Gwinnett Stripers Accepting Grant Applications for 2020

 

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – The Gwinnett Stripers, in conjunction with the Atlanta Braves Foundation, are now accepting applications for the 2020 Stripers Grant Program. The program will award a $2,500 grant to a different nonprofit organization each month from May through August.

Each month will focus on a different category of nonprofit organizations, all fitting within the Atlanta Braves Foundation’s pillars of “Live, Learn, Play, and Serve.” The four categories are:

  • May: Military programs
  • June: Health and wellness programs
  • July: Service-oriented programs
  • August: Youth programs

Interested nonprofit organizations may apply online at GoStripers.com/grants through March 1. Organizations deemed qualified will be contacted by the Stripers to provide supporting documents by March 23. One organization will be selected by the Stripers as the recipient of a $2,500 grant each month and will be recognized during a Stripers game at Coolray Field.

The Stripers have partnered with the Atlanta Braves Foundation to award grants to nonprofits since 2009, totaling $185,000 in donations over 11 seasons. After awarding $1,000 grants from 2009 to 2018, the Stripers increased the total to $2,500 in 2019, donating to four organizations: Operation Homefront, Good Samaritan Health Center of Gwinnett, Mending the Gap Inc., and Spectrum Autism Support Group.

“The Stripers Grant Program is central to our goal of making a lasting impact in Gwinnett County,” said Stripers Vice President and General Manager Adam English. “We look forward to continued success in improving our community through support of local nonprofit organizations and their essential missions.”

For more information on the Grant Program and all other Stripers community initiatives, visit GoStripers.com/community.

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

 

M-Braves launch Braves Bookworms Reading Program

 

PEARL, MS – The Mississippi Braves are pleased to announce the implementation of the Braves Bookworms Reading Program. The program was created to encourage and enhance literacy among the youth of Central Mississippi. The program is entirely free for students and educators.

Braves Bookworms is designed to help promote a lifelong love of reading and baseball in children through a partnership with local schools. All students from Pre-K through 8th grade are invited to participate. Braves Bookworms incentivizes students to read outside the classroom by rewarding them for reaching specific goals set by their teachers. The program is designed to run for four weeks, beginning in January, 2020.

Schools participating will have the opportunity to invite Mississippi Braves mascots and staff to present a Braves Bookworm Kickoff Pep Rally at the school to encourage participation and communicate the importance of reading. These Pep Rallies will be scheduled on a first-come first-served basis to schools within 30 miles of Trustmark Park.

Students participating in the program will receive an M-Braves bookmark. Once the students’ objectives are complete from your teacher, the bookmark becomes a ticket voucher that can be exchanged for an actual ticket at the Trustmark Park for a 2020 Mississippi Braves home game between April 9 – June 15! They are required to reach goals set by educators while they “Read Around the Bases,” creating a customizable incentive-based program to encourage children to read. Specific Reading Program dates will be set to recognize students for completing the program with a pregame ceremony and parade around the field.

To sign your school up for the program, fill out the ONLINE REGISTRATION FORM and send it back to the Braves either by mail, fax, or email. Once we receive your enrollment, we will contact you regarding our game dates, Reading Pep Rally as well as delivery of your program materials. Please contact the Braves by calling 888-BRAVES4 or emailing us at mississippibraves@braves.com.

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

Stripers Launch New “Veterans Pack” for Veterans Day

 

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – In honor of Veterans Day, the Gwinnett Stripers have created a new “Veterans Pack” for 2020, available for purchase by service men and women and their families only at Coolray Field on November 11 and 12.

Each pack includes one Field Box ticket to four patriotic-themed Stripers games (Opening Night on April 16, Salute to Armed Forces on May 22, Memorial Day on May 25, and Independence Day on July 4), plus a Stripers camo cap, all for just $55 (a value of $97).

The Veterans Pack is available to all service members and their dependents who provide a military ID or other proof of service at the Coolray Field Ticket Office on November 11 and 12. The Stripers camo cap will be available at Bobby’s Tackle Team Store immediately upon purchase, while the tickets will be available for pick-up during the Stripers Preseason Party on March 8.

Also, in observance of Veterans Day, the Stripers will give fans the opportunity to sign a giant card thanking our local military for their service. The card will be available to sign at Bobby’s Tackle Team Store from Thursday, November 7 through Tuesday, November 12.

“In addition to our season-long military ticket offer, we wanted to create a ticket pack that shows our appreciation for all service members and their families by offering them a special price on a prime seat to our most patriotic games,” said Stripers Vice President and General Manager Adam English. “The Veterans Pack is one of many ways we plan to honor our local military at Coolray Field in 2020.”

The Coolray Field Ticket Office will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Monday, November 11 and Tuesday, November 12 for Veterans Pack purchases. Fans with questions can email striperstickets@braves.com or call 678-277-0340.

The Stripers also offer a military and first responder price for every Stripers home game, available for purchase at GovX.com.

For information about all Gwinnett Stripers ticket options for 2020, including Memberships, Groups, Youth Parties, and more, visit GoStripers.com.

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

Braves Donate to United Way, Danville-Pittsylvania Cancer Association

DANVILLE, Va. – The Danville Braves donated over $2,600 to the United Way of Danville-Pittsylvania County and the Danville-Pittsylvania Cancer Association from fundraisers during the 2019 season.

In total, the Danville Braves have given over $48,000 in goods and services to Danville and the surrounding communities in 2019.

The Braves charitable contributions for the United Way came from the second annual D-Braves 5K, presented by HomeTrust Bank. The event had over 65 participants and the route of the race finished inside the Danville Braves stadium. In total, the Danville Braves were able to raise nearly $1,500 for the efforts of the United Way, who support 16 organizations across the greater Danville-Pittsylvania County area. For more information about the good work that the United Way does in Danville and surrounding areas, visit unitedwaydpc.org.

The donation for the Danville-Pittsylvania Cancer Association comes from the D-Braves Star Wars night on July 19, presented by Centra Health, where fans could purchase game-worn jerseys from Danville Braves players and coaches. On that date, Braves players touted special Han Solo jerseys. The proceeds of the sale totaled over $2,200. The Braves also sent over $1,100 to the Centra Foundation. In total, the Danville Braves have raised over $18,000 as a result of the jersey auction sales over the past nine seasons.

DPC provides financial, educational and emotional support to cancer patients in the Danville and Pittsylvania County area. Donations to the organization aim to defray the cost of cancer-related prescriptions, equipment, supplies, transportation reimbursement, nutritional supplements, as well as other special needs. For more information about the organization, visit www.danvillevacancer.org.

For more information about the Braves community initiatives or information about the 2020 season, visit dbraves.com or follow the Danville Braves on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

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

M-Braves blanked on Saturday in front of 5,473 fans for Pediatric Cancer Awareness Night

PEARL, MS – In front of a crowd of 5,473 at Trustmark Park on Saturday, the Birmingham Barons (55-66, 28-24) turned the tables on the Mississippi Braves (58-65, 25-29), tossing a one-hit shutout to win the rubber match of the series, 3-0.

The Mississippi Braves, in partnership with Gold Glove Charites, recognized local youth on Saturday by wearing the name of a child battling cancer on the back of each specially designed jersey. Those jerseys were sold via silent auction with funds going towards custom-designed, once-in-a-lifetime experiences for local children battling cancer.

Claudio Custodio  (L, 4-4) made his second-straight start for the M-Braves on Saturday, throwing a season-high 82 pitches, but suffering the loss. Over 3.2 innings, the 28-year-old gave up three runs on fives hits while striking out four and walking four.

Birmingham scored all three of their runs in the top of the third inning. Nate Nolan and former M-Brave Luis Valenzuela reached on singles to start the inning, but Custodio bounced back and sat down the next two batters. With two outs, Damek Tomscha, Gavin Sheets and Ti’Quan Forbes recorded three-straight RBI singles to give Birmingham the lead.

For the second time in three games, a Birmingham starter was perfect through 3.0 innings. Tanner Banks (W, 2-7) struck out five over 7.0 innings of one-hit baseball, notching his first win since June 6. Ray-Patrick Didder  led off the bottom of the fourth inning with a single, Mississippi’s lone hit on the night.

Once again the M-Braves’ bullpen was fantastic. Tyler Matzek  made his organizational debut on Saturday, and the former Rockies first-round pick (11th overall) in 2009 retired all seven batters, striking out five over the 2.1 innings. Matzek was signed by Atlanta on Wednesday and Mwas assigned to the roster on Friday. The California native was pitching for the Independent American Association’s Texas Airhogs.

Jason Hursh  made his first appearance since being activated from the IL on Wednesday and worked 2.0 innings of one-hit baseball, striking out two. Ben Rowen , the submarine right-hander, struck out two over a perfect top of the ninth inning. The three relievers combined for 5.1 innings of one-hit baseball, walking nobody and striking out nine.

Luis Ramirez (S, 4) came in for Banks in the eighth inning and pitched the final 2.0 innings to finish off the shutout.

The Barons clinched the season series, taking six of ten meetings in 2019 from the Braves.

The M-Braves begin the second-leg of the 11-game homestand on Sunday and welcome the Pensacola Blue Wahoos for six games in five days. RHP Connor Johnstone  (5-3, 4.23) will start for the M-Braves against RHP Jhoan Duran (1-3, 7.58) for the Wahoos. First pitch is set for 5:05 pm with coverage beginning at 4:50 pm on 103.9 WYAB, TuneIn Radio, First Pitch App. and MiLB.tv (subscription required).

Sunday’s Promotions:
Mugshots Sunday Family Fun Day – Take advantage of a ticket deal and bring out the entire family. Receive (1) Dugout Level seat, (1) hot dog, (1) 16 oz fountain soda, (1) small popcorn, (1) M-Braves cap, and (1) FREE Fun Zone wristband FOR ONLY $18. Additional tickets with extras are $18 each. (AVAILABLE AT THE BOX OFFICE ONLY).
Kids Run The Bases – After each Friday and Sunday home game, kids 14-and-under are invited run the bases like the M-Braves after the game!

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

M-Braves Honoring Local Kids Fighting Cancer on Saturday

All M-Braves players and coaches will wear specialty jerseys with each adorning the name of a child fighting cancer. These jerseys will be auctioned off on the stadium concourse during the game by Gold Glove volunteers via silent auction with proceeds funding custom-designed, once-in-a-lifetime experiences for local children battling cancer.

The children participating are mainly from Batson Children’s Hospital of Mississippi.

“The M-Braves are proud to team up with Mike Martin and Gold Glove Charities on this impactful event,” said Pete Laven, vice president, and general manager for the Mississippi Braves. “We are grateful to Children’s of Mississippi for bringing our organization together with these brave children and their families for an enjoyable night of baseball at Trustmark Park.”

“Gold Glove Charities is excited to partner with both Children’s of Mississippi and the Mississippi Braves,” added Mike Martin, founder of Gold Glove Charities. “Everyone involved has embraced this night to showcase and honor some amazing children who are fighting cancer. We look forward to a long partnership that will continue to provide custom-designed once-in-a-lifetime experiences to local kids who are battling cancer!”

There will be a meet and greet on-field before the game and photo shoot for a Gold Glove calendar with kids and players. The kids will be paired with the player that is wearing their name on the back of their jersey during introductions as they take the field and exit the third base dugout.

At the end of the fourth inning, a “Home Run for Life” will take place in which both teams will line up on each baseline as one child rounds the bases.

The silent jersey auction will conclude at the end of the seventh inning.

Saturday is also Princess Night at Trustmark Park with a pregame Daddy/Daughter Princess Parade and Post-Game Fireworks following the game. Anna and Elsa will be on hand to take pictures with fans. For tickets or more information, visit mississippibraves.com.

M-Braves to Salute Military and First Responders with $5 Tickets All Season

PEARL, MS – The Mississippi Braves are proud to announce that beginning in 2019; all members and veterans of all branches of the U.S. military and first responders/emergency personnel will receive $5 field level tickets ($7 discount) to all Mississippi Braves home games when presenting a valid ID. This expanded discount on tickets for all Mississippi Braves home games at Trustmark Park to our local heroes is an extension of SportClips Military Monday and AMR First Responders Wednesday.

On SportClips Military Monday this season, FREE field level or general admission tickets will be offered to all members and veterans of all branches of the U.S. military. One random fan, representing the military, will receive a SportClips prize pack. AMR First Responders Wednesday offers FREE field level or general admission tickets to first responders/emergency personnel.

“The M-Braves want to say thank you to all members of our armed forces and first responders/emergency personnel for their service and sacrifice,” said Mississippi Braves Vice President and General Manager, Pete Laven. “Recognizing these exemplary citizens by providing them a fun ballpark experience is something which the Braves and our partners SportClips and AMR are very proud. We look forward to seeing these local heroes and their friends and family at Trustmark Park this season.”

“To keep our communities safe day and night, emergency responders must often sacrifice time with their families,” said Stan Alford, Operations Manager, AMR Central Mississippi. “Thanks to the M-Braves’ promotions for first responders, fire, police and EMS personnel can enjoy more games at the ballpark with their loved ones all season long. It’s AMR’s special joy to team up with the Braves to make these promotions possible.”

The military discount is not available for tickets ordered online, and purchases must be made at the Trustmark Park box office. Fans may now secure their single-game tickets for each of the 70 Mississippi Braves games at Trustmark Park. Tickets may be purchased at mississippibraves.com, by calling 888-BRAVES4 or stopping by the Trustmark Park box office Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. The Braves will open their 15th season at Trustmark Park on Wednesday, April 10 at 6:35 pm, featuring a Post-Game Fireworks Extravaganza. Fans will save from the day-of-game pricing by purchasing tickets in advance. The season begins on the road at Tennessee on April 4.

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

Atlanta Braves Foundation Awards $2,500 Grant to Girl Scouts of Greater Mississippi

PEARL, MS – The Mississippi Braves, in partnership with the Atlanta Braves Foundation, recently awarded a $2,500 grant to the Girl Scouts of Greater Mississippi.

As a grant recipient, the Girl Scouts of Greater Mississippi will support the Girl Scout Leadership Experience for underserved girls that focuses on the Girl Scout anti-bullying campaign and provides hands-on STEM Badge Activities.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Braves and this great opportunity to partner and work together for our youth,” said Becky Traweek, CEO of the Girl Scouts of Greater Mississippi. “This grant will allow us to work with more girls in underserved areas and bring Girl Scouts to those that might not be able to participate. We are also looking forward to another successful baseball season in 2019!”

“The Braves Foundation strives to support the local community through as many channels as possible,” said Adrian Williams, Atlanta Braves’ Senior Director of Diversity and Community. “Giving back to those in Braves Country is extremely important to the Braves.”

“On behalf of the M-Braves, we consider it a privilege to partner with the Girl Scouts of Greater Mississippi and join their mission in serving the youth of our region,” added Pete Laven, Mississippi Braves’ Vice President, and General Manager.

The Atlanta Braves Foundation is the non-profit arm of the Atlanta Braves and raises money throughout the year through various initiatives such as a 50/50 raffle, ballpark, and online auctions, Braves License Plate program, SunTrust Park Brick Paver Program and an annual golf tournament. The Atlanta Braves Foundation announced in September that it has contributed $315,000 to charities in Braves Country, and will award 29 local non-profit organizations with grants to fund their 2018-19 initiatives.

For more information on the Atlanta Braves Foundation and the grant program, visit www.Braves.com/grants.

The M-Braves will open the 2019 season on the road against the Tennessee Smokies, April 4-8, before beginning the 15th season at Trustmark Park against the Mobile BayBears, April 10-14.

2019 season tickets and holiday stocking stuffer packs are on sale now! For more information, call the M-Braves Front Office at 601.932.8788 or 888-BRAVES4, or visit www.mississippibraves.com. Individual tickets start at just $6!

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

Braves Present Gift to Danville-Pittsylvania Cancer Association

DANVILLE, Va. – The Danville Braves continued their community-focused efforts to local non-profits, most recently with a donation to the Danville-Pittsylvania Cancer Association (DPC).

The Braves charitable contributions come from their Cancer Awareness night on August 11, presented by Centra Health, where fans could purchase game-worn jerseys from Danville Braves players and coaches. On that date, D-Braves players touted special Danville 97s jerseys, commemorating the 20th anniversary of the year Danville had two minor league affiliated teams. The proceeds of the sale totaled over $1,000. In total, the Danville Braves have raised over $16,000 as a result of the jersey auction sales over the past eight seasons.

DPC provides financial, educational and emotional support to cancer patients in the Danville and Pittsylvania County area. Donations to the organization aim to defray the cost of cancer-related prescriptions, equipment, supplies, transportation reimbursement, nutritional supplements, as well as other special needs. For more information about the organization, visit www.danvillevacancer.org.

Keep close tabs on dbraves.com and the D-Braves social media accounts for upcoming information on the Danville Braves 2019 season.

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

D-Braves Offer Donation to God’s Storehouse

DANVILLE, Va. – The Danville Braves presented a donation to local non-profit God’s Storehouse on Tuesday morning.

The Braves donation comes from a mystery ball sale held in mid-July, where fans could purchase autographed baseballs collected from minor and major league teams across the country. The proceeds of the sale totaled to $1,000.

God’s Storehouse is a non-profit food pantry that seeks to collect and distribute food resources to those in need throughout the Danville and Pittsylvania County communities.

For more information on God’s Storehouse and their upcoming initiatives, visit www.godsstorehouse.org.

Keep close tabs on dbraves.com and the D-Braves social media accounts for upcoming information on Danville Braves 2019 Season Memberships.

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

M-Braves Collecting Food and Supply Donations for Hurricane Michael Relief Efforts Through End of October

PEARL, MS – The Mississippi Braves, Double-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves will be collecting food and supply donations at Trustmark Park through the end of the month to assist those affected by Hurricane Michael. All items donated will be given to Feeding Florida, which assists the Panhandle and Tallahassee areas, and Feeding the Valley, which aids Southwest Georgia and Columbus. The team is also asking Braves Country to donate to the Red Cross Hurricane Relief efforts by visiting www.redcross.org/atlantabraves.

“Seeing the devastation caused by Hurricane Michael was our call to action,” said Derek Schiller, Braves President, and CEO. “We encourage Braves Country to donate necessity items throughout October to help those impacted by the storm. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with those who are affected.”

Here is a list of items being collected by the teams: granola bars, peanut butter, tuna, soup, fruit (cups, canned or dried), cereal, grits and oatmeal, rice and pasta, bottled water, cleaning supplies and personal hygiene items. Trustmark Park will begin accepting donations on Thursday, Oct. 18 through the end of the month. 

The Mississippi Braves’ drop-off location for donations will be the front office at Trustmark Park (1 Braves Way, Pearl, MS 39208) Monday-Friday from 9 am – 5 pm. Those donating items will receive a voucher for (2) Field Level Tickets for the 2019 season.

Earlier this season, the Braves distributed over 6,000 tickets over three-days to those evacuated due to Hurricane Florence and raised $100,000 for Red Cross hurricane relief efforts through the 50/50 raffle and in-game silent auctions. For more information and other ways to donate, please visit www.braves.com/hurricanerelief.

The M-Braves will open the 2019 season on the road against the Tennessee Smokies, April 4-8, before commencing the 15th season at Trustmark Park against the Mobile BayBears, April 10-14.

2019 Season Tickets are on sale now! For more information, call the M-Braves Front Office at 601.932.8788 or 888-BRAVES4, or visit www.mississippibraves.com. Individual tickets start at just $6!

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

Fire Frogs a Hit with Miracle League

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (Aug. 13, 2018) – The Florida Fire Frogs competed against the Fort Myers Miracle in a contest between two Florida State League teams on at Osceola County Stadium, but it was a different kind of miracle that brought a joyous atmosphere to Kissimmee on Saturday.

The Atlanta Braves’ Advanced-A affiliate spent the afternoon with the Miracle League of Central Florida prior to taking on Fort Myers for a day of fun. According to the league’s mission statement posted on its website, the purpose of the Miracle League is to, “help individuals with disabilities build self-worth, overcome boundaries, and achieve their dreams by participating in America’s past-time: Baseball.”

Florida’s team president, Erik Anderson stated, “We want to let the community know that the results of this team aren’t always based on what happens on the diamond. It’s about winning in life and doing the right thing.”

Every player from the Fire Frogs roster participated with the children in attendance from the Miracle League. The club’s home run leader, Braxton Davidson, saw the occasion as a special opportunity.

“I like to give back to the community. That’s something that I’ve always been a part of ever since I was in high school,” the 2014 first-round draft pick said. “I wear a bracelet that says, ‘Autism Speaks,’ I have family members that are disabled.

“It’s a great opportunity for all the guys to put themselves out in the community in a good way.”

Fire Frogs manager Luis Salazar had a pleasure teaching the children of the Miracle League not just about the fundamentals of the game, but to always have fun while playing.

“It’s always a pleasure, and I enjoy the time with the Miracle League,” the skipper said. “To get those kids on the field, running, sliding…It’s a very special day for those kids.

The main thing is to have fun, and to give those kids the best that we can do for them. When they leave here, they know they can go home and say, ‘We played for the Fire Frogs.'”

To contact the Central Florida Miracle League, or volunteer, please visit cflmiracleleague.com.

About the Florida Fire Frogs

 

The Florida Fire Frogs are the Advanced-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves and compete in the Florida State League. The Fire Frogs play their home games at Osceola County Stadium, located at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Fla. For more information, please visit www.FloridaFireFrogs.com, and follow the team on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube.

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

M-Braves Announce 2018 Baseball Camp

PEARL, MS – The annual Mississippi Braves Baseball Camp is scheduled for July 25-26. The two-day event takes place at Trustmark Park from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm each day and offers boys and girls between the ages of 5 and 14 the opportunity to work with professional baseball players and the M-Braves staff.

The cost of the camp is $100 per child or $75 for 2018 M-Braves season ticket holders. All participants must pre-register. Each camper receives individualized instruction on the fundamentals of baseball, a Mississippi Braves baseball and other merchandise, as well as a certificate of achievement at the completion of camp. Lunch will be served daily at approximately noon. Campers also receive two tickets to the Mississippi Braves game each night.

On the final day of camp, participants may obtain autographs from Mississippi Braves players and staff during an organized autograph session. Due to limited space, the camp is limited to 200 participants and is on a first-come, first-served basis. Each camper is required to bring his or her own glove. For more information, call 888-BRAVES4 or click the link below for the registration form.

2018 M-Braves Baseball Camp Registration Form

The Mississippi Braves are the Double-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. Since the inaugural 2005 season, 132 M-Braves have gone on to Major League Baseball. The M-Braves have made postseason play four times and went on to win the Southern League Championship in 2008. Stop by Trustmark Park or call 888-BRAVES4 Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. For the latest news and updates, visit mississippibraves.com or connect with @mbraves on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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

Trustmark Park to become smoke-free in 2018

PEARL, MS – The Mississippi Braves have announced plans for a smoke-free Trustmark Park in 2018.

This initiative will be implemented with the support of Merit Health and The Mississippi Tobacco Quitline.

The smoke-free policy will prohibit smoking in the ballpark, including electronic devices and will apply to all Mississippi Braves staff, players and fans.

Trustmark Park becoming a smoke-free ballpark is part of a movement by the M-Braves to help exemplify a healthy environment and create a positive model for our youth to follow.

If you find you are ready to quit smoking, help is available. Merit Health and the MS Tobacco Quitline can provide resources to assist anyone that is ready to stop using tobacco.

Merit Health, a network of 9 hospitals and over 25 primary care clinics throughout the state of Mississippi, can provide medical assistance for smoking cessation. To schedule an appointment with a primary care provider near you, call 844-MSMERIT.

The Mississippi Tobacco Quitline is a telephone & online support service for any Mississippian who is ready to quit tobacco. If you or a friend or family member is ready to stop using tobacco, the Tobacco Quitline staff is available to help. Many Mississippians have contacted the Tobacco Quitline to take advantage of professional help to learn to be tobacco free. Information, referrals, and support are confidential, and support sessions are designed on a schedule that is convenient to the caller. You can reach the MS Tobacco Quitline at 1-800-784-8669 (1-800-QUITNOW). Services are free of charge.

The Mississippi Braves are the Double-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves and will open their 14th season on Thursday, April 5 against the Tennessee Smokies at Trustmark Park. Since the inaugural 2005 season, over 125 M-Braves have gone on to Major League Baseball. The M-Braves have made postseason play four times and went on to win the Southern League Championship in 2008. Stop by Trustmark Park or call 888-BRAVES4 Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. For the latest news and updates, visit mississippibraves.com or connect with @mbraves on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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

2017 Golf Tournament Date Announced

“The Rome Braves 9th Annual Celebrity Shootout Golf Tournament will be held in conjunction with the Floyd County Police Department on Friday, November 3rd at Stonebridge Golf Club in Rome. The day will consist of registration and driving range at 9:30am, a shotgun start at 11am, followed by an awards reception after the tournament. Food and drinks will be provided. Teams or individuals can register at the Floyd County Police Station, the ticket office located at State Mutual Stadium, home of the Rome Braves or by emailing the registration form to Christina.Shaw@braves.com. Hole and team sponsorships are available.

Participants can also take advantage of special pre & post-tournament rates at Stonebridge.

The proceeds from this year’s golf tournament will benefit local Rome organization- Summit Quest. Since 2007, Summit Quest has been dedicated to providing support services and meeting the needs of those affected by cancer.”

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