clubphilanthropy.com – Page 142 – Charity begins at home [plate]

“Wild About Reading” program reaches 1 million student milestone

March 23, 2018

FRESNO, Calif. – “Wild About Reading,” one of the hallmark community initiatives organized by the Fresno Grizzlies through most of the franchise’s history, is celebrating a milestone of over one million students reached through the program. With just shy of 100,000 (and counting) students participating during this school year at 156 schools, the literacy program has grown exponentially in the last six years.

Wild About Reading, which incentivizes students to read frequently beyond just their school curriculum, is now in its 15th year of operation. Reaching elementary schools in five counties (Fresno, Kings, Madera, Merced and Tulare), the program has increased the total number of books read by area students by reaching at least 97,000 students each school year since 2012. The program has surpassed 100,000 students in a year three times, and this offseason the total number of students enrolled reached over one million during the life of the program.

Over 160 schools have been involved in the program the last three years – most holding a “kick-off assembly” featuring Grizzlies Mascot Parker T. Bear and Eddie the Owl from EECU. During the 2017-2018 offseason, Parker, Eddie and the Grizzlies’ front office staff staged 205 total assemblies in the five-county area, sometimes doing multiple assemblies for a school. In addition to EECU, other presenting sponsors of Wild About Reading are Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino, PG&E, Savemart Supermarkets and Gar Tootelian.

Since its beginnings in 2004, Wild About Reading has now reached over one million students, with incentives that include:

Five Wild About Reading Grizzlies games during the 2018 season, with two (2) complimentary tickets for readers that participate in the program, for reading 10 additional books outside of school curriculum and turning in the bookmark which tracks that progress to the Chukchansi Park ticket office.
Outstanding reader awards presented at games to four top students (nominated by teachers).
Two students will win a tablet at each Wild About Reading game this season, drawn randomly by seat number.
The school with the highest ticket redemption percentage to the Wild About Reading games wins a $500 bonus.

“A couple of seasons ago, we realized the one-million-student milestone was within reach, and it’s a great credit to how excited kids in the Central Valley are about reading,” said Whitney Campbell, director of community engagement and events for the Fresno Grizzlies. “We love having the incentive of Grizzlies baseball to promote more reading, but the students truly put in the time to realize reading is fun, baseball is fun, and combining the two is even more fun.”

Special thanks is also owed to the follow partners in producing the annual “Farm Grown” magazine, the activity and info book that accompanies the program kickoff at each assembly: Fresno Chaffee Zoo, Sun-Maid, Gar Tootelian, Dave & Busters, Farm Credit and Port of Subs.

#Growlifornia

ABOUT THE FRESNO GRIZZLIES
The Fresno Grizzlies, Triple-A affiliate of the Houston Astros, are a member of the 16-team Pacific Coast League and one of 30 clubs in the world playing the highest level of Minor League Baseball. The team plays at 12,500-seat Chukchansi Park in Downtown Fresno, which is also a year-round community gathering place, hosting myriad other special events beyond Grizzlies’ games, such as concerts, professional soccer and high school sporting events. The Grizzlies will enter the 2018 season – their 21st in Fresno – on the momentum of three consecutive winning seasons, including a PCL and National Championship in 2015. For information on 2018 Fresno Grizzlies season ticket and mini-plans, fans should call the Grizzlies’ ticket office at 559.320.TIXS between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

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

Pulaski Yankees bring back Free Youth Outings Program for 2018 season

March 22, 2018

Pulaski, Va. – The Pulaski Yankees are excited to announce they will once again offer free admission to area youth groups during the 2018 season as part of the Calfee Park Free Youth Outings Program presented by Virginia529 and Shelor Motor Mile Growing the Future.

The program is open to all area youth groups, including sports teams, church groups, school groups, Boy and Girl Scouts, and child care centers. Each child in the group will receive one (1) free General Admission (GA) ticket. Youth group leaders accompanying the group will also receive one (1) free GA ticket. Parents, guardians, and other family members may join the group by purchasing GA tickets at a discounted rate of $5 per ticket.

“The youth in our community are an important part of Calfee Park,” said Pulaski Yankees General Manager Christina Edney. “We are grateful for our partners who help make this program possible, ensuring every child has the opportunity to enjoy a safe, fun, family-friendly event during the summer.”

Last year the Yankees distributed nearly 3,000 tickets through the free youth outings program, which has been in place since the 2015 season.

All youth group outings through the Calfee Park Free Youth Outings Program presented by Virginia529 and Shelor Motor Mile Growing the Future must be booked in advance. Interested groups can contact Yankees’ Assistant General Manager Betsy Haugh by email (bhaugh@pulaskiyankees.net) or by calling (540) 980-1070. For additional information, click here.

The Pulaski Yankees open the 2018 season on the road with a three-game series against the Danville Braves June 19-21. The Yankees will host the Greeneville Reds Friday, June 22 at Calfee Park in their 2018 home opener. Flex tickets and season tickets are available now by calling 540.980.1070. Individual game tickets will go on sale later this spring.

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

FREE YOUTH BASEBALL CLINIC ON SATURDAY, MAY 12

March 22, 2018

SPRINGDALE, AR – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are excited to partner with Mercy Kids on the eleventh annual FREE Youth Baseball Clinic that will take place at Arvest Ballpark from 2 p.m. until 3:45 p.m. on Saturday, May 12 in advance of that night’s 6:05 p.m. game against the Tulsa Drillers, the Double-A Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Naturals FREE Youth Baseball Clinic presented by Mercy Kids is open to children ages 6-12. Instruction during the clinic will be given by members of the Naturals’ team and coaching staff, which will cover basic fundamentals, including hitting, fielding, pitching, and base running. Following the clinic, an autograph session will occur on the concourse from approximately 3:45 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. before the ballpark is cleared in preparation for the game.

All participants will receive a complimentary 1B/3B Reserved Ticket to the Saturday, May 12 Naturals game at 6:05 p.m., featuring a Mike Moustakas Career Highlights Bobblehead Giveaway. Additional tickets for the game against the Tulsa Drillers will be available at Guest Services and the Arvest Ballpark Box Office, which will be open throughout the clinic. Participants that are attending the Naturals game must exit the ballpark once the clinic ends and re-enter when gates open to the general public for the game at 4:35 p.m. when the giveaway will be available.

There is a registration form titled YOUTH BASEBALL CLINIC BY MERCY KIDS located on the Naturals website, nwanaturals.com, under the TICKETS & PROMOTIONS tab that interested parents can fill out to register their son or daughter for the clinic. The FREE Youth Baseball Clinic is also open to local youth coaches and they can register their team by calling (479) 927-4900. The deadline to register for the event is Friday, May 4 but participants are encouraged to sign up quickly, as previous events have filled to capacity prior to the deadline. Check-in begins at Arvest Ballpark at 1:00pm on the day of the event so we ask that you arrive early as participation is limited to the first 400 children. Participants are asked to only bring their glove and wear proper baseball attire. Please leave all baseball bags in the car or in the seating bowl during the clinic as only a glove is needed while on the field.

The 2018 season of Naturals baseball at Arvest Ballpark will begin when Northwest Arkansas hosts the Corpus Christi Hooks, the Double-A Affiliate of the World Champion Houston Astros, on Thursday, April 5 at 6:25 p.m.

Follow the Northwest Arkansas Naturals on Twitter @NWANaturals all throughout the year by using the hashtags #NaturalPastime and #CrowntoCrown for all of our up-to-date information on the 2018 schedule, tickets, group outings, promotions, roster, and Spring Training information as we prepare for the upcoming 2018 season.

The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are the Double-A Texas League Affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. The Naturals play at state-of-the-art Arvest Ballpark in Springdale, Ark. For more information, including statistics, ticket options, and more, please visit NWANaturals.com, and follow us on Twitter @NWANaturals and Facebook.com/Naturals.

-Naturals-

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

Fort Myers Miracle offer $15,000 in sponsorships to Little League, Cal Ripken organizations in Southwest Florida

March 21, 2018

The Fort Myers Miracle are donating $15,000 to sponsor 21 youth baseball and softball organizations across Southwest Florida.

The sponsorships will help area leagues pay for much-needed equipment, supplies and operational costs. In Southwest Florida, the spring season for Little League and Cal Ripken seasons began in January and runs through May, with all-star teams forming at season’s end. Some leagues also offer fall ball.

“Youth baseball and softball leagues strive to keep registration costs as low as possible, and many organizations are run entirely by volunteers, from the local governing boards down to coaches, umpires and concession stands,” said Chris Peters, president and general manager of the Fort Myers Miracle. “That’s why it is so important for businesses to take a leadership role in supporting youth sports. Every child deserves a chance to play ball.”

In addition to Little League and Cal Ripken sponsorships and frequent community appearances by players and staff, the Miracle also offer a variety of youth-oriented programs at the ballpark. The Achieva Credit Union Baseball Buddies program recognizes youth teams by allowing children to stand side-by-side with Miracle players during the National Anthem. On Family Sundays, children can play catch on the field before the game and run the bases after the game. At select home games, children can receive free tickets by showing their report cards or coming dressed in their team uniform.

“The Miracle have long been a supporter of youth sports in Southwest Florida, and we gladly welcome their teams and players at the ballpark,” said Jason Hochberg, founder and CEO of SJS Beacon, which owns the Miracle. “We hope to continue our partnership with area youth organizations for many years to come.”

Little League International is a nonprofit organization based in South Williamsport, Penn., and organizes baseball and softball leagues throughout the world. Programs are available for boys and girls ages 4 to 16. Cal Ripken Baseball is a division of the Babe Ruth League and headquartered in Hamilton, N.J. Its leagues are designed for players ages 4 to 12.

The Fort Myers Miracle, the Class-A Advanced Affiliate of the Minnesota Twins, begin the 2018 season on Thursday, April 5 against the Charlotte Stone Crabs. The 140-game regular season schedule runs through Sunday, Sept. 2.

For more information about the Fort Myers Miracle, visit MiracleBaseball.com or call 239-768-4210.

About the Miracle

The Fort Myers Miracle are the Class-A Advanced Affiliate of the Minnesota Twins, and have played home games at Hammond Stadium since 1992. Notable Miracle alumni include Joe Mauer, Miguel Sano, Byron Buxton and Torii Hunter. Follow the Miracle online at MiracleBaseball.com or through its social media channels: Twitter (@MiracleBaseball), Instagram (fortmyersmiracle), Facebook (Fort Myers Miracle) and Snapchat (ftmyersmiracle). Opening Night at Hammond Stadium is Thursday, April 5 against the Charlotte Stone Crabs. For questions or ticket information, call the Miracle at 239-768-4210.

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

Legends Stache Tank Program – Update 3/20

March 20, 2018

WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK (Lexington, KY) – The Lexington Legends announce today the winning specialty food item from Crawford Middle School – Legends fans will be able to indulge in Uncle Ray’s Potato Chip Crusted Chicken Wraps all season long.

Teams of Crawford Middle School students presented their final presentations to a panel of community judges at Whitaker Bank Ballpark. Other finalists included the Panwich (renamed from the pancakerito; a breakfast sandwich made out of pancakes) and a Texas-toast sandwich with macaroni and cheese with barbeque chicken.

“Stache Tank was first started as part of our diversity and inclusion initiative, and we are beyond proud of how it has taken off. We have received tremendous support both locally and throughout the Minor League Baseball community,” said Legends President/CEO, Andy Shea. “The most challenging part of the entire program is selecting one winning group out of all the incredibly creative ideas these kids come up with!”

The wrap will include chicken tenders that will be breaded in Uncle Ray’s Potato Chips, the official Potato Chip of Minor League Baseball. The wrap will also include lettuce, tomatoes, onions and pickles. Fans will receive a side of French fries with three options of dipping sauces that include ranch, honey mustard and barbecue sauce. The Uncle Ray’s Potato Crusted Chicken Wrap will be available in the Kentucky Ale Taproom at Whitaker Bank Ballpark.

The members of the winning group (picture attached) are: Hannah Cook (Team Lead), Madison Green, Alyssa Waugh, Nakita Epsy, and Annamarie Seamans.

“This year’s Stache Tank was a huge success! I am so proud of our students for their hard work and creativity. The food items were delicious and the presentations were excellent. I appreciate the Lexington Legends for allowing students from CMS this incredible opportunity,” said Crawford Middle School Principal, Mike Jones. “To see them use math, team work, technology, and other school related skills in a real-world setting makes me extremely proud.”

Northern Elementary students are working on their final presentations for their give-a-way item project that the first 1,000 fans will receive at a Legends home game during the month of August. The top three giveaway items that have moved on to the final round of judging are: Light-up bracelet, lunch bag, and PopSocket phone stand. Students will present their final presentations to a panel of community judges that include Kimberly Bussell of Whitaker Bank, Phil Holoubek of Lexington’s Real Estate Co, Jade Miles of Lexmark, Kellen Dargle of WKYT, 1^st District Councilmen James Brown, Former UK Quarterback Patrick Towles of Traditional Bank, and James Webb of G& J Pepsion on Monday, March 26 at 10 a.m. in the boardroom at Whitaker Bank Ballpark.

The Legends welcome media to the final round of Northern Elementary School presentations on Monday, March 26, 2018 at 10 a.m.

For more information about the Legends Stache Tank Program, contact Sarah Bosso at sbosso@lexingtonlegends.com or 859-422-7855.

The Legends, a Class A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and a member of the South Atlantic League, kickoff the 2018 season at Whitaker Bank Ballpark against the Charleston RiverDogs, an affiliate of the New York Yankees, on Opening Day – April 5, 2018. For ticket information, call (859) 422-7867 or visit LexingtonLegends.com.

ORIGINAL RELEASE from 2/20/2018

Legends Stache Tank Program

Bryan Station High School Winners Selected; Middle and Elementary School Programs in Full Swing

WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK (Lexington, KY) – Lexington Legends announce the winning Opening Day plans from Bryan Station High School Stache Tank—Legends fans will see a “Tropical Electric” theme as they enter the gates for the first time April 5, 2018.

Teams of Bryan Station High School students competed to create themed event plans for the 2018 Opening Day game for the April 5 Legends home opener. Other ideas included “Slumber Sluggers” focusing around a large pajama party idea which involves bringing live sheep to the ballpark, a “Luau Day” for fans to imagine themselves on a tropical island or on Spring Break, playing fun tropical themed activities and potentially having fun taking whacks at an old junk car to help relieve stress, and a theme centered around everything “jumbo;” jumbo games, jumbo prizes, etc. However, in final presentations on February 6^th, the panel of judges comprised of community members ultimately selected the “Tropical Electric” theme to reign supreme.

Fans can anticipate Tropical Electric Opening Day to include features such as: neon lights in the concourse, a photo booth with tropical themed props up front, inflatable palm trees, dog costume dress up contest in tropical attire for Bark in the Park presented by Pepsi, glow sticks distributed at fireworks time, Hawaiian flower balloons decorating the seating bowl and other tropical décor hanging from breezeways, Hawaiian flower designs on a Legends script staff tee, Bryan Station Academy booths with games/showcasing all academies (virtual reality, etc.), a hula dance cam on the video boards, an arm wrestling contest, and face painting for kids.

Tropical Electric winning group members (picture attached) are: Anna Hassloch, Drake Witt, Jade Finley,Stephen Lyal, Caden Tarry, Kate Jones, Joko Bojang, Ariana Rojas

“We are so excited to continue to strengthen the partnership between the Lexington Legends and Bryan Station High School and to once again be taking over Opening Day” said Heather Epply, Academy Coach at Bryan Station High School. “StacheTank is such an amazing opportunity for our students to apply their creativity and skills to a real world situation. Going through the process of idea generation, planning, presenting, accepting critical feedback, and polishing their presentations teaches them so much more than they would learn in a traditional classroom. Our students are so excited to see their hard work become a reality on April 5^th!”

Crawford Middle School students are presenting their final presentations to a panel of community judges at Whitaker Bank Ballpark in the Executive Boardroom on Wednesday, February 28 at 11 a.m. The top three specialty food item presentations that have moved on to the second round of judging are: a Panwich (renamed from the pancakerito; a breakfast sandwich made out of pancakes), a sandwich wrap featuring chicken tenders battered in Uncle Rays Potato Chips (Uncle Rays is the official potato chip of Minor League Baseball), and a Texas-toast sandwich with macaroni and cheese with barbeque chicken.

Judges for round two for Crawford Middle School students are: Kimberly Bussell of Whitaker Bank, Councilwoman Angela Evans of the 6^th District, Phil Holoubek of Lexington’s Real Estate Co., Former UK Quarterback Patrick Towles of Traditional Bank, Elizabeth Murphy of Lexington Clinic, Arthur Lucas of LFUCG, and Daryl Love of Valvoline.

The Northern Elementary students are working on their Stache Tank give-a-way item project that the first 1,000 fans will receive at the Legends home game later in the season during the month of August. This group of students is completing research by doing some initial market surveys to see what would excite fans. As they progress through their project, they’ll incorporate speech writing, math skills and presentation techniques as they too will present to members of the Legends Front Office for round one of presentations on March 7 at 2 p.m. and then have final presentations to a panel of community members later in March.

The Legends welcome media to the Crawford Middle School presentations on Wednesday, February 28, 2018 at 11 a.m.

For more information about the Legends Stache Tank Program, contact Sarah Bosso at sbosso@lexingtonlegends.com or 859-422-7855. The Legends, a Class A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and a member of the South Atlantic League, kickoff the 2018 season at Whitaker Bank Ballpark against the Charleston RiverDogs, an affiliate of the New York Yankees, on Opening Day – April 5, 2018. For ticket information, call (859) 422-7867 or visit LexingtonLegends.com.

ORIGNIAL RELEASE from 2/2/18

Legends Stache Tank Program for 2018 in Full Swing: Gearing up for presentations

WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK (Lexington, KY) – Stache Tank is back. The Lexington Legends are holding another round of Stache Tank competition, as students on the elementary, middle and high school levels from Fayette County Public Schools compete on a variety of entrepreneurial business and event project designs connected to Legends baseball at Whitaker Bank Ballpark.

Stache Tank follows a format similar to the popular television program “Shark Tank,” in which entrepreneurs present their ideas to a panel of potential investors. The Legends call the competition “‘Stache Tank” in recognition of the team’s mustache logo. Currently, teams of students at Northern Elementary, Crawford Middle School, and Bryan Station High School have been competing with each other at their schools to create and build the best ideas and presentations. The finalists will make presentations at Whitaker Bank Ballpark to a panel of judges made up of community leaders and Legends officials as their project timelines come to a close.

Teams of Bryan Station High School students are creating themed event plans for the 2018 Opening Day game for the April 5 Legends home opener. Ideas include “Slumber Sluggers” focusing around a large pajama party idea which involves bringing live sheep to the ballpark, a “Tropical Electric” neon light/glow stick experience for fans, a “Luau Day” for fans to imagine themselves on a tropical island or on Spring Break, playing fun tropical themed activities and potentially having fun taking whacks at an old junk car to help relieve stress, and a theme centered around everything “jumbo;” jumbo games, jumbo prizes, etc.

The Bryan Station High School teams will make their presentations in the executive board room at Whitaker Bank Ballpark on Tuesday, February 6 at 10 a.m. to a panel of judges comprised of community members. Judges on the panel include: Kimberly Bussell of Whitaker Bank, James Webb and Morgan Reaguer of G&J Pepsi, Laci Poulter of Lexington Clinic, Phil Holoubek of Lexington’s Real Estate Co., 1^st District Councilman James Brown, Former UK Quarterback Patrick Towles of Traditional Bank, Sheri Evans Depp of Lexmark and Christina Briggs of Kentucky Children’s Hospital.

Crawford Middle School students are creating a specialty food item to be served in the Kentucky Ale Taproom restaurant throughout the 2018 season. Among the early contenders are items like: a pancakerito (a breakfast burrito made out of pancakes), a special take on a pretzel bun pulled pork sandwich, a sandwich wrap featuring chicken tenders battered in Uncle Rays Potato Chips (Uncle Rays is the official potato chip of Minor League Baseball), a hamburger hotdog, a donut burger with coleslaw, and a Texas-toast sandwich with macaroni and cheese with barbeque chicken.

“It’s been fun watching the wheels turn in the student’s minds,” said Crawford Principal Mike Jones. “I have been challenging them to think big, bigger than they ever have before. I feel as though sometimes we do not allow our students opportunities to think outside the box enough. I actually told our students, create a new box if you want. We just had our initial taste tests, and so far, the kids are impressed with their creativity. I also think the kids are excited they have an opportunity to present an idea to members of the community and hear their feedback” he added.

Crawford Middle School students will present their initial presentations to members of the Legends Front Office and then have final presentations to a panel of community members at Whitaker Bank Ballpark on February 28, 2018 at 11 a.m.

The Northern Elementary students are working on a give-a-way item that the first 1,000 fans would receive at the Legends home game later in the season during the month of August. This group of students is beginning their research by doing some initial market surveys to see what would excite fans. As they progress through their project, they’ll incorporate speech writing, math skills and presentation techniques as they too will present to members of the Legends Front Office and then have final presentations to a panel of community members. Those presentation dates will be set at a later date.

The Legends welcome media to the Bryan Station High School presentations on Tuesday, February 6, 2018 at 10 a.m.

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

LexArts Inc. and Legends Seek Artist for Lou Johnson Tribute At Whitaker Bank Ballpark

March 19, 2018

WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK (Lexington, KY) – In partnership with LexArts Inc. and the Lexington Legends, Legends President/CEO Andy Shea announced to the Sweet Lou Johnson Lexington Chapter of the Society of American Baseball Research that the Legends are currently searching for an artist from the region (Kentucky and contiguous states) to create a piece to honor Lexington native, and World Series hero, “Sweet” Lou Johnson.

Sweet Lou Johnson was born in Lexington and attended Dunbar High School. He signed as a free agent for the New York Yankees in 1953, and saw his first major league action in 1962 with the Milwaukee Braves. Johnson was then traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers and subsequently led the Dodgers to a World Series victory in 1965, hitting the game winning home run in a decisive game seven. After various injuries, Johnson retired from baseball in 1970. He ended his career batting .258 with 48 home runs, 232 RBI and 50 stolen bases.

The partnership between the Legends and LexArts Inc. began in 2017 after the Legends hosted an On The Table event. Community members voiced their opinions of ways to improve the city in different capacities to make it more vibrant and engaged. During the same time, Lexington Mayor Jim Gray called for a more diverse narrative for public art, which led to the idea of incorporating Sweet Lou Johnson into Whitaker Bank Ballpark. The Legends and LexArts Inc. applied, and received, a grant from Blue Grass Community Trust Foundation to begin the first phase of the project to seek proposals from artists around the region. They not only wanted to honor Lexington’s history, but the incredible contribution that Sweet Lou Johnson made to the game of baseball.

“It is an honor to have the opportunity to pay homage to Lou Johnson. Not only will this showcase Johnson and the impact he had in the world of baseball, but also bring together sports and the arts at Whitaker Bank Ballpark.” said Legends President/CEO Andy Shea. “We are proud to be able to honor this part of Lexington history and showcase the contribution that Sweet Lou Johnson made to baseball.”

The project will consist of two phases:

Phase 1: RFQ/RFP

The Request for Qualifications / Proposals will seek to identify artists in the region that are interested in creating work to celebrate Lou Johnson. Artists must provide resume, past work and a cover letter that identifies the type of work they would create, what materials it would use and describe concept.

Phase 2: Commissioned Proposals

Three artists will be paid $500 to further develop their concepts and provide a rendering.

The three finalists’ proposals will be displayed for the public to see at the Whitaker Bank Ballpark in late Spring 2018. One proposal will be selected to be realized.

The deadline for qualifications is April 7, 2018 and artists will be notified by April 13. Final proposals will be due May 31 and then the proposals will be viewed by the public June 1-21 at Whitaker Bank Ballpark at Lexington Legends games.

The anticipated budget for the project will be $50,000 which includes artist fee and travel, materials and installation.

All interested artists should visit www.lexarts.org/participate/artists/ for more information and to submit their applications. All artists must go through LexArts Inc. with their submissions.

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

8th Annual ‘4 in 24’ Field Renovations to take place April 11

March 16, 2018

TROY, NY – The Tri-City ValleyCats and their field renovation teammates, BlueShield of Northeastern New York and Hannaford Supermarkets, are set to renovate four more youth ballfields in 2018. The 8th Annual ‘4 in 24’ Field Renovation Project will take place on Wednesday, April 11, where each of the chosen fields will undergo a necessary overhaul.

The four leagues to receive the work will be American Little League in Albany, Cairo-Durham Little League, Scotia-Glenville Girls Softball, and Round Lake Malta Youth Baseball.

Each baseball field will have their old infield grass replaced with brand new sod, their pitcher’s mound and home plate areas completely rebuilt, the infield surface leveled, graded and raked, the baselines measured and cut to the correct specifications, and all new bases, a pitching rubber and home plate installed. The softball field will receive the same scope of work, but without grass on the infield.

“When we first embarked on this ambitious project in 2011, we felt that it would have an enormous positive impact on many youth ballplayers within the Capital Region,” said ValleyCats General Manager Matt Callahan. “Now in its eighth year, and 30 plus leagues later, the need and project scope continues to grow exponentially. We are incredibly thankful to BlueShield of Northeastern New York and Hannaford Supermarkets who have been instrumental in keeping the program going strong.”

Both longtime supporters of this important community initiative, BlueShield of Northeastern New York and Hannaford Supermarkets have aided in supplying the necessary resources and volunteer commitment to complete these renovations.

“BlueShield knows how important programs like ‘4 in 24’ are to ensuring children in our community have access to healthy activities,” said Dr. Kirk Panneton, Vice President, Regional Executive and Medical Director, BlueShield of Northeastern New York. “Through our partnership with the Tri-City ValleyCats, our company and employees have helped transform over 30 fields and we are thrilled to be a part of this community initiative again this year.”

“Active kids make for healthy communities, which is why youth sports are so important. Hannaford is pleased to once again partner with the Tri-City ValleyCats to provide young people with wonderfully improved facilities for healthy play and growth,” said Hannaford Supermarkets Community Relations Specialist Brian Fabre. “We look forward to seeing kids throughout the greater Capital Region rush the field this spring as they learn the values of teamwork and dedication.”

Work on each field will commence at daybreak on April 11 and will continue through the night if necessary. The efforts will also be assisted by Profile Products and Turface Athletics, who are contributing some of the necessary equipment and materials. Additional support comes from ‘Cats Care, the ValleyCats’ arm of the New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation.

2018 ‘4 in 24’ Youth League Snapshots

American Little League
Urban youth league serving approximately 200 children ages 4 to 12 playing at all Little League levels. The field is in much need of repair, and these renovations will make it a safer surface to play on.

League Statement:
“The Albany American Little League would like to thank the Tri-City ValleyCats and their partners for their timeless efforts, support, and commitment to Little League Baseball. The renovation of our field will help our players develop into young athletes, provide our youth a safe and structured environment where they can grow to become productive caring members of our communities. The work that the ValleyCats will do for our field will add value to the community and place smiles on the faces of our little leaguers.”

Sentaria Depass-Murray
President

Cairo-Durham Little League
10 teams serving multiple towns, approximately 150 children ages 4-12. The mound, home plate, and baselines all need significant work.

League Statement:
“During the past several years, little league participation has been falling, which has affected our ability to help afford all things needed to improve the conditions for the kids. Last year we focused on getting our kids all new catching equipment and renovating our girls softball field (all new dirt, excavation and a new drainage system). This year is on new bats and our main field really needs attention. Your help with our field will help improve the main baseball field, not just cosmetically but in functionality as well. This huge gift will allow us to focus on buying a machine to pull our rascal in order to maintain the 5 fields we play on.

It truly is an honor and a gift to be chosen and I am beyond grateful for your generosity. Look forward to seeing this all come together. Thank you again!”

Jesse Walz
CDLL President

Scotia-Glenville Girls Softball
The league serves over 100 girls ages 4-18, with approximately nine teams. The application was submitted by two girls that play in the league, as part of an initiative to earn a Silver Award through their Girl Scout Troop. The field is overgrown with weeds in portions, home plate is missing, and the pitcher’s mound is not in the correct location.

League Statement:

“On behalf of Scotia Glenville Girls Softball League, our board of directors and our girls, we would like to thank the Tri-City ValleyCats organization as well as their sponsors, BlueShield of Northeastern New York and Hannaford for awarding us the 4 in 24 field renovation for 2018. As a small community and league, we rely on volunteers for all field maintenance and fundraising. We appreciate the ValleyCats commitment to our local communities and the betterment of our area youth sports programs. Our secondary field was in dire need of renovation. Fixing this field will ensure that all of our girls share the same great, and more importantly safe, softball experience!”

Lisa DiSorbo
League President

“Working towards our Girl Scout Silver Award has been an amazing experience, and having the Tri-City ValleyCats be part of that journey is awesome. We are so excited and happy that our softball field is going to be redone and fixed!! It has been in rough condition for awhile and nobody has wanted to play on it. Now with your help it’s going to be the best field ever! This will mean a lot to the younger kids and will hopefully bring more girls to the Scotia-Glenville Softball League!! Thank you again for choosing us and helping our Girl Scout Troop earn our Silver Award!”

Arrianna Stark and Maddie Cook
8th graders at Scotia-Glenville Middle School, Girl Scout Troop #2104

Round Lake Malta Youth Baseball
Round Lake Malta Youth Baseball serves approximately 140 players ages 5-10 across 12 teams. Portions of the infield are overgrown with weeds, and the mound and home plate areas need significant work.

League Statement:
“We are absolutely thrilled to be selected for the ValleyCat’s 4 in 24 Field Renovation project. The native soil at our field is particularly challenging to maintain and this overhaul will bring both the financial investment and expertise that we lack to make a lasting improvement to the ball field. The ValleyCat’s commitment to youth baseball programs is truly impressive. You make the kids feel like all-stars when they visit the stadium and I know they are going to feel like they made the big leagues when they step on to their newly renovated field! Thank you for supporting our players and the countless volunteers across the Tri-City area who work to bring a positive youth baseball experience to our children!”

Lori Sievers, President
Round Lake/Malta Youth Baseball

ABOUT THE ‘4 IN 24’ FIELD RENOVATION PROJECT
The ‘4 in 24’ Field Renovation Project is a collaborative effort between the ValleyCats, BlueShield of Northeastern New York and Hannaford Supermarkets that takes place each April. In less than 24 hours, four youth ball fields receive a complete infield overhaul. The project’s mission is to assist local youth leagues with the maintenance and upkeep of their playing fields, allowing for a safe place for children to learn and play ball. Following the 2018 ‘4 in 24’ project, over 30 fields will have been revamped, impacting thousands of local youth ballplayers.

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

Cougars Announce Charitable Partners for 2018 Season

March 15, 2018

GENEVA, Ill. – The Kane County Cougars have announced the four local organizations that will receive a portion of the in-game 50/50 raffle proceeds through the Kane County Cougars Foundation, Inc. including Mutual Ground (April-May), CASA Kane County (June), Northern Illinois Food Bank (July) and BraveHearts for Kids (August-September). In addition, through a partnership with Acres Group, the Cougars have announced that Loaves and Fishes Community Services will be the recipient of the charitable proceeds from this year’s Pitch-In for Charity promotion in which fans purchase and toss numbered tennis balls at a target on the field to win a prize following select games.

Mutual Ground (mutualground.org) – Located in Aurora, Mutual Ground is a safe place where people can come together to break the cycle of domestic violence and sexual abuse while providing education, awareness and life-changing services that empower individuals, families and communities.

CASA Kane County (casakanecounty.org) – CASA is a non-profit volunteer organization that advocates for the best interests of abused and neglected children within the juvenile court system since 1988.

Northern Illinois Food Bank (solvehungertoday.org) – Each week, Northern Illinois Food Bank provides more than 71,000 people with nutritious food and hope through their innovative feeding programs and partnerships across Northern Illinois.

BraveHearts for Kids (braveheartsforkids.org) – BraveHearts for Kids provide one-on-one mentoring, information and emotional support for children diagnosed with pediatric cancer as well as their families.

Loaves and Fishes CARES (loaves-fishes.org) – Located in Naperville, Loaves and Fishes Community Services provides groceries and essential support services to more than 2,000 families each month. Additional programs include job search support, skill-based classes and public benefit assistance to assist and empower clients towards a life of self-sufficiency.

The Cougars 2018 season begins on Thursday, April 5 at 6:30 PM against the Clinton LumberKings. For more information, including the full schedule of theme nights, entertainment acts and giveaways scheduled, visit kccougars.com.

Follow the Cougars on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates on tickets and promotions.

About the Kane County Cougars

The Cougars, Class-A Minor League affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, have been at the forefront of family-friendly entertainment since 1991. In 2015, the franchise became the first Class-A team in Minor League Baseball history to welcome 11 million fans through the gates. A total of 161 former Cougars have reached the Major Leagues including Miguel Cabrera, Nelson Cruz, Josh Beckett, Adrian Gonzalez and Kyle Schwarber.

***

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

PawSox Foundation to Present “A Veterans Home Run: A 5k Walk ‘N Run” on Saturday Morning, May 19

March 15, 2018

The PawSox Foundation will again present “A Veterans Home Run: A 5K Walk ‘n’ Run” to benefit those who have served in the military. The 7^th annual event is scheduled for Saturday, May 19 at 9:30 a.m., starting and finishing at McCoy Stadium. Participants receive complimentary t-shirts, food, and tickets to a PawSox game.

The event will benefit Operation Stand Down, which serves 67,800 veterans and their families, as well as other organizations. The PawSox will also again recognize the “21 Heroes,” the Pawtucket veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice in the Vietnam War.

One of the premier road races in the area, the PawSox 5K will start from the McCoy Stadium parking lot, weave through the streets of downtown Pawtucket, and finish with “a touch of home” on the PawSox’ actual baseball diamond.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE

“We have enjoyed our community partnerships with Operation Stand Down, 21 Heroes, and the many organizations who provide needed care to our veterans,” said PawSox Senior Vice President/Club Counsel Kim Miner, who also oversees the foundation. “Our 2017 race had more than twice as many participants as our 2016 race, and we are eager to see the number increase again in 2018.”

“Our veterans and those currently serving in the armed services give so much to us to ensure that our freedom and the American Dream endure,” said Pawtucket Mayor Donald Grebien. “Partnering to promote causes to support our veterans is the least that we can do. Thank you to the PawSox for working with our local organizations and investing in our community. And thank you to Operation Stand Down and Heroes 21 for ensuring that our veterans are never left behind.”

Erik Wallin, Executive Director of Operation Stand Down RI added, “Operation Stand Down Rhode Island is grateful for the continued support of the PawSox Foundation. The PawSox have demonstrated a commitment to, not only recognizing the service of our local veterans, but also to join OSDRI in giving local veterans in need a hand up. The organization has been truly committed to serving those who have served and giving back to our local heroes.”

The race is presented by National Grid, Planet Fitness, and Coast 93.3. Participants (up to 500) who register on pawsox.com will receive a free race t-shirt. Special pre-sale entry fees start today and continue through March 31. Participants may sign up at normal fees thereafter. On the day of the race, registration will open at 7:30 am and last-minute sign-ups will be accommodated for $5 more per person.

Cash prizes will be awarded to the winners. Participants receive free tickets to the May 23 PawSox game at 6:15 p.m. vs. the New York Yankees’ affiliate (Scranton/Wilkes-Barre), and are invited to take part in a pre-game parade and award ceremony.

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

Scrappers Host Youth Baseball Camp & One Day Hitting & Pitching Clinics

March 14, 2018

The Mahoning Valley Scrappers are excited to announce that they have partnered with Vlad Pediatircs to host a three-day Youth Baseball Camp July 24-26.

The Scrappers Youth Camp provides kids ages 8-13 a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn from some of the very best players in Minor League Baseball. All exercises and instruction will be taught by Scrappers players and coaching staff, and will focus on baseball fundamentals, sportsmanship and healthy competition. Boys and girls of all ability levels are encouraged to participate and learn from Scrappers players and coaches in a small group setting.

Camp registration includes instruction each day from 9 am until 12 pm, a ticket to the Thursday, July 26th Scrappers game vs. the Brooklyn Cyclones, on field recognition prior to the July 26th game, a camp t-shirt, and lunch following the final day of camp. To ensure your child receives individualized attention, the Youth Baseball Camp has been limited to 100 campers and early registration is highly encouraged. The Scrappers Youth Baseball Camp is $100 per child.

Additionally, the Scrappers will host a one-day hitting and pitching clinic for teen’s ages 13 to 17 years old. The Hitting Clinic will be held on Saturday, July 7 fro 9am-12pm. The Pitching Clinic will be held on Saturday, July 14. Both clincs will be taught by Scrappers players and are $60 per clinic.

The Youth Camp and Hitting and Pitching Clincs can be purchased by calling 330-505-0000 or by clicking here to register online.

The Scrappers open their 20th season at Eastwood Field on June 15 vs. the West Virginia Black Bears. Ticket memberships and packages can be purchased online at mvscrappers.com, at the Chevy All Stars Box Office at Eastwood Field or by calling 330-505-0000.

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

Red Wings, Turnbull team up for Military Salute

March 13, 2018

The Rochester Red Wings have teamed up with Turnbull Heating and Air Conditioning to honor local veterans and active military members as part of the 7th Inning Military Salute in 2018.

The Red Wings will recognize a local military member, active or retired, on the field prior to the playing of God Bless America after the top of the 7th inning is over. Through the partnership with Turnbull, each person who is honored will receive two free premium tickets to that night’s game, VIP parking and 25 Diamond Dollars, which is ballpark currency that can be used at the Red Wings Team Store, Ticket Office or concession stands.

For more information or to nominate an active military member or veteran please contact Travis Sick at (585) 454-1001 ext. 3042 or TSick@RedWingsBaseball.com.

The 2018 season begins Friday, April 6 when Rochester hosts Buffalo at 6:05 p.m. Single-game tickets for all 70 games, including Opening Day, are on sale now at RedWingsBaseball.com. The Ticket Office will open for the first time on Friday, March 23 for the 2nd Baseball’s Back Bash.

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

Adopt-a-Field: Nominations due by April 9

March 12, 2018

Moosic, Pa. (March 12, 2018) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders are excited to announce the Adopt-a-Field program has been renewed for 2018, thanks to Northeast Prestige Landscaping. One local youth softball, baseball, high school field or community field will receive a professional consultation and renovation this year courtesy of the program.

Interested parties can fill out an application and send photographs along with a nomination form to the RailRiders. Nomination forms are available by request or under the “Adopt-a-Field” section in the “Community” tab at swbrailriders.com. Completed forms and the accompanying information should be sent to Jordan Maydole, the RailRiders Director of Community Relations, no later than April 9.

The winner will be announced the week of April 16.

The Adopt-a-Field program affords an individualized evaluation and athletic field maintenance clinic to the chosen sites. Those using the selected facility will also be taught how to maintain the professional-level look for years to come by the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders Director of Field Operations, Steve Horne, and his staff.

For more information on the Adopt-a-Field program, please contact Jordan Maydole in the RailRiders front office at (570) 558-4616 or via email at jmaydole@swbrailriders.com.

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

South Bend Cubs to Offer Peanut-Free Suite on June 3

March 12, 2018

SOUTH BEND, IN – On Sunday, June 3, the South Bend Cubs will once again provide a peanut-free area located in the Owner’s Suite for fans and guests who experience peanut related allergies.

An estimated 15 million Americans suffer from food allergies, according to Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE). Additionally, 1 in 13 children experience a food allergy. Peanut allergies are among the most common food allergies and, according to studies funded by FARE, the number of U.S. children with peanut allergies more than tripled between 1997 and 2008.

“I am excited that we are able to give fans with peanut allergies the opportunity to come out to Four Winds Field for a game this summer,” South Bend Cubs President Joe Hart said. “The last few years were a huge hit and we were able to provide a fun day at the ballpark that many people were not able to experience in the past. We want to make sure everyone has the opportunity to experience a South Bend Cubs game, so we will do whatever we can to make it a reality.”

The peanut-free suite costs $19 per person. Space is limited to the first 40 fans. Price includes a game ticket, South Bend Cubs hat, hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and soft drinks. Guests interested in purchasing tickets can call the South Bend Cubs at (574)-235-9988 or stop by the Box Office at Four Winds Field, located at 501 W. South Street.

“We always have strong attendance from fans at the peanut-free suite. I expect the tickets to sell out quickly,” Hart said.

About the South Bend Cubs

The South Bend Cubs are the Class A minor league affiliate of the 2016 World Series Champion Chicago Cubs. Over the past 30 seasons, the team has won five Midwest League titles, most recently in 2005, and has captured 12 division titles. This year, Four Winds Field, home of the Cubs, was named Ballpark Digest‘s Best Single-A ballpark. In 2015, the team was named Ballpark Digest‘s Team of the Year and received the John H. Johnson President’s Award, the highest award in minor league baseball. The team is owned and operated by Swing-Batter-Swing, LLC whose sole shareholder is Andrew T. Berlin of Chicago, Ill.

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

Riders invite fans to Spring EGGstravaganza on March 24 at Dr Pepper Ballpark

March 9, 2018

The Frisco RoughRiders, the Double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers, are hosting the third annual Spring EGGstravaganza at Dr Pepper Ballpark on Saturday, March 24 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This special free event is open to the public and highlighted by an Easter egg hunt in the outfield starting at 11:20 a.m. for all kids 12-and-under.

FRISCO, Texas (March 9, 2018) – The Frisco RoughRiders, the Double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers, are hosting the second annual Spring EGGstravaganza at Dr Pepper Ballpark on Saturday, March 24 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This special free event is open to the public and highlighted by an Easter egg hunt in the outfield starting at 11:20 a.m. for all kids 12-and-under.

In addition to the Easter egg hunt, there will be coloring and spring crafts, airbrush artists and a bounce house. Both the Primrose Schools and Riders Playgrounds will be open during the event. There will also be appearances from RoughRiders mascots Deuce, Daisy, Ted E Bear, Bull Moose and Brooks.

The club encourages fans to bring gloves and baseballs to the park to play catch on the field after the Easter egg hunt. Kids also have an opportunity to run around the bases, just like their favorite RoughRiders players!

Select food and drinks will be available for $1, including candy, Cracker Jack, hot dogs, kettle chips, nachos, popcorn, beer, coffee, hot chocolate, water, and Dr Pepper products.

Doors open early for Founders season ticket members at 9 a.m. for the first opportunity to pick up tickets for the 2018 season. Season ticket holders will have exclusive access to Dr Pepper Ballpark to pick up tickets, interact with Riders staff and sit down for brunch. Starting at 11 a.m., season ticket members will have the opportunity to take advantage of all the festivities at Dr Pepper Ballpark.

Fans interested in purchasing single-game tickets to Opening Day on April 5, any of the Deep Ellum Party @ The Yard dates, or any of the 70 games during the regular season are encouraged to speak with a sales representative at Guest Services or visit the Box Office during the event. Tickets are also available at RidersBaseball.com and (972) 731-9200.

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 Nelson Cruz , 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 Art Garcia at AGarcia@RidersBaseball.com or 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.

2018 Summer Camp Sessions Announced

March 6, 2018

– The San Jose Giants announced today two sessions for their twelfth annual Summer Camps at Municipal Stadium. The organization will offer one camp in June and one in July providing families with a pair of options for getting their kids involved. Session 1 will take place June 18-21 and Session 2 July 9-12. Both camp sessions run from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM each day and focus on developing baseball skills for boys and girls ages 7 through 14.

Campers will receive expert instruction from former college and high school players who are passionate about skills development and teaching the game of baseball. Participants can expect to improve their all-around skillset including baserunning, hitting, pitching, catching and fielding.

“With the 2018 season quickly approaching I am eager and excited to get on the diamond and develop young athletes’ baseball skills while also focusing on the broader lessons that can be learned from this game,” said Jimmy Quintanilla, Account Executive and Camp Director. “I would encourage anyone who is serious about improving or who is just learning the fundamentals to come out this summer and take same field that many of our favorite Giants have played on.”

Both camp session costs $295 per camp prior to April 26. Following April 26, the cost to register will increase to $315. Included in the registration price, each camp participant will receive tickets for the entire family to a designated San Jose Giants game, Summer Camp T-Shirt, lunch provided each day, and over 20 hours of baseball instruction! To learn more about the San Jose Giants Summer Camps visit sjgiants.com, call 408.380.4603 or email JimmyQuintanilla@SJGiants.com.

Registration and payment for San Jose Giants Summer Camps will take place through sjgiants.com. Click here to begin registration and payment. Please note that registering your child is not complete until both the form and payment have been completed.

The 2018 San Jose Giants first home game is Thursday April 12 at Municipal Stadium against the Stockton Ports. Single game tickets and ticket packages are on sale now! For more information, visit sjgiants.com or call 408.297.1435.

Summer Camp Registration

Purchase San Jose Giants Tickets

View the 2018 San Jose Giants Schedule

###

ABOUT THE SAN JOSE GIANTS

The San Jose Giants are a professional baseball team in the Class A Advanced California League. The team has been an affiliate of the San Francisco Giants since 1988 and has boasted one of the best records in the minor leagues after partnering with the big-league club, going 2,300-1,891 (.548). San Jose has won six California League Championships as a Giants affiliate (2010, 2009, 2007, 2005, 2001 and 1998) and eleven overall. In 30 seasons, the San Jose Giants have graduated 199 Major League players, 143 of whom have played or currently play for the San Francisco Giants. The Giants won back to back league championships in 2009 and 2010 and are also the first team in California League history to have won four titles over a six-year span. Municipal Stadium, the home of the San Jose Giants, first opened in 1942 and has seen over 7 million fans enter through its gates. In 2018, the San Jose Giants look to continue their tradition of playing winning baseball while providing fun, affordable, family-entertainment. To be a part of the 2018 season, please contact the San Jose Giants Box Office at 408.297.1435 or visit us online at sjgiants.com. San Jose Giants baseball in your backyard since 1942, Our Town, Our Team, Our Giants