Children’s Health and Development

Ollie Kids’ Club Clinic is a Hit!

July 7, 2014

Ollie Osprey Kids’ Club members attended the annual Kids’ Club Clinic at Ogren Park Allegiance Field before the game Sunday, July 7. These Ollie Kids’ Club members we able to receive specialized instruction and spend time with their favorite Osprey players.

The Kids’ Club Instructional Clinic ran from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and consisted of throwing, fielding and base running drills. Eight Missoula Osprey players helped run the clinic: Tyler Bolton, Brad Keller, Markus Solbach, Will Landsheft, Justin Williams, Damion Smith, and B.J. Lopez. After the drills, kids had the opportunity to ask players questions and get autographs from their favorite Osprey players.

To Join the Ollie Kids’ Club You will receive:

* Two Free General Admission tickets to every Sunday Osprey home game
* Free Ollie Osprey T-shirt
* Membership Card
* Invitations to Private Parties held only for Kids’ Club members

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP FEE IS ONLY $15!
Cost is per child and for ages 3-12

Membership Sign-Up

If you need assistance or have any questions about your ticket order please contact the Osprey Office at 406-543-3300 or e-mail nhunter@missoulaosprey.com.

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

RailRiders Announce HOPE Week Activities

July 2, 2014

Week-Long Festivities Commence Sunday, July 6

What began as an ode to the parent club and the community has turned into an annual tradition in NEPA. The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Triple-A/New York Yankees) are proud to announce that beginning on Sunday, July 6 the RailRiders will join the New York Yankees in support of HOPE (Helping Others Persevere and Excel) Week 2014, a unique week-long communal program that brings to light extraordinary stories intended to inspire individuals into action in their own communities.

Initiated in 2009 and now in its fifth campaign in NEPA, HOPE Week is rooted in the fundamental belief that acts of goodwill provide hope and encouragement to more than just the recipient of the gesture. Each day from Sunday, July 6 through Friday, July 11 members of the RailRiders front office staff or club will reach out personally to connect with an organization, cause or individual. 2014 marks the third straight year that each of the Yankees’ six U.S.-based affiliates will participate in the program, making the initiative one that the entire organization proudly stands behind.

HOPE Week begins with the RailRiders’ annual food drive on Sunday, July 6. Patrons are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to the 7:05 p.m. contest against the Charlotte Knights (Chicago White Sox) in exchange for one lawn seat in the NEPA Honda Homer Zone. SWB has partnered with the Voluntary Action Center which will distribute the collected items to agencies and food pantries around the region. The RailRiders will respond by honoring Voluntary Action Center’s ‘Volunteers of the Year’ with a pre-game ceremony on the field.

Scranton/Wilkes-Barre coaches, players and front office staff will trek to the Gino Merli Veterans Center in Scranton on Monday, July 7 to participate in a full day of inspiring visits. The RailRiders will visit residents in their rooms and see who has the best stuff in some games of Wii baseball. The visit includes a social filled with baseball-themed snacks.

Fortune favors the bald? We will find out on Tuesday, July 8 when the RailRiders join the Vs. Cancer Foundation with a night at PNC Field committed to raising money for childhood cancer research. Half of the funds raised will be donated to the National Childhood Cancer Research Foundation and the other half will be donated locally. RailRiders players and front office staff will shave their heads during and after the game to help raise awareness. A number of names are scheduled to participate including RHP Danny Burawa, SHP Pat Venditte, C Francisco Arcia and team president/GM Rob Crain. The RailRiders have set a team goal of $10,000 for the event.

On Wednesday, July 9, Children’s Miracle Network kids and their families will journey into the RailRiders’ home clubhouse for a personal meet-and-greet with players before the game.

The RailRiders head to the NEPA Boys and Girls Club on Thursday, July 10. SWB has partnered with Combined Forces Mobile Laser Tag for the fun and excitement of laser tag. The event includes inflatable barricades, walls and laser guns. RailRiders’ players and staff will participate in the team sport with club members from 10 a.m.-11 a.m.

The big league baseball dream propels the RailRiders each day. On Friday, July 11, the RailRiders will seek to help dreams of a different variety. HOPE Week concludes with Princess and Pirate Night at PNC Field as the RailRiders partner with the Make-A-Wish foundation to honor two deserving kids. Limos, along with staff dressed in their best princess and pirate attire, will escort the two honorees to PNC Field for special on-field recognition and ceremonial first pitches. Each child will receive a complimentary princess and pirate costume and promotional package.

HOPE Week is just a part of the RailRiders’ community outreach this season, and the RailRiders look forward to continuing their involvement both during and after HOPE Week. Any inquiries regarding the week-long festivities should be directed to RailRiders community relations manager Rachel Mark by calling 570-969-2255 (ext. 3140) or by e-mailing rmark@swbrailriders.com.

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

Cutters Kids Camp to be Held August 2nd

July 2, 2014

The Williamsport Crosscutters will be holding their annual Cutters Kids Camp on Saturday, August 2 from 9am-1pm at Susquehanna Bank Park. The camp, presented by Susquehanna Bank, is open to any child between the ages of 7 and 14.

The camp will include; specialized baseball instruction from Cutters Manager Shawn Williams, and coaches Aaron Fultz and Eddie Dennis, along with selected Cutters players.

All campers will receive a Cutters logo baseball, camp certificate, lunch with the players after the camp and two tickets to the August 2 Cutters game where camp participants will come on the field with the Crosscutters for the National Anthem.

Space is limited. The cost is $65 per child and all participants must be pre-registered. Registration forms are available online at www.crosscutters.com or at Susquehanna Bank Park.

For more information on the Cutters Kids Camp, call the Cutters Hotline at (570) 326-3389.

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

US Bank Kid’s Clinic Huge Success

June 29, 2014

It was a beautiful day as over 100 kids took Melaleuca Field by storm to learn from their favorite Chukars players and coaches Saturday afternoon. Four stations were set up around the field including pitching, hitting, outfield, and infield.

Brandon Thomas was one of a handful of pitchers that ran the pitching station over by the home bullpen.

“Right now we’re trying to teach them about releasing the ball out front and hand separation. There’s a drill called 10 toes which works on separating your hands. Another one is where you spread your legs out a little bit more and it forces you to get on your front side, and other than that we’re working on long toss,” Thomas said. “Each one is unique in their own way and it’s cool to see them throw and just have fun.”

At the outfield station, Jerrell Allen helped work with the kids on pop fly balls and grounders.

“We’re trying to teach them how to read the wind when a pop fly comes, stay ahead of a ground ball, and keeping your glove on the ground to come up with the ball and throw it in,” Allen said. “Basically we want them to learn what we learned coming up and give back to them.”

Shortstop Corey Toups paired up with teammates to show the kids some infield drills like fielding ground balls and throwing to second.

“We have the kids set up at the shortstop position at normal depth taking slow ground balls. We’re teaching them about having a good center of gravity and a good base to make a strong throw over to first base,” Toups said. “Secondly, we have them taking grounders at double-play depth and doing a short toss to second. Most of them understand it and say they are infielders so it’s pretty easy.”

Alexis Rivera was one of several players running the hitting station. It was his second year helping with the clinic and he said he enjoys it.

“There’s a lot more kids this year. We started off the hitting station with five swings each but had to cut it down because there were so many kids,” Rivera said. “But it’s fun to have so many kids out here, teach them, and help future baseball players. We learn so many things and it’s fun to give back and teach the kids about the basics of baseball: fielding, pitching, and hitting.”

That was the consensus among the players who all said they enjoyed their time working with the kids.

“I went to camps like this when I was little. It’s so much fun to be here and be able to do that as a professional,” Toups said.

Allen said teaching was hard but he loved the Kid’s Clinic.

“(Teaching) is pretty hard but I’ve actually seen a decent amount of athletes out here,” Allen said. “You want to go out there with the guys and it makes you want to be a kid again. I love doing this kind of stuff.”

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Idaho Falls Chukars. Click here to view the original story.

GARY CARTER FOUNDATION FUNDRAISER — JUNE 29th

June 29, 2014

Earlier this year, the Mets family lost a long-time member with the passing of beloved Hall of Fame catcher and Mets icon, Gary Carter, who left us on February 16th after a courageous battle with brain cancer. Throughout his Hall of Fame career, Gary Carter graced the game he loved with the fearlessness of a warrior and the joyful exuberance of a kid. His passion, leadership and guidance cemented his place in Mets lore as one of the most influential players in franchise history.

The Kid was a key cog during the Mets World Series Championship in 1986, and will forever be revered as a fan favorite by those who root for the orange and blue. Although Carter entered the Hall of Fame as a member of the Montreal Expos, he always had the orange and blue of his beloved New York Mets running through his veins.

With that in mind, the Cyclones will remember Gary Carter in a special pre-game ceremony on Friday, June 29th prior to the 7:00 pm game against the Aberdeen IronBirds. That evening the Cyclones will wear special orange and blue jerseys with a “Kid 8” memorial patch on the right sleeve – the same patch that the New York Mets are wearing throughout the season.

These special jerseys will be raffled off throughout the game with a portion of the proceeds to benefit the Gary Carter Foundation. This organization carries on Gary’s mission to better the physical, mental and spiritual well being of children in need. Even after his death the Kid continues to enrich the lives of those less fortunate.

Here’s a look at the special jerseys the team will wear and raffle off that evening:

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

Photo squares on sale for Autism Awareness Jerseys

June 27, 2014

River Bandits will wear specialty jerseys for third annual photo jersey auction Friday, Aug. 8

The Quad Cities River Bandits are again offering fans the chance to put their photographs in small squares in the team’s jersey numbers for the annual photo jersey auction on Autism Awareness Night presented by KWQC on Aug. 8 at Modern Woodmen Park. All of the proceeds of the square purchases and jersey auction will benefit the Quad Cities Autism Center Inc.

At $25 per square, fans can purchase a space in the River Bandits’ jersey numbers to feature a photograph of themselves, a family member or friend, or a picture chosen by the Quad Cities Autism Center. A limited number of squares are available, and each square comes with a certificate of purchase. Each square is guaranteed to be on at least one jersey, and the maximum individual order is five squares.

In 2012, the River Bandits became the first U.S. professional sports team to hold a photo jersey auction for charity, and the team’s second annual event was recognized last season with the annual Golden Bobblehead Award for the Best Charity Promotion or Event in Minor League Baseball.

“We are thrilled to partner again with the Quad Cities Autism Center to give River Bandits fans another incredible opportunity to be part of a nationally-recognized promotion and help fight autism right here in the Quad Cities,” said River Bandits owner Dave Heller. “The Quad Cities community has shown generous and enthusiastic support for the photo jersey auction and has demonstrated its determination to help fight autism, and we are excited for another memorable event at Modern Woodmen Park!”

In 2013, the River Bandits’ Autism Awareness Night raised more than $12,000. The promotion was selected in September 2013 among nearly 200 nominations as a finalist in its promotional category. It was later selected as the 2013 Golden Bobblehead Award winner for Best Charity Promotion or Event at Minor League Baseball Promotional Seminar in Louisville, Ky., last September.

Fans can order the photo squares by completing the form at www.riverbandits.com, calling 563-324-3000 or emailing Alex@riverbandits.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Quad Cities River Bandits. Click here to view the original story.

Donate new or used children’s books: Sunday, 7/20

June 26, 2014

Want to help inspire a child to read? On Sunday, July 20, the Mud Hens and the Toledo Lucas County Public Library will host a book drive at Fifth Third Field. Fans coming to the game that day are encouraged to bring new or lightly used children’s books, with donations to benefit the Books 4 Buddies program.

Founded in 2012 by Toledo native L. Toure McCord, the mission of the Books 4 Buddies program is to enhance literacy for boys and young men and building leaders one book at a time. Donated books will be given to disadvantaged youth, but particularly to encourage and inspire young boys to read.

Before and during the game the Toledo Lucas County Public Library will be promoting and encouraging participation in their summer reading program and other children’s reading initiatives.

The Mud Hens take on Louisville at 6 p.m. on Sunday, July 20. Gates opening at 4:30 p.m. Call 419-725-4367 for tickets or order online.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Toledo Mud Hens. Click here to view the original story.

Batting for Scholars Home Run Derby rescheduled for Sept. 21

June 26, 2014

First-Ever Event will Welcome Participants from Tee Ball Through Adult to Modern Woodmen Park

The first-ever Batting for Scholars Home Run Derby to benefit the Bandit Scholars Program has been rescheduled for Sunday, Sept. 21. The event will give fans and people across the Quad Cities region the chance to swing for the fences at Modern Woodmen Park.

Presented by Modern Woodmen of America and Triumph Community Bank, the Batting for Scholars Home Run Derby will include a Minors Division, with participants from Tee Ball through age 17, and a Majors Division, including all ages at a competitive level. Registration will begin at 10 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 21. The Minors Division event will take place at 11 a.m., and the Majors Division event will be at 2 p.m. that day. Participants receive a free River Bandits T-shirt and a ticket to a 2015 River Bandits game. Non-participants are welcome to catch balls in the outfield of Modern Woodmen Park during the derby.

“The Batting for Scholars Home Run Derby offers a great opportunity for people in the Quad Cities to show off their skills and enjoy a unique and memorable experience on the field of Modern Woodmen Park,” said River Bandits owner Dave Heller. “The best part is all of the money raised at this unique event will help pay the college tuition for Quad Cities area students – perhaps in the future including one of the young participants in this first-ever Batting for Scholars Home Run Derby!”

The Minors Division will have three competitions – Single A (players in Tee Ball through levels under age 10), Double A (ages 10 to 12), and Triple A (ages 13 to 17). The top three winners in each division will receive prizes. Registration is $20 per participant, and each hitter can choose to hit baseballs or softballs. The registration deadline is Monday, Sept. 15.

Majors Division will include all ages at a competitive level, hitting softball pitches. The winner will receive $200 cash and a 2015 suite rental as prizes. Registration is $30 per participant and limited to the first 50 who register. The deadline is Monday, Sept. 15.

All fans are welcome to catch balls in the outfield during the derby. Non-participants for the home run derby are asked to make a $5 donation to the Bandit Scholars Program.

The Batting for Scholars Home Run Derby registration form is available at Modern Woodmen Park and at www.riverbandits.com. More information is available by contacting Brittany Carter at 563-333-2736 or emailing Brittany@riverbandits.com.

The Bandit Scholars Program was founded in 2009 by the Quad Cities River Bandits’ team owners Dave Heller and Bob Herrfeldt; the program pays the entire first year of college tuition for Quad Cities area students through the Bandit Scholarships. The scholarships are administered by the non-profit Community Foundation of the Great River Bend, and recipients are selected by a committee made up of River Bandits’ staff, CFGRB volunteers and area community leaders. Awarded annually to Quad Cities area high school seniors, each scholarship includes a summer internship with the River Bandits following the winner’s first year of college. Tax-free donations to the scholarship fund can be made through the CFGRB web site.

The scholarships are funded by fan donations and fund-raising efforts by the River Bandits and the team’s ownership. Fundraising events include the annual Frost Fest, Bandits Race to Home 5K and Bandit Scholars Home Run Derby, set for July 26-27 this season. Through the partnership with the Community Foundation of the Great River Bend, donors can make online, tax-deductible donations to the Bandit Scholars Program by going to www.cfgrb.org. Fans can also visit the Bandit Scholars Program page on the team’s website, www.riverbandits.com, and follow a link to the Bandit Scholars page on the Foundation’s website. Beginning with the next scholarship application cycle in 2015, students from eight Quad Cities-area counties – Henry, Mercer, Rock Island and Whiteside Counties of Illinois, and Cedar, Louisa, Muscatine and Scott Counties of Iowa – will be eligible for the scholarships.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Quad Cities River Bandits. Click here to view the original story.

Homestand: Peanut Allergy Awareness, Fireworks, ‘Bark” and more

June 26, 2014

Former UK star Riddle returns with Greensboro

A peanut allergy awareness night, three Ford Fireworks shows, including one for an Independence Day celebration, and a Bark in the Park night will highlight a seven-game homestand for the Lexington Legends beginning Friday, June 27. The Legends will also welcome a former Kentucky Mr. Baseball back to the Bluegrass.

The Legends, class A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals, will take on the Augusta GreenJackets, an affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, in a four-game series June 27-30. The Greensboro Grasshoppers, an affiliate of the Miami Marlins, will be in for a three-game series July 1-3.

The schedule:

Friday, June 27: Legends vs. Augusta, 7:05 p.m. The Legends and Family Allergy & Asthma are teaming up to provide a fun, worry-free evening for those with peanut allergies. At one game each year, the Legends remove all forms of peanuts, sunflower seeds and any foods prepared with peanut oils, so that fans may enjoy the game – and the concessions — without concern about a possible allergic reaction. There will be giveaway items and chances to win prizes donated by Family Allergy and Asthma. A Ford Fireworks show will follow the game.

Saturday, June 28: Legends vs. Augusta, 7:05 p.m. Saturday is Lexington Clinic Night, and fans should look for information and giveaways from Lexington Clinic representatives. A Ford Fireworks show will follow the game.

Sunday, June 29: Legends vs. Augusta, 6:05 p.m. It’s a JIF Kids Club Sunday. Kids Club members receive free admission to the game, and all kids may run the bases after the game.

Monday, June 30: Legends vs. Augusta, 7:05 p.m. All Monday night home games are “Kids Eat Free” nights, sponsored by Members Heritage Federal Credit Union. All kids age 12 and under will receive a voucher good for a free meal and drink.

Tuesday, July 1: Legends vs. Greensboro, 7:05 p.m. Every Tuesday night is 37-cent hot dog night. The price is in recognition of the Ford F-150 being the number one selling truck for 37 consecutive years.

The visiting Grasshoppers have a Kentucky connection: Frankfort native and former Western Hills High School and University of Kentucky star J.T. Riddle is with Greensboro after being drafted in the 13^th round and signed by Miami in 2013. Riddle was Kentucky High School Mr. Baseball in 2010.

Wednesday, July 2: Legends vs. Greensboro, 7:05 p.m. Wednesday is Bark in the Park night, presented by IncrediPet. Fans may bring their dogs to the game.

Thursday, July 3: Legends vs. Greensboro, 7:05 p.m. It’s a Kentucky Ale Thirsty Thursday, and beer and Pepsi products will be on sale for one dollar each. There is no home game on July 4, so the Legends invite fans to celebrate Independence Day Thursday with a Ford Fireworks show after the game.

For ticket information, call 859 422-7867 or go online to lexingtonlegends.com.

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

Socks & Underwear Drive Set for Thursday

June 25, 2014

The IronPigs and the United Way are hosting a Socks and Underwear Drive prior to the IronPigs-Red Wings game on Thursday, June 26 at Coca-Cola Park. The drive will benefit the students of the 12 United Way Community Schools in the Lehigh Valley region.

For each and every donation, fans will receive raffle tickets to win a variety of great autographed memorabilia. Receive one raffle ticket for each newly packaged pair of socks or piece of underwear donated. Raffle tickets will also be available for purchase with proceeds benefiting the Sock and Underwear Drive.

Those that donate an item will be entered to win one of five autographed items:

Darren Daulton Autographed Baseball
Tommy Green Autographed Baseball
Seth Rosin Autographed Baseball
Old Saturday Game Worn Jersey
2014 Miracle League Jersey (size XL)

For more information on the Drive, please contact Kelly Gooley at kgooley@ironpigsbaseball.com.

Single-game tickets, mini plans and group tickets for all IronPigs home games presented by Capital BlueCross, are on sale now and can be purchased at the Coca-Cola Park Ticket Office, online at www.ironpigsbaseball.com or by calling (610) 841-PIGS (7447).

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

Cardinals having an impact on and off the field

June 24, 2014

Members of the Palm Beach Cardinals and Jupiter Hammerheads shaved their heads on June 17 to support the Vs. Cancer Foundation. Over $7,500 was raised for the event.

The Palm Beach Cardinals, the Class-A Advanced affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, have had a terrific first half to the 2014 season. The team landed five All-Star selections to the Florida State League South roster, individuals have won weekly league awards and have been promoted within the organization, and overall, the team has been winning a lot of games.

None of the individual honors or impressive team winning streaks come close to how the 2014 squad has impacted the community off the field.

Earlier this month the Cardinals teamed up with the Vs. Cancer Foundation to raise money to help the fight against childhood cancer. On Tuesday, June 17th, Roger Dean Stadium hosted the Vs. Cancer Foundation Fundraiser Night at the Ballpark. Members of the Palm Beach Cardinals lined up to get their heads shaved in front of the dugouts following the game that night against the Jupiter Hammerheads.

Prior to the event, players on both the Cardinals and Hammerheads collected donations via fundraising pages to support the cause. Once the Cardinals learned that half of all proceeds from the fundraiser would benefit national childhood cancer research and the other half would help local children at Palm Beach Children’s Hospital, the team joined together to make the event a huge success.

The whole team took to social media right away, getting hundreds and hundreds of retweets from family, friends, and fans. Former college teammates and loyal supporters in the Cardinals organization took notice and helped spread the word. News about the team’s efforts spread like wildfire and the donations started pouring in.

The team goal of $5,000 was met after just three days of fundraising and was eventually shattered by more than one thousand dollars. Members of the team, led by Charlie Tilson and Joe Cuda, created an autographed ball giveaway for select fans who donated. The team spread the news via twitter that five autographed balls would be given away at random to those who donated to the cause.

“I’m just glad I could be a part of this,” Cuda said. “I never would have thought that it would have created this much buzz. It’s crazy how the baseball community is so connected together.”

On June 17th, the Cardinals gathered in front of the home dugout following the game to cap an extremely successful fundraising campaign by shaving select team members heads. Players who participated in the head shaving event were, Cuda, Tilson, Iden Nazario, Bruce Caldwell, Alex Mejia, Jesus Montero, Nick Martini and Jimmy Bosco. Even head trainer Keith Joynt stepped into the dugout barber shop to support the cause.

For the Cardinals, this wasn’t a one-time ordeal. Players have been giving back to the community all season long.

In early May, members of the team signed up to visit Palm Beach Children’s Hospital to spend time with children for a few hours before a home game. While just a few guys were asked to ride along for the visit, multiple players asked if they could go as well for fun.

While the fact that the Palm Beach Cardinals ranked in the top five in numerous batting and pitching categories among Florida State League teams in the first half of the season is impressive, the character of the guys in the Cardinals clubhouse is something to be commended.

The 25 players in the Cardinals locker room are truly making a difference in the Palm Beach community.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Palm Beach Cardinals. Click here to view the original story.

Playcation Package Returns on July 2nd

June 23, 2014

Receive 4 Drive tickets and 4 passes to area attractions for just $40

The Greenville Drive’s Playcation promotion has proven to be a huge hit in the Upstate since its founding in 2011. The Drive’s first playcation package of the 2014 season produced a sold out event on June 4^th, including a Drive game attendance record of 7,176 fans. As a result of this early success, the Drive have been working with its Playcation partners to set another date for 2014.

The Drive, along with The Children’s Museum of the Upstate, the Greenville Zoo and Greenville County Rec Waterparks and Pavilion, are pleased to announce that Wednesday, July 2^nd will serve as the second date for the Playcation package in 2014.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer a second Playcation date for 2014 as the summer moves into full gear with the July 4^th celebration,” commented Drive General Manager Eric Jarinko. “We have worked tirelessly with our Playcation partners at The Children’s Museum of the Upstate, the Greenville Zoo and Greenville County Rec Waterparks and Pavilion to create a family-friendly and affordable package for the summer, and the activities combined with the price make this an incredible opportunity for our fans.”

The package includes four tickets to the Greenville Drive’s game against the Asheville Tourists on Wednesday, July 2^nd at 7:05, plus four passes to The Children’s Museum of the Upstate, the Greenville Zoo and Greenville County Rec Waterparks and Pavilion, for just $40, a savings of $100!

The passes for the Upstate attractions can only be purchased from the Drive Box office and are valid from July 2^nd through September 1^st. The package must be purchased as a whole and all four tickets for the attractions must be used in one visit to each of the attractions.

“We’re excited to be a part of the Playcation package” said Lisa Libertore, Director of Marketing and Sales for The Children’s Museum of the Upstate. “Working together to create such a great package for families is very important to all of us. This promotion includes the very best attractions in the Upstate for an incredible price, offering value and savings that families are looking for as they head into summer. Not only do they get to make lasting memories, but they can make decisions about summer camps and value-based memberships that offer unlimited visits.”

Jeff Bullock, Zoo Administrator for the Greenville Zoo, added, “The Playcation package cannot be beat because of the quality of the Upstate attractions and its affordability. All four of these attractions are already family-friendly and affordable, and we’re proud to work together to create such a terrific value for families as summer approaches.”

“With summer just around the corner, there’s no better way for Upstate families to hit all of the best attractions in town, and we’re glad to participate in the Playcation package with the Drive, The Children’s Museum and Greenville Zoo again,” said Ted Lambrecht, Special Use Facilities Manager for Greenville County Rec. “Families who have been to all of these attractions know what a terrific deal this is, and for those who have never been to these attractions, Playcation serves as a great introductory package for families looking for a fun time this summer.”

Act soon, because the Playcation package will sell quickly! To purchase the package, visit the Main Street Box Office at Fluor Field or call (864) 240-4528. At the time of purchase, fans will receive four Drive tickets plus a card that can be redeemed at any of the Upstate attraction locations starting on July 2nd.

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

Meet MEGA Brain during Strike Out Stroke Night on June 27

June 22, 2014

Rattlers team up with Neuroscience Group

See MEGA Brain at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium on Friday, June 27!

Fans will see something at the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers game on Friday, June 27 that they have never seen at a Timber Rattlers game before…a gigantic MEGA Brain! It’s all part of Strike Out Stroke Night presented by Neuroscience Group and the Timber Rattlers.

The MEGA Brain provides visitors with a highly interactive educational experience about the central nervous system’s most critical organ. Visitors can step inside the 18 foot long by 14 foot wide by 12 foot high human brain, learn about the various structures and normal brain function, observe examples of brain trauma and disease, and view displays explaining some of the latest neurological medical treatments.

“We are so excited to be able to facilitate the Strike Out Stroke program, and to have the MEGA Brain available with which to educate people about the signs of a stroke,” said Cheryll Poissant, Director of Clinical Operations for the Neuroscience Group. “Our ultimate goal is to save lives through education and awareness.”

The MEGA Brain will be on display at Neuroscience Group’s main clinic located at 1305 W American Dr in Neenah on Friday, June 27 with Timber Rattlers players and Fang, the team mascot from 9:00am to noon. The MEGA Brain will be in front of the Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium beginning at 4:30pm on June 27.

Fans will also be able to stop by a Neuroscience Group information table on the main concourse for complimentary blood pressure screening.

“We’re very excited to partner with Neuroscience Group and Strike Out Stroke to help spread awareness about the signs of a stroke,” said Rob Zerjav, Timber Rattlers President. “We’re also excited to showcase the MEGA Brain to our fans as a way to further provide a memorable interactive educational experience.”

The game is also Peanut Free Night and North Shore Bank Family Night presented by Y100. No peanuts will be sold in the concession stands or allowed into the stadium as part of Peanut Free Night. For North Shore Bank Family Night, Children 12 and under receive a voucher that is good for a free hotdog and soda and children 14 and under may run the bases courtesy of Molina Healthcare after the postgame fireworks display.

Tickets for this game are available online, over the phone at (920) 733-4152 or (800) WI-TIMBER, or in person. The Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium Box Office is open from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm Monday through Friday and Saturdays from 10:00 am to 3:00pm.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. Click here to view the original story.

Timber Rattlers Announce Sixth Annual Peanut Free Night

June 20, 2014

Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium is a NO PEANUTS ZONE on June 27

Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium will be a No Peanuts Zone for Peanut Free Night on Friday, June 27.

The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers open the second half of their home schedule on Friday, June 27 with a special night. The Midwest League affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers hosts the Burlington Bees with their sixth annual Peanut Free Night at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium.

There will be no peanuts, peanut butter, or peanut based products allowed inside the stadium for the game to allow fans with peanut allergies to enjoy this Timber Rattlers game. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05pm

“I know families with children who have peanut allergies,” said Timber Rattlers president Rob Zerjav. “They circle this date every year for an opportunity to come out to a game. We are extremely happy to host this game again.”

The stadium will be cleaned and rinsed before Peanut Free Night to remove as much peanut residue from the seats, the concourse, and other areas in the ballpark as possible. Even though peanuts and products made with nuts or peanut oil will not be sold, the Timber Rattlers cannot guarantee that all peanut residues will be out of the ballpark. However, every effort will be made for a peanut free environment.

This game is also North Shore Bank Family Night presented by Y100. Children 12 and under receive a voucher that is good for a free hotdog and soda. Children 14 and under may run the bases courtesy of Molina Healthcare after the postgame fireworks display.

Tickets for Peanut Free Night are available online, over the phone at (920) 733-4152 or (800) WI-TIMBER, or in person. The Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium Box Office is open from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm Monday through Friday and Saturdays from 10:00 am to 3:00pm.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. Click here to view the original story.

15th Annual “Kindness Beats Blindness” Auction on June 21 Benefits MUSC’s Storm Eye Institute

June 18, 2014

List of high-end auction items released as RiverDogs battle Kannapolis

The Charleston RiverDogs will host their 15^th Annual “Kindness Beats Blindness RP Auction” on Saturday, June 21, at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park.

The RiverDogs, fresh off their All-Star break, will face the Kannapolis Intimidators with the first pitch set for 6:05 pm.

With proceeds going to the Medical University of South Carolina’s (MUSC) Storm Eye Institute and their on-going fight to prevent the loss of sight, the RiverDogs’ silent auction begins when the gates open at 5 pm and concludes at the bottom of the 6^th inning.

The Charleston RiverDogs have donated more than $500,000 to the Storm Eye Institute to help fight Retinitis Pigmentosa, a disease that causes blindness and that has affected Rebecca Veeck, the daughter of RiverDogs President Mike Veeck and his wife, Libby.

The list of high-end auction items includes:

Blue 2002 EZ-Go Electric Golf Cart

Features a rear-flip seat; battery; top and charger; approved for street use during daylight hours;

A Week’s Vacation at “Serenity by the Sea”

Located in the Grand Pavilion at Wild Dunes Resort on the Isle of Palms; foursome at Harbor Course at Wild Dunes;

New York Yankees

Tickets to the New York Yankees Legends Club;

Fun in New Orleans

Two-night stay at a special bed & breakfast; Sunday Jazz brunch on the Steamboat Natchez; and a tour of historic New Orleans;

Watershed Cabins

Two-night stay in Bryson City, North Carolina; Biltmore Estates passes;

Swing Bed

Hand crafted porch swing from Lowcountry Swing Beds;

Edge of America Staycation

Folly Beach hotel two-night stay: paddle boarding, dinners, sailing tour, kayaking, bicycle rental and the use of a MINI Cooper for the weekend.

In addition, the RiverDogs will have a wealth of sports-related memorabilia including a Freddie Freeman autographed bat, a Chipper Jones autographed retirement poster, a LeBron James autographed Miami Heat jersey, a Muhammad Ali autographed photo and much, much more.

For additional information about the “Kindness Beats Blindness RP Auction” or if you are interested in a donation or purchasing tickets to the game, please call Melissa McCants Azevedo at (843)577-DOGS (3647) or visit www.riverdogs.com or www.rileyparkevents.com.

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