WooSox Celebrate “Pride at the Park” During Worcester’s Pride Month

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Worcester’s annual celebration of LGBTQ+ individuals kicked off Friday, September 2, at Polar Park’s “Pride at the Park,” sponsored by George’s Coney Island. The WooSox welcomed local individuals, organizations, and non-profits to celebrate and honor members of the LGBTQ+ community. Fans were treated to performances from drag queens, a raising of the Progressive Pride Flag and the Intersex Progressive Pride Flag, and capped off the night with a colorful fireworks display, set to the theme of “Love is All You Need.”

The night began with a bang when drag queens Regina Jackson and Betti entertained early-access patrons atop the Triple Decker Garden. The queens performed numbers from Rihanna, Britney Spears, and Beyoncé, later becoming available to take photos with fans.

During pre-game ceremonies, Dance on Dance Center, a dance studio in Hudson, performed a rendition of “Unruly Heart,” a special dance about pride, acceptance, and loving unapologetically, while waving Pride Flags high behind home plate.

The WooSox then honored their Heart of Worcester: SWAGLY.

“It was important to us that night that our event directly benefit LGBTQ+ organizations in the city, so we were excited to honor the LGBTQ+ youth group, SWAGLY, of Aids Project Worcester, with our Heart of Worcester spotlight and check presentation of $1,000,” said WooSox Group Experience Coordinator Sarah Malone.

The WooSox invited Betti, a drag queen who plays “Travis” in HBO Max’s new show “The Sex Lives of College Girls,” to throw out a Ceremonial First Pitch. Next up, Regina Jackson, drag queen and creator of the Queer Comedy Lab, threw out a pitch.

Next, country music artist and former assistant coach with the Brockton Rox, was honored as Worcester’s Hometown Hero. Ruby became the first openly gay professional player when he publically came out on September 2, 2021. Friday was the one-year anniversary since Ruby made history, and he was honored with a Ceremonial First Pitch.

“Bryan has been traveling the States with his organization, Proud To Be In Baseball, which he co-founded with other queer ball players,” Malone said. “Their mission is to empower and advocate for the next generation of LGBTQ people in baseball.”

Ruby met fans in the Sherwood Diner during the game.

Finally, Worcester musician Giuliano belted the National Anthem as the Progressive Pride Flag and the Intersex Progressive Pride Flag were raised over centerfield.

As the WooSox game against the Buffalo Bison, Triple-A Affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, got underway, Malone saw a “remarkable” presence of non-profits and organizations that specialize in services specifically for the LGBTQ+ community in attendance.

“I was really honored to be able to work with all of these community groups throughout the season, and thrilled with how many wanted to participate,” Malone said.

Among the Polar Park patrons were Rainbow Lunch Clubs for our LGBTQ+ Elders, Disabled Self-Advocacy, Mental Health Care, Trans and Gender Affirming Healthcare, LGBTQ+ Social Services, Queer Foster + Adoptive Homes, and more.

“When I was visiting these groups and checking in on folks, everyone was thrilled at the quantity and quality of fan interactions,” Malone said. “It felt great to take a wheel around the park and see so many guests accessing the non-profit tables.”

The WooSox fell to the Bison 8-10, yet fans were treated to a UniBank Fireworks show to the theme of “Love is All You Need.”

The Worcester pride celebration reverberated through the city, with the Worcester Pride Festival occurring on Saturday, September 10.

Awaiting a life-saving kidney donation, local woman will be recognized during Sept. 16 Reno Aces Game

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RENO, Nev. (Sept. 14, 2022) — In her 30s, Xochie Aranda was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease, a leading cause of kidney failure. She was placed on the national transplant waiting list and within three years received a transplant. However, Aranda was placed on the national transplant waiting list again after experiencing transplant failure nearly 10 years ago.

Aranda’s 9-year-old granddaughter will run the bases on her grandmother’s behalf at the Reno Aces’ Home Run for Life game, presented by Donor Network West, after the second inning, Friday, Sept. 16, at Greater Nevada Field as they take on the Sacramento River Cats.

As she awaits a new kidney, Aranda receives dialysis treatments for nearly 10 hours per week. Using experience gained from her challenging health journey, she educates the community as a Donor Network West volunteer Donate Life Ambassador.

“When I went back on dialysis after my transplant failed, I was a working, single mom. I had to educate myself on my health issues – a lot,” said Aranda. “As a Donor Network West ambassador, and someone who is a part of the local Hispanic community, I try to listen to people’s questions and address any myths to help people understand why it’s important to register as an organ donor.”

One donor can save up to eight lives through organ donation and up to 75 lives through tissue donation. More than 600 Nevadans are on the national transplant waiting list.

Donor Network West, northern Nevada and northern California’s federally designated non-profit organ procurement organization, is proud to have supported six Home Run for Life baseball games during the 2022 Aces’ season. The partnership has brought critical awareness about organ donation to the northern Nevada community and its sports fans. This will be the final Home Run for Life game of the 2022 season.

“Xochie is one of more than 100,000 people in the U.S. waiting for a life-saving organ donation. Reducing the waiting list is what fuels our mission at Donor Network West as we help educate our communities and increase the number of people registered as organ donors,” Janice Whaley, president and CEO of Donor Network West, said. “Our partnership with the Reno Aces has provided incredible opportunities to share powerful stories in our community and give hope to those waiting for a second chance at life.”

Throughout the 2022 season, brave individuals and families in the northern Nevada community have been honored by taking a ceremonial trip around the bases, with each team lining the baselines. Individuals honored have been personally impacted by organ, eye and tissue donation.

“Seeing the community cheer on the Home Run for Life participants and their families this season has been incredibly special,” Eric Edelstein, president of Reno Aces and Greater Nevada Field, said. “The Reno Aces are proud to have partnered with Donor Network West to support the organization’s community outreach and educational efforts for organ donation.”

Anyone can register to be an organ donor. To learn more and to register as an organ donor, visit DonorNetworkWest.org.

— @MyDNWest —

WooSox Support Red Cross Blood Drive and Local First Responders on Weekend of 9/11

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The Worcester Red Sox began the weekend at the American Red Cross Central Mass headquarters at 381 Plantation Street in Worcester, where WooSox front office members and Smiley Ball arrived in the WooSox Foundation Care-A-Van, presented by Bank of America.

The WooSox donated tickets, caps, and souvenirs to incentivize more blood donations for the American Red Cross of Central Massachusetts. WooSox Vice President Joe Bradlee and WooSox Coordinator of Marketing & Fan Engagement George Lorin each gave blood on Friday to show their support and help save lives.

“I first became witness to the special relationship the Red Sox has with the American Red Cross back when I was an intern at Fenway in 2012, and have since always tried to donate blood when 9/11 rolls around,” Bradlee said. “It’s exciting for all of us to build upon the relationship here in Worcester, and we look forward to continuing to work with the Red Cross to encourage more people to give blood locally.”

“We’re thankful to the WooSox for supporting our Blood Drive on Friday,” said Nia Rennix, executive director of the Central-Western Mass Chapter of the American Red Cross. “We are always working hard to encourage more local donor turnout, and we applaud the Worcester Red Sox for helping us galvanize local community members to help us save lives.”

And after welcoming more than 3,000 people to Polar Park for the second annual Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival on Saturday, September 10, the team continued their weekend support of first responders by donating 450 tickets, each with $10 of loaded value, to every firefighter in the City of Worcester. The tickets are for the team’s final “First Responder Wednesday” of the season, presented by National Grid on Wednesday, September 21, at 6:45 p.m.

The team made visits to all 10 fire stations in the City of Worcester, and interacted with firefighters at each station to thank them for their service to the community. The WooSox were also joined by Kevin Hartigan, a retired Worcester Firefighter who now works for the team as an Ambassador at Polar Park.

“I thought that this was a very fitting and thoughtful gesture by the WooSox to thank our Worcester firefighters on 9/11,” Hartigan said. “We hope to see many of them back at Polar Park for our final Wednesday home game of the season on September 21.”

The team also donated tickets for September 21 to every Police Officer in the City of Worcester, and distributed those tickets earlier this week.

Day Air Credit Union to Host College Prep Night at Day Air Ballpark

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Dayton, Ohio – The Dayton Dragons and Day Air Credit Union will hold College Prep Night, a FREE educational event for prospective college students, at Day Air Ballpark on Wednesday, September 28 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

College Prep Night is a one-stop college resource event to guide prospective college students and their parents through the process of planning an educational path. High school students can talk to representatives from colleges and universities from all over the nation, and those who RSVP before the event will be entered to win one of two, $1,000 scholarships. Students must pre-register for the event online and attend to be considered.

More than 1,000 students and their guests attend, and more than 50 colleges and universities participate in this free event. Among the colleges scheduled to appear are Miami University (OH), University of Dayton, University of Kentucky, Art Academy of Cincinnati, University of Cincinnati, Sinclair Community College, Wilmington University, University of Toledo, Wright State University, Ohio Army National Guard, United States Navy, Modern College of Design, Xavier University, Edison State University, and many more schools from around the country. Representatives will be on hand to answer whatever questions that students might have about college life at each particular school.

“Day Air is committed to serving the financial well-being of our members and the community,” said Bill Burke, President, and CEO of Day Air Credit Union. “Decisions about higher education are as difficult as they are important, we’re proud to be able to provide College Prep Night as a vital resource to local families helping them make the most informed decision possible,” he said.

To learn more about College Prep Night and to RSVP, please visit www.daytondragons.com/collegeprep.

About Day Air Credit Union

Established in 1945, Day Air Credit Union is the largest financial institution headquartered in Montgomery County, and proudly serves businesses and residents of the nine counties making up the Miami Valley in Southwest Ohio. Day Air is a not-for-profit, full-service financial cooperative with over $635million in assets and more than 47,000 members. Credit Union members have access to over 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs, and more than 5,900 shared branches nationwide. Membership is open to people living, working, worshiping, or attending school in the Miami Valley. Visit dayair.org for more information.

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Neuroscience Group Field to Host Free 360U Girls’ Softball Camp on October 2

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GRAND CHUTE, WI – 360U Softball will hold a girls’ softball camp on Sunday, October 2 from noon to 1:30pm at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium. This is a free camp.

Instructors Maria Stave and Laura Beyer will conduct the camp for the first 125 participants to register. All participants will receive a camp participant t-shirt.

Registration begins at 7:00am on Tuesday, September 13 at this link.

Beyer and Stave are sisters and Kaukauna natives who founded 360U Softball in 2016 with the mission of empowering young female softball athletes with the development skills, tools and resources needed to find the most confident-version of themselves on and off the softball diamond.

“We at 360U are thrilled to be partnering with the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers to be offering this softball skills development camp for youth players in the area,” said Beyer. “We are also excited for the opportunity to utilize a facility as awesome as Neuroscience Group Field for this experience!”

Their Indoor Training Facility on Calumet Street in Appleton offers private lessons, group sessions, and camps in the areas of hitting, defense, pitching and catching for athletes as young as seven through college. Their staff consists of all current and former collegiate softball players who have a passion for teaching the mechanical and mental part of the games.

OKC Dodgers and ODMHSAS to Honor Edie Nayfa Saturday As She Works to #StrikeOutThe Stigma

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OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Dodgers are partnering with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) this season to help #StrikeOutTheStigma and increase awareness on the topic of mental health and substance use in our community.

The partnership focuses on education, advocacy and support to help destigmatize the connotations that come with mental health and substance use struggles. Oklahomans who are working to do so will be recognized throughout the 2022 Dodgers baseball season.

The third honoree of 2022 is Edie Nayfa, CEO of Catalyst Behavioral Services. Catalyst began as a nonprofit substance use clinic in 1973 and has now grown to one of the largest behavioral health agencies in Oklahoma thanks to Nayfa’s 23 years of dedication to the organization.

“If somebody is in need of treatment, we’re always here,” she said

Nayfa will be recognized during the Dodgers’ game against the Tacoma Rainiers at 7:05 p.m. Saturday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

“Through our partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, we want to help raise awareness on the topic of mental health by talking openly about the subject and providing educational resources,” OKC Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes said. “By sharing the personal stories of Oklahomans who have been impacted by, or work to provide, mental health and substance use services in our community, we want to help strike out the stigma and provide support to our fellow Oklahomans.”

Nayfa understands that addiction and substance use can be daunting, but she also knows there’s always hope. Catalyst offers programs in both Oklahoma City and Enid and on any given day is helping up to 400 people as help is offered to all Oklahomans regardless of where they live in the state.

“We want people to know there are ample opportunities and different varieties of treatment we can do to help the individual,” she said. “We just want to give them hope.”

Catalyst is part of a statewide treatment system offering a variety of mental health and substance use prevention, treatment and recovery options. The organization’s work to advance innovative approaches in treatment allows those they serve to receive advanced care and speed the process of recovery. In fact, Catalyst was an integral part in bringing medication assisted treatment services to Oklahoma and worked with other providers to expand availability.

Catalyst and other providers in the system receive funding from the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) allowing persons to receive care regardless of ability to pay. Nayfa is beyond thankful for the relationship.

“We are beyond blessed to have them as support,” she said. “We couldn’t do it without them.”

She knows there’s long been a stigma associated with addiction and substance use and Catalyst focuses on trying to change that stigma, while also helping those struggling with addiction.

“We need to have compassion, mercy and tolerance,” she said.

She knows everyone is capable of transformation and it’s what she loves most about her job.

“To see them on the other side of that is truly a blessing,” she said.

To read Nayfa’s full story, visit the OKC Dodgers’ “Beyond the Bricks” website at: medium.com/beyond-the-bricks. Photos of Nayfa are attached for use (credit: OKC Dodgers).

The OKC Dodgers host ¡Celebración Cielo Azul! this week at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark and their home series against the Tacoma Rainiers continues tonight at 7:05 p.m. Fireworks are scheduled to follow Friday night’s 7:05 p.m. game and the series continues at 7:05 p.m. Saturday with the Clubhouse Collectibles online auction, presented by The Oklahoman. The auction features game-worn, game-used and autographed Dodgers memorabilia that will be available for fans to bid on from 6-11 p.m. at milbauctions.com to benefit the Foundation for Oklahoma City Public Schools. Following Sunday’s 2:05 p.m. series finale, kids can run the bases.

Dodgers players and coaches will wear Cielo Azul jerseys throughout the series and the gameday environment during ¡Celebración Cielo Azul! will feature Latin music, festive concourse decorations, unique entertainment, live performances and a Spanish-speaking public address announcer for select games. Specialty concession items and Cielo Azul merchandise will be available for purchase. In addition to the game action on the field, Clips N Hips will perform during Friday night’s game and Yúmare Mexican Folkloric Dancers, Inc., are set to perform Saturday and Sunday.

Since 2018, the Dodgers have participated in MiLB’s Copa de la Diversión, or Fun Cup, which is a season-long event series designed to embrace the culture and values that resonate most with participating teams’ local U.S. Hispanic/Latino communities, including creating unique on-field personas and gameday experiences. The name Cielo Azul translates to “Blue Sky.”

Tickets can be purchased through okcdodgers.com/tickets. Tickets purchased here include a $5 donation to the Latino Community Development Agency. The LCDA’s mission is to improve the quality of life in the Latino community through education, leadership, service and advocacy. For more information, please visit okcdodgers.com or call (405) 218-2182.

Live radio coverage of each OKC Dodgers game begins 15 minutes before first pitch on AM 1340 “The Game,” 1340thegame.com and through the free iHeartRadio or MiLB First Pitch apps. OKC Dodgers games are also available streamed live on MiLB.TV with a subscription.

Submissions Wanted: Blue Wahoos & Waste Management Partner To Renovate Local Field

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For the eleventh consecutive year, the Blue Wahoos and Waste Management have partnered to renovate an area youth athletic field and are accepting nominations from the community to select the field to be restored.

“We are very excited to continue our partnership with Waste Management and help renovate a local ballfield,” Blue Wahoos community relations manager Lauren Scott said. “Our mission is to improve the quality of life in our community, and helping provide children a great place to play sports locally will benefit families across our community.

The Blue Wahoos will be accepting nominations to choose a field to receive a makeover until September 20th. Any local citizen or organization can submit a field by emailing Scott at [email protected] and including photos or video of the field and a short explanation of why the field should be considered. Fields must be within 40 miles of Blue Wahoos Stadium to be selected.

Lugnuts and Disability Rights Michigan to host Accessible Day Sunday

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LANSING, Mich. – The Lansing Lugnuts and Disability Rights Michigan (DRM) have partnered to host an Accessible Day at Jackson® Field™ on Sunday, September 11th. This partnership hopes to raise awareness about the need for full inclusion, so individuals with disabilities feel empowered within the community.

Ballpark gates open at 12 noon, with first pitch at 1:05 p.m. between the Lugnuts and the visiting Dayton Dragons. This is the final scheduled game in the Lugnuts’ season.

Accessible Day at the ballpark will include ASL interpreters, menus in braille, sensory kits, quiet room, “get your wiggles out” station and a host of other accommodations. Fans can learn about advocacy organizations in the area and what assistive technology is available to them.

“Disability Rights Michigan would like to thank the Lansing Lugnuts for celebrating the beauty of inclusion,” said Executive Director Michelle Roberts. “To have an experience where everyone feels welcomed and included brings together a community. Baseball is for everyone, and we are excited to be part of this day.”

“We’re proud to partner with Disability Rights Michigan, whose values we share,” said Lansing Lugnuts general manager Tyler Parsons. “This is about celebrating inclusivity, extending not only through all Lugnuts fans but also through our staff. This will be an outstanding afternoon to connect, empower and root together at the ballpark.”

Disability Rights Michigan and Michigan Disability Rights Coalition will be present on the concourse providing information and awareness around the services they offer. Autism Alliance of Michigan will be providing sensory kits and the Bureau of Elections will showcase the Voter Assist Terminals available in the upcoming November election.

About Disability Rights Michigan
Disability Rights Michigan (DRM) is the independent, private, nonprofit organization designated by the governor of the State of Michigan to advocate and protect the legal rights of people with disabilities in Michigan. www.drmich.org.

About the Lansing LugnutsThe High-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics, the Lansing Lugnuts have won over 1,800 games and two league championships, hosted four All-Star Games, and produced 171 Major Leaguers in 26 seasons. Over 8,000,000 fans have attended Lugnuts games, including over 250,000 this season. For more information, call (517) 485-4500.

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3rd Annual “Give Life Walk & Bike Ride” is Saturday, September 24 at Delaware Park

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Walk & Bike Ride celebrates life and is in memory of Marcy Dandes

Help celebrate life at the third annual Marcy Dandes Memorial Family Bike Ride & Walk, Saturday, September 24 at Delaware Park. Register Today

People of all ages and abilities are invited to attend with bikes, trikes, scooters and strollers welcome. Registration begins on September 24th at 8:30 a.m. with the program to start at 9:15 a.m. and the Family Bike Ride and Walk around Ring Rd. to run from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Post-race festivities in Delaware Park will include food, music by DJ Milk, a kids bike rodeo and more. To register, visit: https://e.givesmart.com/events/rU2/

Marcy Dandes was deeply engaged in the WNY community, a dedicated volunteer for ECMC and a passionate advocate of the Donate Life mission through Connect Life. The Family Bike Ride in her memory will benefit both ECMC and ConnectLife, and will continue Marcy’s legacy of giving across WNY for years to come.

The Marcy Dandes Memorial Family Bike Ride & Walk is sponsored by ECMC, ConnectLife and Rich Products.

M-Braves, Atlanta Braves partnering to provide $1 tickets, and concession vouchers to Jackson residents for Sunday’s game

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PEARL, MS – The Mississippi Braves will offer $1 tickets to all Jackson residents (with proof of residency) for their 6:05 pm game this Sunday, Sept. 4, against the Tennessee Smokies at Trustmark Park. In addition, each Jackson resident that attends Sunday’s game will receive a free meal voucher for a hot dog, chips, and a 16 oz drink, courtesy of the Atlanta Braves. Tickets and vouchers are only redeemable at the Trustmark Park box office at the ticket window. The Trustmark Park box office is open at 10 am on Sunday.

“Our thoughts have been with all of those currently struggling with their daily routine due to the current water crisis,” said Pete Laven, vice president, and general manager of the Mississippi Braves. “We appreciate the Atlanta Braves joining forces with us on this event as we invite all Jackson residents out for a fun, carefree night at Trustmark Park.”

Sunday’s game features a special holiday weekend Fireworks show following the game. For more information about the Mississippi Braves, visit mississippibraves.com, or call 888-BRAVES4.

Space Cowboys to Present Check to Candlelighters on Sept. 2

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(SUGAR LAND, Texas) *– The *Sugar Land Space Cowboys today announced they will be presenting a $17,805 check to Candlelighters during their game on Sept. 2 at *Constellation Field, *raised from jersey auctions throughout the season.

The Space Cowboys raised their highest dollar amount and more than doubled their previous high through jersey auctions benefitting Candlelighters. The Space Cowboys have held jersey auctions benefitting Candlelighters with the help of Constellation since the franchise debuted in 2012.

“Constellation is proud to support the wonderful mission and work of Candlelighters, which has a tremendous impact on families providing support in times of great need,” said Kevin Klages, senior vice president of mass markets for Constellation. “Our employees have energetically rallied and raised funds, including through brisket sales and sheer ingenuity. Thank you Candlelighters for your tireless work to support families in our community.”

Board members from Candlelighters will be on hand to receive the check from a Space Cowboys representative during their Sept. 2 game vs. the Albuquerque Isotopes, with a first pitch of 7:05 p.m.

“We are incredibly honored to have the support of the Sugar Land Space Cowboys. Not only do they raise vital funding for Candlelighters programs and services through the jersey raffles, they also help spread awareness and provide fun experiences for children with cancer and their families! Our annual night at the ballfield serves hundreds of cancer family members, giving them the opportunity to make long-lasting memories and forget about cancer treatment for a day!” said Carly Bradshaw, Candlelighters Director of Programs and Communications. “The whole Space Cowboys organization goes above and beyond to make our Candlelighters kiddos feel extra special and appreciated – we are so grateful for such a meaningful community partnership.”

Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Family Alliance provides emotional, educational and practical support to families of children with cancer.

“We are thankful and proud to partner with an organization that positively impacts the lives of so many people and families,” said Space Cowboys General Manager, Tyler Stamm. “We look forward to continuing our Space Cowboys jersey auctions at Constellation Field to support Candlelighters for many years to come.”

Dragons to Recognize “Community All Stars” Recipient During Game on September 1

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Dayton, Ohio — The Dayton Dragons will recognize EMERGE of the Urban League of Southwest Ohio as a “Community All-Stars” recipient during a special inning break of the Dragons game on Thursday, September 1 against the Cedar Rapids Kernels at Day Air Ballpark. The game will start at 7:05 p.m.

The Dragons Community All-Stars Program honors individuals who have gone above and beyond to improve the quality of life in the Miami Valley. They could be firefighters or police officers, doctors, or good Samaritans. It could be a first responder or a volunteer. The Dragons highlight these Community All-Stars at games all season long.

An enrichment program within the Urban League of Southwest Ohio, EMERGE steps up to improve educational outcomes and provide youth in downtown Dayton with resources that go beyond their education and into pathways that lead directly into their career dreams.

From the ages of 14 to 24 most students make pivotal decisions that impact the future of their careers, and often high school and college don’t fully prepare the future work force for what’s next. That’s where the EMERGE program steps in.

Targeting vital areas in a young person’s professional growth like social skills development, critical thinking on a business level, and financial understanding and independence, EMERGE is able to foster a new outlook for the youth in their care and improve educational outcomes.

EMERGE provides extracurricular opportunities for youth to broaden their life experiences, develop new interests, and create skills that help them as they start looking for their first jobs.

EMERGE also makes sure Dayton area students engaged in their program know how to take care of their personal well-being to better prepare them for the future.

With the extensive network of Dayton-area professionals working with the Urban League of Southwest Ohio, EMERGE can connect their participants with some of the brightest minds the city has to offer. Their mentorship offers new and exciting opportunities for EMERGE participants, like internships, job shadows, and direct work experience.

For all their efforts to inspire local youth and expand their opportunities, EMERGE is being honored as a Dragons Community All Star.

If you want to learn more about how you can help support EMERGE and the Urban League of Southwest Ohio check out their website at ulgso.org.

If you know other great individuals or organizations that are going above and beyond for our community, tell us about them! You can nominate an All-Star by telling us about them at daytondragons.com/communityallstar

This event is the final of five special Community All-Stars spotlights at Dragons games this season. Community All-Stars is presented Flying Ace Express Carwash. The program will return in 2023 and will once again focus on another organization that has gone above and beyond to improve the quality of life in the Miami Valley.

The Dragons play at beautiful, downtown Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District and are scheduled to play 3 more home games during the regular season. Game times are 7:05 p.m. for Tuesday through Saturday games and 1:05 p.m. on Sundays. No Monday games are scheduled at this time. Gates open one hour prior to game time. Single-game tickets for all Dragons 2022 home games are available at www.daytondragons.com or by phone at (937) 228-2287.

Bisons offer Military, First Responders up to four FREE Tickets to September 11 game

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The Buffalo Bisons today announced that they will host Military & First Responders Appreciation Day on Sunday, September 11 by offering up to FOUR FREE GAME TICKETS to First Responders and Active Duty/Veteran members of the Armed Forces so those that serve and sacrifice for our country can enjoy the Herd’s 1:05 p.m. game against Gwinnett Stripers with their friends and family.

The Bisons Military & First Responder Appreciation Day is presented by Hyundai. The game will also feature the Bisons customary postgame Kids Run the Base, presented by Platter’s Chocolates.

First Responders and Active Duty/Veteran Armed Forces members can claim their four free tickets by presenting a valid ID at the Sahlen Field Box Office starting at 10 a.m. on Sunday, September 11. Ballpark gates will open at 12:00 p.m. for the 1:05 p.m. game between the Bisons and the Stripers.

Additionally, all first responders and active duty/veteran members of the Armed Forces will receive 20% OFF their purchase at the Batter’s Box Gift Shop and the Bisons Team Shop in Sahlen Field while attending the game on Sunday, September 11 (some exclusions apply). There will also be a $5.00 discount for military and first responders for the Consumer’s Pub at the Park all-you-can-eat buffet on Sunday, September 11 (reservations can be made at PubatthePark.com | (716) 846-2100).

BlueClaws, RWJBarnabas Health to Host Equipment Drive Over Last Homestand

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The BlueClaws and RWJBarnabas Health are pleased to host a baseball equipment drive at the games from September 6th – 11th! The drive will benefit communities in the Dominican Republic and provide education and life skills using baseball at the foundation.

Donate at the NJEA Ticket Kiosk on the concourse behind home plate.

Fans that donate will receive two complimentary tickets to BlueClaws Opening Night, set for April 11, 2023.

Click here to order tickets to the final homestand of the season.

-Jersey Shore BlueClaws-

Bluefield Ridge Runners announced as recipient of Lee Landers Community Service Award

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CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The Appalachian League announced that the Bluefield Ridge Runners have been named the recipient of the 2022 Lee Landers Community Service Award. The Lee Landers Community Service Award is presented to the club that demonstrates an outstanding, ongoing commitment to charitable service, support and leadership within their local community and within the baseball industry.

The staff of the Bluefield Ridge Runners has contributed $259,307 in cash and in-kind services through July 31, along with 866 hours to various community organizations. The Ridge Runners participated in Project Graduation, charity car shows, concerts, food drives and flood relief efforts. The Ridge Runners have also contributed to community organizations such as Rotary International, the Chamber of the Two Virginia’s, Sacred Heart Catholic Church Food Bank, Bluefield Area Little League, the Union Mission, the annual Mountain Festival, the Bluefield Restoration Committee and the Bluefield Beautification Committee.

“The Bluefield Ridge Runners are honored to be presented the Lee Landers Community Service Award for 2022,” said Ridge Runners general manager Rocky Malamisura. “The receipt of this award affirms the efforts of the club to be an integral part of the surrounding community.”

This season, Ridge Runners players volunteered a recorded 370 hours in the community at places like food pantries to reading programs and autograph sessions. Two baseball camps were provided by the Ridge Runners at no cost to the participants, which allowed more than 70 children to benefit from these camps. The Bluefield Club also participated in the Play Ball initiative with area Little Leagues and Vet Tix.

ThAdditionally, Ridge Runners catcher Parker Redden (Delaware) was named the Appalachian League Humanitarian of the Year. When the Ridge Runners were in town, Redden drove approximately 35 miles each way to volunteer at Freedom Farms, a nonprofit, faith-based organization for at-risk youth in West Virginia.

“It is especially satisfying to uphold the values of the award’s namesake Mr. Lee Landers,” Malamisura added. “Service before self is a trademark of what we value here with the Ridge Runners. Our staff, coaches, players and patrons strive to give back to the community that has itself given so much to us.”

Lee Landers served as the Appalachian League president from 1996-2018 and passed away May 17, 2021. Lee always placed others first and encouraged all clubs and staff to become involved and give back to their communities. Lee’s involvement over the years included: Roman Cultural Society, Jaycees, Police Benevolent Association, D.A.R.E, Senior Olympics Board, Baseball Chapel, American Heart Association and Springfield Chamber of Commerce.