Yard Goats to Hold National Anthem Tryouts

Yard Goats to Hold Auditions for Fans to Sing National Anthem at Dunkin’ Donuts Park

Singers of all ages welcome to audition at Dunkin’ Donuts Park on Saturday, February 15th at 9 AM

Hartford, Conn- The Hartford Yard Goats Baseball Club, the Double-A Eastern League affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, announced it will be holding National Anthem Auditions at Dunkin’ Donuts Park (1214 Main Street, Hartford) on Saturday, February 15th at 9:00 AM. Singers of all ages are welcome to audition for the opportunity to sing the National Anthem. There are a limited number of tryout slots available and it is required that singers register in advance on the website, www.yardgoatsbaseball.com.

What:   Hartford Yard Goats National Anthem Auditions

When: Saturday, February 15th at 9:00 AM        

Where: Dunkin’ Donuts Park

                1214 Main Street

Hartford, CT 06103

The Yard Goats open the 2020 season on April 9th (7:10 PM) against the Red Sox affiliate, the Portland Sea Dogs. Yard Goats season tickets are available by calling 860-246-GOAT (4628), or in person by visiting the Click It or Ticket Box Office at Dunkin’ Donuts Park.

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

Thunder To Host Second Annual Pride Night On Thursday, June 4

The Thunder, presented by NJM Insurance, in partnership with the New Jersey LGBT Chamber of Commerce are pleased to announce the return of Pride Night at ARM & HAMMER Park on Thursday, June 4.

“I am thrilled to announce the return of our Pride Night, a night that demonstrates that ARM & HAMMER Park is an inclusive environment for all fans who want to enjoy a night out,” said Thunder GM/COO Jeff Hurley.

The night will feature a special Pride Hat Giveaway to the first 1,000 fans, ages 14 and older, presented by the New Jersey LGBT Chamber of Commerce and a special pre-game event. Post-game fireworks will follow the game with a special musical playlist.

Fans can secure their ticket to Pride Night and an exclusive Thunder Pride T-Shirt for just $30 by clicking here.

“The Chamber is excited to partner again with the Trenton Thunder to sponsor their 2020 Pride Night,” said Laurie Seliger, Chamber Board Co-President. “The inaugural Pride Night event was an amazing success and we are looking forward to building upon that to create another sensational experience with our Chamber members, the NJ LGBT Community and the Trenton Thunder organization. We are proud to share the Trenton Thunder’s message regarding LGBT inclusion.”

As an Affiliate Chamber of the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, the NJ LGBT Chamber is New Jersey’s premier LGBT business organization dedicated to strengthening LGBT and allied businesses in the NJ tri-state area. It is their mission to bring together Chamber Members and Allies with resources from across the business spectrum. To learn more, visit: www.njlgbtchamber.org.

The 2020 season at ARM & HAMMER Park will commence on Thursday, April 9 at 7:00pm when the Thunder host the Harrisburg Senators (Washington Nationals). For more information on Thunder baseball visit www.TrentonThunder.com or call 609-394-3300.

 

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Honor a Loved One who has Battled Breast Cancer this Mother’s Day

 

(Reading, PA) – The Reading Fightin Phils will honor those who have battled breast cancer this Mother’s Day, when Fightins players and coaches will wear custom jerseys featuring the names of people who have fought the disease.

Fans can purchase a special ticket package and have the name of a loved one who has been afflicted with breast cancer represented on the back of a Fightin Phils jersey for no additional cost. Each Fightins player will be wearing one of these custom pink Breast Cancer Awareness jerseys during the game.

This opportunity is available to the first 25 groups who purchase 20 or more tickets to the May 10th Mother’s Day game at FirstEnergy Stadium.

A special post-game jersey exchange will take place, where the the 25 honorees or their families will receive their individual game-worn jersey from the R-Phils player or coach on the field.

First pitch on Mother’s Day is scheduled for 2:15 p.m. when the Fightins host the Harrisburg Senators. The day will also feature a Mother’s Day PINK Out, with all fans encouraged to wear pink. The first 1,500 women in attendance will receive a PINK Out for Breast Cancer giveaway, thanks to Reading Hospital McGlinn Cancer Institute.

Groups are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible, as this opportunity is limited to only 25 honorees. For ticket information, and to book a group outing for the chance to honor a loved one, call or text 610-370-BALL, email Nick Mayer at nmayer@fightins.com, or submit an online reservation at https://www.milb.com/reading/forms/mothers_day.

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

Sea Dogs to Hold Food Drive

 

Portland, Maine– The Portland Sea Dogs, in partnership with Maine’s Credit Unions, will hold their 19th annual Food Drive which will run from Friday, January 16th through Friday, January 31st. All the collected food items will be donated to the Good Shepherd Food Bank.

As in the past, this year’s food drive will be “Buy One, Bring One, Get One.” For every ticket purchased and every donated food item you bring, you will receive a free Sea Dogs ticket to the same game. For example, if you buy three tickets to the June 17th game and bring in three food items, you will receive three additional complimentary tickets of equal or lesser value to the June 17th game. The offer is good for Box Seats, Reserved, General Admission, and Pavilion seating (excluding All-You-Can-Eat tickets); subject to availability.

Fans may take advantage of this offer by bringing their non-perishable food items to the Hadlock Field Box Office. The Sea Dogs Ticket Office is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

“Maine credit unions are deeply committed to ending hunger in our state,” said Todd Mason, President/CEO of the Maine Credit Union League. “We believe we have a responsibility to help Mainers gain access to healthy, nutritious meals, and identify the root causes of hunger in our communities. We applaud the Sea Dogs for hosting its annual food drive and are pleased to be a part of this important effort to collect donations and raise awareness about the severity of hunger in Maine. It is a great partnership and one we are proud to support.”

Each year the Sea Dogs have been able to donate hundreds of food items to the Good Shepherd Food Bank thanks to the generosity of Sea Dogs’ fans.

The Portland Sea Dogs open the 2020 season on Thursday, April 9th in Hartford, Connecticut with the home opener scheduled for Thursday, April 16th at 6:00 PM against the Trenton Thunder. Tickets for all Sea Dogs home games are currently on sale and can be purchased online at seadogs.com or by calling 207-879-9500.

R-Phils Bring Players, Fans Together with Celebrate Your Faith Nights

 

Throughout Minor League Baseball, faith plays an ever-important role in the lives of many of those working their way toward the Major Leagues.

On Celebrate Your Faith nights at FirstEnergy Stadium, players and fans come together to reflect on the impact that their respective faiths have had on their journeys.

The R-Phils will be hosting three Celebrate Your Faith Nights during the 2020 season. The first will take place on Thursday, June 4th, with two others scheduled for Sunday, July 26th, and Sunday, August 2nd.

“Celebrate Your Faith nights have become a fun forum for Reading Fightin Phils fans to learn about the lives of professional baseball players and how they are able to incorporate their faith into a lifestyle that makes it very difficult to stay connected with their friends, family, and their places of worship,” said Joe Bialek, Reading Fightin Phils Executive Director of Sales. Bialek moderates the discussions on Celebrate Your Faith Nights, and is also the liaison between the team and Baseball Chapel.

“The players enjoy sharing their stories of faith as much as the fans enjoy hearing them. It’s truly an inspirational program for everyone involved.”

During Celebrate Your Faith Nights, faith-based groups can enjoy a post-game concert followed by a faith discussion and Q&A with R-Phils players. Several Fightin Phils players share the role their faith plays in their lives as professional athletes, and fan involvement in the discussion is encouraged.

The discussions are non-denominational, and all faiths are welcomed. The 2020 season will be the 18th year of the program’s existence.

Groups of 20 or more interested in attending one of the R-Phils Celebrate Your Faith Nights can contact the Fightins Group Sales Department at 610-375-8469 or by emailing Director of Groups Jon Nally (jnally@fightins.com).

2020 R-Phils Celebrate Your Faith Nights:

Thursday, June 4th – 7:10 p.m. vs. Altoona

Sunday, July 26th – 5:15 p.m. vs New Hampshire

Sunday, August 2nd – 5:15 p.m. vs Binghamton

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

Education Days Offer Real-World Learning…and a Ballgame

On three midweek days in the month of May, the gates at FirstEnergy Stadium are open before noon. Scores of children file in, chatting excitedly as they make their way through the halls of Reading’s historic ballpark.

Education Days at FirstEnergy Stadium provide a special atmosphere. The adults in the stands are outnumbered by Elementary and Middle School-aged children. The cheers are always louder.

“The excitement level in the ballpark on Education Days is unmatched. You can feel it in the air as the first buses arrive in the morning,” says Fightins Chief Director of Promotions Todd Hunsicker. “Thousands of students from across the region have been working hard in the classroom all year, and this field trip represents an opportunity to reward and celebrate their achievements.”

The Fightin Phils will host three Education Days during the 2020 season, with the first on Tuesday, May 12th at 12 p.m. against the Trenton Thunder. The second will take place on Wednesday, May 20th at 12 p.m. vs. the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, and the final one will be vs. New Hampshire on Thursday, May 21st at 11:35 a.m.

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Education Days not only offer a chance for local children to enjoy a baseball game with their classmates, but also provide a great opportunity to make connections between classroom learning and real-world examples.

Gameday features include a standards-based activity guide for teachers that highlights key concepts across grade levels and subject areas, a worksheet for students that keeps them engaged and focused on activities throughout their visit to the ballpark, an on-field academic challenge, and educational presentations from organizations such as the Lehigh Valley Zoo, Reading Public Museum, PSU Berks Chemical Society, and more.

Among the most popular pregame educational presentations is one from the PSU Berks Chemical Society. In a demonstration of the power and energy that can be released when substances quickly change from a liquid to a gas, PSU Berks uses liquid nitrogen to dramatically launch hundreds of ping pong balls high above FirstEnergy Stadium.

“These types of large-scale demonstrations are impossible to achieve in the classroom, but I’m thrilled we can provide such an attention-grabbing science demo for the Education Day school groups at our ballpark,” Hunsicker says.

Throughout the game, students enjoy singing and dancing to their favorite songs, trying to catch hot dogs from the ostrich-riding Crazy Hot Dog Vendor, rooting for their favorite contestant in the Vegetable Race, and other countless fun-filled activities at America’s Classic Ballpark.

Prior to the game, students also have the chance to hear from a pair of Fightin Phils players on their journeys in the game of baseball, and even take part in a Q&A session.

Tickets are only $8 per student, with an option of adding a bagged lunch for a total of $12.

“The R-Phils have been hosting field trip games for over 20 years, and are proud to offer the best field trip experience in Berks County,” Hunsicker says. “From the reservation process, to the experience at the game, until the final bus departs, we are dedicated to making every school’s experience as smooth and rewarding as possible.”

Schools interested in scheduling a class field trip to FirstEnergy Stadium can contact the R-Phils Chief Director of Promotions Todd Hunsicker by email at thunsicker@fightins.com, or by calling 610-375-8469, ext. 206.

2020 R-Phils Education Days:

Tuesday, May 12th – 12 p.m. vs. Trenton

Wednesday, May 20th – 12 p.m. vs New Hampshire

Thursday, May 21st – 11:35 a.m. vs New Hampshire

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

Chris Ray selected as recipient of 2020 Paul Keyes RBI Award

 

RICHMOND, Va. – Former MLB pitcher and co-founder of Center of the Universe Brewing Chris Ray has been named the recipient of the 2020 Paul Keyes RBI Award, the Richmond Flying Squirrels announced on Thursday.

Ray will be presented with the award during the Flying Squirrels’ annual Hot Stove Banquet on Wed., Jan. 22 at the Siegel Center. Tickets, tables and sponsorship packages for the annual Charity Hot Stove Banquet are available now here.

The Paul Keyes RBI (Richmond Baseball Impact) Award is given annually in memory of the late VCU baseball coach Paul Keyes to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the game of baseball within the Richmond community or from the Richmond community.

“I am honored to be this year’s recipient of the Paul Keyes RBI Award and to be part of such an amazing group of previous winners that can only aspire to be good representations of who Paul Keyes was and what he stood for,” Ray said.

After playing collegiately at the College of William & Mary, Ray was selected in the third round of the 2003 MLB Draft by the Baltimore Orioles. He went on to play six seasons in the majors with the Orioles, Texas Rangers, San Francisco Giants and Seattle Mariners. Ray was part of the Giants’ World Series title run in 2010.

Ray made 283 appearances in the majors, going 18-19 with a 4.10 ERA and 51 saves, including a career-high 33 saves as the Orioles’ closer in 2006.

“Chris Ray is a success story all throughout his life, at William & Mary, as a professional baseball player, as a business owner and now in the Richmond region while he raises his family and is involved actively in many things,” Flying Squirrels VP & COO Todd “Parney” Parnell said. “Chris is the total package and a perfect choice for this year’s Paul Keyes Richmond Baseball Impact Award.”

Following his playing career, Ray returned to Virginia and partnered with this brother, Phil, to open Center of the Universe Brewing Company (COTU) in Ashland in 2012. Since its founding, Center of the Universe has donated over $200,000 to various charitable organizations throughout Virginia.

Ray also co-founded Hops for Heroes, a nationwide craft brewery effort that raises money for Soldiers’ Angels through the production and sale of Homefront IPA.

In the Ashland community, Ray is on the board of directors for the Ashland Theatre, serves on the board of directors for the Downtown Ashland Association, helps organize community events in Ashland and serves annually as a volunteer coach and sponsor with Ashland Little League.

Ray and his wife of 15 years, Alice, have two children, Virginia (9) and Thomas (7).

Paul Keyes RBI Award Recipients

2011 – Eddie Kasko

2012 – Johnny Grubb

2013 – Gene Alley

2014 – Tracy Woodson

2015 – Sam Ayoub

2016 – Cla Meredith

2017 – Shawn Stiffler

2018 – Tony Beasley

2019 – Ray Hedrick

2020 – Chris Ray

The Flying Squirrels’ annual Hot Stove Banquet will be held on Wed., Jan. 22 at the Siegel Center. The event includes special guest Brian Jordan, a former two-sport star for the Richmond Spiders prior to his career in the National Football League and Major League Baseball. Tickets, tables and sponsorship packages are available now at SquirrelsBaseball.com.

-SQUIRRELS-

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

Steve Jeltz Baseball Clinic at Rip It Batting Cages to Benefit Baseballtown Charities

 

(Reading, PA) – The Reading Fightin Phils announced on Thursday that former R-Phils and Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Steve Jeltz will be hosting a special baseball clinic at Rip It Batting Cages on Saturday, February 1st to benefit Baseballtown Charities.

The three-hour clinic will include instruction on hitting, infield, baserunning, and the mental approach to the game, as well as free autographs and photos with Steve Jeltz.

Jeltz played eight years in Major League Baseball from 1983-90, spending seven of those seasons with the Phillies. Primarily a shortstop, Jeltz saw time at six different positions throughout his Major League career. Jeltz was a ninth round draft pick of the Phillies in 1980, and was a member of the R-Phils in 1982.

Since then, Jeltz has become a renowned baseball instructor, teaching kids the mental side of the game as well as the importance of having fun on the field. Guest instructors at the clinic will include the 2020 King of Baseballtown Greg Edge, a former Spring Training teammate of Jeltz’s and an R-Phils shortstop in the late ’80s.

The clinic will benefit Baseballtown Charities, a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization which was founded to keep baseball alive in Reading, allowing the area’s youth to benefit from the many life lessons the game teaches. Parents can register their child to participate in the clinic for $60 per player. Groups of four or more players who register together can sign up for a discounted rate of $50 per player.

To register for the Steve Jeltz Baseball Clinic, please email Roberto Sanchez at ripitbattingcages@gmail.com.

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

Christmas on the Mountain Winter Coat Drive to be Held on December 6th

 

(Reading, PA) – The Reading Fightin Phils have partnered with Christmas on the Mountain and HGSK Law Firm to hold a Winter Coat Drive on Friday, December 6th from 5-10 p.m. at Christmas on the Mountain.

The drive will benefit various organizations throughout Reading in conjunction with the Daniel Torres Centro Hispano (Hispanic Center).

Christmas on the Mountain is operating in its 29th year, located at the Hillside Playground on North 14th Street in Reading. The playground is transformed into a Christmas Wonderland each holiday season. The free display, operated by the Reading High School Marine Corps JROTC, includes over 1 million LED lights, inflatables, vintage and modern decorations, and a replica of Santa’s workshop.

Fightin Phils mascots will also be on hand for the event.

Christmas on the Mountain opened for the season on November 23rd, and will be open daily through December 23rd. The display runs from 5-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 5-10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

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

Gift of Baseball Program Commences Monday To Benefit Local Non-Profits

The Thunder, presented by NJM Insurance, are pleased to announce the return of the Gift of Baseball Program for the holidays. The Gift of Baseball program provides tickets to underprivileged families for the chance to share the fun of Thunder Baseball .

For each ticket purchased before January 2, the Thunder will provide tickets to 2020 games through various non-profit partners and the Grand Slam We Care’s Tickets for Kids program.

“Attending the family-friendly and fun environment that we have cultivated at ARM & HAMMER Park over the years is a privilege that not every family in Mercer, Bucks and Burlington County has,” said Thunder GM/COO Jeff Hurley. “I am thrilled to partner with so many great local organizations that allow some of those families to enjoy the experience of Thunder Baseball.”

In the 14 years of the Gift of Baseball Program, the Thunder have donated 10,684 tickets to area non-profits.

Ticket purchases made between Monday, November 25 and January 2 of any Thunder Makes Membership Plan will trigger a matching donation to Thunder non-profit partners. The brand new Thunder Makes Membership Program offers memberships for as many as 70 games and as few as six games. Information on the program can be found by clicking here.

The 2020 season at ARM & HAMMER Park will commence on Thursday, April 9 at 7:00pm when the Thunder host the Harrisburg Senators (Washington Nationals).

For more information on Thunder baseball visit www.TrentonThunder.com or call 609-394-3300.

 

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Michael Chavis Headlines 2020 Sea Dogs Hot Stove Dinner

 

Tickets for the event will go on sale at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, November 13th. Individual tickets for the event are $80.00. Reserved tables of ten are available for $750.00. Tickets can be purchased through the Sea Dogs ticket office by calling 207-879-9500 or online at www.seadogs.com. The event is expected to sell out.

Doors open at 5:30 PM with the Silent Auction running from 5:30 to 7:00 PM. A buffet dinner will be served at 6:30 PM and the program will begin at 7:00 PM. The program will consist of conversations with each guest hosted by Sea Dogs’ radio broadcaster Mike Antonellis.

Chavis made his Double-A debut with the Sea Dogs in 2017, hitting .250 (62-for-248) with 14 homers and 39 RBI in 67 games. He was named the 2017 Red Sox Minor League Offensive Player of the Year after hitting .282 with 313 HR and 94 RBI between High-A Salem and Portland. Chavis made his Major League debut in 2019 and hit .254 (88-for-347) with 18 HR and 58 RBI in 95 games for the Red Sox. His 18 HR and 58 RBI are both the most by a Red Sox in their debut season since Ellis Burks had 20 HR and 59 RBI in 133 games in 1987. Boston drafted Chavis with the 26th overall pick in the 2014 June Draft out of Sprayberry High School in Marietta, Georgia.

All proceeds from the dinner and silent auction will benefit the official charity of the Portland Sea Dogs’; the Strike Out Cancer in Kids Program. The Strike Out Cancer in Kids Program was established in 1995 to raise money for the Maine Children’s Cancer Program. For every strikeout that a Sea Dogs’ pitcher throws money is raised through generous pledges of businesses and individuals. In the 25-year history of the program, nearly five million dollars has been raised.

Previous guests for this event have included Jackie Bradley Jr., Johnny Damon, Keith Foulke, Pedro Martinez, Trot Nixon, and Jason Varitek.

The Sea Dogs open the 2020 season on the road in Hartford, CT on Thursday, April 9th. The home opener is set for Thursday, April 16th at 6:00 PM against the Trenton Thunder (Yankees). Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased by calling the Sea Dogs Ticket Office at 207-879-9500 or online at www.seadogs.com. Book your nine-inning vacation!

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

SeaWolves Announce Chace Numata Scholarship

Purchase a Chace Numata T-shirt. Proceeds benefit the Chace Numata Scholarship

Chace Numata Scholarship Information and Application

The Erie SeaWolves, Double-A Affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, announced today that the team has established the Chace Numata Scholarship in honor of the SeaWolves catcher who tragically passed away in September.

The SeaWolves Community Fund will award a minimum of four (4) $1,000 scholarships annually to Erie-area senior student-athletes participating in varsity baseball or softball. Honorees will be selected based on their accomplishments, contributions to a team, and their positive impact on the lives of others.

Fundraising efforts for the scholarship will begin immediately. Starting today, fans can purchase Chace Numata yellow jersey tees featuring his number (#10) and the hashtag #LiveLikeNumi. Numata T-shirts are available at the UPMC Park Team Store and online at SeaWolves.com. All proceeds from T-shirt sales will benefit the scholarship. Additional fundraising efforts will be announced in the near future.

Those wishing to donate to the Chace Numata Scholarship can send checks payable to the SeaWolves Community Fund to:

SeaWolves Community Fund

ATTN: Numi Scholarship

110 E. 10th Street

Erie, PA 16501

Scholarship applications are now being accepted. Completed applications will be due by February 15, 2020. All candidates for the scholarship must be nominated by a teacher or coach. The teacher or coach must attach a letter of recommendation describing the candidate’s:

  1. Positive impact on the lives of others
  2. Contributions to improving a team
  3. Accomplishments on and off the field
  4. Experiences or traits that make the candidate an exceptional scholarship nominee

Eligible student applicants must meet the following criteria:

  1. College-bound senior currently attending high school and playing varsity baseball or varsity softball in Erie County, PA.
  2. Must be attending a 4-year college or university in the fall of 2020; candidate is NOT required to participate in collegiate athletics.
  3. Minimum grade point average of 2.5.
  4. Demonstrate the value of being a good teammate and a kind, positive influence on others.

A selection committee, including SeaWolves players, front office staff and the Numata family will determine the scholarship winners. There will be no discrimination regardless of gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation. The selection committee will not base its decisions in any way on the employment status of an applicant or the employment status of the applicant’s parents/guardians.

ABOUT CHACE NUMATA

Chace Numata was a switch-hitting catcher with the Erie SeaWolves, the Double-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. He passed away during the 2019 baseball season at the age of 27. “Numi” played 10 professional seasons in the Phillies, Yankees and Tigers organizations and was a leader on and off the field. He was a talented baseball player and a world-class teammate. It didn’t matter if you were a professional athlete or a young child, Chace made you feel welcome. His smile was contagious and unrelenting, and his fun-loving personality could light up any environment.

ABOUT THE SEAWOLVES COMMUNITY FUND

The SeaWolves Community Fund is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to improving the lives of children and adults in the greater Erie region. The SeaWolves Community Fund places a special emphasis on supporting youth programs focused on baseball, education, and wellness by developing partnerships with those who share in our mission.

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

VA Medical Center, Curve host veterans recognition event

 

CURVE, Pa. – The Altoona Curve and James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center will hold a joint veterans recognition event on Friday, November 8 at 9 a.m. in the second floor auditorium at the VA’s Pleasant Valley Boulevard location.

The Curve will present a donation to assist in approving the quality of life of veterans who use the local VA. The money was raised during the team’s June 7 jersey auction when Curve players and coaching staff wore specialty uniforms to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of D-Day.

“The 75th Anniversary of D-Day game was one of the most memorable nights of our 2019 season,” said Curve general manager Derek Martin. “In addition to the special uniforms that were worn, we had a World War II Stuart Tank and reenactors at the ballpark that night, which really brought to life the sense of pride we have for our veterans. Our partnership with the VA Medical Center on the D-Day jersey auction was a perfect fit and we couldn’t be more grateful for what they do for our community’s veterans.”

“The Altoona Curve have been one of our strongest community partners,” said VA Medical Center Director Sigrid Andrew, “they have demonstrated a strong commitment to our Veterans and to our local VA hospital.”

The Curve have partnered with the VA Medical Center for many years and has included the recognition of veterans at games, hospital visits by the players and staff in addition to donated tickets for disabled veterans living at the VA.

Friday’s event is part of a week-long recognition that includes 15 speaking engagements, three parades, and events at each of the VA’s five community-based outpatient clinics. The week wraps around Veterans Day (Monday, November 11) and concludes on Saturday, November 16 at 7 p.m. with the Saint Francis men’s basketball team hosting American University in their Military Appreciation Day, which they have partnered with the VA Medical Center for the past two years.

For more information, please call the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center Public Affairs at 814-943-8164 ext. 7404 or 814-569-3386.

The Altoona Curve, 2010 and 2017 Eastern League Champions, have been the Double-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates since 1999. For tickets or more information, visit AltoonaCurve.com, call 877.99.CURVE or stop by the PNG Field box office. Additionally, the Stockyard Team Store is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on non-gamedays and online 24/7/365. 

 

-CURVE-

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

FirstEnergy Stadium Pays Tribute to All who Served with Annual Veterans Day Ceremony

 

(Reading, PA) – The Reading Fightin Phils will celebrate and honor those who served on Monday, November 11thin hosting the sixth annual Veterans Day ceremony at FirstEnergy Stadium. The R-Phils, in partnership with Savage 61 Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM, will be presenting the Veterans Day Wreath in front of the Veterans Monument at FirstEnergy Stadium at 1 p.m.

All veterans and military members are encouraged to attend, and the event is open to the general public.

Local community leaders will join R-Phils front office members at the ceremony, in which the American Legion Gregg Post 12 will lay a wreath in front of the ballpark’s dog tag monument near the entrance to FirstEnergy Stadium. The monument pays tribute to all members of the United States military who sacrificed to protect the United States of America.

Snacks and refreshments will be provided by the Fightin Phils upon conclusion of the ceremony in the Steve Moyer Subaru Team Store.

Originally called Reading Municipal Memorial Stadium, FirstEnergy Stadium was completed in 1951 and was named in honor of the servicemen and women who risked their lives in defense of their country. In 1999, a statue in the form of giant dog tags was placed in front of the stadium in a special rededication ceremony to honor the area’s veterans.

Beginning with the 2014 season, the Fightins have honored a specific veteran at each home game with a ceremonial flag service. The veteran, or his or her family, is recognized with a video tribute and ovation prior to the start of the game. The flag flies by the dog tag statue at the stadium’s main entrance, and is given to the veteran or veteran’s family following the game.

Prior to the start of the 2016 season, the Fightin Phils also unveiled a permanently unoccupied black seat in FirstEnergy Stadium. This seat pays tribute to the tens of thousands of military service personnel who were prisoners of war or have been declared missing in action.

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

Hartford Yard Goats Win Top Community Award from Minor League Baseball

Here is a link to the original story on the team’s website.

Yard Goats Win John Henry Moss Award for Top Community Service Team in Minor League Baseball

Hartford, Conn- The Hartford Yard Goats Baseball Club, the Double-A Eastern League Affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, has won the top community award from Minor League Baseball in 2019, the John Henry Moss Community Service Award. The award is given to the club which demonstrates an outstanding, ongoing commitment to charitable service, support and leadership. The Yard Goats were selected from a field of 160 minor league clubs across America and are the youngest franchise ever to win the award in just their third season at Dunkin’ Donuts Park. The John Henry Moss Award will be presented by Minor League Baseball in December at the 2019 Baseball Winter Meetings in San Diego, California.

“When we were creating the Hartford Yard Goats brand, we spent a great deal of time talking about the kind of organization we wanted to be,” Yard Goats team owner Josh Solomon said. “We wanted our actions and our commitment to community to be so demonstrative that people associated us as much with our philanthropy as our baseball. Our community programs are vital to the Yard Goats organization, and we feel that it is our job to welcome in our neighbors and connect them with professionals who offer training, career, and higher education opportunities so they can reach their goals.”

The Yard Goats established the “Aetna Community Center” at Dunkin’ Donuts Park as a base for several youth community programs sponsored by the Yard Goats. These programs include the Young Ambassadors Program, Youth Performing Arts Program, Youth Culinary Arts Program, Fitness Program, and Dance Team.

The Yard Goats open the 2020 season on April 9th (7:10 PM) against the Red Sox affiliate, the Portland Sea Dogs. Yard Goats season tickets are available by calling 860-246-GOAT (4628), or in person by visiting the Click It or Ticket Box Office at Dunkin’ Donuts Park.

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