Meet Beth Leatherman, Breast Cancer Fighter & Cancer Survivor’s Park Alliance Board Member

“In 1996, at the age of 35, I was diagnosed with breast cancer through a routine mammogram. My surgeon was very positive about getting it all with a lumpectomy and gave me a good prognosis. I also didn’t need to do any chemotherapy because the cancer was not in my lymph nodes.

“17 years later, on Christmas Eve 2013, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer. Not exactly the news you want to hear at any time, but especially not on Christmas Eve.

For about a year prior Beth had been complaining to her family doctor that she was having pain in the upper part of her stomach, by her rib cage. Her doctor kept telling her it was just acid reflux, but Beth decided to take it upon herself to go see a gastroenterologist for another opinion. The gastroenterologist ran a few initial blood tests and a CT scan which revealed abnormalities in Beth’s liver along with enzyme levels that were through the roof. Then Beth had a biopsy and the biopsy came back positive. She was sent to an oncologist right away and by Monday, December 27th, 2013 Beth started aggressive chemotherapy which lasted six months and she continues to see her oncologist monthly and take oral chemo medication.”

“I think I was very positive the first time around. That’s not to say that it wasn’t scary. I was scared, but sometimes you just need a wakeup call about life. The second time around was more serious as it had metastasized to my liver.”

“You think cancer of the liver, that’s bad, you can’t live without your liver. Everybody in my life was scared and I know deep down they were all thinking, “she’s not going to make it,” without verbalizing it to me. But I think that brought me and my friends and family closer together and today we make more of an effort to get together.”

“I know everyone’s cancer is different and I do feel blessed that this has not gotten me down mentally or physically. The treatments are tough, but I would tell anyone who is going through this to try your best to stay positive.”

It has been 9 years and Beth continues to fight. Beth tributes a great deal of her strength and success to her 8 years of involvement with the Cancer Survivors Park Alliance of Greenville. The Park has something to offer everyone whether you are fighting cancer, supporting someone, memorializing a lost one or celebrating survivorship.

For Beth, it has been a place for learning, healing, hope and tremendous beauty. Sharing her story with others not only continues to benefit her, but also encourages those battling cancer, their families, friends and caregivers to keep fighting.

Thank you Beth, for sharing your story – The Greenville Drive celebrates your strength and supports you in your fight against breast cancer.

We are partnering with the Cancer Survivor’s Park Alliance to help them launch their NEW Cancer Survivor’s Park Alliance hat. The hat is available to order on https://cancersurvivorspark.org/gift- shop-old/ and https://drive.milbstore.com and will also be in stock at the Drive Team Store!

All proceeds go back to support the Park.

Auburn Wins WooSox’ Inaugural “Town Takeovers” Competition

On Sunday, September 25, as the Worcester Red Sox concluded a sensational second season, during which they attracted well over 500,000 fans to Polar Park, they honored the Town of Auburn as the winners of the inaugural “Town Takeovers” competition—a new program that will expand in WooSox ’23.

Of more than 20 towns and cities throughout Central and Western Mass to be featured in the program this season, Auburn produced the highest turnout with 546 fans on “Auburn Night” Wednesday, June 15.

During pre-game ceremonies at the season finale September 25, WooSox Chairman & Principal Owner Larry Lucchino and WooSox President Dr. Charles Steinberg presented representatives from Auburn with a large trophy and two large championship banners—one of which will remain on display at Polar Park for years to come.

The Auburn representatives were Select Board Vice Chair Sara Rufli; Director of Department of Development and Inspectional Services Darlene Coyle; Stacy Fitzgerald, an administrative assistant within the Auburn Police Department; Sue Strozina, an administrative assistant within the Town Manager’s Office; and Amy and Erik Berg, two teachers within Auburn Local Schools.

At “Auburn Night” earlier in the season, Auburn residents raised $855 for the Officer Ronald Tarentino, Jr. Charitable Fund, which was established in 2018 by Tarentino’s loving family, friends, and colleagues. So, on September 25, the WooSox Foundation matched this donation and presented Auburn representatives with a check for $855.

As this year’s “Town Takeovers” champions, Auburn is guaranteed another “Town Takeover” game during the 2023 season.

Indians to Hold Indianapolis Indians Charities Bowling Event at Woodland Bowling Center on Saturday, Nov. 12 

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indianapolis Indians today announced that the organization’s nonprofit Indianapolis Indians Charities will hold a commemorative charity bowling event at Woodland Bowling Center from 12-4 PM on Saturday, Nov. 12. The inaugural IIC Bowling Event is in remembrance of longtime Indians front office employee Brad Morris, who was an avid bowler and owned six perfect 300 scores in his bowling career.

The IIC Bowling Event features 70 available bowling lanes and sponsorship opportunities. Individuals or groups interested in bowling may sign up here, and businesses interested in title, contest or signature bar sponsorships may learn more here. All proceeds from the event benefit Indianapolis Indians Charities.

“Brad was a beloved member of our organization for 27 years, and he made Indianapolis his home while never forgetting his Pennsylvania roots,” said Randy Lewandowski, Indianapolis Indians president & general manager. “We look forward to welcoming friends and family of Brad to honor and celebrate his life at one of his favorite locations away from the ballpark, the local bowling alley.”

The IIC Bowling Event also includes a raffle giveaway and silent auction. The event is open to bowlers of all ages and levels of experience, from rookies to seasoned bowlers like Brad himself.

For more information, contact Indians community outreach coordinator Rylee Horn at [email protected] or (317) 269-3542, extension 278.

Crawdads to Host Strike Out Cancer Night

Hickory, NC- The Crawdads are excited to announce a Strike Out Cancer Night to be held on Saturday, September 9th, 2023, as they take on the Winston-Salem Dash.

During the game, the Crawdads players will wear special jerseys featuring the names of loved ones that have been affected by cancer. Fans can add a first and last name to the jersey and receive two tickets to Strikeout Cancer Night for $50. Season ticket holders can purchase a name for $25. Funds raised from the names will be donated to cancer research. To secure a spot on the jersey, please call the Crawdads’ front office at 828-322-3000.

Along with the names, the jerseys will feature a shoulder pattern of the different cancer ribbon colors. A limited number of names can be accepted on a first come, first served basis. Names are guaranteed to be featured on the jersey in a visible spot. Due to the high level of customization with the jerseys, the exact artwork pictured is subject to change.

The jerseys will be worn in-game on Saturday, September 9th. All jerseys will be up for auction as part of the Crawdads’ fundraising efforts.

Tickets purchased with the package will be emailed to the provided email at a later date. Additional tickets for the game can be purchased along with the package for $6.

Single game tickets for Strikeout Cancer Night and the Crawdads’ other 65 home games will go on sale in March. To book a group outing for the 2023 season, please call 828-322-3000.

More details of the night will be announced soon. For questions, please call the Crawdads front office at 828-322-3000 or email Ashley at [email protected]

2nd Annual Heroes Softball Game is October 30th at Fluor Field

The 2nd Annual Heroes Softball Game between the City of Greenville Police and Fire Departments will take place at Fluor Field on Sunday, October 30th. First pitch for this charitable softball game is set for 1 PM, and the Main Street Gates to the ballpark will open at 12 PM.

The event is complimentary to the public, but you must claim a ticket in advance of the event by CLICKING HERE. While the event is complimentary, donations are encouraged throughout the event, as both the Police Department and Fire Department raise money for charity.

Concessions will also be available for purchase during the Heroes Softball Game.

The Police Department took home the victory in last year’s inaugural event, so the Fire Department will be looking to even the series at Fluor Field on October 30th.

RiverDogs to Auction Home White Jerseys from Championship Seasons

Baseball fans will have the opportunity to bid on a piece of Charleston RiverDogs history over the next two weeks. The team announced plans to auction their game-used home white jerseys online beginning at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday. The jerseys were donned for a majority of RiverDogs home games for the last six seasons, including the first two championship seasons in franchise history, 2021 and 2022. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital. The auction will conclude on Friday, October 21 at 7:00 p.m.

The recognizable white jerseys were each worn by several New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays prospects. The auction includes jerseys worn by Yankees all-star pitcher Nestor Cortes, Yankees pitcher Luis Gil, popular Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Hoy Park and Pirates pitcher Roansy Contreras. In addition, 18 of MLB Pipeline’s top 30 Rays prospects have worn jerseys that are part of the auction, including each of the organization’s top three farmhands, Taj Bradley, Curtis Mead and Carson Williams.

“We are thrilled to give baseball fans in Charleston and around the country an opportunity to own a significant piece of our franchise’s history,” said RiverDogs President and General Manager Dave Echols. “These jerseys have been worn in the handshake line more than any other in Minor League Baseball the last two seasons and have been worn by a collection of extremely talented baseball players.”

In total, 36 jerseys will be auctioned via the Charleston RiverDogs page on the MiLB Auctions website. Fans who place the winning bid on a jersey will also receive a 2021 replica championship ring and a 2022 championship banner.

Season tickets, Dog-E Coin plans, and group tickets, including options to the Segra Club at Riley Park, are available at riverdogs.com/tickets. The Segra Club is also open for events year-round. Visit segraclub.com for more information. The brand new RiverDogs Food Truck is available for your next event! Contact the RiverDogs front office at 843-577-3647 (DOGS) for more information.

The AquaSox wear pink! 

The AquaSox wear pink! This October, in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Everett AquaSox are joining forces with the American Cancer Society to raise funds for groundbreaking research and services for people dealing with cancer. The AquaSox will be matching all donations made through our fundraising page (link below) up to $2,500! By donating and participating with us in this event, you can help us make a difference and honor those touched by cancer!

CLICK HERE TO DONATE: https://tinyurl.com/y4nbveej

Come Support Making Strides against Breast Cancer on October 23rd at Fluor Field!

Come support Making Strides against Breast Cancer this October 23rd at Fluor Field! The Making Strides movement raises lifesaving funds that support breast cancer patients, survivors, thrivers, and caregivers through every step of the journey.

To learn more about how to get involved with this special event, click HERE

Clover Stadium to again Host Heroes Classic

Rockland County, NY – For the third successive year, Clover Stadium in Pomona, the home of the Frontier League’s New York Boulders, will play host to the annual Heroes Baseball Classic between the New York Police Department and New York Fire Department.

This year’s game, sponsored in part by the Duke of Oil and Tune of New City, will be played on Saturday, Sept. 10, with first pitch scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

The game between the NYPD and FDNY is held each year in memory of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice after responding to the World Trade Center area on Sept. 11, 2001. On that day, the FDNY baseball team lost two members – Andre Fletcher and Mike Weinberg.

Proceeds from the game will go to the Widows and Children’s Fund, as well as the Stephen Siller Foundation.

Space Cowboys to Present Check to Candlelighters on Sept. 2

(SUGAR LAND, Texas) *– The *Sugar Land Space Cowboys today announced they will be presenting a $17,805 check to Candlelighters during their game on Sept. 2 at *Constellation Field, *raised from jersey auctions throughout the season.

The Space Cowboys raised their highest dollar amount and more than doubled their previous high through jersey auctions benefitting Candlelighters. The Space Cowboys have held jersey auctions benefitting Candlelighters with the help of Constellation since the franchise debuted in 2012.

“Constellation is proud to support the wonderful mission and work of Candlelighters, which has a tremendous impact on families providing support in times of great need,” said Kevin Klages, senior vice president of mass markets for Constellation. “Our employees have energetically rallied and raised funds, including through brisket sales and sheer ingenuity. Thank you Candlelighters for your tireless work to support families in our community.”

Board members from Candlelighters will be on hand to receive the check from a Space Cowboys representative during their Sept. 2 game vs. the Albuquerque Isotopes, with a first pitch of 7:05 p.m.

“We are incredibly honored to have the support of the Sugar Land Space Cowboys. Not only do they raise vital funding for Candlelighters programs and services through the jersey raffles, they also help spread awareness and provide fun experiences for children with cancer and their families! Our annual night at the ballfield serves hundreds of cancer family members, giving them the opportunity to make long-lasting memories and forget about cancer treatment for a day!” said Carly Bradshaw, Candlelighters Director of Programs and Communications. “The whole Space Cowboys organization goes above and beyond to make our Candlelighters kiddos feel extra special and appreciated – we are so grateful for such a meaningful community partnership.”

Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Family Alliance provides emotional, educational and practical support to families of children with cancer.

“We are thankful and proud to partner with an organization that positively impacts the lives of so many people and families,” said Space Cowboys General Manager, Tyler Stamm. “We look forward to continuing our Space Cowboys jersey auctions at Constellation Field to support Candlelighters for many years to come.”

2022 Nolan Ryan Foundation Dinner & Golf Tournament Announced

ROUND ROCK, Texas – The Nolan Ryan Foundation announced the dates for the 2022 Nolan Ryan Foundation Dinner & Golf Tournament. The dinner will take place on October 23 at Kalahari Resorts & Convention Center, while the golf tournament will be held on October 24. The location of the tournament will be provided upon registration.

Hall of Famers, Joe Torre and Nolan Ryan will be in attendance for this intimate, once-in-a-lifetime dinner. Torre and Ryan will sit down with Round Rock Express CEO, Reid Ryan, for a short program as they discuss their Hall of Fame careers with the crowd. To register for a table or become a sponsor, click here.

“The Nolan Ryan Foundation Dinner & Golf Tournament is a major driver for the scholarships and grants we award each year,” said Mary Conley Thompson, Manager of the Nolan Ryan Foundation. “With this year’s event at Kalahari Resorts & Convention Center, we are looking forward to our biggest year yet.”

All proceeds from the event will directly benefit the Nolan Ryan Foundation scholarship and community grant programs. The Nolan Ryan Foundation’s mission is to provide resources for youth, education, and community development in the Central Texas area. In the last year, the Nolan Ryan Foundation has given approximately $250,000 in scholarships and community grants.

The Nolan Ryan Foundation began in 1990 in Alvin, Texas and relocated to Round Rock in 2017. The foundation became the non-profit arm of the Round Rock Express. Nolan Ryan, Reid and Reese Ryan, along with Don, Bret and Brad Sanders make up the ownership group of the Express.

Cutters Help ACES North America

The Williamsport Crosscutters players and staff recently held the Cutters Dominican Plate event in conjunction with ACES North America.

The event, held annually, consists of a buffet dinner featuring Dominican food along with auctions, music and dancing. Proceeds from the event benefit ACES North America, a non-profit organization formed in Williamsport that is dedicated to making the world a better place by supporting sustainable grassroots projects and programs in the Dominican Republic’s impoverished communities. Further, they strive to empower individuals and communities for sustainable development.

Prior to the Cutters August 14 game, the team presented a check to ACES North America in the amount of $10,200 representing the proceeds from the event.

M-Braves, JSU partnering to salute the Negro Leagues on Saturday

*JACKSON, MS *– Jackson State University is partnering with the Mississippi Braves for their family and friends night at 6:05 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 20, at Trustmark Park. The first-time collaboration will also honor the 100th anniversary of the Negro Leagues.

“We are very excited that we are finally in a place where we can see this project to fruition. We’ve been working on it since 2020,” said Yolanda Owens, assistant vice president for the Division of Institutional Advancement at JSU. “The pandemic paused our plans, but we are excited that in 2022 we can bring this partnership together.”

Although The Negro League’s 100th anniversary was in 2020, and initial plans stalled, the fun and festivities will go down on Saturday as the Mississippi Braves take on the Pensacola Blue Wahoos.

During the game, several tributes will be made in memory of the league established for Black baseball teams in the early 20th century. A silent auction will also be held, and all proceeds will go to JSU’s GAP program.

“There’s going to be a number of historical videos, script material, and a variety of things talking about the history of the Negro Leagues. We probably have more of a focus on Cool Papa Bell, who had Mississippi ties, and [we’re] just celebrating the history, nostalgia, and importance of the Negro Leagues,” explained Tim Mueller, assistant general manager of the Mississippi Braves.

Mueller says the partnership between the Braves and JSU is long overdue, calling the university an icon and fixture of Mississippi and the capital city.

“Kelvin Moore, who is now deceased, was the first player from Jackson State actually to be drafted into Major League Baseball, so this is a great opportunity for us to honor him and some of our other MLB greats and honor those who paved the way for us through the major leagues,” added Owens.

Former Minority Mississippi Braves player Vaughn Grissom and Minority Mississippi Braves player Justyn-Henry Malloy are proud of the team’s efforts to recognize the Negro League, noting its contributions to their opportunity to play professional baseball.

“I wouldn’t be able to play our sport now without the people who took the first step. The league is being flooded with more African-American talent, and it’s fun to see,” said Grissom, who played infielder for the Braves at the time of this interview.

“Even 10-to-15 years ago, the league was predominately white, and now you get to see a lot more color. We have an opportunity to make tons of money now [and] that wasn’t available back then, even if you were the best of the best.”

Malloy, drafted by the Braves in 2021, plays left field for the M-Braves. He admires the passion the players of the Negro Leagues had for the game.

“Knowing the history of what those guys have done before us and the amount of struggling they really had to go through too, it kind of put things in perspective with us playing such a difficult game,” Henry shared. “Those guys were super tough. They were hungry; they really loved the game for them to do what they had to do to play out here, so I think it’s important for us to know and recognize that.”

Keeping true to the Mississippi Braves tradition, a post-game fireworks show will follow the game. Tickets can be purchased from the Trustmark Park box office or in-person at the Department of Alumni and Constituency Relations located at 101 W. Capitol Street in downtown Jackson.

Editor’s note: Shortly after this interview, Grissom was promoted to Atlanta on Wednesday, August 10. Grissom started that evening for the Braves at second base, and during his third plate appearance at historic Fenway Park, he hit a home run over the monster for his first hit as a Major Leaguer.

About Jackson State University: Challenging Minds, Changing Lives

Jackson State University, founded in 1877, is a historically black, high research activity university located in Jackson, the capital city of Mississippi. Jackson State’s nurturing academic environment challenges individuals to change lives through teaching, research, and service. Officially designated as Mississippi’s Urban University, Jackson State continues to enhance the state, nation, and world through comprehensive economic development, healthcare, technological and educational initiatives. The only public university in the Jackson metropolitan area, Jackson State, is located near downtown, with five satellite locations throughout the area. For more information, visit www.jsums.edu or call 601-979-2121.

Media contact: [email protected]

Flying Squirrels, Richmond Raceway to host 8th annual Turn Left Golf Classic

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Flying Squirrels and Richmond Raceway on Monday announced the return of the 8th Annual Turn Left Golf Classic presented by Cranemasters on Monday, Oct. 24 at Independence Golf Club.

The Turn Left Golf Classic was created in 2014 to benefit Flying Squirrels Charities and Richmond Raceway Cares, two 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. The tournament returns to Independence Golf Club for the first time since 2018.

“We look forward to another memory-making Turn Left Golf Classic presented by Cranemasters in conjunction with our friends at Richmond Raceway,” Flying Squirrels CEO Todd “Parney” Parnell said. “This event has raised valuable funds throughout the years to benefit the excellent community work of Flying Squirrels Charities and Richmond Raceway Cares. We look forward to another festive event that will benefit our community for years to come.”

The Turn Left Golf Classic is a shotgun start at 9 a.m. Prizes will be allotted to the top foursome and a post-event lunch is included with the registration price. Sponsorship opportunities and foursome spots are available at nascarfoundation.com/turnleftclassic. A ticket to the Richmond Flying Squirrels game on Sunday, Oct. 23 will be included with each registration.

“When Richmond Raceway and the Richmond Flying Squirrels get together, you know it is going to be a memorable event in the community,” Richmond Raceway President Lori Collier Waran said. “The Turn Left Golf Classic will once again be an exciting event that brings RVA together to benefit our community.”

“We’re very excited and honored to be partnering with Richmond Raceway and the Richmond Flying Squirrels,” said Giff Breed, President, Pros, Incorporated. “I’m sure we’ll have the greens running as fast as a straightaway on the backstretch at Richmond Raceway.”

Second Annual “WooSox Foundation Golf Classic” Presented by Hanover Insurance, scheduled for Monday, August 29

WORCESTER, MA — The Second Annual “WooSox Foundation Golf Classic,” presented by Hanover Insurance, is scheduled for Monday, August 29, at the Haven Country Club in Boylston, MA. Worcester Red Sox players and coaches will attend, and proceeds will directly benefit the many programs run by the WooSox Foundation, the charitable arm of the WooSox.

The registration donation of $1,200 per foursome includes greens, cart fees for 18 holes, lunch, dinner, and a complimentary WooSox swag bag. In addition, tee box signs are available for $1,000. Two raffles and a live auction will provide opportunities for special gifts, memorabilia, and exclusive experiences.

Attendees can register now at woosoxfoundation.org/golf.

Day-of registration will open at 9:30 a.m. August 29, with golf beginning at 11 a.m. with a shotgun start in a Texas Scramble tournament format. Each golfer tees off, then plays their own ball from the location of the foursome’s best drive until each golfer holes out. The lowest score in the foursome is counted toward the team’s score.

The Haven Country Club, located at 369 Cross Street, is a private country club featuring a gorgeous 18-hole, par-72, 6,800-yard course.

Comprising four pillars—Education, Social Justice, Conquering Cancer, and Diamond Sports—the WooSox Foundation funds many programs that benefit the community.

  • The WooSox Scholars program annually awards a $10,000 college scholarship to four exceptional eighth grade students in Worcester Public Schools.
  • The “WooSox Most Valuable Teachers” program, presented by Country Bank, awards stipends to nominated teachers in the area.
  • Created in the loving memory of Paxton Little Leaguer Tyler Trudell, “Tyler’s Teammates” helps aspiring ballplayers afford the registration fees and equipment required to play organized baseball and softball.
  • The WooSox Familia honors the loving memory of Officer Manny Familia by supporting the Manny 267 Foundation.
  • Foundation volunteers take the WooSox Foundation Care-A-Van, presented by Bank of America, out into the community to provide various services and resources.

To learn more about the Foundation’s programs and initiatives, visit woosoxfoundation.org.