Mason’s Monster Mash Returns to Segra Park October 27

COLUMBIA, SC – The Columbia Fireflies today announced that they will be hosting the second annual Mason’s Monster Mash at Segra Park Thursday, October 27 from 6-8 pm. Mason’s Monster Mash will utilize Segra Park’s outdoor concourse to allow kids to trick-or-treat around the ballpark with family and friends.

In addition to trick-or-treating, there will be crafts for children, a limited concessions menu will be sold including alcoholic beverages for parents, some inflatables from the SCU Kids Zone will be open and Mason will be in costume to take pictures with trick-or-treaters.

General Admission tickets for the event are available for $5 and children two and under can enter for free. Tickets are now available to purchase online here. This event will follow Segra Park’s cashless policy. Mason’s Monster Mash sold out in its inaugural year at 500 attendees and the event is expected to sell out again this year.

Chris Lane comes to Segra Park Saturday for the Big Red Barn Retreat Fall Jam sponsored by Sonic Drive-In. Tickets start at $25. Fans can purchase tickets for the concert here. For more information about events at Segra Park, please visit ColumbiaFireflies.com.

Thunder and NJM Insurance Group Raise Money for Safe at Home Program

(Trenton, NJ) – The Trenton Thunder is thrilled to announce that in conjunction with NJM Insurance Group, $10,850 was donated to the Miracle League of Mercer County as part of the Safe at Home Program. The Safe at Home partnership between the Trenton Thunder and NJM Insurance Group started in 2012 and has now raised $140,600 for local nonprofit organizations.

“We are grateful that NJM Insurance Group and Trenton Thunder selected the Miracle League of Mercer County as the 2022 charitable partner for the Safe-at-Home Program,” noted Dan Schweck, Executive Director of the Miracle League of Mercer County.”

In 2005, the program was the first Miracle League to form in the entire northeast region of the United States, and 15th overall. Now 17 years later, they are one of over 325 Miracle Leagues across the US, Puerto Rico, Canada, and Mexico.

“Moreover, our league participation has tripled in size since 2017, and we now operate 12 months a year,” Schweck added. “We continue to provide great opportunities to our participants because of tremendous community support from organizations like NJM and the Thunder.”

Through the Safe at Home Program, NJM Insurance Group makes an annual donation to a local nonprofit based on the total number of runs the Thunder score at all home games throughout the season.

“Our partnership with the Trenton Thunder is built upon our shared value of supporting the communities we are privileged to serve,” added Jeff Richardson, NJM Community Outreach & Events Coordinator. “Special thanks to my friend Dan Schweck for his passion and commitment in running the Miracle League here and just making it all happen.”

“This partnership has been very meaningful to us for the past decade,” said Thunder President and General Manager Jeff Hurley. “Together, the Trenton Thunder and NJM Insurance Group continue to make a special impact throughout the region and we’re looking forward to another successful year together in 2023.”

Other nonprofits that have been a part of the Safe at Home Program include: Children’s Home Society of NJ, Rescue Mission of Trenton, Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK), Anchor House Foundation, PEI Kids, Womanspace, Boys & Girls Clubs (Mercer County), Family Service Association of Bucks County, and the Bucks County Opportunity Council.

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New Jersey’s Baseball Team | Big League Futures. Major League Fun.

The Trenton Thunder have drawn over 10 million fans over 28 years and have won the three major awards that Minor League Baseball teams can win; the Johnson Trophy for the “Nation’s Best Franchise”, the Larry MacPhail Trophy for Outstanding Club Promotion, and the Bob Frietas Award for Long-Term Success, given by Baseball America. The team has given back over $7.5 million worth of goods, services, and monetary donations through Trenton Thunder Charities, under the Grand Slam We Care Foundation umbrella. The Thunder can be found online at trentonthunder.com, facebook.com/trentonthunder, twitter.com/trentonthunder, and on youtube.com/AATrentonThunder.

Flying Squirrels hosting annual ‘Squirrel-O-Ween’ on Oct. 28

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Flying Squirrels will host “Squirrel-O-Ween,” an annual Halloween celebration, at The Diamond on Friday, Oct. 28, the team announced on Friday.

The annual event will include free trick-or-treating along the concourse at The Diamond and will take place from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Squirrel-O-Ween provides a safe and funn environment for children to trick-or-treat through the stadium. There will also be hayrides around the warning track of The Diamond’s playing surface.

Everyone is encouraged to come out dressed up for a chance to win prizes in a Halloween costume contest. The Flying Squirrels have also teamed up with Woofy Wellness Ranch for a dog Halloween costume contest with K9 prizes for the winners.

Nutzy and Nutasha will be on hand to take pictures with fans.

Free parking is available in the lots at The Diamond.

The Flying Squirrels open the 2023 season at The Diamond on Friday, April 6, 2023. To stay up to date with the Flying Squirrels during the non-baseball season, visit SquirrelsBaseball.com.

Thunder and Miracle League of Mercer County Announce Uniform Design Contest

(Trenton, NJ) – The Trenton Thunder, presented by NJM Insurance Group, are proud to announce our continued partnership with the Miracle League of Mercer County. Since 2005, the Miracle League of Mercer County has been dedicated to promoting community support and opportunities for children with disabilities. Now, your Trenton Thunder will be taking the field during one game in the upcoming 2023 season in special Miracle League of Mercer County uniforms designed by one of the athletes of the Miracle League!

Submissions will be accepted starting on Thursday, September 29th and will be accepted until Friday, December 16th. In order to submit a uniform design, you must be registered for the Miracle League’s Fall or Spring season. Submissions must be emailed to Dan Sczweck at [email protected]. All designs will be reviewed and a winner will be announced in late January/early February 2023. The winning uniform design will be subject to small changes based on feedback from the uniform provider.

The winner will be recognized the night of the game and receive both a complimentary Thunder jersey and a luxury suite to a Thunder game during the 2023 season, based on availability. The Miracle League will have their annual Trenton Thunder Night in June 2023 with a date to be announced soon. Jerseys will be auctioned off with the proceeds benefiting the Miracle League of Mercer County.

Download the jersey template here: https://www.mlbdraftleague.com/trenton/community/miracleleague

For more information about the Miracle League of Mercer County, visit them online here. During the 2022 Thunder season, NJM Insurance Group donated $10,850 to the Miracle League of Mercer County as part of NJM’s Safe at Home Program. Fifty dollars was donated for each of the Thunder’s 217 runs scored at Trenton Thunder Ballpark.

Sponsorship opportunities are available! Contact Jon Bodnar at [email protected] for more information.

New Jersey’s Baseball Team | Big League Futures. Major League Fun.

The Trenton Thunder have drawn over 10 million fans over 28 years and have won the three major awards that Minor League Baseball teams can win; the Johnson Trophy for the “Nation’s Best Franchise”, the Larry MacPhail Trophy for Outstanding Club Promotion, and the Bob Frietas Award for Long-Term Success, given by Baseball America. The team has given back over $7.5 million worth of goods, services, and monetary donations through Trenton Thunder Charities, under the Grand Slam We Care Foundation umbrella. The Thunder can be found online at trentonthunder.com, facebook.com/trentonthunder, twitter.com/trentonthunder, and on youtube.com/AATrentonThunder.

Four Winds Field Hosts 5th Annual Trick or Treat Event October 24

SOUTH BEND, IN – In what has become an October tradition at Four Winds Field, the South Bend Cubs are partnering with the South Bend Police Department for Stu and Swoop’s Cops and Goblins trick or treating event on Monday, October 24. Gates will open at 5 PM and trick or treating will take place until 7:30 PM.

This event will be limited to 8,000 ticketed guests. To pick up entry vouchers, visit the South Bend Police Department or the Cubs Den Team Store. The Cubs Den Team Store is open Monday through Friday, 10 AM to 5 PM and Saturday 10 AM to 2 PM.

With the historically large crowds at Stu and Swoop’s Cops and Goblins, those interested in attending are encouraged to reserve their tickets early for guaranteed admission. Additional locations to pick up tickets will be announced on the South Bend Police Department’s Facebook page. You must have a ticket to enter the stadium, and tickets will not be offered on the day of the event.

Families with tickets for each member will be allowed to enter the stadium through the center field gate, located at the corner of Western Avenue and Lafayette Boulevard, between the buildings of The Ivy at Berlin Place. Guests will be allowed to park in any paved lot around the stadium for free with the exception of the Ivy at Berlin resident parking lots.

To avoid overcrowding, two separate trick or treating lines will be formed inside the stadium. Guests will only be allowed through one line. Distribution tables will be placed throughout the stadium and candy will be distributed by vendors and placed in the bags or buckets of the trick or treaters. Guests will exit the stadium through Gates A or B, which are the gates on the home plate side of Four Winds Field. In order to keep the flow of traffic moving in one direction, guests will not be allowed to backtrack through the line.

For those looking to shop for any and all South Bend Cubs and Midwest League Championship gear, the Cubs Den Team Store will be open to the public during the event. Access to the Cubs Den Team Store will be available through the William Street entrance only.

Any other businesses and organizations who are interested in hosting and sponsoring a table at the event can contact Officer James Burns at 574-235-9401 for more information. This is a rain or shine event.

About the South Bend Cubs

The South Bend Cubs are the High-A affiliate of the 2016 World Series Champion Chicago Cubs. Over the past 34 years, the team has won five Midwest League titles, most recently in 2022, and has captured nine division titles. In 2022, Four Winds Field, home of the South Bend Cubs, was voted Best High-A ballpark in the country by Ballpark Digest, having also won the award as a Low-A ballpark in 2017. In 2019, the South Bend Cubs hosted the final Midwest League All-Star Game. 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.

9th Annual Line Drive Canned Food Drive

9th Annual Line Drive Canned Food Drive

Free Baseball Clinic at SRP Park on October 29th

NORTH AUGUSTA, SC – The Augusta GreenJackets, Single-A Affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, in conjunction with Complete Game, are excited to announce the 9th Annual Line Drive Canned Food Drive FREE Baseball Clinic in memory of Terry Childers Sr. on Saturday, October 29th from 11:00 am – 12:30 pm.

“We are honored to be able to host this annual tradition in partnership with Matt Childers, the Childers Family and Complete Game,” stated GreenJackets Vice President Tom Denlinger. “No matter what your skill level we invite you to come take advantage of a morning full of FREE professional instruction, bring canned food to help us stuff the bins for Golden Harvest and celebrate the legacy of Terry Childers Sr.”

In memory of Terry Childers Sr., families across the CSRA are invited to come and take part in this FREE clinic & Canned Food Drive benefiting Golden Harvest Food Bank. Families are encouraged to bring canned goods and other non-perishable food items to be donated to Golden Harvest Food Bank, who will be on site to collect.

You can also bring items anytime between now and October 29th to the Complete Game facility at 3855 Washington Rd or to the Hive Pro Shop at SRP Park (187 Railroad Avenue, North Augusta). You do not have to participate in the clinic to bring food donations! Over the past Eight years, 3,000 meals have been collected with over 4,100 lbs. of donated goods! Come join us for this awesome event in our community!

Register online at www.playpscg.com. Go to all registrations for your free registration. Any questions, contact Complete Game at (706) 814-5916

“We are extremely excited to partner with the Augusta GreenJackets and Golden Harvest Food Bank for the 9th Annual “Line Drive Can Drive,” stated Complete Game Owner Matt Childers. “For nine consecutive years Tom Denlinger and his staff with the GreenJackets have sponsored and helped us host this event! This event is held in Memory of my father Terry Childers Sr. Myself along with my family and the staff at Complete Game are honored to give back to the community that my father loved so much. Giving back to the community with a FREE Baseball clinic while also organizing a food drive for our local food bank is our favorite time of the year! Terry Childers Sr. loved baseball and loved serving in this community. He was a board member on the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Augusta and we feel that this event is something wonderful to do in his memory.”

Event Details:

  • Saturday, October 29th from 11:00am-12:30pm
  • SRP Park, 187 Railroad Ave, North Augusta, SC 29841
  • Enter by the main entrance
  • Giving back to the community with a FREE baseball clinic – beginning to experienced players welcome
  • Professional instruction from Complete Game
  • All players ages 5-15
  • Bring canned food items and non-perishable food items to benefit Golden Harvest Food Bank
  • Opportunity to support the community together and have some FUN
  • Register in advance click here: https://www.esoftplanner.com/v3/planner/camps.php?access=0dG81LSVxNmo65bAt2SEsZ6Hpw==
  • Onsite registration available day of as well

Prior to the start of the 2023 season, you can check out these fun, upcoming events scheduled at SRP Park! To learn more, visit https://thesrppark.com.

  • Paceline Opening Ceremonies and Outfield Music Festival– October 15, 2022
  • Dugout Movie Theater Presents Ghostbusters Afterlife – October 28
  • CSRA Walk for Water – November 12, 2022
  • Palmetto Peach Half Marathon, 10 K, 5 K – November 26
  • 9th Annual Auggie’s Holiday BUZZar and Toys for Tots Drive – December 10

About Complete Game

Complete Game is an Amazing Indoor Baseball & Softball Facility. Batting cages, pitching lanes, Hit Trax software for Baseball & Softball. Complete Game has an awesome staff of personal instructors and coaches for all positions for baseball & softball that offer individual lessons and group camps. You can visit Complete Game any day or take advantage of their monthly memberships! The Cosmic Birthday Parties are a big Hit! End of the season team functions and group Events held under the Black Lights with Music! Check us out at 3855 Washington Rd. Martinez, Ga. 30907 or at our website www.playpscg.com. They take reservations every day for parties and group Events!

About SRP Park/Augusta GreenJackets

The Augusta GreenJackets are the Single A affiliate of the 2021 World Series Champion Atlanta Braves. 2023 Augusta GreenJackets Full, Half and 20-game season seat memberships are on sale now. To learn more about the benefits and to get in on the action, visit www.gjmembers.com or call (803) 349-WINS (9467).

For team merchandise or more information visit www.greenjacketsbaseball.com. Stay up to date on all things GreenJackets and Events at SRP Park by following us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and sign up for the ‘Jackets Buzz e-newsletter today by visiting https://atmilb.com/3yr4mrw

SRP Park is the anchor piece of Riverside Village, a live, work, “playball” development which includes apartment living, retail, restaurants, class “A” office space, and a Crowne Plaza Hotel and Conference Center. To learn more about SRP Park and hosting events and availability, visit www.thesrppark.com.

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High School Baseball Returning to ONEOK Field

High school baseball is returning to ONEOK Field in 2023. The Tulsa Drillers announced today that for the third straight year the club would host a series of high school games at the downtown stadium.

The games are scheduled to be held from March 10-16, during the week of spring break for most schools. By hosting games during the break in school, teams will have the opportunity to play during the daytime hours.

At this time, the Drillers have blocked the following dates and times for games:

2023 High School Baseball Series at ONEOK Field

Friday, March 10 at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 11 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Monday, March 13 at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Tuesday, March 14 at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Thursday, March 16 at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Matchups for each game will be announced at a later time.

Admission for all of the games will be free of charge for fans.

The two games on Saturday, March 11 will be held in conjunction with the team’s annual DrillersFest event. There will be a number of other activities taking place at the stadium, and it will be one of the first opportunities for fans to purchase individual game tickets for 2023 Drillers games.

The team slots for the ten games are being filled now. Any school interested in playing in one of the games at ONEOK Field should contact Andrew Aldenderfer with the Drillers at (918)744-5998 or via email by clicking HERE.

Hispanic Heritage Festival Will Be Held At Fluor Field on October 2nd

The Greenville Drive is excited to have the Hispanic Heritage Festival happening at Fluor Field on October 2nd! We are all too familiar with the importance of celebrating Hispanic Culture and look forward to this incredible event. The festival aims to promote the heritage and culture of the Hispanic community, while raising funds for higher education for students of Hispanic descent. The festival is for the entire community, and we hope to see you there!

For more information, please visit https://www.ahamsc.org/hhf-overview

Enrollment Open for 2023 Fang’s Reading Club

GRAND CHUTE, WI – It is never too early to start thinking about reading and baseball! Registration is open for the 2023 edition of Fang’s Reading Club. Teachers may begin enrolling their schools in the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers program that encourages reading development in children from Kindergarten through fifth grade! This year’s program is presented by Fox Communities Credit Union, Myndology, and Luv 2 Play Appleton. Teachers and reading coordinators have until December 31 to get involved in this program.

Registration can be done through this link on the Timber Rattlers website. 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.

Fang’s Reading Club provides the following:

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

Information to aid schools in setting up their Family Night at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium

An easy, online ticket ordering option

A Timber Rattlers game ticket with a hot dog and soda voucher as part of their school’s Family Night in 2023 are free to students who meet all their goals for the program. 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!

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

There were 135 schools and over 35,000 students to participate in the program last year. This year’s club can be even bigger with your help!

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.

R-Phils Seek Eager Applicants for Winter Internship

The Reading Fightin Phils, Class AA affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, are seeking hard working, goal-oriented and enthusiastic individuals for our 2023 internship program. Interns will handle day-to-day operational tasks and learn how the organization prepares for the upcoming season. The Internship program will provide a great opportunity for interns looking to immerse themselves in a full-service sports and entertainment venue.

Upperclassman and recent college graduates have the opportunity to get directly involved and gain hands on experience in multiple aspects of Minor League Baseball including; ticket operations, merchandise, customer service, sales, concessions, public relations, stadium operations, graphic design and many other aspects of the sports industry. Interns work directly with the front office staff to get an overview of all of the different positions. Each intern will be a valuable piece of our operation and will work on meaningful tasks that directly contribute to the success of the R-Phils.

Interns are hired on a rolling basis beginning in November, January and May. Internships can last 3-10 months depending on the department. Full time interns may work approximately 25-40 a week during the offseason and up to 80 hours a week during the season. The winter internship asks employees to be creative and have attention to detail as the team plans for a full season of baseball and entertainment.

To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter to [email protected] or call 610-375-8469 x 0.

Check out the Fightin Phils intern alumni and their current jobs: Reading Fightin Phils Alumni

Day Air Credit Union to Host College Prep Night at Day Air Ballpark

Dayton, Ohio – The Dayton Dragons and Day Air Credit Union will hold College Prep Night, a FREE educational event for prospective college students, at Day Air Ballpark on Wednesday, September 28 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

College Prep Night is a one-stop college resource event to guide prospective college students and their parents through the process of planning an educational path. High school students can talk to representatives from colleges and universities from all over the nation, and those who RSVP before the event will be entered to win one of two, $1,000 scholarships. Students must pre-register for the event online and attend to be considered.

More than 1,000 students and their guests attend, and more than 50 colleges and universities participate in this free event. Among the colleges scheduled to appear are Miami University (OH), University of Dayton, University of Kentucky, Art Academy of Cincinnati, University of Cincinnati, Sinclair Community College, Wilmington University, University of Toledo, Wright State University, Ohio Army National Guard, United States Navy, Modern College of Design, Xavier University, Edison State University, and many more schools from around the country. Representatives will be on hand to answer whatever questions that students might have about college life at each particular school.

“Day Air is committed to serving the financial well-being of our members and the community,” said Bill Burke, President, and CEO of Day Air Credit Union. “Decisions about higher education are as difficult as they are important, we’re proud to be able to provide College Prep Night as a vital resource to local families helping them make the most informed decision possible,” he said.

To learn more about College Prep Night and to RSVP, please visit www.daytondragons.com/collegeprep.

About Day Air Credit Union

Established in 1945, Day Air Credit Union is the largest financial institution headquartered in Montgomery County, and proudly serves businesses and residents of the nine counties making up the Miami Valley in Southwest Ohio. Day Air is a not-for-profit, full-service financial cooperative with over $635million in assets and more than 47,000 members. Credit Union members have access to over 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs, and more than 5,900 shared branches nationwide. Membership is open to people living, working, worshiping, or attending school in the Miami Valley. Visit dayair.org for more information.

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Neuroscience Group Field to Host Free 360U Girls’ Softball Camp on October 2

GRAND CHUTE, WI – 360U Softball will hold a girls’ softball camp on Sunday, October 2 from noon to 1:30pm at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium. This is a free camp.

Instructors Maria Stave and Laura Beyer will conduct the camp for the first 125 participants to register. All participants will receive a camp participant t-shirt.

Registration begins at 7:00am on Tuesday, September 13 at this link.

Beyer and Stave are sisters and Kaukauna natives who founded 360U Softball in 2016 with the mission of empowering young female softball athletes with the development skills, tools and resources needed to find the most confident-version of themselves on and off the softball diamond.

“We at 360U are thrilled to be partnering with the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers to be offering this softball skills development camp for youth players in the area,” said Beyer. “We are also excited for the opportunity to utilize a facility as awesome as Neuroscience Group Field for this experience!”

Their Indoor Training Facility on Calumet Street in Appleton offers private lessons, group sessions, and camps in the areas of hitting, defense, pitching and catching for athletes as young as seven through college. Their staff consists of all current and former collegiate softball players who have a passion for teaching the mechanical and mental part of the games.

Dragons to Recognize “Community All Stars” Recipient During Game on September 1

Dayton, Ohio — The Dayton Dragons will recognize EMERGE of the Urban League of Southwest Ohio as a “Community All-Stars” recipient during a special inning break of the Dragons game on Thursday, September 1 against the Cedar Rapids Kernels at Day Air Ballpark. The game will start at 7:05 p.m.

The Dragons Community All-Stars Program honors individuals who have gone above and beyond to improve the quality of life in the Miami Valley. They could be firefighters or police officers, doctors, or good Samaritans. It could be a first responder or a volunteer. The Dragons highlight these Community All-Stars at games all season long.

An enrichment program within the Urban League of Southwest Ohio, EMERGE steps up to improve educational outcomes and provide youth in downtown Dayton with resources that go beyond their education and into pathways that lead directly into their career dreams.

From the ages of 14 to 24 most students make pivotal decisions that impact the future of their careers, and often high school and college don’t fully prepare the future work force for what’s next. That’s where the EMERGE program steps in.

Targeting vital areas in a young person’s professional growth like social skills development, critical thinking on a business level, and financial understanding and independence, EMERGE is able to foster a new outlook for the youth in their care and improve educational outcomes.

EMERGE provides extracurricular opportunities for youth to broaden their life experiences, develop new interests, and create skills that help them as they start looking for their first jobs.

EMERGE also makes sure Dayton area students engaged in their program know how to take care of their personal well-being to better prepare them for the future.

With the extensive network of Dayton-area professionals working with the Urban League of Southwest Ohio, EMERGE can connect their participants with some of the brightest minds the city has to offer. Their mentorship offers new and exciting opportunities for EMERGE participants, like internships, job shadows, and direct work experience.

For all their efforts to inspire local youth and expand their opportunities, EMERGE is being honored as a Dragons Community All Star.

If you want to learn more about how you can help support EMERGE and the Urban League of Southwest Ohio check out their website at ulgso.org.

If you know other great individuals or organizations that are going above and beyond for our community, tell us about them! You can nominate an All-Star by telling us about them at daytondragons.com/communityallstar

This event is the final of five special Community All-Stars spotlights at Dragons games this season. Community All-Stars is presented Flying Ace Express Carwash. The program will return in 2023 and will once again focus on another organization that has gone above and beyond to improve the quality of life in the Miami Valley.

The Dragons play at beautiful, downtown Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District and are scheduled to play 3 more home games during the regular season. Game times are 7:05 p.m. for Tuesday through Saturday games and 1:05 p.m. on Sundays. No Monday games are scheduled at this time. Gates open one hour prior to game time. Single-game tickets for all Dragons 2022 home games are available at www.daytondragons.com or by phone at (937) 228-2287.

Bluefield Ridge Runners announced as recipient of Lee Landers Community Service Award

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The Appalachian League announced that the Bluefield Ridge Runners have been named the recipient of the 2022 Lee Landers Community Service Award. The Lee Landers Community Service Award is presented to the club that demonstrates an outstanding, ongoing commitment to charitable service, support and leadership within their local community and within the baseball industry.

The staff of the Bluefield Ridge Runners has contributed $259,307 in cash and in-kind services through July 31, along with 866 hours to various community organizations. The Ridge Runners participated in Project Graduation, charity car shows, concerts, food drives and flood relief efforts. The Ridge Runners have also contributed to community organizations such as Rotary International, the Chamber of the Two Virginia’s, Sacred Heart Catholic Church Food Bank, Bluefield Area Little League, the Union Mission, the annual Mountain Festival, the Bluefield Restoration Committee and the Bluefield Beautification Committee.

“The Bluefield Ridge Runners are honored to be presented the Lee Landers Community Service Award for 2022,” said Ridge Runners general manager Rocky Malamisura. “The receipt of this award affirms the efforts of the club to be an integral part of the surrounding community.”

This season, Ridge Runners players volunteered a recorded 370 hours in the community at places like food pantries to reading programs and autograph sessions. Two baseball camps were provided by the Ridge Runners at no cost to the participants, which allowed more than 70 children to benefit from these camps. The Bluefield Club also participated in the Play Ball initiative with area Little Leagues and Vet Tix.

ThAdditionally, Ridge Runners catcher Parker Redden (Delaware) was named the Appalachian League Humanitarian of the Year. When the Ridge Runners were in town, Redden drove approximately 35 miles each way to volunteer at Freedom Farms, a nonprofit, faith-based organization for at-risk youth in West Virginia.

“It is especially satisfying to uphold the values of the award’s namesake Mr. Lee Landers,” Malamisura added. “Service before self is a trademark of what we value here with the Ridge Runners. Our staff, coaches, players and patrons strive to give back to the community that has itself given so much to us.”

Lee Landers served as the Appalachian League president from 1996-2018 and passed away May 17, 2021. Lee always placed others first and encouraged all clubs and staff to become involved and give back to their communities. Lee’s involvement over the years included: Roman Cultural Society, Jaycees, Police Benevolent Association, D.A.R.E, Senior Olympics Board, Baseball Chapel, American Heart Association and Springfield Chamber of Commerce.

Grant Woolley, 8-year-old cancer survivor, will celebrate his Anthem Home Run for Life at a Dragons Game

Dayton, Ohio—Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Ohio and the Dayton Dragons will host 8-year-old Grant Woolley during the iconic Anthem Home Run for Life program on Wednesday, August 31, when the Dayton Dragons take on the Cedar Rapids Kernels at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District.

The Anthem Home Run for Life program provides children in the Dayton region who are battling serious medical conditions with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Each honoree gets to take a lap around the bases at Day Air Ballpark during a Dragons home game while the crowd cheers them on.

Grant’s Story

Grant Woolley was just two years old when he was experiencing nausea, constant urination, and severe thirst. While many would think this is just a baby phase, Grant’s parents, Ryan and Katie, knew that their gut was telling them otherwise. They had taken their child to a family doctor who ran several tests. His blood sugar came back at 400 milligrams while the normal person rests around 80-90. The sure signs of type 1 diabetes.

Ryan and Katie were instructed to take Grant to the hospital but didn’t understand how serious this case was just yet. As they arrived, doctors were waiting to take Grant into an intensive care unit (ICU) where he stayed for 36 hours. He was continually monitored in the hospital for a total of four days, and during that time, they treated Grant with insulin and continued to track his blood sugar.

When they transitioned back home, the Woolley’s had a lot to adjust to – counting carbs, weighing food, and administering shots. Grant left with an Omnipod and a Dexcom device to monitor his levels and deliver insulin as needed. Every 30 days, he moves the pods to another location on his body.

As he was turning six years old, he hit another bump in the road. He couldn’t move his neck, wrists, and was limping. He was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis which, as an autoimmune and inflammatory disease, is going to be a lifelong journey for Grant. Luckily infusions and medication can ease the swelling and stiffness.

While Grant will continue to battle type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, he and his support system have narrowed down his needs to a science. The counting carbs and finger pricks are all small sacrifice for this eight-year-old to be comfortable whether he is going to school or playing outside with his best friend, Bennett.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Dayton Dragons applaud all those who have been instrumental in Grant’s life, including his mom, dad, sister, and his entire medical team.

To learn more about Anthem Home Run for Life, please visit www.daytondragons.com/hrfl.