Keys Win Matt Minker Community Service Award

FREDERICK, MD -The Frederick Keys are excited to announce that they have been named the winner of the Carolina League’s Matt Minker Community Service Award. This award is given out to the team that best demonstrates an outstanding, on-going commitment to charitable service, support and leadership within its community.

It marks the first time that the Keys have received this award as an organization after the Minker Award became a team honor in 2014. When it was an individual award, Jacob Julius brought home the honor in 2013.

“We are thrilled to be recognized with the Minker award,” said Keys Director of Marketing Erin Lawson. “Building long-lasting community partnerships is a hallmark of Frederick Keys baseball. We look forward to expanding our footprint throughout Frederick County and beyond in the years to come through community programs, donations, appearances and other initiatives.

The Keys were recognized for their efforts in 2019 thanks in large part to charitable giving, donations and strong community programs. Over the last year, the Keys have donated more than $10,000 through the team’s charitable foundation-Frederick Keys Care. Beneficiaries included the YMCA, Heartly House, Student Homelessness Initiative Partnership (SHIP), Advocates for Homeless Families, Blessings in a Backpack and Sophie and Madigan’s Playground. Over the last three years, close to $50,000 has been raised for Keys Care through the team’s Charity Golf Classic, Mystery Ball, 50/50 raffles and more.

In 2019, the Keys made donations to over 500 different organizations. These included game tickets, suites, marketing booths, jerseys, hats and autographed memorabilia. Combined, these donations were valued at just over $47,000. The Keys also hosted a Toys for Tots Drive and worked with Orioles Advocates on the Cardboard 2 Leather Program as well as the United Way’s Stuff the Bus program. To go with this, non-profit groups raised $14,500 through the Keys Pack the Park program and over $30,000 through the Charity Concession Program.

Strong community programs remained a staple of Keys baseball in 2019, with the Keys distributing 58,000 summer reading bookmarks to libraries in seven counties. Students who completed their library’s summer reading program could then come to a Keys game. Young fans were honored for their scholastic achievements through the team’s Report Card Program and were challenged to be active for 60 minutes a day leading up to Family Fitness Weekend.

The Keys worked hand-in-hand with non-profit groups during the United Way’s annual Day of Action, Make a Difference Thursday and hosted several charity softball games to raise money for the Police Activities League and for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Specific games also raised awareness for the American Cancer Society, Heartly House and the Frederick Arts Council. These games also involved the team wearing a special hat or jersey which raised money for each organization.

Keys players were active in the community this year, attending over 80 events in the Frederick community and surrounding areas along with Keys mascot Keyote. Keys players participated in a pre-game softball game with Challenger Little League, made sign language videos with students from the Maryland School of the Deaf and served as camp counselors for the team’s baseball camp. Individually, Cameron Bishop was named the winner of the Orioles prestigious Elrod Hendricks Minor League Community Service Award.

A link to the entire schedule for the Keys 2020 season is available here. Fireworks dates and a full Keys promotional schedule for 2020 will be announced at a later date. To stay tuned for the latest team news and for ticket information fans can visit frederickkeys.com and follow the team on Twitter (@frederickkeys), Facebook and Instagram (@frederickkeys.com).

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

Spann presented with Troubh Community Service Award

Portland, Maine- The Portland Sea Dogs are proud to announce that the 2019 recipient of the William Troubh Community Service award is Gretchen Spann. Spann was presented the award by Sea Dogs’ President & General Manager Geoff Iacuessa along with members of Mr. Troubh’s family including wife Nancy in a pre-game ceremony at Hadlock Field on Friday, August 30th when the Sea Dogs hosted the New Hampshire Fisher Cats.

The “William Troubh Community Service Award” was established in 2015 to honor a local citizen who is making a positive impact within the city of Portland. Mr. Troubh was a lifelong resident of the city of Portland who dedicated his life to making Portland a great place to live and work. He served multiple terms on the Portland City Council and was Mayor of the city in 1974 and 1975 and again in 1983 and 1984. Mr. Troubh was instrumental in bringing the Portland Sea Dogs to the city in 1994. He also played a major role in the development of the Portland Waterfront, Cumberland County Civic Center and the Portland Ice Arena, now named in his honor. His contributions will be enjoyed by residents and visitors of the city for generations to come.

Over the last 10 years, Spann our has gone above and beyond for an organization that is near and dear to her heart – the Maine Children’s Cancer Program (MCCP). Since 2012, Spann has served on the Board of Directors for the program and has been an integral part in raising vital funds and spreading awareness to support Maine’s youngest cancer fighters. For a decade, Spann has led Team MCCP, “running for Kids with cancer”, in the Maine Marathon, providing a space for patient families, supporters and friends of MCCP to challenge themselves and go to tremendous distances for children in Maine battling cancer. In ten years, Team MCCP has raised over $290,000, none of this possible without Spann’s leadership and dedication. Spann’s hard work, drive, and compassion towards Maine Children’s Cancer Program is one of the many reasons she has been nominated today. In addition to her work with MCCP she also volunteers with numerous other non-profits and with her children’s school.

Past recipients of the award include Marc Lamontagne (2018), Howard Spear (2017), Roger Goodoak (2016) and John Menario (2015).

The Sea Dogs will begin accepting nominations for the 2020 award in February.

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

Dragons Leandro Santana Wins Reds MiLB Community Service Award

Dayton, Ohio-Dayton Dragons infielder Leandro Santana has been selected as the Cincinnati Reds 2018 Minor League Community Service award winner. The Reds announced their Minor League player awards at RedsFest.

Santana spent the entire 2018 season with the Dragons. He was selected for the award based on his efforts in Dayton this season as a volunteer as part of various Dragons community service endeavors.

Santana became the seventh Dragons player to win the Reds Minor League Community Service Award since 2011. The award is given to only one player each year across all levels of the Reds farm system. Previous Dragons winners of the Reds Community Service Award were Drew Hayes (2011), El’Hajj Muhammad (2012), Brent Peterson (2013), Jon Matthews (2014), Avain Rachal (2015), and Aaron Fossas (2017).

Also at RedsFest, the Reds named the following Minor League player awards: Sheldon “Chief” Bender Minor League Player of the Year: Ibandel Isabel; Minor League Hitter of the Year: T.J. Friedl; Minor League Pitcher of the Year: Tony Santillan. Friedl and Santillan are both former Dragons. Friedl spent the first half of the 2017 season with the Dragons, while Santillan spent all of 2017 in Dayton after briefly pitching for the Dragons in 2016.

The Reds Minor League Player of the Year award is named after Sheldon “Chief” Bender, who worked in professional baseball for 64 years, 39 of those with the Reds. Bender oversaw the Reds farm system from 1967-’88, producing stars such as Ken Griffey Sr., Dave Concepcion, Ron Oester, Mario Soto, Eric Davis, Barry Larkin, Chris Sabo, Paul O’Neill, and countless others. Bender passed away in 2008 at the age of 88.

Sheldon “Chief” Bender Award winners:

2000 Austin Kearns

2001 Adam Dunn

2002 Brandon Larson

2003 Stephen Smitherman

2004 Richie Gardner

2005 Chris Denorfia

2006 Homer Bailey

2007 Jay Bruce

2008 Chris Valaika

2009 Chris Heisey

2010 Devin Mesoraco

2011 Billy Hamilton

2012 Billy Hamilton

2013 Seth Mejias-Brean

2014 Ben Lively

2015 Tyler Mahle

2016 Aristides Aquino

2017 Nick Senzel

2018 Ibandel Isabel

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

Chasers Earn 11th Straight ‘Best of Omaha’ Honor

The Omaha Storm Chasers have once again earned top honors by being named Omaha’s Best Professional Sports Team, as selected on by voters of Omaha Magazine. This year marks the eleventh consecutive year the organization has received the “Best Professional Sports Team” award. The Storm Chasers organization accepted the award at Omaha Magazine’s Best of Omaha Soiree: A Night of the Best on Thursday night at the Omaha Design Center.

“We are proud to be the Metro’s top professional sports team for over 50 seasons,” said Storm Chasers President and General Manager Martie Cordaro. “Making the fan experience at Werner Park the best it can possibly be is our top priority and we are very excited for the 2019 season to begin with the Kansas City Royals Exhibition Game.”

The eleven-year stretch in which the Storm Chasers organization has received Omaha’s Best Professional Sports Team honor comprises all eight seasons the franchise has played at Werner Park, where the squad has won four division titles, as well as three Pacific Coast League Championships and Back-to-Back Triple-A National Championships in 2013-14. The ballpark also hosted the First National Bank Triple-A All-Star Game in 2015.

Since hosting its initial Opening Day on April 16, 2011, over three million fans have come through the gates of Werner Park. The 2018 season marked the 50th season in franchise history since the organization first began play in 1969 at Rosenblatt Stadium.

Werner Park is slated to host the Kansas City Royals on March 25, 2019 in an exhibition game presented by Cobalt Credit Union. Tickets are still available for that contest and can be purchased at this link: http://bit.ly/2BUsp72.

Following the Royals Exhibition Game, the Storm Chasers franchise is set to start their regular season slate on Tuesday, April 9. The Omaha Storm Chasers are the Triple-A Affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. The Storm Chasers play at Werner Park in Papillion, Sarpy County, Nebraska. For more information please visit omahastormchasers.com and follow us on Twitter @omastormchasers and at facebook.com/omahastormchasers.

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

Dash’s Aveyard named Women in Baseball Scholarship recipient

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (Nov. 1, 2018) – Minor League Baseball and the Women in Baseball Leadership Committee announced on Thursday that Jessica Aveyard, who has served as the Director of Entertainment for the Winston-Salem Dash since August of 2016, has been named one of four recipients of the Women in Baseball Leadership Event Scholarship.

The award includes registration to the Baseball Winter Meetings, which will be held from December 9-13, in Las Vegas at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. The Women in Baseball Leadership Event was established in 2008 at the Baseball Winter Meetings, providing a platform for female executives in Minor League Baseball and Major League Baseball the opportunity to network with their peers, obtain guidance on career development and enhance their professional skills.

“Jessica’s genuine excitement and passion is infectious and she plays a major role in our organization’s success,” said Dash President C.J. Johnson. “We are thrilled that Minor League Baseball has recognized her performance and provided her with this unique opportunity.”

With Jessica leading the entertainment crew on a game-to-game basis, the Dash have provided an exciting, family-friendly experience at BB&T Ballpark for the largest audience in the Carolina League. For each of the team’s home games the past two years, Jessica was responsible for creating a game log of sponsored reads for the public address announcer, organizing skits for in-game breaks, managing the Dash Pack (the team’s on-field entertainment staff), choreographing MiLB.tv’s gameday production and managing marquees for BB&T Ballpark’s outfield LED and in-stadium scoreboard.

On top of that, Jessica spearheaded several public relations initiatives, including a partnership with the Vs. Cancer Foundation that helped raise thousands of dollars in donations for cancer research.

Along with her daily duties, Jessica also served as the director for seven Dash home games broadcasted on NBC Sports Chicago, the Chicago White Sox cable rights holder. For these seven contests, Jessica was responsible for coordinating countdowns to commercial breaks with the NBC Sports crew, handling technical issues and directing shots, all while managing her regular duties as the Director of Entertainment. This year marked the first season in which the network carried Dash games.

Prior to joining the Dash, Jessica played a key front office role for the Dayton Dragons (Low-A, Cincinnati), one of the most successful teams in Minor League Baseball. With the Dragons, Jessica was an Entertainment Assistant and a part of the on-field entertainment staff known as the “Green Team.” Due to her efforts, Jessica was a part of a staff that helped the Dragons sell out Fifth Third Field each night of her nine-year tenure with the club.

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

Fightins Receive 2018 John Henry Moss Community Service Award

(Reading, PA) – Minor League Baseball has announced the Reading Fightin Phils have received the 2018 John Henry Moss Community Service Award. They are the sixth-ever recipient of the award. The award was introduced in 2013 by Minor League Baseball in honor of John Henry Moss, who founded the South Atlantic League in 1959 and headed the circuit until 2007. The award is given to a club that demonstrates an outstanding, on-going commitment to charitable service, support and leadership. The award will be presented at the Baseball Winter Meetings Banquet on Dec. 9, 2018, at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. In addition to the award, Minor League Baseball Charities will make a $2,500 donation on behalf of the Fightin Phils to Baseballtown Charities.

“On behalf of Baseballtown Charities and the Reading Fightin Phils, we are honored, and humbled, to receive the John Henry Moss Community Service Award”, said Fightins General Manager Scott Hunsicker. “Baseballtown Charities thanks the many sponsors, volunteers, R-Phils Front Office staff, game staff, and the fans – the citizens of Baseballtown – for giving of their time, and of their treasure, to help the kids. The Savage 61 Dream Field, and Gordon Hoodak Stadium at Lauer’s Park, are incredible facilities that will help children for many years to come. They provide the physical place where volunteers can interact with the children on a human level, and really make a difference.”

This past April, the Fightin Phils unveiled the brand new Savage 61 Dream Field, which is a facility that provides children with physical and developmental disabilities the opportunity to play baseball. The unique rubberized surface is the first field of its kind to be built in Berks County. The project is fully funded by Baseballtown Charities, the Reading Fightin Phils charitable organization. 110 children with physical and developmental challenges played in the inaugural spring league, plus another 60 children played in the fall league. More than 850 volunteers have devoted their time in working with these children.

The Dream League Field is the second one million dollar stadium built by Baseballtown Charities. The first, Gordon Hoodak Stadium at Lauer’s Park, built in 2006 has provided more than 1,000 children from Reading the opportunity to learn baseball, softball and life lessons through the game.

The momentum of Gordon Hoodak Stadium, the Baseballtown Dream League, and now the John Henry Moss Award, Baseballtown Charities is even more energized and ready to tackle their next challenge: Baseballtown Charities Rip It for Life. Rip It for Life is a program that will identify young baseball and softball players who want to get better as players, but who face socio-economic challenges. Players identified to participate in the newly formed Baseballtown Charities Rip It for Life program will receive incredible baseball and softball training at no cost to them. The goal of Rip It for Life is to make the kids the best they can be, both as players, and as people, one kid at a time.

Baseballtown Charities’ Dream League is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization based in Reading, Pa. that focuses on making dreams come true one pitch at a time. Since 2002, Baseballtown Charities has worked to build inclusive baseball diamonds as well as bonds between players, teammates and supportive communities. For more information, visit www.baseballtowndreamleague.com.

America’s Classic Ballpark is proud to be a part of Pennsylvania’s Americana Region. Individual and group tickets are available online at Fightins.com, by phone at 610-370-BALL, and in-person at FirstEnergy Stadium. Follow the Fightin Phils on Twitter at @ReadingFightins and like them on Facebook via www.facebook.com/fightins.

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

Drive Honored with SCSBA Champions of Public Education Award

Greenville, SC – The Greenville Drive have been selected by the South Carolina School Boards Association as a recipient of the Champions of Public Education Award in recognition of their commitment to public education in the Upstate.

The South Carolina School Boards Association has been issuing the Champions of Public Education Award since 2009, and each quarter, individuals, organizations and local businesses are recognized for their contributions to public education. These contributions include support of local education programs, actively working for the betterment of public schools, and doing their part to inspire support for public schools. Previous recipients of the award in support of Greenville County Schools include The Cliffs Communities, Hubbell Lighting, and Public Education Partners.

The Drive’s consistent efforts in outreach towards public schools is manifested in many ways. The Michelin Reading All-Stars Program works with public schools and library systems to promote reading enjoyment and academic success, and the program has reached almost 700,000 children over 11 years.

The Drive also hosted the inaugural Teach864 Night at Fluor Field this season, which recognized teachers in Greenville County Schools for their dedication and service to their students, their schools, and the local community.

In addition, the Drive have hosted Health Careers Night and Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Night the past few seasons, both of which are designed to educate, inform, and spark interest in those fields for students of all ages.

“Being committed to education is a major component of our community platform, and it is a tremendous honor to be recognized for that commitment with the Champions of Public Education award,” said Drive Owner and Team President Craig Brown. “Our schools in the Upstate are doing a commendable job preparing students to be the leaders of tomorrow, and we consider it a privilege to help out in the development of these young students through our education programs and specialty career nights.”

“The Greenville Drive franchise has been an exemplary community partner for Greenville County Schools for many years,” said Dr. Burke Royster, Superintendent of Greenville County Schools. “Craig Brown always responds affirmatively when we call on him. The Drive has assisted us in honoring all GCS employees through our employee appreciation night, raised the profile of teachers through the Teach864 Campaign, helped educate our families about careers in health and manufacturing, supported academic success in GCS student-athletes, and participated in our AdvancED accreditation review.

“Together, we have co-presented to groups such as TransformSC on the value of public-private partnerships. In short, the Drive has thrown its name recognition and brand value behind our public schools and we are incredibly grateful for their commitment to our cause.”

About the Greenville Drive

The Greenville Drive, the South Atlantic League affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, just completed its 13th season at award-winning Fluor Field in downtown Greenville. Since 2006, more than 400,000 fans a year have been welcomed to Fluor Field for both Drive games and additional community events. In 2017, the Drive was honored with the prestigious John H. Johnson President’s Award, presented by Minor League Baseball and given to “the total baseball franchise,” based on contributions to baseball in the community, promotion of the baseball industry, financial stability and contributions to league stability. 80 Drive alumni have gone on to play at the major-league level, 13 of which were members of the Red Sox 2013 World Series Championship Team.

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

Blue Rocks Win Carolina League’s Matt Minker Award For Community Service

Wilmington, DE– The Wilmington Blue Rocks were honored by the Carolina League this week for the fifth consecutive season with the Matt Minker Community Service Award. The team was selected by a league-wide vote of club executives and owners.

“I could not be more proud of everyone within the Blue Rocks’ organization,” said managing partner Dave Heller. “I am especially pleased for my partner and friend Clark Minker, since the community service award bears his late father’s name. I am delighted for everyone with the Blue Rocks who worked so hard to earn this tremendous team accolade. We take enormous pride in our work helping families within Delaware, southeastern Pennsylvania, southern Jersey and Maryland’s north shore, and this award is a nice recognition of those efforts.”

The Minker Award is earned by the Carolina League club which best demonstrates an outstanding, on-going commitment to charitable service, support, and leadership within its community. The award is named after the Blue Rocks’ founder, Matt Minker, who owned the club until his death in 2007. Minker, whose construction company built Frawley Stadium, remains the team’s honorary president.

The Blue Rocks participated in numerous school programs, charitable endeavors and hospital visits. The team works with area schools to promote academic achievement (DSEA Rocky’s Reading Challenge), citizenship (Grotto Pizza Outstanding Student Program) and overall knowledge (Discover Baseball and Education Day). The club also hosts three youth camps each summer, teaching local kids how to play the game of baseball.

The team helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for good causes such as Habitat for Humanity, Fight for the Gold, Boys and Girls Clubs of Delaware, Special Olympics Delaware, Food Bank of Delaware and many other charities through partnerships with local businesses such as Chase and Food Lion. Several times during the season, the team’s players and mascot also visited local hospitals, brightening the spirits of patients and their families.

“Matt Minker was instrumental in laying the foundation for the Blue Rocks founding and later success,” said Blue Rocks director of community affairs Kevin Linton. “It is fitting that this award recognizes his life’s work and we are thrilled as an organization to honor his legacy for a fifth consecutive season by earning this recognition.”

 

As the Carolina League’s recipient of the Matt Minker Award, the Blue Rocks received the 10-team league’s nomination for the John Henry Moss Community Service Award, given out by Minor League Baseball at its annual Winter Meetings, to be held this December in Las Vegas.

The Blue Rocks recently announced a two-year extension of their Player Development Contract to remain the Advanced-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. Season seats for the 2019 season will be available on October 18, mini plans go on sale November 1, and groups packages are available for purchase November 8. For more information, please go to BlueRocks.com.

www.bluerocks.com

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

AquaSox Receives NWL Community Service Nomination

Everett, WA – The Everett AquaSox have been selected as the Northwest League nominee for Minor League Baseball’s John Henry Moss Community Service Award. The John Henry Moss Community Service Award is awarded to a club that demonstrates an outstanding, on-going commitment to charitable service, support and leadership within their local community and within the baseball industry.

Throughout the season the AquaSox tied theme and promotional nights to the community by partnering with multiple local organizations. This season the AquaSox partnered with Braden Bishop, former Everett AquaSox outfielder and currently Seattle Mariners prospect with his 4MOM Foundation for Local Heroes Night. Braden’s mother, Suzy, was diagnosed in September 2015 with early-onset Alzheimer’s. The night originally was planned to be a Braden Bishop bobblehead giveaway, Everett Fire versus Police Department Home Run Derby and a donation drive for the 4MOM Foundation. Due to a season-ending injury, Braden was able to join the AquaSox for his very own bobblehead giveaway. With his appearance, the AquaSox and fans raised $2,500 for 4MOM Foundation.

“We love supporting the Everett community and beyond year after year,” said General Manager Danny Tetzlaff. “Being recognized for all our efforts by our peers in the Northwest League is very fulfilling.”

Providence Regional Medical Center and the AquaSox worked together annually for Pink in the Park. This event raises money for the Providence Comprehensive Breast Center. Proceeds from the night along with a Star Wars jersey auction on Star Wars Night, June 23 allowed the AquaSox to donate over $5,600 to the Providence Foundation. In addition to Pink in the Park, the AquaSox supported Hilinski’s Hope during Coug Night raising $1,503. Hilinski’s Hope is a foundation geared toward mental health awareness in memory of Tyler Hilinski, who was the Washington State Cougar Quarterback that ended his life earlier this year.

After the August 12 game, the AquaSox hosted a Challenger Miracle League game in which fans of any age and disability come onto the field to play a few innings with our AquaSox players and coaches. It easily one of the best, and most humbling experiences one can have on a field.

“In my first year with the AquaSox, I am proud to be a part of an organization that supports the community and one the community supports,” Director of Community Relations & Merchandise Ashlea LaPlant said. “I look forward to the continued growth of our community outreach.”

Away from the ballpark Webbly and the staff were involved with multiple events including Little Leagues, National Night Out, non-profits, school visits and a welcoming fair for the newest crew to join the Everett Naval Base.

The AquaSox made many new connections, fostered growth with current partnerships and set a new standard for our relationship with the Everett community. We look forward to even more growth in the 2019 season!

About the Everett AquaSox
The Everett AquaSox, Seattle Mariners affiliate since 1995, continue to offer the most affordable family entertainment in the Pacific Northwest. To stay up to date on everything Everett AquaSox, follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/EverettAquaSox or visit www.AquaSox.com

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

Cougars Nominated for MiLB Community Service Award

GENEVA, Ill. – The Kane County Cougars have been nominated by the Midwest League for the John Henry Moss Community Service Award.

The award is presented to a Minor League club which demonstrates a commitment to charitable service as well as support and leadership within their local community and the baseball industry.

Community impact has been one of the pillars of the Cougars organization since 1991, but prior to the 2018 season the Kane County Cougars Baseball Foundation, Inc. launched a historic fundraising goal known as “A Million Smiles Campaign.” The first campaign of its kind in the history of MiLB, the Foundation worked towards reaching a donation total of one million dollars with each dollar donated providing a welcome smile for those in need. Reaching above and beyond that milestone this season marks the first time in the Cougars 28 year history that the one million dollar donation total has been achieved with the expansion of various programs including:

• Country Financial 50/50 Raffle
• Acres Group Pitch in for Charity
• Paramount Fence Home Runs for Charity
• Legacy Brick Program
• D-backs Give Back Program
• Cougars Reading Club
• Ozzie and Annie Reading Scholars
• Cougars 5K
• Tangled Roots Give Back Pledge
• Al Mueller Memorial Scholarship Fund
• AmazonSmile
• Highland Salutes
• Movers for Mom
• Holiday Turkey Giveaway

Nominees from all leagues are reviewed by the MiLB Awards Committee and recommendations are presented to the President and Executive Vice President of MiLB for the final decision. The winner will be announced at the Winter Meetings in December.

For the latest ticket and promotional information, follow your Cougars on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About the Kane County Cougars

The Cougars, Class-A Minor League affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, have been at the forefront of family-friendly entertainment since 1991. In 2015, the franchise became the first Class-A team in Minor League Baseball history to welcome 11 million fans through the gates. A total of 171 former Cougars have reached the Major Leagues including Miguel Cabrera, Nelson Cruz, Josh Beckett, Adrian Gonzalez and Kyle Schwarber.

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

Wings Nominated for John Henry Moss Community Service Award

The Rochester Red Wings have been nominated by the International League for the John Henry Moss Community Service Award.

The award is presented to a Minor League club for their ongoing commitment to charitable service and their support and leadership within the community and the baseball industry. The honor was created in 2013 by Minor League Baseball in honor of the late John Henry Moss, who founded what would become the South Atlantic League in 1959 and headed the circuit until 2007.

Community is the team’s middle name in Rochester, where over eight thousand community members came together in 1957 to form Rochester Community Baseball and keep the Red Wings in Rochester. The team has continually developed partnerships with local socially concerned organizations, lending support in a variety of formats such as programs, promotions, awareness events, charitable contributions, appearances, volunteer service.

“The act of doing, giving and participating is more a way of life for us than a concerted effort,” Red Wings President Naomi Silver said. “In baseball, we all know that the impact that we make on a community goes well beyond what we do inside our fences. It’s the outreach we make the other 295 non-game days a year that allows us to really make a difference. In Rochester, we treasure our role in giving back in support of our community. Since 1957 when the Red Wings became incorporated as Rochester Community Baseball, we have taken our commitment seriously. It is a tremendous honor to be recognized outside of our own community.”

“All Minor League Baseball teams are involved in their community in many positive ways, but the front office of the Red Wings takes this to another level entirely,” said International League President Randy Mobley. “From the very first person on the organizational chart to the very last, all are involved in multiple community organizations and many serve in multiple leadership positions. The breadth and depth of the commitment by this staff to ‘do good’ in the community is not only commendable, but truly inspiring. The Red Wings front office is a wonderful example for us all.”

The award will be presented at the Winter Meetings Awards Luncheon on Monday, December 10 in Las Vegas.

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

Shorebirds Win SAL Community Service Award

SALISBURY, Md. — The Delmarva Shorebirds have been named the 2018 Community Service Organization of the Year by the South Atlantic League. This award recognizes the Shorebirds’ outstanding, on-going commitment to charitable service, philanthropy, and leadership within the Delmarva community. The Community Service Organization of the Year award is one of the league’s Outstanding Achievement Awards, which are announced every year after the conclusion of the regular season.

The Shorebirds strive to be more than just a baseball team by supporting the community that supports us. The Shorebirds organization, front office staff, players, and coaches have been extremely committed to serving and supporting the Delmarva community in any way possible.

With the help and partnership of the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, the Shorebirds rebranded the Community Fund to the Shorebirds’ Fly Together Fund. The Fly Together Fund coincides with the social media usage of #FlyTogether but also encompasses support of the Delmarva Peninsula.

The Fly Together Fund was created to help fund local community projects, Little Leagues, and nonprofit organizations. So far this calendar year, the fund has donated $24,384 along with in-kind donations valued at $23,010.

“The Shorebirds are proud to be involved with and provide numerous community programs on the Delmarva Peninsula. I want to thank everyone in the Delmarva community who has been a part of the Shorebirds community outreach programs and events. We hope you will continue to join us in our Fly Together Fund and community relations initiatives in the future,” said Shorebirds’ General Manager Chris Bitters. “Winning this award is such a great honor. Thank you so much to Shorebirds’ Community Relations Manager, Kathy Damato, for leading the organization in all of our community relations efforts. She has gone above and beyond to help us win this award and it is thoroughly appreciated.”

Each of the 14 South Atlantic League teams, along with field managers and umpires, participated in the voting for the South Atlantic League Outstanding Achievement Awards. The Shorebirds will be nominated for the Minor League Baseball John Henry Moss Community Service Award, which honors the founder of the South Atlantic League for his dedication and charitable service to baseball and his community during his 50-year tenure as a league president. Moss founded the South Atlantic League and presided over it from 1959-2008. The winner of this prestigious award will be announced at the Baseball Winter Meetings this December in Las Vegas, NV.

For more information about the Delmarva Shorebirds’ community relations involvement, please contact Kathy Damato at kdamato@theshorebirds.com. The Shorebirds are owned and operated by Seventh Inning Stretch, LLC, who also own the Stockton Ports of the California League and the Everett AquaSox of the Northwest League. Delmarva opens up the 2019 season on the road in Lexington on Thursday, April 4th. The Shorebirds’ first home game at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium will be on Thursday, April 11th against the Lakewood BlueClaws.

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

Connor Eller Receives Blue Jays Community Service Award

Right-handed pitcher Connor Eller has been selected as the 2018 Dunedin Blue Jays Community Service Award winner for his continued commitment to helping those in need in the Dunedin community and supporting Blue Jays community initiatives.

The Blue Jays Community Service Award has been given annually since 2012 to the Blue Jays player who best exemplifies the team’s commitment to enriching the Dunedin community through a variety of outreach programs that promote education, healthy lifestyles, and charity. Throughout the 2018 season, Eller represented the Blue Jays in the community through numerous appearances away from the ballpark as he worked to encourage local children and support local families.

“Connor has been a leader in the clubhouse and the community for the past two seasons. He’s exemplified everything this award stands for through his continued dedication to our community service projects,” Blue Jays Manager of Community Relations Kathi Beckman said. “We couldn’t be more proud to present him with the 2018 Community Service Award.”

Eller helped lead the 2018 Blue Jays Bookin’ It To The Ballpark Reading Program, the largest community outreach program in the franchise’s history, reaching fifteen-hundred elementary school students in 19 Pinellas County schools. He visited local elementary schools to support the program and promote literacy by reading to local students, answering their questions, and encouraging them in their studies.

“My favorite event was definitely the reading visits,” Eller said. “The kids get so excited when you walk in the door. Seeing their smiles when they come up and read with you is a joy.”

Eller was also active at the 2018 Blue Jays Bowling Tournament, an event that raised over $10,000 to benefit local families through Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay. He also volunteered to help local families at the Dunedin Cares, Inc. Food Pantry, helping to fight hunger in the Dunedin Community. At their annual Hometown USA celebration, the Blue Jays collected 1,126 pounds of food for Dunedin Cares, Inc. as part of Minor League Baseball’s annual BUSH’s Beans Food Drive. Alongside teammate Riley Adams and mascot DJay, Eller helped sort and distribute the food the team had collected to local families.

“It was really neat when Riley and I went to the Food Pantry. I think we gave back to the community in a different way. It was heartwarming to put yourself in other people’s situation and be able to help them and show love to them.”

Eller joins a distinguished list of former Community Service Award winners that includes Danny Barnes, Matt Newman, Taylor Cole, L.B. Dantzler, Jorge Saez, Tim Mayza, and Josh DeGraaf.

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

Lamontagne Presented with Troubh Community Service Award

Portland, Maine– The Portland Sea Dogs are proud to announce that the 2018 recipient of the William Troubh Community Service award is Marc Lamontagne. Lamontagne was presented the award by Sea Dogs’ General Manager Geoff Iacuessa and members of Mr. Troubh’s family including wife Nancy in a pre-game ceremony at Hadlock Field on Sunday, June 24th when the Sea Dogs hosted the Trenton Thunder.

The “William Troubh Community Service Award” was established in 2015 to honor a local citizen who is making a positive impact within the city of Portland. Mr. Troubh was a lifelong resident of the city of Portland who dedicated his life to making Portland a great place to live and work. He served multiple terms on the Portland City Council and was Mayor of the city in 1974 and 1975 and again in 1983 and 1984. Mr. Troubh was instrumental in bringing the Portland Sea Dogs to the city in 1994. He also played a major role in the development of the Portland Waterfront, Cumberland County Civic Center and the Portland Ice Arena, now named in his honor. His contributions will be enjoyed by residents and visitors of the city for generations to come.

Marc Lamontagne has spent 32 years volunteering for Portland youth baseball leagues as well as serving as a youth baseball umpire throughout the state. Lamontagne got started in 1986 as a volunteer coach at Portland’s Bayside Little League. After a short-time coaching, he realized there was a shortage of umpires, so he became trained as a volunteer little league umpire, where he spent 20+ years traveling from York to Presque Isle umpiring four to five games every week during the season.

All the while, Lamontagne kept his focus on his first diamonds Portland. In 1990, he joined the Bayside Board of Directors, a position he still holds today. Throughout that time, Lamontagne has taken on several roles including serving as the Director of Facilities for more than 20 years. He is responsible for maintaining and managing the volunteer efforts of over 20 youth baseball and softball fields throughout Portland. These efforts include grass maintenance, mowing, infield construction, fence and seating repair, painting, and fundraising.

In 2011 he was the lead Director for the Maine State Little League World Series that was hosted at his beloved Payson Park. Over 1,000 little leaguers and fans were treated to an exceptionally well-maintained facility thanks to Lamontagne’s efforts.

Past recipients of the award include Howard Spear (2017), Roger Goodoak (2016) and John Menario (2015).

The Sea Dogs will begin accepting nominations for the 2019 award in February.

Jumbo Shrimp receive JAXUSA Industry Leader Award

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp received the JAXUSA Partnership Industry Leader Award on at the second quarter JAXUSA Partnership Luncheon on Tuesday, June 12. Team owner Ken Babby accepted the award, which is presented to a company each quarter that has shown outstanding growth and community involvement.

The award winner is selected by the JAXUSA senior leadership team and is based on criteria including continued growth in the region, innovative work and a commitment to the community it serves. JAXUSA recognizes the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp as a key community contributor making a positive economic impact in North Florida.

Since Babby’s Fast Forward Sports Group took ownership of the Southern League franchise in September 2015, the organization has focused on Affordable Family Fun, with notably improved fan areas – adding the Budweiser Tiki Terrace and Hot Corner, expanding the Wheelhouse Lounge, and renovating luxury suites on the BDO Suite Level. The club enhances fan experience, partnering with Community First Credit Union on a new Jumbo Shrimp VISA® Debit Card, with FIS to make the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville the flagship of “Ballparks of the Future,” and with Advanced Disposal to become the Cleanest Ballpark in Minor League Baseball. The ballpark’s non-baseball event lineup has grown to include Family Movie Nights, charity events, an annual craft beer festival and the JAX Chamber Gala. In the community, Jumbo Shrimp staff have done regular volunteer projects, and the organization has partnered with Andrew Jackson High School on a unique Jackson Five Program to introduce high school students to the sports business industry.

“We are humbled and honored by the JAXUSA Partnership Industry Leader Award, which is also a credit to the great partners we have throughout the community,” Babby said. “With their support and the enthusiastic response of our fans, we are further energized in our mission of providing Affordable Family Fun.”

The award follows the Jumbo Shrimp’s recognition in the past year as the Southern League Organization of the Year and Promotional Trophy Winner, General Manager Harold Craw’s selection as Southern League Executive of the Year, as well as the club’s nomination for “Sports Breakthrough of the Year” by Sports Business Journal. The Jumbo Shrimp have been lauded for everything from marketing and social media (the club won “Best Local Twitter Account” by Folio Weekly readers) to concession offerings (Travel Channel’s “Food Paradise featured the club’s Shrimp & Pulled Pork Nachos and Bold City Burger Pie in its Minor League Baseball episode)

The JAXUSA Partnership is a business membership organization focused on regional economic development. JAXUSA facilitates the creation and retention of quality jobs and significant capital investment, resulting in a higher standard of living and better quality of life in Northeast Florida.

ABOUT THE JUMBO SHRIMP: The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp offer affordable family fun at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville. Their inaugural season garnered the Southern League’s Don Mincher Organization of the Year, Promotional Trophy, and Jimmy Bragan Executive of the Year, won by General Manager Harold Craw. To experience the excitement with the terrific value of ticket and group options, call the Jumbo Shrimp at (904) 358-2846 or visit www.jaxshrimp.com.