BlueClaws Accepting Nominations for Military Appreciation Night Jersey Ceremony

JERSEY SHORE, NJ – The BlueClaws will once again honor military heroes through a special post-game ceremony after the July 6th Military Appreciation Night game, which is presented by OceanFirst Bank. This program recognizes and remembers military heroes that are no longer with us, and dedicated their lives to service to the nation. The team is now collecting nominations for military veterans to include in the ceremony. Fans are encouraged to fill out the form linked below.

CLICK HERE to fill out the nomination form.

“These military servicemen and servicewomen are the best of us,” said BlueClaws Team President Joe Ricciutti. “This ceremony from Military Appreciation Night last season was one of the most moving moments of the year and we’re looking forward to honoring additional heroes in 2023.

“We know there are so many worthy honorees for this program and thank everyone in advance for their nominations.”

Part of the nomination process asks nominators to describe the reasons, with information about their service, as to why they are most deserving.

The BlueClaws will select a group of heroes from the nominations. Each hero will have their name on the back of one special jersey worn by the BlueClaws at the Military Appreciation Night game. After that game, each player or coach will present the jersey to the respective families on the field.

The BlueClaws have several additional 2023 military-based initiatives.

Wreaths Across America Donation Package

The BlueClaws have partnered with Wreaths Across America on a program through which fans can sponsor a wreath to be laid at the gravesite of a veteran but also donate a ticket to a military member for Military Appreciation night at the ballpark.

There are two levels to the partnership:

  • For $15, fans will sponsor a wreath and donate a ticket for Military Apprecition Night.
  • For $25, fans will sponsor a wreath, donate a ticket, and receive a ticket of their own.

CLICK HERE to participate.

Vets Night Out

Through the Vets Night Out program, presented by OceanFirst Bank, fans can donate tickets for veterans and military personnel to attend the Military Appreciation Night game at ShoreTown Ballpark.

Donation levels include Platinum (100 tickets donated for $1,000), Gold (50 tickets donated for $50, Silver (25 tickets donated for $250), and Bronze (10 tickets donated for $100). Donor benefits at each level include complimentary tickets to the Military Appreciation Night game on July 6th, among others. Platinum donors also receive a complimentary Luxury Suite outing to an April/May game in 2023, subject to availability.

CLICK HERE for additional information.

Vet Tix

The BlueClaws have a limited number of four-packs of tickets for the July 6th Military Appreciation Night game now available on VetTix.org.

-Jersey Shore BlueClaws-

Dragons Veteran Salute Program, presented by CareSource, Continues in 2023

DAYTON, OHIO – The Dayton Dragons and CareSource, a nonprofit multistate health plan, are continuing their commitment for the Dayton Dragons Veteran Salute program, presented by CareSource. The program is an extension of CareSource’s commitment to improve the lives of complex populations including veterans and their families through innovative programs and partnerships to support their health and well-being.

The Dragons Veteran Salute program, presented by CareSource, is open to any military veteran in the Miami Valley. Veterans will be selected from entries submitted between now and May of 2023. Selected veterans will be recognized at a Dayton Dragons home game during an inning break at Day Air Ballpark, April through September 2023. Each veteran receives VIP treatment during their night including in-game recognition, a luxury suite, food and beverage, a special gift, and more.

“Partnering with the Dayton Dragons to recognize local veterans is a perfect way to elevate their stories and thank them for their service,” said Richard Topping, President of CareSource Military & Veterans. “CareSource is proud to serve veterans, military and their families, and we work hard to support their unique health and wellness needs.”

Since 2019, CareSource and the Dayton Dragons have honored over 20 local veterans and their families with a special experience at the ballpark.

“The Dragons are thrilled to continue partnering with CareSource in this effort to honor local veterans,” said Robert Murphy, President of the Dayton Dragons. “We look forward to continue recognizing these individuals who have served our country and sharing their stories with our fans at Day Air Ballpark.”

Nominations for the Dragons Veteran Salute program, presented by CareSource, are open to the public. Any living military veteran from the Miami Valley is eligible to be nominated. To nominate a veteran, go to www.daytondragons.com/veteransalute

About CareSource

CareSource is nationally recognized for leading the industry in providing member-centric health care coverage. The company’s managed care business model was founded in 1989 and today CareSource is one of the nation’s largest Medicaid managed care plans. Headquartered in Dayton, Ohio, the company has built a legacy of providing quality health care coverage for Medicaid consumers. In addition to Medicaid coverage, CareSource has a diverse offering of insurance plans on the Health Insurance Marketplace. The company also offers Medicare Advantage plans that help consumers close the gap of coverage as they age. CareSource serves more than 2 million members across six states supported by a growing workforce of 4,500.

For more, visit www.caresource.com, follow @caresource on Twitter, or like CareSource on Facebook.

More Information on the Dayton Dragons

The Dayton Dragons are the affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play 66 home games at beautiful Day Air Ballpark, in the heart of the Water Street District. Deposits for 2023 season tickets are being accepted now. For information about season tickets, including the new Business Club and Family Club, contact the Dragons by calling at (937) 228-2287, emailing at [email protected], or go to daytondragons.com. Information is also available regarding hospitality areas and sponsorship opportunities.

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WooSox Celebrate 20th Anniversary of Jesse Burkett Little League World Series Team

Before the Worcester Red Sox’ final home game of the season, the club celebrated the 20th anniversary of Worcester’s Jesse Burkett Little League team that made it all the way to the World Series in Williamsport back in 2002.

Players Frank Flynn, Ben Landers, Gordie Lockbaum, and Teddy Daly were all recognized on the field alongside the team’s manager, Frank Granger. The WooSox also saluted coaches Tom Daly, Chris Doyle, and Paul Flynn, as well as league president Chris Weber.

The WooSox designed 150 custom green “20th Anniversary” shirts, which the club donated to Jesse Burkett Little League to help raise funds.

“We’re grateful that the WooSox brought so many of us back together to be recognized before their final game at Polar Park of the season,” said former player Teddy Daly. “It’s hard to believe that it’s been 20 years, and we enjoyed the green shirts the WooSox provided us during the ceremony.”

Honored: Gades recognized for commitment to Veterans

Wappingers Falls, N.Y. (October 18, 2022) – The Hudson Valley Renegades, the High-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, were recognized for their dedication and commitment to veterans throughout the Hudson Valley at the Veterans of Foreign Wars state conference in Albany on Saturday, October 15.

The Renegades were honored for their Veteran of the Game program, sponsored by AARP New York. At each game from July through the end of the 2021 season, the Veteran of the Game program hosted active and retired military families and honored them with a special on-field ceremony and jersey presentation in the third inning.

“While we can never fully pay back the sacrifices that our veterans have made to ensure our freedom, the Veteran of the Game program was something special that we could do to show a small token of our appreciation,” said Marcella Costello, Renegades Community Partnerships Manager. “It was one of the most moving parts of our games, and we are looking forward to continuing the program for years to come.”

“AARP NY was proud to show our support for the brave men and women who serve our country through the Renegades’ Veteran of the Game program,” said Robyn Haberman, associate state director of Community Engagement for AARP. “There are so many selfless heroes deserving of recognition, and AARP is committed to not only helping tell their stories but to providing resources and information that empower them as well.”

The proclamation from the VFW states: “The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States express our sincere appreciation of your support to our veterans through community work of the Hudson Valley Renegades in honoring and highlighting local veterans at team events.”

The Renegades are committed to supporting veterans in the Hudson Valley in ways beyond the Veteran of the Game program, hosting an annual Veterans Appreciation Night, where the team re-brands as the Hudson Valley Veterans with military-inspired uniforms. Thousands of veterans in surrounding counties come to Dutchess Stadium for special pre-game ceremonies and the game that evening. The specialty jerseys are then auctioned off to support the Mental Health America of Dutchess County’s Vet2Vet program and their myriad services for local veterans.

Service to veterans was also a key cornerstone of the Renegades’ participation in the Yankees’ HOPE Week initiative (Helping Others Persevere & Excel). Renegades players, coaches and front office staff all visited the residents at Liberty Station in Poughkeepsie, a housing complex for veterans which offers a supportive living environment in the company of other vets.

More information on the Veteran of the Game sponsored by AARP New York can be found here. More information on the Renegades Community Program presented by Westchester Medical Center Health Network can be found here.

ABOUT THE HUDSON VALLEY RENEGADES

The Hudson Valley Renegades are the High-A affiliate of the New York Yankees in the South Atlantic League. The Renegades begin their 2023 season at home on Friday, April 7 with a three-game series against the Greensboro Grasshoppers. For more information, please visit hvrenegades.com or call 845-838-0094.

ABOUT DIAMOND BASEBALL HOLDINGS

Diamond Baseball Holdings (DBH) was formed in 2021 to support, promote and enhance Minor League Baseball Clubs affiliated with Major League Baseball through professional management, best practices, innovation and investment (DiamondBaseballHoldings.com).

WooSox and Country Bank Present Inaugural Police vs. Fire Baseball Classic

On Monday, September 26, Polar Park hosted the Inaugural Police vs. Fire baseball classic, presented by Country Bank. A century-old tradition between the Worcester Fire and Worcester Police Departments was restored.

In memoriam to late Worcester Police Officer Enmanuel “Manny” Familia, all proceeds benefited the Manny 267 Foundation. Officer Familia made the ultimate sacrifice on June 4, 2021, when he dove into Green Hill Pond in an attempt to save a drowning teenage boy.

The foundation distributes “Manny Tubes,” life saving floatation devices, to police departments across the country to provide water safety training for their officers and swimming lessons for children.

The game was headlined by an opening ceremony. Firefighters and police officers gathered on the steps of St. John’s Church to pay respects to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. They then marched down Temple Street, Green Street, over Canal Street, and entered Polar Park through Plymouth Street. Once they arrived at Polar Park, these brave members of our community were greeted by a giant American flag suspended between two fire trucks. Serenaded by cheers from a packed Polar Park, the players made their way onto the field to line up for the national anthem.

Worcester Police Officer Tom Hurley delivered a beautiful rendition of the national anthem while the players were lined up on their respective baselines. Hurley then performed an original song called, “A Hero Doesn’t Live Here Anymore,” which he wrote to honor his late colleague and dear friend, Enmanuel “Manny” Familia.

The Ceremonial First Pitch was delivered by Police Chief Steven M. Sargent and Acting Deputy Fire Chief Adam Roche. David O’Rourke, a Worcester Police Officer, and his son, who has played for the Minnesota Twins and New York Mets, Ryan O’Rourke, caught these simultaneous first pitches.

Honorary Captains Ava Roy and Eric Familia delivered the game ball to the mound. Ava lost her heroic father , Christopher Roy, on December 9, 2018, when he and his fellow Firefighters fought a terrible basement fire in a three-story apartment building. Wrapping up a very emotional pre-game ceremony, the family of Manny Familia; Morgan Menard, daughter of Firefighter Jason Menard, who gave his life on November 13, 2019; Lieutenant Governor Karyn Politio; Worcester Mayor Joeseph M. Petty; City Councilors Donna Colorio, George Russell, Kate Toomey, and Sarai Rivera; and Acting City Manager of Worcester, Eric Batista, all delivered the two most important words in baseball: “Play Ball!”

The game went on without a hitch, as the scoring started early when Police jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first inning. The Fire Department responded quickly, as they tied it and then took the lead over the next two innings.

Mother Nature did not cooperate, as the rain brought a lengthy delay, which inevitably turned into a cancellation. Worcester Fire took home the 3-2 victory in a shortened 2½-inning game.

On a night filled with so much emotion, the brave men of our community were able to distract us and take our minds away from such terrible things. Baseball can provide just that, an escape from the outside world.

$15,670 was raised for the Manny 267 Foundation. Country Bank presented the check to the WooSox Familia, a new WooSox Foundation program that supports the Manny 267 Foundation. This money will be used to help provide and support water safety training for numerous Police departments throughout our country. We look forward to this event becoming an annual tradition in the wonderful world of Worcester.

Hispanic Heritage Festival Will Be Held At Fluor Field on October 2nd

The Greenville Drive is excited to have the Hispanic Heritage Festival happening at Fluor Field on October 2nd! We are all too familiar with the importance of celebrating Hispanic Culture and look forward to this incredible event. The festival aims to promote the heritage and culture of the Hispanic community, while raising funds for higher education for students of Hispanic descent. The festival is for the entire community, and we hope to see you there!

For more information, please visit https://www.ahamsc.org/hhf-overview

Segra Stadium to Host 4th Annual Fayetteville 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — The 4th Annual Fayetteville 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb will be held on the morning of Saturday, September 10th at Segra Stadium. Opening ceremonies will begin at approximately 8:25am and the climb will start at 8:47am, a time significant on 9-11-2001.

The 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb is a way to honor and remember the FDNY firefighters, police, and EMS who selflessly gave their lives on that tragic day 21 years ago. Each participant will pay tribute to those brave souls by climbing the equivalent of the 110 stories of the World Trade Center. Your individual tribute not only remembers the sacrifice, but symbolically completes their heroic journey to save others. Through community participation we can ensure that each of the 343 firefighters, 60 police officers, and 10 EMS are never forgotten.

Registration fees are $35 per person and include your participation in the climb, an honor badge of a fallen first responder, and a t-shirt. Online registration closes on Thursday, September 8th. Anyone interested in registering on event morning can begin doing so at 7:00am. All proceeds from the Stair Climb will benefit programs provided by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to support the families of your local fallen firefighters and the FDNY Counseling Services Unit. To register, please visit the Fayetteville 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb Facebook page or the registration page.

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]

The Greenville Drive is Honored to Host the 9/11 Stair Climb for Another Year

Every year The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation hosts a 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. This event is a way to honor and remember the FDNY firefighters who selflessly gave their lives so that others might live on September 11, 2001. Each participant pays tribute to a FDNY firefighter by climbing the equivalent of the 110 stories of the World Trade Center. Your individual tribute not only remembers the sacrifice of a FDNY brother, but symbolically completes their heroic journey to save others. Through firefighter and community participation we can ensure that each of the 343 firefighters is honored and that the world knows we will never forget.

The Greenville Drive is honored the event will take place at Fluor Field for the third year in a row. For more information and to register for the event, click HERE. We look forward to seeing the community come together to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice!

WooSox Foundation and Country Bank Present Worcester “Police vs. Fire Baseball Classic at Polar Park”

WORCESTER, MA — The WooSox Foundation and Country Bank will bring to Polar Park a century-old tradition when Worcester Police Officers and Worcester Firefighters take the field in the inaugural “Police vs. Fire Baseball Classic,” Monday, September 26, at 6 p.m. Gates open at 4:30 p.m.

All tickets are $10, and fans are welcome to sit wherever they like. Visit polarpark.com/policefire.

All proceeds will benefit the Manny 267 Foundation, which honors and celebrates the life of the late Worcester Police Officer Enmanuel “Manny” Familia, who made the ultimate sacrifice on June 4, 2021, when he heroically dove into Green Hill Pond to attempt to save a drowning teenage boy.

The foundation distributes “Manny Tubes” (life-saving flotation devices) to police departments throughout the country to provide water safety training for officers and swimming lessons for children.

Before the game, the WooSox will honor the family and friends of Manny Familia, as well as the Worcester 6 and the three firefighters who have perished in the line of duty since.

The children of Manny Familia and Firefighter Christopher Roy, 14-year-old Jovan Familia and 13-year-old Ava Roy, will serve as honorary captains.

“Ever since we set foot in Worcester, we have felt the compelling compassion that the people of this city exude for our fallen firefighters,” said WooSox President Dr. Charles Steinberg. “When we lost Manny Familia last summer, that emotion flowed right into Polar Park, where officers from a vast region congregated, and where Manny’s son threw a memorable Ceremonial First Pitch. We are honored to present an event that brings us all together in a blend of respect, sentiment, and joy.

“Stories abound from Police Chief Steve Sargent and from our friends at the Worcester Historical Museum about the long history of baseball played in Worcester, by police and firefighters, by factory workers, and of course, by rising professional players,” Steinberg continued. “Establishing this baseball game as a charity event, with our friends from Country Bank, allows us to use the power of baseball to help police officers and children, here and elsewhere. These are the deeds we love to do.”

“Country Bank is honored to partner with the Worcester Red Sox Foundation in presenting the Police vs. Fire game,” said Paul Scully, President and CEO of Country Bank. “We have been a longtime supporter of the Police and Fire Departments across the many markets we serve. The critical work these departments do each and every day truly makes a difference for our communities. It is our privilege to take part in such a monumental event, and we are excited to see how this game unfolds and look forward to supporting this game for years to come.”

“All officers from our department who are participating are very excited to start a longstanding tradition with this baseball game,” said Worcester Police Officer Justin Manzello. “Some of the most memorable moments during my six years with the Worcester Police Department have come during the various sporting events where we face off against our brothers and sisters of the Fire Department. It gives us a chance to get together outside of work and relive old memories, as many of us competed against each other as kids growing up in the city.”

“The Worcester Fire Department is looking forward to partnering with the Worcester Police, Country Bank, and the Worcester Red Sox for this great cause,” said Deputy Fire Chief Adam Roche. “This will be a great event to engage the community and support the tremendous work of the Manny 267 Foundation.”

“In the wake of loss and tragedy comes a spirited and friendly competition in the name of healing and camaraderie between the Worcester Fire Department and Worcester Police Department, said Acting City Manager Eric D. Batista. “I am proud of the leadership and of every member among these two departments who selflessly serve our community and residents, both on and off the job. Worcester never forgets and will forever honor our fallen heroes. Now let’s play ball!”

Thunder Honor 100-Year-Old World War II Veteran

(Trenton, NJ) Your Trenton Thunder, presented by NJM Insurance Group, were proud to honor 100-year-old World War II Veteran Dan Morgan during the game on Sunday, August 7th as part of the Thunder’s Cloudman’s Hometown Heroes Program.

Dan Morgan is a World War II Veteran where he served as an aviation machinist’s mate First Class in the United States Navy. Dan was born and raised right here in Trenton, then moved to Allentown, NJ where he raised his four daughters.

Dan was a volunteer fireman at the Hope Fire Department in Allentown and went on to be the Allentown Police Commissioner. Dan recently turned 100 years old and has always been an avid fan of baseball. He was at the Thunder game Sunday surrounded by the family he loves, watching the sport he loves.

Sunday’s game also featured an Honor Guard presenting the American flag from the Knights of Columbus – Regina Mundi Council (below).

Cloudman’s Hometown Heroes program recognizes and celebrates individuals and groups that perform inspirational, selfless acts of kindness in our community! Cloudman is always looking for hometown heroes to honor in front of Thunder fans at Trenton Thunder Ballpark. Opportunities include pre-game ceremonies and in-game ceremonies before the presentation of “God Bless America” in the 7th inning of every Thunder home game.

To nominate a Hometown Hero of your own to be recognized at Trenton Thunder Ballpark, click here!

New Jersey’s Baseball Team | Big League Futures. Major League Fun.

The Trenton Thunder have drawn over 10 million fans over 28 years and have won the three major awards that Minor League Baseball teams can win; the Johnson Trophy for the “Nation’s Best Franchise”, the Larry MacPhail Trophy for Outstanding Club Promotion, and the Bob Frietas Award for Long-Term Success, given by Baseball America. The team has given back over $7.5 million worth of goods, services, and monetary donations through Trenton Thunder Charities, under the Grand Slam We Care Foundation umbrella. The Thunder can be found online at trentonthunder.com, facebook.com/trentonthunder, twitter.com/trentonthunder, and on youtube.com/AATrentonThunder.

PawSox Heritage Day at Polar Park

On Saturday, July, 9, the Worcester Red Sox paid tribute to their Pawtucket Red Sox history and Rhode Island roots. In order to commemorate their 50 years in Pawtucket, the WooSox transformed back to the PawSox, wearing their old jerseys and hosting their old mascots.

Worcester hosted more than 500 fans, friends, and employees from their time spent in RI, including some who have been watching the team since 1970. Former Red Sox and PawSox player Ken Ryan was in attendance to take pictures and sign autographs for fans throughout the day. Ken is a native of Pawtucket who has deep ties with the organization.

The WooSox also continue a tradition that was held at McCoy Stadium: the “Scout Sleepover,” where Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts are invited to camp out overnight on Polar Park’s outfield grass. The sleepovers were implemented in Worcester last season and this was the third of the season.

Among those honored in the pre-game ceremonies were the Pawtucket YMCA and the Pawtucket Boys and Girls Club. Both were longtime community partners of the organization during its time in Pawtucket. Representing the YMCA were leaders Charlene Lamountain, Jennifer Cantone, and Joemeli Garcia-Torres. For over 72 years, children from the Boys and Girls Club received tickets to attend a World Series game, a tradition started by local umpire Hank Soar.

Representing the Boys and Girls Club of Pawtucket were Phil Ayoub, Arthur Kaufman, Joe Fleming, and Matt Bergeron. Also in attendance was State Representative Carlos Tobon, who was a member of the program and currently serves as first Vice Chair of the House of Veterans’ Affairs Committee and a member of the House Innovation, Internet, and Technology Committee.

Throwing a Ceremonial First Pitch was former PawSox and current WooSox photographer and talented singer Tayla Bolduc. A Pawtucket native, Bolduc was a huge fan of the PawSox growing up before following her beloved team to Worcester.

Honored as the Hometown Hero was the president and CEO of the Rhode Island Foundation, Neil Steinberg. Steinberg’s leadership has helped raise over $600 million in funds since 2008. He also led the charge in creating the Crater Roger Williams Scholarship and the Andrew Scholarship.

Next, the WooSox honored a group of employees who worked for both the PawSox and WooSox. First up was “The King of Baseball,” and former president of the Pawsox, and current vice chairman of the WooSox, Mike Tamburro. Also honored was public relations stalwart, Senior Vice President of Communications Bill Wanless; Senior Vice President of Corporate Partnerships Michael Gwynn; corporate sponsorships member Mike Lyons; Vice President of Ticket Operations Sammy Soccoia-Beggs; Senior Vice President of Marketing and Assistant General Manager Brooke Cooper; Chief Ambassador and five-generation Rhode Islander Rick Medeiros; and ushers Steve Martin, Tony Souza, Graham Watkins, Russell Giles, Brendan Teller, and Louann Valleta.

The pre-game ceremonies concluded with the singing of the national anthem and the Game Ball to the Mound presentation. The anthem was performed by the Private Label, a barbershop quartet that performed the anthem at McCoy Stadium over 40 times. The game ball was delivered by a 10-year-old Pawtucket native named Brayden.

Honored on Saturday during the “In Debt to a Vet” ceremony was Sergeant Dan Foley, who served in Vietnam in 1969 and 1970; Staff Sergeant and Major Jack Dean, who is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and Army and served in the Vietnam war; Petty Officer First Class Thomas Newell, who served in the United States Navy from 1974-1996 and is a former PawSox Season Ticket Holder; and E-4 Specialist Joseph Vadnais, who is a veteran of the United States Army, serving from 1990-1995.

The WooSox lost a close game, 3-2, to the Scranton Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, the Triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, but for hundreds of fans, it was still an impactful day.

Saints To Honor Jimmy Lee, Local Umpires As Part of Major League Baseball's “The Nine” Initiative On August 9

ST. PAUL, MN (July 21, 2022) – Umpires hear the boos and jeers from the crowd. They are yelled at from both dugouts. You know an umpire has done a great job if nobody notices them. The St. Paul Saints believe umpires should be lauded and respected for all their hard work just like one of the most well-known umpires in Minnesota was often observed for the amazing job he did. As part of Major League Baseball’s “The Nine” initiative, the Saints will honor Jimmy Lee, presented by St. Paul College, and create an annual program in his name honoring local umpires.

On Tuesday, August 9 the Saints will honor the hard-working men and women in blue kicking off an annual tradition that will be known as The Jimmy Lee Umpire Awards. Both baseball and softball umpires will be nominated by their league’s assignors in five different categories: Top Rookie Umpire (first year ump), Top Young Umpire (ages 12-18), Most Dedicated Umpire, Most Improved Umpire, and Lifetime Achieve Award. The winners will be chosen by a panel of Saints staff and will be honored at CHS Field prior to the August 9 game against the Columbus Clippers.

Jim “Jimmy” Lee was born in Vicksburg, Mississippi, moved to St. Paul when he was 23, and got a job with a downtown bank. He was involved in sports and played on the Uptown Sanitary Shop and the Twin Cities Colored Gophers, two of the most renowned Black baseball teams at the time. He became a local referee in both football and basketball and an umpire in baseball, considered by many the greatest official in the area at all three sports. He was the first black baseball umpire in the Big 10. He wrote columns for the Minneapolis Spokesman for over a decade. Lee was inducted into the Minnesota High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame (1972), the Minnesota Softball Hall of Fame (1982) and posthumously into the Minnesota State High School League Hall of Fame in 2013.

This is the second of two nights promoting “The Nine,” a new, Black-community focused outreach platform specifically designed to honor and celebrate the historic impact numerous Black baseball pioneers made on the sport, provide new opportunities for youth baseball and softball participation, further diversify the business of baseball, and embrace millions of passionate fans throughout MiLB’s 120 communities nationwide.

Saints tickets continue to be a tremendous value. Tickets begin at $5 for the Treasure Island berm seating, $6 bleacher seats, $15 for outfield reserved, $18 for drink rail, infield reserved, and home plate reserved. Friday home games with Post-Game Fireworks are an additional $2 per ticket. Post-Game Fireworks Supershows (September 4) are an additional $3 per ticket. Tickets purchased on the day of the game are an additional $2 per ticket. Children under the age of 12 and seniors 65 and older receive $1 off the admission price. Children under 2 that don’t require a seat are free.

Mudcats & The Nine: Negro Leagues Tribute Night

ZEBULON – The Carolina Mudcats proudly present Negro Leagues Tribute Night on Saturday, July 23, at Five County Stadium. Part of Minor League Baseball’s “The Nine” initiative, and in partnership with the Buck Leonard Association, Negro Leagues Tribute Night will see the Mudcats play the Down East Wood Ducks and will begin with a 5:00 p.m. first pitch.

Ticket options, including single-game tickets, group options, and luxury suite packages in the US Foods Club Level are all on sale now at www.carolinamudcats.com, (919) 269- 2287, and the Five County Stadium front office in Zebulon.

Negro Leagues Tribute Night is highlighted by a Negro Leagues inspired souvenir t-shirt giveaway for the first 1,000 fans with paid admission. Negro Leagues Tribute Night will also include pre-game and in-game tributes designed to celebrate the legacy of Negro League teams and players, specifically Rocky Mount, NC native Buck Leonard who was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, 50 years ago, in 1972.

To help celebrate the 50th anniversary of Leonard’s induction into the Hall of Fame, the Buck Leonard Association will bring “UNDFEATED: The Buck Leonard Experience” to Five County Stadium for Negro Leagues Tribute Night.

Developed in partnership with Dr. Derek Ham and his students at the NC State University School of Design, the interactive exhibit tells the life story of Walter “Buck” Leonard with the help of four unique augmented reality features.

LEARN MORE: History and Augmented Reality Meet to Uplift a Black Icon from North Carolina

UNDEFEATED also provides an exclusive opportunity for guests to see Barnstormers: Determined to Win – a Virtual Reality experience where players face-off against Negro Leagues baseball legends Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson, and Buck Leonard, while bearing witness to the unique challenge of playing baseball during the time of racial segregation.

Developed by Dr. Ham and produced by his company Logic Grip in partnership with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, Barnstormers earned a 2022 invitation to the prestigious Cannes Film Festival and recently won Best VR Experience at Australia’s Ignite Film Festival. With partner Learning Lab 360, Barnstormers is brought on-location in mobile VR Labs, equipped with state-of-the-art Oculus™ VR headgear.

Created with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Programming in mind, UNDEFEATED becomes the new flagship program of the Buck Leonard Association “Sports & S.T.E.A.M. Collective”, which provides active-learning opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math for historically marginalized and at-risk youth in Rocky Mount and the surrounding area.

The objectives of the program are to present Negro Leagues baseball history in a way that engages and entertains, while inspiring young learners to pursue education and career paths in technology, and all guests to learn more about Negro Leagues baseball and its unsung heroes.

The Carolina Mudcats are the officially licensed Carolina League, Class-A, affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. First established in 1991, the Mudcats have provided affordable family fun for over 30 years at Five County Stadium in Zebulon, N.C. Follow the Mudcats online at www.carolinamudcats.com, and on social media at facebook.com/carolinamudcats, twitter.com/carolinamudcats, tiktok.com/@carolinamudcats and instagram.com/carolinamudcats.

Salute to the Negro Leagues Night: Akron Black Tyrites vs Jax Red Caps

On Saturday, July 9, the Akron RubberDucks will take on the Altoona Curve in a very special Salute to the Negro Leagues night. The Akron RubberDucks will honor the Akron Black Tyrites while the Altoona Curve will honor the Jax Red Caps by wearing the salute to the Negro League uniforms of the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp.

The Akron Black Tyrites were a member of the Negro National League in 1933. The club began that year in Columbus before moving to Akron for just 10 games. The team finished the season in Cleveland as the Giants.

The name was originally supposed to be “Tyr-ites” from the British word for tire, “tyre,” but the name soon became “Ty-rites” to match Akronites.

The team played their games at Akron’s League Park, which was a $135,000 ballpark constructed in 1928 on property at Crosier Street, Park Avenue, and Long Street.

Since the team only played a small number of games in Akron, only a few photos of the front of the uniform jersey appeared when the RubberDucks front office staff began research. To celebrate and honor the original Akron Black Tyrites, the RubberDucks created logos and uniforms in a style the team might have worn in 1933.

The Red Caps were originally formed by a group of local Black train porters, employees of the East Coast Railroad, that played together when they were off duty. The porters wore red hats as part of their uniform, and they were called the Red Caps during their workday. The team was officially put together by the Jacksonville Terminal Station and managed by player Alonzo “Fluke” Mitchell. The Red Caps, who called Durkee Field home, only played seven league games in their debut season in the Negro American League in 1937, finishing with a 4-6 record. They played more than 180 games between 1938 and 1944 and recorded a winning percentage of .401. The Red Caps moved to Cleveland in 1939 but return to Jacksonville in 1941. They finished the season at 12-20, coming in second to last in the league. The 1942 season was no better for the club, with a 7-22 record, and the team was dropped from the league in July. The Red Caps played as an unaffiliated team at Durkee Field in 1944.

Durkee Field, which is now known as JP Small Park, is one of only five Negro leagues ballparks still in existence. Edward Waters University, which is a local HBCU, used the field now for their games, as well as some local high schools. Outside of JP Small Park is a statue of Buck O’Neil, who is going to be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown this summer. Buck attended Edward Waters College before his Negro leagues playing and managing career and MLB scouting and coaching career. He then went on to found the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City.

July 9 will mark the first time both of the Fast Forward Sports Group teams’ salute to the Negro Leagues uniforms will be worn on the same field. Tickets are still available by calling 855-97-QUACK or by visiting akronrubberducks.com.

To help the RubberDucks and Jumbo Shrimp celebrate and share the story of the Akron Black Tyrites and Jax Red Caps, you can get your own Akron Black Tyrites merchandise here and your Jax Red Caps merchandise here.