Curve organize online raffles and auctions for COVID-19 relief

Proceeds to fund The Society of St. Vincent de Paul to help those in need

CURVE, Pa. – The Altoona Curve, Double-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, are hosting a series of online raffles through the end of April to raise money for COVID-19 relief. Several pieces of Curve memorabilia are up for grabs with the funds aiding The Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

Schedule of raffle and auction items:

  • Cole Tucker autographed BP jersey auction (April 21-30)
  • Andy Van Slyke autographed baseball raffle (April 21-22)
  • Ballpark Experience raffle – Loco seat visit and goody bag (valid for any 2020 or 2021 home game) (April 23-24)
  • 2017 championship team autographed, uncut card set raffle (April 25-26)
  • Ballpark Experience raffle – four tickets and watch fireworks from the field (valid for any 2020 or 2021 home firework date) (April 27-28)
  • Gerrit Cole autographed program raffle (April 29-30)

The LiveSource app will host each raffle and auction. Instructions for how to download the app and view the items can be found here. Raffle items can be won for as little as $3, the cost of a single digital raffle ticket. Additional chances can be purchased at the buyer’s discretion. Each raffle and auction item closes at 9 p.m. on the last date of each event.

St. Vincent de Paul has put major fundraising programs on hold but continues to operate their Kitchen and Food Distribution Program during the pandemic to help feed those in need.

The Altoona Curve, 2010 and 2017 Eastern League Champions, have been the Double-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates since 1999. The Stockyard Team Store is open online 24/7/365 at AltoonaCurve.com.

VA Medical Center, Curve host veterans recognition event

 

CURVE, Pa. – The Altoona Curve and James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center will hold a joint veterans recognition event on Friday, November 8 at 9 a.m. in the second floor auditorium at the VA’s Pleasant Valley Boulevard location.

The Curve will present a donation to assist in approving the quality of life of veterans who use the local VA. The money was raised during the team’s June 7 jersey auction when Curve players and coaching staff wore specialty uniforms to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of D-Day.

“The 75th Anniversary of D-Day game was one of the most memorable nights of our 2019 season,” said Curve general manager Derek Martin. “In addition to the special uniforms that were worn, we had a World War II Stuart Tank and reenactors at the ballpark that night, which really brought to life the sense of pride we have for our veterans. Our partnership with the VA Medical Center on the D-Day jersey auction was a perfect fit and we couldn’t be more grateful for what they do for our community’s veterans.”

“The Altoona Curve have been one of our strongest community partners,” said VA Medical Center Director Sigrid Andrew, “they have demonstrated a strong commitment to our Veterans and to our local VA hospital.”

The Curve have partnered with the VA Medical Center for many years and has included the recognition of veterans at games, hospital visits by the players and staff in addition to donated tickets for disabled veterans living at the VA.

Friday’s event is part of a week-long recognition that includes 15 speaking engagements, three parades, and events at each of the VA’s five community-based outpatient clinics. The week wraps around Veterans Day (Monday, November 11) and concludes on Saturday, November 16 at 7 p.m. with the Saint Francis men’s basketball team hosting American University in their Military Appreciation Day, which they have partnered with the VA Medical Center for the past two years.

For more information, please call the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center Public Affairs at 814-943-8164 ext. 7404 or 814-569-3386.

The Altoona Curve, 2010 and 2017 Eastern League Champions, have been the Double-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates since 1999. For tickets or more information, visit AltoonaCurve.com, call 877.99.CURVE or stop by the PNG Field box office. Additionally, the Stockyard Team Store is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on non-gamedays and online 24/7/365. 

 

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This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Chevy Youth Clinic coming to PNG Field on July 15

Your local Chevy dealers would like to invite kids ages 6-12 to participate in a FREE youth clinic with the Curve on Saturday, July 15!

This clinic is open to both boys and girls and will provide them an exciting opportunity to learn baseball fundamentals from Curve players and coaches. Each participant will also receive tickets to that evening’s game, a fun giveaway and lunch following the clinic.

Click here to sign up

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

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Curve expanding partnership with Miracle League of Blair County

CURVE, Pa. – The Altoona Curve, Double-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, will be expanding their relationship with the Miracle League of Blair County, beginning this summer.

This year, Curve players, staff and mascots will be doing more appearances with the Miracle League of Blair County than any previous year, beginning with the league’s Opening Day on Saturday, May 6.

“The Miracle League is a real gift to our community,” said Tobi Rispoli, Miracle League of Blair County volunteer and board member.” The Curve have always been supportive, including contributions, baseball camps and a presence throughout the year. This year will prove to be even more exciting for the kids and their families.”

Tweet from @Pirates: Thanks to the @AltoonaCurve & all who came out for today’s Miracle League of Blair County Fantasy Camp for Kids. pic.twitter.com/UJk30MDCCP

The Miracle League of Blair County is a charitable organization that provides children and youth with mental and/or physical challenges an opportunity to play baseball as a team member in an organized league, giving them an opportunity to suit up in a uniform, step up to the plate and enjoy the game of baseball in the purest form.

“Working with the Miracle League of Blair County has been truly amazing,” said Curve Director of Community Relations Emily Rosencrants. “The Miracle League of Blair County has always had a great relationship the Curve and we are excited to strengthen the partnership even more this year.”

Curve mascots will be on hand this Saturday to hang out with the Miracle League players between games.

On Saturday, June 10, Curve players will join the Miracle League Curve team for their game against the Orioles. On Saturday, June 24, Curve players will be back for the Pirates Fantasy Camp clinic with all of the Miracle League players.

“Having the Curve players involved is always great, and this year the Pirates are bringing back the Fantasy Camp, which is always one of the best days of the year,” said Rosencrants. “We are looking forward to the 2017 partnership and for the years to come.”

The Curve will also continue their postgame ball launch after weekend home games, where fans can win great prizes with all proceeds benefiting the Miracle League of Blair County.

Tweet from @AltoonaCurve: A great morning helping out at Miracle League of Blair County’s Opening Day! pic.twitter.com/9ze5rRWUFt

“We certainly hope that an increased Curve presence will generate more exposure of the Miracle League so the organization can encourage more families, players and volunteers to sign up for a Miracle League team,” said Rispoli. “The Miracle League is certainly our other ‘Hometown Team!'”

The Miracle League removes the physical barriers that keep children with mental and physical disabilities off the baseball field and lets them experience the joy of America’s favorite pastime. Miracle League teams play on a custom-designed, rubberized turf field that accommodates wheelchairs and other assertive devices while helping to prevent injuries.

For more information on the Miracle League of Blair County, visit PAMiracleLeague.com.

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This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Tickets available now for Let’s Move Blair County Day with the Curve

ALTOONA, Pa. – Let’s Move Blair County Day is set to take place at Peoples Natural Gas Field on April 30 as the Altoona Curve face the Harrisburg Senators. The event begins when the ballpark gates open at noon and features a free health and wellness fair during the game, which starts at 1 p.m.

Tickets are available now for company groups who wish to sit together and area residents interested in attending. Deadline for groups to purchase tickets is April 16.

The day is sponsored by Let’s Move Blair County and the Healthy Blair County Coalition, two organizations whose mission is to help residents engage in healthy eating and more physically active lives while enjoying family fun. The Let’s Move Blair County effort is aimed at reducing the community’s health risks, such as diabetes, obesity and sedentary habits.

UPMC Altoona, Nason Hospital, and Tyrone Regional Health System lead this wellness effort along with area YMCAs, recreational centers and businesses. A free health and wellness fair will be on the ballpark’s concourse level.

The day’s festivities include a trophy presentation to the businesses who participated in the Corporate Wellness Challenge, a three-month, team-oriented weight loss effort involving 38 Blair County businesses and 819 people.

For more information on how to purchase tickets, contact Corey Homan at CHoman@AltoonaCurve.com or call 814-283-3122.

The Curve open the home slate of their 2016 schedule at Peoples Natural Gas Field against the Akron RubberDucks on April 13 at 6 p.m. Single-game tickets are now on sale online at AltoonaCurve.com, by phone at 877.99.CURVE or in person at the PNG Field offices.

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This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Altoona Mirror & AMBUCS Altoona Team Up for Curve, Pa. Heroes Game

Proceeds from in-game jersey auction and other fundraising efforts will purchase an Action Trackchair for one local veteran

AltoonaCurve1_2014-05-22

Altoona-Curve-2014The Altoona Mirror and AMBUCS Altoona have partnered up with the Altoona Curve to present the Curve, Pa. Heroes Game during the 2014 Eastern League All-Star Stop presented by UPMC Health Plan, the parties announced today. The Curve Pa. Heroes Game presented by the Altoona Mirror & AMBCUS Altoona will kick off the two days’ worth of festivities surrounding the Eastern League’s midsummer classic in Curve, Pa.

Wounded-Warrior-Amputee-Softball-TeamThe Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team (WWAST), which is made up of young, competitive, athletic veterans and active duty soldiers who have lost limbs post-9/11 while serving their country in the military/war, will be taking on a group of Curve, Pa. Alumni in the Heroes softball game. One member of the WWAST that will be participating in the game will be Josh Wege, who was in the U.S. Marines and served in Operation Enduring Freedom. Wege participated in the 2013 MLB Legends Celebrity Softball Game and was named the game’s MVP.

“The Mirror is thrilled with the opportunity to be involved with such a great event in the all-star game and such a great cause in the Wounded Warrior Project,” said Ray Eckenrode, the Mirror General Manager for Advertising. “To be able to recognize the sacrifices of our service men and women is truly an honor. The POW/MIA Chair is a pet project of our publisher, Ed Kruger, and we’d like to thank the Curve staff for taking Ed’s vision and making it a reality in such a special way.”

Already scheduled to represent the Curve Alumni in the game are Adam Hyzdu, Mike Johnston, Tike Redman, Chris Snusz and Jack Wilson. They’ll be joined by a few additions in former Curve OF Kory DeHaan and LHP Mike Connolly.

DeHaan, who is currently the hitting coach with High-A Bradenton, played for the Curve during their inaugural season in 1999, reached the major leagues in 2000 with San Diego and again in 2002. DeHaan batted .268 with 13 doubles in 47 games for the Curve during the 1999 campaign. He last played professionally in 2003 for the Portland Beavers (Padres’ AAA Affiliate), playing in 54 games.

Connolly played for the Curve from 2003 to 2006 and reached as high as Triple-A both in 2005 and 2006. He was originally a 19th round draft pick in the 2000 draft out of Oneonta (NY) HS. Connolly currently resides in Altoona and is the co-owner/operator of ERA Sports, a baseball and softball academy offering advanced lessons and fielding teams that travel regionally to participate in tournaments.

“It will be great to welcome Kory and Mike back for the Heroes Game,” said Curve General Manager Rob Egan. “Our fans remember Kory for his outstanding second-half with the Curve in our inaugural season and for being just our second-ever player to go on and play in the Major Leagues. ‘Conno’ was a big part of our starting rotation for four years and, in each of those seasons, the Curve made the playoffs. It’s great to see him having success running ERA Sports teaching hundreds of local young players how to play the game.”

AMBUCS AltoonaAMBUCS-Altoona, which is a national non-profit service organization consisting of a diverse group of men and women who are dedicated to creating mobility and independence for people with disabilities, has partnered up for the first day of events to help raise support and funds for the purchase of an Action Trackchair for one veteran here in Blair County. AMBUCS is working with the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center to select the recipient for the Action Trackchair. The Action Trackchair is the ultimate in off-road wheelchairs and will give its user the ability to navigate mountain roads, campgrounds, woods, beaches, hiking trails, frozen lakes, snowy terrain and much more.

All proceeds from the Ghostman Games & Hitting Challenge jerseys that the All-Stars will wear will be donated to the fund to purchase of the Action Trackchair. In addition, fans can purchase their very own Ghostman Games jersey with a portion of the proceeds from the sales going to the purchase of the Trackchair. The Curve will be accepting general donations up until the Eastern League All-Star Stop during game days at the Laurel Eye Clinic Customer Service Booth or non-game days inside the front office at Peoples Natural Gas Field.

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

Curve to Dedicate POW/MIA Chair Following Heroes Game on July 15

Team will dedicate one Toyota Diamond Club Seat to remain unoccupied for all future Curve games and events in honor of those American soldiers unaccounted for

AltoonaCurve_2014-05-22

 

Altoona-Curve-2014The Altoona Curve, in conjunction with the Rolling Thunder (American Legion Riders Post 12) based out of Somerville, N.J. will dedicate a seat from the Toyota Diamond Club to those American soldiers who are unaccounted for with a POW/MIA seat following the Curve, Pa. Heroes Game presented by the Altoona Mirror and AMBUCS on July 15, the team announced today.

The seat, which will be painted black and affixed with the POW/MIA decals, is located in section 112, row 3, seat 3. There will also be a plaque that goes with the seat, which will be installed and located in an area around section 112.

“We are proud to honor those who have served our country,” said Curve General Manager Rob Egan. “The dedication of the POW/MIA seat will serve as a reminder of those who did not come home and remain unaccounted for. All too often, their service and the pain experienced by their families, friends, and fellow service members fails to be mentioned. In this way, we’re hopeful this dedication will help in reminding people and spurring further efforts to bring them home.”

The seat dedication is a part of a series of events surrounding the 2014 E.L. All-Star Stop presented by UPMC Health Plan to honor those that have served our country. A group of Curve, Pa. alumni will be playing the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team (WWAST) in a softball game for the Curve, Pa. Heroes Game to start the events on the 15th.

Both the Eastern Division and Western Division All-Stars will don special jerseys for the Ghostman Games & Hitting Challenge that will follow the POW/MIA seat dedication ceremony. All proceeds from an auction of those jerseys will be put toward the purchase of an Action Trackchair for one local veteran that will be selected by AMBUCS in conjunction with the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center.

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