Storm Pair Up with Shoes That Fit

LAKE ELSINORE, Calif. – Lake Elsinore’s loveable green dog Thunder and fellow Storm staff members partnered with Shoes That Fit to bring lots of smiles and 40 new pairs of shoes to kids at Enchanted Hills Elementary School in Perris, Calif.

Shoes That Fit, the largest national organization of its kind, is committed to tackling one of the most visible signs of poverty in America by providing kids in need with new athletic shoes to attend school with new confidence and joy. The organization has donated almost two million pairs of shoes to kids in thousands of schools across the country.

“Creating a partnership with Shoes That Fit is perfect for Storm Baseball,” said Courtney Kessler, the team’s Director of Community Relations. “Two areas we focus on in the community are education and physical education through sport. Storm Baseball and the staff are excited to be able to help out students with the support of Shoes That Fit.

The Lake Elsinore Storm, a Minor League affiliate of the San Diego Padres, has been in the city for almost 25 seasons and have always been active on giving back to the fan base and the community the team has called home. The Storm will be celebrating the team’s 25th season in 2018.

Register for This Year’s Edition of Fang’s Reading Club

GRAND CHUTE, WI – Fang’s Reading Club is open for enrollment! The incentive-based rewards program that encourages reading development in children from grades K through 5 is presented by Learning Rx, Myndology, and Tutor Doctor. Teachers and reading coordinators have until Friday, November 17 to get involved in this popular Wisconsin Timber Rattlers program.

Personnel at participating schools have the flexibility to design the program to meet the needs of their students. The Timber Rattlers and various sponsors will provide students with incentive prizes as they reach goals within the program. Students who meet all of their goals for the program are rewarded with a FREE ticket as part of their school’s Family Night at a Timber Rattlers game in 2018.

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

  • An introductory letter to be sent to parents at the start of the program.
  • Baseball related verification aids to help parents and teachers track the progress of participants.
  • Incentive prizes for students as they reach each goal set by the coordinator.
  • A FREE ticket to a 2018 Timber Rattlers game with a hot dog & soda voucher for students who complete the program.
  • Information to aid schools in setting up their Family Night at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium.

Please head to Fang’s Reading Club page at the Timber Rattlers website for full details, including a sample timeline, dates for Reading Club games, and how your school can schedule a visit from Fang. You may also look at this year’s Reading Club brochure here.

The club had 200 schools and over 47,000 students participate in the program last year and Fang is looking to make this year’s club even bigger!

Contact Dayna Baitinger at dbaitinger@timberrattlers.com, (800) WI-TIMBER, or (920) 733-4152 if you have any questions or would like to register your class or school for this year’s club.

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

RiverDogs Host Fourth Annual Trick-or-Treat Movie Night Down at The Joe

CHARLESTON, S.C.- With Halloween just around the corner, the Charleston RiverDogs are getting in the spirit of the season with the fourth annual Trick-or-Treat Movie Night featuring Disney’s “Moana” from 6-9pm on Friday, October 27 at Joe Riley Park.

The night begins with trick-or-treating around the Riley Park concourse starting at 6pm, followed by the showing of Disney’s 2016 animated hit starting at 7 on the video board. Admission for the event is $5 a person or a donation of five or more canned food items for donation to the Lowcountry Food Bank. Members of the MUSC Health Kid’s Club also get in free.

Trick-or-treaters are encouraged to dress up as a “Moana” character and young fans will have the opportunity for a meet & greet with Moana and enjoy a fire juggling show as part of the evening’s festivities.

For more information about getting involved in the event, please contact Walter Nolan-Cohn at the RiverDogs front office at (843) 723-7241.

RiverDogs season tickets, half-season ticket packages, and flex plans are now available for the 2018 campaign. The RiverDogs begin the season on April 12 when they host the Kannapolis Intimidators at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park. Ticket information can be secured by contacting the box office at (843) 577-DOGS (3647) or online at www.riverdogs.com/tickets.

–RIVERDOGS–

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

Safe & Seen trick-or-treat set for October 29

The State College Spikes are once again partnering with Centre LifeLink EMS to give fans a chance at free family fun for the Halloween season with Safe & Seen at the Ballpark presented by State College Community Land Trust. The family trick-or-treating event is scheduled for Sunday, October 29 from 3-5 p.m. at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park.

Safe & Seen will feature the opportunity for families to bring their young trick-or-treaters to the ballpark in costume for a safe Halloween event that will include many fun activities for fans of all ages. Admission and parking are free.

Youngsters can also bring a bag or bucket to be filled by area organizations stationed throughout the ballpark as they go “door-to-door” to collect treats and other fun items.

Penn State Health will also be on hand to give a mini-pumpkin from Shuey’s Market in State College to each youngster, as well as a decorating kit. Plus, fans young and old can experience ambulance tours, fall crafts, kids games, Spikes mascot meet-and-greets, and more.

Local organizations still interested in being part of Safe & Seen in the Ballpark can contact Ben Love of the Spikes at blove@statecollegespikes.com.

Fans are also encouraged to bring a donation for Centre LifeLink EMS in support of their life-saving services.

Medlar Field at Lubrano Park will play host to even more fun in 2018 when the Spikes return for an All-Star summer, with the 2018 NYPL All-Star Game serving as the centerpiece of what promises to be a jam-packed schedule. To find out more about Season Seat Memberships, Value Plans, Flex Books and a variety of different group packages and experiences for the 2018 season, call the Spikes at (814) 272-1711. Additional team and ticket information can also be viewed by visiting State College Spikes.com.

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

Trick-or-Treat With Johnny TinCap!

Halloween is quickly approaching and Johnny TinCap is looking to make plans. Do you know anyone who’d like to go trick-or-treating with him?

If so, members of the TinCaps Kids Club are invited to enter the TinCaps Halloween Essay Contest. All you need to do is explain “Why I want to trick-or-treat with Johnny TinCap…” in 100 words or less.

Not a Kids Club member yet? Then sign up here. It’s free to join and open for all kids 12 and under. Benefits include invitations to VIP events open only to Kids Club members, like Johnny’s Birthday Party and a Clinic with TinCaps players, plus exclusive giveaways.

Essays are due by Wednesday, Oct. 25 at 5 p.m. and can be emailed to johnny@tincaps.com, dropped off at Parkview Field, or sent to the following address:

Attn: Johnny TinCap, Fort Wayne TinCaps, 1301 Ewing St., Fort Wayne, IN 46802.

Entries will be judged by Johnny and his friends on the TinCaps’ staff.

Johnny will go trick-or-treating with the winner in his or her neighborhood for an hour on Halloween (Tuesday, Oct. 31). The winner also will receive a special TinCaps Prize Pack.

Happy Halloween from Johnny and the TinCaps!

And in the spirit of Halloween, don’t forget to visit Parkview Field on Saturday, Oct. 15 for Fright Night Downtown!

Take a look at this video of Johnny trick-or-treating with a previous winner, Lydia.

Watch: Youtube Video

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

Blue Rocks Win Carolina League’s Matt Minker Award For Community Service

Wilmington, DE – The Wilmington Blue Rocks were honored by the Carolina League on Tuesday with the Matt Minker Community Service Award for the fourth consecutive season. The honorees were selected by a league-wide vote of club executives and owners.

“I could not be more proud of the entire Blue Rocks’ organization,” said managing partner Dave Heller. “I am especially happy for my partner and friend Clark Minker, since the community service award bears his late father’s name. This is a great team award, and I am so delighted for everyone with the Blue Rocks who worked so hard all season long to earn this tremendous accolade. We take enormous pride in our standing within the Delaware community and this award is a public recognition of how special our relationship with the people of the First State is.”

The Minker Award goes to the club that best demonstrates an outstanding, on-going commitment to charitable service, support, and leadership within its community. The award is named after the Blue Rocks’ founder, who owned the club until his death in 2007. Minker, whose construction company built Frawley Stadium, is still the team’s honorary president.

The Blue Rocks won the award thanks in large part to their numerous school programs, charitable endeavors and hospital visits.

As an organization the Blue Rocks work with area schools to promote academic achievement (DSEA Rocky’s Reading Challenge), citizenship (Outstanding Student Program) and overall knowledge (Discover Baseball and Education Day). Frawley Stadium also hosts three youth camps each summer, teaching kids how to play the game of baseball.

The team helped raise tens of thousands of dollars for good causes through partnerships with Habitat for Humanity, Fight for the Gold, Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition and many other charities in 2017. Several times during the season the team’s players and mascot also visited local hospitals, brightening the spirits of that facility’s patients and their families.

“Matt Minker was instrumental in laying the foundation for the Blue Rocks and for the franchise’s success in the years to follow,” said Blue Rocks director of community affairs Kevin Linton. “It is fitting that this award represents his life’s work and we are absolutely thrilled as an organization to honor his legacy for a fourth consecutive season by earning this recognition.”

As the Carolina League’s recipient of the Matt Minker Award, the Blue Rocks received the 10-team league’s automatic nomination for the John Henry Moss Community Service Award, given out by Minor League Baseball at its annual national convention, to be held this December in Disney World.

Season seats for the 2018 season are on sale now, with group packages available beginning November 9. For more information please call 302-888-BLUE or visit the team’s website at BlueRocks.com.
www.BlueRocks.com

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

PawSox Begin 2nd Year of Pioneering Partnership with “Mentor Rhode Island” at Pawtucket’s Agnes E. Little Elementary School

Here is a link to the original story on the team’s website.

 

The Pawtucket Red Sox today announced that they will continue their pioneering mentor program with elementary school students in partnership with MENTOR Rhode Island. Last year, the PawSox became Pawtucket’s first partner of the organization that coordinates and operates mentoring throughout Rhode Island. For the second consecutive year, PawSox front office members will serve as mentors to children at Agnes E. Little Elementary School.

Each week, staff members visit the nearby school and spend an hour with individual children. Last year, the students were third graders. To provide continuity this year, the staff will mentor some of those same children, who are now in fourth grade.

“Whether we were sharing pizza, trying out a guitar, or taking a walk on the playground, the visits were so rewarding for us,” said PawSox President Dr. Charles A. Steinberg. “You looked forward to the smile that awaited you, and you let the conversation go wherever the child took it. It’s a wonderful way to gain insight to the lives of these thoughtful, sensitive young people in our community.”

“The relationships formed from mentoring have a profoundly positive impact on students, and helps broaden their perspectives of the world,” said Michael Gilmore, the school’s principal. “We are excited to be kicking off another year of this partnership, and everyone from the teachers to the students are looking forward to seeing the PawSox Front office staff back in our building, as part of our school community.”

Formerly known as the “Rhode Island Mentoring Partnership,” MENTOR Rhode Island supports the services of various programs statewide that provide more than 4,000 mentors to more than 5,000 students. It also directly operates programs in five other cities and towns: Warwick, Woonsocket, Newport, Middletown, and Cranston. The program established in January of 2017 was their first in Pawtucket.

“MENTOR Rhode Island is thrilled to continue and expand our partnership with the PawSox and the Agnes E. Little Elementary School with the second year of our Pawtucket Mentor Program,” said Jo-Ann Schofield, President and CEO of MENTOR Rhode Island. “The PawSox have been amazing and dedicated partners by providing the inaugural mentors for the children of their host community. Every PawSox staff member who served as a mentor last year has eagerly returned along with some additional recruits. We are hopeful other businesses will follow the PawSox’ example and provide mentors to the program so we can expand to serve more students. We are so grateful for the PawSox making this program possible.”

“We are grateful to Jo-Ann Schofield, to Michael Gilmore, and to the teachers and administrators in Pawtucket’s city school system for the inspiring work they do every day,” Steinberg said. “They make a difference.

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

Halloween with the Hooks

Here is a link to the original story on the team’s website.

CORPUS CHRISTI – The Fourth Annual Halloween with the Hooks Celebration, presented by Ashley HomeStore, is scheduled for Thursday, October 26.

Whataburger Field gates open at 6 p.m. that evening, and entertainment runs until 9.

“This is a wonderful community event, and we can’t wait to see many of our friends back at the ballpark,” Hooks President Ken Schrom said. “We’ll have a number of sponsors and non-profits giving candy away to the kids and there will be numerous fun activities for young families.”

Among the various activities on Stripes Diamond and in the Driscoll Health Plan Kids Zone:

  • Bounce House
  • Corn Hole
  • Playground
  • Obstacle Course
  • Rockwall
  • Trampoline

Kieschnick’s Korner will be the site of additional child-centered games and contests.

Guests can also enjoy a costume contest and Halloween-themed videos; selections this year come from the Scooby-Doo and Peanuts archives.

Admission to Halloween with the Hooks is free. Guests are encouraged to donate a canned food item for the Coastal Bend Food Bank.

Corpus Christi’s Ashley HomeStore is located at 5001 S. Padre Island Drive, or go to ashleyfurniturehomestore.com

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

View More

PawSox and Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza Team Up with Family Service RI on “Walk to School Day”

Here is a link to the original story on the team’s website.

On Wednesday, October 4, the PawSox celebrated National Walk to School Day in the city of Providence. The club joined forces with Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza and Family Service RI to help make sure that students arrived to school safely and on time.

“Studies have shown that walking your child to school in the morning can help prevent chronic absenteeism, a problem that many schools in our community are facing,” said PawSox Director of Communications & Community Relations, Joe Bradlee. “We hope that our mascot Paws made walking to school a memorable experience for some of the students at Fogarty Elementary School.”

Joining the PawSox and Mayor Elorza on the walking route were also members of the Providence Fire Department.

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

View More

Legends Expand “Dancing with the Students” Program to Russell Cave Elementary; 2nd School in Fayette County Public Schools

WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK (Lexington, KY) – Fourth grade students at Russell Cave Elementary will put on their dancing shoes and take a new approach to Arts and Humanities curriculum through the Legends community partnership with the not for profit “Dancing with the Students,” based out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

 

“Dancing with the Students” came to Lexington in the Spring of 2017 via Lexington Legends Secretary and Principal Sue Martinelli Shea, who founded the non-profit organization in 2005. The first students involved with the program in Lexington were sixth, seventh and eighth graders at Crawford Middle School, and the expansion of the program will mirror the first, having Russell Cave Elementary fourth graders also competing in 10 weeks of dance class and 9 weeks of instruction with the 10th week culminating in a grand finale competition. The students will be taught in two sessions by Arthur Murray trained dance teacher Rae Mickelwait and will learn four dances: Waltz, Tango, Merengue, and Swing. The first class will be October 9 & 10, 2017 at 9:30am with the grand finale slated for December 18, 2017.

 

“I started the non-profit, “Dancing with the Students” in 2005 in Philadelphia in one school” said Martinelli Shea. “My intent was to teach manners and respect to students while having fun learning to dance. Bringing “Dancing with the Students” to Lexington, Kentucky is a dream come true for me. In the Spring of 2017, our wonderful dance teacher, Rae Mickelwait, taught two classes of Ballroom Dancing at Crawford Middle School. This Fall, DWTS will expand to Russell Cave Elementary School.” Marinelli Shea continues, “I was raised by parents who stressed giving back and getting involved. I am so proud of my son, Andy Shea, who lives that through the work he does personally as well as professionally with the Lexington Legends, who are the recipient of the 2017 South Atlantic League Community Service Organization of the Year Award.”

 

This partnership expansion would not have been possible without the support of Russell Cave Elementary School administrators and educators, like Kyle Lionberger, Practical Living Teacher, who said ” [Dancing with the Students] is a great opportunity to teach our students arts & humanities in a different way. Students learn that dancing can be a lifetime activity that provides opportunity for movement, social interaction and fun while giving even the quietest students a voice.”

Arthur Murray dance instructor Rae Mickelwait added to Lionberger’s sentiments and said “I am so excited to continue to share my passion for ballroom dancing this semester with more children! Through dancing we get to convey the importance of team work and partnership, eye contact and even dressing the part for a performance. All these skills can help children on their journey to success in high school, college and beyond. I am so very blessed to be a part of “Dancing with the Students,” to be out in the community, as well as teaching at Lexington Arthur Murray.

Media is welcome to attend the first class and grand finale for photos and interviews with students. For more information, about Dancing with the Students, visit www.dancingwiththestudents.org or contact Sarah Bosso atsbosso@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, will return home to 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

PawSox Foundation Presents Tomorrow Fund with Donation of $21,156

The PawSox Foundation today presented $21,156 to the Tomorrow Fund at Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Providence, RI, to help families of children who are battling cancer. The funds are generated at the PawSox’ nightly “Hurl the Pearl” contest presented by six local Honda dealers.

“Childhood Cancer is one of the primary areas of focus of the PawSox Foundation,” said PawSox President Dr. Charles Steinberg. “We are inspired by the great work and good deeds of the Tomorrow Fund, and we are pleased to help their efforts. Talking to the families who have benefited from their care, we recognize what a treasure Rhode Island has in the Tomorrow Fund.”

Tomorrow Fund Executive Director Lisa Abbenante received the donation from a PawSox contingent that included Steinberg, as well as Julie Hershkowitz (Director of Client Services), Mike Lyons (Account Executive, Partnerships) Joe Bradlee (Director of Communications & Community Relations), Jackie Dempsey (Special Assistant to the President), and team mascots Paws and Sox.

At each game, fans purchase soft white baseballs and throw them at a Honda circling the field. Their donations go to the Tomorrow Fund. (Fans who toss balls through the open sun roof receive a PawSox Prize Pack of souvenirs.)

Last year, fans raised $10,008 for the charity.

 

The local Honda Dealers who sponsor the promotion (and provide the decorated vehicle) are Balise Honda, Grieco Honda, Herb Chambers Honda, Majestic Honda, Saccucci Honda, and Colonial Honda of Dartmouth.

For the second straight year, the PawSox helped launch Childhood Cancer Awareness Month (September) in their final weekend of the season.

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

Biloxi Shuckers make major community impact in 2017

Here is a link to the original story on the team’s website.

BIBiloxi ShuckersLOXI, MS – In a season marked by several on-field accomplishments in the third year of Minor League Baseball on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, the Biloxi Shuckers are most proud of their various community outreach efforts. From theme nights to jersey auctions, the Shuckers have made a financial and symbolic impact on their community throughout the 2017 season.

The Shuckers were nominated by the Minor League Baseball Community as a finalist for a prestigious “Golden Bobblehead” award for the “Best Community Promotion or Event” after helping with the Hattiesburg/Petal tornado relief efforts and William Carey vs. Biloxi Shuckers exhibition game. Shuckers’ employees traveled to Petal, Mississippi to assist cleanup crews. The tornado caused damage to the campus of nearby William Carey University, so the Shuckers scheduled a benefit exhibition game against the school’s baseball team before the first road trip of the season. The game raised $6,090 for the university’s tornado recovery efforts. This effort coupled with numerous other initiatives garnered the recognition.

Watch: Youtube Video

In addition to the recognition by Minor League Baseball, the Shuckers were also a finalist for the Southern League’s Community Service Award.

Shuckers’ front office members laid the groundwork for a successful season with several other community initiatives. Employees laid sod at an athletic complex in Moss Point, Mississippi to revitalize the area’s youth baseball program.

Watch: Youtube Video

In partnership with Walmart, the inaugural Shuckers “Hit the Books” reading program brought Schooner the Seagull to 17 schools and over 10,000 students to incentivize reading with Shuckers tickets as a reward.

Watch: Youtube Video

Since their inception, the Shuckers have had a strong relationship with nearby Keesler Air Force Base and the substantial military presence on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. That trend continued in 2017, as every Monday became “Military Monday” with special discounts for active and retired members of the armed forces. Special camouflage jerseys, worn every Monday and designed with input from Keesler staff, and were auctioned off at the end of the season with proceeds benefiting local military causes.

Throughout the season, the Shuckers have partnered with several charitable organizations to raise money and awareness for deserving local causes. Three additional jersey auctions earlier this season have brought in money for the March of Dimes, Mississippi Center for Autism, and Favre4Hope breast cancer research.

Watch: Youtube Video

The Shuckers have also hosted a Christmas in July toy drive for the Uplift Foundation, Seatbelt Safety night for the K&J Foundation (started by team photographer Brian Pearse), and Skin Cancer Awareness night in partnership with the MiLB Charities Sun Safety Initiative.

Youth outreach was not limited to the “Hit the Books” program. The Shuckers turned their two “Education Day” games into vocational field trips, with visits from Biloxi Fire and Police, NASA, the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, Department of Marine Resources, University of Southern Mississippi’s Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, and Mississippi State University’s Coastal Research Extension.

Former New York Mets catcher and Biloxi native Barry Lyons was formally invited into the Shuckers organization as an ambassador prior to the 2017 season, and the team assisted him in the creation of the first series of Shuckers Kids Clinics for local youth. In addition, the “Field of Dreams” program allowed more than 100 young baseball and softball players from the area to take the field alongside Shuckers players for the national anthem.

In partnership with the Knights of Columbus, the Biloxi Shuckers collected 765 lbs of food/product during a food drive on Sunday, July 30th for them to distribute in the community.

In addition to these widespread efforts, the Shuckers have also made numerous player and mascot appearances in the community over the course of the season. The Shuckers in-kind donations and in-stadium fundraising initiatives have raised $155,455.91 for over 100 charitable organizations. The Biloxi Shuckers understand the responsibility that comes with their platform in the community and are determined to make a positive impact on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

In addition to monetary contributions, the Biloxi Shuckers front office staff have logged 265 community volunteer hours thus far in 2017. Those hours have been spent working with area schools, NCBC’s Child Development Center, Humane Society of South Mississippi, VA Medical Center, Loaves and Fishes and cleanup efforts from Hurricane Harvey.

The Shuckers open up their 2018 season on the road at Montgomery before their home opener against Mississippi on April 11. More information on the fourth season of Biloxi Shuckers baseball will be available at biloxishuckers.com as the offseason progresses.

ABOUT THE BILOXI SHUCKERS: The Biloxi Shuckers are the Double-A Southern League Affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. The Shuckers play at MGM Park in Biloxi, Mississippi. For more information please visit biloxishuckers.com and follow us on Twitter @biloxishuckers and at facebook.com/biloxishuckers.com.

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

Spokane Indians’ Staff Helps Install Youth Baseball Field at Glover Park

Spokane, WASH. – The off-season for the Spokane Indians Baseball Club remained busy this week as the front office staff was out in full force refurbishing a youth baseball field at Glover Park. In partnership with the KXLY 4 News Extreme Team lead by Mark Peterson , the baseball diamond located at Glover Park was identified as needed help from the community.  This presented an opportunity the Indians couldn’t resist.

The KXLY Extreme Team completely refurbished the old Peaceful Valley Community Center which sits adjacent to the park and has now been renamed the Recovery Cafe. While fully mobilized with construction equipment and volunteers, the idea of working on the baseball field at the same time was introduced. With permission from the Spokane Tribe of Indians and recommendation to work with a state historical archaeologist, a plan was established to add top soil and dugouts to the site without disturbing any of the ground.

“We want to promote baseball at all levels and it starts with having a safe place to play,” said Indians Senior VP Otto Klein. “Not only is it a beautiful setting, it has deep meaning to the community and our partners at the Spokane Tribe that makes it a perfect project to work on.”

Glover Field was renamed in 1917 and dedicated to James N. Glover, a founding father of the city of Spokane. The park is currently one of 87 parks operated by the City of Spokane Parks Department. It also has deep meaning to the Spokane Tribe of Indians as it often served as an encampment for the tribe throughout history. A state tribal archaeologist was on hand during the process to make sure no land or artifacts were disturbed.

“The City of Spokane Parks Department oversees 2,000 acres of developed parkland in the City of Spokane,” said Carl Strong, Assistant Director of Park Operations. “This is a historic area and we’re proud to see help from the community to make it even better.”

Spokane Youth Sports Association (SYSA), which provides sports activities for all youth, will add the field to its spring baseball line-up and start scheduling regular practices and games.

“Adding another youth baseball field in this community is huge for us,” said SYSA Executive Director Phil Helean. “We have a shortage of fields compared to other communities our size, so adding one more is a step in the right direction.”

The Spokane Indians Baseball Club is the Short Season Class ‘A’ Affiliate of the Texas Rangers. For more information, please visit SpokaneIndians.com or call (509) 343-OTTO (6886).

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

Chasers Nominated for John Henry Moss Community Service Award

The Pacific Coast League has announced that the Omaha Storm Chasers’ franchise is the circuit’s nominee for Minor League Baseball’s John Henry Moss Community Service Award. Each league in Minor League Baseball nominated an organization, with the overall winner announced at the annual Baseball Winter Meetings in Orlando, Florida in December.

“A truly great organization is one that shows a high level of commitment to its own community,” stated Omaha Storm Chasers President and General Manager Martie Cordaro. “We are proud to be representing the Pacific Coast League with this nomination, which is a testament to the time and commitment of our front office staff, as well as the Kansas City Royals organization, to the Omaha Metro community.”

Over the course of the 2017 campaign, Chasers Charities, the charitable arm of the Omaha Storm Chasers, donated $808,182 to local charities, setting an all-time record in charitable giving for the fourth consecutive year. The Storm Chasers assisted over 1,500 different organizations, and were also visible in the community with over 420 mascot and player appearances. Front office employees also donated 740 hours of community service throughout the year.

73 different organizations were provided a platform at Werner Park at the Sprint Community Organization of the Night. Over $18,000 was raised through the McDonald’s and Huber Chevrolet Hurl the Pearl promotion for the Ronald McDonald House, while more than $21,000 was raised for various local charities including Methodist Hospital Founation and Moving Veterans Forward via four Jersey Auctions. Initiatives also included Hy-Vee Canned Food Sundays, with nearly 5,000 items donated to Heartland Hope Mission, in addition to Chasers FUNdamentals, with Chasers Charities teaming with DREAM to put on baseball clinics introducing youth to baseball.

Chasers Charities also offered the Chasin’ Dreams Grant, donating a total in excess of $9,000 to help non-profit organizations that operate youth softball/baseball programs make major renovations. Two Jackie Robinson Athletic Scholarships worth $1,000 each were also awarded through Chasers Charities and The Weitz Company, while partnering with the Nebraska State Treasurer’s Office for the 15th annual Why I Want To Go To College Essay Contest.

The Storm Chasers also held their third annual Chasers Community Week presented by Summit Dental, which included the Jirschele Family Memorial Golf Outing to help benfit the Muscular Dystrophy Association, as well as player appearances at Children’s Hospital and the Southwest YMCA and hosting Bellevue Buddy Baseball at Werner Park. The nine-day event culminated in hosting The Wall That Heals, an exhibit that featured a half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. The exhibit was open 24 hours a day from August 3-6 at Werner Park, with the Storm Chasers’ Military Appreciation game preceded the exhibit’s closing ceremonies.

Werner Park also served as a site for local organizations to use the stadium as a venue to host large-scale fundraisers. Those special events included the “Boxer 500” to benefit the Great Plains Colon Cancer Task Force, the “Walk to Defeat ALS”, SHARP Race towards Brain Aneurysm, Heart Heroes Run, and Nebraska 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb.

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

Dragons to Host College Prep Night

Dayton, Ohio – The Dayton Dragons and Fifth Third Bank will hold College Prep Night, a free educational event for prospective college students, at Fifth Third Field on Wednesday, September 27 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

College Prep Night is a one-stop college resource event to guide incoming college students and their parents through the process of planning an educational path. High school students can talk to representatives from some of the region’s top colleges, and two lucky students in attendance will win $1,667 college scholarships, courtesy of Fifth Third Bank.

More than 1,000 students and their guests attend and more than 60 colleges and universities participate in this free event. Among the colleges scheduled to appear are Ohio State University, Miami (Ohio) University, University of Notre Dame, University of Cincinnati, University of Dayton, University of Kentucky, Wright State University, and many more schools from around the region. Representatives will be on hand to answer whatever questions that students might have about college life at each particular school.

“College is an important milestone in life for those who choose to pursue it, and it’s important to us at Fifth Third to help students and their parents prepare financially,” said Doug Compton, Dayton city executive for Fifth Third Bank. “This is the tenth year for this great community event and it only seemed fitting to make the quantity and amount of scholarships a Fifth Third Better.”

The $1,667 scholarships will be given away after the event to two lucky college-bound students. To be entered to win, parents or students must RSVP before the event at www.daytondragons.com/collegeprep and must attend the event, although they do not have to be present to win.

In addition to visiting with the different schools, students and parents can participate in dynamic, informative workshops that will tell them everything they need to know about college. In one of the informative seminars, Fifth Third Bank will educate attendees on the new Fifth Third Momentum™ app, which helps pay off student loans faster.

###

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