FSL announces Covid-19 relief efforts in all cities

 

Today the Florida State League announced that all its member teams will be participating in a League wide effort to support Covid-19 relief. The 12 teams have partnered with LiveSource to set up an auction site that will make bidding for auction items a simple and efficient process. The collectible memorabilia and unique FSL experiences will be offered through this online auction beginning today- Tuesday, June 9th and concluding on Tuesday, June 30th at 11:59 pm ET.

Florida State League President Terry Reynolds said “ I could not be prouder of all our FSL teams for coming together in this very worthwhile effort. The dollars earned from each team’s sold auction items will stay and be used for the Covid-19 relief efforts in that team’s area”.

The auction will offer many fun and unique items some of which are listed below:

  • Jackie Robinson specialty jersey.
  • Adam Wainright signed photo.
  • Brian Anderson signed Jupiter Hammerhead jersey.
  • Game worn Daytona Tortugas batting helmet.
  • Ceremonial First Pitch at a Fort Myers Mighty Mussels game.
  • FSL season pass allowing entrance in all 12 FSL stadiums.
  • 20 person VIP Suite at a Bradenton Marauder game.
  • Blake Snell signed July 4th Hat.
  • Dennis Martinez signed Palm Beach Cardinals jersey.
  • Wander Franco signed Jersey.
  • Lots of signed baseballs and countless “bucket list” experience items to bid on.

The Florida State League is made up of the following teams.

  • Bradenton Marauders
  • Charlotte Stone Crabs
  • Clearwater Threshers
  • Daytona Tortugas
  • Dunedin Blue Jays
  • Florida Fire Frogs
  • Fort Myers Mighty Mussels
  • Jupiter Hammerheads
  • Lakeland Flying Tigers
  • Palm Beach Cardinals
  • St. Lucie Mets
  • Tampa Tarpons

For further details on this most worthwhile charitable event go to www.desktop.livesourceapp.com or you can view all the items and place a bid by downloading the LiveSource App on your Apple or Android device.

Contact Kasey Blair [email protected] or Andrew Seymour, General Manager-Palm Beach Cardinals at 561-630-1855 or [email protected] for additional questions.

Dunedin Blue Jays Raise Over $1,800 for Dunedin Cares Inc.

 

DUNEDIN, FL – The Dunedin Blue Jays Band Together Against Hunger campaign concluded on May 31st benefiting Dunedin Cares Inc. The campaign was a massive success raising $1,865 for Dunedin Cares Inc. over the entire month of May with all donations received going directly to the food pantry. The Dunedin Blue Jays will in turn be donating over 180 tickets to a future Dunedin Blue Jays game for essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Dunedin community.

Coordinator of Community Relations, Matt Woak commented on the success of the campaign stating, “The Dunedin Blue Jays organization appreciates the outpouring of support from our fan base in helping the local Dunedin community. We are certain these donations raised will give a much-needed boost to Dunedin Cares Inc. during these difficult times of the pandemic. Our organization also looks forward to hosting essential workers at a future Dunedin Blue Jays game to thank them for their dedication to our community in this time of need.”

Dunedin Cares Inc. President, Joe Mackin echoed these sentiments saying, “Dunedin Cares Food Pantry is grateful for the partnership with our hometown baseball team, the Dunedin Blue Jays. The Jays chose us to as the local non-profit to benefit from the community donations and in turn, the Blue Jays are donating over 180 baseball tickets to those workers in the front lines of helping and serving others. This togetherness is all about neighbors helping neighbors.”

ABOUT DUNEDIN BLUE JAYS

The Dunedin Blue Jays have been the Class A-Advanced Minor League affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays since 1987. Dunedin, Florida is also the home of Toronto Blue Jays Spring Training. The Dunedin Blue Jays are committed to enriching the lives of those in our local community by giving back to organizations. Through various community initiatives, we are striving to enrich the lives of our neighbors and those in need through the power of Dunedin Blue Jays baseball by promotion of education, health, and baseball within our local communities.

ABOUT DUNEDIN CARES INC.

Our goal is to ensure that our neighbors in Dunedin & surrounding communities have a caring and respectful environment to shop our pantry shelves and provide food for their families. We believe in Neighbors Helping Neighbors. Dunedin Cares, Inc. Food Pantry opened our doors on November 12, 2015. Statistics indicated that even in our delightful city of Dunedin, Florida, there were pockets of people who are “food insecure”, where children go to bed hungry and elderly choose to purchase their medication over food.

Strike Out Cancer Night Goes Online with the Threshers 

 

Clearwater, Fla. – The Clearwater Threshers and the American Cancer Society teamed up in 2019 for the inaugural Strike Out Cancer Night, an evening of awareness and fundraising during a Threshers game.

Now in 2020, COVID-19 forced the American Cancer Society to suspend its popular Relay For Life events. Volunteers and survivors lost a chance to emotionally connect with the community. ACS lost a chance to extend its funding for research and patient services. Now it searches for new ways to fuel its fight against cancer.

The Threshers are providing a unique virtual opportunity and the American Cancer Society could not be more pleased. Cancer doesn’t quit, so neither will ACS. And neither will the Threshers.

Since we can’t be together in person, here are a couple ways we can help Strike Out Cancer, online. 1. Donate – visit the Clearwater Threshers Relay For Life of North Pinellas page 2. Share a photo of yourself holding a sign with the name of a loved one you are honoring. You may download a purple Threshers sign to print, or make your own and add to our Facebook and Twitter posts.

Be sure to stop by our Facebook page on Saturday night at 8 p.m. for a special Strike Out Cancer message from the Threshers and the American Cancer Society.

Dunedin Blue Jays partner with Dunedin Cares Inc. to Band Together Against Hunger

 

The Dunedin Blue Jays announced on May 1st we are joining Dunedin Cares Inc. to raise funds for the local food bank and to honor individuals risking their lives on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dunedin Blue Jays fans are encouraged to visit (https://donorbox.org/blue-jays-for-dunedin-cares) through May 31 to donate. Once on the site, fans can choose their donation amount to directly benefit Dunedin Cares Inc. and the community. For every $10 donated, the Dunedin Blue Jays will donate one ticket to a future home game to local essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic (Up to 1,000 tickets donated).

Coordinator of Community Relations, Matt Woak stated, “The Dunedin community is extremely important to the Blue Jays along with our relationship with Dunedin Cares Inc. Dunedin Cares does so much good for the local community working around the clock to feed those most in need, and we are glad our organization is able to assist them during these trying times when the community needs it the most.”

In response to the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic, contributions from the Dunedin Blue Jays fans will help ensure families and individuals across Dunedin and our surrounding communities most impacted by the pandemic are fed and cared for during these uncertain times. Join our campaign by donating at (https://donorbox.org/blue-jays-for-dunedincares).

ABOUT DUNEDIN BLUE JAYS

The Dunedin Blue Jays have been the Class A-Advanced Minor League affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays since 1987. Dunedin, Florida is also the home of Toronto Blue Jays Spring Training. The Dunedin Blue Jays are committed to enriching the lives of those in our local community by giving back to organizations. Through various community initiatives, we are striving to enrich the lives of our neighbors and those in need through the power of Dunedin Blue Jays baseball by promotion of education, health, and baseball within our local communities.

ABOUT DUNEDIN CARES INC.

Our goal is to ensure that our neighbors in Dunedin & surrounding communities have a caring and respectful environment to shop our pantry shelves and provide food for their families. We believe in Neighbors Helping Neighbors. Dunedin Cares, Inc. Food Pantry opened our doors on November 12, 2015. Statistics indicated that even in our delightful city of Dunedin, Florida, there were pockets of people who are “food insecure”, where children go to bed hungry and elderly choose to purchase their medication over food.

Mighty Mussels partnering with Emerge SWFL

 

FORT MYERS, Fla. – The Fort Myers Mighty Mussels are excited to announce a partnership with a new community-focused website, Emerge SWFL. Their goal is to provide answers to the most commonly asked questions that Southwest Florida businesses are facing during this challenging time.

The website also includes a collection of information, tools, resources and, most importantly, FREE services that local business leaders are donating to help keep Southwest Florida’s economy moving. If this sounds like something you need, visit emergeswfl.com.

If you want to join Emerge SWFL for free and contribute your company’s services and expertise to help our community during this time of crisis, please visit emergeswfl.com/join.

The Mighty Mussels have contributed in various ways during this crisis, including donating food to local organizations and first responders, and putting together a takeout/delivery bingo game on social media to help support our local restaurant partners.

The Mighty Mussels and Emerge SWFL will be working diligently to help keep local business going and not let COVID-19 slow us down!

 

Tampa Tarpons Join MiLB’s CommUNITY First Campaign

National initiative will raise funds for Feeding America in response to global pandemic

Tampa, Fla. – The Tampa Tarpons today announced they are joining MiLB CommUNITY First, a new national initiative developed by Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) in conjunction with Feeding America®, to raise funds for local food banks and to honor individuals risking their lives on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tarpons fans are encouraged to visit MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst through May 31 to donate. Once on the site, fans can choose their donation amount and the Tampa Tarpons as the recipient of their donation to direct funds to the Tampa Bay community. For every $10 donated, the Tarpons will donate one ticket to a future home game this season or in 2021 to a local hero of the pandemic.

School closures, rising unemployment and rising poverty due to quarantine and extended stay-at-home orders have disproportionately impacted people already at risk of hunger and could result in an estimated additional 17.1 million people experiencing food insecurity in the next six months, according to Feeding America. As the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization with a network of more than 200 affiliates, Feeding America has projected a $1.4 billion shortfall in the next six months alone.

In response, contributions from Tarpons fans and Minor League Baseball will help ensure families and individuals across the country most impacted by the pandemic are fed and cared for during these uncertain times. Join the national campaign by donating and selecting Tampa Tarpons at MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst and use #MiLBCommUNITYFirst on social media to show your support.

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

Support Our Local Restaurant Sponsors

Restaurants are open for take out, pick up or delivery

During these difficult times, many of our local restaurants continue to serve much needed meals. Many of these restaurants are partners with the Lakeland Flying Tigers, and with your support, we can help these businesses continue to support their employees and serve our community.

Below is a list of our partner restaurants with links to their websites. All of these restaurants are currently open for take out, pick up or delivery. For hours and details, please call ahead or check the restaurant’s website.

The Lakeland Flying Tigers and our partners thank you for your support!

Abuelo’s
Applebee’s
Dairy Queen – North Lakeland
Denny’s – North Lakeland
Hooters – North Lakeland
Hooters – South Lakeland
Little Caesars – North Lakeland
Little Caesars – South Lakeland
Olive Garden – North Lakeland
PDQ
Zaxby’s

Pirates and Marauders Dish Out Pizza to Hospital Staff

Bradenton, Fla. – On Friday, the Pittsburgh Pirates and Bradenton Marauders teamed up with Fastfire by Oak & Stone and Demetrios’ Pizza House to provide pizzas to healthcare workers on the frontlines during the COVID-19 Pandemic at Blake Medical Center and Manatee Memorial Hospital.

“We are thrilled with the kindness the Pittsburgh Pirates and Bradenton Marauders leadership, staff and players are showing our day and night teams, during this healthcare crisis. Their generosity to not only help hospital’s staff but local business’ is much appreciated.” said Kevin DiLallo, CEO, Manatee Memorial Hospital.

Blake Medical Center President and CEO Randy Currin echoed the sentiment saying, “Blake Medical Center is very grateful for the generous show of support and appreciation from the Pittsburgh Pirates. This thoughtful delivery will touch the hearts of our caregivers as we continue with our work providing the very best care for our patients and community during this trying time.”
Following the lead of Pirates players who purchased more than 400 pizzas from local shops in Pittsburgh for to the staff at Allegheny General Hospital, the Pirates and Marauders set out to do what they could to help during these tough times for both small businesses and hospitals.

“During this time we’ve got to come together as a community. There’s comfort in great tastes and flavors – so providing our Fastfire pizzas to the real heroes, the hospital staffs, is the least we can do. We’re thankful to the Pirates for being our partners and including us in this gesture of thanks,” notes Brett Decklever, Co-Owner of Oak & Stone.

Following that line of thought, owner of Demetrios’ Pizza House Gus Sokos said, “The restaurant and hospitality industry has been devastated over the last two and a half weeks. We recently had to make decisions with staff members whose lives may be impacted forever. Our spirits, along with those in the healthcare profession, are getting drained from the uncertainty that this virus has brought. The Pittsburgh Pirates and Bradenton Marauders are a first class organization and it was an honor to partner with them to help lift the morale of these individuals who have dedicated their lives to caring for others. We wish to thank Jeff Podobnik and his team for their wonderful generosity towards our business and staff today.”

The Pittsburgh Pirates and Bradenton Marauders staffs went out and delivered the pizzas personally, taking the chance to inject positivity into the community and provide a beacon of hope in dark times.

“The Pittsburgh Pirates and the Bradenton Marauders take pride in being woven into the fabric of this community. During this COVID-19 crisis, we know we all need to join together to help our neighbors in any way we can,” said Jeff Podobnik, Pittsburgh Pirates Vice President of Florida and Dominican Operations. “We are proud to help support local businesses and work to lift the spirits of healthcare workers in Manatee County.”

 

Support Local Clearwater Partners

 

While we await a return of baseball, we look for ways to support each other. Local restaurants and caterers are currently serving much-needed meals. Many of these locations and providers are partners with your Clearwater Threshers.

Below is a list of local restaurants with links to their websites. With support from our fans, we can help these businesses continue to provide for the community.

The Threshers and our partners thank you for your support!

This page will be updated if we receive new information from the restaurant. For more hours and details, please call ahead or check the partner’s website.

Abe’s Place Tap and Grill
Amici’s Catered Cuisine
Blinker’s Beachside Steakhouse
Boston Market
Capogna’s Dugout
Coco’s Crush Bar & Grill
Cody’s Roadhouse – Belleair Bluffs
Delco’s
Dunedin Smokehouse
Frenchy’s Outpost – Dunedin
Frenchy’s Saltwater Cafe
Hooters
Iron Oak
Jamminz’ Beach Bar
Kelli’s Catering
Lenny’s
PDQ
Pete & Shorty’s
Pisces Sushi & Global Bistro
Port A Pitt Bar-B Que
The Salty Crab North Beach
Smokey Bones
Stuffed Mushroom
Tijuana Flats – Largo
Wawa
Westshore Pizza – Clearwater
Willie Jewell’s – Largo

 

Spectrum Field Food & Beverage Job Fair on January 29

 

The Philadelphia Phillies and Clearwater Threshers at Spectrum Field are hiring Food & Beverage game day staff for 2020! Interviews will be conducted on site at the Spectrum Field Job Fair on Wednesday, January 29, from 1 p.m. – 7 p.m. Applications for departments other than Food & beverage will be accepted.

Positions and interviews available on January 29:

Click for Flyer

  • Cashier
  • Cook
  • Runner
  • Warehouse
  • Stand Leads
  • Vending Lead
  • Hawkers

Philadelphia Phillies Spring Training is February 22 – March 23; Phillies 2020 Spring Training schedule

Clearwater Threshers summer season is April 9 – September 6; Threshers 2020 summer schedule

Spectrum Field is located at 601 N Old Coachman Rd in Clearwater.

QUESTIONS? Call Justin Stone at 727-712-4401 or email JStone@threshersbaseball.com 

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

Tortugas announce 12-week charitable donation campaign

 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The Daytona Tortugas have announced a 12-week campaign of charitable donations to give back to the community that has stood steadfastly with the team in its quest to keep affiliated professional baseball at historic Jackie Robinson Ballpark in Daytona Beach.

The Tortugas Care Charity Foundation, the team’s philanthropic organization that supports local youth sports and sea turtle conservation initiatives, will make a financial contribution to a deserving community organization each week leading up to April 9, the 2020 season’s Opening Day. Recipients will be selected through an open application process that will begin immediately.

The Tortugas decided to launch the 12 Weeks of Thanks campaign after being overwhelmed with support from the community in the wake of news that Daytona is one of 42 communities slated to lose affiliated professional baseball under a plan put forward by Major League Baseball that would take effect in 2021.

“We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support we’ve received from the community to ‘Save our Tortugas'” said Tortugas co-owner Bob Fregolle. “From the support we’ve gotten from local government, the media, and the fans, it’s meant a lot to us as we do everything we can to save baseball here in Daytona. This seemed like a wonderful way to say ‘Thank You’ and to generate even more momentum as we head into what promises to be an amazing season at The Jack.”

To start off the campaign, the Tortugas will make a donation to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Volusia/Flagler. Boys & Girls Clubs of Volusia/Flagler operate in eight communities in the areas of greatest need within Volusia and Flagler counties and provide young people with adults who respect and listen to them, a safe environment, and constructive activities that channel youthful energy into challenging pursuits. The Tortugas are proud to support their efforts.

“The Tortugas organization is a great partner for the Boys & Girls Club and the Daytona Beach community,” said Joe Sullivan, Chief Professional Officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Volusia/Flagler Counties. “They have made it possible for our kids and families to attend games and provided financial support for our clubs. Our Daytona Tortugas are involved champions of our organization and area.”

Organizations that would like to be considered for subsequent contributions during the Tortugas’ 12 Weeks of Thanks campaign should contact Josh McCann, Community Relations & Outside Events Manager, by emailing josh@daytonatortugas.com.

The Tortugas begin the 2020 season on April 9th against the Florida Fire Frogs. Jackie Robinson Ballpark and the Daytona Tortugas will host the Florida State League All-Star Game on Tuesday, June 23rd. For more information, contact the team at 386-257-3172 or visit the Tortugas website at www.daytonatortugas.com.

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

Job Fairs Scheduled for Seasonal Game Day and Concessions Positions

Positions available for Pirates Spring Training and the Bradenton Marauders’ season

Bradenton, Fl. – The Pittsburgh Pirates will hold two (2) job fairs at LECOM Park to hire seasonal staff for Pirates Spring Training and the Bradenton Marauders’ season. Game day staff and concessions positions are available. Interviews will be conducted on the spot at both hiring events.

The first hiring event will be held on Thursday, January 9 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. The second will be held on Tuesday, January 14 from 1 p.m. -7 p.m. LECOM Park is located at 1611 9th Street West in Bradenton. Parking will be available in the gated lot along 17th Avenue West.

All positions for Pirates Spring Training and the Bradenton Marauders’ season are posted online at Careers.Pirates.com. Prospective employees who cannot attend the hiring events can apply online for consideration.

The Pirates will play a 16-game home schedule at LECOM Park this spring, beginning with a matchup against the Minnesota Twins on Saturday, February 22. Season tickets and groups tickets are available now by calling 941-747-3031. Single game tickets are on sale now at the LECOM Park box office, by phone (1-877-893-2827), and online through www.Pirates.com.

The Bradenton Marauders play a 70-game home schedule beginning on Thursday, April 9, running through Labor Day.

For more information about employment with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Bradenton Marauders, please call 941-747-3031, visit www.bradentonmarauders.com, or email Marauders.Info@Pirates.com.

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

National Anthem Auditions Scheduled for Saturday, January 18

Bradenton, Fla. – The Pittsburgh Pirates will hold National Anthem auditions on Saturday, January 18 from 10:00 a.m.-12 p.m. at LECOM Park. Auditions are open to anyone interested in singing The Star Spangled Banner prior to a Pirates Spring Training game in 2020. Prospective singers must feel comfortable performing in front of audiences of 7,000 people or more.

Auditions will be conducted a cappella and must be no longer than two minutes in length. There is no preregistration for auditions. Prospective singers will perform in the order they sign up on the day of auditions. Registration will close at 11:30 a.m. National Anthem auditions will be conducted for vocalists only.

Pirates employees will supervise the auditions and determine which performers to invite to fill open spots in the Spring Training schedule. Contestants that wish to sing the Canadian National Anthem before the Pirates game against Toronto on March 1, March 9, or March 12 are welcome to audition singing O Canada as well. Participants that audition but are not selected to perform will have their information kept on file for potential anthem openings during the Bradenton Marauders season. The Marauders are preparing for the 11th season in franchise history, which runs from April 9 until Labor Day.

The Pirates will play a 16-game home schedule at LECOM Park this spring, beginning with a matchup against the Minnesota Twins on Saturday, February 22. Season tickets and group tickets are available now by calling 941-747-3031. Single game tickets go on sale Saturday, January 11 at 10:00 a.m. at the LECOM Park box office, by phone (1-877-893-2827), and online through www.Pirates.com.

For more information about Pittsburgh Pirates Spring Training or National Anthem auditions, please call 941-747-3031, visit www.bradentonmarauders.com, or email MaraudersInfo@Pirates.com.

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

Spectrum Field Job Fair on January 9

Spectrum Field Game Day Job Fair from 12-4 p.m. on January 9 

 

The Philadelphia Phillies and Clearwater Threshers at Spectrum Field are hiring seasonal game day staff for 2020! Interviews will be conducted on site at the Spectrum Field Job Fair on Thursday, January 9, from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Positions and interviews available on January 9:

  • Cashier
  • Cook
  • Runner
  • Warehouse
  • Stand Leads
  • Vending Lead
  • Hawkers
  • Suites Kitchen Assistant
  • Suites Coordinator
  • Merchandise Warehouse
  • Merchandise Cashier
  • Promo Fun Team Members
  • Kids Zone Attendants
  • Game Day and Overnight Security
  • Video Production and Camera Operators

Philadelphia Phillies Spring Training is February 22 – March 23; Phillies 2020 Spring Training schedule

Clearwater Threshers summer season is April 9 – September 6; Threshers 2020 summer schedule

Spectrum Field is located at 601 N Old Coachman Rd in Clearwater.

QUESTIONS? Call Justin Stone at 727-712-4401 or email JStone@threshersbaseball.com 

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

Spring training and St. Lucie Mets job fair on Dec. 14

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. – The St. Lucie Mets will host a Job Fair for New York Mets spring training and the St. Lucie Mets season on Saturday, December 14 at the team’s Minor League Complex & Rehabilitation Center located on Peacock Blvd.

The job fair, which features several game day positions at First Data Filed, will run from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. All employees from past seasons must re-apply and we also welcome new applicants.

For more information call 772-871-2100.