San Jose Giants to Host Salute to the Military Day

Operation: Care and Comfort and BAE Systems partner with San Jose Giants to Honor the Troops

SAN JOSE, CA- On Sunday, April 14, the San Jose Giants will bring patriotism to Municipal Stadium for the second annual Salute to the Military Day, presented by Operation: Care and Comfort along with BAE Systems. All fans showing a military ID at the Municipal Stadium Box Office will receive FREE admission to that day’s 1:00 PM game against the Visalia Rawhide.

“We are very excited to again be hosting Salute to the Military Day with Operation: Care and Comfort and BAE Systems,” said Juliana Paoli, San Jose Giants Chief Marketing Officer.  “The military holds a special place in the heart of our community and we are honored to dedicate this game to the men and women that serve our country.”

The entire afternoon will honor the brave men and women defending our country as the team will wear special military themed jerseys. These jerseys will be part of an in-game silent auction directly benefitting Operation: Care and Comfort. Each of the highest bidders will be able to go on the field following the game and receive their new autographed jersey right off the respective San Jose Giant’s back.  The pregame festivities will include a first pitch ceremony, color guard presentation and other presentations.

“Operation: Care and Comfort is so proud to renew our partnership with the San Jose Giants and BAE Systems to honor our troops, veterans and their families,” said Julie DeMaria, Operation: Care and Comfort President and Co-Founder.  “We received a tremendous response during last year’s inaugural event and hope to have troops, veterans and their families from across Northern California excited about coming out to this game.”

Prior to Sunday’s game, fans will have the opportunity to get directly involved in helping the military. Since 2003, Operation: Care and Comfort has been sending monthly care packages containing items such as toiletries, food, batteries, and DVD’s to adopted military units until they return home. At the 7:00 PM game on Friday, April 12 and 5:00 PM contest on Saturday, April 13, all fans who bring an item to include in a care package will receive two free future game tickets.  Volunteers interested in assembling the packages should come to Municipal Stadium on Sunday, April 14 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

“We are thrilled to join with Operation: Care and Comfort and the San Jose Giants for the second annual Salute to the Military Day,” said Gary Layton, BAE Systems Site Executive. “BAE Systems’ employees in San Jose, Santa Clara, Milpitas and surrounding areas work hard supporting the warfighter by providing our best products to be used in the field protecting our troops. Supporting an event like this gives us an opportunity to show our gratitude for the sacrifices our troops and their families have made.”

Tickets are still available for Salute to the Military Day. For tickets, visit the Municipal Stadium Box Office, call (408) 297-1435 or visit sjgiants.com.

View our entire Promotional Schedule online at sjgiants.com.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the San Jose Giants. Click here to view the original story.

School Supply Drive Throughout July

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Throughout the month of July, the High Desert Mavericks are collecting school supplies for local students through Desert Communities United Way. Donations will be collected during all home games in July at the Customer Service Corral or the Box Office. For each school supply item donated, fans will receive one free Lower Box ticket. For more information, contact the Front Office at (760) 246-6287.

Desert Communities United Way (DCUW) is a local non-profit organization which participates and cooperates with other agencies to coordinate health and human services to best meet the needs of our communities in the Victor Valley. Their offices are located at 16192 Siskiyou Rd. #4 in Apple Valley.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the High Desert Mavericks. Click here to view the original story.

66ers Launch Hit The Books Reading Campaign

Sixers Alongside Rotolo Chevrolet Give Local School Students the Chance to Earn Money for Their Classroom Through No-Cost Reading Program

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San Bernardino, CA– The Inland Empire 66ers are on a mission to visit area elementary schools in the upcoming months to promote the importance of reading, through their Hit the Books Reading Program presented by Rotolo Chevrolet. The organization’s community relations team, alongside lovable mascot Bernie, will hold assemblies at participating schools which will culminate in each student receiving a baseball themed bookmark. When the student reaches the reading requirement, they will earn two free tickets to a selected 66ers game.

66ers Community Groups Manager, Kelsey Beckenbach stated, “We realize the importance of touching these students lives in a positive aspect. It’s a very special treat for Bernie and 66ers staff members to come to their school just for them. Kids hold on to those memories for a long time and we hope that it’ll further their interest in reading beyond finishing the bookmark.”

Mike Caposio, General Manager of Rotolo Chevrolet noted of their sponsorship, “We here at Rotolo Chevrolet always strive to be involved in the community and what better way to be involved than by helping to promote the importance of reading.”

The selected 66ers games in which the students will be invited are the first four Sundays of the 2013 season (April 7, April 21, May 12 and May 19). Three monetary donations will be made to the schools with the highest representation throughout the four days. The school with the most students and teachers attending these games will receive a donation of $1,500. The two schools in second and third will receive a donation of $1,000 each. For more information on the Inland Empire 66ers 2013 education initiatives, contact Kelsey Beckenbach at 909-495-7658.

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

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Inland Empire 66ers. Click here to view the original story.

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

San Manuel Stadium Will Be Site of Open Baseball Clinic

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SJ Giants Assist With Hurricane Sandy Relief Effort

Fans can donate to the Red Cross or New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation

SAN JOSE, CA- Devastating Hurricane Sandy that hit the east coast last week has left thousands of people in need of basic services and supplies. As we process the images of the destruction from this event, we are reminded of the thousands of people that need our help. People who are willing and capable of donating to the relief efforts can do so via the “Hurricane Sandy” donation page.

Two Minor League Baseball organizations, the Brooklyn Cyclones and Staten Island Yankees also suffered significant damage during the storm as well. The New York-Penn League is asking for help to support the Brooklyn and Staten Island clubs, their staff and their communities. Members of the community can contribute to the New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation (a 501©(3) organization), which will help provide funds for items such as food, cleaning supplies and, one of the area’s greatest needs, gasoline. Please send donations to:

New York-Penn League
Attn: Hurricane Sandy Relief
6161 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Street North
Suite 205, St. Petersburg, FL 33703
Make checks payable to the New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation.

The San Jose Giants have made a donation to the relief efforts and are asking those who are in a position to help to do the same. Please join the team in sending hope and strength to these clubs and the entire region.

 

This article originally appeared on the official website of the San Jose Giants. Click here to view the original story.

The 66ers Welcome the Arrowhead United Way on May 21st

The Inland Empire 66ers welcome the Arrowhead United Way to the game on Monday, May 21st @ 7pm. This baseball game night event is to celebrate all high school students who attended the Teens Make a Difference Annual Awards ceremony held at the Inland Center Mall on May 10th, 2012. This ceremony recognizes local high school students for their outstanding volunteer service throughout the community.

Please join us for a night of family friendly fun, and celebrate the POWER OF YOUTH! Tickets start at $6 and can be purchased at the box office on the night of the event.

Arrowhead United Way is a volunteer driven organization that actively supports health and human services by focusing on education, income, and health. These services address the underlying causes of the community’s issues and create lasting change. The organization was established in 1891 and is led by prominent respected community leaders; it is one of the oldest United Ways in the country. Arrowhead United Way encourages individuals to become more involved in the community by giving, advocating, and volunteering.

Arrowhead United Way is working to advance the common good by creating opportunities for a better life for all. By focusing on education, income, and health, we strive to bring about lasting changes that address community problems. We all win when people emerge from crisis, achieve their potential and live independent lives.

Please join us for a night of family friendly fun, and celebrate in the POWER OF YOUTH!

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FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (Media) Please contact:
Sheika Hurd, AmeriCorps Volunteer Coordinator
Sheikah@ahuw.org
(909) 884-9441 ext. 227
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Inland Empire 66ers. Click here to view the original story.

Wild About Reading Concludes For 2012

A record 97,000 students are striving to read 970,000 books

FRESNO, Calif. – The Fresno Grizzlies have announced that its extensive, award-winning Wild About Reading program enrolled over 97,000 students across the Central Valley in 2012, setting a new record for total enrolled students. The seven-year-old program experienced an increase of over 26,000 students from last year’s previous record of 71,000 students.

“It is amazing to see the amount of interested schools and students for Wild About Reading this year,” said Grizzlies’ Community Relations Manager Ryan Moran. “To watch the program grow to extraordinary levels over the last couple of years, we are proud of the Central Valley students that are striving to reach their reading goal and cannot wait to see them at a Grizzlies game.”

The reading program encourages students to read 10 books in five weeks. If a student reaches the goal, he or she receives two free tickets to a 2012 Grizzlies home game. Students can redeem their tickets for the specific game date designated to their school. This year’s Wild About Reading game dates are April 15, April 20, April 29, May 11, June 3 and June 10.

In addition to the goal of reading 10 books, Wild About Reading features an interactive assembly held at schools from as far north as Merced to a southern-most reach of Lemoore. In 2012, Grizzlies mascot Parker, Eddie the Owl from EECU and the Grizzlies front office staff performed the assembly at 165 schools. The program runs for three months from January to March.

Wild About Reading is presented by PG&E, National Parks Conservation Association, Educational Employees Credit Union (EECU), Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino, and Ruiz Foods.

The Fresno Grizzlies kick off their 15th season in Fresno on Friday, April 13th when they take on the Tacoma Rainiers, Triple-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. Fans are encouraged to Orange Out Opening Day for the 7:05 pm game. Tickets are available through the Chukchansi Park Box Office, online at www.FresnoGrizzlies.com or by calling 559.320.TIXS.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Fresno Grizzlies. Click here to view the original story.

Grizzlies To Host Inaugural Golf Tournament

Proceeds from the event to benefit Fresno Community Food Bank

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FRESNO, Calif. – The Fresno Grizzlies will host their inaugural golf outing on Wednesday, June 6th and is scheduled to be played at Copper River Country Club. The event, presented by Crown Jewels Produce and the Fresno Grizzlies Community Fund (GCF), will benefit the Fresno Community Food Bank and the GCF. Grizzlies fans will enjoy a round of golf with friends, co-workers, and business associates while supporting two local non-profit organizations. The field is limited to 144 golfers or 36 teams of four members.

Participants in the outing will also have the opportunity to golf alongside Fresno Grizzlies players and coaches at the event. There are a limited number of players and coaches participating, however, so it is recommended golfers register for the event early, as groups will be formed on a first come, first serve basis.

In addition to the 18 holes of golf, registration also includes lunch before the tournament, a bucket of range balls, free beverages provided at holes 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15, a post-tournament mixer with drinks and hors d’oeuvres, team photo, and sponsored giveaway items.

Several sponsorship packages are available for the golf outing:

    • Individual Player Registration ($250)

Includes: Single Player Green Fees & Cart, Two mid-week ticket vouchers to a Grizzlies game

    • Grizzlies Team Pack ($800)

Includes: One team of four golfers, Four ticket vouchers to a Grizzlies game per player

    • Grizzlies Gold Pack ($2,500)

Includes: Two teams of four golfers, Hole Sponsor, Two ticket voucher packs (10 tickets per pack) per player

    • Grizzlies Platinum Pack ($3,000)

Includes: Three teams of four golfers, Hole Sponsor, $250 in Pro Shop Credit, One Luxury Suite Night for a mid-week Grizzlies game

    • Grizzlies Diamond Pack ($3,500)

Includes: One team of three golfers, teamed with a Grizzlies player or coach, Hole Sponsor, $350 in Pro Shop Credit, One Owner’s Suite Night for a mid-week Grizzlies game

Additional sponsorship opportunities are available, such as tee box sponsor, green sponsor, longest drive, closest to the pin, and much more. To register or seek more information, please contact Director of Corporate Sales Jerry James or Account Executive Chris Curry of the Fresno Grizzlies front office or by calling 559.320.HITS.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Fresno Grizzlies. Click here to view the original story.

Ports Hit Cancer out of the Park on Pink Night

Stockton-PortsThe Stockton Ports held their fifth annual breast cancer awareness night on August 26 at Banner Island Ballpark. All proceeds from the night benefited St. Joseph’s Medical Center, Breast Health Services. On this night, the Ports raised close to $5,000, bringing the total monies raised in five seasons to just over $25,000.

In 2010, Pink Night hit close to home with the Stockton Ports family when Becki Scarsone, wife of then manager Steve Scarsone, was battling through the disease. Today Becki is doing great and is cancer free.

Prior to the game against the Inland Empire 66’ers, the Ports hosted the second annual “Bombs 4 Bombs Home-Run-a-thon” presented by Turner Construction. The Ports recruited 24 participants who were eager to hit home runs to help fight breast cancer. Each softball that crossed the pink line in the outfield was counted as a home run. Fans were encouraged to make pledges to support the event. This year 73 home runs were hit, compared to the 48 hit in 2010. With the home run event alone, close to $500 was raised.

Stockton-Pink-ribbonThe roster for the event included Ports manager Webster Garrison, hitting coach Brian McArn, pitching coach Craig Lefferts, athletic trainer Nate Brooks, strength coach Chris Borgard, clubhouse manager Vic Zapien, Thunder Hockey front office staff, Ports front office staff, Port City Pirates Basketball head coach Wallace Bryant, Mega 100 representative Christie James, Sacramento Kings announcer Scott Moak, Eddie Maria from the Stockton Fire Auxiliary, California Cougars Soccer player Chris Handsor, DJ Walker from KAT Country, Norma DePauli from St. Joseph’s Medical Center, former San Francisco Giant Patrick Dobson, and the coaching staff from Inland Empire.

“Pink Night was such a success in 2010, so I had a lot of work ahead of me for the event this season!” said Community Relations Manager Margaret Sacchet. “Over all, the event went really well. We had a lot of great vendors out at the ballpark and a lot of people willing to donate to a great cause. The home run contest was a lot of fun and St. Joseph’s was happy at the end of the night, and that is what really counts.”

St-Josephs-Medical-Center-StocktonNot only did $1 from every ticket sold that night go to St. Josephs, but the Ports had a number of events going on through out the ballpark to help raise as much money as possible. Fans had the opportunity to bid on the specialty pink pinstriped jerseys being worn by the players, there was a 50/50 raffle, a player memorabilia raffle, specialty pink T-shirt sales, pink baseball sales for the Pink Wall, and KAT Country even raffled off tickets to an upcoming Taylor Swift concert. The popular ‘How Ya Bean’ kiosk also contributed by donating $1 for every pink Volcano drink sold that evening.

Before the game between the Ports and the 66’ers even began, nine courageous breast cancer survivors took the field with our players for the national anthem as Pink Ports. Each woman got to stand with a favorite player through the duration of the opening ceremony.

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A group of courageous cancer survivors joined the Ports player on the field as Pink Ports during the national anthem.

 

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From left to right, Ports hitting coach Brian McArn, athletic trainer Nate Brooks, pitching coach Craig Lefferts, manager Webster Garrison, and strength coach Chris Borgard all participated in the pre-game “Bombs 4 Bombs Home-Run-a-thon” presented by Turner Construction.

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Community Relations Manager Margaret Sacchet lost a bet with on-field MC Hot Rod & was pied in the face for charity in front of the Pink Night crowd.

 

 

PET ADOPTION NIGHT

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Join us on Wednesday, August 17th for Pet Adoption Night as the Mavericks take on Inland Empire at 7:05 pm.

We will have four local animal rescues and shelters at the stadium: Pets Forever Found, California Bully Crew, Apple Valley Animal Shelter, and German Shepherd Rescue of High Desert. These groups will have dogs and cats at the stadium available for adoption, which you can take home after the game. Visit their tables on the concourse during the game to find out how you can adopt a pet or volunteer.

Unfortunately, fans will not be allowed to bring their pets inside the stadium for the game.

It’s also Kids Eat Free for kids 12 and under. Kids will receive a free hot dog and soda from the concession stand. Come out to the ball park for this one of a kind night! Buy your tickets today at the box office, online or call us at (760)246-6287.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the High Desert Mavericks. Click here to view the original story.

Cancer Awareness Night presented by Supercuts

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Join us on Saturday, August 13th for our Cancer Awareness Fireworks Night presented by Supercuts. Watch the High Desert Mavericks take on the Stockton Ports at 7:05 pm with a spectacular fireworks show following the game!

Throughout the night, Supercuts hair stylists will be giving away free haircuts and donating hair to Locks of Love.

We’ll also welcome a host of organizations which are helping lead the fight against cancer, including the Mary Kay Foundation, Ed Randall’s Bat for the Cure, and Susan G. Komen Inland Empire Affiliate. Visit these tables to find out how you can be involved and support cancer awareness.

Stay after the game for the High Desert’s best fireworks show! Buy your tickets today online, at the box office or call us at (760)246-6287.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the High Desert Mavericks. Click here to view the original story.

Annual Community Events Raise Money for Ports Anchor Fund

Two very popular events for the Stockton Ports were recently held at Banner Island Ballpark. Root Beer Float Day was held on Sunday, July 10.  Not only did fans get to cool down with “bottomless” root beer floats on a hot day, but the proceeds from the event went towards the Ports Anchor Fund, which in turn helps local youth centers and youth sports.

The event was sponsored by Metro PCS and all of the root beer and ice cream was generously donated by Sunnyside Farms and Super Store Industries. Metro PCS also donated all of the mugs used for the event.

Root Beer Float Day also gives fans the opportunity to interact with their favorite Ports players. Ports pitchers Scott Deal, Mike Hart, Josh Lansford, and Rob Gilliam helped out with the event by scooping ice cream and pouring root beer for eager fans. Alongside the players, the Ports had help form radio DJ Lucas from KWIN, Dinger from the Sacramento River Cats, several Sunnyside Farms employees, and of course Splash got in on the fun as well.

The Ports were also host to two sessions of a youth baseball camp. Youth camp serves a number of purposes. First, all proceeds from the camp go to the Ports Anchor Fund. Camp also gives kids, boys and girls alike, ages 5-13 the chance to learn from the pros. Campers are able to get up close and personal with the Ports players and coaches. Youth camp is all about a fun experience for the kids, but it is also organized each year to teach young kids the fundamentals of baseball. Kids look up to the Ports players, so they always enjoy learning a few new skills from them.

Session one of baseball camp was held on June 17 & 18 and session two on July 16 & 17, both from 9 AM to 2 PM. Campers started the day with a warm-up with Ports Strength and Conditioning coach Chris Borgard. After the warm-up, the kids were broken up in to six different groups, according to age. Each station was staffed with a Ports player and the kids were taught a different skill at each one. Ports Manager Webster Garrison & Pitching Coach Craig Lefferts roamed through out each station to ensure the camp ran smoothly.

Campers learned all about outfield throwing, base running, hitting, in field throwing, and pitching. The campers also got a special treat with a visit to the clubhouse. A favorite of camp was the end-of-the-day game that they played with the Ports players. The group was divided into four different teams. Two teams in left field, two in right. Each camper had a chance at bat as well as in the outfield.

Joining Webster Garrison, Craig Lefferts and Chris Borgard was Ports Hitting Coach Brian McArn. Position players Connor Crumbliss, Leonardo Gil, Ryan Lipkin, Anthony Aliotti, Michael Choice, Rashun Dixon, and pitchers Jose Guzman, AJ Huttenlocker, Connor Hoehn, Scott Deal, and Murphy Smith all helped out.

Not only did the campers receive detailed instruction and advice from the players, they were also given a camp T-shirt, were entered in a raffle to win prizes, were given a free Ports ticket, took part in our Jr. Ports program, and were provided lunch each day of camp by Subway and Pizza Guys.

If you would like any information on any of these events, or would like to donate to the Anchor Fund, please contact Community Relations Manager Margaret Sacchet at (209) 644-1900 or msacchet@stocktonports.com.

Ports pitchers Scott Deal & Mike Hart scoop ice cream and pour root beer for fans.
Ports coaches, along with former Oakland A Rickey Henderson, and University of the Pacific baseball coaches all participating in the Home-Run-a-thon.

Ports host two successful Education Days

Education Days are two of the biggest days of the season for the Stockton Ports, Single-A Advanced affiliate of the Oakland Athletics, but this year they were bigger and better than ever. This year, the Ports Education Days were held on May 11 & May 23, both 11:05 AM day games. A total of more than 50 different schools attended the Education Days. Each child and teacher received a $6 package that included a ticket to the game, a hot dog, chips and a drink. Not only do schools use these days as an end-of-the-year field trip, but the students have a chance to interact with the players, as well as learn new things about baseball.

Before the games on May 11 & May 23, four students were chosen to ask Ports pitchers Josh Lansford, Gary Daley, Jr., AJ Huttenlocker, Chris Mederos and Scott Deal educational questions down on the field in front of the crowd. Afterwards the students were able to get autographs from the players.

During each game, students were randomly chosen to be a guest PA announcer, Radio announcer, to throw out the ceremonial first pitch, as well as start the game as our Play Ball Kid and to lead the crowd in “Take me out to the Ballgame”. Stockton’s very own 6-year-old super star Kayla Talania from Creekside Elementary blew the crowd away with her version of the national anthem on May 11. Sisters Micah & Grace Ann sang for the crowd on May 23.

Clifford the Big Red Dog from Barnes and Noble was at both games, as were many local businesses promoting their education programs including Sylvan Learning Center and University of the Pacific.

“This is my first year with the Ports, so it was my first year coordinating the Education Days,” said Account Executive Peter Lopez. “With two sold out crowds, I couldn’t be happier with how things turned out. You could tell that all the kids were having a great time and were really enjoying their time at the ballpark.”

For more information on the Ports Education Days, contact (209) 644-1900.

Ports pitchers Chris Mederos, Scott Deal, Josh Lansford & AJ Huttenlocker take a picture with students from Carroll Fowler Elementary School after the pre-game educational Q&A on the field at Banner Island Ballpark.
A 6-year-old Kayla Talania belts out the national anthem during Education Day.

Ports Hit Home Run with Challenger Little League Game

The Stockton Ports and District 8 Little League hit a home run yesterday, May 12, after hosting the first Challenger Little League game at Banner Island Ballpark. Participants from the Special Children’s Sports League took to the diamond Thursday with the Stockton Ports players for what some might say the highlight of their little league careers.

“You could just tell how much fun the kids were having,” said Community Relations Manager Margaret Sacchet. “This was the first time that we have held an event like this, and it was a huge success. I think our Ports players had just as much fun as the kids did! We are already looking forward to having another game next season!”

It was the orange Tigers versus the maroon Bulldogs, but it was all friendly competition. With on-field MC ‘Hot Rod’ on the mic introducing each batter, every child had a chance at bat with help from their buddies as well as the Ports players. Pitchers Scott Deal, AJ Huttenlocker, Dan Straily, Murphy Smith, as well as position players Rashun Dixon, Michael Choice, Max Stassi, Mitch LeVier, and Myrio Richard, took part in the event and couldn’t have been happier to be involved. When AJ Huttenlocker was told that a hug from him had made a little girl’s day, he in turn said, “No, she made mine.”

At the end of the game, everyone gathered together for a big group photo and autographs from the Ports players. This gave all the parents and families the opportunity to snap a few photos of their children with the Ports and mascot Splash.

A special ‘thank you’ to Dee Dee Martinez, District 8 Little League Administrator, for helping put the event together.

Ports pitcher AJ Huttenlocker hangs out with one of his biggest fans.
Group shot with Ports mascot Splash.

Stockton Ports contribute to local Little League renovation

The Stockton Ports teamed up with the California District 8 Little League to help enrich the lives of Stockton youth through the gift of baseball. The Ports and District 8 Little League announced that Eastern Little League had been selected as the recipient of a grant that helped with field renovation.

“The 12 Little Leagues within California District 8 are extremely fortunate to have the ongoing support of the Stockton Ports,” said Dee Dee Martinez, a CA District 8 Little League Administrator. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with the Stockton Ports as we work together to provide a program of service to the youth of our community through our baseball and softball programs.”

The grant, worth $1,146, went to the renovation of the East Side Community Park in Stockton where the Eastern Little League plays. The Ports have worked with California District 8 Little Leagues in the past, with the League being active participants in the Ports Little League days. The grant, which was from the Player Fine Money distributed by the California League, marks the first time the Ports have partnered with the League to renovate a field. In addition to the Ports grant, We Paint donated all painting supplies and a free power washing to the renovation efforts.

“We are proud of the relationship we have established with our area little leagues and are looking forward to being able to give back to the league by improving their field for the upcoming season.” said Tim Pasisz, the Ports Director of Business Development and coordinator of the team’s youth baseball programs.

The Ports front office staff donated their time to help with the renovation on March 5. The Ports spent the morning tearing down the worn and broken fence surrounding the little league field.

“Believe it or not, tearing down this fence was a lot of work,” said Community Relations Manager Margaret Sacchet. “We are just happy that we have the opportunity to help out with projects like this. This is where it all starts for these kids. We want them to have a nice, safe field to play on. We may see them play at Banner Island Ballpark one day!”