Tampa Tarpons Announce HOPE Week 2018

TAMPA, Fla. – The Tampa Tarpons will participate in HOPE Week (Helping Others Persevere & Excel) from Tuesday, June 5th through Sunday, June 10th, 2018. Throughout the week, players will visit and host families and organizations worthy of recognition and support.

HOPE Week is a community program, created by the New York Yankees in 2009, designed to bring to light five remarkable stories intended to inspire individuals into action in their own communities. The initiative is based on the fundamental belief that acts of goodwill provide hope and encouragement to more than the recipient of the gesture. Visit www.hopeweek.com for more information.

Tuesday, June 5th – The Tarpons will visit a summer camp for underprivileged children at United Cerebral Palsy of Tampa Bay from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The children and their families will receive tickets and food vouchers to see the Tarpons take on the St. Lucie Mets at 6:30 p.m. at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Prior to first-pitch, the Tarpons will present a check for $2,500 to United Cerebral Palsy of Tampa Bay.

“The mission of United Cerebral Palsy of Tampa Bay is to guide and assist families and individuals with any disability or other barriers to achieve their full potential, resulting in community inclusion and independence.” – www.ucptampa.org.

Wednesday, June 6th – Tarpons players will visit the Children’s Home Network from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Kids and staff members will receive tickets and food vouchers to see the Tarpons battle the St. Lucie Mets later that evening. Prior to the game, a check for $2,500 will be presented to the Children’s Home Network. Select children will then take the field alongside the Tarpons as part of the Baseball Buddies program.

“We unlock the potential of at-risk children and families by providing compassionate and effective services that create opportunities for success.” – www.childrenshomenetwork.org.

Thursday, June 7th – The Tarpons will present Trinity Café with a $2,500 check and assist in serving lunch from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Staff members and volunteers will also receive tickets and food vouchers to see Tampa host St. Lucie at 6:30 p.m.

“Trinity Café is a free restaurant, serving more than 380+ hot and hearty meals daily, at two locations, 365 days a year.” – www.trinitycafe.org.

Friday, June 8th – The Tarpons will partner with Seminole Hard Rock to host a baseball camp for the Boys & Girls Club at George M. Steinbrenner Field from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. All campers and Boys & Girls Club representatives will receive tickets to see the Tarpons take on the Bradenton Marauders at 6:30 p.m. Prior to the game, a check for $2,500 will be presented to the Boys & Girls Club of Tampa Bay.

Saturday, June 9th – Families from MacDill Air Force Base are invited to practice with the Tarpons from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Families will be playing catch as well as taking batting practice. Families will then receive tickets and food vouchers to see the Tarpons take on the Marauders at 6:30 p.m.

Sunday, June 10th – Teenagers from “Starting Right, Now” will receive tickets and food vouchers to see the Tarpons play the Marauders at 6:30 p.m. Prior to the game, a $2,500 check will be presented to “Starting Right, Now.” The teens will then be invited to hang out with the players for an hour following the game.

“Starting Right, Now ends homelessness for youth by providing one-on-one mentoring, a stable home, assisting with employment opportunities, teaching financial literacy/life skills and promoting educational achievement.” – www.startingrightnow.org.

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

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Cardinals and Isabel’s House partner for Baby Supply Drive, $1 tickets

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Springfield Cardinals are excited to partner with Isabel’s House to host the 2018 Cardinals Baby Supply Drive.

Running right now through the Tuesday, May 29 game at Hammons Field, the Cardinals and Isabel’s House are seeking donations of the following items:

– Diapers (Sizes 2 & 4)
– Pull-Ups (Sizes 2T-5T)
– FUN Underwear (Toddler)
– Boxers/Boxer Briefs (7-13)*
– Kids socks (toddler – pre-teen)
– Kids toothbrushes
– Kids hairbrushes
– Enfamil Gentlease Formula (new/unopened)
– New toddler clothes (boys 2T-5/6)
– New pajamas (2T-5/6)
– Kites, bubbles, chalk

*No white underwear/”tighty-whities”

All fans who donate may purchase a discounted $1 ticket to the May 29 game for each item donated! First Pitch on Tuesday, May 29 is 6:30pm with gates opening at 5:30pm.

Tuesday is also a Great Southern Bank $1 Dog Day! The combination of helping your southwest Missouri community, $1 tickets to the Cardinals and $1 dogs may seem too good to be true, but it’s not!

All baby supply items donated through the Cardinals Baby Supply Drive will benefit Isabel’s House, where immediate refuge throughout the Ozarks is provided for children ages birth to 12 whose families are in crisis.

To donate, please bring your baby supply items to the Cardinals Front Office at Hammons Field, located at 955 E. Trafficway, or the Box Office. The Front Office is open from 9am – 5pm, Monday – Friday. For more information, call the Front Office at (417) 863-0395.

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

Drive Celebrate Mauldin Miracle League on Saturday

The Drive will celebrate Mauldin Miracle League Night at Fluor Field on Saturday night. First pitch is at 7:05, and prior to the gates opening, the Mauldin Miracle League will hold two games on the field with players, coaches and staff members from the Drive and Augusta GreenJackets.

The Mauldin Miracle League gives every child the opportunity to play baseball, no matter their disability, and these games will create lifetime memories for everyone involved. The Drive’s relationship with the Mauldin Miracle League has been ongoing for 13 years, and all of the players in Saturday’s games on the field will be wearing Drive and Red Sox jerseys, provided by the Drive.

The Drive will also be recognizing players and staff members from Mauldin Miracle League and Greenville Little League throughout the night.

To purchase tickets for Saturday’s game at Fluor Field, stop by the Main Street Box Office, call (864) 240-4528 or CLICK HERE.

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

Kettering Health Network Presents the “Strike Out Stroke” Event

Dayton, Ohio – Manual Bidaara, a stroke survivor, will throw out the first pitch at the Dayton Dragons game on Sunday, May 20, at 2:07 p.m. when Kettering Health Network presents the “Strike Out Stroke™” event. The Dragons will be hosting the Great Lakes Loons at Fifth Third Field in downtown Dayton. Strike Out Stroke is a registered trademark of the “Retreat and Refresh Stroke Camp.”

Bidaara, a 17-year-old foreign exchange student from Portugal, was brushing his teeth one morning in April and noticed he couldn’t move his left arm or hand. Then, his left leg gave out and he collapsed. The whole left side of his body went numb and Bidaara began to slur his speech.

Bidaara’s host brother helped him up and notified his host guardian, Jim. Jim knew something was wrong and took Bidaara to the emergency room at Soin Medical Center. There, he was stabilized by Scott Balonier, DO.

After evaluation, it was theorized that Bidaara, who is active in sports, had recently suffered an ankle injury that created a blood clot. The clot moved upwards through his body and passed through a hole in Bidaara’s heart due to a heart condition from his childhood. Then, the clot made its way to Bidaara’s brain and caused the stroke.

Bidaara had surgery in early May at Kettering Medical Center and is on the road to recovery. His career ambition is to one day become a neurologist to study the brain himself.

Kettering Health Network will be on the plaza from noon-2:30 p.m. with stroke awareness and prevention information and will also be passing out various stroke awareness items.

More Information:  The Dayton Dragons are the Midwest League affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play a 70-game home schedule at beautiful Fifth Third Field in downtown Dayton, easily accessible from Interstate 75. Individuals and groups seeking information about Dayton Dragons group tickets, lawn tickets, the season ticket wait list, sponsorship opportunities or booking a Dragons speaker are encouraged to contact the Dragons by calling at (937) 228-2287, emailing at dragons@daytondragons.com, or on the web at daytondragons.com.

—end–

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

Free Community Shred Day Sat. May 19

Money One Federal Credit Union and the Bowie Baysox are hosting a free shred-only event that allows you to protect your identity and safely dispose of old documents with personal information on Saturday, May 19 from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm. (no 3-ring binders, paperclips or rubbish please)

*New* Electronic Device Recycling! Bring any old computers, monitors, printers, and cables too! This will help support employment training and community jobs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We cannot provide destruction of computer hard drives.

This event will take place at Prince George’s Stadium, home of the Baysox and will run from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm.

For a complete list of items that will be accepted, please CLICK HERE.

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

South Bend Cubs Co-Host Inaugural Military Honor & Appreciation Fair on Memorial Day

SOUTH BEND, IN – As a kickoff to South Bend’s “Best.Week.Ever.” festival, the South Bend Cubs will host the inaugural Military Honor & Appreciation Fair at Four Winds Field on Monday May 28. The fair is part of “Armed Forces Week”, a special week of home games dedicated to the United States military service branches starting on Monday, May 21st and culminating with Military Appreciation Days on Sunday evening and Memorial Day.

“Every year, we are honored to partner with Express Employment Professionals over Memorial Day weekend,” said South Bend Cubs President Joe Hart. “This season, we have expanded the weekend to include the full eight game homestand as well as a Military Honor and Appreciation Fair to help bring awareness to issues that our active duty military and veterans are facing.”

Co-hosted by Express Employment Professionals, Military Appreciation Days on Sunday, May 27 and Memorial Day, May 28, will honor veterans and currently-serving military personnel by offering two free tickets to either the Sunday or Monday games with proof of service.

On Sunday, visitors around the Four Winds Field Plaza will be visually inspired by 50 US flags placed in-line by the Indiana Patriot Guard Riders in dedication to Vietnam veterans. This display will recognize members of the Vietnam Veterans of America. The Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association will also ride their motorcycles onto the field, which will be followed by a live flyover and field landing of UH-1 Huey 369, a restored Huey helicopter from American Huey 369 out of Peru, Indiana.

On Memorial Day, Express Employment Professionals and the South Bend Cubs will host the inaugural Military Honor & Appreciation Fair. The event starts at 10:45 a.m. with a special wreath-laying ceremony featuring area dignitaries that include Indiana’s 2nd District Congresswoman Jackie Walorski, 95.3 MNC’s afternoon radio host Casey Hendrickson, and South Bend Cubs President Joe Hart. Other participants will include the Miller’s Vets Color Guard, area Boy & Girls Scouts, and representatives of the Indiana Army National Guard, who will perform TAPS and the National Anthem.

Following the ceremony will be the Military Appreciation Fair. Over 25 local military service organizations will be represented along with military vehicles and equipment on display. There will also be a paintball shooting booth from BlastCamp out of Hobart, Indiana. All events on Monday will take place outside of Gates A & B in the Four Winds Field plaza.

Prior to first pitch on Monday, the families of fallen service members will be recognized on the field, organized by US Army Survivor Outreach Services and Helping Hands for Freedom.

In addition to the events on May 27 and 28, the South Bend Cubs and Express Employment Professionals will host a food drive during all eight games. Nearly 25% of food insecure Hoosiers are our military veterans. All food and money collected will benefit the Food Bank of Northern Indiana and their area food agencies, who help feed hungry and food insecure families across North-Central Indiana.

About Express Employment Professionals
Express Employment Professionals is a leading workforce staffing provider in the U.S., Canada and South Africa. Founded in 1983, Express Employment Professionals has nearly 800 franchise locations, including three franchise offices covering a six-county area and located in Mishawaka, Elkhart, and Warsaw, in North-Central Indiana. Express specializes in the placement of job-seekers with employers for commercial, administrative, skilled trades, and professional positions.

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 30 seasons, the team has won five Midwest League titles, most recently in 2005, and has captured 12 division titles. This year, Four Winds Field, home of the Cubs, was named Ballpark Digest’s Best Single-A ballpark. 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 sole shareholder is Andrew T. Berlin of Chicago, Ill.

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

Dragons and Vectren Present 2018 “Community All-Stars”

Dayton, Ohio – The Dragons and Vectren will honor Olivia Velez during the unique “Community All-Stars” program on Tuesday, May 8 at 7:00 p.m. when the Dayton Dragons take on the Cedar Rapids Kernels at Fifth Third Field.

The Dayton community is a great place to live, work and play. But what makes Dayton truly great are the people that call Dayton home. We have great people and great organizations in our community that do incredible things each and every day. Throughout the season, the Dragons and Vectren will honor five “All-Stars” with a special inning break tribute in recognition of their service.

Olivia’s Story: “Little Girl, Big Heart”

At the age of 5, Olivia Velez’s life flipped upside down. She was uprooted from her home and sent to live with her grandma, but these moments never stopped her caring soul. She told her grandma, Tina, that she wanted to help kids in similar or worse situations. After brainstorming, they started collecting get-well-cards to send to children. These cards were full of googly eyes, funny jokes, and encouragement. Though she already brought smiles to hundreds of kids’ faces, she realized she could do more.

At the age of 7, Olivia started “Project Local Hugs”- an organization that takes donated goods and delivers them to those in need. Olivia and her grandma started collecting purses and included items like hair brushes, hand sanitizer, body wash, toothbrushes and toothpaste. Once completed, these purses are given to the local Young Women’s Christian Associate for women who are seeking a safe shelter from domestic violence or drug abuse.

Continuing to grow their organization, Olivia started collecting backpacks full of notebooks, pens and crayons to deliver to kids in situations similar to what she experienced. “It makes me feel better that I’ve done something good” Olivia said. “We should always be kind and think about others.”

As a 10-year-old, Olivia recently won the Domestic Violence Prevention Project awarded Montgomery County, and continues to shine throughout the Dayton Community. To learn more about Project Local Hugs, you can visit www.facebook.com/projectlocalhugs

The Dragons Community All-Stars Program is made possible by the generous support of Vectren. For more information or to nominate an All-Star in your life, visit www.daytondragons.com/communityallstar.

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

Bees to Host Utah Prevention Day

SALT LAKE CITY (May 2, 2018) – On Thursday, May 3, the Salt Lake Bees and the Utah State Office of Education will host more than 12,000 students for Utah Prevention Day at Smith’s Ballpark, with free admission courtesy of Med One Group and Dominion Energy. The Bees will face the Fresno Grizzlies at 10:35 a.m. at Smith’s Ballpark.

The fifth and sixth grade students attending the 16th annual event will be treated to an on field opening ceremony where Utah Governor Gary Herbert will declare the day as Utah Prevention Day at Smith’s Ballpark, which promotes drug and alcohol prevention. The Governor will also throw out the ceremonial first pitch.

The National Anthem will be sung by Avi James a 15-year old from Early Light Academy, while a flag presentation will feature children from Lake Ridge Elementary School, Jordan Ridge Elementary School, Whittier Elementary, Nibley Park Elementary School, and Antelope Elementary School.

Attendees are also encouraged to bring a canned food donation for the Utah Food Bank as part of the program.

Utah Prevention is Utah’s Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities curriculum, which supports the Utah State Office of Education pre-kindergarten through 12th grade health core. The program strives to give students a strong foundation of effective violence and substance abuse prevention skills. The program began in 1982 as a joint effort between the Utah State Division of Substance Abuse, Utah State Department of Health, Utah State Office of Education and Utah State PTA.

Utah Prevention Day is part of the Bees organization’s ongoing commitment to community outreach, health and wellness and youth development.

ALLERGY, ASTHMA & SINUS CENTER WILL HOST PEANUT FREE NIGHT AT SMOKIES STADIUM

SEVIERVILLE – The Tennessee Smokies have partnered with the Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center to host a Peanut-Free Night at America’s Friendliest Ballpark on Wednesday, May 2 as the Smokies take on the Birmingham Barons. The Peanut-Free Night allow fans with peanut allergies the chance to enjoy the game at Smokies Stadium.

“The Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center is excited to sponsor Peanut Free Night with the Tennessee Smokies for the seventh year in a row,” said Board Certified Allergist, Dr. Bob Overholt. “We are honored to be able to provide a peanut-free environment for all baseball fans, especially those who might not be able to normally attend, and we hope this event will help raise awareness in East Tennessee about food allergies.”

The Smokies will take anything containing peanuts off its concessions menu for the 7:00 p.m. contest. Additionally, the stadium will be cleaned and rinsed to remove as much peanut residue from the seats, concourse and other areas as possible.

“We are very excited to once again host Peanut Free Night at Smokies Stadium this year,” said Smokies Vice President Jeremy Boler. “This is a night where many children and families with peanut allergies can actually come out and enjoy a Smokies game. I hope this game brings awareness to food allergies and we look forward to hosting Peanut Free Night for many more years to come!”

The Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center and the Tennessee Smokies team up for this event annually to raise awareness about food allergies, and to allow an enjoyable baseball experience for those with peanut allergies specifically.

The Smokies return home to Smokies Stadium on Wednesday, May 2, 2018 against the Birmingham Barons. The full schedule for this season and information regarding single-game tickets, season tickets, and mini plans can be found online at smokiesbaseball.com, or by calling the Smokies Ticket Office at 865-286-2300.

ABOUT THE TENNESSEE SMOKIES

The Tennessee Smokies are the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. Members of the ten-team Southern League, Smokies baseball has been entertaining families and fans of America’s national pastime in the East Tennessee region for over 100 years. To learn more about the Tennessee Smokies, visit www.smokiesbaseball.com

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

NATURALS ANNOUNCE ARKANSAS CHILDREN’S NORTHWEST FAN DAYS

ACNW Fan Days will be on Friday, May 11; Friday, May 25; Friday, June 29; and Friday, August 10. (NWA Naturals)

SPRINGDALE, Ark – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are excited to announce Arkansas Children’s Northwest (ACNW) Fan Days, a series of four special games during the 2018 season that will bring together Naturals players and fans with ACNW patients and families. Sponsored by J.B. Hunt Transport, Inc., ACNW Fan Days will be on Friday, May 11; Friday, May 25; Friday, June 29; and Friday, August 10.

During each game, the Naturals will host the first-ever ACNW Fan Waves, an effort to show support and encouragement for those at ACNW.

At the conclusion of the first inning, the Naturals organization, team mascots, and J.B. Hunt employees will lead the crowd in a friendly wave toward the hospital. Players and coaches from each team will emerge from the dugouts to tip their caps and wave as well. Patients and families at Arkansas Children’s Northwest will be gathered to view the ballpark and wave back toward the crowd.

Follow the Northwest Arkansas Naturals on Facebook and Twitter @NWANaturals all throughout the year by using the hashtag #NaturalPastime and #CrowntoCrown for all of our up-to-date information on the 2018 season of Naturals baseball.

The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are the Double-A Texas League Affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. The Naturals play at state-of-the-art Arvest Ballpark in Springdale, Ark. For more information, including statistics, ticket options, and more, please visit NWANaturals.com, and follow us on Twitter @NWANaturals and Facebook.com/Naturals.

-Naturals-

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

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Allergy Awareness Day, With Ballpark Nut Free, on May 9th

Allergy Awareness Day, a day where FirstEnergy Park goes “Nut Free” for those with food allergies, is Wednesday, May 9th.

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LAKEWOOD, NJ – The BlueClaws will host an “Allergy Awareness Day” at FirstEnergy Park on Wednesday, May 9th at the team’s 6:35 pm game against Charleston (Yankees) which includes the ballpark being nut free for this game only.

At this game, the BlueClaws will not be selling or distributing any products that contain peanuts, and no peanut products will be used in food preparation or available for sale (peanuts, Cracker Jacks, etc.), giving those with peanut-allergies the chance to experience BlueClaws baseball!

“The BlueClaws are pleased to be able to offer this night for those around the Jersey Shore impacted by allergies,” said Jim McNamara, BlueClaws Vice President of Tickets. “We want everyone around the area to have to opportunity to enjoy BlueClaws baseball and look forward to a great night.”

This year, the BlueClaws unveiled a new Mini Golf Course down the right field line and the Toyota World Home Run Pavilion opened in centerfiled. The Home Run Pavilion includes traditional boardwalk games like Hoop Shot, Cat Rack, Balloon Darts, as well as a Sweet Shop with traditional boardwalk favorites.

Tickets are currently on sale. To order, call 732-901-7000 option 2 or click here to order online.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment.

– BlueClaws –

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

South Bend Cubs accepting applications for college scholarships from regional softball and baseball athletes

SOUTH BEND, Indiana – The South Bend Cubs are pleased to announce beginning today applications will now be accepted from college-bound softball and baseball players from the 11 counties surrounding Four Winds Field in downtown South Bend seeking one of several $5,000 scholarships. Eligibility rules and an application form for the annual scholarship were posted today on the 1st Source Bank Performance Center website.

“These $5,000 scholarships are a significant way to emphasize our support of future leaders and the game we all love,” said Andrew T. Berlin, Chairman and Owner of the South Bend Cubs. “They’re not just for current athletes who will go on to play in college. They’re for any high school senior athlete who intends to continue his or her education full time after high school.”

In 2017, the South Bend Cubs awarded five scholarships of $5,000 each to high school seniors from LaPorte, Mishawaka, South Bend and Walkerton, IN and Buchanan, MI. Two of the recipients were softball players, three were baseball players.

Applications for the 2018 South Bend Cubs Scholarships will be accepted from April 27 through May 31. Up to five (5) $5,000 scholarships will be granted. A full set of rules, eligibility requirements and an application form can be found online at 1stSourceBankPerformanceCenter.com.

“This scholarship offers a tremendous opportunity for our college-bound athletes,” said Joe Hart, President of the South Bend Cubs. “We understand the drive it takes to be an athlete and look forward to helping several of them pursue their post-secondary education.”

Applicants for the 2018 South Bend Cubs Scholarships must deliver their applications in person to the 1st Source Bank Performance Center at the corner of South Street and Lafayette Boulevard in downtown South Bend. E-mailed, paid delivery or postal service applications will not be accepted.

About the South Bend Cubs
The South Bend Cubs are the Class A minor league affiliate of the World Series Champion Chicago Cubs. Over the past 30 seasons, the team has won five Midwest League titles, most recently in 2005, and has captured 12 division titles. 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. In June 2017, Four Winds Field, home of the South Bend Cubs, was voted Best Class A ballpark in the country by Ballpark Digest. The team is owned and operated by Swing-Batter-Swing, LLC whose principal shareholder is Andrew T. Berlin of Chicago, Ill.

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

SeaWolves To Host Inaugural Diamond Dinner

The Erie SeaWolves, Double-A Affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, are partnering with MECA, Inc, to raise funds to build the first barrier-free baseball field in Erie County. The project, known as a Miracle League Field, will enable individuals with physical and mental disabilities to safely play baseball on a cushioned, wheelchair-accessible playing surface.

On Thursday, August 16, the SeaWolves Community Fund will host its first ever Diamond Dinner fundraiser on the infield at UPMC Park from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. with proceeds benefitting the Miracle League of Erie County. The Diamond Dinner will include live entertainment, raffle prizes, a live auction, catering from top local restaurants and cocktails from area breweries and wineries. Attendees will have the chance to meet SeaWolves players, Detroit Tigers guests and the stars of Erie’s own Miracle League.

“The nearest Miracle League Field is about 100 miles away,” SeaWolves Team President Greg Coleman said. “With the support of the community, we can enhance a neighborhood park and create a safe and welcoming environment where kids and adults can play ball, develop skills, and build friendships.”

Tickets for the Diamond Dinner are $85 each. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. In addition, the Diamond Dinner committee is seeking a wide array of raffle prizes and live auction items.

For more information about the Miracle League Project and to purchase Diamond Dinner tickets visit MiracleLeagueErie.com.

The SeaWolves return to UPMC Park on Friday, April 27 as they host Tim Tebow and the Binghamton Rumble Ponies (New York Mets) at 6:05 p.m. Friday, the first 1,000 fans will receive a SeaWolves fleece blanket courtesy of Pepsi. For tickets, visit the UPMC Park ticket office (M-F, 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.) or visit SeaWolves.com.

ABOUT THE SEAWOLVES COMMUNITY FUND

The SeaWolves Community Fund is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to improving the lives of children and adults in the greater Erie region. The SeaWolves Community Fund places a special emphasis on supporting youth programs focused on baseball, education, and wellness by developing partnerships with those who share in our mission.

ABOUT MECA, INC

MECA, Inc. is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) and has been in the community serving children and adults with any disability and their families. They run an adaptive baseball program and assist the senior citizen population through the J.O.Y. Senior Center. MECA’S Representative Payee Program provides financial management services for individuals identified by the Social Security Administration as needing help managing their Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Fiduciary services are also provided to Veterans. Through these programs we service over 260 clients and their families in the community.

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

Donate Tickets to Veterans Through Vets Night Out

The BlueClaws are parterning with OceanFirst Bank on Vets Night Out, a program that donates tickets for local military personnel, both veterans and active.

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LAKEWOOD, NJ – The BlueClaws and OceanFirst Bank have partnered on Vets Night Out, a program through which fans can donate tickets that will be given directly to veterans to enjoy BlueClaws games on June 14th and August 21st this year.

There are four levels of donation: Red, White, Blue, and Eagle, with each level including varying degrees of benefits.

  • Red – A $100 donation includes 10 tickets for veterans. Each donor receives on-field recognition and two tickets to the games on June 14th and August 21st.
  • White – A $250 donation includes 25 tickets for veterans. Each donor receives on-field and website recognition plus four tickets to the games on June 14th and August 21st.
  • Blue – A $500 donation includes 50 tickets for veterans. Each donor receives on-field and website recognition, an exclusive Field Day (date TBD), and eight tickets to the games on June 14th and August 21st.
  • Eagle – A $1,000 donation gives 100 tickets for veterans. Each donor receives on-field and website recognition, an exclusive Field Day (date TBD), and a BlueClaws Luxury Suite outing (for 20) either Labor Day Weekend or to an April/May game in 2019 (dates are subject to availability).

“The BlueClaws are proud to work with the area business community to support veterans and active military personnel,” said Joe Ricciutti, BlueClaws President & General Manager.

“We also recognize that while their loved ones are serving on active duty, there is often a family stationed at one of our great military bases, worried and waiting for them to safely return. We wanted to also give them an opportunity to enjoy a night with the BlueClaws. We want to be a place where families can go to put the real world on the back burner, even for just a few hours, and enjoy some baseball, mini golf, boardwalk games, ice cream and family time.”

All tickets for veterans will be donated through certified programs and directly through Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.

To participate in Vets Night Out, contact Tyler Odle by calling 732-901-7000 ext 124.

Thursday, June 14th is Military Appreciation Night, presented by OceanFirst Bank. The BlueClaws will honor veterans throughout the night. Plus, former Yankees infielder Bucky Dent will be on hand for an autograph signing. It’s also Thirsty Thursday, presented by 95.9 WRAT, with dollar beer in the brand-new BlueClaws Biergarten, and 50-cent wings from Quaker Steak & Lube.

Tuesday, August 21st is the lone 2018 appearance from the Phillie Phanatic, presented by OceanFirst Bank. It’s also a Silver Sluggers Tuesday where Silver Sluggers members eat free.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. New additions for 2018 include the Toyota World Home Run Pavilion, with boardwalk games, the BlueClaws new Mini Golf Course, and Biergarten.

Tickets for all 2018 home games are available by calling 732-901-7000 option 2 or online at BlueClaws.com.

– BlueClaws –

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

Safe Kids Upstate Day is Wednesday at Fluor Field

The Drive will hold their annual Safe Kids Upstate Day at Fluor Field, in partnership with Greenville Health System and Bradshaw Automotive, on Wednesday night. First pitch against the Augusta GreenJackets is at 7:05 PM, and the fun begins when the gates open at 6:00 PM.

Safety Patrol members will participate in a pregame parade around the Fluor Field warning track at 6:30 PM, and Safe Kids will be handing out bike helmets to the first 400 children who enter the Fluor Field gates.

Throughout the night, the Drive will be recognizing Safe Kids Upstate’s annual award winners, including their Grand Slam Winner, Volunteers of the Year, the Hero Award, and the Brian Donnelly Lifetime Achievement Award. Children of all ages will also be able to learn more about all aspects of safety “At Home, At Play and On the Way” with concourse exhibits and interactive stations, and following the completion of all stations, children will have a chance to win great prizes.

Purchase tickets for Sunday’s game at the Main Street Box Office, by calling (864) 240-4528, or by CLICKING HERE. 

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