Midwest League – Page 34

Loons, MBF Team Up For Summer Baseball Camps

May 8, 2014

Hands-on baseball clinics focus on the skill development of campers

The Michigan Baseball Foundation is pleased to announce the dates of this season’s Loons Summer Baseball Camps – presented by CherryBerry – at Dow Diamond. The first two-day camp will be held June 19-20.

The camps will pair participants with professional players and coaches from the Great Lakes Loons in a strong learning environment. Loons manager Bill Haselman 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 19 & 20 (ages 7-12) • July 16 & 17 (ages 7-12)

Camp instruction will run from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. each day. Participants will also receive a camp t-shirt and two tickets to a Loons game that will take place following the second day of instruction, as well as a CherryBerry coupon. All campers will be invited on the field for 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 very limited. To secure a spot or to obtain more information, please contact Tyler Kring at 989-837-6165 or tkring@loons.com. Fans can also visit Loons.com.

Through your support at Loons games, the Michigan Baseball Foundation has been able to award $721,014 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, an eighth-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.

Children’s Book Night

May 8, 2014

Bring a new or gently used children’s book to the Snappers’ game on Tuesday, May 13th and receive a free ticket voucher to the game against the Peoria Chiefs on Wednesday, June 4th! All books will be donated to the Beloit Public Library.

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

Girl Scouts Spend the Night at Fifth Third Field

May 7, 2014

Girl Scout Overnighter At Fifth Third Field

WHAT?

The Dayton Dragons will host the second annual Girl Scout Overnighter at Fifth Third Field. Girl Scouts from Western Ohio will place their tents at Fifth Third Field, and camp out for the night. The Scouts will be offered a snack with the opportunity to watch a movie on the video board before they go to sleep. In the morning, the Dragons will provide breakfast for the Scouts at 7:00 a.m.

WHEN?

Friday, May 9, 2014 following the completion of the game between the Dayton Dragons and the Fort Wayne Tincaps.

WHO?

Over 400 Scouts from the Girl Scouts of Western Ohio will be part of the overnighter. Parents and families are welcomed and encouraged to join their Scouts at the overnighter.

WHERE?

The Scouts will be able to place tents on the outfield grass at Fifth Third Field.

If you are interested in attending, call the Dragons at (937) 228-2287 and ask for Jose de la Vega or send an email to Jose.delavega@daytondragons.com.

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

Dragons to Participate in Great American Cleanup

May 6, 2014

May 10th Event is Part of the Keep Montgomery County Beautiful program

As part of the Great American Cleanup initiative, the Dayton Dragons and the Montgomery County Environmental Services will host a cleanup event on May 10th from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. at 624 Xenia Avenue in Dayton (East End Community Services). Dragons players, staff members, Heater, and the Dragons Green Team will pitch in to clean the surrounding neighborhood along with volunteers who can register at daytondragons.com/cleanup or by calling Nisha Jaga at (937) 228-2287 ext. 115.

The Dragons event is one component of the Great American Cleanup initiative and the Keep Montgomery County Beautiful program. It is a volunteer program for individuals or groups and a great way to give back to the community.

“We take a tremendous pride in the upkeep of Fifth Third Field,” Dragons President Robert Murphy said. “The Great American Cleanup is a great way for us to get out in the community and help with the upkeep of the city that surrounds us.”

All participating volunteers in the Dragons cleanup event will receive a Dragons hat and will be entered into a drawing for other great Dragons prizes.

About the Great American Cleanup

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

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

Fifth Third Field to Host Flame of Hope 5K

May 1, 2014

Fifth Third Field will host the Epilepsy Foundation of Western Ohio 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, May 3rd from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Heater, the Dragons mascot, will be in attendance.

A portion of proceeds will be used to send several children with epilepsy to Camp Flame Catcher. Camp Flame Catcher is designed to give kids with epilepsy a typical camping experience that their friends enjoy with the added benefit of trained epilepsy specialists.

To register, go to www.2014flameofhope5k.kintera.org or Click here.

The event will include a traditional timed 5K for all runners and walkers as well as a one mile stroll. The event will begin on the Plaza at Fifth Third Field and continue along the scenic Great Miami River.

Packet Pick-up and registration will take place at the following:

7:30 AM – 6:00PM Friday, May 2nd at the EFWO Office, 11 W. Monument Ave., Ste. 101.

8:00 AM – 9:00AM Saturday, May 3rd at the plaza at Fifth Third Field.

Individual medals will be given to the first and second place finisher in each age division.

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

Join Fifth Third Bank And The Dragons As We Strike Out Hunger

April 23, 2014

Fifth Third Bank and the Dayton Dragons have partnered with the The Foodbank, Inc. in efforts to assist families fighting hunger in the Miami Valley. From April 28-May 1, from 5:30-7:00 p.m. on the plaza at Fifth Third Field, donations of canned goods and non-perishable food items will be accepted. Items will be donated to The Foodbank, Inc. to provide meals for those in need.

“Each Fifth Third Day, May 3rd, Fifth Third and our employees celebrate our commitment to our communities and to fighting hunger,” stated Doug Compton, Fifth Third Bank’s Dayton City Executive. “Through volunteerism and donations, we’re proud to partner with the Dayton Dragons and their fans in support of The Foodbank, Inc. and efforts to Strike Out Hunger.”

Michelle Riley, CEO of The Foodbank, expressed the need for the donations. “Throughout our tri-county region, our member hunger relief charities serve about 16,000 meals every day to children, families and seniors,” she said. “We cannot respond to the enormous need for food assistance without the generous support of community partners like Fifth Third Bank and Dayton Dragons.”

Please help Fifth Third Bank reach their goal for Fifth Third Day (May 3) of providing 530,000 meals for the hungry. For more information, visit daytondragons.com. You can text MEAL to 41444 to give a one-time or recurring gift by credit card.

The Foodbank, Inc. is in need of the following food items:

•Chili/Soup

•Cereal

•Peanut Butter & Jelly

•Canned Fruit & Vegetables

•Pasta & Canned Sauce

•Rice & Beans

•Baking Mixes

•Canned Meat & Fish

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

Dragons Team Up With Cohen Recycling to Recycle Used Electronics

April 23, 2014

The Dayton Dragons and Cohen Recycling will be teaming up to help Miami Valley residents recycle unwanted electronics for free. Cohen Recycling will be collecting unwanted electronics on August 2 on the Fifth Third Field Plaza.

Recycle your old computers, cell phones and other unwanted electronics! Bring them to the plaza at Fifth Third Field on August 2 from 2pm – 6pm and Cohen will do the rest. You can meet the Dragons mascots, Heater and Gem, and the Green Team! Kids can play some inflatable games, get balloon animals and glitter tattoos. Each car will get a FREE Dragons t-shirt and an entry to win a “VIP Experience”, which includes a behind-the-scenes tour, an opportunity to throw out a first pitch at a game, or a trip for two for an amazing vacation. For a list of items that you can recycle, visit daytondragons.com.

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

Silver Hawks to provide a Peanut Free Suite

April 22, 2014

Your South Bend Silver Hawks on Sunday, May 18th will provide a peanut free area located in the Home Plate Suite in recognition of Food Allergy Awareness Week. Food Allergy Awareness Week helps educate the public about food allergies, a potentially life-threatening medical condition.

Allergy to peanuts appears to be on the rise in children; more than 3.5 million Americans suffer from it. There are 8 types of food that are responsible for more than 90% of allergic reactions, peanuts being one of those 8 foods.

“I am excited that we are able to do this again in 2014. Last year’s event was a huge hit and we were able to provide a fun day at the ballpark that many people were not able to experience in the past. We had one family in which their son had never been to a professional baseball game before because of his peanut allergies. We want to make sure everyone has the opportunity to experience a Silver Hawks game, so we will do whatever we can to make it a reality. Because of last year’s success I expect the tickets to sell out quickly and as result, we have already started looking at dates for an additional night.” states Joe Hart, Team President.

Tickets can be purchased through the Silver Hawks’ Box Office for $17.00; space is limited to the first 50 people. Price includes a game ticket, hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and soft drinks. Call the Box Office at 574-235-9988, or stop by the Box Office, located on W. South Street to purchase tickets for the peanut free suite.

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. To purchase tickets to a game visit www.SilverHawks.com , call the Box Office at 574-235-9988, or stop by between 10:00a.m.-5:00p.m.

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

High School Baseball Returns to Fifth Third Field on Monday Night

April 21, 2014

Arcanum and Franklin-Monroe to Play at Fifth Third Field on Monday Night

All Games Sponsored by MAC Athletics;

Double-headers scheduled for Friday and Saturday

Dayton, Ohio- Fifth Third Field and the Dayton Dragons will host high school baseball for the ninth straight season in 2014 with the action starting on Tuesday, April 8 at 4:30 p.m. Overall this spring, 30 high schools will play regular season games at the home of the Dragons.

High school baseball at Fifth Third Field also serves as a fundraiser for the participating schools. This year’s series of games will raise approximately $30,000 for the schools to help with the cost of uniforms, equipment, and bus transportation.

All games are sponsored by MAC Athletics, experts in athletic facility planning, design, construction, and equipment acquisition. Go to macathletix.com for more information on their services.

Monday evening’s game features the Franklin-Monroe Jets and the Arcanum Trojans. In the most recent Miami Valley Baseball Coaches Association poll, the Trojans were ranked as the third best team among Division IV schools. Arcanum claimed a 2013 Division IV Southwest District Championship. Arcanum and Franklin-Monroe both compete in the Cross County Conference. The game will be broadcast live on 97.5 WTGR and online on the Gem City Sports Network.

The Dayton Dragons have been hosting the Miami Valley’s best baseball teams since 2006 and are proud to continue the tradition for a ninth year. A complete list of high school baseball games scheduled to be played at Fifth Third Field can be found at daytondragons.com.

All games are free to attend and the media are invited to cover them. Gates will open one hour prior to the first game played that day. High schools may provide their own PA announcers, cheer squads, and national anthem singers. Some even bring their own radio broadcasters to the ballpark. Participating high schools sell Dragons tickets to help raise money for their programs.

–See remaining schedule below–

Day	Date	Time	Home Team	Away Team
Monday	4/21	7:00 PM	Arcanum	Franklin-Monroe
Thursday	4/24	4:30 PM	Lebanon	Piqua
Thursday	4/24	7:00 PM	Sidney	Wayne
Friday	4/25	4:30 PM	Dayton Christian	Troy Christian
Friday	4/25	7:00 PM	Vandalia-Butler	West Carrolton
Saturday	4/26	11:00 AM	Valley View	Greenville
Saturday	4/26	4:00 PM	Beavercreek	Miamisburg
Sunday	5/4	4:00 PM	Fort Loramie	New Knoxville

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

TinCaps, Longe Optical Expand Children’s Reading Program

April 16, 2014

Partnership Expands Region’s Largest Private Literacy Program

The Fort Wayne TinCaps, Longe Optical, and PBS39 (WFWA) are pleased to announce a multi-year partnership in expanding the TinCaps Reading Program, a venture that serves more than 100,000 children in the Northeast Indiana and Northwest Ohio regions. The addition of a corporate sponsor to the TinCaps Reading Program ensures that the reach of the effort will expand beyond schools and libraries, and into Longe Optical’s four retail locations, helping children improve their reading skills.

Longe Optical, now the exclusive eye care provider of the TinCaps, will make signups for the program available at all of their retail locations, meaning the TinCaps Reading Program will see an unprecedented reach throughout the region.

“The Fort Wayne TinCaps Reading Program is one of the best initiatives the team does, and one of the most impactful from any team in the country,” said TinCaps President Mike Nutter. “The focus on literacy and our youth is extremely important to the TinCaps and our mission of serving the community. To have Longe Optical involved is a great thing for the program. Longe Optical is a well-known and respected area business, and now with their involvement more children and families will be reached. Their support guarantees that a program that has been making a difference for almost 15 years will continue long into the future.”

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 soft drink. Participating schools can also receive a visit from Johnny, the TinCaps mascot.

“We are tremendously excited to be the lead sponsor of the TinCaps Reading Program. It’s such a logical partnership since reading skills are dependent on great vision,” said Jeff Ostermann, President of Longe Optical. “We’ve been serving Fort Wayne’s eye care needs for 65 years, and can think of no better investment in the future of our community than helping to ensure that our children can see and read their best.”

PBS39, the northeast Indiana region’s only public television station, continues its sponsorship of the TinCaps Reading Program.

“It has been a great opportunity to pair America’s greatest pastime with America’s number one source for educational programs,” said PBS39 General Manager Bruce Haines. “As the nation’s most-trusted and most-watched TV source for kids, PBS KIDS and PBS39 are uniquely positioned to pair with the TinCaps to help families keep the learning going while they have fun together.”

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

Dragons Players and Mascot Visit Local Schools

April 15, 2014

DRAGONS PLAYERS AND MASCOT TO VISIT CLARK COUNTY SCHOOLS THIS WEEK

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 two Clark County school classrooms this Tuesday. The visits are part of the Dragons MVP program and members of the local media are invited to cover them.

Two Dragons players will join Heater on visits six local schools this week, beginning on Tuesday, April 15th. The players will introduce themselves to the students, answer questions, sign autographs and take pictures. Each student will also receive a Dragons cap and pen.

Visits for Tuesday, April 15

10am to 10:45am

Rockway Elementary

3500 W. National Road

Springfield, OH, 45504

Phone: 937-328-5385

11:15 to 12pm

Northwestern Elementary

5610 Troy Road

Springfield, OH

Phone: 937-964-3240

Visits for Wednesday, April 16

10am to 10:45am

Kenwood Elementary

1421 Nagley St.

Springfield, OH, 45505

Phone: 937-505-4220

11:15 to 12pm

Warder Park-Wayne Elementary

2820 Hillside Ave.

Springfield, OH, 45503

Visits for Thursday, April 17

10am to 10:45am

Orchard Park Elementary

600 E. Dorothy Ln.

Kettering, OH, 45419

Phone: 937-499-1910

11:15-12pm

East Dayton Christian School

999 Spinning Rd.

Dayton, OH, 45431

Phone: 937-252-5400

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 and is also made possible courtesy of Sinclair Community College, WDTN-TV and Dayton’s CW Television. For more information on the Dragons MVP Program contact the Dayton Dragons or visit www.daytondragons.com.

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.

Amateur Baseball Returns to Dow Diamond in 2014

April 14, 2014

Great Lakes Loons home will host teams from around the region, state

MIDLAND, Mich. – Dow Diamond will once again host amateur baseball this season, featuring teams from the Great Lakes Bay Region as well as from around the state who will play during April and May when the Great Lakes Loons are out of town.

The schedule kicks off this Tuesday when Freeland and Reese square off for a 5 p.m. game. It will be the first of 13 amateur dates and 26 games scheduled for the home of the Great Lakes Loons.

Listed below is a full schedule of games. All dates are and times are subject to change.

Tuesday, April 15 Freeland vs. Reese 4:30 p.m. gates / 5:00 first pitch

Wednesday, April 16 Hale vs. Marion 3:30 p.m. gates / 4:00 first pitch

Thursday, April 17 Meridian vs. St. Charles (JV/V) 3:30 p.m. gates / 4:00 first pitch

Monday, April 28 Freeland vs. Reese (makeup) 4:30 p.m. gates/5 p.m. first pitch

Tuesday, April 29 Bay City Western vs. Clio 4:00 p.m. gates / 4:30 first pitch

Wednesday, April 30 Standish-Sterling vs. Tawas (JV/V) 4:30 p.m. gates / 5:00 first pitch

Thursday, May 1 Birch Run vs. Flint Kearsley 4:30 p.m. gates /5:00 first pitch

Sunday, May 4 Oscoda vs. Kingsley 12:30 p.m. gates / 1:00 first pitch

Friday, May 9 Vassar vs. Mlllington 4:30 p.m. gates/ 5 p.m. first pitch

Saturday, May 10 Midland Dow vs. Grosse Pointe South 10:30 a.m. gates / 11:00 first pitch

Sunday, May 11 Swartz Creek vs. Montrose Hill-McCloy 2:30 p.m. gates / 11:00 first pitch

Tuesday, May 20 BC John Glenn vs. Ogemaw/Ann Arbor Skyline 4:30 p.m. gates / 5:00 first pitch

Wednesday, May 21 Midland vs. Bullock Creek 4:30 p.m. gates / 5:00 first pitch

Tuesday, May 27 Coleman vs. Gladwin (JV/V) 3:30 p.m. gates / 4:00 first pitch

“One of our goals is to make Dow Diamond available for as many community events as we can,” said Great Lakes Loons President Paul Barbeau. “We’re excited to host a large number of amateur teams once again this year and allow some of the area’s younger baseball talent to enjoy the ballpark.”

Centrally located in downtown Midland, beautiful Dow Diamond is the home field for the Great Lakes Loons and is one of the region’s premiere special events facilities. Dow Diamond is owned by the Michigan Baseball Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity and non-profit corporation.

The Great Lakes Loons are an eighth-year Single-A partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers. For more information about Dow Diamond and the Loons, visit loons.com or call 989-837-BALL.

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

Bandits Race to Home 5K doubles participants, raises over $13K for Bandits Scholars Program

April 12, 2014

More than 600 participants get unique experience of finishing at home plate inside Modern Woodmen Park

Participants await the start of the second annual Bandits Race to Home 5K presented by Palmer Chiropractic Clinics. (Sean Flynn Photography)

More than 600 runners and walkers competed in the second annual Bandits Race to Home 5K and Fun Run presented by Palmer Chiropractic Clinics and finishing inside Modern Woodmen Park on Saturday morning, helping raise more than $13,000 toward the Bandit Scholars Program.

Participation doubled from the inaugural race of 2013, and funds raised increased by 160% for the Bandit Scholars Program, which annually awards the Bandit Scholarships. Each scholarship pays the entire first-year college tuition for two Quad Cities-area students.

“We want to thank the people of the Quad Cities for embracing the annual Bandits Race to Home 5K with outstanding participation and support of the Bandit Scholars Program,” said River Bandits owner Dave Heller. “All of the participants, volunteers, staff and spectators made this year’s Bandits Race to Home 5K a memorable and unique community event to celebrate the Quad Cities and the start of another fun-filled season at Modern Woodmen Park!”

The fastest male and female finishers in each of the 10 age groups – 19 & under, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59 and 60-plus – were awarded trophies courtesy of Crown Trophy, while the second and third place finishers received medals. Additionally, the top three male and female runners were awarded with trophies.

Below is a full list of the winners in their respective age group.

The Bandits Race to Home 5K began on River Drive and Gaines Street in downtown Davenport, Iowa, crossed the Centennial Bridge to Rock Island, Ill., headed over to the Rock Island Arsenal, then back across the Arsenal Bridge before finishing at home plate inside Modern Woodmen Park.

The Fun Run featured young contestants racing the River Bandits’ mascot Rascal from outside the left field wall of the stadium and finishing just inside the gate of Modern Woodmen Park. Each contestant was awarded a Fun Run ribbon to commemorate his or her victory over Rascal.

Additional sponsors for the Bandits Race to Home 5K and Fun Run were Electronic Communication Systems, Inc., ORA Orthopedics, HyVee, Pepsi, One Step, Great River Brewery, The National Bank, Sam’s Club, Massage Envy and Power Grafx.

UP NEXT: The River Bandits open a six-game homestand with Markdown Monday presented by 97X for the 7 p.m. game April 14 against the West Michigan Whitecaps. Fans can purchase $2 bleacher and berm tickets, as well as $2 beer, soda, hot dogs, peanuts, popcorn at nachos. Tickets are available online at www.riverbandits.com. To order any of the ticket plans – with new lower prices – call the River Bandits box office at 563-324-3000. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $40. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.

ABOUT THE BANDITS: Having just been named Ballpark Digest’s winner of Best Ballpark Improvement in America under $1 million, the River Bandits ownership is making one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 110 feet over the playing field, is opening in May, along with a carousel, a new ride called a “Drop and Twist,” an expanded 300-foot long zip line, and many other new games and attractions. In 2013, the team unveiled a new 220-foot long dual zip line, a rock climbing wall, and a number of new bounce houses. The team’s major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, just saw all six of its affiliates reach the playoffs – the first time in a decade any MLB team can claim such success. The River Bandits were one of three affiliates to reach the championship round and one of two to win their league championship.

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

Bandits fans can put names on jerseys for Breast Cancer Awareness Night

April 10, 2014

Deadline April 23 to submit signatures; pink jersey auction proceeds will go to Genesis Center for Breast Health

Quad Cities River Bandits fans were the first in the country to be able to purchase photos on the back of player jerseys for professional sports jersey auction for charity, and this season they will have another unique opportunity to support a cause while honoring loved ones. Through April 23, fans can purchase space for a signature or name to appear on pink jerseys the team will wear for its first-ever pink jersey auction on Breast Cancer Awareness Night presented by Genesis Health Systems and the Quad-City Times on Friday, June 13.

“The entire region has made River Bandits jersey auctions hugely successful events to benefit Quad Cities-area charities, and this summer’s Breast Cancer Awareness Night and jersey auction is another fantastic opportunity for Quad Citians to make a big impact right here in our community,” said team owner Dave Heller. “With the support of our great fans, the pink jerseys will be a memorable tribute to all the women and their families who have bravely battled breast cancer, as well as a strong sign of unwavering support for those who continue to battle breast cancer.”

Fans can purchase space for the signature or name of a loved one who is battling or has battled breast cancer. The signatures and names will be placed on the River Bandits players’ pink jerseys that will be worn Friday, June 13, for Breast Cancer Awareness Night presented by Genesis Health Systems and the Quad-City Times. After the game, the jerseys will be auctioned off, with all the proceeds benefitting the Genesis Center for Breast Health. Each signature or name space is available for purchase at $25 each, with every single dollar raised going to the Genesis Center for Breast Health. More information is available by calling Alexandria Sheffler at (563) 333-2741. The deadline to purchase the signature spaces is April 23.

“We are grateful to the Quad Cities community that makes all of these local charity events possible, and we are thrilled to partner with Genesis Health Systems and the Quad-City Times for Breast Cancer Awareness Night,” said General Manager Andrew Chesser. “The pink jersey auction will benefit a great cause and raise awareness for women and their families whom we are humbled to support with this night at Modern Woodmen Park.”

This year will also mark the fourth annual Camo Jersey Auction presented by the Iowa Army National Guard on May 24, as well as the third annual photo jersey auction Friday, Aug. 8, on Autism Awareness Night presented by KWQC and the Quad Cities Autism Center. The River Bandits were the first U.S. professional sports team to auction photo jerseys for local cancer charities in 2012, and the 2013 Autism Awareness Photo Jersey Auction earned a Golden Bobblehead Award from Minor League Baseball for the Best Charity Promotion in the nation.

UP NEXT: The second annual River Bandits Race to Home 5K and Kids Fun Run presented by Palmer Chiropractic Clinics is Saturday at 8 a.m. Thursday is the last day to register using the link at www.riverbandits.com. All proceeds benefit the Bandit Scholars Program. To order any of the 2014 ticket plans – with new lower prices – call the River Bandits box office at 563-324-3000. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $40. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.

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

Eight Local High Schools to Play at Fifth Third Field this Weekend

April 10, 2014

Double-headers scheduled for Friday and Saturday

All games are sponsored by MAC Athletics, experts in athletic facility planning, design, construction, and equipment acquisition. Go to macathletix.com for more information on their services.

Friday’s twin bill features St. Henry and Coldwater at 5:00 p.m., followed by Coldwater and Marion Local at 7:30 p.m.

The St. Henry Redskins are off to a 3-1 start on the year and are only one-half game out of first place in the Midwest Athletic Conference standings. They will square off with a very young Covington Buccs squad, which will turn to OF Justin Williams, 3B Dain Peters and 1B Jake Albright for leadership this season. The Buccs are 2-3 so far this year.

The Coldwater Cavaliers and Marion Local Flyers will play under the Friday night lights in a Midwest Athletic Conference showdown. Coldwater went 22-5 last year and returns seven starters to the field, including senior pitcher Grant Muhlenkamt and junior RF Brady Hoyne. Marion local is 4-1 on the season, good for first place in the league standings. They are led by sophomore Aaron Niepfeld, who hit .426 last season, and lone senior Austin Albers. The Flyers are led by first year head coach Dustin Woods.

Saturday afternoon features two more outstanding matchups. Lehman Catholic will battle Fairborn at 1:00 p.m. and Greenon hosts Northeastern at 4:00 p.m.

Lehman Catholic, members of the Northwest Central Conference, had a solid season last year and returns a number of key players in 2014. Drew Westerheide is the squad’s lone senior, while juniors Greg Spearman and AJ Hemmelgarn anchor the left side of the infield. Head coach Dave King recently picked up his 500^th career coaching victory. Fairborn is led by Ryan Profitt and Ty Boedicker, who each have a hit in five of their first 11 at bats this spring. Brent Grody (1-0) has nine strikeouts through five innings pitched.

The Greenon Knights will battle the Northeastern Jets in the final game of the weekend. Greenon returns seven players from last year’s squad and has started the season with excellent pitching, thanks to Dustin McReynolds and James Schroeder.

–See remaining schedule below–

Day	Date	Time	Home Team	Away Team
Friday	4/11	5:00 PM	St. Henry	Covington
Friday	4/11	7:30 PM	Coldwater	Marion Local
Saturday	4/12	1:00 PM	Lehman Catholic	Fairborn
Saturday	4/12	4:00 PM	Northeastern	Greenon
Monday	4/21	7:00 PM	Arcanum	Franklin-Monroe
Thursday	4/24	4:30 PM	Lebanon	Piqua
Thursday	4/24	7:00 PM	Sidney	Wayne
Friday	4/25	4:30 PM	Dayton Christian	Troy Christian
Friday	4/25	7:00 PM	Vandalia-Butler	West Carrolton
Saturday	4/26	11:00 AM	Valley View	Greenville
Saturday	4/26	4:00 PM	Beavercreek	Miamisburg
Sunday	5/4	4:00 PM	Fort Loramie	New Knoxville

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.