Pitch for the Cure Breast Cancer Walk Returns for 2012

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The 7th Annual Pitch for the Cure raises money for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation.

Spokane, WA – The Spokane Indians announced today that their annual Pitch for the Cure Breast Cancer Walk presented by Mike’s Hard Pink Lemonade will return for 2012 on Saturday, August 25th at Avista Stadium. This marks the seventh consecutive year that the Indians and the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation have collaborated on the event, with proceeds benefiting the Eastern Washington Chapter of the Komen Foundation.”The Eastern Washington Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure is excited about the Pitch for the Cure,” said Executive Director Claudia Bell. “We appreciate the on-going support of the Spokane Indians, who over the last seven years have raised nearly $20,000 for our mission to save lives and end breast cancer forever.”

Check in for the event is at 5:30 p.m. with the walk set to begin at 6:00 p.m. The one mile, flat walk circles around Avista Stadium before finishing on the field, where the participants will be recognized in a special pre-game ceremony. The game against Salem-Keizer begins at 6:30 p.m. as Spokane players will be wearing special pink jerseys that will be auctioned off to support the cause.

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

Deadline for registration is Wednesday, August 8th, with a late registration fee of $5. Packet pick-up is scheduled for Friday, August 24th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Avista Stadium and the day of the walk starting at 5:00 p.m. at Avista Stadium.

In addition to Mike’s Hard Pink Lemonade, supporting sponsors for this year’s Pitch for the Cure include Itron, Pepsi, and Ross Printing. Media sponsors include The Big 99.9 Coyote Country and KXLY 920 AM.

Registration is now open at active.com. For more information about the event, call the Indians at (509) 535-2992 or visit Pitch-For-The-Cure.com.

The Spokane Indians return to Avista Stadium on Friday, July 27th for Ian Kinsler Bobblehead Giveaway presented by Alaska Airlines, KREM-2 TV, 103.1 KCDA, and Out There Monthly. On this highly-anticipated night, the first 1,000 fans and all Banner Bank Diamond Club Members will receive a limited edition bobblehead of former Spokane Indian and current Texas Rangers All-Star Ian Kinsler. Tickets for all Spokane Indians home games are available for purchase at the Indians Ticket Office or at spokaneindians.com. Reserve your seats today by calling (509) 343-OTTO (6886) or TicketsWest at 1-800-325-SEAT.

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

Premera Care-A-Van Provides Smiles and Hope to Local Children

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 is today at Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for Premera Blue Cross and the Indians to bring hope to children at our local hospitals,” said Senior Vice President Otto Klein. “These brave kids are going through a lot and its rewarding for all of us to see smiles on their faces.”

In addition to the visit from players and mascots, the children will receive 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.

“I’ll never forget how happy the kids were to see us and how much our visit lifted their spirits,” said former Indians player Brett Nicholas. “I’m glad to see the program will continue in 2012, and that new players will be able to experience what I did.”

The Indians and Premera Blue Cross have three Care-A-Vans planned for this year, including today at Sacred Heart, August 14th at Deaconess Medical Center, and August 21st 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.

Tonight’s game is the second game of a three game series against the Tri-City Dust Devils and is Baseball Hat Giveaway presented by Pepsi, Arby’s, and The Inlander. The first 1,000 fans and all Banner Bank Diamond Club Members will receive a FREE limited edition Spokane Indians Baseball Hat. Also tonight, kids are encouraged to stick around after the game for the Supercuts Post-Game Circle the Bases promotion. The game starts at 6:30 p.m. with gates opening at 5:30 p.m. Tickets for all Spokane Indians home games are available for purchase at the Indians Ticket Office or at spokaneindians.com. Reserve your seats today by calling (509) 343-OTTO (6886) or TicketsWest at 1-800-325-SEAT.

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

Saturday is Prostate Cancer Awareness Night

All-Star Luis Gonzalez among honored guests

The Yakima Bears will host Prostate Cancer Awareness Night during a 7:05 game against the Tri-City Dust Devils at Yakima County Stadium on Saturday. The event is sponsored by Washington Hematology-Oncology and will feature some special appearances and a fireworks extravaganza.

The Bears parent club, the Arizona Diamondbacks will be sending former Major League All-Star Luis Gonzalez to the game along with team President and CEO Derrick Hall. Gonzalez, whose 19-year Major League career was highlighted by a game-winning hit for the Diamondbacks in game seven of the 2001 World Series, will sign autographs on the concourse from 6:15 to 6:45 that evening. Hall, who has been team president since 2006, will speak to the audience before the game about his own battle with prostate cancer last year.

Following the game, there will be a fireworks show courtesy of the night’s sponsor, Dr. Al Brady of Washington Hematology-Oncology.

Single game tickets are available at the downtown Bears office at 17 N. 3rd Street, Suite 101, by calling (509) 457-5151, and online at yakimabears.com.

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

2012 Itron Champions Program Schools Selected

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The Itron Champions Program donates 250 tickets to schools to encourage hard work in the classroom.

Spokane, WA–The Spokane Indians announced today that Madison Elementary and Logan Elementary have been selected to participate in this year’s Itron Champions Program.  Every year, the Itron Champions Program provides two low-income Spokane schools with a visit from OTTO the Mascot and 250 Indians tickets to distribute to their students as a reward for good attendance, hard work, and achievement in the classroom.

“We love bringing the Itron Champions Program to schools and getting kids excited about learning,” said Indians Senior Vice President, Otto Klein. “This is a great opportunity for the Indians to support our local schools and students.”

Logan Elementary will have their assembly on Thursday, June 7th at 1:00 p.m. while Madison Elementary will have their assembly on Monday, June 11th at 2:15 p.m.

“Supporting young people is of great importance to Itron and that is why we are proud to support local students through the Itron Champions Program,” said Diane Vanos, Manager, Community Investment. “Encouraging hard work, good attendance and achievement in the classroom today will help shape the future leaders of tomorrow.”

All media members are invited to attend the assemblies.

The Spokane Indians are the Short Season Class “A” affiliate for the Texas Rangers. The Indians open the 2012 season on Friday, June 15th against the Vancouver Canadians with Opening Night Fireworks & AAA Magnet Schedule Giveaway presented by Les Schwab Tires, KREM-2 TV, 93.7 The Mountain, and SportsRadio 1510 KGA. Single game tickets for the 2012 season are now available for purchase at the Indians Ticket Office or at spokaneindians.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.

2012 Banner Bank Scholarship Winners Announced

Spokane, WA–For the seventh consecutive year, Banner Bank and the Spokane Indians have teamed up to reward talented high school seniors with college scholarships. The winners of the $500 awards were announced today and include: Marina DeFrates (North Central), Ben Goodwin (Joel E. Ferris), Marque Jones (Rogers) Emily Korotish (Central Valley), and James Volz (Mead).”Banner Bank is proud to reward these local students for their hard work,” said Kirk Quillin, Banner Bank Senior Vice President. “We enjoy having the chance to help these outstanding students further their education.”

The scholarships were open to any student who attended a high school in Spokane County and were based on achievement in four areas: scholarship, leadership, community involvement, and character.

“This was a phenomenal group of students and it was very difficult to select just five winners,” said Indians Senior Vice President, Otto Klein. “The scholarship program illustrates the Spokane Indians and Banner Bank’s continued commitment to education in our community.”

During the seven-year partnership between Banner Bank and the Spokane Indians, 36 area students have received a total of $18,000 to help fund their college education.

The students and their families will be guests on Wednesday, July 11th for $100 Strikeout Night presented by Banner Bank and Rock 94.5 FM, and will be honored in a pre-game ceremony.

The Spokane Indians are the Short Season Class “A” affiliate for the Texas Rangers. The Indians open the 2012 season on Friday, June 15th against the Vancouver Canadians with Opening Night Fireworks & AAA Magnet Schedule Giveaway presented by Les Schwab Tires, KREM-2 TV, 93.7 The Mountain, and SportsRadio 1510 KGA. Single game tickets for the 2012 season are now available for purchase at the Indians Ticket Office or at spokaneindians.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.

Bob Brown Bear goes ‘Dreamin’ at the Aquarium

Canadians Mascot cheers on kids as they get special night after hours at Vancouver Aquarium

Bob Brown Bear was more than happy to enjoy a night at the Vancouver Aquarium. (Alex Dachis)
Bob Brown Bear was more than happy to enjoy a night at the Vancouver Aquarium. (Alex Dachis)

(Vancouver, BC) – Vancouver Canadians mascot Bob Brown Bear was thrilled to get a chance to attend ‘Dreamnight’, which is an annual event organized by the Vancouver Aquarium to share their facility with children that have life threatening illness.

These brave young children along with their families got the opportunity to visit the Aquarium past regular hours and connect with the aquatic animals and exhibits.

The night welcomed over 500 children and their families where they got to meet Bob, learn all about aquatic environments and animals as well as managed to see the famous Vancouver Aquarium dolphins and much more.

Many of the children were from BC Children’s Hospital and would not have had the opportunity to visit the Aquarium during regular hours due to their situation in the hospital.

The Vancouver Canadians Baseball Club is proud to support local initiatives that give children the opportunity to enjoy life to the fullest.

Our thanks and admiration to all involved for giving so many children the chance to create a new and exciting memory as they fight to stay healthy and positive.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Vancouver Canadians. Click here to view the original story.

Thrill of a Lifetime

Canadians fan Andrew Von Rosen helps our Foundation by enjoying the Blue Jays in Toronto

The Blue Jays supplied Andrew Von Rosen with a team autographed jersey!
The Blue Jays supplied Andrew Von Rosen with a team autographed jersey!

(Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium – Vancouver, BC) – When Andrew Von Rosen heard the word ‘sold’ at the 2nd Annual Scotiabank Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation Hot Stove Luncheon back in February, he knew he was about to get the experience of a lifetime.

One of the Canadians live auction items that was in place to help raise funds for the newly-formed Vancouver Canadians Baseball League was a trip for two to Toronto to see the Blue Jays welcome the Texas Rangers.

The series itself did not disappoint with Andrew getting the chance to see Langley, B.C. native Brett Lawrie hit a game-winning, walk-off home run in the bottom of the 9th inning on May 1st against the defending American League champions.

“Without question that was one of the highlights,” says Andrew who is a lifelong baseball fan.

On the field, Andrew and his guest got to see Rangers pitching sensation RHP Yu Darvish who outpitched Blue Jays arm RHP Kyle Drabek in a hard fought 4-1 victory for Texas.

The next night the Blue Jays fell behind 5-0 early before Toronto fought back with Lawrie’s heroics capping off a 7-6 victory.

Andrew’s final day saw Rogers Centre open up the roof to reveal piercing sunshine and an offensive explosion for the Jays and they topped the Rangers 11-5 to take the three-game series.

“To get to see the dome both open and closed was great. It is like two completely different stadiums”.

Aside from Toronto and the Rangers exchanging pleasantries on the field, Andrew got to see the Blue Jays organization from behind the scenes including a tour of Rogers Centre, a meet and greet with broadcasters Pat Tabler and Buck Martinez as well as dinner at the exclusive VIP Club located right behind home plate.

The total package included flight, accommodation, tickets to all three games vs. Texas, dinner at the VIP Club and a team autographed Blue Jays jersey along with all the ‘behind the scene’ elements which included a viewing of the 1992 and 1993 World Series trophies.

Andrew’s hotel room overlooked the field at Rogers Centre while one of his highlights was getting a tour of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s National Headquarters just steps away from Rogers Centre.

The Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation would like to thank Andrew Von Rosen for bidding on this exciting trip. Thanks to his generosity, more than 20 local children will have the chance to play baseball this summer out at historic Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium in the Vancouver Canadians Baseball League.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Vancouver Canadians. Click here to view the original story.

Community Kudos: Bob Brown Bear

C’s mascots Bob Brown Bear made stops in Burnaby and Richmond this weekend

Bob Brown Bear joined Burnaby Minor Softball on Saturday for a little action on the diamond.
Bob Brown Bear joined Burnaby Minor Softball on Saturday for a little action on the diamond.

(Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium – Vancouver, BC) – The Vancouver Canadians and mascot Bob Brown Bear made a pair of community appearances on Saturday making stops in Burnaby and Richmond.

Bob was ready to roll up his sleeves and help our friends at Developmental Disabilities Association as they celebrated Earth Day out at the Vancouver Regional Recycling Facility. Taking care of the environment is very important to Bob Brown Bear as he has help the Canadians install new energy efficient lighting out at Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium.

Did you know the Canadians will turn the lights off out at Scotiabank Field nine times this summer to help promote our BC Hydro Powersmart ‘Nooners at The Nat. Talk about saving energy!

Shortly after helping out in Richmond, Bob zipped over to ring in another Opening Day, this time out on the diamond cheering hard for our pals within Burnaby Minor Softball Association.

Softball (fastpitch) is one of Canada’s fastest growing sports with more than 100,000 kids from coast-to-coast playing games that are just as competitive and enjoyable as baseball.

The Vancouver Canadians and mascots Bob Brown Bear, Ms. BC Roll, Mr. Kappa Maki and the dreaded Chef Wasabi are proud to be a part of your community. To learn more about how you can have one of our mascots or representatives at your next community appearance, call the C’s at 604.872.5232 or get in touch with Community Relations Manager Jeff Holloway at jholloway@canadiansbaseball.com

The Vancouver Canadians open up the 2012 home schedule out at Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium on Wednesday, June 20th at 7:05pm as the C’s welcome the Tri-City Dust Devils in a re-match of last year’s Northwest League Championship.

Tickets to Canadians Baseball are available today by calling 604.872.5232, visiting the Nat Bailey Stadium Box Office at 4601 Ontario Street in Vancouver, BC or by scrolling to the top of this story and clicking on our many ticket options.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Vancouver Canadians. Click here to view the original story.

C’s Community Corner

Have you seen Bob Brown Bear or Chef Wasabi lately?

From pipe bands to first pitches, its been a busy week for C's mascot Bob Brown Bear!
From pipe bands to first pitches, its been a busy week for C’s mascot Bob Brown Bear!

(Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium – Vancouver, BC) – With spring in the air and kids from all across the Lower Mainland kicking off their Little League seasons, the Vancouver Canadians are out and about cheering on our future stars of the diamond.

This past weekend, the C’s were out in full force including stops at Vancouver Minor, South Vancouver, Trout Lake, Little Mountain, White Rock, Forest Hills and New Westminster. As well the Canadians were thrilled to cheer on our little sluggers with Challenger Baseball and out at the Children Hearing and Speech Centre.

“It’s a busy time of the year but we couldn’t be happier to get out into the community and see the excitement on all these kid’s faces,” says Vancouver Canadians Manager of Community Relations Jeff Holloway.

You can follow the Canadians around the clock at www.facebook.com/vancouvercanadians as well as on twitter at www.twitter.com/vancanadians.

If you’ve got a great photo from one of your Little League games or events, send it to us through our social media and we’d love to share it with our great fans!

The Canadians open up the 2012 home schedule on Wednesday, June 20th as we host the Tri-City Dust Devils at 7:05pm.

For ticket information, give us a call at 604.872.5232 or click on the ticket options at the top of this story.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Vancouver Canadians. Click here to view the original story.

C’s In The Community

The Canadians and Bob Brown Bear were busy in our local community this past week

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(Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium – Vancouver, BC) – From diamonds to dining, it was another busy week for Vancouver Canadians mascot Bob Brown Bear who made stops at Mission Possible as well as registration day out at Trout Lake Little League.

Mission Possible was founded over 20 years ago and has become one of Canada’s most respected street-level initiatives helping a number of local families in need with both compassion and a loving heart on Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.

Bob Brown Bear’s presence at Mission Possible brought a number of smiles to young children’s faces as they enjoyed a warm meal along with their families. The Vancouver Canadians wish to congratulate everyone associated with this effort for a job well done.

Our mascot was also happy to hand out high-fives and a few hugs out at the registration for Trout Lake Little League’s upcoming season.

Since 1953, Trout lake Little League has been giving local children the opportunity to play organized baseball. With divisions for kids four through 12, Trout Lake Little League is based out of John Hendry Park (Vancouver) and is a league run completely by local volunteers.

The Canadians were proud to be out making new friends within the league and wish to thank the organizing committee for allowing us the chance to share in the excitement of the upcoming season.

Discovered in 2008, Bob Brown Bear has become one of the most recognizable faces on the Vancouver sports circuit making nearly 1,000 community appearances. If you would like to have the official mascot of the Vancouver Canadians at your upcoming event, feel free to contact us at 604.872.5232 to learn more about Bob Brown Bear’s availability.

The Vancouver Canadians return to Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium on Wednesday, June 20th to face the Tri-City Dust Devils in a re-match of last season’s Northwest League Championship. Tickets to Vancouver Canadians Baseball are available by calling 604.872.5232, or by visiting the Vancouver Canadians Box Office located at 4601 Ontario Street, Vancouver, B.C.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Vancouver Canadians. Click here to view the original story.

“An unforgettable moment”

Local kids steal the show at 2nd Annual Scotiabank Hot Stove Luncheon

Scotiabank's David Poole gives a high-five to a future baseball star. (Paul Yates)
Scotiabank’s David Poole gives a high-five to a future baseball star. (Paul Yates)

(Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium – Vancouver, BC) – When nearly 30 young, bright-eyed children began running through the aisles at the 2nd Annual Scotiabank Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation Hot Stove Luncheon, the show had officially been stolen.

Friday afternoon, the Canadians hosted their annual Hot Stove Luncheon which featured Toronto Blue Jays President and CEO Paul Beeston who was overwhelmed by the support shown by the sold out crowd all tucked inside the Coast Coal Harbour Hotel in downtown Vancouver.

“I’m speechless,” said Beeston who’s keynote address tipped largely toward his organization’s support of the Vancouver Canadians.

“What Jake, Jeff and Andy have done here in Vancouver is unbelievable. The way Vancouver has supported this team is something that should become a blueprint for other teams at any level of baseball”.

The afternoon program kicked off with Canadians owner Jake Kerr giving the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation membership his ‘State of the Franchise’ address which included his praise to the Toronto Blue Jays for delivering on their promise to make Vancouver a Northwest League Champion.

Kerr was followed by longtime friend and co-owner Jeff Mooney who gripped the sold out venue with a stirring story and introduction of the newly-formed Vancouver Canadians Baseball League, a 28-team, eight-game season built for kids between the ages of 5-10. Mooney announced that the Canadians through their Foundation would support nearly 300 local children in need each summer.

Included in the commitment is league fees, transportation, food and all equipment covered by both the Canadians and a host of corporate sponsors including Scotiabank, BC Hydro and The Sports Exchange. A number of local supporters also worked to give these children a summer to remember including Al DeGenova and the Mooney Family. Jeff Mooney and Suzanne Bolton donated $50,000.00 toward the Foundation to kick-off the afternoon.

Just before Mooney wrapped up his request to help support the VCBF, he trotted out 28 bright-eyed, excited children in full uniform all there to give our guests a high-five and ask for their support this summer.

Smiles filled the room as the kids from The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Vancouver dazzled with plenty of energy to spare and high-fives to go around to each and every guest. It was one of the most talked about elements of the afternoon.

The stage then became Paul Beeston’s who promised to keep building back in Toronto and committed to tell the story of the Vancouver Canadians who had ‘blown him away’ with what they had been able to accomplish within the community.

The afternoon wrapped up with a Live Auction that exceeded the hopes of the Canadians organization thanks to the generous support of our membership.

The Vancouver Canadians Baseball Club, Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation and Scotiabank would like to thank each and every person associated with the Foundation for a fantastic afternoon that ensured more than 300 children from our own community got the chance to play baseball this coming summer.

For more information, please visit our Foundation page right here at canadiansbaseball.com
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Vancouver Canadians. Click here to view the original story.