Legends & SAL teams partner with The BairFind Foundation

WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK (Lexington, KY) – The Lexington Legends are pleased to announce three missing children, whose status as missing was advertised at Whitaker Bank Ballpark through The BairFind Foundation, have been located and returned home. The BairFind Foundation partners with 153 Minor League Baseball teams to publicize missing children with the hope of locating them as a result. So far this baseball season 224 children have been located across the country. Teams in the South Atlantic League have successfully helped locate over 30 missing children as a result of their participation in the BairFind program, a testament to the passion of our fans for our community.

“The SAL partnership with The BairFind Foundation is a great example of how the Clubs turn the support they receive from their fans into another way to help their communities” said Eric Krupa, South Atlantic League President. “While the act of looking at a sign seems simple, all those eyes on those signs can really help the families whose children are missing. Everyone can participate and do their part by taking a moment to look at the pictures the next time you are at the ballpark.”

The BairFind Foundation is a tax exempt 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to find missing children, and is an Official Homegrown Charity Partner of Minor League Baseball, which was just named a Classy Top 100 Non-Profit and Social Enterprise for 2017. The BairFind Foundation produces high definition, attractive signs for sports stadiums and arenas that feature photos of each city’s missing children. BairFind signs are placed in high visibility areas and are seen by millions of sports fans each season, greatly increasing the chances that featured children will be safely located.

The Lexington Legends are immensely proud to support and partner with The BairFind Foundation (www.bairfind.org) in conjunction with other Minor League Baseball teams across the country, as recently featured in USA Today (article below). The BairFind Foundation founder Dennis Bair, a former minor league baseball pitcher, said “A major challenge for a family with a missing child is how to keep their child’s photo in public view. This summer, the Lexington Legends have placed a BairFind sign featuring area missing children on their ballpark concourse for all the fans to see, greatly increasing the chances that someone will recognize a child’s picture and that they’ll be safely located. We are proud to partner with the Lexington Legends and the South Atlantic League, who were among the earliest adopters of our initiative.”

The Lexington Legends Executive Vice President Gary Durbin, will be officially placing ‘FOUND’ stickers on The BairFind Foundation sign on the children who have been located during the 7:05pm game tonight, July 21, 2017.

For more information on this remarkable charitable project, please consult The BairFind Foundation website: www.bairfind.org, follow on Twitter: @BairFind or contact Sarah Bosso at sbosso@lexingtonlegends.com or 859-422-7855. The Legends, a Single-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and a member of the South Atlantic League. For ticket information, call 859-422-7867 or visit www.LexingtonLegends.com

USA Today BairFind Foundation Article:

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2017/07/18/minor-league-ballpark-signs-raise-awareness-missing-kids/489037001/

Legends Team Up with Tempur Sealy and Sleep Outfitters for Bed Donation Event and Pajama Party

WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK (Lexington, KY) – The Lexington Legends have partnered with Tempur Sealy and Sleep Outfitters for ‘Pajama Party Night’ on the July 28 home game versus the Kannapolis Intimidators at 7:05pm, the culmination of a summer long partnership between the three Lexington companies.

The partnership started in April with the donation of 30 Tempur-Pedic Twin XL mattress and bed foundations for the Lexington Legends players, and blossomed into a community outreach effort between the three companies which grew to include the Kansas City Royals and North Broadway Auto. Director of Minor League Operations for the Kansas City Royals, Ronnie Richardson, expresses how the impact of such a substantial donation is to a Minor League player who is just beginning their career in baseball. “The Kansas City Royals and Lexington Legends are really appreciative of the generous donation by Tempur Sealy. The opportunity to provide mattresses for our players here in Lexington really helps us achieve our goal of creating the best possible environment for the players both on and off the field.”

In addition to providing mattresses to Legends players, Tempur Sealy wanted to truly make their donation impactful throughout the Lexington community, which is where the Lexington Legends were able to make the connection and to grow this into a fun community night at the ballpark. One hundred students from Russell Cave Elementary and Winburn Middle School, who have been selected through the Family Resource Coordinators at each school, will be receiving a Tempur-Pedic Twin mattress and bed foundation courtesy of Tempur Sealy and Sleep Outfitters. Not only will these students be taking home new mattresses, they also will be receiving new bedding courtesy of the Kansas City Royals and/or North Broadway Auto.

“We are just as excited to be able to donate Kansas City Royals bedding as Tempur Sealy donates mattresses to local children in the Lexington community. We want to thank Tempur Sealy and the Lexington Legends for all of the efforts” continues Richardson of the Kansas City Royals. This is a great outreach program and will have a positive impact on the lives of everyone involved.” The bed donation pick-up event takes place Saturday, July 29 at 9:00am. For additional information on location, or if media are interested in attending the event, contact Sarah Bosso, Legends Vice President of Business Development.

The Lexington Legends, Tempur Sealy and Sleep Outfitters are rolling out the red carpet for the 100 students at Pajama Party Night, held at Whitaker Bank Ballpark on Friday, July 28. The students and their families will receive transportation to and from the game by Gold Shield charter buses, outfitted in Legends gear, provided game tickets, participate in on-field contests throughout the game and will be the fireworks Grand Marshalls – who will count down the fireworks while sitting atop Tempur-Pedic beds set-up behind homeplate. They will have a meet and greet session with Legends players on the field where they can get pictures and autographs. “We are thrilled to be able to be a part of this remarkable event” expresses Sarah Bosso, Legends Vice President of Business Development. “Mattresses, bed foundations and bedding are sometimes an overlooked need and we are so thankful for amazing community partners like Tempur Sealy, Sleep Outfitters, North Broadway Auto and our parent club the Kansas City Royals for being able to help coordinate such an impactful event for the Northside of Lexington.”

The Legends welcome all fans attending the Friday, July 28 game to bring new, unopened twin sheet sets as a donation to the game for the opportunity to watch the fireworks post-game on the outfield. Fans are encouraged to bring blankets to sit on and dress in pajama-like attire to accompany the “Pajama Party” theme of the night.

“Sleep Outfitters is a company that has deep roots in Lexington and we are committed to doing our part to make our hometown an even better place to live” expresses Kim Knopf, Founder and CEO of Sleep Outfitters. “It’s exciting to get to team up with Lexington-based Tempur Sealy and the Lexington Legends to provide the gift of a great night’s sleep to some deserving kids. It’s going to be a pajama party to remember for all of us.”

For more information, contact Sarah Bosso at sbosso@lexingtonlegends.com or 859-422-7855. The Legends, a Single-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and a member of the South Atlantic League, return home July 16 for a doubleheader at Whitaker Bank Ballpark against the Hagerstown Suns, an affiliate of the Washington Nationals at 2:05pm. For ticket information, call 859-422-7867 or visit lexingtonlegends.com.

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

Legends to celebrate the United States Armed Forces July 8!

WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK (Lexington, KY) – Honoring the United States Armed Forces is something that the Lexington Legends do every home game in a variety of ways, but there is always one game dedicated to specifically saying “Thank You” to those who have served our country. July 8th is the night the Lexington Legends have reserved as their Military Appreciation Night, which has been celebrated by the organization since their inception in 2001. Military Appreciation Night is presented by LFUCG Department of Environmental Quality.

The night features special ticket offers and discounts for Active Duty and Retired Military as well as Veterans, Armed Forces branch music and recognitions throughout the game, a 20 foot by 30 foot American Flag in the outfield for the National Anthem, Mine-craft inspired digital camo jerseys worn on-field by the Legends players, with those jerseys in a silent auction taking place throughout the game; giving fans the opportunity to take home the special jerseys, the Joe Everson original painting of Iwo Jima (from the July 4th National Anthem) will also be included in the silent auction, and much more. The most highlighted features of the evening are the honorary ceremonial first pitchers and four of the thirty people who will be unveiling the 20 foot by 30 foot American Flag for the National Anthem.

There will be five ceremonial first pitches tossed out by five unique individuals who have bravely served our country in one way or another. First, Colonel Pete Evans, U.S. Army (RET) who has served in Afghanistan, Korea and to the Pentagon. Second pitch will be Mike Niklarz, who is the Director of Kentucky’s National Cemetery Complex, which consists of 9 locations and includes historic Camp Nelson National Cemetery. The Legends third ceremonial first pitch is a 30 year U.S. Air Force veteran and Master Navigator Colonel Mark Roland. Colonel Roland and his wife Barbara are also Gold Star parents-their son, Air Force Captain Matthew Roland paid the ultimate sacrifice August 26, 2015 and was posthumously awarded the Silver Star for gallantry. Gunnery Sergeant James R. Barnett is the fourth ceremonial first pitch, as he has been named “Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year” for the 623rd Field Artillery Battalion, the 38th Field Artillery Brigade, and the Kentucky National Guard for 2017. The fifth and final ceremonial first pitch is 97 year old Captain Helen Horlacher Evans, from Lexington, Kentucky. Captain Helen Horlacher Evans is one of the few remaining female World War II veterans still alive today.

The National Anthem for the July 8 game will feature a 20 foot by 30 foot American flag, unveiled by the assistance of thirty retired military, veterans, military family members, and four Tuskegee Airmen; the first African American Fighter and Bomber Pilots in the United States Armed Forces.

The Legends welcome media for photographs and interviews to help honor and support those who will be recognized at the 2017 Military Appreciation Night game, July 8 with gates opening at 5:30pm and first pitch 6:35pm.

For more information, contact Sarah Bosso at sbosso@lexingtonlegends.com or 859-422-7855. The Legends, a Single-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and a member of the South Atlantic League, continue the homestand July 8-10 at Whitaker Bank Ballpark against the Greenville Drive, an affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. For ticket information, call 859-422-7867 or visit lexingtonlegends.com.

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

Legends help honor ‘Phenomenal Father’ David Cozart of Fayette County Fatherhood Initiative on the TODAY Show

WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK (Lexington, KY) – The Lexington Legends are extremely proud to announce that at 10:30am June 15, 2017, in honor of Father’s Day, Fayette County Fatherhood Initiative Director David Cozart was recognized as a ‘Phenomenal Father’ on the TODAY Show with Kathie Lee and Hoda.

The Lexington Legends were a part of this on-air recognition by providing David with fifty tickets to the fathers and children that David helps mentor through FCFI, so they can enjoy a night at Whitaker Bank Ballpark. David will also be receiving a night in a Luxury Suite for him and his family, recognized on-field at a game and will receive the Ultimate Legendary Experience, which includes a personalized Legends jersey!

“David is doing amazing work for our community. His impact is far reaching and has changed the lives of many fathers and their children. I am truly proud to call him a friend, as he has also helped guide me as a mentor for youth in our community.” states Andy Shea, Legends President & CEO.

The Legends continue to extend their congratulations to David for this remarkable accomplishment for all his good work and for what Fayette Co. Fatherhood Initiative does for our community.

VIDEO LINK from The TODAY Show: http://www.today.com/video/meet-the-phenomenal-father-who-teaches-men-to-be-responsible-dads-968109123734

For more information, contact Sarah Bosso at sbosso@lexingtonlegends.com or 859 422-7855. The Legends, a Single-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and a member of the South Atlantic League, continue their homestand through Sunday, June 18 at Whitaker Bank Ballpark against the Asheville Tourists and Hagerstown Suns. For ticket information, call (859) 422-7867 or visit lexingtonlegends.com.

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

MiLB, Derrick Hall Pro-State Foundation team up to educate fans about prostate cancer

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. and PHOENIX — Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) and the Derrick Hall Pro-State Foundation are partnering for the second consecutive year to bring prostate cancer awareness information to millions of baseball fans across the country this Father’s Day weekend. The effort is being coordinated by Minor League Baseball Charities, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to giving back to and enhancing the communities MiLB teams call home, and the Arizona Diamondbacks.

As part of the collaboration, MiLB teams will distribute prostate cancer awareness literature, including customized brochures, and branded mini bat keychains to fans attending Father’s Day games on Sunday, June 18. In addition, each team will recognize an outstanding dad in its local community or someone who is battling or has survived prostate cancer and present him with an engraved full-size Louisville Slugger Father’s Day commemorative bat at the game, courtesy of the Derrick Hall Pro-State Foundation.

The Derrick Hall Pro-State Foundation, a certified 501(c)(3) organization, was founded in January 2013 by Arizona Diamondbacks President & CEO Derrick Hall as a comprehensive tool for those who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer and their families to help them understand the challenges and choices they face.

“I am extremely grateful to Minor League Baseball for helping continue to spread awareness about the importance of prostate cancer screening and early detection,” said Hall, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2011. “For the second consecutive year, the collective reach of these ballparks to men around the country has already helped many overcome the challenges of prostate cancer and will continue to save so many lives. The journey can be quite frightening but a positive state of mind is powerful medicine and hopefully this information will help those diagnosed realize that they’re not alone.”

“The Derrick Hall Pro-State Foundation initiative on Father’s Day is one of the many charitable causes that Minor League Baseball, Minor League Baseball Charities and our teams have chosen to support in our ongoing quest to be good citizens in our communities and make a lasting impact on our fans,” added Pat O’Conner, Minor League Baseball President & CEO.

For a list of Minor League Baseball games this Father’s Day weekend, visit MiLB.com/schedule. To learn more about Minor League Baseball Charities and its Charity Partners Program, visit MiLB.com.

About Minor League Baseball

Minor League Baseball, headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida, is the governing body for all professional baseball teams in the United States, Canada and the Dominican Republic that are affiliated with Major League Baseball® clubs through their farm systems. Fans are coming out in unprecedented numbers to this one-of-a-kind experience that can only be found at Minor League Baseball ballparks. In 2016, Minor League Baseball attracted 41.3 million fans to its ballparks to see the future stars of the sport hone their skills. From the electricity in the stands to the excitement on the field, Minor League Baseball has provided affordable family-friendly entertainment to people of all ages since its founding in 1901. For more information, visit www.MiLB.com.

Follow Minor League Baseball on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Lexington Legends Partner with Robbie Ross Jr.’s Mission 108

WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK (Lexington, KY) – The Lexington Legends are proud to partner with Robbie and Brittany Ross through their non-profit foundation Mission 108, a Human Rights organization focused on helping survivors of Human Trafficking and extreme poverty throughout the globe.

Robbie Ross Jr., a Lexington native and graduate of Lexington Christian Academy, is a current professional baseball pitcher for the Boston Red Sox organization. Robbie and his wife Brittany started Mission 108 in 2012 while working with underserved communities in Lexington. While traveling and exploring different cultures as an MLB family, they experienced firsthand the impact that modern day slavery and extreme poverty has on people throughout the globe. Robbie and Brittany realized that their mission needed to be centered on empowering the vulnerable and serving those affected by Human Trafficking.

Mission 108 came to the Legends through the Community Organization of the Night program, a free opportunity the Legends offer to non-profits throughout the region at every Legends home game, to provide a platform for those organizations to inform the public about their cause and good works. Mission 108 will be the Community Organization of the Night on Sunday, May 28, 2017.

In addition to hosting an informational table in the concourse, participating in a pregame on-field interview and on air radio interview during the game, the Lexington Legends and Mission 108 are holding a Mystery Autograph Baseball Grab Bag Event in the concourse during the Legends game on May 28, 2017 at 2:05pm when the Legends take on Tim Tebow and the Columbia Fireflies.

Autographed Baseballs will be available for $30.00 each and in unmarked numbered bags. Fans participating in the Grab Bag Event will have a chance at over 60 different baseballs autographed by Major League Baseball Players, Top Prospects in the Royals and Nationals organizations, former UK Basketball and Football players and Legends 2017 Team signed balls.  In order to participate in the Mystery Autograph Baseball Grab Bag Event, fans must have a ticket to the May 28, 2017 Legends game.

“Mission 108 is excited to combine our love for baseball with our passion for anti-human trafficking at this event. Funds raised from this mystery ball event go directly to those affected. It will be a great time, and we hope to see all of you there. Thank you for your support” states Brittany Ross, co-founder of Mission 108.

For more information, about Mission 108 visit www.mission108.com or about the Mystery Ball Grab Bag Event and Legends Community Organization of the Night, contact Jillian Waitkus at jwaitkus@lexingtonlegends.com or 859 422-7847. The Legends, a Class A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and a member of the South Atlantic League, return to Whitaker Bank Ballpark to face off against the Hickory Crawdads, an affiliate of the Texas Rangers, on May 23, 2017 at 7:05pm. For ticket information, call (859) 422-7867 or visit lexingtonlegends.com.

Finales Announced: “Dancing with the Students” comes to Crawford Middle School via the Legends

Update: Finales for both classes of Dancing with the Students at Crawford Middle School have been set for Tuesday, May 16, 2017 from 1:13pm-2:00pm and 2:08pm-2:55pm.  Two-time Dancing with the Lexington Stars Champion and President & CEO of the Lexington Legends Andy Shea will be serving as the Guest Judge for the finales. Media is welcome to attend the finales for photographs and interviews with students.  

From the original release in March:

(WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK) Lexington, KY – Students at Crawford Middle School will put on their dancing shoes and take a new approach to Physical Education as well as Arts and Humanities curriculum through a new community partnership with the not for profit “Dancing with the Students,” based out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Dancing with the Students comes to Lexington via Lexington Legends Secretary and Principal Sue Martinelli Shea, as she founded the non-profit organization in 2005. The students involved will be at the sixth, seventh and eighth grade levels and will compete in a 10 weeks of dance class; 9 weeks of instruction with the 10th week culminating in a grand finale competition. The students will be taught by Arthur Murray trained dancer teacher Rae Mickelwait and will learn four dances: Waltz, Tango, Merengue, and Swing. “My dream is to have these talented students dance at Whitaker Bank Ballpark during a Legends’ game this summer” says Martinelli Shea. “Mickelwait was also Andy’s dance partner for Dancing with the Stars-Lexington, so it’s wonderful to have this community partnership come full circle!”

Andy Shea, President and CEO of the Lexington Legends, is just as vested in this partnership as his Mother. “I am so proud and honored of what my Mother has created and her ambition to begin Dancing with The Students classes in Lexington. There are so many life lessons that are learned through ballroom dancing and not to mention, it’s so much fun!”

This partnership would not have been possible without the support of Crawford Middle School Principal Mike Jones. Jones readily accepted by stating “I’m excited about this new and unique partnership with “Dancing with the Students.” Some of our Crawford Middle School students are going to be given the opportunity to learn four different ballroom dances as well as the etiquette that goes along with this art form. The 10-week program will be incorporated into 2 different Physical Education classes. The movement requirements used in dance can be found in PE as well as Arts and Humanities curriculum. I want to personally thank Andy Shea and Sue Martinelli Shea for allowing us to partner with the program. We hope to build it to include more students in the future.”

For more information, about Dancing with the Students, visit www.dancingwiththestudents.org or contact Sarah Bosso at sbosso@lexingtonlegends.com or 859 422-7855.

The Legends, a Class A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and a member of the South Atlantic League, will return home to Whitaker Bank Ballpark against the Greensboro Grasshoppers, an affiliate of the Miami Marlins, on May 10, 2017 at 12:35pm. For ticket information, call (859) 422-7867 or visit lexingtonlegends.com.

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

Cardinal Valley Elementary & Legends partner on new mural

WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK (Lexington, KY) – Whitaker Bank Ballpark is about to get more colorful and art-filled thanks to the students in Art Club at Cardinal Valley Elementary School, part of Fayette County Public Schools on Thursday, April 27 from 1:00pm to 5:30pm.

Led by teacher and local muralist Michelle Armstrong, approximately twenty Cardinal Valley Elementary Art Club students are showcasing their artistic talents by bringing a Kentucky and Legends themed mural to life at the ballpark on the three electrical boxes found in the parking lot of Whitaker Bank Ballpark. Students spent two to three weeks preparing by researching designs and practicing how their visions would translate onto a unique outdoor canvas.    These designs were then submitted to the Legends, with the decision landing on an all-encompassing three-piece theme, highlighting the Commonwealth, Legends players in branded uniforms, as well as various Legends logos and baseball images.

“I’m excited to bring my students to Whitaker Bank Ballpark to create something for the Lexington community” states Armstrong. “These students are thrilled to be able to share their talent and transform utility boxes into something magical and inspiring” Armstrong continued.

Andy Shea, Legends President and CEO added to Michelle Armstrong’s sentiments by stating “the Legends are no stranger to the wonderful world of art. We welcome the chance to work with students in our community and could not be more pleased to have these remarkable students contribute a third unique mural to Whitaker Bank Ballpark.”

Media is welcome to attend the mural painting session on the electrical boxes, which again takes place Thursday, April 27, 2017 from 1:00pm to 5:30pm in the parking lot of Whitaker Bank Ballpark.

For more information, about the Cardinal Valley Elementary Art Club mural project, contact Sarah Bosso at sbosso@lexingtonlegends.com or 859 422-7855.  The Legends, a Class A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and a member of the South Atlantic League, continue a seven game homestand at 7:05pm Thursday, April 27, 2017 at Whitaker Bank Ballpark against the Hagerstown Suns, an affiliate of the Washington Nationals.  For ticket information, call (859) 422-7867 or visit lexingtonlegends.com.

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

Garrard student wins Hit the Books design contest

Aubree McIntosh accepts the framed poster of her winning bookmark design from the Lexington Legends’ Big L. (Lexington Legends)

  (WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK, Lexington, Ky.) Aubree McIntosh, a seventh-grade student at Garrard Middle School, was the winner of a bookmark design contest that is part of the Lexington Legends Hit the Books reading incentive program sponsored by Waffle House.

Aubree received a Legends prize pack, including Legends merchandise and a framed Hit the Books poster featuring her artwork. She also will be invited to throw a ceremonial first pitch at a 2017 Legends game. Bookmarks featuring her artwork will be distributed to students at every school that participates in the Hit the Books program. More than 48,000 students from 119 central Kentucky schools are expected to take part in the program, which runs through April 1.

                Runners-up in the bookmark design contest were Des Hanley, a fifth-grade student at Stonewall Elementary School in Lexington;  Wesley Sizemore, a third-grade student at Hazel Green Elementary in East Bernstadt; and Paisley Gay, a fifth-grade student at Stanford Elementary School.

  “Hit the Books has been an important part of the Legends’ education and community outreach programs since 2001,” said Sarah Bosso, Legends Vice President of Business Development. “The bookmark contest adds an element of fun and competition, and it’s really great to see the students do even more reading as a result of the Hit the Books program with the ticket incentive.”

            In Hit the Books, a baseball diamond is used to record credit for reading. For every book a student reads, a teacher places his or her initials on a base. When the student has all three bases and home plate initialed by the teacher, the student may bring a Hit the Books bookmark to the Legends’ box office at Whitaker Bank Ballpark to exchange it for two tickets to a Legends home game during the 2017 season.

  The 2017 season is the 17th for Legends baseball, and also marks the 17th year that the Legends have been associated with Hit the Books. About 285,000 students have participated.

  The Legends, a class A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals, open the home season Thursday, April 13 at Whitaker Bank Ballpark against the West Virginia Power, an affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates. For more information, visit www.lexingtonlegends.com.

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

“Dancing with the Students” comes to Lexington

WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK (Lexington, KY) – Students at Crawford Middle School will put on their dancing shoes and take a new approach to Physical Education as well as Arts and Humanities curriculum through a new community partnership with the not for profit “Dancing with the Students,” based out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Dancing with the Students comes to Lexington via Lexington Legends Secretary and Principal Sue Martinelli Shea, as she founded the non-profit organization in 2005. The students involved will be at the sixth, seventh and eighth grade levels and will compete in 10 weeks of dance class; 9 weeks of instruction with the 10th week culminating in a grand finale competition. The students will be taught by Arthur Murray trained dancer teacher Rae Mickelwait and will learn four dances: Waltz, Tango, Merengue, and Swing. “My dream is to have these talented students dance at Whitaker Bank Ballpark during a Legends’ game this summer” says Martinelli Shea. “Mickelwait was also Andy’s dance partner for Dancing with the Stars-Lexington, so it’s wonderful to have this community partnership come full circle!”

Andy Shea, President and CEO of the Lexington Legends, is just as vested in this partnership as his Mother. “I am so proud and honored of what my Mother has created and her ambition to begin Dancing with the Students classes in Lexington. There are so many life lessons that are learned through ballroom dancing and not to mention, it’s so much fun!”

This partnership would not have been possible without the support of Crawford Middle School Principal Mike Jones. Jones readily accepted by stating “I’m excited about this new and unique partnership with “Dancing with the Students.” Some of our Crawford Middle School students are going to be given the opportunity to learn four different ballroom dances as well as the etiquette that goes along with this art form. The 10-week program will be incorporated into 2 different Physical Education classes. The movement requirements used in dance can be found in PE as well as Arts and Humanities curriculum. I want to personally thank Andy Shea and Sue Martinelli Shea for allowing us to partner with the program. We hope to build it to include more students in the future.”

For more information, about Dancing with the Students, visit www.dancingwiththestudents.org or contact Sarah Bosso at sbosso@lexingtonlegends.com or 859 422-7855.

The Legends, a class A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and a member of the South Atlantic League, will open the season Thursday, April 13 at Whitaker Bank Ballpark against the West Virginia Power, an affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

For ticket information, call (859) 422-7867 or visit lexingtonlegends.com.

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

Stache Tank winners announced

                An Opening Night event plan and hype video, a promotional giveaway for fans and a new specialty food item will be part of the Lexington Legends 2017 season, thanks to the recently completed second annual Stache Tank competition.

Students from Bryan Station High School, Crawford Middle School and William Wells Brown Elementary competed this year. Stache Tank is based on the popular television program “Shark Tank,” in which would-be entrepreneurs present their business ideas to a panel of potential investors. “Stache” is a reference to the Legends’ mustache logo.

Teams of students went through competition at each of their schools to determine finalists, who then made presentations to a panel of business leaders and Legends officials at Whitaker Bank Ballpark.

The Bryan Station teams produced an Opening Night event plan that will salute the school and showcase the talents of Bryan Station students. The students also produced a special video to add to the atmosphere for Opening Night, which is Thursday, April 13.

Kayla Stanley, a sophomore, appreciated the opportunity to team up with older students.

“Working with others higher up was a big thing, but we all worked well together,” she said. “I think it helps when you all know each other.   But aside from that, getting up in front of people as a group and presenting your hard work, knowing that you could walk away losing or winning – whatever it may be, you gain certain aspects that you couldn’t have gotten without this experience.”

Developing a budget and staying within it while finding materials for their ideas presented a challenge for the group.   Stanley said her classwork provided a good base of knowledge for those issues – especially the budget.

“Definitely, the budget,” she said, and added that acquiring materials such as glow sticks, neon duct tape, and staff t-shirts without exceeding their budget meant relying on their math skills.

Bryan Station team members also included Drake Witt, Kageman Mason, Auryan Padgett, Kylie Barefoot and Melissa Canales.

“The Legends’ Stache Tank is an incredible opportunity for students to showcase the many different things they’ve been exposed to,” said Bryan Station associate principal Carl Hayden. “It gives them an opportunity to work together in teams, whether it’s the academy, or students from culinary, or students from business. They all get an opportunity to come together to devise a plan to show off their talents and show what students here at Bryan Station can do.”

A team from Crawford Middle School developed bacon-wrapped chicken bites, which were a hit with the judges and will now be a featured Kentucky Ale Taproom restaurant menu item and concession stand item for Legends fans in 2017. Crawford students Alonna Allen, LeAira Beatty, Claynisha Mayberry and Lataiya Jones came up with the winning idea, cost analysis and plans for production.

The team needed math and algebra skills as part of their research, said Allen, a seventh grade student.   And it was “people skills,” she said, that were required once the students were in front of the panel of judges to make their presentation.

“I was nervous, but excited,” she said.   “And I’m excited about trying our food at a game.”

“I was able to take a pretty good cross-section of our students, put them in small groups and watch them learn how to work together as a team,” said Crawford principal Mike Jones. “Also, it was very encouraging to see them use a lot of the math skills they learned through our math standards and apply them to a real-world project, and then be able to take that and present it to a group of strangers. I was very encouraged by how our students represented Crawford, and I’m very proud of them.”

The first 1,000 fans through the gates on the afternoon of Sunday, April 16 will receive a fruit-infused water bottle designed by Egypt Brooks, Teayla Granville, Olivia Jones, and Ayanna Darrington, all fifth grade students at William Wells Brown Elementary.

“Our students used math, writing, technology skills, and research to accomplish writing persuasive pieces, ” said Monica Davis, 21st Century Grant program director at William Wells Brown.   “They created visual charts to share data collected. ”

Working on a project that would be widely seen and used outside their classroom added to the students’ energy, Davis said. “The fifth grade students who participate in the 21st Century Community Learning Center at WWB were so excited to be asked to create a giveaway item for the Legends.”

“The Legends’ Stache Tank idea emerged originally in 2016 from our drive to take a more active role in Minor League Baseball’s nationwide diversity initiative, and we are thrilled to be able to offer this community program again for the 2017 season,” said Legends vice president of business development Sarah Bosso. “Working with these remarkable students has been quite rewarding. Seeing them work through challenges and celebrate the triumphs while also breaking down the process of building something to offer the community, has been the highlight of my off season.”

For more information about the Stache Tank program, contact Sarah Bosso at (859) 422-7855 or sbosso@lexingtonlegends.com.

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

Science, tech students can earn Legends tickets

Cards will be used to record students’ progress and can be redeemed for Legends’ tickets when all four activities have been completed.

  The Lexington Legends are stepping into the fields of science and technology through a new educational program.

The Legends are working with the Instructional Technology Department of Fayette County Public Schools to provide an incentive for students in the Kentucky Department of Education’s Science and Technology Leadership Program (STLP) to participate in academic activities related to those studies.

As students complete four key activities in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), their progress will be recorded on punch cards that will be distributed to students by STLP coordinators.   The activities are listed under the four “C’s” of STEM:

Critical thinking – Students must complete an hour of coding.

Creativity – Students must create some type of innovative project using technology.

Collaboration – Students must attend an STLP meeting or STEM Fair.

Communication – Students must teach someone else something they have learned, either one-on-one or through a class presentation.

When the completion of all four activities is recorded on their card, students may redeem the card at the Legends box office for two tickets to a home game.

“The Legends are pleased to work with Fayette County Public Schools on this project,” said Sarah Bosso, Legends’ vice president for business development.   “It’s important for students to be immersed in 21st century learning, and Fayette County Public Schools is doing a phenomenal job providing outlets for this type of experience. The Legends are more than happy to provide additional incentive for students in the form of fun at the ballpark. We look forward to having them with us for the 2017 season.”

“Fayette County Public Schools and the Office of Instructional Technology recognize the importance of STEM education and skills such as critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and communication,” said Amy Johns, Coordinator of Instructional Technology forFayette County Public Schools. “Through the Student Technology Leadership Program, we encourage schools to give students opportunities to practice those skills in a variety of ways, because we know these are key for our students to be successful in a global community.

“We are excited that our community partners, the Lexington Legends, also value and support the need for students to practice these skills and are partnering with us in a unique STEM/STLP program to reward students for their work,” she added. “We believe this opportunity will draw attention to the importance of this kind of learning at all grade levels and we deeply appreciate The Legends support of our efforts.”

STLP’s mission is to use project-based learning principles to empower student learning and achievement through the utilization and creation of technology to solve school and community needs.

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

Legends’ donations for 2016 top $1,000,000

Big L and the Legends welcomed Girl Scouts to Whitaker Bank Ballpark for a campout May 6. More than 330 girls spent the night at the ballpark. The Girl Scouts were one of many organizations who received support from Legends’ community programs in 2016.

             (WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK, Lexington, Ky.) The Lexington Legends made donations totaling $1,000,763 in 2016 to a variety of non-profit organizations serving central Kentucky.

In its 16-year history, the Legends organization has donated close to $15 million to the region.

“The Legends are proud to be part of this community and region,” said Legends President/CEO Andy Shea. “We will continue to provide support to these great organizations that do so much good work.”

Among the organizations and causes who benefited from events and programs in 2016 were:

Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts:  Overnight campouts for Boy Scouts (August 18) and Girl Scouts (May 6) were held following Legends games at Whitaker Bank Ballpark. The scouts sold nearly 1,000 donated game tickets to raise funds for their organizations. About 700 scouts participated in the campouts.

                Breast Cancer Research and Awareness: The Legends held Breast Cancer Awareness Night at Whitaker Bank Ballpark on July 9. Funds raised through an auction of pink jerseys and pink bases used during the Legends game that night, along with t-shirt sales, benefited Kentucky Cancer Link, which serves breast cancer patients on a personal basis by reducing or eliminating barriers to screening, diagnosis and treatment; The Markey Cancer Center, established in 1983 as a Comprehensive Cancer Center; and Susan G. Komen, the world’s largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer. The Legends and LBX held a celebration lunch, with proceeds going to those same three organizations.

                Military Appreciation Night: The Legends’ Military Appreciation night was held on June 25. It included an auction of jerseys to benefit Military Missions, a local non-profit organization that supports troops in a variety of ways, including the sending of care packages with personal items and snacks to military personnel.

                Bark in the Park: The Legends held 12 “Bark in the Park” nights during the 2016 season. Dog owners were invited to bring their dogs to the game, and a two-dollar “admission” charge for each dog was donated to the Scott County Humane Society.

Guns and Hoses Softball Game:  The Legends provide the setting for the Guns and Hoses game, which matches the Lexington Police Department against the Lexington Fire Department in a softball game and home run derby. The winning team takes home a trophy, and the loser receives a toilet seat as the runner-up prize. More than 2,000 people attended the 2016 game.

Community Organization of the Night:  The Legends provide an opportunity for a local non-profit organization to step into the spotlight at a Legends home game. Organizations may set up an information table on the concourse, and a representative is interviewed on the field before the game and on radio during the game.    Organizations who purchased discounted tickets for re-sale as a fundraiser also received 25% of the proceeds from that night’s 50-50 raffle. (The Legends Charitable Fund also received 25%, and the fan holding the winning ticket received 50%.)

                Hit the Books Reading Program: Geared toward elementary schools, the Legends’ Hit the Books Reading Program is designed to encourage students to read, both in school and away from school.    The Legends gave away 33,000 Hit the Books bookmarks to students in central Kentucky in 2016. (A winning bookmark design is selected from students’ entries.) Those who complete the Hit the Books reading program are awarded two tickets to a Legends home game.

Field of Dreams: The Paul Miller Ford Field of Dreams program allows youth baseball and softball players to be part of pre-game festivities. Members of the youth teams are introduced to the fans and take the field along with the Legends starters. Teams are selected at random from registrations received at Field of Dreams sponsor locations.   Team members receive complimentary admission to the game. The Legends hosted 80 Field of Dreams teams in 2016.

           Legends Character Award at William Wells Brown Elementary:   Every nine weeks during the school year, 19 students from William Wells Brown Elementary School in Lexington are selected to receive the Legends Character Award. The award is designed to motivate students to demonstrate good behavior and a great attitude. The students are nominated by their classroom teachers. Winners are publicly recognized and personally congratulated by the Legends’ Big L.

Kids Area:   At every Legends home game in 2016, Lafayette High School cheerleaders volunteered to work in the Aetna Kids Play Area to raise money for their cheer program. The Legends made a $7,500 donation to the program.

Go Red Night: The American Heart Association and St. Joseph Health Care System sponsored a “Go Red” Night June 3 at Whitaker Bank Ballpark, where fans received information on the dangers and risks of heart disease. Free blood pressure checks and presentations of information were provided throughout the game.

Donation requests:  The Legends donate tickets, memorabilia or merchandise to as many organizations as possible. Tickets are used by members of the non-profit organizations or for auctions to raise funds for those organizations. The Legends fulfilled more than 300 donation requests in 2016.

  United Way of the Bluegrass:  Donors to the annual United Way of the Bluegrass campaign receive two free box seat tickets to a Legends home game. In 2016, the Legends donated 23,333 tickets for use by the United Way.

St. Joseph Hospital Nursing Scholarship Program: At the end of every baseball season, the Legends hold a silent auction for the jerseys worn by the players during home games. Proceeds go to the St. Joseph Hospital Nursing Scholarship Program.

                Fundraising tickets:   The Legends offer schools, teams and other organizations an opportunity to buy tickets at a discounted price and raise funds by selling the tickets at the regular price. More than 5,000 tickets were purchased at the discount rate for fundraising in 2016.

For more information on the Legends’ community programs, contact Sarah Bosso at 859-422-7847 or sbosso@lexingtonlegends.com

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

Legends sponsor KSU students at winter meetings

                For the second consecutive year, the Lexington Legends are sponsoring a group of Kentucky State University students who will attend a job fair and seminars at professional baseball’s winter meetings.

Interested students had submitted applications for consideration.

The meetings began Sunday, and will continue through December 8 in National Harbor, Maryland. The winter meetings are an annual gathering of major league and minor league baseball personnel.   Some of major league baseball’s biggest player trades and free agent signings occur at winter meetings, but much of the agenda at the minor league level concerns the off-the-field business of professional baseball. The job fair, which the KSU students will attend, provides connections and opportunities for those who would like to work in baseball in a variety of areas, including promotions, ticket sales, community relations, media relations, broadcasting and others.

The students will also have an opportunity to attend any of the Bob Freitas seminars and workshops, which have been part of the winter meetings for more than 20 years and cover a wide range of baseball business topics.

“The Legends are pleased to partner with KSU again this year,” said Legends President/CEO Andy Shea. “We appreciate the students’ interest, and we think they will really enjoy the opportunity to learn first-hand from experts about a variety of careers in baseball.”

In addition to entry fees, the Legends are supporting the students through payment of hotel expenses and a one-year subscription to PBEO.com (Professional Baseball Employment Opportunities), the official employment service of minor league baseball.

The KSU students who are attending the meetings are Alea Cardenas, Jade Luckey, Makalah Kirkland, Joshua Dunn, Stephen Ferrell, Chae Butler, Cheryll Eskridge and James Stinson. Luckey, Dunn, Kirkland and Ferrell also attended the meetings in 2015.

The students are being accompanied by KSU officials, including head baseball coach Rob Henry.

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

Vets Day package, discounts at Stache Shoppe

      In recognition of Veterans Day, the Lexington Legends are introducing a six-game ticket package for 2017 that will include Military Appreciation Night, Independence Day and a Sunday game on Memorial Day Weekend.   The package, which is available through November 14, also includes the home opener and the final home date of the season when the Legends, class A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals, will play a doubleheader.

In addition, with the holiday season approaching, the Legends invite fans to go to www.lexingtonlegends.com to take advantage of a 30% discount and free shipping on merchandise ordered online from the Legends’ team store, the Stache Shoppe. Click on the “Team Store” tab and enter the promo code USA2016    (no space).

The Legends Veterans Day Package schedule:

*Opening Night – Thursday, April 13, 7:05 p.m. Legends vs. West Virginia Power (Pittsburgh Pirates)
Memorial Day Weekend – Sunday, May 28, 2:05 p.m. Legends vs. Columbia Fireflies (New York Mets)
*Independence Day – Tuesday, July 4, 7:05 p.m. Legends vs. West Virginia Power (Pittsburgh Pirates)
*Military Appreciation Night – Saturday, July 8, 6:35 p.m. vs. Greenville Drive (Boston Red Sox)
*Fan Appreciation Doubleheader – Wednesday, August 30, 5:35 p.m. vs. Augusta GreenJackets (San Francisco Giants)

*A fireworks show will follow the game.

(Games and start times are subject to change.)

With box seats, the package is priced at $50. Field box seats are $60. Each order will include a Legends lapel pin.

For more information on the ticket package, fans may go online to www.lexingtonlegends.com or call the Legends box office at 859 422-7867.

“There is always a lot of excitement at the ballpark on these special dates,” said Legends President/CEO Andy Shea. “This is a great opportunity for our fans to get these games on their calendars early.   We’ll look forward to seeing them here.”

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