Cutters to Hold Free Drive-Thru Trick or Treat Event

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The Williamsport Crosscutters have announced a free trick or treating event for children and their families. Boomer’s Drive-Thru Trick or Treat will take place in the parking lot of BB&T Ballpark on Halloween night from 6pm-8pm presented in part by Backyard Broadcasting.

The event will be hosted by Boomer, the Cutters popular mascot, and give children age 14 and under in costume, the opportunity for a fun, safe trick or treating experience. Over a dozen other exhibitors, including some of Boomer’s mascot buddies, are slated to be part of Boomer’s Drive-Thru Trick or Treat.

Crosscutters Vice-President of Marketing and Public Relations Gabe Sinicropi stated, “With COVID-19 impacting many of the usual Halloween activities in our area, we simply wanted to give children and their families a safe way to do some trick or treating.”

All participants will be required to stay inside their vehicle as they receive treats from the Williamsport Crosscutters and other area businesses. CDC Halloween recommendations will be observed including;

· All exhibitors wearing protective masks and gloves

· All candy individually wrapped and in treat bags

· No-contact trick or treating where children (or parents) pick up the treat bag instead of it being handed to them

Those attending the event are asked to enter the BB&T Ballpark lot via the 4th St. entrance only. Cars will exit at the back of the stadium on Bieber St.

More information on Boomer’s Drive-Thru Trick or Treat is available by calling the Cutters Hotline at (570) 326-3389 x1100.

Louisville Bats Lend a Helping Hand

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LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Louisville Bats are proud to help serve the Kentuckyiana area and continue to unveil programs this offseason to provide support to those affected by the Coronavirus pandemic. The team has launched six initiatives during April alone and looks forward to continuing to offer help during this time of need.

Below are the programs launched this offseason with information/links if fans wish to become involved or view additional details:

Buddy’s Curbside Pick-Up: Through a partnership with ImagineAR, the Bats are encouraging fans to order takeout from local restaurant partners. Fans who activate the ImagineAR app when picking up their to-go orders can spot a digital Buddy Bat on their cellphone. After taking a picture of the AR Buddy Bat, fans will be entered to win a variety of team prizes by simply sharing the photo on social media with #CurbsideBuddy. The initiative also features a grand prize sweepstakes with the chance to win a complimentary luxury suite, $100 worth of concession/team store credit and the opportunity to throw out a ceremonial first pitch at an upcoming Bats home game.
**Click here for additional information on Buddy’s Curbside Pick-Up

Team Kentucky T-shirts: The Bats partnered with fellow Kentucky-based Minor League Baseball teams the Bowling Green Hot Rods (Class-A Tampa Bay Rays) and Lexington Legends (Class-A Kansas City Royals) on a limited-edition T-shirt available for online purchase. The shirts honor each of the three baseball teams and a portion of the proceeds from each shirt sale benefit a respective local charity. Shirts are available for just $15 through the Bats team store, with proceeds benefiting One Louisville: COVID-19 Response Fund.
**Click here for additional information on Team Kentucky T-shirts

Live at Home(Plate): To provide an entertainment outlet for fans wrestling with cabin fever, the Bats streamed a free live concert from within their ballpark on their Facebook page. The concert was hosted by staff member and longtime local singer-songwriter, Jeremy Sharfe, who performed rousing covers of all-time classics and treated fans to several of his own original songs. The Facebook Live stream reached more than 50,000 fans over the 90-minute show.
**Click here for additional information on Live at Home(Plate)

Kids Night with Texas Roadhouse: The Bats and Texas Roadhouse treated customers to an in-person special delivery from Buddy Bat and Andy Armadillo for curbside orders during the restaurant’s Kids Night. Fans who stopped by during a select time period had the chance to win a free membership to the Bats’ Kids Club for the upcoming baseball season and the opportunity to be a Play Ball Kid at an upcoming Bats home game.
**Click here for additional information on Kids Night with Texas Roadhouse

MiLB CommUNITYFirst: The Louisville Bats partnered with Minor League Baseball in a league-wide initiative to raise money for local chapters of the Feeding America Food Bank and provide a free ticket for an upcoming home game for a local hero. Each $10 donation under the Louisville Bats’ name on the website goes directly to Louisville’s Dare to Care Food Bank and provides one game ticket to a local hero such as hospital staff, first responders, nursing home staff, grocery store employees and many others.
**Click here for additional information on MiLB CommUNITYFirst

Hometown Heroes: The Bats launched the Hometown Heroes program to recognize individuals in the Kentuckiana area who provide a vital service for our hometown community. From healthcare employees and police officers on the front lines, to those helping behind the scenes like truck drivers and utility workers, the Bats are honoring a different hometown hero each week with special, dedicated posts on social media. Fans are invited to nominate a hometown hero by simply filling out the form on the following link:
**Click here for additional information on Hometown Heroes

Woodpeckers 2019 Community and Charitable Giving Report

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Since it’s inception in March of 2019, the Fayetteville Woodpeckers Fund has implemented the Fayetteville Woodpeckers’ desire to make a tangible impact on the Greater Fayetteville community through their official team charity. Investing over $71,000 in charitable giving, in-kind donations, and volunteer hours in their inaugural season, the Woodpeckers set out to establish a winning record not only in baseball games, but in their commitment to helping the community surrounding Segra Stadium.

The core program of this initiative, The Community Leaders Program, emphasizes a focus on youth sports and military causes. With the volunteerism and funds contributed by the Woodpeckers’ 2019 Community Leaders Corporate Partners (Segra, AEVEX, ASUS, Walsingham Group, Inc., and CarolinasDentist), we were able to accomplish the following projects below in 2019.

Youth Sports

  • Sponsored uniforms for 21 youth baseball and softball teams throughout Cumberland County, including the Buddy Baseball Program for special needs children.
  • Purchased and installed a new scoreboard for the Buddy Baseball Program at their home field in Massey Hill. The previous scoreboard was damaged during Hurricane Matthew.
  • Provided new Nike PG3 basketball shoes for both Men’s and Women’s varsity basketball teams at E.E. Smith High School.

Military

  • Funded 50 scholarships for military children to attend summer camp at Rick’s Place. Rick’s Place is a veteran owned 50-acre park just outside Fort Bragg that provides support for active duty and veteran soldiers and their families. In addition, the Woodpeckers provided all 250 campers with a t-shirt to wear during the duration of camp.
  • In conjunction with the USO of North Carolina and with the help of over 70 volunteers from our corporate partners, the Bird Bath Kits initiative was launched. Over 1,000 Bird Bath Kits, which included various personal care hygiene items, were packed at Segra Stadium and then delivered to elementary and middle schools on Fort Bragg as part of our back to school project.
  • Purchased a new irrigation system to benefit the community garden established for veterans therapy at Rick’s Place. This garden has a variety of flowers, vegetables, and herbs that veterans and their families are able to plant, tend, and harvest free of charge.

Other 2019 Charitable Initiatives: 
Paint the Park Purple, Alzheimer’s Awareness Night – On Saturday, July 27th, 2019, the Woodpeckers partnered with McKee Homes to host Alzheimer’s Awareness Night at Segra Stadium. The team wore custom purple jerseys that were auctioned off in-game, raising over $8,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association of Eastern North Carolina. The first 2,000 fans through the gates that night receieved custom purple Woodpeckers shirts to wear during the game, while awareness/educational videos played throughout the evening.
Fayetteville Woodpeckers Fund Jersey Auctions – The Woodpeckers held two other impactful jersey auctions that benefited the club’s charity in 2019. The first was a Patriotic jersey for our Independence Day Celebration game on July 3rd and the second was our end-of-season Inaugural home jersey set. These funds were used to help with the above Fayetteville Woodpeckers Fund initiatives.
Falcon Children’s Home Christmas Initiative – The Woodpeckers purchased 120 toys for children (infant to 19 years old) to open during the annual Falcon Children’s Home Christmas Party in December.
Childhood Cancer Awareness, Hailey Keller’s Home Run for Life & Jacob Moore’s Woodpecker for a Day – The Woodpeckers were honored to have Hailey and Jacob be a part of our Inaugural season. Hailey celebrated her five year anniversary of being cancer free by hitting a “home run” and running the bases during one of our inning breaks to a standing ovation. Jacob signed a one-day contract and enjoyed a full day of team training and fun as an honorary Woodpecker. Jacob has defied the odds and continues to fight while living with terminal neuroblastoma.

In addition to the above, the club fulfilled over 200 in-kind donations to organizations throughout Fayetteville and the surrounding communities. Our favorite red-cockaded woodpecker Bunker also made over 100 appearances throughout the region, putting a smile on the face of children and keeping our fans in good spirits!

 

Cougars Announce 9th Annual 5K to be held on Saturday, May 16

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GENEVA, Ill. – The Kane County Cougars announce the 9th Annual Cougars 5K Run/Walk, presented by Northwestern Medicine Delnor Health & Fitness Center, will take place on Saturday, May 16 beginning at 8 a.m. Proceeds from the race will benefit the many charitable programs of The Kane County Cougars Baseball Foundation, Inc.

Registration is now open at kccougars.com and raceroster.com.

Open to competitive runners and recreational walkers, the Cougars host one of the most unique 5K events in the Chicagoland area with the finish line located at home plate inside Northwestern Medicine Field. Participants can be seen on the ballpark video board through a live-feed camera while high-fiving team mascots, Ozzie and Annie T. Cougar, down the final stretch of the course.

Families are encouraged to participate as strollers are permitted on the course with a discounted rate for participants between the ages of 5-18.

Those registered by Friday, May 1 are guaranteed a commemorative race t-shirt featuring the Cougars 5K logo, while all participants will receive a complimentary ticket voucher for a 2020 Cougars game. The top three male and female finishers in the following age groups will receive a custom race medal: 12 and under, 13-15, 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and 60+.
Kids, age 12 and under, can register for the Inside the Park Dash. The half-mile fun run will take place at the conclusion of the 5K. Inside the Park Dash participants will also be guaranteed a race t-shirt if registered by May 1.

Following the race, participants can enjoy a variety of refreshments including a complimentary hot dog or brat, and beer or soda.

For updates on the Cougars 30th-anniversary season, including tickets and promotions, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About the Kane County Cougars

The Cougars, Class-A Minor League affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, have been at the forefront of family-friendly entertainment since 1991. In 2015, the franchise became the first Class-A team in Minor League Baseball history to welcome 11 million fans through the gates. A total of 180 former Cougars have reached the Major Leagues including Miguel Cabrera, Nelson Cruz, Josh Beckett, Adrian Gonzalez and Kyle Schwarber.

Spring Fan Fest, Anthem Auditions to be Held March 7

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The Durham Bulls will host their 2020 Fan Fest on Saturday, March 7 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Durham Bulls Athletic Park. The free event provides fans a chance to take batting practice on the field and purchase single-game tickets for the 2020 season. Additionally, National Anthem auditions

The Durham Bulls will host their 2020 Fan Fest on Saturday, March 7 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Durham Bulls Athletic Park. The free event provides fans a chance to take batting practice on the field and purchase single-game tickets for the 2020 season. Additionally, National Anthem auditions will take place at the DBAP the morning of March 7 from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.

The event will feature a free raffle for all fans in attendance, with grand prizes such as Bulls merchandise. Each fan in attendance will be given a raffle ticket upon arrival. Fans can earn more raffle tickets throughout the event in several ways, such as purchasing individual game tickets and packages along with retail purchases. Winners will be selected every 30 minutes, and the individual must be present to win.

Two batting practice sessions will be held at the event. All attendees 13 and older wishing to hit on the field will be able to line up from 5 p.m. to 5:45 p.m., and all fans 12 and under wishing to take batting practice may line up from 6 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. Each participant will get 3-5 pitches only. Guests will be required to sign a waiver to participate. Waivers are available here for completion prior to Fan Fest. Please print, complete and bring with you for Spring Fan Fest.

The team’s ticket representatives will be available to showcase available 919 Club member seating locations, and the Mako Medical Box Office will be open at 12:00 p.m. to provide fans an opportunity to purchase single-game tickets. 919 Club members in attendance will be granted access to the PNC Triangle Club 30 minutes prior to the event to pick up their membership package and giveaways. In addition to 919 Club packages and single-game tickets, a special Fan Fest Pack will be available only on March 7. Fans eager to secure single-game tickets for the 2020 season can do so beginning Monday, March 2 in an online-only sale, and tickets will become available by phone and in-person at the DBAP beginning March 7.

Other events/offers scheduled for Fan Fest include:

  • Fans that purchase a 919 Club package are entered into a raffle to win four (4) PNC Triangle Club tickets or a suite night for Opening Week (April 9 Opening Night excluded)
  • The Ballpark Corner Store will offer select merchandise at discounted prices in their rummage sale
  • Local food trucks American Meltdown, Stuft and Hot Chix will be in attendance on the outfield patio
  • Photo opportunities with Wool E. Bull, the Wool E. Wagon and his go-kart
  • Photo opportunities on the Durham Bulls Grounds Crew equipment in center field
  • Tours of the area inside the Blue Monster (left field wall)
  • Tours of the Durham Bulls Clubhouse
  • Special preview tasting of select new concessions items for the 2020 season
  • Beer, soft drinks and water will be available for purchase near Wool E. World
  • Face painting will be available, and a balloon artist will also be in attendance

National Anthem auditions will also take place at the DBAP the morning of March 7 from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. for individuals wishing to perform the Star-Spangled Banner at a Bulls game in 2020. Performers who arrive after 8:30 a.m. will not be permitted to audition. Performers will have one minute and 30 seconds to perform the anthem, and lyrics must be memorized and performed in a traditional style.

Participants for anthem auditions may enter through the ballpark’s left field gate and register upon arrival to perform on a first-come, first-sing basis. Singers may leave at the completion of their audition and will be contacted at a later date as the Bulls choose those who will perform at limited, select dates during the 2020 season.

The Bulls look to start the 2020 season strong at their home opener on Thursday, April 9, 2020 against the Charlotte Knights. Season memberships and group outings are available now at durhambulls.com or by calling 919.956.BULL.

 

National Anthem Tryouts Set for Saturday, February 22

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DAYTON, OHIO – A traditional sign that baseball season is just around the corner in the Miami Valley is National Anthem Tryouts, presented by the Dayton Daily News. Tryouts for national anthem performers for the 2020 season will take place on Saturday, February 22 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Mall at Fairfield Commons.

Finalists will perform the national anthem at Dragons games throughout the season, with the grand prize winner performing on Opening Day 2020 before the Dragons host the Great Lakes Loons on Thursday, April 9 at 7:00 p.m.

While all time slots have been filled with performers who registered at DaytonDragons.com, there are still opportunities to perform at the tryouts on a stand-by basis.
To register as a stand-by performer, you must come to the Saturday, February 22 tryouts at the Mall at Fairfield Commons. You will receive a stand-by number that will be called when a spot becomes available. Standby performers are not guaranteed a chance to tryout.

A panel of local citizens including media personalities, city officials, and community leaders will be judging the event. The panel will make its selections based on voice quality, creative style, stage presence, and appearance.

The Dragons Green Team as well as mascots Heater and Gem will entertain fans throughout the auditions at the Mall at Fairfield Commons on Saturday.
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Kazoo’s Reading Program Promotes Childhood Literacy

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A visit from Kazoo is certainly one way to break up a long day at school.

On February 6th, Oakcrest Elementary students received a visit from Kazoo and the Blue Wahoos as part of Kazoo’s Reading Program. In two 30-minute sessions, hundreds of thrilled Pensacola youngsters read Kazoo Makes the Team and witnessed a performance from the mascot himself. The kids left with a bookmark and a challenge: read four books in one month and receive a free ticket to a 2020 Blue Wahoos game.

In its existence, the reading program has made countless visits to local schools in Florida and Alabama, working to promote literacy and a love of reading early in life. In 2019 alone, Kazoo made trips to 32 schools and met 14,000 students, who combined to read over 56,000 books.

“The Blue Wahoos helped us celebrate literacy,” said JC Cotton, Assistant Principal of Florosa Elementary School in Mary Esther. “To hear the screams and see our kids’ faces when Kazoo popped out from behind the curtain was absolutely tremendous. Kazoo and the Blue Wahoos did a terrific job of sharing their love of reading with our kids. Definitely a memorable moment from our school year!”

The reading program is just one part of the organization’s mission to make Pensacola the greatest place to live; the Wahoos and the Studer Family of Companies believe that investing in the area’s kids is the best way to strengthen the community and improve quality of life.

Your child’s school can still sign up to participate in Kazoo’s Reading Program! Share this article with their teachers and encourage them to submit a form for their class here.

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

Registration Underway for Dragons 5K

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Dayton,Ohio-Registration is underway for the 10th annual Dragons 5K presented by Orthopedic Associates on Saturday, July 18, 2020 starting at 8:00 a.m. at Day Air Ballpark. The event began in 2011 and has become a local tradition as one of the Miami Valley’s largest races with over 2,000 runners and walkers participating annually.

All participants in the race receive four (4) lawn tickets to a Dragons game, Dragons 5K t-shirt, Dragons hat, NEW home plate finisher’s medal, and entry to the post-race party inside Day Air Ballpark.

Additionally, if participants sign up for the race in the first 30 days (by March 1), they will receive a bonus of two (2) stadium seat tickets to a Dragons game in April.

The registration fee is $25 in advance or $30 after July 12. Kids age 17 and under can sign up for $15. People can sign up today to reserve their spot at www.daytondragons.com/dragons5ksignup.

Participants may choose to run or walk the course and strollers are also permitted. The race will feature the same great family-friendly entertainment you see at every Dragons game, including Dragons mascots and Green Team! The race course will move through downtown Dayton and end back at Day Air Ballpark for a post-race party.

The post-race party inside Day Air Ballpark is open to all participants and their family/friends. Activities include fruit and water for participants, inflatables, health and wellness booths, and more!

The top three male and female finishers will receive a specially-engraved baseball bat. The top three male and female runners in each age group will be awarded a Dragons Den gift certificate. Also, top finishing groups and high school running groups will receive great group prizes with the grand prize being a luxury suite at a Dragons game.

For more information on the 2020 Dragons 5K presented by Orthopedic Associates, go to www.daytondragons.com/dragons5k.

Orthopedic Associates Returning as Dragons 5K Presenting Sponsor

The Dayton Dragons also announced today that Orthopedic Associates is returning as the presenting sponsor of the Dragons 5K on Saturday, July 18, 2020.

“The Dragons 5K has become a local tradition and we are very excited to have Orthopedic Associates returning as the Dragons 5K presenting sponsor at Day Air Ballpark,” said Robert Murphy, President & General Manager of the Dayton Dragons. “Orthopedic Associates have been the trusted orthopedic provider for the Dayton Dragons team so we are excited for our fans to get to know their amazing staff.”

David Mohler, COO of Orthopedic Associates said, “We are thrilled to once again sponsor the Dragons 5K. As the region’s leader in sports medicine, and especially as a proud orthopedic provider to the Dragons Team, this fun, family event is one of Dayton’s great summer highlights for the community. We encourage everyone to register and participate!”

The 2020 Dragons 5K is being presented by Orthopedic Associates. As the regional leader in comprehensive orthopedic care, Orthopedic Associates’ passion is helping Dayton’s families get back to doing what they love. Orthopedic Associates is proud to be the trusted orthopedic provider serving your Dayton Dragons for more than a decade. Learn more at www.OAdoctors.com.

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

Dragons Mascots, Green Team Performing at Local Schools

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Dayton, Ohio-Opening night for the 2020 baseball season at Day Air Ballpark is nine weeks away, but Dayton Dragons mascots Heater and Gem along with the Dragons Green Team are already bringing the excitement of baseball season to local elementary schools. For the eighth straight year, the Dragons entertainment team is performing assemblies at Miami Valley elementary schools. The program continues into April.

Each 30-minute interactive, fun, high-energy performance includes a visit by Heater or Gem and members of the Green Team, the Dragons signature group that facilitates skits, contests, and sing-a-longs during Dragons games at Day Air Ballpark. Each assembly in 2020 focuses on “Healthy Habits,” making smart food choices and being physically active. The performances, typically held in the school gymnasium, include some of the same entertainment skits seen at the ballpark, plus some new material designed specifically for the schools.

All Dragons assemblies are performed free of charge for schools that sign up. Participating elementary schools on board so far stretch from Springboro to Sidney.

The assemblies provide an introduction to the Dayton Dragons School Program, an incentive-based school fundraiser that provides prizes to students and allows the schools to keep a portion of ticket sales to Dragons games.

The Dragons are providing prizes as part of the program including team merchandise, an invitation to a Donatos Pizza Party with Dragons players, a Dragons Frisch’s Kids Club membership, and the grand prize, a Google Chromebook.

The Dragons 2020 Opening Night game is set for Thursday, April 9 at 7:00 p.m. at Day Air Ballpark against the Great Lakes Loons (Los Angeles Dodgers affiliate).

For information on Dragons season tickets, group outings, and luxury suites, go to daytondragons.com or call (937) 228-2287.

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

Students can win ceremonial first pitch in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. essay contest

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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – With Black History Month upcoming, the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are asking students what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have A Dream” speech means to them. The club’s essay contest will reward the winning students with free tickets for their entire class to attend a Jumbo Shrimp regular season game at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville, as well as a classroom visit by either Scampi or Southpaw.

The Jumbo Shrimp’s essay contest is open to all K-12 students in Duval County, Clay County and St. Johns County. Submissions will be divided into three categories (Grades K-5, 6-8 and 9-12, respectively). The contest will begin on Martin Luther King Jr. Day at 9 a.m. on Monday, January 20. All entries should be submitted by 5 p.m. on Friday, February 21 to [email protected], and must include the student’s name, age, grade and school.

Following the submission process, each category will have their respective winners notified by email and announced on Friday, February 28.

For any questions regarding the Jumbo Shrimp’s Dr. King “I Have A Dream” speech essay contest, please contact Director of Community Relations Andrea Williams at [email protected].

UP NEXT: The Jumbo Shrimp’s 2020 Home Opening Day is Wednesday, April 15 against the Biloxi Shuckers at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville. Season tickets, mini plans and group outings are on sale now. Visit www.jaxshrimp.com or call 904-358-2846 to secure yours today.

ABOUT THE JUMBO SHRIMP: The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp offer affordable family fun at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville. Their inaugural season garnered the Southern League’s Don Mincher Organization of the Year, Promotional Trophy and Jimmy Bragan Executive of the Year, won by General Manager Harold Craw. The club added its second Promotional Trophy in three years following the 2019 season. To experience the excitement with the terrific value of ticket and group options, call the Jumbo Shrimp at (904) 358-2846 or visit www.jaxshrimp.com.

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

Books With Ballplayers Brings Family-Friendly Fun To Bodacious Bookstore And Café

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In conjunction with the Twins Winter Caravan Pensacola, Minnesota Twins prospects Jordan Balazovic and Mark Contreras will visit the Bodacious Bookstore and Café on Thursday, January 16th for an afternoon of family-friendly fun at the first ever Books With Ballplayers event. From 3:00-4:00 PM, Balazovic, Contreras, and Blue Wahoos mascot Kazoo will read with children in attendance and participate in a question and answer session. The event is free to the public. Interested participants are encouraged to arrive early as space is limited.

The Bodacious Bookstore and Café opened in August 2019 at 110 E. Intendencia Street in downtown Pensacola offering a wide selection of books for both children and adults, a children’s area highlighted by a replica lighthouse, and a full menu of coffee, tea, smoothies, and café-style food.

Following the Books With Ballplayers event, Contreras and Balazovic will head to Blue Wahoos Stadium for the second annual Twins Winter Caravan Pensacola. Held from 5:00-7:00 PM on January 16th, the event will feature autographs, question and answer sessions, a team yard sale, behind-the-scenes photo opportunities, a sneak-peek of the Blue Wahoos 2020 promotional schedule, and more. The Twins Winter Caravan Pensacola is free and open to the public.

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

Timber Rattlers Release 2019 Charity Report

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GRAND CHUTE, WI – It was a good year for the various charities supported by the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers Charity Fund. The Rattlers have released a brief report on their charitable works during 2019 as they prepare for 2020.

The main fundraisers for the 2019 Timber Rattlers were the seven jersey auctions held during the 2019 season. The auctions included team-worn jerseys based on promotions for the Udder Tuggers, Los Cascabeles, Military Appreciation, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee Brewers, Star WarsTM, and Wisconsin Brats. These auctions raised almost $18,000 for local charities.

The Timber Rattlers are finalizing their jersey designs for the 2020 season and will unveil those designs as Opening Night for next season gets closer.

The annual Charity Golf Outing which was held on June 3, 2019 was another significant fundraiser. Nearly 100 area golfers plus Timber Rattlers players, coaches, and front office personnel collected over $8,500 for the Timber Rattlers Charity Foundation through the golf and raffles that were held after the outing. The 2020 Charity Golf Outing is scheduled for Monday, June 1 at Shamrock Heights Golf Course in Shawano.

The team was also involved in programs like Whiffer’s Fitness Program and Fang’s Reading Club. The reading club is an incentive-based program that allows schools in Northeastern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula to get children from Kindergarten through fifth grade involved in reading. The fitness program helped to get kids in the Fox Cities to get and stay active.

Mascots Whiffer & Fang got into the charitable spirit on their birthdays, too. Whiffer’s Birthday in March coincided with the team’s individual tickets on sale date and a Help for the Homeless Drive that collected hygiene products for area homeless shelters. Fang’s Birthday in August collected 410 pounds in non-perishable food items as part of the Cans for Cake food drive.

The Timber Rattlers front offices also tended to their on-site garden to grow and harvest over 400 pounds of food in the Greenstone Farm Credit Services Ballpark Garden at Neuroscience Group Field. The fresh vegetables were taken to St. Joe’s Food Pantry.

Some of the charities helped by the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers in 2019 included Make-A-Wish Wisconsin, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, Fox Valley Veterans Council, Children’s Cancer Family Foundation of Northeast Wisconsin, St. Joe’s Food Pantry, Freedom Food Pantry, Lupus Foundation, Farm Aid, and Miracle League of the Fox Valley.

Additionally, over 2000 hats were presented to area Little League programs. Numerous other charities received over 10,000 ticket vouchers to be used in their own fundraisers by the Rattlers.

The team established the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers Fund with the Community Foundation of the Fox Valley Region in 2016 to benefit the team’s charitable works.

Thank you to everyone who assisted in our charitable works in 2019. We could not have accomplished this without the support of the players, coaches, and community. We look forward to 2020.

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

NATURALS IMPACT IN THE COMMUNITY

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

The Naturals’ fundraising program has helped raise over one million dollars since the 2010 season

SPRINGDALE, Ark – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are proud to continue to have a positive impact on Northwest Arkansas and the surrounding communities as over one million dollars has been raised for participating groups since the start of the 2010 season through the team’s fundraising and community partners program.

 During the 2019 season alone, the Naturals partnered with 173 groups and those participants combined to raise $121,898.00 through the Naturals’ in-stadium fundraising programs. Groups included but were not limited to High School Baseball teams, school and music groups, youth sports teams and organizations, churches, and non-profits.

In addition to in-stadium fundraising programs, the Naturals also help out local events through donations and mascot appearances. Over the past year, the Naturals fulfilled around 375 donation requests that equal nearly $32,000.00 in in-kind donations while sending out a mascot, either Strike or Sinker, to 65 different local events.

Visit www.nwanaturals.com, call us at (479) 927-4900, or visit our Administrative Offices located at Arvest Ballpark to learn more about the fundraising programs that the Naturals offer, donation requests, and mascot appearances.

The Northwest Arkansas Naturals will return to Arvest Ballpark on Thursday, April 16th, 2019 at 6:35 p.m. when they play host to the Corpus Christi Hooks (Double-A Affiliate of the Houston Astros) for 2020 Opening Night.

The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are the Double-A Texas League Affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. The Naturals play at state-of-the-art Arvest Ballpark in Springdale, Ark. For more information, including ticket options, group events and more, visit NWANaturals.com, and follow us on Twitter @NWANaturals and Facebook.com/Naturals.

-Naturals-

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

Cougars Announce New Classroom Appreciation Grant, Improvements to Reading Club Program

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Additional scholarships and rewards for Reading Club participants will begin in 2020

GENEVA, Ill. – The Kane County Cougars have announced multiple improvements to the Cougars Reading Club as well as a new Ozzie and Annie Classroom Appreciation 1K Grant. This is the first announcement of several enhancements the Cougars will be making ahead of their 30th anniversary season. Additional announcements regarding capital improvements, a 30th-anniversary logo reveal and the 30th-anniversary team will be made starting in mid-January.

Prior to the 2020 season, Ozzie and Annie Reading Scholarships were awarded to six local students for the lasting impact their involvement with the Cougars Reading Club has made in their everyday lives. Moving forward, the Cougars will now be awarding 10 total scholarships at $500 each in an effort to expand the appreciation for student involvement and assist with continuing their education.

Each student that participates in the Cougars Reading Club receives multiple rewards including a Golden Ticket. Beginning with the 2020 season, all Reading Club participants who present their Golden Ticket at the box office will be awarded two complimentary tickets for all June-September games, which doubles the ticket reward from previous seasons, ensuring even more family fun throughout the summer.

New for the 2020 season is the Ozzie and Annie Classroom Appreciation 1K Grant. This program will award one teacher’s classroom with a $1,000 grant to show appreciation for their participation in the Cougars Reading Club. Cougars mascots and goodwill ambassadors, Ozzie and Annie T. Cougar, will present the check to the winning teacher and their classroom. Additional details regarding the Classroom Appreciation Grant will be announced soon.

Teachers that are interested in registering their school or classroom in the Cougars Reading Club can visit kccougars.com for more information.

The Cougars Reading Club is an eight-week incentive program that runs between the months of January and March. Students from Pre-K through 8th grade are eligible to participate as long as their school is a member of the Reading Club Program. Students that complete a reading home run are rewarded with a complimentary ticket to an April or May Cougars game, a hot dog and soft drink, official Cougars Reading Club souvenir and bookmark as well as the opportunity to participate in a pre-game on-field parade led by Ozzie and Annie.

Your Cougars 30th anniversary season kicks off on Thursday, April 9 at 6:30 PM against the Cedar Rapids Kernels. For updates on all the festivities, including ticket and promotion specials, follow the Cougars on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About the Kane County Cougars

The Cougars, Class-A Minor League affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, have been at the forefront of family-friendly entertainment since 1991. In 2015, the franchise became the first Class-A team in Minor League Baseball history to welcome 11 million fans through the gates. A total of 180 former Cougars have reached the Major Leagues including Miguel Cabrera, Nelson Cruz, Josh Beckett, Adrian Gonzalez, Kyle Schwarber and Willson Contreras.

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

Christmas on the Mountain Winter Coat Drive to be Held on December 6th

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

 

(Reading, PA) – The Reading Fightin Phils have partnered with Christmas on the Mountain and HGSK Law Firm to hold a Winter Coat Drive on Friday, December 6th from 5-10 p.m. at Christmas on the Mountain.

The drive will benefit various organizations throughout Reading in conjunction with the Daniel Torres Centro Hispano (Hispanic Center).

Christmas on the Mountain is operating in its 29th year, located at the Hillside Playground on North 14th Street in Reading. The playground is transformed into a Christmas Wonderland each holiday season. The free display, operated by the Reading High School Marine Corps JROTC, includes over 1 million LED lights, inflatables, vintage and modern decorations, and a replica of Santa’s workshop.

Fightin Phils mascots will also be on hand for the event.

Christmas on the Mountain opened for the season on November 23rd, and will be open daily through December 23rd. The display runs from 5-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 5-10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

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