Children’s Health and Development

Keys to Collect Baseball Gear for Baseball Miracles

May 1, 2014

Donation Drive to Take Place on May 11

The Frederick Keys will be holding a baseball equipment donation drive on Sunday, May 11, prior to the team’s 2 p.m. game against the Winston-Salem Dash. Fans are encouraged to bring new or old gloves, baseballs, softballs, whiffle balls and bats, which will be donated to Baseball Miracles.

A non-profit organization, Baseball Miracles provides boys and girls with economic and environmental disadvantages the chance to play baseball. Founded by John Tumminia, the group also provides professional instruction to children learning how to play baseball.

Every fan who donates a piece of equipment will receive one free ticket to the May 11 game. Meanwhile, all donations will support the organization’s upcoming trip to Kenya, which will take place from November 4-5.

Among those going on the trip, will be the Keys Director of Marketing, Bridget McCabe. In addition to her work with the team, Bridget serves as the Softball Coordinator for Baseball Miracles. To learn more about Baseball Miracles, visit baseballmiracles.org.

Frederick’s next homestand begins on Thursday, May 8 when the Winston-Salem Dash make their first trip to Harry Grove Stadium in 2014. For ticket information, please call 301-815-9939 or visit frederickkeys.com.

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

Safe Kids Upstate Night is Wednesday, May 7th

April 29, 2014

First 300 kids through the gate will receive a bike helmet

The Drive will host Safe Kids Upstate Night on Wednesday, May 7^th at Fluor Field. Safe Kids Upstate is an organization whose mission is to prevent accidental childhood injury, a leading killer of children 14 and under.

Led by the Children’s Hospital of Greenville Health System, Safe Kids Upstate and its Safety Patrol members will be celebrated at Fluor Field. Prior to the game members of Safety Patrol from across the Upstate will participate in a “Parade of Champions” around the Fluor Field warning track.

Safe Kids Upstate will also be providing complimentary bike helmets to the first 300 children through the gates at the ballpark. Each child receiving a helmet will be properly fitted for one their size.

First pitch for Wednesday is at 7:05 PM, with gates to Fluor Field opening at 6:00. To purchase tickets visit the Main Street box office, call (864) 240-4528, or log onto GreenvilleDrive.com.

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

Z’s hosting peanut allergy-friendly game

April 28, 2014

Stadium will not have peanuts for May 6th game against Iowa

In an effort to accommodate baseball fans whose peanut allergies prevent them from attending games, the New Orleans Zephyrs are hosting a peanut-free night on Tuesday, May 6.

Though the song says “Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack,” Zephyr Field will be peanut-free when the Z’s open a four-game series against the Iowa Cubs, sponsored by AllerGease. Fans with peanut allergies are often prevented from attending games due to high risk of exposure in stadiums.

“Many teams across the country have made an effort to reach out to baseball fans with peanut allergies,” said Brandon Puls, Zephyrs Promotions Director. “The Zephyrs are proud to welcome a group of fans who otherwise would not be able to see a game in person and allow them to experience a carefree night at the ballpark.”

According to Food Allergy Research & Education, roughly 3.3 million Americans suffer from peanut allergies. Studies have shown the number of children living with peanut allergies has tripled since 1997.

For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the Zephyrs at (504) 734-5155.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the New Orleans Zephyrs. Click here to view the original story.

Cutters Launch Anti-Bullying School Assembly Program

April 28, 2014

“Bully Busters Unite” Outreach Initiative to Raise Awareness in Elementary Schools

The Williamsport Crosscutters are proud to announce the launch of Bully Busters Unite, a new anti-bullying program aimed at raising awareness for a priority issue in local elementary schools.

The program, underwritten by Susquehanna Health, utilizes the star power of the team’s beloved mascot “Boomer”, who will engage students in recognizing bullying behavior and exploring what to do should they witness or experience bullying of any kind. The Crosscutters will provide free school assemblies and incentivize students with the goal of making a strong impact in the fight to stop bullying before it starts.

“While the Williamsport Crosscutters are proud of the success of our award-winning Grand Slam Reading Program that has been in existence for 19 years, reaching over 10,000 students per year, we have been searching for another worthwhile school outreach program to add to our arsenal that we thought could make an impact,” said Gabe Sinicropi, the team’s Vice-President of Marketing and Public Relations. “With Bully Busters Unite, we feel we’ve found that program and we couldn’t do it without the support of our friends at Susquehanna Health.”

Speaking about their involvement, Susquehanna Health Director of Corporate Communications Tracie Witter stated, “Susquehanna Health knows that healthy behaviors also include positive actions toward each other. Working with the Crosscutters to reinforce the value of positive behaviors to area youth supports our mission to create a healthier community.”

Developed with the assistance of Bruce Productions, a production company based in Wilmington, Delaware, the Bully Busters program kicks off this May in Williamsport area schools and continues this fall in elementary schools throughout the Susquehanna Valley.

Each assembly will star “Boomer” and Cutters staff members, who will engage students in recognizing bullying behavior and exploring what to do should they witness or experience bullying of any kind.

At the conclusion of each interactive assembly, students will be asked to take the “Bully Buster Pledge” both in school and at home with their families. Students who do so will be rewarded with two complimentary tickets to a select Cutters game in June. The Crosscutters will also provide teachers and counselors with a take-home activity book for students, further reinforcing the importance of the anti-bullying message.

Kirk Felix, Principal of Stevens Elementary School in Williamsport said, “We at Stevens Primary in the Williamsport Area School District are happy to assist the Crosscutters with launching their Bully Busters Unite program. ‘Developing responsible citizens through excellence in education’ is our District’s mission statement. We appreciate the Cutters interest in supporting our students, staff and families with learning how to take responsibility when it comes to bullying. The children love Boomer and we look forward to him helping teach children and their parents about appropriate behaviors.”

School administrators interested in booking a Bully Busters Unite assembly can contact Sarah Budd, the Crosscutters Director of Community Relations at (570) 326-3389 x1200 or sarah@crosscutters.com.

The Crosscutters 2014 season opens on June 13 at Susquehanna Bank Park at Historic Bowman Field. Season tickets, bonus books and group packages are currently available and can be purchased online at www.crosscutters.com or by calling the Cutters at (570) 326-3389.

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

Itron Champions Program Schools Named

April 28, 2014

Bemiss and Sheridan chosen as program’s 2014 recipients

Bemiss and Sheridan Elementary will get a visit from OTTO the Mascot.

For the fifth consecutive year, the Spokane Indians and Itron will partner for the Itron Champions Program, which rewards low-income Spokane schools with a visit from OTTO the Mascot, a school assembly and 250 Indians tickets to distribute to their students as a reward for good attendance, hard work and achievement in the classroom. Bemiss Elementary and Sheridan Elementary have been chosen as this year’s recipients.

“The Itron Champions Program is a perfect complement to our commitment to helping children in the Spokane community,” said Indians Senior Vice President Otto Klein. “It keeps kids excited and motived to learn during the final month of school.”

Bemiss Elementary will have their assembly on Friday, May 9th at 2:00 PM. Sheridan Elementary will host theirs on Friday, May 30th at a time to be determined.

“Itron is dedicated to supporting young people in our community. That’s why we are proud to sponsor the Itron Champions program,” said Diane Vanos, manager of community investment, Itron. “Rewarding good attendance, hard work and achievement in the classroom will help encourage positive behaviors and shape our community’s future leaders.”

The Spokane Indians open the 2014 season on Friday, June 13th, against the Eugene Emeralds, and will be televised on SWX-TV.

The Spokane Indians would like to thank all of our fans for their support during the record-setting 2013 season. The Indians are the Short Season Class “A” affiliate for the Texas Rangers. Ticket packages are on sale now for the 2014 season, and start as low as $63. Reserve your seats today by calling the Avista Stadium Ticket Office at (509) 343-OTTO (6886). Parking at all Spokane Indians games is FREE!

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

RiverDogs Team with MiLB, Big Brothers Big Sisters for Special Night at Riley Park

April 25, 2014

Club Joins MiLB’s “Winning with Doubles” Fundraising Campaign for BBBS on May 16

General Manager Dave Echols has announced that the Charleston RiverDogs will be participating in Minor League Baseball’s “Winning with Doubles” fundraising campaign to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Carolina Youth Development Center.

Fans can participate by visiting the “Winning with Doubles” site (www.MiLB.com/give), select the Charleston RiverDogs as their team, and pledge the amount they would like to donate for each double hit by a RiverDogs player in April and May.

Bigs and Littles will be attending the RiverDogs game on Friday, May 16, against the Hickory Crawdads. First pitch is set for 7:05 pm.

The RiverDogs plan to have the Bigs and Littles stand on the field with players and coaches before the game and will donate items for a BBBS raffle. One lucky Little will throw the ceremonial first pitch.

Another opportunity for fan participation will be at the May 16 game when fans can purchase tickets for the BBBS raffle.

“We hope that by creating further awareness for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Carolina Youth Development Center and the need for more caring adult mentors here in the Lowcountry, we will encourage people to become involved in the program by applying to volunteer as a Big,” said Echols, who is a longtime member of their board of directors.

For more information about BBBS, please contact Program Director Mandy Scherer at 843/266-5232 or at mtscherer@cydc.org or Louis Kines, AmeriCorps Vista at 843/266-5239 or at lkines@cydc.org.

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

2014 RockHounds Scholarship Recipients

April 23, 2014

2014 Scholarship Recipients

Austen Wade (Midland High School)
Blake Loyd (Robert E. Lee High School)
Jordan Williams (Robert E. Lee High School)
Audrey Adkins (Permian High School)

SCHOLARSHIP CRITERIA

The Midland RockHounds/Sockers FC will be awarding four $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors for the 2014 Fall College Semester. Two of the scholarships are reserved for students entering the field of Sport Management or involved in sports, and the other two will be for any field of higher education.

The scholarships will be available only to students who attend Midland or Odessa public and private high schools. This will be offered to any student attending a four-year college, junior college, vocational, technical, or health-related college. The four applications that best suit our prospectus will be granted the scholarship starting with the 2014 Fall Semester at any Texas or out-of-state college. All recipients will be honored on the field during a RockHounds or Sockers game of their choosing.

This is a one-year, non-renewable scholarship funded through the West Texas Sports Banquet.

Extra copies for those interested in applying will also be available in our Security Bank Ball Park Office and on the link above.

Check back for the 2015 application.

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

Fisher Cats to “Take the Show on the Road” with Citizens Bank

April 23, 2014

All the excitement of a Fisher Cats game brought to one lucky youth baseball league

The New Hampshire Fisher Cats and Citizens Bank have teamed up this season to bring the Fisher Cats entertainment experience on the road! Later this season, the Fisher Cats will ‘Take the Show on the Road’ to one youth baseball league’s local field.

The Fisher Cats will bring their inflatable games, mascot, PA Announcer, promo team, and turf manager to create the fun and exhilarating entertainment that everyone is used to at each Fisher Cats home game. The winning league will also be rewarded with 100 tickets to a Fisher Cats game where they will be recognized as the winner of the ‘Take the Show on the Road’ promotion presented by Citizens Bank.

“We are excited to partner with Citizens Bank to create a new, fun opportunity for youth sports leagues across the region,” said Fisher Cats President Rick Brenner. “We look forward to bringing our Show to a community ballpark and teaming up with the winning league to put on a fun day for their fans, teams, and players.”

“Citizens Bank believes that every child should have the opportunity to explore his or her potential through healthy, active recreational activities, such as those provided through youth sports leagues,” said Joe Carelli, President, Citizens Bank and RBS Citizens, New Hampshire. “We are proud to partner with the New Hampshire Fisher Cats to ‘Take the Show on the Road’ to a league that not only inspires active living but good sportsmanship as well.”

Three lucky entrants will also be selected at random to receive 25 tickets to a game with a VIP Ballpark Tour and the opportunity to meet Fisher Cats players, or one luxury suite rental with 18 tickets and two VIP parking passes.

Leagues are encouraged to send in an application stating how their league exemplifies sportsmanship and why they should be considered to have the Fisher Cats entertainment experience at their local field. Leagues interested in applying can download applications and fliers at the Fisher Cats’ ‘Take the Show on the Road presented by Citizens Bank’ webpage at www.nhfishercats.com.

If you have any questions about ‘Take the Show on the Road presented by Citizens Bank,’ please contact Mike Ramshaw, Senior Vice President of Sales, at 603-606-4187 or mramshaw@nhfishercats.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. Click here to view the original story.

High School Baseball Returns to Fifth Third Field on Monday Night

April 21, 2014

Arcanum and Franklin-Monroe to Play at Fifth Third Field on Monday Night

All Games Sponsored by MAC Athletics;

Double-headers scheduled for Friday and Saturday

Dayton, Ohio- Fifth Third Field and the Dayton Dragons will host high school baseball for the ninth straight season in 2014 with the action starting on Tuesday, April 8 at 4:30 p.m. Overall this spring, 30 high schools will play regular season games at the home of the Dragons.

High school baseball at Fifth Third Field also serves as a fundraiser for the participating schools. This year’s series of games will raise approximately $30,000 for the schools to help with the cost of uniforms, equipment, and bus transportation.

All games are sponsored by MAC Athletics, experts in athletic facility planning, design, construction, and equipment acquisition. Go to macathletix.com for more information on their services.

Monday evening’s game features the Franklin-Monroe Jets and the Arcanum Trojans. In the most recent Miami Valley Baseball Coaches Association poll, the Trojans were ranked as the third best team among Division IV schools. Arcanum claimed a 2013 Division IV Southwest District Championship. Arcanum and Franklin-Monroe both compete in the Cross County Conference. The game will be broadcast live on 97.5 WTGR and online on the Gem City Sports Network.

The Dayton Dragons have been hosting the Miami Valley’s best baseball teams since 2006 and are proud to continue the tradition for a ninth year. A complete list of high school baseball games scheduled to be played at Fifth Third Field can be found at daytondragons.com.

All games are free to attend and the media are invited to cover them. Gates will open one hour prior to the first game played that day. High schools may provide their own PA announcers, cheer squads, and national anthem singers. Some even bring their own radio broadcasters to the ballpark. Participating high schools sell Dragons tickets to help raise money for their programs.

–See remaining schedule below–

Day	Date	Time	Home Team	Away Team
Monday	4/21	7:00 PM	Arcanum	Franklin-Monroe
Thursday	4/24	4:30 PM	Lebanon	Piqua
Thursday	4/24	7:00 PM	Sidney	Wayne
Friday	4/25	4:30 PM	Dayton Christian	Troy Christian
Friday	4/25	7:00 PM	Vandalia-Butler	West Carrolton
Saturday	4/26	11:00 AM	Valley View	Greenville
Saturday	4/26	4:00 PM	Beavercreek	Miamisburg
Sunday	5/4	4:00 PM	Fort Loramie	New Knoxville

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

Pelicans team up with HTC and Backpack Buddies

April 18, 2014

Partnership renewed to bring much-needed essentials to underprivileged youth

The Myrtle Beach Pelicans, Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Texas Rangers, are working with HTC for a second straight season to bring Backpack Buddies Monday to TicketReturn.com Field at Pelicans Ballpark. The program invites fans to bring certain essentials to the ballpark for donation on Monday home games. Those donating will receive half-price admission on their Monday game ticket.

Starting in 2004, the Backpack Buddies program aims to provide schools with nutritious, child-friendly, self-serve food designed to put in a backpack and feed a child over the weekend. The program began with a pilot program of approximately 300 children. Now, a decade later, the program provides over 1,500 meals a week across Horry County.

The Pelicans are pleased to bring back the program after a successful first year with a valued partner in HTC. To participate, fans can bring the following items to Monday night home games for half-priced admission: powdered drink mix, Ramen Noodles, Pop Tarts, individual servings of pudding, individual servings of apple sauce, fruit cups, jelly (plastic container), peanut butter (small jars), Beanie Weenies, Vienna Sausage, canned meats, cereal, raviolis (pop-top cans), mac and cheese, snack crackers, chicken noodle soup (pop top cans), and unopened containers of mustard, ketchup, and mayo.

“The Help 4 Kids organization that runs Backpack Buddies is an incredible group and we’re honored to help them in their fight to ensure that the 2400+ local children have the food and nourishment the kids need,” remarked Pelicans Vice President and General Manager Andy Milovich. “Barb Mains and her staff give these kids a chance to succeed in the classroom and life. She’s a true hero and we’re fortunate to be in a position to assist her in helping kids throughout our community.”

In 2013 the Pelicans raised nearly $400,000 for various local charities. The Backpack Buddies program saw over $9,400 of those funds. This year the Pelicans have set a goal of raising $500,000 total for local charities and $10,000 for Backpack Buddies

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

Bisons sponsorship of Buffalo Public High School baseball program reaches 8th year

April 18, 2014

Team has contributed more than $500,000 since 2007.

As part of the sponsorship, the Bisons support the 'Junior Bisons' team that plays in the CEBA. — As part of the sponsorship, the Bisons support the ‘Junior Bisons’ team that plays in the CEBA.

As part of the Buffalo Bisons‘ long-standing sponsorship of the City of Buffalo Public High School baseball program, City high school games will return to Coca-Cola Field starting this Saturday, April 19. The Bisons wide-ranging sponsorship, which enters its eighth year in 2014, has successfully revitalized the game within Buffalo Public High Schools as well as prepared young athletes to compete at the collegiate level.

The year’s games begin Saturday, April 19 (10 a.m.) at Coca-Cola Field as City Honors hosts Nichols High School (schedule below).

Since 2007, Bisons owners Bob and Mindy Rich have contributed nearly $500,000 towards the enhancement of high school baseball throughout Buffalo’s Public High Schools.

The Bisons support for the program includes providing team uniforms, paying league and umpire fees, funding stipends for assistant coaches for each Buffalo Public High School team and the use of Coca-Cola Field’s diamond and indoor batting cages year round. Additionally, $250,000 was provided for the renovation of Johnny B. Wiley Stadium, providing the City of Buffalo a top-notch athletic facility for their teams to play in and for the community to share.

Part of the Bisons’ adoption also includes the formation of the Junior Bisons baseball team. The top players from each of the City of Buffalo high schools are joined together to compete in the County of Erie Baseball Association (CEBA) throughout the summer. The focus of the team has always been team-building, fundamentals and life skills teachings. The Junior Bisons have made the post season four times and two former Junior Bisons are currently playing baseball at the collegiate level.

City of Buffalo HS Games this week
City Honors vs. Nichols (Saturday, April 19 -10 a.m.)
South Park vs. J.F.K. (Saturday, April 19 -12 p.m.)
Olmsted vs. CSAT (Monday, April 21 -11 a.m.)
Hutch Tech vs. Roy-Hart (Monday, April 21 -2 p.m.)
McKinley vs. Maritime CS (Tuesday, April 22 -4 p.m.).

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

Gwinnett Braves Set to Host Youth Baseball Camps

April 18, 2014

G-Braves announce their 2014 Baseball Camp session dates

CLICK HERE to download a Baseball Camp Registration Form!

The Gwinnett Braves are set to bring back Youth Baseball Camps for the 2014 season. The G-Braves will be holding their annual three-day baseball camps at Coolray Field in June and July.

There will be two separate three-day camps. The first session will run from June 24-26, while the second and final session will go from July 21-23. G-Braves’ players and coaches will teach kids what it takes to become the best ballplayer they can be. Campers will learn basic fundamentals like hitting and pitching and specialized skills like bunting and base running.

The camp is open for kids ages 8-14 and will run from 9 AM to 12 PM each day. Each participant will receive a T-shirt at the beginning of camp and will be served lunch at the conclusion of each session. On the final day, the players and coaches will gather for an autograph session with the kids. In addition to the instruction and player interaction throughout the three days, each camper will receive two Field Box Tickets for a Gwinnett Braves home game and will get to take the field as part of the “High Five Tunnel” prior to the game action.

Three-Day Camp registration is $100. All campers who participate in the Three-Day Camps will receive the following:

G-Braves Baseball Camp T-Shirt
Two (2) Field Box Tickets
Lunch on all three days

For more information or to reserve your spot, contact Gwinnett Braves Community Relations Trainee Alison Atkins via email at alison.atkins@braves.com.

The Gwinnett Braves, Triple-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, return to Coolray Field on Saturday, April 19 for a 7:05 PM game against the Charlotte Knights. Tickets for all home games are available for purchase now by calling the Coolray Field Ticket Office at 678-277-0340 and by visiting GwinnettBraves.com.

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

TinCaps, Longe Optical Expand Children’s Reading Program

April 16, 2014

Partnership Expands Region’s Largest Private Literacy Program

The Fort Wayne TinCaps, Longe Optical, and PBS39 (WFWA) are pleased to announce a multi-year partnership in expanding the TinCaps Reading Program, a venture that serves more than 100,000 children in the Northeast Indiana and Northwest Ohio regions. The addition of a corporate sponsor to the TinCaps Reading Program ensures that the reach of the effort will expand beyond schools and libraries, and into Longe Optical’s four retail locations, helping children improve their reading skills.

Longe Optical, now the exclusive eye care provider of the TinCaps, will make signups for the program available at all of their retail locations, meaning the TinCaps Reading Program will see an unprecedented reach throughout the region.

“The Fort Wayne TinCaps Reading Program is one of the best initiatives the team does, and one of the most impactful from any team in the country,” said TinCaps President Mike Nutter. “The focus on literacy and our youth is extremely important to the TinCaps and our mission of serving the community. To have Longe Optical involved is a great thing for the program. Longe Optical is a well-known and respected area business, and now with their involvement more children and families will be reached. Their support guarantees that a program that has been making a difference for almost 15 years will continue long into the future.”

The TinCaps Reading Program is a community initiative which encourages students to read by setting individual goals for number of books, number of pages, hours spent reading, etc. Each student “rounds the bases”, hitting benchmarks until the final goal is reached, and with that milestone comes a free ticket to a TinCaps game, a hot dog, and soft drink. Participating schools can also receive a visit from Johnny, the TinCaps mascot.

“We are tremendously excited to be the lead sponsor of the TinCaps Reading Program. It’s such a logical partnership since reading skills are dependent on great vision,” said Jeff Ostermann, President of Longe Optical. “We’ve been serving Fort Wayne’s eye care needs for 65 years, and can think of no better investment in the future of our community than helping to ensure that our children can see and read their best.”

PBS39, the northeast Indiana region’s only public television station, continues its sponsorship of the TinCaps Reading Program.

“It has been a great opportunity to pair America’s greatest pastime with America’s number one source for educational programs,” said PBS39 General Manager Bruce Haines. “As the nation’s most-trusted and most-watched TV source for kids, PBS KIDS and PBS39 are uniquely positioned to pair with the TinCaps to help families keep the learning going while they have fun together.”

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Fort Wayne TinCaps. Click here to view the original story.

Little League Day

April 15, 2014

The Tampa Yankees will host their annual Pepsi Cola Little League Day at Steinbrenner Field on Sunday, April 27^th when they take on the Lakeland Flying Tigers at 1:00PM.

The first 250 kids, ages 14 and under, that enter the stadium will receive a Collector’s Pepsi Cola Yankees pin. Gates will open at 12:00PM. All guests will receive free admission when they show up to the Box Office wearing their Little League uniform (players and coaches).

Palma Ceia Little League Challenger Teams will play a game on Steinbrenner Field after the Tampa Yankees game concludes. The Tampa Yankees actively assist youth baseball and softball programs in the Tampa area to promote the Little League Mission, developing qualities of citizenship, discipline, teamwork and physical well-being.

Tickets are $4 for general admission, $6 for reserved seating and can be purchased at the George M. Steinbrenner Field Box Office.

The Tampa Yankees are the Single A-Advanced affiliate of the New York Yankees. For more information you may contact the Tampa Yankees offices at (813) 673-3055 or visit www.tybaseball.com.

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

BlueClaws Baseball Academy Open Tryout on May 4th

April 15, 2014

BBA will run three teams this summer based at FirstEnergy Park

LAKEWOOD, NJ – BlueClaws Baseball Academy will hold an open tryout on May 4th at FirstEnergy Park with registration starting at 9 am and the tryouts starting at 10 am.

Coming off an extremely successful Fall and Winter season with their two 17-under teams, the BBA Claws will be adding a freshman team (for players that are currently high school freshman). Last year’s roster included players from 11 high schools and three counties. In all, the organization will have three teams consisting of 40 players at both the 17u and 16u levels.

Anyone that is currently in 9th, 10th or 11th grade and interested in trying out must contact Joe Agnello at 732-901-7000 ext 209 or email jagnello@blueclaws.com to register. There is a $20 tryout fee though any player that makes a team will have the money credited towards their registration.

The BBA Claws will begin practicing in June in order to be ready for the start of the Summer season. The team will participate in Perfect Game Super 25 Mid-Atlantic Regional qualifier, Diamond Nation 18u World Series, and BlueChip Prospects Showcase at Maple Zone Sports Institute, their own BBA College Showcase, weekly practices, and take part in a pre-game ceremony before a Lakewood BlueClaws game.

The schedule will also consist of games played against local teams at FirstEnergy Park and other local fields. The roster will be made up of Shore-area players and compete at both the 16u and 17u age level. The team will again be run by Joe Agnello, the director of the BlueClaws Baseball Academy, whose resume consists of nine years of coaching at the collegiate level, and for Major League Baseball player development in Southeast China.

BBA has also teamed up with Turn 2 Sports Consulting of Tinton Falls to help players and parents with the recruiting process. This exclusive partnership will educate, coach, and train families on how the recruiting details, NCAA academic and eligibility requirements, effective marketing strategies, and basic phone and interview preparation.

BlueClaws Baseball Academy is a year-long instruction-based program for youth players at the Jersey Shore. They run clinics througout the year and in 2013, ran two 17-under travel teams based out of FirstEnergy Park. It is believed to be the first time that a Minor League Baseball team sponsored and hosted youth travel teams from their own facility.

With any questions about BlueClaws Baseball Academy, contact Joe Agnello at 732-901-7000 ext 209.

– BlueClaws Baseball Academy –

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