Education/Teacher Support

Granite State Baseball Dinner Donates $142,000

December 17, 2014

Annual charity event has donated more than $1.28 million since 2007

In the offices of the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock in Manchester today, the New Hampshire Fisher Cats announced the proceeds from the 2014 Granite State Baseball Dinner, presented by Northeast Delta Dental. Through sponsorship donations, ticket sales, silent and live auctions, and raffle ticket sales, $142,049 was donated to benefit CHaD, the Ted Williams Foundation, and the Fisher Cats Foundation at the annual gala on Nov. 22.

“It is with great pride that our organization gets to host this event and present this check every year,” said Art Solomon, Fisher Cats owner and Chairman of the Fisher Cats Foundation board. “The work of our Foundation is near and dear to my heart, but this event in particular means so much because of the impact it is able to make. We are so thankful for the support of all of the sponsors and fans who continue to make this event so meaningful each year.”

“Each year during the holiday season we are able to make this announcement, and it means so much to our team and our staff,” said Fisher Cats President & General Manager Rick Brenner. “It takes a lot of dedicated people donating a lot of their time and resources to make this event successful, but this announcement and presentation today, and the work of these great charities, is the reward for those efforts. We know these funds will assist these groups with the important and necessary services they provide our communities.”

Since the Fisher Cats became involved with the dinner in 2007, it has generated more than $1.28 million for the three charitable groups. CHaD has received more than $558,000 to support its mission to provide world-class care to families and kids throughout the northeast. The Fisher Cats Foundation has used a similar amount to help fund more than $3.5 million in monetary and in-kind donations since its inception in 2006. The Ted Williams Foundation has been gifted with nearly $173,000 to continue its efforts to promote the history and tradition of baseball while also providing outreach to community groups and scholarships to high school students.

The 2014 dinner featured a unique panel of celebrity guests, including New Hampshire legend and Cy Young Award winner Chris Carpenter. Red Sox star Brock Holt co-headlined the event alongside Carpenter, as well as several popular former Red Sox, including Luis Tiant, Rich Gedman, and Lou Merloni. Other guests with major league connections included Cy Young winners Denny McLain and Dwight ‘Doc’ Gooden, All-Stars Bob Stanley and Gary Matthews, and Claudia Williams, author and daughter of Hall-of-Famer Ted Williams.

Several Granite Staters also featured at the head table, including minor league infielder Michael Fransoso of Portsmouth and pitcher Derrick Sylvester of Franklin. Miss New Hampshire Megan Coolely was joined by 2012 Paralympic gold medalist Victoria Arlen of Exeter.

The dinner tradition will continue in 2015 on Saturday, Nov. 21.

The Fisher Cats will open the 2015 season on Thursday, April 9, at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium against the New Britain Rock Cats (Colorado Rockies). Full and Half-Season Tickets are currently on sale, and feature a variety of benefits and experiences. To learn more, stop by the box office at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium, call (603) 641-2005, or visit www.nhfishercats.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. Click here to view the original story.

Spinners to Spread Holiday Cheer Thursday

December 15, 2014

Caravan to visit McAuliffe School, Bedford VA

The Lowell Spinners, Class-A Affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, will be getting a hand from a few famous faces and the students from McAuliffe Elementary School in Lowell as we spread holiday cheer to the heroes at the Edith M. Nourse Veteran’s Hospital in Bedford Thursday, December 18.

The McAuliffe School was selected amongst a number of submissions through both Facebook and mailed submissions, on the basis of their dedication to helping the local community and support of their writing initiative.

The Spinners front office staff will be joined by a number of familiar faces, including the World Famous Dog Man, beloved Spinners’ mascot Canaligator, the LeLacheur Park Minions, Stuart and Dave, members of the Lowell Police Department and more guests to be announced.

“We are so grateful to the staff and students at the McAuliffe School for their support in saluting our heroes,” said Spinners President and General Manager Tim Bawmann. “In addition, to have these special guests take time out of their schedule to interact with the students and visit with the veterans makes this a truly special event.”

The caravan will be joined this year by a pair of lovely ladies, as Queen Elsa of Frozen fame, will be joining the caravan for the visit to McAuliffe School, while Miss Massachusetts Lauren Kuhn will be joining up at the veteran’s hospital.

The group will join the students in making holiday cards to be delivered later that morning to the heroes at the Edith M. Nourse Veteran’s Hospital in Bedford.

“Seeing the joy that something as simple as the student’s cards can bring is emotional,” said Bawmann. “The holidays are about sharing cheer and joy and we are thrilled to be able to bring just a little bit of that to our heroes.”

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lowell Spinners. Click here to view the original story.

Thunder Charities Awards Grants To Four Local Non-Profits

December 12, 2014

The Thunder announced today that it has awarded grants to four locally based non-profit organizations through the 2014 Thunder Charities Community Grant Program.

The following organizations are receiving grants through the 2014 Community Grant Program:

Organization	Program	Grant Amount
Every Child Valued	After School Program	$2,500
Mercer Street Friends	Trenton Digital Initiatives	$2,500
NAMI Mercer NJ, Inc	Just Kids	$1,500
Hope Loves Company	Camp HLC	$1,000

TOTAL = $7,500

This year, three of the four organizations received grants in the full amount that was requested on their application. With its third year now complete, the Thunder Charities Community Grant Program has awarded $31,650 to charities in our region. The Thunder has donated over $5.4 million in goods, services and monetary donations to community organizations in its 21 year history.

“It’s great to see fun events like the ‘Thunder Charities Treasure Hunt’ raise the funds that allow us to to support so many worthwhile organizations,” said TJ Jahn, Thunder Director of Community Relations.

Thunder Charities grants are awarded annually with the goal to support organizations that enhance the educational opportunities and quality of life for children as well as programs that support the betterment of the local community in general. Applications are now available for 2015. To make a cash donation to the 2015 fund or to support Thunder Charities in another way, please reach out to TJ Jahn at 609-394-3300 ext 188 or tj@trentonthunder.com.

The Thunder, the Double A Affiliate of the New York Yankees, will begin the 2015 season at ARM & HAMMER Park on Thursday, April 16. Season tickets, group outings, Pic-A-Plans, and Mini Plan renewals are on sale now. Single game tickets will go on sale in March 2015. For more information about tickets, fans should call 609-394-3300 or visit trentonthunder.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Trenton Thunder. Click here to view the original story.

San Jose Giants Release 2014 Community Report

December 4, 2014

Report showcases organization’s impact in the South Bay

The San Jose Giants released today their 2014 Community Report. The report is a complete detail of the organization’s community involvement and contributions. From expanding the team’s extensive fundraising efforts to a record number of mascot appearances and the organization’s rise from twenty-fifth in Minor League Baseball’s social media rankings to second overall, the San Jose Giants presence was felt well beyond the Municipal Stadium gates this year.

“I want to personally thank all of our fans and partners for your loyalty and passion for the San Jose Giants and our place in the community,” said Daniel Orum, San Jose Giants President and CEO. “Through the organization’s extensive work with youth sports groups, schools and regional non-profit organizations, the team has introduced baseball to millions of homes in Northern California and this year alone raised over $480,000 for charitable causes.”

The 2014 Community Report showcases the variety of charitable efforts the San Jose Giants are involved with both inside and beyond the Municipal Stadium gates. Highlights of the report include over 150 appearances made by San Jose Giants personnel, unique, community-centered evening’s at Municipal Stadium, events in partnership with the Giants Community Fund to help under served youth and in-kind donations to more than 750 local and national organizations.

For more information on the San Jose Giants and how to get your organization involved next season, call (408) 297-1435 or visit sjgiants.com.

Read 2014 San Jose Giants Community Report

This article originally appeared on the official website of the San Jose Giants. Click here to view the original story.

Mascot Stormy Debuts Children’s Book Saturday at The Bookworm

December 3, 2014

“Stormy and the Case of the Terrible Twister” is first ever children’s book produced by Storm Chasers

The Omaha Storm Chasers mascot Stormy has many accomplishments since he was born in 2010, but he will now add his own book to that list! “Stormy and the Case of the Terrible Twister,” the first ever children’s book produced by the Storm Chasers, will be officially released this Saturday at The Bookworm, and the mascot himself will be there!

The Bookworm, located at 2501 South 90th Street, will host Stormy on December 6 from 1 – 3 p.m. as part of the celebration for “Take Your Child to a Bookstore Day.” The price for each book is $13.95, and portions of the proceeds from purchases will go to the Home Run Foundation of Greater Omaha.

“Stormy and the Case of the Terrible Twister” was written David Green (son of Storm Chasers owner Gary Green) and Constantine Ladikos, while being illustrated by Andre Frattino. In the book Stormy learns a twister might spoil his special day at Werner Park, so he goes on a search to find the threatening twister.

Fans can also purchase “Stormy and the Case of the Terrible Twister” at the Storm Front Team Store or online here:

http://stormchasers.milbstore.com/store_contents.cfm?store_id=117&dept_id=-1&product_id=58218.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Omaha Storm Chasers. Click here to view the original story.

Blue Rocks Announce 2014 Holiday Card Contest Winner

November 25, 2014

5th Grader from Assumption B.V.M. School in West Grove, PA chosen out of thousands of entries.

The Wilmington Blue Rocks are excited to announce the winner of the 13^th Annual Holiday Card Contest. Thousands of entries were received, but unfortunately, there could be only one winner. After a tough decision process, Rocky Bluewinkle, Mr. Celery and the rest of the Holiday Card Contest Committee decided that the overall winner was Benjamin Trowbridge, a 5^th Grader from Assumption B.V.M. School in West Grove, PA. His artwork will be featured on the cover of the Wilmington Blue Rocks Holiday Card. Benjamin will be rewarded with a team-autographed baseball, a ceremonial first pitch and 10 tickets to a 2015 Blue Rocks game.

The Blue Rocks also selected honorable mention recipients, whose artwork will be displayed on the back of the Holiday Card. The art teachers of the winner and honorable mention designers will be contacted by a Blue Rocks representative in the next week. Those garnering honorable mentions honors are:

Iyanna Flores
Kindergarten
Assumption B.V.M.
West Grove, PA

Dafne Ruiz
2^nd Grade
Assumption B.V.M.
West Grove, PA

Sophie Dodds
3^rd Grade
Villa Maria Academy
Immaculata, PA

Emily Ford
4^th Grade
Villa Maria Academy
Immaculata, PA

Adrienne Testa
5^th Grade
Holy Angels School
Newark, DE

Erica Panico
5^th Grade
North Star Elementary
Hockessin, DE.

The Wilmington Blue Rocks would like to thank all those who entered. Entries were received from students in Kindergarten thru 5^th grade from Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey.

Each entrant will be rewarded with 2 tickets to a Blue Rocks game in 2015 as a thank you for participating. The tickets will be mailed to the participating teachers by February.

The Blue Rocks, who drew 284,701 fans to Frawley Stadium in 2014 and averaged more than 4,400 patrons per game, have season seats and group packages for the 2015 season on sale now. Fans should call 302-888-BLUE or visit BlueRocks.com for more information.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Wilmington Blue Rocks. Click here to view the original story.

BlueClaws Charities Makes Mark Through Community Grant Program

November 19, 2014

Awards grants to 34 non-profit organizations in 2014

BlueClaws Charities has completed its 6^th annual grant process. After analyzing the applications, BlueClaws Charities handed out grants to 34 Community Partner organizations in Monmouth & Ocean Counties.

BlueClaws Charities, a registered 501c3 organization, raises money at all 70 BlueClaws home games. A 50/50 raffle, special jersey auctions, and miscellaneous programs are used to raise money during games. The annual “Phillies Winter Banquet,” “ALS Celebrity Waiter Event,” “Bowling With the BlueClaws,” and the “BlueClaws Charities Nine & Dine Golf Outing” are additional fundraising initiatives conducted by BlueClaws Charities.

Each organization, also 501c3s, becomes eligible for a grant through a season-long partnership with the BlueClaws.

“This grant program is the culmination of the BlueClaws Charities year and we are very grateful to everyone that supports the organization in any way,” said BlueClaws Charities Executive Director Jim DeAngelis. “Without the support of the fans and donors, we would not be able to aid our magnificent Community Partner organizations.”

The following non-profit organizations received a cash grant from BlueClaws Charities (alphabetical order): ALS Association of Greater Philadelphia, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, American Red Cross (Jersey Coast Chapter), Ashley Lauren Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ocean County, Caregivers Volunteers of Central Jersey, Central Jersey Blood Center, David’s Dream and Believe Cancer Foundation, Enable Inc., Exit 82 Theatre Company, Family Options Adoptions, Family Resource Associates, First Tee of Monmouth & Ocean Counties, Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore, Go 4 the Goal, LADACIN Network, Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski Memorial Fund, Monmouth County SPCA, Mya Lin Terry Foundation, NJ TEARS, Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity, Ocean County Shriners Club, Ocean County YMCA, Ocean’s Harbor House, Raising Hope for Others, RJM Sports Group, Saint Vincent DePaul Society of Ocean County, Salvation Army of Ocean County, Susan G. Komen For the Cure of Central & South Jersey, Tom Giannattasio Jr. Memorial Fund, United Way of Monmouth County, United Way of Ocean County.

All Community Partners that completed the grant application were rewarded with a grant. Each partner was asked to describe the program within their organization that would benefit from the grant, with the requirement that the grant be allocated to Ocean or Monmouth County.

BlueClaws Charities, in addition to the grant program, supports hundreds of non-profit organizations with gift package donations, golf outing hole-in-one sponsorships, and specialty organizations such as OCEAN, Inc., a federal program that assists the less fortunate in the community. The “Tickets for Kids Program,” another BlueClaws Charities initiative, donates over 2,000 tickets to underserved youths in Lakewood and elsewhere in Ocean County.

Organizations that would like to become Community Partners can call Jim DeAngelis at 732-901-7000 ext 114. Community Partners raise money through a BlueClaws fundraiser outing and have the opportunity to volunteer in the FirstEnergy Park concession stands to raise additional funds. These organizations also receive exposure through on-field presentations, table displays, and on BlueClaws.com, plus they have special opportunities to hold events, such as charity walks, at FirstEnergy Park.

The Lakewood 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 each year of their existence. 2015 will be their historic 15^th season of family fun.

Ticket packages and group outings are currently on sale by calling 732-901-7000 option 3 or online at BlueClaws.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lakewood BlueClaws. Click here to view the original story.

Jordy Nelson Charity Softball Game presented by Kwik Trip returns in 2015

October 29, 2014

WisconsinTimberRattlers_2014-10-29 — Action from the 2014 Jordy Nelson Game at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium. (Ann Mollica/Wisconsin Timber Rattlers)

Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium to host event on Sunday, June 14

GRAND CHUTE, WI – Green Bay Packers Super Bowl Champion Jordy Nelson will host the annual Charity Softball Game at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium on Sunday, June 14, 2015. This will be the second year Nelson has been the host of the game between the offense and defense of the Green Bay Packers. Game time is 1:05pm.

“I am honored to host the Charity Softball Game again in 2015,” said Nelson. “My family and I really enjoyed the experience last year, and we look forward to having fun with the fans again this year. I want to thank the fans for supporting this game and helping us to raise money for needed community programs.”

Nelson is currently 2^nd in the NFC in receiving yards, tied for 2^nd in touchdowns by a receiver, and 4^th in receptions.

“The Timber Rattlers are excited to have Jordy Nelson back as the host for this Charity Softball Game and we are proud to once again be the host facility,” said Timber Rattlers president Rob Zerjav. “Jordy has solidified himself as a member of this community and we are excited to play a part in helping raise funds for local community programs.”

The offense defeated the defense 26-11 in front of a crowd of 7,354 in the 2014 game. Nelson, who participated in the game when it was hosted by Donald Driver, hit a pair of home runs in last year’s game.

Fans may purchase tickets for the game as part of a four-game package starting Wednesday, November 5 at 10:00am by calling (800) WI-TIMBER, (920) 733-4152, or in person at the Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium Box Office. The package includes a ticket for the Jordy Nelson game and three vouchers that may be used for any Timber Rattlers regular season home game played on a Sunday in 2015. The ticket packages are not available online.

Prices for the four-game packages are:

Premium Box Seat:	$91
Box Seat:	$76
Reserved Seat:	$52

The first two rows of the seating bowl at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium are the premium box seat option in this ticket package. Vouchers for the Timber Rattlers games must be redeemed at the box office and are based on availability.

Individual tickets for the Jordy Nelson Charity Softball Game presented by Kwik Trip go on sale Wednesday, November 12 at 10:00am. Tickets for the softball game are $55 for a premium box seat, $40 for a box seat, $25 for a reserved bleacher seat, and $12 for a general admission grass seat. There are also a limited number of patio tables available at $225. Patio tables seat four people and include waitstaff service and an autographed item from Jordy Nelson.

All You Can Eat Seats are available for $87 for the softball game only. These seats are located on the first base side of the stadium, include a ticket to the Jordy Nelson Charity Softball Game and an all-you-can eat picnic. These seats go on sale November 12 over the phone at 800-WI-TIMBER or (920) 733-4152; in person at the box office; or through the internet at www.timberrattlers.com.

If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities, please contact Lammi Sports Management at (414) 727-3600.

The Jordy Nelson Charity Softball game benefits Young Life, an organization for middle, high school and college students that pairs them with adults focused on the things that matter most to kids – fun, adventure and friendship. Founded in 1941, Young Life has more than 3,000 staff and 30,000 volunteers reaching more than 1,000,000 kids annually.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. Click here to view the original story.

Classroom Connections Claw Club Sale

October 14, 2014

Donate school supplies for half-priced Claw Club membership

The Hickory Crawdads are partnering with Classroom Connections in the month of October to help collect much needed school supplies for area teachers, while giving fans the opportunity to purchase a 2015 Claw Club membership for half price.

Fans have until October 31^st to donate school supplies for Classroom Connections in exchange for a $19 Claw Club membership, half the normal price. Donations can be dropped off at the Crawdads front office at L.P. Frans Stadium, along with a completed Claw Club Form.

The Claw Club is the official kids club of the Hickory Crawdads. A membership includes:

One ticket to ALL 70 Crawdads home games in 2015
Official Membership Card
One Complimentary Speed Pitch, Carousel, & Bounce House Voucher each Saturday
One Complimentary ticket for Dad on Father’s Day
One Complimentary ticket for Mom on Mother’s Day
Special Events during the off-season and regular season
Claw Club Newsletter via E-Mail
15% Discount at the Crawdads’ Team Store!
$30 Discount on a Birthday Party

Classroom Connections is a store where teachers from schools with high percentages of students with free and reduced lunch can shop for free school supplies. The program works to have a continuous impact on meeting teachers’ needs for classroom materials for every student by supplying classroom resources such as pencils, paper, glue, pens, poster board, notebooks, workbooks, rulers, calculators, graph paper, copy paper etc.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Hickory Crawdads. Click here to view the original story.

CHASERS IN THE COMMUNITY – 2014 Season Highlights

October 9, 2014

Largest total donation number since becoming the Storm Chasers with $558,733 in the past year

Matt Fields and Buddy Baumann visiting the VA Hospital during the 2014 season was one of the many highlights from a record-setting season for the Storm Chasers in terms of community involvement.

The Omaha Storm Chasers finished the 2014 season in spectacular fashion, winning the Triple-A National Championship in back-to-back seasons for the first time in franchise history, but it was also a record-setting year for the Chasers community involvement. The charitable arm of the team, the Home Run Foundation of Greater Omaha, donated $558,733 to local charities in the past year for the largest total since becoming the Storm Chasers.

“The first four years at Werner Park have been nothing but historic on the field, but what the Storm Chasers staff takes the most pride in is the impact we have in the community we call home,” said Martie Cordaro, President and General Manager of the Omaha Storm Chasers. “To set total donation records in back-to-back years is as great of a victory as back-to-back National Championships in my eyes.”

At Werner Park, the Storm Chasers showcased 78 non-profit groups throughout the 2014 season with the Live Wise Coalition Community Organization of the Night to provide the outlet for many worthwhile causes in the Omaha Metro. This included Game Worn Jersey Auctions, which raised $14,640 for three local charities, and a highlight of Werner Park involvement with fans and staff donating more than $3,000 and 630 items to Pilger Tornado Relief over two games in late June.

Staples of Omaha Storm Chasers Baseball, “Hy-Vee Canned Food Sunday” and the “McDonald’s and Huber Automotive Hurl the Pearl” contest, had strong 2014 campaigns. The Heartland Hope Mission received 5,327 canned food donations ($37,289), the most since the move to Werner Park, while “Hurl the Pearl” accumulated $15,311 for the Ronald McDonald House marking a third straight year the team has raised more than $15,000 for the promotion.

The Storm Chasers players and mascots donated their time to the community with numerous player appearances at places such as Children’s/VA Hospitals. Stormy, Casey, Vortex and the three new mascots Kernel Cobb, Cappy and Sizzle made 335 mascot appearances throughout the year which was up by more than 100 appearances compared to the 2013 season.

The front office staff donated 870 hours throughout the year, including the Storm Chasers helping struggling families during last holiday season in “Drumstick On Wheels” and Chasers FUNdamentals teaching baseball to underprivileged youth this past summer. Last month, Martie Cordaro and the Storm Chasers were named the “Community Partner of the Year” by Community 360.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Omaha Storm Chasers. Click here to view the original story.

Blue Rocks honored with Minker Award

October 8, 2014

Community service award is named after Wilmington team’s founder

The Wilmington Blue Rocks were honored by the Carolina League on Wednesday with the Matt Minker Community Service Award, which goes to the club that best demonstrates an outstanding, on-going commitment to charitable service, support, and leadership within its community. The award is named after the Blue Rocks’ founder, who owned the club until his death in 2007. Minker, whose construction company also built Frawley Stadium, is still the team’s honorary president. It is the first year the title has been awarded to an entire organization, after going to individual players since its inception in 2009.

“Matt Minker was instrumental in laying the foundation for the Blue Rocks and for the franchise’s success in the years to follow,” said Blue Rocks general manager Chris Kemple. “It is fitting and appropriate that this honor bears his name and we are absolutely privileged to be the first organizational recipient.”

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

As an organization the Blue Rocks work with area schools to promote academic achievement (Rocky’s Reading Challenge), citizenship (Outstanding Student Program), and active lifestyles (Titus Sports Champions Physical Health Program). The team helped raise tens of thousands of dollars for good causes through partnerships with Habitat For Humanity, Boys & Girls Clubs of DE, Fight for the Gold, Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition and many other charities in 2014. It also contributed school supplies to the Red Clay School Consolidated School District during the Remax Stuff the Bus Campaign and donated thousands of tickets to other worthy community programs. Several times each season the team also visited the Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital For Children, brightening the spirits of that facility’s patients and their families.

“We could not accomplish much of what we do without the partnership and cooperation of our players and the Kansas City Royals organization,” said Blue Rocks director of community affairs Kevin P. Linton. “Their commitment to community fits perfectly with the vision that Matt Minker set forth for the Blue Rocks franchise and that we continue to follow to this day.”

Community service is so engrained within the organization that three of the five times the award was presented to individual players it went to Blue Rocks. Everett Teaford was the inaugural winner in 2009 and was followed by Tim Melville in 2011 and Whit Merrifield in 2012.

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

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Wilmington Blue Rocks. Click here to view the original story.

Squirrels Nominated For John Henry Moss Community Service Award

October 7, 2014

Richmond Tabbed by Eastern League for Award in 5th Season

The Richmond Flying Squirrels, Double-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, are pleased to announce that the organization has been nominated by the Eastern League of Professional Baseball Clubs for the 2014 John Henry Moss Community Service Award. The league nominates just one team for the award, presented annually by Minor League Baseball.

The John Henry Moss Community Service Award is bestowed upon a club that demonstrates an outstanding, on-going commitment to charitable service, support and leadership within their local community and within the baseball industry.

Community impact has been a foundational focal point for the Squirrels since their inception in 2010. The Squirrels’ nomination comes following a season in which they continued to expand many of their community aims. That included the launch of the Squirrels’ new non-profit arm, Flying Squirrels Charities, created with the goal of growing opportunities for local children. The first major fundraising campaign for Flying Squirrels Charities was “Smooch-a-Pig,” which included the involvement of 10 local celebrities and benefitted “Operation Renovation.” The campaign, which endeavored to rebuild 12 little league fields for the Richmond City Department of Parks & Recreation, raised over $60,000.

“There are many awards that the Squirrels as an organization would be delighted to receive,” said Flying Squirrels’ Vice President & COO Todd “Parney” Parnell. “However, this nomination is of particular significance to us. Community service is the bedrock of the Squirrels’ organization, and it is gratifying that our sustained effort continues to have a profound impact.”

The Squirrels continue to be one of the most active teams in professional sports within their community. Among their other programs and highlights:

“Go Nuts for Reading Program (39,000 student participants)
Flying Squirrels Art Contest (5^th Year)
Score an “A”, Score a Ticket Program
Kroger Squirrels Tails Kids Club (24,000 Members)
In-Season Youth Camps
Drives (Food, Books, School Supplies, Blood)
Mustaches for Kids Program
Ed Randall’s Bat for the Cure
Charitable Events (Turn Left Golf Classic, Hot Stove Banquet, Nutzy’s Rotary Funn Run, Squirreloween, Puritan Cleaners Coats for Kids Drive, etc.)
450 Mascot Appearances Annually (Local Schools, Businesses, Non-Profits, Festivals, etc.)
30 Player and Coaches Appearances During the 2014 Season (200+ Hours of Community Service)
Executive Speaking Engagements (100+ in 2014)
ASK Fun Walk & 5K (Ask Foundation – 9^th Annual)
Camp Warrior
Flying Squirrels Regional Youth Baseball Tournament
Monetary Gifts & Gifts In-Kind ($150,000)

The John Henry Moss Community Service Award is named after the longtime, former South Atlantic League president, who founded the SAL and presided over it for a half-century (1959-2008).

The John Henry Moss Community Service Award will be presented at the Baseball Winter Meetings, which will be held in San Diego, CA, from December 7-11.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Richmond Flying Squirrels. Click here to view the original story.

Legends in the Community: Big L is busy

September 25, 2014

Big L will be in Richmond October 1 and Corbin October 8 in addition to his visits in the Lexington area.

This time of year is sometimes called the “off-season” in minor league baseball, and though the Lexington Legends 2014 season is over, it’s anything but time off for the Legends’ Big L.

Big L has appearances planned in Richmond October 1 and Corbin October 8, in addition to events in the Lexington area. He and other staff members will represent the Legends at the following locations through October 9:

Wednesday, October 1 – 8 a.m. – 9 a.m. Anti-bullying rally at Madison Middle School, 101 Summit Street, Richmond.

Wednesday, October 8 – 7:15 a.m. Big L will help Lexington’s Ashland Elementary School celebrate International Walk to School Day, on which students are encouraged to walk or bike to school as a means of promoting healthy habits, a cleaner environment and attention to safety.

Wednesday, October 8 – 1-1:30 p.m. Big L and Pee Wee will appear at a Project Fit America event presented by Baptist Health Corbin at Lynn Camp Elementary School, 366 N. Ky. 830, Corbin.

Thursday, October 9 – 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Health Fair Party, Leestown Middle School, 2010 Leestown Road, Lexington.

“The off season is an exciting time for the Legends, as it provides us the opportunity to spend more time immersed in the community,” said Sarah Bosso, the Legends’ director of community relations and special events. “Having the opportunity to participate in a variety of events throughout Central Kentucky allows the Legends and Big L to assist in fun ways to bring attention to important issues and organizations. We love this time of year!”

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lexington Legends. Click here to view the original story.

Blue Jays honor Taylor Cole & Stubby Clapp

September 24, 2014

RHP gets commmunity service award, hitting coach wins Mattick

The Toronto Blue Jays announced their organizational award winners earlier today, and Dunedin’s RHP Taylor Cole and Hitting Coach Stubby Clapp each received tremendous honors. Cole has been named the winner of the Community Service Award, and Clapp will receive the Bobby Mattick Award for excellence in player development.

RHP Taylor Cole has been named this year’s winner of the Community Service Award. The 25 year-old right-hander was exceptionally active in the Blue Jays initiative programs serving youth. Among the programs Taylor participated in were the team’s annual Bookin’ it to the Ballpark reading program and summer Kickball Tour: a health and wellness initiative promoting an active lifestyle among kids of all ages at various summer camps. Additionally, Taylor led a group of teammates in a “Toys for Tots” shopping spree in support of the non-profit organization. Warm-hearted and selfless in his volunteerism, Taylor was always willing to answer a litany of questions from kids in an earnest manner, and took the extra time to sign last minute autographs in the classroom, at the ballpark and wherever fans could be found. In his words, “It’s our responsibility to give back, as so many have done for us.” On the diamond, Cole led all of minor league baseball with 171 strikeouts this past season.

Stubby Clapp is being recognized as this year’s recipient of the Bobby Mattick Award for excellence in Player Development. Born in Windsor, Ontario, Stubby has spent the last two seasons as the Hitting Coach in Dunedin (A). A member of Canada’s 1999 Pan American Games team, 2004 Canada Olympic team and 2006 World Baseball Classic club, Clapp spent 11 seasons playing professionally, including 23 games for the St. Louis Cardinals in 2001. Clapp started his coaching career in 2008 in the Astros system, highlighted by a division crown with Tri City (A) serving as the teams Manager. Stubby was influential in the development of several key Blue Jays farmhands over the past two seasons and his dedication each and every day makes the award richly deserved. During the past season alone, C Derrick Chung, SS Jorge Flores, 1B K.C. Hobson, 3B Gustavo Pierre, RF Matt Newman and CF Dalton Pompey all earned promotions to Double-A and beyond after working with Clapp in Dunedin.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Dunedin Blue Jays. Click here to view the original story.

Fang’s Reading Club returns for the school year

September 22, 2014

It is time for your school to help celebrate the 20^th year of Fang’s Reading Club presented by Learning Rx during the 2014-2015 school year! The mascot of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers is ready to help kids from kindergarten through 5^th grade get excited about reading!

Fang’s Reading club started in 1996 and grew to 178 schools and over 44,000 students last year. There is plenty of room for more for this school year.

Teachers and reading coordinators have until November 21 to get involved in this popular Timber Rattlers program.

Personnel at the participating schools have the flexibility to design the program to meet the needs of their students. The Timber Rattlers, Learning Rx, Badger Sports Park, and the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board will provide participating students with incentive prizes as they reach goals within the program. Students who meet all of their goals for the program are rewarded with a FREE ticket as part of their school’s Family Night at a Timber Rattlers game in 2015.

Please head to Fang’s Reading Club page at the Timber Rattlers website for full details, including a sample time line, dates for Reading Club games, and how your school can schedule a visit from Fang.

Contact Dayna Baitinger at dbaitinger@timberrattlers.com, (800) WI-TIMBER, or (920) 733-4152 if you have any questions or would like to register your class or school for the 2014-2015 school year.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. Click here to view the original story.