Hens recognize five of the best Black players in Toledo history

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

In celebration of Black History Month throughout February, teams across Minor League Baseball are taking a look back at five of the best Black players to suit up for their club.

While some of these standout performers went on to long and illustrious Major League careers, others simply had great Minor League careers or, in some cases, just one incredible season that went down as “a year for the ages.”

Here is a look at five of the best Black baseball players to suit up for the Toledo Mud Hens.

MOSES FLEETWOOD WALKER

Walker made his first appearance in Toledo during the 1883 season, appearing in 60 of the Toledo Blue Stockings 84 games as a catcher. He hit .251 that year, helping Toledo to a league championship in the Northwestern League.

On Opening Day 1884, Walker once again suited up as the catcher for the Blue Stockings as the team joined Ben Johnson’s Western Association (which would later become the modern-day American League). By doing so, he became the first African-American player to play a major league game.

During that season, Walker hit .263 but due to battling injuries he was limited to just 42 games during the 104-game season. His brother Weldy joined the Blue Stockings during that season, playing in a total of six games.

IKE BROWN

Brown spent his entire baseball career inside the Detroit organization that included multiple years in Toledo from 1967 through 1969. His first season in Toledo was as a 25-year-old when he posted a .269 batting average with 18 doubles, seven home runs, and 57 RBI to go along with 15 stolen bases.

A fan favorite in Toledo, Brown finished his Hens career with 34 home runs, 168 RBI, 33 stolen bases, and 48 doubles while appearing in 255 games.

He went on to join the Tigers after scorching Triple-A baseball in the 1969 season with a .356 average in 53 games for the Hens. That started a stretch of six seasons in MLB baseball, all with Detroit. The Memphis, Tennessee native appeared in 280 games for Detroit with a .256 average to go along 15 doubles, four triples, 20 homers, and 65 RBI. He also scored 85 runs in his major league career.

KIRBY PUCKETT

Puckett arrived in Toledo as a 24-year-old that skipped right over Double-A to start the 1984 season in Toledo. It was a short stay as after just 21 games, the Minnesota Twins decided to call up their first round pick (#3 overall) from 1982 to join the club. Puckett stole eight bases while hitting .263 for the Hens before joining the big league club.

The Chicago, Illinois native would never see the minor leagues again after his stay with the Hens, going on to play in 12 seasons for the Twins, including two World Series Championships. Over ten consecutive seasons he was named an MLB All-Star from his first appearance in 1986 to his last in 1995, which was also his final season. Six times he was named a Silver Slugger Award winner and matched that number with Gold Glove awards.

Puckett finished his career with a .318 batting average, 2,304 hits, 414 doubles, 57 triples, 207 homers, and 1,085 RBI. He topped baseball with a .339 batting average, while also leading the league in RBI once with 112 in the 1994 season at age 34. Puckett was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2001.

TONY CLARK

Clark rocketed through the minor leagues after being selected by the Detroit Tigers second overall in the 1990 draft. He reached Triple-A and first wore a Hens uniform for 25 games at the end of the 1994 season. As just a 23-year-old, Clark cracked 14 home runs with 63 RBI in 110 games for the Hens in 1995 that led to his first big league call-up.

1996 became his first of a 15-year MLB career that saw him finish third in the Rookie of the Year voting in 1996 and also saw him as an All-Star in 2001 season. Most of Clark’s career was spent with Detroit (seven seasons) but he also played for Arizona, both the New York Yankees and New York Mets, and also the San Diego Padres. The Newton, Kansas native finished his career with 251 homers, 824 RBI, a .262 batting average, and 1,188 hits.

Clark continues to shape the future of baseball as the current head of the baseball players union.

MARCUS THAMES

After being a 30th round pick by the New York Yankees in 1996, Thames found his way to Toledo in the 2004 season after making his Major League debut with New York in 2002 and playing part of 2003 in Texas. That started a stretch of six consecutive seasons for him in the Detroit organization.

Most of his 151 appearances in a Hens uniform came from the 2004 and 2005 seasons with 137 games played during those two years. In 2004, the Louisville, Mississippi native hit 24 home runs with 59 RBI while hitting .329 in just 64 games. The next year while part of one of the best Hens teams of all-time, Thames showcased that power again with 22 bombs and 56 RBI to go along with a .340 average in 73 contests. That year was the first of back-to-back IL Championships for Toledo. In total as a Mud Hen, he hit 49 home runs with 123 RBI.

Thames went on to play in 640 career Major League games with 485 coming in a Tigers uniform. He was a huge part of the 2006 Tigers team that advanced to the World Series only to lose to St. Louis in five games. That year he was third on the Tigers with 26 home runs. Post his playing days, Thames spent four years as hitting coach for the New York Yankees from 2017-2021 and will have that role in 2022 with the Miami Marlins.

RubberDucks to Host Virtual Auditions for National Anthem Performers

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(AKRON, OHIO) February 21, 2022 – The Akron RubberDucks are launching a virtual search for National Anthem performers for the 2022 season. All interested singers, vocal groups (five singers or fewer), and musicians must send a digital submission via video of their acapella or unaccompanied performance of the National Anthem no later than Friday, March 11th.

Virtual submissions are the ONLY way to audition for 2022 national anthem performances at Canal Park, no other arrangements can be made at this time.

Performers can submit their auditions by sending their video, along with their name(s), address, and phone number to [email protected]. Digital submissions can be accepted via YouTube video, Vimeo, WeTransfer, or other transfer site that allows for downloading videos.

All virtual auditions must meet the following criteria:

  • All auditions must be no longer than two minutes
  • All participants are encouraged to use the highest possible audio and video recording available, within reason. Cell phone videos are perfectly acceptable. Please make sure the camera is steady, oriented horizontally, and that the performer(s) are shown clearly in the center of the shot if possible.
  • Auditions should be recorded in a well-lit area.
  • It is not required to have a clear or scenic background; however, an area free from distractions is best.
  • Duet and group auditions are acceptable

The Akron RubberDucks are the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians. The RubberDucks season is powered by FirstEnergy at Canal Park, with the home opener April 12, 2022, against the Reading Fightin Phils at 7:05 PM. Fans can purchase tickets by calling 330-253-5151 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, or visit akronrubberducks.com/. For more information about the team, please call 330-253-5151, visit the website at akronrubberducks.com, Facebook page facebook.com/AkronRubberDucks, or on Twitter @AkronRubberDuck, and Instagram @akronrubberducks.

RubberDucks to Host Job Fairs on March 1 and March 3

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(AKRON, OHIO) February 14, 2022 – The Akron RubberDucks will host job fairs for a variety of gameday staff positions on Tuesday, March 1 and Thursday, March 3, in the Duck Club by Firestone. Both events will take place from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Applying is easy! Interested candidates only need to bring a resume and may complete an application before or at the job fair. Candidates do not need to pre-register for an interview. They may come to either event and enter the Duck Club through the doors facing Main Street.

Gameday staff positions available are:

  • Ushers
  • Ticket takers
  • Fun Zone attendants
  • Team Shop Associates
  • Clean Team members
  • Daytime suite cleaners
  • Gate Security
  • Concession stand managers
  • Concession stand attendants
  • Servers
  • Bartenders
  • Cashiers
  • Food and beer vendors
  • Picnic attendants
  • Warehouse attendants

If interested in a position, please send your resume to [email protected]. Returning gameday staff can attend either event to make sure their paperwork is accurate and updated for the 2022 season.

The Akron RubberDucks are the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians. The RubberDucks season is powered by FirstEnergy at Canal Park, with the home opener April 12, 2022, against the Reading Fightin Phils at 7:05 PM. Fans can purchase tickets by calling 330-253-5151 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, or visit akronrubberducks.com/. For more information about the team, please call 330-253-5151, visit the website at akronrubberducks.com, Facebook page facebook.com/AkronRubberDucks, or on Twitter @AkronRubberDuck, and Instagram @akronrubberducks.

Deadline Extended for National Anthem Tryouts

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DAYTON, OHIO – A traditional sign that baseball season is just around the corner in the Miami Valley is National Anthem Tryouts, presented by the Dayton Daily News. Auditions for this summer’s national anthem performers are VIRTUAL on the Dragons website.

Audition videos, which are being accepted in lieu of in-person auditions this year, should be uploaded at www.daytondragons.com/nationalanthem.

Finalists will perform the national anthem at Dragons games throughout the season, with the grand prize winner performing on Opening Day 2022 before the Dragons host the Fort Wayne TinCaps on Friday, April 8 at 7:05 PM.

In addition, 25 national anthem finalists will be selected to not only sing to a sold-out crowd at Day Air Ballpark, but also to the entire Miami Valley region! These individuals or groups will perform LIVE on the Dragons television broadcast for 25 games during the 2022 season – games are broadcast on WDTN’s Dayton CW.

Because of the overwhelming interest, the Dragons have extended the deadline to apply. The NEW deadline is Tuesday, March 1, 2022.

The Dayton Dragons reserve the right to change performance details throughout the season to ensure health and safety has been met for all performers, fans, and staff.

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Black History Month Feature: Five Notable Players in Franchise History

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

In celebration of Black History Month, throughout February, teams across Minor League Baseball are taking a look back at five of the best Black players to suit up for their club.

While some of these standout performers went on to long and illustrious Major League careers, others simply had great Minor League careers or, in some cases, just one incredible season that went down as “a year for the ages.”

Here is a look at five of the best Black baseball players ever to suit up for the Akron RubberDucks franchise.

Albert “Joey” Belle

Before becoming the big muscle in the middle of the Cleveland lineup in the mid-1990s, Albert Belle went by the name Joey and was a member of the brand-new Canton-Akron Indians in 1989. Belle was a force in the new franchise’s lineup, batting .282 with 20 homers, 20 doubles and 69 RBI for the “Little Indians” in 89 games.

Belle’s strong season caused Cleveland to promote the 22-year-old up to the Majors in 1989 where he appeared in 62 games and drove in 37 runs. Belle spent 12 years in MLB playing for Cleveland, Chicago and Baltimore while batting .293 with 381 home runs, 389 doubles and 1,239 RBI.

CC Sabathia

Photo credit Ken Carr, Akron Aeros

One of the biggest names to come through Canal Park, Sabathia made his debut for the Aeros in 2000 at the age of 19. Sabathia made 17 starts for Akron and went 3-7 with a 3.59 ERA, 90 strikeouts and an opponent’s batting average of .223 in 90.1 innings pitched.

The following season, 2001, Sabathia opened the season with Cleveland and never looked back en route to a 19-year career with Cleveland, Milwaukee and New York earning a Cy Young award in 2007 and a World Series ring in 2009. Sabathia finished his big-league career 251-161 with a 3.74 ERA and 3093 strikeouts.

Dave Roberts

Photo credit Ken Carr, Akron Aeros

Before swiping one of the biggest bases in ALCS history for the 2004 Boston Red Sox and before becoming just the second African American manager to win a World Series with the 2020 Dodgers, Roberts was traded from Detroit to Cleveland with Tim Worrell for Geronimo Berroa in late June 1998. After joining the organization, Roberts made an immediate impact in the Akron Aeros lineup batting .361 with seven home runs, 33 RBI and 28 stolen bases in 56 games.

His sparkling play earned him an end-of-year promotion to Triple-A Buffalo in 1998 and in 1999, Roberts made his Major League debut for Cleveland. Roberts spent 10 years in MLB for Cleveland, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco and Boston before becoming the first base coach for the Padres in 2010 and Dodgers manager in November 2015.

Grady Sizemore

Photo credit David Monseur, Accent Images Photography

Sizemore came to the Cleveland organization in late June 2002 as part of a blockbuster deal that sent Bartolo Colon and Tim Drew to the Montreal Expos for Sizemore, Cliff Lee, Brandon Phillips and Lee Stevens. In 2003, Sizemore made himself a household name to the baseball world when he hit .304 with 13 home runs and 78 RBI while swiping 10 bases in 128 games for the Akron Aeros, leading them to their first Eastern League Championship. The follow offseason, Sizemore catapulted all the way up to number 9 on the Baseball America prospect rankings.

In 2004, Sizemore made his debut in Cleveland and began a six-year stretch as one of the top players in MLB, making three straight All-Star teams from 2006-2008 and leading Cleveland to the ALCS in 2007. Injuries unfortunately derailed Sizemore’s career, but in total the outfielder spent 10 years in MLB for Cleveland, Boston, Philadelphia and Tampa Bay hitting .265 with 150 home runs and 518 RBI.

Juan Hillman

Photo credit David Monseur, Accent Images Photography

In 2021, Hillman had his best professional season in 21 games with Akron, going 10-4 with a 3.77 ERA and 85 strikeouts. Hillman tossed the RubberDucks’ only complete game in 2021 when he tossed seven shutout innings, allowing four hits and striking out six against the Altoona Curve in the second game of a double header on Aug. 6.

Hillman led qualifying pitchers in the Double-A Northeast in ERA (3.77) and led the league in wins with 10 when he was promoted to Triple-A Columbus on Aug. 31. Hillman’s performance helped the RubberDucks finish a league-best 73-46, and the team won the league championship. After the season, Hillman was named to the Double-A Northeast All-Star team as the top left-handed pitcher.

The Akron RubberDucks are the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians. The RubberDucks season is powered by FirstEnergy at Canal Park, with the home opener April 12, 2022, against the Reading Fightin Phils at 7:05 PM. Fans can purchase tickets by calling 330-253-5151 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, or visit akronrubberducks.com/. For more information about the team, please call 330-253-5151, visit the website at akronrubberducks.com, Facebook page facebook.com/AkronRubberDucks, or on Twitter @AkronRubberDuck, and Instagram @akronrubberducks.

Celebrating Black History Month: Five Former Dragons Stars

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In celebration of Black History Month, throughout February, teams across Minor League Baseball are taking a look back at five of the best Black players to suit up for their club.

While some of these standout performers went on to long and illustrious Major League careers, others simply had great Minor League careers or, in some cases, just one incredible season that went down as “a year for the ages.” _

Here is a look at five of the best Black baseball players ever to suit up for the Dayton Dragons.

BILLY HAMILTON

Billy Hamilton produced one of the greatest base stealing seasons in baseball history with the Dayton Dragons in 2011 as he gained national recognition for his speed on the diamond, a quality that would continue to gain attention throughout his career.

Hamilton, a second round draft pick by the Reds in 2009 after a record-setting three-sport high school career (baseball, basketball, and football) in Taylorsville, Mississippi, began his season in Dayton by stealing second base in the first inning of his first game with the Dragons. Before the end of May of that season, Hamilton had already broken the club record for stolen bases in a season, and on September 3, he became the first player in the history of the Reds organization to reach the 100 steal mark. He finished the year with 103 stolen bases. Hamilton became so popular with fans at Day Air Ballpark that every time he reached safely, a growing murmur of excitement would fill the stadium as spectators waited to see when he would try to steal his next base.

In 2012, Hamilton moved up in the Reds system and surpassed his stolen base total from the previous year, swiping 155 bases over the course of a season split between High-A Bakersfield and Double-A Carolina. That total broke the all-time record for all of Minor League Baseball and was 25 more than Rickey Henderson’s Major League record. Hamilton made his Major League debut with the Reds late in the 2013 season and in 2014, still holding rookie status, stole 56 bases for the Reds to break their all-time rookie record.

Hamilton has more than 300 career stolen bases in the Major Leagues and finished second in the National League for five straight seasons from 2014-18. He emerged as one of the greatest defensive center fielders in baseball and was part of the Chicago White Sox division championship team in 2021.

HUNTER GREENE

Hunter Greene was only 18 years old when he opened the 2018 season with the Dragons, firing a 100 mph fastball with his very first pitch of the year at Day Air Ballpark in Dayton. By the time Greene was drafted by the Reds with the second overall selection of the 2017 draft out of Notre Dame High School in suburban Los Angeles, he had already appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated.

Greene was undoubtably the most famous Minor League player in the nation in 2018 with the Dragons, thrilling fans with the tremendous velocity on his pitches and attracting sports media outlets from across the country. In July of that season, he broke the stadium record when his fastball reached 102 mph, topping the mark of MLB all-star Aroldis Chapman four years earlier when he appeared in Dayton on a Major League injury rehab assignment.

Greene, still only 22 years old, reached the Triple-A level in 2021 with Louisville in the Reds organization and is counted upon as future standout on the pitching staff in Cincinnati.

AMIR GARRETT

Amir Garrett spent two seasons with the Dragons in 2013-14 as he made the transition from college basketball star to professional baseball pitcher. Garrett had been drafted by the Reds as a developmental prospect in the 22nd round in 2011 out of Findlay College Prep School in Henderson, Nevada, a school that did not have a baseball program. Garrett was a 6’5” basketball player at St. John’s University in the Big East Conference who was able to spend part of 2013 with the Dragons before returning to college before the end of the baseball season to retain his eligibility on the hardwood.

In 2014, Garrett returned to the Dragons and made tremendous progress as a pitcher, dominating at times, which convinced him to give up his future basketball career to focus on baseball full-time.

Garrett continued to climb through the Reds farm system before earning a spot on the Reds Opening Day roster in 2017. He became a regular contributor out of the Reds bullpen, pitching in at least 60 games in 2018, ’19, and ’21, and in the abbreviated season of 2020, he posted an ERA of 2.45 while striking out 26 batters in 18 innings and allowing just 10 hits.

CHRIS DICKERSON

Chris Dickerson enjoyed an outstanding 2004 season with the Dragons on the way to a successful seven-year Major League career with the Reds, Brewers, Yankees, Orioles, and Indians from 2008-14.

Dickerson batted .303 for the Dragons in 2004, adding 27 stolen bases with a .410 on-base percentage. He represented the Dragons in the Midwest League all-star game and was also selected as an outfielder on the full-season league all-star team as selected by the circuit’s managers.

Dickerson reached the big leagues with the Reds in 2008, batting .304 in 31 games, and hitting .275 in 97 games the following year. Before his retirement, Dickerson played in 355 MLB games and was on the Yankees playoff roster in 2011.

TAYLOR TRAMMELL

Taylor Trammell was a key member of the Dragons playoff team in 2017 as a combination of power, speed, and toughness on the field. Trammell had been a high school football legend at Mount Paran Christian School in Kennesaw, Georgia, where he scored 39 touchdowns in one season as a senior. The Reds drafted Trammell in the supplemental first round in 2016 and he immediately became one of the top prospects in the organization.

Trammell was only 19 years old when he opened the 2017 season with the Dragons, but he emerged as one of the league’s best players and helped carry the Dayton club to the semi-final round of the post-season playoffs. Trammell was selected as a Baseball America Class-A All-Star and finished second in the league in runs batted in, stolen bases, and walks while ranking third in hits and triples.

In 2018, Trammell moved up in the Reds organization and was selected as the Most Valuable Player of the Sirius XM All-Star Futures Game. In 2021, he made his big league debut with the Seattle Mariners at the age of 23, appearing in 51 games with Seattle and blasting eight home runs.

Akron Black Tyrites Logo on Social Media for February

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In honor of Black History Month and to help share the story of Negro League Baseball in Akron, the Akron RubberDucks will change their social media profile pictures to logos inspired by the Akron Black Tyrites for all of February.

The Akron Black Tyrites were a member of the Negro National League in 1933. The club began that year in Columbus before moving to Akron for just 10 games. The team finished the season in Cleveland as the Giants.

The name was originally supposed to be “Tyr-ites” from the British word for tire, “tyre,” but the name soon became “Ty-rites” to match Akronites.

The team played their games at Akron’s League Park, which was a $135,000 ballpark constructed in 1928 on property at Crosier Street, Park Avenue, and Long Street.

Since the team only played a small number of games in Akron, only a few photos of the front of the uniform jersey appeared when the RubberDucks front office staff began research. To celebrate and honor the original Akron Black Tyrites, the RubberDucks created logos and uniforms in a style the team might have worn in 1933. These designs and new uniforms were created and planned to be unveiled during the 2020 season to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Negro League Baseball.

However, the cancelled 2020 season pushed the re-debut of the Akron Black Tyrites until September 2, 2021. In a game against the Altoona Curve, the RubberDucks became the Akron Black Tyrites and took a combined no-hitter into the ninth inning before yielding a hit with two outs. Akron completed a one-hit shutout to defeat Altoona, 5-0.

The RubberDucks will honor the Black Tyrites in future seasons by wearing the uniforms for special games.

To help the RubberDucks celebrate and share the story of the Akron Black Tyrites, you can preorder your own Akron Black Tyrites merchandise by visiting https://bit.ly/3ue7ntl.

The Akron RubberDucks are the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians. The RubberDucks season is powered by FirstEnergy at Canal Park, with the home opener April 12, 2022, against the Reading Fightin Phils at 7:05 PM. Fans can purchase tickets by calling 330-253-5151 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, or visit akronrubberducks.com/. For more information about the team, please call 330-253-5151, visit the website at akronrubberducks.com, Facebook page facebook.com/AkronRubberDucks, or on Twitter @AkronRubberDuck, and Instagram @akronrubberducks.

Registration Underway for National Anthem Tryouts

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DAYTON, OHIO – A traditional sign that baseball season is just around the corner in the Miami Valley is National Anthem Tryouts, presented by the Dayton Daily News. Auditions for this summer’s national anthem performers will be VIRTUAL on the Dragons website.

Audition videos, which are being accepted in lieu of in-person auditions this year, can be submitted beginning Monday, January 10, and should be uploaded at www.daytondragons.com/nationalanthem.

Finalists will perform the national anthem at Dragons games throughout the season, with the grand prize winner performing on Opening Day 2022 before the Dragons host the Fort Wayne TinCaps on Friday, April 8 at 7:05 p.m.

In addition, 25 national anthem finalists will be selected to not only sing to a sold-out crowd at Day Air Ballpark, but also to the entire Miami Valley region! These individuals or groups will perform LIVE on the Dragons television broadcast for 25 games during the 2022 season – games are broadcast on WDTN’s Dayton CW.

Deadline to apply is Friday, February 11, 2022.

The Dayton Dragons reserve the right to change performance details throughout the season to ensure health and safety has been met for all performers, fans, and staff.

More Information: The Dayton Dragons are the High-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play a 66-game home schedule at beautiful Day Air Ballpark in downtown Dayton, easily accessible from Interstate 75. Individuals and groups seeking information about Dayton Dragons group tickets, lawn tickets, the season ticket wait list, sponsorship opportunities or booking a Dragons speaker are encouraged to contact the Dragons by calling at (937) 228-2287, emailing at [email protected], or on the web at daytondragons.com.

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Now Accepting Internship Applications for the 2022 Season

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The Columbus Clippers offer internships during the baseball season. We will be interviewing qualified candidates for the 2022 season starting in January 2022. You may submit your cover letter and resume, starting on November 8, 2021, to the attention of Scott Ziegler. Please have all resumes in by January 5, 2022. They may be mailed, or emailed to the address listed below.

The internships will begin January 2022 and run through the end of the season. Selected candidates will be required to work a minimum of six office hours per week from late January through March. In addition, there will be occasional weekend club related functions. Once the regular season begins our interns will be required to work all home games and arrive at the stadium about 3 hours before the gates open. Internships are structured on a rotating basis whereas the intern will spend time within all departments of the organization. This may include Marketing, Promotions, Community Relations, Fan Development, Sales, Tickets, Media Relations and Stadium Operations.

All internship positions will be unpaid until the actual games begin and then there will be an hourly rate paid. We do not provide housing. Parking is provided free of charge at the ballpark and we will also provide a meal during the games. We strictly enforce organizational policies and reserve the right to terminate internships should there be disregard for this policy.

We will interview candidates whose credentials, experience, and interests best suit the needs of the available internship positions.

To be considered for an internship, applicants must be enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate program.

Columbus Clippers
Attn: Mr. Scott Ziegler
330 Huntington Park Lane
Columbus, OH 43215
[email protected]

 

50/50 Raffle Raises over $14,000 for Hannah’s Treasure Chest

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DAYTON, OHIO — The Dayton Dragons Foundation and Day Air Credit Union announced today that $14,303.50 will be presented to Hannah’s Treasure Chest after completion of a special holiday online 50/50 raffle. The 50/50 raffle began on November 29 and continued until December 9. A total of $28,607 was generated and was split equally between Hannah’s Treasure Chest and the lucky winner, a woman from Springboro.

“We’re thankful to have been chosen by the Dayton Dragons and Day Air Credit Union as the charity partner in this fun, online raffle. Both organizations have proven to be committed to making the Dayton region a better place to live. This event was a perfect fit for us since all proceeds will benefit our mission of enriching the lives of local children in need. We remained open throughout the pandemic because children’s needs never stop and generous support like this when in-person fundraising isn’t an option means more children will receive the items they need to grow and thrive. That’s a home run in my book,” said Deanna Murphy, Executive Director at Hannah’s Treasure Chest.

“Day Air takes pride in supporting local organizations who share our passion for helping the community thrive,” Day Air Credit Union CEO and President, Bill Burke said. “This holiday season we’re excited to partner with the Dayton Dragons to sponsor this unique and fun opportunity for members and our community to give to Hanna’s Treasure Chest.”

Hannah’s Treasure Chest (HTC) is a local non-profit in Centerville that enriches the lives of children in need by creating care packages of clothes, toys, books, cribs, car seats, diapers, and more. They work through 70 community partners, including Homefull, YWCA, Daybreak, CareSource, St. Vincent de Paul Society, and Dayton Children’s Hospital, to give children experiencing poverty the necessities required to support their dignity and to thrive. For 20 years, HTC has served over 4,000 children annually in the Dayton area. To learn more about the local charity benefitting from this 50/50 raffle, please check out www.hannahstreasure.org

“Each season, we host 50/50 raffles inside Day Air Ballpark and online to support various causes in our community through the Dragons Foundation,” said Dragons President, Robert Murphy as the most recent raffle began.

Throughout the 2021 baseball season, the Dragons conducted 50/50 raffles, raising thousands of dollars for local charities and the Dragons Foundation. The Hope Center for Families, the Dayton Art Institute, Dayton Live, and Muse Machine received money from the raffle, along with the Dragons Foundation, which provides necessary funding and resources to support the countless donations, charitable giving requests, in-kind donations, unique game experiences, and community wide Dragons programs.

Dragons Home Run Challenge Presented by Lexus of Dayton Raises More Than $17,000 for the Dayton Foodbank

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As the Dayton Dragons entered the 2021 season, the organization developed a goal of doing more than saying “thank you” to the community. The Dragons organization felt that it was important to express its appreciation with action.

Fans throughout the region had provided an overwhelming outpouring of love and support towards the Dragons organization during the challenging summer of 2020. In response, the Dragons organization made a pledge to give back to the community in new and creative ways in 2021. That pledge led to the development of a new program called the “Home Run Challenge.”

The concept was simple: For every home run hit by the Dayton Dragons at Day Air Ballpark during the 2021 season, the Dragons and Lexus of Dayton would donate $200 to a worthy local charity.

As the Home Run Challenge got underway and Dragons fans learned about the program, they began contributing as well. By the end of the Dragons season, the Home Run Challenge had raised $17,798 for the Dayton Foodbank.

On October 25, the Dayton Dragons and Lexus of Dayton General Manager Aaron Forland presented The Foodbank with a check for $17,798. The Foodbank’s Chief Development Officer, Lee Truesdale, graciously accepted the donation.

ABOUT THE DAYTON FOODBANK:

The Foodbank’s mission is to relieve hunger in the community through a network of partner agencies by acquiring and distributing food. They are able to serve as the charitable hunger relief network in Montgomery, Greene, and Preble counties. Just one dollar donated provides those in need with 5 meals.

ABOUT THE HOME RUN CHALLENGE, PRESENTED BY LEXUS OF DAYTON:

https://www.milb.com/dayton/community/homerunchallenge

Dragons to Conduct Auditions for Green Team, Other On-Field Entertainment Positions

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DAYTON, OH —The Dayton Dragons are conducting auditions for several professional entertainment positions with the team.

The Dragons are holding auditions for the “Green Team,” on-field entertainment hosts, and mascot performers for the 2022 season. The Dragons are seeking fun, energetic, and enthusiastic performers for these positions.

What is the Green Team?

Green Team members facilitate all in-game entertainment skits and entertain fans during home games and special events at Day Air Ballpark. Other duties include: selecting contestants, welcoming fans as they enter the stadium, preparing contestants for skits, assisting mascots and hosts, dancing on the dugouts, shooting t-shirts to the crowd, and creating a fun, family-friendly atmosphere.

The Host with the Most

The Dragons on-field hosts serve as the emcees of the entire entertainment show that takes place during inning breaks throughout Dragons home games. The hosts introduce contestants, skits, and contests; provide personality and enthusiasm; and deliver witty commentary.

Mascot Performers

The Dragons’ two primary mascots, Heater and Gem, are the central characters and most visible entertainers at the ballpark. They dance, are part of nearly every skit, and constantly interact with fans as they visit various areas of the ballpark. Mascots also make appearances within the community outside of Dragons games.

Candidates must be at least 16 years old by January 1, 2022. They must be able to work nights and weekends; have strong communication skills; an outgoing personality; and be reliable, responsible, and confident performing in front of large crowds.

Individuals can audition for any or all of these three positions. Interested individuals can visit daytondragons.com/greenteam for more information. Applicants should submit a headshot, résumé with references, and cover letter to [email protected] by November 4, 2021, to begin the audition process.

Twenty-Third Annual “Trick or Treat” at Eastwood Field on Tuesday, October 26th presented by T-Mobile, media partners 21 WFMJ and WBCB and radio partner Mix 98.9

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

Niles, Ohio – The Scrappers are excited to announce the twenty-third annual “Trick or Treat” at Eastwood Field. The event will take place Tuesday, October 26th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. “Trick or Treat” at Eastwood Field is a fun and safe way to celebrate Halloween for children age 12 and under. Ticket quantities are limited and are available on a first come first served basis. Children and adults will require a ticket. Tickets are just $1 each and are available starting October 1st at the Scrappers Team Office located at Eastwood Field. In addition, anyone that donates canned goods at the “Trick or Treat” event for Feed Our Valley will receive a free general admission Scrappers ticket valid during the 2022 season.

Back for the 2022 Trick or Treat event is the “Fast Pass”. The “Fast Pass” is only available for the first 100 kids, includes admission for one child and two adult tickets and allows you to skip the line and get in at 5:45pm for only $10. Those that purchase the Fast Pass will receive a wristband upon purchase.

The Scrappers are looking for area businesses to participate in this year’s “Trick or Treat” event. Businesses will receive table space at Eastwood Field. This is a community event and a great way to promote your business to the public. Early reservations are encouraged as space is limited. Click here to download Table Registration Flyer . Please contact Heather Sahli for complete details by calling 330-505-0000 or emailing [email protected].

To stay up to date with the Scrappers in the offseason or for more information on 2022 ticket packages, visit www.mvscrappers.com or contact the front office at 330-505-0000. Mahoning Valley is one of six founding members of the MLB Draft League, joining the Frederick Keys, the State College Spikes, the Trenton Thunder, the West Virginia Black Bears and the Williamsport Crosscutters. The Scrappers 2021 season is presented by Lordstown Motors.

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Clippers Team Up with Mid-Ohio Food Collective for Canned Food Drive

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

The Columbus Clippers and the Mid-Ohio Food Collective are teaming up the last weekend of the 2021 season to help families in need while you receive free Clippers tickets for donating much needed food!

On October 1 – 3, bring at least 2 non-perishable items and receive a BUY ONE GET ONE FREE Reserved, Bleacher, Lawn, or Standing Room Only ticket.

To sweeten the deal, if you bring 2 or more high value items, i.e. peanut/almond butter or canned meat, then you will receive a FREE Reserved, Bleacher, Lawn, or Standing Room Only ticket.

Just drop by the Center Field Gate on the corner of Neil and Nationwide to donate your items, then head straight to the Box Office to redeem your offer.

BOGO ITEMS:

Boxed items

Canned vegetables

Canned fruit

Soup

FREE ITEMS:

Chili with beans

Tuna

Canned Meat

Peanut/almond butter

The Mid-Ohio Food Collective is unable to accept perishable, homemade, home-canned, outdated food, or food in glass containers.

RubberDucks to donate $1 of each walkup playoff ticket to Somerset Community

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

(AKRON, OHIO) September 22, 2021 – In the wake of the devastating flooding from the remnants of Hurricane Ida the Somerset County, New Jersey, community experienced on Sept. 2, the RubberDucks hope to aid in the rebuilding efforts by sending donations to the Somerset Patriots official charity. The club will donate $1 from every walkup ticket sold during RubberDucks home playoff games to The Somerset Patriots Children’s Educational and Sportsmanship Foundation.

“We are very appreciative of the Akron RubberDucks and their efforts to help raise funds to help the people in Central New Jersey affected by Tropical Storm Ida,” said Somerset Patriots President/General Manager Patrick McVerry. “Since the floods hit our area, we have received nothing but unbelievable support from our friends throughout the Northeast League. Whether that came from donated items for an online MiLB auction, Hartford taking on some of our games, and now Akron putting our fans at the forefront of their community efforts, we couldn’t be more grateful. A very special thank you to the Babby family, general manager Jim Pfander, and the entire RubberDucks organization for their generosity. It once again showcases how baseball can bring people together to make a difference for the communities that America’s favorite pastime so proudly serve.”

In addition to the donations from ticket sales, RubberDucks fans will have the opportunity to make donations at the box office and FirstEnergy Guest Services during each of the games at Canal Park.

the RubberDucks / our community want to do our part and help out another club in our league who experienced unimaginable / devastating loss. We are thinking about the Somerset community and want to help in a small way during their time of need, etc

“As our staff watched Somerset County, New Jersey, another community in our league, experience such devastating loss, we wanted to find a way to do our part in the recovery,” said RubberDucks General Manager/Chief Operating Officer Jim Pfander. “The RubberDucks family and fans in Northeast Ohio have shown incredible support for those in need, most recently amid the challenges of the pandemic. We hope this weekend can help make a difference for the Somerset community.”

The RubberDucks will host the Bowie Baysox for the Double-A Northeast Championship Series this weekend at Canal Park, presented by Brennan Manna Diamond. Game 3 of the best-of-five series is Friday, and Games 4 and 5, if necessary, will be Saturday and Sunday, respectively. All games will start at 6:05 p.m., with gates opening at 5:05 p.m.

The Akron RubberDucks are the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. The RubberDucks season is powered by FirstEnergy at Canal Park. Fans can purchase tickets by calling 330-253-5151 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, or visit akronrubberducks.com. For more information about the team, please call 330-253-5151, visit the website at akronrubberducks.com, Facebook page facebook.com/AkronRubberDucks, or on Twitter @AkronRubberDuck, and Instagram @akronrubberducks.