Cougars Rebrand Annual 5K To Honor Local First Responders

GENEVA, Ill. – The Kane County Cougars have announced the 6th annual 5K Run/Walk will take place on Saturday, June 3 at Northwestern Medicine Field beginning at 8 a.m. The charitable event will take on a new look from years past as the Cougars organization continues to grow their charitable outreach. Renamed the Cougars 5K: Honoring First Responders, presented by Planet Fitness, a portion of the proceeds from the race will benefit the TriCity (Batavia, Geneva and St. Charles) Police and Fire Departments, the Kane County Sheriff’s Office and the Forest Preserve District of Kane County Police Department.

Registration is now open for the event at kccougars.com as well as raceroster.com.

“Planet Fitness is very excited to be sponsoring this year’s Cougars 5K: Honoring First Responders,” said Mike Horan, Managing Partner at Planet Fitness. “We would like to thank First Responders for all they do in our community. Planet Fitness is looking forward to promoting health and fitness throughout the community.”

The Cougars 5K, which features chip timing, will take on a new course along both Kirk Road and Fabayan Parkway. Additional course details will be announced at a later date.

This year’s event will also include the “Cougars Inside the Park Dash” for children through age 12. The roughly half-mile fun run, held inside the ballpark, will take place at the conclusion of the Cougars 5K Run/Walk for just $5 per child.

For the first time in the history of the Cougars annual 5K event, Kane County Board Chairman, Chris Lauzen, will be serving as the Official Starter for the Cougars 5K: Honoring First Responders.

“We’re very excited about the new direction that the Cougars 5K has taken on,” said Cougars owner, Dr. Bob Froehlich. “The additional element of honoring first responders continues to expand our charitable outreach throughout the community while allowing us to continue the Cougars tradition of hosting family-friendly events.”

Open to both competitive runners and recreational walkers, the Cougars host one of the most unique 5K events in the Chicagoland area. The finish line, located at home plate, allows participants to be seen on the ballpark’s videoboard through a live-feed camera while also receiving high-fives from Ozzie and Annie T. Cougar down the final stretch of the race course. Families with children are encouraged to participate as strollers are permitted on the course with a special discounted rate for participants between the ages of 5-18 years old.

Those registered by May 24 are guaranteed a commemorative race t-shirt featuring the new Cougars 5K logo while all participants will receive a complimentary ticket voucher valid for any game during the 2017 season. The top three male and female finishers in 14 age groups will receive a custom race medal featuring the Cougars 5K: Honoring First Responders logo, courtesy of Image Awards, Engraving & Creative Keepsakes, Inc. of Geneva.

Following the race, participants can enjoy a variety of refreshments including a complimentary hot dog, brat and beer for those 21 and older.

Individuals who register by March 24 can take advantage of early bird pricing with a special $28 fee. Following the early bird registration, pricing will increase to $33 until May 31 and then $38 until race day on June 3.

Follow the Cougars on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for up to date information regarding tickets and promotions.

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 152 former Cougars have reached the Major Leagues including Miguel Cabrera, Nelson Cruz, Josh Beckett, Adrian Gonzalez and Kyle Schwarber.

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

Meijer Baseball Academy Registration Now Open

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

SOUTH BEND, IN – Four Winds Field, the home of the South Bend Cubs, will transform into a training ground for young baseball players this July when Cubs players and coaches become instructors for the 2017 Meijer Baseball Academy.

There will be two academy training sessions to help keep the camp size smaller and allow more interaction with the players and coaches. Session one will be held July 12 through July 14 and session two runs July 26 through July 28. Registration is open to children from 6 to 12 years of age. Instruction from players and coaches will be based on the age and skill level of each participant. Throughout the three-day session participants will learn about hitting, pitching, fielding (infield and outfield), catching, and base running.

“This is a great opportunity for young players,” South Bend Cubs President Joe Hart said. “We’re excited to provide an opportunity for aspiring players to learn from pro ball-players within the Cubs organization.”

The registration fee for one, three-day session is $125.00 per child. All attendees will receive a Meijer Baseball Academy t-shirt, a South Bend Cubs hat, lunch after each day of camp, and four (4) tickets to a South Bend Cubs game where all academy campers will participate in a pre-game recognition on the field.

“One of our team slogans is ‘The road to the World Series starts in South Bend,'” Hart said. “We want to bring that slogan to our Baseball Academy so hopefully one day we’ll see a few of these youngsters playing professional baseball.”

Check-in for the first day of each session will begin at 8:30 a.m. ET. Camps will run from 9:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., with lunch at 11:50 a.m.

To register, visit the Meijer Baseball Academy webpage and download the application form. Forms must be emailed to Marketing@SouthBendCubs.com and payment must be made at time of registration. For additional questions, call Stephen Cabe at (574) 235-9988 extension 262.

About the South Bend Cubs

The South Bend Cubs are the Class A minor league affiliate of the World Series Champion Chicago Cubs. Over the past 29 seasons, the team has won five Midwest League titles, most recently in 2005, and has captured 12 division titles. 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.

Bandits donate $5,000 to American Legion

River Bandits owner Dave Heller (left) presents check to American Legion Post 26

DAVENPORT, Iowa – Furthering the traditions of giving back to the local community and honoring the United States military, the Quad Cities River Bandits and Main Street Baseball have donated $5,000 to the Davenport American Legion. River Bandits owner Dave Heller presented a check for the full amount to Post 26 Monday evening during the post’s member meeting. The donation will be used by the Legion for building repairs and roof improvements.

The grant continues the River Bandits dedication to honoring and helping those who have served our country. The Bandits currently provide ticket discounts – sometimes as low as $1 a ticket – to current and former military members, honor military and civilian personnel by giving them four free tickets to sit in the Lane Evans Patriot Seats during each home game, host the patriotic Red, White and Boom celebration every July 3 and work with military programs, such as Honor Flight of the Quad Cities, to raise money for the organizations that serve, protect and honor our service men and women.

“We at the River Bandits appreciate more than words can express the selfless dedication of all of the men and women who have proudly worn our nation’s uniform,” said Heller. “We are delighted to make this grant to fund the necessary building and roof repairs that our local Legion Post required, and even more excited to welcome Quad Cities’ veterans, guardsmen, reservists and active duty military to the ballpark all season long. Our great country was built on the strength of our veterans, and we are so grateful for their sacrifices to ensure our freedom.”

Post 26 is one of the largest American Legion branches in the state of Iowa and has been chartered since 1920. The American Legion is a national, community-service organization that has served as a patriotic, mutual-help, war-time veterans organization chartered by congress nearly a century ago.

“American Legion Post 26 wants to thank Mr. Dave Heller for his generous donation to Post 26,” said Commander Mike Matson. “His kindness will go a long way in helping the American Legion in Davenport help serve our local Veterans.”

In 2016, the River Bandits gave over $320,000 in charitable contributions to the Quad Cities community and seek to improve upon that number in 2017. The River Bandits season begins on Thursday, April 6, at 6:35 p.m. against the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers at Modern Woodmen Park. Group packages are available now by calling (563) 324-3000 or visiting riverbandits.com.

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

MBF Grant Application Deadline is Friday

MIDLAND, Mich. – The Michigan Baseball Foundation’s 2017 grant application season will be closing this Friday, February 17. Grant applications can be picked up at Dow Diamond or downloaded at Loons.com. All applications must be received by the Michigan Baseball Foundation via mail (825 E. Main St.; Midland, MI 48640), in person at Dow Diamond, or via email at cvanwert@loons.com.

MBF has awarded 257 grants totaling $918,251 to non-profit organizations across 14 counties of the Great Lakes Bay Region over the past nine years.

To be considered for a grant from MBF, the organization must meet one or more of the following guidelines, which reflect the purposes for which the Michigan Baseball Foundation operates.

• Contributes to regional economic development by expanding employment opportunities and promoting the general welfare of the area.
• Based in the mid-Michigan area and serves young people.
• Funded project promotes amateur sports and fitness.

The Michigan Baseball Foundation will consider funding mid-Michigan non-profit organizations that use the grant money to fund projects; the grants are not intended to fund day-to-day operations. Primary consideration will be given to organizations in the Midland, Bay, Saginaw, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Genesee, Isabella, Tuscola, Huron, Arenac, Ogemaw, Sanilac and Iosco counties.

Grant recipients will be notified by the end of April 2017. Recipients will also be asked to respond to the Michigan Baseball Foundation Board of Directors on the success of the project for which the grant was used.

For more information contact Carol VanWert at 989.837.6144, or at cvanwert@loons.com.

The Michigan Baseball Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity that was founded in 2006 to create regional economic development through creative partnerships, and to enhance the efforts of regional organizations that serve young people. The Michigan Baseball Foundation owns and operates Dow Diamond, home of the Great Lakes Loons, a Single-A partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

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

Kernels Military Heroes card set nominations closed

Cedar Rapids, IA – The Kernels are proud to announce that we have collected all the nominations for the 2017 Military Heroes Baseball card set and nominations for this year’s card set are now closed. Thank you to everyone who submitted a military hero for this year’s set!

We still encourage active duty personnel, veterans and their families to attend our Military Heroes Night on Tuesday, July 4th at 5:05 PM. The Kernels will wear special patriotic jerseys that will be sold via a silent auction with the proceeds to benefit local veterans groups and we will be honoring all veterans and active duty personnel during the game.

With the strong interest in each of our Military Heroes Baseball Cards sets, the Kernels plan to continue this annual tradition by releasing a fifth Military Heroes Set for the 2018 season. Nominations for this set will open in mid-November of 2017.

Dragons Green Team Performing at Area Schools

Opening night for the 2017 baseball season is 10 weeks away, but Dayton Dragons mascots Heater and Gem along with the Dragons Green Team are already bringing the excitement of baseball season to local elementary schools. For the fifth straight year, the Dragons entertainment team is performing assemblies at Miami Valley elementary schools. The program continues into April.

Click here for more information on the Dragons School Assembly program.

Each 30-minute interactive, fun, high-energy performance includes a visit by Heater or Gem and members of the Green Team, the Dragons signature group that facilitates skits, contests, and sing-a-longs during Dragons games at Fifth Third Field. Each assembly focuses on the benefits of proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle. The performances, typically held in the school gymnasium, include some of the same entertainment skits seen at the ballpark, plus some new material designed specifically for the schools.

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

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

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

The Dragons 18th Opening Night is set for Thursday, April 6 at 7:00 p.m. at Fifth Third Field against the Lake County Captains. On April 1 at Fifth Third Field, the Dragons will host the Cincinnati Reds Futures Game, when the Reds battle a team of their top minor league prospects.

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

Kane County Cougars Foundation, Inc. Releases Annual Report

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE 2016 ANNUAL REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY

GENEVA, Ill. – The Kane County Cougars Foundation, Inc. is pleased to share the second Annual Report to the Community detailing the charitable outreach completed in 2016. The report lists the extensive accomplishments of the foundation and the many notable programs coordinated by the Cougars.

The 50/50 Raffle and the Acres Group Pitch-In for Charity are two in-game programs which a portion of the proceeds benefit specific charities selected by the Kane County Cougars Foundation. In 2016 these two programs generated over $27,000 to support local causes including Anderson Animal Shelter, Hesed House, People’s Resource Center-DuPage County, West Suburban Community Pantry, Rush-Copley Foundation and YWCA Victims Support Services of Naperville.

A new charitable contribution for the 2016 season included the Paramount Fence Home Run for Charity. For every home run that was hit by a Cougars player at home, Paramount Fence made a donation to Emmanuel House in Aurora which was then matched by the Cougars organization, raising a total of $1,900.

Ozzie’s Home Run and Walk 5K generated funds for the Ozzie’s Scholars program, which awarded $3,000 in scholarships to local students as well as the Waubonsee Community College Foundation. The Cougars Legacy Brick Program shares proceeds with the Wounded Warrior Project and the Kane County Cougars Foundation was pleased to present them with over $1,900 in 2016.

Each year the Cougars Reading Program encourages over 140,000 local area students to meet reading goals with incentives such as game tickets, food vouchers and a drawstring backpack. In-kind donations for Ozzie’s Reading Club totaled $562,207 last year.

Through a variety of military organizations including the Illinois National Guard, Operation Support Our Troops, Rolling Thunder Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans and the Veteran Tickets Foundation, the Kane County Cougars Foundation presented in-kind donations for Military Recognition totaling $14,689 in 2016.

Various other in-kind donations, community appearances, high school seminars, clinics, events and the Cougars on-going commitment to the senior citizen community added to the overwhelming donation total that the Kane County Cougars Foundation was able to provide in support of organizations across Kane County and the surrounding area. The Cougars hope to continue this outreach and remain active in giving back to its supporters and community members.

“As recipients of the prestigious Kane County ‘Sparkler Award’ which recognizes commitment to charitable work in the surrounding community, it’s important to us as an organization that we continue to find new ways to give back to the local organizations that help our community day in and day out,” said Cougars owner, Cheryl Froehlich.

“We are proud to once again share this information with our local community,” added Cougars owner, Dr. Bob Froehlich. “We are humbled by the generosity that has allowed us to support these initiatives and look forward to continuing our charitable outreach in the coming season.”

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 151 former Cougars have reached the Major Leagues including Miguel Cabrera, Nelson Cruz, Josh Beckett, Adrian Gonzalez and Kyle Schwarber.

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

2017 Nick Adenhart Memorial Scholarship

Cedar Rapids, IA – Applications are being accepted through The Kernels Foundation for the sixth annual Nick Adenhart Memorial Scholarship.

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 would like to honor him by awarding a $1,000 scholarship in his memory. The Kernels Foundation is privileged to administer the scholarship on behalf of Nick’s family.

The deadline for submitting applications for this scholarship is Friday, April 14, 2017. Applicants must be a graduating high school senior from an area high school and attend a two or four-year accredited college or university and take 12 or more hours per semester. The applicant must have played an organized sport in the last two years, must be a great teammate, must demonstrate hard work and determination, and must have a clear vision of their career goal.

Scholarship applications are available through area schools guidance offices, or may be downloaded by clicking here.

For more information, please contact Doug Nelson at 319-363-3887 or email at doug@kernels.com.

2017 season ticket packages and 10-game coupon books are on sale now at the stadium, or by calling the Kernels at (319) 363-3887. Individual game tickets go on sale Monday, March 13th at 10 AM. The Kernels open the 2017 Midwest League season at Beloit on Thursday, April 6th. The home season begins on Saturday, April 8th vs. Beloit at 5:05 PM.

The Cedar Rapids Kernels are the Midwest League affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

MBF Grant Applications Available Now

MIDLAND, Mich. – The Michigan Baseball Foundation’s 2017 grant application cycle is now open.

Grant applications can be picked up at Dow Diamond or downloaded at Loons.com. All applications must be received by the Michigan Baseball Foundation via mail (825 E. Main St.; Midland, MI 48640), in person at Dow Diamond, or via email at cvanwert@loons.com. The deadline for the current cycle is February 17, 2017.

MBF has awarded 257 grants totaling $918,251 to non-profit organizations across 14 counties of the Great Lakes Bay Region over the past nine years.

To be considered for a grant from MBF, the organization must meet one or more of the following guidelines, which reflect the purposes for which the Michigan Baseball Foundation operates.

• Contributes to regional economic development by expanding employment opportunities and promoting the general welfare of the area.
• Based in the mid-Michigan area and serves young people.
• Funded project promotes amateur sports and fitness.

The Michigan Baseball Foundation will consider funding mid-Michigan non-profit organizations that use the grant money to fund projects; the grants are not intended to fund day-to-day operations. Primary consideration will be given to organizations in the Midland, Bay, Saginaw, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Genesee, Isabella, Tuscola, Huron, Arenac, Ogemaw, Sanilac and Iosco counties.

Grant recipients will be notified by the end of April 2017. Recipients will also be asked to respond to the Michigan Baseball Foundation Board of Directors on the success of the project for which the grant was used.

For more information contact Carol VanWert at 989.837.6144, or at cvanwert@loons.com.

The Michigan Baseball Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity that was founded in 2006 to create regional economic development through creative partnerships, and to enhance the efforts of regional organizations that serve young people. The Michigan Baseball Foundation owns and operates Dow Diamond, home of the Great Lakes Loons, a Single-A partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

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

South Bend Cubs to Host Polar Plunge in 2017

SOUTH BEND, IN – Four Winds Field will host the South Bend Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics Indiana on Saturday, February 25, 2017. Registration begins at 10:00 a.m. with the plunge beginning at 12:00 p.m. followed immediately by the After Splash Bash in the Pepsi Stadium Club.

“Special Olympics Indiana is really looking forward to holding our first-ever Polar Plunge in South Bend,” said Special Olympics Indiana President and CEO Michael Furnish. “We’re extremely lucky to have a partner like the South Bend Cubs who knows how to bring the community together and create a positive atmosphere.”

“We are incredibly proud to host this event,” said Director of Media and Promotions Chris Hagstrom-Jones. “To help stimulate donations, the person who raises the most money for the South Bend Polar Plunge will receive four tickets to a South Bend Cubs home game and the opportunity to throw out the first pitch of that game.”

To participate in the 2017 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 clicking here or visiting soindiana.org and clicking on the special events page. Funds raised by this event will help local athletes train and compete at local, area and state level.

About the 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 12,000 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 a Class A minor league team affiliated with the Chicago Cubs. Over the past 28 seasons, the team has won five Midwest League titles, most recently in 2005, and has captured 12 division titles. In 2015 the team was named Ballpark Digest‘s Team of the Year and received the John H. Johnson President’s Award. The team is owned and operated by Swing-Batter-Swing, LLC whose sole shareholder is Andrew T. Berlin of Chicago, Ill. More information is available at www.SouthBendCubs.com.

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

Cougars Announce Annual Winter Coat Drive Begins December 1

GENEVA, Ill. – The Kane County Cougars have announced the kick off for the organization’s annual winter coat drive. Beginning Thursday, December 1 fans are welcome to stop by the Cougars administrative office at Northwestern Medicine Field (34W002 Cherry Lane, Geneva, IL 60134) between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to donate winter coats for those in need this holiday season.

Donations of new or gently-used winter coats for infants, children and adults are all encouraged. Fans will receive one (1) undated reserved seat ticket voucher valid for a 2017 regular season Cougars game with each donated item. There is a maximum of 10 complimentary ticket vouchers per fan.

In partnership with the Salvation Army Tri-City Corps, all donated coats will be given to area families in need of cold-weather outerwear this winter.

The Cougars are requesting that all gently-used winter coats be donated by Saturday, December 17 at 11 a.m.

For more information, contact the Cougars front office at 630-232-8811.

Follow the Cougars on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates on tickets and promotions for the 2017 season

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 151 former Cougars have reached the Major Leagues including Miguel Cabrera, Nelson Cruz, Josh Beckett, Adrian Gonzalez and Kyle Schwarber.

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

St. Ambrose joins Bandit Scholars Program

DAVENPORT, IOWA – The Quad Cities River Bandits announce that a St. Ambrose University student from the Quad Cities region will be awarded the third yearly scholarship as part of the Bandit Scholars Program, expanding the largest scholarship program in all of Minor League Baseball. The inaugural St. Ambrose scholarship will be awarded to a rising junior during the 2017 River Bandits season and helps to ensure that neither the recipient nor their family has any financial obligations for tuition for the 2017-2018 academic year. River Bandits owner Dave Heller and Sister Joan Lescinski, CSJ, PhD, president of St. Ambrose, made the announcement at a press conference Monday at Modern Woodmen Park.

St. Ambrose joins Augustana College and Western Illinois University as the third participating school in the annual scholarship program for students from the Quad Cities region. This is the second consecutive year the River Bandits have added a scholarship to the Bandit Scholars Program, which was founded in 2009. With the addition of St. Ambrose, the Bandit Scholars Program now has an annual combined value of $60,000 for three scholarship recipients who also will earn the opportunity to work a paid internship with the River Bandits the following summer.

“Giving away these scholarships is the single most enjoyable thing I do as owner of the River Bandits,” said Heller. “This scholarship program is meant to enhance the Quad Cities, and St. Ambrose is one of the finest educational institutions in Iowa. They epitomize all that is great about our community and our region, and we are elated to team with them to provide a first-rate college education to a deserving area student and reward someone who has a demonstrated commitment not merely of academic excellence but also of giving back to this wonderful community.”

“St. Ambrose University is pleased to collaborate with the Quad Cities River Bandits organization as the newest member of the Bandit Scholars program,” Sr. Lescinski said. “Scholarships help many of our students to afford a quality education. In addition, St. Ambrose has had great success with outreach to community employers in developing paid internship opportunities. This new initiative with the River Bandits will help SAU students gain invaluable insights into minor league baseball operations.

“This partnership is another example of our commitment to collaborating with local businesses and corporations to make the Quad Cities an even better place to live and work.”

The new Bandit Scholarship will be administered by St. Ambrose. The award will be selected by a committee including St. Ambrose faculty and administration and the River Bandits’ ownership and general manager. Funds for the program are raised through various events throughout the year, including the Race to Home 5K, annual golf outing and more. Donations can be made to the Bandit Scholars Program year-round by mail or in person at Modern Woodmen Park.

The scholarships are open to current rising juniors who reside in any of the following counties: Henry, Mercer, Rock Island and Whiteside Counties on the Illinois side, and Cedar, Muscatine and Scott Counties on the Iowa side. Non-U.S. citizens and children or grandchildren of employees or owners of The Quad Cities River Bandits, employees of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues (NAPBL), employees or Board Members of St. Ambrose University, Augustana College, Western Illinois University and any member of the Scholarship Committee are ineligible for consideration.

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

Cougars To Host Christmas Event with Santa and Mascots, December 17

GENEVA, Ill. – The Kane County Cougars will host a special Christmas holiday event on Saturday, December 17 from 9-11 a.m. inside the Super Suite at the newly-minted Northwestern Medicine Field.

Children and their families are invited to meet with Santa Claus as well as team mascots, Ozzie and Annie T. Cougar. Ozzie, Annie and Santa will all be available for photo opportunities while children can also participate in numerous activities including a Christmas stocking decorating station and holiday themed coloring station.

Admission to the event is free while there is a $5 cost per child to participate in the Christmas stocking decorating station. Fans are also encouraged to bring a gently used winter coat as a donation towards the Cougars winter coat drive. The Cougars organization, in partnership with the Salvation Army Tri-City Corps, will be donating the coats to area families who are in need this winter. Fans who donate a coat will receive one undated reserved seat ticket voucher, valid for a 2017 regular season game. Click HERE for more information about the Cougars Winter Coat Drive.

Additional information about the Christmas holiday event is available on our Facebook event page at facebook.com/kanecountycougars.

For updates on tickets and promotions for the 2017 season, 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 151 former Cougars have reached the Major Leagues including Miguel Cabrera, Nelson Cruz, Josh Beckett, Adrian Gonzalez and Kyle Schwarber.

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

Kernels seeking nominations for Military Heroes Card Set

Cedar Rapids, IA – The Cedar Rapids Kernels are seeking nominations for their fourth annual Military Heroes Baseball card set. The card set will represent each branch of the military and honor those who are currently serving our country, veterans who have served in the past but are no longer active, and those who bravely fought for our country, but have since passed away.

The card set will be given away to the first 1,000 fans that enter Veterans Memorial Stadium on Tuesday, July 4th, 2017. Those military heroes selected to appear in the card set and their families will be honored on the field following the July 4th game, and will receive four tickets to that game.

In honor of Veterans Day, the Kernels will begin taking nominations for the Military Heroes Card Set on Friday, November 11th. The first 35 submissions will make it into the 2017 card set, so we urge people to turn in their nominations right away. Nominations will be taken until Tuesday, January 31st, OR, until 35 submissions are received.

To give all past and current military the opportunity to be honored in the Military Heroes Card Set, we ask that those veterans included in the 2014, 2015 and 2016 set not be nominated.

Nomination forms can be accessed by visiting the Kernels offices during normal business hours, or online at by clicking here. Nominations can be submitted online, or mailed directly to the Kernels offices. Please include a photo of the Military Hero along with your completed nomination form.

For more information on the Military Heroes Baseball card set, or to access a nomination form, please contact Ryne George at (319) 896-7617 or by e-mail at ryne@kernels.com.

The Cedar Rapids Kernels are the Midwest League affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Cedar Rapids Kernels 2016 Community Report

Cedar Rapids, IA – The Cedar Rapids Kernels are proud to release their first comprehensive community report. This report highlights the organization’s 2016 off the field efforts such as charitable donations, the Al Smith League of Dreams and the popular Kernels Summer Reading Program.

In conjunction with the “Take the Lead” community relations initiative, the Kernels want to show their commitment to being the community beacon for education, social and recreational programs in Cedar Rapids and surrounding communities.

Notable achievements this year include 150 community appearances by the team mascot Mr. Shucks, contributing donations totaling $314,744 and local children reading 2,618,750 total minutes in the Kernels Summer Reading Program.

Ryne George, the Kernels Community Relations Manager, says, “As a front office staff we all love Eastern Iowa and enjoy finding ways to give back. This report is a great example of what we do as an organization. We are looking to expand our efforts in 2017 and can’t wait to do even more for this great community.”

Click here to view the Kernels 2016 Community Report.

The Cedar Rapids Kernels are the Midwest League affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. For more information, visit www.kernels.com and follow the Kernels on social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.