Titans and Desjardins Launch Baseball Buddies Partnership

Ottawa Titans infielder A.J. Wright and a young fan
(Ottawa Titans)

Ottawa, ON – The Ottawa Titans Baseball Club, along with the Desjardins Ontario Credit Union are proud to announce the Desjardins Ottawa Titans Baseball Buddies program.

Thanks to Desjardins Ontario Credit Union, the Ottawa Titans Baseball Buddies program has taken off this season, with youth baseball teams being introduced one by one alongside Titans starters to the crowd at Ottawa Stadium.

“We are very pleased with this partnership as it strongly aligns with Desjardins’ values of contributing to the economic and social wellbeing of individuals and communities,” said Chantal Lajoie, Regional Vice-President for Ottawa at Desjardins Ontario Credit Union.

“The Ottawa Titans are proud to partner with Desjardins and provide youth team’s the chance to enter the field with the pros, with community response and participant applications being overwhelming,” said Titans Vice President and COO, Regan Katz. “We pride ourselves on bringing quality and affordable family entertainment to the city and believe the Baseball Buddies program will build life-long Titans fans.”

Over the course of the Titans’ home schedule this year, Baseball Buddies stand with Titans starters on-field during their own team intro and the National Anthems.

Each participant takes home an official signed Baseball Buddies certificate to commemorate the experience and share the story with their loved ones.

For information on the Desjardins Ottawa Titans’ Baseball Buddies program, along with 2022 season tickets, group outings, and 8-game mini packs, visit the Titans’ official website at www.ottawatitans.com.

BRYAN CRANSTON, AARON PAUL TO HOST “BREAKING BAD” MEMORABILIA SILENT AUCTION FOR CHARITY JULY 30 AT ISOTOPES PARK 

The Albuquerque Isotopes today announced “Breaking Bad” stars Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul will host a silent auction Saturday, July 30 at Isotopes Park. The Emmy-winning actors are also scheduled to throw out the ceremonial first pitch and sing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” during that evening’s game.

Proceeds from the auction will benefit two local charities:

New Mexico Veterans Integration Centers**:** A resource for Veterans and their families in New Mexico, the VIC provides many services, including multiple housing assistance options, peer support, food and nutrition, and case management services to Veterans, their families, and the community.

Children’s Cancer Fund of New Mexico: From the moment a New Mexico child is diagnosed with cancer, the CCFNM is there to help. Generous donations directly support these children and their families in the following manner: Assistance for transportation costs, food vouchers, prizes for children and teens to help minimize the trauma of painful procedures, scholarship assistance and much more.

All silent auction items will be donated from the personal collections of both Cranston and Paul, who starred in the hit television series from 2008-2013. The auction—which will be held exclusively at Isotopes Park—will begin when the gates open at 5:30 pm and will last through the fifth inning. The specific auction items will be announced in the coming weeks. The auction winners will be invited to attend a private photo op with both Cranston and Paul during that night’s game.

“Albuquerque was our creative home throughout the run of Breaking Bad, and will always have a warm place in my heart,” Cranston said. “Now, Aaron and I thought we can do something to say thank you in the best way possible, by raising money for two very important charities that serve the ABQ community, while also having fun at the ballpark.”

“ABQ…we see you. Doing the math – the city has been the host to Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul for sixteen years! That is a long-term relationship,” Paul said. “We were so grateful the city was an important part of the stories, because it was a character as well. Thank you, Albuquerque. See you at the game, everyone!”

The auction will highlight a festive evening, as the 6:35 pm game vs. Las Vegas will feature Blake’s Lotaburger Green Chile Cheeseburgers Night and a post-game Fireworks Spectacular.

Cranston and Paul will be returning to Albuquerque, in part, to promote their Dos Hombres Mezcal which has become the number six Mezcal in North American sales in just under three years. Dos Hombres Margaritas will be available at Isotopes Park starting in mid-July.

An updated version of the Isotopes 2022 schedule is linked here. Fans can purchase individual tickets to all remaining Isotopes home games here. Information on group outings can be found here.

IronPigs to host Collegiate Showcase on July 30th and 31st

High School Baseball Players will be able to showcase their talents to colleges on a variety of levels

Allentown, Pennsylvania (30 June 2022) – Coca-Cola Park is opening its doors to high school baseball players for a “Collegiate Showcase” on Saturday, July 30 and Sunday, July 31. Scouts from multiple colleges will be in attendance as high school players look to showcase their talents for a chance to play baseball at the collegiate level.

Saturday, July 30 will run from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and will be a pro-style workout. The day will be broken into two sessions and consist of individual workouts such as defense, on-field batting practice, 60-yard dash, and throwing velocity.

Sunday, July 31 will begin at 8 a.m. and will consist of scrimmages throughout the day. Each player will be assigned a team and a number and will play a six or seven inning game.

Registration for players who play one position is $250 per player. Two-way players are $350 per player. Price includes a t-shirt. Players can click here to reserve their spot. The first 120 players are guaranteed to attend the showcase.

Colleges participating so far include Moravian University, Muhlenberg College, George Washington University, Kings College, Centenary University, Drew University, Messiah University, St. Mary’s College of Maryland, Lehigh Carbon Community College, and Penn State University – Berks.

Players who are interested in participating in the showcase can go to ironpigsbaseball.com for an updated list of colleges and universities.

Follow the IronPigs on Twitter at @IronPigs and like them on Facebook via www.facebook.com/LHVIronPigs.

The IronPigs are presented by Capital BlueCross.

–#OinkOn–

Missions to Host Senior Celebration on June 23rd 

80 Local High School Baseball Seniors Will Compete in Two Games at 4:30 and 7 p.m.

SAN ANTONIO – In a partnership with McCombs Ford West and the San Antonio Area Baseball Coaches Association, the San Antonio Missions Baseball Club will host a Senior Celebration on Thursday, June 23rd. The event will consist of 80 local high school baseball seniors broken into four teams.

“We are honored to be in partnership with the San Antonio Missions and McCombs Ford West, to be able to have the Senior Celebration, to showcase the best players in San Antonio and surrounding areas,” said Eric Forestier, President of SAABCA.

Tickets for this event will be available beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday. The general admission tickets can be purchased at the 1st Base Box Office at Nelson Wolff Stadium. Adult tickets will cost $11 while student tickets will cost $9.

“We at McCombs Ford West are thrilled to partner with the Missions and SAABCA and put on this showcase for so many talented ball players,” said McCombs Ford West General Manager Henry Finley. We are happy to provide these young men with a platform to showcase their talents.”

“It is an honor for us to be a part of the Senior Celebration,” said Missions team President Burl Yarbrough. “We are thrilled to host the finest baseball players in the area and allow them to showcase their talents here at Nelson Wolff Stadium.”

The Third Bate Gate will open at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday. The first game will begin at 4:30 p.m. and will showcase Team Freedom and Team Liberty. These teams will consist of players from the 4A level and below. Rosters for these two clubs can be seen below:

TEAM FREEDOM

Pitchers: Connor Zaruba (Yoakum), Ryne Kaiser (Blanco), Konner Harborth (Marion), Ethan Walker (La Vernia)

Catchers: Ethan Reyes (D’Hanis), Dylan LaRue (Blanco), Jake Burris (Marion)

Infielders: Tanner Schults (Canyon Lake), Jordan Brown (Davenport), Jake Nunn (Fredericksburg), James Sebera (Fredericksburg), Jesse Martinez (Goliad), Kallen Bek (Marion), Ryan Hendry (D’Hanis)

Outfielders: Luke Langfeld (D’Hanis), Jeremy Greene (Canyon Lake), Brandon Craig (La Vernia), Marcos Jimenez (Cedillo-Holy Cross)

At Large: Caleb Meyer (Blanco)

Coaches: Mike Salas (St. Anthony), Carlos De La Cerda (Fredericksburg), Todd Craft (D’Hanis)

TEAM LIBERTY

Pitchers: Joseph Telles (Pearsall), Kaleb Gauna (Hondo), Brody Ticer (Central Catholic)

Catchers: Ethan Stadler (Cole), Zach Moore (Poth), Ian Ruggierro (Wolverines)

Infielders: Nate Pesina (Central Catholic), Felipe Cuellar (Hondo), Sebastian Talamantes (Pearsall), Gabe Guajardo (Hondo), Ivan Hoyt (Cornerstone), Isayah Ramirez (Pearsall), Tony DeJesus (Central Catholic), Rob Reyes (Antonian)

Outfielders: Josh Corn (Somerset), Joshua Legaspe (Cole), Caleb Molina (Poth), Lorrenzo Montes (Somerset)

At Large: Gabriel Garza (Wolverines)

Coaches: David Collenback, Ray Talamantes, Scott Lake

The second game is scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. and will showcase Team Stripes and Team Stars. These teams will consist of players from the 5A and 6A levels. Rosters for these two clubs can be seen below:

TEAM STRIPES

Pitchers: Tim Arguello (Smithson Valley), Thomas Marquardt (Harlan), John Michael Ramirez (Brandeis), Jose Becerra (Stevens)

Catchers: Levi Castilleja (Churchill), Maddox Miesse (East Central), Jonas Ledesma (Roosevelt)

Infielders: Jack Kalisky (Marshall), Jose Rodriguez (John Jay), Jordan Owns (Stevens), Peyton Stolles (Steele), Cole Tabor (Reagan), Nolan Sauceda (Warren), Jonathon Pardo (San Marcos), Roger Rodriguez (Holmes)

Outfielders: Britton Moore (Reagan), Michael Burroughs (Judson), Caden Bosanko (East Central), Alex Perez (O’Connor), Aiden Bauman (New Braunfels)

At Large: Daniel Rodriguez (Taft)

Coaches: Ruben Covarrubias (John Jay), Jason Fox (Harlan), Roger Luna (Holmes), Chans Chapman (Reagan)

TEAM STARS

Pitchers: Sam Letz (Kerrville Tivy), DiAngelo Del Valle (Southwest Legacy), EJ Garcia (New Braunfels Canyon)

Catchers: Cory Mazzurana (Seguin), Eric Sanchez (Southwest Legacy), Chandler Banks (New Braunfels Canyon)

Infielders: Nate Gamez (Southwest), Jake Herb (Medina Valley), Ruben Pacheco (McCollum), Christian Garibay (Veterans Memorial), Victor Gutierrez (McCollum), JP Zuniga (Southwest), Joel Jimenez (Highlands), James Sobey (Alamo Heights)

Outfielders: Caleb Villareal (Highlands), Ryan Brandon (Boerne Champion), Blake Hollingshead (New Braunfels Canyon), Drew Barnett (Seguin), Arturo Parra (Brackenridge)

At Large: Cooper Marshall (Boerne Champion), Moses Gonzalez (Highlands)

Coaches: Aaron Carter (Veterans Memorial), Albert Olivarez (Kennedy), Joey Boyd (Alamo Heights), Jeff Sanford (Southwest Legacy)

For more information on this event, please contact the Wolff Stadium Box Office at 210-675-7275.

The San Antonio Missions are the Double-A affiliate for the San Diego Padres. This is the 120th professional season for the San Antonio Missions. Single game tickets are available now and can be purchased online or at the 1st Base Box Office. Season seat memberships are available now. For more information call 210-675-PARK (7275) or visit samissions.com.

GRAND SLAM Home Run Readers Amass Nearly 3 Million Minutes

Reading Program Reaches Record Heights

Rockland County, NY (June 20, 2022) – With nearly 3 million minutes of reading in the books for this season, the New York Boulders’ “Home Run Readers” program continues to build its successful reputation – one book at a time.

In conjunction with NY529, the partnership with the Boulders has helped promote literacy in elementary and middle schools throughout the Lower Hudson Valley, the Bronx and Northern New Jersey. First started in 2013, this year’s program saw a record 38 schools participate with more than 3,500 students opening the books.

The challenge ran from April 25 and ended on May 15.

The rules were simple: only out of school reading counted.

Each school designated a coordinator to record each student’s reading times, as well as a total for their school.

When all was said and done, each reader fell into one of five prize categories:

  • Under 400 minutes earned you a single and a participation certificate
  • At least 400 minutes had you on second base with a double, a participation certificate and two tickets to a specified Boulders’ game this season.
  • Up to 800 minutes and you legged out a triple to go along with a participation certificate and four tickets to a specified 2022 Boulders’ game
  • 1300 minutes or more had you circling the bases with a home run, a participation certificate, four tickets to a specified game where you also had the privilege of throwing out the ceremonial first pitch.

The top reader for the year, Yankilvio Molina of the Highland Falls Intermediate School in Highland Falls, NY, will be rewarded with on-field recognition at a Boulders’ game, as well as an autographed baseball and a photo taken with manager T.J. Stanton and Boulder Bird.

Teachers who had their classes participate, along with their designated program coordinator and school principal were awarded five tickets to a future Boulders’ game, as well as a 10% discount at the team store located inside Clover Stadium.

This year’s top five reading schools were:

  1. Little Tor Elementary School in New City, NY
  2. Highland Falls Intermediate School in Highland Falls, NY
  3. Edgemont Elementary School in Montclair, NJ
  4. Greenwood Lake Middle School in Monroe, NY
  5. A. MacArthur Barr Middle School in Nanuet, NY

Each of the top five schools were awarded a suite to a 2022 Boulders’ home game for 14 staff members.

Information regarding season tickets and packages for the Boulders’ 2022 season are available by calling 845-364-0009 or sliding to www.NYBoulders.com.

Boulders to Award Six Scholarships to High School Grads

Rockland County, NY (June 20, 2022) – Are you heading to college this coming Fall and are leaning towards a career in Sports Management or Business? If you are, you should be applying for the NY529/New York Boulders University scholarship.

Sports Management is one of the fastest growing college majors in the country and Business is an essential component of the industry. A career in sports is also much more than playing or watching a game, there are a number of fields where people work behind the scenes such as facilities operations, public relations and marketing, corporate sponsorships, community relations, event presentation, in-game entertainment, sports medicine, graphics, control room operations, etc.

This summer, the Boulders will be donating six scholarships worth $529 apiece into a student’s NY529 account. The scholarships are open to graduating high school seniors who are seeking to pursue such careers.

To be eligible, a student must fill out and submit the scholarship application on the Boulders’ website at www.nyboulders.com. Applications need to be received by July 15, with the winners announced the week of July 25.

The winners will be honored with on-field recognition at a Boulders’ game the week of Aug. 1.

Submitted applications must include the student’s name, e-mail address, phone number, name of high school, projected college or university planning to attend beginning this fall and his/her projected major area of study.

Three questions need to be answered:

  1. What are you planning to study and why are you interested?
  2. What traits or skills do you possess that will transfer to a career in the sports or business industries?
  3. What experience have you had (aside from playing if you plan a career in sports) that you feel have prepared you for a future career in sports or business?

The completed applications should be submitted to Gail Gultz, Boulders’ Educational Director, at teach@nyboulders.com.

Information regarding season tickets and packages for the Boulders’ 2022 season are available by calling 845-364-0009 or sliding to www.NYBoulders.com.

Jumbo Shrimp bring baseball to Historic Eastside for PLAY BALL Weekend event

Pitcher Will Stewart and the Jumbo Shrimp hosted their PLAY BALL Weekend from June 10-12. (Colleen Mitchell/ Miami Marlins)

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp partnered with the Henry Brown Athletic Association to put on a free instructional clinic designed to encourage the growth of the game of baseball and inspire recreational play amongst underserved communities in Jacksonville.

The clinic, which took place at Kooker Park in the Historic Eastside of Jacksonville on June 10, was an effort to support a culturally-rich and important neighborhood less than a mile from the team’s home at 121 Financial Ballpark.

Jumbo Shrimp players and front office staff provided hands-on skill development during five different sessions in which participants received free instruction on hitting, fielding, catching, pitching and running. At the conclusion of the clinic, the youngsters were gifted a Franklin bat and ball set.

“It was such a rewarding experience to help provide a positive environment for our local Jacksonville youth to learn more about the amazing sport of baseball,” said Jumbo Shrimp community relations manager Miranda Rossum. “Our mission is to grow the game and ensure that kids who want to play baseball and softball have the opportunity to do so.”

Pitcher Matthew Kent speaking with children during PLAY BALL Weekend. (Colleen Mitchell/Miami Marlins)

“It gives you a real appreciation for how lucky we are,” Jumbo Shrimp pitcher Will Stewart said, “It felt good to be able to go out there and help them out and give them a little knowledge and just show that we care about them.”

In addition to the hands-on learning experience, participants had a chance to attend a Jumbo Shrimp baseball game that evening and see the players in action on a big-league field.

“They were extremely loud that night at the ballpark, it was great! I’m glad they were there,” said Stewart.

The event was part of Major League Baseball’s PLAY BALL initiative, which encourages participation in the sports of baseball and softball amongst all ages, with a special focus on youth. PLAY BALL events took place across 30 MLB teams, 120 MILB teams and seven different continents.

ABOUT THE JUMBO SHRIMP: The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp offer affordable family fun at 121 Financial Ballpark. Their inaugural season garnered the Southern League’s Don Mincher Organization of the Year, Promotional Trophy and Jimmy Bragan Executive of the Year, won by general manager Harold Craw. The club added its second Promotional Trophy in three years following the 2019 season. The 2021 season marked the return of Triple-A baseball in Jacksonville. To experience the excitement with the terrific value of ticket and group options, call the Jumbo Shrimp at (904) 358-2846 or visit www.jaxshrimp.com.

Sounds and Delta Dental to Host Free Dental Clinic at First Horizon Park on Friday, June 17

The Nashville Sounds Baseball Club has partnered with Delta Dental to host a free Smile Power dental clinic from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at First Horizon Park on Friday, June 17. The clinic is open to people of all ages.

All registered participants will receive a free dental screening thanks to volunteers from Meharry Medical College and Neighborhood Health. Following the screening, participants have the opportunity to schedule a follow-up dental appointment through Neighborhood Health.

Public signups are available from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. and must be completed here.

All children ages 12 and under will also be provided with an apple and bottle of water courtesy of Performance Foodservice. The Band Box will be open for activities while children wait for their screening.

The Nashville Sounds are the Triple-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers and play at First Horizon Park. Single-game tickets are on sale now for all home games in 2022. For more information call 615-690-4487 or e-mail [email protected].

IHSAA Baseball State Finals Matchups Set for June 17-18 at Victory Field

INDIANAPOLIS – The 55th annual Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) Baseball State Finals return to Victory Field for a 24th time on Friday, June 17 and Saturday, June 18. The 2A and 3A championships will be played Friday with the 1A and 4A matchups slated for Saturday.

“The Indiana High School Baseball State Finals is one of Victory Field’s greatest summer traditions,” said Randy Lewandowski, Indianapolis Indians President and General Manager. “The championship atmosphere both on the field and in the stands is special, and we look forward to creating lasting memories for the student-athletes, coaches and fans.”

General admission tickets will be available starting at 12 PM ET on Thursday, June 16. GA tickets are $12 and kids 5 and under receive free admission per IHSAA guidelines. Fans may also contact any of the eight respective schools competing in the championships to purchase tickets. Each night will be sold as a separate session; each ticket is good for both games that night. Fans for the visiting teams will sit on the first base side of the seating bowl while fans for the home teams will sit on the third base side.

“We look forward to completing the school year at beautiful Victory Field every single year,” said IHSAA Commissioner Paul Neidig. “The hospitality of the Indianapolis Indians is second to none and they always provide a great experience for our state finalist teams and fans alike at the best minor league ballpark in the country.”

Gates open at 4:30 PM ET on Friday, June 17 and at 3:30 PM ET on Saturday, June 18. Limited parking is available in the Victory Field parking lot for $10 (cash and card accepted) starting at 2:30 PM ET on June 17 and at 1:30 PM ET on June 18. Concessions will be available and are cashless – only debit and credit cards are acceptable forms of payment.

Friday, June 17
2A Championship, 5:37 PM ET
Centerville (21-5, visitors) vs. Illiana Christian (21-7, home)

3A Championship, approximately 8:07 PM ET
Brebeuf Jesuit (26-4, visitors) vs. Andrean (30-4, home)

Saturday, June 18
1A Championship, 4:37 PM ET
Tecumseh (19-12, visitors) vs. Lafayette Central Catholic (26-6, home)

4A Championship, approximately 8:07 PM ET
Indianapolis Cathedral (18-10-2, visitors) vs. Penn (25-6, home)

All four state championship games will air live on Bally Sports Indiana (BSIN). For viewers outside the BSIN coverage area, a live stream will be available at IHSAAtv.org. For those within the BSIN coverage area, the stream will be available only on a delayed basis following the conclusion of the telecast.

Yard Goats to Host HBCU/Negro League Celebration Three-Day Event 

“LEVELING the PLAYING FIELD” June 15th-17th

(Hartford, CT) The Hartford Yard Goats Baseball Club, the Double-A Eastern League affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, announced it will be hosting a three-day event called LEVELING the PLAYING FIELD from June 15th through June 17th in Hartford. The events will take place at the South End Boys & Girls Club, Hooker Live and Dunkin’ Donuts Park. The three-day event is presented by the Hartford Yard Goats Foundation, and Charter Oak Family Health Center.

In 2021, the Yard Goats celebrated the 100th Anniversary of the Negro Baseball Leagues through music, dance, exhibitions, presentations and more. This year, the Yard Goats are excited to highlight the history and experience of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Both the Negro Leagues and Black Colleges were formed as a result of racial discrimination, and on the premise of providing equal opportunities for Black students and baseball players.

Events Schedule:

Day 1: WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15**th* *(5:00 PM)**

Location: SOUTH END BOYS & GIRLS CLUB (129-131 Ledyard Street, Hartford)

“LEGEND BEHIND THE PLATE” -THE JOSH GIBSON STORY

* -Documentary & talk back with Sean Gibson (great grandson of Josh Gibson)*

* -Doors open at 5:00 and program begins at 5:45*

Day 2: THURSDAY, JUNE 16**th* *(5:00 PM-7:00 PM)**

Location: HOOKER LIVE (1 Sequassen Street, Hartford)

AN UNFILTERED PANEL DISCUSSION AROUND RACIAL AND GENDER EQUITY

* -Moderated by Jay Williams, President & CEO of The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving*

-Panel includes: Sean Gibson (President of Josh Gibson Foundation), Mary-Jane Foster (President & CEO of Interval House), Tony Womack (former MLB All-Star & World Series Champion), Cheryl Sharp (Civil Rights Attorney/Deputy Director of CHRO), JP Blandin (Head Coach of Delaware State University Baseball)

Day 3: FRIDAY, JUNE 17 (4:00 PM)

PRE-GAME BLOCK PARTY

Location: Heaven Skate Park

YARD GOATS GAME

Location: Dunkin’ Donuts Park

Virginia State Trojans Marching Band, Live DJ Wrexx & Big Regg, Greek Strolls, Steppers, Dancers, Youth Marching Bands from across Connecticut, Painting & More

The first-place Yard Goats return home for a six-game homestand tonight (7:05 PM) against the Akron RubberDucks. Tickets for all games are available on the Yard Goats website (yardgoatsbaseball.com), or over the phone or in person at the Click-It-Or-Ticket Box office.

Sugar Land Space Cowboys Host 200 Kids for Play Ball Weekend

(SUGAR LAND, Texas) – The Sugar Land Space Cowboys on Saturday morning hosted 200 kids from the Houston area for a baseball clinic at Constellation Field.

The Space Cowboys held the baseball clinic as part of PLAY BALL Weekend. All 120 Minor League Baseball clubs hosted either a PLAY BALL clinic, Pitch, Hit & Run and Jr. Home Run Derby competitions, youth baseball and softball tournaments, or games and events involving local Challenger Baseball leagues and Miracle League programs.

Space Cowboys manager Mickey Storey, development coach Wladimir Sutil, strength coach Zach Reding, bullpen catcher Caleb Nunes and video coordinator Garrett Allen helped run kids from the Houston area through hitting, pitching, fielding and agility circuits throughout Constellation Field.

PLAY BALL events were also held by all 30 Major League teams, as well as other select locations on all seven continents.

PLAY BALL is MLB’s signature youth engagement activity that is featured in events all around the United States and Canada. More information on the program, as well as future event updates, can be found at www.PlayBall.org.

Saturday MVP Field Day to Celebrate 2022 OKC Dodgers MVP Program

OKLAHOMA CITY – More than 17,000 second-, third- and fourth-grade students from across the state of Oklahoma participated in the sixth year of the Oklahoma City Dodgers MVP Program: Encouraging STEM Education presented by Devon Energy and Olsson.

The free OKC Dodgers MVP Program incentivizes teachers and students to participate in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) curriculum, rewarding students for their STEM achievements both inside and outside of the classroom.

“Devon is committed to engaging with students and teachers to promote STEM learning in classrooms across the state,” said Christina Rehkop, Devon’s community relations director. “The MVP Program is a fun and exciting way to bring skills and learning to life through the lens of baseball.”

The program was offered statewide in Oklahoma for a fourth straight year and expanded to include second-grade classrooms for the first time for the 2021-22 school year.

“Olsson is excited to be partnering with the Oklahoma City Dodgers’ MVP Program that celebrates the achievements of young students throughout the state in STEM education,” said Jimmy Sparks, Western Region Leader for Olsson.

The sixth year of the program culminates Saturday with MVP Field Day at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark — an exclusive event for participating MVP students and teachers, as well as their families. More than 700 students and teachers from throughout Oklahoma are scheduled to attend.

MVP Field Day will include STEM activities presented by Devon Energy, Olsson, SWOSU/Sage Camp, Women’s Energy Network, Engage Learning, OERB, Science Museum Oklahoma, First Robotics, Mad Science, Rose State College, NASA, Women in Technology and OG&E.

“We are excited to celebrate and reward our MVP Program students and teachers for their hard work during the school year with a day filled with fun STEM activities at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark,” OKC Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes said. “We have received such positive feedback from teachers and students during the program’s first six years and look forward to continuing to grow the MVP Program.”

The OKC Dodgers MVP Program will resume in August for the 2022-23 school year. Additional information about the OKC Dodgers MVP Program and how to participate can be found at okcdodgers.com/mvp or via email to: [email protected].

The OKC Dodgers play the Sugar Land Space Cowboys at 6:05 p.m. tonight before opening a three-game series against the Salt Lake Bees at 7:05 p.m. Friday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

Friday night’s game features Loop Rawlins: One Man Wild West Show presented by H&H Shooting Sports as well as Friday Night Fireworks following the game.

The Dodgers and Bees meet again at 7:05 p.m. Saturday on 89ers Night as the Dodgers will wear retro 89ers jerseys in a nod to the franchise’s history. Saturday is also a Future Dodgers Night as youth baseball and softball teams can participate in a pregame parade on the field.

The series wraps up at 2:05 p.m. Sunday and kids can run the bases following the game.

Tickets are available at okcdodgers.com/tickets. Live radio coverage of each OKC Dodgers game begins 15 minutes before first pitch on AM 1340 “The Game,” 1340thegame.com and through the free iHeartRadio or MiLB First Pitch apps. All OKC Dodgers games are also available streamed live on MiLB.TV with a subscription.

Free Community Baseball Clinic and Annual Disability Dream and Do/Think Differently (D3 Day) Event Planned For Hudson Valley Renegades Involvement in MLB’s PLAY BALL Weekend

WAPPINGERS FALLS, N.Y. (June 8, 2022) –The Hudson Valley Renegades have teamed up with Major League Baseball and have planned two exciting events for the upcoming weekend. The Renegades will be taking part in PLAY BALL Weekend, a baseball-wide initiative designed to give back to each local community throughout Major League and Minor League Baseball.

A free community baseball clinic will be offered at Dutchess Stadium following the 2:05 PM game on Sunday, June 12. All who sign up to attend the clinic will receive two free tickets to the game. Registration openings are still available for this event at the following link: https://hudsonvalleyrenegades.leagueapps.com/events/3122884.

The clinic is free and features members of the Renegades coaching staff and players from the Renegades Collegiate Baseball Team. Renegades Manager Tyson Blaser will lead the clinic which is open to the first 100 children ages 8-16, and will feature 90 minutes of baseball drills and fun. Clinic participants will also receive a free T-shirt and free subscriptions to both MLB.TV and MiLB.TV.

The Renegades annual D3/Think Differently Day will be on Saturday, June 11th at Dutchess Stadium from 10 a.m. until noon. The Disability Dream and Do (D3Day) sports camps were created by Dave Clark, the only pitcher in professional sports history to pitch on crutches, and Doug Cornfield, a former NCAA medal winning runner at Georgia, who himself had a child born with no arms. These camps allow professional players to interact with children with special needs in various drills and compete in sports with no limitations.

In 2016, Dave Stevens, who was born without legs but played college football and minor league baseball, came on board as the D3 Day camps expanded to other cities in the US. Dave, Dave and Doug now put on camps all over the country and share their amazing stories as well as inspire others to look past a disability and turn it into an ability. This event is full and no further registration slots remain.

The Renegades are handing out 200 Franklin bat and ball sets to participants of both events. More than 60 Minor League teams and all 30 Major League teams will participate in PLAY BALL Weekend. Clubs will be hosting a variety of events all throughout the weekend designed to engage young fans and share the fun of playing baseball and softball. For more information visit www.MLB.com/play-ball/weekend.

For more information on the Renegades camp, please call the Renegades office at 845-838-0094 or email Marcella Costello at [email protected].

ABOUT THE HUDSON VALLEY RENEGADES

The Renegades are in their second season as the High-A affiliate of the New York Yankees. They have played their home games at Dutchess Stadium in Wappingers Falls, N.Y. since 1994.

ABOUT DIAMOND BASEBALL HOLDINGS

Diamond Baseball Holdings (DBH) is a subsidiary of Endeavor, the global sports and entertainment company. DBH was formed in 2021 to support, promote, and enhance Minor League Baseball through professional management, best practices, innovation and investment. (DiamondBaseballHoldings.com).

Tides Front Office to Participate in MLB's Play Ball Weekend at Tidewater Park Elementary

The Norfolk Tides today announced that the front office will be participating in Major League Baseball’s “Let’s Play Weekend” on Friday, June 10. The initiative is for Minor League Baseball teams to get together with their local schools to celebrate the game of baseball and encourage the kids to play.

While the team on the road at Nashville, the Norfolk Tides front office will visit Tidewater Park Elementary. The school is just down the road from Harbor Park and is in Booker T. Washington High School’s district.

The Tides’ front office will arrive and set up at 10 a.m. on Friday and finish around noon. The kids will be divided up into groups of 20 or so kids, and play 10 vs. 10 whiffle ball games. The students will all have an opportunity to hit and play the field, learning how to play and enjoy the game with friends.

After the students are finished playing, they will be treated with ice cream. Team mascot Triton will also be on site to play with and take pictures with the kids.

Sounds to Host Free Baseball / Softball Clinics on June 10 and 11

As part of Play Ball Weekend, the Nashville Sounds Baseball Club has announced a series of free baseball and softball clinics presented by Chick-Fil-A MetroCenter and Little Blue Menu on Friday, June 10 and Saturday, June 11 at First Horizon Park.

Each clinic is age-specific and limited to the first 125 children that sign-up. Pre-registration to participate in the clinics is required; walk-ups will not be accepted on the days of the events. Click here to complete the sign-up process.

The clinics are listed by age group below:

All participants are encouraged to, but not required to bring their own baseball equipment, including sneakers and/or closed toe shoes. Metal spikes are not permitted.

The benefits of registering your child(ren) for this event include the opportunity to receive additional benefits from Minor League Baseball and the Nashville Sounds including a complimentary 2022 MLB.tv Yearly subscription, a complimentary 2022 MiLB.tv subscription, exclusive access for the participant(s) to virtual and in-person youth softball & baseball programming, discounts on select, eligible MLB licensed merchandise and equipment, and more! Additional information will be provided via email to the email address provided at registration.

The Nashville Sounds are the Triple-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers and play at First Horizon Park. Single-game tickets are on sale now for all home games in 2022. For more information call 615-690-4487 or e-mail [email protected].