Local woman awaiting a life-saving lung transplant will be recognized during Sept. 26 Reno Aces Game

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

RENO, Nev. (Sept. 22, 2022) — Diagnosed with a rare lung disease in 2009, Reno local Dina Jennings is awaiting a life-saving lung transplant. She is one of the more than 600 Nevadans and 100,000 people in the U.S. on the national transplant waiting list.

Jennings will be honored at the Reno Aces’ Home Run for Life game, presented by Donor Network West, after the second inning, Monday, Sept. 26, at Greater Nevada Field as they take on the Tacoma Rainiers.

Before being placed on the national transplant waiting list in April 2022, Jennings had a strong connection to organ donation. Her father, Danny Turner, died in 2010 and, as an organ donor, he gave the gift of sight to a blind person. Now awaiting a lung transplant, Jennings relies on oxygen to live. She uses around three oxygen tanks each week. Despite her reliance on oxygen, she remains physically active as she wants to be as healthy as possible while waiting for a lung transplant match.

“Whenever I get a phone call, I think it may be the call that they’ve found a transplant match – my heart skips a beat every time I hear the phone ring,” said Jennings.

One donor can save up to eight lives through organ donation and heal up to 75 lives through tissue donation.

Donor Network West, northern Nevada and northern California’s federally designated non-profit organ procurement organization, is proud to have supported six Home Run for Life baseball games during the 2022 Aces’ season. The partnership has brought critical awareness about organ donation to the northern Nevada community and its sports fans. This will be the final Home Run for Life game of the 2022 season.

“Reducing the waiting list is what fuels our mission at Donor Network West,” Janice Whaley, president and CEO of Donor Network West, said. “Our partnership with the Reno Aces has provided incredible opportunities to share powerful stories like Dina’s in our community and give hope to those waiting for a second chance at life.”

Throughout the 2022 season, brave individuals and families in the northern Nevada community have been honored by taking a ceremonial trip around the bases, with each team lining the baselines. Individuals honored have been personally impacted by organ, eye and tissue donation.

“Seeing the community cheer on the Home Run for Life participants and their families this season has been incredibly special,” Eric Edelstein, president of Reno Aces and Greater Nevada Field, said. “The Reno Aces are proud to have partnered with Donor Network West to support the organization’s community outreach and educational efforts for organ donation.”

Anyone can register to be an organ donor. To learn more and to register as an organ donor, visit DonorNetworkWest.org.

— @MyDNWest —

‘Celebrate America’ With Amarillo Symphony & HODGETOWN October 1 

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Amarillo, Texas –HODGETOWN Events and the Amarillo Symphony are excited for “Celebrate America”, the third outdoor Amarillo Symphony concert to be performed at the home of the Sod Poodles. The concert which is rapidly approaching is scheduled for Saturday, October 1 with gates opening at 6 p.m. and the concert beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for this event are on sale now with plenty of fun and exciting hospitality and ticket options for guests. An evening of patriotic fan favorites and other exciting American musical treasures will begin with a very special flyover by the West Texas Warbird Flight and conclude with a spectacular fireworks show.

“Celebrating our 99th season, the Amarillo Symphony is thrilled to present our Celebrate America concert at HODGETOWN,” said Larry Lang, Executive Director of the Amarillo Symphony. “Join us for a flag-waving program of great American music for the whole family, with special guests from the Amarillo Little Theater, a flyover by the West Texas Warbird Flight, our amazing Symphony musicians, and fantastic fireworks. We look forward to seeing everyone there!”

“The Sod Poodles and HODGETOWN Events are once again excited to partner with the Amarillo Symphony for this very special and unique event. Our partnership with the Amarillo symphony originated two years ago to provide an opportunity for our community to come out and continue to enjoy the many different types of magical experiences HODGETOWN has to offer,” said Sod Poodles President and General Manager, Tony Ensor. ”The success of the past two concerts has proven that HODGETOWN not only stacks up as a premier minor league baseball facility but an incredible gathering place for fans of great music, too. We can’t wait for the Amarillo and Panhandle community to come out and ‘Celebrate America’, together while creating once-in-a-lifetime memories.”

Ticket pricing for the concert ranges from $14 to $25 depending on seat location. Tickets are available for purchase at www.SodPoodles.com or HERE. Guests can also purchase by phone at (806) 803-9547 or in-person at the HODGETOWN box office now through the day of the event or until sold out. Box office hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Fantastic hospitality options for groups are once again available, including Dugout Suites, Concourse Suites, Luxury Suites, and the Pepsi Party Deck. For the ultimate intimate experience for this event, on-field, front of stage, catered VIP tables with conductor meet and greet are available on a limited basis. For more information on hospitality areas and tickets, please call (806) 803-7762 or email [email protected]. VIP Tables may also be purchased at the Amarillo Symphony office by calling (806) 376-8782.

A pre-concert band, Jim Laughlin Quintet, will entertain the crowd just after gates open for the evening to shortly before the symphony performance begins so fans are encouraged to arrive early and enjoy all the night has to offer.

The Amarillo Symphony performance is generously sponsored by Barnes Jewelry, Terry and Janette Caviness, Street Toyota, Arthur Judson Foundation, Sprouse, Shrader, Smith PLLC, Amarillo National Bank, Underwood Law, Physicians Surgical Hospitals, FirstBank Southwest, and our media partners Channel 10.

For interview requests for Tony Ensor prior to the event, please feel free to reach out to Cory Hilborne ([email protected]).

For interview requests for Larry Lang, please contact Sammy Carter ([email protected])

Awaiting a life-saving kidney donation, local woman will be recognized during Sept. 16 Reno Aces Game

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RENO, Nev. (Sept. 14, 2022) — In her 30s, Xochie Aranda was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease, a leading cause of kidney failure. She was placed on the national transplant waiting list and within three years received a transplant. However, Aranda was placed on the national transplant waiting list again after experiencing transplant failure nearly 10 years ago.

Aranda’s 9-year-old granddaughter will run the bases on her grandmother’s behalf at the Reno Aces’ Home Run for Life game, presented by Donor Network West, after the second inning, Friday, Sept. 16, at Greater Nevada Field as they take on the Sacramento River Cats.

As she awaits a new kidney, Aranda receives dialysis treatments for nearly 10 hours per week. Using experience gained from her challenging health journey, she educates the community as a Donor Network West volunteer Donate Life Ambassador.

“When I went back on dialysis after my transplant failed, I was a working, single mom. I had to educate myself on my health issues – a lot,” said Aranda. “As a Donor Network West ambassador, and someone who is a part of the local Hispanic community, I try to listen to people’s questions and address any myths to help people understand why it’s important to register as an organ donor.”

One donor can save up to eight lives through organ donation and up to 75 lives through tissue donation. More than 600 Nevadans are on the national transplant waiting list.

Donor Network West, northern Nevada and northern California’s federally designated non-profit organ procurement organization, is proud to have supported six Home Run for Life baseball games during the 2022 Aces’ season. The partnership has brought critical awareness about organ donation to the northern Nevada community and its sports fans. This will be the final Home Run for Life game of the 2022 season.

“Xochie is one of more than 100,000 people in the U.S. waiting for a life-saving organ donation. Reducing the waiting list is what fuels our mission at Donor Network West as we help educate our communities and increase the number of people registered as organ donors,” Janice Whaley, president and CEO of Donor Network West, said. “Our partnership with the Reno Aces has provided incredible opportunities to share powerful stories in our community and give hope to those waiting for a second chance at life.”

Throughout the 2022 season, brave individuals and families in the northern Nevada community have been honored by taking a ceremonial trip around the bases, with each team lining the baselines. Individuals honored have been personally impacted by organ, eye and tissue donation.

“Seeing the community cheer on the Home Run for Life participants and their families this season has been incredibly special,” Eric Edelstein, president of Reno Aces and Greater Nevada Field, said. “The Reno Aces are proud to have partnered with Donor Network West to support the organization’s community outreach and educational efforts for organ donation.”

Anyone can register to be an organ donor. To learn more and to register as an organ donor, visit DonorNetworkWest.org.

— @MyDNWest —

Honoring Two Grandchildren’s Legacies; a Local Grandfather will be Recognized at Aug. 19 Reno Aces Game

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RENO, NV (Aug. 15, 2022) — Anthony Lyson was 18 years old when he died from a severe allergic reaction to tree nuts in 2017. His cousin, Frankie Lynn Young, passed away at 10 months old in 2012 after being born prematurely and experiencing health complications with her breathing. Anthony saved five lives through organ donation and Frankie saved three. Both were the grandchildren of Reno local, David Lyson.

David will run the bases at the Reno Aces’ Home Run for Life game, presented by Donor Network West, after the second inning, Friday, Aug. 19, at Greater Nevada Field as they take on the Salt Lake Bees.

David has owned and operated a print shop for nearly 34 years in Reno and extends his passion as a community leader to organ donation advocacy, speaking with high school students and DMV groups about his grandchildren and their life-saving gifts.

“Frankie was an incredible little girl,” said David. “And Anthony was such a wonderful young man; a 4.0 student who loved numbers and wanted to become an aeronautical engineer. He was so excited when he got his driver’s license in the mail saying, ‘Look, I got my license and I got my red heart!’”

One donor can save up to eight lives through organ donation and up to 75 lives through tissue donation. More than 600 Nevadans are on the organ transplant waiting list.

Donor Network West, northern Nevada and northern California’s federally designated non-profit organ procurement organization, is proud to support six Home Run for Life baseball games throughout the 2022 season. The partnership brings critical awareness about organ donation to the community and its sports fans. This will be the fifth Home Run for Life game of the 2022 season.

“David continues the legacies of Frankie and Anthony by sharing their stories – the Donor Network West team is immensely grateful to David and his family for their continued advocacy for organ donation,” Janice Whaley, President and CEO of Donor Network West, said. “Our partnership with the Reno Aces is just one of the many powerful ways we honor the gifts of donors and their families and give hope to those on the waiting list.“

The 2022 season is the first time Donor Network West and Reno Aces have partnered to showcase the Home Run for Life program. Once a month, brave individuals and families in the northern Nevada community are honored by taking a ceremonial trip around the bases, with each team lining the baselines. Individuals honored have received life-saving transplants or have lost a loved one who saved lives through organ donation.

“Honoring everyone who’s been impacted by organ donation at Greater Nevada Field has created incredibly powerful moments throughout our season,” Eric Edelstein, President of Reno Aces and Greater Nevada Field, said. “Seeing our community rally around organ donors and their families has been so special. We look forward to continuing our support of Donor Network West’s community outreach and educational efforts for organ donation.”

Anyone can register to be an organ donor. To learn more and to register as an organ donor, visit DonorNetworkWest.org.

— @MyDNWest —

Media note: If the media would like an interview with David Lyson ahead of the Friday, Aug. 19 Aces game, please contact Jena Esposito, [email protected], 702-513-0606. Photos of Lyson’s grandchildren, Frankie and Anthony, are available for download here.

Photo cutline: Donor Network West and the Reno Aces will honor the family of David Lyson at the Aug. 19 Home Run for Life game. David’s grandson, Anthony Lyson, was 18 years old when he died from a severe allergic reaction – he saved five lives through donation. David’s granddaughter, Frankie Lynn Young, passed away at 10 months old after being born prematurely and experiencing health complications with her breathing – she saved three lives.

About Donor Network West

Donor Network West saves and heals lives by facilitating organ and tissue recovery for transplantation and research. The organization was established in 1987 and is an official Donate Life organization accredited by the Association of Organ Procurement Organizations (AOPO) and the American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB). Federally designated to serve 45 counties in northern Nevada and northern California, Donor Network West has headquarters in northern Nevada and California and partners with the Department of Motor Vehicles and the state-authorized donor registries. For information, visit DonorNetworkWest.org and follow us on social media: @mydnwest.

About the Reno Aces
Since 2009, the Reno Aces, Triple-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, has been a fixture in the Northern Nevada community providing family-friendly entertainment and Minor League Baseball in downtown Reno at Greater Nevada Field. Over the past 14 years, over 4.5 million fans have passed through the turnstiles, and the Aces have contributed to thousands of different non-profit charities throughout the region. For more information about the team or tickets for the entire 2022 season, visit RenoAces.com or Text TIXX to 21003.

Reno family to honor loved one’s legacy at July 8 Reno Aces game

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RENO, NV (June 29, 2022) — An athlete and avid skier, Alex Anderson, died in May 2020 at 38 years old. As a registered organ donor, he saved the lives of four people through organ donation.

Anderson’s family will run the bases at the Reno Aces’ Home Run for Life game, presented by Donor Network West, after the second inning, Friday, July 8, at Greater Nevada Field as they take on the Tacoma Rainiers. His family has also connected with his liver recipient, Diana Lujan, who lives in Colorado – a video message from Lujan will play during the game.

A Donor Network West ambassador since January 2021, Anderson’s mother, Dawn Tindal, has been working to extend her son’s legacy by sharing with others the importance of organ, eye and tissue donation. Other family members have joined in advocacy for organ donation as well; Anderson’s 11-year-old nephew gave a presentation to his classmates about organ donation.

“Alex was a very giving person,” said Dawn Tindal. “If he was here today, he’d want his recipients to know that his gifts are meant to help them to live their best lives.”

One donor can save up to eight lives through organ donation and up to 75 lives through tissue donation. More than 600 Nevadans are on the organ transplant waiting list.

Donor Network West, northern Nevada and northern California’s federally designated non-profit organ procurement organization are proud to support six Home Run for Life baseball games throughout the 2022 season. The partnership brings critical awareness about organ donation to the community and its sports fans. This will be the fourth Home Run for Life game of the 2022 season.

“We’re so grateful to Alex’s family for their strength in sharing their story and continuing his legacy as organ donation advocates,” Janice Whaley, President and CEO of Donor Network West, said. “Donor Network West is proud to partner with the Reno Aces in honoring organ donors like Alex and their families who have given so much – their gifts have granted others a second chance at life.“

The 2022 season is the first time Donor Network West and Reno Aces have partnered to showcase the Home Run for Life program. Once a month, brave individuals and families in the northern Nevada community are honored by taking a ceremonial trip around the bases, with each team lining the baselines. Individuals honored have received life-saving transplants or have lost a loved one who saved lives through organ donation.

“Honoring organ donors and their families during Aces games at Greater Nevada Field has been a tremendous privilege,” Eric Edelstein, President of Reno Aces and Greater Nevada Field said. “Our partnership with Donor Network West has been so gratifying and we look forward to continuing our support of their community outreach and educational efforts for organ donation.”

Anyone can register to be an organ donor. To learn more and to register as an organ donor, visit DonorNetworkWest.org.

— @MyDNWest —

Media note: If media would like an interview with Dawn Tindal ahead of the Friday, July 8 Aces game, please contact Jena Esposito, [email protected], 702-513-0606. Photos of Tindal’s son, Alex Anderson, are available for download here.

Photo cutline: Donor Network West invites the community to honor and remember Alex Anderson, who died in May 2020 and saved four lives through organ donation. Anderson’s family will run the bases at the July 8 Reno Aces game.

About Donor Network West

Donor Network West saves and heals lives by facilitating organ and tissue recovery for transplantation and research. The organization was established in 1987 and is an official Donate Life organization accredited by the Association of Organ Procurement Organizations (AOPO) and the American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB). Federally designated to serve 45 counties in northern Nevada and northern California, Donor Network West has headquarters in northern Nevada and California and partners with the Department of Motor Vehicles and the state-authorized donor registries. For information, visit DonorNetworkWest.org and follow us on social media: @mydnwest.

*About the Reno Aces
*Since 2009, the Reno Aces, Triple-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, has been a fixture in the Northern Nevada community providing family-friendly entertainment and Minor League Baseball in downtown Reno at Greater Nevada Field. Over the past 14 years, over 4.5 million fans have passed through the turnstiles, and the Aces have contributed to thousands of different non-profit charities throughout the region. For more information about the team or tickets for the entire 2022 season, visit RenoAces.com or Text TIXX to 21003.

National Transplant Games Athlete and Liver Recipient to Run Bases at June 3 Reno Aces Game

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Pati Hughes-Fudge, a 70-year-old horse trainer from Gardnerville, Nev., received a liver transplant in 2015; but rather than slowly ease into life after the transplant, she competed in the Transplant Games of America just six months after her transplant surgery. The Games gather thousands of transplant recipients, living donors and supporters for a weeklong celebration made up of 20 athletic and recreational competitions.

Hughes-Fudge has brought home many medals from competing against other athletes in 2016 and 2018, and she looks forward to 2022’s Games, which will take place in San Diego this July. She will compete in swimming, and track and field.

Currently, 14,000 people in the U.S. are on the national transplant waitlist for a liver.

Thanks to organ donation, Hughes-Fudge continues her passions for training horses, judging horse shows across the country, swim training and spending time with her family. She will run the bases at the Reno Aces’ Home Run for Life game, presented by Donor Network West, after the second inning, Friday, June 3, at Greater Nevada Field as they take on the Tacoma Rainiers.

“I’ve been an organ donor since I got my driver’s license at 14 years old,” Hughes-Fudge said. “Little did I know then that I would need a transplant. It felt like every fiber of my being was fixed after my transplant – it’s a blessing and a joy to be able to go compete in events like the Transplant Games and participate in the Home Run for Life game.”

Donor Network West, northern Nevada and northern California’s federally designated non-profit organ procurement organization, is proud to support six Home Run for Life baseball games throughout the 2022 season. With more than 600 Nevadans waiting for lifesaving organ transplants, the partnership brings critical awareness about organ donation to the community and its sports fans. This will be the third Home Run for Life game of the 2022 season.

“Pati regained her life after her liver transplantation – her husband, her children and her grandchildren regained their loved one because someone said yes to organ donation,” Janice Whaley, president and CEO of Donor Network West, said. “Donor Network West is honored to partner with the Reno Aces in celebrating recipients like Pati who are now able to enjoy life.“

The 2022 season is the first time Donor Network West and Reno Aces have partnered to showcase the Home Run for Life program. Once a month, a brave individual in the northern Nevada community is honored by taking a ceremonial trip around the bases with each team lining the baselines. Individuals honored have received life-saving transplants or have lost a loved one who saved lives through organ donation.

“Watching the fans at the ballpark and community cheer on these local organ recipients has been incredible to experience,” Eric Edelstein, President, Reno Aces and Greater Nevada Field, said. “We’re excited to continue our partnership in highlighting Donor Network West’s community outreach and educational efforts as they work to share the important message of organ donation.”

Anyone can register to be an organ donor. To learn more and to register as an organ donor, visit DonorNetworkWest.org.

 

Hops Announce Play Ball Weekend Presented by MLB

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Hillsboro, OR. (May 27, 2022) – The Hillsboro Hops (@HillsboroHops) have partnered with Nike and Friends of Baseball to offer five (5) FREE youth clinics all around the Portland metro area on Saturday, June 11th in 2022. On Sunday June 12th, the Hops will have a pre-game catch on Ron Tonkin Field for families from 12:00-12:30, included with admission to that game.

“Play Ball Weekend” is presented by Major League Baseball and greatly encourages MLB and MiLB teams to support the youth in their area by simply, “Playing Ball!”.

The clinics are free and open for youth between 6-14. All participants must pre-register online at https://www.milb.com/hillsboro/fans/playball

The five (5) locations for the FREE clinics are:

o Glencoe High School (Hillsboro)

o Mountain View Champions Park (Beaverton)

o Fowler Middle School (Tigard)

o Parkrose High School (Portland)

o Columbia Park (Portland)

The clinics are scheduled to run from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. with 6 elementary level stations that groups will rotate through. Hops players and coaches are scheduled to be at each site as well as staff from the Hops front office staff, Nike staff and Friends of Baseball staff.

All participants will receive:

o Nike T-shirt

o Friends of Baseball activity kit

o One (1) free Hops ticket

o Free MLB.TV/MiLB.TV subscription for the remainder of the 2022 season

o Exclusive access to virtual/in-person baseball/softball programming per MLB

o Discounts on select MLB licensed merchandise and equipment

About Hillsboro Hops:
The 2014, 2015 & 2019 Champion Hillsboro Hops are the Single-A Advanced baseball affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks of Major League Baseball. The team’s season runs from April to early September. The franchise relocated to Hillsboro in 2012 and began play in 2013 in a new state-of-the-art 4,500 capacity ballpark, Ron Tonkin Field. Follow the Hops on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HillsboroHops and on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok @HillsboroHops.

*About Friends of Baseball:
*Together, with our community partners, Friends of Baseball has provided $5.1 million in programming, scholarships, grants, and equipment since 2005, and served over 40,000 children. The Full Count after school and summer program has served over 1,200 youth through a baseball-inspired curriculum that includes physical recreation, academic, and socio emotional enrichment activities. We invest donations and funding from community foundations in programming, volunteer coach training, field renovation, and gear and equipment donations and distribution to ensure no child is denied the chance to play due to financial ineligibility, social exclusion, or lack of programming. We believe every child should have the opportunity and tools to swing for the fences on and off the field. Follow Friends of Baseball on Facebook att https://www.facebook.com/fobaseball, on Twitter @FOBaseball and Instagram @friendsofbaseball – https://www.friendsofbaseball.org/

Sod Poodles, Fairly Group Announce 'Home Runs For Hope'

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Amarillo, TX – The Amarillo Sod Poodles, Fairly Group, and Hope Choice are proud to partner for the 2022 season, providing Home Runs For Hope. For every Sod Poodles home run hit throughout the 2022 season, Fairly Group will donate $1,000 to Hope Choice.

Hope Choice is a ministry-based organization that offers services for individuals and families who are facing everyday struggles and cultural pressures. Hope Choice opened its doors in 1998 as a crisis pregnancy center and has since expanded its services to include mentoring programs as well as character-building programs in more than 90+ schools. Hope Choice and its school-based programs reach 24,000 students each month. Their mentoring groups are designed to teach character values and help build self-esteem in young people who face a variety of challenges in their daily lives.

“We exist to equip, mentor, and strengthen future generations”, said Hope Choice Executive Director, Candy Gibbs. “With programs from kindergarten through college and classes to equip moms and dads for every stage of life; we are seeing generations transformed daily. We are honored to serve our community alongside you and are thrilled to partner with the Sod Poodles for the 2022 season! Shield to shield! Go Soddies!”

“The Sod Poodles are excited to once again partner with the Fairly Group to raise awareness and funds for an incredible local charitable organization helping build and strengthen our panhandle community”, said Tony Ensor, President, and General Manager of the Sod Poodles. “A home run is one of the most exciting parts of a baseball game. It brings hope and joy to our fans just like Hope Choice works toward providing kids and young adults the resources to choose hope in every area of their lives.”

“It is not possible to adequately explain how Hope Choice has inspired our family personally, and our community for the last two decades,” said Alex Fairly, CEO of Fairly Group. “We are honored to help support the impact work they do.”

The Sod Poodles have already hit 17 home runs through 12 games in 2022, helping raise $17,000 for Hope Choice. During the eighth inning of every Sod Poodles home game this season, the team will update the current total ‘Home Runs For Hope’, and the amount of money raised to assist Hope Choice and its mission.

For more information about Hope Choice, please visit www.HopeChoice.com

Amarillo Sod Poodles Community Driven Programs For 2022 Season

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AMARILLO, Texas – The Amarillo Sod Poodles are excited to announce details of its 2022 programs aimed towards shining a light on local non-profits and small businesses for the 2022 season. The club will return the Small Business Spotlight sponsored by Carpet Tech, the Charity Spotlight sponsored by Brick & Elm, and Launch-A-Ball sponsored by KTBlack Services.

All three programs are designed specifically to help hard-working, local small businesses and non-profit organizations raise awareness and funds to continue to provide their goods and services to the Texas Panhandle and surrounding areas.

Each organization that signs up for our Small Business and Charity Spotlight will be provided the following elements during any of the 69 Sod Poodles regular-season home games at no cost. Groups or individuals will receive a marketing table on the main concourse to showcase their organization, in-park recognition via a live public address announcement, and scoreboard recognition. They can also have someone from their organization do a live on-air interview during the Sod Poodles Radio Broadcast to further promote their organization or small business. In addition, these programs come with a ceremonial first pitch and four tickets to the game for which the group or business owners will be recognized.

Sign-ups are on a first-come, first-served basis based on availability throughout the season. To sign up for our Small Business Spotlight, please fill out this form. Our Charity Spotlight form can be found HERE.

The Sod Poodles are also excited for the return of Launch-A-Ball presented by KTBlack Services. This program along with our Concessions Fundraising Program are exclusively for area non-profit groups (schools, churches, etc) looking for a fun way to raise money during a Sod Poodles 2022 home game. Each game, one organization receives numbered tennis balls to sell (3 for $5) from a table on the concourse, around the ballpark, and in the suite level. The non-profit group will receive 50% of gross sales for their Launch-A-Ball game.

Fans who purchase from Launch-A-Ball groups will have the opportunity to toss their numbered ball(s) towards a target in left-field after the game is over. The fan with the winning toss will receive the other 50% of the nightly jackpot or a prize from one of many other local businesses partnered with the Sod Poodles.

Along with the 50% of gross Launch-A-Ball sales for their game, each organization will also receive in-park recognition via a live public-address announcement and the opportunity to display promotional materials at their table to promote their cause and interact with local community members. To be eligible to participate in Launch-A-Ball, groups and organizations are first required to participate in a Sod Poodles ticket fundraiser which will further help benefit the organization. For further information or with any help getting signed up for any of these three programs, please email Sod Poodles Community Relations Manager, Austin Jackson ([email protected]).

Sign-Ups are currently open for the 2022 season. The Sod Poodles will start their season at HODGETOWN on Friday, April 8 when they host the Midland RockHounds, the Double-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics. For the most up-to-date information regarding the Sod Poodles 2022 season including single-game tickets, group and hospitality options, news, and promotions, you can follow the Sod Poodles on social media @SodPoodles or visit the team website www.SodPoodles.com. For more information, call (806) 803-7762 or email [email protected].

Reno Aces, Washoe County Health District, and Nevada Tobacco Prevention Coalition Team Up to Make Greater Nevada Field Tobacco Free

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RENO, Nev. – The Reno Aces are thrilled to announce that Greater Nevada Field will be a smoke and vape-free facility starting on Aces’ Opening Day on Tuesday, April 12 thanks to a newly formed partnership with the Nevada Tobacco Prevention Coalition.

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with The Nevada Tobacco Prevention Coalition on this very important Tobacco Free initiative at Greater Nevada Field. We are constantly working to improve the ballpark experience for our fans and this is a big step in the right direction,” said Chris Phillips, Chief Operating Officer for the Aces.

The new policy will prohibit the use of all smoke and tobacco products, including cigarettes, chewing tobacco, e-cigarettes (including Juul) and all vapes on ballpark property. Signage will be posted at all entrances of Greater Nevada Field and fans can expect educational messaging to be shared throughout Aces’ games all year.

“The Nevada Tobacco Prevention Coalition (NTPC) is very excited to support a smoke and vape-free setting at Greater Nevada Field,” said Taylor Allison, NPTC President. “By offering a smoke and vape-free environment, the Reno Aces are prioritizing the health of Northern Nevada’s children, parents, grandparents, friends and neighbors.”

The Aces’ season begins on April 5, with Opening Day at Greater Nevada Field on April 12 at 1:05 p.m. PT against the Sacramento River Cats. Individual game, full and partial-season, as well as eight-game ticket plans, are currently on sale on RenoAces.com.

National Anthem Auditions Scheduled For March 26

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AMARILLO, Texas – The Amarillo Sod Poodles, Double-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, are now accepting registration for all soloists, duets, and groups (less than four people) interested in singing the National Anthem at a Sod Poodles game this season. The team will host auditions at HODGETOWN on Saturday, March 26 from 10 am to 2 pm.

Interested performers can give their best rendition of either “The Star-Spangled Banner” or “God Bless America” in front of a panel of judges. All performances must be a cappella or with a personal instrument and will be considered for either song of their choosing. Auditions will be performed in a closed, private area during scheduled time slots. Candidates will need to fill out a registration form prior to auditioning and will be contacted to confirm time slots ahead of March 26. Participants will be required to enter HODGETOWN through the home plate gate where they will be directed to sign in and led to the audition area.

Walk-up auditions are permitted but will be heard on a first-come, first-served basis based on availability. Guests who are unable to make it to HODGETOWN for an in-person audition can submit a video submission to the Sod Poodles by emailing a video, or link to a performance to [email protected].

Select participants will be given an opportunity to perform on Opening Night (April 8) or Saturday, July 3 for the Sod Poodles Independence Day Celebration. Many other performers will be contacted by the Sod Poodles after the event to schedule a date to perform at any of the other 67 Sod Poodles’ regular-season home games for the 2022 season. All chosen singers will be given a complimentary ticket to the game(s) for which they will be performing.

For the most up-to-date information on the 2022 Sod Poodles season, including single-game tickets, promotions, groups & hospitality, and other HODGETOWN events, follow the team on social media @sodpoodles on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For questions and more information, call (806) 803-7762 or email [email protected] or visit the Sod Poodles Box Office at 715 S. Buchanan St. in downtown Amarillo.

Aces, Greater Nevada Credit Union to host Community Partner Ticket Fundraising Program webinar

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

 

RENO, Nev. – The Reno Aces, in partnership with Greater Nevada Credit Union, will be hosting a virtual kickoff event for their Community Partner Ticket Fundraising Program on Wednesday, February 23rd. The Zoom webinar will feature Aces president Eric Edelstein and GNCU chief experience officer Danny DeLaRosa, who will unveil the 2022 program details.

“The Reno Aces are proud to partner with Greater Nevada on an enhanced Community Partner Ticket Fundraising program for the 2022 season,” said Edelstein. “Organizations in Northern Nevada will have more access to funds than ever before, and we look forward to discussing opportunity for involvement at the kickoff event on February 23rd.”

The program was originally created in 2016, and has helped more than 200 local organizations raise over $300,000 collectively. This year, the program will provide even more opportunity for groups, thanks to additional donation offerings courtesy of GNCU. As part of the program, organizations can sell Aces tickets and receive a portion of the proceeds. Details regarding GNCU’s additional donation offerings will be explained in the webinar.

“Greater Nevada Credit Union wants to assist non-profits in raising much-needed funds to support their community work”, said Wally Murray, president and CEO of Greater Nevada Credit Union. “We are keenly aware that the pandemic disrupted fundraising for many worthwhile charities. The Community Partners program at Greater Nevada Field is another way we are showing Greater Nevada’s ongoing commitment to the organizations serving others and making a positive impact throughout the region.”

All organizations in Northern Nevada with fundraising interest are encouraged to attend the event which starts at 4:00pm PT, and can RSVP for the event by clicking here.

Amarillo Sod Poodles 2022 Job Fairs

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

 

AMARILLO, Texas – The Amarillo Sod Poodles will be hosting three job fairs looking to hire part-time seasonal positions and fill a variety of roles for the 2022 baseball season at HODGETOWN. The first two job fairs are scheduled for Saturday, February 26, and Saturday, March 5 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The third and final event is scheduled for Tuesday, March 15 from 6 p.m. to 8 pm with all three being held in the Fairly Group Club Level inside HODGETOWN.

All positions are game-day/event-only positions, requiring mostly night and weekend commitments from April until the baseball season concludes in September. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age, but some positions will require candidates to be 18 years of age or older. HODGETOWN hiring managers are looking for hardworking candidates with great guest service skills to provide guests with an unforgettable experience at HODGETOWN this summer.

Candidates are encouraged to fill out their applications online ahead of time to help streamline the hiring process during the actual events. Applicants who cannot attend in person can still apply through the team’s website at www.SodPoodles.com.

All candidates attending the job fairs will enter through the home plate rotunda entrance located at 8th and Buchanan and follow signage upstairs to the registration table in the Fairly Group Club Level.

The job fair will be for candidates interested in applying and interviewing for positions in the following areas:

  • Concessions: Concession Stand Staff, Food Prep/Stocking, In-Stand Food/Beverage Sales Vendors
  • Catering: Hospitality Servers
  • Grounds Crew: On-Field maintenance workers
  • Stadium Staff: Ushers, Kids Zone Attendants, Morning Cleaning Crew, Crowd Control, Parking Attendants
  • Retail: Sales Associates
  • Box Office Representatives: Window Attendants
  • Promotions/Sod Squad: Promotions/Giveaway Team Members
  • Production: Scoreboard/Videoboard Operators, Camera/Replay Operators/Directors, Audio Engineers
  • Batboys: Includes pre and post-game equipment work and in-game dugout duties

_*Additional positions/areas may open up and positions listed above are subject to change _

Amarillo will host their 2022 home opener at HODGETOWN on Friday, April 8 against the Midland RockHounds, Double-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics. For the most up-to-date news on the Sod Poodles along with detailed information on the 2022 season, promotions, and tickets, follow the team on social media @sodpoodles on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For questions and more information, call 806-803-7762 or email [email protected].

Top 5 Black Players in Visalia History

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

 

In celebration of Black History Month, throughout February, teams across Minor League Baseball are taking a look back at five of the best Black players to suit up for their club.

While some of these standout performers went on to long and illustrious Major League careers, others simply had great Minor League careers or, in some cases, just one incredible season that went down as “a year for the ages.”

Here is a look at five of the best Black baseball players ever to suit up for the Visalia Rawhide.

Kirby Puckett

Kirby Puckett was named California League Rookie of the Year in 1983, when he hit .309 with 172 hits, 97 RBI, and 48 stolen bases. He went on to win two World Championships with the Minnesota Twins. Puckett compiled a career batting average of .318 and was elected into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2001. His home run in Game 6 of the 1991 World Series remains an indelible moment from one of the most exciting series in baseball history. He was inducted into the Rawhide Hall of Fame in 2011 as a part of the inaugural class. Kirby Puckett’s number 28 is the only retired number in Visalia franchise history, other than Jackie Robinson’ number 42.

Napoleon “Nap” Gulley

Napoleon Gulley, affectionately known as “Nap,” was one of the first African-American players in the California League. He holds Visalia’s Franchise Record for most career hits with 507. He ranks among franchise leaders in career home runs and batted .307 over four seasons. Gulley never had the chance to play in Major League Baseball, but was a supremely talented outfielder who played for Jackie Robinson’s barnstorming teams and was a Negro League and Mexican League Star..

Dave Roberts

David “Dave” Roberts played for the 1996 Visalia Oaks in the Detroit organization. In 126 games, Roberts scored 112 runs, slashed .272 and led the minors 65 stolen bases. He went on to play in the Majors, becoming a World Series Champion in 2004 with the Boston Red Sox. Roberts became manager for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2016. He led the Dodgers to the World Series in 2017, 2018, and 2020, winning it all in the latter year. In doing so, he became the first manager of Asian heritage and second Black manager to lead his team to a World Series title.

Justin Upton

The Arizona Diamondbacks selected Upton with the first overall pick in the 2005 MLB Draft. He began a stint with the Visalia Oaks in 2007, where he stole 9 bases and had an .341 on-base percentage before getting promoted to the Double-A Mobile Baybears. Upton has gone on to become a four-time All-Star and three-time Silver Slugger.

Vada Edward Pinson, Jr.

Vada Pinson, Jr .dominated the California League in 1957. He batted .367 with 209 hits, 40 doubles, 20 triples, 20 home runs, 165 runs scored, and 349 total bases while playing every game that season. He is highly regarded as a legend to all who saw him play at Recreation Ballpark. Pinson spent 18 seasons in the Major Leagues, primarily with the Cincinnati Reds, collecting over 2,700 career hits in the Majors. He remained close friends with Visalia’s Taylor Family (the founders and owners of the iconic Taylor’s Hot Dogs) until his death in 1995.

Hillsboro Hops Announce Dream Big Scholarships for Graduating High School Seniors

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

 

HILLSBORO, OR (February 7, 2022) – The Hillsboro Hops (@HillsboroHops) announced details of their Dream Big Scholarships for graduating high school seniors.

What: Dream Big Scholarship – $1000.00 grants for five graduating high school seniors

Who: First-generation college students who are planning on attending an Oregon university. Current high school seniors in the Greater Portland Metro & SW Washington area are eligible.

Apply:: Applications open on Monday, February 7th and will be accepted until Sunday, March 6th. Apply online at https://milb.com/hillsboro/community/scholarship

To be considered, applicants will be asked to submit three short essay responses in addition to their application. Essays will be reviewed anonymously by a committee consisting of community members, Hops staff and Hops Fund donors. Additional criteria can be found on the application page.

“We are excited to offer our Dream Big Scholarship again this year, which will prove to be one of our signature gives from the Hillsboro Hops Fund,” said Jen Anderson, Hillsboro Hops VP of People & Culture. “Last year’s initial launch was a huge success and we only hope to build upon that year after year. There are so many talented students who must weigh their next steps due to financial burdens. This scholarship was made to bridge the gap and help make dreams a reality.”