Mariachis Jersey Auction to Benefit AHCC Education Excellence Scholarships

The Albuquerque Isotopes announced today an online jersey auction to benefit the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce (AHCC) Foundation’s Education Excellence Scholarships program.

The auction will be held exclusively online at abqisotopes.com. Bidding will start this Sunday at 5:00 pm and will conclude at noon on Wednesday, Aug. 22.

In addition to the players’ autographed, game-worn jerseys, two other items will be up for auction; a team-signed Mariachis de Nuevo México jersey and a unique Coco-themed, team-signed guitar.

Members of the AHCC’s own Board of Directors collectively raised $2000 to purchase the first Mariachis jersey, which will be on display inside the Chamber’s board room.

“The Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce Foundation does phenomenal work and provides terrific services and opportunities to students through these scholarships,” said Isotopes Vice President / General Manager John Traub. “Like all great causes, this program needs funding, and that’s what we hope to do through this auction.”

“John Traub said it best when he said that Mariachi is the soundtrack to our lives,”

said AHCC Vice President Jim Garcia. “We appreciate our partnership with the Mariachis de Nuevo México and are grateful that they have chosen to give back to our community with this generous gift to our Foundation.”

The AHCC Foundation is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes which support, benefit or carry out the purposes of the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce.

AHCC’s Education Excellence Scholarships program strives to empower future leaders by providing an average of 100 students annually with college access, financial aid awareness and scholarships.

BIDDING LINK WILL BE POSTED SOON

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

Staten Island Yankees Fight Against Cancer

STATEN ISLAND, NY: The Staten Island Yankees players and staff will be joining the fight against breast cancer in honor of General Manager Jane Rogers.

 

The Staten Island Yankees have encountered many changes over the past 20 years, but one thing that has always stayed the same is Jane Rogers’ presence. As the first person to be hired by the Staten Island Yankees, she rose from office manager to special assistant and eventually took on the role of General Manager. Jane has put her heart and soul into the organization since her hiring and is proud to be a part of the team’s history and success. This past year, Jane was diagnosed with Breast Cancer and has been undergoing chemotherapy treatment throughout this season.

 

“The support of the Staten Island Yankees ownership, staff, coaches, team and fans has been overwhelming,” said Rogers. “Since being diagnosed almost six months ago, I certainly haven’t been alone in this journey. I truly believe the positive energy everyone sends my way has much to do with my recovery. I’m looking forward to resuming my normal work activities at the ballpark and thank everyone for their amazing support! Please come out and join us on August 29th.”

 

As a part of the fundraising effort, Mia Passione Salon provided their services to the Staten Island Yankees for a “Shave Your Head for Cancer” event. All male front office Staten Island Yankees staff members, along with outfielder Alex Junior, pitchers Matt Sauer and Frank German, athletic trainer Jon Becker and clubhouse manager Joe Valenti, shaved their heads as a sign of support for Jane in her courageous fight.

 

The Staten Island Yankees will also be wearing pink jerseys on August 29, which will then be auctioned in a “Jersey Off the Back” auction throughout the game. All proceeds from the auction will join the total donation.

 

In addition to the players wearing pink on-field jerseys, the Staten Island Yankees will be giving away pink shirts with a donation. The shirts will have the Staten Island Yankees primary logo on the front and don the number 99 along with Rogers’ name. Every dollar donated will be combined with the proceeds from the jersey auction and will go to the New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation, per Jane Rogers’ wishes.

 

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The Staten Island Yankees are the Single A-Short Season Affiliate of the New York Yankees and play at the Richmond County Bank Ballpark at St. George. The Staten Island Yankees are six-time New York-Penn League Champions (2000, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2009 and 2011). For more information, visit siyanks.com and pizzaratsbaseball.com.

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

Fire Frogs a Hit with Miracle League

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (Aug. 13, 2018) – The Florida Fire Frogs competed against the Fort Myers Miracle in a contest between two Florida State League teams on at Osceola County Stadium, but it was a different kind of miracle that brought a joyous atmosphere to Kissimmee on Saturday.

The Atlanta Braves’ Advanced-A affiliate spent the afternoon with the Miracle League of Central Florida prior to taking on Fort Myers for a day of fun. According to the league’s mission statement posted on its website, the purpose of the Miracle League is to, “help individuals with disabilities build self-worth, overcome boundaries, and achieve their dreams by participating in America’s past-time: Baseball.”

Florida’s team president, Erik Anderson stated, “We want to let the community know that the results of this team aren’t always based on what happens on the diamond. It’s about winning in life and doing the right thing.”

Every player from the Fire Frogs roster participated with the children in attendance from the Miracle League. The club’s home run leader, Braxton Davidson, saw the occasion as a special opportunity.

“I like to give back to the community. That’s something that I’ve always been a part of ever since I was in high school,” the 2014 first-round draft pick said. “I wear a bracelet that says, ‘Autism Speaks,’ I have family members that are disabled.

“It’s a great opportunity for all the guys to put themselves out in the community in a good way.”

Fire Frogs manager Luis Salazar had a pleasure teaching the children of the Miracle League not just about the fundamentals of the game, but to always have fun while playing.

“It’s always a pleasure, and I enjoy the time with the Miracle League,” the skipper said. “To get those kids on the field, running, sliding…It’s a very special day for those kids.

The main thing is to have fun, and to give those kids the best that we can do for them. When they leave here, they know they can go home and say, ‘We played for the Fire Frogs.'”

To contact the Central Florida Miracle League, or volunteer, please visit cflmiracleleague.com.

About the Florida Fire Frogs

 

The Florida Fire Frogs are the Advanced-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves and compete in the Florida State League. The Fire Frogs play their home games at Osceola County Stadium, located at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Fla. For more information, please visit www.FloridaFireFrogs.com, and follow the team on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube.

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

Annual Florida State League/Miami Marlins Scholarship Winners Announced

TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Tarpons are pleased to announce Tyler Hernandez has been named one of the 12 winners of the 2018 Florida State League/Miami Marlins Scholarship Program. Each winner receives a $1,500 scholarship and is invited by the Marlins to be recognized in an on-field pregame ceremony at Marlins Park on Sunday, August 12th.

Hernandez recently graduated with a 3.5 GPA from Alonso High School, where he played lacrosse and was a member of both the Beta Club and the National Honor Society. He also has worked in clubhouse operations for Tampa since 2016. Hernandez plans to attend the University of Tampa.

This is the 19th-conecutive year for the program, which has been funded by the Miami Marlins and the Florida State League. Each $1,500 scholarship is presented to a student employee, child or grandchild of an employee. A total of 228 scholarships have been awarded to qualified applicants since the inception of the program.

The purpose of the program is to encourage and reward our school age applicants and send a message that an education is the key to success in life.

The Tampa Tarpons are the Single-A Advanced Affiliate of the New York Yankees. For more information about the Tampa Tarpons, call (813) 673-3055 or visit TarponsBaseball.com.

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

MILITARY APPRECIATION NIGHT, XBOX GIVEAWAY AND FIREWORKS HIGHLIGHT SKY SOX HOMESTAND

The Colorado Springs Sky Sox third-to-last homestand of the 2018 season begins on Thursday, August 9, when the team hosts the Nashville Sounds -Triple-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics – for four games and the completion of a suspended game from May 3 at Security Service Field.

On Thursday, August 9, the Sky Sox will amp up another Military Appreciation Night presented by Colorado Military Academy with a pre-game 21-gun cannon salute from members of Fort Carson while the team shows support in Military-style uniforms, which will be auctioned near the end of the month. In addition, it is another $3 Thirsty Thursday presented by Coors which features $3 Colorado Native Amber Lager craft beers, $3 parking, and $3 upper-reserve tickets.

On Friday, August 10, the Sky Sox will be continuing the “Cheers to 45 More Years” campaign as the team will debut and wear replica “Socko” Colorado Springs Sky Sox Jerseys from the 2000’s era, which will be auctioned off at the end of August at SkySoxJerseys.com. Following the 6:40 p.m. scheduled game, there will be 2000’s music themed Friday night post-game fireworks presented by Divine Roofing. To start the day, the Sky Sox and Sounds will be resuming a suspended game from May 3 at 5:00 p.m. with gates opening at 4:30 p.m.

Saturday, August 11 features X-Box Giveaway Night. On this night, the Sky Sox will be giving away an Xbox every inning. All fans have to do is register at the front gates. A winner will be picked and announced each inning to go home with a free Xbox. Following the conclusion of the game, there will be post-game fireworks presented by Pepsi & Colorado Springs Utilities.

The homestand’s last day, on Sunday, August 12, will feature a special Sky Sox “Peak Performers” giveaway presented by Pioneer Landscape Centers – a Mount Rushmore-like collectible that includes a player from different seasons of Sky Sox Baseball – which will be given to the first 1,000 fans through the gates . Additionally, fans can enjoy the ever-popular 50-cent hot dogs presented by Safeway available at all concessions throughout the game.

Tickets for all event dates are on sale now at www.skysox.com/tickets.

An outline of details for each game date is below.

For more information on promotions and ticket options, please call (719) 591-7699 or email info@skysox.com. Get the latest Sky Sox news online at www.skysox.com, like us on Facebook or follow the team on Twitter at @skysox.

Thursday, August 9 vs. Nashville – 6:40 p.m.

  • Gates open at 5:30 p.m.
  • $3 Thirsty Thursday presented by Coors
    • $3 Colorado Native Amber Lager Craft Beer, $3 Parking and $3 Upper-Reserve Tickets
  • Military Appreciation Night presented by Colorado Military Academy
    • Sky Sox wearing special, on-field Military Jerseys
    • Pre-game cannon 21-gun salute by members of Fort Carson

Friday, August 10 vs. Nashville – 6:40 p.m.

  • Gates open at 4:30 p.m.
  • Completion of Suspended game from May 3 with 5:00 p.m. start followed by regularly scheduled 6:40 p.m. game
  • Early 2,000’s themed Friday night post-game fireworks show presented by Divine Roofing
  •  “Cheers to 45 More Years” team debut of 2000 replica Sky Sox “Socko” jerseys

Saturday, August 11 vs. Nashville – 6:00 p.m.

  • Gates open at 5:00 p.m.
  • X-Box Giveaway Night with post-game fireworks presented by Pepsi & Colorado Springs

Sunday, August 12 vs. Nashville – 1:30 p.m.

  • Gates open at 12:30 p.m.
  • Sky Sox “Peak Performers” giveaway presented by Pioneer Landscape Centers (first 1,000 fans)
  • 50-cent hot dogs presented by Safeway
  • YMCA Kids Run the Bases post-game

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

PawSox Become “Boys of Bowling” for Tomorrow Fund

The Triple-A ballclub that plays together also bowls together?

Yes, and it’s done in the name of a very good cause.

Every season, the Pawtucket Red Sox put down the gloves and bats and pick up bowling balls at East Providence Lanes – located two miles away from McCoy Stadium – to raise money for The Tomorrow Fund, a Rhode Island-based nonprofit organization that provides financial and emotional support to children with cancer and their families. This year’s event took place on Thursday, July 26. As usual, everyone had a good time.

Inside the PawSox clubhouse, the tone that stresses the importance of the “Strike Out Cancer” event was set when manager Kevin Boles hung a notice on the bulletin board. Mandatory attendance was expected, as Boles requested that directions to East Providence Lanes be printed and placed inside each locker.

Minor-league ballplayers aren’t the beneficiaries of too many nights away from the ballyard during the season. Even when there’s a scheduled off day, it could be compromised due to traveling from one city to the next. They’re around each other enough, grinding it on out the field and alternating between bus and plane rides, so that it’s perfectly understandable if everyone wishes to go their separate ways for one night.

“We spend a lot of time together, no doubt about it,” Boles said. “To get away from the ballpark and touch families that are going through a rough patch, that was good.”

These were just some of the positive responses that Tomorrow Fund Board of Directors member Rosemary Huestis picked up on as she traveled from lane to lane. She greeted each player, who was paired up with a Tomorrow Fund patient. Some of the PawSox players enhanced the evening by bringing their families to East Providence Lanes.

“For them to dedicate their time to the kids and our organization shows what great people they truly are,” stated Lisa Abbenante, Executive Director for The Tomorrow Fund.

The excitement displayed by the youngsters whenever their PawSox bowling partner succeeded in knocking down a high number of pins was easy to spot.

“The kids would say, ‘That’s my guy!'” Huestis said. “For our kids to have something like this and have someone come pay attention to them is a big deal.”

“The players and front office staff are happy to be here, but this event is more about the kids,” said Joe Bradlee, PawSox Director of Communications/Community Relations.

The bowling arrangement between the PawSox and The Tomorrow Fund started in 2012. Through the years the two organizations have added additional charitable twists that still stick to the core principle of aiding those in need. For the past few seasons at McCoy Stadium, fans who purchase soft balls before the fifth inning test their aim as a pickup truck takes to the field and circles the warning track. All the proceeds raised from this popular in-game feature – appropriately dubbed “Hurl The Pearl” – go directly to The Tomorrow Fund.

Whether the support is financial or done with the intentions of brightening someone’s day, The Tomorrow Fund knows they have a good thing going when it comes to the organization’s partnership with the PawSox.

“The support the PawSox give us is amazing. They give us a lot of publicity and help make us known,” Huestis said.

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

Muckdogs meet young fans at YMCA

BATAVIA, N.Y. — Four players from the Batavia Muckdogs began their day by making some new friends.

Marlins prospects Tanner Andrews, Sean Reynolds, Igor Baez and Chris Vallimont signed autographs and talked about their experiences playing professional baseball with young campers at GLOW YMCA in Batavia on Thursday.

The GLOW YMCA serves four counties in western New York through the Genesee County YMCA in Batavia, the Wyoming County YMCA in Warsaw, the Orleans County YMCA in Medina, Camp Hough located on the shores of Silver Lake in Perry and a virtual branch beginning to serve Livingston County out of the Village of Geneseo.

Have a picnic at the ballpark

Andrews was the Marlins’ 10th-round pick out of Purdue in June and has appeared in eight games this season, seven with Batavia. Reynolds was Miami’s fourth-round pick in 2016 while Vallimont was selected in the fifth round this summer from Mercyhurst High School. Baez signed with the Marlins as a free agent last August.

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

Tarpons to Host “Back to School Splash” on Saturday, August 4th

Tampa, Fla. – The Tampa Tarpons will host a “Back to School Splash” on Saturday, August 4th. The first 1,000 kids (14-and-under) will receive a free Tampa Tarpons drawstring backpack.

Gates will open at 5:00 p.m. and the Tarpons will battle the Lakeland Flying Tigers beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Select Tarpons players will be signing autographs on the concourse from 5:40-6:00 p.m. The event will also feature a dunk tank and an inflatable obstacle course. After the game, fans are invited to stay for a fireworks show.

Saturday will also be a “Salute to Service Members Saturday.” All former and active military members will receive a free upper reserved ticket by presenting a valid I.D.

A Friends & Family 4-Pack ticket offer is also available to fans. The deal includes four lower reserved tickets and four Tarpons hats for $24. This offer is only good for the game on August 4th and may only be purchased online at TarponsBaseball.com.

To purchase tickets for the “Back to School Splash”, fans can visit the George M. Steinbrenner Field Box Office or go online to TarponsBaseball.com. Tickets start at $5 for upper reserved seating, $8 for lower reserved seating, and parking is always free.

The Tampa Tarpons are the Single-A Advanced Affiliate of the New York Yankees. For more information about the Tampa Tarpons, call (813) 673-3055 or visit TarponsBaseball.com.

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

Flying Tigers Employee Wins Florida State League/Miami Marlins Scholarship

Lakeland, FL – The Flying Tigers are pleased to announce Victoria Maskas has been selected by the Florida State League (FSL) Scholarship Committee as one of the twelve $1,500 educational scholarship winners. Maskas will be a guest of the Miami Marlins and will be recognized during a pre-game ceremony on Sunday, August 12 in Miami.

Maskas recently graduated from the Harrison School for the Arts in Lakeland and will be attending the University of Florida later this summer, pursuing a degree in Psychology.

The FSL Scholarship Committee awarded a scholarship to an individual of all twelve FSL teams. To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants had to be an employee of or the child or grandchild of an employee of the participating club. They must also be at least a high school junior by the 2018 fall term. The award was based on grades, financial need, leadership capabilities and job performance.

This is the nineteenth straight year for the program and is funded by the Miami Marlins and the Florida State League. Each scholarship has a monetary value of $1,500. A total of 228 scholarships have been awarded to qualified applicants since the inception of the program.

Since 2000, the Marlins Foundation has donated $175,000 to the scholarship program. The purpose of the program is to encourage and reward our school age applicants and send a message that an education is the key to success in life.

The Flying Tigers are the Class A Advanced Affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. For more information please visit the Flying Tigers online at www.LakelandFlyingTigers.com.

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

Fireflies and BUSH’S Beans Are Teaming Up Against Hunger

COLUMBIA, S.C. & KNOXVILLE, TENN. – The Columbia Fireflies today announced they are partnering with BUSH’S® Beans and Harvest Hope Food Bank to “Team Up Against Hunger.” In its second year, this program encourages fans to bring non-perishable food donations to Spirit Communications Park for the game on Tuesday, July 31 at 7:05pm vs. the West Virginia Power (Pittsburgh Pirates). In turn, fans who donate two cans will receive buy one, get one free Palmetto Citizens FCU All-Star seats for that game in recognition of helping to feed the local community through Harvest Hope Food Bank. Ninety Minor League Baseball™(MiLB) clubs across the country will “Team Up Against Hunger” throughout the month of July. The month is significant as it marks the middle of summer break and a crucial time when millions of children are not receiving free or reduced-price meals at their schools as they do when school is in session.

“We are honored to partner with BUSH’S Beans and Harvest Hope Food Bank to bring the issue of hunger to light using our MiLB platform,” said John Katz, Fireflies team president. “This is one great way to bring the community together to show that we are united in the fight against hunger in our hometown.”

“As a family-owned food company, it is important to everyone at BUSH’S to help hungry families,” said Mike Morris, consumer experience manager at Bush Brothers & Co. “Working with Minor League Baseball and communities nationwide helps bring attention and action to a very important topic – beating hunger.”

Individual game tickets for the 2018 season can be purchased at the Fireflies box office, over the phone at 803-726-HITS, or online at FirefliesTickets.com.

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About the Columbia Fireflies

The Columbia Fireflies are the South Atlantic League affiliate of the New York Mets. Winners of Ballpark Digest’s Best New Branding and Logo Award in 2016, the Fireflies play games across the southeast and mid-Atlantic regions, including against in-state rivals in Charleston and Greenville. The team partnered with the city of Columbia and Hughes Development to construct Spirit Communications Park, a multi-use outdoor sports and entertainment venue at the center of the BullStreet District. The Columbia Fireflies are owned by Hardball Capital, owners of the Fort Wayne TinCaps of the Midwest League and the Chattanooga Lookouts of the Southern League. For more information, visit www.ColumbiaFireflies.com, or follow the Fireflies on Twitter (@ColaFireflies), Facebook (facebook.com/columbiafireflies) and all popular social media platforms.

About Spirit Communications Park

Spirit Communications Park, the 2016 Ballpark Digest Ballpark of the Year, is a 365-day per year multi-use sports and entertainment venue located in the heart of downtown Columbia, South Carolina. Spirit Communications Park is the home ballpark for the Columbia Fireflies, the South Atlantic League affiliate of the New York Mets. Designed for baseball, concerts, football, soccer and a host of other activities, the venue seats approximately 9,000 for sporting events and up to 15,000 for major outdoor concerts. With 16 luxury suites and a 7,000 square-foot Club Level Lounge, Spirit Communications Park also hosts everything from business meetings to wedding receptions, and everything in between. The venue is open 365 days a year and serves as a public park, with a wrap-around concourse representing 1/3 of a mile for walkers and joggers. For more information, visit www.SpiritCommunicationsPark.com.

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 MiLB.com. Follow Minor League Baseball on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

About BUSH’S Beans

BUSH’S® Beans are “The Official Beans of Minor League Baseball™.” BUSH’S® is all about family, friends that feel like family, and a certain Secret Family Recipe. When you enjoy our beans (doesn’t matter if they’re Baked Beans, black beans, pinto beans, great northern beans…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 to satisfying bean recipes, you’re cooking up the best with BUSH’S BEST®. For more information, visit www.bushsbeans.com, like them on Facebook or follow BUSH’S® Beans on Instagram and Twitter.

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

Marshall Knapp Awarded FSL/Marlins Scholarship

Bradenton, FL – The Florida State League Scholarship Committee and FSL President Ken Carson have awarded twelve (12) $1,500 educational scholarships to deserving applicants from across the League. The Bradenton Marauders are proud to announce that Marshall Knapp has been selected as a scholarship recipient. Knapp is the son of LECOM Park Concessions Manager Chuck Knapp.

This is the nineteenth (19) straight year for the program and is funded by the Miami Marlins and the Florida State League. Each Scholarship has a monetary value of $1,500 and is presented to a student employee, child or grandchild of an employee. A total of 228 scholarships have been awarded to qualified applicants since the inception of the program. The Committee awarded the scholarships after a review of applications submitted by each candidate. The award is based both on financial need and achievement of a grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Recipients must be at least a high school junior by the 2018 Fall Term.

Marshall Knapp will be a senior at Braden River High School this fall. In additional to his outstanding academic performance in the classroom, he is the drum major for the Braden River High School Marching Band of Pirates, logging hundreds of hours of rehearsals each year. He also plays multiple instruments and performs in the Braden River High School Wind Ensemble, the Sun Coast Honor Band, and the Sarasota Concert Band. Knapp plans to study Music Education in college with the goal of becoming a high school band director.

The Miami Marlins provide a generous contribution to the program. The purpose of the program is to encourage and reward our school age applicants and send a message that an education is the key to success in life. All winners will be the guests of the Marlins at Marlins Park on Sunday, August 12, 2018 and will be recognized in an on-field pregame ceremony. Knapp will also throw out a first pitch at an upcoming Marauders home game.

For more information about the Bradenton Marauders, call 941-747-3031, visit www.bradentonmarauders.com, or email MaraudersInfo@pirates.com.

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

Blue Jays Bowling Tournament Raises Over $10,000

DUNEDIN-FL, The Dunedin Blue Jays 2018 Charity Bowling Tournament on Saturday, July 21st raised $10,370 for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay. Over 200 local baseball fans participated in the event, joining the entire Dunedin Blue Jays team at Maple Lanes Countryside Bowling Alley in Clearwater for a day of bowling, raffles, silent auctions, and prizes during the team’s fifth annual tournament. Since 2014, the event has raised over $45,000 to support the well-being of local families through Ronald McDonald House Charities.

“The Blue Jays are incredibly grateful for the continued support of local businesses and their sponsorships that make this event possible each year, for our players for dedicating their time to helping the local community, and most of all for fans who helped make this year’s event a success,” Kathi Beckman, the Blue Jays Manager of Community Relations, said following the event.

For the third consecutive year, the event raised over $10,000 to help Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay care for families with children receiving treatment in local hospitals. Adding to the excitement at the tournament, local fan Teddy K. threw the first perfect 300 game in bowling tournament history. For his feat, Teddy was awarded a team-signed bowling ball and pin and the opportunity to throw out the first pitch at a 2019 Toronto Blue Jays Spring Training game.

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

Nominate a local youth field for a makeover

The Norfolk Tides today announced the return of The Youth Field Makeover Project presented by Orkin, a contest in which a local youth field will be renovated by Tides groundskeepers and front office staff.

This field makeover will include an upgrade to the playing surface, an improvement to existing dugouts, and pest prevention services courtesy of Orkin. The recipient of the makeover will be determined by a fan vote on the Tides Facebook page in September.

“Year in and year out, this is a special project that allows our staff to give back to very deserving members of the Hampton Roads community” said Tides General Manager Joe Gregory. Each time we help renovate a field, we’re just thrilled to be making a difference.”

Those interested in having the Tides make over their facility should submit a picture of their field to John Rogerson at JRogerson@norfolktides.com. Along with the photo, fans are asked to include a brief synopsis of why their league’s field should receive this enhancement. The deadline to submit this information is August 31, with online voting set to take place on the Tides Facebook page (Facebook.com/NorfolkTides) in early September.

Since the inaugural renovation in 2012, the Tides have renovated 11 local fields: Eason’s Crossroads (Gates, NC), Ocean View Little League (Norfolk), Smithfield Recreation Association (Smithfield), Bennett’s Creek Little League (Suffolk), Phoebus Little League (Hampton), Shore Little League (Nassawadox), Cradock Little League (Portsmouth), Little Creek National (Norfolk), Gloucester Youth Baseball (Gloucester), Surry County Pony Baseball (Surry) and Deer Park Youth Field (Newport News). The Tides are also set to renovate Thalia/Malibu Rec Association in Virginia Beach this fall.

The project is made possible thanks to the Tides Youth Baseball Fund, a program established by the Tides in 1990 as a way to raise money for youth baseball and softball programs in Hampton Roads. In addition to assisting with field renovations, the Youth Baseball Fund also helps local teams and leagues with travel expenses. The Youth Baseball Fund is partially financed by scoreboard announcements at Harbor Park throughout the season, and those wishing to make a donation directly to the Youth Baseball Fund can do so via norfolkides.com under the “Harbor Park” section.

For more information about Orkin’s pest control services, visit Orkin.com.

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

RoughRiders Foundation volunteers at DFW National Cemetery

FRISCO, Texas (July 3, 2018) – Frisco RoughRiders pitcher Tyler Davis and members of the RoughRiders Foundation spent Monday morning volunteering at the DFW National Cemetery.

“I, personally, think it was a great experience,” Davis said. “I saw it as a way for me to be able to go out there and show respect to the people who have given a lot for our country; past, present and future.”

The group assisted in the cleaning of headstones, a process which is necessary four times a year to help maintain the nearly 50,000 headstones on the site. With a limited number of regular employees, the DFW National Cemetery values volunteer groups like the RoughRiders to assist in keeping the cemetery in good shape.

“Without the support and time the Frisco RoughRiders and others, we could not provide the honorable and serene resting place our Veterans deserve,” Cemetery Director Larry Williams said. “What may not be thought of is this: the Frisco RoughRiders are honoring America’s Heroes with the dedication and hard work they provide here and is deeply appreciated, not only by the staff, but the families of the 59,500 resting here.”

For more information on the RoughRiders Foundation, click here.

About the RoughRiders

The Frisco RoughRiders are the Double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers and play their games at beautiful Dr Pepper Ballpark in Frisco, Texas. The team was founded in 2003 and has finished first among all Double-A franchises in attendance in each of the last 13 seasons (2005-2017). In August 2014, the RoughRiders were purchased by an ownership group led by Chuck Greenberg. Since then, the new ownership group, together with the City of Frisco, has spearheaded numerous major franchise enhancements, investing over $8 million in a wide array of facility upgrades and improvements, including a state-of-the-art HD video board, sound system, Bull Moose Saloon, InTouch Grille, Riders Outpost Team Store and the world’s largest water feature in a sports facility, the massive Choctaw Lazy River. These enhancements earned the Riders and the City of Frisco Ballpark Digest’s prestigious “Best Ballpark Renovation” award for two consecutive years (2015 and 2016). More than 140 former RoughRiders players have gone on to play Major League Baseball, including All-Stars Chris Davis, Adrian Gonzalez, Ian Kinsler and Neftali Feliz, as well as current Rangers stars Elvis Andrus, Rougned Odor and Nomar Mazara. For more information on the Frisco RoughRiders and Dr Pepper Ballpark, please visit RidersBaseball.com or contact Ryan Rouillard at RRouillard@RidersBaseball.com.

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

Fireflies Launch Campaign to Retire SC Veteran Medical Debt

COLUMBIA, SC – In advance of Independence Day, the Columbia Fireflies today announced a campaign to retire the medical debt of veterans across the state. More than 700 veteran families have a combined $800,000 in medical debt in South Carolina, and the team and its fans will have the opportunity to help in this community-wide effort.

“Columbia is known as the ‘Most Military Friendly Community in America’ for many reasons,” said Fireflies team president John Katz. “Every American can appreciate the sacrifices our military heroes have made, and now we have an opportunity to pay it forward.”

The kickoff for the campaign will begin on July 4th, as the Fireflies celebrate Independence Day at Spirit Communications Park. Specially-designed red, white and blue jerseys – first worn by the team on Fort Jackson Night, June 5th – will be auctioned off during the game. 100% of the proceeds from the auction will benefit our veterans in need.

RIP Medical Debt, a nationally-recognized not-for-profit 501(c)(3) charity, was established in 2014 to locate, purchase and forgive unpaid and unpayable medical debt. Our campaign, which will be funded by events such as the jersey auction, will provide RIP Medical Debt the funds to buy South Carolina veteran medical debt and abolish it, with no strings attached for the beneficiaries.

This program provides debt relief for those in our military community that need it most. To qualify, veteran medical debt has been identified for people who meet the following criteria: 1) people who make less than 2x the Federal poverty level; 2) people with financial hardship – a debt that is 5% or more of their annual income; and 3) people who are insolvent.

In addition to the jersey auction on July 4th, fans will have additional opportunities to give:

July 4 – July 9: The Fireflies will be holding a “Text to Give” campaign at Spirit Communications Park during the week of Independence Day, where fans will have the opportunity to text a donation.

Additional opportunities will be announced later this season.

Tickets for the July 4th Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks Extravaganza are on sale now. Visit FirefliesTickets.com, the Spirit Communications Park ticket office or call (803) 726-4487 for more information.

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About the Columbia Fireflies

The Columbia Fireflies are the South Atlantic League affiliate of the New York Mets. Winners of Ballpark Digest’s Best New Branding and Logo Award in 2016, the Fireflies play games across the southeast and mid-Atlantic regions, including against in-state rivals in Charleston and Greenville. The team partnered with the city of Columbia and Hughes Development to construct Spirit Communications Park, a multi-use outdoor sports and entertainment venue at the center of the BullStreet development. The Columbia Fireflies are owned by Hardball Capital, owners of the Fort Wayne TinCaps of the Midwest League and the Chattanooga Lookouts of the Southern League. For more information, visit ColumbiaFireflies.com, or follow the Fireflies on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

About Spirit Communications Park

Spirit Communications Park, the 2016 Ballpark Digest Ballpark of the Year, is a 365-day per year multi-use sports and entertainment venue located in the heart of downtown Columbia, SC. Spirit Communications Park is the home ballpark for the Columbia Fireflies, the South Atlantic League affiliate of the New York Mets. Designed for baseball, concerts, football, soccer and a host of other activities, the venue seats approximately 9,000 for sporting events and up to 15,000 for major outdoor concerts. With 16 luxury suites and a 7,000 square-foot Club Level Lounge, Spirit Communications Park can also host everything from business meetings to wedding receptions, and everything in between. The venue is open 365 days a year and serves as a public park with the wrap-around concourse representing 1/3 of a mile for walkers and joggers. For more information, visit SpiritCommunicationsPark.com.

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