Lexington Legends win MiLB John Henry Moss Community Service Award

ST. PETERSBURG, Florida – Minor League Baseball today named the Lexington Legends the recipient of the fifth annual John Henry Moss Community Service Award. The award was created in 2013 by Minor League Baseball in honor of the late John Henry Moss, who founded what would become the South Atlantic League in 1959 and headed the circuit until 2007. The Legends will receive their award at the Baseball Winter Meetings Banquet on Sunday, Dec. 10, at the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resort in Orlando, Florida.

 

“The Lexington Legends are incredibly proud to receive the 2017 John Henry Moss Community Service Award, and furthermore, we are honored to represent the South Atlantic League and its former President, John Henry Moss. One of the Legends’ core values is to give the community more than they expect, and we feel it has truly been our honor to serve Central Kentucky,” said Legends President & CEO Andy Shea. “The 2017 season was a team effort, from the front office, to the Legends players, to the Kansas City Royals, we came together and created a unique and well-rounded outreach plan. Our “Stache Tank” program led the way by providing elementary, middle and high school students in underserved communities the chance to develop entrepreneurial ideas in the form of Legends giveaways, concessions items and gameday planning. We look forward to continuing this impactful and important tradition of community involvement for many years to come.”

 

“The Lexington Legends do a wonderful job of engaging the Lexington community, and the entire Central Kentucky region, through their community service, charitable foundation and outreach programs,” said Minor League Baseball President & CEO Pat O’Conner. “Their philanthropy and charitable contributions throughout Central Kentucky reach countless numbers of organizations and community-based programs. The Legends’ community leadership and support are truly remarkable and it is my honor to present them with this award.”

 

In addition to the award, Minor League Baseball Charities will make a $2,500 donation on behalf of the Legends to the University of Kentucky Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, as they work to improve the health of the elderly through research, education, outreach and clinical programs.

 

The Legends’ staff strives to give the Lexington and Central Kentucky communities more than they expect, and in 2017, the Legends provided $1,083,214 in monetary and in-kind donations to Central Kentucky and the surrounding regions, a 21 percent increase over their 2016 donation total. In their 17-year history, the Legends have donated more than $13 million in monetary and in-kind contributions to non-profit organizations and communities in the region.

 

In recognition of their commitment to the community, the Legends claimed the South Atlantic League Community Service Award in 2017 and 2013 and the South Atlantic League Club Merit Award in 2016. One hundred percent of the Legends’ front office staff serves or participates with at least one charitable or civic organization.

 

During the season, the Legends feature one local non-profit organization at each of their 70 home games. The participating charities receive a table on the concourse, a pre-game interview on the field and an in-game radio interview to help promote their cause. Additionally, the Legends use Whitaker Bank Ballpark to host a long list of charitable events, including fundraisers for breast cancer research, the Salvation Army, the American Heart Association, military appreciation events and a police versus firefighters fundraising softball game.

 

The Legends go to great lengths to serve the youth of their community by providing assistance to several educational initiatives which includes a “Hit the Books” reading program, a STEM/STLP based program and Legends Character Awards with local elementary schools. Also included is an entrepreneurial project-based marketing and promotional learning unit called “Stache Tank” with a local elementary, middle and high school, where students are challenged to come up with business pitches for a specific project within budget limitations. These projects are then carried out and come to fruition during the Legends baseball season. Additionally, their mascots, Big L and Pee Wee, made over 200 appearances around Central Kentucky in 2017.

 

PREVIOUS JOHN HENRY MOSS COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD WINNERS

 

2013                          Grand Junction Rockies, Pioneer League

2014                          Pawtucket Red Sox, International League

2015                          Fort Wayne TinCaps, Midwest League

2016                          Round Rock Express, Pacific Coast League

 

 

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 2017, Minor League Baseball attracted 41.8 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.

For more information, 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 Charleston RiverDogs, an affiliate of the New York Yankees, on Opening Day – April 5, 2018. For ticket information, call (859) 422-7867 or visit LexingtonLegends.com

Legends Helping “Restore the Shore”

(WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK, Lexington, Ky.) The Lexington Legends and the Lakewood BlueClaws are South Atlantic League rivals on the baseball field, but the Legends are enthusiastically supporting the New Jersey-based BlueClaws on their “Restore the Shore” campaign in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.

The Legends purchased “Restore the Shore” t-shirts in support of the efforts by the Blue Claws to help victims of the super storm. The campaign will continue through Memorial Day. While the BlueClaws are working closely with individuals and businesses in their area, support is welcome from anywhere. Atlantic Physical Therapy and Ergo clothing are sponsoring the campaign.

“Supporting the BlueClaws in the Restore the Shore efforts was a no-brainer,” said Sarah Bosso, the Legends’ director of community relations and special events. “As a member of the South Atlantic League baseball family, we wish we were able to do more to help those affected. The hope is that our contribution to our friends in Lakewood and surrounding areas will highlight the importance of reaching out and supporting communities outside of your own, and will encourage other teams and individuals to do the same. We are grateful for the opportunity to be involved.”

Each Friday until Memorial Day, participants will wear the t-shirts, and each person will make a donation every Friday. Details are available at BlueClaws.com/Restore.

Businesses that participate will be honored in a ceremony at a 2013 BlueClaws game.

“Obviously, there were so many of our friends and neighbors impacted significantly by Hurricane Sandy,” said Dave Manzo, co-founder of Atlantic Physical Therapy Center. “Through this program, we can raise money in a fun way over the next several months.”

In early 2013, those impacted by the storm will be able to fill out an application, and donations will be made to as many families as possible.

“We have an opportunity to help many re-build after Sandy’s devastation,” said BlueClaws General Manager Geoff Brown. “We’re looking forward to helping, and we hope that there are a lot of businesses and families that can help us make an impact.” ###

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

Legends Expand “Dancing with the Students” Program to Russell Cave Elementary; 2nd School in Fayette County Public Schools

WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK (Lexington, KY) – Fourth grade students at Russell Cave Elementary will put on their dancing shoes and take a new approach to Arts and Humanities curriculum through the Legends community partnership with the not for profit “Dancing with the Students,” based out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

 

“Dancing with the Students” came to Lexington in the Spring of 2017 via Lexington Legends Secretary and Principal Sue Martinelli Shea, who founded the non-profit organization in 2005. The first students involved with the program in Lexington were sixth, seventh and eighth graders at Crawford Middle School, and the expansion of the program will mirror the first, having Russell Cave Elementary fourth graders also competing in 10 weeks of dance class and 9 weeks of instruction with the 10th week culminating in a grand finale competition. The students will be taught in two sessions by Arthur Murray trained dance teacher Rae Mickelwait and will learn four dances: Waltz, Tango, Merengue, and Swing. The first class will be October 9 & 10, 2017 at 9:30am with the grand finale slated for December 18, 2017.

 

“I started the non-profit, “Dancing with the Students” in 2005 in Philadelphia in one school” said Martinelli Shea. “My intent was to teach manners and respect to students while having fun learning to dance. Bringing “Dancing with the Students” to Lexington, Kentucky is a dream come true for me. In the Spring of 2017, our wonderful dance teacher, Rae Mickelwait, taught two classes of Ballroom Dancing at Crawford Middle School. This Fall, DWTS will expand to Russell Cave Elementary School.” Marinelli Shea continues, “I was raised by parents who stressed giving back and getting involved. I am so proud of my son, Andy Shea, who lives that through the work he does personally as well as professionally with the Lexington Legends, who are the recipient of the 2017 South Atlantic League Community Service Organization of the Year Award.”

 

This partnership expansion would not have been possible without the support of Russell Cave Elementary School administrators and educators, like Kyle Lionberger, Practical Living Teacher, who said ” [Dancing with the Students] is a great opportunity to teach our students arts & humanities in a different way. Students learn that dancing can be a lifetime activity that provides opportunity for movement, social interaction and fun while giving even the quietest students a voice.”

Arthur Murray dance instructor Rae Mickelwait added to Lionberger’s sentiments and said “I am so excited to continue to share my passion for ballroom dancing this semester with more children! Through dancing we get to convey the importance of team work and partnership, eye contact and even dressing the part for a performance. All these skills can help children on their journey to success in high school, college and beyond. I am so very blessed to be a part of “Dancing with the Students,” to be out in the community, as well as teaching at Lexington Arthur Murray.

Media is welcome to attend the first class and grand finale for photos and interviews with students. For more information, about Dancing with the Students, visit www.dancingwiththestudents.org or contact Sarah Bosso atsbosso@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 Charleston RiverDogs, an affiliate of the New York Yankees, on Opening Day – April 5, 2018. For ticket information, call (859) 422-7867 or visit LexingtonLegends.com

Lexington Legends named 2017 Community Service Organization of the Year by South Atlantic League

WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK (Lexington, KY) – The Lexington Legends have been named the 2017 Community Service Organization of the Year by the South Atlantic League, which recognizes a club’s outstanding, on-going commitment to charitable service, philanthropy and leadership within their community. The award is one of the league’s Outstanding Achievement Awards, which are announced annually following the conclusion of the regular season. In the five seasons in which the award has been given, the Legends have won twice, previously winning the inaugural award in 2013.

Throughout the 17 years of their history, the Legends contributed a total of more than $13 million to hundreds of charitable organizations in central and eastern Kentucky. The 2017 season donation total tops close to $1.1 million, a 21% increase in community support from the 2016 season. The Legends Community Organization of the Night program puts a charitable organization in the spotlight at every home game, and numerous special events and fund-raisers are held at Whitaker Bank Ballpark throughout the year.

 

In addition, the Legends have established partnerships with Chambers of Commerce in central and eastern Kentucky and have supported and welcomed youth baseball teams and coaches, religious organizations and other non-profit entities throughout the region.

 

“Being involved in the community is not only part of the Lexington Legends philosophy and mission statement, but it is also a part of the life of each individual that works 12 months a year representing the Legends,” said Legends President and CEO Andy Shea. “Every single employee works diligently with the community to provide a one of a kind, clean, safe, and family-oriented experience at Whitaker Bank Ballpark. It’s an honor to be recognized by our peers in the South Atlantic League for this prestigious award.”
Each of the 14 South Atlantic League teams, along with field managers and umpires, participated in the voting for the South Atlantic League Outstanding Achievement Awards. The Legends will now be nominated for the Minor League Baseball John Henry Moss Community Service Award, which honors the founder of the South Atlantic League for his dedication and charitable service to baseball and his community during his 50-year tenure as a league president. Moss founded the South Atlantic League and presided over it from 1959-2008. The winner of the award will be announced at the Baseball Winter Meetings this December.

For more information, please 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, recently completed their 17th season in Lexington, Kentucky at Whitaker Bank Ballpark. They open the 2018 season on Thursday, April 5, 2018 against the Charleston RiverDogs, an affiliate of the New York Yankees. For ticket information, call 859-422-7867 or visit www.LexingtonLegends.com.

Legends team up with WKYT and the American Red Cross to help Harvey victims

WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK (Lexington, KY) – The Lexington Legends, WKYT and the American Red Cross are teaming up to help those in Texas affected by Hurricane Harvey.

The Lexington Legends are giving back $1 for each ticket issued to Wednesday’s August 30 double header against the Augusta GreenJackets. Volunteers from the American Red Cross will also be at the game to collect money at the gates as fans enter Whitaker Bank Ballpark. In addition, the Legends are also donating $5 for every Legends hit, walk, and stolen base during the double header. The video boards will be showcasing “Text HARVEY to 90999,” the “Text to Give” number for fans to make an automatic $10 donation to the American Red Cross. This code will also be featured on the video boards throughout the Red, White and Boom 2017 Music Festival taking place at Whitaker Bank Ballpark September 1-3.

“Minor League Baseball has announced that MiLB Charities will be matching all Harvey Relief fundraising efforts its clubs collect, up to $10,000” said Andy Shea, Legends President and CEO. “The Legends want to be able to give as much as they can and we ask our fans to help the American Red Cross and those affected in Texas, in any way they are able — join us at the ballpark on August 30.”

Also taking place August 30, American Red Cross board members and volunteers will be taking donations over the phone at WKYT between 4 and 7 p.m., with live cut-ins to the ballpark with WKYT Sports Director Brian Milam. There will also be a live radio-a-thon from the Kentucky Ale Taproom inside of Whitaker Bank Ballpark for fans to call in and donate. Radio stations participating in the radio-a-thon to be announced later by the American Red Cross.

By donating to the American Red Cross relief effort, Kentuckians can show they stand with Texas after the devastating hurricane damage and flooding impacting the Lone Star state.

The American Red Cross says there are more than 17,000 people in Texas seeking refuge in shelters. Red Cross spokesman Don Lauritzen said Tuesday that there are 45 shelters in the Houston area, along the Gulf Coast and elsewhere. He says more are opening in Louisiana.

“The American Red Cross is grateful to partner with the Lexington Legends as we respond to the needs from Hurricane Harvey” said Tawanda Owsley, Executive Director of the Bluegrass Chapter of the American Red Cross. “The Red Cross has launched a massive response to this devastating storm and needs financial donations to be able to provide immediate disaster relief. Help people affected by Hurricane Harvey by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-REDCROSS or texting the word HARVEY to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Donations enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from this disaster.”

 

For more information, please 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 to Whitaker Bank Ballpark for their final two games of the season, on August 29 at 7:05pm, and a double-header on August 30 at 5:35pm against the Augusta GreenJackets, an affiliate of the San Francisco Giants. For ticket information, call 859-422-7867 or visit www.LexingtonLegends.com

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.

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.

###

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.

###

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