Fisher Cats Create Fund to Support Families of First Responders

Manchester, N.H. – The New Hampshire Fisher Cats, the Double-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, and the Fisher Cats Foundation are proud to introduce a new charitable initiative to support the families of New Hampshire Police and Firefighters in need: The First Responders Fund.

The Fisher Cats were inspired by the bravery of Captain Steve DeRuisseaux as well as all firefighters, police, and EMS who work day and night to keep our communities safe. After reaching out to Captain DeRuisseaux to offer support following is heroic actions last November, the Captain suggested creating a way to support all First Responders and the parties worked together to create the Fisher Cats First Responders Fund.

The fund will officially launch as part of First Responders Night at Delta Dental Stadium on Thursday, August 11 at 7:05 p.m.

Fifty percent of the proceeds from the individual tickets sold on First Responders Night will benefit the fund, as well as the in-game 50/50 raffle and boot pass collection. The Fisher Cats Foundation will also make a $2,500 donation and contribute a portion of the funds from the annual Granite State Baseball Dinner to the cause.

The Fisher Cats are proud to have iHeartMedia as a promotional partner for the First Responders Fund.

“These men and women put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities,” Fisher Cats President Mike Ramshaw said. “As part of the First Responders Fund, we’ll work with local police and fire departments to identify families in need, and we’ll support those families through our fundraising efforts.”

“I would like to thank the Fisher Cats organization for their initiative in supporting the Greater Manchester First Responders,” Manchester Fire Chief Andre R. Parent said. “Fire, Police and EMS all serve our community unconditionally to provide emergency services to our citizens in their greatest times of need. Often times, First Responders find themselves in need of help also. This initiative will help our members overcome some unforeseen obstacles in their personal lives. Thank you very much for stepping up to the plate and being a valuable community partner.”

“On behalf of the Manchester Police Department, I would like to personally express our gratitude to the Fisher Cats Foundation First Responder Fund for their commitment and support of all First Responders in the greater Manchester area and New Hampshire,” Manchester Police Chief Allen Aldenberg said. “The Fisher Cats organization has always been an excellent community partner and their commitment to all first responders has never wavered and for that we are grateful.”

“Every day, the men and women of the Manchester Police and Fire Departments put their lives on the line to keep our community safe,” Mayor Joyce Craig said. “The New Hampshire Fisher Cats are a fantastic partner with the City of Manchester, and I’m so thankful for their recognition of our local first responders and for their continued support of our community.”

The New Hampshire Fisher Cats established the Fisher Cats Foundation to be a catalyst for the betterment of communities throughout the region by supporting youth programs that encourage education and promote healthy living. Through the generous support of players, employees, sponsors, and fans, the Fisher Cats Foundation continuously works to make a positive impact throughout New Hampshire and north-central Massachusetts.

The Fisher Cats Foundation supports a wide variety of non-profit organizations and coordinates several fundraising programs and events. Efforts are focused on two cornerstone initiatives, hosting the Granite State Baseball Dinner benefiting the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock (CHaD), and providing scholarships to college-bound New Hampshire and Massachusetts students. Since its inception in 2006, the Fisher Cats and the Fisher Cats Foundation have provided more than $5.8 million in monetary and in-kind donations to thousands of non-profit organizations throughout the region.

The Fisher Cats return home to Delta Dental Stadium to play the Reading Fightin Phils (Phillies affiliate) Tuesday, April 26 – Sunday, May 1. Tickets for the six-game homestand and all home games this season can be found at NHFisherCats.com, via email at [email protected], over the phone at (603) 641-2005, or in-person at the Fisher Cats box office at 1 Line Drive in Manchester.

Sea Dogs welcome first Sustainability Partner, Arcadia, as part of Club’s comprehensive sustainability strategy

Portland, Maine– The Portland Sea Dogs welcome their first Sustainability Partner, Arcadia, as part of their refreshed and comprehensive approach to sustainability. This season, the club will build a sustainability strategy around the opportunities to create positive community impact, including through tactical solutions in the stadium and through fan engagement initiatives and game day activations within the Portland community.

As part of Arcadia’s Sustainability Partnership, they will be leading a program titled “Sustainable Sundays” to feature several local partners who are taking and inspiring sustainable action on an individual or organization level.

“We’re thrilled to support the Sea Dogs again and to bring fans Sustainable Sundays,” said Kate Henningsen, co-founder and COO of Arcadia. “We’re especially excited to highlight the phenomenal work that our partner organizations are doing across Maine. Together, we can help fans hit it out of the park with sustainable actions to make a lasting impact.”

Sustainable Sundays will showcase environmentally-focused themes throughout the baseball season, such as featuring the Bike Coalition of Maine during National Bike Month. “We are excited to partner with Arcadia and the Portland Sea Dogs for National Bike Month! Clean energy and active transportation go hand in hand!” said Jean Sideris, the Executive Director of the Bike Coalition of Maine.

In addition to Sustainability Sundays, fans should expect to see more sustainability-related promotional events throughout the season, starting with Earth Day in April.

“Sustainability isn’t new to us, but this new partnership helps us to put sustainability at the forefront. The time to take environmental action is now and a formal strategy will be important for helping us prioritize feasible solutions to take action. We’ll be announcing more about this later in the season,” said Geoff Iacuessa, Portland Sea Dogs President & General Manager.

To support this comprehensive sustainability strategy effort, the club has engaged Recipric as their Front Office Sustainability Agency, who will develop the club’s sustainability strategy and will provide tactical solutions for the club to take positive action. Recipric will engage the club throughout the season and fans can expect regular updates on the progress of those efforts.

– – – – – – – – –

*About Arcadia: *

Arcadia is a climate crisis–fighting technology company founded in 2014 and born out of a simple idea — everyone deserves access to clean energy. Arcadia breaks the fossil fuel monopoly by creating unprecedented access to energy data and renewable energy sources through its technology platform, Arc, and its community solar program. Arc fuels the renewable energy revolution by democratizing access to energy data from 125 utilities nationwide, covering more than 80% of US electric utility accounts. Arcadia also manages the nation’s leading community solar program, helping to tackle energy injustice while spurring economic growth with more than 700MW of solar under management. Join us in our mission and find out how you or your business can help achieve the vision of a 100% clean energy future at arcadia.com.

*About Recipric: *

Recipric is a Front Office Sustainability Agency, that represents the comprehensive sustainability strategy, partnership, athlete engagement and more for sports teams, leagues, and related organizations. Recipric is based in Maine but works with professional sports organizations across the US and around the world. Visit the website or contact Kristen Fulmer to learn more: [email protected]

*About Portland Sea Dogs: *

The Portland Sea Dogs are the Double-A Eastern League affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. In 28 seasons the Sea Dogs have welcomed over 10 million fans to Hadlock Field in Portland, Maine. The Sea Dogs provide family-friendly entertainment while actively contributing to a vibrant and inclusive community. The Sea Dogs’ “Strike Out Cancer in Kids” program has raised over 5 million dollars for the Maine Children’s Cancer Program. While over 300 Sea Dogs players have gone on to play in the Major Leagues including some of today’s Red Sox stars such as Xander Bogaerts, Rafael Devers, and Christian Vazquez. For more information on the Sea Dogs visit seadogs.com. Follow the Sea Dogs on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Sea Dogs to Hold Job Fair on April 2 

 

 Portland, Maine- The Portland Sea Dogs, the Double-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, will host a job fair at Hadlock Field on Saturday, April 2nd from 10:00 AM to Noon.

The team needs part-time concession stand workers for the season. These are game-day seasonal positions that pay $16.50/ hour. Applicants must have availability on nights, weekends, and holidays and be at least 14 years old by April 8, 2022.

The Sea Dogs are looking for upbeat, fan-friendly individuals with exceptional customer service skills. Interested applicants can complete an application at the job fair and meet with Sea Dogs staff. Additionally, applications can be completed online at seadogs.com.

The Sea Dogs’ season runs from April 8th through September 11th with 69 regular season home games scheduled at Hadlock Field.

“The Sea Dogs are committed to providing affordable, family-friendly entertainment and we are seeking personnel that will excel in enhancing the fan experience with outstanding customer service,” stated Sea Dogs President & General Manager Geoff Iacuessa.

Tickets for all 2022 home games are now on sale and can be ordered by calling the Sea Dogs ticket office at 207-879-9500 or online at www.seadogs.com. Book your nine-inning vacation today.

Autism Awareness Night to Take Place On April 16

Bridgewater, New Jersey – The Somerset Patriots, the New York Yankees Double-A affiliate, have announced the team will host Autism Awareness Night at TD Bank Ballpark on Saturday, April 16 for their 6:35 p.m. game versus the Erie Seawolves (Detroit Tigers).

Autism Awareness Night will focus on education and fundraising for organizations from the community. The team has partnered with The Center School, New Horizons in Autism, and Devereux of New Jersey for the game.

There will be three breakout educational sessions provided by The Center School in a luxury suite during the game. Suite 308 will be used as a sensory-friendly area for families as needed.

Participating community organizations will be able to arrive early for a spacial orientation parade around the warning track of the playing field and then join a pre-game arc around the infield. Interested individuals and groups should arrive at the ballpark no later than 6:00 p.m. to participate.

GET TICKETS!

The National Anthem will be performed by Barbara Toland and Ridge Buddy Ball Baseball Club will serve as that evening’s Baseball Buddies.

Throughout the game, the Patriots will recognize some individual accomplishments and successes of the community through the use of PA and scoreboard announcements.

The Patriots Team Store will be selling autism-themed jerseys online prior to the game and onsite during the event while supplies last. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the partnering non-profit organizations in attendance.

BUY A JERSEY NOW!

The first 500 kids in attendance will also receive an Autism Awareness puzzle of Sparkee courtesy of White Castle by stopping by the partner tables on the main concourse.

About the Somerset Patriots

The Somerset Patriots are the New York Yankees Double-A Affiliate and develop today’s top minor league talent into the pinstriped superstars of tomorrow for MLB’s winningest team. The Patriots compete in the Double-A Northeast League and play their home games at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, NJ, where fans of all ages and levels of baseball fandom get to enjoy the unique experience that is minor league baseball.

Harrisburg Senators Partnering with Youth Baseball and Softball Leagues

HARRISBURG, PA – The Harrisburg Senators are thrilled to announce a new youth baseball and softball sponsorship program. The new program begins with the 2022 season and is another way the Senators are working with local communities.

In this program, youth baseball and softball leagues receive:

  • A $300 sponsorship check to the league from the Senators
  • ·A 3’ x 8’ Senators banner to be hung on an outfield fence or other high profile location at the youth league ballpark throughout the 2022 season.
  • Additional easy fundraising opportunities that can raise each youth league an extra $400 or more.

For more information on this program contact JK McKay, Director of Community Relations, at 717-231-4444 or via email at [email protected].

To apply online please go here.

The Senators offices are open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. The 2022 home opener is Tuesday, April 12, against the Portland Sea Dogs. Tickets for any game this season are available online 24 hours a day or in person at the box office or over the phone during normal business hours. For information about Sensylvania Club Season Memberships please call the Senators at 717-231-4444 or visit the Senators online at www.senatorsbaseball.com. You can find the Senators on Facebook at facebook.com/senatorsbaseball or @hbgsenators on Twitter.

Hartford Yard Goats & Eversource Launch Student Reading Challenge 

Hartford Yard Goats & Eversource Launch Student Reading Challenge Students who read five books will earn two tickets to a Yard Goats game at Dunkin’ Donuts Park

Hartford, Conn- The Hartford Yard Goats Baseball Club, the Double-A Affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, in partnership with Eversource, New England’s largest energy delivery company, has launched a student reading challenge for the 2022 season. Students (K-8th grade) who read five books outside of the school curriculum between now and August 10th will earn two tickets to a Yard Goats game at Dunkin’ Donuts Park in Hartford. One lucky student will be selected to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Students can submit their five books and preferred game date through an online form.

“We are extremely excited to partner with Eversource on the Yard Goats Reading Challenge for students throughout Connecticut,” Yard Goats President Tim Restall said. “This program will be a fun way for students to set reading goals, and get rewarded for their efforts with tickets to a Yard Goats game. We look forward to honoring all of these diligent readers at a game this summer.”

The Yard Goats encourages all school principals, teachers, and parents to share this exciting program with their students. The Yard Goats introduced the reading challenge with a video story of “Just a Dream” by Chris Van Allsburg, which is available on (www.yardgoatsbaseball.com)), and can be shown in class. This is a story about a boy who does not care about the environment until he a terrifying dream about the future of the planet. This dream changes the boy’s perspective and encourages him to make positive energy and environmental behavior changes to keep the planet healthy.

“We’re proud to support the Reading Challenge this year and kicking it off by reading ‘Just A Dream’ is a great way to not only share the importance of reading but also teach students the value of energy efficiency,” said Eversource Vice President of Energy Efficiency Tilak Subrahmanian. “We’re always working to help our customers save money and energy, and educating kids allows them to use what they learn to help save energy in their own homes and share that information with their families.”

The Yard Goats open the 2022 season on Friday, April 8th (7:05 PM) against the New York Mets affiliate, the Binghamton Rumble Ponies. Individual game tickets, season tickets, group tickets, and luxury suites are now available for purchase on the Yard Goats website (yardgoatsbaseball.com), or over the phone

(860-246-4628), and all tickets will be delivered digitally. The Click-It-Or-Ticket Box office is open from Monday-Friday (10AM-5PM).

Now Accepting Most Improved Student Nominations

 

Bridgewater, New Jersey- The Somerset Patriots, the New York Yankees Double-A affiliate, and NJEA are accepting nominations for most improved students to be honored at TD Bank Ballpark this season.

The Most Improved Student program is designed to recognize those students that have shown improvement in various areas throughout the 2021-2022 school year including social, behavioral and academic categories. Students must be nominated by their teacher!

CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE!

Selected students will receive two complimentary tickets to attend one of two Most Improved Student Nights at the ballpark.

The Patriots will recognize students from Somerset and Union Counties on Tuesday, April 26 and students from Middlesex and Hunterdon Counties on Wednesday, April 27. Both games are scheduled for 6:35 pm against the Portland Sea Dogs (Boston Red Sox).

About the Somerset Patriots

The Somerset Patriots are the New York Yankees Double-A Affiliate and develop today’s top minor league talent into the pinstriped superstars of tomorrow for MLB’s winningest team. The Patriots compete in the Double-A Northeast League and play their home games at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, NJ, where fans of all ages and levels of baseball fandom get to enjoy the unique experience that is minor league baseball.

To learn more, visit: www.somersetpatriots.com

About NJEA

The New Jersey Education Association is proud of our great public schools, ranking #1 in the nation year after year. The mission of the NJEA is to advance and protect the rights, benefits, and interests of members, and promote a quality system of public education for all students. To learn more, visit: www.njea.org

‘Fightin Cancer’ Night with Phillies PA Announcer Dan Baker!

 

(Reading, PA) – The Reading Fightin Phils are pleased to host ‘Fightin Cancer’ Night at FirstEnergy Stadium on Wednesday, May 25th. The stadium voice of the Phillies and cancer survivor Dan Baker will make an appearance as the R-Phils will honor and support the Darren Daulton Foundation throughout the night. Fans have the opportunity to pay tribute to their own loved ones by participating in the specialty ‘Fightin Cancer’ jersey program.

The R-Phils are proud to stand up and raise money and awareness for one of baseball’s most important fights. This night allows all types of cancer and all different battles to be recognized. We encourage our fans to join us in championing these fighters.

The Cancer Awareness jerseys the R-Phils will wear on May 25th will recognize all forms of cancer that individuals battle. The FIRST 25 families and friends that purchase 20 or more tickets for reserved seating or a picnic area for the May 25th game will have the opportunity to have a loved one represented during the game for no additional charge. The specialty jerseys will be personalized with the honoree’s name on the back. Players will receive a photo and bio of the honoree they are representing on the field. A special post-game jersey ceremony will take place with the 25 jersey honorees receiving their game-worn jersey on the field. If the honoree is present, they will receive the jersey. If the honoree has passed, the family will receive the jersey.

Dan Baker, best known for his public address announcing at Veterans Stadium, Lincoln Financial Field, and Citizens Bank Park, will be in attendance for a Meet and Greet. He will throw out a ceremonial first pitch and address the crowd. Baker is the longest tenured announcer in Major League Baseball. 2022 represents his 50th season after postponing the milestone due to his cancer and radiation treatment. He had a long stay in the hospital recovering, especially working to regain strength in his voice. After receiving cancer-free scans, the Phillies announced they would induct Baker to their prestigious Wall of Fame.

Please complete this form to reserve the opportunity for a jersey to be worn by a player during the May 25th Fightin Cancer game. A Reading Fightin Phils representative will contact you to confirm your submission and coordinate your group outing for the game on May 25.

The R-Phils have been consistent supporters of the Darren Daulton Foundation, whose mission is to provide financial support to families that are experiencing financial challenges due to treatment of a malignant primary brain tumor diagnosis. Former Fightin Darren “Dutch” Daulton underwent surgery to fight his glioblastoma. He put up a strong fight against cancer after going into remission once, and created this group to help others afflicted by the same disease. He will always be remembered as a giving and loving family member, friend, and teammate. The foundation helps his memory lives on this way. Daulton played 113 games in Baseballtown in 1983.

Contact Matt Koch at [email protected] with any questions!

America’s Classic Ballpark is proud to be a part of Pennsylvania’s Americana Region and was voted the #1 stadium in all of Double-A by MiLB’s Ben Hill. Follow the R-Phils at rphils.com, on Twitter and TikTok at @ReadingFightins, on Instagram @fightins, and like them on Facebook via www.facebook.com/fightins_ for all information._

National Anthem Auditions Set for April 2

 

The Bowie Baysox will host live auditions at Prince George’s Stadium on Saturday, April 2, 2022 to perform the national anthem before a 2022 Baysox home game. Stadium gates will open for registration at 9:00 a.m. and auditions will begin at 9:30 a.m. The team will feature a live performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” before all 69 home games this season as it has done for all home games since 1994.

Every participant must register in person, and auditions will be conducted on a first-come, first-audition basis. The auditions will be held rain or shine. National Anthem word/lyric sheets will not be permitted to be used during the audition process nor will they be permitted to be used by those selected to perform the anthem on a game date. All auditions must be done in person. No recordings or videos will be accepted as an audition. People who either performed or were approved to perform during the 2021 season do not have to audition again this year.

The auditions are open to any individual or small group that is interested. Auditions are open to singers and instrumentalists.

Large groups such as school or church organizations interested in performing the national anthem at a game should call the Baysox at (301) 464-4880 during regular business hours, Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and speak with a member of our Group Events department.

The 2022 Bowie Baysox season will begin on Friday, April 8, 2022 against the Richmond Flying Squirrels at 7:05 p.m. Keep up to date with all the Baysox news during the offseason by visiting baysox.com and be sure to follow the Baysox on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

For Anthem Audition questions, please e-mail [email protected] with the subject “Anthem Auditions”.

Patriots Now Accepting National Anthem Submissions For 2022 Season

 

Bridgewater, New Jersey – The Somerset Patriots, the New York Yankees Double-A affiliate, have announced that the team will begin accepting submissions to perform the National Anthem before large crowds at TD Bank Ballpark for games during the 2022 season.

Throughout the month of March, individuals and groups will be able to submit their entries to be considered to perform “The Star Spangled Banner” before Patriots games.

CLICK HERE TO ENTER!

Interested performers will need to upload a video audition for review.

The Patriots promotions team will then judge all applicants on accuracy of notes, strength of voice, confidence, and other criteria that will translate to a strong performance before a game.

Besides traditional group bookings for schools, choruses, and bands, the online submission process will be the only way for performers to audition for the team this season. Entries will not be accepted after 11:59 p.m. on March 31.

About the Somerset Patriots

The Somerset Patriots are the New York Yankees Double-A Affiliate and develop today’s top minor league talent into the pinstriped superstars of tomorrow for MLB’s winningest team. The Patriots compete in the Double-A Northeast League and play their home games at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, NJ, where fans of all ages and levels of baseball fandom get to enjoy the unique experience that is minor league baseball.

To learn more, visit: www.somersetpatriots.com

Curve Join Minor League Baseball in Celebration of Black History Month: Josh Bell

In celebration of Black History Month, throughout February, teams across Minor League Baseball are taking a look back at five of the best Black players to suit up for their club.

While some of these standout performers went on to long and illustrious Major League careers, others simply had great Minor League careers or, in some cases, just one incredible season that went down as “a year for the ages.”

After taking a look back at the careers of four of the greatest Black players in Curve history, we wrap up Black History Month by diving into the career of first baseman Josh Bell.

1B Josh Bell (2015)

A native of Irving, Texas, first baseman Josh Bell roared through the Pirates minor league system and quickly established himself as one of the top power hitters in the National League.

Selected by the Pirates in the second round (61st overall) of the 2011 draft, Bell quickly emerged as one of the top prospects in the Pirates minor league system and in his first full season of professional baseball was named a South Atlantic League Mid-Season and Post-Season All-Star with the West Virginia Power. Bell batted .279 with a league-best 37 doubles, two triples, 13 home runs and 52 runs batted in to lead the Power to a Northern Division title and an 82-58 record under future Curve Manager Michael Ryan.

Bell began his 2014 campaign at High-A Bradenton and immediately established himself as one of the leagues best. In a league that was notoriously difficult for young power hitters, Bell grew his game at the plate and found a more contact-oriented approach that led to a third-place finish in batting average (.335) and a 13th place finish in on-base percentage (.385) to go with 20 doubles, four triples ad nine home runs. Named a Mid-Season Florida State League All-Star, Bell earned a late-season promotion to Altoona and batted .284 with seven runs batted in in 24 games. For his outstanding efforts, Bell was named the Pirates Minor League Player of the Year, an award he would claim a second time in 2016.

The 2015 Curve opened the season with high expectations as Bell, Tyler Glassnow, Chad Kuhl and Adam Frazier highlighted the star-studded group. Bell, a consensus top-60 prospect in minor league baseball according to multiple outlets, starred in the middle of the order. At age 22, Bell put together another All-Star worthy campaign, earning a selection to the Eastern League’s Mid-Season All-Star team, hosted bt the Portland Sea Dogs at Hadlock Field. Bell would also earn a spot in the Futures Game; played in Cincinnati. His 2015 season in Altoona found its way into the record books with a .307 average, the best mark in a single season in franchise history by a switch-hitter. Teaming with Adam Frazier, the Curve had two players bat .300 during the season (minimum 300 plate appearances) for just the fourth time in franchise history. While Bell became one of 12 Curve players to earn a promotion to Triple-A Indianapolis during the season, Altoona reached the postseason for the first time since 2010. Under the direction of Manager Tom Prince, Bowie eliminated Altoona in four games, capping off a season in which the Curve had its highest attendance total in nine seasons. The campaign earned the Eastern League’s nomination for the John H. Johnson President’s Award, the top honor in Minor League Baseball.

After spending much of the 2016 season in Triple-A, Bell reached Pittsburgh to make his major league debut. That season saw 14 different Curve alumni make their MLB debut including Alen Hanson, Jameson Taillon, Jacob Stallings, Adam Frazier, Chad Kuhl, Steven Brault, Tyler Glasnow, and Max Moroff all debuting with Pittsburgh. Bell made his debut on Friday, July 8, 2016 in an 8-4 win over the Chicago Cubs with a pinch-hit single off Jake Arrieta in the bottom of the seventh inning. Bell would go on to play 45 games in his rookie season with Pittsburgh, batting .273 with a .368 on-base percentage and three home runs.

Bell grew into the starting role in 2017 and blossomed into the one of the National League’s best young players. At just 24 years old, he swatted 26 home runs, good for second-most among NL rookies and his steady presence in the middle of the Pirates order helped him drive in 90 runs and earn a third-place finish in the NL Rookie of the Year voting. Bell’s 24th home run of the season set the record for most home runs by a rookie switch hitter in major league history.

After managing just 12 home runs in the 2018 season, Bell found his stroke in 2019 and capitalized on his massive power potential. Bell became the fourth player in PNC Park history to hit a ball directly into the Allegheny River on May 8. Just two weeks later he hit another home run into the river as part of dazzling month at the plate. Bell earned the National League Player of the Month in May of 2019 after hitting .390/.442/.797 with 12 doubles, 12 home runs, 31 runs batted in and 11 walks in 29 games played. Bell became the third player in NL history to log at least 12 doubles and 12 home runs in a single calendar month, joining Hall of Famers Hank Aaron (July 1961) and Frank Robinson (July 1961). Bell’s month of May also saw him record three multi-homer games, the first Pirate to do so since Brian Giles in August 1999.

Bell was named to his first Major League All-Star Game in the summer of 2019. Leading the league with 70 runs batted in and in extra base hits with 54, Bell became the first Pirates first baseman to be named an All-Star since Jason Thompson in 1982.

While the Pirates sagged in the standings, Bell managed to put the finishing touches on an outstanding campaign in 2019. He finished the season ninth in the league with 37 home runs and sixth in the league with 116 runs batted in. Overall, he hit .277/.367/.569 with 37 doubles, three triples and a .936 OPS which ranked tenth-best in the league.

Following a down 2020 season, the Washington Nationals acquired Bell in exchange for RHP Wil Crowe and RHP Eddy Yean and he bounced back with 27 home runs and a .260 average in his first season with the Nats. Through six major league seasons, Bell has hit 113 home runs and holds a .261 career batting average.

Flying Squirrels hosting four job fairs ahead of 2022 season

 

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Flying Squirrels will host four job fairs in the coming weeks to fill part-time, game-day positions for the upcoming 2022 baseball season.

Positions are available in food & beverage, ticketing and other areas for the team’s home games from April through September. Information on the Flying Squirrels’ upcoming job fairs can be found here.

The job fairs will take place at The Diamond (3001 N Arthur Ashe Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23230) on the following dates:

  • Saturday, February 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Thursday, March 10 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Saturday, March 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Saturday, April 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Interested candidates can enter the stadium through the main gates next to Arthur Ashe Boulevard.

Available positions include:

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Concession Stand Managers

Cashiers

Food Runners

Bartenders

Line Cooks

Prep Cooks

Banquet Servers

Dishwashers

Fry Cooks

Vendors

Warehouse Runners

TICKETING

Ticket Sellers

OPERATIONS

Grounds Crew

Anyone interested in working with the Flying Squirrels can fill out the Candidate Information Form and return it to [email protected]. The Flying Squirrels’ 2022 game schedule can be found here.

Patriots And NJEA To Honor A+ Educators

 

Bridgewater, New Jersey – The Somerset Patriots, the New York Yankees Double-A affiliate, have teamed up with New Jersey Education Association to honor A+ Educators.

The A+ Educator program is designed to recognize the work of teachers and education support professionals (ESPs) that provide an inclusive learning environment, engaging instruction and curriculum, encourages lifelong learning, and inspires a passion for education beyond the classroom and into the future.

CLICK TO NOMINATE YOUR FAVORITE EDUCATOR!

“We always appreciate the work of our educators and everything they do to help children learn in the classroom and achieve their goals beyond,” said Patriots President/General Manager Patrick McVerry. “This program is a way for our team to recognize a few of these very special people in the field of education that make a positive and lasting impact on students.”

The Patriots and NJEA are asking for nominations through the team’s website. Nominations will be accepted through an online entry form that will include a writeup of why teachers/ESPs should be considered for the honor. In order to be eligible, educators must work at a public school in Somerset, Middlesex, Union, Hunterdon, or Morris counties.

Nominations are now open and will end on Friday, June 10, 2022. 25 total teachers and ESPs will be selected by judges and honored on the Patriots website, social media platforms, at TD Bank Ballpark, and throughout the season. Selected educators will receive four complimentary tickets to enjoy a 2022 Patriots game.

The A+ Educator program continues the Patriots and NJEA’s partnership to honor education professionals that make a difference in the lives of their students and impact the community as a whole.

“The A+ Educator program is an exciting way for us to work with the Patriots and recognize the extraordinary work of our members,” said Meredith Barnes, Associate Director of Communications for NJEA. “The goal is to showcase some of our best public school educators out on the field at the ballpark and with the greater Somerset Patriots community through the team’s various multi-media platforms.”

About the Somerset Patriots

The Somerset Patriots are the New York Yankees Double-A Affiliate and develop today’s top minor league talent into the pinstriped superstars of tomorrow for MLB’s winningest team. The Patriots compete in the Double-A Northeast League and play their home games at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, NJ, where fans of all ages and levels of baseball fandom get to enjoy the unique experience that is minor league baseball.

To learn more, visit: www.somersetpatriots.com

About NJEA

The New Jersey Education Association is proud of our great public schools, ranking #1 in the nation year after year. The mission of the NJEA is to advance and protect the rights, benefits, and interests of members, and promote a quality system of public education for all students. To learn more, visit: www.njea.org

Yard Goats Recognize Influential Black Players In History 

 

We take a look back at some of the most influential black players in the long history of the Yard Goats organization during the month of February.

As we celebrate Black History Month, Minor League Baseball® announced the launch of “The Nine,” a new, Black-community focused outreach platform specifically designed to honor and celebrate the historic impact numerous Black baseball pioneers made on the sport, provide new opportunities for youth baseball and softball participation, further diversify the business of baseball, and embrace millions of passionate fans throughout MiLB’s 120 communities nationwide.

The Nine was named for the number Jackie Robinson wore during his only season playing in MiLB with the Triple-A Montreal Royals in 1946. The Hartford Yard Goats celebrated this launch by recognizing some of the top black players in our franchise history.

As many know, the Yard Goats franchise can be traced back to 1973 when the Bristol Red Sox became the Red Sox Double-A affiliate. This would be the birth of the longest continuous professional sports team in the state of Connecticut. The franchise began with a home run as 20-year-old outfielder Jim Rice won the league batting title before going on to have a Hall of Fame career with the Boston Red Sox. Rice, who was an All-Star in Double-A, led the league with a .317 batting average and was the team leader in batting, hits, home runs (27), RBI (93), Slugging, and OPS.

Bristol also had star pitcher Dennis “Oil Can” Boyd, who went 14-8 with a 2.81 ERA in his only season at the Double-A level in 1982. “The Can” was called up directly from Bristol and pitched three games for Boston that season. He joined the Red Sox rotation full time the following season and played ten years in the Major Leagues while helping lead the Red Sox to the 1986 American League Pennant.

The Bristol Red Sox relocated to New Britain, and future American League MVP and Connecticut native Mo Vaughn arrived in 1989. The “Hit Dog” actually began his professional career in the Hardware City and batted .278 with 15 doubles, 8 home runs and 38 RBI in 74 games after a stellar college career where he became one of the most prolific hitters in Seton Hall history. In the Major Leagues, Vaughn blasted 26 plus home runs in nine consecutive seasons and was named to three All-Star teams. The Norwalk product led the AL with 126 RBI in his MVP season of 1995 and is a member of the Red Sox Hall of Fame.

Former 18-year Major League veteran Ellis Burks had his longest minor league stint with this franchise. The two-time MLB All-Star played in 257 games in New Britain, including the entire 1985 and 1986 seasons before starting his major league career in 1987. The former first round pick, played six seasons in Boston, a year with the White Sox, and became an All-Star again with the Colorado Rockies. After five seasons with the Rockies, Burks played three with the Giants and Indians and then returned to Boston where he finished his career in 2004. He is a member of the Red Sox Hall of Fame.

The New Britain Red Sox became the New Britain Rock Cats with a new affiliation, the Minnesota Twins. In 1996, a 20-year-old outfielder Torii Hunter arrived and became the team’s first big star. Like Burks, Hunter spent most of his minor league time in New Britain, playing in over 300 career games with the Rock Cats. Over that span, he cranked 21 homers and had 121 RBI, and his spectacular defense gave everyone a preview of his future nine gold gloves that he would win in the majors. The five-time MLB All-Star played 11 seasons with the Twins, five with the Angels, and two with the Tigers, before returning to Minnesota for his final season in 2015. He is a member of the Twins Hall of Fame.

Some of the other tremendous black players to wear the Rock Cats uniform include outfielders Matt Lawton, Jacque Jones, Denard Span, Ben Revere and Aaron Hicks who all went on to play eight or more seasons in the Major Leagues. Lawton was a two-time All-Star, Jones helped the Twins win three straight American League Central Division titles, Span led the majors in triples in 2013 and set a Nationals’ franchise hits record while leading the National League in 2014, Revere led the NL in runs scored in 2014, and Hicks, about to start his 10th season in the Majors, has enjoyed 3 years where he finished in the top 5 in outfield assists.

Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton was on the fast track to the bigs after being the second overall pick in the 2012 draft out of high school. Buxton reached New Britain as a 20-year-old, with just over a year of professional experience with the wooden bat. It was unfortunate that Buxton got hurt in his only game as a Rock Cats player but many knew that he had a bright future. He is known for his outstanding play in the outfield and is one of the fastest runners in Major League Baseball. Buxton is coming off one of his best offensive seasons in 2021 when he batted .306 with 23 doubles, 19 home runs and 32 RBI with the Twins.

On April 13, 2017 the Harford Yard Goats played their first ever game at Dunkin’ Donuts Park in Hartford. Right-handed pitcher Yency Almonte started for the home team and pitched well, recording eight strikeouts in five innings of work in front of a capacity crowd. The following season in 2018, Almonte reached the Major Leagues and posted a 1.84 ERA in 14 relief outings with the Colorado Rockies. He spent parts of the past four seasons in Colorado.

Curve Join Minor League Baseball in Celebration of Black History Month: Josh Harrison

In celebration of Black History Month, throughout February, teams across Minor League Baseball are taking a look back at five of the best Black players to suit up for their club.

While some of these standout performers went on to long and illustrious Major League careers, others simply had great Minor League careers or, in some cases, just one incredible season that went down as “a year for the ages.”

After taking a look back at the careers of LHP Shane Youman, speedster Rajai Davis, and the always popular Andrew McCutchen, let’s throw it back to the 2010 season with infielder Josh Harrison.

IF Josh Harrison (2010)

A native of Cincinnati, Ohio native, Harrison was selected by the Chicago Cubs in the 6th round of the 2008 Amateur Draft out of the University of Cincinnati. As the 2009 trade deadline approached, the Pirates acquired Harrison in a five-player deal that sent pitchers John Grabow and Tom Gorzelanny to Chicago.

The Pirates identified a speedy player with a versatile glove on the infield and a knack for making solid contact that would blossom into an All-Star contributor for their playoff teams in the mid 2010’s. After finishing off the 2009 season with a Carolina League Championship at High-A, Harrison opened the 2010 season in Altoona with many of his same teammates and immediately established himself as one of the Eastern League’s best hitters.

On Opening Day 2010, Altoona was greeted by a prospect-laden roster that included four of the Pirates Top-10 prospects according to Baseball America and eight of the Top-30 overall prospects. It was also a roster that had veteran talent, and it proved to be the perfect mix to get Altoona off to a nearly perfect start as the club started the season 7-1, a drastic turnaround after starting 2009, 0-8.

Included in those first eight games was one day where everything seemed to fall into place for a memorable afternoon at BCB. After the first three games of the season were played under dreary cold conditions, mother nature opened the skies for a perfect 67-degree day on April 11th when the national spotlight turned to Altoona for the first professional start of Harrisburg Senators phenom Stephen Strasburg. More than 70 media members from around the country and upwards of 7,800 people came to watch the professional debut of the heralded Strasburg on the picture-perfect day in Curve, Pa. The Curve managed to get four runs off the future Major League All-Star but fell 6-4 to the Senators.

Harrison bounced between second and third base that season on the field. He went on to knock 156 hits, tied for the fourth-most in a single season in Curve history. He also set the record for the most doubles in a game with four on June 27 against Bowie. He was selected as an Eastern League Mid-Season All-Star.

The Curve remained at the top of the Western Division standings throughout the summer and eventually finished the season with an 82-60 record, the second-most wins in a season in franchise history and the team’s second-ever division title.

Bouncing between second and third base, Harrison finished off the regular season with an even .300 average, 33 doubles, three triples, four home runs and 75 runs batted in. He added 19 stolen bases and played a significant role in Altoona’s push toward the Eastern League Championship. After defeating the Harrisburg Senators in four games, the Curve overcame another Major League All-Star on the mound, New York Yankees left-hander Andy Pettitte, in the opening game of the Eastern League Championship Series and secured their first title in franchise history. During the playoff run, Harrison recorded a team-best 11 hits in eight postseason games and homered three times, matching Chase D’Arnaud and Jordy Mercer for the team lead.

Harrison began the 2011 season with Triple-A Indianapolis and got the call to Pittsburgh for the first time on May 31, 2011 and suited up against the New York Mets, going 2-for-4 with an RBI. His debut season saw him work mostly in a bench role with 65 appearances on the diamond, showcasing a versatile glove and a solid approach at the plate.

After shuttling back and forth between Indianapolis and Pittsburgh, Harrison finally took hold of an everyday spot in the starting lineup in 2014. Named to the National League All-Star team that summer, Harrison batted .315 with a career-high 38 doubles, 13 home runs and 52 runs batted in. Harrison’s season finished the season ninth in the MVP voting helping the Pirates to an appearance in the National Wild Card Game. His .315 batting average was second-best in the National League, just behind Colorado’s Justin Morneau.

Harrison picked up a second National League All-Star selection in 2017 with a slight bump in the power department, smashing a career-best 16 home runs, and finished his eighth season with the Pirates in 2018. A .317 hitter in his time in the Steel City, Harrison has since appeared with the Detroit Tigers, Washington Nationals and Oakland Athletics. Headed into his age-34 season in 2022, Harrison has played in more than 1,000 major league games and holds a career batting average of .277. He is currently a free agent after finishing off the 2021 campaign with 48 appearances with the Athletics.