Statement: New Jersey’s MiLB Teams to Host Vaccination Clinics at Ballparks This Summer

 

The BlueClaws, Trenton Thunder, and Somerset Patriots will partner with RWJBarnabas Health on vaccination clinics this summer at each team’s respective ballparks. The teams released this joint statement.

New Jersey’s three Minor League Baseball teams are honored to partner with RWJBarnabas Health on vaccination clinics at our ballparks this summer. Part of being at the front porch of our respective communities is working closely with those in position to best keep our communities safe.

“We are delighted to work with our Minor League Baseball partners to provide COVID-19 vaccinations at their ballparks,” said Margie Heller, Vice President, Strategic Global Partnerships at RWJBarnabas Health. “These community-based vaccination clinics are great way for us to offer these lifesaving vaccines in a fun environment to those who are interested.”

Our three vaccination clinics will help lessen the impact of COVID-19, and additionally provide another benefit – an enjoyable night out at the ballpark with families and friends.

Additional details will be announced shortly.

-Jersey Shore BlueClaws-

Cutters & UPMC Partner to Offer COVID-19 Vaccinations to Fans

 

UPMC and the Williamsport Crosscutters are partnering to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to fans at Cutters games on Wednesday, June 2 and Saturday, June 5 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Muncy Bank Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field. Fans who receive their shot at the ballpark will receive a coupon for a free hot dog and soft drink to enjoy during the game.

“UPMC’s partnership with the Williamsport Crosscutters is a great example of how we are trying to meet people where they are to get vaccinated,” said Heather Stafford, clinical director of Infection Prevention and Control. “These family events are opportunities to reach our younger community members, now that anyone 12 years of age and older have been approved by the FDA for Pfizer vaccination.”

Crosscutters fans will be greeted by UPMC’s mobile bus outside the gate. Fans will have the chance to receive the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine or their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine before the game. Those who receive the Pfizer vaccine will be scheduled for their second dose three weeks later at the UPMC vaccination clinic at 2401 Reach Rd., Williamsport.

Cutters Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations Gabe Sinicropi stated, “The Crosscutters are delighted to be able to offer this important service to our fans through our Presenting Partner, UPMC. It’s our sincere hope that fans age 12 and over who have yet to be vaccinated take advantage of this special opportunity.”

For fans who are still on the fence about the vaccine, UPMC staff will be available and happy to have informed conversations about the benefits of vaccination. Those who decide to get the vaccine during the game will be allowed to exit and reenter the ballpark without issue.

To learn more about the vaccine, go to Vaccine.UPMC.com.

Fireflies Team Up with Prisma Health on In-Game Vaccination Site

 

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Columbia Fireflies today announced that they have partnered with Prisma Health to administer COVID-19 vaccinations at Segra Park during the 2021 baseball season.

Fans who wish to be vaccinated can get their first shot at a Fireflies game on Friday, May 28 or Saturday, May 29. The vaccine will be administered inside the ballpark, along the concourse by the Crescent Patio in right field, to all fans wishing to receive the vaccines.

The Pfizer vaccine being deployed by Prisma Health has been approved for all South Carolinians ages 12 and over.

Fans do not need to pre-register to get their first shot; walk-up appointments will be accepted. Vaccines can be administered by Prisma Health clinical staff at any point from the opening of gates on each night until the vaccination site shuts down at the end of the seventh inning.

“This is a great opportunity for fans that may not yet have gotten their vaccination to get theirs in a very unique, festive atmosphere,” said Fireflies team President John Katz. “Our thanks go out to Prisma Health for affording our fans who wish to get a vaccine the opportunity to do so at Segra Park. The Fireflies have chipped in great added benefits – including a free ticket for participating fans to receive their second doses three weeks later.”

Dr. Rick Scott, the chair of the Prisma Health Vaccine Task Force, said, “The Prisma Health team is dedicated to caring for our community during this pandemic and every day. Throughout the entire COVID-19 response, we are proud of everything that our team members, nurses, and physicians have given to help our community. We also are proud of our partnerships with organizations like the Fireflies who are helping us get shot in the arms of our community but there is much left to do!”

Every fan who receives the vaccine at the game on May 28 or 29 will get a free Fireflies hat and a ticket voucher to attend the June 18 or 19 Fireflies game, where they can obtain their second-dose to become fully vaccinated.

Tickets for the May 28 and 29 games are on sale now and can be purchased online at FirefliesTickets.com.

Cardinals, Mercy, S-GC Health Department, KY3 offering free COVID-19 vaccines May 18-23 at Hammons Field

 

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Cardinals, Springfield-Greene County Health Department, Mercy Hospital Springfield and KY3 are teaming up to offer free COVID-19 vaccines during Cardinals home games from May 18-23 against the Northwest Arkansas Naturals at Hammons Field.

Those who pre-register for a vaccine date at Hammons Field will receive a FREE General Admission ticket to that game. Fans already in the stadium who do not pre-register will receive a free General Admission ticket to a future game of their choice. 100 free tickets are available per game. Additional information can be found at www.ky3.com or health.springfieldmo.gov/cardinals.

Mount Carmel Health System Vaccine Clinic Returns to Huntington Park May 25-30

 

Columbus, Ohio – After vaccinating more than 200 people during the Columbus Clippers’ home opening series, Mount Carmel Health System and the Clippers are again offering a week-long COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic at Huntington Park from Tuesday, May 25 to Sunday, May 30.

Fans ages 18 and over can visit the vaccine clinic behind home plate from the time gates open through the end of the third inning to receive the Janssen (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine. The J&J vaccine provides full vaccination with a single shot.

“We were thrilled to see the turnout the first time around and heard from several patients how this unique opportunity made the vaccine much more accessible for them and their families,” said Virginia Ruef, regional pharmacy officer at Mount Carmel. “We hope that by meeting people where they are and promoting these unique walk-up opportunities, we can help improve vaccination rates in central Ohio.”

“The Columbus Clippers are again honored that Mount Carmel has “stepped up to the plate” to team with us in offering our fans the J&J Vaccine for our second homestand. We know of no other team nor any other Health Organization that has taken these extraordinary steps to accommodate their community,” said Ken Schnacke, Clippers President and GM.

The Clippers open their second home stand of the season on Tuesday, May 25th against the Nashville Sounds at 7:05pm. For tickets and information, call 614-462-5250 or order online HERE.

About Mount Carmel Health System

Mount Carmel Health System, a member of Trinity Health, has provided high-quality, comprehensive healthcare services in central Ohio for more than 130 years. Our team of more than 9,000 colleagues, 2,000 physicians and 550 volunteers provide compassionate, people-centered primary and specialty care at our four hospitals—Mount Carmel East, Mount Carmel Grove City, Mount Carmel New Albany and Mount Carmel St. Ann’s, along with Diley Ridge Medical Center, an affiliation of Mount Carmel and Fairfield Medical Center. The health system is comprised of Mount Carmel Medical Group and Mount Carmel Health Partners’ network of physicians. MediGold, a Medicare Advantage health insurance plan, and the Mount Carmel College of Nursing, one of Ohio’s largest baccalaureate nursing degree programs, are also integral members of the health system. Mount Carmel also includes surgery centers, emergency and ambulatory care centers, and hospice and home care services.

MUSC Health to Offer Vaccines at The Joe

 

MUSC Health will offer COVID-19 vaccinations at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park during select Charleston RiverDogs games in the upcoming homestand. Fans will have the opportunity to receive a vaccination from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on each of the remaining Fridays in May.

On May 21 and May 28, the vaccines will be administered under a tent just outside of the ballpark on the walkway located along Fishburne Street. Fans are encouraged to make appointments in advance by visiting https://muschealth.org/vaccine-riverdogs. However, walk-ups will be welcome pending availability.

“If we can help encourage people in Charleston to get vaccinated by providing that opportunity at our ballpark, then we are in full support,” said RiverDogs President and General Manager Dave Echols. “Restrictions are beginning to loosen for those who have received the vaccine and we continue to work towards the gameday experience at The Joe returning to normal one step at a time.”

MUSC Health and the RiverDogs are planning to offer more vaccinations at The Joe in future months with dates to be determined. For more information about the vaccine, fans are encouraged to visit https://muschealth.org/get-vaccine.

“We are pleased to partner with the RiverDogs to offer vaccinations at their games!’ said Danielle Bowen Scheurer, M.D., MSCR, MUSC Health Chief Quality Officer. “Our goal is to make the vaccination process as accessible as possible to every South Carolinian.”

The entire RiverDogs gameday experience is cashless in 2021, including parking, the team store and concessions. Fans who do not have credit or debit cards will be able to use cash to purchase gift cards at Fan Services on gamedays. All RiverDogs tickets for the 2021 season are available for purchase online and will be delivered digitally. Once purchased, tickets can be printed at home or scanned on a phone. For answers to frequently asked questions, fans are encouraged to visit the RiverDogs Digital Ticket Guide. No bags will allowed into the ballpark.

RiverDogs season tickets, flexible ticket plans, and group tickets, including options to the Segra Club at Riley Park, are now available for the 2021 campaign at riverdogs.com/tickets or by contacting the RiverDogs front office at 843-577-3647 (DOGS). A full schedule for the 2021 season is available at riverdogs.com.

About The Medical University of South Carolina

Founded in 1824 in Charleston, MUSC is the oldest medical school in the South as well as the state’s only integrated academic health sciences center with a unique charge to serve the state through education, research and patient care. Each year, MUSC educates and trains more than 3,000 students and nearly 800 residents in six colleges: Dental Medicine, Graduate Studies, Health Professions, Medicine, Nursing and Pharmacy. MUSC brought in more than $271 million in biomedical research funds in fiscal year 2020, continuing to lead the state in obtaining National Institutes of Health funding, with more than $129.9 million. For information on academic programs, visit musc.edu.

As the clinical health system of the Medical University of South Carolina, MUSC Health is dedicated to delivering the highest quality patient care available, while training generations of competent, compassionate health care providers to serve the people of South Carolina and beyond. Comprising some 1,600 beds, more than 100 outreach sites, the MUSC College of Medicine, the physicians’ practice plan, and nearly 325 telehealth locations, MUSC Health owns and operates eight hospitals situated in Charleston, Chester, Florence, Lancaster and Marion counties. In 2020, for the sixth consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report named MUSC Health the No. 1 hospital in South Carolina. To learn more about clinical patient services, visit muschealth.org.

MUSC and its affiliates have collective annual budgets of $3.2 billion. The more than 17,000 MUSC team members include world-class faculty, physicians, specialty providers and scientists who deliver groundbreaking education, research, technology and patient care.

HealthLinc and South Bend Cubs Host COVID-19 Vaccination Day

 

VALPARAISO, IN – HealthLinc and the South Bend Cubs (High-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs) are teaming up to promote COVID-19 vaccinations to area residents at Four Winds Field on Monday, May 24 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. HealthLinc will host a table during the Cubs homestand against the Dayton Dragons (Tuesday through Sunday, May 18-23) to assist fans with registration for the vaccine day.

“We are grateful to the Cubs organization for allowing us to promote our services, the vaccination day and the importance of everyone getting vaccinated during the upcoming homestand.” states Beth Wrobel, HealthLinc CEO. “We want the COVID-19 vaccine to be available to everyone, so we can all get back to the ballgame.”

HealthLinc will administer the J&J vaccine to anyone 18 years and older. All those who receive the vaccine on vaccination day will be entered into a drawing to win an outdoor suite with tickets for up to 16 people and four parking passes to an upcoming South Bend Cubs game.

Anyone interested should pre-register for the vaccine by calling 219.872.6200, Ext. 6203. Pre-registration is advised, and walk-ins are welcome.

“We’re proud to partner with HealthLinc to distribute the vaccine to as many people as possible,” said South Bend Cubs President Joe Hart. “Being a good community partner has been our primary goal since day one. We are encouraging as many people as possible to pre-register and come down to Four Winds Field to receive their vaccine.”

For more information about HealthLinc and the COVID-19 vaccination day at Four Winds Field, contact Jodie Wexelberg at [email protected].

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HealthLinc Corporate Headquarters are located at 2401 Valley Drive, Valparaiso, IN. HealthLinc clinics span Northern Indiana and are in East Chicago, Knox, La Porte, Michigan City, Mishawaka, South Bend and Valparaiso.

About HealthLinc

HealthLinc, Inc. (healthlincchc.org) is a not-for-profit Federally Qualified Health Center that provides primary medical, dental, optometry, and behavioral health services to people of all ages regardless of a patient’s ability to pay. In 1996, HealthLinc began as Hilltop Neighborhood House, a neighborhood clinic and childcare center in Valparaiso, IN. Since then, HealthLinc has expanded to eleven clinics, two telehealth clinics, and one mobile medical/dental clinic. HealthLinc accepts Medicare, Medicaid, Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP), most commercial insurance plans, and provides care for uninsured patients. Services will be provided on a sliding fee scale based on household size and income, regardless of a patient’s insurance status.

About the South Bend Cubs

The South Bend Cubs are the Class A-Advanced minor league affiliate of the 2016 World Series Champion Chicago Cubs. Over the past 33 years, the team has won four Midwest League titles, most recently in 2019, and has captured eight division titles. In 2019, the South Bend Cubs hosted the Midwest League All-Star Game. In June 2017, Four Winds Field, home of the South Bend Cubs, was voted Best Class A ballpark in the country by Ballpark Digest. In 2015 the team was named Ballpark Digest’s Team of the Year and received the John H. Johnson President’s Award, the highest award in minor league baseball. The team is owned and operated by Swing-Batter-Swing, LLC whose principal shareholder is Andrew T. Berlin of Chicago, Ill.

SeaWolves Team with UPMC Hamot to Host Vaccine Clinic

 

The Erie SeaWolves, Double-A Affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, have teamed with UPMC Hamot to host a COVID-19 vaccine clinic during their game against the Akron RubberDucks (Cleveland Indians) on Friday, May 14 at UPMC Park. Game time is 6:05 p.m.

Ticket holders (ages 12 & older) can receive a Pfizer vaccine between 4:30-6:30 PM in the new Celebration Cove picnic area, located inside the main gate entry plaza of UPMC Park. No appointment is necessary. Attendees must have a ticket to the game to enter.

Captain’s Club Members can enter UPMC Park Gate #2 at 4:30 PM. UPMC Park’s Main Entry Gate #1 will open at 4:45 PM. Each individual who receives their Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at the May 14 game will receive a voucher for a free Smith’s hot dog, chips, and a drink, redeemable at any SeaWolves home game this month. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

“We are thrilled to partner with UPMC Hamot to help get Erie County vaccinated,” SeaWolves Team President Greg Coleman said. “It’s been wonderful to welcome fans back to UPMC Park, and we’re thankful to all the healthcare heroes for making it possible.”

The SeaWolves continue their six-game series against the RubberDucks tonight at 6:05 p.m. It’s Thirsty Thursday presented by Bud Light. Fans can enjoy Smith’s hot dogs, Pepsi soft drinks, popcorn and select domestic draft beers for only $2 each. Tickets are available at SeaWolves.com.

Mount Carmel and Columbus Clippers Offer COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic

 

Columbus, Ohio – “Take me out to the ball game; take me out to get my COVID-19 shot.”

It may not be how the old song goes, but that’s how the Columbus Clippers and Mount Carmel will be celebrating the return of baseball to the Arena District in downtown Columbus next week.

From Tuesday, May 11th through Sunday, May 16th — the Clippers’ first home stand of the season — the Clippers and Mount Carmel will be offering a week-long COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic at Huntington Park. Fans ages 18 and over can visit the first-aid center located behind home plate from the time gates open through the end of the third inning to receive the Janssen (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine. The J&J vaccine provides full vaccination with a single shot.

Clippers President & GM Ken Schnacke: “We believe that we are one of the first professional sports teams in the country to offer their fans a “shot and a beer” while enjoying a ballgame. This unique opportunity to get your J&J Vaccine while actually enjoying a Clippers game is the ultimate in multi-tasking! So come out to Huntington Park, see the Clippers play and get your vaccine shot to help central Ohio become safer for all of our citizens. Leave the game with your vaccination card and hopefully fond memories of a Clippers victory!”

“We’re thrilled to partner with our hometown heroes to offer one more opportunity for our community to be vaccinated,” said Dr. Mark Herbert, Mount Carmel infectious disease physician and long-time Clippers fan. “Being vaccinated is our best path forward for ending the pandemic and we strongly encourage anyone who hasn’t been vaccinated to do so. We invite them to come for some peanuts, crackerjacks, and great baseball and leave with added protection from COVID-19,” added Dr. Herbert, who will be singing the National Anthem during the home opener.

The Clippers open their first home stand of the season on Tuesday, May 11th against the Omaha Storm Chasers at 6:15pm. For tickets and informations, call 614-462-5250 or order online HERE.

About Mount Carmel Health System

Mount Carmel Health System, a member of Trinity Health, has provided high-quality, comprehensive healthcare services in central Ohio for more than 130 years. Our team of more than 9,000 colleagues, 2,000 physicians and 550 volunteers provide compassionate, people-centered primary and specialty care at our four hospitals—Mount Carmel East, Mount Carmel Grove City, Mount Carmel New Albany and Mount Carmel St. Ann’s, along with Diley Ridge Medical Center, an affiliation of Mount Carmel and Fairfield Medical Center. The health system is comprised of Mount Carmel Medical Group and Mount Carmel Health Partners’ network of physicians. MediGold, a Medicare Advantage health insurance plan, and the Mount Carmel College of Nursing, one of Ohio’s largest baccalaureate nursing degree programs, are also integral members of the health system. Mount Carmel also includes surgery centers, emergency and ambulatory care centers, and hospice and home care services.

Fluor Field to Serve as COVID Vaccination Site Thursday

 

Consistent with its ongoing “Front Porch Of The Community” focus, the Greenville Drive are excited to announce today, in partnership with Prisma Health, a series of COVID-19 vaccination events to occur at Fluor Field throughout the Drive’s 2021 season. The Drive announced plans this week to host the first vaccination event on Thursday, May 6th during their doubleheader against the Bowling Green Hot Rods.

On Thursday, vaccinations will take place from 6-8pm in the Power Alley hospitality area of Fluor Field, directly inside the Main Street entrance to the stadium. No appointments are needed; vaccinations will be offered on a walk-up basis and administered by officials with Prisma Health. The Pfizer vaccine will be administered free of charge; those 16 years of age or older, needing their first or second dose, will be eligible. For those needing their second dose, it must be a minimum of three weeks since their first dose, but no later than six weeks.

To help encourage participation, all of those that get vaccinated on May 6th at Fluor Field will receive a complimentary ice cream at the Drive’s destination ice cream stand Sweet Caroline’s as well as a complimentary ticket to any remaining 2021 regular season game.

“Getting vaccinated is the most critical thing we can all do to protect ourselves, our families, and our community. By partnering with Prisma Health to offer vaccinations at our games, we can help our community move closer to ending the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Drive Owner & President Craig Brown.

BlueClaws, RWJBarnabas Health Partner on May 10th Blood Drive

 

JERSEY SHORE, NJ – The BlueClaws and RWJBarnabas Health will partner on a special blood drive to be held at FirstEnergy Park on Monday, May 10th from 11:30 am – 5:30 pm.

Registration is strongly encouraged and can be made by clicking here or calling 732-235-8100 ext 221 or 248. There is limited availability within each 15-minute time slot to ensure social distancing protocols will be followed.

All donors are instructed to eat and drink prior to the donation and to bring a photo ID. Masks or cloth face coverings are required for entry. Those that have been exposed to or cared for a positive COVID-19 patient within 28 days prior to the drive are not eligible to donate.

A screening will take place on the ground level before donors enter the lobby outside the ballpark.

All donors will receive two complimentary BlueClaws tickets and a commemorative t-shirt. Donors will also be entered to win a BlueClaws VIP experience for 20 that includes a night in a Luxury Suite, and 20 boardwalk and mini golf passes.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment.

-Jersey Shore BlueClaws-

Granite State Baseball Dinner Goes Virtual Nov. 21

 

MLB Players and Red Sox Legends Will Attend Remotely to Help Raise Funds for CHaD and the Fisher Cats Foundation

Manchester, N.H. – The New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Toronto Blue Jays Double-A affiliate) will host a virtual edition of the Granite State Baseball Dinner at 7 p.m. on Saturday, November 21 in a continued effort to raise funds for the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock and the Fisher Cats Foundation. Over $1.75 million has been donated as part of this event since 2007.

Presented by Northeast Delta Dental, the event will be broadcast on Facebook Live from the state-of-the-art studio at Events United in Derry, NH. Events United has hosted a number of high-profile events despite the challenges of 2020, including the Dropkick Murphy’s “Streaming Up From Boston” St. Patrick’s Day Concert.

A group of baseball celebrities will attend remotely and participate in the annual question & answer session, including Blue Jays catcher Danny Jansen, Blue Jays coach John Schneider, and Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Oliver Drake. Red Sox greats like Bernie Carbo, Oil Can Boyd, Luis Tiant and Dick Drago will also be on hand, along with two legends of women’s professional baseball, Lois Youngen and Sue Zipay. Viewers can submit questions in the Facebook Live comment section.

“We’re proud to continue the Granite State Baseball Dinner tradition, regardless of how many obstacles this year has thrown at us,” said Fisher Cats President Mike Ramshaw. “Supporting our community means everything to this organization, and we’re committed to raising funds for these worthy charities any way we can.”

Five Ways to Donate

1. Pack the Park for Kids

Starting today and continuing through the end of the Baseball Dinner, the Fisher Cats begin a mission to virtually Pack the Park for Kids. A $10 donation at NHFisherCats.com will digitally mark off one of the 6,500 seats at Delta Dental Stadium, and add to the $1.75 million that has been donated as part of the event since 2007.

2. Sponsorship Opportunities

Several elements of the broadcast are available for sponsorship, including the VIP reception, question & answer session, video commercials, and more. Click here to view the full sponsorship form.

3. Online Silent Auction

The annual silent auction returns at NHFisherCats.com, featuring sports memorabilia like a Rafael Devers autographed baseball, and priceless experiences like private batting practice at Delta Dental Stadium with an overnight stay at the Hilton Garden Inn.

4. Online 50/50 Raffle

It’s a ballpark tradition in digital form — every donation adds to the grand total, with a raffle drawing at the end of the night. Half of the funds go to CHaD and the Fisher Cats Foundation, and the other half go to one lucky winner.

5. Dinner Packages, Delivered!

It wouldn’t be the Granite State Baseball Dinner without a delicious meal. Celebrations Catering will offer home deliveries of family dinners, bottled wine, charcuterie boards, and more to enjoy during the show. All proceeds will benefit CHaD and the Fisher Cats Foundation.

Baseball Celebrities

Danny Jansen is the starting catcher for the Toronto Blue Jays, who enjoyed a breakout season with the Fisher Cats in 2017. Previously known as a defensive specialist, Jansen hit .323 and earned a spot in the Eastern League All-Star Game in New Hampshire. Just over a year later, he was suiting up for the Blue Jays, and began his MLB career with a six-game hitting streak.

John Schneider led the vaunted 2018 Fisher Cats to an Eastern League Championship as the youngest manager in team history. The following year, he joined Fisher Cats All-Stars Bo Bichette, Cavan Biggio, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in Toronto as a Major League Coach with the Blue Jays.

Worcester, MA native Oliver Drake earned a spot on the Tampa Bay Rays playoff roster during their run to the World Series this season. The former US Naval Academy pitcher kept the Yankees off the board during a strong inning of relief in the ALDS.

Luis Tiant, affectionately known as ‘El Tiante’, was one of the most dominant, durable pitchers of his generation. Over 19 seasons, he dazzled lineups with his overpowering stuff and unique, back-to-the-hitter wind-ups. A three-time All-Star, he shined for the Red Sox from 1971-78, perhaps making his biggest impact for the 1975 American League Champions.

In Game 6 of the 1975 World Series, Bernie Carbo hit one of the most memorable home runs in Red Soxhistory. Facing elimination and a three-run deficit in the bottom of the eighth inning, Carbo was brought in to pinch hit with two on and two out. He drilled a game-tying blast to center field, and the Red Sox eventually prevailed in the 12th inning on a Carlton Fisk homer.

Dennis Ray “Oil Can” Boyd pitched for the Boston Red Sox (1982-89), Montreal Expos (1990-91) and Texas Rangers (1991) during his 10-year career. He won a career-high 16 games during the Red Sox 1986 American League Championship season, and started Game 3 of the World Series against the Mets.

Dick Drago spent 13 years in the major leagues as a pitcher for the Red Sox, Royals, Angels, Mariners, and Orioles, and pitched in the iconic 1975 Red Sox – Reds World Series.

Sue Parsons Zipay of Hingham, MA played for the Rockford Peaches of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League in the 1950s. She is the Founder and President of American Girls Baseball, which develops, manages, and promotes training and instructional programs for girls and women in the game of baseball.

Lois Youngen spent four years in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, catching a perfect game with the South Bend Blue Sox in 1953. Lois Youngen Ball Field in West Eugene, OR is named after her.

The primary beneficiary of the Granite State Baseball Dinner is the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock (CHaD). CHaD, New Hampshire’s comprehensive, full-service children’s hospital, is committed to providing outstanding compassionate care for children and their families. Offering primary, specialty, and tertiary care to the children of New Hampshire, Vermont, and beyond, their focus includes keeping all kids healthy and safe.

In addition to raising valuable funds for the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock, the donation total will help fund the Fisher Cats Foundation Scholarship program, which provides $2,500 college scholarships to 12 student-athletes every season.

The New Hampshire Fisher Cats established the Fisher Cats Foundation to be a catalyst for the betterment of communities statewide by supporting youth programs that encourage education and promote healthy living. Through the generous support of players, employees, sponsors, and fans, the Fisher Cats Foundation continuously works to make a positive impact throughout New Hampshire and north-central Massachusetts. As the primary funding source for the team’s philanthropy, the Fisher Cats Foundation supports a wide variety of non-profit organizations and coordinates several fundraising programs and events. Since its inception in 2006, the Foundation and the Fisher Cats have provided more than $5.7 million in monetary and in-kind donations to thousands of non-profit organizations.

For more information about the charitable Granite State Baseball Dinner, presented by Northeast Delta Dental, please call the Box Office at (603) 641-2005 or visit nhfishercats.com.

Former and Current Owners of the Visalia Rawhide Baseball Club Team up to Donate $250,000 to the Visalia and Tulare County Community

 

VISALIA, CA- The former and current owners of the Visalia Rawhide have jointly contributed $250,000 to establish the Visalia Rawhide Charitable Fund at the Central Valley Community Foundation to serve the community where Visalia Rawhide fans live, work and play.

“The Visalia community provided great support over our 18 years with the Rawhide ballclub,” said Tom Seidler, former Rawhide co-owner and President of Top of the Third, Inc. “We are excited to have the opportunity to give back to the community during this time of great need, in partnership with the Rawhide and the Sigal family. I can’t think of a better way to commemorate the one year anniversary of the Rawhide championship than this effort to help many families in need through these two grants.”

To support families with childcare costs, food, distance learning supplies, and other essential services, an initial grant from the new fund of $50,000 has been donated to First 5 which supports six family resource centers, including the Visalia Family Resource Center. During the COVID pandemic, family resource centers in Tulare County are experiencing, on average, a 50% increase in the number of calls for assistance, many from families that have never sought help before.

A second $50,000 grant will help fund The Healthy Harvest Program in Tulare County. The local ag industry is essential and has continued the food production we all rely upon. This new program expands messaging to the Valley’s food production industry about coronavirus safety. It will provide access to testing, house workers who need to self-isolate and provide food and transportation to make quarantine possible. These are essential steps to stop the spread of the virus throughout the community.

“It takes all of us coming together to make a difference in this national crisis”, said Sam Sigal, current co-owner of the Rawhide and Vice President of First Pitch Entertainment, LLC. “ The Healthy Harvest Program is a partnership that brings together state, federal, industry, and philanthropic dollars.” Among the agencies that support The Healthy Harvest Program are the California Department of Food and Agriculture, Tulare County, and the Tulare Farm Bureau.

“It is an honor to team up with the Central Valley Community Foundation, The Family Resource Centers, and the Healthy Harvest Program, said Sam. “Although professional baseball is in a pause due to the pandemic, we look forward to many enjoyable seasons in the years ahead. For now, the health of the people of Visalia and the surrounding area is our focus.”

In April, at the beginning of the pandemic, the Sigal family donated over $30,000 to support Central Valley non-profits. In collaboration with the Central Valley Community Foundation, support was directed to emergency relief funds, food bank distribution efforts and local hospitals.

“The Visalia Rawhide has been an iconic presence in Tulare County by tipping its hat to the Ag industry that propels our community. And by stepping up to help financially support our Healthy Harvest program, the Community Care Coalition in Tulare County can bring much needed supportive services to our farmworkers and their families affected by COVID-19,” said Coalition Co-Chairs Rosemary Caso, Executive Director of United Way Tulare County and Francena Martinez, Division Manager, Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency. “We applaud their efforts in making sure this critical program is available to those that need it.”

For more information about the efforts of the Central Valley Community Foundation in the fight against the Coronavirus, contact Hannah McAbee ([email protected])

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The Visalia Rawhide are a professional baseball team in the Class A Advanced California League and are the only professional sports team in Tulare and Kings counties. The team has been an affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks since 2007 and will be celebrating the 75th Anniversary of Minor League Baseball in Visalia in 2021. The Rawhide look to continue their reputation for hosting competitive baseball while providing affordable family entertainment and defending the 2019 California League Championship. For more information, please contact the Visalia Rawhide Front Office at 559.732.4433, visit us online at rawhidebaseball.com, or follow us on Facebook (TheRawhide), Instagram (@VisaliaRawhide), and Twitter (@VisaliaRawhide).

OceanFirst Foundation Honors Non-Profits as Part of Home Runs for Heroes

JERSEY SHORE, NJ – OceanFirst Foundation made donations to 16 organizations that support military personnel on Friday as part of an adjusted version of the Home Runs for Heroes program. The ceremony took place during the Party in the Park fireworks event at FirstEnergy Park.

Since 2009, OceanFirst Foundation has donated to non-profit organizations for each BlueClaws home run hit at FirstEnergy Park. Despite the 2020 season being canceled, the organization still to 16 organizations.

The following organizations received a donation from OceanFirst Foundation.

  • American Red Cross
  • Army Emergency Relief (Fort Dix)
  • Cape May Coast Guard Community Foundation
  • Catholic Charities (Diocese of Trenton)
  • Deborah Hospital Foundation
  • GI Go Fund
  • Homes for All/Hands For All
  • Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey
  • Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski Memorial Foundation
  • Ma Deuce Deuce
  • National Guard State Family Readiness Council
  • Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society
  • Operation First Response
  • Recalibrate
  • Veterans of Foreign Wars – Brick Post 8867
  • Vetgroup

“The BlueClaws are proud to partner with OceanFirst Foundation on the Home Runs for Heroes Program and we thank them for their support of these amazing organizations even in this unique year,” said BlueClaws Team President Joe Ricciutti. “Even without a BlueClaws season, we are thrilled to see OceanFirst Foundation donate to these many worthy causes all over the Shore.”

“We thank the Lakewood BlueClaws organization and Townsquare Media for providing the opportunity to work together to bring much needed relief to local military families and Veterans during these difficult times. We’re pleased to have provided $408,000 in grants over the years of our partnership.” said Katherine Durante, Executive Director of OceanFirst Foundation.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment.

-BlueClaws-

“Week of Giving” Presented by Truist

 

2020 Week of Giving

 

The Charlotte Knights are pleased to announce that the team’s “Knights Care 4 CLT” initiative, which was launched back on April 15, has raised over $125,000 and the team will now disperse the funds to those affected by COVID-19. With help from a $75,000 donation from naming rights partner, Truist, and additional contributions from Charlotte Knights Charities, sponsors and fans, the team will donate those funds to healthcare workers, seven local-area charities, and Knights’ employees (part-time, game-day, and full-time) who are in need.

“As this pandemic continues to affect so many in our community, we are very pleased to begin dispersing these much-needed funds to those who need some help,” stated Dan Rajkowski, Charlotte Knights Chief Operating Officer. “We are so thankful to Truist, as well as our generous partners and fans who helped us raise these funds for those in need. Baseball has a way of bringing communities together and we hope that we are able to help those in the community who have been affected by this difficult time in our nation’s history.”

In addition to the funds dispersed to Knights’ displaced employees due to COVID-19 from the cancellation of the 2020 season, the team is also contributing $15,000 from the “Knights Care 4 CLT” fund to Atrium Health, one of the team’s founding partners.

Rajkowski added, “In the face of this pandemic, our healthcare workers rose to the challenge and continued to care for our community in this time of need. As a part of our Knights Care 4 CLT campaign, we are very pleased to donate a portion of the funds to the Atrium Health Essential Needs Fund, addressing PPE and supply shortages.”

“It’s generous support from community partners like the Charlotte Knights that continues to enhance Atrium Health’s efforts to fulfill its mission of providing the best care to all during the current pandemic,” said Armando Chardiet, President of Atrium Health Foundation. “The Charlotte Knights organization has been a close friend of the Foundation since 2002, and we are extremely grateful for their recent $15,000 contribution to the Atrium Health Essential Needs Fund.”

As part of this initiative, the Knights have selected seven local Charlotte area nonprofits who were in need of some extra funding during these unprecedented times. Organizations receiving the allocated funds — a total of $40,000 — include Bright Blessings, Care Ring, Classroom Central, Promising Pages, Roof Above, Second Harvest Food Bank and A Child’s Place | Thompson Child & Family Focus. As part of the financial donations to these organizations, members of the team’s front office staff will also volunteer their time from August 3-10 during the club’s annual “Week of Giving” presented by Truist. The Knights’ front office staff committed to a goal of 500 community service hours through non-profits, blood drive contributions, and an educational outreach program as part of the Knights Care 4 CLT campaign. To date, the Knights have given 550+ hours back to the community through various in-person and virtual volunteer opportunities.