Miracle League game, Hoskins statue highlight Saturday

You’ll want to be early for this one.

An eventful Saturday lies ahead at Coca-Cola Park as the IronPigs will host their annual Miracle League game, jersey auction and give away a Rhys Hoskins Bronze statue to the first 3,000 adults (18+) through the gates.

Saturdays are for the bacon, but this one is for so much more. Gates will open at 5 p.m. so fans are able to watch the Miracle League game, which allows kids from the Miracle Leagues of Northampton and Lehigh Counties to swing for the fences on the Coca-Cola Park field before an IronPigs contest. IronPigs players will be on the field to act as “angels” for our Miracle League players before they match up with the Louisville Bats.

During the Pigs’ game (6:35 p.m. first pitch) the Pigs will be wearing special Miracle League jerseys that will be available via an auction presented by Majestic/Fanatics. Details on the auction will be available on gameday.

In addition to all this excitement, the Pigs will give a Rhys Hoskins bronze statue to the first 3,000 adults through the gates. The statue immortalizes Hoskins , who was named the International League MVP and Rookie of the Year in 2017. Hoskins, who joined the Philadelphia Phillies last summer, is one of baseball’s most exciting young players and is batting .364 in 2018.

Here are more details on the remaining games in our opening homestand:

4/15 (1:35 p.m.): Jackie Robinson Day | Jackie Robinson commemorative glass (3,000 adults 18 and over)
4/16 (7:05 p.m.): Youth knit cap (First 1,500 kids 17 and under)
4/17 (7:05 p.m.): Wrestling Night
4/18 (7:05 p.m.): Dance Night | Bacon Cap presented by Hatfield (First 3,000 adults 18 and older)

Check out all of our 2018 promotions, IronPigs promotions schedule.

Tickets for these contests, and any game on our 2018 schedule, are available online at IronPigsBaseball.com, by phone (610) 841-PIGS (7447) or at the Coca-Cola Park ticket windows during regular business hours.

The 2018 IronPigs baseball season is presented by Capital BlueCross.

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

San Jose Giants Unveil 2018 Military Trading Card Set Presented by Operation: Care and Comfort

San Jose, CA– The San Jose Giants today officially unveiled the 2018 Military Trading Card Set, presented by Operation: Care and Comfort. The incredible 42 card set features military personnel who have served in WWII, the Korean War, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf War, the War in Afghanistan and Iraq. Furthermore, each branch of the military is represented in the trading card set. This year’s decorated installment features many outstanding men and women who have served and sacrificed for our country. Below is the complete list of the distinguished honorees.

Dustin Ambrose, Alohalani Aweau, Frederick P. Baquiran, Adrianna Bascochea, Ryan Bennett, Alfonso A. Barreras, Phil Bond, W.F. “Bill” Bonifay, David Bridgen, Reginald L. Caselli, Ron Castro, Justen Chilbert, George S. Dailey, Wayne M. Elliott, Bryan and Kelley Evans, Emilio Gallegos, Mark Getchell, Frederick John Goetz, Jr., David Grieve, Edward E. Hart, Gregory Hatfield, Bradly Headley, Andrew Hesterberg, Chris Hiro, Tyler Hodge, Roy L. Jones, Jr., Joseph La Jeunesse, James Leonard, Augustine G. Lerma, Paul Apodaca Lerma and Jacob Paul Lerma, Matthew and Michael Lipkovitch, Jerome Marci, Dewey Nguyen, Edward Pereira, Donald Rancour, Juan Reyes, Andrew San Diego, Anthony G. Siegle, Michael R. Sisco, Nate Smith, William Venuti and Keith M. Williams.

“The San Jose Giants are once again humbled by the incredible nominees in this year’s Operation: Care and Comfort Military Trading Card Set and consider it our privilege to honor these fine men and women,” said Jeff Black, San Jose Giants Director of Marketing. “We thank all of the families and individuals who have shared their stories with us and view the trading card set as a representation of our gratitude for those who have served and sacrificed for our country.”

On April 21, as a part of Salute to the Military Night, trading card nominees and their families will be honored on field during a special pregame ceremony. They will receive their complimentary trading card packs amongst other gifts. A limited number of military trading card sets will be made available as well in the San Jose Giants Dugout Store. The first 1,000 fans will also receive a commemorative O.C.C. and San Jose Giants co-branded t-shirt gate giveaway. All-new, digital camouflage themed jerseys will be worn and an exciting Operation: Care and Comfort Military Jersey Auction will take place benefitting O.C.C. All other servicemen and servicewomen are encouraged to come out to the ballpark as the night is a salute to everyone who has fought to protect our freedom.

“Operation: Care and Comforts mission is to allow caring Americans to donate their time, talent and treasure to honor those currently serving our country and to those who have served. We believe Salute to the Military Night embodies this mission and we cannot wait for the special evening,” said Julie DeMaria, Operation: Care and Comfort President and Co-Founder. “On behalf of O.C.C., we thank all current military personnel, veterans and those we have lost-you truly epitomize what it means to be a hero.”

First pitch for Salute to the Military Night is at 5:00 PM and gates open at 3:30 PM. The evening comes on the second night of Heroes Weekend which begins on Friday, April 20 with First Responders Night. Our Giants 2018 season gets underway on Thursday, April 5 at Inland Empire. The San Jose Giants home-opener is Thursday, April 13 at Municipal Stadium. For information on the 2018 season and ticket packages please visit sjgiants.com, call 408.297.1435 or visit the Municipal Stadium Box Office Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Purchase San Jose Giants Tickets

View the 2018 San Jose Giants Schedule

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ABOUT THE SAN JOSE GIANTS

The San Jose Giants are a professional baseball team in the Class A Advanced California League. The team has been an affiliate of the San Francisco Giants since 1988 and has boasted one of the best records in the minor leagues after partnering with the big-league club, going 2,300-1,891 (.548). San Jose has won six California League Championships as a Giants affiliate (2010, 2009, 2007, 2005, 2001 and 1998) and eleven overall. In 30 seasons, the San Jose Giants have graduated 199 Major League players, 143 of whom have played or currently play for the San Francisco Giants. The Giants won back to back league championships in 2009 and 2010 and are also the first team in California League history to have won four titles over a six-year span. Municipal Stadium, the home of the San Jose Giants, first opened in 1942 and has seen over 7 million fans enter through its gates. In 2018, the San Jose Giants look to continue their tradition of playing winning baseball while providing fun, affordable, family-entertainment. To be a part of the 2018 season, please contact the San Jose Giants Box Office at 408.297.1435 or visit us online at sjgiants.com. San Jose Giants baseball in your backyard since 1942, Our Town, Our Team, Our Giants

ABOUT OPERATION: CARE AND COMFORT

Founded in 2003 in the San Francisco Bay Area, Operation: Care and Comfort supports the military, veterans and their families through three distinct programs- OCC Care Packages, OCC Tickets for Troops, and OCC Adopt a Military Family. OCC and its volunteers have received numerous awards for their effort, including the Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher Distinguished Civilian Humanitarian Award from the Pentagon (2007) and the National Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces Award (2009.) For more information on this worthy, all volunteer organization, please visit www.occ-usa.org.

Cougars Rank #6 in Charitable Giving Among All MiLB Teams

GENEVA, Ill. – The Kane County Cougars have been ranked #6 among all 160 Minor League Baseball (MiLB) for their charitable giving throughout the 2017 season, per the MiLB Charities Report which was released last week by the league. Collectively, MiLB clubs reported nearly $40 million in cash and in-kind donations, the highest in MiLB Charities history.

“When you find yourself ranked #6 out of #160 that is special, no matter the category,” said Cougars owner Dr. Bob Froehlich. “Then when you realize the category in is charitable giving among all of Minor League Baseball, it becomes so special that no words can describe how proud we are of what our Foundation has meant to Kane County.”

Of the nearly $40 million, the Cougars contributed $949,926 among their various charitable campaigns throughout the season. The Cougars charitable giving is highlighted by many different programs throughout the year including the Al Mueller Memorial Scholarship Fund which awards local college students working to further their education, Paramount Fence Home Runs for Charity program, the Cougars Reading Club, as well as the Cougars Summer Reading Program, the Highland Salutes program supports both active duty military and veterans along with participation in MiLB’s inaugural “Es Divertido Ser Un Fan” initiative that aimed to connect Hispanic/Latino baseball fans with their local teams.

Click here to view the full MiLB Charities Report.

Moving towards the 2018 season, the Cougars are pledging to increase their charitable giving via the new history-making “A Million Smiles Campaign.” Announced on Monday, the Cougars are the first MiLB team to set a charity fundraising goal of this magnitude. Each dollar donated throughout the season will provide a much-needed smile for those in need. Fans are encouraged to participate in the charitable giving campaign throughout the year by purchasing 50/50 raffle tickets with proceeds benefitting various local charities, participating in the Pitch In for Charity promotion on fireworks nights, purchasing a Legacy Brick to be displayed at the main entrance of the ballpark, registering for the 7th Annual Cougars 5K on May 19 or selecting the Kane County Cougars Foundation, Inc. as their favorite charity on AmazonSmiles.

For more information about A Million Smiles campaign, visit www.kccougars.com.

The Cougars 2018 season begins on Thursday, April 5 at 6:30 PM against the Clinton LumberKings. For more information, including the full schedule of theme nights, entertainment acts and giveaways scheduled, visit kccougars.com.

Follow the Cougars on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates on tickets and promotions.

About the Kane County Cougars

The Cougars, Class-A Minor League affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, have been at the forefront of family-friendly entertainment since 1991. In 2015, the franchise became the first Class-A team in Minor League Baseball history to welcome 11 million fans through the gates. A total of 161 former Cougars have reached the Major Leagues including Miguel Cabrera, Nelson Cruz, Josh Beckett, Adrian Gonzalez and Kyle Schwarber.

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

Bowling With The BlueClaws Returns April 15th

Bowling With The BlueClaws is back on Sunday, April 15th!

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LAKEWOOD, NJ – BlueClaws Charities is proud to announce its seventh annual Bowling With The BlueClaws fundraising event returns to Sea Girt Lanes on Sunday, April 15th. BlueClaws players will again be at the event, a great chance for kids to have a fun night out with players and Buster while raising money for a worthy cause.

The charitable bowling event takes place from 6-8pm. For just $15, participants will receive bowling shoes, a raffle ticket for a series of prizes, pizza and soda, and unlimited bowling games.

Raffles will be held throughout the night for limited edition autographed merchandise and other door prizes. In addition to prizes being given out, BlueClaws players will be there to hang out with you! All proceeds from the night will benefit BlueClaws Charities and their Community Partners.

“This has been a great event for BlueClaws Charities and the fans over the last seven years and we look forward to another great event,” said Jim DeAngelis, Executive Director of BlueClaws Charities. “Each fundraising event like Bowling With the BlueClaws benefits a wide variety of local organizations that we are proud to support and will continue to support.”

For more information or to reserve a spot, contact JoAnne Bell at 732-901-7000 ext. 100 or at jbell@blueclaws.com. Space is limited and those interested are encouraged to book early.

BlueClaws Charities, the official charity of the Lakewood BlueClaws, is a 501c3 dedicated to supporting the underpriveleged Ocean and Monmouth counties. BlueClaws Charities has donated over $250,000 over the past four years to community organizations, including donations in the form of grants to BlueClaws Charities Community Partners.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. They have led the South Atlantic League in attendance in all 16 years of existence.

Opening Day for the 2018 season is Thursday, April 12th. Tickets are available by calling 732-901-7000 option 2 or online by clicking here.

– BlueClaws –

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

Cougars Make History With “A Million Smiles Campaign”

GENEVA, Ill. – The Kane County Cougars charitable arm, the Kane County Cougars Foundation, Inc. has launched a historic fundraising goal known as “A Million Smiles Campaign” for the upcoming 2018 season. Today’s announcement makes the Cougars the first team in Minor League Baseball (MiLB) to set a charity fundraising goal.

This season, the Kane County Cougars Foundation, Inc. will work towards reaching a donation total of one million dollars, with each dollar donated providing a much needed smile for those in need. As the first campaign of its kind in the history of MiLB, President and CEO Pat O’Connor is excited to see the charitable work that the team will accomplish this season.

“I am very proud of the lengths which our Minor League Baseball teams go to give back to their local communities, as the Kane County Cougars have now publicly pledged to do at an extraordinary level. Should the Cougars reach this ambitious goal, they will certainly be one of the most charitable of Minor League Baseball’s 160 teams and I commend them for their efforts.”

As members of the Midwest League, the Cougars are building upon the tradition of giving back that has been a part of the League for the last 72 years. “I applaud the initiative being taken by the Kane County Cougars to commit to this extraordinary philanthropy,” said Dick Nussbaum, President of the Midwest League. “It is consistent with the Midwest League’s leadership in Minor League Baseball. Proceeds from each ticket sold to our four million fans each year ends up as a charitable contribution by our Clubs. The collective power of this giving is consistent with the generosity shown by those of us who live in the Midwest and the Cougars are taking this tradition of giving to another level.”

One way fans can help provide a million smiles includes purchasing 50/50 raffle tickets with proceeds benefiting various local charities including Mutual Ground, Northern Illinois Food Bank, BraveHearts for Kids and CASA Kane County. Additional opportunities to contribute include participation in the Pitch In for Charity promotion, benefiting Loaves and Fishes CARES, on fireworks nights, purchasing a Legacy Brick to be displayed at the main entrance of the ballpark, selecting the Kane County Cougars Foundation, Inc. as your favorite charity on AmazonSmiles as well as registering for the 7th Annual Cougars 5K on May 19 with proceeds benefiting Special Olympics Illinois.

“Kane County is proud to be represented by the Cougars as they embark on this awesome charitable campaign,” said Chris Lauzen, Chairman of the Kane County Board. “The community has benefitted greatly from having a team that is passionate about reaching families beyond just the baseball field.

Additional charitable opportunities will be announced throughout the year including collection of donation items for the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Movers for Mom® program, the annual Winter Coat Drive and the Es Divertido Ser Un Fan charitable jersey auction to benefit a local Hispanic organization.

“The City of Geneva could not ask for a better representative of what this town stands for than the Kane County Cougars,” said Kevin Burns, Mayor of Geneva. “This incredible charitable initiative will benefit our community in so many positive ways. We look forward to seeing the impact the Cougars will make this season.”

The 2018 season begins on Thursday, April 5 at 6:30 PM against the Clinton LumberKings. Follow the Cougars onFacebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates on all charitable initiatives as well as tickets and promotions.

About the Kane County Cougars

The Cougars, Class-A Minor League affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, have been at the forefront of family-friendly entertainment since 1991. In 2015, the franchise became the first Class-A team in Minor League Baseball history to welcome 11 million fans through the gates. A total of 161 former Cougars have reached the Major Leagues including Miguel Cabrera, Nelson Cruz, Josh Beckett, Adrian Gonzalez and Kyle Schwarber.

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

Cougars Announce Charitable Partners for 2018 Season

GENEVA, Ill. – The Kane County Cougars have announced the four local organizations that will receive a portion of the in-game 50/50 raffle proceeds through the Kane County Cougars Foundation, Inc. including Mutual Ground (April-May), CASA Kane County (June), Northern Illinois Food Bank (July) and BraveHearts for Kids (August-September). In addition, through a partnership with Acres Group, the Cougars have announced that Loaves and Fishes Community Services will be the recipient of the charitable proceeds from this year’s Pitch-In for Charity promotion in which fans purchase and toss numbered tennis balls at a target on the field to win a prize following select games.

Mutual Ground (mutualground.org) – Located in Aurora, Mutual Ground is a safe place where people can come together to break the cycle of domestic violence and sexual abuse while providing education, awareness and life-changing services that empower individuals, families and communities.

CASA Kane County (casakanecounty.org) – CASA is a non-profit volunteer organization that advocates for the best interests of abused and neglected children within the juvenile court system since 1988.

Northern Illinois Food Bank (solvehungertoday.org) – Each week, Northern Illinois Food Bank provides more than 71,000 people with nutritious food and hope through their innovative feeding programs and partnerships across Northern Illinois.

BraveHearts for Kids (braveheartsforkids.org) – BraveHearts for Kids provide one-on-one mentoring, information and emotional support for children diagnosed with pediatric cancer as well as their families.

Loaves and Fishes CARES (loaves-fishes.org) – Located in Naperville, Loaves and Fishes Community Services provides groceries and essential support services to more than 2,000 families each month. Additional programs include job search support, skill-based classes and public benefit assistance to assist and empower clients towards a life of self-sufficiency.

The Cougars 2018 season begins on Thursday, April 5 at 6:30 PM against the Clinton LumberKings. For more information, including the full schedule of theme nights, entertainment acts and giveaways scheduled, visit kccougars.com.

Follow the Cougars on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates on tickets and promotions.

About the Kane County Cougars

The Cougars, Class-A Minor League affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, have been at the forefront of family-friendly entertainment since 1991. In 2015, the franchise became the first Class-A team in Minor League Baseball history to welcome 11 million fans through the gates. A total of 161 former Cougars have reached the Major Leagues including Miguel Cabrera, Nelson Cruz, Josh Beckett, Adrian Gonzalez and Kyle Schwarber.

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

Students wanted to design Fightins’ Energy Conservation Jersey

(Reading, PA) – The Reading Fightin Phils have announced an Energy Conservation theme jersey design competition for secondary students presented by Reading Area Community College during the Energy Conservation Go Green Night sponsored by Fromm Electric Supply. The game is scheduled for Wednesday, June 27th at 7:05 p.m. when the Fightin Phils host the Erie SeaWolves.

The Fightin Phils are accepting jersey design concepts from local students with an Energy Conservation theme tied into the jersey. Students may draw their design or use computer software programs to design the jerseys. Designs may be submitted via mail or email in the following format: .jpg, .pdg, .eps, or .ai.

The jersey will be printed in full sublimation. Artwork of the jersey requires one of the Fightin Phils logos on the left chest or center chest. Students will receive a sample template that they may use to design the jersey.

Over 400 jersey designs were submitted during the inaugural jersey design competition last season. The Fightin Phils decided instead of rewarding just one student artist, artwork and concepts were incorporated from five students in the final jersey design from the 2017 competition.

Entries may be submitted to Todd Hunsicker, Director of Promotions. His email is thunsicker@fightins.com. Entries are due by Friday, March 30th.

Each student that submits an entry will receive two free tickets to the game on Wednesday, June 27th at 7:05 p.m. The student with the winning submission will receive a Go Green Jersey, four reserved seats with all you can eat buffet, a $50 gift card to the Fightin Phils Merchandise Store and a ceremonial first pitch prior to the game on June 27th.

The specialty themed jerseys worn by the Fightin Phils will be auctioned during the game and proceeds will go to the Berks Conservancy. Tickets are available for purchase online at fightins.com or can be purchased in person at the Fightin Phils Box Office at FirstEnergy Stadium.

America’s Classic Ballpark is proud to be a part of Pennsylvania’s Americana Region. Individual and season tickets for the 2018 season are available online at Fightins.com, by phone at 610-370-BALL, and in-person at FirstEnergy Stadium. Follow the Fightin Phils on Twitter at @ReadingFightins and like them on Facebook via www.facebook.com/fightins.

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

Kernels Military Heroes card set nominations closed

Cedar Rapids, IA – The Kernels are proud to announce that we have collected all the nominations for the 2018 Military Heroes Baseball card set and nominations for this year’s card set are now closed. Thank you to everyone who submitted a military hero for this year’s set!

We still encourage active duty personnel, veterans and their families to attend our Military Heroes Night on Wednesday, July 4th at 5:05 PM. The Kernels will wear special patriotic jerseys that will be sold via a silent auction with the proceeds to benefit the ALS Association – Iowa Chapter and we will be honoring all veterans and active duty personnel during the game.

With the strong interest in each of our Military Heroes Baseball Cards sets, the Kernels plan to continue this annual tradition by releasing a sixth Military Heroes Set for the 2019 season. Nominations for this set will open in mid-November of 2018.

2018 Cancer Awareness Jersey Night

Idaho Falls Chukars Cancer Awareness Jersey

Idaho Falls, ID – The Idaho Falls Chukars will be holding their annual Cancer Awareness Night during the 2018 season. To better commemorate this night the Chukars will be donning newly designed, limited edition, Breast Cancer Awareness jerseys for the special night. To better celebrate the courage, determination, and resilience of cancer survivors everywhere and honor those that have fought bravely and have lost their lives; These jerseys will hold the names of people that have battled with any cancer and have either died or survived.

The Chukars are inviting anyone that would like to honor a family or friend that has or is battling cancer to submit a donation form to put their name on the custom jersey. The cost to add a name to the jersey will be $50.00. You can purchase the game used jersey for an additional $50.00.

Donations will support both Mountain View Charities, which is an organization that “Clears the obstacles that face southern Idaho individuals and organizations so they can achieve their fullest potential, enriching our whole community in the process.” They give grants to help medical patients financially. They give college scholarships, and they support innovative charitable organizations in the community. The Mammogram Voucher Program at East Idaho Health is a program that offers vouchers for women receive free screening and diagnostic services.

Forms to reserve a space for a name can be found on the Chukars website ifchukars.com. Inquires can also be answered by calling the Chukars main office at 208-522-8363. Payment can be accepted either by mailing a check or calling the Chukars main office and making a payment over the phone

#ifchukars.com#

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

AquaSox Release 2017 Community Relations Report

Everett, WA – The Everett AquaSox Community Fund launched in 2009 to help fund many community projects, with a focus on education, youth programming and youth sports. Since its inception, the Community Fund has donated over $100,000 in grants to Little Leagues, Boys & Girls Clubs and other local organizations.

In 2017, the Everett AquaSox Community fund donated $21,307 in monetary donations to several non-profit organizations and foundations in the area. The Community Fund raises money primarily through auctions at the ballpark. The season featured six different auctions with the first auction being the Relay for Life jersey. In addition to the Relay for Life jersey, there were Pink in the Park hats, 4th of July hats, FrogStock jerseys, Star Wars jerseys and the fan favorite, FROGS faux-throwback jerseys.

Hit-a-Home-Run in Reading Program increased its enrollment to nearly 23,000 students between Snohomish, King, Island and Skagit counties. Students who read “around-the-bases” received a coupon from Alfy’s pizza, Woodland Park Zoo and a ticket to a game with their school.

The AquaSox continued supporting the Challenger League by hosting two games in 2017. Each game allowed every player in the Challenger League to show off their skills at the plate, in the field and on the mound. All the AquaSox players participated in both events after their game.

Webbly and staff participated in multiple events throughout the season. This included Camp Erin, Socktoberfest, Celebrate Schools 5K, National Adoption Day and more! If your organization has an event you would like Webbly or the AquaSox staff to attend, contact Ashlea LaPlant at (425) 258-3673 or at ashleal@aquasox.com.

Click here to vew the complete 2017 Community Relations Report.

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

Kane County Cougars Foundation, Inc. Releases Annual Report for 2017

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE 2016 ANNUAL REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY

GENEVA, Ill. – The Kane County Cougars Foundation, Inc. is proud to present the third Annual Report to the Community detailing the charitable outreach completed in 2017. The report lists the extensive accomplishments of the foundation and the notable programs coordinated by the Cougars.

Five new foundation programs were added in 2017 including the Al Mueller Memorial Scholarship Fund, the D-backs Give Back partnership, AmazonSmile, Highland Salutes and the Es Divertido Ser Un Fan campaign which saw the Cougars selected as one of four teams out of 160 Minor League Baseball teams to participate in this historic Hispanic outreach program.

The annual 5K Run/Walk hosted by the Cougars was re-branded in honor of First Responders. A total of $2,000 was donated to local departments including Geneva Police and Fire, St. Charles Police and Fire, Batavia Police and Fire as well as the Kane County Forest Preserve Police and the Kane County Sheriff’s Department.

Ozzie’s Reading Club was also re-branded, with the addition of our new mascot Annie, to the Cougars Reading Club. Each year the program encourages over 130,000 local area students to meet reading goals with incentives such as game tickets, food vouchers and a drawstring backpack. In-kind donations for the Cougars Reading Club totaled $646,190 in 2017.

The 50/50 Raffle, presented by Bret Brizzolara your local Country Financial representative and the Acres Group Pitch-In for Charity are two in-game programs from which a portion of the proceeds benefit specific charities selected by the Kane County Cougars Foundation. In 2017, these two programs generated over $29,000 to support local causes including Fox Valley Wildlife Center, Food for Greater Elgin, Holiday Heroes, Naperville Alive and DuPage PADS.

For every home run that was hit by a Cougars player at home, Paramount Fence made a donation to Emmanuel House which was then matched by the Cougars through the Home Run for Charity program. In 2017, the donation totaled $2,400.

Through a variety of military organizations including the Illinois National Guard, Operation Support Our Troops, Rolling Thunder and the Veteran Tickets Foundation, the Kane County Cougars Foundation presented in-kind donations for Military Recognition totaling $16,844 in 2017.

Various in-kind donations, community appearances, high school seminars, clinics and events show the Cougars on-going commitment to the surrounding community through programs such as the Library Summer Reading Program, senior citizen half-price tickets and food vouchers, the Winter Coat Drive and a partnership with Two Men and a Truck to collect items through the Movers for Moms program.

“Each year we strive to find new ways to give back to local organizations,” said Cougars owner Cheryl Froehlich. “With the additional programs added under the Kane County Cougars Foundation we were able to assist the surrounding community in more ways than we ever have before.”

“We’re dedicated to creating a legacy for the Kane County Cougars that goes far beyond the game of baseball,” added Cougars owner Dr. Bob Froehlich. “The Cougars are committed to making Kane County and the surrounding area a better place to live and work through the efforts of the Kane County Cougars Foundation.”

About the Kane County Cougars

The Cougars, Class-A Minor League affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, have been at the forefront of family-friendly entertainment since 1991. In 2015, the franchise became the first Class-A team in Minor League Baseball history to welcome 11 million fans through the gates. A total of 161 former Cougars have reached the Major Leagues including Miguel Cabrera, Nelson Cruz, Josh Beckett, Adrian Gonzalez and Kyle Schwarber.

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

Keys Contribute More Than $200,000 to Local Community in 2017

FREDERICK, MD-With the holiday season upon us, the Frederick Keys are excited to look back on 2017 as another outstanding year for community involvement. This year, the Keys worked hand-in-hand with a myriad of groups on community initiatives and assisted in countless fundraising efforts.

In 2017, the Keys contributed more than $200,000 to the local community. This benefited non-profits, local schools and libraries, the military and other worthy causes. The Keys also donated over $150,000 in in-kind gifts and raised over $20,000 for local non-profit organizations through in-stadium fundraising. This supported local non-profit groups including the United Way, Heartly House, Habitat For Humanity, Blessings in a Backpack and The Police Activities League. Funds were also raised for victims of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.

Throughout the season, the Keys work with different organizations to benefit local non-profits and other worthy causes. For the third straight season, BGE Home and the Keys partnered on “Make a Difference Monday.” During each Monday game, a different 501 (c) (3) organization was given 25 tickets to see the Keys play to go along with a pre-game interview, a ceremonial first, a marketing table on the concourse and a :20 public address announcement. Among the groups who participated were the Team Up for 1 Foundation and the Frederick County Humane Society.

Other year-long programs which benefited local non-profits included Walks for a Cause and Pack the Park. Each time a Keys player walked, Keeney and Basford Funeral Homes donated $10 to Frederick Keys Care. Another staple of the Keys community involvement, Pack the Park enables charities to raise funds through ticket sales as well as a 50/50 raffle. Pack the Parks take place on Fridays and Saturday’s to maximize the organization’s exposure. Other benefits include a first pitch and a chance to speak on the field before the game.

Some groups have specific nights where their cause is recognized. These included Strike Out Stroke Night, Deaf & Hard of Hearing Night, Knock Tobacco Out of the Park Day and Cancer Awareness Night. Through working with Frederick Memorial Hospital’s Stroke & Chest Pain Division, the Keys were able to spread awareness of strokes, how to avoid them and be alerted to when someone could be having one.

For Deaf and Hard of Hearing Night, the Keys worked with the Maryland School for the Deaf to promote ways to communicate with individuals who are deaf or hearing impaired. Students from the school also created special sign language videos with Keys players. Knock Tobacco Out of the Park Day included a pre-game presentation about tobacco use, as well as a video and slates throughout the game explaining the dangers of using tobacco. For this night, the Keys partnered with the Tobacco Free Coalition.

Each season the Keys join forces with the American Cancer Society to recognize cancer survivors and to remember those who have lost their battle with cancer. Survivors receive a free ticket to the game, while ACS sells t-shirts and luminaries as part of a unique fireworks show. This includes a photo montage on the video board of cancer fighters, in conjunction with the organization’s Cancer Has a Face Program. Keys Players and Coaches also donned special lavender jerseys with words of encouragement such as hope, faith and love. These were auctioned off during the game, with proceeds benefiting ACS.

To promote educational and wellness initiatives, the Keys work frequently with the Frederick County Public School System. In 2017, the team introduced the Report Card Program. Children who received A’s, A equivalents or improved grades on their report cards received two complimentary tickets to a Keys game in April as well as a bumper sticker showing their accomplishments.

Meanwhile, this past season just under 2,000 sixth grade students filled Nymeo Field for STEM Day. Each student attendee received an assignment packet with questions based on game action, information from concourse vendors and videos featuring Keys mascot Keyote and players. The Keys and FCPS also work together on Family Fitness Weekend. Children who are active for one hour a day receive a voucher to a Keys weekend game.

Once again the Keys and Frederick County Public Libraries worked together in 2017. The team provided local libraries in Frederick and in surrounding counties with nearly 70,000 summer reading vouchers. Students who complete their summer reading assignments receive a voucher to attend a game in either July or August and receive recognition during a pre-game parade.

A long-standing goal of the Keys has also been to give back to active and retired military members. One way this is accomplished is through Fort Detrick Night. A US Army Medical Command Installation based in Frederick, Fort Detrick is the city’s largest employer. The Keys work closely with the base to put on a night for military members and their families. Tickets are provided at a discounted rate, while Fort Detrick brings out an anthem singer, color guard and military VIPs to give on-field presentations.

The Keys will be celebrating their 30th anniversary in 2018. For more information about ticket plans, fans can contact the Keys groups department at 301-815-9900. The Frederick Keys kickoff their home schedule on Thursday, April 12 against the Potomac Nationals at 7:00 p.m. To follow the Keys all offseason, fans can visit frederickkeys.com.

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

Sounds Present Donation to The Legion Fund

On Wednesday, November 15, representatives from the Nashville Sounds and Tennessee 811 presented a donation of $4,000 to The Legion Fund at Fort Campbell.

During the 2017 season, the Sounds wore special military green jerseys every Sunday at First Tennessee Park. The donation money was raised through the annual military jersey auction hosted by the Nashville Sounds Foundation.

The Legion Fund is a charitable organization – out of Nashville – dedicated solely to assisting the soldiers and families of the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) – ‘The Legion.’ The 5th Special Forces Group, organized in 1961 and located at Ft. Campbell since 1988, continues as the most highly decorated unit within the United States Army Special Forces.

Over the past fifty-plus years, ‘The Legion’ served in the Vietnam War, Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm during the Gulf War, Operations Restore Hope and United Shield in Somalia, Operations Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn in Iraq, and Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan

Throughout the day, Sounds and Tennessee 811 representatives toured the 5th Group compound with CSM(R) Mike Cunningham and CSM(R) Frank McFadden, along with Nancy Mullen, Legion Fund Advisory Board Member and 5th Group Gold Star widow.

In June of 2017, the Nashville Sounds Foundation was presented with a wooden Gladius by The Legion Fund. The wooden Gladius is traditionally presented within the unit to exemplary members of the unit or friends of the unit for their support of its soldiers and families.

The 2018 season will be the Sounds’ 41st in franchise history and fourth as the Oakland Athletics’ top affiliate. Season ticket memberships are available now by calling (615) 690-4487 or by visiting www.nashvillesounds.com.

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

End of Season Jersey Auction for Dragons Foundation

End of Season Auction includes:

  1. Luis Bolivar, autographed white jersey
  2. Tony Santillan, autographed white jersey
  3. Scott Moss, autographed green jersey
  4. Taylor Trammell, green jersey
  5. Jose Siri, autographed orange jersey
  6. 1 Trammell autographed bat, 1 Moss & Santillan signed ball … the ball has both autographs on them
  7. 1 Siri autographed ball, 1 Siri autographed bat, 1 Siri autographed game program

Click here to visit the auction

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

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Custom Hooks Surfboard Up for Auction!

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

CORPUS CHRISTI – A custom Corpus Christi Hooks/Nolan Ryan surfboard – one of three in existence – will be auctioned off by the Texas Surf Museum during its Third Annual Surftoberfest this weekend.

The board is presently owned by Ryan-Sanders Baseball/Entertainment COO JJ Gottsch, who’s donating the Robert August creation as part of Surftoberfest’s Port Aransas Education Foundation fundraiser.

Gottsch was the first Hooks president from the club’s 2003 inception through the 2008 season.

“Brad Lomax has been a great friend to me personally, the Hooks, and the community at-large for a number of years,” Gottsch said. “When I heard that he had Robert (August) coming to the event this year, and that the funds were going to help hurricane relief efforts, I immediately thought of the board and how it could hopefully help those efforts. It will be a truly unique gift for any Robert August, Nolan Ryan, or Corpus Christi Hooks enthusiast.”

To bid online for the Robert August surfboard, click here from midnight, Thursday, October 5, until 8:30 CDT on Saturday night, October 7.

August will personally autograph the board for the winner.

The board’s design was produced in a special collaboration between August, his son Sam, Reid Ryan, Reese Ryan, and Gottsch. A second Hooks/Ryan WIR “What I Ride” (9.2) surfboard is currently displayed at the museum. Unique features include a classic blue/white design incorporating the Hooks’ primary logo in various elements, plus Nolan Ryan’s iconic “34” logo.

Robert August (born 1945) is an American surfer and surfboard shaper, most famous as one of the subjects of Bruce Brown’s 1966 surf documentary “The Endless Summer” with friend Mike Hynson. The film follows the two pursuing their hobby world-wide during the California off-season, meeting other surfers and discussing surf culture. August picked up surfing in the 1950s, when the sport’s popularity had just begun. His father, Blackie August, was also a noted surfer. Robert’s enthusiasm for and involvement in “The Endless Summer” influenced the sport’s growth for decades to come. His surfboards are sold under the Robert August Surfboards brand. He continues to travel the world promoting surfing, and in 1994 was involved in the shooting of “The Endless Summer II,” in which surfers Pat O’Connell and Robert “Wingnut” Weaver retrace the places visited by August and Hynson 30 years earlier.

Nolan Ryan – Elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility, Nolan Ryan was inducted on July 25, 1999, on 98.79 percent of eligible ballots, the second-highest figure in history. He is the only player to have his uniform number retired by three different teams, the Los Angeles Angels (#30) and Houston Astros (#34) joining the Texas Rangers (#34). Ryan compiled a 324-292 record and 3.19 earned run average over 807 appearances in an unprecedented 27 seasons with the New York Mets (1966; 1968-71), California Angels (1972-79), Astros (1980-88), and Rangers (1989-93). The all-time leader in strikeouts (5,714) and no-hitters (7), Ryan has owned or shared 53 Major League records. An eight-time All-Star, he also threw 12 one-hitters, tying Bob Feller for the most ever, and owns two of the top four single-season strikeout totals in Major League history, including an all-time best 383 with the 1973 Angels.

Ryan is executive advisor to Houston Astros owner Jim Crane.

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