Memorial Day: Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball

All-You-Can-Eat picnic in the park for only $10 on May 27

The Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team is coming to CMC-NorthEast Stadium Memorial Day 2013. (woundedwarrioramputeesoftballteam.org/)
The Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team is coming to CMC-NorthEast Stadium Memorial Day 2013. (woundedwarrioramputeesoftballteam.org/)

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. (April 30, 2013) – The Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team is coming to Kannapolis this Memorial Day – Monday, May 27, for a special showcase against the Charlotte Firefighters Association Local 660. The featured game is at noon at CMC-NorthEast Stadium, home of the Kannapolis Intimidators, Class A Affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. Admission to the four-game softball exhibition is only $5, and tickets are now on sale by calling the F&M Bank Box Office at (704) 932-3267 or visiting IntimidatorsBaseball.com/woundedwarrior.

This is the second straight year the Intimidators will host local firefighters for a benefit softball game to help commemorate the Memorial Day holiday. The Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team along with the Charlotte Firefighters Association Local 660 and Kannapolis Fire Department will play four softball games at CMC-NorthEast Stadium starting at 10 a.m. Fans can also enjoy a Memorial Day All-You-Can-Eat picnic in the park featuring ballpark fare favorites like hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders and other backyard picnic-style staples for only $10 starting at 11 a.m.

Sponsorship packages are still available for this event. Contact Dwayne Davis of the Charlotte Fire Department at (704) 995-3265 or at dkdavis@ci.charlotte.nc.us.

The national Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team represents some of our nation’s bravest and most determined heroes, soldiers and veterans. These young extremely athletic men have sustained severe injuries resulting in amputation while serving in the military/war, and through extensive rehabilitation, they have become competitive athletes again. Their armor now includes prosthetic legs and arms, along with extreme perseverance and attitude. For more information, visit woundedwarrioramputeesoftballteam.org.

The schedule for the four softball games on Monday, May 27, is as follows:

9:30 a.m. Gates Open
10:00 a.m. Game 1: WWAST vs. Kannapolis Fire
11:00 a.m. Game 2: WWAST vs. Concord Fire & Life Safety
12:00 p.m. Opening Ceremonies
12:15 p.m. Game 3: WWAST vs. Charlotte Firefighters Local 660
1:30 p.m. Game 4: Charlotte Firefighters Local 660 vs. Concord Fire & Life Safety/Kannapolis Fire

The Kannapolis Intimidators are in their 19th season of professional baseball in the community and 13th as the Class A Affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. The team plays home games at CMC-NorthEast Stadium, located at I-85, Exit 63. For ticket information, please call the F&M Bank Box Office at (704) 932-3267 or visit IntimidatorsBaseball.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Kannapolis Intimidators. Click here to view the original story.

Brenner, Habitat honored at Coaches Luncheon

2013 Dash roster introduced to the community, too

Judy Brenner (middle) accepted the Dash's Service Through Sports Award on behalf of her late husband Rich Tuesday afternoon. (Erik Weasenforth/W-S Dash)
Judy Brenner (middle) accepted the Dash’s Service Through Sports Award on behalf of her late husband Rich Tuesday afternoon. (Erik Weasenforth/W-S Dash)

The Winston-Salem Dash honored Rich Brenner as this year’s Service Through Sports Award winner and announced that Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County is the Dash’s official charity for the 2013 season at the annual Coaches Luncheon Tuesday at BB&T Ballpark.

Brenner, an award-winning sportscaster for FOX8, began his broadcasting career in 1967 as a correspondent in Vietnam. Originally from Merchantville, N.J., Brenner’s full-time television career started in 1975. He arrived at FOX8 in 1987, and his time in Winston-Salem yielded six awards, including three Southeast Regional Emmy Awards. He retired in 2008 following a 21-year career at FOX8.

During his retirement, Brenner, who served as a United States Marine, continued to be a major presence in the community, making public appearances to honor community members, including those who served in the military. Before he passed away last year at the age of 65, Brenner was working on a veterans’ memorial at Triad Park in Kernersville. Brenner’s family accepted the Service Through Sports Award on his behalf.

“I’m so honored and so humbled for this award, and I know Rich is, too,” Brenner’s widow Judy said during Tuesday’s ceremony. “I can’t tell you how special this is to our family.”

Brenner is the fourth winner of the Service Through Sports Award. The late Clarence “Big House” Gaines, who coached Winston-Salem State University’s men’s basketball team for 47 years, was the inaugural winner in 2010. Wake Forest University baseball coach Tom Walter took home the honor in 2011, while Bob and Lisa Gfeller’s work through the Matthew Gfeller Foundation was recognized last year.

The Dash also announced that Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County will be the team’s official charity partner for the 2013 season. Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County brings together community partners and volunteers to help qualified Partner Families construct and purchase well-built, affordable homes and become successful homeowners. Through the organization’s global efforts, Habitat for Humanity has built homes in 90 countries and all 50 states. They have also built homes for more than 350 Partner Families in the Winston-Salem community.

As the Dash’s official charity for the season, Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County will partner with the Dash for their Commemorative Brick Program. Entering its fourth year, the Dash’s Commemorative Brick Program allows members of the community to purchase a brick that will be installed outside BB&T Ballpark’s main gates. The Dash and Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County will collectively use the program’s proceeds to further their community outreach efforts.

“We really thank the Dash for choosing us as their 2013 charity partner,” said Sylvia Oberle, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County. “It’s an exciting time to be a part of the Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County. Thank you for thinking of us.”

The Coaches Luncheon also served as the community’s first chance to meet the Opening Day roster for the Dash. New manager Ryan Newman spoke to those in attendance, while every member of the 2013 Dash was introduced. Many local media members were on hand for the event, which also served as the Dash’s annual Media Day. Newman and select players were available for interviews before the squad’s first official workout of 2013 at BB&T Ballpark.

The Dash begin their 2013 season Friday night in Zebulon, N.C., against the Carolina Mudcats, while the home slate begins Friday, April 12, when the Mudcats invade BB&T Ballpark for a 7 p.m. game.

The Dash have unveiled their new Stars & Stripes Mini-Plan, which includes seven great Dash games, including the Fourth of July, for just $77. Single-game tickets are also on sale now, so call the Dash at (336) 714-2287 or visit wsdash.com to secure your seats.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Winston-Salem Dash. Click here to view the original story.

Knights Stadium is Now a “Bully-Free” Zone

The first Education Day game was a success! (Erica Caldwell/Charlotte Knights)
The first Education Day game was a success! (Erica Caldwell/Charlotte Knights)

(Fort Mill, S.C.) — Knights Stadium, home of the Charlotte Knights since 1990, is set to become a “bully-free” zone during the upcoming 2013 season as the Knights and The Foundation for Respect Ability are introducing an Anti-Bullying program that will focus on educating kids, teachers, and parents on the importance of living a bully-free life. The program will feature two 11:15 a.m. games during the month of April focused on Education Days for the surrounding school districts of North Carolina & South Carolina. The first game is Tuesday, April 16 and the second game is set for Wednesday, April 24. Both games are presented by Duke Energy, Barton Malow, and Midrex Technologies, Inc.

“Partnering with the Foundation for Respect Ability enhances the educational component of these two dates and expands our commitment to providing opportunities for the community to enjoy a game at the stadium,” said Knights Director of Ticket Sales & Hospitality Sean Owens. “This program gives us a great platform to provide important information about the seriousness of bullying in our life and how to identify, respond, and prevent these acts from occurring.”

Featuring interactive concourse displays, a pre-game educational performance and in-game trivia/PSA’s, participating schools and organizations will receive a full day of education and entertainment. Tickets are as low as $5 for groups of 15 or more and a $5 lunch meal is available for pre-purchase as well.

“We are very excited to partner with the Charlotte Knights to help create awareness about bullying and to help promote strategies for children, parents and teachers to better deal with this behavior,” stated Diane Benson, Executive Director of the Foundation for Respect Ability. “Bullying in sports is also an area of concern and this is a wonderful platform to help to create “upstanders” on and off the playing field.”

About the The Foundation for Respect Ability:
The Foundation for Respect Ability is a nonprofit organization that seeks to convert “bystanders” into “upstanders” and to empower people to address bullying in all its forms. Their goal is to facilitate opportunities for communication and to develop programs and strategies for helping parents, students, and educators as they deal with these issues. The work is delivered through music and activities using Operation Respect’s Don’t Laugh at Me international curriculum. The Foundation offers community workshops for children and parents, in school programs and professional development workshops for staff and teachers. www.xbullying.org

To schedule a group event for Education Days, please contact the Charlotte Knights at 704-357-8071, ext. 2106 or hospitality@charlotteknights.com.

Select single-game tickets are now on-sale online by using the special pre-sale code “presale2013”. Full season and partial season ticket packages are on-sale now and can be purchased by calling 704-357-8071 ext. 2106 or online at www.charlotteknights.com. Season Tickets offer such benefits as a VIP parking pass, invitations to special events, and a unique unused ticket program. They are also the best way to ensure priority selection of seats at BB&T Ballpark. Call a Knights’ representative today for more details! Knights Baseball… Tradition Never Ends!
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Charlotte Knights. Click here to view the original story.

Knights Partner with Carolinas HealthCare System

CharlotteKnights_2013-02-21

 

(Fort Mill, SC) – The Charlotte Knights, Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, and Carolinas HealthCare System are dedicated to providing educational opportunities to the youth in our communities. Earlier today, in an effort to improve educational funding for high school students who are interested in pursuing a career in healthcare, the Charlotte Knights and Carolinas HealthCare System announced that they have committed to providing three $1,000 college scholarships to local high school seniors.

“The Charlotte Knights will continue to make education a primary focus for many of our community initiatives,” said Chris Semmens, Vice President of Sales, Charlotte Knights.  “The Knights are excited to work with our long time partner Carolinas HealthCare System, along with local high school administrators, teachers, parents and students in providing these annual scholarships.”

The 2013 Charlotte Knights Healthcare Scholarship Program is open to any high school senior enrolled in one of the following North or South Carolina counties: Cabarrus, Catawba, Chester, Gaston, Iredell, Lancaster, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Union, or York County. Applicants must be attending an accredited institution of higher education in the fall of 2013, and will be judged on academic performance; volunteer and community involvement; and sports and extracurricular activities. The three winners will be honored before a select Knights game this summer.

“Carolinas HealthCare System’s vision is to lead the transformation of healthcare delivery and a key part of that effort is attracting the next generation of motivated, creative healthcare professionals,” said Carol Lovin, Executive Vice President of Carolinas HealthCare System.  “Partnering with the Charlotte Knights to provide these scholarships is a great way to help turn that vision into reality.”

Applications for the Charlotte Knights Healthcare Scholarship Program presented by Carolinas HealthCare System, are available at charlotteknights.com, and must be postmarked by April 30, 2013 to the Charlotte Knights for consideration. The scholarship committee will be comprised of two Charlotte Knights employees, two Carolinas HealthCare System employees, and one outside party to be selected by the Charlotte Knights.

About Carolinas HealthCare System:
Carolinas HealthCare System (carolinashealthcare.org), one of the nation’s leading and most innovative healthcare organizations, provides a full spectrum of healthcare and wellness programs throughout North and South Carolina. Its diverse network of nearly 800 care locations includes academic medical centers, hospitals, freestanding emergency departments, physician practices, surgical and rehabilitation centers, home health agencies, nursing homes and behavioral health centers, as well as hospice and palliative care services. CHS works to improve and enhance the overall health and wellbeing of its communities through high quality patient care, education and research programs, and numerous collaborative partnerships and initiatives.

Full season and partial season ticket packages are on-sale now and can be purchased by calling 704-357-8071 ext. 2106 or online at http://www.charlotteknights.com. Season Tickets offer such benefits as a VIP parking pass, invitations to special events, and a unique unused ticket program. They are also the best way to ensure priority selection of seats at BB&T Ballpark. Call a Knights’ representative today for more details! Knights Baseball… Tradition Never Ends.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Charlotte Knights. Click here to view the original story.

Barons, Children’s of Alabama Launch Babe Ruff’s Kids Club

A portion of the sign up fee benefits Children’s of Alabama

BirminghamBarons_2013-02-19

 

The Birmingham Barons have announced a partnership with Children’s of Alabama as the title sponsor for the new 2013 kids club at Regions Field, called ‘Babe Ruff’s Kids Club’. A portion of the sign up fee benefits Children’s of Alabama. All members of Babe Ruff’s Kids Club will receive:

  • A Babe Ruff’s Kids’ Club T-Shirt
  • An official membership card and inclusion in the Kids Club Newsletter.
  • Special Kids Club Only prices at the Barons Team Store.
  • A Barons Goodie Bag, which includes items from preferred vendors including a Children’s of Alabama stress ball.
  • Inclusion in special Kids Club events at each Sunday home game.
  • Free Admission to all 11 Sunday home games during the 2013 season.

“Children’s of Alabama is delighted to welcome the Birmingham Barons to the neighborhood,” said Garland Stansell, Chief Communications Officer for Children’s of Alabama. “We are excited about the proximity of Regions Field to our campus and are equally excited to continue our long-time partnership with the Barons.  Babe Ruff’s Kids Club seems the perfect fit with our child and family-centered mission.”

“The Barons are excited to partner with Children’s of Alabama on this venture,” said Barons General Manager Jonathan Nelson. “The Barons have always been dedicated to providing the most affordable family entertainment in Birmingham and the kids club is an integral part of that goal. We look forward to providing families with a first class entertainment experience at Regions Field this season.”

To register visit Barons.com, fill out the registration form located on the kid’s club page and bring it to Regions Field. Fans can also contact Steve Bayko at sbayko@barons.com or by phone at 205-988-3200.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Birmingham Barons. Click here to view the original story.

Knights Raise Money for Salvation Army

Charlotte-KnightsThe Charlotte Knights’ season of giving continued on Thursday, December 20 at the Six Pence Pub in Fort Mill. For over three hours, front office staff members volunteered their time to raise money for the Salvation Army.

The Knights arrived around 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, eager to learn a new trade and give back to the community. With help from seasoned professionals – a.k.a Six Pence Pub bartenders, the crew quickly got the hang of things.

Beginning at 6:00 p.m., staff members served drinks and food to the crowd.

Becka Leveille, Knights Merchandise Director, and Justin Fulbright, Knights Assistant Groundskeeper, both stepped right in and began making drinks.

“It was a lot of fun,” exclaimed Leveille. “I learned a few things about bartending and I got to talk to some passionate Knights fans. I may have found my second career!”

Salvation-ArmyErik Hassy, GM of Ovations, and Knights Media Relations Director Tommy Viola, were also on-hand to help with the volunteering efforts on Thursday. Knights Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer Dan Rajkowski came out to support the Salvation Army and his team’s efforts on Thursday.

Every 30 minutes, Viola rang a bell located behind the bar and announced a raffle prize. Lucky fans won shirts, tickets to a 2013 Knights game, a Knights jersey signed by the 2012 team, a Brian Anderson autographed bat, and more.

“It was great to get behind the bar, serve drinks, announce raffle prizes, and talk to our fans,” stated Viola. “There’s nothing like getting out in the community and meeting Knights fans. It was especially gratifying to know that all of the money we raised was for the Salvation Army.”

Knights Community Relations Director Lindsey Roycraft also played a key role on Thursday. Thanks to her strong ties with the community, events like the one on Thursday are made possible.

“It was a very positive event,” said Roycraft. “I look forward to working with Ray and the entire Six Pence Pub staff again during our upcoming 2013 season. Next time, we’ll bring a Knights player or two.”

Overall on Thursday, the Knights and Six Pence Pub raised $625.00 for the Salvation Army.

Members of the Knights front office volunteered their time on Thursday, December 20.

Members of the Knights front office volunteered their time on Thursday, December 20.Earlier in December, the Knights held a toy and coat drive at Knights Stadium during the team’s first-ever “Winter Wonderful” event. The team also worked with Angel Tree this year to make sure two boys received all of the presents they asked for this year.

Over the next couple of weeks, staff members will volunteer at the Men’s Shelter of Charlotte and Classroom Central.

“Volunteering and giving back is a big part of what we enjoy doing,” added Roycraft. “We look forward to keeping that going in 2013 and beyond.”

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Charlotte Knights.  Click here to view the original story.

Barons and Dale’s Team Up For Kid One Promotion

The Birmingham Barons and Dale’s Seasoning have partnered together for the past seven years to help with the essential transportation needs of local area children with their “Pitch One for Kid One” fund-raising promotion. With their donation of $9,000 in 2012, the Barons and Dale’s Seasoning have donated a total of $52,500 over the past seven years.

Kid One Transport is an innovative program that has served the children of Alabama for over fifteen years, while being the only nonprofit transportation provider of its kind in Alabama. Since its inception in 1997, they have provided more than 220,000 transports, which ensure that children receive the medical care they need. Kid One serves expectant mothers and children with a wide variety of health care needs ranging from routine medical checkups, dental screenings and mental/emotional health services, to critical, specialized care such as radiation, chemotherapy and dialysis.

“The Barons are proud of our continued partnership with Dale’s Seasoning to benefit Kid One Transport,” said Jonathan Nelson, General Manager of the Birmingham Barons. “We feel it’s very important to give back to the community and the “Pitch One for Kid One” promotion raises essential funds for an extremely important cause. Reaching the $50,000 milestone this season was a tremendous achievement and we look forward to continued success in the future.”

Alan Seigel, Vice President of Dale’s Sauces, Inc. said, “Our Dale’s corporate family is proud to be able to help these children and families get transportation to medical appointments, therapies and treatments. Kid One Transport and their entire staff have inspired, motivated and helped us to organize this event over the years. Of course, we also want to give special thanks to the Barons’ fans for all of their very generous support. It’s a wonderful example of families helping families in need.”

Pictured from left to right: John Cook, Director of Sales & Marketing, Birmingham Barons; Karen Peterlin, CEO & President, Kid One Transport; Alan Seigel, Vice President, Dale’s Sauces; Mary Anne King, Development Director, Kid One Transport

Charlotte Knights visit Levine Children’s Hospital

On April 19, 2010, children at Carolinas Medical Center Levine Children’s Hospital were treated with a visit from several Charlotte Knight’s ballplayers. The monthly visits are a part of the Knights ongoing outreach in the Charlotte and area community.

Levine’s 234-bed children’s hospital combines the medical expertise the community already relies on with a spectacular new state-of-the-art facility designed to care for the physical and emotional needs of children and their families.

The Knights’ players, personnel, and mascots make regular visits to the hospital to help provide hope, joy and fun activities for Levine’s patients and families. Besides making their monthly visits, players and personnel of the Charlotte Knights also keep in touch with several of Levine’s patients via e-mail and online communities such as Facebook.

Charlotte Knights Wes Whisler, Adam Ricks, Daniel Hudson, Erick Threets, Jeff Marquez and Brent Lillibridge visit with 6 year old Ben Aguallo. This picture was posted on Facebook by the Aguallo family immediately following the visit. The caption read: “One of Ben’s highlights…… meeting Pro Baseball Players… thank you Charlotte Knights!”