ValleyCats Announce 2022 Edition of Annual Coach the Coaches Clinic

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



TROY, NY – Since their establishment in 2002, the Tri-City ValleyCats have been committed to growing the game of baseball in the Capital Region community. Throughout their 20-season history, the team has renovated local fields, hosted instructional clinics and summer camps, and traveled to local schools and community events in order to help improve and maintain the quality of life in the Capital Region. As the start of the team’s 20th season approaches, the ValleyCats have announced the 2022 edition of their annual “Coach the Coaches” event.

The free coaching clinic is geared towards youth coaches (13 and under) and will be held via Zoom on Tuesday, March 29 at 6 PM EST. Slated to participate in the event are: ValleyCats skipper and NCAA Player of the Century Pete Incaviglia, ValleyCats alum and former Oregon Duck pitcher Parker Kelly, along with Joshua Parrow, Hudson Valley Community College’s head baseball coach, who brings nine years of collegiate coaching experience with him. Attendees can reserve their spot by registering at https://bit.ly/3pVZohI.

Don’t miss out on the excitement of ValleyCats baseball at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium! Season tickets and mini plans for the team’s 20th Season are available now! To book a group outing or ticket plan, visit the team’s website or call 518-629-CATS. Individual game tickets go on sale March 21 at 10 AM! Visit tcvalleycats.com for more information regarding the 2022 season.

Cutters to Hold Free Drive-Thru Trick or Treat Event

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

 

The Williamsport Crosscutters have announced a free trick or treating event for children and their families. Boomer’s Drive-Thru Trick or Treat will take place in the parking lot of BB&T Ballpark on Halloween night from 6pm-8pm presented in part by Backyard Broadcasting.

The event will be hosted by Boomer, the Cutters popular mascot, and give children age 14 and under in costume, the opportunity for a fun, safe trick or treating experience. Over a dozen other exhibitors, including some of Boomer’s mascot buddies, are slated to be part of Boomer’s Drive-Thru Trick or Treat.

Crosscutters Vice-President of Marketing and Public Relations Gabe Sinicropi stated, “With COVID-19 impacting many of the usual Halloween activities in our area, we simply wanted to give children and their families a safe way to do some trick or treating.”

All participants will be required to stay inside their vehicle as they receive treats from the Williamsport Crosscutters and other area businesses. CDC Halloween recommendations will be observed including;

· All exhibitors wearing protective masks and gloves

· All candy individually wrapped and in treat bags

· No-contact trick or treating where children (or parents) pick up the treat bag instead of it being handed to them

Those attending the event are asked to enter the BB&T Ballpark lot via the 4th St. entrance only. Cars will exit at the back of the stadium on Bieber St.

More information on Boomer’s Drive-Thru Trick or Treat is available by calling the Cutters Hotline at (570) 326-3389 x1100.

Cutters & SCI Launch “My Best Summer Read” Contest

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

 

The Williamsport Crosscutters have teamed up with Susquehanna Computer Innovations of South Williamsport to offer area students a chance to win a new laptop computer system with the “My Best Summer Read” Contest.

“We are grateful to Susquehanna Computer Innovations and their owner Tim Heitzman, for teaming up with us for this special program,” stated Gabe Sinicropi, the Cutters Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations. “SCI has been a long-time partner in our Grand Slam Reading Program which was suspended this year due to schools closing in the spring. Despite that, the Cutters and SCI both agreed that we still wanted to offer something to area students.”

The contest is open to all area students age 14 and under. To enter, parents are required to send an email entry with a photo of their child holding a favorite book that they read this summer. Along with the photo, the email entry should contain the child’s name, age, the book title and author along with what they liked most about the book (in 50 words or less). All entries are to be submitted via email no later than September 7 to [email protected].

All valid entrants will receive a certificate for a free ticket to a Williamsport Crosscutters game of their choice in 2021. The winning entry will be determined via a random drawing of all valid entries. The drawing, done by Boomer, the Cutters mascot, will take place live on the Williamsport Crosscutters Facebook page September 8 at 7pm.

Fans can find more information on the “My Best Summer Read” Contest by clicking HERE.

ValleyCats Announce Renovations to Four Youth Ball Fields as Part of Annual ‘4 in 24’ Project

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

 

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 during the 10th Annual ‘4 in 24’ youth field renovation project. Renovations of the fields were put on hold back in April due to COVID-19. Despite the setback, the ValleyCats are excited to announce the recipients and move forward with a plan to renovate the fields while following NYS and CDC guidelines.

The four leagues to be renovated this year are Lansingburgh Little League, Red Storm Baseball in Stillwater, Shatford Little League, and the City of Watervliet softball field. 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 this project includes laying brand new sod, grading and raking the baselines, rebuilding the pitcher’s mound and home plate areas, installing a new pitching rubber, home plate, bases, and more.

“With youth sports beginning to reopen across the region, we are thrilled to be moving forward with this project” said ValleyCats GM, Matt Callahan. “The need to support our youth by encouraging safe outdoor activity is more important now than ever. Although the pandemic has changed the look and timeline of this project, we are committed to restoring these fields.”

“Each year for the past ten years, BlueShield employees alongside volunteers from the Tri-City ValleyCats and Hannaford Supermarkets have rolled up their sleeves to renovate four little league fields throughout the Capital Region in just 24 hours,” said Keith Dolan, Regional Executive, BlueShield of Northeastern New York. “Although this year looks different as we continue to practice social distancing, BlueShield is as proud as ever to be part of this amazing initiative that provides children in our community with safe spaces to stay active and healthy.”

Both longtime supporters and of the ‘4 in 24’ project, Hannaford and BlueShield make these renovations possible through the aid of necessary monetary resources, and the volunteer efforts of their staff. Community Relations Specialist, Brian Fabre, from Hannaford and Regional Executive, Keith Dolan, from BlueShield of Northeastern New York, will be available for remote video calls on Tuesday as the volunteers on site will be limited.

“Now more than ever, Hannaford is thrilled to support a project that keeps our community’s youngest members active and outdoors this summer,” 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 begin on Tuesday, June 30th, at the Red Storm baseball field. The field address is 33 East St. Mechanicville, NY 12118. The work on Tuesday will begin around 8:00 AM and last throughout the day. The project will be spread out over multiple days with a reduced number of volunteers at each field to ensure social distancing guidelines and proper safety protocols are followed. The schedule and location for the next phase of field renovations will be announced in the coming weeks with a celebration of the work to be scheduled in the fall.

The efforts are also supported by Admar Construction Equipment, Brightview, Profile Products / Turface Athletics, and SiteOne Landscape Supplies. These organizations 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.

Home Run Community Heroes Starting Nine to be honored on Heroes Night, July 22nd

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

 

TROY, NY – The Tri-City ValleyCats have partnered with American National Insurance Company to present Heroes Night at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium on Wednesday, July 22nd. Nine heroes within the Capital Region community will be recognized during a special on-field ceremony prior to the game vs. the Mahoning Valley Scrappers. The “Home Run Community Heroes Starting Nine” will be chosen through a fan nomination process and will be recognized on the ‘Cats social media platforms.

The ‘Cats and American National Insurance Company are encouraging fans to nominate hospital staff, health care workers, military, law enforcement, firefighter/EMS agencies, non-profit organizations, as well as teachers, volunteers, children and everyday people that have helped make a positive impact within the Capital Region.

“The opportunity to recognize local heroes is something that we look forward to each and every year,” said Matt Callahan, ValleyCats General Manager.” In light of these unprecedented events and challenging times, we feel that it’s more important than ever to showcase and celebrate the efforts of people making a positive impact in the Capital Region community.” The Home Run Community Heroes Starting Nine will also be treated to a luxury suite as guests of American National Insurance, with complimentary food and beverage.

“American National Insurance Company is proud to partner with the Tri-City ValleyCats in honoring heroes who go above and beyond in making our community a wonderful place to live,” said Jim Marotta, Vice President of Human Resources, American National Insurance Company.

Fans who want to nominate a community hero can do so by filling out the form located online at tcvalleycats.com/communityheroes. The deadline for submissions is Monday, June 22. In the event that the 2020 season is delayed, the starting nine will be recognized at a later game, or during the 2021 season.

Individual tickets, Season tickets, mini plans and flex vouchers for the ValleyCats’ 2020 season are currently available for purchase online at tcvalleycats.com. In the event that the 2020 season is not played, tickets will become vouchers for the 2021 season.

Spikes join MiLB’s CommUNITY First campaign

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

 

The State College Spikes today announced they are joining MiLB CommUNITY First, a new national initiative developed by Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) in conjunction with Feeding America®, to raise funds for local food banks and to honor individuals risking their lives on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Spikes fans are encouraged to visit MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst through May 31 to donate. Once on the site, fans can choose their donation amount and the State College Spikes as the recipient of their donation to direct funds to the Happy Valley community. For every $10 donated, the Spikes will donate one ticket to a future home game this season or in 2021 to a local hero of the pandemic.

“The Spikes have always been a place where the Happy Valley community comes together to create lasting memories, and now more than ever we are dedicated to continue that mission” said General Manager Scott Walker. “We are committed to joining our Minor League Baseball family across the country in using our resources to help sustain the lives of our neighbors and of millions of people in need.”

School closures, rising unemployment and rising poverty due to quarantine and extended stay-at-home orders have disproportionately impacted people already at risk of hunger and could result in an estimated additional 17.1 million people experiencing food insecurity in the next six months, according to Feeding America. As the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization with a network of more than 200 affiliates, Feeding America has projected a $1.4 billion shortfall in the next six months alone.

In response, contributions from Spikes fans and Minor League Baseball will help ensure families and individuals across the country most impacted by the pandemic are fed and cared for during these uncertain times. Join the national campaign by donating and selecting State College Spikes at MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst and use #MiLBCommUNITYFirst on social media to show your support.

The Spikes are entering their 15th Season of Making Deer Friends across Happy Valley, and the 2020 schedule is slated to begin on Thursday, June 18 with a matchup against the Williamsport Crosscutters (Philadelphia Phillies). Fans can now order Season Ticket Memberships, Flex Books, and group and hospitality experiences for every home game by calling (814) 272-1711. More information can be found at StateCollegeSpikes.com.

About Feeding America

Feeding America® is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States. Through a network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs, we provide meals to more than 40 million people each year. Feeding America also supports programs that prevent food waste and improve food security among the people we serve; educates the public about the problem of hunger; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Individuals, charities, businesses and government all have a role in ending hunger. Donate. Volunteer. Advocate. Educate. Together we can solve hunger. Visit www.feedingamerica.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

Cutters Join MiLB’s CommUNITY First Campaign

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

 

The Williamsport Crosscutters today announced they are joining MiLB CommUNITY First, a new national initiative developed by Minor League Baseball in conjunction with Feeding America, to raise funds for local food banks and to honor individuals risking their lives on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cutters fans are encouraged to visit MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst through May 31 to donate. Once on the site, fans can choose their donation amount and the Williamsport Crosscutters as the recipient of their donation, who will direct funds to the Central PA Food Bank. For every $10 donated, the Cutters will donate one ticket voucher to a future home game this season or in 2021 to a local hero during the pandemic.

“The Crosscutters are happy to be participating in this Minor League-wide initiative that will not only benefit the Central PA Food Bank ,” said Cutters Vice President General Manager Doug Estes, “but also show our local heroes a small token of our deep appreciation for their call to duty during the fight against COVID-19.”

School closures, rising unemployment and rising poverty due to quarantine and extended stay-at-home orders have disproportionately impacted people already at risk of hunger and could result in an estimated 17.1 million people experiencing food insecurity in the next six months, according to Feeding America. As the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization with a network of more than 200 affiliates, Feeding America has projected a $1.4 billion shortfall in the next six months alone.

In response, contributions from Williamsport Crosscutters fans and Minor League Baseball will help ensure families and individuals across the country most impacted by the pandemic are fed and cared for during these uncertain times. Join the national campaign by donating and selecting the Williamsport Crosscutters at MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst and use #MiLBCommUNITYFirst on social media to show your support.

ValleyCats now accepting online National Anthem submissions

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

 

TROY, NY – The Tri-City ValleyCats, Crossgates, and 98.3 TRY are set to host the anthem audition contest online! Fans can submit their unedited video HERE until 4/15. We ask that all video submissions be no longer than 90 seconds. This contest is open to all soloists, groups, and instrumentalists of any age. We encourage all groups to utilize a group video conference service to record, please be sure to follow social distance directives.

The Top 3 finalists’ videos will be shared online on April 20th. Fans will be invited to vote for their favorite performance, with the top vote recipient having the opportunity to sing at a premier ValleyCats game at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium this summer.

Please note that if you are chosen in the Anthem Audition Top 3, your audition tape will be used on the Tri-City ValleyCats Facebook page.

Voting will remain open until April 27th and the winner will be announced April 28th. Good luck to all contestants!

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

Ticket plans and flex vouchers for the ValleyCats’ 2020 season are currently available for purchase online at tcvalleycats.com. The ValleyCats are also taking reservations for groups of 20 or more, and individual tickets are set to go on sale April 16th.

Cutters Seeking Anthem Performer Videos

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

 

The Williamsport Crosscutters are now looking for National Anthem performers for the 2020 season.

All individuals and groups who are interested in being considered are encouraged to fill out the short application available at Crosscutters.com (link below). Applicants are also required to send in a video of them performing the Star Spangled Banner.

“Due to the restrictions of COVID-19, we are unable to hold in-person auditions this year,” said Gabe Sinicropi, the Cutters Vice-President of Marketing and Public Relations. “That said, we hope to receive a wealth of applicants to choose from with these video submissions.”

The Crosscutters are seeking any and all types of performers including soloists, groups, and musicians, of any age. All performances must be 90 seconds or less in length, the traditional rendition and vocalists should sing a cappella.

All applications and videos should be submitted by April 30. Those chosen to perform at a game will be notified and scheduled at a later date.

The Crosscutters 2020 home opener is scheduled for June 19 at BB&T Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field. The full schedule can be viewed online at Crosscutters.com.

CLICK HERE to complete the National Anthem application online.

Renegades Implement #GadesGivingBack Initiative to Help Local Non-Profits

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

 

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.

###

Many Valued Partners Of The Team Still Offering Takeout and/or Delivery

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

 

Troy, NY – As the Capital Region becomes accustomed to social distancing and working/learning at home, it is important to remember that we are in this together. The Tri-City ValleyCats would like to encourage our fans to support food establishments and businesses in our local communities.

Many great restaurants in our community are still open and offering takeout and/or delivery options. Many of these partners are small businesses and/or independently owned. They employ our neighbors and provide us with gathering places in better times. Right now, they can greatly benefit from any support we can offer during this time.

Any ValleyCats fans considering takeout or delivery as a meal option over the next several weeks should especially consider patronizing the following establishments that are valued partners of the team:

Bella Napoli

Bootleggers on Broadway

Brick House Tavern + Tap

Brown’s Brewing Company

BurgerFi

The Chuck Wagon Food Truck

The Cookie Factory

Curvy Girls Food Truck

Deli & Brew

Dunkin’

Five Guys

McAddy’s Pub

Muddaddy Flats Quesadillary

Nine Pin Cider

Pistana Brothers

Recovery Sports Grill

Slidin’ Dirty

Skyline Diner

Taco Bell

Wendy’s

ValleyCats fans can eat, drink, & support our local community all while staying safe and practicing responsible social distancing. We’ll all get through this together and when the time comes, the ValleyCats will be prepared to deliver a summer of baseball and fun right here at “The Joe!”

Please Note: As of Friday, March 20, all of the above listed establishments were offering takeout service, delivery service or both. This is subject to change as national, state & local authorities issue further COVID-19 updates & guidance. Please verify with each establishment by visiting their web site and/or calling.

National Anthem auditions set for April 4 at Crossgates

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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.

###

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

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

 

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.