Pawsox Spread Cheer at VA Medical Center and Tomorrow Fund Clinic for Annual Holiday Caravan

Today the PawSox spread cheer at the Providence VA Medical Center, and the Tomorrow Fund Clinic at Hasbro Children’s hospital during their Annual Holiday Caravan. Representing the PawSox was Hitting Coach Rich Gedman, relief pitcher Kyle Martin, and Club President, Dr. Charles Steinberg.

The PawSox presented a $3,500 check to Operation Stand Down, an organization that provides a wide range of support services to Rhode Island veterans. Accepting the check on behalf of Operation Stand Down was Executive Director Erik Wallin, and Tony DeQuattro who is President and Chairman of the Board.

After cheering up veterans in Providence, the caravan continued to Hasbro Children’s Hospital where the PawSox paid a visit to patients in the Tomorrow Fund Clinic. The check presented to the Tomorrow Fund was a cumulative representation of the PawSox support throughout the calendar year.

Rich Gedman, Kyle Martin, and Jerry Remy will be back in Pawtucket tomorrow at 11am for the PawSox’ 3rd Annual Enchanted Village Holiday Party.

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

RiverDogs Get in Holiday Spirit with “Season of Giving” Initiative

CHARLESTON, S.C. – It’s the “season of giving,” and the Charleston RiverDogs are getting in the holiday spirit. The club has pledged to donate a dollar to one of four local Lowcountry charities for each ticket sold as part of a group outing at The Joe for the upcoming 2018 season, through Friday, December 22.

For every group ticket plan of 25 or more, picnics of 50+, suite rental, and Riley Park Club group of 10+ sold by the 22nd, the RiverDogs will donate a dollar per ticket to either the Lowcountry Food Bank, Charleston Animal Society, the MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital, or the Palmetto Military Support Group at the choice of each customer.

In the same spirit of giving, the RiverDogs will also be offering holiday flex plan deals during the month of December. Packages start at just $50 and included five undated grandstand vouchers, good for almost any game during the 2018 season, along with the choice of a RiverDogs hat, shirt, or the option to donate $10 to one of the four charities. A package that includes ten undated vouchers will run at $85.

Ticket information on season tickets and groups, including the Riley Park Club, can be found on riverdogs.com/tickets and reserved with a sales representative by contacting the club at 843-723-7241.

RiverDogs season tickets, half-season ticket packages, and flex plans are now available for the 2018 campaign. The RiverDogs begin the season on April 12 when they host the Kannapolis Intimidators at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park, preceded by a weeklong road trip to open the year and an exhibition contest against Myrtle Beach at The Joe on April 3. Ticket information can be secured by contacting the box office at (843) 577-DOGS (3647) or online at www.riverdogs.com/tickets.

–RIVERDOGS–

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

Sounds Present Donation to The Legion Fund

On Wednesday, November 15, representatives from the Nashville Sounds and Tennessee 811 presented a donation of $4,000 to The Legion Fund at Fort Campbell.

During the 2017 season, the Sounds wore special military green jerseys every Sunday at First Tennessee Park. The donation money was raised through the annual military jersey auction hosted by the Nashville Sounds Foundation.

The Legion Fund is a charitable organization – out of Nashville – dedicated solely to assisting the soldiers and families of the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) – ‘The Legion.’ The 5th Special Forces Group, organized in 1961 and located at Ft. Campbell since 1988, continues as the most highly decorated unit within the United States Army Special Forces.

Over the past fifty-plus years, ‘The Legion’ served in the Vietnam War, Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm during the Gulf War, Operations Restore Hope and United Shield in Somalia, Operations Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn in Iraq, and Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan

Throughout the day, Sounds and Tennessee 811 representatives toured the 5th Group compound with CSM(R) Mike Cunningham and CSM(R) Frank McFadden, along with Nancy Mullen, Legion Fund Advisory Board Member and 5th Group Gold Star widow.

In June of 2017, the Nashville Sounds Foundation was presented with a wooden Gladius by The Legion Fund. The wooden Gladius is traditionally presented within the unit to exemplary members of the unit or friends of the unit for their support of its soldiers and families.

The 2018 season will be the Sounds’ 41st in franchise history and fourth as the Oakland Athletics’ top affiliate. Season ticket memberships are available now by calling (615) 690-4487 or by visiting www.nashvillesounds.com.

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

BlueClaws Charities Hands Out Grants to 40 Community Partner Organizations

BlueClaws Charities completed their grant program, handing out grants to its Community Partner organizations.

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LAKEWOOD, NJ – BlueClaws Charities, the official 501c3 non-profit organization of the Lakewood BlueClaws, completed its 2017 grant program, handing out grants to 40 Community Partner organizations.

All Community Partners applied for and received a grant from BlueClaws Charities this year. Each applicant was asked to detail a specific use for the grant, with the requirement that all money received from BlueClaws Charities stays in Ocean & Monmouth Counties. A complete list can be found below.

“BlueClaws Charities is proud to be able to support such a wide-variety of organizations in our communities,” said Jim DeAngelis, the BlueClaws Vice President of Community Relations and Executive Director of BlueClaws Charities. “These organizations have pledged to keep all funds in Ocean & Monmouth Counties and they are doing spectacular work to assist the underserved. It is our pleasure to be able to lend financial support.”

BlueClaws Charities raises money throughout the year through special events like the Nine & Dine Golf Outing and Phillies Winter Banquet, through jersey and other specialty merchandise auctions, and a 50/50 raffle at each BlueClaws home game.

“Our fans and donors have been tremendously supportive of BlueClaws Charities over the years, and this year was no exception,” said DeAngelis. “We look forward to another successful season in 2018!”

The following organizations received a grant from BlueClaws Charities.

  • ALS Association of Greater Philadelphia to subsidize their Chapters Care Services Program for ALS patient families in Ocean & Monmouth Counties.
  • Alzheimer’s Association of Greater New Jersey to offset costs for a fundraising event to benefit New Jersey residents.
  • The Arc, Ocean County Chapter to subsidize costs associated with their major fundraising event, The Arc Walkathon.
  • The Ashley Lauren Foundation to assist children with cancer and their families through direct financial assistance.
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ocean County to provide group mentoring activities which enables children on their waiting list to become involved with the agency.
  • Boy Scouts of America, Jersey Shore Council to provide program support for their ScoutReach Cub Scout Pack at Clifton Elementary School in Lakewood.
  • Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey to help defray costs of criminal background checks on volunteers prior to assignments.
  • Cheer Dream Xplosion Foundation to purchase equipment for their special needs program.
  • Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation to improve the quality of life of those affected by the disease in Ocean & Monmouth Counties.
  • Daniela’s Wish to grant wishes to ill children in their communities.
  • David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation to support families in Ocean & Monmouth counties affected by a cancer diagnosis.
  • Dottie’s House to help funding their transitional housing program designed to provide survivors of domestic violence with tools, guidance and support to achieve financial and emotional independence.
  • Easter Seals New Jersey to provide individuals with disabilities and special needs the training and skills needed to independently work within their communities.
  • Emiliana’s Hope to spread cheer to pediatric cancer patients in the area.
  • Exit 82 Theatre Company to help fund their 2018 production season.
  • Family Options Adoptions to provide funding for birth parent scholarships and supplies for birth mothers that decide to parent.
  • Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore to help offer over 200 underserved girls from Lakewood the opportunity to attend the Girls Are Great summer day camp.
  • Go4TheGoal to help kids with cancer achieve their goals.
  • HABcore to help fund the supportive services program component of HABcore’s Rapid Re-Housing program in Ocean County.
  • Holiday Express to help provide a unique interactive holiday musical program, led by volunteer professionals, to individuals who are often forgotten by society and in need of kindness.
  • JAR of Hope to help fund research to eliminate Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
  • Kids Need More to enhance the lives of children, families, and young adults coping with cancer and life threatening illness.
  • LADACIN Network to support their integrated Child Care program to empower children with and without disabilities to work together to succeed in their future education.
  • Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II Memorial Fund to assist the organization in its mission to aid wounded warriors and their families.
  • Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanities for repairs for the 21 Easter Seals group homes.
  • Ocean County Family Support Organization to help offset the costs of trips for our Youth Partnership program.
  • Ocean County Shrine Club to support the hospital’s MAGEC System, an adjustable magnetic growing rod used in a non-invasive, non-surgical manner to brace a child’s spine during childhood growth to minimize the progression of scoliosis.
  • Ocean County YMCA to help kids, families, and seniors in the community find assets in YMCA programs and memberships regardless of incomes and backgrounds.
  • Ocean’s Harbor House to provide for the fundamentals of setting up a household after youth graduate from the Transitional Living Program.
  • Ocean Partnership for Children to provide needy children and teens served by Ocean Partnership with winter attire, including hats, coats, boots, mittens, and gloves.
  • Piece of the Puzzle to purchase a computer desk and stool for their offices.
  • Parents of Autistic Children to provide a challenger sports league designed to offer a socialization opportunity through athletic participation between disabled students from different high school and middle schools in Ocean & Monmouth Counties.
  • Raising Hope for Others to assist with financial cost of organizing and running its major fundraiser.
  • RJM Sportsgroup to provide scholarships to Jackson Township graduates.
  • Saint Vincent DePaul Society to help pay for temporary sheltering for the homeless.
  • The Salvation Army of Ocean County to provide funding to their Feeding Program.
  • The Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide to help their Youth Council seeking to engage ambassadors in the prevention process.
  • The TEARS Foundation to provide assistance to families who have lost a child due to pregnancy or sustained the sudden loss of an infant or child in Monmouth & Ocean Counties.
  • Tom Giannattasio Jr. Memorial Fund to provide a scholarship to graduating seniors.
  • United Way of Monmouth & Ocean Counties to purchase warm clothing for lower income children.

BlueClaws Charities, in addition to the grant program, supports hundreds of non-profit organizations with gift package donations, golf outing hole-in-one sponsorships, and specialty organizations such as OCEAN, Inc., a federal program that assists the less fortunate in the community. The “Tickets for Kids Program,” another BlueClaws Charities initiative, donates over 2,000 tickets to under-served youths in Lakewood and elsewhere in Ocean County.

Organizations that would like to become Community Partners can call Jim DeAngelis at 732-901-7000 ext 114. Community Partners raise money through a BlueClaws fundraiser outing and have the opportunity to volunteer in the FirstEnergy Park concession stands to raise additional funds. These organizations also receive exposure through on-field presentations, table displays, and on BlueClaws.com, plus they have special opportunities to hold events, such as charity walks, at FirstEnergy Park.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. They crossed the 7-million fan plateau in 2017.

2018 BlueClaws ticket packages and group outings are currently on sale by calling 732-901-7000 option 3 or online at BlueClaws.com.

– BlueClaws Charities –

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

PawSox Present 3rd Annual Veterans Day Steak Dinner

The Pawtucket Red Sox tonight presented their 3rd annual “Veterans Day Steak Dinner” in the PawSox’ Clubhouse at venerable McCoy Stadium in Pawtucket. At the event, PawSox President Dr. Charles Steinberg presented a ceremonial check from the PawSox Foundation for $5,000 that will be distributed to various veterans causes this year.

The primary funding source for the donation was the successful “Veterans Home Run: A 5K Walk ‘n’ Run” this past spring that drew more than three times as many participants (289) as the preceding year (93).

Tonight’s honorees were members of such organizations as Operation Stand Down, Chapter 3 of the Pawtucket Disabled American Veterans, Central Falls American Legion Post 79, Newport VFW Post 406, the YWCA of Rhode Island Gateway to Independence, and the Rhode Island Military Organization.

Participants enjoyed a homemade four-course steak dinner prepared by PawSox Chef Rob Gemma, a native of West Warwick who now lives in Cranston, Rhode Island.

Guests also received gifts from the club and a tour of the PawSox’ Hall of History.

“We hope a hot homemade dinner on a cold November night in a warm baseball environment brings joy to our veterans,” Steinberg said. “We also hope that the funds the PawSox Foundation distributes throughout Rhode Island help even more members of this special community to whom we owe so much.

“As we launch our third season with the PawSox, we plan to continue our nightly ‘In Debt to a Vet’ ceremony, increase participation in our ‘Veterans Home Run,’ and increase the impact of the PawSox Foundation for veterans organizations throughout our state.”

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

Barons To Expand Ticket Discount For Military

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – This Veterans Day weekend, the Birmingham Barons are proud to announce that beginning in 2018, all active and retired military will receive an expanded discount on tickets for all home games at Regions Field. Anyone showing a valid military I.D. at the Regions Field ticket office will now receive $2 off a regular priced ticket courtesy of NAPA Auto Parts.

“The Barons want to say thank you to all members of our Armed Forces for their service and sacrifice. The Birmingham region has strong military ties, and recognizing these exemplary citizens by providing them a fun ballpark experience is something which the Barons and our partner NAPA Auto Parts are very proud,” said Barons General Manager, Jonathan Nelson. “We look forward to seeing our veterans, active military, and their friends and family at Regions Field in 2018.”

In addition, the Barons are excited to announce a special Salute to Armed Forces game on Saturday, May 19th that coincides with Armed Forces Day across the United States. More details about this special game will be released in the weeks leading up to the 2018 season.

The military discount is not available for tickets ordered online and purchases must be made at the Regions Field ticket office. Single game tickets for the 2018 season will go on sale at a later date.

Birmingham opens the 2018 season on Thursday, April 5th on the road against the defending Southern League Champion Chattanooga Lookouts, Double-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. The Barons will open the home portion of their 2018 season at Regions Field on Wednesday, April 11th  against the Montgomery Biscuits, Double-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays, with first pitch set for 7:05 p.m. For ticket information, game schedule, promotions calendar, or for additional information about Regions Field, call (205) 988-3200 or visit www.barons.com, www.facebook.com/birminghambarons or on Twitter: @bhambarons.

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

CT Tigers To Honor Veterans Day With Special Offer

NORWICH, CT- The Connecticut Tigers are proud to honor our military heroes once again this Veterans Day by offering a special “thank you” offer.

For the fifth straight year, any current or former military member who comes to the Dodd Stadium box office on Friday, November 10, 2017 between 9 am and 5 pm will receive two complimentary ticket vouchers redeemable for a premium box seat to any 2018 regular season Connecticut Tigers game. The offer is only valid in person at the Dodd Stadium box office and some form of military identification must be shown.

“The brave men and women of our Armed Forces deserve a thank you every day, and especially on Veterans Day,” said CT Tigers General Manager Dave Schermerhorn. “With such a strong military community around us, we take great pride in honoring all members of the military both past and present. We hope they will enjoy a night at the ballpark next summer on us.”

The Connecticut Tigers are the New York-Penn League affiliate of the Detroit Tigers located at Dodd Stadium in Norwich, Connecticut. 2018 season memberships to “The Club” and team merchandise are now on sale! The front office and box office is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday and can be accessed in person or by calling 860-887-7962.

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

SC Veterans Upstate Salute at Fluor Field on November 12th

The Drive, along with fellow Upstate Veterans Alliance partners GE, Greenville Health System and Michelin are excited to team up for the second annual SC Veterans Upstate Salute! You’re invited to join us in this free celebration on Sunday, November 12th at Fluor Field, as we will honor our local veterans with a night full of entertainment.

The event will begin at 5:00 PM, with the Field Street gates at Fluor Field opening at 4:00. Highlights of the evening include a concert from country music star Craig Morgan, a 21-gun salute, parachuters, an aerial flyover and opportunities to meet community agencies supporting veterans and their families. The night will conclude with a spectacular fireworks show. The concession stands at Fluor Field will be open throughout the evening.

Admission is free for the Upstate Salute, but registration is required, and you can register by CLICKING HERE. For more information, including to learn more about the schedule of events for the Upstate Salute, please visit www.upstatesalute.com. We hope to see you at Fluor Field on November 12th to help honor our nation’s veterans!

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

Biloxi Shuckers make major community impact in 2017

Here is a link to the original story on the team’s website.

BIBiloxi ShuckersLOXI, MS – In a season marked by several on-field accomplishments in the third year of Minor League Baseball on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, the Biloxi Shuckers are most proud of their various community outreach efforts. From theme nights to jersey auctions, the Shuckers have made a financial and symbolic impact on their community throughout the 2017 season.

The Shuckers were nominated by the Minor League Baseball Community as a finalist for a prestigious “Golden Bobblehead” award for the “Best Community Promotion or Event” after helping with the Hattiesburg/Petal tornado relief efforts and William Carey vs. Biloxi Shuckers exhibition game. Shuckers’ employees traveled to Petal, Mississippi to assist cleanup crews. The tornado caused damage to the campus of nearby William Carey University, so the Shuckers scheduled a benefit exhibition game against the school’s baseball team before the first road trip of the season. The game raised $6,090 for the university’s tornado recovery efforts. This effort coupled with numerous other initiatives garnered the recognition.

Watch: Youtube Video

In addition to the recognition by Minor League Baseball, the Shuckers were also a finalist for the Southern League’s Community Service Award.

Shuckers’ front office members laid the groundwork for a successful season with several other community initiatives. Employees laid sod at an athletic complex in Moss Point, Mississippi to revitalize the area’s youth baseball program.

Watch: Youtube Video

In partnership with Walmart, the inaugural Shuckers “Hit the Books” reading program brought Schooner the Seagull to 17 schools and over 10,000 students to incentivize reading with Shuckers tickets as a reward.

Watch: Youtube Video

Since their inception, the Shuckers have had a strong relationship with nearby Keesler Air Force Base and the substantial military presence on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. That trend continued in 2017, as every Monday became “Military Monday” with special discounts for active and retired members of the armed forces. Special camouflage jerseys, worn every Monday and designed with input from Keesler staff, and were auctioned off at the end of the season with proceeds benefiting local military causes.

Throughout the season, the Shuckers have partnered with several charitable organizations to raise money and awareness for deserving local causes. Three additional jersey auctions earlier this season have brought in money for the March of Dimes, Mississippi Center for Autism, and Favre4Hope breast cancer research.

Watch: Youtube Video

The Shuckers have also hosted a Christmas in July toy drive for the Uplift Foundation, Seatbelt Safety night for the K&J Foundation (started by team photographer Brian Pearse), and Skin Cancer Awareness night in partnership with the MiLB Charities Sun Safety Initiative.

Youth outreach was not limited to the “Hit the Books” program. The Shuckers turned their two “Education Day” games into vocational field trips, with visits from Biloxi Fire and Police, NASA, the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, Department of Marine Resources, University of Southern Mississippi’s Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, and Mississippi State University’s Coastal Research Extension.

Former New York Mets catcher and Biloxi native Barry Lyons was formally invited into the Shuckers organization as an ambassador prior to the 2017 season, and the team assisted him in the creation of the first series of Shuckers Kids Clinics for local youth. In addition, the “Field of Dreams” program allowed more than 100 young baseball and softball players from the area to take the field alongside Shuckers players for the national anthem.

In partnership with the Knights of Columbus, the Biloxi Shuckers collected 765 lbs of food/product during a food drive on Sunday, July 30th for them to distribute in the community.

In addition to these widespread efforts, the Shuckers have also made numerous player and mascot appearances in the community over the course of the season. The Shuckers in-kind donations and in-stadium fundraising initiatives have raised $155,455.91 for over 100 charitable organizations. The Biloxi Shuckers understand the responsibility that comes with their platform in the community and are determined to make a positive impact on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

In addition to monetary contributions, the Biloxi Shuckers front office staff have logged 265 community volunteer hours thus far in 2017. Those hours have been spent working with area schools, NCBC’s Child Development Center, Humane Society of South Mississippi, VA Medical Center, Loaves and Fishes and cleanup efforts from Hurricane Harvey.

The Shuckers open up their 2018 season on the road at Montgomery before their home opener against Mississippi on April 11. More information on the fourth season of Biloxi Shuckers baseball will be available at biloxishuckers.com as the offseason progresses.

ABOUT THE BILOXI SHUCKERS: The Biloxi Shuckers are the Double-A Southern League Affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. The Shuckers play at MGM Park in Biloxi, Mississippi. For more information please visit biloxishuckers.com and follow us on Twitter @biloxishuckers and at facebook.com/biloxishuckers.com.

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

Dragons Support of Military Nominated for Award

Dayton, Ohio-For the second straight year, the Dayton Dragons have been selected as the Midwest League nominee for a national award selected by Minor League Baseball that will be presented at the Baseball Winter Meetings in December.

The Charles K. Murphy Patriot Award is presented to one club from among approximately 180 Minor League teams for outstanding support of and engagement with the United States Armed Forces and veterans, both at the ballpark and in the community. The Dragons have been selected in a vote of the 16 Midwest League teams as the league nominee for the national honor in both 2016 and 2017, the first two years of the award’s existence.

The award is named after longtime Florida State League president Chuck Murphy, a former Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army who served as the FSL’s top executive from 1990 until his passing in 2015.

For many years, the Dragons, in partnership with the Dayton Development Coalition, have included local military programs into their season-long schedule of events and promotions. Here are some highlights:

HOMETOWN HEROES PROGRAM

The Dragons partner with Wright-Patterson AFB for the Dragons “Hometown Hero of the Game” experience. For all 70 home games, we host a family in the Dayton community of a deployed Airman. All season long, the Hometown Hero of the Game program enables us to provide VIP treatment to WPAFB families. Every family receives a VIP tour, ballpark meals, and souvenirs.

HOMETOWN HEROES CELEBRATION NIGHTS

Hometown Heroes Celebration Nights are two special evenings focused on honoring our local service men and women from WPAFB and the Springfield Air National Guard. These games are filled with American-themed activities that celebrate the local military tradition. These nights give Dragons fans and the Dayton community the opportunity to support and thank our local service members and their families for the sacrifices they make.

DRAGONS AND THE DAYTON VA MEDICAL CENTER

For the past eight years, the Dragons and the Dayton VA Medical Center have collaborated with an annual event honoring veterans and active military and their families. The 2017 event brought over 600 veterans and families to the ballpark for a night of recognition to local veterans, as the Dayton VA Medical Center hosted their annual Welcome Home Outreach event.

OTHER ACTIVITIES

Several other military events were also planned during the 2017 season at Fifth Third Field. On Memorial Day, Army PFC Mitchell Kirtley returned home from active duty in Afghanistan by surprising his family at a Dragons game. On June 14, in celebration of the 242nd birthday of the U.S. Army, the Association of the U.S. Army had an outing with the Dragons featuring numerous pre-game activities, and 30 Army recruits took part in a swearing-in ceremony during the game. On June 23, Vice Admiral Phil Wisecup threw out the ceremonial first pitch of the Dragons game. VADM Wisecup, from Piqua, is the former President of the Naval War College, the former Naval Inspector General of the United States Navy, and has been director of the Chief of Naval Operations Strategic Studies Group since 2013.

The Dragons are the Midwest League nominee for the Charles K. Murphy Patriot Award and will considered along with the nominees from each of the other leagues within Minor League Baseball. The national winner will be announced at the Baseball Winter Meetings in December.

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

OceanFirst Foundation Completes Home Runs for Heroes Grant Program

In nine years, the Home Runs for Heroes program has raised over $260,000.

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LAKEWOOD, NJ – OceanFirst Foundation donated over $40,000 to area military-based non-profit organizations through the 2017 Home Runs for Heroes Program. The program is a partnership between the BlueClaws, OceanFirst Foundation, and Townsquare Media.

Home Runs for Heroes Grants provide financial support to charities that meet the emergency basic needs of veterans and local service men and women – active and retired – and their families during difficult times. Non-profits were paired with each inning of the game and each BlueClaws home run hit at FirstEnergy Park meant a $1,000 donation to the charity corresponding with the inning in which the home run was hit.

Organization Inning Home Runs Total
Operation First Response 1st 2 $2,000
Chariot Riders & Navy-Marine Corps Relief 2nd 4 $4,000
American Recreational Military Services 3rd 1 $1,000
GI Go Fund & Jewish Federation/Take the Wheel 4th 4 $4,000
Army Emergency Relief & National Guard State Family Readiness Council 5th 1 $1,000
VetGroup & Catholic Charities 6th 5 $5,000
American Red Cross 7th 8 $8,000
Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski Memorial Fund 8th 3 $3,000
Citizens Veterans Advisory Committee 9th + Extras 1 $1,000

Home runs hit in the second, fourth, fifth, and sixth innings meant $1,000 donations to two charities, so $43,000 was donated for the BlueClaws 29 home runs hit at FirstEnergy Park this year.

The program, which just completed its ninth season, has now raised $260,000 to area non-profits thanks to the donations of OceanFirst Foundation.

Darick Hall led the BlueClaws with seven home runs at FirstEnergy Park this year, while Brett Barbier hit four and Arquimedes Gamboa hit three. Austin Listi hit two, including a walk-off home run in the 12th inning of the final game of the season, bringing a $1,000 donation to the Citizens Veterans Advisory Committee. This was the lone BlueClaws home run hit in the ninth inning or extra innings this year.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. The 2018 schedule has been released and 2018 BlueClaws ticket packages and group outings are currently on sale.

Since its founding in 1902, OceanFirst Bank has built a solid reputation and legacy as a good neighbor and responsible corporate citizen. The Bank’s strong commitment to helping families, organizations, schools and communities throughout central and southern New Jersey meet their financial needs has spanned several generations, reaching new heights in 1996 with the creation of OceanFirst Foundation. The Foundation provides grants to organizations that meet community needs within the OceanFirst market. Since its inception, OceanFirst Foundation has contributed in excess of 6,400 grants totaling more than $32 million to over 750 local charities throughout central and southern New Jersey.

– BlueClaws / OceanFirst –

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

Chasers Nominated for John Henry Moss Community Service Award

The Pacific Coast League has announced that the Omaha Storm Chasers’ franchise is the circuit’s nominee for Minor League Baseball’s John Henry Moss Community Service Award. Each league in Minor League Baseball nominated an organization, with the overall winner announced at the annual Baseball Winter Meetings in Orlando, Florida in December.

“A truly great organization is one that shows a high level of commitment to its own community,” stated Omaha Storm Chasers President and General Manager Martie Cordaro. “We are proud to be representing the Pacific Coast League with this nomination, which is a testament to the time and commitment of our front office staff, as well as the Kansas City Royals organization, to the Omaha Metro community.”

Over the course of the 2017 campaign, Chasers Charities, the charitable arm of the Omaha Storm Chasers, donated $808,182 to local charities, setting an all-time record in charitable giving for the fourth consecutive year. The Storm Chasers assisted over 1,500 different organizations, and were also visible in the community with over 420 mascot and player appearances. Front office employees also donated 740 hours of community service throughout the year.

73 different organizations were provided a platform at Werner Park at the Sprint Community Organization of the Night. Over $18,000 was raised through the McDonald’s and Huber Chevrolet Hurl the Pearl promotion for the Ronald McDonald House, while more than $21,000 was raised for various local charities including Methodist Hospital Founation and Moving Veterans Forward via four Jersey Auctions. Initiatives also included Hy-Vee Canned Food Sundays, with nearly 5,000 items donated to Heartland Hope Mission, in addition to Chasers FUNdamentals, with Chasers Charities teaming with DREAM to put on baseball clinics introducing youth to baseball.

Chasers Charities also offered the Chasin’ Dreams Grant, donating a total in excess of $9,000 to help non-profit organizations that operate youth softball/baseball programs make major renovations. Two Jackie Robinson Athletic Scholarships worth $1,000 each were also awarded through Chasers Charities and The Weitz Company, while partnering with the Nebraska State Treasurer’s Office for the 15th annual Why I Want To Go To College Essay Contest.

The Storm Chasers also held their third annual Chasers Community Week presented by Summit Dental, which included the Jirschele Family Memorial Golf Outing to help benfit the Muscular Dystrophy Association, as well as player appearances at Children’s Hospital and the Southwest YMCA and hosting Bellevue Buddy Baseball at Werner Park. The nine-day event culminated in hosting The Wall That Heals, an exhibit that featured a half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. The exhibit was open 24 hours a day from August 3-6 at Werner Park, with the Storm Chasers’ Military Appreciation game preceded the exhibit’s closing ceremonies.

Werner Park also served as a site for local organizations to use the stadium as a venue to host large-scale fundraisers. Those special events included the “Boxer 500” to benefit the Great Plains Colon Cancer Task Force, the “Walk to Defeat ALS”, SHARP Race towards Brain Aneurysm, Heart Heroes Run, and Nebraska 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb.

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

Chasers in the Community: August

Storm Chasers players and front office members participated in the third annual Chasers Community Week last month, which included visits to Southwest YMCA, Ronald McDonald House and Children’s Hospital. The Storm Chasers and Werner Enterprises were both honored to have The Wall That Heals at Werner Park which featured a half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. In total, front office staff members also combined to record 208 hours of community service in the month of August.

Community Week Recap (208.75 Hours from front office)

  • Storm Chasers players Christian Binford and Logan Moon played baseball with kids at the Southwest YMCA– July 31
  • Meals that Heals for Ronald McDonald House with Summit Dental – August 1
  • The Storm Chasers organization along with Werner Enterprises hosted The Wall That Heals, half-sized replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, at Werner Park – August 3-6
  • Storm Chasers players Christian Binford and Logan Moon visited Children’s Hospital  – August 4
  • Storm Chasers Players and Front Office Staff Members participated in Bellevue Buddy Baseball at Werner Park – August 5
  • The Omaha Storm Chasers organization teamed up with WOWT and First National Bank to Stuff the Bus – August 5

Community Events in August

  • Be the One Ralston Public Schools Kickoff – August 11
  • Stormy and Storm Chasers player Logan Moon attended the End of Summer Bash at First National Bank – August 12
  • Storm Chasers players Christian Binford and Terrance Gore visited with patients at Madonna Hospital– August 15
  • Focus on the Future Welcome at Papillion La Vista South High School – August 16
  • Heartland Hope Mission Pantry Sponsor of the Month – August 17
  • ALS Walk – August 19

Upcoming Community Events in September

  • St. Robert Bellarmine School Walk – September 15 (10:00am)
  • St. Stephen the Martyr Event – September 15 (9:00am)
  • Prairie Queen Fun Run – September 22 (9:00am)

Notable Mascot Appearances for August (over 40 appearances)

  • Fremont Raising Cane’s Ribbon Cutting – August 8
  • JDRF One Walk – August 19
  • Millard Days Parade – August 26
  • Bellevue Public Schools– August 31

Upcoming Scheduled Mascot Appearances for September

  • Child Saving Institute Touch A Truck – September 9
  • American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Fundraiser – September 10
  • Turner BBQ – September 22
  • Down Syndrome Alliance Buddy Walk – September 30
  • HyVee Pinky Swear – September 30

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

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Sox Offering Free Admission to all Service Members on Military Appreciation Night

SALEM, VA (Friday, September 1, 2017) – The Salem Red Sox will offer free admission to any and all military service members on Military Appreciation Night on Saturday, September 2 against the Winston-Salem Dash.

Due to the overwhelming support from Veterans of Foreign Wars, Military Family Support Center, and our fans donating tickets at every home game this year, Salem Red Sox President Ryan Shelton has decided to match our partners’ contributions by giving free admission to all military service members (active or retired) who do not already have a ticket. Eligible fans can show their military ID at the gates for free entrance.

“In recent years, we have significantly increased our commitment to our fighting men and women,” Shelton said. “This year, with such overwhelming support from our fans, the VFW and MFS for the Tickets for Troops program, we wanted to ensure that every soldier, sailor and airman was able to attend and be recognized.”

In addition, the first 1,000 fans through the gates will receive a free military-style t-shirt featuring a stars-and-stripes motif similar to our 2017 Military Jerseys. The Salem Red Sox look forward to recognizing our military service members at the game through pre-game activities, special recognitions and symbolic song dedications.

Fans who want to buy tickets for themselves or others should visit the Salem Red Sox box office at Haley Toyota Field at 1004 Texas St. in Salem, visit the team website at http://www.SalemSox.com, or give the Sox a call at 540-389-3333.

OKC Dodgers to Host Hometown Heroes Military Celebration Night Friday

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Dodgers will honor the service and dedication of local military members and their families Friday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark on Hometown Heroes Military Celebration Night, presented by RSM and Folds of Honor.

The Dodgers play the Omaha Storm Chasers at 7:05 p.m. Friday, and special festivities will be held throughout the evening, culminating with postgame fireworks presented by Francis Tuttle.

“Our second Hometown Heroes Military Celebration Night of the season provides us with the opportunity to show our local service men, women and their families how grateful the Oklahoma City community is for their service,” said OKC Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes. “These nights of recognition in June and August allow us to honor the sacrifices and commitments made by these devoted individuals and offer our appreciation first-hand.”

A swearing-in ceremony of new Air Force recruits will take place on the field prior to the game. Folds of Honor Major Ed Pulido and Colonel Gavin Marks, Vice Commander, 552 Air Control Wing from Tinker Air Force Base, will throw out ceremonial first pitches. Chief Master Sergeant Mark Hurst, Command Chief, 552 Air Control Wing will deliver the lineup card.

The Tinker Air Force Base Honor Guard will present the colors during the singing of the national anthem performed by Senior Airman Froy Lockhoff-Taylor, 552 Maintenance Squadron, Tinker Air Force Base. Lockhoff-Taylor will also perform “God Bless America” during the game.

Representatives from RSM and Folds of Honor, each branch of the military as well as other military and veteran organizations will be available on the concourse throughout the evening to share information with fans.

The Dodgers open their final homestand of the 2017 regular season at 7:05 p.m. Thursday against the Omaha Storm Chasers at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark on a $2 Thursday featuring $2 soda, water and beer from a line of Pepsi and Budweiser products. The series against Omaha continues at 7:05 p.m. Friday with Hometown Heroes Military Celebration Night presented by RSM and Folds of Honor and postgame fireworks presented by Francis Tuttle.

On Saturday, gates open at 6 p.m. and the first 1,000 fans will receive a Cody Bellinger T-shirt. The OKC Disc Dogs will perform throughout the 7:05 p.m. game and fans will also have the opportunity to bid on game-used, game-worn autographed OKC Dodgers memorabilia during the Clubhouse Collectibles silent auction presented by The Oklahoman. Sunday’s 6:05 p.m. game falls on a Chaparral Energy Family Sunday.

The homestand continues with a four-game series against the New Orleans Baby Cakes beginning at 7:05 p.m. Monday. The regular season concludes at 7:05 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 31 against New Orleans on a $2 Thursday and special Throwback Thursday. Oklahoma City will take the field in Oklahoma City 89ers gear and the players’ and coaches’ throwback jerseys will be auctioned off to benefit the OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation.

A very limited number of tickets remain for Friday and Saturday nights, but tickets for all of the other remaining home games of the regular season are available through the OKC Dodgers ticket office located on South Mickey Mantle Drive, by phone at (405) 218-1000, or by visiting okcdodgers.com.

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