Rowdie’s GIVEmber Campaign Ignites Holiday Spirit

Food distribution event, deliveries to nonprofits highlight November initiative

INDIANAPOLIS – Indianapolis Indians Charities and Rowdie have been a busy duo since hosting the second annual Rowdie’s Pumpkin Patch in October at Victory Field, in which ticket proceeds benefited IIC. To begin Rowdie’s GIVEmber campaign in November, IIC partnered with Indiana WIC and Gleaners Food Bank for a food drive-thru distribution event at The Vic, where over 1,000 families were provided food. Rowdie then led the charge on many GIVEmber deliveries to the following locations and organizations:

  • Goodie bags to JW Marriott hospitality staff
  • Reading books, art kits and t-shirts to students, teachers and volunteers at Shepherd Academy
  • New therapy equipment, kitchen supplies and a play set to Children’s TheraPlay Foundation, Inc.
  • Indianapolis Indians winter hats to Bigs and Littles from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana

IIC and Rowdie give back to the community in many ways thanks to support from partners, fundraisers and monetary donations. Tribe fans can positively impact those living in Central Indiana by donating to IIC here.

“Rowdie took the initiative to give back and show his thanks to many partners of the Indianapolis Indians and Indianapolis Indians Charities in November, and it was all made possible because of community support,” said Jo Garcia, Indianapolis Indians Community Outreach Manager. “There are rumors swirling that Rowdie has even bigger plans in store in December, and we can’t wait to see what he comes up with next.”

BlueClaws Charities Christmas Cruise-Thru on December 12th

Drive-through event to include appearance by Santa; toy drive to benefit Salvation Army of Ocean County

JERSEY SHORE, NJ – Santa Claws is coming to the Jersey Shore! BlueClaws Charities will host their first Christmas Cruise-Thru in the parking lot of FirstEnergy Park on Saturday, December 12th from 10 am until 12 pm. The event, which takes place exclusively in vehicles, serves as a toy drive benefiting the Salvation Army of Ocean County.

This event replaces the annual _Breakfast With Buster Holiday Food & Toy Drive_, which could not be held this year in its traditional form due to COVID-19 regulations.

Beginning at 10 am, cars will pull into the lot at FirstEnergy Park and stop at four different stations.

  1. Item Collection – we will be collecting unwrapped toys and non-perishable food to benefit the Salvation Army of Ocean County.
  2. Letters to Santa – children are encouraged to bring letters for Santa. We’ll collect them and send them off to the North Pole!
  3. Picture with Buster and Santa – Santa and Buster will take a picture in front of each car, which we’ll then email to everyone after the event.
  4. Hot Chocolate – the BlueClaws will deliver hot chocolate to each car as a thank you for their participation.

“We’ve welcomed Santa to FirstEnergy Park for the last two decades, and while we can’t do that in the traditional manner this year, we wanted to still offer local families the chance to see Santa and for kids to drop off their letters,” said BlueClaws Team President Joe Ricciutti. “Plus, our community has been immensely supportive of the Salvation Army and their food and toy drive over the years, and that is especially important in 2020.”

Each vehicle will also receive a coupon code that can be used online for 25% off in the Jersey Shore BlueClaws Team Store. Orders must be placed by December 16th to ensure Christmas delivery.

Fans will never leave their vehicle at the event. BlueClaws staff members will be wearing masks at all times.

October 2020 Community Report

 

In the month of October, The Stockton Ports delivered $200 worth of gift cards to six different schools in our local community. After raising $1,200 through a Virtual Back to School Drive, The Ports were able to purchase gift cards to support Hong Kingston, Pittman, Pulliam, Cleveland, Kennedy, and Adams Elementary schools in their efforts to adapt to virtual learning. With COVID-19 Guidelines followed, the gift cards were hand delivered to each school along with a personal message wishing them the best of luck during the school year. This was the first time The Ports held this event, and after the success that it brought about, it is safe to say that this will become an annual drive to benefit the Stockton Unified School District at the start of each school year.

Later in the month of October, Splash made some Halloween visits around town and participated in events taking place in our local community. The first stop was Chase Chevrolet’s “Trunk or Treat” where Splash handed out candy to children and families at this drive through event. Splash was greeted with smiles and cheers, although he did get frightened at times due to some scary costumes! After “Trunk or Treat”, Splash’s next stop was at a new venue in town called Stocklandia, a permanent location filled with a variety of local food trucks and boutiques that recently opened. Splash was given a plethora of different foods and desserts to try, all of which he loved. He was also greeted by many Stockton Ports fans asked to take pictures with all of them. The Stockton Ports were happy to be out in the community are excited to continue their community efforts in the upcoming months!

Chasers in the Community

 

The Omaha Storm Chasers in conjunction with Chasers Charities and Spectra Food Services and Hospitality combined for over 600 hours of community service in the Omaha Metro this year, and welcomed nearly 90,000 fans to a safe and socially distant Werner Park in 2020.

“We are proud of our staff for continuing to work in the community during this especially difficult year and we will continue to pursue opportunities and plan events that provide community connections in 2021,” said Storm Chasers General Manager Laurie Schlender. “While we have had staff reductions and no baseball in 2020, our commitment to being involved in the community has not wavered and we are planning things for 2021 that will continue that commitment.”

The Storm Chasers organization was also visible throughout the Omaha Metro community, as the combined number of mascot and staff appearances totaled 75. Chasers Charities in partnership with The Weitz Company also awarded two $1,000 college scholarships through the Jackie Robinson Scholarship program to Livia McFadden and Nolan Christianson. The Chasers also partnered with numerous non-profit organizations throughout the year including Ronald McDonald House Charities, the Salvation Army, the Tangier Shrine, Project Wee Care and the Foodbank for the Heartland amongst many others. They also partnered with Jack Daniels to provide for Operation Ride Home for the second straight year.

A brand new classroom program, Chasers All-Stars, was also created in 2020 providing parents, teachers, and administrators the ability to nominate teachers from the metro to be honored. Over 20 classrooms were surprised in February and March with a visit from Stormy, a weather demonstration provided by KMTV and a variety of prizes.

Despite many challenges brought by Covid-19, the Storm Chasers remained committed to providing relief for the Omaha Metro Community. A partnership with Kidwell Inc. provided 25 gallons of hand sanitizer to the Ronald McDonald House in April and nearly $1000 was donated to the Foodbank of the Heartland through Feeding America, while donating tickets for the 2021 season to frontline workers. The Storm Chasers were also able to provide a sense of normalcy providing two free drive-in firework shows and six Curbside To Go pick up meals.

A full overview of the Storm Chasers’ 2020 Community Relations efforts can be found online here.

Cutters to Hold Free Drive-Thru Trick or Treat Event

 

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

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

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

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

· All exhibitors wearing protective masks and gloves

· All candy individually wrapped and in treat bags

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

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

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

Las Vegas Ballpark, in partnership with Vitalant, will host the One October Memorial Blood Drive

 

LAS VEGAS BALLPARK® HOSTS VITALANT ONE OCTOBER MEMORIAL BLOOD DRIVE

PRESENTED BY NEVADA HEALTH LINK

Together we are #VegasStronger

WHAT: Las Vegas Ballpark®, in partnership with Vitalant, the largest blood provider in Nevada, will host the One October Memorial Blood Drive, a one-day blood drive in memory of One October.

The public drive is presented by Nevada Health Link, the online insurance marketplace operated by Silver State Health Insurance Exchange that will offer this year more than 50 insurance plans and is the only place Nevadans can qualify for subsidies to offset the cost of insurance.

The One Memorial Blood Drive takes place at Las Vegas Ballpark from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, October 1.

Leadership from Las Vegas Ballpark as well as local icons will kick off the drive with personal donations starting at 9 a.m. They will be cheered on by Las Vegas Ballpark mascots – Spruce the Goose and Aviator – who will be on hand to greet donors.

Donors must make appointments in advance at www.bloodhero.com and are encouraged to keep social distance recommendations. Per state mandates, masks are required for entry into the facility and temperature checks will be enforced.

Vitalant, the largest blood provider in the state of Nevada, is providing COVID-19 antibody testing with every successful donation. Donors will receive their antibody test results on their private online donor profile. Donors that receive positive results can then choose to aid in the fight against COVID-19 by donating convalescent plasma, the only antibody treatment available for critically ill COVID-19 hospital patients. For those who have recovered from COVID-19, Vitalant will also be collecting convalescent plasma donations at this blood drive. For full eligibility requirements and application, go to www.Vitalant.org/COVIDFree. Appointments are strongly recommended.

WHEN: ** **Thursday, October — 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.

WHERE: ** **Las Vegas Ballpark

_ 1650 S. Pavilion Center Drive_

Las Vegas, NV 89135

** About Las Vegas Ballpark**®

Las Vegas Ballpark®, located on eight acres in Downtown Summerlin® just south of City National Arena – practice facility for the Vegas Golden Knights, is the home of the Las Vegas Aviators®, the city’s professional Triple-A baseball team of the Pacific Coast League (PCL) and affiliate of the Oakland Athletics. The team is wholly owned by The Howard Hughes Corporation®, developer of the award-winning master-planned community of Summerlin® and developer of Las Vegas Ballpark. With a wide range of seating options including 22 suites, club seats, berm seating, party zones and decks, picnic tables, kids’ zone, bars and a pool beyond the outfield wall, Las Vegas Ballpark boasts a capacity of 10,000. Designed to host a variety of events in addition to baseball, the site is landscaped to complement the surrounding master-planned community. The site is easily accessed from all regions of the valley via the 215 Beltway. For more on Las Vegas Ballpark, visit www.thelvballpark.com.

About Nevada Health Link

Nevada Health Link is the online insurance marketplace operated by the Silver State Health Insurance Exchange (Exchange), which was established per Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) in 2011 by the State of Nevada and began operations in 2013 on the belief that all Nevadans deserve access to health insurance. In 2019, the Exchange transitioned away from the federal marketplace, HealthCare.gov and became a fully operational State Based Exchange (SBE), in time for its seventh Open Enrollment Period (OEP). Nevada Health Link connects eligible Nevada residents to budget-appropriate health and dental coverage and is the only place where qualifying consumers can receive federal tax credits to help cover premium costs. Open Enrollment has concluded; for more information or to see if you’re eligible for a Special Enrollment Period, visit our website. Subscribe to Nevada Health Link’s Blog and YouTube channel, like them on Facebook or follow on Twitter and Instagram. Nevada Health Link always encourages consumers to use the free assistance of a licensed enrollment professional by calling 1-800-547-2927 or by visiting NevadaHealthLink.com.

About Vitalant

Vitalant (“Vye-TAL-ent”) is the nation’s largest independent nonprofit blood service provider, supplying comprehensive transfusion medicine services for nearly 1,000 hospitals and health care partners for patients in need across 40 states. Vitalant inspires local communities to serve the needs of others and transform lives through the selfless act of donating blood. Every day, almost 5,000 blood donations are needed to meet the needs of people throughout the country, and Vitalant’s 800,000 donors supply 1.8 million donations a year. In addition to blood products, Vitalant offers customers transfusion services, medical consulting, quality guidance, ongoing education, research and more. For more information and to schedule a donation, visit vitalant.org or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825). Join the conversation about impacting the lives of others on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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CONTACTS:

Faiss Foley Warren Public Relations

Melissa Warren / McKinzie Cogswell

702-528-6016; 702-234-5307

[email protected]; [email protected]

Louisville Bats Lend a Helping Hand

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Woodpeckers 2019 Community and Charitable Giving Report

 

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

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

Youth Sports

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

Military

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About the Kane County Cougars

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

Spring Fan Fest, Anthem Auditions to be Held March 7

 

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

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

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

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

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

Other events/offers scheduled for Fan Fest include:

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

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

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

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

 

National Anthem Tryouts Set for Saturday, February 22

 

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Registration Underway for Dragons 5K

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Orthopedic Associates Returning as Dragons 5K Presenting Sponsor

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

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

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

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

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

Dragons Mascots, Green Team Performing at Local Schools

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

For any questions regarding the Jumbo Shrimp’s Dr. King “I Have A Dream” speech essay contest, please contact Director of Community Relations Andrea Williams at andrea@jaxshrimp.com.

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

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

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