BlueClaws, CJBC to Hold May 13th Blood Drive

The BlueClaws will host a blood drive in conjunction with Central Jersey Blood Center on May 13th.

—

LAKEWOOD, NJ – The BlueClaws and Central Jersey Blood Center are teaming up for a blood drive on Saturday, May 13th from 7 am – 2 pm at FirstEnergy Park.The drive will take place in the BlueClaws Executive Conference Center and each donor will receive a pair of tickets for a 2017 BlueClaws game.

The BlueClaws encourage all fans to donate as the supply of blood needs to be replenished at this time.

While walk-ins are accepted, donors are encouraged to pre-register. To sign up, call 888-71-BLOOD or click here to register online.

Don’t Forget: Please eat before donating. All equipment used during the procedure is sterile and disposable. Donors must be healthy, be at least 16 years of age and weigh at least 120 pounds. Donors must present signature ID.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. They have led the South Atlantic League in attendance in all 16 years of existence.

2017 BlueClaws single-game tickets, ticket packages and group outings are currently on sale by calling 732-901-7000 option 3 or online at BlueClaws.com.

– BlueClaws –

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

Bryant University’s Project Playhouse

The Bryant University Management Association and Wish Kids hosted the 2nd annual Project Playhouse event at Bryant University on Wednesday. Five seriously ill children arrived on campus to be surprised with their very own dream playhouses.

Themes for the playhouses included a surf shack, country store, Lego themed playhouse, Irish cottage, and a PawSox playhouse that will be given away by PawSox mascot, Paws.

The children who received the playhouses are from Burrillville, Warwick, Jamestown, Chepachet, and Newport.

Project Playhouse was created by Bryant University sophomore management students in September 2015, and has the mission of providing dream playhouses to seriously ill children.

PawSox Front Office members were excited support these children and team up with Bryant University on this worthy initiative.

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

Muckdogs Announce Hit the Books Reading Program

The Batavia Muckdogs today announced the start of their reading program, designed to promote reading amongst the youth of the local communities. Along with the help of New York’s 529 College Savings Program, 2017 will mark the fifth year of the “HIT THE BOOKS with the Batavia Muckdogs” reading program.

As part of this program, the Muckdogs have provided various schools and libraries across local counties with customized bookmarks. On the back of these bookmarks, children can have a parent, guardian, teacher, or librarian initial each time they complete a book. When a child completes 10 books, they can redeem the bookmark at the Dwyer Stadium box office for a FREE TICKET to any Sunday-Thursday Batavia Muckdogs’ game! In addition to the free ticket, the child will also receive a prize courtesy of New York’s 529 College Savings Program. If a child reads 20 books, they will be entered into a drawing to win a backpack with school supplies, provided by New York’s 529 College Savings Program; along with the opportunity to throw out the first pitch at a Muckdogs game.

In addition to the many participating schools, bookmarks will be made available to children at the following local libraries:

  • Richmond Library (Batavia)
  • Lee-Whedon Memorial Library (Medina)
  • Byron-Bergen Public Library
  • Haxton Memorial Library (Oakfield)
  • Hoag Library (Albion)
  • Pavilion Public Library
  • Woodward Memorial Library (LeRoy)
  • Holley Community Free Library

Any questions about the reading program or redeeming for tickets can be answered by Josh Swan, at 585-343-5454 x 1005.

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

The Mudcats Baseball Clinic is on August 19

Come join the Carolina Mudcats players and coaches to learn the fundamentals of fielding, throwing, base running and hitting at the 2017 Mudcats Baseball Clinic!

The 2017 Mudcats Baseball Clinic will take place at Five County Stadium on Saturday, August 19 between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.. The deadline to register is Wednesday, August 9 or until spaces are full. Registration is $40 per participant ($45 per participant if purchased after the deadline date or on the day of).

Children ages five to 14 years old are eligible. Each camper is responsible for bringing a glove, bat and any safety equipment normally worn in organized play (please remember to label ALL equipment).

Each participant receives a General Admission Ticket to see the Mudcats vs. Frederick Keys that same evening (August 19) at 5:00 p.m. and a Mudcats Baseball T-shirt.

Additional tickets can be purchased to the game by calling the Mudcats front office at (919) 269-CATS (2287).

Water and snacks will be provided during the clinic. An autograph session will take place at the end of the day. Limited spaces are available, call (919) 269-CATS (2287) to register today.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 19, 2017 
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
(Check in begins at 8:30 am on 3rd base side of stadium)

FIVE COUNTY STADIUM
$40 per participant
$45 per participant if purchased after deadline or on day of the clinic)

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

PawSox Launch “Academic All-Stars Program”

The Pawtucket Red Sox today announced the creation of their “Academic All-Stars” Program, a statewide initiative to recognize middle school students throughout Rhode Island who are demonstrating academic promise and noteworthy citizenship.

The honorees will be the guests of the PawSox at various 2017 home games, with tickets for themselves, their families, and influential teachers selected by the students. The children will also receive gift certificates from the PawSox and several of their corporate partners.

“We sent letters to the superintendents of schools throughout the state, seeking their partnership,” said PawSox President Dr. Charles A. Steinberg. “We know that the educators know the students best, and we would like them to each select a child for whom a pat on the back or a day in the sun might make a difference.

“We have received wise counsel from several teachers who urged us to not underestimate the value of recognition and reward for choosing the right path. Such small gestures are not small to the children or to their families.”

The PawSox will work with educators in each town to coordinate the selection process, and to choose a date for the children to be honored.

The program is a complement to the PawSox Foundation’s “PawSox Scholars” Program, launched November 4, 2016, in which two local children-one from Pawtucket and one from Central Falls–each receive a $10,000 college scholarship. Charlisa Kollie, an 8th-grader at Pawtucket’s Slater Junior High, presented the Ceremonial First Pitch on Opening Day, April 10. Ethan Hoke, an 8th-grader at Calcutt Middle School in Central Falls, will be honored during the season.

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

ALLERGY, ASTHMA & SINUS CENTER WILL HOST PEANUT FREE NIGHT AT SMOKIES STADIUM

SEVIERVILLE – The Tennessee Smokies have partnered with the Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center to host a Peanut-Free Night at America’s Friendliest Ballpark on Wednesday, May 3 as the Smokies take on the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp. The Peanut-Free Night allow fans with peanut allergies the chance to enjoy the game at Smokies Stadium.

“The Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center is excited to sponsor Peanut Free Night with the Tennessee Smokies for the sixth year in a row,” said Board Certified Allergist, Dr. Bob Overholt. “We are honored to be able to provide a peanut-free environment for all baseball fans, especially those who might not be able to normally attend, and we hope this event will help raise awareness in East Tennessee about food allergies.”

The Smokies will take anything containing peanuts off its concessions menu for the 7:00 p.m. contest. Additionally, the stadium will be cleaned and rinsed to remove as much peanut residue from the seats, concourse and other areas as possible.

“This is a night I look forward to every year,” said Smokies Vice President Jeremy Boler. “This is a night where many children and families with peanut allergies can actually come out and enjoy a Smokies game. I hope this game brings awareness to food allergies and we look forward to hosting Peanut Free Night for many more years to come!”

The Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center and the Tennessee Smokies team up for this event annually to raise awareness about food allergies, and to allow an enjoyable baseball experience for those with peanut allergies specifically.

The Smokies return home to Smokies Stadium on Wednesday, May 3, 2017 against the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp. The full schedule for this season and information regarding single-game tickets, season tickets, and mini plans can be found online at smokiesbaseball.com, or by calling the Smokies Ticket Office at 865-286-2300.

ABOUT THE TENNESSEE SMOKIES

The Tennessee Smokies are the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. Members of the ten-team Southern League, Smokies baseball has been entertaining families and fans of America’s national pastime in the East Tennessee region for over 100 years. To learn more about the Tennessee Smokies, visit www.smokiesbaseball.com

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

P-Nats Announce “Pfitzgiving” Celebration Plans for Saturday, May 13th at Pfitzner Stadium

Woodbridge, VA—The Potomac Nationals are excited to announce a one-of-a-kind Super Saturday Pfitzgiving celebration on Saturday, May 13th to spotlight the halfway mark to Thanksgiving at Pfitzner Stadium as the P-Nats take on the Salem Red Sox (Boston) at 6:35pm.

In celebration of Early Turkey Day at Pfitzner Stadium, the P-Nats are going all out to ring in Pfitzgiving.

With gates to The Pfitz set to open at 5:00pm, Pfitzgiving will feature a delectable fully catered Thanksgiving all-you-can-eat buffet-style dinner with all the fixin’s available in the Bullpen Picnic Area. This will be available to fans who upgrade their ticket to the P-Nats’ 5/13 game for $10, either as a part of a pre-purchase or a gameday purchase.

To purchase a Pfitzgiving buffet add-on please call P-Nats Director of Ticket Operations, Chris Bentivegna, by phone at 703-590-2311 ext. 225 or via e-mail at cbentivegna@potomacnationals.com. You may also purchase this add-on by calling P-Nats Box Office Manager Joe Emery, by phone at 703-590-2311 ext. 229, or via e-mail at tickets@potomacnationals.com.

To the backdrop of Thanksgiving décor, Pfitzgiving-style turkey (hot) dogs with a cranberry sauce topping will be sold in the Main Concessions Stand for fans who wish to indulge in a special delicacy that is sure to become a Pfitzgiving tradition.

The highlight of Pfitzgiving will most certainly be the P-Nats’ half-man, half-turkey, never-before seen, Bryce Harper Gobblehead giveaway, sponsored by: Cowles Parkway Ford. It will be given away to the first 1,250 fans who enter Pfitzner Stadium on Pfitzgiving. This will be the world’s first “gobblehead” giveaway known to mankind.

The Bryce Harper Gobblehead will be the first installment given away to P-Nats fans in the Potomac Nationals’ 2017 Official Bobblehead Series.

The P-Nats will also host a canned food drive and a 50/50 raffle to benefit the Capital Area Food Bank. The Potomac Nationals are asking fans to please bring canned food donations to the Extreme Custom Collision Ticket Office. All donations will be sent directly to the Capital Area Food Bank to help families in need.

A special Thanksgiving-themed on-field, game used, autographed jersey auction will run during the game with proceeds to benefit Gar-Field High School. Fans will bid on these unique Pfitzgiving-inspired jerseys worn by P-Nats players and coaches during the game, which are then autographed after the game by the player or coach who wore the jersey. Fans who win the jerseys will get to come on to the field post-game and take a photo with the player or coach while holding the signed, game-used jersey.

Thanksgiving-esque activities during Pfitzgiving will include: a cornhole tournament, a pie eating contest, a Turkey Call competition, and a corn shucking race, to underscore the Pfitzgiving holiday.

Meanwhile, P-Nats fans will have the opportunity to tell the Pfitzner Stadium gallery what they are thankful for this Pfitzgiving. Responses will be read aloud over the public address system during the game.

Hidden wishbones will be placed inside of select free souvenir programs, which will unlock free 2017 P-Nats tickets.

On top of a night full of Pfitzgiving entertainment, the Potomac Nationals will cap off Pfitzgiving with a fantastic post-game fireworks show after the P-Nats finish their clash with the Red Sox, brought to fans by Cowles Parkway Ford and WTOP to culminate another Super Saturday at The Pfitz.

Also, post-game Kids Run the Bases will be presented by: Glory Days Grill, as children aged 12 and under will be able to circle the bases on the Pfitzner Stadium diamond.

For tickets to Pfitzgiving and more information about the P-Nats’ celebratory Pfitzgiving plans, feel free to contact the Potomac Nationals by phone at 703-590-2311 or stop by the Extreme Custom Collision Ticket Office and speak with a ticket sales representative today!

If you are looking to bring a group of 20 or more to enjoy the Pfitzgiving festivities, which includes Thanksgiving dinner for the group, please contact P-Nats Group Sales Executive, Alec Manriquez, by phone at 703-590-2311 ext. 221 or by e-mail at amanriquez@potomacnationals.com. You can also call P-Nats Group Sales Executive Taylor Cockerille, by phone at 703-590-2311 ext. 313, or by e-mail at tcockerille@potomacnationals.com.

Join us for the first-ever Pfitzgiving celebration on Saturday, May 13th for great Halfway-to-Thanksgiving food, fun, and P-Nats Baseball at The Pfitz.

In the spirit of Pfitzgiving, the Potomac Nationals are so thanksful to The Red, White, and Blue faithful for making all 40 years of Potomac Baseball so special at Pfitzner Stadium!

ABOUT COWLES PARKWAY FORD
We at Cowles Parkway Ford look forward to assisting you with your automotive needs. Whether you are buying or leasing a car, Cowles Ford would like to create a pleasant and rewarding experience for every customer. To learn more about the products and services that Cowles Ford provides, we welcome you to visit our showroom at your earliest convenience. Housed nearby at 13779 Noblewood Plaza Woodbridge, Virginia.

ABOUT WTOP
WTOP brings you the latest news, traffic, and weather information for the Washington, D.C. region! Catch up on the issues and topics important to you today. Tune in to WTOP online at wtop.com or listen to WTOP at 103.5/107.7 FM on your radio dial!

ABOUT THE CAPITAL AREA FOOD BANK
The Capital Area Food Bank is the largest organization in the Washington metro area working to solve hunger and its companion problems: chronic undernutrition, heart disease, and obesity. By partnering with 444 community organizations in DC, MD, and VA, as well as delivering food directly into hard to reach areas, the CAFB is helping 540,000 people each year get access to good, healthy food. For more information visit capitalareafoodbank.org

The Potomac Nationals of the Carolina League play at Pfitzner Stadium in Woodbridge, Virginia, and are the Carolina League affiliate of the Washington Nationals. The Potomac Nationals have claimed five Carolina League Championship titles (1982, 1989, 2008, 2010, and 2014) and nine CL Northern Division Championships. Sponsorship opportunities for the 2017 season and beyond are available, as well as corporate outings for the 2017 season to watch the future stars of the Washington Nationals at The Pfitz. For more information on Potomac Nationals 2017 season tickets, mini plans, group outings, and picnic packages, visit the P-Nats online at www.potomacnationals.com or call the Potomac Nationals Ticket office at 703-590-2311.

— Potomac Nationals —

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

LIFELINK® OF GEORGIA HONORING AUGUSTA GREENJACKETS

AUGUSTA, GA – (April 25, 2017) –    In recognition of the Augusta GreenJacket’s outstanding support of organ, eye and tissue donation, LifeLink of Georgia has partnered with Donate Life America (DLA) to present the team with a Donate Life Champion award. Donate Life Champion awards are given to well-known athletes, teams and other role models within the sports community who have demonstrated remarkable support for donation and inspire others to give the Gift of Life. Previously awarded Donate Life Champions include the Arizona Diamondbacks, Chris Klug, Family of Paco Rodriguez, Washburn University, Ma’ake Kemoeatu, Detroit Tigers, David Eckstein, New Hampshire Fishercats, Michael Jordan, Memphis Redbirds among many others.

Augusta GreenJackets received this award because they continue to support donation through a yearly Donate Life Night to highlight organ donation and put the spotlight on recipients in the CSRA who are able to enjoy a night at the ballpark because of their transplants, as well as organ donors and their families who make renewed life possible.

“Our team is honored to work with LifeLink of Georgia to educate GreenJackets fans on the importance of organ donation. We are humbled to be recognized as a Donate Life Champion for the commitment our team has to this community,” says Tom Denlinger, General Manager Augusta GreenJackets, “One fan can potentially save and improve the lives of seventy-five people by being an organ and tissue donor. Today, the GreenJackets organization encourages everyone to take action to save lives.”

We each have the opportunity to help make a lifesaving difference for critically ill patients, simply by registering as organ and tissue donors online at www.DonateLifeGeorgia.org or during a driver license transaction while at your local driver license office. Contact LifeLink of Georgia for more information on organ and tissue donation at (800) 544-6667 or visit www.LifeLinkFoundation.org.

Join the GreenJackets and LifeLink of Georgia at Lake Olmstead Stadium on Friday, April 28th as the Greenville Drive (Red Sox) come to town for Donate Life Night with a 7:05pm first pitch. The first 1,000 fans will receive a LifeLink of Georgia Car Flag Giveaway. Fans will have the opportunity to register to become organ donors on the concourse as well as learn more about organ donation throughout the game. Post-game kids can run the bases.

The 29th consecutive season of professional baseball in Augusta is underway. All GreenJackets Ticket Packages, including Full, Half, and Weekend Packages, and single game tickets are on sale now for the 2017 Season. For more information, including pricing and benefits on all plans, visit www.GreenJacketsBaseball.com or contact the GreenJackets Front Office at (706) 922-WINS (9467).

LifeLink of Georgia is a non-profit community service organization dedicated to the recovery of organs and tissues for transplantation. To register as an organ and tissue donor, visit www.DonateLifeGeorgia.org.

Donate Life America is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit alliance of national organizations and state teams across the United States committed to increasing the number of donated organs, eyes and tissue available for transplant to save and heal lives. Learn more at www.DonateLife.net.

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

Bees Offer Custom Jerseys For “Pack the Park Pink”

SALT LAKE CITY (April 26, 2017) – The Salt Lake Bees are again offering a one-of-a-kind VIP package to raise money for Huntsman Cancer Foundation (HCF) at the team’s 11th annual “Pack the Park Pink Night” at Smith’s Ballpark on Saturday, May 13.

The VIP package includes a customized Bees jersey that will be worn on field by Bees players and coaches. The name on the back of each jersey will be chosen by donors to honor loved ones that have battled cancer.

“We were overwhelmed with the response to this unique jersey last year,” Bees General Manager Marc Amicone said. “Putting someone else’s name on your back gave our players something special to play for that night and it meant the world to the families who took advantage of the offer. It also helped us set a new team-high for fundraising for Huntsman Cancer Foundation with over $26,000 raised during the game and that is what the night is all about.”

Also included in the VIP package are two on-field passes to watch batting practice before the game, 10 tickets to the game that night and a chance to take their own batting practice on June 24. After the game on May 13 donors will be invited onto the field to meet the Bees player that wore their jersey and have it autographed. Donors are then welcome to stay on the field to watch the fireworks show.

The package is available for a minimum donation of $400 to Huntsman Cancer Foundation. Donations can be made by contacting George Mathis at Huntsman Cancer Foundation at 801-584-5834 or gmathis@huntsmanfoundation.org.

Additional details about the VIP packages are available at www.slbees.com. All items in the package are donated by the Bees without cost, with 100 percent of all funds raised directly benefiting Huntsman Cancer Foundation.

About the Salt Lake Bees

The Salt Lake Bees are in their 17th season as the Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels and will continue to be the top affiliate of the Angels through the 2020 season. While with Los Angeles, Salt Lake owns five division championships and two trips to the Pacific Coast League Finals. Smith’s Ballpark, the home of the Bees, is consistently voted as one of the best ballparks in baseball, including a Top 10 Ballpark in the United States by Better Homes and Gardens. In 2015 the Bees were awarded the Bob Freitas Award by Baseball America as the top franchise in Triple-A. For more information visit www.slbees.com.

About Huntsman Cancer Foundation

The Huntsman Cancer Foundation (HCF) gives a Reason to Hope® to cancer patients and their families around the world. HCF’s sole purpose is to fund the mission of Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI): to understand cancer from its beginnings, to use that knowledge in the creation and improvement of cancer treatments, to relieve the suffering of cancer patients, and to provide education about cancer risk, prevention, and care. HCF relies on the generosity of individuals, corporations, community groups, and other organizations to reach fundraising goals.

Cardinal Valley Elementary & Legends partner on new mural

WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK (Lexington, KY) – Whitaker Bank Ballpark is about to get more colorful and art-filled thanks to the students in Art Club at Cardinal Valley Elementary School, part of Fayette County Public Schools on Thursday, April 27 from 1:00pm to 5:30pm.

Led by teacher and local muralist Michelle Armstrong, approximately twenty Cardinal Valley Elementary Art Club students are showcasing their artistic talents by bringing a Kentucky and Legends themed mural to life at the ballpark on the three electrical boxes found in the parking lot of Whitaker Bank Ballpark. Students spent two to three weeks preparing by researching designs and practicing how their visions would translate onto a unique outdoor canvas.    These designs were then submitted to the Legends, with the decision landing on an all-encompassing three-piece theme, highlighting the Commonwealth, Legends players in branded uniforms, as well as various Legends logos and baseball images.

“I’m excited to bring my students to Whitaker Bank Ballpark to create something for the Lexington community” states Armstrong. “These students are thrilled to be able to share their talent and transform utility boxes into something magical and inspiring” Armstrong continued.

Andy Shea, Legends President and CEO added to Michelle Armstrong’s sentiments by stating “the Legends are no stranger to the wonderful world of art. We welcome the chance to work with students in our community and could not be more pleased to have these remarkable students contribute a third unique mural to Whitaker Bank Ballpark.”

Media is welcome to attend the mural painting session on the electrical boxes, which again takes place Thursday, April 27, 2017 from 1:00pm to 5:30pm in the parking lot of Whitaker Bank Ballpark.

For more information, about the Cardinal Valley Elementary Art Club mural project, contact Sarah Bosso at sbosso@lexingtonlegends.com or 859 422-7855.  The Legends, a Class A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and a member of the South Atlantic League, continue a seven game homestand at 7:05pm Thursday, April 27, 2017 at Whitaker Bank Ballpark against the Hagerstown Suns, an affiliate of the Washington Nationals.  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.

Jim Abbott To Throw Out First Pitch On DisAbilities Awareness Night

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – April 26th, 2017 – For the Inland Empire 66ers (Class-A Affiliate Los Angeles Angels)          6th Annual DisAbilities Awareness Night, they will have former Angels pitcher Jim Abbott throw out the ceremonial first pitch. On this night, the 66ers will also be giving away a limited supply of bobbleheads of Abbott’s likeness.

Jim Abbott was born September 19, 1967, in Flint, Michigan without a right hand. He was an All-America hurler at the University of Michigan; won the Sullivan Award for the Nation’s Best Amateur Athlete in 1987; was a pitcher for the Gold Medal Olympic Team in 1988; drafted by the California Angels in the 1st Round of the 1988 MLB Amateur Draft; made his professional debut on April 8th, 1989; and threw a 4-0 no-hitter for the New York Yankees versus Cleveland (September 4, 1993). Jim played for 10 seasons on 4 different teams and ended his big league playing career in 1999.

WHEN: Saturday, April 29th, 2017

TIME: Pre-game baseball clinic for anyone with a disability of any kind put on by 66ers players starts at 4:00pm

  • Main gates open at 5:00pm
  • Inland empire 66ers vs Lake Elsinore Storm game starts at 6:05pm

***All times are Pacific Standard Time***

WHERE: San Manuel Stadium 280 South E Street, San Bernardino, CA 92401

MORE: Fans can find a full listing of the 66ers Promotional Schedule as well as purchase discounted season tickets or group tickets on the new and improved 66ers.com. They can also secure their seats by calling the 66ers front office at 909-888-9922.

Michelin Reading All-Stars Celebration on Tuesday

The Greenville Drive and Michelin are teaming up to host the Reading All-Stars Celebration Game for Spartanburg, Anderson and Pickens Counties on Tuesday, May 2nd at Fluor Field.

First pitch for the game is at 7:05 PM, and the celebration starts at 6:00 with a pregame parade for Reading All-Stars from those counties, a commemorative Michelin Reading All-Stars t-shirt for each student, and a Book Fair courtesy of Public Education Partners.

Throughout the game, Reading All-Stars will participate in several between-innings games, and the Drive will induct new schools into the Reading All-Stars Hall of Fame for their excellence in the program throughout the years.

To purchase tickets for Tuesday’s 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.

YSU Baseball to Raise Funds and Awareness for Childhood Cancer

The Youngstown State baseball team will participate in the Lace Up 4 Pediatric Cancer event in conjunction with the Go4theGoal Foundation to raise funds and awareness to combat childhood cancer at its game this Friday against Valparaiso at Eastwood Field.

Players and coaches for Youngstown State and Valparaiso will wear yellow shoelaces to raise awareness for childhood cancer. All money from admission tickets, as well as a portion of concessions sales, will be donated to the Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley. Donations will also be accepted.

Tweet from @YSUBaseball: YSU Baseball to Raise Funds and Awareness for Childhood Cancer at Friday���s Game – Youngstown State https://t.co/GnCdwU0V9v

To reward fans for supporting both the cause and the Penguins, the Mahoning Valley Scrappers will give away a Jim Tressel bobblehead or Scrappers t-shirts or other giveaway items to the first 100 fans.

Additionally, YSU’s Team IMPACT player Jacob Sypert will throw out the first pitch at Friday’s game. Sypert is a seventh grader from McDonald, Ohio, who is a cancer survivor. He and the Penguins have been partnered together as part of the Team IMPACT program for the last two season.

Tweet from @YSUBaseball: Happy 1 Year Anniversary to our guy, Jacob, on signing his NLI to be a part of our program! @Sypert4 @GoTeamIMPACT pic.twitter.com/tWdduhn01x

“I think is so important for our baseball team to have a chance to be involved with a great organization and a great cause like Go4theGoal and children’s cancer,” YSU head coach Dan Bertolini said. “Our Team IMPACT player Jacob Sypert has been affected by childhood cancer, and his mother approached me this fall about getting involved. I got a chance to meet with Karen from Go4theGoal in January and I couldn’t be more excited about partnering with them.”

For more information on Go4theGoal, visit go4thegoal.org.

First pitch on Friday is set for 5 p.m. in game one of the key three-game Horizon League series against the Crusaders.

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

Promise Kept: C’s unveil new Challenger Baseball Field

(Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium – Vancouver, B.C.) – They say that these are the reasons that you get into a career in baseball. To have a platform where you can make a difference in someone’s life.

Back when the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation was still in its infancy, team president Andy Dunn stepped forward to a number of his staff and showed a field that catered specifically to the needs of children with physical and cognitive challenges. The playing surface was synthetic to help with the wheels of a wheelchair or walker, the dugout had no steps but had doorways that were wider and for the families — well, now they had a field to call their own.

When Andy first sold the idea to the Canadians, no team in Canada had a dedicated field specifically allocated to Challenger Baseball which could have played a factor in the decision to put the pedal to the metal and make this dream a reality.

To build something of this ilk, you couldn’t have been able to finance it alone. Not in Vancouver, not in the heart of Hillcrest’s vibrant community — or at least you would have thought. But it’s amazing to see how a community can come together when the vision is clear and the benefactor are a group of children who simply needed someone to step up.

Donations began coming into the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation from all across the Lower Mainland. Some from longtime fans, others chose to keep their significant donations private. Our partners from across the country also came together as suddenly the likes of Variety – The Children’s Carity, Jays Care, Challenger Baseball and the Vancouver Board of Parks & Recreation all stepped forward and said we will help.

Not only did they help, the funded a majority of the project with Variety – The Children’s Charity offering up an amount that put our fundraising efforts over the top. The Vancouver Park Board delivered on the space which was significant as these bright, young and inspiring children now get to play their summer baseball just steps away from historic Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium. Now fans from both parks can trade roars when a big hit takes place a special moment is highlighted under the warm glow from the afternoon sun.

This was the vision all along. To bring give something to our community to say not only ‘thank you’, but that we ‘believe in you’.

Andy’s vision became our vision and our vision became yours.

We hope this summer before you enter the gates to our hallowed ballpark located at the base of majestic Queen Elizabeth Park that you take a few moments and go sit in the bleachers of what is now known as the Variety Challenger Baseball Field of Dreams. Watch these players play without challenge and understand in the blink of an eye why we made this promise to you.

They say that these are the reasons that you get into a career in baseball.

Yeah, this is definitely one of them.

-30-

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

Shuckers present check for $6,090 to William Carey University

BILOXI, MS – Prior to the Shuckers game against the Jackson Generals on April 24 at MGM Park, Biloxi Shuckers general manager Chuck Arnold and field manager Mike Guerrero presented William Carey University senior project manager Richard Vogel and athletic director D.J. Pulley with a check for $6,090.

“We can’t thank the Shuckers enough for what they have done for us,” said Vogel. “For the Shuckers to play a NAIA school in an exhibition game gained us much exposure on the coast. The contributed funds from tickets sold will go a long way to help our recovery and greatly improve our university. We have a vision of where we are going as a university, and we know the Shuckers will be a great partner for what we are trying to accomplish going forward.”

The check was net ticket proceeds from the exhibition game played between the Shuckers and Crusaders on April 4 at MGM Park. William Carey’s Hattiesburg campus was impacted by tornadoes in January with damages occurring to dorms, Tatum Court, Thomas Hall and the library.

“We are honored to have played a small role in the recovery efforts at William Carey University,” said Arnold. “We want to thank our fans for their generous support of this great cause.”

The Biloxi Shuckers are committed to their community and are proactively seeking ways to improve the quality of life on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The Shuckers partner with non-profits, military, schools and youth athletic organizations to provide benevolent outreach. In addition to financial assistance, the Shuckers front office staff has volunteered 144 hours so far in the community this year.

The Shuckers return to action tonight at 6:35 pm for game four of the series against the Jackson Generals. The Shuckers will offer $2 Polk’s hot dogs on Tuesdays this season and fans can bring in their Polk’s Meat Products label to the MGM Park box office and receive a buy one, get one Box or Reserved Level ticket! Also on Tuesday, the Gulf Coast Corvette Club will have a pregame parade around the warning track (weather permitting).The homestand continues through Wednesday with the first Education Day of the year on Wednesday with a Business Person’s special.

Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance at any Ticketmaster outlet or at biloxishuckers.com.

ABOUT THE BILOXI SHUCKERS:

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

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