Midwest League – Page 29

Cougars To Host Peanut-Free Night on July 13

July 12, 2016

GENEVA, Ill. – The Kane County Cougars have announced that Wednesday, July 13 will be Peanut-Free Night when they host the West Michigan Whitecaps in a 6:30 p.m. game at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark. The game will not include the sale of peanuts or any peanut-related products to allow fans with peanut allergies the opportunity to safely attend a Cougars game.

Beginning in 2007, the Cougars have hosted their annual Peanut-Free Night for the last nine years for families of children with peanut allergies. Peanut allergies are one of the most common food allergies and can cause a severe and potentially fatal allergic reaction. In addition to peanuts, the following items will also not be available for fans to purchase on July 13: Dippin’ Dots, Oberweis ice cream, Oreo churros, Cracker Jacks, candy including plain and peanut M&M’s, as well as cookies and brownies.

Fans are asked to visit Guest Services located on the third base concourse with questions regarding the food and the ingredients they contain in relation to Peanut Free Night.

Tickets for Peanut-Free Night are available now by calling 630-232-8811 or by ordering online at www.kccougars.com.

Other promotions throughout the night include Half-Price Hump Day, presented by The GFS Store with specials on reserved and lawn tickets plus regular-size sodas, burgers, pizza, nachos, popcorn and select souvenirs as well as the opportunity for fans of all ages to run the bases after the game.

For updates throughout the season on ticket and promotions 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 144 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.

2015 Nick Adenhart Memorial Scholarship winner Niki Sharma

May 13, 2015

Niki Sharma is the winner of the 2015 Nick Adenhart Memorial Scholarship, presented by the Kernels and The Kernels Foundation. (Ed Kempf / Impact Photography)

Cedar Rapids, IA – The Cedar Rapids Kernels and Kernels Foundation are pleased to announce Niki Sharma as the winner of the 2015 Nick Adenhart Memorial Scholarship. She was recognized in an on-field ceremony before the Kernels game with Peoria on Wednesday, May 13^th.

Niki is a member of the Class of 2015 at Linn-Mar High School where her school activities, academic accomplishments and accomplishments in basketball and track were quite impressive, making her an excellent choice for the scholarship. Claire plans on attending Washington University in St. Louis as a pre-med student.

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

The Kernels continue a seven game home stand on Thursday, May 14^th with a 6:35 PM game against the Peoria Chiefs, the Midwest League affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals. The current home stand continues through Sunday, May 17^th.

Fans can enjoy all the action with Morgan Hawk on the radio home of Kernels baseball, 1450 KMRY AM, 93.1 KMRY FM, or listen on-line at www.kmryradio.com, or www.kernels.com.

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.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Cedar Rapids Kernels. Click here to view the original story.

TinCaps Reading Program Reaches Record Numbers

May 12, 2015

Partnerships with Longe Optical and PBS39 Help Promote Literacy

Jeff Ostermann, President of Longe Optical, at Parkview Field.

FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Thanks to Longe Optical and PBS39 (WFWA), the TinCaps Reading Program has reached new heights in 2015. The influence of local partners will be on full display at Wednesday’s 11:05 a.m. TinCaps game when Parkview Field is set to host approximately 4,000 school children – a record number at one game.

Longe Optical , the exclusive eye care provider of the TinCaps, became the presenting sponsor of the TinCaps Reading Program in 2014. As a result of the commitment of Longe Optical’s four Fort Wayne locations, the program now has 64,789 students participating throughout Northeast Indiana, Northwest Ohio, and southern Michigan. That’s an increase of nearly 10,000 students from a year ago.

“The TinCaps Reading Program presented by Longe Optical is one of the top literacy programs in the country,” TinCaps President Mike Nutter said. “As the son of a teacher, I’ve seen the impact that reading and literacy can have on a child. The teachers in our region are as good as anywhere in the country and we love having them partner with us on this tremendous program. It’s completely free for the schools thanks to our partners at Longe Optical.”

The TinCaps Reading Program is a community initiative which encourages students to read by setting individual goals for number of books, number of pages, hours spent reading, etc. Each student “rounds the bases,” hitting benchmarks until the final goal is reached, and with that milestone comes a free ticket to a TinCaps game, a hot dog, and a bottle of water. Participating schools also can receive a visit from the TinCaps’ mascot, Johnny.

“We are thrilled to see the growth in the TinCaps Reading Program,” said Jeff Ostermann, President, Longe Optical. “For more than 65 years, Longe Optical has had a deep commitment to helping children see better with innovations such as our HD digital lenses and $99 kids eyeglass packages. With the growth in the program we know that thousands more children are seeing and reading better than ever before and we are excited to see even more participation in the years to come.”

For more information on the TinCaps Reading Program presented by Longe Optical, visit TinCaps.com .

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Fort Wayne TinCaps. Click here to view the original story.

Military Appreciation Night at Parkview Field

May 10, 2015

Active and Veteran Military Members, Families Invited to Game on May 26

FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The Fort Wayne TinCaps are proud to partner with the OmniSource Corporation and Steel Dynamics Inc. to welcome military personnel to Parkview Field for Military Appreciation Night on Tuesday, May 26, when the TinCaps host the Great Lakes Loons in a doubleheader starting at 6:05 p.m.

Through the generosity of the OmniSource Corporation and Steel Dynamics Inc., the TinCaps, and caring individual donors, complimentary tickets are currently available for military families, both active and veteran, to enjoy that night’s games.

“We are proud to partner with the OmniSource Corporation and Steel Dynamics Inc. to provide military families the chance to be our guest on Military Appreciation Night,” said TinCaps President, Mike Nutter. “This is the seventh consecutive year we’ve welcomed military to Parkview Field in this way and it’s even more meaningful given the recent return of the 122^nd Fighter Wing from their six month deployment. Our hope is that they can enjoy a TinCaps game with their family as our guests.”

“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,” stated Russ Rinn, President & COO of the OmniSource Corporation. “We all know that because of them, we live in freedom.”

The TinCaps continue their partnership with the Northeast Indiana Military Assistance Network (N.E.I.M.A.N.) offering military in attendance the chance to visit kiosks highlighting many of the support organizations and offerings available to military, active and veteran, in our area.

TinCaps players will be wearing commemorative jerseys, and special military recognition will take place during the game. The TinCaps also will wear these patriotic jerseys on the Fourth of July. That day, the jerseys will be auctioned off, with proceeds being donated to Honor Flight Northeast Indiana.

Military personnel and their family who are eligible to request tickets to these games can visit TinCapsMilitary.com for more information. Tickets will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies are available.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Fort Wayne TinCaps. Click here to view the original story.

Loons, MBF Team Up for Baseball Camps

May 5, 2015

Clinics focus on skill development, coached by Loons

MIDLAND, Mich. – The Michigan Baseball Foundation is pleased to announce the dates of this season’s Loons Summer Baseball Camps – presented by Culver’s of Midland & Mt. Pleasant – at Dow Diamond. The first two-day camp will be held June 17-18.

The camps will pair participants with professional players and coaches from the Great Lakes Loons in a strong learning environment. Loons manager Luis Matos will serve as Camp Director.

Campers will learn various aspects of hitting, throwing, fielding and pitching while being instructed in the characteristics that define successful baseball players. The drills taught will be the same ones utilized by the coaches and player personnel of the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Great Lakes Loons.

Loons Summer Baseball Camp Dates
June 17 & 18 (ages 7-12) • July 8 & 9 (ages 7-12)

As part of the camp, each participant will receive two days of instruction from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Campers will also receive a camp t-shirt and two tickets to a Loons game that will take place following the second day of instruction. All campers will be invited on the field for a special pre-game recognition.

Each two-day Loons Summer Baseball Camp is $90 per person with all proceeds benefiting the Michigan Baseball Foundation. A portion of the entry fee is tax deductible.

All interested parties should reserve their spot now as space is limited. To secure a spot or to obtain more information, please contact Amy Charboneau at 989-837-6137, cpmpone@loons.com or Aaron Cole at 989-837-6148, cpmptwo@loons.com. Fans can also visit Loons.com. You can download a registration form here.

Through your support at Loons games, the Michigan Baseball Foundation has been able to award $829,486 to youth baseball leagues, schools and other deserving non-profit organizations throughout the Great Lakes Bay Region. To continue its economic and charitable impact and to meet its obligations as a public charity, MBF must raise annual funds from public support.

The Michigan Baseball Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation and public charity, which was formed in 2006 to generate regional economic development through creative partnerships and grants 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 ninth-year Single-A partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Great Lakes Loons. Click here to view the original story.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Dragons Team Up For “Home Run For Life”

May 4, 2015

Parker McCalip will celebrate her Anthem Home Run for Life on Wednesday, May 6

Dayton, Ohio — Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Dayton Dragons will host 13-year-old Parker McCalip during the unique “Home Run for Life” program on Wednesday, May 6, at 7 p.m. when the Dayton Dragons take on the Fort Wayne TinCaps at Fifth Third Field.

The Anthem Home Run for Life program provides children in the Dayton region a once-in-a-lifetime experience as they battle serious medical conditions. Each honoree gets to take a symbolic home run lap around the bases of Fifth Third Field during a sold-out Dragons home game while the crowd provides a standing ovation.

Parker’s Story

When Parker was just eight years old, her second grade teacher noticed she was having frequent staring spells during school. Parker’s parents had feared something was wrong based on similar behaviors at home and took action once someone outside the family noticed her symptoms, as well.

The family’s pediatrician referred Parker to the neurology department at Dayton Children’s Hospital where she received an EEG, a test to detect abnormalities related to electrical activity of the brain. Parker was quickly diagnosed with epilepsy that included absence (petit mal) seizures. Absence seizures cause a short period of “blanking out” or staring into space.

Immediately, Parker started medication to get her condition under control. “I thought I wasn’t normal because no other kid I knew had to take medicine,” Parker said. As she got older and started to wean off the medication due to significant improvement, her situation suddenly became worse.

In August of 2009, Parker had her first grand mal seizure. These seizures are much more serious than absence seizures; they can involve violent muscle contractions and loss of consciousness. These more severe seizures continued through April 2012 for Parker. Fortunately, she hasn’t had once since then and is seizure free.

Parker is now 13 years old and in eighth grade at Oakwood Junior High School. Her epilepsy is something that she will have to manage her entire life, but it’s not going to stop her from achieving her goals. “I love science, inventing things and working with computers. When I grow up I want to be an engineer and a game designer,” Parker said.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Dayton Dragons applaud all those who have been instrumental in Parker’s life, including her parents Ben and Jenny, Dr. Roer, Dr. Kumar, and the entire medical team at Dayton Children’s Hospital. Please join us in cheering on Parker as she completes her Home Run for Life at Fifth Third Field on May 6.

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 article originally appeared on the official website of the Dayton Dragons. Click here to view the original story.

Fifth Third Bank and Dayton Dragons Team Up to “Strike Out Hunger”

May 1, 2015

Canned goods to be collected for The FoodBank, Inc. May 4-6

Dayton, Ohio – Fifth Third Bank and the Dayton Dragons have teamed up to “Strike out Hunger” in the Miami Valley. Monday through Wednesday, May 4-6, volunteers will be collecting canned goods and non-perishable items on the plaza outside Fifth Third Field between 5:30-7:00pm. Community members are encouraged to bring out their donations and stay to watch the Dragons take on the Fort Wayne TinCaps. Game time is 7:00 p.m. each night.

Each person who donates will be entered into a raffle to win autographed Dragons prizes.

Fifth Third Bank and the Dayton Dragons have a goal of providing 530,000 meals to families in the Miami Valley in honor of Fifth Third Day, May 3. An estimated 50 million Americans, including one in five children, live in “food insecure” households, meaning they are not always sure where or when they will be getting their next meal. For the past 20 years, Fifth Third Bank has used their holiday to support the communities in which they operate.

“In 2015, Fifth Third Bank and our community partners are seeking to raise enough canned goods for 530,000 meals,” Doug Compton, Fifth Third Bank’s Dayton City Executive, said. “Here in Dayton, in collaboration with the Dragons, we hope to raise awareness of the number of families living in ‘food insecure’ households and the tremendous year-round mission of The FoodBank.”

A full list of items The FoodBank, Inc. is especially in need of is below:

Chili/Soup
Cereal
Peanut Butter & Jelly
Canned Fruit & Vegetables
Pasta & Canned Sauce
Rice & Beans
Baking Mixes
Canned Meat & Fish

Please visit daytondragons.com/strikeouthunger or the Dragons app for more information.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Dayton Dragons. Click here to view the original story.

Dragons to Host Public Safety Day on April 26

April 24, 2015

Kettering Health Network and Dragons team up for Pregame Event on the Plaza

Dayton, Ohio – The Dayton Dragons announced today that Public Safety Day will be held Sunday, April 26 on the Plaza at Fifth Third Field. Kettering Health Network and the Dragons are partnering to bring this free event to the public. From noon to 2:30 p.m., families will be allowed to explore special displays featuring a fire truck, SWAT vehicles, K-9 units, an ambulance, and police cars.

Public Safety Day allows members of the Dayton community to recognize the area’s exceptional police and fire departments by letting them get up close and personal with these vehicles. Dragons mascots Heater and Gem will take photos with fans on the plaza before the game. Children will receive a free plastic emergency hat (while supplies last). There will also be raffle prizes throughout the event.

Sgt. Mark Spiers, Officer of the Year, will be honored during the pregame ceremony. Sgt. Spiers shows extreme empathy for fellow officers and is always reliable, often plowing snow in front of the station for patrons. He assisted a retired officer, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, acquire a wheelchair. While he is reliable, Sgt. Spiers also leads by example, never asking anything of his officers that he would not do himself.

Also during the pregame ceremony, members of the Vandalia Fire Department will be honored for their brave exhibition. The firefighters responded to a person at a local YMCA who was not breathing. They arrived at the patients side within three minutes and transported the patient to Grandview Medical Center in 37 minutes. The patient survived and left the hospital in good condition thanks to the immediate response time of the Vandalia Fire Department and the expert care at the hospital. Representing the fire department is Chad Garver who will throw out the first pitch.

—end—

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Dayton Dragons. Click here to view the original story.

Kroger Baseball Buddies Program Returns to Fifth Third Field

April 17, 2015

Take the Field with the Dragons!

Visit your local Kroger store to sign up for a chance to be a Baseball Buddy! Kids (ages 7-13) who are randomly selected as winners will get the experience of a lifetime! To enter, look for the display at your local Kroger store (at the Customer Service Desk).

The Kroger Baseball Buddies experience includes:

Hanging out in the dugout during pre-game to meet the Dragons players
Getting autographs and photos with the Dragons team
Being introduced over the PA like a player
Running out on the field with the team before that day’s game

Kroger Baseball Buddies will also receive several gifts including:

A replica Dragons jersey
Dragons baseball hat
Drawstring backpack
Dragons pen and baseball to be autographed
And more!

One lucky baseball buddy will win a free kickball game to be played at Fifth Third Field with 20 of their friends and Dragons players!

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

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Dayton Dragons. Click here to view the original story.

MBF Announces 2015 Grant Recipients

April 15, 2015

22 organizations are part of 2015 grant class

MIDLAND, Mich. – The Michigan Baseball Foundation (MBF) is pleased to announce that 22 organizations are part of its 2015 grant class. The 2015 grant total is $108,477.

At Olson Park in Saginaw County, Heritage High School Athletics will install two scoreboards with an $8,000 grant. The Mt. Pleasant School District in Isabella County received $6,900 for construction of a press box at their athletic complex. Improvements to the horse arena at the Bay County Fair and Youth Expo received 6,858 this year. In Tuscola County, the Reese High School softball program received $5,000 to build batting cages for their teams to use.

Since 2008, the Michigan Baseball Foundation has awarded 231 grants to deserving non-profit organizations across 14 counties, bringing the grant program’s total to $829,491 since its inception.

The Foundation began its eighth annual grant process in April 2014 and solicited grant applications from non-profit organizations throughout the region. All applicants were required to meet one or more of the following guidelines, which reflected the purposes for which the Michigan Baseball Foundation was organized:

•   The organization contributes to regional economic development.
•   The organization is based in Mid-Michigan and serves young people.
•   The organization promotes amateur sports and fitness

The 2016 grant session begins Monday, April 20, 2015 and applications will be accepted until February 19, 2016. For more information, contact Eric Ramseyer at 989.837.6166, or at eramseyer@loons.com.

The Michigan Baseball Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation and public charity, which was formed in 2006 to generate regional economic development and to enhance the efforts of regional organizations that serve young people through creative partnerships and grants. The Michigan Baseball Foundation owns and operates Dow Diamond, home of the Great Lakes Loons, a Single-A partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Foundation received its initial funding from The Dow Chemical Company Foundation, The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation, The Dow Corning Corporation, The Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation, The Charles J. Strosacker Foundation and The Bill and Linda Stavropoulos Foundation.

Full list of grant recipients (by county):

Bay County

Bay City Central High School – $5,000
Bay City Northeast Little League – $3,770
Bay County Fair and Youth Expo – $6,858

Gratiot County

Breckenridge Little League Association – $1,755

Isabella County

Mt. Pleasant School District – $6,900

Midland County

Chippewa Nature Center – $4,900
Edenville Township – $2,834
FRC Team 2619 – $1,900
HH Dow H.S. All Sports Booster Club – $4,550
Midland Center for the Arts – $4,764
Midland Public Schools; Midland High School – $4,000
Midland Speed Skating Club – $5,000
Momentum Midland – $20,000
Sanford Youth League – $4,900

Saginaw County

Carrollton Township Recreation – $4,800
Hemlock Boosters – $1,763
Heritage High School Athletics – $8,000
Mid‐Michigan Children’s Museum – $1,200
Saginaw Community Foundation – $2,583
Swan Valley Little League – $5,000
YMCA of Saginaw – $3,000

Tuscola County

Reese High School Softball – $5,000

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Great Lakes Loons. Click here to view the original story.

Michigan Blood Celebrates Milestone at Dow Diamond

April 13, 2015

Employee of The Dow Chemical Company is 10,000th blood donor

Michigan Blood opened a donation center at Dow Diamond prior to the 2012 season. It's open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Michigan Blood opened a donation center at Dow Diamond prior to the 2012 season. It’s open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

SAGINAW, Mich. – The nation’s first blood donation center inside a sports stadium opened in April 2012 and three years later, 10,000 donors have walked through its doors.

The Dow Diamond Donor Center is the result of a partnership between The Dow Chemical Company, the Michigan Baseball Foundation, the Great Lakes Loons baseball franchise, and Michigan Blood. Thanks to a generous donation from The Dow Chemical Company to support renovations, the Dow Diamond Donor Center replaced a long-time location at Dow.

“The Dow Diamond Donor Center is a continuation of the rich history of blood donation in Midland. It’s an honor for Michigan Blood to be a part of this legacy,” said Bill Rietscha, CEO and president of Michigan Blood. “We are pleased to have a center right in the heart of the Great Lakes Bay Region that offers donors another opportunity to help support the needs of our partner hospitals throughout Michigan.”

Todd Sloggett of Midland and an employee of The Dow Chemical Company was the 10,000th person through the doors of the Michigan Blood donation center at Dow Diamond.

“Donating blood allows others to get back to good health. My daughter had to get several pints of blood last year for a surgery. Now my son is donating at Dow High School as a junior which really makes me proud of him and the other students that are starting this process young in life,” said Sloggett who has donated over 6 gallons of blood.

In recognition of the 10,000th donor and three years of operations at Dow Diamond, Michigan Blood will present representatives of The Dow Chemical Company, Michigan Baseball Foundation, and the Great Lakes Loons with its Ruby Award, which recognizes people or organizations that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to saving lives of patients in Michigan hospitals.

“We are very grateful for the ongoing and generous support of these fine organizations,” said Carleen Crawford, Director of Community Relations and Marketing for Michigan Blood. “They, along with hero donors like Todd, help Michigan Blood ensure that our partner hospitals and their patients have this precious blood resource when needed. The MB Ruby Award is our way of recognizing this valuable contribution.”

Besides the Dow Diamond Donor Center, Michigan Blood collects blood donations at other donation centers in the Great Lakes Bay Region including one at MidMichigan Medical Center-Midland. Michigan Blood is the exclusive provider to MidMichigan Health, Covenant HealthCare, and St. Mary’s of Michigan, as well as over 40 other hospitals throughout the state.

Any healthy person 17 or older (or 16 with parental consent) who weighs at least 110 pounds may be eligible to give blood every 56 days. Blood donors should bring photo ID (or two forms of non-photo ID). Appointments are preferred. Individuals can schedule appointments by visiting www.miblood.org or calling 1-866-MIBLOOD (642-5663).

About Michigan Blood

Founded in 1955, Michigan Blood is an independent, nonprofit, blood bank that provides blood for hospitals across Michigan. Michigan Blood is committed to serving the needs of Michigan hospitals first. Besides blood donation at permanent donation sites, Michigan Blood conducts more than 3,700 mobile blood drives each year. Other related services include Michigan’s first public cord blood bank, blood stem cell (marrow) program, transfusion medicine consultation, transplant center support, and other services. For more information, visit www.miblood.org.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Great Lakes Loons. Click here to view the original story.

Record-setting Race to Home 5K raises $15K

April 11, 2015

Third annual event brings all-time fundraising total to more than $33,000 for the Bandit Scholars Program

Nearly 700 runners and walkers set a new record for participation in the annual Bandits Race to Home 5K and Fun Run presented by Palmer Chiropractic Clinics on Saturday morning. In its third year, the unique bi-state race that ends inside Modern Woodmen Park helped raise more than $15,000 – also a new event record – for the Bandit Scholars Program.

Since the inaugural year in 2013, the event has more than doubled its annual participants – to 695 this year – and more than tripled its annual proceeds for the Bandit Scholars Program, which annually awards two Bandit Scholarships to cover the entire first year of college tuition for Quad Cities-area students. In three years, the event has raised more than $33,000 for the Bandit Scholars Program.

“We are tremendously grateful to all of the participants, sponsors, volunteers, staff and spectators who made the Bandits Race to Home 5K presented by Palmer Chiropractic Clinics the most successful yet,” said River Bandits owner Dave Heller. “As one of the largest fundraisers for the Bandit Scholars Program, this event makes an impact in the lives of Quad Cities-area students, and it is a unique community celebration that is the perfect way to kick off another River Bandits season at Modern Woodmen Park!”

The top three overall female and male finishers received a medal and an engraved, game-used baseball bat. The top three finishers in each of the 13 age groups – (14 and under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70 and above), were awarded medals, and all Fun Run participants received ribbons. All participants also received a free T-shirt and a free ticket to a 2015 River Bandits home game.

Danielle Berndt of Bettendorf, Iowa, became the event’s first repeat overall winner Saturday, leading all female participants by finishing in 19:09 – setting the female record for the Bandits Race to Home 5K. She led all females with a 20:21 finish in 2014.

Jerry Lack of East Moline, Ill., was the top male finisher at 17:48. It was his second race title, as he led all males in the inaugural race in 2013 with an 18:01 finish. He was third in 2014 with an 18:02 mark.

Here is a link to full race results; and below is a list of the winners in their respective age group.

Female	1st Place	Time	2nd Place	Time	3rd Place	Time
Overall	Danielle Berndt; Bettendorf, IA	19:09	Morgan Casey; Davenport, IA	20:16	Danielle Blocker; Davenport, IA	20:50
14 & U	Kaitlyn Powell; Blue Grass, IA	24:53	Lydia Wood; Davenport, IA	25:32	Karsyn Kuffler; Moline, IL	28:36
15-19	Jadwin Woodall; Bettendorf, IA	26:42	Christine Hultquist; Davenport, IA	33:21	Ashley Walters; Clinton, IA	33:33
20-24	Hannah Schoening; Davenport, IA	24:16	Faith Raaen; Moline, IL	25:19	Burgus Brittany; Bettendorf, IA	26:19
25-29	Lauren Vasicek; Davenport, IA	24:24	Chelsea Masterson; Davenport, IA	24:58	Katie Mayer; Le Claire, IA	25:16
30-34	Ashley Spain; Dewitt, IA	22:53	Kathryn Monroe; Davenport, IA	24:14	Teresa Thoensen; Silvis, IL	24:25
35-39	Nicole Callahan; Moline, IL	22:10	Bethany Wood; Davenport, IA	25:33	Allison Kopp; Osco, IL	25:59
40-44	Melissa Braddock; Dewitt, IA	23:12	Cheryl Allen; Wellman, IA	23:47	Jennifer Burris; Davenport, IA	24:50
45-49	Christina Martinez-Mcdowell; East Moline, IL	24:37	Jeanette Dawson Rhodes; East Moline, IL	29:37	Shari Connell; Macomb, IL	29:48
50-54	Kathleen Jensen; Davenport, IA	24:17	Kathy Evanchyk; Davenport, IA	25:17	Denise Gonzales; Davenport, IA	27:24
55-59	Cheryl Bivens; Moline, IL	25:24	Carol Brockway; Bettendorf, IA	25:29	Jolene Vipond; Aledo, IL	29:53
60-64	Karen Nelson; Le Claire, IA	28:25	Sarah Schafer; Sherrard, IL	30:07	Kathy Loomis; Davenport, IA	30:30
65-69	Marianne Schroeder; Bettendorf, IA	26:24	Amy Prusa; Sherrard, IL	35:18	Jeanne Carton; Atkinson, IL	35:29
70-plus	Judith Teeple; Davenport, IA	33:55	Barbara Donald; Bettendorf, IA	44:40	Only 2 Finishers
Male	1st Place	Time	2nd Place	Time	3rd Place	Time
Overall	Jerry Lack; East Moline, IL	17:48	Jay Whitmore; Donahue, IA	18:30	Mitchell Hines; Davenport, IA	18:32
14 & U	Christopher Guise; Davenport, IA	19:28	Ben Rhodes; East Moline, IL	22:36	Trent Doty; Port Byron, IL	24:52
15-19	Andrew Sattler; Clinton, IA	20:18	Logan Rathjen; Bettendorf, IA	23:15	Timothy Schwartz; Moline, IL	25:37
20-24	Noah Forbes; Rock Island, IL	22:10	Mark Steinhauser; Bettendorf, IA	22:55	Kyle Kiel; Davenport, IA	23:42
25-29	Luke Anderson; Moline, IL	19:58	Zach Knobloch; East Moline, IL	20:04	Jacob Clark; Davenport, IA	20:51
30-34	Jacob Knobloch; East Moline, IL	18:59	Travis Lynch; Rock Island, IL	19:41	Chris Massie; Eldridge, IA	19:57
35-39	Billy Butler; Moline, IL	20:11	Kurt Haiar; Davenport, IA	21:16	Matthew Holst; Davenport, IA	21:23
40-44	Joel Madden; East Moline, IL	20:27	Kory Kuffler; Moline, IL	20:41	Kirby Winn; Davenport, IA	21:12
45-49	Stephen Rhodes; East Moline, IL	18:44	Andy Feliksiak; Rock Island, IL	23:27	Rob Woodall; Bettendorf, IA	24:37
50-54	Mark Taghon; Bettendorf, IA	19:14	Scott F Caldwell; Moline, IL	21:17	Mark Schmidt; Blue Grass, IA	22:27
55-59	Michael Oberhaus; Rock Island, IL	23:36	Brian Kopf; Davenport, IA	24:19	Dave Craddick; Moline, IL	24:50
60-64	Steve Vipond; Aledo, IL	24:39	Gary Nelson; Le Claire, IA	25:46	Craig Foster; Davenport, IA	26:06
65-69	Tom Miller; Bettendorf, IA	26:17	Tony Schiltz; Davenport, IA	26:44	James Knorr; Milan, IL	29:10
70-plus	Dave Zimmer; Long Grove, IA	25:47	Arthur Tate; Blue Grass, IA	34:04	John C Gardner; Bettendorf, IA	34:52

The Bandits Race to Home 5K began on 2nd Street in Davenport, Iowa, in front of the YMCA. The five-kilometer route crossed the Centennial Bridge into Rock Island, Ill., and the Rock Island Arsenal Bridge back into Davenport before ending at home plate inside Modern Woodmen Park. The quarter-mile Fun Run for kids began outside the party plaza and ended inside the playing field.

Additional sponsors for the 2015 Bandits Race to Home 5K were Triumph Community Bank, ECS, Inc., Aramark, Hy-Vee, Sam’s Club, Pepsi, 7G Distributing & Michelob Ultra.

UP NEXT: Gates open for the home opener at 12:15 p.m. Sunday, when the first 1,000 fans receive a Mediacom River Bandits pennant, and the first 2,000 fans receive a Mediacom River Bandits magnet schedule. River Bandits players will sign autographs on the field at 12:30 p.m. The Nintendo Wii-ster Egg Hunt is at 12:45 p.m., with three Wii-U systems to be given away. Family Sunday presented by B-100 and ESPN 93.5 means Bark in the Park on the Modern Woodmen Berm and postgame Kids Run the Bases presented by Prairie Farms. Individual tickets are on sale at the River Bandits box office and online at riverbandits.com. Ticket plans of 12 to 70 games – which include free parking, reserved seats, merchandise discounts, and guaranteed giveaways – are available by calling 563-324-3000.

ABOUT THE BANDITS: The River Bandits ownership in 2014 made one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 105 feet over the playing field, opened May 24, Space Camp opened June 20; the new Drop’N Twist debuted in July; and the newly expanded 300-foot long zip line also reopened.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Quad Cities River Bandits. Click here to view the original story.

Dragons Players and Mascots to Visit Schools in Three Counties This Week

April 10, 2015

Heater will join players as part of Dragons MVP Program

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

Tuesday, April 14

10am-10:45am

Cox Elementary

506 Dayton Avenue

Xenia, OH, 45385

Phone: 937-372-9201

11:15am-12pm

Main Elementary

2942 Dayton-Xenia Rd.

Beavercreek, OH, 45434

Phone: 937-429-7588

Wednesday, April 15

9:45am – 10:30am

Perrin Woods Elementary

431 West John Street

Springfield, OH, 45506

Phone: 937-505-4310

11:15am – 12pm

Rolling Hills Elementary

2613 Moorefield Rd.

Springfield, OH, 45502

Phone: 937-399-2250

Friday, April 17

10am-10:45am

Salem Christian

6500 Southway Rd.

Clayton, OH, 45315

Phone: 937-836-9910

11:15am-12pm

Dayton Leadership Academies

1416 W. Riverview Ave.

Dayton, OH, 45402

Phone: 937-567-9426

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

The Dragons MVP Program, a tool for teachers, uses the marketing power of Dayton Dragons Baseball as an educational tool for fourth and fifth grade teachers, helping them motivate and reward students for success in and out of the classroom. The Dayton Dragons MVP Program is sponsored by Bob Evans, WDTN-TV, Dayton’s CW Television, and Sinclair Community College. For more information on the Dragons MVP Program contact the Dayton Dragons or visit www.daytondragons.com.

—end–

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Dayton Dragons. Click here to view the original story.

Fifth Annual EasterFest to Flood BGBP with Easter Eggs on Saturday, April 4

March 27, 2015

Kids Set to Find 50,000 Easter Eggs in BG’s Largest Easter Celebration

The Bowling Green Hot Rods and Crossland Community Church are proud to partner up and bring EasterFest to Bowling Green Ballpark on Saturday, April 4. The completely free event will run from Noon CT until 3 p.m., and it will feature the largest Easter egg hunt in the South-Central Kentucky region. Over 50,000 Easter eggs will grace the field with four different age groups set to take the field and find their Easter treasure.

“We love what Crossland Community Church does for the community, and their outreach fits right into what we’re trying to do with the ball club,” said Hot Rods Assistant General Manager Eric C. Leach. “We’re proud to once again partner with hem for this event, and we can’t wait to provide families a superb venue for what will surely be the biggest Easter celebration in the area.”

Over 50,000 Easter eggs will blanket the field at Bowling Green Ballpark, and four different age groups will get the chance to showcase their Easter-egg hunting prowess. The age groups go all the way up to fifth graders, and smaller children will get to explore separately. Entry to the event is completely free, and 16 bicycles will be given away to those in attendance. Free popcorn and Pepsi products will be served in the concession stands, and the Easter bunny will make a grand entrance to help celebrate the event.

“We consider EasterFest a great opportunity to express our love and gratitude to our community. We are blessed to live in South-Central Kentucky and feel a very strong responsibility to help, encourage and bless the people of this community and not just the members of our church,” said Gregg Farrell of Crossland Community Church. “Jesus gave up His life for us and we feel a strong calling and responsibility to give of ourselves to this community.”

The newly-minted Axle’s Adventureland presented by VanMeter Insurance will be open and ready for play, and just like Easterfest itself, entry to the play area is completely free. Popular inflatables like the bounce house and speed pitch will also be ready for big outdoor party. All of the fun begins right at Noon, and the gates will remain open until 3 p.m. CT.

EasterFest will be the first event held in the ballpark in April, but it will the lid-lifter of a very busy month. That following Tuesday, on April 7, the Hot Rods will take the field as a team for the first time this season and host Western Kentucky University in a historic exhibition contest. Season ticket packages are on sale now, and they provide the most savings while offering the greatest flexibility. For more information about EasterFest, upcoming games, or anything else Hot Rods, please visit BGHotRods.com, call 270-901-2121, or folks can stop by the ballpark in downtown Bowling Green.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Bowling Green Hot Rods. Click here to view the original story.

Garrett Brockway Baseball Clinic set for May 9th

March 19, 2015

The Burlington Bees/Garrett Brockway Memorial spring baseball camp is set for May 9th for ages 7-14 at Community Field from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM. The cost is just $25 per child.

Bees players will be on hand to teach the basics of hitting, throwing, and fielding. All proceeds will benefit the Garrett Brockway Foundation.

Garrett Brockway was only 10 years old when he passed away in March of 2013. He loved to play baseball and attended many Bees games.

For more information or to print out a sign up form, please click here. If you have any questions, please contact the Bees at (319) 754-5705.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Burlington Bees. Click here to view the original story.