PawSox Introduce First Four “Academic All-Stars”

The Pawtucket Red Sox tonight introduced the first four selectees to the “PawSox Academic All-Stars” program before the opener of their twin-bill at McCoy Stadium.

The program puts the spotlight on one middle school student from each of Rhode Island’s 39 cities and towns. The children are selected by educators based on academics, citizenship, and character.

“We welcome the opportunity to recognize young people throughout the state who are succeeding in school and contributing to their communities,” said PawSox President Dr. Charles A. Steinberg. “Teachers remind us that a small gesture from the community’s baseball team can have a large impact on a child’s self-esteem, particularly in middle school. We hope their moment in the spotlight-or in the sunlight-is a source of pride for their students, their friends, and their families.”

In pre-game ceremonies, each threw a Ceremonial First Pitch, and each received an authentic baseball bat engraved with their name. Each also receives a host of gift certificates from the PawSox and their sponsors.

The first four students were from Burrillville, Coventry, Newport, and Woonsocket.

The first four students were Ever Gallo, a 12-year-old 6th grader from Burrillville Middle School, and three 14-year-old 8th graders: Allison Abbruzzese of Feinstein Middle School in Coventry; Gavin Crowley of Thompson Middle School in Newport; and Andrew Simonini from Woonsocket Middle School at Villa Nova.

“It is important that our community recognizes promising students who are making an effort to better themselves and the lives around them,” said PawSox Senior Vice President/Club Counsel Kim Miner, who oversees the PawSox Foundation. “That is why these students we have sought value scholarship, citizenship, and character.”

The club will continue to recognize “PawSox Academic All-Stars” throughout the season. Educators seeking more information can find it at pawsox.com or by calling the PawSox, 401-724-7300.

The PawSox Academic All-Stars is the club’s second major community initiative in the area of education. Last November, the club introduced its PawSox Scholars program, in which two 8th-graders, one from Pawtucket and one from neighboring Central Falls, receive a college scholarship of $10,000 from the PawSox Foundaton.

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

RailRiders Announce HOPE Week Activities

Moosic, Pa. – What began as an ode to the parent club and the community has turned into an annual tradition in NEPA. The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Triple-A/New York Yankees) are proud to announce that beginning on Monday, June 19, the RailRiders will join the New York Yankees in support of HOPE (Helping Others Persevere and Excel) Week 2017, a unique week-long communal program that brings to light extraordinary stories intended to inspire individuals into action in their own communities.

Initiated in 2009 and now in its eighth campaign in NEPA, HOPE Week is rooted in the fundamental belief that acts of goodwill provide hope and encouragement to more than just the recipient of the gesture. Each day from Monday, June 19, through Sunday, June 25, members of the RailRiders front office staff or club will reach out personally to connect with an organization, cause or individual. 2017 marks the sixth straight year that each of the Yankees’ six U.S.-based affiliates will participate in the program, making the initiative one that the entire organization proudly stands behind.

“Being a part of the Yankees family is special. HOPE Week is one of the unbelievable programs that solidifies the ‘Yankee way’ and how important it is to impact your community,” said RailRiders Team Pesident/COO Josh Olerud.

On Monday, June 19, will hold a special meet and greet between SWB players and military veterans. Local veterans from St. Francis Commons Veterans Program in Scranton will receive tickets to the game and will have a special meet and greet with players at the field before the game. These veteran groups in attendance will receive special recognition during the Hometown Heroes in-game announcement.

From 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 20, players, coaches and front office staff will help box up meals for the Commission on Economic Opportunity’s “Senior Box Program” at the Weinberg Northeast Regional Foodbank in Pittston, PA. The CEO’s “Senior Box Program” provides meals to over 2,000 senior citizens in the area every month.

Wednesday, June 21, will feature a visit to the Janet Weis Children’s Unit at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Hospital. Players, coaches, front office staff, and CHAMP will visit the patients in the Children’s Unit of the Geisinger Wyoming Valley Hospital from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The visit will include reading to and visiting with the kids, coloring CHAMP and other fun pages and each child will get a special gift to keep. During the game, autographed memorabilia will be auctioned off and the proceeds will be given to the Ronald McDonald House of Scranton towards their efforts to support families of children who are in the hospitals in the local Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area.

RailRiders players will make a special visit on Thursday, June 22, to see a local Nanticoke area high school senior varsity baseball player, Aaron Kreitzer, who is in the hospital battling leukemia. Kreitzer will also be presented with his own custom RailRiders jersey. Since his diagnosis, Kreitzer’s high school baseball team, fellow students, and the whole Greater Nanticoke area community have rallied around him and his family throwing charity softball tournaments and fundraising benefits.

SWB will kick-off their annual RailRiders Vs. Cancer fundraiser on Friday, June 23. Fans will be informed of the fundraiser, the date of the head shaving will be announced, and past year’s fundraising campaign success will be highlighted. The RailRiders will also get to choose a local pediatric cancer program to receive half of the funds raised in this season’s campaign. Fans at the ballpark will be given the team fundraising website information.

From 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 24, players, coaches and staff will volunteer with Habitat for Humanity. They will put the finishing touches on a home in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., for a low-income family to purchase in July. The Wyoming Valley Habitat for Humanity restored the home for a single mother and her five-year-old daughter.

The team will wrap up their HOPE Week on Sunday, June 25, by participating in Minor League Baseball’s Joe Torre “Safe at Home” Domestic Violence Awareness Initiative. MiLB Charities has teamed up with the Joe Torre “Safe at Home” Foundation to raise awareness for domestic violence and educate fans about the resources available to help those in need. The first 500 fans at the game will receive Topps Card Sets featuring MLB veterans and top prospects and a signed Joe Torre Baseball will be raffled or auctioned off for the charity of our choosing. A representative from the Joe Torre Foundation will also be in attendance.

Our Community Organization of the Game will be the Mary Kay Foundation whose mission is to serve and support women with cancer and women and children affected by domestic violence. The Mary Kay Foundation will be selling their t-shirts during the game to raise money for their local programs. There will also be a “supply” drive (Items such as hygiene products, diapers, baby food and formula, school supplies, bus tickets and a no-longer used cell phone can make an important difference).

HOPE Week is just a part of the RailRiders’ community outreach this season, and the RailRiders look forward to continuing their involvement both during and after HOPE Week. Any inquiries regarding the weeklong festivities should be directed to RailRiders director of community relations Jordan Maydole by calling 570-969-2255 (ext. 3140) or by e-mailing jmaydole@swbrailriders.com.

The 2016 Gildan Triple-A National Champion RailRiders hit the road for four games in three days against the Buffalo Bisons (Toronto Blue Jays) beginning Friday, June 16. First pitch at Coca-Cola Field is set for 7:05 p.m. The boys of SWB return home on Monday, June 19, against the Syracuse Chiefs (Washington Nationals). Every Monday home game at PNC Field is Dollar Dog Night, presented by the Times-Tribune. For tickets or more information, please call 570-969-BALL (2255) or visit swbrailriders.com.

– SWB RailRiders Baseball – The Place to Be! –

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

Baseballtown Charities Breaks Ground on Savage 61 Dream Field

(Reading, Pa) – On Wednesday, June 14th at 4:30 p.m., Baseballtown Charities and their distinguished guests broke ground on the Savage 61 Dream Field at the Relevant Sports Complex. The Savage 61 Dream Field is the first baseball field in Berks County that is designed specifically for children with physical and developmental challenges.

Distinguished guests such as Tim Profit of Savage 61 Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Chris Kaag of IM Able Foundation, Pennsylvania State Senator Judy Schwank along with President of Baseballtown Charities Chuck Domino and Vice President of Baseballtown Charities Scott Hunsicker all spoke on behalf of the Savage 61 Dream Field.

Future Dream League players Jonny Ortiz, Tyler Hartman, Mya Haddock, Scott Palmer, Kyle Wolf joined President of Baseballtown Charities Chuck Domino, Vice President of Baseballtown Charities Scott Hunsicker, Jim Leupold of the Baseballtown Dream League, Tim Profit of Savage 61 Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Chris Kaag of IM Able Foundation and Screwball of the Reading Fightin Phils in the groundbreaking by shoveling dirt to officially get the field construction underway.

The Savage 61 Dream Field was announced in October of 2016 at the Diamonds and Dreams Dinner event hosted by the Reading Fightin Phils at First Energy Stadium.

IM ABLE Foundation and Baseball Charities announced a partnership in January of 2017 to build an adaptive playground at the new Savage 61 Dream Field. The playground will create a motivating and encouraging environment that will allow all children including those with physical or cognitive challenges to play together. Children who use a wheelchair, cane or crutches will be able to move freely throughout the playground. The surface of the playground will be rubber tile.

Baseballtown Charities will continue to raise funds to support the Baseballtown Dream League complex. Baseball town is also recruiting community members to serve as volunteer “angels” to assist Dream League players at every game.

Parents and community members interested in signing up children, volunteering or donating can email Baseballtown Charities at baseballtown@fightins.com for more information.

About Baseballtown Charities’ Dream League

Baseballtown Charities’ Dream League is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization based in Reading, Pa. that focuses on making dreams come true one pitch at a time. The Savage 61 Field of Dreams will be constructed at Relevant Sports Complex in Temple, Pa. Since 2002, Baseballtown Charities has worked to build inclusive baseball diamonds as well as bonds between players, teammates and supportive communities. For more information, visit www.baseballtowndreamleague.com.

America’s Classic Ballpark is proud to be a part of Pennsylvania’s Americana Region. Season tickets for the 2017 season are available online at Fightins.com, by phone at 610-370-BALL, and in-person at FirstEnergy Stadium. Follow the Fightin Phils on Twitter at @ReadingFightins and like them on Facebook via www.facebook.com/fightins.

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

Fort Wayne TinCaps To Honor Esurance Rising Star Students Program Winner During On-Field Ceremony

FORT WAYNE, Ind. –The Fort Wayne TinCaps, Esurance and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Indiana will recognize Addam Ray, a local high school senior and one of 14 Esurance Rising Star Students program winners, during a pregame presentation at Friday’s game versus the Dayton Dragons. The Esurance Rising Star Students program, which highlights and celebrates Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) participants for their outstanding service to their local communities, awards select high school students a $5,000 college stipend each, courtesy of Esurance.

Ray plans to attend Ivy Tech and become a computer programmer. He aspires to start his own company and use it as a platform for doing good in the world. Addam credits his “Big” from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Indiana for “showing him right from wrong, good from bad, laugh in the good times, and talk in the bad times.”

The Esurance Rising Star Students program submissions included unique and inspirational stories, academic accolades, college and career plans and more, emphasizing why each individual was a 

“Rising Star” in his or her community. To be eligible, nominees were required to be “Bigs” or “Littles” in Big Brothers Big Sisters.  

“With the help of Esurance and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, we can recognize a Rising Star Student in our community getting ready for his or her own call-up to college, and honor the student with a unique ballpark celebration,” said Mike Nutter, President of the Fort Wayne TinCaps. 

Last June, Esurance and Minor League Baseball announced a multi-year partnership making it the exclusive home and auto insurance partner of Minor League Baseball. Together, they created the Esurance Call-Up Worthy platform, which launched exclusively on MiLB.com and MiLB team websites. The platform celebrates the iconic moment in Minor League Baseball when a player is called up to Major League Baseball®, highlighting his journey through shareable digital and social content, such as virtual trading cards, video highlights and the Esurance Farm Report.

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

Sea Dogs to Host Free Youth Baseball Clinic on June 24

The clinic is open to children ages 6-16. All partiicpants must be comfortable being on the field without a parent.

Sea Dogs players are on hand to teach basic fundamentals of baseball including hitting, pitching, infielding, and outfielding. The clinic will conclude with an autograph session.

Kids should bring their own gloves. All other equipment will be provided including balls, bats, helmets. Water will also be available to all kids participating.

The clinics are free of charge. However pre-registration is required as each clinic is capped at 150 participants. Once you are registered please arrive at Hadlock Field by 9:45 AM and meet by the Slugger statue in the front plaza.

Schedule of Future Clinics

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

Salt Lake Bees to Expand Youth Baseball Programs

Promoting baseball at all levels of youth development, the Salt Lake Bees announced today an expansion of its youth baseball initiatives into four programs to further connect with the community and be stewards of the sport.

The announcement was part of a Major League Baseball “PLAY BALL” event at Smith’s Ballpark, which celebrated MLB’s new partnership with Minor League Baseball.

“The love of baseball is often associated with whether you played in your youth,” said Marc Amicone, general manager of the Salt Lake Bees. “As Major League Baseball connects more with young people through its PLAY BALL initiative, the Salt Lake Bees are also reorganizing our youth baseball program to further invest in the sport and provide more opportunities for boys and girls.”

YouthModeled after the ultra-successful Junior Jazz program – the largest youth basketball recreational league in the NBA – a Junior Bees program will be established. Currently, more than 10,000 kids are participating in Bees youth leagues organized by 35 community partners. Players will wear Bees branded team jerseys, receive a ticket to a Bees regular season game and be invited to attend skills clinics at Smith’s Ballpark.

The Salt Lake Bees Knothole Club, which is the largest kids club in Minor League Baseball since its formation in 2006, will become theSalt Lake Bees Kids Club for the 2018 season. For children 12 and under, membership benefits include a free T-shirt, free Bees game ticket/discounts on additional tickets, and access to player clinics at Smith’s Ballpark.

A new Salt Lake Bees Baseball Academy will launch in the fall of 2018, designed for developing competitive players with clinics, camps and tournaments along the Wasatch Front.

Partnering with Major League Baseball, the RBI Salt Lake program is joining a national endeavor about “reviving baseball in inner cities.” RBI programs have been started in more than 200 cities, including a pilot program in 2017 in Rose Park, which doubled its number of youth participants to 200 boys and girls. Rose Park Little League is the first RBI affiliate in the Salt Lake market and also features educational and life skills components.

More information will be available as the individual programs are activated atwww.slbees.com.

Salt Lake City has had a Triple-A affiliate since 1994, including the past 17 seasons with the Los Angeles Angels. Players, coaches and front office staff participate in an array of community activities such as baseball clinics, school and hospital visits, summer reading programs and mentor programs.

June Kids Club Coloring Contest

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — TinCaps Kids Club members have the chance to get their artwork put in an upcoming gameday program. Introducing our June Kids Club Coloring Contest! The theme of the contest is “Where in the World is Johnny?” Print this graphic of Johnny, color him, and draw him anywhere in the world!

The winner of the contest will get his or her drawing published on a full page in one of our gameday programs. Runner-ups will have a smaller picture of their drawing printed in the program.

You must be a member of the Kids Club to enter the contest. The club is free to join. You can sign up by going to TinCapsKidsClub.com, visiting Guest Sevices at a TinCaps game, or by contacting Aron Brecht at 260-407-2809 or Becht@TinCaps.com. Kids Club members receive inviations to VIP events, such as Johnny’s birthday party, special meet and greets, tirck or treating with Johnny, and more. Plus, there are exclusive giveaways for members only.

Submissions are due by Monday, June 28 at 5:00 p.m. You can dop off your drawing at Parkview Field’s Admin Offices Monday-Friday 9AM-5PM or at Guest Services during a home game.

You can also mail your drawing to:

Fort Wayne TinCaps

Attn: Aron Brecht

1301 Ewing Street

Fort Wayne, IN 46802

Click here for the picture to color

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

NATURALS HOST MOST IMPROVED STUDENT GAMES

SPRINGDALE, Ark – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are proud to have partnered with Mercy Kids on our Mercy Kids Most Improved Student Program, which gave teachers a chance to reward students for making progress during the year. The Naturals will host three (3) Mercy Kids Most Improved Student games on June 7, June 8 and on June 12 and each game will feature a pre-game recognition on the field prior to the start of the game.

During the 2017 season, the Northwest Arkansas Naturals received a record number of nominations for the Mercy Kids Most Improved Student Program. A total of 1,226 students (up from 1,106 in 2016) were nominated by 734 different teachers. The total number of schools participating also increased from 86 in 2016 to nearly 175 in 2017.

Each student that was nominated received two (2) tickets and a Kansas City Royals Kids Zone pass to their choice of either the June 7, June 8, or June 12 games. Prior to each, the Northwest Arkansas Naturals will honor these Most Improved Students with a pre-game parade on the field where they’ll be recognized in front of the crowd. Note that the pre-game recognition on Wednesday, June 7 will occur in-between games since it is a doubleheader.

Teachers were asked to submit nominations of student(s) in their class who have shown the most improvement since the start of the school year. Measuring improvement in the classroom can be very subjective, so the guidelines for student nominations were left up to the discretion of each teacher as they could nominate students that made strides with their behavior, social involvement, academic improvement or any combination of these.

For more information on the Mercy Kids Most Improved Student Program fans can visit www.nwanaturals.com, call (479) 927-4900, email groups@nwanaturals.com, or stop out at the Administrative Office at Arvest Ballpark.

Follow the Northwest Arkansas Naturals on Twitter @NWANaturals all throughout the year by using the hashtag #NaturalPastime and #CrowntoCrown for information on tickets, groups, promotions, roster, standings, statistics, and Naturals alumni in the Major Leagues.

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.

Vs. Cancer Night: Pediatric cancer fundraiser this Saturday with a goal of $8,000

The West Virginia Power will host a Vs. Cancer night on Saturday June 10. West Virginia plays the Greensboro Grasshoppers at 6:05 P.M. and will raise money for the Vs. Cancer Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation.

Vs. Cancer is an organization that donates money to pediatric cancer research. 50 percent of all donations fund local pediatric cancer programs and the other 50 percent funds pediatric brain tumor research. Each day 250 children in the United States lose their lives to cancer and 13 children are diagnosed with brain tumors.

“We’re glad to be assisting in such a worthy cause,” Executive Vice President Ken Fogel said, “I hope that whatever small part we play helps them reach their goals.”

The Power have set a goal of $8,000 with a deadline on June 10. The Minor League Baseball campaign, which the Power are a part of, have a $45,000 total goal. If the Power reach their goal, members of the front office staff will shave their heads.

“This is a great charity that will help a lot of kids in the greater Charleston area, as well as fund national research,” Garrett Weller, The West Virginia Power Production Manager said, “I’ve never had my head shaved before, but I’m excited for us to meet our goal and would be honored to do it for the kids.”

You can help the Power and Minor League Baseball reach their goals by joining the Power’s team at Power Vs. Cancer.

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

Meet the Team and STEM Day Among Homestand Highlights

FREDERICK, MD -The Frederick Keys return to Nymeo Field on Sunday night to begin a four-game series against the Potomac Nationals. This features the second Meet the Team Event of the Year and concludes with STEM Day on Tuesday morning. For tickets fans can contact the Keys at 301-815-9939 or visit frederickkeys.com.

First pitch on Sunday is at 6:00 p.m and gates open one hour prior. When fans arrive they can head down to the field for the Keys second Meet the Team Event of the year. From 5-5:30 Keys players and coaches will be meeting fans and signing autographs. During this time fans can also enjoy a catch in the outfield as part of Sunday Funday presented by Chili’s.

Following the game there will be Luke Bryan fireworks presented by the Alzheimer’s Association, Somerford House and Heartfields Assisted Living at Frederick. It is also Alzheimer’s Awareness Night as we will be spreading awareness about the disease and other dementias.

On Monday, the Keys and P-Nats play a doubleheader with first pitch scheduled for 5:00 p.m and gates opening at four o’clock. Both games will be seven innings. It is Strike Out Stroke Night sponsored by Frederick Memorial Hospital, as the Keys and FMH will spread awareness about signs of strokes and how to prevent them.

As always, youngsters can enjoy Kids Eat Free Monday courtesy of Key 103 and Buffalo Wild Wings. Kids 12 and under receive a voucher for a free hot dog, chips and drink, while it is a Make a Difference Monday as well sponsored by BGE Home.

The short homestand concludes on Tuesday with STEM Day at 11:00 a.m sponsored by AstraZeneca. A fieldtrip for students of Frederick County Schools, local businesses and non-profits will be on hand to educate students about science, technology, engineering and math and discuss their careers in the STEM sector. Fans that come out can also enjoy a Guaranteed Win Tuesday sponsored by WFRE & WFMD. Should the Keys lose, fans can exchange their ticket at the box office for tickets to a future Keys game.

On Sunday the Keys send left-hander Keegan Akin (3-4, 5.95) to the mound against Nationals southpaw Hector Silvestre (5-1, 4.31). First pitch is scheduled for 6:00 p.m, and the broadcast can be heard on 1450 AM The Source, frederickkeys.com and the TuneIn Radio App.

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

Tame your mane: Great Clips Charity Cuts 6/8

Are split ends throwing you a curve? On Thursday, June 8, the Great Clips Charity Cuts event aims to help you tame that mane while enjoying great baseball action at Fifth Third Field!

Great Clips stylists will be providing free haircuts on the Main Concourse during the game, with donations being accepted to benefit Children’s Miracle Network.

GAME TICKET ($12) – BUY TICKETS

What you get:

  • June 8 Mud Hens game ticket

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

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Thunder HOPE Week Begins Tuesday, June 6

The Thunder’s annual HOPE Week will take place this coming Tuesday, June 6 through Saturday, June 10 at ARM & HAMMER Park when the team hosts the Hartford Yard Goats (Colorado Rockies) and Bowie Baysox (Baltimore Orioles).

HOPE Week is a New York Yankees initiative which stands for Helping Others Perservere and Excel. Throughout the week, the Thunder will honor outstanding individuals and organizations who have positively impacted our community.

Tuesday, June 6 at 7pm vs Hartford – World War II Veteran Frank Fazzalore
The Thunder will take time to honor Silver Star and Purple Heart receipient, Frank Fazzalore, as part of the first day of HOPE Week. Fazzalore, 93, served in the US Army during World War II and will visit with Thunder players before the game on Tuesday June 6.

Wednesday, June 7 at 7pm vs Hartford – Eric LeGrand
A standout high school football player from Colonia High School in Colonia, NJ, LeGrand sustained a severe spinal cord injury during a game against Army at Met Life Stadium on October 16, 2010. In January of 2011, Rutgers University announced that LeGrand had regained movement in his shoulders and sensation throughout his body and entered the Reeve Foundation’s NeuroRecovery Network. LeGrand has become a source of inspiration, hope and perseverance for many in our region and around the world.

LeGrand will visit with Thunder players prior to the game and share his story of inspriation. Fans can have the opportunity to attend a meet and greet with LeGrand and can do so by reaching Jon Bodnar at JBodnar@TrentonThunder.com.

Thursday, June 8 at 7pm vs Harford – United Way of Mercer County
The Thunder will honor the United Way of Mercer County on the third day of their HOPE Week and support their Strike Out Hunger campaign with a food drive at ARM & HAMMER Park. Hundreds of thousands of children in the state of New Jersey are food insecure and The United Way of Mercer County aims to provide more than 200,000 meals to food banks throughout the state.

Fans attending the Thursday, June 8 game against Harford may bring non-perishable food items with them to donate to the United Way’s Strike Out Hunger campaign. Fans that donate one food item will receive a wrist band to watch Fireworks from the field after Thursday’s game. Fans that bring more than one item will receive the wrist band as well they will receive a ticket to the Thunder and Reading Fightin Phils game on Sunday, September 3.

Friday, June 9 at 7pm vs Bowie – Eden Organics Salon & Spa
Eden Organics Salon & Spa will be recognized for their Eden Cares program which provides Complimentary Salon & Spa services to clients currently receiving chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer. The program is available at all three Eden Organics locations, Newtown, PA, Doylestown, PA, and Allentown, NJ.

Thunder players will visit the Allentown location and learn more about the services that encourge relaxation, stress relief and incresed wellness and vitality to cancer patients. For more information visit www.EdenCares.org.

Saturday, June 10 at 7pm vs Bowie – Trenton Area Soup Kitchen
Thunder players will visit the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen and aid in their mission to feed those who are hungry in the Trenton area. TASK offers programs to encourage self-sufficiency and improve the quality of life of its patrons.

The Thunder will support TASK with a food drive on Saturday, June 10 as fans are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items with them to support TASK. Fans that bring one item to donate will receive a wrist band allowing them to watch fireworks from the field following Saturday’s game. Saturday’s fireworks show is presented by Toyota. Fans that bring more than one item will receive a wrist band and a ticket to the Thunder game on Sunday, September 3 against the Reading Fightin Phils.

For more information on HOPE Week and its honorees, contact Director of Community Affairs Vince Marcucci at VMarcucci@TrentonThunder.com.

The Thunder complete a three-game series with the Binghamton Rumble Ponies (New York Mets) tonight at 7pm at ARM & HAMMER Park. Thursday’s game will air on 920 AM WNJE and online at www.TrentonThunder.com/Broadcast. For tickets and the latest information on Thunder baseball visit www.TrentonThunder.com.

Bowie Baysox to Celebrate Play Ball Weekend

The Bowie Baysox, Class AA Minor League Affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, are excited to announce local activities during PLAY BALL WEEKEND. Minor League Baseball is joining the second annual ‘PLAY BALL WEEKEND’ to now make the campaign both an MLB- and MiLB-wide effort to engage young baseball fans and celebrate the continued support of youth participation in baseball and softball.

On Saturday, June 3, the Baysox will “Take the Show On The Road” and bring “Baysox Baseball” to a youth baseball game on Saturday morning.   The Baysox will invade the 10U Crofton Cardinals vs. 10U LF Archers game being played on Field 1 at Bell Branch Park in Gambrills at 10:00 am and take over the entertainment including player and coach introductions before the game, National Anthem, between innings contests for the fans, appearances by Louie the Baysox mascot, batter walk up music and much more. Members of the community are invited and encouraged to attend this special event.

During the Bowie Baysox home game on Saturday, June 3 at 6:35 pm there will be even more PLAY BALL events taking place.

  • Youth baseball players will be selected to play catch with Baysox players before the game on the field
  • A Youth baseball team will meet Baysox players in the dugout and take the field during player introductions for the National Anthem
  • A child will be selected to announce “Play Ball” before the game
  • Children will be selected to announce a batter via the stadium Public Address System
  • A child will be selected to join Baysox Radio Broadcaster Adam Pohl on the live broadcast for an inning of commentary and play by play

After the game on Saturday, June 3, kids ages 12 and under will be able to come onto the field and run the bases just like the players do. On Sunday, June 4, all fans are invited to run the bases after the game. Run the Bases is presented by Dick’s Sporting Goods and Grotto Pizza.

Saturday, June 3 @ 6:35 pm is Star Wars Night at the Baysox. See and meet dozens of Star Wars characters dressed in movie quality costumes. Fans will also get to see live light saber battles, Star Wars collectibles and a post-game Star Wars themed Fireworks Spectacular.

Sunday, June 4 @ 2:05 pm is Maryland Pride Day and the Helicopter Candy Drop.  The first 500 fans (18+) will get a Maryland Flag Baysox Logo Floppy Hat courtesy of Money One federal Credit Union. After the game, all kids ages 12 and under will be invited onto the field for the Helicopter Candy Drop. A helicopter will hover just a few feet over the field and drop over 10,000 pieces of candy onto the field.  Once the helicopter has left the stadium, the kids will get to run and collect as much candy as they can. The helicopter candy drop is presented by Borden Transportation.

The 2017 Bowie Baysox season is presented by Money One Federal Credit Union. The Baysox 2017 season is now underway. Don’t miss out as the team prepares to celebrate its 25th Season. Single game tickets are now available at www.baysox.com.

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

MVP Program Rewards STEM Achievements of Local Students

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Dodgers and Devon Energy partnered this past school year to create a free program for area elementary students to recognize and reward their achievements in science and math. Approximately 1,000 third- and fourth-grade students in Oklahoma City Public Schools were impacted by the first-year OKC Dodgers MVP Program presented by Devon Energy.

“Devon Energy is committed to helping communities inspire young people to pursue an interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) subjects by working with schools and community organizations to enhance access to STEM education,” said Christina Rehkop, supervisor of community affairs for Devon Energy. “Partnering with the OKC Dodgers for the MVP Program provided an ideal opportunity to further this goal.”

The MVP Program encourages area students and their teachers to participate in STEM curriculum. Top-performing MVP students in participating classrooms received tickets to an OKC Dodgers game and a commemorative MVP baseball hat.

The first year of the program culminates Saturday with MVP Field Day at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark – an event for MVP students and teachers, as well as their families. STEM activities will be available throughout MVP Field Day, presented by Girl Scouts of Western Oklahoma, iFly OKC, Devon Energy, Science Museum Oklahoma and the OKC Dodgers. OKC Dodgers players will also participate in the event, helping with hitting and throwing instruction, as well as signing autographs.

“We received an incredible response from Oklahoma City third- and fourth-grade teachers and their students during the first year of the OKC Dodgers MVP Program presented by Devon Energy,” said OKC Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes. “We are proud to have the chance to reward these students and teachers for their hard work throughout the school year and encourage future participation in STEM education throughout the Oklahoma City community.”

The OKC Dodgers MVP Program presented by Devon Energy will resume in August for the 2017-18 school year. Teachers seeking additional information about the OKC Dodgers MVP Program and how to participate in the second year of the program may contact Katy White at katy.white@okcdodgers.com or (405) 218-2105.

The OKC Dodgers open a four-game series tonight against the Colorado Springs Sky Sox at 7:05 p.m. at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark on a $2 Thursday that features $2 soda, bottled water and beer from a line of Pepsi and Budweiser products.

Friday is Hometown Heroes Military Celebration Night and special festivities will be held throughout the evening, culminating with postgame fireworks presented by LifeShare. A variety of armored vehicles will be on display on the ballpark’s plazas starting at 5 p.m. and first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

Saturday’s 7:05 p.m. game against the Sky Sox falls on Marvel Super Hero Night and fans can meet Spider-Man and Captain America throughout the evening. Gates open at 6 p.m. and the first 500 fans age 12 and under will receive a free Dodgers cape.

Sunday’s game starts at 2:05 p.m. on Faith Night and a Chaparral Energy Family Sunday. Each Sunday home game offers family friendly activities throughout the afternoon, including pregame player autographs and kids can run the bases after the game. A special $15 ticket will provide admission to a postgame concert by Sanctus Real.

Tickets are available through the OKC Dodgers ticket office located on South Mickey Mantle Drive, by phone at (405) 218-1000, or by visiting okcdodgers.com.

Dragons MVP Field Day on Saturday

The Dragons MVP Program presented by Bob Evans provides thousands of area fourth and fifth grade students with “MVP Field Day” at Fifth Third Field this Saturday, June 3, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The students from Clark, Greene, Miami, Montgomery, and Warren Counties were all recognized by their teachers through the “Dragons MVP Program” as having done something extraordinary inside or outside of the classroom this school year.

The Dragons MVP Program provides students, who are recognized by their teachers, with a unique opportunity to attend this special event where they will have a chance to meet the 2017 Dayton Dragons and enjoy a day of fun activities at Fifth Third Field. Among the activities scheduled are inflatable games, carnival games, mascots, a special treat from Bob Evans, a free team poster, “baseball skills” stations with the Dragons players, and an autograph session.

FACTS ABOUT THE MVP PROGRAM

This is the 12th season for the Dragons MVP Program. More than 1,120 classrooms and 34,000 students participated during the 2017 season.

Each teacher selected five Dragons MVPs for their classroom, resulting in more than 6,000 students being recognized for their achievements in and out of the classroom.

The children selected as Dragons MVPs received a customized certificate and complimentary tickets to enjoy a Dragons game at Fifth Third Field with their families. At the game, they received a specially designed Dragons MVP ball cap. MVPs also received tickets to the “MVP Field Day” to be held at the stadium on June 3.

The Dragons MVP program presented by Bob Evans is also made possible courtesy of Sinclair College, WDTN-TV and Dayton’s CW Television.

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.­

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