AquaSox to Host Pink at the Park Game 6/27

Pink at the Park benefits the Providence Comprehensive Breast Center

Everett-AquaSoxThe Everett AquaSox announced today that they are partnering with the Providence Comprehensive Breast Center for Pink at the Park at the Everett AquaSox-Spokane Indians game on Friday, June 27. The event will celebrate women’s health, raise awareness and proceeds will benefit the Breast Center.

AquaSox players and coaches will be wearing pink jerseys on the 27th, which will be autographed and auctioned off during the game. There will be face painting and hair painting available in the concourse, an information fair on women’s health as well as a raffle for several gift baskets. Proceeds from all of these elements will go to the Providence General Foundation’s Comprehensive Breast Center Fund to help raise awareness for local breast cancer detection and treatment.

Providence-Regional-Medical-Center-Everett“Partnering with the AquaSox to help meet the health needs of women in our community with breast cancer is truly a gift. The funds will be used to support our local Breast Center and the patients we serve. We’re grateful for this generous support, said Gayle Jago, Manager of Providence Comprehensive Breast Center.

Tickets for this event are on sale now at aquasox.com/groups, with the group password: pink2014. Four dollars from every ticket purchased through this link will go to the Providence Comprehensive Breast Center Fund.

“We are so honored to partner with Providence for this important night to celebrate women and women’s health,” said AquaSox assistant general manager Katie Crawford Woods, “One in eight women will develop breast cancer, so it is a disease that affects us all.”

To learn more about the Providence Comprehensive Breast Center, please visit phcbc.com. If you’d like to purchase tickets to Pink at the Park on June 27th, visit aquasox.com/groups and use code: pink2014.

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

Pitch For The Cure Returns to Avista

Indians partner with Susan G. Komen to help fight breast cancer

Participants from around Eastern Washington can help raise Breast Cancer Awareness,
Participants from around Eastern Washington can help raise Breast Cancer Awareness,

Spokane-IndiansThe Spokane Indians annual Pitch for the Cure Breast Cancer Walk presented by Mike’s Hard Lemonade returns this August!

Click here to register online now!

Sunday, August 3rd, at Avista Stadium, will mark the eighth year that the Indians and the Susan G. Komen Foundation have collaborated on the event, with proceeds benefiting the Eastern Washington Chapter of the Komen Foundation.

Susan-G.-Komen“The Spokane Indians have not only helped us raise much needed funds to screen, educate and get services to women in Eastern Washington, they have help raise awareness and share hope that we will find a cure,” said Claudia Bell, executive director of the Eastern Washington’s Komen Chapter. “The Eastern Washington affiliate looks forward to this fun-filled evening every year!”

The short one-mile flat walk begins at 3:00 PM and circles around Avista Stadium before finishing on the field where the participants will be recognized in a special pre-game ceremony. The game against the Hillsboro Hops begins at 3:30 PM as Spokane players will wear limited edition pink jerseys that will be auctioned off to support the cause.

Last year, the Indians helped raise $5,529 for the Komen Foundation.

The cost for the walk is $25 for adults and $15 for kids 12 and under. Participants will receive a technical T-shirt, a donation in their name to the Eastern Washington affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Foundation, and a ticket to the Spokane Indians baseball game that night against Hillsboro

Deadline for early registration is Friday, July 18th, with a late registration fee of $5 after this date. Participants have until the day of event to sign-up. Packet pick-up is scheduled for Friday, August 1st from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Spokane Indians Team Store located at Avista Stadium (602 N. Havana) and the day of the walk starting at 2:30 PM at Avista Stadium.

Click here to download a printable registration form. For more information on the Pitch for the Cure, please contact Walk Director Elise Rooney at (509) 343-6811, or email at erooney@spokaneindians.com.

This year, the Indians would also like to invite health care professionals to join breast cancer survivors and their supporters in the Walk. Brave women and men who face a diagnosis of breast cancer do not embark on the journey alone – dedicated doctors, nurses and staff members make it their mission to provide the best possible treatment and care to their patients.

In addition to Mike’s Hard Lemonade, supporting sponsors for this year’s Pitch for the Cure include Itron, Odom, Pepsi, Window World, Team Pilates, Coordinated Care, Rockwood Health Systems, Ross Printing, Rock 94 ½ and KXLY NewsRadio.

The Spokane Indians open the 2014 season on Friday, June 13th, against the Eugene Emeralds, and will be televised on SWX-TV.

The Spokane Indians would like to thank all of our fans for their support during the record-setting 2013 season. The Indians are the Short Season Class “A” affiliate for the Texas Rangers. Ticket packages are on sale now for the 2014 season, and start as low as $63. Click here for the 2014 schedule. Reserve your seats today by calling the Avista Stadium Ticket Office at (509) 343-OTTO (6886). Parking at all 38 Indians home games are FREE!

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

Itron Champions Program Schools Named

Bemiss and Sheridan chosen as program’s 2014 recipients

Bemiss and Sheridan Elementary will get a visit from OTTO the Mascot.
Bemiss and Sheridan Elementary will get a visit from OTTO the Mascot.

Spokane-IndiansFor the fifth consecutive year, the Spokane Indians and Itron will partner for the Itron Champions Program, which rewards low-income Spokane schools with a visit from OTTO the Mascot, a school assembly and 250 Indians tickets to distribute to their students as a reward for good attendance, hard work and achievement in the classroom. Bemiss Elementary and Sheridan Elementary have been chosen as this year’s recipients.

“The Itron Champions Program is a perfect complement to our commitment to helping children in the Spokane community,” said Indians Senior Vice President Otto Klein. “It keeps kids excited and motived to learn during the final month of school.”

Bemiss Elementary will have their assembly on Friday, May 9th at 2:00 PM. Sheridan Elementary will host theirs on Friday, May 30th at a time to be determined.

“Itron is dedicated to supporting young people in our community. That’s why we are proud to sponsor the Itron Champions program,” said Diane Vanos, manager of community investment, Itron. “Rewarding good attendance, hard work and achievement in the classroom will help encourage positive behaviors and shape our community’s future leaders.”

The Spokane Indians open the 2014 season on Friday, June 13th, against the Eugene Emeralds, and will be televised on SWX-TV.

The Spokane Indians would like to thank all of our fans for their support during the record-setting 2013 season. The Indians are the Short Season Class “A” affiliate for the Texas Rangers. Ticket packages are on sale now for the 2014 season, and start as low as $63. Reserve your seats today by calling the Avista Stadium Ticket Office at (509) 343-OTTO (6886). Parking at all Spokane Indians games is FREE!

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

MiLB donates to Snohomish United Way

Contribution to help disaster recovery after Oso, Wash. landslide

MiLB-CharitiesMinor League Baseball™ Charities announced today that it is donating $10,000 to the United Way of Snohomish (Wash.) County’s Disaster Recovery Fund to aid in the relief efforts related to the March 22 mudslide in Oso, Wash. More than three dozen people have lost their lives and several others are still missing as a result of the devastating incident. The mudslide occurred just 30 miles from the Everett AquaSox, a Minor League Baseball club in the Northwest League.

“Through MiLB Charities, we are able to give back and offer support to the communities in which our clubs are a part, especially in times of need when natural disasters like the Oso mudslide occur,” said Tina Gust, MiLB™ Vice President of Business Development.

United-WayThe AquaSox will present the $10,000 check, on behalf of MiLB Charities, to the United Way of Snohomish County on Friday. A formal check presentation will be made to the organization prior to an AquaSox game this summer.

The club is also donating all walk-up ticket sales from its June 16 game to the relief and recovery efforts.

“As we enter our 30th year in Snohomish County, this is the least we can do to try and help those affected by this tragedy,” said AquaSox Executive Vice President Tom Backemeyer. “We are very appreciative of Minor League Baseball and the support they have offered to our community through this generous donation.”

Through donations and support it receives from fans, teams and partners, MiLB Charities is able to contribute to local organizations in times of need and support causes that are important to its extended baseball family. Minor League Baseball Charities is a tax exempt, 501(c)(3) charitable organization affiliated with the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues.

Visit http://milbcharities.milbstore.com to make a tax-deductible donation to MiLB Charities or http://charities.milbauctions.com for additional opportunities to show your support.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Class A Short Season Northwest League. Click here to view the original story.

AquaSox & MiLB Partner to Assist Oso Relief

Everett-AquaSoxThe Everett AquaSox announced today that they are dedicating their June 16 game towards relief efforts related to the Oso mudslide. All walk-up ticket sales from this game will go directly towards relief and recovery efforts caused by the mudslide that occurred only 30 miles from the AquaSox on March 22.

“So many families and businesses have been impacted locally by the mudslide,” said AquaSox Executive Vice President Tom Backemeyer, “As we enter our 30th year in Snohomish County, this is the least we can do to try and help those affected by this tragedy.”

United-WayIn conjunction with the AquaSox’s efforts, Minor League Baseball™ Charities, a tax exempt, 501(c)(3) charitable organization affiliated with the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues, has donated $10,000 to the United Way of Snohomish County’s Disaster Recovery Fund for Mudslide Relief. The AquaSox will present the check to the United Way of Snohomish County on behalf of MiLB on Friday, April 25th.

“We are very appreciative of Minor League Baseball and the support they have offered to our community through this generous donation,” said Backemeyer.

“Through MiLB Charities, we are able to give back and offer support to the communities in which our clubs are a part, especially in times of need when natural disasters like the Oso mudslide occur,” said Tina Gust, MiLB™ Vice President of Business Development.

A formal check presentation to the United Way will be made prior to an AquaSox game later this summer. To donate directly to the United Way’s Disaster Recovery Fund, and to find out how else you can help, please visit www.uwsc.org.

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

Hillsboro Hops and Barley Lead Anti-Bullying Campaign at Local Schools

“Strike Out Bullying” All-Stars to be Honored at Hops Home Games this Summer

Hillsboro, OR (March 27, 2014) – The Hillsboro Hops (@HillsboroHops) and their mascot Barley (@BarleytheHop) are leading an anti-bullying campaign in Hillsboro schools the team announced today. The program, titled, “Strike Out Bullying” with the tag line “I stand with Barley against Bullying” will launch this spring.

Currently there are 10 Hillsboro schools totaling over 5,000 students that have signed up to host anti-bullying assemblies with Barley. All students participating in the assemblies will receive a free ticket to a Hops game and a bumper sticker that says, “I Stand with Barley Against Bullying”.

The Hillsboro Hops will hold four anti-bullying games this summer (6/23, 7/14, 7/29, 8/20) and students participating in the “Strike Out Bullying” campaign will receive free tickets to one of the four games.

All students will have a chance to nominate an “All-Star” student – fellow students who stand up to a bully or perform an act of kindness. The Hops will collect “All-Star” nominations for each grade and will honor the recipients on the field at a Hops home game this season.

To register your school for a “Strike Out Bullying” campaign with Barley, call the Hillsboro Hops office at 503-640-0887 or email Ariel Wagner at arielw@hillsborohops.com.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Hillsboro Hops. Click here to view the original story.

AquaSox Job Fair Wednesday from 4-7

Available part-time positions include bat boy, concessions, usher & box office

EverettAquaSox_2014-03-10

Download an AquaSox Day of Game Application Here

Everett, WA – The Everett AquaSox, minor league affiliate of the Seattle Mariners, are holding a casting call for gameday employment on Wednesday, April 9 from 4-7 PM at the AquaSox front office (3802 Broadway). This is a drop in event, so job seekers are welcome to come in anytime between 4-7 to drop off their application.

To expedite the process on April 9, the AquaSox are encouraging all job seekers to print and fill out a job application in advance. The application can be found at aquasox.com. In order to be considered for employment during the 2014 season, you must attend the casting call.

“Our gameday employees are a huge part of the experience that our fans have at the ballpark,” said AquaSox Executive Vice President Tom Backemeyer. “We are excited for the upcoming season, and are looking forward to adding even more great gameday employees to our staff here at Everett Memorial Stadium.”

Job seekers will have the opportunity to fill out an application for part-time gameday positions and learn more about specific job responsibilities for each position. The AquaSox will not be conducting one-on-one interviews at the casting call. Following the casting call, the AquaSox will invite a select number of candidates back to the stadium to interview for open positions.

The AquaSox are looking for part-time “cast members” in the following roles: Frog Squad/promotions team, concessions managers, cooks and hawkers, ushers, ticket office, ticket takers, parking attendants, Fun Zone inflatables area, souvenir store, press box and bat boys. For specific job responsibilities, visit the AquaSox official website at aquasox.com.

The ideal candidates must be trustworthy, outgoing, reliable and enthusiastic. All applicants also must be 16 years of age or older by June 11 to work for the AquaSox.

For more information about the casting call, contact the AquaSox front office at 425-258-3673 or Download an AquaSox Day of Game Application Here

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

Indians Announce Youth Baseball

Pony, Babe Ruth, SYSA Form Spokane Indians Youth Baseball

Pony, Babe Ruth and divisions of SYSA have combined to form Spokane Indians Youth Baseball.
Pony, Babe Ruth and divisions of SYSA have combined to form Spokane Indians Youth Baseball.

SPOKANE, WA – The Spokane Indians are excited to announce the formation of Spokane Indians Youth Baseball, a non-profit youth baseball organization that will encompass all of Spokane Pony Baseball, Spokane Babe Ruth and the baseball and softball divisions of Spokane Youth Sports Association (SYSA).

“When discussing youth baseball with Spokane Pony Baseball, Spokane Babe Ruth and SYSA, it became clear that this was the right time to combine our efforts and form Spokane Indians Youth Baseball,” said Otto Klein, Senior Vice President of the Spokane Indians. “By bringing together the leagues and brands, we will be able to enhance the baseball experience for families and volunteers of the Inland Northwest. It’s an exciting time for all of us.”

“With one united organization, we will be able to clearly communicate information and simplify player registration and coordination of fields,” said Dana Richardson, President of Pony Baseball. “Having the Spokane Indians associated with youth baseball will increase the exposure for our league, and in turn increase the number of youth on the baseball diamond.”

In 2013, over 3,000 kids participated in Pony, Babe Ruth and SYSA baseball and softball across the Inland Northwest. The mission is to increase and promote participation and opportunities through a cohesive and unified marketing effort, while also creating a fund to facilitate future field development.

“The main component of this partnership is simple – it’s the common goal of doing this for the kids,” says Philip Helean, Executive Director of SYSA. “We want every child in the Inland Northwest involved so we can see them smiling as they take the field.”

Registration is now open for Spokane Indians Youth Baseball at www.SpokaneIndiansYouthBaseball.org, and city-wide draft evaluations will occur in March. Players can sign up individually for all skill levels, or as a full team in both recreational and competitive divisions. Teams in the younger divisions will be formed based on schools and neighborhoods.

Volunteer coaches are always needed! Coaches may register online, and must provide photo identification. Criminal background checks are conducted for all volunteers in Spokane Indians Youth Baseball.

Parents will have the option of registering online at www.SpokaneIndiansYouthBaseball.org, or by stopping by either of the SYSA offices, located Downtown at The Warehouse (800 North Hamilton, Suite 201) or in the Valley at the HUB Sports Center (19619 East Cataldo).

For more information please visit www.SpokaneIndiansYouthBaseball.org or call (509) 321-1999.

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

Volcanoes Named 50th Anniversary Vietnam War Commemorative Partner

Franchise tapped by United States Office of the Secretary of Defense for July 4th, 2014 Game

Salem-KeizerVolcanoes_2013-10-11

 

KEIZER, Or. – The Salem-Keizer Volcanoes are proud to announce its acceptance as a Commemorative Partner of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War. The Volcanoes’ 7th Annual Patriotic celebration is headlined on Friday, July 4, 2014 with Vietnam Veterans Night at Volcanoes Stadium.

The Salem-Keizer Volcanoes’ initial patriotic celebration was on July 4, 2008, and has since grown into a three-day annual event celebrating the many cross-sections of our military heroes, and has boomed with success. During these tributes, the Volcanoes have Thanked, Honored, and Saluted more than 300 military men and woman spanning from World War II to the Middle East conflicts. Great anticipation surrounds the next chapter of the Tribute spanning the Independence Day weekend of Friday, July 4th to Sunday, July 6th.

In 2013, Volcanoes Stadium hosted a special ceremony for “Fallen Navy SEAL” Tyrone Woods of Oregon City, who was killed in combat defending America’s diplomatic outpost in Benghazi. At the time of the formal ceremony, there were 143 military personnel on the field including representatives from Washington D.C..

Jerry Howard, Volcanoes’ Senior Marketing Representative, whom organizes this yearly event, expressed his appreciation for the Volcanoes’ selection: “The Volcanoes are extremely excited with regard to being selected by The Office of the Secretary of Defense to be an official Vietnam War 50-Year Commemoration Partner” and site. We have many brave and courageous Vietnam War Veterans in Oregon and Southwest Washington who we will invite to join us on July 4th, 2014, so we may properly Thank, Honor and Salute them for their service to our country. They are truly American Heroes.”

The Volcanoes were awarded this honor as a part of the franchise’s willingness to assist and support a grateful nation in thanking and honoring our Vietnam War Veterans and their families.

In preparation for the 2014 Patriotic Tribute, the Volcanoes have selected an 18-member committee of Vietnam Veterans to plan the event at Volcanoes Stadium. If you know of any Vietnam Veterans who deserve recognition during the special celebration, nominations can be made to the committee by contacting Jerry Howard. He can be reached at Volcanoes Stadium at 503-779-4088 or via email at j.howard@volcanoesbaseball.com.

About the Volcanoes: The Salem-Keizer Volcanoes are a minor league affiliate of the San Francisco Giants. Home games are played at Volcanoes Stadium in Keizer from mid-June through early-September. For more information call the Volcanoes at (503) 390-2225.

 

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

Premera Care-A-Van Provides Smiles

SpokaneIndians_2013-07-18
Spokane Indians players and OTTO visited Sacred Heart on July 17. (Otto Klein)

Spokane, WA – For over 10 years the Spokane Indians and Premera Blue Cross have teamed up for the Premera Care-A-Van, a program where children in local hospitals receive a visit from OTTO the Mascot and current Indians players. The first of three Care-A-Van visits was July 17th at Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital.

“We love supporting these types of events and are thankful for our partnership with Premera Blue Cross,” said Senior Vice President Otto Klein. “These brave kids are going through more than we know and it’s rewarding for everyone to see them smile.”

In addition to the visit from players Travis Dean, Cody Ege and John Straka, OTTO The Mascot also made an appearance. The children received a Care-A-Van Backpack full of Spokane Indians items courtesy of Premera Blue Cross. The Indians also provide tickets for former patients who have now recovered and are living in the Spokane area.

The Indians and Premera Blue Cross have two more Care-A-Vans planned for this year, including August 20th at at Shriners Hospital for Children. All media are invited to attend.

For more information about the Premera Care-A-Van program, please call (509) 535-2922, or send an email to dtoms@spokaneindians.com.

The Indians will return home next Tuesday, July 23rd, for a quick three-game homestand against the Vancouver Canadians to start the second half of the Northwest League season. That night will be Triple Play Sweepstakes presented by Triple Play Family Fun Park, 103.9 BOB FM, 790 KJRB and Kids Newspaper. If the Indians complete a triple play during the first nine innings of the game, one lucky fan in attendance will win $33,333! Sign up at the game for your chance to win!

Tickets for all Spokane Indians home games are available for purchase at the Indians Ticket Office, spokaneindians.com or ticketswest.com. Reserve your seats today by calling (509) 343-OTTO (6886).

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

C’s in the Community

Canadians mascots enjoy annual Umbrella Decorating Challenge at Safeway

(Vancouver, B.C.) – The Vancouver Canadians Baseball Club took part in Safeway Canada’s latest community initiative by partnering with Easter Seals Canada and Special Olympics Canada to launch a fundraising and awareness building campaign in support of Canadians with physical and intellectual disabilities.

Through the month of April, Canada Safeway will be asking their shoppers to help support both Easter Seals and Special Olympics across Canada through a number of awareness campaigns.

On Tuesday, the Vancouver Canadians were able to help Safeway Canada with their annual Umbrella Decorating Challenge.  Located at Safeway in downtown Vancouver, C’s mascots Bob Brown Bear, Chef Wasabi and Ms. BC Roll joined a number of local celebrities including B.C. home building icon Shell Busey to decorate a number of bright and fun umbrellas.

“Helping our neighbours living with a diverse range of abilities has long been a Safeway priority,” siad Canada Safeway President and COO Chuck Mulveena.

“When we were asked to join in this community ‘call to action’, for the Vancouver Canadians, it was for certain that we would be here to help,” added Canadians Manager, Community Relations Jeff Holloway.

Last year, over $1.6 million was raised during the annual campaign which sent hundreds of children with disabilities to Easter Seals camps and provided support for local programs offered through Special Olympics.

The Vancouver Canadians Baseball Club is proud to support a number of local businesses including Canada Safeway who are committed to making our communty a better place. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

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

Boise Hawks are In Bloom with St.Luke’s Children’s Hospital

The Boise Hawks have been patiently waiting for their trip to St.Lukes Children’s Hospital and it finally happened yesterday. Michael Heesch, Stephen Bruno and Dan Vogelbach went to St.Lukes and visited with the children on the fourth floor. They handed out hats, baseballs, helmets, balloons, foam fingers (Bruno’s favorite) and flower arrangements that the boys put together themselves at In Bloom Tuesday morning.

Vogelbach along with Nathan Dorris, Hunter Ackerman and Rock Shoulders all went to In Bloom where they learned the proper way to arrange flowers and the importance of giving back to the community. Host mom, Diane Laubengayer, put together this fun activity and was their teacher for the day. For Shoulders the importance of this trip was “just trying to keep the children happy and hopefully giving them the strength to pull through the tough days.” While some children might only be in the hospital a short time, others are there for long-term treatment for up to a year.

The trip to St.Lukes started in the Play Room where there is an inside play area as well as a rooftop playground with bouncy balls, teeter-totter, and a play house. The boys played kick ball with one little boy and spent time with the families. Vogelbach was excited to see the first little girl come in; he immediately went for his flower arrangement and gave it to her. I have never seen a smile so big, both on the face of the little girl and on her father’s.

We also got to meet a teenage boy who has grown up in a family of soccer players. He just started playing baseball last year and is a right handed pitcher, he was extra excited to meet Heesch. His first question was “What is your best advice for a pitcher?” The response he got, “Never let yourself have a bad day, and throw strikes!”

The visit seemed to open the hearts and minds of the players, Humphrey, and the staff who went along on the visit. The children’s hospitals are close to my heart and I encourage all of you to take the time and show your appreciation for someone today!

This story originally appeared on the “High Heels and Highlights” blog.  Click here to read the original story.

Money From Last Homestand Given to Red Cross

More than $1,000 to be used to help fire victimes

The Yakima Bears were proud to present the American Red Cross with $1,110 Wednesday. The funds were raised during the team’s most recent homestand to help the victims of the Taylor Bridge Fire in central Washington.

Money was accepted at each of the six games the Bears played from Thursday to Tuesday. There were cups at each concession stand and a bucket near the front gate where fans could drop cash donations. Bears fans also participated in nightly raffles with the winners taking home a variety of jerseys and team-signed baseballs.

“It was exciting to see the response from our fans, who were inspiring with their generosity,” said Bears general manager K.L. Wombacher.

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

Mission Accomplished! C’s Mini-League Makes A Difference

Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation ends up helping more than 300 local children this past summer

C's RHP Bryan Longpre was game to share some cake and ice cream with members of our new Mini-League this past Friday.
C’s RHP Bryan Longpre was game to share some cake and ice cream with members of our new Mini-League this past Friday.

(Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium – Vancouver, BC) – In partnership with the Boys and Girls Clubs of South Coast BC, the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation (VCBF) has successfully concluded its first-ever mini league in North America.

This first-of-its kind initiative introduced well over 200 local kids in need to the game of baseball over a seven-week period at the historic Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium.

Based on coach feedback and player results, the mini league didn’t just teach kids about the game of baseball but also valuable life skills including self-confidence, teamwork, how to win, how to lose and how to have fun.

Randy Castellarin a volunteer coach for the mini-league, agrees wholeheartedly.

“These kids are amazing. They’re so eager to learn and to be part of the game. Their progress in terms of baseball is incredible, but what’s really amazing is their attitude. They’ve become eager, engaged and confident. I’m really proud of what they have achieved.”

According to Carolyn Tuckwell, President and CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of South Coast BC, the summer mini league has been enthusiastically received by both participants and their parents.

“The kids are not only excited to have learned a new skill set but also thrilled to have played baseball at Nat Bailey Stadium, where the professionals play. It has been amazing to watch them develop their physical, social and personal skills over the past seven weeks.”

Di, an 11-year old playing in the “Coach-Pitch” division says,” The coaches made it really fun. They showed me that if I really tried, I could hit a ball, throw and catch. When I first started, I was scared I wasn’t good enough to play, but now I know I am.”

Jeff Mooney, who co-chairs the Foundation with business partner Jake Kerr, is passionate about the power of baseball to inspire local youth.

“Most of these kids don’t have a lot of opportunities through circumstances beyond their control, but when you give them something they run with it. Sometimes all it takes is one person to show an interest and that makes all the difference. The VCBF is thrilled to be making a real impact with this program and changing the lives of these kids by giving them an opportunity they may not have had otherwise.”

Though the first season of the VCBF mini league officially came to a close on Friday August 17th, one thing is certain, the kids that participated have learned lessons and made memories that will last a lifetime.

The mini league consisted of two divisions: “T-Ball” ages 6-8 and “Coach-Pitch” ages 9-11.

The dates of the 2013 mini league will be announced early next year.

About the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation:

The Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation (VCBF) was founded on the vision of helping youth in need find self-confidence, hope, improved health, and a skill set that will help not just on a baseball diamond, but in life. Its programs include; the mini summer league, UBC scholarships, a premiere league event as well as additional events and fundraisers. From helping a young child onto a baseball diamond perhaps for the first time, right through to helping a bright minded student find a way to continue their post-secondary education, the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation is committed to our community and to helping redefine a child’s perspective on the game of baseball.

About Boys and Girls Clubs of South Coast BC:

Boys & Girls Club of South Coast BC has been a vital support for children, youth and their families since 1936, providing a wide range of social, health, educational and recreational services to assist young people in their growth and development. Each program creates safe, supportive places where children and youth can experience new opportunities, overcome barriers, build positive relationships and develop the confidence and skills they need for successfully leading their lives and their communities. Learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs at www.bgc-gv.bc.ca
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Vancouver Canadians. Click here to view the original story.

Bears to Accept Donations for Fire Victims

Fans can donate in a variety of ways

The Yakima Bears have announced that throughout the six-game homestand beginning today the team will be collecting donations for the victims of the Taylor Bridge fire.

“While we can only imagine the hardships suffered by our neighbors in central Washington, we know that with roughly 10,000 people expected to come through Yakima County Stadium over the next six days we can provide an avenue for aid,” said Bears General Manager K.L. Wombacher.

The Bears will have a bucket at the front gate and collection jars at concession stands for all six games. The team will also be holding a raffle for game-worn jerseys and team signed baseballs on a nightly basis. The Bears will give 100% of the funds collected to the Ellensburg Chapter of the American Red Cross to help victims of the fire.

As of Wednesday, it had been reported the fire near Ellensburg and Cle Elum in central Washington had burned approximately 22,000 acres and hundreds of people had been displaced.

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