Say No to Drugs Day at City Stadium

Lynchburg, Va. – The Lynchburg Hillcats will host their 30th annual Say No to Drugs Day at City Stadium on Wednesday, April 18 (tomorrow) when the Hillcats take on the Frederick Keys.

Although many Lynchburg City and surrounding schools have been closed the last several days due to power outages from the recent storm, the event will still continue as scheduled. 

Even if your school is closed tomorrow, the Hillcats invite students, family, faculty and staff to attend tomorrow’s game FREE of charge. Those associated with the schools can pick up free tickets at the City Stadium box office.

The educational programming starts at 10 a.m., and will include Hillcats players, the Amherst County Sheriff’s Department, and Hillcats General Manager Ronnie Roberts. The Sheriff’s Department will be bringing a K-9 unit to demonstrate their drug sniffing dogs. First pitch is scheduled for 11 a.m.

“Say No to Drugs Day has been a fixture in the Hillcats promotional schedule for three decades and we’re looking forward to hosting this event as scheduled despite some unforeseen circumstances,” Hillcats General Manager Ronnie Roberts said. “As an organization, we are proud to be able to continue this tradition for many years to come and hopefully we will continue to make a difference in students’ lives.”

Wednesday is also Winning Wednesday, where every fan will win a free ticket to the next Wednesday Hillcats home game.

For tickets or more information, visit lynchburg-hillcats.com, call 434-528-1144, or visit the City Stadium box office.

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

Reading All-Stars Celebrated on Monday Night

The Drive return to Fluor Field on Monday night, and they will team up with Michelin North America to hold the Reading All-Stars Celebration Game for Greenville County students.

First pitch for the game against the Augusta GreenJackets is at 7:05 PM, and the fun begins when the gates open at 6:00 PM. Greenville County students who completed the Reading All-Stars program this school year will be presented with a t-shirt from the Drive and Michelin, and they will also participate in a pregame parade around the Fluor Field warning track at 6:30.

During the game, kids will have the chance to participate in a book fair courtesy of Public Education Partners, who work to improve public education and student achievement in Greenville County Schools.

To purchase tickets, head to the Main Street Box Office, call (864) 240-4528 or CLICK HERE. 

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

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

DAYTON, Ohio – Dayton Dragons players and one of the team’s mascots, Gem, are visiting schools in two different counties across the Miami Valley 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:

The Dragons visited Weller Elementary, 9600 Sheehan Rd. in Dayton today.

Wednesday, April 18, 2018

10:00am – 10:45am

Newton Elementary

201 N. Long St.

Pleasant Hill, OH, 45359

Phone: 937-676-3081

11:15am – 12:00pm

Hook Elementary

729 Trade Square W.

Troy, OH, 45373

Phone: 937-332-6760

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.

—end–

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

View More

Threshers Baseball Camp June 11-14

2018 Clearwater Threshers Baseball Camp Info & Forms

CLEARWATER THRESHERS BASEBALL CAMP 2018

Registration is open and space is limited.

  • Monday, June 11 – Thursday, June 14; 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
  • Children ages 6-13
  • $160 per child

Each camper receives:

  • Group and individual instruction by Threshers players and coaches, and NextUp Academy
  • Camp t-shirt and Threshers hat
  • Lunch each day from 12-12:20 p.m.
  • Wednesday’s 10:30 a.m. Threshers game and one free ticket to Thursday’s 7 p.m. game

To Register:

  • Fill out the forms below and mail with a check
  • OR register and pay with a credit card in-person in the Spectrum Field administrative office during business hours
  • Call Will at 727-712-4415 with any questions

2018 Clearwater Threshers Baseball Camp Info & Forms

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

View More

Sunday is Safe Kids Upstate Day

Opening Week presented by TD Bank continues on Sunday at 4:05 PM with the annual Safe Kids Upstate Day at Fluor Field, in partnership with Greenville Health System and Bradshaw Automotive. Safety Patrol members will participate in a pregame parade around the Fluor Field warning track at 3:30 PM, and Safe Kids will be handing out bike helmets to the first 400 children who enter the Fluor Field gates.

Throughout the day, 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.

After the game, be sure to stick around for BlueCross BlueShield Kids Run the Bases!

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.

Green & Gold Charity Softball Game is on for June 2

GRAND CHUTE, WI – Jordy Nelson is unable to attend, but the Green & Gold Charity Softball Game at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium on Saturday, June 2 is on as planned! Clay Matthews and Davante Adams will serve as team captains and the captains will mix up the format this year. Matthews and Adams will draft their squads from their Green Bay Packers teammates to compete in a game of softball instead of the traditional Offense vs. Defense contest. There will be a home run derby at 11:00am and the game is scheduled to begin at 12:05pm.

“I’ve really enjoyed hosting the softball game the last four years and I’m glad to see it’s in good hands with Clay and Davante as co-captains,” said Nelson. “I also appreciate that the game will continue to support Young Life as it has in the past. Enjoy the game, Packers fans. I know it will be entertaining as always!”

Tickets remain for the game and are available through the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers Ticket Office. There are reserved bleacher seats ($29), and general admission grass seats ($14).

Box seats, the All-You-Can-Eat section, and patio tables are sold out for the game. Fans who purchased patio table seating for the game will now receive an autographed softball from Davante Adams.

Young Life, an organization for middle, high school and college students that pairs them with adults focused on the things that matter most to kids – fun, adventure and friendship, remains the main beneficiary of this softball game. Founded in 1941, Young Life has more than 3,000 staff and 30,000 volunteers reaching more than 1,000,000 kids annually. Additional charitable partners will also be beneficiaries of this year’s game.

The Timber Rattlers box office is open from 9am until 5pm Monday through Friday and from 10:00am to 3:00pm on Saturdays. Fans may call (920) 733-4152 or 800-WI-TIMBER, stop by the box office at the stadium, or order online through timberrattlers.com.

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

View More

Dragons Players and Mascots to Visit Schools in Three Counties This Week

DAYTON, Ohio – Dayton Dragons players and one of the team’s mascots, Gem, will visit schools in three different counties across the Miami Valley 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, April 10, 2018

10:00am-10:45am

Cox Elementary

506 Dayton Avenue

Xenia, OH, 45385

Phone: 937-372-9201

11:15am-12:00pm

Saville Elementary

5800 Burkhardt Rd.

Dayton, OH, 45431

Phone: 937-259-6625

Wednesday, April 11, 2018

10:00am – 10:45am

Warder Park-Wayne Elementary

2820 Hillside Ave.

Springfield, OH, 45503

Phone: 937-505-4459

11:15am – 12:00pm

Snyder Park Elementary

1600 Maiden Ln.

Springfield, OH, 45504

Phone: 937-505-4430

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.

—end–

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

View More

Legends Pair Baseball and Learning with STEM Program in Partnership with Lexmark

WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK (Lexington, KY) – The Lexington Legends are excited to announce two Education Days this season: April 11 and May 9, both beginning at 10:35 a.m. In addition to the Education Days at the ballpark, the Legends will continue the Lexington Legends STEM Program, in a new partnership with Lexmark.

Modeled after the Legends Hit the Books Program, the goal of the Lexington Legends STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) Program is to help children in Fayette County Public Schools gain the skills required to succeed in today’s world.

“Lexmark is proud to partner with the Legends in support of STEM education. Learning through hands-on activities related to baseball sparks an interest in STEM, steering our youth toward successful careers in critical fields,” said Lexmark’s Director of Global Talent Management, Diversity and Corporate Citizenship and NA Business Partners, Sheri Evans Depp. “Lexmark and other innovative companies will need these qualified candidates to fill future STEM jobs. And as a nation, we will rely on this next generation of innovators to drive our economy. ”

In 2017, 4,500 students in FCPS participated in this program. This year, that number has grown to 8,600 students actively participating in the initiative to create interest in STEM-related careers and topics. Students are rewarded for completing in-school STEM-related projects with free tickets to a Legends game. They have to master four aspects of learning: Critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and communication. These are accomplished by one hour of coding, creating an innovative project, attending a STEM Fair or STLP Meeting and then teaching someone what they learned. This four-step process helps to reinforce new learning and broaden what the students would learn in the classroom.

On April 11 and May 9, students from across the area will take in a Legends game at Whitaker Bank Ballpark on Education Days. During those games, students will be able to learn more about the science of baseball with launch angles, speed, velocity and more being broadcasted on the television screens on the concourse. Lexmark will also be sponsoring a STEM Fair for students to gain hands-on learning from a variety of Lexington-area organizations. Students can learn about meteorology from WKYT and Bryan Station High School will have virtual reality opportunities. The US Army, Kentucky American Water, Whitaker Bank, Explorium, Lexmark, Denham-Blythe (May 9th only), Bechtel and Kumon will also have interactive setups for the STEM Fair.

“Pairing baseball and learning for our Education Days is something we take great pride in. Not only will students learn how science relates to the sport, but they will also have the opportunity to take in a variety of other subjects and topics in the STEM Fair. This is a unique program we enjoy offering that fills Whitaker Bank Balllpark with students each season,” said Legends President/CEO Andy Shea.

The Legends, a Class A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and member of the South Atlantic League, play all home games at Whitaker Bank Ballpark in Lexington, Kentucky. 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.

SMOKIES AND U.S. CELLULAR TO HOST LITTLE LEAGUE TAKEOVER

SEVIERVILLE – The Tennessee Smokies have announced they have teamed up with U.S. Cellular to host a Little League Takeover on Saturday, April 7th at Farragut Baseball fields from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM. The U.S. Cellular Little League Takeover will allow the youth baseball players ages 5-14 to experience what it is like to be a Smokies player for a day.

“We are extremely excited to team up with U.S. Cellular for this event,” added Smokies President and COO Chris Allen. “This is a great event to allow these kids the chance to experience what it is like to be a Smokies player for a day. We are thrilled to be involved in this event as we love being a part of this Knoxville community.”

The event will take place at the Farragut Baseball fields located at 11719 S. Northshore Drive. The youth baseball players will play their scheduled games with a host announcing the players, on-field games, inflatables, prizes, and much more. The youth base¬ball players will also have a chance to feel like a true Smokies player with a mock interview station featuring a podium and a media backdrop where they can answer questions following their game.

“At U.S. Cellular, we’re happy to bring interactive experiences like this to the communities we serve,” said Nathan Waddell, director of sales for U.S. Cellular in Tennessee. “Providing an opportunity for these kids to enjoy a day in the life of a professional baseball player is as exciting for us as it is for them. We hope they all soak in this once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

The U.S. Cellular Little League Takeover will also feature Smokies mascots and Rally Crew members interacting with the players throughout the event.

The Smokies will commence their 2018 home campaign against the Jackson Generals on Wednesday, April 11, 2018. The full schedule for this season and season ticket information can be found online at smokiesbaseball.com, or by calling the Smokies Ticket Office at 865-286-2300.

ABOUT THE TENNESSEE SMOKIES

The Tennessee Smokies are the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. Members of the ten-team Southern League, Smokies baseball has been entertaining families and fans of America’s national pastime in the East Tennessee region for over 100 years. To learn more about the Tennessee Smokies, visit www.smokiesbaseball.com

About U.S. Cellular

U.S. Cellular is the fifth-largest full-service wireless carrier in the United States, providing national network coverage and industry-leading innovations designed to elevate the customer experience. The Chicago-based carrier offers coverage where the other carriers don’t and a wide range of communication services that enhance consumers’ lives, increase the competitiveness of local businesses and improve the efficiency of government operations. For the fourth time in a row, U.S. Cellular has the Highest Wireless Network Quality Performance, according to J.D. Power’s twice-annual U.S. Wireless Network Quality Performance Study, and 99 percent of customers have access to 4G LTE speeds. To learn more about U.S. Cellular, visit one of its retail stores or www.uscellular.com. To get the latest news, promos and videos, connect with U.S. Cellular on Facebook.com/uscellular, Twitter.com/uscellular and YouTube.com/uscellularcorp.

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

Providence Personal Injury Attorney, Rob Levine & Associates Partners with MiLB, PawSox, for Third Year, in Rob Levine Kid’s Corner Program

Providence Injury and Disability Attorney Rob Levine continues his partnership with the Pawtucket Red Sox at McCoy Stadium for the 2018 season. The partnership, initiated by Rob Levine himself in the Fall of 2016 after attending a Red Sox game at Fenway Park, is coined the Rob Levine Kids Corner. The program invites children and community organizations focused on youth to attend a game at McCoy Stadium with Levine’s compliments. Rob Levine’s Kids Corner provides 20 tickets to every (approximately 70) home game during the PawSox season.

Kids Corner attendees receive VIP treatment while at McCoy. “We’re giving organizations and kids within our community the opportunity to attend a game, experience this all-American pastime, and create unique memories at McCoy Stadium,” says Levine. “Dozens of community programs have benefited from the Rob Levine Kids Corner, including the Boys and Girls Club, the local YMCA’s, school groups, and nonprofit organizations focused on youth and children. We encourage all community youth groups and programs to get involved so we can give this opportunity to as many children as possible, “Levine further states.

Levine is passionate and devoted to public services not only through his career as an attorney but also as a retired police officer, paramedic, and military police officer. This sponsorship among others, allow Levine and his Team to advocate for the community in which they live, work, and play. Rob Levine’s Kids Corner highlights their mission of helping those in need from a legal capacity as well as giving back to the community in many ways as often as he can.

“Thanks to Rob Levine, we are thrilled to be able to offer the Rob Levine’s Kids Corner and expand our guest list to provide many more individuals and organizations with a first-class experience at McCoy Stadium,” states Rob Crain, Sr VP of Sales and Marketing for the PawSox. “Rob Levine’s generosity and commitment to community, is amazing and we are proud to have him and his Team as our community partner,” Crain further states.

About Rob Levine and Associates

We know him as the Heavy Hitter and in his current occupation as an Attorney, helping individuals who have been hurt in an accident or who are disabled. However, you may not be aware of Rob Levine’s background. From an early age, Rob knew he had a calling. At sixteen, when most kids his age were simply out being kids, he became part of the Glen Rock Volunteer Ambulance Corps, holding a position of EMT (emergency medical technician). He was promoted within a year to Crew Chief. During his nine years of commitment and dedication, he rose through the ranks to become second-in-command of a fifty-person rescue squad. This was the beginning of his call to serve.

The next phase of Rob’s career took him to college for Administration of Justice and to the Rhode Island Army National Guard. There he served three years as a military police officer. After his national service and graduating from college, he took a step toward serving the community. He was hired as a police officer by the Central Falls Police Department. Seeing the many needs of the citizens of Central Falls during his first six months on the force, Rob decided it was time to do more. He began a writing project for a grant and secured sixteen thousand dollars for the department’s first K-9 Drug Enforcement unit. Upon his appointment as the K-9 Officer, he went to California for formal training. In addition to his patrol duty, Rob and his dog were instrumental in fighting the ever-present drug problem in the city.

His police work was not the only thing he was focused on, Rob also concentrated on his personal development. Rob began to attend law school, was learning how to fly helicopters, practicing in a Robison R-22, helicopter. After graduating from law school Rob retired from the police department and began to practice law continuing to help those in need. Rob also continued to feel the need to serve the community as a volunteer and became a Ski Patroller. Not being fully satisfied with his medical background as an emergency medical technician, Rob went back to school to become a paramedic. Rob now works and volunteers his time as a paramedic, riding on an ambulance, trying to make a difference.

His background and focus has always been on helping those in need and giving back to the community in many different capacities as often as he can. Rob Levine and Associates are personal injury attorneys helping individuals who have been hurt in an accident or who are disabled. The firm practices law and services Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut on injury cases. Rob Levine and Associates also handles social security disability and veterans disability cases on a regional and national level as well. Our team is available 24/7 to help you. Contact us for a FREE consultation at 800-742-3940 or visit our website for more information. Our Fee Free Policy ensures that you do not pay unless you win.

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

New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation Announces 2018 Scholarship Contest

The Class-A Short-Season New York-Penn League and its member clubs, including the Williamsport Crosscutters, are proud to announce that the league’s philanthropic arm, the NYPL Charitable Foundation, will once again award over $10,000 in scholarships this summer to deserving high school graduates from the league’s 14 markets.

Now in its tenth year, the 2018 NYPL Scholarship Contest is open to any graduating senior from a public or private high school within the league’s footprint. Any student who has been accepted at a two- or four-year college or university, vocational school, or technical education institution is eligible. Applicants will be judged based on academic performance, volunteer and extracurricular activities, and the impact their local NYPL club and Minor League Baseball have had on their lives.

The scholarship contest will consist of two stages – a local round and a league round. In the local stage, students will apply directly to their local NYPL team, with one applicant chosen by each of the 14 teams to advance to the league/final round. The 14 finalists will then be judged by league representatives. Three applicants will be selected to receive the top prize of a $2,500 scholarship. All other finalists will receive a $250 book award.

“The New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation and our 14 member clubs are pleased to have the opportunity to assist outstanding high school seniors within our league’s footprint for the tenth consecutive season,” said Ben J. Hayes, President of the New York-Penn League. “This program will again recognize those seniors who not only meet and exceed traditional scholarship criteria, but demonstrate the positive community impact and lifelong memories fostered by their local NYPL clubs throughout the year.”

Area high school seniors interested in entering the 2018 Scholarship Contest can obtain the official application using the link below or by visiting the Williamsport crosscutters offices at BB&T Ballpark during regular business hours.

The deadline to submit applications to the nearest NYPL team is June 4, 2018. Each club’s winner, including the three $2,500 scholarship recipients, will be selected in mid-July.

The New York-Penn League and its 14 member clubs created the New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation, a 501(c) (3) charitable organization, in 2003. The mission of the Foundation is to provide focus and support for the collective and individual charitable and community efforts of the New York-Penn League, its Clubs, and their staff.

CLICK HERE to download application

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

Kernels Kids Heroes card set nominations closed

Cedar Rapids, IA – The Kernels are proud to announce that we have collected all the nominations for the 2018 Kids Heroes Baseball card set and nominations for this year’s card set are now closed. Thank you to everyone who submitted a hero for this year’s set!

We still encourage all fans to attend our Kids Heroes Night on Friday, June 15th at 6:35 PM as the first 1,000 fans through the gates will receive a free set of Ronald McDonald House Kids Heroes Baseball Cards, sponsored by McDonalds. Gates open at 5:30 PM.

With the strong interest in our first Kids Heroes Baseball Cards sets, the Kernels plan to continue this annual tradition by releasing a second Kids Heroes Set for the 2019 season. Nominations for this set will open in mid-January of 2019.

Legends Announce Partnership with UK HealthCare for Sensory Friendly Kits and Days at Whitaker Bank Ballpark

WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK (Lexington, KY) – The Lexington Legends are proud to announce Sensory Friendly Days on Sunday, May 13 and Monday, June 11, 2018 in partnership with UK HealthCare. Along with special considerations around the ballpark before the games, the Legends will have Friendly Access Sensory Safety Kits provided by Life Is Washable Inc. available throughout the entirety of the season.

On the days of May 13 and June 11, fans with sensory sensitivities and their families will be able to enter the ballpark at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 13 and 5:00 p.m. on Monday, June 11 to take part in pre-game festivities they previously may have had to skip. There will be no loud music or public address announcements made during this time. Legends players will be available for autographs and the Toyota Triple Play Zone will be open, also. Legends mascots, Big L and Pee Wee will be on hand, but will not approach children. Instead, they will allow the children to come up to them for autographs and photographs as desired. When gates open for the public at 12:30 p.m. (Sunday, May 13) and 6:00 p.m. (Monday, June 11), children and their families can make their way to Guest Services to pick up one of the thirty Sensory Safety Kits for the remainder of their time at Whitaker Bank Ballpark.

“This new partnership with UK HealthCare opens Legends games to children and adults who normally would not be able to attend due to sensory sensitivities,” said Legends President/CEO Andy Shea. “We always want to strive to make our games as accessible as possible and this is a huge step towards that. Families can come out and enjoy a game utilizing the new Sensory Safety Kits that will be available all season long.”

Included in the Friendly Access Sensory Safety Kits provided by Life is Washable Inc. and sponsored by UK HealthCare, are stickers, a wrist band, ID card, communication card, a sensory toy, anti-glare glasses, earmuffs and tissues. At the end of each night, fans will return the kits to Guest Services so they can be sanitized, restocked, and ready for the next event. With the partnership with UK HealthCare, there are certain items provided that the child can keep after the game.

“We are thrilled to join the Legends’ efforts to provide an opportunity for more of Kentucky’s kids to enjoy America’s favorite pastime. The sensory kits will allow children who would otherwise not be able to attend a baseball game due to loud noises and other environmental factors to enjoy a fun day at the ballpark, making lifelong memories,” said Scottie Day, Interim Chair, UK Department of Pediatrics.

Previously, minor league hockey teams have done similar nights, but the Legends are ensuring that fans can enjoy games for the entirety of the season by utilizing the Friendly Access Sensory Safety Kits. Thirty kits will be stocked in Guest Services to start the 2018 season, as interest and demand dictates, more kits can and will be added to inventory for fan use.

For more information about Sensory Friendly Day, contact Sarah Bosso at sbosso@lexingtonlegends.com or 859-422-7855. The Legends, a Class A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and a member of the South Atlantic League, kickoff the 2018 season at Whitaker Bank Ballpark against the Charleston RiverDogs, an affiliate of the New York Yankees, on Opening Day – April 5, 2018. 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.

Cougars Rank #6 in Charitable Giving Among All MiLB Teams

GENEVA, Ill. – The Kane County Cougars have been ranked #6 among all 160 Minor League Baseball (MiLB) for their charitable giving throughout the 2017 season, per the MiLB Charities Report which was released last week by the league. Collectively, MiLB clubs reported nearly $40 million in cash and in-kind donations, the highest in MiLB Charities history.

“When you find yourself ranked #6 out of #160 that is special, no matter the category,” said Cougars owner Dr. Bob Froehlich. “Then when you realize the category in is charitable giving among all of Minor League Baseball, it becomes so special that no words can describe how proud we are of what our Foundation has meant to Kane County.”

Of the nearly $40 million, the Cougars contributed $949,926 among their various charitable campaigns throughout the season. The Cougars charitable giving is highlighted by many different programs throughout the year including the Al Mueller Memorial Scholarship Fund which awards local college students working to further their education, Paramount Fence Home Runs for Charity program, the Cougars Reading Club, as well as the Cougars Summer Reading Program, the Highland Salutes program supports both active duty military and veterans along with participation in MiLB’s inaugural “Es Divertido Ser Un Fan” initiative that aimed to connect Hispanic/Latino baseball fans with their local teams.

Click here to view the full MiLB Charities Report.

Moving towards the 2018 season, the Cougars are pledging to increase their charitable giving via the new history-making “A Million Smiles Campaign.” Announced on Monday, the Cougars are the first MiLB team to set a charity fundraising goal of this magnitude. Each dollar donated throughout the season will provide a much-needed smile for those in need. Fans are encouraged to participate in the charitable giving campaign throughout the year by purchasing 50/50 raffle tickets with proceeds benefitting various local charities, participating in the Pitch In for Charity promotion on fireworks nights, purchasing a Legacy Brick to be displayed at the main entrance of the ballpark, registering for the 7th Annual Cougars 5K on May 19 or selecting the Kane County Cougars Foundation, Inc. as their favorite charity on AmazonSmiles.

For more information about A Million Smiles campaign, visit www.kccougars.com.

The Cougars 2018 season begins on Thursday, April 5 at 6:30 PM against the Clinton LumberKings. For more information, including the full schedule of theme nights, entertainment acts and giveaways scheduled, visit kccougars.com.

Follow the Cougars on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates on tickets and promotions.

About the Kane County Cougars

The Cougars, Class-A Minor League affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, have been at the forefront of family-friendly entertainment since 1991. In 2015, the franchise became the first Class-A team in Minor League Baseball history to welcome 11 million fans through the gates. A total of 161 former Cougars have reached the Major Leagues including Miguel Cabrera, Nelson Cruz, Josh Beckett, Adrian Gonzalez and Kyle Schwarber.

***

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

“Wild About Reading” program reaches 1 million student milestone

FRESNO, Calif. – “Wild About Reading,” one of the hallmark community initiatives organized by the Fresno Grizzlies through most of the franchise’s history, is celebrating a milestone of over one million students reached through the program. With just shy of 100,000 (and counting) students participating during this school year at 156 schools, the literacy program has grown exponentially in the last six years.

Wild About Reading, which incentivizes students to read frequently beyond just their school curriculum, is now in its 15th year of operation. Reaching elementary schools in five counties (Fresno, Kings, Madera, Merced and Tulare), the program has increased the total number of books read by area students by reaching at least 97,000 students each school year since 2012. The program has surpassed 100,000 students in a year three times, and this offseason the total number of students enrolled reached over one million during the life of the program.

Over 160 schools have been involved in the program the last three years – most holding a “kick-off assembly” featuring Grizzlies Mascot Parker T. Bear and Eddie the Owl from EECU. During the 2017-2018 offseason, Parker, Eddie and the Grizzlies’ front office staff staged 205 total assemblies in the five-county area, sometimes doing multiple assemblies for a school. In addition to EECU, other presenting sponsors of Wild About Reading are Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino, PG&E, Savemart Supermarkets and Gar Tootelian.

Since its beginnings in 2004, Wild About Reading has now reached over one million students, with incentives that include:

  • Five Wild About Reading Grizzlies games during the 2018 season, with two (2) complimentary tickets for readers that participate in the program, for reading 10 additional books outside of school curriculum and turning in the bookmark which tracks that progress to the Chukchansi Park ticket office.
  • Outstanding reader awards presented at games to four top students (nominated by teachers).
  • Two students will win a tablet at each Wild About Reading game this season, drawn randomly by seat number.
  • The school with the highest ticket redemption percentage to the Wild About Reading games wins a $500 bonus.

“A couple of seasons ago, we realized the one-million-student milestone was within reach, and it’s a great credit to how excited kids in the Central Valley are about reading,” said Whitney Campbell, director of community engagement and events for the Fresno Grizzlies. “We love having the incentive of Grizzlies baseball to promote more reading, but the students truly put in the time to realize reading is fun, baseball is fun, and combining the two is even more fun.”

Special thanks is also owed to the follow partners in producing the annual “Farm Grown” magazine, the activity and info book that accompanies the program kickoff at each assembly: Fresno Chaffee Zoo, Sun-Maid, Gar Tootelian, Dave & Busters, Farm Credit and Port of Subs.

#Growlifornia 

ABOUT THE FRESNO GRIZZLIES
The Fresno Grizzlies, Triple-A affiliate of the Houston Astros, are a member of the 16-team Pacific Coast League and one of 30 clubs in the world playing the highest level of Minor League Baseball. The team plays at 12,500-seat Chukchansi Park in Downtown Fresno, which is also a year-round community gathering place, hosting myriad other special events beyond Grizzlies’ games, such as concerts, professional soccer and high school sporting events. The Grizzlies will enter the 2018 season – their 21st in Fresno – on the momentum of three consecutive winning seasons, including a PCL and National Championship in 2015. For information on 2018 Fresno Grizzlies season ticket and mini-plans, fans should call the Grizzlies’ ticket office at 559.320.TIXS between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

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