TinCaps Auctioning Jerseys Worn by Team

 

FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The Fort Wayne TinCaps are auctioning off the team’s batting practice tops from 2018-19 at TinCapsJersey.com. Proceeds from the auction will be donated to the TinCaps CARE program.

The batting practice tops are gray with the team’s apple logo on the right sleeve. “TinCaps” is written across the chest in cursive red with uniform numbers underneath that and on the back in white. The “T” in TinCaps resembles a peeled apple.

The team wore these batting practice jerseys on a daily basis the last two seasons during pre-game activities. During this time, the TinCaps have had some of the Top 100 prospects in baseball, including left-handed pitcher MacKenzie Gore , right-handed pitcher Luis Patino , shortstop CJ Abrams, infielder Xavier Edwards , and catcher Luis Campusano , as well as left-handed pitcher Nick Margevicius , who pitched for the TinCaps in 2018 and then made his Major League Baseball debut in 2019 with the San Diego Padres.

The jersey auction is live and runs through Wednesday, Jan. 15 (5 p.m.). The website lists which players wore each available jersey.

Fans are encouraged to bid on jerseys regardless of their location. Winners who live outside of the Fort Wayne area can make arrangements to have their jersey delivered by mail.

Thanks in part to the team’s MLB affiliate, the Padres, the TinCaps CARE program allows the team to donate tickets to non-profit organizations in the Fort Wayne area that benefit members of the community facing hardship. In 2019, the TinCaps donated more than 1,000 tickets to 18 non-profits.

The TinCaps will have new batting practice jerseys for the 2020 season, which begins on April 9, when the team plays on the road against the Bowling Green Hot Rods. Opening Day 2020 at Parkview Field is set for Monday, April 13 (6:05 p.m.) when the TinCaps host the Cincinnati Reds-affiliated Dayton Dragons.

Parkview Field will feature an enhanced fan experience in 2020, which will include a brand new video board. Season tickets and tickets for group outings are currently available. Tickets to individual games will go on sale in February. For more information, visit TinCaps.com.

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

The Kernels Foundation is now excepting Grant Applications Online

Awards for the Spring Cycle will be selected in March

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – The Kernels Foundation is now accepting grant request applications online at www.kernels.com. All information, including the application form, guidelines, and application cycles, can be found at the following link: https://www.milb.com/cedar-rapids/community/grants.

The Kernels Foundation is currently accepting grant applications for the Spring Cycle, which runs from January 1 – February 15. Approved grants will be announced in March.

The purpose of The Kernels Foundation is to ensure that all youth in Eastern Iowa have the opportunity to experience the thrills and life-enhancing lessons that come from engaging in athletics and recreational activities.

All grant applications that are submitted online will be evaluated by The Kernels Foundation Board of Directors.

Timber Rattlers Release 2019 Charity Report

 

GRAND CHUTE, WI – It was a good year for the various charities supported by the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers Charity Fund. The Rattlers have released a brief report on their charitable works during 2019 as they prepare for 2020.

The main fundraisers for the 2019 Timber Rattlers were the seven jersey auctions held during the 2019 season. The auctions included team-worn jerseys based on promotions for the Udder Tuggers, Los Cascabeles, Military Appreciation, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee Brewers, Star WarsTM, and Wisconsin Brats. These auctions raised almost $18,000 for local charities.

The Timber Rattlers are finalizing their jersey designs for the 2020 season and will unveil those designs as Opening Night for next season gets closer.

The annual Charity Golf Outing which was held on June 3, 2019 was another significant fundraiser. Nearly 100 area golfers plus Timber Rattlers players, coaches, and front office personnel collected over $8,500 for the Timber Rattlers Charity Foundation through the golf and raffles that were held after the outing. The 2020 Charity Golf Outing is scheduled for Monday, June 1 at Shamrock Heights Golf Course in Shawano.

The team was also involved in programs like Whiffer’s Fitness Program and Fang’s Reading Club. 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. The fitness program helped to get kids in the Fox Cities to get and stay active.

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 410 pounds in non-perishable food items as part of the Cans for Cake food drive.

The Timber Rattlers front offices also tended to their on-site garden to grow and harvest 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.

Some of the charities helped by the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers in 2019 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, Lupus Foundation, Farm Aid, and Miracle League of the Fox Valley.

Additionally, over 2000 hats were presented to area Little League programs. Numerous other charities received over 10,000 ticket vouchers to be used in their own fundraisers by the Rattlers.

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.

Thank you to everyone who assisted in our charitable works in 2019. We could not have accomplished this without the support of the players, coaches, and community. We look forward to 2020.

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

Kane County Cougars Baseball Foundation Honored In Times Square

 

GENEVA, Ill. – The Kane County Cougars Baseball Foundation was honored yesterday on the NASDAQ MarketSite Tower that illuminates Times Square with a special message of congratulations after the Foundation received the 2019 Ballpark Digest Commitment to Charity award at the Baseball Winter Meetings in San Diego, Calif. This was a historic event as the Cougars Foundation became the first MiLB Foundation to appear on the NASDAQ MarketSite Tower.

Located at 43rd and Broadway in New York City, the high-tech electronic display is over seven stories tall and wraps around the NASDAQ building providing financial news, market highlights and advertisements. Featured in films, TV programs and news articles the modern-day icon is illuminated 24 hours a day and receives worldwide coverage.

Since 2015, Ballpark Digest has selected one team among the 160 total MiLB teams to receive their prestigious Commitment to Charity Award. The 2019 season represented a record-setting year filled with milestones for the Kane County Cougars Baseball Foundation which led to their selection for the award.

The Cougars Foundation giving exceeded $1 million in 2019, marking the second consecutive year of giving above and beyond the $1 million milestone. The Cougars were also ranked fifth overall following the issue of MiLB’s Charity Report for 2018 which covers the charitable giving for all 160 Minor League Baseball teams. This marks the second consecutive year the Cougars have been ranked in the top ten teams for charitable giving.

The Kane County Cougars Baseball Foundation now manages 24 individual charity programs, the largest number of programs in the Foundation’s history. These programs provide cash contributions to 32 different community organizations which is also the largest number of recipients in the Foundation’s history. Additional highlights for the 2019 season included the Cougars Reading Club reaching over 450 schools with 138,000 students participating in the organization’s reading incentive program as well as the Summer Reading Program which included 89 libraries with over 5,400 students participating. The Cougars Foundation also operates two scholarship programs issuing six scholarships to grade school children as well as five college scholarships. In addition to the reading and scholarship programs, the Foundation’s Military Outreach touched over 1,100 current and former military service members with the Senior Citizens Outreach touching over 2,500 local citizens over the age of 65.

Anticipation is high for the 2020 season as the Cougars celebrate their 30th anniversary. Several capital improvements will be made at Northwestern Medicine Field, home of your Cougars, to enhance the fan experience. In addition, a special logo reveal and 30th-anniversary team will be announced starting in mid-January.

Your Cougars 30th anniversary season kicks off on Thursday, April 9 at 6:30 PM against the Cedar Rapids Kernels. For updates on all the festivities, including ticket and promotion specials, follow the Cougars on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About the Kane County Cougars

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

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

Cougars Announce New Classroom Appreciation Grant, Improvements to Reading Club Program

Additional scholarships and rewards for Reading Club participants will begin in 2020

GENEVA, Ill. – The Kane County Cougars have announced multiple improvements to the Cougars Reading Club as well as a new Ozzie and Annie Classroom Appreciation 1K Grant. This is the first announcement of several enhancements the Cougars will be making ahead of their 30th anniversary season. Additional announcements regarding capital improvements, a 30th-anniversary logo reveal and the 30th-anniversary team will be made starting in mid-January.

Prior to the 2020 season, Ozzie and Annie Reading Scholarships were awarded to six local students for the lasting impact their involvement with the Cougars Reading Club has made in their everyday lives. Moving forward, the Cougars will now be awarding 10 total scholarships at $500 each in an effort to expand the appreciation for student involvement and assist with continuing their education.

Each student that participates in the Cougars Reading Club receives multiple rewards including a Golden Ticket. Beginning with the 2020 season, all Reading Club participants who present their Golden Ticket at the box office will be awarded two complimentary tickets for all June-September games, which doubles the ticket reward from previous seasons, ensuring even more family fun throughout the summer.

New for the 2020 season is the Ozzie and Annie Classroom Appreciation 1K Grant. This program will award one teacher’s classroom with a $1,000 grant to show appreciation for their participation in the Cougars Reading Club. Cougars mascots and goodwill ambassadors, Ozzie and Annie T. Cougar, will present the check to the winning teacher and their classroom. Additional details regarding the Classroom Appreciation Grant will be announced soon.

Teachers that are interested in registering their school or classroom in the Cougars Reading Club can visit kccougars.com for more information.

The Cougars Reading Club is an eight-week incentive program that runs between the months of January and March. Students from Pre-K through 8th grade are eligible to participate as long as their school is a member of the Reading Club Program. Students that complete a reading home run are rewarded with a complimentary ticket to an April or May Cougars game, a hot dog and soft drink, official Cougars Reading Club souvenir and bookmark as well as the opportunity to participate in a pre-game on-field parade led by Ozzie and Annie.

Your Cougars 30th anniversary season kicks off on Thursday, April 9 at 6:30 PM against the Cedar Rapids Kernels. For updates on all the festivities, including ticket and promotion specials, follow the Cougars on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About the Kane County Cougars

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

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

Cougars Announce Winter Coat and Boot Drive Begins December 2

 

GENEVA, Ill. – The Kane County Cougars have announced the dates for the organization’s annual Winter Coat Drive. New for this season, the Cougars will also be collecting donations of winter boots.

Beginning Monday, December 2, fans are welcome to stop by the Cougars front office at Northwestern Medicine Field (34W002 Cherry Lane, Geneva, IL 60134) between 9 AM and 4 PM, Monday through Friday. Donations of new or gently-used winter coats and boots for infants, children and adults are encouraged. Fans will receive one (1) undated reserved seat ticket voucher valid for a 2020 regular season Cougars game with each donated item. There is a maximum of 10 complimentary ticket vouchers per fan.

In partnership with the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans and Mutual Ground, all coats and boots will be donated to local individuals and their families in need of cold-weather outerwear this winter.

The deadline to donate for this year’s Winter Coat and Boot Drive is Friday, December 13 at 4 PM. For more information, contact the Cougars front office at 630-232-8811.

Your Cougars 30th anniversary season kicks off on Thursday, April 9 at 6:30 PM against the Cedar Rapids Kernels. For updates on all the festivities, including ticket and promotion specials, follow the Cougars on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About the Kane County Cougars

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

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

Cougars Announce New Military Partnership with Folds of Honor

Portion of the proceeds from Legacy Brick sales will be donated to Folds of Honor scholarship funds

GENEVA, Ill. – The Kane County Cougars, minor league affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, have announced a new military partnership with Folds of Honor. Both organizations will work together on multiple initiatives including the Legacy Brick program, Military Appreciation Night and Hometown Heroes.

The Cougars launched the Legacy Brick program prior to the 2015 season. Fans can purchase a custom legacy brick etched with a special message, their name or the name of a family member or friend. All bricks are permanently displayed outside Northwestern Medicine Field near the entrance to Gate 3. Moving forward, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of each legacy brick will benefit Folds of Honor and the work that they’re doing to provide scholarships for the dependents of our military heroes.

For more information about brick sizing, visit kccougars.com.

“The Folds of Honor mission is singular, to provide educational scholarships to the spouses and children of wounded and fallen service members,” said Larry Robinson, Advisory Member for the Chicago Board of Directors. “In 12 short years, we have been able to provide almost 25,000 scholarships, which helps military families achieve their dream of attending college. We are honored to partner with the Kane County Cougars to help us on our mission to honor their sacrifice and educate their legacy.”

In addition to the Legacy Brick program, military members, both active duty and veterans, are honored throughout the season with a special night set aside to celebrate and show appreciation. In addition, select nights feature a Hometown Hero who is honored on the field in-between innings for their heroic actions and service.

“As an organization, the Kane County Cougars are very passionate about our support for America’s men and women that have been deployed around the world to protect our freedom,” said Curtis Haug, Vice President and General Manager of the Cougars. “We are proud to partner with Folds of Honor Chicago to assist in their quest to provide educational support for the families of America’s fallen and disabled service members.”

The Cougars 30th anniversary season kicks off on Thursday, April 9 at 6:30 PM against the Cedar Rapids Kernels. For updates on tickets and promotions, follow the Cougars on Twitter, Facebook or 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, Kyle Schwarber and Willson Contreras.

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

Hot Rods Announce Second-Annual Charity Dinner and Silent Auction

 

BOWLING GREEN BALLPARK (Bowling Green, KY) — The Bowling Green Hot Rods, Class-A Affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays and member of the Midwest League, are excited to announce their second-annual Charity Dinner sponsored by Van-Meter Insurance featuring guest speaker and two-time MLB All-Star Rob Dibble. The event will take place on January 30, 2020, at the Corvette Museum in Bowling Green and will feature a silent auction.

Dibble, who made stops with the Cincinnati Reds, Chicago White Sox, and Milwaukee Brewers over a seven-year career, will join the Hot Rods for their second-annual Charity Dinner. While the right-handed reliever was best known for being a member of the 1990 World Series Champion Reds team and a member of the “Nasty Boys” bullpen, he’s also enjoyed a successful career after baseball.

Proceeds from the event will benefit Norton Children’s Hospital, Stuff the Bus, and Kids on the Block. There will also be a silent auction and bar during the event, as well.

“We’re excited to host another charity dinner and partner with these three organizations,” said Hot Rods COO/General Manager Eric C. Leach. “Last years’ event was fantastic and we’re looking forward to another incredible night!”

In January of 2019, the Hot Rods hosted their inaugural dinner featuring Hall of Famer George Foster with great success. The event raised over $5,100 for local charities. As an organization, the Hot Rods donated $300,000 in gifts, in-kind donations, and donations back to South Central Kentucky.

“The Bowling Green Hot Rods are a vital community partner for not only Stuff the Bus but numerous outlets,” said Tony Rose of Stuff the Bus and host of the Tony Rose Show. “We are in debt to the Hot Rods and their incredible front office for allowing us to be part of their programs that help us with our mission statement of creating a level playing field for all students.”

The event will start at 5:00 PM with a meet-and-greet with Dibble until 5:30 PM. A meet-and-greet with the general public with the guest speaker will begin at 5:30 PM and conclude at 6:30 PM, when dinner will begin.

Tables are available for $400 while individual tickets are on sale for $40. Tickets can be purchased over the phone at 270-901-2121, www.bghotrods.com or at Bowling Green Ballpark prior to the event.

Ticket packages for the 2020 season are on sale now! Fans can choose from a Holiday pack that includes six tickets and an All-Star shirt for $60 and an All-Star Holiday Pack with six tickets, tickets to both the 2020 Midwest League Home Run Derby and Fanfest, as well as an All-Star Game ticket and a tee-shirt for $85! Individual tickets will be available beginning in February 2020. For the event package information please visit www.bghotrods.com or call 270-901-2121.

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Hot Rods Baseball

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

DBJ Selects Dragons, Robert Murphy for Community Awards

 

Dayton, Ohio-The Dayton Dragons have been honored as the Miami Valley’s “Customer Service Business of the Year” for the second straight year by the Dayton Business Journal. Additionally, Dragons President Robert Murphy has been selected as the 2019 Executive of the Year in the Dayton-area business community by the DBJ.

The Dragons and winners of other 2019 Dayton Business Journal awards were honored on Thursday night at the Dayton Business Journal gala at the Schuster Performing Arts Center. The Business of the Year awards program has celebrated the region’s best in business for 17 years.

“Thanks to Dayton Business Journal for selecting the Dayton Dragons for these honors,” said Murphy. “The Dragons have the best fans in sports in a great community with great corporate support. Our staff works hard to make each of our 70 home dates each season a special event for our guests, and this recognition is a reflection of our team’s commitment and dedication to being a difference-maker for our community.”

The Dragons completed their 20th season in 2019. They hold the longest streak of consecutive sold-out dates in the history of sports in North America. The streak is active at 1,385 straight sell-outs, starting with the Dragons first game on April 27, 2000.

For 14 straight years, the Dragons have finished first in the nation in season attendance for all Minor League Baseball clubs below the Triple-A level, and their 20 years have marked the top 20 seasons in attendance at the Single-A level in Minor League Baseball history.

Murphy has received several other local and national awards over the last several months. In April, he was selected for induction into the Dayton Business Journal Forty-Under-40 Hall-of-Fame, the highest honor in the program. Murphy was selected as professional baseball’s 2019 Executive of the Year by Ballpark Digest after being named 2018 Minor League Baseball Executive of the Year by Baseball America.

The Dragons will open their 21st season in the Midwest League on April 9, 2019 when they host the Great Lakes Loons.

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Attached photo, from left: Robert Murphy, Dragons President; Brandy Guinaugh, Assistant General Manager; Brad Eaton, Vice President of Corporate Partnerships; Eric Deutsch, Executive Vice President.

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

Ballpark Digest Honors Cougars for Commitment to Charity

 

GENEVA, Ill. – The Kane County Cougars, minor league affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, have been announced as the 2019 Ballpark Digest Commitment to Charity Award winner. Since 2015, the award has been handed out to the team that has shown growth in their charitable giving and community programs making the Cougars one out of 160 teams across the country to be recognized by Ballpark Digest for their charitable outreach this season.

In 2018, the organization announced A Million Smiles campaign with a fundraising goal of $1 million. The goal was surpassed thanks in part to over 20 local programs that have been put into place via the Kane County Cougars Baseball Foundation, including the Cougars Reading Club and the Summer Reading Program which helped raise over $750,000.

This season, two new programs were implemented to expand the organization’s community outreach with Mental Health Awareness and Deaf Awareness Night. Local charities were selected that focus on improving the quality of lives for those who deal with mental illness and hearing impairments. For each strikeout recorded by a Cougars pitcher during those two nights, the Kane County Cougars Baseball Foundation made a $100 donation with a portion of the total proceeds provided to the selected charities.

Another unique program that was recently implemented is in partnership with AmazonSmiles. Fans who purchase items on Amazon can select the Kane County Cougars Foundation as their desired charity to receive one percent of the purchase and assist in the expansion of the Foundation’s local reach.

“Our goal has always been not only to give back to our community, but also to honor the people of our community,” said Cougars owner Dr. Bob Froehlich. “Each of our programs is focused on how we can give back and it has helped us to strengthen our community relationships. When people hear the name Kane County Cougars, they know that we are about more than just baseball.”

The Cougars 30th anniversary season kicks off on Thursday, April 9 at 6::30 PM against the Cedar Rapids Kernels. For updates on tickets and promotions, follow the Cougars on Twitter, Facebook or 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, Kyle Schwarber and Willson Contreras.

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

Weyauwega Baseball Diamond Receives Makeover from Rattlers Grounds Crew

 

GRAND CHUTE, WI – The Weyauwega Community Baseball Field received a makeover courtesy of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers before the snow started to fall. The field was chosen in a random drawing of participants in a fundraising program that was available to youth baseball programs during the 2019 season.

The Timber Rattlers grounds crew edged the diamond, leveled the playing surface, and cleaned up the fence line at the Little League field.

“The City of Weyauwega is very grateful to have been selected for this work and for the graciousness of the Timber Rattlers to use their time and talents to better community ball fields such as ours,” said city administrator Jeremy Schroeder. “We extend a huge thank you to the Timber Rattlers and their staff for the work at the community park ball diamond.”

The fund raising program in 2020 will allow youth sports leagues and eligible non-profit organizations to purchase undated Timber Rattlers ticket vouchers at $7, resell the vouchers for $12, and keep the difference for their group.

There are some exciting new additions coming to the 2020 fund raising program this offseason. Contact Kyle Fargen at (920)733-4152 Ext. 225 or kfargen@timberrattlers.com for the latest information on how you can participate next season.

Ticket packages for the 2020 season are available online through timberrattlers.com, over the phone at (920) 733-4152 or (800) WI-TIMBER or in person at the Timber Rattlers Box Office located at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium. The box office is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday.

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

TinCaps Auctioning Off Game-Worn Jerseys

 

FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The Fort Wayne TinCaps are auctioning off game-worn jerseys at TinCapsJersey.com. Proceeds from the auction will be donated to the TinCaps CARE program.

The jerseys up for auction are the team’s San Diego Padres jerseys that were worn by players and coaches during Sunday games at Parkview Field from 2017-19. The jerseys are white with navy piping and “PADRES” across the chest. The uniform numbers 1-39 are available, with the exception of 6, 19, 31, and 35, which are retired by the Padres.

The TinCaps’ Padres jerseys were sported by some of baseball’s top prospects, including nine who’ve already reached the major leagues. See list below.

NOTE: The No. 23 jersey worn by Fernando Tatis Jr. in 2017 is not up for auction. The team is preserving that jersey for historical purposes. As an 18-year-old, Tatis set the franchise’s single-season home run record with 21. He made San Diego’s roster in 2019 and instantly became one of the most exciting players in the big leagues. The team issued a new No. 23 jersey worn by players in 2018 and ’19. That jersey is available to bid on. 

The jersey auction is live and runs through 5 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, Nov. 20.

Fans are encouraged to bid on jerseys regardless of their location. Winners who live outside of the area can make arrangements to have their jersey delivered by mail.

Thanks in part to financial support from the Padres, the TinCaps CARE program allows the team to donate tickets to non-profit organizations in the Fort Wayne area that benefit members of the community facing hardships. In 2019, the TinCaps donated more than 1,000 tickets to 18 different non-profits.

Jerseys For Auction Worn By Players Who’ve Reached the Major Leagues

  • No. 11: RHP Pedro Avila
  • No. 14: RHP Ronald Bolanos
  • No. 16: LHP Adrian Morejon
  • No. 24: RHP Andres Munoz and RHP David Bednar
  • No. 25: LHP Nick Margevicius
  • No. 26: LHP Logan Allen and RHP Michel Baez

Jerseys For Auction Worn By Current Top 30 Padres Prospects

  • No. 3: INF Gabriel Arias
  • No. 4: C Luis Campusano
  • No. 8: LHP MacKenzie Gore
  • No. 9: INF Xavier Edwards, INF Gabriel Arias, and OF Buddy Reed
  • No. 12: INF Esteury Ruiz and C Blake Hunt
  • No. 13: INF Owen Miller
  • No. 15: INF Tucupita Marcano
  • No. 18: OF Jeisson Rosario and RHP Reggie Lawson
  • No. 20: INF Hudson Potts
  • No. 22: LHP Joey Cantillo and RHP Mason Thompson
  • No. 25: LHP Ryan Weathers
  • No. 26: RHP Luis Patino
  • No. 28: OF Tirso Ornelas and RHP Mason Thompson

A complete rundown of who wore each jersey is available at TinCapsJersey.com.

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

South Bend Cubs Host Fourth Annual Polar Plunge

 

SOUTH BEND, IN – Leap year will take a whole new meaning this February as the South Bend Cubs will host the 4th annual Michiana Polar Plunge. This event will benefit Special Olympics Indiana and will take place on Saturday, February 29, 2020. Registration begins at 10:00 a.m. the with the plunge starting at 12:00 p.m. After taking the plunge, participants are invited to celebrate at the After-Splash Bash in the Pepsi Stadium Club.

DONATE TO THE SOUTH BEND CUBS PLUNGE TEAM BY CLICKING HERE

The Polar Plunge is an event that is held across Indiana as well as across the country. Special Olympics Indiana is a non-profit organization whose mission is to empower those with intellectual disabilities. As explained by President and CEO of Special Olympics Indiana, Jeff Mohler, “The vision of Special Olympics Indiana is that sports will open hearts and minds towards individuals with intellectual disabilities and create inclusive communities across the state.” By putting on events like the Polar Plunge, Special Olympics Indiana is able to raise funds that will improve the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. The funds that are raised at the Polar Plunge will be used to support the thousands of Special Olympics athletes in Indiana.

“One way we accomplish our vision is through fantastic community partners, the South Bend Cubs are one such partner,” stated Mohler. “From their owner, Mr. Berlin, to their general manager, to the players, and every staff member. The South Bend Cubs are a premier organization. We are excited to partner with them again next February for the 2020 Polar Plunge. Go Cubs!”

Special Olympics Indiana has succeeded in raising over $55,000 in the last three years. The 2019 Polar Plunge raised over $20,000, and Special Olympics Indiana and the South Bend Cubs are looking to you to help reach the 2020 goal of $24,000.

“Every year, our fans and fellow plungers have helped exceed our fundraising goal for Special Olympics Indiana,” said South Bend Cubs Director of Media and Promotions Chris Hagstrom-Jones. “To help us get to $24,000, we’re adding a couple of prizes for our top fundraisers. The individual who raises the most money will receive a free outdoor suite to a South Bend Cubs game in April and the chance to throw out a ceremonial first pitch. To the group that raises the most money, they will each receive a ticket voucher good for any April South Bend Cubs game.”

Fans who do not wish to plunge can also donate to the South Bend Cubs front office team. Fans who donate at least $15 will be entered to win a set of four tickets to a South Bend Cubs game. Three lucky winners will be chosen after February 29. Donate by visiting SouthBendCubs.com or clicking this link.

To participate in the 2020 Michiana Polar Plunge, individuals or groups must raise a “bear” minimum of $75 in pledges. All funds raised will benefit Special Olympics Indiana. Participants can register as an individual or gather friends, family members, co-workers, civic group or school group and register as a team. Register by visiting soindiana.org and clicking on the events page. Funds raised by this event will help local athletes train and compete at local, area and state level.

About Special Olympics Indiana

Special Olympics Indiana is a not-for-profit organization that provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in more than 20 Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, reaching more than 16,000 athletes across Indiana. The organization receives no federal- or state-appropriated funds, is not a United Way agency and relies entirely on corporate, civic and individual donations. For more information about Special Olympics Indiana, call (317) 328-2000 or visit www.soindiana.org.

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 32 seasons, the team has won four Midwest League titles, most recently in 2019, and has captured eight 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.

TinCaps Gear Up for Halloween

 

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The Fort Wayne TinCaps are gearing up for Halloween.

From Monday, Oct. 21 through Friday, Oct. 25, fans can go to TinCapsWin.com and enter a contest for their child to go trick-or-treating with Johnny TinCap on Thursday, Oct. 31.

Before then, Parkview Field is hosting a Scavenger Hunt on Saturday, Oct. 19 (5:00–6:45 p.m) as part of Downtown Fort Wayne’s Fright Night.

Fans are invited to the ballpark to search for items hidden around the venue. Attendees can take as much time as they need to participate. The fan who guesses the correct number, or closest to that, will win a special prize pack from the TinCaps and Parkview Field. The ballpark will also have limited concessions available, plus Halloween-themed content playing on the video board, and an appearance by Johnny TinCap. The event is suitable for all ages. Click here for more details on Fright Night.

As part of the Halloween season, Johnny TinCap will also be making the rounds at other community events such as trunk-or-treats.

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

Fifth Third Field to Host Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk on Oct. 19

 

DAYTON, OHIO – The 2019 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk will take place at Fifth Third Field on Saturday, October 19. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. with a rolling start from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

This event is part of a national fundraising effort. In 2019 alone, over 1 million walkers across the country collected more than $60 million to help fight this disease.

One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and it is estimated that over 40,000 lives will be lost to breast cancer in 2019. Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women (excluding skin cancer) and second only to lung cancer as a cause of cancer death in women.

You can help win the fight. The walk and donations go directly to the support, transportation, recovery, and other needs that arise with the diagnosis of breast cancer. The American Cancer Society also invests in groundbreaking breast cancer research to better understand, prevent, find, and treat the disease.

The Dragons website, www.daytondragons.com, and all Dragons social media pages (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram) will remain pink for the month of October to help draw attention to the efforts by Kettering Health Network to increase breast cancer awareness in the Miami Valley.

To register for the walk and get more information, please visit www.makingstrideswalk.org/Dayton.

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