Blue Wahoos Show Gratitude with Military Mascots

Pensacola, Fla. – To kick off Military Appreciation Month, the Pensacola Blue Wahoos have unveiled five new mascots representing each branch of the United States Military. The mascots participate in an on-field race between innings during every home game at Blue Wahoos Stadium.

“We thought it would be so wonderful to honor the military and we thought we could have a lot of fun with fans rooting on who can win each night,” said team owner Quint Studer.

A blue falcon with a flight helmet represents the Air Force, the Army is depicted by a mule, a bulldog for the Marines, the Coast Guard is depicted by a bear and the Navy is a goat. The mascots represent the appreciation the Blue Wahoos have collectively as an organization for the men and women who serve our country, in particular, those assigned to our many bases around the Pensacola area.

“We started this last August, so it has been over a year in planning between design and the finished product,” said Blue Wahoos President Jonathan Griffith. “We got a lot of feedback from the military community. We wanted to make sure we represented the military right.”

The Blue Wahoos will launch a naming contest for each of the mascots later in the summer. Fans will be given the opportunity to submit creative names for each of the mascots. The names will be ceremoniously chosen to conclude the contest.

 

– Pensacola Blue Wahoos – 

The Pensacola Blue Wahoos are the Double-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds. The 2018 season is underway at beautiful Blue Wahoos Stadium on Pensacola Bay. Group packages, season tickets, mini plans and single-game tickets are available for the 2018 season by calling (850) 934-8444 or online. Follow the Blue Wahoos at bluewahoos.com, facebook.com/PensacolaBlueWahoos, and twitter.com/BlueWahoosBBall

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

Purple Heart Saturdays Honor Local Veterans

Every Saturday home game during the 2018 season is a Purple Heart Saturday where local Purple Heart recipients are honored on the field! Plus, Stone Crabs players wear special purple jerseys that will be auctioned off online during the season.

On Opening Night, the Stone Crabs brought twenty Purple Heart recipients to the field during the middle of the 7th inning for recognition. As part of the celebration the Military Order of the Purple Heart, U.S.A Chapter 759 honored the Stone Crabs with a special recognition award and made a Proclamation declaring the Stone Crabs as an official Purple Heart Minor League Baseball Team.

Fans will also have the opportunity to honor veterans that they know by posting pictures and information on Stone Crabs social media. These photos will then be displayed on the video board during Saturday games. For more information on how to submit a veteran, please email Ashley Stephenson at astephenson@stonecrabsbaseball.com

To purchase tickets for a Purple Heart Saturday or any other game this season, fans can go online or call 941-206-HITS. Fans can also purchase tickets in person at the FCB Box Office Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

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

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Threshers Baseball Camp June 11-14

2018 Clearwater Threshers Baseball Camp Info & Forms

CLEARWATER THRESHERS BASEBALL CAMP 2018

Registration is open and space is limited.

  • Monday, June 11 – Thursday, June 14; 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
  • Children ages 6-13
  • $160 per child

Each camper receives:

  • Group and individual instruction by Threshers players and coaches, and NextUp Academy
  • Camp t-shirt and Threshers hat
  • Lunch each day from 12-12:20 p.m.
  • Wednesday’s 10:30 a.m. Threshers game and one free ticket to Thursday’s 7 p.m. game

To Register:

  • Fill out the forms below and mail with a check
  • OR register and pay with a credit card in-person in the Spectrum Field administrative office during business hours
  • Call Will at 727-712-4415 with any questions

2018 Clearwater Threshers Baseball Camp Info & Forms

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

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Tortugas Partner with Blossoms Workforce Academy

DAYTONA BEACH, FL –The Daytona Tortugas are partnering with the Blossoms Workforce Academy for the 2018 season, as announced Tuesday afternoon. Blossoms Workforce Academy was founded with a mission to develop a workforce that has been empowered with knowledge, skills and ethical work practice to promote the best interests of local healthcare providers and general businesses within Volusia County and to the wider State of Florida,and will be sponsoring all mound visits at Jackie Robinson Ballpark during the 2018 season.

 

“Blossoms Workforce Academy is very excited to partner with the Daytona Tortugas for the 2018 season. Because our mission is identical to the Tortugas in giving back to the community, promoting diversity, and stressing the importance of education and learning. Blossoms’ partnership with the Tortugas was a no-brainer. We look forward to our partnership in creating an atmospheric community for togetherness, where everybody has an opportunity to learn and grow,” said Blossoms CEO Paul Sturdgess.

 

Blossoms teaches CPR and AED training, provides CNA test prep and scheduling, and teaches customer service and management skills to all members of the community, among other services.

 

“We’re very happy to partner with a company like Blossoms Workforce Academy,” said Tortugas president Ryan Keur. “The services that they provide, and the way they are able to help so many in our community, align with our organizational goals.”

 

The Tortugas hope the mound visits will be one-sided when the season begins this Thursday, April 5th, against the Florida Fire Frogs. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM with fireworks to follow the final out. To purchase your tickets, call the Tortugas at (386) 257-3172 or visit daytonatortugas.com.

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

Fort Myers Miracle offer $15,000 in sponsorships to Little League, Cal Ripken organizations in Southwest Florida

The Fort Myers Miracle are donating $15,000 to sponsor 21 youth baseball and softball organizations across Southwest Florida.

The sponsorships will help area leagues pay for much-needed equipment, supplies and operational costs. In Southwest Florida, the spring season for Little League and Cal Ripken seasons began in January and runs through May, with all-star teams forming at season’s end. Some leagues also offer fall ball.

“Youth baseball and softball leagues strive to keep registration costs as low as possible, and many organizations are run entirely by volunteers, from the local governing boards down to coaches, umpires and concession stands,” said Chris Peters, president and general manager of the Fort Myers Miracle. “That’s why it is so important for businesses to take a leadership role in supporting youth sports. Every child deserves a chance to play ball.”

In addition to Little League and Cal Ripken sponsorships and frequent community appearances by players and staff, the Miracle also offer a variety of youth-oriented programs at the ballpark. The Achieva Credit Union Baseball Buddies program recognizes youth teams by allowing children to stand side-by-side with Miracle players during the National Anthem. On Family Sundays, children can play catch on the field before the game and run the bases after the game. At select home games, children can receive free tickets by showing their report cards or coming dressed in their team uniform.

“The Miracle have long been a supporter of youth sports in Southwest Florida, and we gladly welcome their teams and players at the ballpark,” said Jason Hochberg, founder and CEO of SJS Beacon, which owns the Miracle. “We hope to continue our partnership with area youth organizations for many years to come.”

Little League International is a nonprofit organization based in South Williamsport, Penn., and organizes baseball and softball leagues throughout the world. Programs are available for boys and girls ages 4 to 16. Cal Ripken Baseball is a division of the Babe Ruth League and headquartered in Hamilton, N.J. Its leagues are designed for players ages 4 to 12.

The Fort Myers Miracle, the Class-A Advanced Affiliate of the Minnesota Twins, begin the 2018 season on Thursday, April 5 against the Charlotte Stone Crabs. The 140-game regular season schedule runs through Sunday, Sept. 2.

For more information about the Fort Myers Miracle, visit MiracleBaseball.com or call 239-768-4210.

About the Miracle

The Fort Myers Miracle are the Class-A Advanced Affiliate of the Minnesota Twins, and have played home games at Hammond Stadium since 1992. Notable Miracle alumni include Joe Mauer, Miguel Sano, Byron Buxton and Torii Hunter. Follow the Miracle online at MiracleBaseball.com or through its social media channels: Twitter (@MiracleBaseball), Instagram (fortmyersmiracle), Facebook (Fort Myers Miracle) and Snapchat (ftmyersmiracle). Opening Night at Hammond Stadium is Thursday, April 5 against the Charlotte Stone Crabs. For questions or ticket information, call the Miracle at 239-768-4210.

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

Miracle present checks for Irma relief

FORT MYERS, Fla. – In the past few weeks, the Fort Myers Miracle completed check presentations to eight charities across the Southwest Florida community that have played a major role in Hurricane Irma relief efforts.

This was made possible by a $13,000 donation from MiLB Charities. The Miracle then allocated the money to the following organizations: Lee County Schools, Harry Chapin Food Bank, Midwest Food Bank, Southwest Florida Community Foundation, Goodwill, New Horizons of Southwest Florida, Naples Zoo, and Everglades Wonder Gardens.

“We selected these organizations because of their incredible commitment to this community after the devastation of Hurricane Irma,” Miracle owner Jason Hochberg said. “As the community’s baseball team, we felt this was the least we could do to thank them for their efforts.”

The check presentations included leaders from all the organizations, Miracle mascot Sway, and representatives from the Miracle front office.

“As a non-for profit all funds are deeply appreciated,” Karl Steidinger, Director of Operations for Midwest Food Bank said. “The money will help us continue both our relief effort in the aftermath of Irma and our mission to alleviate hunger in southwest Florida. We are grateful for organizations like the Fort Myers Miracle that share in our passion to help others in our communities. Together we will make a difference our community and beyond!”

The Minnesota Twins, the parent club of the Miracle, also pitched in to help with Irma relief. They partnered with the Boston Red Sox to contribute $200,000 to the Southwest Florida Community Foundation. Miracle ownership and fans have also donated over $20,000 to various charities for Irma relief.

“It was great to see the entire community come together in the wake of the worst storm to hit this area in a long time,” Miracle general manager Chris Peters said. “The aftermath of Irma was tough, but the worst brought out the best in Southwest Florida and helped speed up the recovery process. We are happy to have helped and our hats go off to these great organizations.

The Miracle will host an Irma Recovery/First Responders night at the CenturyLink Sports Complex in April. Opening Night is April 5, when the Miracle host the Charlotte Stone Crabs.

To stay up to date on the Miracle, follow us online at Miraclebaseball.com or through social media; Twitter: @MiracleBaseball, Instagram: fortmyersmiracle, Facebook: Fort Myers Miracle, Snapchat: ftmyersmiracle. For further information or questions, 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.

Jays Donate Equipment To Youth In Nicaragua

The Blue Jays were in a hurry following their Florida State League North Division Championship victory over the Tampa Yankees in early September. Hurricane Irma was bearing down on Florida, forcing the FSL to cancel it’s championship series and cram the final two games of the North Division championship into a doubleheader, and most of the team was set to be shuttled to the airport as soon as they got their bags packed following Dunedin’s title win.

Despite their tight schedule and the emotions piling up in the room, the euphoria from having just won a championship, the anxiety from the impending hurricane, and the sadness always found at the end of a long season bidding farewell to teammates and friends, the 2017 Dunedin Blue Jays team united for one final community service project before they parted ways.

The team pulled a large cardboard box into the clubhouse and began filling it with their equipment. When it overflowed with cleats, bats, hats, batting gloves, and other gear, they grabbed a second box to hold even more equipment to be donated to youth baseball players in need.

This past week, the Blue Jays equipment was transported to Nicaragua and distributed to youth baseball players and teams.

Despite baseball being the national sport of the Central American country, civil war, natural disasters, and poverty have created conditions that make it difficult for young ballplayers to access the basic equipment needed to play the game at a high level. Only fourteen Nicaraguans have ever played in the Major Leagues and just three appeared in an MLB game during the 2017 season. With three quarters of the country living on less than $2 per day, sports equipment is simply too expensive for most families.

Partnering with the non-profit Helping Kids Round First and the St. Petersburg College baseball team, the Blue Jays helped make it possible for children in the impoverished Somotillo and Somoto regions of northern Nicaragua and young athletes in the city of Rivas to play the game of baseball. Players ranging in ages from 5 to 16 were provided with gloves, bats, hats, batting gloves, baseballs, cleats, and catching gear, many receiving those items for the first time in their lives.

In northern Nicaragua, the equipment was delivered in small communities of subsistence farmers where highly competitive youth baseball leagues are played on livestock grazing land between villages. Too excited to even wait for the pastures to be cleared of animals to play, bullpen sessions broke out next to bean fields outside of the farmers’ houses.

When volunteers arrived in Rivas, the team chosen to receive equipment was in the middle of a sandlot game with two dirt-blackened baseballs and a single hand-made wooden bat. Players on both sides shared fielding gloves. Within minutes of receiving their new equipment, the ballplayers had returned to the field, too anxious to try out their new gloves and bats to be herded together for a photo.

For many players, Dunedin is a step on the path to a Major League career. Thanks to the generosity of the 2017 Blue Jays players, Dunedin has helped young baseball players in Nicaragua take the first step towards a career in baseball that otherwise would not have been possible.

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

Stone Crabs Unveil 2018 Make-A-Difference Monday Initiative

The Charlotte Stone Crabs, Advanced ‘A’ affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays, are pleased to announce their Make-A-Difference Monday program for the 2018 season. During the Stone Crabs’ 10th season, the organization will select four non-profits and each organization will receive proceeds from the ticket sales from all eight Monday home games.

The Charlotte Stone Crabs, Advanced ‘A’ affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays, are pleased to announce their Make-A-Difference Monday program for the 2018 season. During the Stone Crabs’ 10th season, the organization will select four non-profits and each organization will receive proceeds from the ticket sales from all eight Monday home games.

“We’re very excited to unveil the revamped Make-A-Difference Monday initiative for 2018,” said Stone Crabs General Manager Jared Forma. “The Make-A-Difference Monday program was introduced prior to the 2016 season and has been successful for us in the past, but we wanted to make some changes to enable the Stone Crabs to to give back even more in 2018. We love being part of such a special community and are so fortunate to have so many unbelievable non-profit organizations working tirelessly making this great community even better. We cannot wait to get started on this new year of giving back!”

The Stone Crabs and the four selected non-profit organizations will work together to drive ticket sales for all eight Monday home games during the teams’ 10th season. Each non-profit will have the opportunity to generate ticket sales on their end through the use of an online code that represents the organization. Proceeds of $5.00 from each online ticket sale will be dispersed to the non-profit organization as a donation from the Charlotte Stone Crabs.

All four Make-A-Difference Monday organizations will be featured on Stone Crabs’ social media, e-newsletters, radio and website advertising throughout the 2018 campaign. At the conclusion of the season, the Stone Crabs will host an on-field check presentation for each non-profit from the Make-A-Difference Monday program.

For more information on the Make-A-Difference Monday program or to submit an application for your non-profit, contact the Stone Crabs at info@stonecrabsbaseball.com or click below to download an application.

Make-A-Difference Monday Application (PDF)

Season Ticket Packages and Mini Plans are on sale now for 2018! Reserve your seats today and be a part of the action during the 10th season of Stone Crabs Baseball. Call 941-206-HITS or visit the Tickets & Promotions tab on StoneCrabsBaseball.com for more information.

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

Daytona Tortugas Make Donation for Giving Tuesday

DAYTONA BEACH, FL – The Daytona Tortugas announced today that, in partnership with BUSH’S® Beans, they will provide a donation to Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida as part of #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration, on Tuesday, Nov. 28.

Celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving and the widely-recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving. Since its inaugural year in 2012, #GivingTuesday has become a movement that celebrates and supports generosity and philanthropy.

This past season, Gavin LaValley was named the BUSH’S Most Valuable Player (MVP) at the 2017 Florida State League All-Star Game in Lakeland, Florida, after homering twice and finishing 2-for-3 with four RBI’s in a 5-2 victory for the North division. As an extension of this award, BUSH’S and the Tortugas will provide a $1,000 donation to Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida.

“The Tortugas are blessed to be surrounded by such great partners in Minor League Baseball and BUSH’S Beans,” said Ryan Keur, President of the Daytona Tortugas. “The commitment to our community is evident with the support of this donation and impacts many lives throughout Central Florida. The Tortugas, BUSH’S Beans and Minor League Baseball strive each day to build better communities.”

 

BUSH’S Beans sponsored 11 All-Star Game MVP awards throughout Minor League Baseball this summer. BUSH’S is making a donation to a local charitable organization chosen by each MVP Award winner’s home club.

“One of the things that attracted BUSH’S to Minor League Baseball is how the clubs and their local communities support each other,” said Mike Morris, Senior Brand Manager at Bush Brothers & Company. “We are proud to recognize the contributions of each BUSH’S MVP Award winner by giving back to his team’s local charity.”

Minor League Baseball unveiled a multi-year, strategic partnership with BUSH’S Beans last December, making it the “Official Beans of Minor League Baseball,” and a “Preferred Partner” of a number of MiLB teams, beginning in 2017. Bush Brothers & Company is the recognized brand leader in beans. The partnership was activated across a range of touch-points this year, including in-ballpark celebrations such as National Baked Bean Month in July and the integration of a variety of BUSH’S Beans products in teams’ concessions.

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About Minor League Baseball  

 

Minor League Baseball, headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida, is the governing body for all professional baseball teams in the United States, Canada and the Dominican Republic that are affiliated with Major League Baseball® clubs through their farm systems. Fans are coming out in unprecedented numbers to this one-of-a-kind experience that can only be found at Minor League Baseball ballparks. In 2017, Minor League Baseball attracted 41.8 million fans to its ballparks to see the future stars of the sport hone their skills. From the electricity in the stands to the excitement on the field, Minor League Baseball has provided affordable family-friendly entertainment to people of all ages since its founding in 1901. For more information, visit www.MiLB.com.

Follow Minor League Baseball on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

About BUSH’S® Beans

BUSH’S® is all about friends & family, and a certain Secret Family Recipe. When you enjoy our beans (doesn’t matter if they’re baked beans, chili beans, black beans, pinto beans…well, you get the picture), you can trust that they’re the very best. Because we wouldn’t serve your family anything less. Since we got our start more than 100 years ago in Chestnut Hill, Tenn., BUSH’S® has always maintained that quality is the best policy. We pursue excellence and exceptional taste in our beans, sauces and everything we do. That’s why, from mouthwatering Baked Beans & Chili Beans to satisfying bean recipes, you’re cooking up the best with BUSH’S BEST®. For more information, visit www.bushbeans.com.

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

Jackie Robinson Ballpark to Become Tobacco Free

DAYTONA BEACH, FL – On Thursday, November 16th, the Daytona Tortugas will be making a special announcement regarding Radiology Associates Field at Jackie Robinson Ballpark. The Daytona Tortugas will announce plans for a tobacco free ballpark in 2018 with the support of community partners including the Tobacco Free Volusia County Partnership, One Voice for Volusia, Bethune-Cookman University, the Florida Department of Health in Volusia County, and others.

 

In 2017, the Daytona Tortugas have welcomed over 175,000 fans to Tortugas games, charity runs, concerts and many other events at the ballpark. The Tortugas mission is to provide affordable, family-fun entertainment to Volusia and Flagler Counties, and the Central Florida Region. The Tobacco Free Policy will prohibit tobacco use in the ballpark, including electronic devices and apply to all Tortugas staff, players and fans.

 

Jackie Robinson Ballpark becoming a tobacco free ballpark is part of a movement by the Tortugas to help exemplify a healthy environment and create a positive model for our youth to follow. Daytona Tortugas President, Ryan Keur stated “this is a big step for the Tortugas and Jackie Robinson Ballpark in our community. As the premier family destination for Volusia County, it’s important that we are role models in our community and provide a healthy, family-friendly atmosphere for our fans.” A Tobacco Free Florida booth will be present at the games, providing information on how to quit tobacco use.

 

The Tortugas will be celebrating this change with The Great American Smoke Out at The Jack on Thursday, November 16th, sponsored by Tobacco Free Florida and the State of Florida. To commemorate the event, the Tortugas will be holding a press conference and Mayor’s Luncheon. Interested community members are invited to attend and celebrate this initiative with the Tortugas and their mascot Shelldon. The event begins at 12:00 pm on Thursday, November 16th.

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

Stone Crabs / Tampa Bay Rays Awarded Business of the Year

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. – The Charlotte Stone Crabs and the Tampa Bay Rays were honored as the Large Business of the Year by the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce at the Chamber’s 92nd Annual Awards Luncheon on Friday, September 29. The annual event, held at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, was attended by hundreds of local business leaders and honors businesses and non-profits for their achievements.

There were over 30 nominees for the small, medium and large businesses of the year. The awards committee chose the Stone Crabs and Rays Spring Training for the tireless work they do within and for the community while also providing a fun, exciting and affordable entertainment experience.

“Wow, this is beyond humbling and such a great honor,” said Stone Crabs General Manager Jared Forma. “All you have to do is look at the other nominees and all the unbelievable work they do to understand what an honor it is just to be nominated, let alone to be selected for such a prestigious award. We cannot thank the Chamber and the Awards Committee enough for this honor.” Forma Continued.

The 2017 seasons were a tremendous year at the Sports Park. Spring Training attendance was up for the 18 games played this year and the Stone Crabs attendance increased by over 25,000 people this season, their highest season total since 2011 and it included an all-time franchise single game attendance record of 7,515 on July 29, 2017. Above all else at the Sports Park, it’s all of the community outreach, mascot and player appearances, involving the kids in countless programs, and giving back to the community that supports them that is most special.

“First off, this is an organizational and a community award,” said Forma. “Without the great, dedicated part-time staff we employee this would not be possible. Without our community-first ownership group this would not be possible. Without the time and energy of the front office staff that I am so fortunate to have working at the Sports Park this would not be possible.” Forma continued.

“And most importantly, without all of our great partners and fans, the greatest partners and fans a team could ask to have, this would not be possible. This is truly a community award that we, the community’s team are humbly honored to receive.” said Forma.

The 2018 Tampa Bay Rays Spring Training and Charlotte Stone Crabs schedules and ticket information will be released in the coming weeks.

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

Fort Myers Miracle Ownership Gifts $10,000 to the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, Inc.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (September 27, 2017) – The Fort Myers Miracle, Advanced-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins, have announced that Miracle ownership, SJS Beacon Baseball LLC, will be donating $10,000 to the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools Inc. Those who would also like to donate to the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools Inc. may do so at https://thefoundationforleecountypublicschools.networkforgood.com/projects/36335-hurricane-irma-school-relief-fund.

“With this donation today and our other efforts, the Miracle continue to provide targeted relief to those impacted by Hurricane Irma,” stated Miracle principal owner Jason Hochberg. “Many schools in Lee County and most importantly, their students were impacted by the hurricane. The funds provided today by the Miracle will go directly to help those students and repair the schools. We encourage Miracle fans to support the Foundation as well.”

This is the second major donation from team ownership due to Hurricane Irma. Back on September 13, it was announced that funds would be donated 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/

“Thank you to the Fort Myers Miracle for this incredibly generous donation to our students, families, and employees who have been impacted by Hurricane Irma,” said Dr. Gregory Adkins, Superintendent of the school district of Lee County. “The effects of the storm have been devastating to our community, and we very much appreciate the support and partnership of the Fort Myers Miracle in helping families rebuild their lives.”

The Miracle will hold a clothing drive in the team store at Hammond Stadium on Friday, September 29 from 12 PM to 6 PM. Fans are encouraged to bring in clothing items to help those affected by Irma. Each item of clothing donated allows fans to purchase ANY team store item at 50% off. Irma relief shirts and caps will also be available for the first time outside of online sales. However, none of those items are eligible for the 50% discount in the store.

Beyond Friday and into the 2018 Season, the team will continue their Irma Relief shirt and cap sales online. Those items can be found by visiting http://miracle.milbstore.com/store.cfm?store_id=107

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.

Fort Myers Miracle to Sell Hurricane Irma Relief Shirts; All Proceeds Go to Relief Efforts

FORT MYERS, Fla. (September 19, 2017) – Having announced a new “Hurricane Irma Relief” logo designed by Brandiose last Wednesday, the Fort Myers Miracle, Advanced-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins, are ready to offer t-shirts for purchase to the public. Each t-shirt is $20 and all proceeds will benefit those affected by Hurricane Irma.

“Being able to offer an option for anyone to give back to our Southwest Florida community and the state of Florida is what Minor League Baseball is all about,” said Miracle Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Ben Hemmen. “It is a pleasure to say all of our relief shirts are being produced by Vivid Images USA out of Jacksonville. There is nothing better to see than people in Florida helping those in Florida who have been affected by this deadly storm. That is truly teamwork. We have gotten nothing but positive feedback on this logo and, again, want to thank Brandiose for their design.”

The Miracle have begun taking online orders for the shirts. The public can get ahold of this unique design to help show their support for the storm that hit Southwest Florida and the entire state by visiting http://miracle.milbstore.com/store_contents.cfm?store_id=107&product_id=96983. In addition to online orders, the shirts will also be available in the Miracle team store once it reopens.

Hammond Stadium and the CenturyLink Sports Complex is still being used as a staging area for disaster relief. Upon initial review, the CenturyLink Sports Complex / Hammond Stadium sustained minor damage from Hurricane Irma. The stadium and Miracle offices are back with power but remain closed to the general public until further notice. Once the grounds are open to the public again, the team store will also open its doors with limited hours of operation.

“We want to thank everyone who responded to our press release last week,” stated Hemmen. “Our inboxes, voicemails and social media direct message inboxes were filled with your thoughts and generous offers for helping alongside with us. We are still looking for ways to reach those that need it the most. If you know of those in need, please contact our office so we can add them to our list.”

The Miracle front office is on hand and ready to answer the call of anyone in need within the community. If you or someone you know needs disaster relief of any kind, do not hesitate to contact the front office for support. 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.

Clearwater Parks and Rec. with Phillies Florida Serve Lunch After Hurricane Irma

The City of Clearwater Parks and Rec along with Phillies Florida Operations, fed hundreds of city employees and emergency volunteers lunch this week at Spectrum Field during the recovery from Hurricane Irma.

The Phillies had the inventory available at the park and the city provided volunteers to assist. Many of the people enjoying a warm hamburger or hot dog were without power at home themselves.

During times of need in our community, the Phillies are grateful to work with such amazing partners like the City of Clearwater and are thankful for the safety of the families in our organization.

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

DeGraaf Wins Jays Community Service Award

Dunedin Blue Jays starting pitcher Josh DeGraaf had a memorable season on the field, establishing himself as Dunedin’s ace in the second half and helping to pitch the team to a share of the Florida State League’s Championship. While his impact was great between the white lines, DeGraaf made many more memories for members of our local Dunedin community off the field. For his continued efforts to support the local community, DeGraaf was recently honored as the Blue Jays 2017 Community Service Award winner.

The Blue Jays Community Service Award has been given annually since 2012 to the Blue Jays player who best exemplifies the team’s commitment to enriching the Dunedin community through a variety of outreach programs that promote education, healthy lifestyles, and charity. Throughout the 2017 season, DeGraaf represented the Blue Jays in the community through numerous appearances away from the ballpark, supporting and encouraging local children, students, and families.

“We could always count on Josh. Hands down, no one was more eager to participate and help out throughout the season,” Blue Jays Community Relations Manager Kathi Beckman said about DeGraaf. “He was a leader and an advocate for our programs in the clubhouse all year. He was so personable with fans and the community and was an absolute natural with children and students.”

DeGraaf helped lead the 2017 Blue Jays Bookin’ It To The Ballpark Reading Program, the largest community outreach progam in the franchise’s history, reaching five hundred elementary school students in 14 Pinellas County schools. DeGraaf visited local elementary schools to support the program and promote literacy, reading to local students, answering their questions, and encouraging them in their studies. Over the course of the six-week program, local students read for 146,035 minutes, over 101 full days of reading.

DeGraaf was also active at the 2017 Blue Jays Bowling Tournament, an event that raised $12,820 for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay. Prior to the event, he volunteered to paint pottery to be raffled at the event and then helped raise nearly $1000 selling raffle tickets to fans at the event.

DeGraaf also took to the shopping mall to help out local families, participating in the Blue Jays Here We Grow and Toys For Tots Shopping Drives. During the Here We Grow Shopping Spree, he helped purchase school supplies and clothing for local students in need. During the Toys For Tots drive, he joined teammate Ryan Cook in selecting $1000 worth of toys and presents to be given to local children during the upcoming holiday season.

Reflecting on the myriad of events he participated in throughout the year, DeGraaf noted the time he spent with local students during the Reading Program as particularly memorable.

“I loved the kids’ questions. They always had really funny questions and sometimes very surprisingly good questions about baseball, about reading, and about life. It was fun hearing those and laughing with them. They may have been early mornings, but I enjoy working with kids.”

DeGraaf joins an impressive list of past Dunedin Blue Jays Community Service Award winners.

2012: Danny Barnes
2013: Matt Newman
2014: Taylor Cole
2015: L.B. Dantzler and Jorge Saez
2016: Tim Mayza

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