Shorebirds to host Salisbury Drive-Thru Flu Clinic Friday, October 9 at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

TidalHealth’s Salisbury Drive-Thru Flu Clinic is returning for its 26th season on Friday, October 9, 2020 at Arthur W. Perdue (Shorebirds) Stadium at the intersection of Route 50 and Hobbs Road from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Seasonal quadrivalent flu vaccinations will be administered to individuals 13 years of age or older (13-17 please bring a parent or legal guardian to sign consent). A physician’s order is not necessary. Flu shots at the TidalHealth Salisbury Drive-Thru Clinic will be FREE.

TidalHealth will not be providing any COVID-19 testing at this event. In accordance with COVID-19 safety precautions, all clinical and non-clinical staff working the Drive-Thru Flu Clinic will be in appropriate personal protective equipment. Direct contact with participants will be limited. TidalHealth is also asking participants to please wear protective masking in their vehicles when in contact with any staff members at the flu clinic.

Flu vaccinations are encouraged for anyone over the age of 6 months, but especially for people over the age of 65, people with heart or lung disorders, immunosuppressant diseases or diabetes. Participants are encouraged to wear a short-sleeved shirt that will provide easy access to the upper arm. The vaccine being administered is effective for everyone meeting the age restrictions.

Mark your calendars and plan to attend TidalHealth’s Salisbury Drive-Thru Flu Clinic on Friday, October 9 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.

Shorebirds Baseball Camp Set for August 25 – 27

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

The Delmarva Shorebirds are excited to announce that we will be hosting a 3-day Shorebirds Baseball Camp from August 25 – 27 with each day running from 9 AM to 12 PM. The camp is limited to the first 50 people ages 5 – 12 and will be led under the instruction of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore baseball staff including Hawks Head Coach Brian Hollamon.

“We have a tremendous relationship with Coach Hollamon and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and are excited to partner together for the Shorebirds Baseball Camp,” said Shorebirds General Manager Chris Bitters. “Throughout these unprecedented times, we all have been forced to adapt, but we are thankful that we are still going to be able to host our annual baseball camp and continue to teach the game of baseball to our youth with first-class instruction from Coach Hollamon and his staff.”

The camp will run from 9 AM to 12 PM each day from August 25 through August 27 and costs $120 per camper for the entire event. Each camper will receive lunch after each day and one Camp T-Shirt that is all included with your child’s registration for the Shorebirds Baseball Camp. To register for this event, please click here or go to our website at www.theshorebirds.com.

Coach Hollamon has been the skipper of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore since August of 2017 as 2020 marked his 3rd season with the Hawks. Hollamon is a fixture in the Delmarva baseball community, after coaching Parkside High School to 14 straight winning seasons, two-state finalist appearances, and earning the accolades of Bayside South Coach of the Year three times and District 8 Coach of the Year twice before taking the helm for the NCAA Division 1, University of Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks.

All campers are required to bring their own equipment and campers will not be permitted to share equipment due to local and state health guidelines. Baseballs will be provided and we ask that all campers please arrive in proper baseball attire by 8:45 AM each day.

Parents are allowed to watch the camp inside Arthur W. Perdue Stadium, but will be required to wear a mask until reaching their seat. Campers should wear a mask when arriving to the stadium, but will not be required to wear masks when participating in athletic activities and the Shorebirds will be sanitizing all frequently touched areas throughout the event.

To register, please visit theshorebirds.com by clicking here. If you have any questions at all in regard to the event, please email [email protected] or call 410-219-3112.

Delmarva Shorebirds Announce Inaugural Fly Together Virtual 5K

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

SALISBURY, MD. — The Delmarva Shorebirds are excited to announce their first-ever Fly Together Virtual 5K with all the proceeds going towards Operation We Care from May 7 – 10. The Shorebirds Virtual 5K is family fun for all and we encourage you to get up and get active while supporting a great cause.

There are two different ways for people to participate in the Shorebirds Fly Together Virtual 5K with registration open now until May 10. The first option — $10 — includes your entry into the 5K and a certificate of completion. The second option — $20 — includes entry into the 5K, certificate of completion, and 2 Upper Reserved Tickets to a Shorebirds future game date (Exclusions Apply and Based on Availability).

“We are excited to kick off our first-ever Fly Together Virtual 5K to help support our community, Operation We Care, and all those fighting on the front lines against COVID-19,” said Shorebirds General Manager, Chris Bitters. “The Fly Together Virtual 5K is a community-focused event that provides a fun, healthy, and safe activity for all people as we await the beginning of baseball season.”

How the Fly Together Virtual 5K works is simple. All you have to do is register online at www.theshorebirds.com, grab your walking/running shoes, and walk or run a 5K. Once you have completed the 5K, send your pictures and/or times to the Delmarva Shorebirds via social media using the hashtag #FlyTogether, and don’t forget to wear some Shorebirds gear!

“We hope everyone is able to join us for the Fly Together Virtual 5K to support a great cause in Operation We Care,” said Bitters. “Our goal with the 5K is to bring everyone together, but apart with a fun community activity as we continue to fight through these challenging times together as a community.”

Lastly and possibly the best part, you can walk/run the 5K all from your home in one shot or you can split it up over the course of the weekend. For more information in regard to the Fly Together Virtual 5K or to register, please visit the Shorebirds website at www.theshorebirds.com.

—————————-

The Delmarva Shorebirds are the Class-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. The Shorebirds are owned by 7th Inning Stretch, LLC, which also owns the Stockton Ports of the California League and the Everett AquaSox of the Northwest League.

The Shorebirds will celebrate their 25th season in 2020 and have entertained over five million fans since beginning play at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium in Salisbury, Maryland in 1996. The team captured South Atlantic League titles in 1997 and 2000 and successfully hosted the South Atlantic League All-Star Game in 1999 and 2011.

For more information on the Shorebirds, call 410-219-3112 or visit theshorebirds.com

Baysox to Hold National Anthem Auditions March 14

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

BOWIE, Md – The Bowie Baysox will host live auditions at Prince George’s Stadium on Saturday, March 14, to sing the national anthem before a 2020 Baysox home game. Stadium gates open for registration at 9 a.m. and auditions begin at 9:30 a.m. The team featrures a live performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” before all 70 home games.

Every participant must register in person, and auditions are conducted on a first-come, first-audition basis. The auditions are held rain or shine, and no word sheets are allowed during the audition. All auditions must be done in person, meaning that no recordings or videos are accepted for review. People who either performed or were approved to perform last season do not have to audition again this year.
The auditions are open to any individual or small group that is interested, and instrumentalists are permitted. Large church or school groups interested in performing the national anthem at a game should call the Baysox at (301) 464-4880.

The Bowie Baysox 2020 season is presented by Money One Federal Credit Union. The Baysox will return in 2020 to celebrate their 28th Season. The team’s 2019 home opener will be Thursday, April 9, against the Richmond Flying Squirrels at 6:35 p.m. To keep up with Baysox news during the offseason, visit baysox.com and be sure to follow the Baysox on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

 

Keys National Anthem Auditions Around the Corner

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

FREDERICK, MD -Local area singers and musicians can begin preparing for the 2020 Frederick Keys National Anthem auditions. Taking place on Tuesday, March 3, auditions are once again set to take place at the FSK Mall in Center Court from 5-8 p.m.

“You get so excited for the game when you have a great rendition of the national anthem beforehand,” said Keys Director of Public Relations and Broadcasting, Geoff Arnold. “Each year at Keys games I am impressed by the awesome talent in our community and I can’t wait to see what is out there in 2020.”

Individuals or groups who want to participate in this year’s auditions must pre-register by visiting frederickkeys.com. The participation form is available here and can also be found by clicking on the national anthem panel located on the main homepage.

National anthem forms MUST be submitted to Dani Fox by email, mail, fax or by dropping off at the Keys main office. To email Dani or for any additional questions, reach out to [email protected] or call 301-662-0013.

March 3 is the ONLY day national anthem auditions will take place this year. Due to a large pool of tryout candidates, those who cannot make the auditions will not be able to perform in 2020. Video/audio links in place of an in-person tryout will not be accepted.

Once again, performers will be evaluated by a panel of judges from Key 103, 106.9 The Eagle as well as members of the Keys staff. Tryout results will be posted on the club’s social media platforms. Those who are selected to sing will be contacted to set up a date.

General rules/guidelines about the audition process:

-Tryouts occur on a first-come-first-serve basis

-Participants can either sing or play an instrument, but each individual gets only ONE audition

-Participants will sing/play the first verse of the national anthem in its entirety (“O say can you see to “and the home of the brave”)

-No musical accompaniment is provided

-No other songs may be performed at the tryout

-Solo acts and groups are equally encouraged to tryout

-Although there are no age restrictions for singing the national anthem at a Keys game, those who audition need to be comfortable singing in front of a large crowd

The Keys season begins on Thursday, April 9. A link to the entire schedule for the Keys 2020 season is available here and fireworks shows are scheduled for Friday and Saturday night home games and other select days during the season. Ticket plans are currently available, with plans including the choice of a John Means bobblehead or a Keys pennant. Fans can stay tuned to the latest team news by following the team on Twitter (@frederickkeys), Facebook and Instagram (@frederickkeys).

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

Elias, Donations Highlight Jam-Packed Hot Stove Banquet

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

SALISBURY, MD – An appearance from the Orioles’ general manager and a donation to a new Wicomico County project became highlights of the 19th annual Shorebirds Hot Stove Banquet, held on Thursday, January 23, at the Wicomico Civic Center in preparation for the silver anniversary season of Delmarva Shorebirds baseball.

The keynote speaker for the event was Mike Elias, general manager and executive vice president of the Baltimore Orioles. Elias, who last visited Salisbury for the Shorebirds’ playoff game on September 6, took questions from the audience and spoke at length about the importance of Delmarva and Baltimore’s other minor league affiliates in reversing the Orioles’ major league fortunes in the coming years.

“Some of the names we’ve been reading about are going to start to arrive in Camden Yards,” said Elias. “It’s still about player development and those individual performances and not necessarily the team’s win-and-loss record. Those guys are taking steps forward, graduating to the big leagues and adjusting to big-league life.”

Elias also paid one last homage to the 2019 Shorebirds, who won a franchise-record 90 games en route to a South Atlantic League postseason berth and earned MiLB.com Minor League Team of the Year honors. Delmarva was one of four Orioles affilates who either made the playoffs (Bowie), contended until the season’s final day (Aberdeen), or finished with their league’s best record (Gulf Coast League Orioles).

“It’s exactly what you want to see, especially when you’re in a rebuild,” said Elias. “We’re focused on that type of success. The success of teams like the Shorebirds is really going to dictate what we do the next couple of years in Baltimore.”

Before Elias’ keynote address, the Civic Center crowd of almost 300 heard from several other speakers, including Shorebirds General Manager Chris Bitters and 7th Inning Stretch LP President Pat Filippone. Orioles Director of Minor League Operations Kent Qualls was also scheduled to speak but was unable to attend due to unscheduled business.

Bitters announced during his presentation that the Shorebirds were donating $25,000 to Field 7 ½, a new initiative from the Wicomico County Department of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism designed to provide individuals with physical or mental disabilities the opportunity to play baseball. Bitters presented a ceremonial check on-stage to Department Director Steve Miller.

In addition to the Field 7 ½ donation, the Shorebirds held a silent auction and raffle in order to raise funds for two other charitable partners. The auction and raffle brought in nearly $3,000 for the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, partner of the Shorebirds Fly Together Fund, and the United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore.

The Shorebirds also presented hardware to their 2019 Fan of the Year, longtime season ticket holder and player host family mom Vicki Parks. Caroline Beauchamp, Shorebirds head groundskeeper, was named Employee of the Year by the Delmarva Shorebirds Fan Club.

The night served as the downbeat for the 25th season of Delmarva Shorebirds baseball, set to begin on Thursday, April 9, against the Asheville Tourists at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium. Season tickets are now on sale and single-game tickets will be unveiled week-by-week for online purchase in the coming weeks.

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

Keys Announce Date for 2020 Job Fair

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

FREDERICK, MD -If you are searching for a fun seasonal job, look no farther than the Frederick Keys! The team is holding its annual job fair on Tuesday, February 25 and Wednesday, February 26. Interviews take place from 5-7 p.m. in the Mattress Warehouse Club on the club level of Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium.

Individuals interested in joining the Keys need to attend the job fair only ONE NIGHT. Interviews are handled on a first-come-first serve basis. There is no limit on how many positions someone can interview for (though bat boys must be 16 and older).

All roles pay an hourly rate. The Keys WILL NOT be interviewing for any full-time positions. In addition to interviews conducted by Keys staff, Spectra representatives will be in attendance to interview candidates for positions in concessions and merchandise. Department heads will contact candidates selected for employment in the weeks following the job fair. Interviewing for an available position does not guarantee employment.

To take place in the job fair individuals need to fill out an application by clicking here. This can also be accessed by visiting frederickkeys.com, going to the Nymeo Field at HGS tab and clicking on “job opportunities.” Those who plan to interview for a position(s) should bring a copy of their resume.

The Keys plan to interview for the following roles:

-Ushers

-Bat Boys (16 and older only)

-Ticket Sellers and Ticket Takers

-Fun Zone

-Birthday and Picnic Hosts

-On-field Emcee

-Camera Operators

-Mascots

-Music and Message Center

-Grounds Crew

The Keys season begins on Thursday, April 9. A link to the entire schedule for the Keys 2020 season is available here and fireworks shows are scheduled for Friday and Saturday night home games and other select days during the season. Ticket plans are currently available, with plans including the choice of a John Means bobblehead or a Keys pennant. Fans can stay tuned to the latest team news by following the team on Twitter (@frederickkeys), Facebook and Instagram (@frederickkeys).

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

Shorebirds Participate in Wreaths Across America

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

SALISBURY, MD – Last month the Delmarva Shorebirds had the chance to participate in one of the crown jewels of the Eastern Shore community service calendar. The Shorebirds participated in the annual Wreaths Across America drive, held locally at Parsons Cemetery in Salisbury on Saturday morning, December 14.

“Being involved in the community is a top priority for the Shorebirds,” said general manager Chris Bitters. “This is a wonderful project, both locally and nationally, and we’re glad to have been even more involved this year than we have in the past.”

The mission of Wreaths Across America is to “Remember, Honor, and Teach.” Through a coordinated national effort, hundreds of volunteers placed wreaths on the graves of fallen members of the U.S. military throughout all 50 states.

Following a brief ceremony to mark the occasion at Parsons Cemetery, over 200 local volunteers, including eight members of the Shorebirds front office, placed wreaths on 900 tombstones of veterans from each branch of the armed forces. In addition, the Shorebirds donated $3,000 to Wreaths Across America to help ensure the program continues in its mission for years to come.

“It’s always important for the Shorebirds to participate in their community,” said assistant general manager Jimmy Sweet, “but at this time of the year I think we should always pay tribute to those who laid down their lives to make sure we can be a free people and do what we want in our country.”

The Delmarva Shorebirds salute Wreaths Across America and are grateful to have this yearly chance to honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice upon the alter of freedom.

 

Delmarva Shorebirds
—————————-
The Delmarva Shorebirds are the Class-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. The Shorebirds are owned by 7th Inning Stretch, LP, which also owns the Stockton Ports of the California League and the Everett AquaSox of the Northwest League.

The Shorebirds will celebrate their 25th season in 2020 and have entertained over five million fans since beginning play at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium in Salisbury, Maryland in 1996. The team captured South Atlantic League titles in 1997 and 2000 and successfully hosted the South Atlantic League All-Star Game in 1999 and 2011.

For more information on the Shorebirds, call 410-219-3112 or visit theshorebirds.com.

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

Keys Care Grant Recipients Announced for 2020

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

FREDERICK, MD -The Frederick Keys are excited to announce their Frederick Keys Care grant recipients for 2019-20. Keys Care supports local non-profit organizations in Frederick County who provide direct aid to disadvantaged youth and young adults. The Keys Care Fund is part of the Community Foundation of Frederick County’s Universal Grant Application funding program. Grants are awarded each fall for the next calendar year, while any Frederick County 501 (c) (3) organization which provides direct aid to county youth is eligible to apply for a grant.

Started in 1999 as the Joel A. Stephens Memorial Fund, Keys Care was created to honor the memory of Stephens, a former Orioles farmhand. Passing away at only 22 years old due to colon cancer, Joel’s commitment to community service and helping young people set him apart as a player.

Since Keys Care was founded, over $90,000 in grants has been awarded to local youth-based organizations. For the 2019-20 grant period, over $11,000 will be given out to five different organizations.

Advocates for Homeless Families: Strives to achieve permanent solutions to homelessness by providing access to housing, education, employment and supportive services to Frederick County families who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness. This year’s grant supports enriching after-school and summer activities for approximately 20 children, ages 3-14 who participate with their families in transitional and rapid rehousing programs. Funding would support activities such as karate, tennis, dance, cooking, athletics, church and day camp as well as pool passes for all participating children ($1,500).

Blessings in a Backpack: Provides weekend backpacks of food to children from Pre-K through eighth grade who depend on school meals as their primary source of nutrition Monday-Friday. Starting in 2015-16, a special request was made to assist special needs young adults. These 18-21-year-olds Success Program students have recently received high school certificates and deal with the stresses of food insecurity over weekends and school breaks as they learn life skills in order to live independent and productive lives. This year’s grant will help provide food to 15 low-income Success Program students for a fifth straight year ($1,500).

Student Homelessness Initiative Partnership (SHIP): Provides urgent resources and critical services to the hundreds of Frederick County youth experiencing homelessness each year. Funding benefits the New Horizons Academy which provides academic and life skills that will help homeless students get back on track or remain on track for a successful high school graduation. For five weeks each summer, Frederick County youth who experience homelessness can participate in morning instruction from one of four courses mandatory for graduation. After lunch, each student participates in one hour of life skills instruction ($2,000).

YMCA of Frederick County: The Kids Unlimited program provides summer camps for children with autism and other special needs. This program was founded to give these children a safe, nurturing and enriching summer program. Prior to Kids Unlimited, there was no summer program to serve children with special needs. Grant funds will be used to support this program, which will give participants a chance to have fun with arts and crafts, sensory activities, cooking, sports and group games. Field trips will be planned, while integration with other camp programs will help campers develop social skills and enjoy other fun opportunities ($2,200).

Goodwill Industries of Monocacy Valley: A program aimed at youth between 14-24 years old, who may have a disability and who has a parent that is a veteran, deceased or may have a serious illness. This program is designed to work with 2-3 youth in empowerment in all areas of their lives under a holistic framework. A GIMV Youth Coordinator would work directly with each individual to design a personal development plan specifically designed to empower and promote growth ($3,829.56).

All fund recipients will be recognized prior to a 2020 Keys game and are invited to the annual Frederick Keys Care Charity Golf Classic. Fans who want to learn ways to donate to Frederick Keys Care can visit fredererickkeys.com and click on the “Community” tab.

A link to the entire schedule for the Keys 2020 season is available here while fireworks shows are scheduled for Fridays and Saturday night games and other select games during the season. To stay tuned for the latest team news and for ticket information fans can visit frederickkeys.com and follow the team on Twitter (@frederickkeys), Facebook and Instagram (@frederickkeys.com).

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

Toys for Tots Drive Kicks Off November 4

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

FREDERICK, MD – For the eighth straight year, the Frederick Keys are partnering with the Toys for Tots Program. Starting on November 4, the Keys will be collecting new and unwrapped toys which will then be handed out to less fortunate children on Christmas Day. This year’s Toys for Tots Drive runs through Wednesday, December 11.

“Everyone deserves to have a great Christmas and that’s we are excited to continue our partnership with Toys for Tots,” said Frederick Keys Director of Marketing Erin Lawson. “Last year’s support from our fans and community members was awesome and we are excited to help out local children again in 2019.”

One of Frederick County’s top donation destinations, Nymeo Field will be open for drop off from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. To drop of a toy(s) fans should visit the main office (adjacent to the main stadium gates). Anyone who makes a contribution will receive a Keys hat and a pair of tickets to a game in 2020. Prize packs are awarded one per person.

Fans will also be able to bring toys to the Keys Holiday Event on Saturday, December 7 which runs from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. This event will include a CooKEY contest, a chance to meet Keyote Claus and much more. Further details about this event will be announced at a later date.

In 2018, 25,405 toys were distributed to children across Frederick County, supporting over 3,600 children. Toys for Tots began in 1947, while there are more than 150 Marine reserve sites as well as more than 800 local Toys for Tots programs across the country.

A link to the entire schedule for the Keys 2020 season is available here. Fireworks dates and a full Keys promotional schedule for 2020 will be announced at a later date. To stay tuned for the latest team news and for ticket information fans can visit frederickkeys.com and follow the team on Twitter (@frederickkeys), Facebook and Instagram (@frederickkeys.com).

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

Keys Win Matt Minker Community Service Award

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

FREDERICK, MD -The Frederick Keys are excited to announce that they have been named the winner of the Carolina League’s Matt Minker Community Service Award. This award is given out to the team that best demonstrates an outstanding, on-going commitment to charitable service, support and leadership within its community.

It marks the first time that the Keys have received this award as an organization after the Minker Award became a team honor in 2014. When it was an individual award, Jacob Julius brought home the honor in 2013.

“We are thrilled to be recognized with the Minker award,” said Keys Director of Marketing Erin Lawson. “Building long-lasting community partnerships is a hallmark of Frederick Keys baseball. We look forward to expanding our footprint throughout Frederick County and beyond in the years to come through community programs, donations, appearances and other initiatives.

The Keys were recognized for their efforts in 2019 thanks in large part to charitable giving, donations and strong community programs. Over the last year, the Keys have donated more than $10,000 through the team’s charitable foundation-Frederick Keys Care. Beneficiaries included the YMCA, Heartly House, Student Homelessness Initiative Partnership (SHIP), Advocates for Homeless Families, Blessings in a Backpack and Sophie and Madigan’s Playground. Over the last three years, close to $50,000 has been raised for Keys Care through the team’s Charity Golf Classic, Mystery Ball, 50/50 raffles and more.

In 2019, the Keys made donations to over 500 different organizations. These included game tickets, suites, marketing booths, jerseys, hats and autographed memorabilia. Combined, these donations were valued at just over $47,000. The Keys also hosted a Toys for Tots Drive and worked with Orioles Advocates on the Cardboard 2 Leather Program as well as the United Way’s Stuff the Bus program. To go with this, non-profit groups raised $14,500 through the Keys Pack the Park program and over $30,000 through the Charity Concession Program.

Strong community programs remained a staple of Keys baseball in 2019, with the Keys distributing 58,000 summer reading bookmarks to libraries in seven counties. Students who completed their library’s summer reading program could then come to a Keys game. Young fans were honored for their scholastic achievements through the team’s Report Card Program and were challenged to be active for 60 minutes a day leading up to Family Fitness Weekend.

The Keys worked hand-in-hand with non-profit groups during the United Way’s annual Day of Action, Make a Difference Thursday and hosted several charity softball games to raise money for the Police Activities League and for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Specific games also raised awareness for the American Cancer Society, Heartly House and the Frederick Arts Council. These games also involved the team wearing a special hat or jersey which raised money for each organization.

Keys players were active in the community this year, attending over 80 events in the Frederick community and surrounding areas along with Keys mascot Keyote. Keys players participated in a pre-game softball game with Challenger Little League, made sign language videos with students from the Maryland School of the Deaf and served as camp counselors for the team’s baseball camp. Individually, Cameron Bishop was named the winner of the Orioles prestigious Elrod Hendricks Minor League Community Service Award.

A link to the entire schedule for the Keys 2020 season is available here. Fireworks dates and a full Keys promotional schedule for 2020 will be announced at a later date. To stay tuned for the latest team news and for ticket information fans can visit frederickkeys.com and follow the team on Twitter (@frederickkeys), Facebook and Instagram (@frederickkeys.com).

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

Home Run for Life: The Story of Lainey Loftus

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

  While baseball may be our focus here at Leidos Field at Ripken Stadium, the IronBirds take pride in being a part of the Aberdeen community and strive to make an impact that goes beyond the sport itself. On August 18th, the IronBirds recognized fourth-grader Lainey Loftus, whose brave story has inspired us all.

Last November, Lainey began having vision issues, which led her parents to bring her to an Ophthalmologist. It was there that they discovered something was pressing on her optic nerves and causing her loss of vision. After a CAT scan revealed a brain tumor on her optic nerves and Pituitary gland, her family was sent to Oncology at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center. The doctor at Johns Hopkins decided the best course of action for Lainey was chemotherapy and radiation. Over the next few months, Lainey had four rounds of chemo and 24 proton radiation treatments. After many long months of fighting, an MRI in May showed that the tumor was gone, and her treatments were over. With her tumor gone, Lainey is gaining strength every day and begins fourth grade in a month.

Lainey enjoys playing softball and is excited to get back onto the field soon now that she is healthy again. She has always been a big Orioles fan and even got the chance to go to a game recently. At last Sunday’s game, Lainey threw out the first pitch before the game. The IronBirds are proud to honor Lainey for her bravery in fighting this terrible disease, and so happy for her and her family now that she is growing stronger every day. No family should have to go through what the Loftus family has gone through in the past year. The IronBirds wish Lainey and her family the best as they begin a new chapter in their lives.

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

Faith Night and Meet the Team Headline Next Homestand

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

FREDERICK, MD – The Frederick Keys welcome the Fayetteville Woodpeckers back to Nymeo Field for one last time from Friday, August 16-Sunday, August 18. Two fireworks shows are scheduled to go with Faith Night and the final Meet the Team event of the season. For tickets, fans can visit frederickkeys.com or call 301-815-9939.

Friday’s contest is at 7:00 p.m. with gates opening one hour beforehand. The first 1,000 fans will receive a rally towel giveaway presented by Potomac Edison. Fireworks follow the game, while there are just five fireworks shows left during the 2019 campaign.

Friday’s contest is at 7:00 p.m. with gates opening one hour beforehand. The first 1,000 fans will receive a rally towel giveaway presented by Potomac Edison. Fireworks follow the game, while there are just five fireworks shows left during the 2019 campaign.

Faith Night returns to Nymeo Field on Saturday. Before first pitch at 6:00 p.m. fans can enjoy a special pregame concert from 3:30-5 p.m. from the Waterboyz for Jesus. Church groups can purchase discounted tickets to the game by calling 301-815-9940. After the game there is a fireworks show presented by Saint John’s Catholic Prep.

The series concludes on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. Fans are encouraged to arrive early for one last chance to Meet the Team. From 12:00-12:30, those who come to the game can go down to the field for a meet and greet and autograph session with Keys players and coaches. During that time, fans can also have a catch in the outfield as part of Sunday Funday courtesy of Dogtopia of Frederick.

To go with this, it is the final Summer Reading Day of the year presented by Catoctin Wildlife Preserve. Participants who completed their local library’s summer reading program are invited to come out to the game, while a pregame parade begins at 12:30.

The Keys have two homestands left, with the Potomac Nationals visiting from August 20-22 and from August 30-September 2. Highlights include Fort Detrick Night sponsored by En-Net Services, Art in the Park Night on Friday, August 30 benefiting the Frederick Arts Council, Wrestling Night with Jake “The Snake” Roberts on Saturday, August 31, a Baby Shark Picnic on Sunday, September 1 and Fan Appreciation Day on Labor Day. Three fireworks shows also remain. For tickets, fans can visit frederickkeys.com or call 301-815-9939.

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

Baysox Announce 2019 Reading Program

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

BOWIE, Md. –  The Bowie Baysox announced the 24th year of the Read & Hit a Home Run Reading Program this week, thanks in part to Educational Systems Federal Credit Union.

The program, which began in 1996, reaches over 200 schools across the DMV region, impacting over 35,000 students a year. Those numbers include area homeschool co-ops, helping encourage and foster an excitement for literacy in local schools.

Registered schools will have the opportunity to participate in the program by reading four (4) books of the students’ choice during the given time frame. Every student that completes the reading goal will receive two free tickets to a 2019 Baysox game. During the season, the team will host several designated Reading Nights (based on geographic location). At the stadium, all students will be recognized for their accomplishments during the game.

All reading specialists and homeschool teachers/directors are encouraged to register their school. Once registered, all students can participate in a jersey design contest, with the winner’s choice being unveiled at a school assembly by Louie, the Baysox mascot.

To register your school, head over to the ‘community’ section of www.baysox.com and fill out the form at the bottom of the “Read & Hit a Home Run Reading Program” page. For more information or any additional questions, contact Baysox Community Programs Manager Kelsey Carter at (301) 464-4871 or email her ([email protected]).

The Bowie Baysox 2019 season is presented by Money One Federal Credit Union. 2019 Baysox Ticket Packages, including Season Tickets, Mini-Plans and Flexible Ticket Packages are available online at baysox.com, via phone at 301-464-4865 or in person at the stadium ticket office.

To keep up with Baysox news, visit baysox.com and be sure to follow the Baysox on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or register for the all new Baysox Text Insider Club for free by texting the keyword BAYSOX to 50700.

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

Contribute to the Annual Toys for Tots Drive!

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

FREDERICK, MD-The Frederick Keys are excited to announce their continued partnership with the Toys for Tots Program. Entering the seventh straight year where the Keys and Toys for Tots have worked together, fans are encouraged to donate new, unwrapped toys in November and December. These gifts are then handed out to less fortunate children on Christmas Day.

“It is important that the holiday season is a special time for local children,” said Keys Director of Marketing, Erin Lawson. “We’ve been impressed at the community’s support each year and we can’t wait for another great turnout in 2018.”

The collection period for Toys for Tots is underway and runs through Friday, December 14. To make a donation, fans can visit the Nymeo Field main office (adjacent to the stadium main gates) during normal business hours (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) Monday-Friday. Anyone who contributes a new, unwrapped toy receives a Keys hat and two tickets to a game in 2019. Fans can also bring toys to the annual Keys Holiday Event on Saturday, December 1 which runs from 10 a.m-1 p.m. Prize packs will be limited to one per person.

Nymeo Field has frequently been one of the top collection sites in Frederick County. A program that began in 1947, there are more than 150 Marine reserve sites as wells as more than 800 local Toys for Tots programs across the country. In 2016 nearly 50,000 toys were collected in Frederick County and almost $30,000 was raised.

Planning for the 2019 Frederick Keys season is underway, which includes the Carolina League All-Star Classic on Tuesday, June 18 presented by Visit Frederick. The Keys schedule for next season is available by clicking here, while fans can buy/renew ticket plans for the 2019 season by calling 301-815-9900. To follow Keys offseason news, events and more, fans can visit frederickkeys.com.

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