Bisons’ Adoption of Buffalo High School Baseball Program Enters Fourth Season

Led by team owners Bob and Mindy Rich, the Buffalo Bisons have extended their adoption of the City of Buffalo High School Baseball Program for a fourth season in 2010. The adoption will include 14 high schools –with the recent additions of Buffalo Early Middle College and Vocational and Performing Arts High School- and the continuation of the “Junior Bisons” summer team.

The Rich Foundation and the Buffalo Bisons officially adopted the City of Buffalo High School Baseball Program in April of 2007 as a commitment to assist in the revival and development of the city’s high school program. In the four years since, the Bisons have facilitated and assisted in the funding of the renovation of Johnnie B. Wiley Stadium, provided stipends for each school to hire assistant coaches and purchased extensive baseball equipment for schools that lacked even basic supplies.

The Bisons have also invited teams to use the faculties located at Coca-Cola Field, including the team’s indoor batting cages. Each year, the Bisons coaches and players have held one-day clinics for both the coaches and players of Buffalo high school teams.

One of the highlights of this adoption is the Junior Bisons. Each year, around 18 players are selected from the 14 Buffalo public high schools for a team that competes in the scholastic division of the CEBA -the County of Erie Baseball Association. The team has made the post season in each of the past two seasons. Two former Junior Bisons are currently playing baseball at the collegiate level.

With the growing interest this adoption has created, the Bisons have also found it necessary to be active in Buffalo middle schools as well. In 2008, the Bisons assisted in the forming of the Buffalo Middle School Developmental Fall Baseball Program where three to four teams (60 total students) are formed from area seventh and eighth grade students. The season is run at no-cost to the players and is the first of its kind in the city of Buffalo. This league focuses on skill development, sportsmanship and team building.

Bisons adopt Buffalo Public School baseball program on April 23,2007. Pictured are Mindy Rich (far left), Bob Rich (second in from right) and Dave Thomas (far right), Athletic Director, City of Buffalo Public High Schools (now retired). (Photo by James P. McCoy Buffalo News staff photographer)

RoughRiders Host 3rd Annual ‘Riders Bowl

The Frisco RoughRiders Foundation hosted their 3rd Annual ‘Riders Bowl tournament on Wednesday, April 21st at Main Event in Frisco, TX. The entire 2010 RoughRiders Team participated in the event and all funds raised went to the Frisco RoughRiders Foundation.  The event raised over $6,000 for the RoughRiders foundation through registrations and silent auction/raffle ticket sales.

Over 100 people participated in the event and 19 out of 20 lanes were sold. First place was claimed by the team headed by ‘Riders pitchers Zach Phillips and Ryan Falcon. Second place went to the team that included infielder Marcus Lemon and the third place team included catcher Kevin Richardson.

All proceeds from the event benefited the RoughRiders Foundation.  The RoughRiders Foundation’s mission is to help families in North Texas through programs and events. In 2010 the Foundation has partnered with Frisco Family Services, The Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County, Gilda’s Club North Texas and The Frisco Miracle League.

Frisco RoughRiders Players before the bowling tournament.

 

 

 

Trenton Thunder Players Help Build A Home

Seven players for the Trenton Thunder, the Double-A Affiliate of the New York Yankees, volunteered at a Habitat for Humanity home build in East Trenton this morning.

The players who took part in the event were: RHP Grant Duff, RHP Eric Wordekemper, RHP Ryan Pope, RHP David Phelps, RHP D.J. Mitchell, OF Austin Krum and IF Justin Snyder.

The players worked on a duplex that has been under construction since March 2009.  They helped put  the “finishing touches” on the home including the installation of lattace to the back porch and working on the ceiling of the front porch.  One of the homes is expected to be completed and turned over to the new owners on Friday, April 30.  The Thunder front office staff spent December 2, 2009 at the same location installing sheet rock and siding.

Thunder pitcher Eric Wordekemper works on a home in East Trenton
Thunder players Eric Wordekemper (left) and Austin Krum (right) put the finishing touches on a home in East Trenton

“Pack the Park” Charity Program Expands for 2010

Once again this season Mondays at Arvest Ballpark will feature our popular community outreach initiative called “Pack the Park For Charity” as several different non-profit service agencies will enjoy the opportunity to raise funds and awareness for their specific cause. Each non-profit organization will generate revenue through the sale of discounted Naturals tickets for their specific game. This season the program will extend to Wednesday night games during the summer.

The selected charities will sell six dollar reserved tickets to a Naturals Monday or Wednesday home game, with a different major charity pre-selected for each Monday or Wednesday. The normal reserved ticket price is eight dollars. Three dollars per ticket sold will be given back to the charity. Supporters of the particular charity can also order tickets online or at the ticket window with a special unique codeword supplied to the charity to facilitate such sales. The more people “in the house” at Arvest Ballpark each Monday or Wednesday – the more revenue generated for the worthwhile cause.

The charities with their respective home games and pertinent contact information for the organizations are listed below:

5/17/2010: ALS Asscociation (Danielle Wood, 479-621-8700)
5/24/2010: The Jones Center (Jake Fout, 479-756-8090 ext. 2139)
6/2/2010: Miracle League (Peggy McCall, 501-940-3405)
6/7/2010: Kendrick Fincher Foundation (Rhonda Fincher, 479-986-9960)
6/21/2010: Ozark Guidance (Jane Guyton, 479-695-1240)
7/5/2010: Elizabeth Richardson Center (479-872-1800)
7/26/2010: Pagnozzi Charities (Sarah Eldridge, 479-443-2550)
8/4/2010: Children’s House (Ben McClintock, 479-872-7479 ext. 16)
8/9/2010: Single Parent Scholarship Fund (Anne Jackson, 479-750-4971)
8/18/2010: Circle of Life (Jessica Young, 479-750-6632)
8/23/2010: American Cancer Society (Lindsey Bowers, 479-750-2493)
9/2/2010: American Diabetes Association (Lori Jones Branlett, 479-464-4121 ext. 6859)

Each week’s Pack the Park Charity partner will also appear on the Jay and Brock Show on Hot Mix 101.9 the week prior to their date and some may also appear on KNWA News to raise awareness for their cause. To purchase tickets supporting these charities for their respective nights, please contact the charity using the contact information listed above.

For more information about Pack the Park for Charities, please contact Amanda Potter with the Naturals at 927-4900.

Charlotte Knights visit Levine Children’s Hospital

On April 19, 2010, children at Carolinas Medical Center Levine Children’s Hospital were treated with a visit from several Charlotte Knight’s ballplayers. The monthly visits are a part of the Knights ongoing outreach in the Charlotte and area community.

Levine’s 234-bed children’s hospital combines the medical expertise the community already relies on with a spectacular new state-of-the-art facility designed to care for the physical and emotional needs of children and their families.

The Knights’ players, personnel, and mascots make regular visits to the hospital to help provide hope, joy and fun activities for Levine’s patients and families. Besides making their monthly visits, players and personnel of the Charlotte Knights also keep in touch with several of Levine’s patients via e-mail and online communities such as Facebook.

Charlotte Knights Wes Whisler, Adam Ricks, Daniel Hudson, Erick Threets, Jeff Marquez and Brent Lillibridge visit with 6 year old Ben Aguallo. This picture was posted on Facebook by the Aguallo family immediately following the visit. The caption read: “One of Ben’s highlights…… meeting Pro Baseball Players… thank you Charlotte Knights!”

RATTLERS AND SUPPAN COLLECT 480LBS FOR ST. JOSEPH’S FOOD PROGRAM

The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, with the help of a rehab start by Milwaukee Brewers’ pitcher, Jeff Suppan, collected 480 pounds of non-perishable food items last Friday, the official start to the 2010 season.

The Timber Rattlers announced the “Bring Your Soup On in for Suppan” food drive to benefit St. Joseph’s Food Program shortly after they received official word that Jeff Suppan would be heading to Appleton to start the home opener on Friday, April 9.

The news quickly spread about the promotion in which fans who presented a non-perishable food item would receive a half price ticket to Opening Night. The canned goods piled up in the box office and added up to a total donation of 480 pounds from the 2,268 tickets sold. The food was delivered to the pantry Monday morning.

The Timber Rattlers and St. Joe’s thank all of the fans who donated to the food drive.

“Home Runs for Heroes” Recipients Announced

The BlueClaws, OceanFirst Foundation, 92.7 WOBM and 1160 WOBM-AM are happy to announce the 2010 recipient charities for this season’s “Home Runs for Heroes” program. This will be the program’s second season. Last year, OceanFirst donated $24,000 to local charities that provide essential support to veterans and active members of the United States military after every BlueClaws home run at FirstEnergy Park.

This season’s recipients are the American Red Cross, American Recreational Military Services (ARMS), Army Emergency Relief (Fort Dix), Army Emergency Relief (Fort Monmouth), Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (Earle), Navy-Marine Corps Relief (Lakehurst), Catholic Charities Diocese of Trenton, National Guard State Family Readiness Council and Vetgroup.

Like last year, the program will tie each position on the field (not including pitcher, but including designated hitter) with one of the randomly selected participant charities. Each home run by the BlueClaws at home this year will bring a $1,000 donation to the corresponding charity courtesy of OceanFirst Foundation. In addition to the grant money received, each organization will receive publicity at the ballpark and on WOBM AM and FM.

“Last year’s program was a smashing success and we’re looking forward to an even bigger season in 2010,” said Katherine Durante, Executive Director of OceanFirst Foundation. “Our servicemen and women give the ultimate sacrifice and this is a great way to support soldiers and their families here at home.”

“WOBM-AM and FM is proud to play a part in Home Runs for Heroes this year,” said Kevin Williams, Vice President of Millennium Radio New Jersey. “This is a very significant cause that is close to all of our hearts. We hope that the BlueClaws hit a lot of home runs.”

Results will be updated throughout the year on BlueClaws.com, OceanFirstFdn.org, Wobm.com, BlueClaws radio broadcasts and during all BlueClaws home games at FirstEnergy Park. All charities will have a representative interviewed on the Ocean County Breakfast Show by Shawn Michaels and Sue Moll on 92.7 WOBM.

Founded in 1996, OceanFirst Foundation is the first foundation in the country to be established by a bank as part of an initial public offering. OceanFirst’s contributions to local charities continue to grow. In 2009, OceanFirst Foundation donated more than $1.2 million to community initiatives. OceanFirst Foundation has contributed approximately $20 million to over 600 local charities in Ocean, Monmouth and Middlesex counties since its inception. Its four priorities include Housing, Health and Wellness, Improving the Quality of Life, and Youth Development.

Lookouts, SunTrust and Fans Team Up to Benefit Food Bank

The Lookouts have partnered with SunTrust Bank to introduce “SunTrust Sundays” to benefit the Chattanooga Area Food Bank at AT&T Field this season.

For every Sunday game this season, with the exception of July 4th, fans are encouraged to bring canned food items to AT&T Field to put in the bed of the Lookout’s Dodger Blue antique truck parked outside the stadium. On SunTrust Sundays, each fan that donates food items will receive a free general admission ticket for that Sunday’s game. Tickets will be distributed on a “per person” basis and are subject to availability. The canned food items will be donated to the Chattanooga Area Food Bank.

“We are excited to partner with SunTrust to help the Chattanooga Food Bank, and utilize this opportunity to help our community, too.” said Lookouts Owner/President/General Manager Frank Burke.

“SunTrust Bank is looking forward hosting SunTrust Sundays and helping strike out hunger,” said Alexandra Santiago, Director of Sales and Marketing at SunTrust. “SunTrust Sundays is a solid partnership that enables us to encourage Lookouts Fans to help the Chattanooga Area Food Bank while enjoying a ballgame at AT&T Field.”

The Chattanooga Food Bank, whose mission is to feed the hungry by linking America’s food bounty with those in need, distributed nearly 8.8 million pounds of food to more than 125,000 families in need last year.

“The Food Bank is excited that Lookouts fans are joining our mission to feed the hungry. Food donated at Lookouts games will help replenish our Emergency Food Box pantry,” said Gary Paul, Development Director of the Chattanooga Area Food. “During the past two years, we have seen a big increase in demand for food assistance. Last year we gave out 17,000 food boxes to families in our community, twelve percent more than the year before. I cannot think of a better way to fight hunger: help your neighbors and see a great game!”

RiverDogs Team Up with Charleston Miracle League

Fans who frequent Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park on a nightly basis hear the crack of the bat, the roar of the Charleston faithful and the laughter and joy that permeates the air.

In another part of Charleston, there exists another game for those who will never play in the big leagues, but the enthusiasm and teamwork that persists makes this a league where dreams become reality.

The Charleston RiverDogs most recent monthly volunteer project involved an afternoon spent with the Charleston Miracle League, which gives children and adults with special needs (i.e. mental and/or physical challenges) the opportunity to play baseball, for free, in formally organized league at a state-of-the-art complex in the City of Charleston’s Forrest Park Playground located in West Ashley built specifically for them.

“The City of Charleston and our fans have brought so much joy to Joseph P. Riley Park through the years,” said RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols. “It’s always great to get the opportunity to give something back to our deserving community, especially by teaming up with such a great organization as the Charleston Miracle League.”

The heart of this complex is our specially designed, rubberized-surface Joe Griffith Miracle Field, which allows players to fully participate regardless of their challenges. In addition, our complex boasts a fully functional concession stand, press box, covered picnic pavilion and handicap accessible restroom suites complete with lifts. Covered stands with viewing platforms ensure that everyone, regardless of his or her abilities, can enjoy watching a Miracle League game.

In addition, the CML is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that teaches volunteers of all ages, who typically serve as buddies for our players, the value of giving back to others and their community.

The Charleston Miracle League also engages in a yearly partnership with the Cooper River Bridge Run called “Bridging the Gap Through Baseball.” Interested participants may sign up for the bridge run as a representative of the league with 100% of the proceeds raised from this going directly to helping the Charleston Miracle League fund their Youth and Adult league programs. For 2010, the Charleston Miracle League has been selected as one of the official 2010 Cooper River Bridge Run charities.
For more information about the league or to donate or become a volunteer, visit the league’s website online at www.charlestonmiracleleauge.org.

FLORIDA STATE LEAGUE PARTNERS WITH MARLINS TO AWARD SCHOLARSHIPS

For the past 11 years the Florida Marlins and the Florida State League have paired up to fund the Florida State League Scholarship Program. The purpose of the program is to encourage and reward school-aged applicants with $1,500 scholarships, sending them a message that education is the key to success in life. Since the inception of the program, over a 120 scholarships have been awarded. If you would like to donate to the Florida State League Scholarships please call 305-623-6497.

“The scholarship that I received last summer has meant a lot to me. It helped me pay for much more of my tuition last semester than I would normally be able to pay. Since I was fortunate enough to receive this award, I have been able to focus on my classes and not worry so much about my financial status as a student.”– Cory Wilder, Jupiter Hammerheads FSL Scholarship Winner

Winning the award before heading off to college was a great way to end my high school career and look forward to the future. I felt very welcomed by the Florida Marlins Community Foundation and the Florida State League organizations upon receiving the award and appreciate what they have done for the community and myself.”– Michael Maggio, Tampa Yankees FSL Scholarship Winner

“The Florida State League scholarship was a huge accomplishment for me. The scholarship allowed me the opportunity to begin graduate school and work towards a master’s degree in Sports Administration. I am so thankful to the Florida State League offices and the Florida Marlins Community Foundation for allowing me this opportunity.”– Adam Vilk, Palm Beach Cardinals FSL Scholarship Winner

Mascot Musical Teaches Students

The Indianapolis Indians are proud to announce that their mascot Rowdie, along with a team of actors from the Actors Theatre of Indiana, is currently participating in the second season of the educational program “Rowdie: Home Run for Health”.

The play is designed to entertain and educate elementary school students on the “bases” of scoring a healthy home run in the game of life. The play’s script pays special attention to three key areas of a healthy lifestyle: nutrition, exercise and personal hygiene.

Indianapolis Indians Community Relations Manager Ryan Bowman expressed that the play acts as an add-on for the information students are already learning.

“Rowdie: Home Run for Health was started to reinforce the healthy lifestyle lessons taught in our local elementary schools. We are extremely excited to work with the Actors Theatre of Indiana in the development of such a fantastic learning mechanism for young students.”

This program evolved due to the need for improved awareness of childhood obesity. After speaking with local elementary school officials and parents, the staff behind the play learned that many school districts rated child obesity as their biggest challenge to overcome in their schools.

The 25-minute play plans to journey to more than 30 Indianapolis-area schools, with the final performance to be held on Thursday, April 1. Aside from a free viewing of the show, each student also receives a multi-page Rowdie Fun & Fitness Activity Book filled with great activities and games promoting the play’s message of a healthy lifestyle.

The show itself includes a hand-created Victory Field backdrop accompanied with its very own flip down food pyramid. The play also features many baseball themed song and dance routines such as “Food for Thought” and “Let’s Get Some Exercise”.

Legends ‘radiothon’ benefits Big Brothers, Big Sisters

A “radiothon” staged by the Lexington Legends and the LM Communications radio group raised $8,200 in donations to Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Bluegrass.

LM’s Lexington radio stations presented special segments highlighting the BBBS program Friday, February 26 from noon to 8 p.m. and Saturday, February 27 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The live broadcasts originated from Fayette Mall in Lexington and featured LM personalities as well as Legends representatives. Listeners were invited to call and make donations to BBBS, and the Legends donated 50 percent of any baseball ticket sales made during the radiothon to BBBS.

“For many years now, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Bluegrass has played a critical role in the development of kids and youth in our community, changing countless lives for the better,” said Legends Director of Marketing Seth Poteat. “Along with the good people at LM Communications, we’re proud to be associated with such an important organization and look forward to continuing our relationship during our 10th anniversary season and beyond.”

The LM group’s Lexington stations include WLXG -1300 AM, WLXO – 96.1 FM, WBVX – B92, WGKS- KISS FM 96.9, WCDA – Your 106.3, and WBTF, The Beat 107.9.

The Legends and LM communications have been partners for Legends game broadcasts throughout the team’s history, with WLXG serving as the Legends’ flagship station. This year, the primary focus for the annual pre-season radiothon shifted from the sale of season tickets to the support of BBBS.

“The Lexington Legends are a class organization that cares deeply about the children throughout the Bluegrass region,” said Dale Suttles, CEO of Big Brothers/Big Sisters. “Our most sincere thanks go out to the Legends team, along with LM Communications, for a very successful event.”

Big Brothers of Lexington was chartered in 1957 as a non-profit corporation in Kentucky to serve boys from single parent homes. Big Sisters was added in 1977, and today the agency is known as Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bluegrass, Inc. The organization’s mission is to create and support relationships that provide consistent, positive, one-to-one interaction between a single parent child and an adult volunteer who will be an advisor and friend on the journey from childhood to adulthood.

Spinners Behind-the-Scenes Wine Tasting a Hit for CVB

The Lowell Spinners, Class-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, held a special fundraising event at LeLacheur park Thursday, February 18 to benefit the Merrimack Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau, who have seen a 70 percent slash in their funding and 90 percent of their staff cut in the previous months.

The Spinners opened their gates on a cold February night allowing patrons an all-access behind the scenes pass rarely given to the general public. Fans were granted access to the Spinners front offices, clubhouse and locker room for a night of wine, food and beer tasting not soon to be forgotten.

Wine vendors organized by Tutto Bene of Lowell sampled their product in the clubhouse once called home by everyone from Jonathan Papelbon to Kevin Youkilis, with jerseys hung in each stall.

Beer samples were provided by Merrimack Valley Distributors, allowing fans to sample the newest products from Sam Adams, Ipswich Ale and Longtrail Ale, with additional wine provided by Celebrity Wines, including pinots represented by Red Sox stars including David Ortiz and Youkilis.

The office typically manned by Spinners manager Gary DiSarcina was turned into a relaxation hotspot as the ladies from Body Destinations in Tewksbury offered complimentary chair massages.

In the Spinners conference room were the stars of the night: the 2004 and 2007 Boston Red Sox World Series trophies, ripe for photographs.

With tickets sold for $50 each and a silent auction of sports memrobilia, the event raised over $6,000 for the CVB in their time of need.

Kelly Larosa from Samuel Adams posing with beer samples and the Red Sox 2004 World Series trophy. (Photo by John Corneau/Lowell Spinners)
Curtis Lemay and Jeffrey Cohen sampling food and wine from Cobblestones/Moonstones in the Spinners clubhouse. (Photo by John Corneau/Lowell Spinners)

RiverDogs Paint House, Picture of Hope for Windwood Farm Children’s Home

While the Charleston RiverDogs have jumped full-fledged into their new “Be Your Own Fan” marketing campaign for the 2010 season, the slogan does not merely refer to individual perspective concerning gameday enjoyment and promotions, but also to what it means to support humanitarian volunteer efforts outside of the ballpark.

On Tuesday, the RiverDogs front office staff paid a visit to the Windwood Farm Home for Children in Awendaw to paint one of the organization’s houses and to learn more of its overall mission.

”Our monthly service projects allow us to give something back and show citizens that our goal is to be service-driven citizens both at Riley Park and in the community,” said RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols.  “The responsibility that we have to serve the community is one that we proudly take, and are a fan of doing so.”

Windwood Farm Home for Children is a private, not-for-profit treatment facility for young boys who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect or violent and unstable home situations.   Local businessman Joseph L. Tamsberg, Jr. founded Windwood Farm in 1985 when he donated property along the Wando River that borders Francis Marion National Forest in Awendaw.  For almost 25 years, Windwood Farm has helped hundreds of young boys deal effectively with their violent and abusive pasts and move toward a more hopeful future.

Windwood Farm provides residential group care services to 28 “at-risk” boys between the ages of 5 and 16.  These children are considered to be “at-risk” because they are most likely (because of childhood abuse and trauma) to engage in anti-social, self-destructive, and/or criminal behavior.  Their life circumstances have left them in need of intense, round-the-clock supervision and care by professionals trained in interventions that assist in the healing process.

Windwood Farm Home for Children will celebrate its Silver Anniversary on October 15, 2010 – a quarter century of service to children of the Lowcountry.  Since October 2009, in recognition of this milestone, Windwood has initiated a year-long celebration of their history and progress with a theme “25 Years of Restoring Hope to Children.”

As part of their monthly volunteer ventures, the RiverDogs have also donated their time at Crisis Ministries, Habitat for Humanity, Keep Charleston Beautiful and the South Carolina Oyster Restoration and Enhancement (SCORE) program.

RiverDogs help Winwood Farms:

Donald Moore Receives Unsung Community Hero Award

The Joseph M. Bryan Foundation announced Thursday that Donald Moore, President and General Manager of the Greensboro Grasshoppers, earned its 2010 Unsung Community Hero Award.

The Bryan Foundation awards this honor annually in recognition of individuals who have made significant contributions to the community, but whose good works are not widely recognized.

“I am extremely humbled to have been selected from amongst my peers for this prestigious distinction,” said Moore. “As a life-long resident of Greensboro, I have tremendous passion for this community and the potential that it holds.”

Carole Bruce, a member of the board of directors of the Bryan Foundation, presented the award to Moore during the Bryan Foundation’s annual luncheon and meeting, with his family and staff present.

As part of the award, the Bryan Foundation will give $25,000 to the Atlantic Coast Conference in Moore’s honor to be used on behalf of the ACC Baseball Tournament that will be hosted in May at NewBridge Bank Park.

Under his leadership, the Hoppers have welcomed over 2.1 million fans in their first five seasons, becoming the only Class A team in the history of Minor League Baseball to draw over 400,000 fans and grow its attendance four straight years in a new ballpark.

The Grasshoppers were the proud recipients of the South Atlantic League’s Club Merit Award four of the past five years, with Donald garnering additional accolades as the league’s General Manager of the Year Award in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008.  Baseball America honored Moore and the Grasshoppers with the prestigious Bob Freitas Award for the Single-A level in 2008.

Moore has created several college scholarship funds, including the Bill Lee Memorial Scholarship and the Charlie Harville Memorial Scholarship. He currently sits on the board of The Bryan Family YMCA, The Guilford County Sports Hall of Fame, Downtown Greensboro, Inc., and is President-Elect of the Greensboro Sports Council.