Blue Wahoos And Cox Honor Legacy Of Chappie James To End Homestand On Juneteenth 

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The Blue Wahoos were unable to sweep their week-long series against the Tennessee Smokies.

But they won the day in other ways Sunday, following a 5-1 loss at Blue Wahoos Stadium on an unforgettable Father’s Day at Blue Wahoos presented by Cox Communications that coincided with Juneteenth, National Freedom Day.

In addition to their title sponsorship of the day’s festivities, Cox Communications provided 100 game tickets, hats, and food to children in the community and the opportunity for the kids to take the field with the Blue Wahoos!
Nino Mendez

Their lone loss in this six-game series with the Smokies still kept the Blue Wahoos on verge of clinching the first-half division race in the Southern League South Division. The other three South Division teams, including nearest chaser Biloxi Shuckers, all lost Sunday as well.

While bats were quieted, the Blue Wahoos still stirred crowd attention among the 4,123 who braved the hot afternoon.

For the first time, the Blue Wahoos wore specialty, all-blue jerseys which included four silver stars in honor of the Gen. Daniel “Chappie” James Jr., who rose from Pensacola to become in 1975 the first African-American four-star general in United States Armed Forces history.

James’ decorated legacy included tours of combat duty in the Korean War and Vietnam War, earning him rarefied placement in U.S. Air Force history prior to his death 1978.

His granddaughter, Britt James, who was attending her brother’s wedding in Washington state, provided a video tribute and local members of the Chappie James Flight Academy and Chappie James Memorial Bridge Foundation were recognized on the field.

Then moments before the National Anthem was played, an 11-year-old boy tossed a ceremonial first pitch to a man who been in a stepdad role. On the baseball were the words, “Let’s Make This Official.”

The two melted in each other’s arms with tears as paperwork was presented for the adoption to become official.

Happy Father’s Day, indeed.

There were also youth league teams across the field in pregame warmups as part of a sponsorship from Cox Communications, who provided 100 game tickets, hats, and food to children in the community. In what might be a team record, 10 different people threw out a first pitch.

The game itself fell in what seemed a familiar comeback scenario to the Blue Wahoos.

After trailing 4-0, they had the first two batters on base in both the seventh and eighth innings. Unlike previous home game, late-inning comebacks, the Blue Wahoos (33-25) could not follow with a big hit to extend a five-game winning streak.

As it turned out, however, win or lose Sunday, the Blue Wahoos position for a playoff-clincher would not have changed. Playing hours earlier, Biloxi fell 7-6 in 10 innings, on the road against the Chattanooga Lookouts, ending Biloxi’s four-game win streak.

The Blue Wahoos will travel to Biloxi on Tuesday to begin a six-game series with the Shuckers (30-31) that will end the first half schedule. The Blue Wahoos need just one win to wrap up first-place in the first half and gain a playoff spot for mid-September.

Because each team in the South Division has played a different number of games, winning percentage is what determines the first half winner.

Cody Mincey delivered a solid start Sunday for the Blue Wahoos, working six innings, giving up all three of his runs in the second inning, but not walking a batter in his outing. He had tough luck in the second when a potential double-play was botched with a wide throw, leading into Cole Roederer’s two run single.

The Blue Wahoos got their lone run in the seventh on Jan Mercado’s two-out single, but managed only six hits against three Smokies pitchers. Cobie Fletcher-Vance went 2-for-3 as the Blue Wahoos’ lone multiple-hit batter.

WHAT’S NEXT?

WHO: Blue Wahoos vs. Biloxi Shuckers

WHEN: Tuesday (June 21) through June 26.

WHERE: MGM Park, Biloxi, Miss.

GAMETIMES: Start times are 6:35 p.m. for games Tuesday through Saturday, then 5:05 p.m. on Sunday (June 26).

TICKETS: www.biloxishuckers.com/tickets.

RADIO: : ESPN-Pensacola (99.1 FM and 1330 AM and WYCT 98.7 HD4).

TV: YurView (check provider) and MILB.tv (streaming) through www.milb.com/live-stream-games with subscription discount using BLUE WAHOOS.

NEXT HOME SERIES: Begins on June 28 vs. the Montgomery Biscuits.

Missions Announce Amount Raised from Uvalde Jersey Fundraiser 

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SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Missions Baseball Club is proud to announce that the Uvalde Jersey Fundraiser Event on Thursday, June 16th raised $50, 357. All of the money raised will go towards the Robb School Memorial Fund.

Donations began at 10 a.m. Thursday morning with the option of placing call-in bids. Beginning at 6 p.m., fans at Nelson Wolff Stadium were able to bid on the jersey and various items at an auction table inside the third base gate.

Bidding ended 15 minutes after the final out was recorded. The Missions also had options for individual donations throughout the game. During the third inning, a “Pass-the-Hat” occurred throughout the seating bowl, giving fans multiple opportunities to donate.

The San Antonio Missions hosted the Amarillo Sod Poodles for Thursday night’s game. The Missions defeated Amarillo 4-3 after a walk-off sacrifice fly in the bottom of the ninth inning.

A Robb School Memorial Fund is held locally at First State Bank to support the families and community affected by the tragedy. Donate at https://onestarfoundation.org/uvalde/ to support the local fund.

The San Antonio Missions are the Double-A affiliate for the San Diego Padres. This is the 120th professional season for the San Antonio Missions. Single game tickets are available now and can be purchased online or at the 1st Base Box Office. Season seat memberships are available now. For more information call 210-675-PARK (7275) or visit samissions.com.

RWJBarnabas Health To Host Pride Night With The Patriots On August 23

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Bridgewater, New Jersey – RWJBarnabas Health, the official healthcare provider of the Somerset Patriots, will host Pride Night at TD Bank Ballpark on Tuesday, August 23 for the team’s 7:05 pm game versus the New Hampshire Fisher Cats.

GET TICKETS!

Pride Night is part of a Minor League Baseball (MiLB) nationwide initiative to showcase ballparks as an inclusive and safe environment for everyone. The game will focus on bringing LGBTQ+ members together with their families, friends and organizations to celebrate and highlight the community.

“RWJBarnabas Health is committed to providing a safe and welcoming space where members of the LGBTQ+ community can receive the medical care they need and are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve,” said Trina Parks, Corporate Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, RWJBarnabas Health. “We are proud to partner with the Somerset Patriots to promote greater awareness of resources available to the LGBTQ+ community to promote their health and wellness.”

The event will feature the Babs Siperstein PROUD Center at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset and the PROUD Gender Center of New Jersey at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, which provide comprehensive health care services for the LGBTQ+ community, including primary care services, hormone therapy, gender affirmation surgery, behavioral health services and support groups.

Fans in attendance will be able to visit displays on the concourse to get information and engage with organizations involved in inclusion and working closely with members of the LGBTQ+ community.

The Patriots and RWJBarnabas Health will be fundraising for LGBTQ+ organizations at the ballpark through a 50/50 raffle held on site.

The Team Store will have special pride t-shirts and apparel available for purchase at the ballpark and online at somersetpatriots.com.

“We are excited to host Pride Night at the ballpark with our great partners at RWJBarnabas Health,” said Patriots President/General Manager Patrick McVerry. “Since we opened in 1999, we have always looked at our home as a safe and accessible environment for everyone in our community. It’s something that we take great pride in and look to make it a special night for our LGBTQ+ fans enjoying a game again or for the very first time.”

Tickets for Pride Night can be purchased at TD Bank Ballpark, by phone at (908) 252-0700, or by visiting somersetpatriots.com.

About the Somerset Patriots
The Somerset Patriots are the New York Yankees Double-A Affiliate and develop today’s top minor league talent into the pinstriped superstars of tomorrow for MLB’s winningest team. The Patriots compete in the Double-A Northeast League and play their home games at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, NJ, where fans of all ages and levels of baseball fandom get to enjoy the unique experience that is minor league baseball.

To learn more, visit: _**www.somersetpatriots.com_**

Saturday is Treasure Coast Hospice Night of Hope

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Saturday is Treasure Coast Hospice Night of Hope. The Mets will wear special jerseys that will be auctioned off to benefit Treasure Coast Hospice’s Little Angels Pediatric Care Program & Good Grief Children’s Bereavement Program. The jersey auction begins Friday at 5:00 p.m. and ends on Tuesday at 9:00 p.m. You can bid at milbauctions.com.

Saturday at Clover Park there will be a local celebrity softball game at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are good for both the softball game and the Mets game.

Local celebrities include fire chief Nate Spera, former NFL player Luther Robinson III, WPTV Reporter Meghan McRoberts,fFormer MLB Player & World Series champion Rusty Meacham and members of our local police and fire agencies.

There will be postgame fireworks!

Jumbo Shrimp bring baseball to Historic Eastside for PLAY BALL Weekend event

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Pitcher Will Stewart and the Jumbo Shrimp hosted their PLAY BALL Weekend from June 10-12. (Colleen Mitchell/ Miami Marlins)

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp partnered with the Henry Brown Athletic Association to put on a free instructional clinic designed to encourage the growth of the game of baseball and inspire recreational play amongst underserved communities in Jacksonville.

The clinic, which took place at Kooker Park in the Historic Eastside of Jacksonville on June 10, was an effort to support a culturally-rich and important neighborhood less than a mile from the team’s home at 121 Financial Ballpark.

Jumbo Shrimp players and front office staff provided hands-on skill development during five different sessions in which participants received free instruction on hitting, fielding, catching, pitching and running. At the conclusion of the clinic, the youngsters were gifted a Franklin bat and ball set.

“It was such a rewarding experience to help provide a positive environment for our local Jacksonville youth to learn more about the amazing sport of baseball,” said Jumbo Shrimp community relations manager Miranda Rossum. “Our mission is to grow the game and ensure that kids who want to play baseball and softball have the opportunity to do so.”

Pitcher Matthew Kent speaking with children during PLAY BALL Weekend. (Colleen Mitchell/Miami Marlins)

“It gives you a real appreciation for how lucky we are,” Jumbo Shrimp pitcher Will Stewart said, “It felt good to be able to go out there and help them out and give them a little knowledge and just show that we care about them.”

In addition to the hands-on learning experience, participants had a chance to attend a Jumbo Shrimp baseball game that evening and see the players in action on a big-league field.

“They were extremely loud that night at the ballpark, it was great! I’m glad they were there,” said Stewart.

The event was part of Major League Baseball’s PLAY BALL initiative, which encourages participation in the sports of baseball and softball amongst all ages, with a special focus on youth. PLAY BALL events took place across 30 MLB teams, 120 MILB teams and seven different continents.

ABOUT THE JUMBO SHRIMP: The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp offer affordable family fun at 121 Financial Ballpark. Their inaugural season garnered the Southern League’s Don Mincher Organization of the Year, Promotional Trophy and Jimmy Bragan Executive of the Year, won by general manager Harold Craw. The club added its second Promotional Trophy in three years following the 2019 season. The 2021 season marked the return of Triple-A baseball in Jacksonville. To experience the excitement with the terrific value of ticket and group options, call the Jumbo Shrimp at (904) 358-2846 or visit www.jaxshrimp.com.

Sounds and Delta Dental to Host Free Dental Clinic at First Horizon Park on Friday, June 17

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The Nashville Sounds Baseball Club has partnered with Delta Dental to host a free Smile Power dental clinic from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at First Horizon Park on Friday, June 17. The clinic is open to people of all ages.

All registered participants will receive a free dental screening thanks to volunteers from Meharry Medical College and Neighborhood Health. Following the screening, participants have the opportunity to schedule a follow-up dental appointment through Neighborhood Health.

Public signups are available from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. and must be completed here.

All children ages 12 and under will also be provided with an apple and bottle of water courtesy of Performance Foodservice. The Band Box will be open for activities while children wait for their screening.

The Nashville Sounds are the Triple-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers and play at First Horizon Park. Single-game tickets are on sale now for all home games in 2022. For more information call 615-690-4487 or e-mail [email protected].

Trash Pandas Explore Negro League History

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Baseball is a game built on its history, with the sacrifices of players’ past paving the way for today’s stars to shine brightest. In Alabama, that history is especially significant, with professional baseball’s roots in the state dating back more than a century.

The Rocket City Trash Pandas are the newest addition to Alabama’s rich baseball history, blasting off with the inaugural season in 2021. This week, the Trash Pandas will celebrate the history with Negro League Tribute Night on Thursday, June 16.

The second annual Negro League Tribute Night at Toyota Field will feature appearances from former Negro League players Eugene Scruggs of the Detroit Stars and former Birmingham Black Baron Horace Moore. Also on the concourse will be a traveling exhibit from the Negro Southern League Museum in Birmingham.

During the Trash Pandas’ road trip in Birmingham in May, several players and coaches visited the museum before a game, learning about the history of the game that is their passion. At the museum, the Trash Pandas explored a wide variety of Negro League memorabilia and artifacts, including uniforms, equipment, contracts, and even a hologram of the legendary Satchel Paige with a hologram of his arsenal on the mound to show movement on his pitches.

It was an eye-opening experience for the Trash Pandas, and a preview of what fans can expect on Thursday night.

“It’s an awesome opportunity for the players. I’m really excited for them to be able to experience this,” Trash Pandas Manager Andy Schatzley said. “It’s incredibly informative and celebratory of a portion of the game that needs to be celebrated and recognized.”

“Coming here and getting to take in the museum, it’s definitely humbling and I’m also proud of the heritage of the people that came before me that paved the way for me to be able the game that I love today,” said outfielder Torii Hunter Jr., who was recently promoted to Triple-A Salt Lake. “I’m extremely grateful, appreciative, and I’m also humbled because they endured a lot to get us to where we are now but I’m thankful for everything they’ve done and the contributions they’ve made to this game.”

The exhibits featuring Negro League legends such as Paige, Josh Gibson, Willie Mays, and many more were especially meaningful to some, and it speaks to the overall message of the Negro Southern League Museum.

“We tell the story of black baseball through the eyes of Birmingham and the country,” said Valerie Wilson, Project Manager for the Negro Southern League Museum. “It’s so important to pay respect and homage to the players and their adventures.”

The story behind many of the exhibits on display feature even greater significance, with each player paving their own success story. That message was felt by the Trash Pandas.

“The biggest thing is that people didn’t care about what kind of bat was used or what kind of glove they had. They were just out there to play the game and be the best they could,” Hunter Jr. said. “There were not a lot of excuses being made. It makes me take a step back and look at my career and how everything has gone for me. There’s not many excuses for me to not go out there and play the game the right way because that’s what they did, especially given the circumstances that they were in.”

“It was nostalgic,” Schatzley added. “Understanding that every player, these players included, have their own individual path to getting to where they want to be and being able to learn and empathize with the path of some players that came before these guys is awesome for the players to see.”

“In the minor leagues you go from city to city, league to league, it’s a grind,” said Hitting Coach Kenny Hook. “I think it’s important for them to understand the history of the Southern League. There’s so much history here and it’s something they are proud to be a part of.”

“Being here and seeing all of the history. It’s cool to be able to take a step back and see where our game was and how our game has grown,” added pitcher Kolton Ingram.

Those thoughts echo what the museum is hoping to hear when players from other teams stop by throughout the season.

“It’s extra special for us that current players respect their elders and want to learn about their history,” Wilson said. “We’re always excited when players take the time to come here and learn.”

For more information on the Negro Southern League Museum in Birmingham, visit birminghamnlsm.org.

United Way of Greenville County Centennial Celebration Held at Fluor Field

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United Way of Greenville County is celebrating 100 years of impact and service to the Greenville community and they’re inviting you to join in on fun! Starting at 6 PM when the gates open, enjoy the fun throughout the concourse with our Drive inflatables, face painting, balloon art, and magic!

Throughout the game, the Drive will honor and recognize different leaders, organizations and volunteers that have helped to shape the lives of so many throughout Greenville County. If you were a Hands on Greenville Day volunteer, make sure to wear your t-shirt to the game and pick up a free drink voucher at a specially marked table at either gate. End the night with a bang and make sure to stick around for the best fireworks show in town, courtesy of United Way of Greenville County.

Get tickets for the night HERE.

Drive Hosts Second Annual Aerospace Night

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The Greenville Drive & the SC Aerospace Team are excited to host the second annual Aerospace Night at Fluor Field event this year on Wednesday June 22nd. Building on the incredible success of last year’s first-ever Aerospace Night event, this signature event at Fluor Field will highlight and showcase, in a unique and impactful way, the companies and leaders driving the success of the Aerospace industry in our community and throughout the state.

All aspects of the Aerospace Industry will be on display during the Drive game on June 22nd including impactful, educational, and engaging entertainment content on the stadium concourse as well as before and during the Drive game. The stadium concourse will come alive with engaging displays from leading Aerospace companies in the Upstate including Lockheed Martin, Champion Aerospace, Kelley Engineering, Gemba Systems, HTI, and more! The night will also feature additional entertainment including a pre-game stadium flyover from Prisma Health, a Color Guard performance by the Civil Air Patrol Squadron, a mini Airplane toss inning break, and much more!

To help build our community’s Aerospace workforce of the future, all K-12 students in the community can receive a complimentary ticket to the game. Students and the general public should follow the instructions below to claim their tickets:

  1. Students: visit www.GreenvilleDrive.com/groupportal and use the password “aerospace” to enter the portal. Also use the promo code “aerospace” to claim your complimentary ticket during check-out. Make sure to click apply!
  2. General Public: visit https://www.milb.com/greenville/tickets/single-game-tickets to purchase your tickets.

This will be a highly educational and impactful event at Fluor Field on June 22nd! Gates open at 6pm with first pitch to follow at 7pm. See you at the game!

Lehigh Valley IronPigs to introduce “Pigs Care” Program

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IronPigs and Air Products team up to incorporate program that will work with fans with non-visible disabilities

Allentown, Pennsylvania (16 June 2022) – The Lehigh Valley IronPigs, together with Air Products, are introducing the “Pigs Care” Program at Coca-Cola Park. The “Pigs Care” Program is designed to better help all fans to be able to fully enjoy their experience at Coca-Cola Park.

The “Pigs Care” program provides the opportunity for any guest with an invisible or visible disability to stop at the Lehigh Valley Institute for Surgical Excellence Guest Services window at Coca-Cola Park to receive a “Pigs Care” lanyard. While the guest utilizes Coca-Cola Park and its services, IronPigs employees will be able to discreetly help and assist those with lanyards and provide an additional amount of assistance, understanding and patience during the guest’s trip to the ballpark.

Many guests who have non-visible disabilities live and face barriers often in their daily lives, including a lack of understanding and negative attitudes. Fans can now choose to wear the “Pigs Care” lanyard to discreetly identify that they may need support, help or just a little more time in the merchandise store, in line at concession stands or perhaps reaching their seats.

“We are grateful to be working with Air Products on implementing this new program that will benefit any guests who may have visible or non-visible disabilities,” said IronPigs President and General Manager Kurt Landes. “The Pigs Care Program reinforces our message of making sure every guest that comes through the gates at Coca-Cola Park has a positive and memorable experience, regardless of their ability.”

The “Pigs Care” Program is believed to be the first of its kind in both Major League and Minor League Baseball. Non-visible disabilities may include autism, chronic pain, and learning difficulties as well as mental health conditions, severe anxieties, sensory loss, speech impairments and respiratory conditions. Although you may not be able to see these invisible impairments and conditions, they still exist and impact a significant size of the population.

“At Air Products, we believe that every person belongs and matters and we are honored to partner with IronPigs to support and celebrate people of all abilities,” said Laurie Hackett, Community Relations Director at Air Products.

Fans who are interested in learning more about the “Pigs Care” Program will be able to visit the Lehigh Valley Institute for Surgical Excellence Guest Services located on the main concourse behind section 106/107 at Coca-Cola Park during an IronPigs game. Fans can also go to ironpigsbaseball.com for more information.

Follow the IronPigs on Twitter at @IronPigs and like them on Facebook via www.facebook.com/LHVIronPigs.

The IronPigs are presented by Capital BlueCross.

–#OinkOn–

Wings, Golisano Children's Hospital Partner for All-Stars Initiative

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The Rochester Red Wings and UR Medicine’s Golisano Children’s Hospital have announced a partnership that will provide a unique gameday experience for patients and their families over the course of the 2022 baseball season.

The All-Star will receive a customized Red Wings jersey with name and number, as well as a Wings cap for each family member. They will also receive a behind-the-scenes tour of the stadium including the clubhouse and press box while also getting to watch batting practice

“Our partnership with the Red Wings is a testament to the generous support we receive from the community all year long,” said Patrick Brophy, M.D., physician-in-chief of Golisano Children’s Hospital. “We are looking forward to this new relationship, and would like to thank the Red Wings for giving our patients a chance to take a break from the hospital and have some fun.”

The All-Star will also get a photo opportunity with Spikes and Mittsy and a Red Wings player or coach while getting to stand with said player or coach on the field for the National Anthem. Finally, the All-Star will be personally introduced as they deliver the game ball to the pitcher’s mound.

“We are proud to partner with the Golisano Children’s Hospital to honor some of their All-Stars at select games this season,” said Red Wings General Manager Dan Mason. “We strive to provide lifelong memories for our fans and we can’t wait to put some smiles on the faces of these All-Stars and their families.”

This All-Star initiative will come complete with a private Diamond Suite including tickets, a food and beverage package, VIP parking, yearbooks, and vouchers for a round of Speed Pitch and Bounce House.

Selection of each All-Star will be made by Golisano Children’s Hospital.

2022 All-Stars:
June 28: Ian

More Information for Thursday’s Uvalde Jersey Auction 

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Missions Will Accept Call-in Bids Beginning at 10 a.m. (CT)

SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Missions Baseball Club has announced more information regarding the Uvalde Jersey Auction on Thursday, June 16th. The Missions will be accepting call-in bids beginning at 10 a.m. (CT) on June 16th. There will also be an auction table located near guest services at Nelson Wolff Stadium.

For anyone interested in calling in to place their bids, they can contact either of these two phone numbers: (830) 285-3850 or (210) 449-9120. Live bidding from the auction table will begin when the gates open at 6 p.m. (CT).

There will be 36 jerseys to bid on. 35 of those jerseys will be from the players and the coaching staff with the other jersey being a team signed jersey. The auction will also include various donated items from the San Antonio community. Each jersey will begin with an opening bid of $100.00.

During the game, there will be a “Pass-the-Hat” throughout the stadium for individual donations separate from the jersey auction. The auction table will also have an individual donation option.

The San Antonio Missions will be taking the field wearing Uvalde Coyotes high school baseball jerseys and the jerseys will be auctioned off with the proceeds benefitting the Robb School Memorial Fund.

A Robb School Memorial Fund is held locally at First State Bank to support the families and community affected by the tragedy. Donate at https://onestarfoundation.org/uvalde/ to support the local fund.

On Thursday, June 16th, the Wolff Stadium gates will open at 6 p.m. (CT), with the first pitch at 7:05 p.m. (CT) for the game between the Missions and Sod Poodles.

The San Antonio Missions are the Double-A affiliate for the San Diego Padres. This is the 120th professional season for the San Antonio Missions. Single game tickets are available now and can be purchased online or at the 1st Base Box Office. Season seat memberships are available now. For more information call 210-675-PARK (7275) or visit samissions.com.

IHSAA Baseball State Finals Matchups Set for June 17-18 at Victory Field

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INDIANAPOLIS – The 55th annual Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) Baseball State Finals return to Victory Field for a 24th time on Friday, June 17 and Saturday, June 18. The 2A and 3A championships will be played Friday with the 1A and 4A matchups slated for Saturday.

“The Indiana High School Baseball State Finals is one of Victory Field’s greatest summer traditions,” said Randy Lewandowski, Indianapolis Indians President and General Manager. “The championship atmosphere both on the field and in the stands is special, and we look forward to creating lasting memories for the student-athletes, coaches and fans.”

General admission tickets will be available starting at 12 PM ET on Thursday, June 16. GA tickets are $12 and kids 5 and under receive free admission per IHSAA guidelines. Fans may also contact any of the eight respective schools competing in the championships to purchase tickets. Each night will be sold as a separate session; each ticket is good for both games that night. Fans for the visiting teams will sit on the first base side of the seating bowl while fans for the home teams will sit on the third base side.

“We look forward to completing the school year at beautiful Victory Field every single year,” said IHSAA Commissioner Paul Neidig. “The hospitality of the Indianapolis Indians is second to none and they always provide a great experience for our state finalist teams and fans alike at the best minor league ballpark in the country.”

Gates open at 4:30 PM ET on Friday, June 17 and at 3:30 PM ET on Saturday, June 18. Limited parking is available in the Victory Field parking lot for $10 (cash and card accepted) starting at 2:30 PM ET on June 17 and at 1:30 PM ET on June 18. Concessions will be available and are cashless – only debit and credit cards are acceptable forms of payment.

Friday, June 17
2A Championship, 5:37 PM ET
Centerville (21-5, visitors) vs. Illiana Christian (21-7, home)

3A Championship, approximately 8:07 PM ET
Brebeuf Jesuit (26-4, visitors) vs. Andrean (30-4, home)

Saturday, June 18
1A Championship, 4:37 PM ET
Tecumseh (19-12, visitors) vs. Lafayette Central Catholic (26-6, home)

4A Championship, approximately 8:07 PM ET
Indianapolis Cathedral (18-10-2, visitors) vs. Penn (25-6, home)

All four state championship games will air live on Bally Sports Indiana (BSIN). For viewers outside the BSIN coverage area, a live stream will be available at IHSAAtv.org. For those within the BSIN coverage area, the stream will be available only on a delayed basis following the conclusion of the telecast.

WooSox Honor History While Celebrating City's Tercentennial at Start of Polar Park Homestand

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WORCESTER — Even though the WooSox have been in existence for only two years, the team understands how to recognize 300 years of history for its new home.

The city of Worcester celebrated its tercentennial last weekend while the WooSox were on the road, so the team kicked off a 12-game homestand at Polar Park by continuing the historic celebration on the actual June 14 birthday.

In perfect Worcester fashion, the WooSox finished with a 4-0 victory over the Toldeo Mud Hens in front of 5,669 at Polar Park.

Prior to Tuesday night’s game, the WooSox presented Bill Wallace, the Worcester Historical Museum’s executive director, with a time capsule to be opened on the city’s 400th birthday.

WooSox team president Dr. Charles Steinberg had every member of the team sign a baseball to present as part of the time capsule. The ball was photographed from all sides and the players were asked to legibly sign the ball, so future generations will know who played for the team in 2022.

A key to the city was presented to members of the Tercentennial committee, including Kate McEvoy, Kim Salmon, Yaffia Fain, Mary MacKenzie, Amy Peterson and Julie Bowditch. Mayor Joseph M. Petty also was in attendance and threw out the ceremonial first pitch to celebrate the city’s birthday.

“We’re celebrating who we are,” Wallace said. “We have a commitment to the future.”

The WooSox also recognized Jose Santiago, who was a key member of the 1967 Boston Red Sox’ pennant-winning Impossible Dream Team. The right-hander posted a 12-4 record with a 3.59 ERA in 50 games. He also pitched Game 1 of the ’67 World Series and also hit a home run in a 2-1 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals.

The tradition of honoring local nurses continued during the pregame ceremony, along with Worcester Chief of Police, Steven Sargent, and Worcester Deputy Fire Chief, John Powers, Deputy Chief Adam Roche and firefighter Jay O’Brien.

A moment of silence was held as the WooSox remembered police Officer Manny Familia, the Worcester 6 and three other firefighters who also made the ultimate sacrifice. The team also recognized Polar Park security guard Scott Gauvin, who passed away unexpectedly last week.

After Mary MacKenzie sang the national anthem, the WooSox announced the team is restoring the annual Police and Firefighter’s charity baseball game. The game will be played Sept. 26 at Polar Park.

Jovan Familia, the son of Manny Familia, who passed away June 4, 2021, attempting to save a drowning child, along with Ava Roy, the daughter of firefighter Christopher Roy, who passed away on call Dec. 9, 2018, will serve as the honorary captains of the charity baseball game. Jovan and Ava then threw out a ceremonial first pitch.

Prior to the top of the fifth inning, the team’s “In Debt to a Vet” recognized Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Joseph Paul Genduso, 93, of Worcester, who earned a Purple Heart in the Korean War.

Then, everyone in attendance sang “Happy Birthday” to the city of Worcester.

It was a night of recognizing everything that makes Worcester a special place to call home.

“We’re celebrating everything that’s good about Worcester,” Wallace said. “It’s past. It’s present, and the role of all of us, and the ballpark in the future. Our role is to preserve all this and we’re pleased to be recognized, but this is also an exciting time for Worcester.”

It was only four years ago when the dream of having the Red Sox’ Triple-A affiliate in Worcester became a reality. Steinberg, a historian of the game, quickly went to work learning everything he could about the deep roots of baseball in Worcester.

“When you’re first learning about Worcester, you start studying the dates, and you learn about the flag and the seal, and you see 1722,” Steinberg said.

From Day 1, the WooSox had their focus on 2022 and the Tercentennial. Steinberg believed it was a special opportunity to recognize the team’s new home. The WooSox spent countless hours with Wallace, who taught the organization about the city’s history, so it was only natural for the Opening Celebration’s fireworks to take place last Friday at Polar Park.

“To be able to have Polar Park bat leadoff in the 300th celebration felt really good,” Steinberg said. “It felt like we had created a place that beyond baseball was a focal point for such a special celebration.”

The city’s history is evident all over Polar Park. From the heart-shaped lights, the city seal on the end of each row of seats, the city’s flag beyond the right-center field wall, and the numerous artifacts, the inside and outside of the ballpark is a living time capsule.

“It’s a ballpark that’s filled with Worcester-isms,” Wallace said.

Wallace added he would give the WooSox an A-plus in a course of Worcester history.

The next 100 years in the Heart of the Commonwealth could be a special time in the next chapter of the city’s future. Anything and everything could happen.

“Who knows?” Steinberg said. “That’s the beauty of it.”

This piece originally was published in The Telegram & Gazette on June 14, 2022

Space Cowboys to Host Baseball Camps in July and August

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

(SUGAR LAND, Texas) – The Sugar Land Space Cowboys today announced they will be hosting two Space Cowboys Baseball Camps at Constellation Field, led by Space Cowboys manager and former Major Leaguers, Mickey Storey.

The first camp will be held from July 6-8, with the second camp held from Aug. 3-5.

The Space Cowboys Baseball Camp is limited to 150 campers ages 6-12, with the registration fee $175. To get more information and register for the camp, visit the following link: https://atmilb.com/3tEBRnf.

Along with Storey, Space Cowboys personnel will provide instruction and run campers through drills and skills competitions. Storey appeared in parts of two seasons at the Major League level (2012-13), including one with the Houston Astros, and had a nine-year career at the professional level.

Campers will receive an official Space Cowboys Baseball Camp t-shirt, as well as a ticket to their final camp day on either July 8 or Aug. 5. The campers will also participate in a pregame parade around the Constellation Field warning track prior to their attended game.

About the Sugar Land Space Cowboys

The Sugar Land Space Cowboys are the Triple A affiliate of the Houston Astros and compete in the Pacific Coast League. They began play as the Astros Triple A affiliate in 2021 and began playing under the Space Cowboys brand in 2022. The Space Cowboys play at Constellation Field, located at the corner of Hwy-6 and US-90 Alternate in Sugar Land, Texas. Follow the team on Twitter (@SLSpaceCowboys), Instagram (@slspacecowboys), Facebook (SLSpaceCowboys) and their official website (slspacecowboys.com). Fans can purchase full-season and partial-season plans, as well as single-game tickets, by visiting slspacecowboys.com/tickets.