FSL announces Covid-19 relief efforts in all cities

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

 

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 [email protected]

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

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

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].

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

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

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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].

For more information about Pirates Spring Training, please call 941-747-3031, visit www.BradentonMarauders.com, or email [email protected].

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

2013 Marauders Honored for Community Commitment

Matt Benedict and Nick Kingham received commendations for their community service in 2013

Bradenton-MaraudersA pair of 2013 Marauders received “Pirates Community Commitment Awards” at PNC Park before the Pirates faced the Padres on Tuesday, September 17. Matt Benedict received an award as a Marauder, while Nick Kingham was honored as the Altoona Curve representative. Both right-handed pitchers completed an exemplary amount of community service and showed great dedication to their communities during the 2013 season.

Pirates-Community-Commitment-Program-logoAs part of the Pirates Community Commitment Program, each minor league player must complete 10 hours of community service in their affiliate’s community each season. Many players go above and beyond the 10 hour mark. The 2013 Bradenton Marauders completed more than 300 hours of community service through the program.

Near the conclusion of each affiliate’s regular season, the Pirates present one player from each affiliate with the “Pirates Community Commitment Award” in recognition of his commitment to his community and the program. The Pirates will fly each award winner to Pittsburgh to receive the award as part of a special on-field ceremony at PNC Park that will also include the presenting of the team’s annual Roberto Clemente Award to the Pirates Major League Player selected for his character and charitable contributions to his community.

Benedict, a St. Petersburg native, completed more than 30 hours of community service in 2013. He has pitched for the Marauders in each of the last two seasons. 2013 was his third season in professional baseball.

Kingham resides in Las Vegas Nevada. A 2013 Florida State League All Star, Kingham was promoted to Altoona in June for the remainder of his fourth professional season.

For more information about the Pirates Community Commitment Program, please visit http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/pit/community/commit_prog.jsp.

This article originally appeared on the Marauders’ website.

Representatives from each affiliate were recognized at PNC Park last week for their community service.
Representatives from each affiliate were recognized at PNC Park last week for their community service.

Get Your Pink On!

Friday, August 9 Game to Include a Cancer Survivor Walk, Pink Jersey Auction, Pink Bra Contest, Happy Hour Specials, and a Balloon Pop With Great Prizes

Bradenton, Fla. – The Bradenton Marauders will host the fourth annual Get Your Pink On! breast cancer awareness night at McKechnie Field on Friday, August 9. Get Your Pink On! is presented by Florida Cancer Specialists and Research Institute with media partner ABC 7. The Marauders face the St. Lucie Mets at 6:30 p.m., with gates opening at 5:30 p.m.

The entire night will be dedicated to raising money and awareness for the fight against breast cancer. Before the game, cancer survivors will have the opportunity to be recognized on field. A Survivors Walk around the warning track will be held at 6:00 p.m.

The Marauders will wear pink jerseys which will be available for auction during the game. Winning bidders will be invited to receive the jersey directly from the player wearing it after the game. Players will autograph the jersey and pose for pictures with winning bidders. In addition to the jerseys, autographed pink bats will also be up for bid.

Fans can participate in a “pay to pop” balloon pop with great prizes available, with all prizes valued at a minimum of $10 each. Fans are encouraged to come dressed in pink and to bring their uniquely decorated pink bra to the ballpark. Prizes for the best-decorated pink bra will be awarded via fan vote during the game. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society. Other opportunities to help the Marauders raise funds for the American Cancer Society will be available throughout the game.

Every Friday home game is a Happy Hour Friday presented by Pier 22 Restaurant. From 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m., 500 free hot dogs will be given away at the outfield concessions stand and $1 sodas and $1 domestic draft beers will be sold at the Kona Bar Built by NDC Construction and the Yuengling Plaza Bar thanks to Kayem and Cheney Brothers.

The McKechnie Field ticket office is open on non-game days from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Monday-Friday and closed on weekend non-game days. On Monday-Saturday game days, the ticket office opens at 1:00 p.m. and closes at the conclusion of the game. On Sunday game days and special games with 10 a.m. start times, the ticket office opens two hours prior to the game.

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

Pirates Charities Presents Gift to Boys and Girls Clubs

$62,000 raised during Spring Training presented at Marauders opener

Bradenton-MaraudersPirates Charities, the official Philanthropic arm of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Bradenton Marauders, partnered with Bright House Networks to present a $62,000 donation to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Manatee County. Pirates Senior Director of Florida Operations, Trevor Gooby and Bright House Networks Florida Marketing Manager of Sponsorships, Events and Promotions, Amy Sumerlin presented the donation at the Bradenton Marauders home opener Friday night.

Money for the donation was raised during several Pirates Spring Training fundraising efforts. More than $15,000 was raised from ticket sales during Bright House Networks Night at McKechnie Field on March 8th. That game was attended by 6,353 fans, the most ever for a night game at McKechnie Field.

Boys-&-Girls-Club-&-Bright-HouseThe Boys and Girls Clubs of Manatee County have been supporting youths ages 5 through 17 that need it most for more than 67 years. The Boys and Girls Clubs have seven locations helping more than 6,000 children develop good character and citizenship and make progress towards graduating high school.

Pirates Charities was founded in 2006. It has contributed more than $3.1 million to the greater Pittsburgh, Bradenton and Manatee County, and Estorga, Dominican Republic communities.

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