Loons to Collect Items for U.S. Troops

Great Lakes and CMU partner to show support for American military

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MIDLAND, Mich. – As part of their Memorial Day Celebration, presented by Central Michigan University, on Monday, May 27, the Great Lakes Loons and CMU will be partnering to collect items that are needed by members of the United States military.

Fans are encouraged to show their support for American troops by bringing an item with you to the Memorial Day game. All collections will be packaged and shipped to the 1460th Transportation & 144th MP companies.

Collection points will be set up at both entrances to Dow Diamond and cash donations also will be accepted.

For anybody that is unable to attend the game, items can also be dropped off at Dow Diamond between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Gifts and packages will also be collected at CMU University Communications between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, until May 31.

The Loons will take on the Dayton Dragons at 3:05 p.m. on Monday, May 27, as part of Memorial Day Celebration. It will also be a Social Media Monday at Dow Diamond. Fans can interact with the Loons on Facebook, Twitter and the Loons new Boomaphone app during the game to request songs, win prizes and compete in on-field contests.

• Drink Mix Singles (cold & hot) • Undershirts
• Candy Bars • Dark-colored boot socks
• Pop-top canned goods • Deodorant
• Ramen noodles • Toothpaste
• Ready-to-eat meals • Toothbrushes
• Condiment packs • Good razors
• Music CDs • Travel-size tissues
• Batteries • OTC cold meds
• Card games • Bath/Baby wipes
• Puzzle books • Feminine hygiene items
• Pens • Current magazines
• Blank greeting cards to send home • Books
• Pocket snacks (nuts, seeds, granola bars, dried fruits,
beef jerky, short Slim Jims, trail mixes)

 

The Great Lakes Loons are a seventh-year Single-A partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers. For tickets and more information about the Loons, visit Loons.com or call 989-837-BALL.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Great Lakes Loons. Click here to view the original story.

Loons Release First-Quarter Sustainability Update

Organization launches new initiatives to reduce energy and waste

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MIDLAND, Mich. – In October 2012, the Great Lakes Loons and Dow Diamond announced a corporate partnership with the Dow Chemical Company and Dow Corning to enhance sustainability practices across all aspects of the organization. Today, the Loons released their first quarter report detailing efforts made to reach the ambitious goal of reducing total energy used, water used and waste generated at Dow Diamond by 50 percent in 2020.

Highlights from the first quarter report include a new composting program for Dow Diamond’s food waste, as well as the installation of LED lighting and occupancy control sensors that will significantly reduce kilowatt hours of electricity used and carbon dioxide emissions generated from lighting fixtures.

The composting program was launched in conjunction with Morgan Composting, located in Sears, Mich., to deposit food waste generated from Loons home games and events at Dow Diamond. Once fully composted, the material will be used to fertilize Dow Diamond’s grounds and flower beds. This program will reduce landfill waste, while also reducing the organization’s dependence on fertilizer products for Dow Diamond’s grounds.

The organization recently expanded the use of occupancy control sensors throughout various areas of Dow Diamond. The sensors will result in the reduction of approximately 6,445 kilowatt hours used to light areas of Dow Diamond and lower carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 15,588 pounds-per-year.

More efficient LED lighting has also been installed in various areas of Dow Diamond, which will result in an energy reduction of approximately 15,303 kilowatt hours and reduce the carbon dioxide generate every year by approximately 36,575 pounds.

Over the past several months, Loons staff members have spent time learning from corporate sustainability leaders at Dow and Dow Corning, as well as other regional organizations. From those conversations, the Loons have outlined various areas to increase efficiency, while also reducing the use of energy, water and the amount of waste generated.

“Our organization is fortunate to have the opportunity to learn from world class, global sustainability leaders at both Dow and Dow Corning,” said Loons President and General Manager Paul Barbeau. “Our sustainability partnership is already paying dividends with the new initiatives launched and we will continue to work closely with Dow and Dow Corning to find innovative ways to reach our 2020 sustainability goals.”

Click here to view the Great Lakes Loons First Quarter Sustainability Report for 2013.

The Great Lakes Loons are a seventh-year Single-A partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers. For tickets and more information about the Loons, visit Loons.com or call 989-837-BALL.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Great Lakes Loons. Click here to view the original story.

MBF Announces 2013 Grant Recipients

Grant program exceeds $100,000 for sixth consecutive year

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MIDLAND, Mich. – The Michigan Baseball Foundation (MBF) is pleased to announce its 2013 grant class, which includes 30 organizations from nine counties in Mid-Michigan. The 2013 class received a total of $105,079, making it the sixth consecutive year that the grant total exceeded $100,000. In its six years of existence, the MBF grant program has awarded a total of $622,459 to non-profits of Mid-Michigan.

The Foundation began its sixth annual grant process in November 2012 and solicited grant applications from non-profit organizations throughout the region. All applicants were required to meet one or more of the following guidelines, which reflected the purposes for which the Michigan Baseball Foundation was organized:

  • The organization contributes to regional economic development.
  • The organization is based in Mid-Michigan and serves young people.
  • The organization promotes amateur sports and fitness

This year’s Michigan Baseball Foundation grants committee was chaired by Jenee Velasquez. Committee members included Bill Stavropoulos, Paul Barbeau, Ann Craig, Mike Hayes, Susan Kaltenbach, Scott Litle, Dom Monastiere, Abbe Mulders and Emily Schafer – a combination of members of the Michigan Baseball Foundation board of directors and the Loons management team.

Grant applications for the 2014 grant session are currently available and will be accepted until February 14, 2014. For more information, contact Emily Schafer at 989.837.6137 or at eschafer@loons.com.

Note: Please see attached documents for a complete listing of organizations receiving MBF grants and a 2014 grant application.

The Michigan Baseball Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation and public charity, which was formed in 2006 to generate regional economic development and to enhance the efforts of regional organizations that serve young people through creative partnerships and grants. The Michigan Baseball Foundation owns and operates Dow Diamond, home of the Great Lakes Loons, a Single-A partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Foundation received its initial funding from The Dow Chemical Company Foundation, The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation, The Dow Corning Corporation, The Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation, The Charles J. Strosacker Foundation and The Bill and Linda Stavropoulos Foundation.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Great Lakes Loons. Click here to view the original story.

Isotopes “Batting for Boston” Raises Nearly $4,500

Albuquerque-IsotopesWhen called upon to help victims of the devastating events in Boston, Albuquerque responded emphatically, contributing nearly $4,500 as part of the “Batting for Boston” fundraiser last Saturday, April 20, at Isotopes Park. Over the course of five hours, more than 200 cars came through the drive-thru fundraiser, which was hosted by the Albuquerque Isotopes.

Contributions ranged from a few dollars to a check for $500.00, as people throughout the Duke City took time out of their busy day to donate to the great cause which raised $4,368.65. Proceeds from the fundraiser go directly to the One Fund Boston, Inc., created by the City of Boston to benefit the victims and their families most affected by the tragic events during the Boston Marathon.

One-fund-Boston“The generosity of the people of Albuquerque is truly amazing,” said Isotopes General Manager John Traub. “We were overwhelmed by the response of the community and we offer our profound thanks to everyone who took the time to come down to Isotopes Park and donate.”

This article originally appeared on the Isotopes’ website.  Click here to view.

‘Topes Host 130 Participants for Second Youth Baseball Clinic

The Albuquerque Isotopes hosted 130 participants in their second of two McDonalds Youth Skills Baseball Clinics on Saturday morning at Isotopes Park.

Follow an opening reception from the Isotopes team, Manager Lorenzo Bundy, hitting coach John Valentin, pitching coach Glenn Dishman, strength and conditioning coach Brandon McDaniel; pitchers Michael Antonini, Blake Johnson, Derrick Loop, Scott Rice, Will Savage; infielders Joe Becker and Alex Castellanos, and outfielders Jerry Sands and Brian Cavazos-Galvez offered one-on-one instructions to kids ages 5-15 on a variety of baseball fundamentals.

Clinic participants were divided into groups and rotated through a series of stations including; throwing, bullpen, outfield, conditioning, infield, and hitting. Each station ran nearly 30 minutes to provide ample opportunity for each participant to fully take part in all of the baseball action.

After each group had a chance to try each station, those in attendance were served lunch courtesy of McDonald’s in the picnic pavilion. ‘Topes players and coaches concluded the clinic by spending time with the participants and signing autographs.

The Isotopes hosted a combined total of 242 participants for both clinics.

‘Topes Host Over 100 Participants for Youth Baseball Clinic

The Albuquerque Isotopes hosted 112 participants in their first of two annual Youth Baseball Clinics on Saturday morning at Isotopes Park.

Follow an opening reception from the Isotopes team, Manager Lorenzo Bundy, hitting coach John Valentin, pitching coach Glenn Dishman, strength and conditioning coach Brandon McDaniel; pitchers Stephen Fife, Blake Johnson, Derrick Loop, Scott Rice, Will Savage, Cole St. Clair; infielders Joe Becker and Tyler Henson, and outfielders Jerry Sands and Brian Cavazos-Galvez offered one-on-one instructions to kids ages 5-15 on a variety of baseball fundamentals.

Clinic participants were divided into groups and rotated through a series of stations including; throwing, bullpen, outfield, conditioning, infield, and hitting. Each station ran nearly 30 minutes to provide ample opportunity for each participant to fully take part in all of the baseball action.

After each group had a chance to try each station, those in attendance were served lunch courtesy of McDonald’s in the picnic pavilion. ‘Topes players and coaches concluded the clinic by spending time with the participants and signing autographs.

‘Topes Staff Begins Belen Little League Renovations

On Tuesday, March 20, the Isotopes award-winning field staff began upgrades to Belen Little League as part of “Minor League Makeover.” The staff was met by several sponsors volunteering both time and donations to the project.

The first Albuquerque Isotopes “Minor League Makeover” turned out to be a smashing success, with Belen Little League earning a field makeover by virtue of amassing the most “Likes” in the ‘Topes’ Facebook contest.

Belen got the word out early and racked up a total of 4,718 likes and 813 shares, barely holding off West Gate Little League, which accumulated 4,682 likes. The 13 fields participating in the contest ended up generating a total of 13,865 total likes and 1,515 total shares, testament to the passion the area has for Little League baseball.

The Isotopes field staff will continue refurbishment to Belen’s Little League field throughout the day on March 20th. The Home Depot has also decided to chip in on the effort, providing fences and dugout materials. The makeover is scheduled to include field surface refurbishment, outfield fence repair, and dugout renovation.

 

 

 

Celebrity Softball Game Delivers Fun and Funds

The Albuquerque Isotopes’ first celebrity softball game turned out to an immense hit, as around 30 celebrities ended up raising $10,000 for YDI in Albuquerque.

Billed as “Breaking Bad” vs. “In Plain Sight,” the game featured actors from those two shows as well as others shooting projects in the area, such as Cobie Smulders from “How I Met Your Mother,” and even local luminaries like Mayor of Albuquerque Richard J. Berry.

Each roster also featured a number of local news celebrities including Dean Staley and Jessica Garate from KRQE 13, Jeremy Jojola from KOB 4, Chief Meterologist Joe Diaz from KOAT 7, and Nikki Stanzione and Kristen Van Dyke from New Mexico Style on KASA Fox 2. Assorted radio personalities TJ Trout (94 Rock), Buck, Dex and Baxter (104.1 The Edge), Jeff Siembieda (610 The Sports Animal) and Albuquerque Journal Sports Editor Randy Harrison also took part in the fun. Voice of the Isotopes Robert Portnoy and Myles Copeland from Big I 107.9 served as emcees.

Team “Breaking Bad” was managed by three-time Emmy Award winner Bryan Cranston, while the “In Plain Sight” side was helmed by the star of that program Mary McCormack. In the end, it was McCormack who ended up pulling all the right strings, leading the “In Plain Sight” team to an exciting 5-4 win.

The real winners, however, were Youth Development Inc. of Albuquerque, which was the recipient of $10,000 thanks to generous support from Wells Fargo.

All in all the game featured a lot of fun, a lot of funds, and a ton of smiles from both those participating and those fans watching.

Over 30 celebs took part in the Isotopes’ celebrity softball game benefiting YDI.

This story was originally posted on the Albuquerque Isotope’s website. Click here.  

Lookouts, SunTrust and Fans Team Up to Benefit Food Bank

The Lookouts have partnered with SunTrust Bank to introduce “SunTrust Sundays” to benefit the Chattanooga Area Food Bank at AT&T Field this season.

For every Sunday game this season, with the exception of July 4th, fans are encouraged to bring canned food items to AT&T Field to put in the bed of the Lookout’s Dodger Blue antique truck parked outside the stadium. On SunTrust Sundays, each fan that donates food items will receive a free general admission ticket for that Sunday’s game. Tickets will be distributed on a “per person” basis and are subject to availability. The canned food items will be donated to the Chattanooga Area Food Bank.

“We are excited to partner with SunTrust to help the Chattanooga Food Bank, and utilize this opportunity to help our community, too.” said Lookouts Owner/President/General Manager Frank Burke.

“SunTrust Bank is looking forward hosting SunTrust Sundays and helping strike out hunger,” said Alexandra Santiago, Director of Sales and Marketing at SunTrust. “SunTrust Sundays is a solid partnership that enables us to encourage Lookouts Fans to help the Chattanooga Area Food Bank while enjoying a ballgame at AT&T Field.”

The Chattanooga Food Bank, whose mission is to feed the hungry by linking America’s food bounty with those in need, distributed nearly 8.8 million pounds of food to more than 125,000 families in need last year.

“The Food Bank is excited that Lookouts fans are joining our mission to feed the hungry. Food donated at Lookouts games will help replenish our Emergency Food Box pantry,” said Gary Paul, Development Director of the Chattanooga Area Food. “During the past two years, we have seen a big increase in demand for food assistance. Last year we gave out 17,000 food boxes to families in our community, twelve percent more than the year before. I cannot think of a better way to fight hunger: help your neighbors and see a great game!”

Isotopes Players and Orbit Visit Tingley Hospital

Albuquerque Isotopes outfielder Dee Brown and relief pitcher Dwayne Pollok joined Orbit for a special visit to Carrie Tingley Children’s Hospital on May 27.

During their time there, the players toured rooms throughout the hospital’s Inpatient Unit, visiting with patients as well as signing autographs.

Orbit, Dee Brown and Dwane Pollok take a photo with a young fan and his father.