Blue Wahoos Earn Southern League Community Service Award

MARIETTA, Ga., – The Southern League of Professional Baseball Clubs has announced the Pensacola Blue Wahoos winners of the Community Service Award. The Blue Wahoos racked up four individual awards including the Woman of Excellence Award, Groundskeeper of the Year, Trainer of the Year and Sports Media Award.

In conjunction with the Studer Community Institute, the Blue Wahoos have ignited a fire within the community to help raise awareness about the importance of Early Childhood Education. By improving early childhood education, we hope to move in a positive direction the metrics for graduation rates, a reduction in crime and juvenile delinquency, an improvement in the number of families living below the poverty line, and attracting employers to Pensacola. The Blue Wahoos’ Community Relations team are helping with early childhood education by providing schools with a Blue Wahoos-focused program, “Kazoo’s Grand Slam Reading Program,” which includes kick-off or “launch” parties wherein Kazoo and our Flight Squad (entertainment group) visit elementary schools and perform “Kazoo Makes the Team.” Once classes have fully-participated in the reading requirements of “Kazoo’s Grand Slam Reading Program,” they are entered in a raffle to win a trip for their class to a Blue Wahoos game. Year over year, participation in our reading program continues to grow.

To further support our commitment to Early Childhood Education, we provide an in-stadium fun fact test that asks children to identify colors, numbers, traits and characteristics of the Blue Wahoos and our stadium. Children complete the test and return with it to Fan Assistance where they are rewarded with a Blue Wahoos promotional giveaway item of their choice.

Ray Sayre, Director of Sports Turf Management for the Blue Wahoos, is this year’s Groundskeeper of the Year, as selected by the league’s field managers and umpires. This is the fifth consecutive year Sayre has won this award. Sayre has been with the Wahoos since the team’s inaugural season. Growing up in Lexington, Kentucky, he began his turf career working on the athletic fields for the University of Kentucky. Before making the move to Pensacola, Sayre worked for several minor league teams including the Louisville Bats, the Greenville Drive and the Bowling Green Hotrods.

Donna Kirby, Vice President of Operations, is this year’s Woman of Excellence Award Winner. Kirby has been a leader with the Blue Wahoos since our inaugural season and has been instrumental in putting Pensacola on the map as leaders in the field of exemplary customer service. Kirby’s core responsibility is to create an environment focused strongly on extraordinary customer service. As a direct result of Kirby’s work with customer service, representatives from local companies, universities newspapers and other baseball teams all wanted to learn how to take their organizations to the next level with customer service.

Bill Vilona, Senior Sports Columnist at the Pensacola News Journal, is honored with the Southern League’s Sports Media Award. Covering the team since the inaugural season, Vilona has covered games, practices, events and offseason activities. Vilona continues to go over and beyond in his coverage by producing positive off-the-field stories to show the positive impact of the Blue Wahoos. Vilona was inducted to the Pensacola Sports Hall of Fame in 2015 as one of only three media members inducted in the hall. He was also inducted into the 2016-17 University of West Florida Athletics Hall of Fame.

Tyler Moos, athletic trainer for the Blue Wahoos, is this years’ Southern League Trainer of the Year. Moos just completed his second year with Pensacola and his second year with the Cincinnati Reds. He joined the Reds following three seasons in the Mariners organization.

As the winner of the Southern League Community Service Award, Pensacola will be nominated for MiLB’s John Henry Moss Award. Sayre will be nominated for the Sports Turf Managers Association classification winner. Kirby is nominated for MiLB’s Woman Executive of the Year Award.

2017 Southern League Awards

Southern League Community Service Award: Pensacola Blue Wahoos

Groundskeeper of the Year: Ray Sayre, Pensacola Blue Wahoos

Woman of Excellence Award: Donna Kirby, Pensacola Blue Wahoos

Sports Media Award: Bill Vilona, Pensacola News Journal

Trainer of the Year: Tyler Moos, Pensacola Blue Wahoos

Don Mincher Organization of the Year: Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp

Southern League Patriot Award: Montgomery Biscuits

Jimmy Brogan Executive of the Year: Harold Craw, Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp

Outstanding Employee of the Year: Ari Rosenbaum, Mobile BayBears

Southern League Promotion Trophy: Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp

Radio Broadcaster of the Year: Chris Harris, Biloxi Shuckers

Best Visiting Clubhouse Attendant: Shawn Jenkins, Tennessee Smokies

Bayboy of the Year Award: Wesley Sullivan, Mobile BayBears

The Pensacola Blue Wahoos are the Double-A Affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and a member of the Southern League. Follow the Pensacola Blue Wahoos at BlueWahoos.com, facebook.com/PensacolaBlueWahoos and twitter.com/BlueWahoosBBall.

–www.bluewahoos.com–

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

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.

Wahooloween To Benefit Chain Reaction

PENSACOLA, Fla., – Wahooloween at Blue Wahoos Stadium, a new tradition beginning this year on October 28th, will benefit Chain Reaction, a non-profit organization, which is a teen leadership institute.

Wahooloween will include community-sponsored trick or treating on the concourses. Families will have this opportunity to enjoy this evening at this fun, family-friendly event. More information about this fun event will come out in future weeks.

Businesses are invited to support this event and the community by sponsoring a table to participate in the trick-or-treat.

The Blue Wahoos are asking community leaders for a $100 donation that will benefit Chain Reaction and to provide candy for their table.

The first 20 community partners to sign-up will get their name/logo on bags given to children to trick-or-treat.

Chain Reaction is a teen leadership institute with a character education program that uses volunteerism as a teaching tool. They are focused on helping teens become all they can be and learning life’s lessons through volunteering.

Contact Shannon Reeves at sreeves@bluewahoos.com or by calling (850) 934-8444 ext. 333 to sign-up or for more information.

Tickets to the 2017 playoffs are now on sale! Purchase tickets online at bluewahoos.com, visiting the Box Office or calling 850-934-8444. The Pensacola Blue Wahoos are the Double-A Affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and a member of the Southern League. Follow the Pensacola Blue Wahoos at BlueWahoos.com, facebook.com/PensacolaBlueWahoos and twitter.com/BlueWahoosBBall.

–www.bluewahoos.com–

About the Studer Family of Companies: The Studer Family of Companies is comprised of the Pensacola Blue Wahoos, the not-for-profit Studer Community Institute, Studer Properties, The Bodacious Family of Shops in both Pensacola and in Janesville, Wisc. and Bubba’s Sweet Spot.

All profits from the Studer Family of Companies are re-invested into job creation and funding early childhood education initiatives conducted by the Studer Community Institute including its plan to make Pensacola America’s First Early Learning City.

The vision of the Studer Family of Companies is to make the Pensacola metro area the greatest place to live in the world.

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

Blue Wahoos, One Blood Team Up for Hurricane Relief

PENSACOLA, Fla., – The Pensacola Blue Wahoos are pleased to announce a partnership with One Blood to assist in Hurricane Harvey relief. OneBlood will be setup at Blue Wahoos Stadium for blood donations from 12:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 6th.

Donors will receive a free SRO ticket per donor for the Blue Wahoos playoff game against the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp.

“We are very proud to team up with OneBlood,” said team President Jonathan Griffith. “It’s important for us to give back to not only the Pensacola community, but all communities in need of help.”

 

OneBlood is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) community asset responsible for providing safe, available and affordable blood.

Generally healthy people age 16 or older who weigh at least 110 pounds can donate blood. Photo ID is required.

 

Tickets to the 2017 playoffs are now on sale! Purchase tickets online at bluewahoos.com, visiting the Box Office or calling 850-934-8444. The Pensacola Blue Wahoos are the Double-A Affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and a member of the Southern League. Follow the Pensacola Blue Wahoos at BlueWahoos.com, facebook.com/PensacolaBlueWahoos and twitter.com/BlueWahoosBBall.

–www.bluewahoos.com–

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.

Nearly $75K to Stand Up To Cancer, Smokies top Shrimp, 9-3

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp pitchers struck out 13 Tennessee Smokies – each time raising $5,300 from Fifth Third Bank for Stand Up To Cancer – and with 5,898 in attendance meaning another $5,898, the single night raised $74,798, while Tennessee won a 9-3 final Thursday night at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.

Jumbo Shrimp right-hander Trevor Richards (2-2) fanned nine batters in the first six innings, including a stretch from the second to fourth inning that included seven straight strikeouts – one shy of the Southern League record. Right-hander Tyler Higgins struck out one, and left-hander Victor Payano struck out three. The 13 were two shy of the club’s season high.

Jax Jumbo Shrimp Highlights – July 20, 2017

Tennessee (16-11 second half, 52-44 overall) tallied a first-inning run, after center fielder Trey Martin hit a leadoff double to right field and scored on third baseman Jason Vosler‘s sacrifice fly. Jacksonville (13-14, 43-54) answered in the bottom of the inning against Chicago Cubs rehabbing left-hander Brett Anderson (2-2), as center fielder Kyle Barrett reached on an error by shortstop Carlos Penalver, and left fielder Austin Dean hit an RBI double to left field, reaching third base on left fielder Daniel Spingola‘s error. After right fielder John Norwood walked, first baseman Dustin Geiger hit an RBI single to center field, and catcher Rodrigo Vigil hit a one-out RBI single. Anderson did not allow another run in his six total innings.

Randy Ready Postgame vs. Tennessee 7/20/17

The 3-1 score remained until Spingola’s fifth-inning solo home run to right field. Richards began the seventh inning with a 3-2 lead but allowed an infield single to right fielder Yasiel Balaguert and second baseman David Bote‘s single. Higgins entered, recording one out on a bunt fielder’s choice, before a walk, catcher Cael Brockmeyer‘s game-tying single, pinch-hitter Andrew Ely‘s go-ahead single, and first baseman Ian Rice‘s two-out, bases-loaded walk. Vosler added a two-run single off left-hander Jeff Kinley to make it 7-3. Richards allowed the first four runs, while Higgins allowed three. In the eighth inning, Payano allowed a two-run single to pinch hitter Kevin Cornelius, extending the 9-3 Smokies lead.

UP NEXT: The Jumbo Shrimp continue their series with Tennessee at 7:05 p.m. Friday, when Jacksonville right-hander Joe Gunkel (3-6) is scheduled to face Smokies right-hander Trevor Clifton (5-5). Fans may visit any participating NAPA AutoCare Center to get a FREE general admission ticket for the games, which will be followed by NAPA AutoCare Family Fireworks. The Jumbo Shrimp will wear red “Bold City” jerseys on Red Shirt Friday, and fans who wear red can save $1 per ticket at the box office, or donate the $1 to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. for Miller Lite Happy Hour, presented in part by Wild Wing Café, with Miller Lite beer specials in the Craft Cave inside the third-base gate until 7:30 p.m. The Wheelhouse Chef’s Table will include a buffet in the suite-level lounge open to all fans for $12 per plate. The game is presented by WEJZ Lite 96.1.

ABOUT THE JUMBO SHRIMP: The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are beginning a new era of affordable family fun with the 2017 season presented by Community First Credit Union at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville. With a new lineup of ticket and group options, there is a reason for everyone to get part of the action by calling the Jumbo Shrimp at (904) 358-2846 or visiting www.jaxshrimp.com.

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.

Free Chevy Youth Baseball Instructional Clinics at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville July 21 & 22

PRINT DETAILS ON CHEVY YOUTH BASEBALL CLINICS

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Registration is open for two sessions of the 2017 Chevy Youth Baseball Instructional Clinic, offered free compliments of Southern Chevy Dealers. A pair of clinics with Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp players will take place Friday, July 21, and Saturday, July 22, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.

Each session is limited to 200 players, boys and girls ages 6-14 of all skill levels. Registration is required for each participant online at baseball.youthsportsclinics.com. For online registration, select “Market” as “Jacksonville CYB Clinics,” and enter the password “playball”. Each child is required to RSVP and bring a signed clinic waiver form to the registration table on the day of the clinic.

Participants should wear athletic apparel and bring their own glove, water bottle, and bat if available. Cleats are not allowed on the field. Tennis shoes are acceptable. Family members are strongly encouraged to attend the entire clinic and park in lots around the Sports Complex. Clinic organizers recommend bringing a cooler with refreshments, as concessions may not be available. Immediately following the clinic, a snack will be provided for all participants. Additional information, including detailed location information and itineraries, are available upon completion of registration at baseball.youthsportsclinics.com.

Check-in will begin one hour prior to each clinic; check-in will occur at the Home Plate Gate of the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville. For any questions, visit baseball.youthsportsclinics.com to view a list of FAQs or contact CYB Coordinator, Stephanie Villegas at (770) 337-3081 or svillegas@gmdealerprograms.com.

UP NEXT: The Jumbo Shrimp continue their series with Mobile at 5:00 p.m. Friday, when they resume Thursday’s suspended game in the fifth inning, with Mobile leading, 1-0. In the ensuing seven-inning contest, Jacksonville left-hander Mike Kickham (4-4) is scheduled to face BayBears right-hander Osmer Morales (3-2). Fans may visit any participating NAPA AutoCare Center to get a FREE general admission ticket for the games, which will be followed by NAPA AutoCare Family Fireworks. The Jumbo Shrimp will wear red “Bold City” jerseys on Red Shirt Friday, and fans who wear red can save $1 per ticket at the box office, or donate the $1 to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. for Miller Lite Happy Hour, presented in part by Wild Wing Café, with Miller Lite beer specials in the Craft Cave inside the third-base gate until 7:30 p.m. The Wheelhouse Chef’s Table will include a buffet in the suite-level lounge open to all fans for $12 per plate. The game is presented by Gator Country 99.9.

ABOUT THE JUMBO SHRIMP: The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are beginning a new era of affordable family fun with the 2017 season presented by Community First Credit Union at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville. With a new lineup of ticket and group options, there is a reason for everyone to get part of the action by calling the Jumbo Shrimp at (904) 358-2846 or visiting www.jaxshrimp.com.