This Blood Runs Dragons Green

The Dayton Dragons, in conjunction with Community Blood Center, are working to raise awareness about the importance of blood donation in the Miami Valley.  Community Blood Center has “Gone Dragons green” during the 2011 baseball season by working with the Dragons to reward and attract more local donors.

With the help of the Dragons, Community Blood Center has been able to reach out to the Miami Valley in a new way. The summer donation season has featured limited edition Dragons/Community Blood Center t-shirts, mascot visits to Community Blood Center events, and other unique Dragons related rewards for the volunteer donors that have participated this season.

On July 25, 2011, the Community Blood Center was also featured on the plaza at Fifth Third Field before the Dragons game. They wanted to help raise awareness about donating blood to all Dragons fans in attendance.

This limited edition Dragons T-shirt helped Community Blood Center reward current donors and attract lots of new ones.
Heater, the Dragons mascot, made visits to Community Blood Center throughout the summer months to thank donors and encourage new visitors to check out the facility.

Dragons ‘MVP Students’ Get The Spotlight

The Dragons MVP Program, a tool for teachers has made the popularity of the Dayton Dragons an educational tool for fourth and fifth grade teachers, helping them motivate and reward students for success in the classroom.

This program, which is in 900 Dayton-area classrooms, reaches more than 25,000 students. Each classroom teacher is given five “Dragons MVP” awards to hand out at their discretion. The awards include tickets to a sold-out Dragons game, a custom “Dragons MVP” hat, a certificate recognizing their achievement as a “Dragons MVP” and also admission to a private field day/carnival with the entire Dragons team.

These “Dragons MVP” awards, which were distributed to the teachers at absolutely no cost, were awarded to students as the teachers saw fit. In addition to handing them out for success and achievements inside the classroom, many teachers rewarded students for accomplishments in the community as well.

The Dragons also shared some of the stories of success and achievement the “Dragons MVP” students created in local newspaper ads, television and radio commercials, and also in full page ads in the Dragons game day program.

Plus, 24 winners were selected to either throw out a first pitch or participate in an on-field entertainment skit on the night they attended the sold out Dragons game.

The Dragons also made Player/Mascot visits to 12 schools that participated in the MVP Program. Two Dayton Dragons players and the mascot, Heater, went to these schools and provided an entire class with an opportunity to ask questions of the players, get autographs from the players and hugs from our mascot. Every child in these classrooms received a Dragons hat, a Dragons baseball and a Dragons pen during the visit too.

Dragons players and mascots visit a local classroom as a part of the “Dragons MVP” program that rewards outstanding 4th and 5th grade students.
An MVP poses with her favorite Dragons player at a private field day only for Dragons MVP winners.
A Dragons MVP winner spends time on the live radio broadcast, telling listeners about what he did to become a Dragons MVP

Annual Community Events Raise Money for Ports Anchor Fund

Two very popular events for the Stockton Ports were recently held at Banner Island Ballpark. Root Beer Float Day was held on Sunday, July 10.  Not only did fans get to cool down with “bottomless” root beer floats on a hot day, but the proceeds from the event went towards the Ports Anchor Fund, which in turn helps local youth centers and youth sports.

The event was sponsored by Metro PCS and all of the root beer and ice cream was generously donated by Sunnyside Farms and Super Store Industries. Metro PCS also donated all of the mugs used for the event.

Root Beer Float Day also gives fans the opportunity to interact with their favorite Ports players. Ports pitchers Scott Deal, Mike Hart, Josh Lansford, and Rob Gilliam helped out with the event by scooping ice cream and pouring root beer for eager fans. Alongside the players, the Ports had help form radio DJ Lucas from KWIN, Dinger from the Sacramento River Cats, several Sunnyside Farms employees, and of course Splash got in on the fun as well.

The Ports were also host to two sessions of a youth baseball camp. Youth camp serves a number of purposes. First, all proceeds from the camp go to the Ports Anchor Fund. Camp also gives kids, boys and girls alike, ages 5-13 the chance to learn from the pros. Campers are able to get up close and personal with the Ports players and coaches. Youth camp is all about a fun experience for the kids, but it is also organized each year to teach young kids the fundamentals of baseball. Kids look up to the Ports players, so they always enjoy learning a few new skills from them.

Session one of baseball camp was held on June 17 & 18 and session two on July 16 & 17, both from 9 AM to 2 PM. Campers started the day with a warm-up with Ports Strength and Conditioning coach Chris Borgard. After the warm-up, the kids were broken up in to six different groups, according to age. Each station was staffed with a Ports player and the kids were taught a different skill at each one. Ports Manager Webster Garrison & Pitching Coach Craig Lefferts roamed through out each station to ensure the camp ran smoothly.

Campers learned all about outfield throwing, base running, hitting, in field throwing, and pitching. The campers also got a special treat with a visit to the clubhouse. A favorite of camp was the end-of-the-day game that they played with the Ports players. The group was divided into four different teams. Two teams in left field, two in right. Each camper had a chance at bat as well as in the outfield.

Joining Webster Garrison, Craig Lefferts and Chris Borgard was Ports Hitting Coach Brian McArn. Position players Connor Crumbliss, Leonardo Gil, Ryan Lipkin, Anthony Aliotti, Michael Choice, Rashun Dixon, and pitchers Jose Guzman, AJ Huttenlocker, Connor Hoehn, Scott Deal, and Murphy Smith all helped out.

Not only did the campers receive detailed instruction and advice from the players, they were also given a camp T-shirt, were entered in a raffle to win prizes, were given a free Ports ticket, took part in our Jr. Ports program, and were provided lunch each day of camp by Subway and Pizza Guys.

If you would like any information on any of these events, or would like to donate to the Anchor Fund, please contact Community Relations Manager Margaret Sacchet at (209) 644-1900 or msacchet@stocktonports.com.

Ports pitchers Scott Deal & Mike Hart scoop ice cream and pour root beer for fans.
Ports coaches, along with former Oakland A Rickey Henderson, and University of the Pacific baseball coaches all participating in the Home-Run-a-thon.

Strike Out ALS!

For several years, the Staten Island Yankees have partnered with the ALS Foundation Greater New York Chapter to raise awareness and money for the battle against ALS.

Along with promoting nearby Walks to Defeat ALS, Staten Island Yankees employees participated in a 2011 Walk to Defeat ALS along the West Side Highway in Manhattan. An appearance by Scooter the Holy Cow added to the pre-walk entertainment.

On July 4th, the Staten Island Yankees partnered with Primary Care Ambulance to help Strike Out ALS. For the game on July 4, Primary Care Ambulance donated $50 to the ALS Foundation for every strikeout pitched by a Staten Island Yankees pitcher. The eight strikeouts and $400 were great, but Primary Care Ambulance decided to pitch in an additional $100. The partnership between PCA and the ALS Foundation was expanded when PCA contributed another $250 to the Staten Island Yankees Kids’ Night Out program to further benefit the ALS Foundation.

For the Baby Bombers’ ongoing support, the ALS Foundation presented the Staten Island Yankees with a Certificate of Appreciation. The Baby Bombers are proud to continue supporting the fight against ALS, a disease very close to the Yankee family.

Representatives from the ALS Association present the Staten Island Yankees with a certificate of appreciation at Richmond County Bank Ballpark on July 4, 2011.

Joplin relief efforts total over $6,500

Club has held jersey, memorabilia auctions during homestand

Naturals' catcher Ryan Eigsti helps serve up a meal in Jolin on Monday, June 6th. (Fran Johnson)
Naturals’ catcher Ryan Eigsti helps serve up a meal in Jolin on Monday, June 6th. (Fran Johnson)

SPRINGDALE, AR – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals visited the tornado stricken city of Joplin, Missouri on Monday on the heels of a six-game homestand that saw the Naturals collect $6,659.66 in donations and nearly $7,000 total in cash and items to contribute to the relief effort.

The donations will be made to the Red Cross of Northwest Arkansas and highlighted during the game during a short check presentation on the field.

Catcher Ryan Eigsti along with left-handed pitcher Buddy Baumann, General Manager Eric Edelstein, and the Naturals’ mascot Strike visited Joplin earlier Monday to assist in serving a lunch to tornado victims and volunteers helping with the relief efforts.

During the first five games of the Naturals’ current six-game homestand, the club has held a jersey auction, sports memorabilia auction, nightly post-game launch-a-ball, and optional donations at Red Dirt Outfitters. The club also extended an offer for free tickets for Joplin residents during this homestand.

In addition, the Naturals’ parent club, the Kansas City Royals, via its Royals Charities non-profit arm made a $25,000 donation to Heart to Heart International for its relief efforts in the city of Joplin. In addition, Royals fans generously contributed more than $18,000 during an in-stadium collection held earlier this homestand that will benefit the American Red Cross relief efforts.

The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are the Double-A Texas League affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and play at state-of-the-art Arvest Ballpark, located in Springdale. Visit our website, nwanaturals.com, for information on season tickets and ticket plans.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. Click here to view the original story.

Tour de Habitat

OremOwlz_2011-06-02

The Orem Owlz and Habitat for Humanity of Utah County will be teaming up on Saturday, June 11 at 6:30 p.m. for the Third Annual Tour de Habitat, Lakes to Peaks Bicycle Ride. Owlz mascots Hootz and Holly will be the guests of honor to kick off the Family Ride which will be part of the pre-parade activity for the Orem Summerfest. Those participating in the Family Ride will receive reserved seating for parade viewing later that evening, an event t-shirt, and Owlz 2011 game tickets. For more details and to register please visit www.habitatuc.org/events/tour-de-habitat.html.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Orem Owlz. Click here to view the original story.

Ports host two successful Education Days

Education Days are two of the biggest days of the season for the Stockton Ports, Single-A Advanced affiliate of the Oakland Athletics, but this year they were bigger and better than ever. This year, the Ports Education Days were held on May 11 & May 23, both 11:05 AM day games. A total of more than 50 different schools attended the Education Days. Each child and teacher received a $6 package that included a ticket to the game, a hot dog, chips and a drink. Not only do schools use these days as an end-of-the-year field trip, but the students have a chance to interact with the players, as well as learn new things about baseball.

Before the games on May 11 & May 23, four students were chosen to ask Ports pitchers Josh Lansford, Gary Daley, Jr., AJ Huttenlocker, Chris Mederos and Scott Deal educational questions down on the field in front of the crowd. Afterwards the students were able to get autographs from the players.

During each game, students were randomly chosen to be a guest PA announcer, Radio announcer, to throw out the ceremonial first pitch, as well as start the game as our Play Ball Kid and to lead the crowd in “Take me out to the Ballgame”. Stockton’s very own 6-year-old super star Kayla Talania from Creekside Elementary blew the crowd away with her version of the national anthem on May 11. Sisters Micah & Grace Ann sang for the crowd on May 23.

Clifford the Big Red Dog from Barnes and Noble was at both games, as were many local businesses promoting their education programs including Sylvan Learning Center and University of the Pacific.

“This is my first year with the Ports, so it was my first year coordinating the Education Days,” said Account Executive Peter Lopez. “With two sold out crowds, I couldn’t be happier with how things turned out. You could tell that all the kids were having a great time and were really enjoying their time at the ballpark.”

For more information on the Ports Education Days, contact (209) 644-1900.

Ports pitchers Chris Mederos, Scott Deal, Josh Lansford & AJ Huttenlocker take a picture with students from Carroll Fowler Elementary School after the pre-game educational Q&A on the field at Banner Island Ballpark.
A 6-year-old Kayla Talania belts out the national anthem during Education Day.

Ports Hit Home Run with Challenger Little League Game

The Stockton Ports and District 8 Little League hit a home run yesterday, May 12, after hosting the first Challenger Little League game at Banner Island Ballpark. Participants from the Special Children’s Sports League took to the diamond Thursday with the Stockton Ports players for what some might say the highlight of their little league careers.

“You could just tell how much fun the kids were having,” said Community Relations Manager Margaret Sacchet. “This was the first time that we have held an event like this, and it was a huge success. I think our Ports players had just as much fun as the kids did! We are already looking forward to having another game next season!”

It was the orange Tigers versus the maroon Bulldogs, but it was all friendly competition. With on-field MC ‘Hot Rod’ on the mic introducing each batter, every child had a chance at bat with help from their buddies as well as the Ports players. Pitchers Scott Deal, AJ Huttenlocker, Dan Straily, Murphy Smith, as well as position players Rashun Dixon, Michael Choice, Max Stassi, Mitch LeVier, and Myrio Richard, took part in the event and couldn’t have been happier to be involved. When AJ Huttenlocker was told that a hug from him had made a little girl’s day, he in turn said, “No, she made mine.”

At the end of the game, everyone gathered together for a big group photo and autographs from the Ports players. This gave all the parents and families the opportunity to snap a few photos of their children with the Ports and mascot Splash.

A special ‘thank you’ to Dee Dee Martinez, District 8 Little League Administrator, for helping put the event together.

Ports pitcher AJ Huttenlocker hangs out with one of his biggest fans.
Group shot with Ports mascot Splash.

Earth Day Clean-Up

On April 29th, in recognition of Earth Day 2011, National Grid along with 50 members of the Staten Island Yankees and Staten Island Chamber of Commerce spent the day restoring the Alice Austen House in Rosebank. The Staten Island Yankees staff and mascot Scooter – The Holy Cow painted fences, while other volunteers cleaned up the beach area and removed trash and weeds from the area around one of Staten Island’s historic landmarks.

This year, National Grid participated in the “Billion Acts of Green” movement by sponsoring 12 community events that will display the Power of Action by helping restore and conserve the environment in their local communities. Staten Island was fortunate enough to be one of the company-wide community Earth Day events that took place throughout New York and New England.

All the volunteers wore Power of Action T-shirts, which were designed by elementary school students who participated in an Earth Day art contest sponsored by National Grid and the Green Education Foundation.

Scooter – The Holy Cow, Joe Rende of National Grid and Joe Riccutti of the Staten Island Yankees roll up there sleeves to get some painting done.

Frisco RoughRiders Players Support the Frisco Miracle League

On Saturday, April 23rd, 2011, Frisco RoughRiders players Davis Stoneburner, Elio Sarmiento, Justin Miller and Guilder Rodriguez visited the Frisco Miracle League fields to play baseball with children who had mental or physical disabilities.

The RoughRiders Entertainment Crew, mascots and various staff members joined the fun to entertain the crowd, and players, with various skits during inning breaks.

Miss Texas International 2011, Kelli Ansley, also made a special appearance at the event to sign autographs and take pictures with the kids.

“This is the 4th consecutive year we’ve had RoughRiders Day with the Frisco Miracle League,” Michael Davidow, director of the RoughRiders Foundation said, “It’s grown every year and it’s one of those special events our players can’t wait to attend.”

RoughRiders players pitched to kids, helped refine their fielding skills and signed autographs for everyone after the games.

“Frisco is very fortunate to have the RoughRiders in our city, and being a part of our community,” said Steve Johnson, Board Liason with the Frisco Miracle League, “The players, mascots and staff mean so much to our players.”

For more information on the RoughRiders Foundation, please visit, www.ridersbaseball.com/foundation.

RoughRiders seconbaseman, Davis Stoneburner.
RoughRiders shortstop, Guilder Rodriguez.
RoughRiders mascot, Deuce, Miss Texas International 2011, Kelli Ansley, and RoughRiders pitcher, Justin Miller.

Reading for Rewards Program Reaches Over 100 Schools

The 2011 Reading for Rewards program, presented by Wells Fargo, concluded on Friday, March 4 with the final assembly at Wilson Elementary School in Corona, California. Over the course of the reading program, Thunder visited 13 different cities and worked with over 100 local elementary schools, totaling 103 live performances. All students attending a school performance received a “Go Thunder Green” book. Additionally, schools that missed out on an assembly will receive a Reading for Rewards bookmark that the students and their parents will fill out, return to their teachers and eventually redeem for two free Storm tickets for their accomplishments. In total over 65,000 bookmarks were distributed to local students.

Over the last 11 years, the Storm has been one of the top promoters of literacy in Riverside County. “It’s been an honor to watch the reading program evolve the way that it has,” said Storm President Dave Oster. “It started as an idea to help kids stay out of trouble while promoting literacy to elementary level students. We are very proud to see what good things have come from this program.” Oster also added, “We will continue to strive to be one of the leaders in promoting the language arts as well as the Going Green Movement.”

“Go Thunder Green: Thunder’s Guide to Going Green” was produced, written and illustrated by members of the Storm front office staff at the end of the 2008 baseball season. The book contains a five stanza introduction revealing Thunder’s efforts to help the world by “Going Green” as well as a poem that details Thunder’s eight tips to help our environment. “We reached more students this year than ever before,” said Storm Director of Mascot Operations Patrick Gardenier. “On behalf of Thunder, I would like to say thank you to everyone that was involved in this year’s reading program.” Students can redeem their ticket vouchers for the following dates: Sunday, April 10, Friday, April 22, Sunday, May 8, Wednesday, May 18 and Sunday, May 22.

Braves and Floyd Co. Police Present Check to Boys & Girls Club

The Rome Braves and Floyd County Police Department presented a check Tuesday December 21st to the Boys & Girls Club of Rome for $10,648.00 on the front plaza at State Mutual Stadium. The funds for this donation were raised through the 2nd Annual Celebrity Shootout Golf Tournament hosted by the Rome Braves and the Floyd County Police Department.

This year’s celebrities were former Rome Braves managers Rocket Wheeler and Randy Ingle as well as Atlanta Braves 3rd base coach Brian Snitker and former Rome Braves coach Bobby Moore.

Photo courtesy of the Rome Braves

Squirrels Double Efforts for Toys for Tots

Team Collects Nearly 17 Bins of Toys at 2nd Annual Holiday Party

Parney the Elf, Santa Claus, the United States Marine Corps and the Richmond Flying Squirrels collected nearly 17 bins full of new, unwrapped toys during the 2nd Annual Holiday Party at The Diamond on Saturday. Many gracious fans braved the elements as the team collected more than double the amount of toys (eight bins) that the Inaugural Holiday Party netted in 2009.

“We have a phenomenal base of fans and community supporters,” said Parney the Elf. “We are continually amazed at their generosity and are grateful that we are able to stage events like this that allow them to participate and get involved in a fun way.”

During the event, party-goers visited Santa Claus and had their pictures taken by Real Life Studios, enjoyed Christmas crafts, warmed up with hot chocolate and Christmas cookies and enjoyed a baseball-themed raffle.

Flying Squirrels fans filled nearly 17 bins to aid Toys for Tots. (Photo courtesy of the Richmond Flying Squirrels)

Students Score Big with ‘Score an A’ Program

The Richmond Flying Squirrels‘ Score an “A” Free Ticket Program presented by Union First Market Bank was a huge success in its inaugural year, and the program will be available once again during the Flying Squirrels’ 2011 season.

The value of tickets redeemed during the 2010 season was over $18,000.

“The Flying Squirrels are always striving to make an impact in the Richmond community in a positive manner, with the school systems being one of our main focuses,” said Flying Squirrels Vice President & COO Todd “Parney” Parnell. “The ticket program is a way for us to reward those students who push themselves to excel in academics.”

Every “A” on a student’s current K-12 report card during the third and fourth marking periods earned them a FREE General Admission ticket to a Richmond Flying Squirrels home game. Each “A” was good for one ticket per game–for example, if a student earned 8 A’s they would receive 8 General Admission tickets to 8 different games.

“The ‘Score an ‘A’ Free Ticket Program’ is a fun way to reward hard work and achievement or to provide that little extra incentive to push for a higher grade,” said Harry A. Turton, Jr., Richmond President of Union First Market Bank. “Union First Market Bank is headquartered in Richmond and is the largest community bank serving the Richmond-area. We are a proud sponsor of the program and hope the students will enjoy watching the Flying Squirrels as much as our teammates enjoy watching them play.”

Students cashed in on nearly $18,000 worth of tickets in 2010.

Legends Present Check to Pike Recovery Committee

Country music fans enjoyed a great night of entertainment September 24 at Applebee’s Park, home of the Lexington Legends, and victims of flooding in Pike County benefited as a result.

With funds generated by a special concert ticket promotion, the Legends presented a check in the amount of $16,560 to the Pike County Long-Term Recovery Committee, Inc. The Committee is a volunteer organization based in Pike County that provides relief for victims of the July 17 flooding.

Tickets to the concert, which featured Randy Travis, LeAnn Rimes and Craig Morgan, could be purchased with a special promotional code which placed $20 of the $37 ticket price into a fund for the Pike County Long-Term Recovery Committee, Inc.

The Legends also provided concert tickets free of charge to flood victims.

Legends representatives joined local and state government officials, as well as representatives of the Kentucky Coal Association and other businesses and organizations, for the check presentation ceremony Friday morning at the Pike County Chamber of Commerce.

” We’re very proud to be part of this effort,” said Legends General Manager Andy Shea. “The flood victims face a difficult challenge, and we hope this will help as they move forward.”

Left to right: Lexington Legends account executive Scott Hamilton, “Big L,” and Randy Johnson of the Pike County Long-Term Recovery Committee, Inc. hold a replica of a check for $16,560 that was presented Friday by the Legends to the committee to benefit flood victims.