Tigers Unveil CT Military All-Stars Promotion

Honorees to be recognized on Military Appreciation Night

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Connecticut-Tigers-2014The Connecticut Tigers, in partnership with the Better Business Bureau, announce the 2014 Connecticut Military All-Stars promotion in conjunction with the annual Military Appreciation Night.

For the second consecutive year, the Better Business Bureau Military Line will be the presenting sponsor of Military Appreciation Night on Friday, August 8th. The Tigers and Better Business Bureau have teamed up with The Day to help recognize nine individuals for their service on that night.

Better-Business-BureauFans are encouraged to visit theday.com/ctmilitaryallstars between June 1 and June 13 to nominate their military all-star to be recognized. A panel of community judges will select the nine nominees they feel best fit the spirit of the promotion to be honored on the field prior to the game on August 8th. In addition, those selected will be part of a commemorative Connecticut Military All-Stars baseball card set given away to the first 1,000 fans through the gates that night courtesy of the Better Business Bureau Military Line.

All current and former military will receive a reserved ticket and a food voucher redeemable for a hot dog, bag of chips, and non-alcoholic bottle beverage for just $7 when showing their military ID at the Dodd Stadium box office on August 8th. In addition, the Tigers will be wearing special “stars and stripes” uniform tops that will be auctioned off during the game on the concourse. Fans will have the opportunity to bid on the jerseys in a silent auction. The proceeds from that auction will go towards a scholarship for a deserving military family to help offset the cost of college tuition through the Better Business Bureau Military Line.

There is also a $2 discount off Premium, Reserved, and Grandstand tickets with a military ID at the Dodd Stadium box office for all Connecticut Tigers games.

The Connecticut Tigers are the New York-Penn League affiliate of the Detroit Tigers and play a 76 game schedule that runs from mid June through early September. The 2014 home schedule begins Wednesday, June 18th against the Lowell Spinners (Red Sox affiliate) with fireworks after the game presented by US Foods! 2014 season tickets, mini plans, individual game tickets, and team merchandise are now on sale! The front office and ticket office is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and can be accessed in person, at cttigers.com, or by calling 860-887-7962.

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

MCU AND CYCLONES TO OFFER FREE YOUTH CLINICS

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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.

NY-Penn League Charitable Foundation Announces 2014 Scholarship Contest

The Class-A Short-Season New York-Penn League and its member clubs are proud to announce that the league’s philanthropic arm, the NYPL Charitable Foundation, will once again award over $10,000 in scholarships this summer to deserving high school graduates from the league’s 14 markets.

Now in its sixth year, the 2014 NYPL Scholarship Contest is open to any graduating senior from a public or private high school within the league’s footprint. Any student who has been accepted at a two or four-year college or university, vocational school, or technical education institution is eligible. Applicants will be judged based on academic performance, volunteer and extracurricular activities, and the impact their local NYPL club and Minor League Baseball have had on their lives.

The scholarship contest will consist of two stages – a local round and a divisional round. In the local stage, students will apply directly to their local NYPL team, with one applicant chosen by each of the 14 teams to advance to the divisional/final round. The 14 finalists will then be separated by the division of the team they represent. The winning application from each of the NYPL’s three divisions (McNamara, Pinckney and Stedler) will receive the top prize of a $2,500 scholarship. All other finalists will receive a $250 book award.

“The New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation and our 14 member clubs are pleased to have the opportunity to assist outstanding high school seniors within our league’s footprint for the sixth consecutive season,” said Ben J. Hayes, President of the New York-Penn League. “This program will again recognize those seniors who not only meet and exceed traditional scholarship criteria, but demonstrate the positive community impact and lifelong memories fostered by their local NYPL clubs throughout the year.”

High school seniors interested in entering the 2014 Scholarship Contest can obtain the official application from their local NYPL club, or by visiting the league’s official website here.

The deadline to submit applications to the nearest NYPL team is June 27, 2014. Each club’s winner, including the three $2,500 scholarship recipients, will be selected in late July and honored at a game in August.

The New York-Penn League and its 14 member clubs created the New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, in 2003. The mission of the Foundation is to provide focus and support for the collective and individual charitable and community efforts of the New York-Penn League, its Clubs, and their staff.

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

4th Annual Cutters 5K Run to Benefit CDC

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Williamsport-CrosscuttersThe Williamsport Crosscutters, in partnership with the Children’s Development Center, will be holding the 4th Annual Cutters 5K on Saturday, June 28th at Susquehanna Bank Park at Historic Bowman Field.

The race, through Williamsport’s West End, begins at 9am with registration open at 8am. The course has runners starting outside the ballpark entrance with the final sprint inside the stadium finishing at home plate. Both runners and walkers are encouraged to take part in the event.

All proceeds from the event benefit the Children’s Development Center of Williamsport. Since 1923, the CDC has been providing services to children with special needs from birth to 21 years of age. Last year’s event attracted over 200 participants while raising over $10,000 for the CDC.

CDC-Childrens-Development-Center“Since the affiliation between Hope Enterprises and the Children’s Development Center was finalized, both organizations have been working together to enhance the service options for children and their families in our area. Having the support of our community with events such as the Cutters 5K, allows us to be better prepared to meet the needs of those to be served” stated Hope Enterprises President, Jim Campbell.

Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in seven male and female age categories. In addition to the prize awards, the top male and female runners will throw out ceremonial first pitches at the Williamsport Crosscutters game that evening. Prizes will also be awarded to the top three male and female walkers.

“We are proud to partner with the CDC again on this event. It just keeps growing every year”, said Cutters Vice-President of Marketing Gabe Sinicropi.

Registration is $15 in advance and $20 on race day. All participants receive a race t-shirt (while supplies last), and a ticket to the June 29th Crosscutters vs. Mahoning Valley Scrappers game at 7:05pm. Registration forms and more information are available online at crosscutters.com, at the Crosscutters offices at Bowman Field or the CDC offices located at 625 W. Edwin St.   Sponsorships of the event are also still available.

Opening Night 2014, presented by Susquehanna Bank and KISS 102-7, is slated for Friday, June 13 as the Crosscutters host the rival State College Spikes. Season Tickets and Bonus Book mini-plans are now available at the ballpark, online at www.crosscutters.com or by phone at (570) 326-3389.

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

Cutters Launch Anti-Bullying School Assembly Program

“Bully Busters Unite” Outreach Initiative to Raise Awareness in Elementary Schools

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Williamsport-CrosscuttersThe Williamsport Crosscutters are proud to announce the launch of Bully Busters Unite, a new anti-bullying program aimed at raising awareness for a priority issue in local elementary schools.

The program, underwritten by Susquehanna Health, utilizes the star power of the team’s beloved mascot “Boomer”, who will engage students in recognizing bullying behavior and exploring what to do should they witness or experience bullying of any kind. The Crosscutters will provide free school assemblies and incentivize students with the goal of making a strong impact in the fight to stop bullying before it starts.

Bully-Busters-Unite“While the Williamsport Crosscutters are proud of the success of our award-winning Grand Slam Reading Program that has been in existence for 19 years, reaching over 10,000 students per year, we have been searching for another worthwhile school outreach program to add to our arsenal that we thought could make an impact,” said Gabe Sinicropi, the team’s Vice-President of Marketing and Public Relations. “With Bully Busters Unite, we feel we’ve found that program and we couldn’t do it without the support of our friends at Susquehanna Health.”

Speaking about their involvement, Susquehanna Health Director of Corporate Communications Tracie Witter stated, “Susquehanna Health knows that healthy behaviors also include positive actions toward each other. Working with the Crosscutters to reinforce the value of positive behaviors to area youth supports our mission to create a healthier community.”

Developed with the assistance of Bruce Productions, a production company based in Wilmington, Delaware, the Bully Busters program kicks off this May in Williamsport area schools and continues this fall in elementary schools throughout the Susquehanna Valley.

Each assembly will star “Boomer” and Cutters staff members, who will engage students in recognizing bullying behavior and exploring what to do should they witness or experience bullying of any kind.

At the conclusion of each interactive assembly, students will be asked to take the “Bully Buster Pledge” both in school and at home with their families. Students who do so will be rewarded with two complimentary tickets to a select Cutters game in June. The Crosscutters will also provide teachers and counselors with a take-home activity book for students, further reinforcing the importance of the anti-bullying message.

Kirk Felix, Principal of Stevens Elementary School in Williamsport said, “We at Stevens Primary in the Williamsport Area School District are happy to assist the Crosscutters with launching their Bully Busters Unite program. ‘Developing responsible citizens through excellence in education’ is our District’s mission statement. We appreciate the Cutters interest in supporting our students, staff and families with learning how to take responsibility when it comes to bullying. The children love Boomer and we look forward to him helping teach children and their parents about appropriate behaviors.”

School administrators interested in booking a Bully Busters Unite assembly can contact Sarah Budd, the Crosscutters Director of Community Relations at (570) 326-3389 x1200 or sarah@crosscutters.com.

The Crosscutters 2014 season opens on June 13 at Susquehanna Bank Park at Historic Bowman Field. Season tickets, bonus books and group packages are currently available and can be purchased online at www.crosscutters.com or by calling the Cutters at (570) 326-3389.

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

Five Guys Team Up With Lake Monsters For Annual “May Days” Fundraising Campaign

BURLINGTON, VT — The Vermont Lake Monsters are excited to announce Five Guys as a partner with their annual May fundraiser to benefit non-profits from across the state of Vermont. “Five Guys May Days” fundraiser will launch May 1st as a month-long program devoted to helping raise funds and awareness for state wide non-profits.

“We at Five Guys are very excited to get a chance to support Vermont charities.”, said local Five Guys franchisee owner Greg Vasey. “It’s even more fun when we can show that support while cheering on the Lake Monsters. We’re flattered by the welcome we have received since opening a couple years ago, and this a great way to give something back.”

Support of local non-profits has shown both the Lake Monsters and Five Guys strong commitment to the greater Burlington community. The goal of this program is not only to provide the opportunity for organizations to raise money, but also raise awareness for their programs all while providing a chance for supporters to come together on their night at the ballpark.

Dragonheart VT is just one of the many local non-profits who have made coming out to the ballpark a yearly event for their supporters.

“This program is a chance for Dragonheart Vermont members to get together and support the Lake Monsters as well as the Lake Monsters supporting us”, said Judy Kinner of Dragonheart Vermont. “We have done this program the past two years are grateful for the opportunity to raise money for breast cancer and supporters dragon boating teams, we will certainly be doing the program again this upcoming season.”

Participating non-profits will have the entire month of May to promote and sell $6 Lake Monsters tickets through a specific URL link designated to their organization for a specific game during the season. After the month of May is completed, the Lake Monsters will total the tickets sold by the non-profit and donate half of the proceeds back to that particular organization. Following the selling period Five Guys will also donate up to $500 to match the amount raised by the highest selling non-profit in the program. When the particular game which the non-profit had been selling for arrives during the season, that organization will be recognized on field and presented a check worth the amount of money which they have raised.

This opportunity is an easy way to fundraise for non-profits, simply by reaching out to your employees, supporters, volunteers, sponsors and spreading the URL link. For more information or if your non-profit is interested in participating contact Adam Matth at 802-655-4200 or download this confirmation form and send to adam@vermontlakemonsters.com.

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

Muckdogs Announce “Hit the Books” Reading Program

The Batavia Muckdogs today announced the start of their reading program, designed to promote reading with the youth of the local communities. Along with the help of Smoke Free NOW, 2014 will mark the second year of the “HIT THE BOOKS with the Batavia Muckdogs” reading program.

As part of this program, the Muckdogs have provided various schools and libraries across the area with customized bookmarks. On the back of these bookmarks, children can have a parent, guardian, teacher, or librarian initial each time they complete a book. When a child completes 10 books, they can redeem the bookmark at the Dwyer Stadium box office for a FREE TICKET to any Sunday-Thursday (excluding July 3rd) Batavia Muckdogs’ game! If a child reads 20 books, they will be entered into a drawing to win autographed memorabilia, opportunities to throw out a first pitch at a Muckdogs game and other great prizes.

In addition to the many participating schools, bookmarks will be made available to children at the following local libraries:

  • Richmond Library (Batavia)
  • Lee-Whedon Memorial Library (Medina)
  • Byron-Bergen Public Library
  • Stevens Memorial Community Library (Attica)
  • Haxton Memorial Library (Oakfield)
  • Hoag Library (Albion)
  • Pavilion Public Library
  • Corfu Free Library
  • Warsaw Public Library
  • Woodward Memorial Library (LeRoy)
  • Wyoming Free Library

Any questions about the reading program, bookmarks, or redeeming for tickets can be answered by Mike Ewing, at 585-343-5454 x 1005. The Muckdogs home opener is set for Saturday, June 14th vs. Auburn at 7:05. Season tickets, coupon books and ticket packages are all on sale now. They can be purchased at Dwyer Stadium or by calling (585)343-5454.

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

LITTLE KIDS, BIG STARS PROGRAM NEW FOR 2014

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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.

Scrappers Announce Return of Scout Night and Introduce Patch Design Contest

NILES OH – The Scrappers are excited to announce the return of Scout Night to Eastwood Field during the 2014 season. Both Boy and Girl Scouts are invited to register for the August 8th Scrappers Game. The Scrappers are offering a $15 Overnight Ticket Package and a $5 Game Ticket Only Package for the event.

In addition to the pregame parade, meeting the team, and the opportunity to join the team on the field for the National Anthem, the Scrappers are introducing a Patch Design Contest. Scouts of all ages who have registered for Scout Night are invited to create a patch. All patches must be 3.25 inches in diameter or smaller, and contain nine or fewer colors. Patches will be judged based on creativity, integration of baseball and the Scrappers logos, and overall esthetic appeal. Designs must be submitted by Friday, June 13, 2014.

The winning patch will be selected by the Scrappers front office and distributed to all scouts attending the 2014 Scout Night. The creator of the patch will also have the opportunity to throw out a first pitch at a 2014 Scrappers home game.

Interested Scouts can download the form on www.mvscrappers.com and create their patch in one of the two shapes provided. All forms should be completed and faxed to (330) 505-9696 or mailed to:

Mahoning Valley Scrappers

111 Eastwood Mall Blvd.

Niles, OH 44446

Attn: Scout Patch Contest

For more information about the August 8th Scout Night please visit www.mvscrappers.com or contact Group Sales Manager Chris Sumner at (330) 505-0000.

 

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Mahoning Valley Scrappers. Click here to view the original story.

ValleyCats announce youth field renovations

Four fields to be renovated in under 24 hours

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TROY, NY- The Tri-City ValleyCats, with the support of BlueShield of Northeastern New York, will renovate four youth ball fields in less than 24 hours on Thursday, April 17. As part of the ‘4 in 24’ program, Schenectady Little League, Twin Town Little League, Berne-Knox-Westerlo Little League, and Spring Youth Baseball, will all receive renovations to their playing surface.

In 2014, Little League Baseball and the New York-Penn League each celebrate their 75th anniversary. Additionally, Schenectady will be celebrating the 60th anniversary of the original Schenectady Little League’s World Series win in 1954. The Michigan Avenue field, which will receive the renovation, was home to the 1954 team. In a statement issued by the Schenectady Little League Board of Directors, the league expressed its gratification on being selected:

“This is a wonderful opportunity for our league and our community. We now have the opportunity to give this field a much-needed makeover, that will enable us to begin the transformation of the Michigan Avenue complex into a monument to be looked upon in the years to come as a positive influence in our city, and to our baseball community. We are humbled by this decision, and look forward to partnering together with both the Tri-City ValleyCats and our community, to make this a positive experience for our young athletes.”

Twin Town Little League, the ValleyCats neighbors across the street from “The Joe,” and Berne Knox-Westerlo Little League, will also celebrate Little League’s 75th anniversary with a brand new playing surface.

Twin Town will receive the renovation on the field where it plays all of its championship games, and most all-star tournament games.

“For years we have wanted to make significant repairs to our Williams Road No. 2 field, but have not had the resources. This will truly make it our signature field. Twin Town Little League is excited to partner with the ValleyCats on such a special project that will serve children in the community for years to come,” said Bob Schuman, President, Twin Town Little League.

The field in Berne felt the effects of Hurricane Irene, and has never been the same since.

“Fixing our field has been on the league’s wish list for at least six years. It has only gotten worse over that time, to the point where it has become a safety concern,” said Kevin Toomey, President, Berne-Knox-Westerlo Little League. “We are a small league with an equally small budget, so getting this done was going to be a real challenge for us. We managed to buy some good baseball dirt a few years ago, but Hurricane Irene came through a few months later and took it all away. To have someone come in and take care of this all at once is a dream come true.”

Spring Youth Baseball has been part of the Troy community since 1955, and provides house and competitive travel baseball to children from 3-12 years old.

“We are honored, excited and grateful for being selected by the Tri-City ValleyCats for the ‘4 in 24’ field renovation program. It will allow our organization to improve field conditions and maintain a fun, safe atmosphere for kids to continue to learn the game of baseball at all levels. The kids that play ball at Spring and for the Renegades will surely be excited to step onto a field that the Tri-City ValleyCats are responsible to help renovate.”

This spring will be the fourth straight season of the ‘4 in 24’ project, and continues to be one of the ValleyCats most important yearly initiatives.

“Each year the ‘4 in 24’ project provides an opportunity for our front office to get out into the community and support today’s youth by refurbishing ball fields. We couldn’t do it without the outstanding support of BlueShield of Northeastern New York, who shares our deep commitment of giving back to our communities,” said Rick Murphy, Vice President / General Manager, Tri-City ValleyCats.

In 2012, the ValleyCats and BlueShield of Northeastern New York formed a strong community partnership known as the Community Grounds Crew, an expanded initiative to assist local youth leagues with maintenance and upkeep of their fields throughout the spring and summer. Their mission is to provide the youth of the Capital Region with a safe place to play, learn, grow, and most importantly, have fun.

“BlueShield is proud to continue our support for the third year,” said Dr. Kirk Panneton, regional executive and medical director, BlueShield of Northeastern New York. “This initiative aligns perfectly with our corporate mantra, ‘healthy changes everything.’ Playing on a safe and well-maintained field is good for our region’s children, and it’s good for our community. We congratulate the Tri-City ValleyCats for their continued maintenance of more than 10 fields that have been transformed.”

The four fields will receive brand new sod, bases, a home plate and pitcher’s mound, and the baselines will be measured to the correct specifications. The entire scope of the project will be completed in one day.

The efforts will also be aided by the support of Admar Construction, who will provide the necessary equipment to complete the renovations. Other support comes from the New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation, whose contributions come from past events held at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Tri-City ValleyCats. Click here to view the original story.

NEFCU/Lake Monsters “CHAMP Sightings”

Free CHAMP appearances offered to non-profit organizations

BURLINGTON, VT — New England Federal Credit Union and the Vermont Lake Monsters will be teaming up this year to actively support the community by offering free CHAMP appearances (called “CHAMP Sightings”) to non-profit organizations and other programs that share their commitment to enhancing the well being of the local communities.

“Over the past 20 years, CHAMP has become an integral part of the community, but there are still events each year that we have wanted to participate in but were unable to.” said Nate Cloutier, Lake Monsters’ General Manager. “We are very fortunate to have teamed up with such a wonderful community partner such as NEFCU, who shares our vision for giving back to the community and having fun while doing so.”

CHAMP, the mascot for the Lake Monsters since the team’s first season in the New York-Penn League back in 1994, has always been available for appearances in the community for a fee. But this new partnership between NEFCU and the Lake Monsters will give certain organizations and programs the opportunity to have CHAMP make an appearance at their event for no charge.

Organizations and programs interested in participating in the “CHAMP Sightings” program, and having CHAMP attend their event for free must submit a formal application that can be downloaded here from CHAMP Sightings page in Community section of website. Please note that depending on the event location, travel costs may apply. Interested parties should submit a formal application as soon as possible, as appearances are limited.

“The Vermont Lake Monsters and NEFCU share a deep commitment to supporting the community,” said Cindy Morgan, NEFCU Senior Marketing Executive. “We are pleased to help bring ‘CHAMP Sightings’ to organizations in our area.”

If an organization or program does not fit the requirements of the “CHAMP Sightings” program, regular CHAMP appearance requests can be made by calling (802) 655-4200 or downloading application here from CHAMP Appearances page in Kids Zone section of website. Regular rates do apply – $100 per hour, plus travel expenses.

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

Scrappers Host High School Valley All-Star Classic

Saturday, June 14

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NILES, OH – The Mahoning Valley Scrappers are excited to announce they will be hosting the second annual High School Valley All-Star Classic, presented by Baird Brothers Fine Hardwoods and media partners 21 WFMJ and WBCB, on Saturday, June 14, 2014 at Eastwood Field. The High School Valley All-Star Classic will feature elite high school players from the Mahoning Valley. 

Tickets for the High School Valley All-Star Classic will go on sale on March 1st and will be $5 for General Admission Seats. They will be available at the Eastwood Field Box Office, by calling 330-505-0000 or online at www.mvscrappers.com.

The Mahoning Valley Scrappers are the Short Season Single A Affiliate of the Cleveland Indians and play all home games at Eastwood Field. Notable alumni include C.C. Sabathia, Vinnie Pestano, Jason Kipnis, and Victor Martinez. For more information about individual game tickets, ticket packages or group outings visit www.mvscrappers.com or call the front office at (330) 505 – 0000.  

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Mahoning Valley Scrappers. Click here to view the original story.

Cutters Banquet raises over $5,000 for Special Olympics

Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg discussed his career and expectations for his 2014 squad at the Cutters Hot Stove Banquet
Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg discussed his career and expectations for his 2014 squad at the Cutters Hot Stove Banquet

With a star-studded guest list and a jam-packed Genetti Ballroom, the Williamsport Crosscutters 8th Annual Hot Stove Banquet was a great success while raising over $5,000 for charity.

On a cold winter night in Williamsport, Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg, third baseman Cody Asche, Phillies TV Field Reporter Gregg Murphy & Phillies front office personnel entertained attendees with stories and answered audience questions.

In talking about the 2014 Phillies, Sandberg stated, “”I think we have that talent. We do have some young players that have a chance to chip in. Ben Revere was going good last year when he got hurt. The young arms in the bullpen got a shot to get some work last year and did a good job for the final six weeks of the season. I think that’ll go a long way for us.” When asked what is goal was, he said, “I want to get to a World Series, and I want to get there more than once.”

The night, presented by Lycoming Mall, Woodlands Bank, WRAK Radio and the Williamsport Sun-Gazette, was also highlighted by live and Chinese auctions that featured a wealth of sports memorabilia including a bat and glove signed by Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz, a special breakfast with the Phillie Phanatic, jerseys signed by Sandberg and Asche and much more.

Other highlights of the event included the induction of R.D. Slingerland into the Bowman Field Hall of Fame. Slingerland has worked on the Bowman Field playing surface for more than 25 years including installing an entirely new playing surface and irrigation system in 1997.

A portion of the proceeds from the evening were donated to Lycoming County Special Olympics whose mission is to provide year-round sports training and competition in a variety of sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. At the conclusion of the festivities, Special Olympics was presented with a check for $5,150.

The Crosscutters open the 2014 season on June 13 at Susquehanna Bank Park at Historic Bowman Field. Season tickets, bonus books and group packages are currently available and can be purchased online or by calling the Cutters at (570) 326-3389.

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

ValleyCats Accepting Applications for ‘4 in 24’ Youth Field Renovations

‘4 in 24’ kicks off a new season for the Community Grounds Crew, a partnership between the ‘Cats and BlueShield of Northeastern New York.

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TROY, NY- The Tri-City ValleyCats are now accepting applications from youth leagues across the Capital Region for the 4th Annual ‘4 in 24’ youth field renovations. The renovations will take place in a 24-hour time period in early April 2014, as four chosen youth fields will have new sod placed on their infield while also seeing their pitcher’s mound and home plate areas rebuilt.

The ‘4 in 24’ is the kick-off event for the Community Grounds Crew, an expanded initiative with the assistance from BlueShield of Northeastern New York. This program will undertake additional projects and renovations on numerous other youth fields throughout the spring and summer.

“BlueShield is proud to continually support the ‘4 in 24’ Field Renovations,” said Brian O’Grady, vice president, BlueShield of Northeastern New York. “Year after year we see the positive impact these field renovations have on the children using the spaces and the community as a whole. Our company takes pride in encouraging children to learn the importance of making healthy choices, like playing and staying active, because we all know – Healthy Changes Everything.”

“With the continued loyal support of BlueShield of Northeastern New York, we are able to provide safe and well-maintained fields of play for the youth in our community, an initiative that is immensely important to us,” said ValleyCats Vice President/General Manager Rick Murphy.

Leagues interested in having their field considered for the ‘4 in 24’ or other Community Grounds Crew renovations must complete an application that can be found on the ValleyCats website, www.tcvalleycats.com. Leagues are required to submit photos of the field along with their application.

In order to be eligible for the ‘4 in 24’ renovation, applications must be returned by Monday, February 3. Those submitted beyond that date or not selected for the ‘4 in 24’, will remain in consideration for the Community Grounds Crew program, which will accept and evaluate applications on an ongoing basis.

The efforts of the Community Grounds Crew will be recognized at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium during the ValleyCats 2014 season. Youth leagues from across the area will take part in Youth Baseball Night tentatively scheduled for June 16 and Softball Night on June 24.

The ValleyCats’ field renovations have been an annual tradition since 2003 when the first field was officially renovated by the ‘Cats in South Troy, just one mile away from Joseph L. Bruno Stadium. Each year since, they have expanded upon its success.

Each project is also supported by the New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation. Contributions come from past events such as the Capital Region Craft Brewers Festival, hosted by the ValleyCats and Brown’s Brewing Company, and two corporate baseball tournaments that take place at “The Joe” including the Battle of the Beverages and the Capital Region Series.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Tri-City ValleyCats. Click here to view the original story.

Spikes recognized as a PA “Waste Watcher”

Team one of 76 statewide to be honored for green initiatives

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The State College Spikes were recently recognized by The Professional Recyclers of Pennsylvania (PROP) and the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) – Keystone Chapter for the team’s outstanding recycling program and related ballpark and community outreach efforts from the 2012 calendar year.

The Spikes were one of 76 municipalities, counties, private businesses, individuals, and community organizations to be recognized as part of the Pennsylvania Waste Watchers Program. This program highlights recycling, waste reduction, reuse, and composting programs in Pennsylvania that have exhibited exemplary performance.

The team and Medlar Field at Lubrano Park were recognized in part for the distinction as the world’s first L.E.E.D Certified ballpark and for the team’s dedication to promoting green initiatives during home games. In addition, the Spikes’ popular school program called “Project I.K.E.,” which stands for “Inspiring Kids to be Eco-Friendly,” has provided dozens of free and fun school assemblies the past three years. The program, which has been sponsored by the Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority, incorporates team mascots, players and staff to teach children about the importance of “going green” and incorporating eco-friendly practices in their daily lives.

Of the 76 Waste Watcher recipients, 19 were based in Centre County. The Spikes would like to congratulate fellow local “Waste Watchers” Autoport Restaurant, Centre County Recycling & Refuse Authority, Columbia Gas of PA Inc., Corl Street Elementary School, Foxdale Village, Gray’s Woods Elementary, Harris Township Memorial Day Festival, Harrison’s Wine Grill & Catering, Mount Nittany Middle School, Park Forest Elementary School, PSU School of Hospitality Management, Restek Corp., State College Friends School, The Art Alliance of Central PA, the Borough of State College, the Centre County Grange Encampment and Fair, the Prom Attire Event, and Village Eatinghouse.

Additional information about Medlar Field at Lubrano Park’s L.E.E.D Certification and other club green initiatives is available by clicking here.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the State College Spikes. Click here to view the original story.