Custom Hooks Surfboard Up for Auction!

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

CORPUS CHRISTI – A custom Corpus Christi Hooks/Nolan Ryan surfboard – one of three in existence – will be auctioned off by the Texas Surf Museum during its Third Annual Surftoberfest this weekend.

The board is presently owned by Ryan-Sanders Baseball/Entertainment COO JJ Gottsch, who’s donating the Robert August creation as part of Surftoberfest’s Port Aransas Education Foundation fundraiser.

Gottsch was the first Hooks president from the club’s 2003 inception through the 2008 season.

“Brad Lomax has been a great friend to me personally, the Hooks, and the community at-large for a number of years,” Gottsch said. “When I heard that he had Robert (August) coming to the event this year, and that the funds were going to help hurricane relief efforts, I immediately thought of the board and how it could hopefully help those efforts. It will be a truly unique gift for any Robert August, Nolan Ryan, or Corpus Christi Hooks enthusiast.”

To bid online for the Robert August surfboard, click here from midnight, Thursday, October 5, until 8:30 CDT on Saturday night, October 7.

August will personally autograph the board for the winner.

The board’s design was produced in a special collaboration between August, his son Sam, Reid Ryan, Reese Ryan, and Gottsch. A second Hooks/Ryan WIR “What I Ride” (9.2) surfboard is currently displayed at the museum. Unique features include a classic blue/white design incorporating the Hooks’ primary logo in various elements, plus Nolan Ryan’s iconic “34” logo.

Robert August (born 1945) is an American surfer and surfboard shaper, most famous as one of the subjects of Bruce Brown’s 1966 surf documentary “The Endless Summer” with friend Mike Hynson. The film follows the two pursuing their hobby world-wide during the California off-season, meeting other surfers and discussing surf culture. August picked up surfing in the 1950s, when the sport’s popularity had just begun. His father, Blackie August, was also a noted surfer. Robert’s enthusiasm for and involvement in “The Endless Summer” influenced the sport’s growth for decades to come. His surfboards are sold under the Robert August Surfboards brand. He continues to travel the world promoting surfing, and in 1994 was involved in the shooting of “The Endless Summer II,” in which surfers Pat O’Connell and Robert “Wingnut” Weaver retrace the places visited by August and Hynson 30 years earlier.

Nolan Ryan – Elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility, Nolan Ryan was inducted on July 25, 1999, on 98.79 percent of eligible ballots, the second-highest figure in history. He is the only player to have his uniform number retired by three different teams, the Los Angeles Angels (#30) and Houston Astros (#34) joining the Texas Rangers (#34). Ryan compiled a 324-292 record and 3.19 earned run average over 807 appearances in an unprecedented 27 seasons with the New York Mets (1966; 1968-71), California Angels (1972-79), Astros (1980-88), and Rangers (1989-93). The all-time leader in strikeouts (5,714) and no-hitters (7), Ryan has owned or shared 53 Major League records. An eight-time All-Star, he also threw 12 one-hitters, tying Bob Feller for the most ever, and owns two of the top four single-season strikeout totals in Major League history, including an all-time best 383 with the 1973 Angels.

Ryan is executive advisor to Houston Astros owner Jim Crane.

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

Halloween with the Hooks

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

CORPUS CHRISTI – The Fourth Annual Halloween with the Hooks Celebration, presented by Ashley HomeStore, is scheduled for Thursday, October 26.

Whataburger Field gates open at 6 p.m. that evening, and entertainment runs until 9.

“This is a wonderful community event, and we can’t wait to see many of our friends back at the ballpark,” Hooks President Ken Schrom said. “We’ll have a number of sponsors and non-profits giving candy away to the kids and there will be numerous fun activities for young families.”

Among the various activities on Stripes Diamond and in the Driscoll Health Plan Kids Zone:

  • Bounce House
  • Corn Hole
  • Playground
  • Obstacle Course
  • Rockwall
  • Trampoline

Kieschnick’s Korner will be the site of additional child-centered games and contests.

Guests can also enjoy a costume contest and Halloween-themed videos; selections this year come from the Scooby-Doo and Peanuts archives.

Admission to Halloween with the Hooks is free. Guests are encouraged to donate a canned food item for the Coastal Bend Food Bank.

Corpus Christi’s Ashley HomeStore is located at 5001 S. Padre Island Drive, or go to ashleyfurniturehomestore.com

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

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Bandits to raise money for Harvey victims this weekend

DAVENPORT, Iowa – The Quad Cities River Bandits, Class-A Affiliate of the Houston Astros, will be fundraising for those affected by Hurricane Harvey during the team’s final homestand of the regular season, a three-game series with the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers beginning Saturday, September 2. In the wake of Hurricane Harvey, the River Bandits will be collecting financial donations, clothes and needed supplies during all three games to help support the city and thousands of victims.

The River Bandits will donate all proceeds from the 50-50 raffle for all three games, with all money raised going to Hurricane Harvey relief efforts. Additionally, the Bandits will host an online auction of River Bandits merchandise and memorabilia. The Bandits will also donate $1 from every ticket sold online to Sunday and Monday’s games when purchasers use the code “RELIEF” during checkout. In addition, anyone who donates $10 or more this weekend will receive a free general admission ticket to any Monday through Thursday River Bandits home game next April and anyone who donates $500 or more will be rewarded with a free suite rental to a Monday-through-Thursday River Bandits home game in April of 2018. There will be donation stands throughout Modern Woodmen Park during all three games this weekend. Minor League Baseball Charities will be matching all donations provided by its teams, up to $10,000.

“Our hearts and prayers are with the people of the Texas Gulf Coast during this challenging time. Whether it be money, clothes, or needed supplies, we are asking our fans throughout the Quad Cities to join us in helping our fellow citizens along the Gulf Coast,” said River Bandits owner Dave Heller. “And with Minor League Baseball Charities matching fans’ donations, we’re hopeful that the people of Quad Cities community will join us in our efforts to help the thousands of good people who have lost so much over this past week.”

A category-four Hurricane, Harvey has dropped nearly 50 inches of rain on southeast Texas which, according to the National Weather Service, is equal to the amount of rainfall reported annually at Houston’s Bush Intercontinental Airport. Nine continuous days of rain have pounded the Houston area with winds recorded up 130 MPH during the storm. With the River Bandits being a proud Astros affiliate and so many current and recent River Bandits players calling Houston home, the Quad Cities community has a strong personal tie to the greater Houston area.

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

Hooks Homestand: Hurricane Harvey Relief

CORPUS CHRISTI – When Hooks Baseball returns to Whataburger Field for four games this Labor Day Weekend, Coastal Bend residents have an opportunity to provide financial assistance and critical supplies to those affected by Hurricane Harvey in the Coastal Bend.

Hooks VP/GM Michael Wood announced Wednesday that a portion of the weekend’s proceeds from all ballpark points-of-sale, including retail, concessions, the Whataburger store, Rudy’s Prize Wheel, and the Driscoll Health Plan Kids Zone will go for Hurricane Harvey relief.

In addition, $5 from the sale of every ticket $6 or more goes to the relief effort.

“Our hope is that this weekend’s games offer a respite for those whose lives have been disrupted by such great calamity,” Wood said. “It’s a way for all of us to give back to the Coastal Bend as people work to get back on their feet and rebuild their communities.”

To promote affordability for citizens of affected areas, the Hooks are offering FREE PARKING and “Pay What You Can” seating in Corner Box Reserved sections of the ballpark, based on availability. There is also a grass Berm accommodation when Corner Box seat inventory is exhausted.

To submit an online contribution to our #CoastalBendStrong initiative, go to YouCaring.com/CoastalBendStrong

All proceeds go directly to affected Coastal Bend areas.

The Hooks and San Antonio Missions meet September 2, 3, and 4, at 7:05, 4:05, and 4:05, respectively. Gates open at 5:35, 3:05, and 3:05. Sunday features a doubleheader.

Additional Fundraising

Autographed Corpus Christi Game-Worn Jersey Auction: The Hooks will wear their road gray “Corpus Christi” jersey set during the San Antonio series. Submit your bids online Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Go to cchooks.com beginning Saturday.

Cash Donations: You can provide cash donations to the effort all homestand long by simply contributing at the 5-gallon water bottle at Section 119.

Home Run Dollars: Hooks players have agreed to dedicate their season-long home run dollar take to the effort, so be sure to stuff your dollars into the bait bucket when it’s passed your way after a Corpus Christi home run.

Critical Supply Donations

Ainsworth Trucking is providing a trailer for supplies on the ballpark’s west-side service drive. Donations can be made from 10 a.m. until the end of each game. Please bring:

‣bottled water

‣non-perishable food items

‣baby food & formula

‣diapers

‣toiletries

‣toilet paper

‣blankets

‣dried pet food

‣animal crates

Earlier this week, the Astros announced the following hurricane relief efforts:

*Jim Crane, the Astros Ownership group and the Astros Foundation pledged to donate $4.0 million to the hurricane relief efforts.

*Proceeds from the Share2Care 50/50 raffle for the remainder of the season will be donated to the American Red Cross, Houston relief efforts targeting hurricane victims.

*Fans wishing to assist in the Hurricane Harvey relief efforts can now visit YouCaring.com/AstrosHarvey to donate. Proceeds will benefit the Astros Foundation’s hurricane relief efforts.

*Additionally, Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association announced that those parties will jointly donate $1.0 million to various relief efforts for the damage throughout the state of Texas created by Hurricane Harvey, including to the American Red Cross.

*The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches, the Spring Training home of the Astros in West Palm Beach, Florida, is also assisting the hurricane relief efforts. They have teamed up with Crane Worldwide to get needed supplies to Houston. The staff at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches is accepting donations for the hurricane victims. Crane Worldwide will provide the transportation of the collected items from Florida to Houston. Items can be dropped off at 5444 Haverhill Road, West Palm Beach, Florida 33407, through Wednesday, September 6.

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

ValleyCats to donate portion of ticket sales to American Red Cross for disaster relief in Texas

TROY, NY – The Tri-City ValleyCats have announced that they will be donating $1.00 of each ticket sold between Monday, August 28 and Saturday, September 1 to the American Red Cross for Hurricane Harvey disaster relief in Texas.

The ValleyCats are a Class-A minor league affiliate of the Houston Astros, who have been particularly affected by severe flooding in and around the Houston, Texas area. The Corpus Christi Hooks, a Double-A affiliate of the Astros, have also been severely affected.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those currently dealing with the horrendous situation in Texas, including the entire Houston Astros organization, those with the Corpus Christi Hooks, their friends, family, and fans,” said Matt Callahan, ValleyCats General Manager. “We stand by them during this tough time, and want to do what we can to assist in the ongoing relief efforts.”

There are currently four members of the ValleyCats roster who call Texas home, including pitcher Corbin Martin, who is from Houston and has family members dealing with the severe flooding. ValleyCats outfielder Corey Julks, who played at the University of Houston, is from nearby Friendswood, Texas, and also has close family and friends affected.

“Our hearts go out to the thousands of people affected by this catastrophic disaster in Texas”, said Kevin Coffey, American Red Cross Eastern NY Regional Chief Development Officer. “The Red Cross has launched a massive response to this devastating storm and needs financial donations to be able to provide immediate disaster relief. We know this is a challenging and emotional time, and Red Cross staff and volunteers are working around the clock to get help to where it is needed most.”

The ValleyCats have five more home games in the 2017 regular season, and tickets can be purchased online at tcvalleycats.com, by calling 518-629-CATS (2287), or at the Joseph L. Bruno Stadium Box Office. You can also help people affected by Hurricane Harvey by visiting redcross.org, calling 1- 800-RED CROSS or texting the word HARVEY to 90999 to make a make a $10 donation.

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

VALLEYCATS PARTNER WITH SLIDIN’ DIRTY ON HOME RUN DERBY TO BENEFIT THE MICHAEL J. FOX FOUNDATION

TROY, NY – The Tri-City ValleyCats have partnered with local restaurant Slidin’ Dirty to host the ‘Slidin’ Dirty Derby,’ a home run derby contest featuring multiple fundraising opportunities to benefit the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

The charitable home run derby will take place prior to the New York-Penn League All-Star Game on Tuesday, August 15 at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium in Troy. There will be eight participants, and the event will be timed similar to the MLB Home Run Derby.

One of the derby spots will be auctioned off online to one lucky fan, and that person will join six of the top home run hitters in the New York-Penn League, along with Slidin’ Dirty employee Josh Goodbred.

Slidin’ Dirty will donate $10 for each home run hit during the contest, and 60 on-field passes will be sold online for fans to stand in the outfield and catch the balls not hit over the fence. Fans must have a ticket to the New York-Penn League All-Star Game to be eligible.

All of the proceeds from the Slidin’ Dirty Derby will benefit the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, which funds an aggressive agenda aimed at developing improved therapies for those living with Parkinson’s disease.

To bid on a spot in the derby, or purchase an on-field pass, visit tcvalleycats.com/allstargame

The New York-Penn League All-Star Game will feature some of the top talent in short-season professional baseball, many of whom will reach the major league level. Gates open at 4:00 p.m. for the All-Star Game festivities, and tickets are available online at tcvalleycats.com/allstargame, by phone at 518-629-CATS (2287), or at the Joseph L. Bruno Stadium Box Office.

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

Ashley HomeStore Donates 50 Mattress Sets

CORPUS CHRISTI — Ashley Furniture HomeStore’s “A Hope to Dream” program is donating 50 Tempur-Pedic mattress sets to local children in need during August. The furniture retailer’s goodwill project is in collaboration with the Corpus Christ Hooks Baseball Club.

Each mattress set is comprised of a mattress, foundation, and comforter.

Local partnerships with The Food Bank of Corpus Christi, KIII-TV3, KRIS-TV, The Beach 96.5, Hot Z95, Post Acute Medical, Colon and Rectal Associates of South Texas, the American Red Cross, and others are providing other donated items for 50 children to help them prepare for the 2017-18 school year.

Youngsters selected to receive a new bed will be treated to an evening at Whataburger Field and special night with the Hooks on Saturday, August 12.

“This event will be our largest single-day donation with our “A Hope to Dream” program,” said Paige Streiff, Owner of the Corpus Christi Ashley Furniture HomeStore. “As a mother of two young children, I witness first-hand what having a bed of their own and a quality night’s sleep can do for these developmental years. Obtaining a great night of sleep promotes a healthy lifestyle and is an excellent way to start out everyone’s day.”

Said Dr. Craig Bennett, M.D. of Ashley’s Wellness Center: “An estimated 30 to 50 percent of children have trouble sleeping well. Getting a good night’s sleep is more important than most people realize. It helps ensure a healthy lifestyle by lowering stress and reducing the risk for illness and depression, while improving cognitive and physical performance. A good night’s sleep is especially important to help children focus academically and grow socially.”

Ashley Furniture HomeStore’s “A Hope to Dream” program was created to provide mattress sets to children with a demonstrated need.

A Hope to Dream

Ashley Furniture HomeStore believes that every child deserves a good night’s sleep. Founded in 2010 on that guiding principle, Ashley Furniture HomeStore’s “A Hope to Dream” program provides mattress sets to less fortunate children in our area. A portion of the proceeds for every mattress purchased at the Ashley Furniture HomeStores in Victoria and Corpus Christi helps pay for a mattress set for a child in need. To date, Ashley Furniture HomeStores throughout the U.S. have together provided underprivileged children with approximately 13,000 beds. Those wishing to nominate a child can visit http://www.ashleyfurniturehomestore.com/events/ahopetodream.html or request an electronic application by emailing AHopeToDream@ashleyfurniture.com. In-store applications are also available at participating locations.

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

Bandits, American Bank donate $1,500 to YMCA

DAVENPORT, Iowa – Furthering the commitment to giving back to the local community, the Quad Cities River Bandits have donated $1,500 to the Scott County YMCA and Two Rivers YMCA. The funds were raised from ticket sales during the July 10 game at Modern Woodmen Park, which was sponsored by American Bank. The River Bandits annually donate more than $300,000 back to the Quad Cities community.

Scott County YMCA on the Iowa side and Two Rivers YMCA in Illinois will split the donation of funds raised from ticket sales to the 2,095 fans attending the game on Monday, July 10. American Bank was the title sponsor of the game, helping to facilitate the fundraising.

This is the latest in a long line of community efforts by the River Bandits. Already in 2017, the River Bandits have created the Bill Edmond seats, which honor the late local leader and provide two free box seats to every River Bandits game to deserving, underprivileged members of the Quad Cities community; expanded the club’s Bandit Scholars program, already the largest in all of Minor League Baseball, by adding Eastern Iowa Community College to its list of recipients; and partnered with the Bechtel Trust to create the new Carousel Corporation, a nonprofit designed to donate 100% of the proceeds from four new rides at Modern Woodmen Park back to underprivileged youth in the Quad Cities area.

“Paying for our young people to attend college and donating back to this great community are two things that we are delighted to do,” said team owner Dave Heller. “The River Bandits are 100 percent committed to making the Quad Cities the best possible place to live, work and raise a family for everyone who calls this great area home.”

In addition to the financial donations of over $300,000 a year, the River Bandits staff also volunteers over 1,000 hours of collective community service with local organizations, including the local YMCAs. The two locations receiving this specific donation are free to spend the money however they see fit. For more information on the charitable contributions of the River Bandits, or to request donations, contact Director of Community Relations Crystal Bowen at (563) 333-2736 or crystal@riverbandits.com

Police Foundation Night July 19

CORPUS CHRISTI – Corpus Christi Police Foundation Night at Whataburger Field is Wednesday, July 19, as the Hooks play host to the Frisco RoughRiders.

Ballpark gates open at 6:05, with first pitch scheduled for 7:05.

Reserved-seat tickets for Corpus Christi Police Foundation Night are $10, and a portion of the proceeds benefit the organization. To order, contact Tanner Twomey at 361-561-4718 or ttwomey@cchooks.com.

The Corpus Christi Police Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization formed by business leaders to support the Corpus Christi Police Department. Donations made by individuals, corporations, and foundations fund special programs, officer training, equipment, and new technology, none of which are considered under the city budget.

The CCPF’s mission: To create a safer Corpus Christi by strengthening the bond between the CCPD and the citizens it serves. With community support, we can help foster a better-equipped, better-trained police force, and a better-informed and more engaged public.

H-E-B is presenting sponsor of the Corpus Christi Police Foundation.

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

Military Appreciation Night June 22

CORPUS CHRISTI – Hooks Camo Flag Caps to the first 1,500 fans from the Outlets at Corpus Christi Bay kick off the team’s annual Military Appreciation Night Thursday, June 22.

Whataburger Field gates open at 5:35 p.m., with first pitch vs. the Frisco RoughRiders scheduled for 7:05.

“The Outlets at Corpus Christi Bay are honored to partner with the Hooks for this opportunity to express gratitude to our service men and women, both active-duty and retired,” Marketing Director and Specialty Leasing Coordinator Kimberly Perez said. “Their contributions to our safety, freedom, and quality of life are immensely appreciated and we thank them.”

“We recognize current and former military members at games each night, but Thursday’s tribute enables us to go even deeper in demonstrating our appreciation for their sacrifices,” Hooks President Ken Schrom said.

In addition to Thursday’s giveaway, military service members receive discounted tickets at the box office upon presentation of ID. An appearance by Skydive South Texas, a U.S. Navy re-enlistment, and Patriot Riders presence highlight the pregame ceremonies.

The National Anthem will be performed by Marisol Castaneda.

Also Thursday, Stripes presents Thirsty Thursday, with discounted soda and beer.

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

June 23: Puppy Rescue Mission Comes to Whataburger Field

CORPUS CHRISTI – This Friday, the Corpus Christi Hooks and their fans have a unique opportunity to bless U.S. military service men and women and stray dogs and cats worldwide through the Puppy Rescue Mission’s Mystery Ball Fundraiser.

“The Puppy Rescue Mission builds on the bond our soldiers, sailors, and officers have already established with stray animals when deployed to war zones and impoverished countries,” Hooks Director of Fan Engagement JD Davis explained. “Our military personnel love and care for the cats and dogs, and their four-legged friends reciprocate with love, comfort, and encouragement during what can be extremely perilous circumstances. Many formerly deployed military members desire to give the strays forever homes. That’s the purpose of Puppy Rescue Mission.”

To raise much-needed funding for the non-profit, Jill Borkowski, wife of Hooks pitching coach Dave Borkowski, is coordinating the sale of “Mystery Balls” on the Whataburger Field concourse this Friday before and during the Corpus Christi-Frisco game at 7:05. Bags containing autographed “Mystery Balls” cost $20 each. Inside, contributors to the Puppy Rescue Mission will find an official Major League or Texas League baseball signed by a past or present Hooks player, Astros player, Hall-of-Famer (Jeff Bagwell or Craig Biggio), or MLB star.

Autographed “Mystery Balls” for sale on Friday include:

Jose Altuve

Jeff Bagwell

Carlos Beltran

Craig Biggio

Adam Everett

Dallas Keuchel

Brian McCann

Lance McCullers

George Springer

Mark Buehrle

Adrian Beltre

Nomar Mazara

Yu Darvish

Elvis Andrus

Joey Gallo

Rougned Odor

Rogelio Armenteros

J.D. Davis

Jacob Dorris

Drew Ferguson

Jack Mayfield

Antonio Nunez

Jon Singleton

Cy Sneed

Garrett Stubbs

Kyle Tucker

The Puppy Rescue Mission is a Texas-based non-profit making it possible for our brave service men and women to bring their “battle buddies” home. The Puppy Rescue Mission currently has over 40 rescues in the works at an average cost of $2,500 to $3,500 per animal.

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

ValleyCats to revamp four youth ballfields on April 13

TROY, NY- The Tri-City ValleyCats and their corporate partners, BlueShield of Northeastern New York and Hannaford Supermarkets, have teamed up on the 7th Annual ‘4 in 24’ Field Renovation Project, where four youth ball fields will be renovated in a 24-hour time period on Thursday, April 13.

The four leagues to receive the work will be Amsterdam Youth Baseball, Colonie Little League, Tri-Village Little League, and RC Little League. Each field will receive new sod placed on the infield, a rebuilding of the pitcher’s mound and home plate areas, raking and grading of the infield dirt, cutting the baselines to the correct specifications, and much more.

“Since we began the ‘4 in 24’ project back in 2011, it has been one of our most impactful community outreach events each year that has positively affected thousands of youth ballplayers within the Capital Region,” said ValleyCats General Manager Matt Callahan. “We can’t thank BlueShield and Hannaford enough for their tremendous support of this important initiative.”

This year marks the seventh consecutive ‘4 in 24’ project, and upon its completion, 28 youth ballfields will have been renovated. What has made it all possible is the support of the ValleyCats partners, who have aided in supplying the necessary resources and volunteer commitment to complete these renovations.

“BlueShield knows the importance of supporting programs that provide healthy opportunities for the children throughout our community to play and learn,” said Dr. Kirk Panneton, Vice President, Regional Executive and Medical Director, BlueShield of Northeastern New York.  “Our company and employees have helped to transform more than 24 fields since partnering with the Tri-City ValleyCats, and we are thrilled to support the ‘4 in 24’ program again this year.”

“Youth development and wellness are two of the things that matter most to our communities and to Hannaford,” said Hannaford Supermarkets Community Relations Specialist Brian Fabre. “Through this partnership with the ValleyCats and BlueShield, we are proud to provide young people with wonderfully improved facilities for healthy play and for growth as individuals and as members of a team.”

Work on each field will commence at daybreak, and will continue through the night if needed. The efforts will also be assisted by BrightView (the ValleyCats official grounds crew), Admar Construction, Turface, and SiteOne Landscape Supplies, who are contributing some of the necessary equipment, materials, and volunteers. Additional support comes from ‘Cats Care, the ValleyCats’ arm of the New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation.

2017 ‘4 in 24’ Youth League Snapshots

Amsterdam Youth Baseball

Field Address: Lower Veterans Field, Locust Avenue, Amsterdam, NY 12010

Opening Day: Saturday, April 22

League Information:

Over 625 kids and 70 adult volunteers devote thousands of hours of cumulative time to making Amsterdam Youth Baseball run, and are the only organization in Montgomery and Fulton County that offers baseball to youngsters in the spring, summer and fall. They have T-Ball (5-6), Rookies (7-8), Minors (9-10) and Majors (11-12) as well as a travel team for each age group – 9U, 10U, 11U and 12U.

The 2017 renovation will focus on their lower Veteran’s Field, in order to make it a 50’/70′ field so that youngsters ages 5-12 can play. This renovation will allow for the field to also serve as a practice field, which the league doesn’t currently have. With over 600 children, this second field is crucial to providing adequate practice and playing time for each team.

League Statement:

“We appreciate everything that the ValleyCats do for local youth baseball leagues. We were in dire need of a secondary field and now we are able to accommodate the influx of kids ages 4-12 who play in our spring league as well as our fall league that had 18 teams last season – the largest in our 67-year history.”

-Paul Antonelli, President, Amsterdam Youth Baseball

Colonie Little League

Field Address: Pee Wee Field, Cook Park, Colonie, NY 12205

Opening Day: Saturday, April 29

League Information:

With 32 teams and almost 400 registered members, Colonie Little League has a big impact on their community. However, their Pee Wee level field is in need of repair, as the mound has sunken down, the home plate area has very poor drainage, which has caused an uneven batters box, and the infield grass is uneven and unsafe. Given the importance of providing a safe and fun place for the youngest level players to play and learn, where the love for the game is born, this project is of utter importance.

League Statement:

“I wanted to take a moment to extend our most sincere thank you for selecting Colonie Little League for this year’s 4 in 24. You have no idea how excited we are to have received notification that we were selected for the field makeover. It was truly a welcomed surprise and will save us time and money.

It is so exciting and terrific that the ValleyCats and their partners sponsor programs that continue to give to communities like ours. Having the field redone will be great for our kids and the league for years to come.

-Ron Filkins, President, Colonie Little League

Tri-Village Little League

Field Address: Magee Park, 23 Kenwood Avenue, Glenmont, NY 12077

Opening Day: Monday, April 24

League Information:

The Community Grounds Crew will be renovating Tri-Village’s Farm field, where the infield and mounds are dire need of replacement. The field also has grading issues which need to be resolved in order to improve water run-off. Tri-Village currently serves over 400 youth ballplayers aged 5-12.

League Statement:

“On behalf of Tri-Village Little League, our board of directors and all the kids that play in our league, I want to thank the Tri-City ValleyCats for selecting our organization to be part of their community field renovation program. The ValleyCats’ commitment to youth baseball is extraordinary and this is just another example of the tremendous support they are providing to the local baseball communities and the community at large. Having one of our fields selected for renovation is a tremendous support to our league from a financial perspective, but more importantly, it will create a safer and more enjoyable baseball experience for our kids.”

-Tyler Kattrein, President, Tri-Village Little League

RC Little League

Field Address: Major Field, 2445 1st Avenue, Schenectady, NY 12303

Opening Day: Friday, April 28

League Information:

RC’s Major field, which is in need of a complete overhaul of the infield, will be the recipient of the field renovation at their LCW Complex in Rotterdam. RC Little League, which was the result of a merger between Rotterdam and Carman Little Leagues in 2014, serves 430 players across 43 total teams.

League Statement:

RC Little League is anxiously awaiting the start of its 2017 season. We have many exciting changes for the league, as we have begun to work on player development for all divisions. RC Little Leagues major excitement is that we are the recipient of the Tri-City ValleyCats ‘4 in 24’ field renovation program, which will renovate our Major field at the LCW Complex in Rotterdam, NY into a field of dreams. We are anxiously looking forward to volunteering along with the Tri-City ValleyCats and their partners to create a safe and well-maintained field that our players, managers, coaches, their families, and the community will be anxious to come, play and/or watch a ball game!

-Chad Quinlivan, President, RC Little League

Bandits donate $5,000 to American Legion

River Bandits owner Dave Heller (left) presents check to American Legion Post 26

DAVENPORT, Iowa – Furthering the traditions of giving back to the local community and honoring the United States military, the Quad Cities River Bandits and Main Street Baseball have donated $5,000 to the Davenport American Legion. River Bandits owner Dave Heller presented a check for the full amount to Post 26 Monday evening during the post’s member meeting. The donation will be used by the Legion for building repairs and roof improvements.

The grant continues the River Bandits dedication to honoring and helping those who have served our country. The Bandits currently provide ticket discounts – sometimes as low as $1 a ticket – to current and former military members, honor military and civilian personnel by giving them four free tickets to sit in the Lane Evans Patriot Seats during each home game, host the patriotic Red, White and Boom celebration every July 3 and work with military programs, such as Honor Flight of the Quad Cities, to raise money for the organizations that serve, protect and honor our service men and women.

“We at the River Bandits appreciate more than words can express the selfless dedication of all of the men and women who have proudly worn our nation’s uniform,” said Heller. “We are delighted to make this grant to fund the necessary building and roof repairs that our local Legion Post required, and even more excited to welcome Quad Cities’ veterans, guardsmen, reservists and active duty military to the ballpark all season long. Our great country was built on the strength of our veterans, and we are so grateful for their sacrifices to ensure our freedom.”

Post 26 is one of the largest American Legion branches in the state of Iowa and has been chartered since 1920. The American Legion is a national, community-service organization that has served as a patriotic, mutual-help, war-time veterans organization chartered by congress nearly a century ago.

“American Legion Post 26 wants to thank Mr. Dave Heller for his generous donation to Post 26,” said Commander Mike Matson. “His kindness will go a long way in helping the American Legion in Davenport help serve our local Veterans.”

In 2016, the River Bandits gave over $320,000 in charitable contributions to the Quad Cities community and seek to improve upon that number in 2017. The River Bandits season begins on Thursday, April 6, at 6:35 p.m. against the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers at Modern Woodmen Park. Group packages are available now by calling (563) 324-3000 or visiting riverbandits.com.

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

Need a Fundraiser? Try Ours!

CORPUS CHRISTI – The 2017 Kleberg Bank College Classic, featuring Houston, Illinois, Missouri, and host Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, is February 24-25-26 at Whataburger Field.

If your club, association, or organization has fundraising needs, we can help.

Your group can sell 2017 Kleberg Bank College Classic tickets and retain half the proceeds!

Including tax, daily adult tickets are $10.83, $5.41 for children 4-12.

To start your Kleberg Bank College Classic fundraiser, contact Tanner Twomey or Zach Kaddatz of the Corpus Christi Hooks at 361-561-HOOK (4665). You can also e-mail them at ttwomey@cchooks.com or zkaddatz@cchooks.com.

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2017 Kleberg Bank College Classic Schedule

Friday, February 24

Houston vs. Missouri, 2 p.m.

Illinois vs. Islanders, 6 p.m.

Saturday, February 25

Illinois vs. Houston, 2 p.m.

Missouri vs. Islanders, 6 p.m

Sunday, February 26

Missouri vs. Illinois, 11 a.m.

Houston vs. Islanders, 3 p.m.

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

Hooks Lend Habitat a Hand

CORPUS CHRISTI – Community Outreach Coordinator Courtney Merritt and 18 other members of the Hooks front-office staff spent Tuesday morning on a Habitat for Humanity work site at 2826 Nogales.

After reporting at 7:30 a.m., the volunteers worked until mid-day measuring, cutting, and installing exterior siding. Team members also assisted in outside caulking.

“This was a good opportunity for us to work with Habitat for Humanity,” Merritt said. “The community has been supportive of us down through the years and it’s nice to give back.”

For more information about Habitat for Humanity Corpus Christi, click here

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