was great meeting Nathaniel and his family and being able to give him this unique experience. We know he is a special kid and everyone here wishes him continued health and even more brighter days ahead.”

In addition to the team autographed baseballs, Pereira gave Nathaniel a special bracelet that he wears for good luck as a gift. The luck continued on the field, as Pereira’s sixth inning triple started a rally that put Somerset up in the team’s 3-2 win over the New Hampshire Fisher Cats.

Prior to the game, the Montaque family took a tour of TD Bank Ballpark and then were escorted down on the field where Nathaniel threw out a ceremonial first pitch joined by Dr. Michael and Kelly Thibault.

“It was a privilege to join Nathaniel for the ceremonial first pitch,” said Dr. Michael, pediatric cardiologist at the Children’s Heart Center at Children’s Hospital of New Jersey at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, an RWJBarnabas Health facility. “He’s such an inspirational young boy and thanks to the Somerset Patriots, the entire family enjoyed an incredible gameday experience.”

Added Natalie,”Nathaniel enjoyed throwing the first pitch and even still wears the bracelet he received from Everson. The fireworks at the end was the cherry on top for him.”

About the Somerset Patriots

The Somerset Patriots are the New York Yankees Double-A Affiliate and develop today’s top minor league talent into the pinstriped superstars of tomorrow for MLB’s winningest team. The Patriots compete in the Double-A Eastern League and play their home games at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, NJ, where fans of all ages and levels of baseball fandom get to enjoy the unique experience that is minor league baseball.

To learn more, visit: somersetpatriots.com.

The Drive Will Host Their Second Innovation and Entrepreneurship Night on September 8th!

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

The Greenville Drive are excited to host their second annual Innovation and Entrepreneurship Night at Fluor Field September 8th.

Join us to celebrate the entrepreneurs, leaders, businesses and organizations advancing Greenville’s innovative and entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Attending will be some of Greenville’s up-and-coming startup founders. On the concourse, there will be highly engaging and interactive exhibits from leading innovative organizations that include:

  • City of Greenville
  • Greer Development
  • Mill Village
  • And Many More!

You can also enjoy all these fun exhibits while drinking affordable beer since it’s Dollar Drink Night!

Purchase your tickets here to be a part of this fun, signature event! Gates open at 6:00 PM while first pitch is 7:05 PM.

First National Bank & Trust to renovate Little League field

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

BELOIT — First National Bank and Trust has partnered with the Beloit Sky Carp to continue the mission of improving the quality of life in our community.

The latest project? Selecting a local Little League field and giving it professional attention with the goal of increasing safety for all children that play on it.

“Our partnership as the Exclusive Bank for the Beloit Sky Carp allows First National Bank and Trust the opportunity to engage in great community outreach programs such as this little league field renovation,” said David McCoy, President and CEO of FNBT. “Providing resources to beautify our local ball fields along with the expertise of the Beloit Sky Carp team is just another way we hope to help our community families succeed.”

Community members are encouraged to submit a local field (must be in the Stateline region) that needs a makeover. A committee, comprised of Sky Carp and First National Bank and Trust employees, will review all submissions and determine the field most in need.

The field will be selected by the committee by mid-September.

“This is just another way we can give back to the community that has supported us so well,” Sky Carp President Zach Brockman said. “We are so grateful that First National Bank and Trust has stepped in to make this happen, and we are happy to lend our expertise to see it through. ”

Know of a field in need? Submit it by Friday, September 2 through this link: https://www.milb.com/beloit/community/field-renovation.

The Beloit Sky Carp are the High-A Affiliate of the Miami Marlins and play their games at ABC Supply Stadium — the heart of the Riverbend District.

Get tickets at SkyCarp.com or call the Box Office at 608-362-2272.

Follow the Sky Carp on Twitter at @BeloitSkyCarp, on Instagram at @BeloitSkyCarp, and like them on Facebook via www.facebook.com/SkyCarpBaseball.

Woodpeckers Announce Sponsorship of The Big Tiny Project

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

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — The Fayetteville Woodpeckers are sponsoring The Big Tiny Project, an initiative to support homeless and at-risk veterans. The Big Tiny Project, created by the Fayetteville-based nonprofit Off-Road Outreach, is a planned tiny home community designed to be a bridge between being on the street and permanent housing. All services will be free of charge to veterans.

The Woodpeckers Foundation and Community Leaders Program donated $10,000 to The Big Tiny Project to cover the renovation of three 290-square-foot tiny homes that will house homeless and at- risk veterans. Other sponsors of The Big Tiny Project include Lowe’s, Wells Fargo, the All-Veteran Group, U.S. Veterans Corps, Window World and ServiceSource.

The purpose of The Big Tiny Project is to provide up to 180 days of bridge housing to homeless and at- risk veterans. The Big Tiny Project will provide on-site support for navigating benefits, identification services, mental and physical health referrals, financial counseling and employment. In addition, veterans can utilize a food pantry, community garden and transportation services. The project is set to be completed by the start of 2023.

“We are incredibly thankful to the Woodpeckers Foundation for their support of The Big Tiny Project,” said Stacey Buckner, the director and founder of Off-Road Outreach. “This bridge housing program is long overdue in Fayetteville and will satisfy an immediate need. We can’t wait to show the impact this will have on our veterans.”

For more information on the Woodpeckers Foundation and Community Leaders Program, please visit www.fayettevillewoodpeckers.com.

Showcasing Job & Career Opportunities throughout the CSRA

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

*2022 CSRA Job & Career Fair set for Tuesday, August 30th *

Showcasing Job & Career Opportunities throughout the CSRA

NORTH AUGUSTA, SC: The Augusta GreenJackets, Single-A Carolina League affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, are excited to announce that on Tuesday, August 30th, while the GreenJackets take on the Salem Red Sox (Red Sox) at 7:05 p.m., SRP Park will play host to the 2022 CSRA Job & Career Fair from 6-8 p.m. Fans who bring a resume to the SRP Park Box Office can get a $5 General Admission/Standing Room Only ticket which will gain them admission into the ballpark for both the GreenJackets game, and the Job & Career Fair.

“We look forward to hosting this annual event at SRP Park to showcase the great employment and career opportunities throughout the region,” stated GreenJackets Vice President Tom Denlinger. “This is going to be a unique event where GreenJackets guests can not only enjoy an entertaining night of baseball, but they will also have the opportunity to see opportunities available in the region and network with local businesses and colleges in the CSRA.”

Businesses and Colleges from the CSRA that are scheduled to attend include: Aiken Technical College; Augusta Technical College; Augusta University Health; Augusta University; Bridgestone; Cintas, City of North Augusta, Coke United Augusta, E-Z-GO/Textron; Family Y of Greater Augusta, Georgia Army National Guard; Leidos; SRP Federal Credit Union; TaxSlayer; and more.

Along with the Job & Career Fair, it’s also the final First Responder Tuesday presented by Academy Sports and Outdoors. All Fire, Police, and EMS can receive $2 off reserved or general admission (standing room only) ticket options with valid ID at the SRP Park Box Office. It’s also our final $2 TWOs-day of the season where from 6-8pm SRP Park features $2 Hotdogs, Nachos, Fresh Popped Popcorn, Coca-Cola Fountain Products and Miller Light Drafts.

Fans are encouraged to pre-register for the Job & Career Fair by clicking here: https://bit.ly/AGJ-JobFair-Registration

Fans who bring a resume to the SRP Park Box Office can get a $5 General Admission/Standing Room Only ticket which will get them admission into the ballpark for both the GreenJackets game, and the Job Fair. For more information, fans can go to the SRP Park Box office, visit GreenJacketsbaseball.com or call (803) 349-WINS (9467).

Tickets start at only $9. To learn more or purchase your tickets visit www.greenjacketsbaseball.com/tickets

Stay up to date on all things GreenJackets and Events at SRP Park by following us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and sign up for the ‘Jackets Buzz e-newsletter today by visiting https://atmilb.com/3yr4mrw

About SRP Park/Augusta GreenJackets

The Augusta GreenJackets are the Single-A Carolina League Affiliate of the Atlanta Braves playing in the state of the art SRP Park located in North Augusta, SC. 2022 Augusta GreenJackets season seat memberships and individual tickets are on sale now. To learn more about the benefits and to get in on the action, visit www.gjmembers.com or call (803) 349-WINS (9467).

SRP Park is the anchor piece of Riverside Village, a live, work, “playball” development which includes apartment living, retail, restaurants, class “A” office space, and a Crowne Plaza Hotel and Conference Center. To learn more about SRP Park and hosting events and availability, visit www.thesrppark.com.

-GreenJackets –

INTEGRIS Health Cancer Institute Provides Life-Saving Treatment for Enid Native in Two Oklahoma Cities

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

Christian Brown received care at INTEGRIS Health in Enid and Oklahoma City to treat stage three colon cancer after diagnosis at young age

OKLAHOMA CITY – The 11th season of the INTEGRIS Health “Home Run for Life” series wraps up Saturday night as Christian Brown will be recognized prior to the Oklahoma City Dodgers’ 7:05 p.m. game against the El Paso Chihuahuas at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

Brown was diagnosed with stage three colon cancer at the age of 27. She had surgery at INTEGRIS Heath Cancer Institute in Enid, then traveled to INTEGRIS Health Cancer Institute in Oklahoma City twice every other week for treatment and chemotherapy.

She attended classes at Northern Oklahoma College between eight rounds of chemotherapy. She even carried her medicine pump with her around campus as she studied to become a registered nurse.

“Home Run For Life” recognizes individuals in the community who have overcome a significant medical event with the help of their families, physicians and health care professionals. To symbolize the end of their battle against adversity, honorees take a home run “lap” around the bases during a pregame ceremony.

“Each month during the baseball season, we are proud to partner with INTEGRIS Health to honor the perseverance and courage displayed by these incredible Oklahomans,” OKC Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes said. “’Home Run For Life’ allows us to uniquely recognize their amazing and inspiring stories of triumph over significant health challenges.”

Brown, an Enid native, had been traveling for work and had been a licensed practical nurse for five years.

Suddenly, she began experiencing extreme abdominal pain and ended up in the emergency room. What she thought were menstrual cramps turned out to be a mass obstructing her bowels and stage three colon cancer in June 2019.

The diagnosis caught Brown by surprise as she had no family history of cancer.

“It was emotional,” she said. “I’d always been healthy prior.”

Colorectal cancer numbers are rising in young people, but the reason why remains a mystery, said Sumbal Nabi, M.D., with the INTEGRIS Health Cancer Institute in Enid.

“When someone is diagnosed with cancer at a young age, people automatically suspect genetics, but experts still haven’t been able to use genetics to explain the surge,” Nabi said.

Angered but determined, Brown put her head down and got to work. She attended classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays and made trips to OKC for treatment Wednesdays and Fridays.

“Going to school really helped me,” she said. “It gave me motivation to get out of bed.”

What made balancing class and treatment a bit easier for Brown was the care she received at INTEGRIS Health.

“The staff was amazing,” she said. “There’s nowhere else I would’ve rather gone for my treatment.”

To read Brown’s full story, visit the OKC Dodgers’ “Beyond the Bricks” website at: medium.com/beyond-the-bricks.

The Dodgers continue a six-game series against the El Paso Chihuahuas at 7:05 p.m. tonight and the teams play nightly through Sunday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. Series highlights include:

• Hometown Heroes Military Celebration Night presented by Dell: Current and former local military personnel and their families will be honored Friday during Hometown Heroes Military Celebration Night presented by Dell. Dodgers players and coaches will take the field for the 7:05 p.m. game in special commemorative camouflage jerseys that will be auctioned online through the MiLB Auctions website to benefit the OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation. The evening’s festivities are scheduled to include a flyover featuring an E-3 Sentry (AWACS) from the 552nd Air Control Wing at Tinker Air Force Base, static displays of military equipment from Fort Sill and performances from the 77th Army Band. Military personnel will be honored throughout the night and participate in other activities such as an oath of enlistment ceremony and in-game entertainment. Fireworks are scheduled to follow the game presented by SpringHill Suites. A special $20 ticket offer that can be purchased here includes a $5 donation to the USO and an OKC Dodgers baseball cap.

• OKC 89ers Night: In addition to Brown being honored before the 7:05 p.m. game, Saturday is also OKC 89ers Night and Dodgers players and coaches will wear special retro OKC 89ers jerseys and hats in a nod to the franchise’s history. The evening’s entertainment will feature throwback themes and the team’s jerseys will auctioned online through the MiLB Auctions website to benefit the OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation. The 89ers played at All Sports Stadium from 1962-97 before the franchise relocated to Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark in 1998. Groups of 10 or more can take part in a special ticket offer featuring all-you-can-eat ballpark fare, a terrace-level game ticket and an OKC Dodgers hat for $25 per person.

• Kids Run the Bases: Following Sunday’s 6:05 p.m. series finale, kids can run the bases like the pros.

OKC Dodgers tickets can be purchased through okcdodgers.com/tickets. For more information, please visit okcdodgers.com or call (405) 218-2182. Live radio coverage of each OKC Dodgers game begins 15 minutes before first pitch on AM 1340 “The Game,” 1340thegame.com and through the free iHeartRadio or MiLB First Pitch apps. OKC Dodgers games are also available streamed live on MiLB.TV with a subscription.

Rochester Red Wings, RIT/NTID, and Rochester School for the Deaf partner for Deaf Culture Day

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

ROCHESTER, NY – The Rochester Red Wings, in partnership with Rochester Institute of Technology’s National Technical Institute for the Deaf and Rochester School for the Deaf, will host the third Deaf Culture Day at Frontier Field, on Friday, September 16. The 6:05 p.m. game is against the Lehigh Valley IronPigs.

Interpreters from Interpretek will be on site during the game at Frontier Field to assist fans at the Ticket Office, concession stands, guest services, Team Store, and various other locations around the ballpark. The 7th inning will be a “silent inning,” without public address announcements or music, to raise further awareness about deafness. Portions of the game will be captioned on the videoboard.

The National Anthem and God Bless America will be performed in sign language by NTID’s traveling performance troupe Sunshine 2.0.

The Red Wings will don American Sign Language jerseys which will be auctioned off to benefit NTID and RSD. The game-worn jerseys will be auctioned off online at RedWingsBaseball.com/Auction.

Rochester Red Wings General Manager Dan Mason said:

“Based on the popularity and success of our first event in 2019, we are proud to partner with NTID for our third annual Deaf Culture Day at Frontier Field. It’s been such a unique event, and we look forward to making this a true celebration of the Deaf community and the important impact that deaf citizens have had in Rochester. We look forward to hosting many deaf members of the Rochester community and their families, as well as members of the RIT/NTID student body, while educating all fans about Deaf culture.”

RIT/NTID President Gerry Buckley added:

“RIT/NTID is thrilled to be working with the Red Wings on our third Deaf Culture Day. We are grateful for the organization’s commitment to Rochester’s Deaf community—one of the largest per capita in the nation—and know that Sept. 16 will be a great night for our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the rest of the Rochester area.”

RSD will be collecting school supplies during the game. Fans donating school supply items will receive $2 off their ticket. The discount only applies to in-person purchases at the Ticket Office. Fans will show their supply and drop it off at Guest Services the day of the game. Items that RSD is in need of are listed here.

For more information regarding your ticket purchase, e-mail [email protected] or visit the Rochester Red Wings website.

Cutters Help ACES North America

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

The Williamsport Crosscutters players and staff recently held the Cutters Dominican Plate event in conjunction with ACES North America.

The event, held annually, consists of a buffet dinner featuring Dominican food along with auctions, music and dancing. Proceeds from the event benefit ACES North America, a non-profit organization formed in Williamsport that is dedicated to making the world a better place by supporting sustainable grassroots projects and programs in the Dominican Republic’s impoverished communities. Further, they strive to empower individuals and communities for sustainable development.

Prior to the Cutters August 14 game, the team presented a check to ACES North America in the amount of $10,200 representing the proceeds from the event.

Redden named Appalachian League Humanitarian of the Year 

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

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The Appalachian League announced that Bluefield’s Parker Redden (Delaware) was named the Humanitarian of the Year. The Humanitarian of the Year award is given to the Appalachian League player that has been judged to have made the most notable contributions in his community during the season through active participation in community service projects.

Redden works closely with Freedom Farms, a nonprofit, faith-based organization for at-risk youth in West Virginia. When the Ridge Runners were in town, Redden drove approximately 35 miles each way to help with meal preparation, maintenance, agricultural activities and his mentoring opportunities. Redden also delivered leftover food to Freedom Farms as quantities allowed so that waste was minimized. Baseball and softball lessons are an integral part of his focus with the youth. Redden and his family have also worked to establish a 4H club as an outlet for the kids from their day-to-day trials.

“Parker unselfishly gives of himself to others and conducts himself in such a way that you know that he understands that the game will end but his mission in life will continue,” said Ridge Runners general manager Rocky Malamisura. “Parker is the epitome of what we cherish most in athletes and what baseball teaches those who pay attention. We are so proud to have had such a young man as a member of the Ridge Runners.”

During the 2022 season, Redden volunteered for each of the Ridge Runners community service projects that were scheduled. The projects included working at local food pantries, stadium walkabouts with fans and autograph sessions. Redden also worked both kids camps as an instructor, mentored several local at-risk children and provided baseball lessons for numerous little league children.

“Parker was a catalyst in helping our organization educate and encourage the attitude and spirit of giving back,” said Bluefield manager Mike Weatherford. “Once his teammates recognized Parker’s contributions in Bluefield and the surrounding communities, it became enjoyable for our players to routinely volunteer. Parker was a leader in getting teammates involved off the field and that dedication to others followed him on the field.”

The 20-year-old catcher from Shady Spring, W.V., is heading into his sophomore year at the University of Delaware. Redden played in 15 games for the Ridge Runners this summer after he played for the Burlington Sock Puppets in 2021.

Segra Stadium to Host 4th Annual Fayetteville 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb

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

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — The 4th Annual Fayetteville 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb will be held on the morning of Saturday, September 10th at Segra Stadium. Opening ceremonies will begin at approximately 8:25am and the climb will start at 8:47am, a time significant on 9-11-2001.

The 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb is a way to honor and remember the FDNY firefighters, police, and EMS who selflessly gave their lives on that tragic day 21 years ago. Each participant will pay tribute to those brave souls by climbing the equivalent of the 110 stories of the World Trade Center. Your individual tribute not only remembers the sacrifice, but symbolically completes their heroic journey to save others. Through community participation we can ensure that each of the 343 firefighters, 60 police officers, and 10 EMS are never forgotten.

Registration fees are $35 per person and include your participation in the climb, an honor badge of a fallen first responder, and a t-shirt. Online registration closes on Thursday, September 8th. Anyone interested in registering on event morning can begin doing so at 7:00am. All proceeds from the Stair Climb will benefit programs provided by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to support the families of your local fallen firefighters and the FDNY Counseling Services Unit. To register, please visit the Fayetteville 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb Facebook page or the registration page.

Johnson City Doughboys win 2022 Appy League Patriot Award

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

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — The Appalachian League has announced the Johnson City Doughboys as its award winner for the Patriot Award for the 2022 season. The Patriot Award is awarded to the club that exhibits outstanding support of and engagement with the United States armed forces and veterans, both at the ballpark and in the community.

The Doughboys hosted the Spring Honor Flight of the Appalachian Highlands charity softball game at TVA Credit Union Ballpark at no charge to help raise funds to send local veterans to Washington D.C. at no cost to them. During the season the Doughboys offered a military discount on tickets at the box office, Salute to Heroes Night, and hosted military branches to visit the ballpark to meet fans. They also allowed the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network to set up a booth on the concourse free of charge so they can meet fans and give out information for their program for military veterans. The Doughboys introduced a new weeknight promotion in 2022, U.S. Army Wednesdays. The U.S. Army recruiting office came out to each Wednesday night home game to interact with fans and promote the U.S. Army.

“In appreciation for all who have served and are currently serving, we are honored to show our support to all branches of the military,” said Doughboys general manager Kiva Fuller. “We look forward to growing the outreach for all military services offered in the Johnson City area and beyond at our JC Doughboys 2023 season home games.”

“I am thrilled for our team and front office staff to have won this award,” stated Boyd Sports vice president Jeremy Boler. “Our Johnson City staff has done an exceptional job working with our military veterans in our community. Having a military name like the Doughboys, it is very important to us to build relationships with and be involved with our veterans. We will continue to build off of this momentum and will continue our work with our local military veterans.”

BID NOW: Bisons’ Defenders of the Diamond game-worn and autographed jersey auction

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

GET MY MARVEL’S DEFENDERS OF THE DIAMOND TICKETS (AUG. 27)

BID NOW IN JERSEY AUCTION

Defenders of the Diamond… assemble!… One of the most anticipated nights of the year, the Bisons will host the Columbus Clippers on Saturday, August 27 (6:05 pm, Gates 4:30 p.m.) for the first ever Marvel’s Defenders of the Diamond Night. The night will include character appearances by Captain America and Captain Marvel and a postgame laser show. PLUS, the Bisons players will be wearing custom Captain America Jerseys, with several of the game-worn and autographed jerseys being AUCTIONED OFF NOW (BID NOW)!

*BID NOW *on these one-of-a-kind pieces of sports memorabilia. Up for auction right now are the Defenders of the Diamond Night jerseys to be worn on Saturday by Gabriel Moreno, Otto Lopez, Yoshii Tsutsugo, Chavez Young, Vinny Capra and Casey Lawrence. These special auctions will run through Friday, August 26 (10 PM), but each jersey up for auction also includes a ‘Buy it Now’ price, if you don’t want to leave anything to chance. Proceeds of the auction benefit the Buffalo Baseball Charitable Foundation.

And, if you attend Saturday’s big event, you can even pick up your jersey postgame!

Get your bids in now and get to Sahlen Field on Saturday night for an unforgettable night at the ballpark!

M-Braves, JSU partnering to salute the Negro Leagues on Saturday

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

*JACKSON, MS *– Jackson State University is partnering with the Mississippi Braves for their family and friends night at 6:05 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 20, at Trustmark Park. The first-time collaboration will also honor the 100th anniversary of the Negro Leagues.

“We are very excited that we are finally in a place where we can see this project to fruition. We’ve been working on it since 2020,” said Yolanda Owens, assistant vice president for the Division of Institutional Advancement at JSU. “The pandemic paused our plans, but we are excited that in 2022 we can bring this partnership together.”

Although The Negro League’s 100th anniversary was in 2020, and initial plans stalled, the fun and festivities will go down on Saturday as the Mississippi Braves take on the Pensacola Blue Wahoos.

During the game, several tributes will be made in memory of the league established for Black baseball teams in the early 20th century. A silent auction will also be held, and all proceeds will go to JSU’s GAP program.

“There’s going to be a number of historical videos, script material, and a variety of things talking about the history of the Negro Leagues. We probably have more of a focus on Cool Papa Bell, who had Mississippi ties, and [we’re] just celebrating the history, nostalgia, and importance of the Negro Leagues,” explained Tim Mueller, assistant general manager of the Mississippi Braves.

Mueller says the partnership between the Braves and JSU is long overdue, calling the university an icon and fixture of Mississippi and the capital city.

“Kelvin Moore, who is now deceased, was the first player from Jackson State actually to be drafted into Major League Baseball, so this is a great opportunity for us to honor him and some of our other MLB greats and honor those who paved the way for us through the major leagues,” added Owens.

Former Minority Mississippi Braves player Vaughn Grissom and Minority Mississippi Braves player Justyn-Henry Malloy are proud of the team’s efforts to recognize the Negro League, noting its contributions to their opportunity to play professional baseball.

“I wouldn’t be able to play our sport now without the people who took the first step. The league is being flooded with more African-American talent, and it’s fun to see,” said Grissom, who played infielder for the Braves at the time of this interview.

“Even 10-to-15 years ago, the league was predominately white, and now you get to see a lot more color. We have an opportunity to make tons of money now [and] that wasn’t available back then, even if you were the best of the best.”

Malloy, drafted by the Braves in 2021, plays left field for the M-Braves. He admires the passion the players of the Negro Leagues had for the game.

“Knowing the history of what those guys have done before us and the amount of struggling they really had to go through too, it kind of put things in perspective with us playing such a difficult game,” Henry shared. “Those guys were super tough. They were hungry; they really loved the game for them to do what they had to do to play out here, so I think it’s important for us to know and recognize that.”

Keeping true to the Mississippi Braves tradition, a post-game fireworks show will follow the game. Tickets can be purchased from the Trustmark Park box office or in-person at the Department of Alumni and Constituency Relations located at 101 W. Capitol Street in downtown Jackson.

Editor’s note: Shortly after this interview, Grissom was promoted to Atlanta on Wednesday, August 10. Grissom started that evening for the Braves at second base, and during his third plate appearance at historic Fenway Park, he hit a home run over the monster for his first hit as a Major Leaguer.

About Jackson State University: Challenging Minds, Changing Lives

Jackson State University, founded in 1877, is a historically black, high research activity university located in Jackson, the capital city of Mississippi. Jackson State’s nurturing academic environment challenges individuals to change lives through teaching, research, and service. Officially designated as Mississippi’s Urban University, Jackson State continues to enhance the state, nation, and world through comprehensive economic development, healthcare, technological and educational initiatives. The only public university in the Jackson metropolitan area, Jackson State, is located near downtown, with five satellite locations throughout the area. For more information, visit www.jsums.edu or call 601-979-2121.

Media contact: [email protected]

The Greenville Drive is Honored to Host the 9/11 Stair Climb for Another Year

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

Every year The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation hosts a 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. This event is a way to honor and remember the FDNY firefighters who selflessly gave their lives so that others might live on September 11, 2001. Each participant pays tribute to a FDNY firefighter by climbing the equivalent of the 110 stories of the World Trade Center. Your individual tribute not only remembers the sacrifice of a FDNY brother, but symbolically completes their heroic journey to save others. Through firefighter and community participation we can ensure that each of the 343 firefighters is honored and that the world knows we will never forget.

The Greenville Drive is honored the event will take place at Fluor Field for the third year in a row. For more information and to register for the event, click HERE. We look forward to seeing the community come together to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice!