Appalachian League celebrates 2022 charitable contributions

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CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The Appalachian League announced that the league’s charitable outreach grew to more than $3.4 million of gift-in-kind and monetary donations this year. Additionally, the league and its clubs volunteered more than 11,000 hours of community service.

The league’s reach impacts the towns and cities their 10 teams call home across North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Appalachian League executives, team staff members and players volunteered through food pantries, reading programs, baseball clinics, toy drives, youth centers, hospital visits and numerous service organizations.

“As league members, we appreciate the opportunity to continue giving back through volunteering, donating and providing outreach to the communities that have supported our clubs for more than 100 years,” stated Elizabethton River Riders GM and Appalachian League Charity Committee Chair Kiva Fuller.

In January, Appy League representatives participated in the 27th annual MLK Day of Service. Volunteering in 11 communities across four states, team members were involved with food pantries, book drives, local YMCA and libraries, as well as the House of Hope and Good Samaritan Ministries.

In conjunction with the League All-Star Game, league executives volunteered at the City Gate Dream Center in Burlington, N.C. Along with moving items to the center’s storage unit, the group packaged and bundled diapers for families in need.

On the day of the All-Star Game, the Sock Puppets hosted a successful Play Ball youth clinic at Burlington Athletic Stadium where all 2022 All-Stars participated.

Prior to the GM meeting in Bluefield on Oct. 18, Appalachian League clubs participated in a service project at the Bluefield Union Mission. A total of 19 league and club representatives packaged meals and prepared personal hygiene kits for families in need.

More details and a full breakdown of the 2022 Appy League Community Impact Report can be found here.

The 2023 Appy League season begins Tuesday, June 6. The full schedule for the upcoming season can be found here.

The Appalachian League is a part of USA Baseball and powered by MLB. For more information on the Appalachian League, please visit appyleague.com or follow the league on Twitter and Instagram (@AppyLeague).

Bluefield Ridge Runners announced as recipient of Lee Landers Community Service Award

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CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The Appalachian League announced that the Bluefield Ridge Runners have been named the recipient of the 2022 Lee Landers Community Service Award. The Lee Landers Community Service Award is presented to the club that demonstrates an outstanding, ongoing commitment to charitable service, support and leadership within their local community and within the baseball industry.

The staff of the Bluefield Ridge Runners has contributed $259,307 in cash and in-kind services through July 31, along with 866 hours to various community organizations. The Ridge Runners participated in Project Graduation, charity car shows, concerts, food drives and flood relief efforts. The Ridge Runners have also contributed to community organizations such as Rotary International, the Chamber of the Two Virginia’s, Sacred Heart Catholic Church Food Bank, Bluefield Area Little League, the Union Mission, the annual Mountain Festival, the Bluefield Restoration Committee and the Bluefield Beautification Committee.

“The Bluefield Ridge Runners are honored to be presented the Lee Landers Community Service Award for 2022,” said Ridge Runners general manager Rocky Malamisura. “The receipt of this award affirms the efforts of the club to be an integral part of the surrounding community.”

This season, Ridge Runners players volunteered a recorded 370 hours in the community at places like food pantries to reading programs and autograph sessions. Two baseball camps were provided by the Ridge Runners at no cost to the participants, which allowed more than 70 children to benefit from these camps. The Bluefield Club also participated in the Play Ball initiative with area Little Leagues and Vet Tix.

ThAdditionally, Ridge Runners catcher Parker Redden (Delaware) was named the Appalachian League Humanitarian of the Year. When the Ridge Runners were in town, Redden drove approximately 35 miles each way to volunteer at Freedom Farms, a nonprofit, faith-based organization for at-risk youth in West Virginia.

“It is especially satisfying to uphold the values of the award’s namesake Mr. Lee Landers,” Malamisura added. “Service before self is a trademark of what we value here with the Ridge Runners. Our staff, coaches, players and patrons strive to give back to the community that has itself given so much to us.”

Lee Landers served as the Appalachian League president from 1996-2018 and passed away May 17, 2021. Lee always placed others first and encouraged all clubs and staff to become involved and give back to their communities. Lee’s involvement over the years included: Roman Cultural Society, Jaycees, Police Benevolent Association, D.A.R.E, Senior Olympics Board, Baseball Chapel, American Heart Association and Springfield Chamber of Commerce.

Redden named Appalachian League Humanitarian of the Year 

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CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The Appalachian League announced that Bluefield’s Parker Redden (Delaware) was named the Humanitarian of the Year. The Humanitarian of the Year award is given to the Appalachian League player that has been judged to have made the most notable contributions in his community during the season through active participation in community service projects.

Redden works closely with Freedom Farms, a nonprofit, faith-based organization for at-risk youth in West Virginia. When the Ridge Runners were in town, Redden drove approximately 35 miles each way to help with meal preparation, maintenance, agricultural activities and his mentoring opportunities. Redden also delivered leftover food to Freedom Farms as quantities allowed so that waste was minimized. Baseball and softball lessons are an integral part of his focus with the youth. Redden and his family have also worked to establish a 4H club as an outlet for the kids from their day-to-day trials.

“Parker unselfishly gives of himself to others and conducts himself in such a way that you know that he understands that the game will end but his mission in life will continue,” said Ridge Runners general manager Rocky Malamisura. “Parker is the epitome of what we cherish most in athletes and what baseball teaches those who pay attention. We are so proud to have had such a young man as a member of the Ridge Runners.”

During the 2022 season, Redden volunteered for each of the Ridge Runners community service projects that were scheduled. The projects included working at local food pantries, stadium walkabouts with fans and autograph sessions. Redden also worked both kids camps as an instructor, mentored several local at-risk children and provided baseball lessons for numerous little league children.

“Parker was a catalyst in helping our organization educate and encourage the attitude and spirit of giving back,” said Bluefield manager Mike Weatherford. “Once his teammates recognized Parker’s contributions in Bluefield and the surrounding communities, it became enjoyable for our players to routinely volunteer. Parker was a leader in getting teammates involved off the field and that dedication to others followed him on the field.”

The 20-year-old catcher from Shady Spring, W.V., is heading into his sophomore year at the University of Delaware. Redden played in 15 games for the Ridge Runners this summer after he played for the Burlington Sock Puppets in 2021.

Johnson City Doughboys win 2022 Appy League Patriot Award

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JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — The Appalachian League has announced the Johnson City Doughboys as its award winner for the Patriot Award for the 2022 season. The Patriot Award is awarded to the club that exhibits outstanding support of and engagement with the United States armed forces and veterans, both at the ballpark and in the community.

The Doughboys hosted the Spring Honor Flight of the Appalachian Highlands charity softball game at TVA Credit Union Ballpark at no charge to help raise funds to send local veterans to Washington D.C. at no cost to them. During the season the Doughboys offered a military discount on tickets at the box office, Salute to Heroes Night, and hosted military branches to visit the ballpark to meet fans. They also allowed the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network to set up a booth on the concourse free of charge so they can meet fans and give out information for their program for military veterans. The Doughboys introduced a new weeknight promotion in 2022, U.S. Army Wednesdays. The U.S. Army recruiting office came out to each Wednesday night home game to interact with fans and promote the U.S. Army.

“In appreciation for all who have served and are currently serving, we are honored to show our support to all branches of the military,” said Doughboys general manager Kiva Fuller. “We look forward to growing the outreach for all military services offered in the Johnson City area and beyond at our JC Doughboys 2023 season home games.”

“I am thrilled for our team and front office staff to have won this award,” stated Boyd Sports vice president Jeremy Boler. “Our Johnson City staff has done an exceptional job working with our military veterans in our community. Having a military name like the Doughboys, it is very important to us to build relationships with and be involved with our veterans. We will continue to build off of this momentum and will continue our work with our local military veterans.”

Sock Puppets release new community piece, The Aviator 

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BURLINGTON, N.C. — Burlington and Alamance County have long been known for their textile heritage, but this industry was only part of what makes this community so special. When the Sock Puppets launched their new name in 2021, they did so to honor that very industry but saw the unique ability to be able to continue to honor various industries, events and people with their new brand. May 16, 2021 marked the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Alamance, and in celebration, the Burlington baseball team launched the first of many Community Sock Puppets. On the 75th anniversary of another marquee location here in Burlington, it’s time they announce another, The Aviator.

When Glenn Huffman and Dover Fogleman built the Fairchild airfield in 1931, they marked the beginning for an industry that has been a key catalyst to the City of Burlington’s and Alamance County’s growth for the next 91 years. As WWII began a few years later, numerous companies, as well as the federal government, occupied the airfield and started producing various pieces of equipment to assist in the war effort. Due to the new industry booming, many new people moved here for work and built a new community on the east side of Burlington. Even though Fairchild airfield closed in the 1960s, the aviation industry continued to grow and thrive in Central North Carolina.

Seeing a further need for expansion of the aviation industry in 1947, it was decided that a new Burlington Airport should be built. Now, as they celebrate 75 years of service to this community, the Burlington Airport continues to grow and assist the growth of the surrounding areas. Servicing both the public and many businesses, the airport is one of the most vital contributors that has been bringing new jobs to Alamance County.

Dan Danieley, the Executive Director of the Burlington-Alamance Airport Authority, sums up the purpose and role of the airport by saying, “the goal of the airport is to serve the community. As a key transportation and logistics hub, The Burlington Alamance Regional Airport is literally connecting our community to the world. We are a critical economic engine for business development, not only in our community but our region as well.”

With now two community characters as a part of their brand, the Sock Puppets continue to try and tell the story of their community in a sockingly different way. “A sock puppet can be anything,” Anderson Rathbun, General Manager of the Sock Puppets, said, “and before we even decided to go with the Sock Puppets moniker and honor the textile heritage, we saw hundreds and hundreds of community members share other pieces of history that they wanted to see embodied in our new brand. Now to come full circle and be able to honor not one, not two, not three but an unlimited amount of history with their respective, unique sock puppets is something we are very proud of.”

To learn more about the Burlington-Alamance Airport Authority click here.

To commemorate the new community sock character, you can now order the limited edition Aviator sock shirt!

Danville Otterbots announce ballpark sensory room, expand inclusivity efforts

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The Danville Otterbots will host a ribbon cutting ceremony for their new Ballpark Sensory Room, presented by The Hughes Center, on Friday, April 29, 2022, at 10 a.m. Since the club’s inception in January 2021, the Otterbots have been dedicated to providing a welcoming and inclusive ballpark for every member of the community. The sensory room will provide opportunities for children with sensory sensitivities and their families to be able to enjoy Otterbots games and non-baseball ballpark events all year long.

While some fans look forward to the sights, sounds and smells of being at the ballpark, those who are averse to the traditional hustle and bustle of baseball games will now have the opportunity to cheer on the Otterbots all season long. Located on the concourse in the right field Kids Zone, the Otterbots ballpark sensory room is equipped with cuddle swings, fidget boards, soft LED lights, wall-to-wall padding, uniquely textured rugs, sound-deadening headphones, comfortable chairs, sensory-friendly fidget toys and a blackout curtain. The curtain can be opened to reveal a window overlooking the Kids Zone, so parents can maintain a view of non-sensory averse siblings or friends during their time in the sensory room.

“Since our first day in Danville, our goal has been to build a product and atmosphere that provides entertainment for every single member of our community, and every visitor to Danville and the Southside Virginia region,” said Otterbots general manager Austin Scher. “We took tremendous strides towards reaching that goal in our inaugural season, but we knew we still had work to do. By constructing a sensory room on the concourse, we are now able to provide opportunities for children and families with sensory aversions to enjoy the ballpark and have a space dedicated to ensuring that their enjoyment is comprehensive.”

The ballpark sensory room is presented by The Hughes Center, who partnered with the Otterbots to outfit the space with appropriate activities and infrastructure to accommodate all levels of need. Materials were provided in-part by Columbia Forest Products, and construction was completed by Otterbots spring ballpark operations intern, United States military veteran and civil engineer, Luca Cicilese. The Otterbots prioritize their community, and could not be more grateful to these community partners for their support in bringing the sensory room to life.

“The Hughes Center is excited to partner with the Otterbots to create this awesome addition to the baseball stadium,” said Alison Waymouth, director of business development for The Hughes Center. “The sensory room will be another piece of inclusion added to the park that welcomes and supports everyone in our local community while also extending a warm welcome to surrounding areas. Our goal is to have an outlet for all to have a positive, relaxing and accommodating experience. The noise and excitement at a game can be overwhelming, but the sensory room offers a place to reset and make it more enjoyable and accessible for everyone.”

Danville’s American Legion Field will be the first park in the Appalachian League to have a dedicated sensory-friendly room inside the gates, and one of few in non-MLB ballparks. The Otterbots join the Brooklyn Cyclones, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders and Rochester Red Wings as non-MLB ballparks to have a sensory room on-site.

All members of the media and the Southern Virginia community are invited to attend the sensory room ribbon cutting ceremony Friday, April 29, 2022, at 10 a.m. Parking is available in the main lot, and the ceremony will take place on the right field concourse in front of the sensory room. Please send all RSVPs and inquiries to [email protected].

As Opening Night on June 2 approaches, the Otterbots have more news on ballpark improvements and community programming set to be announced in the coming weeks. Single-game tickets will be available in early May.

Otterbots season tickets, flex packs, group outings and corporate partnerships are currently available for the 2022 season. For more information, call 434-554-4487, email [email protected], or stop by the front office.

Appalachian League participates in MLK Week of Service 

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CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Appalachian League executives participated in a Week of Service, volunteering in 11 communities across North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Jan. 17, 2022 marked the 27th annual MLK Day of Service. Tabbed as a “day on, not a day off” to celebrate the life and legacy of the Civil Rights leader, MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities.

Across the league, executives volunteered at food pantries, libraries, ministries, YMCAs, book readings and educational centers assisting with preparing meals, stocking shelves, cleaning facilities, distributing books and tutoring. To see images of clubs service projects, click here.

“We appreciate continued opportunities to give back to our communities and are happy to have joined many across the country in celebrating MLK Day of Service,” said Appalachian League President Dan Moushon.

For more information about the MLK Day of Service, visit https://americorps.gov/newsroom/events/mlk-day.

The Appalachian League is a part of USA Baseball and powered by MLB. For more information on the Appalachian League, please visit AppyLeague.com.


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Appalachian League celebrates 2021 charitable contributions

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CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The Appalachian League announced the league’s charitable outreach totaled more than $2.5 million of gift in kind and monetary donations this year. The league and its teams continued to be actively engaged in safely helping and assisting their local communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The league’s reach stretches across four states and impacts the towns and cities their 10 teams call home. Appalachian League executives and team staff members volunteered through food deliveries, speaking engagements, mask donations, player appearances, jersey auctions and more.

“As a league, we appreciate the opportunity to give back and to enhance the communities that have supported our member clubs for more than 100 years,” league president Dan Moushon said.

Appy League representatives participated in a league service project at Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium in conjunction with the annual league meetings service project in Kingsport. Club members picked up trash and removed brush from parking lots and natural areas. Prior to the All-Star Game, the Pulaski River Turtles hosted a very successful Play Ball youth clinic at Calfee Park.

Several Appy League teams contributed more than $100,000 of gift in kind and monetary donations for their communities. More details and a full breakdown of the 2021 Appy League Community Impact Report can be found here.

The 2022 Appy League season begins Thursday, June 2. A complete schedule for the upcoming season can be found here.

The Appalachian League is a part of USA Baseball and powered by MLB. For more information on the Appalachian League, please visit AppyLeague.com.

Calfee Park to host free Halloween Bash on October 23 and 24

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PULASKI, Va. – Calfee Park will host two nights of Halloween fun on Friday October 23 and Saturday October 24 with a free Halloween Bash presented by Shelor Motor Mile Growing the Future, Tru Harvest Farms, and Calfee Park Baseball. Both events are open to the public and free.

Gates open at 4:30pm each night for trick or treating with local businesses, games, costume contests, and pumpkin painting. Friday night’s activities will conclude with a 6:30pm screening of the Wizard of Oz on the videoboard, and Saturday evening will feature a showing of Hocus Pocus. Free popcorn will be provided during each movie.

The first 250 kids each night will receive a free pumpkin presented by Shelor Motor Mile. The event will cap at 1,000 people each night, and attendees will be asked to comply with social distancing requirements. Calf-E’s Kitchen will be open with full concessions for purchase each night.

If you have any questions about the Calfee Park Halloween Bash or are a local business looking to set up a booth for trick or treating, please contact Melissa Epperly at (540) 250-1732 or [email protected].

 

Second annual Pulaski Yankees 5K to take place August 29

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PULASKI, Va. – The second annual Pulaski Yankees 5K presented by Shelor Toyota will take place on Saturday, August 29, 2020 at 8:30am. The run/walk will begin at Motor Mile Field at Calfee Park, wind towards downtown Pulaski and hit town running trails before ending with a lap on the warning track at the ballpark.

The Pulaski Yankees 5K is presented by Shelor Toyota, Gay and Neel, Inc., LewisGale Pulaski, First United Methodist Church and Run About Sports. Proceeds from the event will benefit the United Way of Southwest Virginia.

Registration for the Pulaski Yankees 5K is $25 and includes a race t-shirt. Registration is now open online: click here. Participants must register by August 15 in order to be guaranteed a t-shirt. The registration fee will increase $5 on the day of the event.

Pulaski Yankees, Salem Red Sox join forces for MiLB CommUNITY First campaign

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Pulaski Yankees, Salem Red Sox join forces for MiLB CommUNITY First campaign

PULASKI, Va./SALEM, Va. – The Pulaski Yankees and Salem Red Sox today announced the two Minor League Baseball teams are joining forces for a national community initiative in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In partnership with Feeding America®, Minor League Baseball ™ (MiLB™) is launching the MiLB CommUNITY First campaign to raise funds for local food banks while also honoring local heroes who are risking their lives on the front lines of the pandemic.

“We are excited to put the Red Sox/ Yankees rivalry aside and partner with our friends in Pulaski on this great initiative,” said Salem Red Sox General Manager Allen Lawrence. “Our food banks need our assistance now more than ever so we need to come together as one, as we are all in this together.”

School closures, rising unemployment and rising poverty due to quarantine and extended stay-at-home orders have disproportionately impacted people already at risk of hunger and could result in an estimated additional 17.1 million people experiencing food insecurity in the next six months, according to Feeding America. As the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization with a network of more than 200 affiliates, Feeding America has projected a $1.4 billion shortfall in the next six months alone.

Contributions from Red Sox and Yankees fans and Minor League Baseball will help ensure families and individuals across the country most impacted by the pandemic are fed and cared for during these uncertain times. Additionally, one ticket for a future MiLB game will be donated to a local first responder, healthcare worker, or grocery store worker per $10 donation.

To make a donation, fans can visit MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst. Once on the site, fans can choose their donation amount and will have the option to select either the Pulaski Yankees or the Salem Red Sox as their favorite team, with the funds and tickets routed back to each community. The campaign will conclude on May 31, 2020.

“We are excited to work with our friends in Salem on this initiative and look forward to seeing Yankees fans and Red Sox fans come together to support our communities during this time,” said Pulaski Yankees General Manager Betsy Haugh. “Our local heroes are working so hard to keep us all safe and healthy during this pandemic, and this is a great way for us all to show our appreciation for their tireless efforts.”

More than 100 Minor League Baseball teams are participating in the MiLB CommUNITY First initiative across the United States, and the MiLB national office has committed a $5,000 donation from MiLB Charities, equaling 50,000 meals provided through Feeding America. To join the national campaign by donating or for more information, visit MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst and use #MiLBCommUNITYFirst on social media to show your support.

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The Pulaski Yankees are the Advanced Rookie affiliate of the New York Yankees, competing in the Appalachian League. The team plays at Motor Mile Field at Calfee Park, which was renovated for the team’s first season as a Yankees affiliate in 2015.

The Salem Red Sox are the Advanced-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox and call Salem Memorial Ballpark in Salem, Virginia home. The team was founded in 1968 and purchased by Fenway Sports Management in December of 2007.

Feeding America® is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States. Through a network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs, we provide meals to more than 40 million people each year. Feeding America also supports programs that prevent food waste and improve food security among the people we serve; educates the public about the problem of hunger; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Individuals, charities, businesses and government all have a role in ending hunger. Donate. Volunteer. Advocate. Educate. Together we can solve hunger. Visit www.feedingamerica.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

Pulaski Yankees, United Way announce partnership for 2020 season

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PULASKI, Va. – The Pulaski Yankees and the United Way of Southwest Virginia are excited to announce a new partnership for the 2020 season. Through the multi-faceted partnership, the Pulaski Yankees will assist with fundraising and awareness efforts for the United Way of Southwest Virginia.

“When we first worked with the United Way at their Celebrity Bagging Event last November, I saw a great opportunity for a larger partnership between our organizations,” said Pulaski Yankees General Manager. “Now more than ever is a time for us to refocus on our #CalfeeCares mission, and we are excited to work with the United Way of Southwest Virginia this season and beyond.”

The United Way of Southwest Virginia will serve as the beneficiary of the second-annual Pulaski Yankees 5K scheduled to take place this summer. More information about the Pulaski Yankees 5K presented by Shelor Toyota will be announced later this spring as plans are adjusted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The United Way will also be a community partner for the Pulaski Yankees Star Wars Night presented by Collision Plus on August 15.

“United Way is honored to be a recipient of the #CalfeeCares mission. We look forward to cheering on runners in July during the Pulaski Yankees 5K,” said Mary Anne Holbrook, Director of Community Relations for United Way of Southwest Virginia. “We can’t wait to enjoy a night of baseball with the Pulaski County Yankees supporting our mission. United we fight. United we win!”

In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the United Way of Southwest Virginia has formed a regional advisory council comprised of donors to the fund, business and nonprofit organizations, and health and human service agencies to develop the response strategy for Southwest Virginia. This included the creation of the “COVID-19 Response Fund For Southwest Virginia” fundraiser on Facebook. Individuals wishing to donate can click here.

United Way of Southwest Virginia fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in Southwest Virginia because they are the building blocks for a good quality of life. Through an initiative-based cradle-to-career approach, United Way of Southwest Virginia is creating sustainable solutions to address the challenges facing tomorrow’s workforce. United Way convenes cross-sector partners to make an impact on the most complex problems in our region. Through collaboration with government, business, nonprofit and individuals, United Way innovates for positive, lasting social change. For more information about the United Way of Southwest Virginia, fans can visit unitedwayswva.org.

The Pulaski Yankees are the Advanced Rookie level affiliate of the New York Yankees playing in the Appalachian League. Pulaski is celebrating its 54th season in the Appalachian League in 2019. Calfee Park has won league championships in 1948, 1969, 1986, 1991 and 2013. Motor Mile Field at Calfee Park opened in 1935 and was renovated for the team’s first season as a Yankees affiliate in 2015. The Pulaski Yankees were named the recipient of the John H. Johnson President’s Award, Minor League Baseball’s top honor, in 2019. For more information, please visit www.pulaskiyankees.net or follow the Pulaski Yankees on social media, @PulaskiYanks (Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram).

2020 Danville Braves 5K Date Announced, Presented by HomeTrust Bank

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DANVILLE, Va. – For the second consecutive year the Danville Braves will host a 5K race at their stadium, presented in back-to-back years by HomeTrust Bank on Saturday, July 25 at 8 a.m.

“At HomeTrust Bank we take community support seriously, and we’re so thankful to be sponsoring The Danville Braves 5K that contributes to the United Way,” said Kimberly Fox, branch manager at HomeTrust Bank’s north Danville location. “The United Way of Danville-Pittsylvania County’s focus on education, health, financial empowerment, and workforce development are near and dear to us, and we look forward to being involved in this event each year.”

This is the third year the Danville Braves have hosted a 5K race in the last four years (2017, 2019, 2020). The event raised over $1,400 for the United Way of Danville-Pittsylvania County in 2019, and the event expects even more participants and donation money in 2020. In total, the D-Braves gave nearly $50,000 in gifts in-kind and monetary donations in 2019.

“We are so proud to bring our 5K back to our Danville community in 2020,” said Stephen Brunson, D-Braves assistant general manager and community relations contact. “This event epitomizes what our team stands for – fun, family-friendly activity and giving back to the community that has supported us these past 27 years.”

Each race pack includes a ticket to the game at 6:30 p.m. on July 25 vs. the Pulaski Yankees, a race performance shirt and official timing, provided by the Brick. Registration for the race is $30 for all participants that register online or over the phone by July 10th and will raise to $35 for participants that sign up after the early bird deadline. All participants will be required to sign a waiver at the ballpark the day of the event. The race route is yet to be definitively determined but will include aspects of the warning track in the stadium and the Riverwalk trail along the Dan River.

Registration is open for purchase at dbraves.com/5K or by calling our office at 434-797-3792.

Opening Night for the D-Braves is set for June 22, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. For all up-to-date information on the upcoming 2020 season visit dbraves.com or follow the team @DanvilleBraves on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

 

DROP OFF NASHVILLE RELIEF DONATIONS AT MEMORIAL PARK COMMUNITY CENTER

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JOHNSON CITY, TN – The Johnson City Cardinals are collecting donations to support the surrounding Nashville area during their tornado relief efforts. Memorial Park Community Center will be a drop off location for sealed and unused goods on Friday, March 6th and Monday, March 9th through Thursday, March 12th from 9 am – 4 pm.

Zack Clark, Johnson City’s General Manager commented, “We are keeping Nashville and the surrounding area in our thoughts as they start to recover. We want to show our support in any way we can.”

The Johnson City Cardinals will be accepting the following unused and sealed items:

  • Individually wrapped snacks
  • Toiletries
  • Flashlights
  • Batteries
  • Baby food
  • Baby wipes
  • Child and adult diapers
  • Paper towels
  • Work gloves
  • Toilet paper
  • Trash bags

ABOUT THE JOHNSON CITY CARDINALS
The Johnson City Cardinals are the Rookie affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals. Members of the ten-team Appalachian League, Cardinals baseball has been entertaining families and fans of America’s national pastime in the East Tennessee region for over 50 years. To learn more about the Johnson City Cardinals, visit www.jccardinals.com.

 

Pulaski Yankees extend partnership with American Cancer Society

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PULASKI, Va. – The Pulaski Yankees and the American Cancer Society are excited to announce they have extended their partnership into the Yankees’ 2020 season. The multi-faceted partnership began in 2019 and will include new events in the coming year.

“We are very excited to continue our partnership with the American Cancer Society’s local office for Southwest Virginia and the Roanoke Valley,” said Pulaski Yankees General Manager Betsy Haugh. “This partnership embodies the spirit of our Calfee Cares community relations plan to a T, and we’re fortunate to have such a great local group to work with that does so much for those affected by cancer in our community.”

The Yankees will be recognized as a Platinum Sponsor for Relay for Life of Wythe County, Relay for Life of Virginia’s Blue Ridge (Roanoke), Relay for Life of Montgomery County, and Relay for Life of the New River Valley. Calf-E, the Yankees mascot, and members of the Pulaski front office staff will attend the Wythe County (May 15) and Montgomery County (June 5).

As part of this continued partnership, the Yankees and American Cancer Society will host three events at Motor Mile Field at Calfee Park in 2020. On June 23, the Yankees will again participate in Minor League Baseball’s “Cover Your Bases” Sun Safety Initiative that is hosted league-wide in conjunction with MiLB Charities. Cover Your Bases scannables will be sold at the ballpark to raise money for the American Cancer Society on this night.

On August 21, the Yankees will recognize breast cancer survivors with Pink in the Park presented by LewisGale Sarah Cannon, the Cancer Institute of HCA Healthcare. Yankees players and coaches will wear special Pink in the Park warm up shirts that will be auctioned off to benefit the American Cancer Society. The American Cancer Society’s Southeast Region will also serve as the Community Organization of the Night presented by the Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce.

New for 2020, the American Cancer Society will host Finish the Fight Against Breast Cancer at Calfee Park on Saturday, October 17. This family-friendly fun walk will bring together friends and family to remember and celebrate loved ones affected by breast cancer. Participants are determined to raise awareness and money to support the American Cancer Society’s mission and save more lives than ever before from breast cancer.

“We have an amazing partnership with Betsy and the Pulaski Yankees and are very enthusiastic to grow that partnership in 2020. This relationship is extremely important to our local office and plays a vital role in helping us to continue with our life-saving mission across the New River Valley and Southwest Virginia,” said Erika Newberry, Community Development Manager, American Cancer Society.

Last year, over 100 area businesses and organizations embraced Relay For Life events and the American Cancer Society’s cause, helping our communities raise over $1 million to support the society’s mission to save lives, celebrate lives, and lead the fight for a world without cancer. For more information, visit cancer.org.

The Pulaski Yankees are the Advanced Rookie level affiliate of the New York Yankees playing in the Appalachian League. Pulaski is celebrating its 54th season in the Appalachian League in 2019. Calfee Park has won league championships in 1948, 1969, 1986, 1991 and 2013. Motor Mile Field at Calfee Park opened in 1935 and was renovated for the team’s first season as a Yankees affiliate in 2015. The Pulaski Yankees were named the recipient of the John H. Johnson President’s Award, Minor League Baseball’s top honor, in 2019. For more information, please visit www.pulaskiyankees.net or follow the Pulaski Yankees on social media, @PulaskiYanks (Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram).