Fireflies Launch “We Are Fireflies” Jersey Campaign

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Columbia, S.C. – The Columbia Fireflies today announced the launch of the “We Are Fireflies” jersey campaign. Fans, season ticket and suite members, partners and Fireflies supporters across the Midlands and the country can have their names on a jersey that the Fireflies will wear on the first Saturday home game of the 2021 season.

”This is a great way for the community to join forces with the Fireflies as we launch this innovative initiative,” said Fireflies team president John Katz. “It represents an opportunity to support the team, support a fantastic non-profit in Homeless No More, and to represent you, your family or loved ones by adding a name or several names to the jersey. It’s a great win-win proposition.”

The jerseys are white with a block text “Fireflies” logo on the front and jersey numbers on the back with no name plate. The sleeves are colored blue with a yellow stripe and include the Fireflies bug logo on the right shoulder. The entire body of the jersey will be filled with the names of those who purchase the opportunity through the campaign.

Fans can purchase packages to add their name to the jersey starting at just $30. The $30 package gets one name on the jersey, a Palmetto Citizens FCU All-Star seat ticket for the game and a $5 donation to Homeless No More. There is a total of eight different packages, ranging from $30-$2,500, with varying tickets and hospitality, exclusive experiences and increased donations based on package selection.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Columbia Fireflies and are thankful for all they do in the community,” said Elizabeth Blake Dudek, Director of Development for Homeless No More. “We are honored to have them on our team as we end family homelessness!”

The jerseys worn during the game will be auctioned off during the game, with proceeds benefitting Homeless No More. The auction will be held both online and in-park. Players will autograph the jersey after the game and present it to the winning bidder on the field at Segra Park immediately after the game and prior to the fireworks; online winners will have their jersey shipped to them.

More information on the “We Are Fireflies” jersey campaign, and the various package options, can be found by clicking here. Packages can be purchased online here.

The Idaho Falls Chukars have donated 1,100 pounds of food and nearly $2,000 to the Community Food Basket.

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IDAHO FALLS — The future of Chukars baseball is still up in the air, but one thing is certain — giving back to the community is one of their top priorities.

The Idaho Falls Chukars have donated 1,100 pounds of food and nearly $2,000 to the Community Food Basket over the past few weeks through a raffle and food drive.

“We have put a lot of effort into supporting the community that chooses to support us every summer,” Kevin Greene, team president and general manager, said in a news release. “We will continue to find ways to support those around us during these difficult and unprecedented times.”

On Tuesday, Elmore Sports Group, owners of the Chukars, donated $3,297 to benefit local communities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including almost $500 to the Community Food Basket in Idaho Falls.

The seven minor league baseball teams within the Elmore Sports Group, the Chukars, Amarillo Sod Poodles, San Antonio Missions, Rocky Mountain Vibes, Inland Empire 66ers, Eugene Emeralds and Lynchburg Hillcats, each donated a bobblehead, team cap and a player-signed item, which were raffled to fans across the country. Fans purchased raffle tickets for $2 and the money was split between each city’s local food bank.

Other donations were brought in during the Chukars food drive they held three weeks ago in their parking lot at Melaleuca Field. During the food drive — where safety precautions were taken — they held their own raffle and gave away a Chukars jersey.

Chukars spokesman Chris Hall said The United Steelworkers played a huge role in the food drive by donating $1,000.

United Steelworkers presenting a check to the Community Food Basket. | Courtesy Idaho Falls Chukars

“We realized that everything we do here requires the community to support us, and it seemed selfish to not, in turn, do something for the community when people are going through hard times,” Hall told EastIdahoNews.com.

If organizations from around the community want to approach the Chukars with ideas of how they can continue to use their platform to help the community, call Hall at (208) 522-8363.

Hooks Launch Auction Benefitting Hospitality and Tourism Employees

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CORPUS CHRISTI – The Hooks are calling on the baseball community to support those in the hospitality, tourism and service industries through a game-worn jersey auction that began today.

A handful of select game-worn jerseys dating to 2014 will be sold at auction to benefit Visit Corpus Christi’s Visit CC Cares Program, which is designed to help employees in the hospitality, tourism and service industries who have experienced financial hardship due to unforeseen circumstances. The Visit CC Cares Program recently launched the COVID-19 Coronavirus Hospitality Emergency Fund Campaign to provide one-time emergency funding to those directly impacted by the current pandemic.

“The hospitality, tourism and service industries have been dramatically impacted due to COVID-19,” said JD Davis, Hooks Director of Marketing. “When we started discussing ways our fans could make an impact through a jersey auction, Visit CC Cares was at the top of our list. It was important for us when deciding how to distribute the funds that through the Visit CC Cares Program, the donations go directly to the employees affected.”

Among the game-worn jerseys are Houston Astros players George Springer and Jose Urquidy (2019 Raspas), a signed Collin McHugh Coastal Bend jersey and a signed home Hooks jersey by current Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Colin Moran. A full list of available jerseys is below.

The auction is now live at cchooks.com/auction, closing Sunday, May 24 at 1 p.m. CT. Proceeds will directly support Visit CC Cares. A $9.95 domestic shipping and handling fee will apply.

Funds for the Visit CC Cares Program are raised through donations to the Corpus Christi CVB Heritage Society, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable foundation. Learn more about Visit CC Cares here.

GAME-WORN JERSEYS AVAILABLE AT AUCTION:

George Springer (2019 Raspas)

Jose Urquidy (2019 Raspas)

Seth Beer (2019 Raspas)

Cristian Javier (2019 Raspas)

Collin McHugh (2019 Coastal Bend, signed)

Willy Collado (2019 Coastal Bend, signed)

Ryan Engels (2019 Coastal Bend, signed)

Tim Lamonte (2019 Coastal Bend, signed)

Jake Meyers (2019 Dia de los Hooks)

Teoscar Hernández (2014 road gray, signed)

Colin Moran (2014 road gray, signed)

Doug Brocail (2014 road gray, signed)

Framber Valdez (2017 Christmas, signed)

Brandon Bailey (2019 pink, signed)

Granden Goetzman (2019 pink, signed)

Justin Ferrell (2019 pink, signed)

Bill Murphy (2018 pink, signed)

Omar Lopez (2018 Blue Ghosts)

Jorge De Leon (2014 home white)

Matt Heidenreich (2014 home white)

Curve organize online raffles and auctions for COVID-19 relief

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Proceeds to fund The Society of St. Vincent de Paul to help those in need

CURVE, Pa. – The Altoona Curve, Double-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, are hosting a series of online raffles through the end of April to raise money for COVID-19 relief. Several pieces of Curve memorabilia are up for grabs with the funds aiding The Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

Schedule of raffle and auction items:

  • Cole Tucker autographed BP jersey auction (April 21-30)
  • Andy Van Slyke autographed baseball raffle (April 21-22)
  • Ballpark Experience raffle – Loco seat visit and goody bag (valid for any 2020 or 2021 home game) (April 23-24)
  • 2017 championship team autographed, uncut card set raffle (April 25-26)
  • Ballpark Experience raffle – four tickets and watch fireworks from the field (valid for any 2020 or 2021 home firework date) (April 27-28)
  • Gerrit Cole autographed program raffle (April 29-30)

The LiveSource app will host each raffle and auction. Instructions for how to download the app and view the items can be found here. Raffle items can be won for as little as $3, the cost of a single digital raffle ticket. Additional chances can be purchased at the buyer’s discretion. Each raffle and auction item closes at 9 p.m. on the last date of each event.

St. Vincent de Paul has put major fundraising programs on hold but continues to operate their Kitchen and Food Distribution Program during the pandemic to help feed those in need.

The Altoona Curve, 2010 and 2017 Eastern League Champions, have been the Double-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates since 1999. The Stockyard Team Store is open online 24/7/365 at AltoonaCurve.com.

Celebrity guests, prize giveaways with Wes McElroy and Parney to raise funds for local COVID-19 support

 

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Flying Squirrels and Sports Radio 910 The Fan have partnered for the “Bring It Home Funn-raiser,” which will take place on Thursday from 2-6 p.m., in an effort to bring the Richmond community closer together and to help those fighting on the front lines against COVID-19 in the region. The radio fundraiser will include celebrity guests and prize giveaways.

Following Flying Squirrels’ VP & COO Todd “Parney” Parnell’s 500 Bases of Love fundraiser on Thursday morning, he will join Wes McElroy from 2-6 p.m. on Sports Radio 910 The Fan and on FM at 105.1. Throughout the program, listeners are encouraged to make donations at TheFanRichmond.com.

Each $11 donation, in honor of the Flying Squirrels’ 11th season in Richmond, will enter the donor for a chance to be a “Squirrels Player for a Day.” The prize winner will attend a Flying Squirrels game and receive a jersey and a hat, take batting practice on the field, shag fly balls in the outfield, have a special autograph and photo session with players, sit in the dugout before the game and meet with the media afterwards (must be 18 or older to win).

There will be other prize giveaways throughout the show, including:

  • Help set off fireworks at a Flying Squirrels game
  • Throw out a ceremonial first pitch
  • Dinner & drinks with McElroy and Parney at Hurley’s Tavern with three invited guests (must be 21 or older)
  • Pizza party for 15 people at your home or office with Nutzy
  • 2019 Eastern League All-Star Game jersey
  • Matt Cain autographed baseball
  • Michael Robinson autographed football and a Meet & Greet in the studio at Sports Radio 910 The Fan
  • Three pairs of VCU basketball tickets with gift cards to Home Team Grill for a pre- or post-game meal

The show will feature special celebrity guests, including:

  • Former MLB manager Bruce Bochy
  • Six-time MLB All-Star Will Clark
  • ESPN commentator Karl Ravech
  • Former NASCAR driver Elliott Sadler
  • VCU men’s basketball head coach Mike Rhoades
  • University of Richmond men’s basketball head coach Chris Mooney
  • Richmond Kickers sporting director & head coach Darren Sawatzky
  • Richmond Raceway track president Dennis Bickmeier
  • VCU Vice President & Director of Athletics Ed McLaughlin
  • Flying Squirrels president & managing general partner Lou DiBella
  • VCU baseball head coach Shawn Stiffler
  • Former MLB pitcher & co-owner of Center of the Universe Brewing Company Chris Ray
  • Former Flying Squirrels pitcher Daryl Maday

Donations can be made beginning at noon on Thursday at TheFanRichmond.com. The show can be heard at on Sports Radio 910 The Fan, on FM at 105.1, online at TheFanRichmond.com or on the Radio.com app.

In an effort to practice safe social distancing and best ensure the health and of the Flying Squirrels family, the team’s front offices and team store are currently closed. Fans looking to reach out to the Flying Squirrels front office can find information here and are encouraged to interact on social media through Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Woodpeckers 2019 Community and Charitable Giving Report

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Since it’s inception in March of 2019, the Fayetteville Woodpeckers Fund has implemented the Fayetteville Woodpeckers’ desire to make a tangible impact on the Greater Fayetteville community through their official team charity. Investing over $71,000 in charitable giving, in-kind donations, and volunteer hours in their inaugural season, the Woodpeckers set out to establish a winning record not only in baseball games, but in their commitment to helping the community surrounding Segra Stadium.

The core program of this initiative, The Community Leaders Program, emphasizes a focus on youth sports and military causes. With the volunteerism and funds contributed by the Woodpeckers’ 2019 Community Leaders Corporate Partners (Segra, AEVEX, ASUS, Walsingham Group, Inc., and CarolinasDentist), we were able to accomplish the following projects below in 2019.

Youth Sports

  • Sponsored uniforms for 21 youth baseball and softball teams throughout Cumberland County, including the Buddy Baseball Program for special needs children.
  • Purchased and installed a new scoreboard for the Buddy Baseball Program at their home field in Massey Hill. The previous scoreboard was damaged during Hurricane Matthew.
  • Provided new Nike PG3 basketball shoes for both Men’s and Women’s varsity basketball teams at E.E. Smith High School.

Military

  • Funded 50 scholarships for military children to attend summer camp at Rick’s Place. Rick’s Place is a veteran owned 50-acre park just outside Fort Bragg that provides support for active duty and veteran soldiers and their families. In addition, the Woodpeckers provided all 250 campers with a t-shirt to wear during the duration of camp.
  • In conjunction with the USO of North Carolina and with the help of over 70 volunteers from our corporate partners, the Bird Bath Kits initiative was launched. Over 1,000 Bird Bath Kits, which included various personal care hygiene items, were packed at Segra Stadium and then delivered to elementary and middle schools on Fort Bragg as part of our back to school project.
  • Purchased a new irrigation system to benefit the community garden established for veterans therapy at Rick’s Place. This garden has a variety of flowers, vegetables, and herbs that veterans and their families are able to plant, tend, and harvest free of charge.

Other 2019 Charitable Initiatives: 
Paint the Park Purple, Alzheimer’s Awareness Night – On Saturday, July 27th, 2019, the Woodpeckers partnered with McKee Homes to host Alzheimer’s Awareness Night at Segra Stadium. The team wore custom purple jerseys that were auctioned off in-game, raising over $8,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association of Eastern North Carolina. The first 2,000 fans through the gates that night receieved custom purple Woodpeckers shirts to wear during the game, while awareness/educational videos played throughout the evening.
Fayetteville Woodpeckers Fund Jersey Auctions – The Woodpeckers held two other impactful jersey auctions that benefited the club’s charity in 2019. The first was a Patriotic jersey for our Independence Day Celebration game on July 3rd and the second was our end-of-season Inaugural home jersey set. These funds were used to help with the above Fayetteville Woodpeckers Fund initiatives.
Falcon Children’s Home Christmas Initiative – The Woodpeckers purchased 120 toys for children (infant to 19 years old) to open during the annual Falcon Children’s Home Christmas Party in December.
Childhood Cancer Awareness, Hailey Keller’s Home Run for Life & Jacob Moore’s Woodpecker for a Day – The Woodpeckers were honored to have Hailey and Jacob be a part of our Inaugural season. Hailey celebrated her five year anniversary of being cancer free by hitting a “home run” and running the bases during one of our inning breaks to a standing ovation. Jacob signed a one-day contract and enjoyed a full day of team training and fun as an honorary Woodpecker. Jacob has defied the odds and continues to fight while living with terminal neuroblastoma.

In addition to the above, the club fulfilled over 200 in-kind donations to organizations throughout Fayetteville and the surrounding communities. Our favorite red-cockaded woodpecker Bunker also made over 100 appearances throughout the region, putting a smile on the face of children and keeping our fans in good spirits!

 

‘All Abilities’ Night features sign language jersey auction

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The Lehigh Valley IronPigs and Air Products are teaming up to host Batting for People of All Abilities on Wednesday, June 17 at 7:05 p.m. Before the game, 5,000 fans 18 and older will receive a rally towel courtesy of Air Products.

MORE: Get Tickets for ‘Batting for People of All Abilities’ Night

The night will recognize people of all abilities. A pre-game basic sign language training will be available for fans. The game will be stopped to provide an opportunity for Aiden Gowarty, son of an Air Products employee, to go to home plate and hit a home run for people of all abilities. Plans for the evening also include the National Anthem signed as well as the 7th inning stretch. There will also be a “silent inning” eliminating any music or sound effects in the stadium.

During the game, the IronPigs will be wearing jerseys with “IronPigs” spelled out in American Sign Language and the evening will be capped off with an ASL jersey auction.

‘Dads To Hold “Miracle of Hickory” Weekend

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Team Will Wear Specialty Miracle Jerseys

Hickory, NC- The Crawdads are excited to announce “Miracle of Hickory” weekend, presented by WHKY 1290AM & 102.3FM, which will take place on Saturday, June 6th and Sunday, June 7th.

The ‘Dads will wear specialty jerseys during both games as the team honors the emergency hospital constructed to treat the polio crisis of 1944 that would become known as the “Miracle of Hickory”. The jerseys are purple in honor of the March of Dimes, which was originally established during World War II to help fight the polio epidemic.

In June of 1944, the Catawba Valley was hit with one of the worst polio outbreaks in the country. At the time there were no established hospitals in the area to treat patients so building a facility became critical. In just 54 hours a hospital was constructed and began admitting patients, most of which were children who are most susceptible to the illness.

The community came together to construct buildings, paint, clear debris, dig water trenches and donate food. WHKY helped to spread the word of needed hospital supplies such as beds, washing machines, and office supplies.

Hundreds of doctors and nurses, who were known as the “Angels of Mercy”, were sent by the American Red Cross and other volunteer organizations to help treat the patients. Over the course of nine months, the Hickory Emergency Infantile Paralysis Hospital treated 454 children for polio. The March of Dimes deemed the hospital and its remarkably low death rate the “Miracle of Hickory” on its posters nationwide.

The hospital no longer exists but its site is about a mile from LP Frans Stadium. The Hickory Music Factory, the armory and Jaycee Park were constructed on the grounds of the former hospital. The City of Hickory recently renamed the Jaycee Park to Miracle of Hickory Park and began a renovation project on the property. A mural was also painted this winter on the side of a building on 1st Avenue NW in downtown Hickory to commemorate the Miracle of Hickory.

The Saturday date will feature a special firework show as the City of Hickory celebrates its 150th anniversary.

The Miracle of Hickory jerseys will be auctioned off via the Live Source app throughout the weekend. The proceeds of the auction will be donated to the Miracle of Hickory Foundation. Artifacts from the hospital will also be on the concourse on Saturday.

Wings celebrate Negro Leagues 100th Anniversary June 19

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Red Wings to wear throwback Rochester American Giants jerseys

The Rochester Red Wings are joining Minor League Baseball in celebrating the 100th anniversary of Negro Leagues baseball on Friday, June 19 at Frontier Field.

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

The Rochester American Giants – a minor league team affiliated with the Negro Leagues – called the Flower City home in the 1940’s. The Wings will honor that team by wearing replica jerseys. The jerseys will be auctioned off using the LiveSource mobile app with proceeds benefitting the “They Stepped Up To The Plate” Foundation – a local non-profit led by Honeoye Falls resident Jeff Klein and his family whose mission is to spread the stories of former Negro League players.

“We look forward to the opportunity to educate and inform our fans about the Rochester American Giants and many of the other great players and teams from the Negro Leagues as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Negro Leagues,” said Red Wings General Manager Dan Mason. “Our fans will have the incredible opportunity to meet and hear from some former Negro League Players as well as check out an incredible traveling display of Negro League photos and artifacts. We are fortunate to be working with Jeff Klein and his family on this event and we look forward to helping raise some funding for the ‘They Stepped Up to the Plate’ Foundation so that they can continue to educate fans in our community about these great men who played in the Negro Leagues.”

The night will also feature appearances from Ernest Fann, who was a catcher for the Raleigh Tigers, and Ike Walker, a Rochester resident who was a catcher on the 1963 Satchel Paige All-Star Team. Both men will be available on the Frontier Field concourse before the game for a meet-and-greet and will take part in a pre-game interview on the field.

The discussion will also include Sean Gibson – the great grandson of Josh Gibson, one of the most prolific Negro League players of all time. Sean is the executive director of the Josh Gibson Foundation and will have a traveling Negro Leagues display that will be available for fans to check out on the concourse during the game.

The night will conclude with a post-game fireworks show.

2020 CT Military All-Star Nominations Now Open

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NORWICH, CT – The Norwich Sea Unicorns, Class-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, and the Better Business Bureau Serving Connecticut are proud to announce that the nomination process for the 2020 CT Military All-Stars promotion is now open and will run through July 10th! The seventh annual promotion will honor nine current or former military personnel prior to Military Appreciation Night at Dodd Stadium on Friday, August 14th.

2020 will be the eighth consecutive season that the annual Military Appreciation Night will be presented by the Better Business Bureau Military Line which provides free services, consumer education and other resources for military families, to assist them during and after deployment. The nine honorees will be selected from the pool of nominations by a panel of community judges and will be honored on the field prior to the game. In addition, the first 1,000 fans through the gates on August 14th will receive a baseball card set featuring these heroes.

Nominations representing all branches of the military are welcome. The submission form can be found online by visiting goseaunicorns.com/military. Fans can also pick up a nomination form and submit their nomination in person at Dodd Stadium at the Dime Bank Information Booth during Tigers games or in the front office during regular business hours through July 10th.

In addition to the CT Military All-Stars ceremonies, the Sea Unicorns will be wearing specially designed and military themed jerseys during the game on August 14th. The jerseys will be auctioned off during the game. The proceeds will go towards a scholarship for a military family through the BBB Military Line.

The Norwich Sea Unicorns are the New York-Penn League affiliate of the Detroit Tigers at Dodd Stadium in Norwich, Connecticut. 2020 season memberships for “The Captains Club”, mini plans, and team merchandise are now on sale! The 2020 season at Dodd Stadium kicks off on Sunday, June 21st at 7:05 pm with fireworks after the game. The front office and box office are open daily from 9 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday and can be accessed in person or by calling 860-887-7962.

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

Chiefs Announce 2020 Specialty Jerseys

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PEORIA, IL – The Peoria Chiefs have announced their specialty jerseys for the 2020 campaign. The En El Rio themed jerseys will be worn on May 15, June 19, July 26, August 9 and September 4 and will be available for auction following the September 4 home game. These jerseys will be worn in conjunction with Minor League Baseball’s COPA initiative and will be revealed in early March along with the En El Rio hats from New Era.

In addition to the En El Rio and the usual Sunday baby blue throwback jerseys, the Chiefs have announced four other specialty jerseys this season. All dates are subject to change.

Saturday, May 2 is Kentucky Derby Night and the Chiefs will wear a Derby-themed jersey. The jersey features a checkerboard design, consistent with the traditional apparel of a horse jockey.

Armed Forces Night is Saturday, May 16 and the Chiefs will wear their stars and stripes jersey to commemorate the night. The navy blue top features a red, white and blue Chiefs script across the chest with fireworks also prominent on the jersey. The Chiefs will wear these jerseys again on July 4 and will be auctioned off following the game.

The Chiefs will celebrate 80’s Night on Saturday, May 30 by wearing a Caddyshack-themed jersey. The look was inspired by Rodney Dangerfield, who wore a rainbow sweater in the 1980 film.

On Saturday, July 25, the Chiefs will wear a Christmas in July jersey. The jersey combines a Santa Claus suit with a Hawaiian shirt for the Chiefs annual Margaritaville Night celebrations.

The Chiefs will again use Gesture in 2020 for all jersey auctions. Fans can access Chiefs.Gesture.com to sign up for an account or text CHIEFS to 52182 to register. Fans can track auctions and make bids from anywhere via their smartphone, tablet or PC and do not have to be at Dozer Park to win or pay for their jersey. All proceeds from this year’s auctions will benefit local charities. If your group is interested in sponsoring any of our specialty jerseys, please contact Ben Garrod, Director of Corporate Partnerships, at (309) 680-4013 or [email protected]

Chiefs Season & Group Tickets
Season ticket packages and group tickets for the 2020 season are currently on sale by calling 309-680-4000. The 2020 season kicks off April 9 in Davenport, Iowa with the home opener against the Beloit Snappers set for Monday, April 13 at 6:35 p.m. Individual game tickets will go on sale in early March. Fans can keep up with all Chiefs news during the offseason online at www.peoriachiefs.com and on Twitter or Instagram: @PeoriaChiefs.

 

Elias, Donations Highlight Jam-Packed Hot Stove Banquet

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SALISBURY, MD – An appearance from the Orioles’ general manager and a donation to a new Wicomico County project became highlights of the 19th annual Shorebirds Hot Stove Banquet, held on Thursday, January 23, at the Wicomico Civic Center in preparation for the silver anniversary season of Delmarva Shorebirds baseball.

The keynote speaker for the event was Mike Elias, general manager and executive vice president of the Baltimore Orioles. Elias, who last visited Salisbury for the Shorebirds’ playoff game on September 6, took questions from the audience and spoke at length about the importance of Delmarva and Baltimore’s other minor league affiliates in reversing the Orioles’ major league fortunes in the coming years.

“Some of the names we’ve been reading about are going to start to arrive in Camden Yards,” said Elias. “It’s still about player development and those individual performances and not necessarily the team’s win-and-loss record. Those guys are taking steps forward, graduating to the big leagues and adjusting to big-league life.”

Elias also paid one last homage to the 2019 Shorebirds, who won a franchise-record 90 games en route to a South Atlantic League postseason berth and earned MiLB.com Minor League Team of the Year honors. Delmarva was one of four Orioles affilates who either made the playoffs (Bowie), contended until the season’s final day (Aberdeen), or finished with their league’s best record (Gulf Coast League Orioles).

“It’s exactly what you want to see, especially when you’re in a rebuild,” said Elias. “We’re focused on that type of success. The success of teams like the Shorebirds is really going to dictate what we do the next couple of years in Baltimore.”

Before Elias’ keynote address, the Civic Center crowd of almost 300 heard from several other speakers, including Shorebirds General Manager Chris Bitters and 7th Inning Stretch LP President Pat Filippone. Orioles Director of Minor League Operations Kent Qualls was also scheduled to speak but was unable to attend due to unscheduled business.

Bitters announced during his presentation that the Shorebirds were donating $25,000 to Field 7 ½, a new initiative from the Wicomico County Department of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism designed to provide individuals with physical or mental disabilities the opportunity to play baseball. Bitters presented a ceremonial check on-stage to Department Director Steve Miller.

In addition to the Field 7 ½ donation, the Shorebirds held a silent auction and raffle in order to raise funds for two other charitable partners. The auction and raffle brought in nearly $3,000 for the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, partner of the Shorebirds Fly Together Fund, and the United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore.

The Shorebirds also presented hardware to their 2019 Fan of the Year, longtime season ticket holder and player host family mom Vicki Parks. Caroline Beauchamp, Shorebirds head groundskeeper, was named Employee of the Year by the Delmarva Shorebirds Fan Club.

The night served as the downbeat for the 25th season of Delmarva Shorebirds baseball, set to begin on Thursday, April 9, against the Asheville Tourists at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium. Season tickets are now on sale and single-game tickets will be unveiled week-by-week for online purchase in the coming weeks.

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

OKC Dodgers and MidFirst Bank Present “Pack the Park Pink” T-shirt Design Contest

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OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Dodgers and MidFirst Bank are calling for submissions to design this season’s “Pack the Park Pink” T-shirt.

The 2020 “Pack the Park Pink” game to benefit Susan G. Komen Oklahoma and promote breast cancer awareness is scheduled for Friday, July 31, when the Dodgers face the Las Vegas Aviators.

The special limited-edition T-shirt will be gifted to all breast cancer survivors attending the game, and it will as be distributed to fans attending the game through the “Pack the Park Pink” group ticket package.

The template for T-shirt design submissions is now available to download at okcdodgers.com/pink. Each T-shirt design can feature two colors, one of which must be pink. There are no limits on the amount of submissions an individual can make, but all submissions must be received by April 3 by uploading them to okcdodgers.com/pink or via email to [email protected].

The winning design will be announced in June. The winner will receive four complimentary tickets to the “Pack the Park Pink” game and will be recognized during an on-field presentation.

“Pack the Park Pink” is an annual tradition between the Dodgers, MidFirst Bank and Susan G. Komen Oklahoma. Unique events will be held throughout the evening and “Pack the Park Pink” will culminate with a pink fireworks show following the game. More details regarding the game will be released in the future.

The Dodgers’ game-worn pink jerseys and hats, in addition to pink bats, breast cancer awareness baseballs and game-used bases will be auctioned off throughout the night to benefit Susan G. Komen Oklahoma. The mission of Susan G. Komen Oklahoma is “to save lives by meeting the most critical needs in our communities and investing in breakthrough research to prevent and cure breast cancer.”

A special “Pack the Park Pink” ticket package is currently available for purchase starting at $12 per person for groups of 10 or more and includes the new T-shirt and a pink Dodgers hat.
Other season ticket packages and group outings for the 2020 season are currently on sale. For more information, call (405) 218-2182 or visit okcdodgers.com.

 

Grizzlies Give Back More Than $1M in 2019

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Chukchansi Park thrived in 2019, playing home to more than 135 non-profit events, with a total of nearly 25,000 attendees. The Grizzlies also gave more than $1 million in monetary and in-kind donations, which was the most in Minor League Baseball’s Triple-A Pacific Coast League.

The Fresno Grizzlies take pride in assisting, rewarding and supporting worthwhile causes throughout the Central Valley. In 2019, the Grizzlies and Chukchansi Park were grateful to help out so many individuals and organizations.

“Giving back to the community is in our DNA at the Fresno Grizzlies, and these efforts extend far beyond the baseball diamond,” said Madeline Hamada, Community Engagement Manager. “Grizzlies’ programs and community initiatives are helping fulfill our vision of giving back and making the Central Valley a better place to live.”

Non-profit events held at the ballpark included the Cen Cal Fury softball clinic, the Downtown Academy graduation, the Valley Children’s water safety presentation and the Exceptional Needs Formal. Also, the Fresno American Indian Health Project company retreat, Valley PBS end-of-year awards and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Light the Night Walk held their events in the friendly confines of Chukchansi Park.

“The Grizzlies are an integral part of Downtown Fresno and we are so thankful for the team’s exceptional community contributions,” stated Lee Brand, Fresno mayor. “The array of events that Chukchansi Park hosted last year clearly demonstrate the organization’s dedication to the City and its residents.”

Besides these non-profit events, the Grizzlies continued a trio of programs with amazing community benefits. Junior Grizzlies, a 10-week, non-competitive, adaptive baseball league for children and adults with mental and physical disabilities had more than 160 children and adults participate during the 2019 season. Wild About Reading, which incentivizes students to read frequently celebrated its 16th season in 2019. Since 2012, Wild About Reading has reached 95,000 students with more than 160 schools involved. Finally, Making the Grade allows area schools to reward hard-working students with an afternoon at Chukchansi Park. Nearly 20,000 students and 224 schools participated this year.

Overall, the Grizzlies gave $1,038,310 in monetary and in-kind donations during 2019. $65,500 was raised in ticket fundraisers for non-profits and little leagues, $11,500 was earned through theme jersey auctions, $10,530 was raised through food donations to the Poverello House through the Zero Waste Policy and $10,500 was awarded in Farm Grown Scholarships. On top of that, the Grizzlies front office spent 400 plus hours volunteering around the Central Valley. If you would like to help around your community, join one of these amazing events or be apart of helping the Grizzlies in 2020, click here to learn more.

#Growlifornia

ABOUT THE FRESNO GRIZZLIES

The Fresno Grizzlies, Triple-A affiliate of the 2019 World Series Champion Washington Nationals, are a member of the 16-team Pacific Coast League (PCL) and one of 30 clubs in the world playing the highest level of Minor League Baseball. The team plays at Chukchansi Park in Downtown Fresno, which is also a year-round community venue, hosting a myriad of other special events beyond Grizzlies’ games, such as concerts, festivals, high school baseball and over 100 non-profit community events every year. The Grizzlies enter the 2020 season – their 23rd in Fresno – on the momentum of the fifth championship in 10 years by their big league affiliate. The team celebrated their own PCL title in 2015.

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

SMOKIES INVITATIONAL WILL BE FRIDAY, MARCH 13

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

 

SEVIERVILLE, TN – The Smokies have announced their Smokies Invitational on March 13, 2020, held at Three Ridges Golf Course (6101 Wise Springs Road, Knoxville, TN 37918). The day’s events begin at 11:30 a.m. with lunch followed by a 1:00 p.m. tee time. Smokies Invitational will feature a round of golf, 50/50 raffle, men’s and women’s longest drive competitions, hole-in-one contest, and closest to the pin contest.

A portion of the proceeds from the event will be donated to Smoky Mountain Service Dogs. The donation will include 100% of the proceeds from the silent auction, purchases made for red tee shot and more. Tim Volk, Smokies General Manager, explained, “We are excited to be partnering up with Smoky Mountain Service Dogs again this year. For all they do in our community, this is our way to help them succeed.”

There are three (3) different options for Smokies Invitational registration all including, lunch, green/cart fees, and donation to Smoky Mountain Service Dogs. Two of the options come in teams of four (4) ranging from $750/each-$500/each. The third option is individual players who will later be placed onto a team of four costing $150/each.

To register or find more information on the Smokies Invitational please visit www.smokiesbaseball.com/invitational2020 or direct any questions to [email protected]

ABOUT THE TENNESSEE SMOKIES

The Tennessee Smokies are the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. Members of the ten-team Southern League, Smokies baseball has been entertaining families and fans of America’s national pastime in the East Tennessee region for over 100 years. To learn more about the Tennessee Smokies, visit www.smokiesbaseball.com

ABOUT SMOKIES MOUNTAIN SERVICE DOGS

We believe that through appropriate utilization of a public access tested/approved, highly trained service dog, individuals with physical and/or psychological disabilities can often become increasingly self-sufficient and independent. We believe that a large percentage of disabled individuals can experience a higher level of societal and community involvement and acceptance through effective use of a service dog.

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