Florida State League

Tampa Yankees Recognize HOPE Week

June 18, 2014

The Tampa Yankees will be participating in HOPE Week (Helping Others Preserve & Excel) during the week of June 19-24, 2014. HOPE Week is a New York Yankees initiative designed to reach out to remarkable people who are worthy of recognition for their inspiring actions and support of their communities.

The Tampa Yankees players and staff will be visiting patients and their families at local area hospitals including:

Tampa General Hospital
St. Joseph’s Hospital
All Children’s Hospital

The Tampa based minor league Yankees players will also be visiting the Children’s Home: a child-and family-centered organization that is positioned to care for struggling families and children seeking the comfort of a loving family.

Where Love Grows will be hosting a Victoria’s Good Table dinner in the Yankees pavilion at Steinbrenner Field. Where Love Grows is a Tampa based non-profit organization. They wanted to partner with the Tampa Yankees to benefit the children of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay in celebration of HOPE Week. Tampa Yankees players and staff will be in attendance to help serve food and mingle with the children.

The Tampa Yankees are the Single-A Advanced affiliate of the New York Yankees. For more information on the Tampa Yankees, and the Tampa HOPE Week Itinerary, visit www.tybaseball.com or call (813) 673-3055.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Tampa Yankees. Click here to view the original story.

Vs. Cancer Foundation Night to be held on June 17

June 11, 2014

Cardinals players and staff join fight against childhood cancer

Roger Dean Stadium has partnered with the Vs. Cancer Foundation to raise money to help the fight against childhood cancer. On Tuesday, June 17th, Roger Dean Stadium will host the Vs. Cancer Foundation Fundraiser Night at the Ballpark. Members of the Palm Beach Cardinals and the Jupiter Hammerheads will get their heads shaved on the dugouts following the 6:35 p.m. game between the two clubs.

Prior to the event, players and staff members from both the Cardinals and Hammerheads will be collecting donations via fundraising pages to support the cause. Donations can be made by visiting Cardinals.vs-cancer.org or Jupiter.vs-cancer.org.

The Vs. Cancer Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to saving kids’ lives by empowering athletes and communities to fund lifesaving childhood cancer efforts.

The founder of the Vs. Cancer Foundation is Chase Jones, a former UNC-Chapel Hill baseball player. Chase was diagnosed with Stage IV Brain Cancer at the age of 18. With the help of national research and community support, Chase is six years cancer-free and has now dedicated himself to helping children with childhood cancer through his foundation.

Half of all proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit national childhood cancer research, and the other half will help Alliance for Kids, a division of Palm Beach Children’s Hospital. The goal of the Vs. Cancer Foundation is to invest in our kids of tomorrow while also helping kids just be kids even while battling cancer.

Roger Dean Stadium’s merchandise manager Linda Hanson will be one of several players and staff members participating in the event. If she receives $2,500 on her fundraising page or in money donated in the Team Store, she will also take part in the head shaving following the game.

Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday night for the 6:35 p.m. game. You can still purchase tickets at the Roger Dean Stadium ticket office from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. or by calling (561) 630-1828. For more information on the event, visit www.PalmBeachCardinals.com or call (561) 775-1818.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Palm Beach Cardinals. Click here to view the original story.

Miracle host 5th annual Breast Cancer Awareness Night

June 4, 2014

Festivities include postgame fireworks, survivor walk and silent auction

On Saturday, June 7, the Fort Myers Miracle will host a very special evening at the ballpark with the 5th annual Breast Cancer Awareness Night presented by the Lee Regional Cancer Center and 96.9 MORE FM.

The Miracle play the Lakeland Flying Tigers at 6:05 p.m. at Hammond Stadium and fireworks will light up the Southwest Florida sky after the game. Breast cancer survivors will receive a free ticket to the game. The first 500 women to come through the gates will receive a pink bag compliments of Vein Specialists.

In honor of breast cancer survivors, the Miracle will wear pink jerseys that will be available for auction during the game. The auction will take place on the concourse and conclude in the middle of the sixth inning. Fans with the winning bids will be invited onto the field after the game to receive the jersey from the respective player.

The silent auction will also other items including a Key West Express tickets, local hotel and restaurant certificates, dinner and show for four from the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, a Chicago White Sox Robin Ventura autographed jersey, a Paul Molitor autographed jersey and ball and much more.

A portion of the net proceeds from the jersey auction, silent auction and raffles will benefit the Lee Memorial Health Systems Regional Cancer Center to assist with mammogram services for uninsured and underinsured patients.

Prior to the game, a survivor walk will begin at 5:15 p.m. around the warning track at Hammond Stadium. Fans who are survivors, and their families, are invited to take part.

Fans can enjoy a SINK or SWIM Saturday. For just $12, fans get a wristband for All You Can Drink domestic draft beers through the sixth inning.

Tickets are available at the Miracle offices on the third floor of Hammond Stadium from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Fans can purchase tickets online at www.miraclebaseball.com or call (239) 768-4210.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Fort Myers Miracle. Click here to view the original story.

Welcome Home Lieutenant Pelletier

May 23, 2014

Prior to their 5:00p.m. game vs. Jupiter, the Tampa Yankees were honored to welcome home Lieutenant Matthew Pelletier.

Joe Pelletier, the father of Lieutenant Pelletier, thought he was visiting Steinbrenner Field and throwing out the game’s first pitch as a potential Tampa Yankees sponsor with his company, AmeriLife. He had no idea he was about to see his son, who was on the receiving end of the pitch and dressed in a full Tampa Yankees uniform, complete with catcher’s gear.

Lieutenant Pelletier had not seen his father since August 2013, before deploying for the U.S. Army.

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

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Tampa Yankees. Click here to view the original story.

Free admission to active military and veterans on Friday

May 20, 2014

In celebration of Memorial Day weekend, the St. Lucie Mets would like to pay tribute to the service men and women of our country by offering all current military personnel and veterans free admission into Friday’s game.

The Mets host the Clearwater Threshers at 6:30 p.m. Gates open at 5:30 p.m.

Veterans and active military just need to show proof of ID at the Tradition Field box office to get into the game free of charge.

Prior to first pitch there will be a color guard, the performing of the National Anthem and ceremonial first pitches delivered by members of the American Gold Star Mothers. The American Gold Star Mothers are an organization of mothers who have lost a son or daughter in the service of our country.

For more information, visit www.stluciemets.com or call 772-871-2115.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the St. Lucie Mets. Click here to view the original story.

Little League Day

April 15, 2014

The Tampa Yankees will host their annual Pepsi Cola Little League Day at Steinbrenner Field on Sunday, April 27^th when they take on the Lakeland Flying Tigers at 1:00PM.

The first 250 kids, ages 14 and under, that enter the stadium will receive a Collector’s Pepsi Cola Yankees pin. Gates will open at 12:00PM. All guests will receive free admission when they show up to the Box Office wearing their Little League uniform (players and coaches).

Palma Ceia Little League Challenger Teams will play a game on Steinbrenner Field after the Tampa Yankees game concludes. The Tampa Yankees actively assist youth baseball and softball programs in the Tampa area to promote the Little League Mission, developing qualities of citizenship, discipline, teamwork and physical well-being.

Tickets are $4 for general admission, $6 for reserved seating and can be purchased at the George M. Steinbrenner Field Box Office.

The Tampa Yankees are the Single A-Advanced affiliate of the New York Yankees. For more information you may contact the Tampa Yankees offices at (813) 673-3055 or visit www.tybaseball.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Tampa Yankees. Click here to view the original story.

The 9th annual Special Needs Camp is Saturday, April 26

April 8, 2014

Miracle, Dave Clark Foundation team up or special day at the ballpark

Click here to download registration form. Click here to download medical release form.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (April 8, 2014) – The Fort Myers Miracle are proud to team with Dave Clark Foundation for the ninth annual Special Needs Baseball camp on Saturday, April 26 at 10 a.m. at Hammond Stadium. The baseball camp is open to the first 25 individuals, with a physical or mental challenge, age 18 and under.

The entire Miracle team and coaches will teach kids the baseball skills of hitting, throwing, catching and fielding. The camp affords the opportunity for campers to experience the feeling of being a professional baseball player for a day.

Cape Coral resident Dave Clark hosts the camp. Suffering from the effects of Post Polion Syndrome (PPS), 61-year old Clark amassed over 600 wins during a 30-year baseball career that began in the early 1970s. Currently, Clark focuses his energy on public speaking, organizing disability events and is an envoy international coach for Major League Baseball.

As part of the Disability Dream & Do activities, Clark will present the “Pulling Each Other Along Award” prior to the 6:05 p.m. Miracle game versus the Palm Beach Cardinals on Saturday, April 26. The award is presented to an unsung hero(s) whose selfless acts have helped those with a disability. For more information about D3 or to nominate a worthy candidate, visit www.daveclarkfoundation.org or email: award@daveclarkfoundation.org.

“There are two types of dreamers. Dreamers that dream and dreamers that Dream & Do,” said Clark, the only professional baseball player to pitch from crutches. “D3 Baseball with the Fort Myers Miracle gives the youth a wonderful chance to do both, Dream & Do.”

There is no cost associated with the camp. To register a child, please call (239) 768-4210 or send an email to aadams@miraclebaseball.com. Include your name, the child’s full name, full address, phone number, email address and any special needs for your child.

“This day always leaves an impression on all of our players, coaches, and our entire front office staff. To see the joy on the faces of the kids and our players while the camp is taking place is just priceless. This is one of the best events that we do all year long,” said Miracle President Steve Gliner.

Kids are asked to bring their own baseball gloves and one adult chaperone is required to be in attendance with each child attending the camp. Each participant will receive four tickets for the Miracle game that evening at 6:05 p.m. Lunch will also be provided following the camp activities.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Fort Myers Miracle. Click here to view the original story.

Bradenton Boosters Make Annual Donation

March 14, 2014

Money Assists Pirates Charities in Manatee County Efforts

Bradenton, Fla. – The Bradenton Boosters today presented their annual donation to Pirates Charities. The club’s officers presented a check for $35,000 to Pirates Senior Director of Florida Operations Trevor Gooby before the Spring Training game against the Philadelphia Phillies at McKechnie Field.

The Bradenton Boosters have volunteered at Pirates Spring Training since 1969. Members of the Boosters work as ushers, program sellers, parking lot attendants, and several other roles at McKechnie Field and Pirate City. The Boosters annual donation has helped to grow several Pirates Charities programs in Manatee County, such as the Fields for Kids program and the Miracle League of Manasota.

Pirates Charities is the official philanthropic arm of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Since its creation in 2006, Pirates Charities has made focused financial contributions to causes benefitting youth health, fitness, and education. For more information about Pirates Charities visit www.Pirates.com/community.

For more information about the Pirates Spring Training, call 941-747-3031 or visit www.Pirates.com. To purchase tickets to the game call 877-893-2827 or visit the McKechnie Field Ticket Office on weekdays between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., or Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Bradenton Marauders. Click here to view the original story.

SIXTH ANNUAL BEER FESTIVAL TO BENEFIT SUNCOAST HOSPICE FOUNDATION

March 12, 2014

Over 100 craft beers will be available for sampling on Saturday, October 4^th highlighting the Hops for Hospice Beer Festival at Bright House Field. The sixth annual event, sponsored by the Clearwater Threshers and Frenchy’s Restaurants has already raised over $100,000 in its first five years which benefits the Suncoast Hospice Foundation.

Beer distributors in the Tampa Bay area will sample their latest and most popular craft beers to attendees during the 4:00-8:00 pm event. Distributors include Great Bay Distributors, JJ Taylor Distributors and Brown Distributors. Other vendors include a wine sampling area represented by Zonin Wines as well as a Green Screen Photo Booth.

Every attendee will receive a commemorative beer mug, sponsored by Abe’s Place Tap & Grill that can be used during the event to sample the products. Other activities include a corn hole tournament, a closest to the pin golf contest that takes place on the field sponsored by East Lake Woodlands Golf Club, music provided by a DJ at the Frenchy’s Tiki Pavilion located on the concourse in left field and food vendors including Abe’s Place Tap & Grill who will be raffling off an IPAD Mini.

Tickets are only $25 in advance or $30 on the day of the event and can be purchased at the Bright House Field ticket office (Mon-Fri 10-4 pm), by phone at 727-467-4457 or on-line. For Groups with 10 or more tickets, please contact Doug Kemp for a special discounted rate at 727-712-4316 or dkemp@ThreshersBaseball.com

Suncoast Hospice is a not-for-profit agency committed to serving individuals and families as they face chronic illnesses, near the end of life, deal with end of life issues or are in grief. To learn more about Suncoast Hospice, call (727) 586-4432 or visit TheHospice.org.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Clearwater Threshers. Click here to view the original story.

Threshers Support Local Little Leagues

March 3, 2014

The Phillies Organization Has Been Active In Youth Baseball

At the Opening Ceremonies for the Clearwater Little League (City of Clearwater)

CLEARWATER, Fla. – The Clearwater Threshers have always been involved in the community. Nowhere is this more evident than with the local Little Leagues. The Phillies’ support of youth baseball stretches back decades, and this season is off to a great start.

Saturday, Feb. 15, was the reopening of the Sid Lickton Complex and opening ceremony for the 2014 Clearwater Little League season. On hand to celebrate the event was the Threshers’ very own Phinley, as well as Clearwater Mayor George Cretekos, two-time Olympic champion Michele Smith and Phillies’ first baseman Ryan Howard.

The Threshers sponsor teams in many local Little Leagues – including Clearwater, Countryside, Safety Harbor, East Lake, Largo, Palm Harbor, South Brandon, and West Pasco Girls Fastpitch Softball.

In addition to team sponsorship, the Threshers take part in league opening ceremonies and host end of season parties at Bright House Field. Teams also have the opportunity to participate in Baseball Buddies and accompany Threshers players on the field for the National Anthem.

The Threshers also have their Lil Anglers Club, for children 13 and under that meets during every Tuesday Home Game. Some highlights of Lil Anglers Club membership are an official T-Shirt and visor, as well as admission to and a meal deal for every Tuesday home game. Members also can run the bases after and participate in a parent/kid catch before every Tuesday home game.

For more information on how to get your team involved, contact Dan Madden at the Threshers, 727-712-4403.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Clearwater Threshers. Click here to view the original story.

PIRATES PLEDGE $1.2 MILLION DONATION TO BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF MANATEE COUNTY

January 16, 2014

Multi-year donation will bolster Boys & Girls Clubs programs throughout Manatee County

Bradenton, Fla. – The Pittsburgh Pirates today announced a $1.2 million donation to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County. The gift will be distributed over 12 years and will be used to help fulfill the critical mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs, which serves more than 6,000 children at seven locations county-wide.

“Today marks a new chapter for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County’s long-standing partnership with the Pittsburgh Pirates and the City of Bradenton. Our slogan ‘Great Futures Start Here’ is being represented today,” said Marc Dosogne, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County.

“The Pittsburgh Pirates and Bradenton Marauders are proud of our long-standing relationship with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County, an organization that shares our commitment to the young people in our communities,” said Bob Nutting, Pirates Chairman of the Board. “We are excited to extend our partnership by making this multi-year pledge to support the Boys & Girls Clubs’ ability to enhance its services and continue to provide a safe and positive environment for youths and families throughout Manatee County.”

The Pirates’ donation comes at a critical time as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County has decided to serve children in club facilities closer to where the children live and go to school. This reorganization reduces transportation time and costs and is more convenient for families, Dosogne said.

“Thanks to the Pirates commitment, we will be able to continue offering hope and opportunity with a guide to the door to a great future at our Desoto Club and our school-based clubs, such as our new Orange Ridge Elementary Club, serving members who had been attending the Bradenton Club,” he said. “This will give us the ability to serve more children in the community today, tomorrow and for years to come.”

“This major gift from the Pittsburgh Pirates is very special and will be very helpful in continuing our success in helping young people at our clubs succeed, especially those who need us the most,” said Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee Board Chairman Michael Moschella.

The Pirates and the Boys & Girls Clubs were neighbors for decades, until the reorganization led to the closing of the Boys & Girls Clubs’ facility on Ninth Street West. Located on city-owned property that borders the north side of McKechnie Field, the facility closed in September 2013 after programs were moved to the DeSoto Club and Orange Ridge-Bullock Elementary School.

The aged building is making way for the expansion of McKechnie Field and to advance redevelopment of the area as an arts and entertainment district. A parking area that was removed to expand the practice field behind the main field will be replaced at the former club site, allowing patrons quicker access to stadium entrances.

“Relocating the parking area north of McKechnie is part of the City of Bradenton’s strategy to develop an arts and entertainment district in the city,” said Mayor Wayne Poston. “This development will enhance the fan experience for Spring Training and the Bradenton Marauders seasons and will be an asset as we bring events in addition to baseball to McKechnie Field.”

McKechnie Field has been the site of Pirates Spring Training since 1969. The Pirates are preparing for the 46^th year of Spring Training baseball in Bradenton.

For more information about the Boys and Girls Clubs of Manatee County, please call 941-761-2582, visit www.bgcmanatee.org, or email info@bgcmanatee.org.

For more information about Pirates Spring Training, please call 941-747-3031, visit www.BradentonMarauders.com, or email MaraudersInfo@pirates.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Bradenton Marauders. Click here to view the original story.

Threshers, Fans Raise Nearly $6,000 on Military Night

October 5, 2013

Proceeds Benefit Sand Soldiers of America, Haley House Fund

The Clearwater Threshers are pleased to announce that their fans helped raise nearly $6,000 on August 17 to benefit two organizations for the support of U.S. military veterans.

The Threshers held 2013’s Military Night on August 17 in their Saturday night game against the Dunedin Blue Jays at Bright House Field, and their fans came out in force to support the troops. 4,183 fans turned out to raise $5,807.50, which was split between Sand Soldiers of America and the Haley House Fund. Each group received $2,903.75 in a ceremony on the field on the season’s final day.

The Threshers front office would like to thank all our fans who helped us to raise money for such a tremendous cause. We look forward to many future charitable partnerships.

This article originally appeared on the Clearwater Thresher’s website. Click here to view the original story.

Sergeant Wilson Memorial Trust Fund Check Presentation

October 4, 2013

Port Charlotte, FL – Charlotte Stone Crabs General Manager, Jared Forma presented the Charlotte County Sheriff Department with a check on Tuesday, October 22nd for their Tribute to Sergeant Michael Wilson Night fundraising efforts.

The Stone Crabs and Charlotte County Sheriff Department joined together on August 30th for Tribute to Sergeant Michael Wilson Night. The Stone Crabs dedicated the last home game of the season to honor local hero Sergeant Michael Wilson and raise money for the Sergeant Wilson Memorial Trust Fund. The Stone Crabs and Sheriff Department collectively raised over $4,000.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Charlotte Stone Crabs. Click here to view the original story.

2013 Marauders Honored for Community Commitment

September 28, 2013

Matt Benedict and Nick Kingham received commendations for their community service in 2013

A pair of 2013 Marauders received “Pirates Community Commitment Awards” at PNC Park before the Pirates faced the Padres on Tuesday, September 17. Matt Benedict received an award as a Marauder, while Nick Kingham was honored as the Altoona Curve representative. Both right-handed pitchers completed an exemplary amount of community service and showed great dedication to their communities during the 2013 season.

As part of the Pirates Community Commitment Program, each minor league player must complete 10 hours of community service in their affiliate’s community each season. Many players go above and beyond the 10 hour mark. The 2013 Bradenton Marauders completed more than 300 hours of community service through the program.

Near the conclusion of each affiliate’s regular season, the Pirates present one player from each affiliate with the “Pirates Community Commitment Award” in recognition of his commitment to his community and the program. The Pirates will fly each award winner to Pittsburgh to receive the award as part of a special on-field ceremony at PNC Park that will also include the presenting of the team’s annual Roberto Clemente Award to the Pirates Major League Player selected for his character and charitable contributions to his community.

Benedict, a St. Petersburg native, completed more than 30 hours of community service in 2013. He has pitched for the Marauders in each of the last two seasons. 2013 was his third season in professional baseball.

Kingham resides in Las Vegas Nevada. A 2013 Florida State League All Star, Kingham was promoted to Altoona in June for the remainder of his fourth professional season.

For more information about the Pirates Community Commitment Program, please visit http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/pit/community/commit_prog.jsp.

This article originally appeared on the Marauders’ website.

Representatives from each affiliate were recognized at PNC Park last week for their community service.

Mets Hosting School Supplies Drive From August 26-28

August 22, 2013

The St. Lucie Mets will be hosting a School Supplies Drive at Tradition Field to benefit Guardians For New Futures, Inc. from Monday, August 26 through Wednesday, August 28.

The Mets host the Charlotte Stone Crabs at 6:30 p.m. for all three games. Gates open at 5:30 p.m.

Fans who bring any new unwrapped school supplies will receive a voucher good for a $2 ticket for any of the three games in the series.

Guardian’s For New Futures is a non-profit organization working to raise funds from the public to donate for children abused, neglected, or abandoned.

The annual “Kits4Kids” program is designed to provide more than 500 children with fresh new school supplies.

For more information, contact the St. Lucie Mets at 772-871-2100.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the St. Lucie Mets. Click here to view the original story.