Blue Wahoos Provide Special Covenant Care Wish For Beloved Youth Baseball Coach 

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The hallway entrance doors opened, providing Jeff LaMonte first glimpse of the gathering ready to embrace him on the field at Blue Wahoos Stadium.

As he was slowly guided in a wheelchair down the dugout ramp, joyful surprise enveloped his face.

Standing near home plate were friends and relatives. Some traveled from far away. Former players from decades ago, now with their own families, had their gloves and bats ready to play ball.

All stood anxious Nov. 28 to greet the beloved youth baseball coach, who impacted so many lives for decades in the Pace Athletic and Recreation Association, commonly known as PARA.

“This is the first time I’ve ever been here,” said LaMonte, who is battling a terminal illness. “I always wanted to come to a game, but just could never get here.”

Now he was here on this day, thanks to Covenant Care in Pensacola.

The organization’s “My Wish” program made it happen. In this case, it was a wish for baseball. For several hours, LaMonte was positioned behind the batting cage, his brother by his side, watching kids, then adults play in sandlot style games.

Each inning, former players he coached would exchange greetings. Among LaMonte’s family and long-time friends, eyes welled. Emotion flowed.

They wore powder blue T-shirts with an inspirational message on the front and #TeamJeff on the back.

“This is amazing, it is magical,” said Christie Parker, Covenant Care senior director of development. “It is our goal for every patient to have a wish like this. Something that is meaningful for them and also their entire family and their friends.

“So, it means the world to us to be able to experience this with them and it’s because of the Blue Wahoos that we were able to bring it all together and make it happen.”

LaMonte’s life is filled with memories of coaching Tee-Ball players who became high school players. Travel Ball players who became college players.

Four of his prodigies are a group including Minnesota Twins third baseman Josh Donaldson, former Chicago Cubs shortstop Addison Russell, former St. Louis Cardinals pitcher P.J. Walters and infielder Drew Cumberland, former first round pick by the San Diego Padres.

They all went from PARA to professional baseball.

“I really want to show my gratitude and say thank you for everything you’ve done, not only for me, but everyone in the community,” said Russell, in a video tribute shown on the stadium video board during the My Wish event.

The poignant experience this day was part of Covenant Care’s fast-expanding My Wish program. It started three years ago with approximately 80. Before this year ends, Parker said there will have been 450 or so My Wish experiences in 12 months.

Each one is different, powerful in its own way. The one with LaMonte was large-scale, open for anyone in the Pace community — touched in some way by LaMonte — to come to Blue Wahoos Stadium and show their support.

“This is My Wish in its best form,” said Angela Bottesini, senior director of My Wish and Patient Family Experience for Covenant Care. “This was (LaMonte’s) dream that he knew would never happen. And when we found that out… to be able to bring it to fruition this good is just wonderful.”

Covenant Care is one of the Blue Wahoos’ company partners. Both dugouts at the stadium have Covenant Care sponsorship signs.

When Bottesini contacted Blue Wahoos president Jonathan Griffith about the stadium availability on Nov. 28 and the possibility of using the stadium in this way, he immediately gave approval.

LaMonte grew up in Albany, Ga, before moving to Pace. He got started in PARA when his stepson became old enough to play youth baseball. He continued coaching and mentoring hundreds of kids through the program.

It made a My Wish day at Blue Wahoos Stadium with men he coached as kids even more impactful.

“The program itself was the brainchild, the heart baby of our CEO Jeff Mislevy,” Bottesini said. “He said we need to be part of this community in a way that we have never done before. That’s how this developed.

“In five years, our goal will be to have done 10,000 wishes.”

Blue Wahoos owner Quint Studer, who attended the My Wish experience for LaMonte, has been a long-time supporter of Covenant Care’s mission.

In a season without baseball, the Blue Wahoos have been able to connect with the community in hosting a variety of events that would not be possible without the expansive space of the ballpark.

Studer has also donated the Blue Wahoos’ Airbnb clubhouse experience for selected dates for Covenant Care’s Camp Connect program, designed to provide a special moment for children ages 6-17, who lost a loved one.

“We are so fortunate in Northwest Florida to have Covenant Health,” Studer said. “They make wishes come true. “That’s what they did (Nov. 28) for Team Jeff, so ballplayers could come out and thank him for decades of coaching and his impact in the community.

“We are fortunate the Blue Wahoos and Blue Wahoos can be part of making a difference in our community just as Covenant Health does.”

One of those ways the team made a difference occurred on Aug. 23, 2019 when the Blue Wahoos hosted an equally special My Wish moment for 96-year-old Albert Lane, a World War II, U.S. Army fighter pilot.

Mr. Lane flew over the stadium during a Blue Wahoos game with aid of another pilot in a vintage military plane from that era. It was days before Mr. Lane’s next birthday. He passed away months later.

“Before he died he wanted to do a fly over,” Bottesini said. “As he was passing, he held the social worker’s hand and said that was the finest point in his life.

“So that tells you how big of an effect this stadium has made on Covenant Care and the patients we serve.”

Jeff LaMonte was joined by family members in a special Covenant Care My Wish experience Nov. 28 at Blue Wahoos Stadium.

Nick Adenhart Scholarship 2021

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CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – The application deadline for the ninth annual Nick Adenhart Memorial Scholarship, administered by the Kernels Foundation, is Friday, April 9th.

Nick Adenhart was a bright young pitcher who played for the Cedar Rapids Kernels in 2006, and he was a rising star in the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim organization. Only hours after Nick’s 2009 season debut on the mound for the Angels, Nick was tragically killed by a drunk driver on April 9, 2009 at age 22.

Nick’s family would like to honor him by awarding two $1,000 scholarships in his memory. The Kernels Foundation is privileged to administer the scholarships on behalf of Nick’s family.

Applicants must be a graduating high school senior from an area high school and attend a two or four-year accredited college or university and take 12 or more hours per semester. The applicant must have played an organized sport in the last two years, must be a great teammate, must demonstrate hard work and determination, and must have a clear vision of their career goal.

With the closure of Veterans Memorial Stadium due to the COVID-19 pandemic scholarships can are being accepted one of two ways:

ATTN: Nick Adenhart Memorial Scholarship
Cedar Rapids Kernels
PO Box 2001
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52406-2001

OR

Via email to [email protected]

For questions, please contact:
Doug Nelson, Chief Executive Officer Cedar Rapids Kernels
319-896-7614 [email protected]

Scholarship applications may be downloaded online, just click here.

Indianapolis Indians Charities Partners with Toys for Tots

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Rowdie plush doll donations highlight “Rowdie’s Toy Drive”

INDIANAPOLIS – Indianapolis Indians Charities is partnering with Toys for Tots of Central Indiana this holiday season thanks to the Tribe’s lovable mascot, Rowdie. The toy drive campaign begins today on Giving Tuesday, Dec. 1 and continues thru Thursday, Dec. 17, with various initiatives driven by IIC, fan and community involvement benefiting Toys for Tots.

“Rowdie brings smiles to the faces of thousands of young Hoosiers each year at the ballpark and in our community,” said Randy Lewandowski, Indianapolis Indians President and General Manager. “This holiday season, we hope Rowdie’s plush dolls bring the same delight into the homes of children in Central Indiana through our partnership with Toys for Tots.”

Over 100 Rowdie plush dolls have already been donated by IIC to Toys for Tots thru a merchandise initiative. From Nov. 23-29, online merchandise orders over $60 received free shipping and as a bonus, IIC donated one Rowdie plush doll per order to the toy drive.

Starting today and continuing until Sunday, Dec. 6 at 11:59 PM ET, IIC will donate a Rowdie plush doll to Toys for Tots for every doll purchased online by fans.

Sun King Brewing is generously contributing to IIC’s Toys for Tots collection efforts by housing toy collection boxes at its four locations in downtown Indy, Broad Ripple, Fishers and Carmel thru Dec. 17. Sun King’s contributions expand to three consecutive Tuesdays – Dec. 1, 8 and 15 – with the local brewery donating $1 to Toys for Tots for every 4-pack sold at each location on those dates.

Any direct donation to Toys for Tots this holiday season can be made here.

Rowdie’s GIVEmber Campaign Ignites Holiday Spirit

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Food distribution event, deliveries to nonprofits highlight November initiative

INDIANAPOLIS – Indianapolis Indians Charities and Rowdie have been a busy duo since hosting the second annual Rowdie’s Pumpkin Patch in October at Victory Field, in which ticket proceeds benefited IIC. To begin Rowdie’s GIVEmber campaign in November, IIC partnered with Indiana WIC and Gleaners Food Bank for a food drive-thru distribution event at The Vic, where over 1,000 families were provided food. Rowdie then led the charge on many GIVEmber deliveries to the following locations and organizations:

  • Goodie bags to JW Marriott hospitality staff
  • Reading books, art kits and t-shirts to students, teachers and volunteers at Shepherd Academy
  • New therapy equipment, kitchen supplies and a play set to Children’s TheraPlay Foundation, Inc.
  • Indianapolis Indians winter hats to Bigs and Littles from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana

IIC and Rowdie give back to the community in many ways thanks to support from partners, fundraisers and monetary donations. Tribe fans can positively impact those living in Central Indiana by donating to IIC here.

“Rowdie took the initiative to give back and show his thanks to many partners of the Indianapolis Indians and Indianapolis Indians Charities in November, and it was all made possible because of community support,” said Jo Garcia, Indianapolis Indians Community Outreach Manager. “There are rumors swirling that Rowdie has even bigger plans in store in December, and we can’t wait to see what he comes up with next.”

Spokane Indians Earn Prestigious WSRA Recycler of the Year Award

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SPOKANE, Wash. – On November 2nd, the Spokane Indians were recognized for their Zero Waste Campaign during the 2019 calendar year, receiving the Washington State Recycling Association (WSRA) Recycler of the Year Award, in the Business Generator category. The WSRA presents annual Recycler of the Year (ROY) awards to spotlight individuals, businesses, government agencies and community organizations that are making outstanding contributions to strengthening and expanding recycling and waste prevention practices across the state.

“We’re honored to receive this award and to continue building on our responsibility as an environmental leader,” said Senior Vice President Otto Klein. “We recognize that we have the opportunity to impact the community through our efforts at Avista Stadium and this award is a testament to the work that we’ve done and will continue to do.”

The Indians were nominated by Kris Major, Education Coordinator for the City of Spokane’s Solid Waste Department. “Striving towards zero waste is difficult for any business, let alone one that deals with the public in the numbers that the Spokane Indians do. This recognition is well-deserved and the organization’s hard work and commitment to sustainability can be an inspiration to us all and a model for others to follow,” said Major.

In 2019, the Indians announced their commitment to becoming a zero waste facility with the Zero Waste Campaign. 60 zero waste stations were installed throughout Avista Stadium and an investment was made in compostable items, including beer cups, Pepsi cups (including lids and straws) and utensils. In 2019 alone, the Indians increased traditional recycling by 29% and diverted 12 tons of compostable materials from the waste stream, which equates to 28% of total waste. The compostable materials collected at the stadium were then transferred to a local facility, where they were processed into a healthy, soil building compost, used in agriculture, landscape, turf, and garden applications. A portion of that compost was eventually brought back and used in flower beds at Avista Stadium, creating a closed-loop system.

“We understand the importance of doing our part to protect the environment and resources for future generations,” said Klein. “With the help of our local partners and staff who work tirelessly every day, the Zero Waste Campaign is the next chapter for how we are striving to take care of the place we all call home.”

The Spokane Indians would like to thank the presenting partner of the Zero Waste Campaign, Spokane County Regional Solid Waste, and major contributors: the Spokane Tribe of Indians, Wittkopf Landscape Supply, Sunshine Disposal & Recycling, and Barr-Tech.

2020 Giants in the Community Report

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Annual report highlights organization’s impact in the San Jose community

SAN JOSE, CA– The San Jose Giants released today their 2020 Community Report. In unprecedented circumstances, this year’s report highlights the organization’s creative success and community involvement throughout the COVID-19 pandemic that resulted in 166 events despite the absence of baseball.

“As we look towards brighter days and the return of baseball sounds echoing through Excite Ballpark, I hope this report brings a communal sense of pride in what we can accomplish together when the odds are against us,” said Daniel Orum, San Jose Giants President and CEO. “We look forward to seeing you out in the community and cannot wait to welcome you all back to the ballpark when baseball returns.”

The 2020 Community Report demonstrates the club’s activity in the community and overall pledge to giving back both inside and outside the stadium’s gates. Highlights of the report include the organization’s involvement with Bay Area SHiP Kits, information on successful fundraising efforts to support both Frontline Workers battling the pandemic and the Northern California Fires, as well as never-before-seen events and opportunities at the ballpark without Giants games being played. For the complete 2020 San Jose Giants Community Report, click on the link below.

For more information on the San Jose Giants and how to get your organization involved next season, call 408.297.1435 or visit sjgiants.com.

View 2020 Community Report

Fireflies to Host Holiday Themed Virtual 5K; Mason’s Jingle Jog

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A portion of Race proceeds will benefit the Salvation Army

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Columbia Fireflies are hosting a virtual holiday 5K Wednesday, December 9 through Wednesday, December 16 for fans looking to stay active this winter. The 3.1-mile race can be walked, jogged or run, and fans of all ages and athletic abilities are encouraged to participate. The race is entirely virtual and can be completed anywhere at any time between December 9-16.

Race entry fees for Mason’s Jingle Jog are $40 per person and includes a special holiday Fireflies dry-fit race shirt, entry to the race, a donation to the Salvation Army and a prize for the top male and female finishers in each of the four age brackets. The divisions will be under 18, 19-25, 26-35 and 36+. All shirts will be mailed to runners; shipping is also included in the entry fee.

Runners will track their time by joining the race group on the Strava app. Once you download the app, you can sign into the race and the app will track your time and distance and submit it to the Fireflies upon completion of your 5K. After registering for the race, runners will be sent direct access to the race group as well as instructions on how to download Strava and join the group.

”This is a great virtual event to promote fitness and our community’s great holiday spirit of giving,” said Fireflies team President John Katz. “The Salvation Army does such amazing work in our region, and we’re excited to continue our support.”

To sign-up for the race, visit the race registration page here. Registration orders placed before December 2nd will receive their race shirts the week of December 9th. Registration orders placed after the 2nd will receive their shirt after the race. For more information about this event and other upcoming events at Segra Park and in the Midlands Community, visit ColumbiaFireflies.com.

Cardinals encouraging fans to #FeedSWMO, donate to food pantries during holidays

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SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — In a year where the importance of helping our neighbors has proved more important than ever, the Springfield Cardinals are placing the spotlight on food banks throughout the Springfield region this fall in an effort to Feed SWMO (#FeedSWMO) this holiday season.

The goal? With the Cardinals unable to hold our annual in-person Thanksgiving food drive due to COVID-19 protocols, our front office is still committed to making a food donation, and we’re encouraging all Cardinals fans to consider making one of their own directly to a local food pantry!

Together, we can still #FeedSWMO and assist those in our community who are at risk of going hungry during the holidays and into the winter months. Some local-area food drop-off sites and food pantries are listed below.

According to Ozarks Food Harvest, one in five children and one in seven adults suffer from food insecurity. You can join us in helping by donating food or funds directly to a food pantry, as every $1 donated helps food pantries provide $10 worth of groceries.

Some Local Food Pantries:

Ash Grove Food Pantry — 121 W Main St, Ash Grove, MO 65604 — https://www.facebook.com/Ash-Grove-Food-Pantry-874112155941361/
Crosslines of Springfield — 1710 E Chestnut Expy, Springfield, MO 65802 — http://ccozarks.org/crosslines/
Least of These — 1720 W James River Rd, Ozark, MO 65721 — http://www.leastofthesefoodpantry.org/
Ozarks Food Harvest — 2810 N Cedarbrook Ave, Springfield, MO 65803 — https://ozarksfoodharvest.org/
People Helping People — 210 N Pine Ave, Republic, MO 65738 — https://republicphp.com/
Salvation Army Food Pantry — 1707 W Chestnut Expy, Springfield, MO 65802 — https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/cure-hunger/
Victory Mission — 1715 N Boonville Ave, Springfield, MO 65803 — https://www.victorymission.com/

BlueClaws Charities Christmas Cruise-Thru on December 12th

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Drive-through event to include appearance by Santa; toy drive to benefit Salvation Army of Ocean County

JERSEY SHORE, NJ – Santa Claws is coming to the Jersey Shore! BlueClaws Charities will host their first Christmas Cruise-Thru in the parking lot of FirstEnergy Park on Saturday, December 12th from 10 am until 12 pm. The event, which takes place exclusively in vehicles, serves as a toy drive benefiting the Salvation Army of Ocean County.

This event replaces the annual _Breakfast With Buster Holiday Food & Toy Drive_, which could not be held this year in its traditional form due to COVID-19 regulations.

Beginning at 10 am, cars will pull into the lot at FirstEnergy Park and stop at four different stations.

  1. Item Collection – we will be collecting unwrapped toys and non-perishable food to benefit the Salvation Army of Ocean County.
  2. Letters to Santa – children are encouraged to bring letters for Santa. We’ll collect them and send them off to the North Pole!
  3. Picture with Buster and Santa – Santa and Buster will take a picture in front of each car, which we’ll then email to everyone after the event.
  4. Hot Chocolate – the BlueClaws will deliver hot chocolate to each car as a thank you for their participation.

“We’ve welcomed Santa to FirstEnergy Park for the last two decades, and while we can’t do that in the traditional manner this year, we wanted to still offer local families the chance to see Santa and for kids to drop off their letters,” said BlueClaws Team President Joe Ricciutti. “Plus, our community has been immensely supportive of the Salvation Army and their food and toy drive over the years, and that is especially important in 2020.”

Each vehicle will also receive a coupon code that can be used online for 25% off in the Jersey Shore BlueClaws Team Store. Orders must be placed by December 16th to ensure Christmas delivery.

Fans will never leave their vehicle at the event. BlueClaws staff members will be wearing masks at all times.

Bats to Host Youth Sports Equipment Drive & Holiday Open House

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Louisville, KY – The Louisville Bats are partnering with Humana and the Louisville Sports Commission (LSC) this holiday season to host “Playing It Forward”, a used sports equipment collection drive on Saturday, December 5 & Sunday, December 6 from 10 AM – 2 PM at Louisville Slugger Field.

Playing It Forward is designed to provide new and/or gently used youth baseball or softball equipment to low-and moderate-income kids and help eliminate the cost of equipment as a barrier to participate in organized sports. By removing this barrier, the LSC will help nearly 100 Louisville-area kids participate in sports in their own neighborhoods as a means to experience physical activity.

“The Bats are thrilled to partner with Humana and the Louisville Sports Commission to help make possible such an impactful initiative. With so many young people in need of proper sports equipment, we’re asking our fans to donate so that we can all help make a difference in the lives of the youth in our community,” says Team President Vic Gregovits.

Walk-up drop off will be available inside the Hall of Fame Pavilion of Louisville Slugger Field. Participants may enter through the east gate doors next to Against the Grain. Parking is free in the main lot located on the east side of the ballpark.

Participants who wish to donate but want to stay in their cars may do so by visiting the drive-by drop off bins located in the main parking lot located on the east side of the ballpark. Bats staff members will be on hand to help with the drive-by donation process.

All participants who donate will receive a 20% off coupon to Dick’s Sporting Goods as well as a 20% off coupon for the Bats Team Store.

Holiday Merch Blowout Sale

In addition to the Playing It Forward initiative, the Bats will be holding their first-ever “Holiday Merch Blowout Sale” which will be offering discounted team merchandise items for up to 50% off. Specially discounted items will be available inside the Team Store. All fans will be required to wear masks when shopping and social distancing guidelines will be enforced.

Ballpark Renovations

Fans who attend are invited to walk around the ballpark to view many of the exciting renovations happening in advance of the 2021 season.

For any questions, please contact the Bats Front Office at (502) 212-2287 or email [email protected].

Trash Pandas attempt world-record food drive

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Toyota Field serves as donation site for massive philanthropic event

The Rocket City Trash Pandas recently staged one of the most successful and impactful events in the short history of the franchise. They also fell short of a much-publicized stated goal. Two things can be true at the same time. The Rocket City Trash Pandas, located in the greater Huntsville,

The Rocket City Trash Pandas, located in the greater Huntsville, Alabama area, are currently the Double-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels. The team was slated to play their inaugural season at brand-new Toyota Field in 2020 after relocating from Mobile, Alabama (where they were known as the BayBears). Of course, COVID-19 got in the way of those plans. But like Minor League teams across the country, the Trash Pandas have dedicated themselves to staging socially-distanced events that benefit the community while keeping the club in the public eye.

On Wednesday, the Trash Pandas, alongside an army of volunteers from local philanthropic organizations, attempted to enter the Guinness Book of World Records in the category of “World’s Largest Food Drive in a 24-hour period at a single location.” The record they were trying to surpass was 559,885 pounds, achieved by the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics in Durham, North Carolina. The Trash Pandas, making a difficult task twice as challenging, attempted to break this record in half the amount of time. Wednesday’s food drive was a 12-hour affair, taking place at Toyota Field between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Lindsey Knupp, Trash Pandas vice-president of marketing, promotions and entertainment, reported on Thursday morning that the Trash Pandas had failed to enshrine themselves in the Northern Hemisphere’s (and perhaps the world’s) most prestigious record book.

“We didn’t beat the Guinness world record, but we did do very well,” she said. “There were 13 organizations that we were able to give food to. A lot of rescue missions, food banks, churches. All local organizations within 45 minutes of here. They have been running out of food, so we’re thankful we were able to do what we could.”

Minor League teams are known for making world record attempts, many of them on the absurd end of the spectrum. But very few of these attempts, be it for simultaneous bubble-gum blowing or ballpark-wide games of Duck Duck Goose, actually achieve the Guinness world record in question. This is often because Guinness, based in the United Kingdom, is notoriously strict when it comes to documentation. All involved with Wednesday’s food drive worked to ensure that their “World’s Largest Food Drive” attempt would meet Guinness standards. Cameras were set up, scales were certified and signed witness statements were collected.

The total weight of Wednesday’s Toyota Field food haul was well into the six figures. Knupp was unable to say the precise total, however, because late in the day it was determined that the record was out of reach. Weighing efforts were then abandoned, in order to prioritize the more pressing work of sorting and distribution. Throughout the day, a myriad of the Trash Pandas’ corporate partners – including Halsey Foodservice, Pepsi and Publix – provided both logistical support and food donations.

“It was all contactless. People would pop open their trunks and we’d take the food out,” said Knupp. “We had to do quality control, certify that it wasn’t outdated. Then put it on the scales, then load it into trucks and sent them off to different organizations once they were filled.”

While the Trash Pandas’ food drive was clearly a team effort, Knupp singled out local volunteer Nicole Wilson as the individual most responsible for making the event a reality. Wilson, working with Manna House, a Huntsville-based non-profit food assistance organization, approached the team with the idea and also oversaw the Guinness Book of World Records application process. Organizations like Manna House are always in need of food donations from the community, but the ongoing pandemic has made this work all the more important.

“Manna House is one of the largest distributors in North Alabama,” said Wilson, speaking to Huntsville’s WZDX at Toyota Field. “And typically for Thanksgiving for example, they would have thousands of turkeys in their freezer. Right now they only have eight– eight turkeys in their freezer.”

In promoting the World Record Food Drive, the Trash Pandas implored their fans to “Be a Souper Hero.”

“A lot of people did bring soup, a good heavy-type donation,” said Knupp. “We had crackers, pasta, rice and a lot of canned goods, for sure. Some people didn’t think about weight. We had some ramen noodle donations.”

Whether it was 10 pounds or 10 ounces, the Trash Pandas collected as much as they could to help as many as they could. The team came up light on achieving Guinness world record immortality, but Wednesday’s Toyota Field effort set a template for possibly heavier endeavors in the future.

“We’re trying to make sure our community knows we’re here for them,” said Knupp. “We’re not just here for season ticket holders, mini-plan holders, sponsors. We’re here for the entire community and we’re not going anywhere. We want to help, give back, and do good.”

Benjamin Hill is a reporter for MiLB.com and writes Ben’s Biz Blog. Follow Ben on Twitter @bensbiz.

U.S. Marine Corps Hold Special Birthday Ceremony At Blue Wahoos Stadium 

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A special moment in American history was honored Tuesday morning at Blue Wahoos Stadium.

More than 400 U.S. Marines gathered for commemoration of the 245th birthday of the Marine Corps, complete with a traditional cake cutting ceremony and recognition of service.

Across the nation, Tuesday marked another milestone in the formation of the U.S. Marine Corps on Nov. 10, 1775, just eight months prior to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The Marine Corps was established on that date by the Second Continental Congress.

In Pensacola, the ability of Blue Wahoos Stadium to host the ceremony and keep the gathering in proper physical distance made it a desired choice.

Shannon Reeves, the Blue Wahoos events manager, was contacted in September by Group Gunnery Sergeant Chris Clerico, operations chief for the Marine Aviation Training Support Group 21, to begin preparing for Tuesday’s ceremony.

The Blue Wahoos have worked with the Marines and other branches of the military in hosting previous events.

“They knew we had a lot of outdoor space and they could bring this many people,” Reeves said. “Plus, have a central location at home plate and the pitcher’s mound to do what they wanted to do, along with enabling everyone to see it, so it really worked well.”

The ceremony included the U.S. Marines Corps Hymn, along with playing of the Star Spangled Banner and other patriotic tributes to the moment in history.

It was another testament to what we can do here,” she said. “We just had 400 Marines and what a great ceremony and show. It was so great to see this.

“And to have everyone with masks on, so respectful, that was really great. They came in here (Tuesday morning) and roped off the entire sections of our stadium in about five minutes, so people could sit wherever they wanted and be safe.

“They really are a well-oiled machine in terms of how quickly they get it done and so respectful.”

The Emeralds Buy a Mask/Give a Mask Program

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Last month the Eugene Emeralds launched their online initiative to donate reusable, washable masks to local school districts. Through the Emeralds Buy a Mask/Give a Mask Program fans can purchase an adjustable face mask, or a gator, and the Emeralds will donate an identical mask to a local school district.

The Emeralds will distribute the masks through the Eugene Education Foundation, Bethel Education Foundation and the Springfield Education Foundation to go to the students, teachers and supporting staff. Although the re-opening of in person instruction is fluid, schools will be able to disturb the masks as needed and have them on hand when they are able to start in person instructions.

“It is so important for our students, teachers and support staff to have access to face masks,” said Anne Culhane, Director of Community Relations. “Masks are going to be an ongoing need for schools for the foreseeable future, and we want to make sure schools are able to provide PPEs to those who need them.”

The Emeralds have two options for fans to purchase from. The first one, a mask that has adjustable elastic ear loops. This mask is made of polyester super dry mesh fabric interior and has an interior pocket for a filter pad. Also available is a light weight and breathable gator. This standard fit (one size fits most) gator can be worn in any number of ways such as a headscarf, face mask or bandanna. These are not medical grade masks, but it has been proven to help reduce a person’s chance of spreading COVID-19 by up to 70 percent.

Fans interested in participating in the Buy a Mask/Give a Mask program can visit the Emeralds Team Store here, https://emeralds.milbstore.com/collections/buy-a-mask-give-a-mask. Fans who visit the site will also see the option to purchase a mask to given to schools. The program will run until January 2021.

October 2020 Community Report

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In the month of October, The Stockton Ports delivered $200 worth of gift cards to six different schools in our local community. After raising $1,200 through a Virtual Back to School Drive, The Ports were able to purchase gift cards to support Hong Kingston, Pittman, Pulliam, Cleveland, Kennedy, and Adams Elementary schools in their efforts to adapt to virtual learning. With COVID-19 Guidelines followed, the gift cards were hand delivered to each school along with a personal message wishing them the best of luck during the school year. This was the first time The Ports held this event, and after the success that it brought about, it is safe to say that this will become an annual drive to benefit the Stockton Unified School District at the start of each school year.

Later in the month of October, Splash made some Halloween visits around town and participated in events taking place in our local community. The first stop was Chase Chevrolet’s “Trunk or Treat” where Splash handed out candy to children and families at this drive through event. Splash was greeted with smiles and cheers, although he did get frightened at times due to some scary costumes! After “Trunk or Treat”, Splash’s next stop was at a new venue in town called Stocklandia, a permanent location filled with a variety of local food trucks and boutiques that recently opened. Splash was given a plethora of different foods and desserts to try, all of which he loved. He was also greeted by many Stockton Ports fans asked to take pictures with all of them. The Stockton Ports were happy to be out in the community are excited to continue their community efforts in the upcoming months!

Granite State Baseball Dinner Goes Virtual Nov. 21

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

MLB Players and Red Sox Legends Will Attend Remotely to Help Raise Funds for CHaD and the Fisher Cats Foundation

Manchester, N.H. – The New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Toronto Blue Jays Double-A affiliate) will host a virtual edition of the Granite State Baseball Dinner at 7 p.m. on Saturday, November 21 in a continued effort to raise funds for the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock and the Fisher Cats Foundation. Over $1.75 million has been donated as part of this event since 2007.

Presented by Northeast Delta Dental, the event will be broadcast on Facebook Live from the state-of-the-art studio at Events United in Derry, NH. Events United has hosted a number of high-profile events despite the challenges of 2020, including the Dropkick Murphy’s “Streaming Up From Boston” St. Patrick’s Day Concert.

A group of baseball celebrities will attend remotely and participate in the annual question & answer session, including Blue Jays catcher Danny Jansen, Blue Jays coach John Schneider, and Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Oliver Drake. Red Sox greats like Bernie Carbo, Oil Can Boyd, Luis Tiant and Dick Drago will also be on hand, along with two legends of women’s professional baseball, Lois Youngen and Sue Zipay. Viewers can submit questions in the Facebook Live comment section.

“We’re proud to continue the Granite State Baseball Dinner tradition, regardless of how many obstacles this year has thrown at us,” said Fisher Cats President Mike Ramshaw. “Supporting our community means everything to this organization, and we’re committed to raising funds for these worthy charities any way we can.”

Five Ways to Donate

1. Pack the Park for Kids

Starting today and continuing through the end of the Baseball Dinner, the Fisher Cats begin a mission to virtually Pack the Park for Kids. A $10 donation at NHFisherCats.com will digitally mark off one of the 6,500 seats at Delta Dental Stadium, and add to the $1.75 million that has been donated as part of the event since 2007.

2. Sponsorship Opportunities

Several elements of the broadcast are available for sponsorship, including the VIP reception, question & answer session, video commercials, and more. Click here to view the full sponsorship form.

3. Online Silent Auction

The annual silent auction returns at NHFisherCats.com, featuring sports memorabilia like a Rafael Devers autographed baseball, and priceless experiences like private batting practice at Delta Dental Stadium with an overnight stay at the Hilton Garden Inn.

4. Online 50/50 Raffle

It’s a ballpark tradition in digital form — every donation adds to the grand total, with a raffle drawing at the end of the night. Half of the funds go to CHaD and the Fisher Cats Foundation, and the other half go to one lucky winner.

5. Dinner Packages, Delivered!

It wouldn’t be the Granite State Baseball Dinner without a delicious meal. Celebrations Catering will offer home deliveries of family dinners, bottled wine, charcuterie boards, and more to enjoy during the show. All proceeds will benefit CHaD and the Fisher Cats Foundation.

Baseball Celebrities

Danny Jansen is the starting catcher for the Toronto Blue Jays, who enjoyed a breakout season with the Fisher Cats in 2017. Previously known as a defensive specialist, Jansen hit .323 and earned a spot in the Eastern League All-Star Game in New Hampshire. Just over a year later, he was suiting up for the Blue Jays, and began his MLB career with a six-game hitting streak.

John Schneider led the vaunted 2018 Fisher Cats to an Eastern League Championship as the youngest manager in team history. The following year, he joined Fisher Cats All-Stars Bo Bichette, Cavan Biggio, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in Toronto as a Major League Coach with the Blue Jays.

Worcester, MA native Oliver Drake earned a spot on the Tampa Bay Rays playoff roster during their run to the World Series this season. The former US Naval Academy pitcher kept the Yankees off the board during a strong inning of relief in the ALDS.

Luis Tiant, affectionately known as ‘El Tiante’, was one of the most dominant, durable pitchers of his generation. Over 19 seasons, he dazzled lineups with his overpowering stuff and unique, back-to-the-hitter wind-ups. A three-time All-Star, he shined for the Red Sox from 1971-78, perhaps making his biggest impact for the 1975 American League Champions.

In Game 6 of the 1975 World Series, Bernie Carbo hit one of the most memorable home runs in Red Soxhistory. Facing elimination and a three-run deficit in the bottom of the eighth inning, Carbo was brought in to pinch hit with two on and two out. He drilled a game-tying blast to center field, and the Red Sox eventually prevailed in the 12th inning on a Carlton Fisk homer.

Dennis Ray “Oil Can” Boyd pitched for the Boston Red Sox (1982-89), Montreal Expos (1990-91) and Texas Rangers (1991) during his 10-year career. He won a career-high 16 games during the Red Sox 1986 American League Championship season, and started Game 3 of the World Series against the Mets.

Dick Drago spent 13 years in the major leagues as a pitcher for the Red Sox, Royals, Angels, Mariners, and Orioles, and pitched in the iconic 1975 Red Sox – Reds World Series.

Sue Parsons Zipay of Hingham, MA played for the Rockford Peaches of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League in the 1950s. She is the Founder and President of American Girls Baseball, which develops, manages, and promotes training and instructional programs for girls and women in the game of baseball.

Lois Youngen spent four years in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, catching a perfect game with the South Bend Blue Sox in 1953. Lois Youngen Ball Field in West Eugene, OR is named after her.

The primary beneficiary of the Granite State Baseball Dinner is the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock (CHaD). CHaD, New Hampshire’s comprehensive, full-service children’s hospital, is committed to providing outstanding compassionate care for children and their families. Offering primary, specialty, and tertiary care to the children of New Hampshire, Vermont, and beyond, their focus includes keeping all kids healthy and safe.

In addition to raising valuable funds for the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock, the donation total will help fund the Fisher Cats Foundation Scholarship program, which provides $2,500 college scholarships to 12 student-athletes every season.

The New Hampshire Fisher Cats established the Fisher Cats Foundation to be a catalyst for the betterment of communities statewide by supporting youth programs that encourage education and promote healthy living. Through the generous support of players, employees, sponsors, and fans, the Fisher Cats Foundation continuously works to make a positive impact throughout New Hampshire and north-central Massachusetts. As the primary funding source for the team’s philanthropy, the Fisher Cats Foundation supports a wide variety of non-profit organizations and coordinates several fundraising programs and events. Since its inception in 2006, the Foundation and the Fisher Cats have provided more than $5.7 million in monetary and in-kind donations to thousands of non-profit organizations.

For more information about the charitable Granite State Baseball Dinner, presented by Northeast Delta Dental, please call the Box Office at (603) 641-2005 or visit nhfishercats.com.