Appalachian League Releases 2019 Community Report



CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – The Appalachian League today announced it surpassed $2.3 million in charitable contributions for the 2019 calendar year. The multi-million dollar figure is a culmination of all community involvement from the ten teams in the Advanced-Rookie league, as well as efforts from the Appalachian League office.

“As a league, we appreciate the opportunity to give back and to enhance the communities that have supported our member clubs for more than 100 years,” said League President Dan Moushon.
Appalachian League executives, staff members, players, coaches, and umpires spent more than 7,600 hours volunteering in their communities across more than 220 events. Additionally, organizations partnered with five Minor League Baseball national charity partners and hosted local activations for five MiLB community initiatives.

More information about the Appalachian League’s 2019 community initiatives and charitable contributions can be viewed in the official 2019 report available here.

The 2020 Appalachian League season begins on June 22. Fans can view the complete schedule at appyleague.com.

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The Appalachian League is a Rookie (Advance) league in Minor League Baseball that consists of 10 teams across North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. The league was established in 1911, and the modern Appalachian League began play in 1957. For more information about the Appalachian League, please visit appyleague.com or follow the league on Twitter (@AppyLeague).

Durham Bulls to Host Seasonal Job Fair

 

The Durham Bulls, in conjunction with Headway Workforce Solutions, will host their annual Job Fair on Saturday, January 25 to fill part-time game day positions for the 2020 season. The fair is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the PNC Triangle Club at Durham Bulls Athletic Park.

Interviews will be held that day for seasonal, part-time positions available in game entertainment, stadium operations, sports turf, retail, seating bowl hosting, picnic area hosting and ticket operations.

Bull City Hospitality – the team’s Food and Beverage company – will also be conducting interviews that day, aiming to fill a number of concession stand positions including managers, stand attendants, catering staff, cooks, bartenders and more.

Applicants should be energetic, friendly and dependable, and look forward to contributing to the welcoming atmosphere of Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Those interested in a position with the Bulls or Bull City Hospitality can see a listing of jobs and are encouraged to register for the job fair in advance by clicking here.

The Bulls look to start the 2020 season strong at their home opener on Thursday, April 9, 2020. Season memberships and group outings are available now at durhambulls.com or by calling 919.956.BULL.

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

Mudcats to Partner with Marbles Kids Museum for 2020 Season

 

ZEBULON, N.C. – Marbles Kids Museum to become new presenting partner of Carolina Mudcats Education Day games at Five County Stadium for the upcoming 2020, 30th anniversary season in Zebulon, NC. Education Day games, designed to provide local area students with a day of learning and baseball, will now feature new educational content presented by Marbles Kids Museum.

“This partnership is going to make for an incredible and engaging 30th season in Mudcats history,” said Mudcats Vice President and General Manager Joe Kremer. “We can’t wait to show all of our fans and local area families how much this will mean for them.”

The exciting new partnership will see Marbles Kids Museum provide educational content, including interactive exhibits, at each of Carolina’s three Education Day games scheduled throughout the 2020 season. Marbles Kids Museum Education Day games are scheduled for April 15, April 29 and May 13 with each game beginning at 10:30 a.m. at Five County Stadium. The Marbles Kids Museum staff will also be on-hand for Carolina’s “Super Splash Day” game on July 29 vs. Lynchburg at 10:30 a.m.

Marbles Kids Museum Education Day Games:
Wednesday, April 15 vs. Wilmington Blue Rocks, 10:30 a.m.
Wednesday, April 29 vs. Myrtle Beach Pelicans, 10:30 a.m.
Wednesday, May 13 vs. Wilmington Blue Rocks, 10:30 a.m.

Fans and students in attendance for Marbles Kids Museum Education Day games this season at Five County Stadium will have a chance to receive free and discounted Marbles Kids Museum and IMAX tickets. Marbles Kids Museum will additionally treat local area Hispanic families to a Pescados de Carolina game at Five County Stadium as part of the museum’s school readiness program, Ready Set School.

Located in the heart of downtown Raleigh, Marbles serves a diverse population of families, school groups and community organizations with dozens of themed exhibits, summer camps, IMAX documentary and feature movies and special events year-round.

The Mudcats will celebrate 30 years of baseball in North Carolina when they begin the upcoming 2020 season by hosting the Winston-Salem Dash on Thursday, April 9 at Five County Stadium in Zebulon, NC.

Season ticket packages, group ticket packages and the latest mini plans for the upcoming 2020 season are all available now by visiting the Five County Stadium front office in Zebulon, by calling (919) 269-CATS (2287) and by visiting carolinamudcats.com.

About the Carolina Mudcats
The Carolina Mudcats are the proud Carolina League, Class-A Advanced affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. First established in 1991, the two-time Southern League Champion Mudcats are entering their 30th consecutive season of baseball at Five County Stadium in Zebulon, N.C. The Mudcats are owned and operated by the Milwaukee Brewers.

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

Knights Hiring for Upcoming 2020 Season

The Charlotte Knights are now hiring a number of seasonal positions for the upcoming 2020 season. The team kicks off the upcoming campaign — their seventh in Uptown Charlotte — on Thursday, April 16 at 7:04 p.m. against the Durham Bulls at BB&T Ballpark.

Currently, the Knights have seasonal positions available in Promotions, Grounds, and Kids Zone. Additionally, Professional Sports Catering — the Official Food Service Provider of the Charlotte Knights — are in search of dedicated team members in a number of areas.

For more details, or to apply for any of the positions, please click on the job positions listed below:

GROUNDS
PROMO TEAM
KIDS ZONE
FOOD SERVICE

For additional openings on TeamWorkOnline, click here —> EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES 

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

Segra Stadium to Host Inaugural Armed Forces Invitational

 

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – The Inaugural Armed Forces Invitational, presented by the Walsingham Group, Inc., will be played at Segra Stadium in downtown Fayetteville starting February 28 until March 1.

The three-day tournament consists of two games per day, with each team playing at least once Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. A post-game fireworks show will follow the conclusion of the last game on both Friday and Saturday night. The schedule with matchups, dates, and times are listed below.

Friday, February 28th
2 p.m. – Army vs. Air Force
6 p.m. – Army vs. Campbell

Saturday, February 29th
1 p.m. – Air Force vs. Campbell
5 p.m. – Air Force vs. Army

Sunday, March 1st
11 a.m. – Campbell vs. Army
3 p.m. – Campbell vs. Air Force

Army West Point Baseball Head Coach James Foster 
“We are very grateful for the opportunity to play in the Armed Forces Invitational with Air Force and Campbell. It will be a great weekend of baseball at a beautiful venue. The most exciting part is that we will be playing close to Fort Bragg and hopefully those in the military can come out and watch the games. We are truly honored to be able to play in front of those serving our country.”

Walsingham Group, Inc. Chairman Ed Petkovich
“Walsingham Group is proud to sponsor the Inaugural Armed Forces Invitational. It’s a wonderful opportunity for our community to showcase and pay tribute to the men and women who will lead our forces.”

Tickets for the Armed Forces Invitational start at $10 and are now on sale. Ticket options include single day passes or discounted three-day passes. All current and former military will receive a discount for all three days of the tournament.

Fans can purchase tickets by visiting the BB&T Box Office or by clicking here.

For information on luxury or hospitality seating please contact the Woodpeckers at [email protected]

ABOUT WALSINGHAM GROUP, INC.
Walsingham Group, Inc. has partnered with the government since 2008 to deliver flexible, responsive, effective solutions for their most challenging problems. Walsingham performs comprehensive operations and maintenance support; intelligence related services; full-cycle logistics support; personal recovery; aviation support; and specialized staffing in worldwide locations for classified and unclassified requirements.

ABOUT THE FAYETTEVILLE WOODPECKERS
The Houston Astros own and operate its Class A Advanced minor league affiliate, the Fayetteville Woodpeckers. The Astros agreed to a 30-year lease and are invested in the long-term success of the City of Fayetteville. The team’s direction focuses on creating a culture of success with an accessible management team, building the best young talent in baseball, engaging with fans, and connecting the community with an exciting, family-friendly experience. For more information on the Woodpeckers, please visit http://www.fayettevillewoodpeckers.com

ABOUT THE HOUSTON ASTROS
The 2017 World Champion Houston Astros have been Houston’s hometown baseball team since 1962, when the Colt .45s first took the field in Colt Stadium. Three years later, the team became the Houston Astros as a tribute to America’s “Space City” and will be entering their 58th season in Major League Baseball. In 2013, the Astros moved to the American League West Division, becoming the first franchise to move from the National League to the American League. The Astros are also the only team in MLB history to have won both an American and National League pennant. For 81 regular season games a year, the Astros can be found on their home field at Minute Maid Park, where families and friends come together to enjoy America’s favorite pastime in one of baseball’s most comfortable and fan-friendly ballparks. In addition to striving for success on the field, the Astros take pride in their local community and are committed to making Houston a better place by honoring our nation’s military, combatting homelessness, aiding in the fight against cancer and supporting youth baseball and softball through the Astros Foundation’s cornerstone programs. For more information on the Astros, please visit www.astros.com.

ABOUT SEGRA STADIUM
Segra Stadium, named a Ballpark Digest ‘Ballpark of the Decade’, is a $40 million state-of-the-art sports and entertainment venue is a catalyzing economic development tool that attracts and retains business, provides national exposure, increases civic and community pride, and provides for an improved quality of life for residents. Designed for baseball, concerts, and a host of other activities the venue seats 5,242 for baseball and up to 10,000 for major outdoor events. It features natural grass, a 25×70 LED scoreboard, six luxury suites, four field boxes, a premium club level, outdoor party deck, a kids zone, and more. For more information please visit, www.fayettevillewoodpeckers.com

ABOUT THE CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE, N.C.
Fayetteville is proud of its rich role in our nation’s history and holds fast to the friendly feel of a true hometown, while providing the cultural and entertainment amenities of bigger cities. The city boasts sophisticated restaurants, museums, musical and sporting events, and nearby Fort Bragg – the nation’s largest military installation – that solidifies the city’s deep roots in all things military. Fayetteville is the sixth-largest city in the state and home to more than 208,000 residents. For more information, please visit www.fayettevillenc.gov.

ABOUT THE CAROLINA LEAGUE
The Carolina League consists of 10 teams and is within the Class A-Advanced level of Minor League Baseball. Founded in 1945, the Carolina League strives to provide a first-class baseball experience for its players and fans. For more information on the Carolina League, please visit www.carolinaleague.com

– WOODPECKERS –

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Mudcats Donate Baseball Equipment to East Wake High School

 

ZEBULON, N.C. – The Carolina Mudcats, the Class-A Advanced affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers, today donated over 50 game ready cleats and baseball equipment to the baseball program at East Wake High School in Wendell, NC. The equipment and donated cleats were worn or used by several Mudcats players throughout the club’s 2019 Carolina League season.

The Mudcats, represented by mascot Muddy the Mudcat and Director of Marketing and Community Relations Sam Barry, presented the East Wake Warriors players and coach Tony Piercy with the cleats and equipment donation to the local Title I baseball program today.

“Local schools and students in our community mean so much to our organization” said Barry. “To be able to provide these kids with such an amazing donation from our players just goes to show what we have always known, we are more than just a sports team.”

Pitcher Noah Zavolas, the 2019 Carolina League Pitcher of the Year, championed the donation effort by collecting the cleats, and other game used equipment, from his Mudcats’ teammates this past season. Zavolas was also the recipient of the Mudcats’ Ed Hales Award last season. The Ed Hales Award is awarded annually to the Mudcats player(s) who best exemplifies unselfish spirit, dedication and commitment to the community.

The Mudcats will celebrate 30 years of baseball in North Carolina when they begin the 2020 season by hosting the Winston-Salem Dash on Thursday, April 9 at Five County Stadium in Zebulon, NC. Ticket information is available by visiting the Five County Stadium front office in Zebulon, by calling (919) 269-CATS (2287) and by visiting carolinamudcats.com.

The Carolina Mudcats are the proud Carolina League, Class-A Advanced affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. First established in 1991, the two-time Southern League Champion Mudcats are entering their 30th consecutive season of baseball at Five County Stadium in Zebulon, N.C. The Mudcats are owned and operated by the Milwaukee Brewers.
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Mudcats Donate Baseball Equipment to East Wake High School

 

ZEBULON, N.C. – The Carolina Mudcats, the Class-A Advanced affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers, today donated over 50 game ready cleats and baseball equipment to the baseball program at East Wake High School in Wendell, NC. The equipment and donated cleats were worn or used by several Mudcats players throughout the club’s 2019 Carolina League season.

The Mudcats, represented by mascot Muddy the Mudcat and Director of Marketing and Community Relations Sam Barry, presented the East Wake Warriors players and coach Tony Piercy with the cleats and equipment donation to the local Title I baseball program today.

“Local schools and students in our community mean so much to our organization” said Barry. “To be able to provide these kids with such an amazing donation from our players just goes to show what we have always known, we are more than just a sports team.”

Pitcher Noah Zavolas, the 2019 Carolina League Pitcher of the Year, championed the donation effort by collecting the cleats, and other game used equipment, from his Mudcats’ teammates this past season. Zavolas was also the recipient of the Mudcats’ Ed Hales Award last season. The Ed Hales Award is awarded annually to the Mudcats player(s) who best exemplifies unselfish spirit, dedication and commitment to the community.

The Mudcats will celebrate 30 years of baseball in North Carolina when they begin the 2020 season by hosting the Winston-Salem Dash on Thursday, April 9 at Five County Stadium in Zebulon, NC. Ticket information is available by visiting the Five County Stadium front office in Zebulon, by calling (919) 269-CATS (2287) and by visiting carolinamudcats.com.

The Carolina Mudcats are the proud Carolina League, Class-A Advanced affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. First established in 1991, the two-time Southern League Champion Mudcats are entering their 30th consecutive season of baseball at Five County Stadium in Zebulon, N.C. The Mudcats are owned and operated by the Milwaukee Brewers.

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

Trunk-Or-Treat to Return October 28th

 

Hickory, NC- The Crawdads will once again host a Trunk-Or-Treat at the ballpark this year. This year’s event is scheduled for Monday, October 28th from 6pm to 8pm. The free event will feature a family-friendly place for kids to trick-or-treat, food, Halloween-themed games, a costume contest, and ‘Dads ticket specials.

This Trunk-Or-Treat will take place on the warning track. Fans will enter the stadium down by the clubhouse and proceed down the line of tables, wrapping up by the visiting dugout. From there, fans will head up to the main concourse towards the Catawba Farms Crawdads Café, which will be open for food and refreshments with a limited menu. There will also be an inflatable bounce house, speed pitch, cornhole, and a retail table set up on the concourse.

Fans will be able to purchase sweetFrog Claw Club, the official Crawdads kids club for kids 12 and under, packages for a discounted $34 (regular price $49). Silver Slugger, the ‘Dads club for fans 60+ presented by Hickory Falls Health and Rehabilitation, memberships are also available for 2020.

Crawdads ticket books for next season are currently on sale and fans can take advantage of a limited-time offer of the regular 10 ticket books plus a bonus 4 tickets for $70 (total savings of $66 off the single game ticket price). There will be Spooktacular savings on half plans as well with the ‘Dads best offer ever. Fans will receive 8 tickets plus 2 bonus vouchers for just $49. The discount is only available in person at the Trunk-Or-Treat.

The Crawdads will open their season at L.P. Frans Stadium on April 16th against the Lexington Legends. For more information about the Crawdads, including promotions, ticket books, and group outings please visit www.hickorycrawdads.com or contact the front office at (828) 322-3000.

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

“Fields For Our Future” Winner Crowned

 

(UPTOWN CHARLOTTE, NC) — Back in August, the Charlotte Knights announced a partnership with Sta-Green and Lowe’s to launch “Fields For Our Future” — an annual field renovation project. Today, the Knights are excited to announce that the girls’ softball field at Mint Hill Athletic Association has been crowned as the inaugural winner. The field makeover is set to take place in November.

The entire project will be led by Charlotte Knights head groundskeeper, Matt Parrott, his staff, as well as members of the Charlotte Knights front office staff, and members from Sta-Green and Lowe’s. Earlier this year, (February 13), the Knights began a partnership with Sta-Green and Lowe’s and helped improve the conditions of the Phillip O. Berry Academy High School baseball field.

“Sta-Green is excited to partner with the Charlotte Knights again and make a difference for youth sports in our area,” stated Jennifer Puncochar, Central Garden & Pet. “We’re honored to give back to the Mint Hill community and help renovate the girls’ softball field.”

Sta-Green grass seed, fertilizer, and plant food are available exclusively at Lowe’s.

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

Durham Bulls Athletic Park Now Sensory Inclusive

The Durham Bulls have partnered with KultureCity to make Durham Bulls Athletic Park sensory inclusive. This new initiative will promote an accommodating and positive experience for all guests and fans with a sensory issue who visit the DBAP.

The certification process entailed the staff at the DBAP being trained by leading medical professionals on how to recognize those guests and fans with sensory needs and how to handle a sensory overload situation. A number of Sensory bags, equipped with noise reducing headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards and a weighted lap pad will also be available to be checked out at the Lowes Foods Guest Services by guests who may feel overwhelmed by the environment. The DBAP also has a number of ‘Quiet Areas’ posted throughout the ballpark as well as an exit/re-entry policy to the stadium for fans who need a quiet space.

In addition, the Bulls have several helpful resources available online to better help prepare for a visit to the ballpark. This includes a ballpark map showing the quiet areas, a social story, and a Sensory Guide for what to expect during a visit to the DBAP, prepared with the help of Emerge Pediatric Therapy. Click here to access these resources.

“Our stadium becoming sensory inclusive is one more step our team has taken to make sure any fan, anywhere, feels comfortable and safe attending a Bulls game,” Durham Bulls Vice President Mike Birling said. “We look forward to welcoming fans and families to the DBAP who in the past might not have had the resources they needed.”

Sensory sensitivities or challenges with sensory regulation are often experienced by individuals with autism, dementia, PTSD and other similar conditions. One of the major barriers for these individuals is sensitivity to over stimulation and noise, which is an enormous part of the environment in a venue like the DBAP. With its new certification, the DBAP is now better prepared to assist guests with sensory sensitivities in having the most comfortable and accommodating experience possible when attending an event at the DBAP.

“To know that you soon will be able to see families attend a baseball game, a true community binding experience, with their loved ones who have a sensory challenge and who were not able to previously attend, is truly a heartwarming moment,” said Dr. Julian Maha, Co-Founder, KultureCity. “Our communities are what shapes our lives and to know that the DBAP is willing to go the extra mile to ensure that everyone, no matter their ability, is included in their community is amazing.”

For Sensory Friendly Night on July 28th, presented by Emerge Pediatric Therapy, fans will also have access to a dedicated sensory room on the Suite Level designed and staffed by our partners at Emerge Pediatric Therapy for those who may need a quieter and more secure environment. To visit the Sensory Suite, fans should use the entrance for the PNC Triangle Club located on Jackie’s Landing in right field.

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

Four Winners Selected for $10,000 Grant

Four organizations have been chosen as the winners of the Durham Bulls Ballpark Project presented by Coastal Credit Union. Hillandale Sports Association, Hawfields Civitan Club, Northern Middle School and East Wake High School softball have each earned a $10,000 donation for facility renovations.

“For the second straight year we saw a highly impressive group of applications, and for the second straight year we had some very difficult decisions to make,” Durham Bulls Vice President Mike Birling said. “These four winners proved why upgrades to their facilities will be important in helping grow the sports of baseball and softball for years to come.”

Hillandale Sports Association expects to make renovations to improve the field’s drainage issues, and Hawfields Civitan Club will provide a large-scale renovation for the first time since 1975. Northern Middle School plans to provide upgrades to its joint baseball/softball field, and East Wake High School softball will resurface its infield for a safer playing surface.

Each facility will be renovated in the coming months, with a list of priorities submitted by each location. Additionally, a representative from each organization is scheduled to be honored on-field at Durham Bulls Athletic Park on Tuesday, August 6.

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

Dash’s Aveyard named Women in Baseball Scholarship recipient

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (Nov. 1, 2018) – Minor League Baseball and the Women in Baseball Leadership Committee announced on Thursday that Jessica Aveyard, who has served as the Director of Entertainment for the Winston-Salem Dash since August of 2016, has been named one of four recipients of the Women in Baseball Leadership Event Scholarship.

The award includes registration to the Baseball Winter Meetings, which will be held from December 9-13, in Las Vegas at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. The Women in Baseball Leadership Event was established in 2008 at the Baseball Winter Meetings, providing a platform for female executives in Minor League Baseball and Major League Baseball the opportunity to network with their peers, obtain guidance on career development and enhance their professional skills.

“Jessica’s genuine excitement and passion is infectious and she plays a major role in our organization’s success,” said Dash President C.J. Johnson. “We are thrilled that Minor League Baseball has recognized her performance and provided her with this unique opportunity.”

With Jessica leading the entertainment crew on a game-to-game basis, the Dash have provided an exciting, family-friendly experience at BB&T Ballpark for the largest audience in the Carolina League. For each of the team’s home games the past two years, Jessica was responsible for creating a game log of sponsored reads for the public address announcer, organizing skits for in-game breaks, managing the Dash Pack (the team’s on-field entertainment staff), choreographing MiLB.tv’s gameday production and managing marquees for BB&T Ballpark’s outfield LED and in-stadium scoreboard.

On top of that, Jessica spearheaded several public relations initiatives, including a partnership with the Vs. Cancer Foundation that helped raise thousands of dollars in donations for cancer research.

Along with her daily duties, Jessica also served as the director for seven Dash home games broadcasted on NBC Sports Chicago, the Chicago White Sox cable rights holder. For these seven contests, Jessica was responsible for coordinating countdowns to commercial breaks with the NBC Sports crew, handling technical issues and directing shots, all while managing her regular duties as the Director of Entertainment. This year marked the first season in which the network carried Dash games.

Prior to joining the Dash, Jessica played a key front office role for the Dayton Dragons (Low-A, Cincinnati), one of the most successful teams in Minor League Baseball. With the Dragons, Jessica was an Entertainment Assistant and a part of the on-field entertainment staff known as the “Green Team.” Due to her efforts, Jessica was a part of a staff that helped the Dragons sell out Fifth Third Field each night of her nine-year tenure with the club.

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

Crawdads to Host Trunk-Or-Treat at the Ballpark

Hickory, NC- The Crawdads will be hosting their first-ever Trunk-Or-Treat at the stadium on Monday, October 29th from 6pm to 8pm. The free event will feature a family-friendly place for kids to trick-or-treat, food, Halloween-themed games, and ‘Dads ticket specials.

The Trunk or Treat will have $2 specials on hot dogs, Pepsi products and Dippin’ Dots in addition to free popcorn. The Catawba Farms Crawdads Café will be open for food and refreshments with a limited menu. There will also be an inflatable bounce house, speed pitch, and cornhole set up at the event.

Fans will be able to purchase sweetFrog Claw Club, the official Crawdads kids club for kids 12 and under, packages for a discounted $34 (regular price $49). Silver Slugger, the ‘Dads club for fans 60+, memberships are also available for 2019.

Crawdads ticket books for next season are currently on sale and fans can take advantage of a limited-time offer of the regular 10 ticket books plus a bonus 4 tickets for $70 (total savings of $56 off the single game ticket price).

The Crawdads will open their season at L.P. Frans Stadium on April 11th against the Kannapolis Intimidators. For more information about the Crawdads, including promotions, ticket books, and group outings please visit www.hickorycrawdads.com or contact the front office at (828) 322-3000.

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

Minor League Teams Across Carolinas Unite For Storm Relief

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – In the wake of Hurricane Florence that hit and devastated parts of South Carolina and much of North Carolina over the past week, thirteen Minor League Baseball teams in the two states are coming together to support and raise money for those victims in their states. The Asheville Tourists, Burlington Royals, Carolina Mudcats, Charleston RiverDogs, Charlotte Knights, Columbia Fireflies, Down East Wood Ducks, Durham Bulls, Greensboro Grasshoppers, Hickory Crawdads, Kannapolis Intimidators, Myrtle Beach Pelicans and Winston-Salem Dash announced today that they have created a joint GoFundMe page, raising funds for branches of the American Red Cross in affected areas of North Carolina and South Carolina.

The thirteen-­‐‑team dual state alliance will work together to maximize fundraising efforts across the state, utilizing the hashtag: #CarolinaStrong.

A State of Emergency was issued on September 7 by North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper and on September 8 for South Carolina by Governor Henry McMaster. More than 1 million people were told to evacuate coastal areas in the two states. President Trump declared a State of Emergency in the Carolinas on September 10. A day later FEMA announced that federal emergency aid would be made available.   As of Thursday, 37 deaths had been reported due to Florence with 27 confirmed in North Carolina and eight in South Carolina.

Both states have received unprecedented rainfall and flooding from a tropical cyclone, and hundreds of miles of roads were closed in each state. North Carolina Department of Public Safety is reminding residents to stay alert for continued flooding, power outages, and downed trees. Though evacuation orders have been lifted for the coastal regions of South Carolina, Florence’s aftermath has already begun to flood parts of the state while other areas remain on high alert for flooding in the coming days. Even this morning, Florence County issued a mandatory evacuation for several areas due to severe flooding.

“We’ve seen time and again that the residents of North and South Carolina are strong and resilient. In difficult times we stand by one another and lift up those in need. This time won’t be any different,” said the General Managers of the 13 MiLB teams in a joint statement. “Our teams are an integral part of the fabric of the community within our respective cities across North and South Carolina. While most days we operate as separate organizations, today we band together to support the citizens of these two great states.”

Those wishing to contribute can head to the #CarolinaStrong GoFundMe page at the following link: http://bit.ly/GoFundCarolinaStrong. All funds raised through this campaign will be donated to the American Red Cross in affected areas of North Carolina and South Carolina.

ABOUT THE ASHEVILLE TOURISTS: They are the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Colorado Rockies and play their home games at McCormick Field in Asheville, North Carolina. Their General Manager is Larry Hawkins. For more information on the Tourists please call (828) 258-0428.

ABOUT THE BURLINGTON ROYALS: They are the Rookie affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and play their home games at Burlington Athletic Stadium in Burlington, North Carolina. Their General Manager is Mikie Morrison. For more information please call (336) 222-0223.

ABOUT THE CAROLINA MUDCATS: They are the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers and play their home games at Five County Stadium in Zebulon, North Carolina. Their General Manager is Joe Kremer. For more information please call (919) 269-2278.

ABOUT THE CHARLESTON RIVERDOGS: They are the Class A affiliate of the New York Yankees and play their home games at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park in Charleston, South Carolina. Their General Manager is Dave Echols. For more information please call (843) 723-7241.

ABOUT THE CHARLOTTE KNIGHTS: They are the Class AAA affiliate of the Chicago White Sox and play their home games at BB&T Ballpark in Charlotte, North Carolina. Their General Manager is Rob Egan. For more information please call (704) 274-8300.

ABOUT THE COLUMBIA FIREFLIES: They are the Class A affiliate of the New York Mets and play their home games at Spirit Communications Park in Columbia, South Carolina. Their President is John Katz. For more information please call (803) 726-4487.

ABOUT THE DOWN EAST WOOD DUCKS: They are the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Texas Rangers and play their home games at Grainger Stadium in Kinston, North Carolina. Their General Manager is Wade Howell. For more information please call (252) 686-5172.

ABOUT THE DURHAM BULLS: They are the Class AAA affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays and play their home games at Durham Bulls Athletic Park in Durham, North Carolina. Their Vice President-Baseball Operations is Mike Birling. For more information please call (919) 687-6500.

ABOUT THE GREENSBORO GRASSHOPPERS: They are the Class A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates and play their home games at First National Bank Field in Greensboro, North Carolina. Their Vice President of Baseball Operations is Katie Dannemiller. For more information please call (336) 268-2255.

ABOUT THE HICKORY CRAWDADS: They are the Class A affiliate of the Texas Rangers and play their home games at L.P. Frans Stadium in Hickory, North Carolina. Their General Manager is Mark Seaman. For more information please call (828) 332-3000.

ABOUT THE KANNAOPLIS INTIMIDATORS: They are the Class A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox and play their home games at Intimidators Stadium in Kannapolis, North Carolina. Their President/General Manager is Brian Radle. For more information please call (704) 932-3267.

ABOUT THE MYRTLE BEACH PELICANS: They are the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Chicago Cubs and play their home games at TicketReturn.Com Field at Pelicans Ballpark in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Their General Manager is Ryan Moore. For more information please call (843) 918-6000.

ABOUT THE WINSTON-SALEM DASH: They are the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Chicago White Sox and play their home games at BB&T Ballpark in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Their Vice President of Baseball Operations is Ryan Manuel. For more information please call (336) 714-2287.

Winston-Salem Police Foundation Free Movie Night postponed to October 28

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (Sept. 12, 2018) – Due to the impending hurricane, the Winston-Salem Dash, in conjunction with the Winston-Salem Police Foundation, are postponing their free Movie Night at BB&T Ballpark from Saturday, September 15, to Sunday, October 28.

Gates for the new date will open at 5:30 p.m., with the hit movie Coco beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Admission to this event is free to the public; however, donations of cash & blankets will be accepted as well as non-perishable food items. Cash & blanket donations will go towards the Winston-Salem Police Foundation, a non-profit, independent organization dedicated to enhancing the capacity of the Winston-Salem Police Department to be more effective in improving public safety.

Non-perishable food items will be donated to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina. The Foundation focuses on community outreach, funding and raising resources to assist the Police Department in making Winston-Salem a safer place to live, work and enjoy life. More information on the organization is available at wspolicefoundation.org, where you can also donate to the Foundation.

“Despite the postponement of the initial date, we are very excited to still be holding this special event. It is our mission to bring members of the police department and community together to create conversations about how we can continue to improve public safety in Winston-Salem,” said Scott Sewell, president of the Winston-Salem Police Foundation. “BB&T Ballpark provides a perfect atmosphere for a fun-filled evening of learning and socializing.”

There will be free parking for all attendees, and concession stands throughout the facility will have food and beverages available for purchase. No outside food or beverage is permitted. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets to sit in the outfield to watch the movie. However, lawn chairs of any kind will not be permitted in the ballpark.

The Kids Zone will also be open for free on October 28, with several free carnival games featured on the concourse as well. Before the movie, representatives of the Winston-Salem Police Department will have their various vehicles on display, including police cars, motorcycles, bike patrol bicycles and rescue/hazardous device vehicles and the Operations Sweet Reads Bookmobile. Members of the K-9 unit will be in attendance as well.

“No amount of bad weather can stop us from holding this great event. These movie nights at the ballpark allow for positive interactions and conversations between the people who protect us every day and those whom they are protecting,” Dash president C.J. Johnson said. “We are excited to once again host this beautiful community event at BB&T Ballpark.”

Coco, which was released in 2017, follows a 12-year-old boy named Miguel, who is accidentally transported to the Land of the Dead, where he seeks the help of his deceased musician great-great-grandfather to return him to his family among the living. Coco won the “Best Animated Feature” at the Academy Awards, and it was named the “Best Animated Film” at the Golden Globe Awards.

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