Registration Open: Run Jimmy Run Charity 5K

A race that was born in the ballpark Jimmy built!

Sunday, July 16 is the 5th annual “Run Jimmy Run Charity 5K” at Coca-Cola Field, remembering Buffalo Baseball Hall of Famer Jimmy Griffin and raising important funds for the Alzheimer’s Association of WNY.

This unique race course highlights some of the beautiful sites in our city and ends in our downtown baseball park with a family oriented post-race lunch, party and ball game. The purpose of this race is to celebrate the life and accomplishments and charitable spirit of Mayor Jim Griffin through a fitness-oriented event designed for all ages.

CLICK HERE to register today!

SPECIAL EARLY REGISTRATION RAFFLE -If you register by June 16, you’ll be eligible to win the chance to throw out a ceremonial first pitch at a Bisons game (subject to availability) in the very ballpark that Mayor Griffin fought so hard to construct. The special early-registration raffle will also include four tickets to a Bisons game with four hot dogs, four Coca-Cola soft drinks and four Bisons caps.

If you register before the day of the race, it’s only $35 per person! ($40 day of registration). Registration includes a ticket to the Bisons game that day at 1:05 p.m. against the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, a commemorative t-shirt, a chip-timed bib, and a post-race party that will serve lunch, beer and pop.

All proceeds from the Run Jimmy Run go to the Alzheimer’s Association of WNY www.alz.org/wny and stay in Buffalo and Western New York. Here in WNY the Alzheimer’s Association is committed to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. The Run Jimmy Run is committed to provide funds to the ALZ of WNY for support of patient programs here in our community.Jimmy Griffin was the Mayor of Buffalo who passionately supported the Bisons franchise. He was instrumental in bringing professional baseball back to the Queen city in 1979 and was heavily involved in the construction of Coca-Cola Field in downtown Buffalo.

For more information, please visit RunJimmyRunCharity5K.com

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

Sky Sox to dedicate POW*MIA Chair at Security Service Field

The Colorado Springs Sky Sox, in conjunction with Rolling Thunder ®, Inc Chapter 1 out of Denver, will dedicate a POW*MIA Chair of Honor at Security Service Field prior to their 7:00 PM MDT game against the New Orleans on Friday, May 26. The chair will be the first of its kind in Colorado Springs and the first in a sports facility in Colorado.

The pre-game ceremony, which will begin at 6:45 PM MDT, will include a message from Mike Messenger, the President of Rolling Thunder®, Chapter 1 Colorado, the reading of names of POW*MIA veterans from the state of Colorado and the dedication of the POW*MIA Chair of Honor.

“The POW*MIA Chair of Honor represents a void left by all American Soldiers, Marines, Airman, Seaman still missing in action, from all wars and who cannot be here with us today”, said Mike Messenger, President Rolling Thunder Chapter 1 CO. “The Chair of Honor is a symbol of their sacrifice and serves as a reminder to all Americans that It was through their sacrifices that America remains free today. It is the mission of Rolling Thunder CO 1 and all of Rolling Thunder, to lobby Washington to continue their efforts to find them and bring them home. When ONE American is not worth the effort to be found, we as Americans have lost. We want to thank the Sky Sox organization for allowing us the opportunity to present to them and the community of Colorado Springs, the first POW*MIA Chair of Honor in Colorado.”

The Chair of Honor will be adorned with a plaque reading, “This unoccupied chair is in honor of those that are still Prisoners of War (POW) or Missing in Action (MIA), and symbolizes there will always be a place in this stadium awaiting their return. You will not be forgotten.”

“We are very proud to partner with Rolling Thunder to honor American POWs and soldiers missing in action with a permanent Chair of Honor at Security Service Field”, said Sky Sox President & General Manager Tony Ensor. “It’s through the sacrifices of these brave men and women throughout our history that we’re able to celebrate our National Pastime as freely as we do today. This seat signifies that they will always have a home in which to return in Colorado Springs and that their sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

About Rolling Thunder®, Inc.:

Incorporated in 1995, Rolling Thunder®, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt, non-profit organization made up mostly of military veterans including many who ride motorcycles, though neither qualification is a prerequisite. The major function of Rolling Thunder®, Inc. is to publicize the POW*MIA issue: To educate the public that many American Prisoners of War were left behind after all previous wars and to help correct the past and to protect the future Veterans from being left behind should they become Prisoners Of War-Missing In Action. They are committed to helping American Veterans from all wars. As a non-profit organization, everyone involved donates his or her time because they believe in the POW*MIA Issue.

The 2017 Sky Sox season is in full swing at Security Service Field. For ticket information, game schedule, promotions calendar or for additional information about the Sky Sox, call (719) 597-1449, visit SkySox.com, like us on Facebook or follow the team on Twitter at @skysox.

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

Lexington Legends Partner with Robbie Ross Jr.’s Mission 108

WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK (Lexington, KY) – The Lexington Legends are proud to partner with Robbie and Brittany Ross through their non-profit foundation Mission 108, a Human Rights organization focused on helping survivors of Human Trafficking and extreme poverty throughout the globe.

Robbie Ross Jr., a Lexington native and graduate of Lexington Christian Academy, is a current professional baseball pitcher for the Boston Red Sox organization. Robbie and his wife Brittany started Mission 108 in 2012 while working with underserved communities in Lexington. While traveling and exploring different cultures as an MLB family, they experienced firsthand the impact that modern day slavery and extreme poverty has on people throughout the globe. Robbie and Brittany realized that their mission needed to be centered on empowering the vulnerable and serving those affected by Human Trafficking.

Mission 108 came to the Legends through the Community Organization of the Night program, a free opportunity the Legends offer to non-profits throughout the region at every Legends home game, to provide a platform for those organizations to inform the public about their cause and good works. Mission 108 will be the Community Organization of the Night on Sunday, May 28, 2017.

In addition to hosting an informational table in the concourse, participating in a pregame on-field interview and on air radio interview during the game, the Lexington Legends and Mission 108 are holding a Mystery Autograph Baseball Grab Bag Event in the concourse during the Legends game on May 28, 2017 at 2:05pm when the Legends take on Tim Tebow and the Columbia Fireflies.

Autographed Baseballs will be available for $30.00 each and in unmarked numbered bags. Fans participating in the Grab Bag Event will have a chance at over 60 different baseballs autographed by Major League Baseball Players, Top Prospects in the Royals and Nationals organizations, former UK Basketball and Football players and Legends 2017 Team signed balls.  In order to participate in the Mystery Autograph Baseball Grab Bag Event, fans must have a ticket to the May 28, 2017 Legends game.

“Mission 108 is excited to combine our love for baseball with our passion for anti-human trafficking at this event. Funds raised from this mystery ball event go directly to those affected. It will be a great time, and we hope to see all of you there. Thank you for your support” states Brittany Ross, co-founder of Mission 108.

For more information, about Mission 108 visit www.mission108.com or about the Mystery Ball Grab Bag Event and Legends Community Organization of the Night, contact Jillian Waitkus at jwaitkus@lexingtonlegends.com or 859 422-7847. The Legends, a Class A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and a member of the South Atlantic League, return to Whitaker Bank Ballpark to face off against the Hickory Crawdads, an affiliate of the Texas Rangers, on May 23, 2017 at 7:05pm. For ticket information, call (859) 422-7867 or visit lexingtonlegends.com.

Sea Dogs Offer Military Members Free Tickets on Memorial Day

This Memorial Day the Portland Sea Dogs will host the Trenton Thunder (Yankees) at Hadlock Field at 1:00 PM. As part of our Memorial Day game, the Sea Dogs are offering two complimentary tickets to the game to anyone who is serving or has served in the military. The offer is good for as long as supplies last. Simply complete the form below to reserve your tickets.

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

South Bend Cubs Go to Bat Against Hunger and Honor our Fallen Heroes

SOUTH BEND, IN – The South Bend Cubs, in conjunction with Express Employment Professionals, are proud to host a collection for the Food Bank of Northern Indiana, during the Memorial Day weekend four-game homestand. The Cubs are asking all fans coming to the games to donate non-perishable food items and placing them in the orange barrels located inside all gates at Four Winds Field.

“The entire Express Employment Professionals team is thrilled that the South Bend Cubs have said ‘Yes’ to fighting hunger by hosting the Food Bank’s orange collection barrels at all gates for the upcoming home games,” said Norm Robertson, franchise owner of Express. “We know that the generosity of our community is unparalleled when it comes to helping others in need.”

Along with the food drive over the holiday weekend, the South Bend Cubs and Express Employment Professionals are providing all active duty military and veterans with two free tickets the games on Sunday, May 28 and Monday, May 29 at Four Winds Field.

“Although a solemn day of reflection in remembrance of the multitude of men and women who have lost their lives in the defense of our country, Memorial Day also reminds us of the resilience of our constitutional republic, and how we are always the first to grab the flag and lead others in the direction of all peoples yearning to breathe free,” said Express Employment Professionals Director of Marketing Greg Mackey. “Express Employment Professionals is honored to sponsor Military Appreciation Days on behalf of our active-duty military personnel and our veterans and in partnership with Andrew Berlin, Joe Hart, and this great South Bend Cubs organization!”

“Every year, we are honored to partner with Express Employment Professionals to give back to our local veterans and those who are on active duty in the military as a small way to say thank you for your service,” said South Bend Cubs President Joe Hart. “The collection for the Food Bank of Northern Indiana is a great addition to this weekend of giving back. We encourage our fans to bring non-perishable food items to join us in the fight against hunger.”

In order to receive the two free tickets, all active duty personnel and veterans must visit the South Bend Cubs Box Office and show a form of military ID. This offer is not available over the phone or online. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Should either game sell out, lawn tickets will be provided.

Sunday’s game has a special first pitch time of 7:05 p.m. with gates opening at 5:00 p.m. with fireworks after the game. Monday’s game has a scheduled first pitch at 2:05 p.m. and gates open at 1:00 p.m.

The South Bend Cubs are one of over 150 area volunteer organizations helping to fight hunger and food insecurity this summer with the North-Central Indiana offices of Express Employment Professionals, as a part of Express’s “Brand It Blue” food drive campaign.

About Express Employment Professionals:

Express Employment Professionals is a leading workforce staffing provider in the U.S., Canada and South Africa. Founded in 1983, Express Employment Professionals has nearly 800 franchise locations, including three franchise offices covering a six county area and located in Mishawaka, Elkhart, and Warsaw, in North-Central Indiana. Express specializes in the placement of job-seekers with employers for commercial, administrative, skilled trades, and professional positions.

About the South Bend Cubs

The South Bend Cubs are the Class A minor league affiliate of the World Series Champion Chicago Cubs. Over the past 29 seasons, the team has won five Midwest League titles, most recently in 2005, and has captured 12 division titles. In 2015, the team was named Ballpark Digest‘s Team of the Year and received the John H. Johnson President’s Award, the highest award in minor league baseball. The team is owned and operated by Swing-Batter-Swing, LLC whose sole shareholder is Andrew T. Berlin of Chicago, Ill.

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

Bookmarks to be honored at BB&T Ballpark

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (May 22, 2017) – The Winston-Salem Dash are proud to announce that Bookmarks is the 2017 Charity Partner. The Dash will honor Bookmarks on Monday, May 29, during their 2 p.m. game against the Down East Wood Ducks at BB&T Ballpark.

Bookmarks is a literary arts nonprofit organization that fosters a love of reading and writing in the community. Their programming connects readers with authors and books and is achieved through the largest annual book festival in North and South Carolina, an Authors in Schools program, which reaches 7,500 students annually, and year-round events in their gathering space and nonprofit independent bookstore. Visit bookmarksnc.org for more information.

The Dash’s Charity Partner benefits from the proceeds of the club’s Commemorative Brick Program, through which fans can purchase engraved bricks that are installed outside of BB&T Ballpark’s main gates beyond right-center field. Bookmarks will also receive deliverables equivalent to a Dominant-level partner to spread its message to Dash fans all season long. Here is a list of the Dash’s past charity partners:

2010: Brenner Children’s Hospital
2011: Centers for Exceptional Children
2012: Ronald McDonald House of Winston-Salem
2013: Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County
2014: Senior Services
2015: The Shalom Project of Winston-Salem
2016: Veterans Helping Veterans Heal (VHVH)

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

Generals To Host Two Baseball Camps

Jackson, Tenn. – Once again, the Jackson Generals are proud to host a pair of summer baseball camps for children throughout West Tennessee to learn from the pros! Players will serve as instructors both for the one-day Baseball Camp June 23 and for the two-day Skills Camp July 27 and 28!

Both camps will offer the opportunity to learn the game from the best, with the two-day Skills Camp giving kids more time to hone their skills! The first camp will be the morning of Thursday, June 23 from 9:00 am to noon just after the All-Star Break. For just $55, children can participate in the three-hour camp with Generals players. Also included is a sack lunch, a camp t-shirt, an autograph session and a free general admission ticket to that night’s game versus Jacksonville!

The two-day Skills Camp will take place Thursday, July 27 and Friday, July 28 at The Ballpark! Children ages 9 to 14 will take part in more advanced drills over two days, with the sessions going from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm. Included in the experience is an exclusive camp t-shirt, an autograph session, a sack lunch both days along with both a ticket and food passport for the July 28 game versus Mobile! Skills Camp is just $130 for the first child, and $120 for any additional camper. Teams of nine or more can get the group rate of only $60 per camper!

Registration for both camps is open now. Fill out forms for the one-day Baseball Camp or the two-day Skills Camp and return them to The Ballpark at Jackson. For more information, contact Kate Lentz with the Generals at klentz@jacksongeneralsbaseball.com or by calling the team at (731) 988.5299.

Make sure to get your tickets now to see the 20th season of professional baseball in Jackson, and the first for the team as an affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks! Call the team at (731) 988.5299, stop by The Ballpark or go online to jacksongeneralsbaseball.com to secure your seats now!

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

Alex Hilgeford Celebrates Home Run for Life May 31

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Dayton Dragons will host 14-year-old Alex Hilgeford during the unique Anthem Home Run for Life program on Wednesday, May 31, at 7:00 p.m., when the Dayton Dragons take on the South Bend Cubs at Fifth Third Field.

The Anthem Home Run for Life program provides children in the Dayton region who are battling serious medical conditions with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Each honoree gets to take a lap around the bases at Fifth Third Field during a sold-out Dragons home game while the crowd cheers them on.

Alex’s Story

Alex Hilgeford is an active 8th grader at St. Helen’s Catholic School. He spends his time camping, fishing, and hunting. His favorite passion is wheelchair basketball. While he sounds like a typical kid, Alex’s journey to this point has been far from typical.

In January of 2002, Alex was born with some unusual physical features. He had webbing behind both knees, a club foot, a cleft palate, and his tongue was attached to the roof of his mouth.

Alex immediately underwent testing in the neonatal intensive care unit so doctors could plan the next steps in his care. Because his symptoms were so rare, it took nearly eighteen months before Alex could be officially diagnosed with Popliteal Pterygium (Pop-la-teal Ter-ridge-e-um) syndrome.

Popliteal Pterygium syndrome is a very rare condition that affects the development of the skin and face. Individuals like Alex who have Popliteal Pterygium syndrome could be born with a host of issues such as a cleft lip, a cleft palate, and webs of skin behind their knees.

After diagnosis, Alex faced more than a dozen surgeries. The first surgery came when Alex was only three days old and continued until he was nine.

Following those surgeries, Alex still faced issues using his right leg. Dr. Albert told Alex and his family that amputating his leg and fitting him with a prosthetic was a good option to increase Alex’s mobility. So, at the age of 7, Alex made the incredibly courageous decision to go through with the amputation.

Alex’s decision has been the right choice for him, allowing him to lead an active lifestyle. He loves playing wheelchair basketball and hopes to make the 2024 Paralympics. For the past three years, he has joined the Amputee Coalition at Camp Joy, a camp that helps kids with limb loss and limb indifference enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle. He’s looking forward to the day when he can give back to the camp by volunteering as a camp counselor.

“I want kids to understand that whatever your situation, it’s not going to last forever,” Alex said. “You will come out okay on the other side. This isn’t the end of the road…It’s just a bump along the way.”

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Dayton Dragons applaud all those who have been instrumental in Alex’s life, including his parents Mindy and Drew, his siblings Eric and Kate, all extended family, Dr. Albert, and his entire medical team. Please join us in cheering on Alex as he completes his Anthem Home Run for Life at Fifth Third Field on May 31.

More Information:  The Dayton Dragons are the Midwest League affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play a 70-game home schedule at beautiful Fifth Third Field in downtown Dayton, easily accessible from Interstate 75. Individuals and groups seeking information about Dayton Dragons group tickets, lawn tickets, the season ticket wait list, sponsorship opportunities or booking a Dragons speaker are encouraged to contact the Dragons by calling at (937) 228-2287, emailing at dragons@daytondragons.com, or on the web at daytondragons.com.

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

Dragons Host Hometown Heroes Celebration Night at Fifth Third Field

The Dayton Dragons and the Dayton Development Coalition will hold the first of two Hometown Heroes™ Celebration Nights Saturday, May 20 at Fifth Third Field when the Dragons play the Bowling Green Hot Rods at 7:07 p.m.

“Hometown Heroes™ Celebration Nights represent something truly special about the Dayton Region,” said Jeff Hoagland, DDC President and CEO. “Our desire to thank those who serve our country, combined with a true American pastime, has created an incredible night dedicated to our Hometown Heroes. We want to thank them for their service and let them know, no matter where they are stationed, Dayton will always welcome them home.”

The Celebration Nights are the highlight of the year-long Hometown Heroes™ program, which honors our community’s service men and women affiliated with Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and the Springfield, Ohio Air National Guard Base. The DDC and the Dragons, with the generous support of local businesses, began the program 14 years ago as a way for the community to support the thousands of military families in the region.

Colonel McDonald, the installation and 88th Air Base Wing commander, will swear in 12 new Air Force recruits during the game.

Major General William Cooley, the commander of Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, and Colonel Bradley McDonald, the Wright-Patt installation and 88th Air Base Wing commander at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base., will throw out a first pitch.

The Association of Defense Communities recently recognized Dayton as a Great American Defense Community, in part for the Hometown Heroes™ programs at the Dragons, Victoria Theatre Association, Dayton Art Institute, and Dayton Air Show. Hometown HeroesTM, working in close partnership with Dayton Hoopla/First Four events, UD & WSU Men’s Basketball, and the Fraze Pavilion, offers year-long events honoring our military community.

Staff Sergeant Kelly Perry from the Air Force Band of Flight. During the national anthem, the Wright Patterson Air Force Base Honor Guard will present the colors.

On the plaza, there will be a Security Forces Humvee, an Air Force Recruit Van, and the 445th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron will showcase equipment used on evacuation missions. The Dragons Entertainment staff will hand out mini flags, and fans can sign “Thank You” cards to send to troops overseas.

More Information: The Dayton Dragons are the Midwest League affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play a 70-game home schedule at beautiful Fifth Third Field in downtown Dayton, easily accessible from Interstate 75. Individuals and groups seeking information about Dayton Dragons group tickets, lawn tickets, the season ticket wait list, sponsorship opportunities or booking a Dragons speaker are encouraged to contact the Dragons by calling (937) 228-2287, by email at dragons@daytondragons.com, or on the web at daytondragons.com

The Dayton Development Coalition (DDC) is the leading economic development organization for the 14-county Dayton region. Working closely with public and private regional partners, its mission is to retain, expand and recruit jobs. The DDC and the Dayton region ranked as the nation’s top metro for its size for economic development in 2008, 2009 and 2012 and runner-up in 2010, 2011, 2014 and 2015. With the State’s largest single-site employer in its backyard, the DDC also focuses on advocating for the critical missions at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and supporting the work of the United States Air Force. The DDC was ranked as America’s top military community, and was presented with the 2015 Community Excellence Award from the Association of Defense Communities. It was designated as one of the ADC’s Great American Defense Communities in 2016 – a testament to the collaborative efforts in support of Wright-Patt, America’s #1 Air Force Base as ranked by the Air Force Times (2014). For any questions regarding the DDC, contact Shannon Joyce Neal at (937) 231-5436.

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

Fightins announce Color the Stadium 5K “Running w/Scissors” Fun Run or Walk

(Reading, Pa) – The Reading Fightin Phils have announced there will be a Color the Stadium 5K “Running with Scissors” Fun Run or Walk presented by Penn State Health St. Joseph, Corps Fitness, IM ABLE Foundation and A Running Start on Saturday, June 10th.

The event will feature a pre-race party with a DJ to get everyone in the moving and grooving mood! The race will then kick off with a Color Blast with Reading Fightin Phils players & mascots. The race course will consist of inside and outside of FirstEnergy Stadium. Each lap around the stadium will be about a half mile. The start of the race will take place at 3pm, prior to the Reading Fightin Phils game.

Why are we running with scissors? Because no other color run does this! For this race and this race only – it’s FUN to run with scissors! People have always told us to not run with scissors. But for this fun race, we are throwing caution to the wind, and running with scissors, to raise money and draw attention to the Baseballtown Dream League – a new league and a new Savage 61 Dream Field that will allow children with physical and developmental challenges to play real baseball, on a real field, on a real team!

Don’t want to run the full 5K? THAT’S OK! Just run for fun and stop when you are done! You don’t have to run the full 5K, THAT’S OK!

Schedule for the day includes:

  • 2:30: Check-In
  • 2:30-3:00: DJ Pre-Party
  • 3:00: Color Blast w/ Fightins Players and Mascots
  • 3:00: 5K Run Begins
  • 3:30-4:30: VIP Post Run Party and Happy Hour for Runners and Their Guests w/ Live Music
  • 4:30: Gates Open to All Fans
  • 5:00: Mascot Band Performs
  • 6:35: First pitch between the Fightin Phils and the Hartford Yard Goats
  • Post-Game MEGA BLAST FIREWORKS – Largest Fireworks Show in Stadium History!!!
  • All runners must please wear swimming goggles or sunglasses to protect their eyes

Each Runner Receives:

  • Registration for the Color the Stadium 5K “Running w/ Scissors” Fun Run or Walk
  • DJ Dance Party and Color Blast w/ Fightins Mascots and Players to start the Race
  • Two Color Packets to be a Part of the Color Blast Throw
  • Fun, Safe Color the Stadium Course Circling America’s Classic Ballpark, including inside the stadium (6 laps of approx.. ½ mile each lap = 3 miles)
  • Color thrown on you each lap
  • Commemorative Color the Stadium 5K “Running w/ Scissors” Fun Run or Walk T-Shirt
  • 15″ Scissors to Run With and Keep
  • Exclusive Access to the VIP Post-Run Party for Runners & their Guests w/ Live Music
  • Game Ticket for the Reading Fightin Phils Game – including:
    • Pre-Game VIP Party and Concert at 3:30
    • Fightins Mascot Band Concert at 5:00
    • Fightins vs. Hartford 6:35
    • Mega Blast Fireworks after the game – the largest fireworks show in stadium history!

There will be an on-field ceremony at 6:15 p.m. before the Fightin Phils game with the Hartford Yard Goats. The ceremony will recognize:

  • Best Dressed, Best Dressed Three-Person Team, & Best-Dressed 10-Person Team.
  • Most Colorful Male, Most Colorful Female, Most Colorful Child 14 & Under.
  • Also will recognize the following runners:
    • Fastest Male, Fastest Female, Fastest Male 14 & Under, Fastest Female 14 & Under, Fastest Male 40+, Fastest Female 40+

The cost of the event is $39 per runner. Groups of three runners will receive a discount for only $100! Groups of 10 runners will receive a discount for only $250! Extra guests for the game and VIP party members will receive $6 discounted Fightin Phils tickets. All proceeds benefit Baseballtown Charities Dream League, thanks to Penn State Health St. Joseph, Corps Fitness and a Running Start.

Space is limited – we encourage teams to sign up as soon as possible for this unique, fun event. www.baseballtown.org/marathon.

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.

Bulls, Miracle League Bring New Field to Durham

The Miracle League of the Triangle, in association with the Durham Bulls and Capitol Broadcasting Company, are expanding their services to Downtown Durham. A new Miracle League facility has plans to open in 2018 at 461 Morehead Ave., across the street from Durham Bulls Athletic Park. As part of the partnership, the Durham Bulls and Capitol Broadcasting are kicking off the fundraising with a $400,000 matching grant.

“The Miracle League is an incredibly important, impactful organization that brings the joy of baseball to so many,” Durham Bulls General Manager Mike Birling said. “We are honored to continue our partnership with The Miracle League, and to bring a facility to the doorstep of Durham Bulls Athletic Park. We look forward to doing all we can to help this tremendous program continue to grow in the Triangle.”

The Miracle League program and field are specifically designed to serve children and adults with special needs through the game of baseball. The program removes the barriers that keep children and adults with mental and physical disabilities off the baseball field, and lets them experience the joy of America’s favorite pastime. Since the main barriers for these players arise from natural grass fields, Miracle League teams play on a custom-designed, rubberized turf field that accommodates wheelchairs and other assertive devices.

Upon completion, the new facility in Durham will be the third location for The Miracle League of the Triangle, joining locations in Cary and North Raleigh. Construction is scheduled to begin on the site in late 2017.

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

Scrappes Host Youth Baseball Camp July 11-13

The Mahoning Valley Scrappers are excited to announce that they have partnered with Vlad Pediatrics to host a three-day Youth Baseball Camp July 11-13.

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

Camp registration includes instruction each day from 9 am until 12pm, a ticket to the Thursday, July 13 Scrappers game vs. the Brooklyn Cyclones, on field recognition prior to the July 13th game, a camp t-shirt, and lunch the final day of camp. To ensure that your child receives individualized attention, the Youth Baseball Camp has been limited to 100 campers and early registration is highly encouraged. The Scrappers Youth Baseball Camp is only $100 per child and forms can be found on the Scrappers website or at the Eastwood Field Box Office. You can also register online.

The Scrappers open the 2017 season at Eastwood Field on June 21 vs. the Auburn Doubledays. Single game tickets are on sale and can be purchased online at mvscrappers.com, at the Mr. Rooter Box Office at Eastwood Field or by calling 330-505-0000.

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

‘Namastadium’ yoga event returns on July 8

Namaste, Bisons fans!

Grab your yoga mats and join us on Saturday, July 8 at Coca-Cola Field for Namastadium 3. This annual event is a fun-filled day where fans of all ages can come out and practice their yoga poses in the outfield at Coca-Cola Field.

Doors open at 11 a.m. The yoga class, led by instructors from Power Yoga Buffalo, runs from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 a.m. The relaxation continues after class with light food and drinks available from 12:45 p.m. to 2 p.m.

The cost for adults is $35, which includes a ticket for the yoga and one Buffalo Bisons flex ticket (which can be redeemed for a ticket to any Bisons home game excluding special events). Proceeds benefit Women & Children’s Hospital of Buffalo and Yogis in Service. Children 12 years old and younger are FREE to attend the kid’s portion, run by Yogis in Service. Advance registration is required for children.

CLICK HERE to purchase tickets. You can also purchase tickets at Power Yoga Buffalo, lululemon Buffalo, or by contacting Beth Potozniak at (716) 846-2040 or bpotozniak@bisons.com.

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

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KHN Presents Strike Out Stroke Event

Dayton, Ohio – Abbey Hendershott, a stroke survivor, will throw out the first pitch at the Dayton Dragons game on Sunday, May 21, at 2:07 p.m. when Kettering Health Network presents the “Strike Out Stroke™” event. The Dragons will be hosting the Bowling Green Hot Rods at Fifth Third Field in downtown Dayton. Strike Out Stroke is a registered trademark of the “Retreat and Refresh Stroke Camp.”

Hendershott experienced a stroke at her home on March 23, 2015. Despite being a nurse and recognizing the symptoms of a stroke, she initially attempted to talk herself out of the fact that she could be having one because she was only in her mid-twenties.

Hendershott’s face did not move when she smiled and went numb when she tried to laugh at a joke that her sister-in-law told. She was also experiencing numbness on the left side of her body. Her sister-in-law immediately called 911 and Hendershott was transported to Sycamore Medical Center.

After a one-day stay at that facility, she was taken to Kettering Medical Center for further evaluation and seen by Dr. Short, a neurosurgeon. Hendershott was released from the hospital three days later.

Hendershott provides a simple piece of advice to people who think they may be suffering a stroke no matter their age, “If you are having any symptoms, do not wait.”

Kettering Health Network will be on the plaza from noon-2:30 p.m. with stroke awareness and prevention information and will also be passing out various stroke awareness items.

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

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NATURALS FUNDRAISING PROGRAM ON RECORD PACE

SPRINGDALE, Ark – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are proud to announce that the popular Naturals Ticket Fundraising Program is on a record pace for the 2017 season while there are still dates available for groups for upcoming home games.

Through 20 home games played the Naturals organization has partnered with 89 groups from across Northwest Arkansas and surrounding communities and those groups have sold 19,473 tickets, which has raised a collective $78,752.00 for their respective causes. For comparison, last year through May 14 the program was at 56 groups for a total of $56,053 raised.

The groups that have participated in the program this year have consisted of school groups, sports teams, civic groups, non-profits, community partners, and numerous other community organizations. Families and supporters of the cause will get to come out to a Naturals game, have fun, and keep a large portion of the ticket sales. Depending on the final number of attendees, your group will get to keep anywhere from 25%-50% of the organization’s ticket sales. As an incentive and a reward, the Naturals will offer prizes to top sellers of groups and they include tours, autographs, game tickets, and First Pitch opportunities. Because of the amount of groups who take advantage of the program, dates are limited and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The 2017 record pace has already surpassed the halfway mark of last year. During the 2016 season a total of 125 groups took advantage of the Naturals Ticket Fundraising Program and sold 29,170 tickets, which raised a collective $114,125.

The fundraising flyer is currently available and 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 upcoming date availability or if you have any questions about the Naturals fundraising programs, call us at (479) 927-4900 or visit our Administrative Offices located at Arvest Ballpark.

Non-profit groups seeking more exposure for their cause can inquire about the Community Partner Program that offers free marketing exposure for participating groups to go along with the standard benefits of our 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 Season 10 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.