Midwest League – Page 32

Silver Hawks Recognize Local Heroes

August 15, 2014

Sunday, August 17th is Fallen Heroes Day at Four Winds Field presented by Midland Engineering. Each year your Silver Hawks pay tribute to police, fire and EMS workers for their extraordinary community service. Tickets to Sunday’s game are buy one get one free for police, fire and EMS workers. Must present an ID or badge at the Four Winds Field Box Office to purchase tickets.

In addition to recognizing all local responders, one Silver Hawks’ player will also be honored with the Corporal Paul Deguch Community Service Award for the 14th year. The award is named after Paul Deguch, a former South Bend police officer, killed in the line of duty in 1997. The Silver Hawks’ player who demonstrated outstanding community service throughout the course of the season will be presented with the award during pre-game activities on Sunday.

The South Bend Silver Hawks are a Class A minor league team affiliated with the Arizona Diamondbacks. The team is owned and operated by Swing-Batter-Swing, LLC whose sole shareholder is Andrew T. Berlin of Chicago, IL.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the South Bend Silver Hawks. Click here to view the original story.

Silver Hawks to Collect 3,000 lbs. of Food for St. Vincent de Paul

August 13, 2014

August 15^th the annual Faith and Family Night returns to Four Winds Field. St. Vincent de Paul has partnered with your South Bend Silver Hawks to host the annual event. Through this partnership, your Silver Hawks and St. Vincent de Paul hope to bring the community together for a night of faith and fellowship.

Arrive early for a pregame concert featuring Cody Collier. The performance will begin at 6:30 p.m. Also taking place is a canned food drive to help stock the pantries of St. Vincent de Paul. Bring non-perishable food items, or a $5 donation, to the game that evening and receive two (2) complimentary tickets for August 18th, 19th or 20th. Guests who bring the most donations in weight will have a chance to win an outdoor suite to use during a game in the 2015 Silver Hawks season. The goal is to collect 3,000 lbs. of food during the food drive.

“The Silver Hawks are once again excited to be partnering with St. Vincent de Paul this year on our Faith and Family Night. We have built a great partnership over the last couple of seasons but what excites me the most is the canned food drive and the opportunity we have to help those around Michiana that are in need. We have set a goal to collect at least 3,000 lbs. of food on Friday night and it is my hope that we shatter that mark. We live in one of the greatest communities with some of the most generous baseball fans that I have ever met. So I am asking everyone to please bring at least one item on Friday night to donate and let’s help fill St. Vincent de Paul’s food pantry.” states Joe Hart, Silver Hawks’ Team President.

To purchase tickets to the Friday, August 15^th Silver Hawks’ game contact the Box Office at 574-235-9988, stop by in person, or purchase tickets online at www.SilverHawks.com . The Four Winds Field Box Office is open Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the South Bend Silver Hawks. Click here to view the original story.

Dragons to Host 2014 Anthem Health and Fitness Carnival

August 12, 2014

On Sunday, August 17, the plaza outside Fifth Third Field will host a multitude of fun, free activities as a part of the annual Anthem Health & Fitness Carnival. This annual event is a great opportunity for parents and their children to learn about healthy lifestyles, grab some cool giveaways and enjoy a day of family fun at Fifth Third Field.

The Dragons take on the Bowling Green Hot Rods at 2:00 p.m. that afternoon, but as early as 12:30 p.m., fans can come to the plaza to enjoy FREE health screenings, chair massages, airbrush tattoos, balloon animals, raffle prizes including a fitbit flex, free bike helmets for the first 100 kids (ages 5-12), inflatable games, and much more, courtesy of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Kettering Health Network. Dragons mascots Heater and Gem will be in attendance, as well. The carnival will run until 2:30 p.m.

Stop by and enjoy the fun before the Dragons game out on the plaza, and then enjoy the game inside the ballpark. A limited number of lawn tickets for the game are still available.

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

Bandits to donate at least $50,000 to Genesis Foundation

August 6, 2014

A portion of every amusement ride at Modern Woodmen Park this season will be donated

The Quad Cities River Bandits and Main Street Amusements are pledging at least a $50,000 donation this year to the Genesis Health Services Foundation, benefiting Camp Genesis, Genesis Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Genesis Flu-Free Quad Cities. Dave Heller, owner of the River Bandits, and Ken Croken, Genesis Health System Vice President, Corporate Communications, Marketing and Advocacy, made the announcement at press conference Wednesday at Modern Woodmen Park.

For each ride of the new amusements at Modern Woodmen Park – including the 105-foot Ferris wheel, the expanded 300-foot zip line, Space Camp and the Mediacom Drop’N Twist, 50 cents will be donated to Genesis Health Services Foundation health initiatives for children. Since the Ferris wheel opened May 24, approximately 30,000 people have taken rides, but the River Bandits ownership will personally make up the difference for a total donation of at least $50,000.

“The amusements at Modern Woodmen Park have brought great joy to thousands of families in the Quad Cities region this summer, and we are blessed to be able to use these rides to help some of the less fortunate families in our community,” said River Bandits owner Dave Heller. “We are thrilled to be able to partner with the Genesis Health Services Foundation to ensure that affordable, family-friendly fun at Modern Woodmen Park makes a lasting impact for families across the region.”

The donations will go toward the Flu-Free Quad Cities campaign, Camp Genesis for kids who have someone close to them with cancer and Genesis Neonatal Intensive Care services to help struggling newborn babies.

“The Ferris wheel is one of the best new additions to the Quad Cities skyline in years. The best ballpark in baseball is now even better, attracting visitors from all over the country. And now, every time they take a ride on the Ferris wheel or the Drop and Twist ride, they are supporting children’s health programs in the region,” said Ken Croken, vice president of corporate communications, Genesis Health System. “Dave Heller and the Quad Cities River Bandits are a great partner of Genesis Health System and I want to applaud the generosity and Quad City values behind their support.”

The 105-foot Ferris wheel, Mediacom Drop’N Twist, Space Camp, and 300-foot zip line are open during all River Bandits home games, normally beginning 90 minutes before the scheduled first pitch. The rides are also open every Saturday morning – weather permitting – from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., as well as weekend non-game days: Fridays 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturdays and 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Sundays 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Fans may purchase special tickets that can be redeemed at amusement areas, including the Ferris wheel and Bounce QC Kids Zone. Tickets are sold at $1 each, 5 for $5, 12 for $10, and 20 for $15. No tickets are required for children three years and under. An all-you-can-ride-and-bounce daily pass is $20, and a season pass for unlimited rides and play in the Bounce QC Kids Zone for $49. Purchases can be made at the amusement areas of Modern Woodmen Park.

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

GreenStone Farm Credit Services and Timber Rattlers start a ballpark vegetable garden

August 4, 2014

Produce to benefit St. Joe’s Food Program

The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers and GreenStone Farm Credit Services have partnered on a vegetable garden at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium.

In its inaugural year, tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, cucumbers, cantaloupes, and green peppers are among the fruits and vegetables that will be harvested from the GreenStone Garden. The produce that is grown will be donated to the St. Joseph’s Food Program.

“We are thrilled to have the GreenStone Farm Credit Service team up with the Timber Rattlers to Grow a Row for St. Joe’s,” said Karen Ziemke, development director of the St. Joseph Food Program. “This donated produce will help broaden the nutritional options for our client families.”

“Fresh, local produce is greatly appreciated by our clients,” Ziemke said. “St. Joseph Food Program couldn’t provide the current level of nutrition without the help of our community and this partnership is a great example of how we can all work together to accomplish great results!”

The garden is located beyond the left field grass seating area at Neuroscience Group Field. It is 20′ wide by 30′ long.

“The GreenStone Garden provides an excellent opportunity for us to showcase agriculture while benefiting our community. From the traditional farmer to the country home owner, GreenStone Farm Credit Services provides financial solutions to the rural needs of our local members,” said Amanda Kroll, financial services officer for GreenStone Farm Credit Services. “By involving other community organizations including the Freedom FFA Chapter to maintain the garden and the food pantry, we are able to foster the next generation of agricultural leaders and provide wholesome food to those in need. It is truly a homerun for everyone involved.”

“We are excited to partner with GreenStone Farm Credit Services on such a unique idea and utilize an area of the ballpark that had previously gone unused,” said Timber Rattlers president Rob Zerjav. “The St. Joseph’s Food Program is such a vital part of our community and we are happy to contribute in any way we possibly can.”

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. Click here to view the original story.

Stand Up To Cancer Night presented by Fifth Third Bank

August 3, 2014

TinCaps, SU2C, and Fifth Third Partner for Game on August 20

The TinCaps welcome all fans to help raise awareness and funds for cancer research during their game at Parkview Field on Wednesday, August 20 at 7:05 p.m. against Great Lakes for Stand Up To Cancer Night, presented by Fifth Third Bank. Since partnering with Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) a little more than a year ago, Fifth Third Bank has donated nearly $2.3 million to help fund breakthrough cancer research and aims to help raise more money to fight cancer with the TinCaps.

Fans who attend that night can get in on the action as well. Fans will be able to take a photo of themselves with a SU2C check. Sharing that photo on social media with the hashtag of #paytotheorderof will result in $1 being donated to SU2C by Fifth Third Bank. Fans can also recognize loved ones by writing down the names of those affected by cancer on a large board that will be located on Parkview Field’s concourse.

“Stand Up To Cancer Night will be a very special night where we will be able to have a direct impact as an organization to do as much as we can to support cancer awareness and help fund cancer research,” said Michael Limmer, TinCaps Vice President of Marketing. “As a community we will be able to contribute to striking out cancer.”

On Stand Up to Cancer Night, the TinCaps will be wearing special jerseys designed by Cory Dold, a TinCaps fan who won the Fifth Third Bank Design-A-Jersey Contest.

Dold’s design was inspired by his mother Kandy, who won her battle against breast cancer three years ago. The jerseys will be auctioned off during the game with donations to provide cancer awareness and support research.

Meanwhile, also during the game on Stand Up To Cancer Night, there will be a moment for everyone in the crowd and on the field to literally and symbolically stand up to cancer to show solidarity for all those who have been impacted by the disease.

“Fifth Third Bank is very proud of the great relationship we’ve formed with Stand Up To Cancer,” said Steven Alonso, regional president and CEO for the Greater Indiana Region. “Our Bank has always been focused on creating the greatest impact we can on the communities we serve. We are thrilled to be able to partner with the Fort Wayne TinCaps for Stand Up To Cancer Night at Parkview Field to celebrate our continued efforts to fund cancer research and encourage support for this tremendous cause.”

Prior to first pitch on the 20^th, representatives from Fifth Third Bank will be recognized for the organization’s commitment to funding breakthrough cancer research for Stand Up To Cancer. For every strikeout a TinCaps pitcher records on that night, Fifth Third Bank will donate $250 to SU2C.

Fifth Third Bank will also be on hand for fans to sign up for new checking accounts. For every new checking account registration, Fifth Third Bank will provide new account holders $150 cash back as well as make a $150 donation in their name to SU2C (with direct deposit and three online bill pays).

Additionally on Stand Up To Cancer Night, Parkview Health will be providing free Skin Cancer Screenings for both men and women. There will also be a men’s health event in the Lincoln Financial Events Center that includes PSA Prostate Cancer Blood Screenings.

For more information on Fifth Third Bank’s involvement with Stand Up To Cancer, visit their website.

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

Timber Rattlers Throwback Jersey Auction to benefit family of former player

July 31, 2014

Jorge Lopez pitched for the Timber Rattlers in 2013. His son is fighting a serious is fighting serious medical problems and the proceeds from the Timber Rattlers Throwback Jersey Auction will go to help.

The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers are holding a silent auction for their 20^th Anniversary Throwback Jerseys on Friday, August 29. The team will be donating the proceeds from that auction to assist former Rattlers pitcher Jorge Lopez and his family, who are dealing with the serious illness of Mikael, his one-year old son.

Lopez, a Milwaukee Brewers pitching prospect, spent the 2013 season with the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. During last season, Lopez and his wife became parents to Mikael, who was born prematurely.

Mikael’s story is told in this FloridaToday.com article by John A. Torres:

“They told us these were just complications from him being born premature,” the 21-year-old Lopez said this week from Space Coast Stadium, where he is helping anchor one of the best pitching staffs in the Florida State League.

More doctors and two more hospitals followed, including the leading children’s hospital in Puerto Rico where Lopez is from. They stayed at the children’s hospital for five months as doctors ran batteries of tests to find out what was wrong with the boy.

“He was getting sick a lot, and he wasn’t gaining any weight. He had bronchitis and pneumonia and was very bad,” Lopez said. “Finally we brought him to a hospital in Miami.”

That’s where they discovered that the little boy’s intestines had never worked a day in his young life. An unknown autoimmune disease has necessitated an intestinal transplant.

“Now we are waiting to see if the transplant is the answer,” Lopez said, realizing all too well that he is a key player in a story about faith, baseball, a rare disease and the need for a miracle.

The financial hardships are not just medical for the Lopez family. The costs of transporting Mikael from Puerto Rico to Miami were $8,000 alone.

The silent auction for their pinstriped throwback uniforms will be held from 5:30pm until the end of the seventh inning when the Timber Rattlers host the Burlington Bees on Friday, August 29 in Wisconsin’s final regular season home game of the season.

The Brevard County Manatees, Milwaukee’s Florida State league affiliate and Lopez’s current team, have started a GoFundMe site to assist the Lopez family with their expenses. All proceeds from the Timber Rattlers silent auction of their Throwback Jerseys will go to that fund.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. Click here to view the original story.

Fans 4 the Cure to be at Community Field

July 30, 2014

Representatives from Ed Randall’s Fans for the Cure will be at Community Field this upcoming Friday, August 1 for their Bat 4 the Cure promotion as the Bees take on the Clinton LumberKings at 6:30 PM. They will be on hand to educate fans on the tragic illness that is prostate cancer. They will be in the main concourse providing informational materials that could save lives

“Ed Randall’s Bat 4 Cure is an excellent cause, simply put.” said Director of Community Relations Nick Waterman. “Prostate Cancer is nothing to take lightly, so making sure fans get the information they need through the baseball scope is a must. I read in the brochure that Prostate Cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in the U.S., striking 240,000 men each year, enough to fill Yankee Stadium five times!-that’s just so crazy and sad to think about.”

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

Dragons and Vectren Present 2014 Community All-Stars

July 25, 2014

Trisha Baxter to be Honored at Fifth Third Field on July 25

Vectren Corporation and the Dayton Dragons will host Trisha Baxter during the unique “Community All-Stars” program on Friday, July 25, at 7 p.m. when the Dayton Dragons take on the Quad Cities River Bandits at Fifth Third Field.

The Dayton community is a great place to live, work and play. But what makes Dayton truly great are the people that call Dayton home. We have great people and great organizations in our community that do incredible things each and every day. Throughout the season, the Dragons and Vectren will honor 35 “All-Stars”-anyone from firefighters to first responders, non-profit organizations to Good Samaritans-and their families with a VIP treatment at a Dragons game in recognition of their service.

Trisha’s Story

A good night’s sleep is essential to re-energize for the day to come, especially for children. Teacher Trisha Baxter learned just how necessary sleep is in her classroom of six and seven-year olds several years ago.

“I was giving a math test and one little girl in my class turned her test in blank,” Trisha explained. “I asked her why she didn’t do it and the girl told me it was because she was too tired and wasn’t sleeping well. When I asked why, she told me because it is cold on the floor.”

Trisha went around her whole class that day, asking each child the same question. She discovered over half of her classroom was sleeping on the floor each night. She knew she had to help.

Trisha founded Snuggled Up, an organization that donates kits of bedding to children in the area without a place to sleep. Included in a snuggle kit is an air mattress, sheets, pillow, and a blanket. Snuggled Up has now given close to 450 kits to children in need.

“My mission is to keep giving children like that first little girl snuggle kits so they are no longer dreaming on a floor,” Trisha said.

For helping provide bedding to hundreds of children in need, Trisha has been selected as a Dragons Community All-Star. The Dragons Community All-Stars Program honors individuals and organizations who have gone above and beyond to improve the quality of life in the Miami Valley.

The Dragons Community All-Stars Program is made possible by the generous support of Vectren. For more information on the program or to read about the All-Stars we have honored in 2014, visit daytondragons.com.

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

Dayton Police, Dayton Fire to Take Part in Battle of the Badges

July 25, 2014

Charity Softball Game at Fifth Third Field to Raise Money for the Humane Society of Greater Dayton

The Dayton Police Department and the Dayton Fire Department have teamed up with the Dayton Dragons to host “Battle of the Badges,” a charity softball game, on July 27, 2014 to benefit the Humane Society of Greater Dayton. The Dragons host the Cedar Rapids Kernels at 2 p.m. that afternoon and the softball game between Dayton’s finest will follow.

The Humane Society of Greater Dayton is the largest, most-established “no-kill” animal welfare agency in the Dayton region. As a 501(c)(3) organization, they receive no government funding and rely solely on donations to run their programs and services. Each year, the Humane Society of Greater Dayton saves the lives of thousands of animals and ensures that all animals are valued and loved within the Dayton community.

“As first responders we have an obligation and duty to assist the citizens of Dayton,” said Officer Nathan Speelman, Captain of the Dayton Police softball squad. “As a team, we strive to further assist and support local charities in the Miami Valley. We feel this is a great opportunity to raise money to help support The Humane Society of Greater Dayton.”

“On behalf of the Dayton Fire Department and Local 136, we would like to thank the Dayton Dragons organization and the Dayton Police Department for allowing us to participate in the Battle of the Badges Softball Game again this year,” noted Scott Davis, Captain of the Firefighter team. “The proceeds from this year’s charity game will go to help the animals at the Humane Society of Greater Dayton. Come out and support your local police officers and firefighters as they square off in a softball game for a great cause!”

Tickets can be purchased at http://daytondragons.com/badges using the special offer code, “Dragons”. Each purchased ticket earns one person admission to the Dragons game at 2 p.m. vs. Cedar Rapids as well as the Battle of the Badges contest. Tickets must be purchased by the end of the day on Saturday. There are a limited number of tickets available.

“The Humane Society of Greater Dayton is honored to be working with the Dayton Police and Dayton Fire Departments for this year’s Battle of the Badges,” said Brian Weltge, President & CEO of the Humane Society of Greater Dayton. “All of our organizations are in the business of saving lives. To be in the company of these heroic men and women who risk their lives each day for the community is a true privilege.”

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

Dragons and Ford Present Honor Them Program

July 24, 2014

All season long, the Dayton Area Ford Dealers will be honoring Miami Valley veterans and telling their service stories at Dayton Dragons games. Please join us on Sunday, July 27 as they recognize local veteran Shawn Brunello.

Veteran Shawn Brunello’s Story

Dayton native Shawn Brunello has spent nearly half of his life in the U.S. Marines. From mapping convoy routes between bases and criminal investigation to escorting entertainers, Brunello, now a Chief Warrant Officer, has served in many ways while deployed.

Brunello joined the Marines after high school, following his twin brother into the service. He was first deployed to Iraq in 2003 and again in 2005. In 2011, Brunello was deployed to Afghanistan and worked as a convoy commander. He facilitated the transport of food and equipment from a primary base to outlying bases. Every couple weeks, he would map out the routes for convoys which could include from 20 up to 270 vehicles. The destinations never changed, but the road they traveled always had to be different to avoid enemy detection and ensure as safe of a passage as possible.

One of the biggest changes Brunello found across his earlier deployments was communication, both with his family and with the vehicles in the convoys. During his early deployments in Iraq, his convoys had to rely on maps and two-way radio to communicate as they drove across the Iraqi deserts. While from a personal standpoint, he was only able to call home every couple of weeks.

By his 2011 deployment to Afghanistan, technology had progressed enough where he was able to talk to his family every day and could track vehicle convoys, as well as enemy locations through satellites.

Brunello currently lives in Washington Township with his family and is a system engineer for LexisNexis. He is still part of the Marine Reserves, and commits one weekend a month to his service, training and teach other Marines.

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

4th Annual Subway Dragons 5K at Fifth Third Field One Week Away

July 14, 2014

Subway Spokesperson Jared Fogle Scheduled to Appear at Event

Registration is well under way for the SUBWAY® Dragons 5K, with over 1,500 people already signed up to join SUBWAY® spokesperson Jared Fogle for the race on Saturday, July 19 at 9am. In 2013, the SUBWAY® Dragons 5K became one of the largest races in the Miami Valley and with current registration numbers and new activities slotted for the post-race party, it is well on its way to being bigger and better for 2014.

“The Subway Dayton Dragons 5k race is a great way to bring the family together for exercise and fun. Starting and ending at Fifth Third Field makes this annual event a special day and one I especially look forward to. Hope to see everyone there again on July 19!” says Jared Fogle on the impact of the event.

All participants in the run receive an official dri-fit shirt, stadium seat tickets to a Dragons game and three vouchers good for one (1) 6″ FRESH FIT® sub, one (1) breakfast sub from SUBWAY® and one sub of the participant’s choosing.

An awards ceremony will take place after the race. The top three male and female finishers will receive a specially-engraved baseball bat. A new twist this year is prizes for 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd place group finishers! Participants could sign up as a group and have the chance to win great group awards including a Subway catering!

The registration fee is $30 for adults. Kids age 17 and under can register for just $15. Fans should sign up today to reserve their spot at daytondragons.com/subwaydragon5k (follow the link on the front page) or stopping by the Dragons Box Office.

The run will begin at 9:00 a.m. on July 19 at Fifth Third Field. Participants may choose to run or walk the course. Baby strollers are also permitted. The course will move through downtown Dayton and end back at the ballpark for a post-race party. SUBWAY® subs will be available for participants and their supporters.

The post-race fun features a “meet and greet” with Jared Fogle, face painting, carnival and inflatable games, FREE Subway sandwich and cookie samples and more fun for the whole family.

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

Quilting for Veterans donates 60 quilts

July 8, 2014

Raises $1,260 for local Veterans

Sixty quilts and $1,260 was presented to Don Tyne and Linn County Veterans Affairs as part of Quilts to honor Vets in an on-field ceremony before the Kernels game with Beloit on July 5^th.

The project began on March 8^th as local quilters, organized by Connie Moyer and Connie’s Quilt Shop in Marion, began making quilts at Veterans Memorial Stadium, with 60 quilts produced by June 2nd. Also, a special quilt was made that was raffled off at the July 5^th game, and $1,260 was raised for Linn County Veterans Affairs through the quilt raffle.

The quilts will be given to local veterans in need through Linn County Veterans Affairs and events like Stand Down for Veterans.

“It was my honor to represent all of the quilters who spent their time and talents to make the 60 quilts that were given to Don Tyne to be distributed to local veterans as our way of saying thank you for their service to our country.”, said event organizer Connie Moyer of Connie’s Quilt Shop.

The Kernels begin a three game home stand tonight against the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers at 6:35 pm with the gates opening at 5:30 pm. The current home stand continues through Thursday, July 10^th.

Morgan Hawk brings 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.

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.

Dragons Celebrate Matt Louis, Community All-Star

June 30, 2014

Heavy flooding after a very rainy day on May 21 led to a dangerous situation on interstate 75. Thankfully for several local residents, a hero was ready to risk his life to save others.

Flood waters rose quickly along interstate 70 near Huber Heights. The water consumed several cars, leaving them stranded and in need of help. Matt Louis stepped up to the plate.

“It was all instinct,” Matt said. “A little bit of adrenaline kicked in. One woman was screaming that she can’t swim, and I just had to help.”

Matt waded into flood waters that reached his chest and approached one of the cars. He carried an infant from the car back to safety and then went back to help the baby’s mother. Matt went out for a third time to save another woman in a second car who was unable to swim.

“Matt really earned his Superman cape,” Erin Dorn, a friend of Matt’s, said. “We were just glad everybody was okay. That was very brave to go out there in the water not knowing what the current was.”

For risking his own life to save the lives of others, Matt has been selected as a Dragons Community All-Star. The Dragons Community All-Stars Program honors individuals and organizations that have gone above and beyond to improve the quality of life in the Miami Valley.

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

Photo squares on sale for Autism Awareness Jerseys

June 27, 2014

River Bandits will wear specialty jerseys for third annual photo jersey auction Friday, Aug. 8

The Quad Cities River Bandits are again offering fans the chance to put their photographs in small squares in the team’s jersey numbers for the annual photo jersey auction on Autism Awareness Night presented by KWQC on Aug. 8 at Modern Woodmen Park. All of the proceeds of the square purchases and jersey auction will benefit the Quad Cities Autism Center Inc.

At $25 per square, fans can purchase a space in the River Bandits’ jersey numbers to feature a photograph of themselves, a family member or friend, or a picture chosen by the Quad Cities Autism Center. A limited number of squares are available, and each square comes with a certificate of purchase. Each square is guaranteed to be on at least one jersey, and the maximum individual order is five squares.

In 2012, the River Bandits became the first U.S. professional sports team to hold a photo jersey auction for charity, and the team’s second annual event was recognized last season with the annual Golden Bobblehead Award for the Best Charity Promotion or Event in Minor League Baseball.

“We are thrilled to partner again with the Quad Cities Autism Center to give River Bandits fans another incredible opportunity to be part of a nationally-recognized promotion and help fight autism right here in the Quad Cities,” said River Bandits owner Dave Heller. “The Quad Cities community has shown generous and enthusiastic support for the photo jersey auction and has demonstrated its determination to help fight autism, and we are excited for another memorable event at Modern Woodmen Park!”

In 2013, the River Bandits’ Autism Awareness Night raised more than $12,000. The promotion was selected in September 2013 among nearly 200 nominations as a finalist in its promotional category. It was later selected as the 2013 Golden Bobblehead Award winner for Best Charity Promotion or Event at Minor League Baseball Promotional Seminar in Louisville, Ky., last September.

Fans can order the photo squares by completing the form at www.riverbandits.com, calling 563-324-3000 or emailing Alex@riverbandits.com.

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