Kentucky – Page 6

Inaugural FUNNER-Ween to Spook Bowling Green Ballpark on October 26

October 7, 2014

Free Halloween Event Includes Candy, Contests, Games, and More

With temperatures taking a dip and leaves changing color, Halloween is officially approaching us. The Bowling Green Hot Rods will celebrate the spookiest of holidays by holding FUNNER-Ween at Bowling Green Ballpark on Sunday, October 26. The free event will run from 2-4 p.m., and it will include candy, games, costume contests, and more.

“Halloween is a great way for us to stay involved with the community,” said Hot Rods Assistant General Manager Ben Hemmen. “Our staff has done a great job staying active through numerous off-season appearances, but we’re excited to be bringing this free event to the ballpark. It will be a fantastic get-together for all of South-Central Kentucky.”

FUNNER-Ween will begin at 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 26, and the free event will run through 4 p.m. Families are encouraged to dress in their Halloween attire, as there will be costume contests for all people of all ages. Don’t forget your furry friend either, dogs are welcome and there will be a separate contest for pooches. Candy will be handed out to kids in a “trick by seat” format. Season ticket holders are encouraged to enjoy the event from their seat and hand out candy to the youngsters.

Pumpkin stencils will be handed out to guests upon entry, and merchandise specials will be available all afternoon. Kids will be able participate in a zombie walk on the field, a candy security checkpoint will be available for safe eating, and Axle’s candy bag dash will give kids the opportunity to win even more candy. The Bowling Green Ballpark concourse will also be filled with more games, a prize wheel, and face painters/balloon artists. Things may get a bit messy when the Halloween cupcake eating contest takes place.

The Hot Rods welcome any community organizations and businesses who would like to hand out candy at the event. To get involved, those interested are encouraged to contact Ben Hemmen directly at 270-495-6017, or by email via ben@bghotrods.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Bowling Green Hot Rods. Click here to view the original story.

Legends in the Community: Big L is busy

September 25, 2014

Big L will be in Richmond October 1 and Corbin October 8 in addition to his visits in the Lexington area.

This time of year is sometimes called the “off-season” in minor league baseball, and though the Lexington Legends 2014 season is over, it’s anything but time off for the Legends’ Big L.

Big L has appearances planned in Richmond October 1 and Corbin October 8, in addition to events in the Lexington area. He and other staff members will represent the Legends at the following locations through October 9:

Wednesday, October 1 – 8 a.m. – 9 a.m. Anti-bullying rally at Madison Middle School, 101 Summit Street, Richmond.

Wednesday, October 8 – 7:15 a.m. Big L will help Lexington’s Ashland Elementary School celebrate International Walk to School Day, on which students are encouraged to walk or bike to school as a means of promoting healthy habits, a cleaner environment and attention to safety.

Wednesday, October 8 – 1-1:30 p.m. Big L and Pee Wee will appear at a Project Fit America event presented by Baptist Health Corbin at Lynn Camp Elementary School, 366 N. Ky. 830, Corbin.

Thursday, October 9 – 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Health Fair Party, Leestown Middle School, 2010 Leestown Road, Lexington.

“The off season is an exciting time for the Legends, as it provides us the opportunity to spend more time immersed in the community,” said Sarah Bosso, the Legends’ director of community relations and special events. “Having the opportunity to participate in a variety of events throughout Central Kentucky allows the Legends and Big L to assist in fun ways to bring attention to important issues and organizations. We love this time of year!”

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lexington Legends. 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.

Homestand: Peanut Allergy Awareness, Fireworks, ‘Bark” and more

June 26, 2014

Former UK star Riddle returns with Greensboro

A peanut allergy awareness night, three Ford Fireworks shows, including one for an Independence Day celebration, and a Bark in the Park night will highlight a seven-game homestand for the Lexington Legends beginning Friday, June 27. The Legends will also welcome a former Kentucky Mr. Baseball back to the Bluegrass.

The Legends, class A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals, will take on the Augusta GreenJackets, an affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, in a four-game series June 27-30. The Greensboro Grasshoppers, an affiliate of the Miami Marlins, will be in for a three-game series July 1-3.

The schedule:

Friday, June 27: Legends vs. Augusta, 7:05 p.m. The Legends and Family Allergy & Asthma are teaming up to provide a fun, worry-free evening for those with peanut allergies. At one game each year, the Legends remove all forms of peanuts, sunflower seeds and any foods prepared with peanut oils, so that fans may enjoy the game – and the concessions — without concern about a possible allergic reaction. There will be giveaway items and chances to win prizes donated by Family Allergy and Asthma. A Ford Fireworks show will follow the game.

Saturday, June 28: Legends vs. Augusta, 7:05 p.m. Saturday is Lexington Clinic Night, and fans should look for information and giveaways from Lexington Clinic representatives. A Ford Fireworks show will follow the game.

Sunday, June 29: Legends vs. Augusta, 6:05 p.m. It’s a JIF Kids Club Sunday. Kids Club members receive free admission to the game, and all kids may run the bases after the game.

Monday, June 30: Legends vs. Augusta, 7:05 p.m. All Monday night home games are “Kids Eat Free” nights, sponsored by Members Heritage Federal Credit Union. All kids age 12 and under will receive a voucher good for a free meal and drink.

Tuesday, July 1: Legends vs. Greensboro, 7:05 p.m. Every Tuesday night is 37-cent hot dog night. The price is in recognition of the Ford F-150 being the number one selling truck for 37 consecutive years.

The visiting Grasshoppers have a Kentucky connection: Frankfort native and former Western Hills High School and University of Kentucky star J.T. Riddle is with Greensboro after being drafted in the 13^th round and signed by Miami in 2013. Riddle was Kentucky High School Mr. Baseball in 2010.

Wednesday, July 2: Legends vs. Greensboro, 7:05 p.m. Wednesday is Bark in the Park night, presented by IncrediPet. Fans may bring their dogs to the game.

Thursday, July 3: Legends vs. Greensboro, 7:05 p.m. It’s a Kentucky Ale Thirsty Thursday, and beer and Pepsi products will be on sale for one dollar each. There is no home game on July 4, so the Legends invite fans to celebrate Independence Day Thursday with a Ford Fireworks show after the game.

For ticket information, call 859 422-7867 or go online to lexingtonlegends.com.

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

Urgent Care Centers to offer free sports physicals June 1

May 24, 2014

Urgent Care Centers of Kentucky will team up with the Lexington Legends to offer free sports physical examinations at the Legends game Sunday, June 1 at Whitaker Bank Ballpark.

A yearly sports physical is required for every child who seeks eligibility to participate in any school sport or athletic activity,

Gates will open at 5 p.m. June 1. The free examinations will begin at that time and will be available until 8 p.m. The game between the Legends and the Augusta GreenJackets will begin at 6:05 p.m.

The sports physicals will be conducted by the certified medical staff of Urgent Care Centers of Kentucky. No payment of any form, including copays, will be charged.

Parents will need to bring their identification or state driver’s license and should be prepared to fill out forms and provide medical history.

“The Legends and Urgent Care Centers of Kentucky are pleased to offer a convenient location and free sports physicals,” said Sarah Bosso, the Legends director of community relations and special events. “We know how important participating in team activities is for the betterment of our youth, and we want to make sure everyone has that opportunity.”

For more information, contact Bosso at 859-422-7855 or sbosso@lexingtonlegends.com.

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

Bats host Military Appreciation Day during eight-game homestand

May 21, 2014

The Louisville Bats begin an eight-game homestand Thursday, May 22 at Louisville Slugger Field that will feature two fireworks shows, a patriotic hat giveaway and Military Appreciation Day.

The patriotic cap giveaway on Saturday, May 24 will be the second of the Bats’ four regular-season cap giveaways. The caps will be given to the first 2,000 fans through the gates. The Bats will face the Buffalo Bisons, Triple-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, for four games from Thursday, May 22 through Sunday, May 25.

Military Appreciation Day will be on Monday, May 26. All retired and current military personnel and their families will receive free field reserved tickets with proper military identification. Monday will feature the first of four games against the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, Triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees.

Fireworks during this homestand will be on Friday, May 23 and Memorial Day Eve on Sunday, May 25.

The Bats depart for Columbus on Friday, May 30 for the first two games of a split four-game series with the Columbus Clippers, Triple-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. The team returns to Louisville for two more games with Columbus on Sunday, June 1 and Monday, June 2. Sunday, June 1 will be 50-Cent Hot Dog Night at Louisville Slugger Field.

Louisville finished a 6-2 road trip through Norfolk and Durham on Tuesday and comes home sitting in third place in the IL West at 22-23, just 4.0 games back of first-place Indianapolis. The trip was the team’s first six-win road trip since July 2010. Outfielder Felix Pérez is hitting .296 in May and leads the International League in RBI and extra-base hits in the month, including four home runs on the road trip.

The Bats have averaged 8,979 fans per game at Louisville Slugger Field since its opening in 2000 and have totaled over 8.8 million fans through 14 seasons. Tickets for all regular season games are available. The entire 2014 Bats schedule, including updated promotions and special events, can be found at batsbaseball.com. Single-game tickets may be purchased online, by calling 1-855-228-8497 or by visiting the Louisville Slugger Field box office. Full and partial season tickets along with group outings and suite rentals are available by calling the Bats front office at 502-212-2287.

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

Teacher Appreciation Night May 7

May 6, 2014

The Lexington Legends will say thanks to educators with a Teacher Appreciation Night Wednesday, May 7. The Legends take on the Asheville Tourists at 7:05 p.m. Wednesday at Whitaker Bank Ballpark.

Teachers and staff can call 859 422-7867, go to the box office, or visit lexingtonlegends.com, mention a special promo code provided to them by the Legends and purchase a special $12 ticket that will include not only a box seat, but also dinner at the game, a $20 value in all.

We are proud to take part in Teacher Appreciation Week with this special night at Whitaker Bank Ballpark,” said Legends President/COO Andy Shea. “We hope the teachers and staff will enjoy a night of Legends baseball and all the fun that goes with it. We really do appreciate all that they do.

For more information, call 859 422-7867 or visit lexingtonlegends.com.

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

Wilmore student wins Hit the Books contest

February 24, 2014

Runners-up from Wilmore, Menifee, Eastern elementaries

LexingtonLegends_2014-02-24 — Hit the Books bookmark design winner Lyla Lamb and her family celebrated with Big L. (Lexington Legends)

(WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK, Lexington, Ky.) A student at Wilmore Elementary School was the winner of a bookmark design contest that is part of the Lexington Legends Hit the Books reading incentive program.

Fourth grade student Lyla Lamb created the winning entry. She received a Legends prize pack, including Legends merchandise, a framed Hit the Books poster featuring her artwork and membership in the 2014 Little Legends Kids Club. She also will be invited to throw a ceremonial first pitch at a designated Legends game for her school. Bookmarks featuring her artwork will be distributed to students at every school that participates in the Hit the Books program. More than 27,000 students from 65 central Kentucky schools are expected to take part in the program, which runs through April 1.

Earning runner-up honors were Leah Olmstead, a fifth grade student at Wilmore Elementary; Kevin Spencer, a fifth grade student at Menifee County Elementary; and Samuel Jung, a third grade student at Eastern Elementary in Scott County.

Runners-up received a framed poster and Legends merchandise.

“Hit the Books has always been an important part of community outreach for the Legends,” said Sarah Bosso, the Legends’ director of community relations and special events. “We enjoy visiting the schools and meeting the students who are taking part in the program. Building literacy in childhood is a great cause. We’re glad to help develop good readers as well as good Legends fans.”

In Hit the Books, a baseball diamond is used to record credit for a student’s 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 designated for their school.

The 2014 season is the 14^th for Legends baseball, and also marks the 14^th year that the Legends have been associated with Hit the Books. About 175,000 students have participated.

The Legends, a class A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals, open the home season Thursday, April 3 at Whitaker Bank Ballpark against the West Virginia Power, an affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates. For more information, visit www.lexingtonlegends.com.

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

Non-profits invited for Community Org program

January 22, 2014

The Legends' Community Organization of the Night program offers non-profits an opportunity to increase awareness of their work. — The Legends’ Community Organization of the Night program offers non-profits an opportunity to increase awareness of their work.

(WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK, Lexington, Ky.) The Lexington Legends are inviting non-profit organizations to participate in their Community Organization of the Night program during the 2014 season.

The Community Organization program offers non-profits a variety of opportunities to publicize their work at Whitaker Bank Ballpark and on Legends radio broadcasts during each of the Legends’ 70 home games. Hundreds of organizations throughout central and eastern Kentucky have participated.

“Community involvement has been important to the Legends since day one,” said Legends’ President/COO Andy Shea. “Our Community Organization of the Night program allows us to put the spotlight on the great work being done by many organizations throughout Kentucky, and we’re very happy to help get their message out.”

Organizations may set up a display on the concourse, where they can greet fans and distribute information. Before the game, a representative of each Community Organization of the Night is interviewed on the public address system. The representative also is a guest on the radio broadcast for a half-inning during the game. Each organization receives four complimentary tickets to their game.

Solicitation is not permitted, but there is a fund-raising element in the program. To maximize exposure and to boost fund-raising, organizations that reserve their night for a Thursday, Friday or Saturday game will purchase a minimum of 50 Legends fundraiser tickets at four dollars each. Fundraiser tickets may then be sold by the organization for up to the regular face value of 10 dollars, allowing the organization to raise up to six dollars per ticket sold.

“Also, the more tickets sold, the more supporters each organization will have at the game,” said Sarah Bosso, the Legends director of community relations and special events. “It’s fun for everyone involved, and it’s always for a great cause.”

Game dates will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, call (859) 422-7855.

The Legends, a class A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals, will open the 2014 season at Whitaker Bank Ballpark Thursday, April 3 at 7:05 p.m. against the West Virginia Power, an affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates. More information is available at lexingtonlegends.com.

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

Legends reserve seat for POW/MIA

November 12, 2013

The Lexington Legends celebrated Veterans Day by permanently reserving a seat at Whitaker Bank Ballpark in honor of military personnel who are prisoners of war or missing in action.

Seat one in row 14 of section 201, located on the first base side near the top of the seating bowl, will never be sold or occupied. The seat has been painted black. An attached plaque reads “Reserved for a MIA/POW. We will never forget you.”

A ceremony to dedicate the seat was held at the ballpark today (Monday). Members of Rolling Thunder, an organization of motorcycle-riding veterans, made their entrance through the outfield gates and rode their motorcycles around the warning track before coming to the seating bowl for the ceremony. The national anthem was sung by Sgt. Shawn McCall. Students from Forest Hill Military Academy, including a color guard, also took part.

“The Legends are proud to take this step as a way to remember those who have sacrificed on our behalf,” said Legends President/COO Andy Shea.

Ballpark sod donated to Habitat

October 19, 2013

New sod will soon be installed on the field at Whitaker Bank Ballpark, home of the Lexington Legends, and the old sod will find a new home – in fact, it likely will find several new homes. Part of the sod that is being taken up at the ballpark has been donated to Habitat for Humanity, where it will be available for purchase at Habitat’s ReStore, 451 Southland Drive. The ReStore is a home improvement resale store that sells donated new and gently used furniture, home accessories, building supplies and appliances. Proceeds from sales at the Re-Store benefit Lexington Habitat for Humanity’s mission to build affordable homes for Lexington families.

“We were excited to get the call asking if we could accept some of this sod,” said Jim Kreiner, director of the ReStore, a home improvement resale store that sells donated new and gently used furniture, home accessories, building supplies and appliances. He said since current Habitat homes were not quite ready for sod to be laid, the donated sod would be made available for sale at the Re-Store.

“The Legends have had a long-standing partnership with Lexington Habitat for Humanity,” said Legends President/COO Andy Shea. “Habitat came to mind immediately when we began this project.”

Installation of new sod at Whitaker Bank Ballpark is scheduled to begin later this month.

This article originally appeared on the Legends’ website.

Legends, Royals team up on Project Purple Aug. 23

August 13, 2013

(WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK, Lexington, Ky.) The Lexington Legends are teaming up with their major league affiliate, the Kansas City Royals, for a Project Purple night at Whitaker Bank Ballpark Friday, August 23.

Project Purple is an initiative of The Herren Project, a 501(c)3 non-profit foundation established by former NBA basketball player Chris Herren. Project Purple assists individuals and families struggling with addiction. It was established to break the stigma of addiction, increase awareness of the dangers of substance abuse and shed light on effective treatment practices.

Legends’ players will wear purple caps with the Royals “KC” logo during the August 23 game against Greenville. A silent auction for the caps will be conducted during the game. The winning bidders will go on the field after the game to receive their cap, which will be autographed by the Legends player who wore that cap during the game. All proceeds from the auction will directly benefit the Herron Project/Project Purple.

Fans are encouraged to wear purple to the game, and those who do may buy a box seat ticket for the special price of seven dollars.

Project Purple information and items such as t-shirts and rubber bracelets will be available at tables on the concourse near the silent auction tables.

“The Kansas City Royals are proud to partner with the Lexington Legends and The Herren Project to promote and support Project Purple,” said Royals director of player development Scott Sharp. “We were fortunate to have Chris speak to our players during spring training about his struggles with substance abuse. He made a tremendous impact on our athletes, and we are proud to support him and his foundation in educating youth and adolescents about the pitfalls of substance abuse and addiction.”

“The Legends are thrilled to be involved in this affiliate wide promotion, as we fully endorse Chris’ message and are proud to contribute to raising awareness of Project Purple in the Lexington community,” said Sarah Bosso, Legends director of community relations and special events. “We invite fans to participate in the auction for the purple Kansas City hats, with all proceeds directly benefiting the Herron Project/Project Purple — so, Legends fans, get excited!”

Game time August 23 is 7:05 p.m. For more information, call 859 422-7867 or visit www.lexingtonlegends.com.

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

Legends host Breast Cancer Awareness dinner

July 11, 2013

(WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK, Lexington, Ky.) The Lexington Legends will hold their annual Breast Cancer Awareness Dinner Friday, July 12 from 5 to 6 p.m. in the Kentucky Ale Taproom at Whitaker Bank Ballpark. The event is sponsored by LBX and is open to the public.

For ticket information, contact Jordan Gillum at 859 422-7851.

The program will include introduction of makeover winners by Janie Olmstead of Images Model and Talent Agency and a panel from the Markey Cancer Center.

“Our annual Breast Cancer Awareness Night promises to be special, as it is every year,” said Legends General Manager Seth Poteat. “Having lost my own mother to breast cancer, this event carries extra meaning for me, but I know I am far from alone. It’s a great opportunity to spend some time with so many brave survivors, take in a Legends game, and raise a lot of money all at the same time.”

The dinner is part of Breast Cancer Awareness Night at the ballpark. The Legends will play the Delmarva Shorebirds at 7:05 p.m. Friday, and Legends players will wear special pink jerseys that will be auctioned after the game, with proceeds going to the Markey Cancer Center, Kentucky Pink Connection and Susan G. Komen.

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

Buddy Bat writes children’s book to benefit Family Scholar House

March 14, 2013

Official release at Bats’ annual open house event

WHAT:

Jeremy Sharfe, a special education teacher at Doss High School has been performing as Buddy Bat for 11 years. He recently wrote A Different Kind of Buddy and will officially release the book at the Louisville Bats annual open house for season ticket holders. Mascot Buddy Bat and illustrator Andrew Kirby will be signing books at the event.

WHERE:

Louisville Slugger Field

WHEN:

Saturday, March 16

10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Books are free to Bats season ticket holders attending the open house and both the author and illustrator will be available to sign books. Others interested in obtaining a book, may contact Family Scholar House at 813-3086. Books are provided as a gift with a donation of $10 or more to Family Scholar House, and all donations will support children’s programming.

Family Scholar House’s children’s programs include the following:

Toddler Book Club

Buddy Bat Book Club

Healthy Me!

Children for Change

Passport for Success

Family Nutrition & Wellness

Family Scholar House’s mission is to end the cycle of poverty by giving single-parent students the support they need to earn a college degree. Currently, 175 families with 278 children live at Family Scholar House’s residential campuses in Louisville and Southern Indiana. All of these families are low-income and have experienced homelessness or unstable housing. FSH parent scholars are full-time college students, with children of all ages, who are pursuing post-secondary education – most often while also working – to achieve career-track employment and make a better future for their children.

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

Legends invite non-profits for CON program

February 27, 2013

(WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK, Lexington, Ky.) The Lexington Legends are inviting non-profit organizations to participate in their Community Organization of the Night program during the 2013 season.

“The Legends place a huge emphasis on being a strong community partner,” said Legends General Manager Seth Poteat. “With that in mind, it’s really the least we can do to open up our facility and allow 70 unique non-profit organizations the opportunity to spread their message and raise awareness among the thousands of Legends fans that come through our gates each year. ”

The Legends have added a fund-raising element to the program for 2013. To maximize exposure and to boost fund-raising, organizations that reserve their night for a Thursday, Friday or Saturday game will purchase a minimum of 50 Legends fundraiser tickets at three dollars each. Fundraiser tickets may then be sold by the organization for up to the regular face value of nine dollars.

“Each organization may keep the funds raised, which could be as much as six dollars per ticket sold,” said Sarah Bosso, the Legends director of community relations and special events. “You’ll have more supporters up in the stands, and you’ll have a fun group out to enjoy a Legends game.”

Game dates will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, call (859) 422-7855.

The Legends, a class A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals, will open their home season Monday, April 8 at 7:05 p.m. against the Asheville Tourists, an affiliate of the Colorado Rockies. More information is available at lexingtonlegends.com.

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