Shorebirds and Valvoline Instant Oil Change Collect Over 200 Books to Donate to Local Little Free Libraries!

 

Throughout the 2021 season, the Delmarva Shorebirds and Valvoline Instant Oil Change collected books for children to donate to local Little Free Libraries through the Wicomico Rotary Club.

In partnership with Valvoline Instant Oil Change, every Tuesday night, fans had the opportunity to bring new or gently used books to the Shorebirds game in exchange for a $5 Flock Shop Merchandise Discount through the Tuesday Merch Book Exchange Promotion. In total, the Shorebirds collected over 200 books to donate to the local little free libraries of the Eastern Shore.

“We are very appreciative of our generous fans and their donations to the little free libraries throughout our local community” explained Shorebirds General Manager Chris Bitters. “By partnering with Valvoline Instant Oil Change, we are thrilled to be able to assist in growing youth literacy in our community and extending the reach of the Wicomico Rotary Club’s initiative to impact as many lives as possible through reading.”

Residents will be able to start picking up these books in little free libraries very soon scattered throughout the local community.

To learn more about Shorebirds community initiatives, merchandise, season tickets, and anything in regards to the Shorebirds, please visit theshorebirds.com. Also stay tuned for 2022 season information as the Shorebirds are slated to begin April 8, 2022 against the Fredericksburg Nationals by following the Shorebirds’ Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram social media pages.

Shorebirds to host Hocus Pocus Halloween Movie Night and Trick or Treating Event Saturday, October 23 presented by T-Mobile

 

On Saturday, October 23, the Delmarva Shorebirds will be hosting a special Halloween Movie Night featuring the film Hocus Pocus along with Trick or Treating prior to the film at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium presented by T-Mobile. Gates will open for Trick or Treating at 5 PM on the second level concourse with the movie Hocus Pocus being shown on the Shorebirds high definition videoboard beginning at approximately 6:30 PM.

Admission to the Shorebirds Movie Night is $5 per person, which includes entry for Movie Night and Trick or Treating along with one (1) free small popcorn and a canned Pepsi product or bottled water. To purchase tickets for Shorebirds Movie Night, please visit theshorebirds.com and all kids 3 and under get in free. The Shorebirds encourage people to buy tickets in advance online at theshorebirds.com or by clicking here as a limited number of walk-up tickets will be available on the day of the event at the gates.

“The Shorebirds are excited to partner with T-Mobile to host another Movie Night and incorporate Trick or Treating into the festivities this season,” explained Shorebirds General Manager Chris Bitters. “We are thrilled to continue to bring the community together after a successful 2021 season and partner with great local businesses like T-Mobile for fun and exciting community events here at Perdue Stadium.”

Parking for the event will be free and candy will be distributed by local businesses on Delmarva. If your business is interested in reserving a table to market your brand and pass out candy, please contact Ben Vigliarolo by email at [email protected] or call the office at 410-219-3112. Booth space is limited to the first 20 businesses.

Concessions and bathrooms will be open during the event and fans will be able to choose a seat anywhere in the seating bowl on a first-come, first-serve basis. In addition, if fans want to sit on the grass berm located down the left field line, the Shorebirds recommend bringing a blanket, pillows, etc. to sit on during the show.

For any questions, please call the Shorebirds front office at 410-219-3112 or email the Shorebirds at [email protected]. The Shorebirds thank you for your support and can’t wait to see you for Shorebirds Movie Night with Trick or Treating prior to the show on October 23 presented by T-Mobile.

2021 Perdue Strike Out Hunger Challenge On Delmarva Delivers 173,000 Meals For Hunger Relief

 

SALISBURY, MD. (Tuesday, September 22, 2021) — As part of Perdue Farms’ “Delivering Hope To Our Neighbors®” hunger-relief initiative, the company teamed with the Delmarva Shorebirds minor league baseball team and three Delmarva Peninsula food banks to deliver 173,000 meals across the region’s communities in the season-long 2021 Perdue Strike Out Hunger Challenge on Delmarva.

“The impact of the pandemic has brought so much uncertainty and challenge to individuals and families struggling with food insecurity on the Delmarva Peninsula,” said Kim Nechay, executive director of the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation. “After pausing the Strike Out Hunger Challenge last year because of the pandemic, we’re pleased that this year’s campaign once again provided a collaborative platform to raise public awareness about the problem of hunger and food insecurity and deliver much-needed relief to our neighbors in the communities where we live and work.”

According to research from the food banks, on average one in seven people on the Delmarva Peninsula are challenged by food insecurity. One third of that food-insecure population is children.

Since 2011, Perdue, the Shorebirds, food banks and the community at-large have embraced the Strike Out Hunger Challenge to generate more than 1.2 million meals for those in need on Delmarva.

“The Delmarva Shorebirds are so proud of this collaborative partnership that continues to put food on the table for so many of our neighbors in need during these difficult times,” said Jimmy Sweet, assistant general manager of the Delmarva Shorebirds. “We look forward to continuing our work with Perdue in this important effort to improve the quality of life on Delmarva.”

To drive this year’s Perdue Strike Out Hunger Challenge on Delmarva, Perdue Farms issued a $15,000 challenge grant funded by the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Foundation — the charitable giving arm of the company — to benefit the Eastern Shore Branch of the Maryland Food Bank, the Food Bank of Delaware and the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore.

Each of the food banks were required to engage the Delmarva community to raise the equivalent of 10,000 meals in order to claim their equal share of the first $10,000 of the Foundation challenge grant. This included any combination of pounds of food collected, monies collected and donated, or volunteer hours throughout the duration of the Shorebirds’ season. Perdue also donated $10 for each time the Shorebirds’ pitchers struck out an opposing batter, up to $5,000.

“This annual campaign remains a pivotal part of the Maryland Food Banks’ ability to meet the needs of those who struggle to feed their families,” said Jennifer Small, senior regional program director for the Eastern Shore branch of the Maryland Food Bank. “As a result of our longstanding partnership with Perdue Farms and the Delmarva Shorebirds, and the support committed through the Perdue Strike Out Hunger Challenge on Delmarva, we are able to provide more food to Eastern Shore Marylanders challenged by food insecurity.”

As Chad Robinson, community relations manager for the Food Bank of Delaware, explains, “We are so grateful for Perdue’s leadership with this annual initiative. Partners like Perdue play a critical role in not only raising much needed funds, but bringing awareness of the critical issue that so many in our community face.”

About the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation
The Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation, the charitable giving arm of Perdue Farms, was established in 1957 by company founder Arthur W. Perdue and is funded through the estates of Arthur W. Perdue and Frank Perdue. As part of our belief in supporting the communities where and with whom we do business, the Foundation provides grants on behalf of Perdue Farms in communities where large numbers of our associates live and work. At Perdue Farms, we believe in responsible food and agriculture®.

About Perdue Farms

We’re a fourth-generation, family owned, U.S. food and agriculture company. Through our belief in responsible food and agriculture, we are empowering consumers, customers, and farmers through trusted choices in products and services.

The premium protein portfolio within our Perdue Foods business, including our flagship PERDUE® brand, Niman Ranch®, Panorama Organic Grass-Fed Meats®, Coleman Natural®, and Yummy®, as well as our pet brands, Spot Farms® and Full Moon®, is available through various channels including retail, foodservice, club stores, and our direct-to-consumer website, PerdueFarms.com.

Perdue AgriBusiness is an international agricultural products and services company.

Now in our company’s second century, our path forward is about getting better, not just bigger. We never use drugs for growth promotion in raising poultry and livestock, and we are actively advancing our animal welfare programs. Our brands are leaders in no-antibiotics-ever chicken, turkey, pork, beef and lamb, and in USDA-certified organic chicken and beef. Learn more at Corporate.PerdueFarms.com.

About the Delmarva Shorebirds

The Delmarva Shorebirds were founded in 1996 and have been the Class-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles since 1997. The Shorebirds have won two South Atlantic League championships in 1997 and 2000 and were named the MiLB.com Minor League Team of the Year in 2019 after going 90-48 in the regular season. Based in Salisbury, Maryland, the Shorebirds are proud to represent the entire Delmarva Peninsula and have hosted two SAL All-Star Games in 1999 and 2011. The Shorebirds are owned by 7th Inning Stretch, LP, based in Stockton, California headed by Chairman Tom Volpe and President Pat Filippone.

Tides Announce Triple-A Final Stretch Charity Recipient

 

The Norfolk Tides today announced that they have chosen the Booker T. Washington High School Friends and Alumni Association as their charity to benefit during the Triple-A Final Stretch. For each home run hit by the Tides (home and road games) during the Triple-A Final Stretch, Minor League Baseball will donate $50 per home run to the BTW High School Friends and Alumni Association. The Triple-A team hitting the most home runs over the 10-game span will generate an extra $5,000 donation for their charity.

The Booker T. Washington High School Friends and Alumni Association aims to make substantial contributions to help enhance, supplement and undergird all departmental programs, activities and capital projects of the school. The Foundation recognizes that, because of the historical imbalances of opportunity for many of our school’s families, many, too many of their students face extraordinary financial challenges. The Foundation has provided significant funding and helped defray costs of special testing, music programs, field trips, boys and girls sports equipment and uniforms, books, arts equipment and other required materials, as well as having created opportunities for students to participate in community service.

The Foundation also works closely with the Booker T Washington High School Baseball and Softball teams. In addition, former Negro League player, Sam Allen, is closely associated with the Foundation. The Norfolk native played with the Kansas City Monarchs in 1957, the Raleigh Tigers in 1958 and the Memphis Red Sox in 1959. In 1957, Allen would lead the league in runs scored. He served with the U.S. Army after being drafted in 1960 and for a period he was with the 82nd Airborne Division.

Each team in Triple-A team picked a local 501(c)3 charity to donate to during the Triple-A Final Stretch. “Minor League Baseball teams have long been great community partners, and we are pleased to make a donation to each of these local charities on behalf of our Triple-A teams for their performance during the Triple-A Final Stretch,” said Major League Baseball’s Vice President, Minor League Operations and Development, Peter Woodfork. “These charities provide a variety of valuable services to their community, and it is our honor to recognize their efforts.”

Shorebirds & Preston Automotive Group Raise Over $10,000 in Funds and Toys to Support the Fight Against Cancer

 

SALISBURY, MD – On August 6, 2021, the Delmarva Shorebirds and Preston Automotive Group teamed up to host Flock for a Cure night at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium to support and raise awareness for those affected by cancer. During the game, the Shorebirds wore special jerseys that allowed fans to place the names of loved ones affected by cancer on the jersey and place bids on these authentic, game-worn jerseys.

Through both fans purchasing a name space on the jersey and the Flock for a Cure jersey auction, the Shorebirds and Preston Automotive Group were able to raise $8,366 for local charities and purchase over $1,000 in toys to donate to Brooke’s Toy Closet!

“Our community is and always will be a top priority for the Shorebirds and we are thrilled to help out many organizations through the tremendous success of this jersey auction,” explained Shorebirds General Manager Chris Bitters. “Initiatives like this are vital to powering our community and would not happen without the support of partners like Preston Automotive Group that allow us to positively impact Delmarva.”

“The meaning behind Flock for Cure is near and dear to our hearts and we know that cancer has unfortunately impacted many other’s lives as well,” said President of the Preston Automotive Group, David Wilson Jr. “Community is one of our core values at the Preston Automotive Group and we are grateful to have had this opportunity to partner with the Shorebirds to give back to organizations that do so much for our local community members in need.”

Over the last couple of seasons, the Shorebirds have partnered with Brooke’s Toy Closet to collect toys for children who are hospitalized in the TidalHealth Peninsula Regional Emergency Department. Through this year’s Flock for a Cure Jersey Auction and fans’ donations on Flock for a Cure Night presented by Preston Automotive Group, the Shorebirds were able to collect over $2,000 worth of toys to donate to Brooke’s Toy Closet.

“Hospitals, for all the good they do, can be an unsettling place at times for kids,” said Denise Billing, President, TidalHealth Foundation, “Donations like this from the Shorebirds help our healthcare team to be able to relieve some of that anxiety by providing that child a toy at a time they need a smile. We appreciate the Shorebirds doing something special for our youngest patients.”

In addition, the Shorebirds and Preston Automotive Group were able to raise an additional $1,000 to donate to Brooke’s Toy Closet to purchase more toys in the future for other children who are admitted in the TidalHealth Peninsula Regional
Emergency Department.

The Flock for a Cure jersey auction also raised proceeds for two other charities helping further our local community and support the fight against cancer.

Through the auction, the Shorebirds and Preston Automotive Group donated $3,683 to both the Brooke Mulford Memorial Fund at the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore and Relay for Life, helping grow both of their initiatives in the fight against cancer.

“On behalf of the American Cancer Society and Relay For Life of Wicomico, I would like to thank the Delmarva Shorebirds and Preston Automotive Group for their generous donation and support in the life saving work of the American Cancer Society,” said Relay for Life of Wicomico Chair Ashley Clevenger. “ We have all been touched by Cancer in very personal ways, and through events such as Relay For Life we are uniting with countless others to fight this vicious disease globally, as well as locally within our Community. Together we can imagine a world without Cancer, knowing all of our efforts ARE making a difference!”

In total, the Shorebirds and Preston Automotive Group raised $8,366 for Brooke’s Toy Closet, Brooke Mulford Memorial Fund at the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, and Relay for Life while also donating over $2,000 worth of toys to Brooke’s Toy Closet at TidalHealth helping Flock for a Cure Night result in a terrific success.

Bid on Special Shorebirds Patriotic Jerseys TODAY!

 

The Delmarva Shorebirds will be wearing special Patriotic Jerseys on Saturday, September 11, 2021 to honor the 20th anniversary of 9/11 with proceeds benefitting Operation We Care. The jerseys are auctioned off online from Saturday, September 11 to Sunday, September 19 and fans can place their bids starting at noon on September 11, 2021 on these authentic game-worn, autographed jerseys by clicking here or the button below.

Bids start at $100 increasing in increments of $10 and fans can choose whether to have the jersey shipped to them or picked up at the stadium at checkout. In addition, auctions will end between the hours of 7:30 PM and 9:00 PM on Sunday, September 19. If a bid is placed with less than 5 minutes left in the auction, 5 minutes will be added extending the auction.

After the jersey auction is completed, the Shorebirds will reach out to the winners to inform everyone when the jerseys are ready for pickup or the timeline to be mailed out

If you have any questions, please feel free to call the office at 410-219-3112 or email the Shorebirds at [email protected].

Baysox Host Military Appreciation Event Sept. 18

 

Bowie, Md: The Bowie Baysox will salute those who have served or are currently serving in our nation’s armed forces during Military Appreciation Night, presented by Valor Home, on Saturday, September 18, 2021, when the Baysox host the Altoona Curve, Double-A Affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates at 6:35 pm.

The event takes place during the Baysox final weekend of the 2021 regular season and will feature a host of themed activities, events, fundraisers and tributes to military personnel to show support and gratitude for all active and retired service personnel.

During the game, Baysox players and coaches will wear specially designed jerseys for the event that will be auctioned during the game. A portion of the auction proceeds will benefit the Travis Manion Foundation. Manion was an experienced Iraq war veteran who paid the ultimate sacrifice in 2007 while leading a counterattack against enemy forces. Additional information on Travis Manion and the Travis Manion Foundation can be found at TravisManion.org.

A portion of ticket sales proceeds for this game will also benefit the Travis Manion Foundation. To purchase tickets and support this effort, fans can go to Baysox.com/tickets, select the September 18 game date, enter the code VALOR (all caps) in the special offer code box and purchase tickets. Five dollars of each ticket purchased for the Sept. 18 game through the special offer code will benefit the Travis Manion Foundation.

Active and retired members of the military can also take advantage of a Baysox military ticket discount on Reserved Seat Tickets (200 seating level) and General Admission Tickets for this event. To purchase, go to Baysox.com, call 301.464.4865 or stop by the Baysox Ticket Office at Prince George’s Stadium.

“When the opportunity arose to work with the Bowie Baysox, Valor Home jumped at the chance to partner with them to honor our region’s military. Our company is a veteran based and centric organization that believes in giving back” said Brian Bauer, Co-Owner of Valor Home. “The old saying is: give back till it hurts. Al Kincaid, our co-founder says, “Give back till it feels good!” We believe that the foundation and spirit of America is alive and well in the game of baseball. We are honored to take part in Military Appreciation Night. Let’s play ball!”

“The Bowie Baysox have a long track record of supporting and hosting our region’s military and veterans” said Baysox Assistant General Manager Phil Wrye. “With over 20 years of hosting Navy Night and programs to bring service members from Joint Base Andrews, Fort Meade, AMVETS and more to the ballpark, we are excited to partner with Valor Home on this very special event.”

The Bowie Baysox are the Double-A Affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. The Bowie Baysox 2021 season is presented by Money One Federal Credit Union. To keep up with Baysox news, visit baysox.com and be sure to follow the Baysox on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram

Baysox Host Heroes Day Sunday, July 25

 

Bowie Baysox To Host Heroes Day To Celebrate First Responders

Law Enforcement, Firefighters and EMS Personnel Can Get Free Tickets

To The Baysox Game Sunday, July 25

Bowie, Md: The Bowie Baysox, Double-A Affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles announce today that the team will host Heroes Day on Sunday, July 25 at Prince George’s Stadium in Bowie, MD when they take on the Hartford Yard Goats, Double-A Affiliate of the Colorado Rockies. The game on Sunday, July 25 will take place at 1:35 pm and a portion of the ticket sales from the game will benefit the Children’s Cancer Foundation in Columbia, MD. (https://childrenscancerfoundation.org/)

All Law Enforcement, Firefighters and EMS personnel are invited to attend this Sunday’s game for FREE! To obtain the free tickets, Law Enforcement, Fire or EMS personnel will need to present their valid, active-duty badge or identification badge at the Bowie Baysox Ticket Office on Sunday, July 25. Two free tickets to Sunday’s game will be issued to that first responder to come in and enjoy the game.

Heroes Day at the Baysox will feature a day of giving back as the team has partnered with the Anne Arundel County Fire Department to feature a charity softball game following the Baysox game against Hartford. The softball game will pit the Anne Arundel County Fire Department against the Mid-Atlantic Fire Department in a competitive on-field battle for softball supremacy. This is the second year that this event has taken place following a Baysox game, the first time was in 2019. All fans attending the Baysox game on Sunday, July 25 are invited to stay and enjoy the softball game.

All fans are also encouraged to come dressed in their favorite hero costume or animated hero character apparel. There will also be some great costumed characters in attendance for fans to meet and take photos with including a Panther and American Captain.

Baysox players and team members will also be wearing specially designed jerseys for this game that will be auctioned with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Children’s Cancer Foundation of Columbia.

Fans wishing to purchase tickets to this event and to have part of their ticket price donated to the Children’s Cancer Foundation can CLICK HERE and use the special code HEROES (all caps) when purchasing tickets for the July 25 game. Five dollars for each ticket purchased with the code HEROES will be donated to CCF through tickets purchased by 11:59 pm Friday, July 23.

The 2021 Baysox season is presented by Money One Federal Credit Union. For a complete Baysox 2021 schedule and list of promotional events, CLICK HERE.

Shorebirds to host Salisbury Drive-Thru Flu Clinic Friday, October 9 at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium

 

TidalHealth’s Salisbury Drive-Thru Flu Clinic is returning for its 26th season on Friday, October 9, 2020 at Arthur W. Perdue (Shorebirds) Stadium at the intersection of Route 50 and Hobbs Road from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Seasonal quadrivalent flu vaccinations will be administered to individuals 13 years of age or older (13-17 please bring a parent or legal guardian to sign consent). A physician’s order is not necessary. Flu shots at the TidalHealth Salisbury Drive-Thru Clinic will be FREE.

TidalHealth will not be providing any COVID-19 testing at this event. In accordance with COVID-19 safety precautions, all clinical and non-clinical staff working the Drive-Thru Flu Clinic will be in appropriate personal protective equipment. Direct contact with participants will be limited. TidalHealth is also asking participants to please wear protective masking in their vehicles when in contact with any staff members at the flu clinic.

Flu vaccinations are encouraged for anyone over the age of 6 months, but especially for people over the age of 65, people with heart or lung disorders, immunosuppressant diseases or diabetes. Participants are encouraged to wear a short-sleeved shirt that will provide easy access to the upper arm. The vaccine being administered is effective for everyone meeting the age restrictions.

Mark your calendars and plan to attend TidalHealth’s Salisbury Drive-Thru Flu Clinic on Friday, October 9 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.

Shorebirds Baseball Camp Set for August 25 – 27

 

The Delmarva Shorebirds are excited to announce that we will be hosting a 3-day Shorebirds Baseball Camp from August 25 – 27 with each day running from 9 AM to 12 PM. The camp is limited to the first 50 people ages 5 – 12 and will be led under the instruction of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore baseball staff including Hawks Head Coach Brian Hollamon.

“We have a tremendous relationship with Coach Hollamon and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and are excited to partner together for the Shorebirds Baseball Camp,” said Shorebirds General Manager Chris Bitters. “Throughout these unprecedented times, we all have been forced to adapt, but we are thankful that we are still going to be able to host our annual baseball camp and continue to teach the game of baseball to our youth with first-class instruction from Coach Hollamon and his staff.”

The camp will run from 9 AM to 12 PM each day from August 25 through August 27 and costs $120 per camper for the entire event. Each camper will receive lunch after each day and one Camp T-Shirt that is all included with your child’s registration for the Shorebirds Baseball Camp. To register for this event, please click here or go to our website at www.theshorebirds.com.

Coach Hollamon has been the skipper of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore since August of 2017 as 2020 marked his 3rd season with the Hawks. Hollamon is a fixture in the Delmarva baseball community, after coaching Parkside High School to 14 straight winning seasons, two-state finalist appearances, and earning the accolades of Bayside South Coach of the Year three times and District 8 Coach of the Year twice before taking the helm for the NCAA Division 1, University of Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks.

All campers are required to bring their own equipment and campers will not be permitted to share equipment due to local and state health guidelines. Baseballs will be provided and we ask that all campers please arrive in proper baseball attire by 8:45 AM each day.

Parents are allowed to watch the camp inside Arthur W. Perdue Stadium, but will be required to wear a mask until reaching their seat. Campers should wear a mask when arriving to the stadium, but will not be required to wear masks when participating in athletic activities and the Shorebirds will be sanitizing all frequently touched areas throughout the event.

To register, please visit theshorebirds.com by clicking here. If you have any questions at all in regard to the event, please email [email protected] or call 410-219-3112.

Delmarva Shorebirds Announce Inaugural Fly Together Virtual 5K

 

SALISBURY, MD. — The Delmarva Shorebirds are excited to announce their first-ever Fly Together Virtual 5K with all the proceeds going towards Operation We Care from May 7 – 10. The Shorebirds Virtual 5K is family fun for all and we encourage you to get up and get active while supporting a great cause.

There are two different ways for people to participate in the Shorebirds Fly Together Virtual 5K with registration open now until May 10. The first option — $10 — includes your entry into the 5K and a certificate of completion. The second option — $20 — includes entry into the 5K, certificate of completion, and 2 Upper Reserved Tickets to a Shorebirds future game date (Exclusions Apply and Based on Availability).

“We are excited to kick off our first-ever Fly Together Virtual 5K to help support our community, Operation We Care, and all those fighting on the front lines against COVID-19,” said Shorebirds General Manager, Chris Bitters. “The Fly Together Virtual 5K is a community-focused event that provides a fun, healthy, and safe activity for all people as we await the beginning of baseball season.”

How the Fly Together Virtual 5K works is simple. All you have to do is register online at www.theshorebirds.com, grab your walking/running shoes, and walk or run a 5K. Once you have completed the 5K, send your pictures and/or times to the Delmarva Shorebirds via social media using the hashtag #FlyTogether, and don’t forget to wear some Shorebirds gear!

“We hope everyone is able to join us for the Fly Together Virtual 5K to support a great cause in Operation We Care,” said Bitters. “Our goal with the 5K is to bring everyone together, but apart with a fun community activity as we continue to fight through these challenging times together as a community.”

Lastly and possibly the best part, you can walk/run the 5K all from your home in one shot or you can split it up over the course of the weekend. For more information in regard to the Fly Together Virtual 5K or to register, please visit the Shorebirds website at www.theshorebirds.com.

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The Delmarva Shorebirds are the Class-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. The Shorebirds are owned by 7th Inning Stretch, LLC, which also owns the Stockton Ports of the California League and the Everett AquaSox of the Northwest League.

The Shorebirds will celebrate their 25th season in 2020 and have entertained over five million fans since beginning play at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium in Salisbury, Maryland in 1996. The team captured South Atlantic League titles in 1997 and 2000 and successfully hosted the South Atlantic League All-Star Game in 1999 and 2011.

For more information on the Shorebirds, call 410-219-3112 or visit theshorebirds.com

Baysox to Hold National Anthem Auditions March 14

 

BOWIE, Md – The Bowie Baysox will host live auditions at Prince George’s Stadium on Saturday, March 14, to sing the national anthem before a 2020 Baysox home game. Stadium gates open for registration at 9 a.m. and auditions begin at 9:30 a.m. The team featrures a live performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” before all 70 home games.

Every participant must register in person, and auditions are conducted on a first-come, first-audition basis. The auditions are held rain or shine, and no word sheets are allowed during the audition. All auditions must be done in person, meaning that no recordings or videos are accepted for review. People who either performed or were approved to perform last season do not have to audition again this year.
The auditions are open to any individual or small group that is interested, and instrumentalists are permitted. Large church or school groups interested in performing the national anthem at a game should call the Baysox at (301) 464-4880.

The Bowie Baysox 2020 season is presented by Money One Federal Credit Union. The Baysox will return in 2020 to celebrate their 28th Season. The team’s 2019 home opener will be Thursday, April 9, against the Richmond Flying Squirrels at 6:35 p.m. To keep up with Baysox news during the offseason, visit baysox.com and be sure to follow the Baysox on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

 

Keys National Anthem Auditions Around the Corner

 

FREDERICK, MD -Local area singers and musicians can begin preparing for the 2020 Frederick Keys National Anthem auditions. Taking place on Tuesday, March 3, auditions are once again set to take place at the FSK Mall in Center Court from 5-8 p.m.

“You get so excited for the game when you have a great rendition of the national anthem beforehand,” said Keys Director of Public Relations and Broadcasting, Geoff Arnold. “Each year at Keys games I am impressed by the awesome talent in our community and I can’t wait to see what is out there in 2020.”

Individuals or groups who want to participate in this year’s auditions must pre-register by visiting frederickkeys.com. The participation form is available here and can also be found by clicking on the national anthem panel located on the main homepage.

National anthem forms MUST be submitted to Dani Fox by email, mail, fax or by dropping off at the Keys main office. To email Dani or for any additional questions, reach out to DFox@frederickkeys.com or call 301-662-0013.

March 3 is the ONLY day national anthem auditions will take place this year. Due to a large pool of tryout candidates, those who cannot make the auditions will not be able to perform in 2020. Video/audio links in place of an in-person tryout will not be accepted.

Once again, performers will be evaluated by a panel of judges from Key 103, 106.9 The Eagle as well as members of the Keys staff. Tryout results will be posted on the club’s social media platforms. Those who are selected to sing will be contacted to set up a date.

General rules/guidelines about the audition process:

-Tryouts occur on a first-come-first-serve basis

-Participants can either sing or play an instrument, but each individual gets only ONE audition

-Participants will sing/play the first verse of the national anthem in its entirety (“O say can you see to “and the home of the brave”)

-No musical accompaniment is provided

-No other songs may be performed at the tryout

-Solo acts and groups are equally encouraged to tryout

-Although there are no age restrictions for singing the national anthem at a Keys game, those who audition need to be comfortable singing in front of a large crowd

The Keys season begins on Thursday, April 9. A link to the entire schedule for the Keys 2020 season is available here and fireworks shows are scheduled for Friday and Saturday night home games and other select days during the season. Ticket plans are currently available, with plans including the choice of a John Means bobblehead or a Keys pennant. Fans can stay tuned to the latest team news by following the team on Twitter (@frederickkeys), Facebook and Instagram (@frederickkeys).

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

Elias, Donations Highlight Jam-Packed Hot Stove Banquet

 

SALISBURY, MD – An appearance from the Orioles’ general manager and a donation to a new Wicomico County project became highlights of the 19th annual Shorebirds Hot Stove Banquet, held on Thursday, January 23, at the Wicomico Civic Center in preparation for the silver anniversary season of Delmarva Shorebirds baseball.

The keynote speaker for the event was Mike Elias, general manager and executive vice president of the Baltimore Orioles. Elias, who last visited Salisbury for the Shorebirds’ playoff game on September 6, took questions from the audience and spoke at length about the importance of Delmarva and Baltimore’s other minor league affiliates in reversing the Orioles’ major league fortunes in the coming years.

“Some of the names we’ve been reading about are going to start to arrive in Camden Yards,” said Elias. “It’s still about player development and those individual performances and not necessarily the team’s win-and-loss record. Those guys are taking steps forward, graduating to the big leagues and adjusting to big-league life.”

Elias also paid one last homage to the 2019 Shorebirds, who won a franchise-record 90 games en route to a South Atlantic League postseason berth and earned MiLB.com Minor League Team of the Year honors. Delmarva was one of four Orioles affilates who either made the playoffs (Bowie), contended until the season’s final day (Aberdeen), or finished with their league’s best record (Gulf Coast League Orioles).

“It’s exactly what you want to see, especially when you’re in a rebuild,” said Elias. “We’re focused on that type of success. The success of teams like the Shorebirds is really going to dictate what we do the next couple of years in Baltimore.”

Before Elias’ keynote address, the Civic Center crowd of almost 300 heard from several other speakers, including Shorebirds General Manager Chris Bitters and 7th Inning Stretch LP President Pat Filippone. Orioles Director of Minor League Operations Kent Qualls was also scheduled to speak but was unable to attend due to unscheduled business.

Bitters announced during his presentation that the Shorebirds were donating $25,000 to Field 7 ½, a new initiative from the Wicomico County Department of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism designed to provide individuals with physical or mental disabilities the opportunity to play baseball. Bitters presented a ceremonial check on-stage to Department Director Steve Miller.

In addition to the Field 7 ½ donation, the Shorebirds held a silent auction and raffle in order to raise funds for two other charitable partners. The auction and raffle brought in nearly $3,000 for the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, partner of the Shorebirds Fly Together Fund, and the United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore.

The Shorebirds also presented hardware to their 2019 Fan of the Year, longtime season ticket holder and player host family mom Vicki Parks. Caroline Beauchamp, Shorebirds head groundskeeper, was named Employee of the Year by the Delmarva Shorebirds Fan Club.

The night served as the downbeat for the 25th season of Delmarva Shorebirds baseball, set to begin on Thursday, April 9, against the Asheville Tourists at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium. Season tickets are now on sale and single-game tickets will be unveiled week-by-week for online purchase in the coming weeks.

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

Keys Announce Date for 2020 Job Fair

 

FREDERICK, MD -If you are searching for a fun seasonal job, look no farther than the Frederick Keys! The team is holding its annual job fair on Tuesday, February 25 and Wednesday, February 26. Interviews take place from 5-7 p.m. in the Mattress Warehouse Club on the club level of Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium.

Individuals interested in joining the Keys need to attend the job fair only ONE NIGHT. Interviews are handled on a first-come-first serve basis. There is no limit on how many positions someone can interview for (though bat boys must be 16 and older).

All roles pay an hourly rate. The Keys WILL NOT be interviewing for any full-time positions. In addition to interviews conducted by Keys staff, Spectra representatives will be in attendance to interview candidates for positions in concessions and merchandise. Department heads will contact candidates selected for employment in the weeks following the job fair. Interviewing for an available position does not guarantee employment.

To take place in the job fair individuals need to fill out an application by clicking here. This can also be accessed by visiting frederickkeys.com, going to the Nymeo Field at HGS tab and clicking on “job opportunities.” Those who plan to interview for a position(s) should bring a copy of their resume.

The Keys plan to interview for the following roles:

-Ushers

-Bat Boys (16 and older only)

-Ticket Sellers and Ticket Takers

-Fun Zone

-Birthday and Picnic Hosts

-On-field Emcee

-Camera Operators

-Mascots

-Music and Message Center

-Grounds Crew

The Keys season begins on Thursday, April 9. A link to the entire schedule for the Keys 2020 season is available here and fireworks shows are scheduled for Friday and Saturday night home games and other select days during the season. Ticket plans are currently available, with plans including the choice of a John Means bobblehead or a Keys pennant. Fans can stay tuned to the latest team news by following the team on Twitter (@frederickkeys), Facebook and Instagram (@frederickkeys).

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