Dragons 5K at Day Air Ballpark this Saturday

Dayton, Ohio– The annual Dragons 5K presented by Orthopedic Associates is taking place this Saturday, July 16 at 8AM at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District.

Early race bag and bib pickup for participants will take place on Friday, July 15 from 8AM to 6PM at Day Air Ballpark located in front of the Dragons Box Office. Anyone not able to make early race bag pickup can pick up their bag and race bib before the race beginning at 7AM on Saturday, July 16.

Fans can still sign up online at https://runsignup.com/Race/OH/Dayton/Dragons5KOH or Friday during pre-race bag pickup. You can also sign up on the day of the race starting at 7AM.

All race participants (including virtual) will receive four (4) tickets to a Dragons game, Dragons 5K shirt, Dragons hat, and finisher’s medal. The registration fee for adults is $35 and $20 for youth 17 and under. For the virtual race option, there is an additional charge of $10 for swag bag shipping or they can pick-up the week following the 5K at the Dragons Box Office.

The race will begin at 8AM and participants may choose to run or walk the course. Baby strollers are also permitted. The course will move through downtown Dayton and end back at the ballpark.

Following the race, Heater, Gem, and the Green Team will be joined by representatives from Orthopedic Associates, WDTN, Air Force Marathon, Orangetheory Fitness and more! Fun activities including face painting, inflatables, and a Dragons 5K photobooth will also be set up on the plaza after the race. Fruit and water will be distributed to participants just outside the main gate.

Once race results are finalized, winners will be posted on the Dragons 5K race page and will be contacted via email with information on how to claim their prizes. The top three male and female overall finishers will receive a specially engraved baseball bat and be honored during a special inning break at a Dragons game. Awards will also be given out to the top 3 overall males and females in each age group and top 3 finishing groups. Top groups will receive great group prizes and the grand prize is a luxury suite to a Dragons game in 2023!

For any Dragons 5K related questions, please visit the Dragons 5K race page or contact Jake Arthur, [email protected].

The 2022 Dragons 5K is being presented by Orthopedic Associates. As the regional leader in comprehensive orthopedic care, Orthopedic Associate’s passion is helping Dayton’s families get back to doing what they love. Orthopedic Associates is proud to be the trusted orthopedic provider serving your Dayton Dragons for more than a decade. Learn more at www.BonesFixed.com_._

Dragons 5K at Day Air Ballpark, July 16

Dayton, Ohio– The annual Dragons 5K presented by Orthopedic Associates is taking place Saturday, July 16, at 8AM at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District. The event began in 2011 and has become a local tradition as one of the largest races in the Miami Valley region, featuring over 2,000 people each year.

The Dragons 5K will continue offering a virtual option for those that prefer that method. Participants that sign up for the virtual option can complete the race on their own time then input their time online by July 16.

All race participants (including virtual) will receive four (4) tickets to a Dragons game, Dragons 5K shirt, Dragons hat, and finisher’s medal. The registration fee is $30 for ages 18 and up and $20 for ages 17 and under. The registration fee will increase to $35 after July 8, so be quick to register before this price increase. For the virtual race option, there is an additional charge of $10 for swag bag shipping or they can pick-up the week following the 5K at the Dragons Box Office.

Fans can still sign up online at https://runsignup.com/Race/OH/Dayton/Dragons5KOH or by visiting the Dragons Box Office at Day Air Ballpark between the hours of 10AM and 5PM. You can also sign up on the day of the race starting at 7AM.

Early race bag and bib pickup for participants will take place on Friday, July 15 from 8AM to 6PM at Day Air Ballpark located in front of the Dragons Box Office. Anyone not able to make early race bag pickup can pick up their bag and race bib before the race beginning at 7AM on Saturday, July 16.

The race will begin at 8AM and participants may choose to run or walk the course. Baby strollers are also permitted. The course will move through downtown Dayton and end back at the ballpark. Following the race, fruit and water will be distributed to participants.

Once race results are finalized, winners will be posted on the Dragons 5K race page and will be contacted via email with information on how to claim their prizes. The top three male and female overall finishers will receive a specially engraved baseball bat and be honored during a special inning break at a Dragons game. Awards will also be given out to the top 3 overall males and females in each age group and top 3 finishing groups. Top groups will receive great group prizes and the grand prize is a luxury suite to a Dragons game in 2023!

For any Dragons 5K related questions, please visit the Dragons 5K race page or contact Jake Arthur, [email protected].

The 2022 Dragons 5K is being presented by Orthopedic Associates. As the regional leader in comprehensive orthopedic care, Orthopedic Associate’s passion is helping Dayton’s families get back to doing what they love. Orthopedic Associates is proud to be the trusted orthopedic provider serving your Dayton Dragons for more than a decade. Learn more at www.BonesFixed.com_._

Ohio’s 529 CollegeAdvantage Scholarship Giveaway

Dayton, Ohio – Ohio’s 529 Plan, CollegeAdvantage will present educators and students with a $529 scholarship during the Dragons game against the West Michigan Whitecaps on Thursday, July 7.

These recipients participated in the Dragons MVP Program this year and had entered themselves in for a chance to win a CollegeAdvantage 529 College Savings Award. Ohio’s 529 CollegeAdvantage is a proud partner of the Dragons MVP Program.

The Dragons MVP Program, 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 in the classroom. The use and distribution of the awards we’re offering are entirely up to each teacher. Each teacher is the sole judge and jury in how to use the Dayton Dragons MVP ‘tool’ in their classroom. The MVP Program has run for 17 years and reaches to over 1,000 classrooms and additionally reaches over 30,000 students!

Fourth and fifth grade teachers in a five-county area (Clark, Greene, Miami, Montgomery, and Warren counties) receive award kits to recognize five students in their classroom. MVP Students receive a certificate awarding them as a Dragons MVP, a special MVP hat, 4 tickets to a Dragons game, and exclusive access to the Dragons MVP Zone.

To learn more about starting a College Savings Plan, visit collegeadvantage.com

To learn more about the Dragons MVP Program, please visit daytondragons.com/mvp

More Information:_ The Dayton Dragons are the affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play a 66-game home schedule at beautiful Day Air Ballpark_ in the heart of the Water Street District. Individuals and groups seeking information about Dayton Dragons group tickets, lawn tickets, the season ticket wait list, sponsorship opportunities or booking a Dragons speaker are encouraged to contact the Dragons by calling at (937) 228-2287, emailing at [email protected], or on the web at daytondragons.com.

Dragons to Recognize “Hometown Heroes” Honorees During Game on July 4

DRAGONS TO RECOGNIZE “HOMETOWN HEROES” HONOREES DURING GAME ON JULY 4

Dayton, Ohio — The Dayton Dragons will recognize the 1487th Transportation Company of the U.S. Army as “Hometown Heroes” during a special inning break of the Dragons game on Monday, July 4 against the West Michigan Whitecaps at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District. The game will start at 7:05p.m.

The Dayton Dragons shine the spotlight on the military, past and present, through the Hometown Heroes program. This program hosts military families at every Dragons game, recognizing outstanding military organizations, groups, and individuals.

Since its inception in 1873, the 1487th transportation company has participated in World War I, World War II, the Gulf War, and the Global War of Terror. Coming out of the Gulf War, the unit was designated as the “Iron Camels” due to their efforts in transporting vital supplies of food and water across Kuwait.

In 2020, the unit was called to transport critical supplies in Southwest Asia in support of Operations Spartan Shield (OSS) and Inherent Resolve (OIR.) From March to December of 2020, the Iron Camels successfully completed transportation missions including driving over 500,000 individual miles and supporting 115 military units. They conducted 90 missions to the Khabari Crossing in Kuwait, trans-loading multi-class supplies in support of OIR operations. These missions included the transport of Counter-Terrorism Equipment Fund Class VII for divestment operations and the retrograde of multi-class supplies.

In recognition of their efforts, they were awarded the Army Meritorious Unit Commendation for their exceptional conduct in performance of outstanding achievement and service. The award, which dates back to 1944, is only granted to units who exemplify these efforts for six continuous months or more, during military operations against an armed enemy.

The emblem is a scarlet ribbon with a gold, laurel leaf frame and is to be worn by service members on the right breast of their service coat.

The Dayton Dragons Hometown Heroes program is made possible by the generous support of the Dayton Development Coalition, Reynolds & Reynolds, and the Dayton Dragons. For more information, please visit daytondragons.com/hometownheroes.

CareSource, Dragons Team Up to Honor Local Veteran

CareSource Veteran Salute Honors William Zimmerman on June 26

DAYTON, Ohio –CareSource and the Dayton Dragons will host United States Navy veteran William Zimmerman during the CareSource Veteran Salute Program on Sunday, June 26, 2022, at 1:05PM when the Dayton Dragons take on the Lake County Captains at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District. Sunday will be the third of five special CareSource Veteran Salute dates of the 2022 season.

The CareSource Veteran Salute Program provides veterans in the Dayton region with a once-in-a-lifetime experience to celebrate their service to their country. Each honoree has their story shared in front of the crowd at Day Air Ballpark, followed by a standing ovation in appreciation of the veteran’s hard work and dedication both in military and civilian accomplishments.

William Zimmerman’s Story

William Zimmerman, born and raised in Tipp City, graduated from Tippecanoe High School in 1964. He wanted to serve his country and enlisted in the Navy in December of 1965. William served 21 years in the military; four years active duty and 17 years in the reserves.

William began his career with the Navy in Pensacola, Florida. He was then moved to Long Beach, California for his second tour of duty. William recorded aviation flight information and repairs on assigned aircraft. His Vietnam service was aboard the USS Enterprise which was the first nuclear-powered ship to engage in combat by utilizing her aircraft against the Viet Cong at the height of the Vietnam War. In July of 1969, William returned to the United States – very happy to see the beautiful Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco as his ship drew nearer.

William continued to serve in the Naval Reserves until he retired in February of 1990. While in the reserves, he decided to attend college and graduated in 1981 from Edison State Community College with a degree in Business Management. He played basketball while in college and even started his own income tax business that continued for 40 years.

William was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal with a Bronze Star and many other service and campaign medals. He exemplifies a veteran who loves his community and continues to give back through his local church and volunteering for local causes. William has two children, three grandchildren, and resides in New Carlisle with his wife, Janel. He enjoys spending time with his family, bowling, watching the Reds, and attending Dragons games. He recently started reading more routinely and has read over 200 books in the last three years.

To nominate a veteran in your life for the Veteran Salute Program, please visit daytondragons.com/veteransalute today.

CareSource’s Veteran Salute program highlights five veterans’ stories during the course of each season. Veterans who are chosen are honored at a Dragons game with an in-game ceremony and provided with VIP treatment during their special night. The program is an extension of CareSource’s continued commitment to serving special populations and its new efforts to support veterans through innovative health and life services programs. For more information about the Veteran Salute program, visit www.daytondragons.com/veteransalute.

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Pink Ribbon Girls Survivor Celebration Night at the Ballpark

Dayton, Ohio – The Pink Ribbon Girls (PRG) and the Dayton Dragons will host a Survivor Celebration on Tuesday, June 21, at 7:00 p.m., when the Dayton Dragons take on the Lake County Captains at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District.

The Pink Ribbon Girls provide transportation to and from treatment, housecleaning kits, and peer support and education to breast and gynecological cancer patients at their greatest time of need. The organization has the mission of making sure “No one travels this road alone” and serves anyone regardless of their age, stage, or socio-economic status.

The Pink Ribbon Girls will be in attendance at the game to promote awareness and to celebrate the breast cancer and gynecological cancer survivors they have helped. Proceeds from the Dragons 50/50 for the entire week (June 21 to June 26) will go towards the services and programs of the Pink Ribbon Girls.

If you want to learn more about how you can help support The Pink Ribbon Girls, check out their website here at: pinkribbongirls.org

Joey Chiulli, 6-year-old cancer survivor, will celebrate his Anthem Home Run for Life at a Dragons Game

 

 

Dayton, Ohio—Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Ohio and the Dayton Dragons will host 6-year-old Joey Chiulli during the iconic Anthem Home Run for Life program on Wednesday, June 22, when the Dayton Dragons take on the Lake County Captains at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District.

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

Joey’s Story

In November of 2018, Joe Chiulli was experiencing extreme pain in his legs along with several respiratory infections. As he battled through the difficulties of breathing, the pain in his legs forced him to stop walking. His parents had exhausted all medical options to find a remedy to their son’s pain, but little help was found.

For six months, Joe continued to suffer intense pain until a nurse noticed severe bloating in his abdomen. The medical staff sent Joey into testing, and a biopsy confirmed Joey had acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), a type of cancer found in the bone marrow of children. He underwent nine blood transfusions, a lumbar puncture, and a bone marrow transplant.

The ‘induction’ phase of the cancer treatment journey was extremely tough on Joe. The medications and steroids created negative reactions physically, mentally, and emotionally. This four-year-old faced extreme anxiety, anger, and depression. His reaction led doctors to believe he was chemo resistant – less than 10% of cancer patients fall into this category. As a result, his medical team included Joey in a new medical study where doctors targeted cancer genetically.

As April 2019 rolled around, Joey’s thigh still hurt more than the rest of his body. A CT scan showed an abscess on this thigh; the infection was growing into his femur. Doctors immediately drained his bone three times to remove the disease. Finally, the road to recovery could begin, and Joey relearned how to walk.

Joey is in ‘long term maintenance’ having had his final spinal on June 17, 2022. Joey will be heading into first grade at Liberty Elementary and is wise beyond his years. He says, “if we all stay strong, everything will be ok.”

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Dayton Dragons applaud all those who have been instrumental in Joe’s life, including his family, Dr. Dolé, and his entire medical team.

To learn more about Anthem Home Run for Life, please visit www.daytondragons.com/hrfl.

More Information:_ The Dayton Dragons are the affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play a 66-game home schedule at beautiful Day Air Ballpark_ in the heart of the Water Street District. Individuals and groups seeking information about Dayton Dragons group tickets, lawn tickets, the season ticket wait list, sponsorship opportunities or booking a Dragons speaker are encouraged to contact the Dragons by calling at (937) 228-2287, emailing at [email protected], or on the web at daytondragons.com.

 

Dragons to Recognize “Hometown Heroes” Honorees During Game on June 12

Dayton, Ohio — The Dayton Dragons will recognize Army recruits of the Miami Valley as “Hometown Heroes” during a special inning break of the Dragons game on Sunday, June 12 against the Great Lakes Loons at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District. The game will start at 1:05 p.m.

The Dayton Dragons shine the spotlight on the military, past and present, through the Hometown Heroes program. This program hosts military families at every Dragons game, recognizing outstanding military organizations, groups, and individuals.

Everyone who joins the military has one thing in common: they have sworn in by repeating either the military Oath of Enlistment or Oath of Office. During the game on Sunday, future soldiers of the United States Army will be taking a solemn oath of enlistment, marking the beginning of selfless service to their nation.

The Dayton Dragons Hometown Heroes program is made possible by the generous support of the Dayton Development Coalition, Reynolds & Reynolds, and the Dayton Dragons. For more information, please visit daytondragons.com/hometownheroes.

CareSource, Dragons Team Up to Honor Local Veteran

DAYTON, Ohio –CareSource and the Dayton Dragons will host United States Marine veteran Robert De Roziere during the CareSource Veteran Salute Program on Sunday, June 5, 2022, at 1: 05PM when the Dayton Dragons take on the South Bend Cubs at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District. Sunday will be the second of five special CareSource Veteran Salute dates of the 2022 season.

The CareSource Veteran Salute Program provides veterans in the Dayton region with a once-in-a-lifetime experience to celebrate their service to their country. Each honoree has their story shared in front of the crowd at Day Air Ballpark, followed by a standing ovation in appreciation of the veteran’s hard work and dedication both in military and civilian accomplishments.

Robert De Roziere’s Story

Robert De Roziere, born and raised in Kettering, graduated from Miami University with a degree in Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs in December of 1987. He always wanted to serve his country. He was commissioned as an officer (2nd Lieutenant) in the Marine Corps in 1987. Robert served 31 years in the military; 11 years active duty and 20 years in the reserves.

Robert began his career with the Marines in 1988 at Camp Pendleton in California. He served as Company Radio Officer/Operations Officer and deployed with the 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade during Operation Desert Shield/Storm. Robert was quickly promoted to First Lieutenant. After his deployment, his second tour of duty lead him and his family to Philadelphia where he assisted in recruiting. He was then promoted to Captain in 1992.

In 1994, Robert’s third tour of duty brought him to Quantico where he was assigned to Marine Corps Systems Command and earned his master’s degree in Telecommunications in 1998. He left active duty and transferred to the Marine Corps Reserve in Cincinnati. In 2003, Robert was deployed and served in Operation Enduring Freedom/Iraqi Freedom.

Robert was awarded the Legion of Merit which is presented by the President of the United States and many other services and campaign medals. He exemplifies a veteran who loves his community by sharing his service journey and appreciating the three decades of leadership, structure, and growth he gained. Robert has four sons, 13 grandchildren, and resides in Middletown with his wife. He enjoys spending time with his family, attending sporting events, and staying busy at his home.

To nominate a veteran in your life for the Veteran Salute Program, please visit daytondragons.com/veteransalute today.

CareSource’s Veteran Salute program highlights five veterans’ stories during the course of each season. Veterans who are chosen are honored at a Dragons game with an in-game ceremony and provided with VIP treatment during their special night. The program is an extension of CareSource’s continued commitment to serving special populations and its new efforts to support veterans through innovative health and life services programs. For more information about the Veteran Salute program, visit www.daytondragons.com/veteransalute.

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Dragons to Recognize “Community All Stars” Recipient During Game on June 2

Dayton, Ohio — The Dayton Dragons will recognize a “Community All-Stars” recipient during a special inning break of the Dragons game tonight, Thursday, June 2nd, against the South Bend Cubs at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District. The game will start at 7:05 p.m.

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

More than a decade ago, a group of Dayton business leaders got together to brainstorm how to get more kids exposed to adventures and careers in aviation, aeronautics, and other STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) related fields.

What came of those meetings was more than just a curriculum, it was an adventure for campers that has now become known as Air Camp, and it’s based right here in the Dayton region.

Air Camp provides campers from 4th grade through high school with a hands-on, educational adventure in aviation and aeronautics every summer. Each camp offers something specific for students and they’re all bolstered with resources to continue their growth in STEM education. There are even camps that teachers can be a part of that allow them to take the curriculum back to all of their students in the fall.

Air Camp students take flight ground school, chart their course and fly as a student pilot. They also explore exciting aviation sites around Dayton, and they get to go behind the scenes and meet scientists from the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright Patterson AFB.

The first Air Camp back in 2010 started with just 40 students, but since those humble beginnings, their reach has soared, connecting with over 33,000 students and 88 teachers from 33 states just last year.

Expanding Air Camp’s mission and their programming is made possible only through the generosity of local donors, and their fundraising efforts make it possible for them to make the program accessible and affordable to anyone who wishes to be a part of the camp. There is so much more on the horizon for Air Camp, and each donor is pivotal to opening greater opportunities for every camper.

For all their efforts to bring STEM education to all, Air Camp is being honored as a Dragons Community All Star. If you want to learn more about how you can help support Air Camp check out their website at aircampusa.org/.

If you know other great individuals or organizations that are going above and beyond for our community, tell us about them! You can nominate an All-Star by telling us about them at daytondragons.com/communityallstar

This event is the first of five special Community All-Stars spotlights at Dragons games this season. Community All-Stars is presented Flying Ace Express Carwash. Additional tributes are scheduled for July 22, August 10, and September 1 each focused on a different individual or organization who have gone above and beyond to improve the quality of life in the Miami Valley.

The Dragons play at beautiful, downtown Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District and are scheduled to play 42 more home games during the regular season. Game times are 7:05 p.m. for Tuesday through Saturday games and 1:05 p.m. on Sundays. No Monday games are scheduled at this time. Gates open one hour prior to game time. Single-game tickets for all Dragons 2022 home games are available at www.daytondragons.com or by phone at (937) 228-2287.

Dragons to Recognize “Community All Stars” Recipient During Game on May 22

 

Dayton, Ohio — The Dayton Dragons will recognize Culture Works as a “Community All-Stars” recipient during a special inning break of the Dragons game on Sunday, May 22nd against the Quad Cities River Bandits at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District. The game will start at 1:05 p.m.

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

From its first days as the Dayton Performing Arts Fund in 1974, Culture Works has been central to the success of the arts in Dayton. While Culture Works means many things to the arts community, their two main roles are funding and marketing the wide range of arts in our area.

The success of a world class arts culture like Dayton’s does not happen without someone tending to it, and that’s where Culture Works steps in. Lisa Hanson, the President and CEO of Culture Works, and her team are much like gardeners, ensuring that the programs, projects, artists, performers, and creators in their care all have what they need to grow.

Culture Works has developed partnerships with private citizens, government entities and support from the business community to build a fundraising arm that allows Dayton artists to succeed. One of the best ways to see that success is when artists not only grow but choose to remain in Dayton for the duration of their career instead of taking their talents to another city.

For all their efforts in building up and supporting the world-class arts we enjoy here in the Dayton region, Culture Works is being honored as a Dragons Community All Star.

If you want to learn more about how you can help support Culture Works check out their website here. (https://cultureworks.org/)

If you know other great individuals or organizations that are going above and beyond for our community, tell us about them! You can nominate an All-Star by telling us about them here. (https://www.milb.com/dayton/community/cas )

This event is the first of five special Community All-Stars spotlights at Dragons games this season. Community All-Stars is presented Flying Ace Express Carwash. Additional tributes are scheduled for June 2, July 22, August 10, and September 1 each focused on a different individual or organization who have gone above and beyond to improve the quality of life in the Miami Valley.

The Dragons play at beautiful, downtown Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District and are scheduled to play 53 more home games during the regular season. Game times are 7:05 p.m. for Tuesday through Saturday games and 1:05 p.m. on Sundays. No Monday games are scheduled at this time. Gates open one hour prior to game time. Single-game tickets for all Dragons 2021 home games are available atwww.daytondragons.com or by phone at (937) 228-2287.

 

Ben Hemmelgarn, 16-year-old cancer survivor, will celebrate his Anthem Home Run for Life at a Dragons Game

Dayton, Ohio—Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Ohio and the Dayton Dragons will host 16-year-old Ben Hemmelgarn during the iconic Anthem Home Run for Life program on Wednesday, May 18, at 7:05 p.m., when the Dayton Dragons take on the Quad Cities River Bandits at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District.

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

Ben will also have the chance to throw out a ceremonial first pitch prior to the Dragons game. A couple of Dayton Dragons and Cincinnati Reds players have special messages that will be shown in game after the Home Run for Life lap.

Ben’s Story

In December of 2018, Ben Hemmelgarn was a 7th grader experiencing extreme chest pain. Doctors prescribed him with an­tibiotics for what seemed like pneumonia. Several weeks later, he was still having a sharpness in his side, and a CT scan highlighted a lump on the right side of his chest.

A biopsy confirmed Ben had Ewing Sarcoma, a type of bone or soft tissue cancer that occurs in young children. Ben underwent six rounds of chemotherapy where he experienced a loss of taste and smell, hair loss, mouth sores, and numbness in his hands and feet.

After months of chemotherapy, an MRI scan showed that the tu­mor did shrink, but surgery was required to remove the remaining mass. The operation was successful however left Ben weak – it required doctors to also remove his fourth rib.

Through September of 2019, his chemo treatments continued to ensure the cancer would not return. The ‘End of Treatment’ scans in October of 2019 confirmed that Ben was cancer free!

Today, Ben is a sophomore at Coldwater High School. Ben plays second base for the Cavaliers Baseball team, and recently earned his driver’s license. After reflecting on his journey, he believes his perseverance was the driving force in his battle with cancer. He says “You can’t beat the person who never gives up…and I always try to be that person”

Join us Wednesday, May 18, to celebrate Ben’s Home Run for Life during the Dragons game.

To learn more about Anthem Home Run for Life, please visit www.daytondragons.com/hrfl.

Culture Works Weekend Coming to Day Air Ballpark

Dayton, Ohio – The Dayton Dragons are excited to host a Culture Works Weekend at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District. Thursday, May 19 to Sunday, May 22 will be dedicated to helping support the annual Culture Works campaign.

Dragons mascots Heater and Gem are co-chairs of the annual Culture Works campaign. Earlier in March, the Dragons hosted the Kickoff Culture Works Party at Day Air Ballpark. The event featured Heater, Gem, live artists, musicians, and a photo booth. Guests were made up of arts organization leaders, board members, donors, and staff.

The weekend will include Culture Works performers singing the national anthem during the events. There will also be Culture Works first pitches, inning break performances, plaza performances, radio interviews and TV interviews.

Culture Works Performers

· K12 and TEJAS

· Ben Baugham Chalk Art

· Elyse Schmidt, WSU Vocal Student

· Dwyer Irish Dance

· Rachael Watts, WSU Vocal Grad

· Tatum Jackson, WSU Vocal Student

· And more!

The Dragons will be donating a portion of ticket sales this weekend to Culture Works as part of the event. Tickets can be purchased here.

Additionally, the Dragons Foundation 50/50 raffle is going to be a rolling jackpot all week long from May 17 – May 22 and will support Culture Works. Fifty percent of the proceeds will go to one lucky winner and the other 50% goes directly to Culture Works. Fans can actually get 50/50 raffle tickets right now through the online portal at http://www.daytondragons5050.com/.

For more Culture Works information, go to https://cultureworks.org/

“Culture Works is the funding, advocacy, and service organization that passionately inspires, supports, and sustains arts and culture in the Dayton Region. As the united arts fund and arts service agency for the Dayton Region, Culture Works believes that creating and maintaining a vibrant and attractive community filled with quality arts brings measurable and immeasurable value to our citizens. From providing inspiring educational opportunities for our children, to attracting and retaining employees in our region, to adding beauty and entertainment to our lives, arts and culture reflect all the best and most beautiful parts of who we are.”

Dayton Dragons Blood Drive Scheduled for May 27

*Dayton, Ohio – *The Dayton Dragons and Community Blood Center are teaming up for a blood drive on Friday, May 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Day Air Ballpark Plaza. Everyone who registers to donate will receive a Community Blood Center T-Shirt and Dragons Gear.

Donate from May 1 – July 2 to save lives and collect an exclusive t-shirt while supplies last. Receive an exclusive water bottle by donating to save lives from July 4 – August 31.

Everyone who registers to donate on May 27 will be automatically entered into a drawing to win four tickets to see the Reds game and a Cole Swindell concert on September 3. Hit a double by registering for the July 22 Community Blood Center Blood Drive at Day Air Ballpark and get double the chances to win. The winner will be chosen on August 29.

There is a maximum of two entries per donor. Double red donations are counted as two donations.

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

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

The Dragons play at beautiful, downtown Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District. May and June games start at 7:05 p.m. for Tuesday through Saturday games and 1:05 p.m. for Sunday games. Gates open one hour prior to game time. Single-game tickets for all Dragons 2022 home games are available at www.daytondragons.com or by phone at (937) 228-2287.

Five High School Games to Take Place over the Next Week at Day Air Ballpark Sponsored by Bob Ross Auto Group

Dayton, Ohio – Five high school baseball games will be hosted at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District over the next week to wrap up the Dragons “High School Baseball Showcase,” presented by Bob Ross Auto Group. Games will take place on Sunday, May 8th, Tuesday, May 10, Wednesday, May 11, and Saturday, May 14.

May 8, 7:00PM: Bradford vs Spencerville

May 10, 4:30PM: Covington vs Twin Valley South (Rescheduled from April 9)

May 10, 7:00PM: Franklin-Monroe vs Arcanum

May 11, 7:00PM: Lima Bath vs Houston

May 14, 7:00PM: Greenon vs Xenia

Bradford vs. Spencerville

Covington vs. Twin Valley South

Covington has a very young team that consists of six underclassmen, led by Jensen Wagoner, Kody Nelson and Jake Dilley. Wagoner and Nelson were also All-League selections last season.

Twin Valley South has two all-conference players returning in Gage Miller (first team) and Grant Ulrich (second team). Miller led Lebanon in wins (6), strikeouts (84) and ERA (3.42) last season. He was also tied for third on the team in runs scored (22). Ulrich led the team in batting average (.405), runs scored (28), and RBI (25) while finishing second in ERA (3.50) in 2021. Kasey Blair was also a key offensive contributor that returns, placing third on the team last season in runs (22) and RBI (19).

Franklin-Monroe vs. Arcanum

Lima Bath vs. Houston

Lima Bath is led by six seniors in Austin Williams, Wyatt Maley, Hunter Hensley, Carter Parlapiano, Keagan Cox and Ty Sibert. Parlapiano is leading the team with a .422 batting average, followed by Quentin Collins hitting .381, Joel Rasor hitting .380, and Williams hitting .333.

Greenon vs. Xenia

The public is welcome to attend. Prior to the first game of each day, gates will open 30 minutes ahead of time. High schools may provide their own public address announcers, broadcasters, cheer squads, and national anthem singers. Participating schools sell Dragons tickets to help raise money for their programs.

2022 High School Baseball Schedule – All Games Played at Day Air Ballpark

April 15, 4:30PM: Versailles vs Wyoming

April 15, 7:00PM: Bethel vs Fort Loramie

April 16, 12:00PM: Preble Shawnee vs Dixie

April 16, 3:30PM: Blanchester vs Clinton-Massie

April 16, 7:00PM: Indian Hill vs Middletown

April 23, 7:00PM: Bishop Fenwick vs Northwestern

April 26, 4:30PM: Carroll vs Alter

April 26, 7:00PM: Eaton vs Tri-County North

April 27, 4:30PM: Mechanicsburg vs West Liberty-Salem

April 27, 7:00PM: Spencerville vs Lima Perry

April 28, 4:30PM: Sidney vs Washington

April 28, 7:00PM: Valley View vs Springboro

April 30, 1:00PM: Fort Loramie vs Lincolnviwew

April 30, 3:30PM: Springfield Shawnee vs National Trail

May 1, 4:00PM: Reading vs Ross

May 1, 7:00PM: Northmont vs Wayne (Rescheduled from April 13)

May 8, 7:00PM: Bradford vs Spencerville

May 10, 4:30PM: Covington vs Twin Valley South (Rescheduled from April 9)

May 10, 7:00PM: Franklin-Monroe vs Arcanum

May 11, 7:00PM: Lima Bath vs Houston

May 14, 7:00PM: Greenon vs Xenia

See online: https://www.milb.com/dayton/events/highschoolbaseballprogram