Baysox Host Equipment Collection

BOWIE, Md. – The Bowie Baysox announce today that the Oriole Advocates will collect new and used sports equipment at Prince George’s Stadium Saturday, August 27, as the Baysox take on the Binghamton Mets at 6:35 p.m. The organization collects the equipment for its Cardboard To Leather program, which provides equipment to underprivileged children in developing countries.

The Cardboard To Leather program accepts donations of all baseball and softball equipment: bats, balls, gloves, uniforms, bags and spikes. Baseball gloves, duffle bags and useable helmets are the hardest items for Cardboard to Leather to acquire.

If fans are unable to make it to the game, they can bring donations to the Baysox office during regular business hours, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Since the program’s inception, more than 50 tons of baseball equipment have been sent to children in developing countries.

The 2016 Bowie Baysox season is presented by Money One Federal Credit Union. The Baysox 2016 season is underway. Don’t miss a minute of the action as the Baysox defend their 2015 Eastern League Championship. Single game tickets are now on sale at www.baysox.com.

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

NYPL Charitable Foundation Scholarship Returns For 2015

2015 Scholarship Application

The New York-Penn League and its clubs are pleased to announce that the NYPL Charitable Foundation will award over $10,000 in scholarships to outstanding high school graduates once again in 2015.

For the seventh year, the NYPL Scholarship Contest is open to any graduating senior from a public or private high school in the surrounding areas of each of the league’s 14 teams. Any student who has been accepted to a two or four-year college, university, vocational school, or technical education institution is eligible. Applicants will be judged based on academic performance, extracurricular activities, and the impact of their local NYPL club and Minor League Baseball on their lives.

The contest consists of two stages – a local and divisional round. Applicants begin by applying to their local NYPL team. From those applicants, one winner will be chosen and will become a finalist for the divisional round. The 14 divisional round winners will be separated by the three NYPL Divisions, (McNamara, Pinckney, and Stedler) with the winner of each division winning a $2,500 scholarship. All other local round winners will receive a $250 prize.

“The New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation and our 14 member clubs are pleased to have the opportunity to assist outstanding high school seniors within our league’s footprint for the sixth consecutive season,” said Ben J. Hayes, President of the New York-Penn League. “This program will again recognize those seniors who not only meet and exceed traditional scholarship criteria, but demonstrate the positive community impact and lifelong memories fostered by their local NYPL clubs throughout the year.”

High school seniors in the Harford County-area interested in entering the 2015 NYPL Scholarship Contest can pick up an official application at Ripken Stadium at 873 Long Drive, Aberdeen, MD 21001, or by visiting ironbirdsbaseball.com. Applications must be completed and submitted to the students’ local NYPL affiliate by Friday, June 26, 2015.

Each club’s outstanding student, including the three $2,500 scholarship winners, will be selected in late July and honored at a game in August.

The New York-Penn League and its 14 member clubs created the New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, in 2003. The Foundation’s mission is to provide focus and support for the collective and individual charitable and community efforts of the New York-Penn League, its Clubs, and their staff.

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

Baysox Seek Military Hero Nominations

Andrews Federal Credit Union Sponsoring Special Card Set

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BOWIE, Md. – The Bowie Baysox are seeking Military Hero Nominations to be used in the Military Heroes Card Set presented by Andrews Federal Credit Union being given away during the game Friday, July 31, 2015. Fans living in the area who know active or retired members of the Armed Forced are encouraged to fill out the nomination form on www.baysox.com.

During Military Heroes Appreciation Night Friday, July 31 15, the Baysox will distribute a 25-35 card set to the first 1,000 fans ages 18 and older featuring active and retired members of the Armed Forces received through the nomination process. The cards will feature photographs and information about their military careers. The Baysox will honor these veterans and/or their families in special ceremonies before and during the game. Baysox fans living in the Maryland and Washington, D.C. region who have family or friends in the military can help the Baysox honor their service by nominating them for this special card set.

“We are very excited to bring this promotion back for a second season,” said Baysox Assistant General Manager Phil Wrye. “It was a great success last year and with our stadium’s close proximity to a number of military bases, there are many more men and women who deserve special recognition for their service. This card set giveaway is another great way to honor local Military Heroes.”

In order for a nomination to be considered, all information in the online form must be completely filled out. The Bowie Baysox will make every attempt to select an even number of nominations from each branch of the service, while also attempting to include Military Heroes that have served in different decades. These are subject to the information received during the nomination process.

Nominations will only be accepted through the online form on www.baysox.com and all nominations must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. Thursday, May 14. Following that deadline, the Baysox staff will randomly select 25-35 nominations to be included in the Military Heroes Card Set.

Military Heroes (or their families/relatives) that are included in the Baseball Card Set will be invited to attend the Bowie Baysox game on July 31, 2015 at 6:35 p.m. to take part in ceremonies before and during the game. Each selected nominee will receive four Box Seat Tickets to the game and will also receive additional instructions prior to the game date.

Questions about the nomination process can be directed via email to info@baysox.com. The nomination form can be found online at: http://www.milb.com/content/page.jsp?ymd=20150412&content_id=72248234&fext=.jsp&sid=t418&vkey=.

Baysox Baseball – We’ll Knock Your ‘Sox Off. The Baysox 2015 season, their 23rd as the class Double-A Affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, is underway at Prince George’s Stadium. Come see some of the top Orioles prospects play here first. To keep up with Baysox news during the season, visit baysox.com.

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

Baysox Honor Reading Program Poster Winners

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Bowie-BaysoxThe Baysox lovable mascot Louie made visits to schools across the region during the past month to congratulate some very special students. Louie wanted to congratulate the winners of the annual poster contest that kicks off the Read and Hit a Home Run reading program.

All eight winning students are listed below:

Calvert County – Plum Point Middle School – Savannah Hersh – 6th Grade

Anne Arundel County – Central Elementary School – Marissa Beach – 5th Grade

Charles County – Arthur Middleton Elementary School – Desaray Green-Quartey – 4th Grade

Howard County – Trinity School – Ciara O’Connor – 6th Grade

Montgomery County – Forcey Christian School – Zoeii Strong – 5th Grade

Queen Anne’s County – Kennard Elementary School – Sarah Ireland – 4th Grade

Prince George’s County – Drew Freeman Middle School – Kentisha Torries – 7th Grade

St. Mary’s County – Town Creek Elementary School – Owen Corpus – 3rd Grade

The students’ poster designs were selected as the winner for all schools in their county. The poster designed by the winning student will also be displayed in each participating school in their respective counties throughout the program.

Louie surprised the winners during special school assemblies, rewarding them with a framed poster of the design, eight Baysox tickets and a collection of Baysox gear. The students also get a chance to throw out a ceremonial first pitch before the Baysox Reading Night game for their county.

The Baysox would like to thank Read and Hit a Home Run Reading Program sponsor Educational Systems Federal Credit Union for their support of the program. This is the 11th year that Educational Systems Federal Credit Union has sponsored the reading program.

In all, more than 200 schools are registered to participate in the reading program this year. Any student in participating schools who reads at least four books is rewarded with a free ticket to a Baysox game. This is the 19th year the Baysox have overseen the reading program and during that time, the team has helped to promote reading for millions of elementary and middle school students in Maryland. Louie will be visiting students throughout the weeks leading up to the season to show them how fun reading can be.

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

Tides to renovate local youth field

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4th year of field makeover contest

Norfolk-TidesThe Norfolk Tides today announced the return of a contest in which a local youth field will be renovated by Tides groundskeepers and front office staff. Proudly presented by Goodwill, this field makeover will include an upgrade to the playing surface and an improvement to existing dugouts, with the recipient of the makeover being determined by a fan vote on the Tides’ Facebook page.

“This project has become a yearly highlight for our entire front office staff” said Tides General Manager Joe Gregory. “We’re excited to offer our resources to these worthy organizations, as they provide a home for children to learn the game of baseball while serving as an environment conducive to fitness and fun.”

Goodwill2Those interested in having the Tides makeover their facility should submit a picture of their field to Heather McKeating at HMckeating@norfolktides.com. Along with the photo, fans are asked to include a brief description of why their league should receive this enhancement. The deadline to submit this information is February 6, with online voting taking place on the Tides’ Facebook page from February 16 to February 20.

2015 is the fourth year in which the Tides will be renovating a local youth field. Over the first three years of the program, the Tides have helped renovate six local fields – Ocean View Little League (Norfolk), Smithfield Recreation Association (Smithfield), Bennett’s Creek Little League (Suffolk), Phoebus Little League (Hampton), Shore Little League (Nassawadox) and Cradock Little League (Portsmouth).

In addition to the field makeover, the Tides will be hosting a youth baseball groundskeeper seminar on Wednesday, February 11 at Harbor Park from 5-8 pm. The event will allow two members per youth league the opportunity to tour the Harbor Park playing surface alongside Tides groundskeepers Kenny Magner and Derek Trueblood. This free seminar will then feature dinner at Hits at the Park Restaurant followed by a question and answer session designed to help youth baseball leagues prepare their fields each year. Those interested must RSVP by February 4 to Heather McKeating at HMckeating@norfolktides.com.

“Goodwill is proud to support this amazing community giveback effort for a second consecutive year” said Danielle Cronin, Community Relations Manager for Goodwill. “As a nonprofit, we strengthen families and communities throughout Hampton Roads with our job training programs and career development services. The leadership and staff at Goodwill look forward to being a part of the field renovation – it’s just one more way we can give back to our local community.”

The project is made possible thanks to Goodwill and the Tides Youth Baseball Fund, a program established by the Tides in 1990 as a way to raise money for youth baseball and softball programs in Hampton Roads. In addition to assisting with field renovations, the Youth Baseball Fund also helps local teams and leagues with travel expenses. Those wishing to make a donation directly to the Youth Baseball Fund can do so by clicking here.

The Tides open their 2015 regular season with a nine-game road trip beginning Thursday, April 9, with the home opener slated for Saturday, April 18 vs. Durham at 7:05 pm. Season tickets, group tickets, picnics and patios are currently available for the 2015 season. For pricing and additional information, stop by the Harbor Park Box Office, visit norfolktides.com or call (757) 622-2222.

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

Hit The Books bookmark contest winner honored

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Berlin Intermediate’s Emily Sandt draws winning design

Delmarva-Shorebirds-2010The Delmarva Shorebirds, class “A” affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles and Dr. James M. Crouse at The Brace Place, presenting sponsor of the Hit the Books program, honored Emily Sandt of Berlin Intermediate School for winning the 2015 Hit the Books Bookmark Design Contest. Her winning design was distributed to all participating students on the Delmarva Peninsula.

The Hit the Books initiative officially kicks off January 20 and will continue through February 27.

The program encourages elementary and middle school students on the Delmarva Peninsula to read outside of their regular classroom assignments. Students that complete their reading goals receive two free tickets to a Shorebirds home game during the 2015 season.

Sandt’s winning design featured a drawing of Sherman the Shorebird on a baseball field with airplanes flying overhead encouraging students to “Read, Read, Read.”

“Her design perfectly illustrated the goal of the program, to get students to read beyond the classroom,” said Shawn Schoolcraft, Director of Marketing and Community Relations. “We look forward to seeing the kids realize the fruits of their labor at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium this spring.”

In 2015, over 40,000 students from over 100 local schools are participating in the “Hit The Books” program, which is the largest non-school funded reading program on the Delmarva Peninsula.

“Reading books is a favorite pastime of mine and I love to see young people reading books,” said Dr. James M. Crouse at The Brace Place. “Our sponsorship of the Shorebirds ‘Hit the Books’ program is a perfect fit for us at The Brace Place.”

Participating schools will be notified in March about their game date at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium, and students will be honored as part of a pregame parade around the field. For more information, contact the Delmarva Shorebirds at 410-219-3112.

Season ticket and group outing packages are currently on sale for the 2015 season. The Shorebirds offer full season tickets, half season tickets, a 22-game plan and a 12-game plan along with a number of opportunities for groups to enjoy a night out at the ballpark. To secure your seat(s), call 410-219-3112.

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

Keys to Host Toys for Tots Drive

Fans Who Contribute New Toy to Receive Tickets and Hat

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Frederick-KeysThe holiday season is right around the corner, and for the third consecutive season the Keys will be partnering with Toys for Tots. The mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children.

Members of the Frederick community can drop off toys at Harry Grove Stadium starting on November 5, from 9-5 p.m, Monday to Friday. Anyone who donates a toy will receive two tickets to a 2015 Frederick Keys home game along with two Keys hats.

Toys-for-Tots-logo-2014bThe Toys for Tots Drive concludes on Saturday, December 13, when the Keys host their annual holiday event in the Mattress Warehouse Club.

“We received tremendous support from the community during our toy drive last year,” said Director of Marketing Bridget McCabe. “The Keys love bringing smiles to the faces of local kids during the holiday season, and our annual partnership with Toys for Tots allows us to do just that.”

The Keys Holiday Event on December 13 will run from 10am-1pm. More details will be available at a later date. Ticket plans for the 2015 season are now available, and can be purchased by calling an account manager at 301-815-9900. Every plan comes with the choice of a Zach Britton or Kevin Gausman bobblehead.

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

Frederick Keys Care Grants Awarded

Recipients of grants for 2014-2015 announced

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Frederick-KeysIt is with great pleasure that the Frederick Keys, Class A minor league affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, announce the recipients of Frederick Keys Care grants for 2014-2015. The Frederick Keys Care Fund is a component fund of the Community Foundation of Frederick County. Joel Stephens played in the Baltimore Orioles’ minor league system until he lost his courageous battle with colon cancer in 1998 at the age of 22. The fund was established as the Joel A. Stephen’s Memorial Fund in 2002 to continue his desire to reach out to youth in need with compassion and encouragement.   In 2011 the fund’s name was changed, with the support of Joel’s family, to The Frederick Keys Care Fund in order to continue Joel’s legacy and to acknowledge the Frederick Keys commitment to furthering Joel’s fund.

Since its inception, The Frederick Keys Care Fund has awarded more than $53,000.00 to local youth organizations (including this year’s grant amount of $8,696.00). This year’s grant money will be divided among five projects for local nonprofit organizations.

Housing-Authority-of-Frederick-MDTeen Enrichment Program, Project ALIVE of the Housing Authority of the City of Frederick is designed to serve up to 15 teens, focusing specifically on those with aspirations to attend college and will include college visits and a two-day retreat focused on character building and team building. ($2,024.00)

Heartly-HouseChild Therapy Supplies, Heartly House located in Frederick, Maryland provides, among other things, therapeutic counseling to children who have been the victims of abuse or who have witnessed violence in their homes. Funding is being provided to buy specific supplies to engage children in therapy and enable their recovery as well as provide food for family meals during a concentrated group program called Strengthening Family Coping Resources. ($2,024.00)

Lead4Life-First Chance 4U Young Men’s Group Project, in partnership with the Frederick County Department of Juvenile Justice offices, will expand services to males 12-18 years of age who are involved or at high risk of involvement with the criminal justice system through a positive youth development model that is designed to reduce youth recidivism of crime and delinquent behaviors as well as teach how to cope with crisis. ($2,024.00)

Blessings-in-a-BackpackBlessings in a Backpack Frederick Schools, provides weekend nutrition to over 320 Frederick elementary school children who depend on the Free and Reduced Meal Program offered Monday through Friday in the schools. This grant will allow Blessings in a Backpack to help more students in need receive weekend nutrition. ($2,024.00)

Advocates-for-Homeless-FamiliesHomeless Youth Activities, Advocates for Homeless Families, serves youth in the Advocates’ programs by providing them with scholarships to participate in extracurricular activities such as sports and clubs during the school year and the Boys and Girls Club of Frederick County’s summer “bridges” program that keeps youth actively engaged in learning and fun over summer vacation to prevent summer learning loss and ensure they are ready for the new school year. ($600.00)

The Frederick Keys Care Fund is part of The Community Foundation of Frederick County’s Universal Grant Application funding program that takes place in the fall of each year. Nonprofit organizations that provide direct services to our Frederick County youth and young adults may apply on behalf of their programs. Members of the organization(s) who receive funding through “Frederick Keys Care” are invited to attend the luncheon following the annual Frederick Keys Charity Golf Classic to be recognized as the current Fund recipients and again on the field at Harry Grove Stadium prior to a Frederick Keys game as well as other activities that may seem appropriate.

For more information on the grant process and/or how you can donate directly to The Frederick Keys Care Fund please contact The Community Foundation of Frederick County at www.frederickcountygives.org or 301-695-7660.

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

Baysox Accepting Nominations, Donations for Holiday Hope

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Bowie-BaysoxThe Bowie Baysox announce today that Louie’s Holiday Hope Project returns to brighten the holiday season for local families in need this year. Beginning now and continuing through the month of November, the team will be accepting nominations for families that need assistance this holiday season. The Baysox will also be collecting gently used coats, new socks and other warm clothing to be donated to area families.

Louie’s Holiday Hope Project began in 2007 and touched 13 families with 38 children last year. This year, the team is proud to partner with Prince George’s County Fire/EMS department, the Bowie Police Department and Bowie Youth & Family Services to help as many families as possible.

Prince-Georges-County-Fire-EMS-logo“The Baysox and Louie are happy to help some area families in need during the holiday season,” said Baysox Marketing Director Brandan Kaiser. “We truly appreciate the assistance we receive from our partners and fans throughout the year which allows Holiday Hope to brighten the lives of some great kids.”

“We’ve partnered with Louie’s Holiday Hope Project for the last several years and have been impressed with all that has been done to make the holiday special for so many Bowie families,” said Bowie Youth & Family Services Director Wendy Wilcox. “Without this assistance, many area parents would not be able to prepare a special meal or provide gifts for their children.”

Bowie-Police-DeptTo ensure that the program reaches as many families as possible, the Baysox welcome help from their fans. Members of the community can nominate families that need assistance by visiting www.baysox.com and filling out the Louie’s Holiday Hope Project form under the Community tab on the website. The team will not be able to help everyone that is nominated, but will consider as many options as possible. A Baysox staff member may contact the submitter for additional details or clarification, but all submissions remain confidential. Nominations must be received by Friday, Dec. 5, at 5 p.m.

Prince George’s Stadium will also serve as a collection point for warm clothes and sock donations in conjunction with Louie’s Holiday Hope Project. The team invites fans to bring gently used winter coats, new socks and other warm clothing to the Baysox front office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Monday, November 24) to donate to local families in need.

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

Blackmar Honored for Outstanding Community Service

Former Keys Pitcher Receives Elrod Hendricks Award

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Frederick-KeysOn Thursday, the Baltimore Orioles announced Mark Blackmar as the organization’s winner of the 2014 Elrod Hendricks Award. Given out annually since 1992, the award honors one player whose level of community involvement is worthy of special recognition and that truly stands out within the Orioles Minor League Organization. Blackmar will receive the award on Thursday night during a pregame ceremony at Camden Yards.

Blackmar, 22, becomes the third Key in as many years to win the Hendricks award. In 2013, Anthony Caronia received the award, while Trent Howard was recognized in 2012. Since 2004, seven Frederick players have been recognized with Orioles top minor league prize for community involvement.

During his time in Frederick, Blackmar visited the Frederick County libraries to read to children, spent time with fans at the Frederick Celtic Festival and served as a camp counselor at the Keys Youth Baseball Camp.

“Mark was always very eager to go out into the community and had a really positive attitude,” said Keys Promotions Manager Christine Roy. “He was friendly with everyone and was really a pleasure to work with.”

For his commitment to community service, Blackmar was honored with the Steve Bechler Award last Saturday, which recognizes the Keys player who best represents the value, character and commitment of Joel Stephens in community service.

On the same night he was recognized, Blackmar was traded to the Chicago White Sox for outfielder Alejandro De Aza. Former Keys pitcher Miguel Chalas was also involved in the trade. One of the Orioles top minor league pitchers in 2014, Blackmar finished the year with the second-best ERA (3.18) among Baltimore minor leaguers. He was also tied for fourth in wins (10). The Corpus Christi, TX native ended the year with the fifth-best ERA in the Carolina League, and was third in WHIP (1.08) and batting average against (.229).

In addition to Blackmar, the Orioles will recognize former Keys Christian Walker and Tyler Wilson on Thursday night. Walker will receive the Brooks Robinson Minor League Player of the Year award while Wilson will be recognized with the Jim Palmer Minor League Pitcher of the Year award.

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

Keys to Collect Baseball Gear for Baseball Miracles

Donation Drive to Take Place on May 11

Frederick-KeysThe Frederick Keys will be holding a baseball equipment donation drive on Sunday, May 11, prior to the team’s 2 p.m. game against the Winston-Salem Dash. Fans are encouraged to bring new or old gloves, baseballs, softballs, whiffle balls and bats, which will be donated to Baseball Miracles.

A non-profit organization, Baseball Miracles provides boys and girls with economic and environmental disadvantages the chance to play baseball. Founded by John Tumminia, the group also provides professional instruction to children learning how to play baseball.

Baseball-MiraclesEvery fan who donates a piece of equipment will receive one free ticket to the May 11 game. Meanwhile, all donations will support the organization’s upcoming trip to Kenya, which will take place from November 4-5.

Among those going on the trip, will be the Keys Director of Marketing, Bridget McCabe. In addition to her work with the team, Bridget serves as the Softball Coordinator for Baseball Miracles. To learn more about Baseball Miracles, visit baseballmiracles.org.

Frederick’s next homestand begins on Thursday, May 8 when the Winston-Salem Dash make their first trip to Harry Grove Stadium in 2014. For ticket information, please call 301-815-9939 or visit frederickkeys.com.

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

Sherman Visits McIlvaine Early Childhood

Hit the Books program is underway

Sherman is on the Hit the Books tour visiting with different schools
Sherman is on the Hit the Books tour visiting with different schools

Salisbury, MD – Sherman and the Shorebirds visited McIlvaine Early Childhood Center in Magnolia, Delaware on February 7 as a part of the school’s “I Love to Read” month festivities and to promote the Shorebirds Hit the Books program presented by Dr. James M. Crouse at The Brace Place.

The Hit the Books program reaches over 40,000 students from over 100 schools on the Eastern Shore.

Students that read four books outside of their normal classroom reading receive two free tickets to attend a Shorebirds game.

For more information about the Hit the Books program, contact Shawn Schoolcraft at 410-219-3112 ext. 168.

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

Register for April 26 Scout Night

Shorebirds hosting one scout night in 2014

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BOY SCOUTS CLICK HERE

GIRL SCOUTS CLICK HERE

Salisbury, MD – The Delmarva Shorebirds, class “A” affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, are hosting Scout Night presented by Dr. Susan Vickers at Seaside Smiles on Saturday, April 26. Registration is now open for both Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. This season, Scout Night will be capped with a fantastic fireworks show after the game.

All scouts will also have the opportunity to participate in a pregame parade around the field and enjoy fun and educational activities throughout the game.

The cost is $7 per general admission and that includes a participation patch!

For more information and to sign your scout group up, contact Eric Sichau at 410-219-3112.

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

Student Honored for Bookmark Design

Federalsburg Elementary student recognized

Linda Davila was honored by Shawn Schoolcraft and Sherman the Shorebird
Linda Davila was honored by Shawn Schoolcraft and Sherman the Shorebird

Salisbury, MD – The Delmarva Shorebirds and Sherman the Shorebird visited Federalsburg Elementary school on Wednesday, January 15 to honor Linda Davila as the 2014 Hit the Books Bookmark Design Contest winner. After careful review by Shorebirds staff members, Linda’s design was selected out of over 1,000 submissions.

Click here to see her winning entry.

Linda is a student at Federalsburg Elementary School.

Her bookmark design was printed and distributed to the over 40,000 students involved in the Shorebirds Hit the Books program presented by Dr. James M. Crouse at The Brace Place.

Congratulations Linda!

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

Tides organization to renovate local youth field

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The Norfolk Tides today announced the return of a contest in which a local youth field will be renovated by Tides groundskeepers and front office staff. Proudly presented by Goodwill, this field makeover will include an upgrade to the playing surface and an improvement to existing dugouts, with the recipient of the makeover being determined by a fan vote on the Tides’ Facebook page.

“After the overwhelming community support we’ve received over the first two years of this program, we are thrilled to be continuing this project again” said Tides General Manager Joe Gregory. “Our entire staff looks forward to helping out these worthy organizations, and we enjoy doing our part to ensure children can be proud of where they play baseball.”

Those interested in having the Tides makeover their facility should submit a picture of their field to Heather McKeating at hmckeating@norfolktides.com. Along with the photo, fans are asked to include a brief description of why their league should receive this enhancement. The deadline to submit this information is February 7, with online voting taking place on the Tides’ Facebook page from February 17 to February 21.

2014 is the third year in which the Tides will be renovating a local youth field. Over the first two years of the program, the Tides have helped renovate five local fields – Ocean View Little League (Norfolk), Smithfield Recreation Association (Smithfield), Bennett’s Creek Little League (Suffolk), Phoebus Little League (Hampton) and Shore Little League (Nassawadox).

“Goodwill is proud to get behind such an amazing program, and we know the importance of supporting local initiatives like this one” said Goodwill Community Relations Manager Danielle Cronin. “Goodwill delivers employment services to moms and dads throughout Hampton Roads every day, which we refer to as Family Strengthening. If mom and dad have the right supports in place at home, the likelihood of being and staying successfully employed is greater. Keeping kids positively influenced through a sport like baseball is critical to the success of everyone – individuals, families and communities.”

The project is made possible thanks to Goodwill and the Tides Youth Baseball Fund, a program established by the Tides in 1990 as a way to raise money for youth baseball and softball programs in Hampton Roads. In addition to assisting with field renovations, the Youth Baseball Fund also helps local teams and leagues with travel expenses. Those wishing to make a donation directly to the Youth Baseball Fund can do so by clicking HERE.

The Tides open their 2014 regular season at Harbor Park on Thursday, April 3 with a four-game series against division rival Charlotte. Season tickets, group tickets, picnics and patios are currently available for the 2014 season. For pricing and additional information, stop by the Harbor Park Box Office, visit norfolktides.com or call (757) 622-2222.

 

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