First Federal Credit Union & Cedar Rapids Kernels present HomeRun for Hunger

Cedar Rapids, IA – First Federal Credit Union and the Cedar Rapids Kernels have created the HomeRun for Hunger program, a collaborative initiative to support the Hawkeye Area Community Action Program (HACAP) Food Reservoir. Working together, volunteer employees will gather fresh food donations at the conclusion of each Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers’ Market where items will then be donated to the HACAP Food Reservoir (our community food bank distributing food to the 12.2% food insecure in our area through 114 non-profit organizations and a variety of programs).

HomeRun for Hunger volunteers from First Federal Credit Union and the Cedar Rapids Kernels will pick up acceptable food donations from vendors near the end of each Downtown Farmers’ Market. These volunteers will be wearing “Home Run for Hunger” t-shirts and will have wagons to transport donated items. All donated items will be taken to the on-site HACAP Mobile Food Pantry truck and delivered to the food reservoir that serves Linn and six surrounding counties.

“We are pleased to bring the HomeRun for Hunger program to the Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers’ Market”, stated First Federal Credit Union CEO Tom Chalstrom. “Working with the Cedar Rapids Kernels, together we can provide the resources to commit to making Home Run for Hunger a program that will make a difference for families that use HACAP’s programs”.

Ryne George, Community Relations Manager for the Cedar Rapids Kernels added, “The HomeRun for Hunger program is another means by which our team, our employees and our fans can help make our community a better place. We are looking forward to making this program an important resource for HACAP’s food bank”.

Linda Gorkow from the HACAP Food Reservoir remarked, “We are so appreciative of the time, resources and effort that First Federal and the Kernels have given to create the Home Run for Hunger program. The employees of both organizations are volunteering their time to ensure the program is a success. The vendors of the Downtown Farmers’ Market can help us alleviate hunger in the area by donating unsold food items that will make its way to the homes that most need it.”

The HACAP Food Reservoir is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and donations are tax deductible. Receipts will be available upon request.

Acceptable food donations include: All fresh fruits and vegetables, honey (with producer label), eggs, cans of food (proper labeling with ingredient labels), non-food items (personal care and home care items especially).

The following items cannot be accepted: home-canned items or preservatives, home-made baked items (must be prepared in professional kitchen with ingredient label, and no alcoholic beverages.

For more information please visit CRDowntownMarket.com.

‘Dads Donate Auction Proceeds to Frye Patient Fund

Hickory, NC- The Hickory Crawdads have announced that 100% of the proceeds from last month’s auction for game-used pink bats have been donated to the Patient Fund at Frye Regional Medical Center.

“The Hickory Crawdads are such an asset to our community, and Frye appreciates their willingness to raise money to help women who need a mammogram but can’t afford one,” said Dana Killian, Vice President of Business Development for Frye Regional. “Many women in our community will benefit from this donation, and in the battle against breast cancer, early detection is key.”

The Patient Fund covers the cost of mammography services for women who may be indigent or underinsured and would not otherwise be able to afford the imaging services. The fund pays for screening mammograms, diagnostic mammograms (when a screening mammogram may detect an abnormality), breast ultrasounds and breast biopsies. From Sept. 2015 to April 2017, the patient fund has helped 86 women and covered the cost of 101 exams.

Frye Regional Medical Center is the official hospital of the Hickory Crawdads. For more information, call the ‘Dads at 828-322-3000.

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

Sea Dogs Partner with Goodwill for Donation Drive

Portland, Maine– The Portland Sea Dogs have partnered with Goodwill Northern New England to host the 8th Annual Goodwill Night and Donation Drive at Hadlock Field on Wednesday, June 28th when the Sea Dogs take on the New Hampshire Fisher Cats at 7:00 PM.

Fans are encouraged to bring bags of gently used clothing, books and other household items to Hadlock Field to donate to Goodwill. Goodwill will have a donation center at Hadlock Field to collect the items. For a list of acceptable donations, please visit Goodwill’s website: http://www.goodwillnne.org/donate/acceptable-donations/ .

Donations help fund Goodwill services that strengthen our local communities by getting people back to work and receiving the support they need to lead more stable lives.

Puffy G, Goodwill’s mascot, will be there to throw out the first pitch.

Goodwill Industries of Northern New England runs retail, cleaning and health care services that help fund workforce services in our region.

As an employer of more than 2,000 people and a social service provider, Goodwill has a unique perspective that can help other employers build their own workforce through its Workforce Services.
Goodwill operates 30 retail stores across Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont.

Goodwill Neurorehabilitation Services in Portland, Maine and Lewiston, Maine offers comprehensive brain injury services and treatment options for people with acquired brain injuries. At Goodwill Neurorehabilitation Services, comprehensive, community-based therapies are provided to assist individuals with cognitive, emotional and physical needs – so lives can get back on track after a brain injury.

Goodwill NNE also operates Good Clean Property Services – a full service commercial property maintenance company offering the perfect combination of quality, customized, eco-friendly services.

Please visit www.goodwillnne.org for more information.

Tickets are available for all remaining 2017 Sea Dogs’ home games. Tickets can be purchased by contacting the Sea Dogs Ticket Office at 207-879-9500 or online at www.seadogs.com.

PawSox Wives Food Drive – Tuesday, June 20

Fans, the PawSox Wives will be at McCoy Stadium on Tuesday Night June 20th  game collecting your donations of Peanut Butter and Tuna to support the Citizens Bank Strike Out Hunger Campaign to benefit the RI Food Bank. Be sure to stop by the PawSox Wives table at the Main Entrance on June 20th and donate a jar of Peanut Butter or can of Tuna….Anyone donating 5 jars of Peanut Butter or cans of Tuna, will receive an autograph photo of a PawSox Player. That’s the PawSox Wives Food Drive on Tuesday June 20th when the PawSox meet Lehigh Valley at 7:05pm…. The PawSox and Citizens Bank thank you for your support of the RI Food Bank.

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

Flying Squirrels to Salute TAPS with Patriotic Digi-Camo Jerseys

RVA – The Richmond Flying Squirrels, in conjunction with The Good Feet Store – Richmond, present a “Salute to TAPS” on Flag Day, June 14, at The Diamond. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and first pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.

The event will feature pregame skydivers from No Limits Skydiving and in-game will honor families supported by the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), which “offers compassionate care to all those grieving the loss of a loved one who died while serving in (the United States) Armed Forces or as a result of his or her service.”

The Flying Squirrels will also wear patriotic Flag Day jerseys with red, white and blue digi-camo numbers and lettering. The game-worn jerseys will be auctioned during the game with proceeds of the event going to benefit TAPS.

“The military members that we will be honoring and remembering on Flag Day gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms,” Flying Squirrels VP and COO Todd “Parney” Parnell said. “This event is a way for us and the community to show our gratitude and support to them and their families.

“The Squirrels have never worn digi-camo jerseys like these before, so that’s one reason to bid on them. But even more so, the TAPS organization provides an important and necessary resource to the loved ones of our fallen heroes.”

Founded in 1994, TAPS is a national peer support network and connection to grief resources for surviving family members and loved ones of fallen servicemen and servicewomen at no cost.

“Every day that we open The Good Feet Store with peace and safety is cause for thanks,” said Jonathan Cotten, owner of The Good Feet Store – Richmond. “Those who have given the ultimate sacrifice deserve our thanks and recognition. June 14, Flag Day, seemed a logical day for our ‘Salute to TAPS,’ and we are glad to partner with the Flying Squirrels to invite these special families so we can all say thanks.”

The game also features Wine Up Wednesday wine specials from 5:30-7:30 p.m. presented by Mix 98.1. There will also be live pregame entertainment by Ragged Edge on the Elephant Insurance Fan Zone main stage.

Flying Squirrels individual tickets, mini plans and group packages are on sale by contacting the Richmond box office at 804-359-FUNN or online at www.squirrelsbaseball.com

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

BlueClaws to Host Nut Free Day on June 16th

Those with peanut allergies can enjoy Nut Free Day at the ballpark on Friday, June 16th.

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LAKEWOOD, NJ – The BlueClaws will host a “Nut Free Day” at FirstEnergy Park on Friday, June 16th at the team’s 7:05 pm game against Hickory (Rangers).

The entire ballpark will be peanut-free 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 June 16th game is BlueClaws Let’s Make a Deal Night with themed fun throughout the game. Additionally, after the game, enjoy some of the best post-game fireworks at the Jersey Shore thanks to Wawa.

“The BlueClaws are pleased to be able to offer this night for those around the Jersey Shore impacted by peanut 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.”

Tickets are going fast for this game. 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. They have led the South Atlantic League and New Jersey in attendance in all 16 years of existence.

– BlueClaws –

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

Tame your mane: Great Clips Charity Cuts 6/8

Are split ends throwing you a curve? On Thursday, June 8, the Great Clips Charity Cuts event aims to help you tame that mane while enjoying great baseball action at Fifth Third Field!

Great Clips stylists will be providing free haircuts on the Main Concourse during the game, with donations being accepted to benefit Children’s Miracle Network.

GAME TICKET ($12) – BUY TICKETS

What you get:

  • June 8 Mud Hens game ticket

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

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Thunder HOPE Week Begins Tuesday, June 6

The Thunder’s annual HOPE Week will take place this coming Tuesday, June 6 through Saturday, June 10 at ARM & HAMMER Park when the team hosts the Hartford Yard Goats (Colorado Rockies) and Bowie Baysox (Baltimore Orioles).

HOPE Week is a New York Yankees initiative which stands for Helping Others Perservere and Excel. Throughout the week, the Thunder will honor outstanding individuals and organizations who have positively impacted our community.

Tuesday, June 6 at 7pm vs Hartford – World War II Veteran Frank Fazzalore
The Thunder will take time to honor Silver Star and Purple Heart receipient, Frank Fazzalore, as part of the first day of HOPE Week. Fazzalore, 93, served in the US Army during World War II and will visit with Thunder players before the game on Tuesday June 6.

Wednesday, June 7 at 7pm vs Hartford – Eric LeGrand
A standout high school football player from Colonia High School in Colonia, NJ, LeGrand sustained a severe spinal cord injury during a game against Army at Met Life Stadium on October 16, 2010. In January of 2011, Rutgers University announced that LeGrand had regained movement in his shoulders and sensation throughout his body and entered the Reeve Foundation’s NeuroRecovery Network. LeGrand has become a source of inspiration, hope and perseverance for many in our region and around the world.

LeGrand will visit with Thunder players prior to the game and share his story of inspriation. Fans can have the opportunity to attend a meet and greet with LeGrand and can do so by reaching Jon Bodnar at JBodnar@TrentonThunder.com.

Thursday, June 8 at 7pm vs Harford – United Way of Mercer County
The Thunder will honor the United Way of Mercer County on the third day of their HOPE Week and support their Strike Out Hunger campaign with a food drive at ARM & HAMMER Park. Hundreds of thousands of children in the state of New Jersey are food insecure and The United Way of Mercer County aims to provide more than 200,000 meals to food banks throughout the state.

Fans attending the Thursday, June 8 game against Harford may bring non-perishable food items with them to donate to the United Way’s Strike Out Hunger campaign. Fans that donate one food item will receive a wrist band to watch Fireworks from the field after Thursday’s game. Fans that bring more than one item will receive the wrist band as well they will receive a ticket to the Thunder and Reading Fightin Phils game on Sunday, September 3.

Friday, June 9 at 7pm vs Bowie – Eden Organics Salon & Spa
Eden Organics Salon & Spa will be recognized for their Eden Cares program which provides Complimentary Salon & Spa services to clients currently receiving chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer. The program is available at all three Eden Organics locations, Newtown, PA, Doylestown, PA, and Allentown, NJ.

Thunder players will visit the Allentown location and learn more about the services that encourge relaxation, stress relief and incresed wellness and vitality to cancer patients. For more information visit www.EdenCares.org.

Saturday, June 10 at 7pm vs Bowie – Trenton Area Soup Kitchen
Thunder players will visit the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen and aid in their mission to feed those who are hungry in the Trenton area. TASK offers programs to encourage self-sufficiency and improve the quality of life of its patrons.

The Thunder will support TASK with a food drive on Saturday, June 10 as fans are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items with them to support TASK. Fans that bring one item to donate will receive a wrist band allowing them to watch fireworks from the field following Saturday’s game. Saturday’s fireworks show is presented by Toyota. Fans that bring more than one item will receive a wrist band and a ticket to the Thunder game on Sunday, September 3 against the Reading Fightin Phils.

For more information on HOPE Week and its honorees, contact Director of Community Affairs Vince Marcucci at VMarcucci@TrentonThunder.com.

The Thunder complete a three-game series with the Binghamton Rumble Ponies (New York Mets) tonight at 7pm at ARM & HAMMER Park. Thursday’s game will air on 920 AM WNJE and online at www.TrentonThunder.com/Broadcast. For tickets and the latest information on Thunder baseball visit www.TrentonThunder.com.

Bowie Baysox, Autism FYI and One World Center for Autism Celebrates Autism Awareness Month

On Friday, June 2, 2017 from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm, Bowie Baysox, Autism FYI Organization, and One World Center for Autism will host:”Autism & Intellectual Development Disabilities and Community Safety Event” at Prince George’s Stadium, home of the Bowie Baysox, Class AA Minor League Affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles.

Our goal at this event will be to provide valuable safety information to the IDD and Autism community and their loved ones while also providing an opportunity for First Responders to learn about their medical conditions and how it affects their safety. There will be activities for the entire family. Activities will include:

  • Specially trained First Responders (Prince George’s County Police, EMS and fire & rescue personnel will demonstrate specialized equipment and answer questions
  • Meet and Greet our K9s and their handlers
  • Resources and tools to help keep children with Autism safe
  • Fun for the kids! Temporary Tattoos & Face Painting
  • Tour emergency vehicles (police cruiser, fire truck, ambulance)
  • Family fun zone with activities for children of all abilities

What:               Autism and Intellectual Disabilities Development and Community Safety Day

  Bowie Baysox, Autism FYI Organization (AFYI), and One World Center for Autism

When               Friday, June 2nd, 2017 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

For Who:         First Responders, Parents, Caregivers, Support Networks, Loved Ones, and
Community Members Who Want to Learn More About Autism/ IDD

Tickets:            Tickets for the Bowie Baysox Game vs. Altoona Curve @ 7:05 pm include admission to the pre    game safety event and the Baysox game. Tickets are available at www.baysox.com or by calling 301.464.4865. 

Questions about the event?

Please contact Joyce Benjamin and Natasha Seaforth by email: joy@autismfyi.org, natasha@autismfyi.org

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

Cast a spell at Harry Potter 20th Anniversary Night

Calling all wizards and muggles! Fifth Third Field magically turns into Diagon Alley on Friday, July 14 as the Toledo Mud Hens celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Harry Potter series. The fun will leave you completely spellbound!

Mud Hens players and coaches will wear “Wizard Games” theme night jerseys which will be sold at a silent auction during the game. Look for the auction tables on the main concourse. Bids will be accepted through the end of the sixth inning. Proceeds benefit Family House and Helping Hens fund.

Tweet from @MudHens: We solemnly swear that we are up to no good. Harry Potter 20th Anniversary ‘Wizard Jerseys’: Friday, 7/14. ��� pic.twitter.com/D5cW3C4sXf

Accio, jersey! Good news, you can now pre-order your very own ‘Wizard Games’ jersey. Jerseys will ship late-July/early-August once they arrive in our warehouse. This is the only way to guarantee getting a jersey for yourself or any fan in your life. Quantities are extremely limited to head on over to the online Swamp Shop to pre-order yours today!

Join us for the pregame Wizard Party prior to the Friday, July 14 game! No muggles are allowed in this muggle-themed party that will include a magical buffet, Quidditch activities in Hensville Park, a costume contest, Harry Potter trivia, and a magic show! Tickets are $40 for adults and $35 for kids, which includes your Mud Hens game ticket and all of the activities. Wands will also be available for purchase at the party.

BUFFET MENU:

  • Dragon Fire Roasted Chicken Breast
  • Basilisk Burgers
  • Gillyweed Salad
  • Ron’s Red Head Potatoes
  • Golden Snitchos
  • Chocolate Frog Chip Cookies
  • Polyjuice Potion Punch
  • Luna’s Lemonade & Gillywater

Look for our very own Platform 9 ¾ on the main concourse for a unique photo opportunity for Mud Hens fans: don’t forget your wand, cape and broomstick!

GAME TICKET ($15) – BUY TICKETS

What you get:

  • July 14 Mud Hens game ticket
  • Postgame fireworks

Planning on entering our wizarding world? Let us know by clicking here!

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

Peanut Free Night Set For June 5 at Werner Park

On Monday, June 5, the Omaha Storm Chasers will once again host “Peanut Free Night” at Werner Park in association with the Asthma and Allergy Center, allowing fans affected by various allergies to attend a game worry free.

Tickets | Promotions | Groups

“Peanut Free Night is one of our most important community events of the year,” said Storm Chasers President and General Manager Martie Cordaro. “Through the efforts of our ballpark operations staff led by Matt Owen, we are pleased to provide a safe environment for everyone who would otherwise not be able to attend a professional baseball game. All deserve to attend a game at Werner Park.”

No peanut-related items will be served at Werner Park that evening, including peanuts, sunflower seeds and tree nuts. The ballpark will also be thoroughly cleaned prior to that evening to remove any peanut residue to ensure a safe environment for those suffer. Approximately three million people living in the United States report suffering from peanut-related allergies.

“The Asthma and Allergy Center is proud to sponsor Peanut-Free night at Werner Park for the fourth year and happy to see all the families with peanut allergy able to experience a professional baseball game in a peanut-free environment. Parents have told us how much they appreciate this opportunity to have their children experience one of America’s greatest past-times,” said Dr. Linda Ford the founder and president of The Asthma and Allergy Center. “Peanut Free night gives Dr. Brooks, our caring staff and I, a chance to raise awareness about food allergy and for our patients to learn about new products, research and education. The Asthma & Allergy Center is proud to be sponsors of Peanut Free Night and to help provide this night of baseball for the community.

Tickets are still available for that night and all remaining Storm Chasers contests, and may be purchased at www.omahastormchasers.com/tickets, as well as by calling the Werner Park Ticket Office at (402) 738-5100. To view Ticket Office hours, please click here.

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

Wings of Hope event set for Aug. 13

Rochester Community Baseball, the Rochester Red Wings, Sharing Kindness, Inc., and Villa of Hope held a press conference to announce a new initiative, “Wings of Hope” to raise awareness of suicide risk factors, suicide prevention and community resources for treatment. A special day at the ballpark has been scheduled for Sunday, August 13.

Dan Mason, General Manager of the Rochester Red Wings and Villa of Hope President and CEO, Christina Gullo was joined on May 24 by Red Wings players Jason Wheeler, John Ryan Murphy, D.J. Baxendale, ByungHo Park, Trevor Hildenberger, and Alan Busenitz. Wheeler spoke on behalf of his teammates and shared his experience demonstrating the importance of this partnership.

Jason Wheeler and his family know the effect suicide has on a family, “Mental illness and suicide have personally affected me and my family. We lost my 16 year-old brother-in-law Jeremy, almost eight months ago. Since this tragedy, we have been astonished at not only how common mental illness and suicide are, but also how unable we are as a society to speak about them because of the strong stigma associated with these issues. As a family, we are working towards eliminating stigma surrounding suicide, and changing the perception in our communities that mental illness is different from any other illness. We feel very fortunate to be partnering with the Red Wings and Villa of Hope to help raise mental health awareness, improve education, and start an ongoing conversation about suicide, both in the Rochester community and nationwide.”

Dan Mason, General Manager of the Rochester Red Wings shares, “We are fortunate to have great players on our team but even more fortunate that these young men are outstanding citizens who want to make a difference in the lives of other people. It is atypical for a minor league baseball player to sponsor a promotion for his team and we are thrilled that Jason is partnering with us and our friends at the Villa of Hope to help raise awareness and funds for suicide prevention and mental health. This is a very personal matter for he and his family and everyone at Rochester Community Baseball applauds and supports him for using his status as a professional baseball player to raise awareness and funding for such an important topic in our society today. ”

Five months ago, Villa of Hope moved into its new, larger Behavioral Health (Mental Health and Chemical Dependency) Outpatient Clinic at Water Tower Park in response to the rapidly growing need in the Rochester area. Christina Gullo, President and CEO of Villa of Hope states, “Twelve percent of children under the age of 18 have considered suicide in the past year and seven percent attempted it. S uicide is the second leading cause of death for young people ages 15 to 24. As a community we need to have the resources for parents and kids to find help before these become life-altering or life-threatening events.”

Special Red Wings jerseys, hats, socks and Minnesota Twins collectibles will be available for auction at the Sunday, August 13th game at 1:35 p.m. All proceeds of the auction will benefit Villa of Hope and Sharing Kindness, Inc. That game is a designated “Kids Club Day” and will include sports entertainer “BirdZerk!” and a chance for kids to run the bases with Spikes and Mittsy after the game.

About Sharing Kindess

Sharing Kindness is a newly-formed non-profit, started by the Walters family after the death by suicide of their 16 year old son Jeremy, in October of 2016. It is dedicated to overcoming the stigma surrounding mental illness, depression and suicide. Sharing Kindness is about having the courage and compassion to start and sustain the conversation in our communities about these issues that have traditionally been so difficult to talk about. We are currently developing and helping fund various awareness and education programs in the lower and outer towns of Cape Cod, MA, an area plagued with higher than average rates of suicide, with special focus on our schools.

About Villa of Hope

Through a network of high quality programs and services, Villa of Hope specializes in helping at-risk youth overcome emotional and behavioral challenges and build lifelong strengths. The Villa’s community-based, residential and educational programs address mental health needs, trauma-informed care, life-skills development, and chemical dependency. Founded in 1942, today Villa of Hope serves more than 3,000 young people and their families annually.

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

Deadline for $5000 scholarships extended to June 14th

SOUTH BEND, Ind. – The South Bend Cubs have extended the deadline for scholarships reserved for college bound high school seniors to June 14, 2017. Up to $25,000 will be awarded to softball and baseball players from 11 counties surrounding Four Winds Field in South Bend.

“We make no small plans here at Four Winds Field. Nor should the young men and in this region who compete in high school softball and baseball,” commented Andrew T, Berlin, Chmn./Owner of the South Bend Cubs. “These are for any senior softball or baseball player who intends to continue his or her education full time after high school – whether they continue playing ball in college or not.”

In 2016, The South Bend Cubs awarded five scholarships worth $5,000 each to high school seniors from Edwardsburg, MI, Bremen, LaPorte, South Bend and Walkerton, IN. Two of the recipients were softball players, three were baseball players.

Applications for the 2017 South Bend Cubs Scholarships will be accepted until the close of business at the 1st Source Bank Performance Center at Four Winds Field on June 14, 2017. 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 www.1stSourceBankPerformanceCenter.com.

“We want to make sure people understand two things about these scholarships that are very important,” added Joe Hart, President of the South Bend Cubs. “These are not just baseball scholarships. We hope to see as many softball applicants as baseball. And we want people to know that we’re doing our part to build a new baseball and softball dynasty in this region. That’s what the 1st Source Bank Performance Center here at Four Winds Field is all about-year-round professional pitching, conditioning, fielding and at-bat training with professional instructors.

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 29 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. The team is owned and operated by Swing-Batter-Swing, LLC whose 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.

Fightins announce Color the Stadium 5K “Running w/Scissors” Fun Run or Walk

(Reading, Pa) – The Reading Fightin Phils have announced there will be a Color the Stadium 5K “Running with Scissors” Fun Run or Walk presented by Penn State Health St. Joseph, Corps Fitness, IM ABLE Foundation and A Running Start on Saturday, June 10th.

The event will feature a pre-race party with a DJ to get everyone in the moving and grooving mood! The race will then kick off with a Color Blast with Reading Fightin Phils players & mascots. The race course will consist of inside and outside of FirstEnergy Stadium. Each lap around the stadium will be about a half mile. The start of the race will take place at 3pm, prior to the Reading Fightin Phils game.

Why are we running with scissors? Because no other color run does this! For this race and this race only – it’s FUN to run with scissors! People have always told us to not run with scissors. But for this fun race, we are throwing caution to the wind, and running with scissors, to raise money and draw attention to the Baseballtown Dream League – a new league and a new Savage 61 Dream Field that will allow children with physical and developmental challenges to play real baseball, on a real field, on a real team!

Don’t want to run the full 5K? THAT’S OK! Just run for fun and stop when you are done! You don’t have to run the full 5K, THAT’S OK!

Schedule for the day includes:

  • 2:30: Check-In
  • 2:30-3:00: DJ Pre-Party
  • 3:00: Color Blast w/ Fightins Players and Mascots
  • 3:00: 5K Run Begins
  • 3:30-4:30: VIP Post Run Party and Happy Hour for Runners and Their Guests w/ Live Music
  • 4:30: Gates Open to All Fans
  • 5:00: Mascot Band Performs
  • 6:35: First pitch between the Fightin Phils and the Hartford Yard Goats
  • Post-Game MEGA BLAST FIREWORKS – Largest Fireworks Show in Stadium History!!!
  • All runners must please wear swimming goggles or sunglasses to protect their eyes

Each Runner Receives:

  • Registration for the Color the Stadium 5K “Running w/ Scissors” Fun Run or Walk
  • DJ Dance Party and Color Blast w/ Fightins Mascots and Players to start the Race
  • Two Color Packets to be a Part of the Color Blast Throw
  • Fun, Safe Color the Stadium Course Circling America’s Classic Ballpark, including inside the stadium (6 laps of approx.. ½ mile each lap = 3 miles)
  • Color thrown on you each lap
  • Commemorative Color the Stadium 5K “Running w/ Scissors” Fun Run or Walk T-Shirt
  • 15″ Scissors to Run With and Keep
  • Exclusive Access to the VIP Post-Run Party for Runners & their Guests w/ Live Music
  • Game Ticket for the Reading Fightin Phils Game – including:
    • Pre-Game VIP Party and Concert at 3:30
    • Fightins Mascot Band Concert at 5:00
    • Fightins vs. Hartford 6:35
    • Mega Blast Fireworks after the game – the largest fireworks show in stadium history!

There will be an on-field ceremony at 6:15 p.m. before the Fightin Phils game with the Hartford Yard Goats. The ceremony will recognize:

  • Best Dressed, Best Dressed Three-Person Team, & Best-Dressed 10-Person Team.
  • Most Colorful Male, Most Colorful Female, Most Colorful Child 14 & Under.
  • Also will recognize the following runners:
    • Fastest Male, Fastest Female, Fastest Male 14 & Under, Fastest Female 14 & Under, Fastest Male 40+, Fastest Female 40+

The cost of the event is $39 per runner. Groups of three runners will receive a discount for only $100! Groups of 10 runners will receive a discount for only $250! Extra guests for the game and VIP party members will receive $6 discounted Fightin Phils tickets. All proceeds benefit Baseballtown Charities Dream League, thanks to Penn State Health St. Joseph, Corps Fitness and a Running Start.

Space is limited – we encourage teams to sign up as soon as possible for this unique, fun event. www.baseballtown.org/marathon.

America’s Classic Ballpark is proud to be a part of Pennsylvania’s Americana Region. Season tickets for the 2017 season are available online at Fightins.com, by phone at 610-370-BALL, and in-person at FirstEnergy Stadium. Follow the Fightin Phils on Twitter at @ReadingFightins and like them on Facebook via www.facebook.com/fightins.

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

Bulls, Miracle League Bring New Field to Durham

The Miracle League of the Triangle, in association with the Durham Bulls and Capitol Broadcasting Company, are expanding their services to Downtown Durham. A new Miracle League facility has plans to open in 2018 at 461 Morehead Ave., across the street from Durham Bulls Athletic Park. As part of the partnership, the Durham Bulls and Capitol Broadcasting are kicking off the fundraising with a $400,000 matching grant.

“The Miracle League is an incredibly important, impactful organization that brings the joy of baseball to so many,” Durham Bulls General Manager Mike Birling said. “We are honored to continue our partnership with The Miracle League, and to bring a facility to the doorstep of Durham Bulls Athletic Park. We look forward to doing all we can to help this tremendous program continue to grow in the Triangle.”

The Miracle League program and field are specifically designed to serve children and adults with special needs through the game of baseball. The program removes the barriers that keep children and adults with mental and physical disabilities off the baseball field, and lets them experience the joy of America’s favorite pastime. Since the main barriers for these players arise from natural grass fields, Miracle League teams play on a custom-designed, rubberized turf field that accommodates wheelchairs and other assertive devices.

Upon completion, the new facility in Durham will be the third location for The Miracle League of the Triangle, joining locations in Cary and North Raleigh. Construction is scheduled to begin on the site in late 2017.

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