Pelicans give back to area high schools with rivalry series

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (August 22, 2018) – The Myrtle Beach Pelicans are giving back to area high schools through their rivalry series this coming week, August 27-30. Fans can purchase tickets online through MyrtleBeachPelicans.com/rivals. A portion of the proceeds from tickets purchased through this link will be donated to the school of their choice.

On Monday, the battle will be between Georgetown and Waccamaw High Schools. Carolina Forest and Conway collide on Tuesday while Wednesday features Socastee versus St. James. The Pelicans’ home slate concludes on Thursday with the Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach rivalry.

As part of Grand Strand Rivals Week courtesy of Angelo’s Steak and Pasta, each game will feature between-inning match-ups between the schools. All game times are 7:05 p.m. against the Buies Creek Astros. Gates will open at 6 p.m.

Tickets are on sale now and are available online at MyrtleBeachPelicans.com/rivals

The 2018 season is the 20th season for the Pelicans franchise and fourth as the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. For tickets visit MyrtleBeachPelicans.com/softball, call (843) 918-6000, or visit the Pelicans Box Office.

ABOUT THE PELICANS: The Myrtle Beach Pelicans are the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Chicago Cubs and play their home games at TicketReturn.Com Field at Pelicans Ballpark in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Since being acquired by a group led by Chuck Greenberg during the 2006 season, the Pelicans have repeatedly set team attendance records and become known as one of Minor League Baseball’s most innovative and creative franchises. The team and its employees have been dedicated to making a difference in the Myrtle Beach community, specifically giving back over $2 million in donations, fundraising proceeds, in-kind services and community service since launching the Pelicans Play It Forward Community Initiative in 2013. TicketReturn.Com Field at Pelicans Ballpark has ranked in the top eight in all of Minor League Baseball by Stadium Journey in six of the last seven seasons. The same publication also placed the Pelicans in the Top 100 Stadium Experiences and the best in the Carolina League for six of the past seven seasons. In June 2017, the Pelicans won the 2017 TripAdvisor.com Certificate of Excellence award. On the field, the team has won four Mills Cup Championships, including claims to back-to-back titles in 1999 and 2000, and again in 2015 and 2016. The Pelicans have made 11 postseason appearances behind 13 half-season Southern Division championships, including the first half of the 2015 season, second half of 2016 and first half of 2017. For more information on the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, please contact the Pelicans at (843) 918-6000 or email Info@MyrtleBeachPelicans.com.

‘Pack the Park for Midlands Gives’ Raises $9,000 for Local Non-Profits

COLUMBIA, S.C. – In partnership with Midlands Gives and Central Carolina Community Foundation, the Columbia Fireflies helped raise $9,000 dollars for 48 different non-profit organizations that participated in the team’s annual ‘Pack the Park for Midlands Gives’ fundraising initiative on August 7. The event allows each non-profit to individually sell tickets in a collective effort to raise money and awareness for their organizations. Each non-profit receives a percentage of the money from their tickets sales; the Fireflies also donate extra money to the top three selling non-profits.

“Pack the Park is a great annual opportunity for us to support numerous non-profits from our local community all in one day,” said Fireflies Team President John Katz. “We are very excited to be donating a record amount of $9,000 back to the non-profits who participated in the event this season.”

In its third season Pack the Park set a record of total tickets sold and in turn, money being donated back. With nearly 1,700 tickets sold by non-profits for the event, $9,000.00 has been donated back to the non-profits this year. Family Promise of the Midlands was the non-profit that raised the most money in 2018 and set a record for number of tickets sold by an individual non-profit.

“It has been an amazing experience working with the Central Carolina Community Foundation on Pack the Park since our inaugural season,” said Fireflies Marketing/Client Services Manager Ashlie DeCarlo. “It’s been incredible watching the event’s growth and we can’t wait to break those records again next season. Event sales have more than doubled since the kickoff in 2016.”

For more information on fundraising programs with the Fireflies, contact 803-726-4487.

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About the Columbia Fireflies

The Columbia Fireflies are the South Atlantic League affiliate of the New York Mets. Winners of Ballpark Digest’s Best New Branding and Logo Award in 2016, the Fireflies play games across the southeast and mid-Atlantic regions, including against in-state rivals in Charleston and Greenville. The team partnered with the city of Columbia and Hughes Development to construct Spirit Communications Park, a multi-use outdoor sports and entertainment venue at the center of the BullStreet District. The Columbia Fireflies are owned by Hardball Capital, owners of the Fort Wayne TinCaps of the Midwest League and the Chattanooga Lookouts of the Southern League. For more information, visit ColumbiaFireflies.com, or follow the Fireflies on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

About Spirit Communications Park

Spirit Communications Park, the 2016 Ballpark Digest Ballpark of the Year, is a 365-day per year multi-use sports and entertainment venue located in the heart of downtown Columbia, SC. Spirit Communications Park is the home ballpark for the Columbia Fireflies, the South Atlantic League affiliate of the New York Mets. Designed for baseball, concerts, football, soccer and a host of other activities, the venue seats approximately 9,000 for sporting events and up to 15,000 for major outdoor concerts. With 16 luxury suites and a 7,000 square-foot Club Level Lounge, Spirit Communications Park can also host everything from business meetings to wedding receptions, and everything in between. The venue is open 365 days a year and serves as a public park with the wrap-around concourse representing 1/3 of a mile for walkers and joggers. For more information, visit SpiritCommunicationsPark.com.

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

Staten Island Yankees Fight Against Cancer

STATEN ISLAND, NY: The Staten Island Yankees players and staff will be joining the fight against breast cancer in honor of General Manager Jane Rogers.

 

The Staten Island Yankees have encountered many changes over the past 20 years, but one thing that has always stayed the same is Jane Rogers’ presence. As the first person to be hired by the Staten Island Yankees, she rose from office manager to special assistant and eventually took on the role of General Manager. Jane has put her heart and soul into the organization since her hiring and is proud to be a part of the team’s history and success. This past year, Jane was diagnosed with Breast Cancer and has been undergoing chemotherapy treatment throughout this season.

 

“The support of the Staten Island Yankees ownership, staff, coaches, team and fans has been overwhelming,” said Rogers. “Since being diagnosed almost six months ago, I certainly haven’t been alone in this journey. I truly believe the positive energy everyone sends my way has much to do with my recovery. I’m looking forward to resuming my normal work activities at the ballpark and thank everyone for their amazing support! Please come out and join us on August 29th.”

 

As a part of the fundraising effort, Mia Passione Salon provided their services to the Staten Island Yankees for a “Shave Your Head for Cancer” event. All male front office Staten Island Yankees staff members, along with outfielder Alex Junior, pitchers Matt Sauer and Frank German, athletic trainer Jon Becker and clubhouse manager Joe Valenti, shaved their heads as a sign of support for Jane in her courageous fight.

 

The Staten Island Yankees will also be wearing pink jerseys on August 29, which will then be auctioned in a “Jersey Off the Back” auction throughout the game. All proceeds from the auction will join the total donation.

 

In addition to the players wearing pink on-field jerseys, the Staten Island Yankees will be giving away pink shirts with a donation. The shirts will have the Staten Island Yankees primary logo on the front and don the number 99 along with Rogers’ name. Every dollar donated will be combined with the proceeds from the jersey auction and will go to the New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation, per Jane Rogers’ wishes.

 

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The Staten Island Yankees are the Single A-Short Season Affiliate of the New York Yankees and play at the Richmond County Bank Ballpark at St. George. The Staten Island Yankees are six-time New York-Penn League Champions (2000, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2009 and 2011). For more information, visit siyanks.com and pizzaratsbaseball.com.

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

PawSox Become “Boys of Bowling” for Tomorrow Fund

The Triple-A ballclub that plays together also bowls together?

Yes, and it’s done in the name of a very good cause.

Every season, the Pawtucket Red Sox put down the gloves and bats and pick up bowling balls at East Providence Lanes – located two miles away from McCoy Stadium – to raise money for The Tomorrow Fund, a Rhode Island-based nonprofit organization that provides financial and emotional support to children with cancer and their families. This year’s event took place on Thursday, July 26. As usual, everyone had a good time.

Inside the PawSox clubhouse, the tone that stresses the importance of the “Strike Out Cancer” event was set when manager Kevin Boles hung a notice on the bulletin board. Mandatory attendance was expected, as Boles requested that directions to East Providence Lanes be printed and placed inside each locker.

Minor-league ballplayers aren’t the beneficiaries of too many nights away from the ballyard during the season. Even when there’s a scheduled off day, it could be compromised due to traveling from one city to the next. They’re around each other enough, grinding it on out the field and alternating between bus and plane rides, so that it’s perfectly understandable if everyone wishes to go their separate ways for one night.

“We spend a lot of time together, no doubt about it,” Boles said. “To get away from the ballpark and touch families that are going through a rough patch, that was good.”

These were just some of the positive responses that Tomorrow Fund Board of Directors member Rosemary Huestis picked up on as she traveled from lane to lane. She greeted each player, who was paired up with a Tomorrow Fund patient. Some of the PawSox players enhanced the evening by bringing their families to East Providence Lanes.

“For them to dedicate their time to the kids and our organization shows what great people they truly are,” stated Lisa Abbenante, Executive Director for The Tomorrow Fund.

The excitement displayed by the youngsters whenever their PawSox bowling partner succeeded in knocking down a high number of pins was easy to spot.

“The kids would say, ‘That’s my guy!'” Huestis said. “For our kids to have something like this and have someone come pay attention to them is a big deal.”

“The players and front office staff are happy to be here, but this event is more about the kids,” said Joe Bradlee, PawSox Director of Communications/Community Relations.

The bowling arrangement between the PawSox and The Tomorrow Fund started in 2012. Through the years the two organizations have added additional charitable twists that still stick to the core principle of aiding those in need. For the past few seasons at McCoy Stadium, fans who purchase soft balls before the fifth inning test their aim as a pickup truck takes to the field and circles the warning track. All the proceeds raised from this popular in-game feature – appropriately dubbed “Hurl The Pearl” – go directly to The Tomorrow Fund.

Whether the support is financial or done with the intentions of brightening someone’s day, The Tomorrow Fund knows they have a good thing going when it comes to the organization’s partnership with the PawSox.

“The support the PawSox give us is amazing. They give us a lot of publicity and help make us known,” Huestis said.

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

Blue Jays Bowling Tournament Raises Over $10,000

DUNEDIN-FL, The Dunedin Blue Jays 2018 Charity Bowling Tournament on Saturday, July 21st raised $10,370 for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay. Over 200 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 fifth annual tournament. Since 2014, the event has raised over $45,000 to support the well-being of local families through Ronald McDonald House Charities.

“The Blue Jays are incredibly grateful for the continued support of local businesses and their sponsorships that make this event possible each year, for our players for dedicating their time to helping the local community, and most of all for fans who helped make this year’s event a success,” Kathi Beckman, the Blue Jays Manager of Community Relations, said following the event.

For the third consecutive year, the event raised over $10,000 to help Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay care for families with children receiving treatment in local hospitals. Adding to the excitement at the tournament, local fan Teddy K. threw the first perfect 300 game in bowling tournament history. For his feat, Teddy was awarded a team-signed bowling ball and pin and the opportunity to throw out the first pitch at a 2019 Toronto Blue Jays Spring Training game.

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

Fireflies Launch Campaign to Retire SC Veteran Medical Debt

COLUMBIA, SC – In advance of Independence Day, the Columbia Fireflies today announced a campaign to retire the medical debt of veterans across the state. More than 700 veteran families have a combined $800,000 in medical debt in South Carolina, and the team and its fans will have the opportunity to help in this community-wide effort.

“Columbia is known as the ‘Most Military Friendly Community in America’ for many reasons,” said Fireflies team president John Katz. “Every American can appreciate the sacrifices our military heroes have made, and now we have an opportunity to pay it forward.”

The kickoff for the campaign will begin on July 4th, as the Fireflies celebrate Independence Day at Spirit Communications Park. Specially-designed red, white and blue jerseys – first worn by the team on Fort Jackson Night, June 5th – will be auctioned off during the game. 100% of the proceeds from the auction will benefit our veterans in need.

RIP Medical Debt, a nationally-recognized not-for-profit 501(c)(3) charity, was established in 2014 to locate, purchase and forgive unpaid and unpayable medical debt. Our campaign, which will be funded by events such as the jersey auction, will provide RIP Medical Debt the funds to buy South Carolina veteran medical debt and abolish it, with no strings attached for the beneficiaries.

This program provides debt relief for those in our military community that need it most. To qualify, veteran medical debt has been identified for people who meet the following criteria: 1) people who make less than 2x the Federal poverty level; 2) people with financial hardship – a debt that is 5% or more of their annual income; and 3) people who are insolvent.

In addition to the jersey auction on July 4th, fans will have additional opportunities to give:

July 4 – July 9: The Fireflies will be holding a “Text to Give” campaign at Spirit Communications Park during the week of Independence Day, where fans will have the opportunity to text a donation.

Additional opportunities will be announced later this season.

Tickets for the July 4th Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks Extravaganza are on sale now. Visit FirefliesTickets.com, the Spirit Communications Park ticket office or call (803) 726-4487 for more information.

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About the Columbia Fireflies

The Columbia Fireflies are the South Atlantic League affiliate of the New York Mets. Winners of Ballpark Digest’s Best New Branding and Logo Award in 2016, the Fireflies play games across the southeast and mid-Atlantic regions, including against in-state rivals in Charleston and Greenville. The team partnered with the city of Columbia and Hughes Development to construct Spirit Communications Park, a multi-use outdoor sports and entertainment venue at the center of the BullStreet development. The Columbia Fireflies are owned by Hardball Capital, owners of the Fort Wayne TinCaps of the Midwest League and the Chattanooga Lookouts of the Southern League. For more information, visit ColumbiaFireflies.com, or follow the Fireflies on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

About Spirit Communications Park

Spirit Communications Park, the 2016 Ballpark Digest Ballpark of the Year, is a 365-day per year multi-use sports and entertainment venue located in the heart of downtown Columbia, SC. Spirit Communications Park is the home ballpark for the Columbia Fireflies, the South Atlantic League affiliate of the New York Mets. Designed for baseball, concerts, football, soccer and a host of other activities, the venue seats approximately 9,000 for sporting events and up to 15,000 for major outdoor concerts. With 16 luxury suites and a 7,000 square-foot Club Level Lounge, Spirit Communications Park can also host everything from business meetings to wedding receptions, and everything in between. The venue is open 365 days a year and serves as a public park with the wrap-around concourse representing 1/3 of a mile for walkers and joggers. For more information, visit SpiritCommunicationsPark.com.

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

Alzheimer’s Night Jerseys Unveiled for June 29 game

MOOSIC, PA (June 26, 2018) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, Triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, will host the Pawtucket Red Sox this Friday, June 29, on Alzheimer’s Awareness night. The RailRiders will wear custom jerseys during the game that will be auctioned off to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association.

Gates will open at 6:00 p.m. on Friday with the first 2,500 fans receiving the Shelley Duncan bobblehead giveaway, presented by DLP. Duncan’s bobblehead will be added, in seven-foot form, to the SWB Bobblehead Hall of Fame.

During the game, the RailRiders will wear custom jerseys. These tops will be autographed and the proceeds from the night’s jersey auction will benefit the Alzheimer Association.

Register and bid online by clicking here.. By registering, fans will receive notifications when the jersey numbers and names are uploaded.

After the final out, ShurSave Supermarket is the presenting sponsor of a post-game fireworks extravaganza.

For tickets or more information on Friday’s festivities, please visit swbrailriders.com or call (570) 969-BALL.

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

The Hope Foundation & the Scrappers Partner to Help Raise Funds for Kids

NILES, OH – The Hope Foundation of the Mahoning Valley and the Mahoning Valley Scrappers have joined together to help raise funds for chronically/terminally ill children in our community throughout the 2018 season. “We are excited about teaming up with the Mahoning Valley Scrappers in an effort to spread our mission to educate and help chronically and terminally ill children of the Mahoning Valley,” states Tony Spano, Founder and Executive Director of The Hope Foundation of the Mahoning Valley.

Saturday, July 7th has been designated as The Hope Foundation of the Mahoning Valley Awareness Night at the Scrappers at Eastwood Field in Niles. In addition, when fans purchase tickets online for the July 7th game or any other game this season, The Hope Foundation will receive a portion of the sale, when they type the word “HOPE” in the Special Offer Code box. The HOPE code is valid for all online tickets, including game day purchases up to 4:00pm the day of the game. The offer is not valid with the purchase of tickets at the window or by phone or for July 4th or buck nights.

The Hope Foundation will also fundraise with jersey auction for the Scrappers game worn Star Wars jerseys, which will be worn the Friday, June 22nd game against the Auburn Doubledays, sponsored by Liberty Comics and Middlefield Bank.

The Hope Foundation of the Mahoning Valley (H.F.M.V.), a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization, was founded in 2007 after the increasing success and popularity of the Game of Hope Charity Basketball Classic. Our unpaid staff, volunteers and supporting individuals and organizations are committed to our mission. They provide charitable and financial support to local charities that share our goal of improving the lives of chronically/terminally ill children. With money raised from donation and our signature fundraisers, The Foundation provides grants of up to $5,000. For more information about The Foundation please visit the website at www.HopeMV.org.

Tickets for the Scrappers 2018 season are now on sale. For more information, contact the Scrappers Front Office at (330) 505-0000 or visit mvscrappers.com for a complete schedule.

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

Fightin Phils to raise awareness of Spotted Lanternfly on June 26th

(Reading, PA) – The Reading Fightin Phils, proud double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, have announced they will be hosting Agricultural Appreciation Night to stop the Spotted Lanternfly on Tuesday, June 26th at 7:15 p.m. at FirstEnergy Stadium. The first 2,000 adults will receive a Fightin the Spotted Lanterfly T-Shirt courtesy of Anewalts Landscape Contracting and Clover Hill Vineyards and Winery.

Since 2014, the Spotted Lanternfly has threatened the state’s grape, fruit tree and logging industries. Adult lanternflies have a black head and grayish wings with black spots and their body seems to glow red. They have been a threat to the local wine industry because of their negative impact on grapes.

“Growing quality grapes are the first crucial step into making premium wine,” said Kari Skrip, owner of Clover Hill Vineyards and Winery. “The Spotted Lanternfly has the ability to cause major damage to our vines and as a result to Clover Hill Vineyards and Winery. It is imperative that we find solutions to this pest for our vines, wines and our livelihood.”

“Although beautiful, the spotted lanternfly can do immeasurable damage to our local and greater community,” said Lori Anewalt, owner of Anewalt’s Landscape Contracting. “It is our duty to be on the cutting edge of what a lanternfly can do and to treat it with great urgency. We are deeply concerned about the future of the fruit industry, especially that of Clover Hill Winery being that they are close family of the Anewalt’s.”

At the game, State Sen. Judy Schwank will have a table with informational flyers about the spotted lanternfly.

“The spotted lanternfly is a serious problem and is having a huge impact on our communities and on our farmers,” Schwank said. “Everybody needs to be engaged on this issue. Come out on June 26 to learn more.”

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has three steps to help eradicate the spotted lanternfly:

1.      Kill them

2.     Scrape the eggs off your trees

3.      If you are in a new area report it to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) by emailing badbug@pa.gov or call the Invasive Species Hotline at 1-866-253-7189

For individual tickets visit fightins.com/tickets or call 610-370-BALL.

For group outings, please reach out to Director of Groups Sales Jon Nally at jnally@fightins.com or Assistant Director of Group Sales at bwells@fightins.com

America’s Classic Ballpark is proud to be a part of Pennsylvania’s Americana Region. Individual and season tickets for the 2018 season are available online at Fightins.com, by phone at 610-370-BALL, and in-person at FirstEnergy Stadium. Follow the Fightin Phils on Twitter at @ReadingFightins and like them on Facebook via www.facebook.com/fightins.

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

OKC Dodgers and Kimray Partner to Create Kimray Kids Program

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Dodgers and Kimray, Inc. have partnered this season to create a new program called Kimray Kids to benefit foster care and family service organizations in the Oklahoma City area.

Three Kimray Kids Nights will take place during the OKC Dodgers’ season, starting Saturday, allowing foster care and family service organizations to bring children and families out for a night of fun and baseball at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

“We are pleased with the opportunity to partner with Kimray to feature these wonderful organizations and the families they serve,” said Michael Byrnes, OKC Dodgers President/General Manager. “Kimray is a great community partner and the opportunity to match their passion for these organizations with the experience and atmosphere the Dodgers provide, makes for a unique experience for these families.”

The first Kimray Kids Night of the season will take place during Saturday’s 7:05 p.m. Dodgers game against the Las Vegas 51s and will feature participants selected by Sunbeam Family Services. Individuals from Lilyfield will participate in the Saturday, July 7 Kimray Kids Night and individuals from FaithWorks of the Inner City will participate in the Saturday, Aug. 18 Kimray Kids Night.

Each night’s participating Kimray Kids group members will receive a T-shirt and voucher for a meal at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. They will enjoy a complete, behind-the-scenes tour of the ballpark, followed with a private meet-and-greet with an OKC Dodgers player, including a Q&A session, photos and autographs. Participants will then enjoy that night’s game from a designated Kimray Kids section in the ballpark.

During Kimray Kids Nights, the OKC Dodgers Team Store and all concession stands will have an optional “Add A Dollar” feature, allowing fans to donate to that night’s featured organization. The OKC Dodgers will then match up to $500 in donations.

Kimray, Inc. is a world-class manufacturer of control equipment used extensively in oil and gas production around the world with the mission of “making a difference in the lives of those we serve.”

“We are so excited to partner and support local organizations that are making a difference in the lives of so many who need an advocate and loving care!” said Shad Glass, Executive Vice President of Kimray, Inc. “One of Kimray’s core values is to ‘strengthen the family,’ and organizations like Sunbeam Family Services, Lilyfield, and FaithWorks of the Inner City are doing just that. Investing in tomorrow’s future gives hope for today and hope for things to come. When you support Kimray Kids Night at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, you are helping to make a difference in the lives of children and families across this great state.”

Sunbeam Family Services seeks to meet the growing needs of central Oklahoma’s most vulnerable citizens, providing help, hope and the opportunity to succeed to people of all ages. They offer real solutions, aiming to strengthen individuals, families and communities through a continuum of programs: early childhood, foster care, counseling and senior services.

“Sunbeam Family Services is absolutely honored to be a recipient of the Kimray Kids program,” said Erin Engelke, Chief External Relations Officer for Sunbeam Family Services. “The money raised through this wonderful event will help hundreds of children and their families across Oklahoma City from our Foster Care, Early Childhood and Grandparents Raising Grandchildren programs.”

Lilyfield is a faith-based, nonprofit organization that has been providing adoption and foster care plan-based services to Oklahoma City and the surrounding areas since 2000 and in Tulsa since 2014. Lilyfield focuses on five program areas: adoption; foster care; specialized counseling for those impacted by adoption and foster care; independent living services for former foster youth; and a prevention program that serves children and families at-risk of involvement with the foster care system.

“Lilyfield is proud and excited to be a part of Kimray Kids,” said Robert Elliot, Director of Development for Lilyfield. “We are so grateful to Kimray and the OKC Dodgers for this wonderful opportunity that honors the very special families that we serve.”

Many children and families from underserved areas of Oklahoma City never have the opportunity to take advantage of resources within reach of their neighborhoods. This is true for families in the Shidler-Wheeler community of southeast OKC assisted by FaithWorks. Through the Kimray Kids program, families can attend an Oklahoma City Dodgers game, and visit the ballpark located within walking distance of their community.

“FaithWorks is so excited to be a part of creating a new experience for our children and their families,” said Sally Goin, Executive Director of FaithWorks. “We love providing opportunities for families to come together to enjoy what our city has to offer. Unfortunately, sometimes those opportunities have a ‘price’ that is out of reach for families. FaithWorks is grateful to Kimray for a kids’ night for some very special kids and their families.”

The Dodgers open a seven-game homestand today with a three-game series against the Salt Lake Bees at 7:05 p.m. at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. The series continues at 7:05 p.m. on a $2 Thursday featuring $2 Pepsi products, bottled water and select beer. Fireworks are slated to follow Friday’s 7:05 p.m. matchup against Salt Lake, presented by Oklahoma Blood Institute.

The Dodgers open a four-game home series against the Las Vegas 51s at 7:05 p.m. Saturday on Marvel Super Hero Night. Fans who come out to Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark can meet Iron Man and Thor during the game.

Sunday’s 6:05 p.m. game falls on a Chaparral Energy Family Sunday, featuring pregame player autographs, a mascot meet-and-greet, face painters, inflatables and postgame kids run the bases. Five hundred OERB Player of the Month posters, featuring May winner Joe Broussard, will be available to children ages 12 and under as they exit the ballpark Sunday.

The series against Las Vegas continues at 7:05 p.m. Monday and wraps up with an 11:05 a.m. game Tuesday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark on a Summer Field Trip Day. Camps and day cares are encouraged to come out Tuesday for a summer field trip. An OKC Dodgers game ticket, hat and sack lunch are included for the price of $13 per person for groups of 10 or more.

Tickets are available through the OKC Dodgers ticket office located on South Mickey Mantle Drive, by phone at (405) 218-2182, or by visiting okcdodgers.com.

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

Cardinals C.A.R.E. Pet Supply Drive Wednesday, $1 tickets for donations

The Cardinals are partnering with C.A.R.E. Animal Rescue and Purina for Wednesday’s Pet Supply Drive. All fans that donate one or more of the following items any time between now and Wednesday night can purchase a discounted $1 ticket to Wednesday’s Cardinals vs. Travelers game for each item they donate:

– Kitten/Puppy Formula
– Syringes, Feeding Tubes
– Kitten/Cat Food (dry or wet)
– Cat Litter (HUGE need)
– Puppy and Kitten Collars
– Grain-Free Cat Food (dry or wet)
– Air Freshener
– Rubber or Latex Gloves
– 39-Gallon Trashbags
– Hoof Chews and Rubber “KONG” Dog Toys
– Wet/Baby Wipes

Wednesday is also a Woof Wednesday, where all Baseball Loving Dogs are invited to sit back, relax and watch the game they love with their best friend for Purina Woof Wednesday. One owner ticket=free entry for your Very Good Boy/Girl!

The Cardinals will provide kiddie pools for your dogs to drink out of throughout the ballpark. Dogs are encouraged to enjoy the game from the outfield grass/General Admission areas. For more information, call the Front Office at 417-863-0395.

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

Registration Open For Annual Charity Bowling Tournament

Registration is officially open for the fifth annual Dunedin Blue Jays Charity Bowling Tournament to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay held on Saturday, July 21st at Maple Lanes Countryside. Last year’s tournament raised over $12,800 to help local families in need through Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay, a total the Blue Jays hope to eclipse in 2018.

The tournament will offer fans and participants the opportunity to bowl with and meet and greet their favorite Dunedin Blue Jays players and coaches, the chance to take home great Blue Jays memorabilia in a raffle and silent auction, and chances to win autographed merchandise, gift certificates, art, and other prizes throughout the event all while supporting a great cause.

Participation in the tournament costs $25 per bowler and includes two games of bowling, shoe rental, food and drink, a ticket to attend that evening’s Dunedin Blue Jays game, and a special participation gift. Individual bowlers and full teams of six are welcome to register. All proceeds from the tournament will be donated to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay.

Interested bowlers can find out more information and register for the tournament by visiting www.DunedinBlueJays.com/Bowling. Local businesses interested in being a lane sponsor at the event and having their logo and advertising displayed at the event can visit the same link or contact the Blue Jays at (727)-733-9302 for more information.

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

Cutters Dominican Dinner Returns July 10

The Williamsport Crosscutters have teamed up with A.C.E.S. North America in announcing the 5thAnnual Dominican Plate – An Evening of Dominican Dining and Entertainment with the Cutters.

The event will be held on Tuesday, July 10 in the Grand Ballroom of the Genetti Hotel, 200 W. Fourth St., Williamsport. Doors open at 5:30pm with hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar followed by a Dominican-style dinner served at 6:30pm.

The buffet dinner of traditional Dominican fare will be served by members of the Williamsport Crosscutters who hail from the Dominican Republic, along with some of their teammates.

Proceeds from the event benefit A.C.E.S. North America, an organization working to create sustainable development projects in the Dominican Republic. The charity, founded in Williamsport in 2005, uses all-volunteer personnel for its operations.

A.C.E.S. Founder Linell Stabler stated, “Teaming up with the Crosscutters for this Dominican fundraiser has been a great way to raise funds for our mission of helping people in the Dominican Republic.”

In addition, the night will feature live musical entertainment, Chinese and live auctions of sports memorabilia and other items plus a balloon bust wine raffle.   Last year’s event raised over $7,000 for the charity.

“This is a tremendous opportunity to help out a worthy charity that does outstanding work in an area of the world many of our players call home,” said Gabe Sinicropi the team’s Vice-President of Marketing and Public Relations.

Due to the popularity of this event in the past, reserved seating is utilized to make for a more comfortable evening for all attendees. Tickets for The Dominican Plate are $20 for adults and $10 for children age 12 and under. Tables of 8 may be purchased for $150. Tickets must be purchased in advance online at crosscutters.com, by phone at (570) 326-3389 or by visiting the Sawmill Team Store at BB&T Ballpark.

CLICK HERE to purchase tickets to the Dominican Plate

For more information on A.C.E.S., visit www.acesnorthamerica.org.

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

Strikeout Cancer Weekend takes center stage in coming homestand

FRISCO, Texas (May 24, 2018) – The return of Strikeout Cancer Weekend garners the spotlight as part of the coming six-game homestand for the Frisco RoughRiders, Double-A affiliate of the Rangers, which runs from Tuesday, May 29 until Sunday, June 3 at Dr Pepper Ballpark.

As part of the franchise’s annual Strikeout Cancer Weekend, which runs from Friday, June 1-Sunday, June 3, the Riders are dedicating the three-game stretch to raising awareness and funds in the battle against cancer. Each night, the Riders will partner with a different cancer-fighting non-profit organization to spotlight their efforts and aid their mission: the National Breast Cancer Foundation (Friday), Rumble Against Cancer (Saturday) and Team Holly (Sunday).

The team will don special Strikeout Cancer uniforms for all three games, which will be auctioned throughout the weekend to benefit the three partnering non-profits. Plus, the first 2,000 fans through the gates at each game will receive a free Riders Strikeout Cancer wristband.

In addition to the special weekend, the homestand also features the return of $1 beer with Thirsty Thursday and the Deep Ellum Brewing Party @ The Yard on Thursday, May 31. For just $10, fans 21 and older can join the BIGGEST party in North Texas and enjoy great drink specials, tailgate games, rotating food trucks, non-stop music and a whole lot more. Plus, for just $29, partygoers can enhance their experience by taking it in from the world-famous Choctaw Lazy River.

Here’s a full breakdown of what to expect this homestand at Dr Pepper Ballpark:

Tuesday, May 29 vs. Northwest Arkansas (Royals), 7:05 p.m.

* North Texas Food Bank Night, presented by Whataburger: Fans who donate two or more canned food items will receive a free Whataburger coupon.

* Taco Tuesday: Take advantage of $2 tacos all game long, plus select $3 beers and half-price margaritas from 6-8 p.m.

* Kids Run The Bases: Youngsters can take a lap around the diamond after the game.

Wednesday, May 30 vs. Northwest Arkansas, 7:05 p.m.

* Weiner Wednesday presented by Texas Chili Company: Feast on $1 hot dogs all night long.

* Kids Run The Bases: Youngsters can show off their speed on the bases after the game.

Thursday, May 31 vs. Northwest Arkansas, 7:05 p.m.

* Deep Ellum Brewing Party @ The Yard: Experience the BIGGEST part in North Texas! For just $10, enjoy access to $1 beers, a wide selection of food trucks, tailgate games, non-stop music and more (fans 21 & older only).

* Thirsty Thursday: Sip away on $1 domestic draft beers, $2 craft and import beers and $1 Dr Pepper products from 6-8 p.m.
* Kids Run The Bases: Kids get a chance to run the same bases as the Riders after the game.

Friday, June 1 vs. Arkansas (Mariners), 7:05 p.m.

* Strikeout Cancer Weekend, presented by the National Breast Cancer Foundation. All weekend long, the Riders are raising awareness and funds to help in the ongoing battle against cancers of all kind. The first 2,000 fans through the gates will receive a free Riders Strikeout Cancer wristband.

* Fireworks Friday, presented by InTouch Credit Union: Fans can watch a sparkling fireworks show from the field after the game.

Saturday, June 2 vs. Arkansas, 7:05 p.m.

* Strikeout Cancer Weekend, presented by Rumble Against Cancer. All weekend long, the Riders are raising awareness and funds to help in the ongoing battle against cancers of all kind. The first 2,000 fans through the gates will receive a free Riders Strikeout Cancer wristband.

* Saturday Post-Game Party: Enjoy live music, with half-price drinks starting in the ninth inning at the Bull Moose Saloon.

* Kids Run The Bases: Youngsters get to traverse the diamond after the game.

Sunday, June 3 vs. Arkansas, 7:05 p.m.

* Strikeout Cancer Weekend, presented by Team Holly. All weekend long, the Riders are raising awareness and funds to help in the ongoing battle against cancers of all kind. The first 2,000 fans through the gates will receive a free Riders Strikeout Cancer wristband.

* Kids Sunday Funday: Kids and their families can participate in a free pregame catch on the field from 6:00-6:30 and enjoy $1 ice cream sandwiches from all game long.

* Postgame fireworks, presented by Park Place Lexus: Head down to the field after the game to watch a dazzling fireworks show.

For tickets to these games and other remaining home games during the Riders 15th Anniversary Season, visit RidersBaseball.com, call (972) 731-9200 or visit the Dr Pepper Ballpark box office.

About the RoughRiders

The Frisco RoughRiders are the Double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers and play their games at beautiful Dr Pepper Ballpark in Frisco, Texas. The team was founded in 2003 and has finished first among all Double-A franchises in attendance in each of the last 13 seasons (2005-2017). In August 2014, the RoughRiders were purchased by an ownership group led by Chuck Greenberg. Since then, the new ownership group, together with the City of Frisco, has spearheaded numerous major franchise enhancements, investing over $8 million in a wide array of facility upgrades and improvements, including a state-of-the-art HD video board, sound system, Bull Moose Saloon, InTouch Grille, Riders Outpost Team Store and the world’s largest water feature in a sports facility, the massive Choctaw Lazy River. These enhancements earned the Riders and the City of Frisco Ballpark Digest’s prestigious “Best Ballpark Renovation” award for two consecutive years (2015 and 2016). More than 140 former RoughRiders players have gone on to play Major League Baseball, including All-Stars Chris Davis, Adrian Gonzalez, Ian Kinsler and Neftali Feliz, as well as current Rangers stars Elvis Andrus, Rougned Odor and Nomar Mazara. For more information on the Frisco RoughRiders and Dr Pepper Ballpark, please visit RidersBaseball.com or contact Ryan Rouillard at RRouillard@RidersBaseball.com.

Bees Downed by River Cats on Pink Night

SALT LAKE CITY (May 19, 2018) -Despite hitting three home runs on “Pack the Park Pink” night, the Salt Lake Bees were defeated 11-7 by the Sacramento River Cats Saturday night at Smith’s Ballpark.

Salt Lake honored and recognized those who have been affected by cancer by wearing pink uniforms with the name of a person who has been impacted by the disease on the back. The Bees also raised money with pink t-shirt sales and combined with Swing For Life the Bees raided $26,523 for the Huntsman Cancer Research Institute to fund their fight to find a cure.

Rymer Liriano, Kaleb Cowart and Wade Wass all blasted home runs for the Bees. Wass’ homer was his first Triple-A hit of his career as he made his debut at that level Saturday night. Cowart finished 4-for-5 with three RBIs in the losing effort. David Fletcher saw his consecutive on-base streak end at 30 games with an 0-for-4 night. Jose Miguel Fernandez extended his on-base streak to 27 games by going 1-for-3 with a double and a base on balls. Bees starter Ivan Pineyro went four innings, giving up five runs. Reliver Greg Belton (0-2) got tagged with the loss after giving up three runs in the sixth to give Sacramento the lead. The Bees would chip away and cut the deficit to 9-7 in the eighth inning, but Sacramento scored two insurance runs in the ninth to put the game away.

The Bees are back to playing Sunday at 1:05 at Smith’s Ballpark for the final game of the four-game series. The club will be hosting “Brunch in the Ballpark” where $25 will get fans admission to the game and a delicious brunch served in one of the stadium’s food patios. Tickets are available at slbees.com.

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