Columbus Clippers to Donate to The Buckeye Ranch on Giving Tuesday

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Columbus Clippers announced today that, in partnership with BUSH’S® Beans, they will provide a donation to The Buckeye Ranch as part of #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration, on Tuesday, Nov. 28.

Celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving and the widely-recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving. Since its inaugural year in 2012, #GivingTuesday has become a movement that celebrates and supports generosity and philanthropy.

This past season, Richie Shaffer was named the BUSH’S Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the International League at the 2017 Triple-A All-Star Game in Tacoma, Washington, after finishing 2-for-3 with a home run and two RBI in the International League’s 6-4 loss to the Pacific Coast League. As an extension of this award, BUSH’S and the Clippers will provide a $1,000 donation to The Buckeye Ranch.

The Columbus Clippers are proud to have teamed up with BUSH’S Beans on this season’s charitable event which benefited The Buckeye Ranch,” said Ken Schnacke, President/General Manager of the Columbus Clippers. “This combined initiative, created by BUSH’S Beans, has allowed us to make a difference in supporting our youth of central Ohio.”

BUSH’S Beans sponsored 11 All-Star Game MVP awards throughout Minor League Baseball this summer. BUSH’S is making a donation to a local charitable organization chosen by each MVP Award winner’s home club.

“One of the things that attracted BUSH’S to Minor League Baseball is how the clubs and their local communities support each other,” said Mike Morris, Senior Brand Manager at Bush Brothers & Company. “We are proud to recognize the contributions of each BUSH’S MVP Award winner by giving back to his team’s local charity.”

Minor League Baseball unveiled a multi-year, strategic partnership with BUSH’S Beans last December, making it the “Official Beans of Minor League Baseball,” and a “Preferred Partner” of a number of MiLB teams, beginning in 2017. Bush Brothers & Company is the recognized brand leader in beans. The partnership was activated across a range of touch-points this year, including in-ballpark celebrations such as National Baked Bean Month in July and the integration of a variety of BUSH’S Beans products in teams’ concessions.

About Minor League Baseball

Minor League Baseball, headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida, is the governing body for all professional baseball teams in the United States, Canada and the Dominican Republic that are affiliated with Major League Baseball® clubs through their farm systems. Fans are coming out in unprecedented numbers to this one-of-a-kind experience that can only be found at Minor League Baseball ballparks. In 2017, Minor League Baseball attracted 41.8 million fans to its ballparks to see the future stars of the sport hone their skills. From the electricity in the stands to the excitement on the field, Minor League Baseball has provided affordable family-friendly entertainment to people of all ages since its founding in 1901. For more information, visit www.MiLB.com.

Follow Minor League Baseball on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

About BUSH’S® Beans

BUSH’S® is all about friends & family, and a certain Secret Family Recipe. When you enjoy our beans (doesn’t matter if they’re baked beans, chili beans, black beans, pinto beans…well, you get the picture), you can trust that they’re the very best. Because we wouldn’t serve your family anything less. Since we got our start more than 100 years ago in Chestnut Hill, Tenn., BUSH’S® has always maintained that quality is the best policy. We pursue excellence and exceptional taste in our beans, sauces and everything we do. That’s why, from mouthwatering Baked Beans & Chili Beans to satisfying bean recipes, you’re cooking up the best with BUSH’S BEST®. For more information, visit www.bushbeans.com.

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

RubberDucks Offer Special Labor Day Ticket Deal for Hurricane Harvey Relief

(AKRON, OHIO) Sept. 1, 2017 – The Akron RubberDucks announced today a special ticket deal for Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 4, to raise money for the Hurricane Harvey relief efforts in Texas. Reserved tickets, which are normally $11, will only be available online until midnight Sunday for $7 with $2 from each ticket set to be donated.

Monday’s game is the annual Fan Appreciation Day and is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. vs. Erie SeaWolves. Fans can purchase the Hurricane Harvey relief tickets directly at https://groupmatics.events/event/HurricaneHarvey or through a link on the front of http://akronrubberducks.com.

“Even though our season winds down at Canal Park with a fun fireworks-packed holiday weekend, our thoughts and prayers are with the people in Texas who have had their lives thrown into chaos by Hurricane Harvey,” said RubberDucks General Manager Jim Pfander. “Our tremendous fans have always supported us with great enthusiasm, and we know they will show that same level of support helping out in this crisis.”

FAN APPRECIATION MONDAY, September 4 at 1:05 p.m. vs. Erie SeaWolves, presented by Plato’s Closet in Sagamore Hills

Probables: Erie – RHP Sandy Baez (0-1, 7.20) vs. Akron – RHP Shane Bieber (2-1, 2.42)

  • Fan Appreciation Day (1:05 p.m. start)
  • Fans will have a chance to win fantastic prizes throughout the game such as 2018 RubberDucks tickets, autographed baseballs, and pre-game experiences! All fans will also receive a 10% discount with their game ticket at the BRAND NEW Plato’s Closet in Sagamore Hills.

Regular-season RubberDucks tickets start at $5 and fans can purchase tickets by stopping at the Akron RubberDucks box office at Canal Park weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., or on a game day starting at 10 a.m. and running until gates open one hour before the scheduled game time. Tickets are also available by calling 330-253-5151 or on www.akronrubberducks.com.

All RubberDucks games are broadcasted on Fox Sports 1350 AM, the WARF iHeart channel, and the TuneIn Radio App. All RubberDucks home games are also available via MiLB.TV.

The Akron RubberDucks are the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians and defending Eastern League champions. The 2017 season is the franchise’s 21st since moving to Akron. For more information about the team, please visit akronrubberducks.com, on Facebook facebook.com/AkronRubberDucks, Twitter @AkronRubberDuck, and Instagram at @akronrubberducks.

Hillcats Helping Hurricane Harvey Victims

As the area of southeast Texas continues to endure record rainfall following the initial devastation of Hurricane Harvey, the Lynchburg Hillcats are asking fans to help those affected by making donations throughout the upcoming homestand.

The Hillcats have partnered with Gleaning the World to accept specific items that will be sent to the affected area. These items include dry or canned pet food, cat litter, collars, and leashes. Fans can also make monetary donations at the ballpark. Minor League Baseball Charities has agreed to match all donations raised by its clubs, up to $10,000.

Fans who donate either a specific item from the list or money at the gate will receive a $4 ticket good for any type of seat at that night’s game. The Hillcats will also hold a 50/50 raffle at the games on Wednesday and Thursday to help raise funds. Lynchburg is at home Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday against the Potomac Nationals. All games begin at 6:30 p.m., and the gates open at 5:30.

Lynchburg begins its three-game homestand Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Sean Brady (1-1, 6.52) will start for the Hillcats. It’s a Two-Fur Tuesday, so fans can enjoy Buy One, Get One Free tickets as well as $2 concession stand deals. That means anyone bringing a donation to Tuesday’s game will receive two tickets for just $4! The game can be heard live at www.lynchburg-hillcats.com.

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

Scrappers Sock Out Hunger on August 11

Dr. James LaPolla, Jr. DPM and the Howland Health & Wellness Committee will be sponsoring a sock giveaway on Friday, August 11 when the Scrappers take on the Staten Island Yankees at Eastwood Field. The first 1,000 fans will receive a pair of Scrappers branded socks. Anyone who brings in a canned food donation will also receive a free ticket voucher for an upcoming Scrappers game. All donations will go directly to the Bolindale food pantry inside of The Boldindale Christian Church (2749 Fairview Ave. SE, Warren, OH 44484).

The food pantry at The Bolindale Christian Church serves 60-70 families twice a month. According to the 2008-2013 U.S. Census Bureau, 31.2% of the residents of Bolindale live below the poverty level and 54.3% are receiving food stamps.

The Bolindale community is also a focus of the Creating Healthy Communities initiative spearheaded by the Trumbull County Combined Health District. Grant monies were used to purchase additional lighting to improve the safety and visibility of the park and upgrades have been made to the park by repairing playground equipment and adding several pickleball courts.

The goal of the Howland Health and Wellness Committee is to promote healthier lifestyles and workplaces in the township. The Township has received the Healthy Ohio Healthy Community award from the Ohio Department of Health in 2015 and 2016. For information regarding the committee contact Township trustee Dr. James LaPolla at james.lapolla@howlandtownship.org.

There will also be a post-game firework show following the game on August 11.

Buy August 11 Tickets

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

Learn from the pros Sunday at the Chevy Youth Clinic

Kids 6-12 can learn baseball fundaments from State College Spikes players and coaches at the Chevy Youth Baseball Clinic this Sunday at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, completely FREE courtesy of your local area Chevrolet dealers!

Sign-in begins at 10:30 a.m., and the clinic will get underway at 11 a.m. Each participant will receive a fun giveaway and lunch following the clinic, as well as a ticket to the Spikes’ 6:05 p.m. game on Sunday night against the Mahoning Valley Scrappers (Cleveland Indians).

To register your child now:

1. Click on the ‘Youth Clinics’ tab at www.chevroletbaseball.com

2. Select “Johnstown-Altoona” as your Region

3. Select “Other” as your League

Please feel free to contact the Chevy Youth Baseball Team at 888-600-4369 or info@chevroletbaseball.com with any questions. See you on Sunday for the Chevy Youth Baseball Clinic!

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

Scrappers Host Kids Create a Jersey Night on August 5

On Saturday, August 5, the Mahoning Valley Scrappers will wear a specialty jersey designed by Bailey, age 8, of Leavittsburg. Bailey is the winner of the Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley “Create a Jersey” contest held earlier this summer. The jerseys will be available for auction with proceeds benefiting Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley.

Bailey will receive a jersey, the opportunity to throw out a first pitch on August 5 and time in the dugout with the Scrappers players pre-game. Five honorable mention designs have been chosen and will be acknowledged at the August 5 game on the video board. The children with the honorable mention designs will also receive free Lil’ Scrappers Kids Club memberships.

“The Mahoning Valley Scrappers have been a strong supporter and a wonderful community partner of Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley. We are so grateful for their continued support and are looking forward to this season’s exciting activities,” said JoAnn Stock, Akron Children’s senior director of development.

Future events include the ColorBurst 5K the morning of Saturday, August 5 at Eastwood Field benefiting Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley. To register visit mvscrappers.com. There will also be a silent auction including sports memorabilia on Friday, August 11 that will benefit the Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley.

Buy August 5 Tickets Here

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

Homestand Will Salute Service People!

The Hillcats will kick off a six-game homestand on the 4th of July that will include the Salute to Service People Weekend. Fans can enjoy a pair of fireworks shows and a trio of giveaways to kick off July!

Celebrate Independence Day on Tuesday, July 4th with the Hillcats as they begin a three-game series with the Wilmington Blue Rocks at 6:30 p.m. The gates will open at 5:00 p.m. and we’ll have our largest postgame fireworks show of the year following the game presented by Kroger & Westover Dairy! And come dressed in your finest red, white & blue apparel for our photo booth. The best photos will be displayed on the video board during the game!

Promotions Calendar

The series with Wilmington will continue on Wednesday, July 5th at 6:30 p.m. Every Wednesday home game is a Winning Wednesday presented by 89.9 WNRN where you’ll receive a free ticket to the next Wednesday home game on 7/26! Gates will open at 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, July 6th is a 6:30 p.m. start time. The gates will open at 5:30 p.m. for a Thirsty Thursday presented by Miller Lite, Yuengling & 97.9 FM The Planet where we’ll have game-long Happy Hour specials! It’s also a GLTC and RIDE Solutions Bike to the Ballpark Night so ride your bicycle to the game for $1 off admission.

The Salem Red Sox will come to town for a three-game series starting on Friday, July 7th at 6:30 p.m. We’re kicking off Salute to Service People Weekend with free admission for all active and retired military that evening! The gates will open at 5:30 p.m. for a FANtastic Friday Giveaway where the first 1,000 fans will receive a free Hillcats Patriotic Cap presented by Foster Fuels, Inc. and 105.5 KD Country.

View Schedule

Saturday, July 8th will be a 6:00 p.m. start time. The gates will open at 5:00 p.m. for our 9th Annual Autism Awareness Night presented by Physicians Treatment Center. The first 1,000 fans in attendance will receive a free commemorative t-shirt and fans can make a donation at the Box Office to Commonwealth Autism. For more information on Commonwealth Autism, visit www.autismva.org. We’ll also have fireworks after the game!

The homestand will wrap up on Sunday, July 9th with our 10th Annual Guns & Hoses Charity Softball Game where the Lynchburg Police Department will face off against the Lynchburg Fire Department. The gates will open at 2:00 p.m. which is when we will start giving away a free commemorative t-shirt to the first 1,000 fans in attendance. The Guns & Hoses Softball game will begin at 2:45 p.m. and the Hillcats will play the Salem Red Sox at 5:00 p.m. All proceeds from the evening will benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the Special Olympics! That evening is also a Family Funday Sunday presented by ABC 13. Purchase 4 for $40 Family 4-Packs at the Box Office which include 4 GA tickets and 4 hot dog combos. Families can run the bases and play catch in the outfield after the Hillcats game and check out our social media pages at the handle @lynhillcats for Social Sunday online deals. It’s also a Virginia529 Smart Savers Sunday with free admission if you show your Smart Savers Card at the Box Office. Virginia529 College Savings Plan is the official college savings plan of the Hillcats, visit www.virginia529.com/smartsavers for more information.

So come out and cheer on your First-Half Northern Division Champions! Fans can purchase tickets for any of these games by calling the box office at (434) 528-1144 or by going online. Ticket purchases can also be made in person at the Lynchburg City Stadium Ticket Office (Mon-Fri. 9am-5pm). Hillcats Baseball…It’s Purrrrrfect!

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

Swing For a Cure Set to Return June 23rd

The Hillcats will have everyone wearing pink on Friday, June 23rd at 6:30 p.m. with their 11th Annual “Swing For A Cure” Breast Cancer Awareness Night presented by Centra’s Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center! Proceeds from this event will benefit the Susan G. Komen For the Cure Foundation.

The first 1,000 fans through the gates at 5:30 p.m. will receive a free pink commemorative t-shirt! All Hillcats players will don pink commemorative jerseys which will then be up for bid during a silent auction during the game. Fans will also have the chance to make a donation at the Box Office that night.

It’s estimated that there will be over 230,000 reported new cases of invasive breast cancer in the United States in 2017 and as many as 1 in 800 women in Virginia alone, may be diagnosed each year. The Susan G. Komen Foundation was created in 1982 by Komen’s sister and has since raised $2.5 billion for research, treatments, and support for survivors.

The Hillcats would like to thank the following sponsors of the Swing For A Cure for their support and donations: Centra Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center as the title sponsor; ABC 13; Apple Ford of Lynchburg; Central Virginia Imaging; Central Virginia Oral and Facial Surgery; Dr. Kim Combs; Flowers Baking Company; Heartland Lynchburg; Hedges Insurance; High Peak Sportswear; Johnson Health Center; 105.5 KD Country; Lynchburg Gynecology; Medical Associates of Central Virginia; Pathology Consultants; Peery Family Dentistry; Physicians Treatment Center; Piedmont Community Health Plan; 97.9 FM The Planet / Oldies 103.9 & 106.9 FM / 93.7 KHF; Rob Bass, MD | Clinton Beverly, MD | John Guglielmetti, MD | Peter Ploch, MD; WIQO / ESPN Radio; WJJS / STEVE FM / WYYD; and Women’s Health Services of Central Virginia.

To purchase tickets to the “Swing For A Cure” Breast Cancer Awareness Night or any other game, fans can call the box office at (434) 528-1144 or go online. Ticket purchases can also be made in person at the Lynchburg City Stadium Ticket Office (Mon-Fri, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.)

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

“CHALLENGER DAY” Returns to Canal Park on June 4

(AKRON, OHIO) June 2, 2017 – The Akron RubberDucks and Northeast Ohio Roy Hobbs Baseball are partnered again to bring back “Challenger Day” on Sunday, June 4 at 12 p.m., prior to the finale of the three-game series between the Akron RubberDucks and the Reading Fightin’ Phils, which starts at 2:05 p.m. It will be the 19th year Challenger Day will be hosted at Canal Park, with the annual tradition started in 1999.

Challenger Day provides an opportunity for kids and adults with developmental disabilities to play a baseball game at Canal Park, and to meet and be cheered on by some of the RubberDucks players. Each participant will get to hit and play in the field, and get to experience what it is like to be a professional ballplayer for a day. Ages range from as young as seven to as old as 25.

“Challenger Day is one of the annual highlights of our schedule,” said RubberDucks general manager Jim Pfander. “It is important to be able to give these young baseball players a chance to play at a facility like Canal Park, but the real fun comes from the smiles on the athletes’ faces and those on the faces of the RubberDucks players who are there to cheer them on.”

Challenger Day participants play in area Little League programs that include the Challenger program or in the Ohio Challenged Athletes program. Participants this year will be from teams in Hudson, Tallmadge, Green, Canton, Tuscarawas County, Barberton, including players from Akron and Cuyahoga Falls.

Participants are scheduled to warm up at 11:45 a.m. with the game scheduled for 12 p.m. and it will last approximately one hour. At the conclusion, a team photo will be taken of the participants and the RubberDucks who cheered them on. Gates will open at 11:45 a.m. for any spectators.

Media are welcome to attend. If credentials or photos are needed, please contact director of public and media relations Adam Liberman at aliberman@akronrubberducks.com to make arrangements.

The RubberDucks are the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. For more information, call the RubberDucks at 330-253-5151 or visit www.akronrubberducks.com. The RubberDucks are on Facebook www.facebook.com/akronrubberducks and Twitter @AkronRubberDuck.

Carnival to Benefit Hannah’s Vision, Inc.

A carnival to benefit the Hannah’s Vision, Inc. nonprofit organization (501c3 application in process) is going to be held Thursday, June 1st through Sunday, June 4th at Eastwood Field / Mahoning Valley Scrappers park. The carnival will have fireworks, rides, a variety of food vendors, multiple live bands, entertainers and craftsman performing throughout the event and more! Niles Police will be onsite for security, and this will be a family-friendly event with no alcohol.

Hours and bands schedule:

Thursday June 1st – 6pm to 11pm (music by County Mayo and Taylor Borton)

Friday June 2nd – 6pm to 12am (music by Highland Rose and John Dante and the Inferno)

Saturday June 3rd – 6pm to 12am (music by The Rage and Anger the Ant)

Sunday June 4th – 1pm to 11pm (music by The Acoustic Jones, K Street, Taylor Borton and The Black Wolf and The Thief)

Throughout the weekend: Clowns – Balloon animals – Ukulele duo – Daily 50/50 raffle (winner need not be present to win) – Animal Charity – Legacy Dog Rescue of Ohio – Dunking Booth

Saturday night Fireworks!

Sunday matinee – Open at 1pm with bands performing throughout the afternoon and evening.

Free glow-in-the-dark purple glasses to all (subject to quantity available of 5,000 for weekend).

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

Scrappes Host Youth Baseball Camp July 11-13

The Mahoning Valley Scrappers are excited to announce that they have partnered with Vlad Pediatrics to host a three-day Youth Baseball Camp July 11-13.

The Scrappers Youth Camp provides kids ages 8-13 year olds a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn from some of the very best players in Minor League Baseball. All exercises and instruction will be taught by Scrappers players and coaching staff, and will focus on baseball fundamentals, sportsmanship and healthy competition. Boys and girls of all ability levels are encouraged to participate and learn from the Scrappers players and coaches in a small group setting.

Camp registration includes instruction each day from 9 am until 12pm, a ticket to the Thursday, July 13 Scrappers game vs. the Brooklyn Cyclones, on field recognition prior to the July 13th game, a camp t-shirt, and lunch the final day of camp. To ensure that your child receives individualized attention, the Youth Baseball Camp has been limited to 100 campers and early registration is highly encouraged. The Scrappers Youth Baseball Camp is only $100 per child and forms can be found on the Scrappers website or at the Eastwood Field Box Office. You can also register online.

The Scrappers open the 2017 season at Eastwood Field on June 21 vs. the Auburn Doubledays. Single game tickets are on sale and can be purchased online at mvscrappers.com, at the Mr. Rooter Box Office at Eastwood Field or by calling 330-505-0000.

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

YSU Baseball to Raise Funds and Awareness for Childhood Cancer

The Youngstown State baseball team will participate in the Lace Up 4 Pediatric Cancer event in conjunction with the Go4theGoal Foundation to raise funds and awareness to combat childhood cancer at its game this Friday against Valparaiso at Eastwood Field.

Players and coaches for Youngstown State and Valparaiso will wear yellow shoelaces to raise awareness for childhood cancer. All money from admission tickets, as well as a portion of concessions sales, will be donated to the Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley. Donations will also be accepted.

Tweet from @YSUBaseball: YSU Baseball to Raise Funds and Awareness for Childhood Cancer at Friday���s Game – Youngstown State https://t.co/GnCdwU0V9v

To reward fans for supporting both the cause and the Penguins, the Mahoning Valley Scrappers will give away a Jim Tressel bobblehead or Scrappers t-shirts or other giveaway items to the first 100 fans.

Additionally, YSU’s Team IMPACT player Jacob Sypert will throw out the first pitch at Friday’s game. Sypert is a seventh grader from McDonald, Ohio, who is a cancer survivor. He and the Penguins have been partnered together as part of the Team IMPACT program for the last two season.

Tweet from @YSUBaseball: Happy 1 Year Anniversary to our guy, Jacob, on signing his NLI to be a part of our program! @Sypert4 @GoTeamIMPACT pic.twitter.com/tWdduhn01x

“I think is so important for our baseball team to have a chance to be involved with a great organization and a great cause like Go4theGoal and children’s cancer,” YSU head coach Dan Bertolini said. “Our Team IMPACT player Jacob Sypert has been affected by childhood cancer, and his mother approached me this fall about getting involved. I got a chance to meet with Karen from Go4theGoal in January and I couldn’t be more excited about partnering with them.”

For more information on Go4theGoal, visit go4thegoal.org.

First pitch on Friday is set for 5 p.m. in game one of the key three-game Horizon League series against the Crusaders.

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

Scrappers Announce Colorburst 5K for 2017

ColorBurst 5K, producers of paint run events across America, in conjunction with the Mahoning Valley Scrappers are delighted to announce that the Second Annual ColorBurst 5K run will take place within the grounds of Eastwood Field on Saturday August 5, 2017. This family friendly 5K fun run will be staged in partnership with the Scrappers and will be held the same day as the team’s home game against the State College Spikes.

The CB5K experience brings people from all walks of life together in a technicolor burst of energy and excitement blending color, music and ‘good vibes’ against the backdrop of a 5K fun-run suitable for the entire family.

Tweet from @mvscrappers: Check out the 2016 Colorburst 5K

Where this event differs from the traditional 5Ks you may have experienced previously is in the two key elements of fun: amazing music and gallons of gloriously colored paint At each interval along the course, CB5K crew blast each participant with non-toxic, hypoallergenic, washable, water-based paint from the sidelines. Aside from this amazing twist on the typical 5K guests will be treated to an interactive pre-party and post-party at the fully branded CB5K stage with DJs, MCs, giveaways and family-focused fun.

The MV Scrappers will be working alongside main sponsors Fizek, Chevy All Stars & Braking Point Recovery Center to welcome ColorBurst 5K to Niles and a portion of the race ticket sale proceeds will go to the team’s charitable partner Akron Children’s Hospital-Mahoning Valley.

Tickets go on sale today here and there are a limited number of earlybird tickets available starting at $22.99.  Each ticket includes a voucher for entry to a Scrappers Game this season! Create your own team name & register with friends, or as an individual. As part of its commitment to making their event a family-friendly choice ColorBurst 5K include one child (12&under) registration free with every registered adult.

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

CAPTAINS ANNOUNCE 13TH ANNUAL CAPTAINS CHARITIES BASEBALL CLASSIC

(Eastlake, OH) – The Lake County Captains, the Class-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians, have announced the line-up for the 13TH Annual Captains Charities High School Baseball for 2017. Ten local high school teams will compete in five featured games over two days at Classic Park. Ticket proceeds from the event will be shared between the participating schools and Captains Charities, the non-profit charitable arm of the Lake County Captains organization.

The Captains have expanded the event from eight teams to 10 this year. The 2017 edition will allow two additional schools to raise money and will allow more kids to enjoy playing at Classic Park.

The Captains Charities Baseball Classic is scheduled for Friday, May 5 and Saturday, May 6. On May 5, the Chagrin Falls Tigers will play the Kenston Bombers, beginning at 4 PM, followed by the nightcap featuring the Twinsburg Tigers and the Mayfield Wildcats at 7 PM.

On May 6, the St. John Fighting Heralds will take on the Fairport Harbor Skippers at 11AM. Later on, the Kirtland Hornets will play the Beachwood Bison at 2PM, followed by the Eastlake North Rangers against the Willoughby South Rebels at 5 PM.

Tickets for the event will be just $6 each and will be available for purchase at each of the participating schools. Each school will receive 100 tickets to sell on their own for their specific day. Tickets to the games will also be available online at CaptainsBaseball.com and in person at the Captains Ticket Office during normal business hours, or by calling 440-954-WINS (9467). Daily tickets are good for all games that day.

The Captains open the 2017 season on April 8 at Classic Park against Dayton. Affordable ticket packages are available for purchase now and more information may be found at www.CaptainsBaseball.com.

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

Southpaw Asks Kids to “Hit the Books”

Watch Video of Reading Program

Southpaw 2.0 visited Big Island Elementary School Monday afternoon as part of the Hillcats “Hit the Books” Reading Program. The appearance marked Southpaw’s second public outing since he was introduced as the team’s new primary mascot January 9. Southpaw 2.0 made his public debut last week when he kicked off the “Hit the Books” Reading Program at Bass Elementary in Lynchburg.

Southpaw has already committed to visiting 31 schools over the next three months after traveling to 21 last year, and more schools continue to sign up on a regular basis. The bright-green, furry mascot will travel as far as 50 minutes away from Lynchburg City Stadium during his “Hit the Books” crusades.

“One of our organizational goals this offseason was to increase our community outreach in a number of areas,” said Hillcats President Chris Jones. “We’ve seen tremendous growth in our community outreach, beginning with our partnership with the Lynchburg Humane Society to kick off the year. Now we are expanding our support for local youth in the area, including a larger number of partnerships with little league teams as well as a greater number of schools participating in our reading program.”

In addition to increasing the number of participating schools, the Hillcats also worked with Lynchburg City Schools to write a new book that emphasizes the core values of Respect, Integrity, Learning and Teamwork. In “Southpaw Goes to School,” Southpaw practices each of the four values to “hit a home run.” Students learn about these four upstanding principles and how to apply them in life by following along as a Hillcats front office member reads the book and Southpaw acts it out on stage.

After learning about the importance of reading from Southpaw and the Hillcats staff, students have a chance to attend a Hillcats game by reading four books on their own. Once they do that, they receive two free General Admission tickets to one of five select Hillcats home games in April and May. The possible dates students can choose include a Fireworks Night and a fan giveaway night.

Season tickets and book ticket packages are on sale now by purchasing online or calling 434-528-1144. Individual game tickets, which include $6 General Admission, will go on sale soon. The Hillcats begin the 2017 season at home in a rematch of the 2016 Mills Cup Championship Series. Lynchburg will host the Myrtle Beach Pelicans Thursday, April 6, at 6:30 p.m. The Hillcats have made the playoffs a franchise-record five straight seasons. Schools interested in hosting Southpaw and the Hillcats staff to help students “Hit the Books” can contact Max Rettig at mrettig@lynchburg-hillcats.com.

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