Tortugas announce 12-week charitable donation campaign

 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The Daytona Tortugas have announced a 12-week campaign of charitable donations to give back to the community that has stood steadfastly with the team in its quest to keep affiliated professional baseball at historic Jackie Robinson Ballpark in Daytona Beach.

The Tortugas Care Charity Foundation, the team’s philanthropic organization that supports local youth sports and sea turtle conservation initiatives, will make a financial contribution to a deserving community organization each week leading up to April 9, the 2020 season’s Opening Day. Recipients will be selected through an open application process that will begin immediately.

The Tortugas decided to launch the 12 Weeks of Thanks campaign after being overwhelmed with support from the community in the wake of news that Daytona is one of 42 communities slated to lose affiliated professional baseball under a plan put forward by Major League Baseball that would take effect in 2021.

“We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support we’ve received from the community to ‘Save our Tortugas'” said Tortugas co-owner Bob Fregolle. “From the support we’ve gotten from local government, the media, and the fans, it’s meant a lot to us as we do everything we can to save baseball here in Daytona. This seemed like a wonderful way to say ‘Thank You’ and to generate even more momentum as we head into what promises to be an amazing season at The Jack.”

To start off the campaign, the Tortugas will make a donation to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Volusia/Flagler. Boys & Girls Clubs of Volusia/Flagler operate in eight communities in the areas of greatest need within Volusia and Flagler counties and provide young people with adults who respect and listen to them, a safe environment, and constructive activities that channel youthful energy into challenging pursuits. The Tortugas are proud to support their efforts.

“The Tortugas organization is a great partner for the Boys & Girls Club and the Daytona Beach community,” said Joe Sullivan, Chief Professional Officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Volusia/Flagler Counties. “They have made it possible for our kids and families to attend games and provided financial support for our clubs. Our Daytona Tortugas are involved champions of our organization and area.”

Organizations that would like to be considered for subsequent contributions during the Tortugas’ 12 Weeks of Thanks campaign should contact Josh McCann, Community Relations & Outside Events Manager, by emailing josh@daytonatortugas.com.

The Tortugas begin the 2020 season on April 9th against the Florida Fire Frogs. Jackie Robinson Ballpark and the Daytona Tortugas will host the Florida State League All-Star Game on Tuesday, June 23rd. For more information, contact the team at 386-257-3172 or visit the Tortugas website at www.daytonatortugas.com.

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

Registration Open 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. Tryouts for national anthem performers for the 2020 season will take place on Saturday, February 22 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Mall at Fairfield Commons.

Finalists will perform the national anthem at Dragons games throughout the season, with the grand prize winner performing on Opening Day 2020 before the Dragons host the Great Lakes Loons on Thursday, April 9 at 7:00 p.m.

Pre-registration is now underway at www.daytondragons.com/nationalanthem. The first 200 entrants who pre-register for this event will receive a scheduled tryout time. In the event that all of the allotted spots are filled, you could still have a chance to perform at the tryouts on a stand-by basis.

To register as a stand-by performer, you must come to the Saturday, February 22 tryouts at the Mall at Fairfield Commons. You will receive a stand-by number that will be called when a spot becomes available. Standby performers are not guaranteed a chance to tryout so, interested performers are strongly encouraged to sign up at www.daytondragons.com/nationalanthem.

A panel of local citizens including media personalities, city officials, and community leaders will be judging the event. The panel will make its selections based on voice quality, creative style, stage presence, and appearance.

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

DBJ Selects Dragons, Robert Murphy for Community Awards

 

Dayton, Ohio-The Dayton Dragons have been honored as the Miami Valley’s “Customer Service Business of the Year” for the second straight year by the Dayton Business Journal. Additionally, Dragons President Robert Murphy has been selected as the 2019 Executive of the Year in the Dayton-area business community by the DBJ.

The Dragons and winners of other 2019 Dayton Business Journal awards were honored on Thursday night at the Dayton Business Journal gala at the Schuster Performing Arts Center. The Business of the Year awards program has celebrated the region’s best in business for 17 years.

“Thanks to Dayton Business Journal for selecting the Dayton Dragons for these honors,” said Murphy. “The Dragons have the best fans in sports in a great community with great corporate support. Our staff works hard to make each of our 70 home dates each season a special event for our guests, and this recognition is a reflection of our team’s commitment and dedication to being a difference-maker for our community.”

The Dragons completed their 20th season in 2019. They hold the longest streak of consecutive sold-out dates in the history of sports in North America. The streak is active at 1,385 straight sell-outs, starting with the Dragons first game on April 27, 2000.

For 14 straight years, the Dragons have finished first in the nation in season attendance for all Minor League Baseball clubs below the Triple-A level, and their 20 years have marked the top 20 seasons in attendance at the Single-A level in Minor League Baseball history.

Murphy has received several other local and national awards over the last several months. In April, he was selected for induction into the Dayton Business Journal Forty-Under-40 Hall-of-Fame, the highest honor in the program. Murphy was selected as professional baseball’s 2019 Executive of the Year by Ballpark Digest after being named 2018 Minor League Baseball Executive of the Year by Baseball America.

The Dragons will open their 21st season in the Midwest League on April 9, 2019 when they host the Great Lakes Loons.

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Attached photo, from left: Robert Murphy, Dragons President; Brandy Guinaugh, Assistant General Manager; Brad Eaton, Vice President of Corporate Partnerships; Eric Deutsch, Executive Vice President.

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

Fifth Third Field to Host Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk on Oct. 19

 

DAYTON, OHIO – The 2019 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk will take place at Fifth Third Field on Saturday, October 19. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. with a rolling start from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

This event is part of a national fundraising effort. In 2019 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 2019. 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.

The Dragons website, www.daytondragons.com, and all Dragons social media pages (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram) will remain pink for the month of October to help draw attention to the efforts by Kettering Health Network to increase breast cancer awareness in the Miami Valley.

To register for the walk and get more information, please visit www.makingstrideswalk.org/Dayton.

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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, OHIO – 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 raise breast cancer awareness and support the upcoming Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk.

The Dragons website, www.daytondragons.com, and all Dragons social media pages (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram) will remain pink for the month of October 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 2019. 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 2019 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk will be at Fifth Third Field on October 19 starting at 8:30 a.m. This event is part of a national fundraising effort. In 2019 alone, over 1 million walkers across the country collected more than $60 million to help fight this disease. To register for the walk and get more information, please visit www.makingstrideswalk.org/Dayton.

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

Fifth Third Field to Host Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday, Oct. 5

 

Dayton, Ohio-The Alzheimer’s Association Miami Valley Chapter invites you to join them at the Dayton Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday, October 5. 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 begins at 10:30 a.m.

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 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 5?

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

MVDSA Buddy Walk coming to Fifth Third Field on Saturday, Sept. 28

Dayton, Ohio – Fifth Third Field will host the 17th Annual Miami Valley Down Syndrome Association Buddy Walk® on Saturday, September 28th from 8:30 a.m. – 12 noon. The Buddy Walk®, which raises awareness and promotes inclusion for individuals with Down syndrome, will take place at Fifth Third Field for the seventh consecutive year. Online registration is open to the public for $5.00. Individuals with Down syndrome can register for free to include a Buddy Walk® shirt. Limited sizes of event shirts will be available for sale on event day. Every dollar benefits the MVDSA.

Fifth Third Field will open its gates for day-of registration starting at 8:30 a.m. on September 28th. Donations will also be accepted at the registration table.

Activities at the ballpark begin at 8:30 a.m. The Dragons Zone will be open with face painters and a photo booth. Dragons mascots Heater and Gem will roam the concourse and take pictures with those in attendance. The walk around Fifth Third Field begins at 10 a.m., with the post-walk fun continuing until 12:00 noon when raffle prize and silent auction winners will be announced.

More information is available at ds-stride.org/daytonbuddywalk

The Buddy Walk® was established by the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness and to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. Today, the Buddy Walk® program is supported nationally by NDSS and organized at the local level by the Miami Valley Down Syndrome Association (MVDSA).

ABOUT THE MVDSA

The Miami Valley Down Syndrome Association is a network of parents, health care providers, volunteers, family members, and community supporters providing help and support to people throughout the Miami Valley with Down Syndrome. Through the generous support of the community, the MVDSA is able to develop programs and services that will help to enhance the quality of life for individuals with Down Syndrome. For more information, visit their website at http://www.mvdsa.org/

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

College Prep Night coming Wednesday to Fifth Third Field

 

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 25 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

College Prep Night is a one-stop college resource event to guide prospective college students and their parents through the process of planning an educational path. High school students can talk to representatives from colleges and universities from all over the nation, those who RSVP before the event will get exclusive access to raffle tickets that they can use to enter to win college-themed raffle prizes.

More than 1,000 students and their guests attend and more than 80 colleges and universities participate in this free event. Among the colleges scheduled to appear are Ohio State University, Cornell University, Ball State University, University of Dayton, Miami (OH) University, Northern Kentucky University, Xavier University, University of Toledo, Wright State University, Mount St. Joseph University, Edison State Community College, Sinclair Community College, Kettering College, United States Navy, Ohio Army National Guard, Modern College of Design, and many more schools from around the country. Representatives will be on hand to answer whatever questions that students might have about college life at each particular school. CollegeAdvantage will also be on site to provide information.

“We know that life is filled with big decisions, including whether to further one’s education,” said Doug Compton, senior vice president and Dayton city executive for Fifth Third Bank. “It is an honor for us to introduce and connect so many families to colleges and universities across our region at College Prep Night and to make people aware of the financial tools available to help them fund their educational goals,” he said.

College-themed raffle prizes will be given away after the event to lucky college-bound students. Raffle prizes include a Smart TV, Echo Dot, Keurig, $100 gift card, and more. To be eligible to enter to win these prizes, parents or students must RSVP before noon on the day of the event at www.daytondragons.com/collegeprep and must attend the event, although they do not have to be present when the winners’ names are pulled at the conclusion of the event.

To learn more about College Prep Night, please visit www.daytondragons.com/collegeprep.

About Fifth Third

Fifth Third Bancorp is a diversified financial services company headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio and the indirect parent company of Fifth Third Bank, an Ohio-chartered bank. As of June 30, 2019, Fifth Third had $169 billion in assets and operated 1,207 full-service Banking Centers and 2,551 ATMs with Fifth Third branding in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Florida, Tennessee, West Virginia, Georgia and North Carolina. In total, Fifth Third provides its customers with access to approximately 53,000 fee-free ATMs across the United States. Fifth Third operates four main businesses: Commercial Banking, Branch Banking, Consumer Lending and Wealth & Asset Management. Fifth Third is among the largest money managers in the Midwest and, as of June 30, 2019, had $399 billion in assets under care, of which it managed $46 billion for individuals, corporations and not-for-profit organizations through its Trust and Registered Investment Advisory businesses. Investor information and press releases can be viewed at www.53.com. Fifth Third’s common stock is traded on the Nasdaq® Global Select Market under the symbol “FITB.” Fifth Third Bank was established in 1858. Deposit and Credit products are offered by Fifth Third Bank. Member FDIC.

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

Fifth Third Field to Host AHA Heart Walk/Run on September 21

 

Dayton, Ohio – Fifth Third Field will host the American Heart Association’s Greater Dayton Heart Walk/Run on Saturday, September 21 beginning at 9:15 a.m. 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 (937) 401-4862.

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. Opening ceremonies begin at 9:00 a.m. The 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.

Participants can also download the new Heart Walk Mobile App with many great features.

The American Heart Association is a leading and relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Since the inception of the Heart Walk 25 years ago, mortality rates from cardiovascular disease and stroke have plummeted by 45 percent. Each walker and each donation has helped to transform health statistics into lives saved. Why? Each time someone laces up their shoes or forms a team to participate in the Heart Walk they are instrumental in innovative breakthroughs. Every donation helps create new technologies such as the artificial heart valve, cholesterol drugs, stents, and the mechanical heart pump which helps extend the life of patients. The Heart Walk is open to the community and all are welcome to participate and change the story of heart disease and stroke in the Miami Valley. The American Heart Association is working to fund big ideas that will pioneer breakthroughs in our understanding and treatment of heart disease and stroke.

ABOUT THE MIAMI VALLEY DIVISION OF THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION

Located in Kettering, the Miami Valley Division of the American Heart Association 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 be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. For more information, visit heart.org/dayton.

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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 Host Dayton Area Police Night at Fifth Third Field on August 22

Dayton, Ohio – The Dayton Dragons are pleased to welcome the Dayton Area Police to Fifth Third Field on Thursday, August 22, when the Dragons host the Fort Wayne TinCaps at 7:00 p.m. The night at the ballpark will also raise money for a Bootleggers, Bandits, and Badges exhibit that tells the story of Prohibition Era Dayton.

Fans are invited to get to the ballpark early and check out a large, interactive display on the plaza. The Dayton Police Department (DPD) will have tables set up for fans to see SWAT gear as well as a Bat Car, bomb squad items, motorcycles and bicycles all used by the DPD. McGruff the Crime Dog will also be on the plaza to interact with fans and take photos.

Once fans are in the park, the DPD will be a part of the pregame festivities. Retired Lt. Colonel Virgil F. McDaniel will throw out the ceremonial first pitch. McDaniel was the Dayton Assistant Police Chief from 1990 to 1994 and served on the Ohio Fraternal Order of Police executive board for over 30 years. Following the ceremonial first pitch, the Dayton Police Department’s Color Guard will present to colors for the performing of the national anthem.

The Department is raising money through the Dayton Police History Foundation for the Bootleggers, Bandits and Badges exhibit that will open on October 28 at Carillon Park. The exhibit will primarily feature tools of the trade from the early 20th century used by both police and gangsters. This includes a paddy wagon, a 1921 colt machine gun, also known as a “Tommy Gun”, and items from when “Public Enemy #1” John Dillinger was arrested in 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 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.

Dragons Players and Mascots to Visit Schools Next Week

DAYTON, Ohio – Dayton Dragons players and one of the team’s mascots, Heater, and staff will visit schools in four counties across the Miami Valley next week. The visits are part of the Dragons MVP program and members of the local media are invited to cover them. The players will introduce themselves to the students, answer questions, and are available for pictures. Each student will also receive a school folder and a Dragons pencil. The following schools are listed with an address, date, and time of visit:

Monday, April 15, 2019

10:00am-10:45am

Grigsby Intermediate School

100 Jamaica Rd.

Franklin, OH 45005

Phone: 937-746-8969

11:15am-12:00pm

Dayton Christian School

9391 Washington Church Rd.

Miamisburg, OH 45342

Phone: 937-291-7249

Tuesday, April 16, 2019

10:00am – 10:45am

Indian Valley Intermediate School

510 S. Xenia Dr.

Enon, OH 45323

Phone:

11:45am – 12:30pm

Concord Elementary School

3145 W. St. Rt. 718

Troy, OH 45373

Phone: 937-332-6730

Tuesday, May 7, 2019

10:00am – 10:45am

Parkwood Elementary School

1791 Wilene Dr.

Beavercreek, OH 45432

Phone:937-429-7604

11:15am – 12:00pm

Harry Russell Elementary School

123 Elementary Dr.

West Carrollton, OH 45449

Phone: 937-859-5121

Members of the media may contact schools individually at the numbers listed above if they intend to attend and cover the visits.

The Dragons MVP Program, a tool for teachers, uses the marketing power of Dayton Dragons Baseball as an educational tool for fourth and fifth grade teachers, helping them motivate and reward students for success both in and out of the classroom. The Dayton Dragons MVP Program is made possible by Ohio’s 529 Plan, Sinclair College, Panera Bread, WDTN-TV and Dayton’s CW. For more information on the Dragons MVP Program, contact the Dayton Dragons or visit www.daytondragons.com/mvp.

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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 Recognize “Folds of Honor” Recipients During Game on April 12

Dayton, Ohio–The Dayton Dragons will recognize two local “Folds of Honor” scholarship recipients during inning breaks of the Dragons game on Friday, April 12 against the Lake County Captains at Fifth Third Field. The game will start at 7:00 p.m.

Folds of Honor is a non-profit organization that provides educational scholarships to the families of military citizens who have fallen, or been disabled, while deployed in the United States armed forces. Their educational scholarships support private education and tutoring for children in grades kindergarten through 12 in addition to higher education tuition assistance for spouses and dependents. Folds of Honor provides scholarships for elementary, middle, and high school students through the Children’s Fund as well as for those seeking a bachelor’s or certification through the Higher Education Scholarship. These scholarships can be valued up to $5,000. Since the creation of Folds of Honor, nearly $20 million of scholarships have been awarding to 20,000 recipients in all 50 states and multiple U.S. territories. Folds of Honor accepts applications for scholarships each calendar year from February 1 to April 1 for the next academic year. Applicants will be notified during the summer months of that year if they have been chosen and what dollar amount they shall receive. To learn more about this night or to make a donation to Folds of Honor, visit daytondragons.com/foldsofhonor.

This event is the first of five special Hometown Heroes spotlights at Dragons games this season. At each Hometown Heroes event, the Dragons pay tribute to all service men and women past and present. Presenting sponsors are the Dayton Development Coalition, SRC, Inc., Reynolds & Reynolds, TACG, and the Dayton Dragons. Additional tributes are scheduled for May 22, June 23, and July 11, each focused on a different aspect or organization involved in the military. The season-long celebration will wrap up with American Celebration Night on August 10, featuring post-game fireworks.

For more information on the Hometown Heroes program, please visit daytondragons.com/HometownHeroes.

Single-game tickets for all Dragons 2019 home games are available at www.daytondragons.com or by phone at (937) 228-2287.

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

Recycling Bin Initiative (RBI) presented by Montgomery Count Environmental Services

Dayton, Ohio – The Dayton Dragons and Montgomery County Environmental Services are once again teaming up for the Recycling Bin Initiative (RBI) Program. This free, fun, and educational program is for kids and families to learn about household recycling and how recycling benefits the economy and the environment. The RBI Program only requires two weeks of tracking recycling to participate, but families are encouraged to keep up the good work afterwards.

There are some new changes to the program this year. In addition to a new logo and brand, participants will learn about how to “recycle right,” as well as what items can and cannot be recycled.

“Not everything can be recycled, and some items that can’t be recycled may come as a surprise to many participants,” said Montgomery County Commissioner Judy Dodge. “It’s important that our citizens learn good recycling habits, because having better materials makes the whole recycling system more financially sustainable.”

Hundreds of thousands of cans, glass, cardboard, and plastic have been saved from the landfill thanks to the recycling efforts of participants over the past nine years.

All participants will receive up to four Dragons lawn tickets to RBI Night at a sold-out Dragons game, an exclusive RBI water bottle and recycling bin, and will be eligible to win other great Dragons prizes and experiences.

Visit www.daytondragons.com/rbi to get more information and participate.

About Montgomery County Environmental Services

Montgomery County Environmental Services provides water and water reclamation (sewer) services to 80,000 customers, and solid waste and recycling services to 525,000 citizens in Montgomery County, Ohio. The department offers educational outreach programs for local schools, communities, and businesses that want to learn more about conservation and sustainability in the Miami Valley region. For more information, visit www.mcohio.org/departments/environmental_services/, or follow us on Twitter or Facebook (@mcohioes).

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

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Dragons Leandro Santana Wins Reds MiLB Community Service Award

Dayton, Ohio-Dayton Dragons infielder Leandro Santana has been selected as the Cincinnati Reds 2018 Minor League Community Service award winner. The Reds announced their Minor League player awards at RedsFest.

Santana spent the entire 2018 season with the Dragons. He was selected for the award based on his efforts in Dayton this season as a volunteer as part of various Dragons community service endeavors.

Santana became the seventh Dragons player to win the Reds Minor League Community Service Award since 2011. The award is given to only one player each year across all levels of the Reds farm system. Previous Dragons winners of the Reds Community Service Award were Drew Hayes (2011), El’Hajj Muhammad (2012), Brent Peterson (2013), Jon Matthews (2014), Avain Rachal (2015), and Aaron Fossas (2017).

Also at RedsFest, the Reds named the following Minor League player awards: Sheldon “Chief” Bender Minor League Player of the Year: Ibandel Isabel; Minor League Hitter of the Year: T.J. Friedl; Minor League Pitcher of the Year: Tony Santillan. Friedl and Santillan are both former Dragons. Friedl spent the first half of the 2017 season with the Dragons, while Santillan spent all of 2017 in Dayton after briefly pitching for the Dragons in 2016.

The Reds Minor League Player of the Year award is named after Sheldon “Chief” Bender, who worked in professional baseball for 64 years, 39 of those with the Reds. Bender oversaw the Reds farm system from 1967-’88, producing stars such as Ken Griffey Sr., Dave Concepcion, Ron Oester, Mario Soto, Eric Davis, Barry Larkin, Chris Sabo, Paul O’Neill, and countless others. Bender passed away in 2008 at the age of 88.

Sheldon “Chief” Bender Award winners:

2000 Austin Kearns

2001 Adam Dunn

2002 Brandon Larson

2003 Stephen Smitherman

2004 Richie Gardner

2005 Chris Denorfia

2006 Homer Bailey

2007 Jay Bruce

2008 Chris Valaika

2009 Chris Heisey

2010 Devin Mesoraco

2011 Billy Hamilton

2012 Billy Hamilton

2013 Seth Mejias-Brean

2014 Ben Lively

2015 Tyler Mahle

2016 Aristides Aquino

2017 Nick Senzel

2018 Ibandel Isabel

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

Fifth Third Field to Host Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk on Oct. 20

DAYTON, OHIO – The 2018 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk will take place at Fifth Third Field on Saturday, October 20. Registration will begin at 8:00 a.m. with a rolling start from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

This event is part of a national fundraising effort. In 2018 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 2018. 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.

The Dragons website, www.daytondragons.com, and Dragons Facebook page will remain pink for the month of October to help draw attention to the efforts by Kettering Health Network to increase breast cancer awareness in the Miami Valley.

To register for the walk and get more information, 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.