ACES TO HOST BABY JAYLIN IN ST. MARY’S “HOME RUN FOR LIFE” CEREMONY

RENO, Nev. – The Reno Aces will host Saint Mary’s “Home Run for Life” ceremony, featuring Dr. Bayo Curry-Winchell, director of Saint Mary’s Urgent Care, and her newborn baby daughter Jaylin, who was born with a rare heart defect. The ceremony will occur on Friday, June 23 when the Aces take on the Tacoma Rainiers at 7:05 p.m. at Greater Nevada Field.

Since 2014, the Aces and Saint Mary’s have been partnered to showcase the “Home Run for Life” program. Once a month, a brave individual in the Northern Nevada community is honored by taking a ceremonial trip around the bases with each team lining the baselines. The ceremony tells the story of a battle against adversity. Individuals honored have overcome or are battling a significant medical event in their life with the help of St. Mary’s personnel.

Anxious for the arrival of a new baby girl to her family, Dr. Curry-Winchell assumed she would be born without any health-related issues, just like her first child. However, shortly after delivery, newborn baby Jaylin received the diagnosis of a rare heart defect that is essentially a “door” between her right to left atrium.

Hearing ‘your daughter has a heart defect’ isn’t something that Dr. Curry-Winchell expected to hear after delivering her second child. Jaylin’s cardiac defect was initially found due to a standard recommendation to evaluate for cardiac disease based on Dr. Curry-Winchell’s history of lupus and a clotting disorder.

A recent follow-up appointment revealed that the defect is still present in Jaylin, which will require additional monitoring. Despite Jaylin’s current condition, life still operates as normal as possible for Dr. Curry-Winchell and her family. She highly advocates individuals to know their family history and obtain health screens based on that information. Because of Jaylin’s diagnosis, she plans to raise both her children to know what it means to be heart-healthy.

Dr. Curry-Winchell and Baby Jaylin will round the bases commemorating her “Home Run for Life” in the middle of the second inning Friday night. The Reno Aces and Tacoma Rainiers players and staff will be lined up along each baseline to greet both of them as they make their way toward home plate while her story of is publicly announced to the stadium crowd.

Greater Nevada Field gates open at 6:05 p.m. on Friday, June 23. Tickets are on-sale now at www.renoaces.com or by calling (775) 334-4700. Follow the club all season long on Twitter (@Aces) or like the team on Facebook.

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

Timber Rattlers to Hold Online Auctions for Game-Worn Items

GRAND CHUTE, WI – The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers are trying something different to help raise money for their Charity Foundation. The players and coaches on the team will wear special jerseys during three games on their eight-game homestand that begins on Thursday. These items will be available for bid on www.timberrattlersauctions.com.

The first auction will be for the Star Wars™-themed jersey for Star Wars Night on Saturday, June 24. The auction has started and will be live until 8:30pm on Saturday night. Proceeds from this auction will go to Make-A-Wish Wisconsin.

The second auction will include the military-themed hats and jerseys for Military Appreciation Day on Sunday, June 25. This auction has also started and will be live until 3:00pm on Sunday. Money raised from this auction will benefit the Fox Valley Veterans Council, Inc.

The final auction of the homestand will be for the Cow-Patterned jerseys that will be worn for Salute to Cows Night on Thursday, June 29. This auction will begin on at 9:00am on Tuesday, June 27 and will end at 9:00pm on June 29. Proceeds from this auction will benefit the Freedom Food Pantry.

Tickets for June 24, June 25, and June 29 are available online, over the phone at (920) 733-4152 or (800) WI-TIMBER, or in person. The Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium Box Office is open from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm Monday through Friday and Saturdays from 10:00 am to 3:00pm.

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

OBI All-American Blood Drive Saturday in Bricktown

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Dodgers will team up with the Oklahoma Blood Institute to host the All-American Blood Drive from 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

The All-American Blood Drive aims to boost the supply of blood available in the state of Oklahoma in preparation for Independence Day weekend, as holidays often put stress on the area’s blood reserve.

All healthy adults age 16* and older who donate blood during the drive will receive two tickets to an upcoming 2017 OKC Dodgers game at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, and 125 donors will have the opportunity to select tickets to the Dodgers’ July 4 game against the Iowa Cubs. First-time donors will be entered in a raffle for a VIP experience with the OKC Dodgers, including four all-inclusive club tickets.

“Each summer the All-American Blood Drive helps maintain the necessary blood supply for our state during a busy time of year,” OKC Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes said. “We are grateful for everyone who comes out to donate and want to have them return to the ballpark and enjoy a game this season as a thank you for their generosity.”

Hot dogs will be served throughout the blood drive and free parking will be available for donors Saturday in the Joe Carter Lot, located just east of the ballpark at the corner of East Reno Avenue and Joe Carter Avenue. A golf cart will be available to shuttle donors back to the parking lot from the donation site along South Mickey Mantle Drive.

Oklahoma Blood Institute is the ninth-largest non-profit blood center in America and employs nearly 800 Oklahomans. OBI works with an estimated 1,000 volunteers and 2,600 blood drive coordinators. OBI donors provide blood utilized in more than 160 medical facilities in Oklahoma.

The Dodgers open a home series tonight against the Nashville Sounds starting at 5:35 p.m. with the conclusion of a suspended game from April 21. The game will resume in the eighth inning tied, 1-1. The regularly scheduled game will then follow. Both games fall on a $2 Thursday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, featuring $2 soda, bottled water and beer from a line of Pepsi and Budweiser products.

First pitch for Friday night’s game is 7:05 p.m. and gates open at 6 p.m. The first 2,000 fans through the gates will receive a pair of OKC Dodgers socks, presented by Topgolf. Fireworks are scheduled to follow the game. The series continues with a 7:05 p.m. game against the Sounds Saturday and then concludes at 2:05 p.m. on a Chaparral Energy Family Sunday, offering family friendly activities throughout the afternoon, including pregame player autographs and kids can run the bases after the game.

Tickets are available through the OKC Dodgers box office on South Mickey Mantle Drive, by calling (405) 218-1000, or ordering through okcdodgers.com.

*Donors age 16 must weigh at least 125 pounds and provide signed parental permission. Donors age 17 must weigh at least 125 pounds, while donors age 18 must weigh at least 110 pounds.

Baby Cakes, EJGH team up for Scalise blood drive

East Jefferson General Hospital (EJGH) and the New Orleans Baby Cakes are joining forces for a blood drive benefiting U.S. Representative Steve Scalise this Saturday, June 24, at the EJGH Blood Center from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Those who wish to donate a pint of blood will receive a voucher for two (2) tickets to the July 8th Baby Cakes’ game against the Oklahoma City Dodgers at the Shrine on Airline.

“This is an important opportunity for our community,” said EJGH President and CEO Gerald Parton. “Representative Scalise has always put Jefferson Parish and the state of Louisiana first. It’s important that we give back to him during his time of need.”

“The Baby Cakes are proud to partner with EJGH on this important initiative,” added Cookie Rojas, Baby Cakes General Manager. “This community always comes together in difficult times, and this is a wonderful way to show our support for Representative Scalise.”

Scalise represents the 1st Congressional District of Louisiana, encompassing the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain to the area south to the Mississippi River delta. The Archbishop Rummel and LSU graduate, who serves as the House Majority Whip, was injured in a shooting on June 14, while practicing for the annual congressional baseball game. He remains hospitalized at the Medstar Washington Hospital Center in Virginia.

The EJGH Blood Center is located on the second floor of the Domino Pavilion on the hospital’s main campus, located at 4200 Houma Blvd. in Metairie and can be reached by calling 504-503-5691. Convenient parking is available in the Hudson Garage, adjacent to the Domino Pavilion. Appointments are not necessary but encouraged for convenience.

PawSox to Refurbish Fairlawn Little League’s Deluca Field at Nathanael Greene Elementary

The PawSox and the City of Pawtucket will partner with Infielder Mike Miller and “More than a Game,” to refurbish Fairlawn Little League’s Deluca Field at Nathanael Greene Elementary next month. In addition to fixing up the baseball diamond, the club will present a free youth clinic on July 11, the day of Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game.

“More Than a Game” is an organization that constructs fields, donates equipment, and presents clinics in various communities. Miller has worked extensively with the organization during off-seasons in his home state of California.

Led by Miller, PawSox players and More Than a Game staff members will fix up the field on Monday, July 10, then present a free youth baseball clinic at Deluca Field on Tuesday July 11 from 11 am-1 pm. Food and refreshments will be provided to participants in the clinic.

“We are so grateful for our partnership with the Pawtucket Red Sox, an organization that places a high emphasis on service to their community,” said Marshall Murray, CEO of More Than a Game. “We hope our combined resources will empower athletes to do more in Pawtucket and the surrounding region, and we look forward to an impactful collaboration.”

“We would like to see more children participate in Pawtucket’s Fairlawn Little League,” said Joe Bradlee, the PawSox’ Director of Communications & Community Relations. “As Rhode Island’s professional baseball team, we hope we can help ensure that this field is attractive, welcoming, and safe.”

“More Than a Game has given me a platform as a professional athlete to give my time and energy to communities that are underserved,” Miller said. “To be able to work with both MTAG and the PawSox, two amazing organizations, gives me an opportunity to reach out to many kids who share my passion of baseball and develop key relationships within those communities.”

“Thank you to Mike Miller, More Than a Game, the PawSox, and the players for their donation and for volunteering their time,” said Pawtucket Mayor Donald R. Grebien. “The clinic is a great opportunity for our kids to learn the great game of baseball from some of the best players in the league. We appreciate the PawSox for their commitment to the City and its youth organizations.”

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

Jersey auction benefiting The Miracle League of the Triangle

The Mudcats players and field staff all wore special “Double Dare” themed game jerseys for 90s Nickelodeon Night on Saturday, June 17 at Five County Stadium.

Fans can now own those same, one-of-a-kind, game worn and autographed jerseys as they are currently available via online auction at http://auctions.carolinamudcats.com. The net proceeds of the online jersey auction will benefit the Miracle League of the Triangle.

The Miracle League of the Triangle exists to create positive life experiences for children and adults with special needs and for their families through baseball. Established in 2004, the Miracle League of the Triangle serves nearly 400 players with specials needs each year, across 30 teams.

Each jersey will arrive accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.

The jersey auction will end on June 25, 2017 at 7:59 PM ET.

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

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Military Appreciation Night June 22

CORPUS CHRISTI – Hooks Camo Flag Caps to the first 1,500 fans from the Outlets at Corpus Christi Bay kick off the team’s annual Military Appreciation Night Thursday, June 22.

Whataburger Field gates open at 5:35 p.m., with first pitch vs. the Frisco RoughRiders scheduled for 7:05.

“The Outlets at Corpus Christi Bay are honored to partner with the Hooks for this opportunity to express gratitude to our service men and women, both active-duty and retired,” Marketing Director and Specialty Leasing Coordinator Kimberly Perez said. “Their contributions to our safety, freedom, and quality of life are immensely appreciated and we thank them.”

“We recognize current and former military members at games each night, but Thursday’s tribute enables us to go even deeper in demonstrating our appreciation for their sacrifices,” Hooks President Ken Schrom said.

In addition to Thursday’s giveaway, military service members receive discounted tickets at the box office upon presentation of ID. An appearance by Skydive South Texas, a U.S. Navy re-enlistment, and Patriot Riders presence highlight the pregame ceremonies.

The National Anthem will be performed by Marisol Castaneda.

Also Thursday, Stripes presents Thirsty Thursday, with discounted soda and beer.

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

June 23: Puppy Rescue Mission Comes to Whataburger Field

CORPUS CHRISTI – This Friday, the Corpus Christi Hooks and their fans have a unique opportunity to bless U.S. military service men and women and stray dogs and cats worldwide through the Puppy Rescue Mission’s Mystery Ball Fundraiser.

“The Puppy Rescue Mission builds on the bond our soldiers, sailors, and officers have already established with stray animals when deployed to war zones and impoverished countries,” Hooks Director of Fan Engagement JD Davis explained. “Our military personnel love and care for the cats and dogs, and their four-legged friends reciprocate with love, comfort, and encouragement during what can be extremely perilous circumstances. Many formerly deployed military members desire to give the strays forever homes. That’s the purpose of Puppy Rescue Mission.”

To raise much-needed funding for the non-profit, Jill Borkowski, wife of Hooks pitching coach Dave Borkowski, is coordinating the sale of “Mystery Balls” on the Whataburger Field concourse this Friday before and during the Corpus Christi-Frisco game at 7:05. Bags containing autographed “Mystery Balls” cost $20 each. Inside, contributors to the Puppy Rescue Mission will find an official Major League or Texas League baseball signed by a past or present Hooks player, Astros player, Hall-of-Famer (Jeff Bagwell or Craig Biggio), or MLB star.

Autographed “Mystery Balls” for sale on Friday include:

Jose Altuve

Jeff Bagwell

Carlos Beltran

Craig Biggio

Adam Everett

Dallas Keuchel

Brian McCann

Lance McCullers

George Springer

Mark Buehrle

Adrian Beltre

Nomar Mazara

Yu Darvish

Elvis Andrus

Joey Gallo

Rougned Odor

Rogelio Armenteros

J.D. Davis

Jacob Dorris

Drew Ferguson

Jack Mayfield

Antonio Nunez

Jon Singleton

Cy Sneed

Garrett Stubbs

Kyle Tucker

The Puppy Rescue Mission is a Texas-based non-profit making it possible for our brave service men and women to bring their “battle buddies” home. The Puppy Rescue Mission currently has over 40 rescues in the works at an average cost of $2,500 to $3,500 per animal.

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

PawSox Introduce First Four “Academic All-Stars”

The Pawtucket Red Sox tonight introduced the first four selectees to the “PawSox Academic All-Stars” program before the opener of their twin-bill at McCoy Stadium.

The program puts the spotlight on one middle school student from each of Rhode Island’s 39 cities and towns. The children are selected by educators based on academics, citizenship, and character.

“We welcome the opportunity to recognize young people throughout the state who are succeeding in school and contributing to their communities,” said PawSox President Dr. Charles A. Steinberg. “Teachers remind us that a small gesture from the community’s baseball team can have a large impact on a child’s self-esteem, particularly in middle school. We hope their moment in the spotlight-or in the sunlight-is a source of pride for their students, their friends, and their families.”

In pre-game ceremonies, each threw a Ceremonial First Pitch, and each received an authentic baseball bat engraved with their name. Each also receives a host of gift certificates from the PawSox and their sponsors.

The first four students were from Burrillville, Coventry, Newport, and Woonsocket.

The first four students were Ever Gallo, a 12-year-old 6th grader from Burrillville Middle School, and three 14-year-old 8th graders: Allison Abbruzzese of Feinstein Middle School in Coventry; Gavin Crowley of Thompson Middle School in Newport; and Andrew Simonini from Woonsocket Middle School at Villa Nova.

“It is important that our community recognizes promising students who are making an effort to better themselves and the lives around them,” said PawSox Senior Vice President/Club Counsel Kim Miner, who oversees the PawSox Foundation. “That is why these students we have sought value scholarship, citizenship, and character.”

The club will continue to recognize “PawSox Academic All-Stars” throughout the season. Educators seeking more information can find it at pawsox.com or by calling the PawSox, 401-724-7300.

The PawSox Academic All-Stars is the club’s second major community initiative in the area of education. Last November, the club introduced its PawSox Scholars program, in which two 8th-graders, one from Pawtucket and one from neighboring Central Falls, receive a college scholarship of $10,000 from the PawSox Foundaton.

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

RailRiders Announce HOPE Week Activities

Moosic, Pa. – What began as an ode to the parent club and the community has turned into an annual tradition in NEPA. The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Triple-A/New York Yankees) are proud to announce that beginning on Monday, June 19, the RailRiders will join the New York Yankees in support of HOPE (Helping Others Persevere and Excel) Week 2017, a unique week-long communal program that brings to light extraordinary stories intended to inspire individuals into action in their own communities.

Initiated in 2009 and now in its eighth campaign in NEPA, HOPE Week is rooted in the fundamental belief that acts of goodwill provide hope and encouragement to more than just the recipient of the gesture. Each day from Monday, June 19, through Sunday, June 25, members of the RailRiders front office staff or club will reach out personally to connect with an organization, cause or individual. 2017 marks the sixth straight year that each of the Yankees’ six U.S.-based affiliates will participate in the program, making the initiative one that the entire organization proudly stands behind.

“Being a part of the Yankees family is special. HOPE Week is one of the unbelievable programs that solidifies the ‘Yankee way’ and how important it is to impact your community,” said RailRiders Team Pesident/COO Josh Olerud.

On Monday, June 19, will hold a special meet and greet between SWB players and military veterans. Local veterans from St. Francis Commons Veterans Program in Scranton will receive tickets to the game and will have a special meet and greet with players at the field before the game. These veteran groups in attendance will receive special recognition during the Hometown Heroes in-game announcement.

From 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 20, players, coaches and front office staff will help box up meals for the Commission on Economic Opportunity’s “Senior Box Program” at the Weinberg Northeast Regional Foodbank in Pittston, PA. The CEO’s “Senior Box Program” provides meals to over 2,000 senior citizens in the area every month.

Wednesday, June 21, will feature a visit to the Janet Weis Children’s Unit at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Hospital. Players, coaches, front office staff, and CHAMP will visit the patients in the Children’s Unit of the Geisinger Wyoming Valley Hospital from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The visit will include reading to and visiting with the kids, coloring CHAMP and other fun pages and each child will get a special gift to keep. During the game, autographed memorabilia will be auctioned off and the proceeds will be given to the Ronald McDonald House of Scranton towards their efforts to support families of children who are in the hospitals in the local Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area.

RailRiders players will make a special visit on Thursday, June 22, to see a local Nanticoke area high school senior varsity baseball player, Aaron Kreitzer, who is in the hospital battling leukemia. Kreitzer will also be presented with his own custom RailRiders jersey. Since his diagnosis, Kreitzer’s high school baseball team, fellow students, and the whole Greater Nanticoke area community have rallied around him and his family throwing charity softball tournaments and fundraising benefits.

SWB will kick-off their annual RailRiders Vs. Cancer fundraiser on Friday, June 23. Fans will be informed of the fundraiser, the date of the head shaving will be announced, and past year’s fundraising campaign success will be highlighted. The RailRiders will also get to choose a local pediatric cancer program to receive half of the funds raised in this season’s campaign. Fans at the ballpark will be given the team fundraising website information.

From 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 24, players, coaches and staff will volunteer with Habitat for Humanity. They will put the finishing touches on a home in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., for a low-income family to purchase in July. The Wyoming Valley Habitat for Humanity restored the home for a single mother and her five-year-old daughter.

The team will wrap up their HOPE Week on Sunday, June 25, by participating in Minor League Baseball’s Joe Torre “Safe at Home” Domestic Violence Awareness Initiative. MiLB Charities has teamed up with the Joe Torre “Safe at Home” Foundation to raise awareness for domestic violence and educate fans about the resources available to help those in need. The first 500 fans at the game will receive Topps Card Sets featuring MLB veterans and top prospects and a signed Joe Torre Baseball will be raffled or auctioned off for the charity of our choosing. A representative from the Joe Torre Foundation will also be in attendance.

Our Community Organization of the Game will be the Mary Kay Foundation whose mission is to serve and support women with cancer and women and children affected by domestic violence. The Mary Kay Foundation will be selling their t-shirts during the game to raise money for their local programs. There will also be a “supply” drive (Items such as hygiene products, diapers, baby food and formula, school supplies, bus tickets and a no-longer used cell phone can make an important difference).

HOPE Week is just a part of the RailRiders’ community outreach this season, and the RailRiders look forward to continuing their involvement both during and after HOPE Week. Any inquiries regarding the weeklong festivities should be directed to RailRiders director of community relations Jordan Maydole by calling 570-969-2255 (ext. 3140) or by e-mailing jmaydole@swbrailriders.com.

The 2016 Gildan Triple-A National Champion RailRiders hit the road for four games in three days against the Buffalo Bisons (Toronto Blue Jays) beginning Friday, June 16. First pitch at Coca-Cola Field is set for 7:05 p.m. The boys of SWB return home on Monday, June 19, against the Syracuse Chiefs (Washington Nationals). Every Monday home game at PNC Field is Dollar Dog Night, presented by the Times-Tribune. For tickets or more information, please call 570-969-BALL (2255) or visit swbrailriders.com.

– SWB RailRiders Baseball – The Place to Be! –

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

Swing For a Cure Set to Return June 23rd

The Hillcats will have everyone wearing pink on Friday, June 23rd at 6:30 p.m. with their 11th Annual “Swing For A Cure” Breast Cancer Awareness Night presented by Centra’s Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center! Proceeds from this event will benefit the Susan G. Komen For the Cure Foundation.

The first 1,000 fans through the gates at 5:30 p.m. will receive a free pink commemorative t-shirt! All Hillcats players will don pink commemorative jerseys which will then be up for bid during a silent auction during the game. Fans will also have the chance to make a donation at the Box Office that night.

It’s estimated that there will be over 230,000 reported new cases of invasive breast cancer in the United States in 2017 and as many as 1 in 800 women in Virginia alone, may be diagnosed each year. The Susan G. Komen Foundation was created in 1982 by Komen’s sister and has since raised $2.5 billion for research, treatments, and support for survivors.

The Hillcats would like to thank the following sponsors of the Swing For A Cure for their support and donations: Centra Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center as the title sponsor; ABC 13; Apple Ford of Lynchburg; Central Virginia Imaging; Central Virginia Oral and Facial Surgery; Dr. Kim Combs; Flowers Baking Company; Heartland Lynchburg; Hedges Insurance; High Peak Sportswear; Johnson Health Center; 105.5 KD Country; Lynchburg Gynecology; Medical Associates of Central Virginia; Pathology Consultants; Peery Family Dentistry; Physicians Treatment Center; Piedmont Community Health Plan; 97.9 FM The Planet / Oldies 103.9 & 106.9 FM / 93.7 KHF; Rob Bass, MD | Clinton Beverly, MD | John Guglielmetti, MD | Peter Ploch, MD; WIQO / ESPN Radio; WJJS / STEVE FM / WYYD; and Women’s Health Services of Central Virginia.

To purchase tickets to the “Swing For A Cure” Breast Cancer Awareness Night or any other game, fans can call the box office at (434) 528-1144 or go online. Ticket purchases can also be made in person at the Lynchburg City Stadium Ticket Office (Mon-Fri, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.)

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

Ninth Annual Peanut Free Nights for Rattlers Games on June 22 and 23

GRAND CHUTE, WI – The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers will hold two Peanut Free Nights at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium when they open the second half of their home schedule on Thursday, June 22 and Friday, June 23. This is the ninth season in a row in which the Midwest League affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers have held at least one Peanut Free Night to allow fans with peanut allergies the opportunity to attend games.

Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium will have no peanuts, peanut butter, or peanut based products to allow fans with peanut allergies a chance to enjoy the Timber Rattlers games against the Kane County Cougars. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05pm on both nights.

The stadium will be cleaned and rinsed before the events to remove as much peanut residue from the seats, the concourse, and other areas in the ballpark as possible. Even though peanuts and products made with nuts or peanut oil will not be sold, the Timber Rattlers cannot guarantee that all peanut residues will be out of the ballpark. However, every effort will be made for a peanut-free environment.

In addition to the Peanut Free Nights, there are big promotions scheduled for both games.

The game on June 22 is Dinosaur Night. Buddy from the PBS Kids’ show Dinosaur Train will be at the game to meet with his fans. Rocco the T-Rex is going to be at the game, too. Additionally, Wisconsin-Oshkosh paleontologist Dr. Joseph Peterson will have fossils and photos from his dig sites for you to see. There are also plans for some other prehistoric surprises for fans both young and young-at-heart.   Additionally, this game is a Craft Brews and Brats Thursday presented by Wisconsin Brewing Company, Badger Club Amber, Fox River Brewing Company, and Y100 with 12-ounce craft beers and Cher-Make brats available for $2.

Minion Night presented by EdVest Wisconsin College Savings Plan and North Shore Bank is set for June 23. There will be a few happy henchmen to welcome everyone to the ballpark and a Minion-themed giveaway for the first 1,000 fans. After the game there will be a fireworks display courtesy of FOX 11 and after the fireworks children 14 and under may participate in Kids Run the Bases presented by Menasha Corporation. This night is also an Arty’s Old Fashioned Friday presented by WIXX with Arty’s Old Fashion drinks available for $3.

Tickets for Peanut Free Nights on June 22 and June 23 are available online, over the phone at (920) 733-4152 or (800) WI-TIMBER, or in person. The Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium Box Office is open from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm Monday through Friday and Saturdays from 10:00 am to 3:00pm.

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

Baseballtown Charities Breaks Ground on Savage 61 Dream Field

(Reading, Pa) – On Wednesday, June 14th at 4:30 p.m., Baseballtown Charities and their distinguished guests broke ground on the Savage 61 Dream Field at the Relevant Sports Complex. The Savage 61 Dream Field is the first baseball field in Berks County that is designed specifically for children with physical and developmental challenges.

Distinguished guests such as Tim Profit of Savage 61 Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Chris Kaag of IM Able Foundation, Pennsylvania State Senator Judy Schwank along with President of Baseballtown Charities Chuck Domino and Vice President of Baseballtown Charities Scott Hunsicker all spoke on behalf of the Savage 61 Dream Field.

Future Dream League players Jonny Ortiz, Tyler Hartman, Mya Haddock, Scott Palmer, Kyle Wolf joined President of Baseballtown Charities Chuck Domino, Vice President of Baseballtown Charities Scott Hunsicker, Jim Leupold of the Baseballtown Dream League, Tim Profit of Savage 61 Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Chris Kaag of IM Able Foundation and Screwball of the Reading Fightin Phils in the groundbreaking by shoveling dirt to officially get the field construction underway.

The Savage 61 Dream Field was announced in October of 2016 at the Diamonds and Dreams Dinner event hosted by the Reading Fightin Phils at First Energy Stadium.

IM ABLE Foundation and Baseball Charities announced a partnership in January of 2017 to build an adaptive playground at the new Savage 61 Dream Field. 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 will continue to raise funds to support the Baseballtown Dream League complex. Baseball town is also recruiting community members to serve as volunteer “angels” to assist Dream League players at every game.

Parents and community members interested in signing up children, volunteering or donating can email Baseballtown Charities at baseballtown@fightins.com for more information.

About Baseballtown Charities’ Dream League

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. The Savage 61 Field of Dreams will be constructed at Relevant Sports Complex in Temple, Pa. 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.

America’s Classic Ballpark is proud to be a part of Pennsylvania’s Americana Region. Season tickets for the 2017 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.

Legends help honor ‘Phenomenal Father’ David Cozart of Fayette County Fatherhood Initiative on the TODAY Show

WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK (Lexington, KY) – The Lexington Legends are extremely proud to announce that at 10:30am June 15, 2017, in honor of Father’s Day, Fayette County Fatherhood Initiative Director David Cozart was recognized as a ‘Phenomenal Father’ on the TODAY Show with Kathie Lee and Hoda.

The Lexington Legends were a part of this on-air recognition by providing David with fifty tickets to the fathers and children that David helps mentor through FCFI, so they can enjoy a night at Whitaker Bank Ballpark. David will also be receiving a night in a Luxury Suite for him and his family, recognized on-field at a game and will receive the Ultimate Legendary Experience, which includes a personalized Legends jersey!

“David is doing amazing work for our community. His impact is far reaching and has changed the lives of many fathers and their children. I am truly proud to call him a friend, as he has also helped guide me as a mentor for youth in our community.” states Andy Shea, Legends President & CEO.

The Legends continue to extend their congratulations to David for this remarkable accomplishment for all his good work and for what Fayette Co. Fatherhood Initiative does for our community.

VIDEO LINK from The TODAY Show: http://www.today.com/video/meet-the-phenomenal-father-who-teaches-men-to-be-responsible-dads-968109123734

For more information, contact Sarah Bosso at sbosso@lexingtonlegends.com or 859 422-7855. The Legends, a Single-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and a member of the South Atlantic League, continue their homestand through Sunday, June 18 at Whitaker Bank Ballpark against the Asheville Tourists and Hagerstown Suns. For ticket information, call (859) 422-7867 or visit lexingtonlegends.com.

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

First Federal Credit Union & Cedar Rapids Kernels present HomeRun for Hunger

Cedar Rapids, IA – First Federal Credit Union and the Cedar Rapids Kernels have created the HomeRun for Hunger program, a collaborative initiative to support the Hawkeye Area Community Action Program (HACAP) Food Reservoir. Working together, volunteer employees will gather fresh food donations at the conclusion of each Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers’ Market where items will then be donated to the HACAP Food Reservoir (our community food bank distributing food to the 12.2% food insecure in our area through 114 non-profit organizations and a variety of programs).

HomeRun for Hunger volunteers from First Federal Credit Union and the Cedar Rapids Kernels will pick up acceptable food donations from vendors near the end of each Downtown Farmers’ Market. These volunteers will be wearing “Home Run for Hunger” t-shirts and will have wagons to transport donated items. All donated items will be taken to the on-site HACAP Mobile Food Pantry truck and delivered to the food reservoir that serves Linn and six surrounding counties.

“We are pleased to bring the HomeRun for Hunger program to the Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers’ Market”, stated First Federal Credit Union CEO Tom Chalstrom. “Working with the Cedar Rapids Kernels, together we can provide the resources to commit to making Home Run for Hunger a program that will make a difference for families that use HACAP’s programs”.

Ryne George, Community Relations Manager for the Cedar Rapids Kernels added, “The HomeRun for Hunger program is another means by which our team, our employees and our fans can help make our community a better place. We are looking forward to making this program an important resource for HACAP’s food bank”.

Linda Gorkow from the HACAP Food Reservoir remarked, “We are so appreciative of the time, resources and effort that First Federal and the Kernels have given to create the Home Run for Hunger program. The employees of both organizations are volunteering their time to ensure the program is a success. The vendors of the Downtown Farmers’ Market can help us alleviate hunger in the area by donating unsold food items that will make its way to the homes that most need it.”

The HACAP Food Reservoir is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and donations are tax deductible. Receipts will be available upon request.

Acceptable food donations include: All fresh fruits and vegetables, honey (with producer label), eggs, cans of food (proper labeling with ingredient labels), non-food items (personal care and home care items especially).

The following items cannot be accepted: home-canned items or preservatives, home-made baked items (must be prepared in professional kitchen with ingredient label, and no alcoholic beverages.

For more information please visit CRDowntownMarket.com.