Spokane Indians’ Staff Helps Install Youth Baseball Field at Glover Park

Spokane, WASH. – The off-season for the Spokane Indians Baseball Club remained busy this week as the front office staff was out in full force refurbishing a youth baseball field at Glover Park. In partnership with the KXLY 4 News Extreme Team lead by Mark Peterson , the baseball diamond located at Glover Park was identified as needed help from the community.  This presented an opportunity the Indians couldn’t resist.

The KXLY Extreme Team completely refurbished the old Peaceful Valley Community Center which sits adjacent to the park and has now been renamed the Recovery Cafe. While fully mobilized with construction equipment and volunteers, the idea of working on the baseball field at the same time was introduced. With permission from the Spokane Tribe of Indians and recommendation to work with a state historical archaeologist, a plan was established to add top soil and dugouts to the site without disturbing any of the ground.

“We want to promote baseball at all levels and it starts with having a safe place to play,” said Indians Senior VP Otto Klein. “Not only is it a beautiful setting, it has deep meaning to the community and our partners at the Spokane Tribe that makes it a perfect project to work on.”

Glover Field was renamed in 1917 and dedicated to James N. Glover, a founding father of the city of Spokane. The park is currently one of 87 parks operated by the City of Spokane Parks Department. It also has deep meaning to the Spokane Tribe of Indians as it often served as an encampment for the tribe throughout history. A state tribal archaeologist was on hand during the process to make sure no land or artifacts were disturbed.

“The City of Spokane Parks Department oversees 2,000 acres of developed parkland in the City of Spokane,” said Carl Strong, Assistant Director of Park Operations. “This is a historic area and we’re proud to see help from the community to make it even better.”

Spokane Youth Sports Association (SYSA), which provides sports activities for all youth, will add the field to its spring baseball line-up and start scheduling regular practices and games.

“Adding another youth baseball field in this community is huge for us,” said SYSA Executive Director Phil Helean. “We have a shortage of fields compared to other communities our size, so adding one more is a step in the right direction.”

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.

Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Fifth Third Field on October 7

Dayton, Ohio-The Alzheimer’s Association invites you to join them at the Dayton Walk to End Alzheimer’s® on Saturday, October 7. The Walk will be held at Fifth Third Field – home of the Dayton Dragons. Registration will open at 8:30 a.m., and the Opening Ceremony will begin at 10:00 a.m. The Walk will start following the opening ceremonies.

The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest Alzheimer’s awareness and fundraising event. Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, this inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to reclaim the future for millions affected by the sixth-leading cause of death. Alzheimer’s is the only disease in the top 10 leading causes of death without an effective treatment or a cure.

By participating in the Walk, you will help fuel the Alzheimer’s Association’s mission-related initiatives of research, and care and support in the Miami Valley.

For more information about the event click here and to register for the walk, visit alz.org/walk or call (800) 272-3900.

Alzheimer’s disease is an epidemic, currently affecting more than 200,000 individuals in the state of Ohio. With your help, we can end this devastating disease together. The end of Alzheimer’s starts with you. Will you join us on October 7?

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

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Fort Myers Miracle Ownership Gifts $10,000 to the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, Inc.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (September 27, 2017) – The Fort Myers Miracle, Advanced-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins, have announced that Miracle ownership, SJS Beacon Baseball LLC, will be donating $10,000 to the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools Inc. Those who would also like to donate to the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools Inc. may do so at https://thefoundationforleecountypublicschools.networkforgood.com/projects/36335-hurricane-irma-school-relief-fund.

“With this donation today and our other efforts, the Miracle continue to provide targeted relief to those impacted by Hurricane Irma,” stated Miracle principal owner Jason Hochberg. “Many schools in Lee County and most importantly, their students were impacted by the hurricane. The funds provided today by the Miracle will go directly to help those students and repair the schools. We encourage Miracle fans to support the Foundation as well.”

This is the second major donation from team ownership due to Hurricane Irma. Back on September 13, it was announced that funds would be donated to the Southwest Florida Community Foundation. The foundation has teamed up with the United Way to directly help people displaced from their homes and those suffering losses due to Irma in Lee, Collier and neighboring counties. For more information or to donate, please visit https://floridacommunity.com/

“Thank you to the Fort Myers Miracle for this incredibly generous donation to our students, families, and employees who have been impacted by Hurricane Irma,” said Dr. Gregory Adkins, Superintendent of the school district of Lee County. “The effects of the storm have been devastating to our community, and we very much appreciate the support and partnership of the Fort Myers Miracle in helping families rebuild their lives.”

The Miracle will hold a clothing drive in the team store at Hammond Stadium on Friday, September 29 from 12 PM to 6 PM. Fans are encouraged to bring in clothing items to help those affected by Irma. Each item of clothing donated allows fans to purchase ANY team store item at 50% off. Irma relief shirts and caps will also be available for the first time outside of online sales. However, none of those items are eligible for the 50% discount in the store.

Beyond Friday and into the 2018 Season, the team will continue their Irma Relief shirt and cap sales online. Those items can be found by visiting http://miracle.milbstore.com/store.cfm?store_id=107

To stay up to date, follow the Miracle online at Miraclebaseball.com or through social media; Twitter: @MiracleBaseball, Instagram: fortmyersmiracle, Facebook: Fort Myers Miracle, Snapchat: ftmyersmiracle. For further information or questions once power is restored, call the Miracle front office at (239) 768-4210.

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

Chasers Nominated for John Henry Moss Community Service Award

The Pacific Coast League has announced that the Omaha Storm Chasers’ franchise is the circuit’s nominee for Minor League Baseball’s John Henry Moss Community Service Award. Each league in Minor League Baseball nominated an organization, with the overall winner announced at the annual Baseball Winter Meetings in Orlando, Florida in December.

“A truly great organization is one that shows a high level of commitment to its own community,” stated Omaha Storm Chasers President and General Manager Martie Cordaro. “We are proud to be representing the Pacific Coast League with this nomination, which is a testament to the time and commitment of our front office staff, as well as the Kansas City Royals organization, to the Omaha Metro community.”

Over the course of the 2017 campaign, Chasers Charities, the charitable arm of the Omaha Storm Chasers, donated $808,182 to local charities, setting an all-time record in charitable giving for the fourth consecutive year. The Storm Chasers assisted over 1,500 different organizations, and were also visible in the community with over 420 mascot and player appearances. Front office employees also donated 740 hours of community service throughout the year.

73 different organizations were provided a platform at Werner Park at the Sprint Community Organization of the Night. Over $18,000 was raised through the McDonald’s and Huber Chevrolet Hurl the Pearl promotion for the Ronald McDonald House, while more than $21,000 was raised for various local charities including Methodist Hospital Founation and Moving Veterans Forward via four Jersey Auctions. Initiatives also included Hy-Vee Canned Food Sundays, with nearly 5,000 items donated to Heartland Hope Mission, in addition to Chasers FUNdamentals, with Chasers Charities teaming with DREAM to put on baseball clinics introducing youth to baseball.

Chasers Charities also offered the Chasin’ Dreams Grant, donating a total in excess of $9,000 to help non-profit organizations that operate youth softball/baseball programs make major renovations. Two Jackie Robinson Athletic Scholarships worth $1,000 each were also awarded through Chasers Charities and The Weitz Company, while partnering with the Nebraska State Treasurer’s Office for the 15th annual Why I Want To Go To College Essay Contest.

The Storm Chasers also held their third annual Chasers Community Week presented by Summit Dental, which included the Jirschele Family Memorial Golf Outing to help benfit the Muscular Dystrophy Association, as well as player appearances at Children’s Hospital and the Southwest YMCA and hosting Bellevue Buddy Baseball at Werner Park. The nine-day event culminated in hosting The Wall That Heals, an exhibit that featured a half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. The exhibit was open 24 hours a day from August 3-6 at Werner Park, with the Storm Chasers’ Military Appreciation game preceded the exhibit’s closing ceremonies.

Werner Park also served as a site for local organizations to use the stadium as a venue to host large-scale fundraisers. Those special events included the “Boxer 500” to benefit the Great Plains Colon Cancer Task Force, the “Walk to Defeat ALS”, SHARP Race towards Brain Aneurysm, Heart Heroes Run, and Nebraska 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb.

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

Missing Children Found After Being Featured on ONEOK Field Sign

The Tulsa Drillers are pleased to announce that five of the missing children seen on signage at ONEOK Field this season have been located and returned home safely.

Eight different children were featured this year on The BairFind Foundation signage located on the first base concourse between Drill Bits and the main concession stands. Last year, three of the four kids featured were successfully located after their faces were shown on the sign at Drillers games.

The foundation confirmed that Alexis Bridges, Patrik Morrow, Neydy Amador-Lara, Stacie Dubbs, and Jesika Mosby had all been found and safely returned to their homes in Tulsa and the surrounding area.

The BairFind Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to finding missing children, placed more than 1,000 photos of missing kids in 151 MiLB ballparks this past season. Over 385 of those children featured were safely found. Of those successfully returned home, 31 of the kids shown in the ballparks in the Texas League were safely located. All 151 participating teams had at least one featured child who was found and returned home this summer.

“We are thrilled to have seen more than double the number of kids found from last year to this year while expanding the search in even more ballparks,” said BairFind Foundation Director, Dennis Bair.

The search continues for Tory Ashley and Kaitlyn Hicks from Tulsa, and Paige Moore from Broken Arrow, the three remaining children seen on the BairFind Foundation’s poster this season. Fans wishing to support or learn more about the work of The BairFind Foundation can visit their website at www.bairfind.org.

The Foundation would like to highlight the fact that the top proven method to locating missing children is to have as many eyes as possible looking. If you or someone you know has any information on the whereabouts of a missing child, please call 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) or visit www.missingkids.com to report the information.

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

NATURALS FUNDRAISING PROGRAM SETS NEW RECORDS IN 2017

SPRINGDALE, Ark – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are proud to announce that the popular Naturals Ticket Fundraising Program enjoyed a record year in 2017 by establishing new highs in participating groups, tickets sold, and total money raised.

During the 2017 regular season and playoffs, which consisted of 70 home games, the Naturals partnered with 171 groups that included but were not limited to High School Baseball teams, school and musical groups, churches, and non-profits. The new mark of 171 organizations was 46 more than the previous record of 125 groups set during the 2016 season at Arvest Ballpark.

The increase in participating groups caused an increase in tickets sold and the amount of money raised. In 2017, 33,653 tickets were sold by participating groups as part of the fundraising program. The increase of 4,483 tickets sold over 2016 led to an increase in the money raised as a combined amount of $132,557 went back to the participating organizations this year. The amount raised of $132,557 set a new record, which broke the existing record of $119,217 set during the previous season.

Fundraising dates are currently available for the 2018 season of Naturals baseball. Additional information on the Naturals Ticket Fundraising Program can be found on our website at www.nwanaturals.com under the Groups & Events tab or by emailing us at groups@nwanaturals.com. To check on date availability or if you have any questions about any of the group or fundraising programs offered by the Naturals, please call us at (479) 927-4900 or visit our Administrative Offices located at Arvest Ballpark.

The Naturals Ticket Fundraising Program continues to grow in popularity and will be available to groups on a first-come, first-served basis. The program is designed to offer groups the chance to invite families and supporters of their respective cause to come out to a game, have fun, and keep a large portion of the ticket sales. Depending on the final number of attendees, the participating group will get to keep anywhere from 25%-50% of the organization’s ticket sales. As an incentive and a reward, the Naturals offer prizes to top sellers of groups and they include tours, autographs, game tickets, and First Pitch opportunities.

Non-profit groups seeking more exposure for their organization can inquire about the Community Partner Program that offers free marketing exposure for participating groups to go along with the standard benefits of the ticket fundraising program.

Follow the Northwest Arkansas Naturals on Facebook and Twitter @NWANaturals all throughout the year by using the hashtag #NaturalPastime and #CrowntoCrown for all of our up-to-date information on the upcoming 2018 season of Naturals baseball.

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.

10th Annual Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk, September 30 at Coca-Cola Field

October is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month and the Down Syndrome Parents Group of Western New York will continue its mission of education, support and celebration with a very special 10th Annual Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk, Saturday, September 30th at Coca-Cola Field (11:00 a.m.).

Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring chromosomal condition in newborns in the United States, occurring in approximately one in every 700 babies. But while most people with Down syndrome have a mild to moderate cognitive or intellectual disability, the condition cannot and should not overshadow the many strengths and talents these individuals possess.

The Step up For Down Syndrome Walk aims to educate, support and celebrate those individuals and those families with Down Syndrome. The event runs from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Coca-Cola Field, beginning with a one-mile walk through the Harbor Center, led by the Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts, Arts-Tech Marching Band. Afterwards, all are welcome to stay in the Coca-Cola Field CF Pavilion area to enjoy great food, fun arts & crafts and games, a photo booth, raffles and educational information. There will also be special performances by individuals with Down syndrome as well as music by The Strictly Hip.

Anyone is welcome to attend the event, including day of walkups. Cost is only $10 per person and includes a free lunch. Contact Amy Monson at amonson23@gmail.com or (716)-677-0604 for more information.

The Down Syndrome Parents Group of Western New York is a 501c3 non-profit organization which was formed in 1987 by a group of parents whom connected through the common bond of parenting children born with Down syndrome. Since its inception, the group has supported hundreds of families in and around the Western New York area while promoting awareness of Down syndrome, and acceptance of individuals born with Downs. Through a series of annual events which have become a yearly tradition for many families in the area, DSPGWNY has continually expanded awareness of Down syndrome while enriching the lives of the many people whom have taken part.

For more information, visit DSPGWNY.com any questions or contact the group at (716) 832-9334.

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

Dragons to Host College Prep Night

Dayton, Ohio – The Dayton Dragons and Fifth Third Bank will hold College Prep Night, a free educational event for prospective college students, at Fifth Third Field on Wednesday, September 27 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

College Prep Night is a one-stop college resource event to guide incoming college students and their parents through the process of planning an educational path. High school students can talk to representatives from some of the region’s top colleges, and two lucky students in attendance will win $1,667 college scholarships, courtesy of Fifth Third Bank.

More than 1,000 students and their guests attend and more than 60 colleges and universities participate in this free event. Among the colleges scheduled to appear are Ohio State University, Miami (Ohio) University, University of Notre Dame, University of Cincinnati, University of Dayton, University of Kentucky, Wright State University, and many more schools from around the region. Representatives will be on hand to answer whatever questions that students might have about college life at each particular school.

“College is an important milestone in life for those who choose to pursue it, and it’s important to us at Fifth Third to help students and their parents prepare financially,” said Doug Compton, Dayton city executive for Fifth Third Bank. “This is the tenth year for this great community event and it only seemed fitting to make the quantity and amount of scholarships a Fifth Third Better.”

The $1,667 scholarships will be given away after the event to two lucky college-bound students. To be entered to win, parents or students must RSVP before the event at www.daytondragons.com/collegeprep and must attend the event, although they do not have to be present to win.

In addition to visiting with the different schools, students and parents can participate in dynamic, informative workshops that will tell them everything they need to know about college. In one of the informative seminars, Fifth Third Bank will educate attendees on the new Fifth Third Momentum™ app, which helps pay off student loans faster.

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

Fightins Nominated for John Henry Moss Community Service Award

(Reading, PA) – The Eastern League has announced the Reading Fightin Phils have been nominated for the John Henry Moss Community Service Award. For the John Henry Moss Community Service Award, which is given to a club that demonstrates an outstanding, on-going commitment to charitable service, support and leadership, the Eastern League has recognized the Reading Fightin Phils. The winner of this award is selected by Minor League Baseball and will be honored at the Baseball Winter Meetings in Orlando, Florida.

This past June, the Fightin Phils broke ground on the brand new Savage 61 Dream Field, which is a facility that will provide children with physical and developmental disabilities the opportunity to play baseball. The unique rubberized surface is the first field of its kind to be built in Berks County. The project is being fully funded by Baseballtown Charities, the Reading Fightin Phils charitable organization. As part of the fundraising efforts the Fightin Phils hosted the first ever “Dinner Under the Stars” last October and raised $650,000 towards the project. Those fundraising efforts for the Dream Field were in addition to the regular charitable efforts of the franchise that included in-stadium fundraising and support for numerous charitable organizations.

“We are thrilled to be the Eastern League nominee for the John Henry Moss Community Service Award”, said Fightin Phils General Manager Scott Hunsicker. “The Moss award is a goal of our staff and everyone associated with Baseballtown Charities, as we continuously try to give back to the community as much as possible.”

In addition, Baseballtown Charities and IM ABLE Foundation announced a partnership in January to build an adaptive playground at the new Savage 61 Dream Field Complex in Berks County. The playground will create a motivating and encouraging environment that will allow all children including those with physical or cognitive challenges to play together. Children who use a wheelchair, cane or crutches will be able to move freely throughout the playground. The surface of the playground will be rubber tile.

Baseballtown Charities’ Dream League is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization based in Reading, Pa. that focuses on making dreams come true one pitch at a time. Since 2002, Baseballtown Charities has worked to build inclusive baseball diamonds as well as bonds between players, teammates and supportive communities. For more information, visit www.baseballtowndreamleague.com.

The Eastern League also announced their nominations for the Rawlings Woman Executive of the Year Award (Richmond), the Charles K. Murphy Patriot Award (Binghamton), the Larry MacPhail Award (Erie), and the John H. Johnson President’s Award (Richmond).

America’s Classic Ballpark is proud to be a part of Pennsylvania’s Americana Region. Season tickets for the 2018 season are available online at Fightins.com, by phone at 610-370-BALL, and in-person at FirstEnergy Stadium. Follow the Fightin Phils on Twitter at @ReadingFightins and like them on Facebook via www.facebook.com/fightins.

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

Shorebirds Present Toy Donation To Brooke’s Toy Closet

SALISBURY, MD – The Delmarva Shorebirds are proud to announce in conjunction with partners at Market Street Inn, MoJo’s, and the Peninsula Regional Medical Center, the results of the Brooke’s Toy Closet Toy Drive, held on Saturday, July 29th at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.

In total, 381 items were donated by Shorebirds fans, with the Shorebirds presenting the donation to Brooke’s Toy Closet at the Peninsula Regional Medical Center recently, along with members from Market Street Inn, MoJo’s, and the Peninsula Regional Medical Center Foundation, which oversees and maintains Brooke’s Toy Closet.

Toy Donations ranged from activity books, stuffed animals, interactive toys, coloring books, books, action figures, etc. All these items will be extremely beneficial to replenishing Brooke’s Toy Closet and very much appreciated from members of the Peninsula Regional Medical Center Foundation.

“The Shorebirds were proud to partner with Market Street Inn & MoJo’s again this year to develop and execute the Toy Drive. Thank you to all Shorebirds fans and members of the community who donated items to assist in replenishing Brooke’s Toy Closet at PRMC. The support was astounding, and we look forward to continuing this partnership in the future.” said Shorebirds Director of Marketing Eric Sichau.

“Thank you to all those who made a donation to Brooke’s Toy Closet through this event. Please know that I am humbled and very grateful for all your support and compassion. As a local business man in a small community, I have been committed to giving back to the community that has supported Brooke and I am humbled by your loyal support. Between the strong continued partnership with the Delmarva Shorebirds, and the creation of the Brooke Mulford Memorial Fund in August at the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, which will help support Believe in Tomorrow and Camp Fairlee locally, these initiatives will further strengthen the support of the local community in honor of Brooke for the future.” said Rob Mulford, owner of Market Street Inn.

Brooke’s Toy Closet was started in 2014 by Brooke Mulford, a local girl who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, an aggressive form of cancer, in 2009, when she was 4 years old. Brooke, unfortunately, lost her battle with cancer earlier this year on June 12th. The closet is a special cabinet filled with toys, coloring books and other goodies that PRMC’s Emergency Department and Pediatrics Unit can give to children who are hospitalized. The recipients of these gifts will be able to use them when they’re in the hospital and take them home to enjoy when they are feeling better. For more information on the Peninsula Regional Medical Center Foundation and Brooke’s Toy Closet, contact the PRMC Foundation at 410-543-7140.

For more information on the Delmarva Shorebirds Community Relations efforts, contact the Shorebirds at 410-219-3112 or visit theshorebirds.com.

Delmarva Shorebirds
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The Delmarva Shorebirds are the Class “A” Affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. The Shorebirds are owned by
7th Inning Stretch, LLC, the same company that owns the Stockton Ports of the California League and the Everett AquaSox of the Northwest League.

The Shorebirds celebrated their 20th season in 2015, and have entertained over five million fans since beginning play at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium in Salisbury, Md. in 1996. The team has captured South Atlantic League titles in 1997 and 2000 while successfully hosting the South Atlantic League All-Star Game in 1999 and 2011.

For more information on the Shorebirds, call 410-219-3112 or visit theshorebirds.com.

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

Fort Myers Miracle to Sell Hurricane Irma Relief Shirts; All Proceeds Go to Relief Efforts

FORT MYERS, Fla. (September 19, 2017) – Having announced a new “Hurricane Irma Relief” logo designed by Brandiose last Wednesday, the Fort Myers Miracle, Advanced-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins, are ready to offer t-shirts for purchase to the public. Each t-shirt is $20 and all proceeds will benefit those affected by Hurricane Irma.

“Being able to offer an option for anyone to give back to our Southwest Florida community and the state of Florida is what Minor League Baseball is all about,” said Miracle Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Ben Hemmen. “It is a pleasure to say all of our relief shirts are being produced by Vivid Images USA out of Jacksonville. There is nothing better to see than people in Florida helping those in Florida who have been affected by this deadly storm. That is truly teamwork. We have gotten nothing but positive feedback on this logo and, again, want to thank Brandiose for their design.”

The Miracle have begun taking online orders for the shirts. The public can get ahold of this unique design to help show their support for the storm that hit Southwest Florida and the entire state by visiting http://miracle.milbstore.com/store_contents.cfm?store_id=107&product_id=96983. In addition to online orders, the shirts will also be available in the Miracle team store once it reopens.

Hammond Stadium and the CenturyLink Sports Complex is still being used as a staging area for disaster relief. Upon initial review, the CenturyLink Sports Complex / Hammond Stadium sustained minor damage from Hurricane Irma. The stadium and Miracle offices are back with power but remain closed to the general public until further notice. Once the grounds are open to the public again, the team store will also open its doors with limited hours of operation.

“We want to thank everyone who responded to our press release last week,” stated Hemmen. “Our inboxes, voicemails and social media direct message inboxes were filled with your thoughts and generous offers for helping alongside with us. We are still looking for ways to reach those that need it the most. If you know of those in need, please contact our office so we can add them to our list.”

The Miracle front office is on hand and ready to answer the call of anyone in need within the community. If you or someone you know needs disaster relief of any kind, do not hesitate to contact the front office for support. If you or your company would like to aid in the Miracle relief effort, please e-mail Executive Vice President / Chief Operating Officer Ben Hemmen at Ben@miraclebaseball.com.

To stay up to date, follow the Miracle online at Miraclebaseball.com or through social media; Twitter: @MiracleBaseball, Instagram: fortmyersmiracle, Facebook: Fort Myers Miracle, Snapchat: ftmyersmiracle. For further information or questions once power is restored, call the Miracle front office at (239) 768-4210.

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

2017 Perdue Strike Out Hunger Challenge Delivers Record 180,000 Meals In Fight Against Hunger On Delmarva

SALISBURY, MD. – As part of a company commitment to hunger relief, Perdue Farms teamed with the Delmarva Shorebirds – the Class A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles – and three Delmarva food banks for the annual season-long 2017 Perdue Strike Out Hunger Challenge on Delmarva to deliver a record 180,000 meals across Delmarva communities.

“We’re proud of the collaboration we have with the Delmarva food banks, the Shorebirds and its fans, and the community at-large,” said Kim Nechay, executive director of The Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation. “The way in which everyone responded to the Strike Out Hunger Challenge again this year reflects the passion and commitment our communities have for helping those in need.

“We’re delighted that the Strike Out Hunger Challenge continues to provide a large platform to raise awareness about the problem of hunger on Delmarva and provide much-needed relief to those in need,” she said.

The 2017 Perdue Strike Out Hunger Challenge on Delmarva provided the forum to continue the awareness and community engagement that began with Perdue’s sponsorship of the 2011 South Atlantic League “Perdue Strike Out Hunger All-Star Game” promotions. Since then, the Shorebirds and food banks have embraced the Strike Out Hunger Challenge to generate more three quarters of a million meal equivalents for those in need on Delmarva.

“It’s amazing that the Strike Out Hunger campaign made such a significant jump (40,000 meals) over last season,” said Jimmy Sweet, assistant general manager of the Delmarva Shorebirds. “The Shorebirds look forward to working with Perdue moving forward to surpass 200,000 meals next season.”

To drive this year’s Perdue Strike Out Hunger Challenge on Delmarva, Perdue Farms issued a $15,000 challenge grant funded by the Perdue Foundation – the charitable giving arm of the company – to benefit the Eastern Shore Branch of the Maryland Food Bank, the Food Bank of Delaware and the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore.

Each of the food banks were required to engage the Delmarva community to raise the equivalent of 10,000 meals in order to claim their equal share of the first $10,000 of the Foundation challenge grant. This included any combination of pounds of food collected, funds collected and donated, or volunteer hours throughout the duration of the Shorebirds’ season.

Additionally, Perdue also donated $10 for each time the Shorebirds’ pitchers struck out an opposing batter up to $5,000.

“Eastern Shore residents challenged by hunger continued to find support through community partnerships pledging to donate food, funds and their time through volunteerism in support of the 2017 Perdue Strike Out Hunger Challenge,” said Jennifer Small, managing director of the Eastern Shore branch of the Maryland Food Bank. “Our collaborative efforts have helped provide Maryland’s hungry with more than 260,000 meals. This initiative remains a pivotal part of the Maryland Food Banks’ ability to meet the daily needs of those who struggle to feed their families.”

As Chad Robinson, director of strategic initiatives for the Food Bank of Delaware in Milford, explains, “Strike Out Hunger has been a vital part of summer for the Food Bank of Delaware. The challenge from Perdue and the Delmarva Shorebirds helps us to ensure that we are able to feed hungry Delawareans throughout the summer months, when donations can be low. It also presents a great opportunity for families to have an easy way to give back, as they enjoy America’s greatest pastime.”

Charmin Horton, branch manager of the Foodbank of the Eastern Shore in Tasley, Va., said the partnership helps provided much needed service to more than 12,000 people. “Our long-term partnership with Perdue and now the Shorebirds has enabled us to provide much-needed food and programs to those facing food insecurities here on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. These programs provide meals and nutrition education to families, children and seniors who are currently facing issues of hunger.”

About The Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation
The Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation, the charitable giving arm of Perdue Farms, was established in 1957 by company founder Arthur W. Perdue and is funded through the estates of Arthur W. Perdue and Frank Perdue. As part of our belief in supporting the communities where and with whom we do business, the Foundation provides grants on behalf of Perdue Farms in communities where large numbers of our associates live and work. At Perdue Farms, we believe in responsible food and agriculture.®

About Perdue Farms

We’re a third-generation, family owned, U.S. food and agriculture company. Through our belief in responsible food and agriculture, we are empowering consumers, customers and farmers through trusted choices in products and services.

We focus on continuously improving everything we do, constantly learning, and sharing those insights across different production methods. That innovative approach is driving change throughout the company and onto farms. This continuous advancement is leading us toward our vision of becoming the most trusted name in food and agricultural products.

            The PERDUE® brand is the number-one brand of fresh chicken in the U.S., and Perdue AgriBusiness is an international agricultural products and services company. As we approach our 100th anniversary in 2020, our path forward is about getting better, not just bigger. We never use drugs for growth promotion in raising poultry and livestock, and we are actively advancing our animal welfare programs. Our brands are leaders in no-antibiotics-ever chicken, turkey and pork, and in USDA-certified organic chicken. We’ve increased our support for the family farm by creating new markets, including specialty crops. Through agricultural services, we give farmers more options for the acre, including conversion to organic production and products and services that increase the sustainability of conventional agriculture. Learn more at www.perduefarms.com.

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

PRMC’S Drive-Thru Flu Clinic Returns on Thursday, October 12 for a 23rd Season

Peninsula Regional Medical Center’s Drive-Thru Flu Clinic is returning for a 23rd season on Thursday, October 12, 2017 at Arthur W. Perdue (Shorebirds) Stadium at the intersection of Route 50 and Hobbs Road in Salisbury, Maryland from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Vaccinations will be administered to individuals 13 years of age or older (13-17 please bring a parent or legal guardian to sign consent). A physician’s order is not necessary. A donation of $10.00 per vaccination is requested (cash only; exact amount is appreciated).

Flu vaccinations are encouraged for persons over the age of 65, people with heart or lung disorders, immunosuppressant diseases or diabetes. Participants are encouraged to wear a short sleeved shirt that will provide easy access to the upper arm.

For additional information, please visit the PRMC Drive-Thru Flu clinic page on the website at www.peninsula.org/dtfc. English and Spanish flu shot consents forms for PRMC’s Drive-Thru Flu Clinic are available on the site and may be filled out in advance and brought with you to the event.

Mark your calendars and plan to attend PRMC’s Drive-Thru Flu Clinic on Thursday, October 12 from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.

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

“One Team” Shirts On Sale to Benefit Hurricane Harvey Relief Efforts

ROUND ROCK, Texas – One state, one team. The Round Rock Express launched specially designed t-shirts Thursday afternoon to raise money for Hurricane Harvey relief efforts. The heather blue shirts showcase the outline of the state of Texas with the organization’s One Team motto in line with the state.

The shirts are currently on-sale for $20 plus tax both online and in-person at the Railyard Team Store at Dell Diamond. Sizes run from small to XXL.

Following the loss of Express President Chris Almendarez’s wife Jana in the spring of 2016 to a glioblastoma, the Express rallied together and got behind the “One Team” motto as a showing of support. There is a pillar in the front office filled with focus words from each staff member and topped with the words “One Team” to serve as a reminder of that support system.

“As an organization, we know we must rely on and help each other to be the best we can be,” said Express General Manager Tim Jackson. “No matter our differences, we are all working for the same end goal as one cohesive unit. Following the devastation of Hurricane Harvey, Texans exemplified this by coming together to help each other out. Even those who were impacted are reaching out to others to see how they can help. Texans truly are rebuilding in the spirit of one team.”

All proceeds from the sale of the shirts will go directly to the Rebuild Texas Fund, headed up by the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation. They are focused on helping people in their time of greatest need and also addressing the long-term rebuilding effort in South Texas.

For more information on the Express, visit www.RoundRockExpress.com or call (512) 255-2255. Keep up with the Express on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter!

Clearwater Parks and Rec. with Phillies Florida Serve Lunch After Hurricane Irma

The City of Clearwater Parks and Rec along with Phillies Florida Operations, fed hundreds of city employees and emergency volunteers lunch this week at Spectrum Field during the recovery from Hurricane Irma.

The Phillies had the inventory available at the park and the city provided volunteers to assist. Many of the people enjoying a warm hamburger or hot dog were without power at home themselves.

During times of need in our community, the Phillies are grateful to work with such amazing partners like the City of Clearwater and are thankful for the safety of the families in our organization.

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