Donate to hurricane relief efforts this weekend

Let’s pitch in Toledo! To help those affected by Hurricane Harvey, the Toledo Mud Hens will host a donation drive at Fifth Third Field during our final homestand of the season, from Friday, September 1 through Monday, September 4.

Fans are encouraged to bring donations of canned food and other needed items and drop them off at Guest Services located on the Main Concourse. All items will be given to Impact with Hope to assist with that organization’s relief efforts.

Canned food, diapers and garbage bags top the list of items being collected. For the full list of items being collected by Impact with Hope, click here.

Other ways you can help:

Donate to the Red Cross – here.

Donate to the Salvation Army – here.

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

Stand Up To Cancer on Sunday, August 27

Join the Mud Hens and Fifth Third Bank as we take a stand against cancer during Stand Up To Cancer Night at Fifth Third Field on Sunday, August 27. The event aims to raise awareness, as well as funds. for Stand Up To Cancer’s accelerated cancer research programs, while shining a spotlight on those fighting the disease.

“I Stand Up For” placards will be handed out before the game. Fans can personalize their placards as a way of supporting a family member or friend fighting cancer, honoring survivors, or remembering those they’ve lost. During a break in the game action, we’ll share the placard messages on our giant video board.

For each strikeout a Mud Hens pitcher registers during the game, Fifth Third will donate $5,300 to Stand Up To Cancer, an initiative dedicated to raising funds to accelerate the pace of research to get new therapies to patients quickly to save lives now. Fifth Third will also donate $1 per game attendee.

Eight pediatric care patients from the Toledo Children’s Hospital will be honorary Mud Hens for a day! As part of this experience, they will be announced as our honorary Starters of the Game and will get their own baseball card. During the game, fans will be able to visit the kids on the main concourse and get their cards signed by each of them!

Fans are encouraged to take photos at the ballpark that night and post them to Twitter, Facebook and Instagram using the hashtag #howifight. Fifth Third will donate $5.30 to Stand Up To Cancer for every eligible public use of the #howifight hashtag.

GAME TICKET ($15) – BUY TICKETS

What you get:

  • August 27 Mud Hens game ticket
  • Postgame kids run the bases
  • Postgame fireworks

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

Tame your Mane: Great Clips Charity Cuts 8/13

Are split ends throwing you a curve? On Sunday, August 13 the Great Clips Charity Cuts event aims to help you tame that mane while enjoying great baseball action at Fifth Third Field!

Great Clips stylists will be providing free haircuts on the Main Concourse during the game, with donations being accepted to benefit Children’s Miracle Network.

The Toledo Mud Hens take on the Rochester Red Wings on Sunday, August 13 at 6:05 p.m.

GAME TICKET ($12) – BUY TICKETS

What you get:

  • August 13 Mud Hens game ticket
  • Postgame Fireworks
  • Postgame Kids Run the Bases

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

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Celebrate at the Pride Party in Hensville Park, Aug. 24

Join us on Thursday, August 24, for the first ever pregame Pride Party in Hensville Park. The pregame event will feature live entertainment on the Hensville Park stage. It’s part of our Holy Toledo Thursday celebrations presented by Toledo.com.

ENTERTAINMENT

Kids with Knives – Hensville Park stage – 5:30 to 7 p.m.

PRIDE T-SHIRTS

Mud Hens Pride t-shirts will be available for sale during the Pride Party in Hensville Park.

The Mud Hens will take on the Clippers on Thursday, August 24 at 6:35 p.m.

GAME TICKET ($12) – BUY TICKETS

What you get:

  • August 24 Mud Hens game ticket

Click the links to check out the menus and make reservations:

NINE at Hensville: ninehensville.com | Chef Tony has put together a menu that he describes as “traditional Americana” where he uses local ingredients from area farms and producers to create made-from-scratch dishes with a modern taste and composition. NINE is housed in the former Folger Butcher Shop, a historic 1865 building. Exposed brick, reclaimed wood and handcrafted tables give NINE a casual vibe that fits a fun, downtown, neighborhood restaurant.

Fleetwood’s Tap Room: fleetwoodshensville.com | Have a drink at Hensville’s new craft beer bar, located on the first floor of the Fleetwood Building across the street from Fifth Third Field. Fleetwood’s Tap Room features 48 beers on draft, a wide selection of whiskeys, an eclectic menu, and an outstanding outdoor patio that overlooks Hensville Park.

BirdCage Bar & Grill: birdcagebarandgrill.com | The BirdCage Bar and Grill is located on the Club Level at Fifth Third Field and provides incredible views of the on-field action! Your ticket to the Mud Hens game gives you entry to the BirdCage, where you and your guests will enjoy a great dining experience created by Chef Tony House, featuring a display of hand-carved meats, antipasti, classic salad, and seasonal entrees.

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

Tame your mane: Great Clips Charity Cuts 7/30

Are split ends throwing you a curve? On Sunday, July 30, the Great Clips Charity Cuts event aims to help you tame that mane while enjoying great baseball action at Fifth Third Field!

Great Clips stylists will be providing free haircuts on the Main Concourse during the game, with donations being accepted to benefit Children’s Miracle Network.

The Toledo Mud Hens take on the Rochester Red Wings on Sunday, July 30 at 6:05 p.m.

GAME TICKET ($15) – BUY TICKETS

What you get:

  • July 30 Mud Hens game ticket
  • Postgame Fireworks
  • Postgame Kids Run the Bases

Click the links to check out the menus and make reservations:

NINE at Hensville: ninehensville.com | Chef Tony has put together a menu that he describes as “traditional Americana” where he uses local ingredients from area farms and producers to create made-from-scratch dishes with a modern taste and composition. NINE is housed in the former Folger Butcher Shop, a historic 1865 building. Exposed brick, reclaimed wood and handcrafted tables give NINE a casual vibe that fits a fun, downtown, neighborhood restaurant.

Fleetwood’s Tap Room: fleetwoodshensville.com | Have a drink at Hensville’s new craft beer bar, located on the first floor of the Fleetwood Building across the street from Fifth Third Field. Fleetwood’s Tap Room features 48 beers on draft, a wide selection of whiskeys, an eclectic menu, and an outstanding outdoor patio that overlooks Hensville Park.

BirdCage Bar & Grill: birdcagebarandgrill.com | The BirdCage Bar and Grill is located on the Club Level at Fifth Third Field and provides incredible views of the on-field action! Your ticket to the Mud Hens game gives you entry to the BirdCage, where you and your guests will enjoy a great dining experience created by Chef Tony House, featuring a display of hand-carved meats, antipasti, classic salad, and seasonal entrees.

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

Strike out hunger with a Food Drive, July 27

Did you know roughly one out of every eight Americans struggle with hunger? The Toledo Mud Hens are teaming up with Bush Brothers to host a food drive on Thursday, July 27, in conjunction with National Baked Beans Month.

Fans are encouraged to bring canned food items to Fifth Third Field on Thursday and drop them off at the collection bins located at Guest Services on the main concourse. All donations will be taken to the Seagate Food Bank for distribution to the people they serve.

GAME TICKET ($12) – BUY TICKETS

What you get:

  • July 27 Mud Hens game ticket

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

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Show your appreciation for our Veterans Friday, 7/28

The Toledo Mud Hens will be saying thanks to those who have served our country, during Veterans Appreciation Night presented by Owens Community College on Friday, July 28. Please join us at Fifth Third Field that evening to honor all current and former military service personnel, as well as our police officers and firefighters.

VETERANS APPRECIATION NIGHT FESTIVITIES

Our pregame ceremonies will include a Color Guard and ceremonial first pitches. Each unit/detachment in attendance will be recognized on our video board as well as during our radio/TV broadcast.

JERSEY/BAT RAFFLE

Stop by our raffle table on the main concourse for your chance to win a Mud Hens team-signed jersey or a team-signed bat. Raffle tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20. Proceeds will benefit U.S. Veterans Inc., a local veterans support organization.

TICKETS FOR ACTIVE MILITARY PERSONNEL

Special $12 tickets are available to veterans and active military personnel and their families. Order tickets here by using the promo code VETS.

DONATE TICKETS TO VETERANS

Show your appreciation for the sacrifices made by our veterans by donating tickets for veterans to attend a Mud Hens game. Contact our box office at 419-725-HENS.

The Toledo Mud Hens will take on the Rochester Red Wings Friday, July 28 at 7:05 p.m.

GAME TICKET ($15) – BUY TICKETS

What you get:

  • July 28 Mud Hens game ticket
  • Postgame fireworks

Click the links to check out the menus and make reservations:

NINE at Hensville: ninehensville.com | Chef Tony has put together a menu that he describes as “traditional Americana” where he uses local ingredients from area farms and producers to create made-from-scratch dishes with a modern taste and composition. NINE is housed in the former Folger Butcher Shop, a historic 1865 building. Exposed brick, reclaimed wood and handcrafted tables give NINE a casual vibe that fits a fun, downtown, neighborhood restaurant.

Fleetwood’s Tap Room: fleetwoodshensville.com | Have a drink at Hensville’s new craft beer bar, located on the first floor of the Fleetwood Building across the street from Fifth Third Field. Fleetwood’s Tap Room features 48 beers on draft, a wide selection of whiskeys, an eclectic menu, and an outstanding outdoor patio that overlooks Hensville Park.

BirdCage Bar & Grill: birdcagebarandgrill.com | The BirdCage Bar and Grill is located on the Club Level at Fifth Third Field and provides incredible views of the on-field action! Your ticket to the Mud Hens game gives you entry to the BirdCage, where you and your guests will enjoy a great dining experience created by Chef Tony House, featuring a display of hand-carved meats, antipasti, classic salad, and seasonal entrees.

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

Catch ‘Battle of the Badges’ softball Sunday, July 16

A local rivalry is renewed: the Toledo Police vs. Toledo Fire feud will be settled on the diamond at Fifth Third Field, during the Battle of the Badges charity softball game on Sunday, July 16. The 7-inning contest will start approximately one hour following the conclusion of the Toledo Mud Hens vs. Columbus Clippers game which starts at 4 p.m.

Enjoy a great day out at the ballpark while supporting a great cause. Battle of the Badges tickets are $13 and are good for both games, and include a $2 donation to Toledo Police and Toledo Firefighters Local 92 Charities.

BATTLE OF THE BADGES TICKET ($13) – BUY TICKETS

Note: when ordering online use the promo code TPD or TFD.

What you get:

  • July 16 Mud Hens game ticket
  • Battle of the Badges softball game

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

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SeaWolves To Host ‘Good Deeds Day’ on July 1

The Erie SeaWolves, Double-A Affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, have teamed up with Erie Federal Credit Union to host the fourth annual Good Deeds Day on Saturday, July 1 at UPMC Park.

Good Deeds Day is a drive to collect items needed by multiple non-profit organizations in the Erie region. Fans who donate an item at the game on July 1 will receive a complimentary Upper Box seat ticket to the SeaWolves’ Fan Appreciation Night on Saturday, August 26 against the Akron RubberDucks (Cleveland Indians).

“We would like to thank our partners at Erie Federal Credit Union for supporting this community initiative,” SeaWolves President Greg Coleman said. “We encourage SeaWolves fans to support one or more Erie-area organizations by bringing needed items to the ballpark on July 1.”

Items can be donated at the stadium from 6:00-7:00 p.m. prior to the SeaWolves’ game against the Altoona Curve. Stadium gates open to the general public at 6 p.m. Game time is 7:05 p.m. The following is a list of participating organizations and their current list of needed items:

Project Support Our Troops

Needs items include canned fruit (full size cans; no plastic containers), peanuts, peanut butter, trail mix, beef jerky, waterless hand sanitizer, snack cracker packs, foot powder, Silly String, Pringles, tooth paste, crossword puzzles, tooth brushes, rat traps, cookies, lip balm, gum, air freshener, eye drops, cards or letters of support, hard candy, shower scrubbies, non-aerosol bug repellant, On-the-Go drink mix, small Kleenex packs, Wet Wipes (travel size), tea bags, lotion, hand-held games, sun­flower seeds, instant cocoa packets, Q-Tips, Cracker Jack, deodorant, shampoo and conditioner. NO ramen noodles or travel-size personal hygiene items please.

United Service Corps

Various school supplies including pencils, glue sticks, markers, crayons and notebooks.

KaleidAScope, Inc.

Copy paper, paper towels, tissues, manila folders, large kitchen garbage bags, rolls of stamps, post-it notes, tablets of paper, snacks for groups, paper plates, plastic cups, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes.

The JFK Center

Arts and craft supplies including paper, crayons, colored pencils, glue, paint and paint brushes. Assorted toiletries including toothpaste and tissues. The JFK Center is also currently seeking volunteers and will have information available at its table.

Perseus House

Toiletries and paper products including tissues, toilet paper, paper plates, cups, and paper towels. Perseus House is also currently seeking volunteers and will have information available at its table.

Erie Youth Hockey

Hockey tape, hockey sticks, ice skates, hockey pucks, hockey pants, chest protectors and helmets.

Erie City Mission

Diapers (Sizes 2, 3, 4 & 5), baby wipes, baby food and formula, boxed food (cereal, breakfast bars, macaroni & cheese, spaghetti), canned food (fruit, vegetables, soup, broth, chicken, tuna), feminine hygiene products (pads, tampons, shaving cream), toilet paper, paper towels, mulch for gardens, various vegetable and fruit seeds for gardens.

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

Support Pink in the Park: Sunday, July 16

We’re getting our pink on to put the spotlight on breast cancer research and awareness. Join us on Sunday, July 16 for Pink in the Park Night, presented by Kroger. Help us to “Pink out” Fifth Third Field and show your support for an important cause.

Three team signed pink Mud Hens jerseys and a team signed pink bat will be raffled off during the game, with proceeds to benefit Susan G. Komen of Northwest Ohio. Look for the raffle table on the main concourse. Tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20, with winning numbers being drawn at the end of the sixth inning.

GAME TICKET ($12) – BUY TICKETS

What you get:

  • July 16 Mud Hens game ticket

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

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Save lives: Mud Hens Blood Drive is Wednesday, 7/5

Did you know every 2 seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood, and that one pint of blood can save up to 3 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 Wednesday, July 5, from 2-7 p.m.

The blood drive will be held inside the Top of Nine banquet area (see on map) located on the fourth floor at 406 Washington St. adjacent to Fifth Third Field.

  • All donors will receive a ticket voucher for a future Toledo Mud Hens game!
  • Meet the mascots!
  • All donors will be entered into a drawing to win some cool Mud Hens items!

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

Fans attending games on June 14 and 30 will also be able to schedule an appointment at the Red Cross table on the main concourse.

The American Red Cross Western Lake Erie Region serves 11 counties and needs to collect about 300 units of blood every day to meet patient need in 23 hospitals.

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

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Tame your mane: Great Clips Charity Cuts 6/8

Are split ends throwing you a curve? On Thursday, June 8, the Great Clips Charity Cuts event aims to help you tame that mane while enjoying great baseball action at Fifth Third Field!

Great Clips stylists will be providing free haircuts on the Main Concourse during the game, with donations being accepted to benefit Children’s Miracle Network.

GAME TICKET ($12) – BUY TICKETS

What you get:

  • June 8 Mud Hens game ticket

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

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Cast a spell at Harry Potter 20th Anniversary Night

Calling all wizards and muggles! Fifth Third Field magically turns into Diagon Alley on Friday, July 14 as the Toledo Mud Hens celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Harry Potter series. The fun will leave you completely spellbound!

Mud Hens players and coaches will wear “Wizard Games” theme night jerseys which will be sold at a silent auction during the game. Look for the auction tables on the main concourse. Bids will be accepted through the end of the sixth inning. Proceeds benefit Family House and Helping Hens fund.

Tweet from @MudHens: We solemnly swear that we are up to no good. Harry Potter 20th Anniversary ‘Wizard Jerseys’: Friday, 7/14. ��� pic.twitter.com/D5cW3C4sXf

Accio, jersey! Good news, you can now pre-order your very own ‘Wizard Games’ jersey. Jerseys will ship late-July/early-August once they arrive in our warehouse. This is the only way to guarantee getting a jersey for yourself or any fan in your life. Quantities are extremely limited to head on over to the online Swamp Shop to pre-order yours today!

Join us for the pregame Wizard Party prior to the Friday, July 14 game! No muggles are allowed in this muggle-themed party that will include a magical buffet, Quidditch activities in Hensville Park, a costume contest, Harry Potter trivia, and a magic show! Tickets are $40 for adults and $35 for kids, which includes your Mud Hens game ticket and all of the activities. Wands will also be available for purchase at the party.

BUFFET MENU:

  • Dragon Fire Roasted Chicken Breast
  • Basilisk Burgers
  • Gillyweed Salad
  • Ron’s Red Head Potatoes
  • Golden Snitchos
  • Chocolate Frog Chip Cookies
  • Polyjuice Potion Punch
  • Luna’s Lemonade & Gillywater

Look for our very own Platform 9 ¾ on the main concourse for a unique photo opportunity for Mud Hens fans: don’t forget your wand, cape and broomstick!

GAME TICKET ($15) – BUY TICKETS

What you get:

  • July 14 Mud Hens game ticket
  • Postgame fireworks

Planning on entering our wizarding world? Let us know by clicking here!

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

Strike out hunger with a Food Drive, May 5-7

Did you know an estimated 42 million people in America (one in eight) struggle with hunger? To help raise awareness and inspire action, Fifth Third Bank and the Toledo Mud Hens are teaming up to collect food during the May 5-7 homestand at Fifth Third Field in support of the SeaGate Food Bank of Northwest Ohio.

Fans attending the Mud Hens home games between Friday, May 5 and Sunday, May 7 are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to the ballpark to help Fifth Third reach their goal of donating 1 million meals to the communities it serves in the month of May. Boxes will be readily available at all entrances.

Fifth Third chose the food drive as this year’s bank-wide service project in honor of Fifth Third Day which occurs annually on May 3.

The mission of SeaGate Food Bank is to enhance quality of life in NW Ohio by relentlessly working to eliminate hunger and improve nutrition. Every month, the food bank distributes food to more than 400 food pantries, soup kitchens and programs feeding the hungry in the Toledo region.

Friday, May 5 Toledo vs. Louisville at 7:05 p.m.

GAME TICKET ($12) – BUY TICKETS

What you get:

  •        May 5 Mud Hens game ticket

Saturday, May 6 Toledo vs. Louisville at 7:05 p.m.

GAME TICKET ($12) – BUY TICKETS

What you get:

  •        May 6 Mud Hens game ticket

Sunday, May 7 Toledo vs. Louisville at 2:05 p.m.

GAME TICKET ($12) – BUY TICKETS

What you get:

  •        May 7 Mud Hens game ticket

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

Whitecaps Community Foundation to Donate 1,900 Books to Area Schools to Encourage Reading

COMSTOCK PARK, MI – The Whitecaps Community Foundation will donate 1,900 books to five Grand Rapids Public Schools this week in an effort to encourage children to read during March is Reading Month and beyond.

The books were selected by GRPS educators and will be delivered as a surprise to Brookside Elementary, Mulick Park Elementary, Ken-O-Sha Park Elementary, Cesar Chavez Elementary and Burton Elementary on Wednesday, March 22 and Thursday, March 23. These five schools were selected to receive the free books because of their designation as high priority elementary schools in the GRPS system; many of their pupils do not have access to resources such as books. With this donation, every child at these five schools will receive one free book.

This is the second year of the book donation. Last year, the Whitecaps Community Foundation donated a book to every child at Dickinson Elementary School in Grand Rapids (300 in total).

The book donation is a part of the Whitecaps Community Foundation’s Reading Program, which helps area school children enjoy Whitecaps baseball while promoting reading. Children from area West Michigan schools who read a 15 minutes a day, during the month, can attend a Whitecaps game for free in April through June. The Foundation delivers all support materials, such as reading tracking calendars and posters, to all participating schools at no cost. Last year’s Reading Program had more than 70,000 K-6 area children participate from 268 schools. Nearly 20,000 complimentary tickets were given this season to children and their families in West Michigan.

The Whitecaps Community Foundation, the nonprofit extension of the West Michigan Whitecaps, is a 501c3 organization dedicated to enriching the lives of children and their families by providing them with access to social, educational and recreational programs that will have a positive impact on their futures. With the help and generosity of community partners and members, the Whitecaps Community Foundation continues to strive to make the West Michigan area a better place to grow, learn, and thrive.

In 2016, through a combination of donations and fundraising efforts, the Whitecaps Community Foundation gave more than $555,000 to local children and their families through programs such as the reading program’s book donation and many others.

For more information on the book deliveries please contact Mickey Graham at (616) 726-7067 and for information on the Whitecaps Community Foundation, including how to volunteer and/or donate, please visit www.whitecapscommunityfoundation.org.

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