Jumbo Shrimp to wear Stars & Stripes caps July 1-3 to benefit Welcome Back Veterans

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, along with all Minor League Baseball teams, will honor America and help raise much-needed funds for a worthy cause this Independence Day holiday weekend by wearing specially-designed red, white and blue caps from New Era Cap Company for games played from July 1-4.

All 160 Minor League Baseball teams will participate in the “Stars & Stripes” cap program and will wear the specialty caps as part of fundraising and awareness initiatives for Welcome Back Veterans, an organization dedicated to addressing the ongoing needs of military personnel and their families.

Minor League Baseball will once again donate 100 percent of the proceeds from cap sales to Welcome Back Veterans. Since the program’s inception, MiLB has contributed annually to the veterans’ organization. The cap features a red, white, blue and silver version of the team logo and may be purchased in team stores and online by visiting team websites.

The Jumbo Shrimp will wear their caps for home games at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville Saturday, July 1, through Monday, July 3, and the caps will be available at the souvenir store during those games beginning July 1. Following Independence Day July 4, any remaining stock of caps will also be available in the store and online at jaxshrimp.com/shop.

“We are honored to again team with Welcome Back Veterans and assist those who have served our country through the Stars & Stripes cap program this Fourth of July weekend,” said Minor League Baseball President & CEO Pat O’Conner. “It is one small way we can show our appreciation for their contributions to our country and help honor America.”

Additionally, for the first time, Minor League Baseball umpires will wear red, white and blue stars and stripes-decorated hats to celebrate Independence Day during games from July 1-4.

UP NEXT: The Jumbo Shrimp return to the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville Wednesday at 7:05 p.m. against Mobile. Gates open at 6 p.m. for the Date Night Special, when a package of two tickets, two hot dogs, two sodas and popcorn is just $20 at the box office windows. It is also Get JAX’ed Night, featuring local fitness centers and individuals competing in on-field and in-stadium contests.

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.

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.

Tortugas Seeking Nominations for Military Heroes Card Set

DAYTONA BEACH, FL – The Daytona Tortugas are seeking nominations for their first annual Military Heroes baseball card set. The card set will represent each branch of the military and honor those who are currently serving our country, veterans who have served in the past but are no longer active, and those who bravely fought for our country, but have since passed away.

The card set will be given away to the first 500 fans at Jackie Robinson Ballpark as part of our Military Appreciation Day on Saturday, May 27th. Nominations will be taken until Monday, May 15th.

Please email nominations to info@daytonatortugas.com

– Military Title
– First & Last Name
– Military Branch
– Years of Service
– Born
– Hometown
– Contact number person doing the nominating
– Email address person doing the nominating
– Short Bio/Resume (75 words or less)
– Photo (300 DPI, Minimum resolution of 750 pixels x 1050 pixels)

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

Help The Blue Wahoos and Whataburger Support USO Northwest Florida

PENSACOLA, Fla., – For Military Appreciation Month, the Pensacola Blue Wahoos and Whataburger are teaming up for a fourth year to collect donations for USO Northwest Florida. Donations will be collected during the Blue Wahoos’ home games during the month of May. The USO will deliver the items directly to the troops currently serving the United States.

Fans who donate during the drive will receive a coupon for a free Whataburger. Donations can be dropped off at the entry gates.

The Blue Wahoos, Whataburger and the USO are asking for specific items during each homestand. The dates and requested items are as follows:

May 8th-12th vs. Birmingham Barons
Individually wrapped snack items such as granola bars, trail mix, peanuts, crackers, chips, etc.

May 18th-22nd vs. Mobile BayBears
Single-serve microwavable snacks such as mac and cheese, ramen noodles, ravioli, etc.

May 30th-June 3rd vs. Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
Center supplies such as copy paper, dish soap, batteries, paper towels, etc.

All Home Games – Bottled Water and Canned Soda

ABOUT WHATABURGER:
Whataburger has focused on its fresh, made-to-order burgers and friendly customer service since 1950 when Harmon Dobson opened the first Whataburger as a small roadside burger stand in Corpus Christi, Texas. Dobson gave his restaurant a name he hoped to hear customers say every time they took a bite of his made-to-order burgers: “What a burger!” Within the first week, people lined up around the block for his 25 cent, 100 percent beef burgers served on five-inch buns. Today, the company is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, with more than 790 locations in 10 states with sales of more than $2 billion annually. Visit www.whataburger.com for more information.

Check out the company on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and follow them on their most recently launched channel, Snapchat, @WhataburgerLife.

ABOUT USO:
The USO strengthens America’s military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country, throughout their service to the nation.

–www.bluewahoos.com–

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

KIDS CLINIC AT OSCEOLA COUNTY STADIUM ON APRIL 3

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (March 27, 2017) – The Florida Fire Frogs and the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association will host a free Legends for Youth Kids Clinic on Monday, April 3 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Osceola County Stadium.

The clinic will include former Major League Baseball players Jason Johnson, Talmadge “T” Nunnari, Brad Pennington, Rich Folkers, Desi Relaford, Lary Sorensen and Brian Tollberg, teaching children the fundamentals of the game.

To register for the clinic, please visit http://mlbpaa.mlb.com/mlbpaa/events/. Registrants much be between the ages of 6 and 16 years old, with guardians completing the registration process for children under the age of 13.

The Fire Frogs and Legends for Youth ask that you enter the stadium using Gate A and ask please arrive to the fields 20 minutes before the scheduled start time, and to come prepared with sneakers and a baseball bag (bat, glove, water bottle).

Florida Fire Frogs President Joe Harrington commented “we are thrilled that the MLBPAA have chosen our ballpark for a pre-season clinic and looking forward to developing a long standing relationship with the organization so we can turn this into a yearly pre-season event here at Osceola County Stadium.”

Legends for Youth is a charitable program running over 250 events a year nationwide, with the mission of promoting the game of baseball to America’s youth using positive sports images and personalities.

About the Florida Fire Frogs

The Florida Fire Frogs are the Advanced-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves and compete in the Florida State League. The Fire Frogs play their home games at Osceola County Stadium, located at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Florida. Thursday, April 6th is the start of the Fire Frogs inaugural season at Osceola County Stadium, having previously played at Space Coast Stadium in Brevard County. Tickets for the first homestand are available now. For more information, please visit www.FloridaFireFrogs.com, and follow the team on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube.

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

FSL Partners with Florida Prepaid for Second Season

CLEARWATER, Fla. – The Florida State League will be partnering with the Florida Prepaid College Board for a second consecutive season, the League Office announced this week.

The Florida Prepaid College Program was created by Florida Legislature in 1987 to provide Florida families with an affordable means to save for their child’s college education. The Florida Prepaid College Board manages the Stanley G. Tate Florida Prepaid College Program and the Florida 529 Savings Plan.

“We are very excited to continue our great relationship with the Florida Prepaid Program. They have been great partners and we hope to continue our relationship for many years to come,” said FSL President Ken Carson.

Florida Prepaid began working with the FSL in 2015 on a five-team basis. The 2017 season will mark the second consecutive year of a league wide partnership, with all 12 teams participating in the Florida Prepaid partnership.

Florida Prepaid sponsored the league’s Baseball Buddies program in 2016. The Baseball Buddies program allowed young fans to take the field with their favorite FSL team, sing the National Anthem, and receive a complimentary ticket to the game, along with a logo baseball courtesy of the Florida Prepaid College Board.

New in 2017 is the Florida State League promotional code. By using promo code “FSL1617”, customers will receive 50% off the application fee when enrolling in a Prepaid Plan this year. Additionally, this summer, fans will have the opportunity to enter a sweepstakes for a chance to win a $2,500 contribution to a Florida 529 Savings Plan. The link to the website will be announced at a later date. There will also be secondary prize winners selected from those that enter the sweepstakes.

Florida Prepaid is the largest, longest running, and most successful prepaid plan in the nation with more than 1.8 million plans purchased.

“Our mission, since our founding in 1987, has been to open the door to college for more Floridians by providing easy and affordable options to save. By partnering with the Florida State League, we can reach Florida families to educate them about the importance of saving early for college,” said Kevin Thompson, Executive Director of the Florida Prepaid College Board.

For more information on the Florida State League, you can visit floridastateleague.com.

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

Tortugas Care Charity Foundation Issues First Grant

Daytona Beach, FL — The Tortugas Care Charity Foundation issued their first $500 grant to The Miracle League of Volusia County Tuesday afternoon.

The Tortugas Care Charity Foundation was founded in September of 2016 by the ownership group of the Daytona Tortugas, with the mission of enriching the lives of youth in the community through physical education and sports. With the Daytona Tortugas serving as an affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds, a partnership with a local foundation impacting the lives of youth through baseball is the perfect marriage.

Miracle League of Voluisa County was formed in early 2015 and will give those with special needs the opportunity to play America’s favorite pastime. The city of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, has donated land for the future home of our local Miracle League; however, there is still a dire need to raise funds to officially break ground.

For more information on The Miracle League of Volusia County, and ways that you can help get 13,000 school-aged children to step up to the plate, please go to http://www.miracleleaguevolusia.org

And please like the Tortugas Care Charity Foundation Facebook page.

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

Tortugas Ownership Group Establishes Community Foundation

Daytona Beach, FL – The ownership group that acquired the Daytona Tortugas Advanced A Minor League Baseball Club last year is excited to start the new year giving back to the local community with its announcement today that it has established a charitable foundation designed to benefit youth sports and turtle conservation efforts in the community.

The Tortugas Care Charity Foundation was established with seed funding from team owners Reese Smith, Bob Fregolle and Rick French as a way of giving back to the local community that has supported baseball at Jackie Robinson Ballpark for more than a century.

Fregolle and French will serve on the board of trustees of the foundation, along with recently-appointed team President Ryan Keur. Current team Community Relations Director Kristen Alford will also serve as day-to-day Director of the foundation.

The Tortugas Care Charity Foundation is a 501(c)3 philanthropic organization that is committed to enriching the lives of youth in the local community through recreational opportunities — and in a nod to the Tortugas team name — contributing to sea turtle conservation efforts.

The foundation has already made a pledge to support the Miracle League of Volusia County and Tough Baseball, a local organization that uses athletics to teach and mentor children in the community.

During the 2017 baseball season, the team is planning jersey auctions to benefit the foundation and all 50/50 raffle proceeds will also fund foundation grants. The foundation also plans to host other fundraising events throughout the upcoming season in addition to an annual signature event that will be announced soon.

The ownership group will use its social media channels, radio partnerships, team newsletter and a portion of its print advertising budget to support the growth of the foundation, which will officially launch in January.

“The Tortugas Care Charity Foundation is something that Reese, Rick and I have wanted to establish from the moment we acquired the team because each of us has adopted Daytona Beach as our second home and want to give back to the local community that comes out and supports our organization year-round” said Fregolle.

Once the foundation officially launches in a few weeks, both grant applications and donations will be accepted at the Tortugas principal office at 110 East Orange Ave, Daytona Beach, FL 32114 and via their new Facebook Daytona Tortugas Care Charity Foundation Facebook page.

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

Youth Baseball Clinic on Jan. 14

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. – The Mets will hold a youth baseball clinic on Saturday, January 14 from noon-2 p.m. at Tradition Field.

Registration begins at 10 a.m. and the cost is $10 per child 13-and-under.

All proceeds will go to the Boys & Girls Club. The clinic will be run by Mets staff along with players and coaches.

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

Hops For Hospice Beer Festival Oct. 1

The Clearwater Threshers will be hosting the 8th Annual Hops For Hospice Beer Festival at Bright House Field on Saturday, October 1, from 4-8 p.m. The fundraiser event benefits Empath Health and the Suncoast Hospice Foundation. Over 100 different beers will be available for sample on the concourse from JJ Taylor, Great Bay Distributors and local breweries.

Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Tickets are limited and often sell out. Every attendee will receive a complimentary miniature beer mug for samples.

Tickets may be purchased at the Bright House Field ticket office, online at HopsforHospice.com or by phone at 727-467-4457.

You must be 21+ years old with a valid photo ID to attend the festival. Parking at Bright House Field and Joe DiMaggio Field is $5 the day of the event.

*Presale of tickets and online sales end at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, Sep. 30. After this time, the TICKETS link below will be inactive. The Bright House Field box office will open at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 1, for day-of sales.* 

TICKETS 727-467-4457

Hops For Hospice website

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

Miracle, Keep On Playing host last clinic of 2016

FORT MYERS, Fla. (September 1, 2016) – The Fort Myers Miracle and Keep on Playing are teaming up for the fourth and final baseball clinic with the Fort Myers Boy’s and Girl’s Club for 2016 on Saturday, September 3 at 10 a.m. at Shady Oaks.

The Miracle, Keep On Playing and the Boy’s and Girl’s Club have held three previous baseball clinics with excellent turnout. The Miracle and Keep On Playing have donated baseball equipment to the Boy’s and Girl’s Club and players have delivered one-on-one personal instruction to the local youth throughout the course of the summer. At each clinic, current members of the Miracle roster have worked with kids to help develop a passion for the game of baseball. 2016 Florida State League All-Star and team home run leader Trey Vavra has been at every session.

Fort Myers Mayor Randy Henderson has proclaimed September 3 as MiLB Keep On Playing Day.

“It’s extraordinary to watch the kids pick up a baseball and glove and they don’t stop smiling and laughing,” said Marnie Schneider, Founder of Keep On Playing. “The special gift of choosing what to plays is what Keep On Playing and our amazing teammates give the children. By bringing the wonderful game of baseball to the kids, we give them more options and teach them about our national pastime!”

Keep On Playing and the Miracle support the Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities, or RBI program, at the Boy’s and Girl’s Clubs located in Fort Myers. In addition to baseball skills, clubs ensure participants receive educational components to help foster academic achievement while attending the clinics.

The Keep On Playing mission is to enrich the lives of youth through play. When kids keep on playing, their experiences are enhanced exponentially. Keep On Playing strives to build confidence, increase motivation and enhance self-esteem by jump-starting participation in sports. The Keep On Playing core values are: Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Perseverance, Excellence, Sportsmanship and Academic Achievement.

“I think the most important thing for people to know about Keep On Playing is its ability to change lives,” said Donja Massop, Director of Operations for the Boy’s and Girl’s Clubs of Lee County. “It’s not just about baseball. It’s more about opportunities and providing kids with new experiences.”

“We are thrilled to be able to work with Keep On Playing to bring a positive message about teamwork and being involved in sports to the kids at the Boy’s and Girl’s Club in Lee County,” said Miracle Chief Operating Officer Steve Gliner. “Being a part of these baseball clinics has been a great experience for our players and staff.”

The Miracle, Keep On Playing and the Boy’s and Girl’s Club have already scheduled clinics for the summer of 2017. For more information on the final Keep On Playing clinic in Fort Myers, contact the Miracle offices at (239) 768-4210.