Syracuse Mets to host first virtual Education Day in MiLB History

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SYRACUSE, NY – The Syracuse Mets are excited to announce details for a virtual Education Day that will take place on Wednesday, June 9, 2021. The game against the Worcester Red Sox was originally scheduled for a 6:35 p.m. start and has been officially changed to a noon start to accommodate the educational element.

The Syracuse Mets game will be available on the day of the game for all students via a free broadcast link on syracusemets.com. Classes can participate in school as a group, or students can join on the link as they are home in remote learning environments. Educational components will be built into the broadcast by John Dalgety, a teacher from the Phoenix (NY) School District that has helped the Mets incorporate more education components into Education Day over the years. Dalgety worked closely with Shaun Moriarty, a teacher from the Worcester School system, who is coordinating the effort to get students from Massachusetts involved.

“Education Day is a time-honored tradition across the minor leagues, and we wanted to find a way for this to continue to happen in this time of COVID-19,” said Syracuse Mets General Manager Jason Smorol. “This was an idea presented to us by our creative teachers in CNY, so we asked for permission, and with support from MLB, we will be able to let students participate in the fun of Education Day from home and school.”

Approvals for game time changes were provided by the New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, and Major League Baseball.

Tickets for home Syracuse Mets games in June will go on sale May 28th at 10 a.m. Fans can purchase tickets for virtual Education Day or other June games at the Onondaga Coach Ticket Office at NBT Bank Stadium or over the phone at 315-474-7833 during regular office hours (Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), or online anytime at syracusemets.com.

For any questions about the virtual Education Day, email Michael Tricarico at[email protected].

Cardinals 2020 Educational Days announced

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This year’s collection of Educational Days at Hammons Field brings Southwest Missouri teachers and students numerous chances for field trips to a 2020 Cardinals day game! Each Educational Day features a special pre-game forum for students before an 11:10 a.m. Cardinals game.

We have Educational Days for students of all ages from Elementary School through High School. Discover the perfect day for your kids below!

Educational Days for All Ages/Classes

April 20 (Monday), Missouri Department of Conservation Educational Day: A wildlife-themed Educational Day for students of all ages in the seats behind the Cardinals dugout before the Cardinals face the Corpus Christi Hooks.

April 22 (Wednesday), Bass Pro Shops and Wonders of Wildlife Educational Day: A wildlife-focused Educational Day inside Hammons Field before the Cardinals face the Tulsa Drillers. Hosted by representatives from Bass Pro Shops and Wonders of Wildlife.

May 6 (Wednesday), Dickerson Park Zoo Educational Day:Brand new this season! Springfield’s wonderful Dickerson Park Zoo will be bringing animals and zookeepers to Hammons Field for a fur-tastic Educational Day before the Cardinals host the Northwest Arkansas Naturals.

May 20 (Wednesday), KY3 Weather School Educational Day: The always interactive KY3 Weather School is back for the 2020 season! This always-popular Educational Day is for students of all ages and takes place outdoors with KY3 meteorologists before the Cardinals face the Hooks.

June 17 (Wednesday), Discovery Center Science Day: Science and baseball combine for this mid-summer Educational Day taking place before the Cardinals game against the Drillers.

High School/Middle School only Educational Days

April 20 (Monday), Cardinals Leadership Forum: High School classes can join us in the Cardinals Indoor Training Facility for our annual Leadership Forum before our game vs. the Hooks.

April 22 (Wednesday), Career in Sports Day: Special for High School classes, members of the Cardinals Front Office will lead Career in Sports Day in the Cardinals Indoor Training Facility.

May 6 (Wednesday), Cardinals Leadership Forum: Middle School classes can join us in the Cardinals Indoor Training Facility for our annual Leadership Forum before our game vs. the Travelers.

May 20 (Wednesday), Marketing, Promoting & Selling the Cardinals: Open to High School or Middle School classes, Cardinals staff members will host Marketing, Promoting & Selling the Cardinals forum in our Indoor Training Facility.

To book an Educational Day Field Trip or to request more information, email [email protected] or call 417-863-0395. You can also fill out the form in the link below, and enter “Educational Day” under “Type of Group.”

Click here to request additional information.

Cardinals announce 2020 Educational Days

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

10 options across 5 days for area school kids

This year’s collection of Educational Days at Hammons Field brings Southwest Missouri teachers and students numerous chances for field trips to a 2020 Cardinals day game! Each Educational Day features a special pre-game forum for students before an 11:10 a.m. Cardinals game.

We have Educational Days for students of all ages from Elementary School through High School. Discover the perfect day for your kids below!

Educational Days for All Ages/Classes

April 20 (Monday), Missouri Department of Conservation Educational Day: A wildlife-themed Educational Day for students of all ages in the seats behind the Cardinals dugout before the Cardinals face the Corpus Christi Hooks.

April 22 (Wednesday), Bass Pro Shops and Wonders of Wildlife Educational Day: A wildlife-focused Educational Day inside Hammons Field before the Cardinals face the Tulsa Drillers. Hosted by representatives from Bass Pro Shops and Wonders of Wildlife.

May 6 (Wednesday), Dickerson Park Zoo Educational Day:Brand new this season! Springfield’s wonderful Dickerson Park Zoo will be bringing animals and zookeepers to Hammons Field for a fur-tastic Educational Day before the Cardinals host the Northwest Arkansas Naturals.

May 20 (Wednesday), KY3 Weather School Educational Day: The always interactive KY3 Weather School is back for the 2020 season! This always-popular Educational Day is for students of all ages and takes place outdoors with KY3 meteorologists before the Cardinals face the Hooks.

June 17 (Wednesday), Discovery Center Science Day: Science and baseball combine for this mid-summer Educational Day taking place before the Cardinals game against the Drillers.

High School/Middle School only Educational Days

April 20 (Monday), Cardinals Leadership Forum: High School classes can join us in the Cardinals Indoor Training Facility for our annual Leadership Forum before our game vs. the Hooks.

April 22 (Wednesday), Career in Sports Day: Special for High School classes, members of the Cardinals Front Office will lead Career in Sports Day in the Cardinals Indoor Training Facility.

May 6 (Wednesday), Cardinals Leadership Forum: Middle School classes can join us in the Cardinals Indoor Training Facility for our annual Leadership Forum before our game vs. the Travelers.

May 20 (Wednesday), Marketing, Promoting & Selling the Cardinals: Open to High School or Middle School classes, Cardinals staff members will host Marketing, Promoting & Selling the Cardinals forum in our Indoor Training Facility.

To book an Educational Day Field Trip or to request more information, email springfield@cardinals.com or call 417-863-0395. You can also fill out the form in the link below, and enter “Educational Day” under “Type of Group.”

Click here to request additional information.

 

RiverDogs Announce “Reading Around the Bases” and “Education Days” 2020

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CHARLESTON, S.C. – For the better part of the last three decades the Charleston RiverDogs have made youth literacy a focus of their community outreach strategy. Now, for the fourth year in a row, Charleston’s Minor League Baseball team is proud to announce its joint program with the Charleston County School District, “Reading Around the Bases.” The program began during the 2016-2017 school year to encourage literacy in a fun and interactive manner.

On Tuesday, January 21, 23 elementary schools throughout Charleston County will start a 10-week baseball-themed incentive program. Each student will receive a Reading Challenge packet that includes a score card, tracking sheet, and their very own personal baseball card.

To move around the bases on the score card, a student must read 100 pages for a single, 200 pages for a double, 300 pages for a triple, and 500 pages for a home run. Students also earn points for their class depending on how far they advance and how many times they “round the bases” on the score card. Top readers from each participating school will be recognized at Joseph P. Riley Jr., Park during the annual Education Day game on Wednesday, May 27.

Special guests from the RiverDogs will visit schools in the District throughout the 10 weeks to provide encouragement, fun, and serve as volunteer readers.

“We are so thankful one of the premier sports organizations in our state is committed to literacy and education,” said Karolyn Belcher, CCSD’s Chief Academic Officer. “The RiverDogs bring so much energy to our schools, classrooms, and most importantly, our students, through this initiative.”

The unofficial kickoff event for “Reading Around the Bases” this year will be at Memminger Elementary School in Downtown Charleston on Tuesday, January 21 at 1:00pm. Media outlets are invited to attend.

In addition to the reading program, the RiverDogs announce their annual “Education Day” games for the 2020 season. This year those games will fall on Wednesday, April 15th and Wednesday, May 27th. Both games will begin at 11:05 a.m. with gates opening at 10:00 a.m. Lowcountry area schools are invited to both games on a first come, first serve basis. Limited number of tickets are available for this “field trip.” To sign up, visit www.riverdogs.com or contact Charleston RiverDogs Director of Community Relations Brooke Swetenburg at communityrelations@riverdogs.com.

“Reading Around the Bases continues to be an integral part of the RiverDogs’ community outreach plan.” added RiverDogs President and General Manager Dave Echols. “This program is an excellent way for our team and staff to support and ‘Make Fun’ with local youth in an interactive manner, while making a difference in our backyard.”

For more information on “Reading Around the Bases,” please contact Christy James, CCSD’s Library and Media Services Specialist and Textbook Coordinator, at (843) 937-6300, or Brooke Swetenburg with the RiverDogs at (843) 723-7241.

About the Charleston County School District

Charleston County School District (CCSD) is the second largest school system in South Carolina representing a unique blend of urban, suburban, and rural schools that span 1,000 square miles along the coast. CCSD serves more than 50,000 students in 86 schools and specialized programs. With approximately 6,100 employees district wide, CCSD is the fourth largest employer in the region.

CCSD offers a diverse, expanding portfolio of options and specialized programs, delivered through neighborhood, charter, magnet, IB (international baccalaureate), and Montessori schools, and is divided into three Learning Communities. Options include specialized programs in science, engineering and mathematics; liberal arts; music and other creative and performing arts; career and technical preparation programs; and military and other public service enterprises.

On the heels of their third straight year eclipsing 300,000 fans through the turnstiles, the RiverDogs have already begun preparations for another season down at The Joe. RiverDogs season tickets, partial season plans, and group tickets, including options to the Riley Park Club, are now available for the 2020 campaign at riverdogs.com/tickets or by contacting the RiverDogs front office at 843-577-3647 (DOGS). The RiverDogs begin their home schedule on April 9th when they host the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers at The Joe. A full schedule and list of game times for the 2020 season is available at riverdogs.com.

–RIVERDOGS–

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

Mudcats to Partner with Marbles Kids Museum for 2020 Season

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ZEBULON, N.C. – Marbles Kids Museum to become new presenting partner of Carolina Mudcats Education Day games at Five County Stadium for the upcoming 2020, 30th anniversary season in Zebulon, NC. Education Day games, designed to provide local area students with a day of learning and baseball, will now feature new educational content presented by Marbles Kids Museum.

“This partnership is going to make for an incredible and engaging 30th season in Mudcats history,” said Mudcats Vice President and General Manager Joe Kremer. “We can’t wait to show all of our fans and local area families how much this will mean for them.”

The exciting new partnership will see Marbles Kids Museum provide educational content, including interactive exhibits, at each of Carolina’s three Education Day games scheduled throughout the 2020 season. Marbles Kids Museum Education Day games are scheduled for April 15, April 29 and May 13 with each game beginning at 10:30 a.m. at Five County Stadium. The Marbles Kids Museum staff will also be on-hand for Carolina’s “Super Splash Day” game on July 29 vs. Lynchburg at 10:30 a.m.

Marbles Kids Museum Education Day Games:
Wednesday, April 15 vs. Wilmington Blue Rocks, 10:30 a.m.
Wednesday, April 29 vs. Myrtle Beach Pelicans, 10:30 a.m.
Wednesday, May 13 vs. Wilmington Blue Rocks, 10:30 a.m.

Fans and students in attendance for Marbles Kids Museum Education Day games this season at Five County Stadium will have a chance to receive free and discounted Marbles Kids Museum and IMAX tickets. Marbles Kids Museum will additionally treat local area Hispanic families to a Pescados de Carolina game at Five County Stadium as part of the museum’s school readiness program, Ready Set School.

Located in the heart of downtown Raleigh, Marbles serves a diverse population of families, school groups and community organizations with dozens of themed exhibits, summer camps, IMAX documentary and feature movies and special events year-round.

The Mudcats will celebrate 30 years of baseball in North Carolina when they begin the upcoming 2020 season by hosting the Winston-Salem Dash on Thursday, April 9 at Five County Stadium in Zebulon, NC.

Season ticket packages, group ticket packages and the latest mini plans for the upcoming 2020 season are all available now by visiting the Five County Stadium front office in Zebulon, by calling (919) 269-CATS (2287) and by visiting carolinamudcats.com.

About the Carolina Mudcats
The Carolina Mudcats are the proud Carolina League, Class-A Advanced affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. First established in 1991, the two-time Southern League Champion Mudcats are entering their 30th consecutive season of baseball at Five County Stadium in Zebulon, N.C. The Mudcats are owned and operated by the Milwaukee Brewers.

# # #

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

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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.

San Jose Giants Release 2019 Community Report

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The San Jose Giants released today their 2019 Community Report. The report serves as an overview of the organization’s community outreach, charitable fundraising efforts, youth development, in-stadium service and community events hosted at Municipal Stadium as well as a ‘thank you’ to all fans, partners, players and staff members.

“We are extremely blessed to open the Excite Ballpark gates to the best fans and partners in all of Minor League Baseball. The passion and loyalty displayed by our community is the inspiration behind every San Jose Giants home game and community event.,” said Daniel Orum, San Jose Giants President and CEO. “We are eager to continue the momentum next year and are working hard to bring an even better experience to Excite Ballpark in 2020.”

 

The 2019 Community Report demonstrates the club’s activity in the community and overall pledge to giving back both inside and outside the stadium’s gates. Highlights of the report include information about Giants player and mascot appearances, staff volunteer efforts, Excite Credit Union Hometown Heroes, special fundraising programs, Minor League Baseball community initiatives, in-stadium service, San Jose Giants baseball and more. For the complete 2019 San Jose Giants Community Report, click on the link below.

For more information on the San Jose Giants and how to get your organization involved next season, call 408.297.1435 or visit sjgiants.com.

View 2019 Community Report

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

Learn through fun on Mud Hens School Education Days

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Enjoy a fun and educational day out with the Toledo Mud Hens, at our School Education Days presented by O-I, Great Clips, Kroger and Imagination Station. Who knew learning about math and science could be so much fun!

In 2018, more than 28,000 students, teachers, administrators and staff members let off some steam at Fifth Third Field during our four school games, a new Mud Hens record!

2019 SCHOOL EDUCATION DAYS

  • Wednesday, May 1 at 10:35 a.m.
  • Wednesday, May 15 at 10:35 a.m.
  • Thursday, May 16 at 10:35 a.m.
  • Wednesday, May 29 at 10:35 a.m.

IMAGINATION STATION

The having-fun-while-learning meter gets cranked up during select inning breaks, with creative science experiments conducted by the Imagination Station crew.

The Mud Hens offer a school day curriculum guide, a pregame career day program before each game, special meal offers and have group fanwear opportunities.

Now’s the time to book your school group! Call Rita Natter 419-725-9258 or email rnatter@mudhens.com.

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

Blue Rocks Win Carolina League’s Matt Minker Award For Community Service

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Wilmington, DE– The Wilmington Blue Rocks were honored by the Carolina League this week for the fifth consecutive season with the Matt Minker Community Service Award. The team was selected by a league-wide vote of club executives and owners.

“I could not be more proud of everyone within the Blue Rocks’ organization,” said managing partner Dave Heller. “I am especially pleased for my partner and friend Clark Minker, since the community service award bears his late father’s name. I am delighted for everyone with the Blue Rocks who worked so hard to earn this tremendous team accolade. We take enormous pride in our work helping families within Delaware, southeastern Pennsylvania, southern Jersey and Maryland’s north shore, and this award is a nice recognition of those efforts.”

The Minker Award is earned by the Carolina League club which best demonstrates an outstanding, on-going commitment to charitable service, support, and leadership within its community. The award is named after the Blue Rocks’ founder, Matt Minker, who owned the club until his death in 2007. Minker, whose construction company built Frawley Stadium, remains the team’s honorary president.

The Blue Rocks participated in numerous school programs, charitable endeavors and hospital visits. The team works with area schools to promote academic achievement (DSEA Rocky’s Reading Challenge), citizenship (Grotto Pizza Outstanding Student Program) and overall knowledge (Discover Baseball and Education Day). The club also hosts three youth camps each summer, teaching local kids how to play the game of baseball.

The team helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for good causes such as Habitat for Humanity, Fight for the Gold, Boys and Girls Clubs of Delaware, Special Olympics Delaware, Food Bank of Delaware and many other charities through partnerships with local businesses such as Chase and Food Lion. Several times during the season, the team’s players and mascot also visited local hospitals, brightening the spirits of patients and their families.

“Matt Minker was instrumental in laying the foundation for the Blue Rocks founding and later success,” said Blue Rocks director of community affairs Kevin Linton. “It is fitting that this award recognizes his life’s work and we are thrilled as an organization to honor his legacy for a fifth consecutive season by earning this recognition.”

 

As the Carolina League’s recipient of the Matt Minker Award, the Blue Rocks received the 10-team league’s nomination for the John Henry Moss Community Service Award, given out by Minor League Baseball at its annual Winter Meetings, to be held this December in Las Vegas.

The Blue Rocks recently announced a two-year extension of their Player Development Contract to remain the Advanced-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. Season seats for the 2019 season will be available on October 18, mini plans go on sale November 1, and groups packages are available for purchase November 8. For more information, please go to BlueRocks.com.

www.bluerocks.com

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

Scrappers Host 2019 School Day Game

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NILES, OH – The Mahoning Valley Scrappers and Youngstown State University are excitd to host the annual School Day Game at Eastwood Field for the 2019 season, presented by Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley. The Youngstown State University Penguins will host the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee on Friday, May 17, 2019. Gates will open at 9:30am and first pitch is slated for 11:00am.

The Scrappers have an afforable package available for area schools. The cost of the school package is only $7.00 per student and includes a game ticket, lunch and an eductional curriculum, which includes many activities for subjects such as Language Arts, Health and Social Studies.

The Scrappers are taking reservations and encourage groups to sign up early to guarantee seating. For more information or to reserve your tickets, contact Kate Walsh or Clayton Sibilla at (330) 505-0000 or by email at kwalsh@mvscrappers.com or csibilla@mvscrappers.com.

The Scrappers open the 2019 season at Eastwood Field on June 16 vs. the Batavia Muckdogs. Ticket packages are on sale now online at mvscrappers.com, at the Chevy All Stars Box Office at Eastwood Field or by calling (330) 505-0000.

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

Andrew Jackson students to host ballpark food drive Monday

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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A group of students from Andrew Jackson High School are using the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp’s annual Education Day game to help those in need in local schools and the Northeast Florida community. The students will host a food drive for Feeding Northeast Florida at the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp’s Education Day game on Monday, May 21, at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.

Students from the Jackson Five program, which introduces high school students to the sports business industry, will collect non-perishable food items at the third base gate before and during the 11:05 a.m. game. Gates open at 10:00 a.m. Everyone who donates an item at the third base gate will be entered in a drawing for prizes from the Jumbo Shrimp.

“We are so impressed by the effort students at Andrew Jackson High School are making on behalf of those most vulnerable in our community,” said Feeding Northeast Florida President and CEO Frank D. Castillo. “This food drive comes at a perfect time. Without access to the free or reduced school lunch programs, many of the families we serve struggle to feed their children during the summer months. More than 81,000 local kids are considered food insecure, and it is inspiring to see these students at Andrew Jackson stepping up to help their fellow students.”

In its second year after beginning as a unique partnership between the Jumbo Shrimp and Andrew Jackson High School, the Jackson Five program has 10 students who gained hands-on experience during the series of high school games at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville in March and have had mentoring sessions with various departments of the Jumbo Shrimp front office. Students will also be involved in Monday’s game day operations and helped contribute to this press release.

“I am proud of the growth of the Jackson Five Program and the students who show selfless dedication to making an impact for our community,” said Jumbo Shrimp General Manager Harold Craw. “Through the program, students are getting a first-hand look at our organization, and their enthusiasm and ideas energize our staff. We are grateful they chose to share their talents with us.”

UP NEXT: The Jumbo Shrimp open a six-game, five-day homestand with Mobile at 7:05 p.m. Thursday. Gates open at 6 p.m. for Budweiser Thirsty Thursday, with $1 12-oz. and $2 24-oz. beers at select locations, plus $1 sodas at the main concession stands. For National Police Week, Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams will throw a ceremonial first pitch, and police vehicles and trucks will be on display at the ballpark. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Bigs with Badges program will attend the game.

ABOUT THE JUMBO SHRIMP: The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp offer affordable family fun at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville. Their inaugural season garnered the Southern League’s Don Mincher Organization of the Year, Promotional Trophy, and Jimmy Bragan Executive of the Year, won by General Manager Harold Craw. To experience the excitement with the terrific value of ticket and group options, call the Jumbo Shrimp at (904) 358-2846 or visit www.jaxshrimp.com.

Military Appreciation Night headlines weekend homestand

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FRISCO, Texas (May 15, 2018) – Military Appreciation Night on Saturday, May 19, highlights an action-packed four-game homestand for the Frisco RoughRiders, Double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers, this Friday-Monday at Dr Pepper Ballpark.

As part of the franchise’s annual Military Appreciation Night, presented by ABC Home & Commercial Services, the Riders are offering discounted tickets to all military personnel. The Riders will suit up in special military-themed uniforms, which will be auctioned during the game to benefit Patriot Anglers of North Texas. Additionally, the first 1,500 fans will receive a Riders “Land of the Free and Home of the Brave” T-shirt.

The LEGO Let’s Play tour visits Dr Pepper Ballpark Friday through Sunday. As part of LEGO Let’s Play, kids and their families will have access to plenty of hands-on activities and displays, with more than 2,000 square feet of LEGO fun in the park.

Here’s a full breakdown of what to expect this weekend at Dr Pepper Ballpark:

Friday, May 18 vs. Corpus Christi (Astros), 7:05 p.m.

* Fireworks Friday, presented by Ambit Energy: Fans can watch a sparkling fireworks show from the field after the game.
* LEGO Let’s Play Friday: Kids and their families will have access to more than 2,000 square feet of special LEGO displays and activities.

Saturday, May 19 vs. Corpus Christi, 7:05 p.m.

* Military Appreciation Night, presented by ABC Home & Commercial Services: The Riders honor the brave men and women who serve and have served our country. The first 1,500 fans take home a special Riders “Land of the Free and Home of the Brave” T-shirt.

* Saturday Post-Game Party: Enjoy live music from DJ Roven and DJ Chris Floyd, along with half-price drinks starting in the ninth inning at the Bull Moose Saloon.

* Kids Run The Bases: Youngsters can take lap around the diamond after the game

Sunday, May 20 vs. Corpus Christi, 4:05 p.m.

* Kids Sunday Funday: Kids and their families can participate in a free pregame catch on the field from 3:00-3:30 and enjoy $1 ice cream sandwiches from all game long.

* LEGO Let’s Play Sunday: Experience more than 2,000 square feet of special LEGO displays and activities.

* Kids Run The Bases: Youngsters can take lap around the diamond after the game

Monday, May 21 vs. Corpus Christi, 11:05 a.m.

* Education Day: The Riders welcome students from across DFW to Dr Pepper Ballpark. The day features in-game educational features in addition to a fun day of baseball.

For tickets to these games and other remaining home games during the Riders 15th Anniversary Season, visit RidersBaseball.com, call (972) 731-9200 or visit the Dr Pepper Ballpark box office.

About the RoughRiders

The Frisco RoughRiders are the Double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers and play their games at beautiful Dr Pepper Ballpark in Frisco, Texas. The team was founded in 2003 and has finished first among all Double-A franchises in attendance in each of the last 13 seasons (2005-2017). In August 2014, the RoughRiders were purchased by an ownership group led by Chuck Greenberg. Since then, the new ownership group, together with the City of Frisco, has spearheaded numerous major franchise enhancements, investing over $8 million in a wide array of facility upgrades and improvements, including a state-of-the-art HD video board, sound system, Bull Moose Saloon, InTouch Grille, Riders Outpost Team Store and the world’s largest water feature in a sports facility, the massive Choctaw Lazy River. These enhancements earned the Riders and the City of Frisco Ballpark Digest’s prestigious “Best Ballpark Renovation” award for two consecutive years (2015 and 2016). More than 140 former RoughRiders players have gone on to play Major League Baseball, including All-Stars Chris Davis, Adrian Gonzalez, Ian Kinsler and Neftali Feliz, as well as current Rangers stars Elvis Andrus, Rougned Odor and Nomar Mazara. For more information on the Frisco RoughRiders and Dr Pepper Ballpark, please visit RidersBaseball.com or contact Ryan Rouillard at RRouillard@RidersBaseball.com.

Legends Pair Baseball and Learning with STEM Program in Partnership with Lexmark

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WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK (Lexington, KY) – The Lexington Legends are excited to announce two Education Days this season: April 11 and May 9, both beginning at 10:35 a.m. In addition to the Education Days at the ballpark, the Legends will continue the Lexington Legends STEM Program, in a new partnership with Lexmark.

Modeled after the Legends Hit the Books Program, the goal of the Lexington Legends STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) Program is to help children in Fayette County Public Schools gain the skills required to succeed in today’s world.

“Lexmark is proud to partner with the Legends in support of STEM education. Learning through hands-on activities related to baseball sparks an interest in STEM, steering our youth toward successful careers in critical fields,” said Lexmark’s Director of Global Talent Management, Diversity and Corporate Citizenship and NA Business Partners, Sheri Evans Depp. “Lexmark and other innovative companies will need these qualified candidates to fill future STEM jobs. And as a nation, we will rely on this next generation of innovators to drive our economy. ”

In 2017, 4,500 students in FCPS participated in this program. This year, that number has grown to 8,600 students actively participating in the initiative to create interest in STEM-related careers and topics. Students are rewarded for completing in-school STEM-related projects with free tickets to a Legends game. They have to master four aspects of learning: Critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and communication. These are accomplished by one hour of coding, creating an innovative project, attending a STEM Fair or STLP Meeting and then teaching someone what they learned. This four-step process helps to reinforce new learning and broaden what the students would learn in the classroom.

On April 11 and May 9, students from across the area will take in a Legends game at Whitaker Bank Ballpark on Education Days. During those games, students will be able to learn more about the science of baseball with launch angles, speed, velocity and more being broadcasted on the television screens on the concourse. Lexmark will also be sponsoring a STEM Fair for students to gain hands-on learning from a variety of Lexington-area organizations. Students can learn about meteorology from WKYT and Bryan Station High School will have virtual reality opportunities. The US Army, Kentucky American Water, Whitaker Bank, Explorium, Lexmark, Denham-Blythe (May 9th only), Bechtel and Kumon will also have interactive setups for the STEM Fair.

“Pairing baseball and learning for our Education Days is something we take great pride in. Not only will students learn how science relates to the sport, but they will also have the opportunity to take in a variety of other subjects and topics in the STEM Fair. This is a unique program we enjoy offering that fills Whitaker Bank Balllpark with students each season,” said Legends President/CEO Andy Shea.

The Legends, a Class A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and member of the South Atlantic League, play all home games at Whitaker Bank Ballpark in Lexington, Kentucky. For ticket information, call (859) 422-7867 or visit LexingtonLegends.com.

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

Blue Rocks Win Carolina League’s Matt Minker Award For Community Service

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

Wilmington, DE – The Wilmington Blue Rocks were honored by the Carolina League on Tuesday with the Matt Minker Community Service Award for the fourth consecutive season. The honorees were selected by a league-wide vote of club executives and owners.

“I could not be more proud of the entire Blue Rocks’ organization,” said managing partner Dave Heller. “I am especially happy for my partner and friend Clark Minker, since the community service award bears his late father’s name. This is a great team award, and I am so delighted for everyone with the Blue Rocks who worked so hard all season long to earn this tremendous accolade. We take enormous pride in our standing within the Delaware community and this award is a public recognition of how special our relationship with the people of the First State is.”

The Minker Award goes to the club that best demonstrates an outstanding, on-going commitment to charitable service, support, and leadership within its community. The award is named after the Blue Rocks’ founder, who owned the club until his death in 2007. Minker, whose construction company built Frawley Stadium, is still the team’s honorary president.

The Blue Rocks won the award thanks in large part to their numerous school programs, charitable endeavors and hospital visits.

As an organization the Blue Rocks work with area schools to promote academic achievement (DSEA Rocky’s Reading Challenge), citizenship (Outstanding Student Program) and overall knowledge (Discover Baseball and Education Day). Frawley Stadium also hosts three youth camps each summer, teaching kids how to play the game of baseball.

The team helped raise tens of thousands of dollars for good causes through partnerships with Habitat for Humanity, Fight for the Gold, Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition and many other charities in 2017. Several times during the season the team’s players and mascot also visited local hospitals, brightening the spirits of that facility’s patients and their families.

“Matt Minker was instrumental in laying the foundation for the Blue Rocks and for the franchise’s success in the years to follow,” said Blue Rocks director of community affairs Kevin Linton. “It is fitting that this award represents his life’s work and we are absolutely thrilled as an organization to honor his legacy for a fourth consecutive season by earning this recognition.”

As the Carolina League’s recipient of the Matt Minker Award, the Blue Rocks received the 10-team league’s automatic nomination for the John Henry Moss Community Service Award, given out by Minor League Baseball at its annual national convention, to be held this December in Disney World.

Season seats for the 2018 season are on sale now, with group packages available beginning November 9. For more information please call 302-888-BLUE or visit the team’s website at BlueRocks.com.
www.BlueRocks.com

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

Biloxi Shuckers make major community impact in 2017

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

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

BIBiloxi ShuckersLOXI, MS – In a season marked by several on-field accomplishments in the third year of Minor League Baseball on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, the Biloxi Shuckers are most proud of their various community outreach efforts. From theme nights to jersey auctions, the Shuckers have made a financial and symbolic impact on their community throughout the 2017 season.

The Shuckers were nominated by the Minor League Baseball Community as a finalist for a prestigious “Golden Bobblehead” award for the “Best Community Promotion or Event” after helping with the Hattiesburg/Petal tornado relief efforts and William Carey vs. Biloxi Shuckers exhibition game. Shuckers’ employees traveled to Petal, Mississippi to assist cleanup crews. The tornado caused damage to the campus of nearby William Carey University, so the Shuckers scheduled a benefit exhibition game against the school’s baseball team before the first road trip of the season. The game raised $6,090 for the university’s tornado recovery efforts. This effort coupled with numerous other initiatives garnered the recognition.

Watch: Youtube Video

In addition to the recognition by Minor League Baseball, the Shuckers were also a finalist for the Southern League’s Community Service Award.

Shuckers’ front office members laid the groundwork for a successful season with several other community initiatives. Employees laid sod at an athletic complex in Moss Point, Mississippi to revitalize the area’s youth baseball program.

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In partnership with Walmart, the inaugural Shuckers “Hit the Books” reading program brought Schooner the Seagull to 17 schools and over 10,000 students to incentivize reading with Shuckers tickets as a reward.

Watch: Youtube Video

Since their inception, the Shuckers have had a strong relationship with nearby Keesler Air Force Base and the substantial military presence on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. That trend continued in 2017, as every Monday became “Military Monday” with special discounts for active and retired members of the armed forces. Special camouflage jerseys, worn every Monday and designed with input from Keesler staff, and were auctioned off at the end of the season with proceeds benefiting local military causes.

Throughout the season, the Shuckers have partnered with several charitable organizations to raise money and awareness for deserving local causes. Three additional jersey auctions earlier this season have brought in money for the March of Dimes, Mississippi Center for Autism, and Favre4Hope breast cancer research.

Watch: Youtube Video

The Shuckers have also hosted a Christmas in July toy drive for the Uplift Foundation, Seatbelt Safety night for the K&J Foundation (started by team photographer Brian Pearse), and Skin Cancer Awareness night in partnership with the MiLB Charities Sun Safety Initiative.

Youth outreach was not limited to the “Hit the Books” program. The Shuckers turned their two “Education Day” games into vocational field trips, with visits from Biloxi Fire and Police, NASA, the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, Department of Marine Resources, University of Southern Mississippi’s Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, and Mississippi State University’s Coastal Research Extension.

Former New York Mets catcher and Biloxi native Barry Lyons was formally invited into the Shuckers organization as an ambassador prior to the 2017 season, and the team assisted him in the creation of the first series of Shuckers Kids Clinics for local youth. In addition, the “Field of Dreams” program allowed more than 100 young baseball and softball players from the area to take the field alongside Shuckers players for the national anthem.

In partnership with the Knights of Columbus, the Biloxi Shuckers collected 765 lbs of food/product during a food drive on Sunday, July 30th for them to distribute in the community.

In addition to these widespread efforts, the Shuckers have also made numerous player and mascot appearances in the community over the course of the season. The Shuckers in-kind donations and in-stadium fundraising initiatives have raised $155,455.91 for over 100 charitable organizations. The Biloxi Shuckers understand the responsibility that comes with their platform in the community and are determined to make a positive impact on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

In addition to monetary contributions, the Biloxi Shuckers front office staff have logged 265 community volunteer hours thus far in 2017. Those hours have been spent working with area schools, NCBC’s Child Development Center, Humane Society of South Mississippi, VA Medical Center, Loaves and Fishes and cleanup efforts from Hurricane Harvey.

The Shuckers open up their 2018 season on the road at Montgomery before their home opener against Mississippi on April 11. More information on the fourth season of Biloxi Shuckers baseball will be available at biloxishuckers.com as the offseason progresses.

ABOUT THE BILOXI SHUCKERS: The Biloxi Shuckers are the Double-A Southern League Affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. The Shuckers play at MGM Park in Biloxi, Mississippi. For more information please visit biloxishuckers.com and follow us on Twitter @biloxishuckers and at facebook.com/biloxishuckers.com.

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