Aces Hold Auction to Benefit Local Woman

For Immediate Release
Jan. 20, 2014

RENO, Nev.-The Reno Aces are holding an online auction to benefit Elisa Storke, a University of Nevada English professor who was diagnosed with cancer for the second time in November, the club announced today.

The auction begins today and ends Monday, Jan. 27 at 11:59 p.m. The winner will receive a package that includes a ceremonial first pitch, four infield reserved tickets and a signed Brett Butler 2013 game-worn hat featuring the Triple-A All-Star logo. The ceremonial first pitch and game tickets are valid for any Aces regular season home game, with the exception of Opening Day and July 4.

Bids can be placed online here.

Storke, a new mother who welcomed her first child last May, has cancer of the bones, blood, spine, liver, adrenal glands, lungs and brain. The money raised through the auction will be donated directly to the fund set up to benefit the family, and will be used for medical costs and transportation costs.

Donations can also be made through the You Caring site set up in Elisa’s name, or through Wells Fargo account #1459741110.

The Aces kick off the 2014 season at home on April 3 by hosting the El Paso Chihuahuas, the newest Pacific Coast League franchise. First pitch is slated for 6:35 p.m. Discounted full and partial season tickets are on sale now. For more information, and to purchase an Aces ticket plan, call (775) 334-4700. For up-to-date news and notes throughout the offseason, visit www.RenoAces.com, follow the club on Twitter (@aces) or like the team on Facebook.

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

Student Honored for Bookmark Design

Federalsburg Elementary student recognized

Linda Davila was honored by Shawn Schoolcraft and Sherman the Shorebird
Linda Davila was honored by Shawn Schoolcraft and Sherman the Shorebird

Salisbury, MD – The Delmarva Shorebirds and Sherman the Shorebird visited Federalsburg Elementary school on Wednesday, January 15 to honor Linda Davila as the 2014 Hit the Books Bookmark Design Contest winner. After careful review by Shorebirds staff members, Linda’s design was selected out of over 1,000 submissions.

Click here to see her winning entry.

Linda is a student at Federalsburg Elementary School.

Her bookmark design was printed and distributed to the over 40,000 students involved in the Shorebirds Hit the Books program presented by Dr. James M. Crouse at The Brace Place.

Congratulations Linda!

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

NEST, Storm Chasers Present 12th Annual Essay Contest

Students in 7th and 8th grade write about “Why I Want to Go to College”

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OMAHA, Neb. – The Nebraska Educational Savings Trust (NEST) and the Omaha Storm Chasers have officially kicked off the 12th-annual “Why I Want to Go to College” essay contest, Nebraska State Treasurer Don Stenberg and the Storm Chasers announced this week.

Full Contest Rules Here

Students in 7th and 8th grade both in and outside the state of Nebraska may send their entries until the March 28 deadline. Essays must be 750 words or less, describing the student’s educational goals and dreams for the future. Entries must be typed, double-spaced on 8 1/2 by 11″ paper and must be the student’s original work. Each entry must be accompanied with the required cover sheet found at http://www.treasurer.org/cs/writing-contest/2014/2014writingContestCoverSheet.pdf.

Judging will be conducted by faculty and students in the College of Education at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. The essay contest awards 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners in each of Nebraska’s three congressional districts, with winners earning prizes of $2,000, $1,000 and $500 toward a NEST College Savings Plan.

All winners from Nebraska, which will be notified in early May, will receive four box seat tickets and earn recognition prior to the Storm Chasers game on May 11 against the New Orleans Zephyrs. Each winning student will get an opportunity to meet Nebraska State Treasurer Stenberg during their visit to Werner Park.

For complete rules and information on the Essay Contest, check http://www.treasurer.org/cs/writing-contest/2014/. Entries must be postmarked by March 28 and sent to:

Omaha Storm Chasers

Attn: Andrea Stava

12356 Ballpark Way

Papillion, NE 68046

2013 Winners

1st Congressional District – Nebraska

  1. Sophie Anne Glaubius, Wisner-Pilger Junior-Senior High, Wisner, Neb.
  2. Treslyn Hubbard, Norfolk Junior High, Norfolk, Neb.
  3. Adam Zastrow, St. Peter’s Catholic School, Lincoln, Neb.

2nd Congressional District – Nebraska

  1. Samantha Moulton, Elkhorn Ridge Middle School, Elkhorn, Neb.
  2. Mallory Bretsen, Alice Buffett Middle School, Omaha, Neb.
  3. Claire Scanlan, Platteview Central Junior High, Springfield, Neb.

3rd Congressional District – Nebraska

  1. Marisa Hutchinson, Valentine Middle School, Valentine, Neb.
  2. Britley Schlueter, Wood Lake School, Wood Lake, Neb.
  3. Mitchell Leininger, Moving Mountains Home School, Auburn, Neb.

Out-of-State

  1. Micki Miller, Family of Christ Christian School, Lutz, Fla.
  2. Zoe Jee, Harry C. Fulton Middle School, Fountain Valley, Calif.
  3. Mary Elizabeth Hartness, North Habersham Middle School, Clarkesville, Georgia

 

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

All Aboard the Fit Track Program

RailRiders’ Community Program Encourages Healthy Lifestyle

Moosic, Pa. – “All aboard” has taken on a whole new meaning. The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Triple-A/New York Yankees) are coming down the stretch run for registration in their new Fit Track Program for the 2014 season. Fit Track is designed to enhance schools’ physical education programs and educate children, grades K-5, on the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle. Area schools are encouraged to register for the free program. Registration concludes Friday, Dec. 20 and is limited to the first 15,000 students.

“We are delighted to do whatever we can to promote a healthy lifestyle among our children,” said RailRiders president/GM Rob Crain. “The habits for making healthy decisions begun at a young age can last a lifetime. We hope this program will trigger more and more smart choices.”

Fit Track focuses on three main healthy behaviors: being active at least 60 minutes per day; making healthy food choices; and getting at least eight hours of sleep a night. The RailRiders encourage kids to follow Fit Track by rewarding them with free admission to select SWB RailRiders home games and the chance for pre-game recognition at PNC Field.

For participating in the Fit Track program, each child will receive a RailRiders jump rope, meant to serve as a tool to get kids active outside of school. Jump ropes will be distributed to schools immediately following the return of the school’s registration form to the RailRiders front office, or during the kick-off assembly if applicable. The flexible program allows each school to create a four, eight or 12-week program.

CLICK HERE for registration forms and more information. All contact information is listed on the registration form. For any additional information or questions, please contact community relations manager Rachel Mark at 570-969-2255 ext. 3140 or rmark@swbrailriders.com.

The RailRiders’ 2014 season begins on Thursday, April 3 when the club kicks off a seven-game road trip at Syracuse against the Chiefs (Washington Nationals).The home slate commences a week later on Thursday, April 10 when the Chiefs visit PNC Field for a four-game series and homestand. For season ticket information or to book a ballpark group outing, call (570) 969-BALL (2255) or visit swbrailriders.com.

– SWB RailRiders – All Aboard! –

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Scranton Wilkes-Barre Yankees. Click here to view the original story.

Grand Junction wins Moss Award

Rockies affiliate captures inaugural community service honor

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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Minor League Baseball announced Thursday that the Grand Junction Rockies are the winners of the first John Henry Moss Community Service Award for their ongoing commitment to charitable service and their support and leadership within the Grand Junction community and the baseball industry.

The Rockies are committed to make an ongoing annual gift to the NJCAA World Series played annually each year in Grand Junction, Colo., with a substantial monetary contribution per year that is earmarked for the capital building and remodel plan for Suplizio Field, “Home of the JUCO World Series” and the Pioneer League club. Colorado Mesa University (CMU), local high schools and many other groups also use the facility on a regular basis throughout the year. The Rockies have also made a multi-year commitment to the Mesa County School District #51 athletic program to pay for varsity uniforms for all four local high school baseball and softball teams.

The Rockies also partner with the CMU Sports Management/Marketing and Mass Communication departments to provide on-the-job training for students during the season. Each year, six students receive class credit for working as paid interns with the club. This season, another half dozen students gained valuable experience by being responsible for the entire production and video streaming of all 38 home games that were seen on MiLB.com.

Grand Junction principal owners Dick and Charlie Monfort’s monetary contribution to CMU was a key component to the construction of a performance lab built on campus. General manager Tim Ray is a member of the Community Hospital Foundation Board and the NJCAA World Series Baseball Committee. Other Grand Junction staff members serve on the committees of civic organizations as well.

The Rockies conduct an indoor baseball camp in January for local youths with professional coaches and players from the Colorado Rockies organization serving as instructors. All net monetary proceeds from the camp benefit the CMU baseball scholarship program.

Numerous other charities benefited from Grand Junction’s support in 2013 as well, including Special Olympics Colorado, Ed Randall’s Fans for the Cure, Riverside Education Center, A.C. Foundation, Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra, City of Grand Junction Audubon Society, Mesa County Firefighters and the Community Hospital Foundation.

“The Rockies have fully immersed themselves into their community since relocating to Grand Junction just two seasons ago,” Pat O’Conner, president and CEO of Minor League Baseball, said. “Their numerous philanthropic endeavors with civic organizations, local high schools and Colorado Mesa University are examples of their strong commitment to give back to their community and contribute to its quality of life.”

“This honor is a reflection of the community commitment by our ownership” said Ray. “The opportunity to partner with a community that has such a rich history of baseball and has already shown such enthusiasm for Minor League Baseball is exciting.”

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

Grand Junction will receive their award at the Baseball Winter Meetings Banquet at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort in Orlando, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 12.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Rookie Pioneer League. Click here to view the original story.

Spikes recognized as a PA “Waste Watcher”

Team one of 76 statewide to be honored for green initiatives

StateCollegeSpikes_2013-11-07Env

 

The State College Spikes were recently recognized by The Professional Recyclers of Pennsylvania (PROP) and the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) – Keystone Chapter for the team’s outstanding recycling program and related ballpark and community outreach efforts from the 2012 calendar year.

The Spikes were one of 76 municipalities, counties, private businesses, individuals, and community organizations to be recognized as part of the Pennsylvania Waste Watchers Program. This program highlights recycling, waste reduction, reuse, and composting programs in Pennsylvania that have exhibited exemplary performance.

The team and Medlar Field at Lubrano Park were recognized in part for the distinction as the world’s first L.E.E.D Certified ballpark and for the team’s dedication to promoting green initiatives during home games. In addition, the Spikes’ popular school program called “Project I.K.E.,” which stands for “Inspiring Kids to be Eco-Friendly,” has provided dozens of free and fun school assemblies the past three years. The program, which has been sponsored by the Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority, incorporates team mascots, players and staff to teach children about the importance of “going green” and incorporating eco-friendly practices in their daily lives.

Of the 76 Waste Watcher recipients, 19 were based in Centre County. The Spikes would like to congratulate fellow local “Waste Watchers” Autoport Restaurant, Centre County Recycling & Refuse Authority, Columbia Gas of PA Inc., Corl Street Elementary School, Foxdale Village, Gray’s Woods Elementary, Harris Township Memorial Day Festival, Harrison’s Wine Grill & Catering, Mount Nittany Middle School, Park Forest Elementary School, PSU School of Hospitality Management, Restek Corp., State College Friends School, The Art Alliance of Central PA, the Borough of State College, the Centre County Grange Encampment and Fair, the Prom Attire Event, and Village Eatinghouse.

Additional information about Medlar Field at Lubrano Park’s L.E.E.D Certification and other club green initiatives is available by clicking here.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the State College Spikes. Click here to view the original story.

Team Honors South Dorchester School

Shorebirds award school $1,000

Delmarva-Shorebirds-2010The Shorebirds Community Fund and Sherman paid a visit to South Dorchester School in Church Creek Maryland to award them a check for $1,000. South Dorchester School was one of over a 100 schools that participated in the 2013 Hit the Books reading program presented by Dr. James M. Crouse at The Brace Place and came in first place in the ticket redemption contest.

Shorebirds-Community-Fund-lCongratulations to all the students, their parents and faculty members of South Dorchester School for a job well done.

Scrappers Launch Healthy Kids Challenge

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NILES, OH – The Mahoning Valley Scrappers have launched Scrappy’s Healthy Challenge, presented by the Eastwood Mall Complex with partners Humility of Mary Health Partners, M.V.P.B.A. Scrappers Backers and ComDoc, to encourage physically active and healthy lifestyles.

Scrappy’s Healthy Challenge follows the 5-2-1-0 message: 5 — or more servings of fruits and vegetables, 2 — hours or less recreational screen time, 1 — hour or more of physical activity, 0 — sugary drinks, more water and lowfat milk (adopted from Let’s Go! www.letsgo.org).

The Scrappers are working with local schools to participate in the program. For 21 Days, students log their choices into a journal. All of the students that complete Scrappy’s Healthy Challenge will receive a ticket to go to a Scrappers game during the 2013 season. At the game they will receive a special 5-2-1-0 Scrappy’s Healthy Challenge Completed T-Shirt and special recognition at the game.

If you would like your school to participate in Scrappy’s Healthy Challenge or are interested in sponsorship opportunities for the program, contact the Scrappers Front Office at 330-505-0000.

The Mahoning Valley Scrappers are the Short Season Single A Affiliate of the Cleveland Indians and play all home games at Eastwood Field. Notable alumni include C.C. Sabathia, Vinnie Pestano, Jason Kipnis, and Victor Martinez. For more information about individual game tickets, ticket packages or group outings visit www.mvscrappers.com or call the front office at (330) 505 – 0000.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Mahoning Valley Scrappers. Click here to view the original story.

Gwinnett Braves Award August Grant to Family Connection and Communities in Schools of Barrow County

“Back to School” themed grant will help fund the organization’s “Back to School Bash”

Gwinnett BravesThe Gwinnett Braves have awarded their $1,000 grant for the month of August to Family Connection and Communities in Schools of Barrow County. The “Back to School” themed grant is aimed at benefiting organizations that support education or after-school mentoring.

Family Connection and Communities in Schools of Barrow County strives to improve the quality of life for children and families in Barrow County by fostering collaboration at the local and state levels to ultimately bring into focus their vision for all kids to be healthy, ready to start school and succeed when they get there, and for their families to be stable and self-sufficient.

Communities-In-School-Barrow-County-logoThe grant awarded by the Gwinnett Braves will help fund the organization’s “Back to School Bash,” a program that will distribute over 400 book bags, pens, pencils and notebooks to school-aged children in Barrow County.

“With programs that focus on youth peer-to-peer leadership, healthy decision making and breaking down barriers that keep students from coming to school and learning, we feel we are making a difference in our future leaders,” said Meg Loggins, Executive Director of Family Connection and Communities in Schools of Barrow County.

The original story appeared on the Gwinnett braves’ website and can be viewed by clicking here.

Shorebirds Honor Northwestern Elementary

School comes in second place in HTB contest

Sherman presents a $500 check to Northwestern Elementary
Sherman presents a $500 check to Northwestern Elementary

The Shorebirds Community Fund and Sherman paid a visit to the Northwestern Elementary School PTA meeting in Mardela Springs to award them a check for $500. Northwestern Elementary School was one of over a 100 schools that participated in the 2013 Hit the Books reading program presented by Dr. James M. Crouse at The Brace Place and came in second place in the ticket redemption contest.

If you are interested in signing up your school for the 2014 Hit the Books program, contact Shawn Schoolcraft at 410-219-3112 ext. 168.

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

Mets Hosting School Supplies Drive From August 26-28

The St. Lucie Mets will be hosting a School Supplies Drive at Tradition Field to benefit Guardians For New Futures, Inc. from Monday, August 26 through Wednesday, August 28.

The Mets host the Charlotte Stone Crabs at 6:30 p.m. for all three games. Gates open at 5:30 p.m.

Fans who bring any new unwrapped school supplies will receive a voucher good for a $2 ticket for any of the three games in the series.

Guardian’s For New Futures is a non-profit organization working to raise funds from the public to donate for children abused, neglected, or abandoned.

The annual “Kits4Kids” program is designed to provide more than 500 children with fresh new school supplies.

For more information, contact the St. Lucie Mets at 772-871-2100.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the St. Lucie Mets. Click here to view the original story.

Wendy’s, Miracle encourage reading with extra Books-N-Bats date

Fans can pick up tickets at Wendy’s in Lee, Collier counties

FORT MYERS, Fla. (August 20, 2013) – The yellow buses are rolling, the school bell’s are already ringing and the Miracle have teamed up with Wendy’s to encourage you to hit the books! The Miracle have added Saturday, August 24 to the Books-N-Bats campaign.

Fans can pick up tickets at Wendy’s locations in Lee and Collier County. The Miracle will host the St. Lucie Mets at 6:05 p.m. Gates to Hammond Stadium will open at 5 p.m. Saturday, August 24 is also the final Dog Daze of the season. Fans are encouraged to bring the family dog out to the ballpark for a barking good time.

Wendy’s and the Miracle have teamed up for several successful seasons with the Books-N-Bats program. Geared toward elementary school children, the proactive approach of the Books-N-Bats program is, in the words of Miracle General Manager Andrew Seymour, “An important, hallmark program of which the Miracle and Wendy’s are very proud.”

Wendy’s Area Marketing Director Michelle McCurdy added, “Developing healthy, educated kids by promoting and rewarding reading efforts is something that’s important to us.”

The Miracle, led by top prospect Byron Buxton, have one of the best records in minor league baseball and have already clinched a playoff spot after winning the first half of the Florida State League schedule.

For more information, please call the Miracle offices at (239) 768-4210 or visit www.miraclebaseball.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Fort Myers Miracle. Click here to view the original story.

Andrew Fisher wins FSL scholarship

$1,500 will support his education at Florida State University

Andrew Fisher (left) is presented with his scholarship award by AGM Janette Donoghue. (Kyra Hallett)
Andrew Fisher (left) is presented with his scholarship award by AGM Janette Donoghue. (Kyra Hallett)

Dunedin, FL – The Florida State League Scholarship Committee awarded twelve $1,500 educational scholarships to applicants from each team in the league, and after reviewing dozens of applications, intern Andrew Fisher was selected as the recipient for the Dunedin Blue Jays.

Fisher is a double major at Florida State University, where he studies Statistics and Sports Management. In a world of competitive job markets and rising tuition prices, he could not be more grateful for the financial support.

“The scholarship is going to help me tremendously to get through college and propel me into a career, hopefully in sports,” Fisher said, shortly after throwing out the first pitch of Thursday night’s Blue Jays game.

D-Jays Assistant General Manager Janette Donoghue presented Fisher with a check in front of hundreds of fans at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium. It was a well-deserved honor, considering Fisher’s contributions during the 2013 season.

With his nose to the grindstone, Andrew helped put together Dunedin’s All-Star Weekend, including his unforgettable team of ball-shaggers during the home run derby, and brought a consistent attitude of comitment and determination to the workplace.

“I’ve loved my time in Dunedin,” Fisher reflected. “I’ve learned a lot and built valuable relationships with some tremendous people.”

The Miami Marlins have sponsored this program for fourteen (14) years and have contributed a total of $136,500. Florida State League President Chuck Murphy stated, “this program is one of the best things we do in the League and I congratulate the Directors and General Managers on their dedication and enthusiasm in administering this program.”

The purpose of the program is to send a message that an education is key to success in life.

The scholarship winners will be guests of the Miami Marlins in pre-game ceremonies on Sunday, August 18, 2013 at 1:10 PM.

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

August 23: Fireworks, School Supply Drive

To benefit the Salvation Army of Ocean County

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LAKEWOOD, NJ – The BlueClaws will host a School Supply Drive at their game on Friday, August 23rd to benefit the Salvation Army of Ocean County.

Fans are encouraged to drop off items at the New Jersey Natural Gas Information Booth during the game, which begins at 7:05 pm.

Anyone that donates will receive a voucher for two tickets to one of the four Labor Day weekend BlueClaws home games – August 30th – September 2nd (promotions here).

The August 23rd game includes post-game fireworks thanks to Toyota/Scion World of Lakewood. For tickets, please call 732-901-7000 option 2 or click here.

– BlueClaws –

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

2013 FSL Scholarship Winner: Michael Cook

Asst. GM Matt Gess presented Michael with the FSL Scholarship. (Mark LoMoglio/Yankees)
Asst. GM Matt Gess presented Michael with the FSL Scholarship. (Mark LoMoglio/Yankees)

Tampa, FL. – The Tampa Yankees, in conjunction with the Florida State League and the Miami Marlins, are pleased to announce Michael Cook as their 2013 scholarship award winner. The Florida State League Scholarship committee award 12 individuals with $1,500 educational scholarships. The committee approved the awards after a review of the applications submitted by all the Florida State League teams.

Michael Cook is a graduate of Plant City High School. He has recently been attending Hillsborough Community College and has one semester left before he plans to transfer to the University of Tampa. Michael plans to get his degree in either Business or Accounting with a minor in Sport Management. This is Michael’s first season with the Yankees working for both New York Yankees Spring Training and the Tampa Yankees regular season.

Michael was honored at the Tampa Yankees home game on August 16th, versus the Lakeland Flying Tigers at George M. Steinbrenner Field. In addition, he will be introduced during a pre-game ceremony at the Miami Marlins game on Sunday, August 18th along with the other Florida State League teams’ award winners.

The Miami Marlins/Florida State League scholarship program is awarded to students that are an employee of, or the child or grandchild of an employee of the participating club and must be at least a high school junior by the 2013 fall term. The Miami Marlins have sponsored this program for fourteen years and have contributed a total of $136,500 to the Florida State Program.

The Tampa Yankees are the Single-A Advanced affiliate of the New York Yankees. For more information on the Tampa Yankees visit www.tybaseball.com or call (813) 673-3055.

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