Segra Stadium to Host 2nd Annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — The 2nd Annual Fayetteville 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb will be held on the morning of Saturday, September 12th at Segra Stadium. Opening ceremonies will begin at 8:45 a.m. and the climb will start at approximately 9:15 a.m.

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. 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 $30/per person and include your entry to the climb and a t-shirt. Anyone interested in climbing MUST REGISTER ONLINE by September 10th. We will not have walk-up registration this year to limit touch points at the entrance. Check-in for the event will begin at 7:45 a.m. 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 HERE.

Tortugas planning special event in honor of Jackie Robinson Ballpark’s namesake

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The Daytona Tortugas invite the community to celebrate Jackie Robinson Day with a special event at Jackie Robinson Ballpark on Aug. 28.

Attendees will have the opportunity to watch on the Tortugas’ 36-foot-wide videoboard as the Cincinnati Reds take on the Chicago Cubs from Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati as part of Major League Baseball’s celebration of Jackie Robinson Day. In addition, fans will be invited to play catch on the field and win prizes by playing Baseball Bingo.

Tickets are $15 per person and include an official Florida State League baseball with each ticket. Tickets must be purchased in advance via the Tortugas’ website. Fans also can purchase Stand With The Jack jerseys for only $15 as an add-on option at checkout.

Gates will open at 6:30 p.m., and the Reds-Cubs game is scheduled to start at 7:10 p.m. All Tortugas staff will wear face masks in accordance with the Tortugas’ Re-Opening Protocols, and all attendees are encouraged to do so as well.

The Ems Tip Their Cap to the 100th Anniversary of the Negro Baseball League

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

This season the Eugene Emeralds were set to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the formation of the Negro Baseball League at PK Park. This league was known for spotlighting some great sportsmanship. Although the pandemic has stopped the Emeralds season, we will move forward with recognizing some of the great players who played in the Negro Baseball Leagues.

Baseball had a prominent standing in African American society since the mid to late 1800s. Racist norms of the day prevented teams with black players from joining the Association of Amateur Baseball Players and this segregation was codified in the 1890’s by a “gentlemen’s agreement” among National League owners. Banned from the major leagues, black athletes and teams barnstormed in the US, competing against anyone who would play them.

In 1920, Andrew “Rube” Foster, the managers of one of these teams and a former pitcher, met with 7 of the owners of similar teams in Kansas City, MO and created the Negro National League, comprised of eight teams from the Northeast and Midwest. This Negro National League is generally recognized as the first of the Negro Leagues, and it provided a spotlight on some of the best baseball players of the era.

From the beginning the league had many hardships. In addition to racism, Jim Crow laws, and tough economic conditions, most teams played in ballparks owned by white teams which were only available when the white team was out of town. Games were sometimes cancelled when a profitable exhibition against a white team became available. Wide disparity in the quality of teams exasperated financial woes and led to a number of team failures which, in turn, led to league failures. Despite the hardships, the decades between 1920 and 1950 always included at least one active league.

World War II led to an improvement in the economic situation of many African Americans, which in turn lead to a great improvement in the leagues. Similar to MLB, many teams lost players to the armed forces, but the leagues continued to put a quality product on the field. Teams became a linchpin for economic development in black communities. Games drew crowds of over 5,000 and black business men and women started to build their businesses around the game of baseball. They saw the chance to offer goods, services and entertainment to the players as they would come through town for games. Cities began to see hotels, restaurants, night clubs, barbershops and barrooms being created to cater to players and their crowds.

The integration of Major League Baseball that started in 1947 with Negro League alumnus Jackie Robinson led to a slow but irreversible gutting of talent of the Negro Leagues. Teams were not able to compete financially and did not want to stand in the way of African Americans playing in the Majors. Quality of play declined and finances suffered. Teams tried to stay relevant by signing white players as well as women, but it wasn’t enough and the last one folded in the 1960’s.

Many outstanding players started their playing careers in the Negro League and the Eugene Emeralds will be highlighting some of the players over the next week. Be sure to watch the Emeralds Facebook page as we learn more about founder Rube Foster, Josh Gibson, James Bell and Toni Stone. You can also visit the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum e-museum (http://www.nlbemuseum.com/ to find out more about the League and its players. Please join us as we tip our cap to honor the Negro Leagues in its centennial year.

Fredericksburg Nationals to Host Jackie Robinson Legacy Night July 14th

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

WHAT: Jackie Robinson Legacy Night will include an award ceremony for the recipients of the Jackie Robinson Writing Contest that the FredNats created in conjunction with Germanna Community College. In honor of FredNats Owner, Art Silber’s 80th birthday, there will also be a free showing of the movie “42” on the video board for fans to view from the field. There will be concessions and FredNats merchandise available for purchase inside the ballpark.

WHO: Speakers for the scholarship award ceremony include Fredericksburg Mayor, Mary Katherine Greenlaw, Vice Mayor-Councilman Chuck Frye, Germanna Community College President, Janet Gulickson, FredNats Treasurer, Seth Silber, and FredNats Owner, Art Silber.

Due to regulations from the health department, there is a cap of 1,000 attendees for this event. Attendees will be admitted on a first come, first serve basis as there are no reservations or tickets.

WHY: The FredNats are hosting this event to celebrate the achievements of the Jackie Robinson Writing Contest winners and Art Silber’s 80th birthday, as well as treat members of their community to a free showing of the movie “42, The Story of Jackie Robinson.”

WHEN: The event will be held on Tuesday, July 14. The schedule of events is as follows:

  • 6:00 p.m. Gates Open
  • 7:15 p.m. Scholarship Award Ceremony Begins
  • 7:45 p.m. Free Showing of “42” (Runtime 2:08)

WHERE: The new Fredericksburg Nationals ballpark is next to the Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center located at 2371 Carl D. Silver Pkwy, Fredericksburg, VA 22401. The movie “42” will be displayed on the stadium’s video board and will be viewed from the field and seating will be properly spaced to ensure fan safety.

Fans will be invited to sit only on the dark green stripes of turf on the field and will be asked to sit 15 ft apart from other groups or families. FredNats blankets will be available for purchase but fans are invited to bring their own if they would like. No lawn chairs will be allowed on the field.

Masks will be strongly encouraged for this event. All members of the FredNats staff will be wearing masks for the entirety of the event.

CONTACT: To schedule any interviews before or at Jackie Robinson Legacy Night with members from the Fredericksburg Nationals, please contact Paige Honaker at [email protected].

The Fredericksburg Nationals are the High A affiliate of the Washington Nationals in the Carolina League. Their brand new, state of the art stadium facility is located at Celebrate Virginia South on Carl D. Silver Parkway near the Fredericksburg Expo & Convention Center in Fredericksburg, VA. Stay up to date with the progress of the new ballpark facility and the team online at www.frednats.com and follow the Fredericksburg Nationals on Facebook (@FXBGNats), on Twitter (@FXBGNats), and on Instagram (@fxbgnats).

Salem-Keizer Volcanoes to continue tradition of honoring military 

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

SOLD OUT! SOLD OUT! SOLD OUT! KEIZER, OR — The Salem-Keizer Volcanoes’ long-standing tradition of “Thanking, Honoring and Saluting” members of the military is set for July 4, 2020.

This year’s event will be, as in prior years, held at Volcanoes Stadium in Keizer. Unlike each of the prior tributes, there will not be a Volcanoes baseball game held in conjunction with the evening. Due to COVID-19, the Patriotic Tribute will be a drive-in type of event in the stadium’s parking lot. It will still feature recognition of our military heroes, swearing-in of members to the armed services, a Fallen Warrior memorial and many tributes to those who have defended our country with multiple deployments.

The Volcanoes have become known throughout the region and country for their patriotic tributes. In 2019, the Volcanoes’ Jerry Howard won the National Charles K. Murphy Award for the best Patriotic Tribute in the Nation.

Drive-In 4**th** of July Protocol

Vehicle spaces are limited and separated by at least one parking stall width. Staff will direct parking – vehicle parking will be staggered to allow best visibility.

Taller Vehicles (Trucks, Vans, RV’s) that would limit site lines of lower vehicles will be parked towards the back of the parking lot to assure viewing for all

Event Rules: NO PERSONAL FIREWORKS

  • Maximum Parking Lot Speed 5 MPH
  • Vehicle must stay in assigned parking spot.
  • Unless needing to use restrooms or to visit concession stand, guests must stay within the passenger compartment of the vehicle.
  • Encouraged to wear facemask if visiting restroom or concession stand. Minimum 6’ Social Distancing to be observed at all times.
  • Guests may not place any object outside of a vehicle that may obstruct the view of other guests
  • Headlights, parking lights, and interior lights must remain off while parked
  • No excessive noise allowed that would impair the hearing of other guest
  • Drugs, Alcoholic Beverages, Smoking or vaping of any substance is prohibited
  • Personal food and drink is allowed
  • Guests must take all trash with them
  • No exit and return to event is allowed
  • Sale of goods or services by guests is prohibited
  • Cooking, grilling, or other food preparation is prohibited
  • Pets not permitted (services animals allowed – but must remain inside vehicle)
  • Should this event be canceled for any reason – there are no refunds.

Failure to follow Event Rules or staff instructions will be cause for removal from event or police action.

Admission ticket is good for a passenger vehicle with up to eight (8) people. Additional ticket(s) need to be purchased for vehicles with more than 8 people.

Attendees voluntarily assumes all risks and dangers of personal injury as a result of attending the event.

Concession Stand Opens 6:00pm – Beer Sales end 9:15pm – Concessions Close 9:45pm

Menu: Hot Dogs $4. Hamburgers $5. Cheeseburgers $6. Nachos $4. Large Popcorn $5. Candy $2. Red Ropes $3. Canned pop or DASANI water $3. Canned or draft beer $6. Large $8.

Flying Squirrels, Brown Distributing, CBS 6 looking to honor heroes on July 4

Submissions being accepted to recognize local military personnel and veterans during Independence Day celebration

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Flying Squirrels, Brown Distributing and CBS 6 will recognize military personnel and veterans with Honoring Our Heroes presented by Brown Distributing on July 4 at The Diamond.

As part of Honoring our Heroes presented by Brown Distributing, five military personnel and veterans will receive a VIP experience at The Diamond and will be featured during CBS 6’s live broadcast of the July 4 fireworks celebration.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO NOMINATE

The winners will be announced on Wednesday, July 1 between 6:30 and 7 a.m. on “CBS 6 This Morning.”

“Brown Distributing is proud to be a part of this event and honoring our heroes,” Brown Distributing Company Co-President Dave Sorokowski said. “Our team of over 250 employees are proud supporters of the community we work in and look forward to bringing Richmond together on July 4.”

Selected honorees will also receive a swag pack of Flying Squirrels gear, CBS 6 merchandise, gift cards and more.

“Brown Distributing has been a great partner since the Squirrels arrival in Richmond,” Flying Squirrels VP & COO Todd “Parney” Parnell said. “Their desire to join this unique television event, honor military personnel and help the Richmond citizens through these times speaks volumes about their commitment to this community.

The live broadcast of the Fourth of July fireworks at The Diamond will air on CBS 6 on Saturday, July 4 from 9-10 p.m.

In an effort to practice safe social distancing and best ensure the health and of the Flying Squirrels family, the team’s front offices and team store are currently closed. Fans looking to reach out to the Flying Squirrels front office can find information here and are encouraged to interact on social media through Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Additionally, COVID-19-related updates and resources from the Flying Squirrels can be found here.

Throwback Columbia Shirsey Pre-Sale to Benefit Columbia Urban League

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

Columbia, S.C. – To commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Negro Leagues, the Columbia Fireflies today announced the pre-sale of a throwback-style “shirsey.” The shirts say “Columbia” and are designed in the style of the Newark Eagles uniforms the Fireflies would have worn on-field during their Negro League Celebration weekend June 13-14. The Newark Eagles were a Negro League Baseball team in the 1930’s-40’s that won the 1946 Negro League World Series and boasted seven future Hall of Famers, including Camden-native Larry Doby.

The number on the shirt is 14 — the number worn by Larry Doby during his player career. The Fireflies retired Doby’s number in 2019, along with fellow trailblazers Jackie Robinson and Frank Robinson, to honor his legacy on the game and his heritage in the Midlands area. Doby broke the American League color barrier July 5, 1947 when he made his debut with the Cleveland Indians, who later retired his number in 1994.

“Although there isn’t baseball this weekend at Segra Park, the Fireflies will continue to honor the legacy of the Negro Leagues and the heroes that broke barriers in our sport and in our nation,” said Fireflies team President John Katz. “From Rube Foster – the founder and president of the Negro National League in 1920 – to Jackie Robinson, who broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball in 1947 – we will continue to honor their memories, celebrate their legacies and ensure that they will always be remembered in our community.”

100% of the profits from the shirsey sales will benefit the Columbia Urban League. The Columbia Urban League was established in 1967 and is an affiliate of the 110-year-old National Urban League. Their mission is to assist African Americans and other undeserved and disadvantaged populations in becoming productive and contributing members of society. They achieve this mission through service delivery, advocacy and bridge building.

“In celebrating the Negro National League’s Centennial Anniversary, we recognize the leadership of Rube Foster, the ‘father of black baseball,’ who was a famous baseball pitcher, manager and owner,” said President and CEO of the Columbia Urban League James T. “J.T.” McLawhorn Jr.. “During this Centennial Anniversary, we salute Mr. Foster and other players who demonstrated the importance of perseverance in achieving your mission even in a climate of overt racism and hostility.”

The pre-sale begins today and runs until midnight on Sunday, July 12. Shirt sizes small through large cost $22. 2XL-3XL cost $24 and 4XL shirts cost $25.

For more information, and to pre-order the Throwback Columbia Shirsey, visit the Mason Jar Team Store online.

RiverDogs, Boeing Introduce ‘Hall of Honor’ to memorialize military families in Lowcountry

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

On the eve of Armed Forces Day and the first scheduled RiverDogs Military Appreciation Night at The Joe, the ballclub is announcing the creation of the Hall of Honor, in partnership with Boeing, and asking for the public to nominate outstanding military veterans with Lowcountry ties.

The new recognition, which will feature new inductions at each Boeing Military Appreciation Night – starting June 15 whether or not there will be a live game at The Joe –, is meant to create a way for military veterans in the Lowcountry to be permanently recognized.

The Hall of Honor is the newest of Boeing and the RiverDogs’ joint military appreciation platform, which aims to honor and celebrate military families in the Lowcountry through various recognition programs. The team planned to roll out this program live in person at its Boeing Military Appreciation Night on May 16; however, although the season has begun in a delay due to COVID-19, the team decided not to postpone honoring our area’s military families.

“We at the RiverDogs think we can’t do enough to recognize the sacrifices and achievements of our country’s military heroes,” said RiverDogs president and general manager Dave Echols. “Adding a Hall of Honor allows us to immortalize Lowcountry military heroes to help ensure their stories are not forgotten.”

At each Boeing Military Appreciation Night moving forward, a minimum of two inductees will be enshrined in the Hall of Honor. A community committee will choose one nominee from a pool of high-profile local military heroes. The other inductee will be selected from open-to-the-public nominations, which can be submitted at https://forms.gle/fQJ5kicLxo8jpUbL7.

Inductees will be recognized on the field on a Military Appreciation Night, and will have their story told on the RiverDogs’ brand new Hall of Honor web site: https://www.milb.com/charleston/community/boeing-hall-of-honor​​​​​​​

“Boeing’s commitment to veterans and their families goes beyond the products we make, it includes our investments that highlight the vital role veterans play in our community,” said Boeing’s Lindsay Leonard, Senior Director of National Strategy and Engagement and Government Operations. “We are proud to continue our partnership with the Charleston RiverDogs to showcase our military heroes and forever recognize their service and sacrifice through the Hall of Honor.”

The Latest on the RiverDogs

The health and safety of RiverDogs fans and employees is of the utmost importance to the organization and we support Minor League Baseball’s decision to delay the start of the 2020 season in an effort to reduce the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). This is a fluid, rapidly evolving situation and we are taking all necessary measures to ensure that our facilities are following the recommendations set forth by local, state and national officials. At this time, the RiverDogs remain unsure as to what extent this delay will have on our season. RiverDogs season tickets, partial season plans, and group tickets, including options to the Segra Club at Riley Park, are now available for the 2020 campaign at riverdogs.com/tickets. You can view the RiverDogs’ COVID-19 Readiness Plan at RiverDogs.com.

–RIVERDOGS–

Akron RubberDucks To Honor Negro Leagues and Play as Akron Black Tyrites July 31

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

BUY TICKETS FOR FRIDAY, JULY 31

2020 RubberDucks Promotional Schedule

(AKRON, OHIO) March 20, 2020 – In celebration of the heritage of Negro Leagues baseball, the Akron RubberDucks will be undergoing their third rebrand of the season on July 31, donning the jerseys of the Akron Black Tyrites.

The 2020 season marks the 100th anniversary of Negro Leagues baseball, and the Akron RubberDucks and Trenton Thunder will both be honoring that heritage by wearing the jerseys of the Akron Black Tyrites and the Jacksonville Red Caps.

The RubberDucks are honoring Akron’s short-lived Negro League baseball team, the Akron Black Tyrites Ball Club, which played their only season in Akron during the summer of 1933. Be sure to come out to Canal Park and be a part of the celebration!

FredNats and Germanna Community College Partner to Benefit Fredericksburg Community

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

FREDERICKSBURG, VA – On Wednesday, February 26th the Fredericksburg Nationals and Germanna Community College announced more details of their partnership that will be implemented for the 2020 season.

Germanna and the FredNats are entering into a unique partnership that will highlight the history of baseball in Fredericksburg and the surrounding region in the new ballpark, while at the same time providing educational opportunities, scholarships, and exhibitions for use by the college and regional students. This program is also supported in conjunction with the FredNats’ partnerships with the Fredericksburg Area Museum (FAM) and Dovetail Cultural Resource Group (Dovetail), both of whom are providing substantial resources to bring the history of baseball in Fredericksburg to the new ballpark

The FredNats and Germanna announced the conception of the Jackie Robinson Writing Contest and Scholarship Fund that is open to all high school students in the Fredericksburg and surrounding counties. Five annual scholarships of $1,042 will be awarded to winners selected by a board made of members of the FredNats and Germanna’s choosing. High school juniors and seniors from the Germanna service area which includes Fredericksburg, Stafford, Spotsylvania, Culpeper, Orange, King George, Madison and Caroline are eligible to participate.

The entry information and form is available at https://www.germanna.edu/42essay/ and students should submit essays by April 15. The five winners of the $1,042 scholarships will be awarded at the FredNats home game against the Myrtle Beach Pelicans on Friday, May 29.

As an interactive element of the ballpark, Germanna Community College, in conjunction with the Fredericksburg Area Museum and Dovetail Cultural Resource Group, are creating an 80-foot-long History Pavilion on the back of the “batter’s eye” of the stadium outfield concourse. This pavilion includes a wall that will highlight various historical events relating to baseball in Fredericksburg. The wall design and elements are being finalized and is expected to be installed in the stadium in late May.

Germanna, in partnership with the historical research completed by Dovetail and FAM, will produce several episodes of “History Minutes” of Fredericksburg to be displayed pregame in the ballpark. Episodes will highlight significant historical events in Fredericksburg related to baseball. The first history minute featuring the historical Walter Johnson coin toss across the Rappahannock from 1936 was released during the partnership announcement. The video is available for viewing below.

The Fredericksburg Nationals are set to begin Carolina League play in 2020 at a brand new, state of the art stadium facility, located at Celebrate Virginia South on Carl D. Silver Parkway near the Fredericksburg Expo & Convention Center in Fredericksburg, VA. Stay up to date with the progress of the new ballpark facility and the team online at www.frednats.com and follow the Fredericksburg Nationals on Facebook (@FXBGNats), on Twitter (@FXBGNats), and on Instagram (@FXBGNats).

 

‘Dads To Hold “Miracle of Hickory” Weekend

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

Team Will Wear Specialty Miracle Jerseys

Hickory, NC- The Crawdads are excited to announce “Miracle of Hickory” weekend, presented by WHKY 1290AM & 102.3FM, which will take place on Saturday, June 6th and Sunday, June 7th.

The ‘Dads will wear specialty jerseys during both games as the team honors the emergency hospital constructed to treat the polio crisis of 1944 that would become known as the “Miracle of Hickory”. The jerseys are purple in honor of the March of Dimes, which was originally established during World War II to help fight the polio epidemic.

In June of 1944, the Catawba Valley was hit with one of the worst polio outbreaks in the country. At the time there were no established hospitals in the area to treat patients so building a facility became critical. In just 54 hours a hospital was constructed and began admitting patients, most of which were children who are most susceptible to the illness.

The community came together to construct buildings, paint, clear debris, dig water trenches and donate food. WHKY helped to spread the word of needed hospital supplies such as beds, washing machines, and office supplies.

Hundreds of doctors and nurses, who were known as the “Angels of Mercy”, were sent by the American Red Cross and other volunteer organizations to help treat the patients. Over the course of nine months, the Hickory Emergency Infantile Paralysis Hospital treated 454 children for polio. The March of Dimes deemed the hospital and its remarkably low death rate the “Miracle of Hickory” on its posters nationwide.

The hospital no longer exists but its site is about a mile from LP Frans Stadium. The Hickory Music Factory, the armory and Jaycee Park were constructed on the grounds of the former hospital. The City of Hickory recently renamed the Jaycee Park to Miracle of Hickory Park and began a renovation project on the property. A mural was also painted this winter on the side of a building on 1st Avenue NW in downtown Hickory to commemorate the Miracle of Hickory.

The Saturday date will feature a special firework show as the City of Hickory celebrates its 150th anniversary.

The Miracle of Hickory jerseys will be auctioned off via the Live Source app throughout the weekend. The proceeds of the auction will be donated to the Miracle of Hickory Foundation. Artifacts from the hospital will also be on the concourse on Saturday.

Wings celebrate Negro Leagues 100th Anniversary June 19

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

Red Wings to wear throwback Rochester American Giants jerseys

The Rochester Red Wings are joining Minor League Baseball in celebrating the 100th anniversary of Negro Leagues baseball on Friday, June 19 at Frontier Field.

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

The Rochester American Giants – a minor league team affiliated with the Negro Leagues – called the Flower City home in the 1940’s. The Wings will honor that team by wearing replica jerseys. The jerseys will be auctioned off using the LiveSource mobile app with proceeds benefitting the “They Stepped Up To The Plate” Foundation – a local non-profit led by Honeoye Falls resident Jeff Klein and his family whose mission is to spread the stories of former Negro League players.

“We look forward to the opportunity to educate and inform our fans about the Rochester American Giants and many of the other great players and teams from the Negro Leagues as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Negro Leagues,” said Red Wings General Manager Dan Mason. “Our fans will have the incredible opportunity to meet and hear from some former Negro League Players as well as check out an incredible traveling display of Negro League photos and artifacts. We are fortunate to be working with Jeff Klein and his family on this event and we look forward to helping raise some funding for the ‘They Stepped Up to the Plate’ Foundation so that they can continue to educate fans in our community about these great men who played in the Negro Leagues.”

The night will also feature appearances from Ernest Fann, who was a catcher for the Raleigh Tigers, and Ike Walker, a Rochester resident who was a catcher on the 1963 Satchel Paige All-Star Team. Both men will be available on the Frontier Field concourse before the game for a meet-and-greet and will take part in a pre-game interview on the field.

The discussion will also include Sean Gibson – the great grandson of Josh Gibson, one of the most prolific Negro League players of all time. Sean is the executive director of the Josh Gibson Foundation and will have a traveling Negro Leagues display that will be available for fans to check out on the concourse during the game.

The night will conclude with a post-game fireworks show.

OKC Dodgers Announce Plans to Honor 25th Anniversary of Oklahoma City Bombing

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

Team will retire No. 168 at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark and No. 19 within OKC Dodgers Rookie League

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Dodgers have announced a series of initiatives along with the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the April 19, 1995 Oklahoma City bombing.

The Dodgers will retire No. 168 at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark to signify the number of lives lost during that fateful day. The team will place the new retired number next to the currently retired Nos. 1 and 42 along the left field wall.

Additionally, the team will retire No. 19 in the OKC Dodgers Rookie League to honor the 19 children who were killed as a result of the bombing. No Rookie League participant will ever wear the No. 19, and a memorial display will be placed at Wheeler Park, where Rookie League games are played.

On the field, the Dodgers will wear a special jersey patch on the right sleeve to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the bombing during the entire 2020 season.

“The events that occurred both on and after April 19, 1995 play an indelible role in the story of Oklahoma City and our community,” said OKC Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes.

“By taking these measures, we want to make sure that story is always at the forefront of our minds, and that we can help live up to the Memorial & Museum’s standard of remembering those who were killed, those who survived, and those changed forever.”

Between April 18-19, 2020, the Oklahoma City Dodgers will honor our first responders who continue to serve our state, as well as those who were instrumental on April 19, 1995. Events include recognizing families and first responders impacted by the bombing, live displays on Mickey Mantle Plaza, the formal unveiling of the No. 168 display in left field and much more.

Other actions include the Oklahoma City Dodgers Baseball Foundation stepping up to the Oklahoma Standard by completing 25 acts of kindness throughout the 2020 season, highlighting the power of community and recognizing the good works of others.

“We are honored to work with the Dodgers on this special commemoration as they join our community in looking back and thinking forward,” said Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum Executive Director Kari Watkins. “By doing this they help us tell this story to a new generation and to teach the senselessness of violence.”

The OKC Dodgers open their 23rd season at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark Tuesday, April 14. Season ticket packages and group outings for the 2020 season are currently on sale, and single-game tickets will go on sale March 3. For more information, call (405) 218-2182 or visit okcdodgers.com.

 

Raines Vikings win inaugural High School Heritage Classic

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Raines High School Vikings beat the Ribault High School Trojans 8-4 on Thursday to win the inaugural High School Heritage Classic presented by Rubenstein Law Firm, taking the A. Philip Randolph Cup in the exhibition contest at The Home of the Jumbo Shrimp.

“I want to congratulations Raines High School on winning the A. Philip Randolph Cup and Ribault High School on an excellent game,” said Jumbo Shrimp executive vice president/general manager Harold Craw. “The Jumbo Shrimp want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who helped make the High School Heritage Classic such a huge success in kicking off our team’s Centennial Celebration of the Negro Leagues.”

Both teams wore customized Jacksonville Red Caps uniforms to commemorate the Negro American League team that played in Jacksonville from 1938 until 1942. Raines High School won the A. Philip Randolph Cup that honors the legacy of local Civil Rights icon Asa Philip Randolph.

As part of the club’s Centennial Celebration of the Negro Leagues, the Jumbo Shrimp will play as the Red Caps twice this season; Once on May 1 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first-ever Negro League game and again on July 11 as part of the club’s Salute to the Negro Leagues Weekend in which former Negro Leagues players will also be on-hand.

UP NEXT: The Jumbo Shrimp’s 2020 Home Opening Day is Wednesday, April 15 against the Biloxi Shuckers at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville. Season tickets, mini plans and group outings are on sale now. Visit www.jaxshrimp.com or call 904-358-2846 to secure yours today.

ABOUT THE JUMBO SHRIMP: The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp offer affordable family fun at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville. Their inaugural season garnered the Southern League’s Don Mincher Organization of the Year, Promotional Trophy and Jimmy Bragan Executive of the Year, won by General Manager Harold Craw. The club added its second Promotional Trophy in three years following the 2019 season. To experience the excitement with the terrific value of ticket and group options, call the Jumbo Shrimp at (904) 358-2846 or visit www.jaxshrimp.com.

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

CareSource Continues Partnership with Dragons to Salute Area Veterans

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

Dayton, Ohio–CareSource, a nonprofit multistate health plan, is partnering with the Dayton Dragons for the second year in a row for the CareSource Veteran Salute. The program is an extension of CareSource’s commitment to improve the lives of veterans and their families through innovative programs and partnerships to support their health and well-being.

CareSource’s Veteran Salute is open to any living military veteran in the Miami Valley. Five veterans will be selected from entries submitted between February 4, 2020 and June 30, 2020. Selected honorees will be recognized at a Dayton Dragons home game during an inning break at Day Air Ballpark, April through August 2020.

Each veteran will receive VIP treatment during their night, including pregame activities, in-game recognition, seating in a luxury suite at the ballpark, a special gift and more.

“At CareSource, we lead with heart. We see our service members, past and present, as the heartbeat of our nation and we are proud to partner with the Dayton Dragons to recognize our local veterans. This program is a way to bring their amazing stories of service to audiences across the region and thank all veterans for their valuable contributions,” said Rachel Goodspeed, Director of Veteran Relations and Outreach.

“The Dragons are excited to once again partner with CareSource to honor local veterans,” said Robert Murphy, Dragons President & General Manager. “We look forward to continuing to recognize these individuals who have served our country and sharing their stories with our fans at Day Air Ballpark in 2020.”

A look back to our veterans who were recognized during the 2019 season through CareSource’s Veteran Salute Program:

Robert Looper – U.S. Marine Corp, Korean War Veteran. Robert Looper joined the Marine Corps after graduating high school in 1949, and was sent to Korea once the Korean War began. Looper and his brigade survived negative 40-degree temperatures in the Taebaek Mountains, where 15,000 Marines fought over 200,000 Chinese. Looper participated in every single major battle in Korea and was also a Prisoner of War for 17 days before escaping. Looper was awarded the Purple Heart for his time in Korea.

Daniel and Nicole Powers – U.S. Air Force, Desert Storm Veterans. Husband and wife Daniel and Nicole Powers are no strangers to the military. Both joined the U.S. Air Force in college, and met while deployed in Iraq in 2006. Nicole was deployed multiple places including Saudi Arabia, Italy, and Iraq. During Daniel’s almost six years of deployment overseas, Daniel was an intelligence collector, where he would visit towns and gather human intelligence from local shops and people. Both have been deployed a number of times, and have over 40 years of combined service in the U.S. military.

John Brown – U.S. Army, World War II, Korean War, & Vietnam War Veteran. John Brown joined the Army when he was 18 years old, and is a veteran of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. During his career, Brown was stationed in Washington, D.C., where he was responsible for reviewing and preparing the daily summary of intelligence that was presented to the high-level staff, including President Nixon. Brown had top-secret clearance in the Counterintelligence Corp for most of his service career, and served in the Army for almost 30 years.

Gene Camp – U.S. Marines, Vietnam War Veteran. Gene Camp joined the Marines in 1968 and was sent to fight in the Vietnam War. On his last patrol before he was scheduled to go back home to the U.S., Camp’s battalion was ambushed and Camp was severely injured in an explosion. Camp was honorably discharged from the U.S. Marine Corps in 1973 and was awarded three Purple Hearts for his time in Vietnam and has over 17 years of service.

Ed Damron – U.S. Army, Vietnam War Veteran. Ed Damron enlisted with the United States Army in September of 1970 at the age of 23 and was sent to fight in the Vietnam War. On September 6, 1971, Damron’s helicopter went down in the middle of a North Vietnamese Army (NVA) base camp with 5,000 enemy soldiers. Damron saved the lives of his helicopter pilot and gunner and hid in the enemy camp for over three hours before help arrived. Because of his heroic actions on that day, Damron was awarded the Purple Heart and Silver Star, and later was awarded the Bronze Star.

Nominations for CareSource’s Veteran Salute program 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 a nonprofit, multistate health plan recognized as a national leader in managed care. Founded in 1989, CareSource administers one of the nation’s largest Medicaid managed care plans and offers a lifetime of access to care through health insurance, including Medicaid, Health Insurance Marketplace, Medicare Advantage and a dual-eligible program.

Headquartered in Dayton, Ohio, CareSource serves nearly 2 million members in Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio and West Virginia. CareSource understands the challenges consumers face navigating the health system and is transforming health care with industry-leading programs that improve the health and well-being of our members.

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

About the Dayton Dragons

The Dayton Dragons are the Midwest League affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play a 70-game home schedule at beautiful Day Air Ballpark in downtown Dayton, easily accessible from Interstate 75.

Individuals and groups seeking information about Dayton Dragons group tickets, lawn tickets, season tickets, sponsorship opportunities, or booking a Dragons speaker are encouraged to contact the Dragons by calling (937) 228-2287, by email at [email protected], or on the web at daytondragons.com.

###

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