Indians Set New Records for Charitable Giving

 

INDIANAPOLIS – For the third consecutive year, the Indianapolis Indians set a franchise record for total charitable giving. Including monetary donations and in-kind contributions, the Tribe gave back $583,623 to community organizations in fiscal year 2019. The Indians operate with a fiscal year of October 1-September 30.

Earlier this offseason, the team announced a new 501(C)(3) organization, Indianapolis Indians Charities, focused on uplifting Central Indiana youth and families through partnerships with local nonprofits who work in youth development, family success, education and neighborhood development.

Of the $583,623 in charitable contributions in 2019, $307,823 came from monetary donations to community events and in-stadium fundraising during Tribe games. The other $275,800 came from gifts in-kind of donated tickets, merchandise and mascot appearances.

“The Indians have been a community asset for a long time, and we continue to value our role in giving back,” said Indians President and General Manager Randy Lewandowski. “One of the most impactful ways we work with our partners is providing them the platform of Victory Field and the nearly 600,000 fans that attend home games each season. Now we’re finding new ways to work outside our walls, like Indianapolis Indians Charities and the continued dedication of our staff volunteering their time around Central Indiana.”

The Indians front office volunteered for 40 organizations in 2019, totaling more than 1,486 hours, another team record. The club instituted a staff volunteer program last season that allows employees to volunteer for local organizations during office hours throughout the year. Tribe players also got involved, making 40 appearances for 175 service hours.

Fans were instrumental in two initiatives in 2019-specialty jersey auctions and Thirsty Thursdays at Victory Field. The Indians auctioned off eight specialty jerseys for themes ranging from the team’s new Circle City alternate logo to MARVEL Super Heroes to Indy 500 Night to Stars & Stripes on Independence Day. Fan participation from the auctions drove the total donation for the season to nearly $55,500, another franchise record.

Thirsty Thursdays also received strong fan support in 2019. The new promotion offered discounted soda and draft domestic, premium and craft beer, including $1 from every Sun King craft beer purchase going to a different local nonprofit every Thursday night. The Tribe donated nearly $10,000 to eight non-profits through the Thursday promotion.

Tickets for the 2020 season of Indianapolis Indians baseball are on sale now in full- and half-season plans, plus mini and flex plans. Groups can also purchase tickets for the new Elements Financial Club, a social VIP space scheduled to open in time for Opening Night on Thursday, April 9. Single-game tickets go on sale March 1.

For more on the Indianapolis Indians, visit IndyIndians.com.

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

Stripers Launch New “Veterans Pack” for Veterans Day

 

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – In honor of Veterans Day, the Gwinnett Stripers have created a new “Veterans Pack” for 2020, available for purchase by service men and women and their families only at Coolray Field on November 11 and 12.

Each pack includes one Field Box ticket to four patriotic-themed Stripers games (Opening Night on April 16, Salute to Armed Forces on May 22, Memorial Day on May 25, and Independence Day on July 4), plus a Stripers camo cap, all for just $55 (a value of $97).

The Veterans Pack is available to all service members and their dependents who provide a military ID or other proof of service at the Coolray Field Ticket Office on November 11 and 12. The Stripers camo cap will be available at Bobby’s Tackle Team Store immediately upon purchase, while the tickets will be available for pick-up during the Stripers Preseason Party on March 8.

Also, in observance of Veterans Day, the Stripers will give fans the opportunity to sign a giant card thanking our local military for their service. The card will be available to sign at Bobby’s Tackle Team Store from Thursday, November 7 through Tuesday, November 12.

“In addition to our season-long military ticket offer, we wanted to create a ticket pack that shows our appreciation for all service members and their families by offering them a special price on a prime seat to our most patriotic games,” said Stripers Vice President and General Manager Adam English. “The Veterans Pack is one of many ways we plan to honor our local military at Coolray Field in 2020.”

The Coolray Field Ticket Office will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Monday, November 11 and Tuesday, November 12 for Veterans Pack purchases. Fans with questions can email striperstickets@braves.com or call 678-277-0340.

The Stripers also offer a military and first responder price for every Stripers home game, available for purchase at GovX.com.

For information about all Gwinnett Stripers ticket options for 2020, including Memberships, Groups, Youth Parties, and more, visit GoStripers.com.

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

Indians Specialty Jersey Auctions Break Records

 

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indianapolis Indians announced today the team and its fans raised $55,461 through specialty jersey auctions in 2019, a record-breaking total for one of the club’s most popular promotions every season. The funds were raised through in-park auctions benefiting seven different nonprofit organizations.

“Specialty jersey auctions have held a prominent place on the Indianapolis Indians promotions calendar for the past ten years, which speaks to their popularity among our fans and partners,” said Indianapolis Indians President and General Manager Randy Lewandowski. “It’s important we use our platform as a long-standing community partner to lift up those around us. We’re focused on helping Central Indiana youth and families, and the Victory Field experience is one way we can do it.”

The 2019 beneficiaries were Folds of Honor Indiana (May 3 – Indy 500), Indiana National Guard Relief Fund (July 4 – Stars & Stripes), Children’s TherAplay Foundation (July 6 – Spider-Man), Teachers’ Treasures (July 20 – Prospects Night), Riley Children’s Foundation (August 3 – The Incredible Hulk), Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Indiana (August 17-18 – PAW Patrol, August 23-24 – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), and Special Olympics (Postseason – Circle City).

Earlier this offseason, the Tribe announced the creation of Indianapolis Indians Charities, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to helping youth and families grow stronger together, learn more and live healthier lives. It will support organizations across Central Indiana who serve in youth development, family success, education and neighborhood development. Established in 1902, the Indians are formalizing their community outreach for the first time in franchise history.

For more information or to purchase a 2020 ticket package, visit IndyIndians.com or call (317) 269-3545.

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

“Fields For Our Future” Winner Crowned

 

(UPTOWN CHARLOTTE, NC) — Back in August, the Charlotte Knights announced a partnership with Sta-Green and Lowe’s to launch “Fields For Our Future” — an annual field renovation project. Today, the Knights are excited to announce that the girls’ softball field at Mint Hill Athletic Association has been crowned as the inaugural winner. The field makeover is set to take place in November.

The entire project will be led by Charlotte Knights head groundskeeper, Matt Parrott, his staff, as well as members of the Charlotte Knights front office staff, and members from Sta-Green and Lowe’s. Earlier this year, (February 13), the Knights began a partnership with Sta-Green and Lowe’s and helped improve the conditions of the Phillip O. Berry Academy High School baseball field.

“Sta-Green is excited to partner with the Charlotte Knights again and make a difference for youth sports in our area,” stated Jennifer Puncochar, Central Garden & Pet. “We’re honored to give back to the Mint Hill community and help renovate the girls’ softball field.”

Sta-Green grass seed, fertilizer, and plant food are available exclusively at Lowe’s.

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

Tribe Unveil New Indianapolis Indians Charities

 

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indianapolis Indians today announced the formation of Indianapolis Indians Charities, a new nonprofit organization dedicated to helping youth and families grow stronger together, learn more and live healthier lives.

It will support organizations across Central Indiana who serve in youth development, family success, education and neighborhood development. Established in 1902, the Indianapolis Indians will formalize their community outreach efforts for the first time in franchise history.

“The Indianapolis Indians are proud to create a new organization devoted specifically to amplifying our efforts to give back to the community,” said Indianapolis Indians Chairman and CEO Bruce Schumacher. “We take pride in our reputation as a longstanding grassroots partner, and we look forward to going deeper with new and existing relationships.”

The new organization’s first project is a field renovation at Forest Manor Park on the near eastside of Indianapolis on Friday, September 27. Plans include a complete rebuild of the large baseball diamond and refurbishment of the youth and softball diamonds. Four community entities use the diamonds at Forest Manor Park-Indy Parks, Indianapolis Public Schools, RBI Indianapolis and The BASE Indianapolis.

“Indianapolis Indians Charities provides us an opportunity to support youth and urban baseball programs in new ways,” said Indianapolis Indians President and General Manager Randy Lewandowski. “The Charities board is finalizing plans on new initiatives supporting our partners both at Victory Field and in the community. We’re excited for 2020 and beyond.”

The organization’s board of directors include from the Indianapolis Indians: Schumacher (Board President), Lewandowski (Board Vice President), Assistant General Manager – Corporate Sales and Marketing Joel Zawacki, and Director of Merchandise Mark Schumacher. Other board members include Strada Education Network CEO Bill Hansen and Indy Parks Director Linda Broadfoot.

“The Indianapolis Indians have been a key part of the Indianapolis community for many years, and I am gratified to play a role in the organization’s renewed and deepened commitment to youth and families around Central Indiana,” said Hansen. “I look forward to being part of the board charged with determining where the Indians can make the most impact in improving the lives of our fellow community members.”

“Partnerships are key to thriving communities, making today’s announcement even more valuable,” said Broadfoot. “The support from the Indianapolis Indians to Indy Parks is incredibly supportive of our mission and purpose—creating places and spaces that inspire. We are ecstatic about working with the Indians to beautify Forest Manor Park.”

For more on Indianapolis Indians Charities, visit IndyIndians.com/Charities.

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

Owen Tabbed as Indy’s Pirates Community Commitment Award Winner

 

INDIANAPOLIS – Representing the Indianapolis Indians with class both on and off the field, utilityman Hunter Owen will be honored in an on-field ceremony at Pittsburgh’s PNC Park on Wednesday, September 18, prior to the Pirates hosting the Seattle Mariners at 7:05 p.m. ET. The Evansville, Ind. native and Indiana State University product has been selected as Indy’s 2019 Pirates Community Commitment Award winner.

Owen led all Indians players by dedicating a combined 15 volunteer service hours to the Altoona, Pa. and Indianapolis communities. One honoree is chosen from every affiliate in the Pirates farm system each season.

In Indianapolis, Owen devoted off-the-field hours to Make-a-Wish and the Indianapolis Kiwanis Luncheon, where he was a guest panelist. Owen, 25, also dedicated his time to youth clinics, meet-and-greets with young Indians fans and autograph signings. In Altoona, he volunteered at the Central Pennsylvania Humane Society.

Instituted in 2008, the Pirates Community Commitment Program (PCCP) helps each player in the Pirates organization understand the personal and professional growth opportunities linked to community service, as they are viewed as role models or potential leaders.

To purchase season tickets, contact the Victory Field Box Office at (317) 269-3545 or Tickets@IndyIndians.com.

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

Tides looking for Youth Field Makeover nominations

The Norfolk Tides are looking for nominations for our annual Youth Field Makeover Project.

The field makeover includes an upgrade to the playing surface from our groundscrew and front office staff. To nominate a field, send a photo of the field and a brief description by email to John Rogerson at JRogerson@norfolktides.com. Nominations are due by September 17th, and there will then be a contest on the Tides Facebook page to determine the recipient of the makeover.

Since the inaugural renovation in 2012, the Tides have renovated 13 fields in the Hampton Roads community: Smithfield Recreation Association (Smithfield), Bennett’s Creek Little League (Suffolk), Phoebus Little League (Hampton), Shore Little League (Nassawadox), Cradock Little League (Portsmouth), Little Creek National (Norfolk), Gloucester Youth Baseball (Gloucester), Surry County Pony Baseball (Surry), Deer Park Youth Field (Newport News) and Eason’s Crossroads Ballpark (Gates, NC), Churchland Little League (Portsmouth), Thalia/Malibu Rec (Virginia Beach) and Ocean View Little League (Norfolk).

The project is made possible thanks to the Tides Youth Baseball Fund, a program established by the Tides in 1990 as a way to raise money for youth baseball and softball programs in Hampton Roads. In addition to assisting with field renovations, the Youth Baseball Fund also helps local teams and leagues with travel expenses. The Youth Baseball Fund is partially financed by scoreboard announcements at Harbor Park throughout the season.

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

IronPigs raise more than $26K on ‘Strike Out Cancer’ Night

The Lehigh Valley IronPigs in conjunction with Air Products, the Lehigh Valley Health Network Cancer Institute and the Lehigh Valley Cancer Community raised $26,100 while donating 450 IronPigs game tickets to those fighting cancer, or aiding the fight versus cancer, and their families for the special “Strike Out Cancer Night” game on Tuesday, August 20. All proceeds from the game were donated to the “Strike Out Cancer’ initiative.

For the second straight season, IronPigs fans, Air Products, the Lehigh Valley Health Network Cancer Institute, our sponsors and the entire Lehigh Valley Cancer Community made this night a memorable one”, said IronPigs President and General Manager Kurt Landes. “The entire community came out in such a strong way and we couldn’t be more thankful for the impact this night has made in the community and in helping to raise valuable funds for the fight against cancer.”

“Strike Out Cancer Night” has now raised just over $40,000 over the past two seasons combined. Last season, over $14,000 was raised in the first ever “Strike Out Cancer Night”.

Nine local organizations – Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley, Angel 34 Foundation, Life Always Facing Forward, Julia’s Grace Foundation, Cancer Support Community, Dream Come True, Boutique at the Rink, Women’s 5K Classic and the American Cancer Society were on-hand to help make this night memorable for the 8,551 fans who were in attendance on Tuesday evening. Each organization will share in the proceeds in helping to further their specific missions.

The highlight of the night, in the middle of the 5th inning, featured every fan in attendance standing in silence holding their “Strike Out Cancer” placard honoring their loved ones who are battling or have battled cancer.

All proceeds from the evening’s 50/50 raffle went towards the Strike Out Cancer initiative along with the proceeds from all Strike Out Cancer T-Shirt sales. The IronPigs donated $4 per ticket from the tickets purchased for the night through a special “Strike Out Cancer” link.

The team also hosted a raffle and sold a unique Purple Ribbon Drink Special throughout the game with all proceeds supporting “Strike Out Cancer.”

A list of additional sponsors who helped make this night possible: • Keystone Canna Remedies
• Olympus
• Buckno Lisicky & Company
• Bennett Toyota
• Joe’s Battery and Tire
• Diversified Refrigeration
• PALCS
• Clemens
• Apgar Oil
• Buzzi Unicem, USA
• Piramal Critical Care
• ASR Media
• KD & Son Heating
• Jean Roth
• Lehigh-Northampton Airport

The 2019 IronPigs season is the team’s 12th as the top affiliate for the Philadelphia Phillies and 12th at Coca-Cola Park. Follow the IronPigs on Twitter at @IronPigs and like them on Facebook via Facebook.com/LHVIronPigs.

The 2019 IronPigs season is presented by Capital BlueCross.

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

IronPigs announce scholarship winners

The Lehigh Valley IronPigs announced Tuesday that four gameday employees will each receive $500 towards their college education in the first season of the team’s scholarship program. To be eligible, gameday employees must work at least one full year with the team.

The winners are:

  • Avita DeMieri (Plaza Ice Cream)
  • Leah Fastenau (Jaindl Smoke Shack)
  • Samantha Ganser (Hot & Fresh Pizza)
  • Andrew Malozzi (Home Plate Ice Cream)

Avita DeMieri has worked with the IronPigs for three years for Food and Beverage at the Yuengling’s Ice Cream stand (TD Bank Plaza). DeMieri will attend the University of Pittsburgh in the fall and major in nursing.

Leah Fastenau has worked with the IronPigs for two years for Food and Beverage at the Jaindl Smoke House (Section 118). Fastenau will attend the University of Minnesota in the fall and major in special education.

Samantha Ganser has worked with the IronPigs for two years for Food and Beverage at the Hot & Fresh Pizza (Section 108). Ganser will be attend Lafayette College and major in Biochemistry.

Andrew Malozzi has worked with the IronPigs for three years for Food and Beverage at Home Plate Ice Cream (Section 113). Malozzi is attending Florida State University and majoring in Actuarial Science and Economics.

For more information regarding the IronPigs Scholarship Program, fans can call the IronPigs at 610-841-PIGS (7447) or can go online to ironpigsbaseball.com/scholarship.

The 2019 IronPigs season is the team’s 12th as the top affiliate for the Philadelphia Phillies and 12th at Coca-Cola Park. Follow the IronPigs on Twitter at @IronPigs and like them on Facebook via Facebook.com/LHVIronPigs.

The 2019 IronPigs season is presented by Capital BlueCross.

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

Durham Bulls Athletic Park Now Sensory Inclusive

The Durham Bulls have partnered with KultureCity to make Durham Bulls Athletic Park sensory inclusive. This new initiative will promote an accommodating and positive experience for all guests and fans with a sensory issue who visit the DBAP.

The certification process entailed the staff at the DBAP being trained by leading medical professionals on how to recognize those guests and fans with sensory needs and how to handle a sensory overload situation. A number of Sensory bags, equipped with noise reducing headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards and a weighted lap pad will also be available to be checked out at the Lowes Foods Guest Services by guests who may feel overwhelmed by the environment. The DBAP also has a number of ‘Quiet Areas’ posted throughout the ballpark as well as an exit/re-entry policy to the stadium for fans who need a quiet space.

In addition, the Bulls have several helpful resources available online to better help prepare for a visit to the ballpark. This includes a ballpark map showing the quiet areas, a social story, and a Sensory Guide for what to expect during a visit to the DBAP, prepared with the help of Emerge Pediatric Therapy. Click here to access these resources.

“Our stadium becoming sensory inclusive is one more step our team has taken to make sure any fan, anywhere, feels comfortable and safe attending a Bulls game,” Durham Bulls Vice President Mike Birling said. “We look forward to welcoming fans and families to the DBAP who in the past might not have had the resources they needed.”

Sensory sensitivities or challenges with sensory regulation are often experienced by individuals with autism, dementia, PTSD and other similar conditions. One of the major barriers for these individuals is sensitivity to over stimulation and noise, which is an enormous part of the environment in a venue like the DBAP. With its new certification, the DBAP is now better prepared to assist guests with sensory sensitivities in having the most comfortable and accommodating experience possible when attending an event at the DBAP.

“To know that you soon will be able to see families attend a baseball game, a true community binding experience, with their loved ones who have a sensory challenge and who were not able to previously attend, is truly a heartwarming moment,” said Dr. Julian Maha, Co-Founder, KultureCity. “Our communities are what shapes our lives and to know that the DBAP is willing to go the extra mile to ensure that everyone, no matter their ability, is included in their community is amazing.”

For Sensory Friendly Night on July 28th, presented by Emerge Pediatric Therapy, fans will also have access to a dedicated sensory room on the Suite Level designed and staffed by our partners at Emerge Pediatric Therapy for those who may need a quieter and more secure environment. To visit the Sensory Suite, fans should use the entrance for the PNC Triangle Club located on Jackie’s Landing in right field.

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

Four Winners Selected for $10,000 Grant

Four organizations have been chosen as the winners of the Durham Bulls Ballpark Project presented by Coastal Credit Union. Hillandale Sports Association, Hawfields Civitan Club, Northern Middle School and East Wake High School softball have each earned a $10,000 donation for facility renovations.

“For the second straight year we saw a highly impressive group of applications, and for the second straight year we had some very difficult decisions to make,” Durham Bulls Vice President Mike Birling said. “These four winners proved why upgrades to their facilities will be important in helping grow the sports of baseball and softball for years to come.”

Hillandale Sports Association expects to make renovations to improve the field’s drainage issues, and Hawfields Civitan Club will provide a large-scale renovation for the first time since 1975. Northern Middle School plans to provide upgrades to its joint baseball/softball field, and East Wake High School softball will resurface its infield for a safer playing surface.

Each facility will be renovated in the coming months, with a list of priorities submitted by each location. Additionally, a representative from each organization is scheduled to be honored on-field at Durham Bulls Athletic Park on Tuesday, August 6.

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

Registration open: Marcy Dandes Memorial Family Bike Ride on Sept. 28

Celebrate the life and passion of one of the ballpark’s and WNY’s great citizens with an amazing event on Saturday, September 28 at Delaware Park, the first annual Marcy Dandes Memorial Family Bike Ride.

Proudly sponsored by Rich Products and co-chaired by Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown and Mrs. Michelle Brown, the Marcy Dandes Memorial Family Bike Ride will be a celebration of friends and family and will look to raise funds for two organizations close to Marcy’s heart, ECMC and ConectLife.

The event, only $25 per adult and $10 per child, will be held at Delaware Park and bikes, trikes, non-motorized scooters, strollers and walkers are all welcome. After a ride around Ring Rd. from 9:30-10:30am, there will be music by DJ Milk, food, a kids bike rodeo and much more!

Be one of the first 500 individuals to register for the ride and you will also receive an exclusive cycling cap!

Registration is now open at DandesFamilyRide.com and you can also make donations at the same address.

Marcy was deeply engaged in the WNY community, a dedicated volunteer for ECMC and a passionate advocate of the Donate Life mission through ConnectLife. The Family Bike Ride in her memory will benefit both ECMC and Unyts, and will continue Marcy’s legacy of giving across WNY for years to come.

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

Ocean View Little League wins Field Renovation Project

As part of The Youth Field Makeover Project, Ocean View Little League in Norfolk has won a contest in which the Tides organization will renovate their baseball field.

Ocean View received over 2,300 votes to win the contest. This field makeover will include an upgrade to the playing surface and is set to take place this spring.

Since the inaugural renovation in 2012, the Tides have renovated 13 fields in the Hampton Roads community: Ocean View Little League (Norfolk), Smithfield Recreation Association (Smithfield), Bennett’s Creek Little League (Suffolk), Phoebus Little League (Hampton), Shore Little League (Nassawadox), Cradock Little League (Portsmouth), Little Creek National (Norfolk), Gloucester Youth Baseball (Gloucester), Surry County Pony Baseball (Surry), Deer Park Youth Field (Newport News) and Eason’s Crossroads Ballpark (Gates, NC), Churchland Little League (Portsmouth) and Thalia/Malibu Rec (Virginia Beach).

The project is made possible thanks to the Tides Youth Baseball Fund, a program established by the Tides in 1990 as a way to raise money for youth baseball and softball programs in Hampton Roads. In addition to assisting with field renovations, the Youth Baseball Fund also helps local teams and leagues with travel expenses. The Youth Baseball Fund is partially financed by scoreboard announcements at Harbor Park throughout the season.

Norfolk opens the 2019 regular season on Thursday, April 4th with a 7:05 game at Gwinnett before opening the home portion of its schedule on Thursday, April 11th with a 6:35 contest vs. the Toledo Mud Hens. Individual tickets, season tickets and group tickets are currently available for the 2019 season. For pricing and additional information, visit the Harbor Park offices or call (757) 622-2222.

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

Micah Hyde Charity Softball Game to be played at Sahlen Field, June 2 (1pm)

The inaugural Micah Hyde Charity Softball Game benefitting his IMagINe for Youth Foundation will be held at Sahlen Field, home of the Buffalo Bisons on Sunday, June 2 (10 a.m.). A 2017 Pro Bowl player, Micah Hyde will be joined by his Buffalo Bills teammates and other Buffalo legends and celebrities as they battle it out on the diamond for charity.

Tickets go on sale Friday, March 8, 2019 at 10 a.m. at Bisons.com

Micah Hyde shares, “Growing up, I was fortunate to be heavily involved in sports. Though I was given the opportunity to do so, I witnessed the obstacles my family had to face in order to provide opportunities, not only for myself, but my siblings as well. With all of these activities came costs that were not easy for my mother to attain. I can remember being responsible for insurance and participation fees, travel costs along with purchasing the equipment needed. If it were not for my mom doing all that she could do, along with a support system that we were able to fall back on, I would not be where I am today. I know there are many kids that face similar circumstances, but unfortunately, they do not have a support system to depend on. That’s why the IMagINe for Youth Foundation is here to give children the support they need in order to participate.

Looking back, being involved in athletics was more than Xs and Os. I learned to take the good with the bad, the bad with the good, and playing with countless personalities taught me how to coexist and be a team player. These are fundamentals that stuck with me. I believe sports is a gateway to learning how to be successful in the real world. I strongly believe that every child deserves the same opportunity to learn and experience those successes.

I have always wanted to give back. Now is the time to do so. Please join me in making a difference. I’M IN. Are you?”

Tickets for the softball game are just $10 or $23 – Micah Hyde’s jersey number. A very limited number of tickets are available for $75 for the best seats in the house that include a Micah Hyde autographed Buffalo Bills mini-helmet. Tickets can be purchased at Bisons.com starting on Friday, March 9 at 10 a.m. or at that time at the Sahlen Field Box Office.

If you are interested in group ticket, suites or sponsorship donation opportunities, please contact Lammi Sports Management at (414) 727-3600.

More information on the IMagINe for Youth Foundation.

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

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Wings celebrate Deaf Culture on April 28

The Rochester Red Wings have teamed up with the Rochester Institute of Technology, National Technical Institute for the Deaf and the Rochester School for the Deaf for Deaf Culture Day on Sunday, April 28 at Frontier Field.

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE — Students, faculty and staff at RIT, NTID and RSD and their families can get $2 off tickets by using a special promo code that will be supplied them.

“We are proud to partner with NTID and Rochester School for the Deaf for Deaf Culture Day so we can celebrate the deaf community and the important impact deaf citizens have had in Rochester. We look forward to hosting many deaf members of the Rochester community and their families while also educating all fans about deaf culture,” said Wings GM Dan Mason.

The Wings will wear specialty jerseys and caps to celebrate the day. The jerseys will feature “Red Wings” in American Sign Language across the chest, while the cap will have the ASL “R” on the front with the Spikes logo on the side. The jerseys will be auctioned off using the LiveSource mobile app, with proceeds benefitting both NTID and RSD.

TICKET PACKAGES (click the package to purchase):

– Deaf Culture T-shirt + game ticket = $20
– Deaf Cultire adjustable cap + game ticket = $22

PRE-ORDER MERCHANDISE:

Click here to pre-order your Deaf Culture Day merchandise.

There will be dozens of interpreters stationed throughout the ballpark on April 28 including in the seating bowl, at concession stands and at the ticket offices to assist hearing impaired individuals. Portions of the game will be captioned on the videoboard for the first time ever courtesy of NTID.

Other aspects of the day include a silent inning where there will be no PA announcements or music of any kind. We’ll also be highlighting deaf individuals who have made a significant impact in society throughout the game.

As part of Deaf Culture Day, the Wings will welcome back the only superhero to ever roam the grounds of Frontier field. Ogden Whitehead, an NTID grad and former Red Wings employee, will reprise his role as “Recycleman” and lead the crowd in some of the cheers that made him famous during his time with the Red Wings in the late 90s and early 2000s.

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