Free Chevy Youth Baseball Clinics at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville June 29 & 30

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Local Chevrolet dealers are teaming up with the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp to provide an instructional clinic for boys and girls, baseball and softball players of all skill levels between the ages of 6 and 14. Registration is open for two sessions of the 2018 Chevy Youth Baseball Clinic that will take place Friday, June 29, and Saturday, June 30, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.

Each session is limited to 200 players, and registration is required for each participant online at youthsportsclinics.com. For online registration, select “Market” as “Jacksonville CYB Clinics,” and click “Go!”. Enter the registration code “24389” and click “Submit.” Complete the registration form, starting with parent/guardian information, then adding clinic participant information. In addition to registering before the event, participants are required to present a completed waiver form (available to download here) at the registration table on the day of the clinic.

On the day of the event, check-in will begin one hour prior to each clinic at the Home Plate Gate of the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville. Participants should wear athletic apparel and bring their own glove, water bottle, and bat if available. Metal cleats will not be allowed; only closed-toed, lace-up athletic shoes and rubber cleats will be permitted. Family members are strongly encouraged to attend the entire clinic and park in lots around the Sports Complex. Clinic organizers recommend bringing a cooler with refreshments, as concessions may not be available. Immediately following the clinic, a snack will be provided for all participants.

Visit youthsportsclinics.com/faq to view a list of FAQs or contact CYB Coordinator, Jen Stoltz at (678) 313-2470 or jstoltz@gmdealerprograms.com.

UP NEXT: The Jumbo Shrimp continue their series with Jackson at 7:05 p.m. Friday. Fans may visit any participating NAPA AutoCare Center to get a FREE general admission ticket (reserved seat upgrade available at the box office) for the game that concludes with NAPA AutoCare Family Fireworks. The Jumbo Shrimp wear red “Bold City” jerseys to support the military on Red Shirt Friday, when fans who wear red can save $1 per ticket at the box office or donate the $1 to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund. Friday Night Lites Miller Lite Happy Hour offers $1 12-oz. Miller Lite and $1 off craft beer specials in the Craft Cave by the third-base gates until 7:30 p.m. Awkward Family Photo Night includes a photo booth set up at the Budweiser Tiki Terrace with great props and costumes. The game is presented by 96.1 WEJZ.

ABOUT THE JUMBO SHRIMP: The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are beginning a new era of affordable family fun with the 2017 season presented by Community First Credit Union at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville. With a new lineup of ticket and group options, there is a reason for everyone to get part of the action by calling the Jumbo Shrimp at (904) 358-2846 or visiting www.jaxshrimp.com.

Andrew Jackson students to host ballpark food drive Monday

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A group of students from Andrew Jackson High School are using the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp’s annual Education Day game to help those in need in local schools and the Northeast Florida community. The students will host a food drive for Feeding Northeast Florida at the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp’s Education Day game on Monday, May 21, at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.

Students from the Jackson Five program, which introduces high school students to the sports business industry, will collect non-perishable food items at the third base gate before and during the 11:05 a.m. game. Gates open at 10:00 a.m. Everyone who donates an item at the third base gate will be entered in a drawing for prizes from the Jumbo Shrimp.

“We are so impressed by the effort students at Andrew Jackson High School are making on behalf of those most vulnerable in our community,” said Feeding Northeast Florida President and CEO Frank D. Castillo. “This food drive comes at a perfect time. Without access to the free or reduced school lunch programs, many of the families we serve struggle to feed their children during the summer months. More than 81,000 local kids are considered food insecure, and it is inspiring to see these students at Andrew Jackson stepping up to help their fellow students.”

In its second year after beginning as a unique partnership between the Jumbo Shrimp and Andrew Jackson High School, the Jackson Five program has 10 students who gained hands-on experience during the series of high school games at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville in March and have had mentoring sessions with various departments of the Jumbo Shrimp front office. Students will also be involved in Monday’s game day operations and helped contribute to this press release.

“I am proud of the growth of the Jackson Five Program and the students who show selfless dedication to making an impact for our community,” said Jumbo Shrimp General Manager Harold Craw. “Through the program, students are getting a first-hand look at our organization, and their enthusiasm and ideas energize our staff. We are grateful they chose to share their talents with us.”

UP NEXT: The Jumbo Shrimp open a six-game, five-day homestand with Mobile at 7:05 p.m. Thursday. Gates open at 6 p.m. for Budweiser Thirsty Thursday, with $1 12-oz. and $2 24-oz. beers at select locations, plus $1 sodas at the main concession stands. For National Police Week, Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams will throw a ceremonial first pitch, and police vehicles and trucks will be on display at the ballpark. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Bigs with Badges program will attend the game.

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. 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.

‘Cakes accepting donations for Harvey relief

The New Orleans Baby Cakes will be raising money and supplies for victims of Hurricane Harvey during the team’s final homestand of the season from September 1-4.

From each ticket sold during for the four games, $1 will be donated to the American Red Cross Hurricane Harvey relief fund, and will be matched by MiLB Charities. Donations will also be accepted at Customer Service during the games.

By making a donation, fans will be able to enter a drawing to win prizes ranging from autographed baseballs from current Major League home run leader Giancarlo Stanton and Hall of Famer Andre Dawson, to 2018 season experiences such as ceremonial first pitches and exclusive field access. All proceeds will be donated to hurricane relief.

Additionally, the ‘Cakes have teamed with the Junior League of New Orleans to collect supplies for storm victims. Fans bringing the following items to Sunday’s Fan Appreciation Night will receive a FREE ticket to the 6 p.m. game, which features postgame fireworks:

  • Diapers
  • Baby Wipes
  • Diaper Cream
  • Feminine Products
  • Gift Cards in $20 amounts to Target or Wal-Mart

The Baby Cakes face the Nashville Sounds for the final four games of the 2017 season beginning Friday at 7 p.m. For more information, contact the ‘Cakes at (504) 734-5155.

Muckdogs Announce Youth Baseball Clinic

Join us at Dwyer Stadium August 30th for our youth baseball clinic!

Kids ages 6-14 will receive a day of on-field instruction from the Muckdogs players and coaches on August 30th from 9 am – 1 pm. Children will learn from the pros in the areas of hitting, fielding, pitching, catching, base running and bunting. Then later that evening, campers will be able to come back to Dwyer for a private autograph signing with the team 30 minutes before the gates open (5:30 pm) and then be recognized on the field prior to the Muckdogs game vs. the Mahoning Valley Scrappers (Cleveland Indians affiliate).

Campers will also receive a special t-shirt not available in the team store, a clinic photo, two tickets to the August 30th game, as well as lunch, all for only $40. Registration forms are available at Dwyer Stadium and online at muckdogs.com. Space is limited and all registrations and payments must be turned in by Monday, August 21st. 

Download registration form here. 

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

Baby Cakes host peanut allergy-friendly game

It’s hard to imagine a baseball game without peanuts, but in a new collaboration between Minor League Baseball and AUVI-Q (epinephrine injection, USP), fans that suffer from peanut allergies can enjoy America’s national pastime with less concern.

The New Orleans Baby Cakes will host a “Peanut-Free Game Day” on Thursday, August 24 when they face the Colorado Springs Sky Sox. To make the ballpark safer to sufferers of peanut allergies, the peanut free-game will feature no in-park sales of peanuts or products containing peanut ingredients.

As one of the most common food allergies, peanut sensitivity can lead to reactions ranging from mild irritation to anaphylactic shock, with peanut allergies becoming more prevalent in children.

“With peanut allergies on the rise, AUVI-Q will support our overarching commitment to our fans,” said David Wright, Chief Marketing & Commercial Officer for Minor League Baseball. “We hope that all families, regardless of existing allergies, can experience a Minor League Baseball game to its fullest during designated peanut-free nights.”

“We’re proud to support MiLB to help provide a safer environment for those who suffer from severe peanut allergies to enjoy one of our nation’s favorite pastimes,” said Dr. Eric Edwards, a life-threatening allergy sufferer and co-inventor of AUVI-Q. “AUVI-Q is committed to providing information and resources to help educate the public about life-threatening allergies and encourage a community of inclusion and acceptance.”

AUVI-Q is an FDA-approved prescription medicine used to treat life-threatening allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, in people who are at risk for or have a history of serious allergic reactions. AUVI-Q is the first and only EAI with an auto-retractable needle and includes innovative features such as voice instructions. AUVI-Q is not a substitute for emergency medical treatment.

Nearly $75K to Stand Up To Cancer, Smokies top Shrimp, 9-3

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp pitchers struck out 13 Tennessee Smokies – each time raising $5,300 from Fifth Third Bank for Stand Up To Cancer – and with 5,898 in attendance meaning another $5,898, the single night raised $74,798, while Tennessee won a 9-3 final Thursday night at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.

Jumbo Shrimp right-hander Trevor Richards (2-2) fanned nine batters in the first six innings, including a stretch from the second to fourth inning that included seven straight strikeouts – one shy of the Southern League record. Right-hander Tyler Higgins struck out one, and left-hander Victor Payano struck out three. The 13 were two shy of the club’s season high.

Jax Jumbo Shrimp Highlights – July 20, 2017

Tennessee (16-11 second half, 52-44 overall) tallied a first-inning run, after center fielder Trey Martin hit a leadoff double to right field and scored on third baseman Jason Vosler‘s sacrifice fly. Jacksonville (13-14, 43-54) answered in the bottom of the inning against Chicago Cubs rehabbing left-hander Brett Anderson (2-2), as center fielder Kyle Barrett reached on an error by shortstop Carlos Penalver, and left fielder Austin Dean hit an RBI double to left field, reaching third base on left fielder Daniel Spingola‘s error. After right fielder John Norwood walked, first baseman Dustin Geiger hit an RBI single to center field, and catcher Rodrigo Vigil hit a one-out RBI single. Anderson did not allow another run in his six total innings.

Randy Ready Postgame vs. Tennessee 7/20/17

The 3-1 score remained until Spingola’s fifth-inning solo home run to right field. Richards began the seventh inning with a 3-2 lead but allowed an infield single to right fielder Yasiel Balaguert and second baseman David Bote‘s single. Higgins entered, recording one out on a bunt fielder’s choice, before a walk, catcher Cael Brockmeyer‘s game-tying single, pinch-hitter Andrew Ely‘s go-ahead single, and first baseman Ian Rice‘s two-out, bases-loaded walk. Vosler added a two-run single off left-hander Jeff Kinley to make it 7-3. Richards allowed the first four runs, while Higgins allowed three. In the eighth inning, Payano allowed a two-run single to pinch hitter Kevin Cornelius, extending the 9-3 Smokies lead.

UP NEXT: The Jumbo Shrimp continue their series with Tennessee at 7:05 p.m. Friday, when Jacksonville right-hander Joe Gunkel (3-6) is scheduled to face Smokies right-hander Trevor Clifton (5-5). Fans may visit any participating NAPA AutoCare Center to get a FREE general admission ticket for the games, which will be followed by NAPA AutoCare Family Fireworks. The Jumbo Shrimp will wear red “Bold City” jerseys on Red Shirt Friday, and fans who wear red can save $1 per ticket at the box office, or donate the $1 to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. for Miller Lite Happy Hour, presented in part by Wild Wing Café, with Miller Lite beer specials in the Craft Cave inside the third-base gate until 7:30 p.m. The Wheelhouse Chef’s Table will include a buffet in the suite-level lounge open to all fans for $12 per plate. The game is presented by WEJZ Lite 96.1.

ABOUT THE JUMBO SHRIMP: The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are beginning a new era of affordable family fun with the 2017 season presented by Community First Credit Union at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville. With a new lineup of ticket and group options, there is a reason for everyone to get part of the action by calling the Jumbo Shrimp at (904) 358-2846 or visiting www.jaxshrimp.com.

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

Free Chevy Youth Baseball Instructional Clinics at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville July 21 & 22

PRINT DETAILS ON CHEVY YOUTH BASEBALL CLINICS

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Registration is open for two sessions of the 2017 Chevy Youth Baseball Instructional Clinic, offered free compliments of Southern Chevy Dealers. A pair of clinics with Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp players will take place Friday, July 21, and Saturday, July 22, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.

Each session is limited to 200 players, boys and girls ages 6-14 of all skill levels. Registration is required for each participant online at baseball.youthsportsclinics.com. For online registration, select “Market” as “Jacksonville CYB Clinics,” and enter the password “playball”. Each child is required to RSVP and bring a signed clinic waiver form to the registration table on the day of the clinic.

Participants should wear athletic apparel and bring their own glove, water bottle, and bat if available. Cleats are not allowed on the field. Tennis shoes are acceptable. Family members are strongly encouraged to attend the entire clinic and park in lots around the Sports Complex. Clinic organizers recommend bringing a cooler with refreshments, as concessions may not be available. Immediately following the clinic, a snack will be provided for all participants. Additional information, including detailed location information and itineraries, are available upon completion of registration at baseball.youthsportsclinics.com.

Check-in will begin one hour prior to each clinic; check-in will occur at the Home Plate Gate of the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville. For any questions, visit baseball.youthsportsclinics.com to view a list of FAQs or contact CYB Coordinator, Stephanie Villegas at (770) 337-3081 or svillegas@gmdealerprograms.com.

UP NEXT: The Jumbo Shrimp continue their series with Mobile at 5:00 p.m. Friday, when they resume Thursday’s suspended game in the fifth inning, with Mobile leading, 1-0. In the ensuing seven-inning contest, Jacksonville left-hander Mike Kickham (4-4) is scheduled to face BayBears right-hander Osmer Morales (3-2). Fans may visit any participating NAPA AutoCare Center to get a FREE general admission ticket for the games, which will be followed by NAPA AutoCare Family Fireworks. The Jumbo Shrimp will wear red “Bold City” jerseys on Red Shirt Friday, and fans who wear red can save $1 per ticket at the box office, or donate the $1 to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. for Miller Lite Happy Hour, presented in part by Wild Wing Café, with Miller Lite beer specials in the Craft Cave inside the third-base gate until 7:30 p.m. The Wheelhouse Chef’s Table will include a buffet in the suite-level lounge open to all fans for $12 per plate. The game is presented by Gator Country 99.9.

ABOUT THE JUMBO SHRIMP: The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are beginning a new era of affordable family fun with the 2017 season presented by Community First Credit Union at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville. With a new lineup of ticket and group options, there is a reason for everyone to get part of the action by calling the Jumbo Shrimp at (904) 358-2846 or visiting www.jaxshrimp.com.

Jumbo Shrimp to wear Stars & Stripes caps July 1-3 to benefit Welcome Back Veterans

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, along with all Minor League Baseball teams, will honor America and help raise much-needed funds for a worthy cause this Independence Day holiday weekend by wearing specially-designed red, white and blue caps from New Era Cap Company for games played from July 1-4.

All 160 Minor League Baseball teams will participate in the “Stars & Stripes” cap program and will wear the specialty caps as part of fundraising and awareness initiatives for Welcome Back Veterans, an organization dedicated to addressing the ongoing needs of military personnel and their families.

Minor League Baseball will once again donate 100 percent of the proceeds from cap sales to Welcome Back Veterans. Since the program’s inception, MiLB has contributed annually to the veterans’ organization. The cap features a red, white, blue and silver version of the team logo and may be purchased in team stores and online by visiting team websites.

The Jumbo Shrimp will wear their caps for home games at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville Saturday, July 1, through Monday, July 3, and the caps will be available at the souvenir store during those games beginning July 1. Following Independence Day July 4, any remaining stock of caps will also be available in the store and online at jaxshrimp.com/shop.

“We are honored to again team with Welcome Back Veterans and assist those who have served our country through the Stars & Stripes cap program this Fourth of July weekend,” said Minor League Baseball President & CEO Pat O’Conner. “It is one small way we can show our appreciation for their contributions to our country and help honor America.”

Additionally, for the first time, Minor League Baseball umpires will wear red, white and blue stars and stripes-decorated hats to celebrate Independence Day during games from July 1-4.

UP NEXT: The Jumbo Shrimp return to the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville Wednesday at 7:05 p.m. against Mobile. Gates open at 6 p.m. for the Date Night Special, when a package of two tickets, two hot dogs, two sodas and popcorn is just $20 at the box office windows. It is also Get JAX’ed Night, featuring local fitness centers and individuals competing in on-field and in-stadium contests.

ABOUT THE JUMBO SHRIMP: The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are beginning a new era of affordable family fun with the 2017 season presented by Community First Credit Union at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville. With a new lineup of ticket and group options, there is a reason for everyone to get part of the action by calling the Jumbo Shrimp at (904) 358-2846 or visiting www.jaxshrimp.com.

Baby Cakes, EJGH team up for Scalise blood drive

East Jefferson General Hospital (EJGH) and the New Orleans Baby Cakes are joining forces for a blood drive benefiting U.S. Representative Steve Scalise this Saturday, June 24, at the EJGH Blood Center from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Those who wish to donate a pint of blood will receive a voucher for two (2) tickets to the July 8th Baby Cakes’ game against the Oklahoma City Dodgers at the Shrine on Airline.

“This is an important opportunity for our community,” said EJGH President and CEO Gerald Parton. “Representative Scalise has always put Jefferson Parish and the state of Louisiana first. It’s important that we give back to him during his time of need.”

“The Baby Cakes are proud to partner with EJGH on this important initiative,” added Cookie Rojas, Baby Cakes General Manager. “This community always comes together in difficult times, and this is a wonderful way to show our support for Representative Scalise.”

Scalise represents the 1st Congressional District of Louisiana, encompassing the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain to the area south to the Mississippi River delta. The Archbishop Rummel and LSU graduate, who serves as the House Majority Whip, was injured in a shooting on June 14, while practicing for the annual congressional baseball game. He remains hospitalized at the Medstar Washington Hospital Center in Virginia.

The EJGH Blood Center is located on the second floor of the Domino Pavilion on the hospital’s main campus, located at 4200 Houma Blvd. in Metairie and can be reached by calling 504-503-5691. Convenient parking is available in the Hudson Garage, adjacent to the Domino Pavilion. Appointments are not necessary but encouraged for convenience.

Muckdogs Announce Hit the Books Reading Program

The Batavia Muckdogs today announced the start of their reading program, designed to promote reading amongst the youth of the local communities. Along with the help of New York’s 529 College Savings Program, 2017 will mark the fifth year of the “HIT THE BOOKS with the Batavia Muckdogs” reading program.

As part of this program, the Muckdogs have provided various schools and libraries across local counties with customized bookmarks. On the back of these bookmarks, children can have a parent, guardian, teacher, or librarian initial each time they complete a book. When a child completes 10 books, they can redeem the bookmark at the Dwyer Stadium box office for a FREE TICKET to any Sunday-Thursday Batavia Muckdogs’ game! In addition to the free ticket, the child will also receive a prize courtesy of New York’s 529 College Savings Program. If a child reads 20 books, they will be entered into a drawing to win a backpack with school supplies, provided by New York’s 529 College Savings Program; along with the opportunity to throw out the first pitch at a Muckdogs game.

In addition to the many participating schools, bookmarks will be made available to children at the following local libraries:

  • Richmond Library (Batavia)
  • Lee-Whedon Memorial Library (Medina)
  • Byron-Bergen Public Library
  • Haxton Memorial Library (Oakfield)
  • Hoag Library (Albion)
  • Pavilion Public Library
  • Woodward Memorial Library (LeRoy)
  • Holley Community Free Library

Any questions about the reading program or redeeming for tickets can be answered by Josh Swan, at 585-343-5454 x 1005.

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

Baby Cakes donating to tornado relief fund

The New Orleans Baby Cakes have made a financial contribution to the Greater New Orleans Foundation’s tornado relief fund.

Proceeds from the fund support nonprofit organizations providing assistance to families who suffered catastrophic losses due to the devastation wreaked by tornadoes throughout the region on Tuesday.

“We encourage anyone who is able to join us in assisting those in the community who need help getting their lives back to normal,” said Baby Cakes Senior Vice President and General Manager Cookie Rojas.

The Greater New Orleans Foundation donations page is located here.

Baby Cakes legal counsel and local owner Walter Leger, Jr. sits on the Board of the Greater New Orleans Foundation. Through Sunday, the Trombone Shorty Foundation is matching donations to the fund dollar for dollar up to $50,000.

Grasshoppers Step Up to Help GUM Food Pantry

GREENSBORO, N.C. – With less than a week’s supply of food on the shelves, Greensboro Urban Ministry’s executive director turned to the community for help on Monday afternoon. On Wednesday, Greensboro Grasshoppers President and General Manager Donald Moore delivered a home run.

The Hoppers presented Greensboro Urban Ministry (GUM) with a check for $5,000 to purchase needed food items immediately.

“Hunger and food insecurity create a terrible need in our community, and we thought it was the right thing to do to get involved and encourage others to step up so that our neighbors who need food can continue to receive help,” Moore said Wednesday afternoon. “This donation – and the tremendous support it represents – is such a blessing to the households who are counting on food assistance to make ends meet,” said Rev. Myron W. Wilkins, GUM executive director. “We are thankful and grateful for the Grasshoppers’ quick and generous response.”
The Greensboro Grasshoppers are a key partner in GUM and Church World Service’s annual CROP Hunger Walk.

Greensboro Urban Ministry’s Food Pantry is the largest local resource for men, women and families who lack adequate access to food. Requests for assistance continue to increase. In the first 12 business days in January, GUM distributed 49,686 pounds of food through emergency assistance food bags, compared with 59,132 pounds for the entire month of January 2016.

GUM distributed 1,058,152 pounds of food to the community in 2016 through the food pantry and Potter’s House Community Kitchen, which serves lunch daily to anyone in the community who is hungry. The majority of the food, 759,737 pounds, was distributed through the food pantry to men, women and families with children needing food assistance. GUM assisted 38,429 individuals and 20,947 households with food assistance in 2016.

About Greensboro Urban Ministry
Greensboro Urban Ministry, since 1967, has worked to share the love of God with people in need through practical action. The agency’s work centers on several programs: emergency financial and food assistance to help households avoid eviction; shelter for men and women at Weaver House and families at Pathways Center; daily lunch in Potter’s House Community Kitchen; and case management and financial assistance to support men, women and families moving back into permanent housing.

Please learn more about Greensboro Urban Ministry by visiting our website: www.greensborourbanministry.org.

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

Suns join Zephyrs, raise funds for flood victims

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Suns will raise money for victims of flooding in Louisiana during their homestand at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville Monday, Aug. 22, through Thursday. Aug. 25, while their fellow Miami Marlins affiliate, the Triple-A New Orleans Zephyrs, also raises money for relief efforts during their coinciding homestand.

For each ticket sold on game days Monday through Thursday at the walk-up ticket windows at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville, the Suns will donate $1 to the American Red Cross Louisiana Floods Relief fund. Any additional donations made at the box office will also be donated.

“We are grateful to partner with another member of our baseball family, the New Orleans Zephyrs, to make an impact for flood victims in Louisiana,” said Suns General Manager Harold Craw. “We hope our guests at the ballpark next week and the entire Suns family will show these communities how much their neighbors in Northeast Florida care and support them.”

“Thanks to the New Orleans Zephyrs and American Red Cross, people in Jacksonville have an opportunity to make immediate impact hundreds of miles from the First Coast,” said Suns Director of Community Relations Andrea Williams.

“We are thankful that the Jacksonville Suns will be helping to raise much needed financial support for the Louisiana Floods Relief fund,” said Zephyrs Senior Vice President and General Manager Cookie Rojas. “Their generosity is another example of how Minor League Baseball is a cornerstone for bringing communities together.”

The Red Cross is asking that instead of donating items, those who want to help should donate money so that their response can be activated more quickly and items needed can be bought in bulk. Preliminary estimates indicate that Red Cross response efforts could be the largest since Superstorm Sandy in 2012, and cost more than $10 million. Local officials are reporting that 10,000 homes have been damaged and more than 50 shelters have been opened to those who have been displaced by the flooding.

The Suns face the Chattanooga Lookouts for five games beginning Monday, August 22 at 7:05 p.m. Tickets start at $5. For more information, contact the Suns at (904) 358-2846 or visit www.jaxsuns.com.

ABOUT THE SUNS: The Jacksonville Suns are beginning a new era of affordable family fun under new ownership in 2016. With a FUNdamentally Different promotional schedule and a new lineup of ticket and group options for this season, there is a reason for everyone to get part of the action by calling the Suns at (904) 358-2846 or visiting www.jaxsuns.com.

Muckdogs Announce Hit the Books Reading Program

The Batavia Muckdogs today announced the start of their reading program, designed to promote reading amongst the youth of the local communities. Along with the help of New York’s 529 College Savings Program, 2016 will mark the fourth year of the “HIT THE BOOKS with the Batavia Muckdogs” reading program.

As part of this program, the Muckdogs have provided various schools and libraries across local counties with customized bookmarks. On the back of these bookmarks, children can have a parent, guardian, teacher, or librarian initial each time they complete a book. When a child completes 10 books, they can redeem the bookmark at the Dwyer Stadium box office for a FREE TICKET to any Sunday-Thursday Batavia Muckdogs’ game! In addition to the free ticket, the child will also receive a prize courtesy of New York’s 529 College Savings Program. If a child reads 20 books, they will be entered into a drawing to win a backpack with school supplies, provided by New York’s 529 College Savings Program; along with the opportunity to throw out a first pitch at a Muckdogs game.

In addition to the many participating schools, bookmarks will be made available to children at the following local libraries:

  • Richmond Library (Batavia)
  • Lee-Whedon Memorial Library (Medina)
  • Byron-Bergen Public Library
  • Haxton Memorial Library (Oakfield)
  • Hoag Library (Albion)
  • Pavilion Public Library
  • Woodward Memorial Library (LeRoy)
  • Holley Community Free Library

Any questions about the reading program, bookmarks, or redeeming for tickets can be answered by Josh Swan, at 585-343-5454 x 1005.

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

Muckdogs Announce “Hit the Books” Reading Program

The Batavia Muckdogs today announced the start of their reading program, designed to promote reading amongst the youth of the local communities. Along with the help of NYs 529 College Savings Program, 2015 will mark the third year of the “HIT THE BOOKS with the Batavia Muckdogs” reading program.

As part of this program, the Muckdogs have provided various schools and libraries across local counties with customized bookmarks. On the back of these bookmarks, children can have a parent, guardian, teacher, or librarian initial each time they complete a book. When a child completes 10 books, they can redeem the bookmark at the Dwyer Stadium box office for a FREE TICKET to any Sunday-Thursday Batavia Muckdogs’ game! In addition to the free ticket, the child will also receive a prize courtesy of NYs 529 College Savings Program. If a child reads 20 books, they will be entered into a drawing to win a backpack with school supplies, provided by NYs 529 College Savings Program; along with the opportunity to throw out a first pitch at a Muckdogs game.

In addition to the many participating schools, bookmarks will be made available to children at the following local libraries:

  • Richmond Library (Batavia)
  • Lee-Whedon Memorial Library (Medina)
  • Byron-Bergen Public Library
  • Haxton Memorial Library (Oakfield)
  • Hoag Library (Albion)
  • Pavilion Public Library
  • Corfu Free Library
  • Woodward Memorial Library (LeRoy)
  • Holley Community Free Library

Any questions about the reading program, bookmarks, or redeeming for tickets can be answered by Mike Ewing, at 585-343-5454 x 1005.

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