New York Mets – Page 5

Sand Gnats to Honor Military on Thursday with Free Admission to JCB Military Appreciation Night

July 30, 2014

The Savannah Sand Gnats will hold JCB Military Appreciation Night at Historic Grayson Stadium this Thursday, July 31. The Gnats will honor the service off Savannah’s military community by offering free general admission tickets to any military, both veteran and active duty, with a valid military I.D.

Sand Gnats players and coaches will wear special military camouflaged jerseys as they take on the Hickory Crawdads, a Texas Rangers affiliate. The jerseys will be auctioned off for charity during the game, with winners receiving their autographed jerseys from players and coaches on-field after the game.

“We all owe a debt of gratitude for the brave men and women serving stateside and abroad, and we hope to see plenty of military families from across the Coastal Empire for a great night of baseball and a tribute to their service,” said Sand Gnats president John Katz. “Thanks to JCB, we were able to coordinate this great camouflaged jersey auction in an effort to raise funds for military charities,” continued Katz.

Fans will also be treated to half-priced draft beer and soda thanks to Thirsty Thursday sponsored by Budweiser, Coors Light, Miller Lite, Connect Savannah, E93, and I-95 FM.

The Third Infantry Division’s Third CAB Color Guard will present the colors, while Third CAB Commander Colonel John Kline will throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Sergeant First Class Dana Fischl, also of the Third Infantry Division, will sing the National Anthem as part of the pre-game ceremonies.

Gates will open at 6:00 p.m. and first pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. For tickets and information please call (912) 351- 9150 or visit SandGnats.com

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Savannah Sand Gnats. Click here to view the original story.

CYCLONES TO HONOR 25 OFFICERS ON NYPD NIGHT

July 27, 2014

Here’s a full list of the Police Officers who will be honored for their service in a special pre-game ceremony:

BROOKLYN NORTH

73 Pct. SGT. Danielle Roventini
75 Pct. P.O. Jamil Sarwar
77 Pct. P.O. Sacha Pierre Louis
79 Pct. P.O. Christopher Vickery
81 Pct. P.O. Ryan McArdle
83 Pct. P.O. Damarys Franco
84 Pct. P.O. Lee Mazzarella
88 Pct. P.O. Eanna McCabe
90 Pct. SGT. Ahmed Kessba
94 Pct. P.O. Michael Safoschnik
PBBN P.O. Christopher Smyth

BROOKLYN SOUTH

60 Pct. Lieutenant Peter O’Neill
61 Pct. P.O Thomas Teehan
62 Pct. P.O. Carmelo Vendra
63 Pct. P.O. Thomas Podd
66 Pct. P.O. Joseph Vitella
67 Pct. P.O. Joseph Zeolla
68 Pct. P.O. Frank Cinalauro
69 Pct. P.O. Eton White
70 Pct. P.O. Jerry Ortiz
71 Pct. P.O. Justin Smith
72 Pct. P.O. Martin Kristopher
76 Pct. P.O. Richie Hample
78 Pct. P.O. James Dawes
B.S.T.F. P.O. Robert Whelan

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

The Shade Tree Night – Friday, July 25

July 22, 2014

51s Team Up With Volunteers from The Venetian Hotel & Casino to Host Donation Drive for The Shade Tree!

The Las Vegas 51^s professional baseball team of the Pacific Coast League (PCL), Triple-A affiliate of the New York Mets & 2013 Pacific Southern Division Champions, will open an eight-game homestand on Friday, July 25 against the Salt Lake Bees, Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, at 7:05 p.m. at Cashman Field.

The 51^s organization will team up with volunteers from the Venetian Hotel and Casino to present a donation drive for The Shade Tree. The Shade Tree’s Mission Statement: To provide safe shelter to homeless and abused women and children in crisis and to offer life-changing services promoting stability, dignity, and self-reliance.

“The Shade Tree is blessed to have such caring and compassionate partners as the Las Vegas 51^s and the Sands Corporation,” Erica Thompson, The Shade Tree Director of Fundraising & Major Gifts, said. “Guiding women and children on a path to self-sufficiency can be difficult at times. We know though that by combining our resources with the generosity of community leaders like the 51^s and the Sands Corporation, together we can provide help, healing and hope to those in need.”

“The 51^s recognize the importance to be a Community Partner and to team together with Las Vegas Sands to provide donated items from our great fans for such an outstanding organization like The Shade Tree,” 51^s President/COO Don Logan added.

Fans are encouraged to bring donated items to “The Shade Tree Booth” located inside Cashman Field and fans will receive two free 51^s hats for their generous donation.

The donated items requested by The Shade Tree include: women’s underwear (sizes 6-10), feminine hygiene products (tampons, sanitary pads, panty liners), bath towels, wash cloths, bed sheets, mattress covers, women’s shorts (sizes 5-22), hats, trash bags, bottled water, plus sized women’s clothing, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, body wash, diapers (all sizes), boy’s underwear (sizes 14-16), girl’s underwear (sizes 14-16), toilet tissue, paper towels, socks (for adults & children).

“Part of the mission of Sands Cares is to aid the causes that are most important to our team members in the Las Vegas community,” Stephanie MacDonald, Property Chair, Sands Cares Las Vegas, said. “The Venetian/The Palazzo and Sands Expo team recognized The Shade Tree as an organization that leads the way in providing support to the underserved women, children and pets in the city.

“We are proud to partner with them as they celebrate their 25^th anniversary and encourage Las Vegas 51^s fans to assist in our efforts by bringing a donation to the stadium on Friday night.”

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Las Vegas 51s. Click here to view the original story.

GARY CARTER FOUNDATION FUNDRAISER — JUNE 29th

June 29, 2014

Earlier this year, the Mets family lost a long-time member with the passing of beloved Hall of Fame catcher and Mets icon, Gary Carter, who left us on February 16th after a courageous battle with brain cancer. Throughout his Hall of Fame career, Gary Carter graced the game he loved with the fearlessness of a warrior and the joyful exuberance of a kid. His passion, leadership and guidance cemented his place in Mets lore as one of the most influential players in franchise history.

The Kid was a key cog during the Mets World Series Championship in 1986, and will forever be revered as a fan favorite by those who root for the orange and blue. Although Carter entered the Hall of Fame as a member of the Montreal Expos, he always had the orange and blue of his beloved New York Mets running through his veins.

With that in mind, the Cyclones will remember Gary Carter in a special pre-game ceremony on Friday, June 29th prior to the 7:00 pm game against the Aberdeen IronBirds. That evening the Cyclones will wear special orange and blue jerseys with a “Kid 8” memorial patch on the right sleeve – the same patch that the New York Mets are wearing throughout the season.

These special jerseys will be raffled off throughout the game with a portion of the proceeds to benefit the Gary Carter Foundation. This organization carries on Gary’s mission to better the physical, mental and spiritual well being of children in need. Even after his death the Kid continues to enrich the lives of those less fortunate.

Here’s a look at the special jerseys the team will wear and raffle off that evening:

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

CYCLONES ANNOUNCE SEAT OF HONOR FOR 2014

June 6, 2014

On a day in our nation’s history that is forever connected to the sacrifices made by the members of our armed forces, the Cyclones have announced that they will partner with Rolling Thunder – NYC Chapters to have a Chair of Honor at MCU Park. The chair, which will be painted black and feature the POW / MIA emblem, will remain unoccupied in perpetuity in honor of the more than 80,000 American soldiers who have gone missing in action.

“As a nation, we are eternally grateful for the sacrifices the men and women of our armed forces have made, and continue to make, so that we can enjoy the freedoms that come with being an American,” said Cyclones Vice President Steve Cohen. “This is our organization’s way of showing that their sacrifices will never be forgotten.”

The seat, which will be located in the first row of section seven, will be unveiled in a pre-game ceremony prior to the July 4th game against the Aberdeen IronBirds.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Rolling Thunder for this endeavor,” said Brooklyn Cyclones Account Executive Angelina Tennis, whose husband is an Army veteran that served in Iraq and Afghanistan as part of a POW / MIA task force, and is heading this project for the Cyclones. “I have a personal connection to the POW/ MIA cause, so I’m especially proud that our organization is the first team in New York City to join with Rolling Thunder for this project.”

Rolling Thunder is a not-for-profit organization that focuses on POW / MIA initiatives. With over 90-chartered chapters across the United States, Rolling Thunder looks to educate the public about the tens of thousands of men and women unaccounted for in past conflicts, while also aiming to protect future veterans from being left behind. The addition of the Chair of Honor at MCU Park is another step towards the Rolling Thunder’s goal of having a POW / MIA chair in every professional sports venue across the United States of America.

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

MCU AND CYCLONES TO OFFER FREE YOUTH CLINICS

June 3, 2014

Municipal Credit Union (MCU) is launching the first MCU Youth Baseball and Softball Clinic Series. The Clinics, which are open to children 7 – 14 years of age, will be held on Monday, June 23, Wednesday, July 16 and Monday, August 4 at MCU Park before the Brooklyn Cyclones baseball games. The Youth Baseball and Softball Clinic Series is part of MCU’s corporate commitment to giving back to the communities in which it serves, in particular the youth of the community.

John Franco, MCU spokesperson and Mets Hall of Fame Pitcher, will be the Head Coach of the Clinics. Current Cyclones players, area high school coaches and players, and other special guests will also serve as volunteers to coach Clinic participants.

Youth participating in the Clinics will take part in drills on fielding, running, throwing, and injury prevention/stretching. They will also be able to take part in a question and answer session with volunteer coaches and a photo op with John Franco.

Each participant will also receive four tickets to that evening’s Brooklyn Cyclones game at MCU Park. There is a limit of 100 participants per clinic, and participation will be on a first come, first serve basis.

“I am excited to be part of the MCU Youth Baseball and Softball Clinics this summer. My lifelong dream of playing professional baseball began in Brooklyn, and the instruction and encouragement I received from coaches throughout my career allowed me to live that dream. Being able to give back to the community by teaching young ballplayers the right way to play is something I am honored to do, and I’m so proud to work with MCU and the Brooklyn Cyclones to provide the City’s kids with this invaluable opportunity,” said Franco.

“MCU is proud to host our first annual Youth Clinic series at MCU Park this summer. We are honored to work with the Brooklyn Cyclones and our spokesperson John Franco to provide a unique opportunity for young baseball and softball players to receive professional instruction on a professional field, and we hope that this program could continue to grow as another shining example of the work that we do as an institution to give back to the communities which we serve,” said Kam Wong, President/CEO of Municipal Credit Union.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to work with MCU for the Youth Baseball and Softball Clinics. As an organization, we pride ourselves on being active members within our community while also helping to grow the game of baseball with young people throughout the city. This program helps accomplish both of those goals, while also providing kids with the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play on the same field that many current major leaguers, including Curtis Granderson and Daniel Murphy, once played on,” said Steve Cohen, Cyclones Vice President.

To participate in any of the Clinics, individuals must sign up at www.nymcu.org/youthclinics or CLICK HERE.

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

Free admission to active military and veterans on Friday

May 20, 2014

In celebration of Memorial Day weekend, the St. Lucie Mets would like to pay tribute to the service men and women of our country by offering all current military personnel and veterans free admission into Friday’s game.

The Mets host the Clearwater Threshers at 6:30 p.m. Gates open at 5:30 p.m.

Veterans and active military just need to show proof of ID at the Tradition Field box office to get into the game free of charge.

Prior to first pitch there will be a color guard, the performing of the National Anthem and ceremonial first pitches delivered by members of the American Gold Star Mothers. The American Gold Star Mothers are an organization of mothers who have lost a son or daughter in the service of our country.

For more information, visit www.stluciemets.com or call 772-871-2115.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the St. Lucie Mets. Click here to view the original story.

Kia Country Pink in the Park This Saturday

May 14, 2014

On Saturday, May 17, the Savannah Sand Gnats will join forces with Kia Country of Savannah and Susan G. Komen For the Cure Coastal Georgia Affiliate to bring awareness to breast cancer education and research.

“Pink in the Park is one of the most emotional nights of the season,” said team president, John Katz. “We celebrate the Survivors, remember those that lost the fight, and reinforce the message that early detection is critical.”

As in years past, Sand Gnats players and coaches will take the field in special pink jerseys. Throughout the game, fans are encouraged to bid on each jersey. After the game, the highest bidders will be presented with their jersey by their respective player or coach.

All proceeds from the pink jersey auction go directly to Susan G. Komen For the Cure Coastal Georgia Affiliate.

“It is through the generous support of Kia Country of Savannah that provides the opportunity for us to donate 100% of the proceeds from the Jersey Auction to Susan G. Komen for the Cure Coastal Georgia Affiliate,” added Katz.

Any breast cancer survivors who participated in the most recent Race for the Cure on April 12, are asked to wear their race t-shirt for free admission to the baseball game. Please contact Beth Desloges, Executive Director of Susan G. Komen for the Cure Coastal Georgia Affiliate at (912) 232-2535 or beth@komencoastalgeorgia.org for more information.

Fans are also encouraged to stay after the game for a spectacular fireworks show. Gates to Historic Grayson Stadium will open at 5:00 p.m. and first pitch against the Charleston RiverDogs is set for 6:05 p.m.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Savannah Sand Gnats. Click here to view the original story.

Jacob G. Smith Wins Doubles for Technology Grant

April 25, 2014

Thomas and Hutton supports technology needs with generous donation

The 2013 South Atlantic League Champion Sand Gnats were fantastic to watch throughout last season. While their pitching was dominant from Opening Night through the League Championship, one offensive stat will pay dividends for school children in the Savannah area.

Thanks to a generous pledge from Thomas & Hutton and 116 doubles at Historic Grayson Stadium from the potent Gnats’ lineup, Jacob G. Smith Elementary will receive a $2,900 technology grant. Thomas and Hutton will present the check to the school on the field at Historic Grayson Stadium just before the Sand Gnats game on Friday, May 16.

“This is a great partnership between Thomas & Hutton and the Sand Gnats,” said Sand Gnats team president, John Katz. “Both of our organizations are passionate about education and we’re excited to be able to help Jacob G. Smith Elementary expand their access to technology.”

“Thomas & Hutton is excited about providing this grant to Jacob G. Smith Elementary for their use in expanding technology,” stated Ben Jones with Thomas & Hutton. “Our partnership with the Sand Gnats provided us with a great opportunity to place technology directly into a classroom and to help our students prepare for a successful future.”

J.G. Smith Elementary was named a “Title I Highest-Performing Reward School” in 2014 by the Georgia Department of Education and is ranked among the top five percent of Title I schools in Georgia, having the highest absolute performance over three years for the “All Students” group on the statewide assessments.

The grant will be used for the school to purchase Chromebooks, providing second grade students and their teachers the opportunity to utilize another technology resource that will enhance instructional practices in reading and math and help students prepare for testing such as the Scholastic Reading Inventory (SRI) and Measures of Academic Progress (MAP). Additionally, students will be more prepared for the Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests (CRCT) which begin in the third grade.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Savannah Sand Gnats. Click here to view the original story.

LITTLE KIDS, BIG STARS PROGRAM NEW FOR 2014

March 24, 2014

Brooklyn, NY – March 24th – Spring is finally here, and that means baseball season can’t be far behind. After the winter we’ve had, little leaguers throughout the city are chomping at the bit to get back on the field and throw baseballs instead of snow balls. With that in mind, the Brooklyn Cyclones have introduced the all-new “Little Kids, Big Stars” Program to highlight the best and brightest in youth baseball and softball from the five boroughs and Long Island.

Saturday, April 12th and running through Saturday, June 7th, coaches can nominate one player from their team every week by visiting BrooklynCyclones.com. Every week, the Cyclones will pick five winners from those submitted who will be named the “Little Kids, Big Stars” of the week.

“We are really excited for this new program,” said Cyclones Vice President Steve Cohen. “It is designed to recognize those children who truly have a passion for the game. This year MCU Park will host the New York-Penn League All-Star Game, so we thought it was a great opportunity to highlight the all-stars from not just the NYPL but from youth baseball and softball leagues all across the Metropolitan area.”

What makes a Big Star? The program is open to boys and girls between the ages of five and fourteen, and winners will be selected based on the following criteria:

Passion for baseball / softball.
Sportsmanship.
Serves as a leader on the team.
Positive attitude.
Helpful to coaches and teammates.
Skilled on the field of play.

The team program isn’t looking to highlight just the best players from around the city, but instead, looking to highlight the best examples of what it means to have a passion for the game of baseball/softball.

Each of the winners will receive an exclusive invitation to a baseball clinic with Cyclones players and coaches, tickets and on-field recognition prior to our June 29th game vs. Staten Island, access to the field for Cyclones Batting Practice, a chance to throw out a first pitch, a commemorative t-shirt and recognition in the Cyclones 2014 game program.

To submit your nominations — CLICK HERE.

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

MILITARY APPRECIATION DAY – AUGUST 31st

August 31, 2013

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

Mets Hosting School Supplies Drive From August 26-28

August 22, 2013

The St. Lucie Mets will be hosting a School Supplies Drive at Tradition Field to benefit Guardians For New Futures, Inc. from Monday, August 26 through Wednesday, August 28.

The Mets host the Charlotte Stone Crabs at 6:30 p.m. for all three games. Gates open at 5:30 p.m.

Fans who bring any new unwrapped school supplies will receive a voucher good for a $2 ticket for any of the three games in the series.

Guardian’s For New Futures is a non-profit organization working to raise funds from the public to donate for children abused, neglected, or abandoned.

The annual “Kits4Kids” program is designed to provide more than 500 children with fresh new school supplies.

For more information, contact the St. Lucie Mets at 772-871-2100.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the St. Lucie Mets. Click here to view the original story.

DIVERSITY DAY ON CONEY ISLAND – AUGUST 19th

August 14, 2013

Brooklyn NY, August 14, 2013 – Last week, vandals defaced the statue of Jackie Robinson and Pee Wee Reese, located outside MCU Park in Coney Island with hateful words and symbols which have since been removed. In light of these recent events, the Cyclones and Alliance for Coney Island will join together with community leaders to host Diversity Day in Coney Island, for what will be a historic doubleheader on Monday, August 19th in conjunction with the Coney Island Flicks on the Beach screening of “42” later in the evening

Prior to the Brooklyn Cyclones taking on the Staten Island Yankees in a doubleheader beginning at 5:30 PM, the Cyclones, along with The Jackie Robinson Foundation, The Jackie Robinson Little League, Major League Baseball and other local community leaders will host a rededication ceremony for the Jackie Robinson and Pee Wee Reese statue, which stands as a monument to these men of “courage and conviction” as engraved on the base of the statue which was originally erected in November 2005.

“The events of last week were both heartbreaking and incomprehensible” said Cyclones General Manager Steve Cohen. “But we are trying to turn the negative and disgusting actions of one person into a night of unity and understanding for an entire community. Over 60 years ago Jackie Robinson and Pee Wee Reese stood resolute in the face of bigotry and hatred, and in a much smaller way we are trying to do the same thing.”

Following the ceremony and baseball game, there will be a special screening of the Warner Bros. movie “42” as part of the “Flicks on the Beach” Series presented by Alliance for Coney Island, Rooftop Films and NYC & Company. Guests will be invited to watch the critically-acclaimed film on a 40-foot screen on the sand of Coney Island near West 10th Street.

“We are proud to be screening the monumental film ‘42’ which provides a biography of Brooklyn hero Jackie Robinson. A silver lining to this offensive act is that Coney Island can band together and commemorate Robinson’s legacy during Diversity Day, and celebrate the strength of our community and the history of Brooklyn,” said Johanna Zaki, Alliance for Coney Island Director of Operations.

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

CITY HARVEST COLLECTION – AUGUST 13th

August 13, 2013

Join us at MCU Park on Wednesday, August 13th as we collect food for City Harvest at the front gates of the ballpark. Fans are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food donation to the ballpark and will receive a raffle ticket in exchange for their donation. Those who donate will be eligible for prizes including signed items, $50 gift cards from MCU and more.

Can’t make it to the park? You can still donate to the virtual food drive HERE . A $20 donation feeds 11 people for a week.

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

Army Veteran to Receive Key to City at Tradition Field on August 10

August 10, 2013

The St. Lucie Mets have announced U.S. Army Major David Paterson will throw out the first pitch and receive the Key to the City from Port St. Lucie Mayor JoAnn Faiella on Saturday, August 10 at Tradition Field. The Mets host the Palm Beach Cardinals at 6:30 p.m. Gates open at 5:30 p.m.

David Paterson was awarded two Bronze Stars and a Meritorious Service Medal during two tours in Iraq.

Paterson graduated the University of Central Florida in 2000.

Paterson was promoted to Captain and Company Commander in 2007 and was promoted to Major in July of 2013.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the St. Lucie Mets. Click here to view the original story.