MBF Grant Applications Available Now

MIDLAND, Mich. – The Michigan Baseball Foundation’s 2017 grant application cycle is now open.

Grant applications can be picked up at Dow Diamond or downloaded at Loons.com. All applications must be received by the Michigan Baseball Foundation via mail (825 E. Main St.; Midland, MI 48640), in person at Dow Diamond, or via email at cvanwert@loons.com. The deadline for the current cycle is February 17, 2017.

MBF has awarded 257 grants totaling $918,251 to non-profit organizations across 14 counties of the Great Lakes Bay Region over the past nine years.

To be considered for a grant from MBF, the organization must meet one or more of the following guidelines, which reflect the purposes for which the Michigan Baseball Foundation operates.

• Contributes to regional economic development by expanding employment opportunities and promoting the general welfare of the area.
• Based in the mid-Michigan area and serves young people.
• Funded project promotes amateur sports and fitness.

The Michigan Baseball Foundation will consider funding mid-Michigan non-profit organizations that use the grant money to fund projects; the grants are not intended to fund day-to-day operations. Primary consideration will be given to organizations in the Midland, Bay, Saginaw, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Genesee, Isabella, Tuscola, Huron, Arenac, Ogemaw, Sanilac and Iosco counties.

Grant recipients will be notified by the end of April 2017. Recipients will also be asked to respond to the Michigan Baseball Foundation Board of Directors on the success of the project for which the grant was used.

For more information contact Carol VanWert at 989.837.6144, or at cvanwert@loons.com.

The Michigan Baseball Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity that was founded in 2006 to create regional economic development through creative partnerships, and to enhance the efforts of regional organizations that serve young people. The Michigan Baseball Foundation owns and operates Dow Diamond, home of the Great Lakes Loons, a Single-A partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

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

Legends sponsor KSU students at winter meetings

                For the second consecutive year, the Lexington Legends are sponsoring a group of Kentucky State University students who will attend a job fair and seminars at professional baseball’s winter meetings.

Interested students had submitted applications for consideration.

The meetings began Sunday, and will continue through December 8 in National Harbor, Maryland. The winter meetings are an annual gathering of major league and minor league baseball personnel.   Some of major league baseball’s biggest player trades and free agent signings occur at winter meetings, but much of the agenda at the minor league level concerns the off-the-field business of professional baseball. The job fair, which the KSU students will attend, provides connections and opportunities for those who would like to work in baseball in a variety of areas, including promotions, ticket sales, community relations, media relations, broadcasting and others.

The students will also have an opportunity to attend any of the Bob Freitas seminars and workshops, which have been part of the winter meetings for more than 20 years and cover a wide range of baseball business topics.

“The Legends are pleased to partner with KSU again this year,” said Legends President/CEO Andy Shea. “We appreciate the students’ interest, and we think they will really enjoy the opportunity to learn first-hand from experts about a variety of careers in baseball.”

In addition to entry fees, the Legends are supporting the students through payment of hotel expenses and a one-year subscription to PBEO.com (Professional Baseball Employment Opportunities), the official employment service of minor league baseball.

The KSU students who are attending the meetings are Alea Cardenas, Jade Luckey, Makalah Kirkland, Joshua Dunn, Stephen Ferrell, Chae Butler, Cheryll Eskridge and James Stinson. Luckey, Dunn, Kirkland and Ferrell also attended the meetings in 2015.

The students are being accompanied by KSU officials, including head baseball coach Rob Henry.

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

Blue Rocks Announce 2016 Holiday Card Contest Winner

Wilmington, DE – The Wilmington Blue Rocks are excited to announce the winner of the 15th Annual Holiday Card Contest. Thousands of entries were received, but unfortunately, there could be just one winner. After a tough decision process, Rocky Bluewinkle, Mr. Celery and the rest of the Holiday Card Contest Committee decided that the overall winner was Vasiliki Gouvias, a 4th Grader from Loomis Elementary School in Broomall, PA. Her artwork will be featured on the cover of the Wilmington Blue Rocks Holiday Card. Vasiliki will be rewarded with a team-autographed baseball, a ceremonial first pitch and 10 tickets to a 2017 Blue Rocks game.

The Blue Rocks also selected honorable mention recipients, whose artwork will be displayed on the back of the Holiday Card. The art teachers of the winner and honorable mention designers will be contacted by a Blue Rocks representative in the next week. Those garnering honorable mentions honors are:

Dante Fortebuono
Kindergarten
St. Pius X School
Broomall, PA

Kaitlyn Aleardi
1st Grade
Villa Maria Academy
Immaculata, PA

Olivia Hardy
2nd Grade
Assumption B.V.M. School
West Grove, PA

Italia Fortebuono
3rd Grade
Loomis Elementary School
Broomall, PA

Samantha Dale
4th Grade
Mannington Township School
Mannington, NJ

Ariyah Davis
5th Grade
Major George S. Welch Elementary
Dover, DE.

Entries were received from students in Kindergarten thru 5th grade from Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey. The Wilmington Blue Rocks would like to thank all those who entered and wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season.

Each entrant will be rewarded with 2 tickets to a Blue Rocks game in 2017 as a thank you for participating. The tickets will be mailed to the participating teachers by February.

The Blue Rocks will celebrate their 25th season in 2017 and have plenty of fun in store for their fan base. Season seats, mini plans and group packages for the upcoming campaign are on sale now. The team’s annual holiday packages are on sale now through December 22. For more information, please see the team’s website at BlueRocks.com.

 www.bluerocks.com

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

St. Ambrose joins Bandit Scholars Program

DAVENPORT, IOWA – The Quad Cities River Bandits announce that a St. Ambrose University student from the Quad Cities region will be awarded the third yearly scholarship as part of the Bandit Scholars Program, expanding the largest scholarship program in all of Minor League Baseball. The inaugural St. Ambrose scholarship will be awarded to a rising junior during the 2017 River Bandits season and helps to ensure that neither the recipient nor their family has any financial obligations for tuition for the 2017-2018 academic year. River Bandits owner Dave Heller and Sister Joan Lescinski, CSJ, PhD, president of St. Ambrose, made the announcement at a press conference Monday at Modern Woodmen Park.

St. Ambrose joins Augustana College and Western Illinois University as the third participating school in the annual scholarship program for students from the Quad Cities region. This is the second consecutive year the River Bandits have added a scholarship to the Bandit Scholars Program, which was founded in 2009. With the addition of St. Ambrose, the Bandit Scholars Program now has an annual combined value of $60,000 for three scholarship recipients who also will earn the opportunity to work a paid internship with the River Bandits the following summer.

“Giving away these scholarships is the single most enjoyable thing I do as owner of the River Bandits,” said Heller. “This scholarship program is meant to enhance the Quad Cities, and St. Ambrose is one of the finest educational institutions in Iowa. They epitomize all that is great about our community and our region, and we are elated to team with them to provide a first-rate college education to a deserving area student and reward someone who has a demonstrated commitment not merely of academic excellence but also of giving back to this wonderful community.”

“St. Ambrose University is pleased to collaborate with the Quad Cities River Bandits organization as the newest member of the Bandit Scholars program,” Sr. Lescinski said. “Scholarships help many of our students to afford a quality education. In addition, St. Ambrose has had great success with outreach to community employers in developing paid internship opportunities. This new initiative with the River Bandits will help SAU students gain invaluable insights into minor league baseball operations.

“This partnership is another example of our commitment to collaborating with local businesses and corporations to make the Quad Cities an even better place to live and work.”

The new Bandit Scholarship will be administered by St. Ambrose. The award will be selected by a committee including St. Ambrose faculty and administration and the River Bandits’ ownership and general manager. Funds for the program are raised through various events throughout the year, including the Race to Home 5K, annual golf outing and more. Donations can be made to the Bandit Scholars Program year-round by mail or in person at Modern Woodmen Park.

The scholarships are open to current rising juniors who reside in any of the following counties: Henry, Mercer, Rock Island and Whiteside Counties on the Illinois side, and Cedar, Muscatine and Scott Counties on the Iowa side. Non-U.S. citizens and children or grandchildren of employees or owners of The Quad Cities River Bandits, employees of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues (NAPBL), employees or Board Members of St. Ambrose University, Augustana College, Western Illinois University and any member of the Scholarship Committee are ineligible for consideration.

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

BlueClaws Charities Completes Grant Program With Grants to 35 Local Partner Organizations

LAKEWOOD, NJ – BlueClaws Charities, the official 501c3 organization of the Lakewood BlueClaws, handed out grants to 35 partner organizations as part of their 8th annual grant distribution.

BlueClaws Charities Community Partner organizations, all 501c3s that work with the BlueClaws throughout the year, were eligible to apply for a grant and all organizations that applied for a grant received one.

Each applicant was asked to detail a specific use for the grant, with the requirement that all money received from BlueClaws Charities stays in Ocean & Monmouth Counties. A complete list can be found below.

“BlueClaws Charities is excited to support such a wide variety of outstanding, local, non-profit organizations,” said Jim DeAngelis, BlueClaws Charities Executive Director. “These organizations are on the ground working with the underserved in our communities, doing spectacular work. It is an honor for BlueClaws Charities to be able to assist.”

BlueClaws Charities, a registered 501c3 organization, raises money at all 70 BlueClaws home games. A 50/50 raffle, special jersey auctions, and miscellaneous programs are used to raise money during games. The annual “Phillies Winter Banquet,” “ALS Celebrity Waiter Event,” “Bowling With the BlueClaws,” and the “BlueClaws Charities Nine & Dine Golf Outing” are additional fundraising initiatives conducted by BlueClaws Charities.

“Our fans and donors have been tremendously supportive of BlueClaws Charities over the years, and this year was no exception,” said DeAngelis. “We look forward to another successful season in 2017!”

Below, find a list of organizations and programs supported through the annual BlueClaws Charities grant program:

  • ALS Association of Greater Philadelphia – For patient care services to help the 50 ALS patient families living in Monmouth & Ocean Counties.
  • American Heart Association – For their Heart Walk, a community event that encourages physical activity to help lower risk factors that can lead to heart disease.
  • Arc of Ocean County – For their mission of helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities be accepted and valued as citizens of the community.
  • Ashley Lauren Foundation – For assisting children with cancer and their families through direct financial assistance.
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ocean County – For providing group mentoring activities to children on their waiting list of 180 children, enabling them to be involved with the agency.
  • Boot Campaign – For raising awareness and assistance for military families and personnel especially relating to the unique challenges they face during and post-service.
  • Caregiver Volunteers – For defraying the cost of criminal background checks completed on volunteers prior to assignments.
  • Cheer Dream Scoliosis Foundation – For assisting children with medical needs in their facility.
  • Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation – For improving the quality of life for children and adults affected by the diseases.
  • Daniela’s Wish – For granting wishes to sick children in the community.
  • Dottie’s House – For providing safe housing for women and their children through a program that empowers them to become self-sufficient and free from violence.
  • Easter Seals New Jersey – For installing a new ram and deck to an existing residential home for Easter Seals program participants.
  • Exit 82 Theatre Company – For funding their 2017 production season with selected shows.
  • Tom Giannattasio Jr. Memorial Fund – For providing scholarships for Brick Township High Schools.
  • Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore – For supporting their summer outreach initiative Girls Are Great, which sends underserved girls to camp.
  • Go4TheGoal – For helping kids with cancer in the program achieve their goals.
  • Interfaith Hospitality Network – For supporting their mission of providing emergency shelter and other urgently needed services to a growing number of homeless families in Ocean County.
  • Kids Need More – For enhancing the lives of children, families, and young adults coping with cancer and life-threatening illness.
  • LADACIN Network – For enhancing the program offerings at their Adult Day Habilitation program with a new horticulture gardening and farming experience.
  • Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II Memorial Fund – For aiding their mission of aiding and assisting our wounded warriors and their families.
  • Mary’s Place By the Sea – For supporting the oncology massage program for women with cancer.
  • NJ Tears Foundation – For promoting pregnancy and infant loss awareness and support in Monmouth and Ocean Counties.
  • Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity – For assisting in building a home for a single mother and two children in Ocean County.
  • Ocean County Family Support Organization – For assisting in their spring camping trip for youth partnership.
  • Ocean Partnership for Children – For assisting needy youth families during the holiday season.
  • Ocean County Shrine Club – For the Shriners Hospital’s Surgical Navigation System for Children’s Spine Injuries.
  • Ocean County YMCA – For helping kids, families, and seniors in the community find the assets they need in YMCA programs and memberships regardless of incomes and backgrounds.
  • Ocean’s Harbor House – For supplementing the salary of a Life Skills counselor working with homeless youths in their Transitional Living Program.
  • Opportunity Knocks – For assisting in long-term community placement of the disabled.
  • Parents of Autistic Children – For providing a challenger sports league designed to offer a socialization opportunity for disabled students and developing peers in Ocean and Monmouth Counties.
  • Piece of the Puzzle – For technology to help students with autism learn and practice vocational skills.
  • Raising Hope for Others – For assisting the organization with financial costs for organizing and running their major fundraising events.
  • Salvation Army – For funding their feeding program for local underserved.
  • St. Vincent DePaul Society – For helping to fund temporary sheltering of local homeless.
  • United Way of Monmouth & Ocean Counties – For acquiring hats, coats, gloves, and scarves to help keep children warm this winter.

BlueClaws Charities, in addition to the grant program, supports hundreds of non-profit organizations with gift package donations, golf outing hole-in-one sponsorships, and specialty organizations such as OCEAN, Inc., a federal program that assists the less fortunate in the community. The “Tickets for Kids Program,” another BlueClaws Charities initiative, donates over 2,000 tickets to under-served youths in Lakewood and elsewhere in Ocean County.

Organizations that would like to become Community Partners can call Jim DeAngelis at 732-901-7000 ext 114. Community Partners raise money through a BlueClaws fundraiser outing and have the opportunity to volunteer in the FirstEnergy Park concession stands to raise additional funds. These organizations also receive exposure through on-field presentations, table displays, and on BlueClaws.com, plus they have special opportunities to hold events, such as charity walks, at FirstEnergy Park.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. They have led the South Atlantic League and New Jersey in attendance in each year of existence and will reach the 7-million fan plateau in 2017.

– BlueClaws Charities –

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

Trick-Or-Treat with Mason this Halloween!

COLUMBIA, SC – The costume is picked out. The candy bag will soon be over-flowing. Now, don’t miss your chance to enjoy the trick-or-treating with Mason! Fireflies Kids Club members (Not a Kids Club member? Sign up now) who submit an essay of 100 words or less titled, “Why I Want to Trick-or-Treat with Mason,” will have the chance to go door-to-door on Halloween with Columbia’s most adored Firefly.

Mason will join the winning youngster and his or her family and friends for a fun-filled hour of trick-or-treating on October 31. Essays can be dropped off at Spirit Communications Park, mailed or emailed to Mason:

Mason@ColumbiaFireflies.com

Attn: Mason

Spirit Communications Park

1640 Freed Street

Columbia, SC 29201

All submissions must be received by October 19 at 5:00 p.m. and Kids Club members are urged to include their names and contact information in their essays. Winners will be notified on October 24th.

Happy Halloween from Mason and the Fireflies!

Not a Kids Club member? Sign up now. It’s free to join and open to all kids 12 and younger.

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About the Columbia Fireflies

The Columbia Fireflies are the South Atlantic League affiliate of the New York Mets. The Fireflies play games across the southeast and mid-Atlantic regions, including against in-state rivals Charleston and Greenville. The team partnered with the city of Columbia and Hughes Development to construct Spirit Communications Park, a multi-use outdoor sports and entertainment venue at the center of the Commons at BullStreet development. The Columbia Fireflies are owned by Hardball Capital, owners of the Fort Wayne TinCaps of the Midwest League and the Chattanooga Lookouts of the Southern League. For more information, visit www.ColumbiaFireflies.com, or follow the Fireflies on Twitter (@ColaFireflies), Facebook (facebook.com/columbiafireflies) and all popular social media platforms.

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

Hot Rods to Host Annual Halloween Event

Bowling Green, KY – The Bowling Green Hot Rods announced on Wednesday that the team will once again celebrate Halloween at the ballpark by hosting the newly branded Hot RodderWeen event on Sunday, October 23. The free event will take place from 2-4 p.m., and will include a new haunted clubhouse tour, trick or treating, photo booth, costume contests, and more.

“Our Halloween event has become a staple on our offseason calendar and we love hosting this free event for the community,” said Hot Rods General Manager Eric C. Leach. “In addition to the costume contest and trick or treating, we are adding in a haunted clubhouse tour, which will be a lot of fun for both kids and adults.”

The Hot RodderWeen event will begin at 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 23 and will run until 4 p.m., rain or shine. Attendees are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes, as there will be a costume contest for both children and adults. The event is also dog-friendly (they must be on a leash) as the Hot Rods will have a special costume contest for all dogs in attendance.

Attendees will be able to trick or treat at various locations throughout the ballpark, including the Graves Gilbert Carousel and Van Meter Insurance Axle’s Adventureland playground. A photo booth will be set-up for families to document their outing at the ballpark. And the Body Shop, official merchandise store of the Hot Rods, will be open so fans can stock up on their favorite orange Hot Rods apparel. Hot dogs, popcorn, and soda will all be available for $1.00.

The Hot Rods welcome any community organization or business that would like to hand out candy at the event. If interested, please contact Jennifer Johnson at 270-901-2121 or by email via jjohnson@bghotrods.com.

The Hot Rods open their ninth season in South Central Kentucky on Thursday, April 6th against the Fort Wayne TinCaps. Mini-plans and season tickets are now available for the 2017 season at the Hot Rods front office and online at BGHotRods.com.

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Hot Rods Baseball – #FanDriven

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

B-Mets Issue Reading Challenge To Binghamton Schools

BINGHAMTON, NY – On Wednesday, September 21, 2016 the Binghamton Mets issued a reading challenge to all of the elementary schools within the Binghamton Central School District. The grand prize – the winning school will assist the Double-A Mets Affiliate with the announcement of their new team name in November.

It was important for the organization to partner with the local Binghamton Central School District elementary schools as a way of furthering our ties to the local Binghamton community. At the end of the day, the Double-A Mets Affiliate will proudly say “Binghamton” right across the chest of the jerseys. Therefore, we are proud to partner with Calvin Coolidge, Benjamin Elementary, Horace Mann, MacArthur, Theodore Roosevelt, Thomas Jefferson, Woodrow Wilson, and St. John’s for this friendly challenge amongst the Binghamton schools.

From September 21st through October 21st the Binghamton Mets are looking to see which of the eight schools can read the most combined minutes per student. Each student within the district has been provided with an Independent Reading log to track his or her progress. For the entire month (as well as the entire school year) students will keep track of all their time spent reading within the classroom and outside the classroom. On October 24th all schools will submit their final data for the Binghamton Mets staff to review. After all of the data is reviewed the Binghamton Mets will announce the winners of the reading challenge that same week.

The winning school will then be bused and provided lunch at NYSEG Stadium in November for the unveiling of the new team.

For more information please call 607.723.METS or email eddie@bmets.com.

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

Dragons to Host Fifth Third Bank College Prep Night

Dayton, Ohio – The Dayton Dragons and Fifth Third Bank will hold College Prep Night, a free educational event for prospective college students, at Fifth Third Field on Wednesday, September 28 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. College Prep Night is a one-stop college resource event to guide incoming college students and their parents through the process of planning an educational path. High school students can talk to representatives from many of the region’s top colleges, and one lucky student in attendance will win a $1,000 college scholarship.

More than 1,000 students and their guests attend and more than 40 colleges and universities participate in this free event. Among the colleges scheduled to appear are Miami (Ohio) University, Purdue University, University of Cincinnati, University of Dayton, University of Kentucky, Wright State University, and many more schools from around the region. Representatives will be on hand to answer whatever questions that students might have about college life at each particular school.

The $1,000 scholarship will be given away during the event to one lucky college-bound student. To be entered to win, parents or students must RSVP before the event at www.daytondragons.com/collegeprep and must attend the event.

In addition to visiting with the different schools, students and parents can participate in many of the dynamic, informative workshops that will tell them everything they need to know about college. Fifth Third Bank will educate attendees on navigating financial aid and how to pay for college.

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

PBC Winners: Two scholarships awarded

Chuck the Power Mascot and Chelsie Kelley of Subway Development of WV with scholarship winner Tori Ward.

Charleston, WV (September 6, 2016) – On Saturday, September 3, the West Virginia Power, in conjunction with Subway Development of West Virginia and Greg Hammond, announced the first winners of the Power Baseball Charities Scholarships. Tori Ward and Greg Lail were selected as the first recipients of the reoccurring scholarships.

In May of this season, Power Baseball Charities unveiled a new scholarship program, underwritten by Subway Development of West Virginia and Greg Hammond. Power Baseball Charities, a 501c3, accepted applications from local high school baseball and softball players for two reoccurring $1,000 scholarships.

Any graduating senior residing in Kanawha or surrounding counties who would be attending any post-secondary institution on a full-time basis this fall and had participated in either varsity baseball or softball was eligible to apply for the scholarship. Applications were received and reviewed by a three-member panel, who determined the scholarship winners based on a variety of criteria, including outstanding citizenship, a demonstrated role in bettering the community and on the merit of their academic and athletic achievements.

Tori Ward is a graduate of Poca High School. She was a three-year member of the National Honor Society, a four-year member of the Poca varsity softball team, a member of the varsity cheerleading squad. Miss Ward is currently attending Glenville State College, where she is continuing her softball career and majoring in behavioral science.

Greg Lail is a graduate of Van Junior-Senior High School and is also attending Glenville State College. He graduated from high school with a 4.0 grade point average and at the top of his class. Mr. Lail is playing both football and baseball for the Pioneers while majoring in business management with intentions on going to dental school after college.

For more information on the Power Baseball Charities Scholarship Program, underwritten by Subway Development of West Virginia and Greg Hammond, please contact the West Virginia Power front office at 304-344-2287.

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

TD Bank Presents Kids Run the Show Aug. 19

MANCHESTER, N.H. – The New Hampshire Fisher Cats announced today that the team has signed 13 young fans to one-day front office contracts. Presented by TD Bank, “Kids Run the Show” will give these youngsters, ages 6-16, a chance to orchestrate the fun and excitement of a Fisher Cats game on Friday, August 19.

Key positions on New Hampshire’s staff will be filled as follows:

General Manager: Mark Basnett – Manchester, NH

Radio Broadcaster: Logan Purvis – Manchester, NH

PA Announcer: Mitchell Forman – Hudson, NH

Group Sales Manager: Aiden Daniel – Fremont, NH

Public Relations Director: Brandon Lurvey – Concord, NH

Guest Services Manager: Maddy Dionne – Henniker, NH

Promotions Assistant: Malachy Crowell – Derry, NH

Groundskeeper: Graham Kuhlmann – Manchester, NH

Scorekeeper: Owen Moushegian – Nashua, NH

Box Office Director: Zachary Levigne – Manchester, NH

Ticket Takers/Ushers:

Isabelle Henderson – Lawrence, MA

Emily King – Nashua, NH

Christian Morency – Manchester, NH

“This is such an exciting event every year, watching young kids experience a night at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium the way we do,” said Fisher Cats President and General Manager Rick Brenner. “Our goal is to create as much fun and excitement as possible for all of our fans, and partnering with TD Bank for this promotion is one of the most unique ways we do that.”

“TD Bank is proud to support the New Hampshire Fisher Cats and what better way to do so then to sponsor Kids Run the Show,” said Steve Webb, NH Market President. “The lucky kids chosen get to learn about all the details and hard work that go on behind the scenes for each and every game…and develop an even deeper love for the game of baseball.”

Friday’s game will feature live music from local artist David Anthony and a spectacular Atlas Fireworks show after the final out. The Fisher Cats will host the Altoona Curve (Pittsburgh Pirates Double-A affiliate), with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Tickets are available now at nhfishercats.com/tickets.

About TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank®

TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank, is one of the 10 largest banks in the U.S., providing more than 8 million customers with a full range of retail, small business and commercial banking products and services at approximately 1,300 convenient locations throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Metro D.C., the Carolinas and Florida. In addition, TD Bank and its subsidiaries offer customized private banking and wealth management services through TD Wealth®, and vehicle financing and dealer commercial services through TD Auto Finance. TD Bank is headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J. To learn more, visitwww.tdbank.com. Find TD Bank on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/TDBankand on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TDBank_US.

TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank, is a member of TD Bank Group and a subsidiary of The Toronto-Dominion Bank of Toronto, Canada, a top 10 financial services company in North America. The Toronto-Dominion Bank trades on the New York and Toronto stock exchanges under the ticker symbol “TD”. To learn more, visit www.td.com.

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

Michael Edwards Awarded FSL Scholarship

Daytona Beach, FL – The Daytona Tortugas, in conjunction with the Florida State League and the Miami Marlins, are proud to award the franchise’s second Florida State League Scholarship to Account Executive Michael Edwards.

Edwards, a native of nearby DeLand, is prepping for his junior year at the University of Florida.

“It means a lot [to win the scholarship]. I appreciate the opportunity to earn a scholarship, and winning it meant even more since it is the first scholarship I’ve ever been chosen for,” Edwards explained.

The Florida State League Scholarship Committee awarded twelve (12) $1,500 educational scholarships to applicants from each team in the league. The award is based both on financial need and a grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Students eligible for this award must be an employee, or the child or grandchild of an employee, of the participating club and must be at least a high school junior by the 2016 fall term.

“I didn’t want to pass up the opportunity to gain experience [with the Tortugas]. Working in the front office of a sports team is what I eventually hope to be doing,” said Edwards, a sports management major, about the internship.

The Miami Marlins have sponsored this program for more than 16 years and have contributed over $160,000 to the Florida State League Program.

The Daytona Tortugas honored Edwards prior to a home game on July 25th at Radiology Associates Field at Jackie Robinson Ballpark. In addition, he was also mentioned during a pre-game ceremony at the Miami Marlins game on Sunday, July 31st, along with the other Florida State League team award winners.

Edwards, now back at school, enjoyed his summer in the FSL.

“It was great! I learned a good amount and got to do things that I never expected to be doing. It was definitely tiring at times, but working through those long homestands will help me in the long run!”

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

NYPL Announces 2016 Scholarship Contest

AUBURN, NY – The Class-A Short-Season New York-Penn League and its member clubs are proud to announce that the league’s philanthropic arm, the NYPL Charitable Foundation, will once again award over $10,000 in scholarships this summer to deserving high school graduates from the league’s 14 markets.

Now in its eighth year, the 2016 NYPL Scholarship Contest is open to any graduating senior from a public or private high school within the league’s footprint. Any student who has been accepted at a two- or four-year college or university, vocational school, or technical education institution is eligible. Applicants will be judged based on academic performance, volunteer and extracurricular activities, and the impact their local NYPL club and Minor League Baseball have had on their lives.

The scholarship contest will consist of two stages – a local round and a league round. In the local stage, students will apply directly to their local NYPL team, with one applicant chosen by each of the 14 teams to advance to the league/final round. The 14 finalists will then be judged by league representatives. Three pplicants will be selected to receive the top prize of a $2,500 scholarship. All other finalists will receive a $250 book award.

“The New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation and our 14 member clubs are pleased to have the opportunity to assist outstanding high school seniors within our league’s footprint for the eighth consecutive season,” said Ben J. Hayes, President of the New York-Penn League. “This program will again recognize those seniors who not only meet and exceed traditional scholarship criteria, but demonstrate the positive community impact and lifelong memories fostered by their local NYPL clubs throughout the year.”

Local High school seniors interested in entering the 2016 Scholarship Contest can download the application by clicking here.

The deadline to submit applications to the nearest NYPL team is May 20, 2016. Each club’s winner, including the three $2,500 scholarship recipients, will be selected in mid-June.

The New York-Penn League and its 14 member clubs created the New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation, a 501(c) (3) charitable organization, in 2003. The mission of the Foundation is to provide focus and support for the collective and individual charitable and community efforts of the New York-Penn League, its Clubs, and their staff.

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

6th Annual Cutters 5K to Benefit CDC

The Williamsport Crosscutters, in partnership with the Children’s Development Center, will be holding the 6th Annual Cutters 5K on Saturday, June 25th at BB&T Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field.

The race, through Williamsport’s West End, begins at 9am with registration open at 8am. The course has runners starting outside the ballpark entrance with the final sprint inside the stadium finishing at home plate. Both runners and walkers are encouraged to take part in the event.

All proceeds from the event benefit the Children’s Development Center of Williamsport. Since 1923, the CDC has been providing services to children with special needs from birth to 21 years of age. Last year’s event attracted almost 200 participants. Since its inception, almost $60,000 has been raised for the CDC through this event.

“Hope Enterprises and its Children’s Development Center strive every day to accomplish its mission of serving children and their families in this area. Due to the tremendous community support Hope has received over the years, we are able to meet the very specific needs of those we serve. As an example of that support, we are extremely proud and fortunate to partner with the Williamsport Crosscutters and their 5K run” stated Hope Enterprises President, Jim Campbell.

Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in seven male and female age categories. In addition to the prize awards, the top male and female runners will throw out ceremonial first pitches at the Williamsport Crosscutters game on July 1st. Prizes will also be awarded to the top three male and female walkers. The event will also feature a new Kids Fun Run, free for children age 10 and under. All kids participating will receive an award.

“We are proud to partner with the CDC annually on this event. It just keeps growing every year”, said Cutters Vice-President of Marketing Gabe Sinicropi.

Registration is $15 in advance and $20 on race day. All participants receive a race t-shirt (while supplies last), and a ticket to the July 1st Crosscutters vs. Batavia MuckDogs game at 7:05pm. Registration forms and more information are available online at crosscutters.com, at the Crosscutters offices at BB&T Ballpark or the CDC offices located at 625 W. Edwin St.   Sponsorships of the event are also still available.

The Crosscutters open the 2016 season on June 17 against the State College Spikes at BB&T Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field. The full schedule, along with detailed information on ticket packages, is available at www.crosscutters.com or by calling the Cutters at (570) 326-3389.

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

NYPL Announces Scholarship Contest

The Class-A Short-Season New York-Penn League and its member clubs are proud to announce that the league’s philanthropic arm, the NYPL Charitable Foundation, will once again award over $10,000 in scholarships this summer to deserving high school graduates from the league’s 14 markets.

Now in its eighth year, the 2016 NYPL Scholarship Contest is open to any graduating senior from a public or private high school within the league’s footprint. Any student who has been accepted at a two- or four-year college or university, vocational school, or technical education institution is eligible. Applicants will be judged based on academic performance, volunteer and extracurricular activities, and the impact their local NYPL club and Minor League Baseball have had on their lives.

The scholarship contest will consist of two stages – a local round and a league round. In the local stage, students will apply directly to their local NYPL team, with one applicant chosen by each of the 14 teams to advance to the league/final round. The 14 finalists will then be judged by league representatives. Three pplicants will be selected to receive the top prize of a $2,500 scholarship. All other finalists will receive a $250 book award.

“The New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation and our 14 member clubs are pleased to have the opportunity to assist outstanding high school seniors within our league’s footprint for the eighth consecutive season,” said Ben J. Hayes, President of the New York-Penn League. “This program will again recognize those seniors who not only meet and exceed traditional scholarship criteria, but demonstrate the positive community impact and lifelong memories fostered by their local NYPL clubs throughout the year.”

High school seniors interested in entering the 2016 Scholarship Contest can obtain the official application from their local NYPL club, or by visiting the league’s official website, NewYork-PennLeague.com.  Download Application Here

The deadline to submit applications to the nearest NYPL team is May 20, 2016. Each club’s winner, including the three $2,500 scholarship recipients, will be selected in mid-June.

The New York-Penn League and its 14 member clubs created the New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation, a 501(c) (3) charitable organization, in 2003. The mission of the Foundation is to provide focus and support for the collective and individual charitable and community efforts of the New York-Penn League, its Clubs, and their staff.

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