REGISTER TODAY: Bisons 2-Day Youth Clinic returns July 26-27

REGISTER YOUR CHILD TODAY

A Sahlen Field tradition that is one of our favorite events every year… The Bisons 2-Day Youth Clinic featuring Manager Casey Candaele and Herd coaches in players returns, Tuesday, July 26 & Wednesday, July 27, presented by ADPRO Sports (9a-12p each day!). REGISTER TODAY

Each year, the Bisons manager, coaches and players met with kids aged 5-16 for two days at Sahlen Field to learn the fundamentals of the game. There will be lessons in pitching, throwing, fielding, base running, hitting, bunting and much more, while participants will be grouped by age so that the proper level of instruction can be given to each additional group. The cost of this year’s 2-Day Youth Clinic is $110 and includes Clinic Admission, a Bisons T-Shirt and 2 Flex Tickets that can be use for any remaining 2022 Bisons home game.

Kids can get FREE Saturday/Sunday ticket by showing their Report Cards

Schools out for summer and the fun at the ballpark has just begun. So the Bisons want to reward all the hard-working kids in WNY and Southern Ontario with a FREE TICKET to their next game at Sahlen Field.

Bisons Report Card Days are back, Saturday, July 9 (6:05pm) and Sunday, July 10 (1:05pm) at Sahlen Field, presented by NY’s 529 College Savings Program. For these two games, all kids need to do is bring/show their K-12 report card to the Sahlen Field Box Office and they can receive a FREE TICKET to the game with the purchase of an adult ticket (hard copy and digital report cards accepted). The Box Office opens at 12pm on Saturday for the night game against the Syracuse Mets and 10am for Sunday’s afternoon matinee game. No more teachers… no more books! Only a fun day or night at the ballpark.

Saturday’s game is a Labatt-urday night (something for mom and dad =)), with $4 Labatt Blue and Blue Light specials from 5-7pm and a chance for Mom/Dad to win Beer for a Year during the game. Sunday is a Kids Club Sunday where all kids get to head down to the field postgame to Run the Bases, presented by Platter’s Chocolates!

Come down, show us that report card from all your hard work this year, and enjoy a free Bisons ticket!

Blood Assurance and Sounds Team Up For Blood Drives and Ticket Promotion

Blood Assurance and the Nashville Sounds are seeking dozens of all-stars to save local lives.

The two organizations are teaming up for three blood drives, July 1-3. Each day, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., a bloodmobile will be parked outside First Horizon Park’s main entrance, located at 19 Junior Gilliam Way. On all three evenings of the blood drives, the Sounds will be in action against the Indianapolis Indians.

“Partnering with the Nashville Sounds is a home run for our organization and the community,” said Jerry Antoine, regional director of operations for Blood Assurance. “Through partnerships like this, we are able to collect additional units of blood, resulting in more lives being saved throughout Music City.”

As a token of appreciation, each blood donor will receive a free baseball-themed t-shirt and two tickets to the Sunday, July 31 Sounds home game versus the Charlotte Knights (while supplies last).

“We are honored and excited to partner with Blood Assurance on such an important endeavor in our community,” said Sounds general manager and chief operating officer, Adam English. “For those who are able, donating blood is life-saving and we’re proud to help. Plus, all donors can be loud at First Horizon Park and help the Sounds beat the Charlotte Knights on July 31!”

Moreover, in a rematch of last year’s World Series, one lucky donor who gives between July 1-15 at any Blood Assurance donation center or blood drive, will win two tickets to the Aug. 20 Atlanta Braves game at Truist Park versus the Houston Astros. The prize package also includes accommodations at an Atlanta hotel. Donors must register to win by visiting www.bloodassurance.org/homerun.

Donors can visit www.bloodassurance.org/sounds, call 800-962-0628, or text BAGIVE to 999777, to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins will be accepted.

To be eligible to donate blood, you must be at least 17 years old (16 years old with parental consent), weigh 110 pounds or more and be in good health. Donors are asked to drink plenty of fluids — avoiding caffeine — and eat a meal that is rich in iron prior to donating.

*About Blood Assurance
*Blood Assurance is a nonprofit, full-service regional blood center serving more than 70 health care facilities in Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky and North Carolina. Founded in 1972 as a joint effort of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society, the Chattanooga Area Hospital Council and the Chattanooga Jaycees, the mission of Blood Assurance is to provide a safe and adequate supply of blood and blood components to every area patient in need.

IronPigs to host Collegiate Showcase on July 30th and 31st

High School Baseball Players will be able to showcase their talents to colleges on a variety of levels

Allentown, Pennsylvania (30 June 2022) – Coca-Cola Park is opening its doors to high school baseball players for a “Collegiate Showcase” on Saturday, July 30 and Sunday, July 31. Scouts from multiple colleges will be in attendance as high school players look to showcase their talents for a chance to play baseball at the collegiate level.

Saturday, July 30 will run from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and will be a pro-style workout. The day will be broken into two sessions and consist of individual workouts such as defense, on-field batting practice, 60-yard dash, and throwing velocity.

Sunday, July 31 will begin at 8 a.m. and will consist of scrimmages throughout the day. Each player will be assigned a team and a number and will play a six or seven inning game.

Registration for players who play one position is $250 per player. Two-way players are $350 per player. Price includes a t-shirt. Players can click here to reserve their spot. The first 120 players are guaranteed to attend the showcase.

Colleges participating so far include Moravian University, Muhlenberg College, George Washington University, Kings College, Centenary University, Drew University, Messiah University, St. Mary’s College of Maryland, Lehigh Carbon Community College, and Penn State University – Berks.

Players who are interested in participating in the showcase can go to ironpigsbaseball.com for an updated list of colleges and universities.

Follow the IronPigs on Twitter at @IronPigs and like them on Facebook via www.facebook.com/LHVIronPigs.

The IronPigs are presented by Capital BlueCross.

–#OinkOn–

WooSox Show Respect to Veterans, Current Soldiers on Military Appreciation Night 

Worcester– On Friday, June 24, the Worcester Red Sox welcomed several members from our nation’s military, who were honored before their game against the Charlotte Knights (AAA, Chicago White Sox). The ceremony started with a ceremonial dropping of the massive American flag over the Worcester Wall in right field. Then, the WooSox welcomed several members of the Home Base Program. Following the Red Sox World Series Championships in 2004 and 2007, Red Sox Chairman Tom Werner and Larry Lucchino, the former Red Sox President and CEO, and current Chairman of the WooSox, brought the championship clubs to Walter Reed Army Medical Center on their White House visit. An enormous impact was left on both the veterans and the players. Once the Red Sox won the World Series in 2007, they had veterans from the Walter Reed Center deliver the players their World Series rings. After this chilling moment, Werner and Lucchino knew the Red Sox had an opportunity to make a difference with all veterans around the country. Soon after, the Red Sox organization formed a partnership with the Massachusetts General Hospital, pledging to help soldiers heal the invisible wounds of war. The Home Base Program has served a staggering 25,000 veterans while training over 85,000 clinicians. Representing the Home Base Program was Volunteer Coordinator Jose Navarro-Robles and Veteran Outreach Coordinator, and United States Navy veteran, Kevin Dillon.

Then, the WooSox welcomed a Dominican Republic immigrant and Purple Heart recipient, Alex Arriaga. Arriaga served in the Army National Guard from 2001 to 2007 in several missions, including Operation Iraqi. Following his tenure with the National Guard, Alex served as an employment and training manager for Veterans Inc. Currently, Alex serves his hometown as the Director of Worcester’s Veterans’ Services.

Every home game, the WooSox honor a local non-profit as the “Heart of Worcester”. On Friday, the Heart of Worcester was Veterans Inc. Located on Grove Street, Veterans Inc. is the national leader in ending homelessness among veterans at an astonishing rate of 85%. Since its creation, Veterans Inc. has served more than 85,000 veterans. Representing Veterans Inc. was Government Affairs Specialist Ray Carville.

Honored next as the Hometown Hero was Project New Hope. Founded in 2010, Project New Hope sets out to help United States veterans and their family members cope with challenges, stigmas, and fears they endure during or after their tenure in the U.S. Military. Honored pre-game was the foundation’s president and CEO, Bill Moore. Also honored was Sturbridge native Colonel Tom Stewart. After serving in the Massachusetts National Guard for 32 years, including deployment in Afghanistan, Stewart joined the Project New Hope Board Of Directors. Stewart was honored by throwing out a Ceremonial First Pitch.

Following the Hometown Hero ceremony, 10 brave men and women recited the oath of enlistment into the United States Marine Corps. Among those sworn in were: Jameson Latour (Southbridge), Jordan Santos (Southbridge), Jose Quintana (Worcester), Mario Frascolla (Worcester), Mathius Gonzalez (Worcester), Nicholas Flood (Worcester), Reagan Casey (Grafton), Ryan Greenwood (Auburn), Sudip Gajurel (Worcester), and Phuc Vuong (Worcester). Swearing them in was Staff Sergeant Nicholas F. Lamothe. After the ceremony, Staff Sergeant Nicholas F. Lamothe threw out a Ceremonial First Pitch.

Presenting the colors for the national anthem was the Worcester Fire Honor Guard. Singing the national anthem for his second time at Polar Park was Pepperell native Ewan Beauzil. A recent graduate of North Middlesex Regional High School with high honors, Ewan is departing on July 5th to join the United States Army. Much like his first rendition, Ewan delivered a flawless performance.

At the end of the 4th inning of every home game, the WooSox honor a veteran as part of their “In Debt to a Vet” program. On Friday, the WooSox honored Technical Sergeant Bruce L. Cordero. A native of Lynn, MA, Bruce has served in the United States Air Force since 2004. Bruce was greeted by the fans with a standing ovation.

The WooSox players showed up for the veterans, smacking four home runs, including two from Christian Stewart en route to a 10-2 victory. The win was the WooSox’ 5th in a row, pushing their record to two games over .500 as they make their midseason push at a division crown.

WooSox Pitchers Strike Out Food Insecurity 

On Tuesday, Worcester Red Sox pitchers Brian Keller, Geoff Hartlieb, and Durbin Feltman visited the Worcester County Food Bank to take a closer look at the impact they are making for the city.

The pitchers toured the food bank alongside WooSox Founding Partner, Fallon Health. The Worcester-based company’s mission to improve health inspired the Strike Out Hunger campaign, which promotes food security.

At Polar Park’s Gate A entrance, named Fallon Health Square, each Sunday fans are asked to donate non-perishable food items in marked bins. This is just part of the twofold campaign in which “K”-marked cards are passed out to fans upon entrance to help celebrate the pitchers’ strikeouts.

The celebration is well deserved. For every WooSox strikeout, Fallon Health pledged to donate $50 to the Worcester County Food Bank.

The Worcester County Food Bank alone provides over 100,000 meals each week to families and community members in need. The food bank distributes food to communities across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, so these pitchers represent much more than just the Worcester community.

This tour of the facility allowed WooSox pitchers to see how each strikeout they collect helps put a meal on someone’s table.

Worcester County Food Bank CEO Jean McMurray told the pitchers, “Food insecurity may affect more than you think, you may be helping your own neighbors or a family three towns away.”

The players were all grateful to be making an impact on the community of Worcester. And the WooSox pitchers walked away with a little extra motivation heading into their homestand against the Charlotte Knights.

Polar Park Celebrates Juneteenth, sponsors Black Music Festival

The Worcester Red Sox concluded their six-game series Sunday in an afternoon matinee against the Toledo Mud Hens. In addition to Father’s Day festivities Sunday, Polar Park played host to multiple celebrations of Juneteenth, the commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States on June 19, 1865.

A trio of local musicians, Charles Ketter, Lydia Fortune, and Miss Shirley Johnson, rocked along Summit Street to begin Juneteenth commemoration. Patrons enjoyed spirituals as well as jazz and blues stylings pre-game.

For the Heart of Worcester, fans welcomed Dr. Thomas Doughton, a senior lecturer for interdisciplinary and special studies at The College of the Holy Cross. Doughton was instrumental in the creation of Worcester’s Black History Trail. Alongside Doughton was another influential figure to the trail’s creation: Worcester City Councilor Khrystian King.

The trail encompasses a near 300-year history in Worcester through several landmarks of historical significance across the Heart of the Commonwealth. The display tells the unfiltered stories of those who lived in the city as far back as the 18th Century, and had its first five stops dedicated earlier this month.

Sunday’s Ceremonial First Pitch was delivered by Ernest Floyd, who was honored as the Hometown Hero. Floyd created and serves as executive producer of Unity Radio, 97.9 FM. Unity Radio helps create an avenue through which members of the Worcester community can help one another.

Before the performance of the national anthem, Polar Park raised the Juneteenth flag alongside the American flag, and heard a rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by 15-year-old Liyah McBridge. The Star-Spangled Banner was performed by P.E. James.

Social justice is one of the WooSox Foundation’s four areas of focus. To further strengthen the club’s commitment to supporting the local Black community, the Foundation announced its sponsorship of The Black Music Festival with a $1,500 contribution, which was dedicated before first pitch Sunday.

The festival will be hosted by the Uncommonwealth Group on Saturday, June 25, from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Patrons can expect a full day of musical performances, entertainment, food, vendors, and building bridges to the community through music on the Worcester Common.

Sunday’s game was a victory for the WooSox on the back of Ryan Fitzgerald’s 5th inning three-run home run and Connor Seabold’s (5-1, 1.95) quality start.

Sunday concluded with a special Father’s Day Catch on the Field.

Great Clips and Charlotte Knights Raise Over $30K to Support Children with Pediatric Brain Tumors

Over $30,000 has been raised this year. (Laura Wolff/Charlotte Knights)

CHARLOTTE, NC — Every day, 13 children are diagnosed with a brain tumor, the deadliest form of childhood cancer. Great Clips and the Charlotte Knights, Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, partnered for the eighth year in a row to help change that with a donation of $33,353 to Vs. Cancer. The contribution was the most of any year since the partnership started in 2015 and makes the total contribution of the partnership over $76,000.

As a signature fundraising campaign of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, Vs. Cancer gives sports teams, athletes and communities the platform to help children with cancer. Proceeds help fund child life programs in Levine Children’s Hospital and lifesaving pediatric brain tumor research.

“Brain tumors are the most common form of cancer in children up to age 14, so our mission is to cure all pediatric brain tumors and transform how children and their families are cared for,” said Dave Mays, senior campaign manager for Vs. Cancer. “Community support in donations like this one is incredibly important in the fight for healthier, happier futures for children with cancer. We’re grateful to Great Clips, the Charlotte Knights and the Charlotte community overall for their continued support.”

For the past several weeks, customers visiting their Charlotte-area Great Clips salons could donate to the effort and local Great Clips franchisees contributed. In addition, several members of the Charlotte Knights staff led supporting fundraisers and shaved their heads to encourage donations.

“This campaign makes it clear how contributions of any size can add up, said Jim Bullard, a Great Clips franchisee. “We’re honored that, through the generosity of Great Clips customers and franchisees, we’re able to continue to support Vs. Cancer and the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation in their efforts.”

A check presentation to Vs. Cancer was held at the June 17 Knights game.

“We are very pleased to continue this important partnership with Great Clips and the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation,” stated Dan Rajkowski, chief operating officer for the Charlotte Knights. “It’s always very fulfilling to see our staff and our fans come together to help raise money for such an important cause.”

Great Clips is the official hair salon of the Charlotte Knights. For more information about North Carolina Great Clips salons, visit www.greatclips.com.

About Great Clips, Inc.
Great Clips, Inc. was established in 1982 in Minneapolis. Today, Great Clips has over 4,400 salons throughout the United States and Canada, making it the world’s largest salon brand. Great Clips is 100 percent franchised, and salons are owned locally by more than 700 franchisees across the U.S. and Canada. Great Clips franchisees employ more than 25,000 stylists. Great Clips® franchised salons provide value-priced, high-quality haircare for men, women and children. Getting a great haircut at a Great Clips® salon is more convenient than ever with Online Check-In, ReadyNext**®* *text alerts* and *Clip Notes**®. To check in online, visit GreatClips.com or download the free app. For more information about Great Clips, Inc. or to find a location near you, visit GreatClips.com.

About the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation
Every day, 13 children and teens are diagnosed with a brain tumor, the deadliest and most common form of cancer in kids under 15. Every day after, they are in a fight for their life. It’s a fight the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation is here to help families win. A leader in the brain tumor and childhood cancer communities, PBTF’s mission of Care. Cure. Thrive. reflects its commitment to curing all pediatric brain tumors and transforming how children and their families are cared for. In 2016 the Vs. Cancer Foundation merged with the PBTF and now is a signature fundraising campaign of the nonprofit. Since 1991, PBTF has provided strategic leadership and funding to accelerate the number of targeted therapies for children battling brain tumors today, while equipping families with the patient family education, financial relief, and emotional support they need to navigate their child’s journey. A world without childhood brain tumors is possible when we stand together to effect real, meaningful change. Learn more at www.curethekids.org.

About the Charlotte Knights Charities
Charlotte Knights Charities, Inc. is the philanthropic base of the Charlotte Knights that actively supports and strengthens community programs through baseball that will enhance and grow the quality of life in the Charlotte area. CKC is organized to provide financial assistance to charitable organizations with the goal of advancing education, care, and to promote recreational activities to disadvantaged and underprivileged adults and children. The Charlotte Knights and CKC want to inspire, grow, and embrace the Charlotte community to create and leave a lasting legacy.

Louisville Bats Celebrate Pride on June 23

The Louisville Bats will be partnering with the Louisville Pride Foundation, Queer KY, and Derby City Pride League to host the second-annual Pride Night at Louisville Slugger Field on Thursday, June 23.

The event will be sponsored by UAW Local 862 and fans can purchase tickets and support the fundraiser at the Louisville Bat Online Box Office – Pride Night. A portion of each ticket purchased through this link will go directly to the organizations supporting our community here in Louisville.

The evening will host a bundle of promotions including a Pride Koozie giveaway to the first 500 fans (Sponsored by UAW Local 862), a ceremonial first pitch from Chris Hartman from the Fairness Campaign, and a performance of the national anthem by the Louisville Gay Men’s Chorus.

On top of these activities, Thursday Night Louisville Slugger Field promotions will also be in effect, including Game Time Happy Hour, with $2 beers from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. throughout the ballpark (21 or older only).

Saturday: Join us as the Bisons host Native American Heritage Night (6pm)

GET MY TICKETS – Native American Heritage Night

The Buffalo Bisons are proud to partner with Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino to host Native American Heritage Night as the club faces the St. Paul Saints on Saturday, July 25. First pitch is at 6:05 p.m. with the Sahlen Field gates opening at 5 p.m. TICKETS

The night will be a celebration of the rich Native American culture here in Western New York and throughout the country. The Indigenous Spirit Dancers will perform on the field pregame as well as during the game while traditional music will be played throughout the night. The Bisons will feature trivia and educational messages on the scoreboard while additional information will be available inside the ballpark’s concourse.

Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino will also be handing out Free Sunglasses to the first 900 fans that stop at their concourse table. Seneca Nation of Indians President, Matthew Pagels, will throw out the night’s ceremonial first pitch while Layla Seneca will sing the anthems for the game.

Saturday’s game is also the club’s first Labatt-urday Night of the season, featuring $4 Labatt Blue and Blue Light from 5-7 p.m. in the concourse by Section 106. Be sure to enter pre-game as a fan 21 years or older could win ‘Beer for a Year’ if a Bisons player homers off the giant inflatable Labatt can beyond the right field wall. GET MY TICKETS

Jumbo Shrimp bring baseball to Historic Eastside for PLAY BALL Weekend event

Pitcher Will Stewart and the Jumbo Shrimp hosted their PLAY BALL Weekend from June 10-12. (Colleen Mitchell/ Miami Marlins)

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp partnered with the Henry Brown Athletic Association to put on a free instructional clinic designed to encourage the growth of the game of baseball and inspire recreational play amongst underserved communities in Jacksonville.

The clinic, which took place at Kooker Park in the Historic Eastside of Jacksonville on June 10, was an effort to support a culturally-rich and important neighborhood less than a mile from the team’s home at 121 Financial Ballpark.

Jumbo Shrimp players and front office staff provided hands-on skill development during five different sessions in which participants received free instruction on hitting, fielding, catching, pitching and running. At the conclusion of the clinic, the youngsters were gifted a Franklin bat and ball set.

“It was such a rewarding experience to help provide a positive environment for our local Jacksonville youth to learn more about the amazing sport of baseball,” said Jumbo Shrimp community relations manager Miranda Rossum. “Our mission is to grow the game and ensure that kids who want to play baseball and softball have the opportunity to do so.”

Pitcher Matthew Kent speaking with children during PLAY BALL Weekend. (Colleen Mitchell/Miami Marlins)

“It gives you a real appreciation for how lucky we are,” Jumbo Shrimp pitcher Will Stewart said, “It felt good to be able to go out there and help them out and give them a little knowledge and just show that we care about them.”

In addition to the hands-on learning experience, participants had a chance to attend a Jumbo Shrimp baseball game that evening and see the players in action on a big-league field.

“They were extremely loud that night at the ballpark, it was great! I’m glad they were there,” said Stewart.

The event was part of Major League Baseball’s PLAY BALL initiative, which encourages participation in the sports of baseball and softball amongst all ages, with a special focus on youth. PLAY BALL events took place across 30 MLB teams, 120 MILB teams and seven different continents.

ABOUT THE JUMBO SHRIMP: The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp offer affordable family fun at 121 Financial Ballpark. Their inaugural season garnered the Southern League’s Don Mincher Organization of the Year, Promotional Trophy and Jimmy Bragan Executive of the Year, won by general manager Harold Craw. The club added its second Promotional Trophy in three years following the 2019 season. The 2021 season marked the return of Triple-A baseball in Jacksonville. To experience the excitement with the terrific value of ticket and group options, call the Jumbo Shrimp at (904) 358-2846 or visit www.jaxshrimp.com.

Sounds and Delta Dental to Host Free Dental Clinic at First Horizon Park on Friday, June 17

The Nashville Sounds Baseball Club has partnered with Delta Dental to host a free Smile Power dental clinic from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at First Horizon Park on Friday, June 17. The clinic is open to people of all ages.

All registered participants will receive a free dental screening thanks to volunteers from Meharry Medical College and Neighborhood Health. Following the screening, participants have the opportunity to schedule a follow-up dental appointment through Neighborhood Health.

Public signups are available from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. and must be completed here.

All children ages 12 and under will also be provided with an apple and bottle of water courtesy of Performance Foodservice. The Band Box will be open for activities while children wait for their screening.

The Nashville Sounds are the Triple-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers and play at First Horizon Park. Single-game tickets are on sale now for all home games in 2022. For more information call 615-690-4487 or e-mail [email protected].

Lehigh Valley IronPigs to introduce “Pigs Care” Program

IronPigs and Air Products team up to incorporate program that will work with fans with non-visible disabilities

Allentown, Pennsylvania (16 June 2022) – The Lehigh Valley IronPigs, together with Air Products, are introducing the “Pigs Care” Program at Coca-Cola Park. The “Pigs Care” Program is designed to better help all fans to be able to fully enjoy their experience at Coca-Cola Park.

The “Pigs Care” program provides the opportunity for any guest with an invisible or visible disability to stop at the Lehigh Valley Institute for Surgical Excellence Guest Services window at Coca-Cola Park to receive a “Pigs Care” lanyard. While the guest utilizes Coca-Cola Park and its services, IronPigs employees will be able to discreetly help and assist those with lanyards and provide an additional amount of assistance, understanding and patience during the guest’s trip to the ballpark.

Many guests who have non-visible disabilities live and face barriers often in their daily lives, including a lack of understanding and negative attitudes. Fans can now choose to wear the “Pigs Care” lanyard to discreetly identify that they may need support, help or just a little more time in the merchandise store, in line at concession stands or perhaps reaching their seats.

“We are grateful to be working with Air Products on implementing this new program that will benefit any guests who may have visible or non-visible disabilities,” said IronPigs President and General Manager Kurt Landes. “The Pigs Care Program reinforces our message of making sure every guest that comes through the gates at Coca-Cola Park has a positive and memorable experience, regardless of their ability.”

The “Pigs Care” Program is believed to be the first of its kind in both Major League and Minor League Baseball. Non-visible disabilities may include autism, chronic pain, and learning difficulties as well as mental health conditions, severe anxieties, sensory loss, speech impairments and respiratory conditions. Although you may not be able to see these invisible impairments and conditions, they still exist and impact a significant size of the population.

“At Air Products, we believe that every person belongs and matters and we are honored to partner with IronPigs to support and celebrate people of all abilities,” said Laurie Hackett, Community Relations Director at Air Products.

Fans who are interested in learning more about the “Pigs Care” Program will be able to visit the Lehigh Valley Institute for Surgical Excellence Guest Services located on the main concourse behind section 106/107 at Coca-Cola Park during an IronPigs game. Fans can also go to ironpigsbaseball.com for more information.

Follow the IronPigs on Twitter at @IronPigs and like them on Facebook via www.facebook.com/LHVIronPigs.

The IronPigs are presented by Capital BlueCross.

–#OinkOn–

Wings, Golisano Children's Hospital Partner for All-Stars Initiative

The Rochester Red Wings and UR Medicine’s Golisano Children’s Hospital have announced a partnership that will provide a unique gameday experience for patients and their families over the course of the 2022 baseball season.

The All-Star will receive a customized Red Wings jersey with name and number, as well as a Wings cap for each family member. They will also receive a behind-the-scenes tour of the stadium including the clubhouse and press box while also getting to watch batting practice

“Our partnership with the Red Wings is a testament to the generous support we receive from the community all year long,” said Patrick Brophy, M.D., physician-in-chief of Golisano Children’s Hospital. “We are looking forward to this new relationship, and would like to thank the Red Wings for giving our patients a chance to take a break from the hospital and have some fun.”

The All-Star will also get a photo opportunity with Spikes and Mittsy and a Red Wings player or coach while getting to stand with said player or coach on the field for the National Anthem. Finally, the All-Star will be personally introduced as they deliver the game ball to the pitcher’s mound.

“We are proud to partner with the Golisano Children’s Hospital to honor some of their All-Stars at select games this season,” said Red Wings General Manager Dan Mason. “We strive to provide lifelong memories for our fans and we can’t wait to put some smiles on the faces of these All-Stars and their families.”

This All-Star initiative will come complete with a private Diamond Suite including tickets, a food and beverage package, VIP parking, yearbooks, and vouchers for a round of Speed Pitch and Bounce House.

Selection of each All-Star will be made by Golisano Children’s Hospital.

2022 All-Stars:
June 28: Ian

IHSAA Baseball State Finals Matchups Set for June 17-18 at Victory Field

INDIANAPOLIS – The 55th annual Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) Baseball State Finals return to Victory Field for a 24th time on Friday, June 17 and Saturday, June 18. The 2A and 3A championships will be played Friday with the 1A and 4A matchups slated for Saturday.

“The Indiana High School Baseball State Finals is one of Victory Field’s greatest summer traditions,” said Randy Lewandowski, Indianapolis Indians President and General Manager. “The championship atmosphere both on the field and in the stands is special, and we look forward to creating lasting memories for the student-athletes, coaches and fans.”

General admission tickets will be available starting at 12 PM ET on Thursday, June 16. GA tickets are $12 and kids 5 and under receive free admission per IHSAA guidelines. Fans may also contact any of the eight respective schools competing in the championships to purchase tickets. Each night will be sold as a separate session; each ticket is good for both games that night. Fans for the visiting teams will sit on the first base side of the seating bowl while fans for the home teams will sit on the third base side.

“We look forward to completing the school year at beautiful Victory Field every single year,” said IHSAA Commissioner Paul Neidig. “The hospitality of the Indianapolis Indians is second to none and they always provide a great experience for our state finalist teams and fans alike at the best minor league ballpark in the country.”

Gates open at 4:30 PM ET on Friday, June 17 and at 3:30 PM ET on Saturday, June 18. Limited parking is available in the Victory Field parking lot for $10 (cash and card accepted) starting at 2:30 PM ET on June 17 and at 1:30 PM ET on June 18. Concessions will be available and are cashless – only debit and credit cards are acceptable forms of payment.

Friday, June 17
2A Championship, 5:37 PM ET
Centerville (21-5, visitors) vs. Illiana Christian (21-7, home)

3A Championship, approximately 8:07 PM ET
Brebeuf Jesuit (26-4, visitors) vs. Andrean (30-4, home)

Saturday, June 18
1A Championship, 4:37 PM ET
Tecumseh (19-12, visitors) vs. Lafayette Central Catholic (26-6, home)

4A Championship, approximately 8:07 PM ET
Indianapolis Cathedral (18-10-2, visitors) vs. Penn (25-6, home)

All four state championship games will air live on Bally Sports Indiana (BSIN). For viewers outside the BSIN coverage area, a live stream will be available at IHSAAtv.org. For those within the BSIN coverage area, the stream will be available only on a delayed basis following the conclusion of the telecast.