Cardinal Valley Elementary & Legends partner on new mural

WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK (Lexington, KY) – Whitaker Bank Ballpark is about to get more colorful and art-filled thanks to the students in Art Club at Cardinal Valley Elementary School, part of Fayette County Public Schools on Thursday, April 27 from 1:00pm to 5:30pm.

Led by teacher and local muralist Michelle Armstrong, approximately twenty Cardinal Valley Elementary Art Club students are showcasing their artistic talents by bringing a Kentucky and Legends themed mural to life at the ballpark on the three electrical boxes found in the parking lot of Whitaker Bank Ballpark. Students spent two to three weeks preparing by researching designs and practicing how their visions would translate onto a unique outdoor canvas.    These designs were then submitted to the Legends, with the decision landing on an all-encompassing three-piece theme, highlighting the Commonwealth, Legends players in branded uniforms, as well as various Legends logos and baseball images.

“I’m excited to bring my students to Whitaker Bank Ballpark to create something for the Lexington community” states Armstrong. “These students are thrilled to be able to share their talent and transform utility boxes into something magical and inspiring” Armstrong continued.

Andy Shea, Legends President and CEO added to Michelle Armstrong’s sentiments by stating “the Legends are no stranger to the wonderful world of art. We welcome the chance to work with students in our community and could not be more pleased to have these remarkable students contribute a third unique mural to Whitaker Bank Ballpark.”

Media is welcome to attend the mural painting session on the electrical boxes, which again takes place Thursday, April 27, 2017 from 1:00pm to 5:30pm in the parking lot of Whitaker Bank Ballpark.

For more information, about the Cardinal Valley Elementary Art Club mural project, contact Sarah Bosso at sbosso@lexingtonlegends.com or 859 422-7855.  The Legends, a Class A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and a member of the South Atlantic League, continue a seven game homestand at 7:05pm Thursday, April 27, 2017 at Whitaker Bank Ballpark against the Hagerstown Suns, an affiliate of the Washington Nationals.  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.

Michelin Reading All-Stars Celebration on Tuesday

The Greenville Drive and Michelin are teaming up to host the Reading All-Stars Celebration Game for Spartanburg, Anderson and Pickens Counties on Tuesday, May 2nd at Fluor Field.

First pitch for the game is at 7:05 PM, and the celebration starts at 6:00 with a pregame parade for Reading All-Stars from those counties, a commemorative Michelin Reading All-Stars t-shirt for each student, and a Book Fair courtesy of Public Education Partners.

Throughout the game, Reading All-Stars will participate in several between-innings games, and the Drive will induct new schools into the Reading All-Stars Hall of Fame for their excellence in the program throughout the years.

To purchase tickets for Tuesday’s game, stop by the Main Street Box Office, call (864) 240-4528 or CLICK HERE.

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

Shuckers present check for $6,090 to William Carey University

BILOXI, MS – Prior to the Shuckers game against the Jackson Generals on April 24 at MGM Park, Biloxi Shuckers general manager Chuck Arnold and field manager Mike Guerrero presented William Carey University senior project manager Richard Vogel and athletic director D.J. Pulley with a check for $6,090.

“We can’t thank the Shuckers enough for what they have done for us,” said Vogel. “For the Shuckers to play a NAIA school in an exhibition game gained us much exposure on the coast. The contributed funds from tickets sold will go a long way to help our recovery and greatly improve our university. We have a vision of where we are going as a university, and we know the Shuckers will be a great partner for what we are trying to accomplish going forward.”

The check was net ticket proceeds from the exhibition game played between the Shuckers and Crusaders on April 4 at MGM Park. William Carey’s Hattiesburg campus was impacted by tornadoes in January with damages occurring to dorms, Tatum Court, Thomas Hall and the library.

“We are honored to have played a small role in the recovery efforts at William Carey University,” said Arnold. “We want to thank our fans for their generous support of this great cause.”

The Biloxi Shuckers are committed to their community and are proactively seeking ways to improve the quality of life on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The Shuckers partner with non-profits, military, schools and youth athletic organizations to provide benevolent outreach. In addition to financial assistance, the Shuckers front office staff has volunteered 144 hours so far in the community this year.

The Shuckers return to action tonight at 6:35 pm for game four of the series against the Jackson Generals. The Shuckers will offer $2 Polk’s hot dogs on Tuesdays this season and fans can bring in their Polk’s Meat Products label to the MGM Park box office and receive a buy one, get one Box or Reserved Level ticket! Also on Tuesday, the Gulf Coast Corvette Club will have a pregame parade around the warning track (weather permitting).The homestand continues through Wednesday with the first Education Day of the year on Wednesday with a Business Person’s special.

Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance at any Ticketmaster outlet or at biloxishuckers.com.

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.

BlueClaws Collecting Art Supplies at Sunday’s Game

The BlueClaws will be collecting new art supplies at Sunday’s game.

—

The Camden Schools Foundation will be at FirstEnergy Park on Sunday collecting new art supplies to benefit students in the district. Anyone that donates will receive two general admission tickets for a BlueClaws game between May 22nd and 28th.

There will be a table on the concourse behind home plate where fans can drop of their supplies.

For more on the Camden Schools Foundation, click here.

Sunday’s game, which starts at 1:05 pm, is also Buster’s Birthday. Buster’s mascot friends will be on hand to celebrate the big day. Plus, like every Sunday:

  • Kids Eat Free thanks to ShopRite
  • Kids Run the Bases thanks to Investors Bank
  • Barks and Beers – Fans are encouraged to bring their dogs and the BlueClaws have $2 Coronas available (21/older) at the game.

For tickets, call 732-901-7000 option 2 or click here to order online.

– BlueClaws –

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

Michelin Reading All-Stars Celebrated on Monday

The Greenville Drive and Michelin will recognize the Reading All-Stars for Greenville County on Monday, April 24th. First pitch for the game against the Greensboro Grasshoppers is at 7:05 PM, and the celebration will begin as the gates open at 6:00.

Students will be rewarded for their hard work in their reading programs this school year with a commemorative Reading All-Stars t-shirt, a pregame parade around Fluor Field at 6:30 PM, and participation in a Public Education Partners Book Fair.

During the game, high-achieving schools in the Reading All-Stars program over the last several years will be inducted into the Reading All-Stars Hall of Fame.

To purchase tickets for Monday’s game, stop by the Main Street Box Office, call (864) 240-4528 or CLICK HERE.

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

Dragons Continue Heater’s Recycling Bin Initiative

The Dayton Dragons and Montgomery County Environmental Services encourage fans to participate in Heater’s Recycling Bin Initiative (RBI), a free educational program for the entire family. All participants will receive up to four Dragons lawn tickets for special RBI Nights and be eligible to win great prizes.

Fans that would like to take part in the program can download a tracking form at www.daytondragons.com/rbi. Track two weeks of recycling at home and submit your final numbers at www.daytondragons.com/rbi. Tracking forms can also be sent to the Dragons via mail, e-mail, fax, or by dropping it off at the stadium. When the Dragons receive the tracking form, participants will be sent four lawn tickets to one of two new “RBI Nights”. Those nights are Thursday, June 15th and Thursday, August 3rd.

In addition to the tickets, participants will receive an exclusive RBI water bottle, a special RBI recycling bin, and group recognition at the game. Participants will also have a chance to win the opportunity to throw out a first pitch at a Dragons game, a special VIP Dragons game experience, and a luxury suite with catering, VIP parking passes, and Dragons hats.

About Montgomery County Environmental Services

Montgomery County Environmental Services is more than 300 men and women who provide high-quality drinking water, solid waste, recycling, and wastewater reclamation services to the citizens of Montgomery County. We work to preserve public health, foster economic development, and protect the environment and our natural resources for future generations. We aim to be leaders and trusted stewards of the environment focused on service, collaboration, innovation, and financial responsibility.

We also offer educational programs to local schools, community organizations and businesses that want to learn more about conservation and sustainability in the Miami Valley region.
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 (937) 228-2287, by email 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.

Jurassic Ballpark, PS4 Giveway, Reading All-Stars highlight 4-game home stand April 20-23

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. (April 18, 2017) – With dinosaurs, fireworks, and a Play Station 4 giveaway, the Kannapolis Intimidators 4-game home stand April 20-23 has something for everyone. Fans in attendance on April 20 will be eligible to win a PS4 as the Intimidators host Gamer Night on Thirsty Thursday at Intimidators Stadium supported by Carolinas HealthCare System. Two nights later, journey back 65 million years at the Intimidators annual Jurassic Ballpark on Saturday, April 22, featuring the life-like dinosaur displays of Dakota and Friends plus post-game rock n’ roll fireworks.

Also this weekend, the Intimidators celebrate kindergarten through eighth grade students who have been nominated by their teachers as Reading All-Stars in Rowan-Salisbury School System and Stanly County Schools. Reading All-Stars will get to parade around the field before their games as a reward for their academic accomplishments this year.

All Saturday home games will feature post-game fireworks throughout the remainder of 2017, giving fans a total of 12 fireworks shows after Intimidators games this season. Single-game tickets, group packages, and suites are available by calling the F&M Bank Box Office at 704-932-3267 or by visiting IntimidatorsBaseball.com.

Thursday, April 20 at 7:05 p.m. | Gates at 6 p.m. | vs. Hickory Crawdads | Tickets >>

The home stand kicks off with Gamer Night as the Intimidators give away a PS4 to one lucky fan in attendance. All fans that purchase a ticket to Thursday’s game are eligible to win, and the game will be themed out with special video-game promotions and contests.

Thursday’s game is a Thirsty Thursday featuring discounted drinks all game long including 16 oz. draft beers for $1.50 and 24 oz. draft beers for $2.50, plus bottled Pepsi products for only $2 all game long. Also on Thursdays, fans can stick around after the game to play Launch-A-Ball for a chance to win great prizes.

Friday, April 21 at 7:05 p.m. | Gates at 6 p.m. | vs. Hickory Crawdads | Tickets >>

Friday is our first Get Healthy Kannapolis game of the 2017 season where the Intimidators are promoting a healthy and fit lifestyle to the community. Throughout the night, fans can participate in special contests and promotions as well as enjoy discounted healthy menu items. Students in kindergarten through eighth grade from Rowan-Salisbury School System will be recognized at the game as part of the Reading All-Stars Celebration which recognizes local students for the academic achievements.

Also every Friday game this season is Military Appreciation Ngith where the Intimidators will wear special patriotic jerseys to honor the Armed Forces. The camo jerseys feature a Mount Rushmore motif with stars and striped sleeves. Fans have a chance to buy raffle tickets to win one of these jerseys next on July 21.

Saturday, April 22 at 7:05 p.m. | Gates at 6 p.m. | vs. Hickory Crawdads | Tickets >>

Join the Intimidators on Saturday for Jurassic Ballpark as fans can observer and interact with some of the most amazing dinosaurs since the Crustaceous period. The dinosaurs from Dakota and Friends will be on hand at the main entrance for children of all ages to get an up-close look at these prehistoric pets. Also on Saturday, we will light up the sky with post-game rock n’ roll fireworks.

Students from Stanly County Schools will be in attendance for their Reading All-Stars Celebration Game for as the Intimidators welcome students from kindergarten through eighth grade who have earned a ticket to the game through their extraordinary efforts in literacy.

Sunday, April 23 at 2:05 p.m. | Gates at 1 p.m. | vs. Hickory Crawdads | Tickets >>

Families will enjoy all of the fun in store on Sundays at Intimidators Stadium in 2017 as players are available for pre-game autographs at the main entrance, and after the game, kids who join the Intimidators Gator Gang kids club have a chance to run the bases. Students in kindergarten through eighth grade from Rowan-Salisbury School System will be recognized at the game as part of the Reading All-Stars Celebration which recognizes local students for the academic achievements.

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

Michelin Reading All-Stars Celebrated this Homestand

This homestand at Fluor Field will feature two celebration games for Michelin Reading All-Stars. The Drive are excited to host the new batch of Reading All-Stars on Sunday for Anderson, Pickens and Spartanburg Counties, and on Monday for Greenville County.

Sunday’s first pitch against the Rome Braves is at 4:05 PM, and the pregame parade for Reading All-Stars will begin at 3:30.

Monday’s game against the Greensboro Grasshoppers begins at 7:05 PM, with the parade scheduled for 6:30.

Both days will see high-achieving schools selected to the Reading All-Stars Hall of Fame, and the Drive are teaming up with Public Education Partners to host a book fair for children at both games.

To purchase tickets for these games, head to the Main Street Box Office, call (864) 240-4528 or click one of the links below.

Sunday: TICKETS

Monday: TICKETS

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

Now accepting Scholarship Applications

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (April 10, 2017) – The South Bend Cubs officially published eligibility rules and the application form for $5,000 scholarships dedicated to softball and baseball players in 11 counties surrounding Four Winds Field in downtown South Bend today.

“We make no small plans here at Four Winds Field. Nor should the young athletes in this region who compete in softball and baseball,” commented Andrew T. Berlin, Chmn./Owner of the South Bend Cubs. “These scholarships are a significant way to show our support of future leaders and the game we all love at the same time. They’re not just for current athletes who will go on to play on varsity teams in college. They’re for any high school senior athlete who intends to continue his or her education full time after high school-whether they continue competing at the varsity level or not.”

In 2016, the South Bend Cubs awarded five scholarships worth $5,000 each to high school seniors from Edwardsburg, MI, Bremen, LaPorte, South Bend and Walkerton, IN. Two of the recipients were softball players, three were baseball players.

Applications for the 2017 South Bend Cubs Scholarships will be accepted from April 10 through May 31. Up to five (5) $5,000 scholarships will be granted. A full set of rules, eligibility requirements and an application form can be found online at www.1stsourcebankperformancecenter.com

“We want to make sure people understand two things about these scholarships that are very important,” said Joe Hart, President of the South Bend Cubs. “These are not just baseball scholarships. There are over 1,600 colleges with softball programs in the United States, so we hope to see as many softball applicants as baseball. Also, we want people to know we’re doing our part to help build a new baseball and softball dynasty in this region. That’s what the 1st Source Bank Performance Center here at Four Winds Field is all about-year-round professional pitching, conditioning, fielding and at-bat training with professional instructors. The Chicago Cubs and every amateur player and coach in the region are excited about this facility-it’s one of the best in the country.”

Applications for the 2017 South Bend Cubs Scholarships cannot be made by e-mail or via any type of paid delivery or postal service. All applicants must deliver their applications in person to the 1st Source Bank Performance Center at the corner of South Street and Lafayette Boulevard in downtown South Bend.

About the South Bend Cubs
The South Bend Cubs are the Class A minor league affiliate of the World Series Champion Chicago Cubs. Over the past 29 seasons, the team has won five Midwest League titles, most recently in 2005, and has captured 12 division titles. In 2015, the team was named Ballpark Digest‘s Team of the Year and received the John H. Johnson President’s Award, the highest award in minor league baseball. The team is owned and operated by Swing-Batter-Swing, LLC whose sole shareholder is Andrew T. Berlin of Chicago, Ill.

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

NYPL Charitable Foundation Announces 2017 Scholarship Contest

The Class-A Short-Season New York-Penn League and its member clubs, including the Williamsport Crosscutters, are proud to announce that the league’s philanthropic arm, the NYPL Charitable Foundation, will once again award over $10,000 in scholarships this summer to deserving high school graduates from the league’s 14 markets.

The Class-A Short-Season New York-Penn League and its member clubs, including the Williamsport Crosscutters, are proud to announce that the league’s philanthropic arm, the NYPL Charitable Foundation, will once again award over $10,000 in scholarships this summer to deserving high school graduates from the league’s 14 markets.

Now in its ninth year, the 2017 NYPL Scholarship Contest is open to any graduating senior from a public or private high school within the league’s footprint. Any student who has been accepted at a two- or four-year college or university, vocational school, or technical education institution is eligible. Applicants will be judged based on academic performance, volunteer and extracurricular activities, and the impact their local NYPL club and Minor League Baseball have had on their lives.

The scholarship contest will consist of two stages – a local round and a league round. In the local stage, students will apply directly to their local NYPL team, with one applicant chosen by each of the 14 teams to advance to the league/final round. The 14 finalists will then be judged by league representatives. Three applicants will be selected to receive the top prize of a $2,500 scholarship. All other finalists will receive a $250 book award.

“The New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation and our 14 member clubs are pleased to have the opportunity to assist outstanding high school seniors within our league’s footprint for the ninth consecutive season,” said Ben J. Hayes, President of the New York-Penn League. “This program will again recognize those seniors who not only meet and exceed traditional scholarship criteria, but demonstrate the positive community impact and lifelong memories fostered by their local NYPL clubs throughout the year.”

High school seniors interested in entering the 2017 Scholarship Contest can obtain the official application by visiting the Williamsport Crosscutters offices at BB&T Ballpark. Applications can also be also be downloaded by clicking HERE.

The deadline to submit applications to the nearest NYPL team is June 5, 2017. Each club’s winner, including the three $2,500 scholarship recipients, will be selected in mid-July.

The New York-Penn League and its 14 member clubs created the New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation, a 501(c) (3) charitable organization, in 2003. The mission of the Foundation is to provide focus and support for the collective and individual charitable and community efforts of the New York-Penn League, its Clubs, and their staff.

For more information on the 2017 NYPL Scholarship Contest, call the Crosscutters at (570) 326-3389.

The Crosscutters 2017 home opener is scheduled for Tuesday, June 20 against the State College Spikes. Season tickets, bonus books and mini-plans are now available by phone at (570) 326-3389, online by clicking HERE or in-person at BB&T Ballpark.

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

Spokane Indians and Banner Bank Team Up to Help Local Students Attend College

SPOKANE, WA – For the twelfth consecutive year, Banner Bank and the Spokane Indians will team up to reward deserving high school seniors with college scholarships. Five area students will be selected to receive a $500 scholarship based on achievement in leadership, community involvement, scholarship, and character.

“Banner Bank is pleased to continue their scholarship program with the Spokane Indians and reward local students for their hard work and commitment to further education,” said Kirk Quillin, Banner Bank Senior Vice President.

Area high school students in Kootenai and Spokane Counties are encouraged to apply. Applications for the scholarship are due to the Spokane Indians office by Friday, May 12th, 2017. CLICK HERE for more info and to apply.

“We love having the opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of area students,” said Indians Senior Vice President, Otto Klein. “Last year we helped five outstanding students attend college and we are looking forward to helping a new group in 2017.”

Students interested in receiving a Banner Bank Scholarship application should contact their school’s scholarship coordinator or email Darby Moore at dmoore@spokaneindians.com for more information.

About the Indians

The Indians are the Short Season Class “A” affiliate for the Texas Rangers. Ticket packages for the 2017 season are now available for purchase. CLICK HERE to reserve your seats today. For more information, please visit spokaneindians.com or call (509) 343-6886.

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

Chasers In The Community

Between February 27 through March 3, the Omaha Storm Chasers took part in “Read Across America”, with six front office staff members and Stormy participating. Those staff members in total read at nine different schools over the course of the week, reading to over 3,300 students. At the completion of this month, the Storm Chasers staff will have visited more than 30 schools, totaling over 7,000 students, in addition to 64 mascot appearances.

Previous Notable Community Events

  • Read Across America – February 27-March 3
  • Classroom Visit program – over 30 schools/7,000 students in March
  • Partnership 4 Kids Futures Fair – March 8

Previous Notable Mascot Appearances

  • Read Across America – February 27-March 3
  • Heat the Streets & Walk for Warmth – March 4
  • Walk to Cure Arthritis Kick Off – March 5
  • Southwest YMCA Open House – March 18
  • Summit Dental Health Ribbon Cutting – March 24
  • Millard Athletic Association Meet Your Coach – March 25
  • Habitat for Humanity – March 31

Upcoming Community Events in April

  • Ronald McDonald House – April 25 (5:00-7:30pm)
  • Player Appearance at Paddock Road Elementary ­- April 28 (10:30-11:00am)

Upcoming Scheduled Mascot Appearances for April

  • Autism Society Puzzle Walk – April 8 (9:00am)
  • Omaha Health, Wellness & Fitness Expo – April 9 (10:00am)
  • Claussen-Leahy Maverick Walk – April 22 (9:00am)
  • 6th Annual Keep Kids Alive Drive 25 Walk to Remember – April 29 (9:00am)

For more information on Omaha Storm Chasers community relations, please click here.

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

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Outstanding Students Program returns in 2017

(Reading, Pa) – The Reading Fightin Phils have announced schools can register for the Capital BlueCross “Live Fearless” Outstanding Students Program this season. There is absolutely no cost to the school to participate, and in fact the school receives money through the program.

The Capital BlueCross “Live Fearless” Outstanding Student Program is a unique incentive-based program designed to recognize and reward hard-working students. Each school decides their own method of distributing the tickets to their “Outstanding Students”. Through the program, the students are given an opportunity to celebrate their achievements with their families at a designated Fightin Phils home game. Each student recognized by their school as an “Outstanding Student” receives two FREE tickets to a Fightins game, receives an Outstanding Student Medal from a Fightins player, and gets to high-five the Crazy Hot Dog Vendor and has their photo taken with him during a special pre-game Outstanding Student Ceremony.

For each free ticket that is used, and for any additional tickets that are purchased through the Capital BlueCross “Live Fearless” Outstanding Student Program, the participating school receives $1 back.

In 2016, as part of the Capital BlueCross “Live Fearless” Outstanding Student program, the Reading Fightin Phils donated $3,073 back to participating schools in the club’s surrounding community. The Fightins hope to donate even more money to schools during the 2017 program. The more schools that sign up for the Outstanding Student program, the more money that the Fightins can donate to those schools. With the funds received, schools will be able to support students’ needs and contribute to the educational process.

The Capital BlueCross “Live Fearless” Outstanding Student Program is extremely easy to sign up for, and again, it is FREE for the schools. The person that signs up can be a school teacher, administrator, or PTO/PTA representative. Schools can sign up now for the 2017 season by contacting the Fightin Phils Director of Educational Programs, Music, & Game Presentation Todd Hunsicker at 610-375-8469 x.206 or by e-mail at thunsicker@fightins.com. Dates are available in May. The program is easy to implement, and your school receives a check from the Fightin Phils.

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

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

Whitecaps Community Foundation to Donate 1,900 Books to Area Schools to Encourage Reading

COMSTOCK PARK, MI – The Whitecaps Community Foundation will donate 1,900 books to five Grand Rapids Public Schools this week in an effort to encourage children to read during March is Reading Month and beyond.

The books were selected by GRPS educators and will be delivered as a surprise to Brookside Elementary, Mulick Park Elementary, Ken-O-Sha Park Elementary, Cesar Chavez Elementary and Burton Elementary on Wednesday, March 22 and Thursday, March 23. These five schools were selected to receive the free books because of their designation as high priority elementary schools in the GRPS system; many of their pupils do not have access to resources such as books. With this donation, every child at these five schools will receive one free book.

This is the second year of the book donation. Last year, the Whitecaps Community Foundation donated a book to every child at Dickinson Elementary School in Grand Rapids (300 in total).

The book donation is a part of the Whitecaps Community Foundation’s Reading Program, which helps area school children enjoy Whitecaps baseball while promoting reading. Children from area West Michigan schools who read a 15 minutes a day, during the month, can attend a Whitecaps game for free in April through June. The Foundation delivers all support materials, such as reading tracking calendars and posters, to all participating schools at no cost. Last year’s Reading Program had more than 70,000 K-6 area children participate from 268 schools. Nearly 20,000 complimentary tickets were given this season to children and their families in West Michigan.

The Whitecaps Community Foundation, the nonprofit extension of the West Michigan Whitecaps, is a 501c3 organization dedicated to enriching the lives of children and their families by providing them with access to social, educational and recreational programs that will have a positive impact on their futures. With the help and generosity of community partners and members, the Whitecaps Community Foundation continues to strive to make the West Michigan area a better place to grow, learn, and thrive.

In 2016, through a combination of donations and fundraising efforts, the Whitecaps Community Foundation gave more than $555,000 to local children and their families through programs such as the reading program’s book donation and many others.

For more information on the book deliveries please contact Mickey Graham at (616) 726-7067 and for information on the Whitecaps Community Foundation, including how to volunteer and/or donate, please visit www.whitecapscommunityfoundation.org.

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

Prevention Night / Alcohol-Free Event Announced

Binghamton, NY – The Binghamton Rumble Ponies, the Double-A affiliate of the New York Mets, are pleased to announce a partnership with Broome Opioid Abuse Council (BOAC) Drug Free Communities to provide a Prevention Night at NYSEG Stadium on April 19. In order to create an environment where families and community members can enjoy a fun-filled night and create lasting memories, no alcohol will be served during the Rumble Ponies’ game that evening. This is part of this year’s “We Care Wednesdays”, which will be announced separately.

“Being a part of the community with outreach efforts aimed at helping families achieve FUNN experiences is something we will always strive to do,” stated team owner John Hughes. “Getting involved with an organization that is working hard on critical issues which are impacting friends and families across the Southern Tier is the kind of effort the Rumble Ponies can stand behind and contribute to.”

April is Alcohol Awareness Month and coincides perfectly with the Rumble Ponies/BOAC Prevention Night.

“We aim to highlight underage drinking prevention, and provide an alcohol-free family-fun activity,” said Kara Skellett, Drug-Free Communities Coordinator. “With the assistance of the Rumble Ponies, we will put the focus on community education, outreach and prevention, and substance abuse treatment.”

Gates open at 5:30 PM for the April 19 game against the Portland Sea Dogs. Details of the event will be provided at www.bingrp.com with additional sponsors mentioned during the game.

All questions can be directed to John “JB” Bayne, the Rumble Ponies’ Assistant General Manager and Director of Community Relations, at (607) 722-3866 or by email at jb@bingrp.com.

The Rumble Ponies open the 2017 season on the road in New Hampshire on April 6 before celebrating their home opener at NYSEG Stadium on April 13 against Erie. Individual tickets for the 2017 season are on sale now.

##RUMBLE PONIES##

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