Jackie Robinson Ballpark to Become Tobacco Free

DAYTONA BEACH, FL – On Thursday, November 16th, the Daytona Tortugas will be making a special announcement regarding Radiology Associates Field at Jackie Robinson Ballpark. The Daytona Tortugas will announce plans for a tobacco free ballpark in 2018 with the support of community partners including the Tobacco Free Volusia County Partnership, One Voice for Volusia, Bethune-Cookman University, the Florida Department of Health in Volusia County, and others.

 

In 2017, the Daytona Tortugas have welcomed over 175,000 fans to Tortugas games, charity runs, concerts and many other events at the ballpark. The Tortugas mission is to provide affordable, family-fun entertainment to Volusia and Flagler Counties, and the Central Florida Region. The Tobacco Free Policy will prohibit tobacco use in the ballpark, including electronic devices and apply to all Tortugas staff, players and fans.

 

Jackie Robinson Ballpark becoming a tobacco free ballpark is part of a movement by the Tortugas to help exemplify a healthy environment and create a positive model for our youth to follow. Daytona Tortugas President, Ryan Keur stated “this is a big step for the Tortugas and Jackie Robinson Ballpark in our community. As the premier family destination for Volusia County, it’s important that we are role models in our community and provide a healthy, family-friendly atmosphere for our fans.” A Tobacco Free Florida booth will be present at the games, providing information on how to quit tobacco use.

 

The Tortugas will be celebrating this change with The Great American Smoke Out at The Jack on Thursday, November 16th, sponsored by Tobacco Free Florida and the State of Florida. To commemorate the event, the Tortugas will be holding a press conference and Mayor’s Luncheon. Interested community members are invited to attend and celebrate this initiative with the Tortugas and their mascot Shelldon. The event begins at 12:00 pm on Thursday, November 16th.

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

Making Strides Walk Coming Up Saturday, Oct. 21

DAYTON, OHIO – The 2017 “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” walk will take place at Fifth Third Field on Saturday, October 21. Registration will begin at 8:00 a.m. The walk will start at 9:00 a.m.

This event is part of a national fundraising effort. In 2016 alone, over 1 million walkers across the country collected more than $60 million to help fight this disease.

One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and it is estimated that over 40,000 lives will be lost to breast cancer in 2017. Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women (excluding skin cancer) and second only to lung cancer as a cause of cancer death in women.

You can help win the fight. The walk and donations go directly to the support, transportation, recovery, and other needs that arise with the diagnosis of breast cancer. The American Cancer Society also invests in groundbreaking breast cancer research to better understand, prevent, find, and treat the disease.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. The Dragons website, www.daytondragons.com, has gone pink in October in support of efforts by Kettering Health Network to increase Breast Cancer awareness in the Miami Valley.

To register for the walk, please visit www.makingstrideswalk.org/Dayton.

More Information: The Dayton Dragons are the Midwest League affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play a 70-game home schedule at beautiful Fifth Third Field in downtown Dayton, easily accessible from Interstate 75. Individuals and groups seeking information about Dayton Dragons group tickets, lawn tickets, the season ticket wait list, sponsorship opportunities or booking a Dragons speaker are encouraged to contact the Dragons by calling (937) 228-2287, by email at dragons@daytondragons.com, or on the web at daytondragons.com.

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

End of Season Jersey Auction for Dragons Foundation

End of Season Auction includes:

  1. Luis Bolivar, autographed white jersey
  2. Tony Santillan, autographed white jersey
  3. Scott Moss, autographed green jersey
  4. Taylor Trammell, green jersey
  5. Jose Siri, autographed orange jersey
  6. 1 Trammell autographed bat, 1 Moss & Santillan signed ball … the ball has both autographs on them
  7. 1 Siri autographed ball, 1 Siri autographed bat, 1 Siri autographed game program

Click here to visit the auction

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

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Dragons Support of Military Nominated for Award

Dayton, Ohio-For the second straight year, the Dayton Dragons have been selected as the Midwest League nominee for a national award selected by Minor League Baseball that will be presented at the Baseball Winter Meetings in December.

The Charles K. Murphy Patriot Award is presented to one club from among approximately 180 Minor League teams for outstanding support of and engagement with the United States Armed Forces and veterans, both at the ballpark and in the community. The Dragons have been selected in a vote of the 16 Midwest League teams as the league nominee for the national honor in both 2016 and 2017, the first two years of the award’s existence.

The award is named after longtime Florida State League president Chuck Murphy, a former Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army who served as the FSL’s top executive from 1990 until his passing in 2015.

For many years, the Dragons, in partnership with the Dayton Development Coalition, have included local military programs into their season-long schedule of events and promotions. Here are some highlights:

HOMETOWN HEROES PROGRAM

The Dragons partner with Wright-Patterson AFB for the Dragons “Hometown Hero of the Game” experience. For all 70 home games, we host a family in the Dayton community of a deployed Airman. All season long, the Hometown Hero of the Game program enables us to provide VIP treatment to WPAFB families. Every family receives a VIP tour, ballpark meals, and souvenirs.

HOMETOWN HEROES CELEBRATION NIGHTS

Hometown Heroes Celebration Nights are two special evenings focused on honoring our local service men and women from WPAFB and the Springfield Air National Guard. These games are filled with American-themed activities that celebrate the local military tradition. These nights give Dragons fans and the Dayton community the opportunity to support and thank our local service members and their families for the sacrifices they make.

DRAGONS AND THE DAYTON VA MEDICAL CENTER

For the past eight years, the Dragons and the Dayton VA Medical Center have collaborated with an annual event honoring veterans and active military and their families. The 2017 event brought over 600 veterans and families to the ballpark for a night of recognition to local veterans, as the Dayton VA Medical Center hosted their annual Welcome Home Outreach event.

OTHER ACTIVITIES

Several other military events were also planned during the 2017 season at Fifth Third Field. On Memorial Day, Army PFC Mitchell Kirtley returned home from active duty in Afghanistan by surprising his family at a Dragons game. On June 14, in celebration of the 242nd birthday of the U.S. Army, the Association of the U.S. Army had an outing with the Dragons featuring numerous pre-game activities, and 30 Army recruits took part in a swearing-in ceremony during the game. On June 23, Vice Admiral Phil Wisecup threw out the ceremonial first pitch of the Dragons game. VADM Wisecup, from Piqua, is the former President of the Naval War College, the former Naval Inspector General of the United States Navy, and has been director of the Chief of Naval Operations Strategic Studies Group since 2013.

The Dragons are the Midwest League nominee for the Charles K. Murphy Patriot Award and will considered along with the nominees from each of the other leagues within Minor League Baseball. The national winner will be announced at the Baseball Winter Meetings in December.

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

Dragons Website Going Pink in Support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month

DAYTON, OH – The Dayton Dragons have gone pink during the month of October. In partnership with Kettering Health Network, the Dragons have turned their website pink to support the upcoming Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. The Dragons website, www.daytondragons.com, will remain pink to help draw attention to the efforts by Kettering Health Network to increase Breast Cancer awareness in the Miami Valley.

One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and it is estimated that over 40,000 lives will be lost to breast cancer in 2017. And while the breast cancer diagnosis rate has increased, there has been a steady drop in the overall breast cancer death rate since the early 1990’s.

You can help win the fight. The walk and donations go directly to the support, transportation, recovery, and other needs that arise with the diagnosis of breast cancer. The American Cancer Society also invests in groundbreaking breast cancer research to better understand, prevent, find, and treat the disease.

The 2017 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk will be at Fifth Third Field on October 21 at 8:00 a.m. This event is part of a national fundraising effort. In 2016 alone, over 1 million walkers across the country collected more than $60 million to help fight this disease.

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

Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Fifth Third Field on October 7

Dayton, Ohio-The Alzheimer’s Association invites you to join them at the Dayton Walk to End Alzheimer’s® on Saturday, October 7. The Walk will be held at Fifth Third Field – home of the Dayton Dragons. Registration will open at 8:30 a.m., and the Opening Ceremony will begin at 10:00 a.m. The Walk will start following the opening ceremonies.

The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest Alzheimer’s awareness and fundraising event. Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, this inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to reclaim the future for millions affected by the sixth-leading cause of death. Alzheimer’s is the only disease in the top 10 leading causes of death without an effective treatment or a cure.

By participating in the Walk, you will help fuel the Alzheimer’s Association’s mission-related initiatives of research, and care and support in the Miami Valley.

For more information about the event click here and to register for the walk, visit alz.org/walk or call (800) 272-3900.

Alzheimer’s disease is an epidemic, currently affecting more than 200,000 individuals in the state of Ohio. With your help, we can end this devastating disease together. The end of Alzheimer’s starts with you. Will you join us on October 7?

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

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Dragons to Host College Prep Night

Dayton, Ohio – The Dayton Dragons and Fifth Third Bank will hold College Prep Night, a free educational event for prospective college students, at Fifth Third Field on Wednesday, September 27 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

College Prep Night is a one-stop college resource event to guide incoming college students and their parents through the process of planning an educational path. High school students can talk to representatives from some of the region’s top colleges, and two lucky students in attendance will win $1,667 college scholarships, courtesy of Fifth Third Bank.

More than 1,000 students and their guests attend and more than 60 colleges and universities participate in this free event. Among the colleges scheduled to appear are Ohio State University, Miami (Ohio) University, University of Notre Dame, University of Cincinnati, University of Dayton, University of Kentucky, Wright State University, and many more schools from around the region. Representatives will be on hand to answer whatever questions that students might have about college life at each particular school.

“College is an important milestone in life for those who choose to pursue it, and it’s important to us at Fifth Third to help students and their parents prepare financially,” said Doug Compton, Dayton city executive for Fifth Third Bank. “This is the tenth year for this great community event and it only seemed fitting to make the quantity and amount of scholarships a Fifth Third Better.”

The $1,667 scholarships will be given away after the event to two lucky college-bound students. To be entered to win, parents or students must RSVP before the event at www.daytondragons.com/collegeprep and must attend the event, although they do not have to be present to win.

In addition to visiting with the different schools, students and parents can participate in dynamic, informative workshops that will tell them everything they need to know about college. In one of the informative seminars, Fifth Third Bank will educate attendees on the new Fifth Third Momentum™ app, which helps pay off student loans faster.

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

Blue Wahoos Earn Southern League Community Service Award

MARIETTA, Ga., – The Southern League of Professional Baseball Clubs has announced the Pensacola Blue Wahoos winners of the Community Service Award. The Blue Wahoos racked up four individual awards including the Woman of Excellence Award, Groundskeeper of the Year, Trainer of the Year and Sports Media Award.

In conjunction with the Studer Community Institute, the Blue Wahoos have ignited a fire within the community to help raise awareness about the importance of Early Childhood Education. By improving early childhood education, we hope to move in a positive direction the metrics for graduation rates, a reduction in crime and juvenile delinquency, an improvement in the number of families living below the poverty line, and attracting employers to Pensacola. The Blue Wahoos’ Community Relations team are helping with early childhood education by providing schools with a Blue Wahoos-focused program, “Kazoo’s Grand Slam Reading Program,” which includes kick-off or “launch” parties wherein Kazoo and our Flight Squad (entertainment group) visit elementary schools and perform “Kazoo Makes the Team.” Once classes have fully-participated in the reading requirements of “Kazoo’s Grand Slam Reading Program,” they are entered in a raffle to win a trip for their class to a Blue Wahoos game. Year over year, participation in our reading program continues to grow.

To further support our commitment to Early Childhood Education, we provide an in-stadium fun fact test that asks children to identify colors, numbers, traits and characteristics of the Blue Wahoos and our stadium. Children complete the test and return with it to Fan Assistance where they are rewarded with a Blue Wahoos promotional giveaway item of their choice.

Ray Sayre, Director of Sports Turf Management for the Blue Wahoos, is this year’s Groundskeeper of the Year, as selected by the league’s field managers and umpires. This is the fifth consecutive year Sayre has won this award. Sayre has been with the Wahoos since the team’s inaugural season. Growing up in Lexington, Kentucky, he began his turf career working on the athletic fields for the University of Kentucky. Before making the move to Pensacola, Sayre worked for several minor league teams including the Louisville Bats, the Greenville Drive and the Bowling Green Hotrods.

Donna Kirby, Vice President of Operations, is this year’s Woman of Excellence Award Winner. Kirby has been a leader with the Blue Wahoos since our inaugural season and has been instrumental in putting Pensacola on the map as leaders in the field of exemplary customer service. Kirby’s core responsibility is to create an environment focused strongly on extraordinary customer service. As a direct result of Kirby’s work with customer service, representatives from local companies, universities newspapers and other baseball teams all wanted to learn how to take their organizations to the next level with customer service.

Bill Vilona, Senior Sports Columnist at the Pensacola News Journal, is honored with the Southern League’s Sports Media Award. Covering the team since the inaugural season, Vilona has covered games, practices, events and offseason activities. Vilona continues to go over and beyond in his coverage by producing positive off-the-field stories to show the positive impact of the Blue Wahoos. Vilona was inducted to the Pensacola Sports Hall of Fame in 2015 as one of only three media members inducted in the hall. He was also inducted into the 2016-17 University of West Florida Athletics Hall of Fame.

Tyler Moos, athletic trainer for the Blue Wahoos, is this years’ Southern League Trainer of the Year. Moos just completed his second year with Pensacola and his second year with the Cincinnati Reds. He joined the Reds following three seasons in the Mariners organization.

As the winner of the Southern League Community Service Award, Pensacola will be nominated for MiLB’s John Henry Moss Award. Sayre will be nominated for the Sports Turf Managers Association classification winner. Kirby is nominated for MiLB’s Woman Executive of the Year Award.

2017 Southern League Awards

Southern League Community Service Award: Pensacola Blue Wahoos

Groundskeeper of the Year: Ray Sayre, Pensacola Blue Wahoos

Woman of Excellence Award: Donna Kirby, Pensacola Blue Wahoos

Sports Media Award: Bill Vilona, Pensacola News Journal

Trainer of the Year: Tyler Moos, Pensacola Blue Wahoos

Don Mincher Organization of the Year: Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp

Southern League Patriot Award: Montgomery Biscuits

Jimmy Brogan Executive of the Year: Harold Craw, Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp

Outstanding Employee of the Year: Ari Rosenbaum, Mobile BayBears

Southern League Promotion Trophy: Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp

Radio Broadcaster of the Year: Chris Harris, Biloxi Shuckers

Best Visiting Clubhouse Attendant: Shawn Jenkins, Tennessee Smokies

Bayboy of the Year Award: Wesley Sullivan, Mobile BayBears

The Pensacola Blue Wahoos are the Double-A Affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and a member of the Southern League. Follow the Pensacola Blue Wahoos at BlueWahoos.com, facebook.com/PensacolaBlueWahoos and twitter.com/BlueWahoosBBall.

–www.bluewahoos.com–

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

AHA 5K Walk/Run at Fifth Third Field Sept. 23

Heart Walk/Run will take place on Saturday, September 23rd

Dayton, Ohio – Fifth Third Field will host the American Heart Association’s Greater Dayton 5K Heart Walk/Run on Saturday, September 23rd from 7:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon. A signature event of the American Heart Association, the Heart Walk/Run promotes physical activity and healthy living in an environment that’s fun for the whole family. All proceeds will go toward funding research and education involving the reduction of heart disease and stroke. Individuals or teams can register online at heart.org/daytonwalk or by calling Ellen Duncil at (937) 401-4861.

The Walk/Run is specifically designed for children and adults of all ages and abilities. Day-of registration starts at 7:30 a.m., which is also when the gates open at Fifth Third Field. Before the event begins, families can roam the concourse or enjoy a fun and interactive health and wellness fair on the plaza. Sponsors will give out heart-healthy snacks and allow attendees to check blood pressure and help figure out body mass index (BMI). There will be inflatable games for children to enjoy and Dragons mascots Heater and Gem will roam the concourse and take pictures with those in attendance.

Heart disease and stroke survivors are also encouraged to visit the survivor area, created especially for the “honored guests” of the Heart Walk. Special gifts will be available to survivors at the walk.

The annual Kids Fun Run/Walk will begin shortly after 8:30 a.m. Opening ceremonies begin at 9:00 a.m. The 5K Race and Heart Walk is scheduled to begin at 9:15 a.m.

Registration is quick and easy if you visit heart.org/daytonwalk. Once you click “Register,” you can join a team, join as an individual, or start your own team. After you complete registration, you can personalize your site and invite friends and family to participate or sponsor your efforts.

To learn more about the event click here.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION OF GREATER DAYTON

Located in Kettering, the American Heart Association of Greater Dayton covers 12 counties in the area and is committed to fighting heart disease and stroke throughout Ohio. The mission of the American Heart Association is to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Currently, the American Heart Association is funding $660,000 of experimental research at Wright State University’s Boonshoft School of Medicine. For more information, visit heart.org/dayton.

More Information: The Dayton Dragons are the Midwest League affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play a 70-game home schedule at beautiful Fifth Third Field in downtown Dayton, easily accessible from Interstate 75. Individuals and groups seeking information about Dayton Dragons group tickets, lawn tickets, the season ticket wait list, sponsorship opportunities or booking a Dragons speaker are encouraged to contact the Dragons by calling (937) 228-2287, by email at dragons@daytondragons.com, or on the web at daytondragons.com.

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

Wahooloween To Benefit Chain Reaction

PENSACOLA, Fla., – Wahooloween at Blue Wahoos Stadium, a new tradition beginning this year on October 28th, will benefit Chain Reaction, a non-profit organization, which is a teen leadership institute.

Wahooloween will include community-sponsored trick or treating on the concourses. Families will have this opportunity to enjoy this evening at this fun, family-friendly event. More information about this fun event will come out in future weeks.

Businesses are invited to support this event and the community by sponsoring a table to participate in the trick-or-treat.

The Blue Wahoos are asking community leaders for a $100 donation that will benefit Chain Reaction and to provide candy for their table.

The first 20 community partners to sign-up will get their name/logo on bags given to children to trick-or-treat.

Chain Reaction is a teen leadership institute with a character education program that uses volunteerism as a teaching tool. They are focused on helping teens become all they can be and learning life’s lessons through volunteering.

Contact Shannon Reeves at sreeves@bluewahoos.com or by calling (850) 934-8444 ext. 333 to sign-up or for more information.

Tickets to the 2017 playoffs are now on sale! Purchase tickets online at bluewahoos.com, visiting the Box Office or calling 850-934-8444. The Pensacola Blue Wahoos are the Double-A Affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and a member of the Southern League. Follow the Pensacola Blue Wahoos at BlueWahoos.com, facebook.com/PensacolaBlueWahoos and twitter.com/BlueWahoosBBall.

–www.bluewahoos.com–

About the Studer Family of Companies: The Studer Family of Companies is comprised of the Pensacola Blue Wahoos, the not-for-profit Studer Community Institute, Studer Properties, The Bodacious Family of Shops in both Pensacola and in Janesville, Wisc. and Bubba’s Sweet Spot.

All profits from the Studer Family of Companies are re-invested into job creation and funding early childhood education initiatives conducted by the Studer Community Institute including its plan to make Pensacola America’s First Early Learning City.

The vision of the Studer Family of Companies is to make the Pensacola metro area the greatest place to live in the world.

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

Blue Wahoos, One Blood Team Up for Hurricane Relief

PENSACOLA, Fla., – The Pensacola Blue Wahoos are pleased to announce a partnership with One Blood to assist in Hurricane Harvey relief. OneBlood will be setup at Blue Wahoos Stadium for blood donations from 12:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 6th.

Donors will receive a free SRO ticket per donor for the Blue Wahoos playoff game against the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp.

“We are very proud to team up with OneBlood,” said team President Jonathan Griffith. “It’s important for us to give back to not only the Pensacola community, but all communities in need of help.”

 

OneBlood is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) community asset responsible for providing safe, available and affordable blood.

Generally healthy people age 16 or older who weigh at least 110 pounds can donate blood. Photo ID is required.

 

Tickets to the 2017 playoffs are now on sale! Purchase tickets online at bluewahoos.com, visiting the Box Office or calling 850-934-8444. The Pensacola Blue Wahoos are the Double-A Affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and a member of the Southern League. Follow the Pensacola Blue Wahoos at BlueWahoos.com, facebook.com/PensacolaBlueWahoos and twitter.com/BlueWahoosBBall.

–www.bluewahoos.com–

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

Pink Ribbon Girls to be Honored as Community All-Star

The Dragons and Vectren will honor the Pink Ribbon Girls organization during the unique “Community All-Stars” program on Thursday, August 24, at 7:00 p.m. when the Dayton Dragons take on the Bowling Green Hot Rods at Fifth Third Field.

The Dayton community is a great place to live, work and play. But what makes Dayton truly great are the people that call Dayton home. We have great people and great organizations in our community that do incredible things each and every day. Throughout the season, the Dragons and Vectren will honor five “All-Stars” with a special inning break tribute in recognition of their service.

Pink Ribbon Girls Story

Pink Ribbon Girls is an organization founded by breast cancer survivors who have a passion for supporting and empowering others who are currently in the fight against breast and women’s reproductive cancers. The organization is currently in its sixth year and serves women in Dayton, Cincinnati, and Columbus.

Women that are diagnosed with breast cancer are given information about Pink Ribbon Girls before they even leave the hospital. The organization focuses many of their efforts on those who are dealing with the initial shock and uncertainty of this diagnosis.

Pink Ribbon Girls not only offers services to provide support for the family member with cancer, but also their entire family. Thanks to partnerships with Scratch Event Catering and Rush Transportation, the organization provides three meals per week for the entire family, housecleaning services, rides to and from treatment, and peer support.

The organization serves all women who are suffering from breast or women’s reproductive cancer and their families. There is no income base or age requirement.

President and CEO Heather Salazar has been impressed with the incredible support of the people in this area, “What this community is doing to change the lives of women and families facing the hardest battle of their lives is really, truly what a community should be about and Dayton has raised the bar in that regard.”

Pink Ribbon Girls hosts many events throughout the year, but “Ignite the Fight” is the organization’s signature event and is coming up on Saturday, October 21. Those interested in signing up to volunteer at events or fundraisers can visit the Pink Ribbon Girls Facebook page or visit https://www.pinkribbongirls.org/ for more information.

The Dragons Community All Star program, made possible by the generous support of Vectren, showcases amazing citizens and organizations that have gone above the call of duty to improve the quality of life in the Miami Valley all summer long. To nominate someone or learn more, visit daytondragons.com/communityallstar.

More Information: The Dayton Dragons are the Midwest League affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play a 70-game home schedule at beautiful Fifth Third Field in downtown Dayton, easily accessible from Interstate 75. Individuals and groups seeking information about Dayton Dragons group tickets, lawn tickets, the season ticket wait list, sponsorship opportunities or booking a Dragons speaker are encouraged to contact the Dragons by calling (937) 228-2287, by email at dragons@daytondragons.com, or on the web at daytondragons.com.

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

Carter McNabb to Celebrate His Anthem Home Run for Life on August 16

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Dayton Dragons will host eight-year old Carter McNabb during the unique Anthem Home Run for Life program on Wednesday, August 16, at 7:00 p.m., when the Dayton Dragons take on the West Michigan Whitecaps at Fifth Third Field.

The Anthem Home Run for Life program provides children in the Dayton region who are battling serious medical conditions with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Each honoree gets to take a lap around the bases at Fifth Third Field during a sold-out Dragons home game while the crowd cheers them on.

Carter’s Story

When Carter McNabb was born, doctors and nurses commented on how “perfect” he was. However, when Carter was only seven days old, things changed. The hospital ran some routine tests and quickly diagnosed Carter with cystic fibrosis (CF).

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that causes severe damage to the lungs and digestive system. An inherited condition, it affects the cells that produce mucus, sweat, and digestive fluids. These secreted fluids are normally thin and slippery. But in cystic fibrosis, the secretions become thick and sticky, which can prevent the release of digestive enzymes that allow the body to break down food and absorb vital nutrients, and can cause breathing issues.

Carter was hospitalized for the first time at 14 months of age. He spent 19 days in the hospital due to a severe bacterial infection. Since then, he’s been in and out of the hospital every six months on average due to other complications. Carter has a daily routine that includes taking more than 20 pills, receiving breathing treatments, and wearing a special vest that vibrates to help break up any thick mucus in his lungs.

Carter has a form of cystic fibrosis that still allows him to participate in many of the activities he enjoys. He loves playing basketball, baseball, swimming, and hanging out with his friends. From the outside, you would never know that Carter has breathing and digestive challenges.

Carter is now eight years old and will be in second grade at Whittier Elementary in the fall. He doesn’t allow cystic fibrosis to hold him back even though it’s not always easy. Carter has big dreams. “One day, I’d like to be a paleontologist,” Carter said. “I’m really into dinosaurs. They are cool!”

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Dayton Dragons applaud all those who have been instrumental in Carter’s life, including his parents Josh and Trista, siblings Kaden and Alana, Dr. Mueller, and his entire medical support team. Please join us in cheering on Carter as he completes his Home Run for Life at Fifth Third Field on August 16.

More Information:  The Dayton Dragons are the Midwest League affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play a 70-game home schedule at beautiful Fifth Third Field in downtown Dayton, easily accessible from Interstate 75. Individuals and groups seeking information about Dayton Dragons group tickets, lawn tickets, the season ticket wait list, sponsorship opportunities or booking a Dragons speaker are encouraged to contact the Dragons by calling at (937) 228-2287, emailing at dragons@daytondragons.com, or on the web at daytondragons.com.

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

Hometown Heroes Celebration Night at Fifth Third Field

The Dayton Dragons and the Dayton Development Coalition will host the second of two Hometown Heroes™ Celebration Nights Saturday, August 5 at Fifth Third Field when the Dragons play the Lansing Lugnuts at 7:07 p.m.

“Hometown Heroes™ Celebration Nights represent something truly special about the Dayton Region,” said Jeff Hoagland, DDC President and CEO. “Our desire to thank those who serve our country, combined with a true American pastime, has created an incredible night dedicated to our Hometown Heroes. We want to thank them for their service and let them know, no matter where they are stationed, Dayton will always welcome them home.”

The Celebration Nights are the highlight of the year-long Hometown Heroes™ program, which honors our community’s service men and women affiliated with Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and the Springfield, Ohio Air National Guard Base. The DDC and the Dragons, with the generous support of local businesses, began the program 14 years ago as a way for the community to support the thousands of military families in the region.

Colonel Adam Willis, the commander of the Air Force Reserves 445th Airlift Wing. and Colonel Bradley McDonald, the Wright-Patt installation and 88th Air Base Wing commander at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base., will throw out a first pitch.

Fans in attendance will have the opportunity to help welcome home members of the Air Force who have recently returned home from deployment, as well as recognize Selected Exceptional Airmen. In addition, Colonel McDonald will also swear in 15 new Air Force recruits during the game.

The Association of Defense Communities recently recognized Dayton as a Great American Defense Community, in part for the Hometown Heroes™ programs at the Dragons, Victoria Theatre Association, Dayton Art Institute, and Dayton Air Show. Hometown HeroesTM, working in close partnership with Dayton Hoopla/First Four events, UD & WSU Men’s Basketball, and the Fraze Pavilion, offers year-long events honoring our military community.

During the national anthem, which will be performed by Air Force Band of Flight/MSgt Alyson Jones, the Wright Patterson Air Force Base Honor Guard will present the colors.

On the plaza, there will be a Security Forces Humvee, an Air Force Recruit Van, and the 445th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron will showcase equipment used on evacuation missions. The Dragons Entertainment staff will hand out mini flags, and fans can sign “Thank You” cards to send to troops overseas.

More Information: The Dayton Dragons are the Midwest League affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play a 70-game home schedule at beautiful Fifth Third Field in downtown Dayton, easily accessible from Interstate 75. Individuals and groups seeking information about Dayton Dragons group tickets, lawn tickets, the season ticket wait list, sponsorship opportunities or booking a Dragons speaker are encouraged to contact the Dragons by calling (937) 228-2287, by email at dragons@daytondragons.com, or on the web at daytondragons.com

The Dayton Development Coalition (DDC) is the leading economic development organization for the 14-county Dayton region. Working closely with public and private regional partners, its mission is to retain, expand and recruit jobs. The DDC and the Dayton region ranked as the nation’s top metro for its size for economic development in 2008, 2009 and 2012 and runner-up in 2010, 2011, 2014 and 2015. With the State’s largest single-site employer in its backyard, the DDC also focuses on advocating for the critical missions at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and supporting the work of the United States Air Force. The DDC was ranked as America’s top military community, and was presented with the 2015 Community Excellence Award from the Association of Defense Communities. It was designated as one of the ADC’s Great American Defense Communities in 2016 – a testament to the collaborative efforts in support of Wright-Patt, America’s #1 Air Force Base as ranked by the Air Force Times (2014). For any questions regarding the DDC, contact Shannon Joyce Neal at (937) 231-5436.

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

Dragons and Vectren Present 2017 “Community All-Stars”

The Dragons and Vectren will honor Juliann Price during the unique “Community All-Stars” program on Friday, August 4, at 7:07 p.m. when the Dayton Dragons take on the Great Lakes Loons at Fifth Third Field.

The Dayton community is a great place to live, work and play. But what makes Dayton truly great are the people that call Dayton home. We have great people and great organizations in our community that do incredible things each and every day. Throughout the season, the Dragons and Vectren will honor five “All-Stars” with a special inning break tribute in recognition of their service.

Juliann’s Story

Normally, most of us scroll through our Facebook feed just to see if anything out there is interesting enough to get us to stop for a moment. But last summer, Juliann Price stumbled across a Facebook post that was more than interesting. It immediately altered the course of her life.

Juliann saw a post from her friend telling the story of Barbara Perlman. Barbara was in need of a kidney transplant and was running low on time. The call to action was simple enough, just get your blood tested to see if you’d be a potential match.

Most people would’ve felt something for Barbara’s story, but quickly gone back about their day. After all, who would give one of their kidneys to a complete stranger they’ve never met? Juliann felt something different when she saw the post, however. She was compelled to get the blood test and see if she could help.

“Something just spoke to me,” Juliann said. “I had never thought about doing anything like this before, but when I found out about her need, I just made up my mind on the spot and never turned back. I was going to help, whether it was her or someone else down the road.”

As it would turn out, Juliann was enough of a match with Barbara that they sent her to New York City for further testing last August. Those follow-up tests showed a match of 4.3 on a scale of 5, which was more than enough to go through with the transplant operation.

So on November 10, 2016, Juliann was wheeled into surgery where she gave up 1 of her 2 kidneys to allow Barbara a chance to continue living a normal life.

The surgery was very successful, and both ladies are living normal lives. They have also become great friends. The pair talk nearly every day on the phone and plan to reunite once again on November 10, 2017…a date they jokingly refer to as their “Kidney-versary.”

For showing us all what it means to truly help a fellow human being in their time of need, Juliann has been selected as a Dragons Community All Star.

The Dragons Community All Star program, made possible by the generous support of Vectren, showcases amazing citizens and organizations that have gone above the call of duty to improve the quality of life in the Miami Valley all summer long. To nominate someone or learn more, visit daytondragons.com/communityallstar.

More Information: The Dayton Dragons are the Midwest League affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play a 70-game home schedule at beautiful Fifth Third Field in downtown Dayton, easily accessible from Interstate 75. Individuals and groups seeking information about Dayton Dragons group tickets, lawn tickets, the season ticket wait list, sponsorship opportunities or booking a Dragons speaker are encouraged to contact the Dragons by calling (937) 228-2287, by email at dragons@daytondragons.com, or on the web at daytondragons.com.

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