Round Rock Express Wins John Henry Moss Community Service Award

Click here to read our full 2016 Community Impact Report detailing all the ways we gave back this year.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Minor League Baseball today named the Round Rock Express the recipient of the fourth annual John Henry Moss Community Service Award. The award 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. The Express will receive their award at the Baseball Winter Meetings Banquet on Sunday, Dec. 4, at Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland.

“The Round Rock Express is honored to be named the winner of the 2016 John Henry Moss Community Service Award as one of our core values is to passionately give back to the community and it is something our staff proudly promotes and practices throughout the year,” said Express President Chris Almendarez. “We are able to make Central Texas a better place to live and play through this great game of baseball and this year, we were able to make an impact on an international level with the founding of Jana’s House, a home being built for orphaned girls in Zambia in honor of my wife, Jana. Receiving this award is a testament to the hard work of our staff, players and coaches and the community itself for continuing to support us in our charitable efforts all year long.”

“The Round Rock Express continue to be a model franchise when it comes to community service and engagement,” said Minor League Baseball President & CEO Pat O’Conner. “Despite working through an incredibly tough and emotional year, the club managed to do so much good in and around its community, and of course with their efforts to make Jana’s House a reality. Their efforts were second to none and it is my honor to present them with this award.”

In addition to the award, Minor League Baseball Charities will make a $2,500 donation on behalf of the Express to the Nolan Ryan Foundation in Round Rock, which supports youth, education and community development in Central Texas.

The Round Rock Express engage in a wide variety of community service initiatives to provide assistance to area programs, charities and educational organizations in Round Rock and the surrounding communities. The Express have more than 75 community partners, 13 youth programs, 11 military appreciation initiatives, 25 in-game fundraising and awareness events and 10 community outreach initiatives.

This year, the Express took the field in specialty jerseys six times to benefit community charities. In total, specialty jersey nights provided $36,884 to charitable organizations. Together, with their hospitality sister company, Ryan Sanders Sports Services (RS3), the Express raised over $600,000 through in-stadium events such as auctions and raffles. The franchise donated a grand total of over $788,000 in 2016.

The 2016 season brought considerable sadness to the Round Rock baseball family with the passing of Jana Almendarez, creating a renewed sense of purpose. Rallying around one another, the Express staff adopted a yearlong motto of “One Team” that transcended the front office to the players and coaches, sponsors, fans and the entire Central Texas community. In the months that followed Jana’s passing came record-breaking attendance numbers, inspired events like Military Appreciation Day and Cancer Awareness Night, and the undertaking of Jana’s House, a home under construction in Zambia that will house 12 orphaned girls in Jana’s honor.

The Express go to great lengths to serve the youth of their community by hosting year-round baseball and softball camps, partnering with libraries for reading competitions, holding Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts nights at the ballpark and much more. The Round Rock mascot, Spike, made over 117 appearances throughout the season at fundraisers, assemblies, youth sporting events and other community gatherings. Additionally, the Express made players available for public speaking events and autograph sessions.

PREVIOUS JOHN HENRY MOSS COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD WINNERS

2013          Grand Junction Rockies, Pioneer League

2014          Pawtucket Red Sox, International League

2015          Fort Wayne TinCaps, Midwest League

About Minor League Baseball

Minor League Baseball, headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida, is the governing body for all professional baseball teams in the United States, Canada, and the Dominican Republic that are affiliated with Major League Baseball® clubs through their farm systems. Fans are coming out in unprecedented numbers to this one-of-a-kind experience that can only be found at Minor League Baseball ballparks. In 2016, Minor League Baseball attracted 41.3 million fans to its ballparks to see

the future stars of the sport hone their skills. From the electricity in the stands to the excitement on the field, Minor League Baseball has provided affordable family-friendly entertainment to people of all ages since its founding in 1901. For more information, visit www.MiLB.com.

Follow Minor League Baseball on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

About Round Rock Express Baseball

Round Rock Express Baseball Club is in its 17th year and its sixth as Triple-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers. The franchise was founded by Ryan Sanders Baseball – an ownership group spearheaded by Reid Ryan, son of Baseball Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan and is now led by CEO Reese Ryan. The Express began as the Double-A affiliate of the Houston Astros in 2000 and moved to the Triple-A Pacific Coast League in 2005, remaining an Astros affiliate through the 2010 season. Round Rock has established numerous attendance records at Dell Diamond and has remained in the top five in total attendance in all of Minor League Baseball 16 of the past 17 seasons. The Express won the 2011 PCL American Southern Division title and the 2015 American Conference championship.

Chasers Earn Ballpark Digest’s Charity Award

The Omaha Storm Chasers have been announced as the recipient of Ballpark Digest‘s “2016 Charity Award” for the organization’s work in the community throughout the 2016 season. The Storm Chasers were also a finalist for the award in 2015.

“Our organization is truly humbled to receive this award,” said Storm Chasers President and General Manger Martie Cordaro. “While we give back to our community because we believe we have a responsibility to do so, it is still rewarding to be honored. I personally thank Ballpark Digest for recognizing our staff as industry leaders in giving back.”

The Storm Chasers organization, through its charitable arm Chasers Charities, set an all-time record in charitable giving in 2016, the fourth consecutive year the club has achieved that feat. In total, the organization donated $768,695 to local charities, an increase of $82,558 compared in 2015.

Among the highlights of the organization’s 2016 charitable work included providing a platform for 74 non-profit organizations at Werner Park as the “Community Organization of the Night”. Over $20,000 was raised through the McDonald’s and Huber Chevrolet Hurl the Pearl promotion for the Ronald McDonald House, in addition to over $23,000 donated to local charities, including Let’s Go Miles, Nebraska Organ Recovery and Methodist Hospital Foundation through four Game-Worn Jersey Auctions.

In total, the organization also combined for over 420 mascot and player appearances in the Omaha Metro community. The Storm Chasers front office also joined forces to record 932 hours of community service in 2016.

A full overview of the Storm Chasers’ 2016 Community Relations efforts can be found online at www.omahastormchasers.com/community.

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.

The Storm Chasers return to Werner Park for Opening Night 2017 on Tuesday April 11, 2017.

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

PawSox Win 2016 Community Involvement Award from Providence Business News

The Providence Business News has awarded their 2016 Community Involvement Award to the Pawtucket Red Sox in an announcement made this past Friday, October 14. The PawSox are one of 12 companies being recognized for business excellence. The award ceremony will take place on Thursday, November 17, at the Providence Marriott.

“The Pawtucket Red Sox have been an engaged member of the community throughout their history,” said Mark S. Murphy, Editor of the Providence Business News. “Their community track record has been especially strong since the 1999 establishment of the ballclub’s charity program, through which the team has donated more than $1 million to organizations serving the underprivileged throughout New England.”

The award marks the second major community recognition that the club has received in the past three years. In 2014, the PawSox received the John Henry Moss Community Service Award presented by Minor League Baseball for outstanding, on-going commitment to charitable service, along with exemplary leadership within its local community.

“To receive this award is an honor,” said PawSox President, Dr. Charles Steinberg. “To serve this community is a privilege.

All of us who love working with the PawSoAnchorx recognize the role that baseball can play in our community. We look forward to doing even more for the people of Pawtucket and the people of Rhode Island.”

With over 120 community appearances made to date in 2016, the PawSox are on pace to triple the number of mascot and player appearances the team made in 2015 to Rhode Island and surrounding Massachusetts communities.

The PawSox have also unveiled successful new community oriented promotions at the ballpark in 2016, such as “My Hero Mondays,” where fans nominated community heroes to be recognized on the field prior to every Monday home game. The club’s new “In Debt to a Vet” in-game program allowed our region’s servicemen and women to be honored and thanked for their service to our country at every PawSox home game.

The support for our nation’s heroes continued at the PawSox Annual 5K Walk & Run in September, where over $6,000 was raised for veteran and military support groups.

Also in the month of September, PawSox players and coaches provided hands-on instruction to over 200 children with various physical and mental disabilities at the Annual Challenger Clinic— led by PawSox manager Kevin Boles.

On the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, members of the PawSox community set a club record by donating 71 units of blood for the Rhode Island Blood Center in a revamped drive at McCoy Stadium, generating several times the amount of blood units collected at previous McCoy blood drives.

“The team’s recognition of its unique role in the community, and its determination to use that role to improve that community, is a worthy example for all companies,” Murphy explained. “It makes the PawSox the well-deserved honoree for community involvement in the 2016 PBN Business Excellence Awards Program.”

As playoff baseball continues during the month of October, the PawSox are looking forward to continuing some of their cornerstone community traditions, such as the all-expenses-paid World Series trip to two lucky families from the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket.

Last off-season, the PawSox introduced an additional slate of community events and activities at the ballpark, including a Veterans Day Dinner, luncheons around the holidays for local school children, a holiday caravan with PawSox players and Front Office members, a Black History Month celebration with local youth groups in the PawSox clubhouse, and Valentine’s Day rose deliveries to senior centers in the area. These are all programs that the PawSox are excited to continue this off-season, along with soon announcing a major new educational initiative geared towards local students.

Those who are interested in joining the PawSox on November 17 to accept this special community honor can visit www.pbn.com, where individual tickets to the PBN Business Excellence Awards can be purchased.

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

Whitecaps named Midwest League’s John Henry Moss Community Service Award Nominee

COMSTOCK PARK, MI – The Midwest League of Professional Baseball Clubs has named the West Michigan Whitecaps as its 2016 nominee for Minor League Baseball’s post-season John Henry Moss Community Service Award.

The John Henry Moss Community Service Award is presented 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.

Since the Whitecaps’ inaugural season in 1994, the team has been committed to operating as a community-based organization focused on providing affordable family friendly entertainment to the West Michigan region. And since that time, the Whitecaps’ success as an organization has been closely linked to the outstanding support received from the community. Giving back to that community has always been a pillar of the Whitecaps’ operating philosophy, and in 2013 the Whitecaps Community Foundation (a 501c (3)) was founded to focus the Whitecaps’ commitment to, and leadership of, charitable support of West Michigan kids and their families.

Some of the Whitecaps’ and Whitecaps Community Foundation’s 2016 highlights and community impacts are detailed below:

Ted Rasberry Field

Thanks to the efforts of the Whitecaps Community Foundation and its community partners, a $54,000 grant was secured from the Baseball Tomorrow Fund (a partnership with Major League Baseball). In just four months’ time one of Grand Rapids’ most historic inner city fields was completely revitalized. Use of the new field is primarily for the Inner City Youth Baseball and Softball program and surrounding Grand Rapids community neighborhoods.

Orchestrating the revitalization of a field named in honor of a historic Negro League owner/player and Grand Rapids native was an easy decision for the Whitecaps Community Foundation’s Board of Directors. When all was said and done, the Ted Rasberry Field renovations included: new bleachers, improved infield and playing surface, new equipment storage facility, reseeded outfield and an enhanced irrigation system.

Inner City Youth Baseball & Softball Program

The primary recipient of the Whitecaps’ and Whitecaps Community Foundation’s charitable efforts every year is the Inner City Youth Baseball and Softball program (ICYBS). This program is perhaps the Whitecaps’ best example of stability and sustainability as this season marked its 22nd year of providing free baseball to Grand Rapids inner city kids. The program is a collaborative effort between the Whitecaps Community Foundation, the Whitecaps and other community partners. Since 1995, more than $250,000 has been pledged to the program by the Whitecaps and the Whitecaps Community Foundation, allowing more than 27,000 children the opportunity to participate in organized baseball for free within the inner city.

In 2016, the ICYBS added a focus on nutrition and fighting childhood hunger and provided 9,600 post-game meals for the program participants. In total, the 2016 season stat line reads as follows: 1,400 children participated with 68 volunteers serving as coaches, drivers, and scorekeepers who donated a total of 1,758 hours of their time. Equipment was also provided for free with the West Michigan community donating more than 300 gloves and various pieces of equipment through the Whitecaps Community Foundation’s annual equipment drive.

Reading Program & Book Donation

The Whitecaps Community Foundation Reading Program is in its 12th year of helping area school children enjoy Whitecaps baseball while promoting reading. Children from area elementary schools who read a total of 450 minutes, or 15 minutes a day, in the month of March (known nationally as Reading Month) receive two tickets to any Whitecaps game in April-June. The Foundation delivers all support materials, such as bookmarks and posters, to all participating schools at no cost. The 2016 Reading Program had involvement from 75,000 K-6 area children from 268 schools ranging from public schools to home schooled. More than 20,000 complimentary tickets were given this season to children and their families in West Michigan.

To create even more excitement during the month of March and to encourage reading after the program had finished, the Whitecaps Community Foundation donated a book to every child at Dickinson Elementary School in Grand Rapids. Dickinson Elementary is considered a high-need school within Grand Rapids and received a total of 300 books.

Pinch Hitter Program

The Pinch Hitter Program is designed to give groups in need the opportunity to experience a Whitecaps game at no cost. Non-Profit organizations are matched with program donors and receive tickets allowing those groups to attend a Whitecaps game when they otherwise would not have been able to meet the financial obligation. In 2016 the Whitecaps Community Foundation was able to match 20 groups with corporate donors and as a result donated 500 tickets to groups in need. Michigan area.

Player Community Service Award

Since 1994, community involvement has been a pillar of how the Whitecaps operate, and this does not stop at the clubhouse door. West Michigan Whitecaps players are given the opportunity to volunteer throughout the community each season and in 2016, 30 players volunteered over 500 hours during the season. Players visited schools to encourage reading, Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Veteran’s home as well as other locations in the West Michigan area. This season three players won the Inaugural Whitecaps Community Service Award, given to players who had the most impact within the community: Pitcher Sandy Baez, Outfielder Rashad Brown and Infielder Will Allen. Each of these players volunteered more than 50 hours of their time from April through August.

50/50 Program

Throughout the 2016 season, The Whitecaps Community Foundation helped non-profits raise funds by using the West Michigan Whitecaps facilities. Twelve non-profits raised $29,175 over the course of the season participating in the 50/50 raffle program. Non-profits took half of the $29,175 to use at their own discretion, while the winner took the other half. The Whitecaps Community Foundation had 13 of its own 50/50 raffles and managed to raise $30,760 for its programs in 2016.

The final line for 2016: With donations and fundraising efforts, the Whitecaps Community Foundation was able to give out more than $552,716 to local children and their families in 2016. All of these programs were considered by the Midwest League in choosing the West Michigan Whitecaps as its John Henry Moss Community Service Award winner and MiLB nominee.

Winners of all five of MiLB’s post-season awards, including the Charles K. Murphy Patriot Award, the John Henry Moss Community Service Award, the Larry MacPhail Award, the John H. Johnson President’s Award, and Rawlings Woman Executive of the Year Award, will be announced at the Baseball Winter Meetings in Washington, D.C. in December.

The Whitecaps open the 2017 season at home on Thursday, April 6 at 6:35 p.m. against the South Bend Cubs. Season tickets and mini plans will go on sale October 25 and can be purchased by calling the Whitecaps at 616-784-4131. Tickets for groups of 20 or more, including private party areas, will go on sale in November.

-end

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

Baysox Nominated for Charles K. Murphy Patriot Award

BOWIE, Md. – The Bowie Baysox and the Eastern League of Professional Baseball Clubs announce that the Baysox are the league’s nominee for the Charles K. Murphy Patriot Award, presented to a club for outstanding support of and engagement with the United States Armed Forces and veterans, both at the ballpark and in the community.

An overall winner is selected from among the nominees from each league by Minor League Baseball and honored at the 2016 Baseball Winter Meetings at National Harbor, Md.

Located just miles from Washington, DC and several United States military bases, including the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., the Baysox take great pride in their relationship with area active military and veterans. The team hosts a number of military-themed events throughout the season in addition to nightly ticket discounts for current and former military and monthly Military Appreciation Nights that include additional ticket discounts.

One of the highlights of the Baysox promotional calendar is Navy Night, held in early August. The team donates 5,000 tickets to local Naval personnel, distributed through local MWR offices, and the Baysox also host the entire Summer Plebe Class from the Naval Academy. As their summer program comes to an end, the Naval Academy’s incoming 1,200 person freshman class gets to enjoy a Baysox game while wearing their dress white uniforms in public for the first time.

For the third consecutive season, the Baysox also honored local current and former military heroes with a special baseball card set giveaway on Friday, Aug. 26. Earlier in the season, the Baysox received nominations from friends and family for military heroes to include in the 18-card set. The team invited each military hero out to the game for special recognition as the baseball cards were distributed to fans in attendance.

Throughout the season, the Baysox also hosted special nights for the individuals and families serving at Joint Base Andrews and Fort Meade. Free tickets were distributed to the bases and men and women from the bases were recognized throughout the game. The Baysox also invite service members to perform the National Anthem and Honorary Color Guards to present the colors during games throughout the season, including Memorial Day and Independence Day.

The team’s relationship with the local military does not exist only during Baysox games. Throughout the season, the Baysox mascot Louie could be found at community military events throughout the region. The Baysox also partnered with the Travis Manion Foundation for their 9/11 Heroes 5K run in Annapolis and with the Vet Tix organization to provide free Baysox tickets to active military and their families throughout the season. For the fourth season, the Baysox also hosted the Amputee Warrior Softball Classic at Prince George’s Stadium in June. The charity softball game teamed NFL stars, including Redskins DeSean Jackson and Bashaud Breeland, with members of the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team with proceeds benefitting the Connected Warrior Foundation, Yellow Ribbon Fund and WWAST.

The Baysox front office staff also got involved during the 2016 season by participating in the #22KILL push-up challenge. Prior to each home game, the Baysox front office staff did 22 push-ups to help raise awareness to the 22 military veterans, on average, who commit suicide each day. The Baysox began participating in this challenge in May and collectively, completed nearly 12,500 push-ups during the season. Videos can be found on the Baysox and 22KILL Facebook pages.

The Bowie Baysox season is presented by Money One Federal Credit Union. The Baysox season has ended, but the team will return in 2017 to celebrate its 25th Season. The team’s 2017 home opener will be Thursday, April 14 against the Harrisburg Senators at 6:35 p.m. To keep up with Baysox news during the offseason, visit baysox.com

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

66ers Honored with California League’s Award for Community Service

San Bernardino, CA – On Friday the California League announced the 2016 Front Office Awards and named the Inland Empire 66ers the winner of the Excellence in Community Service Award. The award, which was voted on by the other organizations in the California League, was given to the 66ers due to their outstanding and on-going commitment to charitable service, support and leadership within the local community.

The Sixers received high praise from the league for their efforts and commitment to the community following the tragic events on December 2nd. A day after the incident, thousands came to San Manuel Stadium to attend a candlelight and prayer vigil. Victim’s families and friends, civic leaders and the community at large started healing the healing process together. On this night “SB Strong” came into existence and an organic fundraising opportunity happened after multiple attendees asked where they could buy tee shirts with the SB Strong logo on them. The fundraiser was a great success as over 2,000 shirts were purchased with 100% of the proceeds heading to the San Bernardino United Relief Fund. Following the vigil the club would go on to host a luncheon for the first responders, a SB Strong Charity Picnic and Blood Drive and the team’s SB Strong Night Game. During this game the Sixers and the visiting San Jose Giants wore specialty SB Strong jerseys that went up for auction to raise funds for the cause. In total, $74,115.26 was raised for the victims and their families through events held at San Manuel Stadium.

The 66ers continued their excellence in community service by closely working with local schools in several ways. The team’s reading program, which provided tickets for children and their families for reading, saw an increase in participation by over 30%. In addition, the club introduced the Breakfast with a Book Program in which students were rewarded for their academic efforts by receiving breakfast and a new book courtesy of the club. The commitment to the area didn’t stop there as the 66ers worked with over 200 local partners that had an impact of over $400,000 in donations during the 2016 Season.

About the Inland Empire 66ers

The Inland Empire 66ers are the California League Affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels and play their home games at San Manuel Stadium. The club is one of eight Elmore Sports Group owned franchises and one the six Minor League Baseball clubs in the group. Other Elmore Sports Group baseball franchises include the Colorado Springs Sky Sox (Pacific Coast League), The San Antonio Missions (Texas League), Lynchburg Hillcats (Carolina League), Eugene Emeralds (Northwest League), and the Idaho Fall Chukars (Pioneer League). The 66ers franchise will play their 30th season in San Bernardino during the 2017 season which starts on Thursday, April 6th.

Follow the 66ers on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @66ersbaseball

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

D-Braves nominated for Charles Murphy Patriot Award

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

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

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

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

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

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

Seneca County Chamber of Commerce honors Doubledays

(Romulus, NY) – The Seneca County Chamber of Commerce recently presented its 2016 Small Business of the Year Award to the Auburn Doubledays Baseball Club during a ceremony at the Chamber’s Annual Membership BBQ event held at Knapp Vineyard Winery and Restaurant.

The Doubledays were among five finalists for the membership award, which also included: the Glove House (Waterloo), Jessica & Company (Waterloo), Main Street Drivers (Seneca Falls) and the Seneca County House of Concern (Seneca Falls).

Founded in 1958, the Auburn Doubledays Baseball Club is currently a Class “A” Short Season Affiliate for Major League Baseball’s Washington Nationals. Under the direction of new General Manager Mike Voutsinas, the organization experienced a 22% increase in home game attendance over the last two years (most of any team in the league). New community partnerships and regional collaborations were formed with a special focus on providing opportunities for children in neighboring little leagues, schools, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.

Corporate sponsorships have nearly tripled, allowing the organization to make several needed infrastructure improvements to Falcon Park and added amenities related to fan experience. The net result was the first operating profit for the franchise in more than five years.

“We congratulate the Auburn Doubledays on their noteworthy achievements and significant contributions to our regional quality of life,” said Chamber President Jeff Shipley. “Despite limited staff and resources, small businesses such as the Auburn Doubledays play a vital role in the health and well being of our local communities.”

More than 200 Chamber members and guests attended the event, sponsored by Generations Bank. The award was developed by the Chamber in 2007 to recognize and celebrate the impact that small businesses have on local communities. Small businesses account for nearly 98 percent of all businesses in New York State – providing nearly 4 million jobs and contributing over $190 million in payroll.

For more information about this event or for details about Chamber membership, benefits and programs, please call (315) 568-2906 or visit www.senecachamber.org.

Darnell honored for his community service

rochesterredwings_2014-10-21

Rochester Red Wings starting pitcher Logan Darnell made significant contributions both on and off the baseball diamond in 2014. Along with combining on a no-hitter for the Red Wings and making his Major League debut with the Minnesota Twins, Darnell has been named co-winner of the John L. Seebach Volunteer Award as announced by the Federation of Social Workers. Darnell has been named a co-winner along with Larry and Jane Glazer.

Darnell, 25, will be honored at the 10th Annual Human Service Worker of the Year Awards Luncheon hosted by the Federation of Social Workers on November 7 at the Joseph Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center. Red Wings President/CEO/COO Naomi Silver will be accepting the award on behalf of Darnell.

“I am truly honored to receive this award,” said Darnell. “Giving back to the community is something that is very important to me, the Red Wings and the entire Twins organization. Rochester is a great baseball town and a wonderful place to call home during the summer months.”

In his second season with the Wings, the southpaw endeared himself to the Rochester community. Despite the rigors of a 144-game minor league baseball schedule — which includes just eight off days — Darnell made more than 15 appearances at various community events throughout the year — a number that easily led the team and made him the runaway winner as the Red Wings “Most Civic-Minded” player and the Twins Harmon Killebrew Award honoree for the Rochester club.

“Logan had to lead the league in community appearances this season,” said Red Wings General Manager Dan Mason. “He’s been a great ambassador for the Red Wings and the City of Rochester in his time here.”

The majority of Darnell’s appearances came at various local little leagues and camps. A few of his more notable appearances included the Challenger Baseball World Series held at Frontier Field, The Mary Cariola Children’s Center and The Dave Clark D3 event held at the ballpark in August.

Darnell, who went 7-6 with a 3.60 ERA in 23 games (19 starts) for Rochester, made his Major League debut with the Twins on May 6 this season. He also combined with Trevor May on the 22nd no-hitter in Rochester franchise history, throwing the final six innings on August 11 vs. Durham.

Other notable award recipients at this year’s luncheon include RPD Officer Daryl Pierson and his partner Officer Mike DiPaola (Human Service Worker Courage Award) and New York State Lieutenant Governor Robert J. Duffy (Human Service Worker Lifetime Achievement Award).

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Rochester Red Wings. Click here to view the original story.

Martie Cordaro Receives Jack Lewis Community Service Award at Omaha Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

OMAHA, Neb. – As part of the Omaha Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Omaha Storm Chasers President and General Manager Martie Cordaro was honored with the Jack Lewis Community Service Award. The event was held at the University of Nebraska-Omaha’s Scott Conference Center.

“The Storm Chasers are not validated by Championship rings and trophies, but are with the results that show the staff is truly dedicated to the area we live and work in,” said Martie Cordaro, President and General Manager of the Omaha Storm Chasers. “Our work is not important unless we have an impact on the lives of the people who support us, and that is what we continue to try to live up to every day.”

The Jack Lewis Service Community Service Award is the third community-based honor the Storm Chasers have received since the end of the 2014 season, and second for Cordaro as he was named “Community Partner of the Year” by Community 360 last September. The team was honored at the PRSA Nebraska Paper Anvil Awards Gala last December with the 2014 Community Service Award.

The Storm Chasers had a record-setting 2014 in terms of community involvement as the charitable arm of the team, the Home Run Foundation of Greater Omaha, donated $558,733 to local charities. The total was the largest since the team became the Storm Chasers in 2010.

The 2015 Hall of Fame inductees were Bruce Benedict, Ken Geddes, Peaches James, Christy Johnson-Lynch, Charles “Deacon” Jones, the 1985 Omaha Creighton Prep Football team and horse “Omaha.”

In addition to the honor for Cordaro the Westside High School baseball team was named Sportsmen of the Year, Creighton Volleyball’s Kelli Browning was named Sportswoman of the Year and Boxing’s “Fighter of the Year” Terence “Bud” Crawford was named the Founders Award winner.

The Omaha Sports Hall Of Fame was founded in 2006, with a goal to provide a permanent place to honor individuals with strong ties to Omaha who have achieved tremendous success through athletics.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Omaha Storm Chasers. Click here to view the original story.

RiverDogs Named “Best Local Sports Team” AGAIN by Charleston City Paper

Charleston City Paper readers continue to endorse the ‘Dogs

charlestonriverdogs_2015-04-01

Charleston-RiverDogsThe Charleston RiverDogs’ “Fun Is Good” philosophy seeks to make each and every fan’s experience a special one at The Joe. Judging by the Lowcountry’s response, the initiative continues to be very successful.

For the 11th consecutive year, readers of the Charleston City Paper selected the RiverDogs as the city’s “Best Local Sports Team.”

“We are excited once again to be named the ‘Best Local Sports Team’ by the readership of the Charleston City Paper,” said RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols. “The Charleston City Paper is an integral part of our community, so this award is a big one for us to receive once again. All the thanks for this award go to our fans, because without them the RiverDogs baseball experience wouldn’t be possible.”

Known for wholesome family entertainment, RiverDogs games are a fun experience for people of all ages. This past year was especially special for the club as they donned new seersucker uniforms for Sunday games, brought back Disco Demolition on its 35th anniversary, gave away Bill Veeck “bobble-legs” and staged Rainbows Night while entertaining scores of fans on a consistent basis.

Whether it is the game between the foul lines, the tasty food and beverage options at The Joe, the unique merchandise available in the souvenir store, the Kids Zone or the always entertaining between-innings promotions, RiverDogs baseball has become synonymous for a great night out with family and friends in Charleston.

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

Drew Weber to receive Community Spirit Award

lowellspinners_2015-03-10

Owner to be honored by Kiwanis Club of Greater Lowell

Lowell-SpinnersThe Kiwanis Club of Greater Lowell would like to announce the 2015 recipient of the Thomas G Kelakos Community Spirit Award. Tom was a man who will always be remembered for his wisdom, his compassion, and his quiet generosity. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Lowell for almost 50 years, and had a perfect attendance record, meeting weekly. He owned and operated the LOMEDCO Company here in Lowell for many years, and made it a priority to give back to his community. He was a true gentleman and always had a warm smile and a word of encouragement for you, whenever you saw him. So often he helped out at many charities throughout the years with Kiwanis being one of his favorites. And yet he did so quietly. A lot of what Tom did was done anonymously because that was his way. It is because of Tom and his ways that the Kiwanis Club introduced the Thomas G. Kelakos Community Spirit Award, in his honor, after he passed away. One of our most revered members; he is fondly remembered and dearly missed by our membership.

This year, Drew Weber will receive the 2015 Thomas G. Kelakos Community Spirit Award at the annual dinner to be held Friday, April 10 at Lenzi’s in Dracut. Tickets are on-sale now for the event for a donation of $75 each or tables of 10 for $750. Tickets can be purchased at www.LowellKiwanis.org or by calling Bob Howard at (978) 459-4836.

Kiwanis is a global organization of Volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child at a time. Our members are from all walks of life and at every step of the career ladder, including retirement. We share the common desire to serve others and make our community a better place. Just a few of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Lowell’s service projects include:

Community Spirit Award

Halloween Monster Bash

Bike Safety Rodeo

Summer and Christmas programs for local nursing and veterans homes

Annual Scholarship Program

Bringing Up Grades Program, BUG

Financial support for local and international service organizations

For more information visit LowellKiwanis.org

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

Myrtle Beach Herald Readers’ Choice Award goes to Pelicans

Pelicans named “Best Family Attraction” by readers

­­­­MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (FEBRUARY 27, 2015) – The Myrtle Beach Herald released its “Readers’ Choice Awards” on Friday, and the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, were named “Best Family Attraction.”

The award is one of many that the Pelicans have garnered over the past year. The Carolina League awarded the Pelicans the “Complete Franchise Award from the Carolina League” along with the “Marketing and Promotional Award;” the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce gave the Pelicans the “Community Service Award;” Ballpark Digest gave the Pelicans the “Promotion of the Year” award; and the Grand Strand Happening named the Pelicans “Best Family Outing.”

Stadium Journey Magazine also continued to recognize the Pelicans ballpark experience, giving it top honors in the Carolina League, a fourth-place spot in Minor League Baseball, and number 32 ranking in all of sports in their most recent rankings.

This is the first year that the Pelicans have won the Readers’ Choice Award for “Best Family Attraction.”

The Readers’ Choice Awards is an annual poll that was open to readers of the Myrtle Beach Herald using a new online voting system that helped create the largest number of voting entries in the newspaper’s history.

The Pelicans were one of twenty award winners in the “Entertainment” category. Other categories include: Auto; Beauty and Wellness; Food and Drink; Health and Medical; Home and Garden; Pets; Professional Services; Real Estate; Recreation, Leisure & Sports; and Shopping.

A full list of the winners can be found in a special supplement in the Myrtle Beach Herald in the February 27, 2015 edition and also available for online viewing at www.MyHorryNews.com.

The 2015 season marks the 17th season for the franchise and first as the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. For information on tickets to see the Pelicans in 2015, please call (843) 918-6000, e-mail info@myrtlebeachpelicans.com, or visit www.MyrtleBeachPelicans.com.

 

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. Click here to view the original story.

Martie Cordaro Named Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce Business Leader of the Year at Awards Ceremony

Omaha-Storm-Chasers-2014At the Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Banquet at Embassy Suites in La Vista Thursday evening, Omaha Storm Chasers President and General Manager Martie Cordaro was named the 2014 Business Leader of the Year.

It was the first such honor for Cordaro, who was unable to be in attendance to personally accept the award with the Pacific Coast League Fall Meetings taking place in Chicago this week. It is the second time in six years an Omaha Royals/Storm Chasers Executive has been named the Business Leader of the Year, as former team President Alan Stein was honored in 2009.

“I am truly humbled and this award shows all the hard work by our staff in the four short years at Werner Park right here in beautiful Sarpy County,” said Cordaro in his taped message played at the ceremony. “Congratulations to all the nominees in this crowded field. I am speechless, which doesn’t happen very often. Let’s go out and continue to make Sarpy County the place to live in all of Nebraska.”

The Business Leader of the Year nomination field also included Russ Daub, Margaret White, Dan Zongkers and Tom Greco.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Omaha Storm Chasers. Click here to view the original story.

Shibuya recipient of Twins’ Killebrew Award

Miracle pitcher shows versatility on and off the field in 2014

FortMyersMiracle_2014-10-02

 

Fort-Myers-Miracle-2014In September, the Minnesota Twins announced that pitcher Tim Shibuya was selected as the Harmon Killebrew Award for Community Service recipient for the Fort Myers Miracle in 2014.

Shibuya, 25, was a 23rd round draft pick of the Twins in 2011 out of the University of California-San Diego. Shibuya participated in multiple youth baseball camps as an instructor and also appeared at numerous events in Lee and Collier County throughout the season.

“It was great having Tim join us on appearances this past season,” said Miracle Manager of Community Relations Ashley Adams. “He is a hands-on, personable and active with kids. Tim makes the time with the Miracle memorable for them and our staff too.”

On the field, Shibuya posted a 7-4 record with a 3.64 earned run average in 28 games, 10 starts. Tossing a total of 89 innings, Shibuya walked just 11 hitters and tallied 59 strikeouts. In his minor league career, Shibuya has made 74 appearances and has a career ERA at 3.62.

The Killebrew Award honors the long time Twins great and Hall of Famer Harmon Killebrew. Each season, the General Manager and Field Manager of the four full-season affiliates nominate a candidate that best exemplified the compassion and spirit of Killebrew through work in the local community.

Former Miracle pitcher Logan Darnell was the recipient for the Triple-A Rochester Red Wings. Tony Thomas was awarded the honor for the Double-A New Britain Rock Cats and Tanner Vavra the winner for the Single-A Cedar Rapids Kernels.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Fort Myers Miracle. Click here to view the original story.