Children’s Health and Development

Virginia529 Good Report Card Day is April 19th

April 8, 2015

The Lynchburg Hillcats and Virginia529 College Savings Plan have teamed up to reward high academic achieving students in the local area. All K-8 students with a report card with all A’s and B’s or better, can come to the Lynchburg Hillcats Box Office to earn two free GA tickets for the game on Sunday, April 19 at 2:00pm. Simply fill out this form and bring it along with your report card to the Hillcats Box Office prior to the event anytime Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, or the day of the game to earn your free ticket.

Good Report Card students may also participate in a parade on the field before the game! To participate, register at the Virginia529 table on the concourse between 1-1:30pm. The parade will begin at 1:35pm. Plus, all students who turn in the form will be entered into a drawing for a “Hillcat for a Day” Prize Pack!

Virginia529 College Savings Plan is the Official College Savings Plan of the Lynchburg Hillcats. Virginia529 offers four flexible, affordable and tax advantaged programs to help you save in advance for higher education. Visit www.Virginia529.com to learn how you can get started with as little as $25.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lynchburg Hillcats. Click here to view the original story.

EDUCATION THROUGH BASEBALL – MAY 21st

April 7, 2015

To download order form – CLICK HERE

On Thursday, May 21st the Brooklyn Cyclones will host their 3rd Annual Education Through Baseball Day at MCU Park. This event is specifically designed for schools to attend, and focuses on educational components using the game of baseball as the tool. Learn math, science, history, and language arts all while enjoying a day at the ballpark. For more information, or to reserve tickets, contact Craig Coughlin at 718 – 382 – 2601.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Brooklyn Cyclones. Click here to view the original story.

Drive Celebrate Reading All-Stars on April 13th

April 3, 2015

Accomplishments to be celebrated with entertainment and pregame parade

Fluor Field will host its first Reading All-Stars Night of the 2015 season on Monday, April 13^th at 7:05! Monday’s game marks the first of the Drive’s three-game series against the Lexington Legends, affiliate of the Kansas City Royals.

Along with Michelin, N.A., the Drive are excited to welcome students from Greenville County Elementary Schools and Pickens County Schools to Fluor Field for a fun evening of celebration! The Drive’s eighth annual Reading All-Stars program is designed to encourage learning and education success through reading.

A pregame parade of champions around Fluor Field that celebrates their success in the program begins at 6:30 PM, and each student will be provided with a Drive-Michelin Reading All-Star t-shirt.

During the game, schools with continued success in the program will be inducted into the Reading All-Star Hall of Fame, and top performers for the school year will be recognized. In addition, students will participate in the in-game entertainment, including a tug-of-war, shoe scramble, sack race and more!

Come out and support the Reading All-Stars on all their hard work in school this year! To purchase tickets, stop by the Main Street Box Office, call (864) 240-4528 or click here.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Greenville Drive. Click here to view the original story.

Safe Kids Upstate Day on April 12th

April 3, 2015

The first 300 kids at the Main St. gate will be fitted for bike helmets

The Drive will host Safe Kids Upstate Day at Fluor Field on Sunday, April 12^th vs. the Augusta GreenJackets. Sunday’s game begins at 4:05 PM, and gates will open at 3:00 PM.

The first 300 kids through the Main Street gate on Sunday will be fitted for bicycle helmets from Safe Kids Upstate. A pregame parade for Upstate safety patrols will begin at 3:30 PM, and during the game, Drive players/coaches will be wearing special Safe Kids jerseys that will be available for fans in a silent auction.

To purchase tickets to Safe Kids Upstate Day, stop by the Main Street Box Office, call (864) 240-4528 or click here.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Greenville Drive. Click here to view the original story.

Sea Dogs to Host Autism Awareness Day on April 11

April 2, 2015

The Portland Sea Dogs in partnership with Embracing the World of Autism will host Autism Awareness Day at Hadlock Field on Saturday, April 11th when the Sea Dogs take on the Reading Fightin Phils at 1:00 PM.

The event will be held with the support of University of New England Occupational Therapy graduate students. The UNE students will create and facilitate activities for children and families in a special “Sensory Room” that will allow children with autism to self-regulate using movement, calming sensory input and fidget items. This allows children to fully participate in the Sea Dogs game.

In addition to the “Sensory Room,” the students will also make sensory kits that include tactile items, chewy food, and fidget items to help people with autism self-modulate their nervous system during the game.

Donald Frost, 13, a child with Asperger’s syndrome, will be singing the National Anthem prior to the start of the game. Representatives will also throw out the ceremonial first-pitch and serve as a junior public address announcer.

The goal of the event is to raise autism awareness and to help people with autism perform the occupations of everyday life.

Discounted tickets are available for autistic children and their families. Tickets can be purchased online at www.seadogs.com using the special offer code “Autism”. For more information Lindsey Oliver at (207) 874-9300.

Fans attending the April 11th game are asked to wear the color orange to show support for Autism Acceptance.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Portland Sea Dogs. Click here to view the original story.

Miracle League Game Set for Prior to 4/25 Game

April 2, 2015

Gates Open Early at 5:30 p.m.

The Lehigh Valley IronPigs will play host to a Miracle League exhibition game and also wear commemorative Miracle League inspired jerseys provided by Majestic Athletic during their game against the Buffalo Bisons on Saturday, April 25 at Coca-Cola Park. The game-worn jerseys will be auctioned off with all proceeds benefiting the Miracle League of the Lehigh Valley and the Miracle League of Northampton County.

The Miracle League exhibition game between the Lehigh Valley team and the Northampton squad will take place from 5 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. In order to allow fans to watch the one-inning contest, all Coca-Cola Park gates will also open promptly at 5 p.m. Dozens of children will take part in the 8^th annual Miracle League game at Coca-Cola Park. During the game, each child will have the opportunity to bat and play in the field and the IronPigs players will serve as “angels” and assist the players in all areas of the game.

The Miracle League is dedicated to providing children with special needs and other development disabilities an opportunity to play baseball. Presently there are 250 Miracle League organizations worldwide that provide opportunities to over 200,000 children and young adults with disabilities. For more information on how you can make a difference and support the local Miracle League chapters, please visit miracleleaguelv.org and miracleleagueofnc.org.

IronPigs fans can bid on their favorite player’s jerseys from anywhere with the easy-to-use Qtego service that allows fans to place bids, receive notifications when outbid and check the status of their item via text messages on their mobile phones. Fans without texting access can even call in their bid after registering their phone at Coca-Cola Park.

Register your phone from anywhere in the U.S. by texting “Pigs” to 79230. The bidding begins on April 24 and ends promptly at the end of 7^th inning of the April 25 game. Detailed instructions on how to place your bid will be made available at ironpigsbaseball.com.

Winning bidders will have the opportunity to go on the field immediately following the game to have their jersey autographed. Bidders not in attendance at Coca-Cola Park can either pick up their signed jersey at a later date or have it mailed directly to them.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. Click here to view the original story.

Muckdogs Announce “Hit the Books” Reading Program

March 27, 2015

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 NYs 529 College Savings Program, 2015 will mark the third 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 NYs 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 NYs 529 College Savings Program; along with the opportunity to throw out a 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
Corfu Free Library
Woodward Memorial Library (LeRoy)
Holley Community Free Library

Any questions about the reading program, bookmarks, or redeeming for tickets can be answered by Mike Ewing, 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.

Smokies To Renovate Youth Fields Saturday

March 26, 2015

Club Teaming Up With U.S. Cellular To Pitch In For Local Community

Members of the Tennessee Smokies front office will be teaming up with U.S. Cellular and other partners to help clean up and renovate two East Tennessee baseball fields on Saturday, March 28, including the Boys & Girls Club of Halls/Powell, and the Christenberry Ballfields. Volunteers from U.S. Cellular will be pitching in at both locations, working side-by-side with Smokies front office members on all tasks. In addition, U.S. Cellular will also be donating $1,000 dollars to each location for equipment upgrades.

“This is a very important project for us, and another way to truly make a difference in the East Tennessee community,” stated Smokies Team President Doug Kirchhofer. “We’re also very grateful to U.S. Cellular and our other partners for working together with us on this venture to ensure baseball is played safely and on a good field for years to come.”

“U.S. Cellular has long enjoyed its partnership with the Tennessee Smokies and the opportunity it gives us to connect with East Tennessee residents,” said Jack Brundige, director of sales for U.S. Cellular in Tennessee. “We are looking forward to rolling up our sleeves to help with the baseball field makeovers. Every young child should have the opportunity to play ball on a safe, well-maintained field.”

“Saturday is an important undertaking by all parties involved, and we’re very excited to be able to provide nice ballfields for kids and the community,” added Smokies General Manager Brian Cox. “Our hope is for this to become a yearly endeavor in which we continue to provide a place to play baseball and help the game flourish.”

Work to be done includes field clean-up and the creation of new dugouts, in addition to adding fencing at the Boys & Girls Club, as well as installing batting cages at Christenberry Ballfields, including new turf, placing padding behind home plate, and field clean-up among other tasks. The team will also be donating several items for use at those locations, including a home plate, bases, chalker, rakes and shovels.

This marks the second time the Smokies have teamed up with The Boys & Girls Club this month, after Smokies Stadium hosted a Pitch, Hit & Run Competition exclusively for club members on March 17 in association with the Boys & Girls Club of Tennessee Valley, and the Smoky Mountains. Additional partners assisting the Smokies with Saturday’s effort are Blalock Construction, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Jet’s Pizza.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Tennessee Smokies. Click here to view the original story.

Four youth ball field renovations set for April 16

March 25, 2015

‘4 in 24’ will see four fields renovated in under 24 hours

The Tri-City ValleyCats have partnered with BlueShield of Northeastern New York and Hannaford Supermarkets to revamp the ball fields of four local youth baseball/softball leagues: Cohoes Little League, Coxsackie-Athens Little League, Town of Hoosick Youth Baseball/Softball League, and Niskayuna Baseball. Known as the ‘4 in 24’ Extreme Field Renovation Project, the work will take place within a 24-hour time period on Thursday, April 16.

The four fields will receive brand new sod, bases, a home plate and pitcher’s mound, and the baselines will be measured to the correct specifications.

Cohoes Little League is implementing a Challenger Program, but the host field has been damaged due to the harsh winter.

“We wouldn’t have been able to obtain the field conditions needed to support this program without assistance,” said Mike Smith, President Cohoes Little League. “This renovation will give us the opportunity for children with all abilities to have a safe place to play baseball this season.”

Coxsackie-Athens Little League has had a softball program for some time, which has gained popularity in recent years. Following the work of the ‘4 in 24,’ the field will be fit enough to become home to the newly formed Coxasckie-Athens Girls Softball.

“Coxsackie-Athens Little League is excited that Rainey Field has been selected by the Tri-City ValleyCats as a ‘4 in 24’ field,” said league President Steve VanHoesen. “As volunteers, preparing and maintaining the field is a perpetual struggle. With help of the ValleyCats, Isabella C. Rainey Field will once again be put back atop of that pedestal and reclaim its diamond status in the community.”

The Town of Hoosick Youth Baseball / Softball League is still feeling the effects of hurricane flood damage, and their primary field is filled with sandy dirt and large stones.

“We are very excited to have the opportunity to have the ValleyCats organization assist us in providing the best experience possible for our youths,” said league president Tony Thayne. “After the flood a few years ago, we have done our best to recover the fields, but are still in need of help in getting them done correctly.”

Niskayuna Baseball has seen its league size grow over the past few years, which now consists of 50 teams and approximately 600 players. With the growth comes the need for greater field options and maintenance requirements.

“On behalf of Niskayuna Baseball, its Board of Directors, and most importantly the baseball community that we represent, I want to say thank you for this tremendous opportunity,” said Christopher Mennillo, Niskayuna Baseball President. “This renovation will make the playing surface more conducive for multiple age groups, expand the flexibility from a league scheduling standpoint, and better position the league to host future tournaments.”

The ‘4 in 24’ is the marquee event and kick-off of the Community Grounds Crew Program, which assists local youth leagues with maintenance and upkeep of their playing fields throughout the spring and summer. This will mark the fifth straight season of the Community Grounds Crew, which the ValleyCats widely consider to be one of their most important yearly initiatives.

“As a part of the Capital Region since 2002, the ValleyCats recognize the importance of being an active member of the community and an ambassador for the great game of baseball,” said Rick Murphy, ValleyCats Vice President / General Manager. “Over the years, our field renovation program has been a key component in furthering this mission. Through our partnerships with BlueShield of Northeastern New York and Hannaford Supermarkets, the 4 in 24 program will officially reach 20 fields renovated this year as we seek to provide continued opportunities for our youth to grow and excel.”

“BlueShield is proud to continue our support of the ‘4 in 24’ Field Renovations in partnership with the Tri-City ValleyCats and Hannaford Supermarkets,” said Dr. Kirk Panneton, Regional Executive and Medical Director, BlueShield of Northeastern New York. “At BlueShield we strongly believe that every child should have the opportunity to explore his or her potential through safe and healthy recreational activities. Playing on a safe and well-maintained field is good for our region’s children, and it’s good for our community. ”

“By helping to improve these playing fields, Hannaford is investing in two of the things that matter most to us – healthy kids and healthy communities,” said Brian Fabre, Hannaford community relations specialist. “Hannaford is committed to providing healthy options to our customers and to strengthening our communities. Through this partnership with BlueShield of Northeastern New York and the ValleyCats, we will be helping our young people to play and to compete in a safer, more-enjoyable environment.”

The efforts will also be aided by the support of Admar Construction and Turface, who will provide the necessary equipment and materials to complete the renovations. Other support comes from the New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation, whose contributions come from past events held at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Tri-City ValleyCats. Click here to view the original story.

Adopt-a-Field Program Returns in 2015

March 23, 2015

Submissions Due March 29, Voting Begins March 30

There’s something special about a pristine baseball field. Add kids to the scene and you have the storybook home run. The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Triple-A/New York Yankees) hope to help area youth enjoy America’s pastime by renovating three fields as part of their Adopt-a-Field Program in 2015.

Two youth softball or baseball fields and one high school field will receive a renovation. Fans can send photos of their field to the RailRiders and write as to why they should be selected. Field nominations should be sent to the RailRiders’ community relations director Rachel Mark (rmark@swbrailriders.com). Submitted fields must be within 30 miles of PNC Field.

This year the RailRiders are proud to partner with Pro’s Choice and Fisher and Son who will graciously donate the materials needed for the renovation of the three fields.

Submissions are due by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, March 29. Fans will be able to vote on the fields on the RailRiders’ website starting at noon on Monday, March 30. Links to the voting page will be available through social media and the RailRiders’ website. Website voting will end at 9 p.m. on Sunday, April 5, and the winners will be announced on Monday, April 6. The first renovation is planned for April 16.

The program affords an individualized evaluation and athletic field maintenance clinic to the chosen sites. The teams will be taught how to keep up that same professional-level look for years to come.

“This is a great opportunity to provide those maintaining local fields with the knowledge needed to maintain a safe and beautiful playing surface,” said the team’s director of field operations, Steve Horne. “Many leagues don’t have the tools, manpower or guidance needed to keep their fields in good shape. Hopefully, after our crew comes in to help get them started, we can develop a plan that will benefit the leagues and their players for years to come.”

Media members and fans will be invited to document and watch the progress throughout the day at each site. Other dates and all sites will be announced at a later date once voting concludes.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. Click here to view the original story.

Chihuahuas and Gatorade Announce “Gatorade GO PLAY” Community Initiative

March 20, 2015

Promotes and celebrates kids living an active lifestyle

Athletes of the Miracle League of El Paso were treated to a surprise last night as Chico, the Chihuahuas mascot, and Andy Imfeld, the Chihuahuas on-field emcee, launched the Gatorade GO PLAY Community Program. Along with a visit from Chico the athletes received Gatorade donated by Pepsi.

“The surprise visit was a huge hit and our athletes had a blast,” said Sandie Olivar, founder and executive director of the Miracle League of El Paso. “The disabled community normally lives a very sedentary lifestyle that does not get the opportunity to get outside and play. The Miracle League gives them the outlet to be active and play baseball while having some fun too.”

Gatorade GO PLAY’s mission is to celebrate and promote kids living an active lifestyle. Chico and Andy will be going around the Greater El Paso Area to surprise kids who make the choice to be active rather than live a sedentary way of life.

“Along with Gatorade and Pepsi, we are proud to work with the inspirational athletes in the Miracle League. These kids exemplify desire and determination,” said Brad Taylor, general manager of the El Paso Chihuahuas.

Included in the Gatorade GO PLAY program is a social media component. The Chihuahuas are asking how kids “GO PLAY”. Fans are encouraged to take a picture of themselves or their team being active and share it on Facebook, Twitter and/or Instagram using the markers #GatoradeGoPlayEPC and @epchihuahuas.

The best pictures and examples of living an active lifestyle will be featured by the Chihuahuas on their social media sites.

Chico will continue to make surprise visits over the next few weeks. Children are encouraged to remain active and keep an eye out for him.

Olivar concluded, “Last night was an incredible evening for our four competitive teams – Yankees, Longhorns, Fearless and Young Guns. Thank you to the Chihuahuas and Chico for a memorable night.”

This article originally appeared on the official website of the El Paso Chihuahuas. Click here to view the original story.

B-Mets, Maines Team Up for Big League Dreams

March 19, 2015

The Binghamton Mets, along with Maines Food & Party Warehouse, are reaching out to local Southern Tier Little Leagues with the B-Mets Big League Dreams program. New for the 2015 season, Big League Dreams, a youth baseball initiative, gives Little Leagues in the Binghamton area the chance to earn unbeatable rewards from the B-Mets.

To enter the drawing, a representative from each League is invited to acquire an application from Jesse Scaglion at the Binghamton Mets via email (jesse@bmets.com) or phone (607) 723-6387. The deadline to enter is Monday, April 13. Winners will be announced on Friday, April 17.

Five Little Leagues selected in the drawing will win terrific prizes including a $500 gift card to Maines Food & Party Warehouse and the chance to take the field at NYSEG Stadium alongside B-Mets players as part of the Field of Dreams program. Winning Leagues will also get a visit from B-Mets players and mascots at their field during the season. Maines will provide a concession stand makeover for all five winning Leagues.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Binghamton Mets. Click here to view the original story.

Garrett Brockway Baseball Clinic set for May 9th

March 19, 2015

The Burlington Bees/Garrett Brockway Memorial spring baseball camp is set for May 9th for ages 7-14 at Community Field from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM. The cost is just $25 per child.

Bees players will be on hand to teach the basics of hitting, throwing, and fielding. All proceeds will benefit the Garrett Brockway Foundation.

Garrett Brockway was only 10 years old when he passed away in March of 2013. He loved to play baseball and attended many Bees games.

For more information or to print out a sign up form, please click here. If you have any questions, please contact the Bees at (319) 754-5705.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Burlington Bees. Click here to view the original story.

Hit the Books Underway in Area Elementary Schools

March 19, 2015

Annual reading program assists children in setting & achieving goals

The Missoula Osprey with help of their partners, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana and Sylvan Learning, kicked off the club’s biggest and most successful community program, Hit the Books, in nearly 30 area elementary schools.

The Osprey started the Hit the Books Reading Program in their inaugural season in 1999 and have seen participation grow over time. 4,777 students spanning 241 classrooms are participating in the 2015 edition of Hit the Books, where annually nearly 50,000 books are read.

“Hit the Books is one of the best reading programs in all of professional baseball,” Osprey Vice President/General Manager Jeff Griffin said. “The program is incentive based designed for Missoula-area students to set goals and follow through with achieving them over a seven week period.”

Hit the Books is set up like a baseball game, meaning there are nine innings (three books equals one inning), where students receive a different prize for each inning completed. Every student that participates gets a letter of achievement and is entered to win a Kindle Reader. Other prizes include Osprey themed school supplies, an exclusive dessert party with team mascot Ollie, and ticket vouchers to an Osprey game. Over $100,000 in prizes was awarded to area students in 2014.

The program culminates with a celebration at one of eleven Osprey home games designated as Hit the Books Nights, where students are honored for their achievements.

“The program wouldn’t be what it is today without the support of our partners,” Griffin said. “We are also very proud of all of time the students and teachers put in to make it a success. Educators tell us the program helps motivate students as summer vacation approaches.”

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Missoula Osprey. Click here to view the original story.

Cougars Announce Charity Partnerships For 2015 Season

March 19, 2015

Partnerships with multiple organizations to positively impact local causes in 2015

The Kane County Cougars have announced a community outreach partnership for the 2015 season in which four organizations will receive a portion of the in-game 50/50 raffle proceeds through Ozzie’s Outreach Foundation, the Cougars’ charitable arm. Those four organizations are Project Backpack (April/May), DuPage Pads (June), Northern Illinois Food Bank (July) and Family Shelter Service (August/September). Also, the Cougars through their partnership with Acres Group, have announced that the Gateway Foundation Alcohol & Drug Treatment Centers will be the recipient of the charitable proceeds from this season’s “Pitch In For Charity” promotion in which fans, following select games, purchase and throw numbered tennis balls onto a target in order to win a prize.

Project Backpack (project-backpack.org) is a community-based initiative led by Elgin Community College that benefits local students who are in need of necessary school supplies.

DuPage Pads (dupagepads.org) has the solution to end homelessness with housing coupled with support services and employment which leads to improved health and economic sustainability.

Northern Illinois Food Bank (solvehungertoday.org) works with 800 community food pantries and feeding programs across 13 counties to solve hunger in northern Illinois by providing nutritious food to more than 71,000 people at risk of hunger each week. Volunteers can assist at one of their three centers including their west suburban location in Geneva.

Family Shelter Service (familyshelterservice.org), founded in 1976 and located in nearby Wheaton, transforms lives by offering help and hope to those affected by domestic violence.

Gateway Foundation Alcohol & Drug Treatment Centers (recovergateway.org) have provided the answers that individuals and their families need about drug and alcohol treatment. The organization has several treatment centers throughout Illinois, including nearby Aurora.

“Since the franchise’s inaugural season in 1991 and continuing through our upcoming 25^th anniversary season, the Cougars’ organization has strived to be the best possible neighbor by giving back to the community in many ways,” said Cougars Vice President/General Manager Curtis Haug.

“Through these types of initiatives, fans can see how deep our commitment is as an organization towards helping others in need,” said Cougars owner Dr. Bob Froehlich.

Added Cougars owner Cheryl Froehlich: “We are reminded more than ever when these milestone seasons occur, that the Cougars organization is aware of how much support that has been shown to us over the years and how critically important it is to give back.”

For more information on the Kane County Cougars and the organization’s upcoming 25^th anniversary season which begins on April 9, fans can visit kccougars.com. Fans are also encouraged to ‘like’ the Cougars on Facebook while following the team via Twitter and Instagram at kccougars.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Kane County Cougars. Click here to view the original story.