RAISE MONEY THROUGH A NATURALS FUNDRAISER

SPRINGDALE, Ark. – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are releasing information about their popular fundraising programs for Season 10 of Naturals Baseball scheduled to begin at Arvest Ballpark on Thursday, April 6 against the San Antonio Missions at 6:25 p.m. for Opening Day. The Naturals fundraising programs surpassed the $100,000 mark in terms of amount raised in each of the past six (6) seasons and is available to all non-profits, sports teams, school organizations, civic groups, and churches.

Fundraising programs at Arvest Ballpark are offered for a pre-determined Sunday-Thursday home game. Participating groups will resell 1B/3B Reserved tickets for their selected game for $8, which is $1 less than the day of game price. No deposit is required after the date is scheduled; however, the Naturals ask that a member of the fundraising group informs their designated Account Executive 10-14 days before the game with the exact amount of tickets that will be needed for their game so that there is ample time to get the tickets to the group. The percentage of the money that the organization will receive back is based upon the total amount of tickets sold for the pre-determined game and can be up to an even 50/50 split.

The Naturals encourage large groups to participate in the fundraising program as there is no maximum to the amount of tickets that can be sold. As an incentive and a reward, the Naturals will offer prizes to all groups as well as their top sellers. There are different levels based on the size of the group but prizes can include a Pre-Game or Post-Game photo on the field for your group, 10 person VIP Tour of Arvest Ballpark before or during the game, undated vouchers that can be used for tickets to a future Naturals game, an autograph baseball, and one (1) ceremonial first pitch at your designated fundraising date.

The Naturals will also provide ticket forms and promotional materials to assist with the effort. In addition, a free Strike the Sasquatch mascot appearance is offered to groups to help promote their scheduled fundraiser at the ballpark.

During the 2016 season a total of 125 groups took advantage of the Naturals fundraising programs and sold 29,170 tickets, which raised a collective $114,125. Those 125 groups consisted of 29 Community Partners, 67 performance groups, and an additional 29 groups that comprised of high school baseball teams, sports organizations, school groups, and churches.

The fundraising flyer is currently available and can be found on our website at www.nwanaturals.com under the Groups & Events tab or by emailing us at groups@nwanaturals.com. To check date availability or if you have any questions about the Naturals fundraising programs, call us at (479) 927-4900 or visit our Administrative Offices located at Arvest Ballpark.

Non-profit groups seeking more exposure for their cause can inquire about the Community Partner Program that offers free marketing exposure for participating groups to go along with the standard benefits of our ticket fundraising program.

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 statistics, ticket options, and more, please 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.

PawSox Again Cross the $100,000 Mark in Community Contributions in 2016

The Pawtucket Red Sox again reached a six-figure charitable milestone in 2016, exceeding $100,000 in cash commitments and contributions to the community. The club and its foundation, the Pawtucket Red Sox/James J. Skeffington Charitable Foundation, have typically combined to reach such a level of philanthropy over the past dozen years.

“We inherited a great tradition of giving, led by the late Ben Mondor and our current Vice-Chairman, Mike Tamburro,” said PawSox Chairman Larry Lucchino, who established charitable foundations with each of his previous clubs (the Baltimore Orioles, San Diego Padres, and Boston Red Sox). “We want to build on this tradition. We believe we are only beginning to scratch the surface of the potential of the PawSox Foundation.

“One of the greatest assets of a professional baseball team is its power to raise funds, do good deeds large and small, and make a real difference in the city, the state, and the region.”

The PawSox Foundation’s largest single commitment this year was the creation of the PawSox Scholars Program, in which two 8th graders, one from Pawtucket and one from Central Falls, were selected to each receive a $10,000 college scholarship upon matriculation, provided they maintain their good standards of scholarship and citizenship.

On November 4, the students, 13-year-old Charlisa Kollie, an 8th-grader at Pawtucket’s Samuel Slater Junior High School, and 14-year-old Ethan Hoke, an 8th-grader at Central Falls’ Dr. Earl Calcutt Middle School, were joined at a McCoy Stadium Press Announcement by their respective Mayors, the Honorable Donald R. Grebien of Pawtucket, and the Honorable James Diossa of Central Falls.

“The PawSox Scholars program has the capacity to impact lives dramatically,” said PawSox President Dr. Charles A. Steinberg, who was instrumental in establishing similar models in San Diego (Padres Scholars) and Boston (Red Sox Scholars). “Funding dreams is powerful, and we are eager to increase the degree to which the PawSox Foundation does so.”

In addition to efforts in education, the PawSox Foundation also focuses on care for veterans and for children battling cancer.

In the first week of new management in November of 2015, the PawSox hosted a steak dinner for veterans in the PawSox Clubhouse. They did so again in 2016, and in between, they honored a veteran on the field between innings nightly in the new “In Debt to a Vet” program. On Veterans Day, 2016, the PawSox Foundation made a donation of $3,000 to Operation Stand Down Rhode Island in an event attended by Governor Gina Raimondo.

The PawSox Foundation raised more than $10,000 for the Tomorrow Fund, the honored Rhode Island institution that helps families whose children are battling cancer at Hasbro Children’s Hospital. Beyond the financial help, the PawSox raised awareness for the organization and the cause by “Going Gold” on September 1, the beginning of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The club honored Rhode Island’s Melissa Murray, whose late son, Dorian, became an international social media sensation (#DSTRONG) when the little boy’s dream of becoming famous in China came true. Throughout the year and at the holidays, PawSox players, executives, and mascots visited the children, bringing cheer, smiles, and gifts.

Throughout the year, the club engaged in community activities, both at McCoy Stadium and throughout Rhode Island. Corporate partners such as the Rhode Island Honda Dealers, Citizens Bank, and Jordan’s Furniture were instrumental in the efforts.

In January, the PawSox welcomed Pacific Coast League President Branch Rickey III, who gave first-hand anecdotes to local youth about his legendary namesake grandfather and the revolutionary signing of Jackie Robinson.

In February, PawSox staff “saw their shadows” on Groundhog Day, as Pawtucket students learned first-hand about the work in a baseball front office. Later that month, Paws and Sox visited seniors and brought them flowers on Valentine’s Day.

In March, new club leaders toured the Pawtucket Boys and Girls Club, a longtime beneficiary of PawSox philanthropy.

Throughout the baseball season, the PawSox were host to thousands of children, some receiving free tickets, some receiving special care from the Make-A-Wish Program, and some participating in the emotion-filled Challengers Program (for those with disabilities). The club and its foundation presented baseball clinics, collected donations for the Rhode Island Food Bank, and helped hundreds of organizations raise funds for their charities. The club also aided various non-profits by providing hundreds of auction items, including a 20-person suite to benefit Special Olympics of Rhode Island.

In October, the PawSox opened the ballpark to the neighborhood for an Open House and then a Halloween Trick or Treat event.

In November, after welcoming the veterans, the club welcomed 3rd graders from the Potter-Burns School in Pawtucket for a Thanksgiving luncheon in the PawSox Clubhouse. Also at Thanksgiving, the PawSox donated funds and in-person support to Pawtucket First Lady Laureen Grebien’s charitable basket drive to help feed needy families.

In December, the PawSox Holiday Caravan featuring Southpaw Brian Johnson visited Hasbro Children’s Hospital and the Tomorrow Fund Clinic. The PawSox then opened their doors to all for a free holiday event, the 2nd Annual PawSox Enchanted Village, which drew more than 1,000 fans.

A week later, more students-this time members of Goff Middle School in Pawtucket–enjoyed a Holiday Luncheon in the PawSox Clubhouse. Steinberg and General Manager Dan Rea explained the importance of education while mascots Paws and Sox provided entertainment.

The PawSox Foundation engaged in many less visible deeds as well, including sponsoring a PawSox-themed house at the Pawtucket Winter Wonderland and making donations to the Pawtucket Soup Kitchen to provide Christmas meals to families.

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

PawSox Charitable Foundation Adopts Family of 6

This holiday season, members of the PawSox front office “adopted” a local family in partnership with the Pawtucket Soup Kitchen. Thanks to donations from front office members, the PawSox were able to purchase gifts for family’s 4 children.

Paws, the team’s mascot, delivered the wrapped gifts to the family on Saturday at the Pawtucket Soup Kitchen’s annual Ernie Marot Memorial Adopt-a-Family Christmas Party. PawSox front office members joined Paws in spreading cheer to underprivileged families in the area.

The Pawtucket Soup Kitchen provides nearly 40,000 meals a year to families in need, many of which the PawSox and our generous players are happy to serve. This year, the PawSox/Skeffington Charitable Foundation proudly sponsored the Soup Kitchen’s Thanksgiving and Christmas meals.

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

For the Sacramento River Cats, the Season of Giving is year-round effort

The Holiday season is upon us, and with that comes the “Season of Giving.” At the River Cats (supported by SAFE Credit Union), though, the season of giving isn’t limited to a specific time of the year. Instead, with programs like Cats Care, the River Cats Foundation, and others, we’re working year-round to give back to our community.

Whether it’s Dinger visits to local schools, hospitals, or charity fundraisers, or Cats Care volunteer events at the Front Street Animal Shelter, our dedicated River Cats staff are always finding ways to give of their time, energy, and talents. Even the players get involved, participating in local events for various charity and community organizations.

In addition to giving of our time and energy, we’re proud to say that we’ve donated over a combined $100,000 through the River Cats Foundation and ticket donations. This past year, our donations reached various non-profit organizations – both national and locally – as well as local programs, specifically geared toward youth and healthy living.

While not a complete picture, enjoy this visual breakdown of all that our team has done over the past year!

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

Goff Middleschoolers Enjoy 2nd Annual PawSox Holiday Luncheon

Christmas came early for a group of Pawtucket middle schoolers, who enjoyed a Holiday Luncheon, presents, and a VIP Tour of McCoy Stadium today, courtesy of the PawSox. The children–in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade at Lyman B. Goff Middle School–also met mascots Paws and Sox, and engaged in a spirited discussion with PawSox President Dr. Charles Steinberg.

“To paraphrase an ancient saying, ‘From our students, we learn the most of all,'” Steinberg said. “They brought us up to date about the virtues of Snapchat, Instagram, and video games, while we sought to bring them up to date about the virtues of grass and dirt, balls and bats, and sun and sky. It was mutually beneficial.”

“When these students found out they’d be spending a day at McCoy Stadium, they were simply in awe,” said Lisa Bendetti-Ramzi, Principal of Goff Middle School. “For them to be able to go behind the scenes and learn about the history of the Pawtucket Red Sox was truly special.”

The PawSox hosted a Thanksgiving luncheon for elementary school students in November, and followed it up with a Christmastime luncheon for middle school students today.

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

River Cats, K-LOVE, and Raley’s bring Holiday cheer with bear drive

WEST SACRAMENTO, CA – The Sacramento River Cats are excited to partner with Raley’s and K-LOVE for a Holiday “Buster Cozy” teddy bear drive on Sunday, December 18th. The three organizations are coming together to benefit families and children in need this Holiday season.

Customers visiting Raley’s Loomis on Sunday, December 18th between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. will have the opportunity to purchase a “Buster Cozy” teddy bear at time of check out. All proceeds from these bears will benefit Raley’s Food for Families, an organization that helps provide meals to families. While this program is important year-round, Food for Families is especially impactful during the holiday months and every bit of support goes a long way.

After purchasing a “Buster Cozy”, customers will then have the option to donate their merry teddy bear to the River Cats and K-LOVE. In turn, the bears will be gifted to the Child Abuse Prevention Center and from there, the bears will make their way to children as cuddly holiday gifts. In addition, all those that donate their bears to the River Cats and K-LOVE will receive two tickets to a 2017 River Cats game.

Santa Claus and Dinger will also be joining the drive on the 18th, further spreading holiday cheer to fans and customers.

The “Buster Cozy” holiday teddy bears are available at Raley’s locations across Northern California. The River Cats and K-LOVE will join Santa Claus and Dinger at Raley’s Loomis for this very merry bear drive on Sunday, December 18th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

***

The Sacramento River Cats are the Triple-A affiliate of the three-time World Champion San Francisco Giants. The team plays at Raley Field in West Sacramento, consistently voted one of the top ballparks in America. River Cats Season Tickets, Mini-Plans, and Flex Plans can be purchased for the 2017 season by calling the River Cats Ticket Hotline at (916) 371-HITS (4487). For more information about the River Cats, visit www.rivercats.com. For information on other events at Raley Field, visit www.raleyfield.com.

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

3rd Annual Auggie’s Holiday BUZZar & Toys for Tots Drive

AUGUSTA, GA: The Augusta GreenJackets, South Atlantic League affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, have announced the Third Annual “Auggie’s Holiday BUZZar” presented by the Augusta Chronicle, Kicks 99, HD 98.3, 93.9 Bob FM and WRDW Channel 12/26. Join the GreenJackets for this FREE event open to the public at Lake Olmstead Stadium on Saturday, December 10th from 11 AM to 2 PM.

“This year we’ve added some extra BUZZ to this annual tradition with the vendor fair and we’re excited to have the CSRA come out and do their holiday shopping at the Lake,” stated Tom Denlinger, GreenJackets General Manager. “Toys for Tots is such a great organization and is in need of lots of toys this holiday season. We hope you’ll come, bring a toy and enjoy the FUN with us. ”

The GreenJackets are planning an event with FUN for the whole family, including (but not limited to):

  • Toys for Tots Drive – bring an unwrapped toy and receive a FREE Hot Dog & Coca-Cola Soda
  • HUGE Vendor Fair with over 40 uniquely different vendors (listed below)
  • FREE Pictures and meet and greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus (11AM-1PM)
  • Appearance by the GreenJackets mascot, Auggie
  • First 100 fans receive a complimentary cupcake, courtesy of Piece of Cake Bakery
  • Inflatables for Kids (Moon Bounce, Obstacle Course, Wiffle Ball)
  • Discounts on GreenJackets Merchandise in the Hive Pro Shop – Spin the Wheel of FUN to see how much you save
  • Opportunity to purchase GreenJackets Holiday Packages – perfect gift for the fan in your life
  • Complimentary Coffee and Hot Chocolate
  • Ahmen Korner Bar & Grill open with grilled items, nachos & cheese, cold beverages available for purchase

New to the 3rd Annual Auggie’s Holiday BUZZar we have a HUGE Vendor Fair for all of your holiday shopping needs. The whole family is encouraged to come out and visit the following vendors in the BUZZar:

  • Air Plant Terrariums and Gardens from Janet, Anne’s Farm at Walden Woods, Avon, Baby Baby Couture, Blue Willow Botanical & Soap Company, Cyanotype prints, patches and more from Lindsay, Distressed Timber Designs, Doyle’s Candles, CRUNCH Fitness, Goat Milk soap and products from Cindy, Grand Canyon University, Handmade Bath Product from Leslie, Handmade Beaded Jewelry and Holiday Knick Knacks from Lindsay, Handmade crafts, blankets and more from Harry, Handmade crochet items and bags from Janet, Handmade Jewelry and Hand Painted Plaques from Dyanna, Jamberry Hand and Nail Care/Art, JB Pen Turning, LulaRoe, Macaroni Kid Augusta, Mary Kay, Moonbeam Muchness, Nothing In Particular, Ornaments, shot glasses and more from Erica, Osborne Books, Paparazzi Jewelry, Perfectly Posh, Plexus Worldwide, Pure Romance, Rodan+Fields Skincare, Scrapbooks and gift sets also more from Marie, Second Chance Woodcrafts, Southern Siding, SportClips, Wells Fargo, WOW Internet and Cable, Younique and MUCH MORE to come as well!

The GreenJackets are excited to host Touch a Truck as a part of the festivities. Families are encouraged to join us and see the following vehicles at Lake Olmstead Stadium:

  • Ambulance from SouthStar Ambulance, Fire Truck from Richmond County Fire, Humvee from Georgia Army National Guard, Kubota Mower from J&B Tractor, Police Car from Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, Toro Mower from Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation, Tractor from White Cap and more to come.

As a part of “Auggie’s Holiday BUZZar,” the GreenJackets are offering vendors the opportunity to set up. For more information contact Shannon Mitchell at (706) 922-WINS (9467) or email smitchell@greenjacketsbaseball.com. The fee is $20, and you must provide your own table and chairs.

All GreenJackets Ticket Packages, including the all-new 6-Game Flex Holiday Package, Full, Half, and Weekend Packages are on sale now for the 2017 Season. For more information, including pricing and benefits on all plans, visit www.GreenJacketsBaseball.com or contact the GreenJackets Front Office at (706) 922-WINS (9467).

To stay up to date during the off season sign up for the ‘Jackets Buzz e-newsletter by visiting

www.GreenJacketsBaseball.com/thebuzz.

– GreenJackets –

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

Paws for Presents Toy Drive 2016

Paws for Presents Toy Drive is BACK as the Chihuahuas Foundation, El Paso Fire Department and Operation Santa partner together again in 2016

EL PASO – November 30, 2016 -The El Paso Chihuahuas Foundation and the El Paso Fire Department present “Paws for Presents” for the third year, a holiday toy drive assisting Operation Santa, a Fort Bliss-based charity.

The drive will run from Thursday, December 1st through Saturday, December 24th. The Chihuahuas and the Fire Department request all gifts be new and not gift wrapped for children up to the age of 13. Monetary donations are also welcome with checks made payable to Operation Santa.

Anyone that brings a new toy for donation at the Durango Team Shop (located at 1 Ballpark Plaza on Durango St) during their normal operating hours will receive a 5% holiday savings upon check out on your entire purchase. Fans can also donate new or gently used toys at any of the 34 El Paso neighborhood fire stations.

“Santa Chico” will also be available for a meet/greet and picture time in the Durango Team Shop on the first three Saturdays in December (December 3rd, 10th & 17th) from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Donate a toy, do some holiday shopping and take a family picture with Chico!

The Durango Team Shop will be open for all your gift shopping needs from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Monday through Saturday, and 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. on Sundays through December 24th.

“It’s a privilege for the Chihuahuas to team up with our local fire department and Operation Santa to provide gifts for kids this time of year,” said Brad Taylor, El Paso Chihuahuas general manager.

Operation Santa, in its 59th season, distributes toys and bicycles to military families, the Boys and Girls Club of El Paso and clinics in Juarez, Mexico. The non-profit, located on Fort Bliss, has donated millions of toys and tens of thousands of bikes to the military and civilian communities.

For more information on the Paws for Presents Toy Drive call (915) 242-2043.

PAWS FOR PRESENTS TOY DRIVE

WHAT: “Paws for Presents”, a toy drive benefiting Operation Santa. Toys must be new and unwrapped for children up to the age of 13. Monetary donations also accepted.

WHEN: Thursday, December 1st through Saturday, December 24, 2016.

WHERE: El Paso Chihuahuas Team Shop on Durango and El Paso Fire Department’s 34 stations

Cougars To Host Christmas Event with Santa and Mascots, December 17

GENEVA, Ill. – The Kane County Cougars will host a special Christmas holiday event on Saturday, December 17 from 9-11 a.m. inside the Super Suite at the newly-minted Northwestern Medicine Field.

Children and their families are invited to meet with Santa Claus as well as team mascots, Ozzie and Annie T. Cougar. Ozzie, Annie and Santa will all be available for photo opportunities while children can also participate in numerous activities including a Christmas stocking decorating station and holiday themed coloring station.

Admission to the event is free while there is a $5 cost per child to participate in the Christmas stocking decorating station. Fans are also encouraged to bring a gently used winter coat as a donation towards the Cougars winter coat drive. The Cougars organization, in partnership with the Salvation Army Tri-City Corps, will be donating the coats to area families who are in need this winter. Fans who donate a coat will receive one undated reserved seat ticket voucher, valid for a 2017 regular season game. Click HERE for more information about the Cougars Winter Coat Drive.

Additional information about the Christmas holiday event is available on our Facebook event page at facebook.com/kanecountycougars.

For updates on tickets and promotions for the 2017 season, 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 151 former Cougars have reached the Major Leagues including Miguel Cabrera, Nelson Cruz, Josh Beckett, Adrian Gonzalez and Kyle Schwarber.

***

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

Chasers Earn Ballpark Digest’s Charity Award

The Omaha Storm Chasers have been announced as the recipient of Ballpark Digest‘s “2016 Charity Award” for the organization’s work in the community throughout the 2016 season. The Storm Chasers were also a finalist for the award in 2015.

“Our organization is truly humbled to receive this award,” said Storm Chasers President and General Manger Martie Cordaro. “While we give back to our community because we believe we have a responsibility to do so, it is still rewarding to be honored. I personally thank Ballpark Digest for recognizing our staff as industry leaders in giving back.”

The Storm Chasers organization, through its charitable arm Chasers Charities, set an all-time record in charitable giving in 2016, the fourth consecutive year the club has achieved that feat. In total, the organization donated $768,695 to local charities, an increase of $82,558 compared in 2015.

Among the highlights of the organization’s 2016 charitable work included providing a platform for 74 non-profit organizations at Werner Park as the “Community Organization of the Night”. Over $20,000 was raised through the McDonald’s and Huber Chevrolet Hurl the Pearl promotion for the Ronald McDonald House, in addition to over $23,000 donated to local charities, including Let’s Go Miles, Nebraska Organ Recovery and Methodist Hospital Foundation through four Game-Worn Jersey Auctions.

In total, the organization also combined for over 420 mascot and player appearances in the Omaha Metro community. The Storm Chasers front office also joined forces to record 932 hours of community service in 2016.

A full overview of the Storm Chasers’ 2016 Community Relations efforts can be found online at www.omahastormchasers.com/community.

The Omaha Storm Chasers are the Triple-A Affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. The Storm Chasers play at Werner Park in Papillion, Sarpy County, Nebraska. For more information please visit omahastormchasers.com and follow us on Twitter @omastormchasers and at facebook.com/omahastormchasers.

The Storm Chasers return to Werner Park for Opening Night 2017 on Tuesday April 11, 2017.

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

“Trick-or-Suite” event raises record donation amount

RENO – The Reno Aces Baseball Club and Reno 1868 FC are thrilled to announce that a record amount of food items were donated by over 3,500 attendees at Greater Nevada Field’s annual “Trick-or-Suite” event.

The event allowed children to “trick or treat” on the suite level in advance of Halloween, with admission being $3 or three canned food items per child. Accompanying adults were permitted free entry. Various games, a bounce house and an appearance by Reno Aces mascot “Archie” added to the fun-filled evening.

“Giving back to the community is our main motive,” said Winter Moreno, promotions and community relations coordinator for the Reno Aces and Reno 1868 FC. “Hosting an event like this allows us the opportunity to raise charitable items for a greater cause, while enjoying the many costumes and smiling faces from all participants.”

All proceeds benefited the Food Bank of Northern Nevada.

Both clubs send their appreciation to all volunteers, including the Reno Fire Department and Reno Police Department.

2017 Aces season memberships are on-sale now at www.renoaces.com or by calling (775) 334-4700. Follow the club during the offseason on Twitter (@Aces) or like the team on Facebook. To purchase a Reno 1868 FC founding membership or 2017 season membership, call (775) 334-7001 or visit www.reno1868fc.com. You can follow the club on Twitter (@reno1868fc) or like the team on Facebook.

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

PawSox Welcome Families and Children to Trick or Treat at McCoy Stadium on Halloween

The Pawtucket Red Sox invite families and children to Trick or Treat on Halloween at McCoy Stadium from 3:30-6:30 p.m. The free event on Monday, October 31, includes candy, the opportunity to meet Paws and Sox, as well as the music and décor of the season.

Families can enter the Main Gate, visit the Halloween version of the PawSox’ Hall of History, and even take pictures at the field on the warning track.

“This gesture is one small way to say ‘Thank-you’ to our neighbors,” said PawSox President Dr. Charles A. Steinberg. “We are pleased to provide a clean, safe, place for children to dress up, meet their favorite mascots, and receive their precious treats-without any tricks. We may even have a prize or two for exceptionally-creative costumes.”

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

Nashville Sounds Foundation to Host 2nd Annual “Suites-N-Treats” Event October 26

The Nashville Sounds Foundation will host its second annual “Suites-N-Treats” event on Wednesday, October 26 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at First Tennessee Park.

The pre-Halloween event is designed as an opportunity for underprivileged youth in the greater Nashville area to trick-or-treat in a safe and fun environment. Children can walk the Club Level at First Tennessee Park and visit each uniquely decorated suite to collect treats.

Other activities for children include decorating their own trick-or-treat bags, face-painting, complementary food provided by Centerplate and drinks provided by Coca Cola. Each child will have the opportunity to meet and take pictures with Sounds mascot Booster.

The Sounds have teamed with several non-profit organizations to invite children to the private event. Close to 600 children will participate with the help of the following organizations: Big Brothers Big Sisters, First Steps, Dreams and Wishes, and the Martha O’Bryan Center.

“The Sounds organization is very thankful for the support from these tremendous non-profit organizations,” said Adam Nuse, Sounds General Manager and COO. “With their help, our goal of providing a safe and memorable trick-or-treating experience for these children will be made possible.”

“Suites-N-Treats” will take place on the Club Level with the help of the Sounds’ suite holders, who were invited to decorate their suite so the children could experience a true Halloween-based trick-or-treat experience. The Sounds’ front office staff will also decorate select suites and dress up as part of the festivities.

The mission of the Nashville Sounds Foundation is to positively impact the thriving Middle Tennessee community through various programs and initiatives. The Nashville Sounds Foundation supports programs that energize and influence youth through education, physical development and by maximizing community service. For more information on the Nashville Sounds Foundation and its initiatives, please visit www.nashvillesounds.com and click on the Community tab.

The 2017 season will be the Sounds’ 40th in franchise history and their third as the Oakland Athletics’ top affiliate. Season ticket memberships are available now by calling (615) 690-4487 or by visiting www.nashvillesounds.com.

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

Trick-Or-Treat with Mason this Halloween!

COLUMBIA, SC – The costume is picked out. The candy bag will soon be over-flowing. Now, don’t miss your chance to enjoy the trick-or-treating with Mason! Fireflies Kids Club members (Not a Kids Club member? Sign up now) who submit an essay of 100 words or less titled, “Why I Want to Trick-or-Treat with Mason,” will have the chance to go door-to-door on Halloween with Columbia’s most adored Firefly.

Mason will join the winning youngster and his or her family and friends for a fun-filled hour of trick-or-treating on October 31. Essays can be dropped off at Spirit Communications Park, mailed or emailed to Mason:

Mason@ColumbiaFireflies.com

Attn: Mason

Spirit Communications Park

1640 Freed Street

Columbia, SC 29201

All submissions must be received by October 19 at 5:00 p.m. and Kids Club members are urged to include their names and contact information in their essays. Winners will be notified on October 24th.

Happy Halloween from Mason and the Fireflies!

Not a Kids Club member? Sign up now. It’s free to join and open to all kids 12 and younger.

********************************************************

About the Columbia Fireflies

The Columbia Fireflies are the South Atlantic League affiliate of the New York Mets. The Fireflies play games across the southeast and mid-Atlantic regions, including against in-state rivals Charleston and Greenville. The team partnered with the city of Columbia and Hughes Development to construct Spirit Communications Park, a multi-use outdoor sports and entertainment venue at the center of the Commons at BullStreet development. The Columbia Fireflies are owned by Hardball Capital, owners of the Fort Wayne TinCaps of the Midwest League and the Chattanooga Lookouts of the Southern League. For more information, visit www.ColumbiaFireflies.com, or follow the Fireflies on Twitter (@ColaFireflies), Facebook (facebook.com/columbiafireflies) and all popular social media platforms.

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

Baysox Nominated for Charles K. Murphy Patriot Award

BOWIE, Md. – The Bowie Baysox and the Eastern League of Professional Baseball Clubs announce that the Baysox are the league’s nominee for the Charles K. Murphy Patriot Award, presented to a club for outstanding support of and engagement with the United States Armed Forces and veterans, both at the ballpark and in the community.

An overall winner is selected from among the nominees from each league by Minor League Baseball and honored at the 2016 Baseball Winter Meetings at National Harbor, Md.

Located just miles from Washington, DC and several United States military bases, including the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., the Baysox take great pride in their relationship with area active military and veterans. The team hosts a number of military-themed events throughout the season in addition to nightly ticket discounts for current and former military and monthly Military Appreciation Nights that include additional ticket discounts.

One of the highlights of the Baysox promotional calendar is Navy Night, held in early August. The team donates 5,000 tickets to local Naval personnel, distributed through local MWR offices, and the Baysox also host the entire Summer Plebe Class from the Naval Academy. As their summer program comes to an end, the Naval Academy’s incoming 1,200 person freshman class gets to enjoy a Baysox game while wearing their dress white uniforms in public for the first time.

For the third consecutive season, the Baysox also honored local current and former military heroes with a special baseball card set giveaway on Friday, Aug. 26. Earlier in the season, the Baysox received nominations from friends and family for military heroes to include in the 18-card set. The team invited each military hero out to the game for special recognition as the baseball cards were distributed to fans in attendance.

Throughout the season, the Baysox also hosted special nights for the individuals and families serving at Joint Base Andrews and Fort Meade. Free tickets were distributed to the bases and men and women from the bases were recognized throughout the game. The Baysox also invite service members to perform the National Anthem and Honorary Color Guards to present the colors during games throughout the season, including Memorial Day and Independence Day.

The team’s relationship with the local military does not exist only during Baysox games. Throughout the season, the Baysox mascot Louie could be found at community military events throughout the region. The Baysox also partnered with the Travis Manion Foundation for their 9/11 Heroes 5K run in Annapolis and with the Vet Tix organization to provide free Baysox tickets to active military and their families throughout the season. For the fourth season, the Baysox also hosted the Amputee Warrior Softball Classic at Prince George’s Stadium in June. The charity softball game teamed NFL stars, including Redskins DeSean Jackson and Bashaud Breeland, with members of the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team with proceeds benefitting the Connected Warrior Foundation, Yellow Ribbon Fund and WWAST.

The Baysox front office staff also got involved during the 2016 season by participating in the #22KILL push-up challenge. Prior to each home game, the Baysox front office staff did 22 push-ups to help raise awareness to the 22 military veterans, on average, who commit suicide each day. The Baysox began participating in this challenge in May and collectively, completed nearly 12,500 push-ups during the season. Videos can be found on the Baysox and 22KILL Facebook pages.

The Bowie Baysox season is presented by Money One Federal Credit Union. The Baysox season has ended, but the team will return in 2017 to celebrate its 25th Season. The team’s 2017 home opener will be Thursday, April 14 against the Harrisburg Senators at 6:35 p.m. To keep up with Baysox news during the offseason, visit baysox.com

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