Oakland Athletics

Help Us Honor Fallen Heroes

January 15, 2015

The 2015 season is almost upon us and we are excited for what it will hold. The Midland RockHounds will host Military Appreciation Weekend sponsored by ProPetro Services on May 14th-18th. Throughout that weekend, the RockHounds players will be wearing specialty jerseys that will show the names of fallen heroes from around our community. These jerseys will be auctioned off with the proceeds going to a local charity, which will be determined at a later date.

We would like for our fans to submit names of family members or friends that have died honorably protecting our country, so that we can honor them by placing their names on the jerseys. Names will appear on the jerseys in the locations where “SOLDIER” is located on the above jersey artwork.

Please send all names and information to Courtnie Golden at cgolden@midlandrockhounds.org, no later than February 28, 2015 (limited to the first 50 names submitted). If you have any questions, feel free to call us at 432-520-2255.

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

Midwest League Fines Benefit Stateline Community Foundation

November 18, 2014

The Beloit Snappers have selected the Stateline Community Foundation to receive the donation resulting from the Midwest League’s On-Field Behavior Policy. The League splits up the amount of player fines it collects evenly between all 16 teams in the league. This year the Snappers will donate its share, $529.00, to this great charitable organization.

Each season, the Midwest League asks its member teams to select a deserving group or organization in their respective community to receive a portion of the money collected from fines handed out as part of the league On-Field Behavior Policy. Past organizations selected have included Beloit Turner High School Baseball Program, Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Beloit Memorial High School Baseball Program, Beloit Youth Hockey Association, Stateline Youth Sports Complex, Rock County Habitat for Humanity, the YMCA’s Partners of Youth Program, Caritas Inc., and Hands of Faith.

“We appreciate this opportunity to support the Stateline Community Foundation,” stated Snappers President, Dennis Conerton. “We are more than happy to partner with this foundation that helps the Stateline community have a better quality of life. Through the program, our players learn how to take a negative experience and learn from it. The lessons they learn benefit their on-field behavior, personal development and the greater good of the community.”

This annual contribution is just one of the many ways the Snappers and Midwest League Teams make efforts to give back to their communities. The Snappers are very involved in the Stateline Community, donating to hundreds of different causes each and every year.

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

VETERANS HONORED WITH SPECIAL TICKET PACKAGE

November 5, 2014

Includes 5 military-themed games

In honor of Veterans Day, the Sacramento River Cats are offering a special Veterans Day Ticket Package available only on Monday, November 10 and Tuesday, November 11 at Raley Field.

The package will include five military-themed River Cats games during the 2015 season including: Salute to Armed Forces (May 9), a Memorial Day matinee (May 25), Independence Eve Celebration (July 3), a doubleheader with the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Game (July 11), and a Labor Day matinee (September 7).

“The military presence around Sacramento including Beale and Travis Air Force Bases, the California National Guard units, and all the reservists, retired service members, and dependents shows the Sacramento region’s immense military presence” said River Cats General Manager, Chip Maxson. “We want to do our part to offer these exemplary citizens a unique and fun River Cats experience.”

Active, retired, and reserve military members can purchase this special package available only on November 10 and 11 at the Round Table Pizza Ticket Office at Raley Field open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Two seating options are available: Senate seats at $75, and Assembly seats at $50 for the 5-game package. Please be prepared to show a military ID upon purchase.

The River Cats will have a media area set up both days to interview local military personnel about their service history. Footage will be used throughout the season to honor our troops’ service at home and abroad.

For more information, please call the River Cats Ticket Hotline at (916) 371-HITS (4487) or email tickets@rivercats.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Sacramento River Cats. Click here to view the original story.

Keurig and Lake Monsters Brew Up Local Partnership To Bring 350 Kids To Games

September 30, 2014

Keurig Green Mountain, Inc. and the Vermont Lake Monsters raised over $1,700 this summer at historic Centennial Field to support the New York-Penn League team’s Share The Experience Program.

As part of the Lake Monsters’ nightly sports memorabilia auctions, Keurig Green Mountain, Inc. generously donated one Keurig brewing system for each night’s auction. All of the proceeds from the donation and auctioned brewing systems will go to benefit the Lake Monsters’ Share The Experience Program, which turns those funds into tickets for those in the community who cannot afford to come to a Lake Monsters game and enjoy the family fun environment.

“We’re so pleased that we can support the Lake Monster’s Share The Experience Program to provide local nonprofits and youth groups access to the ballgames,” Sandy Yusen, Keurig’s Director of Community Relations/Corporate Communications said.

The $1,700 that was raised this past summer will allow nearly 350 kids from youth groups and non-profits that lack the resources to attend a Lake Monsters game next season and share in the enjoyable experience at Centennial Field.

“We are extremely excited to have team up with Keurig Green Mountain on this venture,” said Nate Cloutier, General Manager of the Vermont Lake Monsters. “Their generous donations were not only a fun addition to the auction that the fans loved to bid on, but the proceeds will be instrumental in helping to share the family fun atmosphere with as many people in the community that we possibly can.”

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Vermont Lake Monsters. Click here to view the original story.

Little Lake Monsters Program Wins Award

September 8, 2014

Minor League Baseball has announced today that the Vermont Lake Monsters‘ “Little Lake Monsters Community All Stars” program has won their Promotion of the Month for August/September.

The program, presented by Northwestern Urgent Care, named nine winners based on their answers to three questions that focused on sportsmanship, living a healthy lifestyles and community. Each of the winners were rewarded with an experience of a lifetime, and saw what it was like to be a professional baseball player for a day. The promotion held a four-week entry period, and culminated with the event day on Friday, August 22nd at historic Centennial Field.

During each month of the 2014 season, Minor League Baseball recognizes one promotion as the Promotion of the Month. Organizations that are named Promotion of the Month winners are be automatically designated as a finalist for a Golden Bobblehead Award, presented at the Promotional Seminar in Oklahoma City.

Each of the winners:
• Signed a one-day promotional baseball contract at a press conference at the Free Press Media’s headquarters, where they received their very own custom Lake Monsters jersey and cap. Their contracts were signed by Oakland’s Athletics Vice President and General Manager, Billy Beane, and they were represented by Vermont’s own, professional sports agent, Jamie Murphy, whose agency represents several Major League players, such as Troy Tulowitzki, Evan Longoria, Nick Markakis, Tim Hudson, Mark Ellis, and several other professional baseball players
• Took a limousine from the press conference to Centennial Field, where they met the Vermont Lake Monsters team and took batting practice, infield, and ran the bases with the team
• Threw out a ceremonial first pitch
• Joined the Lake Monsters on the field for the National Anthem
• Sat in the dugout during the game
• Received their very own custom Vermont Lake Monsters baseball card, which was a giveaway for the fans on the night of the game
•In the spirit of the promotion, each of the kids donated and paid forward their $50 salary for the day to their local United Way

For more information on the Vermont Lake Monsters community efforts, please visit the Community tab at here on the website.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Vermont Lake Monsters. Click here to view the original story.

Community Contributions Exceed $65,000 in 2014

August 20, 2014

RockHounds Release In-Season Cash Contributions

A Calling to Serve

RockHounds Announce Summer Donations to Local Charities

For more than four decades, the core commitment of the RockHounds franchise has been to provide West Texas families with fun and entertainment throughout the summer and offer a place for the community to gather in fellowship through the game of baseball.

This mission, however, is not restrained by the physical boundaries of Security Bank Ballpark. Rather, the impact of the organization is felt throughout the Permian Basin, as the franchise remains a vanguard of community stewardship in the region.

Since the RockHounds’ Opening Day (April 3), the team has donated more than $65,000 to local charities.

“At its core, our work is not only about baseball; it is about bringing families and friends together in a fun, safe, and entertaining atmosphere,” said RockHounds general manager Monty Hoppel. “Through our efforts in the Permian Basin, our goal is straightforward: we want to make a tangible, positive difference in the lives of our friends and neighbors.”

The Club has established strong partnerships with several prominent groups, such as the Y MCA, Unite d Way, Gifts of Hope, High Sky Children’s Ranch, and Big Brothers Big Sis ters of Midland. Additionally, the team incorporates new organizations into its philanthropy each year.

During the RockHounds’ regular season, the team hosts several annual events that benefit local charities and civic organizations. The highlight of these, for many, is the Summer Concert Series event, which brings a country music star to the ballpark for a live concert; past performances at Security Bank Ballpark have included Dierks Bentley, Eli Young Band, and Brad Paisley.

The chart below outlines the RockHounds’ primary cash contributions this summer; it does not include in-kind and other forms of charitable giving.

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

RockHounds Summer Event Cash Contributions

Event (Charity) – Contribution
Eli Young Concert (YMCA) – $34,000
Victory Run (Gifts of Hope) – $10,000
Golf Tournament (Scott Seator Foundation) – $6,500
Gold Star/Military Appreciation Night (Permian Basin Honor Flight) – $4,200
RockHounds Scholarship Program (Permian Basin Graduating Seniors) – $4,000
Specialty Jersey Auctions (High Sky Children’s Ranch) – $2,000
Jersey Auctions / Dunk Tank (Nino Rodriguez Family) – $1,643
Matt Maher Concert (Permian Basin Mission Center) – $1,050
Miscellaneous Functions (Various) – $3,830

TOTAL ROCKHOUNDS IN-SEASON CASH CONTRIBUTIONS: $67,223

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

Little Lake Monsters Program Announced

June 12, 2014

The Vermont Lake Monsters and Northwestern Urgent Care are teaming up to reward nine kids in the community with a once in a lifetime experience with a new community program called the “Little Lake Monsters” Community All-Star Team.

Both organizations believe strongly in doing the right things and living a healthy lifestyle. From June 16th – July 6th, kids (between the ages of 5 to 12 years old) will be allowed to register online and submit their answers to three (3) questions for their chance to be selected as one of this years Little Lake Monsters.

Children will be asked to submit answers to questions focusing on sportsmanship, healthy lifestyles, and community. A committee will select the nine children based on their answers and experiences that they have written about.

Each of the nine children selected will be rewarded with an experience that will show what it is like to live the day in the life of a professional baseball player. Each of the nine children will be rewarded and anointed the “Little Lake Monsters” and on August 22nd experience the opportunity of a lifetime where they will:

* Be announced at a press conference where they will be presented with their own custom Vermont Lake Monsters jersey (name and number) and official cap

* Be signed to a one-day promotional contract with the Vermont Lake Monsters

* Take a limousine from the press conference to historic Centennial Field

* Have the chance to take batting practice with the Vermont Lake Monsters

* Be introduced to the crowd, recognized for their community efforts, and presented with their pay for they day, which will in turn be donated to a charitable organization

* Throw out a ceremonial first pitch on August 22nd

* Run out on the field for the National Anthem with the Vermont Lake Monsters team

* Have the chance to sit in the dugout with the team for an inning during the game

* Be presented with their very own Vermont Lake Monsters baseball card, which will also be the giveaway for that evening’s game

“All of the things that we are rewarding the kids with are things that we in the business take for granted,” said Nate Cloutier, Lake Monsters General Manager. “Things like throwing out a first pitch or getting up close and personal with the team, may not mean much to some of us, but these are experiences that can change the lives of kids and create lifelong memories. We are trying to create an association with being rewarded for doing the right things. We are thrilled to have found a partner in Northwestern Medical Center, who believes in the same values that we do.”

“Northwestern Medical Center is pleased to team up with the Vermont Lake Monsters to celebrate kids’ efforts to be healthy and encourage families to adopt healthier lifestyles,” said Jill Berry Bowen, NMC’s Chief Executive Officer. “By improving health in Vermont, we all win.”

Free Press Media is a proud media sponsor for both the event and program.

Click here to register for the chance to be a part of this year’s Little Lake Monsters Community All Star Team

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Vermont Lake Monsters. Click here to view the original story.

Children’s Book Night

May 8, 2014

Bring a new or gently used children’s book to the Snappers’ game on Tuesday, May 13th and receive a free ticket voucher to the game against the Peoria Chiefs on Wednesday, June 4th! All books will be donated to the Beloit Public Library.

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

2014 RockHounds Scholarship Recipients

April 23, 2014

2014 Scholarship Recipients

Austen Wade (Midland High School)
Blake Loyd (Robert E. Lee High School)
Jordan Williams (Robert E. Lee High School)
Audrey Adkins (Permian High School)

SCHOLARSHIP CRITERIA

The Midland RockHounds/Sockers FC will be awarding four $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors for the 2014 Fall College Semester. Two of the scholarships are reserved for students entering the field of Sport Management or involved in sports, and the other two will be for any field of higher education.

The scholarships will be available only to students who attend Midland or Odessa public and private high schools. This will be offered to any student attending a four-year college, junior college, vocational, technical, or health-related college. The four applications that best suit our prospectus will be granted the scholarship starting with the 2014 Fall Semester at any Texas or out-of-state college. All recipients will be honored on the field during a RockHounds or Sockers game of their choosing.

This is a one-year, non-renewable scholarship funded through the West Texas Sports Banquet.

Extra copies for those interested in applying will also be available in our Security Bank Ball Park Office and on the link above.

Check back for the 2015 application.

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

Five Guys Team Up With Lake Monsters For Annual “May Days” Fundraising Campaign

April 13, 2014

BURLINGTON, VT — The Vermont Lake Monsters are excited to announce Five Guys as a partner with their annual May fundraiser to benefit non-profits from across the state of Vermont. “Five Guys May Days” fundraiser will launch May 1st as a month-long program devoted to helping raise funds and awareness for state wide non-profits.

“We at Five Guys are very excited to get a chance to support Vermont charities.”, said local Five Guys franchisee owner Greg Vasey. “It’s even more fun when we can show that support while cheering on the Lake Monsters. We’re flattered by the welcome we have received since opening a couple years ago, and this a great way to give something back.”

Support of local non-profits has shown both the Lake Monsters and Five Guys strong commitment to the greater Burlington community. The goal of this program is not only to provide the opportunity for organizations to raise money, but also raise awareness for their programs all while providing a chance for supporters to come together on their night at the ballpark.

Dragonheart VT is just one of the many local non-profits who have made coming out to the ballpark a yearly event for their supporters.

“This program is a chance for Dragonheart Vermont members to get together and support the Lake Monsters as well as the Lake Monsters supporting us”, said Judy Kinner of Dragonheart Vermont. “We have done this program the past two years are grateful for the opportunity to raise money for breast cancer and supporters dragon boating teams, we will certainly be doing the program again this upcoming season.”

Participating non-profits will have the entire month of May to promote and sell $6 Lake Monsters tickets through a specific URL link designated to their organization for a specific game during the season. After the month of May is completed, the Lake Monsters will total the tickets sold by the non-profit and donate half of the proceeds back to that particular organization. Following the selling period Five Guys will also donate up to $500 to match the amount raised by the highest selling non-profit in the program. When the particular game which the non-profit had been selling for arrives during the season, that organization will be recognized on field and presented a check worth the amount of money which they have raised.

This opportunity is an easy way to fundraise for non-profits, simply by reaching out to your employees, supporters, volunteers, sponsors and spreading the URL link. For more information or if your non-profit is interested in participating contact Adam Matth at 802-655-4200 or download this confirmation form and send to adam@vermontlakemonsters.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Vermont Lake Monsters. Click here to view the original story.

“Yes we Can”-ned Food Drive

April 8, 2014

In conjunction with the Salvation Army of Beloit and the Salvation Army of Janesville the Snappers are proud to announce our “Yes We Can” food drive. The Snappers invite fans to bring canned or non-perishable food items to the ballpark for any of the games April 14^th -18^th and fans will receive a ticket voucher for the Snappers game on Wednesday May 14^th! All food donated will be split between the food pantries at the Salvation Army of Beloit and the Salvation Army of Janesville.

“We are so excited to have this new promotion at the ballpark this season. The work done at the Salvation Army in both Beloit and Janesville is a vital part of our community and we are happy to be a part of it” said Snappers President Dennis Conerton.

Tami Prochazka of the Salvation Army in Janesville said, “The Salvation Army appreciates this partnership with the Beloit Snappers and the community in ensuring food pantry shelves are stocked and ready to assist families in need during difficult times. The Yes We Can food drive is a win-win for The Salvation Army, food pantry families and avid baseball fans.”

The Snappers will be taking on the Great Lakes Loons Monday April 14^th-16^th all games starting at 6:30 pm with gates opening at 5:30 pm. April 17^th-18^th the Snappers will take on the Lansing Lugnuts with both games starting at 6:30 pm gates opening at 5:30 pm. For tickets visit the Snappers Box Office or call 608-362-2272.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Beloit Snappers. Click here to view the original story.

NEFCU/Lake Monsters “CHAMP Sightings”

February 26, 2014

Free CHAMP appearances offered to non-profit organizations

BURLINGTON, VT — New England Federal Credit Union and the Vermont Lake Monsters will be teaming up this year to actively support the community by offering free CHAMP appearances (called “CHAMP Sightings”) to non-profit organizations and other programs that share their commitment to enhancing the well being of the local communities.

“Over the past 20 years, CHAMP has become an integral part of the community, but there are still events each year that we have wanted to participate in but were unable to.” said Nate Cloutier, Lake Monsters’ General Manager. “We are very fortunate to have teamed up with such a wonderful community partner such as NEFCU, who shares our vision for giving back to the community and having fun while doing so.”

CHAMP, the mascot for the Lake Monsters since the team’s first season in the New York-Penn League back in 1994, has always been available for appearances in the community for a fee. But this new partnership between NEFCU and the Lake Monsters will give certain organizations and programs the opportunity to have CHAMP make an appearance at their event for no charge.

Organizations and programs interested in participating in the “CHAMP Sightings” program, and having CHAMP attend their event for free must submit a formal application that can be downloaded here from CHAMP Sightings page in Community section of website. Please note that depending on the event location, travel costs may apply. Interested parties should submit a formal application as soon as possible, as appearances are limited.

“The Vermont Lake Monsters and NEFCU share a deep commitment to supporting the community,” said Cindy Morgan, NEFCU Senior Marketing Executive. “We are pleased to help bring ‘CHAMP Sightings’ to organizations in our area.”

If an organization or program does not fit the requirements of the “CHAMP Sightings” program, regular CHAMP appearance requests can be made by calling (802) 655-4200 or downloading application here from CHAMP Appearances page in Kids Zone section of website. Regular rates do apply – $100 per hour, plus travel expenses.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Vermont Lake Monsters. Click here to view the original story.

Ports annual Pink Night scheduled for August 23

August 14, 2013

Fireworks show will conclude a night of charitable giving

STOCKTON, Calif.-The Stockton Ports have once again partnered with St. Joseph’s Medical Center in support of their Breast Health Services. Over the past six seasons, the Ports have supported St. Joseph’s through the annual Pink Night and have raised over $30,000 with help from the Stockton community.

Prior to the Ports hosting the Visalia Rawhide at 7:05 p.m. the 4th annual “Home Run-a-Thon” will take place on the field at Banner Island Ballpark at 5:35 p.m. Area television, radio and community celebrities will take their swings in the event. The gates will open at 5:05 p.m. Throughout the home run-a-thon fans are encouraged to make pledges for each home run hit. The home run event was established in 2010 when then Ports manager Steve Scarsone was closely affected by the disease. Scarsone’s wife, Becki, was battling with breast cancer. She is now doing well and is cancer free.

The Stockton community plays a big part in making Pink Night a success. The biggest fundraising component of the night is one dollar from every ticket sold will go back to St. Joseph’s Hospitals Breast Health Services. In addition to the funds raised through ticket sales and the donations from the home run-a-thon, a number of other activities will take place during the Ports game. There will be a player memorabilia raffle, Pink t-shirts available, a Pink game-worn jersey auction during the game as well as a huge fireworks show. Local businesses also have a chance to participate by purchasing business booths, group tickets, and donating raffle prizes.

“The Ports are proud to team up with St. Joseph’s Medical Center for our 7th annual Pink Night. The night would not be possible without the generosity and support of the Stockton community” said Ports Community Relations Manager Kellie Ryan.

If you would like to be a part of this event and help support St. Joseph’s Medical Center Breast Health Services, please call the Ports front office at 209.644.1900.

For promotions and ticket information, visit www.stocktonports.com

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

Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Game Raises $30,000 Locally

July 29, 2013

BURLINGTON, VT – The Vermont Lake Monsters are pleased to announce that $30,000 has been raised for the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team, as part of the June 29th event at Centennial Field. The Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team, made up of Veterans and Active-Duty Soldiers and Marines who have lost a limb(s) in post 9/11 combat, tour nationally to raise awareness of the sacrifices of these brave soldiers, while giving communities across our great country an opportunity to show their support of our true heroes.

“It was an honor to assist in the creation of the Burlington, VT event.”, says Vermont Lake Monsters Vice President Kyle Bostwick. “The outpouring of support in both preparation and participation of this event, that showcases the sacrifices that these soldiers have made should make us all be proud to be a part of our community.”

Monies for the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team were raised through a two day event that was highlighted by an exhibition softball game featuring former Major League Pitchers Bill “Spaceman” Lee and Len Whitehouse, Burlington Police Chief Michael Schirling, Silver Screen Actor and Vermont resident Luis Guzman, actor, producer, and writer Rusty “The Logger” Dewees, country music star Jamie Lee Thurston, and Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger.

In addition substantial revenues for the event were raised through generous donations by The Pizzagalli Foundation, Jolley Associates, Farrell Distributing, Yankee Medical, Select Design, Lake Champlain Cruises, and REM Development.

A ceremonial check presentation will occur today with WWAST manager David Van Sleet in attendance, July 29th, prior to the Vermont Lake Monsters home game against the Lowell Spinners at Centennial Field at 7:05PM.

For further information, please call (802) 655 4200 or visit www.woundedwarrioramputeesoftballteam.org

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Vermont Lake Monsters. Click here to view the original story.

Ports To Host Challenger Little League Game May 29

May 29, 2013

STOCKTON, Calif.-Before the Ports face the Inland Empire 66ers in the final game of the three-game homestand, they will participate in the third annual Challenger Little League game starting at 5:30 p.m. Participating in the game will be Challenger little leaguers from the California District 8 Little League who play on Western Little League’s field in Stockton. The game will give all Challenger participants the chance to take some swings on the field at Banner Island, as well as interact with Ports players.

The Challenger Division was established in 1989 as a separate division of Little League to enable boys and girls with physical and mental challenges, ages 4-18, or up to age 22 if still enrolled in high school, to enjoy the game of baseball along with the millions of other children who participate in this sport worldwide. Today more than 30,000 children participate in more than 900 Challenger Divisions worldwide.

Contact the Stockton Ports (209)644-1900 with any further questions.

Fans can purchase tickets at the Ports ticket office, online at www.stocktonports.com or by phone at (209) 644-1900. The Ports ticket office is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday throughout the season.

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