RiverDogs Partner with Stingrays and Battery to Provide Relief from Hurricane Matthew

CHARLESTON, SC – In the face of disaster, Charleston has continually shown its strength to come together as a community in support of those in need. In the spirit of unity in the Holy City, the Charleston RiverDogs, South Carolina Stingrays and Charleston Battery will partner to raise money for those affected by October’s Hurricane Matthew. The clubs will host an online auction with the proceeds benefitting the One SC Relief Fund.

The online auction, which will open on Wednesday, November 2 at 12 noon, will culminate at the Stingrays’ home game on Sunday, November 6 at the North Charleston Coliseum with the puck set to drop at 3pm. Fans can access the online auction starting on Wednesday through Bidr, an online auction site that allows one to bid on items remotely using a phone, tablet or desktop. Bidding will close at the conclusion of the second period in Sunday’s contest against Elmira. The online auction can be found at https://my.bidr.co/events/lowcountryhurricanerelief/

“Our thoughts and prayers are with those still recovering from the after effects of Hurricane Matthew,” said RiverDogs President and General Manager Dave Echols. “This collaboration is a great way for the RiverDogs along with the Stingrays and Battery to use our collective platforms to do something good for our community.”

The RiverDogs will auction VIP experience packages for their upcoming Legends in the South Alumni Baseball game, the second annual event that features Braves and Yankees alumni squaring off at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park. Auction winners will have the opportunity to meet the baseball legends in person along with packages that include watching the game from the dugout, appearing in the game as a player and dining with some of the all-time greats leading up to the event.

Other RiverDogs packages include two tickets to the Ballpark Festival of Beers, RiverDogs merchandise, a behind-the-scenes tour of The Joe, and a Fireworks package that includes two tickets to every Friday home game in 2017.

“The Stingrays are excited to partner with the Riverdogs and the Battery to help those affected by Hurricane Matthew,” said Stingrays President Rob Concannon. “The Charleston community is very important to all of us.”

The Stingrays’ auction items include a signed team jersey, four Premium Level six game Ticket Plans for the 2016-17 season, a chance to ride on the “Fan Zam”, an exclusive pre-game bench experience, and Stingrays merchandise.

“The coordination of the Battery, RiverDogs and Stingrays in this effort to help the victims of Hurricane Matthew demonstrates the unified spirit in Charleston and across South Carolina. We’re proud to participate in this relief effort and wish all those still recovering well,” said Battery President Andrew Bell.

Charleston Battery contributions to the auction include two Carolina Challenge Cup series tickets, four Family Four Packs, a 2016 jersey, Films on the Field ticket package, and merchandise.

RiverDogs season tickets, half-season ticket packages and mini plans are now available for the 2017 campaign. The RiverDogs begin the season on April 6 when they host the Lexington Legends at Joseph P Riley, Jr. Park. Ticket information can be secured by contacting the box office at (843) 577-DOGS (3647) or online at www.riverdogs.com.

–RIVERDOGS–

BlueClaws Charities Luxury Suite Raffle Returns With More Winners Than Ever Before

LAKEWOOD, NJ – BlueClaws Charities, the official 501c3 non-profit foundation of the Lakewood BlueClaws, is once again holding their annual BlueClaws Charities Luxury Suite Raffle, with this year’s raffle including a greater chance to win than ever before.

Only 300 raffle tickets will be sold, for $100 each, with proceeds going to BlueClaws Charities. This year, however, there will be seven winners instead of four. Each winner will win a 10-game BlueClaws Luxury Suite package for the 2017 season.

ORDER RAFFLE TICKETS – There are two ways to order. Order online by clicking here, or order on the phone by calling Mike Kasel at 732-901-7000 ext 195.

The seven winners will receive 20 tickets to 10 pre-determined games throughout the season. The games will be split up by day of the week and month of the season. Opening Day is April 13th and the season concludes on September 4th, Labor Day.

Kami Zonin of Zonin Wealth Management was a raffle winner for the 2016 season. “From the very first game in the Luxury Suite, we knew we were in for something special. The staff at the stadium did an amazing job to help cater every game to the person using the Suite. Our staff was able to use it for family birthdays and special occasions. We were also able to give some of our clients the opportunity to use the Suite for their own special occasions. Our clients loved it!”

She added: ” The BlueClaws worked with us to make every game a once in a lifetime experience, and for that we will be forever grateful!”

The last day to reserve a raffle ticket will be March 17, 2017 (but tickets are expected to sell out before that date). All seven winners will be determined via a drawing on March 20th at 10 am. at FirstEnergy Park. Winners do not have to be present to win.

Those that purchase multiple tickets can win multiple shares of a suite. Each share holds a $4,945 value.

Each Luxury Suite provides panoramic views of the stadium from a climate-controlled indoor area, which is completely furnished with cable and has 12 seats on the balcony. Luxury Suite ticket holders also have access to the Upstairs Club as well as wait service within the suite.

The proceeds from the raffle go to benefit BlueClaws Charities, a 501c3 organization and the official non-profit organization of the Lakewood BlueClaws.

BlueClaws Charities, a registered 501c3 organization, raises money at all 70 BlueClaws home games. A 50/50 raffle, special jersey auctions, and miscellaneous programs are used to raise money during games. The annual “Phillies Winter Banquet,” “ALS Celebrity Waiter Event,” “Bowling With the BlueClaws,” and the “BlueClaws Charities Nine & Dine Golf Outing” are additional fundraising initiatives conducted by BlueClaws Charities.

The organization works with 40 non-profit Community Partners each year and donates to hundreds of area organizations and fundraising events.

– BlueClaws Charities –

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

Whitecaps named Midwest League’s John Henry Moss Community Service Award Nominee

COMSTOCK PARK, MI – The Midwest League of Professional Baseball Clubs has named the West Michigan Whitecaps as its 2016 nominee for Minor League Baseball’s post-season John Henry Moss Community Service Award.

The John Henry Moss Community Service Award is presented to a club that demonstrates an outstanding, on-going commitment to charitable service, support and leadership within their local community and within the baseball industry.

Since the Whitecaps’ inaugural season in 1994, the team has been committed to operating as a community-based organization focused on providing affordable family friendly entertainment to the West Michigan region. And since that time, the Whitecaps’ success as an organization has been closely linked to the outstanding support received from the community. Giving back to that community has always been a pillar of the Whitecaps’ operating philosophy, and in 2013 the Whitecaps Community Foundation (a 501c (3)) was founded to focus the Whitecaps’ commitment to, and leadership of, charitable support of West Michigan kids and their families.

Some of the Whitecaps’ and Whitecaps Community Foundation’s 2016 highlights and community impacts are detailed below:

Ted Rasberry Field

Thanks to the efforts of the Whitecaps Community Foundation and its community partners, a $54,000 grant was secured from the Baseball Tomorrow Fund (a partnership with Major League Baseball). In just four months’ time one of Grand Rapids’ most historic inner city fields was completely revitalized. Use of the new field is primarily for the Inner City Youth Baseball and Softball program and surrounding Grand Rapids community neighborhoods.

Orchestrating the revitalization of a field named in honor of a historic Negro League owner/player and Grand Rapids native was an easy decision for the Whitecaps Community Foundation’s Board of Directors. When all was said and done, the Ted Rasberry Field renovations included: new bleachers, improved infield and playing surface, new equipment storage facility, reseeded outfield and an enhanced irrigation system.

Inner City Youth Baseball & Softball Program

The primary recipient of the Whitecaps’ and Whitecaps Community Foundation’s charitable efforts every year is the Inner City Youth Baseball and Softball program (ICYBS). This program is perhaps the Whitecaps’ best example of stability and sustainability as this season marked its 22nd year of providing free baseball to Grand Rapids inner city kids. The program is a collaborative effort between the Whitecaps Community Foundation, the Whitecaps and other community partners. Since 1995, more than $250,000 has been pledged to the program by the Whitecaps and the Whitecaps Community Foundation, allowing more than 27,000 children the opportunity to participate in organized baseball for free within the inner city.

In 2016, the ICYBS added a focus on nutrition and fighting childhood hunger and provided 9,600 post-game meals for the program participants. In total, the 2016 season stat line reads as follows: 1,400 children participated with 68 volunteers serving as coaches, drivers, and scorekeepers who donated a total of 1,758 hours of their time. Equipment was also provided for free with the West Michigan community donating more than 300 gloves and various pieces of equipment through the Whitecaps Community Foundation’s annual equipment drive.

Reading Program & Book Donation

The Whitecaps Community Foundation Reading Program is in its 12th year of helping area school children enjoy Whitecaps baseball while promoting reading. Children from area elementary schools who read a total of 450 minutes, or 15 minutes a day, in the month of March (known nationally as Reading Month) receive two tickets to any Whitecaps game in April-June. The Foundation delivers all support materials, such as bookmarks and posters, to all participating schools at no cost. The 2016 Reading Program had involvement from 75,000 K-6 area children from 268 schools ranging from public schools to home schooled. More than 20,000 complimentary tickets were given this season to children and their families in West Michigan.

To create even more excitement during the month of March and to encourage reading after the program had finished, the Whitecaps Community Foundation donated a book to every child at Dickinson Elementary School in Grand Rapids. Dickinson Elementary is considered a high-need school within Grand Rapids and received a total of 300 books.

Pinch Hitter Program

The Pinch Hitter Program is designed to give groups in need the opportunity to experience a Whitecaps game at no cost. Non-Profit organizations are matched with program donors and receive tickets allowing those groups to attend a Whitecaps game when they otherwise would not have been able to meet the financial obligation. In 2016 the Whitecaps Community Foundation was able to match 20 groups with corporate donors and as a result donated 500 tickets to groups in need. Michigan area.

Player Community Service Award

Since 1994, community involvement has been a pillar of how the Whitecaps operate, and this does not stop at the clubhouse door. West Michigan Whitecaps players are given the opportunity to volunteer throughout the community each season and in 2016, 30 players volunteered over 500 hours during the season. Players visited schools to encourage reading, Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Veteran’s home as well as other locations in the West Michigan area. This season three players won the Inaugural Whitecaps Community Service Award, given to players who had the most impact within the community: Pitcher Sandy Baez, Outfielder Rashad Brown and Infielder Will Allen. Each of these players volunteered more than 50 hours of their time from April through August.

50/50 Program

Throughout the 2016 season, The Whitecaps Community Foundation helped non-profits raise funds by using the West Michigan Whitecaps facilities. Twelve non-profits raised $29,175 over the course of the season participating in the 50/50 raffle program. Non-profits took half of the $29,175 to use at their own discretion, while the winner took the other half. The Whitecaps Community Foundation had 13 of its own 50/50 raffles and managed to raise $30,760 for its programs in 2016.

The final line for 2016: With donations and fundraising efforts, the Whitecaps Community Foundation was able to give out more than $552,716 to local children and their families in 2016. All of these programs were considered by the Midwest League in choosing the West Michigan Whitecaps as its John Henry Moss Community Service Award winner and MiLB nominee.

Winners of all five of MiLB’s post-season awards, including the Charles K. Murphy Patriot Award, the John Henry Moss Community Service Award, the Larry MacPhail Award, the John H. Johnson President’s Award, and Rawlings Woman Executive of the Year Award, will be announced at the Baseball Winter Meetings in Washington, D.C. in December.

The Whitecaps open the 2017 season at home on Thursday, April 6 at 6:35 p.m. against the South Bend Cubs. Season tickets and mini plans will go on sale October 25 and can be purchased by calling the Whitecaps at 616-784-4131. Tickets for groups of 20 or more, including private party areas, will go on sale in November.

-end

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

66ers Honored with California League’s Award for Community Service

San Bernardino, CA – On Friday the California League announced the 2016 Front Office Awards and named the Inland Empire 66ers the winner of the Excellence in Community Service Award. The award, which was voted on by the other organizations in the California League, was given to the 66ers due to their outstanding and on-going commitment to charitable service, support and leadership within the local community.

The Sixers received high praise from the league for their efforts and commitment to the community following the tragic events on December 2nd. A day after the incident, thousands came to San Manuel Stadium to attend a candlelight and prayer vigil. Victim’s families and friends, civic leaders and the community at large started healing the healing process together. On this night “SB Strong” came into existence and an organic fundraising opportunity happened after multiple attendees asked where they could buy tee shirts with the SB Strong logo on them. The fundraiser was a great success as over 2,000 shirts were purchased with 100% of the proceeds heading to the San Bernardino United Relief Fund. Following the vigil the club would go on to host a luncheon for the first responders, a SB Strong Charity Picnic and Blood Drive and the team’s SB Strong Night Game. During this game the Sixers and the visiting San Jose Giants wore specialty SB Strong jerseys that went up for auction to raise funds for the cause. In total, $74,115.26 was raised for the victims and their families through events held at San Manuel Stadium.

The 66ers continued their excellence in community service by closely working with local schools in several ways. The team’s reading program, which provided tickets for children and their families for reading, saw an increase in participation by over 30%. In addition, the club introduced the Breakfast with a Book Program in which students were rewarded for their academic efforts by receiving breakfast and a new book courtesy of the club. The commitment to the area didn’t stop there as the 66ers worked with over 200 local partners that had an impact of over $400,000 in donations during the 2016 Season.

About the Inland Empire 66ers

The Inland Empire 66ers are the California League Affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels and play their home games at San Manuel Stadium. The club is one of eight Elmore Sports Group owned franchises and one the six Minor League Baseball clubs in the group. Other Elmore Sports Group baseball franchises include the Colorado Springs Sky Sox (Pacific Coast League), The San Antonio Missions (Texas League), Lynchburg Hillcats (Carolina League), Eugene Emeralds (Northwest League), and the Idaho Fall Chukars (Pioneer League). The 66ers franchise will play their 30th season in San Bernardino during the 2017 season which starts on Thursday, April 6th.

Follow the 66ers on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @66ersbaseball

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

D-Braves nominated for Charles Murphy Patriot Award

DANVILLE, Va. – The Appalachian League announced its nominations for the Minor League Baseball Annual Awards Wednesday afternoon, with the Danville Braves earning the league’s nomination for the Charles Murphy Patriot Award. The award is presented to a team who demonstrates “outstanding support of and engagement with the United States Armed Forces and veterans, both at the ballpark and in the community.”

The D-Braves placed a strong focus on recognizing and honoring the military throughout the month of July during the 2016 season, with each Friday game and the team’s July 3rd contest being dubbed Military Appreciation Night presented by Angus Heating and Air and Blue Ridge Beverage. The Braves’ wore special military-themed jerseys on each of the Military Appreciation Nights, with the game-used jerseys being auctioned off to benefit the Danville Veterans Memorial and the Fort Bragg Fisher House.

Additionally, the D-Braves welcomed members of the Dan River High School J-ROTC for the National Anthem prior to each game on Military Appreciation Nights.

“We are honored to represent the Appalachian League for this award,” said D-Braves General Manager David Cross. “The U.S. Military and their families have provided more than we can ever repay, and honoring them in the ways we have is the least we can do.”

This year’s Charles Murphy Patriot Award will be presented at the 2016 Baseball Winter Meetings to be held in National Harbor, Maryland from December 4-8.

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

Fifth Third Field to Host MVDSA Buddy Walk

Dayton, Ohio-The 14th Annual Miami Valley Down Syndrome Association (MVDSA) Dayton Buddy Walk® will take place at Fifth Third Field on Saturday, September 17th beginning at 8:30 a.m. More than 2,000 people are expected to attend the event, which is one of over 250 Walks across the country this fall to raise awareness and funds for programs that benefit people with Down syndrome and their families.

The National Buddy Walk® Program welcomes participants of all ages and abilities. The goals of the program are to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome and to positively influence local and national policy and practice. Last year alone, Buddy Walk® events raised nearly $13 million to benefit national advocacy initiatives, as well as local programs and services. All funds raised through the National Buddy Walk® Program support both local and national programs.

The MVDSA Dayton Buddy Walk® will feature something fun for everyone – exhibitors, activities, inflatables, a basket raffle, a 50/50 raffle, silent auction, and more! Activities around the ballpark begin at 8:30 a.m. The Entertainment Fun Zone will be open with face painters and a photo booth. Dragons mascots Heater and Gem will roam the concourse and take pictures with those in attendance. Individuals with Down syndrome will receive a medal as they complete the walk. To learn more, visit www.DaytonBuddyWalk.org, or contact the MVDSA at office@mvdsa.org or 937-222-0744.

About the Miami Valley Down Syndrome Association: The MVDSA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing life enriching opportunities, as well as information, resources and support, for individuals with Down syndrome, their families and their communities. The MVDSA serves the Miami Valley of Ohio, including the following 11 counties: Auglaize, Champaign, Clark, Darke, Greene, Logan, Mercer, Miami, Montgomery, Preble and Shelby. Learn more at www.mvdsa.org.

Contact: Jenna Stites

Executive Director

Miami Valley Down Syndrome Association

Phone: (937) 222-0744

Email: office@mvdsa.org

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

Louisville Slugger Field to host Miracle League Kick-Off Event

Rendering of the future Miracle League of Louisville field located in Fern Creek

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Miracle League and the Louisville Bats organization have partnered together for a special event at Louisville Slugger Field. This event is for all to meet and greet current Louisville Bat Jermaine Curtis and learn more about the Miracle League. Curtis will be meeting and signing autographs at the FREE Miracle League kick-off event at Louisville Slugger Field from 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 11.

The Miracle League is a baseball complex for children with physical, cognitive and/or emotional disabilities to play in an organized baseball league. The event will have raffle drawings along with a free hat giveaway to all veterans and first responders as the Miracle League will recognize their service on September 11.

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

Prostate Cancer Awareness Night on Sep. 2

TICKETS

CLEARWATER, Fla. – Friday, September 2, is Prostate Cancer Awareness Night at the ballpark with a post-game concert from Tampa Bay’s Stormbringer. Threshers players and coaches will be wearing special blue jerseys that will be included in the silent auction to raise funds and awareness for the Morton Plant Mease Foundation and Ed Randall’s Fans For The Cure.

The Stormbringer concert is part of the Threshers Summer Concert series by Leinenkugel and New Belgium.

Fans who win a jersey in the auction can go on-field after the game to meet the player and receive the autographed jersey. Also included in the silent auction will be Threshers’ and Phillies’ memorabilia plus donations from team partners.

The night is also the last Threshers Free Shirt Friday with 1,000 themed, blue T-shirts given away by Academy Bus. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. for the 6:15 p.m. game with the Dunedin Blue Jays.

TICKETS

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

Tampa Yankees to “Play4theCure” on Fan Appreciation Night

TAMPA, Fla. – The Tampa Yankees will host their annual Fan Appreciation Night on Saturday, August 27th. The Yankees are scheduled to play the Brevard County Manatees at 6:00 p.m. Fans are welcome to enjoy a night full of prizes and fun as the 2016 season comes to an end. The night will conclude with a postgame fireworks show, presented by Sonny’s BBQ.

Play4TheCure and Minor League Baseball are teaming up for the second year in a row to raise funds for the National Foundation for Cancer Research. Proceeds from a 50/50 raffle, along with other fan games, will benefit cancer research. Players and fans will receive “I Play 4 ___” signs and are encouraged to fill them out to be recognized on the video board during the game.

“Play4TheCure inspires young athletes and their teams to leverage their passion for sports to “Play4″ loved ones affected by cancer and encourages them to actively participate in working to fund cancer research to make a difference.” – NFCR.org

In addition, August 27th will also be the final “Salute to Service Members Saturday” of the season. All military receive a FREE upper reserved ticket with valid I.D. Kids run the bases before the game from 5-5:15 p.m. and receive player autographs on the concourse from 5:10-5:30 p.m. **Ticket special can ONLY be redeemed at the George M. Steinbrenner Field Box Office.

Individual game tickets can be purchased at the George M. Steinbrenner Field Box Office. Tickets start at $4 for general admission, $6 for reserved seating, and parking is always free.

The Tampa Yankees are the Single A-Advanced Affiliate of the New York Yankees. For more information, you may contact the Tampa Yankees office at (813) 673-3055 or visit www.tybaseball.com.

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

Biscuits to Host Charities Night on August 26

MONTGOMERY, Ala.- The Montgomery Biscuits will celebrate Charities Night on Friday, August 26 when they take on the Birmingham Barons at 7:05 p.m. Charities Night will recognize and honor the Biscuits Charity Partners of the 2016 season, including River Region United Way, Family Sunshine Center, Easter Seals Central Alabama, Magic Moments and the YMCA of Greater Montgomery. The evening will conclude with a MAX Fireworks Show!

“Charities Night is an important night that allows us to profile the organizations, chosen by the staff each year to support and move forward the Biscuits Charities mission to support youth. They auction is an effective fundraiser, but the celebration of awareness of all charities and their causes is a very honored privilege for us as well,” Biscuits Owner, Sherrie Myers, said.

Charities Night will also include a Jersey Auction in which the Biscuits will auction off their game-worn, home jerseys with proceeds benefitting the River Region United Way.

The auction will begin online, Monday, August 22, at noon and run through noon on Friday, August 26. Fans can bid on the game-worn jerseys by visiting http://biscuitsbaseball2016.eflea.ca/. The auction will pick back up in-park as a silent auction beginning when gates open at 5:50 p.m. and run through the end of the fourth inning. The starting bid for the jerseys online is $120; the starting bids for the in-park auction will start where the online auction concluded.

“The River Region United Way is honored to be included as one of the Montgomery Biscuits’ charity partners,” River Region United Way President and CEO, Jimmy Hill, said. “We are grateful for the Biscuits’ continued support and their commitment to benefit youth in the greater Montgomery community. Charities Night with the Jersey Auction is one of the highlights of our year.”

This year’s auction will feature player jerseys worn by nine of the Tampa Bay Rays Top-30 prospects, including the top three players, shortstop Willy Adames, pitcher Brent Honeywell and first baseman Jake Bauers. Adames, the Rays number one prospect, leads the Southern League in runs. At only 20 years old, the Dominican Republic native earned a starting spot on the Southern League All-Star roster and represented the World team at the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game at the MLB All-Star Game. Honeywell, who was promoted to the Biscuits in July and is ranked as the Rays number two prospect, was drafted in the second round of the 2014 Draft. In 2015, Honeywell was named as Best Pitching Prospect by Baseball America. Bauers, the Rays number three prospect, is a versatile player, spending time in both right field and first base this season with the Biscuits. Bauers, a mid-season All-Star, leads the team in hitting.

Jersey auction winners will be announced following the game in a special on-field ceremony that includes a photo opportunity with the player whose jersey was won.

Payment for auction items is due at the Biscuits Box Office the night of the auction. All bids, online and at the game, must be held with a credit card but can be paid by credit card or cash following the auction. Jerseys will be available for pick-up at the Biscuits Administrative Office approximately one week after the last game of the regular or playoff season.

To purchase tickets to Charities Night or to learn more information visit the www.biscuitsbaseball.com or call 334-323-2255.

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Specialty Jersey Night to Honor Paralyzed Veterans of America

The Bristol Pirates are excited to host the first-ever specialty jersey night at Boyce Cox Field next Thursday, August 18, when the Pirates play host to their division-rival Johnson City Cardinals.

Pirates’ players and staff will sport special jerseys for the one game, in support of the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), courtesy of the generous support of Food City.

NASCAR legend and PVA supporter Richard Petty will be on hand to throw out the ceremonial first pitch, along with NASCAR driver Aric Almirola and the president of the PVA, Bill Lawson.

Following the game, Petty and the player or staff member wearing each jersey will autograph the jerseys.

During the game, fans can bid on the jersey of their favorite players in a silent auction conducted in the ballpark pavilion on the third-base side of the field. Following the game, until the end of the Pirates’ regular season, bidding will continue online at www.milbauctions.com.

Gates will open early at the special time of 4:30 p.m., for this game, which promises to draw a large crowd. The game will begin at 5:30 p.m., and fans are invited to stay after the game and enjoy the transporter parade as it makes its way down Euclid Avenue, past the ballpark. It is expected that the parade will also feature fireworks.

“We are tremendously excited to host this event, and the King of NASCAR, Richard Petty, and to be able to call attention to the wonderful work the PVA does across the country,” noted Pirates’ General Manager Mahlon Luttrell. “We would not have been able to do this without the wonderful support of our friends at Food City.”

For more information on the Pirates, visit www.BristolPiratesBaseball.com. To keep up with breaking news, follow the Pirates on Twitter (@PiratesNBristol) or visit their Facebook page.

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

Wings’ jersey’s journey to Afghanistan

Rochester, N.Y. to Afghanistan — 6,673 miles.

That’s the distance between Rochester and Afghanistan. That distance would take you from New York to L.A. and back to Des Moines, Iowa.

Jose Berrios has memorabilia that resides there, but he doesn’t know it.

On the Fourth of July a season-high 11,574 spectators filed into Frontier Field as the Wings dropped a 5-2 decision to Buffalo. That night Rochester donned patriotic threads that were silent auctioned following the game to benefit the Veteran’s Outreach Center in Rochester.

Gracious fans raised $3,380 on Independence Day to lay claim to the unique game worn Wings artifacts. Many of the jerseys can be seen worn by fans around the park while others have them framed in their homes.

Jose Berrios’ jersey won’t be seen by anybody for quite some time because his is currently 6,673 miles away in Afghanistan.

Danny Cashman has been in the military since 2005 where he joined as a military police officer and was sent to Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri for one station unit training. Later that year he was sent to Fort Benning in Georgia where he participated in jump school as a paratrooper in the 82nd airborne. He was then stationed in Fayetteville, North Carolina before being stationed in Afghanistan for 15 months from 2007-08.

There is not a lot to do in down time while overseas. One day Cashman was sent a baseball and he went out in the field with the guys and played with it. Soldiers were sent soccer balls and they played with those. Practically anything over there could be used to goof off and have a good time.

Now, Cashman sends whatever he can get his hands on overseas. Upon his return in 2008 he has been collecting game-used baseballs, bats, and a game-used base from a Red Wings game that hangs in the dining hall of his former base. He’s also sent over basic supplies like socks and T-shirts because at the end of the day he knows anything is appreciated.

“The baseball stuff (we received) was a surprise and it was like ‘Hey this is awesome!’ Stuff like that sent to any solider packages would be utilized and it was nice. Unless you have a family member or friends sending you things it can be tough and you don’t know what you are going to get. Being able to keep their morale up is huge.”

Jose’s jersey was sent over to a good friend of Cashman not only because of the patriotic colors of the jersey, but also because of the number.

The duo both thoroughly enjoy the movie The Replacements and quarterback Shane Falco sports #16 in the film so the number has stuck for the two men.

So while the $3,380 is going to help war veterans in Rochester, the jerseys themselves are having an impact themselves over 6,000 miles away.

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

Round Rock Express Backs the Blue This Sunday

ROUND ROCK, Texas – For 72 games a year, the Round Rock Express rely on the help of local law enforcement, the Round Rock Police Department, to keep Dell Diamond and their fans, staff, players and coaches safe.

With the recent attacks on law enforcement and the shooting of Round Rock citizen and Travis County Sheriff Deputy Sgt. Craig Hutchinson, the Express are backing the blue this Sunday, July 31 and encouraging fans to wear blue in a stand of solidarity with local law enforcement. The Express will raffle off a team-autographed blue jersey with all proceeds from raffle ticket sales going to the family of Sgt. Hutchinson and local law enforcement agencies.

“These officers protect us every single day at the ballpark and in the community,” Express Manager Jason Wood said. “They’ve become family and when one of our family members is attacked, we rally around them. We want them to know that we stand with them and appreciate the work they do in putting on that uniform every day.”

The Express players and coaches will also wear blue uniforms on Sunday in a show of support as they take on the Memphis Redbirds at 7:05 p.m.

For more information on the Express, visit www.RoundRockExpress.com or call (512) 255-2255. Keep up with the Express on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter!

Cutters Raise over $5,000 for James V. Brown Library

The Williamsport Crosscutters kicked of their tenth season with the Philadelphia Phillies with their annual Hot Stove Banquet on January 18 at the Genetti Hotel in downtown Williamsport.

The event featured Phillies manager Pete Mackanin and catcher Cameron Rupp in addition to Cutters manager and former World Series MVP Pat Borders and Japanese baseball legend Tom O’Malley. The guests entertained attendees with stories, answered audience questions and signed autographs.

In talking about the 2016 Phillies, Mackanin stated, “We experimented last year. This year is the other half of the experiment. I think we’re starting to build some depth to where we’re going to be pretty good.”

The night, presented in part by Woodlands Bank, WRAK Radio and the Williamsport Sun-Gazette, was also highlighted by auctions that featured a wealth of sports memorabilia including a special Phillies VIP Game Experience, an autographed giant Phanatic bobblehead and a full uniform worn by Tom O’Malley as a hitting coach for the Hanshin Tigers in 2014.

Another highlight of the event was the induction of the 2001 Williamsport Crosscutters team into the Bowman Field Hall of Fame. The team, managed by Tony Beasley, had a record of 48-26. After losing game one of the NYPL Championship Series to the Brooklyn Cyclones, the remainder of the series was canceled due to the tragic events of September 11th. Brooklyn and Williamsport were declared co-champions, marking the first championship for a Williamsport professional team since 1960. A total of eight players from that squad went on to play in the major leagues including former Pirates outfielder Chris Duffy who returned to Williamsport for the event.

A portion of the proceeds from the evening were donated to the James V. Brown Library whose mission is, “To enable people to be the best they can be, to grow, to learn and to enjoy their lives while learning”. At the conclusion of the festivities, the library was presented with a check for $5,025.

The Crosscutters open the 2016 season on June 17 against the State College Spikes at BB&T Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field. Season tickets, Bonus Books and group packages are currently available and can be purchased online at www.crosscutters.com or by calling the Cutters at (570) 326-3389.

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

KeyBank and Lake Monsters team up to recognize United Way of Chittenden County

BURLINGTON, VT — The Vermont Lake Monsters, in partnership with KeyBank will be hosting 300 United Way of Chittenden County volunteers and partners July 23rd. The 7:05 PM game at Centennial Field will feature pre-game acknowledgement of this year’s annual campaign, in addition to featuring some of the United Way of Chittenden County’s partner agencies.

“Thank you to the Vermont Lake Monsters and KeyBank for hosting our volunteers and their families for a night out at the ballpark,” United Way Community Campaign Manager Reed Curry said. “United Way runs on the power of volunteers and we are excited to celebrate their important contributions and build momentum for our 2015 Community Campaign at one of Burlington’s best summer venues.”

In addition to the game day events that will include a first pitch and concourse tabling, the Vermont Lake Monsters will be wearing a special edition Home Jersey designed by the Boys and Girls Club of Burlington. ALL proceeds of an in game jersey auction will benefit the United Way of Chittenden County, made possible through the partnership with KeyBank.

“Building a thriving community is a collective effort, and we are proud to partner with the Vermont Lake Monsters to support a night out at the ballpark in celebrating the contributions of the volunteers of the United Way of Chittenden County,” said Market President Don Baker.

Tickets for the July 23rd game against Auburn Doubledays at 7:05 are available by clicking here or by calling 802 655 6611.

For further information on how you can help assist the current United Way of Chittenden County contact Reed Curry at 802-861-7851 or reed@unitedwaycc.org.

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