Hickory Crawdads to host first Art at the Park event!

Calling All Artists!

Hickory Crawdads to host first Art at the Park event

The Hickory Crawdads have announced their first ever Art at the Park event to take place August 13th-15th. All artists are invited to submit their best rendition of their favorite scenes from around the ballpark and have their work voted on by the fans over the three-game home stand.

The event will take place the third week in August as the ‘Dads play host to the Asheville Tourists for a three game series of 7pm games. Artists from around the area are encouraged to submit their original two-dimensional artwork depicting their favorite ballpark scene to the Crawdads Front Office by Monday, August 12th for entry into the competition. All submitted works will be displayed on the main concourse of Crawdads Stadium throughout the home stand for Crawdads fans to view and submit votes for the piece they believe should take home the grand prize. At the conclusion of the home stand, ballots will be counted and the artist whose piece gets the most votes will receive a FREE Luxury Suite for a ballgame.

In addition to the chance to win the grand prize, all participants will receive one free grandstand ticket good for any of the three games during the home stand. All fans and artists are welcome to participate as long as their submissions are within the guidelines. The fan-favorite voting contest will begin when the gates open on Tuesday, August 13th, and will remain open until the conclusion of the game on Thursday, August 15th. The winner will be announced on Friday, August 16th.

For more information on the Hickory Crawdads and their Art at the Park event, visit www.hickorycrawdads.com or contact Quinn Gruber at (828)322-3000, or e-mail qgruber@hickorycrawdads.com.

###

Crawdads Front Office:

2500 Clement Blvd. NW

Hickory, NC 28601

Crawdads Mailing Address:

PO Box 1268

Hickory, NC 28603

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

Dash to host Red Cross blood drive July 12

Donors will receive two tickets to an upcoming Dash game

Winston-SalemDash_2013-07-01

 

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (JULY 1, 2013) – On Friday, July 12, the Winston-Salem Dash will host the American Red Cross for a blood drive at BB&T Ballpark from 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. All blood donors will receive a pair of tickets to an upcoming Dash game during the 2013 season.

What: Red Cross Blood Drive

Where: BB&T Ballpark’s VIP Parking Lot

When: Friday, July 12 from 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

How: Contact Nikki Caldwell at nikki.caldwell@wsdash.com or (336) 714-6869 to schedule a time. Walk-ins will not be accepted.

For potential donors who have any questions about the blood donating process, go to www.redcross.org.

The Dash’s next homestand begins on the Fourth of July when they welcome the Myrtle Beach Pelicans to BB&T Ballpark to kick off an eight-game homestand. The homestand will open up with a special extended fireworks show, presented by WilcoHess. For tickets, call the Dash at (336) 714-2287 or visit wsdash.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Winston-Salem Dash. Click here to view the original story.

BB&T Ballpark to host Armed Forces Night

Dash to offer special military discounts for tickets on July 11

The Dash will honor our military with a special Armed Forces Night on June 11 at BB&T Ballpark.
The Dash will honor our military with a special Armed Forces Night on June 11 at BB&T Ballpark.

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (JUNE 28, 2013) – On Thursday, July 11, the Winston-Salem Dash will hold an Armed Forces Night at BB&T Ballpark to honor those who are currently serving or have served in any branch of the military.

The Dash have planned many events for Armed Forces Night, including members of the military taking the field with the Dash prior to the game. There will also be a mock induction ceremony on the field and a salute to the armed forces.

In conjunction with this special event, the Dash are offering special discounted tickets to those who have served in the armed forces. Regular $10 seats will be available for the price of $7 with a military ID. There will also be a special group outing package for groups of 20 or more. Along with the tickets, this package will include recognition on the left field LED board and game programs for just $10 per ticket.

The Dash will also be taking donations of gently used gloves, bats or baseballs to send to troops deployed overseas. In addition, the game will be a Thirsty Thursday at BB&T Ballpark. Fans can enjoy great drink specials throughout the game, including 50% off all canned and draft beer.

To purchase tickets for this special night, call the Dash at (336) 714-2287 or click here.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Winston-Salem Dash. Click here to view the original story.

‘Dads Participate in “15 for 15” Initiative

Crawdads and MiLB look to help tornado victims

HICKORY, NC – The Hickory Crawdads, South Atlantic League affiliate of the Texas Rangers, have partnered with Minor League Baseball Charities and 51 other clubs in a “15 for 15” initiative to raise funds to help out those communities that were recently affected by the tornado devastation near Oklahoma City.

Beginning Monday, and running for the next 15 days through June 17, the ‘Dads and other participating clubs have agreed to donate 15% of every order received through their online stores to MiLB Charities to use toward the relief efforts.

“The Crawdads are proud to be a part of this baseball-wide team effort to help raise funds for those affected by the devastating tornados in Oklahoma,” said Crawdads Director of Ticket Operations and Merchandising Douglas Locascio. “It’s a great way for our fans to contribute to the cause, while also getting some cool gear and showing their Crawdads pride!”

Click here to visit the Crawdads Online Team Store right now! For more information on the MiLB “15 for 15” initiative, visit milbcharities.milbstore.com.

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

Dash to hold annual Community Build May 18

Joint effort to include Lowe’s and Habitat for Humanity

Winston-SalemDash_2013-05-07

 

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (MAY 7, 2013) – The Winston-Salem Dash will partner with Lowe’s Home Improvement and Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County to assist in the annual Community Build on Saturday, May 18, from 7:45 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Dash players, staff members and front office team members will join volunteers from both Lowe’s and Habitat for Humanity in the construction of five houses at two separate locations in the Winston-Salem area.

The build project is truly a community effort, so Dash fans are encouraged to help, too. To register as a volunteer, call Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County at (336) 765-8854. Everyone’s efforts will be honored during the Dash’s game on Saturday, July 27, at 7 p.m. A special video will be shown at BB&T Ballpark in dedication to this year’s Community Build.

The first location at 1825 Willow Oak Way features three houses, one of which is very near completion. The other two homes are at 922 and 924 Roosevelt Street. One of these houses, donated to Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County, is undergoing a complete reconstruction, while another home will be built on the property. This donated lot was big enough to divide in half to accommodate a second house.

All five houses are at various stages of their construction, so volunteers will be assigned to a number of different tasks. Volunteers will assist with flooring, installing trusses, installing shingles into the roof and landscaping, among other things.

The Dash are continuing their drive toward one million fans at BB&T Ballpark, and this milestone will be reached sometime in May. For tickets, call the Dash at (336) 714-2287 or visit wsdash.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Winston-Salem Dash. Click here to view the original story.

Memorial Day: Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball

All-You-Can-Eat picnic in the park for only $10 on May 27

The Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team is coming to CMC-NorthEast Stadium Memorial Day 2013. (woundedwarrioramputeesoftballteam.org/)
The Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team is coming to CMC-NorthEast Stadium Memorial Day 2013. (woundedwarrioramputeesoftballteam.org/)

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. (April 30, 2013) – The Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team is coming to Kannapolis this Memorial Day – Monday, May 27, for a special showcase against the Charlotte Firefighters Association Local 660. The featured game is at noon at CMC-NorthEast Stadium, home of the Kannapolis Intimidators, Class A Affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. Admission to the four-game softball exhibition is only $5, and tickets are now on sale by calling the F&M Bank Box Office at (704) 932-3267 or visiting IntimidatorsBaseball.com/woundedwarrior.

This is the second straight year the Intimidators will host local firefighters for a benefit softball game to help commemorate the Memorial Day holiday. The Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team along with the Charlotte Firefighters Association Local 660 and Kannapolis Fire Department will play four softball games at CMC-NorthEast Stadium starting at 10 a.m. Fans can also enjoy a Memorial Day All-You-Can-Eat picnic in the park featuring ballpark fare favorites like hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders and other backyard picnic-style staples for only $10 starting at 11 a.m.

Sponsorship packages are still available for this event. Contact Dwayne Davis of the Charlotte Fire Department at (704) 995-3265 or at dkdavis@ci.charlotte.nc.us.

The national Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team represents some of our nation’s bravest and most determined heroes, soldiers and veterans. These young extremely athletic men have sustained severe injuries resulting in amputation while serving in the military/war, and through extensive rehabilitation, they have become competitive athletes again. Their armor now includes prosthetic legs and arms, along with extreme perseverance and attitude. For more information, visit woundedwarrioramputeesoftballteam.org.

The schedule for the four softball games on Monday, May 27, is as follows:

9:30 a.m. Gates Open
10:00 a.m. Game 1: WWAST vs. Kannapolis Fire
11:00 a.m. Game 2: WWAST vs. Concord Fire & Life Safety
12:00 p.m. Opening Ceremonies
12:15 p.m. Game 3: WWAST vs. Charlotte Firefighters Local 660
1:30 p.m. Game 4: Charlotte Firefighters Local 660 vs. Concord Fire & Life Safety/Kannapolis Fire

The Kannapolis Intimidators are in their 19th season of professional baseball in the community and 13th as the Class A Affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. The team plays home games at CMC-NorthEast Stadium, located at I-85, Exit 63. For ticket information, please call the F&M Bank Box Office at (704) 932-3267 or visit IntimidatorsBaseball.com.

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

Brenner, Habitat honored at Coaches Luncheon

2013 Dash roster introduced to the community, too

Judy Brenner (middle) accepted the Dash's Service Through Sports Award on behalf of her late husband Rich Tuesday afternoon. (Erik Weasenforth/W-S Dash)
Judy Brenner (middle) accepted the Dash’s Service Through Sports Award on behalf of her late husband Rich Tuesday afternoon. (Erik Weasenforth/W-S Dash)

The Winston-Salem Dash honored Rich Brenner as this year’s Service Through Sports Award winner and announced that Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County is the Dash’s official charity for the 2013 season at the annual Coaches Luncheon Tuesday at BB&T Ballpark.

Brenner, an award-winning sportscaster for FOX8, began his broadcasting career in 1967 as a correspondent in Vietnam. Originally from Merchantville, N.J., Brenner’s full-time television career started in 1975. He arrived at FOX8 in 1987, and his time in Winston-Salem yielded six awards, including three Southeast Regional Emmy Awards. He retired in 2008 following a 21-year career at FOX8.

During his retirement, Brenner, who served as a United States Marine, continued to be a major presence in the community, making public appearances to honor community members, including those who served in the military. Before he passed away last year at the age of 65, Brenner was working on a veterans’ memorial at Triad Park in Kernersville. Brenner’s family accepted the Service Through Sports Award on his behalf.

“I’m so honored and so humbled for this award, and I know Rich is, too,” Brenner’s widow Judy said during Tuesday’s ceremony. “I can’t tell you how special this is to our family.”

Brenner is the fourth winner of the Service Through Sports Award. The late Clarence “Big House” Gaines, who coached Winston-Salem State University’s men’s basketball team for 47 years, was the inaugural winner in 2010. Wake Forest University baseball coach Tom Walter took home the honor in 2011, while Bob and Lisa Gfeller’s work through the Matthew Gfeller Foundation was recognized last year.

The Dash also announced that Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County will be the team’s official charity partner for the 2013 season. Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County brings together community partners and volunteers to help qualified Partner Families construct and purchase well-built, affordable homes and become successful homeowners. Through the organization’s global efforts, Habitat for Humanity has built homes in 90 countries and all 50 states. They have also built homes for more than 350 Partner Families in the Winston-Salem community.

As the Dash’s official charity for the season, Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County will partner with the Dash for their Commemorative Brick Program. Entering its fourth year, the Dash’s Commemorative Brick Program allows members of the community to purchase a brick that will be installed outside BB&T Ballpark’s main gates. The Dash and Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County will collectively use the program’s proceeds to further their community outreach efforts.

“We really thank the Dash for choosing us as their 2013 charity partner,” said Sylvia Oberle, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County. “It’s an exciting time to be a part of the Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County. Thank you for thinking of us.”

The Coaches Luncheon also served as the community’s first chance to meet the Opening Day roster for the Dash. New manager Ryan Newman spoke to those in attendance, while every member of the 2013 Dash was introduced. Many local media members were on hand for the event, which also served as the Dash’s annual Media Day. Newman and select players were available for interviews before the squad’s first official workout of 2013 at BB&T Ballpark.

The Dash begin their 2013 season Friday night in Zebulon, N.C., against the Carolina Mudcats, while the home slate begins Friday, April 12, when the Mudcats invade BB&T Ballpark for a 7 p.m. game.

The Dash have unveiled their new Stars & Stripes Mini-Plan, which includes seven great Dash games, including the Fourth of July, for just $77. Single-game tickets are also on sale now, so call the Dash at (336) 714-2287 or visit wsdash.com to secure your seats.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Winston-Salem Dash. Click here to view the original story.

‘Dads team with Children’s Advocacy and Protection Center to Keep Kids Safe

L.P. Frans Stadium was the recent site of a Yello Dyno Training session where children ages 4 through 10 learned strategies to keep themselves safe. Yello Dyno teaches children about tricky situations such as child abduction, molestation, bullying, and other forms of victimization by utilizing an active, but non-fearful format of instruction.

Children attending the training learned that a “tricky person” may come in the form of someone they don’t know or, more often, someone they do know. Kids were empowered by recognizing when someone, stranger or not, is trying to trick them into doing inappropriate things. The program taught the kids how to approach the appropriate people for help if they are lost, and learned the right questions to ask when faced with difficult situations.

Crawdad’s General Manager, Mark Seaman had this to say about their decision to sponsor the training, “We appreciate the Children’s Advocacy and Protection Center of Catawba County allowing us to partner with them on this program. We feel like the ballpark is the perfect environment to educate our children on the potential dangers that unfortunately exist in our world. We feel every child should be exposed to this type of information and we challenge all groups that have involvement with kids to reach out to the Children’s Advocacy and Protection Center of Catawba County and find out how they can get involved and get their kids access to these programs”.

CAPC Executive Director, Deborah Johnson agreed with Seaman saying, “I am excited about what happened at the event and look forward to next year’s training at the stadium and believe we will have the opportunity to train even more kids. Keeping kids safe is the job of all of us and I am especially thankful for folks like Mark and all of the Crawdads staff who are committed to giving back to the community.”

Deborah adds that none of the trainings would be possible without volunteers like Dr. Stacy Briggs, Pediatrician, Yello Dyno Trainer and CAPC Board Member, who introduced “Yello Dyno” to the community several years ago. Stacy, along with Josh Page, owner of Hickory Academy of Martial Arts, and volunteer Debbie Dunn are also big believers of how empowering this training is to our kids. The Crawdads look forward to holding another training session next season.

This story originally appeared on the official website of the Hickory Crawdads.  Click here to read the original story.

TOURISTS TO HOST YOUTH CLINIC SATURDAY, MAY 5

TOURISTS TO HOST YOUTH CLINIC SATURDAY, MAY 5

The Asheville Tourists will host their first youth clinic of the season at McCormick Field on Saturday, May 5, from 10 a.m. until noon. The free clinic will be conducted by the Tourists’ coaching staff and players and will offer instruction on the fundamentals of baseball for kids age 5 and up.

Parents of all clinic participants must sign a waiver. Waivers are available online at www.theashevilletourists.com and will also be provided on the day of the clinic.

“Our clinics are one of the most popular events we host every year,” said Tourists assistant general manager Chris Smith. “It’s just one way we try to give back to the community while giving the kids an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of baseball with the players they watch on the field.”

The Tourists’ second clinic will be held on Saturday, May 19, which will be followed by the team’s annual Meet the Tourists Luncheon at McCormick Field. Tickets to the luncheon are $5 each, with all of the proceeds supporting the Asheville Tourists Children’s Fund. A non-profit organization, the Asheville Tourists Children’s Fund was established in November 1999 with the mission of brightening the lives of children by meeting their specific individual needs. Through their “If the Shoe Fits” program, the ATCF’s primary goal is for each child in Asheville and Buncombe County to have good, solid shoes on their feet.

The Tourists open a four-game series against the West Virginia Power, beginning with a 5:35 p.m. doubleheader on Wednesday night at McCormick Field. For more information, contact the Tourists’ front office at (828) 258-0428.

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

Grasshoppers Announce $100,000 Playoff Guarantee For 2011 Season

The Greensboro Grasshoppers announced a new charity initiative, Guarantee To Give – Hoppers Playoff Pledge, today during a brief press conference at NewBridge Bank Park.

The core of the pledge will be based on the Greensboro Grasshoppers going to the South Atlantic League playoffs for the first time in over ten years.  All Grasshopper season ticket holders and sponsors will have the opportunity to select their local charity of choice, and a Hoppers 2011 playoff berth will result in 20 of the charities receiving a $5,000 donation.  The winners will be announced at a date and time to be determined upon completion of the 2011 season.

If the Hoppers do not make a playoff appearance, the Grasshoppers will donate $5,000 to ten local charities, for a total donation of $50,000.

“Today was an exciting day for us as we announced a program that promotes the Grasshoppers making the playoffs for the first time in over ten years and also strengthens our commitment of guaranteed giving to the Greensboro community,” said Hoppers President and General Manager, Donald Moore.

Grasshoppers Make Major Gift for School Supplies

School bells ring and the Hoppers are not looking for baseball players; instead the focus is on contributing inventory of pens, scissors, paper, paper clips, etc., to the Teacher Supply Warehouse. The Greensboro Grasshoppers donated $10,000 to the Guilford Education Alliance to be used for supplies at the Teacher Supply Warehouse, Hoppers President and General Manager Donald Moore announced Wednesday.

The Guilford Education Alliance mission of quality education for all county residents becomes a reality through the Teacher Supply Warehouse. Over 170 teachers visit the warehouse, shopping for all the materials needed during their school year.

“We are happy to help our local teachers and students with this donation,” said Greensboro Grasshoppers President and General Manager Donald Moore. “This adds to our long-term commitment to the children of Guilford County.”

The donated school supplies were purchased at the Walmart store on S. Elm/Eugene Street. Store manager, John Brewer, coordinated the $10,000 spend with representatives from the Guilford Education Alliance.

“At Walmart we are proud to support communities in which we live and work. We know of no greater mission than that of your organization to provide supplies for your great teachers and students of the community”, said store manager, John Brewer. “Thanks to the Greensboro Grasshoppers for selecting our store and letting our team help support their work with the Guilford Education Alliance.”

The Grasshoppers are proud to partner with Guilford County Education Alliance and Walmart. However, this is not the first time the Greensboro Grasshoppers have stepped outside the ballpark to provide aid to the community.

Charlotte Knights visit Levine Children’s Hospital

On April 19, 2010, children at Carolinas Medical Center Levine Children’s Hospital were treated with a visit from several Charlotte Knight’s ballplayers. The monthly visits are a part of the Knights ongoing outreach in the Charlotte and area community.

Levine’s 234-bed children’s hospital combines the medical expertise the community already relies on with a spectacular new state-of-the-art facility designed to care for the physical and emotional needs of children and their families.

The Knights’ players, personnel, and mascots make regular visits to the hospital to help provide hope, joy and fun activities for Levine’s patients and families. Besides making their monthly visits, players and personnel of the Charlotte Knights also keep in touch with several of Levine’s patients via e-mail and online communities such as Facebook.

Charlotte Knights Wes Whisler, Adam Ricks, Daniel Hudson, Erick Threets, Jeff Marquez and Brent Lillibridge visit with 6 year old Ben Aguallo. This picture was posted on Facebook by the Aguallo family immediately following the visit. The caption read: “One of Ben’s highlights…… meeting Pro Baseball Players… thank you Charlotte Knights!”

Donald Moore Receives Unsung Community Hero Award

The Joseph M. Bryan Foundation announced Thursday that Donald Moore, President and General Manager of the Greensboro Grasshoppers, earned its 2010 Unsung Community Hero Award.

The Bryan Foundation awards this honor annually in recognition of individuals who have made significant contributions to the community, but whose good works are not widely recognized.

“I am extremely humbled to have been selected from amongst my peers for this prestigious distinction,” said Moore. “As a life-long resident of Greensboro, I have tremendous passion for this community and the potential that it holds.”

Carole Bruce, a member of the board of directors of the Bryan Foundation, presented the award to Moore during the Bryan Foundation’s annual luncheon and meeting, with his family and staff present.

As part of the award, the Bryan Foundation will give $25,000 to the Atlantic Coast Conference in Moore’s honor to be used on behalf of the ACC Baseball Tournament that will be hosted in May at NewBridge Bank Park.

Under his leadership, the Hoppers have welcomed over 2.1 million fans in their first five seasons, becoming the only Class A team in the history of Minor League Baseball to draw over 400,000 fans and grow its attendance four straight years in a new ballpark.

The Grasshoppers were the proud recipients of the South Atlantic League’s Club Merit Award four of the past five years, with Donald garnering additional accolades as the league’s General Manager of the Year Award in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008.  Baseball America honored Moore and the Grasshoppers with the prestigious Bob Freitas Award for the Single-A level in 2008.

Moore has created several college scholarship funds, including the Bill Lee Memorial Scholarship and the Charlie Harville Memorial Scholarship. He currently sits on the board of The Bryan Family YMCA, The Guilford County Sports Hall of Fame, Downtown Greensboro, Inc., and is President-Elect of the Greensboro Sports Council.

Walkin Roll League All Star Game Held at L.P. Frans Stadium

The Hickory Crawdads hosted the annual Walkin Roll T-ball All-Star game at L.P. Frans Stadium on Saturday, June 20. 2009.

Four teams, the Braves, Rockies, Crawdads and Rockies, squared off as the players showed off their best baseball skills with several Crawdads players and staff members on hand.

Pitchers Joe Wieland (#20) and Mark Hamburuger (#23), as well as outfielder Mike Bianucci (#3) and third baseman Matt West (#11) were on hand to assist the players. Crawdads staff members included Assistant General Manager Charlie Downs, Director of Community Relations Ashby Knack, Director of Promotions Brett Koch, Account Representatives Kathryn Bobel, Kim Scercy, and Kyle Koch, and the Crawdads play-by-play man Andrew Buchbinder. Conrad the Crawdad also made an appearance to add to the pandemonium on the field!

Walkin'-Roll-Activities-LeaIn its 15th season at L.P. Frans Stadium, the Walkin’ Roll All-Star game allows those with disabilities to take the field with the pros. The event is always special for those who participate, and the Crawdads thank the Walkin Roll League for allowing us to be a part of the lives of these special people.

Crawdads Pitcher Joe Wieland and a member of the Rangers run the bases during the 15th annual Walkin' Roll All-Star Game at L.P. Frans Stadium on Saturday, June 20.
Crawdads Pitcher Joe Wieland and a member of the Rangers run the bases during the 15th annual Walkin’ Roll All-Star Game at L.P. Frans Stadium on Saturday, June 20