Dragons to Host Fifth Third Bank College Prep Night

Dayton, Ohio – The Dayton Dragons and Fifth Third Bank will hold College Prep Night, a free educational event for prospective college students, at Fifth Third Field on Wednesday, September 28 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. College Prep Night is a one-stop college resource event to guide incoming college students and their parents through the process of planning an educational path. High school students can talk to representatives from many of the region’s top colleges, and one lucky student in attendance will win a $1,000 college scholarship.

More than 1,000 students and their guests attend and more than 40 colleges and universities participate in this free event. Among the colleges scheduled to appear are Miami (Ohio) University, Purdue University, University of Cincinnati, University of Dayton, University of Kentucky, Wright State University, and many more schools from around the region. Representatives will be on hand to answer whatever questions that students might have about college life at each particular school.

The $1,000 scholarship will be given away during the event to one lucky college-bound student. To be entered to win, parents or students must RSVP before the event at www.daytondragons.com/collegeprep and must attend the event.

In addition to visiting with the different schools, students and parents can participate in many of the dynamic, informative workshops that will tell them everything they need to know about college. Fifth Third Bank will educate attendees on navigating financial aid and how to pay for college.

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

Local field wins makeover from Dash, Flow Chevrolet

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (Sept. 13, 2016) – The Winston-Salem Dash and Flow Chevrolet have announced that Northwest Forsyth American Little League (NWFALL) has won the 2016 Diamond in the Rough Ballpark Renovation program. Therefore, NWFALL’s field will receive a Major League makeover this fall.

The Diamond in the Rough Ballpark Renovation contest, which ran throughout the month of July, invited area Little Leagues and softball leagues to submit videos to the Dash on social media to show why their field is in need and deserving of a makeover. NWFALL’s submission emerged victorious from a group of impressive finalists.

This marks NWFALL’s 52nd year of operation, and more than 400 players participated in spring activities in 2016. The little league added a Challenger Division for children with physical or mental challenges this season. NWFALL also hosts several district and state tournaments in baseball and softball.

“NWFALL is thrilled to be the recipient of the Diamond in the Rough renovation,” said Chris Swink, President of NWFALL. “The renovations and upgrades so generously provided by Flow Chevrolet and the Dash will have a big impact on all of our players. We want to thank both Flow Chevrolet and the Dash for their support of Little League Baseball in our community.”

The Flow Chevrolet Diamond in the Rough Ballpark Renovation program will be transforming its third facility. Last year’s winner was Winston-Salem National Little League, while South Little League was the inaugural recipient in 2014. The program follows similar baseball and softball field renovation programs that exist in both Major League Baseball and Minor League Baseball.

For more information on the renovation program or the Dash, call (336) 714-2287.

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

Louisville Slugger Field to host Miracle League Kick-Off Event

Rendering of the future Miracle League of Louisville field located in Fern Creek

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Miracle League and the Louisville Bats organization have partnered together for a special event at Louisville Slugger Field. This event is for all to meet and greet current Louisville Bat Jermaine Curtis and learn more about the Miracle League. Curtis will be meeting and signing autographs at the FREE Miracle League kick-off event at Louisville Slugger Field from 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 11.

The Miracle League is a baseball complex for children with physical, cognitive and/or emotional disabilities to play in an organized baseball league. The event will have raffle drawings along with a free hat giveaway to all veterans and first responders as the Miracle League will recognize their service on September 11.

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

OKC Dodgers to Host Free Car Seat Check Saturday

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Dodgers, the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office, and Safe Kids Oklahoma are teaming up to sponsor a free car seat check from 9 a.m. – noon Saturday, Sept. 10 at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

Child Passenger Safety Week runs Sept. 18-24, but organizations such as the Dodgers are hosting events throughout the month of September to benefit the campaign, which is dedicated to helping parents and caregivers make sure their children ride as safely as possible, every trip, every time.

Certified technicians will be on hand to install car seats and booster seats, and to check previously installed seats, at no charge. Car seats will also be available for $10 for those who can provide proof of government assistance. To receive a car seat check or be eligible to receive a car seat, the child must be present and an expectant mother must be within six weeks of delivery.

“The Dodgers are pleased to have the opportunity to partner with the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office and offer free car seat checks to the Oklahoma City community,” OKC Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes said. “OHSO is among the leaders in communicating important safety measures to the public, and their partnership with Safe Kids in organizing these events further shows what an asset they are to our state.”

Technicians will be stationed just east of Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark in the Joe Carter Lot, located at the northeast corner of the intersection of Joe Carter Avenue and East Reno Avenue, on Saturday.

“It’s our job to keep our children safe,” Devon Sisson, director of Safe Kids Oklahoma, said. “Get your car seats checked. Make certain they’re installed correctly, that your kids are in the right seats and are buckled in correctly. Even if you think your child is safe, check again, so you can be sure that your child is the safest he or she can be while traveling.”

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends keeping children in rear-facing seats as long as possible. Once the child outgrows the rear-facing seat size limits, the child is ready to travel in a forward-facing car seat with a harness and tether. After outgrowing that type of seat, children should be placed in booster seats until they are the right size to use seat belts safely.

For more information about car seat safety or to locate a certified technician, visit: safercar.gov/parents.

The OKC Dodgers continue play in the American Conference Finals against the Nashville Sounds at 7:05 p.m. today at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. Nashville leads the best-of-five series, 1-0. Today is a $2 Thursday featuring $2 soda, water and select draft beer. For tickets, please call (405) 218-1000 or visit: okcdodgers.com.

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

PBC Winners: Two scholarships awarded

Chuck the Power Mascot and Chelsie Kelley of Subway Development of WV with scholarship winner Tori Ward.

Charleston, WV (September 6, 2016) – On Saturday, September 3, the West Virginia Power, in conjunction with Subway Development of West Virginia and Greg Hammond, announced the first winners of the Power Baseball Charities Scholarships. Tori Ward and Greg Lail were selected as the first recipients of the reoccurring scholarships.

In May of this season, Power Baseball Charities unveiled a new scholarship program, underwritten by Subway Development of West Virginia and Greg Hammond. Power Baseball Charities, a 501c3, accepted applications from local high school baseball and softball players for two reoccurring $1,000 scholarships.

Any graduating senior residing in Kanawha or surrounding counties who would be attending any post-secondary institution on a full-time basis this fall and had participated in either varsity baseball or softball was eligible to apply for the scholarship. Applications were received and reviewed by a three-member panel, who determined the scholarship winners based on a variety of criteria, including outstanding citizenship, a demonstrated role in bettering the community and on the merit of their academic and athletic achievements.

Tori Ward is a graduate of Poca High School. She was a three-year member of the National Honor Society, a four-year member of the Poca varsity softball team, a member of the varsity cheerleading squad. Miss Ward is currently attending Glenville State College, where she is continuing her softball career and majoring in behavioral science.

Greg Lail is a graduate of Van Junior-Senior High School and is also attending Glenville State College. He graduated from high school with a 4.0 grade point average and at the top of his class. Mr. Lail is playing both football and baseball for the Pioneers while majoring in business management with intentions on going to dental school after college.

For more information on the Power Baseball Charities Scholarship Program, underwritten by Subway Development of West Virginia and Greg Hammond, please contact the West Virginia Power front office at 304-344-2287.

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

Miracle, Keep On Playing host last clinic of 2016

FORT MYERS, Fla. (September 1, 2016) – The Fort Myers Miracle and Keep on Playing are teaming up for the fourth and final baseball clinic with the Fort Myers Boy’s and Girl’s Club for 2016 on Saturday, September 3 at 10 a.m. at Shady Oaks.

The Miracle, Keep On Playing and the Boy’s and Girl’s Club have held three previous baseball clinics with excellent turnout. The Miracle and Keep On Playing have donated baseball equipment to the Boy’s and Girl’s Club and players have delivered one-on-one personal instruction to the local youth throughout the course of the summer. At each clinic, current members of the Miracle roster have worked with kids to help develop a passion for the game of baseball. 2016 Florida State League All-Star and team home run leader Trey Vavra has been at every session.

Fort Myers Mayor Randy Henderson has proclaimed September 3 as MiLB Keep On Playing Day.

“It’s extraordinary to watch the kids pick up a baseball and glove and they don’t stop smiling and laughing,” said Marnie Schneider, Founder of Keep On Playing. “The special gift of choosing what to plays is what Keep On Playing and our amazing teammates give the children. By bringing the wonderful game of baseball to the kids, we give them more options and teach them about our national pastime!”

Keep On Playing and the Miracle support the Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities, or RBI program, at the Boy’s and Girl’s Clubs located in Fort Myers. In addition to baseball skills, clubs ensure participants receive educational components to help foster academic achievement while attending the clinics.

The Keep On Playing mission is to enrich the lives of youth through play. When kids keep on playing, their experiences are enhanced exponentially. Keep On Playing strives to build confidence, increase motivation and enhance self-esteem by jump-starting participation in sports. The Keep On Playing core values are: Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Perseverance, Excellence, Sportsmanship and Academic Achievement.

“I think the most important thing for people to know about Keep On Playing is its ability to change lives,” said Donja Massop, Director of Operations for the Boy’s and Girl’s Clubs of Lee County. “It’s not just about baseball. It’s more about opportunities and providing kids with new experiences.”

“We are thrilled to be able to work with Keep On Playing to bring a positive message about teamwork and being involved in sports to the kids at the Boy’s and Girl’s Club in Lee County,” said Miracle Chief Operating Officer Steve Gliner. “Being a part of these baseball clinics has been a great experience for our players and staff.”

The Miracle, Keep On Playing and the Boy’s and Girl’s Club have already scheduled clinics for the summer of 2017. For more information on the final Keep On Playing clinic in Fort Myers, contact the Miracle offices at (239) 768-4210.

Meet Ashley Thompson: Birmingham’s Rising Star Student

Student: Ashley Thompson

MiLB: Birmingham Barons

Agency: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Birmingham

College: University of Montevallo

Little Sister Ashley didn’t have an easy childhood. She was quiet and shy. She was raised by her grandparents, without her parents. She was held back in school. But she has refused to let those things define her. She was matched with her Big Sister eight years ago. Together, they visited book stores, went to the movies, and cheered on their favorite baseball teams.

Now, she is heading to the University of Montevallo with an academic scholarship. Her Big Sister could not be more proud. “I have watched Ashley develop into an intelligent, dependable, caring, and hardworking young woman,” she says. “She excelled academically in high school, joined the band, found her passion for art, and worked part-time.”

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

Help us recognize area Rising Star Student on 9/4

Join us at Fifth Third Field on Sunday, September 4 as the Hens, Esurance and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Ohio recognize Kendall Smith, one of the 14 Esurance Rising Star Students Program winners, during a pregame ceremony.

About the Rising Star Students Program

The Rising Star Students Program aims to recognize individuals who were ‘Rising Stars’ in his or her community. To be eligible, the nominees had to be classified as “Bigs” or “Littles” in the Big Brothers Big Sister Program. Nominations for the Rising Star Students program were made in July and August by BBBS agencies.

About Kendall

Kendall is a notable area student who enrolled as a “Little” in the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Ohio to help with the challenges of adolescence. During her time at The Toledo School for the Arts, she learned to play 11 instruments and performed well academically.

She is currently studying music at Capital University and aspires to play in international orchestra and teach music as a professor. Smith will be presented with a $5,000 check from Esurance for college expenses.

Help us celebrate all of her accomplishments!

Tickets

GAME TICKET ($12) – BUY TICKETS

What you get:

  • September 4 Mud Hens game ticket

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

TD Bank Presents Kids Run the Show Aug. 19

MANCHESTER, N.H. – The New Hampshire Fisher Cats announced today that the team has signed 13 young fans to one-day front office contracts. Presented by TD Bank, “Kids Run the Show” will give these youngsters, ages 6-16, a chance to orchestrate the fun and excitement of a Fisher Cats game on Friday, August 19.

Key positions on New Hampshire’s staff will be filled as follows:

General Manager: Mark Basnett – Manchester, NH

Radio Broadcaster: Logan Purvis – Manchester, NH

PA Announcer: Mitchell Forman – Hudson, NH

Group Sales Manager: Aiden Daniel – Fremont, NH

Public Relations Director: Brandon Lurvey – Concord, NH

Guest Services Manager: Maddy Dionne – Henniker, NH

Promotions Assistant: Malachy Crowell – Derry, NH

Groundskeeper: Graham Kuhlmann – Manchester, NH

Scorekeeper: Owen Moushegian – Nashua, NH

Box Office Director: Zachary Levigne – Manchester, NH

Ticket Takers/Ushers:

Isabelle Henderson – Lawrence, MA

Emily King – Nashua, NH

Christian Morency – Manchester, NH

“This is such an exciting event every year, watching young kids experience a night at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium the way we do,” said Fisher Cats President and General Manager Rick Brenner. “Our goal is to create as much fun and excitement as possible for all of our fans, and partnering with TD Bank for this promotion is one of the most unique ways we do that.”

“TD Bank is proud to support the New Hampshire Fisher Cats and what better way to do so then to sponsor Kids Run the Show,” said Steve Webb, NH Market President. “The lucky kids chosen get to learn about all the details and hard work that go on behind the scenes for each and every game…and develop an even deeper love for the game of baseball.”

Friday’s game will feature live music from local artist David Anthony and a spectacular Atlas Fireworks show after the final out. The Fisher Cats will host the Altoona Curve (Pittsburgh Pirates Double-A affiliate), with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Tickets are available now at nhfishercats.com/tickets.

About TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank®

TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank, is one of the 10 largest banks in the U.S., providing more than 8 million customers with a full range of retail, small business and commercial banking products and services at approximately 1,300 convenient locations throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Metro D.C., the Carolinas and Florida. In addition, TD Bank and its subsidiaries offer customized private banking and wealth management services through TD Wealth®, and vehicle financing and dealer commercial services through TD Auto Finance. TD Bank is headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J. To learn more, visitwww.tdbank.com. Find TD Bank on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/TDBankand on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TDBank_US.

TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank, is a member of TD Bank Group and a subsidiary of The Toronto-Dominion Bank of Toronto, Canada, a top 10 financial services company in North America. The Toronto-Dominion Bank trades on the New York and Toronto stock exchanges under the ticker symbol “TD”. To learn more, visit www.td.com.

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

Michael Edwards Awarded FSL Scholarship

Daytona Beach, FL – The Daytona Tortugas, in conjunction with the Florida State League and the Miami Marlins, are proud to award the franchise’s second Florida State League Scholarship to Account Executive Michael Edwards.

Edwards, a native of nearby DeLand, is prepping for his junior year at the University of Florida.

“It means a lot [to win the scholarship]. I appreciate the opportunity to earn a scholarship, and winning it meant even more since it is the first scholarship I’ve ever been chosen for,” Edwards explained.

The Florida State League Scholarship Committee awarded twelve (12) $1,500 educational scholarships to applicants from each team in the league. The award is based both on financial need and a grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Students eligible for this award must be an employee, or the child or grandchild of an employee, of the participating club and must be at least a high school junior by the 2016 fall term.

“I didn’t want to pass up the opportunity to gain experience [with the Tortugas]. Working in the front office of a sports team is what I eventually hope to be doing,” said Edwards, a sports management major, about the internship.

The Miami Marlins have sponsored this program for more than 16 years and have contributed over $160,000 to the Florida State League Program.

The Daytona Tortugas honored Edwards prior to a home game on July 25th at Radiology Associates Field at Jackie Robinson Ballpark. In addition, he was also mentioned during a pre-game ceremony at the Miami Marlins game on Sunday, July 31st, along with the other Florida State League team award winners.

Edwards, now back at school, enjoyed his summer in the FSL.

“It was great! I learned a good amount and got to do things that I never expected to be doing. It was definitely tiring at times, but working through those long homestands will help me in the long run!”

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

WTTW Readers are Leaders Event Travels to Cougars, August 14

GENEVA, Ill. – The WTTW Kids Readers are Leaders event is coming to Fifth Third Bank Ballpark on Sunday, August 14 before the Cougars take on the Cedar Rapids Kernels for Back to School Night at 1 p.m. To purchase tickets, visit www.kccougars.com.

Gates for the event will open at 11 a.m. with festivities beginning in the Music Garden, presented by the Acres Group, at 11:15 a.m. Each person with a ticket for that day’s game will be allowed entry into the ballpark for the free, family-friendly event. Featuring sing-along songs and interactive stories with Miss Lori’s CAMPUS, the event is geared towards young children and their families to help support literacy development throughout the summer.

Click here for more information about Readers are Leaders.

In addition, WTTW and the Cougars will be holding a book exchange. Fans are encouraged to bring a gently used book to the ballpark where they can exchange it for a new book to take home and enjoy.

Illinois Senator McConnaughay will be on hand to provide fun activities for kids and their families in the Cougars KidZone area, presented by Rainbow Play Systems, as well as raffling off backpacks full of school supplies to help kids as they head back to the classroom this fall.

The game is also a Sunday Funday, presented by Dave & Buster’s, which includes free entertainment and discounts for kids in the KidZone area. Activities include pre-game Catch on the Field and an autograph session with Cougars players. The deals don’t stop there as Sunday is Kids Eat Free at the Cougars with all children between the ages of 3 and 10 receiving a voucher at the gate for a free hot dog and small soda.

Following the game, fans of all ages will be able to run the bases.

To purchase tickets for Back to School Night, and participate in the WTTW Kids Readers are Leaders event, contact the Cougars box office at 630-232-8811 or visit www.kccougars.com.

For updates throughout the season on ticket and promotions follow the Cougars on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About the Kane County Cougars

The Cougars, Class-A Minor League affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, have been at the forefront of family-friendly entertainment since 1991. In 2015, the franchise became the first Class-A team in Minor League Baseball history to welcome 11 million fans through the gates. A total of 144 former Cougars have reached the Major Leagues including Miguel Cabrera, Nelson Cruz, Josh Beckett, Adrian Gonzalez and Kyle Schwarber.

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

Baysox Host Equipment Collection

BOWIE, Md. – The Bowie Baysox announce today that the Oriole Advocates will collect new and used sports equipment at Prince George’s Stadium Saturday, August 27, as the Baysox take on the Binghamton Mets at 6:35 p.m. The organization collects the equipment for its Cardboard To Leather program, which provides equipment to underprivileged children in developing countries.

The Cardboard To Leather program accepts donations of all baseball and softball equipment: bats, balls, gloves, uniforms, bags and spikes. Baseball gloves, duffle bags and useable helmets are the hardest items for Cardboard to Leather to acquire.

If fans are unable to make it to the game, they can bring donations to the Baysox office during regular business hours, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Since the program’s inception, more than 50 tons of baseball equipment have been sent to children in developing countries.

The 2016 Bowie Baysox season is presented by Money One Federal Credit Union. The Baysox 2016 season is underway. Don’t miss a minute of the action as the Baysox defend their 2015 Eastern League Championship. Single game tickets are now on sale at www.baysox.com.

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

NYPL Announces 2016 Scholarship Contest

AUBURN, NY – The Class-A Short-Season New York-Penn League and its member clubs 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 eighth year, the 2016 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 pplicants 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 eighth 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.”

Local High school seniors interested in entering the 2016 Scholarship Contest can download the application by clicking here.

The deadline to submit applications to the nearest NYPL team is May 20, 2016. Each club’s winner, including the three $2,500 scholarship recipients, will be selected in mid-June.

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.

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

Pedal to the Park on Sundays

Portland, Maine– The Portland Sea Dogs have announced a new partnership with the Bicycle Coalition of Maine to encourage fans to Pedal to the Park on Sunday afternoons. The Coalition will be offering its free Valet Bike Parking service.

The Valet Bike Parking service will be offered at all Sunday Portland Sea Dogs home games in 2016 (excluding the July 3rd night game). Valet Bike Parking is FREE to use, secure, quick, and the best way to get to the game. The Valet Bike Parking area will be located at the ballpark entrance at Hadlock Field on Park Avenue and will be open from 11:30am-4:30pm for Sunday home games.

“We are proud to partner with the Portland Sea Dogs to offer our FREE Valet Bike Parking service. Hadlock Field is an extremely bike friendly location, and we’re excited to to reduce traffic and parking congestion, while providing fans with a great way to get to the game,” stated Nancy Grant, Executive Director of the Bicycle Coalition of Maine.

Volunteers from the Bicycle Coalition of Maine will greet fans who ride their bikes to the game on Sundays. Each rider will complete a sign-in sheet with their contact information and will be given a wristband that matches the one placed on their bike. After having a great time at the game, show your wristband to the attendant and you’ll get your bike back just as you left it. Afterwards ride off into the sunset past everyone waiting in vehicular traffic.

For fans who are unable to bike all the way from their home, the Coalition has provided maps highlighting satellite parking areas and the best routes to the ballpark from around the Portland area.

For more information please visit the Bicycle Coalition of Maine’s website at www.bikemaine.org/valet.

The Sea Dogs open the 2016 season on April 7th against the Reading Fightin Phils in Reading, PA. The home opener is set for Thursday, April 14th at 6:00 PM against the Hartford Yard Goats. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Sea Dogs ticket office at 207-879-9500 or online at www.seadogs.com.

Join Rays Kids Club, Summer Reading Program

Princeton, WV- The Princeton Rays are proud to unveil the 2016 Rays Kids Club and the 2016 Princeton Rays Summer Reading Program.

Rays Kids Club:

The Rays Kids Club has been a staple of summer fun for young Rays fans for many years and will continue to provide members with club-exclusive incentives and experiences in 2016.

Sponsored by MedExpress Urgent Care of Princeton, the Kids Club privileges for members include:

  • Invitation to five pre-game club meetings with meals provided including a picnic with several Rays players.
  • Official Kid’s Club T-Shirt, Membership Card and Certificate
  • Free admission to all regular season Rays games when wearing Kids Club T-Shirt
  • A custom birthday card autographed by Roscoe the Rooster
  • All members registered by June 3, 2016 will have their name listed in the Rays 2016 Game Program

The Kids Club is open to children ages 12 and under with a cost of membership is set at just $22 per child.

Membership registration forms are available on the Rays’ official website princetonrays.net, from the Rays’ front office or via email by request sent to princetonrays@frontier.com.

Rays Summer Reading Program:

The Rays and the Princeton Public Library aim to show that that baseball is a mental as well as physical game. With that in mind, the Rays official announce their partnership with the Princeton Public Library and the formation of the Rays 2016 Summer Reading Program.

The program will extend from the time Princeton-area schools release students for Summer Break until the end of the Princeton Rays regular season. Children ages 6 to 14 are welcome to register and win Rays’ prizes for reading throughout the summer.

The only requirement of Summer Reading Program members is to read one book about baseball and have their parent or guardian sign-off on the amount of hours they have read.

Prizes for members include:

  • One exclusive player autograph opportunity for five hours of reading
  • One game ticket for ten hours of reading
  • A 15% off coupon to the Rays’ Team store for 15 hours of reading
  • A Rays’ Reader T-Shirt for 25 hours of reading

Also, the Reading Program member who reads the most hours as of August 26 will earn the opportunity to throw the ceremonial first pitch at one of the Rays’ final regular season home games against the Bluefield Blue Jays.

Registration for the Rays Summer Reading Program is free for all interested members of age.

Membership registration forms are available at the Princeton Public Library, on the Rays’ official website princetonrays.net, from the Rays’ front office or via email by request sent to princetonrays@frontier.com.

The Princeton Rays, for the 20th season, are the proud Appalachian League Affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays and will begin their 2016 home schedule on Sun., June 26 against the Danville Braves.

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