Bats to Stream Live Concert From Ballpark to Treat Fans to Show, Raise Money for Charity

 

[WATCH LIVE ON THE BATS FACEBOOK PAGE]

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Louisville Bats today announced an effort to raise funds for those affected by COVID-19 by hosting a live stream of a live musical performance from home plate at their ballpark, Louisville Slugger Field.

The initiative, “Live At Home(Plate)” will treat fans to “live” music from a member of their promotional staff, Jeremy Sharfe. Sharfe, along with working on the Bats’ staff for the last 18 seasons, is also a singer-songwriter from Louisville who has been performing around the region since 1999. He has opened for bands such as Trick Pony, Tracy Lawrence, The Kentucky Headhunters and Joan Jett, and has contributed on studio recordings for tracks with country star, Billy Ray Cyrus.

Sharfe will perform live at home plate at Louisville Slugger Field from 7 – 8:15 p.m. on Friday, April 24. Fans will not be permitted to attend the performance in-person, but instead are encouraged to tune in to the live performance on a live stream from the Bats’ Facebook page. Throughout the performance, fans will have the option to donate directly from their Facebook accounts to benefit One Louisville: COVID-19 Response Fund.

The fundraising initiative seeks to provide an entertainment outlet for fans at home during these difficult times, while also creating the opportunity to chip in for a charitable effort to benefit those in need in the Louisville area. Fans will be treated to a mix of covers of all-time classics and several original songs from Sharfe during the performance.

Live At Home(Plate) marks just the most recent effort by the Bats to help raise funds for those affected by COVID-19. The Bats have also participated in Buddy’s Curbside Pick-Up to benefit local restaurant partners and the “Team Kentucky” campaign with fellow Kentucky-based Minor League teams from Bowling Green and Lexington to benefit respective local charities.

About One Louisville: COVID-19 Response Fund:
One Louisville: COVID-19 Response Fund is an assistance program designed to attract and provide financial assistance to help those who are disproportionately impacted by the virus and its economic consequences. Grants from the program are directed weekly by the One Louisville Fund Committee, whose membership includes representatives of the philanthropic, nonprofit, corporate, and government sectors. Financial support is deployed to households, businesses and nonprofit organizations working at the frontlines of the Louisville-area Coronavirus outbreak.

Bats, Hot Rods & Legends Announce “Team Kentucky” COVID-19 Relief Effort

 

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Louisville Bats, in conjunction with the Bowling Green Hot Rods (Class-A Tampa Bay Rays) and Lexington Legends (Class-A Kansas City Royals), today announced they have formed a joint effort “Team Kentucky” campaign to benefit respective local charities that are offering assistance to those affected by COVID-19.

The three clubs have joined for the first time to create a T-shirt which showcases both the unity of the teams and their shared goal of providing assistance to those in need from the Coronavirus pandemic. The shirts proudly display the state of Kentucky and feature each of the three teams’ logos in relative location to where to their home ballpark is located. The words “We are Team Kentucky” surround the silhouette from above and below, stressing that everyone in the commonwealth is banding together in this time of need.

Shirts will be available for just $15 online through the Bats team store by clicking HERE. A portion of the proceeds from each shirt ordered through the Bats’ website will benefit One Louisville: COVID-19 Response Fund. Likewise, $5 from each purchase through the Hot Rods (HOTEL Inc., a Bowling Green based nonprofit dedicated to finding solutions for the housing crises and homelessness) and Legends (The Coronavirus Response Fund, which is organized by the United Way of the Bluegrass and Blue Grass Community Foundation to provide resources to organizations who support the region) will benefit a respective local charity.

Fans can order shirts beginning today (April 16). The Bats will only take preorders for this limited-edition T-shirt, and production is slated to begin May 15.

For additional information, contact the Bats’ team store at (502) 614-4509.

Book Smart: READing RailRoad Returns for 2020

 

MOOSIC, PA (April 15, 2020) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders are pleased to announce the return of their READing RailRoad program this spring and summer. Schools across the state have been required to remain closed for the remainder of the academic year, with continued education turning to homeschooling and online offerings. The RailRiders reading program allows children aged 4-13 the chance to read five books and be rewarded for their work with a free ticket to an upcoming home game at PNC Field.

“As parents and guardians look to help their children’s education, we are happy to bring back this great program,” said Jordan Maydole, the RailRiders Director of Community Relations. “The READing RailRoad is a simple way to have your child read five books, get the reward of a free baseball ticket and the satisfaction of accomplishment in these unusual times.”

Parents and guardians must register their child or children by sending their name, their phone number, their child’s name and their mailing address to Jordan Maydole. Each participant can download and print their own READing RailRoad bookmark to track the books that they read. As each book is finished, the reading log on the bookmark must be completed and the parent/guardian must initial each numbered box. When all five books are read, parents must send a completed copy or photo of the bookmark to [email protected].

The READing RailRoad program is limited to one bookmark and free ticket per child. Parents may purchase tickets for family and friends when redeeming the child’s free ticket voucher at the E-Auto Box Office at PNC Field once it reopens. The ticket voucher is valid for one 2020 regular season home game once the schedule begins and those tickets are subject to availability. Vouchers will be mailed to each participating household once the child has completed reading five books, the parent or guardian sends a photo or copy of the child’s completed bookmark (with parent initials) to [email protected] and as soon as the RailRiders staff is back in the office at PNC Field. Participants must finish the five books and submit proof of completion by June 19, 2020, to be eligible for their free ticket voucher.

More information and the printable bookmark are available now at swbrailriders.com.

Bats Launch “Buddy’s Curbside Pick-Up” To Support Local Restaurants

 

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Louisville Bats today announced they are partnering with ImagineAR – a company specializing in delivering augmented reality (AR) – to help support local restaurant partners whose operations have been affected by the Coronavirus pandemic. The “Buddy’s Curbside Pick-Up” initiative offers fans the chance to win a variety of great Louisville Bats prizes by simply ordering curbside pick-up from a partner restaurant and sharing a picture of their trip on social media with a special hashtag.

“The Louisville Bats are committed to helping our community in these challenging times,” said Bats president Vic Gregovits. “We partnered with ImagineAR to offer a unique experience that gives fans the chance to win great prizes, and in-turn, support our valuable local restaurant partners.”

As part of the initiative, ImagineAR has equipped each restaurant with unique AR engagements at their food pick-up locations. When fans arrive to pick up their carryout, they can use ImagineAR’s app to unlock an exclusive AR model of Buddy Bat on their mobile phones.

Fans can then take a photo of the digital Buddy Bat at the restaurant and share the photo on social media with #CurbsideBuddy. Each fan who posts a picture of the AR Buddy Bat with the hashtag will be entered to win a variety of Louisville Bats prizes, including tickets, team gear and game-day experiences.

Buddy’s Curbside Pick-Up will also feature a grand prize sweepstakes. Fans who visit at least two different restaurants and submit their pictures online via the Bats’ website will receive four complimentary ticket vouchers and be entered to win an ultimate VIP experience for a Bats home game during the 2020 season. The VIP experience includes a complimentary luxury suite, $100 worth of concession/team store credit and the opportunity to throw out a ceremonial first pitch.

To participate, visit any of the following restaurant partners:
Bubba’s 33
Chick-fil-A
Hardee’s
Jimmy John’s
Papa John’s
Penn Station
Rootie’s Sports Bar & Grille
Smoothie King
Texas Roadhouse
White Castle

For additional information regarding rules and regulations, visit batsbaseball.com.

WooSox Foundation Pledges $10,000 to “Worcester Together”

 

WORCESTER, MA – The WooSox Foundation today pledged a donation of $10,000 to “Worcester Together” to help those impacted by the coronavirus outbreak and to aid charities in the longterm recovery of the city from this pandemic.

Worcester Together, a central fund uniting the United Way of Central Massachusetts and the Greater Worcester Community Foundation, is distributing donated funds to both meet acute needs and to help the city recover from the impact of the virus. The effort began last week as an initiative of the two charities in conjunction with the leaders of the City of Worcester.

“We are eager to do our part as members of this compassionate community,” said Dr. Charles Steinberg, President of both the Worcester Red Sox and the WooSox Foundation. “Larry Lucchino has often said that Polar Park will be more than a ballpark, and that the WooSox will be more than a ballclub. We hope this donation helps the people of our adopted city in this time of real need; and, we congratulate Tim Garvin, Barbara Fields, and City Manager Ed Augustus for their important collaboration on this major charitable effort.”

The Worcester Red Sox established the WooSox Foundation on January 28, 2020, when it announced donations to the Worcester Public Library Foundation and the WooSox Scholars program to benefit students in the Worcester Public Schools.

If you can, please donate to the “We Care Fund” today: https://bit.ly/2J4o8OV

Bulls Launch Wool E.’s Reading Club

 

The Durham Bulls announced today the launch of Wool E.’s Reading Club, in partnership with Amica Insurance. The inaugural season of this program will reach approximately 5,000 students from Durham Public Schools.

The mission of this program is not only to reward students for making time outside of the classroom to read, but also to improve overall literacy in the Triangle. While sports promote health and physical activity through exercise, reading develops the brain, a muscle that also needs exercise. Reading stimulates the mind and allows students to grow in their language skills. This helps them to better listen and engage with peers, educators and the school curriculum.

Our goal is to empower 5,000 K-5 Triangle students to read at least 40,000 hours in 2020. Participants will receive a custom Wool E.’s Reading Club bookmark and be rewarded with a Bulls branded prize every time they reach a new base by completing the assigned segment of reading. Students who submit a completed bookmark, equal to 500 minutes of reading, will receive a complimentary ticket to a Durham Bulls game thanks to Amica Insurance.

“We are excited to launch this reading program as a way to encourage Triangle students to invest in their education,” Durham Bulls Vice President – Baseball Operations Mike Birling said. “Hopefully the incentives we provide to participating students will get them excited about not only reading, but also Durham Bulls baseball.”

The Bulls look to start the 2020 season strong at their home opener on Thursday, April 9, 2020 against the Charlotte Knights. Season memberships and group outings are available now at durhambulls.com or by calling 919.956.BULL.

2020 RailRiders Community Series Announced

Annual series puts local collegiate, high school and special needs teams on PNC Field.

MOOSIC, PA (March 2, 2020) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders are pleased to announce the schedule for the RailRiders University Community Series, presented by Geisinger. Each spring, the RailRiders welcome local collegiate, high school and special needs teams onto PNC Field to showcase their talents.

2020 RailRiders University Community Series
April 2 Scranton High School vs. West Scranton High School- 4:30 PM
April 3     Valley View High School vs. Honesdale High School- 4:30 PM
April 4     Mountain View High School vs. Lackawanna Trail High School- 1:30 PM
Riverside High School vs. Mid Valley High School- 3:30 PM
April 17   Nanticoke Area High School vs. Dallas Area High School- 4:30 PM

Bill Howerton Strike Out Cancer Weekend- 
April 18   Holy Cross High School vs. Holy Redeemer High School- 1:30 PM
Honesdale High School vs. North Pocono High School- 3:30 PM
April 19   Scranton High School vs. Western Wayne High School- 2:00 PM
April 22   Penn State University (Main Campus) vs. Lafayette University- 6:30 PM
April 26   Hanover Area High School vs. Holy Redeemer High School- Immediately after RailRiders game
April 27   Western Wayne High School vs. Honesdale High School- 4:30 PM
May 2      Abington Heights High School vs. Hazleton Area High School- 3:00 PM
May 3     Abington Heights High School vs. West Scranton High School- 4:00 PM
May 4      Pocono Mountain East High School vs. Pocono Mountain West High School- 4:30 PM
May 10   State College High School vs. Hazleton Area High School- Immediately after RailRiders game
May 15-17   Second Annual RailRiders University Junior High Tournament- Times TBA
May 24-27   PIAA District 2 Tournament- Times TBA
July 20-24   RailRiders University Summer Camp #1
August 3-6   RailRiders University Summer Camp #2

The RailRiders are also proud to host the Wyoming Valley Challenger League as part of the Community Series at 9:30 AM on May 31, June 14, 28 and July 26. The RailRiders University Community Series is presented by Geisinger as part of their continued commitment to Northeastern Pennsylvania. For more information, please contact the RailRiders front office at (570) 969-BALL.

 

‘All Abilities’ Night features sign language jersey auction

 

The Lehigh Valley IronPigs and Air Products are teaming up to host Batting for People of All Abilities on Wednesday, June 17 at 7:05 p.m. Before the game, 5,000 fans 18 and older will receive a rally towel courtesy of Air Products.

MORE: Get Tickets for ‘Batting for People of All Abilities’ Night

The night will recognize people of all abilities. A pre-game basic sign language training will be available for fans. The game will be stopped to provide an opportunity for Aiden Gowarty, son of an Air Products employee, to go to home plate and hit a home run for people of all abilities. Plans for the evening also include the National Anthem signed as well as the 7th inning stretch. There will also be a “silent inning” eliminating any music or sound effects in the stadium.

During the game, the IronPigs will be wearing jerseys with “IronPigs” spelled out in American Sign Language and the evening will be capped off with an ASL jersey auction.

Spring Fan Fest, Anthem Auditions to be Held March 7

 

The Durham Bulls will host their 2020 Fan Fest on Saturday, March 7 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Durham Bulls Athletic Park. The free event provides fans a chance to take batting practice on the field and purchase single-game tickets for the 2020 season. Additionally, National Anthem auditions

The Durham Bulls will host their 2020 Fan Fest on Saturday, March 7 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Durham Bulls Athletic Park. The free event provides fans a chance to take batting practice on the field and purchase single-game tickets for the 2020 season. Additionally, National Anthem auditions will take place at the DBAP the morning of March 7 from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.

The event will feature a free raffle for all fans in attendance, with grand prizes such as Bulls merchandise. Each fan in attendance will be given a raffle ticket upon arrival. Fans can earn more raffle tickets throughout the event in several ways, such as purchasing individual game tickets and packages along with retail purchases. Winners will be selected every 30 minutes, and the individual must be present to win.

Two batting practice sessions will be held at the event. All attendees 13 and older wishing to hit on the field will be able to line up from 5 p.m. to 5:45 p.m., and all fans 12 and under wishing to take batting practice may line up from 6 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. Each participant will get 3-5 pitches only. Guests will be required to sign a waiver to participate. Waivers are available here for completion prior to Fan Fest. Please print, complete and bring with you for Spring Fan Fest.

The team’s ticket representatives will be available to showcase available 919 Club member seating locations, and the Mako Medical Box Office will be open at 12:00 p.m. to provide fans an opportunity to purchase single-game tickets. 919 Club members in attendance will be granted access to the PNC Triangle Club 30 minutes prior to the event to pick up their membership package and giveaways. In addition to 919 Club packages and single-game tickets, a special Fan Fest Pack will be available only on March 7. Fans eager to secure single-game tickets for the 2020 season can do so beginning Monday, March 2 in an online-only sale, and tickets will become available by phone and in-person at the DBAP beginning March 7.

Other events/offers scheduled for Fan Fest include:

  • Fans that purchase a 919 Club package are entered into a raffle to win four (4) PNC Triangle Club tickets or a suite night for Opening Week (April 9 Opening Night excluded)
  • The Ballpark Corner Store will offer select merchandise at discounted prices in their rummage sale
  • Local food trucks American Meltdown, Stuft and Hot Chix will be in attendance on the outfield patio
  • Photo opportunities with Wool E. Bull, the Wool E. Wagon and his go-kart
  • Photo opportunities on the Durham Bulls Grounds Crew equipment in center field
  • Tours of the area inside the Blue Monster (left field wall)
  • Tours of the Durham Bulls Clubhouse
  • Special preview tasting of select new concessions items for the 2020 season
  • Beer, soft drinks and water will be available for purchase near Wool E. World
  • Face painting will be available, and a balloon artist will also be in attendance

National Anthem auditions will also take place at the DBAP the morning of March 7 from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. for individuals wishing to perform the Star-Spangled Banner at a Bulls game in 2020. Performers who arrive after 8:30 a.m. will not be permitted to audition. Performers will have one minute and 30 seconds to perform the anthem, and lyrics must be memorized and performed in a traditional style.

Participants for anthem auditions may enter through the ballpark’s left field gate and register upon arrival to perform on a first-come, first-sing basis. Singers may leave at the completion of their audition and will be contacted at a later date as the Bulls choose those who will perform at limited, select dates during the 2020 season.

The Bulls look to start the 2020 season strong at their home opener on Thursday, April 9, 2020 against the Charlotte Knights. Season memberships and group outings are available now at durhambulls.com or by calling 919.956.BULL.

 

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.

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

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

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

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

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

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

Gwinnett Stripers Announce National Anthem Auditions

Team is accepting digital submissions through March 2, auditions set for March 14

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – The Gwinnett Stripers are seeking National Anthem performers for the 2020 season.

All interested singers or vocal groups (five singers or less) must send a digital submission (video or audio) of their acapella performance of the National Anthem to [email protected] by Monday, March 2.

Candidates will be judged on tone, pace (90 seconds or less), and clarity. Top candidates will be invited to Coolray Field for in-person auditions on Saturday, March 14. No walk-ups will be admitted entry to the auditions.

The Gwinnett Stripers’ 2020 home opener is set for Thursday, April 16 at 7:05 p.m. vs. the Norfolk Tides. For information about all ticket options for 2020, including Memberships, Groups, Youth Parties, and more, visit GoStripers.com. Single-game tickets will go on sale Sunday, March 8 during the Preseason Party.

Star Search: SWB adding game day talent

Team seeking applicants for the Pinstripe Patrol, emcees and PA announcers

The RailRiders are seeking talented individuals to help boost the fan experience at PNC Field this coming season. The team needs energetic and dedicated men and women to join the game day staff in several key areas.

Pinstripe Patrol:
Want to help bring the best game day experience to PNC Field for the SWB RailRiders 2020 season? Well here’s your fit — join the RailRiders Pinstripe Patrol! You’ll get to help with on-field promotions, providing some in-game entertainment, selling elements to promotions, greeting fans as they enter PNC Field and more! You’re here to enhance the OVERALL game day experience for RailRiders fans to keep them coming back!
Click here to apply for the 2020 Pinstripe Patrol!

Emcee:
Are you outgoing, energetic and just LOVE baseball? Want to work alongside the Pinstripe Patrol to bring the best game day experience to PNC Field? Fill out the application to see if you can be a SWB RailRiders emcee. You’ll be the in-stadium host walking the crowd (and contestants) through in-game promotions, capturing the magic through interviews and more!
Click here to apply to be a RailRiders 2020 Emcee!

Public Address Announcer:
Like a conductor keeping the train moving, the public address announcer is a vital part of the game day experience and every RailRiders game. We’re looking for someone to be one of our voices from “above” at PNC Field for the 2020 season. You’ll talk our fans through the game, hit after hit and run after run! This individual must be able to multi-task while helping keep our show moving from the time the gates open until after the final out.
Click here to apply to be a RailRiders PA Announcer!

All applications must be completed in full and submitted by Wednesday, March 4, 2020. 

Knights Announce 2020 Scholarships with Founding Partners

 

(UPTOWN CHARLOTTE, NC) — The Charlotte Knights will once again provide educational funding through two unique scholarships for high school students with help from two of their founding partners. The Charlotte Knights Healthcare Scholarship, presented by Atrium Health, along with the Charlotte Knights STEM Scholarship Program, presented by Piedmont Natural Gas, each represent the team’s focus on community initiatives.

The Knights and Atrium Health began their partnership in 2013 with the Charlotte Knights Healthcare Scholarship program. Over the course of seven years, a total of 21 high school students have each been honored with a $1,000 scholarship. In an effort to improve educational funding for high school students who are interested in pursuing a career in health care, the Charlotte Knights and Atrium Health will provide three more $1,000 college scholarships to local high school seniors in 2020. The upcoming season will mark the eighth consecutive year of this partnership.

“We are proud of our ongoing partnership with the Charlotte Knights to provide academic scholarships to deserving students with an interest in healthcare,” said Rasu Shrestha, MD, executive vice president and chief strategy officer at Atrium Health. “By empowering and supporting the next generation, we’re able to be a small part of these students having a meaningful impact on communities in the future as they provide health, hope and healing to countless lives.”

The Knights and Piedmont Natural Gas will also continue to award three $1,000 college scholarships to high school seniors from the Charlotte region who plan to attend college and pursue studies in the STEM disciplines of science, technology, engineering or math. Launched in 2014, Piedmont Natural Gas and the Knights have awarded a total of 18 scholarships to students attending college within Piedmont’s service territories in North and South Carolina. The 2020 season will mark the seventh consecutive year of this partnership.

“Piedmont Natural Gas is committed to promoting education and careers in STEM, which is why we’re honored to partner with the Knights on this scholarship for the seventh year,” said Barbara Ashford, director of community relations for Piedmont Natural Gas. “Supporting and providing opportunities to bright young minds in our community through the STEM Scholarship Program is something we take pride in each year.”

The Charlotte Knights STEM Scholarship Program, presented by Piedmont Natural Gas, will be awarded during an on-field ceremony on Tuesday, June 16. The Charlotte Knights Healthcare Scholarship, presented Atrium Health, will be awarded during an on-field ceremony at BB&T Ballpark on Wednesday, June 17. All applications must be completed by Sunday, May 3, 2020.

APPLICATIONS

About Atrium Health
Atrium Health, previously Carolinas HealthCare System, one of the nation’s leading and most innovative healthcare organizations, provides a full spectrum of healthcare and wellness programs throughout North and South Carolina. Its diverse network of care locations includes academic medical centers, hospitals, freestanding emergency departments, physician practices, surgical and rehabilitation centers, home health agencies, nursing homes and behavioral health centers, as well as hospice and palliative care services. Atrium Health works to enhance the overall health and wellbeing of its communities through high quality patient care, education and research programs, and numerous collaborative partnerships and initiatives. http://atriumhealth.org

About Piedmont Natural Gas
Piedmont Natural Gas, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, is an energy services company whose principal business is the distribution of natural gas to more than 1 million residential, commercial and industrial customers in North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. The company also supplies natural gas to power plants. Piedmont is routinely recognized by J.D. Power for excellent customer satisfaction, and has been named by Cogent Reports as one of the most trusted utility brands in the U.S.

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of the largest energy holding companies in the U.S. It employs 30,000 people and has an electric generating capacity of 51,000 megawatts through its regulated utilities, and 3,000 megawatts through its nonregulated Duke Energy Renewables unit.

Duke Energy is transforming its customers’ experience, modernizing the energy grid, generating cleaner energy and expanding natural gas infrastructure to create a smarter energy future for the people and communities it serves.

Duke Energy was named to Fortune’s 2020 “World’s Most Admired Companies” list, and Forbes’ 2019 “America’s Best Employers” list. More information about the company is available at duke-energy.com. The Duke Energy News Center contains news releases, fact sheets, photos, videos and other materials. Duke Energy’s illumination features stories about people, innovations, community topics and environmental topics. Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

Opening Knight of the 2020 season is set for Thursday, April 16 at 7:04 p.m. from BB&T Ballpark. Single-game tickets for all home games this season are available now by phone at 704-274-8282, online at www.CharlotteKnights.com, or in person at the BB&T Ballpark Ticket Office.

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

Couch Oil Cares Scholarship Program

 

The Couch Oil Cares Scholarship Program was established in 2015 in an effort to help defray the rising costs of higher education. Again this year, Couch Oil Company is teaming up with the Durham Bulls to award scholarships to six deserving students. The $1,000 scholarship is available to students who have been accepted into either a four-year or community college and reside in a 16-country area surrounding the Triangle.

The Couch Oil Cares Scholarship Program was established in 2015 in an effort to help defray the rising costs of higher education. Again this year, Couch Oil Company is teaming up with the Durham Bulls to award scholarships to six deserving students. The $1,000 scholarship is available to students who have been accepted into either a four-year or community college and reside in a 16-country area surrounding the Triangle. Last year’s winners were:

Elodie Deneassembaye from Chapel Hill High
Jillian Janssen from Cary Academy
Olivia King from Durham School of the Arts
Frankie Reed from Fuquay Varina High
Maggie Shealy from East Chapel Hill High
Rob Treadway from Cardinal Gibbons High

“Couch Oil Company is pleased to be a sponsoring partner with the Durham Bulls this season,” said Stephen Couch, President of Couch Oil Company. “To make this endeavor complete, we are excited to once again offer the Couch Oil Cars Scholarship to benefit families in our community.”

Couch Oil Company, a family owned and operated Durham-based company, specializes in propane, gasoline, premium diesel, lubricants and tank cleaning.

The Bulls share in Couch Oil Company’s vision to aid those with aspirations of attending college.

“Our flagship community programs focus on improving the lives of children in our community,” said Durham Bulls Vice President – Baseball Operations Mike Birling. “We are thrilled to partner with Couch Oil on this endeavor to give students an opportunity to reach for higher education.”

To apply for this scholarship, please download this application, and submit no late than June 5, 2020.

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

“O’ Say Can You Sing?” is Back This March

 

Pawtucket, RI – The Pawtucket Red Sox are once again offering fans the special opportunity to sing the National Anthem prior to a PawSox game at McCoy Stadium during the upcoming 2019 season. The PawSox will hold auditions for singers and musicians on Sunday, March 8 from 12 noon until 4 pm at the Warwick Mall on 400 Bald Hill Road in Warwick, RI. “O Say Can You Sing?” will take place at the “center mall.”

Individuals or groups can register upon arrival at the event on a first-come, first-served basis.

Singers will have about two minutes to perform the “Star-Spangled Banner”-or any relevant song-in front of a cast of local celebrity “judges.” Examples of other songs that could be auditioned and performed at a ballgame include God Bless America, America the Beautiful, Take Me Out to The Ballgame, Sweet Caroline, and PawSox Baseball.

“Baseball games have a soundtrack,” said PawSox President Dr. Charles Steinberg, “And the blend of patriotic music and popular traditions contribute to that musical backdrop. Live performances by soloists, singing groups, and musicians enhance the cohesiveness of our community, and we welcome all who would like to share their talents.”

Nick Coit, Sports Director at ABC6, Brian Mulhern of the Cat Country radio morning show, and aspiring professional singer Lexi Lanni (a former winner of New England’s Got Talent), are expected to serve as “mentors” and provide feedback after each performance.

Performers of any age are welcome. Any questions can be directed to Jackie Dempsey, who coordinates the presentation of singers and performances at PawSox games. She can be reached at jdempsey@pawsox.com.

The PawSox are scheduled to play 70 home games during the 2020 home season, which begins on Thursday, April 9 with a 5:05 pm game vs. the Syracuse Mets at McCoy Stadium.

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