Crawdads Serve at Hickory Soup Kitchen

Dads players helped prepare and serve food over two days

Hickory-CrawdadsThe Hickory Crawdads recently lent a helping hand at the Hickory Soup Kitchen, with the ‘Dads players helping to clean, prepare, and serve food on August 7th & 8th.

Six players and one front office member volunteered over four separate shifts during the two-day span. The Crawdads helped out with everything from peeling potatoes and bagging groceries, to serving food and interacting with the guests.

Hickory-Soup-Kitchen“We are always happy to help out in the community when we get a chance,” said Crawdads General Manager Mark Seaman. “It was a good opportunity for the players to give back and see first hand some of the challenges that our fellow citizens face on a daily basis.”

The Hickory Soup Kitchen began in 1983 with six downtown churches before moving to its current location in 1990. HSK serves an average of 152 people per day and more than 70,000 people every year. The kitchen is open weekdays from 7:00 am to 1:00 pm.

For more information regarding the Hickory Soup Kitchen, contact Executive Director Austin Pearce at (828) 327-4828 or email hickorysoup@embarqmail.com.

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

Crawdads Help Out NC Boys Academy

‘Dads players/coaches help prepare campus for grand opening

Hickory-CrawdadsThe Hickory Crawdads recently teamed up with the newly formed North Carolina Boys Academy, with several ‘Dads players and coaches helping to prepare the NCBA’s Lake Hickory campus for its first ever class of boys this fall.

The entire Crawdads team spent time on July 17th helping to paint several buildings on the campus. The ‘Dads also had a chance to showcase their skills in a whiffle ball game with the boys from Camp David, NCBA’s corresponding summer camp.

Teen-Challenge-International“We were more than happy to spend our time helping out such a good cause,” said Crawdads Manager Corey Ragsdale. “It was good for our guys to be a part of something like that. We also learned that they’re all better baseball players than painters.”

The North Carolina Boy’s Academy is a therapeutic Christian boarding school for teenage boys struggling with life-controlling problems. The program exposes students to godly male roles models in a 12-15 month process that includes 3 phases, P1- Wilderness, P2 – Advanced, P3 -Leadership.

The NCBA’s campus was originally opened as a leadership-training center for Duke Power Co. in 1959. The Boy’s Academy purchased the facility in December of 2013, with the inaugural class scheduled to start this September. The Campus contains 12 buildings and 28 lodging rooms spread across a 16-acre campus on Lake Hickory.

For more information regarding the North Carolina Boys Academy, visit their website at ncboysacademy.org, or contact camp facilitator John Steigerwald at (828) 256-2126.

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

‘Dads Host “Kiss a Cow” Fundraiser

Contest aims to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity

Hickory-CrawdadsThe Hickory Crawdads are excited to host the “Kiss a Cow” fundraiser for the Catawba Valley Habitat for Humanity on Friday, July 25th. The fundraiser pits six local community leaders against each other in an effort to raise the most money for HFH, with the “winner” having to kiss a cow.

The six community leaders participating in the fundraiser include Rudy Wright, Mayor of Hickory, Steve Underdown, Vice-President of HSM, Dr. Dan Brigman, CCS Superintendent, Mitzi Gellman, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity, and Crawdads own General Manager Mark Seaman and All-Star relief pitcher Ryne Slack. The contest concludes with the overall winner kissing a cow on the field at LP Frans Stadium immediately following the ‘Dads game and before the post-game Fireworks.

Habitat-for-Humanity-logo2The Crawdads are also conducting a secondary challenge between the organization’s two contestants. In addition to the regular “Kiss a Cow” contest, the ‘Dad that has the most donations given in their name will also get a pie in the face following the Crawdads game on Saturday, July 26th.

Donations can be made online at www.habitatcatawbavalley.org by clicking on the “DONATE” button. Donors are asked to place the name of the contestant they wish to donate on behalf of in the additional comments section of the form. Donations may also be made at L.P. Frans Stadium for the two Crawdads contestants by visiting the Dale Earnhardt Customer Care Booth during any ‘Dads game.

For more information regarding the Habitat for Humanity “Kiss a Cow” night, contact the ‘Dads front office at (828) 322-3000.

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

YMCA Night at L.P. Frans Stadium

Hickory’s Biggest Cycle Class to happen during the game

Hickory-CrawdadsThe Hickory Crawdads and the YMCA are teaming up to host Hickory’s Biggest Cycle Class during YMCA Night at L.P. Frans Stadium on Tuesday, June 3rd.

Open to both members and non-members of the YMCA, Hickory’s Biggest Cycle Class will take place during the Crawdads game against the Charleston RiverDogs beginning at 7 pm. Stationary bikes will be positioned throughout the ballpark, allowing fans to participate in the event while still watching the game. Participants in the class will receive free admission to the game.

YMCA-blue-&-purpleThere are three riding options for the class participants, including one rider for all two hours, a team of two riders for one hour apiece, or a team of four riders for 30 minutes each. Those wishing to register for the class can do so by visiting or calling any of the YMCAs of Catawba Valley.

YMCA baseball and softball players are encouraged to wear their jerseys to the game, or wear blue or purple in support of the Y.

Tuesday is also Dollar Day at the ballpark presented by 1290 WHKY. Fans can buy one ticket and get the second for $1, with $1 hot dogs and Pepsi products available as well.

For more information regarding YMCA Night and Hickory’s Biggest Cycle Class, call Naomi Mitchell at (828) 464-6130.

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

Crawdads to Host Taste of Hickory

‘Dads partner with Hickory Elks for May 18th event

Hickory-CrawdadsAre you a self-professed foodie? Do you enjoy tasting new and local beers and wines? What if you could come to one event and taste all the food, wine and beer from area restaurants, breweries and wineries, and support community outreach programs and children’s charities at the same time?

Welcome to the Taste of Hickory! Taste. Well Crafted. The Hickory Elks Lodge is excited to announce their new partnership with the Hickory Crawdads offering the much needed space to accommodate the growth of this year’s Taste of Hickory while presenting the beautifully renovated L.P. Frans Stadium. The Hickory area is alive with talented chefs, bakers, brew masters, wine makers, and more, and the Hickory Elks in partnership with the Hickory Crawdads are thrilled to host the 3rd Annual Taste of Hickory on Sunday, May 18th.

Elks-USAThe Taste of Hickory is sponsored this year by James Oxygen & Supply Company, Ashley’s Heating & Air, Holbrook Landscaping, Republic Services, Colin Brady, Community One Bank, Prime Benefits Insurance, United Beverage, Hickory Convention & Visitors Bureau, and City of Hickory’s “Life. Well Crafted.” brand. The event will showcase locally owned restaurants, Carolina breweries and wineries, and other local vendors. Stroll through the stadium tasting and sipping while enjoying familiar tunes by Hickory’s own “America’s Got Talent” star Ulysses Long.

There will be competition for the “Best of Hickory” in several categories with raffles and door prizes during the event. Proceeds from the event will go to the many community outreach programs that the Elks sponsor including Veterans Programs, Youth Activities and Scholarships, Catawba Valley Backpack Program, the Helping Hands Program, and the many Children’s Charities supported by the Lady Elks.

The event will be held at the Hickory Crawdads Stadium, Clement Blvd, on Sunday May 18, 2014 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The event will be indoors and outdoors. Tickets are limited to 500 and will be available for sale on Friday April 4th. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. No one under 21 will be admitted and proper ID must be presented. For more information, to sponsor the event, to become a vendor, and to purchase tickets visit the Taste of Hickory Facebook page and call The Hickory Elks Lodge at (828) 322-2527.

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

‘Dads Breast Cancer Awareness Weekend

Weekend highlighted by pink jersey auction on Sunday

Hickory-CrawdadsThe Hickory Crawdads have announced the details for their annual Breast Cancer Awareness weekend, which is scheduled for Friday, May 9th – Sunday, May 11th.

The 3-day promotion, presented by KICKS 103.3, will focus on the color pink with the team hoping to raise both awareness and financial support in the battle against breast cancer. The festivities begin on Friday, with the Crawdads looking to “Paint the Park Pink.” The ‘Dads players will debut special pink game jerseys that they will wear throughout the weekend, and any fan who wears pink to the ballpark will receive a $5 ticket to the game.

Saturday will feature replica pink Crawdads uniforms for the first 1,000 fans with paid admittance, courtesy of Pepsi.

The weekend promotion will wrap up with a big day on Sunday. In honor of Mother’s Day, all moms in attendance will receive a free carnation at the front gate. The Crawdads will also finish the auction of their game-worn, pink jerseys, with a live silent auction at L.P. Frans Stadium. The online portion of the jersey auction is available now, with fans able to bid on the uniform of any 2014 Hickory Crawdad. The online auction will end at 12:00 pm on May 11th, with the auction concluding live at the ballpark during the game

A portion of the proceeds from the jersey auction will go towards a local breast cancer support organization. You can find the online auction page on the Crawdads website here.

For more information regarding any of the activities during the Crawdads Breast Cancer Awareness Weekend, call the ‘Dads front office at (828) 322-3000.

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

‘Dads Reveal Winning Cover Design

Sawmills Elementary’s Nathan Connor creates winning artwork

Hickory, NC – The Hickory Crawdads are proud to announce the winner of this year’s Cover Design Contest, with Nathan Connor of Sawmills Elementary creating the winning entry. Nathan’s artwork will appear on the cover of the first edition of the Crawdads Chronicle, the ‘Dads game day program.

Nathan’s artwork depicting Crawdads mascots Conrad and Candy was chosen from nearly 2,000 total entries from area schools. The winning picture also incorporates the ‘Dads All-Star logo and a bright yellow banner with the Crawdads alternate claw logo.

“Nathan’s picture really stood out to us,” said Crawdads Director of Community Relations & Events Megan Meade. “I always love going through all the artwork and this year really gave us some great ones to choose from. In the end though, Nathan’s was the one that won us over.”

The Crawdads will honor Nathan at the ‘Dads April 15th home game against Kannapolis. Nathan and his family will receive 4 free tickets to the game, where the 4th grader will also throw out the first pitch as part of his VIP treatment for the night.

The remaining 24 finalists submissions in the Crawdads Cover Design Contest will be displayed in the stadium concourse for the game. All of the children who submitted artwork, along with their families, will be recognized in a pre-game parade around the outfield.

Now in its 4th year, the Crawdads annual Cover Design Contest allows children from all area elementary and middle schools to submit their unique artwork for consideration. The Crawdads select the top 25 covers from nearly 2,000 total submissions. The winning artwork is then voted on by the ‘Dads staff.

Sawmills Elementary will receive $200 from the Crawdads thanks to Nathan’s winning art, while St. Stephen’s Elementary in Hickory will also receive a $200 prize for having the most participants in this year’s contest.

The Crawdads open the season on Thursday, April 3 in Greensboro before playing their home opener at the newly renovated Crawdads Stadium on Thursday, April 10. Tickets are now on sale for all 70 ‘Dads home games, as well as the South Atlantic League All-Star Game on June 17. Tickets may be purchased online, over the phone, or in-person at the Crawdads Ticket Office.

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

Hickory Crawdads to host first Art at the Park event!

Calling All Artists!

Hickory Crawdads to host first Art at the Park event

The Hickory Crawdads have announced their first ever Art at the Park event to take place August 13th-15th. All artists are invited to submit their best rendition of their favorite scenes from around the ballpark and have their work voted on by the fans over the three-game home stand.

The event will take place the third week in August as the ‘Dads play host to the Asheville Tourists for a three game series of 7pm games. Artists from around the area are encouraged to submit their original two-dimensional artwork depicting their favorite ballpark scene to the Crawdads Front Office by Monday, August 12th for entry into the competition. All submitted works will be displayed on the main concourse of Crawdads Stadium throughout the home stand for Crawdads fans to view and submit votes for the piece they believe should take home the grand prize. At the conclusion of the home stand, ballots will be counted and the artist whose piece gets the most votes will receive a FREE Luxury Suite for a ballgame.

In addition to the chance to win the grand prize, all participants will receive one free grandstand ticket good for any of the three games during the home stand. All fans and artists are welcome to participate as long as their submissions are within the guidelines. The fan-favorite voting contest will begin when the gates open on Tuesday, August 13th, and will remain open until the conclusion of the game on Thursday, August 15th. The winner will be announced on Friday, August 16th.

For more information on the Hickory Crawdads and their Art at the Park event, visit www.hickorycrawdads.com or contact Quinn Gruber at (828)322-3000, or e-mail qgruber@hickorycrawdads.com.

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Crawdads Front Office:

2500 Clement Blvd. NW

Hickory, NC 28601

Crawdads Mailing Address:

PO Box 1268

Hickory, NC 28603

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

‘Dads Participate in “15 for 15” Initiative

Crawdads and MiLB look to help tornado victims

HICKORY, NC – The Hickory Crawdads, South Atlantic League affiliate of the Texas Rangers, have partnered with Minor League Baseball Charities and 51 other clubs in a “15 for 15” initiative to raise funds to help out those communities that were recently affected by the tornado devastation near Oklahoma City.

Beginning Monday, and running for the next 15 days through June 17, the ‘Dads and other participating clubs have agreed to donate 15% of every order received through their online stores to MiLB Charities to use toward the relief efforts.

“The Crawdads are proud to be a part of this baseball-wide team effort to help raise funds for those affected by the devastating tornados in Oklahoma,” said Crawdads Director of Ticket Operations and Merchandising Douglas Locascio. “It’s a great way for our fans to contribute to the cause, while also getting some cool gear and showing their Crawdads pride!”

Click here to visit the Crawdads Online Team Store right now! For more information on the MiLB “15 for 15” initiative, visit milbcharities.milbstore.com.

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

‘Dads team with Children’s Advocacy and Protection Center to Keep Kids Safe

L.P. Frans Stadium was the recent site of a Yello Dyno Training session where children ages 4 through 10 learned strategies to keep themselves safe. Yello Dyno teaches children about tricky situations such as child abduction, molestation, bullying, and other forms of victimization by utilizing an active, but non-fearful format of instruction.

Children attending the training learned that a “tricky person” may come in the form of someone they don’t know or, more often, someone they do know. Kids were empowered by recognizing when someone, stranger or not, is trying to trick them into doing inappropriate things. The program taught the kids how to approach the appropriate people for help if they are lost, and learned the right questions to ask when faced with difficult situations.

Crawdad’s General Manager, Mark Seaman had this to say about their decision to sponsor the training, “We appreciate the Children’s Advocacy and Protection Center of Catawba County allowing us to partner with them on this program. We feel like the ballpark is the perfect environment to educate our children on the potential dangers that unfortunately exist in our world. We feel every child should be exposed to this type of information and we challenge all groups that have involvement with kids to reach out to the Children’s Advocacy and Protection Center of Catawba County and find out how they can get involved and get their kids access to these programs”.

CAPC Executive Director, Deborah Johnson agreed with Seaman saying, “I am excited about what happened at the event and look forward to next year’s training at the stadium and believe we will have the opportunity to train even more kids. Keeping kids safe is the job of all of us and I am especially thankful for folks like Mark and all of the Crawdads staff who are committed to giving back to the community.”

Deborah adds that none of the trainings would be possible without volunteers like Dr. Stacy Briggs, Pediatrician, Yello Dyno Trainer and CAPC Board Member, who introduced “Yello Dyno” to the community several years ago. Stacy, along with Josh Page, owner of Hickory Academy of Martial Arts, and volunteer Debbie Dunn are also big believers of how empowering this training is to our kids. The Crawdads look forward to holding another training session next season.

This story originally appeared on the official website of the Hickory Crawdads.  Click here to read the original story.

Walkin Roll League All Star Game Held at L.P. Frans Stadium

The Hickory Crawdads hosted the annual Walkin Roll T-ball All-Star game at L.P. Frans Stadium on Saturday, June 20. 2009.

Four teams, the Braves, Rockies, Crawdads and Rockies, squared off as the players showed off their best baseball skills with several Crawdads players and staff members on hand.

Pitchers Joe Wieland (#20) and Mark Hamburuger (#23), as well as outfielder Mike Bianucci (#3) and third baseman Matt West (#11) were on hand to assist the players. Crawdads staff members included Assistant General Manager Charlie Downs, Director of Community Relations Ashby Knack, Director of Promotions Brett Koch, Account Representatives Kathryn Bobel, Kim Scercy, and Kyle Koch, and the Crawdads play-by-play man Andrew Buchbinder. Conrad the Crawdad also made an appearance to add to the pandemonium on the field!

Walkin'-Roll-Activities-LeaIn its 15th season at L.P. Frans Stadium, the Walkin’ Roll All-Star game allows those with disabilities to take the field with the pros. The event is always special for those who participate, and the Crawdads thank the Walkin Roll League for allowing us to be a part of the lives of these special people.

Crawdads Pitcher Joe Wieland and a member of the Rangers run the bases during the 15th annual Walkin' Roll All-Star Game at L.P. Frans Stadium on Saturday, June 20.
Crawdads Pitcher Joe Wieland and a member of the Rangers run the bases during the 15th annual Walkin’ Roll All-Star Game at L.P. Frans Stadium on Saturday, June 20