13th Annual Hot Stove Banquet to Benefit NAMI

The Williamsport Crosscutters 13th Annual Hot Stove Banquet will be held on Wednesday, January 16 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.

A portion of the proceeds from this year’s event will be donated to the local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). “The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of North Central PA is very excited and honored to be selected as the beneficiary of the Hot Stove Banquet charity funds,” stated NAMI chairperson Carol Sides. “We will utilize the donation towards educational opportunities for our community on mental health awareness, suicide prevention and suicide awareness.”

Guests at this year’s event include former Phillies outfielder Gary “Sarge” Matthews, ESPN baseball analyst Tim Kurkjian and from the Academy Award nominated movie “Field of Dreams”, actor Dwier Brown.

Matthews, a first round draft pick of the San Francisco Giants in 1968, hit .281 in his 16-year major league career with 234 home runs and 978 RBI’s. Matthews was the National League Rookie of the Year in 1973 with the San Francisco Giants and the MVP of the National League Championship Series in 1983 with the Phillies. After his playing and coaching career, he was a popular broadcaster for the Phillies from 2007-2013.

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 two years at Williamsport’s BB&T Ballpark.

Brown, an actor for 37 years, has appeared in hundreds of films, plays and televisions shows, but it was his role as Kevin Costner’s father, John Kinsella, in “Field of Dreams” that changed his life.

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. Additionally, Brown will speak about the making of “Field of Dreams” and the special bond between fathers, sons and the game of baseball. 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. Those inductees are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

The ballroom doors open at 5:30 PM with the dinner and entertainment portion of the event kicking off at 6:30 PM. An 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 virtual sell-out every year, so fans are encouraged to purchase tickets now. Reserved seating is assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis as tickets are ordered. Business sponsorships for the event are also available.
Tickets – Order Now!

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

CT Tigers To Honor Veterans Day With A Special Offer

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

For the sixth straight year, any current or former military member who comes to the Dodd Stadium box office on Monday, November 12, 2018 (the day after Veterans Day) between 9 am and 5 pm will receive two complimentary ticket vouchers redeemable for a premium box seat to any 2019 regular season Connecticut Tigers game. The offer is only valid in person at the Dodd Stadium box office and some form of military identification must be shown.

“This is another way that we like to say ‘Thank You’ to the brave men and women of the Armed Forces in our community,” said Connecticut Tigers General Manager Dave Schermerhorn. “We hope they will enjoy a great night of fun and baseball at Dodd Stadium next summer on us.”

The Connecticut Tigers were recently named the New York-Penn League’s nominee for Minor League Baseball’s Charles K. Murphy “Patriot Award” for the second consecutive season. The award is presented annually to one Minor League Baseball club or individual employed by a club for outstanding support of and engagement with the United States Armed Forces and veterans, both at the ballpark and in the community. The award will be presented at the Baseball Winter Meetings on December 9th in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Connecticut Tigers are the New York-Penn League affiliate of the Detroit Tigers located at Dodd Stadium in Norwich, Connecticut. 2019 season memberships to “The Club” and team merchandise are now on sale! The front office and box office is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday and can be accessed in person or by calling 860-887-7962.

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

Scrappers Host 2019 School Day Game

NILES, OH – The Mahoning Valley Scrappers and Youngstown State University are excitd to host the annual School Day Game at Eastwood Field for the 2019 season, presented by Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley. The Youngstown State University Penguins will host the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee on Friday, May 17, 2019. Gates will open at 9:30am and first pitch is slated for 11:00am.

The Scrappers have an afforable package available for area schools. The cost of the school package is only $7.00 per student and includes a game ticket, lunch and an eductional curriculum, which includes many activities for subjects such as Language Arts, Health and Social Studies.

The Scrappers are taking reservations and encourage groups to sign up early to guarantee seating. For more information or to reserve your tickets, contact Kate Walsh or Clayton Sibilla at (330) 505-0000 or by email at kwalsh@mvscrappers.com or csibilla@mvscrappers.com.

The Scrappers open the 2019 season at Eastwood Field on June 16 vs. the Batavia Muckdogs. Ticket packages are on sale now online at mvscrappers.com, at 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.

Trick-or-Treat at Eastwood Field on October 23rd

NILES, OH – The Scrappers and Chemical Bank present the twentieth annual “Trick or Treat” at Eastwood Field, with media partners 21 WFMJ & WBCB. The event will take place on Tuesday, October 23rd from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. “Trick or Treat” at Eastwood Field is a fun and safe way to celebrate Halloween for children age 12 and under. Ticket quantities are limited and are available on a first come first serve 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 Project Feed Our Valley will receive a free general admission Scrappers ticket valid during the 2019 season.

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 330-505-000 or emailing kwalsh@mvscrappers.com.

To stay up to date with the Scrappers in the offseason or for more information on 2019 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.

Staten Island Yankees Raise Over $8,000 Through Special Breast Cancer T-Shirt and Jersey Sales on Behalf of GM Jane Rogers

This past season, Jane Rogers, GM of the Staten Island Yankees was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. The Staten Island Yankees have supported their amazing General Manager by raising money and awareness this season. The Staten Island Yankees distributed “Rogers 99” t-shirts with a $15 donation and the team wore pink pinstriped jerseys on August 29th which were auctioned during the game. At that game, Jane Rogers was honored on the field and spoke to the crowd. Additionally, male members of the front office staff shaved their heads, along with players, and team staff to raise further awareness.

The “Rogers 99” shirts have the Staten Island Yankees primary logo on the front, the number 99 with “Rogers” on the back. The donations from these t-shirts have generated over $5,500 so far. This, along with game -used pink jersey auction and other donations helped the Staten Island Yankees raise a total of $8,061.58 for New York Penn League Charities per Jane Rogers’ wishes.

These specialty shirts are still available for a minimum donation of $15.00. To donate, please contact T.J. Jahn at TJJahn@siyanks.com.

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The Staten Island Yankees are the Single A-Short Season Affiliate of the New York Yankees and play at Richmond County Bank Ballpark at St. George. The Staten Island Yankees are six-time New York-Penn League Champions (2000, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2009 and 2011). For more information, visit siyanks.com and pizzaratsbaseball.com.
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This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

CT Tigers Announce Food Drive on August 26

NORWICH, Ct. – The Connecticut Tigers, Class A Short Season affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, are proud to announce a partnership with the Catholic Charities Diocese of Norwich for the 2018 Minor League Baseball CommUNITY Initiative presented by Allegiant Airlines.

On Sunday, August 26, the Tigers will host a food drive at Dodd Stadium to benefit the Catholic Charities Food Pantry during an afternoon game against the Lowell Spinners beginning at 4:05 p.m. Fans who donate any non-perishable food items at the front gate will be entered in a drawing to win a $500 flight voucher from Allegiant Airlines, proudly serving as the airline for America’s hometowns.

Minor League Baseball announced the creation of the MiLB CommUNITY initiative in 2016 as a response to a collection of tragedies and tension that developed in communities across the country. Our ballparks have long been a place of fun and enjoyment, providing a break from the ills of today’s society. The MiLB CommUNITY Initiative presented by Allegiant Airlines encourages fans to take action in their communities and promote unity, understanding, acceptance and inclusion. This is the first time the Connecticut Tigers have teamed up for the MiLB CommUNITY Initiative presented by Allegiant Airlines.

The Connecticut Tigers are the New York-Penn League affiliate of the Detroit Tigers at Dodd Stadium in Norwich, Connecticut. Individual tickets for all 2018 home games, season memberships to “The Club,” ticket mini-plans, and Tigers team merchandise are now on sale at Dodd Stadium, by phone at 860-887-7962, and online at CTTigers.com.

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

Black Bears Host 2018 Pirates Miracle League Camp

Granville, W. Va. -Smiles ran rampant around Monongalia County Ballpark on Saturday morning, as the West Virginia Black Bears hosted a Pittsburgh Pirates Miracle League Camp with SteppingStones.

Black Bears players got to spend the morning with the Miracle League athletes, making new friends and teaching new skills in a variety of stations around the ballpark.

The day started off in centerfield, as each player received a Pittsburgh Pirates jersey customized with their name and number on the back to wear during the clinic. The Pepperoni Rolls and Cooper the Bear also made an appearance at the event, spending time with the athletes and getting them excited for their big day.

After the Miracle League players split off with their new Black Bears teammates, all athletes stood silent side-by-side for the National Anthem before breaking off into their respective stations.

In right field, the Pirates’ prospects threw batting practice, as the campers crushed home runs over the fence and into the bullpen. At the station down the first base line, the pitching staff gave the players some pointers how to throw an electric fastball to strikeout their opponents.

The Miracle League athletes also got to run the base paths with the Black Bears, zooming through the infield and crossing home plate to put runs on the scoreboard. They then traveled down the third base line to field some grounders, following that up by shagging fly balls in left field.

The final station was a game of catch, as the campers got to throw around with the Black Bears’ players while exchanging laughs, hugs and plenty of pictures.

Once the clinic was over, all the athletes got together for a group photo to commemorate a fun morning of bonding and baseball. They finished the day with a lunch on the suite level, as everyone chowed down with a beautiful view of the rolling West Virginia hills.

Stepping Stones West Virginia is a non-profit organization that gives children and adults with disabilities the opportunity to achieve their goals and stay active though many recreational activities. More information on this organization is available at www.steppingstones.askwhymedia.com.

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

Staten Island Yankees Fight Against Cancer

STATEN ISLAND, NY: The Staten Island Yankees players and staff will be joining the fight against breast cancer in honor of General Manager Jane Rogers.

 

The Staten Island Yankees have encountered many changes over the past 20 years, but one thing that has always stayed the same is Jane Rogers’ presence. As the first person to be hired by the Staten Island Yankees, she rose from office manager to special assistant and eventually took on the role of General Manager. Jane has put her heart and soul into the organization since her hiring and is proud to be a part of the team’s history and success. This past year, Jane was diagnosed with Breast Cancer and has been undergoing chemotherapy treatment throughout this season.

 

“The support of the Staten Island Yankees ownership, staff, coaches, team and fans has been overwhelming,” said Rogers. “Since being diagnosed almost six months ago, I certainly haven’t been alone in this journey. I truly believe the positive energy everyone sends my way has much to do with my recovery. I’m looking forward to resuming my normal work activities at the ballpark and thank everyone for their amazing support! Please come out and join us on August 29th.”

 

As a part of the fundraising effort, Mia Passione Salon provided their services to the Staten Island Yankees for a “Shave Your Head for Cancer” event. All male front office Staten Island Yankees staff members, along with outfielder Alex Junior, pitchers Matt Sauer and Frank German, athletic trainer Jon Becker and clubhouse manager Joe Valenti, shaved their heads as a sign of support for Jane in her courageous fight.

 

The Staten Island Yankees will also be wearing pink jerseys on August 29, which will then be auctioned in a “Jersey Off the Back” auction throughout the game. All proceeds from the auction will join the total donation.

 

In addition to the players wearing pink on-field jerseys, the Staten Island Yankees will be giving away pink shirts with a donation. The shirts will have the Staten Island Yankees primary logo on the front and don the number 99 along with Rogers’ name. Every dollar donated will be combined with the proceeds from the jersey auction and will go to the New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation, per Jane Rogers’ wishes.

 

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The Staten Island Yankees are the Single A-Short Season Affiliate of the New York Yankees and play at the Richmond County Bank Ballpark at St. George. The Staten Island Yankees are six-time New York-Penn League Champions (2000, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2009 and 2011). For more information, visit siyanks.com and pizzaratsbaseball.com.

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

Muckdogs meet young fans at YMCA

BATAVIA, N.Y. — Four players from the Batavia Muckdogs began their day by making some new friends.

Marlins prospects Tanner Andrews, Sean Reynolds, Igor Baez and Chris Vallimont signed autographs and talked about their experiences playing professional baseball with young campers at GLOW YMCA in Batavia on Thursday.

The GLOW YMCA serves four counties in western New York through the Genesee County YMCA in Batavia, the Wyoming County YMCA in Warsaw, the Orleans County YMCA in Medina, Camp Hough located on the shores of Silver Lake in Perry and a virtual branch beginning to serve Livingston County out of the Village of Geneseo.

Have a picnic at the ballpark

Andrews was the Marlins’ 10th-round pick out of Purdue in June and has appeared in eight games this season, seven with Batavia. Reynolds was Miami’s fourth-round pick in 2016 while Vallimont was selected in the fifth round this summer from Mercyhurst High School. Baez signed with the Marlins as a free agent last August.

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

CT Tigers Announce ‘Hit The Books’ Summer Reading Program

The Connecticut Tigers are pleased to announce their 2018 ‘Hit the Books’ Summer Reading Program.

So what is ‘Hit The Books’ all about? The Connecticut Tigers and Liberty Bank believe reading is essential for children all year long so they are rewarding kids for reading during the summer time.

‘Hit the Books’ is a program designed to maintain children’s reading skills throughout the summer. Any student who reads four (4) books between June 1st and August 1st will be given a FREE ticket to the Connecticut Tigers regular season home game on Sunday, August 12.
CLICK HERE to download a ‘Hit The Books’ entry form.
Here’s how kids can qualify:
* Any student from kindergarten through 8th grade may submit (1) entry
* Read four (4) books between June 1 and August 1
* Complete the reading log and mail it back with a self-addressed stamped envelope to the CT Tigers by August 1st. Be sure to include an email address on the form because all notifications will be sent via email.
* Upon receipt, the Connecticut Tigers will mail the student a FREE Connecticut Tigers ticket to the home game on August 12
* Bring your free ticket to Dodd Stadium on August 12 to enjoy the family-fun environment of Tigers baseball
* All participating students will have the opportunity to be a part of the “Hit the Books’ celebration at Dodd Stadium on August 12 when they will be recognized on the field pregame for their efforts.
Any questions? Please contact the Connecticut Tigers over the phone at (860) 887-7962 or via email at info@cttigers.com.

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

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The Hope Foundation & the Scrappers Partner to Help Raise Funds for Kids

NILES, OH – The Hope Foundation of the Mahoning Valley and the Mahoning Valley Scrappers have joined together to help raise funds for chronically/terminally ill children in our community throughout the 2018 season. “We are excited about teaming up with the Mahoning Valley Scrappers in an effort to spread our mission to educate and help chronically and terminally ill children of the Mahoning Valley,” states Tony Spano, Founder and Executive Director of The Hope Foundation of the Mahoning Valley.

Saturday, July 7th has been designated as The Hope Foundation of the Mahoning Valley Awareness Night at the Scrappers at Eastwood Field in Niles. In addition, when fans purchase tickets online for the July 7th game or any other game this season, The Hope Foundation will receive a portion of the sale, when they type the word “HOPE” in the Special Offer Code box. The HOPE code is valid for all online tickets, including game day purchases up to 4:00pm the day of the game. The offer is not valid with the purchase of tickets at the window or by phone or for July 4th or buck nights.

The Hope Foundation will also fundraise with jersey auction for the Scrappers game worn Star Wars jerseys, which will be worn the Friday, June 22nd game against the Auburn Doubledays, sponsored by Liberty Comics and Middlefield Bank.

The Hope Foundation of the Mahoning Valley (H.F.M.V.), a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization, was founded in 2007 after the increasing success and popularity of the Game of Hope Charity Basketball Classic. Our unpaid staff, volunteers and supporting individuals and organizations are committed to our mission. They provide charitable and financial support to local charities that share our goal of improving the lives of chronically/terminally ill children. With money raised from donation and our signature fundraisers, The Foundation provides grants of up to $5,000. For more information about The Foundation please visit the website at www.HopeMV.org.

Tickets for the Scrappers 2018 season are now on sale. For more information, contact the Scrappers Front Office at (330) 505-0000 or visit mvscrappers.com for a complete schedule.

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

Cutters Dominican Dinner Returns July 10

The Williamsport Crosscutters have teamed up with A.C.E.S. North America in announcing the 5thAnnual Dominican Plate – An Evening of Dominican Dining and Entertainment with the Cutters.

The event will be held on Tuesday, July 10 in the Grand Ballroom of the Genetti Hotel, 200 W. Fourth St., Williamsport. Doors open at 5:30pm with hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar followed by a Dominican-style dinner served at 6:30pm.

The buffet dinner of traditional Dominican fare will be served by members of the Williamsport Crosscutters who hail from the Dominican Republic, along with some of their teammates.

Proceeds from the event benefit A.C.E.S. North America, an organization working to create sustainable development projects in the Dominican Republic. The charity, founded in Williamsport in 2005, uses all-volunteer personnel for its operations.

A.C.E.S. Founder Linell Stabler stated, “Teaming up with the Crosscutters for this Dominican fundraiser has been a great way to raise funds for our mission of helping people in the Dominican Republic.”

In addition, the night will feature live musical entertainment, Chinese and live auctions of sports memorabilia and other items plus a balloon bust wine raffle.   Last year’s event raised over $7,000 for the charity.

“This is a tremendous opportunity to help out a worthy charity that does outstanding work in an area of the world many of our players call home,” said Gabe Sinicropi the team’s Vice-President of Marketing and Public Relations.

Due to the popularity of this event in the past, reserved seating is utilized to make for a more comfortable evening for all attendees. Tickets for The Dominican Plate are $20 for adults and $10 for children age 12 and under. Tables of 8 may be purchased for $150. Tickets must be purchased in advance online at crosscutters.com, by phone at (570) 326-3389 or by visiting the Sawmill Team Store at BB&T Ballpark.

CLICK HERE to purchase tickets to the Dominican Plate

For more information on A.C.E.S., visit www.acesnorthamerica.org.

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

ValleyCats, Community Resource Federal Credit Union partner to recognize Capital Region’s Community Heroes!

TROY, N.Y. – The Tri-City ValleyCats and Community Resource Federal Credit Union have teamed up again in 2018 on the “Home Run Community Heroes Starting 9” initiative, a program that aims to highlight those that go above and beyond in the Capital Region community.

A selection of nominees will be recognized in an on-field ceremony on Thursday, July 19, prior to the ValleyCats game versus the Brooklyn Cyclones.

“We are honored to join with the ValleyCats again this year to honor our Community Heroes,” said Marc DeNofio, VP of Marketing at Community Resource FCU. “Our everyday heroes are at the very core of what makes the Capital Region a great place to live. At CRFCU we enjoy supporting these selfless individuals, and offering banking services that enrich the lives of all residents.”

The ‘Cats and Community Resource FCU are encouraging fans to nominate personnel from military, law enforcement, firefighter/EMS agencies, non-profit organizations, as well as teachers, volunteers, children and everyday people that have helped make the Capital Region a better place to live.

“We are excited to partner with Community Resource Federal Credit Union to recognize the efforts of those who have had a positive impact within our community,” said ValleyCats General Manager Matt Callahan. “There is plenty of heroic work being done within the Capital Region that many people may not know about, so we’re glad to be able to showcase a handful of those circumstances.”

The nine nominees selected will also be treated to a luxury suite as guests of Community Resource FCU, with complimentary food and drink.

Fans who want to nominate a Community Hero can do so by filling out the form located online at tcvalleycats.com/communityheroes. The ValleyCats will be accepting nominations through Friday, June 29. Forms can be faxed with attention to Elyse Zima at 518-629-2299, e-mailed to elysezima@tcvalleycats.com, or dropped off at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium.

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

RECAP: 8th Annual ‘4 in 24’ Youth Field Renovations!

The Tri-City ValleyCats, along with their corporate partners BlueShield of Northeastern New York and Hannaford Supermarkets, undertook the 8th Annual ‘4 in 24’ youth field renovation project on Wednesday, April 11.

The project’s mission is to assist local youth leagues with the maintenance and upkeep of their playing fields, allowing for a safe place for children to learn and play the game baseball and softball.

Each year since 2011, the ValleyCats and their partners simultaneously renovate four youth fields on one day in April, prior to the opening of the youth baseball season.

This year, the chosen leagues were American Little League in Albany, Cairo-Durham Little League, Scotia-Glenville Girls Softball, and Round Lake Malta Youth Baseball.

Tweet from @ValleyCats: Today is the day! #4in24! American Little League in Albany, Cairo-Durham Little League, Scotia-Glenville Girls Softball, and Round Lake Malta Youth Baseball will all receive brand new infields!! Thank you to our major sponsors, @BSNENY & @Hannaford!! pic.twitter.com/LRHMhXHaeD

Upon completion, over 30 fields have now been revamped thanks to this program, which has positively effected thousands of youth ball players in the ValleyCats’ community.

“When we first embarked on this ambitious project in 2011, we felt that it would have an enormous positive impact on many youth ballplayers within the Capital Region,” said ValleyCats General Manager Matt Callahan. “Now in its eighth year, and 30 plus leagues later, the need and project scope continues to grow exponentially. We are incredibly thankful to BlueShield of Northeastern New York and Hannaford Supermarkets who have been instrumental in keeping the program going strong.”

Tweet from @JohnCraigWNYT: A team on a #fieldofdreams #AlbanySouthEnd @ValleyCats @BSNENY @Hannaford @WNYT pic.twitter.com/blkv8CWpJ9

Both longtime supporters of this important community initiative, BlueShield of Northeastern New York and Hannaford Supermarkets have aided in supplying the necessary resources and volunteer commitment to complete these renovations.

Tweet from @BSNENY: We���re kicking off #4in24 at Albany American Little League field! pic.twitter.com/0zYM939noF

Tweet from @BSNENY: The #4in24 renovation crew gathered for a press conference at the American Little League field in Albany. Thank you to the @TCValleyCats and all of the volunteers! pic.twitter.com/5U4AiWdAUA

“BlueShield knows how important programs like ‘4 in 24’ are to ensuring children in our community have access to healthy activities,” said Dr. Kirk Panneton, Vice President, Regional Executive and Medical Director, BlueShield of Northeastern New York. “Through our partnership with the Tri-City ValleyCats, our company and employees have helped transform over 30 fields and we are thrilled to be a part of this community initiative again this year.”

Tweet from @CBS6Leanne: #NOW: Renovations are beginning at the American Little League field in Albany. Four fields across the region are being renovated today as part of the @ValleyCats “4 in 24” project. https://t.co/kcMOJCzdwM pic.twitter.com/8fZ2fOtwJP

“Active kids make for healthy communities, which is why youth sports are so important. Hannaford is pleased to once again partner with the Tri-City ValleyCats to provide young people with wonderfully improved facilities for healthy play and growth,” said Hannaford Supermarkets Community Relations Specialist Brian Fabre. “We look forward to seeing kids throughout the greater Capital Region rush the field this spring as they learn the values of teamwork and dedication.”

The efforts were also assisted by Profile Products and Turface Athletics, who contributed some of the necessary equipment and materials. In order to complete the entire project, 300+ clay bricks, 23 tons of infield mix, and 3600 square feet of sod are needed. Additional support comes from ‘Cats Care, the ValleyCats’ arm of the New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation.

Tweet from @ValleyCats: Thank you, @Turfaceproducts!! #4in24 pic.twitter.com/MnCqvF658x

Tweet from @WTEN: ValleyCats team up to renovate 4 little league fields in 24 hours. https://t.co/LZ3gjx1hyz

It was an early morning for ValleyCats Media Relations Manager Chris Chenes, who arrived at American Little League in Albany at 5:00am for the morning news coverage. Each of the local TV stations went LIVE from the ballpark to talk about the ambitious project.

Crew call for the four renovation teams was 7:30am, and consisted of over a dozen volunteers at each of the four fields being renovated.

Each field had their old infield grass replaced with brand new sod (minus Scotia-Glenville Girls Softball), the pitcher’s mound and home plate areas completely rebuilt, infield surface leveled, graded and raked, baselines measured and cut to the correct specifications, and all new bases, a pitching rubber and home plate installed.

Tweet from @ValleyCats: We’re almost ready to lay new sod at @AmeLeagueAlbany! GM Matt Callahan making progress with the new home plate! #4in24 @BSNENY @Hannaford pic.twitter.com/E8JiZRdqP4

Tweet from @ValleyCats: Work is also progressing well at Round Lake Malta!! #4in24 @BSNENY @Hannaford pic.twitter.com/fCJ1PYBbAc

Tweet from @ValleyCats: About to begin laying new sod at Cairo-Durham Little League! #4in24 @BSNENY @Hannaford pic.twitter.com/jfnY3CNab3

Tweet from @SMLorey: Thank you @ValleyCats 4 in 24! Scotia Glenville girls softball field progressing pic.twitter.com/plS3YhBgl8

The temperature was unseasonably cold for spring, especially early in the morning, as frost covered the tips of the grass. That didn’t slow down the progress, though!

Tweet from @SPECNewsAlbany: While it may not feel like the start of baseball season outside, volunteers are upgrading the American Little League field in #AlbanyNY as part of the annual #4in24 project. https://t.co/nDHmQvZsqU via @JorjaRoman @ValleyCats pic.twitter.com/DSU5tQ9zWN

At 9:00am, the crew at American Little League in Albany paused for a brief ceremonial press conference to officially kick off the renovations. New York Senator Neil Breslin was in attendance, and praised the work of the program.

Tweet from @JohnCraigWNYT: Former #littleleague player @NeilBreslin44 during #4in24 @ValleyCats field renovation #AlbanySouthEnd #KrankPark @BSNENY @Hannaford. Story at noon @WNYT pic.twitter.com/exZtZm3mzg

Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan talked about the impact the renovations have on the local youth ballplayers.

Tweet from @JohnCraigWNYT: During a break #4in24 @ValleyCats @Hannaford @BSNENY #albany #KrankPark @AlbanyCityHall. Story at noon @WNYT pic.twitter.com/xDKZFzeq0K

The ValleyCats were presented with a citation from both the New York State Senate and Assembly, recognizing this 8th annual community project.

 

MiLB.com’s Benjamin Hill ranks this ValleyCats community initiative as one of the best in Minor League Baseball.

Tweet from @bensbiz: One of Minor League Baseball’s best annual philanthropic endeavors. https://t.co/zBhh7qHkFA

The ValleyCats recognize that one of the major roles they play within their community is to be ambassadors for the game of baseball. Each year their staff, corporate partners and volunteers put a ton of work into making sure these renovations are a success.

ValleyCats General Manager Matt Callahan has served as the foreman for the project, and is now an expert at the installation of new home plates and pitching rubbers!

Tweet from @JohnCraigWNYT: The international field in American #LittleLeague #albany #southend gets home plate lined up. #4in24 @ValleyCats GM Matt Callahan @Hannaford @BSNENY @WNYT pic.twitter.com/dwVkVA9Wxu

Tweet from @CBS6Leanne: Fresh sod has arrived & home plate is close to being set! It’ll be a full day worth of work to renovate American Little League field. https://t.co/kcMOJCzdwM pic.twitter.com/7dVlbEnRyy

While the mound and home plate are being worked on, volunteers are busy removing the old sod from the infield, adding topsoil to level the playing surface, and then laying down brand new grass! (This was the first order of the year for Saratoga Sod here in upstate New York!)

 

And now, prepare to be amazed, as we check out the before and after photos from each field!

American Little League, Albany

League statement:

“The Albany American Little League would like to thank the Tri-City ValleyCats and their partners for their timeless efforts, support, and commitment to Little League Baseball. The renovation of our field will help our players develop into young athletes, provide our youth a safe and structured environment where they can grow to become productive caring members of our communities. The work that the ValleyCats will do for our field will add value to the community and place smiles on the faces of our little leaguers.”

Sentaria Depass-Murray, President

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After:

Cairo-Durham Little League

League statement:

“During the past several years, little league participation has been falling, which has affected our ability to help afford all things needed to improve the conditions for the kids. Last year we focused on getting our kids all new catching equipment and renovating our girls softball field (all new dirt, excavation and a new drainage system). This year is on new bats and our main field really needs attention. Your help with our field will help improve the main baseball field, not just cosmetically but in functionality as well. This huge gift will allow us to focus on buying a machine to pull our rascal in order to maintain the 5 fields we play on.

It truly is an honor and a gift to be chosen and I am beyond grateful for your generosity. Look forward to seeing this all come together. Thank you again!”

Jesse Walz, President

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Round Lake Malta Youth Baseball

League statement:

“We are absolutely thrilled to be selected for the ValleyCat’s 4 in 24 Field Renovation project. The native soil at our field is particularly challenging to maintain and this overhaul will bring both the financial investment and expertise that we lack to make a lasting improvement to the ball field. The ValleyCat’s commitment to youth baseball programs is truly impressive. You make the kids feel like all-stars when they visit the stadium and I know they are going to feel like they made the big leagues when they step on to their newly renovated field! Thank you for supporting our players and the countless volunteers across the Tri-City area who work to bring a positive youth baseball experience to our children!”

Lori Sievers, President

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Scotia-Glenville Girls Softball

League statement:

“On behalf of Scotia Glenville Girls Softball League, our board of directors and our girls, we would like to thank the Tri-City ValleyCats organization as well as their sponsors, BlueShield of Northeastern New York and Hannaford for awarding us the 4 in 24 field renovation for 2018. As a small community and league, we rely on volunteers for all field maintenance and fundraising. We appreciate the ValleyCats commitment to our local communities and the betterment of our area youth sports programs. Our secondary field was in dire need of renovation. Fixing this field will ensure that all of our girls share the same great, and more importantly safe, softball experience!

Lisa DiSorbo, League President

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The response from the community was tremendous, and many voiced their opinions on social media.

Tweet from @NYNick1127: The Cats are Champs on & off the field! Well done! We are lucky to call @ValleyCats our own can���t wait for the season!������ @CBS6Leanne @CBS6Albany https://t.co/XFHOMAvzhH

Tweet from @NLL_Albany: Congratulations to our friends at @AmeLeagueAlbany, and thank you to the @ValleyCats for this great program in giving back to the community! https://t.co/gLN3LFVY3j

Tweet from @hooseyadaddy: That���s awesome and definitely much needed! Thank you @ValleyCats for helping out my hometown!

Tweet from @LydiaOn10: 👍🎉Great job by the @ValleyCats “4 in 24 Baseball Field renovations” https://t.co/289Qf8oEpZ

Tweet from @dfleming16: Nassau���s kids benefited greatly from this program. Love the @ValleyCats ! https://t.co/VSx2A4AlZ2

Tweet from @CDSFSportandFit: 4 in 24 is a great initiative by the @ValleyCats to renovate four local youth baseball and��� https://t.co/yu8aGB6maN

Additionally, here are some of the stories from the Capital Region media outlets:

Tweet from @WTEN: ValleyCats team up to renovate 4 little league fields in 24 hours. https://t.co/LZ3gjx1hyz

Times Union: https://www.timesunion.com/7dayarchive/article/Volunteers-begin-marathon-4-in-24-effort-to-12824757.php

Hudson Valley 360: https://www.hudsonvalley360.com/article/cairo-durham-little-league-receives-facelift

Your Clifton Park: https://yourcliftonpark.com/2018/04/11/round-lake-baseball-field-gets-some-tlc-from-valleycats/

That concludes this recap, but be sure to join the ValleyCats on Friday, June 22 for their Youth Baseball Celebration! On that night the ‘Cats will recognize the 2018 ‘4 in 24’ renovations, while also inviting Capital Region youth baseball teams to come to the game and participate in a pregame parade on the warning track.

For all softball leagues out there, don’t you worry! Softball Night is on Thursday, July 5, and the same pregame parade will be taking place on that night.

Be sure to visit tcvalleycats.com for ticket information, or call 518-629-CATS.

If your league would like to apply for a renovation, visit the ValleyCats Community Grounds Crew page at tcvalleycats.com/fieldrenovations.

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

New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation Announces 2018 Scholarship Contest

The Class-A Short-Season New York-Penn League and its member clubs, including the Williamsport Crosscutters, 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 tenth year, the 2018 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 league 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 league/final round. The 14 finalists will then be judged by league representatives. Three applicants will be selected to 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 tenth 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.”

Area high school seniors interested in entering the 2018 Scholarship Contest can obtain the official application using the link below or by visiting the Williamsport crosscutters offices at BB&T Ballpark during regular business hours.

The deadline to submit applications to the nearest NYPL team is June 4, 2018. Each club’s winner, including the three $2,500 scholarship recipients, will be selected in mid-July.

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.

CLICK HERE to download application

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