Dragons Website Going Pink in Support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month

 

DAYTON, OHIO – The Dayton Dragons have gone pink during the month of October. In partnership with Kettering Health Network, the Dragons have turned their website pink to raise breast cancer awareness and support the upcoming Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk.

The Dragons website, www.daytondragons.com, and all Dragons social media pages (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram) will remain pink for the month of October to help draw attention to the efforts by Kettering Health Network to increase breast cancer awareness in the Miami Valley.

One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and it is estimated that over 40,000 lives will be lost to breast cancer in 2019. And while the breast cancer diagnosis rate has increased, there has been a steady drop in the overall breast cancer death rate since the early 1990’s.

You can help win the fight. The walk and donations go directly to the support, transportation, recovery, and other needs that arise with the diagnosis of breast cancer. The American Cancer Society also invests in groundbreaking breast cancer research to better understand, prevent, find, and treat the disease.

The 2019 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk will be at Fifth Third Field on October 19 starting at 8:30 a.m. This event is part of a national fundraising effort. In 2019 alone, over 1 million walkers across the country collected more than $60 million to help fight this disease. To register for the walk and get more information, please visit www.makingstrideswalk.org/Dayton.

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

Fifth Third Field to Host Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday, Oct. 5

 

Dayton, Ohio-The Alzheimer’s Association Miami Valley Chapter invites you to join them at the Dayton Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday, October 5. The Walk will be held at Fifth Third Field – home of the Dayton Dragons. Registration will open at 8:30 a.m., and the Opening Ceremony will begin at 10:00 a.m. The Walk begins at 10:30 a.m.

The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest Alzheimer’s awareness and fundraising event. Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, this inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to reclaim the future for millions affected by the sixth-leading cause of death. Alzheimer’s is the only disease in the top 10 leading causes of death without an effective treatment or a cure.

By participating in the Walk, you will help fuel the Alzheimer’s Association’s mission-related initiatives of research, and care and support in the Miami Valley.

For more information about the event and to register for the walk, visit alz.org/walk or call (800) 272-3900.

Alzheimer’s disease is an epidemic, currently affecting more than 200,000 individuals in the state of Ohio. With your help, we can end this devastating disease together. The end of Alzheimer’s starts with you. Will you join us on October 5?

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

MVDSA Buddy Walk coming to Fifth Third Field on Saturday, Sept. 28

Dayton, Ohio – Fifth Third Field will host the 17th Annual Miami Valley Down Syndrome Association Buddy Walk® on Saturday, September 28th from 8:30 a.m. – 12 noon. The Buddy Walk®, which raises awareness and promotes inclusion for individuals with Down syndrome, will take place at Fifth Third Field for the seventh consecutive year. Online registration is open to the public for $5.00. Individuals with Down syndrome can register for free to include a Buddy Walk® shirt. Limited sizes of event shirts will be available for sale on event day. Every dollar benefits the MVDSA.

Fifth Third Field will open its gates for day-of registration starting at 8:30 a.m. on September 28th. Donations will also be accepted at the registration table.

Activities at the ballpark begin at 8:30 a.m. The Dragons Zone will be open with face painters and a photo booth. Dragons mascots Heater and Gem will roam the concourse and take pictures with those in attendance. The walk around Fifth Third Field begins at 10 a.m., with the post-walk fun continuing until 12:00 noon when raffle prize and silent auction winners will be announced.

More information is available at ds-stride.org/daytonbuddywalk

The Buddy Walk® was established by the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness and to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. Today, the Buddy Walk® program is supported nationally by NDSS and organized at the local level by the Miami Valley Down Syndrome Association (MVDSA).

ABOUT THE MVDSA

The Miami Valley Down Syndrome Association is a network of parents, health care providers, volunteers, family members, and community supporters providing help and support to people throughout the Miami Valley with Down Syndrome. Through the generous support of the community, the MVDSA is able to develop programs and services that will help to enhance the quality of life for individuals with Down Syndrome. For more information, visit their website at http://www.mvdsa.org/

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

College Prep Night coming Wednesday to Fifth Third Field

 

Dayton, Ohio – The Dayton Dragons and Fifth Third Bank will hold College Prep Night, a free educational event for prospective college students, at Fifth Third Field on Wednesday, September 25 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

College Prep Night is a one-stop college resource event to guide prospective college students and their parents through the process of planning an educational path. High school students can talk to representatives from colleges and universities from all over the nation, those who RSVP before the event will get exclusive access to raffle tickets that they can use to enter to win college-themed raffle prizes.

More than 1,000 students and their guests attend and more than 80 colleges and universities participate in this free event. Among the colleges scheduled to appear are Ohio State University, Cornell University, Ball State University, University of Dayton, Miami (OH) University, Northern Kentucky University, Xavier University, University of Toledo, Wright State University, Mount St. Joseph University, Edison State Community College, Sinclair Community College, Kettering College, United States Navy, Ohio Army National Guard, Modern College of Design, and many more schools from around the country. Representatives will be on hand to answer whatever questions that students might have about college life at each particular school. CollegeAdvantage will also be on site to provide information.

“We know that life is filled with big decisions, including whether to further one’s education,” said Doug Compton, senior vice president and Dayton city executive for Fifth Third Bank. “It is an honor for us to introduce and connect so many families to colleges and universities across our region at College Prep Night and to make people aware of the financial tools available to help them fund their educational goals,” he said.

College-themed raffle prizes will be given away after the event to lucky college-bound students. Raffle prizes include a Smart TV, Echo Dot, Keurig, $100 gift card, and more. To be eligible to enter to win these prizes, parents or students must RSVP before noon on the day of the event at www.daytondragons.com/collegeprep and must attend the event, although they do not have to be present when the winners’ names are pulled at the conclusion of the event.

To learn more about College Prep Night, please visit www.daytondragons.com/collegeprep.

About Fifth Third

Fifth Third Bancorp is a diversified financial services company headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio and the indirect parent company of Fifth Third Bank, an Ohio-chartered bank. As of June 30, 2019, Fifth Third had $169 billion in assets and operated 1,207 full-service Banking Centers and 2,551 ATMs with Fifth Third branding in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Florida, Tennessee, West Virginia, Georgia and North Carolina. In total, Fifth Third provides its customers with access to approximately 53,000 fee-free ATMs across the United States. Fifth Third operates four main businesses: Commercial Banking, Branch Banking, Consumer Lending and Wealth & Asset Management. Fifth Third is among the largest money managers in the Midwest and, as of June 30, 2019, had $399 billion in assets under care, of which it managed $46 billion for individuals, corporations and not-for-profit organizations through its Trust and Registered Investment Advisory businesses. Investor information and press releases can be viewed at www.53.com. Fifth Third’s common stock is traded on the Nasdaq® Global Select Market under the symbol “FITB.” Fifth Third Bank was established in 1858. Deposit and Credit products are offered by Fifth Third Bank. Member FDIC.

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

Trick-or-Treat at Eastwood Field Is Back!

 

Niles, OH – The Scrappers are excited to announce the twenty-first annual “Trick or Treat” at Eastwood Field, presented by Chemical Bank, a Division of TCF National Bank, media partners 21 WFMJ and WBCB and radio partner Mix 98.9. The event will take place on Wednesday, October 23 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. “Trick or Treat” at Eastwood Field is a fun and safe way to celebrate Halloween for children ages 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 on sale now 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 2020 season.

New to the 2019 Trick or Treat event is a “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.

Purchasing tickets before the day of the event is highly recommended.

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. Please contact Kate Walsh for complete details by calling 330-505-0000 or emailing kwalsh@mvscrappers.com.

To stay up to date with the Scrappers during the offseason or for more information on 2020 ticket packages, visit mvscrappers.com or contact the front office at 330-505-0000.

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

Fifth Third Field to Host AHA Heart Walk/Run on September 21

 

Dayton, Ohio – Fifth Third Field will host the American Heart Association’s Greater Dayton Heart Walk/Run on Saturday, September 21 beginning at 9:15 a.m. A signature event of the American Heart Association, the Heart Walk/Run promotes physical activity and healthy living in an environment that’s fun for the whole family. All proceeds will go toward funding research and education involving the reduction of heart disease and stroke. Individuals or teams can register online at heart.org/daytonwalk or by calling (937) 401-4862.

The Walk/Run is specifically designed for children and adults of all ages and abilities. Day-of registration starts at 7:30 a.m., which is also when the gates open at Fifth Third Field. Opening ceremonies begin at 9:00 a.m. The Heart Walk is scheduled to begin at 9:15 a.m.

Registration is quick and easy if you visit heart.org/daytonwalk. Once you click “Register,” you can join a team, join as an individual, or start your own team. After you complete registration, you can personalize your site and invite friends and family to participate or sponsor your efforts.

Participants can also download the new Heart Walk Mobile App with many great features.

The American Heart Association is a leading and relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Since the inception of the Heart Walk 25 years ago, mortality rates from cardiovascular disease and stroke have plummeted by 45 percent. Each walker and each donation has helped to transform health statistics into lives saved. Why? Each time someone laces up their shoes or forms a team to participate in the Heart Walk they are instrumental in innovative breakthroughs. Every donation helps create new technologies such as the artificial heart valve, cholesterol drugs, stents, and the mechanical heart pump which helps extend the life of patients. The Heart Walk is open to the community and all are welcome to participate and change the story of heart disease and stroke in the Miami Valley. The American Heart Association is working to fund big ideas that will pioneer breakthroughs in our understanding and treatment of heart disease and stroke.

ABOUT THE MIAMI VALLEY DIVISION OF THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION

Located in Kettering, the Miami Valley Division of the American Heart Association covers 12 counties in the area and is committed to fighting heart disease and stroke throughout Ohio. The mission of the American Heart Association is to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. For more information, visit heart.org/dayton.

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

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Dragons Host Dayton Area Police Night at Fifth Third Field on August 22

Dayton, Ohio – The Dayton Dragons are pleased to welcome the Dayton Area Police to Fifth Third Field on Thursday, August 22, when the Dragons host the Fort Wayne TinCaps at 7:00 p.m. The night at the ballpark will also raise money for a Bootleggers, Bandits, and Badges exhibit that tells the story of Prohibition Era Dayton.

Fans are invited to get to the ballpark early and check out a large, interactive display on the plaza. The Dayton Police Department (DPD) will have tables set up for fans to see SWAT gear as well as a Bat Car, bomb squad items, motorcycles and bicycles all used by the DPD. McGruff the Crime Dog will also be on the plaza to interact with fans and take photos.

Once fans are in the park, the DPD will be a part of the pregame festivities. Retired Lt. Colonel Virgil F. McDaniel will throw out the ceremonial first pitch. McDaniel was the Dayton Assistant Police Chief from 1990 to 1994 and served on the Ohio Fraternal Order of Police executive board for over 30 years. Following the ceremonial first pitch, the Dayton Police Department’s Color Guard will present to colors for the performing of the national anthem.

The Department is raising money through the Dayton Police History Foundation for the Bootleggers, Bandits and Badges exhibit that will open on October 28 at Carillon Park. The exhibit will primarily feature tools of the trade from the early 20th century used by both police and gangsters. This includes a paddy wagon, a 1921 colt machine gun, also known as a “Tommy Gun”, and items from when “Public Enemy #1” John Dillinger was arrested in Dayton.

More Information:  The Dayton Dragons are the Midwest League affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play a 70-game home schedule at beautiful Fifth Third Field 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 dragons@daytondragons.com, or on the web at daytondragons.com

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

July 13th is Wendy’s Foster Care Adoption Night!

Join us at the ballpark as Wendy’s and Trumbull County Children Services are teaming up for Wendy’s Foster Care Adoption Night!

To get the night going, Miss Wendy and a newly united forever family will throw out the first pitch. Afterward, get a picture with Miss Wendy, and learn about foster care adoption or becoming foster parent at the information booth just inside the front gate.

In the state of Ohio alone, there are nearly 3,000 children waiting to be adopted and more than 155,000 throughout the U.S. and Canada. Twenty-two of those kids are right here in Trumbull County. Come to the ballpark, and find out how you can make a difference in their lives. Because every child deserves a forever family.

Click here for more information on Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption.

Visit mvscrappers.com, the Chevy All Stars Box Office at Eastwood Field, or call (330) 505-0000 for more information on single game tickets, ticket packages, group outings, promotions and more!

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

Dragons Players and Mascots to Visit Schools Next Week

DAYTON, Ohio – Dayton Dragons players and one of the team’s mascots, Heater, and staff will visit schools in four counties across the Miami Valley next week. The visits are part of the Dragons MVP program and members of the local media are invited to cover them. The players will introduce themselves to the students, answer questions, and are available for pictures. Each student will also receive a school folder and a Dragons pencil. The following schools are listed with an address, date, and time of visit:

Monday, April 15, 2019

10:00am-10:45am

Grigsby Intermediate School

100 Jamaica Rd.

Franklin, OH 45005

Phone: 937-746-8969

11:15am-12:00pm

Dayton Christian School

9391 Washington Church Rd.

Miamisburg, OH 45342

Phone: 937-291-7249

Tuesday, April 16, 2019

10:00am – 10:45am

Indian Valley Intermediate School

510 S. Xenia Dr.

Enon, OH 45323

Phone:

11:45am – 12:30pm

Concord Elementary School

3145 W. St. Rt. 718

Troy, OH 45373

Phone: 937-332-6730

Tuesday, May 7, 2019

10:00am – 10:45am

Parkwood Elementary School

1791 Wilene Dr.

Beavercreek, OH 45432

Phone:937-429-7604

11:15am – 12:00pm

Harry Russell Elementary School

123 Elementary Dr.

West Carrollton, OH 45449

Phone: 937-859-5121

Members of the media may contact schools individually at the numbers listed above if they intend to attend and cover the visits.

The Dragons MVP Program, a tool for teachers, uses the marketing power of Dayton Dragons Baseball as an educational tool for fourth and fifth grade teachers, helping them motivate and reward students for success both in and out of the classroom. The Dayton Dragons MVP Program is made possible by Ohio’s 529 Plan, Sinclair College, Panera Bread, WDTN-TV and Dayton’s CW. For more information on the Dragons MVP Program, contact the Dayton Dragons or visit www.daytondragons.com/mvp.

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

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Dragons to Recognize “Folds of Honor” Recipients During Game on April 12

Dayton, Ohio–The Dayton Dragons will recognize two local “Folds of Honor” scholarship recipients during inning breaks of the Dragons game on Friday, April 12 against the Lake County Captains at Fifth Third Field. The game will start at 7:00 p.m.

Folds of Honor is a non-profit organization that provides educational scholarships to the families of military citizens who have fallen, or been disabled, while deployed in the United States armed forces. Their educational scholarships support private education and tutoring for children in grades kindergarten through 12 in addition to higher education tuition assistance for spouses and dependents. Folds of Honor provides scholarships for elementary, middle, and high school students through the Children’s Fund as well as for those seeking a bachelor’s or certification through the Higher Education Scholarship. These scholarships can be valued up to $5,000. Since the creation of Folds of Honor, nearly $20 million of scholarships have been awarding to 20,000 recipients in all 50 states and multiple U.S. territories. Folds of Honor accepts applications for scholarships each calendar year from February 1 to April 1 for the next academic year. Applicants will be notified during the summer months of that year if they have been chosen and what dollar amount they shall receive. To learn more about this night or to make a donation to Folds of Honor, visit daytondragons.com/foldsofhonor.

This event is the first of five special Hometown Heroes spotlights at Dragons games this season. At each Hometown Heroes event, the Dragons pay tribute to all service men and women past and present. Presenting sponsors are the Dayton Development Coalition, SRC, Inc., Reynolds & Reynolds, TACG, and the Dayton Dragons. Additional tributes are scheduled for May 22, June 23, and July 11, each focused on a different aspect or organization involved in the military. The season-long celebration will wrap up with American Celebration Night on August 10, featuring post-game fireworks.

For more information on the Hometown Heroes program, please visit daytondragons.com/HometownHeroes.

Single-game tickets for all Dragons 2019 home games are available at www.daytondragons.com or by phone at (937) 228-2287.

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

Recycling Bin Initiative (RBI) presented by Montgomery Count Environmental Services

Dayton, Ohio – The Dayton Dragons and Montgomery County Environmental Services are once again teaming up for the Recycling Bin Initiative (RBI) Program. This free, fun, and educational program is for kids and families to learn about household recycling and how recycling benefits the economy and the environment. The RBI Program only requires two weeks of tracking recycling to participate, but families are encouraged to keep up the good work afterwards.

There are some new changes to the program this year. In addition to a new logo and brand, participants will learn about how to “recycle right,” as well as what items can and cannot be recycled.

“Not everything can be recycled, and some items that can’t be recycled may come as a surprise to many participants,” said Montgomery County Commissioner Judy Dodge. “It’s important that our citizens learn good recycling habits, because having better materials makes the whole recycling system more financially sustainable.”

Hundreds of thousands of cans, glass, cardboard, and plastic have been saved from the landfill thanks to the recycling efforts of participants over the past nine years.

All participants will receive up to four Dragons lawn tickets to RBI Night at a sold-out Dragons game, an exclusive RBI water bottle and recycling bin, and will be eligible to win other great Dragons prizes and experiences.

Visit www.daytondragons.com/rbi to get more information and participate.

About Montgomery County Environmental Services

Montgomery County Environmental Services provides water and water reclamation (sewer) services to 80,000 customers, and solid waste and recycling services to 525,000 citizens in Montgomery County, Ohio. The department offers educational outreach programs for local schools, communities, and businesses that want to learn more about conservation and sustainability in the Miami Valley region. For more information, visit www.mcohio.org/departments/environmental_services/, or follow us on Twitter or Facebook (@mcohioes).

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

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Scrappers Set To Host 2019 Youth Camp

NILES, OH – The Mahoning Valley Scrappers are excited to announce that they have partnered with Vlad Pediatrics to host a three-day Youth Baseball Camp July 30 through August 1.

The Scrappers Youth Camp provides kids ages 8-13 a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn from some of the very best players in Minor League Baseball. All exercises and instruction will be taught by Scrappers players and coaching staff, and will focus on baseball fundamentals, sportsmanship and healthy competition. Boys and girls of all ability levels are encouraged to participate and learn from the Scrappers players and coaches in a small group setting.

Camp registration includes instruction each day from 9am until 12pm, a ticket to the Thursday, August 1st Scrappers game against the Aberdeen IronBirds, on field recognition prior to the August 1st game, a camp t-shirt, and a lunch the final day of camp. To ensure that your child receives individualized attention, the Youth Baseball Camp has been limited to 100 campers and early registration is highly encouraged. The 2019 Scrappers Youth Baseball Camp is $100 per child.

To register for the 2019 Scrappers Youth Baseball Camp, click here or call (330) 505-0000.

The Scrappers Home Opener is set for Sunday, June 16 at 6:35pm against the Batavia Muckdogs. Ticket memberships and ticket packages can be purchased now at mvscrappers.com, the Chevy All Stars Box Office at Eastwood Field or by calling (330) 505-0000.

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

RubberDucks to Host 2019 Internship Fair on Jan. 5

The Akron RubberDucks announced today it will be holding its 2019 Internship Fair on Saturday, Jan. 5 at Canal Park starting at 10 a.m.

Positions for the 70 home games during the 2019 season include: community relations, corporate partnerships, field operations/groundkeeper, finance, food & beverage, graphic design, hospitality & special events, in-game entertainment/production, media and public relations, merchandise, promotions & marketing, stadium operations, and ticket operations.

Interested candidates are asked to arrive no later than 9:45 a.m. at Canal Park’s administrative office entrance on S. Main St. The Internship Fair will begin promptly at 10 a.m. with an introduction of the RubberDucks’ full-time staff, followed by a chance for candidates to interview with the various departments.

Interested candidates can come for the open-interview period or can setup a pre-scheduled interview. Candidates should bring his or her resume and any references. To pre-schedule interviews, candidates should send his or her resume to Jeff Campano (jcampano@akronrubberducks.com) by Dec. 21 with the departments of interest in the subject line. Pre-scheduled interviews will be arranged at the discretion of the various department directors.

2019 RubberDucks Internship Fair Details:

What: 2019 Akron RubberDucks Internship Fair

When: Saturday, Jan. 5, starting promptly at 10 a.m. Candidates should arrive no later than 9:45 a.m.

Where: Candidates should enter through Canal Park’s main administrative office entrance located at 300 South Main Street.

To Apply: The Internship Fair will have time for open interviews and a pre-scheduled interview period. Candidates should bring multiple resume copies and any references.

To Pre-Schedule Interview: By Dec. 21, candidates should send resume to Jeff Campano (jcampano@akronrubberducks.com) with the internship position(s) of interest in the subject line. Pre-scheduled interviews will be arranged at the discretion of the various department directors.

For more information about the 2019 Internship Fair, candidates can call 330-253-5151 or go to www.akronrubberducks.com.

Soap Box Derby Named as Charity Recipient for Corbin Bernsen-headlined 2019 Hot Stove Banquet

(AKRON, OHIO) Dec. 3, 2018 – The Akron RubberDucks announced today the International Soap Box Derby® will be the charity benefactor from the 2019 RubberDucks Hot Stove Banquet on Feb. 1 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Akron. The Hot Stove Banquet will be headlined by Emmy-nominated actor Corbin Bernsen, who played Roger Dorn in the classic hit movie “Major League” and directed the Soap Box Derby-themed “25 Hill.”

The third annual Hot Stove Banquet is presented by FirstEnergy. It will be a celebration of baseball to help get fans prepared for another exciting season from the RubberDucks and Cleveland Indians. Fans will have an opportunity to ask Bernsen about his acting career, which includes his famous role as Dorn in “Major League” and his time as Arnie Becker on the hit ’80s series L.A. Law. In 2011, he wrote, directed, and produced the Soap Box Derby-related film “25 Hill,” which helped provide extra funds to the long-standing Akron institution.

“We are pleased to be partnering with the RubberDucks for their kickoff Hot Stove Banquet,” said Mark Gerberich, president and chief executive officer of the Soap Box Derby. “Corbin Bernsen’s tie to ’25 Hill’ and ‘Major League’ are both classics, and we are grateful and proud to be this year’s recipient. This will help further our leadership, STEM education and racing programs in the Akron Community,” said Gerberich.

Bernsen previously appeared as a guest at Canal Park in July 2013, when he met fans and signed autographs while the team gave away Roger Dorn snow globes.

“It’s an honor to partner with an Akron institution such as the Soap Box Derby and help this great organization raise money for its mission of helping kids in the community,” said RubberDucks General Manager Jim Pfander. “It will be an extra special Hot Stove because of Corbin’s connection to the Derby and his because of his beloved role as Roger Dorn from ‘Major League,’ which is a cult favorite of Indians fans around the country.”

The doors open at 4:30 p.m. with cocktails and silent auction, which will feature autographed items from current Indians and RubberDucks, as well as some unique items donated by corporate partners and other teams across baseball.

Starting at 6:30 p.m., a full-plated meal and dessert will be served (vegetarian option available), and the program and question-and-answer session will follow dinner. All attendees are guaranteed to receive Bernsen’s autograph, and they will have the opportunity to meet him after the program’s conclusion.

The Hot Stove Banquet is open to the public and tickets may be purchased for $100 per person or $750 for a table, fans can call (330) 253-5151 or visit akronrubberducks.com. Space is limited. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 26.

Bernsen most recently has starred as Henry Spencer on the USA Network’s hit original series Psych. He was first catapulted to stardom during the 1980s by the hit NBC TV series, L.A. Law, earning nominations for both Emmy and Golden Globe awards for his performance as Arnie Becker. He played Roger Dorn in the “Major League” film series and starred in the movie “Hello Again.” He has several directing credits, including “Carpool Guy” and All-American Soap Box Derby film, “25 Hill.” He lives in Los Angeles and is from North Hollywood. Bernsen is a graduate of UCLA where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Theater and a master’s degree in Playwriting.

2019 RubberDucks Hot Stove Banquet Details:

When: Fri., Feb. 1 at 4:30 p.m. (Doors), 6:30 p.m. (Dinner), with program and Q & A to follow

Where: Hilton Garden Inn – Akron (1307 E. Market St., Akron, Ohio, 44305)

Who: Emmy-nominated actor Corbin Bernsen, aka Roger Dorn from “Major League”

What: Cocktails, Silent Auction, Dinner/Dessert, Program, Q & A Session, Autographs (guaranteed autograph per ticket)

Tickets (On sale Monday, Nov. 26 at 10 a.m.): $100 per person; $750 per table of eight; To purchase: (330) 253-5151 or akronrubberducks.com

Benefactor: International Soap Box Derby®

About the Akron RubberDucks

The Akron RubberDucks are the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. The 2019 season, powered by FirstEnergy, will be the franchise’s 23rd since moving to Akron. The 2019 Home Opener is on Thursday, April 4, at 6:35 p.m. vs. Altoona Curve.

For more information about the team, please visit the RubberDucks’ website, www.akronrubberducks.com, Facebook page www.facebook.com/AkronRubberDucks, Twitter feed @AkronRubberDuck, and Instagram at @akronrubberducks. Tickets packages for the 2019 season can be ordered online or by calling 330-253-5151 Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

About the Soap Box Derby

The International Soap Box Derby® is a non-profit youth education and leadership development organization whose mission is to build knowledge and character, and to create meaningful experiences through fair and honest racing competitions, STEM curriculums, and other community-focused activities. The Derby’s Core Values and Drivers include: Youth Education and Leadership Development; Family Engagement and Enrichment; Honesty, Integrity and Perseverance; Innovation and Entrepreneurship; Teamwork and Collaboration; Mentoring; Volunteerism; and Commitment to Community. The Derby’s two youth initiatives are the FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby racing program and the STEM-based Education Program, which provides educational opportunities for K-12 youth worldwide through Soap Box Derby racing. The Derby dates to 1934, when the first All-American race was held in Dayton, Ohio. For more information, visit www.soapboxderby.org.

Dragons Leandro Santana Wins Reds MiLB Community Service Award

Dayton, Ohio-Dayton Dragons infielder Leandro Santana has been selected as the Cincinnati Reds 2018 Minor League Community Service award winner. The Reds announced their Minor League player awards at RedsFest.

Santana spent the entire 2018 season with the Dragons. He was selected for the award based on his efforts in Dayton this season as a volunteer as part of various Dragons community service endeavors.

Santana became the seventh Dragons player to win the Reds Minor League Community Service Award since 2011. The award is given to only one player each year across all levels of the Reds farm system. Previous Dragons winners of the Reds Community Service Award were Drew Hayes (2011), El’Hajj Muhammad (2012), Brent Peterson (2013), Jon Matthews (2014), Avain Rachal (2015), and Aaron Fossas (2017).

Also at RedsFest, the Reds named the following Minor League player awards: Sheldon “Chief” Bender Minor League Player of the Year: Ibandel Isabel; Minor League Hitter of the Year: T.J. Friedl; Minor League Pitcher of the Year: Tony Santillan. Friedl and Santillan are both former Dragons. Friedl spent the first half of the 2017 season with the Dragons, while Santillan spent all of 2017 in Dayton after briefly pitching for the Dragons in 2016.

The Reds Minor League Player of the Year award is named after Sheldon “Chief” Bender, who worked in professional baseball for 64 years, 39 of those with the Reds. Bender oversaw the Reds farm system from 1967-’88, producing stars such as Ken Griffey Sr., Dave Concepcion, Ron Oester, Mario Soto, Eric Davis, Barry Larkin, Chris Sabo, Paul O’Neill, and countless others. Bender passed away in 2008 at the age of 88.

Sheldon “Chief” Bender Award winners:

2000 Austin Kearns

2001 Adam Dunn

2002 Brandon Larson

2003 Stephen Smitherman

2004 Richie Gardner

2005 Chris Denorfia

2006 Homer Bailey

2007 Jay Bruce

2008 Chris Valaika

2009 Chris Heisey

2010 Devin Mesoraco

2011 Billy Hamilton

2012 Billy Hamilton

2013 Seth Mejias-Brean

2014 Ben Lively

2015 Tyler Mahle

2016 Aristides Aquino

2017 Nick Senzel

2018 Ibandel Isabel

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