Alliant Energy Foundation to match a portion of Harry Potter Jersey silent auction proceeds this Friday

Cedar Rapids, IA – Alliant Energy, the sponsor of the Harry Potter Jersey Night set for this Friday, June 22nd, and the Alliant Energy Foundation have announced they will match a portion of the total money raised from the jersey silent auction at the game.

The Alliant Energy Foundation will match up to $5,000 of the total amount raised by the jersey silent auction that will take place during Friday’s game between the Kernels and Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. Both teams will be wearing special Harry Potter Jerseys and the proceeds from the silent auction will benefit HACAP’s Operation Backpack.

Gates open at 5:30 PM on Friday, June 22nd with first pitch scheduled for 6:35 PM. Tickets may be purchased online at www.kernels.com or by calling the Kernels Ticket Office at (319) 896-7560.

The Kernels are currently enjoying the MWL All-Star Break through June 20th. They begin the second half of the MWL season by hosting the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers on Thursday, June 21st at 6:35 PM, which kicks off a seven-game home stand that continues until Wednesday, June 27th.

Chris Kleinhans-Schulz and Morgan Hawk bring you all of the play-by-play on the radio home of Kernels baseball, 1450 KMRY AM and 93.1 KMRY FM. Fans may listen on-line at www.kmryradio.com, or www.kernels.com. Fans may also stream all 70 Kernels home game and selected road games via a MiLB.TV subscription. Visit MiLB.TV for subscription information.

Tickets may be purchased on-line at www.kernels.com, or by calling the Kernels Ticket Office at 896-7560. Ticket office hours are 10 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday, and 10 am to 2 pm on Saturday.

2018 Nick Adenhart Memorial Scholarship winners: Mackenzie Redmond and Logan Hadsall

Cedar Rapids, IA – The Cedar Rapids Kernels and Kernels Foundation are pleased to announce Mackenzie Redmond and Logan Hadsall as the winners of the 2018 Nick Adenhart Memorial Scholarships. They were recognized in an on-field ceremony before the Kernels game with Peoria on Sunday, June 17th.

Mackenzie Redmond will be graduating from Marion High School and plans on attending Mount Mercy University to major in Nursing. Logan Hadsall will be graduating from Center Point-Urbana High School and plans on attending Kirkwood Community College, pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice. Both winners are members of the National Honor Society at their respective high schools.

Nick Adenhart was a bright young pitcher who played for the Cedar Rapids Kernels in 2006 and was a rising star in the Los Angeles Angels organization. Only hours after Nick’s 2009 season debut on the mound for the Angels, a drunk driver tragically killed him on April 9, 2009 at age 22.

Nick’s family continues to honor him with the awarding of two $1,000 scholarships in his memory. The Kernels Foundation is privileged to administer the scholarships on behalf of Nick’s family.

The Kernels are currently enjoying the MWL All-Star Break through June 20th. They begin the second half of the MWL season by hosting the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers on Thursday, June 21st at 6:35 PM, which kicks off a seven-game home stand that continues until Wednesday, June 27th.

Chris Kleinhans-Schulz and Morgan Hawk bring you all of the play-by-play on the radio home of Kernels baseball, 1450 KMRY AM and 93.1 KMRY FM. Fans may listen on-line at www.kmryradio.com, or www.kernels.com. Fans may also stream all 70 Kernels home game and selected road games via a MiLB.TV subscription. Visit MiLB.TV for subscription information.

Tickets may be purchased on-line at www.kernels.com, or by calling the Kernels Ticket Office at 896-7560. Ticket office hours are 10 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday, and 10 am to 2 pm on Saturday.

TinCaps to Honor Big Brothers Big Sisters of America Rising Star Student

FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The Fort Wayne TinCaps and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Indiana will recognize Amaya Williams, a local high school senior and one of 20 national Rising Star Students program winners, with an on-field check presentation and a ceremonial first pitch on Friday, June 22 when the team plays the West Michigan Whitecaps at Parkview Field at 7:05 p.m.

The TinCaps and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Indiana surprised Amaya with the invitation to Parkview Field at the Big Futures Graduation on Tuesday night (June 12).

 

Williams will receive a $500 college stipend as part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters Rising Star Students program. The award honors high-achieving students involved in the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America mentorship program who are preparing for college.

 

Amaya, who just graduated from North Side High School in Fort Wayne, plans to attend Ivy Tech and major in Early Childhood Education. Williams wants to impact those around her and always looks for an opportunity to make a difference in her community and within herself. With the influence of her Big Sister, Domini, Amaya feels confident that she’s fully prepared for her future in college and in the workplace.

 

Nominees for the honor were required to provide submissions describing their academic and personal achievements, college and career goals, and how their involvement in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program has impacted them.

 

“Big Brothers Big Sisters does amazing work in our community and around the nation,” said TinCaps President Mike Nutter. “Amaya and Domini are a perfect example of how BBBS can develop young people into our future leaders. We can’t wait to honor Amaya at Parkview Field.”

 

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America has been an MiLB Charity Partner since the program’s inception in 2004. The mission of the Minor League Baseball Charity Partners Program is to provide national exposure for participating charities, expand current relationships between clubs and local chapters and to foster new relationships where none exist. In 2017, charitable giving by Minor League Baseball teams and MiLB Charities totaled nearly $40 million.

 

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of America:

Big Brothers Big Sisters provides children facing adversity with strong, enduring, professionally supported oneto-one mentoring relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. Big Brothers Big Sisters ensures that the children in its program achieve measurable outcomes, including educational success, avoidance of risky behaviors, higher aspirations, greater confidence, and better relationships. This mission has been the cornerstone of the organization’s 114-year history. With nearly 300 affiliates across the country, Big Brothers Big Sisters has served more than 2 million children (“Littles”) in the past 10 years.

 

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

Special Dragons Jersey Friday on Defeating Cancer Night

DAYTON, OHIO-The Dayton Dragons will wear specially-designed jerseys on “Defeating Cancer Night” at Fifth Third Field on Friday, June 8 when they host the Bowling Green Hot Rods at 7:00 p.m. Each jersey will be autographed by the Dragons player or coach who wore it that night for a jersey auction that will begin after the game. All proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society.

The specially-themed jersey night will be a first in the Dragons 19-year history. The Dragons have never worn specially-designed jerseys for a single game and then conducted a jersey auction after the game.

Jerseys worn by all Dragons players and coaches will be part of the auction, which will last one week and be viewable at daytondragons.com.

“The Dragons organization is very excited with this opportunity to assist the American Cancer Society in their continuous fund-raising efforts,” said Robert Murphy, Dragons President & General Manager. “This will be the first full-team jersey auction in our history and we are pleased to give fans the opportunity to bid on these special jerseys to be worn on Friday night by our players and coaches.”

“We are looking forward to Friday night and sharing our resources with the community,” said Shayna Knack, Senior Manager, Community Development, with the American Cancer Society. “It’s an honor to be part of this event and we want to thank the Dragons organization for partnering with us in the fight to end cancer.”

Defeating Cancer Night at Fifth Third Field on June 8 will include a variety of special events and activities.

  • The American Cancer Society’s pink semi-truck will be parked on the plaza in front of the ballpark with an information table.
  • The Bob Ross Auto Group’s pink vehicle will be parked on the plaza with a tent and showcase items.
  • The Pink Ribbon Girls’ pink fire truck will be parked on the plaza with a tent and information table.
  • Free sunscreen samples will be available through a partnership between Minor League Baseball and the American Cancer Society that promotes awareness and prevention of skin cancer.
  • Andrew Heil, a two-time cancer survivor, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch.
  • The event will also feature in-game recognition of cancer survivors, battlers, care providers, and family members.

A portion of ticket revenue from the game on June 8 will also be donated to the American Cancer Society and Pink Ribbon Girls.

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

TinCaps & Padres to Donate to Challenger Baseball League

FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The Fort Wayne TinCaps and the San Diego Padres are donating $1,000 to provide bats and helmets to the local Challenger Baseball League at Northcrest Little League.

The Little League Challenger Division is an adaptive baseball program for individuals with physical and intellectual challenges. Any individual with a physical or intellectual challenge may participate. The Challenger Division accommodates players ages 4-18, or up to age 22 if still enrolled in school. Locally, there are six teams in the Challenger League that meet every Sunday. There are over 950 Challenger programs in 10 countries around the world with over 30,000 athletes participating in the Challenger Division every year.

 

“When we heard about the opportunity to support such a tremendous organization in our community, we were excited to help in any way possible,” said TinCaps President Mike Nutter. “The Challenger Baseball League has an amazing mission, and we’re grateful to have a Major League affiliate like the Padres who are committed to helping us make a positive impact in our community.”

 

The Fort Wayne and San Diego organizations are in their 20th season of affiliation together, going back to 1999. Annually, the Padres sponsor more than 1,500 tickets that are donated to non-profit organizations in the Fort Wayne area that allow less fortunate fans to attend games at Parkview Field. In addition, the Padres underwrite the costs for 1,000 tickets for military families on Military Appreciation Day at Parkview Field (which this year is set for Sunday, June 10). Not to mention, Padres prospects with the TinCaps volunteer to make appearances in the community throughout the season.

 

“The Padres are always committed to helping the TinCaps make a difference in the community in Fort Wayne as we do in San Diego,” said Todd Stephenson, Padres Manager for Minor League Administration. “Like the TinCaps, as an organization, the Padres are committed to making the game of baseball inclusive for all. The Challenger Baseball League does an incredible job and hopefully our donations help these kids and young adults create special baseball memories that will last a lifetime.”

 

Representatives from the TinCaps, including team mascot Johnny TinCap, will deliver the equipment on Sunday, June 3.

 

About Challenger Baseball:

The Challenger Baseball program was initiated by Little League Baseball in 1989 to meet the needs of physically and mentally challenged brothers and sisters of Little League players. The Fort Wayne Challenger program began in 1991 with two teams totaling 17 players, playing games alternately between the Northcrest and Forster Park Little League complexes, to be accessible for wheelchairs.

 

In 1999, two additional teams were added with 46 players ages eight through age eighteen or High School graduation. In 2008, Fort Wayne was chartered with the first experimental Senior Challenger program for players ages 14 to unlimited age, which now serves an additional twenty-two players.

 

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

Dayton Dragons MVPs to Celebrate at Fifth Third Field

Dayton, Ohio– The Dragons MVP Program presented by Bob Evans Farms provides thousands of area fourth and fifth grade students with “MVP Field Day” at Fifth Third Field this Saturday, June 2, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The students from Clark, Greene, Miami, Montgomery, and Warren Counties were all recognized by their teachers through the “Dragons MVP Program” as having done something extraordinary inside or outside of the classroom this school year.

The Dragons MVP Program provides students, who are recognized by their teachers, with a unique opportunity to attend this special event where they will have a chance to meet the 2018 Dayton Dragons and enjoy a day of fun activities at Fifth Third Field. Among the activities scheduled are inflatable games, carnival games, mascots, a special treat from Bob Evans Farms, a free team poster, “baseball skills” stations with the Dragons players, and an autograph session.

FACTS ABOUT THE MVP PROGRAM

This is the 13th season for the Dragons MVP Program. More than 1,200 classrooms and 35,000 students participated during the 2018 season.

Each teacher selected five Dragons MVPs for their classroom, resulting in more than 6,000 students being recognized for their achievements in and out of the classroom.

The children selected as Dragons MVPs received a customized certificate and complimentary tickets to enjoy a Dragons game at Fifth Third Field with their families. At the game, they received a specially designed Dragons MVP ball cap. MVPs also received tickets to the “MVP Field Day” to be held at the stadium on June 2.

The Dragons MVP program presented by Bob Evans Farms is also made possible courtesy of CollegeAdvantage, Sinclair College, WDTN-TV and Dayton’s CW.

More Information: The Dayton Dragons are the Midwest League affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play a 70-game home schedule at beautiful Fifth Third Field in downtown Dayton, easily accessible from Interstate 75. Individuals and groups seeking information about Dayton Dragons group tickets, lawn tickets, the season ticket wait list, sponsorship opportunities or booking a Dragons speaker are encouraged to contact the Dragons by calling at (937) 228-2287, emailing at dragons@daytondragons.com, or on the web at daytondragons.com.­

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

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Dragons present an Anthem Home Run for Life

Dayton, Ohio – Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Dayton Dragons will host 12-year-old Gabe Duplechian during the unique Anthem Home Run for Life program on Wednesday, May 30, at 7:00 p.m., when the Dayton Dragons take on the West Michigan Whitecaps at Fifth Third Field.

The Anthem Home Run for Life program provides children in the Dayton region who are battling serious medical conditions with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Each honoree gets to take a lap around the bases at Fifth Third Field during a sold-out Dragons home game while the crowd cheers them on.

Gabe’s Story

Around Christmas of 2012, Gabe Duplechian came home from school with a sore arm. There was no incident earlier that day that would have caused the constant pain Gabe was feeling, so his parents took him to urgent care. Based on preliminary tests, it was suggested Gabe had a fracture and his arm was placed in a cast to heal.

Unfortunately, this didn’t solve Gabe’s issues. Quickly after having his cast removed, he had similar pain in his other arm and then shortly thereafter his legs. The pain was so excruciating that he was unable to walk and perform daily functions. After months of tests with results seemingly normal, Gabe’s parents were frustrated and took him to the emergency room for some answers.

After many more tests, Gabe and his parents were shocked to learn he had Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). Gabe didn’t have the typical signs of this condition, and it had taken months for the family to get an accurate diagnosis.

ALL is a cancer of the white blood cells characterized by excess lymphoblasts. Malignant, immature white blood cells continuously multiply and are overproduced in the bone marrow. This form of cancer causes damage by crowding out normal cells in the bone marrow, and eventually spreads to other organs.

Treatment started immediately for Gabe. He had a one-week induction with steroids and then started chemotherapy. Gabe went through 30 days of isolation, lost his hair multiple times, had a buildup of ammonia, and experienced liver issues during his treatment.

Today, Gabe is 12-years-old and feels great. His last round of chemotherapy was in June of 2016 and he’s extremely grateful to be in remission. “This experience has taught me to not take things for granted,” Gabe said. “Things could always be worse. And even though I had cancer, cancer didn’t have me.”

Gabe will be in eighth grade at Kettering Middle School next school year. He enjoys english, wrestling, and playing the saxophone.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Dayton Dragons applaud all those who have been instrumental in Gabe’s life, including his parents Jason and Adrienne, his specialist Dr. Dole, and his entire medical team. Please join us in cheering on Gabe as he completes his Home Run for Life at Fifth Third Field on May 30.

More Information:  The Dayton Dragons are the Midwest League affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play a 70-game home schedule at beautiful Fifth Third Field in downtown Dayton, easily accessible from Interstate 75. Individuals and groups seeking information about Dayton Dragons group tickets, lawn tickets, the season ticket wait list, sponsorship opportunities or booking a Dragons speaker are encouraged to contact the Dragons by calling at (937) 228-2287, emailing at dragons@daytondragons.com, or on the web at daytondragons.com.

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

“Little Big Leagues” Grand Prize Game Winner Selected

DAYTON, OHIO – It doesn’t get much better than baseball played by kids. The love affair with our national pastime began on little league fields across the country for so many of us. In that spirit, the Dayton Dragons and IGS Energy are proud to continue a multi-year partnership to shine a spotlight on youth baseball players all across our region.

The Dragons “Little Big Leagues” program, presented by IGS Energy, is a season-long program filled with amazing experiences for kids and a chance for all fans to celebrate youth baseball.

IGS Energy is sponsoring a Grand Prize Game on Tuesday, June 5 at 7 PM. Two local youth baseball teams from Midwest Ohio Baseball will square off under the lights at Fifth Third Field as if they were playing in a Dragons game. All the elements from a Dragons game, including PA announcers, video board graphics, Dragons in-game entertainment, and more, will be part of this experience. Gates open at 6 PM for this free open to the public event. The two teams won this opportunity by signing up for a Little Big Leagues Pre-Game Parade, presented by IGS Energy.

Thousands of youth baseball players have the opportunity to participate in one of the IGS Little League Parades before a sold-out Dragons game this summer. Leagues that come to a Dragons game as part of a group outing will be escorted for a lap around the warning track at Fifth Third Field during pre-game warmups and have an opportunity to take a league-wide photo on the field. Leagues were encouraged to sign up early so they could be entered to win the Grand Prize Game and other experiences.

For more information on how little league teams and players can get involved in the Dragons “Little Big Leagues” program, presented by IGS Energy, contact the Dragons group sales department at (937) 228-2287, email dragons@daytondragons.com, or visit www.daytondragons.com/IGS.

About IGS

IGS is a leading provider of retail energy supply, home services products, distributed generation such as solar and combined heat and power as well as compressed natural gas services. With over 25 years of experience, the company leverages extensive in-house expertise to bring innovation to the energy industry. By embracing new technologies, supporting alternative energy resources, and encouraging energy independence, IGS is inspiring homeowners, businesses, and communities to make smart energy decisions. The company also has a community investment program which provides employees with opportunities to get involved with and give to causes that are meaningful to the company and to them personally.

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

Kettering Health Network Presents the “Strike Out Stroke” Event

Dayton, Ohio – Manual Bidaara, a stroke survivor, will throw out the first pitch at the Dayton Dragons game on Sunday, May 20, at 2:07 p.m. when Kettering Health Network presents the “Strike Out Stroke™” event. The Dragons will be hosting the Great Lakes Loons at Fifth Third Field in downtown Dayton. Strike Out Stroke is a registered trademark of the “Retreat and Refresh Stroke Camp.”

Bidaara, a 17-year-old foreign exchange student from Portugal, was brushing his teeth one morning in April and noticed he couldn’t move his left arm or hand. Then, his left leg gave out and he collapsed. The whole left side of his body went numb and Bidaara began to slur his speech.

Bidaara’s host brother helped him up and notified his host guardian, Jim. Jim knew something was wrong and took Bidaara to the emergency room at Soin Medical Center. There, he was stabilized by Scott Balonier, DO.

After evaluation, it was theorized that Bidaara, who is active in sports, had recently suffered an ankle injury that created a blood clot. The clot moved upwards through his body and passed through a hole in Bidaara’s heart due to a heart condition from his childhood. Then, the clot made its way to Bidaara’s brain and caused the stroke.

Bidaara had surgery in early May at Kettering Medical Center and is on the road to recovery. His career ambition is to one day become a neurologist to study the brain himself.

Kettering Health Network will be on the plaza from noon-2:30 p.m. with stroke awareness and prevention information and will also be passing out various stroke awareness items.

More Information:  The Dayton Dragons are the Midwest League affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play a 70-game home schedule at beautiful Fifth Third Field in downtown Dayton, easily accessible from Interstate 75. Individuals and groups seeking information about Dayton Dragons group tickets, lawn tickets, the season ticket wait list, sponsorship opportunities or booking a Dragons speaker are encouraged to contact the Dragons by calling at (937) 228-2287, emailing at dragons@daytondragons.com, or on the web at daytondragons.com.

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

Dragons to Participate in Great American Cleanup

Dayton, Ohio – Montgomery County Environmental Services will host the Great American Cleanup event on Saturday, May 19 from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Ft. McKinley United Methodist Church on 3721 W. Siebenthaler Ave. in Dayton.

The Dragons will kick off the event from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. with hats, raffle prizes, Dragons players, members of the Dragons Green Team, members of the front office staff, and a mascot. The cleanup of the area will begin at 10:00 a.m. and continue until 2:00 p.m. Dragons players, Green Team and staff will assist in the cleanup until 12:00 p.m.

At this time, 2018 Great American Cleanup registration is full, but you can still show up to the event to help cleanup and enter the raffle or organize your own cleanup. You can visit www.kmbcohio.org to organize your own event.

This is a rain or shine event. In the event of severe weather, keep an eye on the Dragons Facebook and Twitter pages for updates on the morning of May 19.

About the Great American Cleanup

The Great American Cleanup is the largest organized volunteer litter cleanup and community improvement program in the country. This long standing Keep America Beautiful event, which runs annually from March 1 until May 31, is sponsored locally by the Keep Montgomery County Beautiful (KMCB) program. Keep Montgomery County Beautiful provides volunteers with cleanup supplies and can assist with litter disposal. KMCB can also help coordinate cleanup events and provide other resources for large scale community projects. For more information on KMCB programs, please visit www.kmcbohio.org or call (937) 225-4999.

More Information: The Dayton Dragons are the Midwest League affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play a 70-game home schedule at beautiful Fifth Third Field in downtown Dayton, easily accessible from Interstate 75. Individuals and groups seeking information about Dayton Dragons group tickets, lawn tickets, the season ticket wait list, sponsorship opportunities or booking a Dragons speaker are encouraged to contact the Dragons by calling (937) 228-2287, by email at dragons@daytondragons.com, or on the web at daytondragons.com

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

Dragons Set for IGS Energy’s “Little Big Leagues” Takeover

DAYTON, OHIO – The Dayton Dragons and IGS Energy continue their partnership to enhance the youth baseball experience all over the Dayton area in 2018. The “Little Big Leagues” program, presented by IGS Energy, has been an integral part of connecting Dragons players with aspiring youth baseball players over the years, and this program extends out into the community as well.

The “Little Big Leagues” Takeover is one of the favorite events for youth baseball players in the area. The event, presented by IGS Energy, is on Saturday, June 9, and gives local kids the chance to “bring the Dragons to your home turf”. Not only will the famed Green Team, Heater, and Gem make appearances at local youth baseball fields and practices, but Dragons players will be in attendance too. Kids have the chance to learn baseball fundamentals from current Dragons players. Teams won this experience by signing up for a Little Big Leagues Pre-Game Parade.

Thousands of youth baseball players have the opportunity to participate in one of the IGS Little League Parades before a sold-out Dragons game this summer. Leagues that come to a Dragons game as part of a group outing will be escorted for a lap around the warning track at Fifth Third Field during pre-game warmups and have an opportunity to take a league-wide photo on the field. Leagues were encouraged to sign up early, so they could be entered to win the Grand Prize Game and other experiences.

For more information on how little league teams and players can get involved in the Dragons “Little Big Leagues” program, presented by IGS Energy, contact the Dragons group sales department at (937) 228-2287, email dragons@daytondragons.com, or visit www.daytondragons.com/IGS.

About IGS

IGS is a leading provider of retail energy supply, home services products, distributed generation such as solar and combined heat and power as well as compressed natural gas services. With over 25 years of experience, the company leverages extensive in-house expertise to bring innovation to the energy industry. By embracing new technologies, supporting alternative energy resources, and encouraging energy independence, IGS is inspiring homeowners, businesses, and communities to make smart energy decisions. The company also has a community investment program which provides employees with opportunities to get involved with and give to causes that are meaningful to the company and to them personally.

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

South Bend Cubs Co-Host Inaugural Military Honor & Appreciation Fair on Memorial Day

SOUTH BEND, IN – As a kickoff to South Bend’s “Best.Week.Ever.” festival, the South Bend Cubs will host the inaugural Military Honor & Appreciation Fair at Four Winds Field on Monday May 28. The fair is part of “Armed Forces Week”, a special week of home games dedicated to the United States military service branches starting on Monday, May 21st and culminating with Military Appreciation Days on Sunday evening and Memorial Day.

“Every year, we are honored to partner with Express Employment Professionals over Memorial Day weekend,” said South Bend Cubs President Joe Hart. “This season, we have expanded the weekend to include the full eight game homestand as well as a Military Honor and Appreciation Fair to help bring awareness to issues that our active duty military and veterans are facing.”

Co-hosted by Express Employment Professionals, Military Appreciation Days on Sunday, May 27 and Memorial Day, May 28, will honor veterans and currently-serving military personnel by offering two free tickets to either the Sunday or Monday games with proof of service.

On Sunday, visitors around the Four Winds Field Plaza will be visually inspired by 50 US flags placed in-line by the Indiana Patriot Guard Riders in dedication to Vietnam veterans. This display will recognize members of the Vietnam Veterans of America. The Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association will also ride their motorcycles onto the field, which will be followed by a live flyover and field landing of UH-1 Huey 369, a restored Huey helicopter from American Huey 369 out of Peru, Indiana.

On Memorial Day, Express Employment Professionals and the South Bend Cubs will host the inaugural Military Honor & Appreciation Fair. The event starts at 10:45 a.m. with a special wreath-laying ceremony featuring area dignitaries that include Indiana’s 2nd District Congresswoman Jackie Walorski, 95.3 MNC’s afternoon radio host Casey Hendrickson, and South Bend Cubs President Joe Hart. Other participants will include the Miller’s Vets Color Guard, area Boy & Girls Scouts, and representatives of the Indiana Army National Guard, who will perform TAPS and the National Anthem.

Following the ceremony will be the Military Appreciation Fair. Over 25 local military service organizations will be represented along with military vehicles and equipment on display. There will also be a paintball shooting booth from BlastCamp out of Hobart, Indiana. All events on Monday will take place outside of Gates A & B in the Four Winds Field plaza.

Prior to first pitch on Monday, the families of fallen service members will be recognized on the field, organized by US Army Survivor Outreach Services and Helping Hands for Freedom.

In addition to the events on May 27 and 28, the South Bend Cubs and Express Employment Professionals will host a food drive during all eight games. Nearly 25% of food insecure Hoosiers are our military veterans. All food and money collected will benefit the Food Bank of Northern Indiana and their area food agencies, who help feed hungry and food insecure families across North-Central Indiana.

About Express Employment Professionals
Express Employment Professionals is a leading workforce staffing provider in the U.S., Canada and South Africa. Founded in 1983, Express Employment Professionals has nearly 800 franchise locations, including three franchise offices covering a six-county area and located in Mishawaka, Elkhart, and Warsaw, in North-Central Indiana. Express specializes in the placement of job-seekers with employers for commercial, administrative, skilled trades, and professional positions.

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 30 seasons, the team has won five Midwest League titles, most recently in 2005, and has captured 12 division titles. This year, Four Winds Field, home of the Cubs, was named Ballpark Digest’s Best Single-A ballpark. 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 sole 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.

Dragons Baseball Camps Set for This Summer

DAYTON, OHIO – The Dayton Dragons and IGS Energy continue their partnership to enhance the youth baseball experience all over the Dayton area in 2018. The Little Big Leagues program has been an integral part of connecting Dragons players with aspiring young baseball players over the years, and this program expands out into the community as well.

This summer, the Dragons will host two baseball camps at Fifth Third Field as part of the Little Big Leagues program, presented by IGS Energy. The camps run for two days each from 9 AM to 1 PM each day. Participants will learn baseball fundamentals from Dragons players and coaches. The experience includes player autographs, a Dragons shirt, Dragons hat, certificate of participation, a gift from IGS Energy, and four tickets to a future Dragons home game.

The dates for the camps are June 25 and 26 as well as July 30 and 31. Any youth baseball or softball player ages 7 through 14 is eligible to participate in the two-day camp. The cost is $90 for the two-days and lunch will be provided at the ballpark on the second day of the camp.

For more information on how little league teams and players can get involved in the Dragons “Little Big Leagues” program, presented by IGS Energy, contact the Dragons group sales department at (937) 228-2287, email dragons@daytondragons.com, or visit www.daytondragons.com/IGS.

About IGS

IGS is a leading provider of retail energy supply, home services products, distributed generation such as solar and combined heat and power as well as compressed natural gas services. With over 25 years of experience, the company leverages extensive in-house expertise to bring innovation to the energy industry. By embracing new technologies, supporting alternative energy resources, and encouraging energy independence, IGS is inspiring homeowners, businesses, and communities to make smart energy decisions. The company also has a community investment program which provides employees with opportunities to get involved with and give to causes that are meaningful to the company and to them personally.

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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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TinCaps to Again Host Military Appreciation Day

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The Fort Wayne TinCaps once again have partnered with OmniSource LLC and Steel Dynamics Inc. to welcome military personnel to Parkview Field for Military Appreciation Day on Sunday, June 10, when the team hosts the Lansing Lugnuts (Toronto Blue Jays) at 3:05 p.m.

Complimentary tickets are currently available for military families-both active and veteran-to enjoy the game on June 10, thanks to the generosity of OmniSource and Steel Dynamics, caring individual donors, and the San Diego Padres.

As they have in the past, the Padres, Fort Wayne’s MLB affiliate, are underwriting the costs for 1,000 tickets for military families. The San Diego Padres are proud to partner with the TinCaps in support of military and charity initiatives in the Fort Wayne area. The Padres had the first military outreach program in professional sports and it is currently the largest in Major League Baseball.

“It’s an honor to provide military families the appreciation they deserve on this special day,” said TinCaps President, Mike Nutter. “This gives us an opportunity to give back to the men and women, and their loved ones, who’ve done so much for this country. We’re proud to have partners in OmniSource and Steel Dynamics, as well as the San Diego Padres, to help us host a game like this.”

“The men and women of our OmniSource and SDI family are proud and honored to be a part of this celebration for our courageous United States military heroes,” said Russ Rinn, President & COO OmniSource LLC. “We all know that because of them, we live in freedom.”

The TinCaps also have continued their partnerships with multiple military organizations offering military personnel in attendance the chance to visit kiosks highlighting many of the support organizations and offerings available to military-active and veteran-in the area.

For this game, TinCaps players will be wearing red, white, and blue patriotic jerseys. The TinCaps also will wear these jerseys on the Fourth of July. On Independence Day, the jerseys will be auctioned off on TinCapsJersey.com, with proceeds being donated to Honor Flight Northeast Indiana.

Military personnel and their family who are eligible to request tickets to Military Appreciation Day can visit TinCapsMilitary.com for more information. Tickets will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Those with questions can contact McKenzie Brown with the TinCaps at 260-407-2809 or brown@tincaps.com.

In addition, the TinCaps continue to take nominations for the team’s Military Salutes throughout the season on fireworks nights. Contact TinCaps Vice President David Lorenz (260-407-2815, lorenz@tincaps.com) for more information.

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

Dragons and Wright State to Honor Top Teacher

Dayton, Ohio – The Dragons and Wright State University’s College of Education and Human Services will honor Missy Nix as a Dragons MVP Program Top Teacher on Tuesday, May 8 at 7:00 p.m. when the Dayton Dragons take on the Cedar Rapids Kernels at Fifth Third Field.

The Dragons MVP Program Top Teacher Award honors teachers for their outstanding accomplishments in his or her classroom and community.

Missy Nix- Top Teacher Award Honoree

Missy Nix is a 4th grade teacher at Shawnee Elementary. She is a proud Wright State University alum, earning both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees there.

She grew up thinking she would be an accountant, but the further along she went in life, she knew she was being called to something different. That something different was a career as a teacher.

“I believe God put me in the teaching position I am in,” Missy said. “I receive strength and joy from this direction he gave me.”

Missy also knows that teaching our children is definitely a team effort. “A lot of recognition belongs to the parents of these MVPs. They have instilled the values necessary for student success academically, behaviorally, and personally.”

Of many great stories Missy has, one student sticks out from the rest. Six years ago, Missy had a student who was struggling to improve his reading level from one year to the next. That summer, Missy was determined to help him improve his reading level. Every week the pair would get together and Missy would challenge him with progressively difficult passages to read. They would even talk each day on the phone so he could read the passage out loud to her. By the end of that summer, the student had made huge strides and caught up with his peers.

Missy has been using the Dragons MVP Program since the beginning. Her favorite part of the program is being able to give her students the power to nominate their peers for recognition as a Dragons MVP winner.

For her dedication to go above and beyond for her classroom and all of the students at Shawnee Elementary, Missy Nix is being honored as a Dragons MVP Program Top Teacher. This award is made possible by Wright State University’s College of Education and Human Services.

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