Scrappers Announce Partnership with the Fairhaven Foundation and Trumbull County Board of DD for Specialty Team Jersey Auction

The Mahoning Valley Scrappers are excited to unveil the fourth in a series of five specialty jersey nights during the 2022 season. The Scrappers have partnered with the Fairhaven Foundation and Trumbull County Board of DD to create a specialty jersey that the Scrappers players will wear for Developmental DisABILITIES Awareness Night on Friday, June 24th against the Williamsport Crosscutters. The jersey design was inspired by the artwork of three individuals served by the Trumbull County Board of DD. Artists will be recognized at the June 24th Scrappers game. Game-worn jerseys will be auctioned off in person at the game and also online at mvscrappers.com and LiveSource. Jersey proceeds will benefit the Fairhaven Foundation.

“We are so thankful for our partnership with the Mahoning Valley Scrappers as they join us in helping to create an experience where families and the community can come together to celebrate all abilities. The Fairhaven Foundation transforms the lives of those eligible for services through the Trumbull County Board of DD by providing choices, opportunities, and resources that enable children and adults to fully reach their potential as members of the community”, states Stephanie Champlin, Director of Community Relations and Resource Development, Trumbull County Board of DD and Executive Director, Fairhaven Foundation.

The Mahoning Valley Scrappers are set to open the 2022 season at Eastwood Field on Thursday, June 2 against the West Virginia Black Bears. Opening Night will also feature fan favorites postgame fireworks and Buck Night. Scrappers ticket packages and sponsorship opportunities are on sale now. To stay up to date with the Scrappers in the off-season, or for more information, visit mvscrappers.com or contact the front office at 330-505-0000.

Scrappers Announce Partnership with the Rich Center for Autism with Specialty Team Jersey Auction

The Mahoning Valley Scrappers are excited to unveil the third of a series of five specialty jersey nights during the 2022 season. The Scrappers have partnered with the Rich Center for Autism to create a specialty jersey that the Scrappers players will wear for Autism Awareness Night on Saturday, June 11th against the West Virginia Black Bears. Game worn jerseys will be auctioned off in person at the game and also online at mvscrappers.com and LiveSource. Jersey proceeds will benefit the Rich Center for Autism.

“We are so thankful for our partnership with the Mahoning Valley Scrappers as they join us in promoting the awareness and acceptance of autism spectrum disorder through education,” states Dr. Gregory Boerio, Executive Director, Rich Center for Autism. “In addition to supporting the awareness and acceptance of ASD as a part of an upcoming baseball game, we are particularly excited and thankful for the vocational exploration opportunities being provided to students later this spring and summer. The Rich Center for Autism at YSU is proud to call the Mahoning Valley Scrappers a partner in the community!”

Mahoning Valley is one of six founding members of the MLB Draft League, joining the Frederick Keys, State College Spikes, Trenton Thunder, West Virginia Black Bears and Williamsport Crosscutters. The Mahoning Valley Scrappers are set to open the 2022 season at Eastwood Field on Thursday, June 2 against the West Virginia Black Bears. Opening Night will also feature fan favorites post-game fireworks and Buck Night. Scrappers ticket packages and sponsorship opportunities are on sale now. To stay up to date with the Scrappers in the off-season or for more information, visit mvscrappers.com or contact the front office at 330-505-0000.

TinCaps Auctioning Off Authentic Jerseys Worn By Team

 

*FORT WAYNE, Ind. *— Before the team’s new season begins, the Fort Wayne TinCaps are auctioning off authentic jerseys previously worn by players and coaches. The squad’s batting practice tops from the 2021 season are available to bid on at TinCapsJersey.com, with proceeds benefitting local non-profit organizations.

Last season’s roster featured top San Diego Padres prospects, like Robert Hassell III, who MLB.com rates not only as the Padres’ top outfielder prospect, but also the 37th best prospect in baseball overall. Meanwhile, San Diego’s best pitching prospect, MacKenzie Gore, also made a start for the TinCaps last season. Gore, who spent the full 2018 campaign in Fort Wayne, is also one of MLB.com’s Top 100 overall prospects.

Other top-30 rated Padres prospects whose jerseys are up for auction include left-handed starting pitcher Ethan Elliott, infielder Euribiel Angeles, catcher Brandon Valenzuela, right-handed relief pitcher Kevin Kopps, and outfielders Agustin Ruiz and Tirso Ornelas. Meanwhile, right-handed pitcher Anderson Espinoza was a top San Diego prospect who was then traded to the Chicago Cubs last year.

See below for a full list of who wore each jersey number.

In partnership with the Padres, the auction will support the TinCaps CARE program, which allows the team to donate tickets to non-profit organizations that benefit members of the Fort Wayne community facing hardship.

The auction is open through Thursday, April 7.

The TinCaps begin their 2022 season at Dayton on Friday, April 8. This season’s roster will be released by the Padres in early April. Players are currently at spring training in Peoria, Arizona.

Opening Day at Parkview Field is Tuesday, April 12 (6:35 p.m.) against the South Bend Cubs. Tickets are available at TinCapsTickets.com, by calling 260-482-6400, and at the Parkview Field Ticket Office.

Fort Wayne TinCaps 2021 Uniform Numbers

1. INF / OF Reinaldo Ilarraza

  1. OF Jawuan Harris, INF Zack Mathis
  2. INF Ethan Skender, LHP Cody Tyler

5. Hitting Coach Jonathan Mathews, INF Ripken Reyes

7. INF Luis Almanzar

8. RHP Gabe Mosser

9. OF Dwanya Williams-Sutton, OF Grant Little, OF Angel Solarte

11. C Jonny Homza

12. OF Robert Hassell III, INF / OF Olivier Basabe, C Andelson Arias, INF Chris Givin

13. RHP Carlos Guarate, OF Michael Curry, RHP José Geraldo

14. RHP Kevin Kopps, C Adam Kerner

15. LHP Ethan Elliott, LHP Gabe Morales, LHP Michell Miliano

16. RHP Sam Keating

17. INF Euribiel Angeles, INF Yorman Rodriguez, RHP Brandon Komar, RHP Edgar Martinez

20. INF Justin Lopez

21. Fielding Coach Felipe Blanco

22. LHP Danny Denz

23. RHP Anderson Espinoza, LHP Noel Vela

24. RHP Edwuin Bencomo, LHP Erik Sabrowski

25. Pitching Coach Jimmy Jones

26. LHP MacKenzie Gore, INF Seamus Curran, C Victor Duarte, RHP Luke Boyd

27. RHP Felix Minjarez, LHP Mason Feole

28. C Brandon Valenzuela, OF Tirso Ornelas, INF Kelvin Melean

29. RHP Austin Smith

32. OF Agustin Ruiz, RHP Connor Lehmann

33. LHP Fred Schlichtholz, LHP Sam Williams

34. RHP Chase Walter

36. RHP Wen-Hua Sung, INF Kelvin Alarcon

37. RHP Moises Lugo

Scrappers Announce Partnership with Down Syndrome Association of the Valley with Specialty Team Jersey Auction

NILES, OH – The Mahoning Valley Scrappers are excited to unveil the first of a series of five specialty jersey nights during the 2022 season. The Scrappers have partnered with the Down Syndrome Association of the Valley to create a specialty jersey that the Scrappers players will wear for Down Syndrome Awareness Night on Friday, July 22nd against the State College Spikes. Game worn jerseys will be auctioned off in person at the game and also online at mvscrappers.com and LiveSource. Jersey proceeds will benefit the Down Syndrome Association of the Valley.

“The Down Syndrome Association of the Valley truly values its partnership with the Mahoning Valley Scrappers and appreciates the support and generosity that they provide not only to nonprofits such as ours, but to the entire community”, states Michele Jones, DSAV President and Co-Founder. “Our goal at DSAV is to create opportunities in which individuals with Down syndrome can actively participate in society and reach their full potential. The Scrappers’ community minded reach ensures that individuals with Down syndrome are included in the local community and in fact, even feature them. This type of generosity gives wings to the dreams of individuals with Down syndrome and their families across the region.”

The Mahoning Valley Scrappers are set to open the 2022 season at Eastwood Field on Thursday, June 2 against the West Virginia Black Bears. Opening Night will also feature fan favorites post-game fireworks and Buck Night. Scrappers ticket packages and sponsorship opportunities are on sale now. To stay up to date with the Scrappers in the off-season or for more information, visit mvscrappers.com or contact the front office at 330-505-0000.

Honor a Loved One Affected by Cancer with the Drive’s Special Package

 

The Greenville Drive, along with Bon Secours and the American Cancer Society, will be creating a specially designed Survivors jersey to honor and celebrate those in our community affected by cancer.

Packages are available for Drive fans to celebrate their loved one by including their name in the jersey design and each opportunity also comes with tickets to a 2022 Drive game as well as a donation back to the American Cancer Society.

The Drive will proudly wear these jerseys during their home game at Fluor Field on Sunday, May 8th and we will auctioning off the players’ jerseys during the game to raise additional funds to fight this terrible disease.

To learn more about the packages and how you can reserve a spot for your loved one, CLICK HERE.

Annual West Michigan Whitecaps Fundraiser has a New Look in February

 

Comstock Park, MI – – Tuesday, January 4, 2022 – – The Whitecaps Community Foundation announced a new look for their annual fundraiser in 2022. Past events were featured as a banquet and the Detroit Tigers caravan was the highlight. This year’s event will again support local youth baseball and softball, but with a few changes.

This February, the Whitecaps will celebrate The Golden Age of Baseball, during what is now called the Whitecaps Winter Gala presented by Eastbrook Homes. Proceeds benefit the YMCA Ted Rasberry Youth League and the Detroit Tigers Foundation, an affiliate of Ilitch Charities.

Since its inception, the Ted Rasberry Youth League has given more than 30,000 children a chance to play baseball and softball each summer. The program provides uniform hats and t-shirts, teaches kids baseball skills, provides healthy meals, helps kids make long-lasting friendships and the opportunity for fun during the summer.

“In classic Whitecaps tradition, we’re stepping up our entertainment game this year,” said Whitecaps Community Relations Manager, Jenny Garone. “Not only is the event in downtown Grand Rapids at the Public Museum, but we’ll also have live music, an auction, a strolling dinner, and guests will be dressed in 1920s attire as we’re celebrating the Golden Age of Baseball.”

Former major leaguer Craig Monroe is scheduled to speak at the gala (see attached photos, biography below). Monroe played six seasons with the Detroit Tigers during a career that spanned nine years: 2001– 2009.

“Baseball is what we do” Garone added. ‘We’re thrilled to be joined by former Tiger Craig Monroe who will visit and give a keynote talk. It’s all about raising funds so kids get the opportunity to have fun next summer. It’s a tradition and a party West Michigan won’t want to miss. We expect a sellout.”

The Whitecaps and the venue continue to monitor the community spread of COVID 19 and how current transmission rates may impact masking and vaccination requirements for this event. Further updates on these requirements will be provided in the coming weeks.

The Whitecaps Community Foundation The Golden Age of Baseball Winter Gala presented by Eastbrook Homes is Thursday, February 3rd at 6:00 p.m. at the Grand Rapids Public Museum.

Tickets are available at now at https://WCFgala22.givesmart.com.

About West Michigan Whitecaps: The Whitecaps minor league baseball team was established in 1994. The Whitecaps are the High- A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers and play in the Eastern Division of the High-A Central League. The team’s home games are played in West Michigan’s favorite, largest, outdoor, multi-purpose venue, LMCU Ballpark. For more information on Whitecaps and LMCU Ballpark visit whitecapsbaseball.com or contact Steve VanWagoner at [email protected] or 616.318.8949.

About Craig Monroe: Former Tigers outfielder Craig Monroe returns for his 11th season as a studio analyst for the Detroit Tigers on Bally Sports Detroit. He also occasionally serves as an analyst on game broadcasts.

• Monroe played nine seasons in the majors with the Texas Rangers (2001), Detroit Tigers (2002-07), Chicago Cubs (2007), Minnesota Twins (2008) and Pittsburgh Pirates (2009). He was originally drafted in the eighth round of the 1995 MLB First-Year Player Draft by the Rangers.

• The Texarkana, TX, native joined the Detroit Tigers organization on February 1, 2002, when he was selected off waivers from the Rangers. He played his first full season in 2003, hitting 23 home runs.

• On July 19, 2006, Monroe hit a grand slam home run off Javier Vazquez of the Chicago White Sox that was decisive in the Tigers’ 5-2 win. A career .252 hitter, he recorded career highs with 28 homers and 92 RBI with Detroit in 2006. He also hit five home runs in the 2006 postseason, which culminated in a World Series appearance. Monroe tied the Tigers’ career postseason record set by Hall of Famer Hank Greenberg.

• Craig and his wife, Kasey, have three children, Morgan, Cannon and Collin.

• Follow Monroe on Twitter at @CMo_27

2021 Trash Pandas Community Impact Report 

 

The Rocket City Trash Pandas are thrilled to assist the North Alabama community by raising more than $100,000 in cash donations for non-profit organizations during the team’s inaugural season in 2021.

The funds were raised through a series of events throughout the season including Game-Worn Jersey Auctions, Dog Day Donations, and the Trash Pandas Food & Beverage Volunteer Program.

CLICK HERE to view the full 2021 Rocket City Trash Pandas Community Impact Report.

Highlights from 2021 include:

  • Five specialty game-worn jersey auctions featuring jerseys worn by Trash Pandas players and coaches during select home games. After the game, jerseys were auctioned with proceeds going to local non-profits that raised over $65,000 throughout the season.
  • The Trash Pandas Food and Beverage Volunteer Program allowed organizations to assist in operating concession stands during games with profits going to their organization, which collected over $47,000.
  • During each Wednesday home game, fans were invited to bring their four-legged friends to Toyota Field for Dog Day, with a $1 donation per dog going to an animal-related non-profit. Throughout 10 Dog Days, over $750 was collected.
  • Four drive-through food drives at Toyota Field where over 40,000 pounds of food was distributed at each event to provide more than 2,500 families with much-needed food during the pandemic.
  • Trash Pandas players took part in a Youth Instructional Camp where over 200 children aged 8-10 learned baseball fundamentals. Players also posed with rescue animals for a calendar photo shoot to help puppies find a new home.
  • Sprocket made dozens of appearances at special events such as school visits, Little League Opening Days, trade shows, visits with Trash Pandas partners, and delivering holiday meals to those in need.
  • Throughout the year, Toyota Field also hosted school groups ranging from elementary to college for behind-the-scenes tours of Toyota Field with stops including the press box, clubhouses, the field, and luxury suites.

The Trash Pandas are looking forward to continuing their work in the community as the 2022 season approaches. To learn more on how to get involved in Trash Pandas community events, please CLICK HERE to view the Community Tab at TrashPandasBaseball.com.

Opening Night at Toyota Field is set for Tuesday, April 12, 2022 at 6:35 p.m. against the Pensacola Blue Wahoos.

Timber Rattlers Give Back Announces End-of-Year Funds Raised

 

GRAND CHUTE, WI – Timber Rattlers Give Back, the official 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, raised more than $185,000 through the Foundation’s events, programs, donations, and fundraising initiatives in 2021.

“The Timber Rattlers are fortunate to live in a supportive community and the team works hard to develop and implement programs and events to give back to the community,” said Dayna Baitinger, Director of Community Relations for the team.

Nine jersey auctions held during the season were the main fundraisers for the Timber Rattlers this year. The auctions included team-worn jerseys based on promotions for the Udder Tuggers, Los Cascabeles, Military Appreciation, Milwaukee Brewers, and Video Game.

The team is finalizing their jersey designs for the 2022 season and will unveil those designs early next year.

The annual Charity Golf Outing which was held on Tuesday, September 21 was another significant fundraiser. Nearly 100 area golfers and front office personnel collected $15,000 through the golf and raffles that were held after the outing.

An almost daily driver of donations to Give Back was the 50/50 Raffle that was held during every home game during the 2021 season. Fifty percent of all money raised during each night’s raffle went to the person with the winning ticket and the other fifty percent went to the foundation. There was over $65,000 raised for charity through the raffle during the year. The largest fund-raising night of the 50/50 raffle during the 2021 season was on Saturday, August 14 with the winner collecting $2,304 and the same amount going to Give Back.

Whiffer’s Fitness Program and Fang’s Reading Club were popular program run by the team for area youth through the mascots. The reading club is an incentive-based program that allows schools in Northeastern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula to get children from Kindergarten through fifth grade involved in reading. The fitness program helped to get kids in the Fox Cities to get and stay active.

Wisconsin front office members tended to their on-site vegetable garden to grow and harvest over 400 pounds of food in the Greenstone Farm Credit Services Ballpark Garden at Neuroscience Group Field. The harvest was taken to St. Joe’s Food Pantry. Fang celebrated his birthday in August with his annual Cans for Cake food drive and over 500 pounds of non-perishable food items were collected and donated to St. Joe’s.

Some of the charities helped by the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers in 2021 included Make-A-Wish Wisconsin, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, Fox Valley Veterans Council, Children’s Cancer Family Foundation of Northeast Wisconsin, St. Joe’s Food Pantry, Harvest of Hope Fund, Hunger Task Force, Community Christmas, Fond du Lac Salvation Army, The Salvation Army-Fox Cities, Treffert Center, and Miracle League of the Fox Valley.

Additionally, 2,000 hats were presented to area Little League programs. Numerous other charities received over 10,000 ticket vouchers to be used in their own fundraisers by the Rattlers.

Timber Rattlers Give Back was established in 2019 and is dedicated to making a positive difference in our community. We aim to provide financial support and help raise awareness of charitable causes in the Fox Valley community in the areas of education, youth sports, and basic needs by using the platform made possible by Minor League Baseball and stadium ownership.

Thank you to everyone who assisted in our charitable works in 2021. We could not have accomplished this without the support of the players, coaches, and community. We look forward to growing Give Back even more in 2022.

Wind Surge Give Back 2021

 

2021 was a year full of firsts for the Wichita Wind Surge. In addition to bringing affiliated baseball back to Wichita, the inaugural season was also an opportunity for the Wind Surge to give back to a community that has rallied so much support around the new stadium and new team. Various programs and partnerships were put in place to help support several non-profit and philanthropic organizations around the Wichita and Sedgwick County community.

Cancer Awareness Night

The first of many valuable partnerships involved the Wind Surge joining forces with Central Kansas Cancer Center and McPherson College. This alliance was aimed at raising funds and awareness for the battle against cancer. The Wind Surge designed a unique Cancer Awareness Jersey that was worn by each player during the 2021 Cancer Awareness Night at Riverfront Stadium. After the game, these game- worn jerseys were auctioned off to raise money for the American Cancer Society. We were happy to donate $4,375 to the American Cancer Society to aid in their fight to find a cure for cancer.

Schwechheimer Family Foundation

The Schwechheimer Family Foundation also made its debut during the 2021 season. A 501(c)(3) organization, the Schwechheimer Family Foundation aims to support and foster underserved community members and bring the history of Wichita baseball back to life. The corporation seeks to provide opportunities for the general public to increase their understanding of Wichita’s baseball history and community pursuits. Fundraising efforts for the foundation included a 50/50 raffle during all home games, auctioning off specialty military appreciation jerseys, and the sale of 2021 inaugural season patches which featured late managing general partner, Lou Schwechheimer.

Home Runs for Charity

During the 2021 season, Wind Surge fans also witnessed our collaboration with Fidelity Bank and League 42 in our Home Runs for Charity fundraising sponsorship. League 42 is a non-profit organization, founded in July 2013, that has a goal of ensuring that urban children can have an opportunity to play baseball without the exorbitant costs of playing in organized leagues. Through this sponsorship, each time a Wind Surge player hit a homerun during a Wind Surge home game, Fidelity Bank and the Wind Surge would donate $100 to League 42. During the 2021 season, Fidelity Bank and the Wichita Wind Surge proudly donated $6,900 to League 42 in order to assist the organization in fulfilling their mission.

Outside the Ballpark

Our passion for giving back to the community did not stop with the end of the baseball season in late September. During the off season, many members of the Wind Surge front office continue to volunteer their time and efforts in the community. Staff have participated in many ways, including volunteering with the Kansas Food Bank, Salvation Army, Toys for Tots and Operation Holiday Wearhouse.

Planning for the 2022 season is well underway, and that includes the integration of community partnerships and collaboration. The 2022 season will feature many new community partnerships, and we are looking forward to continuing our mission of giving back to Wichita and surrounding communities.

To learn more about our community initiatives email Our Community Engagement Coordinator at [email protected] Want to request a Wind Surge donation gift for your next charity event? Click here to fill out a request!

Hot Rods Set Up Tornado Relief Auction Online

 

Bowling Green, Kentucky–The Bowling Green Hot Rods, in conjunction with Major League Baseball, have announced the team will hold a special online auction to aid in relief efforts across South-Central Kentucky. The auction will feature many items and experiences donated from around baseball with 100% of the proceeds staying local to help the Bowling Green community rebuild.

“Our staff and stadium are fine, but just a little over a mile from the ballpark is completely devastated,” Hot Rods GM/COO Eric C. Leach said in a letter to other Minor League Baseball teams earlier this week. “Over 500 homes and 100+ businesses have been destroyed, and sadly (multiple) deaths from the storms have been confirmed. Our goal now is to serve our community in the best way possible, and this is where we need your help!“

The baseball community responded in droves to Leach’s call for action. Autographs from baseball Hall of Famers like Cal Ripken Jr. and Joe Torre will be available for bidding as well as signatures from others around entertainment like Bill Murray. Others have donated things like special experiences for events and non-baseball-related items. All proceeds from the auction will stay in the community thanks to partnerships with the Stuff the Bus Foundation of Southern Kentucky and the Warren County Public Schools Synergy Relief Fund.

Those looking to bid on items can do so through the Hot Rods website over a 10-day period beginning Thursday when the auction goes live.

On Friday, December 17, Blood Assurance will be conducting a blood drive at Bowling Green Ballpark. Those who wish to donate can sign up online here. Limited spots are available.

*### *

BGStrong

BlueClaws Charities Launches Annual Suite Raffle

 

JERSEY SHORE, NJ – BlueClaws Charities, the official non-profit organization of the Jersey Shore BlueClaws, has launched their annual Luxury Suite Raffle, through which seven winners will each earn a 10-game share of a 2022 BlueClaws Luxury Suite.

The one-of-a-kind, raffle benefits BlueClaws Charities, their Community Partners, and other organizations that receive grants from the team’s non-profit.

“This is a very popular fundraiser that we’ve done for the last few years and really appreciate the support we’ve received from the community,” said BlueClaws Charities President Kevin Fenstermacher. “We sell a limited number of tickets and offer a great prize – we can’t wait for the drawing this spring!”

BlueClaws Charities sells only 300 raffle tickets at $100 each. Seven winners will be selected and each winner gets a 10-game share of a 2022 Luxury Suite, a $4,950 value.

Ticket purchasers also receive a one-time use coupon for 25% in the team store, a voucher for four reserve seat tickets to Opening Night at the Jersey Shore (April 8th), and the ability to rent up to two Suites at a special rate for $600 (normally $850).

HOW TO ORDER: CLICK HERE to order online or call 732-901-7000 option 3.

“This raffle is one of BlueClaws Charities’ biggest fundraisers and supports our annual grant program,” said Fenstermacher. “This year, we were able to award grants to 31 different organizations throughout Ocean and Monmouth Counties that do amazing work here at the Jersey Shore. Support for initiatives like our Suite Raffle lets us help more of these worthwhile organizations each year.”

BlueClaws Luxury Suites are private boxes for 20 and include indoor/outdoor seating, climate control, TV, a private server, access to the suite-level bar, and a panoramic view of the game.

The drawing will take place on Friday, March 25th at 3:00 pm EST and streamed live on the BlueClaws Facebook page.

BlueClaws Charities is the official 501c3 organization of the Jersey Shore BlueClaws.

-BlueClaws Charities-

Shorebirds Raise over $4,900 for Operation We Care through 9/11 Patriotic Jersey Auction

 

On Saturday, September 11, 2021, the Delmarva Shorebirds wore special patriotic jerseys to honor the 20th anniversary of all those lost through the terrible attacks of September 11, 2001. Through the patriotic jersey auction, the Shorebirds were able to raise $4,916.52 for Operation We Care to support the men and women who serve in the military and as first responders. In addition, Operation We Care will be donating a portion of the proceeds to the Department of MD VFW Family Assistance Program.

“Operation We Care is a great initiative that the Shorebirds are proud to support each and every year,” explained Shorebirds General Manager Chris Bitters. “Our men and women in our military, hospitals, and first responders have been battling on the front lines throughout the pandemic and we are thrilled to support them by donating to Operation We Care to aid in their efforts.”

The special patriotic jerseys honored all our military branches with all the service marks located on the back of each jersey. On the front of the jersey underneath the Shorebirds script, was the United States official seal with stars and stripes located just below each player’s jersey number. On the right sleeve of each jersey, the Shorebirds placed a Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States badge in support of all veterans and those who have served our country. The jersey auction was held online from September 11 to September 22 with fans having the opportunity to bid on these special, game-worn autographed jerseys.

On September 11, 2021, the Shorebirds hosted a special patriotic night to honor the lives lost during the September 11th attacks presented by Pohanka of Salisbury. The night featured the players wearing these patriotic jerseys, special in-game tributes, and the night capped with the final fireworks show of the year presented by Pohanka of Salisbury.

For more information on jersey auctions, merchandise, season tickets, and anything in regards to the Shorebirds, please visit theshorebirds.com. Also, you can stay tuned in with everything leading up to the 2022 season of Shorebirds baseball slated to begin April 8, 2022 against the Fredericksburg Nationals by following the Shorebirds on social media on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

BlueClaws Charities Accepting Grant Applications

 

JERSEY SHORE, NJ – BlueClaws Charities, the 501c3 foundation of the Jersey Shore BlueClaws, is now accepting grant applications from area organizations. Organizations may apply for a grant through Friday, October 29th.

Click here to fill out a grant application. All applicants must be a 501c3 organization.

“BlueClaws Charities’ goal is to support the less fortunate in Ocean & Monmouth Counties, and one of the ways that we give back is through our end-of-year grant program,” said BlueClaws Charities President Kevin Fenstermacher. “We encourage non-profits to apply for a grant through this process so we can continue to give back to the Jersey Shore community.”

Organizations are asked to provide specific details about where the grant money will be used. Priority will be given to organizations whose projects are based in Ocean & Monmouth Counties. Filling out an application does not ensure the receipt of a grant. Grant allocations will be made in November by the BlueClaws Charities Board of Directors.

BlueClaws Charities raises money in a variety of ways throughout the year. In-stadium fundraising includes a nightly 50/50 raffle, jersey auctions, scoreboard messages, and other miscellaneous raffles. BlueClaws Charities also raised money through Mystery Bags sold at games this summer. This year, the team hosted a Virtual Hot Stove event in March that featured several Phillies players and personalities and included an online auction. Other fundraising included “Wash Your Claws” t-shirt sales last year.

BlueClaws Charities is the official 501c3 organization of the Jersey Shore BlueClaws.

-BlueClaws Charities-

Patriots Tropical Storm Ida Relief Fundraising Reaches $35,000

 

Bridgewater, NJ – The Somerset Patriots, the New York Yankees Double-A affiliate, have announced that recent fundraising efforts by the team have raised $35,000 for Tropical Storm Ida relief in Central New Jersey.

The team collected $17,500 through an online auction and 50/50 raffles at the ballpark. That amount was then matched by the Kalafer family, Flemington Car & Truck Country Family of Brands, Clinton Honda, and Jaguar Land Rover Princeton.

“Patriots fans once again demonstrated why they are truly the best,” said Patriots Co-Chairman Jonathan Kalafer. “When our community needed them most, our fans showed up to support their neighbors and friends. Their generosity has inspired our family and our dealerships to do our part and match the fundraising total to assist in the recovery efforts.”

The online fundraising was done in partnership with MiLB Auctions and featured memorabilia, as well as experiences donated to the team. The top selling items included four tickets to see Hamilton on Broadway with a pre-show dinner at Bond 45 (donated by The Actors Fund), a Derek Jeter signed bat inscribed “HOF 2020” (donated by MLB), and a foursome at Trump National Golf Course Bedminster (donated by the Kalafer family).

Donations included items from the New York Giants, New York Knicks, and the New York Mets. Teams throughout the Double-A Northeast League sent autographed baseballs of their top prospects and recent alumni to help the cause.

“We want to thank everyone that donated items, and of course all the bidders, that made the auction such a success,” said Somerset’s President/General Manager Patrick McVerry. “Each of the teams and organizations that donated items did so on short notice with the understanding of the pressing need to get help to those affected by the floods. We would not have been able to raise these funds without them.”

The Patriots hosted 50/50 raffles at the final three home games of the season and collected money at the ballpark and online to add to the fundraising totals.

“The next steps will be to get the money to the non-profits that will do the most good for those affected in Central New Jersey,” said Patriots Co-Chairman Josh Kalafer. “It was important to our team, our family, and the dealerships, that the fundraising would be distributed locally and in a timely manner. Our community needed help, and we wanted to show that we are here for them.”

The Patriots are planning additional fundraising efforts to continue raising money for Tropical Storm Ida relief. More information will be made available in the coming weeks.

About the Somerset Patriots

The Somerset Patriots are the New York Yankees Double-A Affiliate and develop today’s top minor league talent into the pinstriped superstars of tomorrow for MLB’s winningest team. The Patriots compete in the Double-A Northeast League and play their home games at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, NJ, where fans of all ages and levels of baseball fandom get to enjoy the unique experience that is minor league baseball.

To learn more, visit: www.somersetpatriots.com.

Shorebirds & Preston Automotive Group Raise Over $10,000 in Funds and Toys to Support the Fight Against Cancer

 

SALISBURY, MD – On August 6, 2021, the Delmarva Shorebirds and Preston Automotive Group teamed up to host Flock for a Cure night at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium to support and raise awareness for those affected by cancer. During the game, the Shorebirds wore special jerseys that allowed fans to place the names of loved ones affected by cancer on the jersey and place bids on these authentic, game-worn jerseys.

Through both fans purchasing a name space on the jersey and the Flock for a Cure jersey auction, the Shorebirds and Preston Automotive Group were able to raise $8,366 for local charities and purchase over $1,000 in toys to donate to Brooke’s Toy Closet!

“Our community is and always will be a top priority for the Shorebirds and we are thrilled to help out many organizations through the tremendous success of this jersey auction,” explained Shorebirds General Manager Chris Bitters. “Initiatives like this are vital to powering our community and would not happen without the support of partners like Preston Automotive Group that allow us to positively impact Delmarva.”

“The meaning behind Flock for Cure is near and dear to our hearts and we know that cancer has unfortunately impacted many other’s lives as well,” said President of the Preston Automotive Group, David Wilson Jr. “Community is one of our core values at the Preston Automotive Group and we are grateful to have had this opportunity to partner with the Shorebirds to give back to organizations that do so much for our local community members in need.”

Over the last couple of seasons, the Shorebirds have partnered with Brooke’s Toy Closet to collect toys for children who are hospitalized in the TidalHealth Peninsula Regional Emergency Department. Through this year’s Flock for a Cure Jersey Auction and fans’ donations on Flock for a Cure Night presented by Preston Automotive Group, the Shorebirds were able to collect over $2,000 worth of toys to donate to Brooke’s Toy Closet.

“Hospitals, for all the good they do, can be an unsettling place at times for kids,” said Denise Billing, President, TidalHealth Foundation, “Donations like this from the Shorebirds help our healthcare team to be able to relieve some of that anxiety by providing that child a toy at a time they need a smile. We appreciate the Shorebirds doing something special for our youngest patients.”

In addition, the Shorebirds and Preston Automotive Group were able to raise an additional $1,000 to donate to Brooke’s Toy Closet to purchase more toys in the future for other children who are admitted in the TidalHealth Peninsula Regional
Emergency Department.

The Flock for a Cure jersey auction also raised proceeds for two other charities helping further our local community and support the fight against cancer.

Through the auction, the Shorebirds and Preston Automotive Group donated $3,683 to both the Brooke Mulford Memorial Fund at the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore and Relay for Life, helping grow both of their initiatives in the fight against cancer.

“On behalf of the American Cancer Society and Relay For Life of Wicomico, I would like to thank the Delmarva Shorebirds and Preston Automotive Group for their generous donation and support in the life saving work of the American Cancer Society,” said Relay for Life of Wicomico Chair Ashley Clevenger. “ We have all been touched by Cancer in very personal ways, and through events such as Relay For Life we are uniting with countless others to fight this vicious disease globally, as well as locally within our Community. Together we can imagine a world without Cancer, knowing all of our efforts ARE making a difference!”

In total, the Shorebirds and Preston Automotive Group raised $8,366 for Brooke’s Toy Closet, Brooke Mulford Memorial Fund at the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, and Relay for Life while also donating over $2,000 worth of toys to Brooke’s Toy Closet at TidalHealth helping Flock for a Cure Night result in a terrific success.