Children’s Health and Development

2014 NYPL Scholarship Contest

June 6, 2014

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

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Now in its sixth year, the 2014 NYPL Scholarship Contest is open to any graduating senior from a public or private high school within the league’s footprint. Any student who has been accepted at a two or four-year college or university, vocational school, or technical education institution is eligible. Applicants will be judged based on academic performance, volunteer and extracurricular activities, and the impact their local NYPL club and Minor League Baseball have had on their lives.

The scholarship contest will consist of two stages – a local round and a divisional round. In the local stage, students will apply directly to their local NYPL team, with one applicant chosen by each of the 14 teams to advance to the divisional/final round. The 14 finalists will then be separated by the division of the team they represent. The winning application from each of the NYPL’s three divisions (McNamara, Pinckney and Stedler) will receive the top prize of a $2,500 scholarship. All other finalists will receive a $250 book award.

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

High school seniors interested in entering the 2014 Scholarship Contest can obtain the official application from their local NYPL club, or by visiting the league’s official website, New York-Penn League.com.

The deadline to submit applications to the nearest NYPL team is June 27, 2014. Each club’s winner, including the three $2,500 scholarship recipients, will be selected in late July and honored at a game in August.

Download Application Form »

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

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

Reliant, CCISD, Hooks Team Up

June 5, 2014

MEND Program Takes Center Stage Next Week

Reliant Energy, the Corpus Christi Independent School District and your Corpus Christi Hooks are joining forces to attack the child obesity crisis.

MEND (Mind-Exercise-Nutrition-Do It!) is CCISD’s tool to work with overweight and obese children and their families. Teaching the target audience methods to develop behaviors that support sustainable and healthy lifestyles is the goal.

Reliant Energy has donated 5,000 general admission tickets to MEND program participants over three Hooks game dates – June 8, 9 and 11. On Sunday the 8th, up to 2,000 CCISD students and their families will hear pregame presentations from Corpus Christi manager Keith Bodie, members of his coaching staff and Hooks players about the importance of a healthy lifestyle. That evening, the Hooks play host to the San Antonio Missions at 6:10.

This fall, MEND continues to tackle the issue with free 10-week weight management courses after school throughout CCISD. Fifteen campuses were involved during 2013-14.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Corpus Christi Hooks. Click here to view the original story.

2014 Nick Adenhart Memorial Scholarship winner Claire Wenisch

June 5, 2014

The Cedar Rapids Kernels and Kernels Foundation will present Claire Wenisch as the winner of the 2014 Nick Adenhart Memorial Scholarship before the Kernels game with Burlington on Sunday, June 15^th.

Claire is a 2014 graduate of Cedar Rapids Xavier HS where her school activities, academic accomplishments and accomplishments in track and swimming were quite impressive, making her an excellent choice for the scholarship. Claire plans on attending the University of Northern Iowa to major in accounting.

Nick Adenhart was a bright young pitcher who played for the Cedar Rapids Kernels in 2006, and was a rising star in the Los Angeles Angels organization. Only hours after Nick’s 2009 season debut on the mound for the Angels, a drunk driver tragically killed him on April 9, 2009 at age 22.

Nick’s family continues to honor him with the awarding of a $1,000 scholarship in his memory. The Kernels Foundation is privileged to administer the scholarship on behalf of Nick’s family.

Fans can enjoy all the action with Morgan Hawk on the radio home of Kernels baseball, 1450 KMRY AM, 93.1 KMRY FM, or listen on-line at www.kmryradio.com, or www.kernels.com.

Tickets may be purchased on-line at www.kernels.com, or by calling the Kernels Ticket Office at 896-7560. Ticket office hours are 10 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday, and 10 am to 2 pm on Saturday.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Cedar Rapids Kernels. Click here to view the original story.

The Gwinnett Braves have announced the recipients of their $1,000 grants for the months of March and April.

June 4, 2014

Grace Faith Ministries, GLUE Foundation receive $1,000 monthly grants

The Gwinnett Braves have announced the recipients of their $1,000 grants for the months of March and April. Grace Faith Ministries has been awarded March’s “Salute to the Arts” themed grant, aimed at assisting organizations that support art programs and education. GLUE Foundation has received April’s “Take me out to the Ballgame” themed grant, intended to promote youth athletics and activities in the community.

Grace Faith Ministries, the March recipient, started as an open “Jam Session” within a small group of high school and middle school-aged artists, but quickly evolved into a weekly program in Norcross. The goal of the ministries is to encourage and teach youth how to impact the community through creative arts.

Since its inception in 2012, the program has grown in size and has collaborated with Heir of Excellence Inc., to launch a school-based program. The program is growing and becoming an influential presence in the community.

The grant awarded by the Gwinnett Braves will fund the purchase of after-school snacks and equipment for the program, as well as contribute to an end-of-semester youth showcase.

“We understand the importance of youth development as well as the obvious impact and influence of media as an intricate element in the lives of young people,” said Lloyd George, Youth Coordinator at Grace Faith Ministries. “Therefore, our ministry utilizes media arts to reach and engage youth – meeting them where they are. Our overarching vision is to create dynamic, socially relevant programs wherein our youth can constructively communicate with their community and the world around them in them new exciting ways. With this grant from the Gwinnett Braves Foundation, we will be able to expand our youth initiatives and student-media projects.”

GLUE Foundation, recipient of the April grant, has served the city of Lawrenceville for over 10 years. The foundation provides athletes with the necessary resources to become well-rounded contributors to society.

Founded in 2003 by Rishal Stanciel, GLUE, which is an acronym for Giving Love Unites Everyone, is a faith-based non-profit that is designed to work with middle school and high school student-athletes as they pursue academic and athletic excellence. GLUE facilitates workshops for student-athletes and their parents to prepare them for the transition to college.

GLUE will use the grant awarded by the Gwinnett Braves to support quarterly workshops and to provide ACT exam fees, college application fees, as well math and writing tutoring fees.

About Grace Faith Ministries: Grace Faith Ministries was founded in 2011 by Pastor Lloyd George Sr. The mission of Grace Faith Ministries is to love God, to love others, and to magnify the name of Jesus Christ. The vision of our church is to glorify our God and Savior, Jesus Christ, to make true disciples throughout all the nations by means of missionary activity and support, to minister the ordinances, to edify believers, and to do all that is sovereignly possible and biblically permissible to magnify the name of Jesus. For more information about the program and the church please contact their youth coordinator Lloyd George Jr at lloydg072@gmail.com.

About GLUE Foundation: GLUE, which is an acronym for Giving Love Unites Everyone, is a faith-based non-profit that is designed to work with middle school and high school student-athletes as they pursue academic and athletic excellence. After spending over 15 years in corporate America in marketing and sales, Rishal Stanciel founded GLUE as a non-profit organization to reach today’s youth with a life transforming message. GLUE facilitates workshops for student athletes and their parents to prepare them for the transition to college. Some of the workshop topics include NCAA Eligibility Center guidelines, Seven Success Strategies for Transition to college, ACT/SAT Prep, Taking Care of your body, Academic Excellence Must be Pursued, Math is Necessary, and Understanding the Finances of college. Stanciel is a college Career Coach for MLT, and also co-authored “Coached For a Success,” a book to help students experience success in college. The book is available on Amazon.com. For more information about the program please contact Stanciel at rishal21@hotmail.com.

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

Chiefs to hold Little League Appreciation Night

June 4, 2014

All Little Leaguers in attendance can enter June 14th game for free

The Syracuse Chiefs are pleased to announce the details of this year’s Little League Appreciation Night, presented by Hofmann Sausage Company. Little League Appreciation Night will be held on Saturday, June 14th, when the Chiefs play the Norfolk Tides at 7:00 PM.

All Little Leaguers wearing their team jersey or uniform to the Chiefs’ game on June 14th will receive free admission. Little Leaguers in attendance will be able to walk with their team banners in a pregame, on-field parade, where each team’s name will be read over the stadium’s public address system. In addition, the first 1,000 kids to enter the stadium will receive a replica Chiefs jersey as part of Giveaway Saturday, courtesy of Hofmann.

“We want to honor the kids playing the greatest game in the world and can’t wait to have them show up on Little League Night”, said Chiefs general manager Jason Smorol. “Maybe we’ll even have some future Syracuse Chiefs in uniform!”

The Chiefs will contact Little League coaches and league presidents directly to ensure that Little League players receive their free ticket for June 14th’s game. Upon arrival to the stadium that night, coaches can pick up their team’s tickets by checking in with our ticket office representatives outside the main gate.

For tickets and information regarding Little League Night or all other Chiefs games, call the Chiefs at 315-474-7833, stop by the NBT Bank Stadium ticket office during regular business hours or visit syracusechiefs.com.

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

MCU AND CYCLONES TO OFFER FREE YOUTH CLINICS

June 3, 2014

Municipal Credit Union (MCU) is launching the first MCU Youth Baseball and Softball Clinic Series. The Clinics, which are open to children 7 – 14 years of age, will be held on Monday, June 23, Wednesday, July 16 and Monday, August 4 at MCU Park before the Brooklyn Cyclones baseball games. The Youth Baseball and Softball Clinic Series is part of MCU’s corporate commitment to giving back to the communities in which it serves, in particular the youth of the community.

John Franco, MCU spokesperson and Mets Hall of Fame Pitcher, will be the Head Coach of the Clinics. Current Cyclones players, area high school coaches and players, and other special guests will also serve as volunteers to coach Clinic participants.

Youth participating in the Clinics will take part in drills on fielding, running, throwing, and injury prevention/stretching. They will also be able to take part in a question and answer session with volunteer coaches and a photo op with John Franco.

Each participant will also receive four tickets to that evening’s Brooklyn Cyclones game at MCU Park. There is a limit of 100 participants per clinic, and participation will be on a first come, first serve basis.

“I am excited to be part of the MCU Youth Baseball and Softball Clinics this summer. My lifelong dream of playing professional baseball began in Brooklyn, and the instruction and encouragement I received from coaches throughout my career allowed me to live that dream. Being able to give back to the community by teaching young ballplayers the right way to play is something I am honored to do, and I’m so proud to work with MCU and the Brooklyn Cyclones to provide the City’s kids with this invaluable opportunity,” said Franco.

“MCU is proud to host our first annual Youth Clinic series at MCU Park this summer. We are honored to work with the Brooklyn Cyclones and our spokesperson John Franco to provide a unique opportunity for young baseball and softball players to receive professional instruction on a professional field, and we hope that this program could continue to grow as another shining example of the work that we do as an institution to give back to the communities which we serve,” said Kam Wong, President/CEO of Municipal Credit Union.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to work with MCU for the Youth Baseball and Softball Clinics. As an organization, we pride ourselves on being active members within our community while also helping to grow the game of baseball with young people throughout the city. This program helps accomplish both of those goals, while also providing kids with the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play on the same field that many current major leaguers, including Curtis Granderson and Daniel Murphy, once played on,” said Steve Cohen, Cyclones Vice President.

To participate in any of the Clinics, individuals must sign up at www.nymcu.org/youthclinics or CLICK HERE.

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

Blue Jays initiate reading program

June 3, 2014

The Bluefield Blue Jays, the Appalachian League affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, have announced the start of a reading initiative aimed at children in the two Virginias. “Reading is a Homerun” is an interactive program that allows Blue Jays staff and players to share their joy of reading with students. The team has united with Craft Memorial Library in downtown Bluefield in an effort to reach children this summer.

“We are looking forward to working with the Blue Jays and feel as though this will be a very beneficial program” said Eva McGuire, the director at the Craft Memorial Library.

“Literacy is one of the most important building blocks for success” said Blue Jays General Manager Chris Maxwell. ” We just want to show that reading isn’t about just schoolwork it’s about having fun and let your imagination take you to amazing places” he added

The team will encourage fans to bring used children’s books that can be distributed to those less fortunate. “Libraries are one of the greatest resources that our young people have today, but we would also like those who can’t afford it to be able to feel like they can have books of their own” says Maxwell. Teachers, summer camps, or learning centers who are interested in having players come down and read this summer should contact Chris Maxwell at 276-326-1326.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Bluefield Blue Jays. Click here to view the original story.

“Field of Dreams” Program Gives Kids a Chance to Take the Field.

June 3, 2014

Through their Field of Dreams program, the Pulaski Mariners would like to invite local Little League sports teams to join the Mariners on the field during the National Anthem.

The Mariners provide a great team picnic for all players which includes game ticket, hot dog, chips and drink for just $5 per player. Adult chaperones and guests can also enjoy the same pre-game picnic for just $7 each.

The team will receive early entry into Calfee Park for their picnic and then a chance to meet and be on the field with the Pulaski Mariners! For more information contact the Mariners office at (540) 980-1070.

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

YMCA Night at L.P. Frans Stadium

June 2, 2014

Hickory’s Biggest Cycle Class to happen during the game

The Hickory Crawdads and the YMCA are teaming up to host Hickory’s Biggest Cycle Class during YMCA Night at L.P. Frans Stadium on Tuesday, June 3^rd.

Open to both members and non-members of the YMCA, Hickory’s Biggest Cycle Class will take place during the Crawdads game against the Charleston RiverDogs beginning at 7 pm. Stationary bikes will be positioned throughout the ballpark, allowing fans to participate in the event while still watching the game. Participants in the class will receive free admission to the game.

There are three riding options for the class participants, including one rider for all two hours, a team of two riders for one hour apiece, or a team of four riders for 30 minutes each. Those wishing to register for the class can do so by visiting or calling any of the YMCAs of Catawba Valley.

YMCA baseball and softball players are encouraged to wear their jerseys to the game, or wear blue or purple in support of the Y.

Tuesday is also Dollar Day at the ballpark presented by 1290 WHKY. Fans can buy one ticket and get the second for $1, with $1 hot dogs and Pepsi products available as well.

For more information regarding YMCA Night and Hickory’s Biggest Cycle Class, call Naomi Mitchell at (828) 464-6130.

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

Dunkin’ Donuts to Host Free Baseball Clinic for Kids

June 2, 2014

Clinic Set for Saturday, June 21st 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon

The Portland Sea Dogs have partnered with Dunkin’ Donuts to host a free baseball clinic for kids 16 and under at Hadlock Field on Saturday, June 21st from 10:00 AM to 12:00 noon.

Portland Sea Dogs’ players will be on hand to teach the basic fundamentals of baseball including hitting, pitching, outfielding, and infielding. Kids will also have the opportunity to get autographs from the players taking part in the clinic.

The clinic is open to children 16 years old and younger. Kids participating must be comfortable being on the field without a parent. Parents are welcome to watch the clinic from the stands. The clinic is also dependant on weather and field conditions.

The clinic is free but pre-registration is required. Parents may register their children at www.seadogs.com. Registration is open to the first 100 kids. Kids participating must be comfortable going on the field without a parent. Register Now

Kids participating in the clinic should arrive at Hadlock Field by 9:45 AM and meet at the Slugger statue. Kids should provide their own glove. All other equipment will be provided.

The Sea Dogs will host another free baseball clinic at Hadlock Field on Saturday, July 5th from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon. Register Now

Please contact the Sea Dogs at 207-874-9300 with any questions regarding the clinic.

Additionally, the Sea Dogs will also be hosting a week-long baseball camp for children 8-12 years-old from July 28 through August 1st. More Info

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

Virginia529 Good Report Card Night is June 23rd

May 30, 2014

The Lynchburg Hillcats and Virginia529 College Savings Plan have teamed up to reward high academic achieving students in the local area. All elementary, middle school, and high school students with a report card with all A’s and B’s, can come to the Lynchburg Hillcats Box Office to earn a free GA ticket for the game on Monday, June 23 at 7:05. (Ticket may only be used for the student). 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 6-6:30pm. The parade will begin at 6:35pm.

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 tame the Tuition Monster.

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

Sea Dogs to Host Equipment Drive June 6-8

May 30, 2014

Donate New or Used Baseball/ Softball Equipment to Baseball Miracles

The Portland Sea Dogs, in conjunction with Baseball Miracles, are pleased to announce a Baseball/Softball Equipment Drive at Hadlock Field from June 6th – 8th when the Sea Dogs host the Bowie Baysox. Fans are encouraged to bring new or old baseball equipment to the ballpark to be donated to children who are faced with economical or environmental disadvantages.

The Sea Dogs will accept all types of baseball and softball equipment including gloves, bats, catcher’s gear, bases, baseballs, softballs, wiffle balls and bats, which will be all donated to Baseball Miracles.

A non-profit organization, Baseball Miracles is a team of baseball and softball instructors, founded by Hall of Fame scout John Tumminia, who have joined together to teach boys and girls with economic and environmental disadvantages throughout the world. Sea Dogs’ pitcher Mike McCarthy is the driving force behind bringing this initiative to Hadlock Field.

“I believe baseball is about more than just playing a game. It is indicative of life in many ways and is a fundamental part of development for youth in communities around the world,” said McCarthy. “Baseball Miracles is a great opportunity for anyone who has benefited from the game of baseball to give back. From the casual weekend fan to the die-hard memorabilia collector, we are all able to help underprivileged youth around the world benefit from the life lessons that baseball has to offer.”

The Portland Sea Dogs return home on Tuesday, June 3rd and open up a six game homestand through Sunday, June 8th. The equipment drive will begin before the Sea Dogs game against the Bowie Baysox (Orioles affiliate) Friday at 7 p.m. and will run until the end of the game Sunday.

Any equipment fans bring for the drive should be brought into the ballpark and dropped off at the Baseball Miracles box at Guest Services in the concourse at Hadlock Field. For more information on the drive, please visit www.seadogs.com or www.baseballmiracles.org.

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

NY-Penn League Charitable Foundation Announces 2014 Scholarship Contest

May 29, 2014

High school seniors interested in entering the 2014 Scholarship Contest can obtain the official application from their local NYPL club, or by visiting the league’s official website here.

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

Urgent Care Centers to offer free sports physicals June 1

May 24, 2014

Urgent Care Centers of Kentucky will team up with the Lexington Legends to offer free sports physical examinations at the Legends game Sunday, June 1 at Whitaker Bank Ballpark.

A yearly sports physical is required for every child who seeks eligibility to participate in any school sport or athletic activity,

Gates will open at 5 p.m. June 1. The free examinations will begin at that time and will be available until 8 p.m. The game between the Legends and the Augusta GreenJackets will begin at 6:05 p.m.

The sports physicals will be conducted by the certified medical staff of Urgent Care Centers of Kentucky. No payment of any form, including copays, will be charged.

Parents will need to bring their identification or state driver’s license and should be prepared to fill out forms and provide medical history.

“The Legends and Urgent Care Centers of Kentucky are pleased to offer a convenient location and free sports physicals,” said Sarah Bosso, the Legends director of community relations and special events. “We know how important participating in team activities is for the betterment of our youth, and we want to make sure everyone has that opportunity.”

For more information, contact Bosso at 859-422-7855 or sbosso@lexingtonlegends.com.

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

Great Day Farms, Naturals Partner on Free Baseball Clinic

May 23, 2014

Kids invited to signup for FREE clinic prior to the game on Saturday, June 21st

Great Day Farms, along with the Northwest Arkansas Naturals players and coaches are once again teaming up for the seventh annual Youth Baseball Clinic at Arvest Ballpark, to be held from 2 until 4 P.M. on Saturday, June 21st prior to that night’s 6:05 P.M. game against the Tulsa Drillers, the Double-A Colorado Rockies.

The FREE Youth Baseball Clinic is open to children ages 6-12 and will cover instruction of key baseball fundamentals, including hitting, fielding, pitching, and base running. All participants will be given a complimentary Jack Link’s Beef Jerky Grass Berm ticket to that evening’s game against the Drillers, and the first 300 children to arrive for the clinic will also receive a FREE t-shirt courtesy of Great Day Farms.

Instruction during the clinic will be given by select Naturals players and coaches. Following the instruction portion of the clinic, an autograph session will occur along the 1^st base side of the concourse for approximately 20 minutes.

There is a sign-up form located on the Naturals website, nwanaturals.com, under the community menu that interested parents can print, fill out, and then fax or mail in to register their children for the clinic. The FREE Youth Baseball Clinic is also open to local youth coaches as they may also fill out the form and fax in their roster to register their entire teams. The deadline to register for the event is Wednesday, June 18th, but participants are encouraged to sign up quickly, as previous events have filled to capacity prior to the deadline. Sign-up begins at Arvest Ballpark at 1:30pm so we ask that you arrive early as participation is limited to the first 500 children. In addition to the kid’s clinic, fans are invited to bring canned food items to the ballpark at their own request that will be donated to the Samaritan House; however, a food donation is not mandatory for participation.

The ballpark will be cleared following the FREE Youth Baseball Clinic and then gates will reopen at 5:00 P.M. for the Naturals game against the Tulsa Drillers scheduled to begin at 6:05 P.M. that evening. If you have any questions regarding the clinic or game, please call (479) 927-4900 or visit our website for more information.

Tickets are still available for the Naturals game on Saturday, June 21st. Fans may purchase tickets online at nwanaturals.com, via our toll-free ticket hotline at (877) 444-2637, or by visiting the Arvest Ballpark Box Office.

The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are the Double-A Texas League Affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. The Naturals play at state-of-the-art Arvest Ballpark in Springdale, AR. For more information including statistics, ticket options, and more, please visit NWANaturals.com, and follow us on Twitter @NWANaturals and Facebook.com/Naturals.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. Click here to view the original story.