Dragons Baseball Camps Set for This Summer

DAYTON, OHIO – The Dayton Dragons and IGS Energy continue their partnership to enhance the youth baseball experience all over the Dayton area in 2018. The Little Big Leagues program has been an integral part of connecting Dragons players with aspiring young baseball players over the years, and this program expands out into the community as well.

This summer, the Dragons will host two baseball camps at Fifth Third Field as part of the Little Big Leagues program, presented by IGS Energy. The camps run for two days each from 9 AM to 1 PM each day. Participants will learn baseball fundamentals from Dragons players and coaches. The experience includes player autographs, a Dragons shirt, Dragons hat, certificate of participation, a gift from IGS Energy, and four tickets to a future Dragons home game.

The dates for the camps are June 25 and 26 as well as July 30 and 31. Any youth baseball or softball player ages 7 through 14 is eligible to participate in the two-day camp. The cost is $90 for the two-days and lunch will be provided at the ballpark on the second day of the camp.

For more information on how little league teams and players can get involved in the Dragons “Little Big Leagues” program, presented by IGS Energy, contact the Dragons group sales department at (937) 228-2287, email dragons@daytondragons.com, or visit www.daytondragons.com/IGS.

About IGS

IGS is a leading provider of retail energy supply, home services products, distributed generation such as solar and combined heat and power as well as compressed natural gas services. With over 25 years of experience, the company leverages extensive in-house expertise to bring innovation to the energy industry. By embracing new technologies, supporting alternative energy resources, and encouraging energy independence, IGS is inspiring homeowners, businesses, and communities to make smart energy decisions. The company also has a community investment program which provides employees with opportunities to get involved with and give to causes that are meaningful to the company and to them personally.

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

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Riders Foundation raising funds for Boys & Girls Club of Collin County Bus Fund

FRISCO, Texas (May 11, 2018) – The Frisco RoughRiders Foundation has announced a season-long, multi-faceted initiative to raise funds for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Collin County Bus Fund. The foundation’s goal is to help purchase a 72-passenger bus to aid the organization’s mission.

“With the addition of at least one new full-size bus in each club in Frisco, McKinney and Plano, we will be able to add over 300 new members, impacting these young lives with great programs in a safe, nurturing environment, where we concentrate on academic success, character and leadership as well as health and life skills,” said Mike Simpson, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Collin County. “New buses are the vehicles to great futures for more kids.”

A portion of the proceeds from following events will be earmarked for the Bus Fund:

* Riders Classic golf tournament (July 10)

* RoughRiders Baseball Academy (all summer)

* RoughRiders Foundation in-game fundraisers

* Riders 50/50 Raffle (Wednesday-Sunday raffles)

* Auctioned autographed items and sports memorabilia

“It’s important for the Frisco RoughRiders to make memories for our community in and out of the stadium,” said Breon Dennis, Executive Director of the RoughRiders Foundation. “The 72-passenger bus will let children at the club know that the future is now and we support them. I hope the entire North Texas community will join in this campaign to make a difference together.”

To participate in the fundraising efforts, join us at Dr Pepper Ballpark all season. Tickets are available online at RidersBaseball.com, by phone at (972) 731-9200 or at the Dr Pepper Ballpark box office.

About the Boys & Girls Clubs of Collin County

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Collin County has been meeting the needs of children in Collin County and North Texas for 50 years since 1968. BGCCC’s mission is to “Enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens“. The organization currently serves over 9,300 children each year through its after-school, summer and outreach programs.

BGCCC serves 71 schools in Collin County and has 21 buses and vehicles which must transport the children to the Clubs. The organization has branches in McKinney, Plano and Frisco and currently operates an on-site school program at Shepton High School in Plano.

Visit the BGCCC website at: http://www.bgccc.org

About the RoughRiders Foundation

The mission of the RoughRiders Foundation is to enhance the community we serve through charitable contributions, grants, and programming initiatives. The RoughRiders Foundation supports programs and organizations in our community that motivate and reward children and families in the areas of education, good health and community services activities.

For more information on the Frisco RoughRiders Foundation, contact Breon Dennis at breon@ridersbaseball.com or at community@ridersbaseball.com.

About the RoughRiders

The Frisco RoughRiders are the Double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers and play their games at beautiful Dr Pepper Ballpark in Frisco, Texas. The team was founded in 2003 and has finished first among all Double-A franchises in attendance in each of the last 13 seasons (2005-2017). In August 2014, the RoughRiders were purchased by an ownership group led by Chuck Greenberg. Since then, the new ownership group, together with the City of Frisco, has spearheaded numerous major franchise enhancements, investing over $8 million in a wide array of facility upgrades and improvements, including a state-of-the-art HD video board, sound system, Bull Moose Saloon, InTouch Grille, Riders Outpost Team Store and the world’s largest water feature in a sports facility, the massive Choctaw Lazy River. These enhancements earned the Riders and the City of Frisco Ballpark Digest’s prestigious “Best Ballpark Renovation” award for two consecutive years (2015 and 2016). More than 140 former RoughRiders players have gone on to play Major League Baseball, including All-Stars Chris Davis, Adrian Gonzalez, Ian Kinsler and Neftali Feliz, as well as current Rangers stars Elvis Andrus, Rougned Odor and Nomar Mazara. For more information on the Frisco RoughRiders and Dr Pepper Ballpark, please visit RidersBaseball.com or contact Ryan Rouillard at RRouillard@RidersBaseball.com.

Dragons and Wright State to Honor Top Teacher

Dayton, Ohio – The Dragons and Wright State University’s College of Education and Human Services will honor Missy Nix as a Dragons MVP Program Top Teacher on Tuesday, May 8 at 7:00 p.m. when the Dayton Dragons take on the Cedar Rapids Kernels at Fifth Third Field.

The Dragons MVP Program Top Teacher Award honors teachers for their outstanding accomplishments in his or her classroom and community.

Missy Nix- Top Teacher Award Honoree

Missy Nix is a 4th grade teacher at Shawnee Elementary. She is a proud Wright State University alum, earning both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees there.

She grew up thinking she would be an accountant, but the further along she went in life, she knew she was being called to something different. That something different was a career as a teacher.

“I believe God put me in the teaching position I am in,” Missy said. “I receive strength and joy from this direction he gave me.”

Missy also knows that teaching our children is definitely a team effort. “A lot of recognition belongs to the parents of these MVPs. They have instilled the values necessary for student success academically, behaviorally, and personally.”

Of many great stories Missy has, one student sticks out from the rest. Six years ago, Missy had a student who was struggling to improve his reading level from one year to the next. That summer, Missy was determined to help him improve his reading level. Every week the pair would get together and Missy would challenge him with progressively difficult passages to read. They would even talk each day on the phone so he could read the passage out loud to her. By the end of that summer, the student had made huge strides and caught up with his peers.

Missy has been using the Dragons MVP Program since the beginning. Her favorite part of the program is being able to give her students the power to nominate their peers for recognition as a Dragons MVP winner.

For her dedication to go above and beyond for her classroom and all of the students at Shawnee Elementary, Missy Nix is being honored as a Dragons MVP Program Top Teacher. This award is made possible by Wright State University’s College of Education and Human Services.

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

Dragons Players and Mascot to Visit Schools in Two Counties This Week

DAYTON, Ohio – Dayton Dragons players and one of the team’s mascots, Gem, will visit schools in Montgomery and Greene County this week. The visits are part of the Dragons MVP program and members of the local media are invited to cover them. The players will introduce themselves to the students, answer questions, and are available for pictures. Each student will also receive a school folder and a Dragons pencil. The following schools are listed with an address, date, and time of visit:

Tuesday, May 8, 2018

10:00am-10:45am

Edison Elementary

228 N. Broadway St.

Dayton, OH 45402

Phone: 937-542-4540

11:15am-12:00pm

Pathway School of Discovery

173 Avondale Dr.

Dayton, OH 45404

Phone: 937-235-5498

Wednesday May 9, 2018

10:00am – 10:45am

Valley Elementary

3601 Jonathon Dr.

Dayton, OH 45434

Phone: 937-429-7597

11:15am – 12:00pm

Blairwood Elementary

1241 Blairwood Ave.

Dayton, OH 45417

Phone: 937-263-3504

Members of the media may contact schools individually at the numbers listed above if they intend to attend and cover the visits.

The Dragons MVP Program, a tool for teachers, uses the marketing power of Dayton Dragons Baseball as an educational tool for fourth and fifth grade teachers, helping them motivate and reward students for success both in and out of the classroom. The Dayton Dragons MVP Program presented by Bob Evans Farms is also made possible by CollegeAdvantage, Sinclair College, WDTN-TV and Dayton’s CW. For more information on the Dragons MVP Program, contact the Dayton Dragons or visit www.daytondragons.com/mvp.

More Information:  The Dayton Dragons are the Midwest League affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play a 70-game home schedule at beautiful Fifth Third Field in downtown Dayton, easily accessible from Interstate 75. Individuals and groups seeking information about Dayton Dragons group tickets, lawn tickets, the season ticket wait list, sponsorship opportunities or booking a Dragons speaker are encouraged to contact the Dragons by calling at (937) 228-2287, emailing at dragons@daytondragons.com, or on the web at daytondragons.com.

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

M-Braves Announce 2018 Baseball Camp

PEARL, MS – The annual Mississippi Braves Baseball Camp is scheduled for July 25-26. The two-day event takes place at Trustmark Park from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm each day and offers boys and girls between the ages of 5 and 14 the opportunity to work with professional baseball players and the M-Braves staff.

The cost of the camp is $100 per child or $75 for 2018 M-Braves season ticket holders. All participants must pre-register. Each camper receives individualized instruction on the fundamentals of baseball, a Mississippi Braves baseball and other merchandise, as well as a certificate of achievement at the completion of camp. Lunch will be served daily at approximately noon. Campers also receive two tickets to the Mississippi Braves game each night.

On the final day of camp, participants may obtain autographs from Mississippi Braves players and staff during an organized autograph session. Due to limited space, the camp is limited to 200 participants and is on a first-come, first-served basis. Each camper is required to bring his or her own glove. For more information, call 888-BRAVES4 or click the link below for the registration form.

2018 M-Braves Baseball Camp Registration Form

The Mississippi Braves are the Double-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. Since the inaugural 2005 season, 132 M-Braves have gone on to Major League Baseball. The M-Braves have made postseason play four times and went on to win the Southern League Championship in 2008. Stop by Trustmark Park or call 888-BRAVES4 Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. For the latest news and updates, visit mississippibraves.com or connect with @mbraves on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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

Bees to Host Utah Prevention Day

SALT LAKE CITY (May 2, 2018) – On Thursday, May 3, the Salt Lake Bees and the Utah State Office of Education will host more than 12,000 students for Utah Prevention Day at Smith’s Ballpark, with free admission courtesy of Med One Group and Dominion Energy. The Bees will face the Fresno Grizzlies at 10:35 a.m. at Smith’s Ballpark.

The fifth and sixth grade students attending the 16th annual event will be treated to an on field opening ceremony where Utah Governor Gary Herbert will declare the day as Utah Prevention Day at Smith’s Ballpark, which promotes drug and alcohol prevention. The Governor will also throw out the ceremonial first pitch.

The National Anthem will be sung by Avi James a 15-year old from Early Light Academy, while a flag presentation will feature children from Lake Ridge Elementary School, Jordan Ridge Elementary School, Whittier Elementary, Nibley Park Elementary School, and Antelope Elementary School.

Attendees are also encouraged to bring a canned food donation for the Utah Food Bank as part of the program.

Utah Prevention is Utah’s Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities curriculum, which supports the Utah State Office of Education pre-kindergarten through 12th grade health core. The program strives to give students a strong foundation of effective violence and substance abuse prevention skills. The program began in 1982 as a joint effort between the Utah State Division of Substance Abuse, Utah State Department of Health, Utah State Office of Education and Utah State PTA.

Utah Prevention Day is part of the Bees organization’s ongoing commitment to community outreach, health and wellness and youth development.

NATURALS ANNOUNCE ARKANSAS CHILDREN’S NORTHWEST FAN DAYS

ACNW Fan Days will be on Friday, May 11; Friday, May 25; Friday, June 29; and Friday, August 10. (NWA Naturals)

SPRINGDALE, Ark – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are excited to announce Arkansas Children’s Northwest (ACNW) Fan Days, a series of four special games during the 2018 season that will bring together Naturals players and fans with ACNW patients and families. Sponsored by J.B. Hunt Transport, Inc., ACNW Fan Days will be on Friday, May 11; Friday, May 25; Friday, June 29; and Friday, August 10.

During each game, the Naturals will host the first-ever ACNW Fan Waves, an effort to show support and encouragement for those at ACNW.

At the conclusion of the first inning, the Naturals organization, team mascots, and J.B. Hunt employees will lead the crowd in a friendly wave toward the hospital. Players and coaches from each team will emerge from the dugouts to tip their caps and wave as well. Patients and families at Arkansas Children’s Northwest will be gathered to view the ballpark and wave back toward the crowd.

Follow the Northwest Arkansas Naturals on Facebook and Twitter @NWANaturals all throughout the year by using the hashtag #NaturalPastime and #CrowntoCrown for all of our up-to-date information on the 2018 season of Naturals baseball.

The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are the Double-A Texas League Affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. The Naturals play at state-of-the-art Arvest Ballpark in Springdale, Ark. For more information, including statistics, ticket options, and more, please visit NWANaturals.com, and follow us on Twitter @NWANaturals and Facebook.com/Naturals.

-Naturals-

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

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South Bend Cubs accepting applications for college scholarships from regional softball and baseball athletes

SOUTH BEND, Indiana – The South Bend Cubs are pleased to announce beginning today applications will now be accepted from college-bound softball and baseball players from the 11 counties surrounding Four Winds Field in downtown South Bend seeking one of several $5,000 scholarships. Eligibility rules and an application form for the annual scholarship were posted today on the 1st Source Bank Performance Center website.

“These $5,000 scholarships are a significant way to emphasize our support of future leaders and the game we all love,” said Andrew T. Berlin, Chairman and Owner of the South Bend Cubs. “They’re not just for current athletes who will go on to play in college. They’re for any high school senior athlete who intends to continue his or her education full time after high school.”

In 2017, the South Bend Cubs awarded five scholarships of $5,000 each to high school seniors from LaPorte, Mishawaka, South Bend and Walkerton, IN and Buchanan, MI. Two of the recipients were softball players, three were baseball players.

Applications for the 2018 South Bend Cubs Scholarships will be accepted from April 27 through May 31. Up to five (5) $5,000 scholarships will be granted. A full set of rules, eligibility requirements and an application form can be found online at 1stSourceBankPerformanceCenter.com.

“This scholarship offers a tremendous opportunity for our college-bound athletes,” said Joe Hart, President of the South Bend Cubs. “We understand the drive it takes to be an athlete and look forward to helping several of them pursue their post-secondary education.”

Applicants for the 2018 South Bend Cubs Scholarships must deliver their applications in person to the 1st Source Bank Performance Center at the corner of South Street and Lafayette Boulevard in downtown South Bend. E-mailed, paid delivery or postal service applications will not be accepted.

About the South Bend Cubs
The South Bend Cubs are the Class A minor league affiliate of the World Series Champion Chicago Cubs. Over the past 30 seasons, the team has won five Midwest League titles, most recently in 2005, and has captured 12 division titles. 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. In June 2017, Four Winds Field, home of the South Bend Cubs, was voted Best Class A ballpark in the country by Ballpark Digest. The team is owned and operated by Swing-Batter-Swing, LLC whose principal shareholder is Andrew T. Berlin of Chicago, Ill.

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

Nominations Being Accepted for Most Valuable Teacher Program

Most Valuable Teacher Night is Friday, June 15th.

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The BlueClaws honor Most Improved Students every year, but this year, the BlueClaws and the NJEA are partnering to honor Most Valuable Teachers at the game on Friday, June 15th.

Teachers can be nominated by students, parents of students, fellow teachers, principals, or other administrators.

How to Nominate: Click here to fill out a nomination form. Plus, the BlueClaws encourage nominators to email videos to MVT@blueclaws.com. Video submissions, where the student talks about why their teacher is a Most Valuable Teacher, could be used on the BlueClaws video board the day of the ceremony.

“Teachers are the bedrock of our education system and we want to recognize their achievements this spring,” said BlueClaws General Manager Joe Ricciutti. “This event, honoring the top teachers at the Jersey Shore, is extra special since we are taking the nominations and videos from the students and parents themselves.”

Upon nomination, teachers will be contacted through their schools. Each teacher will receive a complimentary ticket to the BlueClaws game on June 15th and will be recognized in a pre-game ceremony.

The Friday, June 15th game also includes post-game fireworks thanks to New Jersey Natural Gas.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable family entertainment. Ticket packages and group outings are currently on sale for the 2018 season by calling 732-900-7000 option 3.

– BlueClaws –

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

RECAP: 8th Annual ‘4 in 24’ Youth Field Renovations!

The Tri-City ValleyCats, along with their corporate partners BlueShield of Northeastern New York and Hannaford Supermarkets, undertook the 8th Annual ‘4 in 24’ youth field renovation project on Wednesday, April 11.

The project’s mission is to assist local youth leagues with the maintenance and upkeep of their playing fields, allowing for a safe place for children to learn and play the game baseball and softball.

Each year since 2011, the ValleyCats and their partners simultaneously renovate four youth fields on one day in April, prior to the opening of the youth baseball season.

This year, the chosen leagues were American Little League in Albany, Cairo-Durham Little League, Scotia-Glenville Girls Softball, and Round Lake Malta Youth Baseball.

Tweet from @ValleyCats: Today is the day! #4in24! American Little League in Albany, Cairo-Durham Little League, Scotia-Glenville Girls Softball, and Round Lake Malta Youth Baseball will all receive brand new infields!! Thank you to our major sponsors, @BSNENY & @Hannaford!! pic.twitter.com/LRHMhXHaeD

Upon completion, over 30 fields have now been revamped thanks to this program, which has positively effected thousands of youth ball players in the ValleyCats’ community.

“When we first embarked on this ambitious project in 2011, we felt that it would have an enormous positive impact on many youth ballplayers within the Capital Region,” said ValleyCats General Manager Matt Callahan. “Now in its eighth year, and 30 plus leagues later, the need and project scope continues to grow exponentially. We are incredibly thankful to BlueShield of Northeastern New York and Hannaford Supermarkets who have been instrumental in keeping the program going strong.”

Tweet from @JohnCraigWNYT: A team on a #fieldofdreams #AlbanySouthEnd @ValleyCats @BSNENY @Hannaford @WNYT pic.twitter.com/blkv8CWpJ9

Both longtime supporters of this important community initiative, BlueShield of Northeastern New York and Hannaford Supermarkets have aided in supplying the necessary resources and volunteer commitment to complete these renovations.

Tweet from @BSNENY: We���re kicking off #4in24 at Albany American Little League field! pic.twitter.com/0zYM939noF

Tweet from @BSNENY: The #4in24 renovation crew gathered for a press conference at the American Little League field in Albany. Thank you to the @TCValleyCats and all of the volunteers! pic.twitter.com/5U4AiWdAUA

“BlueShield knows how important programs like ‘4 in 24’ are to ensuring children in our community have access to healthy activities,” said Dr. Kirk Panneton, Vice President, Regional Executive and Medical Director, BlueShield of Northeastern New York. “Through our partnership with the Tri-City ValleyCats, our company and employees have helped transform over 30 fields and we are thrilled to be a part of this community initiative again this year.”

Tweet from @CBS6Leanne: #NOW: Renovations are beginning at the American Little League field in Albany. Four fields across the region are being renovated today as part of the @ValleyCats “4 in 24” project. https://t.co/kcMOJCzdwM pic.twitter.com/8fZ2fOtwJP

“Active kids make for healthy communities, which is why youth sports are so important. Hannaford is pleased to once again partner with the Tri-City ValleyCats to provide young people with wonderfully improved facilities for healthy play and growth,” said Hannaford Supermarkets Community Relations Specialist Brian Fabre. “We look forward to seeing kids throughout the greater Capital Region rush the field this spring as they learn the values of teamwork and dedication.”

The efforts were also assisted by Profile Products and Turface Athletics, who contributed some of the necessary equipment and materials. In order to complete the entire project, 300+ clay bricks, 23 tons of infield mix, and 3600 square feet of sod are needed. Additional support comes from ‘Cats Care, the ValleyCats’ arm of the New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation.

Tweet from @ValleyCats: Thank you, @Turfaceproducts!! #4in24 pic.twitter.com/MnCqvF658x

Tweet from @WTEN: ValleyCats team up to renovate 4 little league fields in 24 hours. https://t.co/LZ3gjx1hyz

It was an early morning for ValleyCats Media Relations Manager Chris Chenes, who arrived at American Little League in Albany at 5:00am for the morning news coverage. Each of the local TV stations went LIVE from the ballpark to talk about the ambitious project.

Crew call for the four renovation teams was 7:30am, and consisted of over a dozen volunteers at each of the four fields being renovated.

Each field had their old infield grass replaced with brand new sod (minus Scotia-Glenville Girls Softball), the pitcher’s mound and home plate areas completely rebuilt, infield surface leveled, graded and raked, baselines measured and cut to the correct specifications, and all new bases, a pitching rubber and home plate installed.

Tweet from @ValleyCats: We’re almost ready to lay new sod at @AmeLeagueAlbany! GM Matt Callahan making progress with the new home plate! #4in24 @BSNENY @Hannaford pic.twitter.com/E8JiZRdqP4

Tweet from @ValleyCats: Work is also progressing well at Round Lake Malta!! #4in24 @BSNENY @Hannaford pic.twitter.com/fCJ1PYBbAc

Tweet from @ValleyCats: About to begin laying new sod at Cairo-Durham Little League! #4in24 @BSNENY @Hannaford pic.twitter.com/jfnY3CNab3

Tweet from @SMLorey: Thank you @ValleyCats 4 in 24! Scotia Glenville girls softball field progressing pic.twitter.com/plS3YhBgl8

The temperature was unseasonably cold for spring, especially early in the morning, as frost covered the tips of the grass. That didn’t slow down the progress, though!

Tweet from @SPECNewsAlbany: While it may not feel like the start of baseball season outside, volunteers are upgrading the American Little League field in #AlbanyNY as part of the annual #4in24 project. https://t.co/nDHmQvZsqU via @JorjaRoman @ValleyCats pic.twitter.com/DSU5tQ9zWN

At 9:00am, the crew at American Little League in Albany paused for a brief ceremonial press conference to officially kick off the renovations. New York Senator Neil Breslin was in attendance, and praised the work of the program.

Tweet from @JohnCraigWNYT: Former #littleleague player @NeilBreslin44 during #4in24 @ValleyCats field renovation #AlbanySouthEnd #KrankPark @BSNENY @Hannaford. Story at noon @WNYT pic.twitter.com/exZtZm3mzg

Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan talked about the impact the renovations have on the local youth ballplayers.

Tweet from @JohnCraigWNYT: During a break #4in24 @ValleyCats @Hannaford @BSNENY #albany #KrankPark @AlbanyCityHall. Story at noon @WNYT pic.twitter.com/xDKZFzeq0K

The ValleyCats were presented with a citation from both the New York State Senate and Assembly, recognizing this 8th annual community project.

 

MiLB.com’s Benjamin Hill ranks this ValleyCats community initiative as one of the best in Minor League Baseball.

Tweet from @bensbiz: One of Minor League Baseball’s best annual philanthropic endeavors. https://t.co/zBhh7qHkFA

The ValleyCats recognize that one of the major roles they play within their community is to be ambassadors for the game of baseball. Each year their staff, corporate partners and volunteers put a ton of work into making sure these renovations are a success.

ValleyCats General Manager Matt Callahan has served as the foreman for the project, and is now an expert at the installation of new home plates and pitching rubbers!

Tweet from @JohnCraigWNYT: The international field in American #LittleLeague #albany #southend gets home plate lined up. #4in24 @ValleyCats GM Matt Callahan @Hannaford @BSNENY @WNYT pic.twitter.com/dwVkVA9Wxu

Tweet from @CBS6Leanne: Fresh sod has arrived & home plate is close to being set! It’ll be a full day worth of work to renovate American Little League field. https://t.co/kcMOJCzdwM pic.twitter.com/7dVlbEnRyy

While the mound and home plate are being worked on, volunteers are busy removing the old sod from the infield, adding topsoil to level the playing surface, and then laying down brand new grass! (This was the first order of the year for Saratoga Sod here in upstate New York!)

 

And now, prepare to be amazed, as we check out the before and after photos from each field!

American Little League, Albany

League statement:

“The Albany American Little League would like to thank the Tri-City ValleyCats and their partners for their timeless efforts, support, and commitment to Little League Baseball. The renovation of our field will help our players develop into young athletes, provide our youth a safe and structured environment where they can grow to become productive caring members of our communities. The work that the ValleyCats will do for our field will add value to the community and place smiles on the faces of our little leaguers.”

Sentaria Depass-Murray, President

Before:

 

After:

Cairo-Durham Little League

League statement:

“During the past several years, little league participation has been falling, which has affected our ability to help afford all things needed to improve the conditions for the kids. Last year we focused on getting our kids all new catching equipment and renovating our girls softball field (all new dirt, excavation and a new drainage system). This year is on new bats and our main field really needs attention. Your help with our field will help improve the main baseball field, not just cosmetically but in functionality as well. This huge gift will allow us to focus on buying a machine to pull our rascal in order to maintain the 5 fields we play on.

It truly is an honor and a gift to be chosen and I am beyond grateful for your generosity. Look forward to seeing this all come together. Thank you again!”

Jesse Walz, President

Before:

After:

Round Lake Malta Youth Baseball

League statement:

“We are absolutely thrilled to be selected for the ValleyCat’s 4 in 24 Field Renovation project. The native soil at our field is particularly challenging to maintain and this overhaul will bring both the financial investment and expertise that we lack to make a lasting improvement to the ball field. The ValleyCat’s commitment to youth baseball programs is truly impressive. You make the kids feel like all-stars when they visit the stadium and I know they are going to feel like they made the big leagues when they step on to their newly renovated field! Thank you for supporting our players and the countless volunteers across the Tri-City area who work to bring a positive youth baseball experience to our children!”

Lori Sievers, President

Before:

After:

Scotia-Glenville Girls Softball

League statement:

“On behalf of Scotia Glenville Girls Softball League, our board of directors and our girls, we would like to thank the Tri-City ValleyCats organization as well as their sponsors, BlueShield of Northeastern New York and Hannaford for awarding us the 4 in 24 field renovation for 2018. As a small community and league, we rely on volunteers for all field maintenance and fundraising. We appreciate the ValleyCats commitment to our local communities and the betterment of our area youth sports programs. Our secondary field was in dire need of renovation. Fixing this field will ensure that all of our girls share the same great, and more importantly safe, softball experience!

Lisa DiSorbo, League President

Before:

After:

The response from the community was tremendous, and many voiced their opinions on social media.

Tweet from @NYNick1127: The Cats are Champs on & off the field! Well done! We are lucky to call @ValleyCats our own can���t wait for the season!������ @CBS6Leanne @CBS6Albany https://t.co/XFHOMAvzhH

Tweet from @NLL_Albany: Congratulations to our friends at @AmeLeagueAlbany, and thank you to the @ValleyCats for this great program in giving back to the community! https://t.co/gLN3LFVY3j

Tweet from @hooseyadaddy: That���s awesome and definitely much needed! Thank you @ValleyCats for helping out my hometown!

Tweet from @LydiaOn10: 👍🎉Great job by the @ValleyCats “4 in 24 Baseball Field renovations” https://t.co/289Qf8oEpZ

Tweet from @dfleming16: Nassau���s kids benefited greatly from this program. Love the @ValleyCats ! https://t.co/VSx2A4AlZ2

Tweet from @CDSFSportandFit: 4 in 24 is a great initiative by the @ValleyCats to renovate four local youth baseball and��� https://t.co/yu8aGB6maN

Additionally, here are some of the stories from the Capital Region media outlets:

Tweet from @WTEN: ValleyCats team up to renovate 4 little league fields in 24 hours. https://t.co/LZ3gjx1hyz

Times Union: https://www.timesunion.com/7dayarchive/article/Volunteers-begin-marathon-4-in-24-effort-to-12824757.php

Hudson Valley 360: https://www.hudsonvalley360.com/article/cairo-durham-little-league-receives-facelift

Your Clifton Park: https://yourcliftonpark.com/2018/04/11/round-lake-baseball-field-gets-some-tlc-from-valleycats/

That concludes this recap, but be sure to join the ValleyCats on Friday, June 22 for their Youth Baseball Celebration! On that night the ‘Cats will recognize the 2018 ‘4 in 24’ renovations, while also inviting Capital Region youth baseball teams to come to the game and participate in a pregame parade on the warning track.

For all softball leagues out there, don’t you worry! Softball Night is on Thursday, July 5, and the same pregame parade will be taking place on that night.

Be sure to visit tcvalleycats.com for ticket information, or call 518-629-CATS.

If your league would like to apply for a renovation, visit the ValleyCats Community Grounds Crew page at tcvalleycats.com/fieldrenovations.

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

Drive Celebrate Reading All-Stars on Sunday

The Drive’s homestand concludes on Sunday afternoon with a Reading All-Stars Celebration Game for students in Spartanburg, Anderson and Pickens Counties. Be sure to congratulate these hard-working students for their efforts throughout the day!

First pitch is at 4:05 PM, and the pregame festivities begin at 3:00 PM. In addition to receiving a t-shirt, participating in a pregame parade at 3:30 and a book fair, these students will be participating in fun on-field games and presentations throughout the day, and they will get a chance to meet Drive players prior to the game as well.

Stick around after the game for BlueCross BlueShield Kids Run the Bases!

Tickets for Sunday’s game are available now by stopping by the Main Street Box Office, by calling (864) 240-4528 or by CLICKING HERE. 

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

Reading All-Stars Celebrated on Wednesday

The Reading All-Stars Celebration Game for Greenville County elementary and middle school students will be made up at Fluor Field on Wednesday.

The doubleheader begins at 4:00 PM, and game two would start no earlier than 7:00 PM. Both games are scheduled for seven innings in length.

The Reading All-Stars celebration is scheduled to begin at 6:00 PM, where elementary school students will receive their t-shirts for completing the Reading All-Stars program, and middle school students will receive caps and an opportunity to meet Drive players in between games. All students will receive a complimentary book from Public Education Partners and get to participate in an in-game book fair.

Purchase tickets for Wednesday at Fluor Field at the Main Street Box Office, by calling (864) 240-4528 or by CLICKING HERE. 

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

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Dancing with the Students Returns to Crawford Middle School During 2018 Arts Night

WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK (Lexington, KY) – The Lexington Legends are proud to conclude another successful year of “Dancing With The Students” with Crawford Middle School students during 2018 Arts Night. The finale will be held in the gymnasium of Crawford Middle School on Friday, April 27 at 6 p.m. Media is welcome to attend the finales for photographs and interviews with the students.

Dancing with the Students is a non-profit organization based out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania originally founded in 2005 by Lexington Legends Secretary and Principal Sue Martinelli Shea. The program came to Lexington after Legends President and CEO, Andy Shea, won the Dancing with the Stars of Lexington Competition with Arthur Murray Dance Instructor, Rae Mickelwait. “As an Arthur Murray ballroom dance instructor, I am so excited to be participating in my third Dancing with the Students Grand Finale with Crawford Middle School! A big thank you to the Lexington Legends for sponsoring such a wonderful program, that uses ballroom dance, my career and passion, to teach life-skills, respect, positive self-image and teamwork,” said Mickelwait.

“I am so honored that the Legends and Crawford Middle School have partnered up for another year of Dancing with the Students. I am very proud of my Mother and the program she has helped to create. I cannot wait to see the finale and all the hard work the students have put into their dances!” said Legends President and CEO, Andy Shea.

Students involved in the competition are in sixth, seventh and eighth grade and focus on not only ballroom dancing, but other skills such as respect, manners and positive self-image. Through a partnership between their Physical Education class as well as Arts and Humanities, students learn four dances: Waltz, Tango, Merengue and Swing while also learning the history behind the social dances and cultures. Local Arthur Murray Trained dance instructor, Mickelwait, trains the students on all aspects of ballroom dancing. “I am so thrilled with the partnerships among the Lexington Legends, Dancing with the Students and Crawford Middle School,” said Legends Secretary and Principal, Sue Martinelli Shea. “The students are the winners every time!”

In Margaret Van Hook Stevens’ Arts and Humanities course, students learn the history behind ballroom dancing and how it can have positive impacts in their lives. Van Hook Stevens’ grandfather was a farmer from Winchester, Kentucky who won a Waltz competition which earned him an invitation to dance at MGM Studios in the 1930’s. In her classroom, she says she “stresses the importance that your hobby or your extracurricular activity you participate in could one day provide open door opportunities or extra income because of skills learned. Dance provided extra income for my grandfather and his family in the 1930’s and dance provides additional income for my family today.”

Also during 2018 Arts Night will be the CMS Art Gallery Walk. Students have spent the past 18 days creating 57 different sketches in their Arts and Humanities Class which can be viewed throughout the event, as well.

For more information about Dancing with the Students, visit www.dancingwiththestudents.org or contact Jillian Waitkus at jwaitkus@lexingtonlegends.com or 859-422-7847.

The Legends, a Class A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and a member of the South Atlantic League, will return home to Whitaker Bank Ballpark to face the West Virginia Power on April 27, 2018 at 7:05 pm. For ticket information, call (859) 422-7867 or visit lexingtonlegends.com.

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

Safe Kids Upstate Day is Wednesday at Fluor Field

The Drive will hold their annual Safe Kids Upstate Day at Fluor Field, in partnership with Greenville Health System and Bradshaw Automotive, on Wednesday night. First pitch against the Augusta GreenJackets is at 7:05 PM, and the fun begins when the gates open at 6:00 PM.

Safety Patrol members will participate in a pregame parade around the Fluor Field warning track at 6:30 PM, and Safe Kids will be handing out bike helmets to the first 400 children who enter the Fluor Field gates.

Throughout the night, the Drive will be recognizing Safe Kids Upstate’s annual award winners, including their Grand Slam Winner, Volunteers of the Year, the Hero Award, and the Brian Donnelly Lifetime Achievement Award. Children of all ages will also be able to learn more about all aspects of safety “At Home, At Play and On the Way” with concourse exhibits and interactive stations, and following the completion of all stations, children will have a chance to win great prizes.

Purchase tickets for Sunday’s game at the Main Street Box Office, by calling (864) 240-4528, or by CLICKING HERE. 

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

Go Bowling with the PawSox on July 26

The Pawtucket Red Sox are very excited to announce we will once again be hosting a bowling event to raise money for the TOMORROW FUND. The PawSox “Strike Out Cancer” event will be held on Thursday, July 26 from 6:00pm – 9:00pm at EAST PROVIDENCE LANES on 80 Newport Avenue, East Providence, RI 02916.

Click Here to Register Online

For only $25.00 per person you receive, bowling shoes, food, and a chance to bowl with some PawSox Players!! Our live and silent auctions also provide great opportunities to win special Red Sox and PawSox memorabilia, along with other unique prizes.

For those who are unable to attend the event but would still like to show their support, the PawSox are providing the opportunity to sponsor a Tomorrow Fund family with a child who is either currently going through the battle, or has suffered from cancer in the past.

Not only will your sponsorship provide a Tomorrow Fund family with the opportunity to bowl with a PawSox player, but they will also be provided with tickets to a future PawSox game where they can enjoy a night out at McCoy Stadium. For more information on this unique opportunity, please contact Joe Bradlee at jbradlee@pawsox.com or call 401-724-7300.

The net proceeds will benefit THE TOMORROW FUND…the only local nonprofit organization that provides financial and emotional support to children with cancer and their families. So if you would like to bowl and have some fun, then please mail a check, made payable to the PawSox Foundation, and indicate how many people will be bowling and their names!

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