Dash to hold annual Call-A-Thon on November 29

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (Nov. 15, 2016) – The Winston-Salem Dash’s annual Commemorative Brick “Call-A-Thon” will take place on Tuesday, November 29, from 4-6 p.m. Through this event, the Dash will raise money for the organization’s 2016 Charity Partner, Veterans Helping Veterans Heal (VHVH).

Throughout the Call-A-Thon, members of the Dash’s front office team and VHVH will sell engraved bricks that will be installed outside the main gates at BB&T Ballpark in advance of the 2017 season. These bricks can be personalized to honor family members or friends, memorialize a loved one or celebrate a special event.

From now until the end of the Call-A-Thon, the Dash are offering special pricing for these bricks. The first brick is just $125, and each additional brick is only $75 each. Normally, the cost of additional bricks is $100.

In addition to brick purchases, the Dash are accepting monetary donations for VHVH, which can support a veteran for a day with a $10 donation, a week with a $50 donation or a month with a $300 donation. Fans can purchase a brick or make a donation by calling the Dash at (336) 714-2287 at any point before the Call-A-Thon.

Full details on the Commemorative Brick Program are available here.

Proceeds for the 2016 Commemorative Brick program will go to Veterans Helping Veterans Heal, along with other Dash community outreach efforts. VHVH, a non-profit entity owned and managed by the North Carolina Housing Foundation (NCHF), operates a 24-bed extended-term housing program in Winston-Salem for veterans battling homelessness to ultimately transition into permanent housing and independence. This year, VHVH Works established a relationship with the Dash to supply food service staff at BB&T Ballpark. More information about the non-profit organization is available at vhvh.org.

Baseball returns to Winston-Salem on April 13, 2017, for the eighth season at BB&T Ballpark. A full schedule will be released soon, and season-ticket packages are on sale now. For more information, call the Dash at (336) 714-2287 or visit wsdash.com.

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

RiverDogs Honored with Inaugural Charles K. Murphy Patriot Award from MiLB

CHARLESTON, SC – With a vibrant military community right in their backyard, the Charleston RiverDogs have consistently expressed their gratitude to the service men and women in the Lowcountry. Through their continued efforts, the RiverDogs have been awarded the inaugural Charles K. Murphy Patriot Award recognizing an individual or club for its outstanding support of the military branches and engagement with veterans as announced by the Minor League Baseball office.

As the South Atlantic League’s nominee for the newly minted 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 where all active and retired service members enjoyed complementary tickets. The club also continued their support of the Wounded Warrior Corps on “Red Shirt Fridays” where fans wore red in their support of the military along with a portion of the ticket proceeds benefitting the nonprofit.

“With the strong military community that we have in Charleston, recognizing both veterans and active service members has always been a focal point for us as an organization,” said RiverDogs President and General Manager Dave Echols. “This award is as much recognition of our efforts as it is to the fantastic support we have had from the Charleston community to show solidarity with our men and women in uniform.”

In addition to hosting several Military Appreciation Nights, the RiverDogs also honored a Military Family of the Game with the featured veteran at each home game receiving complimentary tickets, food, and merchandise along with an in-game recognition of their service.

The RiverDogs were also an instrumental part in the founding of the Palmetto Military Support Group, a civilian organization focused on the backing of the extended military family in the Lowcountry. Echols currently serves as the Vice President on the PMSG board.

“It is exciting to see the RiverDogs nationally recognized for their outstanding support to our military. It comes as no surprise to those of us who serve at Joint Base Charleston who have been the focus of their support. I’m glad to see it recognized by others,” said Colonel Robert Lyman, Commanding Officer of Joint Base Charleston and the 628th Air Base Wing. “The RiverDogs have continuously supported our Joint Base Charleston active duty, reservists, retirees and their families. We are grateful, and excited to see them recognized.”

Service men and were also frequent performers of the National Anthem at The Joe and the club had honorary commander participation to the annual “Citadel Night” where the famed Summerall Guards perform and the Cadet Chorale sings “The Star Spangled Banner.”

Additionally in 2016, the RiverDogs strengthened their ties with the local military community through the hiring of Alfonso Rogers, a recent sport management graduate of The Citadel who previously earned an associate’s degree in Aviation / Airway Management and Operations from the Community College of the Air Force in 2014, as a sales executive. Rogers also served as president of the Student Veterans of America while at the Military College of South Carolina.

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–

GreenJackets to Host American Cancer Society Relay for Life’s Hopefest

AUGUSTA, GA: The Augusta GreenJackets, Single “A” affiliate of the San Francisco Giants are excited to team up with the American Cancer Society Relay For Life to present Hopefest on Saturday, November 19th from 9AM-2PM. Hopefest will feature Bark For Life and also the announcing of the winner for the Real Men Wear Pink Campaign.

Hopefest will include a 5k/Fun Run/Walk, 1 mile walk, vendors, giveaways, local animal shelters, pet costume contests, games, entertainment, children’s activities and health and wellness information. To go along with all the activities, The Real Man of the CSRA will be named. Real Men Wear Pink is a distinguished group of community leaders raising awareness and funds for this year’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event. Together they are making a difference in the fight against breast cancer.

“We strive to be very involved all throughout the CSRA, whether it be with non-profits, like the American Cancer Society Relay For Life, or any kind of community function or event,” stated Tom Denlinger GreenJackets General Manager. “The CSRA has been home to us for going on 29 seasons now and to be able to host such a heartwarming and fun event is such an honor.”

The event is part of the American Cancer Society Relay For Life movement, which is the world’s largest fundraising event to save lives from cancer. Uniting communities across the globe, we celebrate people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and take action for lifesaving change. Funds raised help the American Cancer Society provide free information and support for people facing the disease today, and fund cancer research that will help protect future generations.

To register for the 5K, have a team, or donate to the Bark For Life of the CSRA visit:

http://relayforlife.org/barkCSRAGA

To learn more about the event, contact Sydney Bromfield or Marah Johnson (706) 731-0152 or Sydney.Bromfield@cancer.org and Marah. Johnson@cancer.org

Auggie is in the heat of the race in the Real Men Wear Pink campaign. Help Auggie to achieve his goal. If you donate $50 or more you will get a one of a king Auggie Pink T-Shirt curtsey of Chuck and Bill the T-shirt Guys. Follow this link to donate to Auggie’s campaign: http://main.acsevents.org/goto/AuggieinPink. Go Check out the rest of the contestants at http://makingstrideswalk.org/realmenaugustaga and for more information on Real Men Wear Pink.

The 3rd Annual Auggie’s Holiday Bazaar will be Saturday, December 10th from 11AM-2PM. The event will include a HUGE vendor fair, Santa and Mrs. Clause (11-1), Touch-A-Truck, inflatables and much more! The 2017 GreenJackets schedule is out. Check out all GreenJackets Ticket Plans including Full, Half, Weekend and 6-Game Flex Plans and get yours today. To learn more or order your 2017 Ticket Package call the GreenJackets Front Office at (706) 922-WINS (9467).

Fightins Donate $3,073 to Local Schools

As part of the Capital BlueCross “Live Fearless” Outstanding Student program, the Reading Fightin Phils have donated $3,073 to participating schools in the club’s surrounding community. Schools will be able to support students and contribute to the educational process with the funds donated through the program.

“We’re happy to have been able to donate $3,073 to local schools through the Capital BlueCross ‘Live Fearless’ Outstanding Student program, and we are hoping to donate even more money next season and beyond as the program grows,” said Fightins General Manager Scott Hunsicker. “We can’t thank Capital BlueCross enough for sponsoring this program and putting us in a position to be able to donate this money to the schools.”

Below is a list of the 32 schools that have participated in the program.

School
Berks Christian School
Bethel Elementary School
Colebrookdale Elementary School
Conrad Weiser East Elementary School
Conrad Weiser High School
Conrad Weiser Middle School
Conrad Weiser West Elementary School
Denver Elementary School
Goddard Sanatoga
Goddard Wyomissing
Green Valley Elementary School
Greenwich Elementary School
Hamburg High School
Hamburg Middle School
Jacksonwald Elementary School
Kutztown Elementary School
New Hanover Elementary School
Oley Valley Elementary School
Oley Valley Middle School
Penn Bernville Elementary School
Perry Elementary School
Pine Grove Elementary School
Pottsgrove Middle School
Robeson Elementary School
Rupert Elementary School
Schuylkill Haven Elementary School
Spring Ridge Elementary School
Tilden Elementary School
Washington Elementary School
Whitfield Elementary School
Willow Creek Elementary School
Wilson West Middle School

The Capital BlueCross “Live Fearless” Outstanding Student Program is a unique incentive-based program designed to recognize and reward hard-working students. Through the program, students are given an opportunity to celebrate their achievements with their families at a designated Fightin Phils home game. Each student who participated in the program during the 2016 season received two tickets to a game, a pre-game meet-and-greet with a Fightin Phils player, individual recognition during a pre-game ceremony, and an Outstanding Student medal from the Crazy Hot Dog Vendor.

For each ticket purchased or redeemed through the Capital BlueCross “Live Fearless” Outstanding Student Program, the participating school received $1 back.

The Capital BlueCross “Live Fearless” Outstanding Student Program is a five-year program that runs through the 2019 season. Schools can sign up now for the 2017 season by contacting the Fightin Phils Director of Educational Programs, Music, & Game Presentation Todd Hunsicker at 610-375-8469 x.206 or by e-mail at thunsicker@fightins.com. Dates are available in May. The program is easy to implement, and your school receives a check from the Fightin Phils.

Season tickets for the 2017 season are available online at Fightins.com, by phone at 610-370-BALL, and in-person at FirstEnergy Stadium. Follow the Fightin Phils on Twitter at @ReadingFightins and like them on Facebook via www.facebook.com/fightins.

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

Firefighter Donations Being Accepted at McCormick Field

ASHEVILLE, NC— Firefighter donations are now being accepted at the McCormick Field ServPro Box Office. Donations to local firefighters may be made during the stadium hours of operation of 8:30am-5:30pm, Monday-Friday. All donors will receive a pair of complimentary tickets to a future, select Asheville Tourists game.

Items that firefighters are in need of:

-Bottled Water

-Bottles of Powerade

-Beef Jerky

-Lip Balm

-Eye Drops

-Burt’s Bees Facial Moisturizer

-Baby Wipes

-Lotion

-Shampoo and Conditioner

-Shaving Supplies

All donations will be distributed to firefighters as they battle nearby forest fires.

Please direct any questions or interview requests to Doug Maurer at (828) 258-0428 ext. 203 or dmaurer@theashevilletourists.com.

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PawSox Complete Commemoration of Veterans Day Today at Warwick Mall

After serving a homemade four-course steak dinner to veterans in the PawSox Clubhouse on the eve of Veterans Day, the PawSox celebrated the national holiday today as well, presenting a check of $3,000 to Operation Stand Down Rhode Island in ceremonies with Governor Raimondo at the Warwick Mall. Also attending the ceremonies were United States Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, and Representative Jim Langevin.

This presentation of funds from the PawSox/Skeffington Charitable Foundation was the latest in a series of club initiatives to help veterans. Last November 13, the PawSox presented their first steak dinner in the clubhouse for veterans. Then, during the season, they unveiled their “In Debt to a Vet” program, in which a veteran took the field between innings during each home game to be honored and to feel the spontaneous standing ovation of gratitude from fans.

“These efforts bring joy to all of us with the PawSox,” said PawSox President Dr. Charles A. Steinberg, who presented the donation today to Operation Stand Down. “All who have generously contributed to the PawSox/Skeffington Charitable Foundation-including the partners who own our club-are seeing their charitable funds benefit deserving members of our community. The passionate people who created Operation Stand Down and the veterans we were honored to meet were so very grateful. We know our gesture is modest, but we love when the community’s baseball team can help improve the lives of those who sacrificed so much for all of us.”

Operation Stand Down’s mission is to get homeless veterans back on their feet, and provide necessary resources to those who have served our country.

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

Shorebirds to Host Inaugural Cards for Troops Event

SALISBURY, Md. — The Delmarva Shorebirds are excited to announce an inaugural event this holiday season called Cards for Troops. Cards for Troops is replacing the Cookies with Claus Event the Shorebirds have hosted in previous years. Cards for Troops will be at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium on Saturday, December 10th from 9:00 AM to noon. The event will also include an area for guests to send well wishes to soldiers overseas, pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and a toy drive for Brooke’s Toy Closet at Peninsula Regional Medical Center.

Guests will have the opportunity to create a card for a soldier that is serving in the Armed Forces for the United States of America overseas. Cards will be sent to soldiers through Jeff Merritt from Minuteman Press, with Operation We Care. A template for the cards to the troops will be provided. Families are encouraged to include contact info so the troops can write back to them. The purpose of the cards are to thank the troops that are serving the United States who aren’t able to be home with their families for the holidays. Also, a Harley Davidson flag will be available for folks to share messages as well.

Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will be on hand to interact and take pictures with families. Complimentary cookies, coffee, tea, and other treats will be provided.

Guests who donate a new unwrapped toy for Brooke’s Toy Closet will receive a raffle ticket. Door prizes consisting of Bird Bucks, Box Seat Vouchers, an authentic Shorebirds jersey, gift cards from local businesses, and a Shorebirds Birthday Party package during the 2017 season will be given away. The winners will be contacted by phone on Monday, December 12th. Brooke’s Toy Closet was started in 2014 by Brooke Mulford, a local girl who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, an aggressive form of cancer, in 2009, when she was four years old. The closet is a special cabinet filled with toys, coloring books and other goodies that PRMC’s Emergency Department and Pediatrics Unit can give to children who are hospitalized. The recipients of these gifts will be able to use them when they’re in the hospital, and take them home to enjoy when they are feeling better.

Season ticket and group outing packages are currently on sale for the 2017 season. The Shorebirds offer full season tickets, half season tickets, a 22-game plan and a 12-game plan along with a number of opportunities for groups to enjoy a night out at the ballpark. To secure your seat(s), call 410-219-3112.

Delmarva Shorebirds
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The Delmarva Shorebirds are the Class “A” Affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. The Shorebirds are owned by
7th Inning Stretch, LLC, the same company that owns the Stockton Ports of the California League and the Everett AquaSox of the Northwest League.

The Shorebirds will celebrate their 22nd season in 2017, and have entertained nearly five million fans since beginning play at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium in Salisbury, Md. in 1996. The team has captured South Atlantic League titles in 1997 and 2000 while successfully hosting the South Atlantic League All-Star Game in 1999 and 2011.

For more information on the Shorebirds, call 410-219-3112 or visit theshorebirds.com.

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

D-Braves donate to Danville Veterans Memorial Fund

DANVILLE, Va. – In recognition of Veterans Day, the Danville Braves presented the Danville Veteran’s Memorial Fund with a donation of over $1,200. The D-Braves raised the funds by auctioning off game-worn military appreciation jerseys from the 2016 season. A total of $2,419.04 was raised through the auction, with half being donated to the Danville Veteran’s Memorial Fund and half to the Camp Lejeune Fisher House.

The D-Braves wore the special military appreciation jerseys for each Friday home game in July during the 2016 season, as well as the team’s July 3rd contest. Those games were dubbed Military Appreciation Nights presented by Angus Heating and Air and Blue Ridge Beverage; all active and retired military members received free admission to the games.

“To be able to help maintain a memorial that honors the sacrifice and service of our nation’s military is the least we can do,” said Danville Braves General Manager David Cross. “The Danville Veteran’s Memorial is a lasting tribute to the men and women that have helped protect this great country.”

For more information about the Veterans Memorial at Dan Daniel Memorial Park, visit http://www.danville-va.gov/1288/Veterans-Memorial.

For more information about the Camp Lejeune Fisher House, visit http://lejeunefisherhouse.org/.

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

PawSox to Commemorate Veterans Day Holiday with Dinner for Veterans Tonight and Check Presentation Tomorrow

PAWTUCKET, RI — The Pawtucket Red Sox will commemorate the Veterans Day holiday by welcoming veterans to a steak dinner at McCoy Stadium tonight, and by making a contribution from the PawSox/Skeffington Charitable Foundation tomorrow at an event at the Warwick Mall.

For the second straight year, the PawSox this evening are presenting a four-course steak dinner inside the PawSox Clubhouse. The guests also receive a tour of the 75-year-old stadium and gifts from the PawSox. The honorees are residents from the YWCA Gateway to Independence Program for Veterans.

Tomorrow, several PawSox officials will make a donation to an organization that helps veterans secure housing and employment, as well as assistance for basic human needs. The PawSox’ chief liaison to veterans, Mike Lyons, will be joined by PawSox President Dr. Charles Steinberg and Vice-President/Club Counsel Kim Miner, who administers the foundation. The foundation is making a $3,000 contribution to Operation Stand Down of Johnston, Rhode Island.

“These modest gestures allow us to continue to demonstrate our appreciation to those who have served our country,” Steinberg said. “Hosting veterans last year was our first community event after several of us joined the ballclub, and it was inspiring.

“This season, we introduced a ceremony, ‘In Debt to a Vet,’ that allowed our fans to express their appreciation, as veterans stood on the field between innings and experienced a beautiful, nightly, sustained, heart-felt standing ovation.

“Now, in addition to welcoming veterans back for dinner again on the eve of Veterans Day, the PawSox/Skeffington Charitable Foundation is seeking to help our veterans further acclimate to their daily lives in our community. We hope that in our small way, we can improve their lives and increase their happiness.”

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

Vets Day package, discounts at Stache Shoppe

      In recognition of Veterans Day, the Lexington Legends are introducing a six-game ticket package for 2017 that will include Military Appreciation Night, Independence Day and a Sunday game on Memorial Day Weekend.   The package, which is available through November 14, also includes the home opener and the final home date of the season when the Legends, class A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals, will play a doubleheader.

In addition, with the holiday season approaching, the Legends invite fans to go to www.lexingtonlegends.com to take advantage of a 30% discount and free shipping on merchandise ordered online from the Legends’ team store, the Stache Shoppe. Click on the “Team Store” tab and enter the promo code USA2016    (no space).

The Legends Veterans Day Package schedule:

*Opening Night – Thursday, April 13, 7:05 p.m. Legends vs. West Virginia Power (Pittsburgh Pirates)
Memorial Day Weekend – Sunday, May 28, 2:05 p.m. Legends vs. Columbia Fireflies (New York Mets)
*Independence Day – Tuesday, July 4, 7:05 p.m. Legends vs. West Virginia Power (Pittsburgh Pirates)
*Military Appreciation Night – Saturday, July 8, 6:35 p.m. vs. Greenville Drive (Boston Red Sox)
*Fan Appreciation Doubleheader – Wednesday, August 30, 5:35 p.m. vs. Augusta GreenJackets (San Francisco Giants)

*A fireworks show will follow the game.

(Games and start times are subject to change.)

With box seats, the package is priced at $50. Field box seats are $60. Each order will include a Legends lapel pin.

For more information on the ticket package, fans may go online to www.lexingtonlegends.com or call the Legends box office at 859 422-7867.

“There is always a lot of excitement at the ballpark on these special dates,” said Legends President/CEO Andy Shea. “This is a great opportunity for our fans to get these games on their calendars early.   We’ll look forward to seeing them here.”

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

Win Cardinals Exhibition Game Tickets with Thanksgiving Food Drive

Springfield, MO – With Thanksgiving right around the corner, the Springfield Cardinals are excited to partner with Crosslines of Springfield to launch the Thanksgiving Food Drive at Hammons Field. The food drive will run from Monday, November 14 – Friday, November 18 with items collected at the Cardinals Front Office.

All fans that donate at least one of the items listed below may enter a special drawing for two free tickets to the St. Louis Cardinals vs. Springfield Cardinals Exhibition Game at Hammons Field on Friday, March 31, 2017.

While fans are welcome to bring multiple items, they may only receive one drawing entry per person when donating. Fans must be 18 years of age or older to enter the drawing. Official rules for the Springfield Cardinals Thanksgiving Food Drive Promotion and Drawing are linked to below.

Items most commonly needed by Crosslines include:

-Canned Vegetables
Green beans, corn, etc.

-Canned Soup
Cream of Chicken, Chicken Noodle, Tomato, etc.

-Pastas / Beans / Rice

-Canned Meats

-Canned Fruit

-Boxed Items / Cereals
Macaroni and Cheese, Hamburger Helper, etc.

-Pantry Basics
Spices, salt and pepper, sugar, flour, cooking oils, peanut butter, aluminum foil, plastic wrap, storage bags, sandwich bags, etc.

Crosslines is the largest client-direct food pantry in Greene County, serving nearly 60,000 people annually with emergency food assistance and referral services to other resources available in the community. Crosslines is committed to addressing the immediate hunger needs of families, seniors and children in an environment that fosters community, dignity and compassion.

The Cardinals Front Office is located at 955 East Trafficway Street and is open from 9am – 5pm, Monday – Friday. For more information about the Springfield Cardinals Thanksgiving Food Drive, call the Front Office at (417) 863-0395 or visit SpringfieldCardinals.com.

Click here to view the Official Rules of the Springfield Cardinals Thanksgiving Food Drive.

Guarantee your seats to see the St. Louis Cardinals at Hammons Field on March 31, 2017

The 11-time World Champion St. Louis Cardinals will play an Exhibition Game against the Springfield Cardinals at Hammons Field on Friday, March 31, 2017 at 5:05pm.

With the St. Louis Cardinals returning to Hammons Field for the first time since 2012, ticket demand will be unprecedented for this special night at the ballpark. The only way to guarantee a seat for the 2017 Cardinals vs. Cardinals game is to place a non-refundable deposit on a 2017 Springfield Cardinals Season Ticket Plan or Mini Pack. A $100 per seat deposit on a Season Ticket Plan or a $50 deposit on a Mini Pack will guarantee you the opportunity to purchase a seat to see the St. Louis Cardinals at Hammons Field in 2017.

To place a deposit on a 2017 Springfield Cardinals Season Ticket Plan or Mini Pack and guarantee a seat to see the St. Louis Cardinals play at Hammons Field, call the Front Office at (417) 863-0395 right now.

Click here for more information on SpringfieldCardinals.com.

Escape to Cardinals Baseball!

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

ARVEST BALLPARK GOES GREEN FOR VETERANS

SPRINGDALE, Ark. – Arvest Ballpark, home of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals, will go green on Friday, November 11 in celebration of Veteran’s Day and to support the ‘Greenlight A Vet’ program as a tribute to those that have served our country.

‘Greenlight A Vet’ is a program that is done throughout the country to shine a light on America’s veterans and to thank them for being such valuable members of our community. In honor of this great program, the videoboard at Arvest Ballpark will glow green on Friday from 3pm until approximately 9pm at night to honor the brave men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Naturals’ fans are encouraged to take photos of Arvest Ballpark on Friday night and tag #GreenlightAVet on social media as a thank you to our veterans. For those that want more information on ‘Greenlight A Vet’, visit www.greenlightavet.com.

The Northwest Arkansas Naturals also honor members of the military and our veterans during the season at Arvest Ballpark. The Naturals are proud to partner with Walmart on a ‘Military Thank You’ program where a member of the military is recognized prior to every Sunday home game. For more information on the program or to nominate a military member in your community for the 2017 season, please email Roxanne Grundmeier of the Naturals at Roxanne@nwanaturals.com.

Follow the Northwest Arkansas Naturals on Twitter @NWANaturals all throughout the year by using the hashtag #NaturalPastime and #CrowntoCrown for all of our latest information on Season 10 of Naturals baseball set to begin on Thursday, April 6. 2017.

The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are the Double-A Texas League Affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. The Naturals play at state-of-the-art Arvest Ballpark in Springdale, Ark. For more information, including statistics, ticket options, and more, please visit NWANaturals.com, and follow us on Twitter @NWANaturals and Facebook.com/Naturals.

-Naturals-

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

50-50 raffle adds to Community Org program

               The Lexington Legends 50/50 raffle at home games in 2016, a new feature of the long-standing Community Organization of the Night program, not only made winners of some lucky fans, it also raised $3,642.62 for 40 charitable organizations.

In the raffle, which will be offered again in 2017, fans can buy chances to win for five dollars each through the first seven innings of each Legends home game. In the eighth inning, a winning ticket is drawn, and the fan holding that ticket receives 50 percent of the proceeds.   One fan at the 2016 South Atlantic League All-Star game took home $265.

The remainder goes to the Legends Charitable Fund, through which the Legends give to a wide variety of charitable organizations around the region, and to the Legends’ Community Organization of the Night, if that organization has chosen to participate by re-selling discounted fundraiser tickets.

The Community Organization program, sponsored by Dean Dorton Allen Ford Inc. in 2016, has been a part of Legends baseball throughout the team’s 16-year history. It offers non-profit organizations a chance to raise awareness of their work through information distribution at Whitaker Bank Ballpark during a home game as well as on-field and radio interviews at that game.   More than 100 different organizations have participated in the program over the last two seasons, and many organizations return year after year.

“The Community Organization of the Night is one of our favorite programs, as it educates fans about all the wonderful non-profit organizations that work diligently to give back to our community,” said Legends Vice President of Business Development Sarah Bosso. “The 50/50 raffle is a great added component for fans to show their support for these non-profits and also have the chance to leave the ballpark with some unexpected spending money. It’s a win-win, and we’re excited to be able to offer this fundraising opportunity again for the 2017 season.”

Interested organizations should contact Jillian Waitkus at jwaitkus@lexingtonlegends.com or (859) 422-7847 or visit the Legends website, www.lexingtonlegends.com (under the “Community” tab), to sign up for the Community Organization of the Night program for 2017.

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

Round Rock Express Wins John Henry Moss Community Service Award

Click here to read our full 2016 Community Impact Report detailing all the ways we gave back this year.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Minor League Baseball today named the Round Rock Express the recipient of the fourth annual John Henry Moss Community Service Award. The award was created in 2013 by Minor League Baseball in honor of the late John Henry Moss, who founded what would become the South Atlantic League in 1959 and headed the circuit until 2007. The Express will receive their award at the Baseball Winter Meetings Banquet on Sunday, Dec. 4, at Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland.

“The Round Rock Express is honored to be named the winner of the 2016 John Henry Moss Community Service Award as one of our core values is to passionately give back to the community and it is something our staff proudly promotes and practices throughout the year,” said Express President Chris Almendarez. “We are able to make Central Texas a better place to live and play through this great game of baseball and this year, we were able to make an impact on an international level with the founding of Jana’s House, a home being built for orphaned girls in Zambia in honor of my wife, Jana. Receiving this award is a testament to the hard work of our staff, players and coaches and the community itself for continuing to support us in our charitable efforts all year long.”

“The Round Rock Express continue to be a model franchise when it comes to community service and engagement,” said Minor League Baseball President & CEO Pat O’Conner. “Despite working through an incredibly tough and emotional year, the club managed to do so much good in and around its community, and of course with their efforts to make Jana’s House a reality. Their efforts were second to none and it is my honor to present them with this award.”

In addition to the award, Minor League Baseball Charities will make a $2,500 donation on behalf of the Express to the Nolan Ryan Foundation in Round Rock, which supports youth, education and community development in Central Texas.

The Round Rock Express engage in a wide variety of community service initiatives to provide assistance to area programs, charities and educational organizations in Round Rock and the surrounding communities. The Express have more than 75 community partners, 13 youth programs, 11 military appreciation initiatives, 25 in-game fundraising and awareness events and 10 community outreach initiatives.

This year, the Express took the field in specialty jerseys six times to benefit community charities. In total, specialty jersey nights provided $36,884 to charitable organizations. Together, with their hospitality sister company, Ryan Sanders Sports Services (RS3), the Express raised over $600,000 through in-stadium events such as auctions and raffles. The franchise donated a grand total of over $788,000 in 2016.

The 2016 season brought considerable sadness to the Round Rock baseball family with the passing of Jana Almendarez, creating a renewed sense of purpose. Rallying around one another, the Express staff adopted a yearlong motto of “One Team” that transcended the front office to the players and coaches, sponsors, fans and the entire Central Texas community. In the months that followed Jana’s passing came record-breaking attendance numbers, inspired events like Military Appreciation Day and Cancer Awareness Night, and the undertaking of Jana’s House, a home under construction in Zambia that will house 12 orphaned girls in Jana’s honor.

The Express go to great lengths to serve the youth of their community by hosting year-round baseball and softball camps, partnering with libraries for reading competitions, holding Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts nights at the ballpark and much more. The Round Rock mascot, Spike, made over 117 appearances throughout the season at fundraisers, assemblies, youth sporting events and other community gatherings. Additionally, the Express made players available for public speaking events and autograph sessions.

PREVIOUS JOHN HENRY MOSS COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD WINNERS

2013          Grand Junction Rockies, Pioneer League

2014          Pawtucket Red Sox, International League

2015          Fort Wayne TinCaps, Midwest League

About Minor League Baseball

Minor League Baseball, headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida, is the governing body for all professional baseball teams in the United States, Canada, and the Dominican Republic that are affiliated with Major League Baseball® clubs through their farm systems. Fans are coming out in unprecedented numbers to this one-of-a-kind experience that can only be found at Minor League Baseball ballparks. In 2016, Minor League Baseball attracted 41.3 million fans to its ballparks to see

the future stars of the sport hone their skills. From the electricity in the stands to the excitement on the field, Minor League Baseball has provided affordable family-friendly entertainment to people of all ages since its founding in 1901. For more information, visit www.MiLB.com.

Follow Minor League Baseball on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

About Round Rock Express Baseball

Round Rock Express Baseball Club is in its 17th year and its sixth as Triple-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers. The franchise was founded by Ryan Sanders Baseball – an ownership group spearheaded by Reid Ryan, son of Baseball Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan and is now led by CEO Reese Ryan. The Express began as the Double-A affiliate of the Houston Astros in 2000 and moved to the Triple-A Pacific Coast League in 2005, remaining an Astros affiliate through the 2010 season. Round Rock has established numerous attendance records at Dell Diamond and has remained in the top five in total attendance in all of Minor League Baseball 16 of the past 17 seasons. The Express won the 2011 PCL American Southern Division title and the 2015 American Conference championship.

River Cats salute Veterans with special ticket package

West Sacramento, CA – The Sacramento River Cats are proud to announce a special ticket package in celebration of Veterans Day. These Veterans Day ticket packages will be available only to military personnel (past or present) and their dependents on Friday, November 11 and Saturday, November 12 at the Round Table Pizza Ticket Office at Raley Field.

The ticket packages are available in both a Senate level option or an Assembly level option and include five River Cats games for the 2017 season: Opening Night, Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Game & Salute to Armed Forces doubleheader, Independence Day Eve, Salute to First Responders, and Labor Day.

In addition, the Assembly option comes with a River Cats-themed military challenge coin ($60) and the Senate option includes a River Cats camo cap ($90). Specialty items are based on availability.

“The Sacramento-region has very strong military ties, ranging from Beale and Travis Air Force Bases, the US Coast Guard at McClellan, the California National Guard units, reservists, retired service members, and their families and friends,” said River Cats General Manager, Chip Maxson. “We want to do our part to recognize these exemplary citizens and provide them a fun and unique River Cats experience.”

All military members or dependents can purchase this special package only on Friday, November 11, and Saturday, November 12 at the Round Table Pizza Ticket Office at Raley Field. The ticket office will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and again from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. Please be prepared to show Military ID or proof of service upon purchase.

For more information, please call the River Cats ticket hotline at (916) 371-HITS (4487) or email tickets@rivercats.com.

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About the Sacramento River Cats

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 upcoming 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.