Charlotte Business Journal Honors Knights & BB&T Ballpark With Two Awards

The Knights welcomed 696,601 fans through the gates in 2014. (Jon Strayhorn)
The Knights welcomed 696,601 fans through the gates in 2014. (Jon Strayhorn)

Charlotte-Knights-2014The Charlotte Business Journal named the Charlotte Knights among their inaugural Heavy Hitters Commercial Real Estate award winners earlier this week. The Knights were honored with the Economic Development Award for New & Existing Industry and the Top Hospitality/Entertainment Development Award. Members of the Charlotte Knights staff will accept the awards on Tuesday, Oct. 28 at The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte.

“We are very honored to be the recipient of these prestigious awards,” said Charlotte Knights Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer Dan Rajkowski. “We are very proud of BB&T Ballpark and very appreciative of the support we have received from the Greater Charlotte Region and our fans throughout our inaugural season.”

The awards honor the best commercial real estate deals and developments across the region from June 30, 2013, to July 1, 2014. The winners were selected by a panel of industry experts working in combination with the Charlotte Business Journal staff.

BB&T Ballpark, which opened its gates on Friday, April 11, 2014, was the most visited Minor League Baseball venue this season. Including the Triple-A National Championship Game, the Knights welcomed 696,601 fans during their inaugural season in Uptown Charlotte — leading all of Minor League Baseball in attendance. The ballpark also welcomes thousands of additional guests year-round with events such as Charlotte BeerFest, the Toshiba trade show, and the City of Charlotte’s Back To School Day.

The Charlotte Knights will begin their second season at BB&T Ballpark on Thursday, April 9 with their 2015 home opener against the Norfolk Tides (Triple-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles). Season tickets are currently available and fans can purchase tickets online at charlotteknights.com, by phone at 704-274-8282, or in person at the BB&T Ballpark Ticket Office.

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

Grand Strand Happening name Pelicans “Best Family Outing”

Readers voted Pelicans to top spot in inaugural list

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Myrtle-Beach-PelicansGrand Strand Happening announced the winners of their “Happening List,” and the Myrtle Beach Pelicans were named the “Best Family Outing” in the first ever incarnation of the award.

The Happening List is a people’s choice award list of Grand Strand Happening readers’ favorite people, places, events, and businesses on the Grand Strand. The publication handed out over 100 different awards from “Best Day Spa,” to “Best Sushi,” and “Best Senior Living.” The Pelicans beat out fellow finalists Brookgreen Gardens and Ripley’s Aquarium for the Best Family Outing label.

All of the winners will be honored at the first Grand Strand Happening List Bash on September 25.

To view details on the event as well as the finalists and award winners, visit the Grand Strand Happening website.

The Pelicans have provided top-flight family entertainment at TicketReturn.com Field at Pelicans Ballpark since the team’s inaugural season in 1999. Stadium Journey ranked the Pelicans in the Top 25 Stadium Experiences in all of sports in 2012 and 2013 as well as third in Minor League Baseball in 2013. The club has been nominee for the Golden Bobblehead Awards, which honors the best promotions in Minor League Baseball, in three seasons, and the Pelicans have three nominees for the 2014 season.

Focused on entertainment, the Pelicans are also committed to the community and, this season, won the Community Service Award from the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. After donating $397,187 to the community in monies and man-hours in 2013, the Pelicans surpassed $465,000 this season.

The Pelicans return to TicketReturn.com Field at Pelicans Ballpark in 2015 for their 17th season, and first as the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, looking to defend their Southern Division Championship. For information on tickets to see the Pelicans in 2015, please call (843) 918-6002, 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.

BB&T Ballpark Awarded Prestigious LEED ® Green Building Certification

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LEED, or Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design, is a green building certification program that recognizes best-in-class building strategies and practices.

Charlotte-Knights-2014The Charlotte Knights announced that BB&T Ballpark has been awarded LEED ® (level of certification). LEED, or Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design, is a green building certification program that recognizes best-in-class building strategies and practices.

“The Knights organization was committed to the LEED certification of the ballpark,” said Gau Gupte, Odell. “The entire team, including the architects, contractors and engineers, focused the goal of being LEED certified from day one. This included energy efficient systems, high performance building envelope design and green material choices and construction processes.”

The LEED rating system, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), is the foremost program for buildings, homes, and communities that are designed, constructed, maintained and operated for improved environmental and human health performance. More than 58,000 commercial and institutional projects are currently participating in LEED, comprising more than 10.7 billion square feet of construction space in all 50 states and more than 140 countries.

BB&T Ballpark achieved LEED certification for implementing practical and measurable strategies and solutions aimed at achieving high performance in: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.

“The green building movement offers an unprecedented opportunity to respond to the most-important challenges of our time, including global climate change, dependence on non-sustainable and expensive sources of energy and threats to human health,” said Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chair, USGBC. “The work of innovative building projects such as BB&T Ballpark is a fundamental driving force in the green building movement.”

The 2014 inaugural season at BB&T Ballpark was a record-breaking one for the Knights, who led all of Minor League Baseball in attendance with 687,715 fans in 71 games. With 31 sell-out crowds, and an average of 9,686 fans per game, BB&T Ballpark was the most visited ballpark in the country in just its first season.

In anticipation of more interest in the Knights Uptown, Charlotte Knights ownership authorized the creation of a new 501 (c) (3) organization named Knights Charities. The first initiative involved a commemorative brick program installed in phases at BB&T Ballpark’s main gate. Fans responded by investing in hundreds of bricks that netted more than $75,000 to the coffers of Knights Charities.

Knights Charities has already made an impact in the Charlotte community. With help of corporate sponsors, the team has generated more than $70,000. Annual events such as Pink Knights, the Charlotte Knights Golf Classic, and others resulted in more than $35,000. Knights players contributed to the cause with funds raised for runs scored, double plays, and triples.

 

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

Grand Junction wins Moss Award

Rockies affiliate captures inaugural community service honor

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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Minor League Baseball announced Thursday that the Grand Junction Rockies are the winners of the first John Henry Moss Community Service Award for their ongoing commitment to charitable service and their support and leadership within the Grand Junction community and the baseball industry.

The Rockies are committed to make an ongoing annual gift to the NJCAA World Series played annually each year in Grand Junction, Colo., with a substantial monetary contribution per year that is earmarked for the capital building and remodel plan for Suplizio Field, “Home of the JUCO World Series” and the Pioneer League club. Colorado Mesa University (CMU), local high schools and many other groups also use the facility on a regular basis throughout the year. The Rockies have also made a multi-year commitment to the Mesa County School District #51 athletic program to pay for varsity uniforms for all four local high school baseball and softball teams.

The Rockies also partner with the CMU Sports Management/Marketing and Mass Communication departments to provide on-the-job training for students during the season. Each year, six students receive class credit for working as paid interns with the club. This season, another half dozen students gained valuable experience by being responsible for the entire production and video streaming of all 38 home games that were seen on MiLB.com.

Grand Junction principal owners Dick and Charlie Monfort’s monetary contribution to CMU was a key component to the construction of a performance lab built on campus. General manager Tim Ray is a member of the Community Hospital Foundation Board and the NJCAA World Series Baseball Committee. Other Grand Junction staff members serve on the committees of civic organizations as well.

The Rockies conduct an indoor baseball camp in January for local youths with professional coaches and players from the Colorado Rockies organization serving as instructors. All net monetary proceeds from the camp benefit the CMU baseball scholarship program.

Numerous other charities benefited from Grand Junction’s support in 2013 as well, including Special Olympics Colorado, Ed Randall’s Fans for the Cure, Riverside Education Center, A.C. Foundation, Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra, City of Grand Junction Audubon Society, Mesa County Firefighters and the Community Hospital Foundation.

“The Rockies have fully immersed themselves into their community since relocating to Grand Junction just two seasons ago,” Pat O’Conner, president and CEO of Minor League Baseball, said. “Their numerous philanthropic endeavors with civic organizations, local high schools and Colorado Mesa University are examples of their strong commitment to give back to their community and contribute to its quality of life.”

“This honor is a reflection of the community commitment by our ownership” said Ray. “The opportunity to partner with a community that has such a rich history of baseball and has already shown such enthusiasm for Minor League Baseball is exciting.”

The John Henry Moss Community Service Award is named after the former South Atlantic League president, who founded the circuit and presided over it for a half-century from 1959-2008.

Grand Junction will receive their award at the Baseball Winter Meetings Banquet at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort in Orlando, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 12.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Rookie Pioneer League. Click here to view the original story.

Spikes recognized as a PA “Waste Watcher”

Team one of 76 statewide to be honored for green initiatives

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The State College Spikes were recently recognized by The Professional Recyclers of Pennsylvania (PROP) and the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) – Keystone Chapter for the team’s outstanding recycling program and related ballpark and community outreach efforts from the 2012 calendar year.

The Spikes were one of 76 municipalities, counties, private businesses, individuals, and community organizations to be recognized as part of the Pennsylvania Waste Watchers Program. This program highlights recycling, waste reduction, reuse, and composting programs in Pennsylvania that have exhibited exemplary performance.

The team and Medlar Field at Lubrano Park were recognized in part for the distinction as the world’s first L.E.E.D Certified ballpark and for the team’s dedication to promoting green initiatives during home games. In addition, the Spikes’ popular school program called “Project I.K.E.,” which stands for “Inspiring Kids to be Eco-Friendly,” has provided dozens of free and fun school assemblies the past three years. The program, which has been sponsored by the Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority, incorporates team mascots, players and staff to teach children about the importance of “going green” and incorporating eco-friendly practices in their daily lives.

Of the 76 Waste Watcher recipients, 19 were based in Centre County. The Spikes would like to congratulate fellow local “Waste Watchers” Autoport Restaurant, Centre County Recycling & Refuse Authority, Columbia Gas of PA Inc., Corl Street Elementary School, Foxdale Village, Gray’s Woods Elementary, Harris Township Memorial Day Festival, Harrison’s Wine Grill & Catering, Mount Nittany Middle School, Park Forest Elementary School, PSU School of Hospitality Management, Restek Corp., State College Friends School, The Art Alliance of Central PA, the Borough of State College, the Centre County Grange Encampment and Fair, the Prom Attire Event, and Village Eatinghouse.

Additional information about Medlar Field at Lubrano Park’s L.E.E.D Certification and other club green initiatives is available by clicking here.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the State College Spikes. Click here to view the original story.

Volcanoes Named 50th Anniversary Vietnam War Commemorative Partner

Franchise tapped by United States Office of the Secretary of Defense for July 4th, 2014 Game

Salem-KeizerVolcanoes_2013-10-11

 

KEIZER, Or. – The Salem-Keizer Volcanoes are proud to announce its acceptance as a Commemorative Partner of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War. The Volcanoes’ 7th Annual Patriotic celebration is headlined on Friday, July 4, 2014 with Vietnam Veterans Night at Volcanoes Stadium.

The Salem-Keizer Volcanoes’ initial patriotic celebration was on July 4, 2008, and has since grown into a three-day annual event celebrating the many cross-sections of our military heroes, and has boomed with success. During these tributes, the Volcanoes have Thanked, Honored, and Saluted more than 300 military men and woman spanning from World War II to the Middle East conflicts. Great anticipation surrounds the next chapter of the Tribute spanning the Independence Day weekend of Friday, July 4th to Sunday, July 6th.

In 2013, Volcanoes Stadium hosted a special ceremony for “Fallen Navy SEAL” Tyrone Woods of Oregon City, who was killed in combat defending America’s diplomatic outpost in Benghazi. At the time of the formal ceremony, there were 143 military personnel on the field including representatives from Washington D.C..

Jerry Howard, Volcanoes’ Senior Marketing Representative, whom organizes this yearly event, expressed his appreciation for the Volcanoes’ selection: “The Volcanoes are extremely excited with regard to being selected by The Office of the Secretary of Defense to be an official Vietnam War 50-Year Commemoration Partner” and site. We have many brave and courageous Vietnam War Veterans in Oregon and Southwest Washington who we will invite to join us on July 4th, 2014, so we may properly Thank, Honor and Salute them for their service to our country. They are truly American Heroes.”

The Volcanoes were awarded this honor as a part of the franchise’s willingness to assist and support a grateful nation in thanking and honoring our Vietnam War Veterans and their families.

In preparation for the 2014 Patriotic Tribute, the Volcanoes have selected an 18-member committee of Vietnam Veterans to plan the event at Volcanoes Stadium. If you know of any Vietnam Veterans who deserve recognition during the special celebration, nominations can be made to the committee by contacting Jerry Howard. He can be reached at Volcanoes Stadium at 503-779-4088 or via email at j.howard@volcanoesbaseball.com.

About the Volcanoes: The Salem-Keizer Volcanoes are a minor league affiliate of the San Francisco Giants. Home games are played at Volcanoes Stadium in Keizer from mid-June through early-September. For more information call the Volcanoes at (503) 390-2225.

 

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes. Click here to view the original story.

Bisons given ‘Community Partnership Award’ by Parent Network of WNY

Team honored for support of individuals living with special needs

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The Parent Network of WNY is proud to announce that this year’s recipient of the Community Partnership Award is the Buffalo Bisons. The award will be presented on Thursday, October 17 (7:00 p.m.) at the Alleyway Theatre before the group’s debut of the play, “Always October.”

The Community Partnership Award is presented every year to an agency, school, or person who has assisted individuals with special needs through their activities. The Bisons are an avid supporter of individuals with special needs. Their support of persons with disabilities is not a product of a special effort, rather, they include people with disabilities as members of the community and treat this as “business as usual.”

The Community Partnership Award is presented in conjunction with Parent Network’s annual Harvest Honors Fundraiser. Funds raised are utilized to educate families of children with disabilities about services and supports in the community.

As part of Harvest Honors we will be hosting a Silent Auction and Basket Raffle along with the Red Carpet premier of “Always October”. This ground-breaking play was co-written by Western New Yorkers Mary McLaughlin, Wanda Wilson and Beth Geyer, directed by Victoria Pérez with a cast comprised of both individuals with and without disabilities, as well as parents of those with disabilities.

The Harvest Honors fundraiser is on October 17th and will begin at 5:30pm with a cocktail reception, a silent auction/basket raffle and award ceremony. The main event at Harvest Honors will be the opening of “Always October”. The play will then continue its run until Sunday October 20th. All evening performances are at 7:30pm with a Sunday matinee at 2pm. The fundraiser/play will take place at Alleyway Theatre-1 Curtain Up Alleyway in the heart of Buffalo’s downtown theater district. For ticket information please call Peg Kovach at 332-4170 or visit our website at http://www.parentnetworkwny.org/harvest-honors.

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

Kevin Nolan Named Blue Jays Community Service Winner

Nashua Native Honored as Blue Jays Community Service Winner

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MANCHESTER, N.H. – The Toronto Blue Jays, parent club of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, have announced that shortstop Kevin Nolan is this year’s winner of the Blue Jays Community Service Award. The 25 year-old New Hampshire shortstop has proven his commitment to the community through his tireless efforts and positive attitude.

“Kevin’s efforts in the community enhanced many lives beyond the diamond and this recognition is extremely well deserved,” said Fisher Cats President Rick Brenner. “The Blue Jays and their players know the importance of giving back to the communities where they spend their summer, and Kevin represented himself, the Fisher Cats, and the Blue Jays with class all season long. We appreciate all of his efforts.”

Nolan participated in nearly all of the team community appearances, always representing the organization with class and professionalism. A native of Nashua, Nolan contributed his time in many ways, including;

* Joining 100+ kids at a Dartmouth-Hitchcock Baseball/Softball Camp as a camp counselor at the first camp of the season
* Visiting, speaking to, and signing autographs for 100+ kids at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Nashua on August 6, 2013
* Inviting the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Nashua to two (2) Fisher Cats games during the 2013 season; greeting the kids, signing autographs and helping to provide ice cream during the 7th Inning Stretch
* Taking time out of his pre-game routine to host special meet-and-greets with kids that expressed a personal interest in meeting him and growing up to be “just like him”
* Greeting patients from the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock and families alongside WMUR’s Jason King for a special batting practice for CHaD Kids
* Appearing at Dick’s Sporting Goods in Nashua New Hampshire for the spring registrations for Nashua Little League providing well-wishes to kids for their season

Nolan will be coming back to New Hampshire as a guest of honor at the annual Granite State Baseball Dinner, presented by Northeast Delta Dental, on Nov. 23. The event, beginning at 5 p.m. at the Radisson Hotel Expo Center in Manchester, raises money for the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock, the Ted Williams Museum, and the Fisher Cats Foundation.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. Click here to view the original story.

Caronia Honored for Community Service

Shorebirds IF wins award from Orioles

Anthony Caronia recieved the Minor League Community Service Award
Anthony Caronia recieved the Minor League Community Service Award

Salisbury, MD – Shorebirds utility infielder Anthony Caronia was honored on Sunday by the Orioles Player Development Department as the 2013 Elrod Hendricks Community Service Award recipient. Caronia represented the Shorebirds on numerous appearances during the summer and was a crowd favorite at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.

Caronia went on several appearances to local schools and community events. He was also always willing to lend a helping hand at games by catching a ceremonial first pitch.

Caronia became a crowd favorite during the season because of his willingness to sign autographs and talk to fans.

“Anthony was a great ambassador for Shorebirds baseball,” said general manager Chris Bitters. “He was quick to volunteer for community appearances and he was always ready to make a kid’s day by signing an autograph or giving a kid a high five.”

Former Shorebirds manager Gary Kendall was named the Cal Ripken Sr. Player Development Award while former Shorebirds pitcher Mike Wright recieved the Jim Palmer Minor League Pitcher of the Year Award.

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

BlueClaws Charities Named “Citizen of the Year”

Will receive award from Lakewood Chamber of Commerce on October 24th

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LAKEWOOD, NJ – BlueClaws Charities, the official non-profit foundation of the Lakewood BlueClaws, is honored to receive the Citizen of the Year award from the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce and will be presented the award at the Chamber’s 40th annual Citizen of the Year Awards Reception at Eagle Ridge Golf Club in Lakewood on Thursday, October 24th.

Other honorees that night include: Ben Heinemann of BP Graphics and Printing, Leslie Terjesen of the Ocean County Health Department, and Terry Moncrief of Withum, Smith & Brown, PC.

BlueClaws Charities Executive Director Jim DeAngelis will accept the award on behalf of the BlueClaws and BlueClaws Charities.

“This is very special for the BlueClaws and especially for BlueClaws Charities,” said DeAngelis, who has been with the BlueClaws since their 2001 inception. “We work very hard with a wide variety of non-profit organizations and of course this year, after the storm, was especially tough on everyone.”

BlueClaws Charities raised thousands of dollars for those impacted by Superstorm Sandy through t-shirt sales, Restore the Shore Fridays, a BlueClaws Restore the Shore jersey auction, and private donations. The organization then collected grant applications and was able to hand out over $50,000 in grants to help area families.

Meanwhile, BlueClaws Charities works with over 40 Community Partners, area non-profit organizations who raise money through the BlueClaws. These organizations also benefit through various BlueClaws Charities fundraising events throughout the year like jersey auctions, “Bowling With the BlueClaws,” the “BlueClaws Charities Nine and Dine” golf outing, and more.

Fans that are interested in attending the reception are able to do so through ordering a ticket to the event. The reception, which runs from 5:30 to 8:30, includes an open-bar passed hors d’oeuvres, hot and cold stations, and dessert. Please click here to download an order form.

– BlueClaws Charities –

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

Brenner, Habitat honored at Coaches Luncheon

2013 Dash roster introduced to the community, too

Judy Brenner (middle) accepted the Dash's Service Through Sports Award on behalf of her late husband Rich Tuesday afternoon. (Erik Weasenforth/W-S Dash)
Judy Brenner (middle) accepted the Dash’s Service Through Sports Award on behalf of her late husband Rich Tuesday afternoon. (Erik Weasenforth/W-S Dash)

The Winston-Salem Dash honored Rich Brenner as this year’s Service Through Sports Award winner and announced that Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County is the Dash’s official charity for the 2013 season at the annual Coaches Luncheon Tuesday at BB&T Ballpark.

Brenner, an award-winning sportscaster for FOX8, began his broadcasting career in 1967 as a correspondent in Vietnam. Originally from Merchantville, N.J., Brenner’s full-time television career started in 1975. He arrived at FOX8 in 1987, and his time in Winston-Salem yielded six awards, including three Southeast Regional Emmy Awards. He retired in 2008 following a 21-year career at FOX8.

During his retirement, Brenner, who served as a United States Marine, continued to be a major presence in the community, making public appearances to honor community members, including those who served in the military. Before he passed away last year at the age of 65, Brenner was working on a veterans’ memorial at Triad Park in Kernersville. Brenner’s family accepted the Service Through Sports Award on his behalf.

“I’m so honored and so humbled for this award, and I know Rich is, too,” Brenner’s widow Judy said during Tuesday’s ceremony. “I can’t tell you how special this is to our family.”

Brenner is the fourth winner of the Service Through Sports Award. The late Clarence “Big House” Gaines, who coached Winston-Salem State University’s men’s basketball team for 47 years, was the inaugural winner in 2010. Wake Forest University baseball coach Tom Walter took home the honor in 2011, while Bob and Lisa Gfeller’s work through the Matthew Gfeller Foundation was recognized last year.

The Dash also announced that Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County will be the team’s official charity partner for the 2013 season. Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County brings together community partners and volunteers to help qualified Partner Families construct and purchase well-built, affordable homes and become successful homeowners. Through the organization’s global efforts, Habitat for Humanity has built homes in 90 countries and all 50 states. They have also built homes for more than 350 Partner Families in the Winston-Salem community.

As the Dash’s official charity for the season, Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County will partner with the Dash for their Commemorative Brick Program. Entering its fourth year, the Dash’s Commemorative Brick Program allows members of the community to purchase a brick that will be installed outside BB&T Ballpark’s main gates. The Dash and Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County will collectively use the program’s proceeds to further their community outreach efforts.

“We really thank the Dash for choosing us as their 2013 charity partner,” said Sylvia Oberle, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County. “It’s an exciting time to be a part of the Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County. Thank you for thinking of us.”

The Coaches Luncheon also served as the community’s first chance to meet the Opening Day roster for the Dash. New manager Ryan Newman spoke to those in attendance, while every member of the 2013 Dash was introduced. Many local media members were on hand for the event, which also served as the Dash’s annual Media Day. Newman and select players were available for interviews before the squad’s first official workout of 2013 at BB&T Ballpark.

The Dash begin their 2013 season Friday night in Zebulon, N.C., against the Carolina Mudcats, while the home slate begins Friday, April 12, when the Mudcats invade BB&T Ballpark for a 7 p.m. game.

The Dash have unveiled their new Stars & Stripes Mini-Plan, which includes seven great Dash games, including the Fourth of July, for just $77. Single-game tickets are also on sale now, so call the Dash at (336) 714-2287 or visit wsdash.com to secure your seats.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Winston-Salem Dash. Click here to view the original story.

Community award named for Moss

Longtime Sally League president was committed to charity

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Minor League Baseball™ Charities announced today that it has created a community service award that will bear the name of a longtime, former South Atlantic League president. Beginning this year, the John Henry Moss Community Service Award will be presented annually at the Baseball Winter Meetings™ to a club that has demonstrated an outstanding, on-going commitment to charitable service and has exhibited support and leadership within its local community and the baseball industry.

The award honors Moss 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. He died in 2009 at the age of 90.

He also served as the mayor of his native Kings Mountain, N.C., from 1965-88. During his tenure, Moss obtained more than $40 million in federal grants for his city, resulting in numerous improvement projects. One such project included the building of the Kings Mountain Reservoir, also known as Moss Lake, named in his honor.

He also served as president of the Cleveland County (N.C.) Sports Commission. Gardner-Webb University in nearby Boiling Spring, N.C., named its baseball park John Henry Moss Stadium as a tribute to his long-term relationship with the school and Moss’ many financial contributions to it.

“Our clubs do a tremendous job of becoming involved in their communities, especially when it comes to charitable endeavors,” said MiLB™ assistant director of business development Jill Dedene, who manages the day-to-day operations of Minor League Baseball Charities. “We felt it was time that we annually recognize one of our clubs for its exceptional community service. Naming the award after John Moss, the longest tenured president in Minor League Baseball history who dedicated his life to public and community service, ensures that his numerous contributions to our industry and others will always be remembered.”

“I think it is great that an award has been created to acknowledge the charitable and philanthropic efforts of the clubs,” South Atlantic League president Eric Krupa said. “Using John’s name in the award is an excellent way to honor his legacy. He certainly deserves to be remembered for all that he did for the game of baseball and for his contributions to his own community of Kings Mountain, as well as those to many of the communities that now host Minor League Baseball teams.”

“I know that John would be extremely honored to have this award named after him because he loved to give to his community,” said Moss’ niece, Cindy Meek, who granted MiLB Charities the permission to use his name for the award. “Hopefully this will encourage others to do the same.”

Each of the 14 domestic-based leagues whose clubs charge admission to their games can nominate one of their clubs for the honor. MiLB™ Charities will then select a winner from these nominees.

Some of the criteria that will be used to choose the winning club include the community service involvement of players, staff and/or ownership, company policies or programs that promote volunteerism among the staff, club-sponsored charitable initiatives and programs, donations to local not-for-profit organizations and community groups, involvement with civic organizations, participation in league-wide initiatives and committees, support of MiLB Charity Partners and engagement with MiLB Charities, and support of baseball-related not-for profit organizations, among others.

About MiLB Charities
Minor League Baseball Charities is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization dedicated to giving back to, and enhancing, the communities its teams call home. Through donations and support it receives from fans, teams and partners, MiLB Charities is able to contribute to local organizations in times of need and support causes that are important to its extended baseball family. Minor League Baseball Charities is affiliated with the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues.

The mission of Minor League Baseball Charities is to give back and to enhance communities that have supported its member clubs for more than 100 years. When hardship strikes one of its member cities and surrounding communities, MiLB Charities will be there to provide a positive example that will impact the communities in which its leagues and clubs live and work. Minor League Baseball Charities will set an example by working with established charities for the greater good and by identifying worthy causes for support through the central office along with the aid of its member clubs.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Minor League Baseball. Click here to view the original story.

Scrappers Receive HandsOn Volunteer Network Corporate Partner in Service Award

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The Mahoning Valley Scrappers have been chosen to receive the HandsOn Volunteer Network Corporate Partner in Service Award. The award recognizes a corporation that has demonstrated a commitment to the Mahoning Valley by promoting corporate responsibility through financial resources and extensions of service opportunities to its employees. The Corporate Partner in Service Award recipient has had measurable impact on local organizations by a commitment to service through corporate engagement programs and the philosophy of giving back to the Mahoning Valley.

Scrappers General Manager Jordan Taylor states, “The Mahoning Valley Scrappers are honored to have been chosen as the 2012 recipient of the HandsOn Volunteer Network Corporate Partner in Service Award. One of the primary goals of the franchise is to play an active role in the community through donations and community involvement of our Front Office”.

HandsOn Volunteer Network awards will be presented during the HandsOn Volunteer Network Awards Celebration on Thursday, November 8, 2012 with a dinner and program at the Avalon Golf and Country Club, Squaw Creek, beginning at 5:30pm. Call the HOVN office at 330-782-5877 to make reservations. Tickets are $30 per person.

Season tickets for the 2013 Scrappers season are now on sale. Contact the front office at 330-505-0000 for more information.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Mahoning Valley Scrappers. Click here to view the original story.

‘Cats recognized for community efforts

Receive Van Rensselaer Small Business Award

TROY, NY- The Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce held their annual Van Rensselaer Awards dinner to honor local businesses who have shown outstanding support to their community.The Tri-City ValleyCats were honored with the Van Rensselaer Small Business Award in recognition of their commitment to the Capital Region community. ValleyCats Vice President/General Manager Rick Murphy graciously accepted the award on behalf of the ValleyCats organization.

Other winners include CAP COM Federal Credit Union, who received the Van Rensselaer Corporate Award, and Neil Golub received the 2012 Edward H. Pattison Citizenship Award.

This past season the ValleyCats donated to over 350 charitable organizations, volunteered their time with reading appearances at local libraries, led the Community Grounds Crew youth field renovation program and more.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the 09/20/2012 10:02 PM ET. Click here to view the original story.

PawSox Honored by R.I. Department of Health

Pawtucket-Red-SoxFor the third year in a row, the Rhode Island Department of Health recognized the PawSox with the Rhode Island Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) program’s “Safe Place for Teens to Work” certification. The PawSox were honored for their “outstanding workplace health and safety management that address the unique issues of young workers”.

PawSox VP of Staduim Operations Mick Tedesco (left) received the OSHA plaque from Tony Cabral, the Senior Industrial Hygenist for the OSHA Consultation Program and the RI Dept. of Health, in a ceremony prior to the PawSox game on April 25 at McCoy.

PawSox OSHA
PawSox Vice-President accepts an award from the R.I. Department of Health.

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