Registration Open: Run Jimmy Run Charity 5K

A race that was born in the ballpark Jimmy built!

Sunday, July 16 is the 5th annual “Run Jimmy Run Charity 5K” at Coca-Cola Field, remembering Buffalo Baseball Hall of Famer Jimmy Griffin and raising important funds for the Alzheimer’s Association of WNY.

This unique race course highlights some of the beautiful sites in our city and ends in our downtown baseball park with a family oriented post-race lunch, party and ball game. The purpose of this race is to celebrate the life and accomplishments and charitable spirit of Mayor Jim Griffin through a fitness-oriented event designed for all ages.

CLICK HERE to register today!

SPECIAL EARLY REGISTRATION RAFFLE -If you register by June 16, you’ll be eligible to win the chance to throw out a ceremonial first pitch at a Bisons game (subject to availability) in the very ballpark that Mayor Griffin fought so hard to construct. The special early-registration raffle will also include four tickets to a Bisons game with four hot dogs, four Coca-Cola soft drinks and four Bisons caps.

If you register before the day of the race, it’s only $35 per person! ($40 day of registration). Registration includes a ticket to the Bisons game that day at 1:05 p.m. against the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, a commemorative t-shirt, a chip-timed bib, and a post-race party that will serve lunch, beer and pop.

All proceeds from the Run Jimmy Run go to the Alzheimer’s Association of WNY www.alz.org/wny and stay in Buffalo and Western New York. Here in WNY the Alzheimer’s Association is committed to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. The Run Jimmy Run is committed to provide funds to the ALZ of WNY for support of patient programs here in our community.Jimmy Griffin was the Mayor of Buffalo who passionately supported the Bisons franchise. He was instrumental in bringing professional baseball back to the Queen city in 1979 and was heavily involved in the construction of Coca-Cola Field in downtown Buffalo.

For more information, please visit RunJimmyRunCharity5K.com

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

‘Namastadium’ yoga event returns on July 8

Namaste, Bisons fans!

Grab your yoga mats and join us on Saturday, July 8 at Coca-Cola Field for Namastadium 3. This annual event is a fun-filled day where fans of all ages can come out and practice their yoga poses in the outfield at Coca-Cola Field.

Doors open at 11 a.m. The yoga class, led by instructors from Power Yoga Buffalo, runs from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 a.m. The relaxation continues after class with light food and drinks available from 12:45 p.m. to 2 p.m.

The cost for adults is $35, which includes a ticket for the yoga and one Buffalo Bisons flex ticket (which can be redeemed for a ticket to any Bisons home game excluding special events). Proceeds benefit Women & Children’s Hospital of Buffalo and Yogis in Service. Children 12 years old and younger are FREE to attend the kid’s portion, run by Yogis in Service. Advance registration is required for children.

CLICK HERE to purchase tickets. You can also purchase tickets at Power Yoga Buffalo, lululemon Buffalo, or by contacting Beth Potozniak at (716) 846-2040 or bpotozniak@bisons.com.

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

View More

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.

McCoy Charity Softball Game Returns June 4

The LeSean McCoy Foundation and Rochester Red Wings have announced the fourth annual LeSean McCoy Charity Softball Game will be held at Frontier Field on Sunday, June 4 with festivities beginning at 2 p.m.

McCoy and his Buffalo Bills teammates will take on a team of local heroes comprised of police, firefighters and emergency medical technicians. Former NFL players who have participated in this event in the past include Cam Newton, Victor Cruz, DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, Brian Westbrook, Thurman Thomas, Sammy Watkins, Chris Hogan and Tyrod Taylor.

Gates will open at 1 p.m. The Home Run Derby begins at 2 p.m. with the game starting at approximately 3 p.m.

Tickets will go on sale Friday, April 28 at 9:00 a.m. at Frontier Field Ticket Office, online at RedWingsBaseball.com or by calling (585) 423-WING. Tickets are $25 for platinum box, $20 for premium box, $15 for upper box and $10 for reserved. Red Wings Season Seat Holders will have until Thursday, April 27 at 5:00 p.m. to claim their seat location. On Friday, April 28, those seats will be released for sale to the general public.

A limited number of suites will be available for this event. A 16-person suite including food and non-alcoholic beverages will be $750. Fans purchasing these suites can buy additional tickets (up to four) at $25 each. A 10-person suite with the same amenities is $600 and additional tickets (up to two) can be purchased for $25 each.

This year’s softball game will feature live autograph signings, a silent auction and several raffles.

Proceeds from the event will be directed to the LeSean McCoy Foundation to provide educational and resource programs to disadvantaged youth and to raise awareness and funds directly benefitting individuals and families battling Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. LeSean’s grandmother, Maryann Branch, lost her battle with ALS.

Tickets to this charity event are considered a non-refundable donation the LeSean McCoy Foundation. No refunds will be issued due to inclement weather if the event cannot take place.

Media wishing to cover the event must contact Theresa Jones of the LeSean McCoy Foundation at theresa.t1@gmail.com.

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

2017 Red Wings Baseball Camp, July 19-20

The Red Wings 2017 Baseball Camp presented by Advantage Federal Credit Union will take place at Frontier Field July 19-20. The camp is open to boy and girls ages 7-12. Camp will run 9 am to 12 om on July 19 and 9 am to 1 pm on July 20.

Campers will learn techniques and fundamentals of the game from Red Wings players and coaches. The instructors will cover everything from fielding and pitching to hitting and base running. Each session will include games.

CLICK HERE FOR A CAMP BROCHURE

The camp fee is $115 and includes two days of camp instruction from Wings players/coaches, FREE camp t-shirt, a picnic after the final day of camp, two tickets to a Red Wings game and refreshments/snacks during the camp.

Early registration is suggested as enrollment is limited. For more information call Kevin at (585) 454-1001 ext. 3046.

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

View More

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

Prevention Night / Alcohol-Free Event Announced

Binghamton, NY – The Binghamton Rumble Ponies, the Double-A affiliate of the New York Mets, are pleased to announce a partnership with Broome Opioid Abuse Council (BOAC) Drug Free Communities to provide a Prevention Night at NYSEG Stadium on April 19. In order to create an environment where families and community members can enjoy a fun-filled night and create lasting memories, no alcohol will be served during the Rumble Ponies’ game that evening. This is part of this year’s “We Care Wednesdays”, which will be announced separately.

“Being a part of the community with outreach efforts aimed at helping families achieve FUNN experiences is something we will always strive to do,” stated team owner John Hughes. “Getting involved with an organization that is working hard on critical issues which are impacting friends and families across the Southern Tier is the kind of effort the Rumble Ponies can stand behind and contribute to.”

April is Alcohol Awareness Month and coincides perfectly with the Rumble Ponies/BOAC Prevention Night.

“We aim to highlight underage drinking prevention, and provide an alcohol-free family-fun activity,” said Kara Skellett, Drug-Free Communities Coordinator. “With the assistance of the Rumble Ponies, we will put the focus on community education, outreach and prevention, and substance abuse treatment.”

Gates open at 5:30 PM for the April 19 game against the Portland Sea Dogs. Details of the event will be provided at www.bingrp.com with additional sponsors mentioned during the game.

All questions can be directed to John “JB” Bayne, the Rumble Ponies’ Assistant General Manager and Director of Community Relations, at (607) 722-3866 or by email at jb@bingrp.com.

The Rumble Ponies open the 2017 season on the road in New Hampshire on April 6 before celebrating their home opener at NYSEG Stadium on April 13 against Erie. Individual tickets for the 2017 season are on sale now.

##RUMBLE PONIES##

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

Family Campout Night Announced for August 25

For a second straight year we’ve got a FAMILY CAMPOUT NIGHT planned at Frontier Field on Friday, August 25 presented by Dunkin’ Donuts and Meyer’s RV Superstores! 

Any fan with a ticket to the game on Friday, August 25 can CAMPOUT under the stars at Frontier Field that night! Following the game we will be showing the movie “Little Big League” on the videoboards. Popcorn, soda and water will be available for purchase from one of the Red Wings concession stands before and during the movie.

 In the morning, Dunkin’ Donuts will be here with FREE coffee and donuts for all those who camped out!

Campout in Style: One lucky campout group will be upgraded to spend the night in an RV on the field, courtesy of Meyer’s RV Superstores. For your chance to spend the night in the RV, use promo code CAMPOUT when purchasing tickets online and you will automatically be registered for the upgrade experience. We’ll announce the guest upgrade before the movie begins. Don’t have a tent but want to camp out? The staff from Meyer’s will be here selling discounted tents and supplies.

In an effort to keep track of how many fans we’ll have sleeping over on August 25, please use promo code: CAMPOUT (all caps) when purchasing tickets online if you plan on staying over. To order tickets over the phone, please call Mike Ewing at (585) 454-1001 EXT. 3036.

PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE HERE (Be sure to use the promo code)

We can’t think about a Campout Night without remembering TENT BOY! In the Summer of 2002, with the Wings mired in a long losing streak, Wings GM Dan Mason took to a tent in the Red Wings bullpen…

[embedded content]

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

Chiefs & Dr. Fitzpatick raise $2,000 for Humane CNY

Chiefs GM Jason Smorol with Dr. Fitzpatrick from Beaver Lake Hospital and Christine McNeeley & Jada from Humane CNY (Jeffrey Irizarry/Syracuse Chiefs)

The Syracuse Chiefs are proud to announce that Dr. Sandra Fitzpatrick owner of Beaver Lake Animal Hospital has donated $2,000.00 to Humane CNY as a part of an annual sponsorship promotion. Dr. Sandra Fitzpatrick presented the check to Humane CNY today at the NBT Bank Stadium, the home of the Syracuse Chiefs.

Each season Dr. Sandra Fitzpatrick of Beaver Lake Animal Hospital partners with the Chiefs to help raise awareness for the overpopulation of pets. Every time a Chiefs’ relief pitcher strikes out an opposing batter at NBT Bank Stadium, a $10.00 donation is made to Humane CNY. Since 2008, Dr. Sandra Fitzpatrick has personally donated over $18,000 through this promotion.

Humane CNY is a nonprofit no-kill shelter in Syracuse. Humane CNY is a no-kill, not-for-profit animal shelter, with a mission to find loving homes for the animals who need them.

“On behalf of the Syracuse Chiefs we would like to thank Dr. Fitzpatrick for once again partnering with the Chiefs to raise funds for such a fantastic organization,” Jason Smorol, Syracuse Chiefs General Manager.

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

B-Mets Issue Reading Challenge To Binghamton Schools

BINGHAMTON, NY – On Wednesday, September 21, 2016 the Binghamton Mets issued a reading challenge to all of the elementary schools within the Binghamton Central School District. The grand prize – the winning school will assist the Double-A Mets Affiliate with the announcement of their new team name in November.

It was important for the organization to partner with the local Binghamton Central School District elementary schools as a way of furthering our ties to the local Binghamton community. At the end of the day, the Double-A Mets Affiliate will proudly say “Binghamton” right across the chest of the jerseys. Therefore, we are proud to partner with Calvin Coolidge, Benjamin Elementary, Horace Mann, MacArthur, Theodore Roosevelt, Thomas Jefferson, Woodrow Wilson, and St. John’s for this friendly challenge amongst the Binghamton schools.

From September 21st through October 21st the Binghamton Mets are looking to see which of the eight schools can read the most combined minutes per student. Each student within the district has been provided with an Independent Reading log to track his or her progress. For the entire month (as well as the entire school year) students will keep track of all their time spent reading within the classroom and outside the classroom. On October 24th all schools will submit their final data for the Binghamton Mets staff to review. After all of the data is reviewed the Binghamton Mets will announce the winners of the reading challenge that same week.

The winning school will then be bused and provided lunch at NYSEG Stadium in November for the unveiling of the new team.

For more information please call 607.723.METS or email eddie@bmets.com.

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

Wings’ jersey’s journey to Afghanistan

Rochester, N.Y. to Afghanistan — 6,673 miles.

That’s the distance between Rochester and Afghanistan. That distance would take you from New York to L.A. and back to Des Moines, Iowa.

Jose Berrios has memorabilia that resides there, but he doesn’t know it.

On the Fourth of July a season-high 11,574 spectators filed into Frontier Field as the Wings dropped a 5-2 decision to Buffalo. That night Rochester donned patriotic threads that were silent auctioned following the game to benefit the Veteran’s Outreach Center in Rochester.

Gracious fans raised $3,380 on Independence Day to lay claim to the unique game worn Wings artifacts. Many of the jerseys can be seen worn by fans around the park while others have them framed in their homes.

Jose Berrios’ jersey won’t be seen by anybody for quite some time because his is currently 6,673 miles away in Afghanistan.

Danny Cashman has been in the military since 2005 where he joined as a military police officer and was sent to Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri for one station unit training. Later that year he was sent to Fort Benning in Georgia where he participated in jump school as a paratrooper in the 82nd airborne. He was then stationed in Fayetteville, North Carolina before being stationed in Afghanistan for 15 months from 2007-08.

There is not a lot to do in down time while overseas. One day Cashman was sent a baseball and he went out in the field with the guys and played with it. Soldiers were sent soccer balls and they played with those. Practically anything over there could be used to goof off and have a good time.

Now, Cashman sends whatever he can get his hands on overseas. Upon his return in 2008 he has been collecting game-used baseballs, bats, and a game-used base from a Red Wings game that hangs in the dining hall of his former base. He’s also sent over basic supplies like socks and T-shirts because at the end of the day he knows anything is appreciated.

“The baseball stuff (we received) was a surprise and it was like ‘Hey this is awesome!’ Stuff like that sent to any solider packages would be utilized and it was nice. Unless you have a family member or friends sending you things it can be tough and you don’t know what you are going to get. Being able to keep their morale up is huge.”

Jose’s jersey was sent over to a good friend of Cashman not only because of the patriotic colors of the jersey, but also because of the number.

The duo both thoroughly enjoy the movie The Replacements and quarterback Shane Falco sports #16 in the film so the number has stuck for the two men.

So while the $3,380 is going to help war veterans in Rochester, the jerseys themselves are having an impact themselves over 6,000 miles away.

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.

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, 2016 will mark the fourth 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 a 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, bookmarks, 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.

Baseball Buddies Program Better Than Ever

The Red Wings Baseball Buddies program has been revamped in 2016 thanks to our friends at Dairy Queen!

Want your team to take the field in uniform before a Red Wings game? How does 10 FREE tickets sound? Or how about a FREE Wings cap for all your players?

As part of the Baseball Buddies program, your Little League team…

  • will be introduced individually over the PA system prior to first pitch.
  • will stand with the Red Wings players and coaches for the National Anthem.
  • receives 10 FREE tickets.
  • gets a FREE Red Wings cap for each player.
  • receives coupons for a FREE Blizzard at Dairy Queen

Need more than 10 tickets? Additional tickets are available for friends and family of the team at the discount group rate.

Sign your team up today by contacting Bob Craig at (585) 454-1001 ext. 3021 or email him.

IMPORTANT LINKS:

Promotions || Schedule || Ballpark Birthdays || Knot Hole Gang Kids Club

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

Darnell honored for his community service

rochesterredwings_2014-10-21

Rochester Red Wings starting pitcher Logan Darnell made significant contributions both on and off the baseball diamond in 2014. Along with combining on a no-hitter for the Red Wings and making his Major League debut with the Minnesota Twins, Darnell has been named co-winner of the John L. Seebach Volunteer Award as announced by the Federation of Social Workers. Darnell has been named a co-winner along with Larry and Jane Glazer.

Darnell, 25, will be honored at the 10th Annual Human Service Worker of the Year Awards Luncheon hosted by the Federation of Social Workers on November 7 at the Joseph Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center. Red Wings President/CEO/COO Naomi Silver will be accepting the award on behalf of Darnell.

“I am truly honored to receive this award,” said Darnell. “Giving back to the community is something that is very important to me, the Red Wings and the entire Twins organization. Rochester is a great baseball town and a wonderful place to call home during the summer months.”

In his second season with the Wings, the southpaw endeared himself to the Rochester community. Despite the rigors of a 144-game minor league baseball schedule — which includes just eight off days — Darnell made more than 15 appearances at various community events throughout the year — a number that easily led the team and made him the runaway winner as the Red Wings “Most Civic-Minded” player and the Twins Harmon Killebrew Award honoree for the Rochester club.

“Logan had to lead the league in community appearances this season,” said Red Wings General Manager Dan Mason. “He’s been a great ambassador for the Red Wings and the City of Rochester in his time here.”

The majority of Darnell’s appearances came at various local little leagues and camps. A few of his more notable appearances included the Challenger Baseball World Series held at Frontier Field, The Mary Cariola Children’s Center and The Dave Clark D3 event held at the ballpark in August.

Darnell, who went 7-6 with a 3.60 ERA in 23 games (19 starts) for Rochester, made his Major League debut with the Twins on May 6 this season. He also combined with Trevor May on the 22nd no-hitter in Rochester franchise history, throwing the final six innings on August 11 vs. Durham.

Other notable award recipients at this year’s luncheon include RPD Officer Daryl Pierson and his partner Officer Mike DiPaola (Human Service Worker Courage Award) and New York State Lieutenant Governor Robert J. Duffy (Human Service Worker Lifetime Achievement Award).

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Rochester Red Wings. Click here to view the original story.