Staten Island Yankees General Manager Jane Rogers Earns League Community Award

STATEN ISLAND- Staten Island Yankees General Manager Jane Rogers has been selected by the New York-Penn League as the recipient of the 2017 Bob Julian Community & Baseball Service Award. The award is given annually to the individual that has made outstanding service contributions to their community and to baseball.

As a key part of Staten Island’s operation, Jane has distinguished herself through her hard work and magnetic personality and is known by many as a person who you can count on to get things done. In the first six years of her tenure with the team, Jane progressed from Office Manager to Assistant General Manager to Executive Vice President to her current position of General Manager. Along with being a main-stay in community relations, she is also the team’s liaison to the New York Yankees working closely with player development.

Throughout the years, Jane has been recognized for her work all across Staten Island and has earned the following recognitions: Business Leader Award from Boy Scouts of America, Wounded Warrior Community Award, Todt Hill Iron Hills Community Leader Award, Community Leadership Award from Emma’s Place, Goethals Bridge Award from SIEDC, Women of Influence Award from SIEDC, Influential Woman Business Leadership Award, and NYPL Female Executive of the Year (2003, 2006, 2007, 2008). Jane also sits on the following boards: MiLB Baseball Chapel Advisory Board, Eger Nursing Home Advisory Board, SIEDC Business Council, and Staten Island Chamber of Commerce.

Jane resides in Tottenville with her husband of 38 years, Mike Rogers. Jane and Mike are the proud parents of Julie and Matthew and have two grandchildren, Vincent and Daniella.

“I’ve known Jane for years and long before we became co-workers on Staten Island. Her passion, energy and caring extend way past the boundaries of Richmond County Bank Ballpark at St. George and serve as an inspiration to our staff. Her dedication to this business and our community have garnered several well-deserved awards. I’m proud Jane will be honored for her efforts by an industry of our peers at the Baseball Winter Meetings this year.” – Will Smith, President/Operating Partner, Staten Island Yankees

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

RiverDogs Lend Helping Hand to Oklahoma

CHARLESTON, SC — General Manager Dave Echols has announced that 15 percent of all profits of Charleston RiverDogs merchandise purchased through MiLB.com will be donated to the Oklahoma City Red Cross, as part of Minor League Baseball’s “15 for 15” initiative to raise funds to assist those affected by the recent storms in Oklahoma. The donations will run until June 17.

A total of 51 minor league teams — including the RiverDogs — are participating in the endeavor to assist those in the Sooner State that were affected by recent tornados.

“The Charleston RiverDogs are pleased to participate in this endeavor,” said Echols. “It’s very important for us to help during this devastating and unfortunate time in Oklahoma.”
The RiverDogs join in the partnership with Minor League Baseball Charities, MiLB and Professional Baseball Umpire Corp., and the clubs participating in the program include the Bakersfield Blaze; Batavia Muckdogs; Bluefield Blue Jays; Boise Hawks; Bradenton Marauders; Buffalo Bisons; Cedar Rapids Kernels; Charlotte Knights; Charlotte Stone Crabs; Chattanooga Lookouts; Clinton LumberKings; Connecticut Tigers; Corpus Christi Hooks; Dayton Dragons; Delmarva Shorebirds; Durham Bulls; Frisco RoughRiders; Great Lakes Loons; Greenville Astros; Greensboro Grasshoppers; Hickory Crawdads; Idaho Falls Chukars; Indianapolis Indians; Inland Empire 66ers of San Bernardino; Jacksonville Suns; Lakewood BlueClaws; Las Vegas 51s; Lexington Legends; Lynchburg Hillcats; Mahoning Valley Scrappers ; Memphis Redbirds; Modesto Nuts; Myrtle Beach Pelicans; Nashville Sounds; Oklahoma City RedHawks; Orem Owlz; Rochester Red Wings; San Antonio Missions; Savannah Sand Gnats; Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders; St. Lucie Mets; State College Spikes; Stockton Ports; Syracuse Chiefs; Toledo Mud Hens; Trenton Thunder; Tri-City ValleyCats; Tulsa Drillers; West Michigan Whitecaps; and Wilmington Blue Rocks.

SI Yankees honor Eric Rosen and Hungerford School for HOPE Week

STATEN ISLAND- Introduced in 2009 and heading into its ninth year in 2017, the New York Yankees’ HOPE Week initiative (Helping Others Persevere & Excel) is rooted in the fundamental belief that acts of goodwill provide hope and encouragement to more than just the recipient of the gesture. The Staten Island Yankees adopted the parent club’s initiative in 2011 and carry the tradition into 2017 for a seventh season. Beginning on Thursday, Aug. 31, Staten Island Yankees players, front office staff and Scooter the Holy Cow will recognize the efforts of an outstanding individual in the community as well as showing support to groups around us in need. Below is the schedule of events for the Staten Island Yankees HOPE Week:

Thursday, Aug. 31: Eric Rosen is an honorary Staten Island Yankee for a day.

Eric Rosen was diagnosed with autism as a child, but with the help of his mother Ilene, he never let that slow him down. Now at the age of 32, Eric is graduate of St. John’s University, has two shows on Community Television, “The Blitz Zone” and “Eric’s View”, works at Eden II Programs, and serves as a role model for those learning to live with autism. Eric will join the Baby Bombers for their doubleheader against the Connecticut Tigers as an honorary Staten Island Yankee for a day. See below for Eric’s bio.

Friday, Sept. 1: Richard H. Hungerford School takes a trot around the bases for Home Run for Life.

The Hungerford School for students with special needs helps students develop to their maximum potential and functional levels by providing them with essential social, emotional, language, technological and academic skills. As part of a long-standing relationship with the Hungerford School and the Staten Island Yankees, students come to the ballpark several times a week throughout the year to assist with mailings, stadium clean-up and other miscellaneous tasks. During the Staten Island Yankees game against the Connecticut Tigers, the Baby Bombers will recognize the students with an in-game Home Run for Life.

More about HOPE Week: At its core, HOPE Week is about people helping people. The one thing everybody has – no matter where they come from, what their financial situation is or what kind of skills they possess – is time. By involving players and front office staff during the celebration of HOPE Week, the entire New York Yankees organization is sending the message that everyone can give of themselves to make our community a better place. For more information about HOPE Week, visit hopeweek.com.

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.

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Born on August 16, 1985, Eric Rosen appeared as healthy and as normal a child as any other. Unbeknownst to both his doctors and parents, he was not. As with most children born within the autism spectrum, Eric displayed normal cognitive functions until about his second year, when he began to slowly withdraw and shut himself away from his family and the world. Once he was diagnosed, his parents, most notably his mother, Ilene, went to work immediately to find everything available to help her son. At that time, resources were even less accessible than they are today, but if it existed, Ilene would find it and make sure that Eric would make good use of it. She was determined to help her son overcome this baffling and life changing disorder. As his parents soon found out, autism has just as much a profound effect on the families of those afflicted as it does on the person who is diagnosed.

Eric was enrolled at the Volunteers of America – Early Learning Center in Tottenville at the age of three. With the dedicated help of the entire staff, Eric began to take his first steps out from under this cloud that enveloped him. Physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and the learning of basic life skills, were many of the regimens that started early and continued throughout his young life. Along with school came many extra-curricular forms of stimulus such as On Your Mark, the JCC, additional private tutoring that included speech and occupational therapy, and a program called Parents as Partners given by a young autism advocate and the future Executive Director of the Eden II programs, Joanne Gerenser. It was an important time for Eric, as he was beginning to show positive progress that came as a result of hours and hours of hard work and dedication from all of those who contributed to his therapies as well as his family and of course, Eric himself.

As the years progressed, Eric began to exhibit a higher level of cognition than anyone had expected, which led to the decision to send him into the Staten Island public school system. At first, Eric had a difficult time adjusting to the public school setting, but in time, he adapted well and began to flourish. Graduating from P.S 4 to P.S 36 to I.S 7 it came time to decide on a high school. It was apparent that Eric had exhibited both a high enough level of academic prowess and appropriate behavioral skills to qualify him for a unique program called REACH, given at Xaverian High School in Brooklyn.

The way he performed there made it apparent that attending college was a definite possibility. During his time in high school, Eric had been a member of the orchestra, the varsity swim team, the model U.N., and ultimately graduated in the top ten of the entire senior class. He received an award for academics at their graduation ceremonies at Brooklyn College and was ultimately accepted at St. John’s University with an academic scholarship. While at St. John’s, Eric worked in the Student Life office, joined a fraternity, acted in their theater group, The Stagers, and continued his academic achievements by graduating Magna Cum Laude with a B.S. in Political Science.

Today, Eric works in the Human Resources Department at Eden II Programs. Eric is thrilled to have his own sports show “The Blitz Zone” and another show called “Eric’s View” on CTV (Community Television) and is hoping some day to be a co-host on a sports show on ESPN. His achievements have been truly remarkable and by overcoming so many challenging obstacles, Eric stands as an example of hope and unlimited potential to all whose lives have been so profoundly affected by autism.

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

Thunder To Support Hurricane Harvey Relief

The Thunder, Double-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, and their 501(c)3 The Grand Slam We Care Foundation announced today that it will make a contribution to relief efforts from Hurricane Harvey.

“I’m sure that throughout the 24 years of Thunder baseball we’ve had players, coaches, staff or fans that have visited or were raised in areas affected by Hurricane Harvey,” said Thunder GM/COO Jeff Hurley. “It’s heartbreaking to see so many people displaced from their homes, lose all of their belongings and we want to provide relief to those in their time of need.”

Thunder fans will have the opportunity to support relief efforts on every ticket order placed online at www.TrentonThunder.comfor the remainder of the 2017 season. The optional donation can be made for any amount before entering payment information. During their online ticket transaction, fans will be prompted with the option to donate to the Hurricane Harvey relief effort. If fans have already purchased tickets for the games this upcoming weekend, they can visit or call the Thunder Box Office at (609) 394-3300 ext. 101 and a donation can be entered without having to purchase additional tickets.

Fans purchasing tickets to Saturday or Sunday’s game against the Reading Fightin Phils may purchase a wristband for $3 to watch fireworks from the field. Wristbands may be purchased online with your tickets or in-person at ARM & HAMMER Park for either of the final two post-game fireworks shows in 2017.

The donations collected from The Grand Slam We Care Foundation, online ticket sales and wristband sales will be distributed to the MiLB Hurricane Harvey relief fund.

The Thunder return to ARM & HAMMER Park on Friday, September 1 for a four-game series with the Reading Fightin Phils. For tickets and the latest information on Thunder baseball visit www.TrentonThunder.com.

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

Thunder Team Up with AUVI-Q® (Epinephrine Injection, USP) to Host a Peanut-Free Game This Season

 TRENTON, NJ – It’s hard to imagine a baseball game without peanuts, but in a new collaboration between Minor League Baseball® (MiLB™) and AUVI-Q® (epinephrine injection, USP), fans that suffer from peanut allergies can enjoy America’s national pastime with less concern.

On Friday, Aug 25, the Trenton Thunder will be hosting a peanut-free game, sponsored by AUVI-Q. The game will feature no in-park sales of peanuts or products containing peanut ingredients. Throughout the game, in-park messaging and informational displays will be available for fans to learn more about AUVI-Q.

“With the help of AUVI-Q supporting our commitment to fans, we can create an environment where fans with peanut allergies can come to the ballpark and enjoy a game to its fullest,” said Jeff Hurley General Manager/COO of the Thunder. “We hope to see many new faces experiencing their first Minor League Baseball game because of our peanut-free night.”

Earlier this month, Minor League Baseball and AUVI-Q announced a multi-year agreement, making AUVI-Q the “Official Epinephrine Auto-Injector (EAI) of Minor League Baseball,” where a number of MiLB teams across the country will host “Peanut-Free Game Days” this season and next season. AUVI-Q is an FDA-approved prescription medicine used to treat life-threatening allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, in people who are at risk for or have a history of serious allergic reactions. AUVI-Q is the first and only EAI with an auto-retractable needle and includes innovative features such as voice instructions. AUVI-Q is not a substitute for emergency medical treatment. AUVI-Q, manufactured by kaléo, is available by prescription nationwide. To learn more about AUVI-Q, please visit www.auvi-q.com.

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

Four Young Community Stars Named Staten Island Yankees/Con Edison Kids

NEW YORK- Four Staten Island youths who demonstrate leadership and concern for their community are the 2017 Staten Island Yankees/Con Edison kids.

The students were honored Thursday at the first Staten Island Yankees/Con Edison Kids recognition night at Richmond County Bank Ballpark at St. George. The ceremony took place before the game against the Connecticut Tigers.

The honorees are: Julia Hart, 15, Isaiah Terry, 15, Triniti Jackson, 11, and Sean Gomez, 13.

“This program honors young people who excel in the classroom by getting good grades and in the community by donating their time for good causes,” said Will Smith, president and operating partner for the Yankees. “We thank Con Edison and look forward to honoring elite young Staten Islanders for years to come.”

The ballpark crowd acknowledged the winner with applause as their images flashed on the screen in center field while they stood on the field. The children and their parents then watched the game – a 4-0 Yankees victory – from a luxury suite.

“I think it is a pretty big accomplishment, and I’d like to thank Con Edison for naming me a 2017 Staten Island Yankees/Con Edison Kid,” said Sean Gomez. “I feel like I accomplished something significant and it has me feeling proud.”

Community organizations from across the Island nominated youths who exhibit leadership, sportsmanship, and volunteerism. The nominees also had to have a grade point average of B or better.

“Having quality volunteers like Julia and Isaiah is critical for our organization to sustain our mission,” said Heather Butts, executive director and co-founder of Health, Education, Academics, Life Skills, Training, and Help (HEALTH) for Kids. “Volunteering is important to the kids because the opportunity to beautify their enviroment gives them gratification.”

Additional information about the impressive honorees:

  • Julia Hart is a volunteer with HEALTH for Youth. As part of a gardening project this summer, she designed a model for an irrigation system.
  • Sean Gomez is a vice president with the Staten Island NAACP Youth Council and has represented the council at three state and two national conventions. Sean has won gold, silver and bronze medals in track and bowling while representing Staten Island at regional and state Special Olympics competitions.
  • Triniti Jackson is a leader of the NYC Parks Staten Island Recreation Robotics Team, inspiring her teammates, who participated in their first robotics competition this past year.
  • Isaiah Terry also volunteers with HEALTH for Youth. He has participated in park clean-ups and gardening projects. He takes his passion for volunteerism to school, where he participates in community service projects.

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

Tampa Yankees Announce HOPE Week 2017

TAMPA, Fla. – The Tampa Yankees will participate in HOPE Week (Helping Others Persevere & Excel) from Tuesday, August 8th through Saturday, August 12th, 2017.

HOPE Week is a community program, created by the New York Yankees in 2009, designed to bring to light five remarkable stories intended to inspire individuals into action in their own communities. The initiative is based on the fundamental belief that acts of goodwill provide hope and encouragement to more than the recipient of the gesture. Visit www.hopeweek.com for more information.

Throughout HOPE Week, the Tampa Yankees will reach out to individuals, families and organizations worthy of recognition and support, surprising honorees with a day celebrating their accomplishments.

Tuesday, August 8th – The Tampa Yankees will attend the Lighthouse Center for Creative Learning (a school for children with autism) and hang out with kids, including playing catch and reading, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Students and families from the center are invited to attend the 7:00 p.m. game vs. the Clearwater Threshers and take the field with the T-Yanks as part of the Baseball Buddies Program.

The Lighthouse Center for Creative Learning has been “helping students find their way for more than 15 years!” For more information, visit www.come2lighthouse.com.

Wednesday, August 9th – The Tampa Yankees will visit A Kid’s Place of Tampa Bay and hang out with the kids, playing games from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

“A Kid’s Place provides residential services to children from birth to age 18, who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect or abandonment and to provide a variety of services which meet the social, educational, medical, and psychological needs of the child.” – www.akidsplacetb.org.

Thursday, August 10th – The Tampa Yankees plan to visit Trinity Café and assist in serving lunch from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Trinity Café opened in 2001. Its mission is “to restore a sense of dignity to the homeless & hungry while serving a nutritious meal. We faithfully treat all of God’s children with dignity, compassion, love, and respect.” – www.trinitycafe.org.

Friday, August 11th – The Make-A-Wish Foundation will attend the 7:00 p.m. game between the Tampa Yankees and St. Lucie Mets and accept donations. The foundation will also participate in the Baseball Buddies Program, giving kids the opportunity to go on the field and meet players. A representative from the Make-A-Wish Foundation will throw out the ceremonial first pitch. More information about the Make-A-Wish Foundation can be found at www.wish.org.

Saturday, August 12th – HOPE Week will conclude with the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation’s “Cut for a Cure” campaign as well as “Blue’s Back to School Party.”

Tampa Yankees players, staff and fans will be able to help pediatric cancer research by having their heads shaved, beginning at 5:00 p.m. Pediatric cancer survivors will be on hand to shave the heads of participants and will then get to participate in the Baseball Buddies program prior to the 6:30 p.m. game vs. the St. Lucie Mets. Click here for more information and to donate to “Cut for a Cure.”

Fans are also invited to join Blue for a back-to-school party. The first 1,000 kids 14-and-younger will receive a T-Yanks drawstring bag, courtesy of OneMain Financial. The night will end with a post-game fireworks show.

To purchase single game tickets, fans can visit the George M. Steinbrenner Field Box Office or go online to www.tybaseball.com. Tickets start at $5 for upper reserved seating, $8 for lower reserved seating, and parking is always free.

The Tampa Yankees are the Single-A Advanced Affiliate of the New York Yankees. For more information, call (813) 673-3055 or visit www.tybaseball.com.

Florida State League Announces Annual Scholarship Winners

Tampa, FL. – The Tampa Yankees, in conjunction with the Florida State League and the Miami Marlins, are pleased to announce Lyndsay Kane as their 2017 scholarship award winner. The Florida State League Scholarship committee award 12 individuals with educational scholarships. The committee approved the awards after a review of the applications submitted by all the Florida State League teams.

Lyndsay Kane is currently enrolled at the University of South Florida where she is pursuing a degree in Nursing and has a 3.7 GPA. She previously attended Palm Harbor University in the medical magnet program for High School and then went to St. Petersburg College for one year. This is Lyndsay’s 5th season working the Tampa Yankees.

Lyndsay was honored at the Tampa Yankees home game on July 15th at George M. Steinbrenner Field. In addition, she was introduced during a pre-game ceremony at the Miami Marlins game on Sunday, July 30th along with the other Florida State League teams’ award winners.

The Miami Marlins/Florida State League scholarship program is awarded to students that are an employee of, or the child or grandchild of an employee of the participating club and must be at least a high school junior by the 2018 fall term. The Miami Marlins have sponsored this program for the past seventeen years and have contributed over $160,000 to the Florida State Program.

The Tampa Yankees are the Single-A Advanced affiliate of the New York Yankees. For more information on the Tampa Yankees visit www.tybaseball.com or call (813) 673-3055.

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

RiverDogs Reschedule Peanut-Free Night at The Joe

CHARLESTON, S.C. – After a rain out on Wednesday night, the Charleston RiverDogs have announced they have rescheduled Peanut-Free Night presented by Charleston Allergy and Asthma at The Joe to an upcoming home date on Wednesday, August 2 at 7:05pm.

For one night only, no peanuts will be on sale at the park with special sections for those with peanuts allergies available. The designated areas will be completely peanut-free with a thorough cleansing of the sections prior to the game.

Lower reserved tickets to the peanut-free zone are $10 each. For $17, fans receive a ticket to the peanut-free seating along with a meal voucher. For fans that can’t miss out on the favorite ballpark snack, packing peanuts and circus peanuts will be available for sale as the RiverDogs take on Columbia.

Along with the peanut-free festivities at the park, the first 1,248 fans at the gate will receive their very own Justin Pope hat as part of “Wardrobe Wednesdays” presented by WEZL in recognition of the Charleston pitching coach who guided the RiverDogs’ 2016 staff to a franchise record strike out total. “The Pope” and the RiverDogs hurlers will take on the Columbia Fireflies in the finale of a three-game series.

In the United States, approximately three million people report allergies to peanuts and tree nuts. Studies show the number of children living with peanut allergy appears to have tripled between 1997 and 2008.

For more than 30 years Charleston Allergy & Asthma has used the most up-to-date and advanced treatments and our convenient three locations. We’ve built trusting, long-lasting relationships with our patients. Today, our six board certified allergists continue to strengthen our services and relationships – all in an effort to ensure our patients are able to breathe better, feel better and live better.

RiverDogs tickets, including options for the all-new Riley Park Club, are now available and can be secured by contacting the box office at (843) 577-DOGS (3647) or online at riverdogs.com/tickets. Those that can’t make it to the park can follow every pitch of the RiverDogs season on WTMA 1250 AM in the tri-county area or by streaming online at riverdogs.com and the TuneIn Radio App by searching “RiverDogs.” All 70 RiverDogs home games are available with online streaming video at MiLB.tv.

–RIVERDOGS–

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

RiverDogs “Knock ‘Em Out of the Park” With Second Annual Peanut-Free Night at The Joe

CHARLESTON, S.C. – Back by popular demand, the Charleston RiverDogs will once again take a big cut and “knock ’em out of the park” as they hold a Peanut-Free Night presented by Charleston Allergy and Asthma at The Joe on Wednesday, July 19 at 7:05 pm.

For one night only, no peanuts will be on sale at the park with special sections for those with peanuts allergies available. The designated areas will be completely peanut-free with a thorough cleansing of the sections prior to the game.

“We received a lot of positive feedback after hosting this night a season ago, and we’re happy to once again provide a safe and relaxing night out at The Joe for baseball fans with peanut allergies along with their friends and family,” said RiverDogs President and General Manager Dave Echols.

Lower reserved tickets to the peanut-free zone are $10 each. For $17, fans receive a ticket to the peanut-free seating along with a meal voucher. For fans that can’t miss out on the favorite ballpark snack, packing peanuts and circus peanuts will be available for sale as the RiverDogs take on the Hagerstown Suns.

“Peanut allergies are a growing problem with a rising frequency in the United States and worldwide,” said Dr. Jeffrey J. Dietrich of Charleston Allergy & Asthma. “Having a peanut allergy can make it difficult for patients and their families to participate safely in everyday activities we take for granted such as taking a plane ride or going to a baseball game due to concerns for accidental exposure to peanuts. Our 2nd Annual Peanut Free Night with the RiverDogs is a great opportunity for peanut allergic patients and their families to safely enjoy a game and to help to raise awareness for food allergies.”

In the United States, approximately three million people report allergies to peanuts and tree nuts. Studies show the number of children living with peanut allergy appears to have tripled between 1997 and 2008.

Along with the peanut-free festivities at the park, the first 1,000 fans at the gate will receive a pair of RiverDogs sunglasses as part of “Wardrobe Wednesdays” presented by WEZL as the RiverDogs open up a seven-game homestand.

For more than 30 years Charleston Allergy & Asthma has used the most up-to-date and advanced treatments and our convenient three locations. We’ve built trusting, long-lasting relationships with our patients. Today, our six board certified allergists continue to strengthen our services and relationships – all in an effort to ensure our patients are able to breathe better, feel better and live better.

RiverDogs tickets, including options for the all-new Riley Park Club, are now available and can be secured by contacting the box office at (843) 577-DOGS (3647) or online at www.riverdogs.com. Those that can’t make it to the park can follow every pitch of the RiverDogs season on WTMA 1250 AM in the tri-county area or by streaming online at riverdogs.com and the TuneIn Radio App by searching “RiverDogs.”

–RIVERDOGS–

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

Tampa Yankees to Host Annual “Christmas in July Toy Run”

Tampa, Fla. – The Tampa Yankees will host their annual “Christmas in July Toy Run” on Saturday, July 15th, presented by Full Throttle Magazine, Harley Davidson of Tampa and Fran Haasch Law Firm. Motorcyclists will deliver toys to St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital before heading to George M. Steinbrenner Field. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. and the Yankees will battle the Florida Fire Frogs at 6:30 p.m.

Motorcyclists are invited to bring an unwrapped toy to Tampa Harley Davidson before riding to St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital to deliver the toys. Bikers are then welcome to ride onto the warning track at George M. Steinbrenner Field for the National Anthem and will receive free tickets, food vouchers and Tampa Yankee hats.

Those who are not motorcyclists can still donate by bringing unwrapped toys to the stadium box office in exchange for a free upper reserved ticket. Players will then deliver the toys to the hospital.

Salute to Service Members Saturday will also be recognized. All military personnel receive a free upper reserved ticket with a valid identification. Also, select players will sign autographs on the concourse from 5:40 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

To purchase tickets, fans can visit the George M. Steinbrenner Field Box Office or go online to www.tybaseball.com. Tickets start at $5 for upper reserved seating, $8 for lower reserved seating, and parking is always free.

The Tampa Yankees are the Single-A Advanced Affiliate of the New York Yankees. For more information, call (813) 673-3055 or visit www.tybaseball.com.

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

Tampa Yankees to Recognize “Everyday Heroes” in July 4th Celebration

Tampa, Fla. – The Tampa Yankees invite fans to celebrate Independence Day at George M. Steinbrenner Field on Tuesday, July 4th. Gates will open at 6:00 p.m. and the T-Yanks will battle the Fort Myers Miracle at 7:00 p.m. After the game, fans can witness a fireworks extravaganza.

As a thank you to our “Everyday Heroes,” the T-Yanks will offer free admission to all EMT, firefighters, police and military personnel with a valid identification.

Players and coaches will be wearing custom camouflage jerseys that will be available in an online auction at tampayankees.milbauctions.com. The auction will run through the end of the season, with the proceeds benefiting “My Warrior’s Place.”

“This program assists our local heroes and their families who have suffered a catastrophic event, such as a life-threatening disease, fire or flood. Realizing money is not the only thing needed during a time of crisis, we meet practical needs as well. Individuals and local business owners help meet those needs at no cost to the family. Our program matches individuals and families with available resources within our community.” – www.mywarriorsplace.org.

In addition, fans can take advantage of a July 4th Four-Pack Ticket Offer: Four lower reserved tickets, four Dellin Betances bobbleheads and four TY camouflage hats for $40.00. This offer is exclusively available online while supplies last and will run until July 3rd at 11:59 p.m. Four-packs will not be sold on the day of the game. To purchase a four-pack, fans can click here.

To purchase single tickets for the “July 4th Celebration,” fans can visit the George M. Steinbrenner Field Box Office or go online to www.tybaseball.com. Tickets start at $5 for upper reserved seating, $8 for lower reserved seating, and parking is always free.

The Tampa Yankees are the Single-A Advanced Affiliate of the New York Yankees. For more information, call (813) 673-3055 or visit www.tybaseball.com.

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

RailRiders Announce HOPE Week Activities

Moosic, Pa. – What began as an ode to the parent club and the community has turned into an annual tradition in NEPA. The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Triple-A/New York Yankees) are proud to announce that beginning on Monday, June 19, the RailRiders will join the New York Yankees in support of HOPE (Helping Others Persevere and Excel) Week 2017, a unique week-long communal program that brings to light extraordinary stories intended to inspire individuals into action in their own communities.

Initiated in 2009 and now in its eighth campaign in NEPA, HOPE Week is rooted in the fundamental belief that acts of goodwill provide hope and encouragement to more than just the recipient of the gesture. Each day from Monday, June 19, through Sunday, June 25, members of the RailRiders front office staff or club will reach out personally to connect with an organization, cause or individual. 2017 marks the sixth straight year that each of the Yankees’ six U.S.-based affiliates will participate in the program, making the initiative one that the entire organization proudly stands behind.

“Being a part of the Yankees family is special. HOPE Week is one of the unbelievable programs that solidifies the ‘Yankee way’ and how important it is to impact your community,” said RailRiders Team Pesident/COO Josh Olerud.

On Monday, June 19, will hold a special meet and greet between SWB players and military veterans. Local veterans from St. Francis Commons Veterans Program in Scranton will receive tickets to the game and will have a special meet and greet with players at the field before the game. These veteran groups in attendance will receive special recognition during the Hometown Heroes in-game announcement.

From 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 20, players, coaches and front office staff will help box up meals for the Commission on Economic Opportunity’s “Senior Box Program” at the Weinberg Northeast Regional Foodbank in Pittston, PA. The CEO’s “Senior Box Program” provides meals to over 2,000 senior citizens in the area every month.

Wednesday, June 21, will feature a visit to the Janet Weis Children’s Unit at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Hospital. Players, coaches, front office staff, and CHAMP will visit the patients in the Children’s Unit of the Geisinger Wyoming Valley Hospital from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The visit will include reading to and visiting with the kids, coloring CHAMP and other fun pages and each child will get a special gift to keep. During the game, autographed memorabilia will be auctioned off and the proceeds will be given to the Ronald McDonald House of Scranton towards their efforts to support families of children who are in the hospitals in the local Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area.

RailRiders players will make a special visit on Thursday, June 22, to see a local Nanticoke area high school senior varsity baseball player, Aaron Kreitzer, who is in the hospital battling leukemia. Kreitzer will also be presented with his own custom RailRiders jersey. Since his diagnosis, Kreitzer’s high school baseball team, fellow students, and the whole Greater Nanticoke area community have rallied around him and his family throwing charity softball tournaments and fundraising benefits.

SWB will kick-off their annual RailRiders Vs. Cancer fundraiser on Friday, June 23. Fans will be informed of the fundraiser, the date of the head shaving will be announced, and past year’s fundraising campaign success will be highlighted. The RailRiders will also get to choose a local pediatric cancer program to receive half of the funds raised in this season’s campaign. Fans at the ballpark will be given the team fundraising website information.

From 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 24, players, coaches and staff will volunteer with Habitat for Humanity. They will put the finishing touches on a home in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., for a low-income family to purchase in July. The Wyoming Valley Habitat for Humanity restored the home for a single mother and her five-year-old daughter.

The team will wrap up their HOPE Week on Sunday, June 25, by participating in Minor League Baseball’s Joe Torre “Safe at Home” Domestic Violence Awareness Initiative. MiLB Charities has teamed up with the Joe Torre “Safe at Home” Foundation to raise awareness for domestic violence and educate fans about the resources available to help those in need. The first 500 fans at the game will receive Topps Card Sets featuring MLB veterans and top prospects and a signed Joe Torre Baseball will be raffled or auctioned off for the charity of our choosing. A representative from the Joe Torre Foundation will also be in attendance.

Our Community Organization of the Game will be the Mary Kay Foundation whose mission is to serve and support women with cancer and women and children affected by domestic violence. The Mary Kay Foundation will be selling their t-shirts during the game to raise money for their local programs. There will also be a “supply” drive (Items such as hygiene products, diapers, baby food and formula, school supplies, bus tickets and a no-longer used cell phone can make an important difference).

HOPE Week is just a part of the RailRiders’ community outreach this season, and the RailRiders look forward to continuing their involvement both during and after HOPE Week. Any inquiries regarding the weeklong festivities should be directed to RailRiders director of community relations Jordan Maydole by calling 570-969-2255 (ext. 3140) or by e-mailing jmaydole@swbrailriders.com.

The 2016 Gildan Triple-A National Champion RailRiders hit the road for four games in three days against the Buffalo Bisons (Toronto Blue Jays) beginning Friday, June 16. First pitch at Coca-Cola Field is set for 7:05 p.m. The boys of SWB return home on Monday, June 19, against the Syracuse Chiefs (Washington Nationals). Every Monday home game at PNC Field is Dollar Dog Night, presented by the Times-Tribune. For tickets or more information, please call 570-969-BALL (2255) or visit swbrailriders.com.

– SWB RailRiders Baseball – The Place to Be! –

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

Thunder HOPE Week Begins Tuesday, June 6

The Thunder’s annual HOPE Week will take place this coming Tuesday, June 6 through Saturday, June 10 at ARM & HAMMER Park when the team hosts the Hartford Yard Goats (Colorado Rockies) and Bowie Baysox (Baltimore Orioles).

HOPE Week is a New York Yankees initiative which stands for Helping Others Perservere and Excel. Throughout the week, the Thunder will honor outstanding individuals and organizations who have positively impacted our community.

Tuesday, June 6 at 7pm vs Hartford – World War II Veteran Frank Fazzalore
The Thunder will take time to honor Silver Star and Purple Heart receipient, Frank Fazzalore, as part of the first day of HOPE Week. Fazzalore, 93, served in the US Army during World War II and will visit with Thunder players before the game on Tuesday June 6.

Wednesday, June 7 at 7pm vs Hartford – Eric LeGrand
A standout high school football player from Colonia High School in Colonia, NJ, LeGrand sustained a severe spinal cord injury during a game against Army at Met Life Stadium on October 16, 2010. In January of 2011, Rutgers University announced that LeGrand had regained movement in his shoulders and sensation throughout his body and entered the Reeve Foundation’s NeuroRecovery Network. LeGrand has become a source of inspiration, hope and perseverance for many in our region and around the world.

LeGrand will visit with Thunder players prior to the game and share his story of inspriation. Fans can have the opportunity to attend a meet and greet with LeGrand and can do so by reaching Jon Bodnar at JBodnar@TrentonThunder.com.

Thursday, June 8 at 7pm vs Harford – United Way of Mercer County
The Thunder will honor the United Way of Mercer County on the third day of their HOPE Week and support their Strike Out Hunger campaign with a food drive at ARM & HAMMER Park. Hundreds of thousands of children in the state of New Jersey are food insecure and The United Way of Mercer County aims to provide more than 200,000 meals to food banks throughout the state.

Fans attending the Thursday, June 8 game against Harford may bring non-perishable food items with them to donate to the United Way’s Strike Out Hunger campaign. Fans that donate one food item will receive a wrist band to watch Fireworks from the field after Thursday’s game. Fans that bring more than one item will receive the wrist band as well they will receive a ticket to the Thunder and Reading Fightin Phils game on Sunday, September 3.

Friday, June 9 at 7pm vs Bowie – Eden Organics Salon & Spa
Eden Organics Salon & Spa will be recognized for their Eden Cares program which provides Complimentary Salon & Spa services to clients currently receiving chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer. The program is available at all three Eden Organics locations, Newtown, PA, Doylestown, PA, and Allentown, NJ.

Thunder players will visit the Allentown location and learn more about the services that encourge relaxation, stress relief and incresed wellness and vitality to cancer patients. For more information visit www.EdenCares.org.

Saturday, June 10 at 7pm vs Bowie – Trenton Area Soup Kitchen
Thunder players will visit the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen and aid in their mission to feed those who are hungry in the Trenton area. TASK offers programs to encourage self-sufficiency and improve the quality of life of its patrons.

The Thunder will support TASK with a food drive on Saturday, June 10 as fans are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items with them to support TASK. Fans that bring one item to donate will receive a wrist band allowing them to watch fireworks from the field following Saturday’s game. Saturday’s fireworks show is presented by Toyota. Fans that bring more than one item will receive a wrist band and a ticket to the Thunder game on Sunday, September 3 against the Reading Fightin Phils.

For more information on HOPE Week and its honorees, contact Director of Community Affairs Vince Marcucci at VMarcucci@TrentonThunder.com.

The Thunder complete a three-game series with the Binghamton Rumble Ponies (New York Mets) tonight at 7pm at ARM & HAMMER Park. Thursday’s game will air on 920 AM WNJE and online at www.TrentonThunder.com/Broadcast. For tickets and the latest information on Thunder baseball visit www.TrentonThunder.com.

Tampa Yankees to “Strike Out Cancer” on Saturday, June 3rd

Tampa, Fla. – The Tampa Yankees team up with BayCare for “Strike Out Cancer Night” on Saturday, June 3rd, in support of cancer awareness and research. Gates open at 5:00 p.m. and the T-Yanks take on the Jupiter Hammerheads at 6:30 p.m. After the game, fans are invited to stay for a fireworks show, presented by Avis and AIG.

Players and coaches will wear custom “Strike Out Cancer Night” uniforms. Five select jerseys will be auctioned online at www.tampayankees.milbauctions.com; all others will be entered in a silent auction and available for bid at the game. All proceeds from the jersey auction will benefit cancer awareness and research at BayCare.

“BayCare is a leading not-for-profit health care system that connects individuals and families to a wide range of services at 14 hospitals and hundreds of other convenient locations throughout the Tampa Bay and central Florida regions. Inpatient and outpatient services include acute care, primary care, imaging, laboratory, behavioral health, home care, and wellness. Our mission is to improve the health of all we serve through community-owned, health care services that set the standard for high-quality, compassionate care.” – www.baycare.org.

To purchase tickets for “Strike Out Cancer Night,” fans can visit the George M. Steinbrenner Field Box Office or by clicking here. Tickets start at $5 for upper reserved seating, $8 for lower reserved seating, and parking is always free.

The Tampa Yankees are the Single-A Advanced Affiliate of the New York Yankees. For more information, call (813) 673-3055 or visit www.tybaseball.com.

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