Hens recognize five of the best Black players in Toledo history

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In celebration of Black History Month throughout February, teams across Minor League Baseball are taking a look back at five of the best Black players to suit up for their club.

While some of these standout performers went on to long and illustrious Major League careers, others simply had great Minor League careers or, in some cases, just one incredible season that went down as “a year for the ages.”

Here is a look at five of the best Black baseball players to suit up for the Toledo Mud Hens.

MOSES FLEETWOOD WALKER

Walker made his first appearance in Toledo during the 1883 season, appearing in 60 of the Toledo Blue Stockings 84 games as a catcher. He hit .251 that year, helping Toledo to a league championship in the Northwestern League.

On Opening Day 1884, Walker once again suited up as the catcher for the Blue Stockings as the team joined Ben Johnson’s Western Association (which would later become the modern-day American League). By doing so, he became the first African-American player to play a major league game.

During that season, Walker hit .263 but due to battling injuries he was limited to just 42 games during the 104-game season. His brother Weldy joined the Blue Stockings during that season, playing in a total of six games.

IKE BROWN

Brown spent his entire baseball career inside the Detroit organization that included multiple years in Toledo from 1967 through 1969. His first season in Toledo was as a 25-year-old when he posted a .269 batting average with 18 doubles, seven home runs, and 57 RBI to go along with 15 stolen bases.

A fan favorite in Toledo, Brown finished his Hens career with 34 home runs, 168 RBI, 33 stolen bases, and 48 doubles while appearing in 255 games.

He went on to join the Tigers after scorching Triple-A baseball in the 1969 season with a .356 average in 53 games for the Hens. That started a stretch of six seasons in MLB baseball, all with Detroit. The Memphis, Tennessee native appeared in 280 games for Detroit with a .256 average to go along 15 doubles, four triples, 20 homers, and 65 RBI. He also scored 85 runs in his major league career.

KIRBY PUCKETT

Puckett arrived in Toledo as a 24-year-old that skipped right over Double-A to start the 1984 season in Toledo. It was a short stay as after just 21 games, the Minnesota Twins decided to call up their first round pick (#3 overall) from 1982 to join the club. Puckett stole eight bases while hitting .263 for the Hens before joining the big league club.

The Chicago, Illinois native would never see the minor leagues again after his stay with the Hens, going on to play in 12 seasons for the Twins, including two World Series Championships. Over ten consecutive seasons he was named an MLB All-Star from his first appearance in 1986 to his last in 1995, which was also his final season. Six times he was named a Silver Slugger Award winner and matched that number with Gold Glove awards.

Puckett finished his career with a .318 batting average, 2,304 hits, 414 doubles, 57 triples, 207 homers, and 1,085 RBI. He topped baseball with a .339 batting average, while also leading the league in RBI once with 112 in the 1994 season at age 34. Puckett was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2001.

TONY CLARK

Clark rocketed through the minor leagues after being selected by the Detroit Tigers second overall in the 1990 draft. He reached Triple-A and first wore a Hens uniform for 25 games at the end of the 1994 season. As just a 23-year-old, Clark cracked 14 home runs with 63 RBI in 110 games for the Hens in 1995 that led to his first big league call-up.

1996 became his first of a 15-year MLB career that saw him finish third in the Rookie of the Year voting in 1996 and also saw him as an All-Star in 2001 season. Most of Clark’s career was spent with Detroit (seven seasons) but he also played for Arizona, both the New York Yankees and New York Mets, and also the San Diego Padres. The Newton, Kansas native finished his career with 251 homers, 824 RBI, a .262 batting average, and 1,188 hits.

Clark continues to shape the future of baseball as the current head of the baseball players union.

MARCUS THAMES

After being a 30th round pick by the New York Yankees in 1996, Thames found his way to Toledo in the 2004 season after making his Major League debut with New York in 2002 and playing part of 2003 in Texas. That started a stretch of six consecutive seasons for him in the Detroit organization.

Most of his 151 appearances in a Hens uniform came from the 2004 and 2005 seasons with 137 games played during those two years. In 2004, the Louisville, Mississippi native hit 24 home runs with 59 RBI while hitting .329 in just 64 games. The next year while part of one of the best Hens teams of all-time, Thames showcased that power again with 22 bombs and 56 RBI to go along with a .340 average in 73 contests. That year was the first of back-to-back IL Championships for Toledo. In total as a Mud Hen, he hit 49 home runs with 123 RBI.

Thames went on to play in 640 career Major League games with 485 coming in a Tigers uniform. He was a huge part of the 2006 Tigers team that advanced to the World Series only to lose to St. Louis in five games. That year he was third on the Tigers with 26 home runs. Post his playing days, Thames spent four years as hitting coach for the New York Yankees from 2017-2021 and will have that role in 2022 with the Miami Marlins.

SeaWolves Announce Three Hiring Events

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The SeaWolves announced today that the team will host three Game Day Crew hiring events. The team is seeking outgoing, enthusiastic individuals (ages 16 & up) to fill a variety of game day positions for the 2022 baseball season.

The hiring events will take place in the UPMC Park Stadium Club located at 831 French St. on Saturday, February 26 (10 a.m. – 12 p.m.), Wednesday, March 9 (5 p.m. – 7 p.m.) and Saturday, April 30 (10 a.m. – 12 p.m.). Interested individuals will enter the Stadium Club through the ground level lobby and then take the elevator to the fourth floor. Prospective Game Day Crew Members will fill out applications and audition on the spot.

Available Crew Member positions include:

  • Food Service (Cashiers, Cooks, Servers, Runners & Vendors)
  • Stadium Operations (Post-Event Cleaning and Event Day Porters)
  • Team Store Associates
  • Funland Attendants
  • Camera Operators
  • Wolf Pack Entertainment Team

Opening Night, presented by Plyler Entry Systems, is Friday, April 8 as the SeaWolves host the Akron RubberDucks at 6: 05 p.m. Single-game tickets are now available (online only) at SeaWolves.com. SeaWolves Ticket Memberships, Paw Pack flexible ticket books, suites, picnics, Stadium Club events, and Bud Light Party Deck groups are now available for the 2022 season by visiting SeaWolves.com or by calling 814-456-1300.

Annual West Michigan Whitecaps Fundraiser has a New Look in February

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Comstock Park, MI – – Tuesday, January 4, 2022 – – The Whitecaps Community Foundation announced a new look for their annual fundraiser in 2022. Past events were featured as a banquet and the Detroit Tigers caravan was the highlight. This year’s event will again support local youth baseball and softball, but with a few changes.

This February, the Whitecaps will celebrate The Golden Age of Baseball, during what is now called the Whitecaps Winter Gala presented by Eastbrook Homes. Proceeds benefit the YMCA Ted Rasberry Youth League and the Detroit Tigers Foundation, an affiliate of Ilitch Charities.

Since its inception, the Ted Rasberry Youth League has given more than 30,000 children a chance to play baseball and softball each summer. The program provides uniform hats and t-shirts, teaches kids baseball skills, provides healthy meals, helps kids make long-lasting friendships and the opportunity for fun during the summer.

“In classic Whitecaps tradition, we’re stepping up our entertainment game this year,” said Whitecaps Community Relations Manager, Jenny Garone. “Not only is the event in downtown Grand Rapids at the Public Museum, but we’ll also have live music, an auction, a strolling dinner, and guests will be dressed in 1920s attire as we’re celebrating the Golden Age of Baseball.”

Former major leaguer Craig Monroe is scheduled to speak at the gala (see attached photos, biography below). Monroe played six seasons with the Detroit Tigers during a career that spanned nine years: 2001– 2009.

“Baseball is what we do” Garone added. ‘We’re thrilled to be joined by former Tiger Craig Monroe who will visit and give a keynote talk. It’s all about raising funds so kids get the opportunity to have fun next summer. It’s a tradition and a party West Michigan won’t want to miss. We expect a sellout.”

The Whitecaps and the venue continue to monitor the community spread of COVID 19 and how current transmission rates may impact masking and vaccination requirements for this event. Further updates on these requirements will be provided in the coming weeks.

The Whitecaps Community Foundation The Golden Age of Baseball Winter Gala presented by Eastbrook Homes is Thursday, February 3rd at 6:00 p.m. at the Grand Rapids Public Museum.

Tickets are available at now at https://WCFgala22.givesmart.com.

About West Michigan Whitecaps: The Whitecaps minor league baseball team was established in 1994. The Whitecaps are the High- A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers and play in the Eastern Division of the High-A Central League. The team’s home games are played in West Michigan’s favorite, largest, outdoor, multi-purpose venue, LMCU Ballpark. For more information on Whitecaps and LMCU Ballpark visit whitecapsbaseball.com or contact Steve VanWagoner at [email protected] or 616.318.8949.

About Craig Monroe: Former Tigers outfielder Craig Monroe returns for his 11th season as a studio analyst for the Detroit Tigers on Bally Sports Detroit. He also occasionally serves as an analyst on game broadcasts.

• Monroe played nine seasons in the majors with the Texas Rangers (2001), Detroit Tigers (2002-07), Chicago Cubs (2007), Minnesota Twins (2008) and Pittsburgh Pirates (2009). He was originally drafted in the eighth round of the 1995 MLB First-Year Player Draft by the Rangers.

• The Texarkana, TX, native joined the Detroit Tigers organization on February 1, 2002, when he was selected off waivers from the Rangers. He played his first full season in 2003, hitting 23 home runs.

• On July 19, 2006, Monroe hit a grand slam home run off Javier Vazquez of the Chicago White Sox that was decisive in the Tigers’ 5-2 win. A career .252 hitter, he recorded career highs with 28 homers and 92 RBI with Detroit in 2006. He also hit five home runs in the 2006 postseason, which culminated in a World Series appearance. Monroe tied the Tigers’ career postseason record set by Hall of Famer Hank Greenberg.

• Craig and his wife, Kasey, have three children, Morgan, Cannon and Collin.

• Follow Monroe on Twitter at @CMo_27

Hens to participate in Homers That Help campaign

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Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) today announced the creation of a charitable component to the 10-game Triple-A Final Stretch of games that will benefit 501(c)3 charities in each Triple-A city.

For each home run hit by Triple-A teams (home and road games) during the Triple-A Final Stretch, Minor League Baseball will donate $50 per home run to a local charity selected by the team. The team hitting the most home runs over the 10-game span will generate an extra $5,000 donation for their charity.

The Mud Hens have selected the Boys & Girls Club of Toledo as the charity to receive these donations. The Boys & Girls Club aims to enable all young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens.

The Triple-A Final Stretch begins tonight, when Jacksonville hosts Memphis, while the remaining Triple-A clubs will begin their Final Stretch games on Sept. 22 or 23.

“Minor League Baseball teams have long been great community partners, and we are pleased to make a donation to each of these local charities on behalf of our Triple-A teams for their performance during the Triple-A Final Stretch,” said Major League Baseball’s Vice President, Minor League Operations and Development, Peter Woodfork. “These charities provide a variety of valuable services to their community, and it is our honor to recognize their efforts.”

Whitecaps reveal “Grand Rapids Dam Breakers” persona that will bring more awareness to Grand Rapids Whitewater project

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Comstock Park, MI – – Saturday, July 17, 2021 – – West Michigan Whitecaps Manager Brayan Pena answered his phone. The call was from Jim Jarecki, Whitecaps VP & General Manager. Pena listens intently, then smiles. “We’re doing WHAT?”

Jarecki was calling to get some Whitecaps players set up for a photo shoot on the banks of the Grand River. They would be dressed in a new uniform; with a new name they would not recognize.

At LMCU Ballpark tonight, the West Michigan Whitecaps announced their newest alternate identity, and with a grand purpose. The Whitecaps will become the Grand Rapids Dam Breakers for one night only on Saturday, August 21**st**, at 7:05 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at https://www.milb.com/west-michigan

“Efforts to restore the Grand River have been underway for over a decade” said Matt Chapman, of Grand Rapids Whitewater. “We are honored that the entire Whitecaps organization believes in the tremendous opportunity our community has with the Grand River. With the support and awareness from The Grand Rapids Dam Breakers, we will work to restore the rapids in the Grand River for everyone.”

The Grand Rapids Dam Breakers persona was created to bring awareness to the Grand River restoration project. Spearheaded by Grand Rapids Whitewater, the goal is to restore the rapids back to a 2.5 mile stretch of the Grand River.

“There’s no doubt the Whitecaps love Grand Rapids and the unique history our city and even our ballpark have with the Grand River,” said Whitecaps CEO Joe Chamberlin. “This Dam Breakers persona is an awesome opportunity for us to bring awareness to this very special project and we will be doing all that we can to highlight the efforts of Grand Rapids Whitewater. The Whitecaps are an important part of the West Michigan landscape, and we are excited to support this new vision of revitalization, economic growth and plenty of new fun for everyone in our community.”

Why?

Residents and visitors alike flock to downtown attractions on both sides of the Grand River. It makes smart economic sense to make the riverfront a central gathering place for everyone.

The Anderson Economic Group projects 230,000 net new visitor days and more than 500,000 people each year, a boon that translates up to almost $19 million in net economic impact for the city and 80-100 new jobs. In addition, $250+ million in capital investments are anticipated within 10 years of the project completion.

“By embracing the Dam Breakers brand our fans, business partners, and all of West Michigan can join us in helping to create momentum and support for this exciting project that has the potential to mean so much to our city,” Chamberlin added. “A healthy and thriving Grand River helps create a healthy and thriving Grand Rapids and through the Dam Breakers brand we invite all of our Whitecaps fans to be part of this historic movement,” Chamberlin said.

Consumers Energy is one of those business partners who embraces the message and already responded as the Grand Rapids Dam Breakers game sponsor on August 21**st**.

“Consumers Energy is proud to be part of this community effort to put the Rapids back in Grand Rapids – a project that will provide west Michigan families significant recreational, economic, and environmental benefits,” said Lauren Youngdahl Snyder, Consumers Energy’s vice president of customer experience. “We are committed to better protecting our planet for generations to come, and we applaud the Whitecaps, temporarily the Grand Rapids Dam Breakers, and Grand Rapids Whitewater in their mission to enhance the natural resources here in the Grand Rapids community.”

In early July, the Whitecaps began teasing the announcement and the new name with cryptic sounds of water, images of waves and dates on their social media. The announcement tonight was the collaborative work of the Whitecaps, Grand Rapids Whitewater, and Consumers Energy.

The Whitecaps organization plans to give a portion of the proceeds of all Grand Rapids Dam Breakers merchandise over to the Whitewater project.

The Grand River restoration project proposes to bring natural, cultural and commercial excitement back to our waterway by restoring a 2.5-mile stretch of the river to its rightful, rolling state. From Ann Street to Fulton Street, the project will reveal an 18-foot drop in spectacular fashion, snaking and snarling around boulders, stone and natural reefs. With this exciting feature at its heart, a new riverfront will rise.

About West Michigan Whitecaps: The Whitecaps minor league baseball team was established in 1994. The Whitecaps are the High- A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers and play in the Eastern Division of the High-A Central League. The team’s home games are played in West Michigan’s favorite, largest, outdoor, multi-purpose venue, LMCU Ballpark. For more information on Whitecaps and LMCU Ballpark visit whitecapsbaseball.com or contact Steve VanWagoner at [email protected] or 616.318.8949.

About Grand Rapids Whitewater: Grand Rapids WhiteWater (GRWW) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, formed as an outgrowth of the **Green Grand Rapids**** initiative to champion the restoration of the rapids on the Grand River. Started by Chip Richards and Chris Muller, the organization is led by Steve Heacock and Matt Chapman, and backed by an active board of directors. **

In 2013, the Grand River restoration initiative was designated an Urban Waters Federal Partnership project. Working with numerous community partners, including design experts from the River Restoration Org., GRWW has led the planning, fundraising and permitting process.

About Consumers Energy: Consumers Energy, Michigan’s largest energy provider, is the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.8 million of the state’s 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.

Media Contacts: Katie Carey, 517-740-1739, or Brian Wheeler, 517-740-1545

Pride Night Celebration at LMCU Ballpark

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What: The Whitecaps close out Pride Month by announcing a Pride Night Celebration for fans at LMCU Ballpark on Saturday, September 4th at 7:05 p.m. Additionally, the Whitecaps are working on special in-game entertainment, music, giveaways, and more.

Whitecaps: “We are excited to announce Pride Night at LMCU Ballpark will take place on September 4th! We’re looking forward to a game night celebrating the LGBTQ+ community and all the wonderful diversity we have right here in West Michigan.” said Joe Chamberlin, Whitecaps CEO. “As a community centric organization, we work hard to always be inclusive and to ensure all Whitecaps fans know we celebrate them. Everyone is invited and our team is working hard to ensure September 4th will be a ton of FUN!”

Fans will be encouraged to show support on social media throughout the night by using #CAPSPRIDENIGHT

Media: For more information or comments, contact Jenny Garone at [email protected] or 616.821.1383.

About West Michigan Whitecaps: The Whitecaps minor league baseball team was established in 1994. The Whitecaps are the High- A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers and play in the Eastern Division of the High-A Central League. The team’s home games are played in West Michigan’s favorite, largest, outdoor, multi-purpose venue, LMCU Ballpark. For more information visit whitecapsbaseball.com. Contact: Steve VanWagoner at [email protected] or 616.318.8949.

SeaWolves Team with UPMC Hamot to Host Vaccine Clinic

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The Erie SeaWolves, Double-A Affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, have teamed with UPMC Hamot to host a COVID-19 vaccine clinic during their game against the Akron RubberDucks (Cleveland Indians) on Friday, May 14 at UPMC Park. Game time is 6:05 p.m.

Ticket holders (ages 12 & older) can receive a Pfizer vaccine between 4:30-6:30 PM in the new Celebration Cove picnic area, located inside the main gate entry plaza of UPMC Park. No appointment is necessary. Attendees must have a ticket to the game to enter.

Captain’s Club Members can enter UPMC Park Gate #2 at 4:30 PM. UPMC Park’s Main Entry Gate #1 will open at 4:45 PM. Each individual who receives their Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at the May 14 game will receive a voucher for a free Smith’s hot dog, chips, and a drink, redeemable at any SeaWolves home game this month. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

“We are thrilled to partner with UPMC Hamot to help get Erie County vaccinated,” SeaWolves Team President Greg Coleman said. “It’s been wonderful to welcome fans back to UPMC Park, and we’re thankful to all the healthcare heroes for making it possible.”

The SeaWolves continue their six-game series against the RubberDucks tonight at 6:05 p.m. It’s Thirsty Thursday presented by Bud Light. Fans can enjoy Smith’s hot dogs, Pepsi soft drinks, popcorn and select domestic draft beers for only $2 each. Tickets are available at SeaWolves.com.

Hens recognize frontline workers during Opening Week

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During Opening Week, the Mud Hens will honor the men and women who have been on the frontlines during the pandemic over the past year. These Hometown Heroes have worked tirelessly to keep our community safe, healthy, fed, and our children educated. The Mud Hens would like to thank a local company who partnered with the Knothole Club to purchase and donate 800 tickets for these local heroes to attend the game.

The following groups will be celebrated at the games during Opening Week:

– Wednesday, May 5 | Healthcare Providers

– Thursday, May 6 | Educators

– Friday, May 7 | First Responders (Toledo Police & Fire)

– Sunday, May 9 | Essential Workers

Knothole Club

For nearly 100 years, the Mud Hens have developed partnerships with local businesses and individuals to provide tickets to underprivileged children and veterans in the Toledo region. Click to learn more on the Knothole Club.

Erie’s Teams Host Drive-Thru Teddy Bear Toss and Toy Drive

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The Erie SeaWolves, Erie Otters, and Erie BayHawks are teaming up to host a contactless drive-thru teddy bear toss and toy collection benefitting the Salvation Army of Erie on Saturday, December 19th from 10am-2pm.

Erie sports fans are encouraged to bring a new stuffed animal or boxed toy to the collection point at the East 9th Street cul-de-sac at UPMC Park’s new main entrance. Staff will be on hand to receive donations from vehicles. Social distancing and personal protection protocols will be in place (masks, hand sanitizer, etc.) to ensure the health and safety of fans and volunteers. Fans are encouraged to pack their donations in a plastic bag.

All donors will receive free hot chocolate courtesy of Tim Hortons and special offers from the teams, including a coupon for 15% off a future purchase at the Erie SeaWolves or Erie Otters team stores.

Fans should be aware of ongoing construction to the Warner Theater and adjusted traffic patterns with East 9th Street closed between State and French street, and one lane traffic on French Street near the Warner Theater construction project. Access to the collection point can be found by heading south on French Street starting at the intersection with East 8th Street.

WHO: Erie SeaWolves, Erie Otters, Erie BayHawks, and Erie Events

WHAT: Contactless drive-thru teddy bear toss and toy drive to benefit the Salvation Army of Erie

WHERE: East 9th Street cul-de-sac at the main entrance of UPMC Park

WHEN: Saturday, December 19 from 10am-2pm

Save lives at our Blood Drive on Monday, July 13

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Did you know every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood, and that one pint of blood can save up to three lives? To help meet demand for donations and to raise awareness about the need for new donors, the annual Mud Hens Blood Drive will be held on Monday, July 13 from 2 to 7 p.m.

The Blood Drive will be held in the Roost on the third floor of 406 Washington St. in downtown Toledo (use the doors right next to the Swamp Shop).

BONUS: Anyone who donates blood will receive 25% off all items in the Swamp Shop on July 13.

To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-REDCROSS or visit www.redcrossblood.org and enter the sponsor code: MUDHENS.

INFORMATION YOU NEED TO KNOW:

  • Donors will need to wear face masks or coverings at the blood drive in alignment with CDC guidelines. We encourage donors to bring their own mask or covering that covers both their nose and mouth. If a donor does not have a mask, the Red Cross will provide one. If a donor does not want to wear a mask, we ask they postpone their donation for a later date.
  • Appointments will be scheduled to help manage donor flow and allow for social distancing.
  • Guests will not be able to attend drive (e.g. children or teens, unless teen is donating blood).
  • For detailed donor eligibility questions, please call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org.
  • For additional information go to redcrossblood.org to learn more about coronavirus and blood donation.

Nominate your Hometown Hero today

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Together we’ll get through this. At a time when many are still out on the job keeping our nation going during this crisis, the Toledo Walleye and Toledo Mud Hens want to recognize those going above and beyond through the ‘Hometown Heroes’ campaign sponsored by Marathon Petroleum, Cousino Restoration and the Blade Newsslide.

So many are doing so much. Healthcare workers caring for the sick. Police officers and firefighters keeping our communities safe. Grocery store employees keeping our shelves stocked. Truck drivers delivering our much-needed goods. Utility workers keeping our lights on and water flowing. People volunteering to help those in need.

We want to hear about your hero. Submit your nomination and we’ll highlight selected Hometown Heroes on our social media pages.

Thanks to everyone who’s helping to keep Toledo strong!

To nominate your hero, click here.

Support Our Local Restaurant Sponsors

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Restaurants are open for take out, pick up or delivery

During these difficult times, many of our local restaurants continue to serve much needed meals. Many of these restaurants are partners with the Lakeland Flying Tigers, and with your support, we can help these businesses continue to support their employees and serve our community.

Below is a list of our partner restaurants with links to their websites. All of these restaurants are currently open for take out, pick up or delivery. For hours and details, please call ahead or check the restaurant’s website.

The Lakeland Flying Tigers and our partners thank you for your support!

Abuelo’s
Applebee’s
Dairy Queen – North Lakeland
Denny’s – North Lakeland
Hooters – North Lakeland
Hooters – South Lakeland
Little Caesars – North Lakeland
Little Caesars – South Lakeland
Olive Garden – North Lakeland
PDQ
Zaxby’s

SeaWolves to Hold Auditions for National Anthem, Public Address Announcers and On-Field Emcees

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The SeaWolves will hold open auditions on Saturday, March 14 for National Anthem singers, public address announcers, and on-field emcees. Auditions will be held at the Center Court stage in the Millcreek Mall from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Interested parties will register and audition on the spot. Tryouts will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

NATIONAL ANTHEM SINGERS
Singers will perform “The Star-Spangled Banner” a cappella (without music) and must complete their audition within a 90-second time frame. Solo performances and ensemble auditions are encouraged. There is no age requirement, but performers must be comfortable singing in a stadium environment. No CDs, tapes, emails or digital submissions will be accepted. Those auditioning are encouraged to review the SeaWolves’ game schedule and identify their availability throughout the season.

PUBLIC ADDRESS ANNOUNCER
The team is seeking one to two individuals to serve as the in-stadium public address voice(s) of UPMC Park for all 70 SeaWolves home games. PA Announcer duties include introducing starting lineups, batters and defensive changes, delivering promotional scripts and improvisational contests, and other duties as assigned. The PA Announcer works closely with the Director of Entertainment to create a fan-friendly and enjoyable experience at UPMC Park. Those auditioning will each read a variety of game day scripts and announce the SeaWolves lineup. Qualifications for this seasonal, game-day position include:

  • Strong vocal talent
  • A unique and definitive personality
  • Execute pre-game, in-game and post-game scripts and player introductions
  • Comfort speaking into a microphone in the control room to a large audience
  • Must be enthusiastic, energetic, and an effective communicator
  • Must possess the ability to think quickly based on game situations and improvise when needed
  • Demonstrate professionalism and comfort while announcing complex names
  • Strong knowledge of baseball rules and positions

ON-FIELD EMCEE
The team is seeking one to two individuals to serve as on-field hosts at UPMC Park for all 70 SeaWolves home games. On-field emcees are responsible for fan engagement during pre-game, in-game and post-game promotions on a nightly basis. The emcee(s) will work closely with the Director of Entertainment and the Wolf Pack Entertainment team. Those auditioning will host a mock in-game contest and read sample promotional scripts. Qualifications for this seasonal, game-day position include:

  • The ability to execute pre-game, in-game and post-game promotions
  • Must be enthusiastic, energetic, and an effective communicator
  • Comfort and poise using a hand-held microphone to speak in front of a large audience
  • Must possess the ability to think quickly based on game situations and improvise as needed
  • Must possess effective interpersonal communication skills for fan engagement
  • Must have a basic understanding of baseball and adhere to MiLB game operations requirements

The SeaWolves open the 2020 season on Thursday, April 9 at the Altoona Curve (Pirates). Opening Night at UPMC Park, presented by Plyler Entry Systems, is Thursday, April 16 at 6:05 p.m. against the Altoona Curve. Ticket packages and hospitality outings are available now by calling 814-456-1300.

 

2020 CT Military All-Star Nominations Now Open

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NORWICH, CT – The Norwich Sea Unicorns, Class-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, and the Better Business Bureau Serving Connecticut are proud to announce that the nomination process for the 2020 CT Military All-Stars promotion is now open and will run through July 10th! The seventh annual promotion will honor nine current or former military personnel prior to Military Appreciation Night at Dodd Stadium on Friday, August 14th.

2020 will be the eighth consecutive season that the annual Military Appreciation Night will be presented by the Better Business Bureau Military Line which provides free services, consumer education and other resources for military families, to assist them during and after deployment. The nine honorees will be selected from the pool of nominations by a panel of community judges and will be honored on the field prior to the game. In addition, the first 1,000 fans through the gates on August 14th will receive a baseball card set featuring these heroes.

Nominations representing all branches of the military are welcome. The submission form can be found online by visiting goseaunicorns.com/military. Fans can also pick up a nomination form and submit their nomination in person at Dodd Stadium at the Dime Bank Information Booth during Tigers games or in the front office during regular business hours through July 10th.

In addition to the CT Military All-Stars ceremonies, the Sea Unicorns will be wearing specially designed and military themed jerseys during the game on August 14th. The jerseys will be auctioned off during the game. The proceeds will go towards a scholarship for a military family through the BBB Military Line.

The Norwich Sea Unicorns are the New York-Penn League affiliate of the Detroit Tigers at Dodd Stadium in Norwich, Connecticut. 2020 season memberships for “The Captains Club”, mini plans, and team merchandise are now on sale! The 2020 season at Dodd Stadium kicks off on Sunday, June 21st at 7:05 pm with fireworks after the game. The front office and box office are open daily from 9 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday and can be accessed in person or by calling 860-887-7962.

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

SeaWolves to Host Job Expo on February 29

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The Erie SeaWolves, Double-A Affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, will host their 12th annual Job Expo and Wolf Pack Entertainment Crew Auditions on Saturday, February 29 from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. at the Erie Insurance Arena. The team is seeking outgoing, enthusiastic individuals (ages 16 & up) to fill

The Erie SeaWolves, Double-A Affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, will host their 12th annual Job Expo and Wolf Pack Entertainment Crew Auditions on Saturday, February 29 from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. at the Erie Insurance Arena. The team is seeking outgoing, enthusiastic individuals (ages 16 & up) to fill a variety of game day positions for the 2020 baseball season.
The Job Expo will take place in the meeting rooms at the Erie Insurance Arena. Interested individuals can use the suite holders entrance located on 8th Street and follow the directional signage to the Expo area. Prospective Crew Members will fill out applications and audition for positions on the spot.

Available Crew Member positions include:

  • Concessions / Food Service
  • Ballpark Cleaning / Maintenance
  • Bat Boys
  • Wolf Pack Entertainment Crew
  • Ushers
  • Team Store
  • Production crew
  • Camera crew
  • Character performers

Game Day Crew Member Perks:

  • Flexible hours and a fun, outdoor work environment
  • Special discounts at the SeaWolves Team Store
  • Complimentary SeaWolves tickets during each month of employment

The SeaWolves open the 2020 season on Thursday, April 9 at the Altoona Curve (Pirates). Opening Night at UPMC Park, presented by Plyler Entry Systems, is Thursday, April 16 at 6:05 p.m. against the Altoona Curve. Ticket packages and hospitality outings are available now by calling 814-456-1300.

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