Redbirds Give Back To Community As Part of “Homers That Help” 

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MEMPHIS, Tennessee— In conjunction with Minor League Baseball, the Memphis Redbirds are honored to be giving back to their local community during their final 10 games in the 2021 Minor League Baseball season. The Redbirds will be donating to Memphis Little League as they participate in the “Homers That Help” program, which assists local charities in all 30 Triple-A cities.

For each home run hit by Triple-A teams (home and road games) during the Triple-A Final Stretch, Minor League Baseball will donate $50 per home run to a local charity selected by the team. The team hitting the most home runs over the 10-game span will generate an extra $5,000 donation for their charity.

Memphis has brought out the power bats recently, smacking seven home runs in their last five games. For the season, the Redbirds have hit 126 home runs. Juan Yepez leads the team with 21 homers so far this season.

“On behalf of all the players, parents and volunteers at Memphis Little League, we are honored that our organization has been selected as a recipient of the Homers that Help program,” said Kerry Cobb, President of Memphis Little League. “At Memphis Little League, we look to inspires inner city youth to use baseball as an instrument to achieve their goals, on and off the field through leadership, teamwork, accountability, and sportsmanship. The support and advocacy from this charitable program will help us meet our obligation in offering youth baseball to the children in the Greater Memphis area. We are truly grateful to the Memphis Redbirds for recognizing our program for this special moment.”

“It is our honor to take part in the ‘Homers That Help’ program and help Memphis Little League during the ‘Final Stretch’ of the 2021 Minor League Baseball season,” said Craig Unger, President and General Manager of the Memphis Redbirds. “Being part of the greater Memphis community is something we never take for granted. We are thrilled to help our neighbors in any way we can and continue to promote baseball throughout the region.”

“Minor League Baseball teams have long been great community partners, and we are pleased to make a donation to each of these local charities on behalf of our Triple-A teams for their performance during the Triple-A Final Stretch,” said Major League Baseball’s Vice President, Minor League Operations and Development, Peter Woodfork. “These charities provide a variety of valuable services to their community, and it is our honor to recognize their efforts.”

Tickets for the five remaining Redbirds home games this season can be purchased at MemphisRedbirds.com/tickets, or by calling 901-721-6000. Tickets for all premium and group areas also remain on sale. All tickets will remain digital; paper tickets will not be issued. AutoZone Park will continue to enforce a clear bag policy and operate as a cashless venue. For the latest protocols and procedures visit memphisredbirds.com.

About Memphis Redbirds

The Memphis Redbirds are the proud Triple-A Affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals. Memphis has claimed four League Championships and one Triple-A National Championship since their affiliation with St. Louis began in 1998. For the latest team news, follow the Redbirds on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Triple-A Final Stretch To Benefit Durham Bulls Youth Athletic League

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Minor League Baseball has announced a charitable component to the ten-game Triple-A Final Stretch that will benefit 501(c)3 charities in each Triple-A city, including Durham.

For each home run hit by the Bulls over those ten games, Minor League Baseball will donate $50 per home run to the Durham Bulls Youth Athletic League. Should the Bulls hit the most home runs of any Triple-A team over that ten-game span, an additional $5,000 will be donated to the Durham Bulls Youth Athletic League.

Durham’s Triple-A Final Stretch slate of games begins at Durham Bulls Athletic Park on Wednesday, September 22 with the Final Five presented by Fifth Third Bank, as the Bulls face the Gwinnett Stripers, the Triple-A Affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. In 120 regular season games this season, the Bulls bashed 175 home runs, the fifth-highest total among all 30 Triple-A squads, including the second-best tally in the Triple-A East League.

The Durham Bulls Youth Athletic League (DBYAL) has enriched the lives of youth for more than 25 years. Through partnerships with churches, schools, and other youth recreation organizations, DBYAL provides recreational baseball free of charge to youngsters in the City of Durham.

“Minor League Baseball teams have long been great community partners, and we are pleased to make a donation to each of these local charities on behalf of our Triple-A teams for their performance during the Triple-A Final Stretch,” said Major League Baseball’s Vice President, Minor League Operations and Development, Peter Woodfork. “These charities provide a variety of valuable services to their community, and it is our honor to recognize their efforts.”

Tickets for the Final Five 2021 Bulls home games presented by Fifth Third Bank are on sale now. Group outings and season tickets or mini plans can also be purchased at durhambulls.com, or by calling the Mako Medical Ticket Office at 919.956.BULL.

MiLB To Donate $50 Per Bats Home Run To Boys & Girls Club Of Kentuckiana

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LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) today announced the creation of a charitable component to the 10-game Triple-A Final Stretch of games that will benefit 501(c)3 charities in each Triple-A city.

For each home run hit by Triple-A teams (home and road games) during the Triple-A Final Stretch, Minor League Baseball will donate $50 per home run to a local charity selected by the team. The team hitting the most home runs over the 10-game span will generate an extra $5,000 donation for their charity.

The Louisville Bats have selected the Boys & Girls Club of Kentuckiana as the beneficiary for donations.

The Bats begin their 10-game Final Stretch Wednesday against the Toledo Mud Hens (Triple-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers) at 1 p.m. at Louisville Slugger Field. The team’s Final Stretch includes a five-game series vs. Toledo (Sept. 22-26) and at Columbus (Sept. 29 – Oct. 3).

“Minor League Baseball teams have long been great community partners, and we are pleased to make a donation to each of these local charities on behalf of our Triple-A teams for their performance during the Triple-A Final Stretch,” said Major League Baseball’s Vice President, Minor League Operations and Development, Peter Woodfork. “These charities provide a variety of valuable services to their community, and it is our honor to recognize their efforts.”

Storm Chasers to participate in “Homers That Help” charity campaign during Triple-A Final Stretch

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PAPILLION, Neb. – Minor League Baseball announced Tuesday a charitable component to the 10-game Triple-A Final Stretch that will benefit 501(c)3 charities in each Triple-A city.

The Omaha Storm Chasers have partnered with B&B Sports Academy, a community-based athletic center in Omaha that builds body, mind, and character of young people, including at-risk youth in need of positive, structured activities. Opened in October of 2013, B&B Sports Academy was created by world champion boxer Terence “Bud” Crawford and Brian “BoMac” McIntyre, both Omaha natives.

For each home run hit by the Storm Chasers during the 10-game Triple-A Final Stretch (home and road), Minor League Baseball will donate $50 to B&B Sports Academy. Minor League Baseball is also donating to charities of choice for the other 29 Triple-A teams. The team that hits the most home runs during the Triple-A Final Stretch will also generate an extra $5,000 donation to their charity.

“We’re excited to be able to able to give back to our community and grateful to Minor League Baseball for creating this charity campaign,” Storm Chasers Vice President and General Manager Laurie Schlender said. “B&B Sports Academy does great work for youth in the Omaha metro and we’re proud to be able to help support their programs and initiatives.”

“Minor League Baseball teams have long been great community partners, and we are pleased to make a donation to each of these local charities on behalf of our Triple-A teams for their performance during the Triple-A Final Stretch,” said Major League Baseball’s Vice President, Minor League Operations and Development, Peter Woodfork. “These charities provide a variety of valuable services to their community, and it is our honor to recognize their efforts.”

The Storm Chasers hit 207 home runs during the 120-game regular season, the most in Minor League Baseball. Omaha has hit at least one home run in 95 games and at least two home runs in 57 games, including each of the last five. The Storm Chasers have averaged a franchise-record 1.73 home runs per game in 2021.

The Storm Chasers begin the Triple-A Final Stretch on Wednesday, beginning a five-game series against the Indianapolis Indians (PIT) at Werner Park. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. and coverage begins at 6:45 p.m. CT with the Sarpy County Tourism Pregame Show on 1180 The Zone.

A special ticket package for the Triple-A Final Stretch—which includes the final five home games of the 2021 season from Sept. 22-Sept. 26—is available now. For tickets and more information, visit omahastormchasers.com or call the Werner Park Ticket Office at (402) 738-5100 and follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Homers That Help: Final Stretch to benefit Wyoming Valley Challenger Baseball 

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MOOSIC, PA (September 21, 2021) – Minor League Baseball™ has announced the creation of a charitable component to Triple-A Baseball’s Final Stretch, the 10-game close of the 2021 season, that will benefit a 501(c)3 charity in each Triple-A city. For each home run hit by Triple-A teams (home and road games) during the Triple-A Final Stretch, Minor League Baseball will donate $50 per home run to a local charity selected by the team.

Wyoming Valley Challenger Baseball has been tabbed as the benefactor of each home run that the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders hit during the final 10 games of 2021.

In addition to the $50 per home run donation, the Triple-A team that hits the most home runs over the upcoming 10-game span will generate an extra $5,000 donation for their charity.

“Minor League Baseball teams have long been great community partners, and we are pleased to make a donation to each of these local charities on behalf of our Triple-A teams for their performance during the Triple-A Final Stretch,” said Major League Baseball’s Vice President, Minor League Operations and Development, Peter Woodfork. “These charities provide a variety of valuable services to their community, and it is our honor to recognize their efforts.”

“The yearly support we have received from the Scranton/Wilkes Barre RailRiders has been remarkable and such a huge boost for our organization,” said Larry Wills, President of Wyoming Valley Challenger Baseball. “I would really like to thank the front office staff and players for the continued support and all that they do for these incredible kids. Now… Let’s swing for the fences!”

The RailRiders host the Syracuse Mets from September 22 through 26 before traveling to Rochester from September 29 through October 3 for their Final Stretch. Tickets are available at swbrailriders.com.

Round Rock Express Join “Homers That Help” Campaign

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ROUND ROCK, Texas – Minor League Baseball announced on Tuesday morning the creation of a charitable component to the Triple-A Final Stretch of games that will benefit 501(c)3 charities in each Triple-A city. The Round Rock Express are honored to join the “Homers That Help” campaign to benefit RBI Austin.

For each home run hit by the Express during the 10-game Triple-A Final Stretch, Minor League Baseball will donate $50 to RBI Austin. The Triple-A club that hits the most home runs during the Final Stretch will also generate an extra $5,000 donation for their charity. Through 118 games this season, the Express have blasted 162 total home runs, including at least one longball in each of the last 18 consecutive games.

“Minor League Baseball teams have long been great community partners, and we are pleased to make a donation to each of these local charities on behalf of our Triple-A teams for their performance during the Triple-A Final Stretch,” Major League Baseball’s Vice President of Minor League Operations and Development Peter Woodfork said. “These charities provide a variety of valuable services to their community, and it is our honor to recognize their efforts.”

RBI Austin is a local 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that exists to engage and develop inner-city Austin youth athletically, academically, and spiritually, empowering them to lead the transformation of their communities. Serving over 1,400 kids annually, RBI Austin makes baseball and softball affordable and accessible for all youth in Austin, regardless of their age, skill level or family life.

Round Rock is set to host the Tacoma Rainiers (Seattle Mariners affiliate) during the club’s home portion of the Triple-A Final Stretch. The Express and Rainiers will face off in a five-game set from Thursday, September 23 through Monday, September 27 in the final series of the season at Dell Diamond. The E-Train then heads south to meet the Sugar Land Skeeters (Houston Astros affiliate) for five games at Constellation Field from Wednesday, September 29 through Sunday, October 3 to finish the 2021 season.

The Triple-A Final Stretch is a new postseason format that follows the current 120-game Triple-A championship season schedule. All Triple-A Clubs will play five home games and five road games during the Final Stretch. Among the 30 total Triple-A Clubs, a single 2021 Triple-A Final Stretch Winner will be crowned based on the highest overall winning percentage during the 10-game stretch. The winning club will also be awarded a prize from Major League Baseball.

Single game tickets are on sale now. For more information about the Express, visit RRExpress.com or call (512) 255-2255. Subscribe to the E-Train email newsletter and keep up with the Express on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

Triple-A Final Stretch to Benefit Local Charity

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New York, NY, September 21, 2021 — Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) today announced the creation of a charitable component to the 10-game Triple-A Final Stretch of games that will benefit 501(c)3 charities in each Triple-A city.

For each home run hit by Triple-A teams (home and road games) during the Triple-A Final Stretch, Minor League Baseball will donate $50 per home run to a local charity selected by the team. The team hitting the most home runs over the 10-game span will generate an extra $5,000 donation for their charity.

The Triple-A Final Stretch begins on September 22nd as the Knights will host the Norfolk Tides from Truist Field. The Knights have selected Baseball For Life as this year’s charity to receive these donations.

Baseball For Life looks to teach young people throughout the Charlotte community the importance of our four pillars of Character – Service, Stewardship, Leadership and Ownership. These skills are important in the game of baseball are in life. The role of Baseball For Life is to effectively coordinate and channel these our community’s resources in a way which most positively impacts young people. Although Baseball For Life will continue to evolve over the years its initial tangible influence on the community’s youth will be felt primarily through five on-going initiatives.

“Minor League Baseball teams have long been great community partners, and we are pleased to make a donation to each of these local charities on behalf of our Triple-A teams for their performance during the Triple-A Final Stretch,” said Major League Baseball’s Vice President, Minor League Operations and Development,

Peter Woodfork. “These charities provide a variety of valuable services to their community, and it is our honor to recognize their efforts.”

Minor League Baseball consists of 120 teams across four classification levels (Low-A, High-A, Double-A and Triple-A) that are affiliated with Major League Baseball’s 30 teams. Fans flock to Minor League Baseball games to see baseball’s future stars and experience the affordable family-friendly entertainment that has been a staple of Minor League Baseball since 1901. For more information, visit MiLB.com. Follow Minor League Baseball on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Indians Select Indy RBI as Triple-A Final Stretch Beneficiary

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INDIANAPOLIS – Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) today announced the creation of a “Homers That Help” campaign, a charitable component to the 10-game Triple-A Final Stretch of games that will benefit 501(c)3 charities in each Triple-A city. The Indianapolis Indians selected Indy RBI, the exclusive affiliate of Major League Baseball’s Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities initiative, as the Circle City beneficiary.

MiLB will donate $50 to Indy RBI for every home run hit by the Indians over the final 10 games. Further, the Triple-A team to finish with the most home runs over the 10-game span will generate an extra $5,000 donation from MiLB to its respective charity.

“The last two years have been the most stable Indy RBI has been financially thanks to the Indianapolis Indians and Indianapolis Indians Charities,” said Mike Lennox, Indy RBI Executive Director. “We’ve been able to focus our efforts on getting kids to play baseball and softball while having fun and maintaining good sportsmanship. We are thankful for Minor League Baseball’s donation which will contribute to our success next season.”

The Indians belted 120 home runs through their first 119 games of the season. Individually, Indiana native Hunter Owen leads the club with a career-high tying 19 homers.

“We are excited that our powerful lineup will lead to a powerful community impact during the Triple-A Final Stretch,” said Randy Lewandowski, Indianapolis Indians President and General Manager. “Indy RBI provides great opportunities for inner-city youth to play baseball and softball, and we’re thankful for Minor League Baseball’s contribution to one of our greatest community partners and nonprofits in every Triple-A market.”

The Triple-A Final Stretch begins tonight when Jacksonville hosts Memphis. The Indians begin their Final Stretch games tomorrow with the series opener of a five-game set at Omaha.

“Minor League Baseball teams have long been great community partners, and we are pleased to make a donation to each of these local charities on behalf of our Triple-A teams for their performance during the Triple-A Final Stretch,” said Major League Baseball’s Vice President, Minor League Operations and Development, Peter Woodfork. “These charities provide a variety of valuable services to their community, and it is our honor to recognize their efforts.

Tickets for Indy’s final five-game homestand against the Nashville Sounds are still available. To purchase, visit IndyIndians.com or contact the Victory Field Box Office at (317) 269-3545 or [email protected].

Hens to participate in Homers That Help campaign

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Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) today announced the creation of a charitable component to the 10-game Triple-A Final Stretch of games that will benefit 501(c)3 charities in each Triple-A city.

For each home run hit by Triple-A teams (home and road games) during the Triple-A Final Stretch, Minor League Baseball will donate $50 per home run to a local charity selected by the team. The team hitting the most home runs over the 10-game span will generate an extra $5,000 donation for their charity.

The Mud Hens have selected the Boys & Girls Club of Toledo as the charity to receive these donations. The Boys & Girls Club aims to enable all young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens.

The Triple-A Final Stretch begins tonight, when Jacksonville hosts Memphis, while the remaining Triple-A clubs will begin their Final Stretch games on Sept. 22 or 23.

“Minor League Baseball teams have long been great community partners, and we are pleased to make a donation to each of these local charities on behalf of our Triple-A teams for their performance during the Triple-A Final Stretch,” said Major League Baseball’s Vice President, Minor League Operations and Development, Peter Woodfork. “These charities provide a variety of valuable services to their community, and it is our honor to recognize their efforts.”

Triple-A Final Stretch to Benefit Local Charities 

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New York, NY, September 21, 2021 — Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) today announced the creation of a charitable component to the 10-game Triple-A Final Stretch of games that will benefit 501(c)3 charities in each Triple-A city.

For each home run hit by Triple-A teams (home and road games) during the Triple-A Final Stretch, Minor League Baseball will donate $50 per home run to a local charity selected by the team. The team hitting the most home runs over the 10-game span will generate an extra $5,000 donation for their charity.

The Triple-A Final Stretch begins tonight, when Jacksonville hosts Memphis, while the remaining Triple-A clubs will begin their Final Stretch games on Sept. 22 or 23. The Clippers will open their Final Stretch on Wednesday, September 22 in Nashville and return home to Huntington Park on Wednesday, September 29 against Louisville.

“Minor League Baseball teams have long been great community partners, and we are pleased to make a donation to each of these local charities on behalf of our Triple-A teams for their performance during the Triple-A Final Stretch,” said Major League Baseball’s Vice President, Minor League Operations and Development, Peter Woodfork. “These charities provide a variety of valuable services to their community, and it is our honor to recognize their efforts.”

“The Triple-A Final Stretch is another chance for us to strengthen our long standing relationship with the Buckeye Ranch,” said Clippers President and General Manager Ken Schnacke. “In celebration of the final five games of the 2021 season at Huntington Park, September 29 – October 3, all Reserved and Bleacher Seats are just $5!”

The local charities selected to receive the donation include:

Albuquerque Isotopes – Enlace Comunitario

Buffalo Bisons – WNY Heroes

Charlotte Knights – Baseball For Life

Columbus Clippers – The Buckeye Ranch

Durham Bulls – Durham Bulls Youth Athletic League

El Paso Chihuahuas – El Paso Border Youth Athletic Association

Gwinnett Stripers – Atlanta Trans Housing Coalition

Indianapolis Indians – Indianapolis RBI

Iowa Cubs – Kiwanis Miracle League

Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp – 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project

Las Vegas Aviators – YMCA of Southern Nevada

Lehigh Valley IronPigs – Boys & Girls Club of Allentown

Louisville Bats – Boys & Girls Club of Kentuckiana

Memphis Redbirds – Memphis Little League

Nashville Sounds – Nashville RBI

Norfolk Tides – Booker T. Washington High School Friends and Alumni Association

Oklahoma City Dodgers – Cleats For Kids

Omaha Storm Chasers – B&B Sports Academy

Reno Aces – District 1 Little League

Rochester Red Wings – Pirate Toy Fund

Round Rock Express – Austin RBI

Sacramento River Cats – California Fire Foundation

St. Paul Saints – ACES4KIDS

Salt Lake Bees – Sons of Baseball Foundation

Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Rail Riders – Wyoming Valley Challenger Baseball

Sugar Land Skeeters – Sugar Land Little League

Syracuse Mets – Syracuse Challenger Baseball

Tacoma Rainiers – Rebuilding Together South Sound

Toledo Mud Hens – Boys & Girls Club of Toledo

Worcester Red Sox – Why Me & Sherry’s House

###

About Minor League Baseball

Minor League Baseball consists of 120 teams across four classification levels (Low-A, High-A, Double-A and Triple-A) that are affiliated with Major League Baseball’s 30 teams. Fans flock to Minor League Baseball games to see baseball’s future stars and experience the affordable family-friendly entertainment that has been a staple of Minor League Baseball since 1901. For more information, visit MiLB.com. Follow Minor League Baseball on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Maimonides Park to Host Pete Alonso Homers for Heroes Charity Event September 27

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Join us at Maimonides Park on Monday, September 27th for The Battle of the Boroughs presented by Citi. Watch the top youth baseball players from around NYC compete in a home run derby hosted by Pete Alonso. The event will start at 7:00 PM with gates opening at 6:00 PM. Pete will be joined by other surprise guests that are sure to make the night AMAZIN’. Pete – the 2-time MLB Home Run Derby Champion – will even take some swings himself. Plus there will be fan prizes, giveaways and more.

Tickets for the event will be $10 with ALL PROCEEDS to benefit Pete Alonso’s Homers for Heroes. The charity was created in 2019 with the mission of helping and recognizing the everyday heroes who impact all of our lives. From first responders to teachers to healthcare workers, Homers for Heroes has been able to put our everyday heroes in the spotlight.

Captains announce Trick or Treat at Classic Park, powered by NOPEC

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(Eastlake, OH) – The Lake County Captains are excited to announce a brand new Halloween-themed event coming to Classic Park this Fall. On Saturday, October 16, the Captains will host a special Trick or Treat at the ballpark event, powered by NOPEC.

The event will run from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. and will feature trick or treat stations, costume contests, photo opportunities, children’s characters, inflatables and more. Admission for the Captains Trick or Treat event is free.

Captains partners are invited to become a community partner for the event and pass out candy or promotional items. Space is limited. Interested organizations should email Ian Pertz at [email protected].

About the Captains

The Lake County Captains are the High-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. For more information, visit the Captains’ website at www.CaptainsBaseball.com, Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/CaptainsBaseball, Twitter @LCCaptains and Instagram @LCCaptains. Fans can also get the latest Captains news and offers by signing up for the Captains’ newsletter, The Anchor.

About NOPEC

NOPEC is a non-profit energy supplier that provides competitive energy cost savings to residents and small businesses using a buy-in-bulk method. NOPEC negotiates for lower energy rates and better terms and conditions, educates residents and customers on how they can conserve energy and save even more on their energy bills, and advocates for consumer-friendly energy legislation at both the state and federal level. Since 2001, NOPEC has saved Ohio consumers hundreds of millions of dollars on their energy costs and has awarded over $40 million in community energy-efficiency grants.

Wilmington Blue Rocks Annual Judy Johnson Night Helps Keep His and Negro League Baseball’s Legacy Alive

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On Saturday August 28, the Wilmington Blue Rocks held their 25th annual Judy Johnson Night. The night allowed those in attendance to honor and learn more about both the Hall of Fame third baseman the field is named after and Negro League Baseball.

With the work of the Judy Johnson Memorial Foundation and their Executive Director Andrea McCoy-Carty, the event had booths all around the concourse that had Negro League Baseball memorabilia and a pregame ceremony that honored three former Negro League players.

The three players honored by the Wilmington City Council, Pedro Sierra, Sam Allen, and Leon Day, who’s widow, Geraldine Day was there to represent him, were ones who made a name for themselves through Negro League baseball during the mid-1900s.

Since Negro League Baseball is such a big part of their lives, events like these are important to them, to make sure the legacy of this league is kept.

“We have to do as much as we can because there’s not that many of us alive. In 2000, the Negro League Museum had a reunion, the legacy reunion, there was 145. Right now there is maybe scrapping 20,” Sierra said. “So it is very important that this upcoming generation knows its importance.”

All three of Sierra, Allen, and Mrs. Day have been coming to the Blue Rocks celebration of Judy Johnson for many years now, to help not only keep the legacy of the Negro League alive, but the Johnson’s legacy alive as well.

“It is a great event,” Allen said. “And to honor Judy Johnson, one of the greats, matter of fact, a Hall of Famer.”

Along with the former Negro League players, there were also Board Members from the Judy Johnson Memorial Foundation at the game who have extensive knowledge of the league and Johnson’s career and life.

Jim Knotts was a close friend of Johnson’s after his playing career, so an event like this is very important for him, especially since many people might not know about one of the most successful ball players from the state of Delaware.

“It is an honor to be anywhere that is honoring Judy. Our goal is to keep his name alive as best we can,” Knotts said. “Delaware knew very little about Judy Johnson and naturally he is the only one who is in the National Baseball Hall of Fame, in fact he is in several.”

What Knotts hopes people know about Johnson goes beyond his skills on the baseball field though.

“Most of all, he was a perfect gentleman,” Knotts said. “I learned a lot from him, just how to be a gentleman. He was well loved by those who knew him, highly respected.”

Ray Banks, another Board Member and the founder of the Hubert V. Simmons Museum of Negro Leagues Baseball in Maryland, echoed the Knotts sediment.

“Judy Johnson, as far as I’m concerned, was one of the best third baseman to play the game,” Banks said. “He was a wonderful gentleman and a great role model for any of the youth, no matter what color you are, he was a good role model for all of us.”

The importance of this event that has been held by the Blue Rocks for 25 years and all events that celebrates both Judy Johnson and Negro League Baseball can not be understated, as Pedro Sierra explains.

“It is a great honor to honor a great player,” Sierra said. “I would say I rode the shoulders of Judy Johnson and all of those who came before me. And I am very proud to be apart of that legacy and one thing I think, in my opinion, people need to know that Negro League Baseball is one of the most important chapters in the history of baseball.”

Online Auction To Benefit Tropical Storm Ida Relief

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Bridgewater, New Jersey – The Somerset Patriots, the New York Yankees Double-A affiliate, will host an online fundraiser through MiLB Auctions to benefit those affected by Tropical Storm Ida in Central New Jersey. THE AUCTION CAN BE FOUND HERE! and will run through 10:00 pm on Sunday, September 26th.

Net proceeds from the auction will benefit the Somerset Patriots Children’s Educational and Sportsmanship Foundation, which will then donate to multiple Somerset County based non-profits that are working to help residents and businesses were hit hardest by the flooding caused by the remnants of the hurricane.

The Patriots collected donations of memorabilia, experiences, and items from sports clubs, team partners, and organizations looking to help in the efforts. Highlights of the auction include a Derek Jeter autographed bat inscribed “HOF 2020,” a game-used base from the 2021 MLB All-Star Game, and four tickets to Hamilton on Broadway with a pre-show dinner at Bond 45.

In addition to autographed items from Patriots, top Yankees prospects, and players from Northeast League teams, the auction will include items signed by Saquon Barkley (New York Giants), Julius Randle (New York Knicks), Martin Brodeur (New Jersey Devils), Greg Schiano (Rutgers Football), as well as baseball greats Yogi Berra, Don Mattingly, and Joe Torre.

Experiences also include a foursome at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster, tickets to three Rutgers Football games, and a shotgun or rifle lesson at Hudson Farm.

“We’d like to thank everyone that took the time to help our fundraising efforts for the community,” said Patriots President/General Manager Patrick McVerry. “We got some really nice items donated from a lot of organizations that understood that time was of the essence to help those struggling to get their lives back together in our area. We are hoping that people will be generous and bid on these great items to allow us to make a difference for those in need.”

More items may be added to the auction in the coming days as more donations are still coming in to the team.

About the Somerset Patriots

The Somerset Patriots are the New York Yankees Double-A Affiliate and develop today’s top minor league talent into the pinstriped superstars of tomorrow for MLB’s winningest team. The Patriots compete in the Double-A Northeast League and play their home games at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, NJ, where fans of all ages and levels of baseball fandom get to enjoy the unique experience that is minor league baseball.

To learn more, visit: __www.somersetpatriots.com.

Timothy Stone to Celebrate “Home Run For Life” with INTEGRIS and OKC Dodgers Friday

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OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Dodgers and INTEGRIS Health conclude the 2021 “Home Run For Life” series Friday by honoring Timothy Stone of Jenks, Okla., during the Dodgers’ 7:05 p.m. ¡Celebración Cielo Azul! game against Round Rock at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

Stone had a physically demanding job working on cars and was in excellent shape traveling the country as a competitive bare-knuckle fighter for 20 years. He rarely slowed down, even for several years after being diagnosed at the age of 40 with cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart that makes pumping blood throughout the body difficult. Then at the age of 49, Stone collapsed while mowing his backyard in Jenks, Okla., and his health quickly spiraled downward starting in March 2015.

Stone would endure multiple surgeries, including five open heart surgeries and a heart transplant at INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center. He would spend about four months in the hospital in Oklahoma City.

Now almost six years later at the age of 55, Stone is back living life with vigor and new perspective with the goal of helping others facing similar difficult journeys thanks to the care he received at INTEGRIS Health.

“I owe them everything,” Stone said of the staff at INTEGRIS Health.

“Life is precious. We have all heard that a million times, but I think we look at it a little differently now.”

“Home Run For Life” recognizes individuals in the Oklahoma City community who have overcome a significant medical event with the help of their families, physicians and health care professionals. To symbolize the end of their battle against adversity, honorees take a prerecorded home run “lap” around the bases during an in-game ceremony.

“’Home Run For Life’ allows us to uniquely recognize some amazing Oklahomans who have endured significant health challenges,” OKC Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes said. “Each month during the baseball season, we are proud to partner with INTEGRIS Health to honor the perseverance and courage displayed by these individuals and to help inspire others with their incredible stories.”

After collapsing in his yard in the spring of 2015, Stone’s wife Leslie took him to the hospital in Tulsa. A series of serious health setbacks followed throughout the next five months. Eventually with the right side of his heart shutting down, he was brought to INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City in August 2015.

When he arrived, he faced seemingly insurmountable odds with a prognosis of a five to 10 percent chance of survival without a heart transplant.

He had 12 surgeries, including five open heart surgeries.

He typically weighed around 175 pounds, but in October 2015 was down to about 118 pounds and then came the devastating news that he had about eight days to live.

With three days left and his organs shutting down, he said his goodbyes to his wife and children telling then how much he loved them.

Everything changed on Oct. 29, 2015 when they found a heart that was a perfect match.

The sixth anniversary of his heart transplant is soon approaching and Stone now mentors others going through transplants.

He was fortunate to have the unending support of the INTEGRIS Health staff, his wife Leslie, daughter, son and family throughout his journey back to health, but knows not everyone is so lucky.

“We were blessed to have a lot of great people and a lot of loving people help us along the way,” he said.

To read Stone’s full story, visit the OKC Dodgers’ “Beyond the Bricks” website at: medium.com/beyond-the-bricks.

The Oklahoma City Dodgers will take the field as Cielo Azul de Oklahoma City for their upcoming home series against Los Chupacabras de Round Rock starting Thursday. Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Monday night’s games have a scheduled 7:05 p.m. first pitch.

Gates open at 6 p.m. and on Friday, a mystery bobblehead, presented by Lime, will be given out to the first 1,000 fans in attendance. Fireworks are also scheduled to follow Friday’s game. During the game, the Clubhouse Collectibles silent auction for game-used OKC Dodgers memorabilia will also take place.

Following Sunday’s 2:05 p.m. game, kids can run the bases. Tuesday’s 12:05 p.m. series finale falls on a $2 Tuesday, featuring $2 select beer, soda and bottled water from a line of Budweiser and Pepsi products. COOP Ale Works draft beer will also be available at a special rate of $3.

Tickets are available by visiting okcdodgers.com/tickets. For additional information about Cielo Azul de Oklahoma City and the OKC Dodgers’ 2021 season, please visit okcdodgers.com or call (405) 218-2182.