Youth Clinic & Scout Campouts

Campouts & Clinic Offer Kids Exclusive On-Field Experience

Scout Campouts and the annual Youth Baseball Clinic give kids an exclusive on-field experience.
Scout Campouts and the annual Youth Baseball Clinic give kids an exclusive on-field experience.

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Indians are proud to announce the return of the annual Youth Baseball Clinic as well as Boy and Girl Scout overnight Campouts for the 2013 season.

Troops, dens and packs can pack Victory Field for a full night of exciting activities during the Tribe’s Boy and Girl Scouts overnight Campout events. The fun begins with the regularly scheduled Indians game, followed by a fantastic fireworks show. Campout participants can remain in the ballpark after the game and are treated to popcorn and a movie on the videoboard. Scout groups will also have the opportunity to take to the Tribe’s outfield to set up their tents for the evening, with the grand event being capped off by breakfast on Saturday morning.

Overnight Boy Scout Campouts are set for Friday, June 7 when the Indians take on the Durham Bulls at 7:15 p.m., and Friday, June 28, as the Tribe battles the Rochester Red Wings at 7:15 p.m. The Girl Scout Campout is scheduled Friday, June 21 immediately following the 7:15 p.m. contest between the Tribe and the Charlotte Knights.

Reservations for the Boy and Girl Scout Campouts, which historically sell out, can be made by clicking Scout Events or calling the Victory Field Box Office at (317) 269-3545.

The 2013 Youth Baseball Clinic will also offer fans an exclusive on-field experience as participants will receive one-on-one instruction from the Indianapolis Indians’ coaches and players. The clinic, which is set for Thursday, June 6 at 5:00 p.m., includes several skills stations which will focus on various throwing, fielding and pitching drills. All kids ages 14 and under may participate in the event and admission is included with the purchase of a single-game ticket to Thursday night’s game between Indianapolis and the Durham Bulls.

Individuals interested in participating in the 2013 Youth Baseball Clinic are not required to register for the event, and only need to buy a June 6 game ticket and arrive at Victory Field by 5:00 p.m. Groups of 25 or more patrons will receive a $3 discount off the ticket price, and those with 100 or more participants will be granted $4 off game-day admission.  To book a group outing for the 2013 Youth Baseball Clinic fans can call the Victory Field Box Office at (317) 269-3545.

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

Bisons’ coach’s clinic at City Honors

Buffalo-Bisons-2013-logoOn Friday March 1, the Buffalo Bisons sponsored a Buffalo Public High School Baseball Coaches Clinic at City Honors High School. The sponsorship of the clinic is part of the ongoing support of the Bisons and the Rich Family Foundation given to the Buffalo Public High School baseball program.

The clinic was held in City Honors’ new gymnasium with the coaching staff and team members for the Medaille College Mavericks baseball team as the instructors. The clinic covered coaching instruction on hitting and bunting drills and mechanics, fielding drills for both infielders and outfielders, base running drills, pitching drills and mechanics, throwing exercises and strength and conditioning exercises. The focus was on conducting good indoor baseball practices but also covered some outdoor and pregame drills and preparation.

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Photo courtesy of bisons.com

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

66ers Partner with Joe Baca Foundation to Host Free Baseball Clinic & Little League Sign-Up

San Manuel Stadium Will Be Site of Open Baseball Clinic

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San Bernardino, CA– The Inland Empire 66ers and the Joe Baca Foundation will be hosting a free baseball clinic at San Manuel Stadium on January 12, 2013 from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm. The festivities will also include the District 43 little league sign-ups. This will be the first year that this event has been put on, all in an effort to encourage little league participation as well as a fun and educational clinic for baseball and softball players ages 4 – 18. Participants in the clinic do not have to sign up for little league. This is an open clinic for all children.

This event will mark the first community function that the Inland Empire 66ers are holding in 2013. The team’s mascot, Bernie, will make an appearance and there will be inflatables set up for children to play in. Children of all levels will be able to participate in the clinic and enjoy drills that are based on their individual skill levels.

66ers Community Relations Manager, Kelsey Beckenbach-English stated, “The 66ers and local little leagues have had a strong partnership since the team was known as the Spirit and played their games at Fiscalini Field. Every year, we assist local teams and leagues in their fundraising efforts and we hope that with this free community event, we will be able to assist in the increase of participation for their 2013 season.”

The Joe Baca Foundation’s mission is to “build a better future…for our children.” These types of clinics allow them to meet their goal of emphasizing physical health and teaching the basic fundamentals of baseball to under-served youth in our communities.

The little league sign-ups for District 43 as well as several other Inland Empire little league districts, will take place from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. For more information on this exciting day, please contact Inland Empire 66ers Community Relations Manager, Kelsey Beckenbach-English at 909-495-7658 or via e-mail at kelsey@66ers.com.

More information can be found by visiting www.district43.org or www.facebook.com/district43.

The 2013 season will kick off on Thursday April 4, 2013 at San Manuel Stadium when the 66ers take on the Modesto Nuts. Inland Empire fans can now purchase season ticket and group packages for the 2013 season. Tickets can be purchased by calling 909-888-9922. Additional information is available online at www.66ers.com. For more information on the Inland Empire 66ers please contact Joey Seymour, Director of Ticket Operations and Media Relations, at 909-495-7638.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Inland Empire 66ers. Click here to view the original story.

Mission Accomplished! C’s Mini-League Makes A Difference

Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation ends up helping more than 300 local children this past summer

C's RHP Bryan Longpre was game to share some cake and ice cream with members of our new Mini-League this past Friday.
C’s RHP Bryan Longpre was game to share some cake and ice cream with members of our new Mini-League this past Friday.

(Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium – Vancouver, BC) – In partnership with the Boys and Girls Clubs of South Coast BC, the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation (VCBF) has successfully concluded its first-ever mini league in North America.

This first-of-its kind initiative introduced well over 200 local kids in need to the game of baseball over a seven-week period at the historic Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium.

Based on coach feedback and player results, the mini league didn’t just teach kids about the game of baseball but also valuable life skills including self-confidence, teamwork, how to win, how to lose and how to have fun.

Randy Castellarin a volunteer coach for the mini-league, agrees wholeheartedly.

“These kids are amazing. They’re so eager to learn and to be part of the game. Their progress in terms of baseball is incredible, but what’s really amazing is their attitude. They’ve become eager, engaged and confident. I’m really proud of what they have achieved.”

According to Carolyn Tuckwell, President and CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of South Coast BC, the summer mini league has been enthusiastically received by both participants and their parents.

“The kids are not only excited to have learned a new skill set but also thrilled to have played baseball at Nat Bailey Stadium, where the professionals play. It has been amazing to watch them develop their physical, social and personal skills over the past seven weeks.”

Di, an 11-year old playing in the “Coach-Pitch” division says,” The coaches made it really fun. They showed me that if I really tried, I could hit a ball, throw and catch. When I first started, I was scared I wasn’t good enough to play, but now I know I am.”

Jeff Mooney, who co-chairs the Foundation with business partner Jake Kerr, is passionate about the power of baseball to inspire local youth.

“Most of these kids don’t have a lot of opportunities through circumstances beyond their control, but when you give them something they run with it. Sometimes all it takes is one person to show an interest and that makes all the difference. The VCBF is thrilled to be making a real impact with this program and changing the lives of these kids by giving them an opportunity they may not have had otherwise.”

Though the first season of the VCBF mini league officially came to a close on Friday August 17th, one thing is certain, the kids that participated have learned lessons and made memories that will last a lifetime.

The mini league consisted of two divisions: “T-Ball” ages 6-8 and “Coach-Pitch” ages 9-11.

The dates of the 2013 mini league will be announced early next year.

About the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation:

The Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation (VCBF) was founded on the vision of helping youth in need find self-confidence, hope, improved health, and a skill set that will help not just on a baseball diamond, but in life. Its programs include; the mini summer league, UBC scholarships, a premiere league event as well as additional events and fundraisers. From helping a young child onto a baseball diamond perhaps for the first time, right through to helping a bright minded student find a way to continue their post-secondary education, the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation is committed to our community and to helping redefine a child’s perspective on the game of baseball.

About Boys and Girls Clubs of South Coast BC:

Boys & Girls Club of South Coast BC has been a vital support for children, youth and their families since 1936, providing a wide range of social, health, educational and recreational services to assist young people in their growth and development. Each program creates safe, supportive places where children and youth can experience new opportunities, overcome barriers, build positive relationships and develop the confidence and skills they need for successfully leading their lives and their communities. Learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs at www.bgc-gv.bc.ca
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Vancouver Canadians. Click here to view the original story.

‘Topes Host 130 Participants for Second Youth Baseball Clinic

The Albuquerque Isotopes hosted 130 participants in their second of two McDonalds Youth Skills Baseball Clinics on Saturday morning at Isotopes Park.

Follow an opening reception from the Isotopes team, Manager Lorenzo Bundy, hitting coach John Valentin, pitching coach Glenn Dishman, strength and conditioning coach Brandon McDaniel; pitchers Michael Antonini, Blake Johnson, Derrick Loop, Scott Rice, Will Savage; infielders Joe Becker and Alex Castellanos, and outfielders Jerry Sands and Brian Cavazos-Galvez offered one-on-one instructions to kids ages 5-15 on a variety of baseball fundamentals.

Clinic participants were divided into groups and rotated through a series of stations including; throwing, bullpen, outfield, conditioning, infield, and hitting. Each station ran nearly 30 minutes to provide ample opportunity for each participant to fully take part in all of the baseball action.

After each group had a chance to try each station, those in attendance were served lunch courtesy of McDonald’s in the picnic pavilion. ‘Topes players and coaches concluded the clinic by spending time with the participants and signing autographs.

The Isotopes hosted a combined total of 242 participants for both clinics.

Rainiers, Union Bank Homer For Kids

South Sound organizations help send kids to baseball camp

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TACOMA, Wash. — The Tacoma Rainiers and Union Bank have partnered with the Boys and Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound to swing for the fences and send underprivileged youth to baseball camp this summer. For every home run hit by a Rainiers player during home games played from July 12th-August 20th, Union Bank has pledged to donate $50 toward scholarships to the Boys and Girls Club baseball camp held at Cheney Stadium on Tuesday, August 21st. The Rainiers have committed to matching the donation contributed by Union Bank and will give an equal amount dedicated to sponsoring underprivileged youth at this year’s camp.

“Investing in the youth in our communities is a priority for Union Bank, and we are delighted to partner with the Tacoma Rainiers to further strengthen our relationship with Boys and Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound,” said Maryetta Williams, Union Bank’s SVP and Regional Manager for the bank’s South Puget Sound branches. “We look forward to seeing you at Cheney Stadium and providing yet another reason to cheer for every home run hit by a Rainiers’ player.”

Along with lunch and a complimentary T-shirt, every participant at this year’s baseball camp will be provided an opportunity to interact with and learn from some of the top players and premium prospects on the Rainiers. Campers will sit in on a team meeting with Tacoma manager Daren Brown before taking part in a variety of baseball drills. An autograph session will be held at the conclusion of the camp.

The following night, Wednesday, August 22nd, every participant at the camp and their families will be treated to a night out at the ballpark as the Rainiers host a 7:05 p.m. contest against the Las Vegas 51s.

For any additional information regarding this year’s camp or to donate a scholarship for a camper, please contact Jinnie Hanson, Director of Marketing and Communications for the Boy and Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound, at (253) 502-4618 or by emailing hansonj@bgcsps.org.

To purchase season tickets, group packages or party decks for the 2012 season, please call (253) 752-7707 or email tickets@tacomarainiers.com. Up-to-date news and notes leading up to the season can be found at www.tacomarainiers.com and by following the Rainiers on Twitter or liking the team on Facebook

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

‘Topes Host Over 100 Participants for Youth Baseball Clinic

The Albuquerque Isotopes hosted 112 participants in their first of two annual Youth Baseball Clinics on Saturday morning at Isotopes Park.

Follow an opening reception from the Isotopes team, Manager Lorenzo Bundy, hitting coach John Valentin, pitching coach Glenn Dishman, strength and conditioning coach Brandon McDaniel; pitchers Stephen Fife, Blake Johnson, Derrick Loop, Scott Rice, Will Savage, Cole St. Clair; infielders Joe Becker and Tyler Henson, and outfielders Jerry Sands and Brian Cavazos-Galvez offered one-on-one instructions to kids ages 5-15 on a variety of baseball fundamentals.

Clinic participants were divided into groups and rotated through a series of stations including; throwing, bullpen, outfield, conditioning, infield, and hitting. Each station ran nearly 30 minutes to provide ample opportunity for each participant to fully take part in all of the baseball action.

After each group had a chance to try each station, those in attendance were served lunch courtesy of McDonald’s in the picnic pavilion. ‘Topes players and coaches concluded the clinic by spending time with the participants and signing autographs.

Free Youth Baseball Clinic at Bowen Field

Jays players and staff to teach the game to all kids 6-16 on July 28

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All kids ages 6-16 are invited to come to Bowen Field with the Bluefield Blue Jays players and staff on Saturday, July 28th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. for a free baseball clinic. Signing up for the event takes place at 9:30 a.m. the day of the clinic for no cost. After learning about the game from the pros, all participants will receive a hot dog and a drink after the clinic.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Bluefield Blue Jays. Click here to view the original story.

BVCHC hosts Childhood Obesity Awareness Clinic at McCoy

Pawtucket-Red-SoxThis past Saturday, June 23rd Blackstone Valley Community Health Care of Pawtucket, Rhode Island hosted children from surrounding community organizations such as Hockymock YMCA and Boy’s Town New England, among others, to attend a private baseball skills session. The theme of the day was ‘Get Active’ as BVCHC has joined in the fight against the epidemic of childhood obesity in the United States.

According to the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the percentage of children 6-11 who are obese in this country has risen from 7% in 1980 to nearly 20% in 2008. Similarly, in the adolescent 12-19 age group the number has risen from 5% to 18%. Healthy eating and physical activity are essential to lowering these percentages and keeping the children of this country healthy and ready for bright futures.

Hockomock-YMCA-logoOn the 23rd the children were greeted at McCoy Stadium with complimentary PawSox t-shirts commemorating that day and were soon ushered onto the field where PawSox players greeted and took them through stations that worked on pitching, fielding, and hitting skills. Pitcher Alex Wilson took up in the visitor’s bullpen to teach the basics on different pitch grips and wind-up mechanics. Infielder Tony Thomas went over some basic batting stances and how to “squish the bug” with your back foot and use the core for a powerful swing. Finally infielder Jon Hee took out a fungo bat, hit the participants some grounders and reminded everyone to look the ball all the way into their gloves.

Boys-Town-New-England-logoAfter the physical part of the camp was over the players took the time to sign anything and everything for the kids including t-shirts, bats, balls, and gloves. To wrap things up the kids were fed a healthy lunch of salad, grilled chicken, baked potato, corn on the cob and watermelon. Every child who participated was also encouraged to come back for the game at 6:05pm that evening when the Pawtucket Red Sox hosted the Louisville Bats. Two reserved box seats were presented to each child, again, courtesy of BVCHC.

Blackstone Valley Community Health Care was inspired by First Lady Michelle Obama’s ‘Let’s Move’ campaign that has similar interests in raising a generation of healthy kids. You can find more information about this movement at www.letsmove.gov. Please also visit Blackstone Valley Community Health Care’s website www.blackstonechc.org.

PawSox BVCHC 2012
PawSox infielder, Jon Hee instructs the kids at the Blackstone Valley Community Health Care Clinic.

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

Little Leaguers benefit from visits of P-Rays Little League Caravan

P-Rays mascot, Roscoe the Rooster, entertains kids at a recent June 6 "Little League Caravan" visit to Narrows, VA (Brandon Grose)
P-Rays mascot, Roscoe the Rooster, entertains kids at a recent June 6 “Little League Caravan” visit to Narrows, VA (Brandon Grose)

In an effort to raise awareness about the Princeton Rays, as well as reach out to the region’s children and parents, P-Rays’ staff members have been spotted in many area youth ballparks this spring. The team has been doing this annually each spring since 2007 to promote the beginning of the season as a part of their annual Little League Caravan. The 2011 version of the caravan concluded with stops that included Narrows, VA on June 6, along Baileysville, WV and Alderson, WV on June 9.

With the 2012 season almost underway, the recent stops have reminded fans that a fresh, new outcropping of players are set to come to Princeton for another great year of baseball in the city.

The Little League caravans are put in place to inspire the area’s young players to pursue the sport of baseball and continue their journey through the amateur ranks. Seeing the Rays personnel and receiving memorabilia adds excitement to an otherwise already enjoyable day of playing baseball. “The kids get inspired when they see the Rays,” said Baileysville Little League parent Brandon Hall.

Alderson Little League player Bryson Ormsbee said he wanted to suit up for the Rays one day. “Yes [I would],” said Ormsbee. “And I want to play first base.” He listed his favorite player as Yankees Shortstop Derek Jeter.

Covering communities in all directions and youth leagues of all ages, the Rays also promoted their annual youth baseball camp that has been a mainstay for young ballplayers for sixteen years. The camp allows Little Leaguers ages 7 to 15 to interact with the Princeton Rays players, while gaining valuable baseball instruction in the process. It takes place on Saturday, July 28 from 9:30 A.M.- 1:00 P.M.

To get more immediate and breaking information year-round on Princeton Rays Professional Baseball as it occurs, do not forget that the P-Rays are now on Facebook. Be sure to check out and “like” our Facebook section on our website at www.princetonrays.net. Don’t miss your opportunity to sign up for this free service! ANOTHER FREE OPPORTUNITY for you to keep up with your P-Rays is to follow the team on “Twitter” at @princetonrays or by accessing www.twitter.com/princetonrays.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Princeton Rays. Click here to view the original story.

Deatils announced for P-Rays 16th annual Youth Baseball Clinic

A long-time favorite, the 16th annual Princeton Rays Youth Baseball Clinic will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 28, 2012 at Hunnicutt Field in Princeton, WV, home of the Princeton Rays. The clinic is open to boys and girls ages 7 to 15.

Instructors for the clinic will be 2012 P-Rays’ manager Michael Johns, his coaching staff, and several P-Rays’ players. Kids will be instructed in all facets of baseball and an autograph session will follow the clinic. Each attendee will receive a clinic tee-shirt and free admission to the P-Rays’ home game that evening (July 28) versus the Bluefield Blue Jays. Fee for the clinic is $30.00 per participant and all participants registered and paid in full by July 18, 2012 will receive their shirts on the day of the clinic. The clinic has had the same two corporate sponsors for the entire 16 years, Newberry Ford, and The Lewis Agency of Princeton.

Even now, kids can already register for the clinic. Persons needing more information on the clinic or wanting to request a registration form are asked to contact the P-Rays’ front office either by e-mail at princetonrays@frontier.com or by telephone at (304) 487-2000. The Princeton Rays are the Appalachian League minor league baseball affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays.

To get more immediate and breaking information year-round on Princeton Rays Professional Baseball as it occurs, do not forget that the P-Rays are now on Facebook. Be sure to check out and “like” our Facebook section on our website at www.princetonrays.net. Don’t miss your opportunity to sign up for this free service! ANOTHER FREE OPPORTUNITY for you to keep up with your P-Rays is to follow the team on “Twitter” at @princetonrays or by accessing www.twitter.com/princetonrays.

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

TOURISTS TO HOST YOUTH CLINIC SATURDAY, MAY 5

TOURISTS TO HOST YOUTH CLINIC SATURDAY, MAY 5

The Asheville Tourists will host their first youth clinic of the season at McCormick Field on Saturday, May 5, from 10 a.m. until noon. The free clinic will be conducted by the Tourists’ coaching staff and players and will offer instruction on the fundamentals of baseball for kids age 5 and up.

Parents of all clinic participants must sign a waiver. Waivers are available online at www.theashevilletourists.com and will also be provided on the day of the clinic.

“Our clinics are one of the most popular events we host every year,” said Tourists assistant general manager Chris Smith. “It’s just one way we try to give back to the community while giving the kids an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of baseball with the players they watch on the field.”

The Tourists’ second clinic will be held on Saturday, May 19, which will be followed by the team’s annual Meet the Tourists Luncheon at McCormick Field. Tickets to the luncheon are $5 each, with all of the proceeds supporting the Asheville Tourists Children’s Fund. A non-profit organization, the Asheville Tourists Children’s Fund was established in November 1999 with the mission of brightening the lives of children by meeting their specific individual needs. Through their “If the Shoe Fits” program, the ATCF’s primary goal is for each child in Asheville and Buncombe County to have good, solid shoes on their feet.

The Tourists open a four-game series against the West Virginia Power, beginning with a 5:35 p.m. doubleheader on Wednesday night at McCormick Field. For more information, contact the Tourists’ front office at (828) 258-0428.

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

Learn from the pros at Hens baseball camps!

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Put the fun in fundamentals at Mud Hens Baseball Camps – presented by Aquafina and BCSN. Choose from two separate three-day camps, a single one-day camp for kids, an adult/child one-day camp and a special needs baseball clinic. Details on each camp can be found here. These camps will sell out, so make your reservation today!

During every Mud Hens baseball camp, Mud Hens players and coaches will teach kids what it takes to become the best ballplayer they can be. Campers will learn basic fundamentals (like hitting and pitching) and specialized skills (like bunting and turning double plays). Mud Hens baseball camps are a great way for kids to improve their baseball skills, make new friends and, most importantly, have FUN!

Call 419-725-4367 for all the details or click here!

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Toledo Mud Hens. Click here to view the original story.

‘Cats Recognized for Community Contributions

Recipients of 2012 Van Rensselaer Small Business Award

TROY, NY- The Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce has announced the 2012 winners of their prestigious Van Rensselaer Awards, and the Tri-City ValleyCats are the recipients of the Small Business Award, in recognition of outstanding contributions to area communities. Whether through their partnerships with charitable organizations or the volunteer efforts of their front office staff, the ValleyCats organization recognizes and embraces their responsibility to make a difference in the Capital Region.

To go along with community outreach at the ballpark, SouthPaw, players and the front office staff also make over 100 appearances throughout the Capital Region each year.

Appearances include reading at elementary schools and after-school programs, baseball clinics at local youth leagues, charity benefits, numerous walks and 5k’s and more.

In order to be ambassadors for the game of baseball in their community, the Tri-City ValleyCats established the Field Renovation Program in 2003, with the mission of providing safe and well-maintained fields for youth sports organizations throughout the Capital Region.

In 2011, the ValleyCats undertook an ambitious project to renovate four youth playing fields in the course of a twenty-four hour time period.

This season, the ValleyCats are kicking off a season long campaign known as the Community Grounds Crew Program. With the help of BlueShield of Northeastern New York, the Community Grounds Crew will assist numerous youth leagues in the Capital Region with field maintenance projects from June through September.

The Tri-City ValleyCats are a single A affiliate of the Houston Astros, and play in the historic 14-team New York-Penn League. They begin their 2012 home schedule on Wednesday, June 20 at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium. For more information, visit their website at www.tcvalleycats.com or call (518) 629-CATS.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Tri-City ValleyCats. Click here to view the original story.

ValleyCats Announce Community Grounds Crew, 2nd ‘4 in 24’ Extreme Field Renovation

Cats partner with BlueShield of Northeastern New York to expand their youth field renovation initiative

SouthPaw and volunteers renovate Westland Hills in Albany during 2011 '4 in 24' program.
SouthPaw and volunteers renovate Westland Hills in Albany during 2011 ‘4 in 24’ program.

TROY, NY- As the Tri-City ValleyCats, Class-A affiliate of the Houston Astros, prepare to enter their 11th-season in the Capital Region, they’ve announced that they will be teaming up with BlueShield of Northeastern New York to create the Community Grounds Crew. This crew will lead the 2nd ever ‘4 in 24’ Program and also assist in renovating numerous other youth fields from April through September.The ‘4 in 24’ renovations will take place in early April, with work scheduled around the clock. In order to bring the selected fields to game ready conditions, each one will have new sod placed in their infield while also seeing their pitcher’s mound and homeplate areas re-built.

“The entire ValleyCats staff is thrilled to continue the ‘4 in 24’ program in 2012, while expanding our outreach by introducing the Community Grounds Crew. This program will allow us the opportunity to continue our efforts in providing safe fields of play for the youth of the Capital Region,” said ValleyCats Vice President/General Manager Rick Murphy.

The ‘Cats are no strangers to undertaking field renovation projects. It has been an annual tradition since the program began with the restoration of a little league field in South Troy in 2003. Each year since, the ValleyCats organization has reinforced their mission to provide safe and well-maintained fields for youth sports organizations throughout the Capital Region. This task was expanded with the first-ever ‘4 in 24’ program in April of 2011. That project saw fields in Albany, Ballston Spa, Schenectady, and Scotia restored with crews working around the clock.

With the help of BlueShield of Northeastern New York, the ValleyCats will once again expand this mission further in 2012 by creating the Community Grounds Crew. As the presenting partner in this initiative, BlueShield will be a critical contributor to help give back to the youth of the Capital Region.

“We are thrilled to partner with the ValleyCats to restore four local baseball diamonds, so the children of our community can enjoy one of our country’s national past times,” Brian O’Grady, vice president, BlueShield of Northeastern New York, said. “Our company takes pride in the thought of kids playing catch or running the bases with friends, because they will be taking time out of their day to engage in healthy activities – and as we all know – Healthy Changes Everything.”

These projects will also be supported by the New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation. Contributions to the foundation have come from past events such as the Capital Region Craft Brewers Festival, hosted by the ValleyCats and Brown’s Brewing Company, and the Corporate Cup Tournaments which have included teams from local and regional businesses.

Leagues interested in having their field considered for this project must complete an application that can be found on the Community Grounds Crew page of the ValleyCats website. The deadline for ‘4 in 24’ submissions is March 9th with the chosen fields announced on Friday, March 16th.

The leagues who are not selected for the ‘4 in 24’ project will remain in consideration for the Community Grounds Crew program, which will accept and evaluate applications on an on-going basis through September of 2012.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Tri-City ValleyCats. Click here to view the original story.