Muckdogs Announce Hit the Books Reading Program

The Batavia Muckdogs today announced the start of their reading program, designed to promote reading amongst the youth of the local communities. Along with the help of New York’s 529 College Savings Program, 2017 will mark the fifth 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 local counties 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 Batavia Muckdogs’ game! In addition to the free ticket, the child will also receive a prize courtesy of New York’s 529 College Savings Program. If a child reads 20 books, they will be entered into a drawing to win a backpack with school supplies, provided by New York’s 529 College Savings Program; along with the opportunity to throw out the first pitch at a Muckdogs game.

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
  • Haxton Memorial Library (Oakfield)
  • Hoag Library (Albion)
  • Pavilion Public Library
  • Woodward Memorial Library (LeRoy)
  • Holley Community Free Library

Any questions about the reading program or redeeming for tickets can be answered by Josh Swan, at 585-343-5454 x 1005.

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

YSU Baseball to Raise Funds and Awareness for Childhood Cancer

The Youngstown State baseball team will participate in the Lace Up 4 Pediatric Cancer event in conjunction with the Go4theGoal Foundation to raise funds and awareness to combat childhood cancer at its game this Friday against Valparaiso at Eastwood Field.

Players and coaches for Youngstown State and Valparaiso will wear yellow shoelaces to raise awareness for childhood cancer. All money from admission tickets, as well as a portion of concessions sales, will be donated to the Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley. Donations will also be accepted.

Tweet from @YSUBaseball: YSU Baseball to Raise Funds and Awareness for Childhood Cancer at Friday���s Game – Youngstown State https://t.co/GnCdwU0V9v

To reward fans for supporting both the cause and the Penguins, the Mahoning Valley Scrappers will give away a Jim Tressel bobblehead or Scrappers t-shirts or other giveaway items to the first 100 fans.

Additionally, YSU’s Team IMPACT player Jacob Sypert will throw out the first pitch at Friday’s game. Sypert is a seventh grader from McDonald, Ohio, who is a cancer survivor. He and the Penguins have been partnered together as part of the Team IMPACT program for the last two season.

Tweet from @YSUBaseball: Happy 1 Year Anniversary to our guy, Jacob, on signing his NLI to be a part of our program! @Sypert4 @GoTeamIMPACT pic.twitter.com/tWdduhn01x

“I think is so important for our baseball team to have a chance to be involved with a great organization and a great cause like Go4theGoal and children’s cancer,” YSU head coach Dan Bertolini said. “Our Team IMPACT player Jacob Sypert has been affected by childhood cancer, and his mother approached me this fall about getting involved. I got a chance to meet with Karen from Go4theGoal in January and I couldn’t be more excited about partnering with them.”

For more information on Go4theGoal, visit go4thegoal.org.

First pitch on Friday is set for 5 p.m. in game one of the key three-game Horizon League series against the Crusaders.

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

Scrappers Announce Colorburst 5K for 2017

ColorBurst 5K, producers of paint run events across America, in conjunction with the Mahoning Valley Scrappers are delighted to announce that the Second Annual ColorBurst 5K run will take place within the grounds of Eastwood Field on Saturday August 5, 2017. This family friendly 5K fun run will be staged in partnership with the Scrappers and will be held the same day as the team’s home game against the State College Spikes.

The CB5K experience brings people from all walks of life together in a technicolor burst of energy and excitement blending color, music and ‘good vibes’ against the backdrop of a 5K fun-run suitable for the entire family.

Tweet from @mvscrappers: Check out the 2016 Colorburst 5K

Where this event differs from the traditional 5Ks you may have experienced previously is in the two key elements of fun: amazing music and gallons of gloriously colored paint At each interval along the course, CB5K crew blast each participant with non-toxic, hypoallergenic, washable, water-based paint from the sidelines. Aside from this amazing twist on the typical 5K guests will be treated to an interactive pre-party and post-party at the fully branded CB5K stage with DJs, MCs, giveaways and family-focused fun.

The MV Scrappers will be working alongside main sponsors Fizek, Chevy All Stars & Braking Point Recovery Center to welcome ColorBurst 5K to Niles and a portion of the race ticket sale proceeds will go to the team’s charitable partner Akron Children’s Hospital-Mahoning Valley.

Tickets go on sale today here and there are a limited number of earlybird tickets available starting at $22.99.  Each ticket includes a voucher for entry to a Scrappers Game this season! Create your own team name & register with friends, or as an individual. As part of its commitment to making their event a family-friendly choice ColorBurst 5K include one child (12&under) registration free with every registered adult.

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

NYPL Charitable Foundation Announces 2017 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.

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 ninth year, the 2017 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 ninth 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 2017 Scholarship Contest can obtain the official application by visiting the Williamsport Crosscutters offices at BB&T Ballpark. Applications can also be also be downloaded by clicking HERE.

The deadline to submit applications to the nearest NYPL team is June 5, 2017. 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.

For more information on the 2017 NYPL Scholarship Contest, call the Crosscutters at (570) 326-3389.

The Crosscutters 2017 home opener is scheduled for Tuesday, June 20 against the State College Spikes. Season tickets, bonus books and mini-plans are now available by phone at (570) 326-3389, online by clicking HERE 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.

ValleyCats to revamp four youth ballfields on April 13

TROY, NY- The Tri-City ValleyCats and their corporate partners, BlueShield of Northeastern New York and Hannaford Supermarkets, have teamed up on the 7th Annual ‘4 in 24’ Field Renovation Project, where four youth ball fields will be renovated in a 24-hour time period on Thursday, April 13.

The four leagues to receive the work will be Amsterdam Youth Baseball, Colonie Little League, Tri-Village Little League, and RC Little League. Each field will receive new sod placed on the infield, a rebuilding of the pitcher’s mound and home plate areas, raking and grading of the infield dirt, cutting the baselines to the correct specifications, and much more.

“Since we began the ‘4 in 24’ project back in 2011, it has been one of our most impactful community outreach events each year that has positively affected thousands of youth ballplayers within the Capital Region,” said ValleyCats General Manager Matt Callahan. “We can’t thank BlueShield and Hannaford enough for their tremendous support of this important initiative.”

This year marks the seventh consecutive ‘4 in 24’ project, and upon its completion, 28 youth ballfields will have been renovated. What has made it all possible is the support of the ValleyCats partners, who have aided in supplying the necessary resources and volunteer commitment to complete these renovations.

“BlueShield knows the importance of supporting programs that provide healthy opportunities for the children throughout our community to play and learn,” said Dr. Kirk Panneton, Vice President, Regional Executive and Medical Director, BlueShield of Northeastern New York.  “Our company and employees have helped to transform more than 24 fields since partnering with the Tri-City ValleyCats, and we are thrilled to support the ‘4 in 24’ program again this year.”

“Youth development and wellness are two of the things that matter most to our communities and to Hannaford,” said Hannaford Supermarkets Community Relations Specialist Brian Fabre. “Through this partnership with the ValleyCats and BlueShield, we are proud to provide young people with wonderfully improved facilities for healthy play and for growth as individuals and as members of a team.”

Work on each field will commence at daybreak, and will continue through the night if needed. The efforts will also be assisted by BrightView (the ValleyCats official grounds crew), Admar Construction, Turface, and SiteOne Landscape Supplies, who are contributing some of the necessary equipment, materials, and volunteers. Additional support comes from ‘Cats Care, the ValleyCats’ arm of the New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation.

2017 ‘4 in 24’ Youth League Snapshots

Amsterdam Youth Baseball

Field Address: Lower Veterans Field, Locust Avenue, Amsterdam, NY 12010

Opening Day: Saturday, April 22

League Information:

Over 625 kids and 70 adult volunteers devote thousands of hours of cumulative time to making Amsterdam Youth Baseball run, and are the only organization in Montgomery and Fulton County that offers baseball to youngsters in the spring, summer and fall. They have T-Ball (5-6), Rookies (7-8), Minors (9-10) and Majors (11-12) as well as a travel team for each age group – 9U, 10U, 11U and 12U.

The 2017 renovation will focus on their lower Veteran’s Field, in order to make it a 50’/70′ field so that youngsters ages 5-12 can play. This renovation will allow for the field to also serve as a practice field, which the league doesn’t currently have. With over 600 children, this second field is crucial to providing adequate practice and playing time for each team.

League Statement:

“We appreciate everything that the ValleyCats do for local youth baseball leagues. We were in dire need of a secondary field and now we are able to accommodate the influx of kids ages 4-12 who play in our spring league as well as our fall league that had 18 teams last season – the largest in our 67-year history.”

-Paul Antonelli, President, Amsterdam Youth Baseball

Colonie Little League

Field Address: Pee Wee Field, Cook Park, Colonie, NY 12205

Opening Day: Saturday, April 29

League Information:

With 32 teams and almost 400 registered members, Colonie Little League has a big impact on their community. However, their Pee Wee level field is in need of repair, as the mound has sunken down, the home plate area has very poor drainage, which has caused an uneven batters box, and the infield grass is uneven and unsafe. Given the importance of providing a safe and fun place for the youngest level players to play and learn, where the love for the game is born, this project is of utter importance.

League Statement:

“I wanted to take a moment to extend our most sincere thank you for selecting Colonie Little League for this year’s 4 in 24. You have no idea how excited we are to have received notification that we were selected for the field makeover. It was truly a welcomed surprise and will save us time and money.

It is so exciting and terrific that the ValleyCats and their partners sponsor programs that continue to give to communities like ours. Having the field redone will be great for our kids and the league for years to come.

-Ron Filkins, President, Colonie Little League

Tri-Village Little League

Field Address: Magee Park, 23 Kenwood Avenue, Glenmont, NY 12077

Opening Day: Monday, April 24

League Information:

The Community Grounds Crew will be renovating Tri-Village’s Farm field, where the infield and mounds are dire need of replacement. The field also has grading issues which need to be resolved in order to improve water run-off. Tri-Village currently serves over 400 youth ballplayers aged 5-12.

League Statement:

“On behalf of Tri-Village Little League, our board of directors and all the kids that play in our league, I want to thank the Tri-City ValleyCats for selecting our organization to be part of their community field renovation program. The ValleyCats’ commitment to youth baseball is extraordinary and this is just another example of the tremendous support they are providing to the local baseball communities and the community at large. Having one of our fields selected for renovation is a tremendous support to our league from a financial perspective, but more importantly, it will create a safer and more enjoyable baseball experience for our kids.”

-Tyler Kattrein, President, Tri-Village Little League

RC Little League

Field Address: Major Field, 2445 1st Avenue, Schenectady, NY 12303

Opening Day: Friday, April 28

League Information:

RC’s Major field, which is in need of a complete overhaul of the infield, will be the recipient of the field renovation at their LCW Complex in Rotterdam. RC Little League, which was the result of a merger between Rotterdam and Carman Little Leagues in 2014, serves 430 players across 43 total teams.

League Statement:

RC Little League is anxiously awaiting the start of its 2017 season. We have many exciting changes for the league, as we have begun to work on player development for all divisions. RC Little Leagues major excitement is that we are the recipient of the Tri-City ValleyCats ‘4 in 24’ field renovation program, which will renovate our Major field at the LCW Complex in Rotterdam, NY into a field of dreams. We are anxiously looking forward to volunteering along with the Tri-City ValleyCats and their partners to create a safe and well-maintained field that our players, managers, coaches, their families, and the community will be anxious to come, play and/or watch a ball game!

-Chad Quinlivan, President, RC Little League

Cutters Raise over $7,700 for Williamsport Area Little League

The Williamsport Crosscutters 11th annual Hot Stove Banquet was held January 16 at the Genetti Hotel in downtown Williamsport.

The event featured Phillies manager Pete Mackanin, outfielder Roman Quinn and TV voice Tom McCarthy in addition to Cutters manager and former World Series MVP Pat Borders and Japanese baseball legend Tom O’Malley. The guests entertained attendees with stories, answered audience questions and signed autographs.

Quinn, reflecting on his time playing in Williamsport in 2012 said, “Just looking back on that year, it was a good time. It was my first professional baseball experience and it was great. Playing in front of the Williamsport fans was awesome.”

The night, presented in part by Pana Patriot Power, WRAK Radio and the Williamsport Sun-Gazette, was also highlighted by auctions that featured a wealth of sports memorabilia including a special Phillies VIP Game Experience, a Maikel Franco autographed bat, a NY Yankees VIP Game Experience and much more.

Another highlight of the event was the induction of Tony Visco into the Bowman Field Hall of Fame.   Visco, the owner and principal architect of Anthony H. Visco Architects has been part of virtually every renovation project at BB&T Ballpark since 1994. Over the last 24 years, Visco and his crew have been involved in no less than 12 renovations covering literally dozens of different projects.

A portion of the proceeds from the evening were donated to the Williamsport Area Little League. At the conclusion of the festivities, they were presented with a check for $7,725

The Crosscutters 2017 home opener is scheduled for Tuesday, June 20 against the State College Spikes. Season tickets, bonus books and mini-plans are now available by phone, online at crosscutters.com 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.

Cutters & NYPL Foundation Donate to the American Rescue Workers

The Williamsport Crosscutters and the New York-Penn League Foundation recently donated over $8,000 to the American Rescue Workers. The donation represented the proceeds from the New York-Penn League Foundation 50/50 Raffle held at Cutters games in 2016.

“We were delighted to have the American Rescue Workers as a partner in our nightly 50/50 raffle and look forward to assisting them in their mission again in 2017,” said Cutters Vice-President of Marketing and Public Relations, Gabe Sinicropi. “The amount generated exceeded our expectations and we want to thank all of our fans for their support.”

This past season, the Crosscutters utilized the services of 50/50 Central, a company that provides electronic 50/50 raffle services to many sports teams across the U.S.

Monies generated from the 50/50 raffle go directly to the New York-Penn League Foundation and are then distributed to the American Rescue Workers.

The mission of the American Rescue Workers, founded in 1884, is to give spiritual and material aid to those in need.

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.

### CUTTERS BASEBALL…FUN ON THE CUTTING EDGE###

Photo Identifier- Members of the Williamsport Crosscutters present a check for $8,151.22 to the American Rescue Workers. The check represents the proceeds from the team’s 2016 50/50 raffles.

(L-R) Sarah Budd – Crosscutters Dir. of Community Relations, Col. Dawn Astin – ARW Co-Commanding Officer, Col. Sam Astin- ARW Co-Commanding Officer, Doug Estes – Crosscutters Vice-President/General Manager

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

Local Program Recipient of Phillies Charities, Inc. Grant

The Philadelphia Phillies recently announced that their charity arm, Phillies, Charities, Inc., has awarded a $10,000 grant to Montoursville based K’s For Cancer.

K’s for Cancer is a 501(c)(3) public charity created in the memory of Justin Flannery Hilton. The organization raises money to provide direct and immediate support for everyday items like gas, food, and more for cancer patients and their families in Lycoming County.

Each year, Phillies Charities, Inc. awards dozens of local charities and organizations who are making an impact in the Phillies’ major league and minor league community.

“Each year, Phillies Charities reaches out to us to provide information about worthy charities in our area,” said Sarah Budd the Crosscutters Director of Ticket Operations & Community Relations. “We are elated they chose to support K’s For Cancer, an organization we have supported for a number of years.”

Representatives from K’s For Cancer, accompanied by Crosscutters representatives, will be in attendance on Tuesday, Dec. 13, at the Phillies Charities, Inc. Holiday Giving Party at Citizens Bank Park, where they will be recognized and saluted along with other award recipients by the organization for their charitable efforts.

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

The Crosscutters 2017 home opener is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, June 20 against the State College Spikes. For more information visit www.crosscutters.com or call (570) 326-3389.

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

Missing Child Found with Spinners Help

LOWELL, MA – The Lowell Spinners, short season affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, are proud to announce that Edward Vasquez, a missing child whose picture was prominently displayed at LeLacheur Park this season, has been safely located in Springfield, MA.

Vasquez, in addition to three other missing children, had his picture posted on a sign from the BairFind Foundation, an organization dedicated to locating missing children, at LeLacheur Park this season. He was reported missing in April and was found in his hometown of Springfield. The three other missing children from the sign, Skyelee Housman, Derrick DeSouza, and Charlotte Lowell, have all been found as well. This marks the second season in a row that the BairFind Foundation and the Spinners have teamed up in an effort to find missing local children. For more information on the BairFind Foundation, visit bairfind.org.

“We could not be happier that all four children pictured in LeLacheur Park have been located and are now safe, sound and reunited with their families,” said Spinners’ owner Dave Heller. “The more eyes that are looking for a child, the more likely that child will be found, and the support this great community has given to the Bair Foundation and our outstanding law enforcement authorities has been overwhelming — and has produced real results for four families. This is a grand-slam day for Lowell!”

“BairFind is proud to partner with the Lowell Spinners, as they joined in the search for Edward Vasquez and three other missing children since opening day.” said BairFind founder Dennis Bair “It feels great to know that those children have been located safely this summer. The Spinners have made LeLacheur Park a powerful resource for their community in the search for missing kids.”

The Spinners recently concluded their 2016 season with the winningest season in team history and a Stedler Division title. The team will return for the 2017 season in June.

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

Seneca County Chamber of Commerce honors Doubledays

(Romulus, NY) – The Seneca County Chamber of Commerce recently presented its 2016 Small Business of the Year Award to the Auburn Doubledays Baseball Club during a ceremony at the Chamber’s Annual Membership BBQ event held at Knapp Vineyard Winery and Restaurant.

The Doubledays were among five finalists for the membership award, which also included: the Glove House (Waterloo), Jessica & Company (Waterloo), Main Street Drivers (Seneca Falls) and the Seneca County House of Concern (Seneca Falls).

Founded in 1958, the Auburn Doubledays Baseball Club is currently a Class “A” Short Season Affiliate for Major League Baseball’s Washington Nationals. Under the direction of new General Manager Mike Voutsinas, the organization experienced a 22% increase in home game attendance over the last two years (most of any team in the league). New community partnerships and regional collaborations were formed with a special focus on providing opportunities for children in neighboring little leagues, schools, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.

Corporate sponsorships have nearly tripled, allowing the organization to make several needed infrastructure improvements to Falcon Park and added amenities related to fan experience. The net result was the first operating profit for the franchise in more than five years.

“We congratulate the Auburn Doubledays on their noteworthy achievements and significant contributions to our regional quality of life,” said Chamber President Jeff Shipley. “Despite limited staff and resources, small businesses such as the Auburn Doubledays play a vital role in the health and well being of our local communities.”

More than 200 Chamber members and guests attended the event, sponsored by Generations Bank. The award was developed by the Chamber in 2007 to recognize and celebrate the impact that small businesses have on local communities. Small businesses account for nearly 98 percent of all businesses in New York State – providing nearly 4 million jobs and contributing over $190 million in payroll.

For more information about this event or for details about Chamber membership, benefits and programs, please call (315) 568-2906 or visit www.senecachamber.org.

Cutters Offer MedReturn at Wednesday Games

Lycoming County District Attorney’s office has teamed up with the Williamsport Crosscutters to give fans the opportunity to safely dispose of unwanted or expired household medication.

Officials will be in attendance with the MedReturn box to collect medication at every Cutters Wednesday home game. Collection dates are June 22, July 13, August 3, August 10 and August 31.

Lycoming County District Attorney Eric Linhardt stated, “The best way to avoid the risks of prescription drug abuse, especially for children and teenagers, is to safely dispose of medications when they are unused or expired. The Pennsylvania MedReturn drop boxes offer the public a safe, accessible, and convenient alternative to keeping prescription drugs that aren’t being used in the home where they can get in the wrong hands or be disposed of in landfills or down the drain where they can end up in the water supply.

All fans turning in medication will receive a coupon for a free hot dog and soda, courtesy of the District Attorney’s office, redeemable at any Cutters home game during the 2016 season.

“We are pleased to assist the D.A’s office in helping get as many unused prescriptions as possible out of homes and safely disposed,” stated Gabe Sinicropi, Cutters Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations.

MedReturn is committed to providing a safe, simple, secure and environmentally friendly way to help law enforcement agencies and communities collect unwanted or expired household medication, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs and unused pharmaceuticals in locations throughout the U.S.A.

For more information on the program, call the Williamsport crosscutters at (570) 326-3389.

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

Charitable Tuesdays Bigger and Better in 2016

For the third consecutive season, the Williamsport Crosscutters will present Charitable Tuesdays. The program, presented by Woodlands Bank, gives local non-profit organizations a no-cost opportunity to have a presence at BB&T Ballpark, for the purpose of educating fans about their organization.

One organization will be featured at every Tuesday home game and receive;

  • A display table in the stadium to display and distribute promotional literature and materials
  • A live on-field interview before the game
  • Ceremonial 1st pitch honors for the organization
  • The opportunity to be a guest on the Crosscutters radio broadcast for one inning
  • A $250 donation to the organization courtesy of Woodlands Bank and the Crosscutters presented during an on-field ceremony

“When approached by the Crosscutters with the idea to partner with them for Charitable Tuesdays, it was an immediate yes”, stated Jon P. Conklin, President & CEO of Woodlands Bank. “Woodlands Bank is defined by its commitment to the local community. Daily, we work, live, and give in Lycoming and Clinton County. The Cutters are a great organization that shares the same values as we do, which I know will lead to giving to great and worthy local non-profits this season.”

Interested organizations should submit an application, available online at crosscutters.com or at BB&T Ballpark. Applications must be received by June 3, 2016. More information is available by contacting the Cutters Director of Community Relations, Sarah Budd at (570) 326-3389 or email sarah@crosscutters.com

The Crosscutters 2016 season opens on June 17 when they host the State College Spikes. The full schedule can be found at crosscutters.com.

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

Lake Monsters and Five Guys Team Back Up In 2016 For May Days Fundraising Program

BURLINGTON, VT — The Vermont Lake Monsters are excited to announce the continued partnership with Five Guys Burgers and Fries during the annual May Days 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.

Support of local non-profits has demonstrated the strong commitment both the Lake Monsters and Five Guys have 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 while providing a chance for supporters to come together at the ballpark.

The Howard Center is just one of the many local non-profits who has benefitted from participating in Five Guys May Days and will continue the tradition this year. “Throughout the year, we benefit from the generous support of the Lake Monsters.” said Catherine Shahan, Director of Community Friends Mentoring at the Howard Center. “We appreciate our community partnership as it provides opportunities for many of our clients to enjoy an afternoon or evening of baseball, hot dogs, and fun!” Thank you, Lake Monsters for giving back and ensuring the whole community has access to your programs.”

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 donate half of the proceeds back to the organization. Following the selling period, Five Guys will donate up to $500 to match the amount raised by the highest selling non-profit in the program. Organizations will then be recognized on field with a check presentation at a Lake Monsters game this season.

This opportunity is an easy way to fundraise for non-profits, simply by reaching out to your employees, supporters, volunteers, and sponsors with the URL link. For more information or if your non-profit is interested in participating contact Zach Betkowski at 802-655-4200 or zach@vermontlakemonsters.com.

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

NYPL Announces 2016 Scholarship Contest

AUBURN, NY – 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 eighth year, the 2016 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 pplicants 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 eighth 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.”

Local High school seniors interested in entering the 2016 Scholarship Contest can download the application by clicking here.

The deadline to submit applications to the nearest NYPL team is May 20, 2016. Each club’s winner, including the three $2,500 scholarship recipients, will be selected in mid-June.

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.

6th Annual Cutters 5K to Benefit CDC

The Williamsport Crosscutters, in partnership with the Children’s Development Center, will be holding the 6th Annual Cutters 5K on Saturday, June 25th at BB&T Ballpark 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 almost 200 participants. Since its inception, almost $60,000 has been raised for the CDC through this event.

“Hope Enterprises and its Children’s Development Center strive every day to accomplish its mission of serving children and their families in this area. Due to the tremendous community support Hope has received over the years, we are able to meet the very specific needs of those we serve. As an example of that support, we are extremely proud and fortunate to partner with the Williamsport Crosscutters and their 5K run” 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 on July 1st. Prizes will also be awarded to the top three male and female walkers. The event will also feature a new Kids Fun Run, free for children age 10 and under. All kids participating will receive an award.

“We are proud to partner with the CDC annually 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 July 1st Crosscutters vs. Batavia MuckDogs game at 7:05pm. Registration forms and more information are available online at crosscutters.com, at the Crosscutters offices at BB&T Ballpark or the CDC offices located at 625 W. Edwin St.   Sponsorships of the event are also still available.

The Crosscutters open the 2016 season on June 17 against the State College Spikes at BB&T Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field. The full schedule, along with detailed information on ticket packages, is available at www.crosscutters.com or by calling the Cutters at (570) 326-3389.

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