Appalachian League celebrates 2022 charitable contributions

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The Appalachian League announced that the league’s charitable outreach grew to more than $3.4 million of gift-in-kind and monetary donations this year. Additionally, the league and its clubs volunteered more than 11,000 hours of community service.

The league’s reach impacts the towns and cities their 10 teams call home across North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Appalachian League executives, team staff members and players volunteered through food pantries, reading programs, baseball clinics, toy drives, youth centers, hospital visits and numerous service organizations.

“As league members, we appreciate the opportunity to continue giving back through volunteering, donating and providing outreach to the communities that have supported our clubs for more than 100 years,” stated Elizabethton River Riders GM and Appalachian League Charity Committee Chair Kiva Fuller.

In January, Appy League representatives participated in the 27th annual MLK Day of Service. Volunteering in 11 communities across four states, team members were involved with food pantries, book drives, local YMCA and libraries, as well as the House of Hope and Good Samaritan Ministries.

In conjunction with the League All-Star Game, league executives volunteered at the City Gate Dream Center in Burlington, N.C. Along with moving items to the center’s storage unit, the group packaged and bundled diapers for families in need.

On the day of the All-Star Game, the Sock Puppets hosted a successful Play Ball youth clinic at Burlington Athletic Stadium where all 2022 All-Stars participated.

Prior to the GM meeting in Bluefield on Oct. 18, Appalachian League clubs participated in a service project at the Bluefield Union Mission. A total of 19 league and club representatives packaged meals and prepared personal hygiene kits for families in need.

More details and a full breakdown of the 2022 Appy League Community Impact Report can be found here.

The 2023 Appy League season begins Tuesday, June 6. The full schedule for the upcoming season can be found here.

The Appalachian League is a part of USA Baseball and powered by MLB. For more information on the Appalachian League, please visit appyleague.com or follow the league on Twitter and Instagram (@AppyLeague).

Trash Pandas Successfully Launch Non-Profit Foundation

MADISON, Alabama – In just its first year, the Rocket City Trash Pandas Foundation raised more than $150,000 in donations for non-profit organizations in North Alabama and the Tennessee Valley. The Foundation, the 501(c)3 charitable arm of the Trash Pandas was incorporated prior to the 2022 baseball season, is dedicated to educating and promoting healthy lifestyles through sport and to positively impact communities in the region.

The donations were fueled by fundraising events, both new and returning, including Game-Worn Jersey Auctions, Community Clubhouse Sales, Youth Camps, and the Trash Pandas Food & Beverage Volunteer Program.

CLICK HERE to view the full 2022 Rocket City Trash Pandas Community Impact Report.

Highlights from 2022 include:

  • Six specialty game-worn jersey auctions featuring jerseys worn by Trash Pandas players and coaches during select home games. After the game, jerseys were auctioned with proceeds going to local non-profits that raised over $100,000 throughout the season. 2022 jersey auctions included Space Night, Star Wars Night, Armed Forces Night, Patriotic Jerseys for Independence Day, Marvel Defenders of the Diamond Night, and Huntsville Stars Throwback Night.
  • The Trash Pandas Food and Beverage Volunteer Program allowed organizations to assist in operating concession stands during games. Each volunteer was paid hourly with profits going to their organization, which collected over $57,000.
  • The Trash Pandas Foundation hosted two Community Clubhouse Sales in 2022, offering a variety of autographed and game-used memorabilia to fand in a garage sale fashion. Items included autographed cards, mystery autographed baseballs, broken bats, game-worn hats, limited-edition specialty jerseys, and more. These sales raised over $21,000 for the foundation.
  • Trash Pandas players took part in a Youth Instructional Camp where over 100 children aged 7-10 learned baseball fundamentals. Players also embraced the North Alabama community, making appearances at the St. Jude’s Clinic and Pediatric Wing at Huntsville Hospital, Volunteering with Rock, Steady, Boxing’s Senior Class, and reading to students at local schools.
  • During each Wednesday home game, fans were invited to bring their four-legged friends to Toyota Field for Dog Day, with a $1 donation per dog going to an animal-related non-profit. Throughout 10 Dog Days, over $700 was collected.
  • Sprocket made dozens of appearances at special events such as school visits, Little League Opening Days, a Huntsville Havoc game, and even a trip to Los Angeles.
  • Throughout the year, Toyota Field also hosted school groups ranging from elementary to college for behind-the-scenes tours of Toyota Field with stops including the press box, clubhouses, the field, and luxury suites.

The Rocket City Trash Pandas Foundation is led by Director of Community Relations, Maddison Kendrick, who has been with the team since 2020 following a successful three years leading community relations for the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. The Foundation looks forward to continuing their work in the local community as the 2023 season approaches. To learn more about the foundation and get involved, CLICK HERE.

9th Annual Line Drive Canned Food Drive

9th Annual Line Drive Canned Food Drive

Free Baseball Clinic at SRP Park on October 29th

NORTH AUGUSTA, SC – The Augusta GreenJackets, Single-A Affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, in conjunction with Complete Game, are excited to announce the 9th Annual Line Drive Canned Food Drive FREE Baseball Clinic in memory of Terry Childers Sr. on Saturday, October 29th from 11:00 am – 12:30 pm.

“We are honored to be able to host this annual tradition in partnership with Matt Childers, the Childers Family and Complete Game,” stated GreenJackets Vice President Tom Denlinger. “No matter what your skill level we invite you to come take advantage of a morning full of FREE professional instruction, bring canned food to help us stuff the bins for Golden Harvest and celebrate the legacy of Terry Childers Sr.”

In memory of Terry Childers Sr., families across the CSRA are invited to come and take part in this FREE clinic & Canned Food Drive benefiting Golden Harvest Food Bank. Families are encouraged to bring canned goods and other non-perishable food items to be donated to Golden Harvest Food Bank, who will be on site to collect.

You can also bring items anytime between now and October 29th to the Complete Game facility at 3855 Washington Rd or to the Hive Pro Shop at SRP Park (187 Railroad Avenue, North Augusta). You do not have to participate in the clinic to bring food donations! Over the past Eight years, 3,000 meals have been collected with over 4,100 lbs. of donated goods! Come join us for this awesome event in our community!

Register online at www.playpscg.com. Go to all registrations for your free registration. Any questions, contact Complete Game at (706) 814-5916

“We are extremely excited to partner with the Augusta GreenJackets and Golden Harvest Food Bank for the 9th Annual “Line Drive Can Drive,” stated Complete Game Owner Matt Childers. “For nine consecutive years Tom Denlinger and his staff with the GreenJackets have sponsored and helped us host this event! This event is held in Memory of my father Terry Childers Sr. Myself along with my family and the staff at Complete Game are honored to give back to the community that my father loved so much. Giving back to the community with a FREE Baseball clinic while also organizing a food drive for our local food bank is our favorite time of the year! Terry Childers Sr. loved baseball and loved serving in this community. He was a board member on the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Augusta and we feel that this event is something wonderful to do in his memory.”

Event Details:

  • Saturday, October 29th from 11:00am-12:30pm
  • SRP Park, 187 Railroad Ave, North Augusta, SC 29841
  • Enter by the main entrance
  • Giving back to the community with a FREE baseball clinic – beginning to experienced players welcome
  • Professional instruction from Complete Game
  • All players ages 5-15
  • Bring canned food items and non-perishable food items to benefit Golden Harvest Food Bank
  • Opportunity to support the community together and have some FUN
  • Register in advance click here: https://www.esoftplanner.com/v3/planner/camps.php?access=0dG81LSVxNmo65bAt2SEsZ6Hpw==
  • Onsite registration available day of as well

Prior to the start of the 2023 season, you can check out these fun, upcoming events scheduled at SRP Park! To learn more, visit https://thesrppark.com.

  • Paceline Opening Ceremonies and Outfield Music Festival– October 15, 2022
  • Dugout Movie Theater Presents Ghostbusters Afterlife – October 28
  • CSRA Walk for Water – November 12, 2022
  • Palmetto Peach Half Marathon, 10 K, 5 K – November 26
  • 9th Annual Auggie’s Holiday BUZZar and Toys for Tots Drive – December 10

About Complete Game

Complete Game is an Amazing Indoor Baseball & Softball Facility. Batting cages, pitching lanes, Hit Trax software for Baseball & Softball. Complete Game has an awesome staff of personal instructors and coaches for all positions for baseball & softball that offer individual lessons and group camps. You can visit Complete Game any day or take advantage of their monthly memberships! The Cosmic Birthday Parties are a big Hit! End of the season team functions and group Events held under the Black Lights with Music! Check us out at 3855 Washington Rd. Martinez, Ga. 30907 or at our website www.playpscg.com. They take reservations every day for parties and group Events!

About SRP Park/Augusta GreenJackets

The Augusta GreenJackets are the Single A affiliate of the 2021 World Series Champion Atlanta Braves. 2023 Augusta GreenJackets Full, Half and 20-game season seat memberships are on sale now. To learn more about the benefits and to get in on the action, visit www.gjmembers.com or call (803) 349-WINS (9467).

For team merchandise or more information visit www.greenjacketsbaseball.com. Stay up to date on all things GreenJackets and Events at SRP Park by following us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and sign up for the ‘Jackets Buzz e-newsletter today by visiting https://atmilb.com/3yr4mrw

SRP Park is the anchor piece of Riverside Village, a live, work, “playball” development which includes apartment living, retail, restaurants, class “A” office space, and a Crowne Plaza Hotel and Conference Center. To learn more about SRP Park and hosting events and availability, visit www.thesrppark.com.

-GreenJackets-

Neuroscience Group Field to Host Free 360U Girls’ Softball Camp on October 2

GRAND CHUTE, WI – 360U Softball will hold a girls’ softball camp on Sunday, October 2 from noon to 1:30pm at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium. This is a free camp.

Instructors Maria Stave and Laura Beyer will conduct the camp for the first 125 participants to register. All participants will receive a camp participant t-shirt.

Registration begins at 7:00am on Tuesday, September 13 at this link.

Beyer and Stave are sisters and Kaukauna natives who founded 360U Softball in 2016 with the mission of empowering young female softball athletes with the development skills, tools and resources needed to find the most confident-version of themselves on and off the softball diamond.

“We at 360U are thrilled to be partnering with the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers to be offering this softball skills development camp for youth players in the area,” said Beyer. “We are also excited for the opportunity to utilize a facility as awesome as Neuroscience Group Field for this experience!”

Their Indoor Training Facility on Calumet Street in Appleton offers private lessons, group sessions, and camps in the areas of hitting, defense, pitching and catching for athletes as young as seven through college. Their staff consists of all current and former collegiate softball players who have a passion for teaching the mechanical and mental part of the games.

Bluefield Ridge Runners announced as recipient of Lee Landers Community Service Award

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The Appalachian League announced that the Bluefield Ridge Runners have been named the recipient of the 2022 Lee Landers Community Service Award. The Lee Landers Community Service Award is presented to the club that demonstrates an outstanding, ongoing commitment to charitable service, support and leadership within their local community and within the baseball industry.

The staff of the Bluefield Ridge Runners has contributed $259,307 in cash and in-kind services through July 31, along with 866 hours to various community organizations. The Ridge Runners participated in Project Graduation, charity car shows, concerts, food drives and flood relief efforts. The Ridge Runners have also contributed to community organizations such as Rotary International, the Chamber of the Two Virginia’s, Sacred Heart Catholic Church Food Bank, Bluefield Area Little League, the Union Mission, the annual Mountain Festival, the Bluefield Restoration Committee and the Bluefield Beautification Committee.

“The Bluefield Ridge Runners are honored to be presented the Lee Landers Community Service Award for 2022,” said Ridge Runners general manager Rocky Malamisura. “The receipt of this award affirms the efforts of the club to be an integral part of the surrounding community.”

This season, Ridge Runners players volunteered a recorded 370 hours in the community at places like food pantries to reading programs and autograph sessions. Two baseball camps were provided by the Ridge Runners at no cost to the participants, which allowed more than 70 children to benefit from these camps. The Bluefield Club also participated in the Play Ball initiative with area Little Leagues and Vet Tix.

ThAdditionally, Ridge Runners catcher Parker Redden (Delaware) was named the Appalachian League Humanitarian of the Year. When the Ridge Runners were in town, Redden drove approximately 35 miles each way to volunteer at Freedom Farms, a nonprofit, faith-based organization for at-risk youth in West Virginia.

“It is especially satisfying to uphold the values of the award’s namesake Mr. Lee Landers,” Malamisura added. “Service before self is a trademark of what we value here with the Ridge Runners. Our staff, coaches, players and patrons strive to give back to the community that has itself given so much to us.”

Lee Landers served as the Appalachian League president from 1996-2018 and passed away May 17, 2021. Lee always placed others first and encouraged all clubs and staff to become involved and give back to their communities. Lee’s involvement over the years included: Roman Cultural Society, Jaycees, Police Benevolent Association, D.A.R.E, Senior Olympics Board, Baseball Chapel, American Heart Association and Springfield Chamber of Commerce.

Redden named Appalachian League Humanitarian of the Year 

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The Appalachian League announced that Bluefield’s Parker Redden (Delaware) was named the Humanitarian of the Year. The Humanitarian of the Year award is given to the Appalachian League player that has been judged to have made the most notable contributions in his community during the season through active participation in community service projects.

Redden works closely with Freedom Farms, a nonprofit, faith-based organization for at-risk youth in West Virginia. When the Ridge Runners were in town, Redden drove approximately 35 miles each way to help with meal preparation, maintenance, agricultural activities and his mentoring opportunities. Redden also delivered leftover food to Freedom Farms as quantities allowed so that waste was minimized. Baseball and softball lessons are an integral part of his focus with the youth. Redden and his family have also worked to establish a 4H club as an outlet for the kids from their day-to-day trials.

“Parker unselfishly gives of himself to others and conducts himself in such a way that you know that he understands that the game will end but his mission in life will continue,” said Ridge Runners general manager Rocky Malamisura. “Parker is the epitome of what we cherish most in athletes and what baseball teaches those who pay attention. We are so proud to have had such a young man as a member of the Ridge Runners.”

During the 2022 season, Redden volunteered for each of the Ridge Runners community service projects that were scheduled. The projects included working at local food pantries, stadium walkabouts with fans and autograph sessions. Redden also worked both kids camps as an instructor, mentored several local at-risk children and provided baseball lessons for numerous little league children.

“Parker was a catalyst in helping our organization educate and encourage the attitude and spirit of giving back,” said Bluefield manager Mike Weatherford. “Once his teammates recognized Parker’s contributions in Bluefield and the surrounding communities, it became enjoyable for our players to routinely volunteer. Parker was a leader in getting teammates involved off the field and that dedication to others followed him on the field.”

The 20-year-old catcher from Shady Spring, W.V., is heading into his sophomore year at the University of Delaware. Redden played in 15 games for the Ridge Runners this summer after he played for the Burlington Sock Puppets in 2021.

Baseball Clinics with Homer Bush & Players Aug 18 & 25

The Scrappers Announce two Baseball Clinics at Eastwood Field with MLB Player and World Series Champion, Scrappers Manager Homer Bush. All ages are welcome! Participants will be grouped by age.

HITTING CLINIC – AUGUST 18th from 9am to noon

  • Hitting Clinic run by Mahoning Valley Scrappers Coaching Staff, including Manager Homer Bush and players
  • Lunch with the players and coaches after the clinic

PITCHING CLINIC – AUGUST 25th from 9am to noon

  • Pitching Clinic run by Mahoning Valley Scrappers Coaching Staff, including Manager Homer Bush and players
  • Lunch with the players and coaches after the clinic

$35 for one clinic or $60 for both!

BUY HITTING CLINIC – AUG 18

BUY PITCHING CLINIC – AUG 25

BUY BOTH CLINICS

DOWNLOAD ORDER FORM HERE

Woodpeckers Launch First Ability Inclusive Themed Game

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — The Fayetteville Woodpeckers, in partnership with ServiceSource, Miller’s Crew, Bravery Kids Gym and the Vision Resource Center, will host its first-ever “Ability Awareness Day” at Segra Stadium. “Ability Awareness Day” will take place during the Woodpeckers game on Sunday, August 14th at 2:05 pm vs the Down East Wood Ducks. The goal of the initiative is to promote inclusion and celebrate the abilities of all people within Fayetteville and Cumberland County.

The day will kick off with a free baseball skills clinic for Special Olympics Cumberland County athletes. Prior to the first pitch, the Fayetteville Parks and Recreation Buddy Sports baseball team will take the field with the Woodpeckers for starting lineups and the national anthem. Throughout the game, the Woodpeckers will hold a Houston Astros autographed baseball auction, with all proceeds benefitting ServiceSource, Miller’s Crew, Bravery Kids Gym and the Vision Resource Center. In addition, fans can purchase food at the Miller’s Crew food truck outside the front gates.

The Woodpeckers will transform a room inside the stadium into a sensory friendly space for those who may feel overwhelmed by the crowd, noise or other factors. Sensory friendly stations provided by Bravery Kids Gym will be set up around the concourse. Fans can also check out sensory friendly bags that include headphones, fidget toys and cue cards (available at the guest services table during every Woodpeckers game).

Fans can purchase tickets for the “Ability Awareness Day” game at fayettevillewoodpeckers.com/tickets or by visiting the Truist Box Office at Segra Stadium. For more information on “Ability Awareness Day,” please visit www.fayettevillewoodpeckers.com.

Chevy Youth Camp: Play Like the Pros!

ZEBULON – The Carolina Mudcats are partnering with your local Central Carolina Chevy Dealers for two Chevy Youth Baseball and Softball clinics on Wednesday, July 27, and Thursday, July 28, at Five County Stadium. The camps will run from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and are open to children ages five to 14.

For additional information, visit baseball.youthsportsclinics.com/faq or contact CYB coordinator, Beth Caldwell, at (678) 852-5379, or [email protected]

Here’s how to register:

1. Go to chevy.com/youthsports.

2. Click on the gold “Clinic Registration” box, and then click “Register Now”.

3. Select the following name from the dropdown menu: “Raleigh”.

4. Enter the registration password “playball” for free entry into the clinic, and then click “Submit”.

5. Complete the registration form, and download the waiver. In addition to registering before the event, participants are required to bring a signed waiver form to the registration table on the day of the clinic.

6. Check your email (including your spam) for your registration confirmation.

Clinic Details:

DATE: Wednesday, July 27, 2022
TIME: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Five County Stadium, 1501 NC HWY 39, Zebulon, NC 27597

– OR –

DATE: Thursday, July 28, 2022
TIME: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Five County Stadium, 1501 NC HWY 39, Zebulon, NC 27597

*NO CLEATS ALLOWED! Please note: On-field clinic participants may not wear cleats of any kind – only closed-toed shoes are allowed.

Syracuse Mets 2022 Youth Baseball Clinic: August 27th, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

SYRACUSE, NY – The Syracuse Mets will hold a Youth Baseball Clinic for kids ages 5-15 years old on Saturday, August 27th from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at NBT Bank Stadium (1 Tex Simone Drive, Syracuse, NY 13208). The cost is just $100/person for the unique opportunity to learn from professional baseball players, and so much more!

The Clinic includes:

· Baseball instruction from professional baseball players & coaches

· A Syracuse Mets youth jersey

· A game-used baseball

· A voucher for a ticket to a future Syracuse Mets home game

· Lunch – hot dogs, chips & water

· An autograph session with some of your favorite Syracuse Mets!

“We are thrilled to be able to offer kids in Central New York the chance to hone their baseball skills from professionals,” said Jason Smorol, Syracuse Mets general manager. “Not only that, the kids will get to play on a real, professional baseball field, take home a real professional baseball, and get some awesome autographs!”

Youth can sign up for the Syracuse Mets 2022 Youth Baseball Clinic by contacting Nick Costanzo at 315-474-7833 or [email protected] or by visiting syracusemets.milbstore.com.

Tickets for all Syracuse Mets home games are on sale at the Onondaga Coach Ticket Office at NBT Bank Stadium, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets can also be purchased over the phone at 315-474-7833 ext.1 or by visiting syracusemets.com.

WooSox Hold First Youth Clinic with Player and Coach Instruction

First In-Person Youth Clinic since 2019

The Worcester Red Sox hosted their second Youth Clinic on Saturday, July 9, 2022. This clinic was the first one to be held in Worcester, and the first one to be held by the club since 2019. At the clinic, over 100 kids of various ages got the chance to play ball and hear words of wisdom from WooSox players, and coaches. receive free tips and tricks from WooSox players and coaches on four major aspects of baseball: pop flies, ground balls, hitting, and pitching.

Hitting was manned by hitting coach Rich Gedman and assistant hitting coach Michael Montville. Here, kids practiced their hitting skills through mock at-bats where they got advice from the duo. Montville told one kid, “Try to hit me square in the mouth.” Fortunately, the kid did not hit Montville in the mouth, but he had more powerful hits after this advice. Montville even made a note of that by saying, “See what happens when you try to hit me.”

Youngsters learned pitching tips from pitching coach Paul Abbott who spoke to them about the mechanics needed to throw “Powerfully, properly [and] so we can throw repetitively and not get hurt.” He told kids that the best way to pitch was by “Thinking of your back side as the power and your front side as the steering wheel.” Abbott finished the station by having participants practice mock throws to him and catcher Deivy Grullón.

At ground ball station, participants learned the basics of good fielding from manager Chad Tracy and bench coach Jose Flores. The duo made it clear that they were impressed by the kids’ ability to take their advice and quickly apply it to their fielding. With the fast improvement in their game, Flores commented “You guys make great throws and are very great listeners…[it’s] very, very impressive.”

The pop flies station was run by infielder Ryan Fitzgerald and outfielder Devlin Granberg. There, kids were thrown balls by the duo that they had to field and throw back to them accurately. In addition to helpful tips and drills, both players were energetic and engaging with the kids. Many of the youngsters were unfortunately Yankees fans or named a Yankee as their favorite player, to which Granberg joked, “Sorry if you’re a Yankees fan, you can’t participate.” Of course, all these kids got to catch pop flies from both these players, and got to see Fitzgerald’s baseball magic trick, picking a ball off the ground and making it disappear, which Granberg confessed confused him when he was college teammates with Fitzgerald at Creighton University.

After the stations, Fitzgerald, Granberg, and Grullón stayed until every child had all the signatures they desired, from posters to playing cards even to shirts.

At the end of the day, all participants walked away with tips to help them improve their baseball skills. Tracy even remarked, “If you keep practicing these tricks from today, you can be playing at Polar Park] in 15 years.”

The WooSox will hold three more free youth clinics: July 23, August 6, and August 20. You can sign your youngster up here.

REGISTER TODAY: Bisons 2-Day Youth Clinic returns July 26-27

REGISTER YOUR CHILD TODAY

A Sahlen Field tradition that is one of our favorite events every year… The Bisons 2-Day Youth Clinic featuring Manager Casey Candaele and Herd coaches in players returns, Tuesday, July 26 & Wednesday, July 27, presented by ADPRO Sports (9a-12p each day!). REGISTER TODAY

Each year, the Bisons manager, coaches and players met with kids aged 5-16 for two days at Sahlen Field to learn the fundamentals of the game. There will be lessons in pitching, throwing, fielding, base running, hitting, bunting and much more, while participants will be grouped by age so that the proper level of instruction can be given to each additional group. The cost of this year’s 2-Day Youth Clinic is $110 and includes Clinic Admission, a Bisons T-Shirt and 2 Flex Tickets that can be use for any remaining 2022 Bisons home game.

Fireflies to Host Skills Camp at Segra Park in August

COLUMBIA, SC – The Columbia Fireflies today announced that the team will host a three-day Summer Skills Camp at Segra Park August 4-6 from 9 am-12 pm each day. The camp will be run by Fireflies players and coaches, so children can receive the top instruction available in the Midlands for the camp and is open to register for children age 6-14.

The camp will cost $100, but members of the Fireflies Kids Club will be able to register for $80. The cost includes nine hours of close instruction from Fireflies coaches and players, a lunch provided each of the three days of the camp and a ticket for each participant for the August 6 game vs the Charleston RiverDogs at Segra Park, which will have a fireworks show following the game. Participants will also receive a form to purchase more tickets if they would like to.

Registration for the camp will begin at 8:30 am each day and the instruction will begin promptly at 9 am and go until noon when lunch will be served. No cleats are allowed and camp participants must bring their own bat, helmet and glove to the camp each day.

To register for the camp, you can fill out this form or call Aydan Fields. For any additional questions or information about the camp, please reach out to Aydan Fields via phone at 803-888-3014 or email at [email protected].

Jumbo Shrimp bring baseball to Historic Eastside for PLAY BALL Weekend event

Pitcher Will Stewart and the Jumbo Shrimp hosted their PLAY BALL Weekend from June 10-12. (Colleen Mitchell/ Miami Marlins)

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp partnered with the Henry Brown Athletic Association to put on a free instructional clinic designed to encourage the growth of the game of baseball and inspire recreational play amongst underserved communities in Jacksonville.

The clinic, which took place at Kooker Park in the Historic Eastside of Jacksonville on June 10, was an effort to support a culturally-rich and important neighborhood less than a mile from the team’s home at 121 Financial Ballpark.

Jumbo Shrimp players and front office staff provided hands-on skill development during five different sessions in which participants received free instruction on hitting, fielding, catching, pitching and running. At the conclusion of the clinic, the youngsters were gifted a Franklin bat and ball set.

“It was such a rewarding experience to help provide a positive environment for our local Jacksonville youth to learn more about the amazing sport of baseball,” said Jumbo Shrimp community relations manager Miranda Rossum. “Our mission is to grow the game and ensure that kids who want to play baseball and softball have the opportunity to do so.”

Pitcher Matthew Kent speaking with children during PLAY BALL Weekend. (Colleen Mitchell/Miami Marlins)

“It gives you a real appreciation for how lucky we are,” Jumbo Shrimp pitcher Will Stewart said, “It felt good to be able to go out there and help them out and give them a little knowledge and just show that we care about them.”

In addition to the hands-on learning experience, participants had a chance to attend a Jumbo Shrimp baseball game that evening and see the players in action on a big-league field.

“They were extremely loud that night at the ballpark, it was great! I’m glad they were there,” said Stewart.

The event was part of Major League Baseball’s PLAY BALL initiative, which encourages participation in the sports of baseball and softball amongst all ages, with a special focus on youth. PLAY BALL events took place across 30 MLB teams, 120 MILB teams and seven different continents.

ABOUT THE JUMBO SHRIMP: The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp offer affordable family fun at 121 Financial Ballpark. Their inaugural season garnered the Southern League’s Don Mincher Organization of the Year, Promotional Trophy and Jimmy Bragan Executive of the Year, won by general manager Harold Craw. The club added its second Promotional Trophy in three years following the 2019 season. The 2021 season marked the return of Triple-A baseball in Jacksonville. To experience the excitement with the terrific value of ticket and group options, call the Jumbo Shrimp at (904) 358-2846 or visit www.jaxshrimp.com.

Sugar Land Space Cowboys Host 200 Kids for Play Ball Weekend

(SUGAR LAND, Texas) – The Sugar Land Space Cowboys on Saturday morning hosted 200 kids from the Houston area for a baseball clinic at Constellation Field.

The Space Cowboys held the baseball clinic as part of PLAY BALL Weekend. All 120 Minor League Baseball clubs hosted either a PLAY BALL clinic, Pitch, Hit & Run and Jr. Home Run Derby competitions, youth baseball and softball tournaments, or games and events involving local Challenger Baseball leagues and Miracle League programs.

Space Cowboys manager Mickey Storey, development coach Wladimir Sutil, strength coach Zach Reding, bullpen catcher Caleb Nunes and video coordinator Garrett Allen helped run kids from the Houston area through hitting, pitching, fielding and agility circuits throughout Constellation Field.

PLAY BALL events were also held by all 30 Major League teams, as well as other select locations on all seven continents.

PLAY BALL is MLB’s signature youth engagement activity that is featured in events all around the United States and Canada. More information on the program, as well as future event updates, can be found at www.PlayBall.org.