Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio and Dragons present Anthem Game Changers

 

*Dayton, Ohio – *Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Ohio and the Dayton Dragons will host Paramedic, Nathan Heaton, EMT, Jennifer Domenick, and their employer, Kettering Health, for the unique Anthem Game Changers program on Wednesday, July 14, when the Dayton Dragons take on the Great Lakes Loons at Day Air Ballpark.

The Anthem Game Changer program recognizes essential workers, and their organizations, for the relentless commitment to the community during the pandemic. Their selfless efforts to provide necessities such as food, education, and emergency medical support throughout Covid-19 are immeasurable. Please join us to thank these Game Changers for their support and dedication. They changed the game for many in our community.

Nathan and Jennifer’s Story

When the pandemic shut the world down last spring, essential personnel rose to the occasion to provide critical needs for our community. The selfless efforts of these people ensured we still had access to necessities such as food, education, and emergency medical support. Today, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Ohio and the Dayton Dragons highlight Nathan Heaton, Jennifer Domenick, and their employer, Kettering Health, for being Game Changers during COVID-19.

In the spring of 2020, Paramedic Nathan Heaton and EMT Jennifer Domenick paired up as an emergency transportation team for Kettering Health. As a transportation team, Nathan and Jennifer drove patients from an emergency room to one of Kettering Health’s main hospitals. Along the way, one drives the vehicle while the other assisted the patient with their medical needs.

The emergency response team saw a direct impact of the pandemic. The volume of rides increased while the number of available COVID units decreased. This meant that Nathan and Jennifer drove thousands of miles and hours more to ensure COVID patients could reach appropriate care. In addition, the importance to keep riders safe meant following new health and safety protocols like personal protective equipment (PPE) and truck decontaminations.

But while this team was faced with adversity, they continued to put their patients and other staff at Kettering Health before themselves. Nathan and Jennifer would treat each patient as they would a family member; remembering to stay calm, communicate well, and keep things positive. During their time off or slower shifts, the team would also jump in and help with room visits at main hospitals and emergency rooms to assist with the overload of new patients.

After seeing the effects of their work, Nathan and Jennifer want to urge Dragons fans to not procrastinate and take advantage of the time we have now to see the people we want to see and take the trips we want to take, because there will be a moment when we will not have any more time. Their line of work unfortunately shows them too often that time with loved ones can be fleeting, and they do not want anyone to have regret over what they did not do.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio and the Dayton Dragons applaud Nathan, Jennifer, and Kettering Health for their commitment to provide for our community during an unprecedented time. They changed the game for many in the community! Please join us in thanking this Anthem Game Changer at the Dragons game on Wednesday, July 14.

The Dragons play at beautiful, downtown Day Air Ballpark and are scheduled to play 30 more home games during the regular season. Game times are 7:05 p.m. for Tuesday through Saturday games and 2:05 p.m. on Sundays. No Monday games are scheduled at this time. Gates open one hour prior to game time. Single-game tickets for all Dragons 2021 home games are available at www.daytondragons.com or by phone at (937) 228-2287.

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Dragons to Recognize “Community All-Stars” Recipient During Game On July 9

 

Dayton, Ohio — The Dayton Dragons will recognize CareSource and the CareSource Foundation as a “Community All-Stars” recipient during a special inning break of the Dragons game on Friday, July 9th against the West Michigan Whitecaps at Day Air Ballpark. 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, 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.

It says a lot about a company for its employees to embrace its mission statement and commit their personal time to its foundation.

This is the case at CareSource. Employees live the CareSource Foundation’s mission statement of improving and making a lasting difference on the physical and mental health and well-being of the Dayton community.

CareSource is downtown Dayton’s largest employer, employing over 3,000 people in the Miami Valley. Each year, these employees volunteer thousands of hours to serve their Dayton neighbors.

Since 2006, the CareSource Foundation has supported the local Dayton community with 21 million dollars in funds donated to nearly 900 community partners.

While CareSource and the CareSource Foundation have always been committed to meeting community needs, during the global pandemic they stepped up to the plate. The CareSource Foundation donated over one million dollars in funds to help keep small businesses afloat and supported unexpected needs for community partners. These efforts included packing food boxes for seniors in the early days of quarantine and supporting digital equity efforts to bring internet and Chromebooks to Dayton neighborhoods.

CareSource and the CareSource Foundation have remained committed to the Dayton community during this unprecedented time and will continue to support and be a proud part of the local community.

For going above and beyond to improve the quality of life in the Miami Valley, the CareSource Foundation is being honored as a Dragons Community All-Star.

Nominate other individuals or organizations that are going above and beyond for the Dayton community at https://www.milb.com/dayton/community/cas

This event is the second of five special Community All-Stars spotlights at Dragons games this season. Presenting sponsors are Flying Ace Express Carwash, CenterPoint Energy, Great Clips, and Synchrony. Additional tributes are scheduled for July 28, August 17, 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 and are scheduled to play 34 more home games during the regular season. Game times are 7:05 p.m. for Tuesday through Saturday games and 2:05 p.m. on Sundays. No Monday games are scheduled at this time. Gates open one hour prior to game time. Single-game tickets for all Dragons 2021 home games are available at www.daytondragons.com or by phone at (937) 228-2287.

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Dragons to Recognize “Hometown Heroes” Recipient During July 7 Game

 

Dayton, Ohio — The Dayton Dragons will recognize St. Vincent Supportive Services as a “Hometown Heroes” recipient during a special inning break of the Dragons game on Wednesday, July 7th against the West Michigan Whitecaps at Day Air Ballpark. The game will start at 7:05 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, recognizes outstanding military organizations and individuals and welcomes the newest members of the armed forces during special ceremonies.

On any given night in America, there are 76,000 US military veterans sleeping on the streets. Those same veterans who once defended America’s freedom are forced to call park benches and bus stops their bed for the night. The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) has instituted many programs aimed at solving the causes of veteran homelessness. One of these programs is right here in our backyard. It is the St. Vincent de Paul’s Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF).

The SSVF assists veterans and their families with homelessness prevention and rapid re-housing. The program identifies veterans who are homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless, and helps them secure stable and affordable housing. Many of the veterans served by SSVF are in very low-income families who reside in or are transitioning to permanent housing.

The task is no small one for the SSVF. Seventeen percent of the overall homeless population is made up of veterans and more than half of those homeless veterans also have disabilities. Whether they suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder or another disability, it is much harder for disabled veterans to secure employment, especially in the times of the current pandemic.

In these cases, the SSVF provides the veteran with help in obtaining their rightful VA benefits, plus additional support such as rent and utility assistance, and connections to employment opportunities.

If you are a local veteran needing assistance, or know someone who is, please visit St. Vincent de Paul’s website for more information and to reach out for help. Their website is located at stvincentdayton.org.

This event is the third of five special Hometown Heroes spotlights at Dragons games this season. At each Hometown Heroes event, the Dragons pay tribute to all service men and women past and present. Presenting sponsors are the Dayton Development Coalition, Reynolds & Reynolds, and the Dayton Dragons. Additional tributes are scheduled for August 1 and August 21 each focused on a different aspect or organization involved in the military.

For more information on the Hometown Heroes program, please visit https://www.milb.com/dayton/community/hometownheroes

The Dragons play at beautiful, downtown Day Air Ballpark and are scheduled to play 35 more home games during the regular season. Game times are 7:05 p.m. for Tuesday through Saturday games and 2:05 p.m. on Sundays. No Monday games are scheduled at this time. Gates open one hour prior to game time. Single-game tickets for all Dragons 2021 home games are available at www.daytondragons.com or by phone at (937) 228-2287.

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Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio and Dragons present Anthem Game Changers

 

Dayton, OH – Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio and the Dayton Dragons will host Katherine Stewart and her employer, Kroger, for the unique Anthem Game Changers program on Wednesday, June 16, when the Dayton Dragons take on the Fort Wayne TinCaps at Day Air Ballpark.

The Anthem Game Changer program recognizes essential workers, and their organizations, for the relentless commitment to the community during the pandemic. Their selfless efforts to provide necessities such as food, education, and emergency medical support throughout Covid-19 are immeasurable. Please join us to thank these Game Changers for their support and dedication. They changed the game for many in our community.

Katherine’s Story

When the pandemic shut the world down last spring, essential personnel rose to the occasion to provide critical needs for our community. The selfless efforts of these people ensured access to necessities such as food, education, and emergency medical support. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio and the Dayton Dragons highlight Katherine Stewart and her employer, Kroger, for being Game Changers during COVID-19.

In the spring of 2020, Katherine started as a Clerk at her local Kroger. After a couple months, her employer noticed her leadership skills and promoted her to Store Lead. As a Store Lead, Katherine saw firsthand how the pandemic affected her shoppers. Many customers felt uncomfortable in public and were paralyzed by the potential to hurt themselves or their loved ones.

As many were met with an inability to get their groceries, Katherine knew she wanted to help. She applied for the E-Commerce Supervisor position and was quickly promoted. As an E-Commerce Supervisor, Katherine oversees 20 associates who assist customers with their online shopping and provide them a safe, no-contact, pickup. Katherine believes that helping others is what she was meant to do, especially when that help is making sure her community is secure in their food source.

Outside of work, Katherine continues to lead as an example in the community. When she is not shopping for her customers, Katherine invests her time with her _Anything’s Pawsible Animal Rescue Center_, rings bells for the Salvation Army during the holidays, and is on the Senior Citizens Task Force in Clark County. On top of her already busy life, Katherine also home schools her five children who range from age 5 to 15.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio and the Dayton Dragons applaud Katherine Stewart and Kroger for their commitment to provide for our community during an unprecedented time. They changed the game for many in the community! Please join us in thanking this Anthem Game Changer at the Dragons game on Wednesday, June 16.

The Dragons play at beautiful, downtown Day Air Ballpark 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 2:05 p.m. on Sundays. No Monday games are scheduled at this time. Gates open one hour prior to game time. Single-game tickets for all Dragons 2021 home games are available at www.daytondragons.com or by phone at (937) 228-2287.

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Dragons to Recognize “Community All-Stars” Recipient During Game on June 9

 

Dayton, Ohio — The Dayton Dragons will recognize The Hope Center for Families as a “Community All-Stars” recipient during a special inning break of the Dragons game on Tuesday, June 9th against the Great Lakes Loons at Day Air Ballpark. The game will start at 7:05 p.m. In addition, half of the 50/50 proceeds will be donated to The Hope Center for Families.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

· Donate here – https://bit.ly/3gaMS8v

· Learn more here – https://www.omega-cdc.org/hope-center.html

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

This event is the second of five special Community All-Stars spotlights at Dragons games this season. Presenting sponsors are Flying Ace Express Carwash, CenterPoint Energy, Great Clips, and Synchrony. Additional tributes are scheduled for July 9, July 27, 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 and are scheduled to play 48 more home games during the regular season. Game times are 7:05 p.m. for Tuesday through Saturday games and 2:05 p.m. on Sundays. No Monday games are scheduled at this time. Gates open one hour prior to game time. Single-game tickets for all Dragons 2021 home games are available at www.daytondragons.com or by phone at (937) 228-2287.

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Dragons 5K Presented by Orthopedic Associates 

2021 Dragons 5K FAQ

How do I receive my tickets to the Dragons game?

Participants will receive an email the week after the race (week of July 26) with instructions to redeem your tickets and select your date via email. The Dragons Box Office will mail your tickets or place the tickets at will call depending on timing of the game selected.

What is included in my registration fee?

All participants receive four (4) lawn tickets to a future Dragons game, a custom Dragons 5K t-shirt, Dragons hat, and a finisher’s medal. You can sign-up for this race until Saturday, July 17, 2021. This will guarantee you will receive your 5K t-shirt, medal, and Dragons hat. Otherwise, we are unable to guarantee all the items and desired t-shirt size.

When can I pick up my race packet?

There will be two timeframes that you can pick up your race packet at the Day Air Ballpark Plaza. Friday, July 23: 8am-6pm and Saturday, July 24 (race morning): 6AM – 7AM.

Can someone else pick up my packet?

Yes, you can pick-up another participant’s race packet for them. Please have your photo I.D. and their first and last name ready.

What about parking?

There is plenty of free parking around the stadium. Meters are not enforced on the weekend so find a side street close to Day Air Ballpark and park your vehicle.

Are there restrooms available?

Restrooms will be open inside the stadium. Please enter the stadium through the main gates.

Will water be provided?

• Water will be available on the plaza before the race at the City of Dayton Water Truck.

• During the race, there will be one water station set up on the course at the half-way point.

• Following the race, water will be passed out near the finish line. There will also be complimentary fruit for participants.

Where can I leave my personal items?

The Dragons are NOT responsible for participant’s personal items during the event. We strongly recommend that you leave valuables at home, in your car, or with a family member.

Can I take pictures?

Yes! If you plan to post on any social media, please tag @DragonsBaseball and use #Dragons5K. Official race photographers will also be around taking photos at various points of the event that will be uploaded to the RunSignUp event page the following week. Please be aware that any photographs and/or videos taken at the event can be used for Dragons marketing purposes.

What happens if there is bad weather?

This event will take place, rain, or shine.

However, in the event weather is severe and it’s unsafe to proceed with an in-person event, there is no back-up date…everyone will be participate virtually and can input their own time. You will still be able to pick-up your race swag bag at a later date that we will communicate – there just won’t be a timed race or prizes.

Can I walk?

Running and/or walking is welcome. However, we ask that you please maintain at least an 18:00 minute per mile pace (finishing in under two hours) because we need to re-open the streets that we close at the two-hour mark. If you are not able to keep this pace, please keep in mind you may be required to move onto the sidewalks when the roads re-open.

Can I use a stroller on the course?

Yes, strollers may be used during the race.

Am I allowed to bring my pet?

Due to the insurance constraints, pets are NOT permitted at the event. The one exception is a service dog that is clearly wearing a service vest.

How will I know my race results and if I won an award?

All participants for the in-person race will be electronically timed. Results will be provided to the Dragons following the completion of the race and winners for the various categories below will receive notification from the Dragons via email on Monday, July 26. Participants can view their finish time and place for the Dragons 5K online. Click here to view final results.

Who is the beneficiary of this event?

The Dragons 5K supports youth in the Miami Valley through the Dayton Dragons Foundation. The foundation in turn supports the Dragons MVP Program, provides Dragons game experiences to underprivileged youth, and supports other company community initiatives.

What if I have additional questions?

If you have additional questions that were not covered in the FAQ above, please contact Sydney Zengler @ [email protected]

 

Dragons to Recognize “Community All-Stars” Recipient During Game on May 27

 

Dayton, Ohio — The Dayton Dragons will recognize Bogg Ministries as a “Community All-Stars” recipient during a special inning break of the Dragons game on Thursday, May 27th against the Quad Cities River Bandits at Day Air Ballpark. 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.

Bogg Ministries fights food insecurity, which is a reality for more than 100,000 people in the Dayton area. Their mission is to provide needy Daytonians with food, clothing, and other essential items to help them sustain a healthy lifestyle.

Bogg Ministries was founded in 2010 by Jason Barton and Jason Johnson after the two discussed the need for food assistance in Dayton. The two started by going directly to the homes of those who needed assistance. What they found at most homes they visited, was that their neighbors needed assistance as well. Because of that need, they grew the idea of creating community events to maximize their reach.

Bogg went from feeding four families per week to more than 40,000 people in one year with community wide events held at local parks and schools. Each year, Bogg distributes 1.5 million pounds of food to event attendees.

The food is tracked and distributed through mobile food pantries, called Mobile Meals, which allow people to sort through a variety of options, providing the dignity of grocery shopping. Volunteers pack and sort these Mobile Meals two to three days per week in prep for upcoming events.

Bogg’s community-wide events provide food for those who need food assistance and also show those in need that they are loved and supported by their neighbors. The staff at Bogg knows how vital it is for attendees to get that social and emotional support, in addition to the physical support of food and supplies.

For going above and beyond to improve the quality of life in Miami Valley, Bogg Ministries is being honored as a Dragons Community All Star. Learn more about how to help support Bogg Ministries on their website – https://www.thebogg.org/. You can nominate other individuals or organizations that are going above and beyond for the Dayton community at www.daytondragons.com/communityallstar.

This event is the first of five special Community All-Stars spotlights at Dragons games this season. Presenting sponsors are Flying Ace Express Carwash, CenterPoint Energy, Great Clips, and Synchrony. Additional tributes are scheduled for June 9, July 9, July 27, 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 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 2:05 p.m. on Sundays. No Monday games are scheduled at this time. Gates open one hour prior to game time. Single-game tickets for all Dragons 2021 home games are available at www.daytondragons.com or by phone at (937) 228-2287.

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Dragons to Recognize “Hometown Heroes” Recipient During Game On May 26

 

Dayton, Ohio — The Dayton Dragons will recognize Blue Star Mothers as a “Hometown Heroes” recipient during a special inning break of the Dragons game on Wednesday, May 26th against the Quad Cities River Bandits at Day Air Ballpark. The game will start at 7:05 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, recognizes outstanding military organizations and individuals and welcomes the newest members of the armed forces during special ceremonies.

Blue Star Mothers is a volunteer organization that began in WWII, works in hospitals, train stations, and sends care packages to their “kids” fighting the war. Blue Star Mothers of America is now a nationwide volunteer organization with chapters in states from coast to coast. The largest chapter, however, is in Dayton. The Dayton chapter is made up of mothers of honorably and medically discharged veterans serving in the Military, Guard, or Reserve. Some of their children returned home with disabilities, while others made the ultimate sacrifice.

The Dayton chapter sends about 80-100 care packages to deployed military every month. Over their 10 years of service, Dayton Blue Star Mothers have mailed more than 12,000 care packages to deployed troops.

In addition to care packages, they also host events throughout the year to support those who are currently serving and veterans. From bingo luncheons at the Dayton VA, to a coat drive to provide winter outerwear to veterans via Parka’s for Patriots, to filling “Baskets of Hope” for veterans at the Dayton VA, this group is incredibly active in the community.

Like most non-profits, Dayton Blue Star Mothers depends heavily on their great volunteers and community support and donations, and they are always looking for more women (and men) to join the team. Those interested in donating time, money or supplies for this amazing group, can click here to connect with them.

This event is the first of five special Hometown Heroes spotlights at Dragons games this season. At each Hometown Heroes event, the Dragons pay tribute to all service men and women past and present. Presenting sponsors are the Dayton Development Coalition, Reynolds & Reynolds, and the Dayton Dragons. Additional tributes are scheduled for June 17, July 6, August 1, and August 21 each focused on a different aspect or organization involved in the military.

For more information on the Hometown Heroes program, please visit https://www.milb.com/dayton/community/hometownheroes

Single-game tickets for all Dragons 2021 home games are available at www.daytondragons.com or by phone at (937) 228-2287.

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Dayton Community, Day Air Credit Union, Dayton Dragons Help Raise Over $16K for Dayton Foodbank

 

DECEMBER 22, 2020; DAYTON, OH — The Dayton Dragons Foundation, along with Dayton Air Credit Union, launched a special holiday online 50/50 raffle benefitting The Dayton Foodbank. The 50/50 went live on November 30th and ended on December 10th. Over $32,700 was the final tally, with $16,395 each going to The Dayton Foodbank and the lucky 50/50 winner, a man from Springboro.

There are thousands of other non-profits doing really great work, so we would like to thank the Dragons and Day Air Credit Union for selecting The Dayton Foodbank,” noted Foodbank CEO Michelle Riley. “The money raised will help provide over 98,000 meals for those in need this holiday season.”

“Each season, we host 50/50 raffles inside Day Air Ballpark and are able to support various causes in our community through the Dragons Foundation” said Dragons President, Robert Murphy. “For the second time this year, we’re excited to host an online sales effort to benefit a great local charity … The Dayton Foodbank. We are also very pleased to partner with Day Air Credit Union in making this happen. We feel it’s a wonderful way to help those in need during the holiday season.”

Day Air Credit Union Director of Marketing Joe Eckley added, “It was amazing watching the dollars raised add up over the course of this campaign, as the Dayton community rallied together for a great cause.”

Earlier in August, the Dragons Foundation held its first online 50/50, raising over $26,000, with $13,000 going to the winner, a woman from Kettering, and $6,500 each to the COVID-19 Response Fund for Greater Dayton and the African American Community Fund through the Dayton Foundation.

More Information: The Dayton Dragons are the Midwest League affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play at beautiful Day Air Ballpark in downtown Dayton, easily accessible from Interstate 75.

National Anthem Tryouts Set for Saturday, February 22

 

DAYTON, OHIO – A traditional sign that baseball season is just around the corner in the Miami Valley is National Anthem Tryouts, presented by the Dayton Daily News. Tryouts for national anthem performers for the 2020 season will take place on Saturday, February 22 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Mall at Fairfield Commons.

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

While all time slots have been filled with performers who registered at DaytonDragons.com, there are still opportunities to perform at the tryouts on a stand-by basis.
To register as a stand-by performer, you must come to the Saturday, February 22 tryouts at the Mall at Fairfield Commons. You will receive a stand-by number that will be called when a spot becomes available. Standby performers are not guaranteed a chance to tryout.

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

The Dragons Green Team as well as mascots Heater and Gem will entertain fans throughout the auditions at the Mall at Fairfield Commons on Saturday.
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Registration Underway for Dragons 5K

 

 

Dayton,Ohio-Registration is underway for the 10th annual Dragons 5K presented by Orthopedic Associates on Saturday, July 18, 2020 starting at 8:00 a.m. at Day Air Ballpark. The event began in 2011 and has become a local tradition as one of the Miami Valley’s largest races with over 2,000 runners and walkers participating annually.

All participants in the race receive four (4) lawn tickets to a Dragons game, Dragons 5K t-shirt, Dragons hat, NEW home plate finisher’s medal, and entry to the post-race party inside Day Air Ballpark.

Additionally, if participants sign up for the race in the first 30 days (by March 1), they will receive a bonus of two (2) stadium seat tickets to a Dragons game in April.

The registration fee is $25 in advance or $30 after July 12. Kids age 17 and under can sign up for $15. People can sign up today to reserve their spot at www.daytondragons.com/dragons5ksignup.

Participants may choose to run or walk the course and strollers are also permitted. The race will feature the same great family-friendly entertainment you see at every Dragons game, including Dragons mascots and Green Team! The race course will move through downtown Dayton and end back at Day Air Ballpark for a post-race party.

The post-race party inside Day Air Ballpark is open to all participants and their family/friends. Activities include fruit and water for participants, inflatables, health and wellness booths, and more!

The top three male and female finishers will receive a specially-engraved baseball bat. The top three male and female runners in each age group will be awarded a Dragons Den gift certificate. Also, top finishing groups and high school running groups will receive great group prizes with the grand prize being a luxury suite at a Dragons game.

For more information on the 2020 Dragons 5K presented by Orthopedic Associates, go to www.daytondragons.com/dragons5k.

Orthopedic Associates Returning as Dragons 5K Presenting Sponsor

The Dayton Dragons also announced today that Orthopedic Associates is returning as the presenting sponsor of the Dragons 5K on Saturday, July 18, 2020.

“The Dragons 5K has become a local tradition and we are very excited to have Orthopedic Associates returning as the Dragons 5K presenting sponsor at Day Air Ballpark,” said Robert Murphy, President & General Manager of the Dayton Dragons. “Orthopedic Associates have been the trusted orthopedic provider for the Dayton Dragons team so we are excited for our fans to get to know their amazing staff.”

David Mohler, COO of Orthopedic Associates said, “We are thrilled to once again sponsor the Dragons 5K. As the region’s leader in sports medicine, and especially as a proud orthopedic provider to the Dragons Team, this fun, family event is one of Dayton’s great summer highlights for the community. We encourage everyone to register and participate!”

The 2020 Dragons 5K is being presented by Orthopedic Associates. As the regional leader in comprehensive orthopedic care, Orthopedic Associates’ 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.OAdoctors.com.

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

Dragons Mascots, Green Team Performing at Local Schools

 

Dayton, Ohio-Opening night for the 2020 baseball season at Day Air Ballpark is nine weeks away, but Dayton Dragons mascots Heater and Gem along with the Dragons Green Team are already bringing the excitement of baseball season to local elementary schools. For the eighth straight year, the Dragons entertainment team is performing assemblies at Miami Valley elementary schools. The program continues into April.

Each 30-minute interactive, fun, high-energy performance includes a visit by Heater or Gem and members of the Green Team, the Dragons signature group that facilitates skits, contests, and sing-a-longs during Dragons games at Day Air Ballpark. Each assembly in 2020 focuses on “Healthy Habits,” making smart food choices and being physically active. The performances, typically held in the school gymnasium, include some of the same entertainment skits seen at the ballpark, plus some new material designed specifically for the schools.

All Dragons assemblies are performed free of charge for schools that sign up. Participating elementary schools on board so far stretch from Springboro to Sidney.

The assemblies provide an introduction to the Dayton Dragons School Program, an incentive-based school fundraiser that provides prizes to students and allows the schools to keep a portion of ticket sales to Dragons games.

The Dragons are providing prizes as part of the program including team merchandise, an invitation to a Donatos Pizza Party with Dragons players, a Dragons Frisch’s Kids Club membership, and the grand prize, a Google Chromebook.

The Dragons 2020 Opening Night game is set for Thursday, April 9 at 7:00 p.m. at Day Air Ballpark against the Great Lakes Loons (Los Angeles Dodgers affiliate).

For information on Dragons season tickets, group outings, and luxury suites, go to daytondragons.com or call (937) 228-2287.

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

CareSource Continues Partnership with Dragons to Salute Area Veterans

 

Dayton, Ohio–CareSource, a nonprofit multistate health plan, is partnering with the Dayton Dragons for the second year in a row for the CareSource Veteran Salute. The program is an extension of CareSource’s commitment to improve the lives of veterans and their families through innovative programs and partnerships to support their health and well-being.

CareSource’s Veteran Salute is open to any living military veteran in the Miami Valley. Five veterans will be selected from entries submitted between February 4, 2020 and June 30, 2020. Selected honorees will be recognized at a Dayton Dragons home game during an inning break at Day Air Ballpark, April through August 2020.

Each veteran will receive VIP treatment during their night, including pregame activities, in-game recognition, seating in a luxury suite at the ballpark, a special gift and more.

“At CareSource, we lead with heart. We see our service members, past and present, as the heartbeat of our nation and we are proud to partner with the Dayton Dragons to recognize our local veterans. This program is a way to bring their amazing stories of service to audiences across the region and thank all veterans for their valuable contributions,” said Rachel Goodspeed, Director of Veteran Relations and Outreach.

“The Dragons are excited to once again partner with CareSource to honor local veterans,” said Robert Murphy, Dragons President & General Manager. “We look forward to continuing to recognize these individuals who have served our country and sharing their stories with our fans at Day Air Ballpark in 2020.”

A look back to our veterans who were recognized during the 2019 season through CareSource’s Veteran Salute Program:

Robert Looper – U.S. Marine Corp, Korean War Veteran. Robert Looper joined the Marine Corps after graduating high school in 1949, and was sent to Korea once the Korean War began. Looper and his brigade survived negative 40-degree temperatures in the Taebaek Mountains, where 15,000 Marines fought over 200,000 Chinese. Looper participated in every single major battle in Korea and was also a Prisoner of War for 17 days before escaping. Looper was awarded the Purple Heart for his time in Korea.

Daniel and Nicole Powers – U.S. Air Force, Desert Storm Veterans. Husband and wife Daniel and Nicole Powers are no strangers to the military. Both joined the U.S. Air Force in college, and met while deployed in Iraq in 2006. Nicole was deployed multiple places including Saudi Arabia, Italy, and Iraq. During Daniel’s almost six years of deployment overseas, Daniel was an intelligence collector, where he would visit towns and gather human intelligence from local shops and people. Both have been deployed a number of times, and have over 40 years of combined service in the U.S. military.

John Brown – U.S. Army, World War II, Korean War, & Vietnam War Veteran. John Brown joined the Army when he was 18 years old, and is a veteran of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. During his career, Brown was stationed in Washington, D.C., where he was responsible for reviewing and preparing the daily summary of intelligence that was presented to the high-level staff, including President Nixon. Brown had top-secret clearance in the Counterintelligence Corp for most of his service career, and served in the Army for almost 30 years.

Gene Camp – U.S. Marines, Vietnam War Veteran. Gene Camp joined the Marines in 1968 and was sent to fight in the Vietnam War. On his last patrol before he was scheduled to go back home to the U.S., Camp’s battalion was ambushed and Camp was severely injured in an explosion. Camp was honorably discharged from the U.S. Marine Corps in 1973 and was awarded three Purple Hearts for his time in Vietnam and has over 17 years of service.

Ed Damron – U.S. Army, Vietnam War Veteran. Ed Damron enlisted with the United States Army in September of 1970 at the age of 23 and was sent to fight in the Vietnam War. On September 6, 1971, Damron’s helicopter went down in the middle of a North Vietnamese Army (NVA) base camp with 5,000 enemy soldiers. Damron saved the lives of his helicopter pilot and gunner and hid in the enemy camp for over three hours before help arrived. Because of his heroic actions on that day, Damron was awarded the Purple Heart and Silver Star, and later was awarded the Bronze Star.

Nominations for CareSource’s Veteran Salute program are open to the public. Any living military veteran from the Miami Valley is eligible to be nominated. To nominate a veteran, go to www.daytondragons.com/veteransalute

About CareSource

CareSource is a nonprofit, multistate health plan recognized as a national leader in managed care. Founded in 1989, CareSource administers one of the nation’s largest Medicaid managed care plans and offers a lifetime of access to care through health insurance, including Medicaid, Health Insurance Marketplace, Medicare Advantage and a dual-eligible program.

Headquartered in Dayton, Ohio, CareSource serves nearly 2 million members in Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio and West Virginia. CareSource understands the challenges consumers face navigating the health system and is transforming health care with industry-leading programs that improve the health and well-being of our members.

For more, visit caresource.com, follow @caresource on Twitter, or like CareSource on Facebook.

About the Dayton Dragons

The Dayton Dragons are the Midwest League affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play a 70-game home schedule at beautiful Day Air Ballpark in downtown Dayton, easily accessible from Interstate 75.

Individuals and groups seeking information about Dayton Dragons group tickets, lawn tickets, season tickets, sponsorship opportunities, or booking a Dragons speaker are encouraged to contact the Dragons by calling (937) 228-2287, by email at dragons@daytondragons.com, or on the web at daytondragons.com.

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

Registration Open for National Anthem Tryouts

 

DAYTON, OHIO – A traditional sign that baseball season is just around the corner in the Miami Valley is National Anthem Tryouts, presented by the Dayton Daily News. Tryouts for national anthem performers for the 2020 season will take place on Saturday, February 22 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Mall at Fairfield Commons.

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

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

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

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

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

DBJ Selects Dragons, Robert Murphy for Community Awards

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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