C’s and Safeway bring holiday cheer to The Salvation Army

Members of the C's front office staff join Safeway Canada and Salvation Army staff to celebrate another Canadians Thanksgiving in Downtown Vancouver.
Members of the C’s front office staff join Safeway Canada and Salvation Army staff to celebrate another Canadians Thanksgiving in Downtown Vancouver.

Vancouver-CanadiansThe Vancouver Canadians Baseball Club in cooperation with Safeway Canada handed out 100 family-sized turkeys on Thursday afternoon to local families in need at The Salvation Army located at 3221 Fraser Street.

The Canadians and Safeway Canada have taken pride in working together for the past seven years to continue this community initiative that brings families from all across Vancouver together with a family-sized centerpiece in tie for the holiday weekend.

Salvation-Army“We are fortunate to have a partner like Safeway Canada who generously donates these family-sized turkeys to families in need. Through the efforts of The Salvation Army, we are able to reach those families from all across Vancouver who would benefit most from this kind of effort,” states Vancouver Canadians Director, Community Relations Jeff Holloway.

Since its inception in 2008, the Canadians along with Safeway Canada have donated more than 800 turkeys along with basting trays and cooking instructions to families from all across Vancouver.

The Vancouver Canadians Baseball Club wishes to thank both Safeway Canada and The Salvation Army for making another ‘Canadians Thanksgiving’ possible and wish everyone a festive holiday weekend.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Vancouver Canadians. Click here to view the original story.

Legends invite schools to ‘Hit the Books’

Schools who participate in the Hit the Books program can arrange a guest reader appearance by the Legends' Big L.
Schools who participate in the Hit the Books program can arrange a guest reader appearance by the Legends’ Big L.

Lexington-Legends-2013It’s time for elementary schools to “Hit the Books” with the Lexington Legends.

Teachers, librarians, media specialists and other educators are encouraged to register with the Legends to get their elementary schools involved in the Hit the Books reading program for the 2014-15 school year.

In Hit the Books, a baseball diamond is used to record credit for a student’s reading. For every book a student reads, a teacher places his or her initials on a base. Kindergarten students may participate by having their teachers read four books to them.

When the student has all three bases and home plate initialed by the teacher, the student may bring a Hit the Books bookmark to the Legends’ box office at Whitaker Bank Ballpark to exchange it for two tickets to a Legends home game designated for their school.

The school with the highest bookmark redemption (based on percentage of enrollment, minimum 50 students) will receive a school-wide reward from the “Hit the Books” sponsor.

To begin the process, educators must register with the Legends by November 14 to ensure their school’s participation. Registration information is available at www.lexingtonlegends.com.

“Hit the Books is one of the Legends’ favorite community programs,” said Sarah Bosso, the Legends’ director of community relations and special events. “Encouraging the students of central Kentucky to read and show off their artistic creativity through the bookmark design contest is very rewarding. Big L loves visiting all the participating schools, and we hope there will be more for this year’s program than ever before.”

In addition, the annual bookmark design contest is under way and will run through December 12. The winning student will have his or her artwork featured on the official 2015 Hit the Books bookmark and poster that are distributed to every student participating in the reading program, which runs through March 31, 2015. About 23,000 students participated during the 2013-14 school year.

Schedule a visit by Big L

The Lexington Legends and Big L would like to visit any participating school and serve as a guest reader for any class or scheduled Media Center time to encourage students to complete the Hit the Books program and redeem their bookmarks for Legends game tickets. For more information, contact Sarah Bosso at (859) 422-7855.

The 2015 season will be the 15th for Legends baseball and also marks the 15th year that the Legends have been associated with Hit the Books. About 195,000 students have participated.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lexington Legends. Click here to view the original story.

Blue Rocks honored with Minker Award

Community service award is named after Wilmington team’s founder

Wilmington-Blue-Rocks-2014The Wilmington Blue Rocks were honored by the Carolina League on Wednesday with the Matt Minker Community Service Award, which goes to the club that best demonstrates an outstanding, on-going commitment to charitable service, support, and leadership within its community. The award is named after the Blue Rocks’ founder, who owned the club until his death in 2007. Minker, whose construction company also built Frawley Stadium, is still the team’s honorary president. It is the first year the title has been awarded to an entire organization, after going to individual players since its inception in 2009.

“Matt Minker was instrumental in laying the foundation for the Blue Rocks and for the franchise’s success in the years to follow,” said Blue Rocks general manager Chris Kemple. “It is fitting and appropriate that this honor bears his name and we are absolutely privileged to be the first organizational recipient.”

The Blue Rocks won the award thanks in large part to their numerous school programs, charitable endeavors and hospital visits.

As an organization the Blue Rocks work with area schools to promote academic achievement (Rocky’s Reading Challenge), citizenship (Outstanding Student Program), and active lifestyles (Titus Sports Champions Physical Health Program). The team helped raise tens of thousands of dollars for good causes through partnerships with Habitat For Humanity, Boys & Girls Clubs of DE, Fight for the Gold, Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition and many other charities in 2014. It also contributed school supplies to the Red Clay School Consolidated School District during the Remax Stuff the Bus Campaign and donated thousands of tickets to other worthy community programs. Several times each season the team also visited the Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital For Children, brightening the spirits of that facility’s patients and their families.

“We could not accomplish much of what we do without the partnership and cooperation of our players and the Kansas City Royals organization,” said Blue Rocks director of community affairs Kevin P. Linton. “Their commitment to community fits perfectly with the vision that Matt Minker set forth for the Blue Rocks franchise and that we continue to follow to this day.”

Community service is so engrained within the organization that three of the five times the award was presented to individual players it went to Blue Rocks. Everett Teaford was the inaugural winner in 2009 and was followed by Tim Melville in 2011 and Whit Merrifield in 2012.

As the Carolina League’s recipient of the Matt Minker Award, the Blue Rocks received the eight-team league’s automatic nomination for the John Henry Moss Community Service Award, given out by Minor League Baseball at its annual national convention, to be held this December in San Diego.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Wilmington Blue Rocks. Click here to view the original story.

Inaugural FUNNER-Ween to Spook Bowling Green Ballpark on October 26

Free Halloween Event Includes Candy, Contests, Games, and More

Bowling-Green-Hot-Rods-LogoWith temperatures taking a dip and leaves changing color, Halloween is officially approaching us. The Bowling Green Hot Rods will celebrate the spookiest of holidays by holding FUNNER-Ween at Bowling Green Ballpark on Sunday, October 26. The free event will run from 2-4 p.m., and it will include candy, games, costume contests, and more.

“Halloween is a great way for us to stay involved with the community,” said Hot Rods Assistant General Manager Ben Hemmen. “Our staff has done a great job staying active through numerous off-season appearances, but we’re excited to be bringing this free event to the ballpark. It will be a fantastic get-together for all of South-Central Kentucky.”

FUNNER-Ween will begin at 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 26, and the free event will run through 4 p.m. Families are encouraged to dress in their Halloween attire, as there will be costume contests for all people of all ages. Don’t forget your furry friend either, dogs are welcome and there will be a separate contest for pooches. Candy will be handed out to kids in a “trick by seat” format. Season ticket holders are encouraged to enjoy the event from their seat and hand out candy to the youngsters.

Pumpkin stencils will be handed out to guests upon entry, and merchandise specials will be available all afternoon. Kids will be able participate in a zombie walk on the field, a candy security checkpoint will be available for safe eating, and Axle’s candy bag dash will give kids the opportunity to win even more candy. The Bowling Green Ballpark concourse will also be filled with more games, a prize wheel, and face painters/balloon artists. Things may get a bit messy when the Halloween cupcake eating contest takes place.

The Hot Rods welcome any community organizations and businesses who would like to hand out candy at the event. To get involved, those interested are encouraged to contact Ben Hemmen directly at 270-495-6017, or by email via ben@bghotrods.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Bowling Green Hot Rods. Click here to view the original story.

Squirrels Nominated For John Henry Moss Community Service Award

Richmond Tabbed by Eastern League for Award in 5th Season

RichmondFlyingSquirrels_2014-10-07

 

Richmond-Flying-SquirrelsThe Richmond Flying Squirrels, Double-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, are pleased to announce that the organization has been nominated by the Eastern League of Professional Baseball Clubs for the 2014 John Henry Moss Community Service Award. The league nominates just one team for the award, presented annually by Minor League Baseball.

The John Henry Moss Community Service Award is bestowed upon a club that demonstrates an outstanding, on-going commitment to charitable service, support and leadership within their local community and within the baseball industry.

Community impact has been a foundational focal point for the Squirrels since their inception in 2010. The Squirrels’ nomination comes following a season in which they continued to expand many of their community aims. That included the launch of the Squirrels’ new non-profit arm, Flying Squirrels Charities, created with the goal of growing opportunities for local children. The first major fundraising campaign for Flying Squirrels Charities was “Smooch-a-Pig,” which included the involvement of 10 local celebrities and benefitted “Operation Renovation.” The campaign, which endeavored to rebuild 12 little league fields for the Richmond City Department of Parks & Recreation, raised over $60,000.

“There are many awards that the Squirrels as an organization would be delighted to receive,” said Flying Squirrels’ Vice President & COO Todd “Parney” Parnell. “However, this nomination is of particular significance to us. Community service is the bedrock of the Squirrels’ organization, and it is gratifying that our sustained effort continues to have a profound impact.”

The Squirrels continue to be one of the most active teams in professional sports within their community. Among their other programs and highlights:

  • “Go Nuts for Reading Program (39,000 student participants)
  • Flying Squirrels Art Contest (5th Year)
  • Score an “A”, Score a Ticket Program
  • Kroger Squirrels Tails Kids Club (24,000 Members)
  • In-Season Youth Camps
  • Drives (Food, Books, School Supplies, Blood)
  • Mustaches for Kids Program
  • Ed Randall’s Bat for the Cure
  • Charitable Events (Turn Left Golf Classic, Hot Stove Banquet, Nutzy’s Rotary Funn Run, Squirreloween, Puritan Cleaners Coats for Kids Drive, etc.)
  • 450 Mascot Appearances Annually (Local Schools, Businesses, Non-Profits, Festivals, etc.)
  • 30 Player and Coaches Appearances During the 2014 Season (200+ Hours of Community Service)
  • Executive Speaking Engagements (100+ in 2014)
  • ASK Fun Walk & 5K (Ask Foundation – 9th Annual)
  • Camp Warrior
  • Flying Squirrels Regional Youth Baseball Tournament
  • Monetary Gifts & Gifts In-Kind ($150,000)

The John Henry Moss Community Service Award is named after the longtime, former South Atlantic League president, who founded the SAL and presided over it for a half-century (1959-2008).

The John Henry Moss Community Service Award will be presented at the Baseball Winter Meetings, which will be held in San Diego, CA, from December 7-11.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Richmond Flying Squirrels. Click here to view the original story.

Fifth Third Field to Host Walk to End Alzheimer’s

Dayton-DragonsFifth Third Field will host the Walk to End Alzheimer’s® on Saturday, October 11th. Check-in for the event begins at 8:30 a.m. on October 11. Opening Ceremonies begin at 10:00 a.m. and the walk will start at 10:15 a.m.

The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s® is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. In 2013, more than 42,000 teams participated in nearly 650 walks across the United States, raising more than $55 million. The Walk provides a means for participants to learn more about Alzheimer’s and become involved in the cause.

Walk-to-End-Alzheimers-logoEach walker may participate in a ceremony to honor those affected by Alzheimer’s. Walkers will also have the opportunity to have team photographs taken.

A City of Dayton water truck will be on site and walkers may bring a water bottle to refill. Healthy snacks will be available.

Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. One-out-of-three senior citizens dies of Alzheimer’s. More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Dayton Dragons. Click here to view the original story.

Shibuya recipient of Twins’ Killebrew Award

Miracle pitcher shows versatility on and off the field in 2014

FortMyersMiracle_2014-10-02

 

Fort-Myers-Miracle-2014In September, the Minnesota Twins announced that pitcher Tim Shibuya was selected as the Harmon Killebrew Award for Community Service recipient for the Fort Myers Miracle in 2014.

Shibuya, 25, was a 23rd round draft pick of the Twins in 2011 out of the University of California-San Diego. Shibuya participated in multiple youth baseball camps as an instructor and also appeared at numerous events in Lee and Collier County throughout the season.

“It was great having Tim join us on appearances this past season,” said Miracle Manager of Community Relations Ashley Adams. “He is a hands-on, personable and active with kids. Tim makes the time with the Miracle memorable for them and our staff too.”

On the field, Shibuya posted a 7-4 record with a 3.64 earned run average in 28 games, 10 starts. Tossing a total of 89 innings, Shibuya walked just 11 hitters and tallied 59 strikeouts. In his minor league career, Shibuya has made 74 appearances and has a career ERA at 3.62.

The Killebrew Award honors the long time Twins great and Hall of Famer Harmon Killebrew. Each season, the General Manager and Field Manager of the four full-season affiliates nominate a candidate that best exemplified the compassion and spirit of Killebrew through work in the local community.

Former Miracle pitcher Logan Darnell was the recipient for the Triple-A Rochester Red Wings. Tony Thomas was awarded the honor for the Double-A New Britain Rock Cats and Tanner Vavra the winner for the Single-A Cedar Rapids Kernels.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Fort Myers Miracle. Click here to view the original story.

Dragons Website Going Pink in October

Supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Dayton-DragonsThe Dayton Dragons have gone pink during the month of October. In partnership with Kettering Health Network, the Dragons have turned their website pink to support Kettering’s Army of Pink and the upcoming Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. The Dragons website, www.daytondragons.com, will remain pink to help draw attention to the efforts by Kettering Health Network to increase Breast Cancer awareness in the Miami Valley.

Kettering-Health-Network-logoBreast cancer is the leading cause of death in women between ages 40 and 55. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and a life is lost to the disease every 14 minutes. And while the breast cancer diagnosis rate has increased, there has been a steady drop in the overall breast cancer death rate since the early 1990’s.

The 2014 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk will be at Fifth Third Field on October 18 at 8:00 a.m. This event is part of a national fundraising effort. In 2013 alone, over 1 million walkers across the country collected more than $60 million to help fight this disease.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Dayton Dragons. Click here to view the original story.

Cozens Among Phillies “Step-Up” Service Honorees

Phillies minor leaguers were presented with the Step-Up Community Service Award by Phillies Assistant General Manager Benny Looper and Director of Baseball Administration Susan Ingersoll Papaneri. (Miles Kennedy, Philadelphia Phillies)
Phillies minor leaguers were presented with the Step-Up Community Service Award by Phillies Assistant General Manager Benny Looper and Director of Baseball Administration Susan Ingersoll Papaneri. (Miles Kennedy, Philadelphia Phillies)

Lakewood-BlueClaws-LogoFormer BlueClaws players were honored before a weekend Phillies game as part of the organization’s Step-Up Community Service Program.

The award is given to players in the Phillies Minor League system who have shown leadership through community service. The awards will be presented by Benny Looper, Assistant GM, Player Personnel and Susan Ingersoll Papaneri, Director, Baseball Administration.

OF Dylan Cozens was recognized from the BlueClaws roster this year. Among his service included the Bowling With the BlueClaws charity fundraising event, volunteering at the BlueClaws Youth Baseball Camps, and more.

Other honorees included Lehigh Valley RHP Tyler Knigge (2011 BlueClaw), Reading IF Carlos Alonso (2011 BlueClaw), Clearwater 1B Art Charles (2013 BlueClaw) and LHP Ethan Stewart (2012 BlueClaw) and Williamsport RHP Mitch Guellar.

Also pictured is Phillies pitcher David Buchanan (2011 BlueClaw) who did a significant amount of charity volunteer work with Lehigh Valley and the Phillies after his call-up.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lakewood BlueClaws.  Click here to view the original story.

Keurig and Lake Monsters Brew Up Local Partnership To Bring 350 Kids To Games

Vermont-Lake-Monsters-2014Keurig Green Mountain, Inc. and the Vermont Lake Monsters raised over $1,700 this summer at historic Centennial Field to support the New York-Penn League team’s Share The Experience Program.

As part of the Lake Monsters’ nightly sports memorabilia auctions, Keurig Green Mountain, Inc. generously donated one Keurig brewing system for each night’s auction. All of the proceeds from the donation and auctioned brewing systems will go to benefit the Lake Monsters’ Share The Experience Program, which turns those funds into tickets for those in the community who cannot afford to come to a Lake Monsters game and enjoy the family fun environment.

“We’re so pleased that we can support the Lake Monster’s Share The Experience Program to provide local nonprofits and youth groups access to the ballgames,” Sandy Yusen, Keurig’s Director of Community Relations/Corporate Communications said.

The $1,700 that was raised this past summer will allow nearly 350 kids from youth groups and non-profits that lack the resources to attend a Lake Monsters game next season and share in the enjoyable experience at Centennial Field.

“We are extremely excited to have team up with Keurig Green Mountain on this venture,” said Nate Cloutier, General Manager of the Vermont Lake Monsters. “Their generous donations were not only a fun addition to the auction that the fans loved to bid on, but the proceeds will be instrumental in helping to share the family fun atmosphere with as many people in the community that we possibly can.”

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Vermont Lake Monsters. Click here to view the original story.

C’s Support Raise-A-Reader

Vancouver-CanadiansThe Canadians Front Office staff set the alarm clock to ‘early’ this past week to wake up and hit the streets of downtown Vancouver in support of the Vancouver Sun’s annual Raise-A-Reader program supporting Children’s literacy.

“This is a program that helps countless families from all across Canada and it is one of the events that we very much enjoy supporting,” states Canadians Community Relations Director Jeff Holloway.

“The Vancouver Sun is a publication that supports us on a number of levels well beyond covering the outcome of our games.  Our working relationship, combined with the support this charity provides to families makes this a ‘can’t miss event’ for our organization”.

Once a year, the Canadians join a number of other teams and supporters on the streets of Vancouver selling Vancouver Sun newspapers by donation to those heading into work. This program has raised millions in support of children’s literacy and once again, despite soggy conditions, was once again a great success.

The Vancouver Canadians wish to thank Rose Isla and her staff at the Vancouver Sun for their support and efforts regarding the Raise-A-Reader program. Congratulations!

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Vancouver Canadians. Click here to view the original story.

Race for the Cure at Fluor Field on Saturday

Registration begins at 6:30 AM; Race begins at 8:00 AM

GreenvilleDrive_2014-09-25

 

Greenville-DriveWhat: 20th Annual SC Mountains to Midlands Race for the Cure
When: Saturday, September 27, 2014
Where: Fluor Field, Home of the Greenville Drive in downtown Greenville, SC
Online Race for the Cure registration has closed, but you can still register at Fluor Field on Friday, September 26th from 11am-7pm and Saturday September 27th starting at 6:30 AM. The race begins at 8:00 AM. Susan-G.-KomenCelebrate 20 years of local giving with Susan G. Komen and SC Mountains to Midlands this Saturday, September 27!

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Greenville Drive. Click here to view the original story.

Legends in the Community: Big L is busy

Big L will be in Richmond October 1 and Corbin October 8 in addition to his visits in the Lexington area.
Big L will be in Richmond October 1 and Corbin October 8 in addition to his visits in the Lexington area.

Lexington-Legends-2013This time of year is sometimes called the “off-season” in minor league baseball, and though the Lexington Legends 2014 season is over, it’s anything but time off for the Legends’ Big L.

Big L has appearances planned in Richmond October 1 and Corbin October 8, in addition to events in the Lexington area. He and other staff members will represent the Legends at the following locations through October 9:

  Wednesday, October 1 – 8 a.m. – 9 a.m. Anti-bullying rally at Madison Middle School, 101 Summit Street, Richmond.

iWalk-logoWednesday, October 8 – 7:15 a.m. Big L will help Lexington’s Ashland Elementary School celebrate International Walk to School Day, on which students are encouraged to walk or bike to school as a means of promoting healthy habits, a cleaner environment and attention to safety.

Project-Fit-America-logoWednesday, October 8 – 1-1:30 p.m. Big L and Pee Wee will appear at a Project Fit America event presented by Baptist Health Corbin at Lynn Camp Elementary School, 366 N. Ky. 830, Corbin.

  Thursday, October 9 – 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Health Fair Party, Leestown Middle School, 2010 Leestown Road, Lexington.

“The off season is an exciting time for the Legends, as it provides us the opportunity to spend more time immersed in the community,” said Sarah Bosso, the Legends’ director of community relations and special events. “Having the opportunity to participate in a variety of events throughout Central Kentucky allows the Legends and Big L to assist in fun ways to bring attention to important issues and organizations. We love this time of year!”

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lexington Legends. Click here to view the original story.

Charlotte Business Journal Honors Knights & BB&T Ballpark With Two Awards

The Knights welcomed 696,601 fans through the gates in 2014. (Jon Strayhorn)
The Knights welcomed 696,601 fans through the gates in 2014. (Jon Strayhorn)

Charlotte-Knights-2014The Charlotte Business Journal named the Charlotte Knights among their inaugural Heavy Hitters Commercial Real Estate award winners earlier this week. The Knights were honored with the Economic Development Award for New & Existing Industry and the Top Hospitality/Entertainment Development Award. Members of the Charlotte Knights staff will accept the awards on Tuesday, Oct. 28 at The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte.

“We are very honored to be the recipient of these prestigious awards,” said Charlotte Knights Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer Dan Rajkowski. “We are very proud of BB&T Ballpark and very appreciative of the support we have received from the Greater Charlotte Region and our fans throughout our inaugural season.”

The awards honor the best commercial real estate deals and developments across the region from June 30, 2013, to July 1, 2014. The winners were selected by a panel of industry experts working in combination with the Charlotte Business Journal staff.

BB&T Ballpark, which opened its gates on Friday, April 11, 2014, was the most visited Minor League Baseball venue this season. Including the Triple-A National Championship Game, the Knights welcomed 696,601 fans during their inaugural season in Uptown Charlotte — leading all of Minor League Baseball in attendance. The ballpark also welcomes thousands of additional guests year-round with events such as Charlotte BeerFest, the Toshiba trade show, and the City of Charlotte’s Back To School Day.

The Charlotte Knights will begin their second season at BB&T Ballpark on Thursday, April 9 with their 2015 home opener against the Norfolk Tides (Triple-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles). Season tickets are currently available and fans can purchase tickets online at charlotteknights.com, by phone at 704-274-8282, or in person at the BB&T Ballpark Ticket Office.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Charlotte Knights. Click here to view the original story.

Hooks Earn Community Service Nomination

CorpusChristiHooks_2014-09-25

 

Corpus-Christi-HooksThe Hooks have earned the Texas League’s nomination for the John H. Moss Community Service Award, presented annually to a minor league team for its commitment to charitable service and support within the community and baseball industry.

In 2014, the Hooks continued their long-standing community initiatives and took on new initiatives. Whataburger Youth Sports Day stood out as the newest addition. At every April and May Sunday game, youth baseball leagues from around South Texas received free game tickets and participated in a pre-game parade around the warning track. Over 4,100 tickets were distributed among eight organizations.

Some of the longer running programs that continued in 2014 included the Get Hooked on Reading program, the Stripes Diamond and the South Texas Winter Baseball Banquet.

“One of the telling indicators of a club’s successful integration in their community is their commitment to good works,” Texas League President Tom Kayser said. “The breadth of the Hooks giving in the greater Corpus Christi area is stunning. With the willing cooperation of the Houston Astros, the Hooks have long been known to involve their players in a wide range of wonderful causes. Additionally, the Hooks and their staff have worked with a variety of causes, organizations and institutions that has resulted in wide ranging benefits to untold numbers of area residents.”

The team’s oldest initiative is the Get Hooked on Reading program, started in 2004 and sponsored by Flint Hills Resources, which encourages children in grades one through eight to read during the summer months. The Stripes Diamond gives youth teams a chance to play at Whataburger Field. Located beyond the center field fence, the diamond has hosted over 540 squads, including 36 in 2014.

The largest off-field baseball event in the Coastal Bend, the South Texas Winter Baseball Banquet serves as the unofficial “first pitch” to high school baseball each winter. The event features recognition for high school baseball and softball players, college baseball players, pros and a lifetime achievement award recipient. Growing year after year, the annual dinner attracted over 700 attendees in 2014.

In addition to these community projects, the Hooks also participate in several fundraisers throughout the year, including AT&T Shirt off the Back Night and the Grande Grand Prize Game.

Shirt off the Back Night takes place during the final homestand of each season and postgame player jerseys are raffled off to fans, who receive one ticket upon entry with the opportunity to purchase more. The money raised from additional raffle ticket purchases is then distributed to a non-profit organization.

The Grand Prize Game, sponsored by Grande Communications, occurs once a month during the season. By purchasing a baseball for one dollar, fans have a chance to win or share $1,000 if they can chuck the ball into a wine barrel from the stands. Like Shirt off the Back Night, proceeds from this promotion also benefit a non-profit.

Each minor league may nominate one of its teams for the award and the nominees are then reviewed by the MiLB Awards Committee, with recommendations being presented to MiLB senior management for a final decision.

The community service award’s namesake, John H. Moss, founded the South Atlantic League in 1957 and served as its president for 50 years. The Grand Junction Rockies earned the inaugural honor last season.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Corpus Christi Hooks.  Click here to view the original story.