SMOKIES AND U.S. CELLULAR TO HOST LITTLE LEAGUE TAKEOVER

SEVIERVILLE – The Tennessee Smokies have announced they have teamed up with U.S. Cellular to host a Little League Takeover on Tuesday, September 3rd at Sevierville City Park Baseball fields from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM. 2019 marks the second year in a row the event will take place at the Sevierville City Park Baseball fields, and the third year in a row the Smokies have partnered with U.S. Cellular for this event overall. The U.S. Cellular Little League Takeover will allow the youth baseball players ages 5-13 to experience what it is like to be a Smokies player for a day.

“We are extremely excited to team up with U.S. Cellular for this event,” added Smokies President and COO Chris Allen. “This is a great event to allow these kids the chance to experience what it is like to be a Smokies player for a day. We are thrilled to be involved in this event as we love being a part of this Sevierville community.”

The event will take place at the Sevierville City Park Baseball fields located at 1005 Park Rd, Sevierville, TN 37862. The youth baseball players will play their scheduled games with a host announcing the players, on-field games, inflatables, prizes, and much more. The youth baseball players will also have a chance to feel like a true Smokies player with a mock interview station featuring a podium and a media backdrop where they can answer questions following their game.

“At U.S. Cellular, we’re happy to bring interactive experiences like this to the communities we serve,” said Nathan Waddell, director of sales for U.S. Cellular in Tennessee. “Providing an opportunity for these kids to enjoy a day in the life of a professional baseball player is as exciting for us as it is for them. We hope they all soak in this once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

The U.S. Cellular Little League Takeover will also feature the Smokies mascot interacting with the players throughout the event.

ABOUT THE TENNESSEE SMOKIES

The Tennessee Smokies are the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. Members of the ten-team Southern League, Smokies baseball has been entertaining families and fans of America’s national pastime in the East Tennessee region for over 100 years. To learn more about the Tennessee Smokies, visit www.smokiesbaseball.com

ABOUT U.S. CELLULAR

U.S. Cellular is the fifth-largest full-service wireless carrier in the United States, providing national network coverage and industry-leading innovations designed to elevate the customer experience. The Chicago-based carrier is building a stronger network with the latest 5G technology and offers a wide range of communication services that enhance consumers’ lives, increase the competitiveness of local businesses and improve the efficiency of government operations. To learn more about U.S. Cellular, visit one of its retail stores or www.uscellular.com. To get the latest news, promos and videos, connect with U.S. Cellular on Facebook.com/uscellular, Twitter.com/uscellular and YouTube.com/uscellularcorp.

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

South Bend Cubs to Host Trick or Treating Event on October 28

SOUTH BEND, IN – After the success of last year’s event, the South Bend Cubs have once again partnered with the South Bend Police Department to bring back Stu and Swoop’s Cops and Goblins trick or treating event on Monday, October 28 from 5:00 P.M.-7:30 P.M at Four Winds Field.

Over 6,000 kids and parents packed the ballpark last year in a massively successful first go-around of the event. Stu and Swoop’s Cops and Goblins allows local families to come out and enjoy safe trick or treating as the South Bend Police and Fire Department will be joined by other city officials. The groups will hand out candy with other South Bend community sponsors. Along with the groups present, South Bend Cubs mascots Stu and Swoop will be present to meet and take pictures with the kids.

With the completion of The Ivy at Berlin Place Apartments and “Gateway to South Bend” between the two buildings, patrons attending the event can enter and exit through Gate D past center field. The success and attendance of last year’s event has also brought in more vendors for this year’s function. Tables will be set up all throughout the concourse.

The South Bend Fire Department will also bring along their smoke house to the event. The partnership between the Cubs and South Bend Police Department allows the tandem to give back to the entire South Bend community.

“Community policing is a priority for the South Bend Police Department and this annual trick or treat event is the one officers look forward to the most,” South Bend Police Chief Scott Ruszkowski said. “This fun and safe event for families is yet another opportunity for the community and officers to come together and continue to build positive relationships that benefit the city as a whole.”

“We were hoping for a good turn out last year but did not expect our first year hosting this wonderful event to be so successful,” South Bend Cubs Director of Media and Promotions Chris Hagstrom-Jones said. “Given the success of last year, we plan to use more of the ballpark to space out candy tables and try to get more kids through the lines.”

Halloween music will also be playing from the speakers around the ballpark. Both the Cubs Den Team Store and 1st Source Bank Performance Center will be open to the public. Kids hoping to check out the Performance Center will be able to take swings in the same batting cages used by the South Bend Cubs players.

Kids arriving in their Halloween costumes will have the chance to enter a costume contest at the park. Prizes will be awarded to those who are wearing the most fun and creative costumes. Make sure to arrive early, as a crowd exceeding last year’s 6,000 is expected this year.

Any other businesses and organizations who are interested in hosting and sponsoring a table at the event can contact Officer Keenan Lane at 574-235-5941 for more information.

About the South Bend Cubs

The South Bend Cubs are the Class A minor league affiliate of the 2016 World Series Champion Chicago Cubs. Over the past 31 seasons, the team has won five Midwest League titles, most recently in 2005, and has captured 12 division titles. In 2019, the South Bend Cubs hosted the Midwest League All-Star Game. In June 2017, Four Winds Field, home of the South Bend Cubs, was voted Best Class A ballpark in the country by Ballpark Digest. In 2015 the team was named Ballpark Digest’s Team of the Year and received the John H. Johnson President’s Award, the highest award in minor league baseball. The team is owned and operated by Swing-Batter-Swing, LLC whose principal shareholder is Andrew T. Berlin of Chicago, Ill.

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

Tarpons to Host Back to School Splash on Saturday, August 10th

 

TAMPA Fla. – The Tampa Tarpons will host their second-annual Back to School Splash on Saturday, August 10th at George M. Steinbrenner Field, presented by BayCare. Gates will open at 5:15 p.m. and the first 1,000 kids ages 14-and-under will receive a Tarpons backpack.

The Tarpons will battle the Charlotte Stone Crabs at 6:30 p.m. Prior to the game, kids will can run the bases from 5:30 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. Select Tarpons players will sign autographs on the concourse from 5:40 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

In addition, there will be BayCare mascots in attendance, and a Kids Zone set up on the concourse, including a dunk tank, face painter and obstacle course. After the game, fans are invited to stick around for a fireworks extravaganza, presented by Spectrum.

Tickets may be purchased online at www.tarponsbaseball.com, at the George M. Steinbrenner Field Box Office. Tickets start at $5 for upper reserved seating, $8 for lower reserved seating, and parking is always free.

About the Tampa Tarpons
The Tampa Tarpons are the Single-A Advanced Affiliate of the New York Yankees and a member of the Florida State League. The Tarpons play at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Fla. For more information about the Tampa Tarpons, call (813) 673-3055 or visit www.tarponsbaseball.com.

 

Dragons Players and Mascots to Visit Schools Next Week

DAYTON, Ohio – Dayton Dragons players and one of the team’s mascots, Heater, and staff will visit schools in four counties across the Miami Valley next week. The visits are part of the Dragons MVP program and members of the local media are invited to cover them. The players will introduce themselves to the students, answer questions, and are available for pictures. Each student will also receive a school folder and a Dragons pencil. The following schools are listed with an address, date, and time of visit:

Monday, April 15, 2019

10:00am-10:45am

Grigsby Intermediate School

100 Jamaica Rd.

Franklin, OH 45005

Phone: 937-746-8969

11:15am-12:00pm

Dayton Christian School

9391 Washington Church Rd.

Miamisburg, OH 45342

Phone: 937-291-7249

Tuesday, April 16, 2019

10:00am – 10:45am

Indian Valley Intermediate School

510 S. Xenia Dr.

Enon, OH 45323

Phone:

11:45am – 12:30pm

Concord Elementary School

3145 W. St. Rt. 718

Troy, OH 45373

Phone: 937-332-6730

Tuesday, May 7, 2019

10:00am – 10:45am

Parkwood Elementary School

1791 Wilene Dr.

Beavercreek, OH 45432

Phone:937-429-7604

11:15am – 12:00pm

Harry Russell Elementary School

123 Elementary Dr.

West Carrollton, OH 45449

Phone: 937-859-5121

Members of the media may contact schools individually at the numbers listed above if they intend to attend and cover the visits.

The Dragons MVP Program, a tool for teachers, uses the marketing power of Dayton Dragons Baseball as an educational tool for fourth and fifth grade teachers, helping them motivate and reward students for success both in and out of the classroom. The Dayton Dragons MVP Program is made possible by Ohio’s 529 Plan, Sinclair College, Panera Bread, WDTN-TV and Dayton’s CW. For more information on the Dragons MVP Program, contact the Dayton Dragons or visit www.daytondragons.com/mvp.

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

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Blue Wahoos Donate Team Bus To Dixon School Of Arts And Sciences

The Blue Wahoos team bus will soon be seen on the streets of Pensacola again.

On Tuesday morning, Kazoo took one last drive in his trusty bus, taking it from the stadium to the nearby Dixon School of Arts and Sciences in downtown Pensacola to be officially donated to the school.

Since 2008, the K-8 charter school has provided for at-risk youth in Pensacola, fostering creativity through a curriculum centered on a world class fine arts program and science, technology, and math. Providing transportation for their students, both to and from school and to the host of nationwide academic competitions their students compete in, was a critical need for the school.

“What an honor and privilege it was to be able to present our Blue Wahoos bus to the students and faculty of Dixon Arts and Sciences this morning,” Blue Wahoos vice president of operations Donna Kirby said. “Our hope is that Dixon will be able to use this bus to help build on their exciting curriculum. Kazoo really loved all of the hugs and high fives that the students gave him, too!”

The school’s president, Dr. Donna Curry, and students from all grades met Kazoo and the Blue Wahoos outside the school and offered a tour of the grounds, showing off the art projects, dance studio, and music hall that help students positively deal with trauma through expressing creativity.

“We were so impressed to see the extraordinary and magnificent artwork that the students have created.” Kirby said. “There is no doubt in my mind that we are going to see that talent on display in museum and art galleries at some point in the near future!”

The Blue Wahoos selected the Dixon School of Arts and Sciences to receive the bus through a social media campaign to find a new home for the bus.

“We received entries from so many worthwhile local non-profits doing great work in our community. We wish we had a bus to give to each, as Pensacola has a tremendous community of charitable organizations helping make this city great,” Kirby said. “We were proud to select the Dixon School because their mission as a school aligns closely with ours as a ballclub, and the Studer Family of Companies has a strong focus on early learning and improving educational outcomes.”

The mission of the Pensacola Blue Wahoos is to improve the quality of life for citizens of Pensacola and make it the best place to live in the world. In their seven years in the Southern League, the team has won the league’s Community Service Award four times, including in each of the past three seasons consecutively.

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

Emeralds Set to Hit a Home Run in Reading

The Eugene Emeralds are excited to announce they are once again partnering with Oregon Medical Group and Wildish for Sluggo’s Home Run Reading Challenge. Starting this week, the program is designed to motivate students to become better readers by completing reading assignments to earn free Ems tickets!

Last year, 56 schools signed up for the Reading Challenge and a record 11,528 completed the program. “The growth of the Reading Program over the 10 years here at PK Park has been incredible,” said Ems Assistant General Manager Matt Dompe. “It is one of our biggest community outreach programs year after year, and it’s a great way to kick off the Emeralds season with games filled with kids that completed the reading challenge.”

For 2019, the new and improved Reading Challenge assembly will take on a Super Hero theme as Sluggo travels faster than a speeding green bear all over Lane County to spread the joy of reading. At the end of the assembly, teachers will give their students a 10-task reading goal, which students will track with a Sluggo-themed bookmark.

Students who complete their bookmarks receive two free tickets to a Eugene Emeralds baseball game this summer. In addition to the tickets, students will be invited to go down onto the field at PK Park and have a chance to meet some of the 2019 Emeralds players!

“We are committed to helping build healthier communities, and the connection between literacy and health is strong. Oregon Medical Group is excited to once again be part of Sluggo’s Home Run Reading Challenge. It motivates kids to read, and it gets them out to a ballgame – that’s a pretty healthy combination.” says Josh Cox, Director of Marketing and Public Relations.

The Emeralds and OMG will be updating the progress of Sluggo’s Home Run Reading Challenge through social media posts all spring so be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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

Timber Rattlers Release 2018 Charity Report

GRAND CHUTE, WI – The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers had a busy season off the field with their charitable works. The Midwest League affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers is reporting on their year as 2018 is coming to a close and they are preparing for 2019.

The two main fundraisers for the Timber Rattlers were the Golf Outing and their specialty jersey auctions. The 2018 Golf Outing was held at Shamrock Heights Golf Course and raised over $6,700 with the participation of 82 area golfers plus 17 members of the Timber Rattlers team including players, coaches, and front office personnel. The team held seven auctions for their alternate jerseys that included the Brats, Salute to Cows, Star Wars™, Wisconsin Badgers, & Brewers Sunday uniforms and raised nearly $13,000 for local charities. The 2019 Timber Rattlers Golf Outing is scheduled for June 3. The Rattlers are in the process of creating their alternate jerseys for next season.

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

Mascots Whiffer & Fang got into the charitable spirit on their birthdays, too. Whiffer’s Birthday in March coincided with the team’s individual tickets on sale date and a Help for the Homeless Drive that collected hygiene products for area homeless shelters. Fang’s Birthday in August collected 328 pounds in non-perishable food items as part of the Cans for Cake food drive.

The Rattlers didn’t just collect food. They also grew and harvested over 400 pounds of food in the Greenstone Farm Credit Services Ballpark Garden at Neuroscience Group Field. The fresh vegetables were taken to St. Joe’s Food Pantry.

Area Little Leagues were presented with over 2000 hats with the support of the Rattlers.

Some of the charities helped by the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers in 2018 included Make-A-Wish Wisconsin, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, Fox Valley Veterans Council, Children’s Cancer Family Foundation of Northeast Wisconsin, St. Joe’s Food Pantry, Freedom Food Pantry, and Miracle League of the Fox Valley.

Numerous other charities were also given Timber Rattlers ticket vouchers to be used in their own fundraisers. The Timber Rattlers could not have accomplished this without the support of the players, coaches, and community.

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

The schedule for the 2019 Wisconsin Timber Rattlers season is available here. Fans may purchase full season, half season, seven-game, and ten-game packages for next season through the Timber Rattlers Ticket Office at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium by calling (800) WI-TIMBER or (920) 733-4152; stopping at the Ticket Office; or online through timberrattlers.com.

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

Chasers Set All-Time Charitable Giving Record

The Omaha Storm Chasers set an all-time record in charitable giving for the sixth consecutive year in 2018, assisting with over 300 different organizations. In total, the Storm Chasers franchise donated $851,237.75 to local charities over the course of their 50th season in franchise history, an increase of $51,055.30 compared to last year.

CLICK HERE TO READ FULL COMMUNITY RELATIONS REPORT (PDF)

“Relationships and community are imperative to what this organization is about,” said Martie Cordaro, President and General Manager of the Omaha Storm Chasers. “Werner Park is a community center so we have a responsibility to Sarpy County and the Omaha Metro to continue to be engaged by being present and giving back.”

The Storm Chasers organization provided a platform for 70 non-profit organizations at Werner Park as its Community Organization of the Night. The McDonalds and Huber Chevrolet Hurl the Pearl promotion also raised $17,683.25 for the Ronald McDonald House. In addition, $23,840 was donated to local charities including Methodist Hospital Foundation, Food Bank for the Heartland, NWTF, United Way of the Midlands, and Javelan through five Game-Worn Jersey Auctions, with players and coaches wearing specialty jerseys.

The organization remained visible throughout the Omaha Metro, with mascots and players combining for over 530 appearances in the community. The Storm Chasers front office also combined for 1,055 hours of community service during the 2018 campaign.

A full overview of the Storm Chasers’ 2018 Community Relations efforts can be found online at this link: https://www.milb.com/omaha/community/community-relations-report

Werner Park is slated to host the Kansas City Royals on March 25, 2019 in an exhibition game presented by Cobalt Credit Union. Tickets are still available for that contest and can be purchased at this link: http://bit.ly/2BUsp72.

Following the Royals Exhibition Game, the Storm Chasers franchise is set to start their regular season slate on Tuesday, April 9. 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.

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

Baysox Announce 2019 Reading Program

BOWIE, Md. –  The Bowie Baysox announced the 24th year of the Read & Hit a Home Run Reading Program this week, thanks in part to Educational Systems Federal Credit Union.

The program, which began in 1996, reaches over 200 schools across the DMV region, impacting over 35,000 students a year. Those numbers include area homeschool co-ops, helping encourage and foster an excitement for literacy in local schools.

Registered schools will have the opportunity to participate in the program by reading four (4) books of the students’ choice during the given time frame. Every student that completes the reading goal will receive two free tickets to a 2019 Baysox game. During the season, the team will host several designated Reading Nights (based on geographic location). At the stadium, all students will be recognized for their accomplishments during the game.

All reading specialists and homeschool teachers/directors are encouraged to register their school. Once registered, all students can participate in a jersey design contest, with the winner’s choice being unveiled at a school assembly by Louie, the Baysox mascot.

To register your school, head over to the ‘community’ section of www.baysox.com and fill out the form at the bottom of the “Read & Hit a Home Run Reading Program” page. For more information or any additional questions, contact Baysox Community Programs Manager Kelsey Carter at (301) 464-4871 or email her (kcarter@baysox.com).

The Bowie Baysox 2019 season is presented by Money One Federal Credit Union. 2019 Baysox Ticket Packages, including Season Tickets, Mini-Plans and Flexible Ticket Packages are available online at baysox.com, via phone at 301-464-4865 or in person at the stadium ticket office.

To keep up with Baysox news, visit baysox.com and be sure to follow the Baysox on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or register for the all new Baysox Text Insider Club for free by texting the keyword BAYSOX to 50700.

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

Veterans Home Run: A 5K Walk ‘n Run Race Results & FAQ

PawSox 5K Runners!

Thank you for your participation in the 3rd Annual PawSox 5K Walk ‘n Run in support of veterans causes in RI, we are so happy to be able to give back to those who have fought for our country.

CLICK HERE FOR RACE RESULTS

All race results are posted in the link above, if you registered the DAY OF the race and you placed in the top two of your age category for your gender, please email Grace Eng at geng@pawsox.com so we have your contact information and we can mail out your medal. These are the age categories:

·       Wheelchair

·       70+

·       60-69

·       50-59

·       40-49

·       30-39

·       20-29

·       13-19

Also, if you did not receive a race t-shirt please email so we can send that as well, everyone will get a t-shirt for participating. We will also be sending out the certificate that is valid for 2 General Admission flex tickets for the 2019 season, so be sure to be on the lookout for that email, the certificate will be valid to exchange starting March 1st.

If you have any questions about the race results or the day itself, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Again thank you for your contribution to the PawSox Foundation and more importantly to the veterans who have served the United States of America. God bless!

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

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Rocky Bluewinkle Goes Trick-or-Treating With Local Kids

Wilmington, DE – On a night where kids walk around getting candy for free, Halloween is a highlight on any household’s calendar. Yet the Wilmington Blue Rocks wanted to up the ante, so they sent their mascot to tag along for some trick-or-treating with the Giles family on Wednesday evening.

Rocky Bluewinkle helped collect candy in Wilmington with youngsters Nolan and Mason. Rocky dressed in his Star Wars jersey with light saber in hand. Meanwhile, his young pals went as a baseball player and a shark. The Giles won a social media contest run by the Blue Rocks in October.

Parents Ken and Kelly accompanied the trio on their candy quest and said it was a night to cherish.

“We were the talk of the neighborhood,” Kelly said. “Almost every house got so excited and grabbed their cameras–children and adults alike.”

The young mom said this was a memory her young sons will carry with them for the rest of their life. A night they’ll tell their kids about: ‘When I was a kid I took a seven-foot blue moose mascot with me door-to-door looking for candy.’

“I mean who doesn’t love Rocky?” Kelly said. “He made the night a great one and we can’t wait to come visit him again (for Opening Night) on April 4. It was a tremendous experience.”

The Blue Rocks make community outreach a priority. The team has won five consecutive Matt Minker Awards, which goes to the club that best demonstrates an outstanding, on-going commitment to charitable service, support, and leadership within its community in the Carolina League. The award is named after the Blue Rocks’ founder, who owned the club until his death in 2007. Minker, whose construction company built Frawley Stadium, is still the team’s honorary president.

The Blue Rocks recently announced a two-year extension of their Player Development Contract to remain the Advanced-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. Season seats and mini plans for the 2019 season are on sale now, while groups packages will be available for purchase November 8. The season starts on Thursday, April 4. For more information, please go to BlueRocks.com.

www.bluerocks.com

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

Giants Release 2018 Community Report

SAN JOSE, CA– The San Jose Giants released today their 2018 Community Report. The report serves as an overview of the organization’s community outreach, charitable fundraising efforts, youth development, in-stadium service and community events hosted at Municipal Stadium as well as a ‘thank you’ to all fans, partners, players and staff members.

“I wish to personally thank everyone in the San Jose community for your loyalty and support. We hope our Community Report illustrates the San Jose Giants’ sincere commitment to generosity, outreach and community growth,” said Daniel Orum, San Jose Giants President and CEO. “We are eager to do even more in 2018 and are diligently working on new programs and initiatives to further enhance our community next year.”

 

The 2018 Community Report demonstrates the club’s activity in the community and overall pledge to giving back both inside and outside the stadium’s gates. Highlights of the report include information about Giants player and mascot appearances, staff volunteer efforts, Alliance Credit Union Hometown Heroes, special fundraising programs, Minor League Baseball community initiatives, in-stadium service, San Jose Giants baseball and more. For the complete 2018 San Jose Giants Community Report, click on the link below.

For more information on the San Jose Giants and how to get your organization involved next season, call 408.297.1435 or visit sjgiants.com.

View 2018 Community Report

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ABOUT THE SAN JOSE GIANTS

The San Jose Giants are a professional baseball team in the Class A Advanced California League and have been an affiliate of the San Francisco Giants since 1988. San Jose has won six California League Championships as a Giants affiliate (2010, 2009, 2007, 2005, 2001 and 1998) and eleven overall. The San Jose Giants have graduated 206 Major League players, 149 of whom have played or currently play for the San Francisco Giants. Municipal Stadium, the home of the San Jose Giants, first opened in 1942 and has seen well over 7 million fans enter through its gates. The organization has been honored with the Larry MacPhail Award, presented to the club with the best creative marketing and promotions, and the President’s Trophy, granted to the most complete franchise. For 2019 tickets or to reserve your group outing, please contact the San Jose Giants Box Office at 408.297.1435 or visit us online at sjgiants.com. San Jose Giants baseball in your backyard since 1942, Our Town, Our Team, Our Giants.

New Fang & Whiffer Halloween Contest for 2018

GRAND CHUTE, WI – Wisconsin Timber Rattlers mascots Fang and Whiffer had an idea for a new Halloween contest for children from Kindergarten through fifth grade. We liked it and decided to let them run with it.

To enter, your class at school should write a Halloween story involving Fang and Whiffer and submit it to the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. The best story submitted to us will win a visit from our mascots on October 31 that will be full of spooky surprises.

Please send your entry to fang@timberrattlers.com along with a class photo, the name of your teacher, and the name of your school. There may only be one story per class.

Stories need to be sent to Fang by Wednesday, October 24. The winner will be announced on Monday, October 29.

Wisconsin’s schedule for the 2019 season has been made available.   Season ticket packages for the 2019 season are available from the Timber Rattlers ticket office, which is open from 9am until 5pm Monday through Friday. Fans may call (920) 733-4152 or 800-WI-TIMBER or stop by the box office at the stadium.

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

AquaSox Receives NWL Community Service Nomination

Everett, WA – The Everett AquaSox have been selected as the Northwest League nominee for Minor League Baseball’s John Henry Moss Community Service Award. The John Henry Moss Community Service Award is awarded to a club that demonstrates an outstanding, on-going commitment to charitable service, support and leadership within their local community and within the baseball industry.

Throughout the season the AquaSox tied theme and promotional nights to the community by partnering with multiple local organizations. This season the AquaSox partnered with Braden Bishop, former Everett AquaSox outfielder and currently Seattle Mariners prospect with his 4MOM Foundation for Local Heroes Night. Braden’s mother, Suzy, was diagnosed in September 2015 with early-onset Alzheimer’s. The night originally was planned to be a Braden Bishop bobblehead giveaway, Everett Fire versus Police Department Home Run Derby and a donation drive for the 4MOM Foundation. Due to a season-ending injury, Braden was able to join the AquaSox for his very own bobblehead giveaway. With his appearance, the AquaSox and fans raised $2,500 for 4MOM Foundation.

“We love supporting the Everett community and beyond year after year,” said General Manager Danny Tetzlaff. “Being recognized for all our efforts by our peers in the Northwest League is very fulfilling.”

Providence Regional Medical Center and the AquaSox worked together annually for Pink in the Park. This event raises money for the Providence Comprehensive Breast Center. Proceeds from the night along with a Star Wars jersey auction on Star Wars Night, June 23 allowed the AquaSox to donate over $5,600 to the Providence Foundation. In addition to Pink in the Park, the AquaSox supported Hilinski’s Hope during Coug Night raising $1,503. Hilinski’s Hope is a foundation geared toward mental health awareness in memory of Tyler Hilinski, who was the Washington State Cougar Quarterback that ended his life earlier this year.

After the August 12 game, the AquaSox hosted a Challenger Miracle League game in which fans of any age and disability come onto the field to play a few innings with our AquaSox players and coaches. It easily one of the best, and most humbling experiences one can have on a field.

“In my first year with the AquaSox, I am proud to be a part of an organization that supports the community and one the community supports,” Director of Community Relations & Merchandise Ashlea LaPlant said. “I look forward to the continued growth of our community outreach.”

Away from the ballpark Webbly and the staff were involved with multiple events including Little Leagues, National Night Out, non-profits, school visits and a welcoming fair for the newest crew to join the Everett Naval Base.

The AquaSox made many new connections, fostered growth with current partnerships and set a new standard for our relationship with the Everett community. We look forward to even more growth in the 2019 season!

About the Everett AquaSox
The Everett AquaSox, Seattle Mariners affiliate since 1995, continue to offer the most affordable family entertainment in the Pacific Northwest. To stay up to date on everything Everett AquaSox, follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/EverettAquaSox or visit www.AquaSox.com

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

Mason in Search of Friend to go Trick-or-Treating With

COLUMBIA, S.C.- The Columbia Fireflies and Mason today announced that Mason is in search of a friend to spend his Halloween with! Fireflies Kids Club members can enter a contest for the chance to Trick-or-Treat with Mason by submitting their favorite Fireflies, or baseball, memory. The contest winner and their family will be joined by Mason for an hour-long candy filled Trick-or-Treating adventure on October 31.

Memories can be submitted directly to Mason at:

Send mail or deliver to:                                     Email:

Attn: Mason                                                   Mason@ColumbiaFireflies.com

Spirit Communications Park

1640 Freed Street

Columbia, SC 29201

All submissions must be received by 5:00p.m. on Wednesday, October 24. Submissions must include the Kids Club members name and parent / guardian contact information. Winners will be notified on Friday, October 26.

Not a member of the Fireflies Kids Club? It’s free to join and open to all kids 12 and under. Sign up here!

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About the Columbia Fireflies

The Columbia Fireflies are the South Atlantic League affiliate of the New York Mets. Winners of Ballpark Digest’s Best New Branding and Logo Award in 2016, the Fireflies play games across the southeast and mid-Atlantic regions, including against in-state rivals in 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 BullStreet District. 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.

About Spirit Communications Park

Spirit Communications Park, the 2016 Ballpark Digest Ballpark of the Year, is a 365-day per year multi-use sports and entertainment venue located in the heart of downtown Columbia, South Carolina. Spirit Communications Park is the home ballpark for the Columbia Fireflies, the South Atlantic League affiliate of the New York Mets. Designed for baseball, concerts, football, soccer and a host of other activities, the venue seats approximately 9,000 for sporting events and up to 15,000 for major outdoor concerts. With 16 luxury suites and a 7,000 square-foot Club Level Lounge, Spirit Communications Park also hosts everything from business meetings to wedding receptions, and everything in between. The venue is open 365 days a year and serves as a public park, with a wrap-around concourse representing 1/3 of a mile for walkers and joggers. For more information, visit www.SpiritCommunicationsPark.com.

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