Fort Myers Miracle Announce Initial Hurricane Irma Relief Efforts

FORT MYERS, Fla. (September 13, 2017) – The Fort Myers Miracle, Advanced-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins, announce initial Hurricane Irma relief efforts aimed at helping Lee, Collier and neighboring counties. Ownership will donate money, and the staff will volunteer their time within the community. The team also announces a new logo symbolizing aid to Southwest Florida.

Miracle ownership, SJS Beacon Baseball LLC, is leading the relief efforts by donating funds to the Southwest Florida Community Foundation. The foundation has teamed up with the United Way to directly help people displaced from their homes and those suffering losses due to Irma in Lee, Collier and neighboring counties. For more information or to donate, please visit https://floridacommunity.com/

“We are grateful that Hurricane Irma did not have the terrible impacts that were initially forecast,” stated Miracle principal owner Jason Hochberg. “However, many people are suffering from the storm. The Miracle will do their part to help relieve some of the suffering, and we cannot wait to see everyone back at the ballpark in 2018 for spring training and Miracle season. I also wanted to especially thank Brandiose, Jason and Casey, for donating their time to create the Hurricane Irma Relief logo.”

The Miracle are also pleased to announce a new “Hurricane Irma Relief” logo designed by Brandiose (https://www.brandiose.com). Brandiose generously donated their time and labor to create the logo. The team expects to produce shirts and hats with the logo during the offseason with all proceeds of these items going to those impacted by Hurricane Irma.

Upon initial review, the CenturyLink Sports Complex / Hammond Stadium sustained minor damage from Hurricane Irma. The stadium and Miracle offices are currently without power and remain officially closed until further notice. The complex is being used as a staging ground for the National Guard and other hurricane relief efforts. Miracle staff will volunteer a portion of their time to assist with the local cleanup.

Finally, the Miracle will be presenting new related events at the ballpark during the upcoming 2018 season to further the relief efforts. They will be designated by the logo as a “Hurricane Irma Relief” event with proceeds from each event benefitting those affected by Hurricane Irma. If you or your company would like to aid in the Miracle relief effort, please e-mail Executive Vice President / Chief Operating Officer Ben Hemmen at Ben@miraclebaseball.com.

To stay up to date, follow the Miracle online at Miraclebaseball.com or through social media; Twitter: @MiracleBaseball, Instagram: fortmyersmiracle, Facebook: Fort Myers Miracle, Snapchat: ftmyersmiracle. For further information or questions once power is restored, call the Miracle front office at (239) 768-4210.

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

Miracle Offer Free Weekend Tickets with SWFL Flood Donations

FORT MYERS, Fla. (August 31, 2017) – The Fort Myers Miracle, Advanced-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins, are offering a free ticket to fans on Saturday, September 2 and Sunday, September 3 when they bring in donation items to aid those affected by the recent flooding in Southwest Florida. The team will also wear special “Faux-back” jerseys that will be auctioned off during the game. With 100% of the jersey auction proceeds benefitting victims of Hurricane Harvey, Miracle ownership will be MATCHING the bidding total dollar for dollar.

“For those in Fort Myers, Cape Coral and Southwest Florida that have been displaced or affected by the recent flooding, we hope the supplies donated over Labor Day weekend will help those that need it the most,” says Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer Ben Hemmen. “The Miracle have amazing fans, and we believe they will join us in this effort to assist our local community.”

Fans will receive one free general admission ticket to Saturday or Sunday’s game against the Jupiter Hammerheads, Advanced-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins, when they bring in any of the following:

  • One (1) case of bottled water
  • Twelve (12) canned goods
  • Twelve (12) pack of toilet paper

The team will start the collection process by donating one pallet of bottled water (2,016 bottles), six cases of canned goods (217 pounds of canned food) and over 500 rolls of toilet paper. All items collected over the weekend will be delivered next week to multiple organizations that need help.

Jersey auction bidding will begin on Saturday when gates open at 5:00 PM ET and will run through the bottom of the sixth inning. Player and coach jersey bidding will begin at $75 with a special “Buy It Now” price for $300. Three player and one team signed jersey will be available online for bidding starting at 1 PM ET on Saturday and run through Monday at 1 PM ET.

“The Miracle want to do their part to help Houston and the surrounding areas cope with the catastrophic flooding and rain from Hurricane Harvey,” stated owner Jason Hochberg. “Having lived in Houston for three years, I know the community is compassionate, resilient and strong. Although it will take time for the area to recover, Houston has a bright future and better days are ahead.”

Once all money is collected for the “Faux-back” jerseys, Miracle Ownership will match the final auction total dollar for dollar and write a check to the American Red Cross – Hurricane Harvey relief.

To stay up to date on upcoming promotional nights, follow the Miracle online at Miraclebaseball.com or through social media; Twitter: @MiracleBaseball, Instagram: fortmyersmiracle, Facebook: Fort Myers Miracle, Snapchat: ftmyersmiracle. To purchase tickets, visit MiracleBaseball.com/tickets or call the front office at (239) 768-4210.

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

Keep Pinellas Beautiful

Threshers August Charity of the Month – Keep Pinellas Beautiful

Since 1992, Keep Pinellas Beautiful has been providing opportunities for meaningful service to bay area residents of all ages. As a volunteer‐based, 501(c)3 nonprofit community action/education organization and certified affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, Keep Pinellas Beautiful forms partnerships with local governments, businesses, schools, non‐profits, and neighborhood organizations to turn public spaces into beautiful places.

Our mission is to conserve and beautify our natural environment by means of community engagement and education. Our four focus areas are litter prevention, waste reduction, conservation, and beautification. From Tampa Bay to the Gulf of Mexico, from Tarpon Springs to Ft. DeSoto, Keep Pinellas Beautiful works with volunteers to foster unity and strengthen community bonds through improvement and beautification efforts across Pinellas County.

Cleaning up our public spaces, parks, neighborhoods and shorelines is only part of the picture. We’re about people working with people for the betterment of our communities. Keep Pinellas Beautiful provides volunteer opportunities that develop individual responsibility and environmental stewardship. Through hands on participation, we get people excited, inspiring an environmental motivation and developing a true sense of pride and ownership. People feel good about volunteering with us because they immediately see the difference they are making in the health and appearance of their community.

To learn how you can take action or donate, visit KPBcares.org, call us at 727-533-0402, and you can follow us on Instagram and like us on Facebook.

RCS Pinellas and the Threshers Hit a Home Run for Families in Need

CLEARWATER, Fla. – RCS Pinellas and the Clearwater Threshers are teaming up to serve families and those in need in Pinellas County. On Monday, August 14, Threshers players will be volunteering at the RCS Food Bank in Clearwater in support of the RCS mission to feed the hungry, help families facing homelessness return to self-sufficiency, and empower survivors of domestic violence.

“How incredibly generous and kind of the Threshers to take time away from their busy season to join us in our daily fight against hunger in our community,” said Kirk Ray Smith, BHS, MHS President and CEO, RCS Pinellas. “Here at RCS Pinellas, we depend on the help of over 2,500 volunteers each year to accomplish our mission. Without individuals and groups like the Threshers there would be no RCS. The real home run is seeing children and families run home with a bag full of groceries!”

As members of the Philadelphia Phillies minor-league system, Threshers players participate in the Step Up Community Service Program – which provides opportunities to volunteer and encourages the young athletes to give back to their local communities. The partnership of RCS and the Threshers represents the service-minded goals of both organizations.

The programs at RCS Pinellas include:

RCS Food Bank – provides nutritious food to our Pinellas County neighbors who need help stretching their grocery budget.

RCS Grace House – helps individuals and families facing homelessness return to self-sufficiency. We provide families with 8 weeks of apartment style housing and other wrap-around services.

RCS Thrift Store – provides high quality shopping experiences for our community and program participants at little or no cost.

The Haven of RCS – provides safety, security and support for women and children facing domestic abuse.

Find out more about RCS Pinellas at rcspinellas.org.  

Tampa Yankees Announce HOPE Week 2017

TAMPA, Fla. – The Tampa Yankees will participate in HOPE Week (Helping Others Persevere & Excel) from Tuesday, August 8th through Saturday, August 12th, 2017.

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

Throughout HOPE Week, the Tampa Yankees will reach out to individuals, families and organizations worthy of recognition and support, surprising honorees with a day celebrating their accomplishments.

Tuesday, August 8th – The Tampa Yankees will attend the Lighthouse Center for Creative Learning (a school for children with autism) and hang out with kids, including playing catch and reading, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Students and families from the center are invited to attend the 7:00 p.m. game vs. the Clearwater Threshers and take the field with the T-Yanks as part of the Baseball Buddies Program.

The Lighthouse Center for Creative Learning has been “helping students find their way for more than 15 years!” For more information, visit www.come2lighthouse.com.

Wednesday, August 9th – The Tampa Yankees will visit A Kid’s Place of Tampa Bay and hang out with the kids, playing games from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

“A Kid’s Place provides residential services to children from birth to age 18, who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect or abandonment and to provide a variety of services which meet the social, educational, medical, and psychological needs of the child.” – www.akidsplacetb.org.

Thursday, August 10th – The Tampa Yankees plan to visit Trinity Café and assist in serving lunch from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Trinity Café opened in 2001. Its mission is “to restore a sense of dignity to the homeless & hungry while serving a nutritious meal. We faithfully treat all of God’s children with dignity, compassion, love, and respect.” – www.trinitycafe.org.

Friday, August 11th – The Make-A-Wish Foundation will attend the 7:00 p.m. game between the Tampa Yankees and St. Lucie Mets and accept donations. The foundation will also participate in the Baseball Buddies Program, giving kids the opportunity to go on the field and meet players. A representative from the Make-A-Wish Foundation will throw out the ceremonial first pitch. More information about the Make-A-Wish Foundation can be found at www.wish.org.

Saturday, August 12th – HOPE Week will conclude with the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation’s “Cut for a Cure” campaign as well as “Blue’s Back to School Party.”

Tampa Yankees players, staff and fans will be able to help pediatric cancer research by having their heads shaved, beginning at 5:00 p.m. Pediatric cancer survivors will be on hand to shave the heads of participants and will then get to participate in the Baseball Buddies program prior to the 6:30 p.m. game vs. the St. Lucie Mets. Click here for more information and to donate to “Cut for a Cure.”

Fans are also invited to join Blue for a back-to-school party. The first 1,000 kids 14-and-younger will receive a T-Yanks drawstring bag, courtesy of OneMain Financial. The night will end with a post-game fireworks show.

To purchase single game tickets, fans can visit the George M. Steinbrenner Field Box Office or go online to www.tybaseball.com. Tickets start at $5 for upper reserved seating, $8 for lower reserved seating, and parking is always free.

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

Blue Jays Bowling Tournament Raises $12,820

DUNEDIN-FL, The Dunedin Blue Jays 2017 Charity Bowling Tournament sponsored by Achieva Credit Union raised $12,820 for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay. 250 local baseball fans participated in the event, joining the entire Dunedin Blue Jays team at Maple Lanes Countryside Bowling Alley in Clearwater for a day of bowling, raffles, silent auctions, and prizes during the team’s fourth annual tournament. Since 2014, the event has raised over $35,000 to support the well-being of local families through Ronald McDonald House Charities.

“The Blue Jays are incredibly grateful for the support of Achieva and the many other sponsors of the event, our players for dedicating their time to helping the local community, and most of all for the two hundred and fifty fans who helped make this year’s event a success,” Kathi Beckman, the Blue Jays Manager of Community Relations, said following the event.

This year’s event set a new record for total dollars raised, surpassing the $11,339 raised during the team’s 2016 bowling tournament. Over $4,500 of the final $12,820 total was raised by the participants of the bowling tournament, each contributing $25 for two games of bowling, a catered lunch, and the opportunity to meet and greet the Blue Jays team. 40 local businesses from the Dunedin area contributed as Lane Sponsors at the event, raising $4000 of the total. The event’s silent auction, which included packages donated by local businesses as well as apparel and memorabilia donated by teams throughout the Toronto organization, raised over $2,400. A 50/50 raffle and Opportunity To Win raffles combined to raise just under $1000.

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

Florida State League/Miami Marlins Scholarship Winners Announced

FORT MYERS, Fla. (August 1, 2017) – The Fort Myers Miracle, Advanced-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins, are proud to announce Mason Wilbanks as their 2017 Florida State League/Miami Marlins Scholarship Award winner. This is the eighteenth (18) straight year for the program, and it is funded by the Miami Marlins and the Florida State League. Each scholarship has a monetary value of $1,500 and is presented to a student employee, child or grandchild of an employee. A total of 216 scholarships have been awarded to qualified applicants since the inception of the program.

“This program is intended to encourage and reward our college summer interns by reinforcing to them that education is key to success in life with or without baseball,” stated Miracle Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer Ben Hemmen. “We thank the Miami Marlins for providing a generous contribution to the Florida State League scholarship program and hope to see this partnership continued for many years to come.”

A rising senior at Florida Gulf Coast University, Mason came to Hammond Stadium each day with a smile on his face and a willingness to help the team in every way possible throughout the summer. He has been a part of the intern team since 2015 when he worked during the Twins’ Spring Training season. The native of Fleming Beach, Florida and graduate of Fleming Beach High School is expected to graduate from FGCU in the spring of 2018 with a degree in Business Management with a Sports Concentration.

“I am blessed and grateful for the opportunities the Fort Myers Miracle have given me,” said Wilbanks. “I would like to thank the Florida State League and the Miracle for selecting me for such a prestigious award. It has truly been a beneficial experience that will be useful as I pursue future endeavors.”

All winners were guests at Marlins Park on July 30, 2017 and were recognized in an on-field pregame introduction before the Miami Marlins took on the Cincinnati Reds. Wilbanks was joined by the following 2017 winners from around the Florida State League:

Bradenton Marauders: Joseph Schneider

Charlotte Stone Crabs: Mackenna Stella Radunz

Clearwater Threshers: Cameron Soltau

Daytona Tortugas: Cameron Wood/Anderson Rathbun

Dunedin Blue Jays: Kelsey McIntosh

Fort Myers Miracle: Mason Wilbanks

Jupiter Hammerheads: Feliciano Grimaldo

Lakeland Flying Tigers: Lexi Hicks

Palm Beach Cardinals: Kyle Nagy

St. Lucie Mets: Mario Pietroluongo

Tampa Yankees: Lyndsay Kane

To stay up to date on upcoming promotional nights, follow the Miracle online at Miraclebaseball.com or through social media; Twitter: @MiracleBaseball, Instagram: fortmyersmiracle, Facebook: Fort Myers Miracle, Snapchat: ftmyersmiracle. To purchase tickets, visit MiracleBaseball.com/tickets. For information or questions regarding the 2017 25th Anniversary Season, call the Miracle offices at (239) 768-4210.

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

Florida State League Announces Annual Scholarship Winners

Tampa, FL. – The Tampa Yankees, in conjunction with the Florida State League and the Miami Marlins, are pleased to announce Lyndsay Kane as their 2017 scholarship award winner. The Florida State League Scholarship committee award 12 individuals with educational scholarships. The committee approved the awards after a review of the applications submitted by all the Florida State League teams.

Lyndsay Kane is currently enrolled at the University of South Florida where she is pursuing a degree in Nursing and has a 3.7 GPA. She previously attended Palm Harbor University in the medical magnet program for High School and then went to St. Petersburg College for one year. This is Lyndsay’s 5th season working the Tampa Yankees.

Lyndsay was honored at the Tampa Yankees home game on July 15th at George M. Steinbrenner Field. In addition, she was introduced during a pre-game ceremony at the Miami Marlins game on Sunday, July 30th along with the other Florida State League teams’ award winners.

The Miami Marlins/Florida State League scholarship program is awarded to students that are an employee of, or the child or grandchild of an employee of the participating club and must be at least a high school junior by the 2018 fall term. The Miami Marlins have sponsored this program for the past seventeen years and have contributed over $160,000 to the Florida State Program.

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

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

Prostate Cancer Awareness Night on Aug. 11

CLEARWATER, Fla. – Prostate Cancer Awareness Night on Friday, August 11, serves as a fundraiser for the Morton Plant Mease Foundation and Ed Randall’s Fans for the Cure. In addition to on-field ceremonies, in-game entertainment, and vendors on the concourse, there will be a silent auction. Guest may bid on the special blue, game-worn jerseys Threshers players and coaches will be sporting on the field that night. Winners of the jersey bidding may go on the field after the game to receive their autographed jersey in-person from the player. Other items in the auction include Phillies memorabilia and merchandise and gift cards from local businesses. Be sure to visit Ed Randall’s Fans for the Cure table for a chance to win a team-autographed bat.

Gates open at 5:30 p.m. for the 6:15 p.m. game with the Lakeland Flying Tigers. The first 1,000 men to arrive will receive a free Men’s Zipper Travel Bag courtesy of Academy Bus.

Stay after the game for a rocking concert by Stormbringer, part of the Threshers Summer Concert Series presented by Leinenkugel. From the band’s website, StormbringerBand.com:

“What band can perform the most iconic rock songs of all time? What band can play the most challenging hits that other bands would never dream to attempt? And what band has been thrilling local, national and international audiences for over 21 years? The answer is Tampa Bay’s Stormbringer band.

Boasting the very same members for the last 21 years, Stormbringer effortlessly delivers air tight renditions of hit songs like Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody, Pink Floyd’s The Wall and Bon Jovi’s Livin’ on a Prayer. A stunning concert act that also possesses a rockin’ catalogue of non-stop party and dance songs, the band provides crowd pleasing music to perfectly match any large event.

Stormbringer features soaring lead vocals, crisp four-part harmonies, thunderous drums, dramatic keyboards and crunching guitars in their hundred-plus song repertoire. But the band has another amazing distinction that sets them apart from the others. Stormbringer is employed by rock’s biggest artists to back them in concert when they don’t use their own band. Legendary Classic Rock heroes hire Stormbringer because the music is reproduced and performed with spot-on accuracy and jaw dropping precision.”

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

Tampa Yankees to Host Annual “Christmas in July Toy Run”

Tampa, Fla. – The Tampa Yankees will host their annual “Christmas in July Toy Run” on Saturday, July 15th, presented by Full Throttle Magazine, Harley Davidson of Tampa and Fran Haasch Law Firm. Motorcyclists will deliver toys to St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital before heading to George M. Steinbrenner Field. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. and the Yankees will battle the Florida Fire Frogs at 6:30 p.m.

Motorcyclists are invited to bring an unwrapped toy to Tampa Harley Davidson before riding to St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital to deliver the toys. Bikers are then welcome to ride onto the warning track at George M. Steinbrenner Field for the National Anthem and will receive free tickets, food vouchers and Tampa Yankee hats.

Those who are not motorcyclists can still donate by bringing unwrapped toys to the stadium box office in exchange for a free upper reserved ticket. Players will then deliver the toys to the hospital.

Salute to Service Members Saturday will also be recognized. All military personnel receive a free upper reserved ticket with a valid identification. Also, select players will sign autographs on the concourse from 5:40 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

To purchase tickets, fans can visit the George M. Steinbrenner Field Box Office or go online to www.tybaseball.com. Tickets start at $5 for upper reserved seating, $8 for lower reserved seating, and parking is always free.

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

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

Tampa Yankees to Recognize “Everyday Heroes” in July 4th Celebration

Tampa, Fla. – The Tampa Yankees invite fans to celebrate Independence Day at George M. Steinbrenner Field on Tuesday, July 4th. Gates will open at 6:00 p.m. and the T-Yanks will battle the Fort Myers Miracle at 7:00 p.m. After the game, fans can witness a fireworks extravaganza.

As a thank you to our “Everyday Heroes,” the T-Yanks will offer free admission to all EMT, firefighters, police and military personnel with a valid identification.

Players and coaches will be wearing custom camouflage jerseys that will be available in an online auction at tampayankees.milbauctions.com. The auction will run through the end of the season, with the proceeds benefiting “My Warrior’s Place.”

“This program assists our local heroes and their families who have suffered a catastrophic event, such as a life-threatening disease, fire or flood. Realizing money is not the only thing needed during a time of crisis, we meet practical needs as well. Individuals and local business owners help meet those needs at no cost to the family. Our program matches individuals and families with available resources within our community.” – www.mywarriorsplace.org.

In addition, fans can take advantage of a July 4th Four-Pack Ticket Offer: Four lower reserved tickets, four Dellin Betances bobbleheads and four TY camouflage hats for $40.00. This offer is exclusively available online while supplies last and will run until July 3rd at 11:59 p.m. Four-packs will not be sold on the day of the game. To purchase a four-pack, fans can click here.

To purchase single tickets for the “July 4th Celebration,” fans can visit the George M. Steinbrenner Field Box Office or go online to www.tybaseball.com. Tickets start at $5 for upper reserved seating, $8 for lower reserved seating, and parking is always free.

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

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

Pitch for Pink is Friday, July 14

CLEARWATER, Fla. – Join the Clearwater Threshers for the 12th annual Pitch for Pink event on Friday, July 14, at Spectrum Field. The breast cancer awareness event and fundraiser has generated more than $254,000 for the Morton Plant Mease Foundation. Stay after the game for a spectacular fireworks show, presented by Clearwater Gas.

Gates open at 5:30 p.m. for the 6:15 p.m. game with the Bradenton Marauders. The first 1,000 fans to arrive will receive a commemorative stainless steel travel mug from Banquet Masters. Pregame honoring of those who have battled breast cancer includes a Survivor’s Walk around the field, always a touching moment to recognize those affected by the terrible disease.

“Not only is Pitch for Pink a financial help to the programs designed for those affected by breast cancer, but it gives those people a night where the community rallies around them and shows their support,” said Threshers Promotions and Community Relations Manager, Amanda Koch.

Amanda has had her life touched by breast cancer, as the disease runs in her family. She is dedicated to the cause has helped the Threshers build Pitch for Pink into a powerful tool to help others touched by breast cancer.

A major part of the evening’s fundraising efforts is the silent auction, featuring Phillies and Threshers memorabilia plus gift packages donated by local businesses. Also included in the auction are the special pink jerseys being worn by the Threshers players on-field during the game. Winners of the jerseys may head down to the field after the game to receive their autographed jersey personally from the player.

The night is capped by an amazing post-game fireworks show, presented by Clearwater Gas.

Tickets for Pitch for Pink are $6-$10 and group packages are available. Information and tickets are available at ThreshersBaseball.com and the Spectrum Field box office, 727-467-4457.

For information on how to donate items for the silent auction and raffle prizes, contact Amanda at 727-712-4405 or at akoch@threshersbaseball.com.

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

Tampa Yankees to “Strike Out Cancer” on Saturday, June 3rd

Tampa, Fla. – The Tampa Yankees team up with BayCare for “Strike Out Cancer Night” on Saturday, June 3rd, in support of cancer awareness and research. Gates open at 5:00 p.m. and the T-Yanks take on the Jupiter Hammerheads at 6:30 p.m. After the game, fans are invited to stay for a fireworks show, presented by Avis and AIG.

Players and coaches will wear custom “Strike Out Cancer Night” uniforms. Five select jerseys will be auctioned online at www.tampayankees.milbauctions.com; all others will be entered in a silent auction and available for bid at the game. All proceeds from the jersey auction will benefit cancer awareness and research at BayCare.

“BayCare is a leading not-for-profit health care system that connects individuals and families to a wide range of services at 14 hospitals and hundreds of other convenient locations throughout the Tampa Bay and central Florida regions. Inpatient and outpatient services include acute care, primary care, imaging, laboratory, behavioral health, home care, and wellness. Our mission is to improve the health of all we serve through community-owned, health care services that set the standard for high-quality, compassionate care.” – www.baycare.org.

To purchase tickets for “Strike Out Cancer Night,” fans can visit the George M. Steinbrenner Field Box Office or by clicking here. Tickets start at $5 for upper reserved seating, $8 for lower reserved seating, and parking is always free.

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

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

Veterans and Military Appreciation Night on June 3

TICKETS

The Clearwater Threshers will present Veterans and Military Appreciation Night with superstar wrestler Sgt. Slaughter and post-game fireworks on Saturday, June 3, at Spectrum Field. The evening is presented by Bosley and Bratch, Lawyers for Veterans. The night will also feature a hero card set giveaway, on-field ceremonies, military vehicles and equipment on display, a silent auction, and vendors on the concourse.

Professional wrestling star Sgt. Slaughter will be participating in the pregame program, and available for autographs on the concourse. Sgt. Slaughter rose to stardom in the WWE in the 1980s and 90s with his enthusiastic brand of American patriotism and his “Cobra Clutch” finishing move. Sgt. Slaughter is currently a member of the WWE Ambassador program.

The Threshers solicited nominations of local military personnel, both active and veteran, to be featured in a baseball card set of heroes that will be given away to guests as they enter the ballpark. A total of 1,000 card sets will be distributed, courtesy of Bosley and Bratch. Heroes selected for the card set, or their representatives, will be honored on the field prior to the game.

The evening will also include parachute jumpers, a swearing-in ceremony for recruits, and a silent auction fundraiser. Threshers players and coaches will be wearing special camouflage jerseys that will be included in the silent auction; winners will meet the players on-field after the game to receive their autographed jersey.

Veterans and Military Appreciation Night is in its seventh year at Spectrum Field. Representatives from the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard will be on-hand for the event. Many veterans groups and support organizations will also participate.

Returning for a second year is a softball tournament in the afternoon of Veterans and Military Appreciation Night. Four teams from the USCG Air Station Clearwater, USCG Sector St. Petersburg, VETSports Tampa, and a team of veterans from several branches will play three games starting at 1 p.m. Tickets are available for the afternoon softball games and include admission for the Threshers game and food from the Hot Corner Café.

The gates for the public will open at 5 p.m. on June 3 for the 6:15 p.m. game against the Charlotte Stone Crabs, followed by a post-game fireworks display. A portion of the proceeds from the day will benefit two local charities, the Haley House Fund and the Injured Warriors Fund. For ticket information, visit the Spectrum Field ticket office or call 727-467-4457.

TICKETS

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

Marauders Partner with Jake Taraska Foundation

Bradenton, Fla. – The Bradenton Marauders will raise funds and awareness for the battle against cancer on Friday, May 12. The team has partnered with the Jake Taraska Foundation, a Sarasota-based charity helping those afflicted with pediatric cancer. JTF founder Jake Taraska is a pediatric cancer survivor. The Marauders host the Palm Beach Cardinals at 6:30 p.m. Gates open at 4:30 p.m.

The Jake Taraska Foundation is a 501(c)3 non profit organization that is committed to provide hope and smiles to all families who are affected with pediatric cancer. The goal of the foundation is to encourage and uplift the children and the family who are going through pediatric cancer. Every dollar that is donated to the Jake Taraska Foundation goes directly to helping kids and their families. Jake Taraska uses his passion for sports to help children take their minds off of their daily struggles with pediatric cancer. JTF has teamed up with the Bradenton Marauders to raise money and awareness to strike out pediatric cancer.

“Baseball is a game near and dear to my heart,” Taraska said. “I’m excited to partner with the Marauders to continue my life’s mission of helping pediatric cancer patients and their families.”

The Marauders will wear white jerseys with purple sleeves symbolic of the fight against pediatric cancer. The letters and numbers on the jerseys will feature the multi-colored ribbons associated with other various forms of cancer. The jerseys will be available for silent auction to raise money for JTF. Winning bidders will be invited onto the field post-game to receive the jersey and have it autographed by the player or coach that wore it.

“Cancer has affected everyone at some time or another,” Marauders General Manager Rachelle Madrigal said. “We all know someone that has had their life altered or tragically cut short because of cancer. We are proud to be partnering with a local charity that has done such tremendous work for children and their families in the fight against pediatric cancer.”

The LECOM Park box office hours are Tuesday-Friday non-gamedays from 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. On gamedays the box office will be open on weekdays from 11:00 a.m. until the end of the game and on Saturdays from 3:30 until the end of the game. The box office will open two hours prior to Sunday games and 10:30 a.m. games.

For more information about the Bradenton Marauders, 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.