Legends Helping “Restore the Shore”

(WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK, Lexington, Ky.) The Lexington Legends and the Lakewood BlueClaws are South Atlantic League rivals on the baseball field, but the Legends are enthusiastically supporting the New Jersey-based BlueClaws on their “Restore the Shore” campaign in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.

The Legends purchased “Restore the Shore” t-shirts in support of the efforts by the Blue Claws to help victims of the super storm. The campaign will continue through Memorial Day. While the BlueClaws are working closely with individuals and businesses in their area, support is welcome from anywhere. Atlantic Physical Therapy and Ergo clothing are sponsoring the campaign.

“Supporting the BlueClaws in the Restore the Shore efforts was a no-brainer,” said Sarah Bosso, the Legends’ director of community relations and special events. “As a member of the South Atlantic League baseball family, we wish we were able to do more to help those affected. The hope is that our contribution to our friends in Lakewood and surrounding areas will highlight the importance of reaching out and supporting communities outside of your own, and will encourage other teams and individuals to do the same. We are grateful for the opportunity to be involved.”

Each Friday until Memorial Day, participants will wear the t-shirts, and each person will make a donation every Friday. Details are available at BlueClaws.com/Restore.

Businesses that participate will be honored in a ceremony at a 2013 BlueClaws game.

“Obviously, there were so many of our friends and neighbors impacted significantly by Hurricane Sandy,” said Dave Manzo, co-founder of Atlantic Physical Therapy Center. “Through this program, we can raise money in a fun way over the next several months.”

In early 2013, those impacted by the storm will be able to fill out an application, and donations will be made to as many families as possible.

“We have an opportunity to help many re-build after Sandy’s devastation,” said BlueClaws General Manager Geoff Brown. “We’re looking forward to helping, and we hope that there are a lot of businesses and families that can help us make an impact.” ###

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

End of Season Jersey Auction for Dragons Foundation

End of Season Auction includes:

  1. Luis Bolivar, autographed white jersey
  2. Tony Santillan, autographed white jersey
  3. Scott Moss, autographed green jersey
  4. Taylor Trammell, green jersey
  5. Jose Siri, autographed orange jersey
  6. 1 Trammell autographed bat, 1 Moss & Santillan signed ball … the ball has both autographs on them
  7. 1 Siri autographed ball, 1 Siri autographed bat, 1 Siri autographed game program

Click here to visit the auction

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

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PawSox Begin 2nd Year of Pioneering Partnership with “Mentor Rhode Island” at Pawtucket’s Agnes E. Little Elementary School

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

 

The Pawtucket Red Sox today announced that they will continue their pioneering mentor program with elementary school students in partnership with MENTOR Rhode Island. Last year, the PawSox became Pawtucket’s first partner of the organization that coordinates and operates mentoring throughout Rhode Island. For the second consecutive year, PawSox front office members will serve as mentors to children at Agnes E. Little Elementary School.

Each week, staff members visit the nearby school and spend an hour with individual children. Last year, the students were third graders. To provide continuity this year, the staff will mentor some of those same children, who are now in fourth grade.

“Whether we were sharing pizza, trying out a guitar, or taking a walk on the playground, the visits were so rewarding for us,” said PawSox President Dr. Charles A. Steinberg. “You looked forward to the smile that awaited you, and you let the conversation go wherever the child took it. It’s a wonderful way to gain insight to the lives of these thoughtful, sensitive young people in our community.”

“The relationships formed from mentoring have a profoundly positive impact on students, and helps broaden their perspectives of the world,” said Michael Gilmore, the school’s principal. “We are excited to be kicking off another year of this partnership, and everyone from the teachers to the students are looking forward to seeing the PawSox Front office staff back in our building, as part of our school community.”

Formerly known as the “Rhode Island Mentoring Partnership,” MENTOR Rhode Island supports the services of various programs statewide that provide more than 4,000 mentors to more than 5,000 students. It also directly operates programs in five other cities and towns: Warwick, Woonsocket, Newport, Middletown, and Cranston. The program established in January of 2017 was their first in Pawtucket.

“MENTOR Rhode Island is thrilled to continue and expand our partnership with the PawSox and the Agnes E. Little Elementary School with the second year of our Pawtucket Mentor Program,” said Jo-Ann Schofield, President and CEO of MENTOR Rhode Island. “The PawSox have been amazing and dedicated partners by providing the inaugural mentors for the children of their host community. Every PawSox staff member who served as a mentor last year has eagerly returned along with some additional recruits. We are hopeful other businesses will follow the PawSox’ example and provide mentors to the program so we can expand to serve more students. We are so grateful for the PawSox making this program possible.”

“We are grateful to Jo-Ann Schofield, to Michael Gilmore, and to the teachers and administrators in Pawtucket’s city school system for the inspiring work they do every day,” Steinberg said. “They make a difference.

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

Custom Hooks Surfboard Up for Auction!

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

CORPUS CHRISTI – A custom Corpus Christi Hooks/Nolan Ryan surfboard – one of three in existence – will be auctioned off by the Texas Surf Museum during its Third Annual Surftoberfest this weekend.

The board is presently owned by Ryan-Sanders Baseball/Entertainment COO JJ Gottsch, who’s donating the Robert August creation as part of Surftoberfest’s Port Aransas Education Foundation fundraiser.

Gottsch was the first Hooks president from the club’s 2003 inception through the 2008 season.

“Brad Lomax has been a great friend to me personally, the Hooks, and the community at-large for a number of years,” Gottsch said. “When I heard that he had Robert (August) coming to the event this year, and that the funds were going to help hurricane relief efforts, I immediately thought of the board and how it could hopefully help those efforts. It will be a truly unique gift for any Robert August, Nolan Ryan, or Corpus Christi Hooks enthusiast.”

To bid online for the Robert August surfboard, click here from midnight, Thursday, October 5, until 8:30 CDT on Saturday night, October 7.

August will personally autograph the board for the winner.

The board’s design was produced in a special collaboration between August, his son Sam, Reid Ryan, Reese Ryan, and Gottsch. A second Hooks/Ryan WIR “What I Ride” (9.2) surfboard is currently displayed at the museum. Unique features include a classic blue/white design incorporating the Hooks’ primary logo in various elements, plus Nolan Ryan’s iconic “34” logo.

Robert August (born 1945) is an American surfer and surfboard shaper, most famous as one of the subjects of Bruce Brown’s 1966 surf documentary “The Endless Summer” with friend Mike Hynson. The film follows the two pursuing their hobby world-wide during the California off-season, meeting other surfers and discussing surf culture. August picked up surfing in the 1950s, when the sport’s popularity had just begun. His father, Blackie August, was also a noted surfer. Robert’s enthusiasm for and involvement in “The Endless Summer” influenced the sport’s growth for decades to come. His surfboards are sold under the Robert August Surfboards brand. He continues to travel the world promoting surfing, and in 1994 was involved in the shooting of “The Endless Summer II,” in which surfers Pat O’Connell and Robert “Wingnut” Weaver retrace the places visited by August and Hynson 30 years earlier.

Nolan Ryan – Elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility, Nolan Ryan was inducted on July 25, 1999, on 98.79 percent of eligible ballots, the second-highest figure in history. He is the only player to have his uniform number retired by three different teams, the Los Angeles Angels (#30) and Houston Astros (#34) joining the Texas Rangers (#34). Ryan compiled a 324-292 record and 3.19 earned run average over 807 appearances in an unprecedented 27 seasons with the New York Mets (1966; 1968-71), California Angels (1972-79), Astros (1980-88), and Rangers (1989-93). The all-time leader in strikeouts (5,714) and no-hitters (7), Ryan has owned or shared 53 Major League records. An eight-time All-Star, he also threw 12 one-hitters, tying Bob Feller for the most ever, and owns two of the top four single-season strikeout totals in Major League history, including an all-time best 383 with the 1973 Angels.

Ryan is executive advisor to Houston Astros owner Jim Crane.

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

Halloween with the Hooks

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

CORPUS CHRISTI – The Fourth Annual Halloween with the Hooks Celebration, presented by Ashley HomeStore, is scheduled for Thursday, October 26.

Whataburger Field gates open at 6 p.m. that evening, and entertainment runs until 9.

“This is a wonderful community event, and we can’t wait to see many of our friends back at the ballpark,” Hooks President Ken Schrom said. “We’ll have a number of sponsors and non-profits giving candy away to the kids and there will be numerous fun activities for young families.”

Among the various activities on Stripes Diamond and in the Driscoll Health Plan Kids Zone:

  • Bounce House
  • Corn Hole
  • Playground
  • Obstacle Course
  • Rockwall
  • Trampoline

Kieschnick’s Korner will be the site of additional child-centered games and contests.

Guests can also enjoy a costume contest and Halloween-themed videos; selections this year come from the Scooby-Doo and Peanuts archives.

Admission to Halloween with the Hooks is free. Guests are encouraged to donate a canned food item for the Coastal Bend Food Bank.

Corpus Christi’s Ashley HomeStore is located at 5001 S. Padre Island Drive, or go to ashleyfurniturehomestore.com

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

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PawSox and Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza Team Up with Family Service RI on “Walk to School Day”

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

On Wednesday, October 4, the PawSox celebrated National Walk to School Day in the city of Providence. The club joined forces with Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza and Family Service RI to help make sure that students arrived to school safely and on time.

“Studies have shown that walking your child to school in the morning can help prevent chronic absenteeism, a problem that many schools in our community are facing,” said PawSox Director of Communications & Community Relations, Joe Bradlee. “We hope that our mascot Paws made walking to school a memorable experience for some of the students at Fogarty Elementary School.”

Joining the PawSox and Mayor Elorza on the walking route were also members of the Providence Fire Department.

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

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Canadians deliver on Thanksgiving promise

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

(Vancouver, B.C.) – The Vancouver Canadians Baseball Club in partnership with Save-On-Foods and The Salvation Army shared in some Thanksgiving generosity on Wednesday delivering 100 family-sized turkeys to local families in advance of the upcoming long weekend.

“We put our commitment to this community above all else,” states Vancouver Canadians, Vice-President, Sales & Marketing, Graham Wall.

Vancouver Canadians“To help bring families together this Thanksgiving and do it alongside both Save-On-Foods and The Salvation Army is really special for us. These families rely on The Salvation Army on a daily basis so to be able to help bring some cheer as the holiday season approaches is something we take great pride in.”

“Many people we serve find it difficult to afford the necessities of life such as rent, the medications they may need, and heat and hydro. Together with our community partners, we are able to share this gift of a turkey which provides a nutritious meal and the added blessing of precious time spent with family and friends over a meal at Thanksgiving time,” James Hagglund, Major, Salvation Army.

This event marks the 11th consecutive year that the Vancouver Canadians have hand-delivered family-sized turkeys to local families in co-operation with The Salvation Army.

“I’m glad they gave me instructions,” said Karen who brought her basket in tow to help bring home her family-sized turkey.

“My family doesn’t get together a whole lot so maybe this will bring them over,” Karen added while smiling.

-30-

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

Legends Expand “Dancing with the Students” Program to Russell Cave Elementary; 2nd School in Fayette County Public Schools

WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK (Lexington, KY) – Fourth grade students at Russell Cave Elementary will put on their dancing shoes and take a new approach to Arts and Humanities curriculum through the Legends community partnership with the not for profit “Dancing with the Students,” based out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

 

“Dancing with the Students” came to Lexington in the Spring of 2017 via Lexington Legends Secretary and Principal Sue Martinelli Shea, who founded the non-profit organization in 2005. The first students involved with the program in Lexington were sixth, seventh and eighth graders at Crawford Middle School, and the expansion of the program will mirror the first, having Russell Cave Elementary fourth graders also competing in 10 weeks of dance class and 9 weeks of instruction with the 10th week culminating in a grand finale competition. The students will be taught in two sessions by Arthur Murray trained dance teacher Rae Mickelwait and will learn four dances: Waltz, Tango, Merengue, and Swing. The first class will be October 9 & 10, 2017 at 9:30am with the grand finale slated for December 18, 2017.

 

“I started the non-profit, “Dancing with the Students” in 2005 in Philadelphia in one school” said Martinelli Shea. “My intent was to teach manners and respect to students while having fun learning to dance. Bringing “Dancing with the Students” to Lexington, Kentucky is a dream come true for me. In the Spring of 2017, our wonderful dance teacher, Rae Mickelwait, taught two classes of Ballroom Dancing at Crawford Middle School. This Fall, DWTS will expand to Russell Cave Elementary School.” Marinelli Shea continues, “I was raised by parents who stressed giving back and getting involved. I am so proud of my son, Andy Shea, who lives that through the work he does personally as well as professionally with the Lexington Legends, who are the recipient of the 2017 South Atlantic League Community Service Organization of the Year Award.”

 

This partnership expansion would not have been possible without the support of Russell Cave Elementary School administrators and educators, like Kyle Lionberger, Practical Living Teacher, who said ” [Dancing with the Students] is a great opportunity to teach our students arts & humanities in a different way. Students learn that dancing can be a lifetime activity that provides opportunity for movement, social interaction and fun while giving even the quietest students a voice.”

Arthur Murray dance instructor Rae Mickelwait added to Lionberger’s sentiments and said “I am so excited to continue to share my passion for ballroom dancing this semester with more children! Through dancing we get to convey the importance of team work and partnership, eye contact and even dressing the part for a performance. All these skills can help children on their journey to success in high school, college and beyond. I am so very blessed to be a part of “Dancing with the Students,” to be out in the community, as well as teaching at Lexington Arthur Murray.

Media is welcome to attend the first class and grand finale for photos and interviews with students. For more information, about Dancing with the Students, visit www.dancingwiththestudents.org or contact Sarah Bosso atsbosso@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

PawSox Foundation Presents Tomorrow Fund with Donation of $21,156

The PawSox Foundation today presented $21,156 to the Tomorrow Fund at Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Providence, RI, to help families of children who are battling cancer. The funds are generated at the PawSox’ nightly “Hurl the Pearl” contest presented by six local Honda dealers.

“Childhood Cancer is one of the primary areas of focus of the PawSox Foundation,” said PawSox President Dr. Charles Steinberg. “We are inspired by the great work and good deeds of the Tomorrow Fund, and we are pleased to help their efforts. Talking to the families who have benefited from their care, we recognize what a treasure Rhode Island has in the Tomorrow Fund.”

Tomorrow Fund Executive Director Lisa Abbenante received the donation from a PawSox contingent that included Steinberg, as well as Julie Hershkowitz (Director of Client Services), Mike Lyons (Account Executive, Partnerships) Joe Bradlee (Director of Communications & Community Relations), Jackie Dempsey (Special Assistant to the President), and team mascots Paws and Sox.

At each game, fans purchase soft white baseballs and throw them at a Honda circling the field. Their donations go to the Tomorrow Fund. (Fans who toss balls through the open sun roof receive a PawSox Prize Pack of souvenirs.)

Last year, fans raised $10,008 for the charity.

 

The local Honda Dealers who sponsor the promotion (and provide the decorated vehicle) are Balise Honda, Grieco Honda, Herb Chambers Honda, Majestic Honda, Saccucci Honda, and Colonial Honda of Dartmouth.

For the second straight year, the PawSox helped launch Childhood Cancer Awareness Month (September) in their final weekend of the season.

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

Biloxi Shuckers make major community impact in 2017

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

BIBiloxi ShuckersLOXI, MS – In a season marked by several on-field accomplishments in the third year of Minor League Baseball on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, the Biloxi Shuckers are most proud of their various community outreach efforts. From theme nights to jersey auctions, the Shuckers have made a financial and symbolic impact on their community throughout the 2017 season.

The Shuckers were nominated by the Minor League Baseball Community as a finalist for a prestigious “Golden Bobblehead” award for the “Best Community Promotion or Event” after helping with the Hattiesburg/Petal tornado relief efforts and William Carey vs. Biloxi Shuckers exhibition game. Shuckers’ employees traveled to Petal, Mississippi to assist cleanup crews. The tornado caused damage to the campus of nearby William Carey University, so the Shuckers scheduled a benefit exhibition game against the school’s baseball team before the first road trip of the season. The game raised $6,090 for the university’s tornado recovery efforts. This effort coupled with numerous other initiatives garnered the recognition.

Watch: Youtube Video

In addition to the recognition by Minor League Baseball, the Shuckers were also a finalist for the Southern League’s Community Service Award.

Shuckers’ front office members laid the groundwork for a successful season with several other community initiatives. Employees laid sod at an athletic complex in Moss Point, Mississippi to revitalize the area’s youth baseball program.

Watch: Youtube Video

In partnership with Walmart, the inaugural Shuckers “Hit the Books” reading program brought Schooner the Seagull to 17 schools and over 10,000 students to incentivize reading with Shuckers tickets as a reward.

Watch: Youtube Video

Since their inception, the Shuckers have had a strong relationship with nearby Keesler Air Force Base and the substantial military presence on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. That trend continued in 2017, as every Monday became “Military Monday” with special discounts for active and retired members of the armed forces. Special camouflage jerseys, worn every Monday and designed with input from Keesler staff, and were auctioned off at the end of the season with proceeds benefiting local military causes.

Throughout the season, the Shuckers have partnered with several charitable organizations to raise money and awareness for deserving local causes. Three additional jersey auctions earlier this season have brought in money for the March of Dimes, Mississippi Center for Autism, and Favre4Hope breast cancer research.

Watch: Youtube Video

The Shuckers have also hosted a Christmas in July toy drive for the Uplift Foundation, Seatbelt Safety night for the K&J Foundation (started by team photographer Brian Pearse), and Skin Cancer Awareness night in partnership with the MiLB Charities Sun Safety Initiative.

Youth outreach was not limited to the “Hit the Books” program. The Shuckers turned their two “Education Day” games into vocational field trips, with visits from Biloxi Fire and Police, NASA, the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, Department of Marine Resources, University of Southern Mississippi’s Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, and Mississippi State University’s Coastal Research Extension.

Former New York Mets catcher and Biloxi native Barry Lyons was formally invited into the Shuckers organization as an ambassador prior to the 2017 season, and the team assisted him in the creation of the first series of Shuckers Kids Clinics for local youth. In addition, the “Field of Dreams” program allowed more than 100 young baseball and softball players from the area to take the field alongside Shuckers players for the national anthem.

In partnership with the Knights of Columbus, the Biloxi Shuckers collected 765 lbs of food/product during a food drive on Sunday, July 30th for them to distribute in the community.

In addition to these widespread efforts, the Shuckers have also made numerous player and mascot appearances in the community over the course of the season. The Shuckers in-kind donations and in-stadium fundraising initiatives have raised $155,455.91 for over 100 charitable organizations. The Biloxi Shuckers understand the responsibility that comes with their platform in the community and are determined to make a positive impact on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

In addition to monetary contributions, the Biloxi Shuckers front office staff have logged 265 community volunteer hours thus far in 2017. Those hours have been spent working with area schools, NCBC’s Child Development Center, Humane Society of South Mississippi, VA Medical Center, Loaves and Fishes and cleanup efforts from Hurricane Harvey.

The Shuckers open up their 2018 season on the road at Montgomery before their home opener against Mississippi on April 11. More information on the fourth season of Biloxi Shuckers baseball will be available at biloxishuckers.com as the offseason progresses.

ABOUT THE BILOXI SHUCKERS: The Biloxi Shuckers are the Double-A Southern League Affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. The Shuckers play at MGM Park in Biloxi, Mississippi. For more information please visit biloxishuckers.com and follow us on Twitter @biloxishuckers and at facebook.com/biloxishuckers.com.

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

Stone Crabs / Tampa Bay Rays Awarded Business of the Year

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. – The Charlotte Stone Crabs and the Tampa Bay Rays were honored as the Large Business of the Year by the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce at the Chamber’s 92nd Annual Awards Luncheon on Friday, September 29. The annual event, held at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, was attended by hundreds of local business leaders and honors businesses and non-profits for their achievements.

There were over 30 nominees for the small, medium and large businesses of the year. The awards committee chose the Stone Crabs and Rays Spring Training for the tireless work they do within and for the community while also providing a fun, exciting and affordable entertainment experience.

“Wow, this is beyond humbling and such a great honor,” said Stone Crabs General Manager Jared Forma. “All you have to do is look at the other nominees and all the unbelievable work they do to understand what an honor it is just to be nominated, let alone to be selected for such a prestigious award. We cannot thank the Chamber and the Awards Committee enough for this honor.” Forma Continued.

The 2017 seasons were a tremendous year at the Sports Park. Spring Training attendance was up for the 18 games played this year and the Stone Crabs attendance increased by over 25,000 people this season, their highest season total since 2011 and it included an all-time franchise single game attendance record of 7,515 on July 29, 2017. Above all else at the Sports Park, it’s all of the community outreach, mascot and player appearances, involving the kids in countless programs, and giving back to the community that supports them that is most special.

“First off, this is an organizational and a community award,” said Forma. “Without the great, dedicated part-time staff we employee this would not be possible. Without our community-first ownership group this would not be possible. Without the time and energy of the front office staff that I am so fortunate to have working at the Sports Park this would not be possible.” Forma continued.

“And most importantly, without all of our great partners and fans, the greatest partners and fans a team could ask to have, this would not be possible. This is truly a community award that we, the community’s team are humbly honored to receive.” said Forma.

The 2018 Tampa Bay Rays Spring Training and Charlotte Stone Crabs schedules and ticket information will be released in the coming weeks.

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

Dragons Support of Military Nominated for Award

Dayton, Ohio-For the second straight year, the Dayton Dragons have been selected as the Midwest League nominee for a national award selected by Minor League Baseball that will be presented at the Baseball Winter Meetings in December.

The Charles K. Murphy Patriot Award is presented to one club from among approximately 180 Minor League teams for outstanding support of and engagement with the United States Armed Forces and veterans, both at the ballpark and in the community. The Dragons have been selected in a vote of the 16 Midwest League teams as the league nominee for the national honor in both 2016 and 2017, the first two years of the award’s existence.

The award is named after longtime Florida State League president Chuck Murphy, a former Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army who served as the FSL’s top executive from 1990 until his passing in 2015.

For many years, the Dragons, in partnership with the Dayton Development Coalition, have included local military programs into their season-long schedule of events and promotions. Here are some highlights:

HOMETOWN HEROES PROGRAM

The Dragons partner with Wright-Patterson AFB for the Dragons “Hometown Hero of the Game” experience. For all 70 home games, we host a family in the Dayton community of a deployed Airman. All season long, the Hometown Hero of the Game program enables us to provide VIP treatment to WPAFB families. Every family receives a VIP tour, ballpark meals, and souvenirs.

HOMETOWN HEROES CELEBRATION NIGHTS

Hometown Heroes Celebration Nights are two special evenings focused on honoring our local service men and women from WPAFB and the Springfield Air National Guard. These games are filled with American-themed activities that celebrate the local military tradition. These nights give Dragons fans and the Dayton community the opportunity to support and thank our local service members and their families for the sacrifices they make.

DRAGONS AND THE DAYTON VA MEDICAL CENTER

For the past eight years, the Dragons and the Dayton VA Medical Center have collaborated with an annual event honoring veterans and active military and their families. The 2017 event brought over 600 veterans and families to the ballpark for a night of recognition to local veterans, as the Dayton VA Medical Center hosted their annual Welcome Home Outreach event.

OTHER ACTIVITIES

Several other military events were also planned during the 2017 season at Fifth Third Field. On Memorial Day, Army PFC Mitchell Kirtley returned home from active duty in Afghanistan by surprising his family at a Dragons game. On June 14, in celebration of the 242nd birthday of the U.S. Army, the Association of the U.S. Army had an outing with the Dragons featuring numerous pre-game activities, and 30 Army recruits took part in a swearing-in ceremony during the game. On June 23, Vice Admiral Phil Wisecup threw out the ceremonial first pitch of the Dragons game. VADM Wisecup, from Piqua, is the former President of the Naval War College, the former Naval Inspector General of the United States Navy, and has been director of the Chief of Naval Operations Strategic Studies Group since 2013.

The Dragons are the Midwest League nominee for the Charles K. Murphy Patriot Award and will considered along with the nominees from each of the other leagues within Minor League Baseball. The national winner will be announced at the Baseball Winter Meetings in December.

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

OceanFirst Foundation Completes Home Runs for Heroes Grant Program

In nine years, the Home Runs for Heroes program has raised over $260,000.

—

LAKEWOOD, NJ – OceanFirst Foundation donated over $40,000 to area military-based non-profit organizations through the 2017 Home Runs for Heroes Program. The program is a partnership between the BlueClaws, OceanFirst Foundation, and Townsquare Media.

Home Runs for Heroes Grants provide financial support to charities that meet the emergency basic needs of veterans and local service men and women – active and retired – and their families during difficult times. Non-profits were paired with each inning of the game and each BlueClaws home run hit at FirstEnergy Park meant a $1,000 donation to the charity corresponding with the inning in which the home run was hit.

Organization Inning Home Runs Total
Operation First Response 1st 2 $2,000
Chariot Riders & Navy-Marine Corps Relief 2nd 4 $4,000
American Recreational Military Services 3rd 1 $1,000
GI Go Fund & Jewish Federation/Take the Wheel 4th 4 $4,000
Army Emergency Relief & National Guard State Family Readiness Council 5th 1 $1,000
VetGroup & Catholic Charities 6th 5 $5,000
American Red Cross 7th 8 $8,000
Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski Memorial Fund 8th 3 $3,000
Citizens Veterans Advisory Committee 9th + Extras 1 $1,000

Home runs hit in the second, fourth, fifth, and sixth innings meant $1,000 donations to two charities, so $43,000 was donated for the BlueClaws 29 home runs hit at FirstEnergy Park this year.

The program, which just completed its ninth season, has now raised $260,000 to area non-profits thanks to the donations of OceanFirst Foundation.

Darick Hall led the BlueClaws with seven home runs at FirstEnergy Park this year, while Brett Barbier hit four and Arquimedes Gamboa hit three. Austin Listi hit two, including a walk-off home run in the 12th inning of the final game of the season, bringing a $1,000 donation to the Citizens Veterans Advisory Committee. This was the lone BlueClaws home run hit in the ninth inning or extra innings this year.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. The 2018 schedule has been released and 2018 BlueClaws ticket packages and group outings are currently on sale.

Since its founding in 1902, OceanFirst Bank has built a solid reputation and legacy as a good neighbor and responsible corporate citizen. The Bank’s strong commitment to helping families, organizations, schools and communities throughout central and southern New Jersey meet their financial needs has spanned several generations, reaching new heights in 1996 with the creation of OceanFirst Foundation. The Foundation provides grants to organizations that meet community needs within the OceanFirst market. Since its inception, OceanFirst Foundation has contributed in excess of 6,400 grants totaling more than $32 million to over 750 local charities throughout central and southern New Jersey.

– BlueClaws / OceanFirst –

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

The Redband Rally Continues: Indians’ Staff Spends Day with Spokane Tribal Fisheries

Spokane, WASH. – Not even the offseason can stop the Spokane Indians historic Redband Rally Campaign.  Last month, the Spokane Indians Baseball front office staff spent the day on Lake Roosevelt and its tributaries with biologists from the Spokane Tribal Fisheries Department to learn more about protecting the native Redband Trout.

Four fisheries research vessels, including the newest boat to the fleet called the “Big Dawg” which features the Indians baseball historic Redband logo, spent the day up and down the river gill netting and electrofishing invasive Northern Pike. Northern Pike, the primary threat to Redband Trout, were illegally introduced into the watershed years ago and have proven destructive to the ecosystem. Additionally, Indians staff participated in their long term Sturgeon Research Project (since 1995) and Water Quality Monitoring Project.

“Anytime we can assist in protecting the Redband, we have interest,” said Indians Senior VP Otto Klein. “Not only do we owe it to our partners on this project, but also to the general health of all species in the river.”

2017 was the inaugural season of the Spokane Indians Redband Rally Campaign presented by the City of Spokane.  In addition to a new alternate brand and team mascot, the campaign raises money for the native Redband Trout habitat while highlighting the City’s efforts to clean the Spokane River.

Citizens can help protect the Redband Trout and the rest of the native inhabitants of the Spokane River by donating to the Redband Rally Fund. The fund, which is administered by the Inland Northwest Community Foundation, raises money for local organizations to conserve and protect the Spokane River and its native Redband Trout.

Click here to donate to the Redband Rally Fund

To help promote the Redband Rally Campaign throughout the 2017 season, the Spokane Indians Baseball Club unveiled a new mascot at Avista Stadium named “Ribby the Redband Trout” and distributed free Redband Headbands for fans to wear during the game. Along with Ribby, Indians players wore special Redband Jerseys for six games throughout season. While the Redband Jerseys were available through an online auction during the month of September, there are multiple new Redband merchandise items currently for sale at the Spokane Indians Team Store. $5 from each piece of Redband merchandise sold will be donated to the Redband Rally Campaign.

Click here to look at the Redband Merchandise at the Spokane Indians Team Store

The Spokane Indians Baseball Club is the Short Season Class ‘A’ Affiliate of the Texas Rangers. For more information, please visit SpokaneIndians.com or call (509) 343-OTTO (6886).

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

Dragons Website Going Pink in Support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month

DAYTON, OH – The Dayton Dragons have gone pink during the month of October. In partnership with Kettering Health Network, the Dragons have turned their website pink to support the upcoming Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. The Dragons website, www.daytondragons.com, will remain pink to help draw attention to the efforts by Kettering Health Network to increase Breast Cancer awareness in the Miami Valley.

One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and it is estimated that over 40,000 lives will be lost to breast cancer in 2017. And while the breast cancer diagnosis rate has increased, there has been a steady drop in the overall breast cancer death rate since the early 1990’s.

You can help win the fight. The walk and donations go directly to the support, transportation, recovery, and other needs that arise with the diagnosis of breast cancer. The American Cancer Society also invests in groundbreaking breast cancer research to better understand, prevent, find, and treat the disease.

The 2017 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk will be at Fifth Third Field on October 21 at 8:00 a.m. This event is part of a national fundraising effort. In 2016 alone, over 1 million walkers across the country collected more than $60 million to help fight this disease.

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