Cedar Rapids Kernels 2016 Community Report

Cedar Rapids, IA – The Cedar Rapids Kernels are proud to release their first comprehensive community report. This report highlights the organization’s 2016 off the field efforts such as charitable donations, the Al Smith League of Dreams and the popular Kernels Summer Reading Program.

In conjunction with the “Take the Lead” community relations initiative, the Kernels want to show their commitment to being the community beacon for education, social and recreational programs in Cedar Rapids and surrounding communities.

Notable achievements this year include 150 community appearances by the team mascot Mr. Shucks, contributing donations totaling $314,744 and local children reading 2,618,750 total minutes in the Kernels Summer Reading Program.

Ryne George, the Kernels Community Relations Manager, says, “As a front office staff we all love Eastern Iowa and enjoy finding ways to give back. This report is a great example of what we do as an organization. We are looking to expand our efforts in 2017 and can’t wait to do even more for this great community.”

Click here to view the Kernels 2016 Community Report.

The Cedar Rapids Kernels are the Midwest League affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. For more information, visit www.kernels.com and follow the Kernels on social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

D-Braves present donation to Danville Cancer Association

DANVILLE, Va. – The Danville Braves presented a donation of nearly $1,300 to the Danville Cancer Association Thursday morning. The D-Braves raised $1,271.70 through the auction of game-used jerseys worn on the team’s Colon Cancer Awareness Night during the 2016 season.

“We’re proud to continue to support the Danville Cancer Association,” said Danville Braves General Manager David Cross. “The work that the Danville Cancer Association does to help support cancer patients in the area has a big impact on local families.”

2016 marked the sixth year in which the D-Braves wore and auctioned cancer awareness jerseys.

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

Home Runs for Heroes Nets Local Charities $30,000 from OceanFirst Foundation

LAKEWOOD, NJ – The BlueClaws and OceanFirst Foundation celebrated another successful season of the Home Runs for Heroes program on Wednesday at FirstEnergy Park as OceanFirst Foundation presented the nine participating organizations with checks totaling $30,000 representing each of the 30 home runs hit at FirstEnergy Park this year.

The nine organizations (see below) were each paired with one inning and each BlueClaws home run in one particular inning meant a $1,000 donation to a charity.

Organization Inning Home Runs Total
Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski, II Memorial Fund 1st 3 $3,000
National Guard State Family Readiness Council 2nd 5 $5,000
Navy-Marine Relief Society 3rd 2 $2,000
GI Go Fund 4th 1 $1,000
Army Emergency Relief 5th 6 $6,000
Chariot Riders – Horses for Heroes 6th 4 $4,000
Catholic Charities 7th 2 $2,000
American Recreational Military Services (ARMS) 8th 4 $4,000
Vetgroup 9th + Extras 3 $3,000

Among BlueClaws players, Jose Pujols raised the most money. The 20-year old hit 12 home runs at FirstEnergy Park this year, more than any player in BlueClaws history. Jan Hernandez hit five home runs in Lakewood and Jiandido Tromp, who was promoted at the All-Star break, hit four home runs in Lakewood.

For more on OceanFirst Foundation, click here.

– BlueClaws –

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

Chasers Earn Ballpark Digest’s Charity Award

The Omaha Storm Chasers have been announced as the recipient of Ballpark Digest‘s “2016 Charity Award” for the organization’s work in the community throughout the 2016 season. The Storm Chasers were also a finalist for the award in 2015.

“Our organization is truly humbled to receive this award,” said Storm Chasers President and General Manger Martie Cordaro. “While we give back to our community because we believe we have a responsibility to do so, it is still rewarding to be honored. I personally thank Ballpark Digest for recognizing our staff as industry leaders in giving back.”

The Storm Chasers organization, through its charitable arm Chasers Charities, set an all-time record in charitable giving in 2016, the fourth consecutive year the club has achieved that feat. In total, the organization donated $768,695 to local charities, an increase of $82,558 compared in 2015.

Among the highlights of the organization’s 2016 charitable work included providing a platform for 74 non-profit organizations at Werner Park as the “Community Organization of the Night”. Over $20,000 was raised through the McDonald’s and Huber Chevrolet Hurl the Pearl promotion for the Ronald McDonald House, in addition to over $23,000 donated to local charities, including Let’s Go Miles, Nebraska Organ Recovery and Methodist Hospital Foundation through four Game-Worn Jersey Auctions.

In total, the organization also combined for over 420 mascot and player appearances in the Omaha Metro community. The Storm Chasers front office also joined forces to record 932 hours of community service in 2016.

A full overview of the Storm Chasers’ 2016 Community Relations efforts can be found online at www.omahastormchasers.com/community.

The Omaha Storm Chasers are the Triple-A Affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. The Storm Chasers play at Werner Park in Papillion, Sarpy County, Nebraska. For more information please visit omahastormchasers.com and follow us on Twitter @omastormchasers and at facebook.com/omahastormchasers.

The Storm Chasers return to Werner Park for Opening Night 2017 on Tuesday April 11, 2017.

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

Chiefs & Dr. Fitzpatick raise $2,000 for Humane CNY

Chiefs GM Jason Smorol with Dr. Fitzpatrick from Beaver Lake Hospital and Christine McNeeley & Jada from Humane CNY (Jeffrey Irizarry/Syracuse Chiefs)

The Syracuse Chiefs are proud to announce that Dr. Sandra Fitzpatrick owner of Beaver Lake Animal Hospital has donated $2,000.00 to Humane CNY as a part of an annual sponsorship promotion. Dr. Sandra Fitzpatrick presented the check to Humane CNY today at the NBT Bank Stadium, the home of the Syracuse Chiefs.

Each season Dr. Sandra Fitzpatrick of Beaver Lake Animal Hospital partners with the Chiefs to help raise awareness for the overpopulation of pets. Every time a Chiefs’ relief pitcher strikes out an opposing batter at NBT Bank Stadium, a $10.00 donation is made to Humane CNY. Since 2008, Dr. Sandra Fitzpatrick has personally donated over $18,000 through this promotion.

Humane CNY is a nonprofit no-kill shelter in Syracuse. Humane CNY is a no-kill, not-for-profit animal shelter, with a mission to find loving homes for the animals who need them.

“On behalf of the Syracuse Chiefs we would like to thank Dr. Fitzpatrick for once again partnering with the Chiefs to raise funds for such a fantastic organization,” Jason Smorol, Syracuse Chiefs General Manager.

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

PawSox Win 2016 Community Involvement Award from Providence Business News

The Providence Business News has awarded their 2016 Community Involvement Award to the Pawtucket Red Sox in an announcement made this past Friday, October 14. The PawSox are one of 12 companies being recognized for business excellence. The award ceremony will take place on Thursday, November 17, at the Providence Marriott.

“The Pawtucket Red Sox have been an engaged member of the community throughout their history,” said Mark S. Murphy, Editor of the Providence Business News. “Their community track record has been especially strong since the 1999 establishment of the ballclub’s charity program, through which the team has donated more than $1 million to organizations serving the underprivileged throughout New England.”

The award marks the second major community recognition that the club has received in the past three years. In 2014, the PawSox received the John Henry Moss Community Service Award presented by Minor League Baseball for outstanding, on-going commitment to charitable service, along with exemplary leadership within its local community.

“To receive this award is an honor,” said PawSox President, Dr. Charles Steinberg. “To serve this community is a privilege.

All of us who love working with the PawSoAnchorx recognize the role that baseball can play in our community. We look forward to doing even more for the people of Pawtucket and the people of Rhode Island.”

With over 120 community appearances made to date in 2016, the PawSox are on pace to triple the number of mascot and player appearances the team made in 2015 to Rhode Island and surrounding Massachusetts communities.

The PawSox have also unveiled successful new community oriented promotions at the ballpark in 2016, such as “My Hero Mondays,” where fans nominated community heroes to be recognized on the field prior to every Monday home game. The club’s new “In Debt to a Vet” in-game program allowed our region’s servicemen and women to be honored and thanked for their service to our country at every PawSox home game.

The support for our nation’s heroes continued at the PawSox Annual 5K Walk & Run in September, where over $6,000 was raised for veteran and military support groups.

Also in the month of September, PawSox players and coaches provided hands-on instruction to over 200 children with various physical and mental disabilities at the Annual Challenger Clinic— led by PawSox manager Kevin Boles.

On the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, members of the PawSox community set a club record by donating 71 units of blood for the Rhode Island Blood Center in a revamped drive at McCoy Stadium, generating several times the amount of blood units collected at previous McCoy blood drives.

“The team’s recognition of its unique role in the community, and its determination to use that role to improve that community, is a worthy example for all companies,” Murphy explained. “It makes the PawSox the well-deserved honoree for community involvement in the 2016 PBN Business Excellence Awards Program.”

As playoff baseball continues during the month of October, the PawSox are looking forward to continuing some of their cornerstone community traditions, such as the all-expenses-paid World Series trip to two lucky families from the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket.

Last off-season, the PawSox introduced an additional slate of community events and activities at the ballpark, including a Veterans Day Dinner, luncheons around the holidays for local school children, a holiday caravan with PawSox players and Front Office members, a Black History Month celebration with local youth groups in the PawSox clubhouse, and Valentine’s Day rose deliveries to senior centers in the area. These are all programs that the PawSox are excited to continue this off-season, along with soon announcing a major new educational initiative geared towards local students.

Those who are interested in joining the PawSox on November 17 to accept this special community honor can visit www.pbn.com, where individual tickets to the PBN Business Excellence Awards can be purchased.

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

Shea wins in ADA ‘Kiss a Pig’ campaign

  Lexington Legends’ President/CEO Andy Shea planted a kiss on a pig Saturday night.

Shea was the winner in the American Diabetes Association “Kiss a Pig” fundraising campaign. He was one of 10 local celebrities in whose names donations could be made.   His total of more than $45,000 raised led the way, and as the winner, he kissed the pig – now named “Pig L” in reference to the Legends famous mascot, Big L.

“My Aunt Debbie was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when she was in eighth grade,” Shea recalled. “She passed away shortly after my 16th birthday, and I still think about her and love her every day. It was a true honor to be a part of such a great event, raise funds for research, and bring awareness to this awful disease. It was even more special being able to share the night with my mom and friends. And we’re all very excited about the addition of Pig L to our family and the ballpark!”

Pig L will be a part of the Shea household, and is expected to occasionally visit Whitaker Bank Ballpark for some Legends’ games next season.

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

Whitecaps named Midwest League’s John Henry Moss Community Service Award Nominee

COMSTOCK PARK, MI – The Midwest League of Professional Baseball Clubs has named the West Michigan Whitecaps as its 2016 nominee for Minor League Baseball’s post-season John Henry Moss Community Service Award.

The John Henry Moss Community Service Award is presented to a club that demonstrates an outstanding, on-going commitment to charitable service, support and leadership within their local community and within the baseball industry.

Since the Whitecaps’ inaugural season in 1994, the team has been committed to operating as a community-based organization focused on providing affordable family friendly entertainment to the West Michigan region. And since that time, the Whitecaps’ success as an organization has been closely linked to the outstanding support received from the community. Giving back to that community has always been a pillar of the Whitecaps’ operating philosophy, and in 2013 the Whitecaps Community Foundation (a 501c (3)) was founded to focus the Whitecaps’ commitment to, and leadership of, charitable support of West Michigan kids and their families.

Some of the Whitecaps’ and Whitecaps Community Foundation’s 2016 highlights and community impacts are detailed below:

Ted Rasberry Field

Thanks to the efforts of the Whitecaps Community Foundation and its community partners, a $54,000 grant was secured from the Baseball Tomorrow Fund (a partnership with Major League Baseball). In just four months’ time one of Grand Rapids’ most historic inner city fields was completely revitalized. Use of the new field is primarily for the Inner City Youth Baseball and Softball program and surrounding Grand Rapids community neighborhoods.

Orchestrating the revitalization of a field named in honor of a historic Negro League owner/player and Grand Rapids native was an easy decision for the Whitecaps Community Foundation’s Board of Directors. When all was said and done, the Ted Rasberry Field renovations included: new bleachers, improved infield and playing surface, new equipment storage facility, reseeded outfield and an enhanced irrigation system.

Inner City Youth Baseball & Softball Program

The primary recipient of the Whitecaps’ and Whitecaps Community Foundation’s charitable efforts every year is the Inner City Youth Baseball and Softball program (ICYBS). This program is perhaps the Whitecaps’ best example of stability and sustainability as this season marked its 22nd year of providing free baseball to Grand Rapids inner city kids. The program is a collaborative effort between the Whitecaps Community Foundation, the Whitecaps and other community partners. Since 1995, more than $250,000 has been pledged to the program by the Whitecaps and the Whitecaps Community Foundation, allowing more than 27,000 children the opportunity to participate in organized baseball for free within the inner city.

In 2016, the ICYBS added a focus on nutrition and fighting childhood hunger and provided 9,600 post-game meals for the program participants. In total, the 2016 season stat line reads as follows: 1,400 children participated with 68 volunteers serving as coaches, drivers, and scorekeepers who donated a total of 1,758 hours of their time. Equipment was also provided for free with the West Michigan community donating more than 300 gloves and various pieces of equipment through the Whitecaps Community Foundation’s annual equipment drive.

Reading Program & Book Donation

The Whitecaps Community Foundation Reading Program is in its 12th year of helping area school children enjoy Whitecaps baseball while promoting reading. Children from area elementary schools who read a total of 450 minutes, or 15 minutes a day, in the month of March (known nationally as Reading Month) receive two tickets to any Whitecaps game in April-June. The Foundation delivers all support materials, such as bookmarks and posters, to all participating schools at no cost. The 2016 Reading Program had involvement from 75,000 K-6 area children from 268 schools ranging from public schools to home schooled. More than 20,000 complimentary tickets were given this season to children and their families in West Michigan.

To create even more excitement during the month of March and to encourage reading after the program had finished, the Whitecaps Community Foundation donated a book to every child at Dickinson Elementary School in Grand Rapids. Dickinson Elementary is considered a high-need school within Grand Rapids and received a total of 300 books.

Pinch Hitter Program

The Pinch Hitter Program is designed to give groups in need the opportunity to experience a Whitecaps game at no cost. Non-Profit organizations are matched with program donors and receive tickets allowing those groups to attend a Whitecaps game when they otherwise would not have been able to meet the financial obligation. In 2016 the Whitecaps Community Foundation was able to match 20 groups with corporate donors and as a result donated 500 tickets to groups in need. Michigan area.

Player Community Service Award

Since 1994, community involvement has been a pillar of how the Whitecaps operate, and this does not stop at the clubhouse door. West Michigan Whitecaps players are given the opportunity to volunteer throughout the community each season and in 2016, 30 players volunteered over 500 hours during the season. Players visited schools to encourage reading, Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Veteran’s home as well as other locations in the West Michigan area. This season three players won the Inaugural Whitecaps Community Service Award, given to players who had the most impact within the community: Pitcher Sandy Baez, Outfielder Rashad Brown and Infielder Will Allen. Each of these players volunteered more than 50 hours of their time from April through August.

50/50 Program

Throughout the 2016 season, The Whitecaps Community Foundation helped non-profits raise funds by using the West Michigan Whitecaps facilities. Twelve non-profits raised $29,175 over the course of the season participating in the 50/50 raffle program. Non-profits took half of the $29,175 to use at their own discretion, while the winner took the other half. The Whitecaps Community Foundation had 13 of its own 50/50 raffles and managed to raise $30,760 for its programs in 2016.

The final line for 2016: With donations and fundraising efforts, the Whitecaps Community Foundation was able to give out more than $552,716 to local children and their families in 2016. All of these programs were considered by the Midwest League in choosing the West Michigan Whitecaps as its John Henry Moss Community Service Award winner and MiLB nominee.

Winners of all five of MiLB’s post-season awards, including the Charles K. Murphy Patriot Award, the John Henry Moss Community Service Award, the Larry MacPhail Award, the John H. Johnson President’s Award, and Rawlings Woman Executive of the Year Award, will be announced at the Baseball Winter Meetings in Washington, D.C. in December.

The Whitecaps open the 2017 season at home on Thursday, April 6 at 6:35 p.m. against the South Bend Cubs. Season tickets and mini plans will go on sale October 25 and can be purchased by calling the Whitecaps at 616-784-4131. Tickets for groups of 20 or more, including private party areas, will go on sale in November.

-end

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

Chasers Set All-Time Charitable Giving Mark

The Omaha Storm Chasers set an all-time record in charitable giving for the fourth consecutive year in 2016. In total, the organization donated $768,695 to local charities this year, an increase of $82,558 compared to last year’s top mark.

“Remaining a cornerstone of charitable giving is imperative to what this organization stands for,” said Martie Cordaro, President and General Manager of the Omaha Storm Chasers. “With the visible presence and community center that Werner Park has become, we have a responsibility to Sarpy County and the Omaha Metro to give back and address needs in our community.”

The Storm Chasers organization provided a platform for 74 non-profit organizations at Werner Park as its Community Organization of the Night. The McDonalds and Huber Chevrolet Hurl the Pearl promotion also raised a record number of $20,663 for the Ronald McDonald House. In addition, over $23,000 was donated to local charities including Let’s Go Miles, Nebraska Organ Recovery and Methodist Hospital Foundation through four Game-Worn Jersey Auctions, with players and coaches wearing specialty jerseys.

The organization remained visible throughout the Omaha Metro, with mascots and players combining for over 420 appearances in the community. The Storm Chasers front office also combined for 932 hours of community service in 2016.

A full overview of the Storm Chasers’ 2016 Community Relations efforts can be found online at www.omahastormchasers.com/community.

The Omaha Storm Chasers are the Triple-A Affiliate of the Kansas City Royals, and play at Werner Park in Papillion, Sarpy County, Nebraska. For more information please visit omahastormchasers.com and follow us on Twitter @omastormchasers and at facebook.com/omahastormchasers.

The Storm Chasers return to Werner Park for Opening Night 2017 on Tuesday, April 11, 2017.

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

Helping Hand: Power donate $50,000

Charleston, WV (September 29, 2016) –  The West Virginia Power, in conjunction with the Pittsburgh Pirates, are pleased to announce that their ongoing flood relief efforts have raised $50,000 for the West Virginia Region of the American Red Cross. The flooding that occurred in late June devastated 44 counties across the state of West Virginia and the Power immediately began relief efforts at Appalachian Power Park. Power fans and many of the team’s partners made sizable donations to the collection efforts, including the Pittsburgh Pirates, Pyrotechnico and Success Promotions.

“Our community was hit hard by this natural disaster,” stated Ken Fogel, Executive Vice President of the West Virginia Power. “Our fans, employees, friends and even some corporate partners were affected by the flooding. It was our goal to help in any way possible to begin the relief and recovery process. We are thrilled by the response and the donation we can now make on behalf of those who support us.”

During Power games, the team also used a variety of avenues enabling fans help the flood relief efforts as well. In addition to donation points located around the ballpark, charity t-shirts printed by T-Graphics were sold, proceeds from the nightly 50-50 were allocated and a portion of online tickets sales were donated to the relief effort.

The Power and Pirates Charities worked together to collect and donate dog food for the Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association. KCHA spent the weeks following the flooding rescuing animals displaced during the disaster. Power fans could drop bags of dog food off at the park and the players held a dog food drive at PetSmart in Southridge. On August 9, Pirates Baseball Charities arranged for 50 pallets of dog food to be delivered on behalf of the West Virginia Power and Ainsworth, one of the Pittsburgh Pirates partners.

“We are proud to partner with everyone at the West Virginia Power in support of the recovery efforts of those effected by the historic and devastating floods.” said Bob Nutting, the Pittsburgh Pirates Chairman. “The Power organization is a Pirates affiliate both on and off the field, as we both share in the same deep rooted commitment to help improve the lives of those in need.”

For more information on the monetary donation or other flood relief efforts that the Power held, please front office at (304) 344-2287.

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

66ers Honored with California League’s Award for Community Service

San Bernardino, CA – On Friday the California League announced the 2016 Front Office Awards and named the Inland Empire 66ers the winner of the Excellence in Community Service Award. The award, which was voted on by the other organizations in the California League, was given to the 66ers due to their outstanding and on-going commitment to charitable service, support and leadership within the local community.

The Sixers received high praise from the league for their efforts and commitment to the community following the tragic events on December 2nd. A day after the incident, thousands came to San Manuel Stadium to attend a candlelight and prayer vigil. Victim’s families and friends, civic leaders and the community at large started healing the healing process together. On this night “SB Strong” came into existence and an organic fundraising opportunity happened after multiple attendees asked where they could buy tee shirts with the SB Strong logo on them. The fundraiser was a great success as over 2,000 shirts were purchased with 100% of the proceeds heading to the San Bernardino United Relief Fund. Following the vigil the club would go on to host a luncheon for the first responders, a SB Strong Charity Picnic and Blood Drive and the team’s SB Strong Night Game. During this game the Sixers and the visiting San Jose Giants wore specialty SB Strong jerseys that went up for auction to raise funds for the cause. In total, $74,115.26 was raised for the victims and their families through events held at San Manuel Stadium.

The 66ers continued their excellence in community service by closely working with local schools in several ways. The team’s reading program, which provided tickets for children and their families for reading, saw an increase in participation by over 30%. In addition, the club introduced the Breakfast with a Book Program in which students were rewarded for their academic efforts by receiving breakfast and a new book courtesy of the club. The commitment to the area didn’t stop there as the 66ers worked with over 200 local partners that had an impact of over $400,000 in donations during the 2016 Season.

About the Inland Empire 66ers

The Inland Empire 66ers are the California League Affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels and play their home games at San Manuel Stadium. The club is one of eight Elmore Sports Group owned franchises and one the six Minor League Baseball clubs in the group. Other Elmore Sports Group baseball franchises include the Colorado Springs Sky Sox (Pacific Coast League), The San Antonio Missions (Texas League), Lynchburg Hillcats (Carolina League), Eugene Emeralds (Northwest League), and the Idaho Fall Chukars (Pioneer League). The 66ers franchise will play their 30th season in San Bernardino during the 2017 season which starts on Thursday, April 6th.

Follow the 66ers on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @66ersbaseball

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

Spokane County Fair & Expo Center and the Spokane Indians Team Up for Wildfire Relief

SPOKANE, WA – The Spokane County Fair & Expo Center and the Spokane Indians baseball team have teamed up to help support the firefighting efforts in the region. Firefighters from all over the state have been using the Spokane County Fair & Expo Center and parking areas of Avista Stadium as a staging area while they work to contain the fires that started last week.

“We are pleased to be able to work together with the Spokane Indians and use our combined resources to aid these firefighters,” said Rich Hartzell, Director of the Spokane County Fair & Expo Center. “Both parties have made concerted efforts to help during this busy time of year in order to protect the safety of our community.”

The baseball team’s Military Appreciation Night on Saturday, August 27 was originally scheduled to have post-game fireworks, but the area typically used for the promotion is being utilized by the Incident Management Teams as a base camp to fight wildfires near Spokane.

“We want to thank the Spokane County Fair & Expo Center and the Spokane Indians for being such great hosts,” said Matt Ugaldea, Unit Leader Pacific Northwest Incident Management Team 11. “They have been very accommodating and allowed us to concentrate our efforts on fighting the area’s fires.”

In lieu of the post-game fireworks on Saturday, the Spokane Indians, the Spokesman-Review, and KHQ will make a donation to local wildfire victims.

“We felt it was important for the team to step up and help those affected by the recent wildfires,” said Chris Duff, General Manager for the Spokane Indians. “It has been inspiring to see our community rally together in support of those in need.”

For more information, please contact the Indians at (509) 535-2922 or mail@spokaneindians.com.

About the Indians

The Indians are the Short Season Class “A” affiliate for the Texas Rangers. For more information, please visit www.spokaneindians.com or call (509) 343-6886 (OTTO).

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

Charitable Tuesdays Bigger and Better in 2016

For the third consecutive season, the Williamsport Crosscutters will present Charitable Tuesdays. The program, presented by Woodlands Bank, gives local non-profit organizations a no-cost opportunity to have a presence at BB&T Ballpark, for the purpose of educating fans about their organization.

One organization will be featured at every Tuesday home game and receive;

  • A display table in the stadium to display and distribute promotional literature and materials
  • A live on-field interview before the game
  • Ceremonial 1st pitch honors for the organization
  • The opportunity to be a guest on the Crosscutters radio broadcast for one inning
  • A $250 donation to the organization courtesy of Woodlands Bank and the Crosscutters presented during an on-field ceremony

“When approached by the Crosscutters with the idea to partner with them for Charitable Tuesdays, it was an immediate yes”, stated Jon P. Conklin, President & CEO of Woodlands Bank. “Woodlands Bank is defined by its commitment to the local community. Daily, we work, live, and give in Lycoming and Clinton County. The Cutters are a great organization that shares the same values as we do, which I know will lead to giving to great and worthy local non-profits this season.”

Interested organizations should submit an application, available online at crosscutters.com or at BB&T Ballpark. Applications must be received by June 3, 2016. More information is available by contacting the Cutters Director of Community Relations, Sarah Budd at (570) 326-3389 or email sarah@crosscutters.com

The Crosscutters 2016 season opens on June 17 when they host the State College Spikes. The full schedule can be found at crosscutters.com.

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

6th Annual Cutters 5K to Benefit CDC

The Williamsport Crosscutters, in partnership with the Children’s Development Center, will be holding the 6th Annual Cutters 5K on Saturday, June 25th at BB&T Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field.

The race, through Williamsport’s West End, begins at 9am with registration open at 8am. The course has runners starting outside the ballpark entrance with the final sprint inside the stadium finishing at home plate. Both runners and walkers are encouraged to take part in the event.

All proceeds from the event benefit the Children’s Development Center of Williamsport. Since 1923, the CDC has been providing services to children with special needs from birth to 21 years of age. Last year’s event attracted almost 200 participants. Since its inception, almost $60,000 has been raised for the CDC through this event.

“Hope Enterprises and its Children’s Development Center strive every day to accomplish its mission of serving children and their families in this area. Due to the tremendous community support Hope has received over the years, we are able to meet the very specific needs of those we serve. As an example of that support, we are extremely proud and fortunate to partner with the Williamsport Crosscutters and their 5K run” stated Hope Enterprises President, Jim Campbell.

Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in seven male and female age categories. In addition to the prize awards, the top male and female runners will throw out ceremonial first pitches at the Williamsport Crosscutters game on July 1st. Prizes will also be awarded to the top three male and female walkers. The event will also feature a new Kids Fun Run, free for children age 10 and under. All kids participating will receive an award.

“We are proud to partner with the CDC annually on this event. It just keeps growing every year”, said Cutters Vice-President of Marketing Gabe Sinicropi.

Registration is $15 in advance and $20 on race day. All participants receive a race t-shirt (while supplies last), and a ticket to the July 1st Crosscutters vs. Batavia MuckDogs game at 7:05pm. Registration forms and more information are available online at crosscutters.com, at the Crosscutters offices at BB&T Ballpark or the CDC offices located at 625 W. Edwin St.   Sponsorships of the event are also still available.

The Crosscutters open the 2016 season on June 17 against the State College Spikes at BB&T Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field. The full schedule, along with detailed information on ticket packages, is available at www.crosscutters.com or by calling the Cutters at (570) 326-3389.

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

KeyBank and Lake Monsters team up to recognize United Way of Chittenden County

BURLINGTON, VT — The Vermont Lake Monsters, in partnership with KeyBank will be hosting 300 United Way of Chittenden County volunteers and partners July 23rd. The 7:05 PM game at Centennial Field will feature pre-game acknowledgement of this year’s annual campaign, in addition to featuring some of the United Way of Chittenden County’s partner agencies.

“Thank you to the Vermont Lake Monsters and KeyBank for hosting our volunteers and their families for a night out at the ballpark,” United Way Community Campaign Manager Reed Curry said. “United Way runs on the power of volunteers and we are excited to celebrate their important contributions and build momentum for our 2015 Community Campaign at one of Burlington’s best summer venues.”

In addition to the game day events that will include a first pitch and concourse tabling, the Vermont Lake Monsters will be wearing a special edition Home Jersey designed by the Boys and Girls Club of Burlington. ALL proceeds of an in game jersey auction will benefit the United Way of Chittenden County, made possible through the partnership with KeyBank.

“Building a thriving community is a collective effort, and we are proud to partner with the Vermont Lake Monsters to support a night out at the ballpark in celebrating the contributions of the volunteers of the United Way of Chittenden County,” said Market President Don Baker.

Tickets for the July 23rd game against Auburn Doubledays at 7:05 are available by clicking here or by calling 802 655 6611.

For further information on how you can help assist the current United Way of Chittenden County contact Reed Curry at 802-861-7851 or reed@unitedwaycc.org.

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