Rattlers and Thrivent Financial Team Up for Make-A-Difference Mondays

GRAND CHUTE, WI – The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers and Thrivent Financial are getting together to present Make-A-Difference Mondays at the ballpark this season. There will be four special Monday games over the remainder of the 2017 season to aid local non-profit organizations.

Fans who choose to donate to the non-profit will receive a discounted box seat ticket for $10 (normally $14) to these special Monday games. Additionally, $5 of the $10 for the ticket will be donated to the non-profit scheduled to be a partner for that game.

To purchase discounted tickets for Make-A-Difference Mondays in advance, visit TimberRattlers.com and use the promo code: thrivent. Fans will receive a discounted ticket on the day of the game by donating items to the non-profit organization at the time of purchase.

“Thrivent Financial is a financial services organization that helps Christians be wise with money and live generously. For more than a century we’ve helped our more than 2 million member-owners make wise money choices that reflect their values, and we provide opportunities for them to be even more generous where they live, work and worship,” said Jenny Rohan, Community Engagement Leader for Thrivent Financial. “Our partnership with the Timber Rattlers is an opportunity for our members and the community to see what living our mission looks like and will make an impact for churches and non-profit organizations in our community.”

The schedule for the four Make-A-Difference Mondays and the non-profit organizations and the most-needed items they need for donations on those days are:

May 15: Feeding America

  • Canned Fruits (preferably low sugar)
  • Peanut Butter
  • Canned Meats (such as tuna, chicken, etc.)
  • Cereal (hot & cold)
  • Grains (such as rice, pasta, etc.)
  • Soups (or other “heat & eat” meal-like items)

June 12: Building for Kids

  • Brightly Colored Paper Plates, Cups, and Napkins
  • 9″ Balloons
  • Small Bottles of White Glue
  • Glue Sticks
  • Gallons of Vinegar

June 26: Center for Veterans Issues, LLC

  • Pre-packaged snacks (granola bars, pudding, oatmeal, etc.)
  • Canned Goods
  • Personal Hygiene Items (toothbrush, toothpaste, travel size shampoo/conditioner, deodorant)

August 7: Homeless Connections

  • Size 5 diapers
  • Napkins
  • Coffee (ground or Kcups)
  • Alarm clocks
  • Dryer sheets
  • Cans of Fruit
  • Bike Locks
  • Bike Helmets: youth and adult
  • Nuks for babies

The Timber Rattlers are currently on the road. They will return home to begin a seven-game homestand on Thursday, April 20 with a game against the Peoria Chiefs.

Partial season and group ticket packages are currently available for the 2017 season. Tickets packages are available online, over the phone at (920) 733-4152 or (800) WI-TIMBER, and in person. Individual game tickets for this season are also on sale now.   Groups of 20 or more may order tickets over the phone or in person. The Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium Box Office is open from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm Monday through Friday and from 10:00am to 3:00pm on Saturdays.

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

Shuckers announce inaugural Kids Clinic series

BILOXI, MS – The Biloxi Shuckers announced plans for their inaugural Shuckers Kids Clinic Thursday morning, launching another effort to engage with the community through baseball.

The Biloxi Shuckers Kids Clinic aims to help youth baseball players along the Mississippi Gulf Coast improve their baseball skills while receiving hands-on instruction from former Mets catcher and Shuckers team ambassador Barry Lyons.

Lyons, a Biloxi native and Shuckers team ambassador, will lead the series of events as he imparts his wisdom gleaned from a 7-year Major League career. The 1986 World Series champion will enlist the help of current Shuckers players at the four camps over the course of the summer.

The clinics are tailored to different age groups to ensure that instruction is as personalized as possible. Camps on May 31 and June 12 are targeted towards kids age 5-8, and the June 1 and June 13 dates are intended for kids age 9-12.

Registration and sign-in begins at 8:30 a.m., and the clinics will run from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Participants will receive a Shuckers Kids Clinic t-shirt, autographs from Barry Lyons and Shuckers players, a Shuckers team photo, a ticket voucher for a 2017 game, Papa John’s pizza and pre-game recognition on the field before that night’s Shuckers game.

Kids are encouraged to bring their own baseball equipment and wear proper baseball attire, including a cap and athletic shoes or cleats. Water will be provided, and parents are invited to stay during the camp.

The cost of registration is $60 per child. Space is limited, so early sign-up is encouraged. Kids must be signed up by May 24 to guarantee the correct t-shirt size. For more information or to reserve your child’s spot at a Shuckers Kids Clinic, contact Community Relations Coordinator Jenifer Truong at (228) 271-3469 or jtruong@biloxishuckers.com.

DOWNLOAD THE PDF

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.

MBF Exceeds $1 Million in Grant Donations

MIDLAND, Mich. – The Michigan Baseball Foundation is pleased to announce that after awarding grants for the 2017 cycle, MBF has exceeded $1 million donated to non-profit organizations since 2008. This month, MBF distributed 26 grants totaling $104,515 across seven counties in the Great Lakes Bay Region this past year.

“Giving back to our local youth has been something we have taken pride in since MBF started awarding grants,” Michigan Baseball Foundation vice president Paul Barbeau said. “It’s an important part of what we do at Dow Diamond, not just providing fun entertainment during the baseball season, but also supporting the communities that surround us.”

MBF has awarded 283 grants totaling $1,022,761 to deserving non-profit organizations across 14 counties in the Great Lakes Bay Region over the past 10 years.

This year the Friends of Hoyt Park Foundation in Saginaw received $6,600 for dugout benches and a tractor. Midland Center for the Arts received a grant in the amount of $6,250 to upgrade the permanent microscope exhibit in the museum’s “Hall of Ideas.” The Bay Community Tennis Center will install net posts, while Gladwin Community Schools will use $3,000 to upgrade their athletic building and batting cages.

The Foundation began its annual grant process in April 2016 and solicited grant applications from non-profit organizations throughout the region. All applicants were required to meet one or more of the following guidelines, which reflected the purposes for which the Michigan Baseball Foundation was organized:

•   The organization contributes to regional economic development.
•   The organization is based in Mid-Michigan and serves young people.
•   The organization promotes amateur sports and fitness

The Michigan Baseball Foundation considers funding mid-Michigan non-profit organizations that use the grant money to fund projects; the grants are not intended to fund day-to-day operations. Primary consideration will be given to organizations in the Midland, Bay, Saginaw, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Genesee, Isabella, Tuscola, Huron, Arenac, Ogemaw, Sanilac and Iosco counties.

The 2018 grant process is currently in the planning stage. Updates will be communicated once the plans are finalized for the next cycle. For more information contact Carol VanWert at 989.837.6144, or at cvanwert@loons.com.

The Michigan Baseball Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity that was founded in 2006 to create regional economic development through creative partnerships, and to enhance the efforts of regional organizations that serve young people. The Michigan Baseball Foundation owns and operates Dow Diamond, home of the Great Lakes Loons, a Single-A partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

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

Now accepting Scholarship Applications

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (April 10, 2017) – The South Bend Cubs officially published eligibility rules and the application form for $5,000 scholarships dedicated to softball and baseball players in 11 counties surrounding Four Winds Field in downtown South Bend today.

“We make no small plans here at Four Winds Field. Nor should the young athletes in this region who compete in softball and baseball,” commented Andrew T. Berlin, Chmn./Owner of the South Bend Cubs. “These scholarships are a significant way to show our support of future leaders and the game we all love at the same time. They’re not just for current athletes who will go on to play on varsity teams in college. They’re for any high school senior athlete who intends to continue his or her education full time after high school-whether they continue competing at the varsity level or not.”

In 2016, the South Bend Cubs awarded five scholarships worth $5,000 each to high school seniors from Edwardsburg, MI, Bremen, LaPorte, South Bend and Walkerton, IN. Two of the recipients were softball players, three were baseball players.

Applications for the 2017 South Bend Cubs Scholarships will be accepted from April 10 through May 31. Up to five (5) $5,000 scholarships will be granted. A full set of rules, eligibility requirements and an application form can be found online at www.1stsourcebankperformancecenter.com

“We want to make sure people understand two things about these scholarships that are very important,” said Joe Hart, President of the South Bend Cubs. “These are not just baseball scholarships. There are over 1,600 colleges with softball programs in the United States, so we hope to see as many softball applicants as baseball. Also, we want people to know we’re doing our part to help build a new baseball and softball dynasty in this region. That’s what the 1st Source Bank Performance Center here at Four Winds Field is all about-year-round professional pitching, conditioning, fielding and at-bat training with professional instructors. The Chicago Cubs and every amateur player and coach in the region are excited about this facility-it’s one of the best in the country.”

Applications for the 2017 South Bend Cubs Scholarships cannot be made by e-mail or via any type of paid delivery or postal service. All applicants must deliver their applications in person to the 1st Source Bank Performance Center at the corner of South Street and Lafayette Boulevard in downtown South Bend.

About the South Bend Cubs
The South Bend Cubs are the Class A minor league affiliate of the World Series Champion Chicago Cubs. Over the past 29 seasons, the team has won five Midwest League titles, most recently in 2005, and has captured 12 division titles. In 2015, the team was named Ballpark Digest‘s Team of the Year and received the John H. Johnson President’s Award, the highest award in minor league baseball. The team is owned and operated by Swing-Batter-Swing, LLC whose sole shareholder is Andrew T. Berlin of Chicago, Ill.

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

2017 Red Wings Baseball Camp, July 19-20

The Red Wings 2017 Baseball Camp presented by Advantage Federal Credit Union will take place at Frontier Field July 19-20. The camp is open to boy and girls ages 7-12. Camp will run 9 am to 12 om on July 19 and 9 am to 1 pm on July 20.

Campers will learn techniques and fundamentals of the game from Red Wings players and coaches. The instructors will cover everything from fielding and pitching to hitting and base running. Each session will include games.

CLICK HERE FOR A CAMP BROCHURE

The camp fee is $115 and includes two days of camp instruction from Wings players/coaches, FREE camp t-shirt, a picnic after the final day of camp, two tickets to a Red Wings game and refreshments/snacks during the camp.

Early registration is suggested as enrollment is limited. For more information call Kevin at (585) 454-1001 ext. 3046.

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

View More

NYPL Charitable Foundation Announces 2017 Scholarship Contest

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

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

Now in its ninth year, the 2017 NYPL Scholarship Contest is open to any graduating senior from a public or private high school within the league’s footprint. Any student who has been accepted at a two- or four-year college or university, vocational school, or technical education institution is eligible. Applicants will be judged based on academic performance, volunteer and extracurricular activities, and the impact their local NYPL club and Minor League Baseball have had on their lives.

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

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

High school seniors interested in entering the 2017 Scholarship Contest can obtain the official application by visiting the Williamsport Crosscutters offices at BB&T Ballpark. Applications can also be also be downloaded by clicking HERE.

The deadline to submit applications to the nearest NYPL team is June 5, 2017. Each club’s winner, including the three $2,500 scholarship recipients, will be selected in mid-July.

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

For more information on the 2017 NYPL Scholarship Contest, call the Crosscutters at (570) 326-3389.

The Crosscutters 2017 home opener is scheduled for Tuesday, June 20 against the State College Spikes. Season tickets, bonus books and mini-plans are now available by phone at (570) 326-3389, online by clicking HERE or in-person at BB&T Ballpark.

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

Spokane Indians and Banner Bank Team Up to Help Local Students Attend College

SPOKANE, WA – For the twelfth consecutive year, Banner Bank and the Spokane Indians will team up to reward deserving high school seniors with college scholarships. Five area students will be selected to receive a $500 scholarship based on achievement in leadership, community involvement, scholarship, and character.

“Banner Bank is pleased to continue their scholarship program with the Spokane Indians and reward local students for their hard work and commitment to further education,” said Kirk Quillin, Banner Bank Senior Vice President.

Area high school students in Kootenai and Spokane Counties are encouraged to apply. Applications for the scholarship are due to the Spokane Indians office by Friday, May 12th, 2017. CLICK HERE for more info and to apply.

“We love having the opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of area students,” said Indians Senior Vice President, Otto Klein. “Last year we helped five outstanding students attend college and we are looking forward to helping a new group in 2017.”

Students interested in receiving a Banner Bank Scholarship application should contact their school’s scholarship coordinator or email Darby Moore at dmoore@spokaneindians.com for more information.

About the Indians

The Indians are the Short Season Class “A” affiliate for the Texas Rangers. Ticket packages for the 2017 season are now available for purchase. CLICK HERE to reserve your seats today. For more information, please visit spokaneindians.com or call (509) 343-6886.

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

Chasers In The Community

Between February 27 through March 3, the Omaha Storm Chasers took part in “Read Across America”, with six front office staff members and Stormy participating. Those staff members in total read at nine different schools over the course of the week, reading to over 3,300 students. At the completion of this month, the Storm Chasers staff will have visited more than 30 schools, totaling over 7,000 students, in addition to 64 mascot appearances.

Previous Notable Community Events

  • Read Across America – February 27-March 3
  • Classroom Visit program – over 30 schools/7,000 students in March
  • Partnership 4 Kids Futures Fair – March 8

Previous Notable Mascot Appearances

  • Read Across America – February 27-March 3
  • Heat the Streets & Walk for Warmth – March 4
  • Walk to Cure Arthritis Kick Off – March 5
  • Southwest YMCA Open House – March 18
  • Summit Dental Health Ribbon Cutting – March 24
  • Millard Athletic Association Meet Your Coach – March 25
  • Habitat for Humanity – March 31

Upcoming Community Events in April

  • Ronald McDonald House – April 25 (5:00-7:30pm)
  • Player Appearance at Paddock Road Elementary ­- April 28 (10:30-11:00am)

Upcoming Scheduled Mascot Appearances for April

  • Autism Society Puzzle Walk – April 8 (9:00am)
  • Omaha Health, Wellness & Fitness Expo – April 9 (10:00am)
  • Claussen-Leahy Maverick Walk – April 22 (9:00am)
  • 6th Annual Keep Kids Alive Drive 25 Walk to Remember – April 29 (9:00am)

For more information on Omaha Storm Chasers community relations, please click here.

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

View More

Safe Kids Upstate Day is Sunday at Fluor Field

On Sunday, April 9th, the Drive will host Safe Kids Upstate Day at Fluor Field. First pitch against the Delmarva Shorebirds is set for 4:05 PM, and kids will be invited to participate in a pregame parade around Fluor Field starting at 3:30.

During the first two innings of the game, Safe Kids will be giving away bike helmets to kids, and along the concourse, stations will be set up for kids to learn more about Fire Safety, Water Safety and Car Heat Safety. Following the game, kids are invited to stick around for BlueCross BlueShield Kids Run the Bases.

To purchase tickets for Sunday’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.

ValleyCats to revamp four youth ballfields on April 13

TROY, NY- The Tri-City ValleyCats and their corporate partners, BlueShield of Northeastern New York and Hannaford Supermarkets, have teamed up on the 7th Annual ‘4 in 24’ Field Renovation Project, where four youth ball fields will be renovated in a 24-hour time period on Thursday, April 13.

The four leagues to receive the work will be Amsterdam Youth Baseball, Colonie Little League, Tri-Village Little League, and RC Little League. Each field will receive new sod placed on the infield, a rebuilding of the pitcher’s mound and home plate areas, raking and grading of the infield dirt, cutting the baselines to the correct specifications, and much more.

“Since we began the ‘4 in 24’ project back in 2011, it has been one of our most impactful community outreach events each year that has positively affected thousands of youth ballplayers within the Capital Region,” said ValleyCats General Manager Matt Callahan. “We can’t thank BlueShield and Hannaford enough for their tremendous support of this important initiative.”

This year marks the seventh consecutive ‘4 in 24’ project, and upon its completion, 28 youth ballfields will have been renovated. What has made it all possible is the support of the ValleyCats partners, who have aided in supplying the necessary resources and volunteer commitment to complete these renovations.

“BlueShield knows the importance of supporting programs that provide healthy opportunities for the children throughout our community to play and learn,” said Dr. Kirk Panneton, Vice President, Regional Executive and Medical Director, BlueShield of Northeastern New York.  “Our company and employees have helped to transform more than 24 fields since partnering with the Tri-City ValleyCats, and we are thrilled to support the ‘4 in 24’ program again this year.”

“Youth development and wellness are two of the things that matter most to our communities and to Hannaford,” said Hannaford Supermarkets Community Relations Specialist Brian Fabre. “Through this partnership with the ValleyCats and BlueShield, we are proud to provide young people with wonderfully improved facilities for healthy play and for growth as individuals and as members of a team.”

Work on each field will commence at daybreak, and will continue through the night if needed. The efforts will also be assisted by BrightView (the ValleyCats official grounds crew), Admar Construction, Turface, and SiteOne Landscape Supplies, who are contributing some of the necessary equipment, materials, and volunteers. Additional support comes from ‘Cats Care, the ValleyCats’ arm of the New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation.

2017 ‘4 in 24’ Youth League Snapshots

Amsterdam Youth Baseball

Field Address: Lower Veterans Field, Locust Avenue, Amsterdam, NY 12010

Opening Day: Saturday, April 22

League Information:

Over 625 kids and 70 adult volunteers devote thousands of hours of cumulative time to making Amsterdam Youth Baseball run, and are the only organization in Montgomery and Fulton County that offers baseball to youngsters in the spring, summer and fall. They have T-Ball (5-6), Rookies (7-8), Minors (9-10) and Majors (11-12) as well as a travel team for each age group – 9U, 10U, 11U and 12U.

The 2017 renovation will focus on their lower Veteran’s Field, in order to make it a 50’/70′ field so that youngsters ages 5-12 can play. This renovation will allow for the field to also serve as a practice field, which the league doesn’t currently have. With over 600 children, this second field is crucial to providing adequate practice and playing time for each team.

League Statement:

“We appreciate everything that the ValleyCats do for local youth baseball leagues. We were in dire need of a secondary field and now we are able to accommodate the influx of kids ages 4-12 who play in our spring league as well as our fall league that had 18 teams last season – the largest in our 67-year history.”

-Paul Antonelli, President, Amsterdam Youth Baseball

Colonie Little League

Field Address: Pee Wee Field, Cook Park, Colonie, NY 12205

Opening Day: Saturday, April 29

League Information:

With 32 teams and almost 400 registered members, Colonie Little League has a big impact on their community. However, their Pee Wee level field is in need of repair, as the mound has sunken down, the home plate area has very poor drainage, which has caused an uneven batters box, and the infield grass is uneven and unsafe. Given the importance of providing a safe and fun place for the youngest level players to play and learn, where the love for the game is born, this project is of utter importance.

League Statement:

“I wanted to take a moment to extend our most sincere thank you for selecting Colonie Little League for this year’s 4 in 24. You have no idea how excited we are to have received notification that we were selected for the field makeover. It was truly a welcomed surprise and will save us time and money.

It is so exciting and terrific that the ValleyCats and their partners sponsor programs that continue to give to communities like ours. Having the field redone will be great for our kids and the league for years to come.

-Ron Filkins, President, Colonie Little League

Tri-Village Little League

Field Address: Magee Park, 23 Kenwood Avenue, Glenmont, NY 12077

Opening Day: Monday, April 24

League Information:

The Community Grounds Crew will be renovating Tri-Village’s Farm field, where the infield and mounds are dire need of replacement. The field also has grading issues which need to be resolved in order to improve water run-off. Tri-Village currently serves over 400 youth ballplayers aged 5-12.

League Statement:

“On behalf of Tri-Village Little League, our board of directors and all the kids that play in our league, I want to thank the Tri-City ValleyCats for selecting our organization to be part of their community field renovation program. The ValleyCats’ commitment to youth baseball is extraordinary and this is just another example of the tremendous support they are providing to the local baseball communities and the community at large. Having one of our fields selected for renovation is a tremendous support to our league from a financial perspective, but more importantly, it will create a safer and more enjoyable baseball experience for our kids.”

-Tyler Kattrein, President, Tri-Village Little League

RC Little League

Field Address: Major Field, 2445 1st Avenue, Schenectady, NY 12303

Opening Day: Friday, April 28

League Information:

RC’s Major field, which is in need of a complete overhaul of the infield, will be the recipient of the field renovation at their LCW Complex in Rotterdam. RC Little League, which was the result of a merger between Rotterdam and Carman Little Leagues in 2014, serves 430 players across 43 total teams.

League Statement:

RC Little League is anxiously awaiting the start of its 2017 season. We have many exciting changes for the league, as we have begun to work on player development for all divisions. RC Little Leagues major excitement is that we are the recipient of the Tri-City ValleyCats ‘4 in 24’ field renovation program, which will renovate our Major field at the LCW Complex in Rotterdam, NY into a field of dreams. We are anxiously looking forward to volunteering along with the Tri-City ValleyCats and their partners to create a safe and well-maintained field that our players, managers, coaches, their families, and the community will be anxious to come, play and/or watch a ball game!

-Chad Quinlivan, President, RC Little League

CAPTAINS ANNOUNCE 13TH ANNUAL CAPTAINS CHARITIES BASEBALL CLASSIC

(Eastlake, OH) – The Lake County Captains, the Class-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians, have announced the line-up for the 13TH Annual Captains Charities High School Baseball for 2017. Ten local high school teams will compete in five featured games over two days at Classic Park. Ticket proceeds from the event will be shared between the participating schools and Captains Charities, the non-profit charitable arm of the Lake County Captains organization.

The Captains have expanded the event from eight teams to 10 this year. The 2017 edition will allow two additional schools to raise money and will allow more kids to enjoy playing at Classic Park.

The Captains Charities Baseball Classic is scheduled for Friday, May 5 and Saturday, May 6. On May 5, the Chagrin Falls Tigers will play the Kenston Bombers, beginning at 4 PM, followed by the nightcap featuring the Twinsburg Tigers and the Mayfield Wildcats at 7 PM.

On May 6, the St. John Fighting Heralds will take on the Fairport Harbor Skippers at 11AM. Later on, the Kirtland Hornets will play the Beachwood Bison at 2PM, followed by the Eastlake North Rangers against the Willoughby South Rebels at 5 PM.

Tickets for the event will be just $6 each and will be available for purchase at each of the participating schools. Each school will receive 100 tickets to sell on their own for their specific day. Tickets to the games will also be available online at CaptainsBaseball.com and in person at the Captains Ticket Office during normal business hours, or by calling 440-954-WINS (9467). Daily tickets are good for all games that day.

The Captains open the 2017 season on April 8 at Classic Park against Dayton. Affordable ticket packages are available for purchase now and more information may be found at www.CaptainsBaseball.com.

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

KIDS CLINIC AT OSCEOLA COUNTY STADIUM ON APRIL 3

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (March 27, 2017) – The Florida Fire Frogs and the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association will host a free Legends for Youth Kids Clinic on Monday, April 3 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Osceola County Stadium.

The clinic will include former Major League Baseball players Jason Johnson, Talmadge “T” Nunnari, Brad Pennington, Rich Folkers, Desi Relaford, Lary Sorensen and Brian Tollberg, teaching children the fundamentals of the game.

To register for the clinic, please visit http://mlbpaa.mlb.com/mlbpaa/events/. Registrants much be between the ages of 6 and 16 years old, with guardians completing the registration process for children under the age of 13.

The Fire Frogs and Legends for Youth ask that you enter the stadium using Gate A and ask please arrive to the fields 20 minutes before the scheduled start time, and to come prepared with sneakers and a baseball bag (bat, glove, water bottle).

Florida Fire Frogs President Joe Harrington commented “we are thrilled that the MLBPAA have chosen our ballpark for a pre-season clinic and looking forward to developing a long standing relationship with the organization so we can turn this into a yearly pre-season event here at Osceola County Stadium.”

Legends for Youth is a charitable program running over 250 events a year nationwide, with the mission of promoting the game of baseball to America’s youth using positive sports images and personalities.

About the Florida Fire Frogs

The Florida Fire Frogs are the Advanced-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves and compete in the Florida State League. The Fire Frogs play their home games at Osceola County Stadium, located at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Florida. Thursday, April 6th is the start of the Fire Frogs inaugural season at Osceola County Stadium, having previously played at Space Coast Stadium in Brevard County. Tickets for the first homestand are available now. For more information, please visit www.FloridaFireFrogs.com, and follow the team on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube.

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

2017 San Jose Giants Announce 2017 Summer Camp Sessions

San Jose, CA– The San Jose Giants have announced two sessions for their Eleventh Annual Summer Camps at Municipal Stadium. The organization will offer one camp in June and one in July, providing families with the flexibility they need to get their kids involved. Session 1 will take place June 12-15 and Session 2 will span from July 17-20. Both camp sessions run from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM and finish with a 7:00 PM San Jose Giants home game on the last day of each camp. Summer Camps emphasize fun and focus on developing baseball skills for boys and girls ages 7 through 14.

The San Jose Giants are committed to providing each camper with a truly exceptional experience. During each Session campers will work on hitting, catching, fielding, base running and throwing mechanics while receiving personal interaction and focused attention as they hone their skills on the very same field that our Giants do.

“As the Diamond Season quickly approaches, I am eager to get on the field and help develop young athletes and instill valuable lessons that carry over into all aspects of life,” said Summer Camps Director and Junior Account Executive Jimmy Quintanilla. “With two action-packed camp sessions built for all levels of skill and experience and some special pricing opportunities, Summer Camps are certain to mirror our San Jose Giants mission of providing fun, affordable, family entertainment.”

New this year, six campers from our town will be selected to take part in camp free of charge, on behalf of Bay Area Self Storage. For participants to be eligible for the camp scholarship, parents must submit a letter explaining why their child should be considered for this opportunity to Jimmy Quintanilla. For any further questions, he can be reached at jimmyquintanilla@sjgiants.com or 408-380-4603.

In addition to this unique opportunity, our team is offering an Early Bird Special for those who register prior to May 5. Starting now through May 5, Summer Camp registration is marked down to only $295, a $20 savings. After the May 5 deadline, registration will return to the standard price of $315. Included in the registration price, each camper will receive tickets for their entire family to a designated San Jose Giants game, a Summer Camp T-Shirt, lunch for each day of camp, and over twenty hours of baseball instruction! To learn more about the San Jose Giants Summer Camps, visit sjgiants.com or contact Jimmy Quintanilla.

Registration and payment for San Jose Giants Summer Camps will take place through the San Jose Giants website and is an easy two-step process. To complete the payment, click here. To fill out the online waiver, click here. Please note that registering your child is not complete until both the waiver and payment have been finished.

The San Jose Giants 2017 season begins Thursday, April 13 at Municipal Stadium against the Stockton Ports. Single game tickets are on sale now. For more information, visit sjgiants.com or call (408) 297-1435.

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

OKC Dodgers Hosting Fan Fest and CommUNITY Run Saturday

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Dodgers will host their third annual Fan Fest as well as the inaugural CommUNITY Run Saturday, March 25 at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

The CommUNITY Run begins at 8:30 a.m. and Fan Fest will take place from 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. Both events are open to the public, and admission is free.

“Fan Fest has become an event that is highly anticipated by our fans,” said OKC Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes. “We can’t wait to open up the gates to Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark and get Oklahoma City ready for baseball season.”

Gates will open at 10 a.m. for Fan Fest, and the festivities will begin at 10:30 with a question-and-answer session with former Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman and 1992 National League Rookie of the Year Eric Karros. Karros played 14 seasons in the Major Leagues, including 12 with the Dodgers. Karros will be available to the media following the question-and-answer session, and he will be available for autographs at 11:30 a.m. in the Legends Lounge.

Fan Fest will also feature the second annual Dodger Dog eating contest at 11 a.m, and fans can watch the area’s top adult home run hitters put on a power display during a home run derby beginning at noon.

Events also include behind-the-scenes tours of the ballpark, giving fans special access to areas they normally cannot see, such as the home clubhouse. While visiting the clubhouse, fans of all ages can take batting practice in the team’s indoor batting cages.

Team mascots Brix and Brooklyn will be available to take pictures with fans throughout the day. There will be plenty of family-friendly activities, including inflatable games, a balloon artist and a face painter.

Fans will have the chance to purchase ticket packages and pick their seats for the season. Ticket representatives will be on hand to assist and answer any questions, and the ticket office will be open to sell single-game tickets. The OKC Dodgers Team Store will be open with brand new merchandise for the 2017 season, with certain items in the store on clearance.

Fan Fest will also coincide with the OKC Dodgers CommUNITY Run. The 5K and 1K fun run will start at the ballpark and finish on the field. Registration is still open at okcdodgers.com, with entry fees ranging from $25-$30. Additionally, a special kids’ run will take place on the field, with a registration cost of only $10. All entry fees and monetary donations at the event will go directly to the OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation and the OKC Police Athletic League.

Runners who participate in the 1K and 5K will receive a race t-shirt and commemorative medal. All kids race participants will receive an OKC Dodgers baseball. Top finishers in the 5K will receive a separate medal during the winner’s ceremony.

Minor League Baseball launched the CommUNITY initiative in Aug. 2016 to create a call to action to encourage fans to think of ways to be a positive influence on their families and communities to help end senseless violence and discrimination. As a result, the OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation and OKC Police Athletic League are partnering together to create positive opportunities for youth in the Oklahoma City area through sports and education.

“The OKC Dodgers CommUNITY Run is more than a race,” said OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation Managing Director Jennifer Van Tuyl. “It is an opportunity for the community to come together and showcase our ability to have a positive impact in the place we live and with the people that make this place so great.”

Free parking for all events will be available in the Joe Carter Lot, located behind right field at the northeast corner of Reno and Joe Carter Avenues. Due to construction, those parking in the Joe Carter Lot must enter from Reno Ave.

The Oklahoma City Dodgers open the 2017 season Thursday, April 6 against the Iowa Cubs at 7:05 p.m. at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. For more information about Fan Fest or the 2017 OKC Dodgers season, visit okcdodgers.com or call (405) 218-1000.

ANNUAL FREE YOUTH BASEBALL CLINIC SET FOR SATURDAY, MAY 13

SPRINGDALE, Ark. – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals will partner with Great Day Farms once again on the tenth annual FREE Youth Baseball Clinic that will take place at Arvest Ballpark from 2 p.m. until 3:45 p.m. on Saturday, May 13 in advance of that night’s 6:05 p.m. game against the Tulsa Drillers, the Double-A Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Youth Baseball Clinic is open to children ages 6-12 and will cover instruction of key baseball fundamentals, including hitting, fielding, pitching, and base running. All kids that register will receive a complimentary 1B/3B Reserved ticket to that night’s game that features a Salvador Perez ‘Gold Glove’ Bobblehead Giveaway for the first 2000 fans in attendance courtesy of CCF Brands. Perez, an illustrious 2011 alum, is a four-time Gold Glove winner, the 2016 Silver Slugger winner for catcher in the American League, and was the 2015 World Series MVP. In addition, all clinic participants that attend the game that night will be recognized on the field prior to first pitch.

Instruction during the clinic will be given by select members of the Naturals’ team and coaching staff. Following the instruction portion of the clinic, an autograph session will occur on the concourse on the 1st base side for approximately 15 minutes before the ballpark is cleared in preparation for that night’s game against Tulsa.

There is a registration form titled YOUTH BASEBALL CLINIC REGISTRATION FORM located on the Naturals website, nwanaturals.com, under the TICKETS & PROMOTIONS tab that interested parents can fill out to register their son or daughter for the clinic. The FREE Youth Baseball Clinic is also open to local youth coaches as they may also fill out the form for their respective players. The deadline to register for the event is Friday, May 5 but participants are encouraged to sign up quickly, as previous events have filled to capacity prior to the deadline. Check-in begins at Arvest Ballpark at 1:30pm on the day of the event so we ask that you arrive early as participation is limited to the first 500 children. Participants are asked to only bring their glove and wear proper baseball attire.

Following the FREE Youth Baseball Clinic, Arvest Ballpark will be cleared and then the gates will re-open at 4:35 p.m. for the Naturals game against the Tulsa Drillers that is scheduled to begin at 6:05 p.m. If you have any questions regarding the clinic or game, please call (479) 927-4900 or email streetteam@nwanaturals.com.

In The Northwest Arkansas Naturals will host the San Antonio Missions, the Double-A Affiliate of the San Diego Padres, on Thursday, April 6 at 6:25 p.m. for Opening Day of Season 10 of Naturals Baseball at Arvest Ballpark.

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.