Syracuse Mets Announce Pre-Season Fundraiser: Meet the Syracuse Mets

SYRACUSE, NY – The Syracuse Mets will be hosting a brand-new fundraising event which will also give fans their first opportunity to meet the 2019 Syracuse Mets players and coaching staff. Meet the Syracuse Mets will take place on Tuesday, April 2nd at Embassy Suites Destiny USA from 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. This Meet the Syracuse Mets dinner will benefit the Challenger baseball League, RBI Baseball League, and District 8 Little League.

“Having a new team gives us an opportunity for a fresh idea,” said Syracuse Mets General Manager Jason Smorol. “This dinner is a little different take on the traditional Hot Stove dinner we did in the past. The Hot Stove dinner gave fans the chance to meet a few players and the Manager. Meet the Syracuse Mets gives fans the chance to meet the entire team just before the season starts.”

Meet the Syracuse Mets will be an opportunity for fans to meet and dine with the 2019 Syracuse Mets team. Tickets for the event are $75 for adults and $45 for children 12 & under. Fans will be randomly seated at a table with at least one player and/or coach for the Syracuse Mets. Tables are available for $700. Seating is limited and only 30 tables will be sold. The event is a sit-down full dinner with player interviews and a Q&A opportunity.

In addition, fans can participate in a silent auction, featuring autographed items, NBT Bank Stadium memorabilia, and items from local CNY organizations. The proceeds of the silent auction will benefit the organizations: Challenger baseball, RBI Baseball, and District 8 Little League.

Meet the Syracuse Mets is sponsored by NBT Bank, Visit Syracuse, Embassy Suite at Destiny USA, Coca-Cola, and Cumulus Media Group.

Tickets for Meet the Mets will go on sale March 11th at the Onondaga Coach Ticket Office at NBT Bank Stadium, over the phone during regular office hours (Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.), or online anytime at SyracuseMets.com. Fans can also purchase tickets to any regular season home game at NBT Bank Stadium to see the Syracuse Mets in action.

The CNY Challenger Baseball League is the nations largest baseball league that provides the opportunity for children and adults of all mental and physical capabilities to play. http://syracusechallengerbaseball.com/

Syracuse RBI uses baseball and softball and the power of team to provide inner city youth with the opportunity to play, to learn, and to grow – inspiring them to recognize their potential and realize their dreams. http://www.syracuserbi.com/

District 8 Little League covers 28 leagues including girls’ softball and provides an excellent outlet of clean, competitive baseball fun for our community.

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

Autism Awareness Day Set For April 13

The Rochester Red Wings have partnered with Autism Speaks for a second year in a row to host Autism Awareness Day at Frontier Field on Saturday, April 13 when the Wings host the Lehigh Valley IronPigs at 1:05 p.m.

The Red Wings and Autism Speaks aim to create an environment that will allow families dealing with Autism to enjoy a day at Frontier Field while also raising awareness for Autism, a disorder that affects one in 59 American children.

Senior Coordinator of Autism Speaks, Jessica Joanis, explained the importance of an event like this:

“Every April Autism Speaks celebrates World Autism Month with autism-friendly events and educational activities around the local community to increase understanding and acceptance and foster support. Autism Speaks has partnered up with the Rochester Red Wings for a second year in hosting an Autism Awareness Day. I hope you will join us for the game on Saturday, April 13 to help us go blue for Autism during the month of April.”

Some components of Autism Awareness Day are as follows:
– Lower volume levels throughout the stadium along with other fan-friendly adjustments
– In-game production will be altered to minimize abrupt sound effects and video board displays
– Fans are asked to refrain from bringing “noise makers” that day
– A limited number of blue pom-poms will be available at the Autism Speaks table to substitute for noise makers
– A Safe Zone located in Club 3000 will be open all game long for children in need of a quiet reprieve from the game.
– Designated Autism Aware Section, reserved exclusively for guests with family members on the Autism spectrum.
– Various items and ballpark experiences available via Live Source with proceeds benefitting Autism awareness

To purchase discounted tickets in an exclusive Autism Aware Section contact:
Mike Ewing at (585) 454-1001 ext. 3036 or MEwing@RedWingsBaseball.com.

-OR-

Visit www.TicketReturn.com and use the login:
Username: Autism19

Password: 2019

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

Help Wanted: Two job fairs set in January

MOOSIC, PA (December 19, 2018) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders will host two job fairs in January to hire seasonal employees for the upcoming 2019 season at PNC Field. The club is celebrating 30 years of professional baseball in Northeast Pennsylvania and is looking for energetic and dedicated personnel for 70 home games plus additional events during the new calendar year.

The first job fair is on Saturday, January 12, 2019, from 10 A.M until noon. A second will be held on Wednesday, January 16, from 6 to 8 P.M. Those interested in seasonal employment only need to attend one of the two events to be considered. Potential employees will fill out applications and the front office staff will do interviews on the spot during the job fair.

“Our game day staff is vital to what we accomplish at PNC Field,” stated Josh Olerud, the RailRiders President and General Manager. “We are working on bringing a ‘Fan First Philosophy’ to one of Northeast Pennsylvania’s premier experiences. We need individuals who will take pride in what we do every game.”

The RailRiders are looking for game day employees to fill a variety of roles within the organization. The game day staff includes bat boys/ girls, club level attendants, EMTs, grounds crew, parking attendants, porters, security staff, ticket sales representatives, ticket takers, ushers and video/ production assistants. The team is also looking for members of the Pinstripe Patrol, the on-field promotions crew, as well as fun zone employees and performers to serve as the team’s mascot during games.

Legends, the official catering, concessions and merchandise provider of the RailRiders, will also conduct interviews during each job fair. Legends is seeking concession stand managers, workers and cashiers. In addition, Legends will hire prep and grill cooks, food vendors, general kitchen help, suite attendants and retail associates.

Interviews for internships will not be conducted during the two RailRiders job fairs. More information regarding internships will be available in January.

The 2019 season begins on the road at Buffalo on April 4 with the home opener scheduled for Thursday, April 11. For more information, contact the RailRiders front office at (570) 969-BALL.

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

Bisons to donate tickets for every pack purchased during the ‘Season of Giving’

In the spirit of the season and how amazing it feels to share the gift of baseball with others, the Bisons today announced an all new ‘Season of Giving’ program. For every ticket package sold during the month of December, the team will donate four (4) undated flex tickets for any April game in 2019 to a local 501c3 non-profit organization of the ticket-buyers’ choice.

>>>CLICK HERE to view all Bisons 2019 Ticket Pack Options<<<</a>

The ‘Season of Giving’ will run through the entire month of December and include both renewals and new ticket package purchases made at Bisons.com, by calling (716) 843-4373 or by stopping by the Sahlen Field Box Office (Mon. -Thu. 9am-3pm, Fri. 9am-1pm).

Those that purchase a ticket package can provide the name of any registered 501c3 organization to be the recipient of the donated tickets or allow the Bisons to choose one of the many great causes the team currently works with.

The Bisons have a number of great ticket packages currently available that would include the donation of 4 undated flex tickets to a worthy cause.

All Bisons Holiday Packs (starting at $53) -Choose from 3 options with each Holiday Pack including Opening Day tickets, flex tickets, a Vladimir Guerrero Jr. ornament and a great Bisons merchandise option. Savings up to 66%

>>>CLICK HERE TO VIEW BISONS HOLIDAY PACKS<<<</a>

Season Tickets (starting at $525) -See all 70 Bisons games in 2019 with over 50% in savings and the most exclusive rewards and benefits package in sports. CLICK HERE for 2019 season ticket info.

12-Game Flex Pack ($138) -Receive 12 undated flex tickets that can be used for any game and in any combination throughout the 2019 season (excludes July 3rd).

Family Pack ($81) -Receive four undated tickets, $30 in Bisons Bucks and 25% off at the ballpark gift shops (excludes July 3rd).

Event Packs (starting at $80) -The Bisons also have special individual ticket packages for next year’s Star Wars Night, KeyBank Independence Eve Celebration with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and Superhero Night.

>>>CLICK HERE to view all Bisons 2019 Ticket Pack Options<<<</a>

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

Making their Pitch: ESU students to toss ideas at RailRiders front office staff

MOOSIC, PA (December 5, 2018) – On Thursday, December 6, students majoring in sport management at East Stroudsburg University will have a unique opportunity to present their marketing plans to the front office staff of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders during a class titled “Concepts of Sport Marketing.”

Earlier in the year, students in this class traveled to PNC Field to attend a RailRiders game and to meet members of the front office, including Team President and General Manager Josh Olerud, to learn about the organization’s marketing plan overviews. Throughout the semester, the students have been building strategic sport marketing plans to meet the needs of the RailRiders organization. The class culminates in the student presentations to members of the RailRiders executive team.

“We are excited to see the culmination of their work,” Olerud said. “This has been a lengthy process for these students, but was surely a valuable experience, both for this course and for their future as well. The RailRiders have had a strong partnership with East Stroudsburg University and this opportunity is tremendous. They gain insight and practice, we always learn a thing or two and may even find a future intern or employee. On behalf of the RailRiders, I would like to thank the students for their hard work and effort.”

For interviews or more information regarding the “Concepts of Sport Marketing” class, please contact Liz Richardson at (570) 422-3139 or at erichard10@esu.edu.

The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders begin the 2019 campaign on April 4 in Buffalo before opening PNC Field for the first time in the new season on April 11. Season tickets, corporate partnerships, and mini-plans, including the new nine-game bobblehead plan, are available now. Visit swbrailriders.com or call (570) 969-BALL for more details.

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

PawSox Foundation Announces 2018 PawSox Scholars

For the third consecutive year, two PawSox Scholars-once again middle schoolers from Pawtucket and Central Falls-will receive college scholarships of $10,000 each, funded by the PawSox Foundation. The scholarships will be paid directly to the colleges of their choice for tuition and books upon their graduation from high school, provided they continue to excel in scholarship and citizenship.

This year’s recipients, both 8th graders, are Emily Lopes, from Pawtucket’s Samuel Slater Jr. High School, and Liliana Gonzalez, from Central Falls’ Calcutt Middle School. They were selected from applications administered by the two respective school systems and PawSox officials.

The PawSox introduced the program two years ago when they named Charlisa Kollie of Pawtucket and Ethan Hoke of Central Falls as their first recipients. Last year, Jeremy Ortega, from Pawtucket’s Joseph Jenks Middle School, and Jose Juarez Aguilar, from Central Falls’ Calcutt Middle School were the winners.

“Our PawSox Scholars program helps fund the dream of attending college,” said Club President Dr. Charles A. Steinberg. “By awarding the scholarships to middle schoolers, we seek to fortify the resolve of young children to believe in their dreams, to avoid the dangerous temptations of adolescent life, and to understand that education is the equalizer.”

Steinberg and PawSox Chairman Larry Lucchino were instrumental in creating similar programs in San Diego and Boston. The Red Sox version won Major League Baseball’s first-ever “Commissioners Award for Philanthropic Excellence.”

“From our Padres Scholars program in San Diego to our Red Sox Scholars program in Boston, we have been blessed to see children blossom into inspiring adults for 23 years,” Steinberg said. “Now here in Rhode Island, we are enjoying the selection and development of even more wonderful students who are envisioning their dreams–and the path to make those dreams come true.”

The Pawtucket and Central Falls school systems invited eighth graders to submit applications, including essays. Emily Lopes’ essay praised Malala Yousafzai, while Liliana Gonzalez expressed her admiration for Michelle Obama.

“Our students are some of the best and brightest in the world,” said Pawtucket Mayor Donald R. Grebien. “Their talent, passion, creativity and strong sense of community never cease to amaze me. The PawSox scholars program will ensure that our students’ education continues. This effort by the PawSox has real meaning to our children, their families and their teachers, and I thank them.”

“It is an honor for our school to have Emily Lopes represent us,” said Mrs. Laura Lutz, Principal of Slater Jr. High School. “This award will give Emily the vision and confidence of pursuing a college career.”

“The city of Central Falls is so grateful to the PawSox for including our children in this landmark program,” said Central Falls Mayor James Diossa. “This scholarship program reminds all of our families that no matter what challenges they may face, they have friends who believe in their future.”

“I’m grateful for the chance to provide the Calcutt Middle Shool students the opportunity to express themselves to the public in essays,” said Timothy Milisauskas, Principal of Calcutt Middle School. “The joy the students all shared for one another when I announced Liliana as the winner let me see the true spirit of teamwork and camaraderie that drives Calcutt Middle School, Central Falls School District, and the PawSox.”

“We thank Mayor Grebien and Mayor Diossa, as well as their School Boards, Superintendents, Principals, and teachers for their guidance, wisdom, and collaboration,” Steinberg added. “We hope that we can expand our program to include even more students in our region.”

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

Giving Thanks: Foundation holds luncheon

MOOSIC, PA (November 15, 2018) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders and their charitable arm, the SWB Pinstripes Foundation, held their first of two luncheons this holiday season on Wednesday. The RailRiders welcomed 200 elementary school-aged Life Skills and Special Education students from across Northeast Pennsylvania for the event.

“As this season of giving begins, we were thrilled to host these children for lunch,” stated Jordan Maydole, the RailRiders Director of Community Relations. “The children were able to participate in Thanksgiving-themed arts and crafts to create a keepsake that they could bring home and show their families. The luncheon went well and it seemed like they all had a great time!”

Wednesday’s event was made possible thanks to approximately $10,000 in donations through the SWB Pinstripes Foundation. A second holiday lunch will be held on December 13.

“The SWB Pinstripes Foundation is committed to aiding the underserved in our community and giving back to the community that has given us so much support,” said Amy Miller, the manager of the SWB Pinstripes Foundation. “To provide these free holiday meals and to continue our outreach in the community, we rely on the generosity of our donors. We are still accepting donations to support our next event and encourage those who can get involved to be a part of what we are doing here in NEPA.”

For more information on the SWB Pinstripes Foundation, please contact Jordan Maydole or Amy Miller in the RailRiders front office at (570) 969-BALL or visit swbrailriders.com.

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

Veterans Home Run: A 5K Walk ‘n Run Race Results & FAQ

PawSox 5K Runners!

Thank you for your participation in the 3rd Annual PawSox 5K Walk ‘n Run in support of veterans causes in RI, we are so happy to be able to give back to those who have fought for our country.

CLICK HERE FOR RACE RESULTS

All race results are posted in the link above, if you registered the DAY OF the race and you placed in the top two of your age category for your gender, please email Grace Eng at geng@pawsox.com so we have your contact information and we can mail out your medal. These are the age categories:

·       Wheelchair

·       70+

·       60-69

·       50-59

·       40-49

·       30-39

·       20-29

·       13-19

Also, if you did not receive a race t-shirt please email so we can send that as well, everyone will get a t-shirt for participating. We will also be sending out the certificate that is valid for 2 General Admission flex tickets for the 2019 season, so be sure to be on the lookout for that email, the certificate will be valid to exchange starting March 1st.

If you have any questions about the race results or the day itself, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Again thank you for your contribution to the PawSox Foundation and more importantly to the veterans who have served the United States of America. God bless!

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

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PawSox Commemorate Veterans Day Holiday with Dinner for Veterans

The Pawtucket Red Sox are commemorating the Veterans Day holiday by welcoming veterans to a steak dinner at McCoy Stadium tonight (Friday).

For the fourth straight year, the PawSox this evening are presenting a four-course steak dinner inside the PawSox Clubhouse. The guests also receive a tour of McCoy and gifts from the PawSox. The honorees are veterans from the YWCA of Rhode Island Gateway to Independence, the Rhode Island Military Organization, Chapter 3 of the Pawtucket DAV, Central Falls American Legion Post 79, Newport VFW Post 406, RI Association of Fire Chiefs Honor Flights, and Operation Stand Down.

“Hosting veterans in 2015 was our first community event after several of us joined the ballclub, and it was inspiring,” PawSox President Dr. Charles Steinberg said. “We have since turned this into a traditional gathering that we very much look forward to around the Veterans Day holiday. This modest gestures allow us to continue to demonstrate our appreciation to those who have served our country.”

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

Learn through fun on Mud Hens School Education Days

Enjoy a fun and educational day out with the Toledo Mud Hens, at our School Education Days presented by O-I, Great Clips, Kroger and Imagination Station. Who knew learning about math and science could be so much fun!

In 2018, more than 28,000 students, teachers, administrators and staff members let off some steam at Fifth Third Field during our four school games, a new Mud Hens record!

2019 SCHOOL EDUCATION DAYS

  • Wednesday, May 1 at 10:35 a.m.
  • Wednesday, May 15 at 10:35 a.m.
  • Thursday, May 16 at 10:35 a.m.
  • Wednesday, May 29 at 10:35 a.m.

IMAGINATION STATION

The having-fun-while-learning meter gets cranked up during select inning breaks, with creative science experiments conducted by the Imagination Station crew.

The Mud Hens offer a school day curriculum guide, a pregame career day program before each game, special meal offers and have group fanwear opportunities.

Now’s the time to book your school group! Call Rita Natter 419-725-9258 or email rnatter@mudhens.com.

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

PawSox Send Youngsters from Pawtucket Boys and Girls Club to the World Series for 29th Consecutive Season

A pair of young local baseball fans from Pawtucket will attend Games 1 & 2 of the 2018 World Series at Fenway Park as the Pawtucket Red Sox have once again provided two lucky winners from the Boys and Girls Club of Pawtucket with an opportunity to attend the Fall Classic.

This year’s trip marks the 29th year that the PawSox have sent two children (each accompanied by a parent) to baseball’s showcase event.

At a PawSox game last August, Cameron Daley, 11, and Manny Alba, 9, were selected by the Boys and Girls Club to experience the big games. The two Pawtucket youngsters attend Baldwin Elementary School and Varieur Elementary School, respectively, and will be accompanied by their fathers, Rueban Alba and Derrick Daley.

“It is one of our joys of autumn to make these dreams come true,” said PawSox President Dr. Charles A. Steinberg. “This tradition dates to 1950, when native son and American League Umpire Hank Soar initiated this gesture. For nearly 30 years, the PawSox have continued the practice, and it was as much a thrill for us to meet these children as it was for them to receive their tickets. We hope they enjoy this trip to the World Series.”

The four will enjoy seats at Fenway Park as the Red Sox play the Los Angeles Dodgers, who this year repeated as National League Champions, for the first time. More than 100 years ago, the Red Sox beat the Brooklyn Robins, forerunners of the Dodgers in the 1916 World Series.

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

Wings Nominated for John Henry Moss Community Service Award

The Rochester Red Wings have been nominated by the International League for the John Henry Moss Community Service Award.

The award is presented to a Minor League club for their ongoing commitment to charitable service and their support and leadership within the community and the baseball industry. The honor was created in 2013 by Minor League Baseball in honor of the late John Henry Moss, who founded what would become the South Atlantic League in 1959 and headed the circuit until 2007.

Community is the team’s middle name in Rochester, where over eight thousand community members came together in 1957 to form Rochester Community Baseball and keep the Red Wings in Rochester. The team has continually developed partnerships with local socially concerned organizations, lending support in a variety of formats such as programs, promotions, awareness events, charitable contributions, appearances, volunteer service.

“The act of doing, giving and participating is more a way of life for us than a concerted effort,” Red Wings President Naomi Silver said. “In baseball, we all know that the impact that we make on a community goes well beyond what we do inside our fences. It’s the outreach we make the other 295 non-game days a year that allows us to really make a difference. In Rochester, we treasure our role in giving back in support of our community. Since 1957 when the Red Wings became incorporated as Rochester Community Baseball, we have taken our commitment seriously. It is a tremendous honor to be recognized outside of our own community.”

“All Minor League Baseball teams are involved in their community in many positive ways, but the front office of the Red Wings takes this to another level entirely,” said International League President Randy Mobley. “From the very first person on the organizational chart to the very last, all are involved in multiple community organizations and many serve in multiple leadership positions. The breadth and depth of the commitment by this staff to ‘do good’ in the community is not only commendable, but truly inspiring. The Red Wings front office is a wonderful example for us all.”

The award will be presented at the Winter Meetings Awards Luncheon on Monday, December 10 in Las Vegas.

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

Churchland Little League in Portsmouth wins Field Renovation Project

As part of The Youth Field Makeover Project presented by Orkin, Churchland Little League in Portsmouth, VA has won a contest in which the Tides organization will renovate their baseball field. This field makeover will include an upgrade to the playing surface, an improvement to existing dugouts, and pest prevention services courtesy of Orkin. The field renovation is set to take place this fall.

In addition to Churchland Little League, the Tides will also be renovating Thalia/Malibu Rec Association in Virginia Beach, with that renovation set to take this fall. Thalia/Malibu Rec Association won that renovation in a contest that took place in February.

“We are continuously amazed at the outpouring of support we receive each time we run these contests” said Tides General Manager Joe Gregory. “Our entire organization is excited to help make a difference for the young ballplayers in our community.”

Since the inaugural renovation in 2012, the Tides have renovated 11 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).

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, and those wishing to make a donation directly to the Youth Baseball Fund can do so via norfolkides.com under the “Harbor Park” section.

Season tickets, group tickets, picnics and patios are currently available for the 2019 season. For pricing and additional information, visit the Harbor Park box office or call (757) 622-2222. For more information about Orkin’s pest control services, visit Orkin.com.

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

PawSox Become “Boys of Bowling” for Tomorrow Fund

The Triple-A ballclub that plays together also bowls together?

Yes, and it’s done in the name of a very good cause.

Every season, the Pawtucket Red Sox put down the gloves and bats and pick up bowling balls at East Providence Lanes – located two miles away from McCoy Stadium – to raise money for The Tomorrow Fund, a Rhode Island-based nonprofit organization that provides financial and emotional support to children with cancer and their families. This year’s event took place on Thursday, July 26. As usual, everyone had a good time.

Inside the PawSox clubhouse, the tone that stresses the importance of the “Strike Out Cancer” event was set when manager Kevin Boles hung a notice on the bulletin board. Mandatory attendance was expected, as Boles requested that directions to East Providence Lanes be printed and placed inside each locker.

Minor-league ballplayers aren’t the beneficiaries of too many nights away from the ballyard during the season. Even when there’s a scheduled off day, it could be compromised due to traveling from one city to the next. They’re around each other enough, grinding it on out the field and alternating between bus and plane rides, so that it’s perfectly understandable if everyone wishes to go their separate ways for one night.

“We spend a lot of time together, no doubt about it,” Boles said. “To get away from the ballpark and touch families that are going through a rough patch, that was good.”

These were just some of the positive responses that Tomorrow Fund Board of Directors member Rosemary Huestis picked up on as she traveled from lane to lane. She greeted each player, who was paired up with a Tomorrow Fund patient. Some of the PawSox players enhanced the evening by bringing their families to East Providence Lanes.

“For them to dedicate their time to the kids and our organization shows what great people they truly are,” stated Lisa Abbenante, Executive Director for The Tomorrow Fund.

The excitement displayed by the youngsters whenever their PawSox bowling partner succeeded in knocking down a high number of pins was easy to spot.

“The kids would say, ‘That’s my guy!'” Huestis said. “For our kids to have something like this and have someone come pay attention to them is a big deal.”

“The players and front office staff are happy to be here, but this event is more about the kids,” said Joe Bradlee, PawSox Director of Communications/Community Relations.

The bowling arrangement between the PawSox and The Tomorrow Fund started in 2012. Through the years the two organizations have added additional charitable twists that still stick to the core principle of aiding those in need. For the past few seasons at McCoy Stadium, fans who purchase soft balls before the fifth inning test their aim as a pickup truck takes to the field and circles the warning track. All the proceeds raised from this popular in-game feature – appropriately dubbed “Hurl The Pearl” – go directly to The Tomorrow Fund.

Whether the support is financial or done with the intentions of brightening someone’s day, The Tomorrow Fund knows they have a good thing going when it comes to the organization’s partnership with the PawSox.

“The support the PawSox give us is amazing. They give us a lot of publicity and help make us known,” Huestis said.

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

Nominate a local youth field for a makeover

The Norfolk Tides today announced the return of The Youth Field Makeover Project presented by Orkin, a contest in which a local youth field will be renovated by Tides groundskeepers and front office staff.

This field makeover will include an upgrade to the playing surface, an improvement to existing dugouts, and pest prevention services courtesy of Orkin. The recipient of the makeover will be determined by a fan vote on the Tides Facebook page in September.

“Year in and year out, this is a special project that allows our staff to give back to very deserving members of the Hampton Roads community” said Tides General Manager Joe Gregory. Each time we help renovate a field, we’re just thrilled to be making a difference.”

Those interested in having the Tides make over their facility should submit a picture of their field to John Rogerson at JRogerson@norfolktides.com. Along with the photo, fans are asked to include a brief synopsis of why their league’s field should receive this enhancement. The deadline to submit this information is August 31, with online voting set to take place on the Tides Facebook page (Facebook.com/NorfolkTides) in early September.

Since the inaugural renovation in 2012, the Tides have renovated 11 local fields: Eason’s Crossroads (Gates, NC), 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) and Deer Park Youth Field (Newport News). The Tides are also set to renovate Thalia/Malibu Rec Association in Virginia Beach this fall.

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, and those wishing to make a donation directly to the Youth Baseball Fund can do so via norfolkides.com under the “Harbor Park” section.

For more information about Orkin’s pest control services, visit Orkin.com.

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