Tigers Make Donation to Mayor’s Pantry

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NORWICH, CT- The Connecticut Tigers are pleased to announce a donation to the Mayor’s Pantry of Norwich of $5,420 from parking revenue collected at Dodd Stadium.

“Norwich Human Services is pleased to accept this check from the CT Tigers on behalf of our Norwich food pantries,” said Director of Human Services Beverly Goulet. “We appreciate this very generous donation and also wish to thank the CT Tigers fans for their support!”

Tigers Vice President & Assistant General Manager Eric Knighton (far left) and Vice President & General Manager C.J. Knudsen (far right) made the presentation on Friday. Goulet, Norwich Human Services Account Clerk Sheila Molocko and Norwich Human Services Administrative Coordinator Janice Thompson (all pictured) accepted the check on behalf of the city.

“It’s vitally important for the Tigers to be an active member of our community,” said Knudsen. “Norwich does so much for us and this is a great way for us to give back!”

The Connecticut Tigers are the NYPL affiliate of the Detroit Tigers and play a 76 game (38 home, 38 away) that opens on June 17 against the Lowell Spinners, affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. 2013 season tickets and tickets to the 2013 NYPL All-Star Game are now on sale! The front office and ticket office is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and can be accessed in person or by calling 860-887-7962. In addition, fans may purchase tickets online at cttigers.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Connecticut Tigers. Click here to view the original story.

Donate to the Fifth Third Bank Food Drive!

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Make plans to bring cans of food and other non-perishables during the Fifth Third Bank Food Drive, taking place Thursday, May 2 through Sunday, May 5. Collection boxes will be readily available at all ballpark entrances. The donated food will be distributed locally to the Cherry Street Mission.

Fifth Third chose the food drive as this year’s national service project in honor of Fifth Third Day which occurs annually on May 3. For the second year in a row, Fifth Third Day celebrations will be dedicated to fighting hunger across the Fifth Third Bank footprint. Each of the 48 Fifth Third Bank locations in the Toledo Region will also be focused on “Feeding Our Communities,” by collecting non-perishable food items in the banking centers. The goal of Fifth Third is to provide at least 155,000 meals throughout all the regions served in honor of Fifth Third’s 155th anniversary.

Fans attending the Mud Hens home games on Thursday through Sunday of this week (May 2 – 5, 2013) are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to the ballpark. Boxes will be readily available at all entrances and donations will remain in the local community.

Suggested non-perishable food donations include: Peanut butter, pancake mixes and syrup, canned fruits, pastas, canned vegetables, powdered milk, cereals, spaghetti sauce, instant potatoes, soups, Jell-O and pudding.

For 65 years, Cherry Street Mission Ministries has served the homeless and poor. Today, in addition to meeting people’s critical basic needs, Cherry Street empowers them to break the bonds of homelessness and poverty and build new lives for themselves.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Toledo Mud Hens. Click here to view the original story.

Gloves for Kids Drive

The SeaWolves, have announced a Gloves for Kids Drive to collect equipment for youth baseball and softball players in the Erie community.  The project is a joint effort between the SeaWolves and the SeaWolves Student Ambassadors.

The SeaWolves Student Ambassador Program provides area high school students with opportunities to learn about careers in sports and participate in community service projects such as the Gloves for Kids Drive.

The SeaWolves and SeaWolves Student Ambassadors are collecting new or gently used baseball and softball equipment, including gloves, balls, youth bats, and catcher’s gear, from now through April 20.  Fans are invited bring their items to the game on Saturday, April 20 or drop off equipment in advance at the SeaWolves Ticket Office.  Items collected will be donated to Erie area youth organizations including Boys and Girls Baseball in Erie, Inc.

“The SeaWolves want to encourage kids in our community to play ball ,” said SeaWolves President Greg Coleman.  “We’d like to thank the Student Ambassadors and SeaWolves fans alike for lending their support so we can give deserving kids the resources they need to get out and play.”

Thanks to support from SeaWolves sponsors, each fan that donates a glove or other youth baseball equipment will receive a complimentary ticket any SeaWolves home game from May 25-June 6, 2013.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Erie SeaWolves. Click here to view the original story.

Tigers to Host Benefit for Local Hero & Norwich PD

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Norwich, CT – A benefit honoring recently wounded Norwich Police Officer Jonathan Ley and the Norwich Police Department will take place Saturday, March 30, 2013 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Dodd Stadium. Officer Ley’s benefit will celebrate courage, bravery and valor. Monies raised will benefit Officer Ley and his everyday living costs. Additionally, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Norwich Police Department to increase their supply of combat tactical gear for their officers.
The event includes the area’s best food provided by Norwich and the surrounding towns, a softball game featuring the Norwich Police and the Norwich Fire Departments, music provided by the band “Malena”, a gamut of raffles, drinks and more!
This is an event for the entire family with a bounce house, petting zoo, egg hunt and more! Saturday, March 30 is a day for families to unite and support one another and especially, the men and women who risk their lives, every day, to ensure our safety.
To purchase tickets for the event at Dodd Stadium in support of Officer Jonathan Ley and the Norwich Police Department, please call (860) 887-7962 and press 0 to speak with a box office representative. For more information, visit www.officerleybenefit.com.
Officer Ley was wounded in the line of duty on January 7, 2013 in Norwich, Connecticut. Officer Ley was first transported to Backus Hospital but then, hospital officials took him by ambulance to Yale New Hospital. From there, Doctors performed necessary procedures for Officer Ley.  His current condition is good, but there is still a long road to recovery for this local hero.
The Connecticut Tigers are the Class-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers and play in the New York-Penn League. The Tigers will host the 2013 New York-Penn League All-Star Game on Tuesday, August 13. Tickets for this event, as well as season tickets and mini-plans for the 2013 season are on sale now. The Box Office is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. In addition, tickets can be purchased over the phone at (860) 887-7962. For more information go online to cttigers.com.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Connecticut Tigers. Click here to view the original story.

Armed Forces Day Celebration at the Ballpark

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Saturday, May 19 vs. St. Lucie Mets @ 6:00 p.m. (Gates open at 4:30 p.m.)
Patriotic Fireworks Extravaganza following the game (weather permitting).

Armed Forces Day Celebration
The Flying Tigers will be honoring current and retired members of the military for their service to the country. Veterans and current military personnel will also receive FREE admission. There will be a special JROTC Pass and Review celebration on the field prior to the game.

Pre-Game
Roy Powers and the Last Exit Blues Band will be performing in the concourse prior to the game.

North Lakeland Little League Team Party
The Flying Tigers will be hosting North Lakeland Little League’s team parties before and during the game. Each team will parade on the field prior to the game.

Tiger Trot 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run
The Flying Tigers annual Tiger Trot 5K will take place on Saturday, May 19 at Joker Marchant Stadium. The race will begin at 8:00 am with registration and packet pickup beginning at 7:00 am. Trophies will be awarded to the Overall Male/Female, Masters Male/Female as well as age group winners. There will also be special military team awards. 5K entry fee is $25 and includes race t-shirt (while supplies last) and a special dog tag. The Tiger Trot benefits the Detroit Tigers Foundation of Florida, Polk County ROTC programs and The Ledger’s Newspaper in Education Program. To register please click here.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lakeland Flying Tigers. Click here to view the original story.

Mud Hens players score smiles with local kids!

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The Hens have won six straight games on the field, but off the field the team has been winning, too. On Monday, 8/13, Audy Ciriaco read to Latino children at the TMC Migrant Seasonal Head Start in Millbury, in support of the Books 4 Buddies program. Later that day, Thad Weber, Adam Wilk and Danny Dorn made a visit to Toledo Children’s Hospital. PHOTOS

Founded by 14-year-old Touré McCord II, Books 4 Buddies encourages children and teenagers, especially boys, to read for pleasure and personal development. A native of the Dominican Republic, Ciriaco read two Spanish language books to the children & assisted with a free book distribution for the children and their families.

Later that day, pitchers Thad Weber, Adam Wilk and infielder Danny Dorn made a visit to Toledo Children’s Hospital. They played air hockey & foosball with some of the patients and handed out autographed baseballs. They were even spotted hanging out with some chipmunks!

“The Mud Hens feel it’s important to have a strong presence off the playing field as well,” says Cheri Pastula, manager of community relations. “The players really enjoy interacting with children and we are thrilled to have to have them makes visits likes this throughout the community.”

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Toledo Mud Hens. Click here to view the original story.

2014 School Celebration Days are fun and educational!

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All public and private high school, junior high and elementary students, educators, teacher’s aides, chaperones and bus drivers are invited to the 2014 Mud Hens School Celebration Days.Three dates to choose from in the 2014: Monday, May 12, Wednesday, May 14, Wednesday, May 28.

To place your order over the phone contact Brock Chambers at 419-725-9258 or make your reservations by e-mail at bchambers@mudhens.com.

More info at www.mudhens.com/school.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Toledo Mud Hens. Click here to view the original story.

Helping Hens award $30K to local non-profits!

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The Toledo Mud Hens announced today that during the 2012 season, the Helping Hens Charitable Fund awarded $30,000 in grants to local nonprofit organizations, providing youth with sports and recreation services.

Helping Hens Charitable Fund

“Helping Hens” is the official charitable fund of the Toledo Mud Hens baseball club and is administered through the Toledo Community Foundation. Keith Burwell, President of the Toledo Community Foundation, and Cheri Pastula, Manager of Community Relations for the Mud Hens, presented checks to the grant winners prior to the Hens game on Sunday, August 26th.

Toledo-Helping-Hens-logo“These organizations do exceptional work and the Mud Hens are thrilled to support local children in their efforts to stay active and healthy,” said Cheri Pastula, Manager of Community Relations for the Mud Hens.

The 2012 “Helping Hens” Grant Winners

Ability Center of Greater Toledo – A grant was awarded to implement a bicycle education program for individuals with disabilities.

Children’s Resource Center – A grant was awarded to provide a one-year membership to the Bowling Green Community Center, where children can engage in safe indoor recreation activities including soccer, volleyball and basketball.

City of Fremont-Parks and Recreation Department – A grant was awarded to support the Flash Youth Running Program, which allows children to participate in Cross Country and Track & Field.

East Toledo Family Center – A grant was awarded to purchase equipment that 600 children use for its baseball, soccer and basketball programming that the organization offers throughout the year.

Girls on the Run of Northwest Ohio – A grant was awarded to provide scholarships for girls who cannot afford program participation fees.

Kids Unlimited, Inc. – A grant was awarded to purchase playground equipment to be used by 150 children participating in its after school and summer programming.

Salvation Army, NW Ohio Area Services – A grant was awarded to purchase sports equipment that will be used during the physical education module of the Bridging the Gap Program and in conjunction with activities that are sponsored by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Toledo.

Toledo Ballet Association, Inc. – A grant was awarded to support the Musical Theater Camp that is conducted in partnership with the Catholic Club.

Toledo School for the Arts – A grant was awarded to provide 50 underserved youth with the opportunity to participate in the Urban Dance Program.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Toledo Mud Hens.  Click here to view the original story.

Connecticut Tigers Assist Local “Non-Profit”

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NORWICH- The Connecticut Tigers will be partnering with “Bikes For Kids” in hosting a bike drive prior to and during the game on Saturday, July 21st between Tigers and the Lowell Spinners, the New York-Penn League affiliate of the Boston Red Sox at 7:05 PM. The gates will open at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 21.

Bikes For Kids is a Connecticut-based non-profit organization that provides bicycles and equipment to children and families in need. The organization focuses its donations locally in Connecticut, but has also given bicycles and equipment to Haiti, Africa and various causes from around the United States.

Bikes For Kids was founded by the late Chuck Graeb in 1989. Graeb founded the organization on the idea that “every child should be able to experience the enjoyment of owning and riding their own bicycle.” Upon Graeb’s passing in 2009, current president David Fowler assumed leadership of the organization. “We put people on wheels that would either be walking or not really going anywhere at all,” said Fowler.

Representatives from Bikes For Kids will have a table set up on the concourse behind the press box during the game collecting new to slightly-used bikes, new helmets and other new or slightly-used equipment.

The organization reached 13,000 bicycles donated in November of 2011 and has already collected 700 bikes in the 2012 calendar year. With the assistance of the Tigers and the bike drive at Dodd Stadium, Bikes For Kids hopes to surpass a total of 14,000 bicycles donated by the end of the month.

The Connecticut Tigers are the Class-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers and play in the New York-Penn League. The Tigers saw a 23% increase in attendance in 2011 (the 4th highest in Minor League Baseball), and are entering their 3rd season at Dodd Stadium. The Box Office is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. In addition, tickets can be purchased over the phone at (860) 887-7962. For more information go online to cttigers.com.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Connecticut Tigers. Click here to view the original story.

Tigers Partner With UCP to Help New London Resident

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NORWICH, CT-The Connecticut Tigers and United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of Eastern Connecticut have joined together to help New London resident and former Assistant Waterford Baseball Coach Michael Loper raise funds to help make his home more accessible. Loper, a client of UCP, has been unable to live an active life since undergoing spinal fusion surgery eight years ago to help relieve symptoms of Cerebral Palsy. He and members of the Connecticut Tigers Front Office staff will be selling tickets to the Tigers game on Saturday, July 21 against Lowell at 7:05 p.m. at the Waterford Little League South Opening Day this Saturday, April 28. The ticket sales will begin at 8:00 a.m. at the field on Gardiner’s Wood Road. Half of all ticket sales will go to helping Michael’s cause.

Tickets are currently available at the following locations around Eastern Connecticut: Sportee’s in Waterford, (262 Boston Post Road # 9); Picardi’s Pub in Waterford, (120 Boston Post Road); and at Angie’s Pizza in Mystic (25 Roosevelt Avenue). Those interested in helping promote Michael’s cause are asked to call Michelle Bussolotti at UCP of Eastern Connecticut directly at 860-443-3800, extension 11.

“This is something we’re really pushing for Michael’s benefit,” said Bussolotti, Disability Support Coordinator at UCP of Eastern Connecticut. “With Michael’s love of baseball and his history with the sport, we’re really committed to making this project a success.”

Michael will also be available along with members of UCP at the game on July 21 to take donations and talk with fans interested in helping his cause. The Tigers will also hold a ceremonial first pitch on July 21 honoring individuals that helped Michael’s fundraising effort.

The Connecticut Tigers are the Class-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers and play in the New York-Penn League. The Tigers saw a 23% increase in attendance in 2011 (the 4th highest in Minor League Baseball), and will open their third season at Dodd Stadium on June 20 against the Lowell Spinners, affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. Season tickets, suite rentals, and group outings are currently on sale. For more information go online to cttigers.com or call 860-887-7962.

 

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Connecticut Tigers. Click here to view the original story.

Learn from the pros at Hens baseball camps!

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Put the fun in fundamentals at Mud Hens Baseball Camps – presented by Aquafina and BCSN. Choose from two separate three-day camps, a single one-day camp for kids, an adult/child one-day camp and a special needs baseball clinic. Details on each camp can be found here. These camps will sell out, so make your reservation today!

During every Mud Hens baseball camp, Mud Hens players and coaches will teach kids what it takes to become the best ballplayer they can be. Campers will learn basic fundamentals (like hitting and pitching) and specialized skills (like bunting and turning double plays). Mud Hens baseball camps are a great way for kids to improve their baseball skills, make new friends and, most importantly, have FUN!

Call 419-725-4367 for all the details or click here!

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Toledo Mud Hens. Click here to view the original story.

Win a scholarship at College Preview Night!

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Come visit with top colleges and universities at the Fifth Third Bank ‘College Preview Night’ event, taking place at Fifth Third Field on Thursday, September 20 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.! Enter to win one of four scholarships, too! Details and RSVP info at www.mudhens.com/collegenight.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Toledo Mud Hens. Click here to view the original story.

Lakeland Flying Tigers Raise Money for Mary Kay Foundation

The Lakeland Flying Tigers Pink in the Park Night on April 16 at Joker Marchant Stadium helped the Mary Kay Foundation raise over $6,000 for the 2nd annual event. The Mary Kay Foundation proudly supports research dedicated to finding cures for cancers that affect women and programs committed to ending domestic violence.

Flying Tiger players and coaches wore pink jerseys during the game and fans had the opportunity to take the jersey off the back of their favorite player after the game.

There was a pre-game cancer survivor parade as well as a pink Cadillac parade on the field. Even the post-game fireworks show had bursts of pink. The event was a great success helping raise awareness and funds for the Mary Kay Foundation.

Tony Plagman gives the “shirt off his back” following the game.

Record $43,313 Raised for Charity at Whitecaps Winter Banquet

The West Michigan Whitecaps’ 17th annual Winter Baseball Banquet raised a record $43,313 for charity Wednesday night at the Frederik Meijer Gardens. The event raised funds for the Whitecaps RBI/YMCA Inner-City Youth Baseball and Softball Program and the Detroit Tigers Foundation, an affiliate of Ilitch Charities. The $43,313 raised brings the grand total of funds raised for charity through the winter banquets over the past 17 years to more than $461,000.

The total raised edged out the funds raised for charity at the 2007 banquet, when nearly 1,000 attended to see Tigers manager Jim Leyland and a caravan of Tigers stars fresh off their World Series appearance three months prior.

Tigers CEO, President and General Manager Dave Dombrowski was the featured speaker at the event. Other special guest speakers were Whitecaps’ 2011 manager Ernie Young, former Whitecaps and current Tigers players Will Rhymes and Brennan Boesch.

WOOD TV 8’s Jack Doles announced the 2011 inductees into the Whitecaps Hall of Fame; they are 2003 Whitecaps and current Tigers pitcher Joel Zumaya, 1994-1998 Whitecaps and current Tigers Head Groundskeeper Heather Nabozny and 1996 Whitecaps and current Cincinnati Reds catcher Ramon Hernandez. Zumaya and Nabozny were both present to accept their awards for the induction.

Silent and live auctions of sports memorabilia and other items were the primary source of fundraising at the event. The top item of the night was the use of Dave Dombrowski’s personal luxury suite for a Tigers game (donated by the Tigers Foundation), which sold for $3,800 in the live auction. Dombrowski then graciously threw in a second suite at the same price to the other high bidder for another $3,800. Other top live auction items were a spring training trip for two, including airfare, four nights in a hotel and tickets to three Tigers games ($3,500); a Windy City Adventure for four including Cubs tickets, an on-field photo opportunity at Wrigley Field and four VIP tickets to Shedd Aquarium ($3,100) donated by the Cubs and Shedd Aquarium; and a World Series package that includes two tickets to games 3 and 4 with hotel ($2,500).

Top silent auction items included three innings on the air on a Whitecaps radio game broadcast ($1,200), a Kirk Gibson autographed jersey ($999) donated by the Tigers Foundation, the use of a Whitecaps suite for a game with a $100 catering credit ($600) and two Tiger Stadium seats ($550) donated by Jeff Spurrier.
Two raffles, including one that included a 40-inch TV and a Microsoft XBox with Kinect system, raised a total of $5,795.

Flying Tigers Help Boys & Girls Clubs Raise Over $14,000 During Inaugural Backyard BBQ Festival

The Lakeland Flying Tigers inaugural Red, White and The Blues Celebration and Backyard BBQ festival on July 4 at Joker Marchant Stadium helped the Boys and Girls Clubs of Lakeland & Mulberry raise over $14,000 during the inaugural event. The Boys & Girls Clubs raised money through sponsorships, selling food tickets for the BBQ and working concession stands. Presenting sponsors included True MD, Nite Owl Urgent Care and Regal Automotive Group.

The mission of the clubs is to provide a quality developmental program which empowers Lakeland & Mulberry youth, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to become productive adults. Each year, Boys & Girls Clubs of Lakeland & Mulberry serve more than 2,000 young people through its Clubs, summer sites and outreach programs. Money that was raised will support programs and expenses at the club.

The Red, White & The Blues event included the Backyard BBQ Festival, Lakeland Flying Tigers game, a tribute performance by The Blues Brothers, Aretha and Cab Calloway by the Jake and Elwood Blues Brothers Revue and then a spectacular dueling fireworks show choreographed to patriotic music.

The Flying Tigers are a Class A Affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. For more information please visit the Flying Tigers online at www.LakelandFlyingTigers.com.

BBQ Teams Serving up Samples to Fans (Photo courtesy of Lakeland Flying Tigers)