Hope At Bat: Gades to host Hope At Bat game Wednesday

The Hudson Valley Renegades will host their Hope At Bat game on Wednesday, June 29 as part of MiLB’s partnership with the American Cancer Society.

WAPPINGERS FALLS, N.Y. (June 27, 2022) – Beginning summer 2022, professional baseball teams will join forces again to positively impact communities all across America. Minor League Baseball (MiLB) and the American Cancer Society (ACS) have announced a multi-year renewal of their long-time partnership. The renewal will see a reprisal of the Hope At Bat program – a fundraising and awareness campaign in support of cancer research – for the first time since the 2019 season.

The Hope At Bat initiative is designed to increase overall cancer awareness and raise critical funds for cancer research, while positively impacting the fan experience and community connectivity at MiLB stadiums across the country. Hope At Bat aims to educate fans about the importance of living a healthy lifestyle, as well as the importance of age-appropriate cancer screenings. All funding raised through the Hope At Bat program will support ACS’ cancer research efforts.

The Renegades will host their Hope At Bat game this week on Wednesday, June 29th vs. Brooklyn Cyclones. Hope At Bat takes place on a We Care Wednesday presented by Westchester Medical Center Heath Network (WMCHealth).

Two purple bats have been provided by MiLB, each to be signed by the team, one of which will be featured on the MiLB auction platform (with ACS as the beneficiary), and the other to be auctioned off locally with proceeds to benefit Gold Together. More details on the auction to follow.

Gold Together is the American Cancer Society initiative dedicated to increasing awareness of childhood cancer, supporting families facing a diagnosis, and raising funds to end childhood cancer. Funds raised directly support childhood cancer research, education, advocacy, and services, as well as promote cancer prevention efforts targeting children to help them reduce their risk for cancer later in life.

The Gold Together movement was created by childhood brain cancer survivor Cole Eicher, whose dream was to have a Gold Together team at every Relay For Life event, starting with his event in St. Petersburg, Florida. His vision was to raise childhood cancer awareness, support families facing childhood cancer, and connect those families to a lifetime of resources through the American Cancer Society.

Donations can be made to Gold Together by visiting Gold Together Champions Northeast RegionHERE or by purchasing tickets at gadesgroups.com and using the password “acshv”.

ABOUT THE HUDSON VALLEY RENEGADES

The Renegades are in their second season as the High-A affiliate of the New York Yankees. They have played their home games at Dutchess Stadium in Wappingers Falls, N.Y. since 1994.

ABOUT DIAMOND BASEBALL HOLDINGS

Diamond Baseball Holdings (DBH) is a subsidiary of Endeavor, the global sports and entertainment company. DBH was formed in 2021 to support, promote, and enhance Minor League Baseball through professional management, best practices, innovation and investment. (DiamondBaseballHoldings.com).

CLOTHING DRIVE AT FIRSTENERGY STADIUM ON JUNE 28

(READING) – FirstEnergy Stadium is proud to host a large clothing drive in conjunction with The Real Church 516. On Tuesday, June 28 from 8:00AM – 4:00 PM, they will be giving away over 7,000 pieces of clothing, shoes and more! All items are free of charge and are donated by Amazon, so everything is quality items in good condition. Please spread the word!

Things have been challenging for everyone over the past few years, and The Real Church is looking to give back to the community. Thanks to sponsors and the City of Reading, the greater community is welcome to come by FirstEnergy Stadium for any clothing and shoes that they made need. Items are in all sizes, so there is something for everyone.

​In September of 2016 Pastor Earl and his wife Shandale, started The REAL CHURCH. The REAL CHURCH is a non-denominational church that truly focuses on REAL Faith, REAL Worship, REAL People. Be REAL with yourself and watch what God will do in your life. Earl and Shandale are called to help people grow in a church setting without legalism, without judging, and without compromising the gospel of Jesus Christ.

FirstEnergy Stadium is the Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies and the home of the Reading Fightin Phils. The stadium is located at 1900 Centre Avenue, Reading, PA 19605.

Boulders to Award Six Scholarships to High School Grads

Rockland County, NY (June 20, 2022) – Are you heading to college this coming Fall and are leaning towards a career in Sports Management or Business? If you are, you should be applying for the NY529/New York Boulders University scholarship.

Sports Management is one of the fastest growing college majors in the country and Business is an essential component of the industry. A career in sports is also much more than playing or watching a game, there are a number of fields where people work behind the scenes such as facilities operations, public relations and marketing, corporate sponsorships, community relations, event presentation, in-game entertainment, sports medicine, graphics, control room operations, etc.

This summer, the Boulders will be donating six scholarships worth $529 apiece into a student’s NY529 account. The scholarships are open to graduating high school seniors who are seeking to pursue such careers.

To be eligible, a student must fill out and submit the scholarship application on the Boulders’ website at www.nyboulders.com. Applications need to be received by July 15, with the winners announced the week of July 25.

The winners will be honored with on-field recognition at a Boulders’ game the week of Aug. 1.

Submitted applications must include the student’s name, e-mail address, phone number, name of high school, projected college or university planning to attend beginning this fall and his/her projected major area of study.

Three questions need to be answered:

  1. What are you planning to study and why are you interested?
  2. What traits or skills do you possess that will transfer to a career in the sports or business industries?
  3. What experience have you had (aside from playing if you plan a career in sports) that you feel have prepared you for a future career in sports or business?

The completed applications should be submitted to Gail Gultz, Boulders’ Educational Director, at teach@nyboulders.com.

Information regarding season tickets and packages for the Boulders’ 2022 season are available by calling 845-364-0009 or sliding to www.NYBoulders.com.

Sea Dogs now offering sensory kits

Portland, Maine– The Portland Sea Dogs in partnership with Saco Bay Kids Pediatric Therapy are now offering sensory kits for fans attending a game with sensory sensitivities.

The kits will help individuals comes to a game and enjoy themselves with accommodations. Each bag includes noise-reducing headphones to help block out crowd noise, antiglare sunglasses to help with lighting, a communication card, and fidgets to help focus on the game and less on the crowd around.

The bags are available at every Sea Dogs home game this season at Hadlock Field. Fans wishing to utilize a sensory kit may visit the Fidium Fiber Guest Services Desk in the concourse to check out a kit.

“We are happy to partner with Saco Bay Pediatric Kids Therapy to improve our ability to assist and accommodate guests with sensory needs,” said Sea Dogs President, Geoff Iacuessa. “Our objective is to provide an inclusive and seamless experience for all guests for all events including those with sensory needs.”

Sea Dogs tickets are available for all 2022 Sea Dogs games. Tickets can be purchased online at seadogs.com or by calling the ticket office at 207-879-9500. Tickets purchased in advance range between $11 and $13 for adults and between $8 and $12 for kids (16 and under) and seniors (62 and over).

Pink Ribbon Girls Survivor Celebration Night at the Ballpark

Dayton, Ohio – The Pink Ribbon Girls (PRG) and the Dayton Dragons will host a Survivor Celebration on Tuesday, June 21, at 7:00 p.m., when the Dayton Dragons take on the Lake County Captains at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District.

The Pink Ribbon Girls provide transportation to and from treatment, housecleaning kits, and peer support and education to breast and gynecological cancer patients at their greatest time of need. The organization has the mission of making sure “No one travels this road alone” and serves anyone regardless of their age, stage, or socio-economic status.

The Pink Ribbon Girls will be in attendance at the game to promote awareness and to celebrate the breast cancer and gynecological cancer survivors they have helped. Proceeds from the Dragons 50/50 for the entire week (June 21 to June 26) will go towards the services and programs of the Pink Ribbon Girls.

If you want to learn more about how you can help support The Pink Ribbon Girls, check out their website here at: pinkribbongirls.org

Great Clips and Charlotte Knights Raise Over $30K to Support Children with Pediatric Brain Tumors

Over $30,000 has been raised this year. (Laura Wolff/Charlotte Knights)

CHARLOTTE, NC — Every day, 13 children are diagnosed with a brain tumor, the deadliest form of childhood cancer. Great Clips and the Charlotte Knights, Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, partnered for the eighth year in a row to help change that with a donation of $33,353 to Vs. Cancer. The contribution was the most of any year since the partnership started in 2015 and makes the total contribution of the partnership over $76,000.

As a signature fundraising campaign of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, Vs. Cancer gives sports teams, athletes and communities the platform to help children with cancer. Proceeds help fund child life programs in Levine Children’s Hospital and lifesaving pediatric brain tumor research.

“Brain tumors are the most common form of cancer in children up to age 14, so our mission is to cure all pediatric brain tumors and transform how children and their families are cared for,” said Dave Mays, senior campaign manager for Vs. Cancer. “Community support in donations like this one is incredibly important in the fight for healthier, happier futures for children with cancer. We’re grateful to Great Clips, the Charlotte Knights and the Charlotte community overall for their continued support.”

For the past several weeks, customers visiting their Charlotte-area Great Clips salons could donate to the effort and local Great Clips franchisees contributed. In addition, several members of the Charlotte Knights staff led supporting fundraisers and shaved their heads to encourage donations.

“This campaign makes it clear how contributions of any size can add up, said Jim Bullard, a Great Clips franchisee. “We’re honored that, through the generosity of Great Clips customers and franchisees, we’re able to continue to support Vs. Cancer and the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation in their efforts.”

A check presentation to Vs. Cancer was held at the June 17 Knights game.

“We are very pleased to continue this important partnership with Great Clips and the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation,” stated Dan Rajkowski, chief operating officer for the Charlotte Knights. “It’s always very fulfilling to see our staff and our fans come together to help raise money for such an important cause.”

Great Clips is the official hair salon of the Charlotte Knights. For more information about North Carolina Great Clips salons, visit www.greatclips.com.

About Great Clips, Inc.
Great Clips, Inc. was established in 1982 in Minneapolis. Today, Great Clips has over 4,400 salons throughout the United States and Canada, making it the world’s largest salon brand. Great Clips is 100 percent franchised, and salons are owned locally by more than 700 franchisees across the U.S. and Canada. Great Clips franchisees employ more than 25,000 stylists. Great Clips® franchised salons provide value-priced, high-quality haircare for men, women and children. Getting a great haircut at a Great Clips® salon is more convenient than ever with Online Check-In, ReadyNext**®* *text alerts* and *Clip Notes**®. To check in online, visit GreatClips.com or download the free app. For more information about Great Clips, Inc. or to find a location near you, visit GreatClips.com.

About the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation
Every day, 13 children and teens are diagnosed with a brain tumor, the deadliest and most common form of cancer in kids under 15. Every day after, they are in a fight for their life. It’s a fight the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation is here to help families win. A leader in the brain tumor and childhood cancer communities, PBTF’s mission of Care. Cure. Thrive. reflects its commitment to curing all pediatric brain tumors and transforming how children and their families are cared for. In 2016 the Vs. Cancer Foundation merged with the PBTF and now is a signature fundraising campaign of the nonprofit. Since 1991, PBTF has provided strategic leadership and funding to accelerate the number of targeted therapies for children battling brain tumors today, while equipping families with the patient family education, financial relief, and emotional support they need to navigate their child’s journey. A world without childhood brain tumors is possible when we stand together to effect real, meaningful change. Learn more at www.curethekids.org.

About the Charlotte Knights Charities
Charlotte Knights Charities, Inc. is the philanthropic base of the Charlotte Knights that actively supports and strengthens community programs through baseball that will enhance and grow the quality of life in the Charlotte area. CKC is organized to provide financial assistance to charitable organizations with the goal of advancing education, care, and to promote recreational activities to disadvantaged and underprivileged adults and children. The Charlotte Knights and CKC want to inspire, grow, and embrace the Charlotte community to create and leave a lasting legacy.

Saturday is Treasure Coast Hospice Night of Hope

Saturday is Treasure Coast Hospice Night of Hope. The Mets will wear special jerseys that will be auctioned off to benefit Treasure Coast Hospice’s Little Angels Pediatric Care Program & Good Grief Children’s Bereavement Program. The jersey auction begins Friday at 5:00 p.m. and ends on Tuesday at 9:00 p.m. You can bid at milbauctions.com.

Saturday at Clover Park there will be a local celebrity softball game at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are good for both the softball game and the Mets game.

Local celebrities include fire chief Nate Spera, former NFL player Luther Robinson III, WPTV Reporter Meghan McRoberts,fFormer MLB Player & World Series champion Rusty Meacham and members of our local police and fire agencies.

There will be postgame fireworks!

Sounds and Delta Dental to Host Free Dental Clinic at First Horizon Park on Friday, June 17

The Nashville Sounds Baseball Club has partnered with Delta Dental to host a free Smile Power dental clinic from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at First Horizon Park on Friday, June 17. The clinic is open to people of all ages.

All registered participants will receive a free dental screening thanks to volunteers from Meharry Medical College and Neighborhood Health. Following the screening, participants have the opportunity to schedule a follow-up dental appointment through Neighborhood Health.

Public signups are available from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. and must be completed here.

All children ages 12 and under will also be provided with an apple and bottle of water courtesy of Performance Foodservice. The Band Box will be open for activities while children wait for their screening.

The Nashville Sounds are the Triple-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers and play at First Horizon Park. Single-game tickets are on sale now for all home games in 2022. For more information call 615-690-4487 or e-mail [email protected].

Lehigh Valley IronPigs to introduce “Pigs Care” Program

IronPigs and Air Products team up to incorporate program that will work with fans with non-visible disabilities

Allentown, Pennsylvania (16 June 2022) – The Lehigh Valley IronPigs, together with Air Products, are introducing the “Pigs Care” Program at Coca-Cola Park. The “Pigs Care” Program is designed to better help all fans to be able to fully enjoy their experience at Coca-Cola Park.

The “Pigs Care” program provides the opportunity for any guest with an invisible or visible disability to stop at the Lehigh Valley Institute for Surgical Excellence Guest Services window at Coca-Cola Park to receive a “Pigs Care” lanyard. While the guest utilizes Coca-Cola Park and its services, IronPigs employees will be able to discreetly help and assist those with lanyards and provide an additional amount of assistance, understanding and patience during the guest’s trip to the ballpark.

Many guests who have non-visible disabilities live and face barriers often in their daily lives, including a lack of understanding and negative attitudes. Fans can now choose to wear the “Pigs Care” lanyard to discreetly identify that they may need support, help or just a little more time in the merchandise store, in line at concession stands or perhaps reaching their seats.

“We are grateful to be working with Air Products on implementing this new program that will benefit any guests who may have visible or non-visible disabilities,” said IronPigs President and General Manager Kurt Landes. “The Pigs Care Program reinforces our message of making sure every guest that comes through the gates at Coca-Cola Park has a positive and memorable experience, regardless of their ability.”

The “Pigs Care” Program is believed to be the first of its kind in both Major League and Minor League Baseball. Non-visible disabilities may include autism, chronic pain, and learning difficulties as well as mental health conditions, severe anxieties, sensory loss, speech impairments and respiratory conditions. Although you may not be able to see these invisible impairments and conditions, they still exist and impact a significant size of the population.

“At Air Products, we believe that every person belongs and matters and we are honored to partner with IronPigs to support and celebrate people of all abilities,” said Laurie Hackett, Community Relations Director at Air Products.

Fans who are interested in learning more about the “Pigs Care” Program will be able to visit the Lehigh Valley Institute for Surgical Excellence Guest Services located on the main concourse behind section 106/107 at Coca-Cola Park during an IronPigs game. Fans can also go to ironpigsbaseball.com for more information.

Follow the IronPigs on Twitter at @IronPigs and like them on Facebook via www.facebook.com/LHVIronPigs.

The IronPigs are presented by Capital BlueCross.

–#OinkOn–

Wings, Golisano Children's Hospital Partner for All-Stars Initiative

The Rochester Red Wings and UR Medicine’s Golisano Children’s Hospital have announced a partnership that will provide a unique gameday experience for patients and their families over the course of the 2022 baseball season.

The All-Star will receive a customized Red Wings jersey with name and number, as well as a Wings cap for each family member. They will also receive a behind-the-scenes tour of the stadium including the clubhouse and press box while also getting to watch batting practice

“Our partnership with the Red Wings is a testament to the generous support we receive from the community all year long,” said Patrick Brophy, M.D., physician-in-chief of Golisano Children’s Hospital. “We are looking forward to this new relationship, and would like to thank the Red Wings for giving our patients a chance to take a break from the hospital and have some fun.”

The All-Star will also get a photo opportunity with Spikes and Mittsy and a Red Wings player or coach while getting to stand with said player or coach on the field for the National Anthem. Finally, the All-Star will be personally introduced as they deliver the game ball to the pitcher’s mound.

“We are proud to partner with the Golisano Children’s Hospital to honor some of their All-Stars at select games this season,” said Red Wings General Manager Dan Mason. “We strive to provide lifelong memories for our fans and we can’t wait to put some smiles on the faces of these All-Stars and their families.”

This All-Star initiative will come complete with a private Diamond Suite including tickets, a food and beverage package, VIP parking, yearbooks, and vouchers for a round of Speed Pitch and Bounce House.

Selection of each All-Star will be made by Golisano Children’s Hospital.

2022 All-Stars:
June 28: Ian

Free Community Baseball Clinic and Annual Disability Dream and Do/Think Differently (D3 Day) Event Planned For Hudson Valley Renegades Involvement in MLB’s PLAY BALL Weekend

WAPPINGERS FALLS, N.Y. (June 8, 2022) –The Hudson Valley Renegades have teamed up with Major League Baseball and have planned two exciting events for the upcoming weekend. The Renegades will be taking part in PLAY BALL Weekend, a baseball-wide initiative designed to give back to each local community throughout Major League and Minor League Baseball.

A free community baseball clinic will be offered at Dutchess Stadium following the 2:05 PM game on Sunday, June 12. All who sign up to attend the clinic will receive two free tickets to the game. Registration openings are still available for this event at the following link: https://hudsonvalleyrenegades.leagueapps.com/events/3122884.

The clinic is free and features members of the Renegades coaching staff and players from the Renegades Collegiate Baseball Team. Renegades Manager Tyson Blaser will lead the clinic which is open to the first 100 children ages 8-16, and will feature 90 minutes of baseball drills and fun. Clinic participants will also receive a free T-shirt and free subscriptions to both MLB.TV and MiLB.TV.

The Renegades annual D3/Think Differently Day will be on Saturday, June 11th at Dutchess Stadium from 10 a.m. until noon. The Disability Dream and Do (D3Day) sports camps were created by Dave Clark, the only pitcher in professional sports history to pitch on crutches, and Doug Cornfield, a former NCAA medal winning runner at Georgia, who himself had a child born with no arms. These camps allow professional players to interact with children with special needs in various drills and compete in sports with no limitations.

In 2016, Dave Stevens, who was born without legs but played college football and minor league baseball, came on board as the D3 Day camps expanded to other cities in the US. Dave, Dave and Doug now put on camps all over the country and share their amazing stories as well as inspire others to look past a disability and turn it into an ability. This event is full and no further registration slots remain.

The Renegades are handing out 200 Franklin bat and ball sets to participants of both events. More than 60 Minor League teams and all 30 Major League teams will participate in PLAY BALL Weekend. Clubs will be hosting a variety of events all throughout the weekend designed to engage young fans and share the fun of playing baseball and softball. For more information visit www.MLB.com/play-ball/weekend.

For more information on the Renegades camp, please call the Renegades office at 845-838-0094 or email Marcella Costello at [email protected].

ABOUT THE HUDSON VALLEY RENEGADES

The Renegades are in their second season as the High-A affiliate of the New York Yankees. They have played their home games at Dutchess Stadium in Wappingers Falls, N.Y. since 1994.

ABOUT DIAMOND BASEBALL HOLDINGS

Diamond Baseball Holdings (DBH) is a subsidiary of Endeavor, the global sports and entertainment company. DBH was formed in 2021 to support, promote, and enhance Minor League Baseball through professional management, best practices, innovation and investment. (DiamondBaseballHoldings.com).

Annual Jacob's Village, Otters Benefit Game Scheduled for June 30

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Jacob’s Village and the Evansville Otters announced the 16th annual benefit game at Bosse Field is scheduled for June 30 at 6:35 p.m. when the Otters take on the Joliet Slammers.

On June 30, 100% of game sponsorships and a portion of gate tickets sales will benefit Jacob’s Village. The proceeds from the game will enable Jacob’s Village to provide accessible housing for people with disabilities and help Jacob’s Village residents live independently.

“We would like to thank the Evansville Otters organization for their long-standing support of Jacob’s Village and our mission for many years,” Jacob’s Village Development Director Laura Hurt said.

“It’s been a wonderful partnership with the Evansville Otters, and over our 16-year history, we have raised over $210,000 to support people with disabilities.”

The mission of Jacob’s Village is to develop a safe, walk-able neighborhood community where people with disabilities and older adults can find meaningful relationships, housing that is affordable and accessible, and activities that encourage active minds and bodies.

“This will be a fun, family-friendly game. We invite the community to come out on Thursday, June 30 to enjoy exciting Otters baseball, a big fireworks show after the game ahead of July 4, free popcorn provided by Wolk Financial, Thirsty Thursday, a big half-pot, live DJ, and more!” Hurt added.

“This partnership was created 16 years ago and has turned into a big fundraiser for Jacob’s Village,” Otters Vice President, Sales Joel Padfield said. “It brings in a lot of fans that our players love to play in front of. It will be a fun, special night at Bosse Field.”

$5 general admission tickets for this year’s game may be purchased at all G.D. Ritzy’s locations, Bosse Field and Jacob’s Village. The Bosse Field box office is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, visit their website at www.jacobsvillage.org.

There’s no place like Bosse Field, so get your tickets now!

The Evansville Otters are the 2006 and 2016 Frontier League champions.

The Otters play all home games at historic Bosse Field, located at 23 Don Mattingly Way in Evansville, Ind. Stay up to date with the Evansville Otters by visiting evansvilleotters.com, or follow the Otters on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

For more information, visit evansvilleotters.com or call (812) 435-8686.

Wind Surge to Participate in MLB PLAY BALL Initiative

Wind Surge to Participate in MLB PLAY BALL Initiative

The Surge hosts PLAY BALL Initiative in conjunction with League 42

The Wichita Wind Surge announced today they will participate in MLB’s PLAY BALL initiative in conjunction with Wichita’s League 42. The PLAY BALL initiative is baseball’s collective effort to encourage young people and communities to engage in baseball or softball-related activities, including formal leagues, special events and casual forms of play.

The League 42 game, hosted by the Wind Surge, is free and open to the public and will feature in-game promotions, live music, giveaway items, and more. Meals will be provided for over 600 youth athletes in attendance. The event will take place on Saturday, June 11 at 4:00pm at McAdams Park, located at 17th and Wabash.

“League 42 is a strong supporter of youth baseball, especially for kids who otherwise might not have an opportunity to participate,” said Bob Lutz, Executive Director of League 42. “The PLAY BALL Initiative is a great way to make the game of baseball more accessible to kids. We appreciate the Wind Surge’s strong and continued support of League 42.”

For questions and additional information contact:

Kylee Sorrells
Marketing Manager
[email protected]

Brett Favre Returns to the Field for Donald Driver Charity Softball Game

GRAND CHUTE, WI – Brett Favre is confirmed! The Pro Football Hall of Famer and Super Bowl Champion will join Donald Driver, James Jones, AJ Dillon, Aaron Jones, and many more for the Donald Driver Charity Softball Game presented by Network Health at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium on Sunday, June 12, 2022. The event will raise money for the Donald Driver Foundation and additional local and player charities. Game time is 1:00pm.

Favre was the host of the annual charity softball game from 1999 through 2007 before Driver took over as the host for the 2008 game.

“I am excited that my brother from another mother, Brett Favre, is returning to play in the charity softball game he started 20 years ago,” said Driver. “Let’s turn out in HUGE numbers Packers fans!”

Favre joins Desmond Bishop, Jarrett Bush, Nick Collins, Robert Ferguson, Jermichael Finley, Antonio Freeman, and Ahman Green as confirmed participants in this year’s game.

Tickets are available for the game on the phone at (920) 733-4152, in person at the Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium Box Office, or through the internet at timberrattlers.com.

Tickets remaining for the game are $43 for a standard box seat, $25 for a reserved bleacher seat. and $15 for a general admission grass seat.

The mission of the Donald Driver Foundation is to display Strong Hands, Strong Minds, and Loving Hearts to serve as a hand up, not a handout. The Donald Driver Foundation has a core focus in serving underprivileged children and families by addressing health & wellness, safety, and education & career development.

Giving HOPE: Gades participating in HOPE Week 6/7-12

WAPPINGERS FALLS, N.Y. (June 1, 2022) – The Hudson Valley Renegades, the High-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, announced today their participation in HOPE Week. Renegades players and staff will participate in community service events throughout the Hudson Valley from Tuesday, June 7 through Sunday, June 12.

The Renegades participation in HOPE Week is in partnership with Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth), the Official Hospital Partner of the Hudson Valley Renegades.

The Yankees’ wildly popular and successful HOPE Week initiative (Helping Others Persevere & Excel) was introduced in 2009, and is rooted in the fundamental belief that acts of goodwill provide hope and encouragement to more than just the recipient of the gesture.

“Being able to participate in HOPE Week is one of the most special parts of being affiliated with the New York Yankees,” said Steve Gliner, President and General Manager of the Renegades. “Being able to touch people’s lives and make a difference through our and the Yankees’ commitment to community engagement is what we are all about as an organization.”

The Renegades 2022 HOPE Week program is as follows:

Tuesday, June 7th – Maria Fareri Children’s Health Services at MidHudson Regional Hospital

  • As part of the Westchester Medical Health Network, the Maria Fareri Children’s Health Services at MidHudson Regional Hospital provides emergency care for children from serious injuries to burns, scrapes, and bruises. Services include a child-friendly Pediatric Emergency Department, select Pediatric Surgical Services, dedicated Pediatric Inpatient Unit, Child Life services to support patients during care, and Caregiver services to support parents, siblings, and other family members during a patient’s care. Renegades players and staff will conduct room visits and participate in crafts projects with patients.

Thursday, June 9th – The Community at Brookmeade

  • Opened in 1977, The Community at Brookmeade offers apartment residences and a combination of lifestyle, services, and amenities designed with the need of active older adults in mind. Located in the village of Rhinebeck, New York, Brookmeade presently serves as a 120-bed facility for seniors aged 62 and above. The Community is committed to providing all residents with a lifestyle focus on quality, centered in wellness, and facilitated by competent and caring staff. Renegades players and staff will visit and engage with residents and participate in activity stations.

Friday, June 10th – Liberty Station

  • Hudson River Housing believes that those who served our country deserve the highest level of care, including quality, affordable housing. Hudson River Housing aims to meet the needs for the veteran community through specialized housing, transportation, advocacy, and care management. Operated by Hudson River Housing, Liberty Station was the first of three housing services available for veterans. Opened in 2014, Liberty Station offers a supportive living environment in the company of other veterans. Units are single room occupancy, with shared kitchen and bath facilities. Garden Street Housing and Poughkeepsie Commons also offer housing for veterans. Garden Street Housing offers low-cost housing with a preference for female veterans, with private baths and shared kitchen and common areas and Poughkeepsie Commons is a 72-unit apartment complex that offers 24 one-bedroom apartments exclusively for veterans. Veterans from Liberty Station, Garden Street Housing, and Poughkeepsie Commons will gather at Liberty Station to meet and engage with Renegades players and staff.

Saturday, June 11th – Disability, Dream & Do (D3)/ThinkDIFFERENTLY Camp

  • D3 and ThinkDIFFERENTLY collaborate to host camp in partnership with Hudson Valley Renegades. Disability, Dream & Do (D3) is a pro style practice with professional players at stadiums across the country. D3 participants have an opportunity to hit, throw, catch and run the bases with instruction from the best regardless of anyone’s limitations. The Disability Dream and Do (D3Day) sports camps were created by Dave Clark, the only pitcher in professional sports history to pitch on crutches, and Doug Cornfield, a former NCAA medal winning runner at Georgia, who himself had a child born with no arms. These camps allow professional players to interact with children with special needs in various drills and compete in sports with no limitations. In 2016, Dave Stevens, who was born without legs but played college football and minor league baseball, came on board as the D3 Day camps expanded to other cities in the US. Dave, Dave and Doug now put on camps all over the country and share their amazing stories as well as inspire others to look past a disability and turn it into an ability.
  • “ThinkDIFFERENTLY” is a call to action, a genuine challenge to determine if we have it within ourselves to look past our differences and treat others the way we would hope to be treated. Too often, too many with special needs are overlooked and their unique abilities ignored. Instead, we seek to lift each other up and embrace all residents of all abilities. Launched by Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro in 2015, the “ThinkDIFFERENTLY” initiative seeks to change the way individuals, businesses, organizations and communities relate to our neighbors with special needs.

Sunday, June 12th – Fishkill Food Pantry

  • The Fishkill Food Pantry was established as a mission program in 1985 to assist individuals and families in the Southern Dutchess area who are coping with financial emergencies and supply basic food needs. The people served are often referred to the Pantry by social service agencies, churches, schools, and family advocates. The Pantry is the largest food pantry in Dutchess County, serving families in Beacon, Beekman, Chelsea, Cold Spring, Fishkill, Glenham, Hopewell Junction, Hughsonville, Stormville, and Wappingers Falls. The Renegades will provide donations in the morning to the food pantry and host a food drive during Sunday’s game.

The Renegades Community Program and their participation in HOPE Week is presented by WMCHealth. Throughout the week, the Renegades host the Jersey Shore BlueClaws for a seven-game series at The Dutch. For more information on HOPE Week and the Renegades Community Program, visit www.hvrenegades.com and click on the Community tab.

ABOUT THE HUDSON VALLEY RENEGADES

The Renegades are in their second season as the High-A affiliate of the New York Yankees. They have played their home games at Dutchess Stadium in Wappingers Falls, N.Y. since 1994.

ABOUT DIAMOND BASEBALL HOLDINGS

Diamond Baseball Holdings (DBH) is a subsidiary of Endeavor, the global sports and entertainment company. DBH was formed in 2021 to support, promote, and enhance Minor League Baseball through professional management, best practices, innovation and investment. (DiamondBaseballHoldings.com).