Tides to continue youth field renovation project

Members of the Tides organization helped renovate the Gloucester Youth Baseball field in 2016.

The Norfolk Tides today announced the return of 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 and an improvement to existing dugouts, with the recipient of the makeover being determined by a fan vote on the Tides’ Facebook page.

“Our entire organization looks forward to this project each year” said Tides General Manager Joe Gregory. “We’ve been able to extend a helping hand to many outstanding communities, and it’s a great feeling to know that we’ve made a difference in the baseball experience for so many children across Hampton Roads.”

Those interested in having the Tides make over their facility should submit a picture of their field to Heather McKeating at HMckeating@norfolktides.com. Along with the photo, fans are asked to include a brief description of why their league’s field should receive this enhancement. The deadline to submit this information is February 13, with online voting taking place on the Tides’ Facebook page from February 20 to February 24.

2017 is the sixth consecutive year in which the Tides are renovating a local youth field. Over the first five years of the program, the Tides have renovated eight local fields: 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) and Gloucester Youth Baseball (Gloucester).

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 “community” section.

Volunteers from Safelite AutoGlass will join the Tides staff in assisting with the field renovation efforts, which will take place in April.

The Tides will play their first game of 2017 at Harbor Park on Friday, March 31st in an Exhibition Game against the Baltimore Orioles. Norfolk will then open its regular season on Thursday, April 6th with a 7:05 contest at Charlotte before kicking off the home portion of its schedule on Monday, April 10th with a 6:35 game vs. Gwinnett.

Season Tickets, group tickets, picnics and patios are currently available for the 2017 season. For pricing and additional information, visit the Harbor Park box office or call (757) 622-2222.

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

PawSox Charitable Foundation Adopts Family of 6

This holiday season, members of the PawSox front office “adopted” a local family in partnership with the Pawtucket Soup Kitchen. Thanks to donations from front office members, the PawSox were able to purchase gifts for family’s 4 children.

Paws, the team’s mascot, delivered the wrapped gifts to the family on Saturday at the Pawtucket Soup Kitchen’s annual Ernie Marot Memorial Adopt-a-Family Christmas Party. PawSox front office members joined Paws in spreading cheer to underprivileged families in the area.

The Pawtucket Soup Kitchen provides nearly 40,000 meals a year to families in need, many of which the PawSox and our generous players are happy to serve. This year, the PawSox/Skeffington Charitable Foundation proudly sponsored the Soup Kitchen’s Thanksgiving and Christmas meals.

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

Goff Middleschoolers Enjoy 2nd Annual PawSox Holiday Luncheon

Christmas came early for a group of Pawtucket middle schoolers, who enjoyed a Holiday Luncheon, presents, and a VIP Tour of McCoy Stadium today, courtesy of the PawSox. The children–in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade at Lyman B. Goff Middle School–also met mascots Paws and Sox, and engaged in a spirited discussion with PawSox President Dr. Charles Steinberg.

“To paraphrase an ancient saying, ‘From our students, we learn the most of all,'” Steinberg said. “They brought us up to date about the virtues of Snapchat, Instagram, and video games, while we sought to bring them up to date about the virtues of grass and dirt, balls and bats, and sun and sky. It was mutually beneficial.”

“When these students found out they’d be spending a day at McCoy Stadium, they were simply in awe,” said Lisa Bendetti-Ramzi, Principal of Goff Middle School. “For them to be able to go behind the scenes and learn about the history of the Pawtucket Red Sox was truly special.”

The PawSox hosted a Thanksgiving luncheon for elementary school students in November, and followed it up with a Christmastime luncheon for middle school students today.

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

PawSox Complete Commemoration of Veterans Day Today at Warwick Mall

After serving a homemade four-course steak dinner to veterans in the PawSox Clubhouse on the eve of Veterans Day, the PawSox celebrated the national holiday today as well, presenting a check of $3,000 to Operation Stand Down Rhode Island in ceremonies with Governor Raimondo at the Warwick Mall. Also attending the ceremonies were United States Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, and Representative Jim Langevin.

This presentation of funds from the PawSox/Skeffington Charitable Foundation was the latest in a series of club initiatives to help veterans. Last November 13, the PawSox presented their first steak dinner in the clubhouse for veterans. Then, during the season, they unveiled their “In Debt to a Vet” program, in which a veteran took the field between innings during each home game to be honored and to feel the spontaneous standing ovation of gratitude from fans.

“These efforts bring joy to all of us with the PawSox,” said PawSox President Dr. Charles A. Steinberg, who presented the donation today to Operation Stand Down. “All who have generously contributed to the PawSox/Skeffington Charitable Foundation-including the partners who own our club-are seeing their charitable funds benefit deserving members of our community. The passionate people who created Operation Stand Down and the veterans we were honored to meet were so very grateful. We know our gesture is modest, but we love when the community’s baseball team can help improve the lives of those who sacrificed so much for all of us.”

Operation Stand Down’s mission is to get homeless veterans back on their feet, and provide necessary resources 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.

PawSox to Commemorate Veterans Day Holiday with Dinner for Veterans Tonight and Check Presentation Tomorrow

PAWTUCKET, RI — The Pawtucket Red Sox will commemorate the Veterans Day holiday by welcoming veterans to a steak dinner at McCoy Stadium tonight, and by making a contribution from the PawSox/Skeffington Charitable Foundation tomorrow at an event at the Warwick Mall.

For the second straight year, the PawSox this evening are presenting a four-course steak dinner inside the PawSox Clubhouse. The guests also receive a tour of the 75-year-old stadium and gifts from the PawSox. The honorees are residents from the YWCA Gateway to Independence Program for Veterans.

Tomorrow, several PawSox officials will make a donation to an organization that helps veterans secure housing and employment, as well as assistance for basic human needs. The PawSox’ chief liaison to veterans, Mike Lyons, will be joined by PawSox President Dr. Charles Steinberg and Vice-President/Club Counsel Kim Miner, who administers the foundation. The foundation is making a $3,000 contribution to Operation Stand Down of Johnston, Rhode Island.

“These modest gestures allow us to continue to demonstrate our appreciation to those who have served our country,” Steinberg said. “Hosting veterans last year was our first community event after several of us joined the ballclub, and it was inspiring.

“This season, we introduced a ceremony, ‘In Debt to a Vet,’ that allowed our fans to express their appreciation, as veterans stood on the field between innings and experienced a beautiful, nightly, sustained, heart-felt standing ovation.

“Now, in addition to welcoming veterans back for dinner again on the eve of Veterans Day, the PawSox/Skeffington Charitable Foundation is seeking to help our veterans further acclimate to their daily lives in our community. We hope that in our small way, we can improve their lives and increase their happiness.”

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

New PawSox Scholars Program to Provide College Scholarships to Area Middle Schoolers

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Representative Carlos Tobon (State Representative for Pawtucket’s District 58), Mayor James Diossa (Mayor of Central Falls), Ethan Hoke (PawSox Scholar from Central Falls), Dr. Charles Steinberg (PawSox President), Charlisa Kollie (PawSox Scholar from Pawtucket), Mayor Don Grebien (Mayor of Pawtucket), and Representative Jean Philippe Barros (State Representative for Pawtucket’s District 59).

PAWTUCKET, RI – The Pawtucket Red Sox and the PawSox/Skeffington Charitable Foundation today announced the creation of the PawSox Scholars program, in which two middle school students each receive college scholarships of $10,000 from the PawSox/Skeffington Charitable Foundation. The funds will be paid directly to the colleges of their choice for tuition and books upon matriculation.

The children include one from Pawtucket and one from neighboring Central Falls.

Charlisa Kollie, 13, an 8th-grader at Pawtucket’s Samuel Slater Junior High School, and Ethan Hoke, 14, an 8th-grader at Central Falls’ Dr. Earl Calcutt Middle School, were selected from among 196 applications. The two school systems oversaw the administration of the application process.

“The PawSox Scholars program funds the dream of college,” said PawSox President Dr. Charles A. Steinberg, who made the announcement. “We know that children face destructive temptations in adolescent life, and we hope that the PawSox Scholars program is an incentive to stay the straight and narrow in both scholastics and citizenship.”

The Pawtucket and Central Falls school systems invited eighth graders to submit applications, including essays. School administrators narrowed the field, and PawSox officials selected the two winners from among the finalists.

“We all know that children are the heartbeat of our community, and that education is the equalizer,” said Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien. “We are grateful to the PawSox Foundation for providing this opportunity of a college education, and for being such a generous community partner.”

“We are so proud of Charlisa Kollie and all of our Pawtucket students,” said Pawtucket Superintendent Patti DiCenso. “This program can dramatically change the lives of our children. It provides hope-an essential element of a child’s education.”

“All of us in Central Falls owe a debt of gratitude to the PawSox Foundation,” said Central Falls Mayor James Diossa. “This scholarship not only sends a message to Ethan Hoke, it sends a message to all of the children of our community. It says, ‘We believe in you, we support you, and we will do whatever we can to ensure that you acquire a great college education.'”

“Ethan wrote a beautiful essay about his love of Central Falls,” said Central Falls Superintendent Victor Capellan. “At his young age, he demonstrated the wisdom that one good deed begets another. It was touching and inspiring to read his thoughtful words.”

“Only through partnership can an innovative program come to fruition,” Steinberg said. “We thank Mayor Grebien and Mayor Diossa, as well as the School Boards and Superintendents for their extraordinary spirit of cooperation.”

PawSox Chairman Larry Lucchino and Steinberg led the creation of similar programs in San Diego (Padres Scholars) and Boston (Red Sox Scholars). In 2011, the Red Sox Scholars program was Major League Baseball’s first-ever recipient of the Commissioner’s Award for Philanthropic Excellence.

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

PawSox Sending Two Children to The World Series

Brian Vanasse, Jr. and Jack Marsella hold their tickets for the 2016 World Series in Chicago as the PawSox, for the 27th year, are sending two youngsters from the Pawtucket Boys and Girls Club, along with their dads, to the Fall Classic. Dan Rea, PawSox Senior VP and General Manager (far left) and Luke McLaughlin (far right) of the Pawtucket Boys and Girls Club visited with the families at McCoy Stadium before sending them off to Chicago.

Two Rhode Island children, together with their dads, will attend the World Series this weekend, thanks to the PawSox and the PawSox/Skeffington Charitable Foundation. The children were selected from the Pawtucket Boys and Girls Club. The all-expense paid trip continues an annual tradition started 27 years ago.

The children, Jack Marsella, 13, of Providence and Brian Vanasse, Jr., 10, of Pawtucket, will be accompanied by Jack’s father, Paul, and Brian’s father, Brian.

The Rhode Island ambassadors will attend Games 3 and 4 at Chicago’s Wrigley Field. The historic series features the Cubs, who have not won a Fall Classic since 1908, against the Cleveland Indians, who have not won since 1948.

“This tradition reflects not only our love of baseball, but our love of the Pawtucket Boys and Girls Club,” said PawSox Vice-Chairman Mike Tamburro, who has been with the ballclub for 43 years. “Jim Hoyt has run an extraordinary Boys and Girls Club for many years, and we are proud to be a partner.”

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

PawSox Welcome Families and Children to Trick or Treat at McCoy Stadium on Halloween

The Pawtucket Red Sox invite families and children to Trick or Treat on Halloween at McCoy Stadium from 3:30-6:30 p.m. The free event on Monday, October 31, includes candy, the opportunity to meet Paws and Sox, as well as the music and décor of the season.

Families can enter the Main Gate, visit the Halloween version of the PawSox’ Hall of History, and even take pictures at the field on the warning track.

“This gesture is one small way to say ‘Thank-you’ to our neighbors,” said PawSox President Dr. Charles A. Steinberg. “We are pleased to provide a clean, safe, place for children to dress up, meet their favorite mascots, and receive their precious treats-without any tricks. We may even have a prize or two for exceptionally-creative costumes.”

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

Chiefs & Dr. Fitzpatick raise $2,000 for Humane CNY

Chiefs GM Jason Smorol with Dr. Fitzpatrick from Beaver Lake Hospital and Christine McNeeley & Jada from Humane CNY (Jeffrey Irizarry/Syracuse Chiefs)

The Syracuse Chiefs are proud to announce that Dr. Sandra Fitzpatrick owner of Beaver Lake Animal Hospital has donated $2,000.00 to Humane CNY as a part of an annual sponsorship promotion. Dr. Sandra Fitzpatrick presented the check to Humane CNY today at the NBT Bank Stadium, the home of the Syracuse Chiefs.

Each season Dr. Sandra Fitzpatrick of Beaver Lake Animal Hospital partners with the Chiefs to help raise awareness for the overpopulation of pets. Every time a Chiefs’ relief pitcher strikes out an opposing batter at NBT Bank Stadium, a $10.00 donation is made to Humane CNY. Since 2008, Dr. Sandra Fitzpatrick has personally donated over $18,000 through this promotion.

Humane CNY is a nonprofit no-kill shelter in Syracuse. Humane CNY is a no-kill, not-for-profit animal shelter, with a mission to find loving homes for the animals who need them.

“On behalf of the Syracuse Chiefs we would like to thank Dr. Fitzpatrick for once again partnering with the Chiefs to raise funds for such a fantastic organization,” Jason Smorol, Syracuse Chiefs General Manager.

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

PawSox Win 2016 Community Involvement Award from Providence Business News

The Providence Business News has awarded their 2016 Community Involvement Award to the Pawtucket Red Sox in an announcement made this past Friday, October 14. The PawSox are one of 12 companies being recognized for business excellence. The award ceremony will take place on Thursday, November 17, at the Providence Marriott.

“The Pawtucket Red Sox have been an engaged member of the community throughout their history,” said Mark S. Murphy, Editor of the Providence Business News. “Their community track record has been especially strong since the 1999 establishment of the ballclub’s charity program, through which the team has donated more than $1 million to organizations serving the underprivileged throughout New England.”

The award marks the second major community recognition that the club has received in the past three years. In 2014, the PawSox received the John Henry Moss Community Service Award presented by Minor League Baseball for outstanding, on-going commitment to charitable service, along with exemplary leadership within its local community.

“To receive this award is an honor,” said PawSox President, Dr. Charles Steinberg. “To serve this community is a privilege.

All of us who love working with the PawSoAnchorx recognize the role that baseball can play in our community. We look forward to doing even more for the people of Pawtucket and the people of Rhode Island.”

With over 120 community appearances made to date in 2016, the PawSox are on pace to triple the number of mascot and player appearances the team made in 2015 to Rhode Island and surrounding Massachusetts communities.

The PawSox have also unveiled successful new community oriented promotions at the ballpark in 2016, such as “My Hero Mondays,” where fans nominated community heroes to be recognized on the field prior to every Monday home game. The club’s new “In Debt to a Vet” in-game program allowed our region’s servicemen and women to be honored and thanked for their service to our country at every PawSox home game.

The support for our nation’s heroes continued at the PawSox Annual 5K Walk & Run in September, where over $6,000 was raised for veteran and military support groups.

Also in the month of September, PawSox players and coaches provided hands-on instruction to over 200 children with various physical and mental disabilities at the Annual Challenger Clinic— led by PawSox manager Kevin Boles.

On the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, members of the PawSox community set a club record by donating 71 units of blood for the Rhode Island Blood Center in a revamped drive at McCoy Stadium, generating several times the amount of blood units collected at previous McCoy blood drives.

“The team’s recognition of its unique role in the community, and its determination to use that role to improve that community, is a worthy example for all companies,” Murphy explained. “It makes the PawSox the well-deserved honoree for community involvement in the 2016 PBN Business Excellence Awards Program.”

As playoff baseball continues during the month of October, the PawSox are looking forward to continuing some of their cornerstone community traditions, such as the all-expenses-paid World Series trip to two lucky families from the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket.

Last off-season, the PawSox introduced an additional slate of community events and activities at the ballpark, including a Veterans Day Dinner, luncheons around the holidays for local school children, a holiday caravan with PawSox players and Front Office members, a Black History Month celebration with local youth groups in the PawSox clubhouse, and Valentine’s Day rose deliveries to senior centers in the area. These are all programs that the PawSox are excited to continue this off-season, along with soon announcing a major new educational initiative geared towards local students.

Those who are interested in joining the PawSox on November 17 to accept this special community honor can visit www.pbn.com, where individual tickets to the PBN Business Excellence Awards can be purchased.

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

PawSox Fans Donate Record 71 Pints in Inaugural 9/11 Blood Drive

On the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, members of the PawSox community set a club record by donating 71 units of blood for the Rhode Island Blood Center at McCoy Stadium. PawSox blood drives in past years garnered less than a dozen units. Yesterday’s Day of Remembrance Blood Drive was the first on this date in PawSox history.

In previous years, a blood mobile visited McCoy Stadium before a game. An average of five-to-seven fans participated. Yesterday’s total, more than 10 times more, far exceeded the expectations of the Rhode Island Blood Center.

“To see a sports franchise so committed to the well-being of its community is a real source of pride for Rhode Island,” said Eric St. Peter, Account Manager/Public Relations Coordinator at the Rhode Island Blood Center. “We should be proud to have such a great club with such great fans who understand the importance of life-saving blood donations here in our state.”

“We are pleased that the PawSox could play such a meaningful role on such a special day of remembrance,” said PawSox President Dr. Charles A. Steinberg, who was instrumental in the creation of the Boston Red Sox’ Annual Blood Drive that has taken place at Fenway Park each September 11 since 2002. “This inspiring show of support is a tribute to the people of Pawtucket, who demonstrated their heart in record numbers.”

The PawSox and the Rhode Island Blood Center intend to hold their Second Annual Day of Remembrance Blood Drive on September 11, 2017.

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

Louisville Slugger Field to host Miracle League Kick-Off Event

Rendering of the future Miracle League of Louisville field located in Fern Creek

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Miracle League and the Louisville Bats organization have partnered together for a special event at Louisville Slugger Field. This event is for all to meet and greet current Louisville Bat Jermaine Curtis and learn more about the Miracle League. Curtis will be meeting and signing autographs at the FREE Miracle League kick-off event at Louisville Slugger Field from 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 11.

The Miracle League is a baseball complex for children with physical, cognitive and/or emotional disabilities to play in an organized baseball league. The event will have raffle drawings along with a free hat giveaway to all veterans and first responders as the Miracle League will recognize their service on September 11.

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

PawSox to Host “Night Nation Run” 5k Music Festival Saturday Evening, September 24, to Support Stand Up to Cancer

McCoy Stadium will play host to its first “Night Nation Run” on Saturday, September 24, a 5K Music Festival. The innovative run is a pioneer among running music festivals, which combine exercise with live music and lights. The event supports Stand Up to Cancer.

Gates open Saturday at 4:30 pm, with the first DJ performance at 6 pm, and the first wave of runners at 7 pm.

Throughout the illuminated racecourse, participants will experience on-course DJ performances, interactive light shows, selfie stations, and glow gear giveaways. After the race, which takes place at the stadium and adjacent Pariseau Field, participants can enjoy a post-party in center field with a headliner DJ to be named later, as well as celebrity guests.

“We are pleased to help play host to this innovative event that blends running with electronic dance music,” said PawSox President Dr. Charles A. Steinberg. “We salute its creators for creating a community event that supports the wonderful work being performed by our friends at Stand Up to Cancer.”

The Night Nation Run Pick-Up Party takes place the previous day, Friday, September 23, from 4-8 pm, when participants can pick up their race information and gear.

An “Early Bird” registration fee of $29 is in effect until 11:59 p.m. tonight. Thereafter, the full fee is $60. For more information, including ticket purchases, visit www.nightnationrun.com.

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

Help us recognize area Rising Star Student on 9/4

Join us at Fifth Third Field on Sunday, September 4 as the Hens, Esurance and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Ohio recognize Kendall Smith, one of the 14 Esurance Rising Star Students Program winners, during a pregame ceremony.

About the Rising Star Students Program

The Rising Star Students Program aims to recognize individuals who were ‘Rising Stars’ in his or her community. To be eligible, the nominees had to be classified as “Bigs” or “Littles” in the Big Brothers Big Sister Program. Nominations for the Rising Star Students program were made in July and August by BBBS agencies.

About Kendall

Kendall is a notable area student who enrolled as a “Little” in the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Ohio to help with the challenges of adolescence. During her time at The Toledo School for the Arts, she learned to play 11 instruments and performed well academically.

She is currently studying music at Capital University and aspires to play in international orchestra and teach music as a professor. Smith will be presented with a $5,000 check from Esurance for college expenses.

Help us celebrate all of her accomplishments!

Tickets

GAME TICKET ($12) – BUY TICKETS

What you get:

  • September 4 Mud Hens game ticket

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

Wings’ jersey’s journey to Afghanistan

Rochester, N.Y. to Afghanistan — 6,673 miles.

That’s the distance between Rochester and Afghanistan. That distance would take you from New York to L.A. and back to Des Moines, Iowa.

Jose Berrios has memorabilia that resides there, but he doesn’t know it.

On the Fourth of July a season-high 11,574 spectators filed into Frontier Field as the Wings dropped a 5-2 decision to Buffalo. That night Rochester donned patriotic threads that were silent auctioned following the game to benefit the Veteran’s Outreach Center in Rochester.

Gracious fans raised $3,380 on Independence Day to lay claim to the unique game worn Wings artifacts. Many of the jerseys can be seen worn by fans around the park while others have them framed in their homes.

Jose Berrios’ jersey won’t be seen by anybody for quite some time because his is currently 6,673 miles away in Afghanistan.

Danny Cashman has been in the military since 2005 where he joined as a military police officer and was sent to Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri for one station unit training. Later that year he was sent to Fort Benning in Georgia where he participated in jump school as a paratrooper in the 82nd airborne. He was then stationed in Fayetteville, North Carolina before being stationed in Afghanistan for 15 months from 2007-08.

There is not a lot to do in down time while overseas. One day Cashman was sent a baseball and he went out in the field with the guys and played with it. Soldiers were sent soccer balls and they played with those. Practically anything over there could be used to goof off and have a good time.

Now, Cashman sends whatever he can get his hands on overseas. Upon his return in 2008 he has been collecting game-used baseballs, bats, and a game-used base from a Red Wings game that hangs in the dining hall of his former base. He’s also sent over basic supplies like socks and T-shirts because at the end of the day he knows anything is appreciated.

“The baseball stuff (we received) was a surprise and it was like ‘Hey this is awesome!’ Stuff like that sent to any solider packages would be utilized and it was nice. Unless you have a family member or friends sending you things it can be tough and you don’t know what you are going to get. Being able to keep their morale up is huge.”

Jose’s jersey was sent over to a good friend of Cashman not only because of the patriotic colors of the jersey, but also because of the number.

The duo both thoroughly enjoy the movie The Replacements and quarterback Shane Falco sports #16 in the film so the number has stuck for the two men.

So while the $3,380 is going to help war veterans in Rochester, the jerseys themselves are having an impact themselves over 6,000 miles away.

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