Fang’s Reading Club Returns

 

GRAND CHUTE, WI – School is back in session and so is Fang’s Reading Club! Teachers may begin enrolling their schools in the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers program that encourages reading development in children from grades K through 5! This year’s program is presented by Fox Communities Credit Union, Badger Sports Park, Myndology, and EatStreet. Teachers and reading coordinators have until December 31 to get involved in this program.

Registration can be done through the website set up at FangsReadingClub.com. You may also check out other details on the program at that link.

Personnel at participating schools have the flexibility to design the program to meet the needs of their students. Students who meet all their goals for the program are rewarded with a FREE ticket as part of their school’s Family Night at a Timber Rattlers game in 2022. Sponsors and the Timber Rattlers will have a special prize waiting for those who complete the program at the ballpark when they attend their game!

The Timber Rattlers and the sponsors of Fang’s Reading Club will provide:

  • An introductory letter to be sent to parents at the start of the program.
  • Baseball related verification aids to help parents and teachers track the progress of participants.
  • A FREE ticket to a 2022 Timber Rattlers home game with a hot dog & soda voucher for students who complete the program.
  • Home Run Prize to be redeemed by students on their School’s Family Night at the Ballpark.
  • An easy, online ticket ordering option.
  • Information to aid schools in setting up their Family Night at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium.

You may also download this year’s Reading Club brochure here.

The club had 125 schools and over 25,000 students participate in the program last year. Fang wants to make this year’s club even bigger and he needs you!

Contact Dayna Baitinger at [email protected] or (920) 733-4152 if you have any questions or would like to register your school for Fang’s Reading Club.

Shorebirds and Valvoline Instant Oil Change Collect Over 200 Books to Donate to Local Little Free Libraries!

 

Throughout the 2021 season, the Delmarva Shorebirds and Valvoline Instant Oil Change collected books for children to donate to local Little Free Libraries through the Wicomico Rotary Club.

In partnership with Valvoline Instant Oil Change, every Tuesday night, fans had the opportunity to bring new or gently used books to the Shorebirds game in exchange for a $5 Flock Shop Merchandise Discount through the Tuesday Merch Book Exchange Promotion. In total, the Shorebirds collected over 200 books to donate to the local little free libraries of the Eastern Shore.

“We are very appreciative of our generous fans and their donations to the little free libraries throughout our local community” explained Shorebirds General Manager Chris Bitters. “By partnering with Valvoline Instant Oil Change, we are thrilled to be able to assist in growing youth literacy in our community and extending the reach of the Wicomico Rotary Club’s initiative to impact as many lives as possible through reading.”

Residents will be able to start picking up these books in little free libraries very soon scattered throughout the local community.

To learn more about Shorebirds community initiatives, merchandise, season tickets, and anything in regards to the Shorebirds, please visit theshorebirds.com. Also stay tuned for 2022 season information as the Shorebirds are slated to begin April 8, 2022 against the Fredericksburg Nationals by following the Shorebirds’ Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram social media pages.

Soul Bowl Return To Blue Wahoos Stadium Brings Welcome Community Boost 

 

For the first time in its three decades, the Soul Bowl didn’t happen in 2020. Another unfortunate event cancellation amid the coronavirus pandemic.

That void has created an emotional backdrop for Saturday’s 29th annual youth football showcase at Blue Wahoos Stadium, which organizers were determined to make happen.

“It was extremely important we have the Soul Bowl,” said Lumon May, long-time director of the Southern Youth Sports Association, along with serving on the Escambia County Commission.

“I have been around sports all my life,” said May, 51, who has been part of this event since the first one was staged. “And so to not have the Soul Bowl… something as significant, particularly to the African-American community in Pensacola as this is… it was very sad, very odd last year.

“This year, all the coaches, all the parents, they were not worried about cancelling the season. They said, ‘If we don’t play any other games, if we don’t play any other Saturday, let’s just play the Soul Bowl. Even if we can’t finish the season, we want to go down to the Wahoos Stadium and play the Soul Bowl.’

“That’s what the Soul Bowl has meant.”

The event will feature five games among five different age divisions between the SYSA Tigers and Albritton & Gant East Pensacola Rattlers. This will be the first football played on the newly resodded Blue Wahoos Stadium, after last Saturday’s scheduled game with the University of West Florida was cancelled.

The continued concern and effect of COVID-19 in the community has led to alterations for this year’s Soul Bowl. There will be Soul Food vendors outside the stadium — a decision reached Thursday — but not the mass variety as before.

The Unity Circle celebration in early afternoon Saturday will instead be a solemn memorial to those with ties to the Soul Bowl who passed away from complications involving the horrific virus.

“We’ve lost coaches, cheerleader coaches, volunteers who had been part of this game for a long time,” May said. “So it’s going to be emotional.

“We know we will have some hiccups. But if we can just get the kids out there to play, that’s the biggest win. We may not have the Soul Food trucks and all the outside activity we’ve have had in the past.

“But I thought it was important for the community to have this and most important for the children involved that we do something for them.”

May said there was some debate on whether to put on the Soul Bowl this year. But after talking with Blue Wahoos owner Quint Studer, who led the way 10 years ago for the Soul Bowl to move into Blue Wahoos Stadium from its previous two neighborhood park venues, it reaffirmed a push to stage the 2021 event.

The day-long event is made possible through sponsorship of attorney Troy Rafferty, shareholder in the Levin, Papatonio, Rafferty Law Firm, along with Cox Communications, the Blue Wahoos and other sponsors.

“Quint said, ‘Let’s do it,’ and that was great,” May said. “.And thanks to Quint Studer it has become the signature event for inclusion in downtown Pensacola.”

With favorable weather forecast, the expectation Saturday is for a festive atmosphere and celebration of youth football, which includes parents and spectators setting up tailgate tents inside the stadium and picnic-style atmosphere around kids playing football.

“It’s just a fun thing to see,” said Shannon Reeves, the Blue Wahoos events director who has coordinated as stadium host the past four Soul Bowl games. “The stadium is packed, the music is loud, little kids are everywhere, parents are taking pictures, parents are excited.

“And it really has found its niche here. I feel like people expect it to be here. It’s a well oiled machine from their side (Soul Bowl organizers) of things. Parents know what to expect, coaches know what to expect.”

29th SOUL BOWL YOUTH FOOTBALL

WHO: Southern Youth Sports Association (SYSA) Tigers vs. Albritton & Gant East Pensacola Rattlers

WHEN: Saturday, games are at 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12 p.m.. 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.

WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium

ADMISSION: $8 general admission (good for all games) if purchased Thursday or Friday; $10 on Saturday. Children 3-under admitted free.

FORMAT: Games begin with teams ages 6-under, then 8-under, 10-under, 12-under, 14-under for final game. Stadium gates will open at 8 a.m.

RESTRICTIONS: Food purchased outside at one of the food vendors will be permitted inside stadium. But no other outside food or beverage will be permitted to be brought into stadium. Concessions will be open before the first game.

Homers That Help highlights Jumbo Shrimp Triple-A Final Stretch

 

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Minor League Baseball has created a charitable component to the Triple-A Final Stretch of games that will benefit 501(c)3 charities in each Triple-A city.

The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp will join the “Homers That Help” campaign to benefit 5000 Models of Excellence. The 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project aims to intervene in the lives of minority male youth in an effort to provide them with both positive role models and experiences in order to empower making good choices and encouraging healthy living, responsibility, respect and achievement.

“We are excited to be able to continue to find ways to better the Jacksonville and Northeast Florida community,” said Jumbo Shrimp Executive Vice President/General Manager Harold Craw. “5000 Models of Excellence does extraordinary work for youth through the state of Florida and Duval County. It is an honor for the Jumbo Shrimp to support their organization.”

For each home run hit by the Jumbo Shrimp during the 10-game Triple-A Final Stretch, Minor League Baseball will donate $50 to 5000 Models of Excellence. The Triple-A club that hits the most home runs during the Final Stretch will also generate an extra $5,000 donation for their charity. Minor League Baseball is also donating to charities of choice for the other 29 Triple-A teams.

Through five games of the Triple-A Final Stretch, the Jumbo Shrimp have hit four home runs. Jacksonville’s 4-1 record is 1.0 game behind both Durham and Nashville in the overall Triple-A East standings. The Jumbo Shrimp begin a five-game set at Gwinnett on Wednesday, which marks their final series of the 2021 season presented by FIS.

“Minor League Baseball teams have long been great community partners, and we are pleased to make a donation to each of these local charities on behalf of our Triple-A teams for their performance during the Triple-A Final Stretch,” said Major League Baseball’s Vice President, Minor League Operations and Development, Peter Woodfork. “These charities provide a variety of valuable services to their community, and it is our honor to recognize their efforts.”

ABOUT THE JUMBO SHRIMP: The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp offer affordable family fun at 121 Financial Ballpark. Their inaugural season garnered the Southern League’s Don Mincher Organization of the Year, Promotional Trophy and Jimmy Bragan Executive of the Year, won by general manager Harold Craw. The club added its second Promotional Trophy in three years following the 2019 season. The 2021 season marks the return of Triple-A baseball in Jacksonville. To experience the excitement with the terrific value of ticket and group options, call the Jumbo Shrimp at (904) 358-2846 or visit www.jaxshrimp.com.

Aces Final Stretch homers to benefit District 1 Little League in Northern Nevada

 

RENO, Nev. – The Reno Aces will be competing on behalf of Northern Nevada’s District 1 Little League, as part of Minor League Baseball’s “Homers that Help.” For each home run the Aces hit over the Triple-A Final Stretch, MiLB will donate $50 to District 1.

“We are thrilled to partner with District 1 to help fund scholarships for athletes in need of assistance,” said Aces president Eric Edelstein. “We look forward to working with them to grow participation in sports through this partnership!”

District 1 represents 12 Little Leagues across the Reno, Sparks, Carson City and Lake Tahoe areas. District 1 coordinates all league initiatives, as well as MLB initiatives such as Home Run Derby and Pitch, Hit and Run. They also coordinate training for umpires, volunteers and coaches for all leagues.

The Final Stretch will include the 10 remaining games against Albuquerque and Las Vegas, concluding on Sunday, August 3 at home against Las Vegas.

Through 118 regular season games, the Aces hit the second-most homers in all of Triple-A – 193 long balls.

Aces are back in action tonight after being off yesterday. First pitch from Albuquerque is set for 5:35 p.m. PT, and can be heard on KPLY 630AM or on RenoAces.com with Zack Bayrouty on the call.

Each OKC Dodgers Homer Hit During Final Stretch to Benefit Cleats For Kids

 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Each home run hit by the Oklahoma City Dodgers during Triple-A’s Final Stretch will benefit Cleats For Kids in Oklahoma City thanks to a Minor League Baseball™ initiative called “Homers That Help.”

All 30 Triple-A clubs close their 2021 seasons with a 10-game Final Stretch, including the OKC Dodgers who play five road games against the Las Vegas Aviators starting tonight, and five home games against the El Paso Chihuahuas Wednesday, Sept. 29-Sunday, Oct. 3 at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

For each home run hit by Triple-A teams (both at home and on the road) during the Final Stretch, Minor League Baseball will donate $50 per home run to a local 501(c)3 charity selected by the team. The team with the most home runs hit during the 10-game span will generate an extra $5,000 donation for its charity of choice.

“Minor League Baseball teams have long been great community partners, and we are pleased to make a donation to each of these local charities on behalf of our Triple-A teams for their performance during the Triple-A Final Stretch,” Major League Baseball’s Vice President, Minor League Operations and Development, Peter Woodfork said. “These charities provide a variety of valuable services to their community, and it is our honor to recognize their efforts.”

The OKC Dodgers chose to benefit Cleats for Kids (C4K), which provides new and used sports equipment free of charge to youth in need, gathering equipment through community drives and drop-off donation sites. The organization began in 2011 in Oklahoma City and has impacted more than 150,000 kids, partnering with 55 youth organizations and 220 Oklahoma school districts, according to the C4K website.

“Cleats for Kids provides opportunity for our Oklahoma youth to benefit from the transformational power of sport,” Oklahoma City Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes said. “Purchasing sports gear can be a prohibitive factor that keeps children from participating in youth sports, and Cleats for Kids helps remove that obstacle. We’re hoping for numerous OKC Dodgers home runs over the next 10 games to help further Cleats for Kids’ charitable cause.”

The OKC Dodgers open the 10-game Final Stretch tonight with a five-game road series starting at 9:05 p.m. CT against the Las Vegas Aviators at Las Vegas Ballpark. The Dodgers then close out their 2021 schedule with a five-game home series against the El Paso Chihuahuas starting at 7:05 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 29 at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. The Dodgers play at 7:05 p.m. next Wednesday-Saturday, wrapping up the Final Stretch as well as the 2021 season at 1:05 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 3 in OKC.

Tickets for OKC Dodgers’ home games are available by visiting okcdodgers.com/tickets. For additional information about the OKC Dodgers, please visit okcdodgers.com or call (405) 218-2182. For more information about Cleats For Kids, please visit cleatsforkids.org.

WooSox are “Going Gold” for Childhood Cancer Awareness Night, Set for Friday, September 24, 6:35 PM

Resilience of those in the fight will be celebrated with pregame ceremony, in-game tribute, and postgame gold-themed fireworks show.

 

WORCESTER, MA – September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and the Worcester Red Sox will pay tribute by “going gold” for their final Friday night game at Polar Park this inaugural season, scheduled for September 24 at 6:35 PM. Gold ribbons will be painted on the field in foul territory, players will have the option of wearing gold wristbands, and more than 100 childhood cancer patients and their families will be invited to help form a human gold ribbon in the outfield during the WooSox’ pregame ceremonies. At the end of one inning, tentatively set for the 3rd inning, the players from both teams will hold gold placards, as will fans, media, and broadcasters, each inscribed with the name of someone who has been in the battle.

The families who are participating come to the WooSox via Dana-Farber’s Jimmy Fund Clinic, the Make-a-Wish Foundation of Massachusetts & Rhode Island, the Tomorrow Fund, the UMass Memorial Health Cancer Center, and Why Me & Sherry’s House. All are community partners of the WooSox and the WooSox Foundation.

In advance of the night, the WooSox will present a check for more than $50,000 on Wednesday, September 22 to UMass Memorial Medical Center, the exclusive health care provider of the WooSox. On Friday, the WooSox Foundation will present another $10,000 to the Jimmy Fund Clinic. WooSox fans raised those funds at Polar Park in advance of last month’s Red Sox/ Jimmy Fund Radio Telethon on WEEI and NESN.

Worcester Red Sox Principal Owner and Chairman Larry Lucchino is the Chairman of the legendary Jimmy Fund. The Dana-Farber Institute has saved Lucchino’s life three times.

“It is part of our Red Sox ethos to partner with the Jimmy Fund, part of our Worcester ethos to partner with UMass Memorial, and part of our Pawtucket heritage to partner with the Tomorrow Fund,” Lucchino said. “We are also joining forces with local charities, such as Why Me? and Sherry’s Place, with more to come in the future. All of Red Sox Nation should be aware of the long history we have of fighting this cruel, miserable disease. We should be aware of the strides we have taken, the heroic research going on right now, and the miles we have to go before we conquer cancer.”

Fans will find the gold placards at their seat, and after writing the name of the person whom they want to remember or honor, they will rise as one at the end of the third inning. Fans with general admission tickets may pick up the placards and permanent markers at tables around the ballpark.

Following the game, the WooSox will present their final fireworks show of the season, gold-themed with inspiring music about perseverance, strength, and compassion from “Rocky,” Rachel Platten, and others. The fireworks spectacular is presented by UniBank.

The WooSox invite fans to help make Polar Park a sea of gold on Childhood Cancer Awareness Night and donate to the WooSox Foundation as part of its ongoing commitment to fight childhood cancer. Fans may donate by visiting marked tables around the ballpark, scanning the QR code located on the back of their gold placard, or by visiting woosoxfoundation.org. Tickets

for the game may be purchased online at polarpark.com, by phone at (508) 500-8888, or in person at the Polar Park Ticket Office at 100 Madison Street.

Tides Announce Triple-A Final Stretch Charity Recipient

 

The Norfolk Tides today announced that they have chosen the Booker T. Washington High School Friends and Alumni Association as their charity to benefit during the Triple-A Final Stretch. For each home run hit by the Tides (home and road games) during the Triple-A Final Stretch, Minor League Baseball will donate $50 per home run to the BTW High School Friends and Alumni Association. The Triple-A team hitting the most home runs over the 10-game span will generate an extra $5,000 donation for their charity.

The Booker T. Washington High School Friends and Alumni Association aims to make substantial contributions to help enhance, supplement and undergird all departmental programs, activities and capital projects of the school. The Foundation recognizes that, because of the historical imbalances of opportunity for many of our school’s families, many, too many of their students face extraordinary financial challenges. The Foundation has provided significant funding and helped defray costs of special testing, music programs, field trips, boys and girls sports equipment and uniforms, books, arts equipment and other required materials, as well as having created opportunities for students to participate in community service.

The Foundation also works closely with the Booker T Washington High School Baseball and Softball teams. In addition, former Negro League player, Sam Allen, is closely associated with the Foundation. The Norfolk native played with the Kansas City Monarchs in 1957, the Raleigh Tigers in 1958 and the Memphis Red Sox in 1959. In 1957, Allen would lead the league in runs scored. He served with the U.S. Army after being drafted in 1960 and for a period he was with the 82nd Airborne Division.

Each team in Triple-A team picked a local 501(c)3 charity to donate to during the Triple-A Final Stretch. “Minor League Baseball teams have long been great community partners, and we are pleased to make a donation to each of these local charities on behalf of our Triple-A teams for their performance during the Triple-A Final Stretch,” said Major League Baseball’s Vice President, Minor League Operations and Development, Peter Woodfork. “These charities provide a variety of valuable services to their community, and it is our honor to recognize their efforts.”

Sounds Partner with Nashville RBI for Triple-A Final Stretch

Minor League Baseball has announced the creation of a charitable component to the 10-game Triple-A Final Stretch of games that will benefit 501(c)3 charities in each Triple-A city. The Nashville Sounds are proud to partner with Nashville RBI for the “Homers That Help” campaign.

For each home run hit by the Sounds during the Triple-A Final Stretch, Minor League Baseball will donate $50 per home run to Nashville RBI, the charity selected by the Sounds. The team that hits the most home runs over the 10-game span will generate an extra $5,000 donation for their charity.

“Minor League Baseball teams have long been great community partners, and we are pleased to make a donation to each of these local charities on behalf of our Triple-A teams for their performance during the Triple-A Final Stretch,” said Major League Baseball’s Vice President, Minor League Operations and Development, Peter Woodfork. “These charities provide a variety of valuable services to their community, and it is our honor to recognize their efforts.”

Nashville RBI’s (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) mission is to provide the youth of Nashville the opportunity to play baseball and softball from the age of 5 to 18. Nashville RBI believes all youth should have an opportunity to participate in structured athletic programs that are both affordable and conveniently located in the communities in which they live.

The Nashville Sounds are the Triple-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers and play at First Horizon Park. Single-game tickets are on sale now for all remaining 2021 home games. For more information call 615-690-4487 or e-mail [email protected].

Shuckers Donate Equipment To Stone County High School

 

Following the conclusion of the 2021 season, the Biloxi Shuckers players collected baseball equipment and apparel that was donated to Stone County High School on Tuesday.

Spearheaded by pitcher Noah Zavolas, the Shuckers’ players collected lightly used cleats, turf shoes, apparel and any other equipment that could be utilized by the Stone County baseball team.

“If it helps even one kid or baseball player continue his career or feel better about his career, then this was a win,” said Zavolas. “Minor League Baseball is here to engage with different baseball programs. With COVID it made it difficult for us to interact with programs and players, but this was something we were able to do and give back in a small way.”

“It helps us even if we can’t use every piece of equipment,” said Stone County Athletic Director Adam Stone. “Our kids are excited. Who doesn’t like to get something donated that you didn’t have to pay for, and mom and dad didn’t have to pay for, that makes what you do a little easier?”

Stone County played for the Mississippi 4A South State Championship in the 2020-21 season, and prior to 2020 Spring Training Zavolas stopped in the Biloxi area and worked out at Stone County, getting to know their players and head coach Sean Miller. With a color scheme that matches the Shuckers, Stone County was a natural fit for the teams’ donation.

“As Pros, a lot of this stuff gets sent to us for free, and you can forget that baseball is an expensive sport if you’re buying all of your own gear,” said Zavolas. “If that pair of cleats has 50 games left in them, let’s get those 50 games out of them.”

“Receiving this donation helps what we’re trying to do, which is just get better,” said Stone. “If you can improve every day then you’re going to be on the right path.”

The 2022 Biloxi Shuckers schedule has been announced and Shuck Nation Memberships, Flex Plans and group outings are now available for the 2022 season. Event spaces at MGM Park can be booked for private events during the offseason by calling (228) 271-3486.

ABOUT THE BILOXI SHUCKERS:

The Biloxi Shuckers are the Double-A Affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. The Shuckers play at MGM Park in Biloxi, Mississippi and are members of the Double-A South. For more information, please visit biloxishuckers.comand follow us on Twitter @biloxishuckers and at facebook.com/biloxishuckers.

Redbirds Give Back To Community As Part of “Homers That Help” 

 

MEMPHIS, Tennessee— In conjunction with Minor League Baseball, the Memphis Redbirds are honored to be giving back to their local community during their final 10 games in the 2021 Minor League Baseball season. The Redbirds will be donating to Memphis Little League as they participate in the “Homers That Help” program, which assists local charities in all 30 Triple-A cities.

For each home run hit by Triple-A teams (home and road games) during the Triple-A Final Stretch, Minor League Baseball will donate $50 per home run to a local charity selected by the team. The team hitting the most home runs over the 10-game span will generate an extra $5,000 donation for their charity.

Memphis has brought out the power bats recently, smacking seven home runs in their last five games. For the season, the Redbirds have hit 126 home runs. Juan Yepez leads the team with 21 homers so far this season.

“On behalf of all the players, parents and volunteers at Memphis Little League, we are honored that our organization has been selected as a recipient of the Homers that Help program,” said Kerry Cobb, President of Memphis Little League. “At Memphis Little League, we look to inspires inner city youth to use baseball as an instrument to achieve their goals, on and off the field through leadership, teamwork, accountability, and sportsmanship. The support and advocacy from this charitable program will help us meet our obligation in offering youth baseball to the children in the Greater Memphis area. We are truly grateful to the Memphis Redbirds for recognizing our program for this special moment.”

“It is our honor to take part in the ‘Homers That Help’ program and help Memphis Little League during the ‘Final Stretch’ of the 2021 Minor League Baseball season,” said Craig Unger, President and General Manager of the Memphis Redbirds. “Being part of the greater Memphis community is something we never take for granted. We are thrilled to help our neighbors in any way we can and continue to promote baseball throughout the region.”

“Minor League Baseball teams have long been great community partners, and we are pleased to make a donation to each of these local charities on behalf of our Triple-A teams for their performance during the Triple-A Final Stretch,” said Major League Baseball’s Vice President, Minor League Operations and Development, Peter Woodfork. “These charities provide a variety of valuable services to their community, and it is our honor to recognize their efforts.”

Tickets for the five remaining Redbirds home games this season can be purchased at MemphisRedbirds.com/tickets, or by calling 901-721-6000. Tickets for all premium and group areas also remain on sale. All tickets will remain digital; paper tickets will not be issued. AutoZone Park will continue to enforce a clear bag policy and operate as a cashless venue. For the latest protocols and procedures visit memphisredbirds.com.

About Memphis Redbirds

The Memphis Redbirds are the proud Triple-A Affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals. Memphis has claimed four League Championships and one Triple-A National Championship since their affiliation with St. Louis began in 1998. For the latest team news, follow the Redbirds on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Triple-A Final Stretch To Benefit Durham Bulls Youth Athletic League

 

Minor League Baseball has announced a charitable component to the ten-game Triple-A Final Stretch that will benefit 501(c)3 charities in each Triple-A city, including Durham.

For each home run hit by the Bulls over those ten games, Minor League Baseball will donate $50 per home run to the Durham Bulls Youth Athletic League. Should the Bulls hit the most home runs of any Triple-A team over that ten-game span, an additional $5,000 will be donated to the Durham Bulls Youth Athletic League.

Durham’s Triple-A Final Stretch slate of games begins at Durham Bulls Athletic Park on Wednesday, September 22 with the Final Five presented by Fifth Third Bank, as the Bulls face the Gwinnett Stripers, the Triple-A Affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. In 120 regular season games this season, the Bulls bashed 175 home runs, the fifth-highest total among all 30 Triple-A squads, including the second-best tally in the Triple-A East League.

The Durham Bulls Youth Athletic League (DBYAL) has enriched the lives of youth for more than 25 years. Through partnerships with churches, schools, and other youth recreation organizations, DBYAL provides recreational baseball free of charge to youngsters in the City of Durham.

“Minor League Baseball teams have long been great community partners, and we are pleased to make a donation to each of these local charities on behalf of our Triple-A teams for their performance during the Triple-A Final Stretch,” said Major League Baseball’s Vice President, Minor League Operations and Development, Peter Woodfork. “These charities provide a variety of valuable services to their community, and it is our honor to recognize their efforts.”

Tickets for the Final Five 2021 Bulls home games presented by Fifth Third Bank are on sale now. Group outings and season tickets or mini plans can also be purchased at durhambulls.com, or by calling the Mako Medical Ticket Office at 919.956.BULL.

Storm Chasers to participate in “Homers That Help” charity campaign during Triple-A Final Stretch

 

PAPILLION, Neb. – Minor League Baseball announced Tuesday a charitable component to the 10-game Triple-A Final Stretch that will benefit 501(c)3 charities in each Triple-A city.

The Omaha Storm Chasers have partnered with B&B Sports Academy, a community-based athletic center in Omaha that builds body, mind, and character of young people, including at-risk youth in need of positive, structured activities. Opened in October of 2013, B&B Sports Academy was created by world champion boxer Terence “Bud” Crawford and Brian “BoMac” McIntyre, both Omaha natives.

For each home run hit by the Storm Chasers during the 10-game Triple-A Final Stretch (home and road), Minor League Baseball will donate $50 to B&B Sports Academy. Minor League Baseball is also donating to charities of choice for the other 29 Triple-A teams. The team that hits the most home runs during the Triple-A Final Stretch will also generate an extra $5,000 donation to their charity.

“We’re excited to be able to able to give back to our community and grateful to Minor League Baseball for creating this charity campaign,” Storm Chasers Vice President and General Manager Laurie Schlender said. “B&B Sports Academy does great work for youth in the Omaha metro and we’re proud to be able to help support their programs and initiatives.”

“Minor League Baseball teams have long been great community partners, and we are pleased to make a donation to each of these local charities on behalf of our Triple-A teams for their performance during the Triple-A Final Stretch,” said Major League Baseball’s Vice President, Minor League Operations and Development, Peter Woodfork. “These charities provide a variety of valuable services to their community, and it is our honor to recognize their efforts.”

The Storm Chasers hit 207 home runs during the 120-game regular season, the most in Minor League Baseball. Omaha has hit at least one home run in 95 games and at least two home runs in 57 games, including each of the last five. The Storm Chasers have averaged a franchise-record 1.73 home runs per game in 2021.

The Storm Chasers begin the Triple-A Final Stretch on Wednesday, beginning a five-game series against the Indianapolis Indians (PIT) at Werner Park. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. and coverage begins at 6:45 p.m. CT with the Sarpy County Tourism Pregame Show on 1180 The Zone.

A special ticket package for the Triple-A Final Stretch—which includes the final five home games of the 2021 season from Sept. 22-Sept. 26—is available now. For tickets and more information, visit omahastormchasers.com or call the Werner Park Ticket Office at (402) 738-5100 and follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Homers That Help: Final Stretch to benefit Wyoming Valley Challenger Baseball 

 

MOOSIC, PA (September 21, 2021) – Minor League Baseball™ has announced the creation of a charitable component to Triple-A Baseball’s Final Stretch, the 10-game close of the 2021 season, that will benefit a 501(c)3 charity in each Triple-A city. For each home run hit by Triple-A teams (home and road games) during the Triple-A Final Stretch, Minor League Baseball will donate $50 per home run to a local charity selected by the team.

Wyoming Valley Challenger Baseball has been tabbed as the benefactor of each home run that the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders hit during the final 10 games of 2021.

In addition to the $50 per home run donation, the Triple-A team that hits the most home runs over the upcoming 10-game span will generate an extra $5,000 donation for their charity.

“Minor League Baseball teams have long been great community partners, and we are pleased to make a donation to each of these local charities on behalf of our Triple-A teams for their performance during the Triple-A Final Stretch,” said Major League Baseball’s Vice President, Minor League Operations and Development, Peter Woodfork. “These charities provide a variety of valuable services to their community, and it is our honor to recognize their efforts.”

“The yearly support we have received from the Scranton/Wilkes Barre RailRiders has been remarkable and such a huge boost for our organization,” said Larry Wills, President of Wyoming Valley Challenger Baseball. “I would really like to thank the front office staff and players for the continued support and all that they do for these incredible kids. Now… Let’s swing for the fences!”

The RailRiders host the Syracuse Mets from September 22 through 26 before traveling to Rochester from September 29 through October 3 for their Final Stretch. Tickets are available at swbrailriders.com.

Round Rock Express Join “Homers That Help” Campaign

 

ROUND ROCK, Texas – Minor League Baseball announced on Tuesday morning the creation of a charitable component to the Triple-A Final Stretch of games that will benefit 501(c)3 charities in each Triple-A city. The Round Rock Express are honored to join the “Homers That Help” campaign to benefit RBI Austin.

For each home run hit by the Express during the 10-game Triple-A Final Stretch, Minor League Baseball will donate $50 to RBI Austin. The Triple-A club that hits the most home runs during the Final Stretch will also generate an extra $5,000 donation for their charity. Through 118 games this season, the Express have blasted 162 total home runs, including at least one longball in each of the last 18 consecutive games.

“Minor League Baseball teams have long been great community partners, and we are pleased to make a donation to each of these local charities on behalf of our Triple-A teams for their performance during the Triple-A Final Stretch,” Major League Baseball’s Vice President of Minor League Operations and Development Peter Woodfork said. “These charities provide a variety of valuable services to their community, and it is our honor to recognize their efforts.”

RBI Austin is a local 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that exists to engage and develop inner-city Austin youth athletically, academically, and spiritually, empowering them to lead the transformation of their communities. Serving over 1,400 kids annually, RBI Austin makes baseball and softball affordable and accessible for all youth in Austin, regardless of their age, skill level or family life.

Round Rock is set to host the Tacoma Rainiers (Seattle Mariners affiliate) during the club’s home portion of the Triple-A Final Stretch. The Express and Rainiers will face off in a five-game set from Thursday, September 23 through Monday, September 27 in the final series of the season at Dell Diamond. The E-Train then heads south to meet the Sugar Land Skeeters (Houston Astros affiliate) for five games at Constellation Field from Wednesday, September 29 through Sunday, October 3 to finish the 2021 season.

The Triple-A Final Stretch is a new postseason format that follows the current 120-game Triple-A championship season schedule. All Triple-A Clubs will play five home games and five road games during the Final Stretch. Among the 30 total Triple-A Clubs, a single 2021 Triple-A Final Stretch Winner will be crowned based on the highest overall winning percentage during the 10-game stretch. The winning club will also be awarded a prize from Major League Baseball.

Single game tickets are on sale now. For more information about the Express, visit RRExpress.com or call (512) 255-2255. Subscribe to the E-Train email newsletter and keep up with the Express on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!