Inaugural Wool E. Bull’s Baste Race Announced

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The Durham Bulls announced today plans for the inaugural Wool E. Bull’s Baste Race, a virtual race featuring a One-Mile Fun Run and 5K, presented by PNC Bank. Two race distances allow for people of all ages and abilities to participate, while the virtual format means individuals anywhere can join the greatest mascot in the world for a fun-filled Thanksgiving race they’ll never forget.

Registration for the Thanksgiving-themed virtual race is now open and runs through Sat., Oct. 31. Participants will have one week — Nov. 23 to Nov. 29 — to complete the race. They will receive a race medal, race bib and performance t-shirt, as well as a downloadable finisher’s certificate once race results are uploaded.

“As we prepare for a Thanksgiving holiday that will be unlike any other, PNC looks forward to helping the Durham Bulls bring this virtual event to friends and fans everywhere,” said Jim Hansen, PNC regional president for Eastern Carolinas. “We are pleased to join Wool E. Bull for this race, which celebrates community, family togetherness and good health.”

Participants may select from one of two distances for their virtual race:

  • One-Mile Fun Run: For $25, runners will receive a race medal, race bib and performance t-shirt, as well as a downloadable finisher’s certificate once race results are uploaded. The One-Mile Fun Run is the perfect distance for children wishing to participate in Wool E. Bull’s Baste Race.
  • 5K: For $40, runners will receive a race medal, race bib and performance t-shirt, as well as a downloadable finisher’s certificate once race results are uploaded. For an additional $10, runners can add a ticket voucher that may be redeemed for a 2021 Durham Bulls home game.

Registration is open through Oct. 31. Packet pick-up for local participants will be available at the Ballpark Corner Store beginning Nov. 16. Race packets will be shipped to those who select a shipping option beginning Nov. 16. Click here for more information or to register.

Bulls & WGU North Carolina Announce Military Appreciation Event

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The Durham Bulls announced today the launch of a recognition program in partnership with WGU North Carolina and the USO of North Carolina, to provide a unique, special experience for active military and their families.

Beginning Monday, the Bulls will host pre-registered military families at Durham Bulls Athletic Park and provide the opportunity to take batting practice, play catch in the outfield, enjoy yard games or just breathe in the fresh air for a 45-minute session, underneath the stadium lights.

“We are extremely happy to be able to offer these military families a special experience at the ballpark,” said Nick Bavin, Director of Corporate Partnerships at the Durham Bulls. “We are always grateful for the sacrifice these individuals and their families make for us, so we’re excited to be able to play a part in putting a smile on their faces during these trying times.”

“As a military spouse, I know firsthand that opportunities like these are greatly appreciated,” said WGU North Carolina Chancellor Catherine Truitt. “We look forward to hosting these families for a memorable experience of a lifetime.”

In addition to the on-field experience, the event will also serve as a ‘Back to School’ kickoff with WGU North Carolina providing school supplies to the children in attendance.

WGU North Carolina is a One Star Patriot Circle Partner of the USO of North Carolina and was recently named the number one military school in the nation in the category of online/vocational in an announcement that can be found here: https://www.wgu.edu/newsroom/press-release/2020/02/wgu-named-number-one-by-military-friendly.html.

About WGU North Carolina

WGU North Carolina is an online competency-based university established to expand access to higher education for North Carolina residents. The university offers more than 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the fields of business, K-12 teacher education, information technology, and health professions, including nursing. Degrees are granted under the accreditation of Western Governors University, which is accredited through the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Driving innovation as the nation’s leading competency-based university, WGU has been recognized by the White House, state leaders, employers, and students as a model that works in post-secondary education. WGU has been named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies, and has been featured on NPR, NBC Nightly News, CNN, and in The New York Times. Learn more at nc.wgu.edu.

Bulls Announce Safe at Home Fund for Seasonal Employees

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The Durham Bulls announced today the launch of the Safe at Home Fund, a relief program designed to provide financial aid to the seasonal employees who are currently unable to work with the Bulls due to the postponement of the Minor League Baseball season. The relief funds, established together with parent Capitol Broadcasting Company, will be made available to more than 200 employees who worked the 2019 season and were scheduled to work during the 2020 season.

“In times of such economic uncertainty, the Bulls want to make sure that all members of our family are taken care,” said Bulls VP Mike Birling. “Our game day staff are the face of our organization to so many of our fans and play a pivotal role in maintaining the quality of events hosted at the DBAP that we have all come to expect. We hope that this fund is able to provide some form of relief as we navigate through the current health situation and we can’t wait to welcome our staff back to work.”

With the start of the Minor League Baseball season postponed indefinitely, the Bulls are proud to be able to use their platform to support our team in this time of need. Fans are encouraged to follow the Bulls’ website and social channels for regular updates on the team, the 2020 season and how the team is responding to the ever-changing COVID-19 situation.

Bulls & Blue Cross NC to Provide Meals and Recognition for Health Care Workers

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The Durham Bulls announced the launch of a summer community outreach program in partnership with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) to recognize the effort and sacrifice made by health care workers during the COVID-19 crisis and beyond. As a way to say thank you, health care workers in Durham and Chapel Hill will receive professionally prepared meals, along with recognition on social media and more.

“We are happy to partner with Blue Cross NC on this outstanding community program,” said Chip Allen—Assistant General Manager at Durham Bulls Baseball Club. “Frontline health care workers and many other essential workers in our community put themselves in harm’s way every day to help us. We hope rewarding these health care workers during the summer, through a meal, a day out at the stadium, or their name in lights in front of the ballpark represents a small part of how grateful we are here at the Bulls.”

Beginning today, the Bulls and Blue Cross NC will deliver 600 meals per week to health care workers at Duke Health and UNC Health locations, along with other small tokens of appreciation such as Bulls ticket vouchers.

This eight-week program will be executed by Bulls and Blue Cross NC staff, including the greatest mascot in the world, Wool E. Bull! Individually packaged meals will be prepared by Blue Cross NC’s cafeteria vendor, Compass. Health care workers will also be recognized with photos, videos and special messages on social media.

In addition to the meals and social media recognition, the Durham Bulls and Blue Cross NC will also launch a “Community Heroes” campaign, allowing fans to nominate community workers who have gone above and beyond in times of need. Winners will be featured on Bulls and Blue Cross NC digital channels, as well as on signage at and around Durham Bulls Athletic Park (DBAP). The program will culminate in a health care worker appreciation day hosted at the DBAP, where local health care workers and their families will be invited to enjoy a day of fun on the field.

“Blue Cross NC is honored to work with the Durham Bulls to show our appreciation to health care workers in the community we call home,” said Reagan Greene Pruitt, Vice President of Marketing and Community Engagement at Blue Cross NC. “We value and respect the dedication of these health care professionals working tirelessly to protect the health and safety of all North Carolinians.”

Additional information on this program can be found on the Durham Bulls website (https://www.milb.com/durham/community/meals-for-medics). We encourage the entire community to check out our website and social channels for opportunities to participate in this program and send messages of thanks to our community heroes.

Bulls Launch Wool E.’s Reading Club

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The Durham Bulls announced today the launch of Wool E.’s Reading Club, in partnership with Amica Insurance. The inaugural season of this program will reach approximately 5,000 students from Durham Public Schools.

The mission of this program is not only to reward students for making time outside of the classroom to read, but also to improve overall literacy in the Triangle. While sports promote health and physical activity through exercise, reading develops the brain, a muscle that also needs exercise. Reading stimulates the mind and allows students to grow in their language skills. This helps them to better listen and engage with peers, educators and the school curriculum.

Our goal is to empower 5,000 K-5 Triangle students to read at least 40,000 hours in 2020. Participants will receive a custom Wool E.’s Reading Club bookmark and be rewarded with a Bulls branded prize every time they reach a new base by completing the assigned segment of reading. Students who submit a completed bookmark, equal to 500 minutes of reading, will receive a complimentary ticket to a Durham Bulls game thanks to Amica Insurance.

“We are excited to launch this reading program as a way to encourage Triangle students to invest in their education,” Durham Bulls Vice President – Baseball Operations Mike Birling said. “Hopefully the incentives we provide to participating students will get them excited about not only reading, but also Durham Bulls baseball.”

The Bulls look to start the 2020 season strong at their home opener on Thursday, April 9, 2020 against the Charlotte Knights. Season memberships and group outings are available now at durhambulls.com or by calling 919.956.BULL.

Spring Fan Fest, Anthem Auditions to be Held March 7

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The Durham Bulls will host their 2020 Fan Fest on Saturday, March 7 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Durham Bulls Athletic Park. The free event provides fans a chance to take batting practice on the field and purchase single-game tickets for the 2020 season. Additionally, National Anthem auditions

The Durham Bulls will host their 2020 Fan Fest on Saturday, March 7 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Durham Bulls Athletic Park. The free event provides fans a chance to take batting practice on the field and purchase single-game tickets for the 2020 season. Additionally, National Anthem auditions will take place at the DBAP the morning of March 7 from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.

The event will feature a free raffle for all fans in attendance, with grand prizes such as Bulls merchandise. Each fan in attendance will be given a raffle ticket upon arrival. Fans can earn more raffle tickets throughout the event in several ways, such as purchasing individual game tickets and packages along with retail purchases. Winners will be selected every 30 minutes, and the individual must be present to win.

Two batting practice sessions will be held at the event. All attendees 13 and older wishing to hit on the field will be able to line up from 5 p.m. to 5:45 p.m., and all fans 12 and under wishing to take batting practice may line up from 6 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. Each participant will get 3-5 pitches only. Guests will be required to sign a waiver to participate. Waivers are available here for completion prior to Fan Fest. Please print, complete and bring with you for Spring Fan Fest.

The team’s ticket representatives will be available to showcase available 919 Club member seating locations, and the Mako Medical Box Office will be open at 12:00 p.m. to provide fans an opportunity to purchase single-game tickets. 919 Club members in attendance will be granted access to the PNC Triangle Club 30 minutes prior to the event to pick up their membership package and giveaways. In addition to 919 Club packages and single-game tickets, a special Fan Fest Pack will be available only on March 7. Fans eager to secure single-game tickets for the 2020 season can do so beginning Monday, March 2 in an online-only sale, and tickets will become available by phone and in-person at the DBAP beginning March 7.

Other events/offers scheduled for Fan Fest include:

  • Fans that purchase a 919 Club package are entered into a raffle to win four (4) PNC Triangle Club tickets or a suite night for Opening Week (April 9 Opening Night excluded)
  • The Ballpark Corner Store will offer select merchandise at discounted prices in their rummage sale
  • Local food trucks American Meltdown, Stuft and Hot Chix will be in attendance on the outfield patio
  • Photo opportunities with Wool E. Bull, the Wool E. Wagon and his go-kart
  • Photo opportunities on the Durham Bulls Grounds Crew equipment in center field
  • Tours of the area inside the Blue Monster (left field wall)
  • Tours of the Durham Bulls Clubhouse
  • Special preview tasting of select new concessions items for the 2020 season
  • Beer, soft drinks and water will be available for purchase near Wool E. World
  • Face painting will be available, and a balloon artist will also be in attendance

National Anthem auditions will also take place at the DBAP the morning of March 7 from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. for individuals wishing to perform the Star-Spangled Banner at a Bulls game in 2020. Performers who arrive after 8:30 a.m. will not be permitted to audition. Performers will have one minute and 30 seconds to perform the anthem, and lyrics must be memorized and performed in a traditional style.

Participants for anthem auditions may enter through the ballpark’s left field gate and register upon arrival to perform on a first-come, first-sing basis. Singers may leave at the completion of their audition and will be contacted at a later date as the Bulls choose those who will perform at limited, select dates during the 2020 season.

The Bulls look to start the 2020 season strong at their home opener on Thursday, April 9, 2020 against the Charlotte Knights. Season memberships and group outings are available now at durhambulls.com or by calling 919.956.BULL.

 

Couch Oil Cares Scholarship Program

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The Couch Oil Cares Scholarship Program was established in 2015 in an effort to help defray the rising costs of higher education. Again this year, Couch Oil Company is teaming up with the Durham Bulls to award scholarships to six deserving students. The $1,000 scholarship is available to students who have been accepted into either a four-year or community college and reside in a 16-country area surrounding the Triangle.

The Couch Oil Cares Scholarship Program was established in 2015 in an effort to help defray the rising costs of higher education. Again this year, Couch Oil Company is teaming up with the Durham Bulls to award scholarships to six deserving students. The $1,000 scholarship is available to students who have been accepted into either a four-year or community college and reside in a 16-country area surrounding the Triangle. Last year’s winners were:

Elodie Deneassembaye from Chapel Hill High
Jillian Janssen from Cary Academy
Olivia King from Durham School of the Arts
Frankie Reed from Fuquay Varina High
Maggie Shealy from East Chapel Hill High
Rob Treadway from Cardinal Gibbons High

“Couch Oil Company is pleased to be a sponsoring partner with the Durham Bulls this season,” said Stephen Couch, President of Couch Oil Company. “To make this endeavor complete, we are excited to once again offer the Couch Oil Cars Scholarship to benefit families in our community.”

Couch Oil Company, a family owned and operated Durham-based company, specializes in propane, gasoline, premium diesel, lubricants and tank cleaning.

The Bulls share in Couch Oil Company’s vision to aid those with aspirations of attending college.

“Our flagship community programs focus on improving the lives of children in our community,” said Durham Bulls Vice President – Baseball Operations Mike Birling. “We are thrilled to partner with Couch Oil on this endeavor to give students an opportunity to reach for higher education.”

To apply for this scholarship, please download this application, and submit no late than June 5, 2020.

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

Durham Bulls to Host Seasonal Job Fair

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The Durham Bulls, in conjunction with Headway Workforce Solutions, will host their annual Job Fair on Saturday, January 25 to fill part-time game day positions for the 2020 season. The fair is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the PNC Triangle Club at Durham Bulls Athletic Park.

Interviews will be held that day for seasonal, part-time positions available in game entertainment, stadium operations, sports turf, retail, seating bowl hosting, picnic area hosting and ticket operations.

Bull City Hospitality – the team’s Food and Beverage company – will also be conducting interviews that day, aiming to fill a number of concession stand positions including managers, stand attendants, catering staff, cooks, bartenders and more.

Applicants should be energetic, friendly and dependable, and look forward to contributing to the welcoming atmosphere of Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Those interested in a position with the Bulls or Bull City Hospitality can see a listing of jobs and are encouraged to register for the job fair in advance by clicking here.

The Bulls look to start the 2020 season strong at their home opener on Thursday, April 9, 2020. Season memberships and group outings are available now at durhambulls.com or by calling 919.956.BULL.

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

Durham Bulls Athletic Park Now Sensory Inclusive

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The Durham Bulls have partnered with KultureCity to make Durham Bulls Athletic Park sensory inclusive. This new initiative will promote an accommodating and positive experience for all guests and fans with a sensory issue who visit the DBAP.

The certification process entailed the staff at the DBAP being trained by leading medical professionals on how to recognize those guests and fans with sensory needs and how to handle a sensory overload situation. A number of Sensory bags, equipped with noise reducing headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards and a weighted lap pad will also be available to be checked out at the Lowes Foods Guest Services by guests who may feel overwhelmed by the environment. The DBAP also has a number of ‘Quiet Areas’ posted throughout the ballpark as well as an exit/re-entry policy to the stadium for fans who need a quiet space.

In addition, the Bulls have several helpful resources available online to better help prepare for a visit to the ballpark. This includes a ballpark map showing the quiet areas, a social story, and a Sensory Guide for what to expect during a visit to the DBAP, prepared with the help of Emerge Pediatric Therapy. Click here to access these resources.

“Our stadium becoming sensory inclusive is one more step our team has taken to make sure any fan, anywhere, feels comfortable and safe attending a Bulls game,” Durham Bulls Vice President Mike Birling said. “We look forward to welcoming fans and families to the DBAP who in the past might not have had the resources they needed.”

Sensory sensitivities or challenges with sensory regulation are often experienced by individuals with autism, dementia, PTSD and other similar conditions. One of the major barriers for these individuals is sensitivity to over stimulation and noise, which is an enormous part of the environment in a venue like the DBAP. With its new certification, the DBAP is now better prepared to assist guests with sensory sensitivities in having the most comfortable and accommodating experience possible when attending an event at the DBAP.

“To know that you soon will be able to see families attend a baseball game, a true community binding experience, with their loved ones who have a sensory challenge and who were not able to previously attend, is truly a heartwarming moment,” said Dr. Julian Maha, Co-Founder, KultureCity. “Our communities are what shapes our lives and to know that the DBAP is willing to go the extra mile to ensure that everyone, no matter their ability, is included in their community is amazing.”

For Sensory Friendly Night on July 28th, presented by Emerge Pediatric Therapy, fans will also have access to a dedicated sensory room on the Suite Level designed and staffed by our partners at Emerge Pediatric Therapy for those who may need a quieter and more secure environment. To visit the Sensory Suite, fans should use the entrance for the PNC Triangle Club located on Jackie’s Landing in right field.

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

Four Winners Selected for $10,000 Grant

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Four organizations have been chosen as the winners of the Durham Bulls Ballpark Project presented by Coastal Credit Union. Hillandale Sports Association, Hawfields Civitan Club, Northern Middle School and East Wake High School softball have each earned a $10,000 donation for facility renovations.

“For the second straight year we saw a highly impressive group of applications, and for the second straight year we had some very difficult decisions to make,” Durham Bulls Vice President Mike Birling said. “These four winners proved why upgrades to their facilities will be important in helping grow the sports of baseball and softball for years to come.”

Hillandale Sports Association expects to make renovations to improve the field’s drainage issues, and Hawfields Civitan Club will provide a large-scale renovation for the first time since 1975. Northern Middle School plans to provide upgrades to its joint baseball/softball field, and East Wake High School softball will resurface its infield for a safer playing surface.

Each facility will be renovated in the coming months, with a list of priorities submitted by each location. Additionally, a representative from each organization is scheduled to be honored on-field at Durham Bulls Athletic Park on Tuesday, August 6.

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

Minor League Teams Across Carolinas Unite For Storm Relief

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ASHEVILLE, N.C. – In the wake of Hurricane Florence that hit and devastated parts of South Carolina and much of North Carolina over the past week, thirteen Minor League Baseball teams in the two states are coming together to support and raise money for those victims in their states. The Asheville Tourists, Burlington Royals, Carolina Mudcats, Charleston RiverDogs, Charlotte Knights, Columbia Fireflies, Down East Wood Ducks, Durham Bulls, Greensboro Grasshoppers, Hickory Crawdads, Kannapolis Intimidators, Myrtle Beach Pelicans and Winston-Salem Dash announced today that they have created a joint GoFundMe page, raising funds for branches of the American Red Cross in affected areas of North Carolina and South Carolina.

The thirteen-­‐‑team dual state alliance will work together to maximize fundraising efforts across the state, utilizing the hashtag: #CarolinaStrong.

A State of Emergency was issued on September 7 by North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper and on September 8 for South Carolina by Governor Henry McMaster. More than 1 million people were told to evacuate coastal areas in the two states. President Trump declared a State of Emergency in the Carolinas on September 10. A day later FEMA announced that federal emergency aid would be made available.   As of Thursday, 37 deaths had been reported due to Florence with 27 confirmed in North Carolina and eight in South Carolina.

Both states have received unprecedented rainfall and flooding from a tropical cyclone, and hundreds of miles of roads were closed in each state. North Carolina Department of Public Safety is reminding residents to stay alert for continued flooding, power outages, and downed trees. Though evacuation orders have been lifted for the coastal regions of South Carolina, Florence’s aftermath has already begun to flood parts of the state while other areas remain on high alert for flooding in the coming days. Even this morning, Florence County issued a mandatory evacuation for several areas due to severe flooding.

“We’ve seen time and again that the residents of North and South Carolina are strong and resilient. In difficult times we stand by one another and lift up those in need. This time won’t be any different,” said the General Managers of the 13 MiLB teams in a joint statement. “Our teams are an integral part of the fabric of the community within our respective cities across North and South Carolina. While most days we operate as separate organizations, today we band together to support the citizens of these two great states.”

Those wishing to contribute can head to the #CarolinaStrong GoFundMe page at the following link: http://bit.ly/GoFundCarolinaStrong. All funds raised through this campaign will be donated to the American Red Cross in affected areas of North Carolina and South Carolina.

ABOUT THE ASHEVILLE TOURISTS: They are the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Colorado Rockies and play their home games at McCormick Field in Asheville, North Carolina. Their General Manager is Larry Hawkins. For more information on the Tourists please call (828) 258-0428.

ABOUT THE BURLINGTON ROYALS: They are the Rookie affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and play their home games at Burlington Athletic Stadium in Burlington, North Carolina. Their General Manager is Mikie Morrison. For more information please call (336) 222-0223.

ABOUT THE CAROLINA MUDCATS: They are the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers and play their home games at Five County Stadium in Zebulon, North Carolina. Their General Manager is Joe Kremer. For more information please call (919) 269-2278.

ABOUT THE CHARLESTON RIVERDOGS: They are the Class A affiliate of the New York Yankees and play their home games at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park in Charleston, South Carolina. Their General Manager is Dave Echols. For more information please call (843) 723-7241.

ABOUT THE CHARLOTTE KNIGHTS: They are the Class AAA affiliate of the Chicago White Sox and play their home games at BB&T Ballpark in Charlotte, North Carolina. Their General Manager is Rob Egan. For more information please call (704) 274-8300.

ABOUT THE COLUMBIA FIREFLIES: They are the Class A affiliate of the New York Mets and play their home games at Spirit Communications Park in Columbia, South Carolina. Their President is John Katz. For more information please call (803) 726-4487.

ABOUT THE DOWN EAST WOOD DUCKS: They are the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Texas Rangers and play their home games at Grainger Stadium in Kinston, North Carolina. Their General Manager is Wade Howell. For more information please call (252) 686-5172.

ABOUT THE DURHAM BULLS: They are the Class AAA affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays and play their home games at Durham Bulls Athletic Park in Durham, North Carolina. Their Vice President-Baseball Operations is Mike Birling. For more information please call (919) 687-6500.

ABOUT THE GREENSBORO GRASSHOPPERS: They are the Class A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates and play their home games at First National Bank Field in Greensboro, North Carolina. Their Vice President of Baseball Operations is Katie Dannemiller. For more information please call (336) 268-2255.

ABOUT THE HICKORY CRAWDADS: They are the Class A affiliate of the Texas Rangers and play their home games at L.P. Frans Stadium in Hickory, North Carolina. Their General Manager is Mark Seaman. For more information please call (828) 332-3000.

ABOUT THE KANNAOPLIS INTIMIDATORS: They are the Class A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox and play their home games at Intimidators Stadium in Kannapolis, North Carolina. Their President/General Manager is Brian Radle. For more information please call (704) 932-3267.

ABOUT THE MYRTLE BEACH PELICANS: They are the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Chicago Cubs and play their home games at TicketReturn.Com Field at Pelicans Ballpark in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Their General Manager is Ryan Moore. For more information please call (843) 918-6000.

ABOUT THE WINSTON-SALEM DASH: They are the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Chicago White Sox and play their home games at BB&T Ballpark in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Their Vice President of Baseball Operations is Ryan Manuel. For more information please call (336) 714-2287.

Funding for Durham’s Miracle League Facility Grows

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With the Miracle League of the Triangle expanding its services to Downtown Durham in 2018, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) and EmergeOrtho have joined the program as Major Sponsors by each pledging $50,000 to support the organization and facility.

The new facility, initially announced in May of 2017, is set to open at 461 Morehead Ave., across the street from Durham Bulls Athletic Park. The $50,000 contributions from both Blue Cross NC and EmergeOrtho now turn into a $200,000 pledge, as the Durham Bulls and Capitol Broadcasting announced a $400,000 matching grant for the facility in May.

“The Miracle League ballpark will make Durham an even more inclusive place for all of us,” said Blue Cross NC Senior Vice President and Chief Sales, Marketing and Communications Officer Jon Roos. “Blue Cross NC is proud to call Durham our home and to support the construction of a gathering place that will bring joy to so many children and families. We’re honored to help realize the vision of children of all abilities coming together as friends.”

The Miracle League program and field are specifically designed to serve children and adults with special needs through the game of baseball. The program removes the barriers that keep children and adults with mental and physical disabilities off the baseball field, and lets them experience the joy of America’s pastime. The facility in Durham, made possible by a partnership with the Durham Housing Authority, will feature a rubberized playing surface designed to accommodate wheelchairs and other assertive devices.

“We are proud to partner with the Miracle League of the Triangle, in association with the Durham Bulls and Capitol Broadcasting, to build the new Miracle League facility with plans to be located across the street from Durham Bulls Athletic Park,” said Jim Carrier, Pharm.D., CEO of the Triangle Division of EmergeOrtho. “EmergeOrtho has continued the tradition of being partners with the communities we serve and feel a sponsorship of this tremendous program is a great cause that will bring joy to so many deserving kids.”

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

Bulls, Miracle League Bring New Field to Durham

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The Miracle League of the Triangle, in association with the Durham Bulls and Capitol Broadcasting Company, are expanding their services to Downtown Durham. A new Miracle League facility has plans to open in 2018 at 461 Morehead Ave., across the street from Durham Bulls Athletic Park. As part of the partnership, the Durham Bulls and Capitol Broadcasting are kicking off the fundraising with a $400,000 matching grant.

“The Miracle League is an incredibly important, impactful organization that brings the joy of baseball to so many,” Durham Bulls General Manager Mike Birling said. “We are honored to continue our partnership with The Miracle League, and to bring a facility to the doorstep of Durham Bulls Athletic Park. We look forward to doing all we can to help this tremendous program continue to grow in the Triangle.”

The Miracle League program and field are specifically designed to serve children and adults with special needs through the game of baseball. The program removes the barriers that keep children and adults with mental and physical disabilities off the baseball field, and lets them experience the joy of America’s favorite pastime. Since the main barriers for these players arise from natural grass fields, Miracle League teams play on a custom-designed, rubberized turf field that accommodates wheelchairs and other assertive devices.

Upon completion, the new facility in Durham will be the third location for The Miracle League of the Triangle, joining locations in Cary and North Raleigh. Construction is scheduled to begin on the site in late 2017.

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

Bully Busters Anti-Bullying Program Returns

DurhamBulls_2015-01-16

Elementary School Assembly Program Expands to Wake and Orange Counties

Durham-BullsThe Durham Bulls have announced the return of the successful anti-bullying program “Bully Busters,” which debuted in February of 2014. The initiative, in which the Bulls provide free school assemblies to raise awareness for a priority issue in elementary schools, will again travel to schools throughout Durham County, while expanding this year to Wake and Orange counties as well. ARS Rescue Rooter has partnered with the Bulls to present the program in its second year.

Using beloved mascot Wool E. Bull as the driving force, each interactive assembly engages students in recognizing bullying behavior and exploring what to do should they witness or experience bullying. At the conclusion of the 20-minute presentation, students are asked to take the “Bully Buster Pledge” at home with their families, and students who do so will be rewarded with two complimentary tickets to a select Durham Bulls game this spring. Additionally, the Bulls provide teachers and students with take-home activity books, further reinforcing the anti-bullying message.

In its inaugural campaign, the program reached over 10,000 students throughout Durham County. The success from 2014 has prompted growth into Wake and Orange counties in 2015, nearly tripling the number of schools the Bulls will visit in the initiative’s second year.

“We’re thrilled to bring back this extremely successful program for 2015,” Bulls General Manager Mike Birling said. “In our first year we reached a large number of students for a very pertinent, meaningful issue, and we’re excited to grow Bully Busters even further throughout the Triangle.”

Bully Busters, presented by ARS Rescue Rooter, will run from mid-January through the end of March. School administrators seeking more information about booking a Bully Busters assembly can do so by visiting the Bully Busters webpage.

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