Celebrate Greenville County Schools Employees June 16th

 

Come out to Fluor Field on Wednesday June 16th as the Drive recognize & thank teachers and all staff from Greenville County Schools on finishing the school year! After an unprecedented year, everyone from the community will have an opportunity to come out to Fluor Field to recognize, celebrate, and thank GCS staff on a job very well done. For the entire game, we will be celebrating the people, programs and accomplishments of Greenville County Schools.

As a special thank you and congratulations from the Drive, all GCS teachers & staff receive a complimentary ticket to the game as well as a $5 ballpark voucher (available for pick up upon arrival at the stadium). In addition, all GCS personnel will receive a 20% discount at the Drive team store.

All GCS employees, visit www.greenvilledrive.com/groupportal and use password GCS to enter your specific ticket portal. Enter promo code TEACH at check out for your complimentary ticket (make sure to click apply!). For all other tickets, please click here.

See you at Fluor Field on the 16th! Gates open at 6pm with first pitch to follow at 7pm.

Syracuse Mets to host first virtual Education Day in MiLB History

 

SYRACUSE, NY – The Syracuse Mets are excited to announce details for a virtual Education Day that will take place on Wednesday, June 9, 2021. The game against the Worcester Red Sox was originally scheduled for a 6:35 p.m. start and has been officially changed to a noon start to accommodate the educational element.

The Syracuse Mets game will be available on the day of the game for all students via a free broadcast link on syracusemets.com. Classes can participate in school as a group, or students can join on the link as they are home in remote learning environments. Educational components will be built into the broadcast by John Dalgety, a teacher from the Phoenix (NY) School District that has helped the Mets incorporate more education components into Education Day over the years. Dalgety worked closely with Shaun Moriarty, a teacher from the Worcester School system, who is coordinating the effort to get students from Massachusetts involved.

“Education Day is a time-honored tradition across the minor leagues, and we wanted to find a way for this to continue to happen in this time of COVID-19,” said Syracuse Mets General Manager Jason Smorol. “This was an idea presented to us by our creative teachers in CNY, so we asked for permission, and with support from MLB, we will be able to let students participate in the fun of Education Day from home and school.”

Approvals for game time changes were provided by the New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, and Major League Baseball.

Tickets for home Syracuse Mets games in June will go on sale May 28th at 10 a.m. Fans can purchase tickets for virtual Education Day or other June games at the Onondaga Coach Ticket Office at NBT Bank Stadium or over the phone at 315-474-7833 during regular office hours (Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), or online anytime at syracusemets.com.

For any questions about the virtual Education Day, email Michael Tricarico at[email protected].

B’nai B’rith to introduce 2021 Class of Student-Athlete Scholarship Recipients at Fresno Grizzlies Home Game

 

B’nai B’rith Fresno will celebrate 70 years of recognizing Fresno-area student-athletes by introducing its 2021 class of scholarship recipients at Chukchansi Park on Sunday, May 23, 2021 at 1:05 p.m. during the Fresno Grizzlies game.

B’nai B’rith is proud to partner with the Fresno Grizzlies to recognize 17 outstanding student-athletes as Covid-19 protocols made an in-person dinner impossible this year. A small ceremony, in accordance with CDC and State of California mandates, will occur during the game where each nominee and their parents will be present.

“We are honored to have the opportunity to host such a historic, meaningful event out here at the ballpark,” said Derek Franks, Grizzlies President. “Year after year I am astounded by the accomplishments of our local student athletes and I am grateful that B’nai B’rith Fresno chose Chukchansi Park as the location of this year’s event.”

The B’nai B’rith Student-Athlete Dinner and Scholarship is the longest running scholarship program in Fresno County and is celebrating its 70th year. Each high school that draws students from a Fresno zip code nominates a senior based on athletic achievements, academic accomplishments and school and community activities.

The B’nai B’rith Student Athlete Award started in 1952 as part of Brotherhood Week in Fresno. Race, creed, nationality, religious background nor gender has anything to do with the considered choices for award nominees.

The South Bend Cubs and Jordan Automotive Present Teacher Appreciation Night

 

SOUTH BEND, IN – The South Bend Cubs are excited to partner with Jordan Automotive for another Teacher Appreciation Night at Four Winds Field on Wednesday, June 9.

To honor the hard work done by all who work in the education system across Michiana, Jordan Automotive will be offering two complimentary tickets and two ballpark food vouchers to teachers and school administrators to see the South Bend Cubs take on the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers at 7:05 p.m. Each food voucher is good for one hot dog, bag of chips and a fountain soda but only 600 vouchers will be available.

Fans attending the game will be treated to a special Wednesday night fireworks show.

It has been an incredibly challenging time over the last year to be working in education, as classes moved to Zoom and remote learning became ubiquitous. Teachers lost invaluable in-person time with their students, sacrificing and adapting to make sure that kids continued to learn and grow in this new fluid educational environment.

The South Bend Cubs will honor all teachers at the ballpark by asking them to please stand and be recognized by the rest of the crowd during a break in action in the middle of the third inning.

Teachers and administrators can pick up their two complimentary tickets by showing their school ID at the Four Winds Field box office. The box office is open during the week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays when there’s a home game from 10 a.m. until the conclusion of the game.

The South Bend Cubs and Jordan Automotive look forward to honoring all teachers from Michiana for their hard work and dedication with a fun night of baseball at Four Winds Field.

About the South Bend Cubs

The South Bend Cubs are the Class A-Advanced minor league affiliate of the 2016 World Series Champion Chicago Cubs. Over the past 33 years, the team has won four Midwest League titles, most recently in 2019, and has captured eight division titles. In 2019, the South Bend Cubs hosted the Midwest League All-Star Game. In June 2017, Four Winds Field, home of the South Bend Cubs, was voted Best Class A ballpark in the country by Ballpark Digest. In 2015 the team was named Ballpark Digest’s Team of the Year and received the John H. Johnson President’s Award, the highest award in minor league baseball. The team is owned and operated by Swing-Batter-Swing, LLC whose principal shareholder is Andrew T. Berlin of Chicago, Ill.

Scrappers and the Ohio Lottery Announce Teacher Appreciation Award 

 

NILES, OH – The Mahoning Valley Scrappers and the Ohio Lottery will be teaming up to recognize teachers in the Mahoning Valley throughout the 2021 season. One teacher will be selected monthly to be featured on the video board during a Scrappers game for the Teacher Appreciation Award. Winning teacher will receive a night out at a Scrappers game and a prize pack courtesy of the Ohio Lottery. Nominations are currently being accepted for your favorite teacher at mvscrappers.com.

NOMINATE by clicking HERE.

The Scrappers home opener at Eastwood Field is Wednesday, May 26 against the State College Spikes. Ticket packages and group sales opportunities are on sale now. Mahoning Valley is one of six founding members of the MLB Draft League, joining the Frederick Keys, the State College Spikes, the Trenton Thunder, the West Virginia Black Bears and the Williamsport Crosscutters.

Indianapolis Indians Charities, Teachers’ Treasures Announce Whiteboard Double Play Campaign

 

INDIANAPOLIS – You donate, we match! Today, Indianapolis Indians Charities (IIC) and Teachers’ Treasures introduced the Whiteboard Double Play campaign, an initiative where IIC will match all donations made to Teachers’ Treasures up to $10,000 through Monday, May 10. Teachers’ Treasures is a nonprofit that obtains and distributes school supplies free to teachers in need. On average, teachers in Marion County spend $800-1,200 per year on school supplies for their students.

“With Central Indiana schools adjusting to a virtual, e-learning experience because of the pandemic and teachers and students now returning to their respective classrooms, the Indianapolis Indians and IIC are proud to partner with Teachers’ Treasures to ensure students receive the items they need to learn and grow every day no matter the classroom setting,” said Randy Lewandowski, Indianapolis Indians President and General Manager. “The Whiteboard Double Play campaign will be a home run on all accounts, and we look forward to contributing funds to this great initiative.”

IIC compiled 500 booklets for students across Marion County in May 2020 and donated desks, office chairs and mini refrigerators, among other items, to Teachers’ Treasures last December. Now, IIC will double the impact of every donation made to Teachers’ Treasures through May 10. Donations can be made here starting as low as $5 with donation impact detailed below:

$5 = 4-pack of dry erase markers for one student
$10 = Dry erase board, 4-pack of dry erase markers and an eraser for one student
$25 = Dry erase boards and 4-packs of dry erase markers for 10 students
$50 = Dry erase boards for an entire class
$100 = Dry erase boards for two classes and a special shoutout from mascot, Rowdie
$250 = Dry erase boards for an entire school and a special shoutout from mascot, Rowdie

“Teachers’ Treasures partnership with Indianapolis Indians Charities has provided a pillar of support during a turbulent year to 270+ schools within Marion County,” said Alicia Van Rensburg, Teachers’ Treasures Development Manager. “Through masks and distance learning, the need for personal whiteboards and supplies has been indispensable to our teachers and students.”

Hens recognize frontline workers during Opening Week

 

During Opening Week, the Mud Hens will honor the men and women who have been on the frontlines during the pandemic over the past year. These Hometown Heroes have worked tirelessly to keep our community safe, healthy, fed, and our children educated. The Mud Hens would like to thank a local company who partnered with the Knothole Club to purchase and donate 800 tickets for these local heroes to attend the game.

The following groups will be celebrated at the games during Opening Week:

– Wednesday, May 5 | Healthcare Providers

– Thursday, May 6 | Educators

– Friday, May 7 | First Responders (Toledo Police & Fire)

– Sunday, May 9 | Essential Workers

Knothole Club

For nearly 100 years, the Mud Hens have developed partnerships with local businesses and individuals to provide tickets to underprivileged children and veterans in the Toledo region. Click to learn more on the Knothole Club.

Cardinals Teacher of the Month: Morgan Hooker, Cedar Ridge Primary

 

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Springfield Cardinals and Missouri Lottery are proud to announce Morgan Hooker of Cedar Ridge Primary school in Branson as our final Teacher of the Month winner.

As a preschool teacher, Morgan has faced and met the countless challenges that have come from coupling the importance of early childhood education with the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Mrs. Hooker is one of those teachers who was born for her job of imparting life skills and early education to form a solid foundation of knowledge to her students so they can go on and add to their knowledge in later grades,” Morgan’s Teacher of the Month nominator wrote. “She is continuously and tirelessly and energetically prepared for her lesson plans and she always focuses her attention on the care and teaching of her little precious students.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has created new sets of rules and expectations to keep students healthy across the country, but those rules can be especially difficult for a younger child to understand–but Morgan hasn’t let that stop her.

“She teaches a classroom full of young students to be independent and to learn to draw shapes, numbers, letters, sounds and so many other important life skills,” her nominator wrote. “Her students are 3-4 years old and need extreme attention every minute of every school day. She tirelessly does her duties because she truly enjoys her career and teaching the next generation.”

Morgan Hooker with her students at Cedar Ridge Primary in Branson, Mo.

A College of the Ozarks alumni, Morgan has executed numerous safety guidelines while still following through with the lessons that are necessary for young students to grow, placing sanitizer stations around her classroom, having students wash their hands with soap and water upon arrival to school, encouraging masks during recess, nap times and meal times, sanitizing surfaces between uses, encouraging students to only use their own materials, and more.

“She spends extra time preparing for virtual learning by making alternate lesson plans if the school or classroom should ever be shut down due to COVID exposure,” her nominator wrote. “Mrs. Hooker practices Google Meets for when she does virtual learning. Her children and their parents respect and adore her tremendously. We all have a purpose and I truly believe her purpose is to instill knowledge to the next generation. Mrs. Morgan Hooker does a fabulous job.”

To show gratitude for their important contributions to the Southwest Missouri community, Morgan and all of our Teacher of the Month winners will receive one Cardinals luxury suite rental, one ceremonial first pitch, recognition on the Cardinals video board and Cardinals caps for their group, all made possible by Missouri Lottery.

Created as a way to honor local-area educators from all grade levels, the Cardinals Teacher of the Month Award program, presented by Missouri Lottery, is an opportunity for the Southwest Missouri community to shine the spotlight on teachers who are making a difference in the lives of their students during these challenging times.

One hundred percent of Missouri Lottery profits are earmarked for education. In fact, since the Lottery began 35 years ago, it has generated more than $6.5 BILLION for the state and public education.

Couch Oil Cares Scholarship Program

 

The Couch Oil Cares Scholarship Program was established in 2015 in an effort to help defray the rising costs of higher education. Again this year, Couch Oil Company is teaming up with the Durham Bulls to award scholarships to six deserving students. This $1,000 scholarship is available to students who have been accepted into either a four-year or community college and reside in a 16-county area surrounding the Triangle.

2020’s winners were:
Amarachi Chukwunyere from Rolesville High School

Dizni DeBerry from Hillside High School

Christopher Everett from Clayton High School

Prince Linboom from North Wake College & Career Academy

Maria Quintero Ruiz from Carrboro High School

John Thurman from Chatham Central High School

“Couch Oil Company is pleased to be a sponsoring partner with the Durham Bulls this season,” said Stephen Couch, President of Couch Oil Company. “To make this endeavor complete, we are excited to once again offer the Couch Oil Cares Scholarship to benefit families in our community.”

Couch Oil Company, a family owned and operated Durham-based company, specializes in propane, gasoline, premium diesel, lubricants and tank cleaning.

The Bulls share in Couch Oil Company’s vision to aid those with aspirations of attending college.

“Our flagship community programs focus on improving the lives of children in our community,” said Durham Bulls General Manager Mike Birling. “We are thrilled to partner with Couch Oil on this endeavor to give students an opportunity to reach for higher education.”

To apply for this scholarship, please download this application or visit https://www.couchoilcompany.com/about/couch-oil-cares/. The application deadline is May 28, 2021.

TinCaps Seek “Hero of the Game” Nominations

 

The Fort Wayne TinCaps, along with OmniSource LLC and Steel Dynamics Inc., are saluting our local heroes throughout the 2021 season and need your help!

The team is seeking nominations for military (active duty and veterans), first responders, healthcare workers, and teachers to be honored as our “Hero of the Game” at Parkview Field.

Selected nominees will receive VIP treatment. This includes tickets to the game for them and their family, plus in-game recognition.

If you have a friend or family member you’d like to see recognized, then notify the team know by submitting a short essay that explains why the community should know about your hero’s story. Submissions, or any questions, should be emailed to TinCaps Assistant Director of Marketing & Promotions Morgan Olson (**[email protected]**).

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE 2021 TINCAPS SCHEDULE

Cardinals Teacher of the Month: Dave Davis, Hillcrest High School

 

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Springfield Cardinals and Missouri Lottery are proud to announce Dave Davis of Hillcrest High School as our March Teacher of the Month.

Dave, who has been teaching at Hillcrest since 1983, started a Broadcast Journalism class at the school in 1989. Since then, the school’s student-produced show, HTV Magazine, has gone on to become one of the country’s most-honored high school broadcasts and is the longest-running student newscast in the nation.

The 2009 Springfield Public Schools Teacher of the Year award winner also led Hillcrest’s baseball program to two state titles early in his teaching career.

“His students have blossomed under his guidance,” one Teacher of the Month nominator wrote about Davis. “They have won numerous national awards and many of them now have careers in journalism and broadcasting. With the lives he’s touched…I can’t think of a more deserving teacher.”

Davis pictured with Hillcrest High School broadcast journalism students.

In 2019, five Hillcrest students from HTV Magazine received the Robert F. Kennedy Book & Journalism award in Washington, D.C. for their “Wildfire” episode of the program’s Bay 11 Podcast. That award marked the ninth time that students from HTV Magazine earned the award.

To show gratitude for their important contributions to the Southwest Missouri community, Dave and each future Teacher of the Month will receive one Cardinals luxury suite rental, one ceremonial first pitch, recognition on the Cardinals video board and Cardinals caps for their group, all made possible by Missouri Lottery.

Created as a way to honor local-area educators from all grade levels, the Cardinals Teacher of the Month Award program, presented by Missouri Lottery, is an opportunity for the Southwest Missouri community to shine the spotlight on teachers who are making a difference in the lives of their students during these challenging times.

One hundred percent of Missouri Lottery profits are earmarked for education. In fact, since the Lottery began 35 years ago, it has generated more than $6.5 BILLION for the state and public education.

Braves Bookworms Reading Program Returns for 2021

 

PEARL, MS — The Mississippi Braves and Whataburger are pleased to announce the Braves Bookworms Reading Program’s return in 2021. The program is designed to encourage and enhance literacy among Central Mississippi youth through partnerships with local schools. The program is entirely free for students and educators. Click HERE for our Reading Program Central and fun educational resources.

Braves Bookworms strives to make reading fun by bringing the exciting experience from Trustmark Park into the classroom. All students from Pre-K through 8th grade are invited to participate. Braves Bookworms incentivizes students to read outside the classroom by rewarding them for reaching specific goals set by their teachers. The program is designed to run for four weeks.

Schools participating will have the opportunity to have Mississippi Braves mascots and staff present a Braves Bookworm Kickoff Pep Rally virtually. From January to March 2020, the M-Braves visited over 30 schools. The pep rally encourages participation and communicates the importance of reading.

Students participating in the program will receive an M-Braves bookmark. Once the objectives are complete, the bookmark becomes a voucher that students can exchange for (2) tickets to any 2021 Mississippi Braves home game! Vouchers may be exchanged at the Trustmark Park box office, based on availability! They must reach goals set by educators while they “Read Around the Bases,” creating a customizable incentive-based program to encourage children to read.To register for the program, download and fill out this FORM and send it to Darius Green at [email protected] or by mail (1 Braves Way, Pearl, MS 39208), fax (601-936-3567). Once we receive your enrollment form, a member of the M-Braves front office will contact you regarding program materials. Contact the Braves with any questions you might have at 601-932-8788.

Opening Day for the Mississippi Braves is set for Tuesday, May 4 at 6:35 pm against the Pensacola Blue Wahoos at Trustmark Park. Fans can guarantee their seat with 2021 season tickets. Also currently available are flex plans, group tickets suite nights, and sponsorship opportunities. View ticket options HERE. Individual game tickets will go on sale to the general public in April. For more information, fans are encouraged to visit milb.com/mississippi/tickets or call 601-9328788.**

ABOUT THE MISSISSIPPI BRAVES:**
Based in Pearl, MS since 2005, the Mississippi Braves are the Double-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. Since the inaugural season, there have been 150 M-Braves go on to play in Major League Baseball, including Brian McCann, Jeff Francoeur, Freddie Freeman, Craig Kimbrel, Andrelton Simmons, Dansby Swanson, Ozzie Albies, Max Fried, Mike Soroka, Austin Riley, Ian Anderson, Cristian Pache, and Ronald Acuña Jr. The M-Braves are owned and operated by the Atlanta Braves, the longest continuously operated franchise in Major League Baseball.

Cardinals Teacher of the Month: Kevin Zimmerman, Harrison Elementary School

 

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Springfield Cardinals and Missouri Lottery are proud to announce Kevin Zimmerman of Harrison Elementary School as our February Teacher of the Month.

Mr. Zimmerman is an amazing art teacher! Students love coming to his class and look up to him as someone they would like to be when they grow up. On “normal” school years Mr. Zimmerman leads a running club for students which has a huge turn out. During these times he has still found a way to host an Art Club which provides students with a great after school activity.

Kevin has been an art teacher at Harrison Elementary since 2009 and was one of five finalists for the 2019-20 Springfield Public Schools Teacher of the Year award, where he described his views on his profession:

“Making connections is expressed in two ways for me, the personal, human connection that I develop with my students and the cross-curricular connection my art content makes with all other disciplines. When I say I ‘teach’ art, I really wish to say I teach a bit of everything. The more pathways the brain makes to a piece of information, the better the recall and the longer the information is held.”

A St. Louis native, Kevin attended Drury University. Beyond the classroom, he leads an art club and a running club at Harrison Elementary that provide students with after-school activities and growth opportunities.

“Mr. Zimmerman is an amazing art teacher,” one Teacher of the Year nominator wrote. “Students love coming to his class and look up to him as someone they would like to be when they grow up.”

To show gratitude for their important contributions to the Southwest Missouri community, Kevin and each future Teacher of the Month will receive one Cardinals luxury suite rental, one ceremonial first pitch, recognition on the Cardinals video board and Cardinals caps for their group, all made possible by Missouri Lottery.

Created as a way to honor local-area educators from all grade levels, the Cardinals Teacher of the Month Award program, presented by Missouri Lottery, is an opportunity for the Southwest Missouri community to shine the spotlight on teachers who are making a difference in the lives of their students during these challenging times.

One hundred percent of Missouri Lottery profits are earmarked for education. In fact, since the Lottery began 35 years ago, it has generated more than $6.5 BILLION for the state and public education.

To nominate a teacher for Cardinals Teacher of the Month, you can visit www.springfieldcardinals.com/molotteryteachers today.

Sounds Donate Copies of “Home Plate: Henry Kimbro and Other Negro Leaguers of Nashville, Tennessee” to Metro Nashville Public Schools 

 

The Nashville Sounds Baseball Club announced today the donation of the book “Home Plate: Henry Kimbro and Other Negro Leaguers of Nashville, Tennessee” to every public middle and high school of Metro Nashville Public Schools as part of Black History Month.

The 41-page short story was written by Dr. Kimbro-Hamilton and her son, Patrick Hamilton. The book highlights the experiences and stories of Negro League players in Nashville and documents the history of the Negro Leagues specific to Nashville. Dr. Kimbro-Hamilton’s father, Henry Kimbro, played for the Nashville Elite Giants prior to the team’s move.

“I’m very pleased for the families that can now read about their loved one’s contributions to Nashville and its rich baseball history,” said Dr. Kimbro-Hamilton. “I’m also pleased for the many students who can now read about these heroes and learn about their careers in the Negro Leagues. Finally, I’m pleased with the Nashville Sounds organization for donating this book to Metro Nashville Public Schools. This is an important part of Black history of which is not currently in books for students. Knowledge is power and the Sounds have helped supply students the power of knowing the complete baseball history in our great city.”

First Horizon Park is home to several markers and signage that pay homage to the role the Negro Leagues and Sulphur Dell played in the history of baseball in Nashville. Many of the Negro League players featured in the book are also featured at First Horizon Park. As part of Black History Month, the Sounds have highlighted those areas on the team’s social media channels and can be viewed on the Sound Bytes Blog here.

The Nashville Sounds are the Triple-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers and play at First Horizon Park. For more information on 2021 Season Ticket Memberships, call 615-690-4487, or e-mail [email protected].

Blue Wahoos Provide Needed Place For Reuniting Mr. Robbins Neighborhood Program 

 

Crystal blue sky and the welcome return of warmer temperatures added to the experience, as members of Mr. Robbins’ Neighborhood gathered at Blue Wahoos Stadium.

A group of area high school athletes in the Playbook Program were together Feb. 20 for the first time since the 2020 school year ended in June.

Several had never met each other. Most had only visited via Zoom conferences. The ongoing coronavirus pandemic forced limitations in an organization designed to mentor and educate young athletes about the necessity of preparing for a future beyond sports.

Now, finally, they were on a field, working out together, and in meetings at the stadium.

“I’m telling you, it’s great just to be outside again, be on a field again, be with these kids in person again. It means so much,” said Fred Robbins, the retired NFL defensive star, who co-founded the outreach program with his wife, Tia, as a way to mentor athletes, inform about getting into college and reinforce the importance of having a Plan B outside of sports.

“Those who are on Zoom, I know you are tired of Zoom,” said Robbins, addressing the group. “I am Zoomed out, too. This is way to get outside.”

Through the help of Blue Wahoos co-owners Quint and Rishy Studer, the stadium became a way to get outside. A way to get the athletes’ parents together, have the athletes go through some workouts, then gather for a meal inside the stadium’s lounge.

The athletes were also able to utilize the Blue Wahoos home clubhouse. It was a full afternoon and evening for the program members, something they have not had since COVID-19 affected everything.

“The kids needed it,” said Tia Robbins. “The program had to transition into everything being done virtually. And Mr. Studer brought up this up about using the stadium, and said, ‘Let’s make this happen.’

“Just having little fun is so important. And getting the parents together to give them information is so much easier to do this way.”

The athletes thanked the Studers in a Facebook video. Many of the athletes had requested to Fred Robbins about a way for the Playbook Program to meet outside on a field again.

“We were doing everything on just Zoom calls,” said Fred Robbins, who went from Tate High and Wake Forest into winning a Super Bowl as starting defensive tackle for the New York Giants. “We tried to get to a kid at a football game on Friday. And we try to get him on a Zoom call on Saturday morning.

“But we could just tell the focus wasn’t there. The good thing about it, is that some of them realized it, too. And they said, ‘Hey is there any way we can get together? These Zooms aren’t doing anything.’

“That is what this day is about.”

Before activities began, Fred and Tia met with the athletes to reinforce the importance of registering with the NCAA Clearinghouse, an online portal that is essential for being recruited and verifying academic eligibility.

As Tia pointed out to the athletes, there’s a case of one area athlete unable to get a scholarship simply because he did not register with the NCAA Clearinghouse.

“I don’t care if you have a 30 on the ACT, or a 4.5 grade point average,” Fred Robbins said to the athletes. “If you haven’t registered for the (NCAA) Clearinghouse, you are not getting in college. All you have to do is register. It is easy.

“But if I’m a college coach and I don’t see your name in the Clearinghouse, If I don’t see his name, I can’t recruit you. This is a way they can see your film, see who you are. Make sure you guys do it.”

Mr. Robbins’ Neighborhood is now in its seventh year. The athletes include football players, basketball players, baseball and soccer. This year, the Playbook Program welcomed the first are female athlete.

The idea was formed when Fred Robbins got injured late in his 12-year NFL career. As he was in the hospital after surgery, he realized what would happen if he could not return to playing. What now?

He wanted to make sure teenage athletes grasp the reality of long odds just to play college sports. And the percentage of athletes who ever rise from high school to earning a professional contract is miniscule.

It is why having a Plan B is vital.

“We’re now seeing some ours kids in the program in college now,” Tia Robbins said. “We’ve seen the difference this making with them.”