Bats Join MiLB In Launch Of “The Nine” Outreach Program

 

LOUISVILLE, KY. – The Louisville Bats, in conjunction with Minor League Baseball, today announced the team will be at the forefront of a nation-wide outreach program to help connect Black communities to baseball. The new program, “The Nine,” will feature local outreach initiatives from 60 participating teams across Minor League Baseball during the 2022 season.

Named for the number Jackie Robinson wore during his only season playing in MiLB with the Triple-A Montreal Royals in 1946, The Nine will connect MiLB teams’ existing, Black-community focused development efforts with new national programming and future special events in a coordinated and centralized campaign. The new inclusion initiative follows MiLB’s Copa de la Diversión Latino fan engagement platform introduced in 2017 that included 76 MiLB teams in 2021.

The Bats initiatives for The Nine during the 2022 season will include:

  1. Dedicating a memorial at Eastern Cemetery for Felton Snow, a former baseball player for the Louisville Black Caps and Louisville White Sox of the Negro Southern League. The Bats, Louisville’s chapter of the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR), Louisville Urban League and Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory will help host a special recognition ceremony for the dedication later this season.
  2. The Bats front office staff will completely renovate two youth baseball fields at Shawnee Park this March. All labor will be volunteers and the Bats’ staff will be joined by participants from the Louisville Sports Commission and HUMANA.
  3. Continuing the “Playing it Forward” initiative with item drives for youth sports equipment during the 2022 baseball season. The Bats have partnered with Humana and Louisville Sports Commission each of the last three years for the campaign, working to provide new or gently-used youth baseball or softball equipment to low-and moderate-income families.
  4. Paying tribute and honoring the history of the former Negro League teams of Louisville on Friday, Sept. 2 vs. Indianapolis.

–

For additional information on The Nine, visit MiLB.com.

Celebrating Black History Month: Five Former Dragons Stars

In celebration of Black History Month, throughout February, teams across Minor League Baseball are taking a look back at five of the best Black players to suit up for their club.

While some of these standout performers went on to long and illustrious Major League careers, others simply had great Minor League careers or, in some cases, just one incredible season that went down as “a year for the ages.” _

Here is a look at five of the best Black baseball players ever to suit up for the Dayton Dragons.

BILLY HAMILTON

Billy Hamilton produced one of the greatest base stealing seasons in baseball history with the Dayton Dragons in 2011 as he gained national recognition for his speed on the diamond, a quality that would continue to gain attention throughout his career.

Hamilton, a second round draft pick by the Reds in 2009 after a record-setting three-sport high school career (baseball, basketball, and football) in Taylorsville, Mississippi, began his season in Dayton by stealing second base in the first inning of his first game with the Dragons. Before the end of May of that season, Hamilton had already broken the club record for stolen bases in a season, and on September 3, he became the first player in the history of the Reds organization to reach the 100 steal mark. He finished the year with 103 stolen bases. Hamilton became so popular with fans at Day Air Ballpark that every time he reached safely, a growing murmur of excitement would fill the stadium as spectators waited to see when he would try to steal his next base.

In 2012, Hamilton moved up in the Reds system and surpassed his stolen base total from the previous year, swiping 155 bases over the course of a season split between High-A Bakersfield and Double-A Carolina. That total broke the all-time record for all of Minor League Baseball and was 25 more than Rickey Henderson’s Major League record. Hamilton made his Major League debut with the Reds late in the 2013 season and in 2014, still holding rookie status, stole 56 bases for the Reds to break their all-time rookie record.

Hamilton has more than 300 career stolen bases in the Major Leagues and finished second in the National League for five straight seasons from 2014-18. He emerged as one of the greatest defensive center fielders in baseball and was part of the Chicago White Sox division championship team in 2021.

HUNTER GREENE

Hunter Greene was only 18 years old when he opened the 2018 season with the Dragons, firing a 100 mph fastball with his very first pitch of the year at Day Air Ballpark in Dayton. By the time Greene was drafted by the Reds with the second overall selection of the 2017 draft out of Notre Dame High School in suburban Los Angeles, he had already appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated.

Greene was undoubtably the most famous Minor League player in the nation in 2018 with the Dragons, thrilling fans with the tremendous velocity on his pitches and attracting sports media outlets from across the country. In July of that season, he broke the stadium record when his fastball reached 102 mph, topping the mark of MLB all-star Aroldis Chapman four years earlier when he appeared in Dayton on a Major League injury rehab assignment.

Greene, still only 22 years old, reached the Triple-A level in 2021 with Louisville in the Reds organization and is counted upon as future standout on the pitching staff in Cincinnati.

AMIR GARRETT

Amir Garrett spent two seasons with the Dragons in 2013-14 as he made the transition from college basketball star to professional baseball pitcher. Garrett had been drafted by the Reds as a developmental prospect in the 22nd round in 2011 out of Findlay College Prep School in Henderson, Nevada, a school that did not have a baseball program. Garrett was a 6’5” basketball player at St. John’s University in the Big East Conference who was able to spend part of 2013 with the Dragons before returning to college before the end of the baseball season to retain his eligibility on the hardwood.

In 2014, Garrett returned to the Dragons and made tremendous progress as a pitcher, dominating at times, which convinced him to give up his future basketball career to focus on baseball full-time.

Garrett continued to climb through the Reds farm system before earning a spot on the Reds Opening Day roster in 2017. He became a regular contributor out of the Reds bullpen, pitching in at least 60 games in 2018, ’19, and ’21, and in the abbreviated season of 2020, he posted an ERA of 2.45 while striking out 26 batters in 18 innings and allowing just 10 hits.

CHRIS DICKERSON

Chris Dickerson enjoyed an outstanding 2004 season with the Dragons on the way to a successful seven-year Major League career with the Reds, Brewers, Yankees, Orioles, and Indians from 2008-14.

Dickerson batted .303 for the Dragons in 2004, adding 27 stolen bases with a .410 on-base percentage. He represented the Dragons in the Midwest League all-star game and was also selected as an outfielder on the full-season league all-star team as selected by the circuit’s managers.

Dickerson reached the big leagues with the Reds in 2008, batting .304 in 31 games, and hitting .275 in 97 games the following year. Before his retirement, Dickerson played in 355 MLB games and was on the Yankees playoff roster in 2011.

TAYLOR TRAMMELL

Taylor Trammell was a key member of the Dragons playoff team in 2017 as a combination of power, speed, and toughness on the field. Trammell had been a high school football legend at Mount Paran Christian School in Kennesaw, Georgia, where he scored 39 touchdowns in one season as a senior. The Reds drafted Trammell in the supplemental first round in 2016 and he immediately became one of the top prospects in the organization.

Trammell was only 19 years old when he opened the 2017 season with the Dragons, but he emerged as one of the league’s best players and helped carry the Dayton club to the semi-final round of the post-season playoffs. Trammell was selected as a Baseball America Class-A All-Star and finished second in the league in runs batted in, stolen bases, and walks while ranking third in hits and triples.

In 2018, Trammell moved up in the Reds organization and was selected as the Most Valuable Player of the Sirius XM All-Star Futures Game. In 2021, he made his big league debut with the Seattle Mariners at the age of 23, appearing in 51 games with Seattle and blasting eight home runs.

Registration Underway for National Anthem Tryouts

 

DAYTON, OHIO – A traditional sign that baseball season is just around the corner in the Miami Valley is National Anthem Tryouts, presented by the Dayton Daily News. Auditions for this summer’s national anthem performers will be VIRTUAL on the Dragons website.

Audition videos, which are being accepted in lieu of in-person auditions this year, can be submitted beginning Monday, January 10, and should be uploaded at www.daytondragons.com/nationalanthem.

Finalists will perform the national anthem at Dragons games throughout the season, with the grand prize winner performing on Opening Day 2022 before the Dragons host the Fort Wayne TinCaps on Friday, April 8 at 7:05 p.m.

In addition, 25 national anthem finalists will be selected to not only sing to a sold-out crowd at Day Air Ballpark, but also to the entire Miami Valley region! These individuals or groups will perform LIVE on the Dragons television broadcast for 25 games during the 2022 season – games are broadcast on WDTN’s Dayton CW.

Deadline to apply is Friday, February 11, 2022.

The Dayton Dragons reserve the right to change performance details throughout the season to ensure health and safety has been met for all performers, fans, and staff.

More Information: The Dayton Dragons are the High-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play a 66-game home schedule at beautiful Day Air Ballpark 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 [email protected], or on the web at daytondragons.com.

###

50/50 Raffle Raises over $14,000 for Hannah’s Treasure Chest

 

DAYTON, OHIO — The Dayton Dragons Foundation and Day Air Credit Union announced today that $14,303.50 will be presented to Hannah’s Treasure Chest after completion of a special holiday online 50/50 raffle. The 50/50 raffle began on November 29 and continued until December 9. A total of $28,607 was generated and was split equally between Hannah’s Treasure Chest and the lucky winner, a woman from Springboro.

“We’re thankful to have been chosen by the Dayton Dragons and Day Air Credit Union as the charity partner in this fun, online raffle. Both organizations have proven to be committed to making the Dayton region a better place to live. This event was a perfect fit for us since all proceeds will benefit our mission of enriching the lives of local children in need. We remained open throughout the pandemic because children’s needs never stop and generous support like this when in-person fundraising isn’t an option means more children will receive the items they need to grow and thrive. That’s a home run in my book,” said Deanna Murphy, Executive Director at Hannah’s Treasure Chest.

“Day Air takes pride in supporting local organizations who share our passion for helping the community thrive,” Day Air Credit Union CEO and President, Bill Burke said. “This holiday season we’re excited to partner with the Dayton Dragons to sponsor this unique and fun opportunity for members and our community to give to Hanna’s Treasure Chest.”

Hannah’s Treasure Chest (HTC) is a local non-profit in Centerville that enriches the lives of children in need by creating care packages of clothes, toys, books, cribs, car seats, diapers, and more. They work through 70 community partners, including Homefull, YWCA, Daybreak, CareSource, St. Vincent de Paul Society, and Dayton Children’s Hospital, to give children experiencing poverty the necessities required to support their dignity and to thrive. For 20 years, HTC has served over 4,000 children annually in the Dayton area. To learn more about the local charity benefitting from this 50/50 raffle, please check out www.hannahstreasure.org

“Each season, we host 50/50 raffles inside Day Air Ballpark and online to support various causes in our community through the Dragons Foundation,” said Dragons President, Robert Murphy as the most recent raffle began.

Throughout the 2021 baseball season, the Dragons conducted 50/50 raffles, raising thousands of dollars for local charities and the Dragons Foundation. The Hope Center for Families, the Dayton Art Institute, Dayton Live, and Muse Machine received money from the raffle, along with the Dragons Foundation, which provides necessary funding and resources to support the countless donations, charitable giving requests, in-kind donations, unique game experiences, and community wide Dragons programs.

Greene Donates Thousands of New Cleats to Youth Players

 

LOS ANGELES – Louisville Bats star pitcher Hunter Greene gave away 3,000 pairs of new baseball cleats (each valued around $100) to local kids and high school baseball players near his hometown in Los Angeles.

“I’m doing this because I have the platform to be able to give back,” Greene told CBS LA on Saturday (Nov. 27). “It’s important to spread the love, be able to provide kids with the best resources, the best equipment… Especially with the pandemic and COVID last year, it was really hard for families to put their money together and get the best of the best for their children. If I can help with that and make the kids feel special, that’s the ultimate goal. And I’m happy and proud to do that.”

View the full story/video here:

https://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2021/11/27/baseball-pitcher-hunter-greene-gives-away-thousands-of-cleats-to-kids-in-pacoima

Greene also previously donated new baseball equipment to the Kentucky Diamonds (a youth baseball program which provides sports opportunities for youth minorities who may otherwise be unable to afford them) in a postgame ceremony at Louisville Slugger Field in September. The baseball club publicly thanked Greene in a Facebook post here:

https://www.facebook.com/KYDiamondsBaseball/posts/939467600116670

Greene made his Triple-A debut with the Bats in 2021, finishing 5-8 with a 4.13 ERA and 79 strikeouts in 14 starts. He is currently ranked by MLB.com as the Cincinnati Reds’ No. 1 overall prospect.

Dragons Home Run Challenge Presented by Lexus of Dayton Raises More Than $17,000 for the Dayton Foodbank

 

As the Dayton Dragons entered the 2021 season, the organization developed a goal of doing more than saying “thank you” to the community. The Dragons organization felt that it was important to express its appreciation with action.

Fans throughout the region had provided an overwhelming outpouring of love and support towards the Dragons organization during the challenging summer of 2020. In response, the Dragons organization made a pledge to give back to the community in new and creative ways in 2021. That pledge led to the development of a new program called the “Home Run Challenge.”

The concept was simple: For every home run hit by the Dayton Dragons at Day Air Ballpark during the 2021 season, the Dragons and Lexus of Dayton would donate $200 to a worthy local charity.

As the Home Run Challenge got underway and Dragons fans learned about the program, they began contributing as well. By the end of the Dragons season, the Home Run Challenge had raised $17,798 for the Dayton Foodbank.

On October 25, the Dayton Dragons and Lexus of Dayton General Manager Aaron Forland presented The Foodbank with a check for $17,798. The Foodbank’s Chief Development Officer, Lee Truesdale, graciously accepted the donation.

ABOUT THE DAYTON FOODBANK:

The Foodbank’s mission is to relieve hunger in the community through a network of partner agencies by acquiring and distributing food. They are able to serve as the charitable hunger relief network in Montgomery, Greene, and Preble counties. Just one dollar donated provides those in need with 5 meals.

ABOUT THE HOME RUN CHALLENGE, PRESENTED BY LEXUS OF DAYTON:

https://www.milb.com/dayton/community/homerunchallenge

Trick-Or-Treat At Louisville Slugger Field

LOUISVILLE, KY – The Louisville Bats are treating families to a night of Halloween fun at Louisville Slugger Field for the first-ever Trick-or-Treat at the Ballpark on Friday, Oct. 22 from 6:30 – 10 p.m. The holiday festivities will include trick-or-treating on the concourse, a costume contest with prizes for both kids and adults and a screening of the Halloween classic “Hocus Pocus” on Louisville Slugger Field’s giant, high-definition video board.

Trick-or-Treat at the Ballpark is free to attend for kids ages 12 and under and just $5 for each accompanying adult. Tickets can be purchased in advance at batsbaseball.com or in-person at the Box Office window upon arrival to the ballpark.

The event offers the opportunity to trick-or-treat in a fun, safe and family-friendly environment. The Bats will have trick-or-treating stations set up around the concourse and participating sponsors will provide treats for trick-or-treaters as families make their way around the ballpark throughout the evening.

While trick-or-treating, fans can stop by the Suite Lobby behind Section 115 to register for the evening’s costume contest. Registration must be completed by 7:30 p.m. and the Bats will announce winners for best costume (adult), best costume (child), best couple costume, scariest costume and funniest costume at 8 p.m. Each winner will receive a special trophy and limited-edition Bats Prize Pack.

Following the costume contest, fans are invited to grab seats in the park for a screening of the Halloween classic “Hocus Pocus” (rated PG). Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis on the outfield grass and within the stadium-bowl seating area (chair-back seats). The movie is scheduled to run from 8 – 10 p.m.

Concessions will be open throughout the evening on the concourse. Available items and pricing will be consistent with a normal Louisville Bats game day.

Visit batsbaseball.com or email [email protected] for additional information.

Dragons to Conduct Auditions for Green Team, Other On-Field Entertainment Positions

DAYTON, OH —The Dayton Dragons are conducting auditions for several professional entertainment positions with the team.

The Dragons are holding auditions for the “Green Team,” on-field entertainment hosts, and mascot performers for the 2022 season. The Dragons are seeking fun, energetic, and enthusiastic performers for these positions.

What is the Green Team?

Green Team members facilitate all in-game entertainment skits and entertain fans during home games and special events at Day Air Ballpark. Other duties include: selecting contestants, welcoming fans as they enter the stadium, preparing contestants for skits, assisting mascots and hosts, dancing on the dugouts, shooting t-shirts to the crowd, and creating a fun, family-friendly atmosphere.

The Host with the Most

The Dragons on-field hosts serve as the emcees of the entire entertainment show that takes place during inning breaks throughout Dragons home games. The hosts introduce contestants, skits, and contests; provide personality and enthusiasm; and deliver witty commentary.

Mascot Performers

The Dragons’ two primary mascots, Heater and Gem, are the central characters and most visible entertainers at the ballpark. They dance, are part of nearly every skit, and constantly interact with fans as they visit various areas of the ballpark. Mascots also make appearances within the community outside of Dragons games.

Candidates must be at least 16 years old by January 1, 2022. They must be able to work nights and weekends; have strong communication skills; an outgoing personality; and be reliable, responsible, and confident performing in front of large crowds.

Individuals can audition for any or all of these three positions. Interested individuals can visit daytondragons.com/greenteam for more information. Applicants should submit a headshot, résumé with references, and cover letter to [email protected] by November 4, 2021, to begin the audition process.

MiLB To Donate $50 Per Bats Home Run To Boys & Girls Club Of Kentuckiana

 

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) today announced the creation of a charitable component to the 10-game Triple-A Final Stretch of games that will benefit 501(c)3 charities in each Triple-A city.

For each home run hit by Triple-A teams (home and road games) during the Triple-A Final Stretch, Minor League Baseball will donate $50 per home run to a local charity selected by the team. The team hitting the most home runs over the 10-game span will generate an extra $5,000 donation for their charity.

The Louisville Bats have selected the Boys & Girls Club of Kentuckiana as the beneficiary for donations.

The Bats begin their 10-game Final Stretch Wednesday against the Toledo Mud Hens (Triple-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers) at 1 p.m. at Louisville Slugger Field. The team’s Final Stretch includes a five-game series vs. Toledo (Sept. 22-26) and at Columbus (Sept. 29 – Oct. 3).

“Minor League Baseball teams have long been great community partners, and we are pleased to make a donation to each of these local charities on behalf of our Triple-A teams for their performance during the Triple-A Final Stretch,” said Major League Baseball’s Vice President, Minor League Operations and Development, Peter Woodfork. “These charities provide a variety of valuable services to their community, and it is our honor to recognize their efforts.”

Strike Out Cancer Night, Remembrance of 9/11 Set for Second Half of Homestand

 

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Louisville Bats’ 12-game homestand rolls on with five games against the Indianapolis Indians (Triple-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates) at Louisville Slugger Field from Sept. 8 – 12. The series is highlighted by Strike Out Cancer Night with specialty jerseys and a postgame fireworks show on Friday, Sept. 10 and a Remembrance of 9/11 with patriotic-themed uniforms and several pregame ceremonies honoring first responders on Saturday, Sept. 11.

**NOTE: SATURDAY’S GAME TIME IS 1 P.M.**

[BUY TICKETS HERE]

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 8 || First pitch, 6:30 p.m. (Gates 5:30 p.m.)

Sluggerita Wednesday
Presented by Number JUAN Tequila

THURSDAY, SEPT. 9 || First pitch, 6:30 p.m. (Gates 5:30 p.m.)

Pride Night (A portion of ticket proceeds will benefit Louisville Pride Foundation, Derby City Pride League or Queer Kentucky. Click HERE for additional information).

Thirsty Thursday, Live Music
Presented by Miller Lite, Coors Lite, the Kentucky Lottery & iHeart Radio

FRIDAY, SEPT. 10 || First pitch, 7 p.m. (Gates 6 p.m.)

Strike Out Cancer Night with Specialty Jerseys
Sponsored by UofL Health and the Brown Cancer Center

Final Postgame Fireworks Show of Season
Sponsored by Lucas Oil

Family Four Pack (sponsored by Republic Bank), Atrium Brewing Ticket Package
Presented by Jack Daniels Country Cocktails, Meijer, Cattleman’s Roadhouse and Campbellsville University

Scout Night with Boy Scout Campout (Boy Scouts will have an overnight campout in the outfield grass at Louisville Slugger Field)

SATURDAY, SEPT. 11 || First pitch, 1 p.m. (Gates 12 p.m.)

Remembrance of 9/11 with Patriotic-Themed Jerseys, On-Field Flag Display, Color Guard by LMPD, Singing of National Anthem & “God Bless America” by LMPD representatives — *$4 and $6 tickets available for first responders and their families by using coupon code “HEROES”

“Party at the Park” Presented by Old 502 Winery, Fall City Craft Beer, Against the Grain, Smithworks Seltzer & Great Clips

SUNDAY, SEPT. 12 || First pitch, 1 p.m. (Gates 12 p.m.)

Kids Eat Free, Postgame Kids Run the Bases
Presented by Meijer, Pepsi & YMCA

Top Prospect RHP Hunter Greene Scheduled Start

Dayton Dragons Blood Drive is Coming September 8th

 

*Dayton, Ohio – *To help rebuild the blood supply participate in the Dayton Dragons community blood drive Wednesday, September 8th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Day Air Ballpark Plaza, 220 N. Patterson Blvd., Dayton. Everyone who registers to donate can choose a free item of Dragons gear and will also get the new “Cancer Fighters are the GOAT” t-shirt honoring September Blood Cancer and Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and October Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Appointments are encouraged. Schedule online at today www.DonorTime.com or call (937) 461-3220.

Blood donation requirements: Donors are required to provide a photo ID that includes their full name. Past Community Blood Center donors are also asked to bring their CBC donor ID card. Donors must be at least 17 years of age (16 years old with parental consent: form available at www.givingblood.org or at CBC branch & blood drive locations), weigh a minimum of 110 pounds (you may have to weigh more, depending on your height), and be in good physical health.

The Dragons play at beautiful, downtown Day Air Ballpark and are scheduled to play 10 more home games during the regular season. Game times are 7:05 p.m. for Tuesday through Saturday games and 2:05 p.m. on Sundays. No Monday games are scheduled at this time. Gates open one hour prior to game time. Single-game tickets for all Dragons 2021 home games are available at www.daytondragons.com or by phone at (937) 228-2287.

###

Bats To Host Peanut Allergy Awareness Night Tuesday, Aug. 31

 

LOUISVILLE, KY. – The Louisville Bats are hosting Peanut Allergy Awareness Night to open their upcoming homestand on Tuesday, Aug. 31 against the Nashville Sounds (Triple-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers) at Louisville Slugger Field. To provide a safe environment for families and children with peanut allergies, no peanuts, peanut-related products or items made with nut ingredients will be sold or permitted at Louisville Slugger Field throughout the entire game.

[BUY TICKETS HERE]

Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and first pitch for the Bats and Sounds is 6:30 p.m.

Louisville Slugger Field will be completely pressure washed by the team’s cleaning crew to ensure a peanut-free experience for fans. This promotion will allow fans – especially families with younger children – the opportunity to enjoy baseball at a Bats game without experiencing symptoms of peanut allergies.

Tuesday night’s game is also $1 Menu Night with chips, hot dogs, popcorn and Pepsi products available for just $1 each throughout the game, courtesy of Meijer, Pepsi and iHeart Radio.

Top prospect Hunter Greene is expected to start for the Bats Tuesday against the Sounds.

For additional information, contact the Bats front office at [email protected] or (502) 212-2287.

Bob Ross Night 4.0, Vaccine Drive, Fireworks part of ‘Tugas season-ending homestand

 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The Daytona Tortugas open their final homestand of the 2021 regular season on Tuesday, August 31, against the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels, the Single-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. Among the highlights are a Bob Ross Night 4.0 extravaganza on Saturday, a Vaccination Drive on Wednesday, and the final Postgame Fireworks show of the campaign on Friday.

The Tortugas open up the set on Tuesday, August 31, with a Breast Cancer Awareness Night presented by Radiology Associates Imaging. Daytona players and coaches will don special pink-tinted uniforms to mark the occasion, as the organization raises money and awareness in the fight against breast cancer. Silver Sluggers Night — the best club in baseball for fans 60-and-over — presented by Conviva Cares Solutions will also be a part of the festivities. As a part of Silver Sluggers Night, fans can enjoy Michelob Ultra drafts for $2.50. The first pitch of that night and all weekday games are set for 7:05 p.m. Gates will open at 6 p.m.

The Tortugas, in conjunction with the Volusia County Health Department, will do their part in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic by holding a Vaccination Drive from 6-8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 1. In the same token, charity remains a focal point for the organization with a Wishful Wednesday presented by VyStar Credit Union. The Tortugas partner with a local non-profit organization — this week it will be the Beacon Center — to swell up donations and awareness for a worthy cause. Starting at just $14, patrons will be able to enjoy all-you-can-eat hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza, and popcorn thanks to a Belly Buster Wednesday presented by Marco’s Pizza. Courtesy of Landshark, souvenir cup holders will also be able to enjoy refills at concession stands for just $3.

The biggest party in Central Florida returns for one last hurrah in 2021 at the oldest ballpark in Minor League Baseball on September 2 courtesy of a Bud Light Thirsty Thursday. All those in attendance can beat the heat with fountain drinks and draft beers starting at as low as $1.

We recognize the selflessness of those who have aided others during the pandemic as a part of our second First Responders and Healthcare Heroes Appreciation Night on Friday, September 3. It will be another Friday Night Happy Hour presented by Kona Brewing Company. Fans will be able to enjoy free tastings of a selection of Kona Brewing draft beers from 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Additionally, patrons will be able to enjoy Kona Brewing Company draft beers at a reduced price at all our beer stands throughout the evening. “The Best Dressed Team in Baseball” series continues all weekend as Tortugas players and coaches will don special No. 9 uniforms in honor of the ballpark’s namesake, Jackie Robinson. The franchise will also be honoring the winners of the Barrier Breakers Creativity Contest during that evening’s game. Fans are advised to stick around until after the final out, as the Tortugas host their final Postgame Fireworks show of the campaign.

The best promotion in baseball returns to Jackie Robinson Ballpark on Saturday, September 4, with Bob Ross Night 4.0. Fans are advised to get to the ballpark early, as the first 1,000 fans through the gates will receive a limited edition Paint-Your-Own Bob Ross Bobblehead presented by Radiology Associates Imaging. A painting station for fans to get a head start on personalizing their bobbleheads will be set up at the Turtle’s Nest along the first-base line. Fans will also be able to enjoy special food items at the concession stands featuring a “Paint Palette Box” with funnel fries, marshmallows, M & M’s, and Cinnamon Toast Crunch drizzled with chocolate syrup. It will also be a Copa de la Diversión celebration with special uniforms for players and coaches as a part of the weekend-long “Best Dressed Team in Baseball” series.

The Tortugas close out the home schedule with a 5:35 p.m. first pitch on Sunday, September 5, and the annual Scout Night at The Jack. Boys and Girl Scouts and their families will be able to enjoy discounted tickets to that evening’s contest. It will also be another Bark in the Park Night with fans being able to purchase a “pooch pass” for $2 at the box office so their furry four-legged friend can enjoy one last nine-inning vacation on the year, as well. We celebrate our beloved mascot Shelldon’s birthday on a Tiny ‘Tugas Night in Daytona Beach with special games and activities for all members of the best kids club in Volusia County. Daytona will be dressed in their Sunday best with special tuxedo-themed uniforms as part of the “Best Dressed Team in Baseball” series.

All specialty uniforms worn Tuesday and Friday through Sunday will be auctioned off on the Tortugas website following the conclusion of the homestand.

Single-game tickets, group packages, and more are currently available and can be purchased online at www.daytonatortugas.com or by calling the Tortugas’ Ticket Office at (386) 257-3172.

PROBABLE STARTING PITCHERS (all broadcasts available on www.daytonatortugas.com and the MiLB First Pitch app)

TUESDAY: TBA vs. TBA
WEDNESDAY: TBA vs. TBA
THURSDAY: TBA vs. TBA
FRIDAY: TBA vs. TBA
SATURDAY: TBA vs. TBA
SUNDAY: TBA vs. TBA

ABOUT THE DAYTONA TORTUGAS
The Daytona Tortugas are the Low-A Affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and a member of Minor League Baseball’s Low-A Southeast. The Tortugas play at Jackie Robinson Ballpark in downtown Daytona Beach, Fla. Jackie Robinson Ballpark also plays host to Bethune-Cookman University, the Jackie Robinson Ballpark Museum, and many community events and initiatives of all sizes throughout the year.

Margaritaville Night, Healthcare Heroes headline final six of ‘Tugas homestand

 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The Daytona Tortugas continue their two-week homestand at Jackie Robinson Ballpark with more fun and excitement over six games against the Palm Beach Cardinals, Low-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, on Tuesday, August 17. Among the highlights are a Thirsty Thursday, Margaritaville Night on Saturday, and a First Responders and Healthcare Heroe Appreciation Night on Friday.

The Tortugas open up the set on Tuesday, August 17, with a Breast Cancer Awareness Night presented by Radiology Associates Imaging. Daytona players and coaches will don special pink-tinted uniforms to mark the occasion, as the organization looks to raise money and awareness in the fight against breast cancer. Silver Sluggers Night — the best club in baseball for fans 60-and-over — presented by Conviva Cares Solutions will also be a part of the festivities. As a part of Silver Sluggers Night, fans can enjoy Michelob Ultra drafts for $2.50. The first pitch of that night and all weekday games are set for 7:05 p.m. Gates will open at 6 p.m.

Charity remains a focal point for the organization with a Wishful Wednesday presented by VyStar Credit Union on August 18. The Tortugas partner with a local non-profit organization to swell up donations and awareness for a worthy cause. Starting at just $14, patrons will be able to enjoy all-you-can-eat hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza, and popcorn thanks to a Belly Buster Wednesday presented by Marco’s Pizza. Courtesy of Landshark, souvenir cup holders will also be able to enjoy refills at concession stands for just $3.

The biggest party in Central Florida returns to the oldest ballpark in Minor League Baseball on August 19 courtesy of a Thirsty Thursday presented by Bud Light. All those in attendance can beat the heat with fountain drinks and draft beers starting at as low as $1.

We recognize the selflessness of those who have aided others during the pandemic as a part of our First Responders and Healthcare Heroes Appreciation Night on Friday, August 20. It will be another Friday Night Happy Hour presented by Ormond Brewing Company and Cutwater Spirits. Fans will be able to enjoy free tastings of a selection of Ormond Brewing draft beers and Cutwater Spirits from 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Additionally, patrons will be able to enjoy Ormond Brewing Company draft beers and Cutwater Spirits at a reduced price at all our beer stands throughout the evening.

The clock will be frozen at 5 p.m. on Saturday, August 21, as the Tortugas host their annual Margaritaville Night bash. As a part of the Best Dressed Team in Baseball series, Daytona players and coaches will sport special uniforms to mark the occasion. Fans are encouraged to dress in style and enjoy “Cheeseburger in Paradise” and margarita specials at the concession and bars all evening long.

The Tortugas get dressed up in their Sunday best to close out the homestand on Sunday, August 22. The Best Dressed Team in Baseball series squeezes into Sunday, as Daytona players and coaches will don special tuxedo-themed uniforms. It will also be a Bark in the Park and Tiny ‘Tugas Night. For just $2, fans can purchase a “pooch pass” so their four-legged friend can enjoy a nine-inning vacation, as well. Additionally, there will be activities for all Tiny ‘Tugas members who come out to the ballpark, including Running the Bases after the game. It will also be the Tortugas’ Yappy Hours with 16 oz. Bud Light Seltzer and Michelob Ultra Organic Seltzer cans on sale for $4. The series finale gets underway at 5:35 p.m.and gates open at 4:30 p.m.

Season tickets, multi-game plans, group packages, and more are currently available and can be purchased online at www.daytonatortugas.com or by calling the Tortugas’ Ticket Office at (386) 257-3172.

PROBABLE STARTING PITCHERS (all broadcasts available on <a href=”http://daytonatortugas.com” target=”_blank” >daytonatortugas.com and the MiLB First Pitch app)

TUESDAY: TBA vs. RHP James Marinan (1-5, 5.40 ERA)

WEDNESDAY: TBA vs. RHP Bryce Bonnin (4-0, 1.24 ERA)

THURSDAY: TBA vs. RHP James Proctor (3-0, 1.35 ERA)

FRIDAY: TBA vs. RHP Gabriel Aguilera (0-2, 5.40 ERA)

SATURDAY: TBA vs. RHP Jason Parker (4-1, 3.88 ERA)

SUNDAY: TBA vs. RHP Miguel Medrano (2-1, 4.59 ERA)

ABOUT THE DAYTONA TORTUGAS

The Daytona Tortugas are the Low-A Affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and a member of Minor League Baseball’s Low-A Southeast. The Tortugas play at Jackie Robinson Ballpark in downtown Daytona Beach, Fla. Jackie Robinson Ballpark also plays host to Bethune-Cookman University, the Jackie Robinson Ballpark Museum, and many community events and initiatives of all sizes throughout the year.

Dragons to Recognize “Community All-Stars” Recipient During Game on August 17

 

*Dayton, Ohio *— The Dayton Dragons will recognize The Hope Center for Families as a “Community All-Stars” recipient during a special inning break of the Dragons game on Tuesday, August 17 against the Lake County Captains at Day Air Ballpark. The game will start at 7:05 p.m. In addition, half of the 50/50 proceeds will be donated to The Hope Center for Families.

The Dragons Community All-Stars Program honors individuals who have gone above and beyond to improve the quality of life in the Miami Valley. They could be firefighters or police officers, doctors or good Samaritans. It could be a first responder or a volunteer. The Dragons are going to highlight these Community All-Stars at games all summer long.

More than half of children in the City of Dayton live below the poverty level. The statistics show that when those children grow up, they are likely to continue the poverty cycle to their children as well. The “poverty cycle” often persists across multiple generations unless that cycle is interrupted through outside intervention.

The Hope Center for Families was developed to interfere with the poverty cycle in Northwest Dayton, giving families the support and hope needed to grow and advance into sustainable living wages.

The Hope Center for Families is an initiative by the Omega Community Development Corporation that focuses on the two-generation model – a model that targets low-income children and their parents simultaneously. The center will focus on the three main factors that aid in the reduction of poverty through workforce, health, and educational development.

Mini University, Sinclair Community College, and Dayton Children’s Hospital will have a significant presence within the Hope Center. Mini University will operate an early learning program within the center. Sinclair Community College will offer certificate programs for adults to further their education, allowing them to gain higher wages. Dayton Children’s Hospital will aid in childcare.

The Center plans to start transforming the lives of the people of Northwest Dayton as soon as the door open in Fall 2021.

Vanessa Ward, Omega Community Development Corporation president, said her dream once the center is open would be that when people walk in, they will be greeted by people that care.

For going above and beyond to improve the quality of life in Miami Valley, The Hope Center for Families is being honored as a Dragons Community All-Star.

Help support the development of The Hope Center for Families at the following links:

You can nominate other individuals or organizations that are going above and beyond for the Dayton community at www.daytondragons.com/communityallstar.

This event is the fourth of five special Community All-Stars spotlights at Dragons games this season. Presenting sponsors are Flying Ace Express Carwash, CenterPoint Energy, Great Clips, and Synchrony. An additional tribute is schedule for September 1, focused on a different individual or organization who has gone above and beyond to improve the quality of life in the Miami Valley.

The Dragons play at beautiful, downtown Day Air Ballpark and are scheduled to play 18 more home games during the regular season. Game times are 7:05 p.m. for Tuesday through Saturday games and 2:05 p.m. on Sundays. No Monday games are scheduled at this time. Gates open one hour prior to game time. Single-game tickets for all Dragons 2021 home games are available at www.daytondragons.com or by phone at (937) 228-2287.