PawSox Begin 2nd Year of Pioneering Partnership with “Mentor Rhode Island” at Pawtucket’s Agnes E. Little Elementary School

Here is a link to the original story on the team’s website.

 

The Pawtucket Red Sox today announced that they will continue their pioneering mentor program with elementary school students in partnership with MENTOR Rhode Island. Last year, the PawSox became Pawtucket’s first partner of the organization that coordinates and operates mentoring throughout Rhode Island. For the second consecutive year, PawSox front office members will serve as mentors to children at Agnes E. Little Elementary School.

Each week, staff members visit the nearby school and spend an hour with individual children. Last year, the students were third graders. To provide continuity this year, the staff will mentor some of those same children, who are now in fourth grade.

“Whether we were sharing pizza, trying out a guitar, or taking a walk on the playground, the visits were so rewarding for us,” said PawSox President Dr. Charles A. Steinberg. “You looked forward to the smile that awaited you, and you let the conversation go wherever the child took it. It’s a wonderful way to gain insight to the lives of these thoughtful, sensitive young people in our community.”

“The relationships formed from mentoring have a profoundly positive impact on students, and helps broaden their perspectives of the world,” said Michael Gilmore, the school’s principal. “We are excited to be kicking off another year of this partnership, and everyone from the teachers to the students are looking forward to seeing the PawSox Front office staff back in our building, as part of our school community.”

Formerly known as the “Rhode Island Mentoring Partnership,” MENTOR Rhode Island supports the services of various programs statewide that provide more than 4,000 mentors to more than 5,000 students. It also directly operates programs in five other cities and towns: Warwick, Woonsocket, Newport, Middletown, and Cranston. The program established in January of 2017 was their first in Pawtucket.

“MENTOR Rhode Island is thrilled to continue and expand our partnership with the PawSox and the Agnes E. Little Elementary School with the second year of our Pawtucket Mentor Program,” said Jo-Ann Schofield, President and CEO of MENTOR Rhode Island. “The PawSox have been amazing and dedicated partners by providing the inaugural mentors for the children of their host community. Every PawSox staff member who served as a mentor last year has eagerly returned along with some additional recruits. We are hopeful other businesses will follow the PawSox’ example and provide mentors to the program so we can expand to serve more students. We are so grateful for the PawSox making this program possible.”

“We are grateful to Jo-Ann Schofield, to Michael Gilmore, and to the teachers and administrators in Pawtucket’s city school system for the inspiring work they do every day,” Steinberg said. “They make a difference.

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

PawSox and Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza Team Up with Family Service RI on “Walk to School Day”

Here is a link to the original story on the team’s website.

On Wednesday, October 4, the PawSox celebrated National Walk to School Day in the city of Providence. The club joined forces with Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza and Family Service RI to help make sure that students arrived to school safely and on time.

“Studies have shown that walking your child to school in the morning can help prevent chronic absenteeism, a problem that many schools in our community are facing,” said PawSox Director of Communications & Community Relations, Joe Bradlee. “We hope that our mascot Paws made walking to school a memorable experience for some of the students at Fogarty Elementary School.”

Joining the PawSox and Mayor Elorza on the walking route were also members of the Providence Fire Department.

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

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PawSox Foundation Presents Tomorrow Fund with Donation of $21,156

The PawSox Foundation today presented $21,156 to the Tomorrow Fund at Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Providence, RI, to help families of children who are battling cancer. The funds are generated at the PawSox’ nightly “Hurl the Pearl” contest presented by six local Honda dealers.

“Childhood Cancer is one of the primary areas of focus of the PawSox Foundation,” said PawSox President Dr. Charles Steinberg. “We are inspired by the great work and good deeds of the Tomorrow Fund, and we are pleased to help their efforts. Talking to the families who have benefited from their care, we recognize what a treasure Rhode Island has in the Tomorrow Fund.”

Tomorrow Fund Executive Director Lisa Abbenante received the donation from a PawSox contingent that included Steinberg, as well as Julie Hershkowitz (Director of Client Services), Mike Lyons (Account Executive, Partnerships) Joe Bradlee (Director of Communications & Community Relations), Jackie Dempsey (Special Assistant to the President), and team mascots Paws and Sox.

At each game, fans purchase soft white baseballs and throw them at a Honda circling the field. Their donations go to the Tomorrow Fund. (Fans who toss balls through the open sun roof receive a PawSox Prize Pack of souvenirs.)

Last year, fans raised $10,008 for the charity.

 

The local Honda Dealers who sponsor the promotion (and provide the decorated vehicle) are Balise Honda, Grieco Honda, Herb Chambers Honda, Majestic Honda, Saccucci Honda, and Colonial Honda of Dartmouth.

For the second straight year, the PawSox helped launch Childhood Cancer Awareness Month (September) in their final weekend of the season.

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

PawSox and Jordan’s Furniture Donate Record Amount of Equipment to the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket

For the fourth year in a row, the PawSox teamed up with Jordan’s furniture and collected new/used baseball equipment during the 2017 season to benefit aspiring young baseball players at the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket.

At every home game, fans were invited to donate equipment in red barrels that were located directly inside the Main Gate at McCoy Stadium. This season the barrels filled up quicker than ever, and the PawSox were able to donate more equipment than they ever have to the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket.

“This equipment changes lives,” said Jim Hoyt, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket. “We’d once again like to thank the Pawtucket Red Sox and Jordan’s Furniture for their generosity.”

“Dropping the equipment off to the Boys & Girls Club at the end of each season is something that we look forward to every year,” said PawSox Director of Communications & Community Relations, Joe Bradlee. “We’re able to see first-hand the impact we are making on so many young athletes in the area.”

The PawSox would like to thank our fans who came out to the ballpark this season and made a difference for our local youth.

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

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PawSox Break Ground with RIBCTC in City of Woonsocket

  On Tuesday, September 5, the Rhode Island Building & Construction Trades Council and the Pawtucket Red Sox announced their organizations’ newly formed charitable partnership, Building Baseball.

The concession stand will be in use by next baseball season, and will allow Nap Lajoie Field in the City of Woonsocket to be eligible for state and regional tournament play.

“We are grateful Building Baseball has chosen our city as its first project to enhance our Little League field,” said Woonsocket Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt. “The concession stand will fulfill the final requirement for utilizing the Napoleon “Nap” Lajoie Field for tournament play. I am looking forward with great anticipation and am extremely excited for the use of the concession stand and press box during next year’s baseball season.”

“One of the most vital tenets of the Building Trades is giving back to the communities where we work and raise our families,” said Michael F. Sabitoni, President of the Rhode Island Building & Construction Trades Council (RIBCTC). “We know the positive impact the game of baseball has on youth and the life lessons it teaches. Through the Building Baseball collaboration with the PawSox, our highly skilled union tradesmen and women can volunteer their time and expertise to assist in the restoration and rejuvenation of ball parks, as well as inspire more passion for the sport.”

“As Rhode Island’s professional baseball organization, we are excited to enhance our support of the Ocean State’s Little Leagues by collaborating with the hard working men and women of the Rhode Island Building Trades,” said Dr. Charles Steinberg, President, Pawtucket Red Sox. “Our goal is to spark more children and young athletes to participate in the game and benefit from all the opportunities it provides. Our combined efforts through the Building Baseball partnership will translate into safer and more welcoming ballparks in Rhode Island’s communities.”

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

Sox Offering Free Admission to all Service Members on Military Appreciation Night

SALEM, VA (Friday, September 1, 2017) – The Salem Red Sox will offer free admission to any and all military service members on Military Appreciation Night on Saturday, September 2 against the Winston-Salem Dash.

Due to the overwhelming support from Veterans of Foreign Wars, Military Family Support Center, and our fans donating tickets at every home game this year, Salem Red Sox President Ryan Shelton has decided to match our partners’ contributions by giving free admission to all military service members (active or retired) who do not already have a ticket. Eligible fans can show their military ID at the gates for free entrance.

“In recent years, we have significantly increased our commitment to our fighting men and women,” Shelton said. “This year, with such overwhelming support from our fans, the VFW and MFS for the Tickets for Troops program, we wanted to ensure that every soldier, sailor and airman was able to attend and be recognized.”

In addition, the first 1,000 fans through the gates will receive a free military-style t-shirt featuring a stars-and-stripes motif similar to our 2017 Military Jerseys. The Salem Red Sox look forward to recognizing our military service members at the game through pre-game activities, special recognitions and symbolic song dedications.

Fans who want to buy tickets for themselves or others should visit the Salem Red Sox box office at Haley Toyota Field at 1004 Texas St. in Salem, visit the team website at http://www.SalemSox.com, or give the Sox a call at 540-389-3333.

PawSox and Rhode Island Blood Center to Host Second Annual 9/11 Blood Drive at McCoy Stadium

For the second year in a row, the Pawtucket Red Sox and the Rhode Island Blood Center are teaming up on September 11 to host a “Day of Remembrance” Blood Drive in the Visiting Clubhouse at McCoy Stadium. The drive will take place from 1:00pm-8:30pm, and fans who donate blood will receive a $5 Dunkin’ Donuts Gift Card and a PawSox Baseball Cap.

Last year on the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, members of the PawSox community set a club record by donating 71 units of blood for the Rhode Island Blood Center at McCoy Stadium. PawSox blood drives in past years had garnered less than a dozen units.

“When America was attacked on 9-11, it affected us, unified us, and inspired us to do what we could to help,” said PawSox President Dr. Charles A. Steinberg. “The PawSox commemorate this spirit with our annual ‘Day of Remembrance’ Blood Drive, when again, we come together as a community to do what we can–this time to save the lives of our friends and neighbors.”

There are over 370,000 people in Rhode Island who are eligible to donate blood, but only about 5% of the state’s population donates on a regular basis. Over 200 units of blood are needed each day by the RIBC, which is where people in the PawSox Community can make a difference.

“It’s important for more people to begin donating blood and try to give as often as possible,” said Kara LeBlanc, Communications Manager of the Rhode Island Blood Center. “Unfortunately, we live in a world where disasters happen too frequently. Because blood donations take two days to test and process, it is the blood on the shelves from regular donors that save lives.”

Fans who donate blood will also be able to take photos on the field, and take a trip down the PawSox Hall of History.

For more information, please contact PawSox Director of Communications and Community Relations, Joe Bradlee, at jbradlee@pawsox.com

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

Rhode Island Building & Construction Trades Council and the Pawtucket Red Sox announce newly formed charitable partnership, Building Baseball

The Rhode Island Building & Construction Trades Council and the Pawtucket Red Sox are proud to announce their organizations’ newly formed charitable partnership, Building Baseball. By combining their talent and resources, Building Baseball aims to further advance the revitalization of Little League fields and Babe Ruth ball parks in urban and underserved communities throughout the state. Its first project will be the construc-tion of a state-of-the-art concession stand at the Lajoie Little Leaue Field in Woonsocket.

“One of the most vital tenets of the Building Trades is giving back to the communities where we work and raise our families,” explains Michael F. Sabitoni, President of the Rhode Island Building & Construction Trades Council (RIBCTC). “We know the positive impact the game of baseball has on youth and the life lessons it teaches. Through the Building Baseball collaboration with the PawSox, our highly skilled union tradesmen and women can volunteer their time and expertise to assist in the restoration and rejuvenation of ball parks, as well as inspire more passion for the sport.”

The RILBTC is a coalition of sixteen (16) local trade unions with over 9,500 members in and around the state. Since its inception, it craftsmen and women have volunteered their time and skills in local construction pro-jects that serve our communities.

“As Rhode Island’s professional baseball organization, we are excited to enhance our support of the Ocean State’s Little Leagues by collaborating with the hard working men and women of the Rhode Island Building Trades,” states Dr. Charles Steinberg, President, Pawtucket Red Sox. “Our goal is to spark more children and young athletes to participate in the game and benefit from all the opportunities it provides. Our combined efforts through the Building Baseball partnership will translate into safer and more welcoming ballparks in Rhode Island’s communities.”

Not only will the concession stand at Lajoie Field add more convenience and a better experience for players and spectators, it will allow the city to host tournaments.

“We are grateful Building Baseball has chosen our city as its first project to enhance our Little League field,” states Woonsocket Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt. “The concession stand will fulfill the final requirement for utiliz-ing the Napoleon “Nap” Lajoie Field for tournament play. I am looking forward with great anticipation and am extremely excited for the use of the concession stand and press box during next year’s baseball season.”

Building Baseball will also offer other communities the opportunity to apply for services at their ballparks in the near future.
For more information contact: Gina Fattore at gina@neliunapr.org, 401.374.1012 or Joe Bradlee at jbradlee@pawsox.com 401.724.7300.

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

Mayor James A. Diossa teams up with PawSox for “PLAY BALL SUMMER” Initiative

Central Falls, RI – Mayor James A. Diossa and the Pawtucket Redsox will host Central Falls Youth youth in various baseball activities as part of the United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) continued support of the “PLAY BALL SUMMER” initiative, which focuses on the fun nature of baseball and encourages an active and healthy lifestyle for kids in all communities. During the Summer of 2017 mayors are implementing the initiative throughout cities with the goal of strengthening the connection of communities with the National Pastime.

The National Mayor’s Play Ball initiative will at Higginson Avenue Sports Complex will take place from 10am-12pm. PawSox players will be out running drills and competitions for youth of all ages including a baseball game and home run derby.

Mayors across the country are hosting similar activities to engage citizens, families, and city departments to organize individual and community events (such as playing catch, running bases in the backyard, family gatherings, park and recreation activities, business-supported activities, etc.). These activities will be focused on exposing children to the sport of baseball and providing a fun opportunity to remain active throughout the summer.

“Baseball is America’s favorite past time and a great way to engage our youth, especially in urban communities like Central Falls,” stated Mayor James A. Diossa. “There is no better way to do so than together with the Pawtucket Red Sox. I’d like to thank the U.S. Conference of Mayors for this initiative.”

“The PawSox are happy to be teaming up with Mayor Diossa on this exciting and worthy initiative,” said PawSox Executive Vice President & General Manager, Dan Rea. “It’s our job to keep our local youth excited about baseball and we hope they have some fun with our ballplayers on Wednesday.”

Per Milb: “On May 18, MLB announced that baseball and softball combined to rank as the most participated team sports in the United States in 2016 (25 million participants), according to the annual Topline Participation Report produced by the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA). Overall baseball participation increased by 7.7 percent and slow-pitch softball participation increased by 8.1 percent in 2016, with casual participation in both baseball and slow-pitch softball showing the highest growth. In 2016, casual participation in baseball rose by 18.1 percent and slow-pitch softball increased by 12.4 percent. Casual participation in baseball and slow-pitch softball is up 34 percent over the last five years. When combined, baseball and softball (fast-and slow-pitch) have more casual participants than any other sport (10.25 million).”

The PLAY BALL initiative with the USCM focuses on recruiting cities to promote and support PLAY BALL through the use of baseball-related activities. Primary targets are cities with Major League and Minor League Baseball clubs, although the initiative toolkit and self-reporting strategy will be electronically distributed to hundreds of cities across the country with the assistance of Major League Baseball.

Local leaders and citizens will report their activities to PLAYBALL.org via usmayors.org. The site provides parents, coaches and kids with information on how to get involved with PLAY BALL activities as well as how to join community baseball leagues. Coaching tips and video tutorials from Major League Baseball players and coaches are also a prominent component of the site.

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

Drive and Blood Connection Team Up on Friday

The Greenville Drive and The Blood Connection are teaming up to host a blood drive at Fluor Field on Friday, August 4th between 11:00 AM and 7:00 PM. The Blood Connection buses will be set up at the Main Street gate.

Those who donate will receive complimentary rewards, including a Drive/Blood Connection t-shirt, a pair of vouchers good for any Sunday-Thursday Drive home game in 2017, and a hot dog plate with chips and a drink.

Every time you donate blood, you could save up to three lives, so come on out to Fluor Field on June 9th to support The Blood Connection.

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

Boy Scout Night at Fluor Field on Wednesday

The final game of the homestand is on tap for Wednesday at 7:05 PM as the Drive host Boy Scout Night presented by Duke Energy.

The fun begins with a pregame parade on the field for Upstate Boy Scout troops at 6:30 PM. The Boy Scouts will be recognized for their hard work this past year with a special commemorative patch, and they will get to participate in between-inning games and entertainment. Following the game, Boy Scouts will be invited to camp out in the outfield.

Be sure to come out to Fluor Field on Wednesday to celebrate the Boy Scouts for their outstanding accomplishments this year and cheer on the Drive! Purchase your tickets 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.

PawSox to Host 33-Inning Charity Baseball Game Featuring The Pawtucket Slaterettes August 19

The Pawtucket Red Sox are inviting the Pawtucket Slaterettes, one of the nation’s only women’s baseball leagues, to play 33 innings of baseball at McCoy Stadium on Saturday, August 19. Admission is only $5, and proceeds benefit the Slaterettes and the PawSox Foundation.

CLICK HERE TO ORDER TICKETS ONLINE

The special event pays tribute to the historic 33-inning game played in 1981 by the PawSox and the visiting Rochester Red Wings. The fundraiser is part of the club’s season-long celebration of the 75th anniversary of McCoy Stadium.

The marathon begins at noon and continues until all 33 innings are played.

“We are delighted to have been invited by the PawSox,” said Deb Bettencourt, Pawtucket Slaterettes Player Agent. “For our women of all ages to play hardball on this diamond where so many great players have played, and where the 33-inning game took place, is a dream-come-true.

“So many of our ballplayers were inspired by the movie, ‘A League of Their Own,’ and how it brought to light the story of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. The opportunity to pay tribute to these women, and to the PawSox, and to our beloved city of Pawtucket, is a thrill our players and their families will remember forever.”

The game will be played by members of various age divisions within the Slaterettes organization. The innings will be spread as follows:

  • Teeball (ages 3-6) – 2 innings
  • Minors (ages 6-10) – 4 innings
  • Juniors (ages 10-13) – 6 innings
  • Seniors (ages 13-18) – 7 innings
  • Women (ages 13 and up) – 7 innings
  • Alumni (all ages) – 7 innings

“It is a pleasure to produce an event that unites the people of Pawtucket,” said PawSox President Dr. Charles A. Steinberg. “We hope that women (and men) see that, here in Pawtucket, women have been playing baseball in ‘A League of Their Own’ for years. May this event inspire more young girls to realize that the doors to the wonderful world of baseball are wide open.

“Over the past two seasons, we have been blessed to welcome such players from the AAGPBL as Rhode Island’s own Wilma Briggs and California’s Maybelle “All the Way May” Blair and Shirley Burkovich. Part of this tribute is a tip of the cap to them.

“We also tip our caps to the actors, actresses, and crew who made the film, which this year celebrates its 25th anniversary. Megan Cavanagh, who memorably portrayed Marla Hooch, recently visited our park and inspired more young women with her stories-including the fact that she did all of her own hitting in the movie.

“Several women playing key positions in our front office have been lifelong ballplayers, and we are eager to show all who are watching that the opportunities to play baseball belong to everyone.”

All tickets are general admission, and concessions and merchandise will be on sale.

The Slaterettes comprise baseball players from age 5 to 55. The league, now in its 45th year, was created in 1973.

The PawSox Foundation, now in its 19th year, produces such programs as the PawSox Scholars, A Veterans Home Run, and fundraisers for the Tomorrow Fund. It also supports many charities in Pawtucket, in Rhode Island, and in the PawSox community.

More information is available at pawsox.com and slaterettes.com.

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

Red Sox Foundation and Pawsox Foundation Partner with Rhode Island Little League to Support all 48 Leagues in the State

The Red Sox Foundation and the PawSox Foundation, the charitable arm of the Pawtucket Red Sox, today announced a partnership to support all 48 Little Leagues throughout the Rhode Island. The relationship will include leadership and instructional skills training for coaches and administrators.

“We are proud to partner with our Triple-A affiliate, Pawtucket Red Sox, to support Rhode Island Little League and expand on the important work the Red Sox Foundation has begun with Boston’s inner city youth through Rookie/RBI programs and Little League teams in Massachusetts,” said Red Sox Foundation Board Member Mike Egan. “As a former little leaguer, I know how important playing the game as a child can be to fostering a lifelong love for the game, and we look forward to helping the league pass along the invaluable lessons about teamwork and camaraderie that baseball imparts.”

The partnership will assist the 48 leagues with production and development, and will include sponsorship of three events: the Rhode Island Little League State Tournament, which opens on Saturday, July 22; the Rhode Island Little League Volunteer of the Year Award, which will be presented in August; and a coaches’ clinic this fall.

“The support of the Red Sox Foundation, PawSox Foundation and its partners on the Rhode Island Little League program is real and tangible,” said Rhode Island Little League Board Member John Pesaturo. “The sponsorship that is available to each league provides them with funding along with opportunities for teams to come to Fenway Park and for some, a special mascot visit to their home town. Chartered Leagues from Providence to Newport are enjoying a new connection as part of Wally’s team thanks to the Red Sox Foundation!”

“As Rhode Island’s professional baseball organization, we are eager to embrace and enhance our support of the Ocean State’s Little Leagues,” said PawSox President Dr. Charles A. Steinberg. “We are continually inspired by the commitment of coaches and administrators who devote so many hours to our children, and we are constantly gratified to see these children learn the lessons of life that baseball can teach.”

The tournament’s opening ceremonies will take place in Johnston, Rhode Island, hosted by Johnston Little League at Kennedy Field at 1583 Hartford Ave. The Volunteer of the Year, a coach selected based on nominations by peers and teams, will be honored at Boston’s Fenway Park on Rhode Island Day, August 1st, and again at Pawtucket’s McCoy Stadium later in the month. Applications were made available by John Pesaturo, Rhode Island Little League, District Administrator, and were due July 3rd. The coaches’ clinic will take place in the fall.

The 48 Rhode Island Little Leagues, comprised of over 1,100 teams and over 16,000 children from ages 5 to 16, allow Rhode Island’s children play baseball and softball, and learn the importance of teamwork, sportsmanship, and inclusion.

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

Drive Announce Bob Hughes as 12th Annual Green Day Honoree

Greenville, SC – The Greenville Drive announced today that Bob Hughes, Chairman of Hughes Development Corporation, has been selected as the honoree for the team’s annual Green Day event. The 12th annual Green Day celebration presented by TD Bank will be held Tuesday, August 1st at Fluor Field when the Drive host the Asheville Tourists at 7:05 PM.

Each year, the Drive pay tribute to an individual who has helped make Greenville one of the most dynamic regions in the country. Hughes has been chosen as the 2017 honoree due to his significant role in the renaissance of Downtown Greenville through real estate and mixed-use development, and he has been one of Greenville’s primary visionaries in the continuing growth of the local community.

“Bob is an individual that has devoted his personal and professional life to making Greenville a very special place – to make Greenville a place of note for its design, its offerings, its opportunities and its energy. A place where people gather, and a place where people feel welcome, and it was only appropriate for us the Greenville Drive to recognize his leadership as we celebrate Green Day,” said Craig Brown, Drive Owner and Team President. “Our organization has seen firsthand the impact that Bob has made on Greenville, and the impact he has made will be felt for generations.”

“Bob personifies the culture of Greenville. He is extremely generous with his time with each and every one of us, and we are all grateful for everything he does for this city and this community,” added Greenville Mayor Knox White. “He is responsible for some of Greenville’s building blocks that make our city a special place, and the envy of other cities in this region. He is very much deserving of being this year’s Green Day honoree.”

Hughes’ vision has produced some of Greenville’s most recognizable buildings. Among the projects Hughes has overseen include Riverplace, the NEXT Building, and the ONE Building, all of which host both establishing and emerging businesses in Downtown Greenville.

While Hughes’ developments are all architecturally stunning, they have also been lauded for their impressive sense of community. Each of these projects are graced with plazas that serve as inviting entrances and large gathering places, which tie into Hughes’ belief that these developments should bring friends and families together. Hughes has seen Greenville as an ideal place to raise a family, and his projects have taken that to heart.

“I want to thank the Drive for this incredible honor, as well as my co-workers, my family, and the previous Green Day honorees for all of their support,” said Hughes. “The continued success of Greenville is a collaborative effort, and I’m extremely fortunate to be a part of it. It is very special to be a part of this group of honorees that have done so much for this great place we call home, and I am proud to accept this on behalf of what we’ve accomplished, but also for what we’re going to continue to do in the future.”

Hughes joins an acclaimed group of Green Day honorees, including former Greenville Mayor Max Heller and his wife, Trudy (2006); Greenville City Councilwoman Lillian Brock Flemming and Greenville County Councilwoman Xanthene Norris (2007); former Greenville Technical College President Dr. Tom Barton (2008); businessman and philanthropist C. Dan Joyner (2009); civic leader, judge and attorney Merl Code (2010); former S.C. Governor and U.S. Secretary of Education Dick Riley (2011); South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities Founder Dr. Virginia Uldrick (2012); environmentalist and attorney Tommy Wyche (2013); philanthropists Hayne and Anna Kate Hipp (2014); Centennial American Properties CEO David Glenn (2015); and Erwin Penland Co-Founder Joe Erwin (2016).

In honor of Greenville’s 186th birthday, Drive players will wear special green uniforms and caps on Green Day, and fans are encouraged to create a “green out” by sporting green as well. First pitch is at 7:05 PM, and the first 2,000 adults who enter when the gates open at 6:00 will receive a commemorative Green Day T-shirt, while the first 1,000 kids at Fluor Field will receive a commemorative Green Day superhero cape, all courtesy of TD Bank. Following the game, fans are invited to stick around for a spectacular fireworks show in celebration of Greenville.

To purchase tickets for Green Day on Tuesday, August 1st, go to the Main Street Box Office, call (864) 240-4528 or CLICK HERE. 

About the Greenville Drive

The Greenville Drive, the South Atlantic League affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, is in its 12th season at award-winning Fluor Field in downtown Greenville. Since 2006, more than 400,000 fans a year have been welcomed to Fluor Field for both Drive games and additional community events. In 2012, the Drive was honored with the prestigious Freitas Award, presented by Baseball America and given to an organization which exemplifies excellence in operations, franchise stability and community engagement. 69 Drive alumni have gone on to play at the major-league level, 13 of which were members of the Red Sox 2013 World Series Championship Team.

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

PawSox to Refurbish Fairlawn Little League’s Deluca Field at Nathanael Greene Elementary

The PawSox and the City of Pawtucket will partner with Infielder Mike Miller and “More than a Game,” to refurbish Fairlawn Little League’s Deluca Field at Nathanael Greene Elementary next month. In addition to fixing up the baseball diamond, the club will present a free youth clinic on July 11, the day of Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game.

“More Than a Game” is an organization that constructs fields, donates equipment, and presents clinics in various communities. Miller has worked extensively with the organization during off-seasons in his home state of California.

Led by Miller, PawSox players and More Than a Game staff members will fix up the field on Monday, July 10, then present a free youth baseball clinic at Deluca Field on Tuesday July 11 from 11 am-1 pm. Food and refreshments will be provided to participants in the clinic.

“We are so grateful for our partnership with the Pawtucket Red Sox, an organization that places a high emphasis on service to their community,” said Marshall Murray, CEO of More Than a Game. “We hope our combined resources will empower athletes to do more in Pawtucket and the surrounding region, and we look forward to an impactful collaboration.”

“We would like to see more children participate in Pawtucket’s Fairlawn Little League,” said Joe Bradlee, the PawSox’ Director of Communications & Community Relations. “As Rhode Island’s professional baseball team, we hope we can help ensure that this field is attractive, welcoming, and safe.”

“More Than a Game has given me a platform as a professional athlete to give my time and energy to communities that are underserved,” Miller said. “To be able to work with both MTAG and the PawSox, two amazing organizations, gives me an opportunity to reach out to many kids who share my passion of baseball and develop key relationships within those communities.”

“Thank you to Mike Miller, More Than a Game, the PawSox, and the players for their donation and for volunteering their time,” said Pawtucket Mayor Donald R. Grebien. “The clinic is a great opportunity for our kids to learn the great game of baseball from some of the best players in the league. We appreciate the PawSox for their commitment to the City and its youth organizations.”

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