Roster Announced For Baseballtown Charities Senior Classic

 

On Monday, July 13th, the Reading Fightin Phils are set to host the Baseballtown Charities Senior Classic for the Berks County 2020 graduating senior class. The R-Phils thank the Baseballtown Charities Senior Classic Sponsors: Abilities in Motion, Deer Country Farm & Lawn and EG Smith Inc.

The game will be played on the professional baseball field at FirstEnergy Stadium. First pitch is set for 6pm with gates opening at 5pm. This event is free for all to attend with stadium food and drink available for purchase.

Every year Baseballtown hosts this senior game to recognize the hard work and dedication of the graduating seniors. This year is extra special. The 2020 senior classes were unable to finish their final high school season due to COVID-19. Now, the R-Phils are pleased to offer them an opportunity for one last memorable moment on the field with their teams!

There will be over 60 seniors from the surrounding area participating. The Blue Team will play as the home team, while the Red Team will serve as the away team.

The Blue team will be led by Head Coach Brian Kopetsky from Muhlenberg. Kopetsky will be assisted by Jeff Manley (Muhl), Erron Archie (Muhl), Dan Louviaux (Muhl), Zach Milch (Muhl), and Boo Schaffer (Antietam – Head Coach), and student manager Nina Calvaresi from Muhlenberg.

Wilson – Brady Gibble

Wilson – Adam Vanino

Wilson – Trey Gehret

Kutztown – Tyler Reitenauer

Kutztown – Lewis Weaver

Brandywine – Brody Graff

Muhlenberg – Dan Clouser

Muhlenberg – K.J. Blanding

Muhlenberg – Yorfi Peralta

Reading – Likeiry Tavaras

Reading – Branden Boutte

Wyomissing – Ian Brunner

Twin Valley – Jevan Kennedy

Twin Valley – Jordan Lasak

Twin Valley – Joey Sciamanna

Daniel Boone – Jeb Kurtz

Daniel Boone – Teagan Duffie

Governor Mifflin – Andrew Kuczala

Governor Mifflin – Carson Kemery

Governor Mifflin – Darius Troche

Schuylkill Valley – Cody Eckenroth

Hamburg – Tarik Feick

Hamburg – P.J. Hanlon

Exeter – Dylan Fassbender

Exeter – Josh Shaffer

Oley – Payton Rowe

Fleetwood – Zachary Sell

Conrad Weiser – Turner Dianna

Conrad Weiser – Drew Druckenmiller

Berks Catholic – Brendan Long

Berks Catholic – Andrew Gordos

Antietam – Peyton Heck

The Red Team will be led by Head Coach Chris Hole from Governor Mifflin. Hole will be assisted by Bill Underwood (Wilson), Mike Zientek (Wilson), Adam Smith (Wilson), and Brandon Shurr (Berks Catholic – Head Coach), and student manager Morgan Jacobs from Wilson.

Wilson – Jack Gensemer

Wilson – Jacob Hartranft

Kutztown – Tyler Hugo

Brandywine – Aaron Jarrett

Muhlenberg – Gaige Brown

Muhlenberg – Matt Wanner

Reading – Angel Velez

Reading – Kristian Tirado

Reading – Nomar Torres

Wyomissing – Dayne Yourkavitch

Twin Valley – Ryan Davis

Twin Valley – Trevor Laraia

Daniel Boone – Aidan Landis

Daniel Boone – Tanner Vanderslice

Daniel Boone – Ethan Brown

Governor Mifflin – Kolbie Reeser

Governor Mifflin – Danny Roesch

Schuylkill Valley – Mason Gabel

Hamburg – Sean Evangelista

Hamburg – Mason Henne

Hamburg – Colby Gromlich

Hamburg – Owen Zimmerman

Exeter – Ryan Michalski

Oley – Blake Trumbore

Fleetwood – Jake Hess

Conrad Weiser – C.J. Civiello

Conrad Weiser – Joshua Meyers

Berks Catholic – Jake Buser

Berks Catholic – Chris Russel

Antietam- Cameron Yousaitis

Antietam – Kyle Reeves

FirstEnergy stadium is the Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies and the home of the Reading Fightin Phils. The stadium is located at 1900 Centre Avenue, Reading, PA 19605.

Baseballtown Charities Showcase Schedule Set For FirstEnergy Stadium

 

(READING, PA) – The Reading Fightin Phils will host the Baseballtown Charities Showcase featuring 12 teams of high school aged baseball players to give them a little part of the season they lost to COVID-19. It is set to kick off at the Double-A ballpark of the Philadelphia Phillies, FirstEnergy Stadium. We thank the Baseballtown Charities Showcase sponsors Abilities in Motion, Deer Country Farm & Lawn, and EG Smith.

Action will begin July 14 and end on August 3. Teams are from Eastern Pennsylvania, drawing from suburban Philadelphia, Montgomery County, Berks County, and Easton.

The majority of teams that enter will play three games versus an opponent of similar skill level on the professional field. Registration benefits Baseballtown Charities to help more kids play baseball and softball.

Admission, as well as parking, is FREE for all fans. R-Phils concessions will be open at all games for fans to enjoy their favorite ballpark food and drink.

Games are primarily scheduled every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday over a three-week period. Game times are 5pm & 7:30 pm, with a two-hour time limit for each game.

There are eight teams that represent areas from Berks County: Reading, Hamburg, The Berg (Muhlenberg), Mays Sandwich Shop (Wilson – West Lawn), Blazers (Daniel Boone – Birdsboro), Exeter, Weiser Scouts (Conrad Weiser), and Shillington Stangs (Governor Mifflin). They are joined by 4 teams from outside the local area: Wilson (Easton), Colonial Baseball (Plymouth Whitemarsh), Royersford Complete Game (Spring-Ford), and Wissahickon.

2020 Baseballtown Charities Showcase

14- Jul

Reading 3 vs Exeter 11

Wilson (Easton) 8 vs Weiser Scouts 1

15- Jul

Hamburg 11 vs Blazers 2

Colonial Baseball 9 vs Mays Sandwich Shop – Spring Township 8

16- Jul

Reading 7 vs Weiser Scouts 6

Royersford Complete Game 7 vs Wissahickon Blues 6

20- Jul

The Berg 11 vs Exeter 1

Hamburg 8 vs Wilson (Easton) 3

21- Jul

Reading 14 vs Wilson (Easton) 1

Colonial Baseball 8 vs Royersford Complete Game 10

27- Jul

Blazers 9 vs Weiser Scouts 5

Mays Sandwich Shop – Spring Township 0 vs Royersford Complete Game 2

28- Jul

Colonial Baseball 14 vs Exeter 5

29- Jul

Mays Sandwich Shop – Spring Township 11 vs Shillington Stangs 6

The Berg 15 vs Wissahickon Blues 10

3- Aug

The Berg 7 vs Blazers 3

12- Aug

6:30 Hamburg vs Wissahickon

The Showcase series will begin the day after the 2020 Baseballtown Charities Senior Classic scheduled for Monday, July 13. Over 60 seniors who played for high schools that participated in the BCIAA are scheduled to participate in the Senior Classic.

The R-Phils will also be hosting Rip It Baseballtown Charities showcase for area teams, 13U-19U, on weekends in July and August. Admission is free and stadium food and drink will be available. In addition, the Fightin’s will continue to have their Party with a Purpose nights at the ballpark on upcoming Thursdays.

FirstEnergy Stadium is the Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies and the home of the Reading Fightin Phils. The stadium is located at 1900 Centre Avenue, Reading, PA 19605.

Archbishop Hoban, St. Vincent-St. Mary Renew Rivalry At Canal Park, presented by Goodyear

 

(AKRON, OHIO) June 29, 2020 – The Akron RubberDucks are proud to once again host the annual matchup of crosstown rivals the Archbishop Hoban Knights and the St. Vincent-St. Mary Fighting Irish this year at Canal Park. This year’s edition of the baseball version of the “Holy War” will begin with first pitch of the nine-inning game presented by Goodyear at 7:05 p.m. at the home of the Akron RubberDucks.

Due to the high school baseball season being cut short due to the COVID-19 outbreak, each team will be able to celebrate Senior Night in a memorable way as players will have their pictures on the video board and pregame celebrations will commemorate the occasion. Post-game fireworks for this event will begin shortly after the conclusion of this game.

Can’t make it to the game? This rivalry game will also be broadcast over the radio at 640 WHLO, the new home for Akron RubberDucks Baseball beginning with the pregame show at 6:45 p.m.

“As an alumnus of Archbishop Hoban, I am very familiar with this rivalry and thrilled to see these student-athletes have this tremendous opportunity to play one last game together” said RubberDucks General Manager Jim Pfander, “This annual event has taken place at Canal Park every year since 1997 when these schools played the inaugural game at our ballpark, and it’s safe to say this year’s edition will be a quite memorable one.”

The Akron RubberDucks will continue to follow all social distancing protocols as outlined by Gov. DeWine, Mayor Horrigan, and state and local health officials. The attendance for this event will be limited to 1,000 fans at Canal Park, socially distanced within the seating bowl.

TICKETS

Tickets to this event are available for $10 and can be purchased online or by directly contacting the Akron RubberDucks sales team at (330) 253-5151 or [email protected]. Each fan in attendance will need to present their ticket—either printed in advance or displayed on a mobile device—at their designated point of entry into the ballpark with all members of their party together at the time of entry.

INSIDE THE BALLPARK

No outside food or beverage is permitted, but Canal Park concessions will be available for purchase via CASHLESS purchases. All guests at Canal Park will be required to wear face coverings at all times, except while sitting in their assigned, socially-distanced seating location.

RubberDucks staff members are available by phone and email to answer any questions or concerns. The ticket office can be reached at [email protected].

The Akron RubberDucks are the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. Fans can purchase tickets by calling 330-253-5151 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, or visit www.akronrubberducks.com. For more information about the team, please call 330-253-5151, visit the website at akronrubberducks.com, Facebook page facebook.com/AkronRubberDucks, or on Twitter at @AkronRubberDuck, and Instagram at @akronrubberducks.

2020 LoanMart Scholarship Winners Announced

 

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA — For the eighth consecutive year, LoanMart and the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes have partnered to award a total of three scholarships to local graduating high school seniors in San Bernardino County.

Each college-bound student will be awarded $1000 and will be officially honored by the Quakes on social media.

This year’s applicants were asked to write an essay on why they felt they deserved the scholarship, as well as submitting other information via application (e.g. intended major, school, class year, etc.). Winners were selected based on the criteria of leadership, community involvement and character.

“LoanMart is proud of this year’s scholarship winners for their commitment, dedication and hard work,” said LoanMart Marketing Manager Justin Cross. “We hope that this scholarship helps give them the support they need to accomplish their dreams!”

“The Quakes are proud to continue to team with LoanMart and reward three deserving students within our local community,” said Quakes Vice President – General Manager Grant Riddle. “The decision-making process this year was a difficult one as we had so many terrific, well-qualified applicants who are doing some great things in and for our community. We’re thrilled for these particular students and are confident all three are going to have a very bright future!”

Congratulations to this year’s scholarship winners:
Monserrat Landino (Rancho Cucamonga High School)
Alexis Lozoya (Don Lugo High School)
Asna Tabassum (Ayala High School)

Through her high school Accounting class, Landino is an IRS-certified volunteer who helps low-income families with their tax returns. Landino is planning to attend Cal State Fullerton in the Fall while working towards a degree in Accounting.

Tabassum is planning on attending USC while majoring in Biomedical Engineering. The Valedictorian of Ruben S. Ayala High School in Chino Hills had a non-weighted GPA of 4.0 and served more than 500 hours as a volunteer at Pomona Valley Hospital.

Lozoya graduated from Don Antonio Lugo High School in Chino. She has been a member of the Girl Scouts, was a four-year cheerleader and will attend UC San Diego in the Fall.

Keep an eye out on Quakes’ social media as we honor each winner of this year’s LoanMart scholarship.

ValleyCats Announce Renovations to Four Youth Ball Fields as Part of Annual ‘4 in 24’ Project

 

TROY, NY – The Tri-City ValleyCats and their partners, BlueShield of Northeastern New York and Hannaford Supermarkets, are set to renovate four youth ball fields during the 10th Annual ‘4 in 24’ youth field renovation project. Renovations of the fields were put on hold back in April due to COVID-19. Despite the setback, the ValleyCats are excited to announce the recipients and move forward with a plan to renovate the fields while following NYS and CDC guidelines.

The four leagues to be renovated this year are Lansingburgh Little League, Red Storm Baseball in Stillwater, Shatford Little League, and the City of Watervliet softball field. The project will be focused primarily on the infield surface, with the mission to allow for a safe place to learn and play ball.

The scope of this project includes laying brand new sod, grading and raking the baselines, rebuilding the pitcher’s mound and home plate areas, installing a new pitching rubber, home plate, bases, and more.

“With youth sports beginning to reopen across the region, we are thrilled to be moving forward with this project” said ValleyCats GM, Matt Callahan. “The need to support our youth by encouraging safe outdoor activity is more important now than ever. Although the pandemic has changed the look and timeline of this project, we are committed to restoring these fields.”

“Each year for the past ten years, BlueShield employees alongside volunteers from the Tri-City ValleyCats and Hannaford Supermarkets have rolled up their sleeves to renovate four little league fields throughout the Capital Region in just 24 hours,” said Keith Dolan, Regional Executive, BlueShield of Northeastern New York. “Although this year looks different as we continue to practice social distancing, BlueShield is as proud as ever to be part of this amazing initiative that provides children in our community with safe spaces to stay active and healthy.”

Both longtime supporters and of the ‘4 in 24’ project, Hannaford and BlueShield make these renovations possible through the aid of necessary monetary resources, and the volunteer efforts of their staff. Community Relations Specialist, Brian Fabre, from Hannaford and Regional Executive, Keith Dolan, from BlueShield of Northeastern New York, will be available for remote video calls on Tuesday as the volunteers on site will be limited.

“Now more than ever, Hannaford is thrilled to support a project that keeps our community’s youngest members active and outdoors this summer,” said Hannaford Supermarkets Community Relations Specialist Brian Fabre. “We are pleased to continue this partnership with the ValleyCats and BlueShield as we provide local ball players with not only improved facilities, but also the opportunity to grow as individuals and members of a team.”

The renovations will begin on Tuesday, June 30th, at the Red Storm baseball field. The field address is 33 East St. Mechanicville, NY 12118. The work on Tuesday will begin around 8:00 AM and last throughout the day. The project will be spread out over multiple days with a reduced number of volunteers at each field to ensure social distancing guidelines and proper safety protocols are followed. The schedule and location for the next phase of field renovations will be announced in the coming weeks with a celebration of the work to be scheduled in the fall.

The efforts are also supported by Admar Construction Equipment, Brightview, Profile Products / Turface Athletics, and SiteOne Landscape Supplies. These organizations are contributing some of the necessary equipment and materials. Additional support comes from ‘Cats Care, the ValleyCats’ arm of the New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation.

Tortugas to Host Graduation for Richard Milburn Academy

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The Daytona Tortugas will host graduation for Richard Milburn Academy of Florida’s class of 2020 at Jackie Robinson Ballpark, the team and school announced today.

The graduation will be held on the field at the ballpark at 6 p.m. on June 30 with students receiving their diplomas at home plate. The students’ families will be permitted to watch from the grandstands.

All Tortugas staff will wear masks to prevent against the spread of COVID-19. Students and family members are encouraged to wear masks and asked to adhere to social distancing guidelines.

Richard Milburn Academy decided to host graduation at the ballpark because the school wanted a venue that could provide a memorable and safe experience for its graduating class of about 160 students and their families.

“We are so excited to have our graduation at Jackie Robinson Ballpark this school year,” RMA Principal Art Sands said. “It’s our first time holding an event here, but it more than likely will not be the last. The accommodations we are receiving for our graduates and their families are the best!”

The Tortugas are excited to partner with RMA and welcome the school’s students and families to the ballpark.

“We are thrilled to partner with Richard Milburn Academy and provide a memorable experience for the graduating class of 2020 at Jackie Robinson Ballpark,” Tortugas General Manager Jim Jaworski said. “We believe The Jack is the perfect setting for community events like this.”

ABOUT THE DAYTONA TORTUGAS

The Daytona Tortugas are the High-A Affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and a member of the Florida State League. The Tortugas play at Jackie Robinson Ballpark in downtown Daytona Beach, Fla. Jackie Robinson Ballpark also plays host to Bethune-Cookman University and many large community events and initiatives throughout the season.

ABOUT RICHARD MILBURN ACADEMY

RMA Florida is a free public charter school designed to help at-risk students who have experienced difficulty in a traditional school setting. RMA Florida opened its first charter high school in Daytona Beach in 2005 and another in Deland in 2010. RMA helps students complete their high school education and graduate prepared for post-secondary education or work.

Tennessee Smokies Announce East Tennessee High School Baseball League All-Star Game Rosters

SEVIERVILLE –The Tennessee Smokies have announced the rosters for the East Tennessee High School Baseball League All-Star game to take place on Friday, July 3 at Smokies Stadium.

The two teams are split into a ‘East vs West’ format. The ‘East’ team consists of players from the Sevier, Jefferson County, Morristown, Kodak, Gatlinburg, and Newport areas. The ‘West’ team features players from the Hardin Valley, Seymour, South Doyle, Clinton, and Carter regions.

Main gates open at Smokies Stadium on July 3 at 4pm, and things kick off with the East Tennessee High School Baseball League (ETHSBL) Senior Game. This will be a 7 inning contest that will showcase just the senior talent participating in the league. At 7:30pm a second 7 inning game will begin, showcasing the top performers of the ETHSBL in the All-Star Game.

The Tennessee Smokies will host a fireworks show, provided by Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, in honor of Independence Day immediately following the conclusion of a packed day of baseball.

Tickets start at $7.50 each and are on sale now at smokiesbaseball.com. Tickets will be $10 each on the day of the game. Tennessee Smokies Full Season Ticket Holders will receive free admission. Tickets are good for both baseball games and fireworks show.

The Tennessee Smokies have made it a priority to practice social distancing, as tickets will be assigned seats and spaced out accordingly.

For league standings, statistics, and more information on the East Tennessee High School Baseball League, presented by Garza Law Firm, visit the Smokies online at Smokiesbaseball.com/SummerBall.

Captains announce Virtual Summer Reading Program, presented by the Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library

 

(Eastlake, OH) – The Lake County Captains Summer Reading Program has been a staple of every baseball season, helping students in Northeast Ohio discover the joys of reading and providing educators with a fun platform to encourage literacy. Last year alone, 36,000 students and 2,000 teachers across 130 schools participated in the Captains Summer Reading Program. That tradition continues in 2020, as the Captains are proud to announce a unique Virtual Summer Reading Program, presented by Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library.

The Captains Virtual Summer Reading Program is a free turn-key initiative that enables students to participate from home. To join the program, students simply download the Captains Virtual Reading Program Bookmark, read 20 minutes or one (1) book every day and fill out their bookmark with the titles of the books they read. Parents and guardians can take a picture of their students’ bookmark every Sunday and email it to [email protected]. One winner will be selected every week to receive a Captains Surprise Package with cool Captains gear.

“The reading program is my favorite project every year because it really makes an impact on our community,” said Captains General Manager Jen Yorko. “During a normal year, the kids who complete the program get to parade around our field and announce their names to the crowd. It really gives them a sense of accomplishment and we see how much pride it brings to their families. We thought it was important to still give students and families a way to experience that joy and to encourage our local students to get excited about reading. We couldn’t do it without the support of the Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library and our other local sponsors, Lake Health, the United Way of Lake County and The News-Herald.”

The Captains Virtual Summer Reading Program launches today, June 22, and will through August 16.

About the Captains

The Lake County Captains are the Class-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. For more information, visit the Captains’ website at www.CaptainsBaseball.com, Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/CaptainsBaseball, Twitter @LCCaptains and Instagram @LCCaptains. Fans can also get the latest Captains news and offers by signing up for the Captains’ newsletter, The Anchor.

Chenango Forks, Maine Endwell, and Binghamton Seniors To Graduate June 26-28

 

Binghamton, NY – The Binghamton Rumble Ponies will host their first ever Graduation Weekend at NYSEG Stadium from June 26th – June 28th. The Rumble Ponies will host Chenango Forks High School (June 26th), Maine Endwell High School (June 27), and Binghamton High School (June 28th) for Graduation Ceremonies,

“It was important for us to work with the schools and host Graduation Weekend at NYSEG Stadium,” said Managing Director, John Bayne. “The Seniors have worked hard for this moment, and students and proud parents deserve a Graduation ceremony. The Rumble Ponies are happy we can partner with the local school districts to shine a spotlight on these graduates.”

In accordance with the guidance from Governor Andrew Cuomo all groups will be limited to 150 people, proper sanitation and social distancing will be observed. All spectators, graduates, administrators, and support staff will also be required to wear a face mask while attending the ceremonies.

NYSEG Stadium will be thoroughly sanitized between sessions to ensure the health and safety of all attending Graduation Weekend.

“This is a real community event and shows how strong the Southern Tier is,” said Bayne. “Without the assistance of the sponsors none of this would have been possible.” Sponsors for the event include: BAE Systems, FE Jones Construction, M&T Bank, The Smith Group, Friends of Donna Lupardo, Insurance Office of America, IBM, Price Chopper, Servpro, Visions Federal Credit Union, NBT Bank, Blaze Pizza, and J&K Plumbing & Heating.

The Binghamton Rumble Ponies are the Double-A Affiliate of the New York Mets. For more information follow along with the Ponies on Facebook facebook.com/RumblePoniesBB, or on Twitter at @RumblePoniesBB.

### Rumble Ponies ##

Pastime Youth Baseball Tournaments Held at Four Winds Field

 

SOUTH BEND, IN – Baseball returns to Four Winds Field as youth teams throughout the Midwest compete in the Pastime Baseball Youth Travel Tournaments. Admission and parking are free to all games. While admission is free, the organization is adhering to the current guideline of 250 people maximum capacity inside sporting venues.

In accordance with the St. Joseph County Health Department and the State of Indiana, Four Winds Field has instituted the rules and guidelines below in the interest of safety for the fans and players.

  • Cubs staff members will adhere to the most recent guidelines as set forth by the St. Joseph County Department of Health.
  • Fans will be encouraged to practice social distancing when entering, leaving, and during the duration of their stay at Four Winds Field. Please be respectful of fellow guests and staff, especially individuals you may not know. No more than six people are allowed at a single table.
  • Fans are asked to keep at least six feet away from other fans you may not know. While masks are not required for those in the stands, we encourage all fans to wear them if sitting in groups.
  • There are multiple hand sanitizer stations available throughout the stadium including the entry gate and outside the restrooms.
  • Outside food and beverages are prohibited, including peanuts and sunflower seeds. The 3rd base concession stand will be open with a limited menu, while supplies last. A limited selection of beer will also be available for those 21 and older.
  • Gate A will be used entry and exit of the stadium.
  • Fans can park in any legal space around the stadium including Lots A, B, C, and D.
  • All outdoor and indoor suites are closed to all fans as are the Pepsi Stadium Club and Clubhouse level.
  • Be aware of foul balls and bats that may leave the playing surface and enter the stands. Fans are asked to return any foul ball to either dugout.
  • No seeds, no gum, no peanuts are permitted in the dugouts or on the field.
  • Personal sanitizer is strongly recommended for all patrons and participants.
  • Smoking and vaping are not permitted in the seating bowl or anywhere inside the stadium. Fans are asked to exit Gate A to smoke or vape.
  • The Cubs Den Team Store will be open throughout the tournament. Fans can also shop online by clicking here.
  • Help keep Four Winds Field clean throughout the tournament. Please pick up your trash and dispose of it in trash cans on the concourse.

Tournament Schedules (updated June 16)

All Pro Elite Tournament (June 14-17)

Great Lakes T.O.C. (June 18-21)

All Prospect Irish Select (June 25-28)

For the most up to date schedules and tournament specific information, visit pastimetournaments.com.

2020 Nick Adenhart Scholarships Awarded

 

Cedar Rapids, IA – The Cedar Rapids Kernels in collaboration with the Kernels Foundation and the Adenhart Family recently awarded to two Eastern Iowa high school graduates with a $1,000 scholarship. On Sunday, June 7th, Ella Popenhagen from Cedar Rapids Kennedy High School and Logan Schmitt from Independence High School were recognized during a special check presentation on Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium in front of their families and members of the Kernels Foundation.

Ella Popenhagen participated in track and field, cross country and swimming. She was named Captain and to the Metro Team for both swimming and track and field for the Cougars. Popenhagen served as a member of Student Government at Kennedy High School and was a member of National Honor Society. Her other school and community activities include Best Buddies Club, Show Choir, St. Luke’s Hospital Volunteer and Special Olympics. Popenhagen plans to attend The University of Northern Iowa and pursue a degree in Movement and Exercise Science.

Logan Schmitt participated in football, basketball, track and field and baseball all four years of high school for the Mustangs. Schmitt was named Captain of the baseball team his junior and senior seasons. Schmitt was a member of National Honor Society, a school mentor and participated in numerous community activities in Independence. Schmitt plans to attend Kirkwood Community College this fall and eventually earn a degree in medicine. Congratulations to these two outstanding youths in Eastern Iowa. Photos of the check presentations attached.

Read More: Cedar Rapids Kernels

Read more about the Nick Adenhart Memorial Scholarship

The Ballpark at Jackson to Host High School Baseball Tournaments

 

JACKSON, TN – Baseball is set to make its return to The Ballpark at Jackson, as the Jackson Generals announced Monday a partnership with Net Elite Baseball and Pastime Tournaments, which will bring high school tournaments to town over the summer. Tournament dates range from June 11th through August 2nd, and team registration is now available.

“The Generals are pleased to enter into a partnership with Net Elite Baseball and Pastime Tournaments and host baseball tournaments at The Ballpark at Jackson,” said Jackson Generals GM Marcus Sabata. “With the Minor League Baseball season in doubt, we were not going to let this beautiful ballpark sit idle this summer. If things change and we do play Minor League Baseball, then we will adjust, but until then, we look forward to hosting some of the best high school teams the region has to offer.”

In lieu of the temporarily suspended minor league season, the Generals recently repurposed to The Ballpark for outside community events, including Madison Academic and Liberty Tech High School graduations on May 21st. The Ballpark is scheduled to host a Father’s Day movie event on June 20th, plus the much-anticipated Snoop Dogg Concert on July 20th. The ball club hopes that the influx of hundreds of high school games between the Ballpark and the neighboring Sportsplex will provide the area with an entertainment resurgence.

“We believe that the ballpark is a great community asset and we will continue to be creative in providing entertainment events that appeal to Jackson and West Tennessee,” said Sabata.

Tournament dates and corresponding registration links are below:

– June 11th-14th (Net Elite HS Tournament): https://netelitesports.com/jackson-generals-summer-event-1/

– June 18th-21st (Pastime HS Tournament): https://pastimetournaments.com/team-event/?eid=2260

– June 25th-28th (Net Elite HS Tournament): https://netelitesports.com/jackson-generals-summer-event-2/

– July 2nd-5th (Pastime HS Tournament): https://pastimetournaments.com/team-event/?eid=2261

– July 9th-12th (Net Elite HS Tournament): https://netelitesports.com/jackson-generals-summer-event-3/

– July 16th-19th (Net Elite HS Tournament): https://netelitesports.com/jackson-generals-summer-event-4/

– July 23rd- 26th (Pastime HS Tournament): https://pastimetournaments.com/team-event/?eid=2262

– July 31st-Aug. 2nd (Net Elite HS Tournament): https://netelitesports.com/jackson-generals-summer-event-5/

For more information on Net Elite and Pastime Tournaments visit https://netelitesports.com/ & https://pastimetournaments.com/.

ABOUT THE GENERALS

The Jackson Generals, a West Tennessee franchise since 1998, are the Double-A minor league affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Generals play at The Ballpark at Jackson, Tennessee’s 2017 & 2018 Pro Sports Field of the Year. For more information, call 731-988-5299 or visit JacksonGeneralsBaseball.com.

RiverDogs release expanded summer camp offerings, starting June 16, with capacity restrictions and new protocols 

 

With the start of the 2020 baseball season still delayed, the RiverDogs today announced the expansion of its Youth Summer Camps, presented by Fins Car Wash, along with new restrictions and protocols to keep campers safe in light of COVID-19 precautions.

The team will begin a six-week slate of summer camps on Tuesday, June 16, with Week 1 of its youth baseball camp, which takes place on the green grass of Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park. RiverDogs director of community outreach Chris Singleton and his team will lead five weeks of baseball camp in June and July, and the RiverDogs have added a one-week, limited-time culinary camp in July with chef and VP of food and beverage Josh Shea. Singleton is a former standout outfielder at Goose Creek High School, Charleston Southern University and in the Chicago Cub’’ minor league system.

All RiverDogs summer camps are sponsored by Fins Car Wash, which has open locations in Mt. Pleasant, West Ashley and North Charleston.

“We’re thrilled to be launching our 2020 summer camps,” said RiverDogs president Dave Echols. “This has been an abnormal year for everyone, and it’ll be great to see kids on the field at The Joe again before long.”

Both versions of the camp will be different than past years in order to keep campers safe. The baseball camps will be limited to just 40 campers, which will be split into four groups of 10, which will each remain separate from the others. The culinary camp is limited to 15 campers. In addition, new drop-off procedures and counselor interaction guidelines are in place to limit exposure and spread of COVID-19. The RiverDogs’ policies have been adapted from the City of Charleston Recreation Department’s guidelines for its own summer camps.

The baseball camps include stations in hitting, pitching, base running, speed and agility, warm-up and stretching, and fundamentals. The camp takes place in weekly sessions from 8:30am-12:30pm Tuesday-Friday. The camp is open to campers aged 6-13. Weekly registration is $250 per camper; individual day sessions can also be purchased for $70 each.

The new culinary camp taps into the RiverDogs’ strong food and beverage history with Shea, who will conduct the camp out of the Segra Club at Riley Park. The one-week camp will go from 8:30am to 12::30pm each day from Monday, July 13 through Friday, July 17. Each day will start with proper station set-up, include basic cooking skills, and conclude with a new lunch dish, which the campers will dine on. Culinary camp is $300 per camper for the week.

“I’m excited to share my passion for cooking with kids in the Lowcountry,” Shea said. “Our culinary operation at the ballpark goes way beyond hot dogs and soda, and I’m excited to pull back the curtains.”

Registration is now live at RiverDogs.com for the following sessions, each running 8:30am to 12:30pm:

  • Baseball Camp – Week 1 (June 16-19)
  • Baseball Camp – Week 2 (June 23-26)
  • Baseball Camp – Week 3 (July 7-10)
  • Culinary Camp – Week 1 (July 13-17)
  • Baseball Camp – Week 4 (July 21-24)
  • Baseball Camp – Week 5 (July 28-31)

Four Winds Field to Host South Bend Community School Corporation Graduations July 24 & 25 

 

SOUTH BEND, IN – The South Bend Cubs and Four Winds Field are proud to partner with the South Bend Community School Corporation to host their 2020 Graduation Ceremonies. The five area high schools will hold their ceremonies over two days, July 24 and 25 with a rain date of July 26.

“The generosity of the South Bend Cubs and Four Winds Field management has been essential in allowing us to safely honor our graduates in person,” said Superintendent Dr. C. Todd Cummings. “Our community partnership with the South Bend Cubs, the guidance of Dr. Mark Fox with the St. Joseph County Health Department, and the input of our graduating seniors have all made it possible for us to grant Class of 2020 the meaningful experience they deserve.”

“We know how important these ceremonies are, not just to the graduates, but to the families as well,” said South Bend Cubs Team President Joe Hart. “We’re proud to partner with Dr. Cummings and his staff to provide a safe place for the seniors to be recognized.”

In accordance with CDC guidelines and the Saint Joseph County Health Department, all participants including graduates, Corporation staff, School Board members, and invited guests will be required to wear masks and use hand sanitizer upon entering the stadium. Masks will be provided and must be worn when entering and exiting the venue.

Tickets will be distributed by each school based on the size of each graduating class (two or four tickets maximum). A letter will be sent to all graduates and guests outlining health and social distancing guidelines.

For those unable to attend, the South Bend Cubs will stream the ceremonies live through their social media channels.

Graduation Schedule:

• Dress rehearsals – Thursday, July 23, 2020 from 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

• John Adams High School – Friday, July 24, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. (doors open at 5:45 p.m.)

• Washington High School – Saturday, July 25, 2020 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. (doors open at 8:30 a.m.)

• Clay High School – Saturday, July 25, 12:00 p.m.- 1:00 p.m. (doors open at 11:30)

• RISE UP Academy – Saturday, July 25, 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. (doors open at 2:00 p.m.)

• Riley High School – Saturday, July 25, 5:00 p.m.- 6:30 p.m. (doors open at 4:30 p.m.)

Additional details are available on the South Bend Community School Corporation website.

About the South Bend Cubs

The South Bend Cubs are the Class A minor league affiliate of the 2016 World Series Champion Chicago Cubs. Over the past 32 seasons, the team has won four Midwest League titles, most recently in 2019, and has captured eight division titles. In 2019, the South Bend Cubs hosted the Midwest League All-Star Game. In June 2017, Four Winds Field, home of the South Bend Cubs, was voted Best Class A ballpark in the country by Ballpark Digest. In 2015 the team was named Ballpark Digest’s Team of the Year and received the John H. Johnson President’s Award, the highest award in minor league baseball. The team is owned and operated by Swing-Batter-Swing, LLC whose principal shareholder is Andrew T. Berlin of Chicago, Ill.

Cat Osterman to Coach Round Rock Express Softball Camp

 

ROUND ROCK, Texas – The Round Rock Express are excited to announce that two-time Olympian Cat Osterman will be joining the Express Camps team as a coach for the upcoming softball camp at Dell Diamond from August 3-6, 2020. The four-day camp runs from 9:00 a.m. each morning until 12:00 p.m. and is available to kids ages 6-14. Registration is now open by clicking here.

“Summer camps play such an instrumental role in growing the game of softball and I am honored to be able to share my experiences with kids right here in Central Texas,” Osterman said. “I am so thankful for the Round Rock Express and their commitment to teaching baseball and softball to our next generation through summer camps.”

The first three days of the softball camp will feature drills that touch on hitting, throwing and fielding to develop campers both mentally and physically. The final day will focus on applying those skills to game situations. There will also be a private awards ceremony for the campers prior to the conclusion of the camp.

“We are so excited to welcome Cat to our group of knowledgeable, experienced and passionate coaches this summer,” Express Camps Director Chase Almendarez said. “We pride ourselves on providing big league caliber instruction in our baseball and softball camps and having someone with Cat’s unparalleled resume join our team further enhances that mission.”

In accordance with Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s plan to open Texas, the Express are hosting nine different half-day and full-day baseball and softball camps at Dell Diamond, beginning on June 1. Express Camps range by age and offer opportunities for all skill levels. A full list of Express Camps available can be found at ExpressCamps.com.

The safety of participants and staff at Express Camps is the top priority. As mandated by the State of Texas, the Express will be implementing a series of expanded protocols and procedures. Each camp will be limited to 40 total campers, split into five groups of eight, based on age, that will remain consistent for the duration of camp. Each group will have two dedicated coaches that will stay with that group for the duration of camp. Campers will not participate in games or scrimmages with other groups.

Additionally, parents and guardians will not be allowed to attend camps, except to drop off and pick up campers at designated curbside areas. Assigned coaches and staff will check campers in and out of camp at designated curbside areas. Water stations, which are regularly monitored and sanitized, will be available to campers only. Campers are required to bring their own bats, gloves and refillable water bottles. For more on the enhanced safety procedures being implemented, please visit ExpressCamps.com.

Osterman was a four-time All-American and three-time National Player of the Year at the University of Texas before embarking on a professional career that included six National Pro Fastpitch All-Star selections and four NPF Championships with the Rockford Thunder and USSSA Pride. She also starred on the USA Women’s Softball Team that won a gold medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens and a silver medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. Osterman was recently named to Team USA for the upcoming Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo.

A member of the Texas Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2012, Osterman coached at Texas State University for six seasons from 2015 through 2020. Prior to that, she was an assistant coach at St. Edward’s University for three seasons. Her coaching career has also included time with the University of Texas and DePaul University in Chicago.

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