Throwback Columbia Shirsey Pre-Sale to Benefit Columbia Urban League

 

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

 

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

 

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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

 

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

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

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.

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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

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

 

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

 

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 dragons@daytondragons.com, or on the web at daytondragons.com.

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

Jumbo Shrimp kick off Negro Leagues Centennial Celebration with High School Heritage Classic

 

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – As part of the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp’s salute to Black History Month and the Negro Leagues’ Centennial Celebration, the club is hosting the inaugural High School Heritage Classic exhibition game presented by Rubenstein Law Firm at 11:05 a.m. on Thursday, February 13 between historic Duval County Public Schools rivals William M. Raines High School and Jean Ribault High School at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.

Raines and Ribault student-athletes will wear customized Jacksonville Red Caps uniforms in a tribute to the Negro Leagues team that resided in Jacksonville from 1938-42. The exhibition contest, coincides with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum’s commencement of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Negro Leagues, will also feature historical references to Negro Leagues players and teams throughout the game. The winning team will earn the inaugural A. Philip Randolph Cup, commemorating the civil rights activist who moved to Jacksonville in 1891.

“I am so proud to bring this one-of-a-kind game to celebrate the rich history of the Negro Leagues in Jacksonville and honoring the many Negro Leagues players who laid the foundation for our entire industry,” said Jumbo Shrimp executive vice president/general manager Harold Craw. “I want to thank the students and faculty of both Raines and Ribault High Schools for kicking off the Jumbo Shrimp’s year-long commitment to commemorate the Centennial Celebration of the Negro Leagues. We encourage all fans to learn about the extraordinary Negro Leagues players who complete the history of the sport we all love.”

Tickets for the High School Heritage Classic are $5 for reserved seats and $10 for 121 Financial Crustacean Corner seats and a limited number of seats in the PNC Home Plate Club. They can be purchased in-person at the Jumbo Shrimp box office at 301 A Philip Randolph Blvd or online by clicking here.

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.

Worcester Red Sox Create “The WooSox Foundation” to Benefit the City, the Region, and the Commonwealth

Education to be first area of focus: Worcester Public Library and Worcester Public Schools to be first beneficiaries– WPL Foundation to receive $25,000 donation; Library to receive books to begin a “Baseball Book Nook”

WORCESTER, MA – As promised in the Community Benefits Agreement with the City of Worcester and the Worcester Community Labor Coalition, the Worcester Red Sox today announced the creation of the “WooSox Foundation” to benefit the people and the charities of the city, the region, and the Commonwealth.

The foundation’s first area of focus will be education, and two of the first beneficiaries will be the Worcester Public Library Foundation and the Worcester Public Schools.

The foundation will donate $25,000 to the library, and will also donate books from the personal libraries of the club’s Principal Owner & Chairman, Red Sox Hall of Famer Larry Lucchino, as well as Vice-Chairman and Worcester native Mike Tamburro, and club President Dr. Charles Steinberg. Each has amassed a collection in their more than 40 years in baseball. The books will begin a “Baseball Book Nook” at the library.

Worcester Public Schools middle schoolers will be eligible to become “WooSox Scholars,” another club commitment in the CBA. The program will provide college scholarships of $10,000 each to four academically talented students. The first recipients will be the Class of 2021, selected in this coming school year and announced at Polar Park in the spring of 2021.

The WooSox Foundation will also create and operate a variety of programs to benefit students at each grade level, from WooSox Mentors for elementary school students to Dream Careers presentations for high school students. The foundation will also present small stipends to teachers in a new “MVT” program for Worcester’s “Most Valuable Teachers.”

In addition, the WooSox will host “Worcester School Days” each year for at least the first five years, when every Worcester student from Kindergarten through 12th grade-more than 24,000 children each year-receive a ticket to a ballgame at Polar Park.

The foundation will also present programs that help students learn the international social significance of such baseball stars as Jackie Robinson, Roberto Clemente, and the Red Sox’ own Luis Tiant, Pedro Martinez, and David Ortiz.

“We are eager to fulfill the obligations that we offered in the Community Benefits Agreement,” Lucchino said. “Establishing the WooSox Foundation and announcing that the Worcester Public Library and the Worcester Public Schools will be immediate beneficiaries begin that process and help us demonstrate our intense desire to be more than a ballclub. We commit to being active participants in this community and in its charitable life.”

Lucchino also established philanthropic foundations with the Baltimore Orioles, San Diego Padres, and Boston Red Sox, and expanded the depth and breadth of the PawSox Foundation.
“Our public library and our schools are vitally important in fostering the education and academic development of our youth,” said Worcester City Manager Edward M. Augustus, Jr. “We thank the Worcester Red Sox and the generosity of the WooSox Foundation in supporting both our students and all those in the community that utilize our library.”

“Worcester’s biggest asset is its young people, and nothing is more important than educating our children,” said Harvard Professor and Worcester native Paul Reville, a former Massachusetts Secretary of Education and an advisor to the WooSox. “These Red Sox gifts to our students and our library not only strengthen education in this community, but signal that in Worcester, learning is the top priority.”

More information can be found on the newly-formed website WooSoxFoundation.org.

Students can win ceremonial first pitch in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. essay contest

 

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – With Black History Month upcoming, the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are asking students what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have A Dream” speech means to them. The club’s essay contest will reward the winning students with free tickets for their entire class to attend a Jumbo Shrimp regular season game at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville, as well as a classroom visit by either Scampi or Southpaw.

The Jumbo Shrimp’s essay contest is open to all K-12 students in Duval County, Clay County and St. Johns County. Submissions will be divided into three categories (Grades K-5, 6-8 and 9-12, respectively). The contest will begin on Martin Luther King Jr. Day at 9 a.m. on Monday, January 20. All entries should be submitted by 5 p.m. on Friday, February 21 to win@jaxshrimp.com, and must include the student’s name, age, grade and school.

Following the submission process, each category will have their respective winners notified by email and announced on Friday, February 28.

For any questions regarding the Jumbo Shrimp’s Dr. King “I Have A Dream” speech essay contest, please contact Director of Community Relations Andrea Williams at andrea@jaxshrimp.com.

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.

VA Medical Center, Curve host veterans recognition event

 

CURVE, Pa. – The Altoona Curve and James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center will hold a joint veterans recognition event on Friday, November 8 at 9 a.m. in the second floor auditorium at the VA’s Pleasant Valley Boulevard location.

The Curve will present a donation to assist in approving the quality of life of veterans who use the local VA. The money was raised during the team’s June 7 jersey auction when Curve players and coaching staff wore specialty uniforms to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of D-Day.

“The 75th Anniversary of D-Day game was one of the most memorable nights of our 2019 season,” said Curve general manager Derek Martin. “In addition to the special uniforms that were worn, we had a World War II Stuart Tank and reenactors at the ballpark that night, which really brought to life the sense of pride we have for our veterans. Our partnership with the VA Medical Center on the D-Day jersey auction was a perfect fit and we couldn’t be more grateful for what they do for our community’s veterans.”

“The Altoona Curve have been one of our strongest community partners,” said VA Medical Center Director Sigrid Andrew, “they have demonstrated a strong commitment to our Veterans and to our local VA hospital.”

The Curve have partnered with the VA Medical Center for many years and has included the recognition of veterans at games, hospital visits by the players and staff in addition to donated tickets for disabled veterans living at the VA.

Friday’s event is part of a week-long recognition that includes 15 speaking engagements, three parades, and events at each of the VA’s five community-based outpatient clinics. The week wraps around Veterans Day (Monday, November 11) and concludes on Saturday, November 16 at 7 p.m. with the Saint Francis men’s basketball team hosting American University in their Military Appreciation Day, which they have partnered with the VA Medical Center for the past two years.

For more information, please call the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center Public Affairs at 814-943-8164 ext. 7404 or 814-569-3386.

The Altoona Curve, 2010 and 2017 Eastern League Champions, have been the Double-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates since 1999. For tickets or more information, visit AltoonaCurve.com, call 877.99.CURVE or stop by the PNG Field box office. Additionally, the Stockyard Team Store is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on non-gamedays and online 24/7/365. 

 

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

FirstEnergy Stadium Pays Tribute to All who Served with Annual Veterans Day Ceremony

 

(Reading, PA) – The Reading Fightin Phils will celebrate and honor those who served on Monday, November 11thin hosting the sixth annual Veterans Day ceremony at FirstEnergy Stadium. The R-Phils, in partnership with Savage 61 Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM, will be presenting the Veterans Day Wreath in front of the Veterans Monument at FirstEnergy Stadium at 1 p.m.

All veterans and military members are encouraged to attend, and the event is open to the general public.

Local community leaders will join R-Phils front office members at the ceremony, in which the American Legion Gregg Post 12 will lay a wreath in front of the ballpark’s dog tag monument near the entrance to FirstEnergy Stadium. The monument pays tribute to all members of the United States military who sacrificed to protect the United States of America.

Snacks and refreshments will be provided by the Fightin Phils upon conclusion of the ceremony in the Steve Moyer Subaru Team Store.

Originally called Reading Municipal Memorial Stadium, FirstEnergy Stadium was completed in 1951 and was named in honor of the servicemen and women who risked their lives in defense of their country. In 1999, a statue in the form of giant dog tags was placed in front of the stadium in a special rededication ceremony to honor the area’s veterans.

Beginning with the 2014 season, the Fightins have honored a specific veteran at each home game with a ceremonial flag service. The veteran, or his or her family, is recognized with a video tribute and ovation prior to the start of the game. The flag flies by the dog tag statue at the stadium’s main entrance, and is given to the veteran or veteran’s family following the game.

Prior to the start of the 2016 season, the Fightin Phils also unveiled a permanently unoccupied black seat in FirstEnergy Stadium. This seat pays tribute to the tens of thousands of military service personnel who were prisoners of war or have been declared missing in action.

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

Spikes, WHVL, NFFF to host 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb

 

The State College Spikes are proud to partner with WHVL-TV and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) to host the inaugural Central Pennsylvania 9/11 Stair Climb. The event will be held on Saturday, September 28 at the home of the Spikes, Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, which is located on the campus of Penn State University.

The Central Pennsylvania 9/11 Stair Climb is open to the community and participants may register as an individual or as part of team. The cost is $30 per individual or team member. All climbers receive a commemorative shirt and a name badge of the firefighter they are honoring. Anyone interested in participating may register by visiting http://events.firehero.org/whvl or www.whvl.com, and there are no restrictions on who may climb.

All proceeds from the Central Pennsylvania 9/11 Stair Climb will go to the NFFF. The NFFF funds programs to support the families of your local fallen firefighters and the FDNY Counseling Services Unit. For more information about the about the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climbs and the NFFF, fans can log on to www.firehero.org.

“When firefighters, EMS or police perish in the line of duty it has a great impact on our communities and across the country,” said Penny Hain, General Manager of WHVL. “We wanted to find a way to honor the folks that we have lost while helping the loved ones, friends and co-workers they left behind.” 
“We are honored to host this event and cannot wait to welcome all of the climbers to our ballpark to pay homage to the heroes who put their lives on the line,” said Spikes General Manager Scott Walker. “Medlar Field at Lubrano Park has always been and will always be a place for our community to come together, and we are looking forward to continuing that tradition with the Central Pennsylvania 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb on September 28.”

The activities begin on the day of the event with climber check-in at 8:00 a.m. followed by opening ceremonies at 9:00 a.m. Climbing will begin at 10:00 a.m. and the participants will climb the equivalent of 110 stories to symbolize the number of floors in each of the Twin Towers. Following the climb, participants and volunteers will treated to an after party beginning at 1:30 p.m.

For more information, contact WHVL at 814-234-9485 or visit www.whvl.com.