Renegades Implement #GadesGivingBack Initiative to Help Local Non-Profits

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Renegades focus on community-based sales, to assist the Hudson Valley during COVID-19 pandemic.

WAPPINGERS FALLS, NY – The Hudson Valley Renegades, Short Season Class-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays, announce in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic and it’s rippling effects on the local community an initiative to give back to local non-profits.

The Hudson Valley Renegades are here for you, whether it’s safe at home, or at The Dutch, we want to make sure we are doing our part in helping our community during this time. We have implemented our #GadesGivingBack initiative to donate a portion of profits from ticket sales, gift cards and food and beverage back to the community.

“As a small business ourselves, our organization and employees feel the hardships being felt by many in the Hudson Valley area and throughout our country,” said Renegades President/General Manager Steve Gliner. “The Renegades have always worked hard to put our fans and community first and this is more important now than ever! Through our #GadesGivingBack initiative, we hope to rally our fans and community and give back to local organizations that directly assist those in need. This season is dedicated to YOU, and we hope that you will help us support those most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Our first #GadesGivingBack initiative can be supported through purchasing gift cards that you can use now, or save for later. These gift cards can be purchased for either $25, $50 or $100, with fans receiving an additional 20% value to spend on anything at Dutchess Stadium during Renegades games this summer, and 20% of each sale will be donated to Dutchess Responds. These gift cards are available for purchase now through the entire 2020 season and can be used into the 2021 season.

The breakdown of purchasing gift cards is as follows:

Purchase (You Pay): $20 Gift Card Value: $30 Donated to Charity: $5

Purchase (You Pay): $50 Gift Card Value: $60 Donated to Charity: $10

Purchase (You Pay): $100 Gift Card Value: $120 Donated to Charity: $20

Purchase a gift card HERE!

The purpose of Dutchess Responds is to provide critical needs such as food, medications and household essentials to individuals experiencing hardships or quarantine restrictions as a result of the Covid-19 virus emergency. Community leaders, in conjunction with Dutchess County government have established the Dutchess Responds fund at Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley.

The next #GadesGivingBack initiative will be when single game tickets go on-sale, which will go live on Saturday, April 11 for online purchases only at hvrenegades.com. The first week, Saturday, April 11 through Saturday, April 18, $2 from each ticket purchased will be donated to a charity.

In 2019 the Renegades donated over $170,000 in in-kind donations to hundreds of organizations throughout the community. One of the most successful ways of generating money for organizations was through the Renegades Fundraiser Program. The program allows a group the ability to choose the Sunday through Thursday game they want to attend, the Renegades will set-up an online portal for individuals to purchase. Each package is $13, and includes a General Admission ticket, Gades Group Hat and a $5 donation back to your organization. If this is something your group is interested in participating in please email Tyson at [email protected] with the Subject: Host A Fundraiser.

The Renegades will choose a new non-profit for each community outreach initiative that is rolled out, making sure to reach not just those in Dutchess County but all of our fans in the Greater Hudson Valley Region.

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National Anthem auditions set for April 4 at Crossgates

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TROY, NY – The Tri-City ValleyCats will be holding their 10th Annual National Anthem auditions on Saturday, April 4 at Crossgates from 10:00am to 12:00pm. Selected finalists will participate in an online fan vote, with the top vote recipient having the opportunity to sing at a premier ValleyCats game at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium this summer, in front of an expected crowd of over 5,000 fans.

Hosted by Jaime Roberts heard weekday mornings from 6am – 10am on 98.3 TRY, the auditions will take place on the lower level near Lord & Taylor. Registration will begin promptly at 9:30am and auditions will be conducted on a first-come, first-perform basis. Performances can be sung individually or as a group, and may also be performed on an instrument that does not require power.

A panel of judges will be scoring the performances based on sound quality, stage presence, and song accuracy.

The ValleyCats 2020 home opener is set for Wednesday, June 24 as the 19th season of Minor League Baseball begins at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium in Troy.

Season tickets, mini plans and flex vouchers for the ValleyCats’ 2020 season are currently available for purchase online at tcvalleycats.com or by calling 518-629-CATS. The ValleyCats are also taking reservations for groups of 20 or more, and individual tickets are set to go on sale March 26, MLB’s Opening Day.

ValleyCats to Host Job Fair for 2020 Season

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TROY, NY – The Tri-City ValleyCats will host their Annual Job Fair at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium in Troy on Saturday, March 14 from 10:00am – 12:00pm. The Class A affiliate of the Houston Astros will be holding on the spot interviews for various positions for their 2020 summer season.

Potential employees must be over the age of 15 and have the availability to work during the months of June through September. Applications are available at “The Joe,” or can be filled out in advance by downloading a copy from the ValleyCats website.

Each year the ValleyCats employ approximately 200 summer gameday staff in departments that include food and beverage, stadium operations, box office, merchandise, promotions and production. For more information on the types of jobs in each department, visit the Employment page of the ValleyCats website at tcvalleycats.com.

The ValleyCats 2020 home opener is set for Wednesday, June 24 as the 19th season of Minor League Baseball begins at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium in Troy.

Season tickets, mini plans and flex vouchers for the ValleyCats’ 2020 season are currently available for purchase online at tcvalleycats.com or by calling 518-629-CATS. The ValleyCats are also taking reservations for groups of 20 or more, and individual tickets are set to go on sale March 26, MLB’s Opening Day.

 

2020 CT Military All-Star Nominations Now Open

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NORWICH, CT – The Norwich Sea Unicorns, Class-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, and the Better Business Bureau Serving Connecticut are proud to announce that the nomination process for the 2020 CT Military All-Stars promotion is now open and will run through July 10th! The seventh annual promotion will honor nine current or former military personnel prior to Military Appreciation Night at Dodd Stadium on Friday, August 14th.

2020 will be the eighth consecutive season that the annual Military Appreciation Night will be presented by the Better Business Bureau Military Line which provides free services, consumer education and other resources for military families, to assist them during and after deployment. The nine honorees will be selected from the pool of nominations by a panel of community judges and will be honored on the field prior to the game. In addition, the first 1,000 fans through the gates on August 14th will receive a baseball card set featuring these heroes.

Nominations representing all branches of the military are welcome. The submission form can be found online by visiting goseaunicorns.com/military. Fans can also pick up a nomination form and submit their nomination in person at Dodd Stadium at the Dime Bank Information Booth during Tigers games or in the front office during regular business hours through July 10th.

In addition to the CT Military All-Stars ceremonies, the Sea Unicorns will be wearing specially designed and military themed jerseys during the game on August 14th. The jerseys will be auctioned off during the game. The proceeds will go towards a scholarship for a military family through the BBB Military Line.

The Norwich Sea Unicorns are the New York-Penn League affiliate of the Detroit Tigers at Dodd Stadium in Norwich, Connecticut. 2020 season memberships for “The Captains Club”, mini plans, and team merchandise are now on sale! The 2020 season at Dodd Stadium kicks off on Sunday, June 21st at 7:05 pm with fireworks after the game. The front office and box office are 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.

Cutters Hot Stove Banquet Raises over $6,700 for Charity

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The Williamsport Crosscutters 14th Annual Hot Stove Banquet was held January 15 at the Genetti Hotel in downtown Williamsport.

The event featured Phillies legendary outfielder Greg Luzinski, ESPN Baseball Insider Tim Kurkjian, 1992 World Series MVP Pat Border who managed the Cutters the past 5 seasons and Phillies Asst. General Manager Bryan Minniti.

The night, presented in part by Panda Patriot Power, River Valley Transit, WRAK Radio and the Williamsport Sun-Gazette, was also highlighted by auctions that featured a wealth of sports memorabilia.

It was announced at the event that Borders has been reassigned to manage the Phillies full season Class A affiliate, the Clearwater Threshers in 2020. It had been previously announced that Borders would return to manage in Williamsport for a sixth season. As part of the Hot Stove festivities, the Cutters retired Borders jersey number 10. He ends his Williamsport managerial career with 186 wins, the most by any Cutters manager.

Additional highlights included the induction of Rob Thomas into the Bowman Field Hall of Fame and Navy quarterback Hal Spooner’s induction to the Williamsport Sports Walk.

Thomas has been the public address announcer at Cutters home games for the past 20 seasons. Spooner, a Williamsport native helped lead the 1960 Navy Midshipmen to a 9-1 regular season record and a trip to the Orange Bowl

A portion of the proceeds from the evening were donated to the West End Christian Community Center. At the conclusion of the festivities, they were presented with a check for $6,750.

The Crosscutters 2020 home opener is scheduled for Friday, June 19 against the State College Spikes. Season tickets, bonus books and mini-plans are now available by phone, online or in-person at BB&T Ballpark.

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

Local Program Recipient of Phillies Charities, Inc. Grant

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The Philadelphia Phillies recently announced that their charity arm, Phillies, Charities, Inc., has awarded a $15,000 grant to Favors Forward Foundation of Lycoming County.

The mission of Favors Forward Foundation is to provide a network of volunteers uniting their time, talent, and treasures to serve children and adults in Lycoming County facing life-changing hardships. The focus is individuals and families that are NOT receiving ongoing assistance from other agencies and organizations. The organization requires clients to complete a contract that they will “Pay it Forward” once they are back on their feet and able to do so.

“Each year, Phillies Charities reaches out to us to provide information about worthy charities in our area,” said Sarah Budd the Crosscutters Director of Ticket Operations & Community Relations. “We are elated they chose to recognize and support Favors Forward, an organization that helps so many in need in our community.”

Representatives from the Favors Forward Foundation, accompanied by Crosscutters representatives, were in attendance on Tuesday, December 3 at the Phillies Charities, Inc. Holiday Giving Party at Citizens Bank Park. At that event they, and other award recipients, were recognized and saluted by the Phillies for their charitable efforts.

In the past year, more than $1.2 million was awarded by Phillies Charities, Inc. to charitable organizations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and near the Phillies spring training and minor league affiliates. Phillies Charities, Inc. serves as the fundraising arm of the Phillies organization and awards grants to a variety of charitable organizations each year. For more information on Phillies Charities, Inc. please visit www.phillies.com/community.

The Crosscutters 2020 home opener is Friday, June 19 against the State College Spikes.

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

West End Christian Community Center Named Banquet Charity

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The Williamsport Crosscutters have announced that the West End Christian Community Center of Williamsport has been chosen as the charity beneficiary for the 14th Annual Hot Stove Banquet to be held on Wednesday, January 15 in the Grand Ballroom of the Genetti Hotel in Williamsport. The event is presented in part by Panda Patriot Power, River Valley Transit, WRAK 1400AM, and the Williamsport Sun-Gazette.

The West End Christian Community Center’s mission is to provide services and programs to help meet the communities social, emotional and spiritual needs. The charity serves over 3,000 people annually through programs such as its soup kitchen, which serves over 13,000 meals per year and Shoe Express, providing over 500 pairs of new shoes annually to needy children.

“We are so thankful to be chosen as the beneficiary for the 2020 Hot Stove Banquet,” said WECCC’s Executive Director Todd Penman. “As close neighbors in Williamsport, it will be wonderful working as partners with the Crosscutters, resulting in more ability to help the community through the programs and services at the West End Christian Community Center.”

 

Special guests for the banquet include Phillies legend Greg Luzinski and ESPN baseball analyst Tim Kurkjian.

Luzinski played eleven seasons in Philadelphia (1970-1980) before finishing his career with the Chicago White Sox. He was a 4-time NL All-Star with Philadelphia (1975-1978) and was a member of the Phillies first World Series championship team in 1980.

Kurkjian, has covered baseball since 1978 and has been a baseball writer, reporter, analyst and host at ESPN since 1998. He has been a regular on Baseball Tonight and SportsCenter. Kurkjian has been part of ESPN’s coverage of the MLB Little League Classic the last three years at Williamsport’s BB&T Ballpark.

The evening will consist of a full-course dinner, live and silent auctions of sports memorabilia along with interviews and question and answer segments with the special guests. Other highlights of the event include the inductions of the latest members to the Bowman Field Hall of Fame and the Lycoming County Sports Walk.

The ballroom doors open at 5:30 PM with the dinner and entertainment portion of the event kicking off at 6:30 PM. A limited autograph session will take place at the close of evening.

Tickets are $59 per person and can be purchased by calling the Cutters offices at (570) 326-3389 or ordering online at the link below. This event is a sell-out every year, so fans are encouraged to purchase tickets now. Business sponsorships for the event are also available.

The Crosscutters 2020 home opener is scheduled for Friday, June 19 as Williamsport hosts the rival State College Spikes.

Purchase Hot Stove Banquet Tickets HERE

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

Applications being accepted for 2020 Youth Field Renovations

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TROY, NY – The Tri-City ValleyCats are currently accepting applications for the 2020 ‘4 in 24’ youth field renovation project, which will take place in April and feature infield overhauls of four youth baseball/softball fields. It’s a milestone year for the renovation program, as the number of fields renovated reaches 40 since the program’s inception.

The ValleyCats continue their strong partnership with Hannaford Supermarkets and BlueShield of Northeastern New York on this impactful community initiative. The scope of work includes laying brand new grass, rebuilding the pitcher’s mound and home plate areas, grading and raking the baselines, installing a new pitching rubber, plate, bases and more.

“Our mission for this project since day one was to fulfill our duty as ambassadors of the game by impacting as many youth ballplayers in our communities as possible,” said ValleyCats General Manager Matt Callahan. “We are extremely thankful to our tremendous partners in this endeavour, BlueShield of Northeastern New York and Hannaford Supermarkets. Together, we have helped to provide safe and well-maintained ball fields for thousands of youth ballplayers in the Capital Region and beyond.”

“Each year, BlueShield employees alongside volunteers from the Tri-City ValleyCats and Hannaford Supermarkets roll up their sleeves and rally around this program,” said Nicky Chlopecki, Manager, Community Relations, BlueShield of Northeastern New York. “As we approach a milestone year for 4 in 24, BlueShield is as proud as ever to be part of this extraordinary initiative that continues to impact the communities where we live, work and play.”

“As a committed community partner, Hannaford is thrilled to be a part of a program that has such a positive and long-lasting impact on our local neighborhoods. Improving these fields not only provides kids with a safe place to play ball, but also provides an opportunity to discover a love of an active and healthy lifestyle,” said Hannaford Supermarkets Community Relations Specialist Brian Fabre. “We are pleased to continue to partner with the ValleyCats and BlueShield of Northeastern New York during a milestone year for this outstanding initiative.”

Youth baseball and softball organizations interested in having their field renovated may submit an application online at tcvalleycats.com, and are encouraged to send in current photos with their submissions prior to any snowfall.

The ValleyCats began assisting with youth field renovations since 2003, renovating one ballfield each year. In 2011 the program grew into the ambitious “4 in 24” project, with the Tri-City ValleyCats and their partners renovating four local youth playing fields in a 24-hour time period.

APPLY ONLINE>>

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

Crosscutters Accepting Applications for Hot Stove Dinner Charity

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The Williamsport Crosscutters are now accepting applications from area non-profits for the 14th Annual Hot Stove Dinner & Auction to take place January 15, 2020 at the Genetti Hotel in Downtown Williamsport. The event will feature ESPN’s Tim Kurkjian and other baseball celebrities to be announced.

 

Each year, a portion of the proceeds from the evening are donated to a local non-profit.  “Our Hot Stove Banquet is one of the highlights of the off season,” stated Gabe Sinicropi the team’s Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations. “We look forward to another night of fun and the opportunity to raise needed funding for a worthy local charity.”

 

Local non-profit agencies who wish to be considered must complete and return a short application by November 14, 2019. The application is available online at the link below, at the Cutters offices at Historic Bowman Field or you can request an application by emailing [email protected].

 

A full guest list and ticket details regarding the annual dinner will be announced in the coming weeks. Businesses wishing to receive sponsorship information for the event may contact the Crosscutters at (570) 326-3389.

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD APPLICATION

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

Bring the kids to Safe and Seen on Sunday, Oct. 27

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The State College Spikes are once again partnering with Centre LifeLink EMS to give fans a chance at free family fun for the Halloween season with Safe & Seen at the Ballpark. The family trick-or-treating event is scheduled for Sunday, October 27 from 3-5 p.m. at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, rain or shine.

Safe & Seen will feature the opportunity for families to bring their young trick-or-treaters to the ballpark in costume for a safe Halloween event that will include many fun activities for fans of all ages. Admission and parking are free.

Youngsters can also bring a bag or bucket to be filled by area organizations stationed throughout the ballpark as they go “door-to-door” to collect treats and other fun items.

Several community groups will be on hand to help bring an array of family-friendly fun at the ballpark with stations along the trick-or-treat route. Fans young and old can experience ambulance tours, fall crafts, kids games, Spikes mascot meet-and-greets, and more.

Local organizations still interested in being part of Safe & Seen in the Ballpark can contact Joe Putnam of the Spikes at [email protected]

Fans are also encouraged to bring a donation for Centre LifeLink EMS in support of their life-saving services.

Medlar Field at Lubrano Park will play host to even more fun in 2020 when the Spikes’ home schedule begins on Thursday, June 18 against the Williamsport Crosscutters (Philadelphia Phillies).

Fans can catch every moment of the family fun and exciting entertainment of the 2020 season and enjoy numerous benefits with Spikes Season Ticket Memberships. Season Ticket Members get early entry into the ballpark for every game, giving them the first opportunity at many of the Spikes’ fantastic giveaways.

In addition, fans committing to Season Ticket Memberships before Friday, October 25, will be entered in a drawing which could give them their 2020 season seats for free. Fans purchasing one-year memberships will receive one entry per account, while fans committing to three-year memberships will receive three entries per account.

To purchase a Season Ticket Membership and enjoy amenities that last all year long, call a Spikes ticket representative at (814) 272-1711, or click here for more information on Season Ticket Memberships.

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

Trick-or-Treat at Eastwood Field Is Back!

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Niles, OH – The Scrappers are excited to announce the twenty-first annual “Trick or Treat” at Eastwood Field, presented by Chemical Bank, a Division of TCF National Bank, media partners 21 WFMJ and WBCB and radio partner Mix 98.9. The event will take place on Wednesday, October 23 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. “Trick or Treat” at Eastwood Field is a fun and safe way to celebrate Halloween for children ages 12 and under. Ticket quantities are limited and are available on a first come first served basis. Children and adults will require a ticket. Tickets are just $1 each and are on sale now at the Scrappers Team Office located at Eastwood Field. In addition, anyone that donates canned goods at the “Trick or Treat” event for Feed Our Valley will receive a free general admission Scrappers ticket valid during the 2020 season.

New to the 2019 Trick or Treat event is a “Fast Pass”. The “Fast Pass” is only available for the first 100 kids, includes admission for one child and two adult tickets and allows you to skip the line and get in at 5:45pm for only $10. Those that purchase the Fast Pass will receive a wristband upon purchase.

Purchasing tickets before the day of the event is highly recommended.

The Scrappers are looking for area businesses to participate in this year’s “Trick or Treat” event. Businesses will receive table space at Eastwood Field. This is a community event and a great way to promote your business to the public. Early reservations are encouraged as space is limited. Please contact Kate Walsh for complete details by calling 330-505-0000 or emailing [email protected]

To stay up to date with the Scrappers during the offseason or for more information on 2020 ticket packages, visit mvscrappers.com or contact the front office at 330-505-0000.

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

Home Run for Life: The Story of Lainey Loftus

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  While baseball may be our focus here at Leidos Field at Ripken Stadium, the IronBirds take pride in being a part of the Aberdeen community and strive to make an impact that goes beyond the sport itself. On August 18th, the IronBirds recognized fourth-grader Lainey Loftus, whose brave story has inspired us all.

Last November, Lainey began having vision issues, which led her parents to bring her to an Ophthalmologist. It was there that they discovered something was pressing on her optic nerves and causing her loss of vision. After a CAT scan revealed a brain tumor on her optic nerves and Pituitary gland, her family was sent to Oncology at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center. The doctor at Johns Hopkins decided the best course of action for Lainey was chemotherapy and radiation. Over the next few months, Lainey had four rounds of chemo and 24 proton radiation treatments. After many long months of fighting, an MRI in May showed that the tumor was gone, and her treatments were over. With her tumor gone, Lainey is gaining strength every day and begins fourth grade in a month.

Lainey enjoys playing softball and is excited to get back onto the field soon now that she is healthy again. She has always been a big Orioles fan and even got the chance to go to a game recently. At last Sunday’s game, Lainey threw out the first pitch before the game. The IronBirds are proud to honor Lainey for her bravery in fighting this terrible disease, and so happy for her and her family now that she is growing stronger every day. No family should have to go through what the Loftus family has gone through in the past year. The IronBirds wish Lainey and her family the best as they begin a new chapter in their lives.

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

July 13th is Wendy’s Foster Care Adoption Night!

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Join us at the ballpark as Wendy’s and Trumbull County Children Services are teaming up for Wendy’s Foster Care Adoption Night!

To get the night going, Miss Wendy and a newly united forever family will throw out the first pitch. Afterward, get a picture with Miss Wendy, and learn about foster care adoption or becoming foster parent at the information booth just inside the front gate.

In the state of Ohio alone, there are nearly 3,000 children waiting to be adopted and more than 155,000 throughout the U.S. and Canada. Twenty-two of those kids are right here in Trumbull County. Come to the ballpark, and find out how you can make a difference in their lives. Because every child deserves a forever family.

Click here for more information on Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption.

Visit mvscrappers.com, the Chevy All Stars Box Office at Eastwood Field, or call (330) 505-0000 for more information on single game tickets, ticket packages, group outings, promotions and more!

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

Renovations to four youth ball fields set for April 11

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TROY, NY- The Tri-City ValleyCats and their partners, BlueShield of Northeastern New York and Hannaford Supermarkets, are set to renovate four youth ball fields on Thursday, April 11th during the 9th Annual ‘4 in 24’ youth field renovation project. Upon completion, over 36 fields will have been revamped by this strong community initiative which has positively impacted thousands of youth ballplayers in the Capital Region and beyond.

The four leagues to be renovated on April 11 will be Green Tech High Charter School, Rensselaer Little League, Broadalbin Little League, and Brunswick Girls Softball. The project will be focused primarily on the infield surface, with the mission to allow for a safe place to learn and play ball.

The scope of work includes laying brand new grass, rebuilding the pitcher’s mound and home plate areas, grading and raking the baselines, installing a new pitching rubber, plate, bases and more.

“First I want to express our gratitude to BlueShield of Northeastern New York and Hannaford Supermarkets for being tremendous partners in this initiative,” said ValleyCats General Manager Matt Callahan. “We all share in the common goal of a bright future for our youth, and this project goes a long way to provide the resources to help them succeed.”

Both longtime supporters of the ‘4 in 24’ project, BlueShield and Hannaford make the renovations possible through the aid of necessary monetary resources, and volunteer efforts of their staff.

“With more than 30 fields renovated over the last nine years, BlueShield’s commitment to the community continues to provide our region’s young athletes access to healthy activities as they grow,” said Nicky Chlopecki, Manager, Community Relations, BlueShield of Northeastern New York. “As a longtime partner of the Tri-City ValleyCats, our employees are eager to rebuild fields alongside the players as they work to make a positive impact in our community.”

“Hannaford is committed to promoting healthy lifestyles at all ages and youth sports are an ideal way to instill the importance of activity and wellness in our community’s youngest members,” said Hannaford Supermarkets Community Relations Specialist Brian Fabre. “We are pleased to continue this partnership with the ValleyCats and BlueShield as we provide local ball players with not only improved facilities, but also the opportunity to grow as individuals and members of a team.”

The renovations will commence at daybreak on Thursday, April 11, with four crews split up among the fields. A press conference will be held at Green Tech High at 9:00 a.m. to officially kick off the project.

The efforts are also supported by Admar Construction Equipment, Brightview, Profile Products / Turface Athletics, and SiteOne Landscape Supplies, who are contributing some of the necessary equipment and materials. Additional support comes from ‘Cats Care, the ValleyCats’ arm of the New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation.

League Snapshots

Green Tech High Charter School

Field Address: 99 Slingerlands Street, Albany, NY, 12202

Opening Day: April 1, 2019

League Information: Green Tech’s baseball team currently plays their home games off site because they don’t have a useable field at their high school. The ValleyCats and their partners will transform an old softball field at the school into a baseball field for their team to call home. The field will also be used for Eastern New York Travel Baseball league games.

League Statement:

“Green Tech is very excited to be getting a new baseball field that the young scholars will be able to play on. It has been tough the last four years finding a place to practice that didn’t require players to travel. Now with a field, the team will operate like a normal program. Green Tech thanks the ValleyCats for their time and effort building a field for the boys at Green Tech.” – Quentin Jensen, Green Tech Director of Athletics

Rensselaer Little League

Field Address: 112 Lawrence Street, Rensselaer, NY, 12144

Opening Day: April 6, 2019

League Information: Rensselaer Little League is utilized by 150 players across 14 teams. Fideli Field has had drainage issues and is need of a leveling of the infield playing surface. The current baselines are not aligned properly, and the pitcher’s mound and home plate area is in disrepair. With these renovations, the field will receive a much needed facelift to the infield surface with brand new sod, infield mix, a complete overhaul of the pitching and home plate areas, and more.

Broadalbin Little League

Field Address: 30 First Avenue, Broadalbin, NY, 12025

Opening Day: May 4, 2019

League Information: The work will focus on the Majors Field at Broadalbin, a league that serves over 160 players with 13 teams. The league was in the process of flipping the current field to avoid sun glare, but was unable to finish due to bad fall weather.

League Statement:

“Without the ValleyCats help, we were facing a decision of possibly not being able to host games for all of our Majors teams and even some of our Minors teams. We still feel like we are dreaming and can’t thank the ValleyCats and their partners enough. This amazing gift will truly benefit our small community for years to come.” – Mike Eglin, Broadalbin Little League President

Brunswick Girls Softball

Field Address: Brunswick Sports Complex, 4165 Route 2, Troy, NY 12180

Opening Day: April 13, 2019

League Information: With 13 teams and over 180 softball players, the renovations to Field 2 at the Brunswick Girls Softball League will go a long way in maintaining a safe field for the athletes to learn and grow.

League Statement:

“The athletes, families, and board of the Brunswick Girls Softball League would like to thank the Tri-City ValleyCats organization as well as their partners, BlueShield of Northeastern New York and Hannaford Supermarkets for awarding us the 4 in 24 field renovation for 2019. We are a small rural league and depend exclusively on volunteers for all aspects of the league including field maintenance. Our field 2 was in dire need of repairs, and the renovation of this field will ensure that all of our athletes share the same great and safe softball experience. We appreciate the ValleyCats commitment to our local communities and the betterment of female centered youth sports.” – Brunswick Girls Softball League

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

Scrappers Set To Host 2019 Youth Camp

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NILES, OH – The Mahoning Valley Scrappers are excited to announce that they have partnered with Vlad Pediatrics to host a three-day Youth Baseball Camp July 30 through August 1.

The Scrappers Youth Camp provides kids ages 8-13 a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn from some of the very best players in Minor League Baseball. All exercises and instruction will be taught by Scrappers players and coaching staff, and will focus on baseball fundamentals, sportsmanship and healthy competition. Boys and girls of all ability levels are encouraged to participate and learn from the Scrappers players and coaches in a small group setting.

Camp registration includes instruction each day from 9am until 12pm, a ticket to the Thursday, August 1st Scrappers game against the Aberdeen IronBirds, on field recognition prior to the August 1st game, a camp t-shirt, and a lunch the final day of camp. To ensure that your child receives individualized attention, the Youth Baseball Camp has been limited to 100 campers and early registration is highly encouraged. The 2019 Scrappers Youth Baseball Camp is $100 per child.

To register for the 2019 Scrappers Youth Baseball Camp, click here or call (330) 505-0000.

The Scrappers Home Opener is set for Sunday, June 16 at 6:35pm against the Batavia Muckdogs. Ticket memberships and ticket packages can be purchased now at mvscrappers.com, the Chevy All Stars Box Office at Eastwood Field or by calling (330) 505-0000.

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