SMOKIES PLAYERS AND COACHES TO INSTRUCT YOUTH CLINIC

SEVIERVILLE – The Tennessee Smokies announced that they will host a Youth Clinic, presented by Rocky Top Customz on Sunday, May 7. The Clinic will feature multiple stations on the field where clinic attendees can receive instruction and tips from the 2017 Smokies players and coaching staff.

The Youth Clinic will begin at 12:00 pm with gates opening at 11:30 am. The clinic is free of charge, and each child in uniform participating in the clinic will receive free berm admission to the Smokies game following the event. In addition, discounted meal vouchers will be available for purchase the day of the clinic.

“We love to be able to host events like this each year,” Stated Smokies President and COO Chris Allen. “Getting kids involved in the game of baseball is something we are glad to be a part of. Baseball is a game that we take very seriously, but ultimately baseball is a game, and should be enjoyed by children alike.”

Fans can call 865-286-2300 to receive more details about this year’s Youth Clinic, presented by Rocky Top Customz. The game is set for a 2:00 pm first pitch against the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp on Sunday, as it is the last game of the homestand before the Smokies leave for a road series against the Jackson Generals.

The Smokies continue their home series at Smokies Stadium today on Friday, May 5, 2017 against the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp. The full schedule for this season and information regarding single-game tickets, season tickets, and mini plans 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

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

OKC Dodgers to Honor Esurance Rising Star Students Program Winner

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Dodgers, Esurance and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma will recognize Nate Peters, a senior at Union High School in Tulsa, Okla. and one of 14 Esurance Rising Star Students program winners, during a pregame presentation at tonight’s 7:05 p.m. game against the Colorado Springs Sky Sox at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. 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.

Peters plans to major in sports business at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College and go on to play football at a Division I school. Balancing academics and football was a challenge for the Tulsa, Okla. native, but he maintained his grades and made the honor roll. Nate credits his “Big” from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma for giving him “many life lessons, most importantly, how to be a man.”

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 own call-up to college, and honor the student with a unique ballpark celebration,” said Michael Byrnes, OKC Dodgers President/General Manager.

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.

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7th Annual Cutters 5K Race to Benefit CDC

The Williamsport Crosscutters, in partnership with the Children’s Development Center, will be holding the 7th Annual Cutters 5K on Saturday, June 24th at the newly renovated BB&T Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field.

The race, through Williamsport’s West End, begins at 9am with registration open at 8am. The course has runners starting outside the ballpark entrance with the final sprint inside the stadium finishing at home plate. Both runners and walkers are encouraged to take part in the event.

All proceeds from the event benefit the Children’s Development Center of Williamsport. Since 1923, the CDC has been providing services to children with special needs from birth to 21 years of age. Last year’s event attracted almost 200 participants.

Hope Enterprises Children’s Development Center is honored to be the beneficiaries of the Cutters 5K race since its inception. The 5K not only promotes awareness of the services we provide but has raised over $68,000 in the 6 years of the event. Hope is grateful for the continued partnership with the Williamsport Crosscutters and their dedication to enhancing the lives of children and their families that we serve” stated Hope Enterprises President, Rob Labatch.

Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in seven male and female age categories for runners. In addition to the prize awards, the top male and female runners will throw out ceremonial first pitches at the Williamsport Crosscutters game on June 30th. Prizes will also be awarded to the top three male and female walkers. The event will also feature the always entertaining Kids Fun Run, free for children age 10 and under. All children participating will receive an award.

“We are proud to partner with the CDC annually on this fun event. The money raised goes to such an important and worthy cause”, said Cutters Vice-President of Marketing Gabe Sinicropi.

Registration is $15 in advance and $20 on race day. All participants receive a race t-shirt (while supplies last). Entry forms are available for download HERE, register online at PARunners.com by CLICKING HERE, or pick up an entry form at the Crosscutters offices at BB&T Ballpark or the CDC offices located at 625 W. Edwin St.  Sponsorships of the event are also still available.

The Crosscutters open the 2017 season on June 20 against the State College Spikes at the newly renovated BB&T Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field. The Cutters schedule and all ticket ordering information is available at www.crosscutters.com or by calling the Cutters at (570) 326-3389.

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

Sunday is Greenville Little League Day

Join the Drive on Sunday afternoon for a 4:05 game as we celebrate Greenville Little League Day at Fluor Field!

Throughout the day, the Drive will host Little League teams and coaches from all over Greenville County for a pregame parade, participation in between-innings entertainment and a fun day of baseball and activities for Little Leaguers.

Following the game, stick around for BlueCross BlueShield Kids Run the Bases!

To purchase tickets for Sunday, stop by 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.

Education Day with ABC11 Weather

The Mudcats teamed with the ABC11 Weather Team for First Alert Weather Education Day at Five County Stadium on April 13. More than 5,000 students attended the game and were able to watch the Mudcats play while also learning about how the various ways in which weather factors into the outcome of a baseball game.

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

Bryant University’s Project Playhouse

The Bryant University Management Association and Wish Kids hosted the 2nd annual Project Playhouse event at Bryant University on Wednesday. Five seriously ill children arrived on campus to be surprised with their very own dream playhouses.

Themes for the playhouses included a surf shack, country store, Lego themed playhouse, Irish cottage, and a PawSox playhouse that will be given away by PawSox mascot, Paws.

The children who received the playhouses are from Burrillville, Warwick, Jamestown, Chepachet, and Newport.

Project Playhouse was created by Bryant University sophomore management students in September 2015, and has the mission of providing dream playhouses to seriously ill children.

PawSox Front Office members were excited support these children and team up with Bryant University on this worthy initiative.

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

Muckdogs Announce Hit the Books Reading Program

The Batavia Muckdogs today announced the start of their reading program, designed to promote reading amongst the youth of the local communities. Along with the help of New York’s 529 College Savings Program, 2017 will mark the fifth year of the “HIT THE BOOKS with the Batavia Muckdogs” reading program.

As part of this program, the Muckdogs have provided various schools and libraries across local counties with customized bookmarks. On the back of these bookmarks, children can have a parent, guardian, teacher, or librarian initial each time they complete a book. When a child completes 10 books, they can redeem the bookmark at the Dwyer Stadium box office for a FREE TICKET to any Sunday-Thursday Batavia Muckdogs’ game! In addition to the free ticket, the child will also receive a prize courtesy of New York’s 529 College Savings Program. If a child reads 20 books, they will be entered into a drawing to win a backpack with school supplies, provided by New York’s 529 College Savings Program; along with the opportunity to throw out the first pitch at a Muckdogs game.

In addition to the many participating schools, bookmarks will be made available to children at the following local libraries:

  • Richmond Library (Batavia)
  • Lee-Whedon Memorial Library (Medina)
  • Byron-Bergen Public Library
  • Haxton Memorial Library (Oakfield)
  • Hoag Library (Albion)
  • Pavilion Public Library
  • Woodward Memorial Library (LeRoy)
  • Holley Community Free Library

Any questions about the reading program or redeeming for tickets can be answered by Josh Swan, at 585-343-5454 x 1005.

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

The Mudcats Baseball Clinic is on August 19

Come join the Carolina Mudcats players and coaches to learn the fundamentals of fielding, throwing, base running and hitting at the 2017 Mudcats Baseball Clinic!

The 2017 Mudcats Baseball Clinic will take place at Five County Stadium on Saturday, August 19 between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.. The deadline to register is Wednesday, August 9 or until spaces are full. Registration is $40 per participant ($45 per participant if purchased after the deadline date or on the day of).

Children ages five to 14 years old are eligible. Each camper is responsible for bringing a glove, bat and any safety equipment normally worn in organized play (please remember to label ALL equipment).

Each participant receives a General Admission Ticket to see the Mudcats vs. Frederick Keys that same evening (August 19) at 5:00 p.m. and a Mudcats Baseball T-shirt.

Additional tickets can be purchased to the game by calling the Mudcats front office at (919) 269-CATS (2287).

Water and snacks will be provided during the clinic. An autograph session will take place at the end of the day. Limited spaces are available, call (919) 269-CATS (2287) to register today.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 19, 2017 
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
(Check in begins at 8:30 am on 3rd base side of stadium)

FIVE COUNTY STADIUM
$40 per participant
$45 per participant if purchased after deadline or on day of the clinic)

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

PawSox Launch “Academic All-Stars Program”

The Pawtucket Red Sox today announced the creation of their “Academic All-Stars” Program, a statewide initiative to recognize middle school students throughout Rhode Island who are demonstrating academic promise and noteworthy citizenship.

The honorees will be the guests of the PawSox at various 2017 home games, with tickets for themselves, their families, and influential teachers selected by the students. The children will also receive gift certificates from the PawSox and several of their corporate partners.

“We sent letters to the superintendents of schools throughout the state, seeking their partnership,” said PawSox President Dr. Charles A. Steinberg. “We know that the educators know the students best, and we would like them to each select a child for whom a pat on the back or a day in the sun might make a difference.

“We have received wise counsel from several teachers who urged us to not underestimate the value of recognition and reward for choosing the right path. Such small gestures are not small to the children or to their families.”

The PawSox will work with educators in each town to coordinate the selection process, and to choose a date for the children to be honored.

The program is a complement to the PawSox Foundation’s “PawSox Scholars” Program, launched November 4, 2016, in which two local children-one from Pawtucket and one from Central Falls–each receive a $10,000 college scholarship. Charlisa Kollie, an 8th-grader at Pawtucket’s Slater Junior High, presented the Ceremonial First Pitch on Opening Day, April 10. Ethan Hoke, an 8th-grader at Calcutt Middle School in Central Falls, will be honored during the season.

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

Cardinal Valley Elementary & Legends partner on new mural

WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK (Lexington, KY) – Whitaker Bank Ballpark is about to get more colorful and art-filled thanks to the students in Art Club at Cardinal Valley Elementary School, part of Fayette County Public Schools on Thursday, April 27 from 1:00pm to 5:30pm.

Led by teacher and local muralist Michelle Armstrong, approximately twenty Cardinal Valley Elementary Art Club students are showcasing their artistic talents by bringing a Kentucky and Legends themed mural to life at the ballpark on the three electrical boxes found in the parking lot of Whitaker Bank Ballpark. Students spent two to three weeks preparing by researching designs and practicing how their visions would translate onto a unique outdoor canvas.    These designs were then submitted to the Legends, with the decision landing on an all-encompassing three-piece theme, highlighting the Commonwealth, Legends players in branded uniforms, as well as various Legends logos and baseball images.

“I’m excited to bring my students to Whitaker Bank Ballpark to create something for the Lexington community” states Armstrong. “These students are thrilled to be able to share their talent and transform utility boxes into something magical and inspiring” Armstrong continued.

Andy Shea, Legends President and CEO added to Michelle Armstrong’s sentiments by stating “the Legends are no stranger to the wonderful world of art. We welcome the chance to work with students in our community and could not be more pleased to have these remarkable students contribute a third unique mural to Whitaker Bank Ballpark.”

Media is welcome to attend the mural painting session on the electrical boxes, which again takes place Thursday, April 27, 2017 from 1:00pm to 5:30pm in the parking lot of Whitaker Bank Ballpark.

For more information, about the Cardinal Valley Elementary Art Club mural project, 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, continue a seven game homestand at 7:05pm Thursday, April 27, 2017 at Whitaker Bank Ballpark against the Hagerstown Suns, an affiliate of the Washington Nationals.  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.

Michelin Reading All-Stars Celebration on Tuesday

The Greenville Drive and Michelin are teaming up to host the Reading All-Stars Celebration Game for Spartanburg, Anderson and Pickens Counties on Tuesday, May 2nd at Fluor Field.

First pitch for the game is at 7:05 PM, and the celebration starts at 6:00 with a pregame parade for Reading All-Stars from those counties, a commemorative Michelin Reading All-Stars t-shirt for each student, and a Book Fair courtesy of Public Education Partners.

Throughout the game, Reading All-Stars will participate in several between-innings games, and the Drive will induct new schools into the Reading All-Stars Hall of Fame for their excellence in the program throughout the years.

To purchase tickets for Tuesday’s game, stop by 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.

Michelin Reading All-Stars Celebrated on Monday

The Greenville Drive and Michelin will recognize the Reading All-Stars for Greenville County on Monday, April 24th. First pitch for the game against the Greensboro Grasshoppers is at 7:05 PM, and the celebration will begin as the gates open at 6:00.

Students will be rewarded for their hard work in their reading programs this school year with a commemorative Reading All-Stars t-shirt, a pregame parade around Fluor Field at 6:30 PM, and participation in a Public Education Partners Book Fair.

During the game, high-achieving schools in the Reading All-Stars program over the last several years will be inducted into the Reading All-Stars Hall of Fame.

To purchase tickets for Monday’s game, stop by 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.

Potomac Nationals Announce 10th Annual Prince William County Middle School Day

Woodbridge, VA— The Potomac Nationals, in cooperation with Prince William County Schools and the Education Foundation for Prince William County Schools, S.P.A.R.K, are excited to host the 10th annual Prince William County Middle School Day at Pfitzner Stadium on Wednesday morning. A special 10:35am first pitch is scheduled to accommodate every Prince William County Middle School who wants to attend. At the game, students and teachers get a chance to enjoy some day baseball, while learning about a career in sports.

Middle School Day has been a tradition in Prince William County and at Pfitzner Stadium for over a decade, and the Potomac Nationals are dedicated to supporting PWCS for many years to come. Over 25,000 students have participated in this event since its inception and the P-Nats strive to make an impact on our young citizens by offering them an annual field trip to The Pfitz with an educational component. Over 2,500 students are expected to be in attendance on Wednesday morning. Students receive a complimentary ticket to the game and complimentary lunch.

Our main focus here at the Pfitz is fun, and throughout the game, every student gets a chance to learn directly from P-Nats staff about their various jobs and opportunities in baseball. Video interviews of Potomac Nationals front office members are regularly played between innings, explaining the puzzle pieces that make up a sports franchise. The P-Nats support students progressing through to the end goal of any career, both in and out of sports, and every member of the organization is available to all of our local students for advice and guidance through middle school and beyond. We hire PWC students as early as age 14 to work a variety of jobs during game days. The majority of our game day operations would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of our high school students. The Potomac Nationals will always support PWCS and our students as we work in conjunction with the PWCS to create the greatest possible future for all of our children in PW County. We hope to continue to impact our students’ lives at our new ballpark, planned for Potomac Town Center in Woodbridge.

This event is also one of many opportunities for the P-Nats to support our military. Members of the United States Air Force COMM Squadron East- North Capital Region will volunteer, preparing lunches and operating our concession stand before and during the game. After the game, the P-Nats will make a donation to the group as a thank you for their help at the stadium and for their service in the United States Air Force.

The Potomac Nationals of the Carolina League play at Pfitzner Stadium in Woodbridge, Virginia, and are the Carolina League affiliate of the Washington Nationals. The Potomac Nationals have claimed five Carolina League Championship titles (1982, 1989, 2008, 2010, and 2014) and nine CL Northern Division Championships. Sponsorship opportunities for the 2017 season and beyond are available, as well as corporate outings for the 2017 season to watch the future stars of the Washington Nationals at The Pfitz. For more information on Potomac Nationals 2017 season tickets, mini plans, group outings, and picnic packages, visit the P-Nats online at www.potomacnationals.com or call the Potomac Nationals Ticket office at 703-590-2311.

— Potomac Nationals –

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

Jurassic Ballpark, PS4 Giveway, Reading All-Stars highlight 4-game home stand April 20-23

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. (April 18, 2017) – With dinosaurs, fireworks, and a Play Station 4 giveaway, the Kannapolis Intimidators 4-game home stand April 20-23 has something for everyone. Fans in attendance on April 20 will be eligible to win a PS4 as the Intimidators host Gamer Night on Thirsty Thursday at Intimidators Stadium supported by Carolinas HealthCare System. Two nights later, journey back 65 million years at the Intimidators annual Jurassic Ballpark on Saturday, April 22, featuring the life-like dinosaur displays of Dakota and Friends plus post-game rock n’ roll fireworks.

Also this weekend, the Intimidators celebrate kindergarten through eighth grade students who have been nominated by their teachers as Reading All-Stars in Rowan-Salisbury School System and Stanly County Schools. Reading All-Stars will get to parade around the field before their games as a reward for their academic accomplishments this year.

All Saturday home games will feature post-game fireworks throughout the remainder of 2017, giving fans a total of 12 fireworks shows after Intimidators games this season. Single-game tickets, group packages, and suites are available by calling the F&M Bank Box Office at 704-932-3267 or by visiting IntimidatorsBaseball.com.

Thursday, April 20 at 7:05 p.m. | Gates at 6 p.m. | vs. Hickory Crawdads | Tickets >>

The home stand kicks off with Gamer Night as the Intimidators give away a PS4 to one lucky fan in attendance. All fans that purchase a ticket to Thursday’s game are eligible to win, and the game will be themed out with special video-game promotions and contests.

Thursday’s game is a Thirsty Thursday featuring discounted drinks all game long including 16 oz. draft beers for $1.50 and 24 oz. draft beers for $2.50, plus bottled Pepsi products for only $2 all game long. Also on Thursdays, fans can stick around after the game to play Launch-A-Ball for a chance to win great prizes.

Friday, April 21 at 7:05 p.m. | Gates at 6 p.m. | vs. Hickory Crawdads | Tickets >>

Friday is our first Get Healthy Kannapolis game of the 2017 season where the Intimidators are promoting a healthy and fit lifestyle to the community. Throughout the night, fans can participate in special contests and promotions as well as enjoy discounted healthy menu items. Students in kindergarten through eighth grade from Rowan-Salisbury School System will be recognized at the game as part of the Reading All-Stars Celebration which recognizes local students for the academic achievements.

Also every Friday game this season is Military Appreciation Ngith where the Intimidators will wear special patriotic jerseys to honor the Armed Forces. The camo jerseys feature a Mount Rushmore motif with stars and striped sleeves. Fans have a chance to buy raffle tickets to win one of these jerseys next on July 21.

Saturday, April 22 at 7:05 p.m. | Gates at 6 p.m. | vs. Hickory Crawdads | Tickets >>

Join the Intimidators on Saturday for Jurassic Ballpark as fans can observer and interact with some of the most amazing dinosaurs since the Crustaceous period. The dinosaurs from Dakota and Friends will be on hand at the main entrance for children of all ages to get an up-close look at these prehistoric pets. Also on Saturday, we will light up the sky with post-game rock n’ roll fireworks.

Students from Stanly County Schools will be in attendance for their Reading All-Stars Celebration Game for as the Intimidators welcome students from kindergarten through eighth grade who have earned a ticket to the game through their extraordinary efforts in literacy.

Sunday, April 23 at 2:05 p.m. | Gates at 1 p.m. | vs. Hickory Crawdads | Tickets >>

Families will enjoy all of the fun in store on Sundays at Intimidators Stadium in 2017 as players are available for pre-game autographs at the main entrance, and after the game, kids who join the Intimidators Gator Gang kids club have a chance to run the bases. Students in kindergarten through eighth grade from Rowan-Salisbury School System will be recognized at the game as part of the Reading All-Stars Celebration which recognizes local students for the academic achievements.

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

Michelin Reading All-Stars Celebrated this Homestand

This homestand at Fluor Field will feature two celebration games for Michelin Reading All-Stars. The Drive are excited to host the new batch of Reading All-Stars on Sunday for Anderson, Pickens and Spartanburg Counties, and on Monday for Greenville County.

Sunday’s first pitch against the Rome Braves is at 4:05 PM, and the pregame parade for Reading All-Stars will begin at 3:30.

Monday’s game against the Greensboro Grasshoppers begins at 7:05 PM, with the parade scheduled for 6:30.

Both days will see high-achieving schools selected to the Reading All-Stars Hall of Fame, and the Drive are teaming up with Public Education Partners to host a book fair for children at both games.

To purchase tickets for these games, head to the Main Street Box Office, call (864) 240-4528 or click one of the links below.

Sunday: TICKETS

Monday: TICKETS

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