Crawdads to Host Trunk-Or-Treat at the Ballpark

Hickory, NC- The Crawdads will be hosting their first-ever Trunk-Or-Treat at the stadium on Monday, October 29th from 6pm to 8pm. The free event will feature a family-friendly place for kids to trick-or-treat, food, Halloween-themed games, and ‘Dads ticket specials.

The Trunk or Treat will have $2 specials on hot dogs, Pepsi products and Dippin’ Dots in addition to free popcorn. The Catawba Farms Crawdads Café will be open for food and refreshments with a limited menu. There will also be an inflatable bounce house, speed pitch, and cornhole set up at the event.

Fans will be able to purchase sweetFrog Claw Club, the official Crawdads kids club for kids 12 and under, packages for a discounted $34 (regular price $49). Silver Slugger, the ‘Dads club for fans 60+, memberships are also available for 2019.

Crawdads ticket books for next season are currently on sale and fans can take advantage of a limited-time offer of the regular 10 ticket books plus a bonus 4 tickets for $70 (total savings of $56 off the single game ticket price).

The Crawdads will open their season at L.P. Frans Stadium on April 11th against the Kannapolis Intimidators. For more information about the Crawdads, including promotions, ticket books, and group outings please visit www.hickorycrawdads.com or contact the front office at (828) 322-3000.

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

Canadians Thanksgiving provides local families with holiday cheer

(Vancouver, B.C.) – With both wins and losses in the rearview mirror the Vancouver Canadians were more than happy to roll up the old sleeves and head into the community to kickstart the Thanksgiving Long Weekend by sharing more than 100 family-sized turkeys with those connected to the Salvation Army Vancouver Community & Family Services on Fraser Street. The annual donation with now reaches back more than a decade brings Save-On-Foods Main Street, the Vancouver Canadians and the Salvation Army with one collective purpose – to ensure families from across our neighbourhood can enjoy a quality and heartfelt holiday.

Led by Vancouver Canadians Vice President, Sales & Marketing Graham Wall, the C’s work with both Save-On-Foods and The Salvation Army to prepare a cost-free initiative that also provides dignity to those receiving this gift in time for the Canadian Thanksgiving Weekend.

“It speaks to the leadership from within our community,” states Graham Wall as he describes how both Save-On-Foods and The Salvation Army make this annual event a priority each October.

“These are the types of businesses that we encourage everyone within our community to support,” adds Wall.

Save-On-Foods provides both the family-sized turkey as well as the basting pan which makes the cooking of the meal that much easier while the Canadians present the distribution while sharing a time-tested recipe that will ensure the turkey comes out of the oven juicy and ready for the whole family to enjoy.

Dating back to 2008, the Vancouver Canadians Thanksgiving has now connected with more than 1,000 local families and is a staple of the organization’s off-season philanthropic efforts.

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

Trick-Or-Beat returns on Halloween

CHARLESTON, WV (October 2, 2018) – The West Virginia Power, in conjunction with 98.7 The Beat and West Virginia Radio Corporation, will host the 13th annual Trick-Or-Beat at Appalachian Power Park on October 31, 2018. This event provides a safe and well-lit environment for Charleston area youth to trick-or-treat on Halloween.

“We are happy to be hosting Trick-Or-Beat for the 13th consecutive year,” said Power General Manager Tim Mueller. “This event has always created a fun atmosphere for everyone in the Charleston community to come out and enjoy together.”

There will be two trick-or-treating sessions at the ballpark on October 31. Session one begins at 6:00 P.M. and will last until 7:00 P.M. The second session starts at 7:30 P.M. and will conclude at 8:30 P.M. Children ages 12 and younger are free to walk around the concourse and pick up candy from different illuminated stations. There is no cost of admission, but all children must have a ticket to enter the ballpark.

Tickets are limited to 1,250 per session and are available now at the West Virginia Power front office or at West Virginia Radio Corporation, located at 1111 Virginia Street East in Charleston. Adults do not need a ticket and are asked to refrain from taking any candy during the event.

New for 2019, all tickets come with a pizza voucher, which can be redeemed after each child finishes trick-or-treating for the evening.

Local businesses are encouraged to contact the Power front office or fill out this form if they are interested in making a candy or monetary donation towards the purchase of candy for the night. If businesses are interested in attending the event to pass out candy and set-up table displays, they can also contact the Power to make the necessary arrangements.

For more information regarding the 13th annual Trick-Or-Beat or other upcoming events at Appalachian Power Park, please contact the Power front office at (304) 344-BATS or visit www.wvpower.com.

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

South Bend Police Department and Cubs to Host Trick or Treating Event on October 29

UPDATE: Due to the expected crowd size, the entrance has been moved to Gate B, next to the Box Office.

SOUTH BEND, IN – The South Bend Cubs have partnered with the South Bend Police Department to introduce Stu and Swoop’s Cops and Goblins trick or treating event taking place on Monday, October 29 from 5:00 P.M.-7:30 P.M at Four Winds Field.

The new event in Downtown South Bend will allow local families to come out to the ballpark and enjoy safe trick or treating as the South Bend Police and Fire Department will be joined by other city officials. The groups will hand out candy along with other South Bend community sponsors. South Bend Cubs mascots Stu and Swoop will also be in Halloween costumes to meet and take pictures with the kids.

The South Bend Fire Department will also bring their smoke house to the event. The new partnership between the Cubs and South Bend Police Department creates for a new opportunity to give back to the entire community.

“This is an amazing event our community, officers, and the City looks forward to every year,” South Bend Police Chief Scott Ruszkowski said. “Thousands of people have enjoyed a fun and safe trick or treating experience with officers. This year, we’re excited to be partnering with the South Bend Cubs and taking our Halloween event fun to a whole new level.”

“We’re excited to be partnering with the South Bend Police Department in this community event,” South Bend Cubs Director of Media and Promotions Chris Hagstrom said. “This event continues to show that Four Winds Field isn’t just a baseball destination. We want the stadium to be seen as another great entertainment venue in the city of South Bend.”

Around the ballpark with spooky music playing from the speakers, both the Cubs Den Team Store and 1st Source Bank Performance Center will be open to the public. Kids hoping to check out the Performance Center will be able to take swings in the same batting cages used by the South Bend Cubs players.

Kids arriving in their Halloween costumes will have the opportunity to also enter a costume contest at the park. Prizes will be awarded to those who are wearing the most fun costumes. Be creative!

Any other businesses and organizations who are interested in hosting and sponsoring a table at the event can contact Officer Keenan Lane at 574-235-5941 for more information.

About the South Bend Cubs

The South Bend Cubs are the Class A minor league affiliate of the 2016 World Series Champion Chicago Cubs. Over the past 31 seasons, the team has won five Midwest League titles, most recently in 2005, and has captured 12 division titles. In 2019, the South Bend Cubs will host 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. More information is available at www.SouthBendCubs.com.

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

Flick-or-Treat returns to Raley Field this October

West Sacramento, Calif. – Flick-or-Treat is presented by Horizon Charter Schools, and is back for its fifth year at Raley Field on Saturday, October 27. To mark the season of Día de los Muertos, the event will feature a screening of the 2017 smash hit Disney and Pixar film, Coco. This instant classic was the winner of numerous accolades, including Academy Awards for Best Animated Film and Best Original Song (“Remember Me”). The movie will be played on the Raley Field videoboard following a fun-filled evening of trick-or-treating, games and prizes.

Various local partners and organizations, including California Family Fitness, West Sacramento Police, Bogle Vineyards, YMCA of Superior California, Blue Star Moms, and K-LOVE will be in attendance, handing out treats and other goodies. Additional pre-movie activities include Día de los Muertos themed games, arts and crafts, a costume contest, and much more. Trick-or-treating and other activities are scheduled from 4:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. The movie screening is scheduled to start at 6:00 p.m.

Trick-or-treating and family-friendly activities will begin when gates open at 4:30 p.m. Tickets for all children are $4 while adults are $6. Tickets can be purchased online or by visiting the Round Table Ticket Office at Raley Field. This event is rain or shine.

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About the Sacramento River Cats

The Sacramento River Cats are the Triple-A affiliate of the three-time World Champion San Francisco Giants. The team plays at Raley Field in West Sacramento, consistently voted one of the top ballparks in America. River Cats Season Tickets, Mini-Plans, and Flex Plans can be purchased for the upcoming 2019 season by calling the River Cats Ticket Hotline at (916) 371-HITS (4487). For more information about the River Cats, visit www.rivercats.com. For information on other events at Raley Field, visit www.raleyfield.com.

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

Boo Bash Returns to Spectrum Field on October 31, 2018!

Boo Bash 2018 at Spectrum Field

  • Wednesday, October 31
  • 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
  • FREE

The Clearwater Threshers, the City of Clearwater, and dozens of local businesses and organizations will be passing out candy and treats at Boo Bash on October 31, 2018, at Spectrum Field. Boo Bash is a safe and family-friendly Trick-or-Treat event.

Bring the whole family in costume for FREE candy, inflatables, the costume parade and on-field hayrides. Be sure to get your photo with and say hi to Phinley – the Clearwater Threshers mascot!

Parking is free. The concession stands will be open with ballpark fare available for purchase.

Boo Bash is not a pet-friendly event, but service dogs are always welcome at Spectrum Field.

Spectrum Field – 601 N Old Coachman Rd, Clearwater

Boo Bash 2018 Vendor Registration PDF

Boo Bash 2018 Vendor Information PDF

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

College Prep Night Set for Wednesday at Fifth Third Field

Dayton, Ohio – The Dayton Dragons and Fifth Third Bank will hold College Prep Night, a free educational event for prospective college students, at Fifth Third Field on Wednesday, September 26 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

College Prep Night is a one-stop college resource event to guide prospective college students and their parents through the process of planning an educational path. High school students can talk to representatives from colleges and universities from all over the nation, and one lucky student in attendance will win a $1,000 college scholarship, courtesy of Fifth Third Bank.

More than 1,000 students and their guests will attend and more than 70 colleges and universities will participate in this free event. Among the colleges scheduled to appear are Wright State University, Kettering College, Ohio University, Miami (Ohio) University, Duke University, University of Cincinnati, Ball State University, University of Dayton, Ohio Army National Guard, University of Kentucky, and many more schools from around the country. Representatives will be on hand to answer whatever questions that students might have about college life at each particular school.

“Fifth Third is committed to growing the financial knowledge of families and students as they make decisions about their future,” said Doug Compton, city executive for Fifth Third Bank. “It is important that we play a role in providing information that will help them successfully navigate their options regarding college. We are honored to provide a scholarship to a student who has made the decision to continue their education and we are dedicated to continue participating in events like College Prep Night that make a long-lasting, positive difference in the communities that we serve.”

The $1,000 scholarship will be given away after the event to a lucky college-bound student. To be entered to win, parents or students must RSVP before noon on the day of the event at www.daytondragons.com/collegeprep and must attend the event, although they do not have to be present when the winner’s name is pulled at the conclusion of the event.

In addition to visiting with the different schools, students and parents can participate in dynamic, informative workshops that will tell them everything they need to know about college. In one of the informative seminars, Fifth Third Bank will educate attendees on choosing the right college savings, part of a 13-program series called Empower U, designed by financial professionals at Fifth Third Bank with the employees of their valued clients in mind. The Empower U program is designed to provide you with financial information that will help empower you to achieve your goals and realize financial independence. This presentation will provide attendees with an overview of how to, and how much to, save for your child’s college education.

To learn more about College Prep Night, please visit www.daytondragons.com/collegeprep.

About Fifth Third

Fifth Third Bancorp is a diversified financial services company headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. As of June 30, 2018, the Company had $141 billion in assets and operated 1,158 full-service Banking Centers and 2,458 ATMs with Fifth Third branding in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Florida, Tennessee, West Virginia, Georgia and North Carolina. In total, Fifth Third provides its customers with access to approximately 54,000 fee-free ATMs across the United States. Fifth Third operates four main businesses: Commercial Banking, Branch Banking, Consumer Lending and Wealth & Asset Management. Fifth Third is among the largest money managers in the Midwest and, as of June 30, 2018, had $368 billion in assets under care, of which it managed $37 billion for individuals, corporations and not-for-profit organizations through its Trust and Registered Investment Advisory businesses. Investor information and press releases can be viewed at www.53.com. Fifth Third’s common stock is traded on the Nasdaq® Global Select Market under the symbol “FITB.” Fifth Third Bank was established in 1858. Deposit and Credit products are offered by Fifth Third Bank. Member FDIC.

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

Trick-or-Treat at Eastwood Field on October 23rd

NILES, OH – The Scrappers and Chemical Bank present the twentieth annual “Trick or Treat” at Eastwood Field, with media partners 21 WFMJ & WBCB. The event will take place on Tuesday, October 23rd from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. “Trick or Treat” at Eastwood Field is a fun and safe way to celebrate Halloween for children age 12 and under. Ticket quantities are limited and are available on a first come first serve basis. Children and adults will require a ticket. Tickets are just $1 each and are on sale now at the Scrappers Team Office located at Eastwood Field. In addition, anyone that donates canned goods at the “Trick or Treat” event for Project Feed Our Valley will receive a free general admission Scrappers ticket valid during the 2019 season.

The Scrappers are looking for area businesses to participate in this year’s “Trick or Treat” event. Businesses will receive table space at Eastwood Field. This is a community event and a great way to promote your business to the public. Early reservations are encouraged as space is limited. Please contact Kate Walsh for complete details by calling 330-505-000 or emailing kwalsh@mvscrappers.com.

To stay up to date with the Scrappers in the offseason or for more information on 2019 ticket packages, visit mvscrappers.com or contact the front office at 330-505-0000.

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

Pelicans Host Ballpark Trick-or-Treat Thirsty Thursday Style

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (September 20, 2018) – The Myrtle Beach Pelicans have partnered with 106.5 NASH FM to host a safe Trick-or-Treat event at TicketReturn.Com Field at Pelicans Ballpark from 5pm to 7pm on Thursday, October 25. Kids 12 & under will be invited onto the field for a safe trick-or-treat around the warning track. Additionally, attendees can enjoy live music, Thirsty Thursday drink specials, as well as a variety of food and other beverage specials.

Event specials will include:

  • $1 draft beer (domestic and craft)
  • $2 cans & bottles of beer
    $2 hot dogs
  • $3 sausages, fries, and chicken tenders

“We hosted a similar event last year for our My Pelicans members,” state Pelicans General Manager Ryan Moore. “It was such a success we wanted to make it a bigger event and open it up to everyone. We look forward to hosting families and fans of all ages for a fun night at the ballpark.”

For more information regarding the event please call the Pelicans Front Office at 843-918-6000.

Second-Annual Wahooloween Coming to Blue Wahoos Stadium October 26

PENSACOLA, Fla., –  For the second year in a row, the Pensacola Blue Wahoos will host Wahooloween, a free community event at Blue Wahoos Stadium, with opportunities for both families and community organizations to make this Halloween a memorable one.

Wahooloween will take place Friday, October 26 from 5-7PM.

 

Wahooloween will feature community-sponsored trick or treating on the concourse, with booths representing 30-plus local businesses and community organizations, along with Kazoo, a Halloween movie on the videoboard and concessions.

The first 1000 children will receive trick-or-treat bags.

 

Businesses are invited to support this event and the community by sponsoring a table to participate in the trick-or-treat. To participate, businesses are asked to pay $150, for which 100 percent will go Studer Community Institute to support early childhood brain development. Community participants will be asked to decorate their tables and bring candy to pass out to an expected 3,000 children.

 

To sign up, businesses and organizations should contact Clara Newman – Community Relations Trainee for the Pensacola Blue Wahoos – at (850) 934-8444 ext. 205 or communityrelations@bluewahoos.com.

 

– Pensacola Blue Wahoos –

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

Connor Eller Receives Blue Jays Community Service Award

Right-handed pitcher Connor Eller has been selected as the 2018 Dunedin Blue Jays Community Service Award winner for his continued commitment to helping those in need in the Dunedin community and supporting Blue Jays community initiatives.

The Blue Jays Community Service Award has been given annually since 2012 to the Blue Jays player who best exemplifies the team’s commitment to enriching the Dunedin community through a variety of outreach programs that promote education, healthy lifestyles, and charity. Throughout the 2018 season, Eller represented the Blue Jays in the community through numerous appearances away from the ballpark as he worked to encourage local children and support local families.

“Connor has been a leader in the clubhouse and the community for the past two seasons. He’s exemplified everything this award stands for through his continued dedication to our community service projects,” Blue Jays Manager of Community Relations Kathi Beckman said. “We couldn’t be more proud to present him with the 2018 Community Service Award.”

Eller helped lead the 2018 Blue Jays Bookin’ It To The Ballpark Reading Program, the largest community outreach program in the franchise’s history, reaching fifteen-hundred elementary school students in 19 Pinellas County schools. He visited local elementary schools to support the program and promote literacy by reading to local students, answering their questions, and encouraging them in their studies.

“My favorite event was definitely the reading visits,” Eller said. “The kids get so excited when you walk in the door. Seeing their smiles when they come up and read with you is a joy.”

Eller was also active at the 2018 Blue Jays Bowling Tournament, an event that raised over $10,000 to benefit local families through Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay. He also volunteered to help local families at the Dunedin Cares, Inc. Food Pantry, helping to fight hunger in the Dunedin Community. At their annual Hometown USA celebration, the Blue Jays collected 1,126 pounds of food for Dunedin Cares, Inc. as part of Minor League Baseball’s annual BUSH’s Beans Food Drive. Alongside teammate Riley Adams and mascot DJay, Eller helped sort and distribute the food the team had collected to local families.

“It was really neat when Riley and I went to the Food Pantry. I think we gave back to the community in a different way. It was heartwarming to put yourself in other people’s situation and be able to help them and show love to them.”

Eller joins a distinguished list of former Community Service Award winners that includes Danny Barnes, Matt Newman, Taylor Cole, L.B. Dantzler, Jorge Saez, Tim Mayza, and Josh DeGraaf.

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

Shorebirds Present Toy Donation To Brooke’s Toy Closet

SALISBURY, MD – The Delmarva Shorebirds are proud to announce in conjunction with partners at Market Street Inn, MoJo’s, and the Peninsula Regional Medical Center, the results of the Brooke’s Toy Closet Toy Drive, held on Saturday, July 21st and Friday, August 3rd at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.

In total, 449 items were donated by Shorebirds fans, with the Shorebirds presenting the donation to Brooke’s Toy Closet at the Peninsula Regional Medical Center recently, along with members from Market Street Inn, MoJo’s, and the Peninsula Regional Medical Center Foundation, which oversees and maintains Brooke’s Toy Closet. An anonymous donor donated $1,000 that was used by Shorebirds’ first baseman, Ryan Ripken, Shorebirds’ front office staff, Brooke’s half sister, Arden, and Brooke’s long time friend, Greyson, to go purchase toys to be included in the donation to Brooke’s Toy Closet.

Toy Donations ranged from activity books, stuffed animals, interactive toys, coloring books, books, action figures, etc. All these items will be extremely beneficial to replenishing Brooke’s Toy Closet and very much appreciated from members of the Peninsula Regional Medical Center Foundation.

“For the third straight year, Shorebirds fans in this community have come together as one to help support this tremendous community asset at the Peninsula Regional Medical Center. We are extremely grateful for these partnerships. Thank you to all the fans who made this possible!” said Shorebirds Director of Marketing Eric Sichau.

“Thank you to all those who made a donation to Brooke’s Toy Closet through this event. Please know that I am humbled and very grateful for all your support and compassion. As a local business man in a small community, I have been committed to giving back to the community that has supported Brooke and I am humbled by your loyal support. Between the strong continued partnership with the Delmarva Shorebirds, and the creation of the Brooke Mulford Memorial Fund in 2017 at the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, which will help support Believe in Tomorrow House by the Sea and Camp Fairlee, for local children and their families, these initiatives will further strengthen the support of the local community in honor of Brooke for the future.” said Rob Mulford, owner of Market Street Inn.

Brooke’s Toy Closet was started in 2014 by Brooke Mulford, a local girl who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, an aggressive form of cancer, in 2009, when she was 4 years old. Brooke, unfortunately, lost her battle with cancer on June 12th, 2017. The closet is a special cabinet filled with toys, coloring books and other goodies that PRMC’s Emergency Department and Pediatrics Unit can give to children who are hospitalized. The recipients of these gifts will be able to use them when they’re in the hospital and take them home to enjoy when they are feeling better. For more information on the Peninsula Regional Medical Center Foundation and Brooke’s Toy Closet, contact the PRMC Foundation at 410-543-7140.

For more information on the Delmarva Shorebirds Community Relations efforts, contact the Shorebirds at 410-219-3112 or visit theshorebirds.com.

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

Tortuga Intern Honored with FSL Scholarship

DAYTONA BEACH, FL – The Daytona Tortugas, in conjunction with the Florida State League and the Miami Marlins, are proud to award the franchise’s fourth FSL Scholarship to Theodore Cannon. Cannon is the Tortugas Creative Media Intern.

“It’s a great honor that I was the one selected over everyone else involved in the internship program with the Daytona Tortugas,” Cannon said about the award.

Cannon, an Irmo, South Carolina native, is a rising Junior at Clemson University, where he is majoring in Architecture with a Visual Arts minor.

He helped design jerseys, provide content for social media, and was instrumental in the game day production involving the new video board at The Jack, but he quickly learned that there things outside of your job description that go into the nightly production of a MiLB game.

“I was hired on as a graphic design intern and even though that is my official position, I have done a little bit of everything at the ballpark,” Cannon stated. “I helped pull tarp, I’ve helped in concessions, and sometimes I helped with ticket sales.”

The Florida State League Scholarship Committee awarded twelve $1,500 educational scholarships to applicants from each team in the league. The award is based on both financial need and grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Students eligible for the scholarship must be an employee, or the child or grandchild of an employee, of the participating club from April 5 to September 2 and must be at least a high school junior by the 2018 fall term.

Cannon is going to use the scholarship money on supplies for the upcoming school year. “I can now afford things I couldn’t before, which is great, so it’s a little weight off my chest.”

The Miami Marlins have sponsored this program for more than 18 years and have contributed over $200,000.

Cannon hopes to take his work ethic from the summer into the school year.  

“This is probably the most I’ve worked in any period, let alone the summer period.” He added, “this has taught me to think things through in my head, allocate my time wisely, and give every task the desired amount of time.”

Cannon was honored at Radiology Associates Field at Jackie Robinson Ballpark on Tuesday, August 7, prior to a Tortuga game against the Dunedin Blue Jays, by throwing out the first pitch.

“It’s a great honor to be able to throw out the first pitch,” Cannon mentioned prior to the moment. “The fact that they allowed an intern to do it is very interesting, hopefully I don’t mess that up.”

Cannon capped off the ceremony by firing a perfect strike.

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

Fire Frogs a Hit with Miracle League

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (Aug. 13, 2018) – The Florida Fire Frogs competed against the Fort Myers Miracle in a contest between two Florida State League teams on at Osceola County Stadium, but it was a different kind of miracle that brought a joyous atmosphere to Kissimmee on Saturday.

The Atlanta Braves’ Advanced-A affiliate spent the afternoon with the Miracle League of Central Florida prior to taking on Fort Myers for a day of fun. According to the league’s mission statement posted on its website, the purpose of the Miracle League is to, “help individuals with disabilities build self-worth, overcome boundaries, and achieve their dreams by participating in America’s past-time: Baseball.”

Florida’s team president, Erik Anderson stated, “We want to let the community know that the results of this team aren’t always based on what happens on the diamond. It’s about winning in life and doing the right thing.”

Every player from the Fire Frogs roster participated with the children in attendance from the Miracle League. The club’s home run leader, Braxton Davidson, saw the occasion as a special opportunity.

“I like to give back to the community. That’s something that I’ve always been a part of ever since I was in high school,” the 2014 first-round draft pick said. “I wear a bracelet that says, ‘Autism Speaks,’ I have family members that are disabled.

“It’s a great opportunity for all the guys to put themselves out in the community in a good way.”

Fire Frogs manager Luis Salazar had a pleasure teaching the children of the Miracle League not just about the fundamentals of the game, but to always have fun while playing.

“It’s always a pleasure, and I enjoy the time with the Miracle League,” the skipper said. “To get those kids on the field, running, sliding…It’s a very special day for those kids.

The main thing is to have fun, and to give those kids the best that we can do for them. When they leave here, they know they can go home and say, ‘We played for the Fire Frogs.'”

To contact the Central Florida Miracle League, or volunteer, please visit cflmiracleleague.com.

About the Florida Fire Frogs

 

The Florida Fire Frogs are the Advanced-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves and compete in the Florida State League. The Fire Frogs play their home games at Osceola County Stadium, located at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Fla. For more information, please visit www.FloridaFireFrogs.com, and follow the team on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube.

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

Annual Florida State League/Miami Marlins Scholarship Winners Announced

TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Tarpons are pleased to announce Tyler Hernandez has been named one of the 12 winners of the 2018 Florida State League/Miami Marlins Scholarship Program. Each winner receives a $1,500 scholarship and is invited by the Marlins to be recognized in an on-field pregame ceremony at Marlins Park on Sunday, August 12th.

Hernandez recently graduated with a 3.5 GPA from Alonso High School, where he played lacrosse and was a member of both the Beta Club and the National Honor Society. He also has worked in clubhouse operations for Tampa since 2016. Hernandez plans to attend the University of Tampa.

This is the 19th-conecutive year for the program, which has been funded by the Miami Marlins and the Florida State League. Each $1,500 scholarship is presented to a student employee, child or grandchild of an employee. A total of 228 scholarships have been awarded to qualified applicants since the inception of the program.

The purpose of the program is to encourage and reward our school age applicants and send a message that an education is the key to success in life.

The Tampa Tarpons are the Single-A Advanced Affiliate of the New York Yankees. For more information about the Tampa Tarpons, call (813) 673-3055 or visit TarponsBaseball.com.

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