International League

BB&T Ballpark Awarded Prestigious LEED ® Green Building Certification

September 4, 2014

CharlotteKnights_2014-09-04 — LEED, or Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design, is a green building certification program that recognizes best-in-class building strategies and practices.

The Charlotte Knights announced that BB&T Ballpark has been awarded LEED ® (level of certification). LEED, or Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design, is a green building certification program that recognizes best-in-class building strategies and practices.

“The Knights organization was committed to the LEED certification of the ballpark,” said Gau Gupte, Odell. “The entire team, including the architects, contractors and engineers, focused the goal of being LEED certified from day one. This included energy efficient systems, high performance building envelope design and green material choices and construction processes.”

The LEED rating system, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), is the foremost program for buildings, homes, and communities that are designed, constructed, maintained and operated for improved environmental and human health performance. More than 58,000 commercial and institutional projects are currently participating in LEED, comprising more than 10.7 billion square feet of construction space in all 50 states and more than 140 countries.

BB&T Ballpark achieved LEED certification for implementing practical and measurable strategies and solutions aimed at achieving high performance in: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.

“The green building movement offers an unprecedented opportunity to respond to the most-important challenges of our time, including global climate change, dependence on non-sustainable and expensive sources of energy and threats to human health,” said Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chair, USGBC. “The work of innovative building projects such as BB&T Ballpark is a fundamental driving force in the green building movement.”

The 2014 inaugural season at BB&T Ballpark was a record-breaking one for the Knights, who led all of Minor League Baseball in attendance with 687,715 fans in 71 games. With 31 sell-out crowds, and an average of 9,686 fans per game, BB&T Ballpark was the most visited ballpark in the country in just its first season.

In anticipation of more interest in the Knights Uptown, Charlotte Knights ownership authorized the creation of a new 501 (c) (3) organization named Knights Charities. The first initiative involved a commemorative brick program installed in phases at BB&T Ballpark’s main gate. Fans responded by investing in hundreds of bricks that netted more than $75,000 to the coffers of Knights Charities.

Knights Charities has already made an impact in the Charlotte community. With help of corporate sponsors, the team has generated more than $70,000. Annual events such as Pink Knights, the Charlotte Knights Golf Classic, and others resulted in more than $35,000. Knights players contributed to the cause with funds raised for runs scored, double plays, and triples.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Charlotte Knights. Click here to view the original story.

Gwinnett Braves Announce July Grant Recipient

August 22, 2014

HOOAH, Inc. receives $1,000 “Red, White and Blue” themed grant

The Gwinnett Braves have announced the recipient of their $1,000 grant for the month of July. HOOAH, Inc. has been awarded July’s “Red, White and Blue” themed grant, aimed at assisting organizations that support military and military families.

HOOAH, Inc. began with a group of friends trying to do something for servicemen and women around the world. On May 18, 2011, the chapter became an official non-profit organization in the state of Minnesota. The organization is not bound to one geographical area, as its outreach is worldwide.

The goal of HOOAH, Inc. is to lend support to deployed special operations servicemen and women. The Georgia chapter of HOOAH will use the grant to fund youth sports scholarships for children who have one or more parents that are currently deployed. The scholarships help those families cover the cost of program fees and uniforms for their youth athletes.

“We are honored that the Gwinnett Braves have selected our organization to be the recipient of this charitable donation,” said Bill Winans, Vice President of the National Board of Directors for HOOAH, Inc. “HOOAH is dedicated to increasing the quality of life of service members and their families through the various services we can provide to them. This donation is designated to provide funds to a youth sports related team whose youth member(s) is currently experiencing or has been affected through the sacrifice of a deployed parent. We thank you for trusting us with the charge of making that appropriation through our affiliation within the military community. The $1,000 grant will go a long way towards making participation a reality, or perhaps by providing first rate sponsorship shirts and ball caps for the chosen team(s).”

About HOOAH, Inc.: The organization has been around for over three years and is based in Elk River, Minnesota. There are five supporting chapters, located in Minnesota, Georgia, Colorado, Kansas and Wisconsin. The vision of the organization is to give volunteers and the public an opportunity to help our servicemen and women with customized support and services.

For more information on the Gwinnett Braves Grant Program, including details on how your organization can apply, call Community Relations Trainee Alison Atkins at 678-277-0313 or email Alison.Atkins@braves.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Gwinnett Braves. Click here to view the original story.

Stand Up to Cancer at Fifth Third Field this Sunday

August 20, 2014

Fifth Third Bank will host Stand Up To Cancer Night at Fifth Third Field on Sunday, August 24! Tickets for Sunday’s 6 p.m. game between the Mud Hens and Louisville Bats can be purchased at 419-725-4367 or online.

The special games are part of the bank’s ongoing commitment to raise money in support of cancer research. To date, the bank has helped to raise more than $2.3 million in donations for Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C). Fifth Third Bank offers special credit and debit cards, which generate donations to SU2C for every qualifying purchase made using those cards. Through its “Pay to the Order of” campaign, the bank will give $150 to the customer and donate $150 to SU2C each time a new customer opens a checking account with direct deposit and makes three online bill payments. The campaign runs through October 17.

“It is our hope that those touched by cancer will come out and be part of this special event with us,” said Bob LaClair, CEO & president, Fifth Third Bank (Northwestern Ohio). “Far too many have experienced the heartbreak of this devastating disease and we are honored to have the opportunity to work with Stand Up To Cancer to raise awareness and funds that will advance the scientific breakthroughs necessary to bring the possibility of a cure even closer.”

At each ballpark, guests will enjoy special promotions and giveaways, have the opportunity to donate to the cause and even memorialize their wishes for someone they know affected by cancer by adding their name to an SU2C signing wall. For every strikeout in the game, the bank will donate an additional $53 to SU2C. Special guests, including cancer survivors, will serve as game ambassadors, with one special guest throwing out the game’s first pitch.

SU2C, a program of the Entertainment Industry Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, is a groundbreaking initiative that raises funds to accelerate innovative cancer research, enabling scientific collaboration in order to quickly bring new therapies to patients. Fifth Third began working with SU2C in 2013 when the bank launched the Fifth Third SU2C credit and debit cards. Fifth Third Bank is the only card issuer to offer payment cards that directly benefit SU2C.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Toledo Mud Hens. Click here to view the original story.

Get an autographed “Mystery Ball” this Saturday

August 11, 2014

Score some cool baseball memorabilia and help out a great cause at the same time, as the Mud Hens are hosting the annual “Mystery Ball Sale” this Saturday, August 16.

It’s a mystery because autographed baseballs are placed in a plain paper bag. Buy one for a $20 donation and see who you get! We’ll have balls signed by current and former Mud Hens players, as well as current and former Major League Baseball players and current minor league players from other teams. Proceeds will benefit the Miracle League of NW Ohio and Helping Hens Charities.

The Mud Hens take on the Columbus Clippers on August 16 at 7 p.m. with gates opening at 5:30 p.m. Call 419-725-4367 for tickets or order online.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Toledo Mud Hens. Click here to view the original story.

Bats donate over $6,800 to Kosair Children’s Hospital

August 6, 2014

The Louisville Bats Baseball Club will donate more than $6,800 to Kosair Children’s Hospital, the beneficiary of the first ever Star Wars Night held on Sunday, July 27 at Louisville Slugger Field.

A crowd of 10,015 showed up at the ballpark to watch the Bats play host to the visiting Charlotte Knights in special edition Star Wars jerseys. On Monday, July 28 the authentic jerseys were put up for auction on batsbaseball.com and available for bidding until Monday, August 4.

With the bidding period now over, the 50 jerseys were sold for $6,854.80 with all proceeds going to Kosair Children’s Hospital.

“Star Wars Night was a great success and we are pleased to be able to make this gift to Kosair Children’s Hospital,” said Bats President and CEO Gary Ulmer.

For more than a century, Kosair Children’s Hospital has cared for the children of Kentucky and Southern Indiana without regard to their families’ ability to pay. Kosair Children’s Hospital is Kentucky’s only full-service, free-standing pediatric care facility dedicated exclusively to caring for children and is an advocate for the health and well-being of all children.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Louisville Bats. Click here to view the original story.

Gwinnett Braves Announce June Grant Recipient

August 5, 2014

Lindsay’s Legacy Mentoring, Inc. receives $1,000 monthly grant

The Gwinnett Braves have announced the recipient of their $1,000 grant for the month of June. Lindsay’s Legacy Mentoring, Inc. has been awarded June’s “Summer Safety” themed grant, aimed at assisting organizations that fund or run safety programs for children.

Lindsay’s Legacy Mentoring began serving students in Jackson County schools in 2005 under the direction of Jackson County Family Connection. In March of 2013, LLM branched out and became a youth-serving non-profit organization dedicated to friendship-based mentoring throughout Jackson County.

The goal of LLM is to guide children and youth toward personal and academic success through mentoring and friendship. The grant money awarded by the G-Braves will be used for mentor training, informational brochures and activity supplies in hopes to continue the ongoing growth of the program.

“We accomplish our mission by pairing volunteers who are positive adult role models with carefully selected students in need of a mentoring relationship,” said Lisa Stephens, Executive Director of Lindsay’s Legacy Mentoring. “Lindsay’s Legacy Mentoring uses an effective friendship-based mentoring model and partners closely with three school systems in Jackson County, GA. Through training, screening and follow up, mentors are able to identify the needs of students they serve. Since the humble beginning in 2005 by a handful of caring citizens, Lindsay’s Legacy mentors have impacted the lives of thousands of students in Jackson County. The program provides a safety net that would otherwise not be available to some very deserving students.”

About Lindsay’s Legacy Mentoring: The organization has been around for over nine years and is based in Jackson County, GA. LLM has served over 130 students in the Jackson County, 38 students in Jefferson City and 32 students in the Commerce City school systems with caring adult mentorship. The program continues to grow under the principles of former mentor coordinator Jack Lindsay. For more information about the program, please contact LLM Executive Director Lisa Stephens at lisa@lindsaylegacymentoring.org.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Gwinnett Braves. Click here to view the original story.

G-Braves Announce 2014 Baseball Buddies Camp

July 22, 2014

Camp is open to anyone ages 8 and up with special needs

Last year's Baseball Buddies Camp participants gathered for a group photo at Coolray Field. (Gwinnett Braves) — Last year’s Baseball Buddies Camp participants gathered for a group photo at Coolray Field. (Gwinnett Braves)

The Gwinnett Braves will host their 2014 Baseball Buddies Camp at Coolray Field on Saturday, August 30 from 9 AM to 12 PM. The camp is open to anyone ages eight and up with special needs.

For $20, each Baseball Buddies camp participant will receive hands-on instruction from Gwinnett Braves players and coaches. Each participant also receives a Camp T-shirt and lunch, as well as an opportunity to get autographs and take pictures with the G-Braves.

Each sign-up also includes one (1) Baseline Box ticket for the August 30 game against the Charlotte Knights at 7:05 PM. Camp participants will get to take the field for a special pre-game parade that night.

Spots for the 2014 Baseball Buddies Camp are limited and expected to fill up quickly. To register, download the form from GwinnettBraves.com and turn it in to the Community Relations Department at P.O. Box 490310, Buford, GA 30043. The form can also be faxed to 678-277-0338.

For more information, contact Gwinnett Braves’ Community Relations Trainee Alison Atkins by phone at 678-277-0313 or by email at alison.atkins@braves.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Gwinnett Braves. Click here to view the original story.

Two Peanut-Controlled Nights Set for August

July 9, 2014

For both games, the Knights will welcome all fans with peanut allergies in Power Alley sections 124-126 for a great night of baseball.

On Wednesday, August 6, the Charlotte Knights will host their first of two “Peanut-Controlled Games” at BB&T Ballpark this season. Fans with peanut allergies will be able cheer on the Knights in the team’s “Peanut-Controlled Zone” where sales of peanuts will be halted in that section and fans will not be allowed to consume peanut products in that area.

“We wanted to make sure that those with peanut allergies have their chance to enjoy a game at BB&T Ballpark this season,” said Knights COO Dan Rajkowski. “Our hope is that these two games will provide those fans and families with peanut allergies a chance for a safe and enjoyable game in Uptown Charlotte.”

Gates open at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 6 as the Knights host the Gwinnett Braves (Triple-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves) in a 7:05 p.m. game. The second of the two games will take place on Sunday, August 24 at 5:05 p.m. at BB&T Ballpark as the Knights host the Norfolk Tides (Triple-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles). Gates open at 4:00 p.m. on August 24.

For both games, the Knights will welcome all fans with peanut allergies in Power Alley sections 124-126 for a great night of baseball. Signage will be present to alert other fans that the area is a “Peanut-Controlled Zone” and no peanuts will be consumed in that area for the duration of the day. For the least peanut-exposed path to the Power Alley sections, fans should enter BB&T Ballpark through the center field gate.

Tickets in the Power Alley sections for each of the “Peanut-Controlled Games” are just $8 in advance and are available by phone at 704-357-8071, online at www.charlotteknights.com, or in person at the BB&T Ballpark Ticket Office. Fans ordering online should use promo code “peanutfree”.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Charlotte Knights. Click here to view the original story.

RailRiders Announce HOPE Week Activities

July 2, 2014

Week-Long Festivities Commence Sunday, July 6

What began as an ode to the parent club and the community has turned into an annual tradition in NEPA. The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Triple-A/New York Yankees) are proud to announce that beginning on Sunday, July 6 the RailRiders will join the New York Yankees in support of HOPE (Helping Others Persevere and Excel) Week 2014, a unique week-long communal program that brings to light extraordinary stories intended to inspire individuals into action in their own communities.

Initiated in 2009 and now in its fifth campaign in NEPA, HOPE Week is rooted in the fundamental belief that acts of goodwill provide hope and encouragement to more than just the recipient of the gesture. Each day from Sunday, July 6 through Friday, July 11 members of the RailRiders front office staff or club will reach out personally to connect with an organization, cause or individual. 2014 marks the third straight year that each of the Yankees’ six U.S.-based affiliates will participate in the program, making the initiative one that the entire organization proudly stands behind.

HOPE Week begins with the RailRiders’ annual food drive on Sunday, July 6. Patrons are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to the 7:05 p.m. contest against the Charlotte Knights (Chicago White Sox) in exchange for one lawn seat in the NEPA Honda Homer Zone. SWB has partnered with the Voluntary Action Center which will distribute the collected items to agencies and food pantries around the region. The RailRiders will respond by honoring Voluntary Action Center’s ‘Volunteers of the Year’ with a pre-game ceremony on the field.

Scranton/Wilkes-Barre coaches, players and front office staff will trek to the Gino Merli Veterans Center in Scranton on Monday, July 7 to participate in a full day of inspiring visits. The RailRiders will visit residents in their rooms and see who has the best stuff in some games of Wii baseball. The visit includes a social filled with baseball-themed snacks.

Fortune favors the bald? We will find out on Tuesday, July 8 when the RailRiders join the Vs. Cancer Foundation with a night at PNC Field committed to raising money for childhood cancer research. Half of the funds raised will be donated to the National Childhood Cancer Research Foundation and the other half will be donated locally. RailRiders players and front office staff will shave their heads during and after the game to help raise awareness. A number of names are scheduled to participate including RHP Danny Burawa, SHP Pat Venditte, C Francisco Arcia and team president/GM Rob Crain. The RailRiders have set a team goal of $10,000 for the event.

On Wednesday, July 9, Children’s Miracle Network kids and their families will journey into the RailRiders’ home clubhouse for a personal meet-and-greet with players before the game.

The RailRiders head to the NEPA Boys and Girls Club on Thursday, July 10. SWB has partnered with Combined Forces Mobile Laser Tag for the fun and excitement of laser tag. The event includes inflatable barricades, walls and laser guns. RailRiders’ players and staff will participate in the team sport with club members from 10 a.m.-11 a.m.

The big league baseball dream propels the RailRiders each day. On Friday, July 11, the RailRiders will seek to help dreams of a different variety. HOPE Week concludes with Princess and Pirate Night at PNC Field as the RailRiders partner with the Make-A-Wish foundation to honor two deserving kids. Limos, along with staff dressed in their best princess and pirate attire, will escort the two honorees to PNC Field for special on-field recognition and ceremonial first pitches. Each child will receive a complimentary princess and pirate costume and promotional package.

HOPE Week is just a part of the RailRiders’ community outreach this season, and the RailRiders look forward to continuing their involvement both during and after HOPE Week. Any inquiries regarding the week-long festivities should be directed to RailRiders community relations manager Rachel Mark by calling 570-969-2255 (ext. 3140) or by e-mailing rmark@swbrailriders.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Scranton Wilkes-Barre Yankees. Click here to view the original story.

Donate new or used children’s books: Sunday, 7/20

June 26, 2014

Want to help inspire a child to read? On Sunday, July 20, the Mud Hens and the Toledo Lucas County Public Library will host a book drive at Fifth Third Field. Fans coming to the game that day are encouraged to bring new or lightly used children’s books, with donations to benefit the Books 4 Buddies program.

Founded in 2012 by Toledo native L. Toure McCord, the mission of the Books 4 Buddies program is to enhance literacy for boys and young men and building leaders one book at a time. Donated books will be given to disadvantaged youth, but particularly to encourage and inspire young boys to read.

Before and during the game the Toledo Lucas County Public Library will be promoting and encouraging participation in their summer reading program and other children’s reading initiatives.

The Mud Hens take on Louisville at 6 p.m. on Sunday, July 20. Gates opening at 4:30 p.m. Call 419-725-4367 for tickets or order online.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Toledo Mud Hens. Click here to view the original story.

Socks & Underwear Drive Set for Thursday

June 25, 2014

The IronPigs and the United Way are hosting a Socks and Underwear Drive prior to the IronPigs-Red Wings game on Thursday, June 26 at Coca-Cola Park. The drive will benefit the students of the 12 United Way Community Schools in the Lehigh Valley region.

For each and every donation, fans will receive raffle tickets to win a variety of great autographed memorabilia. Receive one raffle ticket for each newly packaged pair of socks or piece of underwear donated. Raffle tickets will also be available for purchase with proceeds benefiting the Sock and Underwear Drive.

Those that donate an item will be entered to win one of five autographed items:

Darren Daulton Autographed Baseball
Tommy Green Autographed Baseball
Seth Rosin Autographed Baseball
Old Saturday Game Worn Jersey
2014 Miracle League Jersey (size XL)

For more information on the Drive, please contact Kelly Gooley at kgooley@ironpigsbaseball.com.

Single-game tickets, mini plans and group tickets for all IronPigs home games presented by Capital BlueCross, are on sale now and can be purchased at the Coca-Cola Park Ticket Office, online at www.ironpigsbaseball.com or by calling (610) 841-PIGS (7447).

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. Click here to view the original story.

ACS Relay for Life at Frontier Field July 19-20

June 24, 2014

Overnight night event returns to Wings’ home

The Rochester Red Wings will host the 2^nd annual American Cancer Society Relay For Life event at Frontier Field from Saturday, July 19 to Sunday, July 20.
The overnight, community walk around the warning track at Frontier Field will begin with opening ceremonies at 6:00 p.m. on July 19 and conclude the following morning, July 20, with closing ceremonies around 6:00 a.m.

In between, participants will take turns walking, running or otherwise circling the track “relay” style to raise funds to fight cancer. In addition, the celebration will include live music, Zumba, a movie, live comedy and food. A Candle Light Luminaria Ceremony will be held at nightfall to honor cancer survivors and caregivers and to remember those lost to cancer.

“Last year’s inaugural Relay For Life was such a great success, that we are thrilled to be able to partner with the American Cancer Society to host this event again in 2014,” said Red Wings General Manager Dan Mason. “Everyone in some way, shape or form as been affected by cancer and this event is a great way to honor the victims and survivors as well as fight back against this terrible disease.”

Relay participants can sign up individually or as a member of a team at www.RelayForLife.org/RochesterNY and are encouraged to raise money prior to the event.

Last year, over 200 participants helped raise over $30,000 for the American Cancer Society.

The ACS’s Relay for Life event ignites team spirit among participants and works to raise funds used to save lives and create more birthdays by helping you stay well, helping you get well, by finding cures, and by fighting back.

Since 1985, Relay for Life has spread to more than 5,200 communities in the U.S. and has become a worldwide movement, taking place in more than 25 countries.

All fans are encourage to drop off any old pairs of shoes, sandals, ice skates, at the American Cancer Society Relay for Life Table outside the Red Wings Ticket Office on Sunday, June 29 and Saturday, July 5. Fans who drop off shoes will receive $2 off their ticket purchase at the Ticket Office window. The shoe drive proceeds will benefit the Rochester City Relay of the Red Wings.

You can register, donate and learn more at www.RelayForLife.org/RochesterNY. You can also contact Red Wings representative Derek Swanson at 454-1001 ext. 3036.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Rochester Red Wings. Click here to view the original story.

G-Braves Team Up with Vs. Cancer Foundation

June 17, 2014

Gwinnett players, coaches, front office members to raise funds to cure kids’ cancer

The Gwinnett Braves announced a partnership with the Vs. Cancer Foundation to Cure Kids’ Cancer. G-Braves’ players, coaches and front office staff members are participating in fundraising efforts for the foundation, culminating with “G-Braves Vs. Cancer Night” at Coolray Field on Saturday, August 30.

If the Gwinnett Braves raise their collective team goal of $10,000 by August 30, then select players, coaches and front office members will shave their heads prior to the 7:05 PM game against Charlotte. G-Braves’ field manager Brian Snitker, already sporting the shaved-head look, has pledged to shave off his trademark mustache if the goal is reached.

Fans can donate now by going online to gbraves.vs-cancer.org. Half of all proceeds will benefit national childhood cancer research, and the other half will help kids directly with the Rally Foundation.

Gwinnett’s fundraising efforts are part of a larger “Baseball Vs. Cancer 2014” campaign. A total of 128 teams across the minor league, collegiate, high school and youth ranks are taking part, with a total goal of $750,000.

About the Vs. Cancer Foundation: Founded by former University of North Carolina baseball player and Stage IV brain cancer survivor Chase Jones, the non-profit organization is dedicated to saving kids’ lives by empowering athletes and communities to fund lifesaving childhood cancer efforts. To donate or get involved, visit vs-cancer.org.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Gwinnett Braves. Click here to view the original story.

Jeffrey Osborne Celebrity All-Star Softball Classic – Sunday, August 10 at McCoy Stadium

June 17, 2014

Featuring Post-Game Fireworks

The Pawtucket Red Sox are pleased to announce that they will host The Jeffrey Osborne Celebrity All-Star Softball Classic, featuring Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, at McCoy Stadium on Sunday, August 10 at 6:05 pm. Gates will open at 4:30 pm and the game, between the Magic Johnson/Jeffrey Osborne All-Stars and the New England Patriots Alumni Celebrity All-Stars, will be played at 6:05 pm. All ticket proceeds will benefit the Jeffrey Osborne Foundation and the Pawtucket Red Sox Charitable Trust. Post-Game Fireworks presented by T-Mobile, Elmwood Sports Center, and Barrington Printing.

Expected to attend and play in this charity game are NBA Hall of Famers Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, along with other former Los Angeles Lakers star James Worthy. Others from the world of entertainment who plan to be in attendance include Smokey Robinson, Claudia Jordan, and several others. The West team will face a “who’s who” of former Patriot and Red Sox players who will comprise the East team led by former Patriots standout QB Steve Grogan and center Pete Brock, Ty Law, Roland James, Jermaine Wiggins, Patrick Pass, and Sammy Morris. Former Red Sox pitcher and Oil Can Boyd are slated to take part. Providence College head basketball coach Ed Cooley will be there. Further additions to the list of those appearing include NFL Hall of Famer Marcus Allen and current LA Clipper and former Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers with more sure to be added. Please see complete updated list of expected attendees below.

Tickets for the event are on sale at the PawSox Box Office at McCoy, on-line at www.pawsox.com, or over the phone by calling (401) 724-7300. All tickets will be priced the same as regular-season PawSox tickets which are $12 for reserved box seats and $8 for general admission ($5 for children aged 12 & under and senior citizens). There will also be a special deal to include a pre-game meet and greet barbecue with the celebrity All-Stars and a ticket to the game for a donation of $50.

Those planning to attend the event (as of July 29, 2014)….

Jeffrey Osborne Grammy-nominated R & B musician, singer-songwriter, and lyricist born and raised in Providence, RI

Magic Johnson NBA Hall of Famer, 5-time NBA Champ, 3-time NBA MVP, 3-time Finals MVP, NCAA Champ, currently head of ownership group for the LA Dodgers

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar NBA Hall of Famer, 6-time NBA Champ, 6-time NBA MVP, 2-time Finals MVP, NCAA Champ, all-time NBA leading scorer (38,387 points)

James Worthy Current basketball commentator, television host, and analyst. “Big Game James” was a seven-time NBA All-Star, a three-time NBA champion and the 1988 NBA Finals MVP

Otis Thorpe NBA All-Star (1992) and NBA Champion (1994), Providence College star (1980-84), 1st round pick of KC Kings

Michael Carter Williams Barrington, RI Native, currently plays for NBA Philadelphia 76ers, NBA Rookie of the Year (2014)

Dave Stewart He currently works as a sports agent in San Diego. A 20-game winner for four consecutive years, Major League Baseball All-Star pitcher, Three-Time World Series Champion, 1989 Word Series MVP

Smokey Robinson R & B and pop singer-songwriter, record producer, Rock n’ Roll Hall of Famer (1987)

Perry “Tiny” Tavares started performing in 1959 in the band Chubby and the Turnpikes. In 1973, they had changed their name to Tavares and scored their first R&B Top 10 (Pop Top 40) hit with “Check it Out” that same year, along with other hits such as: “Heaven Must Be Missing an Angel” (1976), “Don’t Take Away the Music” (1976), and “Whodunit.”

Earl Bryant has enjoyed a long career in the music business with a good many years related to artists within the Motown family. As a concert manager, Earl has worked with Smokey Robinson for many years

Cedric the Entertainer is an American actor, comedian, director, and game show host. He was originally the host on It’s Showtime at the Apollo. He is best known for co-starring with Steve Harvey on the sitcom The Steve Harvey Show and starring as Eddie in Barbershop

Sinbad is an Americanstand-up comedian and actor. He became well known in the 1990s from being featured on his own HBO specials, appearing on several television series, and starring in the films Necessary Roughness, Houseguest, First Kid,Jingle All the Way and Good Burger.

Salli Richardson is an American television and film actress. Richardson is best known for her role as Dr. Allison Blake on the Syfy comedy-drama series Eureka.

Claudia Jordan Providence-born and raised TV and radio personality, Miss Rhode Island 1997, model on Deal or No Deal and appeared on Seasons 2 & 6 of Celebrity Apprentice

Steve Grogan New England Patriots Hall of Fame Quarterback (1975-1990), uniform #14 retired

Pete Brock Played every position on New England Patriots offensive line (1976-87), President of NE Patriots Alumni

Garin Veris Former New England Patriot defensive end (1985-91), member of Patriots Super Bowl XX team

Roland James Former New England Patriot defensive back and punt returner, played entire career with Pats (1980-90) after being a 1st round pick out of the University of Tennessee (#14 overall)

Steve Nelson was selected by the Patriots in the 2nd round of the 1974 NFL Draft and missed only three games during his 14-year NFL career in which he was named team MVP twice. He was selected to the Pro Bowl three times in 1980, 1984, and 1985 and his #57 jersey was retired by the Patriots. He is credited with helping the Patriots reach Super Bowl XX versus the Chicago Bears.

Jim Bowman was drafted in the second round of the 1985 draft by New England and stayed with the team through the 1989 season. On Sundays when the Patriots are playing at Gillette Stadium, he is the NFL Uniform Program Representative.

Jermaine Wiggins New England Patriots tight end (2000-01) and member of Super Bowl XXXVI champions, East Boston, MA native is now a member of Boston sports media

Patrick Pass New England Patriots running back (2000-06, 2009) and Three-time Super Bowl champion (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX)

Joe Andruzzi New England Patriots offensive guard (2000-2004) and Three-time Super Bowl champion (XXXVI,XXXVIII, XXXIX)

Ty Law He was drafted by the New England Patriots 23rd overall in the 1995 NFL Draft. Law is a two-time All-Pro, a five-time Pro Bowl selection, a Pro Bowl MVP, and has won three Super Bowl Championships with the Patriots (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX). His 53 career interceptions rank 22nd all-time. He is also widely regarded as one of the best Patriots defensive backs of all time.

Sammy Morris He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the fifth round of the 2000 NFL Draft. Played for Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, Dallas Cowboys.

Dennis “Oil Can” Boyd Boston Red Sox pitcher from 1982-89, Montreal Expos (1990-91), and Texas Rangers (1991)

Ed Cooley Current Head Coach of the Providence College Men’s Basketball team. In his third season at Providence in 2013-2014, Coach Cooley led the Providence Friars to their second Big East Tournament Championship

Tim Welsh Former Providence College Men’s Basketball Coach and current analyst for ESPN and Comcast Sports NE

Joe Hassett Former Providence College basketball star, NBA Champ (1979), NE Basketball Hall of Famer, current PC basketball radio analyst

Kevin Stacom Former Providence College basketball star, played six seasons (1974-1979; 1981-1982) in the NBA as a member of the Boston Celtics, Indiana Pacers and Milwaukee Bucks.

Jim Garrick Led the UCLA Bruins to the NCAA Division 1 Championship in 1995. Coached the University of Rhode Island Men’s Basketball team for two seasons

Johnny Gill Singer, songwriter, actor and member of R & B group New Edition

Jay Harris ESPN SportsCenter anchor since 2003

Doris Burke Sideline reporter for NBA on ESPN and ABC, Color Analyst for ESPN College Basketball

Frank Carpano joined NBC 10 in 1980. He has been sports director and primary sports anchor since 1984. Carpano is a 10-time National Association of Sportscasters and Sportswriters “Sportscaster of the Year” winner.

Joe Kayata is a native of Cumberland and graduated from Cumberland High School. Currently the Sports Anchor/Reporter at WJAR-TV NBC 10 Providence.

Patrick Little anchors Eyewitness News This Morning on WPRI and FOX Providence and is also the co-host of the Rhode Show on Fox Providence.

Roland Martin is an American journalist and syndicated columnist with Creators Syndicate and author. He is a commentator forTV One and the host of News One Now, a one-hour weekday morning news show on the network.

Demetruis “Boo Boo” Andrade Providence-born professional boxer, U.S. Olympian in 2008, World Boxing Organization Light Middleweight Champion

Eddie Levert Lead vocalist of soul/funk/R & B group The O’Jays

Bobby Farrelly Cumberland, RI native, film director, screenwriter, producer, There’s Something About Mary, Dumb & Dumber

Mike Tollin is an American film director and film/television producer. His career highlights included Radio, Coach Carter and Varsity Blues.

Tiny Tavares Lead singer of Tavares (Tavares Brothers)

Mike Woodson Former NBA guard/forward, Head Coach of Atlanta Hawks (2004-2010) and New York Knicks (2012-14)

Rick Barry NBA Hall of Famer, 8-time NBA All-Star, NBA Champ & Finals MVP (1975), only player to ever lead NCAA, ABA and NBA in scoring in a season Seema Sadekar Professional Golfer (LPGA Symetra Tour) and Fashioniste. Cast member of Big Break Sandals Resort on Golf Channel

Michelle Kwan Two-time Olympic figure skating medalist (silver in 1998 and bronze in 2002), 5-time World Champion, 9-time U.S. Champion

Seema Sadekar LPGA Golf Professional, started playing golf at the age of 11 years old.

John Tudor Pitched for the PawSox from 1977-80 and the Red Sox from 1979-83, Went 21-8 with a 1.93 for St. Louis in 1985 leading the Cardinals to the World Series, was a World Series champ with the LA Dodgers in 1988

Tom Songin Norwood, MA native who played hockey for Mount Saint Charles, Boston College, and the Boston Bruins (1978-81)

Dondre Whitfield was featured on the sitcom The Cosby Show as Robert Foreman. Since then, he has appeared in many television series, including The Jamie Foxx Show, Martin and Girlfriends

Jeffrey Osborne is a Grammy-nominated R& B musician, singer-songwriter, and lyricist who was born and raised in Providence. He became close friends with Magic Johnson during the Lakers’ glory days when Jeffrey was often a “good luck charm” as the national anthem singer before Lakers’ games at the Forum and later at the Staples Center.

“The PawSox welcome Jeffrey Osborne and his star-studded guests to the city of Pawtucket and McCoy Stadium for a great cause,” said PawSox president Mike Tamburro. “We know our fans will be excited to see many of the legends who will appear at this charity event and we look forward to everyone enjoying a memorable evening at McCoy.”

“I’m truly blessed to have so many close friends and colleagues who have joined me in support of the Celebrity Softball Game at McCoy Stadium as well as the Jeffrey Osborne Celebrity Classic,” said Jeffrey Osborne. “It is through these efforts that we can continue to provide support to music and the arts, as well as to non-profits who provide a safe-haven for families in need.”

“The Patriots Alumni are extremely excited about being part of this special event to raise funds for charities throughout Rhode Island,” said Pete Brock a member of the New England Patriots Alumni Club. “We are especially pleased to be associated with the Jeffrey Osborne Foundation and the PawSox Charitable Trust.”

“It is an honor and pleasure to come back to Rhode Island to help out my good friend Mr. Jeffrey Osborne at McCoy Stadium in his Celebrity Softball Game where we will have tons of fun,” said Magic Johnson. “So come on out and hang with the Magic Man!”

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Pawtucket Red Sox. Click here to view the original story.

The Gwinnett Braves have announced the recipients of their $1,000 grants for the months of March and April.

June 4, 2014

Grace Faith Ministries, GLUE Foundation receive $1,000 monthly grants

The Gwinnett Braves have announced the recipients of their $1,000 grants for the months of March and April. Grace Faith Ministries has been awarded March’s “Salute to the Arts” themed grant, aimed at assisting organizations that support art programs and education. GLUE Foundation has received April’s “Take me out to the Ballgame” themed grant, intended to promote youth athletics and activities in the community.

Grace Faith Ministries, the March recipient, started as an open “Jam Session” within a small group of high school and middle school-aged artists, but quickly evolved into a weekly program in Norcross. The goal of the ministries is to encourage and teach youth how to impact the community through creative arts.

Since its inception in 2012, the program has grown in size and has collaborated with Heir of Excellence Inc., to launch a school-based program. The program is growing and becoming an influential presence in the community.

The grant awarded by the Gwinnett Braves will fund the purchase of after-school snacks and equipment for the program, as well as contribute to an end-of-semester youth showcase.

“We understand the importance of youth development as well as the obvious impact and influence of media as an intricate element in the lives of young people,” said Lloyd George, Youth Coordinator at Grace Faith Ministries. “Therefore, our ministry utilizes media arts to reach and engage youth – meeting them where they are. Our overarching vision is to create dynamic, socially relevant programs wherein our youth can constructively communicate with their community and the world around them in them new exciting ways. With this grant from the Gwinnett Braves Foundation, we will be able to expand our youth initiatives and student-media projects.”

GLUE Foundation, recipient of the April grant, has served the city of Lawrenceville for over 10 years. The foundation provides athletes with the necessary resources to become well-rounded contributors to society.

Founded in 2003 by Rishal Stanciel, GLUE, which is an acronym for Giving Love Unites Everyone, is a faith-based non-profit that is designed to work with middle school and high school student-athletes as they pursue academic and athletic excellence. GLUE facilitates workshops for student-athletes and their parents to prepare them for the transition to college.

GLUE will use the grant awarded by the Gwinnett Braves to support quarterly workshops and to provide ACT exam fees, college application fees, as well math and writing tutoring fees.

About Grace Faith Ministries: Grace Faith Ministries was founded in 2011 by Pastor Lloyd George Sr. The mission of Grace Faith Ministries is to love God, to love others, and to magnify the name of Jesus Christ. The vision of our church is to glorify our God and Savior, Jesus Christ, to make true disciples throughout all the nations by means of missionary activity and support, to minister the ordinances, to edify believers, and to do all that is sovereignly possible and biblically permissible to magnify the name of Jesus. For more information about the program and the church please contact their youth coordinator Lloyd George Jr at lloydg072@gmail.com.

About GLUE Foundation: GLUE, which is an acronym for Giving Love Unites Everyone, is a faith-based non-profit that is designed to work with middle school and high school student-athletes as they pursue academic and athletic excellence. After spending over 15 years in corporate America in marketing and sales, Rishal Stanciel founded GLUE as a non-profit organization to reach today’s youth with a life transforming message. GLUE facilitates workshops for student athletes and their parents to prepare them for the transition to college. Some of the workshop topics include NCAA Eligibility Center guidelines, Seven Success Strategies for Transition to college, ACT/SAT Prep, Taking Care of your body, Academic Excellence Must be Pursued, Math is Necessary, and Understanding the Finances of college. Stanciel is a college Career Coach for MLT, and also co-authored “Coached For a Success,” a book to help students experience success in college. The book is available on Amazon.com. For more information about the program please contact Stanciel at rishal21@hotmail.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Gwinnett Braves. Click here to view the original story.