Local Kids & Las Madrinas Guild Help Raise Money for Valley Children’s Hospital

VISALIA, CA – The Visalia Rawhide partnered with Valley Children’s and Las Madrinas Guild to raise money through a jersey auction. In February, the Rawhide announced its first-ever design-a-jersey contest for children 16 and under. Two children, Kaylee Munyon (9) and Pete Lopez (13), received the most fan-votes for their separate designs. It was determined by the selection committee to combine their jersey designs into one cohesive piece.

Munyon, who is a patient at Valley Children’s, designed the front of the jersey using Photoshop. Lopez had designed the back of the jersey. On Sunday, the Rawhide auctioned the game-worn jerseys to fans. Las Madrinas Guild will receive all $2,000 of proceeds from the jersey auction, which will be given to Valley Children’s.

Valley Children has been recognized two years in a row by U.S. News and World Report as one of the “Best Children’s Hospitals” and is planning to build a Visalia hospital location in the near future.

Las Madrinas (translation: The Godmothers) Guild assisted with this fundraiser. Las Madrinas Guild is one of the 13 original guilds formed to support Valley Children’s Hospital.

This promotion will be held annually. The Rawhide will again be asking for jersey designs from children in February of 2020. For information on that contest, email Jennifer@rawhidebaseball.com.

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About the Visalia Rawhide
The Visalia Rawhide are a professional baseball team in the Class A Advanced California League and are the only professional sports team in Tulare and Kings counties. The team has been an affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks since 2007 and is entering their 73nd year of play in 2019. The Rawhide renovated their home at Recreation Ballpark in 2009 and have since become the largest gathering of individuals in Tulare County. In 2019, the Rawhide look to continue their reputation for hosting competitive baseball while providing affordable family entertainment. To be a part of the 2019 Visalia Rawhide season, please contact the Visalia Rawhide Ticket Office at 559.732.4433, visit us online at rawhidebaseball.com, or follow us on Facebook (TheRawhide), Instagram (@VisaliaRawhide), and Twitter (@VisaliaRawhide).

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

TinCaps Continue Military Appreciation Night in 2019

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The Fort Wayne TinCaps once again have partnered with OmniSource LLC, Steel Dynamics Inc., and the San Diego Padres to welcome military personnel to Parkview Field for Military Appreciation Night on Monday, Aug. 19 (7:05 p.m.), when the team hosts the Bowling Green Hot Rods (Tampa Bay Rays affiliate).

Complimentary tickets are currently available for military families-both active and veteran-to enjoy the game on Aug. 19, thanks to the generosity of OmniSource, Steel Dynamics, the Padres, and caring individual donors.

The Padres, Fort Wayne’s Major League Baseball affiliate, are once again underwriting the costs for 1,000 tickets for military families. The San Diego Padres are proud to partner with the TinCaps in support of military and charity initiatives in the Fort Wayne area. The Padres had the first military outreach program in professional sports and it is currently the largest in MLB.

“We’re indebted to our nation’s military members and their loved ones,” said TinCaps President Mike Nutter. “This gives us an opportunity to show our gratitude for their sacrifices to our country. We’re also thankful to have teammates like OmniSource, Steel Dynamics, and the San Diego Padres to help us honor our military.”

“The men and women of our OmniSource and SDI family are proud and honored to be a part of this celebration for our courageous United States military heroes,” said Russ Rinn, President & COO OmniSource LLC. “We all know that because of them, we live in freedom.”

The TinCaps are also continuing their partnerships with multiple military organizations, offering military personnel in attendance the chance to visit kiosks highlighting many of the support organizations and offerings available to military in the area.

On Military Appreciation Night, the TinCaps will be wearing camouflage jerseys, which will be auctioned off on TinCapsJersey.com, with proceeds donated to Honor Flight Northeast Indiana.

Military personnel and their family can request Military Appreciation Night tickets at TinCapsMilitary.com. Tickets will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Fans with questions can contact Rachel Lopez with the TinCaps at 260-407-2809 or lopez@tincaps.com.

In addition, the TinCaps continue to take nominations for the team’s Military Salutes throughout the season on fireworks nights. Click here for more details.

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

Rockies Partner With Community Hospital For 2019 Jerseys

The Grand Junction Rockies are partnering up once again with Community Hospital for a 2019 jersey auction. This year’s theme is Breast Cancer Awareness. Fans can purchase space for the name of a loved one who is battling or has battled breast cancer. The signatures and names will be placed on the GJ Rockies players’ pink jerseys that will be worn Saturday, June 29, 2019 for Breast Cancer Awareness Night presented by Community Hospital’s Grand Valley Oncology. After the game, the jerseys will be auctioned off with all proceeds going to Grand Valley Oncology. Each name space is available for puchase at $20 each and will include four reserved tickets to the game on Saturday, June 29, 2019. More information is available by calling the Grand Junction Rockies at 970-255-7625. The deadline to purchase the name spaces is April 30th or until the name spaces are full.

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

Giants Unveil 2019 Military Trading Card Set

San Jose, CA– The San Jose Giants officially unveiled today the 2019 Military Trading Card Set, presented by Operation: Care and Comfort. This extraordinary 40-card set consists of brave military personnel who were nominated by fans and who served our country. The card set represents the 7th installment of the special promotion designed to honor the men and women in our armed forces. All honorees receive complimentary card sets and 100 copies of their own respective card. The honorees/representatives receive their trading cards on Military Appreciation Night, April 13th during a special pregame ceremony that takes place at 4:15 PM.

2019 Military Trading Card Set Honorees:

341st Military Police Company, Becky Good, Chester Bradley, Courtney Davis, Craig Jones, Diep Le, Erick Aldama, Gustavo Rangel, Guy DePonzi, Hal Taylor, Heather Deming, James Grissom, James Shidawara, Jesse Lester McCard Jr., Joe Follen, John Casey, John McLachlan, Justin Luke McCard, Kevin Ebbert, Lindsey Reyes, Nathaniel Pleasantbey, Niko Diaz, Orin Good, Patrick Michael DePonzi, Robert Bylsma, Robert John Veasey, Robert Sisco, Russell Hughes, Sharon Wagner, Shelley Reyes, Socorro Muniz, Steve Langridge, Tristan Aller, William Danko, William Meyer, Ysidor M. Sanchez and Zachary Phelps.

“We are humbled to recognize many incredible honorees in this year’s Operation: Care and Comfort Military Trading Card Set,” said Jeff Black, San Jose Giants Vice President of Marketing. “Thank you to all of the families and individuals who have shared their stories with us and thank you for your service.”

On April 13, as a part of Military Appreciation Night, honorees will be recognized on field during a special pregame ceremony at which time they will receive their trading cards. The first 1,000 fans receive a military trading card set giveaway as well. All-new, camouflage themed jerseys will be worn by the Giants which fans can bid on-all proceeds benefit Operation: Care and Comfort. The bidding begins on April 13 and concludes on Memorial Day.

“The mission of Operation: Care and Comfort 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. 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 epitomize what it means to be a hero.”

First pitch for Military Appreciation Night on April 13 is at 5:00 PM and gates open at 4:00 PM. The special Military Trading Card Set Ceremony begins at 4:15 PM. The San Jose Giants home opener is Thursday, April 11. For information on tickets call 408.297.1435, visit sjgiants.com or stop by the stadium Box Office.

Purchase San Jose Giants Tickets

View the 2019 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 and have been an affiliate of the San Francisco Giants since 1988. San Jose has won six California League Championships as a Giants affiliate (2010, 2009, 2007, 2005, 2001 and 1998) and eleven overall. The San Jose Giants have graduated 206 Major League players, 149 of whom have played or currently play for the San Francisco Giants. The organization has been honored with the Larry MacPhail Award, presented to the club with the best creative marketing and promotions, and the President’s Trophy, granted to the most complete franchise. For 2019 tickets or to reserve your group outing, 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.

Cougars Stand Aurora Strong; Announce Community Fund as Charitable Beneficiary

GENEVA, Ill. – The Kane County Cougars and the Kane County Cougars Baseball Foundation, Inc. have announced that they will donate a portion of the 50/50 raffle proceeds to the Aurora Strong Community Fund for the 2019 season.

Following the tragic event that took place at the Henry Pratt facility on February 15, the Cougars organization began brainstorming ways to show support for their local community. The decision was made that half of the proceeds raised through the sale of 50/50 raffle tickets throughout the 2019 season will be donated to support the families of the employees who lost their lives to this senseless act of violence.

Fans visiting the ballpark during the 2019 season can participate by purchasing 50/50 raffle tickets. Monies raised will be provided to the families via the Kane County Cougars Baseball Foundation, Inc. with the assistance of the Aurora Policemen Credit Union at the end of the 2019 season.

Additional details regarding an employee appreciation night for members of the Henry Pratt company as well as a first responders appreciation night for the Aurora Police and Fire Departments will be announced at a later date.

The Cougars 2019 season begins on Thursday, April 4 at 6:30 PM against the Clinton LumberKings. For more information, including the full schedule of theme nights, entertainment acts and giveaways, visit www.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 173 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.

TinCaps Seek Nominees for Military Salutes in 2019

The Fort Wayne TinCaps, along with OmniSource LLC and Steel Dynamics Inc., will salute our military throughout the 2019 season and need your help.

All those who serve our country, or have served, deserve to be saluted. The TinCaps are looking for nominations of active or veteran military personnel to honor at games. If you have a friend or family member you’d like to see honored at Parkview Field, then let the team know.

Selected nominees will be rewarded with VIP treatment at Parkview Field. This includes tickets to the game for them and their family, and recognition on the field before that night’s fireworks show.

The TinCaps ask that you submit a short essay explaining why the community should know about your hero’s story. Submissions should be sent to TinCaps Community Engagement Manager Morgan Olson atolson@tincaps.com. You can also call Morgan at 260-407-2812.

Click here to see the 30 dates the TinCaps have fireworks nights in 2019.  

Through the generosity of the OmniSource, Steel Dynamics, caring individual donors, and the San Diego Padres, the TinCaps also invite all members of the military and their families to attend Military Appreciation Night on Monday, Aug. 19 (7:05 p.m.) when the TinCaps host the Bowling Green Hot Rods. Complimentary tickets for that game can be requested at TinCapsMilitary.com.

The TinCaps will wear special patriotic jerseys on Military Appreciation Night. The jerseys will be auctioned off with all proceeds benefitting Honor Flight Northeast Indiana.

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

Wings celebrate Deaf Culture on April 28

The Rochester Red Wings have teamed up with the Rochester Institute of Technology, National Technical Institute for the Deaf and the Rochester School for the Deaf for Deaf Culture Day on Sunday, April 28 at Frontier Field.

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE — Students, faculty and staff at RIT, NTID and RSD and their families can get $2 off tickets by using a special promo code that will be supplied them.

“We are proud to partner with NTID and Rochester School for the Deaf for Deaf Culture Day so we can celebrate the deaf community and the important impact deaf citizens have had in Rochester. We look forward to hosting many deaf members of the Rochester community and their families while also educating all fans about deaf culture,” said Wings GM Dan Mason.

The Wings will wear specialty jerseys and caps to celebrate the day. The jerseys will feature “Red Wings” in American Sign Language across the chest, while the cap will have the ASL “R” on the front with the Spikes logo on the side. The jerseys will be auctioned off using the LiveSource mobile app, with proceeds benefitting both NTID and RSD.

TICKET PACKAGES (click the package to purchase):

– Deaf Culture T-shirt + game ticket = $20
– Deaf Cultire adjustable cap + game ticket = $22

PRE-ORDER MERCHANDISE:

Click here to pre-order your Deaf Culture Day merchandise.

There will be dozens of interpreters stationed throughout the ballpark on April 28 including in the seating bowl, at concession stands and at the ticket offices to assist hearing impaired individuals. Portions of the game will be captioned on the videoboard for the first time ever courtesy of NTID.

Other aspects of the day include a silent inning where there will be no PA announcements or music of any kind. We’ll also be highlighting deaf individuals who have made a significant impact in society throughout the game.

As part of Deaf Culture Day, the Wings will welcome back the only superhero to ever roam the grounds of Frontier field. Ogden Whitehead, an NTID grad and former Red Wings employee, will reprise his role as “Recycleman” and lead the crowd in some of the cheers that made him famous during his time with the Red Wings in the late 90s and early 2000s.

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

Syracuse Mets Announce Pre-Season Fundraiser: Meet the Syracuse Mets

SYRACUSE, NY – The Syracuse Mets will be hosting a brand-new fundraising event which will also give fans their first opportunity to meet the 2019 Syracuse Mets players and coaching staff. Meet the Syracuse Mets will take place on Tuesday, April 2nd at Embassy Suites Destiny USA from 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. This Meet the Syracuse Mets dinner will benefit the Challenger baseball League, RBI Baseball League, and District 8 Little League.

“Having a new team gives us an opportunity for a fresh idea,” said Syracuse Mets General Manager Jason Smorol. “This dinner is a little different take on the traditional Hot Stove dinner we did in the past. The Hot Stove dinner gave fans the chance to meet a few players and the Manager. Meet the Syracuse Mets gives fans the chance to meet the entire team just before the season starts.”

Meet the Syracuse Mets will be an opportunity for fans to meet and dine with the 2019 Syracuse Mets team. Tickets for the event are $75 for adults and $45 for children 12 & under. Fans will be randomly seated at a table with at least one player and/or coach for the Syracuse Mets. Tables are available for $700. Seating is limited and only 30 tables will be sold. The event is a sit-down full dinner with player interviews and a Q&A opportunity.

In addition, fans can participate in a silent auction, featuring autographed items, NBT Bank Stadium memorabilia, and items from local CNY organizations. The proceeds of the silent auction will benefit the organizations: Challenger baseball, RBI Baseball, and District 8 Little League.

Meet the Syracuse Mets is sponsored by NBT Bank, Visit Syracuse, Embassy Suite at Destiny USA, Coca-Cola, and Cumulus Media Group.

Tickets for Meet the Mets will go on sale March 11th at the Onondaga Coach Ticket Office at NBT Bank Stadium, over the phone during regular office hours (Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.), or online anytime at SyracuseMets.com. Fans can also purchase tickets to any regular season home game at NBT Bank Stadium to see the Syracuse Mets in action.

The CNY Challenger Baseball League is the nations largest baseball league that provides the opportunity for children and adults of all mental and physical capabilities to play. http://syracusechallengerbaseball.com/

Syracuse RBI uses baseball and softball and the power of team to provide inner city youth with the opportunity to play, to learn, and to grow – inspiring them to recognize their potential and realize their dreams. http://www.syracuserbi.com/

District 8 Little League covers 28 leagues including girls’ softball and provides an excellent outlet of clean, competitive baseball fun for our community.

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

OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation Hosting Trivia Night March 30

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Dodgers Baseball Foundation is hosting a Trivia Night Saturday, March 30 at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, with proceeds providing scholarships for the OKC Dodgers Rookie League.

The Dodgers welcome everyone to participate in a night of “Beer, Baseball and Brainiacs” beginning at 7 p.m, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Each team can comprise of up to eight people, and registration cost is $200 per team.

Cash payouts will be awarded at the end of the night to the top three teams. The format will consist of 10 rounds of 10 questions, with categories ranging from baseball, pop culture, local history and much more.

Raffle tickets will also be available for various prizes, including autographed memorabilia and special experiences available during an OKC Dodgers game in 2019.

Included in the registration costs are complimentary beer courtesy of Coop Ale Works and complementary pizza courtesy of Professional Sports Catering.

In addition to the trivia, the event will be showing the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament and the Los Angeles Dodgers game on the center field video board.

The OKC Dodgers Rookie League was formed in 2018 as a partnership between the Oklahoma City Dodgers and Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation in order to help bolster youth baseball participation in the community as well as foster an environment that emphasizes leadership, teamwork and sportsmanship. After Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation was forced to cancel its baseball league due to low participation in 2017, the OKC Dodgers Rookie League had over 220 participants across four divisions in its inaugural season.

Funds from Trivia Night will be used to provide scholarships and help cover registration costs for those who would like to participate in the Rookie League but may not be able to due to financial constraints.

Tickets for Trivia Night can be purchased through the OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation Facebook page or through dodgerstrivianight.eventbrite.com. For questions, please contact Sam Baker at (405) 218-2183 or sam.baker@okcdodgers.com.

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

Hot Rods Announce Inaugural Charity Dinner

The Bowling Green Hot Rods, Class-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays, today announced their Inaugural Charity Dinner and Auction to be hosted on Thursday February 21st. The event will take place at the Corvette Museum and feature special guest, Cincinnati Reds Hall of Famer and former NL MVP George Foster.

The dinner will also help raise funds and awareness for three area charities; Center for Courageous Kids, Playing for Mason, and ‘Boys to Men’ Program. “We are excited to be partnering with these three organizations and help them reach so many others with what they do in the community.” Said Eric C. Leach, Hot Rods General Manager & COO. During the 2018 season the Hot Rods donated over $350,000 last year back into the South-Central Kentucky community and did over 1,700 hours of volunteerism. “Giving back is part of our staff culture and what we are all about. Each organization has a huge impact and that is why we chose them.”

The night will feature a pre-dinner autograph session and meet and greet with George Foster, silent auction, dinner, speakers, and also a live auction where fans can bid on one of kind experiences and memorabilia. 100% of the proceeds from the event will be equally shared with all three of the selected charities. Full tables are for sale for $400 and include 8 tickets, dinner, early meet and greet with George Foster, and one autographed bat. Individual tickets are also on sale for $35 each. Both tickets may be purchased over the phone at 270-901-2121 or online at www.bghotrods.com. The dinner will start at 6:30 pm with the pre-dinner autograph times to be announced shortly.

Bowling Green Hot Rods Opening Night is on Saturday April 6, 2019. For ticket packages, memberships, or clubs please visit www.bghotrods.com or call 270-901- 2121.

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

Timber Rattlers Release 2018 Charity Report

GRAND CHUTE, WI – The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers had a busy season off the field with their charitable works. The Midwest League affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers is reporting on their year as 2018 is coming to a close and they are preparing for 2019.

The two main fundraisers for the Timber Rattlers were the Golf Outing and their specialty jersey auctions. The 2018 Golf Outing was held at Shamrock Heights Golf Course and raised over $6,700 with the participation of 82 area golfers plus 17 members of the Timber Rattlers team including players, coaches, and front office personnel. The team held seven auctions for their alternate jerseys that included the Brats, Salute to Cows, Star Wars™, Wisconsin Badgers, & Brewers Sunday uniforms and raised nearly $13,000 for local charities. The 2019 Timber Rattlers Golf Outing is scheduled for June 3. The Rattlers are in the process of creating their alternate jerseys for next season.

The team was also involved in programs like Whiffer’s Fitness Program and Fang’s Reading Club. The fitness program helped to get kids in the Fox Cities to get and stay active. 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.

Mascots Whiffer & Fang got into the charitable spirit on their birthdays, too. Whiffer’s Birthday in March coincided with the team’s individual tickets on sale date and a Help for the Homeless Drive that collected hygiene products for area homeless shelters. Fang’s Birthday in August collected 328 pounds in non-perishable food items as part of the Cans for Cake food drive.

The Rattlers didn’t just collect food. They also grew and harvested over 400 pounds of food in the Greenstone Farm Credit Services Ballpark Garden at Neuroscience Group Field. The fresh vegetables were taken to St. Joe’s Food Pantry.

Area Little Leagues were presented with over 2000 hats with the support of the Rattlers.

Some of the charities helped by the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers in 2018 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, Freedom Food Pantry, and Miracle League of the Fox Valley.

Numerous other charities were also given Timber Rattlers ticket vouchers to be used in their own fundraisers. The Timber Rattlers could not have accomplished this without the support of the players, coaches, and community.

The team established the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers Fund with the Community Foundation of the Fox Valley Region in 2016 to benefit the team’s charitable works.

The schedule for the 2019 Wisconsin Timber Rattlers season is available here. Fans may purchase full season, half season, seven-game, and ten-game packages for next season through the Timber Rattlers Ticket Office at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium by calling (800) WI-TIMBER or (920) 733-4152; stopping at the Ticket Office; or online through timberrattlers.com.

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

Soap Box Derby Named as Charity Recipient for Corbin Bernsen-headlined 2019 Hot Stove Banquet

(AKRON, OHIO) Dec. 3, 2018 – The Akron RubberDucks announced today the International Soap Box Derby® will be the charity benefactor from the 2019 RubberDucks Hot Stove Banquet on Feb. 1 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Akron. The Hot Stove Banquet will be headlined by Emmy-nominated actor Corbin Bernsen, who played Roger Dorn in the classic hit movie “Major League” and directed the Soap Box Derby-themed “25 Hill.”

The third annual Hot Stove Banquet is presented by FirstEnergy. It will be a celebration of baseball to help get fans prepared for another exciting season from the RubberDucks and Cleveland Indians. Fans will have an opportunity to ask Bernsen about his acting career, which includes his famous role as Dorn in “Major League” and his time as Arnie Becker on the hit ’80s series L.A. Law. In 2011, he wrote, directed, and produced the Soap Box Derby-related film “25 Hill,” which helped provide extra funds to the long-standing Akron institution.

“We are pleased to be partnering with the RubberDucks for their kickoff Hot Stove Banquet,” said Mark Gerberich, president and chief executive officer of the Soap Box Derby. “Corbin Bernsen’s tie to ’25 Hill’ and ‘Major League’ are both classics, and we are grateful and proud to be this year’s recipient. This will help further our leadership, STEM education and racing programs in the Akron Community,” said Gerberich.

Bernsen previously appeared as a guest at Canal Park in July 2013, when he met fans and signed autographs while the team gave away Roger Dorn snow globes.

“It’s an honor to partner with an Akron institution such as the Soap Box Derby and help this great organization raise money for its mission of helping kids in the community,” said RubberDucks General Manager Jim Pfander. “It will be an extra special Hot Stove because of Corbin’s connection to the Derby and his because of his beloved role as Roger Dorn from ‘Major League,’ which is a cult favorite of Indians fans around the country.”

The doors open at 4:30 p.m. with cocktails and silent auction, which will feature autographed items from current Indians and RubberDucks, as well as some unique items donated by corporate partners and other teams across baseball.

Starting at 6:30 p.m., a full-plated meal and dessert will be served (vegetarian option available), and the program and question-and-answer session will follow dinner. All attendees are guaranteed to receive Bernsen’s autograph, and they will have the opportunity to meet him after the program’s conclusion.

The Hot Stove Banquet is open to the public and tickets may be purchased for $100 per person or $750 for a table, fans can call (330) 253-5151 or visit akronrubberducks.com. Space is limited. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 26.

Bernsen most recently has starred as Henry Spencer on the USA Network’s hit original series Psych. He was first catapulted to stardom during the 1980s by the hit NBC TV series, L.A. Law, earning nominations for both Emmy and Golden Globe awards for his performance as Arnie Becker. He played Roger Dorn in the “Major League” film series and starred in the movie “Hello Again.” He has several directing credits, including “Carpool Guy” and All-American Soap Box Derby film, “25 Hill.” He lives in Los Angeles and is from North Hollywood. Bernsen is a graduate of UCLA where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Theater and a master’s degree in Playwriting.

2019 RubberDucks Hot Stove Banquet Details:

When: Fri., Feb. 1 at 4:30 p.m. (Doors), 6:30 p.m. (Dinner), with program and Q & A to follow

Where: Hilton Garden Inn – Akron (1307 E. Market St., Akron, Ohio, 44305)

Who: Emmy-nominated actor Corbin Bernsen, aka Roger Dorn from “Major League”

What: Cocktails, Silent Auction, Dinner/Dessert, Program, Q & A Session, Autographs (guaranteed autograph per ticket)

Tickets (On sale Monday, Nov. 26 at 10 a.m.): $100 per person; $750 per table of eight; To purchase: (330) 253-5151 or akronrubberducks.com

Benefactor: International Soap Box Derby®

About the Akron RubberDucks

The Akron RubberDucks are the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. The 2019 season, powered by FirstEnergy, will be the franchise’s 23rd since moving to Akron. The 2019 Home Opener is on Thursday, April 4, at 6:35 p.m. vs. Altoona Curve.

For more information about the team, please visit the RubberDucks’ website, www.akronrubberducks.com, Facebook page www.facebook.com/AkronRubberDucks, Twitter feed @AkronRubberDuck, and Instagram at @akronrubberducks. Tickets packages for the 2019 season can be ordered online or by calling 330-253-5151 Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

About the Soap Box Derby

The International Soap Box Derby® is a non-profit youth education and leadership development organization whose mission is to build knowledge and character, and to create meaningful experiences through fair and honest racing competitions, STEM curriculums, and other community-focused activities. The Derby’s Core Values and Drivers include: Youth Education and Leadership Development; Family Engagement and Enrichment; Honesty, Integrity and Perseverance; Innovation and Entrepreneurship; Teamwork and Collaboration; Mentoring; Volunteerism; and Commitment to Community. The Derby’s two youth initiatives are the FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby racing program and the STEM-based Education Program, which provides educational opportunities for K-12 youth worldwide through Soap Box Derby racing. The Derby dates to 1934, when the first All-American race was held in Dayton, Ohio. For more information, visit www.soapboxderby.org.

Baseball Dinner Has Donated Over $1.7 Million

Manchester, N.H. – Continuing the team’s holiday tradition, the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Blue Jays Double-A affiliate) announced today that the proceeds generated from the 2018 Granite State Baseball Dinner brought the overall donation total above $1.7 million since 2007.

Through sponsorship donations, ticket sales, silent and live auctions, and raffle ticket sales, a donation of over $91,000 from this year’s event will benefit the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock (CHaD), the Ted Williams Foundation, and the Fisher Cats Foundation.

Presented by Northeast Delta Dental, the 2018 dinner welcomed first-time guests like First Ballot Hall of Famer Steve Carlton, 2004 World Series Champion Orlando Cabrera, and Big Red Machine staple George Foster. The event also featured two of the only MLB first round draft picks to come out of New Hampshire: Chris Carpenter (1993) and Grant Lavigne (2018).

The Fisher Cats will open the 2019 season on Thursday, April 4 at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium against the Binghamton Rumble Ponies (New York Mets). Full and Half-Season Tickets and Mini-Ticket Plans are currently on sale, and each features a variety of benefits, gifts, and experiences. To learn more, stop by the box office at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium, call (603) 641-2005, or visit www.nhfishercats.com.

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

Chasers Set All-Time Charitable Giving Record

The Omaha Storm Chasers set an all-time record in charitable giving for the sixth consecutive year in 2018, assisting with over 300 different organizations. In total, the Storm Chasers franchise donated $851,237.75 to local charities over the course of their 50th season in franchise history, an increase of $51,055.30 compared to last year.

CLICK HERE TO READ FULL COMMUNITY RELATIONS REPORT (PDF)

“Relationships and community are imperative to what this organization is about,” said Martie Cordaro, President and General Manager of the Omaha Storm Chasers. “Werner Park is a community center so we have a responsibility to Sarpy County and the Omaha Metro to continue to be engaged by being present and giving back.”

The Storm Chasers organization provided a platform for 70 non-profit organizations at Werner Park as its Community Organization of the Night. The McDonalds and Huber Chevrolet Hurl the Pearl promotion also raised $17,683.25 for the Ronald McDonald House. In addition, $23,840 was donated to local charities including Methodist Hospital Foundation, Food Bank for the Heartland, NWTF, United Way of the Midlands, and Javelan through five Game-Worn Jersey Auctions, with players and coaches wearing specialty jerseys.

The organization remained visible throughout the Omaha Metro, with mascots and players combining for over 530 appearances in the community. The Storm Chasers front office also combined for 1,055 hours of community service during the 2018 campaign.

A full overview of the Storm Chasers’ 2018 Community Relations efforts can be found online at this link: https://www.milb.com/omaha/community/community-relations-report

Werner Park is slated to host the Kansas City Royals on March 25, 2019 in an exhibition game presented by Cobalt Credit Union. Tickets are still available for that contest and can be purchased at this link: http://bit.ly/2BUsp72.

Following the Royals Exhibition Game, the Storm Chasers franchise is set to start their regular season slate on Tuesday, April 9. The Omaha Storm Chasers are the Triple-A Affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. The Storm Chasers play at Werner Park in Papillion, Sarpy County, Nebraska. For more information please visit omahastormchasers.com and follow us on Twitter @omastormchasers and at facebook.com/omahastormchasers.

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

13th Annual Hot Stove Banquet to Benefit NAMI

The Williamsport Crosscutters 13th Annual Hot Stove Banquet will be held on Wednesday, January 16 in the Grand Ballroom of the Genetti Hotel in Williamsport. The event is presented in part by Panda Patriot Power, River Valley Transit, WRAK 1400AM, and the Williamsport Sun-Gazette.

A portion of the proceeds from this year’s event will be donated to the local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). “The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of North Central PA is very excited and honored to be selected as the beneficiary of the Hot Stove Banquet charity funds,” stated NAMI chairperson Carol Sides. “We will utilize the donation towards educational opportunities for our community on mental health awareness, suicide prevention and suicide awareness.”

Guests at this year’s event include former Phillies outfielder Gary “Sarge” Matthews, ESPN baseball analyst Tim Kurkjian and from the Academy Award nominated movie “Field of Dreams”, actor Dwier Brown.

Matthews, a first round draft pick of the San Francisco Giants in 1968, hit .281 in his 16-year major league career with 234 home runs and 978 RBI’s. Matthews was the National League Rookie of the Year in 1973 with the San Francisco Giants and the MVP of the National League Championship Series in 1983 with the Phillies. After his playing and coaching career, he was a popular broadcaster for the Phillies from 2007-2013.

Kurkjian has covered baseball since 1978 and has been a baseball writer, reporter, analyst and host at ESPN since 1998. He has been a regular on Baseball Tonight and Sportscenter. Kurkjian has been part of ESPN’s coverage of the MLB Little League Classic the last two years at Williamsport’s BB&T Ballpark.

Brown, an actor for 37 years, has appeared in hundreds of films, plays and televisions shows, but it was his role as Kevin Costner’s father, John Kinsella, in “Field of Dreams” that changed his life.

The evening will consist of a full-course dinner, live and silent auctions of sports memorabilia along with interviews and question and answer segments with the special guests. Additionally, Brown will speak about the making of “Field of Dreams” and the special bond between fathers, sons and the game of baseball. Other highlights of the event include the inductions of the latest members to the Bowman Field Hall of Fame and the Lycoming County Sports Walk. Those inductees are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

The ballroom doors open at 5:30 PM with the dinner and entertainment portion of the event kicking off at 6:30 PM. An autograph session will take place at the close of evening.

Tickets are $59 per person and can be purchased by calling the Cutters offices at (570) 326-3389 or ordering online at the link below. This event is a virtual sell-out every year, so fans are encouraged to purchase tickets now. Reserved seating is assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis as tickets are ordered. Business sponsorships for the event are also available.
Tickets – Order Now!

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