Garrard student wins Hit the Books design contest

Aubree McIntosh accepts the framed poster of her winning bookmark design from the Lexington Legends’ Big L. (Lexington Legends)

  (WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK, Lexington, Ky.) Aubree McIntosh, a seventh-grade student at Garrard Middle School, was the winner of a bookmark design contest that is part of the Lexington Legends Hit the Books reading incentive program sponsored by Waffle House.

Aubree received a Legends prize pack, including Legends merchandise and a framed Hit the Books poster featuring her artwork. She also will be invited to throw a ceremonial first pitch at a 2017 Legends game. Bookmarks featuring her artwork will be distributed to students at every school that participates in the Hit the Books program. More than 48,000 students from 119 central Kentucky schools are expected to take part in the program, which runs through April 1.

                Runners-up in the bookmark design contest were Des Hanley, a fifth-grade student at Stonewall Elementary School in Lexington;  Wesley Sizemore, a third-grade student at Hazel Green Elementary in East Bernstadt; and Paisley Gay, a fifth-grade student at Stanford Elementary School.

  “Hit the Books has been an important part of the Legends’ education and community outreach programs since 2001,” said Sarah Bosso, Legends Vice President of Business Development. “The bookmark contest adds an element of fun and competition, and it’s really great to see the students do even more reading as a result of the Hit the Books program with the ticket incentive.”

            In Hit the Books, a baseball diamond is used to record credit for reading. For every book a student reads, a teacher places his or her initials on a base. When the student has all three bases and home plate initialed by the teacher, the student may bring a Hit the Books bookmark to the Legends’ box office at Whitaker Bank Ballpark to exchange it for two tickets to a Legends home game during the 2017 season.

  The 2017 season is the 17th for Legends baseball, and also marks the 17th year that the Legends have been associated with Hit the Books. About 285,000 students have participated.

  The Legends, a class A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals, open the home season Thursday, April 13 at Whitaker Bank Ballpark against the West Virginia Power, an affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates. For more information, visit www.lexingtonlegends.com.

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

“Dancing with the Students” comes to Lexington

WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK (Lexington, KY) – Students at Crawford Middle School will put on their dancing shoes and take a new approach to Physical Education as well as Arts and Humanities curriculum through a new community partnership with the not for profit “Dancing with the Students,” based out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Dancing with the Students comes to Lexington via Lexington Legends Secretary and Principal Sue Martinelli Shea, as she founded the non-profit organization in 2005. The students involved will be at the sixth, seventh and eighth grade levels and will compete in 10 weeks of dance class; 9 weeks of instruction with the 10th week culminating in a grand finale competition. The students will be taught by Arthur Murray trained dancer teacher Rae Mickelwait and will learn four dances: Waltz, Tango, Merengue, and Swing. “My dream is to have these talented students dance at Whitaker Bank Ballpark during a Legends’ game this summer” says Martinelli Shea. “Mickelwait was also Andy’s dance partner for Dancing with the Stars-Lexington, so it’s wonderful to have this community partnership come full circle!”

Andy Shea, President and CEO of the Lexington Legends, is just as vested in this partnership as his Mother. “I am so proud and honored of what my Mother has created and her ambition to begin Dancing with the Students classes in Lexington. There are so many life lessons that are learned through ballroom dancing and not to mention, it’s so much fun!”

This partnership would not have been possible without the support of Crawford Middle School Principal Mike Jones. Jones readily accepted by stating “I’m excited about this new and unique partnership with “Dancing with the Students.” Some of our Crawford Middle School students are going to be given the opportunity to learn four different ballroom dances as well as the etiquette that goes along with this art form. The 10-week program will be incorporated into 2 different Physical Education classes. The movement requirements used in dance can be found in PE as well as Arts and Humanities curriculum. I want to personally thank Andy Shea and Sue Martinelli Shea for allowing us to partner with the program. We hope to build it to include more students in the future.”

For more information, about Dancing with the Students, visit www.dancingwiththestudents.org or 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, will open the season Thursday, April 13 at Whitaker Bank Ballpark against the West Virginia Power, an affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

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.

Hops become first Anchor Sponsor for HSD

March 10, 2017, Hillsboro, OR -The Hillsboro Hops (@HillsboroHops) and Hillsboro School District (HSD) announced a new partnership today where the Hops will help fund athletics and activities at HSD’s four high schools: Century, Glencoe, Hilhi, and Liberty, through an Anchor Sponsor arrangement. The District will offer five Anchor Sponsor spots for local businesses who want to make a difference in the lives of students by providing them greater access to extracurricular athletics and activities.

There are approximately 3,500 students participating in athletics and activities at the four high schools. Recent budget cuts have made it a challenge for the high schools fully support these students in their extracurricular endeavors, and to expand offerings to other students.

“The Hillsboro School District is so grateful for our generous community partners, and in particular the Hillsboro Hops,” said Rian Petrick, director of extracurricular programming and community outreach. “Through their willingness to partner as an Anchor Sponsor, the Hops will generate $24,000 toward extracurricular activities in our district during the 2017-18 school year. Research shows that students who participate in athletics and activities for multiple years in high school achieve graduation rates exceeding 95%. This partnership will help us stabilize existing programs and expand opportunities to enhance student engagement with the goal of improving graduation rates.”

Petrick goes on to explain that a district committee composed of various school-based personnel will oversee the distribution of funds based on general budget information and data analysis.

Hops chairman Mike McMurray adds: “The ownership of the Hillsboro Hops is proud to partner with the Hillsboro School District to provide opportunities for a well-rounded educational experience to local students. The Hops’ president KL Wombacher has made support of school athletics a key element of the team’s operation from day one, and this is an important manifestation of that commitment to our community.”

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

FSL Partners with Florida Prepaid for Second Season

CLEARWATER, Fla. – The Florida State League will be partnering with the Florida Prepaid College Board for a second consecutive season, the League Office announced this week.

The Florida Prepaid College Program was created by Florida Legislature in 1987 to provide Florida families with an affordable means to save for their child’s college education. The Florida Prepaid College Board manages the Stanley G. Tate Florida Prepaid College Program and the Florida 529 Savings Plan.

“We are very excited to continue our great relationship with the Florida Prepaid Program. They have been great partners and we hope to continue our relationship for many years to come,” said FSL President Ken Carson.

Florida Prepaid began working with the FSL in 2015 on a five-team basis. The 2017 season will mark the second consecutive year of a league wide partnership, with all 12 teams participating in the Florida Prepaid partnership.

Florida Prepaid sponsored the league’s Baseball Buddies program in 2016. The Baseball Buddies program allowed young fans to take the field with their favorite FSL team, sing the National Anthem, and receive a complimentary ticket to the game, along with a logo baseball courtesy of the Florida Prepaid College Board.

New in 2017 is the Florida State League promotional code. By using promo code “FSL1617”, customers will receive 50% off the application fee when enrolling in a Prepaid Plan this year. Additionally, this summer, fans will have the opportunity to enter a sweepstakes for a chance to win a $2,500 contribution to a Florida 529 Savings Plan. The link to the website will be announced at a later date. There will also be secondary prize winners selected from those that enter the sweepstakes.

Florida Prepaid is the largest, longest running, and most successful prepaid plan in the nation with more than 1.8 million plans purchased.

“Our mission, since our founding in 1987, has been to open the door to college for more Floridians by providing easy and affordable options to save. By partnering with the Florida State League, we can reach Florida families to educate them about the importance of saving early for college,” said Kevin Thompson, Executive Director of the Florida Prepaid College Board.

For more information on the Florida State League, you can visit floridastateleague.com.

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

Cougars Donate Foundation Funds to Benefit Local Community Programs

GENEVA, Ill. – The Kane County Cougars have announced the three local organizations that will be receiving a monetary donation on behalf of the Kane County Cougars Foundation, Inc. in conjunction with the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation. Focusing on the three pillars and areas of need in which the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation was built on, the Cougars will be donating to organizations involving children’s programs, homelessness and indigent healthcare.

“The Cougars would like to thank the Arizona Diamondbacks for their generosity,” said owner Cheryl Froehlich. “As we continue to grow our charitable initiatives through the Kane County Cougars Foundation, Inc. we are constantly looking for additional areas where we can make a difference. This donation from the D-backs will enable us to expand our community service programs.”

In the area of children’s programs, the Cougars will be making a contribution to the Kane Excellence in Education Partnership (KEEP). The KEEP program supports and assists the academic and social emotional needs of children throughout the Kane County area. Through collaborations with districts, businesses, government agencies and education organizations, KEEP provides scholarships, educational activities, at-risk programming and necessary educational services to schools in Kane County.

To assist homeless families in the area, the Cougars will make a donation to Bridge Communities located in Glen Ellyn, Ill. The mission of Bridge Communities is to help transition homeless families into a life of self-sufficiency by providing mentoring, housing and supportive services.

Community Nurse Health Center, in LaGrange, Ill. will be receiving the final portion of the donation to help assist the healthcare needs of the local community. Since 1921, Community Nurse Health Center has served residents of the western suburbs by providing direct medical and dental care as well as health education including medical preventive services, chronic disease management, acute illness services, prenatal case management and oral health treatments for low income children and adults.

“The Kane County Cougars are a true asset to their community and share similar values to us at the Arizona Diamondbacks,” said D-backs President and CEO Derrick Hall. “We are extremely proud of their efforts and know that initiatives such as this help teach young players the importance of giving back. In doing so, it is our hope that when they do reach the Major Leagues, their approach is aligned with ours. We applaud the efforts of Dr. Bob and Cheryl Froehlich as well as the entire Cougars front office.”

Follow the Cougars on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for all the up to date promotional information.

About the Kane County Cougars

The Cougars, Class-A Minor League affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, have been at the forefront of family-friendly entertainment since 1991. In 2015, the franchise became the first Class-A team in Minor League Baseball history to welcome 11 million fans through the gates. A total of 152 former Cougars have reached the Major Leagues including Miguel Cabrera, Nelson Cruz, Josh Beckett, Adrian Gonzalez and Kyle Schwarber.

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

Cougars and Mueller Team Up to Provide Memorial Scholarship Fund

GENEVA, Ill. – The Kane County Cougars and Mueller: Certified Public Accountants have announced a new scholarship that will benefit deserving accounting college students in honor of Al Mueller, founding partner of the accounting firm Mueller & Co., LLP now known as Mueller.

Alfred “Al” E. Mueller passed away last March, but left a lasting legacy for his employees, clients and the local community through his many civic and philanthropic endeavors.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Kane County Cougars organization to launch the Al Mueller Memorial Scholarship Fund,” said David J. Nissen Managing Partner at Mueller. “Al would have been pleased to hear of these efforts to support and encourage students to pursue their education in the field of accounting and would be so honored to hear that the scholarship was in his name.”

The Al Mueller Memorial Scholarship Fund will provide five scholarships to deserving accounting college students at Mueller. Each of the honored students will receive $1000 towards their education.

“Mueller has been a tremendous supporter of the Kane County Cougars organization,” said owner Dr. Bob Froehlich. “We are thrilled to be able to contribute to the continued education of these hardworking students in honor of our dear friend Al Mueller.”

Follow the Cougars on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for all the up to date information on tickets and promotions.

About the Kane County Cougars

The Cougars, Class-A Minor League affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, have been at the forefront of family-friendly entertainment since 1991. In 2015, the franchise became the first Class-A team in Minor League Baseball history to welcome 11 million fans through the gates. A total of 152 former Cougars have reached the Major Leagues including Miguel Cabrera, Nelson Cruz, Josh Beckett, Adrian Gonzalez and Kyle Schwarber.

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

Nominations Being Accepted for Most Valuable Teacher Program

The BlueClaws honor Most Improved Students every year, but this year, the BlueClaws and the NJEA are partnering to honor Most Valuable Teachers at the game on Tuesday, May 23rd.

Teachers can be nominated by students, parents of students, fellow teachers, principals, or other administrators.

How to Nominate: Click here to fill out a nomination form. Plus, the BlueClaws encourage nominators to email videos to MVT@blueclaws.com. Video submissions, where the student talks about why their teacher is a Most Valuable Teacher, could be used on the BlueClaws video board the day of the ceremony.

“Teachers are the bedrock of our education system and we want to recognize their achievements this spring,” said BlueClaws General Manager Chris Tafrow. “This event, honoring the top teachers at the Jersey Shore, is extra special since we are taking the nominations and videos from the students and parents themselves.”

Upon nomination, teachers will be contacted through their schools. Each teacher will receive a complimentary ticket to the BlueClaws game on May 23rd and will be recognized in a pre-game ceremony.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable family entertainment. They have led the South Atlantic League and New Jersey in attendance in all 16 years of existence.

Ticket packages and group outings are currently on sale for the 2017 season by calling 732-900-7000 option 3.

– BlueClaws –

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

Redbirds, MLB Make Donation to Memphis Public Schools

(Roger Cotton/Memphis Redbirds)

PHOTO GALLERY

MEMPHIS, Tennessee – The Memphis Redbirds Community Fund, in conjunction with Major League Baseball, has made a donation to Pitch In For Baseball to benefit Memphis Public Schools as part of MLB’s biennial RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) Institute held this week in Memphis.

The donation will provide $25,000 worth of baseball and softball equipment to help 460 students get on the field, benefitting 24 baseball and softball teams at 16 schools in the Memphis area.

“We are very proud to be able to make this donation to Memphis Public Schools through the Redbirds Community Fund,” Redbirds President and General Manager Craig Unger said. “One of our main missions is to help better our community, and the Redbirds Community Fund is one of the leading vehicles for how we can use our position to do so. We look forward to being able to do more to benefit our community and the Mid-South as a whole.”

The week culminated today with a free PLAY BALL event at AutoZone Park, where area children were able to play on the field and have fun learning skills and celebrating the love of the game. Event participants also received a PLAY BALL t-shirt and a bat and ball set to continue the play at home.

The RBI Institute covers topics such as league operations, players’ health on and off the field (i.e., Pitch Smart, anti-bullying and drug-free lifestyles), educational programs, best practices, coaches training, league finances, equipment procurement and more.

The Redbirds have hosted an RBI site since 1998, where boys and girls ages 6 through 16 join with children from their own community to form teams which travel throughout the city to play each other. Memphis RBI began with six locations and has grown to serve 12 communities and over 1,000 participants.

The mission of the Memphis RBI program is to increase participation and interest in baseball and softball among underserved youth through instructional and competitive play, while encouraging youth to achieve academically, demonstrate good sportsmanship, and contribute positively to the community.

Pitch In For Baseball provides new and gently-used baseball and softball equipment to boys and girls in the United States and around the world who want to play ball but lack the equipment to do so. PIFB reduces barriers to play and promotes youth development by providing equipment directly to leagues, schools and organizations around the world to start, continue, and/or expand their programs. Over the past 10 years, PIFB has donated more than $5 million worth of equipment to 500,000 under-resourced kids in nearly every state and 80 different countries.

For more information on Pitch In For Baseball, visit www.pifb.org.

Schools Receiving Equipment

American Way Middle School (Baseball)

American Way Middle School (Softball)

Bellevue Middle School (Baseball)

Colonial Middle School (Baseball)

Colonial Middle School (Softball)

Grandview Heights Middle School (Baseball)

Hamilton Middle School (Baseball)

Hamilton Middle School (Softball)

Havenview Middle School (Baseball)

Havenview Middle School (Softball)

Hickory Ridge Middle School (Baseball)

Hickory Ridge Middle School (Softball)

Highland Oaks Middle School (Baseball)

Kate Bond Middle School (Softball)

Kingsbury Middle School (Softball)

Kirby Middle School (Baseball)

Memphis Grizzlies Preparatory Charter School (Baseball)

Memphis Scholars Raleigh-Egypt Middle School (Baseball)

Memphis Scholars Raleigh-Egypt Middle School (Softball)

Oakhaven Middle School (Baseball)

Oakhaven Middle School (Softball)

Raleigh-Egypt High School (Softball)

Raleigh-Egypt Middle/High School (Baseball)

Riverview Middle School (Baseball)

About the Redbirds Community Fund

The Redbirds Community Fund benefits area youth organizations by offering outreach programs, providing baseball instruction, giving opportunities for children to attend professional baseball games and to interact with professional players and personnel, providing and refurbishing area facilities for youth activities, and providing financial support to many worthy area Section 501(c)(3) organizations that effectively and efficiently serve the needs of children in the community.

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

Helping Hands: 2016 Power Donation Review

The annual Trick-or-Treat at Appalachian Power Park saw record attendance in 2016 with over 3,000 in attendance for the free event.

CHARLESTON, WV (February 16, 2017) – The West Virginia Power strive to build stronger relationships within the Kanawha Valley and surrounding communities. During the 2016 calendar year, the Power made donations totaling $93,800 through monetary, stadium events at Appalachian Power Park and in-kind contributions.

 

“We believe it is important to support the people in the community who support us,” said Ken Fogel, the Executive Vice President of the West Virginia Power. “We have the unique opportunity to work with a captive audience at the ballpark during the season and also help organizations raise funds through their own events.”

 

The most sizable donation was made to the American Red Cross in September. In response to the June floods, the Power worked with fans, vendors, sponsorship partners and the Pittsburgh Pirates to raise $51,115 for relief efforts. The club also made financial donations to a variety of charitable efforts like Thomas Health System’s Keys for Healthy Kids. Walks, charity functions and similar events are held at Appalachian Power Park each year, including the Polar Plunge, benefiting Special Olympics West Virginia, the Alzheimer’s Walk and Autism Awareness Day. The

Power once again hosted the BridgeValley Community and Technical College Pumpkin Drop, where 1,200 students from 38 schools converge through a fun engineering project. The club also hosts an annual trick-or-treat event each Halloween with the 2016 version being the most successful to date.

 

The West Virginia Power also fulfill a multitude of requests for donations throughout the each year. The club has donated items for auctions and raffles to organizations like Charleston Montessori School, Read Aloud WV, FestivALL, and the March of Dimes. The Power donated hundreds of game tickets in 2016, including 285 free tickets to veterans of the United States Armed Forces. Autographed items or merchandise are also popular donation requests and are used in raffles or auctions to raise money for a variety of charities.

 

Charitable organizations interested in receiving items for auctions or raffles must fill out a donation request form, available online by clicking here or submit their written request to the Power front office. For more information, call 304-344-BATS.

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

Good Grades Mean Great Seats at a 2017 Keys Game

FREDERICK, MD -Students who get good grades can look forward to an exciting treat this season. The Frederick Keys are launching the Report Card Program, sponsored by Miss Utility. During the month of April, K-12 students who bring in a report card showing an “A” or a letter grade improvement will receive two FREE tickets to a Keys game.

“We are always excited to award students for their academic achievements,” said Keys Assistant General Manager for Marketing, Bridget McCabe. “This incentive will encourage youngsters of all ages to hit the books and be the best they can be in the classroom.”

Students will have 14 games to choose from, while an entire list of redeemable dates is available here. To participate, youth need to bring their report card to the Nymeo Field box office on the day of the game they wish to attend. Youngsters can then choose any seat, based on availability. There is a limit of two tickets per report card, per transaction. This offer is not valid online or over the phone.

Some of the days students can choose from are Opening Day (April 6), Kids Takeover Day (April 8), Daniel Tiger appearance (April 12), Mystery Bobblehead Giveaway (April 21), Meet the Team (April 23), Mighty Ducks Night (April 28), Star Wars Day (April 29) and the Candy Drop/Halfway to Halloween Day (April 30).

The 2017 season begins on Thursday, April 6 against the Carolina Mudcats at Nymeo Field. A full promotional schedule can be found here. Single game tickets go on sale on Friday, March 31, while ticket plans are currently available. Any fan who purchases or renews a ticket plan can choose between a Jonathan Schoop bobblehead or a Dylan Bundy gnome. For ticket information fans can call 301-815-9900 or visit frederickkeys.com.

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

Shuckers launch “Hit The Books” Reading Campaign

BILOXI, MS – The Biloxi Shuckers, in partnership with Walmart, unveiled Tuesday their plans for the “Hit the Books” reading program, which aims to teach local students the importance of literacy. The incentive-based drive will reward students who reach their reading goals with a ticket to a Shuckers home game this season.

Over the course of the next six weeks, beginning this Friday, Schooner the Seagull and other Shuckers representatives will lead pep rallies and classroom visits at 19 local schools with a message stressing the benefits of reading. At these visits, students will receive a special “Hit the Books” bookmark with a reading log on its reverse side. Once a student has read six books and their list is verified by a teacher, the bookmark can be redeemed at the MGM Park box office for a ticket to a pre-determined Shuckers home game this season.

Qualifying students will also be invited to participate in an on-field parade before their scheduled game. The parade, led by Schooner, will allow Shuckers fans to honor “Hit the Books” participants for their commitment to reading. This year just over 10,000 students will be receiving a bookmark.

“This program is a great way for young Shuckers fans to reap the rewards of hitting the books,” said Jenifer Truong, Community Relations Coordinator for the Shuckers. “Reading is already a fun thing for students to do, but the added incentive to see their hard work recognized by the Shuckers should only serve to enhance that experience.”

The “Hit the Books” tour schedule is as follows:

Friday, February 17                             North Bay Elementary School
Friday, February 17                             Coast Episcopal School
Friday, February 17                             Bayou View Elementary School
Wednesday, February 22                    Vancleave Upper Elementary School
Thursday, February 23                        Gaston Point Elementary School
Friday, March 3                                   Gorenflo Elementary School
Friday, March 3                                   Nativity BVM Elementary School
Thursday, March 9                              Anniston Elementary School
Wednesday, March 15                        Harrison Central Elementary School
Wednesday, March 15                        Singing River Academy
Friday, March 17                                 North Woolmarket Elementary/Middle School
Friday, March 17                                 Hancock North Central Elementary School
Friday, March 17                                 West Hancock Elementary School
Friday, March 24                                 St. Martin East Elementary School

ABOUT THE BILOXI SHUCKERS:
The Biloxi Shuckers are the Double-A 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.

Stache Tank winners announced

                An Opening Night event plan and hype video, a promotional giveaway for fans and a new specialty food item will be part of the Lexington Legends 2017 season, thanks to the recently completed second annual Stache Tank competition.

Students from Bryan Station High School, Crawford Middle School and William Wells Brown Elementary competed this year. Stache Tank is based on the popular television program “Shark Tank,” in which would-be entrepreneurs present their business ideas to a panel of potential investors. “Stache” is a reference to the Legends’ mustache logo.

Teams of students went through competition at each of their schools to determine finalists, who then made presentations to a panel of business leaders and Legends officials at Whitaker Bank Ballpark.

The Bryan Station teams produced an Opening Night event plan that will salute the school and showcase the talents of Bryan Station students. The students also produced a special video to add to the atmosphere for Opening Night, which is Thursday, April 13.

Kayla Stanley, a sophomore, appreciated the opportunity to team up with older students.

“Working with others higher up was a big thing, but we all worked well together,” she said. “I think it helps when you all know each other.   But aside from that, getting up in front of people as a group and presenting your hard work, knowing that you could walk away losing or winning – whatever it may be, you gain certain aspects that you couldn’t have gotten without this experience.”

Developing a budget and staying within it while finding materials for their ideas presented a challenge for the group.   Stanley said her classwork provided a good base of knowledge for those issues – especially the budget.

“Definitely, the budget,” she said, and added that acquiring materials such as glow sticks, neon duct tape, and staff t-shirts without exceeding their budget meant relying on their math skills.

Bryan Station team members also included Drake Witt, Kageman Mason, Auryan Padgett, Kylie Barefoot and Melissa Canales.

“The Legends’ Stache Tank is an incredible opportunity for students to showcase the many different things they’ve been exposed to,” said Bryan Station associate principal Carl Hayden. “It gives them an opportunity to work together in teams, whether it’s the academy, or students from culinary, or students from business. They all get an opportunity to come together to devise a plan to show off their talents and show what students here at Bryan Station can do.”

A team from Crawford Middle School developed bacon-wrapped chicken bites, which were a hit with the judges and will now be a featured Kentucky Ale Taproom restaurant menu item and concession stand item for Legends fans in 2017. Crawford students Alonna Allen, LeAira Beatty, Claynisha Mayberry and Lataiya Jones came up with the winning idea, cost analysis and plans for production.

The team needed math and algebra skills as part of their research, said Allen, a seventh grade student.   And it was “people skills,” she said, that were required once the students were in front of the panel of judges to make their presentation.

“I was nervous, but excited,” she said.   “And I’m excited about trying our food at a game.”

“I was able to take a pretty good cross-section of our students, put them in small groups and watch them learn how to work together as a team,” said Crawford principal Mike Jones. “Also, it was very encouraging to see them use a lot of the math skills they learned through our math standards and apply them to a real-world project, and then be able to take that and present it to a group of strangers. I was very encouraged by how our students represented Crawford, and I’m very proud of them.”

The first 1,000 fans through the gates on the afternoon of Sunday, April 16 will receive a fruit-infused water bottle designed by Egypt Brooks, Teayla Granville, Olivia Jones, and Ayanna Darrington, all fifth grade students at William Wells Brown Elementary.

“Our students used math, writing, technology skills, and research to accomplish writing persuasive pieces, ” said Monica Davis, 21st Century Grant program director at William Wells Brown.   “They created visual charts to share data collected. ”

Working on a project that would be widely seen and used outside their classroom added to the students’ energy, Davis said. “The fifth grade students who participate in the 21st Century Community Learning Center at WWB were so excited to be asked to create a giveaway item for the Legends.”

“The Legends’ Stache Tank idea emerged originally in 2016 from our drive to take a more active role in Minor League Baseball’s nationwide diversity initiative, and we are thrilled to be able to offer this community program again for the 2017 season,” said Legends vice president of business development Sarah Bosso. “Working with these remarkable students has been quite rewarding. Seeing them work through challenges and celebrate the triumphs while also breaking down the process of building something to offer the community, has been the highlight of my off season.”

For more information about the Stache Tank program, contact Sarah Bosso at (859) 422-7855 or sbosso@lexingtonlegends.com.

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

Have a ball at Future Mud Hen Baseball Camps

Play ball where the Mud Hens play! Have fun in the sun and improve on your skills at our Future Mud Hen Baseball Camps. All camps and clinics will be held at Fifth Third Field and camp instructors will be current Mud Hens players and coaches.

For all camp registrations, contact CJ O’Leary at 419-720-6543 or email coleary@mudhens.com.

FIELD OF DREAMS CLINIC: SATURDAY, MAY 27 12:00 P.M. – 2:00 P.M.

The Future Mud Hen Special Needs Field of Dreams Clinic is open to any child between the ages of 5 and 18 with special needs. This two-hour camp will take place on the field prior to the Mud Hens game at Fifth Third Field. The camp will feature three simultaneous games on the field with Mud Hens players, including an opportunity for each child to get at least one at bat at home plate at Fifth Third Field, complete with an introduction on the public address system and a live shot on the video board!

One adult chaperone is required to be in attendance with each child attending the clinic.

Field of Dreams Clinic registration is $25.

What you get:

  • Future Mud Hen Camp T-shirt
  • Souvenir baseball
  • May 27 Mud Hens game ticket (Additional tickets are $12 each)

THREE-DAY SKILLS CAMP: TUESDAY, JUNE 13 – THURSDAY, JUNE 15 10:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. EACH DAY

The Future Mud Hen Three Day Skills Camp is for kids ages 7 to 14 and will feature in-depth instruction on all aspects of the game of baseball. The first two days of the camp feature stations around the field where Mud Hens players teach the campers baseball fundamentals. Stations will include instruction on fielding (infield & outfield), hitting, base running, pitching, strength & conditioning and more. The final day of the camp will feature several competitions (Speed Pitch, Gold Glove and Speed Running) and an on field game!

Each Future Mud Hen Three-Day Skills Camp concludes with an awards ceremony at Fifth Third Field with a special appearance by MUDDY! The awards ceremony is open to anyone wishing to attend. Certificates will be awarded to the competition winners and prizes will be drawn randomly! Mud Hens players will be available for a post-camp autograph session at this time.

Three-Day Skills Camp registration is $140.

What you get:

  • Future Mud Hen Skills Camp T-Shirt
  • Souvenir baseball
  • Lunch on all three days (Hot Dogs, Hamburgers and Pizza with chips and pop)
  • Mud Hens game ticket for either June 13, June 14, or June 15. (Additional tickets are $12 each)

ADULT/CHILD CAMP: SATURDAY, JULY 15 10:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.

The Future Mud Hen Adult & Child Baseball Camp is a chance for children and adults to learn baseball and teaching skills from Mud Hens coaches and players. In turn, we hope the adults will continue to practice those same skills with the children when they go home. Adults should bring their baseball mitt so they can join in on the drills and lessons! The Adult & Child Baseball Camp is open to children ages 5 through 14 along with a parent, grandparent, brother, sister, or any other adult (18 or older) who would like to accompany them.

The Adult & Child Baseball Camp registration is $80 for one adult and one child and $40 for each additional camper.

What you get:

  • Future Mud Hen T-Shirt for adult and child
  • Souvenir baseball for child
  • July 15 Mud Hens game ticket for adult and child (Additional tickets are $12 each)

THREE-DAY CAMP: WEDNESDAY, JULY 26 – FRIDAY, JULY 28 10:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. EACH DAY

The Future Mud Hen Three Day Skills Camp is for kids ages 7 to 14 and will feature in-depth instruction on all aspects of the game of baseball. The first two days of the camp feature stations around the field where Mud Hens players teach the campers baseball fundamentals. Stations will include instruction on fielding (infield & outfield), hitting, base running, pitching, strength & conditioning and more. The final day of the camp will feature several competitions (Speed Pitch, Gold Glove and Speed Running) and an on field game!

Each Future Mud Hen Three-Day Skills Camp concludes with an awards ceremony at Fifth Third Field with a special appearance by MUDDY! The awards ceremony is open to anyone wishing to attend. Certificates will be awarded to the competition winners and prizes will be drawn randomly! Mud Hens players will be available for a post-camp autograph session at this time.

Three-Day Skills Camp registration is $140.

What you get:

  • Future Mud Hen Skills Camp T-Shirt
  • Souvenir baseball
  • Lunch on all three days (Hot Dogs, Hamburgers and Pizza with chips and pop)
  • Mud Hens game ticket for either July 26, July 27, or July 28. (Additional tickets are $12 each)

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

Science, tech students can earn Legends tickets

Cards will be used to record students’ progress and can be redeemed for Legends’ tickets when all four activities have been completed.

  The Lexington Legends are stepping into the fields of science and technology through a new educational program.

The Legends are working with the Instructional Technology Department of Fayette County Public Schools to provide an incentive for students in the Kentucky Department of Education’s Science and Technology Leadership Program (STLP) to participate in academic activities related to those studies.

As students complete four key activities in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), their progress will be recorded on punch cards that will be distributed to students by STLP coordinators.   The activities are listed under the four “C’s” of STEM:

Critical thinking – Students must complete an hour of coding.

Creativity – Students must create some type of innovative project using technology.

Collaboration – Students must attend an STLP meeting or STEM Fair.

Communication – Students must teach someone else something they have learned, either one-on-one or through a class presentation.

When the completion of all four activities is recorded on their card, students may redeem the card at the Legends box office for two tickets to a home game.

“The Legends are pleased to work with Fayette County Public Schools on this project,” said Sarah Bosso, Legends’ vice president for business development.   “It’s important for students to be immersed in 21st century learning, and Fayette County Public Schools is doing a phenomenal job providing outlets for this type of experience. The Legends are more than happy to provide additional incentive for students in the form of fun at the ballpark. We look forward to having them with us for the 2017 season.”

“Fayette County Public Schools and the Office of Instructional Technology recognize the importance of STEM education and skills such as critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and communication,” said Amy Johns, Coordinator of Instructional Technology forFayette County Public Schools. “Through the Student Technology Leadership Program, we encourage schools to give students opportunities to practice those skills in a variety of ways, because we know these are key for our students to be successful in a global community.

“We are excited that our community partners, the Lexington Legends, also value and support the need for students to practice these skills and are partnering with us in a unique STEM/STLP program to reward students for their work,” she added. “We believe this opportunity will draw attention to the importance of this kind of learning at all grade levels and we deeply appreciate The Legends support of our efforts.”

STLP’s mission is to use project-based learning principles to empower student learning and achievement through the utilization and creation of technology to solve school and community needs.

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

Chasers Charities Awarding 10th Annual Jackie Robinson Scholarships

Chasers Charities, the charitable arm of the Omaha Storm Chasers, is proud to announce the tenth annual Jackie Robinson Athletic Scholarship contest presented by The Weitz Company. The program honors two local African-American students in an effort to commemorate the baseball legend that broke Major League Baseball’s color barrier in 1947.

One male and one female student in the Omaha area will be awarded a $1,000 dollar scholarship from Chasers Charities. Each student will be chosen based upon their work in the classroom, involvement within the community, athletic achievement and other qualities.

“We remain committed in continuing the legacy of Jackie Robinson by offering these scholarships for the tenth year, and we are thankful to The Weitz Company for their partnership in 2017,” said Storm Chasers President and General Manager Martie Cordaro. “Every year we receive many deserving applications, and we expect this year to be no different.”

Interested applicants must submit their application by March 24, and the winners honored at the Storm Chasers’ contest on April 15. To be eligible for the Jackie Robinson Athletic Scholarship, students must meet the following criteria:

  • United States citizen or permanent resident
  • Resident of Sarpy, Douglas, Cass, Lancaster or Pottawattamie County
  • Minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
  • African-American (male or female), and a high school student participating in athletics
  • High school senior or graduate planning to enroll in a full-time undergraduate course of study at an accredited postsecondary institution

More information on the application process for the Jackie Robinson Scholarship can be found online by clicking here. Completed applications should be sent by March 24, 2017 to:

Chasers Charities
c/o Omaha Storm Chasers
Attn: Becki Frishman
12356 Ballpark Way
Papillion, NE 68046
BeckiF@omahastormchasers.com
(402) 738-2181

About Chasers Charities. Created in 2010, the mission of Chasers Charities is to support the community through charitable contributions that benefit sports and recreational activities with a focus on youth. The foundation accomplishes this mission through financial donations, as well as in-kind support, including memorabilia, tickets and publicity.

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