Sea Dogs to Hold 14th Annual Food Drive

Trade Your Canned-Goods for Tickets When You Make a Ticket Purchase

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Portland, Maine- The Portland Sea Dogs, in partnership with the Maine Credit Union League, will hold their 14th annual Food Drive which will run from now through Friday, January 31st. All the collected food items will be donated to the Good Shepherd Food Bank.

As in the past, this year’s food drive will be “Buy One, Bring One, Get One.” For every ticket purchased and every donated food item you bring, you will receive a free Sea Dogs ticket to the same game. For example, if you buy three tickets to the June 20th game and bring in three food items, you will receive three additional complimentary tickets of equal or lesser value to the June 20th game. The offer is good for Box Seats, Reserved, General Admission, and Pavilion seating; subject to availability.

Fans may take advantage of this offer by bringing their non-perishable food items to the Hadlock Field Box Office. The Sea Dogs Ticket Office is open Monday through Friday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Each year the Sea Dogs have been able to donate hundreds of food items to the Good Shepherd Food Bank thanks to the generosity of Sea Dogs’ fans.

The Sea Dogs open the 2014 season on the road in Reading, Pennsylvania on April 3rd. The home opener is set for Thursday, April 10th at 6:00 PM against the New Britain Rock Cats. Tickets for the 2014 season are currently on sale and can be purchased by calling the Sea Dogs Ticket Office at 207-879-9500 or online at www.seadogs.com. Book your nine inning vacation!

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Portland Sea Dogs. Click here to view the original story.

All Aboard the Fit Track Program

RailRiders’ Community Program Encourages Healthy Lifestyle

Moosic, Pa. – “All aboard” has taken on a whole new meaning. The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Triple-A/New York Yankees) are coming down the stretch run for registration in their new Fit Track Program for the 2014 season. Fit Track is designed to enhance schools’ physical education programs and educate children, grades K-5, on the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle. Area schools are encouraged to register for the free program. Registration concludes Friday, Dec. 20 and is limited to the first 15,000 students.

“We are delighted to do whatever we can to promote a healthy lifestyle among our children,” said RailRiders president/GM Rob Crain. “The habits for making healthy decisions begun at a young age can last a lifetime. We hope this program will trigger more and more smart choices.”

Fit Track focuses on three main healthy behaviors: being active at least 60 minutes per day; making healthy food choices; and getting at least eight hours of sleep a night. The RailRiders encourage kids to follow Fit Track by rewarding them with free admission to select SWB RailRiders home games and the chance for pre-game recognition at PNC Field.

For participating in the Fit Track program, each child will receive a RailRiders jump rope, meant to serve as a tool to get kids active outside of school. Jump ropes will be distributed to schools immediately following the return of the school’s registration form to the RailRiders front office, or during the kick-off assembly if applicable. The flexible program allows each school to create a four, eight or 12-week program.

CLICK HERE for registration forms and more information. All contact information is listed on the registration form. For any additional information or questions, please contact community relations manager Rachel Mark at 570-969-2255 ext. 3140 or rmark@swbrailriders.com.

The RailRiders’ 2014 season begins on Thursday, April 3 when the club kicks off a seven-game road trip at Syracuse against the Chiefs (Washington Nationals).The home slate commences a week later on Thursday, April 10 when the Chiefs visit PNC Field for a four-game series and homestand. For season ticket information or to book a ballpark group outing, call (570) 969-BALL (2255) or visit swbrailriders.com.

– SWB RailRiders – All Aboard! –

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Scranton Wilkes-Barre Yankees. Click here to view the original story.

Reckless Kelly & Ryan-Sanders Announce Double-Play Charity Effort

6th annual Celebrity Softball Jam & Inaugural Pitchin’ Party announced

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ROUND ROCK, TX – Award-winning roots-rock band Reckless Kelly, in conjunction with Ryan-Sanders Entertainment, announced a pair of events today that will benefit youth baseball and softball for years to come.

The duo’s signature event, Reckless Kelly’s Celebrity Softball Jam, will be held on Sunday, May 11 at Dell Diamond. Tickets for the 6th annual event go on sale this Friday, December 20 at 10AM.

RK and RSE also announced the inaugural Reckless Kelly’s Pitchin’ Party, to be held at The Belmont Austin on Tuesday, January 28th. Building off of the response received over the years through the annual Celebrity Softball Jam, RK is throwing a first-ever downtown Austin charity event in support the Reckless Kelly Charitable Youth Foundation. Reckless Kelly’s Pitchin’ Party will have celebrity guests, an acoustic show by Reckless Kelly and Friends, once-in-a-lifetime auction items, and other special surprises. Go to www.RecklessKelly.com/PitchinParty for more details and to purchase tickets.

Why the need for two events this year?

“This year we decided we really wanted to raise the bar,” said Cody Braun of Reckless Kelly. “The Mabson Field project could be a game changer for kids locally along with similar programs and leagues around the country.”

Proceeds from both events will go towards installation of an artificial turf playing surface at East Austin’s Mabson Field, a youth baseball/softball field located in the heart of one of the most under-resourced neighborhoods in Austin. The field serves boys & girls ages 4 -12 in RBI Austin and the Greater East Austin Youth Association (GEAYA). Through a partnership with AstroTurf and generous contributions from MLB’s Baseball Tomorrow Fund, the Nolan Ryan Foundation, the Round Rock Express, Ryan-Sanders Sports Turf Services and the Reckless Kelly Charitable Youth Foundation, the $270,000 project will be completed by spring 2014.

“This is a huge project, not just in terms of its physical and financial nature, but what it can do for the community,” said Reese Ryan, CEO of Ryan-Sanders Baseball. “We’ve got a great group of partners on this and it’s going to be something everyone can really be proud of.”

 

RECKLESS KELLY CELEBRITY SOFTBALL JAM

The Celebrity Softball Jam combines nine innings of fun-filled, athleticism-optional softball with a talent-packed postgame concert on two stages in centerfield.

Tickets can be purchased online at RKCSJ.org, by phone at 512.255.BALL (2255) or in person at Dell Diamond box office. Early bird tickets are offered at a discounted price of just $10 until December 31. Starting January 1 tickets will available for $20. Gates open at noon on May 11 with the softball game starting at 1 p.m. The postgame concert is slated to start at 3 p.m. with two stages.

The long list of musicians and athletes that have participated in the past include Kevin Fowler, Randy Rogers, Los Lonely Boys, Mickey & the Motorcars, Hayes Carll, Muzzie Braun, Dale Watson, Charlie Robinson, Wade Bowen, Bruce Robinson & Kelly Willis, Cody Canada & the Departed, Kyle Park, The Trishas, Midnight River Choir, Pauline Reese, Kyle Petty, Norm Charlton, Bret Boone, Kevin Millar, Eric Winston, Brooks Kieschnick, Jesse James Leija, Curtis Thigpen, Ahmad Brooks, Kirk Dressendorfer and Greg Swindell. The 2014 line-up will be announced this spring.

Led by brothers Willy and Cody Braun, the band wanted to create a signature event with friends from the worlds of music and sports combining America’s pastime and music to benefit Austin’s youth. In five years, the Reckless Kelly Celebrity Softball Jam has raised over $150,000.

The Celebrity Softball Jam is a natural extension of band members’ love of the game (and singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” in more than a dozen Major League ballparks). It was conceived by a perfect match: Reckless Kelly, whose members are keenly enthusiastic about baseball and the Round Rock Express, which had long had an interest in bringing music to Dell Diamond.

The Reckless Kelly Celebrity Softball Jam, created and produced by Reckless Kelly in conjunction with Ryan-Sanders Entertainment, is a registered 501C-3 through the Reckless Kelly Charitable Youth Foundation. Ryan-Sanders Entertainment is a division of Ryan-Sanders Baseball, owner/operator of the Round Rock Express (Texas Rangers Triple-A affiliate) and Ryan-Sanders Sports Services. They also operate Dell Diamond.

For more information on the 6th Annual Celebrity Softball Jam, visit www.RKCSJ.org.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Round Rock Express. Click here to view the original story.

P-Nats Front Office Raises 2K to Support “Movember”

Team Nationals Mo Bros’ Network Ushered in $2,000 Towards Global Charity, Movember

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Woodbridge, VA-In support of Movember, a global charity which raises funds and awareness to assist in proliferating men’s health, male members of the Potomac Nationals front office along with their female counterparts, dubbed Mo Sistas, are proud to announce its Team Nationals Mo Bros yielded a $2,000 donation to support the Movember movement.

Throughout Movember, the P-Nats front office encouraged Nationals fans, family, friends, colleagues, and business partners to join this worldwide initiative in an effort to place the spotlight on men’s health issues including prostate and testicular cancer as well as mental health challenges.

By wearing a mustache for an entire month, Team Nationals Mo Bros members were able to spark a conversation about the Movember charity, and in turn its purpose and impact, while soliciting funds to support this great cause.

Those who donated then grew their own “Mo” and spread the network’s Movember message.

From one mustache to another, funds were sprouted that will be used to facilitate Movember’s effort to catalyze the awareness and education of men’s health issues across the world.

“In Minor League Baseball, I’ve been a part of many fundraising efforts, and in this case, Movember was certainly a terrific way for our staff to raise funds for a great cause, and through their excellent effort, we were able to hit our donation goal,” said Potomac Nationals Vice President/General Manager, Josh Olerud.

“We had a blast participating, and it was a great way to boost off-season cohesion among our front office members. We look forward to building off our first Movember, and creatively we will get even more fans involved next year.”

To generate the Movember buzz among members of the P-Nats fan base, the Nationals rewarded their faithful for donating to the charity with prize packages that included 2014 Opening Day tickets, Pfitzner Stadium food vouchers, P-Nats hats, first pitch opportunities, and player autographs.

As Movember organizers tally the final global contribution to the movement from over 200,000 Mo Bros and Mo Sistas which is expected to be in excess of $20 million, the Potomac Nationals are counting down to the start of Movember 2014 which is only ten and a half months away.

ABOUT MOVEMBER

An official global charity, Movember’s vision is to have an everlasting impact on the face of men’s health. During November each year, Movember is responsible for the sprouting of millions of moustaches on men’s faces around the world. Through the power of the Mo, vital funds and awareness are raised to combat prostate and testicular cancer and mental health challenges.

The Movember Effect
Globally, the funds raised by our Mo Bros and Mo Sistas support world-class men’s health programs that combat prostate and testicular cancer and mental health challenges. These programs, directed by the Movember Foundation, are focused on awareness and education, living with and beyond cancer, staying mentally healthy, living with and beyond mental illness and research to achieve our vision of an everlasting impact on the face of men’s health.

Movember- A Global Movement
Since its humble beginnings in 2003 in Melbourne, Australia, Movember has grown to become a truly global movement inspiring more than 3 Million Mo Bros and Mo Sistas to participate across 21 countries worldwide. Movember is also aware of Mo Bros and Mo Sistas supporting the campaign and men’s health causes in other parts of the world, from Moscow to Rio de Janeiro, and everywhere in between.

In 2012, over 1.1 million Mo Bros and Mo Sistas around the world joined the movement, raising USD $147.0 million. In the US, over 209,000 Mo’s raised $21.0 million.

Find out more about the Movember Movement at www.Movember.com. 

The Potomac Nationals of the Carolina League play at Pfitzner Stadium in Woodbridge, Virginia, and are the Class-A Advanced affiliate of the Washington Nationals. P-Nats 2014 season tickets and mini plans are now on sale. Sponsorship opportunities for the 2014 season and beyond are available. Plan your corporate outing now for the 2014 season to see the future stars of the Washington Nationals at The Pfitz as the P-Nats offer discounted group rates and all-inclusive picnic options. Visit the P-Nats online at www.potomacnationals.com or call the Potomac Nationals Ticket Office at 703-590-2311 for more information!

 — Potomac Nationals —

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

Gwinnett Braves Award November Grant to Nothing but the Truth

“Thanksgiving” themed grant will help fund Weekend Food Bag Ministry program

Gwinnett BravesThe Gwinnett Braves have awarded their $1,000 grant for the month of November to the Nothing but the Truth organization, announced on Monday, December 9. The “Thanksgiving” themed grant is aimed at assisting organizations that work to end hunger and/or homelessness.

Based in Dacula, GA, Nothing but the Truth serves food insecure children across Gwinnett County and beyond through its Weekend FooNothing-but-the-truth-logod Bag Ministry. The program assists students in Title I schools that have been identified by their counselors as being in a crisis situation and in need of additional food over the weekend and during extended school breaks.

Each Friday, volunteers with Nothing but the Truth supply school counselors with bags filled with kid-friendly items that are sent home with the students in their book bags. Since starting the program in December 2010, Nothing but the Truth has served 18 Gwinnett County schools, one Barrow County school and three Clayton County schools, sending home approximately 360 food bags each week.

The grant awarded to Nothing but the Truth will go directly toward the purchase of food for the Weekend Food Bag Ministry program. In addition to the funds provided, the Gwinnett Braves have extended the partnership further by supplying volunteers to pack food bags once a month.

“It is an honor to work with local Title I schools to help students who are food insecure,” said Scarlett Rigsby, Executive Director of Nothing but the Truth. “No one wants to think of students going home on Friday from school and having little or nothing to eat over the weekend. Unfortunately this is a reality among way too many of our students. This grant from the Gwinnett Braves helps us serve 18 schools and provide food for 360 students per week through our Weekend Food Program.”

About Nothing but the Truth:  Nothing but the Truth is a faith-based organization in Gwinnett County that serves the community through three major areas of ministry: the Weekend Food Bag Ministry, the Multi-Housing Ministry and Community Outreach Events. For more information on how you can donate money or volunteer your time, contact Scarlett Rigsby at 770-845-3029 or scarlett@nothingbutthetruth146.org.

This story originally appeared on the Gwinnett Braves website.  Click here to view the original story.

AGH Penguin Virtual Swim Announced

You can still participate if you won’t be in town

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Berlin, Md. – Planners of the 20th Annual Atlantic General Hospital Penguin Swim just announced a new feature of the event, the Virtual Swim. Now, Shore residents can still participate in the popular fundraising event for the acute care community hospital, even if they plan to be out of town on New Year’s Day.

“We wanted to do something different for this year’s event, since it’s our 20th Anniversary,” said Sal Fasano, Penguin Swim co-chair. “And, we thought this would also be a way to include those who can’t attend because the event falls mid-week.”

The Virtual Swim works similarly to the actual plunge. Participants will still register and fundraise, either as individual penguins or as part of a team. And, they will still jump into the water – just not into the Atlantic Ocean at 91st Street in Ocean City. To commemorate their jump, virtual penguins can snap a photo and share it with the Penguin Swim’s online community on Facebook and Twitter using #OCPenguinSwim.

More information and instructions for participation can be found on the official Penguin Swim website at www.Penguinswim.atlanticgeneral.org.

The Details:

20th Annual Penguin Swim

Princess Royale Hotel Atrium

91st Street and the Ocean

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

2-4 p.m.               Advance Check In

Wednesday, January 1, 2014
11:30 a.m.           Check In and Registration Begins

1 p.m.                   Swim

www.Penguinswim.atlanticgeneral.org

Proceeds from the event, gathered through corporate sponsorships and participant fundraising, support the strategic plans undertaken by Atlantic General Hospital to uphold their mission to improve individual and community health. Atlantic General Hospital is a 501(c) 3 organization.

About Atlantic General Hospital

Atlantic General Hospital has been providing quality health care to the residents of Worcester, Wicomico, Somerset (Md.) and Sussex (Del.) Counties since May 1993. Built by the commitment and generosity of a dedicated community, the hospital’s state-of-the-art facility in Berlin, Md. combines old-fashioned personal attention with the latest in technology and services. Atlantic General Health System, its network of more than 25 primary care provider and specialist offices, care for residents and visitors throughout the region. For more information about Atlantic General Hospital, visit www.atlanticgeneral.org.

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

Sign your little slugger up for 2014 Youth Camps!

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The Mud Hens Youth Baseball Camps are back for the 2014 season! There will be two separate three-day camps, a one-day camp for kids, an adult/child one-day camp, and a special needs baseball clinic. Details on each camp can be found at www.mudhens.com/camps. These camps will sell out, so make your reservation early to guarantee a spot!

Call 419-725-4367 with any questions or to make your registration by phone.

Click the links below to order online:

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Toledo Mud Hens. Click here to view the original story.

Toys for Tots Collection Drive Underway at McCoy

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Want to help make a child’s holiday? This year’s Toys for Tots drive is underway at McCoy Stadium. Fans who donate a new toy for our Toys for Tots Collection Drive will receive a 10% discount voucher good for purchases made in the PawSox Team Store. Collections will be made at the PawSox Team Store at McCoy Stadium Monday-Friday from 9:00am – 4:00pm and Saturday from 10:00am – 2:00pm until December 14th.

 

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Pawtucket Red Sox. Click here to view the original story.

SeaWolves Announce Week of Giving

The SeaWolves are pleased to announce the team’s first annual “Week of Giving” to support area non-profit organizations during the holiday season.

Each weekday from December 9-13, a local non-profit organization will receive 20 percent of merchandise purchases made at the SeaWolves Team Store at Jerry Uht Park and online at SeaWolves.com.

SCHEDULE:

Monday, December 9 – Second Harvest Food Bank – Promo Code: Harvest

Tuesday, December 10 – Twilight Wish Foundation – Promo Code: Twilight

Wednesday, December 11 – Barber National Institute – Promo Code: Barber

Thursday, December 12 – The Epilepsy Project – Promo Code: Epilepsy

Friday, December 13 – Autism Society of Northwest Pennsylvania – Promo Code: Autism

The SeaWolves will encourage the community to support these causes by rewarding the top daily merchandise spender with a special prize. The individual with the top merchandise dollar total each day during the “Week of Giving” will receive a SeaWolves VIP Experience, which includes four infield box seat tickets, a ceremonial first pitch and the opportunity to meet a SeaWolves player before a 2014 game at Jerry Uht Park.

“The SeaWolves’ Week of Giving is an opportunity to support five outstanding community organizations and spread some holiday cheer,” SeaWolves president Greg Coleman said. “We’d like to thank all of our community partners and SeaWolves fans for their support throughout the year.”

 

Second Harvest Food Bank:

The mission of the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania is to distribute food to hungry people and eliminate the waste of food.

In 1982, the first year of operation, Second Harvest distributed 444,916 pounds of food to 40 agencies. During fiscal year 2012-13, Second Harvest distributed 11.4 million pounds of food to 285 member agencies and 135 distribution sites for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program for low-income seniors.

Twilight Wish:

The mission is to honor and enrich the lives of deserving seniors through wish granting celebrations that connect generations.

Twilight Wish honors and acknowledges seniors for all they have given to others by bringing comfort and joy into their lives through individual wish granting celebrations. Twilight Wish grants wishes to deserving elderly, age 68 and older, who earn less than 200% of poverty level annually, or who live in a nursing facility. By treating the elderly with compassion, we restore their dignity and bring them hope.

Barber National Institute:

We are “Making dreams come true.” We provide children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families the education, support and resources needed to be self reliant, independent and valued members of their community. In addition, we provide the professionals who serve them with world-class education and training.

The Epilepsy Project:

Our mission is to bring Epilepsy Awareness to the world through our events, fundraising, and confidence!

Based in Erie, Pennsylvania, The Epilepsy Project focuses its efforts in mid-size communities where people may not have easy access to information, medical facilities, or events. It’s essential to feel supported when living with a disease that is, at times, unpredictable, so our goal is to make it FUN while spreading the important message of seizure safety, frequency, and fundraising for a cure!

Autism Society of Northwest Pennsylvania:

The Autism Society – Northwestern Pennsylvania (ASA-NWPA) is a local chapter affiliated with the Autism Society of America (ASA), the nation’s leading grassroots autism organization, which exists to improve the lives of all affected by autism. ASA does this by increasing public awareness about the day-to-day issues faced by people on the spectrum, advocating for appropriate services for individuals across the lifespan, and providing the latest information regarding treatment, education, research and advocacy. As a local chapter we make this information available to our membership and the community at large through support groups, our website, education, workshops, and seminars.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Erie SeaWolves. Click here to view the original story.

ValleyCats Accepting Applications for ‘4 in 24’ Youth Field Renovations

‘4 in 24’ kicks off a new season for the Community Grounds Crew, a partnership between the ‘Cats and BlueShield of Northeastern New York.

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TROY, NY- The Tri-City ValleyCats are now accepting applications from youth leagues across the Capital Region for the 4th Annual ‘4 in 24’ youth field renovations. The renovations will take place in a 24-hour time period in early April 2014, as four chosen youth fields will have new sod placed on their infield while also seeing their pitcher’s mound and home plate areas rebuilt.

The ‘4 in 24’ is the kick-off event for the Community Grounds Crew, an expanded initiative with the assistance from BlueShield of Northeastern New York. This program will undertake additional projects and renovations on numerous other youth fields throughout the spring and summer.

“BlueShield is proud to continually support the ‘4 in 24’ Field Renovations,” said Brian O’Grady, vice president, BlueShield of Northeastern New York. “Year after year we see the positive impact these field renovations have on the children using the spaces and the community as a whole. Our company takes pride in encouraging children to learn the importance of making healthy choices, like playing and staying active, because we all know – Healthy Changes Everything.”

“With the continued loyal support of BlueShield of Northeastern New York, we are able to provide safe and well-maintained fields of play for the youth in our community, an initiative that is immensely important to us,” said ValleyCats Vice President/General Manager Rick Murphy.

Leagues interested in having their field considered for the ‘4 in 24’ or other Community Grounds Crew renovations must complete an application that can be found on the ValleyCats website, www.tcvalleycats.com. Leagues are required to submit photos of the field along with their application.

In order to be eligible for the ‘4 in 24’ renovation, applications must be returned by Monday, February 3. Those submitted beyond that date or not selected for the ‘4 in 24’, will remain in consideration for the Community Grounds Crew program, which will accept and evaluate applications on an ongoing basis.

The efforts of the Community Grounds Crew will be recognized at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium during the ValleyCats 2014 season. Youth leagues from across the area will take part in Youth Baseball Night tentatively scheduled for June 16 and Softball Night on June 24.

The ValleyCats’ field renovations have been an annual tradition since 2003 when the first field was officially renovated by the ‘Cats in South Troy, just one mile away from Joseph L. Bruno Stadium. Each year since, they have expanded upon its success.

Each project is also supported by the New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation. Contributions come from past events such as the Capital Region Craft Brewers Festival, hosted by the ValleyCats and Brown’s Brewing Company, and two corporate baseball tournaments that take place at “The Joe” including the Battle of the Beverages and the Capital Region Series.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Tri-City ValleyCats. Click here to view the original story.

Baseball Dinner Breaks $1 Million Mark

Surpassed $1 million in total money raised during 2013 dinner

MANCHESTER, N.H. – With a retrospective video and a burst of confetti, the New Hampshire Fisher Cats announced tonight that the 2013 edition of the Granite State Baseball Dinner has pushed the event’s fundraising total beyond a milestone marker. Tonight’s proceeds, which are still being finalized, have driven the money raised by the dinner since 2007 beyond $1 million to benefit the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock (CHaD), the Ted Williams Museum, and the Fisher Cats Foundation.

“Since our team became involved in reviving the dinner in 2007, this event has meant so much to our organization,” said Art Solomon, Fisher Cats owner and Chairman of the Fisher Cats Foundation Board. “We are so pleased to reach this milestone, and we take pride in being able to continue the rich tradition of this dinner. We want to thank all of the celebrated guests, sponsors, and fans over the years that have joined us in making a positive impact on three incredible organizations.”

The Fisher Cats first involvement in the Granite State Baseball Dinner, now presented by Northeast Delta Dental, came in January of 2007. In 2008, the team followed up its January event with a second dinner in November, permanently shifting the state’s largest fundraising dinner to its current place on the calendar on the Saturday before Thanksgiving.

Since the revival in 2007, the total funds raised by the dinner sat at $979,794.46 entering tonight. During that time, CHaD has received nearly $430,000 to support the programs at one of the world’s leading research hospitals. The Fisher Cats Foundation has received a similar amount, and it has used that money, in part, to fund scholarships to 80 college-bound seniors in New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts. The Ted Williams Museum has been gifted with $125,000 to continue its mission to provide youth baseball programs and scholarships while adding to the heritage of the national pastime.

The 2013 dinner was highlighted by World Champion Boston Red Sox outfielder Jonny Gomes and New Hampshire legend Chris Carpenter, who announced the end of his illustrious career just a few days ago. Additional past celebrities have included baseball Hall-of-Famers Wade Boggs and Jim Rice, ‘Mr. Red Sox’ Johnny Pesky, renowned sluggers Cecil Fielder and Fred McGriff, and legends of the Boston sports scene including the Bruins’ Terry O’Reilly, the Celtics’ Cedric Maxwell, and the Patriots’ Steve Nelson. More than 7,200 fans have enjoyed the company of these celebrities – and many more – since 2007.

The 2014 Granite State Baseball Dinner will be held on Saturday, November 22.

Opening Day at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium is Thursday, April 10, 2014, against the Binghamton Mets (New York Mets). Fisher Cats Full and Half-Season Tickets packages and Mini-Ticket Plans are on sale now. Each package comes with an array of benefits and free gifts, ranging from free birthday parties and all-you-can-eat barbecues to free ski passes and gift cards to local restaurants. To view all the ticket packages for the 2014 season, visit www.nhfishercats.com or call (603) 641-2005.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. Click here to view the original story.

Chiefs aid tornado relief efforts

Peoria hosts auction, donation drive to help community

Many teams in the Midwest are donating items for an auction to aid victims of Illinois tornadoes. (AP)
Many teams in the Midwest are donating items for an auction to aid victims of Illinois tornadoes. (AP)

When disaster strikes, a game of baseball becomes meaningless, but the players and coaches have the ability to come together and impact those in need.

In an effort to help tornado victims, the Peoria Chiefs are hosting an online auction and a donation drive. All of the proceeds will go to residents of the central Illinois towns who were affected by the recent storms.

“The response on the auction front has been outstanding,” said Chiefs director of media relations and baseball operations Nathan Baliva.

Items up for auction range from a baseball signed by Hall of Famer Stan Musial to an unopened American Girl Doll. Players from the Cardinals, Cubs and other Illinois professional teams, along with former Chiefs players, continue to donate more items to the auction, as it will stay open indefinitely. Local businesses and Minor League teams are also contributing to the auctions.

The Chiefs are the Class A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals. They previously served as the Chicago Cubs’ affiliate in the Midwest League.

“Every former player I’ve contacted has just said, ‘What do you need and where do I send it?’ It has been remarkable; they all want to help any way they can,” Baliva said. “The response from other teams both in the Midwest League and across Cardinals and Cubs affiliations has been overwhelming and we are very appreciative.”

The Chiefs had asked for donations of bottled water, toiletries and other necessities for those who have been affected by the storms. However, with limited space at shelters and storage facilities and overwhelming efforts by the community, the Chiefs are no longer asking for those items.

Anyone interested in making auction or monetary donations can call Baliva at (309) 680-4018 or nathanb@chiefsnet.com.

 

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

Baseball Academy to Host Holiday Clinics

December 26th – 28th at FirstEnergy Park

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LAKEWOOD, NJ – BlueClaws Baseball Academy will host two holiday camps, each for players ages 8-13 running from Thursday, December 26th through Saturday, December 28th at FirstEnergy Park.

The Holiday Hitting Camp runs from 9 am – 10:30 am each day. This three-day program is designed to teach players the essential techniques and philosophies of hitting. Each day, players will work on pre-pitch techniques, stride, balance, grip, bat path, and hitting zones among other aspects of hitting. There will also be games to make this a fun, informative environment.

The Holiday Pitching Camp runs from 11 am – 12 pm each day. This three-day progressive program is designed to teach players the proper throwing mechanics to keep them healthy during the season. Each session will build on the previous in order to give the players a multitude of drills that they can use at home throughout the winter months to be ready to pitch when the season starts.

All camps are kept to a maximum of 16 players to allow for an intimate setting.

Registration for the Hitting Camp is $149 and registration for the Pitching camp is $129. Those that register for both can do so for $235, savings of 15%. To sign up, call Joe Agnello at 732-901-7000 ext 209 or sign up on line by clicking here.

Camps will be run by Agnello, BlueClaws Baseball Academy Executive Director, and the staff of the BlueClaws Baseball Academy Claws, the 17-under travel team. Agnello, who played Division 1 baseball, has experience coaching for MLB Player Development at the international level and has eight years of collegiate coaching experience at the Division I, Division III, and Junior College levels.

About BlueClaws Baseball Academy: BlueClaws Baseball Academy provides elite baseball instruction to youth players throughout the year at FirstEnergy Park and is fully supported by the Lakewood BlueClaws, single-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies. This fall, the BlueClaws and BlueClaws Baseball Academy ran two 17-under teams, believed to be the first time that a Minor League Baseball team had their own youth teams playing home games in the Minor League stadium. 33 players from Monmouth, Ocean, and Burlington Counties participated.

– BlueClaws Baseball Academy –

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

Chasers in the Community: November 14th – November 30th

Storm Chasers staff to participate in Salvation Army Bell Ringing and Open Door Mission’s Drumsticks on Wheels

Spotlight: Salvation Army Bell Ringing at Hy-Vee Shadow Lake – Nov. 14

­The Storm Chasers staff will serve as bell ringers for donations to the Salvation Army in front of Hy-Vee Shadow Lake on Thursday, November 14th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. This is the third consecutive year the Storm Chasers staff has served as bell ringers. Mascot Stormy will be participating from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

 Thursday, November 14

  • SilverRidge Assisted Living Visit (2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.) – Before their “Birthday Party” on November 15th in the Storm Front Team Store, all three Chasers mascots will be visiting the residents of SilverRidge Assisted Living (sponsor of the Silver Chasers Club) to celebrate their “Birthday” in a private event.

Friday, November 15

  • Hands of the Heartland Ribbon Cutting (11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.) – Mascot Casey will attend this Bellevue Chamber Ribbon Cutting Celebration, to welcome this new business to the community.
  • Stormy & Vortex’s Birthday Party (4:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.) – Stormy and Vortex celebrate the third anniversary of their introduction as mascots at the Storm Front Team Store. Guests are encouraged to bring new unwrapped toys to benefit Toys for Tots and in exchange will receive a 40% coupon to the store (up to three toys max per person). Free refreshments will be provided and party games will be played.

Saturday, November 16

  • Westroads Mall Santa’s Arrival Event (9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.) – Stormy will join friends of Westroads Mall to await Santa’s arrival. Once Santa arrives, Stormy will be part of Santa’s parade through the mall.

Monday, November 18

  • Majestix Salon Ribbon Cutting (11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.) – Mascot Casey will attend this Bellevue Chamber Ribbon Cutting Celebration, to welcome this new business to the community.

Saturday, November 23

  • Open Door Mission Drumsticks On Wheels – Members of the Storm Chasers Front Office Staff will volunteer their time to deliver the fixings of a proper Thanksgiving dinner to those in need in the Omaha Metro throughout the day. This is the third consecutive year the Chasers have participated in this cause.

 

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Omaha Storm Chasers. Click here to view the original story.

Legends reserve seat for POW/MIA

Lexington-Legends-2013The Lexington Legends celebrated Veterans Day by permanently reserving a seat at Whitaker Bank Ballpark in honor of military personnel who are prisoners of war or missing in action.

Seat one in row 14 of section 201, located on the first base side near the top of the seating bowl, will never be sold or occupied.  The seat has been painted black.  An attached plaque reads “Reserved for a MIA/POW.  We will never forget you.”

Rolling-Thunder-KY5-logoA ceremony to dedicate the seat was held at the ballpark today (Monday).  Members of Rolling Thunder, an organization of motorcycle-riding veterans, made their entrance through the outfield gates and rode their motorcycles around the warning track before coming to the seating bowl for the ceremony.  The national anthem was sung by Sgt. Shawn McCall.  Students from Forest Hill Military Academy, including a color guard, also took part.

“The Legends are proud to take this step as a way to remember those who have sacrificed on our behalf,” said Legends President/COO Andy Shea.

Lex-POW-MIA seat
Lex-POW-MIA seat dedication 2013