Trenton Thunder Recognized with Governor’s Award for Honoring Veterans

(Trenton, NJ) – Your Trenton Thunder, presented by NJM Insurance Group, are proud to have been presented with an award recognizing ongoing efforts to honor veterans at Trenton Thunder Ballpark. The award commends the Thunder “for their dedication to the values of our State, and ensuring our Veterans are recognized, honored, and valued for their bravery.”

The New Jersey’s Governor “We Value Our Veterans” Employer Award was awarded by NJ Governor Phil Murphy during a ceremony at the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial and Vietnam Era Museum on November 11th. Trenton Thunder President and General Manager Jeff Hurley accepted the award at the ceremony Friday, where Hamilton Township and Mercer County were also honored, along with other municipalities and businesses.

The Trenton Thunder have a long-standing tradition of honoring veterans at the ballpark during games with our annual Hometown Heroes Night, featuring a pregame ceremony recognizing military veterans, first responders, and local heroes. They also honor a local hero every game during the 7th inning just prior to the singing of God Bless America.

The award reads:

“In grateful appreciation of your extraordinary efforts to promote a military friendly environment for the Veterans of our great State. As Governor of the State of New Jersey, I commend Trenton Thunder for their dedication to the values of our State, and ensuring our Veterans are recognized, honored, and valued for their bravery.” – Philip D. Murphy, Governor of the State of New Jersey

You can learn more about the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial and Vietnam Era Museum on their website here: https://www.njvvmf.org/

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New Jersey’s Baseball Team | Big League Futures. Major League Fun.

The Trenton Thunder have drawn over 10 million fans over 28 years and have won the three major awards that Minor League Baseball teams can win; the Johnson Trophy for the “Nation’s Best Franchise”, the Larry MacPhail Trophy for Outstanding Club Promotion, and the Bob Frietas Award for Long-Term Success, given by Baseball America. The team has given back over $7.5 million worth of goods, services, and monetary donations through Trenton Thunder Charities, under the Grand Slam We Care Foundation umbrella. The Thunder can be found online at trentonthunder.com, facebook.com/trentonthunder, twitter.com/trentonthunder, and on youtube.com/AATrentonThunder.

Former Pirates Manager Clint Hurdle & ESPN’s Tim Kurkjian Headline Cutters Hot Stove Banquet

The Williamsport Crosscutters have announced the return of their Hot Stove Banquet on Tuesday, January 24th in the Grand Ballroom of the Genetti Hotel in Williamsport. The event is presented in part by Muncy Bank & Trust, Professional Petroleum, iHeart Radio Williamsport, and the Williamsport Sun-Gazette.

Guests at this year’s banquet include former Pittsburgh Pirates manager Clint Hurdle and ESPN Baseball Analyst Tim Kurkjian. A portion of the proceeds from the event benefit the programs of Sojourner Truth Ministries.

Hurdle played 515 games in MLB with the Royals, Mets, Reds and Cardinals. He began his managerial career in 1988 in the N.Y. Mets farm system and managed the Williamsport Bills in 1991. Hurdle managed over 2,600 games in the major leagues with the Colorado Rockies (2002-2009) and the Pittsburgh Pirates (2011-2019), winning the National League Manager of the Year Award in 2013.

Kurkjian has covered baseball since 1978 and has been a baseball writer, reporter, analyst and host at ESPN since 1998. He has been a regular on Baseball Tonight and SportsCenter. No stranger to Williamsport, Kurkjian has also been part of ESPN’s coverage of the MLB Little League Classic since its inception in 2017 as well as the Little League World Series. He was the recipient of the 2022 Career Excellence Award by the Baseball Writers Association of America presented each year at the Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies in Cooperstown, N.Y.

The evening will consist of a full-course dinner, live and silent auctions of sports memorabilia along with interviews and question and answer segments with the special guests. Other highlights of the event include the inductions of the latest members to the Bowman Field Hall of Fame and the Lycoming County Sports Walk. Those inductees are expected to be announced in the weeks leading up to the event. The ballroom doors open at 5:30 PM with the dinner and entertainment portion of the event kicking off at 6:30 PM.

Tickets are $65 per person and can be purchased by calling the Cutters offices at (570) 326-3389 or ordered online by CLICKING HERE. This event is a sell-out each year, so fans are encouraged to purchase tickets early. Business sponsorships for the event are also available.

The Williamsport Crosscutters are members of Major League Baseball’s MLB Draft League, featuring top draft-eligible prospects from across the country. The Cutters finished the 2022 season with a record of 44-31, earning a berth in the first-ever MLB Championship Game against the West Virginia Black Bears. The 2023 season will feature 40 home games between June 1 and September 2. MVP Club season tickets, mini-plans and Bonus Books are available at crosscutters.com.

Boomer’s Drive-Thru Trick or Treat Returns October 28

The Williamsport Crosscutters, in association with the City of Williamsport, have announced the return of Boomer’s Drive-Thru Trick or Treat, a free trick or treating experience for children and their families. The event will take place in the Muncy Bank Ballpark parking lot on Friday, October 28 from 6pm-9pm and is sponsored by UPMC, the UPMC Health Plan and Backyard Broadcasting.

The event will be hosted by Boomer, the Cutters popular mascot, and give children age 14 and under in costume, the opportunity for a fun, safe, trick or treating experience. Over twenty other exhibitors, including some of Boomer’s mascot buddies, are slated to be part of Boomer’s Drive-Thru Trick or Treat.

Crosscutters Vice-President of Marketing and Public Relations Gabe Sinicropi stated, “Due to the overwhelming attendance over the past two years, we have added an extra hour so that we can accommodate as many children as possible.” Over 800 kids passed through the event in 2022.

All participants will be required to stay inside their vehicle as they receive treats from the Williamsport Crosscutters and other area businesses. Those attending are required to enter the Muncy Bank Ballpark lot via the West 4th Fourth Street entrance only. Entry to the stadium property will close at 9pm. All vehicles will exit at the back of the stadium on Blaine Street.

Any local businesses who would like to be part of this event, at no charge, can contact the Cutters at (570) 326-3389.

Thunder and NJM Insurance Group Raise Money for Safe at Home Program

(Trenton, NJ) – The Trenton Thunder is thrilled to announce that in conjunction with NJM Insurance Group, $10,850 was donated to the Miracle League of Mercer County as part of the Safe at Home Program. The Safe at Home partnership between the Trenton Thunder and NJM Insurance Group started in 2012 and has now raised $140,600 for local nonprofit organizations.

“We are grateful that NJM Insurance Group and Trenton Thunder selected the Miracle League of Mercer County as the 2022 charitable partner for the Safe-at-Home Program,” noted Dan Schweck, Executive Director of the Miracle League of Mercer County.”

In 2005, the program was the first Miracle League to form in the entire northeast region of the United States, and 15th overall. Now 17 years later, they are one of over 325 Miracle Leagues across the US, Puerto Rico, Canada, and Mexico.

“Moreover, our league participation has tripled in size since 2017, and we now operate 12 months a year,” Schweck added. “We continue to provide great opportunities to our participants because of tremendous community support from organizations like NJM and the Thunder.”

Through the Safe at Home Program, NJM Insurance Group makes an annual donation to a local nonprofit based on the total number of runs the Thunder score at all home games throughout the season.

“Our partnership with the Trenton Thunder is built upon our shared value of supporting the communities we are privileged to serve,” added Jeff Richardson, NJM Community Outreach & Events Coordinator. “Special thanks to my friend Dan Schweck for his passion and commitment in running the Miracle League here and just making it all happen.”

“This partnership has been very meaningful to us for the past decade,” said Thunder President and General Manager Jeff Hurley. “Together, the Trenton Thunder and NJM Insurance Group continue to make a special impact throughout the region and we’re looking forward to another successful year together in 2023.”

Other nonprofits that have been a part of the Safe at Home Program include: Children’s Home Society of NJ, Rescue Mission of Trenton, Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK), Anchor House Foundation, PEI Kids, Womanspace, Boys & Girls Clubs (Mercer County), Family Service Association of Bucks County, and the Bucks County Opportunity Council.

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New Jersey’s Baseball Team | Big League Futures. Major League Fun.

The Trenton Thunder have drawn over 10 million fans over 28 years and have won the three major awards that Minor League Baseball teams can win; the Johnson Trophy for the “Nation’s Best Franchise”, the Larry MacPhail Trophy for Outstanding Club Promotion, and the Bob Frietas Award for Long-Term Success, given by Baseball America. The team has given back over $7.5 million worth of goods, services, and monetary donations through Trenton Thunder Charities, under the Grand Slam We Care Foundation umbrella. The Thunder can be found online at trentonthunder.com, facebook.com/trentonthunder, twitter.com/trentonthunder, and on youtube.com/AATrentonThunder.

Thunder and Miracle League of Mercer County Announce Uniform Design Contest

(Trenton, NJ) – The Trenton Thunder, presented by NJM Insurance Group, are proud to announce our continued partnership with the Miracle League of Mercer County. Since 2005, the Miracle League of Mercer County has been dedicated to promoting community support and opportunities for children with disabilities. Now, your Trenton Thunder will be taking the field during one game in the upcoming 2023 season in special Miracle League of Mercer County uniforms designed by one of the athletes of the Miracle League!

Submissions will be accepted starting on Thursday, September 29th and will be accepted until Friday, December 16th. In order to submit a uniform design, you must be registered for the Miracle League’s Fall or Spring season. Submissions must be emailed to Dan Sczweck at [email protected]. All designs will be reviewed and a winner will be announced in late January/early February 2023. The winning uniform design will be subject to small changes based on feedback from the uniform provider.

The winner will be recognized the night of the game and receive both a complimentary Thunder jersey and a luxury suite to a Thunder game during the 2023 season, based on availability. The Miracle League will have their annual Trenton Thunder Night in June 2023 with a date to be announced soon. Jerseys will be auctioned off with the proceeds benefiting the Miracle League of Mercer County.

Download the jersey template here: https://www.mlbdraftleague.com/trenton/community/miracleleague

For more information about the Miracle League of Mercer County, visit them online here. During the 2022 Thunder season, NJM Insurance Group donated $10,850 to the Miracle League of Mercer County as part of NJM’s Safe at Home Program. Fifty dollars was donated for each of the Thunder’s 217 runs scored at Trenton Thunder Ballpark.

Sponsorship opportunities are available! Contact Jon Bodnar at [email protected] for more information.

New Jersey’s Baseball Team | Big League Futures. Major League Fun.

The Trenton Thunder have drawn over 10 million fans over 28 years and have won the three major awards that Minor League Baseball teams can win; the Johnson Trophy for the “Nation’s Best Franchise”, the Larry MacPhail Trophy for Outstanding Club Promotion, and the Bob Frietas Award for Long-Term Success, given by Baseball America. The team has given back over $7.5 million worth of goods, services, and monetary donations through Trenton Thunder Charities, under the Grand Slam We Care Foundation umbrella. The Thunder can be found online at trentonthunder.com, facebook.com/trentonthunder, twitter.com/trentonthunder, and on youtube.com/AATrentonThunder.

Cutters Donate to American Rescue Workers

The Williamsport Crosscutters recently presented the American Rescue Workers with a check for $7,626, representing the proceeds from the team’s 50/50 raffles during the 2022 season. The nightly 50/50 raffle is presented by the Crosscutters and the Pitch In Charitable Foundation, a non-profit foundation of professional baseball teams.

This represents the sixth straight season that the team has donated it’s 50/50 proceeds to the American Rescue Workers. Cutters Vice-President of Marketing Gabe Sinicropi stated, “The American Rescue Workers is a great organization, run by great people, doing great work. We know that the donated funds are put to good use, helping the most vulnerable in our community in their time of need.”

In the past six seasons, the Williamsport Crosscutters have donated over $39,000 to ARW through the foundation’s 50/50 raffle.

Twenty-Fourth Annual “Trick or Treat” at Eastwood Field on Wednesday, October 26th presented by T-Mobile, media partners 21 WFMJ and WBCB and radio partner Mix 98.9

Niles, Ohio – The Scrappers are excited to announce the twenty-fourth annual “Trick or Treat” at Eastwood Field. The event will take place Wednesday, October 26th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. “Trick or Treat” at Eastwood Field is a fun and safe way to celebrate Halloween for children age 12 and under. Ticket quantities are limited and are available on a first come first served basis. Children and adults will require a ticket. Tickets are just $1 each and are available starting Friday, September 23rd at the Scrappers Team Office located at Eastwood Field. In addition, anyone that donates canned goods at the “Trick or Treat” event for Feed Our Valley will receive a free general admission Scrappers ticket valid during the 2023 season.

Back for the 2022 Trick or Treat event is the “Fast Pass”. The “Fast Pass” is only available for the first 100 kids, includes admission for one child and two adult tickets and allows you to skip the line and get in at 5:45pm for only $10. Those that purchase the Fast Pass will receive a wristband upon purchase.

The Scrappers are looking for area businesses to participate in this year’s “Trick or Treat” event. Businesses will receive table space at Eastwood Field. This is a community event and a great way to promote your business to the public. Early reservations are encouraged as space is limited. Vendor space can be reserved here: https://forms.gle/5Qh4qt38AxLHygJYA . Please contact Heather Sahli for complete details at 330-505-0000 or emailing [email protected].

To stay up to date with the Scrappers in the offseason or for more information on 2023 ticket packages, visit www.mvscrappers.com or contact the front office at 330-505-0000. The Mahoning Valley Scrappers are one of six founding members of the MLB Draft League, joining the Frederick Keys, the State College Spikes, the Trenton Thunder, the West Virginia Black Bears and the Williamsport Crosscutters.

Cutters Help ACES North America

The Williamsport Crosscutters players and staff recently held the Cutters Dominican Plate event in conjunction with ACES North America.

The event, held annually, consists of a buffet dinner featuring Dominican food along with auctions, music and dancing. Proceeds from the event benefit ACES North America, a non-profit organization formed in Williamsport that is dedicated to making the world a better place by supporting sustainable grassroots projects and programs in the Dominican Republic’s impoverished communities. Further, they strive to empower individuals and communities for sustainable development.

Prior to the Cutters August 14 game, the team presented a check to ACES North America in the amount of $10,200 representing the proceeds from the event.

Thunder Honor 100-Year-Old World War II Veteran

(Trenton, NJ) Your Trenton Thunder, presented by NJM Insurance Group, were proud to honor 100-year-old World War II Veteran Dan Morgan during the game on Sunday, August 7th as part of the Thunder’s Cloudman’s Hometown Heroes Program.

Dan Morgan is a World War II Veteran where he served as an aviation machinist’s mate First Class in the United States Navy. Dan was born and raised right here in Trenton, then moved to Allentown, NJ where he raised his four daughters.

Dan was a volunteer fireman at the Hope Fire Department in Allentown and went on to be the Allentown Police Commissioner. Dan recently turned 100 years old and has always been an avid fan of baseball. He was at the Thunder game Sunday surrounded by the family he loves, watching the sport he loves.

Sunday’s game also featured an Honor Guard presenting the American flag from the Knights of Columbus – Regina Mundi Council (below).

Cloudman’s Hometown Heroes program recognizes and celebrates individuals and groups that perform inspirational, selfless acts of kindness in our community! Cloudman is always looking for hometown heroes to honor in front of Thunder fans at Trenton Thunder Ballpark. Opportunities include pre-game ceremonies and in-game ceremonies before the presentation of “God Bless America” in the 7th inning of every Thunder home game.

To nominate a Hometown Hero of your own to be recognized at Trenton Thunder Ballpark, click here!

New Jersey’s Baseball Team | Big League Futures. Major League Fun.

The Trenton Thunder have drawn over 10 million fans over 28 years and have won the three major awards that Minor League Baseball teams can win; the Johnson Trophy for the “Nation’s Best Franchise”, the Larry MacPhail Trophy for Outstanding Club Promotion, and the Bob Frietas Award for Long-Term Success, given by Baseball America. The team has given back over $7.5 million worth of goods, services, and monetary donations through Trenton Thunder Charities, under the Grand Slam We Care Foundation umbrella. The Thunder can be found online at trentonthunder.com, facebook.com/trentonthunder, twitter.com/trentonthunder, and on youtube.com/AATrentonThunder.

Thunder to Team Up With Vs. Cancer Foundation on August 17th

(Trenton, NJ) – Your Trenton Thunder, presented by NJM Insurance, has once again joined forces with the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation’s Vs. Cancer program to defeat childhood brain cancer – the deadliest disease affecting children in the United States.

Started by a pediatric brain cancer survivor and former collegiate athlete, Vs. Cancer empowers any sports team, any athlete, and any community to help kids with cancer. As a signature fundraising campaign of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, Vs. Cancer proceeds help fund local hospital programs for children battling brain tumors and other cancers, financial assistance and critical resources for patient families nationwide, and groundbreaking research to cure pediatric brain tumors – the deadliest form of pediatric cancer.

“The Thunder are proud to partner again with the Vs. Cancer Foundation,” said Thunder President and General Manager Jeff Hurley. “I can’t wait to see everyone at the ballpark on Wednesday, August 17th when we’ll shave our heads during the game to raise money for this important cause.”

In partnership with Vs. Cancer, and thanks to the generous support of friends, family and fans, the team is on its way to meeting their fundraising goal. You can contribute by making a donation here: FUNDRAISING PAGE

Dave Mays, the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation’s Senior Vs. Cancer Campaign Manager understands how vital these athletes are to the nonprofit’s mission. “Vs. Cancer athletes are changing the game for children with cancer. Brain cancer is the deadliest and most common form of cancer in children under 15, but each Vs. Cancer game gets us one step closer to a cure. Together we are fighting for healthier, happier futures.”

About the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation

Every day, 13 children and teens are diagnosed with a brain tumor, the deadliest and most common form of cancer in kids under 15. Every day after, they are in a fight for their life. It’s a fight the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation is here to help families win. A leader in the brain tumor and childhood cancer communities, PBTF’s mission of Care. Cure. Thrive. reflects its commitment to curing all pediatric brain tumors and transforming how children and their families are cared for. Since 1991, PBTF has provided strategic leadership and funding to accelerate the number of targeted therapies for children battling brain tumors today, while equipping families with the patient-family education, financial relief, and emotional support they need to navigate their child’s journey. The Vs. Cancer Foundation merged with the PBTF in 2016 and now is a signature fundraising campaign of the nonprofit. A world without childhood brain tumors is possible when we work together to put kids first. Learn more at www.curethekids.org. To get involved with Vs. Cancer, visit www.vs-cancer.org.

New Jersey’s Baseball Team | Big League Futures. Major League Fun.

The Trenton Thunder have drawn over 10 million fans over 28 years and have won the three major awards that Minor League Baseball teams can win; the Johnson Trophy for the “Nation’s Best Franchise”, the Larry MacPhail Trophy for Outstanding Club Promotion, and the Bob Frietas Award for Long-Term Success (Given by Baseball America). The team has given back over $7.5 million worth of goods, services, and monetary donations through Trenton Thunder Charities, under the Grand Slam We Care Foundation umbrella. The Thunder can be found online at trentonthunder.com, facebook.com/trentonthunder, twitter.com/trentonthunder, and on youtube.com/AATrentonThunder.

Largest crowd of season powers Paint the Park Pink win

Spikes fans raised $9,265, the most-ever for a Paint the Park Pink Night, through the Jersey-off-the-Back Auction and 50/50 Drawing on Saturday to benefit the Mount Nittany Health Foundation.

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UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – A crowd of 5,313 fans, the largest of the season for the State College Spikes at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, cheered on the Spikes on Saturday night as they took a 6-3 win over the Mahoning Valley Scrappers and raised the most funds in a single Paint the Park Pink Night presented by Mount Nittany Health.

Fans responded in full force to join the fight against breast cancer as together, they raised $9,265 in bidding on the Spikes’ special Pink and Black Jerseys to benefit the Mount Nittany Foundation and the work done by the Breast Care Center at Mount Nittany Health, as well as through the 50/50 Drawing at the ballpark.

The night was capped by the second straight night of FIREWORKS from the Field, as fans were invited onto the ballpark infield to see another spectacular lighting up the skies thanks to Mount Nittany Health. Three more shows remain on the 2022 schedule, with College Township presenting the action on Saturday, August 20, McClure Company presenting the show on Saturday, August 27, and Starfire Corporation presenting the show at the season finale on Sunday, September 4.

Saturday night’s crowd, many of whom were decked out in pink themselves to show their support for the fight, helped generate the Spikes’ (5-4 2nd half) late surge to take their third straight win. Ryan Chesney and DeAndre Shelton each took bases-loaded walks to break a 3-3 tie in the eighth inning, with Trent Taylor’s infield single bolstering the lead to three.

State College bounced back from going down 2-0 in the third on Dom Bucko’s RBI single and an error to plate a run in the fourth. Brody Perkes beat out an infield single to start the inning, then stole second and advanced a base on back-to-back flyouts, the last a Colin Adams sacrifice fly to score the run.

In the fifth, Nick Gile drove in his eighth run, the most for the Spikes in the second half, with a single to center field to score Shelton. A passed ball then brought in Taylor to give State College the lead.

In the eighth, Mahoning Valley (3-6 2nd half) tied the game on Adam Fogel’s RBI double before the power of pink drove the Spikes’ late flurry.

Spikes reliever Tristen Hudson (1-0) earned the win with 1 1/3 scoreless innings to close the game. Hudson, who recorded the final out for North Greenville in the NCAA Division II national championship game this June, gave up just one hit and recorded one strikeout to net his first MLB Draft League win.

Scrappers reliever Brenton Thomas (0-1) took the loss after being charged with all three of the Spikes’ eighth-inning runs in 1/3 of an inning on the mound. Thomas yielded one hit and four walks.

The Spikes and Scrappers are set to finish their four-game series at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park on Sunday, with State College looking for the sweep in the 4:05 p.m. contest. Right-hander Beau Nichols (0-1) will get the start for the Spikes, while right-hander Jarod Sprinkle (0-0) gets the ball for Mahoning Valley.

Sunday’s fun is headlined by Still Strong Night, featuring a special appearance from foundation co-founder, former NFL defensive lineman and proud Blue & White alum Devon Still. In addition to Still throwing out a first pitch and being part of the night’s activities, proceeds from the Spikes’ 50/50 drawing for the night will go to the Still Strong Foundation, and fans will have many ways to find out how to support the foundation and its cause.

It’s also a a Sunday Funday presented by Bigfoot Country Classics, with a Pre-Game Catch on the Field from 3:00-3:30 p.m., half-price hard seltzers from 3:00-5:00 p.m_.,_ and Kids Eat Free as the first 250 kids get a voucher good for a free hot dog, chips and soda.

Plus, it’s another Kids Run the Bases Home Run Edition after the game, presented by Mount Nittany Health.

Tickets for every game remaining in the second half of the Spikes’ biggest regular season home schedule in franchise history are available now. Tickets can be purchased by calling (814) 272-1711 or by visiting the Spikes Ticket Office in person from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Fans can also buy and download single-game tickets, and view the full 2022 promotional schedule, at the only source for authentic Spikes tickets online by visiting StateCollegeSpikes.com.

More ticket packages, including Flex Books and an array of group and hospitality options for the 2022 season, are currently on sale by calling the Spikes at (814) 272-1711. Additional information on all club ticketing options, as well as team news and schedule info, can be viewed at StateCollegeSpikes.com.

Catch all of the action of the Spikes’ game on Sunday via the Spikes Radio Network presented by Penn State Sports Medicine, Official Healthcare Provider of Penn State Athletics with Steve Jones and Joe Putnam on the call. The broadcast starts with Spikes Live! presented by Mount Nittany Health, on the air from Medlar Field at Lubrano Park at approximately 3:40 p.m.

The game can be viewed worldwide on the MLB Draft League streaming platform at MLBDraftLeague.com/streaming, along with the “Listen Live” link on StateCollegeSpikes.com and the TuneIn Radio app.

Good Deed Day Set for July 30th

(Trenton, NJ) – The Trenton Thunder are calling on their fans to support five local community organizations as part of the 12th Annual Good Deed Day at Trenton Thunder Ballpark on Saturday, July 30th. Good Deed Day is Day 3 of Cloudman’s Heroes Week

Good Deed Day will feature collection tables on Times Square (the area outside the ballpark) for the following non-profit organizations:

  • United Way of Greater Mercer County – School Supplies
  • HomeFront – Personal care items such as shampoo, soap, toiletries, etc
  • Mercer Street Friends – Non-Perishable Food Items
  • Pet Rescue of Mercer – Pet Food & Supplies
  • Trenton Thunder/Grand Slam We Care Foundation – Gently-Used Baseball Equipment

The United Way of Greater Mercer County will be collecting school supplies out front of the ballpark. For almost 100 years, United Way has been involved in our local community connecting people with resources, propelling individuals and families to reach their fullest potential. The Thunder have also been partnering with United Way of Greater Mercer County as an official collection site for non-perishable food items during the month of July.

HomeFront, an organization that helps families break the cycle of poverty, will collect personal care items such as shampoo, conditioner, lotion, bandaids, bar soap, toothpaste tubes and other toiletry items that will be put to use in their Family Preservation Center and other residences.

Mercer Street Friends Food Bank will be collecting non-perishable food items. The Mercer Street Friends Food Bank, established in 1987, leads the community response to hunger in Mercer County. Its mission is to alleviate hunger through food distribution, nutrition education and assistance, weekend and summer meals for children, advocacy and outreach. The Food Bank distributes 2.6 million pounds of food annually and helps to feed over 25,000 low-income children, adults and seniors at-risk for hunger.

Pet Rescue of Mercer will be at the ballpark collecting pet food and supplies. Pet Rescue of Mercer is an all volunteer non-profit group that rescues neglected, abused, and abandoned animals and finds quality homes for them. Adoptable dogs and cats are placed in foster homes until they can be found permanent homes.

On Saturday, July 30th, the Thunder will host the Williamsport Crosscutters at 6:30 pm. It’s also Thunder’s Faith & Family Night with fireworks after the game. Stick around after the fireworks for a Postgame Concert from members of the Hamilton Square Presbyterian Church.

All Thunder tickets are available by calling 609-394-3300, opt 4 or online at trentonthunder.com/tickets.

Scrappers & 910th Airlift Wing Partner for Operation Fly Together Campaign

NILES, OH –The Mahoning Valley Scrappers (est. 1999) and Youngstown Air Reserve Station (est. 1955), home to the 910th Airlift Wing, have been pillars in the Mahoning Valley in Northeast Ohio for decades. Together, we’ve participated in ceremonies, flag salutes, fly overs, and more. With significant growth by both parties, the opportunity to rally the region even more has never been better.

Together, we are thrilled to announce the Mahoning Valley Scrappers Baseball Team is teaming with the 910th Airlift Wing for a Community Engagement Partnership campaign called “Operation Fly Together” beginning with the 2022 baseball season with the Warren Area Chamber of Commerce Education, Civic & Cultural Foundation as the primary sponsor.

With unique and creative marketing elements, this campaign is designed to celebrate the venerable C-130 Hercules tactical cargo aircraft and bring increased awareness to the local presence of 910th Airlift Wing and YARS in Northeast Ohio. This campaign will also bring together currently serving Reserve Citizen Airmen, civilians, and thousands of veterans within 50 miles of the base.

Since the Mahoning Valley Scrappers are leaders in fun, and experts at creating unique moments at the stadium and in the community, their team has created new specialty marketing components include a new logo, patch, flag, educational markers, caps and jersey that are unique to the ‘Operation Fly Together’ campaign.

Elements of this new Partnership will fall under five categories — Support, Honor, Educate, Celebrate and Community. Here are some details of each category of this new Partnership:

Support – To celebrate the C-130 Hercules and the ‘Operation Fly Together’ campaign in Mahoning Valley, the Mahoning Valley Scrappers will host “The 910th Airlift Wing ‘Operation Fly Together’ Night” in conjunction with the Scrappers game on Saturday, August 6, 2022. To support this exciting partnership, a new patch and logo have been created. This patch and logo will be used on the sleeve of a specialty jersey created specifically for the partnership of the 910th Airlift Wing and the Mahoning Valley Scrappers celebrating ‘Operation Fly Together.’ A new team cap featuring a “Winger” logo, inspired by the YARS Mascot Winger, has been created and players will wear these caps at the game. Additionally,

the Mahoning Valley Scrappers have developed a new merchandise line for the Team Store that features the ‘Operation Fly Together’ patch logo and the “Winger” logo. Mechandise is available now for pre-order here: https://scrappers.milbstore.com/collections/operation-fly-together

Honor – To honor the men and women assigned to Youngstown ARS and living throughout the surrounding greater Mahoning Valley area. A new ‘Operation Fly Together’ flag will be featured at Eastwood Field in honor of the campaign on ‘Military Appreciation Nights’ and “The 910th Airlift Wing ‘Operation Fly Together’ Night.” The Mahoning Valley Scrappers are continuing their ‘Military Appreciation Nights’. This weekly promotion has occurred at Eastwood Field for at least 15 seasons and will continue to occur during the 2022 season. Every Wednesday, military members can receive 2 free tickets to the Scrappers game. Military branches are recognized and featured on these days. Additionally, the Mahoning Valley Scrappers will host “The 910th Airlift Wing ‘Operation Fly Together’ Night” on August 6, 2022. During the game, the Scrappers will wear the specialty jerseys and caps; there will be in game/online auction of the game-worn specialty jerseys and caps; the 910th will have table displays at the game; the 910th’s Winger mascot will be in attendance and the members of the 910th Airlift Wing will participate in pre-game and in-game activities such as singing the National Anthem, ceremonial first pitches, pre-game ceremonies on field prior to the game, promotional videos during the game, kids activities, the 7th inning stretch and more.

Educate – To bring awareness about the C-130 Hercules and its history. The following items are being developed to accomplish this goal: C-130 Hercules educational marker signs throughout the concourse; C-130/Winger coloring sheets in Kids Fun Zone and a Winger marker in the Fun Zone.

Celebrate – To bring awareness in a fun and positive way with the general public. The following events and items are being developed to accomplish this goal: Kids meet and greet with Winger and 910th Airlift Wing members as well as special ticket and merchandise packages available for fans.

Community – To rally the community and bring positive awareness about the positioning of Youngstown Air Reserve Station in the community. In addition to the joint press event kicking off this Partnership, the following events are being planned to accomplish this goal: Mahoning Valley Scrappers Players visit to YARS and a Baseball clinic for 910th Airlift Wing Families.

The Mahoning Valley Scrappers Baseball Team and the 910th Airlift Wing are excited to team up for “Operation Fly Together.” We look forward to bringing this new Community Engagement Partnership campaign to the Mahoning Valley and continuing our efforts together for years to come.

The Mahoning Valley Scrappers are one of six founding members of the MLB Draft League, joining the Frederick Keys, the State College Spikes, the Trenton Thunder, the West Virginia Black Bears and the Williamsport Crosscutters. For more information and to purchase tickets and merchandise, visit mvscrappers.com or contact the front office at 330-505-0000.

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Pregame Yoga session featured in Yoga Night Ticket Package

You might have heard of the seventh-inning stretch, but on Tuesday, June 21, it’s whole another kind of stretching on Yoga Night at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park!

In celebration of International Yoga Day, the Spikes will hold Yoga Night in advance of and during their 6:35 p.m. home game against the Frederick Keys. Fans can purchase the Yoga Night Ticket Package for the event, which includes admission to a Pregame Yoga session at 4:30 p.m. in the Porter Gardens area adjacent to the ballpark, presented by TriYoga of Central Pennsylvania. The package also includes a Diamond Club ticket for the game, as well as a complimentary glass of wine or soft drink, all for just $20.

Fans can purchase the Yoga Night Ticket Package now at this link. For more information on the Yoga Night Ticket Package, contact Abrielle Clark at 814-272-0212 or email [email protected]

Spikes to hold Job Fair this Wednesday

The State College Spikes are back this summer, and if you’re interested in a fun part-time job that offers competitive wages, great bonuses and a fun, friendly ballpark environment, we need you as part of our team!

The Spikes will hold a Job Fair on Wednesday, May 25 at 6 p.m. at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. All interested applicants are welcome to attend, and job opportunities are available in all departments. Positions include:

  • Cooks
  • Cashiers
  • Bartenders
  • Food Runners
  • Dishwashers
  • Grounds Crew
  • Kids Zone
  • Off the Rack Outfitters
  • In-Game Janitorial Staff
  • And more!

All positions also offer bonuses like tickets to Spikes games – just stop by the ballpark for the Spikes Job Fair on Wednesday, and you can sign up to help provide the greatest summertime entertainment in Happy Valley!

For questions on the Job Fair, or to inquire about any of these positions, call the Spikes at (814) 272-1711 or visit the Employment Opportunities page here at StateCollegeSpikes.com.