Pelicans give back to area high schools with rivalry series

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (August 22, 2018) – The Myrtle Beach Pelicans are giving back to area high schools through their rivalry series this coming week, August 27-30. Fans can purchase tickets online through MyrtleBeachPelicans.com/rivals. A portion of the proceeds from tickets purchased through this link will be donated to the school of their choice.

On Monday, the battle will be between Georgetown and Waccamaw High Schools. Carolina Forest and Conway collide on Tuesday while Wednesday features Socastee versus St. James. The Pelicans’ home slate concludes on Thursday with the Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach rivalry.

As part of Grand Strand Rivals Week courtesy of Angelo’s Steak and Pasta, each game will feature between-inning match-ups between the schools. All game times are 7:05 p.m. against the Buies Creek Astros. Gates will open at 6 p.m.

Tickets are on sale now and are available online at MyrtleBeachPelicans.com/rivals

The 2018 season is the 20th season for the Pelicans franchise and fourth as the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. For tickets visit MyrtleBeachPelicans.com/softball, call (843) 918-6000, or visit the Pelicans Box Office.

ABOUT THE PELICANS: The Myrtle Beach Pelicans are the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Chicago Cubs and play their home games at TicketReturn.Com Field at Pelicans Ballpark in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Since being acquired by a group led by Chuck Greenberg during the 2006 season, the Pelicans have repeatedly set team attendance records and become known as one of Minor League Baseball’s most innovative and creative franchises. The team and its employees have been dedicated to making a difference in the Myrtle Beach community, specifically giving back over $2 million in donations, fundraising proceeds, in-kind services and community service since launching the Pelicans Play It Forward Community Initiative in 2013. TicketReturn.Com Field at Pelicans Ballpark has ranked in the top eight in all of Minor League Baseball by Stadium Journey in six of the last seven seasons. The same publication also placed the Pelicans in the Top 100 Stadium Experiences and the best in the Carolina League for six of the past seven seasons. In June 2017, the Pelicans won the 2017 TripAdvisor.com Certificate of Excellence award. On the field, the team has won four Mills Cup Championships, including claims to back-to-back titles in 1999 and 2000, and again in 2015 and 2016. The Pelicans have made 11 postseason appearances behind 13 half-season Southern Division championships, including the first half of the 2015 season, second half of 2016 and first half of 2017. For more information on the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, please contact the Pelicans at (843) 918-6000 or email Info@MyrtleBeachPelicans.com.

Tortuga Intern Honored with FSL Scholarship

DAYTONA BEACH, FL – The Daytona Tortugas, in conjunction with the Florida State League and the Miami Marlins, are proud to award the franchise’s fourth FSL Scholarship to Theodore Cannon. Cannon is the Tortugas Creative Media Intern.

“It’s a great honor that I was the one selected over everyone else involved in the internship program with the Daytona Tortugas,” Cannon said about the award.

Cannon, an Irmo, South Carolina native, is a rising Junior at Clemson University, where he is majoring in Architecture with a Visual Arts minor.

He helped design jerseys, provide content for social media, and was instrumental in the game day production involving the new video board at The Jack, but he quickly learned that there things outside of your job description that go into the nightly production of a MiLB game.

“I was hired on as a graphic design intern and even though that is my official position, I have done a little bit of everything at the ballpark,” Cannon stated. “I helped pull tarp, I’ve helped in concessions, and sometimes I helped with ticket sales.”

The Florida State League Scholarship Committee awarded twelve $1,500 educational scholarships to applicants from each team in the league. The award is based on both financial need and grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Students eligible for the scholarship must be an employee, or the child or grandchild of an employee, of the participating club from April 5 to September 2 and must be at least a high school junior by the 2018 fall term.

Cannon is going to use the scholarship money on supplies for the upcoming school year. “I can now afford things I couldn’t before, which is great, so it’s a little weight off my chest.”

The Miami Marlins have sponsored this program for more than 18 years and have contributed over $200,000.

Cannon hopes to take his work ethic from the summer into the school year.  

“This is probably the most I’ve worked in any period, let alone the summer period.” He added, “this has taught me to think things through in my head, allocate my time wisely, and give every task the desired amount of time.”

Cannon was honored at Radiology Associates Field at Jackie Robinson Ballpark on Tuesday, August 7, prior to a Tortuga game against the Dunedin Blue Jays, by throwing out the first pitch.

“It’s a great honor to be able to throw out the first pitch,” Cannon mentioned prior to the moment. “The fact that they allowed an intern to do it is very interesting, hopefully I don’t mess that up.”

Cannon capped off the ceremony by firing a perfect strike.

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

Mariachis Jersey Auction to Benefit AHCC Education Excellence Scholarships

The Albuquerque Isotopes announced today an online jersey auction to benefit the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce (AHCC) Foundation’s Education Excellence Scholarships program.

The auction will be held exclusively online at abqisotopes.com. Bidding will start this Sunday at 5:00 pm and will conclude at noon on Wednesday, Aug. 22.

In addition to the players’ autographed, game-worn jerseys, two other items will be up for auction; a team-signed Mariachis de Nuevo México jersey and a unique Coco-themed, team-signed guitar.

Members of the AHCC’s own Board of Directors collectively raised $2000 to purchase the first Mariachis jersey, which will be on display inside the Chamber’s board room.

“The Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce Foundation does phenomenal work and provides terrific services and opportunities to students through these scholarships,” said Isotopes Vice President / General Manager John Traub. “Like all great causes, this program needs funding, and that’s what we hope to do through this auction.”

“John Traub said it best when he said that Mariachi is the soundtrack to our lives,”

said AHCC Vice President Jim Garcia. “We appreciate our partnership with the Mariachis de Nuevo México and are grateful that they have chosen to give back to our community with this generous gift to our Foundation.”

The AHCC Foundation is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes which support, benefit or carry out the purposes of the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce.

AHCC’s Education Excellence Scholarships program strives to empower future leaders by providing an average of 100 students annually with college access, financial aid awareness and scholarships.

BIDDING LINK WILL BE POSTED SOON

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

Annual Florida State League/Miami Marlins Scholarship Winners Announced

TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Tarpons are pleased to announce Tyler Hernandez has been named one of the 12 winners of the 2018 Florida State League/Miami Marlins Scholarship Program. Each winner receives a $1,500 scholarship and is invited by the Marlins to be recognized in an on-field pregame ceremony at Marlins Park on Sunday, August 12th.

Hernandez recently graduated with a 3.5 GPA from Alonso High School, where he played lacrosse and was a member of both the Beta Club and the National Honor Society. He also has worked in clubhouse operations for Tampa since 2016. Hernandez plans to attend the University of Tampa.

This is the 19th-conecutive year for the program, which has been funded by the Miami Marlins and the Florida State League. Each $1,500 scholarship is presented to a student employee, child or grandchild of an employee. A total of 228 scholarships have been awarded to qualified applicants since the inception of the program.

The purpose of the program is to encourage and reward our school age applicants and send a message that an education is the key to success in life.

The Tampa Tarpons are the Single-A Advanced Affiliate of the New York Yankees. For more information about the Tampa Tarpons, call (813) 673-3055 or visit TarponsBaseball.com.

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

Tarpons to Host “Back to School Splash” on Saturday, August 4th

Tampa, Fla. – The Tampa Tarpons will host a “Back to School Splash” on Saturday, August 4th. The first 1,000 kids (14-and-under) will receive a free Tampa Tarpons drawstring backpack.

Gates will open at 5:00 p.m. and the Tarpons will battle the Lakeland Flying Tigers beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Select Tarpons players will be signing autographs on the concourse from 5:40-6:00 p.m. The event will also feature a dunk tank and an inflatable obstacle course. After the game, fans are invited to stay for a fireworks show.

Saturday will also be a “Salute to Service Members Saturday.” All former and active military members will receive a free upper reserved ticket by presenting a valid I.D.

A Friends & Family 4-Pack ticket offer is also available to fans. The deal includes four lower reserved tickets and four Tarpons hats for $24. This offer is only good for the game on August 4th and may only be purchased online at TarponsBaseball.com.

To purchase tickets for the “Back to School Splash”, fans can visit the George M. Steinbrenner Field Box Office or go online to TarponsBaseball.com. Tickets start at $5 for upper reserved seating, $8 for lower reserved seating, and parking is always free.

The Tampa Tarpons are the Single-A Advanced Affiliate of the New York Yankees. For more information about the Tampa Tarpons, call (813) 673-3055 or visit TarponsBaseball.com.

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

Flying Tigers Employee Wins Florida State League/Miami Marlins Scholarship

Lakeland, FL – The Flying Tigers are pleased to announce Victoria Maskas has been selected by the Florida State League (FSL) Scholarship Committee as one of the twelve $1,500 educational scholarship winners. Maskas will be a guest of the Miami Marlins and will be recognized during a pre-game ceremony on Sunday, August 12 in Miami.

Maskas recently graduated from the Harrison School for the Arts in Lakeland and will be attending the University of Florida later this summer, pursuing a degree in Psychology.

The FSL Scholarship Committee awarded a scholarship to an individual of all twelve FSL teams. To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants had to be an employee of or the child or grandchild of an employee of the participating club. They must also be at least a high school junior by the 2018 fall term. The award was based on grades, financial need, leadership capabilities and job performance.

This is the nineteenth straight year for the program and is funded by the Miami Marlins and the Florida State League. Each scholarship has a monetary value of $1,500. A total of 228 scholarships have been awarded to qualified applicants since the inception of the program.

Since 2000, the Marlins Foundation has donated $175,000 to the scholarship program. The purpose of the program is to encourage and reward our school age applicants and send a message that an education is the key to success in life.

The Flying Tigers are the Class A Advanced Affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. For more information please visit the Flying Tigers online at www.LakelandFlyingTigers.com.

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

Marshall Knapp Awarded FSL/Marlins Scholarship

Bradenton, FL – The Florida State League Scholarship Committee and FSL President Ken Carson have awarded twelve (12) $1,500 educational scholarships to deserving applicants from across the League. The Bradenton Marauders are proud to announce that Marshall Knapp has been selected as a scholarship recipient. Knapp is the son of LECOM Park Concessions Manager Chuck Knapp.

This is the nineteenth (19) straight year for the program and is funded by the Miami Marlins and the Florida State League. Each Scholarship has a monetary value of $1,500 and is presented to a student employee, child or grandchild of an employee. A total of 228 scholarships have been awarded to qualified applicants since the inception of the program. The Committee awarded the scholarships after a review of applications submitted by each candidate. The award is based both on financial need and achievement of a grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Recipients must be at least a high school junior by the 2018 Fall Term.

Marshall Knapp will be a senior at Braden River High School this fall. In additional to his outstanding academic performance in the classroom, he is the drum major for the Braden River High School Marching Band of Pirates, logging hundreds of hours of rehearsals each year. He also plays multiple instruments and performs in the Braden River High School Wind Ensemble, the Sun Coast Honor Band, and the Sarasota Concert Band. Knapp plans to study Music Education in college with the goal of becoming a high school band director.

The Miami Marlins provide a generous contribution to the program. The purpose of the program is to encourage and reward our school age applicants and send a message that an education is the key to success in life. All winners will be the guests of the Marlins at Marlins Park on Sunday, August 12, 2018 and will be recognized in an on-field pregame ceremony. Knapp will also throw out a first pitch at an upcoming Marauders home game.

For more information about the Bradenton Marauders, call 941-747-3031, visit www.bradentonmarauders.com, or email MaraudersInfo@pirates.com.

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

CT Tigers Announce ‘Hit The Books’ Summer Reading Program

The Connecticut Tigers are pleased to announce their 2018 ‘Hit the Books’ Summer Reading Program.

So what is ‘Hit The Books’ all about? The Connecticut Tigers and Liberty Bank believe reading is essential for children all year long so they are rewarding kids for reading during the summer time.

‘Hit the Books’ is a program designed to maintain children’s reading skills throughout the summer. Any student who reads four (4) books between June 1st and August 1st will be given a FREE ticket to the Connecticut Tigers regular season home game on Sunday, August 12.
CLICK HERE to download a ‘Hit The Books’ entry form.
Here’s how kids can qualify:
* Any student from kindergarten through 8th grade may submit (1) entry
* Read four (4) books between June 1 and August 1
* Complete the reading log and mail it back with a self-addressed stamped envelope to the CT Tigers by August 1st. Be sure to include an email address on the form because all notifications will be sent via email.
* Upon receipt, the Connecticut Tigers will mail the student a FREE Connecticut Tigers ticket to the home game on August 12
* Bring your free ticket to Dodd Stadium on August 12 to enjoy the family-fun environment of Tigers baseball
* All participating students will have the opportunity to be a part of the “Hit the Books’ celebration at Dodd Stadium on August 12 when they will be recognized on the field pregame for their efforts.
Any questions? Please contact the Connecticut Tigers over the phone at (860) 887-7962 or via email at info@cttigers.com.

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

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Shorebirds Summer Reading Program Begins

SALISBURY, Md. — The Delmarva Shorebirds are happy to partner with McDonald’s® Restaurants of Eastern Shore through the Shorebirds Summer Reading Program in 2018.

The Shorebirds Summer Reading Program provides incentives for over 10,000 children to participate in their local libraries’ summer reading programs. This summer, the Shorebirds and McDonald’s are partnering with over 25 public libraries by offering complimentary tickets and other offers that can be used as rewards or incentives with their existing Summer Reading Programs.

The Shorebirds will be making several trips to libraries on the Eastern Shore where Shorebirds players and/or Sherman will read to kids and talk to them about the importance of reading.

Youth that reach their reading incentives in Delaware and Virginia will be invited out to the Shorebirds game on Sunday, August 5th against the Charleston RiverDogs while participating youth in Maryland will be invited to the Shorebirds game against the Rome Braves on Sunday, August 19th.

“We know learning never stops, and providing kids an incentive to read more over the summer break will better prepare students for classes in the fall,” local McDonald’s owner/operator Tiffany Beach said. “The Shorebirds Summer Reading Program is an exciting way to encourage continuous learning and reward kids for their efforts. We are so happy to be a part of the program in 2018.”

“The Shorebirds are excited to partner with McDonald’s through our Summer Reading Program. We really believe that with the incentives that are provided by the Shorebirds and McDonald’s, along with visits from Shorebirds players and Sherman, that the children will not only realize that reading is important but also have fun in doing so,” said Chris Bitters, General Manager.

Here is the list of the appearances that have been booked so far:

June 27th-Frankford Library-2:00 PM
July 18th-Snow Hill Library-2:00 PM
July 25th-Crisfield Library-10:30 AM
August 1st-Wicomico Library-10:30 AM
August 6th-Millsboro Library-11:00 AM
August 16th-Talbot County Library-10:30 AM

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

2018 Nick Adenhart Memorial Scholarship winners: Mackenzie Redmond and Logan Hadsall

Cedar Rapids, IA – The Cedar Rapids Kernels and Kernels Foundation are pleased to announce Mackenzie Redmond and Logan Hadsall as the winners of the 2018 Nick Adenhart Memorial Scholarships. They were recognized in an on-field ceremony before the Kernels game with Peoria on Sunday, June 17th.

Mackenzie Redmond will be graduating from Marion High School and plans on attending Mount Mercy University to major in Nursing. Logan Hadsall will be graduating from Center Point-Urbana High School and plans on attending Kirkwood Community College, pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice. Both winners are members of the National Honor Society at their respective high schools.

Nick Adenhart was a bright young pitcher who played for the Cedar Rapids Kernels in 2006 and was a rising star in the Los Angeles Angels organization. Only hours after Nick’s 2009 season debut on the mound for the Angels, a drunk driver tragically killed him on April 9, 2009 at age 22.

Nick’s family continues to honor him with the awarding of two $1,000 scholarships in his memory. The Kernels Foundation is privileged to administer the scholarships on behalf of Nick’s family.

The Kernels are currently enjoying the MWL All-Star Break through June 20th. They begin the second half of the MWL season by hosting the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers on Thursday, June 21st at 6:35 PM, which kicks off a seven-game home stand that continues until Wednesday, June 27th.

Chris Kleinhans-Schulz and Morgan Hawk bring you all of the play-by-play on the radio home of Kernels baseball, 1450 KMRY AM and 93.1 KMRY FM. Fans may listen on-line at www.kmryradio.com, or www.kernels.com. Fans may also stream all 70 Kernels home game and selected road games via a MiLB.TV subscription. Visit MiLB.TV for subscription information.

Tickets may be purchased on-line at www.kernels.com, or by calling the Kernels Ticket Office at 896-7560. Ticket office hours are 10 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday, and 10 am to 2 pm on Saturday.

Thunder HOPE Week Honors Outstanding Organizations and Individuals

The Thunder, Double-A Affiliate of the New York Yankees, completed their HOPE Week during the most recent homestand. HOPE Week, helping others persevere and excel, is a New York Yankees initiative aimed at honoring outstanding organizations and individuals who do good in the local community.

Tuesday, June 5 – Dan Sczweck, Miracle League of Mercer County

Dan Sczweck, the Executive Director of the Miracle League of Mercer County, earned his recognition for the work he’s done running the Miracle League of Mercer County. To watch the HOPE Week Ceremony honoring Dan and MLMC Athletes, click here.

 

Wednesday, June 6 – Just Fight Foundation

The Thunder honored the Just Fight Foundation on June 6 as part of HOPE Week. On December 8th, 2015 in Abington, PA, a seven year old girl, Allyson Turner, was found unconscious in her bathtub. Her parents rushed to the scene and immediately began to perform CPR on Allyson until the EMT’s arrived. This was crucial to her survival as Allyson was immediately rushed to Abington Hospital and then flown to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. While Allyson was being treated by multiple doctors, her parents would say to her: “Just Fight!”

Her older brother Liam decided to take initiative and print Just Fight on t-shirts and began to sell them to friends and community members to support Allyson. The Just Fight Foundation was born to promote emergency preparedness in the community and educate the public on life saving techniques and provide support for families facing life-altering events due to illness or injury and spread the message: ‘Just Fight.’

To view the ceremony honoring the Just Fight Foundation, click here.

Thursday June 7 – Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton

Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton provides a network of comprehensive healthcare services which includes hosptial care, prevention and wellness, primary and specialty medical services and diagnostic & treatment services in the community. Thunder players and coaches visited patients and RWJ, to view the ceremony, click here.

 

Friday June 8 – Radiology Affiliates Imagaing and Breast Cancer Awareness

RAI (Radiology Affiliates Imaging) is a team of medical diagnostic imaging professionals dedicated to providing superior, integreated management and radiology imaging support services to the medical practices that we serve for the purpose of providing optimal patient care.

The Thunder welcomed over 50 breast cancer survivors to the ballpark for a pre-game pink rose ceremony where Thunder players honored individual survivors on the field at ARM & HAMMER Park. To view the ceremony, click here.

Saturday, June 9 – Isles Youth Institute and F.I.E.L.D. Renovation

Isles Youth Institute is a community development and environmental organization based in Trenton, New Jersey. With a mission to foster self-reliant families and healthy, sustainable communities, designs and develops effective services that support this mission and share what they learn with others who can make a difference. Beyond its central New Jersey base, Isles works to influence policy and practices that support healthy, self-help agendas.

Isles and members of the Thunder came together to renovate the field at North Trenton Little League as part of the F.I.E.L.D. Program. To view the ceremony honoring Isles and the F.I.E.L.D. Program, click here.

Sunday, June 10 – Thea’s Star of Hope

Thea’s Star of Hope was founded in 2012 in honor of Thea Danze, a child who had undergone continuous treatment for her brain tumor since 2007. The organization is the embodiment of Thea’s positive outlook and a testament to the indelible spirit so many diagnosed with pediatric brain cancer. The Thunder welcomed Thea and other patients for a special on-field ceremony, to view the ceremony, click here.

In addition to the HOPE Week honors this past week at ARM & HAMMER Park, Thunder players and staff participated in the United Way of Greater Mercer County Strike Out Hunger event. For video on that event, click here.

Your Thunder, presented by NJM Insurance, are in the midst of their 25th season in franchise history. For the latest information on Thunder baseball or to purchase tickets, visit

TinCaps to Honor Big Brothers Big Sisters of America Rising Star Student

FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The Fort Wayne TinCaps and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Indiana will recognize Amaya Williams, a local high school senior and one of 20 national Rising Star Students program winners, with an on-field check presentation and a ceremonial first pitch on Friday, June 22 when the team plays the West Michigan Whitecaps at Parkview Field at 7:05 p.m.

The TinCaps and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Indiana surprised Amaya with the invitation to Parkview Field at the Big Futures Graduation on Tuesday night (June 12).

 

Williams will receive a $500 college stipend as part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters Rising Star Students program. The award honors high-achieving students involved in the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America mentorship program who are preparing for college.

 

Amaya, who just graduated from North Side High School in Fort Wayne, plans to attend Ivy Tech and major in Early Childhood Education. Williams wants to impact those around her and always looks for an opportunity to make a difference in her community and within herself. With the influence of her Big Sister, Domini, Amaya feels confident that she’s fully prepared for her future in college and in the workplace.

 

Nominees for the honor were required to provide submissions describing their academic and personal achievements, college and career goals, and how their involvement in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program has impacted them.

 

“Big Brothers Big Sisters does amazing work in our community and around the nation,” said TinCaps President Mike Nutter. “Amaya and Domini are a perfect example of how BBBS can develop young people into our future leaders. We can’t wait to honor Amaya at Parkview Field.”

 

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America has been an MiLB Charity Partner since the program’s inception in 2004. The mission of the Minor League Baseball Charity Partners Program is to provide national exposure for participating charities, expand current relationships between clubs and local chapters and to foster new relationships where none exist. In 2017, charitable giving by Minor League Baseball teams and MiLB Charities totaled nearly $40 million.

 

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of America:

Big Brothers Big Sisters provides children facing adversity with strong, enduring, professionally supported oneto-one mentoring relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. Big Brothers Big Sisters ensures that the children in its program achieve measurable outcomes, including educational success, avoidance of risky behaviors, higher aspirations, greater confidence, and better relationships. This mission has been the cornerstone of the organization’s 114-year history. With nearly 300 affiliates across the country, Big Brothers Big Sisters has served more than 2 million children (“Littles”) in the past 10 years.

 

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

Local Students Read For Over 290,000 Minutes During Reading Program

A record 19 local elementary schools participated in the eighth annual Dunedin Blue Jays Bookin’ It To The Ballpark Reading Program sponsored by TD Bank in 2018. Recognizing literacy as a key skill necessary for academic achievement, the Blue Jays have encouraged and rewarded local students for reading with their annual reading program since 2011. This year, over 1,500 elementary school students across Pinellas County combined to read for 296,383 minutes during the six-week program. In hours, those totals would equal 4,940 hours of reading or over 205 full days spent reading by local students.

The Blue Jays visited all 19 schools during the course of the program, bringing players and their mascot DJay to encourage students. Dunedin players read to and with the students, answered questions from students and teachers, shared their experiences on and off the field, and gave advice on school and sports.

Participating students tracked their reading on baseball-themed bookmarks provided by the Blue Jays, advancing around the bases of a baseball diamond as they read outside of class to score runs for their class. Students who scored two runs for the class by reading 20 minutes at home eight times were rewarded with a ticket voucher to attend a Dunedin Blue Jays game. At the end of the program, the Blue Jays returned with pizza and a classroom library donation for the class that read the most in each school. Of the 19 participating schools, students at Curtis Fundamental Elementary (56,363 minutes) and Lake St. George Elementary (36,920 minutes) read for the most total minutes.

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

Dayton Dragons MVPs to Celebrate at Fifth Third Field

Dayton, Ohio– The Dragons MVP Program presented by Bob Evans Farms provides thousands of area fourth and fifth grade students with “MVP Field Day” at Fifth Third Field this Saturday, June 2, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The students from Clark, Greene, Miami, Montgomery, and Warren Counties were all recognized by their teachers through the “Dragons MVP Program” as having done something extraordinary inside or outside of the classroom this school year.

The Dragons MVP Program provides students, who are recognized by their teachers, with a unique opportunity to attend this special event where they will have a chance to meet the 2018 Dayton Dragons and enjoy a day of fun activities at Fifth Third Field. Among the activities scheduled are inflatable games, carnival games, mascots, a special treat from Bob Evans Farms, a free team poster, “baseball skills” stations with the Dragons players, and an autograph session.

FACTS ABOUT THE MVP PROGRAM

This is the 13th season for the Dragons MVP Program. More than 1,200 classrooms and 35,000 students participated during the 2018 season.

Each teacher selected five Dragons MVPs for their classroom, resulting in more than 6,000 students being recognized for their achievements in and out of the classroom.

The children selected as Dragons MVPs received a customized certificate and complimentary tickets to enjoy a Dragons game at Fifth Third Field with their families. At the game, they received a specially designed Dragons MVP ball cap. MVPs also received tickets to the “MVP Field Day” to be held at the stadium on June 2.

The Dragons MVP program presented by Bob Evans Farms is also made possible courtesy of CollegeAdvantage, Sinclair College, WDTN-TV and Dayton’s CW.

More Information: The Dayton Dragons are the Midwest League affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play a 70-game home schedule at beautiful Fifth Third Field in downtown Dayton, easily accessible from Interstate 75. Individuals and groups seeking information about Dayton Dragons group tickets, lawn tickets, the season ticket wait list, sponsorship opportunities or booking a Dragons speaker are encouraged to contact the Dragons by calling at (937) 228-2287, emailing at dragons@daytondragons.com, or on the web at daytondragons.com.­

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

Tampa Tarpons Announce HOPE Week 2018

TAMPA, Fla. – The Tampa Tarpons will participate in HOPE Week (Helping Others Persevere & Excel) from Tuesday, June 5th through Sunday, June 10th, 2018. Throughout the week, players will visit and host families and organizations worthy of recognition and support.

HOPE Week is a community program, created by the New York Yankees in 2009, designed to bring to light five remarkable stories intended to inspire individuals into action in their own communities. The initiative is based on the fundamental belief that acts of goodwill provide hope and encouragement to more than the recipient of the gesture. Visit www.hopeweek.com for more information.

Tuesday, June 5th – The Tarpons will visit a summer camp for underprivileged children at United Cerebral Palsy of Tampa Bay from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The children and their families will receive tickets and food vouchers to see the Tarpons take on the St. Lucie Mets at 6:30 p.m. at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Prior to first-pitch, the Tarpons will present a check for $2,500 to United Cerebral Palsy of Tampa Bay.

“The mission of United Cerebral Palsy of Tampa Bay is to guide and assist families and individuals with any disability or other barriers to achieve their full potential, resulting in community inclusion and independence.” – www.ucptampa.org.

Wednesday, June 6th – Tarpons players will visit the Children’s Home Network from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Kids and staff members will receive tickets and food vouchers to see the Tarpons battle the St. Lucie Mets later that evening. Prior to the game, a check for $2,500 will be presented to the Children’s Home Network. Select children will then take the field alongside the Tarpons as part of the Baseball Buddies program.

“We unlock the potential of at-risk children and families by providing compassionate and effective services that create opportunities for success.” – www.childrenshomenetwork.org.

Thursday, June 7th – The Tarpons will present Trinity Café with a $2,500 check and assist in serving lunch from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Staff members and volunteers will also receive tickets and food vouchers to see Tampa host St. Lucie at 6:30 p.m.

“Trinity Café is a free restaurant, serving more than 380+ hot and hearty meals daily, at two locations, 365 days a year.” – www.trinitycafe.org.

Friday, June 8th – The Tarpons will partner with Seminole Hard Rock to host a baseball camp for the Boys & Girls Club at George M. Steinbrenner Field from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. All campers and Boys & Girls Club representatives will receive tickets to see the Tarpons take on the Bradenton Marauders at 6:30 p.m. Prior to the game, a check for $2,500 will be presented to the Boys & Girls Club of Tampa Bay.

Saturday, June 9th – Families from MacDill Air Force Base are invited to practice with the Tarpons from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Families will be playing catch as well as taking batting practice. Families will then receive tickets and food vouchers to see the Tarpons take on the Marauders at 6:30 p.m.

Sunday, June 10th – Teenagers from “Starting Right, Now” will receive tickets and food vouchers to see the Tarpons play the Marauders at 6:30 p.m. Prior to the game, a $2,500 check will be presented to “Starting Right, Now.” The teens will then be invited to hang out with the players for an hour following the game.

“Starting Right, Now ends homelessness for youth by providing one-on-one mentoring, a stable home, assisting with employment opportunities, teaching financial literacy/life skills and promoting educational achievement.” – www.startingrightnow.org.

The Tampa Tarpons are the Single-A Advanced Affiliate of the New York Yankees. For more information, call (813) 673-3055 or visit www.tarponsbaseball.com.

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