PawSox Wives Food Drive – Tuesday, June 20

Fans, the PawSox Wives will be at McCoy Stadium on Tuesday Night June 20th  game collecting your donations of Peanut Butter and Tuna to support the Citizens Bank Strike Out Hunger Campaign to benefit the RI Food Bank. Be sure to stop by the PawSox Wives table at the Main Entrance on June 20th and donate a jar of Peanut Butter or can of Tuna….Anyone donating 5 jars of Peanut Butter or cans of Tuna, will receive an autograph photo of a PawSox Player. That’s the PawSox Wives Food Drive on Tuesday June 20th when the PawSox meet Lehigh Valley at 7:05pm…. The PawSox and Citizens Bank thank you for your support of the RI Food Bank.

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

Save lives: Mud Hens Blood Drive is Wednesday, 7/5

Did you know every 2 seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood, and that one pint of blood can save up to 3 lives? To help meet demand for donations and to raise awareness about the need for new donors, the annual Mud Hens Blood Drive will be held on Wednesday, July 5, from 2-7 p.m.

The blood drive will be held inside the Top of Nine banquet area (see on map) located on the fourth floor at 406 Washington St. adjacent to Fifth Third Field.

  • All donors will receive a ticket voucher for a future Toledo Mud Hens game!
  • Meet the mascots!
  • All donors will be entered into a drawing to win some cool Mud Hens items!

To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-REDCROSS or visit www.redcrossblood.org and enter the sponsor code: MUDHENS.

Fans attending games on June 14 and 30 will also be able to schedule an appointment at the Red Cross table on the main concourse.

The American Red Cross Western Lake Erie Region serves 11 counties and needs to collect about 300 units of blood every day to meet patient need in 23 hospitals.

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

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Tame your mane: Great Clips Charity Cuts 6/8

Are split ends throwing you a curve? On Thursday, June 8, the Great Clips Charity Cuts event aims to help you tame that mane while enjoying great baseball action at Fifth Third Field!

Great Clips stylists will be providing free haircuts on the Main Concourse during the game, with donations being accepted to benefit Children’s Miracle Network.

GAME TICKET ($12) – BUY TICKETS

What you get:

  • June 8 Mud Hens game ticket

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

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Cast a spell at Harry Potter 20th Anniversary Night

Calling all wizards and muggles! Fifth Third Field magically turns into Diagon Alley on Friday, July 14 as the Toledo Mud Hens celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Harry Potter series. The fun will leave you completely spellbound!

Mud Hens players and coaches will wear “Wizard Games” theme night jerseys which will be sold at a silent auction during the game. Look for the auction tables on the main concourse. Bids will be accepted through the end of the sixth inning. Proceeds benefit Family House and Helping Hens fund.

Tweet from @MudHens: We solemnly swear that we are up to no good. Harry Potter 20th Anniversary ‘Wizard Jerseys’: Friday, 7/14. ��� pic.twitter.com/D5cW3C4sXf

Accio, jersey! Good news, you can now pre-order your very own ‘Wizard Games’ jersey. Jerseys will ship late-July/early-August once they arrive in our warehouse. This is the only way to guarantee getting a jersey for yourself or any fan in your life. Quantities are extremely limited to head on over to the online Swamp Shop to pre-order yours today!

Join us for the pregame Wizard Party prior to the Friday, July 14 game! No muggles are allowed in this muggle-themed party that will include a magical buffet, Quidditch activities in Hensville Park, a costume contest, Harry Potter trivia, and a magic show! Tickets are $40 for adults and $35 for kids, which includes your Mud Hens game ticket and all of the activities. Wands will also be available for purchase at the party.

BUFFET MENU:

  • Dragon Fire Roasted Chicken Breast
  • Basilisk Burgers
  • Gillyweed Salad
  • Ron’s Red Head Potatoes
  • Golden Snitchos
  • Chocolate Frog Chip Cookies
  • Polyjuice Potion Punch
  • Luna’s Lemonade & Gillywater

Look for our very own Platform 9 ¾ on the main concourse for a unique photo opportunity for Mud Hens fans: don’t forget your wand, cape and broomstick!

GAME TICKET ($15) – BUY TICKETS

What you get:

  • July 14 Mud Hens game ticket
  • Postgame fireworks

Planning on entering our wizarding world? Let us know by clicking here!

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

Tides join WWI Centennial Commission to remember veterans

To mark the 100th Anniversary of America’s joining World War I, the Norfolk Tides will join with the US World War One Centennial Commission and teams across the International League to honor the veterans of World War I on Sunday, June 4th during that day’s 1:05 game against the Rochester Red Wings.

The June 4th game will feature a WW1-themed giveaways, local history presentations and representation from area veteran groups.

“The military is such an integral part of the Hampton Roads area, so any time we get a chance to commemorate those who serve and protect our freedom we’re honored to do so” said Tides General Manager Joe Gregory.

The U.S. World War I Centennial Commission is a Congressional Commission, created to provide public outreach, education programs, and commemorative events for America’s involvement in World War I. Congress also authorized the Commission to create the new National World War I Memorial in Washington DC.

The WW1CC is also active on the state level, working with the WW1 Commission of Virginia along with veteran leaders, elected officials, historians and youth groups in honoring the veterans of WW1.

The WW1CC’s Executive Director, Dan Dayton, is thrilled by the partnership with the International League teams. “This is a great opportunity for the World War I Centennial Commission, to partner with the people of the league, the teams, and with the fans, to remember these American veterans, and what they did for us all”.

Randy Mobley, President of the International League agreed: “The story of baseball has roots in World War I, and the story of World War I has close ties with baseball. One hundred years ago, hundreds of professional and semi-professional players put their baseball careers on hold in order to serve overseas in the war, including Ty Cobb, Christy Mathewson, and Eddie Grant. The International League is proud to partner with the WW1CC on this important commemoration and it is fitting that baseball be part of our national tribute to those who served in WW1.”

More information on the World War I Centennial Commission can be found here: ww1cc.org. 

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

Wings of Hope event set for Aug. 13

Rochester Community Baseball, the Rochester Red Wings, Sharing Kindness, Inc., and Villa of Hope held a press conference to announce a new initiative, “Wings of Hope” to raise awareness of suicide risk factors, suicide prevention and community resources for treatment. A special day at the ballpark has been scheduled for Sunday, August 13.

Dan Mason, General Manager of the Rochester Red Wings and Villa of Hope President and CEO, Christina Gullo was joined on May 24 by Red Wings players Jason Wheeler, John Ryan Murphy, D.J. Baxendale, ByungHo Park, Trevor Hildenberger, and Alan Busenitz. Wheeler spoke on behalf of his teammates and shared his experience demonstrating the importance of this partnership.

Jason Wheeler and his family know the effect suicide has on a family, “Mental illness and suicide have personally affected me and my family. We lost my 16 year-old brother-in-law Jeremy, almost eight months ago. Since this tragedy, we have been astonished at not only how common mental illness and suicide are, but also how unable we are as a society to speak about them because of the strong stigma associated with these issues. As a family, we are working towards eliminating stigma surrounding suicide, and changing the perception in our communities that mental illness is different from any other illness. We feel very fortunate to be partnering with the Red Wings and Villa of Hope to help raise mental health awareness, improve education, and start an ongoing conversation about suicide, both in the Rochester community and nationwide.”

Dan Mason, General Manager of the Rochester Red Wings shares, “We are fortunate to have great players on our team but even more fortunate that these young men are outstanding citizens who want to make a difference in the lives of other people. It is atypical for a minor league baseball player to sponsor a promotion for his team and we are thrilled that Jason is partnering with us and our friends at the Villa of Hope to help raise awareness and funds for suicide prevention and mental health. This is a very personal matter for he and his family and everyone at Rochester Community Baseball applauds and supports him for using his status as a professional baseball player to raise awareness and funding for such an important topic in our society today. ”

Five months ago, Villa of Hope moved into its new, larger Behavioral Health (Mental Health and Chemical Dependency) Outpatient Clinic at Water Tower Park in response to the rapidly growing need in the Rochester area. Christina Gullo, President and CEO of Villa of Hope states, “Twelve percent of children under the age of 18 have considered suicide in the past year and seven percent attempted it. S uicide is the second leading cause of death for young people ages 15 to 24. As a community we need to have the resources for parents and kids to find help before these become life-altering or life-threatening events.”

Special Red Wings jerseys, hats, socks and Minnesota Twins collectibles will be available for auction at the Sunday, August 13th game at 1:35 p.m. All proceeds of the auction will benefit Villa of Hope and Sharing Kindness, Inc. That game is a designated “Kids Club Day” and will include sports entertainer “BirdZerk!” and a chance for kids to run the bases with Spikes and Mittsy after the game.

About Sharing Kindess

Sharing Kindness is a newly-formed non-profit, started by the Walters family after the death by suicide of their 16 year old son Jeremy, in October of 2016. It is dedicated to overcoming the stigma surrounding mental illness, depression and suicide. Sharing Kindness is about having the courage and compassion to start and sustain the conversation in our communities about these issues that have traditionally been so difficult to talk about. We are currently developing and helping fund various awareness and education programs in the lower and outer towns of Cape Cod, MA, an area plagued with higher than average rates of suicide, with special focus on our schools.

About Villa of Hope

Through a network of high quality programs and services, Villa of Hope specializes in helping at-risk youth overcome emotional and behavioral challenges and build lifelong strengths. The Villa’s community-based, residential and educational programs address mental health needs, trauma-informed care, life-skills development, and chemical dependency. Founded in 1942, today Villa of Hope serves more than 3,000 young people and their families annually.

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

Registration Open: Run Jimmy Run Charity 5K

A race that was born in the ballpark Jimmy built!

Sunday, July 16 is the 5th annual “Run Jimmy Run Charity 5K” at Coca-Cola Field, remembering Buffalo Baseball Hall of Famer Jimmy Griffin and raising important funds for the Alzheimer’s Association of WNY.

This unique race course highlights some of the beautiful sites in our city and ends in our downtown baseball park with a family oriented post-race lunch, party and ball game. The purpose of this race is to celebrate the life and accomplishments and charitable spirit of Mayor Jim Griffin through a fitness-oriented event designed for all ages.

CLICK HERE to register today!

SPECIAL EARLY REGISTRATION RAFFLE -If you register by June 16, you’ll be eligible to win the chance to throw out a ceremonial first pitch at a Bisons game (subject to availability) in the very ballpark that Mayor Griffin fought so hard to construct. The special early-registration raffle will also include four tickets to a Bisons game with four hot dogs, four Coca-Cola soft drinks and four Bisons caps.

If you register before the day of the race, it’s only $35 per person! ($40 day of registration). Registration includes a ticket to the Bisons game that day at 1:05 p.m. against the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, a commemorative t-shirt, a chip-timed bib, and a post-race party that will serve lunch, beer and pop.

All proceeds from the Run Jimmy Run go to the Alzheimer’s Association of WNY www.alz.org/wny and stay in Buffalo and Western New York. Here in WNY the Alzheimer’s Association is committed to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. The Run Jimmy Run is committed to provide funds to the ALZ of WNY for support of patient programs here in our community.Jimmy Griffin was the Mayor of Buffalo who passionately supported the Bisons franchise. He was instrumental in bringing professional baseball back to the Queen city in 1979 and was heavily involved in the construction of Coca-Cola Field in downtown Buffalo.

For more information, please visit RunJimmyRunCharity5K.com

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

Bulls, Miracle League Bring New Field to Durham

The Miracle League of the Triangle, in association with the Durham Bulls and Capitol Broadcasting Company, are expanding their services to Downtown Durham. A new Miracle League facility has plans to open in 2018 at 461 Morehead Ave., across the street from Durham Bulls Athletic Park. As part of the partnership, the Durham Bulls and Capitol Broadcasting are kicking off the fundraising with a $400,000 matching grant.

“The Miracle League is an incredibly important, impactful organization that brings the joy of baseball to so many,” Durham Bulls General Manager Mike Birling said. “We are honored to continue our partnership with The Miracle League, and to bring a facility to the doorstep of Durham Bulls Athletic Park. We look forward to doing all we can to help this tremendous program continue to grow in the Triangle.”

The Miracle League program and field are specifically designed to serve children and adults with special needs through the game of baseball. The program removes the barriers that keep children and adults with mental and physical disabilities off the baseball field, and lets them experience the joy of America’s favorite pastime. Since the main barriers for these players arise from natural grass fields, Miracle League teams play on a custom-designed, rubberized turf field that accommodates wheelchairs and other assertive devices.

Upon completion, the new facility in Durham will be the third location for The Miracle League of the Triangle, joining locations in Cary and North Raleigh. Construction is scheduled to begin on the site in late 2017.

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

‘Namastadium’ yoga event returns on July 8

Namaste, Bisons fans!

Grab your yoga mats and join us on Saturday, July 8 at Coca-Cola Field for Namastadium 3. This annual event is a fun-filled day where fans of all ages can come out and practice their yoga poses in the outfield at Coca-Cola Field.

Doors open at 11 a.m. The yoga class, led by instructors from Power Yoga Buffalo, runs from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 a.m. The relaxation continues after class with light food and drinks available from 12:45 p.m. to 2 p.m.

The cost for adults is $35, which includes a ticket for the yoga and one Buffalo Bisons flex ticket (which can be redeemed for a ticket to any Bisons home game excluding special events). Proceeds benefit Women & Children’s Hospital of Buffalo and Yogis in Service. Children 12 years old and younger are FREE to attend the kid’s portion, run by Yogis in Service. Advance registration is required for children.

CLICK HERE to purchase tickets. You can also purchase tickets at Power Yoga Buffalo, lululemon Buffalo, or by contacting Beth Potozniak at (716) 846-2040 or bpotozniak@bisons.com.

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

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The RailRiders Join WWI Centennial Commission to Remember WWI Veterans

WASHINGTON, DC: To mark the 100th Anniversary of America’s joining World War I, the SWB RailRiders (Triple-A/ New York Yankees) will join with the US World War One Centennial Commission and teams across the International League to honor the veterans of World War I on Armed Forces Day, May 20.

The RailRiders will feature a WW1-themed game with special giveaways, local history presentations and representation from area veteran groups.

“Having the opportunity to honor and commemorate our WWI soldiers on Armed Forces Day in conjunction with the WW1CC is an honor,” RailRiders President/COO Josh Olerud said.

The U.S. World War I Centennial Commission is a Congressional Commission, created to provide public outreach, education programs, and commemorative events for America’s involvement in World War I. Congress also authorized the Commission to create the new National World War I Memorial in Washington DC.

The WW1CC is also active on the state level, working with the WW1 Commission of Pennsylvania along with veteran leaders, elected officials, historians and youth groups in honoring the veterans of WW1.

The WW1CC’s Executive Director, Dan Dayton, is thrilled by the partnership with the International League teams. “This is a great opportunity for the World War I Centennial Commission, to partner with the people of the league, the teams, and with the fans, to remember these American veterans, and what they did for us all“.

Randy Mobley, President of the International League agreed, “The story of baseball has roots in World War I, and the story of World War I has close ties with baseball. One hundred years ago, hundreds of professional and semi-professional players put their baseball careers on hold in order to serve overseas in the war, including Ty Cobb, Christy Mathewson, and Eddie Grant. The International League is proud to partner with the WW1CC on this important commemoration and it is fitting that baseball be part of our national tribute to those who served in WW1.“

More information on the World War I Centennial Commission; ww1cc.org

International League www.milb.com

Scranton/ Wilkes-Barre RailRiders www.swbrailriders.com

Beginning May 20, the RailRiders are offering a $2 walk-up discount on available lower level tickets for active and retired members of the military. A valid military ID is required at the time of purchase. The offer is day-of-game only, for all lower level seating locations, based on availability. For tickets or more information, please call 570-969-BALL (2255) or visit www.swbrailriders.com.

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

Strike out hunger with a Food Drive, May 5-7

Did you know an estimated 42 million people in America (one in eight) struggle with hunger? To help raise awareness and inspire action, Fifth Third Bank and the Toledo Mud Hens are teaming up to collect food during the May 5-7 homestand at Fifth Third Field in support of the SeaGate Food Bank of Northwest Ohio.

Fans attending the Mud Hens home games between Friday, May 5 and Sunday, May 7 are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to the ballpark to help Fifth Third reach their goal of donating 1 million meals to the communities it serves in the month of May. Boxes will be readily available at all entrances.

Fifth Third chose the food drive as this year’s bank-wide service project in honor of Fifth Third Day which occurs annually on May 3.

The mission of SeaGate Food Bank is to enhance quality of life in NW Ohio by relentlessly working to eliminate hunger and improve nutrition. Every month, the food bank distributes food to more than 400 food pantries, soup kitchens and programs feeding the hungry in the Toledo region.

Friday, May 5 Toledo vs. Louisville at 7:05 p.m.

GAME TICKET ($12) – BUY TICKETS

What you get:

  •        May 5 Mud Hens game ticket

Saturday, May 6 Toledo vs. Louisville at 7:05 p.m.

GAME TICKET ($12) – BUY TICKETS

What you get:

  •        May 6 Mud Hens game ticket

Sunday, May 7 Toledo vs. Louisville at 2:05 p.m.

GAME TICKET ($12) – BUY TICKETS

What you get:

  •        May 7 Mud Hens game ticket

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

Bryant University’s Project Playhouse

The Bryant University Management Association and Wish Kids hosted the 2nd annual Project Playhouse event at Bryant University on Wednesday. Five seriously ill children arrived on campus to be surprised with their very own dream playhouses.

Themes for the playhouses included a surf shack, country store, Lego themed playhouse, Irish cottage, and a PawSox playhouse that will be given away by PawSox mascot, Paws.

The children who received the playhouses are from Burrillville, Warwick, Jamestown, Chepachet, and Newport.

Project Playhouse was created by Bryant University sophomore management students in September 2015, and has the mission of providing dream playhouses to seriously ill children.

PawSox Front Office members were excited support these children and team up with Bryant University on this worthy initiative.

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

PawSox Launch “Academic All-Stars Program”

The Pawtucket Red Sox today announced the creation of their “Academic All-Stars” Program, a statewide initiative to recognize middle school students throughout Rhode Island who are demonstrating academic promise and noteworthy citizenship.

The honorees will be the guests of the PawSox at various 2017 home games, with tickets for themselves, their families, and influential teachers selected by the students. The children will also receive gift certificates from the PawSox and several of their corporate partners.

“We sent letters to the superintendents of schools throughout the state, seeking their partnership,” said PawSox President Dr. Charles A. Steinberg. “We know that the educators know the students best, and we would like them to each select a child for whom a pat on the back or a day in the sun might make a difference.

“We have received wise counsel from several teachers who urged us to not underestimate the value of recognition and reward for choosing the right path. Such small gestures are not small to the children or to their families.”

The PawSox will work with educators in each town to coordinate the selection process, and to choose a date for the children to be honored.

The program is a complement to the PawSox Foundation’s “PawSox Scholars” Program, launched November 4, 2016, in which two local children-one from Pawtucket and one from Central Falls–each receive a $10,000 college scholarship. Charlisa Kollie, an 8th-grader at Pawtucket’s Slater Junior High, presented the Ceremonial First Pitch on Opening Day, April 10. Ethan Hoke, an 8th-grader at Calcutt Middle School in Central Falls, will be honored during the season.

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

McCoy Charity Softball Game Returns June 4

The LeSean McCoy Foundation and Rochester Red Wings have announced the fourth annual LeSean McCoy Charity Softball Game will be held at Frontier Field on Sunday, June 4 with festivities beginning at 2 p.m.

McCoy and his Buffalo Bills teammates will take on a team of local heroes comprised of police, firefighters and emergency medical technicians. Former NFL players who have participated in this event in the past include Cam Newton, Victor Cruz, DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, Brian Westbrook, Thurman Thomas, Sammy Watkins, Chris Hogan and Tyrod Taylor.

Gates will open at 1 p.m. The Home Run Derby begins at 2 p.m. with the game starting at approximately 3 p.m.

Tickets will go on sale Friday, April 28 at 9:00 a.m. at Frontier Field Ticket Office, online at RedWingsBaseball.com or by calling (585) 423-WING. Tickets are $25 for platinum box, $20 for premium box, $15 for upper box and $10 for reserved. Red Wings Season Seat Holders will have until Thursday, April 27 at 5:00 p.m. to claim their seat location. On Friday, April 28, those seats will be released for sale to the general public.

A limited number of suites will be available for this event. A 16-person suite including food and non-alcoholic beverages will be $750. Fans purchasing these suites can buy additional tickets (up to four) at $25 each. A 10-person suite with the same amenities is $600 and additional tickets (up to two) can be purchased for $25 each.

This year’s softball game will feature live autograph signings, a silent auction and several raffles.

Proceeds from the event will be directed to the LeSean McCoy Foundation to provide educational and resource programs to disadvantaged youth and to raise awareness and funds directly benefitting individuals and families battling Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. LeSean’s grandmother, Maryann Branch, lost her battle with ALS.

Tickets to this charity event are considered a non-refundable donation the LeSean McCoy Foundation. No refunds will be issued due to inclement weather if the event cannot take place.

Media wishing to cover the event must contact Theresa Jones of the LeSean McCoy Foundation at theresa.t1@gmail.com.

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

Go Bowling with the PawSox on June 7th

The Pawtucket Red Sox are very excited to announce we will once again be hosting a BOWLING EVENT to raise money for the TOMORROW FUND…the PAWSOX STRIKE OUT CANCER event will be held on Wednesday, June 7, 2017 from 6:00pm – 9:00pm at EAST PROVIDENCE LANES on 80 Newport Avenue, East Providence, RI 02916.

For only $25.00 per person you receive, bowling shoes, food, and a chance to bowl with some PawSox Players!! Our live and silent auctions also provide great opportunities to win special Red Sox and PawSox memorabilia, along with other unique prizes.

The net proceeds will benefit THE TOMORROW FUND…the only local nonprofit organization that provides financial and emotional support to children with cancer and their families. So if you would like to bowl and have some fun, then please mail a check, made payable to the PawSox Foundation, and indicate how many people will be bowling and their names!

Please send your donation to:

Pawtucket Red Sox Baseball Club

McCoy Stadium, P.O. Box 2365

Pawtucket, RI 02861.

We look forward to seeing you and to bowling a STRIKE AGAINST CANCER!!

CLICK HERE TO PRINT SIGN-UP FORM

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