Tides to continue youth field renovation project

Members of the Tides organization helped renovate the Gloucester Youth Baseball field in 2016.

The Norfolk Tides today announced the return of a contest in which a local youth field will be renovated by Tides groundskeepers and front office staff. This field makeover will include an upgrade to the playing surface and an improvement to existing dugouts, with the recipient of the makeover being determined by a fan vote on the Tides’ Facebook page.

“Our entire organization looks forward to this project each year” said Tides General Manager Joe Gregory. “We’ve been able to extend a helping hand to many outstanding communities, and it’s a great feeling to know that we’ve made a difference in the baseball experience for so many children across Hampton Roads.”

Those interested in having the Tides make over their facility should submit a picture of their field to Heather McKeating at HMckeating@norfolktides.com. Along with the photo, fans are asked to include a brief description of why their league’s field should receive this enhancement. The deadline to submit this information is February 13, with online voting taking place on the Tides’ Facebook page from February 20 to February 24.

2017 is the sixth consecutive year in which the Tides are renovating a local youth field. Over the first five years of the program, the Tides have renovated eight local fields: Ocean View Little League (Norfolk), Smithfield Recreation Association (Smithfield), Bennett’s Creek Little League (Suffolk), Phoebus Little League (Hampton), Shore Little League (Nassawadox), Cradock Little League (Portsmouth), Little Creek National (Norfolk) and Gloucester Youth Baseball (Gloucester).

The project is made possible thanks to the Tides Youth Baseball Fund, a program established by the Tides in 1990 as a way to raise money for youth baseball and softball programs in Hampton Roads. In addition to assisting with field renovations, the Youth Baseball Fund also helps local teams and leagues with travel expenses. The Youth Baseball Fund is partially financed by scoreboard announcements at Harbor Park throughout the season, and those wishing to make a donation directly to the Youth Baseball Fund can do so via norfolkides.com under the “community” section.

Volunteers from Safelite AutoGlass will join the Tides staff in assisting with the field renovation efforts, which will take place in April.

The Tides will play their first game of 2017 at Harbor Park on Friday, March 31st in an Exhibition Game against the Baltimore Orioles. Norfolk will then open its regular season on Thursday, April 6th with a 7:05 contest at Charlotte before kicking off the home portion of its schedule on Monday, April 10th with a 6:35 game vs. Gwinnett.

Season Tickets, group tickets, picnics and patios are currently available for the 2017 season. For pricing and additional information, visit the Harbor Park box office or call (757) 622-2222.

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

Youth Baseball Clinic on Jan. 14

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. – The Mets will hold a youth baseball clinic on Saturday, January 14 from noon-2 p.m. at Tradition Field.

Registration begins at 10 a.m. and the cost is $10 per child 13-and-under.

All proceeds will go to the Boys & Girls Club. The clinic will be run by Mets staff along with players and coaches.

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

Baseball Dinner Donates Over $127K

In the spirit of the holiday season, the New Hampshire Fisher Cats announced today the proceeds generated by the 2016 Granite State Baseball Dinner, presented by Northeast Delta Dental. Through sponsorship donations, ticket sales, silent and live auctions, and raffle ticket sales, more than $127,000 was donated from the Nov. 19 event to benefit the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock (CHaD), the Ted Williams Foundation, and the Fisher Cats Foundation.

“We’re honored to host this event every year, and we’re proud of the impact it makes in our community,” said Art Solomon, Fisher Cats owner and Chairman of the Fisher Cats Foundation board. “The work of our Foundation is at the forefront of what we do as an organization, and we’re so thankful for the support of all of the sponsors and fans who make the Baseball Dinner successful each year.”

“On behalf of everyone at CHaD, especially the kids and families we serve, I would like to express our deepest thanks for the wonderful partnership we have with the New Hampshire Fisher Cats,” said Dr. Keith Loud, Director, Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock. “The Granite State Baseball Dinner committee, the Fisher Cats staff and the entire Fisher Cats’ organization are truly champions for kids. They make a difference for all the children of our region, but especially those who are sick and injured, and for that we are extremely grateful.”

“This announcement has become a holiday tradition for us, and it means so much to our staff and the entire Fisher Cats family,” said Fisher Cats President Mike Ramshaw. “The Baseball Dinner is the highlight of our offseason. It’s incredibly rewarding to be able to donate to these great charities, and the support of our fans and partners in the community really makes a difference.”

“We are honored to participate in the Granite State Baseball Dinner every year,” said Ted Williams Foundation Executive Director Dave McCarthy. “Through our partnership with the Fisher Cats and CHaD, and the generosity of the sponsors, fans, and athletes, we can further our initiatives to honor and celebrate the game of baseball.”

Since the Fisher Cats became involved with the dinner in 2007, more than $1.5 million has been donated to the three charitable groups.

In addition to the main fundraising efforts of the event, the Fisher Cats and Primary Bank partnered to host a coat drive to benefit New Horizons for New Hampshire. Dinner patrons donated dozens of coats, which will be used by New Horizons to provide warm clothing for those in need during the winter months.

The 2016 dinner featured another unique panel of celebrity guests, including New Hampshire native and Cy Young Award winner Chris Carpenter and Hall of Famer Wade Boggs. Additional guests included former Red Sox Luis Tiant, Lou Merloni and Rich Gedman, along with pitching greats Denny McLain and Scott McGregor.

Several Granite Staters were also featured at the head table, including minor league infielder Michael Fransoso of Portsmouth and pitchers Carson Cross of Brentwood, and Nashua’s Kevin McGowan.

A group of New England prospects also attended the event, including Alex Powers of Hyannis, Mass. and the Cincinnati Reds farm system, Keene State standout and Orioles prospect Cody Dube, and former St. Thomas Aquinas High School (Dover, N.H.) star Ryan McKenna, who Baltimore drafted in the fourth round last year.

The Fisher Cats were honored to host two members of the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team, Brian Gentilotti and Matthew Pennington, as well as 2012 Paralympic gold medalist Victoria Arlen of Exeter.

The dinner tradition will continue in 2017 on Saturday, Nov. 19.

The Fisher Cats open the 2017 season on Thursday, April 6, versus the recently renamed Binghamton Rumble Ponies (AA-New York Mets). On July 12, the team will host the 2017 Northeast Delta Dental Eastern League All-Star Classic at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium featuring the top prospects from each of the league’s 12 teams.

Fisher Cats full and half-season tickets are available now and feature a wide variety of benefits, including reserved seating for the 2017 Northeast Delta Dental Eastern League All-Star Classic, up to $100 in Fisher Cash, access to exclusive events like on-field batting practice, team autograph signings and more. Visit nhfishercats.com for more information.

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

Missing Children Featured on Volcanoes Stadium Signs Found

KEIZER, Ore — The Salem-Keizer Volcanoes, Short Season-A Affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, are excited to announce that all four children featured on the Missing Children Signs displayed at Volcanoes Stadium this past summer have been safely located and found.

In partnering with the BairFind Foundation, the Volcanoes featured Miranda Acosta, Lillian Lange, Valerie Miller, and Nakira Scott throughout Volcanoes Stadium during the 2016 season on BairFoundation Missing Children signs.

The BairFind Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to finding missing children confirmed in August that Miranda, Lillian, and Valerie had been located and just recently that Nakira had been found on November 21 in Portland, Oregon.

The Foundation would like to point out that the number one proven method to finding missing children is to have as many eyes as possible looking. If you or someone you know has any information on the whereabouts of a missing child, please call 1-800-THE-LOST.

The Volcanoes plan to continue their very successful partnership with the BairFoundation in 2017. “Whatever role we can play in helping reunite children with the families is very important to us,” said Volcanoes’ President of Business Operations Luke Emanuel. “We’re delighted with the success and look forward to providing assistance, as needed, in the future.”

The Volcanoes Stadium Box Office and Team Store are both open year-round on all business days from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For information regarding 2017 ticketing packages, and additional requests, call the Volcanoes Stadium Box Office at 503-390-2225 or visit volcanoesbaseball.com

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

Legends’ donations for 2016 top $1,000,000

Big L and the Legends welcomed Girl Scouts to Whitaker Bank Ballpark for a campout May 6. More than 330 girls spent the night at the ballpark. The Girl Scouts were one of many organizations who received support from Legends’ community programs in 2016.

             (WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK, Lexington, Ky.) The Lexington Legends made donations totaling $1,000,763 in 2016 to a variety of non-profit organizations serving central Kentucky.

In its 16-year history, the Legends organization has donated close to $15 million to the region.

“The Legends are proud to be part of this community and region,” said Legends President/CEO Andy Shea. “We will continue to provide support to these great organizations that do so much good work.”

Among the organizations and causes who benefited from events and programs in 2016 were:

Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts:  Overnight campouts for Boy Scouts (August 18) and Girl Scouts (May 6) were held following Legends games at Whitaker Bank Ballpark. The scouts sold nearly 1,000 donated game tickets to raise funds for their organizations. About 700 scouts participated in the campouts.

                Breast Cancer Research and Awareness: The Legends held Breast Cancer Awareness Night at Whitaker Bank Ballpark on July 9. Funds raised through an auction of pink jerseys and pink bases used during the Legends game that night, along with t-shirt sales, benefited Kentucky Cancer Link, which serves breast cancer patients on a personal basis by reducing or eliminating barriers to screening, diagnosis and treatment; The Markey Cancer Center, established in 1983 as a Comprehensive Cancer Center; and Susan G. Komen, the world’s largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer. The Legends and LBX held a celebration lunch, with proceeds going to those same three organizations.

                Military Appreciation Night: The Legends’ Military Appreciation night was held on June 25. It included an auction of jerseys to benefit Military Missions, a local non-profit organization that supports troops in a variety of ways, including the sending of care packages with personal items and snacks to military personnel.

                Bark in the Park: The Legends held 12 “Bark in the Park” nights during the 2016 season. Dog owners were invited to bring their dogs to the game, and a two-dollar “admission” charge for each dog was donated to the Scott County Humane Society.

Guns and Hoses Softball Game:  The Legends provide the setting for the Guns and Hoses game, which matches the Lexington Police Department against the Lexington Fire Department in a softball game and home run derby. The winning team takes home a trophy, and the loser receives a toilet seat as the runner-up prize. More than 2,000 people attended the 2016 game.

Community Organization of the Night:  The Legends provide an opportunity for a local non-profit organization to step into the spotlight at a Legends home game. Organizations may set up an information table on the concourse, and a representative is interviewed on the field before the game and on radio during the game.    Organizations who purchased discounted tickets for re-sale as a fundraiser also received 25% of the proceeds from that night’s 50-50 raffle. (The Legends Charitable Fund also received 25%, and the fan holding the winning ticket received 50%.)

                Hit the Books Reading Program: Geared toward elementary schools, the Legends’ Hit the Books Reading Program is designed to encourage students to read, both in school and away from school.    The Legends gave away 33,000 Hit the Books bookmarks to students in central Kentucky in 2016. (A winning bookmark design is selected from students’ entries.) Those who complete the Hit the Books reading program are awarded two tickets to a Legends home game.

Field of Dreams: The Paul Miller Ford Field of Dreams program allows youth baseball and softball players to be part of pre-game festivities. Members of the youth teams are introduced to the fans and take the field along with the Legends starters. Teams are selected at random from registrations received at Field of Dreams sponsor locations.   Team members receive complimentary admission to the game. The Legends hosted 80 Field of Dreams teams in 2016.

           Legends Character Award at William Wells Brown Elementary:   Every nine weeks during the school year, 19 students from William Wells Brown Elementary School in Lexington are selected to receive the Legends Character Award. The award is designed to motivate students to demonstrate good behavior and a great attitude. The students are nominated by their classroom teachers. Winners are publicly recognized and personally congratulated by the Legends’ Big L.

Kids Area:   At every Legends home game in 2016, Lafayette High School cheerleaders volunteered to work in the Aetna Kids Play Area to raise money for their cheer program. The Legends made a $7,500 donation to the program.

Go Red Night: The American Heart Association and St. Joseph Health Care System sponsored a “Go Red” Night June 3 at Whitaker Bank Ballpark, where fans received information on the dangers and risks of heart disease. Free blood pressure checks and presentations of information were provided throughout the game.

Donation requests:  The Legends donate tickets, memorabilia or merchandise to as many organizations as possible. Tickets are used by members of the non-profit organizations or for auctions to raise funds for those organizations. The Legends fulfilled more than 300 donation requests in 2016.

  United Way of the Bluegrass:  Donors to the annual United Way of the Bluegrass campaign receive two free box seat tickets to a Legends home game. In 2016, the Legends donated 23,333 tickets for use by the United Way.

St. Joseph Hospital Nursing Scholarship Program: At the end of every baseball season, the Legends hold a silent auction for the jerseys worn by the players during home games. Proceeds go to the St. Joseph Hospital Nursing Scholarship Program.

                Fundraising tickets:   The Legends offer schools, teams and other organizations an opportunity to buy tickets at a discounted price and raise funds by selling the tickets at the regular price. More than 5,000 tickets were purchased at the discount rate for fundraising in 2016.

For more information on the Legends’ community programs, contact Sarah Bosso at 859-422-7847 or sbosso@lexingtonlegends.com

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

BlueClaws, CJBC Blood Drive on January 21st

LAKEWOOD, NJ – The BlueClaws and Central Jersey Blood Center are teaming up for a blood drive on Saturday, January 21st from 8 am – 1 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 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.

Shuckers Hit Home Run with Community Contributions and Initiatives in 2016

BILOXI, MS – During the Biloxi Shuckers second season, the team continued to give back to the community. The Shuckers have become a resource for local organizations including non-profits and schools by helping to raise funds and awareness through various methods.

The Shuckers and its concessionaire, Spectra Food Services & Hospitality raised over $178,000 for local nonprofits and donated over $30,000 of in-kind contributions. Through Shuckers initiatives including the Ticket Fundraising Program, In-Stadium Auctions and Spectra NFP Fundraising Program which benefits qualified local 501 (c) (3) nonprofit groups through concessions, the club led the ten-member Southern League for In-Stadium Fundraising.

Among the highlights of the organization’s 2016 charitable work included providing a platform for: Habitat for Humanity, Biloxi Miracle League, Mississippi Center for Autism and Related Learning Disabilities, Jackson County Animal Shelter, Memorial Hospital Foundation and Favre 4 Hope, Special Olympics, Salvation Army of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, ALS Association, American Cancer Society and Ohr O’Keefe Museum of Art.

“We give back to our community because we believe we have a responsibility to do so,” stated Shuckers Community Relations and Promotions Coordinator Jenifer Truong. “Whether it’s local schools or non-profits, the Shuckers offer not only a chance to raise funds for your organization, but also awareness to a large audience.”

In addition to the organization’s charitable contributions, Shuckers’ season ticket holders donated just over 1,500 tickets to local non-profits, military personnel and their families, and first responders. The organization also made frequent mascot and player appearances in the community and members of the Shuckers front office also joined forces to record over 200 hours of community service in 2016.

Spectra’s NFP program seeks to provide qualified nonprofit groups and civic organizations a unique fundraising opportunity. Groups provide volunteers to assist with concession stand operations as cashiers, vendors, and stand workers. Those organizations work to reach fundraising goals while providing great service to fans.

“Involving area nonprofit organizations in our operation has helped us hit a home run with the community and Shuckers’ fans,” said Spectra General Manager Mike Brulatour. “Since the opening of MGM Park in June 2015, thousands of volunteers have raised over $300,000 for their respective charities. The commitment and dedication of these volunteers has enabled us to provide a consistent level of exceptional customer service to our patrons while supporting the Mississippi Gulf Coast communities which we serve. Spectra Food Services and Hospitality strives to be a strong partner with the Biloxi Shuckers and a valued member of the Gulf Coast business community.”

Organizations interested in partnering with Spectra or the Shuckers may contact Mike Brulatour at mike_brulatour@comcastspectacor.com or Jenifer Truong at jtruong@biloxishuckers.com.

The Biloxi Shuckers are the Double-A 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.

PawSox Charitable Foundation Adopts Family of 6

This holiday season, members of the PawSox front office “adopted” a local family in partnership with the Pawtucket Soup Kitchen. Thanks to donations from front office members, the PawSox were able to purchase gifts for family’s 4 children.

Paws, the team’s mascot, delivered the wrapped gifts to the family on Saturday at the Pawtucket Soup Kitchen’s annual Ernie Marot Memorial Adopt-a-Family Christmas Party. PawSox front office members joined Paws in spreading cheer to underprivileged families in the area.

The Pawtucket Soup Kitchen provides nearly 40,000 meals a year to families in need, many of which the PawSox and our generous players are happy to serve. This year, the PawSox/Skeffington Charitable Foundation proudly sponsored the Soup Kitchen’s Thanksgiving and Christmas meals.

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

For the Sacramento River Cats, the Season of Giving is year-round effort

The Holiday season is upon us, and with that comes the “Season of Giving.” At the River Cats (supported by SAFE Credit Union), though, the season of giving isn’t limited to a specific time of the year. Instead, with programs like Cats Care, the River Cats Foundation, and others, we’re working year-round to give back to our community.

Whether it’s Dinger visits to local schools, hospitals, or charity fundraisers, or Cats Care volunteer events at the Front Street Animal Shelter, our dedicated River Cats staff are always finding ways to give of their time, energy, and talents. Even the players get involved, participating in local events for various charity and community organizations.

In addition to giving of our time and energy, we’re proud to say that we’ve donated over a combined $100,000 through the River Cats Foundation and ticket donations. This past year, our donations reached various non-profit organizations – both national and locally – as well as local programs, specifically geared toward youth and healthy living.

While not a complete picture, enjoy this visual breakdown of all that our team has done over the past year!

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

Cutters & NYPL Foundation Donate to the American Rescue Workers

The Williamsport Crosscutters and the New York-Penn League Foundation recently donated over $8,000 to the American Rescue Workers. The donation represented the proceeds from the New York-Penn League Foundation 50/50 Raffle held at Cutters games in 2016.

“We were delighted to have the American Rescue Workers as a partner in our nightly 50/50 raffle and look forward to assisting them in their mission again in 2017,” said Cutters Vice-President of Marketing and Public Relations, Gabe Sinicropi. “The amount generated exceeded our expectations and we want to thank all of our fans for their support.”

This past season, the Crosscutters utilized the services of 50/50 Central, a company that provides electronic 50/50 raffle services to many sports teams across the U.S.

Monies generated from the 50/50 raffle go directly to the New York-Penn League Foundation and are then distributed to the American Rescue Workers.

The mission of the American Rescue Workers, founded in 1884, is to give spiritual and material aid to those in need.

The New York-Penn League and its 14 member clubs created the New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, in 2003. The mission of the Foundation is to provide focus and support for the collective and individual charitable and community efforts of the New York-Penn League, its Clubs, and their staff.

### CUTTERS BASEBALL…FUN ON THE CUTTING EDGE###

Photo Identifier- Members of the Williamsport Crosscutters present a check for $8,151.22 to the American Rescue Workers. The check represents the proceeds from the team’s 2016 50/50 raffles.

(L-R) Sarah Budd – Crosscutters Dir. of Community Relations, Col. Dawn Astin – ARW Co-Commanding Officer, Col. Sam Astin- ARW Co-Commanding Officer, Doug Estes – Crosscutters Vice-President/General Manager

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

Goff Middleschoolers Enjoy 2nd Annual PawSox Holiday Luncheon

Christmas came early for a group of Pawtucket middle schoolers, who enjoyed a Holiday Luncheon, presents, and a VIP Tour of McCoy Stadium today, courtesy of the PawSox. The children–in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade at Lyman B. Goff Middle School–also met mascots Paws and Sox, and engaged in a spirited discussion with PawSox President Dr. Charles Steinberg.

“To paraphrase an ancient saying, ‘From our students, we learn the most of all,'” Steinberg said. “They brought us up to date about the virtues of Snapchat, Instagram, and video games, while we sought to bring them up to date about the virtues of grass and dirt, balls and bats, and sun and sky. It was mutually beneficial.”

“When these students found out they’d be spending a day at McCoy Stadium, they were simply in awe,” said Lisa Bendetti-Ramzi, Principal of Goff Middle School. “For them to be able to go behind the scenes and learn about the history of the Pawtucket Red Sox was truly special.”

The PawSox hosted a Thanksgiving luncheon for elementary school students in November, and followed it up with a Christmastime luncheon for middle school students today.

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

River Cats, K-LOVE, and Raley’s bring Holiday cheer with bear drive

WEST SACRAMENTO, CA – The Sacramento River Cats are excited to partner with Raley’s and K-LOVE for a Holiday “Buster Cozy” teddy bear drive on Sunday, December 18th. The three organizations are coming together to benefit families and children in need this Holiday season.

Customers visiting Raley’s Loomis on Sunday, December 18th between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. will have the opportunity to purchase a “Buster Cozy” teddy bear at time of check out. All proceeds from these bears will benefit Raley’s Food for Families, an organization that helps provide meals to families. While this program is important year-round, Food for Families is especially impactful during the holiday months and every bit of support goes a long way.

After purchasing a “Buster Cozy”, customers will then have the option to donate their merry teddy bear to the River Cats and K-LOVE. In turn, the bears will be gifted to the Child Abuse Prevention Center and from there, the bears will make their way to children as cuddly holiday gifts. In addition, all those that donate their bears to the River Cats and K-LOVE will receive two tickets to a 2017 River Cats game.

Santa Claus and Dinger will also be joining the drive on the 18th, further spreading holiday cheer to fans and customers.

The “Buster Cozy” holiday teddy bears are available at Raley’s locations across Northern California. The River Cats and K-LOVE will join Santa Claus and Dinger at Raley’s Loomis for this very merry bear drive on Sunday, December 18th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

***

The Sacramento River Cats are the Triple-A affiliate of the three-time World Champion San Francisco Giants. The team plays at Raley Field in West Sacramento, consistently voted one of the top ballparks in America. River Cats Season Tickets, Mini-Plans, and Flex Plans can be purchased for the 2017 season by calling the River Cats Ticket Hotline at (916) 371-HITS (4487). For more information about the River Cats, visit www.rivercats.com. For information on other events at Raley Field, visit www.raleyfield.com.

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

RiverDogs, MiLB Make Contribution to SC Based Warrior Surf Foundation

CHARLESTON, SC -Military families and baseball go hand-in-hand. For their continued efforts to support the local military community, the Charleston RiverDogs will have a contribution to the Warrior Surf Foundation donated on their behalf from Minor League Baseball after receiving the inaugural Chuck Murphy Patriot Award at the Baseball Winter Meetings.

“On behalf of Minor League Baseball Charities, it is an honor to present this donation on behalf of the Charleston RiverDogs to the Warrior Surf Foundation,” said Minor League Baseball President & CEO Pat O’Conner. “The Warrior Surf Foundation was created by veterans for veterans and provides some of America’s true heroes the opportunity to reintegrate themselves back into life after serving our country. They are a worthy organization and I commend them on their efforts to better the lives of Armed Forces veterans.”

As part of their recognition for the newly minted award, MiLB will contribute $2,500 in the RiverDogs’ name to the South Carolina-based nonprofit that serves veterans dealing with post-combat mental health issues.

“On behalf of the Warrior Surf Foundation we would like to thank the Charleston RiverDogs and Minor League Baseball for their donation.   Our program can only succeed with the help of our community. We are honored to have been chosen and feel great joy that RiverDogs entrusted us with the donation and truly support our cause,” said Andy Manzi, President and Co-Founder of the Warrior Surf Foundation “We are a small organization and every dollar counts. Warrior Surf will invest the received donation on our surf program which includes surf boards, wet suits, rash guards, and safety equipment. All of which is costly but necessary for our veterans and their families to succeed in the water.”

Founded in Folly Beach in May 2015, the Warrior Surf Foundation is committed to bringing warriors and their families together to promote mental and physical well-being by exposing them to the unique experience of surfing. In just their first year, the WSF provided services to more than 90 veterans and active duty service members through their weekend surf camps.

“We’re thrilled to have a contribution made in our name to this worthy cause,” said RiverDogs President and General Manager Dave Echols. “The fact that this donation comes as part of our recognition of the Patriot Award is a testament to Minor League Baseball’s commitment to serving veterans.”

As the South Atlantic League’s nominee for the Patriot Award, the RiverDogs continued to go beyond paying their respects to the Lowcountry’s strong military family in 2016. The club hosted three Military Appreciation nights during the season, continued their support of the Wounded Warrior Corps on “Red Shirt Fridays” where fans wore red in their support of the military, and honored a military family of the game each night at The Joe. Also in 2016, the RiverDogs hired five homeless military veterans for their stadium clean-up crew in the wake of the dissolution of Charleston’s Tent City, and hired a current Air Force reservist as a member of the sales staff. The RiverDogs employ more than 30 military veterans on their gameday operation.

The Patriot Award is named in honor of the longtime Florida State League president and U.S. Army veteran who passed away Feb. 21, 2015, at the age of 83. Murphy retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after 21 years in the U.S. Army, broke into professional baseball in 1975 and led the Florida State League from 1990 until his passing. He received the Warren Giles Award for outstanding service as a league president in both 2011 and 1991, and the Friends of Baseball Chapel Award in 1994.

RiverDogs season tickets, half-season ticket packages and mini plans are now available for the 2017 campaign. The RiverDogs begin the season on April 6 when they host the Lexington Legends at Joseph P Riley, Jr. Park. Ticket information can be secured by contacting the box office at (843) 577-DOGS (3647) or online at www.riverdogs.com.

–RIVERDOGS–

 

MBF Grant Applications Available Now

MIDLAND, Mich. – The Michigan Baseball Foundation’s 2017 grant application cycle is now open.

Grant applications can be picked up at Dow Diamond or downloaded at Loons.com. All applications must be received by the Michigan Baseball Foundation via mail (825 E. Main St.; Midland, MI 48640), in person at Dow Diamond, or via email at cvanwert@loons.com. The deadline for the current cycle is February 17, 2017.

MBF has awarded 257 grants totaling $918,251 to non-profit organizations across 14 counties of the Great Lakes Bay Region over the past nine years.

To be considered for a grant from MBF, the organization must meet one or more of the following guidelines, which reflect the purposes for which the Michigan Baseball Foundation operates.

• Contributes to regional economic development by expanding employment opportunities and promoting the general welfare of the area.
• Based in the mid-Michigan area and serves young people.
• Funded project promotes amateur sports and fitness.

The Michigan Baseball Foundation will consider funding mid-Michigan non-profit organizations that use the grant money to fund projects; the grants are not intended to fund day-to-day operations. Primary consideration will be given to organizations in the Midland, Bay, Saginaw, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Genesee, Isabella, Tuscola, Huron, Arenac, Ogemaw, Sanilac and Iosco counties.

Grant recipients will be notified by the end of April 2017. Recipients will also be asked to respond to the Michigan Baseball Foundation Board of Directors on the success of the project for which the grant was used.

For more information contact Carol VanWert at 989.837.6144, or at cvanwert@loons.com.

The Michigan Baseball Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity that was founded in 2006 to create regional economic development through creative partnerships, and to enhance the efforts of regional organizations that serve young people. The Michigan Baseball Foundation owns and operates Dow Diamond, home of the Great Lakes Loons, a Single-A partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

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

Legends sponsor KSU students at winter meetings

                For the second consecutive year, the Lexington Legends are sponsoring a group of Kentucky State University students who will attend a job fair and seminars at professional baseball’s winter meetings.

Interested students had submitted applications for consideration.

The meetings began Sunday, and will continue through December 8 in National Harbor, Maryland. The winter meetings are an annual gathering of major league and minor league baseball personnel.   Some of major league baseball’s biggest player trades and free agent signings occur at winter meetings, but much of the agenda at the minor league level concerns the off-the-field business of professional baseball. The job fair, which the KSU students will attend, provides connections and opportunities for those who would like to work in baseball in a variety of areas, including promotions, ticket sales, community relations, media relations, broadcasting and others.

The students will also have an opportunity to attend any of the Bob Freitas seminars and workshops, which have been part of the winter meetings for more than 20 years and cover a wide range of baseball business topics.

“The Legends are pleased to partner with KSU again this year,” said Legends President/CEO Andy Shea. “We appreciate the students’ interest, and we think they will really enjoy the opportunity to learn first-hand from experts about a variety of careers in baseball.”

In addition to entry fees, the Legends are supporting the students through payment of hotel expenses and a one-year subscription to PBEO.com (Professional Baseball Employment Opportunities), the official employment service of minor league baseball.

The KSU students who are attending the meetings are Alea Cardenas, Jade Luckey, Makalah Kirkland, Joshua Dunn, Stephen Ferrell, Chae Butler, Cheryll Eskridge and James Stinson. Luckey, Dunn, Kirkland and Ferrell also attended the meetings in 2015.

The students are being accompanied by KSU officials, including head baseball coach Rob Henry.

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