To download the registartion form — CLICK HERE
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Brooklyn Cyclones. Click here to view the original story.
To download the registartion form — CLICK HERE
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Brooklyn Cyclones. Click here to view the original story.
The Gwinnett Braves have awarded their $1,000 grant for the month of June to J.M. Tull-Gwinnett Family YMCA. The “Summer Safety” themed grant is aimed at assisting organizations that promote safety programs for children.
The J.M. Tull-Gwinnett Family YMCA has been serving the Gwinnett community since 1974. The program offers wellness facilities for adults and families, while also assisting the community with non-member programs. J.M. Tull-Gwinnett Family YMCA continues to empower and transform lives around the community, serving over 12,000 Gwinnett residents through these programs.
The funds from the grant awarded by the Gwinnett Braves will help J.M. Tull-Gwinnett Family YMCA in its continued mission to teach members of the community how to swim. Since 1986, the J.M. Tull-Gwinnett Family YMCA has been teaching youth and adults to swim and instructing their participants with life-saving techniques. The classes are intended for all ages, even young children as the YMCA offers a “SPLASH” program for ages 6 through 10. The program introduces children to the fundamentals of swimming and basic water safety.
“For over 15 years, the J.M. Tull-Gwinnett Family YMCA has been teaching youth and adults the ability to swim and importance of water safety,” said Kimberly Nelson, Executive Director of J.M. Tull-Gwinnett Family YMCA. “The education and instruction of water safety is crucial for all communities including Gwinnett County. Because of the generosity of the Gwinnett Braves Foundation, the YMCA is able to assist families that could not afford to participate in swim lessons and empower them with skills to be safer. As a community, we need to be especially cautious during the summer months when water incidents increase compared to the rest of the year. Together, the Y and Gwinnett Braves are making an impact and helping to save lives.”
The original story appeared on the Gwinnett Braves’ website and can be viewed by clicking here.
The Myrtle Beach Pelicans will host a free event at TicketReturn.com Field at Pelicans Ballpark on Saturday, August 17, prior to Myrtle Beach’s home game that evening against the Lynchburg Hillcats. The clinic will run from 8:30-11:30 am.
The clinic will be hosted by the Pelicans players and Play4Health, and those that participate will receive a free ticket to the game and family members will receive a discounted ticket offer. The Pelicans play the Hillcats later that night beginning at 6:05 p.m.
For more information, and to register, please log on to: https://wellness.sanofi.us/Play4Health.
Play4Health is a grassroots chronic disease prevention and wellness program designed to engage and educate kids, their parents and communities about obesity, its link to chronic disease and the importance of leading a healthy, active lifestyle. With the rise of childhood obesity, Play4Health is on a mission to change the way kids think and act about health and wellness.
Play4Health is an educational program that combines a once-in-a-lifetime-opportunity to “play” on a Minor League Baseball field through a day of fun fitness activities followed by a game.
Kids are assigned to an activity station that focuses on the “triple play” for prevention and wellness which includes exercise, nutrition and other healthy behaviors. Each participant will also receive a goody bag to take home along with a healthy snack.
The clinic’s primary instructor will be Rafy Oquendo, an expert in the health and wellness field.
The CEO of the All Star Training Center, Oquendo develops exercise and wellness programs that promote the well and healthy lifestyles of people of all ages. As the creator, spokesperson and health and wellness expert for the Play4Health initiative, Oquendo believes the right plan and tools, and a positive, confident outlook are critical to becoming healthier and more active. He combines the proven exercise science based training programs and methods he uses for professional athletes with his knowledge and experience to design exercise programs to help people at any fitness level to succeed. His philosophy is that fitness is a journey and not a destination.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. Click here to view the original story.
Bradenton, Fla. – The Bradenton Marauders will host the fourth annual Get Your Pink On! breast cancer awareness night at McKechnie Field on Friday, August 9. Get Your Pink On! is presented by Florida Cancer Specialists and Research Institute with media partner ABC 7. The Marauders face the St. Lucie Mets at 6:30 p.m., with gates opening at 5:30 p.m.
The entire night will be dedicated to raising money and awareness for the fight against breast cancer. Before the game, cancer survivors will have the opportunity to be recognized on field. A Survivors Walk around the warning track will be held at 6:00 p.m.
The Marauders will wear pink jerseys which will be available for auction during the game. Winning bidders will be invited to receive the jersey directly from the player wearing it after the game. Players will autograph the jersey and pose for pictures with winning bidders. In addition to the jerseys, autographed pink bats will also be up for bid.
Fans can participate in a “pay to pop” balloon pop with great prizes available, with all prizes valued at a minimum of $10 each. Fans are encouraged to come dressed in pink and to bring their uniquely decorated pink bra to the ballpark. Prizes for the best-decorated pink bra will be awarded via fan vote during the game. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society. Other opportunities to help the Marauders raise funds for the American Cancer Society will be available throughout the game.
Every Friday home game is a Happy Hour Friday presented by Pier 22 Restaurant. From 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m., 500 free hot dogs will be given away at the outfield concessions stand and $1 sodas and $1 domestic draft beers will be sold at the Kona Bar Built by NDC Construction and the Yuengling Plaza Bar thanks to Kayem and Cheney Brothers.
The McKechnie Field ticket office is open on non-game days from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Monday-Friday and closed on weekend non-game days. On Monday-Saturday game days, the ticket office opens at 1:00 p.m. and closes at the conclusion of the game. On Sunday game days and special games with 10 a.m. start times, the ticket office opens two hours prior to the game.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Bradenton Marauders. Click here to view the original story.
The New Hampshire Fisher Cats and the Fisher Cats Foundation are partnering again with Manchester Christian Church, Queen City Paint, and the Ted Williams Museum to present Manchester Goes Back to School 2013 on Wednesday, August 14, from 5-6:30 p.m. at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium. The back-to-school program, in its second year, will provide free school supplies to thousands of Manchester families heading back to school this fall.
“A year ago, this was a new idea to provide a positive start for families heading into the new school year,” said Art Solomon, Fisher Cats owner and chairman of the Fisher Cats Foundation board. “Because of the overwhelming gratitude and success of last year’s event, we couldn’t be more proud to team up with our partners to be able to help even more families this year.”
In the initial Manchester Goes Back to School event last summer, approximately 3,000 students received new school supplies, purchased and donated by members of Manchester Christian Church. This year, the Church is working to fill 4,000 red drawstring backpacks, which were donated by Delete Blood Cancer.
“We have an amazing opportunity to come together as a church and show the Manchester area how much we love to care about our community,” said Bo Chancey, Senior Pastor at Manchester Christian Church. “At Manchester Christian Church we pray for One daily, asking God to give us each one person to share His love with. Providing 4,000 bags of school supplies to our community is just one way we can share that love.”
“This is such a generous and beneficial event for our students as they enter a new school year,” said new Manchester Superintendent Dr. Debra Livingston. “Being new to this district, I am impressed by the community spirit of the Fisher Cats, Manchester Christian Church, Queen City Paint, and the Ted Williams Museum to host such an amazing event. This is a great steppingstone for a successful academic year.”
“It’s wonderful that for the second year in a row the Fisher Cats, Manchester Christian Church, Queen City Paint, and the Ted Williams Museum have stepped up to provide Manchester students with school supplies,” said Manchester Mayor Ted Gatsas. “The back-to-school program shows Queen City residents what great community partners we have within our City limits. Again, we thank the Fisher Cats, Manchester Christian Church, Queen City Paint, and the Ted Williams Museum for providing these students with supplies for the 2013/2014 school year.”
In addition to serving as a school supply pick-up, several community groups will be on hand to make it a fun event for families. Among the agencies that will be at the event are:
The Fisher Cats are inviting the community to join this important program. While the members of Manchester Christian Church have generously provided the majority of the school supplies, additional funds are needed to fully satisfy the expected need for supplies. Community members may also volunteer to provide healthy refreshments and assist in the coordination and distribution of supplies at the event.
Additional funds and undistributed school supplies will be used to provide supplies to Manchester schools throughout the academic year.
To become involved in Manchester Goes Back to School 2013, contact Jenna Raizes, Fisher Cats Director of Marketing & Public Affairs, at 603-641-2005 ext. 177 or jraizes@nhfishercats.com.
The Fisher Cats are currently on a six-game road trip, but will return to Manchester on Tuesday, August 6 to begin a six-game homestand. The stand features three Atlas Fireworks shows, two giveaways, and the final splash day of the year. Tickets can be purchased in person at the stadium box office, over the phone at 603-641-2005, or online at www.nhfishercats.com.
Manchester Christian Church holds Sunday services at three unique campuses: 1308 Wellington Road in Manchester at 8, 9:30, and 11 a.m., and 12:30 p.m.; at 250 Commercial Street in downtown Manchester at 9:30 and 11 a.m.; and at 56 Old Bedford Road in Bedford at 9:30 and 11 a.m. To learn more about the church, visit www.manchesterchristian.com.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. Click here to view the original story.
Hickory Crawdads to host first Art at the Park event
The Hickory Crawdads have announced their first ever Art at the Park event to take place August 13th-15th. All artists are invited to submit their best rendition of their favorite scenes from around the ballpark and have their work voted on by the fans over the three-game home stand.
The event will take place the third week in August as the ‘Dads play host to the Asheville Tourists for a three game series of 7pm games. Artists from around the area are encouraged to submit their original two-dimensional artwork depicting their favorite ballpark scene to the Crawdads Front Office by Monday, August 12th for entry into the competition. All submitted works will be displayed on the main concourse of Crawdads Stadium throughout the home stand for Crawdads fans to view and submit votes for the piece they believe should take home the grand prize. At the conclusion of the home stand, ballots will be counted and the artist whose piece gets the most votes will receive a FREE Luxury Suite for a ballgame.
In addition to the chance to win the grand prize, all participants will receive one free grandstand ticket good for any of the three games during the home stand. All fans and artists are welcome to participate as long as their submissions are within the guidelines. The fan-favorite voting contest will begin when the gates open on Tuesday, August 13th, and will remain open until the conclusion of the game on Thursday, August 15th. The winner will be announced on Friday, August 16th.
For more information on the Hickory Crawdads and their Art at the Park event, visit www.hickorycrawdads.com or contact Quinn Gruber at (828)322-3000, or e-mail qgruber@hickorycrawdads.com.
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Crawdads Front Office:
2500 Clement Blvd. NW
Hickory, NC 28601
Crawdads Mailing Address:
PO Box 1268
Hickory, NC 28603
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Hickory Crawdads. Click here to view the original story.
On Thursday, August 8 the Reading Fightin Phils and American Red Cross will be hosting a blood drive in Bill Richards’ name. We are asking for you to stop by America’s Classic Ballpark and help by donating some blood. The blood drive will be held in the Ryan Howard Batting Tunnel (1900 Centre Avenue, Reading, PA 19601) from 2:00 to 6:00 pm. Please call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit www.redcrossblood.org to schedule an appointment to donate.
B Strong B Rich
Diagnosis: Bill Richards was recently diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare type of bone cancer affecting roughly 200 people a year in the United States. His fight agains the disease will undoubtedly last for years, but we remain hopeful that he will eventually go into remission and live a happy life for years to come.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Reading Fightin Phils. Click here to view the original story.
BURLINGTON, VT – The Vermont Lake Monsters are pleased to announce that $30,000 has been raised for the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team, as part of the June 29th event at Centennial Field. The Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team, made up of Veterans and Active-Duty Soldiers and Marines who have lost a limb(s) in post 9/11 combat, tour nationally to raise awareness of the sacrifices of these brave soldiers, while giving communities across our great country an opportunity to show their support of our true heroes.
“It was an honor to assist in the creation of the Burlington, VT event.”, says Vermont Lake Monsters Vice President Kyle Bostwick. “The outpouring of support in both preparation and participation of this event, that showcases the sacrifices that these soldiers have made should make us all be proud to be a part of our community.”
Monies for the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team were raised through a two day event that was highlighted by an exhibition softball game featuring former Major League Pitchers Bill “Spaceman” Lee and Len Whitehouse, Burlington Police Chief Michael Schirling, Silver Screen Actor and Vermont resident Luis Guzman, actor, producer, and writer Rusty “The Logger” Dewees, country music star Jamie Lee Thurston, and Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger.
In addition substantial revenues for the event were raised through generous donations by The Pizzagalli Foundation, Jolley Associates, Farrell Distributing, Yankee Medical, Select Design, Lake Champlain Cruises, and REM Development.
A ceremonial check presentation will occur today with WWAST manager David Van Sleet in attendance, July 29th, prior to the Vermont Lake Monsters home game against the Lowell Spinners at Centennial Field at 7:05PM.
For further information, please call (802) 655 4200 or visit www.woundedwarrioramputeesoftballteam.org
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Vermont Lake Monsters. Click here to view the original story.
Most Rhode Islanders recognize the strong relationship between their state and professional baseball at both the major and minor league levels. Few, however, are aware that this connection extends to the professional black teams in the Negro Leagues during the age of racial segregation in the 1930s and 1940s. In those years, African Americans participated in leagues of their own in response to the exclusionist policies of white major league baseball. Three men with close ties to Rhode Island participated in the Negro Leagues and distinguished themselves as outstanding athletes. Joseph Gomes, Charles Thomas, and Gideon Spence Applegate successfully competed “in the shadows” of segregation and thrilled loyal fans who appreciated their performance as a distinct form of social and cultural expression. Baseball certainly strengthened community within black neighborhoods, but both fans and players never lost their determination to integrate America’s national pastime. Outstanding players like Gomes, Thomas, and Applegate used the power of their abilities to demonstrate that they were second to none and, as such, acted as pioneers in the struggle to desegregate the game and country they honored.
2009 Honorees
Joe Gomes
Joseph “Joe” Gomes from East Providence began his career as a pitcher for the Philadelphia Bacharach Giants in 1929 and would spend seven seasons barnstorming the country competing against such legendary figures as Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson, and “Cool Papa” Bell. Earlier, Gomes led his East Providence High School baseball team to a state championship in 1928 where he garnered all-state recognition. After high school, John McGraw, manager and co-owner of the New York Giants, approached Gomes with a plan that would send the talented right-handed pitcher to Cuba for a season or two with the idea that he would later join the Giants as a Cuban player. Gomes affirmed his own heritage as a Cape Verdean and declined the offer. He subsequently played both baseball and football at Providence College and then made his professional debut in Philadelphia. He is, perhaps, the only person of Cape Verdean ancestry to play in the Negro Leagues. After his professional career ended, Gomes played for several local semi-pro and amateur teams in Rhode Island.
Charles Thomas
Equally significant is Charlie Thomas. Thomas was born in Georgia but spent most of his early life in Dayton, Ohio before moving to Boston, Massachusetts to attend college at Boston University. After serving his country with distinction in World War II and graduating from college, he moved to Providence where he enjoyed a strong presence as a community leader and civil servant working for the city’s recreational department and family court system. Thomas compiled a successful professional career as an outfielder with the Newark Eagles playing for Hall of Fame owner Effa Manley between 1941 and 1943. With the Eagles, Thomas had Larry Doby, the first black player in the American League, and Hall of Famer Monte Irvin as teammates. The national and local press consistently touted Thomas’s athletic career and one teammate characterized him as “the guy who could deliver in a clutch.” Upon completion of his career in Newark, Thomas joined the Boston Colored Giants, New England’s most successful independent professional team where he frequently thrilled fans at Cardines Field in Newport. He also played semi-professional football for the Providence Steam Rollers. A member of the Boston University Athletic Hall of Fame, Thomas was a nine varsity letter award winner.
Gideon Applegate
Gideon Spence Applegate made his professional debut at McCoy Stadium as a member of the New York Cuban Giants in 1943 and competed for two full-seasons while still a student attending East Providence High School. During the 1943 season, he initially played under an assumed name, most likely Spearman, and the following year starred for the New York Black Yankees alongside manager George Scales and Hall-of Famer Willie Wells. Applegate was initially recommended to Cuban Giant owner, Alejandro Pompez, by his high school coach who also served as the skipper for the minor-league Pawtucket Slaters. He competed against such renowned Negro League players as Buck Leonard and Josh Gibson. Upon completion of his military service, Applegate attended a try-out at McCoy Stadium and joined the Pawtucket Slaters for spring training in 1948. Later, in 1949, he joined the Kingston, Ontario team, a farm club for the Boston Braves, where he became the first African-American player in the Braves organization. Applegate played for the Kingston Ponies in 1949 and 1950 in the Canadian Border League before winding up with Waterloo in 1951. The following season he helped the Superior Blues, a Chicago white Sox farm club, capture a league championship by pitching two no-hitters against rival teams in Sioux Falls and St Could. During his minor league years, he was selected to play in three all-star games. Applegate also starred for a celebrated local black team in Rhode Island. He played semi-professionally for the state’s premiere black club, the Invaders where he again competed against the best talent in the Negro Leagues with games against the New York Black Yankees and Philadelphia Stars.
2010 Honorees
Circle Athletic Club and
Charles Butler
Providence baseball fans experienced a different version of the “Summer of ’49.” Their edition focused on another pennant race, not the one in Boston and New York. This story featured the Circle Athletic Club, one of the city’s most celebrated and historic amateur teams. By season’s end, the Circle team conquered all its divisional opponents in the Independent National League and then set it sites on the American League victors for the Amateur championship. The Circle players subsequently won the championship and in the process made history as the first truly integrated team in the city’s then 48 year history of organized amateur ball. This month, on August 8th , the Pawtucket Red Sox will commemorate that achievement and honor pitcher Charles Butler for his outstanding accomplishments. Butler, who graduated from Central High School in 1944 and later served with distinction in World War II, initially played for the city’s all black team, the Invaders, before joining the Circle A.C.
Butler credits Ernest “Biffo” Duarte, prizefighter and sports promoter from Fox Point, as the inspiration behind the first integrated team. He scouted the best players, black and white, because he wanted only the best. Duarte struggled to land his ballclub in the Tim O’Neil Amateur League and only after relentless requests for a franchise did his dream come true. In 1949, two contingent factors, the expansion of the Independent League and the late withdrawal of one of its teams allowed the Circle Club to enter. As legend goes, Duarte told his ballplayers that the name of their club would be the Circle A.C. because nothing is more perfect than a circle that’s what he expected from his players.
He nearly got it. In its inaugural season, the team won its first 14 games, then lost one, but bounced back to win all its remaining contests. In a script only Hollywood could have written, the team won the amateur championship by defeating the highly favored Tutelo’s club on a two out, two-run double in the bottom of ninth which scored the tying and winning runs by pinch hitter Charles Harris. For the city’s African American community, the game defined the “Summer of 49” along with the promise of racial equality.
Although Charlie Harris provided the heroics that evening, it had been the consistent pitching of Charles Butler who delivered the team to its championship moment. Two other standout players, first-baseman Dick Harris, Charlie’s brother, and short-stop Johnny Braxton provided the power and speed essential for a balanced offense. A year earlier, in 1948, Harris and Braxton were among the first black players extended a tryout by the Boston Braves. The Braves organization eventually integrated its ball club in 1950 with the arrival of Sam Jethro.
In 1951, the team jumped to the semi-professional ranks and again made history as Rhode Island’s first integrated team to play for the National Baseball Congress’s world championship in Wichita, Kansas. On the road to Wichita, the team defeated Newport’s Bove Chevrolet led by player-manager Gordon Ross for the state semi-pro title and then defeated the Moodus Club of Connecticut to secure the regional championship. The Circle A.C. defeated teams from Alabama, Arizona, and Georgia before falling to the reigning Congress champs, the Indiana Capehearts. Butler played magnificently during the Kansas tournament as did his African American teammates Ray Edmonds and Charles Thomas. Thomas, then living in Rhode Island, had played for the Negro League World Champion Newark Eagles and had Hall-of-Famers Monte Irvin and Larry Doby as teammates.
The local press reported that “the idea of mixing races in the big leagues was quite a problem to the club owners but to Biffo it seems to be routine. He has managed to secure the better ballplayers of both races and not once has there been any inkling of misunderstanding among players or managers.” It is important to recognize that alternatives to the Jackie Robinson model of integration existed. Major League teams had several options including signing several black players at once to create an integrated team, like the Circle A.C., or expand the league to include one or more of the successful Negro League teams. The closest the national pastime came to true integration were rumors, now largely discredited, that maverick owner Bill Veeck planned to purchase the 1943 Phillies and stock the team with black ballplayers.
Long before baseball became the national pastime is was the local one. Providence fans surely followed the 1949 Red Sox and Yankee rivalry, but neither team featured a black ballplayer. While in Rhode Island, an interracial crowd gathered at Cranston Stadium to support the Circle A.C. in its bid for a league championship. Local baseball reflected the city’s racial flexibility and echoed the pulse of the community in ways the national pastime never could.
Charles Butler
Charles Butler was born and raised on Providence’s Westside and currently resides in East Providence with his wife Gwen. As a youngster, he played baseball at Central High School under renowned coach Walter “Pard” Pierce and concurrently starred for his neighborhood team the West Elmwood Raiders. Upon graduation, in 1944, he entered the United States Army and served with distinction during World War II. Upon his release in 1946, he resumed his ballplaying career as a hard throwing right-handed pitcher for the city’s black semi-professional team, the Invaders. Later, in 1949, he helped the first truly integrated amateur team in the city’s history, the Circle Athletic Club, win the Independent Amateur League championship. As the team’s premiere pitcher, he helped lead the team to a 20-2 overall record. Butler, a versatile athlete played the outfield when not on the mound. In 1951, he joined a very select group of athletes, both black and white, to represent the state in the National Baseball Congress world Championship in Wichita Kansas. To this day, Mr. Butler remains an active and avid golfer and tennis player.
2011 Honorees
The Invaders
During the challenging years of World War II, baseball provided a sense of comfort and stability for many Americans. This proved especially true for African Americans who steadfastly supported the war, but still faced racial segregation and discrimination at home. In 1945, the best non-white ballplayers in Providence formed the Invaders Baseball Club and quickly became New England’s most successful African American semi-professional team. These players competed against prominent regional clubs, both black and white, including the powerful Boston Colored Giants. By the time the Invader s disbanded in 1948, two of its members, Johnny Braxton and Dick Harris, had received tryouts by the Boston Braves and the team was carded against professional Negro League teams, including the New York Black Yankees. The Invaders also hosted hard-hitting barnstorming clubs like the Philadelphia All-Stars and Washington Pilots with rosters that listed mostly professional Negro League players. Fans packed Pierce Memorial Stadium in East Providence to demonstrate their appreciation for the team and its owner, Richard “Pop” Dudley, for the pride and sense of accomplishment the Invaders exemplified. It is exciting to note that during the team’s inaugural season, pitcher Amos Venter defeated the South Providence Mariners in a memorable game which included a hit and run scored by Mainer Lou Gorman, an outstanding first baseman who later became the General Manager of the Boston Red Sox.
Donald Taylor
The Invaders depended on Donald Taylor’s strong right arm to keep the team competitive in Rhode Island’s semi-professional baseball circuit. He never disappointed his teammates. He was a pitcher’s pitcher known for his pinpoint accuracy and ability to change speeds. Like many hurlers of his day, Donald was also a position player who hit for average and power. Most notably, in 1947, he doubled and scored the winning run against the Philadelphia All-Stars, a professional traveling team, in one of the Invader’s most memorable games. Donald was born on the West Side of Providence in 1922. Orphaned at an early age, he attended the Rhode Island State Home and School and later graduated from Mount Pleasant High School in 1940. While at Mount Pleasant he excelled in both football and baseball and also served as senior class president. Donald answered his nation’s call during World War II and served in the Army between 1943 and 1946. He participated in the Pacific Theater where he rose to the rank of Sergeant. Following his military release, he attended Delaware State College and became a stellar pitcher. After his college years, Donald spent most of his professional life in service to others. Starting as a Youth Supervisor for the Boys Training School in 1954, he later rose to the rank of Deputy Director and Acting Director of the state’s Department of Corrections. He retired from state service in 1989 as Assistant Director of Business Management in Management Services. He married Dorothy Hicks Goodwin in 1967 and they currently reside in Wakefield. He has three daughters and two sons.
Raymond Venter Sr.
The Venter name is well known in Rhode Island sport circles. Accepting the plaque in honor of his uncle, Amos Venter, is his nephew Raymond. During the 1940s, Amos played for the Invaders along with several other championship black teams including those coached by legendary sportsman Red Smith. Raymond followed in his uncle’s footsteps and became one of the state’s leading scholastic athletes. A graduate of Hope High School, Raymond excelled in football, basketball, baseball, and track. He later continued his athletic career in Providence’s amateur leagues where his hard work and ability played a major role in securing the state softball championship for his employer, the Amica Insurance Company. Raymond’s talents extended to the coaching realm where he assisted youngsters in the Martin Luther King Recreation League in Providence and Monsignor Clarke School in Wakefield. Raymond married Judy Riels and has three children, a son and two daughters. He currently lives in South Kingston.
Paul Price
Paul Price played for the Invaders along with his brothers Dan Price and Amos Venter. Paul’s speed and agility landed his a spot in the middle infield at second base or shortstop. He was born in Providence in 1921 where he attended the neighborhood public schools. Paul remained active in several civic and charitable organizations especially the Mason’s Constantine Temple #14. As a Mason, he served as Promotional Director for the Shriners and staged many fund-raising events which showcased the talent of the leading jazz bands and singers of the 1950s. He married Barbara Chinn, who recently passed away, and has two sons and two daughters. He lives in Providence.
2012 Honorees
Ralph “Tilly” Davis
Ralph Hickman Davis, better known as Ralph “Tilly” Davis in the local Rhode Island baseball world, was born in Providence, Rhode Island on February 5, 1915 to William and Rhoda (Hickman) Davis. He was the fourth in a family of four brothers, William, Dexter, Maynard, Clinton, and a sister, Nellie Davis Williams.
Ralph graduated from East Providence High School in 1934. Along with his two older brothers Dexter (Class of ’28) and Maynard (Class of ’30), and younger brother Clinton (Class of ’39), the gifted foursome excelled in varsity sports and were heralded statewide.
All four brothers were honored in 1955 by the East Providence Lettermen’s Club for their excellence in sports. Each of the Davis Brothers competed in at least three sports and led the East Providence High School “Townies” to championships for more than a decade. Whether playing baseball, football, or basketball from the late 1920s to nearly 1940, opposing teams in any of those three sports encountered at least one of the famed Davis brothers. At the time of the Letterman’s honoring event, The Providence Journal Bulletin further spread the news of the Davis Brothers’ extraordinary athletic achievements and artfully captured the foursome in a character portrait penned by the newspaper’s acclaimed illustrator, Frank Lanning.
While attending East Providence High School, Ralph achieved interscholastic all-state honors in baseball for both his junior and senior years. According to local sportswriters, he was considered one of the finest all-around athletes of his day, especially in baseball, when he captained the East Providence Townies to an undefeated season in 1933.
Ralph “Tilly” Davis owns a significant piece of Rhode Island baseball history. In 1933, as a member of the East Providence Belmonts, he helped integrate the Pawtucket Twilight League as a smooth fielding first baseman. Ralph also hit .360 that year, and it became apparent that he would soon advance to the highly competitive Pawtucket Inter City League. As expected, Ralph became the first player of African American descent to play in the Inter City League as a member of the semi-professional East Providence Townies. Ralph enjoyed a successful career with the Townies and in 1935 participated in the League’s All-Star game held in Coates Stadium as a representative of the Leagues’ American Division. Sportswriters touted Davis as a” heavy and consistent hitter, [who] has belted the old apple throughout the year at over a .320 clip while afield his handling of first base has been a revelation to his admirers. A past master in scooping grounders or reaching wide for bad throws, Tilly was unquestionably the leading first sacker of the strong Pawtucket League.” Davis played a key role in the American Division’s win with a clutch single in bottom of the ninth inning to tie the game.
During this period, “Tilly, divided his playing time between the Inter City League and several African American independent teams including the Dixie Matthews Athletics, The Douglass Athletic Club, and the Providence Colored Giants, and the Royal Colored Giants. He earned inclusion on the Boston Chronicle’s African American All-Star team for 1933, 1934, and 1935.
Ralph Davis had two great passions — baseball and flying. Like other young men of the time, the imminent specter of war swooped up three of the five Davis brothers. Civilian life pursuits were swept aside in order to serve gallantly in the service of their country.
During WWII, Ralph served in the United States Army Air Corps, assigned and served as a pilot, mechanic and instructor to the famed and highly decorated 99th Pursuit Squadron, known as the fearless Tuskegee Airmen flying those distinctive red tail P-51 fighter plans. Ralph Davis was honorably discharged in 1945 holding the rank of Staff Sergeant.
While still in the service, Ralph met and married, Mary Tate and they settled in her hometown of Staunton, Virginia. The couple was blessed with one son, Clinton Maynard Davis, currently a Staunton resident. Clinton accepts tonight’s recognition and memorial plaque on behalf of his father and family.
His belief in his abilities… His love for sports and honest competition all served as the foundation for Ralph “Tillie” Davis’ most inspiring life achievements.
Ralph Davis left this life in 2002 at the age of 87.
2013 Honorees
Carter “Speed” Braxton and John Braxton
Carter “Speed” Braxton and his brother John formed one of the smoothest double-play combinations in local black baseball. Carter began his baseball career in 1937 as a member of the West Elmwood Raiders as a pitcher and infielder. By1942, he had become manager of the Raiders, a team that now included his younger brother John. During World War II, the West Elmwood club played a highly competitive schedule in the John Hope Amateur League against ballclubs that included a talented team of black sailors from the Quonset Naval Air Station. The games attracted large numbers of fans that traveled to Hope Field, Bucklin Park, Tockwotton Park and Mashapaug Park to watch their neighborhood teams compete.
John entered the Navy in 1943, but periodically joined his brother on the field when granted shore leave. After the War, John became a stellar player for the finest African American team in Rhode Island, the Invaders. His talent caught the attention of the Boston Braves and, in 1948, the Braves selected him to participate in a try out held at McCoy Stadium. Johnny Braxton, who threw and batted right-handed, was characterized in the local press as an alert and fast infielder who covered a lot of territory around shortstop. He batted for average and was one of the leading base stealers in all New England.
The brothers reunited one last time when both participated as members of the famous Circle Athletic Club, the first integrated team in Rhode Island’s legendary Tim O’Neil League. With Carter playing second and John at short, the brothers helped the Circle Club win the League’s championship title in 1949. John gained recognition for his bat and Carter for his speed.
Not to be outdone, sister Lillian Braxton served as a founding member of the Circlettes, an all girls athletic club designed to promote baseball and basketball competition among Providence’s African American women.
Carter was born in 1925 and raised in Providence. He served his country with distinction as a member of the Navy during World War II. He married Hope (Washington) Braxton and together they created a family that included three sons, Carter, Earl, and Winston and two daughters Marsha and Linear. Later, he married Ramon (Smith) and raised two daughters Tyna, and Christine. Carter lived most of his adult life on Cranston Street and worked as a longshoreman as a member of the International Longshoreman’s Association Local 1329. He passed away in 1989. His younger brother, John, also served his nation as a sailor during World War II and later worked at the former Quonset Point Naval Air Station in North Kingstown. Born in 1927, John married Velma (Taylor) Braxton and raised a family that included four sons, John, Jr., James, Ronald, and Curtis and three daughters, Ellen, Patricia, and Nancy. He remained a life-long resident of Providence and died in 1994.
Both were the sons of Carter and Mary (Cuff) Braxton and the brothers of Thomas, Clara, Martha, and Lillian. Thomas Braxton will accept the commemorative plaque in his bothers’ honor.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Pawtucket Red Sox. Click here to view the original story.
The Round Rock Express and Goodwill Industries of Central Texas have teamed up to present “Donations Weekend” at Dell Diamond starting Friday, July 26 and running through Monday, July 29, courtesy of Austin Goodwill.
Fans are encouraged to bring a clothing donation to the Railyard Team Store Friday-Monday to receive a “Be Our Guest” card, good for two Reserved tickets, and a coupon for 15% off your entire purchase from the Team Store!
Also, make a donation to the Goodwill store in Round Rock (150 W. Palm Valley Blvd) Saturday, July 27 from 11 a.m. to noon, to meet an Express player and Spike. Fans who make a donation will also receive a “Be Our Guest” card for their donation.
For more information about Goodwill Industries of Central Texas, please visit www.austingoodwill.org. Let’s get out and help our Central Texas neighbors by donating!
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Round Rock Express. Click here to view the original story.
MIDLAND, Mich. – The Great Lakes Loons have partnered with Midland Center for the Arts (MCFTA) to see who can donate more blood to Michigan Blood from July 22 through August 16. Donations can be made at Michigan Blood’s Dow Diamond facility and its MidMichigan Medical Center donation facility, along with a one-time blood drive at Midland Center for the Arts.
“We are ready for the blood drive challenge with Midland Center for the Arts,” said Loons President & General Manager Paul Barbeau. “I have already donated and I hope that other Loons employees and fans will as well. MI Blood and those in need of blood will be the real winners of this competition.”
Michigan Blood’s Dow Diamond donation center is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Its MidMichigan Medical Center donation facility is open Tuesdays from noon to 7 p.m., Fridays from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Saturday, August 3 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Additionally, MCFTA will also host an on-site blood drive on Tuesday, August 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
When signing in, donors must mention they are donating for the Great Lakes Loons or Midland Center for the Arts. Each participating donor will be included in a drawing to win a prize package of Loons and MCFTA items, including four Loons vouchers, a first pitch opportunity, four tickets to see “Dracula: the Musical” on October 5, an autographed poster from the cast, four drink vouchers for the Saints & Sinners Lounge, and a private dinner for four at Dow Diamond prior to the show.
Results of the contest will be announced at Dow Diamond during MCFTA’ s Salute to the Arts Night on August 20, with the President of the organization that tallies less donors participating in an on-field contest.
Midland Center for the Arts, Inc. is a non-profit, tax-exempt corporation formed under the laws of the State of Michigan incorporating six groups: Alden B. Dow Museum of Science and Art, Center Stage Choirs, Center Stage Theatre, MATRIX:MIDLAND, Midland County Historical Society, and Midland Symphony Orchestra. Activities at Midland Center for the Arts are supported in part by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. For the latest Center news, visit our web site at www.mcfta.org.
The Great Lakes Loons are a seventh-year Single-A partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers. For tickets and more information about the Loons, visit Loons.com or call 989-837-BALL.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Great Lakes Loons. Click here to view the original story.
(Fort Mill, SC) – The Charlotte Knights, Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, and Carolinas HealthCare System, are pleased to announce the names of the three winners of the 2013 Charlotte Knights Healthcare Scholarship Program. The winners are John Dock Tallent, Gisele Bailey, and Stephanie Smith.
The scholarship program is dedicated to providing educational opportunities to the youth in our communities. A $1,000 scholarship has been awarded to the winners to assist them in future academic endeavors. Each of their names will be inscribed on a plaque that will be prominently displayed on the Carolinas HealthCare System Home Run Porch at BB&T Ballpark.
“We are proud to announce such accomplished winners for our first scholarship,” said Knights Vice President of Sales Chris Semmens. “We feel these recipients closely represent the values and mission of the Knights and Carolinas HealthCare System. We look forward to hearing about their future achievements and wish them luck in all their endeavors.”
Brief information about the 2013 Charlotte Knights HealthCare Scholarship Program recipients:
• John Dock Tallent – Tallent graduated from West Lincoln High School and was ranked #1 in his class. He played varsity golf and was the student body president. Tallent will attend Appalachian State University this fall to pursue a degree in the medical field. John hopes to one day become a doctor.
• Gisele Bailey – Bailey is a recent graduate of Charlotte Christian High, where she held a 4.9 GPA this year. Also an athlete, Bailey was a varsity basketball player who ranked 27th at her position nationally by ESPN. She is heading to Harvard this fall and will be a member of the Crimson Women’s Basketball team.
• Stephanie Smith – Smith is a recent graduate of Lake Norman High School. Last summer Stephanie performed research at Davidson College laboratories. She will be attending UNC-Chapel Hill this fall and hopes to become a neurosurgeon. She plans to focus on biomedical engineering, with an emphasis on neuroscience.
The three winners were recently honored at the Charlotte Knights game on Friday, July 19 during a special pre-game on-field ceremony. Dr. Michael Gibbs, Chair of Emergency Medicine, was on hand to present the award to the recipients.
High school seniors enrolled in one of the following North or South Carolina counties: Cabarrus, Catawba, Chester, Cleveland, Gaston, Iredell, Lancaster, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Union, or York County, are eligible for the 2014 Charlotte Knights Healthcare Scholarship Program. Applicants must be attending an accredited institution of higher education in the fall of 2014, and will be judged on academic performance; volunteer and community involvement; and sports and extracurricular activities. More information, along with applications, will be available online at charlotteknights.com in the fall.
About Carolinas HealthCare System:
Carolinas HealthCare System (carolinashealthcare.org), one of the nation’s leading and most innovative healthcare organizations, provides a full spectrum of healthcare and wellness programs throughout North and South Carolina. Its diverse network of nearly 800 care locations includes academic medical centers, hospitals, freestanding emergency departments, physician practices, surgical and rehabilitation centers, home health agencies, nursing homes and behavioral health centers, as well as hospice and palliative care services. CHS works to improve and enhance the overall health and wellbeing of its communities through high quality patient care, education and research programs, and numerous collaborative partnerships and initiatives.
Tickets for the 2013 season are on sale now and can be purchased in person at Knights Stadium, by phone at 704-357-8071 ext. 2106, or online at www.charlotteknights.com. Knights Baseball… Tradition Never Ends.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Charlotte Knights. Click here to view the original story.
Springfield, MO – The Springfield Cardinals, Double-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, are excited to announce the details for the upcoming Cardinals Youth Baseball Clinics at Hammons Field, presented by Balls-n-Strikes. The clinics will be held on Wednesday, August 7 and Saturday, August 10, both running from 9am – 12pm. Check in on both days will begin at 8am.
The Cardinals Youth Baseball Clinics are designed for kids, ages seven to 12, and will be limited to just 100 spots each to maximize the personal instruction from Springfield Cardinals players and coaches. The clinics will include batting practice in the Cardinals Indoor Facility, pitching lessons in the bullpen and fielding instruction on the award-winning Hammons Field. New this year will also be a Question and Answer Session for parents and coaches with Cardinals Manager Mike Shildt, who has guided his last three teams to their league championships, including Springfield in 2012.
In addition to the once in a lifetime opportunity to learn from the Springfield Cardinals, registration includes a Cardinals T-Shirt, four tickets to any Springfield Cardinals game between August 6 – 11 and access to an exclusive autograph session with the players, all for just $48.
To register today, or for more information, contact Springfield Cardinals Senior Account Executive Zack Pemberton at (417) 832-3038 and zpemberton@cardinals.com. Spots are limited, so register today!
Click here to email Zack and register right now!
The Cardinals kick off the four-game series against Northwest Arkansas with Christmas in July on Thursday at 7:09pm. The festive evening features the Great Southern Bank Texas League Championship Trophy Snow Globe Giveaway (2,500). Thursday is also a Johnsonville “Buck a Brat” Night and will feature Missouri Lottery Baseball Bingo. Gates open at 6:09pm.
The series continues with a can’t-miss AM Pyrotechnics Friday Night Fireworks Show featuring Classic Rock Music this Friday after the 7:09pm game. Gates open at 6:09pm.
On Saturday, it’s the Hiland Dairy Texas League Championship Ceramic Ice Cream/Cereal Bowl Giveaway (2,500) with a 6:09pm First Pitch. Saturday will also feature the DSGO Step Up for Down Syndrome. Gates open at 5:09pm.
The homestand wraps up with a special evening this Sunday, featuring the Cline Dental Stan Musial Statue Giveaway (2,500). Sunday is also a Hiland Dairy Ice Cream Sunday with a free ice cream party for kids before the game, and all kids can run the bases after the game. First Pitch is 6:09pm with gates opening at 5:09pm.
For information about becoming a Season Ticket Holder, organizing a Group Outing, booking a Cake Pop Company Birthday Party or ordering Individual Game Tickets right now, call the Front Office at (417) 863-2143 or visit SpringfieldCardinals.com.
Click here for the Cardinals full 2013 Promotional Schedule and to get your tickets right now.
Escape to Cardinals Baseball!
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Springfield Cardinals. Click here to view the original story.
SAN JOSE, CA – The San Jose Giants announced today new dates for their final summer clinic at Municipal Stadium. The two-day session, originally scheduled for August 17-18, will now take place August 10-11 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the home of the San Jose Giants. Participants will not only have the chance to play on the same field as future Major Leaguers, but also be coached by current San Jose Giants players. Interested participants should contact San Jose Giants Account Executive and Camp Coordinator Taylor Wilding at (408) 380-4502 or email TaylorWilding@sjgiants.com.
“This two-day clinic is a truly unique opportunity for aspiring ballplayers to learn from current San Jose Giants,” said Wilding. “It will be a rare chance for boys and girls alike to learn from current professionals and improve their abilities while having fun playing baseball.”
In addition to the clinic, very limited spots remain for the San Jose Giants second summer camp session at Municipal Stadium Monday, August 5 through Thursday, August 8. The session will run from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM each day and will focus on teaching and refining baseball skills for campers ages 8 through 14. The camp session will feature a strong instructional staff filled with current and former collegiate baseball players. Fitness specialists from Crossfit Moxie, speed and vision trainers from Sensory Speed and nutrition personnel from Gatorade will also be on hand to coach and improve participants’ skills and health. Click here to reserve your spot before it is sold out!
For more information about the summer clinic or summer camp, please visit sjgiants.com or contact Taylor Wilding at (408) 380-4502 or email TaylorWilding@sjgiants.com.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the San Jose Giants. Click here to view the original story.
Woodbridge, VA-The 2nd Annual Guns vs. Hoses Charity Softball Game at Pfitzner Stadium is set for Sunday, August 11th in which Prince William County Police officers will engage in a standoff with the Yorkshire Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department with local bragging rights on the line.
For the second consecutive summer, men and women of the PWC Police Department and a selected area fire department will square off to benefit a charity chosen by the respective softball squads.
This year, the Guns vs. Hoses showdown will take place from 4:00pm – 5:15pm before the Potomac Nationals contest vs. the Carolina Mudcats (Cleveland Indians) at 6:05pm on 8/11 at The Pfitz.
Gates to Pfitzner Stadium will open to the public at 4:00pm to watch the softball classic.
“Our hometown heroes do so much in our communities, and without the full recognition they deserve. The Potomac Nationals will celebrate all they have done to serve us with an annual day of fun and softball that honors both the police and fire departments along with all of their families,” said Potomac Nationals Vice President/General Manager, Josh Olerud.
For each ticket to the P-Nats game sold by the PWC Police Department and the Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Department, the Potomac Nationals will donate $4 to the chosen charities for each softball team.
Representatives from the police and fire departments will have emergency vehicles displayed at the ballpark and activities for P-Nats fans to enjoy and participate in prior to the Potomac Nationals game.
All members of the PWC Police Department and the Yorkshire Fire Department will be recognized on the field before the game and in the middle of the 7th inning, a special rendition of God Bless America will honor the men and women who have lost their lives protecting their community.
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 2013 season tickets, mini plans, and individual game tickets are on sale now. Sponsorship opportunities for the ’13 season are still available. Plan your corporate outing now to see the future stars of the Washington Nationals 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 ticket office at 703-590-2311 for more!
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Potomac Nationals. Click here to view the original story.