D-Braves Invite First Responders, Teachers to Appreciation Nights

DANVILLE, Va. – The Danville Braves today announced two additional promotional nights for the 2017 season – First Responders Night (July 20) and Teacher Appreciation Night (August 10). On each night, the Braves will offer $2 General Admission tickets to first responders and teachers, respectively. Both appreciation nights fall on Thirsty Thursdays presented by Buffalo Wild Wings when fans can purchase discounted fountain and draft beverages.

All firefighters, police, EMTs, and other first responders can purchase tickets in advance at the D-Braves offices or at the gate on First Responders Night, Thursday, July 20. Teachers may also purchase tickets in advance or at the gate on Teacher Appreciation Night, Thursday, August 10.

To view the complete promotional schedule or purchase tickets for any 2017 home game, visit dbraves.com.

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

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D-Braves, Planet Fitness partner for 5K

DANVILLE, Va. – The D-Braves are excited to announce that the organization’s first ever 5K race will take place during the 2017 season. The Danville Braves 5K presented by Planet Fitness will be held on Saturday, July 15, 2017. The race will benefit God’s Storehouse, a non-profit food pantry serving Danville and Pittsylvania County.

“We’ve been looking to host a 5K for a number of years now, and we’re excited to be able to make it happen in 2017,” said D-Braves Community Relations & Sales Manager Betsy Haugh. “We’re looking forward to working with our friends at Planet Fitness, as well as our other race sponsors, to make this a great community event in Danville.”

The race will begin on the concourse at American Legion Post 325 Field in Dan Daniel Memorial Park, home of the Danville Braves, and conclude on the field’s warning track. Winners of each age group will be recognized in an on-field ceremony prior to the D-Braves game against Bluefield Blue Jays later on race day, and the overall male and female winners will have the opportunity to throw out a first pitch before the 7pm start.

Registration for the Danville Braves 5K is now open and can be completed online at dbraves.com/5K or in person at the Danville Braves offices at 302 River Park Dr. Runners may also mail in a registration form and payment to Danville Braves 5K, P.O. Box 378, Danville, Va 24543. Brochures are available at all sponsor locations, including Planet Fitness, HomeTrust Bank (Riverside Dr. location), The Brick Running & Tri Store, and God’s Storehouse.

The registration fee is $20 ($25 after July 1) and includes a performance race t-shirt and a Blue Reserved ticket to the D-Braves game vs. Bluefield at 7pm on race day. For more information, visit dbraves.com/5K or call the D-Braves at 434.797.3792.

Quick Facts for the Danville Braves 5K presented by Planet Fitness
Sponsored by: Planet Fitness, HomeTrust Bank, The Brick Running & Tri Store
Benefiting: God’s Storehouse
When: Saturday July 15, 2017. Race day registration begins at 7:15 am, race begins at 8 am
Where: Danville Braves Stadium (American Legion Post 325 Field in Dan Daniel Memorial Park at 302 River Park Dr.)
Registration Link: http://bit.ly/5Kreg2017

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

D-Braves donate to Danville Veterans Memorial Fund

DANVILLE, Va. – In recognition of Veterans Day, the Danville Braves presented the Danville Veteran’s Memorial Fund with a donation of over $1,200. The D-Braves raised the funds by auctioning off game-worn military appreciation jerseys from the 2016 season. A total of $2,419.04 was raised through the auction, with half being donated to the Danville Veteran’s Memorial Fund and half to the Camp Lejeune Fisher House.

The D-Braves wore the special military appreciation jerseys for each Friday home game in July during the 2016 season, as well as the team’s July 3rd contest. Those games were dubbed Military Appreciation Nights presented by Angus Heating and Air and Blue Ridge Beverage; all active and retired military members received free admission to the games.

“To be able to help maintain a memorial that honors the sacrifice and service of our nation’s military is the least we can do,” said Danville Braves General Manager David Cross. “The Danville Veteran’s Memorial is a lasting tribute to the men and women that have helped protect this great country.”

For more information about the Veterans Memorial at Dan Daniel Memorial Park, visit http://www.danville-va.gov/1288/Veterans-Memorial.

For more information about the Camp Lejeune Fisher House, visit http://lejeunefisherhouse.org/.

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

D-Braves present donation to Danville Cancer Association

DANVILLE, Va. – The Danville Braves presented a donation of nearly $1,300 to the Danville Cancer Association Thursday morning. The D-Braves raised $1,271.70 through the auction of game-used jerseys worn on the team’s Colon Cancer Awareness Night during the 2016 season.

“We’re proud to continue to support the Danville Cancer Association,” said Danville Braves General Manager David Cross. “The work that the Danville Cancer Association does to help support cancer patients in the area has a big impact on local families.”

2016 marked the sixth year in which the D-Braves wore and auctioned cancer awareness jerseys.

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

D-Braves nominated for Charles Murphy Patriot Award

DANVILLE, Va. – The Appalachian League announced its nominations for the Minor League Baseball Annual Awards Wednesday afternoon, with the Danville Braves earning the league’s nomination for the Charles Murphy Patriot Award. The award is presented to a team who demonstrates “outstanding support of and engagement with the United States Armed Forces and veterans, both at the ballpark and in the community.”

The D-Braves placed a strong focus on recognizing and honoring the military throughout the month of July during the 2016 season, with each Friday game and the team’s July 3rd contest being dubbed Military Appreciation Night presented by Angus Heating and Air and Blue Ridge Beverage. The Braves’ wore special military-themed jerseys on each of the Military Appreciation Nights, with the game-used jerseys being auctioned off to benefit the Danville Veterans Memorial and the Fort Bragg Fisher House.

Additionally, the D-Braves welcomed members of the Dan River High School J-ROTC for the National Anthem prior to each game on Military Appreciation Nights.

“We are honored to represent the Appalachian League for this award,” said D-Braves General Manager David Cross. “The U.S. Military and their families have provided more than we can ever repay, and honoring them in the ways we have is the least we can do.”

This year’s Charles Murphy Patriot Award will be presented at the 2016 Baseball Winter Meetings to be held in National Harbor, Maryland from December 4-8.

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

Missing children from D-Braves’ BairFind sign found

DANVILLE, Va. – The Danville Braves are pleased to announce that two of the missing children featured on the BairFind sign at Legion Field have been found. Maria de los Angeles Avendano Ramos and Peter Van der Linden have both been located and returned home safely after their pictures were featured on signage at the D-Braves’ stadium throughout the 2016 season.

The search continues for Samantha Clarke and Shimeaka Gibson, the two remaining missing children featured on the D-Braves’ BairFind sign in 2016. Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of a missing child is encouraged to call 1-800-THE-LOST.

The BairFind Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to locating missing children that has partnered with Minor League Baseball to promote its efforts. The organization works with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children to feature missing children specific to an MiLB team’s geographic location on signage at ballparks across the country.

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

Specialty Jersey Night to Honor Paralyzed Veterans of America

The Bristol Pirates are excited to host the first-ever specialty jersey night at Boyce Cox Field next Thursday, August 18, when the Pirates play host to their division-rival Johnson City Cardinals.

Pirates’ players and staff will sport special jerseys for the one game, in support of the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), courtesy of the generous support of Food City.

NASCAR legend and PVA supporter Richard Petty will be on hand to throw out the ceremonial first pitch, along with NASCAR driver Aric Almirola and the president of the PVA, Bill Lawson.

Following the game, Petty and the player or staff member wearing each jersey will autograph the jerseys.

During the game, fans can bid on the jersey of their favorite players in a silent auction conducted in the ballpark pavilion on the third-base side of the field. Following the game, until the end of the Pirates’ regular season, bidding will continue online at www.milbauctions.com.

Gates will open early at the special time of 4:30 p.m., for this game, which promises to draw a large crowd. The game will begin at 5:30 p.m., and fans are invited to stay after the game and enjoy the transporter parade as it makes its way down Euclid Avenue, past the ballpark. It is expected that the parade will also feature fireworks.

“We are tremendously excited to host this event, and the King of NASCAR, Richard Petty, and to be able to call attention to the wonderful work the PVA does across the country,” noted Pirates’ General Manager Mahlon Luttrell. “We would not have been able to do this without the wonderful support of our friends at Food City.”

For more information on the Pirates, visit www.BristolPiratesBaseball.com. To keep up with breaking news, follow the Pirates on Twitter (@PiratesNBristol) or visit their Facebook page.

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

Join Rays Kids Club, Summer Reading Program

Princeton, WV- The Princeton Rays are proud to unveil the 2016 Rays Kids Club and the 2016 Princeton Rays Summer Reading Program.

Rays Kids Club:

The Rays Kids Club has been a staple of summer fun for young Rays fans for many years and will continue to provide members with club-exclusive incentives and experiences in 2016.

Sponsored by MedExpress Urgent Care of Princeton, the Kids Club privileges for members include:

  • Invitation to five pre-game club meetings with meals provided including a picnic with several Rays players.
  • Official Kid’s Club T-Shirt, Membership Card and Certificate
  • Free admission to all regular season Rays games when wearing Kids Club T-Shirt
  • A custom birthday card autographed by Roscoe the Rooster
  • All members registered by June 3, 2016 will have their name listed in the Rays 2016 Game Program

The Kids Club is open to children ages 12 and under with a cost of membership is set at just $22 per child.

Membership registration forms are available on the Rays’ official website princetonrays.net, from the Rays’ front office or via email by request sent to princetonrays@frontier.com.

Rays Summer Reading Program:

The Rays and the Princeton Public Library aim to show that that baseball is a mental as well as physical game. With that in mind, the Rays official announce their partnership with the Princeton Public Library and the formation of the Rays 2016 Summer Reading Program.

The program will extend from the time Princeton-area schools release students for Summer Break until the end of the Princeton Rays regular season. Children ages 6 to 14 are welcome to register and win Rays’ prizes for reading throughout the summer.

The only requirement of Summer Reading Program members is to read one book about baseball and have their parent or guardian sign-off on the amount of hours they have read.

Prizes for members include:

  • One exclusive player autograph opportunity for five hours of reading
  • One game ticket for ten hours of reading
  • A 15% off coupon to the Rays’ Team store for 15 hours of reading
  • A Rays’ Reader T-Shirt for 25 hours of reading

Also, the Reading Program member who reads the most hours as of August 26 will earn the opportunity to throw the ceremonial first pitch at one of the Rays’ final regular season home games against the Bluefield Blue Jays.

Registration for the Rays Summer Reading Program is free for all interested members of age.

Membership registration forms are available at the Princeton Public Library, on the Rays’ official website princetonrays.net, from the Rays’ front office or via email by request sent to princetonrays@frontier.com.

The Princeton Rays, for the 20th season, are the proud Appalachian League Affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays and will begin their 2016 home schedule on Sun., June 26 against the Danville Braves.

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

E-Twins Look To Impact Area Youth

Minor League Baseball has much to offer all age groups but this season E-Twins staff are focusing on youth with a variety of promotions and stadium ticket packages. “We are extremely excited about this season and the impact we can have on our area youth,” said Mike Mains, General Manager. “We have put together a nice package of promotions for all ages but especially for our youth as we hope parents will notice the inexpensive family entertainment that they can enjoy this summer at Joe O’Brien Field.”

With hundreds of local youth participating in baseball and softball programs throughout our area the Twins are offering free youth team baseball and softball parties at Joe O’Brien Field. Admission is free to all players and coaches and parents will enter at a discounted rate of $3.00. In addition to free admission, teams will be announced during pre-game ceremonies and they will take the field during the National Anthem with the E-Twins.

Throughout this season the E-Twins have scheduled several weekly promotions that will give families an opportunity to enjoy an inexpensive night at the ballpark including Tuesday Dollar Nights and Kids Eat Free Wednesday’s. Sponsored by UDC and WCQR Tuesday Dollar Nights will feature $1.00 admission for all along with $1.00 hotdogs, programs and a few other concession items all sold for $1.00. While Wednesday night games this season will feature a free meal for all kids under the age of twelve.

Continuing a long standing tradition the Elizabethton Twins will host two free baseball clinics for area youth including the Todd Walker Baseball Clinic held at Joe O’Brien Field on July 11 and the Blue Gray’s Baseball Clinic held at Historic Blue Grays Field located at Douglas Park on August 1st. Youth between the ages of 6 and 14 will receive instruction in baseball fundamentals, meet E-Twins players and lunch will be provided.

Joe O’Brien Field has much to offer including a great setting for birthday parties and a unique family fun package which offers four reserved seats, four hotdogs with drinks, four programs and one individual in the family will be allowed to throw out the first pitch. This special package will provide a great night of baseball fun and memories for years to come.

The Elizabethton Junior Twins Club is another youth program the E-Twins are proud of. Club membership offers a reduce rate for a season ticket pass to all 34 home games, a Twins tee-shirt and an invitation to a pre-game cookout with E-Twins players.

“The Elizabethton Twins have a great deal to offer our youth,” said Mike Mains. “When you look at the number of families that have kids in this area participating in youth sports its really amazing and then you have this team that is a showcase of future major league stars it’s really special. I just hope parents will see what we have to offer and the great opportunity they have to build a natural love for this game by bringing their children to Joe O’Brien Field.” The E-Twins have produced some great talent through the years including one former 2012 player in Byron Buxton who is right now the number one prospect in Major League Baseball.

For ticket information and other promotional event information call the Elizabethton Twins at 423-547-6441.

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

Free Baseball Skillz & Drillz Clinic this Saturday

GreenevilleAstros_2014-07-11

 

Greeneville-Astros-2014The Greeneville Astros and the Boys & Girls Club of Greeneville & Greene County are teaming up to host the 10th Annual Baseball Skillz & Drillz Clinic on Saturday, July 12, 2014 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. The clinic will be held at Pioneer Park, home of the Greeneville Astros, located on the Tusculum College campus. The clinic is sponsored by Greeneville Pediatric Clinic and Laughlin Memorial Hospital.

The Greeneville Astros players and coaches will work with youBoys-&-Girls-club-of-Americngsters ages 14 and under on the basic fundamentals of baseball. Throwing, base running, catching and hitting are just a few of the fundamentals that will be worked on during the free clinic.

Participants in this year’s event will receive a free Baseball Skillz & Drillz Clinic T-shirt while supplies last as well as a ticket to the Astros home game Saturday night.

After the clinic, Greeneville Astros players and coaches will sign autographs and refreshments will be served to the baseball clinic participants.

For more information on the free baseball clinic, call Scott Bullington or Cathy Osborne at the Boys & Girls Club at (423) 787-9322 or contact Kelsey Thompson, David Lane or Hunter Reed with the Greeneville Astros at (423) 638-0411.

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

Pulaski Mariners Host Danville on Military Appreciation Night

Pulaski-Mariners-LogoWednesday night the Pulaski Mariners return to Historic Calfee Park following a four night road trip. The game against the Danville Braves will be Military Family Appreciation Night at the Ballpark sponsored by the Military Family Support Center, the U.S. Army Recruiting Command, and Virginia Eagle Distributing.

Admission to the park is free for all active, retired, or veteran members of the military and their family. In addition, one hot dog, one drink, and one bag of chips will be provided. Families are encouraged to register Military-Family-Support-Centerfor tickets by calling either the Military Family Support Center at 540-4000-8301 or the Pulaski Mariners at 540-980-1070.

Wednesday is the first opportunity for Mariner fans to watch the East Division leading Danville Braves as they do battle with Pulaski Mariner stars like Wayne Taylor, Carlton Tanabe, and Jay Baum.

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

Blue Jays initiate reading program

BluefieldBlueJays_2011-06-03

 

Bluefield-Blue-Jays-2014The Bluefield Blue Jays, the Appalachian League affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, have announced the start of a reading initiative aimed at children in the two Virginias. “Reading is a Homerun” is an interactive program that allows Blue Jays staff and players to share their joy of reading with students. The team has united with Craft Memorial Library in downtown Bluefield in an effort to reach children this summer.

“We are looking forward to working with the Blue Jays and feel as though this will be a very beneficial program” said Eva McGuire, the director at the Craft Memorial Library.

Craft-Memorial-Library“Literacy is one of the most important building blocks for success” said Blue Jays General Manager Chris Maxwell. ” We just want to show that reading isn’t about just schoolwork it’s about having fun and let your imagination take you to amazing places” he added

The team will encourage fans to bring used children’s books that can be distributed to those less fortunate. “Libraries are one of the greatest resources that our young people have today, but we would also like those who can’t afford it to be able to feel like they can have books of their own” says Maxwell. Teachers, summer camps, or learning centers who are interested in having players come down and read this summer should contact Chris Maxwell at 276-326-1326.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Bluefield Blue Jays. Click here to view the original story.

“Field of Dreams” Program Gives Kids a Chance to Take the Field.

Pulaski-Mariners-LogoThrough their Field of Dreams program, the Pulaski Mariners would like to invite local Little League sports teams to join the Mariners on the field during the National Anthem.

The Mariners provide a great team picnic for all players which includes game ticket, hot dog, chips and drink for just $5 per player. Adult chaperones and guests can also enjoy the same pre-game picnic for just $7 each.

The team will receive early entry into Calfee Park for their picnic and then a chance to meet and be on the field with the Pulaski Mariners! For more information contact the Mariners office at (540) 980-1070.

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

Douglas Park FREE Baseball Clinic

The Elizabethton Twins will be conducting a free Youth Baseball Clinic on August 17, 10:30AM to 12:30PM at Douglas Park.

Douglas Park is located behind the Elizabethton City School System Administrative Offices at 804 South Watauga Avenue. Instruction in the fundamentals of baseball will take place along with lunch and an autograph session.

“We look forward to a great day at Douglas Park and hope to see many of our local youth at this event, said Mike Mains, Parks and Recreation Director.” “This is just another way our Minor League Baseball Franchise can give back to this community which is a win for our players, staff and fans alike.”

The camp will feature basic instruction in hitting, fielding and throwing. Participants will also have the opportunity to talk one on one with Elizabethton Twins players, will receive tickets to a future game and will have lunch with team members. Participants must be above seven years of age. This is a free event sponsored by the Elizabethton Parks and Recreation Department. For more information call 423-547-6441.

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

Douglas Park FREE Baseball Clinic

The Elizabethton Twins will be conducting a free Youth Baseball Clinic on August 17, 10:30AM to 12:30PM at Douglas Park.

Douglas Park is located behind the Elizabethton City School System Administrative Offices at 804 South Watauga Avenue. Instruction in the fundamentals of baseball will take place along with lunch and an autograph session.

“We look forward to a great day at Douglas Park and hope to see many of our local youth at this event, said Mike Mains, Parks and Recreation Director.” “This is just another way our Minor League Baseball Franchise can give back to this community which is a win for our players, staff and fans alike.”

The camp will feature basic instruction in hitting, fielding and throwing. Participants will also have the opportunity to talk one on one with Elizabethton Twins players, will receive tickets to a future game and will have lunch with team members. Participants must be above seven years of age. This is a free event sponsored by the Elizabethton Parks and Recreation Department. For more information call 423-547-6441.

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