The Greats: Marauders Celebrate Black History Month

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In celebration of Black History Month, throughout February, teams across Minor League Baseball are looking back at five of the best Black players to suit up for their club.

While some of these standout performers went on to long and illustrious Major League careers, others simply had great Minor League careers or, in some cases, just one incredible season that went down as “a year for the ages.”

Here is a look at five of the best Black baseball players ever to suit up for the Marauders.

Evan Chambers (Outfielder, 2011-12) — A third-round draft pick in 2009 out of Hillsborough Community College in Tampa, Chambers played nearly 200 games across two seasons for the Marauders, hitting 12 home runs and stealing 31 bases. The Lakeland native brought a radiant smile and a positive presence to the field and the clubhouse.

In December 2013, Chambers died in his sleep at the age of 24 of an undetected genetic heart condition. In his memory, a sign bearing his number 53 adorns the boardwalk in right field at LECOM Park. He was posthumously inducted into the Florida State League Hall of Fame in 2017.

Ke’Bryan Hayes (Infielder, 2017) — The Pirates selected Hayes in the first round of the 2015 draft out of Concordia Lutheran High School in Texas. Hayes enjoyed an outstanding season with the Marauders in 2017, hitting .278 while stealing 27 bases, second-most among Pirates farmhands. He earned a selection to the Florida State League all-star game and was named a Gold Glove award winner at third base for all of Minor League Baseball.

Hayes made his major league debut in 2020 and batted .376 with a .442 on-base percentage in the shortened season, finishing sixth in National League rookie of the year voting.

Hayes is a proud second-generation major leaguer; his father, Charlie, played 14 seasons in the majors from 1988 to 2001, most notably with the Phillies and Rockies.

Cal Mitchell (Outfielder, 2019) — Mitchell, the Pirates’ second-round pick in 2017, patrolled right field for the Marauders throughout the 2019 season and led all Florida State League right fielders with a .977 fielding percentage.

Mitchell’s 15 home runs that season ranked second on the team, and he was selected to the Florida State League all-star game in Jupiter. He started in right field and earned all-star game MVP honors, going 2-for-4 with a pair of doubles and a run scored.

Gift Ngoepe (Infielder, 2010; 2012-13) — Ngoepe, a native of Randburg, South Africa, made baseball history as the first African-born player in the major leagues when he debuted for the Pirates in 2017. On his way to the majors, Ngoepe spent all or parts of three seasons in a Marauders uniform, stealing a total of 29 bases and providing solid infield defense.

Ngoepe made his major league debut on April 26, 2017 at PNC Park, going 1-for-2 with a single in his first at-bat. Time zone differences meant that, in his native South Africa, Ngoepe’s debut fell on the morning of April 27, known as Freedom Day—a date commemorating the nation’s first post-apartheid election.

After brief stints with the Blue Jays and Phillies organizations and a short return to the Pirates’ system in 2019, Ngoepe has continued his career in the independent leagues, most recently with the Quebec Capitales of the Frontier League in 2021.

Cole Tucker (Infielder, 2016-2017) — The Pirates’ first-round pick in 2014, Tucker starred at shortstop for the Marauders in the second half of 2016 and the first half of 2017. In addition to his slick defense, Tucker ran rampant on the basepaths, swiping 41 bases in 133 total games as a Marauder.

On May 12, 2017, Tucker homered from both sides of the plate in a 20-2 Marauders victory, finished a single shy of the cycle, and drove in seven runs, tying a franchise record.

Tucker made his major league debut for the Pirates on April 20, 2019, going 1-for-3 with a two-run homer for his first major league hit.

National Anthem Auditions

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Bradenton, Fla. – The Pittsburgh Pirates are accepting auditions for the National Anthem. Anyone interested in singing The Star Spangled Banner or O Canada prior to a Pirates Spring Training game in 2022 may submit a video or a YouTube link to be considered. Prospective singers must feel comfortable performing in front of a camera and performing in front of audiences of 7,000 people or more. Submissions are also open to choirs. All submissions must be conducted a cappella.

Pirates employees will watch the videos and determine which performers to invite to fill open spots in the Spring Training schedule. Contestants that wish to sing the Canadian National Anthem before the Pirates game against Toronto are welcome to sing O Canada as well. Participants that submit videos but are not selected will have their information kept on file for potential anthem openings during the Bradenton Marauders season.

Videos or links must be submitted to Rebekah Rivette, Manager of Marketing & Game Presentation via email to [email protected]. Those wishing to perform must send in their audition no later than February 18th.

For more information about Pittsburgh Pirates Spring Training or the National Anthem, please call 941-747-3031, visit www.bradentonmarauders.com, or email [email protected].

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Marauders to Highlight Non-Profits, Small Businesses at Home Games

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 26, 2021

BRADENTON, Fla. — The Bradenton Marauders, Low-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, have announced plans to feature local area non-profit organizations and small businesses for Friday and Saturday games at LECOM Park in 2021. The Marauders will partner with the Manatee Chamber of Commerce, the Manasota Black Chamber of Commerce, and the Gulf Coast Latin Chamber of Commerce to promote the program.

The Marauders will feature one non-profit organization at each Friday home game (10 scheduled) and one small business at each Saturday home game (10 scheduled). Businesses and organizations that would like to participate are encouraged to submit a nomination at BradentonMarauders.com.

Each winning non-profit or small business will receive a free advertising package that includes four complimentary tickets, in-park and digital activations on the day that they are selected.

“Non-profit organizations and small businesses are the lifeblood of our community. After a challenging year, we’re excited to provide them with an opportunity to share their mission or their brand,” Marauders General Manager Craig Warzecha said.

For more information about the Bradenton Marauders, please call (941) 747-3031, visit BradentonMarauders.com, or email [email protected].

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FSL announces Covid-19 relief efforts in all cities

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Today the Florida State League announced that all its member teams will be participating in a League wide effort to support Covid-19 relief. The 12 teams have partnered with LiveSource to set up an auction site that will make bidding for auction items a simple and efficient process. The collectible memorabilia and unique FSL experiences will be offered through this online auction beginning today- Tuesday, June 9th and concluding on Tuesday, June 30th at 11:59 pm ET.

Florida State League President Terry Reynolds said “ I could not be prouder of all our FSL teams for coming together in this very worthwhile effort. The dollars earned from each team’s sold auction items will stay and be used for the Covid-19 relief efforts in that team’s area”.

The auction will offer many fun and unique items some of which are listed below:

  • Jackie Robinson specialty jersey.
  • Adam Wainright signed photo.
  • Brian Anderson signed Jupiter Hammerhead jersey.
  • Game worn Daytona Tortugas batting helmet.
  • Ceremonial First Pitch at a Fort Myers Mighty Mussels game.
  • FSL season pass allowing entrance in all 12 FSL stadiums.
  • 20 person VIP Suite at a Bradenton Marauder game.
  • Blake Snell signed July 4th Hat.
  • Dennis Martinez signed Palm Beach Cardinals jersey.
  • Wander Franco signed Jersey.
  • Lots of signed baseballs and countless “bucket list” experience items to bid on.

The Florida State League is made up of the following teams.

  • Bradenton Marauders
  • Charlotte Stone Crabs
  • Clearwater Threshers
  • Daytona Tortugas
  • Dunedin Blue Jays
  • Florida Fire Frogs
  • Fort Myers Mighty Mussels
  • Jupiter Hammerheads
  • Lakeland Flying Tigers
  • Palm Beach Cardinals
  • St. Lucie Mets
  • Tampa Tarpons

For further details on this most worthwhile charitable event go to www.desktop.livesourceapp.com or you can view all the items and place a bid by downloading the LiveSource App on your Apple or Android device.

Contact Kasey Blair [email protected] or Andrew Seymour, General Manager-Palm Beach Cardinals at 561-630-1855 or [email protected] for additional questions.

Pirates and Marauders Dish Out Pizza to Hospital Staff

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Bradenton, Fla. – On Friday, the Pittsburgh Pirates and Bradenton Marauders teamed up with Fastfire by Oak & Stone and Demetrios’ Pizza House to provide pizzas to healthcare workers on the frontlines during the COVID-19 Pandemic at Blake Medical Center and Manatee Memorial Hospital.

“We are thrilled with the kindness the Pittsburgh Pirates and Bradenton Marauders leadership, staff and players are showing our day and night teams, during this healthcare crisis. Their generosity to not only help hospital’s staff but local business’ is much appreciated.” said Kevin DiLallo, CEO, Manatee Memorial Hospital.

Blake Medical Center President and CEO Randy Currin echoed the sentiment saying, “Blake Medical Center is very grateful for the generous show of support and appreciation from the Pittsburgh Pirates. This thoughtful delivery will touch the hearts of our caregivers as we continue with our work providing the very best care for our patients and community during this trying time.”
Following the lead of Pirates players who purchased more than 400 pizzas from local shops in Pittsburgh for to the staff at Allegheny General Hospital, the Pirates and Marauders set out to do what they could to help during these tough times for both small businesses and hospitals.

“During this time we’ve got to come together as a community. There’s comfort in great tastes and flavors – so providing our Fastfire pizzas to the real heroes, the hospital staffs, is the least we can do. We’re thankful to the Pirates for being our partners and including us in this gesture of thanks,” notes Brett Decklever, Co-Owner of Oak & Stone.

Following that line of thought, owner of Demetrios’ Pizza House Gus Sokos said, “The restaurant and hospitality industry has been devastated over the last two and a half weeks. We recently had to make decisions with staff members whose lives may be impacted forever. Our spirits, along with those in the healthcare profession, are getting drained from the uncertainty that this virus has brought. The Pittsburgh Pirates and Bradenton Marauders are a first class organization and it was an honor to partner with them to help lift the morale of these individuals who have dedicated their lives to caring for others. We wish to thank Jeff Podobnik and his team for their wonderful generosity towards our business and staff today.”

The Pittsburgh Pirates and Bradenton Marauders staffs went out and delivered the pizzas personally, taking the chance to inject positivity into the community and provide a beacon of hope in dark times.

“The Pittsburgh Pirates and the Bradenton Marauders take pride in being woven into the fabric of this community. During this COVID-19 crisis, we know we all need to join together to help our neighbors in any way we can,” said Jeff Podobnik, Pittsburgh Pirates Vice President of Florida and Dominican Operations. “We are proud to help support local businesses and work to lift the spirits of healthcare workers in Manatee County.”

 

Job Fairs Scheduled for Seasonal Game Day and Concessions Positions

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Positions available for Pirates Spring Training and the Bradenton Marauders’ season

Bradenton, Fl. – The Pittsburgh Pirates will hold two (2) job fairs at LECOM Park to hire seasonal staff for Pirates Spring Training and the Bradenton Marauders’ season. Game day staff and concessions positions are available. Interviews will be conducted on the spot at both hiring events.

The first hiring event will be held on Thursday, January 9 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. The second will be held on Tuesday, January 14 from 1 p.m. -7 p.m. LECOM Park is located at 1611 9th Street West in Bradenton. Parking will be available in the gated lot along 17th Avenue West.

All positions for Pirates Spring Training and the Bradenton Marauders’ season are posted online at Careers.Pirates.com. Prospective employees who cannot attend the hiring events can apply online for consideration.

The Pirates will play a 16-game home schedule at LECOM Park this spring, beginning with a matchup against the Minnesota Twins on Saturday, February 22. Season tickets and groups tickets are available now by calling 941-747-3031. Single game tickets are on sale now at the LECOM Park box office, by phone (1-877-893-2827), and online through www.Pirates.com.

The Bradenton Marauders play a 70-game home schedule beginning on Thursday, April 9, running through Labor Day.

For more information about employment with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Bradenton Marauders, please call 941-747-3031, visit www.bradentonmarauders.com, or email Marauders.Info@Pirates.com.

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

National Anthem Auditions Scheduled for Saturday, January 18

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Bradenton, Fla. – The Pittsburgh Pirates will hold National Anthem auditions on Saturday, January 18 from 10:00 a.m.-12 p.m. at LECOM Park. Auditions are open to anyone interested in singing The Star Spangled Banner prior to a Pirates Spring Training game in 2020. Prospective singers must feel comfortable performing in front of audiences of 7,000 people or more.

Auditions will be conducted a cappella and must be no longer than two minutes in length. There is no preregistration for auditions. Prospective singers will perform in the order they sign up on the day of auditions. Registration will close at 11:30 a.m. National Anthem auditions will be conducted for vocalists only.

Pirates employees will supervise the auditions and determine which performers to invite to fill open spots in the Spring Training schedule. Contestants that wish to sing the Canadian National Anthem before the Pirates game against Toronto on March 1, March 9, or March 12 are welcome to audition singing O Canada as well. Participants that audition but are not selected to perform will have their information kept on file for potential anthem openings during the Bradenton Marauders season. The Marauders are preparing for the 11th season in franchise history, which runs from April 9 until Labor Day.

The Pirates will play a 16-game home schedule at LECOM Park this spring, beginning with a matchup against the Minnesota Twins on Saturday, February 22. Season tickets and group tickets are available now by calling 941-747-3031. Single game tickets go on sale Saturday, January 11 at 10:00 a.m. at the LECOM Park box office, by phone (1-877-893-2827), and online through www.Pirates.com.

For more information about Pittsburgh Pirates Spring Training or National Anthem auditions, please call 941-747-3031, visit www.bradentonmarauders.com, or email MaraudersInfo@Pirates.com.

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

Marauders Partner With Sport Clips Haircuts to Provide Free Tickets for Members of the Armed Forces on Military Appreciation Night

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Bradenton, Fla. – The Bradenton Marauders have partnered with Sport Clips Haircuts to supply free tickets to active duty and veteran military personnel for the Military Appreciation Night Game on Friday, June 21. Military Appreciation Night is presented by Sam Adams. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and first pitch is at 6:30 p.m. for all Marauders Friday home games.

Sport Clips will give away up to 500 free tickets to active duty military and veterans. The tickets are available at participating Sport Clips locations. Proof of military service must be provided to acquire a ticket. No purchase is necessary at the Sport Clips location. Military members bringing family or friends to the game with them can coordinate seat locations at the LECOM Park box office.

Free military tickets are now available at these participating Sport Clips locations:

·         Sport Clips Haircuts of Bradenton – 1606 Cortez Rd W, Bradenton, FL 34207

·         Sport Clips Haircuts of Sarasota – University Walk – 8433 Tuttle Ave, Sarasota, FL 34243

·         Sport Clips Haircuts of Sarasota – Shops at Siesta Row – 3800 S Tamiami Trail, Suite #112, Sarasota, FL 34239

·         Sport Clips Haircuts of South Sarasota – 8378 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34238

June 21 will also feature the Military Heroes Card Set giveaway presented by Sam Adams. The card set features military heroes who were nominated by friends and family members. The men and women included in the card set will be honored on the field before the game. The first 750 fans will receive the card set.

The Marauders are facing the Tampa Tarpons, the Florida State League affiliate of the New York Yankees in the game on June 21.

The LECOM Park ticket office is open on Tuesday-Friday non-gamedays from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. On gamedays the box office will be open on weekdays from 10:00 a.m. until the end of the game and on weekends from two hours before first pitch until the end of the game.

For more information about the Bradenton Marauders, please call 941-747-3031, visit www.BradentonMarauders.com, or email MaraudersInfo@pirates.com.

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

Marshall Knapp Awarded FSL/Marlins Scholarship

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Bradenton, FL – The Florida State League Scholarship Committee and FSL President Ken Carson have awarded twelve (12) $1,500 educational scholarships to deserving applicants from across the League. The Bradenton Marauders are proud to announce that Marshall Knapp has been selected as a scholarship recipient. Knapp is the son of LECOM Park Concessions Manager Chuck Knapp.

This is the nineteenth (19) straight year for the program and is funded by the Miami Marlins and the Florida State League. Each Scholarship has a monetary value of $1,500 and is presented to a student employee, child or grandchild of an employee. A total of 228 scholarships have been awarded to qualified applicants since the inception of the program. The Committee awarded the scholarships after a review of applications submitted by each candidate. The award is based both on financial need and achievement of a grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Recipients must be at least a high school junior by the 2018 Fall Term.

Marshall Knapp will be a senior at Braden River High School this fall. In additional to his outstanding academic performance in the classroom, he is the drum major for the Braden River High School Marching Band of Pirates, logging hundreds of hours of rehearsals each year. He also plays multiple instruments and performs in the Braden River High School Wind Ensemble, the Sun Coast Honor Band, and the Sarasota Concert Band. Knapp plans to study Music Education in college with the goal of becoming a high school band director.

The Miami Marlins provide a generous contribution to the program. The purpose of the program is to encourage and reward our school age applicants and send a message that an education is the key to success in life. All winners will be the guests of the Marlins at Marlins Park on Sunday, August 12, 2018 and will be recognized in an on-field pregame ceremony. Knapp will also throw out a first pitch at an upcoming Marauders home game.

For more information about the Bradenton Marauders, call 941-747-3031, visit www.bradentonmarauders.com, or email MaraudersInfo@pirates.com.

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

Marauders Partner with Jake Taraska Foundation

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Bradenton, Fla. – The Bradenton Marauders will raise funds and awareness for the battle against cancer on Friday, May 12. The team has partnered with the Jake Taraska Foundation, a Sarasota-based charity helping those afflicted with pediatric cancer. JTF founder Jake Taraska is a pediatric cancer survivor. The Marauders host the Palm Beach Cardinals at 6:30 p.m. Gates open at 4:30 p.m.

The Jake Taraska Foundation is a 501(c)3 non profit organization that is committed to provide hope and smiles to all families who are affected with pediatric cancer. The goal of the foundation is to encourage and uplift the children and the family who are going through pediatric cancer. Every dollar that is donated to the Jake Taraska Foundation goes directly to helping kids and their families. Jake Taraska uses his passion for sports to help children take their minds off of their daily struggles with pediatric cancer. JTF has teamed up with the Bradenton Marauders to raise money and awareness to strike out pediatric cancer.

“Baseball is a game near and dear to my heart,” Taraska said. “I’m excited to partner with the Marauders to continue my life’s mission of helping pediatric cancer patients and their families.”

The Marauders will wear white jerseys with purple sleeves symbolic of the fight against pediatric cancer. The letters and numbers on the jerseys will feature the multi-colored ribbons associated with other various forms of cancer. The jerseys will be available for silent auction to raise money for JTF. Winning bidders will be invited onto the field post-game to receive the jersey and have it autographed by the player or coach that wore it.

“Cancer has affected everyone at some time or another,” Marauders General Manager Rachelle Madrigal said. “We all know someone that has had their life altered or tragically cut short because of cancer. We are proud to be partnering with a local charity that has done such tremendous work for children and their families in the fight against pediatric cancer.”

The LECOM Park box office hours are Tuesday-Friday non-gamedays from 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. On gamedays the box office will be open on weekdays from 11:00 a.m. until the end of the game and on Saturdays from 3:30 until the end of the game. The box office will open two hours prior to Sunday games and 10:30 a.m. games.

For more information about the Bradenton Marauders, please call 941-747-3031, visit www.BradentonMarauders.com, or email MaraudersInfo@pirates.com.

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

Sixth Annual Baseball Basics for Women Clinic Announced

Clinic to be held March 23

Bradenton-MaraudersThe Pittsburgh Pirates and Bradenton Marauders are accepting registrants for the sixth annual Baseball Basics for Women clinic presented in partnership with Manatee Memorial Hospital. The clinic is intended for young adult and adult women interested in learning or refining their baseball fundamentals. It will be held Monday, March 23 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at McKechnie Field.

The registration fee is $45. Pirates Major League and minor league players and coaches will instruct participants in hitting, catching, running the bases, and fielding. Each of the women will also receive a free t-shirt, a goodie bag filled with great prizes , like a free massage at Elements Massage, and a ticket to the Saturday, March 28 Spring Training game against the Blue Jays. Gecko’s Grill & Pub will provide dinner after the clinic. The Kona Bar built by NDC Construction will be open for family members and guests during the clinic and for participants during dinner. All participants will be entered in a raffle for a ceremonial first pitch opportunity for the March 28 game.

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Manatee Memorial Foundation. The Manatee Memorial Foundation is a non-profit organization that supports the health-related needs of the Manatee County community. Community healthcare needs and scholarships for medical education are the benefactors of the Foundation.

Registration for Baseball Basics for Women must be completed by Monday, March 2 in order to be guaranteed a t-shirt. The Baseball Basics for Women registration form can be accessed online at www.bradentonmarauders.com. For more information or to register, call Carly Paganelli at 941-747-3031 (ext. 4362) or email Carley.Paganelli@pirates.com.

Participants can receive a $5 registration discount by joining the new Lady Marauders Club. For $50, Lady Marauders receive admission to every Saturday night Bradenton Marauders home game, happy hour specials from 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. at Saturday games, a club T-shirt, and invitations to special pre-game events before select Saturday games. For more information on the Lady Marauders Club, call Anne Putnam at 941-747-3031 (ext. 4350) or email Anne.Putnam@Pirates.com.

For more information about the Manatee Memorial Foundation, visit www.manateememorial.com/community-information/mm-foundation-inc.

 

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

James Dietrich Award Scholarship by FSL and Marlins

Dietrich receives $1,500 for his studies at St. Petersburg College

Bradenton-MaraudersThe Florida State League Scholarship Committee has awarded twelve (12) $1,500 educational scholarships to applicants from each team in the League. The Bradenton Marauders are proud to announce that James Dietrich has been selected as a scholarship recipient.

The scholarship winners will be guests of the Miami Marlins in pre-game ceremonies on Sunday, August 3 at 1:10 PM.

The Committee awarded the scholarships after a review of applications submitted by each candidate. The award is based both on financial need and grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Students eligible for this award must be an employee of, or the child or grandchild of an employee of the participating club and must be at least a high school junior by the 2014 Fall Term.

The scholarship will aid Dietrich during his senior year at St. Petersburg College, where he is majoring in Mass Communications. After completing his associate degree this fall, Dietrich plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in journalism at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg. His goal is to work in international journalism. Dietrich has been employed with the Marauders since 2012, working as a seller in the ticket office and as a front desk receptionist at Pirate City.

The Miami Marlins have sponsored this program for 15 years and have contributed a total of $148,500. Florida State League President Chuck Murphy stated, “This program is one of the great things we do in the League and I again congratulate the Directors and General Managers on their dedication and enthusiasm in administering this program.” The purpose of the program is to send a message that an education is key to success in life.

For more information about the Bradenton Marauders, call 941-747-3031, visit www.BradentonMarauders.com, or email MaraudersInfo@pirates.com.

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

Star Wars Night, July 19, to Benefit Center for Building Hope

Marauders Will Wear Boba Fett Jerseys and Auction Them Off

Bradenton-MaraudersThe Bradenton Marauders will hold Star Wars Night on Saturday, July 19 when the team hosts the Clearwater Threshers at McKechnie Field. First pitch is at 6:30 p.m. with gates opening at 5:30 p.m. Bradenton’s foray into a galaxy far, far away will help benefit the Center for Building Hope in the fight against Cancer.

The Marauders will dress in jerseys custom made to resemble the uniform of iconic bounty hunter Boba Fett. The jerseys will be auctioned off in a silent auction held during the game to benefit the Center for Building Hope. Auction winners will be invited onto the field after the game to receive their jersey and have it autographed by the player of coach wearing it.

Center-for-Building-HopeA survivor’s walk around the warning track will be held at 5:45 to recognize all cancer survivors in attendance. A charity balloon pop is also being held during the game to benefit the Center for Building Hope. Fans will be able to pay $10 or $20 to pop a balloon and receive the prize that corresponds to the chosen balloon.

Fans can get pictures with their favorite Star Wars characters at picturesque McKechnie Field. A full cast of costumed characters will be in attendance. The Marauders also encourage their fans to dress up as their favorite Star Wars characters. A costume contest will be held in the sixth inning to determine the best dressed.

The McKechnie Field ticket office is open on non-gamedays Tuesday-Friday from 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. On Monday-Friday gamedays the ticket office is open from noon until the conclusion of the game. The ticket office opens two hours before Saturday, Sunday, and morning games. Single game tickets can be purchased at the ticket office, online at www.BradentonMarauders.com, or by phone be calling 877-893-2827.

For more information about the Bradenton Marauders please call 941-747-3031, visit www.BradentonMarauders.com, or email MaraudersInfo@Pirates.com.

About Center for Building Hope

Center for Building Hope offers free information, programs and services to cancer patients, caregivers and family members, while connecting them with others who are undergoing a similar experience. www.centerforbuildinghope.org

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

Bradenton Boosters Make Annual Donation

Money Assists Pirates Charities in Manatee County Efforts

Bradenton, Fla. – The Bradenton Boosters today presented their annual donation to Pirates Charities. The club’s officers presented a check for $35,000 to Pirates Senior Director of Florida Operations Trevor Gooby before the Spring Training game against the Philadelphia Phillies at McKechnie Field.

The Bradenton Boosters have volunteered at Pirates Spring Training since 1969. Members of the Boosters work as ushers, program sellers, parking lot attendants, and several other roles at McKechnie Field and Pirate City. The Boosters annual donation has helped to grow several Pirates Charities programs in Manatee County, such as the Fields for Kids program and the Miracle League of Manasota.

Pirates Charities is the official philanthropic arm of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Since its creation in 2006, Pirates Charities has made focused financial contributions to causes benefitting youth health, fitness, and education. For more information about Pirates Charities visit www.Pirates.com/community.

For more information about the Pirates Spring Training, call 941-747-3031 or visit www.Pirates.com. To purchase tickets to the game call 877-893-2827 or visit the McKechnie Field Ticket Office on weekdays between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., or Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

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

PIRATES PLEDGE $1.2 MILLION DONATION TO BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF MANATEE COUNTY

Multi-year donation will bolster Boys & Girls Clubs programs throughout Manatee County

Bradenton, Fla. – The Pittsburgh Pirates today announced a $1.2 million donation to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County. The gift will be distributed over 12 years and will be used to help fulfill the critical mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs, which serves more than 6,000 children at seven locations county-wide.

“Today marks a new chapter for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County’s long-standing partnership with the Pittsburgh Pirates and the City of Bradenton. Our slogan ‘Great Futures Start Here’ is being represented today,” said Marc Dosogne, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County.

“The Pittsburgh Pirates and Bradenton Marauders are proud of our long-standing relationship with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County, an organization that shares our commitment to the young people in our communities,” said Bob Nutting, Pirates Chairman of the Board. “We are excited to extend our partnership by making this multi-year pledge to support the Boys & Girls Clubs’ ability to enhance its services and continue to provide a safe and positive environment for youths and families throughout Manatee County.”

The Pirates’ donation comes at a critical time as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County has decided to serve children in club facilities closer to where the children live and go to school. This reorganization reduces transportation time and costs and is more convenient for families, Dosogne said.

“Thanks to the Pirates commitment, we will be able to continue offering hope and opportunity with a guide to the door to a great future at our Desoto Club and our school-based clubs, such as our new Orange Ridge Elementary Club, serving members who had been attending the Bradenton Club,” he said. “This will give us the ability to serve more children in the community today, tomorrow and for years to come.”

“This major gift from the Pittsburgh Pirates is very special and will be very helpful in continuing our success in helping young people at our clubs succeed, especially those who need us the most,” said Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee Board Chairman Michael Moschella.

The Pirates and the Boys & Girls Clubs were neighbors for decades, until the reorganization led to the closing of the Boys & Girls Clubs’ facility on Ninth Street West. Located on city-owned property that borders the north side of McKechnie Field, the facility closed in September 2013 after programs were moved to the DeSoto Club and Orange Ridge-Bullock Elementary School.

The aged building is making way for the expansion of McKechnie Field and to advance redevelopment of the area as an arts and entertainment district. A parking area that was removed to expand the practice field behind the main field will be replaced at the former club site, allowing patrons quicker access to stadium entrances.

“Relocating the parking area north of McKechnie is part of the City of Bradenton’s strategy to develop an arts and entertainment district in the city,” said Mayor Wayne Poston. “This development will enhance the fan experience for Spring Training and the Bradenton Marauders seasons and will be an asset as we bring events in addition to baseball to McKechnie Field.”

McKechnie Field has been the site of Pirates Spring Training since 1969. The Pirates are preparing for the 46th year of Spring Training baseball in Bradenton.

For more information about the Boys and Girls Clubs of Manatee County, please call 941-761-2582, visit www.bgcmanatee.org, or email info@bgcmanatee.org.

For more information about Pirates Spring Training, please call 941-747-3031, visit www.BradentonMarauders.com, or email MaraudersInfo@pirates.com.

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