Hooks Fans Donate Nearly $65,000 in 2021

 

CORPUS CHRISTI – Via the Astros Foundation Share2Care 50/50 Raffle, Whataburger Field patrons donated $64,840 to seven Coastal Bend organizations during Hooks games this past season.

USO South Texas, Amos Rehabilitation Keep, Mosaic Project of South Texas, Je’Sani Smith Foundation, Goodwill Industries of South Texas, Corpus Christi Police Officers Association and Corpus Christi Professional Firefighters Association were beneficiaries of the 2021 50/50 raffle.

“Thank you Hooks fans for joining us at the ballpark and helping out these great causes,” Hooks General Manager Brady Ballard said. “We were excited to bring the Astros Foundation Share2Care Raffle to Whataburger Field, and it’s become a highlight of the gameday experience.

“Our partners, members and fans have stepped up during these challenging times. We are incredibly grateful for their support and, during this week of Thanksgiving, want affirm our commitment of being an active and positive participant in the community.”

USO South Texas serves NAS Corpus Christi and NAS Kingsville, connecting military service members to family, home and country. Amos Rehabilitation Keep, or ARK, rehabilitates marine turtles and marine birds from the coastal zone of Mustang Island and St. Joseph Island. The Mosaic Project of South Texas remembers victims of hate crimes and violence, and advocates for the civil rights of LGBTQ Americans. The mission of the Je’Sani Smith Foundation is to save lives by providing education, awareness, and water skills training on beach safety, rip currents and other coastal hazards.

Goodwill Industries of South Texas provides job training, placement services, and other Coastal Bend-based programs for people who have barriers to their employment. The Corpus Christi Police Officers Association and Corpus Christi Professional Firefighters Association advocate for the safety and well-being of first responders and citizens through community action and support of local non-profit organizations.

Strike Out Cancer Night, Remembrance of 9/11 Set for Second Half of Homestand

 

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Louisville Bats’ 12-game homestand rolls on with five games against the Indianapolis Indians (Triple-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates) at Louisville Slugger Field from Sept. 8 – 12. The series is highlighted by Strike Out Cancer Night with specialty jerseys and a postgame fireworks show on Friday, Sept. 10 and a Remembrance of 9/11 with patriotic-themed uniforms and several pregame ceremonies honoring first responders on Saturday, Sept. 11.

**NOTE: SATURDAY’S GAME TIME IS 1 P.M.**

[BUY TICKETS HERE]

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 8 || First pitch, 6:30 p.m. (Gates 5:30 p.m.)

Sluggerita Wednesday
Presented by Number JUAN Tequila

THURSDAY, SEPT. 9 || First pitch, 6:30 p.m. (Gates 5:30 p.m.)

Pride Night (A portion of ticket proceeds will benefit Louisville Pride Foundation, Derby City Pride League or Queer Kentucky. Click HERE for additional information).

Thirsty Thursday, Live Music
Presented by Miller Lite, Coors Lite, the Kentucky Lottery & iHeart Radio

FRIDAY, SEPT. 10 || First pitch, 7 p.m. (Gates 6 p.m.)

Strike Out Cancer Night with Specialty Jerseys
Sponsored by UofL Health and the Brown Cancer Center

Final Postgame Fireworks Show of Season
Sponsored by Lucas Oil

Family Four Pack (sponsored by Republic Bank), Atrium Brewing Ticket Package
Presented by Jack Daniels Country Cocktails, Meijer, Cattleman’s Roadhouse and Campbellsville University

Scout Night with Boy Scout Campout (Boy Scouts will have an overnight campout in the outfield grass at Louisville Slugger Field)

SATURDAY, SEPT. 11 || First pitch, 1 p.m. (Gates 12 p.m.)

Remembrance of 9/11 with Patriotic-Themed Jerseys, On-Field Flag Display, Color Guard by LMPD, Singing of National Anthem & “God Bless America” by LMPD representatives — *$4 and $6 tickets available for first responders and their families by using coupon code “HEROES”

“Party at the Park” Presented by Old 502 Winery, Fall City Craft Beer, Against the Grain, Smithworks Seltzer & Great Clips

SUNDAY, SEPT. 12 || First pitch, 1 p.m. (Gates 12 p.m.)

Kids Eat Free, Postgame Kids Run the Bases
Presented by Meijer, Pepsi & YMCA

Top Prospect RHP Hunter Greene Scheduled Start

Penultimate Homestand Includes Military Appreciation and Opera Night

 

The Charleston RiverDogs continue to own the best record in the Low-A East and return to The Joe for their penultimate homestand of 2021 to battle the Columbia Fireflies next week. The series, which runs from August 17-22, will consist of seven games in six days. The RiverDogs will take a big step toward clinching a berth in the postseason with a successful series on the field.

The homestand includes plenty of reasons for fans to be excited. On Wednesday, the RiverDogs meet the Fireflies in a doubleheader on Pride Night where the team will wear Charleston Rainbows uniforms in the nightcap. Friday features our third Military Appreciation Night of the season, as well as Opera Night. The team will close out the homestand by taking on their Perros Santos identity for the final two games of the series on Saturday and Sunday. Here is the full lineup:

Tuesday, August 17, 7:05 p.m.: Dog Day: There are only two more chances to enjoy a ballgame with man’s best friend this season. Bring the pup along to the ballpark for each and every Island Coastal Lager Dog Day, when we encourage you to #TakeItEasy. This week’s featured breed will be the French Bulldog! Fans can also enjoy $2 hot dogs and $2 beers. Tuesday games are presented by 96.9 the Wolf.

Wednesday, August 18, 5:05 p.m. (Doubleheader): Pride Night/Wicked Wednesday: Enjoy two games for the price of one! We’ll throw it back to a previous era in Charleston baseball history and play as the Charleston Rainbows. The entire night will also be a celebration of inclusiveness with our friends from Charleston Pride and MUSC Health. The Rainbows jerseys will be part of a jersey auction throughout the night. You will have a chance to leave with a game-worn uniform from one of our players! As is the case for every Wednesday at the ballpark, we will celebrate craft beer and throw in some wicked good fun thanks to Wicked Weed.

Thursday, August 19, 7:05 p.m.: Thirsty Thursday: Dust off the bell bottoms and join us for a funky ‘70s-themed night at The Joe. $1 beers are available throughout the park on each Budweiser Thirsty Thursday this season! That’s right, you can grab a $1 beer (or two) no matter where you are in the ballpark. Don’t forget, DJ Natty Heavy will be dropping beats on the Ashley View Pub. He may have even add some disco hits to the mix! Thursday games are presented by 95SX.

Friday, August 20, 7:05 p.m.: Military Appreciation Night/Opera Night/Red Shirt Friday/Post-Game Fireworks: On this night, we will celebrate the classical music tradition of opera with themed games, trivia and a t-shirt toss alongside the Holy City Arts and Lyric Opera. The RiverDogs will also open the weekend with a gigantic tribute to military members on Boeing Red Shirt Friday. Members of the military will receive free tickets to the game. Retired and active military members can call the RiverDogs box office to receive the discount code. The team will make their new inductions into the Hall of Honor prior to the game. Once again, on the final day of the work week, the RiverDogs and Boeing invite you to wear red in support of those who serve our country. On the field, the team will participate as well, wearing special red jerseys. The night will be capped with another fireworks spectacular presented by REV Federal Credit Union. Friday games are presented by 103.5 WEZL.

Saturday, August 21, 6:05 p.m.: Perros Santos Weekend/LED Light Show: The RiverDogs will spend the weekend suiting up as Los Perros Santos de Charleston as part of Minor League Baseball’s Copa de la Diversión initiative. Along with MUSC Health and Berkeley Electric Cooperative, we’ll celebrate the local Latin American culture with special uniforms, music courtesy of DJ Luigi and Spanish public address announcements. Our opponents, the Columbia Fireflies, will join in on the fun, playing as Chicharrones de Columbia. Following the game, stick around for a post-game light show featuring our LED lights at The Joe. Saturdays are presented by ABCNews4 and MyTV Charleston.

Sunday, August 22, 5:05 p.m.: Perros Santos Weekend/Family Sunday/Jewish Heritage Night/Strike Out Stigma Night: The RiverDogs will spend the weekend suiting up as Los Perros Santos de Charleston as part of Minor League Baseball’s Copa de la Diversión initiative. Along with MUSC Health and Berkeley Electric Cooperative, we’ll celebrate the local Latin American culture with special uniforms, music courtesy of DJ Luigi and Spanish public address announcements. Our opponents, the Columbia Fireflies, will join in on the fun, playing as Chicharrones de Columbia. In addition, we are partnering with the Charleston Jewish Federation for Jewish Heritage Night. It’s also Strike Out Stigma Night with information and resources available on mental illness and substance abuse. Parking is free and kids will be invited to run the bases following the game! This Sunday’s game is presented by Star 99.7.

Playoff tickets for the Low-A East Championship Series in September are on sale now at riverdogs.com. For a limited time, fans who purchase tickets to the team’s first home playoff game will receive all subsequent home games for free. Purchase playoff tickets here.

All RiverDogs tickets for the 2021 season are available for purchase online and will be delivered digitally. Once purchased, tickets can be printed at home or scanned on a phone. For answers to frequently asked questions, fans are encouraged to visit the RiverDogs Digital Ticket Guide. In addition to tickets, the entire RiverDogs gameday experience will be cashless including parking, the team store and concessions. Fans who do not have credit or debit cards will be able to use cash to purchase gift cards at Fan Services on gamedays. Masks are no longer required, but suggested for non-vaccinated guests. The RiverDogs also have a no bag policy, with the exception of medical bags, diaper bags, and clutch-style purses no larger than 6.5in x 4.5in.

RiverDogs season tickets, flexible ticket plans, and group tickets, including options to the Segra Club at Riley Park, are now available for the 2021 campaign at riverdogs.com/tickets or by contacting the RiverDogs front office at 843-577-3647 (DOGS). A full schedule for the 2021 season is available at riverdogs.com.

Pride Night Celebration at LMCU Ballpark

 

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.

Pride Night on tap for Thursday, June 24

 

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Columbia Fireflies’ inaugural Pride Night will be on Thursday, June 24 at Segra Park.

Pride Night – now two years in the making after the cancellation of the 2020 season – is a night of inclusion, celebration and reaffirmation that Segra Park is a welcoming place for all people.

“Segra Park was built by our community and for our community… our entire community,” said Fireflies team President John Katz. “Columbia has a robust, active LBGTQ+ community and the Fireflies have many fans within that community. Columbia Fireflies baseball is truly ‘Fun for ALL.’”

The Fireflies have partnered on Pride Night with five local Pride Partner organizations that do amazing work in the community. SC Pride, South Carolina Black Pride, the Harriet Hancock Center, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (Columbia Center) and PALSS – Palmetto AIDS Life Support Services.

“Events like Pride Night at Fireflies really help to bring awareness of LGBT issues to more mainstream — and often under-represented — audiences,” said SC Pride President Jeff March. “It’s important that our allies — no matter who they are — step up to help show that LGBT issues are human issues. We are your friends, your neighbors, your coworkers, and we are as much a part of every facet of society as anyone else.”

Each of the five Pride Partners will have a table on the stadium concourse to share information about their programs and goals; they will also be distributing one of five exclusive Fireflies Pride buttons to fans. Please be sure to visit all five tables to collect the entire series. All buttons are free and quantities are limited.

“Harriet Hancock Center is so proud to be a part of an event that supports the LGBTQ community,” said Harriet Hancock Center Board President Kimmah Dozier-Burt. “Pride Night with the Fireflies offers the community a much-needed opportunity to reconnect, celebrate Pride together, and to collectively root for the home team!”

The Fireflies will be auctioning off a full set of custom Fireflies Pride jerseys during the game, with 100% of the proceeds being donated evenly to each of our five Pride Partners.

The Fireflies will also be selling their Pride t-shirts and caps throughout the day and will be donating 20% of the net proceeds to our Pride Partners.

“We are excited to be a part of this beautiful historic moment,” said South Carolina Black Pride President and CEO Darius Jones. “Celebrating Pride Month with the Columbia Fireflies at Segra Park is not just beautiful but historic too. It proves that SC has come a long way, and it brings visibility to LGBTQ+ athletics.”

In addition to the fundraising opportunities above, the Kansas City Royals have also pledged to donate an additional $1,000 to each of our Pride Partners to help further their work in our community.

Billy Bean, who serves at MLB as Vice-President & Special Assistant to the Commissioner, has sent a welcome video to Fireflies fans to kick off the Pride Night festivities. As a senior advisor to Commissioner Manfred, his role focuses on player education, LGBTQ inclusion, and social justice initiatives. Bean played in the Major Leagues from 1987-1995 and, in 1999, was just the second Major Leaguer to come out publicly as gay.

“I’m incredibly proud of the Columbia Fireflies for the comprehensive effort they’re making to reach out and support their LGBTQ fans,” said Bean. “Pride Night on June 24th is going to be a great day at Segra Park. I truly appreciate the inclusive message the club is setting for all of minor league baseball.”

Tickets for Pride Night on June 24 are available here.

Season ticket memberships for the 2021 season are still available for purchase. Memberships start as low as $70. Partial plans are now available to purchase in the Bullpen Boxes. To reserve your seats, contact the Fireflies Box Office at 803-726-4487 or visit The Fireflies Box Office at Segra Park.

For more information about the upcoming Fireflies season or other events at Segra Park, visit www.ColumbiaFireflies.com.

PRIDE Night Returns To PK Park On June 25

 

PRIDE Night returns to PK Park on June 25 as the Emeralds celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community on a night that will include a PRIDE flag giveaway for fans and a game-worn Emeralds PRIDE jersey auction benefitting the Matthew Shepard Foundation. The special evening is proudly sponsored by our friends at Kendall Auto Group and KLCC NPR.

PRIDE Night is nothing new to PK Park. In 2019, the Emeralds became the first-ever affiliated Minor League Baseball organization to don PRIDE jerseys in-game**,** a landmark moment that hadn’t even occurred to Emeralds General Manager Allan Benavides at the time.

“We weren’t aware that we would be the first [affiliated] team,” he told MiLB.com. “It wasn’t a factor. We thought it was important that as an organization, we were committed to doing a PRIDE night. We had some people in the community give us some ideas on what we could do and how we should do it properly.”

The evening was also highlighted by a pregame Q&A panel with activist Candace Gingrich, a raffle of the game-worn jerseys that benefitted the HIV Alliance, and every Emeralds gameday employee decked out in PRIDE merchandise.

Asked to reflect back on that night in an interview with the Washington Post earlier this month, Benavides recalled, “there were a lot of people in the stadium who felt comfortable holding hands, hugging each other. A lot of people wearing PRIDE colors. Just very comfortable, and that continued. It wasn’t just that one game.”

On June 5, the San Francisco Giants, the Major League affiliate of the Eugene Emeralds, became the first-ever Major League franchise to sport PRIDE jerseys in-game.

This year’s PRIDE Night will be highlighted by an Emeralds PRIDE flag giveaway thanks to Kendall Auto Group. On June 25, the first 1,000 fans that enter the home plate gate at PK Park will receive a free Emeralds PRIDE flag.

 

Additionally, the Emeralds will once again don specially designed Emeralds PRIDE jerseys on June 25. The game-worn Emeralds PRIDE jerseys will be available for sale via online auction. Information regarding the online jersey auction will be available later in the week at www.EmeraldsBaseball.com.

Proceeds from the Emeralds PRIDE jersey auction will benefit the Matthew Shepard Foundation, a nonprofit founded by the parents of the foundation’s namesake, Dennis and Judy Shepard.

The foundation was established following the death of Matthew Shepard who, as a 21-year-old student at the University of Wyoming, was brutally attacked and tied to a fence in a field where he was left to die. Matthew tragically succumbed to his wounds, but his memory lives on through the foundation his parents created using education, outreach, and advocacy programs to inspire individuals, organizations, and communities to embrace the dignity and equality of all people.

Tickets to Eugene Emeralds home games are available for purchase at www.EmeraldsBaseball.com or by calling (541) 342-5367.

Stay up to date with the Emeralds by following the team on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

BlueClaws Baseball Is For Everyone – Team to Host Second Pride Night on June 4th

 

JERSEY SHORE, NJ – BlueClaws baseball is for everyone! That continues to be the team’s message as the BlueClaws prepare for their second Pride Night, to be held on June 4th.

The BlueClaws held their first Pride Night, presented by Coca-Cola, in 2019 in front of a capacity, sold-out crowd at FirstEnergy Park. While their second Pride Night in 2020 was cancelled by the pandemic, the team remains undeterred and excited for Pride Night 2021.

“We consider ourselves to be a very open and inclusive organization and proud member of the community,” said BlueClaws Team President Joe Ricciutti. “We want to show the LGBT community that they are, and always will be, welcome at BlueClaws games!”

“It seems so simple–players should be judged on their athletic ability–not by who they love or how they identify. Unfortunately, the sports world can often be the deepest, darkest place in the closet. That’s why Garden State Equality is proud to partner with the Jersey Shore BlueClaws on their annual Pride Night–an evening that sends a message of positivity to LGBTQ people and their families,” said Christian Fuscarino, executive director of Garden State Equality. You have to imagine how inspiring it is for all those young kids sitting in the stands—who might be gay or transgender—when they look up and see their home team saying: ‘It’s okay to be who you are. We support you.’ That’s life changing.”

Pride Night includes a BlueClaws Pride Night cap giveaway for the first 1,500 fans that will be handed out beginning when the gates open at 6:00 pm. First pitch against the Brooklyn Cyclones, affiliate of the New York Mets, is at 7:05 pm and fans are encouraged to stay for post-game fireworks.

Order Tickets: Order tickets online by clicking here.

The BlueClaws will also be wearing special jerseys that will be auctioned off during the game.

Before the game, the BlueClaws will run a panel discussion with Christian Fuscarino of Garden State Equality and Joe Votruba of NJ 101.5 on the 1,857-square foot video board.

Aziza Callahan, a Garden State Equality member, will sing the National Anthem.

“BlueClaws games are about a fun night out with your friends, family, and colleagues. It’s about relaxing, laughing, and having a great time together. This notion has nothing to do with sexual orientation, race, gender, or economic status. It’s a universal notion of affordable, wholesome entertainment. It’s nice to be able to celebrate that with the community.”

Additional resources will be made available for fans at the game. Those interested in attending the night or partnering with the BlueClaws are encouraged to email [email protected].

Tickets are currently available in reserve seating pods, Lawn pods on the two outfield grass berms, concourse picnic tables, and concourse high-top tables around the ballpark. Tickets to Pride Night and all remaining BlueClaws home games can be purchased at BlueClaws.com.

-Jersey Shore BlueClaws-

Fluor Field to Host District 356 Minority & Women-Owned Business Vendor Fair

 

Join the City of Greenville, the Greenville Drive and CF Evans for a Minority and Women-Owned business Vendor Fair for District, 356, a new entertainment district adjacent to Fluor Field.

At the event, scheduled for Tuesday, May 18th at Fluor Field from 6 to 7:30 PM, local minority and women-owned businesses will have the opportunity to bid on Downtown Greenville’s most exciting new project.

While not required, businesses are encouraged to pre-register for the event by clicking HERE.

Specific business categories include:

  • Industrial pressure washing
  • Landscaping
  • Materials testing
  • Paving
  • Hauling
  • Equipment rental
  • Asphalt/concrete
  • Fencing
  • Electrical
  • Plumbing
  • Stonework/pavers

The Drive will also be accepting applications for 2021 game day staff opportunities during the event.

RubberDucks Team Up With Local Small Businesses, Akron Public Schools For Two February Community Initiatives

 

(AKRON, OHIO) February, 3 2021 – The Akron RubberDucks are proud to announce two community initiatives in support of February’s celebration of Black History Month: The Local, Minority-Owned Business Spotlight and the Black History Month essay contest. During the month of February, the Akron RubberDucks will launch two simultaneous initiatives to promote and celebrate the diversity of backgrounds in the Greater Akron area.

Minority-Owned Small Business Spotlight

First, the RubberDucks will utilize team social media channels to showcase one minority-owned business within the Greater Akron per week for the month of February. Businesses will be selected through a nomination process via the Akron RubberDucks website where nominations include the business’ name, website, social media handles, and a testimonial about its importance to the community. Business owners as well as customers are encouraged to nominate their favorite minority-owned small businesses in the Greater Akron community.

Nominate Your Favorite Small Business!

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Black History Month Essay Contest

Second, the Akron RubberDucks and Akron Public Schools have teamed up to introduce a Black History Month essay contest for students kindergarten through 12th grade. Students will be asked to submit a double-spaced, one-page essay on what Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have A Dream Speech” means to them personally. Winners will be selected from three groups of students: Grades K-5th, 6-8 and 9-12.

This essay contest begins Feb. 3, and submissions will be accepted until Feb. 26 at 5 p.m. Each entry must be submitted to [email protected] and must include the student’s name, age, grade level and school in order to be accepted for the contest. Each grouping will have one winner for the contest and that student will win tickets to an upcoming RubberDucks game for their whole class. Winners of this contest will be notified by email and announced on Feb. 26.

Submit Your Essay Now!

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“We believe in celebrating the broad backgrounds and diversity of our communities within Greater Akron,” said Akron RubberDucks GM, Jim Pfander, “Remembering the cultural history, with events like the Akron Black Tyrites night, and amplifying the voices within our community with this student contest and small business spotlight has been and always will be our mission here in Akron.”

The Akron RubberDucks are the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. Fans can purchase tickets by calling 330-253-5151 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, or visit www.akronrubberducks.com. For more information about the team, please call 330-253-5151, visit the website at akronrubberducks.com, Facebook page facebook.com/AkronRubberDucks, or on Twitter at @AkronRubberDuck, and Instagram at @akronrubberducks.

Yard Goats Foundation to Host Impact of Racism Virtual Panel February 18th 

(Hartford, CT ) The Hartford Yard Goats Baseball Club, the Double-A Eastern League affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, has announced plans to host a virtual panel on The Impact of Racism on February 18th at 6:30pm in observance of Black History Month. Tiffany Young, Executive Director of the Hartford Yard Goats Foundation, will moderate a discussion on challenges, achievements, and personal experiences amidst the backdrop of the larger national discussion on systemic racism. Registrants will have the opportunity to ask questions throughout the discussion. Panelists include:

  • Sean L. Gibson, Executive Director, Josh Gibson Foundation
  • Clyde McDoughty, Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics and
  • Recreation, Bowie State University
  • Jonathon O’Neil Cole, CEO/Founding Partner, Pendulum
  • Scot X. Esdaile, President, Connecticut State Conference of NAACP Branch/NAACP National Board Member Chairman/State of Connecticut Boxing Commission, NAACP
  • Nichelle Mullins, President & CEO, Charter Oak Health Center
  • Doug Glanville, Baseball Analyst, Multi-Media Journalist, Educator, Author, Speaker, Advocate, and Retired MLB Player, ESPN/ MLB

The panel will be hosted via a Zoom Webinar. Attendance is limited to the first 100 registrants, but the event will be live on the Yard Goats Facebook page as well. To register, visit:

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ekESqSjRS4KmDRnfGaChqw

Spokane Indians in the Negro Leagues

 

SPOKANE, Wash. – The Negro Leagues were founded by baseball luminary Rube Foster in 1920 and ran until the 1960s. After struggling through the Great Depression, the Negro Leagues reached their zenith in the late 1930s and early 1940s with legendary players like Cool Papa Bell, Josh Gibson, and Satchel Paige thrilling fans across the country. Finally in 1947, Jackie Robinson officially integrated the sport with the Brooklyn Dodgers and opened the door for other black players to join affiliated baseball, including six that spent time with the Spokane Indians.

Choo Choo Coleman: Clarence “Choo Choo” Coleman earned the nickname as a child for his fleet-footedness that was likened to that of a speeding train. A tremendous high school athlete, Coleman signed with the Florida State League’s Orlando C.B.’s following his graduation but received limited playing time and left the team the following year to join the Negro Leagues’ Indianapolis Clowns on a barnstorming tour of the country. He returned home to play for the Orlando Dodgers in 1959 and reached the big leagues two years later with Philadelphia after being selected by the Phillies in the Rule 5 draft. Coleman struggled with the Phillies in a brief trial and returned to Triple-A with the Spokane Indians where he produced career-highs in nearly every offensive category (.288, 13 HR, 45 RBI, .868 OPS). He was on the move again the following season after being selected by the New York Mets in the expansion draft and performed admirably for a 120-loss squad (.250, 6 HR, 17 RBI in 55 games). Coleman spent parts of two more seasons with the Mets before retiring from organized baseball following the 1969 season.

Nap Gulley: A member of the Negro League Wall of Fame, Nap Gulley was a talented pitcher that also played in the outfield for the Kansas City Monarchs, Chicago American Giants, Birmingham Black Barons, and Cleveland Buckeyes. He won the Negro League World Series with Cleveland in 1945 and threw a no-hitter against a team of combined major and minor league all-stars the following season. Nap joined the Spokane Indians, who were part of the Class B Northwest League at the time, at the age of 30 in 1955 and had a terrific season, posting a .361 average with 18 home runs in 127 games. Gulley played his last season of organized baseball the following season with the Salinas Packers of the California League.

David Hoskins: A top Negro League pitcher and dangerous hitter at the plate, Hoskins teamed up with Josh Gibson, Cool Papa Bell, and Buck Leonard to form one of baseball’s most fearsome lineups for the Homestead Grays. Hoskins’ talent drew the attention of MLB teams and he earned a tryout for the Red Sox and Braves along with Jackie Robinson and Sam Jethroe in 1945 (Hoskins was unfortunately unable to attend due to injury). He spent two more years in the Negro Leagues before becoming the first black player in the Class-A Central League with the Grand Rapids Jets in 1949, dealing with racial taunts from the stands and fastballs aimed at his head from opposing pitchers. Despite the adversity, Hoskins hit .393 and showed that he was more than capable of competing against white players. After returning to the Negro Leagues for a season with the Louisville Buckeyes, Hoskins signed with the Dallas Eagles and became the first black player in the Texas League in 1952. He was once again the subject of taunts and death threats but it didn’t affect his performance on the field, where he went 22-10 with a 2.12 ERA. Hoskins reached the majors in 1953 with the Cleveland Indians and held his own with a 9-3 record and 3.99 ERA. The highlight of that season came on August 21 when Hoskins matched up against Satchel Paige–the first time two African-American pitchers faced off in an MLB game. Despite his strong showing, Hoskins made just 14 appearances for the Indians the next season in what would be his final year in the big leagues. Hoskins bounced around the minor leagues after that, landing with the Spokane Indians in 1959 where he went 2-2 with a 2.47 ERA in eight games. He would pitch one more season in the minors before retiring to his farm in Michigan.

Don Newcombe: Newcombe spent two years with the Negro League’s Newark Eagles before embarking on an historic MLB career with the Dodgers, Reds, and Indians. The towering right-hander was named Rookie of the Year for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1949 after finishing 17-8 with a 3.17 ERA and league-leading five shutouts, also becoming the first black pitcher to start a World Series game that same year. He earned All-Star nods the next two seasons (leading the league in strikeouts in 1951) before serving in the Korean War from 1952-53. He struggled in his return to Brooklyn the following season but rebounded with 20 wins and a World Series title in 1955. Newcombe had a season for the ages in 1956, posting a 0.989 WHIP and winning 27 games to earn league MVP and baseball’s first-ever Cy Young Award (which was awarded to only one pitcher in all of baseball at the time). “Newk” spent two more seasons with the Dodgers before finishing out his big league career with the Reds (1958-60) and Indians (1960). He signed with the Dodgers and attempted a big league comeback with the Spokane Indians in 1961 (where he was teammates with fellow Negro League alum Curt Roberts) but struggled to a 4.96 ERA over 25 games. Newcombe, always a good hitter for a pitcher, wrapped up his playing career as a first baseman/outfielder alongside Larry Doby for Japan’s Chunichi Dragons in 1962.

Curt Roberts: A slick-fielding second baseman and shortstop, Roberts opened his career with a Kansas City Monarchs team that featured Negro League luminaries Elston Howard, Buck O’Neil, and Satchel Paige. He played for the Monarchs from 1947-50 before spending the next three seasons with the Western League’s Denver Bears after signing with the Boston Braves. Roberts reached the majors with Pittsburgh in 1954 (Denver became a Pittsburgh affiliate in 1952), becoming the first black player to suit up for the Pirates. He spent three seasons in the Steel City and his Spanish fluency is credited with helping a young Roberto Clemente adjust to life in the big leagues. Roberts struggled to hit with the Pirates and never returned to the majors after 1956, spending the next seven seasons in the minors including 1960-61 with Spokane; hitting .290 and .307 while continuing to provide solid defense up the middle. He would spend two seasons in the minor leagues before retiring in 1963.

Herbert Simpson: An important part of minor league baseball’s integration on the West Coast, Simpson started his career with the Homestead Grays before being drafted for WWII. After serving for four years in Germany, Simpson returned to play for the Seattle Steelheads, Harlem Globetrotters, and Chicago American Giants before becoming the first black player in the Western International League with the Spokane Indians in 1952. The Indians went 91-64 that season with Simpson hitting .282 at the plate while spending time at first base and in the outfield. Simpson joined the Albuquerque Dukes the followng season and became the first black player in the West Texas-New Mexico League. He starred with the Dukes for three seasons, hitting .344 in 1952 and .372 in 1953, before retiring from the sport in 1954.

About the Spokane Indians

The Spokane Indians are the High-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies located in Spokane, Washington, and were named the 2021 MiLB Organization of the Year. Avista Stadium is home to the $5 Kids Bench Seat courtesy of MultiCare. Parking at all Spokane Indians games is FREE. The Spokane Indians office and team store hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.


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¡HICA! selected as a recipient of the 2020 MiLB CommUNITY grant

 

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.– Minor League Baseball (MiLB) announced today that the Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama (¡HICA!), a long-time partner of the Birmingham Barons, will receive a $500 grant on behalf of MiLB Charities.

The new MiLB CommUNITY grant recognizes five nonprofit organizations from across the nation that support diversity within their local MiLB community. Grant recipients show dedication to promoting unity, understanding, acceptance, and inclusion in their community through impactful programs.

“¡HICA! Is beyond honored to receive this gift from MiLB,” said ¡HICA! Executive Director Isabel Rubio. “Our partnership with the Birmingham Barons is a real treasure- we love the opportunity to bring communities together through such an American institution as baseball. Thank you for recognizing our work.”

Founded in 1999, ¡HICA! Focuses on community development and advocacy for Latino and immigrant families in Alabama. It offers economic development, citizenship and naturalization, family, and civic engagement programs that assist families transition to life in America as well as helps them become an integral part of their local communities. The Barons partner with ¡HICA! annually for Los Barons night at Regions Field. The night includes specialty jerseys, dancers, and bands as a way to celebrate Latino culture and raise awareness about ¡HICA!’s mission. Los Barons night has been a prominent night in the Barons season since 2013.

“¡HICA!’s work bridges cultural gaps in our community while providing resources for Latino and immigrant families to grow and thrive,” said Birmingham Barons General Manager and President Jonathan Nelson. “We value our long-term partnership with them and are excited to see them recognized for their hard work.”

The four additional MiLB CommUNITY grant recipients include Dreams Go On (Altoona Curve), Charleston Hope (Charleston River Dogs), the Young Black Leadership Alliance (Charlotte Knights), and the El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank (El Paso Chihuahuas).

RubberDucks To Feature Sports Industry Leaders In First Women In Sports Virtual Panel Sept. 2nd

 

(AKRON, OHIO) August 25, 2020 – The Akron RubberDucks are proud to announce their first ever Women in Sports Virtual panel featuring a variety of women who have established themselves as leaders in the sports from all across the country on September 2, brought to you by State & Federal Communications. This virtual panel is free to the public via Zoom invite link, beginning promptly at 7 p.m. on September 2, and is expected to run until 8:30 p.m.

Attendees can sign up to join this free Zoom webinar by visiting https://www.milb.com/akron/team/registration and a confirmation email will be sent to attendees by 5 p.m. the day they sign up. The Zoom webinar link will be sent the morning of September 2 with relevant login information. This live panel will be emceed by RubberDucks lead broadcaster, Marco LaNave, and will feature the below executives who have graciously offered their advice and insight on their experience working within the sports industry:

Panelists:

  • Linda McNabb – VP of Sales & Marketing, Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
  • Jan Burke – Director, Ticket Sales and Services, Canton Charge
  • Emily Gates – Director of Sport Management Baseball, Field Hockey and Volleyball, Ohio High School Athletic Association
  • Donna Orender – CEO, Orender Unlimited. Former president of the WNBA and Senior Vice President of the PGA
  • Joey Arrietta – Director of Fastpitch Operations, Racers Foundation and Founder/President of Akron Racers Softball

Each panelist will introduce herself and reflect on the topics below, which will then be followed by a Question & Answer segment where Zoom attendees will get the chance to speak with top sports industry executives.

Some of the topics these respected leaders in the sports industry will reflect on include:

  • How they began their journey in the sports industry, and how they subsequently rose through the ranks into the top leaderships they held throughout their careers
  • The challenges that these leaders faced while starting in an industry predominantly run by men
  • What factors and experiences shaped these women into the respected leaders they have become in the sports industry
  • The benefits and value of strong mentorship in order to empower future generations of women to break into the sports industry
  • What challenges still exist and affect women’s ability to break into and advance within the sports industry

“The RubberDucks are proud to offer the opportunity to hear from experienced female executives with broad and diverse backgrounds in the sports industry,” said Jim Pfander, General Manager of the Akron RubberDucks. “These women have worked hard and have overcome many obstacles on their way to the leadership roles they hold, so their insight and advice is invaluable to any person looking to enter the sports industry.”

Attendees will walk away from this event having the knowledge that women can be, and currently are, leaders in the sports industry and to showcase the sisterhood that exists among women currently working in sports. This event will give all attendees a strong understanding of some of the hurdles and challenges that they may encounter along their career path. The goal for this panel is to help all attendees become better prepared for their journey into the sports industry by hearing from these five well-regarded, top executives.

For any questions regarding this event, please contact Ticket Sales Associate, Jenna Smith by phone at (330) 375-1715 or by email at [email protected].

The Akron RubberDucks are the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. Fans can purchase tickets by calling 330-253-5151 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, or visit www.akronrubberducks.com. For more information about the team, please call 330-253-5151, visit the website at akronrubberducks.com, Facebook page facebook.com/AkronRubberDucks, or on Twitter at @AkronRubberDuck, and Instagram at @akronrubberducks.

Star panel highlights Refusing To Lose: A Discussion on Diversity in Sports luncheon

 

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp have lined up an All-Star panel for the club’s Refusing To Lose: A Discussion on Diversity in Sports luncheon presented by Sight & Sound Productions and Mugwump Productions, which runs from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Friday, September 18 at 121 Financial Ballpark.

The panel, moderated by First Coast News sports director Chris Porter, features former Minor League Baseball player and current Charleston RiverDogs director of community outreach Chris Singleton, Jacksonville Jaguars senior vice president and chief marketing officer Julian Duncan, Jaguars vice president of social responsibility and impact T-Neisha Tate, ATP Tour director of player development Erika Kegler and Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp executive vice president/general manager Harold Craw. Discussion will be versed around the role of diversity in sports, the challenges the industry faces in regards to diversity and how such diversity can make the sports industry a leader in promoting positive change.

A limited number of tables, priced at $100 for a group of four, are available for the luncheon. Each table includes access to a food line featuring a menu of fried coconut torpedo shrimp, pulled pork with Texas toast and slaw, marinated chicken breast, scalloped potatoes, fresh green beans, dinner rolls, chef salad, fresh fruit, sweet tea, lemonade, water, cookies and assorted fried donuts. Tables must be reserved by Wednesday, September 16 by calling the Jumbo Shrimp at (904) 358-2846.

A former Chicago Cubs minor league farmhand from 2017-18, Singleton is a nationally-renowned speaker whose message of forgiveness following the loss of his mother, Sharonda Coleman Singleton, in the June 2015 Mother Emanuel AME Church tragedy helped galvanize the city of Charleston and the nation. He has presented to over 50 organization in 2020 alone and has been featured on ESPN’s E:60, Sports Illustrated, CNN, The Today Show and USA Today. His first book, “Different,” has sold thousands of copies and has been featured by numerous outlets, including The Obama Foundation. Singleton has also created the Love Thy Neighbor brand with a message of spreading love and putting an end to racism.

As the Jaguars’ chief marketing officer, Duncan is responsible for leading the strategic and creative development of all marketing, branding, digital, experiential, and promotional strategies and tactical execution platforms for the Jaguars and Bold Events. A native of Houston and former student-athlete at Rice University, Duncan pursues his passion of increasing minority participation in the marketing field via his role on the advisory board of the Marcus Graham Project, whose mission is to identify, expose, mentor and train ethnically diverse women and men in various aspects of marketing and brand management.

A native of Jacksonville, Tate is one of the public faces of the Jacksonville Jaguars Foundation, which awards nearly $2 million annually for programs in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia that spotlight children and families, education, active-duty military and veteran support, women’s health, youth football, sports safety, fitness and nutrition and community and neighborhood development. The Raines High School graduate has helped the Jaguars Foundation implement NFL initiatives like the Play 60 youth nutrition and exercise program while also partnering with NFL and local philanthropies to bring LISC, a national community development nonprofit, to Jacksonville.

As director of player development at the ATP Tour, the governing body of the men’s professional tennis circuit, Kegler guides the organization’s player enrichment programs for professional tennis players, elite juniors and alumni. The programs include professional and personal development workshops, continuing education opportunities and career transition services. A native of Jacksonville who earned her MBA from the University of North Florida, Kegler has worked at the ATP Tour for over 25 years, holding a broad range of responsibilities while providing customized services for world-class athletes, international tennis tournaments and global media organizations.

The first African-American to win Executive of the Year for any league in Minor League Baseball, Craw was voted the 2017 Southern League Jimmy Bragan Executive of the Year by the general managers of the league member clubs. With 17 seasons of Minor League Baseball experience, the Chattanooga, Tenn., native oversees the Jumbo Shrimp’s marketing and sales, community engagement, game-day experience and all other operational aspects of the organization. He is an active volunteer in the Jacksonville community, mentoring middle school youth through Jacksonville’s Duval County Public Schools 5000 Role Models program. While working for the RiverDogs, Craw co-founded and co-chaired the Charleston RBI Baseball League.

A three-time Emmy-nominated journalist, Porter leads the First Coast News sports team and serves as the station’s primary sports anchor on weekday evenings and nights.

All Jumbo Shrimp employees will be wearing face coverings throughout the event and all guests will be required to wear face coverings upon entry and while they move about the ballpark. Face coverings may be removed once guests arrive to their socially distanced table.

ABOUT THE JUMBO SHRIMP: The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp offer affordable family fun at 121 Financial Ballpark. Their inaugural season garnered the Southern League’s Don Mincher Organization of the Year, Promotional Trophy and Jimmy Bragan Executive of the Year, won by general manager Harold Craw. The club added its second Promotional Trophy in three years following the 2019 season. To experience the excitement with the terrific value of ticket and group options, call the Jumbo Shrimp at (904) 358-2846 or visit www.jaxshrimp.com.

Blue Wahoos Join With V. Randolph Brown Consulting To Evaluate And Improve Diversity And Inclusiveness

 

The Pensacola Blue Wahoos and Beloit Snappers have jointly hired V. Randolph Brown Consulting, an organization that specializes in helping companies evaluate their diversity, inclusion, and equity. V. Randolph Brown will evaluate the inclusiveness of the organizations, identify areas for improvement, and develop action plans to help both teams eliminate bias and become more equitable to fans and staff.

“We do many things well. We measure employee engagement, provide lots of development opportunities, are transparent, include peers in staff selection, and did not lay off any staff during the ongoing pandemic. However, I am convinced we can and must be better in the areas of eliminating bias and becoming more diverse and inclusive,” Quint Studer, owner of the Blue Wahoos and managing partner of the Snappers, said.

V. Randolph Brown Consulting, based in Cincinnati, provides companies across America with strategic consulting, advisory, education, and training services on topics including diversity, equity, and inclusion. Their portfolio includes advising the National Basketball Association and NCAA.

The firm will work with both teams to identify and eliminate possible bias in their organizations, educate and train the team’s full- and part-time staff, and improve the teams’ hiring and staff development processes.

“The Blue Wahoos staff has been representative of our community demographically, however being representative is not enough. We need to seek out and actively eliminate bias within our organization to ensure that Blue Wahoos Stadium is a welcoming, inclusive gathering place for all members of our community,” Studer said. “Beloit is one of the most diverse cities in Wisconsin. As we expand the team’s staff in preparation of the new ballpark opening in 2021, we need to be sure that our hiring and training processes are correct. We will not window dress this. We will dig in and do this right.”

The Studer Family of Companies, which includes both the Blue Wahoos and Snappers, has established a Diversity and Inclusion Task Force to work alongside V. Randolph Brown Consulting to advance the organization’s efforts to promote a culture of inclusiveness and embrace its diversity. The task force will provide training to Studer Family of Companies staff and to the local community, identify causes and charities to receive fundraising dollars, and implement changes within the organization based on the firm’s recommendations.