Baysox Accepting Nominations, Donations for 11th Year of Louie’s Holiday Hope Project

BOWIE, Md. – The Bowie Baysox announced on Wednesday afternoon that Louie’s Holiday Hope Project will return for the 11th year to brighten the holiday season for local families in need. Beginning now and continuing through early December, the team will be accepting nominations for families that need assistance this holiday season. The Baysox will also be collecting gently used coats, new socks and other warm clothing to be donated to area families.

Louie’s Holiday Hope Project began in 2007 and over the last ten years, has aided close to one hundred area families and over 275 children. This year, the team is proud to partner with Prince George’s County Fire/EMS department, the Bowie Police Department and Bowie Youth & Family Services to help as many families as possible.

“We’ve partnered with the Louie’s Holiday Hope Project for the last several years and have been impressed with all that the Baysox have done to make the holiday special for so many Bowie families. Without this assistance, many area parents would not be able to prepare a special meal or provide gifts for their children” said Wendy Wilcox, Executive Director of Bowie Youth and Family Services.

The Baysox welcome help from fans and members of the local community in order to help as many families as possible. Members of the community can nominate families that need assistance by e-mailing a nomination to info@baysox.com. Submission information can be found at the Baysox website, www.baysox.com. Submissions will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Friday, December 1.

WARM CLOTHES & SOCKS COLLECTION

Prince George’s Stadium will also serve as a collection point for warm clothes and sock donations in conjunction with Louie’s Holiday Hope Project. The team invites fans to bring gently used winter coats, new socks and other warm clothing to the Baysox front office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Monday, December 4) to donate to local families and individuals in need.

The Bowie Baysox 2018 season is presented by Money One Federal Credit Union. The Baysox will return in 2018 to celebrate their 26th Season. Season ticket and Holiday Ticket packages are now on sale at baysoxshop.com. The team’s 2018 home opener will be Thursday, April 5 against the Harrisburg Senators at 6:35 p.m. To keep up with Baysox news during the offseason, visit www.baysox.com and be sure to follow the Baysox on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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

4th Annual Line Drive Canned Food Drive

AUGUSTA, GA – The Augusta GreenJackets, Single-A Affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, in conjunction with Platinum Sports and Complete Game are excited to announce the 4th Annual Line Drive Canned Food Drive FREE Baseball Clinic in memory of Terry Childers Senior on Saturday, November 4th from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm.

“We invite the CSRA to come out to Lake Olmstead Stadium, receive professional instruction and support a great cause”, stated GreenJackets Vice President Tom Denlinger. “Help us gather lots of canned goods and receive professional instruction from Platinum Sports and Complete Game.”

In memory of Terry Childers Sr., families across the CSRA are invited to come and take part in this FREE clinic benefiting Golden Harvest Food Bank. Families are encouraged to bring canned goods and other non-perishable food items to be donated to Golden Harvest Food Bank who will be on site to collect.

You can also bring items anytime between now and Nov. 4th to the Platinum Sports & Complete Game facility at 3855 Washington Rd. You do not have to participate in the clinic to bring food donations! Over the past three years, 1,209 meals have been raised with 1,449lbs of Donated goods! Come join us for this awesome event for our community!

Register online at www.playpscg.com. Go to camps/clinics for your free registration.

Matt Childers Quote “We look forward to seeing everyone at this Great event at Lake Olmstead Stadium. This is a great way to give back to our community and provide a wonderful FREE baseball clinic to the public and at the same time come together and support our local food bank through Golden Harvest. This event is held in Memory of Terry Childers Sr. who grew up just blocks away from Lake Olmstead Stadium and went to Richmond Academy and coached the Baseball Team at Augusta College and was a great influence on countless people. We thank the Augusta GreenJackets, the entire staff and especially Vice President Tom Denlinger for his outstanding leadership and partnership during this event.”

Event Details:

  • Saturday, November 4th from 11am-1:00pm
  • Lake Olmstead Stadium, 78 Milledge Road, Augusta, GA 30904
  • Giving back to the community with a FREE baseball clinic – beginning to experienced players welcome
  • Professional instruction from Platinum Sports & Complete Game
  • Bring canned food items and non-perishable food items to benefit Golden Harvest Food Bank
  • Opportunity to support the community together and have some FUN
  • Register in advance or onsite the morning of

About the Platinum Sports and Complete Game

Platinum Sports & Complete Game is the CSRA’s Home to an Amazing Indoor Sports Facility. We have recently added 8,000sq ft. of field Turf to our gym area for additional batting cages, pitching lanes for baseball & softball, a fielding area, workout area, Soccer & Lacrosse areas and much more. We have state of the art batting simulators for baseball & softball that give batters a realistic experience of the pitcher pitching the ball. Our Cosmic Birthday Parties have taken off! An amazing Birthday, Team function, or group Event held under the Black Lights with Music! Check us out at 3855 Washington Rd. Martinez, Ga. 30907 or at our website www.playpscg.com We Take Reservations every day for parties and group Events!

About the Augusta GreenJackets

The Augusta GreenJackets kick off the Inaugural Season at SRP Park on April 12th against the Lexington Legends (Kansas City Royals). SRP Park is the anchor piece of Riverside Village, a live, work, “playball” development which includes apartment living, senior living, retail, restaurants, class “A” office space, and a Crowne Plaza Hotel and Conference Center. Deposits are currently being accepted for Full Season Seats for the GreenJackets 2018 season. To learn more and for a 360-degree view of SRP Park and Riverside Village, visit www.greenjackets2018.com.

 

To stay up to date all season long, sign up for the ‘Jackets Buzz e-newsletter by visiting www.GreenJacketsBaseball.com/thebuzz/.

 

– GreenJackets

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

PawSox Foundation to Unveil Second Class of PawSox Scholars this Friday Afternoon at McCoy Stadium

For the second straight year, the PawSox Foundation has selected a pair of local middle schoolers, each of whom will receive a college scholarship of $10,000. One child is from Joseph Jenks Middle School in Pawtucket and the other from Calcutt Middle School in Central Falls.

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

CT Tigers To Honor Veterans Day With Special Offer

NORWICH, CT- The Connecticut Tigers are proud to honor our military heroes once again this Veterans Day by offering a special “thank you” offer.

For the fifth straight year, any current or former military member who comes to the Dodd Stadium box office on Friday, November 10, 2017 between 9 am and 5 pm will receive two complimentary ticket vouchers redeemable for a premium box seat to any 2018 regular season Connecticut Tigers game. The offer is only valid in person at the Dodd Stadium box office and some form of military identification must be shown.

“The brave men and women of our Armed Forces deserve a thank you every day, and especially on Veterans Day,” said CT Tigers General Manager Dave Schermerhorn. “With such a strong military community around us, we take great pride in honoring all members of the military both past and present. We hope they will enjoy a night at the ballpark next summer on us.”

The Connecticut Tigers are the New York-Penn League affiliate of the Detroit Tigers located at Dodd Stadium in Norwich, Connecticut. 2018 season memberships to “The Club” and team merchandise are now on sale! The front office and box office is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday and can be accessed in person or by calling 860-887-7962.

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

Annual Toys for Tots Drive to Begin November 1

FREDERICK, MD-With the holiday season approaching quickly, the Frederick Keys are excited to continue their partnership with Toys for Tots. This program run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve, collects new, unwrapped toys in November and December. These gifts are then distributed to less fortunate children on Christmas Day.

The sixth straight year the Keys and Toys for Tots have worked together, Nymeo Field collections begin on Wednesday, November 1 and conclude on Thursday, December 14. Those interested in making a donation can drop off toys during normal business hours (9-5 p.m) Monday through Friday. All donations will be taken in the main office. Anyone who contributes a new, unwrapped toy receives a Keys hat and two tickets to a 2018 home game.

“We are excited to do our part in making the holidays a great time for everyone,” said Keys Marketing Manager, Erin Lawson. “The outpouring of support from Keys fans in recent years has been truly touching and we look forward to another great turnout in 2017.”

Nymeo Field has routinely been one of Frederick County’s top collection destinations. In 2016, 49,238 toys were distributed to 4,432 children in Frederick County. Additionally, more than $28,800 was collected for Toys for Tots. A program that began in 1947, today there are over 150 Marine reserve sites across the country as well as countless local sites across the country.

Planning for the Frederick Keys 30th anniversary season is already underway, while season ticket plans are currently on sale. Anyone who purchases a plan will have their choice of a Trey Mancini or Austin Hays bobblehead.

For a complete look at this year’s home schedule fans can click here. A full promotional schedule will be announced at a later date. To follow the Keys all offseason, fans can visit frederickkeys.com.

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

Lexington Legends win MiLB John Henry Moss Community Service Award

ST. PETERSBURG, Florida – Minor League Baseball today named the Lexington Legends the recipient of the fifth annual John Henry Moss Community Service Award. The award was created in 2013 by Minor League Baseball in honor of the late John Henry Moss, who founded what would become the South Atlantic League in 1959 and headed the circuit until 2007. The Legends will receive their award at the Baseball Winter Meetings Banquet on Sunday, Dec. 10, at the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resort in Orlando, Florida.

 

“The Lexington Legends are incredibly proud to receive the 2017 John Henry Moss Community Service Award, and furthermore, we are honored to represent the South Atlantic League and its former President, John Henry Moss. One of the Legends’ core values is to give the community more than they expect, and we feel it has truly been our honor to serve Central Kentucky,” said Legends President & CEO Andy Shea. “The 2017 season was a team effort, from the front office, to the Legends players, to the Kansas City Royals, we came together and created a unique and well-rounded outreach plan. Our “Stache Tank” program led the way by providing elementary, middle and high school students in underserved communities the chance to develop entrepreneurial ideas in the form of Legends giveaways, concessions items and gameday planning. We look forward to continuing this impactful and important tradition of community involvement for many years to come.”

 

“The Lexington Legends do a wonderful job of engaging the Lexington community, and the entire Central Kentucky region, through their community service, charitable foundation and outreach programs,” said Minor League Baseball President & CEO Pat O’Conner. “Their philanthropy and charitable contributions throughout Central Kentucky reach countless numbers of organizations and community-based programs. The Legends’ community leadership and support are truly remarkable and it is my honor to present them with this award.”

 

In addition to the award, Minor League Baseball Charities will make a $2,500 donation on behalf of the Legends to the University of Kentucky Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, as they work to improve the health of the elderly through research, education, outreach and clinical programs.

 

The Legends’ staff strives to give the Lexington and Central Kentucky communities more than they expect, and in 2017, the Legends provided $1,083,214 in monetary and in-kind donations to Central Kentucky and the surrounding regions, a 21 percent increase over their 2016 donation total. In their 17-year history, the Legends have donated more than $13 million in monetary and in-kind contributions to non-profit organizations and communities in the region.

 

In recognition of their commitment to the community, the Legends claimed the South Atlantic League Community Service Award in 2017 and 2013 and the South Atlantic League Club Merit Award in 2016. One hundred percent of the Legends’ front office staff serves or participates with at least one charitable or civic organization.

 

During the season, the Legends feature one local non-profit organization at each of their 70 home games. The participating charities receive a table on the concourse, a pre-game interview on the field and an in-game radio interview to help promote their cause. Additionally, the Legends use Whitaker Bank Ballpark to host a long list of charitable events, including fundraisers for breast cancer research, the Salvation Army, the American Heart Association, military appreciation events and a police versus firefighters fundraising softball game.

 

The Legends go to great lengths to serve the youth of their community by providing assistance to several educational initiatives which includes a “Hit the Books” reading program, a STEM/STLP based program and Legends Character Awards with local elementary schools. Also included is an entrepreneurial project-based marketing and promotional learning unit called “Stache Tank” with a local elementary, middle and high school, where students are challenged to come up with business pitches for a specific project within budget limitations. These projects are then carried out and come to fruition during the Legends baseball season. Additionally, their mascots, Big L and Pee Wee, made over 200 appearances around Central Kentucky in 2017.

 

PREVIOUS JOHN HENRY MOSS COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD WINNERS

 

2013                          Grand Junction Rockies, Pioneer League

2014                          Pawtucket Red Sox, International League

2015                          Fort Wayne TinCaps, Midwest League

2016                          Round Rock Express, Pacific Coast League

 

 

About Minor League Baseball 

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

For more information, 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, will return home to 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

Working for Peanuts, RiverDogs Make Donation to Muscular Dystrophy Association

Tony’s brother, William, fires the ceremonial first pitch before April 12th’s contest against Augusta at The Joe. (Zach Bland)

CHARLESTON, S.C.- As part of their continued efforts to salute a ballpark icon, the Charleston RiverDogs have announced a donation of $5,000 to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) in honor of Anthony Wright, aka “Tony the Peanut Man.”

“Tony brought energy and charisma to The Joe that was sorely missed this past season,” said RiverDogs President and General Manager Dave Echols. “As a staff, we wanted to create an ongoing message associated with Tony, and combining that message with this year’s peanut sales at the park was a good start.”

“We are thrilled to accept this donation from the Charleston RiverDogs to help provide the funds needed to find treatments and cures for muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related diseases that severely limit strength and mobility,” said MDA Director of Business Development, Megan Relford. “The dedication of this organization to the MDA’s mission, as well as Tony’s memory is unwavering, and this donation will go a long way to help countless families living with muscle disease right here in the Lowcountry.”

On April 12, the RiverDogs tipped their sweetgrass caps to Tony during their opening week of the 21st season of baseball at The Joe, where Wright became a local favorite as a longtime peanut vendor. The RiverDogs celebrated the evening with Tony’s songs, peanuts, and their best impressions of his signature smile as the Charleston community celebrated the life of the beloved figure, who passed away shortly following the 2016 campaign.

As a season-long tribute to Tony, the RiverDogs also tossed out bags of his famous boiled peanuts to the crowd during the seventh inning stretch at each home game. The club also committed to donating a portion of their peanut sale proceeds to the MDA of which Tony was a proud supporter.

RiverDogs season tickets, half-season ticket packages, and flex plans are now available for the 2018 campaign. The RiverDogs begin the season on April 12 when they host the Kannapolis Intimidators at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park. Ticket information can be secured by contacting the box office at (843) 577-DOGS (3647) or online at www.riverdogs.com/tickets.

–RIVERDOGS–

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

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66ers Complete 2017 Community Benefit Snapshot

SAN BERNARDINO – The Inland Empire 66ers organization released their annual Community Benefit Report for the 2017 Fiscal Year. The report divulges how close to $300,000 was invested to the Inland Empire community along with several community oriented programs implemented by the 66ers Front Office staff.

Over 100 area organizations and non-profit organizations were able to raise $152,944 through 66ers fundraising programming and events plus 50 area organizations received monetary aid in the amount of $32,702. In-kind donations, such as game tickets, gift baskets and autographed memorabilia were proudly donated to over 200 local organizations to the tune of $113,946.

“We believe that to have the benefit of our community supporting us we must be involved back, creating a true partnership. This has never been more evident than during the 2017 season when our community made us number one in California League attendance for the first time in 27 years,” said Joe Hudson, General Manager. “The 66ers also believe that being part of the community outside of the ballpark is important and showcased it with 66ers Front Office members being active in over twenty local organizations.”

In addition to monetary donations given to numerous organizations, the 66ers Front Office spent several hundred hours volunteering their time in the community. Programs like “Breakfast and a Book” where 66ers staff members provide breakfast to local students who excelled over the month and read them a couple stories while they ate were extremely successful and will be expanded for the following year. During the off-season the Front Office selected one community organization a month to volunteer their time. A few of these organizations included Santa Claus, Inc., Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County, Central Little League diamond clean up and the 66ers took staff and players to North Park Elementary for a kickball game after the tragedy at their school.

“We’re more than grateful to give monetary donations, but sometimes it’s more impactful to offer a helping hand,” said Stephanie O’Quinn, Community Groups Manager. “It’s not only rewarding to the community but for us as an organization.”

In addition to the Breakfast and a Book program, other annual events include: the annual 66ers Golf Tournament which raised over $4,000 for Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital, Walk for the Animals hosted by the Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley that netted over $14,000 for their event at San Manuel Stadium, and The Pink Ribbon Place jersey auction that raised over $3,400 from jersey sales and ticket fundraiser.

The Inland Empire 66ers of San Bernardino baseball team are the Class-A Advanced affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels serving the Inland Empire community with family friendly entertainment. The 2018 season begins on Thursday, April 5th against the San Jose Giants at San Manuel Stadium. For more information about season ticket memberships or group outings, please contact the 66ers at www.66ers.com or call 909-888-9922.

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

Lake Monsters Free Family Fun Fest November 18th

The Vermont Lake Monsters will be hosting their fifth annual FREE Family Fun Fest on Saturday, November 18th from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm in the Blue Ribbon Pavilion at the Champlain Valley Exposition in Essex Junction.

Join CHAMP and the Lake Monsters for a morning of FREE fun and activities that will feature:

  • A special appearance by everyone’s favorite mascot, CHAMP, who will be on hand to take pictures, and sign autographs
  • Fan-favorite inflatable games including the speed pitch and obstacle courses
  • CHAMP coloring and activity stations
  • Free hot dogs for fans in attendance, while supplies last, courtesy of McKenzie Country Classics & Freihofer’s
  •  A wide variety of snakes, lizards and other reptiles to see, hold and take pictures with, thanks to 802 Reptiles
  • Raffles with lots of great prizes to be given away

Even though it is a free event, the Lake Monsters are encouraging all attendees to bring at least one non-perishable food item as we host the New England Ford Dealers’ Fill-A-Ford truck, with all food being donated to the Vermont Foodbank.

This free event is possible thanks to the generous support from Free Press Media, Hall Communications (WOKO and KOOL 105), Kids & Fitness Williston, McKenzie’s Country Classics, Freihofer’s, New England Federal Credit Union, and Mater Christi School.

Merchandise, ticket packages and holiday stocking stuffers will also be available for purchase at the Fun Fest.

For more information on the Free Family Fun Fest, please call (802) 655-4200 Monday to Friday between 9 AM and 4:30 PM.

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

Senators Holiday Food Drive to Benefit the Salvation Army

With the holiday season just around the corner, the Harrisburg Senators announce today that they are partnering with Karns Quality Foods on a one-day holiday food drive to benefit the Salvation Army. The food drive takes place at FNB Field on Wednesday, November 8 from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Fans donating any of the below listed items will have an opportunity to draw a prize out of the Senators prize bin! The prizes include Senators koozies, April 2018 ticket vouchers, autographed baseballs, free turkeys from Karns Quality Foods and more! The Senators team store will be open during the food drive and offering 30% off all items in the store.

To donate please park in front of the Carousel Pavilion and walk up the front steps as if coming to a game, and enter the Senators front office.

The list of items includes:

  • Instant Mashed Potatoes
  • Boxed Stuffing Mix
  • Canned Cranberry Sauce
  • Gravy Mix (Turkey or Chicken)
  • Canned Vegetables
  • Canned Fruit
  • Rice
  • Boxed Dessert Mix (1-step is best)
  • Cooking Oil
  • Spices
  • Canned Meats
  • Canned Soups
  • Peanut Butter
  • Jelly

We look forward to seeing you on November 8!

The Senators offices are open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily during the off-season. The 2018 home opener is Friday, April 13th against the Bowie Baysox. For information about season tickets, ticket plans, group tickets please call the Senators at 717-231-4444 or visit the Senators online at www.senatorsbaseball.com.You can find the Senators on Facebook at facebook.com/senatorsbaseball or @hbgsenators on Twitter.

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

Cutters Accepting Applications for Hot Stove Dinner Charity

The Williamsport Crosscutters are now accepting applications from area non-profits for the 12th Annual Hot Stove Dinner & Auction with the Phillies to take place in January.

The event features guests from the Philadelphia Phillies along with other local sports celebrities.

A portion of the proceeds from the evening are donated to a local non-profit each year.

“This is our favorite event of the off season,” stated Gabe Sinicropi the team’s Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations. “We look forward to another night of fun with the Phillies and the opportunity to raise needed funding for a local charity.”

Local non-profit agencies who wish to be considered must complete and return a short application by November 17, 2017. The application is available at the link below, at the Cutters offices at BB&T Ballpark or by emailing sarah@crosscutters.com.

A guest list and ticket details regarding the annual dinner will be announced in the coming weeks. Businesses wishing to receive sponsorship information for the event may contact the Crosscutters at (570) 326-3389.

CLICK HERE FOR APPLICATION

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

PawSox Welcome Families and Children for Second Annual Trick or Treat at McCoy Stadium on Halloween

For the second straight year, the Pawtucket Red Sox invite families and children to Trick or Treat on Halloween at McCoy Stadium from 3-6 p.m.  The free event on Tuesday, October 31, includes candy, visits with Paws and Sox, as well as the music and décor of the season.

Families can enter through the Main Gate, visit the Halloween version of the PawSox’ Hall of History, and even take pictures at the field on the warning track.

“Halloween is a special day for children, and we at the PawSox are eager to contribute to their joy,” said PawSox President, Dr. Charles A. Steinberg.  “Whether it’s a piece of their favorite candy or a hug from an embraceable polar bear, we hope to provide a smile-inducing environment with some magical memories for the little ones in our neighborhood.”

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

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Fireflies Reading Program Receives National Recognition

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) has awarded the Columbia Fireflies Reading Program – an incentive-based literacy initiative presented by Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital – a certificate of commendation as an outstanding program deserving of recognition at the national level.

The Reading Program was created to encourage and enhance literacy among the youth of the Midlands. The program is completely free to students and educators. During the academic year, the program is run through schools, and, during the summer months, the program continues through local libraries. Students are required to reach goals set by educators while they “Read Around the Bases,” creating a customizable incentive-based program to encourage children to read. Each student’s progress is tracked, and once they make it to “Home Plate” (complete the program), students are rewarded with a complimentary ticket to a Fireflies game, a voucher for a free meal, a special gift from the Fireflies and a free ticket to EdVenture Children’s Museum.

“The Columbia Fireflies are proud to have been honored with this formal commendation for our efforts to enhance literacy through our Reading Program,” said Fireflies team President John Katz. “Our partnership with Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital has been instrumental in our ability to grow so rapidly and to impact the lives of so many children.”

In just the second year of the program, the Fireflies reached over 65,000 students from 153 schools during the spring session, and nearly 25,000 more this summer through 4 county libraries, the YMCA and other child-centric organizations.

Kyle Williamson, the Fireflies Reading Program Manager, works closely with educators and librarians to provide children across the Midlands with incentives to hit their reading goals, develop a love for reading and for the use of information technologies. After summer break, the Reading Program had been implemented across the region in Richland, Lexington, Oconee, Newberry, Fairfield, Lancaster, Kershaw, Florence, Williamsburg, Calhoun, Sumter, Orangeburg, Beaufort, and Barnwell Counties.

“Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital firmly believes in the importance of literacy. Reading is a strong component of children’s ability to grow and understand the world around them. Forming a partnership with the Fireflies reading program is another way of being an advocate for children and their overall well-being that helps our entire community,” said Diane Bagnal-Moody, administrative director of Children’s Hospital.

Delegates of the AASL Affiliate Assembly nominate specific programs across the country, and the South Carolina Association of School Librarians delegate, Cindy Symonds, brought the Fireflies’ efforts to the national stage.

The Fireflies kicked off the program at the local schools and libraries with Mason, the team’s mascot, making an appearance to get the children excited about reading. Fireflies players joined in after the season began and would head out in their uniforms and read with students at various schools.

The mission of AASL is to empower leaders to transform teaching and learning. Audrey Church, president of AASL, explained that this group works to ensure that all members of the school library field collaborate to connect learners with ideas and information to prepare students for life-long learning and informed decision-making.

Enrollment for the 2018 Fireflies Reading Program begins on Friday, October 27th at 9am. Visit ColumbiaFireflies.com for more details.

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

RiverDogs, Fox Music Partner for Piano Grand Unveiling at MUSC Health University Hospital

CHARLESTON, S.C.- The Charleston RiverDogs and Fox Music have partnered once again to promote the benefits of music in the Lowcountry. The Charleston club and Fox Music paired up to donate a piano to the MUSC Health University Hospital, jointly unveiling the contribution in the main hospital lobby on Tuesday afternoon.

The donation is a continuation of the RiverDogs and Fox Music’s joint effort to foster the musical disciplines throughout Charleston while benefitting the club’s partner in MUSC Health. Fox provided a piano played by Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg on the RiverDogs’ Opening Night in 2016 before the piece of equipment was donated to the music department of nearby Burke High School.

Fox Music again provided the equipment as the Mayor tickled the ivories to open the baseball season in 2017, and will provide the Yamaha U1 vertical piano, the choice professional piano for concert pianist, professors, and venues around the world.

 

“The ability to combine the RiverDogs Opening Night festivities with Mayor Tecklenburg and the city of Charleston, MUSC Health and one of Charleston’s successful family businesses speaks volumes to the strength of our community,” said President and General Manager Dave Echols.

“We’re thrilled to support this worthy endeavor,” said Joseph Fox of Fox Music. “Our roots with MUSC Health go back to over 40 years ago when doctors from the hospital would stop by our downtown location on break to use our practice rooms as a community space to get away, and this has shaped how we view our stores to this day.”

“MUSC has many community partners that sometimes come together in unsuspecting ways,” said Caroline O’Neal of MUSC. “Today, a few of our partners joined hands to enhance a space on our campus where many patients, families, visitors, and MUSC employees spend time – our hospital lobby. We are grateful for our relationships with the Charleston RiverDogs, Fox Music, and Doug Barnard who donated the artwork surrounding the piano for their commitment to our community and MUSC’s mission.”

The piano was unveiled at the main hospital lobby with Charles and Joseph Fox in attendance from Fox Music along with technician Joe Marlow. Echols and lovable mascot Charlie T. RiverDog represented the Charleston ballclub while Dr. David J. Cole, M.D., FACS, President of MUSC and Dr. Patrick J. Cawley, M.D., CEO of MUSC Health among other leadership from MUSC were present.

About MUSC Health

MUSC Health, the clinical enterprise of the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), is dedicated to the pursuit of changing what’s possible in health care. Nationally recognized for its innovation, patient- and family-centered care, and quality outcomes, this integrated health care system is accessible at the downtown Charleston campus and through more than 100 outreach locations, clinical affiliations with numerous health care partners, and a robust telehealth network. MUSC Health sees more than one million patient encounters annually, and its specialized care teams consistently rank among the best in the country. MUSC Health delivers transformational care shaped by world-class clinicians, health scientists, and educators who provide leading-edge care, while developing the next generation of innovative health care leaders.

About Fox Music

In Charleston for nearly 100 years, Fox Music continues to provide a youthful spirit with the enthusiasm, stamina, and desire to serve their customers at the highest level possible. Fox Music is dedicated to building trust and determine customer needs to provide recommendations for the most suitable music products and services. They are now serving in the fourth generations of families, and are looking forward to serving many more generations in the future.

About the RiverDogs

The Charleston RiverDogs, the Class A affiliate of the 27-time World Champion New York Yankees, are Charleston’s leader in affordable sports entertainment. With a “Fun is Good” mentality, Charleston has impressed off the field with zany promotions and consistently are one of the top drawing teams in the South Atlantic League. The RiverDogs develop the next major league stars for the Yankees at one of the finest ballparks in Minor League Baseball, Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park and just celebrated their 21st season in the storied venue. The RiverDogs had a record-setting year in 2017, filling the stands and having even more fun along the way, drawing more than 305,000 fans to 68 home games.

RiverDogs season tickets, half-season ticket packages, and mini plans are now available for the 2018 campaign. The RiverDogs begin the season on April 12 when they host the Kannapolis Intimidators at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park. Ticket information can be secured by contacting the box office at (843) 577-DOGS (3647) or online at www.riverdogs.com/tickets.

–RIVERDOGS–

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

Storm Pair Up with Shoes That Fit

LAKE ELSINORE, Calif. – Lake Elsinore’s loveable green dog Thunder and fellow Storm staff members partnered with Shoes That Fit to bring lots of smiles and 40 new pairs of shoes to kids at Enchanted Hills Elementary School in Perris, Calif.

Shoes That Fit, the largest national organization of its kind, is committed to tackling one of the most visible signs of poverty in America by providing kids in need with new athletic shoes to attend school with new confidence and joy. The organization has donated almost two million pairs of shoes to kids in thousands of schools across the country.

“Creating a partnership with Shoes That Fit is perfect for Storm Baseball,” said Courtney Kessler, the team’s Director of Community Relations. “Two areas we focus on in the community are education and physical education through sport. Storm Baseball and the staff are excited to be able to help out students with the support of Shoes That Fit.

The Lake Elsinore Storm, a Minor League affiliate of the San Diego Padres, has been in the city for almost 25 seasons and have always been active on giving back to the fan base and the community the team has called home. The Storm will be celebrating the team’s 25th season in 2018.