MBF Announces 2013 Grant Recipients

Grant program exceeds $100,000 for sixth consecutive year

GreatLakesLoons_2013-04-24

 

MIDLAND, Mich. – The Michigan Baseball Foundation (MBF) is pleased to announce its 2013 grant class, which includes 30 organizations from nine counties in Mid-Michigan. The 2013 class received a total of $105,079, making it the sixth consecutive year that the grant total exceeded $100,000. In its six years of existence, the MBF grant program has awarded a total of $622,459 to non-profits of Mid-Michigan.

The Foundation began its sixth annual grant process in November 2012 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

This year’s Michigan Baseball Foundation grants committee was chaired by Jenee Velasquez. Committee members included Bill Stavropoulos, Paul Barbeau, Ann Craig, Mike Hayes, Susan Kaltenbach, Scott Litle, Dom Monastiere, Abbe Mulders and Emily Schafer – a combination of members of the Michigan Baseball Foundation board of directors and the Loons management team.

Grant applications for the 2014 grant session are currently available and will be accepted until February 14, 2014. For more information, contact Emily Schafer at 989.837.6137 or at eschafer@loons.com.

Note: Please see attached documents for a complete listing of organizations receiving MBF grants and a 2014 grant application.

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

Silver Hawks to Recognize Food Allergy Awareness Week

 Silver Hawks to provide a Peanut Free Suite

South Bend, Indiana (April 22, 2013) The South Bend Silver Hawks on Sunday May, 19, 2013 will provide a peanut free area located in the Home Plate Suite in recognition of Food Allergy Awareness Week. Peanuts are the most prevalent allergen in children with more than 3.5 million Americans suffering 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.

“Prior to this season, I was not real familiar with peanut allergies or all the challenges people with peanut allergies face.   In many instances kids and families throughout Michiana have not had an opportunity to enjoy a Silver Hawks’ game because of peanut fears.   So after doing some research and learning more about peanut allergies, I wanted to offer those in Michiana the opportunity to enjoy a Silver Hawks’ game without worry.” states Joe Hart, Team President.

Tickets can be purchased through the Silver Hawks’ Box Office for $15.00; 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 and speak with Devon Hastings, or stop by the Box Office, located on W. South Street to purchase tickets for the peanut free suite.

“I am thankful that Joe Hart and the South Bend Silver Hawks are supporting Food Allergy Awareness Week and for providing a Peanut Free Suite. The South Bend Silver Hawks are giving children that may have never experienced a baseball game due to the fear of an allergic reaction from the peanuts the opportunity to enjoy a baseball game. I’m sure the 15 million Americans or 1 in 13 children living with food allergies daily appreciate this as well.” states Erica Andert, Founder of Michiana Food Allergy Anaphylasis Support.

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.

Press Contact

Kelly Knutson, Director of Marketing/Promotions

574-235-9988

kknutson@SilverHawks.com

 

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

TinCaps pledge support for Boston

Fort Wayne organizations to donate to American Red Cross

FortWayneTinCaps_2013-04-16

 

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The Fort Wayne TinCaps and Fort4Fitness are pledging their support to the victims of the tragic events that took place at the Boston Marathon on Monday, April 15. During Fort Wayne’s upcoming three-game series at Parkview Field from Friday, April 19 through Sunday, April 21, the TinCaps organization will make a donation to the American Red Cross for each fan who comes to the ballpark sporting attire — shirt, sweatshirt, hat, bib, etc. — from a charitable or competitive running race.

“Although we in Fort Wayne are hundreds of miles from Boston, we feel compelled to do whatever we can to help those who are in need,” TinCaps President Mike Nutter said. “And as hosts of the annual Fort4Fitness races, we feel especially tied to the running community. While the dollars that will be raised over the weekend are important, perhaps just as helpful is to give folks in the Fort Wayne area a chance to show their solidarity with those suffering in Boston.”

Fans who visit the Fort4Fitness booth behind home plate at Parkview Field this weekend will have the opportunity to sign a banner of support that will then be sent to Boston and given to those affected by Monday’s events. In addition, fans will be able to make individual donations to the American Red Cross.

“It’s important that we take the time to remember and honor the victims of this tragic event,” Fort4Fitness Executive Director Brad Kimmel said. “We may run our races in a different city and state, but we’re all in this together, and this is just one small way we can show our support for everyone who has been impacted by this. We encourage all past participants and their friends and family to wear their Fort4Fitness or other race gear as a sign of support.”

TinCaps games at Parkview Field where fans are encouraged to support Boston victims:

• Friday, April 19, 7:05 P.M. vs. Lansing Lugnuts
• Saturday, April 20, 5:05 P.M. vs. Lansing Lugnuts
• Sunday, April 21, 3:05 P.M. vs. Lansing Lugnuts

For more information, call the TinCaps at 260-482-6400.

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

First Race to Home 5K raises over $5K for Bandit Scholars

More than 300 participants get unique experience of finishing at home plate of Modern Woodmen Park

(Sean Flynn Photography)
(Sean Flynn Photography)

More than 300 runners and walkers competed in the first-ever Bandits Race to Home 5K and Fun Run presented by Palmer Chiropractic Clinics on Saturday morning, helping raise more than $5,000 towards the Bandit Scholars Program.

All proceeds benefit the Bandit Scholars Program, which annually awards the Keith Lucier Memorial Scholarship and the Bandit Scholarship. Each scholarship pays the entire first-year college tuition for two Quad Cities-area students.

“All of the participants, volunteers, staff and spectators made the first Bandits Race to Home 5K a memorable and unique community event and a great way to kick off another fun-filled season at Modern Woodmen Park,” said River Bandits owner Dave Heller. “We want to thank the people of the Quad Cities for their outstanding participation and support of the Bandit Scholars Program, and look forward to welcoming everyone back to the ballpark for Thursday’s home opener.”

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 & older – 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.

Male 1st Place  Time 2nd Place Time 3rd Place Time

Overall

 Jerry Lack (East Moline, IL) 18:01 Chris Rubel (Bettendorf, IA) 18:26 Heath Nichols 19:22

19 & U

 Tyler Brewster (Bettendorf, IA) 20:18 Spencer Feldman (Atalissa, IA) 22:53 Seth West (Orion, IL) 23:05

20-24

 Michael Henrekin (Tampico, IL) 23:12 Gradeigh De La Rosa 25:01 Kevin Weis (Davenport, IA) 25:41

25-29

 Josh Hendrix (Davenport, IA) 20:54 Jacob Clark (Davenport, IA) 20:58 Tyler Drury (Davenport, IA) 22:21

30-34

 Josh Berka (Iowa City, IA) 21:47 Dan Bailey (Davenport, IA) 25:32 Mitch Driscoll (Taylor Ridge, IL) 26:18

35-39

 Billy Butler (Moline, IL) 20:47 Joel Abrams (Ely, IA) 23:23 David Krogman (Muscatine, IA) 24:26

40-44

 Brad Palmer (Davenport, IA) 23:29 Johnny Hawkins (Rock Island, IL) 24:06 Logan Lee (Coal Valley, IL) 24:10

45-49

 Marvin McMeekan (Milan, IL) 20:04 Rob Woodall (Bettendorf, IA) 24:27 Scott Carlson (Davenport, IA) 24:28

50-54

 Scott Caldwell (Moline, IL) 20:09 Kevin Kurrle (Macomb, IL) 20:57 Daryl Jeffers (Rock Island, IL) 24:48

55-59

 William Heller (Davenport, IA) 24:54 Steve Vipond (Aledo, IL) 26:13 Tom Schuetz (Bettendorf, IA) 27:00

60+

 Mark Cook (Hampton, IL) 22:03 Gary Nelson (Leclaire, IA) 25:05 Gary McCormick (Coal Valley, IL) 27:12

 

Female 1st Place  Time 2nd Place Time 3rd Place Time

Overall

 Cathy Lack (East Moline, IL) 22:00 Cassidy Foltz (Prophetstown, IL) 22:18 Amanda Brown (Davenport, IA) 23:06

19 & U

 Franki Crites (Davenport, IA) 23:18 Kaitlyn Powell (Blue Grass, IA) 25:25 Aaliyah Lopez (Davenport, IA) 31:55

20-24

 Sabrina Dejong (Hampton, MO) 23:39 Hilary Wellman (Davenport, IA) 23:39 Brittany Lichty (Davenport, IA) 25:55

25-29

 Christie Webber (Bettendorf, IA) 24:11 Lori Blocker (Davenport, IA) 25:48 Brittany Howe (Taylor Ridge, IL) 26:17

30-34

 Jill Rubel 23:16 Adriana Aldape (Davenport, IA) 23:33 Nicole Bussard (Coal Valley, IL) 25:53

35-39

 Nicole Callahan (Moline, IL) 24:11 Heidi Woodford (Dewitt, IA) 26:05 Tonya Wisor (Davenport, IA) 26:15

40-44

 Beth Markovich (Bettendorf, IA) 25:17 Julie Jennings (McCausland, IA) 26:06 Michelle Koops (Davenport, IA) 28:58

45-49

 Kari Koster (Geneseo, IL) 23:50 Penny Jagers (Bettendorf, IA) 25:04 Georgene Zust (Bettendorf, IA) 28:05

50-54

 Bridget Stengel (Moline, IL) 27:20 Ann Morland (Galesburg, IL) 27:43 Ann Faulhaber (Davenport, IA) 31:09

55-59

 Kathy Mackie (Dewitt, IA) 28:21 Jolene Vipond (Aledo, IL) 29:55 Linda Lanman (Davenport, IA) 38:56

60+

 Marianne Schroeder (Bettendorf, IA) 28:35 Margie Schaefer (Moline, IL) 34:44 Floria Moore (East Moline, IL) 39:12

The Bandits Race to Home 5K began on River Drive and Western Avenue 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 in 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 Western Illinois University (Quad Cities campus), ECS, McDonald’s and Hy-Vee.

UP NEXT: The 2013 home opener at Modern Woodmen Park is Thursday, April 11.Tickets for the 2013 season are now on sale! Call 563-324-3000 or visit www.riverbandits.com. It’s not too late lock in your season ticket plan for the 2013 season! Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $50. Call a River Bandits account representative today at 563-324-3000 to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.

ABOUT THE BANDITS: The River Bandits will make one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 112 feet over the playing field, is scheduled to open in early June, along with two new zip lines, a carousel, a Frog Hopper, new bounce houses and many other fun attractions. The team also boasts a new major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, and fans will see last year’s No. 1 overall draft pick, Carlos Correa. The Astros will also make the very first selection in the major league draft this June and could have another top pick end up in the Quad Cities. With new rides, new attractions, new improvements, a new affiliate and future major league stars, this season will be one every fan will not want to miss!
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Quad Cities River Bandits. Click here to view the original story.

South Bend Silver Hawks Wrap Up Equipment Drive

Mishawaka Little League to Receive New Equipment

The Silver Hawks collected monetary donations, bats, gloves, helmets and other various baseball equipment over the past few weeks on behalf of the Mishawaka Little League. The local community support will allow the little league to rebound after being vandalized.

All those who donated to the equipment drive received a free ticket voucher good for (2) free tickets to one home game played between April 8th to April 24th. Watch full video

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

Thursday Nights are Hometown Hero Nights at Classic Park

Area Military Personnel to be Honored Every Thursday During 2013 Season

(Eastlake, OH) – The Lake County Captains, the Class A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians, will honor local military heroes during every Thursday home game throughout the 2013 season as part of its Hometown Heroes promotion, which will run in conjunction with the team’s long-standing Military ID nights.

The Captains will be honoring one member of the armed forces or a member of their family by providing the honoree with tickets the Captains game in which they are being recognized and the chance to throw out a ceremonial first pitch.  The team will also read a PA announcement which will include biographical information about the honoree.

The military will be honored by the presentation of a large American flag on the field for the National Anthem and a different color guard every game will present the colors before the game. The Captains will honor America with the singing of God Bless America as part of the seventh inning stretch.

Military ID Night will once again take place every Thursday home game allowing members of the military who show a valid ID to purchase a ticket for themselves and their family members for only $5 per ticket.

The Captains encourage the public to nominate their military heroes by contacting Jen Yorko via email at jyorko@captainsbaseball.com or by phone at 440-975-8085 ext 116.

Anyone who nominates a hero will be asked to leave their name and phone number as well as the name of the person they are nominating, the branch of service of the hero and a few notes about the nominee.

The Captains 2013 Opening Night Celebration is Thursday, April 4 at 6:30 PM as the Captains welcome the Lansing Lugnuts, an affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, to Classic Park.

Full season tickets plans, 7-, 12-, 20-, and 35-game mini ticket plans for the 2013 season are on sale now at great prices complete with several exclusive benefits. Information can be found at the Captains website: CaptainsBaseball.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lake County Captains. Click here to view the original story.

Swing For the Cure – Put Your Photo On a Jersey

Chiefs website

 

PEORIA, IL – The Peoria Chiefs and the Illinois Cancer Care Foundation are offering fans the opportunity to put their own image on a jersey number for the specialty jerseys the Chiefs will wear during the Swing for the Cure event on Saturday, May 18.

Fans can send in a photo that will be placed on a number on the back of a jersey in one inch by one inch segments. All submitted photos are guaranteed to be on at least one jersey. The cost to submit a photograph is $25 and every person who submits a photo will be entered into a drawing to win one of the jerseys. The maximum order per person is five photographs. The jerseys will be worn on Saturday, May 18 at 6:30 p.m. as the Chiefs host the Clinton LumberKings. All jerseys will be auctioned off during the game and all proceeds will benefit the Illinois CancerCare foundation.

To submit a photo, download the Jersey Form or email ChiefsJerseyPhotos@gmail.com. The deadline for submitting a photo is Friday, April 26. The May 18 game also features a post-game Fireworks show and a Pitch-In For Charity Tennis Ball Toss which will also benefit the Illinois CancerCare Foundation.

Illinois CancerCare, P.C. is a comprehensive practice treating patients with cancer and blood diseases. The focus is to provide state-of-the-art treatments for its patients in the fight against these diseases while staying on the leading edge of breakthrough research and medicines. Illinois CancerCare is central Illinois’ largest network of cancer care specialists with 90-120 open clinical cancer research trials being conducted at any given time. Currently Illinois CancerCare has 17 physicians, more than 230 staff members and 13 clinic locations throughout central and western Illinois. For more information call 309-243-3000 or visit illinoiscancercare.com.

The Illinois CancerCare Foundation is committed to supporting research, education and awareness of a disease that affects 1 in 3 people. The Foundation funds clinical research trials, regardless of the level of federal funding available. A goal of the Illinois CancerCare Foundation is to expand the number of patients enrolling in clinical trials in order to discover better treatment and therapy options and ultimately cures for many types of cancer. Funds are also used to help support cancer education, awareness, and patient comfort care through special programs that reach patients in need. For more information visit illinoiscancercare.com.

 

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

Our visit to Feed My Starving Children

The Kane County Cougars front office staff has been fortunate to send their staff to do a 2-hour shift at Feed My Starving Children in Aurora, which is about 20 minutes from their ballpark in Geneva. FMSC is a non-profit Christian organization that relies on volunteers to hand-pack meals specifically formulated for malnourished children. Those meals go to nearly 70 countries around the world.

The photo below shows how many meals Cougars staff packed during their shift. FMSC has several locations. It’s an incredibly fun atmosphere. Everyone has a role in the packing process – some are pouring the ingredients into the bag, others are weighing the items, others are boxing up the meals and placing the boxes in their warehouse. Upbeat music is playing the entire time and it really builds up a sense of camaraderie among our staff who are offering their time. We’d encourage any other minor league team to see if they are close to a FMSC, and have their staff and players volunteer to help.

Oftentimes during the busy portion of the season, it’s tough for our staff to simply be around each other, outside of the ballpark. These monthly initiatives we’ve set up really build team morale among our staff. More importantly, the giving of our time for these causes and seeing the impact we can make in the community (and in the case of FMSC, the world), it’s incredibly rewarding.

Donald Driver Charity Softball Game to return to Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium in 2013

Special ticket package on sale November 6

Donald Driver pitches during his 2012 Charity Softball Game. (Ann Mollica/Wisconsin Timber Rattlers)
Donald Driver pitches during his 2012 Charity Softball Game. (Ann Mollica/Wisconsin Timber Rattlers)

GRAND CHUTE, WI – Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium will host the 2013 Donald Driver Charity Softball Game sponsored by Kwik Trip for the sixth straight season. The offense and defense of the Green Bay Packers face each other in a softball game at the newly renovated home of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers on Sunday, June 16 at 1:05pm.

Driver is the Green Bay Packers all time leading receiver, a Super Bowl champion, Dancing With The Stars Champion, and a multiple time Donald Driver Charity Softball Champion.

“I am excited to host the game again this year. It is a special time for fans and players to enjoy each other while raising money for some wonderful causes,” said Driver. “My wife Betina and I are thankful for the loyal fans who continue to support the Donald Driver Foundation. Hopefully, the defense will put up a bigger challenge to our offense this time.”

A record crowd of 8,745 saw the offense defeat the defense 22-10 in 2012. That game featured a pair of home runs, including a grand slam, by quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Fans may purchase tickets for the game as part of a package starting November 6 at 10:00am. The ticket package includes three Timber Rattlers games and the Donald Driver game:

Sunday, June 16 – Donald Driver Charity Softball Game
Sunday, June 23 – vs. Cedar Rapids Kernels
Sunday, July 28 – vs. Burlington Bees
Sunday, August 4 – vs. Beloit Snappers

Prices for the packages are:
Premium Box Seat: $80
Box Seat: $64
Reserved Seat: $47

The first two rows of the seating bowl are the premium box seat option in this ticket package.

The game raises money for the Donald Driver Foundation. Donald and Betina Driver started the foundation to help homeless families, to support health and wellness initiatives, and to improve educational opportunities for disadvantaged youth in Wisconsin and nationally.

La Crosse, Wisconsin based Kwik Trip, Inc. was founded in 1965 and has grown to over 390 Kwik Trip, Kwik Star, Hearty Platter® and Tobacco Outlet Plus stores throughout Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa.  Kwik Trip, Inc. is a leader in the convenience store industry and prides itself on giving their loyal customers quality products and outstanding, friendly service.

Individual tickets for the Donald Driver Charity Softball Game go on sale Wednesday, November 14 at 10:00am. Tickets for the softball game are $50 for a premium box seat, $34 for a box seat, $23 for a reserved bleacher seat, and $12 for a general admission grass seat.  There are also a limited number of patio tables available at $200. Patio tables seat four people and include waitstaff service and an autographed item from Donald Driver.

All You Can Eat Seats are available for $80 for the softball game only. These seats are located on the first base side of the stadium, include a ticket to the Donald Driver Charity Softball Game and an all-you-can eat picnic. These seats go on sale November 14.

Tickets to the Donald Driver Charity Softball Game are available in one of the following ways:  Over the phone at 800-WI-TIMBER or (920) 733-4152; in person at 2350 North Casaloma Drive, Suite 102; or through the internet at www.timberrattlers.com. The Timber Rattlers box office is open from 9am until 5pm Monday through Friday.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. Click here to view the original story.

Bees Make Donation to Make-A-Wish Foundation

Burlington-Bees-2012The Burlington Bees recently made a donation of $750 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation as part of the Midwest League’s On-Field Behavior Policy.

Each season, the Midwest League collects fines from players and coaches who violate the On-Field Behavior Policy. Then the league distributes the fine money evenly to each member team, and asks them to give it to a deserving group or organization in their community.

“The Midwest League does a great job in turning a negative thing into a positive one,” said Bees General Manager Chuck Brockett. “The Make-A-Wish Foundation is such a wonderful organization that helps children through difficult times, and we felt they were very deserving of this donation.”

Make-A-WishSince its creation in 1987, the Iowa Chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation has granted more than 2,500 wishes to children ages 2 ½ to 18. Children who receive the wish have a life-threatening medical condition, but not always terminal. The wishes granted generally fall into four categories:
• Trips – Disney World, Hawaii, cruises, etc.
• Gifts – computers, hot tubs, room makeovers, etc.
• Occupational – be a train engineer or police officer for a day
• Meet celebrities

Revenues to pay for the wishes come from fund raising events, corporate contributions, foundation grants, individual contributions, memorials, and bequests. The average cost to complete a wish in Iowa is approximately $9,000.

The Iowa Chapter serves all 99 counties of the state, and consists of nine staff members and twelve volunteer area committees. There are currently nine dedicated Wish-Granting volunteers in the Southeast Iowa area. A Walk for Wishes fundraising event is scheduled for December 2nd at Westland Mall in West Burlington.

For more information on the Make-A-Wish Foundation or to become a volunteer, please log onto www.iowa.wish.org or call 1-800-797-WISH.

burlington bees donation 2012

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

Midwest League Fines Benefit Caritas, Inc.

Beloit-SnappersThe Beloit Snappers have donated $420.00 to Caritas, Inc. as part of the Midwest League’s On-Field Behavior Policy.

Each season, the Midwest League asks its member teams to select a deserving group or organization in their respective community to receive a portion of the money collected from fines handed out as part of the league On-Field Behavior Policy. Past organizations selected have included Beloit Turner High School Baseball Program, Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Beloit Memorial High School Baseball Program, Beloit Youth Hockey Association, Stateline Youth Sports Complex, Rock County Habitat for Humanity and the YMCA’s Partners of Youth Program.

Caritas-Beloit“We are very excited to help Caritas,” stated Snappers General Manager Matt Bosen. “Though no one wants to condone negative behavior on the playing field, to be able to take the fine money and donate it to a program that will put food on so many families’ tables this Thanksgiving, it is a very rewarding program. Through the program, our players learn how to take a negative experience and learn from it. The lessons they learn benefit their personal development and the greater good of the community.”

This annual donation is just one of the many ways the Snappers and Midwest League Teams make efforts to give back to their communities. The Snappers are very involved in the Stateline Community, donating to hundreds of different causes each and every year.

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

Bad Apple Dancers Win Hoosier Hospitality Award

FORT WAYNE, Ind.. – The wildly popular Bad Apple Dancers of the Fort Wayne TinCaps have been selected as a 2012 Hoosier Hospitality Award recipient. The awards are given by the Indiana Office of Tourism Development. A presentation will be made by Lieutenant Governor Becky Skillman at the Indiana Statehouse on Wednesday, May 9 at 10:30 AM.

“We’re incredibly honored to have been selected as one of this year’s award winners. The Bad Apple Dancers are one of the favorite attractions that fans like to see when they come out to Parkview Field, and I give a lot of credit to Brad Shank, Brent Harring and Tyler Baker for the work they’ve put into the Bad Apple Dancers,” said TinCaps President Mike Nutter.

The Bad Apple Dancers perform at the end of the sixth inning during all of the 70 TinCaps home games each season at Parkview Field.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Fort Wayne TinCaps. Click here to view the original story.

Donate to Help the Elkhart FOP Little League

South Bend, Indiana (March 19, 2012) – The South Bend Silver Hawks are asking the local baseball community to join them in efforts to help the Elkhart F.O.P. Little League recover from vandalism. Last week unknown vandals broke into the park and stole about 80% of their equipment.

The Silver Hawks announced today they are initiating a donation drive to help replace the little league’s stolen equipment. Anyone who makes a $10 donation or donates new or gently used baseball equipment will receive two complimentary tickets to see the Silver Hawks play the Dayton Dragons on Saturday, April 14. People can drop off donations of bats, baseballs, helmets, gloves and other equipment at the Silver Hawks’ centerfield box office Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The little league is in particular need of catcher’s equipment and helmets, but will be grateful for any help.

“This is one of the best ways kids can spend time in the summer,” said Joe Hart, President of the Silver Hawks. “More than 150 kids and teenagers participate in the Elkhart F.O.P. Little League, but without equipment they can’t play. Their season starts in only two months, so we want to do all we can to help. The Hawks are going to donate $500 to kick off the donation drive. We’ll deliver everything we collect directly to the league, so people can bring their equipment to the Cove and know they’re making a difference for these kids.”

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 Cubs. Click here to view the original story.

TinCaps Named “Business of the Year” by NEIDAC

Award Given for Accessibility and Employment of Individuals with Disabilities

FortWayneTinCaps_2012-03-12

FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The Fort Wayne TinCaps and Hardball Capital were presented with the Above and Beyond Business of the Year Award by the Northeast Indiana Disability Advocacy Coalition (NEIDAC). The award is given to an organization for accessibility and employment of individuals with disabilities. Several members of the TinCaps staff were on hand to accept the award at the Abilities Abound Awards Reception at the Holiday Inn on Coliseum Boulevard in Fort Wayne.

“We are honored and thrilled to be the recipient of this year’s award,” said TinCaps team President Mike Nutter. “Providing equal access and opportunity for individuals with disabilities and being in full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act is a top priority for our team. We’re proud, along with the City of Fort Wayne and Hardball Capital, to have such a great facility like Parkview Field to be able to do all of those things.”

NEIDAC presented the TinCaps with a banner, which will be displayed at Parkview Field.

Opening Night is Thursday, April 5 with first pitch at 7:05pm. Opening Night features post-game fireworks and is a Thirsty Thursday with $1.00 beer specials. Visit TinCaps.com or call (260) 482-6400 for more information.

Fort Wayne TinCaps baseball… It’s All About You!
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Fort Wayne TinCaps. Click here to view the original story.

Fang’s Reading Program

The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, in partnership with local schools, strive to emphasize the importance of reading by encouraging youth to read regularly. Offering an incentive- based rewards program in conjunction with great family entertainment can only enhance this education experience for students, teachers, and families alike!

This past season, over 160 schools/libraries and 38,000 students participated in Fang’s Reading Club. All students that complete the program by reaching their individual reading goals receive a free ticket to a Timber Rattlers game in April or May. Many schools choose to pick a “Family Night” where the entire school is invited out to the ballpark. In addition, students are encouraged to participate in the Goodwill Book Drive and bring any new or gently used books.

For the 2011 season, the Timber Rattlers collected 1400+ books through Fang’s Reading Club. All books donated are given to Goodwill Industries for distribution. In turn, the donations help support programs and services that enrich individual lives and our communities!