Rocky Bluewinkle Goes Trick-or-Treating With Local Kids

Wilmington, DE – On a night where kids walk around getting candy for free, Halloween is a highlight on any household’s calendar. Yet the Wilmington Blue Rocks wanted to up the ante, so they sent their mascot to tag along for some trick-or-treating with the Giles family on Wednesday evening.

Rocky Bluewinkle helped collect candy in Wilmington with youngsters Nolan and Mason. Rocky dressed in his Star Wars jersey with light saber in hand. Meanwhile, his young pals went as a baseball player and a shark. The Giles won a social media contest run by the Blue Rocks in October.

Parents Ken and Kelly accompanied the trio on their candy quest and said it was a night to cherish.

“We were the talk of the neighborhood,” Kelly said. “Almost every house got so excited and grabbed their cameras–children and adults alike.”

The young mom said this was a memory her young sons will carry with them for the rest of their life. A night they’ll tell their kids about: ‘When I was a kid I took a seven-foot blue moose mascot with me door-to-door looking for candy.’

“I mean who doesn’t love Rocky?” Kelly said. “He made the night a great one and we can’t wait to come visit him again (for Opening Night) on April 4. It was a tremendous experience.”

The Blue Rocks make community outreach a priority. The team has won five consecutive Matt Minker Awards, which goes to the club that best demonstrates an outstanding, on-going commitment to charitable service, support, and leadership within its community in the Carolina League. The award is named after the Blue Rocks’ founder, who owned the club until his death in 2007. Minker, whose construction company built Frawley Stadium, is still the team’s honorary president.

The Blue Rocks recently announced a two-year extension of their Player Development Contract to remain the Advanced-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. Season seats and mini plans for the 2019 season are on sale now, while groups packages will be available for purchase November 8. The season starts on Thursday, April 4. For more information, please go to BlueRocks.com.

www.bluerocks.com

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

Blue Rocks Win Carolina League’s Matt Minker Award For Community Service

Wilmington, DE– The Wilmington Blue Rocks were honored by the Carolina League this week for the fifth consecutive season with the Matt Minker Community Service Award. The team was selected by a league-wide vote of club executives and owners.

“I could not be more proud of everyone within the Blue Rocks’ organization,” said managing partner Dave Heller. “I am especially pleased for my partner and friend Clark Minker, since the community service award bears his late father’s name. I am delighted for everyone with the Blue Rocks who worked so hard to earn this tremendous team accolade. We take enormous pride in our work helping families within Delaware, southeastern Pennsylvania, southern Jersey and Maryland’s north shore, and this award is a nice recognition of those efforts.”

The Minker Award is earned by the Carolina League club which best demonstrates an outstanding, on-going commitment to charitable service, support, and leadership within its community. The award is named after the Blue Rocks’ founder, Matt Minker, who owned the club until his death in 2007. Minker, whose construction company built Frawley Stadium, remains the team’s honorary president.

The Blue Rocks participated in numerous school programs, charitable endeavors and hospital visits. The team works with area schools to promote academic achievement (DSEA Rocky’s Reading Challenge), citizenship (Grotto Pizza Outstanding Student Program) and overall knowledge (Discover Baseball and Education Day). The club also hosts three youth camps each summer, teaching local kids how to play the game of baseball.

The team helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for good causes such as Habitat for Humanity, Fight for the Gold, Boys and Girls Clubs of Delaware, Special Olympics Delaware, Food Bank of Delaware and many other charities through partnerships with local businesses such as Chase and Food Lion. Several times during the season, the team’s players and mascot also visited local hospitals, brightening the spirits of patients and their families.

“Matt Minker was instrumental in laying the foundation for the Blue Rocks founding and later success,” said Blue Rocks director of community affairs Kevin Linton. “It is fitting that this award recognizes his life’s work and we are thrilled as an organization to honor his legacy for a fifth consecutive season by earning this recognition.”

 

As the Carolina League’s recipient of the Matt Minker Award, the Blue Rocks received the 10-team league’s nomination for the John Henry Moss Community Service Award, given out by Minor League Baseball at its annual Winter Meetings, to be held this December in Las Vegas.

The Blue Rocks recently announced a two-year extension of their Player Development Contract to remain the Advanced-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. Season seats for the 2019 season will be available on October 18, mini plans go on sale November 1, and groups packages are available for purchase November 8. For more information, please go to BlueRocks.com.

www.bluerocks.com

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

Blue Rocks and JPMorgan Chase & Co. Partner for Military Monday Promotion

Wilmington, DE — The Wilmington Blue Rocks are excited to announce a partnership with JPMorgan Chase & Co. on a 2018 Military Monday promotion. At each Monday home game, every active or retired military member-and their entire immediate family-can receive tickets for just one dollar.

“The Blue Rocks have always had a fantastic relationship with the military, and now thanks to Chase, that connection has been taken to an entirely new level,” said Blue Rocks general manager Andrew Layman. “With all of the sacrifices the men and women serving our country make for us, we are happy to partner with Chase to provide an opportunity for both active and military veterans to enjoy some family time at Frawley Stadium.”

The new partnership is one of many initiatives benefiting military members from Chase. The firm established an Office of Military and Veterans Affairs in 2011 to drive veteran-focused efforts around three strategic pillars: employment, development of veteran talent, and small business and strategic initiatives. Since then, Chase has hired more than 12,000 veterans and service members-nearly 700 of them in Delaware. Last year, the firm donated $175,000 to the USO at a Blue Rocks game.

“All of us at JPMorgan Chase have a longstanding commitment to supporting military members and their families,” said Tom Horne, Delaware Market President for JPMC. “We’re proud to be able to continue that work on a local level right here in Wilmington.”

Nationwide more than 400,000 veterans have been hired since 2011 by 235+ members of the Veteran Jobs Mission, an employer coalition led by JPMC with the ultimate goal of hiring 1 million veterans. Additionally, Chase has deeded more than 950 mortgage-free homes to military families through nonprofit partners as a part of the firm’s 1,000 Home Awards Program-an investment of more than $160 million.

The Blue Rocks play Monday home games on May 7, May 28, June 25, July 2, July 16, August 20 and September 3. Tickets for this promotion must be purchased at the Blue Rocks ticket office and a valid Military ID must be presented to receive the special rate. Tickets for any other game in 2018 are available now at BlueRocks.com.

BlueRocks.com

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

Blue Rocks Win Carolina League’s Matt Minker Award For Community Service

Wilmington, DE – The Wilmington Blue Rocks were honored by the Carolina League on Tuesday with the Matt Minker Community Service Award for the fourth consecutive season. The honorees were selected by a league-wide vote of club executives and owners.

“I could not be more proud of the entire Blue Rocks’ organization,” said managing partner Dave Heller. “I am especially happy for my partner and friend Clark Minker, since the community service award bears his late father’s name. This is a great team award, and I am so delighted for everyone with the Blue Rocks who worked so hard all season long to earn this tremendous accolade. We take enormous pride in our standing within the Delaware community and this award is a public recognition of how special our relationship with the people of the First State is.”

The Minker Award goes to the club that best demonstrates an outstanding, on-going commitment to charitable service, support, and leadership within its community. The award is named after the Blue Rocks’ founder, who owned the club until his death in 2007. Minker, whose construction company built Frawley Stadium, is still the team’s honorary president.

The Blue Rocks won the award thanks in large part to their numerous school programs, charitable endeavors and hospital visits.

As an organization the Blue Rocks work with area schools to promote academic achievement (DSEA Rocky’s Reading Challenge), citizenship (Outstanding Student Program) and overall knowledge (Discover Baseball and Education Day). Frawley Stadium also hosts three youth camps each summer, teaching kids how to play the game of baseball.

The team helped raise tens of thousands of dollars for good causes through partnerships with Habitat for Humanity, Fight for the Gold, Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition and many other charities in 2017. Several times during the season the team’s players and mascot also visited local hospitals, brightening the spirits of that facility’s patients and their families.

“Matt Minker was instrumental in laying the foundation for the Blue Rocks and for the franchise’s success in the years to follow,” said Blue Rocks director of community affairs Kevin Linton. “It is fitting that this award represents his life’s work and we are absolutely thrilled as an organization to honor his legacy for a fourth consecutive season by earning this recognition.”

As the Carolina League’s recipient of the Matt Minker Award, the Blue Rocks received the 10-team league’s automatic nomination for the John Henry Moss Community Service Award, given out by Minor League Baseball at its annual national convention, to be held this December in Disney World.

Season seats for the 2018 season are on sale now, with group packages available beginning November 9. For more information please call 302-888-BLUE or visit 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.

Blue Rocks to Help Raise Money for Hurricane Harvey Victims

Wilmington, DE – With the recent devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey in Houston and the region of southeast Texas, the Wilmington Blue Rocks are partnering with their fans to help raise funds and provide relief for the communities impacted by the historic storm.

The Blue Rocks will donate $2 for every box seat and reserve box seat purchased online using the promo code RELIEF, for games from Saturday, September 2 through Monday, September 4. Additionally, the Blue Rocks will donate all proceeds from the team’s Hurl the Pearl promotion, along with the proceeds raised from their Launch-a-Ball contest on Saturday, September 2. The club is also having an online auction of original artwork featuring mascots Rocky Bluewinkle and Mr. Celery, with all proceeds going directly to the Hurricane Harvey relief fund.

“Our hearts and prayers are with the people of the Texas Gulf Coast during this very challenging time,” said Blue Rocks owner Dave Heller. “Whether it be money or needed clothes, we are asking all of our fans to join us in helping our fellow citizens along the Gulf. And with Minor League Baseball matching fans’ donations, we are really hopeful that our fans, along with the great baseball fans across the country, can make a real difference to Americans in need.”

Starting on Saturday, September 2, the Red Cross will set up monetary donation buckets outside the gates at the ballpark and GreenDrop will have donation boxes for fans to give new or gently used clothing during the final three games of the 2017 regular season.

“The damage that Hurricane Harvey has caused to the regions impacted is catastrophic,” said Blue Rocks General Manager Andrew Layman. “The Blue Rocks are happy to contribute to the relief fund for Hurricane Harvey. I know our great fans will also be pleased to know that the proceeds from the multiple ways we plan to raise funds and the donation boxes that will be stationed at the ballpark will be aiding the victims affected by the storm.”

Minor League Baseball Charities will also match all donations provided by its teams, up to $10,000, and will send the collective funds to organization(s) selected by the MiLB office and those clubs whose communities are affected.

The Wilmington Blue Rocks conclude their 2017 regular season at home with seven games to be played in six days. Wilmington starts a three-game, two-day series with the Down East Wood Ducks on Wednesday, August 30 with a doubleheader starting at 5:05 pm and gates opening at 4:30 p.m. Fans can purchase tickets online at www.bluerocks.com.

 

25 Years of Blue Rocks Baseball

www.bluerocks.com

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.

Blue Rocks Announce 2014 Holiday Card Contest Winner

5th Grader from Assumption B.V.M. School in West Grove, PA chosen out of thousands of entries.

KevinP.Linton_2014-11-25

 

Wilmington-Blue-Rocks-2014The Wilmington Blue Rocks are excited to announce the winner of the 13th Annual Holiday Card Contest. Thousands of entries were received, but unfortunately, there could be only 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 Benjamin Trowbridge, a 5th Grader from Assumption B.V.M. School in West Grove, PA. His artwork will be featured on the cover of the Wilmington Blue Rocks Holiday Card. Benjamin will be rewarded with a team-autographed baseball, a ceremonial first pitch and 10 tickets to a 2015 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:

Iyanna Flores
Kindergarten
Assumption B.V.M.
West Grove, PA

Dafne Ruiz
2nd Grade
Assumption B.V.M.
West Grove, PA

Sophie Dodds
3rd Grade
Villa Maria Academy
Immaculata, PA

Emily Ford
4th Grade
Villa Maria Academy
Immaculata, PA

Adrienne Testa
5th Grade
Holy Angels School
Newark, DE

Erica Panico
5th Grade
North Star Elementary
Hockessin, DE.

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

Each entrant will be rewarded with 2 tickets to a Blue Rocks game in 2015 as a thank you for participating. The tickets will be mailed to the participating teachers by February.

The Blue Rocks, who drew 284,701 fans to Frawley Stadium in 2014 and averaged more than 4,400 patrons per game, have season seats and group packages for the 2015 season on sale now. Fans should call 302-888-BLUE or visit BlueRocks.com for more information.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Wilmington Blue Rocks. Click here to view the original story.

Blue Rocks honored with Minker Award

Community service award is named after Wilmington team’s founder

Wilmington-Blue-Rocks-2014The Wilmington Blue Rocks were honored by the Carolina League on Wednesday with the Matt Minker Community Service Award, which goes to the club that best demonstrates an outstanding, on-going commitment to charitable service, support, and leadership within its community. The award is named after the Blue Rocks’ founder, who owned the club until his death in 2007. Minker, whose construction company also built Frawley Stadium, is still the team’s honorary president. It is the first year the title has been awarded to an entire organization, after going to individual players since its inception in 2009.

“Matt Minker was instrumental in laying the foundation for the Blue Rocks and for the franchise’s success in the years to follow,” said Blue Rocks general manager Chris Kemple. “It is fitting and appropriate that this honor bears his name and we are absolutely privileged to be the first organizational recipient.”

The Blue Rocks won the award thanks in large part to their numerous school programs, charitable endeavors and hospital visits.

As an organization the Blue Rocks work with area schools to promote academic achievement (Rocky’s Reading Challenge), citizenship (Outstanding Student Program), and active lifestyles (Titus Sports Champions Physical Health Program). The team helped raise tens of thousands of dollars for good causes through partnerships with Habitat For Humanity, Boys & Girls Clubs of DE, Fight for the Gold, Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition and many other charities in 2014. It also contributed school supplies to the Red Clay School Consolidated School District during the Remax Stuff the Bus Campaign and donated thousands of tickets to other worthy community programs. Several times each season the team also visited the Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital For Children, brightening the spirits of that facility’s patients and their families.

“We could not accomplish much of what we do without the partnership and cooperation of our players and the Kansas City Royals organization,” said Blue Rocks director of community affairs Kevin P. Linton. “Their commitment to community fits perfectly with the vision that Matt Minker set forth for the Blue Rocks franchise and that we continue to follow to this day.”

Community service is so engrained within the organization that three of the five times the award was presented to individual players it went to Blue Rocks. Everett Teaford was the inaugural winner in 2009 and was followed by Tim Melville in 2011 and Whit Merrifield in 2012.

As the Carolina League’s recipient of the Matt Minker Award, the Blue Rocks received the eight-team league’s automatic nomination for the John Henry Moss Community Service Award, given out by Minor League Baseball at its annual national convention, to be held this December in San Diego.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Wilmington Blue Rocks. Click here to view the original story.

Blue Rocks & Bank of America To Donate $4 For Every All-Star Hitting Challenge Ticket

Money Will Help Support The More Than 25,000 Delaware Children Who Benefit From Boys & Girls Club

WilmingtonBlueRocks_2014-02-28

 

Wilmington, DE – The Wilmington Blue Rocks and Bank of America are proud to announce that the organizations will be donating $4 to the Boys & Girls Club of Delaware for every ticket sold to the 2014 California League/Carolina League Hitting Challenge at Frawley Stadium. Tickets for the Hitting Challenge, which is slated for 6:30 p.m. on June 16 and kicks off two days of All Star Festivities in the First State, go on sale Saturday, March 1 at the Blue Rocks Ticket Office.

“We have received a great deal of positive publicity regarding the special nature of this Hitting Challenge and Home Run Derby so we are expecting that buzz to lead to a huge crowd,” said Blue Rocks general manager Chris Kemple. “Thanks to our partnership with Bank of America we can make this event about more than just providing Delaware sports fans with a night to remember, but about raising money for an outstanding cause.”

The Blue Rocks are already set to become the first Minor League baseball club to host a Home Run Derby where players bat from the outfield and try to hit the ball into the stands behind where home plate normally resides. The hitting challenge will feature some of the best young prospects in baseball from both the Carolina League and California League competing in two events. First there will be a Hitting Contest featuring targets that players will have to hit in order to earn points. Then there will be a Home Run Derby. Fans will have the opportunity to catch any dingers off of these sluggers’ bats as the Blue Rocks will flip the field at Frawley Stadium. A new batting cage will be installed in center field and derby contestants will be awarded homeruns by hitting balls into the seating area.

Now a potential souvenir is not the only thing fans will be able to take home from the ballpark that night, they will also have the knowledge that half of their price of admission went directly toward the more than 25,000 children in all areas of the state who benefit from the work done by the Boys & Girls Club.

Boys & Girls Clubs are much more than just gyms. Each of the 18 Delaware sites offer a unique mix of quality programming focusing on educational enhancement, character and citizenship, physical education, health, and arts, for as little as $15 per child per year. Moreover, all Boys & Girls Club sites are certified as child care centers and licensed by the State of Delaware. In fact, more Delaware families trust their children to the care of the Boys & Girls Club than any other licensed provider in the state.

Kemple said that up to $28,000 can be raised and that none of it would be possible without the support of Bank of America.

“We’re excited to be working with the Blue Rocks on an event that will ultimately help support an organization that connects our youth to opportunities they may not otherwise have,” said Chip Rossi, Delaware president, Bank of America. “The bank has been a long-time supporter of the Boys & Girls Club. By combining the excitement of the hitting challenge with the ability to support families in Delaware – it will be opportunity for everyone to enjoy.”

Tickets for the 2014 Hitting Challenge are just $8 while All-Star Game tickets (June 17) are only $15. Individual tickets for both events go on sale March 1. For more information call 302-888-BLUE or visit bluerocks.com.

Blue Rocks Baseball = AffordaFUNability!
www.bluerocks.com

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Wilmington Blue Rocks. Click here to view the original story.

Habitat for Humanity to Hold 50/50 Drawings at Blue Rocks Home Games

Proceeds from the Daily Drawings to Benefit Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County

WilmingtonBlueRocks_2013-05-15

 

WILMINGTON, DE – The Wilmington Blue Rocks are pleased to announce that Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County will hold a 50/50 raffle at each of the remaining Blue Rocks home games during the 2013 season. Proceeds from each raffle go to benefit the Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County.

“This is a brand new concept that will be introduced to our fans, but it is something that has worked at other major league and minor league professional sports venues,” said Kevin P. Linton, director of community affairs for the Blue Rocks. “Fans will have the opportunity to participate in something that is very economical and could win them some extra money, all while supporting a great organization here in the Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County, here in Delaware.”

The 50/50 raffle will be executed by 50/50 Central, a company based out of Summerside, Prince Edward Island, Canada. Fans can purchase tickets two different ways while visiting Frawley Stadium during each Blue Rocks game. Fans may purchase tickets at the 50/50 kiosk, which is located on the main concourse across from the Quarry Team Store. Additionally, people can purchase tickets throughout the game from the seats from a 50/50 vendor walking around the seating area.

Tickets can be purchased from the time gates open until the seventh inning. The 50/50 drawing will take place at the end of the seventh inning, via an electronic draw. Tickets can be purchased in the following increments: 1 for $2, 3 for $5, 10 for $10 and 40 for $20. Fans do not need to be present to win the raffle jackpot each night. Jackpots will vary depending on the sales of the tickets each game.

“We’re pleased to be working with the Wilmington Blue Rocks on this exciting fundraising endeavor,” said HFHNCC Chief Executive Officer Kevin L. Smith. We know the Blue Rocks fans and how they’ve supported various community groups throughout their 21 seasons here in Delaware and we’re looking forward to receiving their support.”

Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County has been building affordable housing with low-income families since 1986. Since its inception, Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County has built more than 200 homes in areas throughout New Castle County including the City of Wilmington, Middletown, Newark, New Castle and St. Georges. As a local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, it is among the top three largest affiliates in the Northeast (of over 210 affiliates from Delaware to Maine) in terms of home construction. Through its unique approach, Habitat for Humanity helps low-income families break the cycle of poverty through the stability and empowerment gained through homeownership.

The first raffle drawing will take place on Friday, May 17 during the 7:05 p.m. Blue Rocks’ game with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, with a spectacular fireworks show to follow the game. For tickets, and mini-plan information, call 302-888-BLUE.

www.bluerocks.com

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Wilmington Blue Rocks. Click here to view the original story.

Scout Patch Design Contest Underway

Deadline For Patch Submissions Is April 8

WilmingtonBlueRocks_2013-02-04

 

Wilmington, DE – The Wilmington Blue Rocks are pleased to announce the implementation of the 2013 Scout Patch Design Contest for their Boy and Girl Scout Sleepovers in August at Frawley Stadium. The winning scout will receive a prize pack and the winning patch will be given to all scouts participating in the sleepover. Deadline for submissions is April 8, 2013.

Scouts can submit their designs via mail to the Wilmington Blue Rocks, c/o Scout Sleepover, 801 Shipyard Drive, Wilmington DE 19801. For any questions regarding the Scout Sleepover, or the design contest, call Stefani Rash at 302-472-5718 or email her at srash@bluerocks.com.

The 2013 season marks the 14th year of the scout sleepover program with the Blue Rocks. Sleepover dates are June 28th for the Girl Scouts and August 17th for the Boy Scouts.

The Blue Rocks begin their 2013 season on April 5th in Myrtle Beach. After a six-game road trip, the Rocks return to Wilmington for the home opener on Friday, April 12 at 7:05 p.m. Group tickets and mini plans for the 2013 campaign are on sale now by visiting bluerocks.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Wilmington Blue Rocks. Click here to view the original story.

Blue Rocks 2012 Holiday Card Contest Underway

WilmingtonBlueRocks_2012-11-08

 

WILMINGTON, DE – The Wilmington Blue Rocks welcome all students in Kindergarten through Fifth Grade to participate in the 2012 Blue Rocks Holiday Card Contest. Entries for the 2012 Blue Rocks Holiday Card Contest are now being accepted until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, November 28. The winning entry will be the cover of the Blue Rocks Holiday Card. The winner will receive 10 tickets to Opening Night and a baseball autographed by the whole team!

All entrants will receive two tickets to a 2013 Blue Rocks game. The winner will be announced on November 30. Each entrant will receive two (2) complimentary tickets to a game in 2013. The grand prize winner will receive a team-signed ball, 10 tickets to a game and will throw out a ceremonial first pitch.

Art teachers and parents can send their entries to:
Wilmington Blue Rocks
Attn. Holiday Card Contest
801 Shipyard Drive
Wilmington, DE 19801

When returning entries, please be sure the student’s name, address, phone number, school and grade are written CLEARLY on the back of the entry. Entries should be submitted on an 8.5″ by 11″ sheet of paper and will become property of the Wilmington Blue Rocks and will not be returned. Please note that the Blue Rocks offices will be closed on Thursday, November 22 and Friday, November 23. We thank everyone for their participation and Happy Holidays. Good luck!

The Wilmington Blue Rocks open the 2013 season on the Riverfront against the Frederick Keys on Friday, April 12 at 7:05 p.m.

Blue Rocks Baseball = AffordaFUNability!www.bluerocks.com

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Wilmington Blue Rocks. Click here to view the original story.

ROCKY AIDS IN GIRLS SCOUT’S GOLD AWARD PROGRAM

Surprises Students With Visit To Holy Angels School

Rocky Bluewinkle and director of community relations Kevin Linton performed to the delight of all those in attendance. (Lisa Zimmerman)
Rocky Bluewinkle and director of community relations Kevin Linton performed to the delight of all those in attendance. (Lisa Zimmerman)

Newark, DE – As a prelude to the 2012 Rocky’s Reading Challenge, Blue Rocks mascot Rocky Bluewinkle surprised the kindergarten through fourth grade students at Holy Angels School in Newark. Rocky entertained the children by acting out his favorite story, “Rocky at the Bat”, a varied rendition from the original story, “Casey at the Bat” by Ernest Lawrence Thayer.Rocky surprised the students because he was assisting his friend, Hannah Zimmerman, who was working on the completion of her Gold Award project, sponsored by the Girl Scout Council. Her Read-A-Thon project included creating both a bulletin board in the hallway and a reading corner in the library at Holy Angels School. To cap off the project, Zimmerman designed a program similar to Rocky’s Reading Challenge, where kids need to read a minimum of 10 books over a four-week period.

Zimmerman is currently a sophomore at Saint Mark’s High School in Newark and is an alumna of the Holy Angels School.

Information will be coming soon regarding the 2012 Rocky’s Reading Challenge and school visitation. We look forward to having each and every school participate this year. For more information on the program, e-mail communityrelations@bluerocks.com.

For 2012 Blue Rocks ticket information, please call 302-888-BLUE or visit bluerocks.com. Season tickets are on sale now. CLICK HERE for more information on season tickets. CLICK HERE to view a PDF of the Blue Rocks’ 2012 schedule.

Blue Rocks Baseball = AffordaFUNability!
www.bluerocks.com

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Wilmington Blue Rocks. Click here to view the original story.

BLUE ROCKS DONATE NEARLY $750,000 TO LOCAL CAUSES

Team’s Efforts with Marketing Partners & Fans Touch Thousands

The Wilmington Blue Rocks continued their commitment of giving back to the community throughout the 2010 season. The year saw the team, in tandem with its marketing partners and fans, raise $744,721.99 worth of contributions to local charities, schools and community organizations. The sum includes many different types of contributions including cash, tickets and services.

“We take pride in being able to contribute at this level to youth and charitable organizations in the greater Wilmington area,” said Blue Rocks general manager Chris Kemple. “I’m certain that we could not have done this without assistance from our 2010 marketing partners and fans that also played a large role in raising these funds.”

Below is a breakdown of the team’s efforts in the community during the campaign:

Cash Donations – $19,115

The Wilmington Blue Rocks were able to donate $19,115 to local organizations in 2010. These donations included Little League sponsorships, specialty game-worn memorabilia auctions, ticket kickbacks, and a sponsorship with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Delaware.

During select games, the Blue Rocks wore special jerseys or hats. That apparel was then auctioned and raffled off during those games. Some items were auctioned off online as well. Below are a few examples:

Boots on the Ground – Blue Rocks wore Camo hats
Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition – Blue Rocks wore Pink jerseys
B+ Foundation – Blue Rocks wore Throwback jerseys

Other organizations that benefited from this included: The Ronnie Williams Foundation, the ING DIRECT Kids Foundation, United Cerebral Palsy of Delaware, and the Kelly Heinz-Grundner Brain Tumor Foundation.

Ticket Donations – 66,798 tickets, Value – $601,182

Each year, the Blue Rocks are able to accommodate almost every donation request. Through those donation requests, school programs, and by offering bulk tickets to select local organizations (Kind to Kids, USO Delaware, Delaware Police Departments, and more), the Blue Rocks were able to donate almost 67,000 tickets for the 2010 season.

Centerplate Concession Stand Money – $63,149.99

During the 2010 season, local organizations had the opportunity to work the concession stands during Blue Rocks games. In exchange, Centerplate, the concessionaire for the Wilmington Blue Rocks, gave them a portion of the revenue from that game. Throughout the season, over $63,000 was donated to these organizations for their efforts.

Non-Ticket Donations – $21,575

These donations are for extraordinary cases that call for something extra special. Non-ticket donations consist of:

Luxury Suites
Experience Items (first pitches, on-field inclusion)
Autographed Items (bats, baseballs)
Merchandise/Promo Items
Blue Rocks Baseball Camp Scholarships
Used Baseballs/Gloves/Equipment

Advertising Donations – $8,500

During home games, the Blue Rocks allowed select non-profits to promote themselves or upcoming events. This promotion was executed through the use of the RocksVision video board, the public address system, and by providing concourse tables.

Speaking Appearances

The Blue Rocks Front Office donated over 50 hours of their time to speak at community events. These events included speaking to children at local elementary schools, high schools, and colleges about careers in sports, and speaking to local organizations about the Blue Rocks.

Player Appearances

Wilmington Blue Rocks Players made many appearances over the 2010 season. Some of these appearances included visiting the Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children (at least once a month), a youth detention center, local schools, United Cerebral Palsy’s summer camp, as well as other local summer camps.

Mascot Appearances – $7,500

Rocky Bluewinkle visited 196 community events this year. (Spanned over 240 hours; Value of free or discounted appearances – $7,500).

In-Stadium Fundraising at Frawley Stadium – $23,700

The Blue Rocks opened up Frawley Stadium to select charitable organizations during home games, and enabled them to raise money for their respective causes. Money was raised by selling t-shirts, raffle tickets, and by collecting donations. There have also been a number of check presentations before Blue Rocks games during the 2010 season.

K’s for Kids: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware donated money every time a Blue Rocks pitcher recorded a strikeout at home. At the end of the season, Delaware Guidance Services for Children and Youth, Inc. was presented with a $5,000 check.
Stolen Base Learning Initiative: SBLI Life Insurance donated money for each Blue Rocks stolen base during a home game. At the end of the season, BooksFirst! was presented with a $5,000 check.
Stolen Bases for Happy Faces: New Castle County Chamber of Commerce donated $5,000 to the Bear Babe Ruth Baseball League Miracle League Field project.
B+ Score for the Cure: AstraZeneca donated money for each Blue Rocks run scored at home. At the end of the season, the B+ Foundation was presented with a $5,000 check.

Miscellaneous

Make-A-Wish Night: On Aug. 31, the Blue Rocks hosted Make-A-Wish Night. Wish Kids were treated like stars. They were able to participate in some unique activities before and during the game, and they received lots of autographs and free stuff.
Challenger Little League: The Blue Rocks continued the tradition of working with the Challenger Little League to host its season’s Opening Ceremonies. Each player was introduced individually, and all teams get to play on Judy Johnson Field.
Stadium Tours: The Blue Rocks offer stadium tours for free. Tours are usually 30 minutes long. In 2010, the Blue Rocks hosted 60 tours, many to community organizations with little to no funding.
Toy Drive: The Blue Rocks were once again, able to contribute toys to the Mary Campbell Center. Rocky Claus surprised guests at the Mary Campbell Center’s youth and children holiday party with a sack full of donated toys.

Tackling Childhood Obesity

The Wilmington Blue Rocks are committed to tackling the epidemic of childhood obesity. To do so, the Blue Rocks have partnered with local programs like Nemours Health and Prevention Services, Titus Sports Academy (CHAMPIONS program), and Girls on the Run. Through these partnerships the Blue Rocks have been able to reward kids who participate in health/fitness-related extracurricular activities.

One of the many visits by Blue Rocks players and team mascot Rocky Bluewinkle to A.I. duPont Hospital included (left-to-right): Rocky, Ivor Hodgson, Buddy Baumann, Barry Bowden, Adrian Ortiz. (Photo by Dave Arthur)

ROCKY DELIVERS HOLIDAY CHEER

Mascot Visits Over 100 Hospital Patients, Helps Deliver Gifts

The Blue Rocks’ own Rocky Bluewinkle joined forces with the Delaware State Police on Thursday for a visit to Alfred I. DuPont Hospital for Children to deliver gifts and holiday cheer. As part of the annual visit for the Delaware State Police, donations included gingerbread houses, stuffed animals, baseballs and more. The all-day delivery saw Rocky & Co. visit more than 100 patients.

Rocky did not make his journey solo. Everyone’s favorite furry pal had help from Delaware state troopers, Santa and Mrs. Claus, Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph, a storm trooper, the Chick-fil-A Cow and Miss Delaware 2009 herself, Heather Lehman. The super squad posed for hundreds of pictures with patients and their families while dropping off goodies to lift their spirits.

While the dream team patrolled Alfred I. DuPont, other Delaware state police troopers also visited hospitals in Kent and Sussex counties. The Blue Rocks made special stops to Alfred I. DuPont monthly during the season with players and Rocky Bluewinkle in tow.

Link to original article by John Sadak

Rocky’s “dream team” spread holiday cheer to over 100 patients at Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington. (Dave Arthur)