Blue Jays Bowling Tournament Raises $12,820

DUNEDIN-FL, The Dunedin Blue Jays 2017 Charity Bowling Tournament sponsored by Achieva Credit Union raised $12,820 for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay. 250 local baseball fans participated in the event, joining the entire Dunedin Blue Jays team at Maple Lanes Countryside Bowling Alley in Clearwater for a day of bowling, raffles, silent auctions, and prizes during the team’s fourth annual tournament. Since 2014, the event has raised over $35,000 to support the well-being of local families through Ronald McDonald House Charities.

“The Blue Jays are incredibly grateful for the support of Achieva and the many other sponsors of the event, our players for dedicating their time to helping the local community, and most of all for the two hundred and fifty fans who helped make this year’s event a success,” Kathi Beckman, the Blue Jays Manager of Community Relations, said following the event.

This year’s event set a new record for total dollars raised, surpassing the $11,339 raised during the team’s 2016 bowling tournament. Over $4,500 of the final $12,820 total was raised by the participants of the bowling tournament, each contributing $25 for two games of bowling, a catered lunch, and the opportunity to meet and greet the Blue Jays team. 40 local businesses from the Dunedin area contributed as Lane Sponsors at the event, raising $4000 of the total. The event’s silent auction, which included packages donated by local businesses as well as apparel and memorabilia donated by teams throughout the Toronto organization, raised over $2,400. A 50/50 raffle and Opportunity To Win raffles combined to raise just under $1000.

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

Randy Rogers Joins Lineup for Reckless Kelly Celebrity Softball Jam

ROUND ROCK, TX – Look Out Yonder and fans will see a new addition to the musical lineup for the 9th annual Reckless Kelly Celebrity Softball Jam. Texas crooner Randy Rogers will be Actin’ Crazy when he takes the stage at Dell Diamond, joining Wade Bowen, Roger Creager, Cody Canada & the Departed and the boys of Reckless Kelly.

Rogers has been performing with the Randy Rogers Band for the past 15 years, steadily building a following that has expanded beyond their Texas roots. Their newest album Nothing Shines Like Neon is a collection that showcases the band’s taut musicianship as well as Rogers’ earnest vocals and insightful songwriting. In 2015, Rogers teamed up with fellow Jam performer Bowen on the critically acclaimed album Hold My Beer Vol. 1.

The Reckless Kelly Celebrity Softball Jam combines an athleticism-optional and antic-filled softball game with hours of live, musical entertainment on two stages.

The event will kick off at 1 p.m. with the softball game featuring former major leaguers Josh Beckett, Norm Charlton, Brooks Kieschnick and Glenn Wilson along with former Longhorns and NFL players Quan Cosby and Kasey Studdard. Following the game, fans will be invited onto the outfield for a concert featuring 20+ acts.

KGSR’s Andy Langer will once again take over the mic alongside fellow media stars Addie Broyles, Anne Hudson, Brendan Anthony, Charlie Hodge, Eric Raines, Bob Ballou and Ricky Doyle.

All proceeds from the event will benefit The Nolan Ryan Foundation and the Reckless Kelly Charitable Youth Foundation, with a focus on supporting youth sports programs in Central Texas. Since its inception, the Reckless Kelly Celebrity Softball Jam has raised over $350,000 for area youth leagues, including the funding of a $150,000 renovation of Mabson Field in East Austin, TX.

Tickets for the 9th Annual RKCSJ are on sale now for just $20 and can be purchased online at RKCSJ.org. Tickets will go up to $25 on September 1.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit RKCSJ.org. For up to the minute event info, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Prostate Cancer Awareness Night on Aug. 11

CLEARWATER, Fla. – Prostate Cancer Awareness Night on Friday, August 11, serves as a fundraiser for the Morton Plant Mease Foundation and Ed Randall’s Fans for the Cure. In addition to on-field ceremonies, in-game entertainment, and vendors on the concourse, there will be a silent auction. Guest may bid on the special blue, game-worn jerseys Threshers players and coaches will be sporting on the field that night. Winners of the jersey bidding may go on the field after the game to receive their autographed jersey in-person from the player. Other items in the auction include Phillies memorabilia and merchandise and gift cards from local businesses. Be sure to visit Ed Randall’s Fans for the Cure table for a chance to win a team-autographed bat.

Gates open at 5:30 p.m. for the 6:15 p.m. game with the Lakeland Flying Tigers. The first 1,000 men to arrive will receive a free Men’s Zipper Travel Bag courtesy of Academy Bus.

Stay after the game for a rocking concert by Stormbringer, part of the Threshers Summer Concert Series presented by Leinenkugel. From the band’s website, StormbringerBand.com:

“What band can perform the most iconic rock songs of all time? What band can play the most challenging hits that other bands would never dream to attempt? And what band has been thrilling local, national and international audiences for over 21 years? The answer is Tampa Bay’s Stormbringer band.

Boasting the very same members for the last 21 years, Stormbringer effortlessly delivers air tight renditions of hit songs like Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody, Pink Floyd’s The Wall and Bon Jovi’s Livin’ on a Prayer. A stunning concert act that also possesses a rockin’ catalogue of non-stop party and dance songs, the band provides crowd pleasing music to perfectly match any large event.

Stormbringer features soaring lead vocals, crisp four-part harmonies, thunderous drums, dramatic keyboards and crunching guitars in their hundred-plus song repertoire. But the band has another amazing distinction that sets them apart from the others. Stormbringer is employed by rock’s biggest artists to back them in concert when they don’t use their own band. Legendary Classic Rock heroes hire Stormbringer because the music is reproduced and performed with spot-on accuracy and jaw dropping precision.”

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

NATURALS FUNDRAISING PROGRAM SURPASSES $100,000 RAISED

SPRINGDALE, Ark – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are proud to announce that the popular Naturals Ticket Fundraising Program has surpassed the $100,000 raised mark. With 20 regular season home games left in 2017, the program has now raised a collective total of $100,140 for organizations throughout Northwest Arkansas and the surrounding communities.

Through 50 home games played at Arvest Ballpark, the Naturals organization has partnered with 126 groups from across the region and those groups have sold a combined 25,085 tickets. The result is a total amount of $100,140.00 raised for their respective causes, which marks the quickest that the program has accomplished the $100,000.00 feat. For comparison, during the entire 2016 season 125 groups participated in the program and sold 29,170 tickets, which raised a collective $114,125.

There are still spots available to involve an organization during home games in August and September; however, because of the popularity of the program and the amount of interest from groups, dates are limited and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Groups in the program this year have consisted of school groups, sports teams, civic groups, non-profits, community partners, and numerous other community organizations. Families and supporters of the cause will get to come out to a Naturals game, have fun, and keep a large portion of the ticket sales. Depending on the final number of attendees, your group will get to keep anywhere from 25%-50% of the organization’s ticket sales. As an incentive and a reward, the Naturals will offer prizes to top sellers of groups and they include tours, autographs, game tickets, and First Pitch opportunities.

The fundraising flyer is currently available and can be found on our website at www.nwanaturals.com under the Groups & Events tab or by emailing us at groups@nwanaturals.com. To check upcoming date availability or if you have any questions about the Naturals fundraising programs, call us at (479) 927-4900 or visit our Administrative Offices located at Arvest Ballpark.

Non-profit groups seeking more exposure for their cause can inquire about the Community Partner Program that offers free marketing exposure for participating groups to go along with the standard benefits of our ticket fundraising program.

Follow the Northwest Arkansas Naturals on Facebook and Twitter @NWANaturals all throughout the year by using the hashtag #NaturalPastime and #CrowntoCrown for all of our up-to-date information on Season 10 of Naturals baseball.

The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are the Double-A Texas League Affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. The Naturals play at state-of-the-art Arvest Ballpark in Springdale, Ark. For more information, including statistics, ticket options, and more, please visit NWANaturals.com, and follow us on Twitter @NWANaturals and Facebook.com/Naturals.

-Naturals-

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

PawSox to Host 33-Inning Charity Baseball Game Featuring The Pawtucket Slaterettes August 19

The Pawtucket Red Sox are inviting the Pawtucket Slaterettes, one of the nation’s only women’s baseball leagues, to play 33 innings of baseball at McCoy Stadium on Saturday, August 19. Admission is only $5, and proceeds benefit the Slaterettes and the PawSox Foundation.

CLICK HERE TO ORDER TICKETS ONLINE

The special event pays tribute to the historic 33-inning game played in 1981 by the PawSox and the visiting Rochester Red Wings. The fundraiser is part of the club’s season-long celebration of the 75th anniversary of McCoy Stadium.

The marathon begins at noon and continues until all 33 innings are played.

“We are delighted to have been invited by the PawSox,” said Deb Bettencourt, Pawtucket Slaterettes Player Agent. “For our women of all ages to play hardball on this diamond where so many great players have played, and where the 33-inning game took place, is a dream-come-true.

“So many of our ballplayers were inspired by the movie, ‘A League of Their Own,’ and how it brought to light the story of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. The opportunity to pay tribute to these women, and to the PawSox, and to our beloved city of Pawtucket, is a thrill our players and their families will remember forever.”

The game will be played by members of various age divisions within the Slaterettes organization. The innings will be spread as follows:

  • Teeball (ages 3-6) – 2 innings
  • Minors (ages 6-10) – 4 innings
  • Juniors (ages 10-13) – 6 innings
  • Seniors (ages 13-18) – 7 innings
  • Women (ages 13 and up) – 7 innings
  • Alumni (all ages) – 7 innings

“It is a pleasure to produce an event that unites the people of Pawtucket,” said PawSox President Dr. Charles A. Steinberg. “We hope that women (and men) see that, here in Pawtucket, women have been playing baseball in ‘A League of Their Own’ for years. May this event inspire more young girls to realize that the doors to the wonderful world of baseball are wide open.

“Over the past two seasons, we have been blessed to welcome such players from the AAGPBL as Rhode Island’s own Wilma Briggs and California’s Maybelle “All the Way May” Blair and Shirley Burkovich. Part of this tribute is a tip of the cap to them.

“We also tip our caps to the actors, actresses, and crew who made the film, which this year celebrates its 25th anniversary. Megan Cavanagh, who memorably portrayed Marla Hooch, recently visited our park and inspired more young women with her stories-including the fact that she did all of her own hitting in the movie.

“Several women playing key positions in our front office have been lifelong ballplayers, and we are eager to show all who are watching that the opportunities to play baseball belong to everyone.”

All tickets are general admission, and concessions and merchandise will be on sale.

The Slaterettes comprise baseball players from age 5 to 55. The league, now in its 45th year, was created in 1973.

The PawSox Foundation, now in its 19th year, produces such programs as the PawSox Scholars, A Veterans Home Run, and fundraisers for the Tomorrow Fund. It also supports many charities in Pawtucket, in Rhode Island, and in the PawSox community.

More information is available at pawsox.com and slaterettes.com.

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

Tame your mane: Great Clips Charity Cuts 7/30

Are split ends throwing you a curve? On Sunday, July 30, the Great Clips Charity Cuts event aims to help you tame that mane while enjoying great baseball action at Fifth Third Field!

Great Clips stylists will be providing free haircuts on the Main Concourse during the game, with donations being accepted to benefit Children’s Miracle Network.

The Toledo Mud Hens take on the Rochester Red Wings on Sunday, July 30 at 6:05 p.m.

GAME TICKET ($15) – BUY TICKETS

What you get:

  • July 30 Mud Hens game ticket
  • Postgame Fireworks
  • Postgame Kids Run the Bases

Click the links to check out the menus and make reservations:

NINE at Hensville: ninehensville.com | Chef Tony has put together a menu that he describes as “traditional Americana” where he uses local ingredients from area farms and producers to create made-from-scratch dishes with a modern taste and composition. NINE is housed in the former Folger Butcher Shop, a historic 1865 building. Exposed brick, reclaimed wood and handcrafted tables give NINE a casual vibe that fits a fun, downtown, neighborhood restaurant.

Fleetwood’s Tap Room: fleetwoodshensville.com | Have a drink at Hensville’s new craft beer bar, located on the first floor of the Fleetwood Building across the street from Fifth Third Field. Fleetwood’s Tap Room features 48 beers on draft, a wide selection of whiskeys, an eclectic menu, and an outstanding outdoor patio that overlooks Hensville Park.

BirdCage Bar & Grill: birdcagebarandgrill.com | The BirdCage Bar and Grill is located on the Club Level at Fifth Third Field and provides incredible views of the on-field action! Your ticket to the Mud Hens game gives you entry to the BirdCage, where you and your guests will enjoy a great dining experience created by Chef Tony House, featuring a display of hand-carved meats, antipasti, classic salad, and seasonal entrees.

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

Wounded Warriors Amputee Softball Team Coming to Neuroscience Group Field on September 3

GRAND CHUTE, WI – The Wounded Warriors Amputee Softball Team will play a pair of games at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium on Sunday, September 3. The contests, presented by Scheels, will raise money to send young amputee children to a life changing camp, fund important amputee related medical research, provide medical equipment to veterans, and allow America’s favorite team to compete, inspire and educate children, veterans and families all around the country.

The Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team™ (WWAST) is a 501(c)(3) public charity whose mission is to inspire and educate others while enhancing the health and welfare of Wounded Warrior Amputees. They are not affiliated with other Wounded Warriors charities. Since the inception of the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team, over 85% of their donations have supported programs helping Wounded Warrior Amputees, amputee children, and medical research.

The WWAST is comprised of young, competitive, athletic veterans and active duty soldiers who have lost limbs. The team includes individuals with a variety of amputations – of the arm, above knee, below knee, bilateral below knee, and foot. Their goal is to support and honor our soldiers and veterans sacrifices, and to show other amputees and everyone who sees or hears about us that life without a limb is limitless.

“We look forward to hosting the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team at the ballpark,” said Aaron Hahn, Vice President of the Timber Rattlers. “This is going to be a great event for the community and our fans.”

The first game on September 3 is a seven-inning game between the WWAST and Screwballs Bar. It will start at 10:30am. The second game of the doubleheader will be a seven-inning game that pits the WWAST against a team of area celebrities, including former Green Bay Packers Bill Schroeder and Chris Samp; former Milwaukee Brewers Don August, Larry Hisle, and Paul Wagner; FOX 11 sports reporters Josh Moser and Dylan Scott; Super Bowl Champion and Shiocton native Clint Kriewaldt; former MLB pitcher and Milwaukee native Jack Taschner; and members of the USA softball teams.

The WWAST players will sign autographs after the second game on September 3.

Fans can meet the players before September 3 in a pair of appearances at the Scheels in the Fox River Mall in August and again on September 2. Contact the store for more information and times.

Tickets for the game are available now! They are $10 for box, bleacher, or grass seats and are available in one of the following ways: Over the phone at 800-WI-TIMBER or (920) 733-4152; in person at the Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium Box Office; or through the internet at on the Timber Rattlers ticket page.

Partial season and group ticket packages are currently available for the 2017 season. Tickets packages are available online, over the phone at (920) 733-4152 or (800) WI-TIMBER, and in person. Individual game tickets for this season are also on sale now.   Groups of 20 or more may order tickets over the phone or in person. The Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium Box Office is open from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm Monday through Friday and from 10:00am to 3:00pm on Saturdays.

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

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.

Catch ‘Battle of the Badges’ softball Sunday, July 16

A local rivalry is renewed: the Toledo Police vs. Toledo Fire feud will be settled on the diamond at Fifth Third Field, during the Battle of the Badges charity softball game on Sunday, July 16. The 7-inning contest will start approximately one hour following the conclusion of the Toledo Mud Hens vs. Columbus Clippers game which starts at 4 p.m.

Enjoy a great day out at the ballpark while supporting a great cause. Battle of the Badges tickets are $13 and are good for both games, and include a $2 donation to Toledo Police and Toledo Firefighters Local 92 Charities.

BATTLE OF THE BADGES TICKET ($13) – BUY TICKETS

Note: when ordering online use the promo code TPD or TFD.

What you get:

  • July 16 Mud Hens game ticket
  • Battle of the Badges softball game

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

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BlueClaws Charities Nine & Dine Golf Outing on August 14th

Join the fun at the BlueClaws Charities Nine & Dine Golf Outing on August 14th at Woodlake Country Club.

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LAKEWOOD, NJ – The annual BlueClaws Charities Nine & Dine Golf Outing returns to Woodlake Country Club in Lakewood on Monday, August 14th.

The event, which features a meet-and-greet with BlueClaws players, raises money for BlueClaws Charities, the BlueClaws official non-profit foundation, and their Community Partner organizations.

The Nine & Dine Golf Outing includes nine holes of golf (scramble format), range balls, locker room usage, a post-round reception, a player meet and greet on the course, and a raffle ticket for the post-round silent auction.

“This ‘Nine and Dine’ format lets golfters take a half day from work, come over to the course, and play a relaxed round while raising money for BlueClaws Charities,” said Jim DeAngelis, Executive Director of BlueClaws Charities.”It’s a great cause and we look forward to another great event.”

The range opens at 2 pm, when registration begins. Golf will begin, via a shotgun start, at 3 pm and the post-golf reception, which includes a silent auction, will begin at 6 pm.

Registration is $125 for an individual golfer or $500 for a foursome. Access only to the post-golf reception is $50. There are also sponsorship opportunities available.

Click here for a registration form which can be returned to the BlueClaws. Registration is also available by calling JoAnne Bell at 732-901-7000 ext 100.

BlueClaws Charities is the official non-profit foundation of the Lakewood BlueClaws. The organization supports other local non-profits, both large and small, through their Community Partners Program.

Tickets to all remaning BlueClaws home games are available by calling 732-901-7000 option 2 or online at BlueClaws.com.

– BlueClaws –

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

Keys Care Charity Golf Classic Scheduled for July 11

FREDERICK, MD -The Frederick Keys are excited to announce that the 22nd Keys Care Charity Golf Classic presented by Turning Point Financial will take place on Tuesday, July 11. This annual event will be held at Musket Ridge Golf Course. All proceeds from the tournament benefit Frederick Keys Care.

“Each year, Turning Point Financial selects several charity events to support and we are excited to be partnering with the Frederick Keys to support the Joel A. Stephens Memorial Fund this year,” said Alexandra Stickelman, Director of Sales and Marketing for Turning Point Financial. “Over the years, we’ve enjoyed sharing in the tradition of Frederick Keys baseball with our clients, and this year, we are especially grateful for the unique opportunity to partner with the Frederick Keys organization and give back to the community.”

Tournament registration begins at 8:00 a.m with a shotgun start at 9:00 a.m. The golf tournament format is captain’s choice. Players can enjoy breakfast sponsored by Wegmans, lunch at the turn provided by Roy Rogers as well as an awards luncheon catered by Buffalo Wild Wings. There will also be prizes given out for “longest drive” and “closest to the hole.”

Participants can book a foursome or sponsor a Keys player. Additionally, sponsorship opportunities are available at different hole locations, tee boxes and for a variety of competitions. For more information, click here.

Over the last 21 years, the Keys have raised over $100,000 for the Joel A. Stephens Memorial Fund, better known as Frederick Keys Care. In the fall of 1999, this fund was created to honor Joel Stephens, a compassionate Orioles minor leaguer who passed away suddenly at age 22.

This fund is part of the Community Foundation of Frederick County’s Universal Grant application funding program and supports local non-profit organizations that provide direct aid to Frederick County youth and young adults. Recipients of Keys Care grants for this year will be recognized at the awards luncheon following the golf tournament.

To register for the Keys Care Charity Golf Classic or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, call 301-815-9916 or visit frederickkeys.com.

The Keys close out the first-half at Nymeo Field from Thursday, June 15-Sunday, June 18 against the Lynchburg Hillcats. For tickets, fans can call the box office at 301-815-9939 or visit frederickkeys.com.

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

BayBears to host celebrity softball game Saturday at Hank Aaron Stadium

MOBILE, Ala. (June 13, 2017) – The Mobile BayBears, the Double-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, will be hosting a celebrity softball game Saturday at Hank Aaron Stadium as a fundraiser to benefit the Westside Buddy Ball League.

The game features local former Alabama and Auburn football stars, as well as current and retired professional athletes. Celebrities include A.J. McCarron, Jon Lieber, Nick Fairley, D.J. Fluker, Kevin Norwood, Reese Dismukes, and more. Local media personalities will also take part in the game.

There will be a special meet-and-greet autograph session with the athletes following game from 5:45 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. in the Cytranet Event Center. Donations will be accepted for autographs, with proceeds benefitting Westside Buddy Ball.

Gates to Hank Aaron Stadium open at 4:00 p.m., and tickets are available for as low as $7 (advance) and $8 (day of the game). Fans may also purchase $10 fundraiser tickets, with $5 of each ticket benefitting Westside Buddy Ball (Contact Rochelle Jordan: 251-605-5939 or rochellejdn@aol.com). All tickets purchased include both the celebrity game at 4:30 p.m. and the BayBears game against the Biloxi Shuckers at 7:05 p.m.

A silent auction will be held during both games. Items include former BayBears memorabilia, items from A.J. McCarron, Jon Lieber, and more. The game also features $1 concessions night, with $1 hot dogs, chips, popcorn, and sodas.

The BayBears host 70 home dates through Labor Day, September 4. Single-game tickets and ticket packages are currently on sale. Season tickets and group and hospitality offerings for the 2017 season can be reserved by calling (251) 479-BEAR (2327).

About the Mobile BayBears

The Mobile BayBears are the Double-A affiliate of the Los Angeles of Anaheim and play their games at beautiful Hank Aaron Stadium in Mobile, Alabama. The BayBears were founded in 1997 and have won four Southern League titles in 1998, 2004, 2011, and 2012. Additionally, the 1998 and 2011 championship squads were named Minor League Team of the Year by Baseball America. More than 150 former BayBears have reached the Major League level, including All-Stars Max Scherzer, Paul Goldschmidt, Jake Peavy, Carlos Gonzalez, and Justin Upton. For more information on the Mobile BayBears and Hank Aaron Stadium, please visit MobileBayBears.com, call (251) 479-BEAR (2327), or contact Steve Goldberg via email at Steve@MobileBayBears.com.

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Sky Sox Host Heroes Classic Batting Practice

On a beautiful afternoon at Security Service Field, batting practice was in full swing. The crack of the bat filled the air as baseballs from the Colorado Springs coaching staff flew through the high altitude.

It was the beginning of another home game for the Sky Sox, but the top Brewers prospects weren’t in the cages this time around.

Instead, members of the Colorado Springs service community stood in the batter’s box, as representatives of the Colorado Springs Police Department, Colorado Springs Fire Department and the Colorado Springs chapter of the Wounded Warriors Project gathered to help kick off the 2017 Heroes Classic.

“It’s always fun to meet people that protect and serve our country,” said Sky Sox Manager Rick Sweet. “Any time I get an opportunity to spend time with these people and for my players to spend quality time with these people is always a great for them and for us.”

The annual batting practice was part of the Heroes Classic schedule, which aims to raise money and support for the men and women of the Colorado Springs community that choose to protect and serve the freedom and rights both at home and abroad.

“It’s an honor to serve the citizens of Colorado Springs and be able to do the things that I do,” said CSFD’s Ryan Pighetti, a 10-year firefighter at Station 17. “Being recognized for something like this is just icing on the cake. I have service inside of me and that’s why I do what I do.”

Pighetti and many others from across the three organizations had the opportunity to step onto the field and interact with players who share common values of hard work, determination, camaraderie and sacrifice.

“We talked about the camaraderie between the fire department, between their teammates, and a lot of it is the same,” said Pighetti. “These guys have put just as much hard work and determination into their career as I’ve put into my career to get to where we’ve ended up to this point.”

“It’s incredible when our warriors and their family members can come out on the field with professional baseball players and take some swings in the batting cages,” said Greg Monck, Alumni Manager for the Colorado Springs chapter of the Wounded Warrior Project. “It’s an awesome time for them and it helps get them out of the house and hang out with their families.”

For the Sox, an event such as the Heroes Classic batting practice allows the team to show gratitude for those who allow them to play their favorite game.

“For the players, it gives them a chance to touch base with people that allow us to have fun playing the sport that we get to play,” said Sweet. “It’s because of our warriors and the police and fire departments that we have the freedom to play baseball.”

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

Tame your mane: Great Clips Charity Cuts 6/8

Are split ends throwing you a curve? On Thursday, June 8, the Great Clips Charity Cuts event aims to help you tame that mane while enjoying great baseball action at Fifth Third Field!

Great Clips stylists will be providing free haircuts on the Main Concourse during the game, with donations being accepted to benefit Children’s Miracle Network.

GAME TICKET ($12) – BUY TICKETS

What you get:

  • June 8 Mud Hens game ticket

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

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Carnival to Benefit Hannah’s Vision, Inc.

A carnival to benefit the Hannah’s Vision, Inc. nonprofit organization (501c3 application in process) is going to be held Thursday, June 1st through Sunday, June 4th at Eastwood Field / Mahoning Valley Scrappers park. The carnival will have fireworks, rides, a variety of food vendors, multiple live bands, entertainers and craftsman performing throughout the event and more! Niles Police will be onsite for security, and this will be a family-friendly event with no alcohol.

Hours and bands schedule:

Thursday June 1st – 6pm to 11pm (music by County Mayo and Taylor Borton)

Friday June 2nd – 6pm to 12am (music by Highland Rose and John Dante and the Inferno)

Saturday June 3rd – 6pm to 12am (music by The Rage and Anger the Ant)

Sunday June 4th – 1pm to 11pm (music by The Acoustic Jones, K Street, Taylor Borton and The Black Wolf and The Thief)

Throughout the weekend: Clowns – Balloon animals – Ukulele duo – Daily 50/50 raffle (winner need not be present to win) – Animal Charity – Legacy Dog Rescue of Ohio – Dunking Booth

Saturday night Fireworks!

Sunday matinee – Open at 1pm with bands performing throughout the afternoon and evening.

Free glow-in-the-dark purple glasses to all (subject to quantity available of 5,000 for weekend).

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