PawSox Become “Boys of Bowling” for Tomorrow Fund

The Triple-A ballclub that plays together also bowls together?

Yes, and it’s done in the name of a very good cause.

Every season, the Pawtucket Red Sox put down the gloves and bats and pick up bowling balls at East Providence Lanes – located two miles away from McCoy Stadium – to raise money for The Tomorrow Fund, a Rhode Island-based nonprofit organization that provides financial and emotional support to children with cancer and their families. This year’s event took place on Thursday, July 26. As usual, everyone had a good time.

Inside the PawSox clubhouse, the tone that stresses the importance of the “Strike Out Cancer” event was set when manager Kevin Boles hung a notice on the bulletin board. Mandatory attendance was expected, as Boles requested that directions to East Providence Lanes be printed and placed inside each locker.

Minor-league ballplayers aren’t the beneficiaries of too many nights away from the ballyard during the season. Even when there’s a scheduled off day, it could be compromised due to traveling from one city to the next. They’re around each other enough, grinding it on out the field and alternating between bus and plane rides, so that it’s perfectly understandable if everyone wishes to go their separate ways for one night.

“We spend a lot of time together, no doubt about it,” Boles said. “To get away from the ballpark and touch families that are going through a rough patch, that was good.”

These were just some of the positive responses that Tomorrow Fund Board of Directors member Rosemary Huestis picked up on as she traveled from lane to lane. She greeted each player, who was paired up with a Tomorrow Fund patient. Some of the PawSox players enhanced the evening by bringing their families to East Providence Lanes.

“For them to dedicate their time to the kids and our organization shows what great people they truly are,” stated Lisa Abbenante, Executive Director for The Tomorrow Fund.

The excitement displayed by the youngsters whenever their PawSox bowling partner succeeded in knocking down a high number of pins was easy to spot.

“The kids would say, ‘That’s my guy!'” Huestis said. “For our kids to have something like this and have someone come pay attention to them is a big deal.”

“The players and front office staff are happy to be here, but this event is more about the kids,” said Joe Bradlee, PawSox Director of Communications/Community Relations.

The bowling arrangement between the PawSox and The Tomorrow Fund started in 2012. Through the years the two organizations have added additional charitable twists that still stick to the core principle of aiding those in need. For the past few seasons at McCoy Stadium, fans who purchase soft balls before the fifth inning test their aim as a pickup truck takes to the field and circles the warning track. All the proceeds raised from this popular in-game feature – appropriately dubbed “Hurl The Pearl” – go directly to The Tomorrow Fund.

Whether the support is financial or done with the intentions of brightening someone’s day, The Tomorrow Fund knows they have a good thing going when it comes to the organization’s partnership with the PawSox.

“The support the PawSox give us is amazing. They give us a lot of publicity and help make us known,” Huestis said.

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

Lamontagne Presented with Troubh Community Service Award

Portland, Maine– The Portland Sea Dogs are proud to announce that the 2018 recipient of the William Troubh Community Service award is Marc Lamontagne. Lamontagne was presented the award by Sea Dogs’ General Manager Geoff Iacuessa and members of Mr. Troubh’s family including wife Nancy in a pre-game ceremony at Hadlock Field on Sunday, June 24th when the Sea Dogs hosted the Trenton Thunder.

The “William Troubh Community Service Award” was established in 2015 to honor a local citizen who is making a positive impact within the city of Portland. Mr. Troubh was a lifelong resident of the city of Portland who dedicated his life to making Portland a great place to live and work. He served multiple terms on the Portland City Council and was Mayor of the city in 1974 and 1975 and again in 1983 and 1984. Mr. Troubh was instrumental in bringing the Portland Sea Dogs to the city in 1994. He also played a major role in the development of the Portland Waterfront, Cumberland County Civic Center and the Portland Ice Arena, now named in his honor. His contributions will be enjoyed by residents and visitors of the city for generations to come.

Marc Lamontagne has spent 32 years volunteering for Portland youth baseball leagues as well as serving as a youth baseball umpire throughout the state. Lamontagne got started in 1986 as a volunteer coach at Portland’s Bayside Little League. After a short-time coaching, he realized there was a shortage of umpires, so he became trained as a volunteer little league umpire, where he spent 20+ years traveling from York to Presque Isle umpiring four to five games every week during the season.

All the while, Lamontagne kept his focus on his first diamonds Portland. In 1990, he joined the Bayside Board of Directors, a position he still holds today. Throughout that time, Lamontagne has taken on several roles including serving as the Director of Facilities for more than 20 years. He is responsible for maintaining and managing the volunteer efforts of over 20 youth baseball and softball fields throughout Portland. These efforts include grass maintenance, mowing, infield construction, fence and seating repair, painting, and fundraising.

In 2011 he was the lead Director for the Maine State Little League World Series that was hosted at his beloved Payson Park. Over 1,000 little leaguers and fans were treated to an exceptionally well-maintained facility thanks to Lamontagne’s efforts.

Past recipients of the award include Howard Spear (2017), Roger Goodoak (2016) and John Menario (2015).

The Sea Dogs will begin accepting nominations for the 2019 award in February.

Military Appreciation Day is Sunday, July 1st

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS FOR MILITARY APPRECIATION DAY

The Drive will celebrate Military Appreciation Day on Sunday, July 1st at Fluor Field. The game against the Charleston RiverDogs will begin at 4:05 PM, and the Drive are honored to recognize the brave men and women who have served, or continue to serve, our country as part of this special day.

Throughout the evening, the Drive will team up with Upstate Warrior Solutions, a nonprofit that assists warriors with future opportunities and encourages the community to embrace them as neighbors and friends.   Prior to the game, the Drive will have a special military vehicle display on Field Street for kids to take pictures with.

The military celebrations will also begin before the game with a fly-in by the U.S. Army Special Forces Parachute Team and a flyover of Warbirds Vintage Aircrafts.

Don’t miss this special celebration of the military at Fluor Field on July 1st! Tickets are available now at the Main Street Box Office, by calling (864) 240-4528 or by CLICKING HERE.

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

Sea Dogs Partner with Goodwill for Donation Drive

Portland, Maine– The Portland Sea Dogs have partnered with Goodwill Northern New England to host the 9th Annual Goodwill Night and Donation Drive at Hadlock Field on Wednesday, June 20th when the Sea Dogs take on the Reading Fightin Phils at 7:00 PM.

Fans are encouraged to bring bags of gently used clothing, books, and other household items to Hadlock Field to donate to Goodwill. Goodwill will have a donation center at Hadlock Field to collect the items. For a list of acceptable donations, please visit Goodwill’s website: http://www.goodwillnne.org/donate/acceptable-donations/ .

Donations help fund Goodwill services that strengthen our local communities by getting people back to work and receiving the support they need to lead more stable lives.

Puffy G, Goodwill’s mascot, will be there to throw out the first pitch.

Goodwill Northern New England runs retail, cleaning and health care services that help fund workforce services in our region.

As an employer of more than 2,000 people and a social service provider, Goodwill has a unique perspective that can help other employers build their own workforce through its Workforce Services.

Goodwill operates 29 retail stores across Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont.

Goodwill Neurorehabilitation Services in Portland, Maine, and Lewiston, Maine offers comprehensive brain injury services and treatment options for people with acquired brain injuries. At Goodwill Neurorehabilitation Services, comprehensive, community-based therapies are provided to assist individuals with cognitive, emotional and physical needs – so lives can get back on track after a brain injury.

Goodwill Northern New England also operates Good Clean Property Services – a full-service commercial property maintenance company offering the perfect combination of quality, customized, eco-friendly services.

Please visit www.goodwillnne.org for more information.

Tickets are available for all remaining 2018 Sea Dogs’ home games. Tickets can be purchased by contacting the Sea Dogs Ticket Office at 207-879-9500 or online at www.seadogs.com.

Fluor Field Hosts Blood Drive on Thursday, June 7th

The Greenville Drive and The Blood Connection are teaming up again in 2018 to hold blood drives at Fluor Field. The next blood drive at Fluor Field is scheduled for Thursday, June 7th. The Blood Connection buses will be set up outside the Main Street gates between 11:00 AM and 7:00 PM.

Fans who stop by Fluor Field and donate blood will receive a ticket voucher to a 2018 Drive game at Fluor Field, subject to availability, and a Blood Connection t-shirt. They will also be provided with a hot dog, chips and a drink after donating.

For more information on The Blood Connection and donating blood, CLICK HERE.

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

Girl Scout Day is Sunday at Fluor Field

The Drive’s homestand against the Augusta GreenJackets concludes with Girl Scouts Day on Sunday at 4:05 PM.

The Drive are excited to team up with the Girl Scouts of South Carolina Mountains to Midlands for another day of celebration. Girl Scouts will participate in a pregame parade around Fluor Field, and when the gates open, there will be an on-field bridging ceremony in which Girl Scouts receive a commemorative patch from this special day.

During the game, Girl Scouts will take part in the Education Adventure Challenge that teaches the importance of healthy living by combining Scout practices with the game of baseball.

Stick around after the game for Kids Run the Bases presented by BlueCross BlueShield!

Purchase tickets for Sunday’s game at Fluor Field by visiting the Main Street Box Office, by calling (864) 240-4528 or by CLICKING HERE.

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

Drive Celebrate Mauldin Miracle League on Saturday

The Drive will celebrate Mauldin Miracle League Night at Fluor Field on Saturday night. First pitch is at 7:05, and prior to the gates opening, the Mauldin Miracle League will hold two games on the field with players, coaches and staff members from the Drive and Augusta GreenJackets.

The Mauldin Miracle League gives every child the opportunity to play baseball, no matter their disability, and these games will create lifetime memories for everyone involved. The Drive’s relationship with the Mauldin Miracle League has been ongoing for 13 years, and all of the players in Saturday’s games on the field will be wearing Drive and Red Sox jerseys, provided by the Drive.

The Drive will also be recognizing players and staff members from Mauldin Miracle League and Greenville Little League throughout the night.

To purchase tickets for Saturday’s game at Fluor Field, stop by the Main Street Box Office, call (864) 240-4528 or CLICK HERE.

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

PawSox Foundation to Support “Empire Gives Back” Night on May the Fourth

After the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders announced that they will present “The Empire Gives Back” at PNC Field on their annual Star Wars Night May 4, and that they will honor Red Sox Nation’s “villain du jour,” Tyler Austin, who survived testicular pediatric cancer at age 17, the PawSox/Skeffington Charitable Foundation will make a donation of $2,004 to the RailRiders’ charitable efforts, and will send memorabilia that can raise additional funds at their charity auction.

“The Red Sox and Yankees have one of the great rivalries in the world of sport,” said PawSox President Dr. Charles Steinberg, “And they have also come together in compassion and unity in the face of real enemies, such as pediatric cancer. While fans enjoy the battle between the lines, we are grateful for the oncology research that has allowed Tyler Austin to participate in such battles. We wish the best of health to him and to all who battle these horrible diseases.

“We have been inspired by displays of sportsmanship demonstrated when cities of teams have been injured, and we have been keenly aware of the display of generosity by the late George Steinbrenner and his family during the annual Red Sox/Jimmy Fund Radiotelethon that benefits the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

“When it comes to matters that matter, our organizations can do a world of good, especially when we work as one.”

Throughout the world of baseball, May 4 is often a Star Wars night, in a play on “May the force [or fourth] be with you.”

The PawSox, who are visiting their rivals on May 4, will hold their own Star Wars night on Saturday, June 9. It is the fastest-selling game of the year.

The PawSox welcome the Yankees’ Triple-A Club to Pawtucket this Saturday for a 6:15 pm and Sunday at 1:35 on “Evil Empire Weekend” at McCoy Stadium. Tickets and information are available via pawsox.com, by calling (401) 724-7300, or in person at the McCoy Box Office.

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

Drive Celebrate Reading All-Stars on Sunday

The Drive’s homestand concludes on Sunday afternoon with a Reading All-Stars Celebration Game for students in Spartanburg, Anderson and Pickens Counties. Be sure to congratulate these hard-working students for their efforts throughout the day!

First pitch is at 4:05 PM, and the pregame festivities begin at 3:00 PM. In addition to receiving a t-shirt, participating in a pregame parade at 3:30 and a book fair, these students will be participating in fun on-field games and presentations throughout the day, and they will get a chance to meet Drive players prior to the game as well.

Stick around after the game for BlueCross BlueShield Kids Run the Bases!

Tickets for Sunday’s game are available now by stopping by the Main Street Box Office, by calling (864) 240-4528 or by CLICKING HERE. 

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

Reading All-Stars Celebrated on Wednesday

The Reading All-Stars Celebration Game for Greenville County elementary and middle school students will be made up at Fluor Field on Wednesday.

The doubleheader begins at 4:00 PM, and game two would start no earlier than 7:00 PM. Both games are scheduled for seven innings in length.

The Reading All-Stars celebration is scheduled to begin at 6:00 PM, where elementary school students will receive their t-shirts for completing the Reading All-Stars program, and middle school students will receive caps and an opportunity to meet Drive players in between games. All students will receive a complimentary book from Public Education Partners and get to participate in an in-game book fair.

Purchase tickets for Wednesday at Fluor Field at the Main Street Box Office, by calling (864) 240-4528 or by CLICKING HERE. 

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

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Safe Kids Upstate Day is Wednesday at Fluor Field

The Drive will hold their annual Safe Kids Upstate Day at Fluor Field, in partnership with Greenville Health System and Bradshaw Automotive, on Wednesday night. First pitch against the Augusta GreenJackets is at 7:05 PM, and the fun begins when the gates open at 6:00 PM.

Safety Patrol members will participate in a pregame parade around the Fluor Field warning track at 6:30 PM, and Safe Kids will be handing out bike helmets to the first 400 children who enter the Fluor Field gates.

Throughout the night, the Drive will be recognizing Safe Kids Upstate’s annual award winners, including their Grand Slam Winner, Volunteers of the Year, the Hero Award, and the Brian Donnelly Lifetime Achievement Award. Children of all ages will also be able to learn more about all aspects of safety “At Home, At Play and On the Way” with concourse exhibits and interactive stations, and following the completion of all stations, children will have a chance to win great prizes.

Purchase tickets for Sunday’s game at the Main Street Box Office, by calling (864) 240-4528, or by CLICKING HERE. 

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

Go Bowling with the PawSox on July 26

The Pawtucket Red Sox are very excited to announce we will once again be hosting a bowling event to raise money for the TOMORROW FUND. The PawSox “Strike Out Cancer” event will be held on Thursday, July 26 from 6:00pm – 9:00pm at EAST PROVIDENCE LANES on 80 Newport Avenue, East Providence, RI 02916.

Click Here to Register Online

For only $25.00 per person you receive, bowling shoes, food, and a chance to bowl with some PawSox Players!! Our live and silent auctions also provide great opportunities to win special Red Sox and PawSox memorabilia, along with other unique prizes.

For those who are unable to attend the event but would still like to show their support, the PawSox are providing the opportunity to sponsor a Tomorrow Fund family with a child who is either currently going through the battle, or has suffered from cancer in the past.

Not only will your sponsorship provide a Tomorrow Fund family with the opportunity to bowl with a PawSox player, but they will also be provided with tickets to a future PawSox game where they can enjoy a night out at McCoy Stadium. For more information on this unique opportunity, please contact Joe Bradlee at jbradlee@pawsox.com or call 401-724-7300.

The net proceeds will benefit THE TOMORROW FUND…the only local nonprofit organization that provides financial and emotional support to children with cancer and their families. So if you would like to bowl and have some fun, then please mail a check, made payable to the PawSox Foundation, and indicate how many people will be bowling and their names!

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

Reading All-Stars Celebrated on Monday Night

The Drive return to Fluor Field on Monday night, and they will team up with Michelin North America to hold the Reading All-Stars Celebration Game for Greenville County students.

First pitch for the game against the Augusta GreenJackets is at 7:05 PM, and the fun begins when the gates open at 6:00 PM. Greenville County students who completed the Reading All-Stars program this school year will be presented with a t-shirt from the Drive and Michelin, and they will also participate in a pregame parade around the Fluor Field warning track at 6:30.

During the game, kids will have the chance to participate in a book fair courtesy of Public Education Partners, who work to improve public education and student achievement in Greenville County Schools.

To purchase tickets, head to the Main Street Box Office, call (864) 240-4528 or CLICK HERE. 

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

Sunday is Safe Kids Upstate Day

Opening Week presented by TD Bank continues on Sunday at 4:05 PM with the annual Safe Kids Upstate Day at Fluor Field, in partnership with Greenville Health System and Bradshaw Automotive. Safety Patrol members will participate in a pregame parade around the Fluor Field warning track at 3:30 PM, and Safe Kids will be handing out bike helmets to the first 400 children who enter the Fluor Field gates.

Throughout the day, the Drive will be recognizing Safe Kids Upstate’s annual award winners, including their Grand Slam Winner, Volunteers of the Year, the Hero Award, and the Brian Donnelly Lifetime Achievement Award. Children of all ages will also be able to learn more about all aspects of safety “At Home, At Play and On the Way” with concourse exhibits and interactive stations, and following the completion of all stations, children will have a chance to win great prizes.

After the game, be sure to stick around for BlueCross BlueShield Kids Run the Bases!

Purchase tickets for Sunday’s game at the Main Street Box Office, by calling (864) 240-4528, or by CLICKING HERE.

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

Providence Personal Injury Attorney, Rob Levine & Associates Partners with MiLB, PawSox, for Third Year, in Rob Levine Kid’s Corner Program

Providence Injury and Disability Attorney Rob Levine continues his partnership with the Pawtucket Red Sox at McCoy Stadium for the 2018 season. The partnership, initiated by Rob Levine himself in the Fall of 2016 after attending a Red Sox game at Fenway Park, is coined the Rob Levine Kids Corner. The program invites children and community organizations focused on youth to attend a game at McCoy Stadium with Levine’s compliments. Rob Levine’s Kids Corner provides 20 tickets to every (approximately 70) home game during the PawSox season.

Kids Corner attendees receive VIP treatment while at McCoy. “We’re giving organizations and kids within our community the opportunity to attend a game, experience this all-American pastime, and create unique memories at McCoy Stadium,” says Levine. “Dozens of community programs have benefited from the Rob Levine Kids Corner, including the Boys and Girls Club, the local YMCA’s, school groups, and nonprofit organizations focused on youth and children. We encourage all community youth groups and programs to get involved so we can give this opportunity to as many children as possible, “Levine further states.

Levine is passionate and devoted to public services not only through his career as an attorney but also as a retired police officer, paramedic, and military police officer. This sponsorship among others, allow Levine and his Team to advocate for the community in which they live, work, and play. Rob Levine’s Kids Corner highlights their mission of helping those in need from a legal capacity as well as giving back to the community in many ways as often as he can.

“Thanks to Rob Levine, we are thrilled to be able to offer the Rob Levine’s Kids Corner and expand our guest list to provide many more individuals and organizations with a first-class experience at McCoy Stadium,” states Rob Crain, Sr VP of Sales and Marketing for the PawSox. “Rob Levine’s generosity and commitment to community, is amazing and we are proud to have him and his Team as our community partner,” Crain further states.

About Rob Levine and Associates

We know him as the Heavy Hitter and in his current occupation as an Attorney, helping individuals who have been hurt in an accident or who are disabled. However, you may not be aware of Rob Levine’s background. From an early age, Rob knew he had a calling. At sixteen, when most kids his age were simply out being kids, he became part of the Glen Rock Volunteer Ambulance Corps, holding a position of EMT (emergency medical technician). He was promoted within a year to Crew Chief. During his nine years of commitment and dedication, he rose through the ranks to become second-in-command of a fifty-person rescue squad. This was the beginning of his call to serve.

The next phase of Rob’s career took him to college for Administration of Justice and to the Rhode Island Army National Guard. There he served three years as a military police officer. After his national service and graduating from college, he took a step toward serving the community. He was hired as a police officer by the Central Falls Police Department. Seeing the many needs of the citizens of Central Falls during his first six months on the force, Rob decided it was time to do more. He began a writing project for a grant and secured sixteen thousand dollars for the department’s first K-9 Drug Enforcement unit. Upon his appointment as the K-9 Officer, he went to California for formal training. In addition to his patrol duty, Rob and his dog were instrumental in fighting the ever-present drug problem in the city.

His police work was not the only thing he was focused on, Rob also concentrated on his personal development. Rob began to attend law school, was learning how to fly helicopters, practicing in a Robison R-22, helicopter. After graduating from law school Rob retired from the police department and began to practice law continuing to help those in need. Rob also continued to feel the need to serve the community as a volunteer and became a Ski Patroller. Not being fully satisfied with his medical background as an emergency medical technician, Rob went back to school to become a paramedic. Rob now works and volunteers his time as a paramedic, riding on an ambulance, trying to make a difference.

His background and focus has always been on helping those in need and giving back to the community in many different capacities as often as he can. Rob Levine and Associates are personal injury attorneys helping individuals who have been hurt in an accident or who are disabled. The firm practices law and services Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut on injury cases. Rob Levine and Associates also handles social security disability and veterans disability cases on a regional and national level as well. Our team is available 24/7 to help you. Contact us for a FREE consultation at 800-742-3940 or visit our website for more information. Our Fee Free Policy ensures that you do not pay unless you win.

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