Pirates Visit Everyday Blessings, Inc. in Sarasota

Facility is a home to keep foster children together with their siblings

Members of the Gulf Coast League Pirates, who play their games at Pirate City in Bradenton, visited the Everyday Blessings, Inc. residential facility in Sarasota Thursday. Members of the team have visited the facility several times during the last four months as part of the Pirates Community Commitment Program.

EBI provides foster care to sibling groups to keep siblings from being separated while awaiting permanent placement. The Sarasota facility opened in February. The original facility is in Hillsborough County.

When players visit, they eat dinner with the children and live-in caretakers at the residential facility. After dinner, the players take part in outdoor sports activities and games with the children. There are currently 12 children housed in Sarasota with EBI, ranging in age from three to 11 years old. All of the children are part of a sibling group.

Emily Dutton, the Sarasota Residential Manager for EBI, said the children love it when the players come to visit. “I think they enjoy seeing there are other people in the community that understand and support them,” Dutton said.

Many of the children have had to face abuse and neglect in their old homes prior to being placed with EBI. “It’s important for them to see that through hard work you can accomplish your goals and aspirations despite circumstances that aren’t always ideal,” Dutton said. “The young men who come to visit understand that life isn’t always perfect or easy. Some of them have dealt with tough circumstances to get where they are now.”

The Pirates Community Commitment Program was created in 2008 to help players in the Pirates organization give back to the communities they play in. Players are required to do 10 hours of community service during the season, but most do many more.

‘Topes Host 130 Participants for Second Youth Baseball Clinic

The Albuquerque Isotopes hosted 130 participants in their second of two McDonalds Youth Skills Baseball Clinics on Saturday morning at Isotopes Park.

Follow an opening reception from the Isotopes team, Manager Lorenzo Bundy, hitting coach John Valentin, pitching coach Glenn Dishman, strength and conditioning coach Brandon McDaniel; pitchers Michael Antonini, Blake Johnson, Derrick Loop, Scott Rice, Will Savage; infielders Joe Becker and Alex Castellanos, and outfielders Jerry Sands and Brian Cavazos-Galvez offered one-on-one instructions to kids ages 5-15 on a variety of baseball fundamentals.

Clinic participants were divided into groups and rotated through a series of stations including; throwing, bullpen, outfield, conditioning, infield, and hitting. Each station ran nearly 30 minutes to provide ample opportunity for each participant to fully take part in all of the baseball action.

After each group had a chance to try each station, those in attendance were served lunch courtesy of McDonald’s in the picnic pavilion. ‘Topes players and coaches concluded the clinic by spending time with the participants and signing autographs.

The Isotopes hosted a combined total of 242 participants for both clinics.

Conger Reads at Millcreek Library

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Bees catcher Hank Conger spent Thursday morning reading to children at Millcreek Library as part of a Salt Lake Bees Storytime event.

Conger entertained the children while reading several books, including a story about dinosaurs playing baseball. After reading, he answered questions and signed autographs.

The 24-year-old California native and Angels’ top catching prospect reiterated the importance of reading and how to make it fun.

Bees players have visited libraries across the Wasatch Front during the 2012 season to help promote reading while continuing the team’s strong tradition of community involvement.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Salt Lake Bees. Click here to view the original story.

Novo Nordisk presents Changing Diabetes Night

Pawtucket-Red-SoxLast Saturday, July 14th the Pawtucket Red Sox and Novo Nordisk teamed up to present Changing Diabetes Night at McCoy Stadium when the PawSox took on the Buffalo Bisons. Before a bustling crowd of 7,449 Novo Nordisk continued their goal of educating people on the importance of early detection, treatment and prevention of the diabetes disease that afflicts tens of millions of Americans.

To kick things off the reigning Mrs. Rhode Island of the Mrs. America franchise welcomed the crowd with a message from the title sponsor and threw out a ceremonial first pitch. Proudly displaying her ‘blue bull’ t-shirt and tiara, she then took up residence in the Cox Fan Center where she spent some time signing autographs and taking pictures with eager PawSox fans. Novo Nordisk and the American Diabetes Association each set up tables in the Main Gate Entry Tower to greet fans as they entered the stadium and distribute literature.

American-Diabetes-AssociatiEver supportive of non profit organizations, Novo Nordisk agreed before a pitch was even thrown to donate $500 per home run hit by either team that day to the Pawtucket Red Sox Charitable Trust Foundation with the understanding that the half of the final tally would then be given to the Massachusetts American Diabetes Association. If a batter were to hit a HR off of the ‘Changing Diabetes’ sign in left/center field the organization would then donate $5,000 to the PawSox Foundation. While there were two round-trippers hit during the contest, by Buffalo’s Zach Lutz and Pawtucket’s JC Linares, Novo Nordisk doubled their obligated contribution making the total contribution $2,000. Representatives from both organizations will take part in a pre-game check presentation on August 31st.

There are two main types of diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2. Those who suffer from Type 1 are born with a genetic pre-disposition to the disease, while those with Type 2 develop it later in life and suffer from insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency. Both require control through diet, exercise and consistent monitoring and adjusting of blood sugar levels. If you are living with diabetes or know someone who is, visit Cornerstones4CareTM  for tools to help your care plan work harder for you, ongoing updates about diabetes care, and tips and inspiration to keep you moving forward.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Pawtucket Red Sox.  Click here to view the original story.

Premera Care-A-Van Provides Smiles and Hope to Local Children

Spokane, WA – For over 10 years the Spokane Indians and Premera Blue Cross have teamed up for the Premera Care-A-Van, a program where children in local hospitals receive a visit from OTTO the Mascot and current Indians players. The first of three Care-A-Van visits is today at Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for Premera Blue Cross and the Indians to bring hope to children at our local hospitals,” said Senior Vice President Otto Klein. “These brave kids are going through a lot and its rewarding for all of us to see smiles on their faces.”

In addition to the visit from players and mascots, the children will receive a Care-A-Van Backpack full of Spokane Indians items courtesy of Premera Blue Cross. The Indians also provide tickets for former patients who have now recovered and are living in the Spokane area.

“I’ll never forget how happy the kids were to see us and how much our visit lifted their spirits,” said former Indians player Brett Nicholas. “I’m glad to see the program will continue in 2012, and that new players will be able to experience what I did.”

The Indians and Premera Blue Cross have three Care-A-Vans planned for this year, including today at Sacred Heart, August 14th at Deaconess Medical Center, and August 21st at Shriners Hospital for Children. All media are invited to attend.

For more information about the Premera Care-A-Van program, please call (509) 535-2922.

Tonight’s game is the second game of a three game series against the Tri-City Dust Devils and is Baseball Hat Giveaway presented by Pepsi, Arby’s, and The Inlander. The first 1,000 fans and all Banner Bank Diamond Club Members will receive a FREE limited edition Spokane Indians Baseball Hat. Also tonight, kids are encouraged to stick around after the game for the Supercuts Post-Game Circle the Bases promotion. The game starts at 6:30 p.m. with gates opening at 5:30 p.m. Tickets for all Spokane Indians home games are available for purchase at the Indians Ticket Office or at spokaneindians.com. Reserve your seats today by calling (509) 343-OTTO (6886) or TicketsWest at 1-800-325-SEAT.

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

‘Topes Host Over 100 Participants for Youth Baseball Clinic

The Albuquerque Isotopes hosted 112 participants in their first of two annual Youth Baseball Clinics on Saturday morning at Isotopes Park.

Follow an opening reception from the Isotopes team, Manager Lorenzo Bundy, hitting coach John Valentin, pitching coach Glenn Dishman, strength and conditioning coach Brandon McDaniel; pitchers Stephen Fife, Blake Johnson, Derrick Loop, Scott Rice, Will Savage, Cole St. Clair; infielders Joe Becker and Tyler Henson, and outfielders Jerry Sands and Brian Cavazos-Galvez offered one-on-one instructions to kids ages 5-15 on a variety of baseball fundamentals.

Clinic participants were divided into groups and rotated through a series of stations including; throwing, bullpen, outfield, conditioning, infield, and hitting. Each station ran nearly 30 minutes to provide ample opportunity for each participant to fully take part in all of the baseball action.

After each group had a chance to try each station, those in attendance were served lunch courtesy of McDonald’s in the picnic pavilion. ‘Topes players and coaches concluded the clinic by spending time with the participants and signing autographs.

Free Youth Baseball Clinic at Bowen Field

Jays players and staff to teach the game to all kids 6-16 on July 28

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All kids ages 6-16 are invited to come to Bowen Field with the Bluefield Blue Jays players and staff on Saturday, July 28th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. for a free baseball clinic. Signing up for the event takes place at 9:30 a.m. the day of the clinic for no cost. After learning about the game from the pros, all participants will receive a hot dog and a drink after the clinic.

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

Connecticut Tigers Assist Local “Non-Profit”

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NORWICH- The Connecticut Tigers will be partnering with “Bikes For Kids” in hosting a bike drive prior to and during the game on Saturday, July 21st between Tigers and the Lowell Spinners, the New York-Penn League affiliate of the Boston Red Sox at 7:05 PM. The gates will open at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 21.

Bikes For Kids is a Connecticut-based non-profit organization that provides bicycles and equipment to children and families in need. The organization focuses its donations locally in Connecticut, but has also given bicycles and equipment to Haiti, Africa and various causes from around the United States.

Bikes For Kids was founded by the late Chuck Graeb in 1989. Graeb founded the organization on the idea that “every child should be able to experience the enjoyment of owning and riding their own bicycle.” Upon Graeb’s passing in 2009, current president David Fowler assumed leadership of the organization. “We put people on wheels that would either be walking or not really going anywhere at all,” said Fowler.

Representatives from Bikes For Kids will have a table set up on the concourse behind the press box during the game collecting new to slightly-used bikes, new helmets and other new or slightly-used equipment.

The organization reached 13,000 bicycles donated in November of 2011 and has already collected 700 bikes in the 2012 calendar year. With the assistance of the Tigers and the bike drive at Dodd Stadium, Bikes For Kids hopes to surpass a total of 14,000 bicycles donated by the end of the month.

The Connecticut Tigers are the Class-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers and play in the New York-Penn League. The Tigers saw a 23% increase in attendance in 2011 (the 4th highest in Minor League Baseball), and are entering their 3rd season at Dodd Stadium. The Box Office is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. In addition, tickets can be purchased over the phone at (860) 887-7962. For more information go online to cttigers.com.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Connecticut Tigers. Click here to view the original story.

Marauders Reward Commitment to Reading

Enjoy the summer with books, baseball and pizza

Bradenton-MaraudersThe Bradenton Marauders have launched the Marauders Reading Scores Program to get Manatee County children reading this summer. Manatee County elementary school students that read four books and complete a Reading Scores card provided by the Marauders can redeem the card for a free ticket to a Marauders game and a coupon for one free 10-inch small cheese pizza from Papa John’s.

The Marauders Reading Scores Program is presented by Papa John’s Pizza, the Bradenton Herald, the Manatee Education Foundation, and the School District of Manatee County. Reading Scores cards are available at McKechnie Field, the front desk at Pirate City, and Manatee County libraries.

Manatee-Cnty-SchoolsEach time a child reads a book, he or she can color in one base on their Marauders Reading Scores card, write the book’s title in the assigned space under the base, and have a parent or guardian sign the form. After reading their fourth book of the summer, home plate can be colored in and the card is ready to be exchanged. Turn the card in at the McKechnie Field box office for a free Marauders ticket to any non-Wednesday game and a coupon for a free small chesse pizza from Papa John’s.

The Marauders Reading Scores program is part of the Bradenton Marauders’ commitment to making a positive impact in their local community. Helping children learn not only to read, but to enjoy reading, is important to improving educational success. Marty the Marauder and several Marauders players visited the Manatee County Central Library in Bradenton Monday to promote childhood reading.

“Reading is the building block of learning,” Marauders pitcher Jason Townsend said. “Everything starts with reading.”

Fellow pitcher Kenn Kasparek echoed Townsend’s sentiments.

“Read to succeed isn’t just a saying,” Kasparek said. “Reading enhances your hunger for knowledge.”

For more information about the Marauders Reading Scores Program, call 941-747-3031 or email MaraudersInfo@Pirates.com.

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

Team Urges Kids To “Hit The Books”

COLCHESTER, VT – At the Burnham Memorial Library in Colchester on June 28th, Vermont Lake Monster pitchers’ Kurt Wunderlich and Tucker Healy read to approximately 50 kids, promoting reading among children with the Lake Monsters ‘Hit the Books’ program sponsored by Price Chopper.

“It is so wonderful for the players to take time out of their schedules to read to children in different communities.” Youth Service Librarian Hannah Peters said. “I think it is important for the players to read to the kids too as it reminds them about the importance of education while pursuing your dream of being a professional athlete or any other vocation. The connection to literacy is an essential component to the program.”

Both pitchers believe that reading is an important activity for kids- Wunderlich saying that when kids read “they get to use their imagination… because sometimes they don’t have pictures.” Healy agreed with his teammate’s sentiments, saying that the “[kids’] vocabulary can grow from reading… [learning new words] and how those go together with other words and sentences.”

The ‘Hit the Books’ program, which is open to kids in kindergarten through eighth grade, calls for kids to read four books and send in an entry by August 1st. In return, the child will receive a ticket for a Lake Monsters baseball game this summer for their efforts. There is also an on-field recognition ceremony for all the kids who participated in the program on the September 1st game against the Tri-City ValleyCats.

For more information on the ‘Hit the Books’ program call the Lake Monsters at 802-655-4200. Forms may be mailed to the Lake Monsters at 1 King Street Ferry Dock, Burlington, Vermont 05401.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Vermont Lake Monsters. Click here to view the original story.

BVCHC hosts Childhood Obesity Awareness Clinic at McCoy

Pawtucket-Red-SoxThis past Saturday, June 23rd Blackstone Valley Community Health Care of Pawtucket, Rhode Island hosted children from surrounding community organizations such as Hockymock YMCA and Boy’s Town New England, among others, to attend a private baseball skills session. The theme of the day was ‘Get Active’ as BVCHC has joined in the fight against the epidemic of childhood obesity in the United States.

According to the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the percentage of children 6-11 who are obese in this country has risen from 7% in 1980 to nearly 20% in 2008. Similarly, in the adolescent 12-19 age group the number has risen from 5% to 18%. Healthy eating and physical activity are essential to lowering these percentages and keeping the children of this country healthy and ready for bright futures.

Hockomock-YMCA-logoOn the 23rd the children were greeted at McCoy Stadium with complimentary PawSox t-shirts commemorating that day and were soon ushered onto the field where PawSox players greeted and took them through stations that worked on pitching, fielding, and hitting skills. Pitcher Alex Wilson took up in the visitor’s bullpen to teach the basics on different pitch grips and wind-up mechanics. Infielder Tony Thomas went over some basic batting stances and how to “squish the bug” with your back foot and use the core for a powerful swing. Finally infielder Jon Hee took out a fungo bat, hit the participants some grounders and reminded everyone to look the ball all the way into their gloves.

Boys-Town-New-England-logoAfter the physical part of the camp was over the players took the time to sign anything and everything for the kids including t-shirts, bats, balls, and gloves. To wrap things up the kids were fed a healthy lunch of salad, grilled chicken, baked potato, corn on the cob and watermelon. Every child who participated was also encouraged to come back for the game at 6:05pm that evening when the Pawtucket Red Sox hosted the Louisville Bats. Two reserved box seats were presented to each child, again, courtesy of BVCHC.

Blackstone Valley Community Health Care was inspired by First Lady Michelle Obama’s ‘Let’s Move’ campaign that has similar interests in raising a generation of healthy kids. You can find more information about this movement at www.letsmove.gov. Please also visit Blackstone Valley Community Health Care’s website www.blackstonechc.org.

PawSox BVCHC 2012
PawSox infielder, Jon Hee instructs the kids at the Blackstone Valley Community Health Care Clinic.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Pawtucket Red Sox.  Click here to view the original story.

Join the Senators to Bowl for Kids’ Sake

Bowl with your favorite player in first ever bowling event

Harrisburg, PA – What could be more fun than bowling with your favorite Harrisburg Senators player, nothing! The good news for all of you bowlers and just people that enjoy bowling, you’re in luck! On Sunday, July 22, the Senators are Bowling For Kids’ Sake.

Following the game that day against New Britain at 2:00 p.m., the Senators head to the Red Crown Bowling Center.  The bowling event takes place from 7:00 p.m. to approximately 9:00 p.m.  Each participant bowls two games with a player or member of the coaching staff.  The cost is $40 per person, $100 for a team of three or $130 for a team of four. The cost includes your shoe rental, two games of bowling, food, and drinks. The event benefits the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region.

In addition to the bowling, a raffle will take place throughout the event. Each raffle ticket is $2 or a baseball bat length for $20.  The list of items is growing and all of the proceeds benefit the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region.

This event will sell out quickly, so be sure to purchase your tickets quickly for this unique opportunity to spend time bowling with your favorite player!  Tickets are available online here or by phoning the Harrisburg Senators at 717-231-4444 and asking for Emily Winslow.

Tickets for Senators’ games are available on game days 10:00 a.m. until the end of the game, and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. until the end of the game. Box office hours on non-game days are Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Tickets are available via telephone during the same hours as the box office hours. Tickets are also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, online at www.senatorsbaseball.com.

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

Little Leaguers benefit from visits of P-Rays Little League Caravan

P-Rays mascot, Roscoe the Rooster, entertains kids at a recent June 6 "Little League Caravan" visit to Narrows, VA (Brandon Grose)
P-Rays mascot, Roscoe the Rooster, entertains kids at a recent June 6 “Little League Caravan” visit to Narrows, VA (Brandon Grose)

In an effort to raise awareness about the Princeton Rays, as well as reach out to the region’s children and parents, P-Rays’ staff members have been spotted in many area youth ballparks this spring. The team has been doing this annually each spring since 2007 to promote the beginning of the season as a part of their annual Little League Caravan. The 2011 version of the caravan concluded with stops that included Narrows, VA on June 6, along Baileysville, WV and Alderson, WV on June 9.

With the 2012 season almost underway, the recent stops have reminded fans that a fresh, new outcropping of players are set to come to Princeton for another great year of baseball in the city.

The Little League caravans are put in place to inspire the area’s young players to pursue the sport of baseball and continue their journey through the amateur ranks. Seeing the Rays personnel and receiving memorabilia adds excitement to an otherwise already enjoyable day of playing baseball. “The kids get inspired when they see the Rays,” said Baileysville Little League parent Brandon Hall.

Alderson Little League player Bryson Ormsbee said he wanted to suit up for the Rays one day. “Yes [I would],” said Ormsbee. “And I want to play first base.” He listed his favorite player as Yankees Shortstop Derek Jeter.

Covering communities in all directions and youth leagues of all ages, the Rays also promoted their annual youth baseball camp that has been a mainstay for young ballplayers for sixteen years. The camp allows Little Leaguers ages 7 to 15 to interact with the Princeton Rays players, while gaining valuable baseball instruction in the process. It takes place on Saturday, July 28 from 9:30 A.M.- 1:00 P.M.

To get more immediate and breaking information year-round on Princeton Rays Professional Baseball as it occurs, do not forget that the P-Rays are now on Facebook. Be sure to check out and “like” our Facebook section on our website at www.princetonrays.net. Don’t miss your opportunity to sign up for this free service! ANOTHER FREE OPPORTUNITY for you to keep up with your P-Rays is to follow the team on “Twitter” at @princetonrays or by accessing www.twitter.com/princetonrays.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Princeton Rays. Click here to view the original story.

Deatils announced for P-Rays 16th annual Youth Baseball Clinic

A long-time favorite, the 16th annual Princeton Rays Youth Baseball Clinic will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 28, 2012 at Hunnicutt Field in Princeton, WV, home of the Princeton Rays. The clinic is open to boys and girls ages 7 to 15.

Instructors for the clinic will be 2012 P-Rays’ manager Michael Johns, his coaching staff, and several P-Rays’ players. Kids will be instructed in all facets of baseball and an autograph session will follow the clinic. Each attendee will receive a clinic tee-shirt and free admission to the P-Rays’ home game that evening (July 28) versus the Bluefield Blue Jays. Fee for the clinic is $30.00 per participant and all participants registered and paid in full by July 18, 2012 will receive their shirts on the day of the clinic. The clinic has had the same two corporate sponsors for the entire 16 years, Newberry Ford, and The Lewis Agency of Princeton.

Even now, kids can already register for the clinic. Persons needing more information on the clinic or wanting to request a registration form are asked to contact the P-Rays’ front office either by e-mail at princetonrays@frontier.com or by telephone at (304) 487-2000. The Princeton Rays are the Appalachian League minor league baseball affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays.

To get more immediate and breaking information year-round on Princeton Rays Professional Baseball as it occurs, do not forget that the P-Rays are now on Facebook. Be sure to check out and “like” our Facebook section on our website at www.princetonrays.net. Don’t miss your opportunity to sign up for this free service! ANOTHER FREE OPPORTUNITY for you to keep up with your P-Rays is to follow the team on “Twitter” at @princetonrays or by accessing www.twitter.com/princetonrays.

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

2012 Banner Bank Scholarship Winners Announced

Spokane, WA–For the seventh consecutive year, Banner Bank and the Spokane Indians have teamed up to reward talented high school seniors with college scholarships. The winners of the $500 awards were announced today and include: Marina DeFrates (North Central), Ben Goodwin (Joel E. Ferris), Marque Jones (Rogers) Emily Korotish (Central Valley), and James Volz (Mead).”Banner Bank is proud to reward these local students for their hard work,” said Kirk Quillin, Banner Bank Senior Vice President. “We enjoy having the chance to help these outstanding students further their education.”

The scholarships were open to any student who attended a high school in Spokane County and were based on achievement in four areas: scholarship, leadership, community involvement, and character.

“This was a phenomenal group of students and it was very difficult to select just five winners,” said Indians Senior Vice President, Otto Klein. “The scholarship program illustrates the Spokane Indians and Banner Bank’s continued commitment to education in our community.”

During the seven-year partnership between Banner Bank and the Spokane Indians, 36 area students have received a total of $18,000 to help fund their college education.

The students and their families will be guests on Wednesday, July 11th for $100 Strikeout Night presented by Banner Bank and Rock 94.5 FM, and will be honored in a pre-game ceremony.

The Spokane Indians are the Short Season Class “A” affiliate for the Texas Rangers. The Indians open the 2012 season on Friday, June 15th against the Vancouver Canadians with Opening Night Fireworks & AAA Magnet Schedule Giveaway presented by Les Schwab Tires, KREM-2 TV, 93.7 The Mountain, and SportsRadio 1510 KGA. Single game tickets for the 2012 season are now available for purchase at the Indians Ticket Office or at spokaneindians.com. Reserve your seats today by calling (509) 343-OTTO (6886).
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Spokane Indians. Click here to view the original story.