Blue Wahoos Share Holiday Spirit, Community Impact In December

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A classroom door opened at Pensacola’s Montclair Elementary School and joyous screams ensued.

Yes, Kazoo was in the house.

The Blue Wahoos beloved mascot was part of a special Literacy Night program December 15 for young grade school students. Joined by Lauren Scott, the Blue Wahoos community relations and merchandise manager, along with Erik Bremer, the voice of the Blue Wahoos as broadcast director, the group delighted and enlightened children that day with a special appearance before school let out for the holiday break.

“You see that kind of reaction and it’s special,” Scott said. “The kids are screaming ‘Kazoo! Kazoo!’ and they know us through Kazoo, even though many haven’t been to a baseball game yet.

“So it’s neat and we had a lot of fun doing it, reading to the kids and just interacting with them. Erik was getting everyone involved so it was a great time.”

Blue Wahoos beloved mascot Kazoo greets thousands of parade spectators at Pensacola’s annual Christmas parade downtown on December 10.
Dan Venn/Blue Wahoos

The experience that day was part of the Blue Wahoos busy December. A lot has happened this month at a time presumed to be a slow period in the professional baseball world.

In the days leading up to Christmas, the Blue Wahoos staff participated in two Christmas parades, spent one day restoring a baseball field at Pensacola’s Catalonia Square, had team executives attend the Baseball Winter Meetings in San Diego, been host to private parties and events at Blue Wahoos Stadium, plus provided team representation at other community events.

“It has been a whirlwind, but in a great way,” said Steve Brice, who joined the Blue Wahoos in mid-November as the team’s executive vice president and general manager, working in tandem with team president Jonathan Griffith. “I love being busy.”

Members of the Blue Wahoos front office staff joined together on Dec. 15 to help renovate a City of Pensacola youth baseball field as part of an annual project.
Dan Venn/Blue Wahoos

During a time traditionally viewed as the slowest point of an off-season, the Blue Wahoos have kept active within the Pensacola community heading into the Christmas and New Year holiday weekend.

Kazoo and team staff members were part of the Gulf Breeze Christmas Parade on December 3, followed by the Cox Pensacola Christmas Parade on December 10.

Working in two shifts, the group also recently helped restore two baseball fields at Catalonia Square, a City of Pensacola park which is also known for being where Pro Football Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks began his youth football career. A lot of weed-pulling, debris clearing and removal of glass shards occurred.

“Even though the field might not have looked like it was in too rough of shape from afar, it still took us most of the day to fix it,” Scott said.

The project was part of an annual commitment the Blue Wahoos make in the community in a partnership with Waste Management, a Blue Wahoos corporate partner. Each season since the inaugural 2012 season, the Blue Wahoos staff and groundskeeping crew have taken on a project at one area baseball field to upgrade and restore the conditions.

It’s another way the team meets a mission to improve the quality of life in the Pensacola community.

Participating in the Christmas parades provides opportunity for the Blue Wahoos to reconnect with fans and further awareness.

For Brice, it was his first experience in both the community parades. He was tossing beads, candy and passing out Blue Wahoos hats to throngs of people in the massive downtown Christmas parade.

“I jokingly said to someone, I feel like I’m part of The Beatles right now,” Brice said. “People were yelling, “Go Wahoos!’ and everyone wanted a hat, or one of the cushy baseballs we had. There were so many people that night downtown and to be part of that was really great.”

The biggest challenge? Trying to figure how much candy, beads, hats and other items to participate in two parades.

“Even prepping for it was wild because I had cases of candy here and (co-staff worker) said, ‘Oh that’s not enough. I literally bought Sam’s (Club) out of candy,” said Scott, who joined the Blue Wahoos in March and was promoted to a dual role as merchandise and community relations manager. “That was wild having to go back and almost double everything to have enough.”

“In the baseball season it was so busy and everyone was telling me, ‘oh the offseason that’s the chill time”. And the whole time I have been like, yes there are not games on the field, but I am still really busy and it’s different thing.”

But as Scott pointed out, it’s also been a good thing in ways to stay connected in the Pensacola area and keep the Blue Wahoos awareness with community impact.

Second Annual “WooSox Foundation Holiday Caravan” to Spread Joy Around Central MA

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Community Award Winners Ryan Fitzgerald and Red Sox Hall of Famer Rich Gedman to join Smiley Ball, Woofster the WonderDog, Roberto the Rocket, and Santa in visits to charities, schools, and community organizations

WORCESTER, MA – Led by Infielder Ryan Fitzgerald and Hitting Coach Rich Gedman, two award-winning members of the Worcester Red Sox, the 2022 “WooSox Foundation Holiday Caravan” will be spreading cheer across the Heart of the Commonwealth this Monday, December 19 through Wednesday, December 21.

Fitzgerald, the club’s super utility infielder and second-ever recipient of the WooSox Foundation’s “Heart of the Heart” Community Spirit Award, will team up with Gedman, his Hitting Coach, who was inducted into the Red Sox Hall of Fame in May of this year. Joining them are Mascots Smiley Ball, Woofster the WonderDog, and Roberto the Rocket, along with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

The WooSox Foundation “Care-A-Van,” presented by Bank of America, is the team’s mobile RV that was unveiled in March of 2022 and will assist the WooSox in executing all of the good deeds scheduled for next week.

The impactful holiday gestures begin on Monday at Why Me & Sherry’s House when the team will bring gifts and essentials to toddlers and teens who are battling cancer. The group will also visit TLK Sports, a Worcester-based community organization that emphasizes the importance of teamwork and relationship building through a number of sports including baseball. The WooSox, in partnership with the Junior WooSox, will wrap up Monday evening at Nazareth home in Leicester to show their support for foster children by bringing winter hats and an assortment of surprise gifts.

On Tuesday, December 20, the Caravan continues in Polar Park’s backyard at the Canal District’s St. John’s Food for the Poor, where the WooSox will assist in providing breakfast to some of the neighborhood’s neediest population. The team will head from St. John’s to Abby’s House in Worcester, where toys and treats will be provided to women and children.

The caravan will continue its busy day on Tuesday at 11 am at UMass Memorial Children’s Medical Center, where care packages filled with toys, books, and everyday essentials will go to kids who are in treatment. For the second straight year, the club has partnered with Kits for Kids, a Marlborough based organization that has provided care packages around the holidays to children in need for over 13 years.

The WooSox will wrap up their Tuesday afternoon with the Worcester Education Collaborative, where together they will donate tablets and keyboards to children at the Guild of St. Agnes in Worcester. The caravan will head to the YMCA Central Community Branch, then back to Polar Park, where fans will have the opportunity to meet Ryan Fitzgerald in the WooSox Team Store from 5:30-7:00 pm on Tuesday evening.

“I’m looking forward to being back in Worcester around Christmas time and help give back to this community that has had my back all season long,” said Ryan Fitzgerald, who in 2022 became the first Minor League player to have his own merchandise line. “The WooSox are always doing great things in the community and it’s a pleasure to help out in any way I can.”

The WooSox will conclude their 2022 Holiday Caravan on Wednesday with visits to Abby Kelley Foster Elementary School, and Gates Lane Elementary School, where the club established a mentoring program this past March 4 in partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Massachusetts.

“What an honor it is to visit these children and organizations who deserve the smiles that our mascots so often inspire,” said WooSox President Dr. Charles A. Steinberg. “And how fortunate we are to have such caring souls who wear the WooSox uniform: Ryan Fitzgerald and Red Sox Hall of Famer Rich Gedman embody the dreams of all of the children of this region. Meeting Fitzy and Geddy, shaking their hands, and learning their stories can turn a moment into a memory and perhaps even a turning point in life. We thank the schools and wonderful charities who perform these good deeds every single day for the opportunity to stop by, say hello, and wish everyone a happy holiday season with best wishes for a happy, healthy new year.”

Media interested in covering any portion of the team’s 2022 Holiday Caravan can reach out to Vice President of Community & Player Relations Joe Bradlee at [email protected] for further guidance.

Hundreds Of Toys And Food Items Collected For Those In Need

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Bridgewater, New Jersey – The Somerset Patriots, the New York Yankees Double-A affiliate, collected hundreds of donated items during the team’s annual Holiday Toy and Food Drive on Saturday, December 10.

The event took place at the Team Store at TD Bank Ballpark and saw fans arrive throughout the day with new, unwrapped toys to benefit Central New Jersey Toys For Tots and non-perishable food items for the Food Bank Network of Somerset County.

As he has been doing for the past 20 years, Patriots Manager Emeritus Sparky Lyle was on site to meet fans, take pictures and sign autographs as a special thank you to all that donated.

“This is always a special event for me and everyone at the Somerset Patriots,” said Lyle. “I can’t believe how many toys came in. Some people showed up needing help getting carts full of donations from their cars. I think it was the most we ever collected in all the years of doing this. Our fans once again came through to bring some holiday cheer to those that need it the most this time of year.”

In addition to Lyle, team mascot Sparkee mingled with fans as holiday music played throughout the team store. The 2022 Eastern League Championship Trophy was also on display for pictures.

Shoppers were able to pick up team apparel and other novelties for Patriots fans on their holiday lists. Featured items included the recently released Marvel-inspired merchandise and championship gear.

About the Somerset Patriots

The Somerset Patriots are the New York Yankees Double-A Affiliate and develop today’s top minor league talent into the pinstriped superstars of tomorrow for MLB’s winningest team. The Patriots are the reigning Eastern League Champions and play their home games at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, NJ, where fans of all ages and levels of baseball fandom get to enjoy the unique experience that is minor league baseball.

SRP Park Hosts 9th Annual Auggie’s Holiday BUZZar & Toys for Tots Drive

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Get into the Holiday Spirit December 10th at SRP Park

NORTH AUGUSTA, SC – The Augusta GreenJackets, Single-A Affiliate of the Atlanta Braves are excited to continue Auggie’s Holiday BUZZar for the 9th year on Saturday December 10th at SRP Park from 10am-1pm. This is one of our most popular community events and we look forward to decking the park in holiday cheer!

Auggie’s Holiday BUZZar is a free event for individuals and families, dogs are welcome to attend (remaining on the concourse). Shop local as over 50 small CSRA businesses and individuals will be set up on the concourse to wrap up your Holiday shopping. Guests can have their picture taken with Santa in the Hive Pro Shop, and of course Auggie will be present for photos and holiday cheer. The North Augusta School of Dance returns, showcasing their holiday dance moves at 10:30am, 11:30am, and 12:30pm.

New this holiday season, guests can participate in the Hot Chocolate 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk, partnered with Fleet Feet of Augusta. This unique race allows you SRP Park field access to take a jog around the warning track four times and grab a nice Hot Chocolate at the finish line. Grab your best Ugly Sweater for a contest prior to the race. The run is FREE to all, strollers are allowed, however dogs are not permitted on the field for the run.

“We’re excited to continue this favorite holiday event to wrap up the year,” states GreenJackets Director of Marketing, Catie Jagodzinski. “We look forward to this event each holiday season and the fun it brings to SRP Park. With so many wonderful vendors, North Augusta School of Dance, our new partnership with Fleet Feet Augusta and appearances by Auggie and Santa, it’s an excellent Saturday afternoon event!”

SRP Park is also a Toys to Tots location and guests can bring new, unwrapped gifts to be donated to an amazing cause and be entered to win prizes. Shepeard Community Blood Center will be present for those interested in donating during the event. All donors will receive a FREE t-shirt for their donation. Those looking to donate blood can schedule their appointment here: https://bit.ly/3OUrlBQ .

Concessions will be available featuring your fan favorite menu items and cold beverages. Stock up for the fan in your life as the Hive Pro Shop will be open with holiday specials and new merchandise available for the GreenJackets fan on your shopping list.

More information about the event and the full list of vendors attending is available here: https://www.milb.com/augusta/community/auggies-fall-market

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ABOUT THE AUGUSTA GREENJACKETS

The Augusta GreenJackets are the Single A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. 2023 Augusta GreenJackets Full, Half and 20-game season seat memberships are on sale now. To learn more about the benefits and to get in on the action, visit www.gjmembers.com or call (803) 349-WINS (9467).

For team merchandise or more information visit www.greenjacketsbaseball.com. Stay up to date on all things GreenJackets and Events at SRP Park by following us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and sign up for the ‘Jackets Buzz e-newsletter today by visiting https://atmilb.com/3yr4mrw

SRP Park is the anchor piece of Riverside Village, a live, work, “playball” development which includes apartment living, retail, restaurants, class “A” office space, and a Crowne Plaza Hotel and Conference Center. To learn more about SRP Park and hosting events and availability, visit www.thesrppark.com.

Flying Squirrels win MiLB CommUNITY Champion Award

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SAN DIEGO, Calif. – The Richmond Flying Squirrels have been named the recipient of the 2022 Minor League Baseball CommUNITY Champion Award, MiLB announced on Sunday night.

The CommUNITY Champion Award recognizes a Club that demonstrates an outstanding, ongoing commitment to charitable service, support and leadership within their local community and the baseball industry. The award was presented during the Opening Night Reception and Awards Program of the Baseball Winter Meetings at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront.

“Making an impact in the community is a pillar of our organization,” Flying Squirrels CEO Todd “Parney” Parnell said. “We strive to be a valuable community partner and aim to use our platform to make positive impacts in the Richmond region. We are grateful for this recognition from Minor League Baseball and for our community.”

In 2022, Flying Squirrels Charities expanded its areas of focus in an effort to fully encompass all the ways the Flying Squirrels impact the greater Richmond community. The newly rebranded Flying Squirrels Charities focuses on four pillars: Education, Athletics, Social Determinants and Inclusion. Flying Squirrels Charities raises funds through a number of avenues including in-stadium initiatives during the season and events around the region all year.

With Flying Squirrels Charities this year, the team has partnered to support local organizations including Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation, Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Richmond, Friendship Circle of Virginia (FCVA), Metropolitan Junior Baseball League (MJBL), Fox Elementary School and more.

The Flying Squirrels are visible in the greater Richmond community well beyond the baseball months. Mascots Nutzy and Nutasha have made more than 400 community appearances this year around the Commonwealth of Virginia. Additionally, Flying Squirrels front office staff, players and coaches have volunteered this year with organizations and events including children’s hospitals, Miracle Leagues, Feed More, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Salvation Army and others.

The Flying Squirrels continue to promote educational causes in schools around the Richmond region, including the “Go Nuts for Reading Program,” which challenges elementary and middle school students to read eight books over a two-month span to receive a free ticket to a Flying Squirrels game. This year, more than 10,000 students from 68 participating schools completed the challenge.

The Flying Squirrels launched their Executive Trainee Program, offering opportunities to students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities the opportunity to gain hands-on, professional experience working in various capacities with the team. The program is designed to create a more diverse and inclusive workforce with the goal of elevating more minorities into leadership positions throughout the professional baseball industry.

Through these and many other initiatives, the Flying Squirrels aim to make Richmond a better, more inclusive place, while simultaneously helping grow the game of baseball.

The Flying Squirrels open the 2023 season on Friday, April 7 at The Diamond against the Reading Fightin Phils. Ticket packages for the 2023 season are available now at SquirrelsBaseball.com.

Second Annual “Trick-or-Treat at Polar Park” Oct. 30 Attracts More Than 3,000 Fans

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On Sunday, October 30, the Worcester Red Sox welcomed more than 3,000 fans for the second annual “Trick-Or-Treat at Polar Park.” The event was free to the public and allowed youngsters to participate in a multitude of activities. Starting at 2 p.m., trick-or-treating took place in Suites 14 through 22, where several staff members from the WooSox passed out candy and trinkets. Downstairs along the first base concourse, fans could participate in a pumpkin decorating contest, judged by WooSox staff, including mascots Smiley Ball and Woofster the WonderDog. Fans were allowed to bring in a previously-decorated pumpkin, or they could decorate on the spot using supplies provided by the club.

In addition to the decorating contest, there was also a costume contest, in which the winning fan was awarded four DCU Club tickets to a WooSox game in 2023, along with a large bag of candy. Halloween-themed music played around the park as families took pictures in front of backdrops in Sections 9 and 13.

Pixar’s “Coco” played on the left field videoboard as fans caught the movie from the seating bowl and inside the DCU Club with movie-themed snacks and adult beverages.

The event will be held again next Halloween with some potential tweaks.

“We plan on making the event a full concourse operation, with concessions available for purchase,” said WooSox Ambassador Marianna Colantuono, who was instrumental in planning the event. “This is to prevent waiting in a long line for candy. We also plan to give trick-or-treaters and their families the opportunity to buy dinner next year.” The dinner option will allow families to stay for the duration of the movie instead of having to leave to eat dinner.

“The most rewarding part of planning and executing this event was seeing the multitude of smiling faces.” Colantuono added. “A few fans commented on how they loved that it was a free event. I also heard various languages spoken! As Polar Park is a gathering space for the different cultures that inhabit the city, it was heart-warming to see that in action. I also loved seeing the kids recognize each other’s costumes. Seeing them chat and take pictures with one another was very sweet to witness.”

The WooSox plan to do more festive events throughout the year as they continue to be a monumental part of the Worcester community.

Before the Halloween festivities, Canine Companions hosted “DogFest New England” at Polar Park, where Furry friends and families enjoyed activities, inspiring speakers, dog demonstrations, and other entertainment to benefit the nonprofit organization that ensures that guide dogs are free of charge for individuals and families who need them.

Trash Pandas Successfully Launch Non-Profit Foundation

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MADISON, Alabama – In just its first year, the Rocket City Trash Pandas Foundation raised more than $150,000 in donations for non-profit organizations in North Alabama and the Tennessee Valley. The Foundation, the 501(c)3 charitable arm of the Trash Pandas was incorporated prior to the 2022 baseball season, is dedicated to educating and promoting healthy lifestyles through sport and to positively impact communities in the region.

The donations were fueled by fundraising events, both new and returning, including Game-Worn Jersey Auctions, Community Clubhouse Sales, Youth Camps, and the Trash Pandas Food & Beverage Volunteer Program.

CLICK HERE to view the full 2022 Rocket City Trash Pandas Community Impact Report.

Highlights from 2022 include:

  • Six specialty game-worn jersey auctions featuring jerseys worn by Trash Pandas players and coaches during select home games. After the game, jerseys were auctioned with proceeds going to local non-profits that raised over $100,000 throughout the season. 2022 jersey auctions included Space Night, Star Wars Night, Armed Forces Night, Patriotic Jerseys for Independence Day, Marvel Defenders of the Diamond Night, and Huntsville Stars Throwback Night.
  • The Trash Pandas Food and Beverage Volunteer Program allowed organizations to assist in operating concession stands during games. Each volunteer was paid hourly with profits going to their organization, which collected over $57,000.
  • The Trash Pandas Foundation hosted two Community Clubhouse Sales in 2022, offering a variety of autographed and game-used memorabilia to fand in a garage sale fashion. Items included autographed cards, mystery autographed baseballs, broken bats, game-worn hats, limited-edition specialty jerseys, and more. These sales raised over $21,000 for the foundation.
  • Trash Pandas players took part in a Youth Instructional Camp where over 100 children aged 7-10 learned baseball fundamentals. Players also embraced the North Alabama community, making appearances at the St. Jude’s Clinic and Pediatric Wing at Huntsville Hospital, Volunteering with Rock, Steady, Boxing’s Senior Class, and reading to students at local schools.
  • During each Wednesday home game, fans were invited to bring their four-legged friends to Toyota Field for Dog Day, with a $1 donation per dog going to an animal-related non-profit. Throughout 10 Dog Days, over $700 was collected.
  • Sprocket made dozens of appearances at special events such as school visits, Little League Opening Days, a Huntsville Havoc game, and even a trip to Los Angeles.
  • Throughout the year, Toyota Field also hosted school groups ranging from elementary to college for behind-the-scenes tours of Toyota Field with stops including the press box, clubhouses, the field, and luxury suites.

The Rocket City Trash Pandas Foundation is led by Director of Community Relations, Maddison Kendrick, who has been with the team since 2020 following a successful three years leading community relations for the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. The Foundation looks forward to continuing their work in the local community as the 2023 season approaches. To learn more about the foundation and get involved, CLICK HERE.

Christmas With the Claws Food & Toy Drive Returns December 3rd at ShoreTown Ballpark

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JERSEY SHORE, NJ – BlueClaws Charities will host their annual Christmas food and toy drive, Christmas with the Claws, on Saturday, December 3rd from 10 am – 12 pm at ShoreTown Ballpark.

Santa will be at the ballpark for pictures, and his good friend Buster will be on hand too.

The event serves as a toy drive to benefit the Salvation Army of Ocean County and their annual Holiday Toy Shop. Fans are asked to bring unwrapped toys or non-perishable food. Donors will receive a ticket to Opening Night at the Jersey Shore, set for Tuesday, April 11th (one ticket per donor).

“Santa is very excited to return to ShoreTown for his annual visit and we’re looking forward to this great event,” said Jim McNamara, executive director of BlueClaws Charities. “Over the years, the BlueClaws family has been incredibly supportive of the Salvation Army and their toy drive and we hope that continues this holiday season.”

There will also be a station set up where kids can write letters to Santa, which will be sent off to the North Pole in time for Christmas! The BlueClaws will provide complimentary hot chocolate.

BlueClaws Charities will sell Mystery Bags at the event, which include merchandise and promotional items.

Finally, the Claws Cove will be open for holiday shopping with special sales and packages. New BlueClaws Marvel-inspired merchandise will be available. BlueClaws ticket representatives will be on hand as well for those that would like to give the gift of BlueClaws tickets this holiday season.

BlueClaws Charities is the official 501c3 organization of the Jersey Shore BlueClaws. The organization recently distributed grants to 31 organizations that support the less fortunate around the Jersey Shore. A full list of grant recipients and programs can be found at BlueClaws.com.

-Jersey Shore BlueClaws / BlueClaws Charities-

Very Shrimpy Christmas presented by the Law Offices of Ron Sholes and Fun 4 First Coast Kids set for Dec. 10

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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are inviting families to kick off the holiday season with the fifth annual Very Shrimpy Christmas event presented by The Law Office of Ron Sholes P.A. and Fun 4 First Coast Kids from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. on Saturday, December 10 at 121 Financial Ballpark. Admission is only $1 per person at the home plate gate, with free parking available in Lot P.

Fans can enjoy free pictures with Santa Claus, holiday crafts, vendor tables with treats and visits from Jumbo Shrimp mascots Southpaw and Scampi as the HD videoboard as 121 Financial Ballpark screens holiday movie classics. Concessions, holiday treats and refreshments will be available for purchase. Additionally, the Jumbo Shrimp Souvenir Store will be open.

A Very Shrimpy Christmas is a stroller and wheelchair-accessible event with seating available both on the concourse and in the stadium seating bowl. The field will not be open for this event, and no outside food or beverages will be permitted into the ballpark.

ABOUT THE JUMBO SHRIMP: The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp offer affordable family fun at 121 Financial Ballpark. 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. The 2021 season marked the return of Triple-A baseball in Jacksonville. 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.

WooSox to Present 2nd Annual “Trick-or-Treat” at Polar Park on Sunday 10/30 from 2pm-7pm

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WOOSOX TO PRESENT 2nd ANNUAL “TRICK-OR-TREAT AT POLAR PARK,” FEATURING A POLAR PARK PUMPKIN PATCH

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30, FROM 2–7 p.m.

DOGFEST NEW ENGLAND” WELCOMES POOCHES 11 a.m.–2 p.m.

Free event includes 4:30 p.m. showing of Pixar’s “Coco” on videoboard,

trick-or-treating, pumpkin-decorating contest, and costume contest;

Fans encouraged to wear costumes

WORCESTER, MA — The Worcester Red Sox will present the second annual “Trick-or-Treat at Polar Park,” featuring a Polar Park Pumpkin Patch Sunday, October 30, from 2–7 p.m.

The event is free and doesn’t require a ticket to attend. Youngsters can trick-or-treat in Suites 14 through 22 on the first-base side of the DCU Club. WooSox staff will pass out candy and trinkets.

At the First Base Plaza, fans can participate in a pumpkin-decorating contest to win a WooSox Halloween Swag Bag. A panel of WooSox judges, including mascots Smiley Ball and Woofster the WonderDog, will select the winning design. Fans can bring their own decorated pumpkins, and the WooSox will also provide a supply of pumpkins for those who choose to create their art on the spot.

In addition, the fan with the “Best Costume” will win four DCU Club tickets to a game in WooSox ’23 and a large bag of candy.

Pixar’s Coco will be played on the left field videoboard at 4:30 p.m. Fans can watch the film from the seating bowl or inside the DCU Club, where there will be free movie-themed snacks. Adult beverages, including some with a special Halloween theme, can be purchased at the cash bar.

Halloween-themed music will be played throughout the ballpark. Families can take photos in front of backdrops in Sections 9 and 16.

Fans are encouraged to wear costumes. Fans can also purchase WooSox Halloween merchandise, now available at woosox.milbstore.com or the WooSox Team Store at Polar Park.

Before the Halloween party begins, Canine Companions will host “DogFest New England” at Polar Park from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Furry friends and families can enjoy activities, inspiring speakers, dog demonstrations, and other entertainment to benefit the nonprofit that ensures that guide dogs are free of charge to the individuals and families who need them. The event is free, and fans are asked to sign up in advance at canine.org.

Coco (2017)

Despite his family’s generations-old ban on music, young Miguel dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol Ernesto de la Cruz. Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead. After meeting a charming trickster named Héctor, the two new friends embark on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel’s family history.

—WOOSOX ’22—

Boomer’s Drive-Thru Trick or Treat Returns October 28

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The Williamsport Crosscutters, in association with the City of Williamsport, have announced the return of Boomer’s Drive-Thru Trick or Treat, a free trick or treating experience for children and their families. The event will take place in the Muncy Bank Ballpark parking lot on Friday, October 28 from 6pm-9pm and is sponsored by UPMC, the UPMC Health Plan and 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 twenty 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, “Due to the overwhelming attendance over the past two years, we have added an extra hour so that we can accommodate as many children as possible.” Over 800 kids passed through the event in 2022.

All participants will be required to stay inside their vehicle as they receive treats from the Williamsport Crosscutters and other area businesses. Those attending are required to enter the Muncy Bank Ballpark lot via the West 4th Fourth Street entrance only. Entry to the stadium property will close at 9pm. All vehicles will exit at the back of the stadium on Blaine Street.

Any local businesses who would like to be part of this event, at no charge, can contact the Cutters at (570) 326-3389.

Flying Squirrels hosting annual ‘Squirrel-O-Ween’ on Oct. 28

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RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Flying Squirrels will host “Squirrel-O-Ween,” an annual Halloween celebration, at The Diamond on Friday, Oct. 28, the team announced on Friday.

The annual event will include free trick-or-treating along the concourse at The Diamond and will take place from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Squirrel-O-Ween provides a safe and funn environment for children to trick-or-treat through the stadium. There will also be hayrides around the warning track of The Diamond’s playing surface.

Everyone is encouraged to come out dressed up for a chance to win prizes in a Halloween costume contest. The Flying Squirrels have also teamed up with Woofy Wellness Ranch for a dog Halloween costume contest with K9 prizes for the winners.

Nutzy and Nutasha will be on hand to take pictures with fans.

Free parking is available in the lots at The Diamond.

The Flying Squirrels open the 2023 season at The Diamond on Friday, April 6, 2023. To stay up to date with the Flying Squirrels during the non-baseball season, visit SquirrelsBaseball.com.

Dragons 5K at Day Air Ballpark this Saturday

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Dayton, Ohio– The annual Dragons 5K presented by Orthopedic Associates is taking place this Saturday, July 16 at 8AM at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District.

Early race bag and bib pickup for participants will take place on Friday, July 15 from 8AM to 6PM at Day Air Ballpark located in front of the Dragons Box Office. Anyone not able to make early race bag pickup can pick up their bag and race bib before the race beginning at 7AM on Saturday, July 16.

Fans can still sign up online at https://runsignup.com/Race/OH/Dayton/Dragons5KOH or Friday during pre-race bag pickup. You can also sign up on the day of the race starting at 7AM.

All race participants (including virtual) will receive four (4) tickets to a Dragons game, Dragons 5K shirt, Dragons hat, and finisher’s medal. The registration fee for adults is $35 and $20 for youth 17 and under. For the virtual race option, there is an additional charge of $10 for swag bag shipping or they can pick-up the week following the 5K at the Dragons Box Office.

The race will begin at 8AM and participants may choose to run or walk the course. Baby strollers are also permitted. The course will move through downtown Dayton and end back at the ballpark.

Following the race, Heater, Gem, and the Green Team will be joined by representatives from Orthopedic Associates, WDTN, Air Force Marathon, Orangetheory Fitness and more! Fun activities including face painting, inflatables, and a Dragons 5K photobooth will also be set up on the plaza after the race. Fruit and water will be distributed to participants just outside the main gate.

Once race results are finalized, winners will be posted on the Dragons 5K race page and will be contacted via email with information on how to claim their prizes. The top three male and female overall finishers will receive a specially engraved baseball bat and be honored during a special inning break at a Dragons game. Awards will also be given out to the top 3 overall males and females in each age group and top 3 finishing groups. Top groups will receive great group prizes and the grand prize is a luxury suite to a Dragons game in 2023!

For any Dragons 5K related questions, please visit the Dragons 5K race page or contact Jake Arthur, [email protected].

The 2022 Dragons 5K is being presented by Orthopedic Associates. As the regional leader in comprehensive orthopedic care, Orthopedic Associate’s 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.BonesFixed.com_._

Scout Day at the Drive

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

*Enjoy the Adventure, Achievement & Fun at Fluor Field on Sunday, July 24th! *

Special Scout Day programming includes:

  • Commemorative Scout Day at the Drive patch
  • Pre-game Parade of Champions around the warning track of Fluor Field
  • In-game Recognitions of Upstate Scouts and Scout Leaders
  • Opportunity to participate in between-inning games
  • Post-game Kids Run the Bases with Reedy Rip’It
  • PLUS, a post-game campout on the field!

All tickets are General Admission and will be located on the 1st base side of the stadium in sections 116-120 to accommodate group seating by troop/pack.

Tickets are $8 each for game + post-game campout on the field! To secure your ticket, click HERE.

Additional information will be sent out closer to the date surrounding the campout rules and procedures.

Tides Front Office to Participate in MLB's Play Ball Weekend at Tidewater Park Elementary

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

The Norfolk Tides today announced that the front office will be participating in Major League Baseball’s “Let’s Play Weekend” on Friday, June 10. The initiative is for Minor League Baseball teams to get together with their local schools to celebrate the game of baseball and encourage the kids to play.

While the team on the road at Nashville, the Norfolk Tides front office will visit Tidewater Park Elementary. The school is just down the road from Harbor Park and is in Booker T. Washington High School’s district.

The Tides’ front office will arrive and set up at 10 a.m. on Friday and finish around noon. The kids will be divided up into groups of 20 or so kids, and play 10 vs. 10 whiffle ball games. The students will all have an opportunity to hit and play the field, learning how to play and enjoy the game with friends.

After the students are finished playing, they will be treated with ice cream. Team mascot Triton will also be on site to play with and take pictures with the kids.