Florida – Page 18

Suns set baseball camp for June 19-20

May 8, 2014

Local kids to learn from the future Marlins at Bragan Field

Area kids can learn baseball skills from some of the top players in the Miami Marlins organization as the Jacksonville Suns sets its annual camp for June 19-20 at Bragan Field.

The two-day camp will feature the Suns manager Andy Barkett and his staff with several Suns players teaching all aspects of the game of baseball.

The camp will run from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. each day for kids ages 7-12. Campers will receive a hat, lunch and a ticket to a Suns game for only $85 dollars (plus tax) during the two days of instruction. Space is limited for the camp.

Participants wishing to attend can download the form HERE to sign up. For more information, parents can contact Corey Kernan or Steven Unser in the Suns offices at 904-358-2846.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Jacksonville Suns. Click here to view the original story.

Little League Day

April 15, 2014

The Tampa Yankees will host their annual Pepsi Cola Little League Day at Steinbrenner Field on Sunday, April 27^th when they take on the Lakeland Flying Tigers at 1:00PM.

The first 250 kids, ages 14 and under, that enter the stadium will receive a Collector’s Pepsi Cola Yankees pin. Gates will open at 12:00PM. All guests will receive free admission when they show up to the Box Office wearing their Little League uniform (players and coaches).

Palma Ceia Little League Challenger Teams will play a game on Steinbrenner Field after the Tampa Yankees game concludes. The Tampa Yankees actively assist youth baseball and softball programs in the Tampa area to promote the Little League Mission, developing qualities of citizenship, discipline, teamwork and physical well-being.

Tickets are $4 for general admission, $6 for reserved seating and can be purchased at the George M. Steinbrenner Field Box Office.

The Tampa Yankees are the Single A-Advanced affiliate of the New York Yankees. For more information you may contact the Tampa Yankees offices at (813) 673-3055 or visit www.tybaseball.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Tampa Yankees. Click here to view the original story.

The 9th annual Special Needs Camp is Saturday, April 26

April 8, 2014

Miracle, Dave Clark Foundation team up or special day at the ballpark

Click here to download registration form. Click here to download medical release form.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (April 8, 2014) – The Fort Myers Miracle are proud to team with Dave Clark Foundation for the ninth annual Special Needs Baseball camp on Saturday, April 26 at 10 a.m. at Hammond Stadium. The baseball camp is open to the first 25 individuals, with a physical or mental challenge, age 18 and under.

The entire Miracle team and coaches will teach kids the baseball skills of hitting, throwing, catching and fielding. The camp affords the opportunity for campers to experience the feeling of being a professional baseball player for a day.

Cape Coral resident Dave Clark hosts the camp. Suffering from the effects of Post Polion Syndrome (PPS), 61-year old Clark amassed over 600 wins during a 30-year baseball career that began in the early 1970s. Currently, Clark focuses his energy on public speaking, organizing disability events and is an envoy international coach for Major League Baseball.

As part of the Disability Dream & Do activities, Clark will present the “Pulling Each Other Along Award” prior to the 6:05 p.m. Miracle game versus the Palm Beach Cardinals on Saturday, April 26. The award is presented to an unsung hero(s) whose selfless acts have helped those with a disability. For more information about D3 or to nominate a worthy candidate, visit www.daveclarkfoundation.org or email: award@daveclarkfoundation.org.

“There are two types of dreamers. Dreamers that dream and dreamers that Dream & Do,” said Clark, the only professional baseball player to pitch from crutches. “D3 Baseball with the Fort Myers Miracle gives the youth a wonderful chance to do both, Dream & Do.”

There is no cost associated with the camp. To register a child, please call (239) 768-4210 or send an email to aadams@miraclebaseball.com. Include your name, the child’s full name, full address, phone number, email address and any special needs for your child.

“This day always leaves an impression on all of our players, coaches, and our entire front office staff. To see the joy on the faces of the kids and our players while the camp is taking place is just priceless. This is one of the best events that we do all year long,” said Miracle President Steve Gliner.

Kids are asked to bring their own baseball gloves and one adult chaperone is required to be in attendance with each child attending the camp. Each participant will receive four tickets for the Miracle game that evening at 6:05 p.m. Lunch will also be provided following the camp activities.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Fort Myers Miracle. Click here to view the original story.

Bradenton Boosters Make Annual Donation

March 14, 2014

Money Assists Pirates Charities in Manatee County Efforts

Bradenton, Fla. – The Bradenton Boosters today presented their annual donation to Pirates Charities. The club’s officers presented a check for $35,000 to Pirates Senior Director of Florida Operations Trevor Gooby before the Spring Training game against the Philadelphia Phillies at McKechnie Field.

The Bradenton Boosters have volunteered at Pirates Spring Training since 1969. Members of the Boosters work as ushers, program sellers, parking lot attendants, and several other roles at McKechnie Field and Pirate City. The Boosters annual donation has helped to grow several Pirates Charities programs in Manatee County, such as the Fields for Kids program and the Miracle League of Manasota.

Pirates Charities is the official philanthropic arm of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Since its creation in 2006, Pirates Charities has made focused financial contributions to causes benefitting youth health, fitness, and education. For more information about Pirates Charities visit www.Pirates.com/community.

For more information about the Pirates Spring Training, call 941-747-3031 or visit www.Pirates.com. To purchase tickets to the game call 877-893-2827 or visit the McKechnie Field Ticket Office on weekdays between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., or Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Bradenton Marauders. Click here to view the original story.

SIXTH ANNUAL BEER FESTIVAL TO BENEFIT SUNCOAST HOSPICE FOUNDATION

March 12, 2014

Over 100 craft beers will be available for sampling on Saturday, October 4^th highlighting the Hops for Hospice Beer Festival at Bright House Field. The sixth annual event, sponsored by the Clearwater Threshers and Frenchy’s Restaurants has already raised over $100,000 in its first five years which benefits the Suncoast Hospice Foundation.

Beer distributors in the Tampa Bay area will sample their latest and most popular craft beers to attendees during the 4:00-8:00 pm event. Distributors include Great Bay Distributors, JJ Taylor Distributors and Brown Distributors. Other vendors include a wine sampling area represented by Zonin Wines as well as a Green Screen Photo Booth.

Every attendee will receive a commemorative beer mug, sponsored by Abe’s Place Tap & Grill that can be used during the event to sample the products. Other activities include a corn hole tournament, a closest to the pin golf contest that takes place on the field sponsored by East Lake Woodlands Golf Club, music provided by a DJ at the Frenchy’s Tiki Pavilion located on the concourse in left field and food vendors including Abe’s Place Tap & Grill who will be raffling off an IPAD Mini.

Tickets are only $25 in advance or $30 on the day of the event and can be purchased at the Bright House Field ticket office (Mon-Fri 10-4 pm), by phone at 727-467-4457 or on-line. For Groups with 10 or more tickets, please contact Doug Kemp for a special discounted rate at 727-712-4316 or dkemp@ThreshersBaseball.com

Suncoast Hospice is a not-for-profit agency committed to serving individuals and families as they face chronic illnesses, near the end of life, deal with end of life issues or are in grief. To learn more about Suncoast Hospice, call (727) 586-4432 or visit TheHospice.org.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Clearwater Threshers. Click here to view the original story.

Threshers Support Local Little Leagues

March 3, 2014

The Phillies Organization Has Been Active In Youth Baseball

At the Opening Ceremonies for the Clearwater Little League (City of Clearwater)

CLEARWATER, Fla. – The Clearwater Threshers have always been involved in the community. Nowhere is this more evident than with the local Little Leagues. The Phillies’ support of youth baseball stretches back decades, and this season is off to a great start.

Saturday, Feb. 15, was the reopening of the Sid Lickton Complex and opening ceremony for the 2014 Clearwater Little League season. On hand to celebrate the event was the Threshers’ very own Phinley, as well as Clearwater Mayor George Cretekos, two-time Olympic champion Michele Smith and Phillies’ first baseman Ryan Howard.

The Threshers sponsor teams in many local Little Leagues – including Clearwater, Countryside, Safety Harbor, East Lake, Largo, Palm Harbor, South Brandon, and West Pasco Girls Fastpitch Softball.

In addition to team sponsorship, the Threshers take part in league opening ceremonies and host end of season parties at Bright House Field. Teams also have the opportunity to participate in Baseball Buddies and accompany Threshers players on the field for the National Anthem.

The Threshers also have their Lil Anglers Club, for children 13 and under that meets during every Tuesday Home Game. Some highlights of Lil Anglers Club membership are an official T-Shirt and visor, as well as admission to and a meal deal for every Tuesday home game. Members also can run the bases after and participate in a parent/kid catch before every Tuesday home game.

For more information on how to get your team involved, contact Dan Madden at the Threshers, 727-712-4403.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Clearwater Threshers. Click here to view the original story.

PIRATES PLEDGE $1.2 MILLION DONATION TO BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF MANATEE COUNTY

January 16, 2014

Multi-year donation will bolster Boys & Girls Clubs programs throughout Manatee County

Bradenton, Fla. – The Pittsburgh Pirates today announced a $1.2 million donation to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County. The gift will be distributed over 12 years and will be used to help fulfill the critical mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs, which serves more than 6,000 children at seven locations county-wide.

“Today marks a new chapter for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County’s long-standing partnership with the Pittsburgh Pirates and the City of Bradenton. Our slogan ‘Great Futures Start Here’ is being represented today,” said Marc Dosogne, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County.

“The Pittsburgh Pirates and Bradenton Marauders are proud of our long-standing relationship with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County, an organization that shares our commitment to the young people in our communities,” said Bob Nutting, Pirates Chairman of the Board. “We are excited to extend our partnership by making this multi-year pledge to support the Boys & Girls Clubs’ ability to enhance its services and continue to provide a safe and positive environment for youths and families throughout Manatee County.”

The Pirates’ donation comes at a critical time as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County has decided to serve children in club facilities closer to where the children live and go to school. This reorganization reduces transportation time and costs and is more convenient for families, Dosogne said.

“Thanks to the Pirates commitment, we will be able to continue offering hope and opportunity with a guide to the door to a great future at our Desoto Club and our school-based clubs, such as our new Orange Ridge Elementary Club, serving members who had been attending the Bradenton Club,” he said. “This will give us the ability to serve more children in the community today, tomorrow and for years to come.”

“This major gift from the Pittsburgh Pirates is very special and will be very helpful in continuing our success in helping young people at our clubs succeed, especially those who need us the most,” said Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee Board Chairman Michael Moschella.

The Pirates and the Boys & Girls Clubs were neighbors for decades, until the reorganization led to the closing of the Boys & Girls Clubs’ facility on Ninth Street West. Located on city-owned property that borders the north side of McKechnie Field, the facility closed in September 2013 after programs were moved to the DeSoto Club and Orange Ridge-Bullock Elementary School.

The aged building is making way for the expansion of McKechnie Field and to advance redevelopment of the area as an arts and entertainment district. A parking area that was removed to expand the practice field behind the main field will be replaced at the former club site, allowing patrons quicker access to stadium entrances.

“Relocating the parking area north of McKechnie is part of the City of Bradenton’s strategy to develop an arts and entertainment district in the city,” said Mayor Wayne Poston. “This development will enhance the fan experience for Spring Training and the Bradenton Marauders seasons and will be an asset as we bring events in addition to baseball to McKechnie Field.”

McKechnie Field has been the site of Pirates Spring Training since 1969. The Pirates are preparing for the 46^th year of Spring Training baseball in Bradenton.

For more information about the Boys and Girls Clubs of Manatee County, please call 941-761-2582, visit www.bgcmanatee.org, or email info@bgcmanatee.org.

For more information about Pirates Spring Training, please call 941-747-3031, visit www.BradentonMarauders.com, or email MaraudersInfo@pirates.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Bradenton Marauders. Click here to view the original story.

Threshers, Fans Raise Nearly $6,000 on Military Night

October 5, 2013

Proceeds Benefit Sand Soldiers of America, Haley House Fund

The Clearwater Threshers are pleased to announce that their fans helped raise nearly $6,000 on August 17 to benefit two organizations for the support of U.S. military veterans.

The Threshers held 2013’s Military Night on August 17 in their Saturday night game against the Dunedin Blue Jays at Bright House Field, and their fans came out in force to support the troops. 4,183 fans turned out to raise $5,807.50, which was split between Sand Soldiers of America and the Haley House Fund. Each group received $2,903.75 in a ceremony on the field on the season’s final day.

The Threshers front office would like to thank all our fans who helped us to raise money for such a tremendous cause. We look forward to many future charitable partnerships.

This article originally appeared on the Clearwater Thresher’s website. Click here to view the original story.

Sergeant Wilson Memorial Trust Fund Check Presentation

October 4, 2013

Port Charlotte, FL – Charlotte Stone Crabs General Manager, Jared Forma presented the Charlotte County Sheriff Department with a check on Tuesday, October 22nd for their Tribute to Sergeant Michael Wilson Night fundraising efforts.

The Stone Crabs and Charlotte County Sheriff Department joined together on August 30th for Tribute to Sergeant Michael Wilson Night. The Stone Crabs dedicated the last home game of the season to honor local hero Sergeant Michael Wilson and raise money for the Sergeant Wilson Memorial Trust Fund. The Stone Crabs and Sheriff Department collectively raised over $4,000.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Charlotte Stone Crabs. Click here to view the original story.

2013 Marauders Honored for Community Commitment

September 28, 2013

Matt Benedict and Nick Kingham received commendations for their community service in 2013

A pair of 2013 Marauders received “Pirates Community Commitment Awards” at PNC Park before the Pirates faced the Padres on Tuesday, September 17. Matt Benedict received an award as a Marauder, while Nick Kingham was honored as the Altoona Curve representative. Both right-handed pitchers completed an exemplary amount of community service and showed great dedication to their communities during the 2013 season.

As part of the Pirates Community Commitment Program, each minor league player must complete 10 hours of community service in their affiliate’s community each season. Many players go above and beyond the 10 hour mark. The 2013 Bradenton Marauders completed more than 300 hours of community service through the program.

Near the conclusion of each affiliate’s regular season, the Pirates present one player from each affiliate with the “Pirates Community Commitment Award” in recognition of his commitment to his community and the program. The Pirates will fly each award winner to Pittsburgh to receive the award as part of a special on-field ceremony at PNC Park that will also include the presenting of the team’s annual Roberto Clemente Award to the Pirates Major League Player selected for his character and charitable contributions to his community.

Benedict, a St. Petersburg native, completed more than 30 hours of community service in 2013. He has pitched for the Marauders in each of the last two seasons. 2013 was his third season in professional baseball.

Kingham resides in Las Vegas Nevada. A 2013 Florida State League All Star, Kingham was promoted to Altoona in June for the remainder of his fourth professional season.

For more information about the Pirates Community Commitment Program, please visit http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/pit/community/commit_prog.jsp.

This article originally appeared on the Marauders’ website.

Representatives from each affiliate were recognized at PNC Park last week for their community service.

Mets Hosting School Supplies Drive From August 26-28

August 22, 2013

The St. Lucie Mets will be hosting a School Supplies Drive at Tradition Field to benefit Guardians For New Futures, Inc. from Monday, August 26 through Wednesday, August 28.

The Mets host the Charlotte Stone Crabs at 6:30 p.m. for all three games. Gates open at 5:30 p.m.

Fans who bring any new unwrapped school supplies will receive a voucher good for a $2 ticket for any of the three games in the series.

Guardian’s For New Futures is a non-profit organization working to raise funds from the public to donate for children abused, neglected, or abandoned.

The annual “Kits4Kids” program is designed to provide more than 500 children with fresh new school supplies.

For more information, contact the St. Lucie Mets at 772-871-2100.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the St. Lucie Mets. Click here to view the original story.

Wendy’s, Miracle encourage reading with extra Books-N-Bats date

August 20, 2013

Fans can pick up tickets at Wendy’s in Lee, Collier counties

FORT MYERS, Fla. (August 20, 2013) – The yellow buses are rolling, the school bell’s are already ringing and the Miracle have teamed up with Wendy’s to encourage you to hit the books! The Miracle have added Saturday, August 24 to the Books-N-Bats campaign.

Fans can pick up tickets at Wendy’s locations in Lee and Collier County. The Miracle will host the St. Lucie Mets at 6:05 p.m. Gates to Hammond Stadium will open at 5 p.m. Saturday, August 24 is also the final Dog Daze of the season. Fans are encouraged to bring the family dog out to the ballpark for a barking good time.

Wendy’s and the Miracle have teamed up for several successful seasons with the Books-N-Bats program. Geared toward elementary school children, the proactive approach of the Books-N-Bats program is, in the words of Miracle General Manager Andrew Seymour, “An important, hallmark program of which the Miracle and Wendy’s are very proud.”

Wendy’s Area Marketing Director Michelle McCurdy added, “Developing healthy, educated kids by promoting and rewarding reading efforts is something that’s important to us.”

The Miracle, led by top prospect Byron Buxton, have one of the best records in minor league baseball and have already clinched a playoff spot after winning the first half of the Florida State League schedule.

For more information, please call the Miracle offices at (239) 768-4210 or visit www.miraclebaseball.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Fort Myers Miracle. Click here to view the original story.

Andrew Fisher wins FSL scholarship

August 16, 2013

$1,500 will support his education at Florida State University

Andrew Fisher (left) is presented with his scholarship award by AGM Janette Donoghue. (Kyra Hallett)

Dunedin, FL – The Florida State League Scholarship Committee awarded twelve $1,500 educational scholarships to applicants from each team in the league, and after reviewing dozens of applications, intern Andrew Fisher was selected as the recipient for the Dunedin Blue Jays.

Fisher is a double major at Florida State University, where he studies Statistics and Sports Management. In a world of competitive job markets and rising tuition prices, he could not be more grateful for the financial support.

“The scholarship is going to help me tremendously to get through college and propel me into a career, hopefully in sports,” Fisher said, shortly after throwing out the first pitch of Thursday night’s Blue Jays game.

D-Jays Assistant General Manager Janette Donoghue presented Fisher with a check in front of hundreds of fans at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium. It was a well-deserved honor, considering Fisher’s contributions during the 2013 season.

With his nose to the grindstone, Andrew helped put together Dunedin’s All-Star Weekend, including his unforgettable team of ball-shaggers during the home run derby, and brought a consistent attitude of comitment and determination to the workplace.

“I’ve loved my time in Dunedin,” Fisher reflected. “I’ve learned a lot and built valuable relationships with some tremendous people.”

The Miami Marlins have sponsored this program for fourteen (14) years and have contributed a total of $136,500. Florida State League President Chuck Murphy stated, “this program is one of the best things we do in the League and I congratulate the Directors and General Managers on their dedication and enthusiasm in administering this program.”

The purpose of the program is to send a message that an education is key to success in life.

The scholarship winners will be guests of the Miami Marlins in pre-game ceremonies on Sunday, August 18, 2013 at 1:10 PM.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Dunedin Blue Jays. Click here to view the original story.

Hops for Hospice 2013

August 14, 2013

Hops for Hospice is Saturday, October 5, 2013 from 4:00-8:00pm. FLYER WITH FULL DETAILS HERE.

2013 FSL Scholarship Winner: Michael Cook

August 12, 2013

Asst. GM Matt Gess presented Michael with the FSL Scholarship. (Mark LoMoglio/Yankees)

Tampa, FL. – The Tampa Yankees, in conjunction with the Florida State League and the Miami Marlins, are pleased to announce Michael Cook as their 2013 scholarship award winner. The Florida State League Scholarship committee award 12 individuals with $1,500 educational scholarships. The committee approved the awards after a review of the applications submitted by all the Florida State League teams.

Michael Cook is a graduate of Plant City High School. He has recently been attending Hillsborough Community College and has one semester left before he plans to transfer to the University of Tampa. Michael plans to get his degree in either Business or Accounting with a minor in Sport Management. This is Michael’s first season with the Yankees working for both New York Yankees Spring Training and the Tampa Yankees regular season.

Michael was honored at the Tampa Yankees home game on August 16^th, versus the Lakeland Flying Tigers at George M. Steinbrenner Field. In addition, he will be introduced during a pre-game ceremony at the Miami Marlins game on Sunday, August 18^th 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 2013 fall term. The Miami Marlins have sponsored this program for fourteen years and have contributed a total of $136,500 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.