Whataburger and Round Rock Express to Host Fundraiser for Town and Country Sports

AUSTIN, Texas – On Thursday, May 25, Whataburger is partnering with Round Rock Express to support Town and Country Sports, an athletic facility serving northwest Austin-area youth. Attendees are invited to enjoy their favorite menu items, and 20 percent of Whataburger’s sales from 5 to 8 p.m. will be donated to the organization to go towards supporting youth development through youth-oriented community activities and sportsmanship programs. To add to the fun, there will be the popular “Whataburger for a Year” raffle and a special guest appearance from Whataburger’s mascot, Whataguy.

“Whataburger believes in investing in the communities we call home, and we’re committed to supporting youth sports at every level,” said Whataburger Director of Operations Don Hurrell. “Thanks to our partner Round Rock Express and our loyal customers, we’ll be able to support Town and Country Sports promote an environment of learning and sportsmanship for local young athletes.”

Family-owned Whataburger has proudly served its famous burgers since 1950 and continues to deliver fresh, made-to-order meals every day with extraordinary customer service. In addition to Oh Whata Night fundraising, Whataburger supports the communities it serves through charitable giving and volunteerism to a number of nonprofit organizations that focus on children’s charities, cancer research, hunger assistance, disaster relief and military support.

ABOUT WHATABURGER: Check out the company on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and follow them on their most recently launched channel, Snapchat, @WhataburgerLife.

The RailRiders Join WWI Centennial Commission to Remember WWI Veterans

WASHINGTON, DC: To mark the 100th Anniversary of America’s joining World War I, the SWB RailRiders (Triple-A/ New York Yankees) will join with the US World War One Centennial Commission and teams across the International League to honor the veterans of World War I on Armed Forces Day, May 20.

The RailRiders will feature a WW1-themed game with special giveaways, local history presentations and representation from area veteran groups.

“Having the opportunity to honor and commemorate our WWI soldiers on Armed Forces Day in conjunction with the WW1CC is an honor,” RailRiders President/COO Josh Olerud said.

The U.S. World War I Centennial Commission is a Congressional Commission, created to provide public outreach, education programs, and commemorative events for America’s involvement in World War I. Congress also authorized the Commission to create the new National World War I Memorial in Washington DC.

The WW1CC is also active on the state level, working with the WW1 Commission of Pennsylvania along with veteran leaders, elected officials, historians and youth groups in honoring the veterans of WW1.

The WW1CC’s Executive Director, Dan Dayton, is thrilled by the partnership with the International League teams. “This is a great opportunity for the World War I Centennial Commission, to partner with the people of the league, the teams, and with the fans, to remember these American veterans, and what they did for us all“.

Randy Mobley, President of the International League agreed, “The story of baseball has roots in World War I, and the story of World War I has close ties with baseball. One hundred years ago, hundreds of professional and semi-professional players put their baseball careers on hold in order to serve overseas in the war, including Ty Cobb, Christy Mathewson, and Eddie Grant. The International League is proud to partner with the WW1CC on this important commemoration and it is fitting that baseball be part of our national tribute to those who served in WW1.“

More information on the World War I Centennial Commission; ww1cc.org

International League www.milb.com

Scranton/ Wilkes-Barre RailRiders www.swbrailriders.com

Beginning May 20, the RailRiders are offering a $2 walk-up discount on available lower level tickets for active and retired members of the military. A valid military ID is required at the time of purchase. The offer is day-of-game only, for all lower level seating locations, based on availability. For tickets or more information, please call 570-969-BALL (2255) or visit www.swbrailriders.com.

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

Senators Ranked Seventh amongst 162 Minor League Baseball Teams in Charitable Giving in 2016

Recently, Minor League Baseball Charities sent out a report that ranked the Harrisburg Senators 7th amongst the 162 Minor League Baseball teams for the 2016 calendar year in total charitable giving. The Senators contributed over $880,000 directly back into the Central PA community in 2016 which comes mostly in the form of direct monetary contributions and in-kind donations.

The Senators give in various ways including the proceeds from the annual Hot Stove Dinner in February and the in-season charity dinner in August. Also included are the proceeds from the many special event jersey auctions and raffles, fundraiser tickets sold to non-profit organizations, ticket and merchandise donations, and in-person appearances by front office staff and players.

In 2016, the Senators front office staff and players made over 230 appearances. Last year, the team wore six specialty jerseys which were auctioned and raffled with the proceeds going to charity. Additionally, over $82,000 was donated through fundraisers. The Senators made in-kind donations of tickets and merchandise to organizations throughout central Pennsylvania totaling $697,358.

“We are extremely proud of what we have been able to accomplish in recent years in terms of our community involvement and charitable giving,” said Harrisburg Senators’ President Kevin Kulp. “It’s a big part of our mission. We take our summertime platform in this community very seriously. While we always strive to provide affordable family entertainment, being a part of this community and being able to give back is a big part of who we are.”

“We want to use our platform to raise awareness for local non-profit organizations and help them raise necessary funds so that they can continue their good work. Our staff works tireless hours doing what we do and I think that one of the most rewarding aspects of our jobs is knowing that we are fighting the good fight and we ARE making a difference. $880,000 for us is a good number and one in which we are extremely proud.”

The goal in 2017 is to hit the million-dollar mark in charitable donations and the team is off and running. Organized by Senators Community Relations Coordinator, Blair Jewell, the Senators have already made over 130 appearances and recently had the entire team going to the Central PA Food Bank on Wednesday, April 5. While at the Food Bank, the team put together over 150 boxes of food for families. Manager Matt LeCroy, along with several players and staff members, have already made the first of several appearances this season to the Penn State Children’s Hospital. They played bingo with kids, answered questions and learned about the youngsters during their visit.

“It means a lot to our patients and families when the Senators take time out of their schedules to come in and visit,” said Sarah Miller, Child Life Support Associate at Penn State Children’s Hospital. “There are always plenty of smiles to go around when they stop by!”

The Senators look forward to continuing to raise money for local non-profit organizations. The players and front office staff will continue to make appearances throughout the season. The Senators not only work with charitable organizations in the community, but also aid organizations through ballpark promotions.

Some examples of season long in-park community initiatives include free parking when fans donate clothes to Community Aid on Thursday nights. On Monday nights, members and former members of the armed forces receive free tickets and their families receive half price tickets. Each game the Senators spotlight a different community organization as part of the “Community Organization of the Game” program which allows a non-profit organization to come to the ballpark and provide information to Senators fans about them. Every game you come to the ballpark there is likely a group in attendance that is making money as part of their easy fundraiser program where organizations can make as much as $4 per ticket sold.

This is the 31st season of Harrisburg Senators baseball since returning to the Eastern League in 1987 and while the Senators organization will continuously strive to provide quality entertainment at an affordable price, the team will also continue to strive to make a difference in the community.

If you have any questions or would like further information about the Harrisburg Senators charitable donations, please contact Blair Jewell at 717-231-4444 or via email at bjewell@senatorsbaseball.com.

The Senators box office is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Tickets are available via telephone during the same hours as the box office hours. Tickets are also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, online at www.senatorsbaseball.com. You can find the Senators on Facebook at facebook.com/senatorsbaseball or @hbgsenators on Twitter.

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

Baysox and Local Community Team to Strike Out Hunger Saturday, May 20th

The Bowie Baysox have partnered with their local business community to “Strike Out Hunger” in an attempt to raise both money and supplies for local food banks in Prince George’s and Anne Arundel Counties. Baysox fans coming to Saturday, May 20th‘s game against Binghamton at 6:35 p.m. can be a part of the effort.

“We want to find new ways to use our product as a way to benefit those that are in need in our community” Director of Broadcasting Adam Pohl said. “A huge thank you to all in our business community who have come together to benefit our local food banks through Baysox Baseball.”

Fans can purchase a suite ticket for $50 which includes an All-You-Can-Eat All-American Buffet and tickets in our Potomac Room for the game and following fireworks show. To purchase call Emily Reder at 301-464-4890 or online at ereder@baysox.com. Partial proceeds from suite ticket will benefit local food banks.

You can also donate in the form of food. Bring a canned food donation to the Strike Out Hunger Table outside the stadium on the front pad and receive a FREE Baysox promotional item.

“It’s an honor to be a part of local businesses teaming with the Baysox to help our local food banks,” Suzanne Frost of B&P Environmental said. “There is a major need to help our banks in the summer and we hope to bring some help their way.”

There will also be a stadium-wide raffle that fans can participate in that will also raise funds. All proceeds from the raffle will go to local food banks.

All monies and canned food donations will go to benefit the Capital Area Food Bank (Prince George’s County) and the Maryland Food Bank (Anne Arundel County).

The Baysox are at home this upcoming weekend with fireworks following games on Friday, May 19th and Saturday, May 20th. For tickets, contact the Baysox at 301-805-6000 or purchase online at baysox.com.

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

Chiefs Partner with PNC for Pre-K Day

PEORIA, IL – The Peoria Chiefs and corporate partner PNC Bank are teaming up with the Heart of Illinois United Way’s Success By 6 program to reward Pre-K children who took part in the Homer’s Pups Reading Program with a free ticket to the Sunday May 21 2:00 p.m. Chiefs game and a pre-game Street Fest outside Dozer Park.

Homer’s Pups Reading Program is in its fourth year as an off-shoot of Homer’s Reading Program and provides benefits for children under the age of six who are in the early stages of developing reading skills. The program has over 3500 kids enrolled for the 2017 season. They earn prizes by reading their way around the bases and the home run prize is a free ticket to the Sunday, May 21 game against the Beloit Snappers.

      “One of the earliest indicators of a child’s future success is the number of words he or she hears prior to kindergarten,” said Brian Ray, PNC regional president for Central Illinois. “Today with the Chiefs we are celebrating the success of the children who have reached their reading goals and we encourage family togetherness especially when they include reading.”

This is the fourth year of the partnership between the Chiefs and PNC for the Homer’s Pups Reading Program and the third year for the PNC Mobile Learning Adventure to be part of the Street Fest outside Dozer Park prior to the game. The Mobile Learning Adventure encourages family participation and focuses on education for preschool children. This year the Mobile Learning Adventure provides families with educational DVD’s created by Sesame Workshop and children are able to take home a photo of them dressed up as what they would like to be when they grow up. The Street Fest, which on Oak Street is free and runs from Noon – 3:00 p.m. on May 21, also includes Barnyard Discoveries and inflatable activities from Fun on the Run for families.

“Days like the PNC Pre-K Day are some of the most rewarding days we have at the ballpark all summer,” said Chiefs President Rocky Vonachen. “Seeing these young kids running around, getting player autographs, taking photos with Homer and the Super Heroes, playing on the inflatables, having fun with their families and knowing they earned it by reading is what being part of this great community is all about and we couldn’t do it without great corporate partners like PNC.”

The game on the 21st begins at 2:00 p.m. with gates opening at 1:00 p.m. There will be an appearance by PBS character Natuue Cat and a player poster giveaway to the first 1000 fans presented by the PJStar and CityLink. Fans can play catch on the field after the game and Chiefs players will sign autographs for fans 12 and under from 1:10 – 1:30. After the game, kids 12 and under can run the bases. Kids 12 and under get $5 tickets and a free hot dog, chips and soda. Tickets are available online at www.peoriachiefs.com or at the Dozer Park Box Office (open 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)

PNC Bank, National Association, is a member of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC). PNC is one of the largest diversified financial services institutions in the United States, organized around its customers and communities for strong relationships and local delivery of retail and business banking including a full range of lending products; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management and asset management. For information about PNC, visit www.pnc.com

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

Girl Scout Day is Sunday, May 21st

The Drive’s homestand concludes on Sunday, May 21st with Girl Scout Day at Fluor Field at 4:05 PM, and the Drive are teaming up with the Girl Scouts of South Carolina Mountains to Midlands for an exciting day.

Girl Scouts will participate in a pregame parade around Fluor Field, and when the gates open, there will be an on-field bridging ceremony in which Girl Scouts receive a commemorative patch from this special day. During the game, Girl Scouts will take part in the Education Adventure Challenge that teaches the importance of healthy living by combining Scout practices with the game of baseball.

Stick around after the game for Kids Run the Bases presented by BlueCross BlueShield!

To purchase tickets for the game, stop by the Main Street Box Office, call (864) 240-4528 or CLICK HERE.

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

Chiefs Announce Pete Vonachen Community Service Award

PEORIA, IL – The Peoria Chiefs and Humana have announced creation of the Pete Vonachen Community Service Award designed to honor individuals from Central Illinois who are making a positive difference in their community. Nominations will be accepted online throughout the season.

The awards are designed to honor those who have gone above and beyond in their Central Illinois community in the spirit of Pete Vonachen who successfully impacted the Peoria area throughout his life. Nominees could be firefighters, police officers, first responders, volunteers, teachers, doctors, good Samaritans or the neighbor down the street who is always helping those who need it.

      Fans can go to the nomination page to nominate their favorite Humana Community All-Star by providing information and a reason why they are an unsung Humana Community All-Star deserving of recognition.

The Chiefs will honor a finalist at five different games this season: May 20, June 10, July 4, July 29 and August 12. Then on September 1 the overall Humana Community All-Star of the 2017 season will be honored at the final regular season game of the season.

Tickets and Promotions:

Season ticket packages, including full-season, a 35-game ticket package, an 18-game ticket package, a Flex Plan or Pick-Six Plan are currently on sale by calling 309-680-4000. Individual game tickets are also on sale with the Dozer Park Box Office open Monday – Friday from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm and online at www.peoriachiefs.com which also lists all of the season’s promotions. Game times and promotions are subject to change.

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

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Sign Up Today For BlueClaws Youth Baseball Camp

Sign up today for the BlueClaws Youth Baseball Camp, presented by Stop & Shop.

—

LAKEWOOD, NJ – Learn the game from BlueClaws players themselves as part of the BlueClaws Youth Baseball Camp at FirstEnergy Park, presented by Stop & Shop. The BlueClaws will hold three sessions this summer, a two-day session, a three-day session, and a four-day session.

Camp each day runs from 9 am – 12 pm and includes lunch from 12 pm – 12:30 pm, an autograph session with BlueClaws players on the last day of camp, BlueClaws merchandise, and one ticket to a BlueClaws game.

The camp will cover all aspects of the game, with emphasis on hitting, base running, fielding, throwing, pitching, and position work. The objective of the camp is to instill the fundamentals of baseball, promote good sportsmanship, and create an enjoyable learning atmosphere for all.

2017 Youth Baseball Camp Sessions
Session 1: July 12-14 ($140)
Session 2: July 27-28 ($99)
Session 3: August 15-18 ($190)

BlueClaws Youth Baseball Camp sessions typically sell out and those interested are encouraged to book their spot as soon as possible.

How to Sign Up: Sign up online by clicking here, or call Kevin McNellis at 732-901-7000 ext 164.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. They have led the South Atlantic League and New Jersey in attendance in all 16 years of existence. To order tickets to any 2017 BlueClaws home game, call 732-901-7000 option 2 or click here to order online.

– BlueClaws –

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

Charitable Tuesdays Returns in 2017

One organization will be featured at every Tuesday home game and receive;

  • A display table in the stadium to display and distribute promotional literature and materials
  • A live on-field interview before the game
  • Ceremonial 1st pitch honors for the organization
  • The opportunity to be a guest on the Crosscutters radio broadcast for one inning
  • A $250 donation to the organization courtesy of Woodlands Bank and the Crosscutters presented during an on-field ceremony

“Woodlands Bank is excited to, once again, sponsor Charitable Tuesdays with the Crosscutters.”, stated Jon P. Conklin, President & CEO of Woodlands Bank. “Our team of employees are passionate about volunteering their time and efforts in giving back to the communities we serve. Our partnership with the Crosscutters just reiterates the commitment that we have to our local communities and to the charitable organizations that do so much for them.”

Interested organizations should submit an application, available for download HERE or in-person at BB&T Ballpark. Applications must be received by June 2, 2017. More information is available by contacting the Cutters Director of Community Relations, Sarah Budd at (570) 326-3389 or email sarah@crosscutters.com

The Crosscutters 2017 season opens on June 20 when they host the State College Spikes. The full schedule can be found HERE.

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

Dragons and Vectren Honor Charles Fox as “Community All-Star”

The Dragons and Vectren will honor Charles Fox during the unique “Community All-Stars” program on Friday, May 12, at 7:00 p.m. when the Dayton Dragons take on the Quad Cities River Bandits at Fifth Third Field.

The Dayton community is a great place to live, work and play. But what makes Dayton truly great are the people that call Dayton home. We have great people and great organizations in our community that do incredible things each and every day. Throughout the season, the Dragons and Vectren will honor five “All-Stars” with a special inning break tribute in recognition of their service.

Charles’ Story

During his wife Charlotte’s battle with cancer, Charles Fox noticed the comfort she received from a soft blanket their daughter had given her. After Charlotte passed away in 2009, Charles decided he wanted to provide that same comfort to other cancer patients during their treatments. He began buying and donating blankets to the Kettering Medical Center Foundation to distribute to patients undergoing chemotherapy. Each patient receives a soft fleece blanket with love and well wishes.

Charles also established the Grammy CC Foundation of Love in dedication to Charlotte. While the foundation mainly focuses on donating blankets, they have also worked with local organizations to donate knitted hats to cancer patients.

“During her five year battle with cancer, Charlotte never gave up,” said Charles. “She persevered with grace, dignity, and tremendous courage. If Charlotte were here today, she would be so proud of the Grammy CC Foundation of Love and our efforts to help other patients with their own battles.”

The goal of the Grammy CC Foundation of Love is to provide cancer patients with gifts to let them know that they are in the hearts and prayers of others. If you want to learn more or get involved with the foundation, please visit www.grammycc.org.

For his efforts to provide comfort for cancer patients, Charles has been selected as a Dragons Community All-Star. The program honors those that have gone above and beyond to improve the quality of life in the Miami Valley.

The Dragons Community All-Stars Program is made possible by the generous support of Vectren. For more information or to nominate an All-Star in your life, visit www.daytondragons.com/communityallstar.

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.

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

Brandi Rutherford to Celebrate “Home Run For Life” Friday

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Dodgers and INTEGRIS continue the 2017 “Home Run for Life” series Friday, May 12 at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark by recognizing Brandi Rutherford, who received a life-saving heart transplant at the age of 32.

Rutherford was in dire health in the spring of 2015 and on a waiting list for a heart transplant. Thanks to the generous spirit of a young Oklahoma Army National Guardsman named Teddy Keys, and the care she received at the INTEGRIS Nazih Zuhdi Transplant Institute at Baptist Medical Center, her life was saved.

Now two years later and emboldened with a new heart, Rutherford is healthy and back to work. She volunteers her time to speak about her journey and encourage others to continue the gift of organ donation that gave her a new lease on life.

“Home Run For Life” recognizes individuals in the Oklahoma City community who have overcome a significant medical event with the help of their families, physicians and health care professionals. To symbolize the end of their battle against adversity, honorees take a home run “lap” around the bases during an in-game ceremony.

“We are proud to continue the Home Run For Life Series this season and honor some remarkable individuals in our community who have battled exceptional challenges with their health,” OKC Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes said. “Their resolve and courage offer great inspiration for us all and we are pleased to join with INTEGRIS to recognize their triumphs.”

Rutherford’s health quickly deteriorated in December 2014 as she was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, meaning her heart’s pumping chamber was stretched and not able to contract normally to pump blood properly. Her heart was functioning at about 10 percent. She was eventually diagnosed with congestive heart failure at the end of 2014.

“I was being treated for that and eventually they told me I’d never recover and I’d need a heart transplant,” she said. “It was very shocking.”

She was admitted to the intensive care unit at INTEGRIS where she awaited a new heart in March 2015. Complications arose in late April 2015, leading to emergency surgery and having a stent inserted into her artery.

That same night, on April 27, 2015, Teddy Keys died tragically at the age of 21 in a motorcycle accident near Tulsa.

Keys was an organ donor and was able to donate his bones, tissues and other organs, in part, to his excellent physical health that the athlete and active outdoorsman maintained throughout his life.

The following morning, Rutherford learned of a perfect match for a heart. That night she underwent a five-hour transplant surgery, receiving her new heart April 29, 2015.

“I woke up in ICU and the heart was so strong that I remember my doctor saying, ‘Brandi, you got one beast of a heart,'” she recalled. “I remember the heart beat being so strong that I could feel it beat and then I could hear it in my ears all night long. It was a welcoming sound for sure.”

As she recovered from her surgery, Rutherford sought information about her donor. She had heard about Keys’ tragic accident near her hometown and started to match up their timelines. She turned to social media to try to connect the missing dots. She checked her heart rate one night before climbing into bed and it was at 77 beats per minute. Then she started looking at Facebook photos of Keys and his family.

“My heart started beating out of control,” she said. “My fingertips felt like they were on fire and tears were streaming down. I went to go take my heart rate and it had jumped to 114.”

She knew in that moment she had found her donor. It was as if Keys’ heart, now her heart, was reacting to the images of his family on the screen. That was all the confirmation she needed. Later she received a letter from Keys’ step-mother, who said that seven individuals were helped by Keys, including Rutherford. She learned about Keys, his love for the outdoors, his strong faith and all-around good nature, and that he grew up in the same county as her family, about 30 minutes away in the town of Oologah. Their families eventually met to have dinner and celebrate Keys. She remains in touch with his family via social media and they even have shared holidays together.

Now two years after receiving her new heart, Rutherford is healthy and back to work in Texarkana, Texas. She volunteers for LifeShare of Oklahoma, serving as a vibrant example of what is possible through organ donation.

“I think giving is the best thing,” Rutherford said. “So, to give the gift of life, what a way to go out. Of course, I encourage everybody to be an organ donor.”

Watch Brandi Rutherford complete her “Home Run for Life” following the third inning of Friday night’s 7:05 p.m. game against the Fresno Grizzlies. Fireworks are scheduled to follow the game, presented by True Sky Credit Union. Interview requests for Rutherford, as well as INTEGRIS or Dodgers personnel can be made through the Dodgers communications department.

The Dodgers open an eight-game homestand at 7:05 p.m. Thursday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. The game against Fresno falls on a $2 Thursday, featuring $2 soda (21 ounces), bottled water (20 ounces) and beer (16 ounces) from a line of Pepsi and Budweiser products.

Fans can enjoy Saturday’s 7:05 p.m. game against Fresno with a Braum’s Friends and Family 4 Pack. This special ticket package includes four tickets, as well as four Braum’s combo meal vouchers and four OKC Dodgers hats for as low as $39.99 per package. The first 2,000 fans through the gates Saturday will receive a free hat.

Sunday afternoon’s 2:05 p.m. game against Fresno is a Chaparral Energy Family Sunday filled with family-oriented activities everyone can enjoy. The OKC Dodgers wrap up their homestand at 7:05 p.m. Thursday, May 18 against the Sacramento River Cats on a $2 Thursday.

For tickets or additional information, please call (405) 218-1000, go online to okcdodgers.com or visit the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark ticket office located on South Mickey Mantle Drive. Season ticket packages and group outings are also still available for the OKC Dodgers’ 2017 season. Call (405) 218-1000 to speak to a ticket representative.

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

Military Appreciation Night set for Saturday, May 20

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (May 9, 2017) – The Winston-Salem Dash are teaming up with the Marine Corps, the Marine Corps League, Toys for Tots and WXII to hold Military Appreciation Night and a unique premium giveaway during their game on Saturday, May 20, at BB&T Ballpark.

First pitch between the Dash and the Carolina Mudcats is set for 6:30 p.m., and tickets are available for as low as $8 by calling (336) 714-2287 or clicking here.

The Marine Corps will have a recruiting table on hand for fans to learn more about their mission. Five Marines-Sergeant Mark W. Rachow and Staff Sergeants William A. Blakes, Jr., Brian E. Erdman, Isaiah J. Kramer, Kencell M. Wesley-will provide an Honor Guard, while a collection of men and women will take the Oath of Enlistment on the field at BB&T Ballpark after the first inning.

In addition, various military trucks and equipment will be displayed on the concourse, and several Wounded Warrior members will take the field with the Dash’s starting lineup.

Fans are encouraged to make a donation to Toys for Tots at any gate before entering the stadium for Saturday’s game. All those who donate two or more toys or $10+ in cash will receive their choice of an NCAA-branded football or a limited-edition Hess Truck.

The Dash return to BB&T Ballpark on Tuesday for the start of a three-game series with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, the High-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. For tickets to this set, which includes a Lowes Foods Thirsty Thursday on May 11, call the Dash at (336) 714-2287 or visit wsdash.com.

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

OKC Dodgers and American Fidelity to Honor All-Stars in Civic Service

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Dodgers are partnering with American Fidelity Assurance Company to honor 20 outstanding individuals as All-Stars in Civic Service throughout the 2017 Pacific Coast League season.

These All-Stars in Civic Service make differences in their communities by working as municipal employees, and are prime examples of what civic service is all about as they strive to create a better place for all to live.

The Dodgers and American Fidelity will recognize two area municipal employees as part of Public Service Recognition Week during the team’s upcoming home series against the Fresno Grizzles. Public Service Recognition Week started in 1985 and is celebrated each May to honor federal, state, county and local government employees.

Honorees will be recognized on the field after the end of the second inning of their respective games.

This week’s honorees are:

  • Thursday, May 11 – Jon Friesen, City of Kingfisher
  • Saturday, May 13 – Dee Dee Baird, City of Blanchard

The Dodgers open an eight-game homestand with a 7:05 p.m. game Thursday against Fresno at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark on a $2 Thursday, featuring $2 soda (21 ounces), bottled water (20 ounces) and beer (16 ounces) from a line of Pepsi and Budweiser products.

Fireworks will follow Friday night’s 7:05 p.m. game against the Grizzlies, presented by True Sky Credit Union. The first 2,000 fans through the gates for Saturday’s 7:05 p.m. game against Fresno will receive a free hat.

The Dodgers’ homestand then continues through Thursday, May 18. For a full list of 2017 promotions, visit okcdodgers.com. OKC Dodgers tickets are available through the box office on South Mickey Mantle Drive, by calling (405) 218-1000, or by ordering through okcdodgers.com.

American Fidelity Assurance Company is a supplemental benefits provider with a focus on offering a different opinion for customers in education, municipality, auto retail and healthcare. American Fidelity serves more than one million customers across 49 states in the U.S. More information can be found at americanfidelity.com.

Krispy Kreme, Missoulian team up with Osprey on Dugout Team Program

The Missoula Osprey, Krispy Kreme and the Missoulian announced their partnership today to bring youth sports teams to Ogren Park Allegiance Field as part of the Dugout Team program.

A Krispy Kreme/Missoulian Dugout Team is any youth sports team in the Missoula area that wishes to take part in the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of being on the field with the Missoula Osprey.

The players from the youth team are to be in uniform (if possible) to be recognized by the crowd prior to an Osprey home game. Each youngster will run with an Osprey player to their position during player introductions and stay on the field for the National Anthem.

Due to the popularity of the program and having only 38 home games, space is limited. Each Krispy Kreme/Missoulian Dugout Team chosen will receive up to 20 complimentary reserved tickets to the assigned game. Those tickets can be used by the team’s players and coaches. Additional tickets for family and friends can be purchased as a group in advance, based on availability.

“Taking the field with a professional baseball player is definitely one of those once-in-a-lifetime opportunities,” said Osprey Vice President/General Manager Jeff Griffin. “With the help of Krispy Kreme and the Missoulian, we are pleased to continue another of our many community-based programs.”

Requests to be a Krispy Kreme/Missoulian Dugout Team should come from the coach of each team by contacting Griffin at 406-543-3300 or via email at jgriffin@missoulaosprey.com.

Coaches will need to provide the name of their team and contact information for either themselves or a team representative when making their request to become a Krispy Kreme/Missoulian Dugout Team.

The Osprey also announced today that fans will have the opportunity to purchase the world-famous Krispy Kreme donuts in the ballpark this summer, an exciting addition to the already expansive concession options.

The Osprey will open their home season on Friday, June 23 against the Great Falls Voyagers.

Bees to Host Prevention Dimensions Kids Day

SALT LAKE CITY (May 8, 2017) – On Tuesday, May 9, the Salt Lake Bees and the Utah State Office of Education will host more than 12,000 students for Prevention Dimensions Kids Day, with free admission courtesy of Med One Capital and Questar.

The Bees will face the Omaha Storm Chasers at 10:35 a.m. at Smith’s Ballpark.

The fifth and sixth grade students attending the 15th annual event will be treated to an on field opening ceremony where Bees General Manager Marc Amicone will declare the day as Prevention Dimensions Kids Day in Utah, which promotes drug and alcohol prevention.

The National Anthem will be sung by Vienna Wolfgram, while a flag presentation will feature children from Eagle Bay Elementary, Lake Ridge Elementary School, Newman Elementary School, Nibley Elementary School, and Antelope Elementary School.

Attendees are also encouraged to bring a canned food donation for the Utah Food Bank as part of the program.

Prevention Dimensions is Utah’s Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities curriculum, which supports the Utah State Office of Education pre-kindergarten through 12th grade health core. The program strives to give students a strong foundation of effective violence and substance abuse prevention skills. The program began in 1982 as a joint effort between the Utah State Division of Substance Abuse, Utah State Department of Health, Utah State Office of Education and Utah State PTA.

Prevention Dimensions Kids Day is part of the Bees organization’s ongoing commitment to community outreach, health and wellness and youth development.