Fightin Phils will aid MiLB in Hurricane Harvey Relief

(Reading, PA) – The Reading Fightin Phils, proud double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, will be joining forces with MiLB Charities by donating 50/50 profits to the MiLB Hurricane Harvey relief fund rolled over from Monday, August 28th through Thursday, August 31st. Minor League Baseball Charities will match that amount up to $10,000.

“The flooding and destruction related to Hurricane Harvey is epic”, said Fightin Phils General Manager Scott Hunsicker. “Minor League Baseball has always been very generous, and Minor League Baseball teams, including the Fightins, have always stepped up in times of need. The Fightins are happy to contribute, in our own small way, to the relief fund for Hurricane Harvey. I know our fans will be happy to know that the 50/50 will be benefiting the people affected by this terrible storm.”

At each home game throughout the season, Baseballtown Charities holds a 50/50 raffle. One fan takes home 50 percent of each night’s collection while the other 50 percent normally benefits Baseballtown Charities.  For these four games, the 50/50 will benefit the MiLB Hurricane Harvey relief fund.

The winner of the 50/50 will be announced on Thursday, August 31st after the conclusion of the Reading Fightin Phils game.

America’s Classic Ballpark is proud to be a part of Pennsylvania’s Americana Region. Season tickets for the 2018 season are available online at Fightins.com, by phone at 610-370-BALL, and in-person at FirstEnergy Stadium. Follow the Fightin Phils on Twitter at @ReadingFightins and like them on Facebook via www.facebook.com/fightins.

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

Harrisburg Senators Donating Portion of Online Tickets to American Red Cross to Help Hurricane Harvey Victims

The Harrisburg Senators are asking their fans to help them raise relief dollars for the devastation in the Houston area due to Hurricane, now Tropical Storm, Harvey. With nearly 50″ inches of rain expected this week and tens of thousands of people affected, the Senators want to help the relief effort.

Beginning today through Wednesday, $4 out of every $10 box seat ticket sold online for our Monday through Wednesday games will be donated to the American Red Cross. To purchase a ticket and have the money donated simply use the promo code word RELIEF. This offer is good for online ticket sales only.

With the Harrisburg area having been affected by floods in the past and the devastation they bring, we’re encouraging fans to purchase their tickets online and use the promo code RELIEF. Once again, this offer is good for online ticket sales only.

The Senators box office is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Tickets are available via telephone during the same hours as the box office hours. Tickets are also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, online at www.senatorsbaseball.com. You can find the Senators on Facebook at facebook.com/senatorsbaseball or @hbgsenators on Twitter.

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

Thunder Team Up with AUVI-Q® (Epinephrine Injection, USP) to Host a Peanut-Free Game This Season

 TRENTON, NJ – It’s hard to imagine a baseball game without peanuts, but in a new collaboration between Minor League Baseball® (MiLB™) and AUVI-Q® (epinephrine injection, USP), fans that suffer from peanut allergies can enjoy America’s national pastime with less concern.

On Friday, Aug 25, the Trenton Thunder will be hosting a peanut-free game, sponsored by AUVI-Q. The game will feature no in-park sales of peanuts or products containing peanut ingredients. Throughout the game, in-park messaging and informational displays will be available for fans to learn more about AUVI-Q.

“With the help of AUVI-Q supporting our commitment to fans, we can create an environment where fans with peanut allergies can come to the ballpark and enjoy a game to its fullest,” said Jeff Hurley General Manager/COO of the Thunder. “We hope to see many new faces experiencing their first Minor League Baseball game because of our peanut-free night.”

Earlier this month, Minor League Baseball and AUVI-Q announced a multi-year agreement, making AUVI-Q the “Official Epinephrine Auto-Injector (EAI) of Minor League Baseball,” where a number of MiLB teams across the country will host “Peanut-Free Game Days” this season and next season. AUVI-Q is an FDA-approved prescription medicine used to treat life-threatening allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, in people who are at risk for or have a history of serious allergic reactions. AUVI-Q is the first and only EAI with an auto-retractable needle and includes innovative features such as voice instructions. AUVI-Q is not a substitute for emergency medical treatment. AUVI-Q, manufactured by kaléo, is available by prescription nationwide. To learn more about AUVI-Q, please visit www.auvi-q.com.

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

Bowie Baysox Team Up with AUVI-Q® (Epinephrine Injection, USP) to Host a Peanut-Free Game August 13

BOWIE, Md. – It’s hard to imagine a baseball game without peanuts, but in a new collaboration between Minor League Baseball®(MiLB™) and AUVI-Q®(epinephrine injection, USP), fans that suffer from peanut allergies can enjoy America’s national pastime with less concern.

On Sunday, August 13 the Bowie Baysox will be hosting a peanut-free game, sponsored by AUVI-Q. The game will feature no in-park sales of peanuts or products containing peanut ingredients. Throughout the game, in-park messaging and informational displays will be available for fans to learn more about AUVI-Q.

“With the help of AUVI-Q supporting our commitment to fans, we can create an environment where fans with peanut allergies can come to the ballpark and enjoy a game to its fullest,” said Brian Shallcross, General Manager of the Baysox. “We hope to see many new faces experiencing their first Minor League Baseball game because of our peanut-free night.”

Earlier this month, Minor League Baseball and AUVI-Q announced a multi-year agreement, making AUVI-Q the “Official Epinephrine Auto-Injector (EAI) of Minor League Baseball,” where a number of MiLB teams across the country will host “Peanut-Free Game Days” this season and next season. AUVI-Q is an FDA-approved prescription medicine used to treat life-threatening allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, in people who are at risk for or have a history of serious allergic reactions. AUVI-Q is the first and only EAI with an auto-retractable needle and includes innovative features such as voice instructions. AUVI-Q is not a substitute for emergency medical treatment. AUVI-Q, manufactured by kaléo, is available by prescription nationwide. To learn more about AUVI-Q, please visit www.auvi-q.com.

The 2017 Bowie Baysox season is presented by Money One Federal Credit Union. The Baysox 2017 season is winding down. Don’t miss out as the Baysox make a playoff push. Single game tickets are available at http://www.baysox.com.

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

Army vs. Celebrity Softball Game Kicks Off All-Star Festivities

Manchester, N.H. – The New Hampshire Fisher Cats, Double-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, have announced the rosters for the Army vs. NH Celebrity Softball Game. The opening event of the Northeast Delta Dental Eastern League All-Star Classic, scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, July 11, will be followed by the Jordan’s Furniture Tempur-Pedic Home Run Derby at 6:30 p.m. Gates and the Samuel Adams Brewhouse will open at 4:30 p.m. Tickets to Tuesday’s festivities and Wednesday’s All-Star Game are still available at NHFisherCats.com/allstar, or by calling (603) 641-2005.

Army Roster

Sergeant First Class Shaun Delbene (Player/Coach) – Chester, N.H. native who has served 11 years in the Army, including a tour in Afghanistan in 2010.

Command Sergeant Major Lore Ford – served in the Army and the N.H. Army National Guard since 1988, deployed in Operation Desert Storm, Desert Shield and Iraqi Freedom.

First Sergeant Jeremy Chaisson – Henniker, N.H. resident with over 20 years of experience as an Army mechanic. Deployed to Iraq in 2004 and Kuwait in 2010.

Staff Sergeant Sara McPherson – has served in the Army for nine years, including a tour in Afghanistan.

Sergeant Timothy Heckerman – Also known as “Smash,” he has been a soldier for nine years.

Major Brian Fernandes – Weare, N.H. native with 16 years of active service. Deployed to Afghanistan in 2004.

Sergeant Jesus Salamanca – Nine years of service in the Army.

Specialist Russell Small (Ret. Army) – Deerfield, N.H. native who served in the Army National Guard from 1993 to 2001.

Sergeant Trisha Ford (Ret. Army) – Served as a military police officer from 1994-1999.

First Sergeant Jeff Garand – Joined the Army in 1991, and was deployed to Haiti in 1994 and Iraq in 2004. Now assigned to the 12th Civil Support Team out of Concord, N.H.

Specialist Steve Delbene (Ret. Army) – Boscowen, N.H. native who served in the Army from 1981-1986.

Sergeant First Class Kevin Harvey – Has been a soldier for over 24 years.

NH Celebrity Roster

Jamie Staton – Sports Anchor at WMUR-TV

Nicole Barreira – “Chef Nicole,” Corporate Chef of T-Bones & Cactus Jack’s

Greg Kretschmar – “The Godfather” and Host of Greg & The Morning Buzz on Rock 101

Ronnie Ortegon – Fisher Cats Hitting Coach

Marga Bessette – Host of “NH in the Morning” at 95.7 WZID

Jack Heath – Host of the New Hampshire Today Radio Show on WGIR 610 AM

Andy Fermin – Fisher Cats Position Player Coach

Lauren Percy – Miss New Hampshire 2017

Greg LaRocca – Former Major League Baseball Player

Brian Pike – Fisher Cats Strength & Conditioning Coach from Gorham, N.H.

Honorary Player – Elliot Perry

After the softball game, the festivities continue with the Jordan’s Furniture Tempur-Pedic Home Run Derby at 6:30 p.m. (bracket shown below). First pitch of the Eastern League All-Star Game is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. on Wednesday, July 12.

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

Chevy Youth Clinic coming to PNG Field on July 15

Your local Chevy dealers would like to invite kids ages 6-12 to participate in a FREE youth clinic with the Curve on Saturday, July 15!

This clinic is open to both boys and girls and will provide them an exciting opportunity to learn baseball fundamentals from Curve players and coaches. Each participant will also receive tickets to that evening’s game, a fun giveaway and lunch following the clinic.

Click here to sign up

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

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Learn from the Senators at the Senators 2017 Baseball Camp

The Harrisburg Senators baseball camp is your child’s opportunity to learn baseball from a professional coach or player. What better way to learn the finer points of baseball, the ins and outs, the fundamentals than from the very players you watch when you come to FNB Field?

The two-day camp dates are Wednesday, July 5 and Thursday, July 6. The camp is for kids aged 7 – 14 and will have instruction on hitting, running, pitching and fielding. The camp is divided into two groups, ages 7-9 and ages 10-14. The camp is four and a half hours of instruction over two days.

The instruction times both days is the same for both age groups. Ages 7-9 have instruction from 8:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. followed by lunch from 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Ages 10-14 have instruction from 10:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Lunch follows from 1:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Registration Wednesday for ages 7-9 is 8:15 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. ages 10-14.

For a price of $85 each participant receives a baseball camp t-shirt, lunch each day, a ticket to the game on Thursday, and they get to take the field with the Senators before the game on Thursday. This is your youngster’s chance to play on FNB Field and hang out with players!

For more information, please contact Jessica Moyer or Josh Bleyer with the Senators at either 717-231-4444 or via email at jmoyer@senatorsbaseball.com or jbleyer@senatorsbaseball.com. Act now as the camp is just a week away and has limited spots remaining! You can sign your child up all the way up to and including registering them on Wednesday morning, July 5.

The Senators box office is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Tickets are available via telephone during the same hours as the box office hours. Tickets are also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, online at www.senatorsbaseball.com. You can find the Senators on Facebook at facebook.com/senatorsbaseball or @hbgsenators on Twitter.

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

SeaWolves To Host ‘Good Deeds Day’ on July 1

The Erie SeaWolves, Double-A Affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, have teamed up with Erie Federal Credit Union to host the fourth annual Good Deeds Day on Saturday, July 1 at UPMC Park.

Good Deeds Day is a drive to collect items needed by multiple non-profit organizations in the Erie region. Fans who donate an item at the game on July 1 will receive a complimentary Upper Box seat ticket to the SeaWolves’ Fan Appreciation Night on Saturday, August 26 against the Akron RubberDucks (Cleveland Indians).

“We would like to thank our partners at Erie Federal Credit Union for supporting this community initiative,” SeaWolves President Greg Coleman said. “We encourage SeaWolves fans to support one or more Erie-area organizations by bringing needed items to the ballpark on July 1.”

Items can be donated at the stadium from 6:00-7:00 p.m. prior to the SeaWolves’ game against the Altoona Curve. Stadium gates open to the general public at 6 p.m. Game time is 7:05 p.m. The following is a list of participating organizations and their current list of needed items:

Project Support Our Troops

Needs items include canned fruit (full size cans; no plastic containers), peanuts, peanut butter, trail mix, beef jerky, waterless hand sanitizer, snack cracker packs, foot powder, Silly String, Pringles, tooth paste, crossword puzzles, tooth brushes, rat traps, cookies, lip balm, gum, air freshener, eye drops, cards or letters of support, hard candy, shower scrubbies, non-aerosol bug repellant, On-the-Go drink mix, small Kleenex packs, Wet Wipes (travel size), tea bags, lotion, hand-held games, sun­flower seeds, instant cocoa packets, Q-Tips, Cracker Jack, deodorant, shampoo and conditioner. NO ramen noodles or travel-size personal hygiene items please.

United Service Corps

Various school supplies including pencils, glue sticks, markers, crayons and notebooks.

KaleidAScope, Inc.

Copy paper, paper towels, tissues, manila folders, large kitchen garbage bags, rolls of stamps, post-it notes, tablets of paper, snacks for groups, paper plates, plastic cups, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes.

The JFK Center

Arts and craft supplies including paper, crayons, colored pencils, glue, paint and paint brushes. Assorted toiletries including toothpaste and tissues. The JFK Center is also currently seeking volunteers and will have information available at its table.

Perseus House

Toiletries and paper products including tissues, toilet paper, paper plates, cups, and paper towels. Perseus House is also currently seeking volunteers and will have information available at its table.

Erie Youth Hockey

Hockey tape, hockey sticks, ice skates, hockey pucks, hockey pants, chest protectors and helmets.

Erie City Mission

Diapers (Sizes 2, 3, 4 & 5), baby wipes, baby food and formula, boxed food (cereal, breakfast bars, macaroni & cheese, spaghetti), canned food (fruit, vegetables, soup, broth, chicken, tuna), feminine hygiene products (pads, tampons, shaving cream), toilet paper, paper towels, mulch for gardens, various vegetable and fruit seeds for gardens.

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

Baseballtown Charities Breaks Ground on Savage 61 Dream Field

(Reading, Pa) – On Wednesday, June 14th at 4:30 p.m., Baseballtown Charities and their distinguished guests broke ground on the Savage 61 Dream Field at the Relevant Sports Complex. The Savage 61 Dream Field is the first baseball field in Berks County that is designed specifically for children with physical and developmental challenges.

Distinguished guests such as Tim Profit of Savage 61 Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Chris Kaag of IM Able Foundation, Pennsylvania State Senator Judy Schwank along with President of Baseballtown Charities Chuck Domino and Vice President of Baseballtown Charities Scott Hunsicker all spoke on behalf of the Savage 61 Dream Field.

Future Dream League players Jonny Ortiz, Tyler Hartman, Mya Haddock, Scott Palmer, Kyle Wolf joined President of Baseballtown Charities Chuck Domino, Vice President of Baseballtown Charities Scott Hunsicker, Jim Leupold of the Baseballtown Dream League, Tim Profit of Savage 61 Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Chris Kaag of IM Able Foundation and Screwball of the Reading Fightin Phils in the groundbreaking by shoveling dirt to officially get the field construction underway.

The Savage 61 Dream Field was announced in October of 2016 at the Diamonds and Dreams Dinner event hosted by the Reading Fightin Phils at First Energy Stadium.

IM ABLE Foundation and Baseball Charities announced a partnership in January of 2017 to build an adaptive playground at the new Savage 61 Dream Field. The playground will create a motivating and encouraging environment that will allow all children including those with physical or cognitive challenges to play together. Children who use a wheelchair, cane or crutches will be able to move freely throughout the playground. The surface of the playground will be rubber tile.

Baseballtown Charities will continue to raise funds to support the Baseballtown Dream League complex. Baseball town is also recruiting community members to serve as volunteer “angels” to assist Dream League players at every game.

Parents and community members interested in signing up children, volunteering or donating can email Baseballtown Charities at baseballtown@fightins.com for more information.

About Baseballtown Charities’ Dream League

Baseballtown Charities’ Dream League is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization based in Reading, Pa. that focuses on making dreams come true one pitch at a time. The Savage 61 Field of Dreams will be constructed at Relevant Sports Complex in Temple, Pa. Since 2002, Baseballtown Charities has worked to build inclusive baseball diamonds as well as bonds between players, teammates and supportive communities. For more information, visit www.baseballtowndreamleague.com.

America’s Classic Ballpark is proud to be a part of Pennsylvania’s Americana Region. Season tickets for the 2017 season are available online at Fightins.com, by phone at 610-370-BALL, and in-person at FirstEnergy Stadium. Follow the Fightin Phils on Twitter at @ReadingFightins and like them on Facebook via www.facebook.com/fightins.

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

Sea Dogs Partner with Goodwill for Donation Drive

Portland, Maine– The Portland Sea Dogs have partnered with Goodwill Northern New England to host the 8th Annual Goodwill Night and Donation Drive at Hadlock Field on Wednesday, June 28th when the Sea Dogs take on the New Hampshire Fisher Cats at 7:00 PM.

Fans are encouraged to bring bags of gently used clothing, books and other household items to Hadlock Field to donate to Goodwill. Goodwill will have a donation center at Hadlock Field to collect the items. For a list of acceptable donations, please visit Goodwill’s website: http://www.goodwillnne.org/donate/acceptable-donations/ .

Donations help fund Goodwill services that strengthen our local communities by getting people back to work and receiving the support they need to lead more stable lives.

Puffy G, Goodwill’s mascot, will be there to throw out the first pitch.

Goodwill Industries of Northern New England runs retail, cleaning and health care services that help fund workforce services in our region.

As an employer of more than 2,000 people and a social service provider, Goodwill has a unique perspective that can help other employers build their own workforce through its Workforce Services.
Goodwill operates 30 retail stores across Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont.

Goodwill Neurorehabilitation Services in Portland, Maine and Lewiston, Maine offers comprehensive brain injury services and treatment options for people with acquired brain injuries. At Goodwill Neurorehabilitation Services, comprehensive, community-based therapies are provided to assist individuals with cognitive, emotional and physical needs – so lives can get back on track after a brain injury.

Goodwill NNE also operates Good Clean Property Services – a full service commercial property maintenance company offering the perfect combination of quality, customized, eco-friendly services.

Please visit www.goodwillnne.org for more information.

Tickets are available for all remaining 2017 Sea Dogs’ home games. Tickets can be purchased by contacting the Sea Dogs Ticket Office at 207-879-9500 or online at www.seadogs.com.

Sea Dogs to Host Free Youth Baseball Clinic on June 24

The clinic is open to children ages 6-16. All partiicpants must be comfortable being on the field without a parent.

Sea Dogs players are on hand to teach basic fundamentals of baseball including hitting, pitching, infielding, and outfielding. The clinic will conclude with an autograph session.

Kids should bring their own gloves. All other equipment will be provided including balls, bats, helmets. Water will also be available to all kids participating.

The clinics are free of charge. However pre-registration is required as each clinic is capped at 150 participants. Once you are registered please arrive at Hadlock Field by 9:45 AM and meet by the Slugger statue in the front plaza.

Schedule of Future Clinics

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

Flying Squirrels to Salute TAPS with Patriotic Digi-Camo Jerseys

RVA – The Richmond Flying Squirrels, in conjunction with The Good Feet Store – Richmond, present a “Salute to TAPS” on Flag Day, June 14, at The Diamond. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and first pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.

The event will feature pregame skydivers from No Limits Skydiving and in-game will honor families supported by the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), which “offers compassionate care to all those grieving the loss of a loved one who died while serving in (the United States) Armed Forces or as a result of his or her service.”

The Flying Squirrels will also wear patriotic Flag Day jerseys with red, white and blue digi-camo numbers and lettering. The game-worn jerseys will be auctioned during the game with proceeds of the event going to benefit TAPS.

“The military members that we will be honoring and remembering on Flag Day gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms,” Flying Squirrels VP and COO Todd “Parney” Parnell said. “This event is a way for us and the community to show our gratitude and support to them and their families.

“The Squirrels have never worn digi-camo jerseys like these before, so that’s one reason to bid on them. But even more so, the TAPS organization provides an important and necessary resource to the loved ones of our fallen heroes.”

Founded in 1994, TAPS is a national peer support network and connection to grief resources for surviving family members and loved ones of fallen servicemen and servicewomen at no cost.

“Every day that we open The Good Feet Store with peace and safety is cause for thanks,” said Jonathan Cotten, owner of The Good Feet Store – Richmond. “Those who have given the ultimate sacrifice deserve our thanks and recognition. June 14, Flag Day, seemed a logical day for our ‘Salute to TAPS,’ and we are glad to partner with the Flying Squirrels to invite these special families so we can all say thanks.”

The game also features Wine Up Wednesday wine specials from 5:30-7:30 p.m. presented by Mix 98.1. There will also be live pregame entertainment by Ragged Edge on the Elephant Insurance Fan Zone main stage.

Flying Squirrels individual tickets, mini plans and group packages are on sale by contacting the Richmond box office at 804-359-FUNN or online at www.squirrelsbaseball.com

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

“CHALLENGER DAY” Returns to Canal Park on June 4

(AKRON, OHIO) June 2, 2017 – The Akron RubberDucks and Northeast Ohio Roy Hobbs Baseball are partnered again to bring back “Challenger Day” on Sunday, June 4 at 12 p.m., prior to the finale of the three-game series between the Akron RubberDucks and the Reading Fightin’ Phils, which starts at 2:05 p.m. It will be the 19th year Challenger Day will be hosted at Canal Park, with the annual tradition started in 1999.

Challenger Day provides an opportunity for kids and adults with developmental disabilities to play a baseball game at Canal Park, and to meet and be cheered on by some of the RubberDucks players. Each participant will get to hit and play in the field, and get to experience what it is like to be a professional ballplayer for a day. Ages range from as young as seven to as old as 25.

“Challenger Day is one of the annual highlights of our schedule,” said RubberDucks general manager Jim Pfander. “It is important to be able to give these young baseball players a chance to play at a facility like Canal Park, but the real fun comes from the smiles on the athletes’ faces and those on the faces of the RubberDucks players who are there to cheer them on.”

Challenger Day participants play in area Little League programs that include the Challenger program or in the Ohio Challenged Athletes program. Participants this year will be from teams in Hudson, Tallmadge, Green, Canton, Tuscarawas County, Barberton, including players from Akron and Cuyahoga Falls.

Participants are scheduled to warm up at 11:45 a.m. with the game scheduled for 12 p.m. and it will last approximately one hour. At the conclusion, a team photo will be taken of the participants and the RubberDucks who cheered them on. Gates will open at 11:45 a.m. for any spectators.

Media are welcome to attend. If credentials or photos are needed, please contact director of public and media relations Adam Liberman at aliberman@akronrubberducks.com to make arrangements.

The RubberDucks are the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. For more information, call the RubberDucks at 330-253-5151 or visit www.akronrubberducks.com. The RubberDucks are on Facebook www.facebook.com/akronrubberducks and Twitter @AkronRubberDuck.

Thunder HOPE Week Begins Tuesday, June 6

The Thunder’s annual HOPE Week will take place this coming Tuesday, June 6 through Saturday, June 10 at ARM & HAMMER Park when the team hosts the Hartford Yard Goats (Colorado Rockies) and Bowie Baysox (Baltimore Orioles).

HOPE Week is a New York Yankees initiative which stands for Helping Others Perservere and Excel. Throughout the week, the Thunder will honor outstanding individuals and organizations who have positively impacted our community.

Tuesday, June 6 at 7pm vs Hartford – World War II Veteran Frank Fazzalore
The Thunder will take time to honor Silver Star and Purple Heart receipient, Frank Fazzalore, as part of the first day of HOPE Week. Fazzalore, 93, served in the US Army during World War II and will visit with Thunder players before the game on Tuesday June 6.

Wednesday, June 7 at 7pm vs Hartford – Eric LeGrand
A standout high school football player from Colonia High School in Colonia, NJ, LeGrand sustained a severe spinal cord injury during a game against Army at Met Life Stadium on October 16, 2010. In January of 2011, Rutgers University announced that LeGrand had regained movement in his shoulders and sensation throughout his body and entered the Reeve Foundation’s NeuroRecovery Network. LeGrand has become a source of inspiration, hope and perseverance for many in our region and around the world.

LeGrand will visit with Thunder players prior to the game and share his story of inspriation. Fans can have the opportunity to attend a meet and greet with LeGrand and can do so by reaching Jon Bodnar at JBodnar@TrentonThunder.com.

Thursday, June 8 at 7pm vs Harford – United Way of Mercer County
The Thunder will honor the United Way of Mercer County on the third day of their HOPE Week and support their Strike Out Hunger campaign with a food drive at ARM & HAMMER Park. Hundreds of thousands of children in the state of New Jersey are food insecure and The United Way of Mercer County aims to provide more than 200,000 meals to food banks throughout the state.

Fans attending the Thursday, June 8 game against Harford may bring non-perishable food items with them to donate to the United Way’s Strike Out Hunger campaign. Fans that donate one food item will receive a wrist band to watch Fireworks from the field after Thursday’s game. Fans that bring more than one item will receive the wrist band as well they will receive a ticket to the Thunder and Reading Fightin Phils game on Sunday, September 3.

Friday, June 9 at 7pm vs Bowie – Eden Organics Salon & Spa
Eden Organics Salon & Spa will be recognized for their Eden Cares program which provides Complimentary Salon & Spa services to clients currently receiving chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer. The program is available at all three Eden Organics locations, Newtown, PA, Doylestown, PA, and Allentown, NJ.

Thunder players will visit the Allentown location and learn more about the services that encourge relaxation, stress relief and incresed wellness and vitality to cancer patients. For more information visit www.EdenCares.org.

Saturday, June 10 at 7pm vs Bowie – Trenton Area Soup Kitchen
Thunder players will visit the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen and aid in their mission to feed those who are hungry in the Trenton area. TASK offers programs to encourage self-sufficiency and improve the quality of life of its patrons.

The Thunder will support TASK with a food drive on Saturday, June 10 as fans are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items with them to support TASK. Fans that bring one item to donate will receive a wrist band allowing them to watch fireworks from the field following Saturday’s game. Saturday’s fireworks show is presented by Toyota. Fans that bring more than one item will receive a wrist band and a ticket to the Thunder game on Sunday, September 3 against the Reading Fightin Phils.

For more information on HOPE Week and its honorees, contact Director of Community Affairs Vince Marcucci at VMarcucci@TrentonThunder.com.

The Thunder complete a three-game series with the Binghamton Rumble Ponies (New York Mets) tonight at 7pm at ARM & HAMMER Park. Thursday’s game will air on 920 AM WNJE and online at www.TrentonThunder.com/Broadcast. For tickets and the latest information on Thunder baseball visit www.TrentonThunder.com.

Bowie Baysox to Celebrate Play Ball Weekend

The Bowie Baysox, Class AA Minor League Affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, are excited to announce local activities during PLAY BALL WEEKEND. Minor League Baseball is joining the second annual ‘PLAY BALL WEEKEND’ to now make the campaign both an MLB- and MiLB-wide effort to engage young baseball fans and celebrate the continued support of youth participation in baseball and softball.

On Saturday, June 3, the Baysox will “Take the Show On The Road” and bring “Baysox Baseball” to a youth baseball game on Saturday morning.   The Baysox will invade the 10U Crofton Cardinals vs. 10U LF Archers game being played on Field 1 at Bell Branch Park in Gambrills at 10:00 am and take over the entertainment including player and coach introductions before the game, National Anthem, between innings contests for the fans, appearances by Louie the Baysox mascot, batter walk up music and much more. Members of the community are invited and encouraged to attend this special event.

During the Bowie Baysox home game on Saturday, June 3 at 6:35 pm there will be even more PLAY BALL events taking place.

  • Youth baseball players will be selected to play catch with Baysox players before the game on the field
  • A Youth baseball team will meet Baysox players in the dugout and take the field during player introductions for the National Anthem
  • A child will be selected to announce “Play Ball” before the game
  • Children will be selected to announce a batter via the stadium Public Address System
  • A child will be selected to join Baysox Radio Broadcaster Adam Pohl on the live broadcast for an inning of commentary and play by play

After the game on Saturday, June 3, kids ages 12 and under will be able to come onto the field and run the bases just like the players do. On Sunday, June 4, all fans are invited to run the bases after the game. Run the Bases is presented by Dick’s Sporting Goods and Grotto Pizza.

Saturday, June 3 @ 6:35 pm is Star Wars Night at the Baysox. See and meet dozens of Star Wars characters dressed in movie quality costumes. Fans will also get to see live light saber battles, Star Wars collectibles and a post-game Star Wars themed Fireworks Spectacular.

Sunday, June 4 @ 2:05 pm is Maryland Pride Day and the Helicopter Candy Drop.  The first 500 fans (18+) will get a Maryland Flag Baysox Logo Floppy Hat courtesy of Money One federal Credit Union. After the game, all kids ages 12 and under will be invited onto the field for the Helicopter Candy Drop. A helicopter will hover just a few feet over the field and drop over 10,000 pieces of candy onto the field.  Once the helicopter has left the stadium, the kids will get to run and collect as much candy as they can. The helicopter candy drop is presented by Borden Transportation.

The 2017 Bowie Baysox season is presented by Money One Federal Credit Union. The Baysox 2017 season is now underway. Don’t miss out as the team prepares to celebrate its 25th Season. Single game tickets are now available at www.baysox.com.

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