Help us recognize area Rising Star Student on 9/4

Join us at Fifth Third Field on Sunday, September 4 as the Hens, Esurance and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Ohio recognize Kendall Smith, one of the 14 Esurance Rising Star Students Program winners, during a pregame ceremony.

About the Rising Star Students Program

The Rising Star Students Program aims to recognize individuals who were ‘Rising Stars’ in his or her community. To be eligible, the nominees had to be classified as “Bigs” or “Littles” in the Big Brothers Big Sister Program. Nominations for the Rising Star Students program were made in July and August by BBBS agencies.

About Kendall

Kendall is a notable area student who enrolled as a “Little” in the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Ohio to help with the challenges of adolescence. During her time at The Toledo School for the Arts, she learned to play 11 instruments and performed well academically.

She is currently studying music at Capital University and aspires to play in international orchestra and teach music as a professor. Smith will be presented with a $5,000 check from Esurance for college expenses.

Help us celebrate all of her accomplishments!

Tickets

GAME TICKET ($12) – BUY TICKETS

What you get:

  • September 4 Mud Hens game ticket

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

Spokane County Fair & Expo Center and the Spokane Indians Team Up for Wildfire Relief

SPOKANE, WA – The Spokane County Fair & Expo Center and the Spokane Indians baseball team have teamed up to help support the firefighting efforts in the region. Firefighters from all over the state have been using the Spokane County Fair & Expo Center and parking areas of Avista Stadium as a staging area while they work to contain the fires that started last week.

“We are pleased to be able to work together with the Spokane Indians and use our combined resources to aid these firefighters,” said Rich Hartzell, Director of the Spokane County Fair & Expo Center. “Both parties have made concerted efforts to help during this busy time of year in order to protect the safety of our community.”

The baseball team’s Military Appreciation Night on Saturday, August 27 was originally scheduled to have post-game fireworks, but the area typically used for the promotion is being utilized by the Incident Management Teams as a base camp to fight wildfires near Spokane.

“We want to thank the Spokane County Fair & Expo Center and the Spokane Indians for being such great hosts,” said Matt Ugaldea, Unit Leader Pacific Northwest Incident Management Team 11. “They have been very accommodating and allowed us to concentrate our efforts on fighting the area’s fires.”

In lieu of the post-game fireworks on Saturday, the Spokane Indians, the Spokesman-Review, and KHQ will make a donation to local wildfire victims.

“We felt it was important for the team to step up and help those affected by the recent wildfires,” said Chris Duff, General Manager for the Spokane Indians. “It has been inspiring to see our community rally together in support of those in need.”

For more information, please contact the Indians at (509) 535-2922 or mail@spokaneindians.com.

About the Indians

The Indians are the Short Season Class “A” affiliate for the Texas Rangers. For more information, please visit www.spokaneindians.com or call (509) 343-6886 (OTTO).

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

Mets to take part in CommUNITY initiative Friday

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. – Minor League Baseball recently unveiled the CommUNITY initiative program to encourage fans to come together and stand up against discrimination and violence. The St. Lucie Mets are proud to participate in the program that is in response to recent tragedies and tension in communities across the country.

The Mets CommUNITY initiative will take place during the third inning of Friday’s second game vs. the Palm Beach Cardinals. MiLB’s goal is to get all 160 MiLB teams involved and have their fans leave a game feeling inspired with a sense of unity.

Upon entering Tradition Field, fans will be given signs that read “Community Means” and the fans can fill in the blank of what community means to them. The fans and players will stand up and hold the signs in solidarity in the middle of the third inning.

“Our ballparks have long been a place of fun and enjoyment, providing a break from the ills of today’s society,” said Minor League Baseball President and CEO, Pat O’Conner. “The CommUNITY initiative aims to urge fans to take action in their communities and to promote unity, understanding, acceptance and inclusion.”

Friday’s doubleheader starts at 4 p.m. It is also First Responders Appreciation Night, which ties in with the CommUNITY initiative.

In addition to various activities at the ballpark, Minor League Baseball teams and their fans can participate in the initiative on social media using #MiLBCommUNITY to pledge their plan to create positive change.

For more information, contact Kasey Blair at 772-871-2115.

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

Prostate Cancer Awareness Night on Sep. 2

TICKETS

CLEARWATER, Fla. – Friday, September 2, is Prostate Cancer Awareness Night at the ballpark with a post-game concert from Tampa Bay’s Stormbringer. Threshers players and coaches will be wearing special blue jerseys that will be included in the silent auction to raise funds and awareness for the Morton Plant Mease Foundation and Ed Randall’s Fans For The Cure.

The Stormbringer concert is part of the Threshers Summer Concert series by Leinenkugel and New Belgium.

Fans who win a jersey in the auction can go on-field after the game to meet the player and receive the autographed jersey. Also included in the silent auction will be Threshers’ and Phillies’ memorabilia plus donations from team partners.

The night is also the last Threshers Free Shirt Friday with 1,000 themed, blue T-shirts given away by Academy Bus. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. for the 6:15 p.m. game with the Dunedin Blue Jays.

TICKETS

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

Shuckers, Biloxi FD Teaming Up To Collect Supplies for Flood Victims in Louisiana

BILOXI, MS. – The Biloxi Shuckers are teaming up with the Biloxi Fire Department to collect supplies that will be distributed to those in need from the severe flooding in Louisiana.

The current items in need are as follows:

  • Bottled Water
  • Cleaning Supplies
  • Heavy Duty Garbage Bags
  • Rubber Gloves
  • Liquid Products – Disinfectants
  • Baby Diapers/Wipes
  • Non-Perishable Food – that doesn’t required a can opener

The Shuckers will be collecting these items through Sunday’s game at the MGM Park front office on the northeast side of the stadium and at stadium gates during games.

The Shuckers continue their final homestand of 2016 tonight at MGM Park with the third game of a five game series against the Mississippi Braves. Tonight the Shuckers will be saluting Gulf Coast Police, Fire and EMS with First Responder Night.

Thursday is another Double Play Thursday, featuring $2 ballpark specials; Fridayis Strikeout ALS Night and the first 1,500 fans will receive a Biloxi Shuckers Drawstring Backpack, presented by Beau Rivage Resort & Casino; Saturday will be the final Post-Game Fireworks Extravaganza of 2016 and also meet Marshall, Chase and Skye from PAW Patrol; Sunday is McDonald’s Family Fun Day, with pregame autographs and post-game catch on the field. It’s also SuperHero Night, presented by WXXV-TV; Monday is Cancer Awareness Night with the American Cancer Society. Tuesday, Aug. 30 the Shuckers will let the good times roll with Halfway to Mardi Gras Night; Wednesday, Aug. 31 is Fan Appreciation Night featuring a post-game team autograph session. For tickets go to Ticketmaster.com or biloxishuckers.com.

About the Biloxi Shuckers:            

The Biloxi Shuckers are the Double-A Affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers and a member of the Southern League. For up-to-date news and notes throughout the offseason, visit biloxishuckers.com, follow the club on Twitter (@biloxishuckers), Instagram (@officialbiloxishuckers) or like the team on Facebook (facebook.com/biloxishuckers).

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

Tampa Yankees to “Play4theCure” on Fan Appreciation Night

TAMPA, Fla. – The Tampa Yankees will host their annual Fan Appreciation Night on Saturday, August 27th. The Yankees are scheduled to play the Brevard County Manatees at 6:00 p.m. Fans are welcome to enjoy a night full of prizes and fun as the 2016 season comes to an end. The night will conclude with a postgame fireworks show, presented by Sonny’s BBQ.

Play4TheCure and Minor League Baseball are teaming up for the second year in a row to raise funds for the National Foundation for Cancer Research. Proceeds from a 50/50 raffle, along with other fan games, will benefit cancer research. Players and fans will receive “I Play 4 ___” signs and are encouraged to fill them out to be recognized on the video board during the game.

“Play4TheCure inspires young athletes and their teams to leverage their passion for sports to “Play4″ loved ones affected by cancer and encourages them to actively participate in working to fund cancer research to make a difference.” – NFCR.org

In addition, August 27th will also be the final “Salute to Service Members Saturday” of the season. All military receive a FREE upper reserved ticket with valid I.D. Kids run the bases before the game from 5-5:15 p.m. and receive player autographs on the concourse from 5:10-5:30 p.m. **Ticket special can ONLY be redeemed at the George M. Steinbrenner Field Box Office.

Individual game tickets can be purchased at the George M. Steinbrenner Field Box Office. Tickets start at $4 for general admission, $6 for reserved seating, and parking is always free.

The Tampa Yankees are the Single A-Advanced Affiliate of the New York Yankees. For more information, you may contact the Tampa Yankees office at (813) 673-3055 or visit www.tybaseball.com.

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

2nd Annual Clash of Cans Food Drive

AUGUSTA, GA – The Augusta GreenJackets, Single-A Affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, have announced the 2nd Annual Clash of Cans Food Drive as a part of the festivities for Thursday, August 25th that will benefit the Golden Harvest Food Bank. The GreenJackets will host the Greenville Drive (Boston Red Sox) with the playoff chase heating up.

“We invite the CSRA to come out in force, bring lots of canned food items and celebrate with us”, stated GreenJackets General Manager Tom Denlinger. “This is a fun way to interact with the local colleges and universities, while also supporting a great organization.”

The GreenJackets are asking local university alumni and students such as the Augusta University, Augusta Technical College, Brenau University, East Georgia State College, Georgia Military College, University of Georgia, Georgia Southern University, Paine College, University of South Carolina, and Clemson University to compete in the Clash of Cans food drive. Current students and alumni are encouraged to participate in the Clash of Cans as a friendly competition for bragging rights of your school. Bring a canned food item for the August 25th game (Last Thirsty Thursday of 2016) to support the Golden Harvest Food Bank and be entered to win prizes! Fans will put their cans in their favorite college’s bin and we’ll declare a winner in the 7th inning!

“Golden Harvest Food Bank is excited that the Augusta GreenJackets are again hosting the Clash of Cans Food Drive. Please donate some canned goods when you come out to the game,” stated Carrie Jones, Special Events Manager for Golden Harvest Food Bank.

August 25th also features College Football Night! Guests are encouraged to wear their favorite school’s apparel to receive $2 off their ticket price for the night. During Thirsty Thursday at Lake Olmstead Stadium guests can enjoy one- dollar draft beers and Coca-Cola fountain sodas all night long presented by the Country Club Dance Hall and Saloon, The Hideout, Napleton Infiniti of Augusta & 93.9 BobFM.

We’re also celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Augusta Sports Council. You won’t want to miss this fun evening! The Clash of the Cans food drive begins at 6:00pm when gates open, and first pitch is scheduled for 7:05pm.

The GreenJackets are “All In” as they make a second half playoff push and they need YOU. We invite you to Catch the Buzz and come out to Lake Olmstead to enjoy the fun. Plus the GreenJackets are closing in on their two millionth fan at the ballpark in 2016! The two millionth fan will win a fantastic prize pack stay tuned for more details! For more information, including pricing and benefits on all ticket plans, visit www.GreenJacketsBaseball.com or contact the GreenJackets Front Office at (706) 922-WINS (9467). To stay up to date with all things ‘Jackets sign up for the Buzz e-newsletter by visiting www.GreenJacketsBaseball.com/thebuzz.

Rome Braves partner with local Law Enforcement benefiting LA flood victims

Local leaders in law enforcement are saddened by continuous reports of flooding in Louisiana and are calling on the public to help deliver assistance to families displaced by flood waters.

The Rome Braves will be assisting in the effort and will open the parking lot across from State Mutual Stadium, where officers will be posted to accept donations. Police and deputies will be on hand to help with unloading of supplies and make the event more convenient for contributors.

The event is scheduled to begin Thursday August 25, 2016 and continue through Saturday August 27, 2016 with hours of 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. every day.

The Rome Braves will also give away two free tickets for Sunday’s game to every car as a special thank you to the public. Tickets will be available while supplies last.

The law enforcement event is being called “BLUE”

Benefiting Louisiana with Uniformed Encouragement

“The people of Louisiana are reeling from the loss to their state so it’s important for us to bring a unified front of kindness,” said Floyd County Chief Bill Shiflett. “Those folks really need our help and I believe this is a great demonstration of love.”

According to statistics provided by the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police, more than 40,000 homes have been damaged and approximately 30,000 were rescued from their homes. All of those people are in need of fundamental supplies we take for granted, Shiflett said.

“The flooding in Louisiana brings back painful memories of Katrina for many,” said Floyd County Sheriff Tim Burkhalter. “Though we cannot take the hurt and pain of the past away, we can do something to help soften the blow for the more than 100,000 people who have registered for assistance.

Chief Denise Downer-McKinney, of the Rome City Police Department, says events like this are uplifting for all: “With all the support we have received from our community, we want to pay it forward to the community and our brothers and sisters in Louisiana.”

AutoMax Rent-a-Car is donating use of a truck to use during the drop off this week and Scott Logistics will be shipping the supplies at no cost from Rome to Louisiana.

Officials are asking for donations of toiletries, cleaning supplies, baby formula, diapers, paper products, new underwear in the pack, bath towels, wash cloths, laundry detergent, bleach, lotion, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, body wash, and feminine hygiene products.

For more information you can contact the Rome Braves at 706-378-5100.

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

Suns join Zephyrs, raise funds for flood victims

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Suns will raise money for victims of flooding in Louisiana during their homestand at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville Monday, Aug. 22, through Thursday. Aug. 25, while their fellow Miami Marlins affiliate, the Triple-A New Orleans Zephyrs, also raises money for relief efforts during their coinciding homestand.

For each ticket sold on game days Monday through Thursday at the walk-up ticket windows at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville, the Suns will donate $1 to the American Red Cross Louisiana Floods Relief fund. Any additional donations made at the box office will also be donated.

“We are grateful to partner with another member of our baseball family, the New Orleans Zephyrs, to make an impact for flood victims in Louisiana,” said Suns General Manager Harold Craw. “We hope our guests at the ballpark next week and the entire Suns family will show these communities how much their neighbors in Northeast Florida care and support them.”

“Thanks to the New Orleans Zephyrs and American Red Cross, people in Jacksonville have an opportunity to make immediate impact hundreds of miles from the First Coast,” said Suns Director of Community Relations Andrea Williams.

“We are thankful that the Jacksonville Suns will be helping to raise much needed financial support for the Louisiana Floods Relief fund,” said Zephyrs Senior Vice President and General Manager Cookie Rojas. “Their generosity is another example of how Minor League Baseball is a cornerstone for bringing communities together.”

The Red Cross is asking that instead of donating items, those who want to help should donate money so that their response can be activated more quickly and items needed can be bought in bulk. Preliminary estimates indicate that Red Cross response efforts could be the largest since Superstorm Sandy in 2012, and cost more than $10 million. Local officials are reporting that 10,000 homes have been damaged and more than 50 shelters have been opened to those who have been displaced by the flooding.

The Suns face the Chattanooga Lookouts for five games beginning Monday, August 22 at 7:05 p.m. Tickets start at $5. For more information, contact the Suns at (904) 358-2846 or visit www.jaxsuns.com.

ABOUT THE SUNS: The Jacksonville Suns are beginning a new era of affordable family fun under new ownership in 2016. With a FUNdamentally Different promotional schedule and a new lineup of ticket and group options for this season, there is a reason for everyone to get part of the action by calling the Suns at (904) 358-2846 or visiting www.jaxsuns.com.

Biscuits to Host Charities Night on August 26

MONTGOMERY, Ala.- The Montgomery Biscuits will celebrate Charities Night on Friday, August 26 when they take on the Birmingham Barons at 7:05 p.m. Charities Night will recognize and honor the Biscuits Charity Partners of the 2016 season, including River Region United Way, Family Sunshine Center, Easter Seals Central Alabama, Magic Moments and the YMCA of Greater Montgomery. The evening will conclude with a MAX Fireworks Show!

“Charities Night is an important night that allows us to profile the organizations, chosen by the staff each year to support and move forward the Biscuits Charities mission to support youth. They auction is an effective fundraiser, but the celebration of awareness of all charities and their causes is a very honored privilege for us as well,” Biscuits Owner, Sherrie Myers, said.

Charities Night will also include a Jersey Auction in which the Biscuits will auction off their game-worn, home jerseys with proceeds benefitting the River Region United Way.

The auction will begin online, Monday, August 22, at noon and run through noon on Friday, August 26. Fans can bid on the game-worn jerseys by visiting http://biscuitsbaseball2016.eflea.ca/. The auction will pick back up in-park as a silent auction beginning when gates open at 5:50 p.m. and run through the end of the fourth inning. The starting bid for the jerseys online is $120; the starting bids for the in-park auction will start where the online auction concluded.

“The River Region United Way is honored to be included as one of the Montgomery Biscuits’ charity partners,” River Region United Way President and CEO, Jimmy Hill, said. “We are grateful for the Biscuits’ continued support and their commitment to benefit youth in the greater Montgomery community. Charities Night with the Jersey Auction is one of the highlights of our year.”

This year’s auction will feature player jerseys worn by nine of the Tampa Bay Rays Top-30 prospects, including the top three players, shortstop Willy Adames, pitcher Brent Honeywell and first baseman Jake Bauers. Adames, the Rays number one prospect, leads the Southern League in runs. At only 20 years old, the Dominican Republic native earned a starting spot on the Southern League All-Star roster and represented the World team at the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game at the MLB All-Star Game. Honeywell, who was promoted to the Biscuits in July and is ranked as the Rays number two prospect, was drafted in the second round of the 2014 Draft. In 2015, Honeywell was named as Best Pitching Prospect by Baseball America. Bauers, the Rays number three prospect, is a versatile player, spending time in both right field and first base this season with the Biscuits. Bauers, a mid-season All-Star, leads the team in hitting.

Jersey auction winners will be announced following the game in a special on-field ceremony that includes a photo opportunity with the player whose jersey was won.

Payment for auction items is due at the Biscuits Box Office the night of the auction. All bids, online and at the game, must be held with a credit card but can be paid by credit card or cash following the auction. Jerseys will be available for pick-up at the Biscuits Administrative Office approximately one week after the last game of the regular or playoff season.

To purchase tickets to Charities Night or to learn more information visit the www.biscuitsbaseball.com or call 334-323-2255.

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TD Bank Presents Kids Run the Show Aug. 19

MANCHESTER, N.H. – The New Hampshire Fisher Cats announced today that the team has signed 13 young fans to one-day front office contracts. Presented by TD Bank, “Kids Run the Show” will give these youngsters, ages 6-16, a chance to orchestrate the fun and excitement of a Fisher Cats game on Friday, August 19.

Key positions on New Hampshire’s staff will be filled as follows:

General Manager: Mark Basnett – Manchester, NH

Radio Broadcaster: Logan Purvis – Manchester, NH

PA Announcer: Mitchell Forman – Hudson, NH

Group Sales Manager: Aiden Daniel – Fremont, NH

Public Relations Director: Brandon Lurvey – Concord, NH

Guest Services Manager: Maddy Dionne – Henniker, NH

Promotions Assistant: Malachy Crowell – Derry, NH

Groundskeeper: Graham Kuhlmann – Manchester, NH

Scorekeeper: Owen Moushegian – Nashua, NH

Box Office Director: Zachary Levigne – Manchester, NH

Ticket Takers/Ushers:

Isabelle Henderson – Lawrence, MA

Emily King – Nashua, NH

Christian Morency – Manchester, NH

“This is such an exciting event every year, watching young kids experience a night at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium the way we do,” said Fisher Cats President and General Manager Rick Brenner. “Our goal is to create as much fun and excitement as possible for all of our fans, and partnering with TD Bank for this promotion is one of the most unique ways we do that.”

“TD Bank is proud to support the New Hampshire Fisher Cats and what better way to do so then to sponsor Kids Run the Show,” said Steve Webb, NH Market President. “The lucky kids chosen get to learn about all the details and hard work that go on behind the scenes for each and every game…and develop an even deeper love for the game of baseball.”

Friday’s game will feature live music from local artist David Anthony and a spectacular Atlas Fireworks show after the final out. The Fisher Cats will host the Altoona Curve (Pittsburgh Pirates Double-A affiliate), with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Tickets are available now at nhfishercats.com/tickets.

About TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank®

TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank, is one of the 10 largest banks in the U.S., providing more than 8 million customers with a full range of retail, small business and commercial banking products and services at approximately 1,300 convenient locations throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Metro D.C., the Carolinas and Florida. In addition, TD Bank and its subsidiaries offer customized private banking and wealth management services through TD Wealth®, and vehicle financing and dealer commercial services through TD Auto Finance. TD Bank is headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J. To learn more, visitwww.tdbank.com. Find TD Bank on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/TDBankand on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TDBank_US.

TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank, is a member of TD Bank Group and a subsidiary of The Toronto-Dominion Bank of Toronto, Canada, a top 10 financial services company in North America. The Toronto-Dominion Bank trades on the New York and Toronto stock exchanges under the ticker symbol “TD”. To learn more, visit www.td.com.

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

Miracle host Unity in the Community and Craft Beer Fest

FORT MYERS, Fla. (August 12, 2016) – On Saturday, August 13, the Miracle will be hosting a night to celebrate the hard work and courage of our local first responders on an evening of Unity in the Community featuring the return of the Craft Beer Fest and Beer, Baseball and Boom!

All first responders and one guest will receive complimentary admission to a 6:05 p.m. game against the Charlotte Stone Crabs. Gates open at 5 p.m. There will be several first responders in uniform, vehicles on site, a marching band in front of the stadium and displays for fans.

Units that will be at the ballpark include the Fort Myers Coast Guard, the Charlotte County Police Department, the Cape Coral Police Department, the Collier County Police Department, the Florida Highway Patrol, the Lee County Sheriff’s Department, the Fort Myers Police Department, the Fort Myers Fire Department, Bayshore Fire Department, the North Fort Myers Fire Department, South Trail Fire Department, the Iona-McGregor Fire Department and the Cape Coral Fire Department.

In addition to First Responder’s Night, the Miracle have the annual Beer, Baseball and Boom event presented by Killebrew Rootbeer, 95.3 OLZ and Fox 4. For $22 in advance and $25 on Saturday, fans receive a ticket to the game and a wristband for unlimited sampling of over 40 craft beers from 5-7 p.m. First responders and their guests can purchase the Craft Beer Fest wristband at the Fort Points by Sheraton Guest Services booth on the main concourse for $14.

Connoisseurs of ales, lagers, pilsners and stouts will sophisticate their palettes with the likes of Bury Me Brewing’s Cold Dead Hands, Old Soul Brewing’s Defector, 3 Daughters’ Beach Blonde Ale, Big Storm Brewing’s Wavemaker, 21st Amendment Toaster Pastry, Cigar City Tampa Lager, Sierra Nevada Otra Vez, Riptide Paddlepuss Blonde, Fort Myers Brewing Chocolate Peanut Butter Porter and many more!

Killebrew Root Beer will also be offering free samples at the top of the stairs of the Grand Entry. Once you’ve wet your whistle, try the famous Catcher’s Mitt at the concession stand. The Catcher’s Mitt is an empanada stuffed with Asian pork covered in sweet and sour slaw and topped with cilantro lime sauce. The Miracle will also feature Italian Baseballs made of pepperoni, cheese and marinara sauce surrounded by fresh dough and fried to a golden brown perfection. There will also be delicious poutine, french fries topped with cheese curds and peppered white gravy, as well as Killebrew Root Beer Floats!

For more information on First Responder’s Night or Beer, Baseball and Boom, contact the Miracle offices at (239) 768-4210. For a full list of beers that will be available for sampling, visit www.miraclebaseball.com.

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

Fireflies Launch Food Drive Fridays to Aid Harvest Hope Food Bank

COLUMBIA, SC – In conjunction with the Harvest Hope Food Bank, the Columbia Fireflies have launched Food Drive Fridays for the remainder of the season. For the final three home Friday games at Spirit Communications Park, fans will be offered buy one get one free tickets in the Bojangles’ Berm, Reserved or Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union All-Star seating sections for every two canned food items they bring to the park. All cans will be donated to the Harvest Hope Food Bank.

The buy one get one free tickets are only eligible for that Friday evening’s game. Here are the Fireflies’ remaining Friday home games:

August 12, 7:05 p.m. vs. Greensboro Grasshoppers (Miami Marlins)

August 19, 7:05 p.m. vs. Augusta GreenJackets (San Francisco Giants)

September 2, 7:05 p.m. vs. Charleston RiverDogs (New York Yankees)

Gates open at 5:30 p.m. for all three games and fans are asked to present their canned food items at the Fireflies Box Office to receive their buy one get one free tickets. Cans will be collected at the front entrance.

Fans with season ticket packages or who have already purchased single game tickets for an upcoming Friday game are still encouraged to bring canned food items.

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

Specialty Jersey Night to Honor Paralyzed Veterans of America

The Bristol Pirates are excited to host the first-ever specialty jersey night at Boyce Cox Field next Thursday, August 18, when the Pirates play host to their division-rival Johnson City Cardinals.

Pirates’ players and staff will sport special jerseys for the one game, in support of the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), courtesy of the generous support of Food City.

NASCAR legend and PVA supporter Richard Petty will be on hand to throw out the ceremonial first pitch, along with NASCAR driver Aric Almirola and the president of the PVA, Bill Lawson.

Following the game, Petty and the player or staff member wearing each jersey will autograph the jerseys.

During the game, fans can bid on the jersey of their favorite players in a silent auction conducted in the ballpark pavilion on the third-base side of the field. Following the game, until the end of the Pirates’ regular season, bidding will continue online at www.milbauctions.com.

Gates will open early at the special time of 4:30 p.m., for this game, which promises to draw a large crowd. The game will begin at 5:30 p.m., and fans are invited to stay after the game and enjoy the transporter parade as it makes its way down Euclid Avenue, past the ballpark. It is expected that the parade will also feature fireworks.

“We are tremendously excited to host this event, and the King of NASCAR, Richard Petty, and to be able to call attention to the wonderful work the PVA does across the country,” noted Pirates’ General Manager Mahlon Luttrell. “We would not have been able to do this without the wonderful support of our friends at Food City.”

For more information on the Pirates, visit www.BristolPiratesBaseball.com. To keep up with breaking news, follow the Pirates on Twitter (@PiratesNBristol) or visit their Facebook page.

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

Michael Edwards Awarded FSL Scholarship

Daytona Beach, FL – The Daytona Tortugas, in conjunction with the Florida State League and the Miami Marlins, are proud to award the franchise’s second Florida State League Scholarship to Account Executive Michael Edwards.

Edwards, a native of nearby DeLand, is prepping for his junior year at the University of Florida.

“It means a lot [to win the scholarship]. I appreciate the opportunity to earn a scholarship, and winning it meant even more since it is the first scholarship I’ve ever been chosen for,” Edwards explained.

The Florida State League Scholarship Committee awarded twelve (12) $1,500 educational scholarships to applicants from each team in the league. The award is based both on financial need and a grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Students eligible for this award must be an employee, or the child or grandchild of an employee, of the participating club and must be at least a high school junior by the 2016 fall term.

“I didn’t want to pass up the opportunity to gain experience [with the Tortugas]. Working in the front office of a sports team is what I eventually hope to be doing,” said Edwards, a sports management major, about the internship.

The Miami Marlins have sponsored this program for more than 16 years and have contributed over $160,000 to the Florida State League Program.

The Daytona Tortugas honored Edwards prior to a home game on July 25th at Radiology Associates Field at Jackie Robinson Ballpark. In addition, he was also mentioned during a pre-game ceremony at the Miami Marlins game on Sunday, July 31st, along with the other Florida State League team award winners.

Edwards, now back at school, enjoyed his summer in the FSL.

“It was great! I learned a good amount and got to do things that I never expected to be doing. It was definitely tiring at times, but working through those long homestands will help me in the long run!”

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