Learn through fun on Mud Hens School Education Days

Enjoy a fun and educational day out with the Toledo Mud Hens, at our School Education Days presented by O-I, Great Clips, Kroger and Imagination Station. Who knew learning about math and science could be so much fun!

In 2018, more than 28,000 students, teachers, administrators and staff members let off some steam at Fifth Third Field during our four school games, a new Mud Hens record!

2019 SCHOOL EDUCATION DAYS

  • Wednesday, May 1 at 10:35 a.m.
  • Wednesday, May 15 at 10:35 a.m.
  • Thursday, May 16 at 10:35 a.m.
  • Wednesday, May 29 at 10:35 a.m.

IMAGINATION STATION

The having-fun-while-learning meter gets cranked up during select inning breaks, with creative science experiments conducted by the Imagination Station crew.

The Mud Hens offer a school day curriculum guide, a pregame career day program before each game, special meal offers and have group fanwear opportunities.

Now’s the time to book your school group! Call Rita Natter 419-725-9258 or email rnatter@mudhens.com.

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

Fifth Third Field to Host Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk on Oct. 20

DAYTON, OHIO – The 2018 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk will take place at Fifth Third Field on Saturday, October 20. Registration will begin at 8:00 a.m. with a rolling start from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

This event is part of a national fundraising effort. In 2018 alone, over 1 million walkers across the country collected more than $60 million to help fight this disease.

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 2018. Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women (excluding skin cancer) and second only to lung cancer as a cause of cancer death in women.

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 Dragons website, www.daytondragons.com, and Dragons Facebook page 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.

To register for the walk and get more information, please visit www.makingstrideswalk.org/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 (937) 228-2287, by email at dragons@daytondragons.com, or on the web at daytondragons.com.

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

Scrappers Host 2019 School Day Game

NILES, OH – The Mahoning Valley Scrappers and Youngstown State University are excitd to host the annual School Day Game at Eastwood Field for the 2019 season, presented by Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley. The Youngstown State University Penguins will host the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee on Friday, May 17, 2019. Gates will open at 9:30am and first pitch is slated for 11:00am.

The Scrappers have an afforable package available for area schools. The cost of the school package is only $7.00 per student and includes a game ticket, lunch and an eductional curriculum, which includes many activities for subjects such as Language Arts, Health and Social Studies.

The Scrappers are taking reservations and encourage groups to sign up early to guarantee seating. For more information or to reserve your tickets, contact Kate Walsh or Clayton Sibilla at (330) 505-0000 or by email at kwalsh@mvscrappers.com or csibilla@mvscrappers.com.

The Scrappers open the 2019 season at Eastwood Field on June 16 vs. the Batavia Muckdogs. Ticket packages are on sale now online at mvscrappers.com, at 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.

Dragons Website Going Pink in Support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month

DAYTON, OH – 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 Dragons Facebook page 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 2018. 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 2018 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk will be at Fifth Third Field on October 20 at 8:00 a.m. This event is part of a national fundraising effort. In 2018 alone, over 1 million walkers across the country collected more than $60 million to help fight this disease.

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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

DAYTON, OH – Dayton, Ohio will host one of the nation’s largest Walks to End Alzheimer’s as the annual event brings attention to the impact and reach of the disease.

More than 3,000 people are expected to participate in the Saturday, Oct. 6 event sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association Miami Valley Chapter. The event is a great way to support efforts for a cure, celebrate a loved one or honor caregivers.

“We’re looking forward to this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s,” said Eric VanVlymen, Executive Director of the Miami Valley Chapter. “Not only does the Walk support Alzheimer’s research, care, and support programs, but it’s also a chance for families and friends to come together and share a message of hope. We’d love to see the entire community get involved and join the fight to end Alzheimer’s.”

The Dayton Walk will take place at Fifth Third Field. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. The walk starts at 10 a.m. While at the walk, participants can learn about Alzheimer’s disease, advocacy opportunities, clinical studies enrollment and support programs and services from the Alzheimer’s Association Miami Valley Chapter. Walk participants also honor those affected by Alzheimer’s disease with a poignant tribute known as the Promise Garden ceremony.

Walk Committee member Jenica Huelskamp said, “The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is truly a day of showing support and love for those facing Alzheimer’s. I’ve been participating in the walk for years with my family and I always leave feeling hopeful and refreshed that we can make a difference to end Alzheimer’s.”

All funds raised through the Walk to End Alzheimer’s further the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association. The Dayton Walk is the 25th largest walk in the nation based on dollars raised. Last year, $550,000 was raised during the Dayton walk.

The Alzheimer’s Association Miami Valley Chapter serves a nine-county region. Last year about 30,000 people in the region were living with Alzheimer’s. Nationwide, more than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States and the only disease among the top 10 causes that cannot be cured, prevented or even slowed. Additionally, more than 16 million family and friends provide care to people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias in the U.S.

Register today for the Walk. Sign up as a Team Captain, join a team or register to walk as an individual at alz.org/walk or call 800.272.3900.

Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s®

The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Since 1989, the Alzheimer’s Association mobilized millions of Americans in the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk®; now the Alzheimer’s Association is continuing to lead the way with Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Together, we can end Alzheimer’s.

Alzheimer’s Association®

The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement or research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. Approximately 5.7 million in the U.S. are living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. Almost 220,000 Ohioans are living with dementia. In the Miami Valley, about 30,000 people have dementia and approximately 100,000 people serve as their caregivers. The mission of the Alzheimer’s Association is carried out in Ohio by seven local chapters coordinating care and support, awareness, fundraising and advocacy initiatives. For more information on the Alzheimer’s Association call 1.800.272.3900, or visit alz.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 Set for Wednesday at 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 26 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, and one lucky student in attendance will win a $1,000 college scholarship, courtesy of Fifth Third Bank.

More than 1,000 students and their guests will attend and more than 70 colleges and universities will participate in this free event. Among the colleges scheduled to appear are Wright State University, Kettering College, Ohio University, Miami (Ohio) University, Duke University, University of Cincinnati, Ball State University, University of Dayton, Ohio Army National Guard, University of Kentucky, 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.

“Fifth Third is committed to growing the financial knowledge of families and students as they make decisions about their future,” said Doug Compton, city executive for Fifth Third Bank. “It is important that we play a role in providing information that will help them successfully navigate their options regarding college. We are honored to provide a scholarship to a student who has made the decision to continue their education and we are dedicated to continue participating in events like College Prep Night that make a long-lasting, positive difference in the communities that we serve.”

The $1,000 scholarship will be given away after the event to a lucky college-bound student. To be entered to win, 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 winner’s name is pulled at the conclusion of the event.

In addition to visiting with the different schools, students and parents can participate in dynamic, informative workshops that will tell them everything they need to know about college. In one of the informative seminars, Fifth Third Bank will educate attendees on choosing the right college savings, part of a 13-program series called Empower U, designed by financial professionals at Fifth Third Bank with the employees of their valued clients in mind. The Empower U program is designed to provide you with financial information that will help empower you to achieve your goals and realize financial independence. This presentation will provide attendees with an overview of how to, and how much to, save for your child’s college education.

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. As of June 30, 2018, the Company had $141 billion in assets and operated 1,158 full-service Banking Centers and 2,458 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 54,000 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, 2018, had $368 billion in assets under care, of which it managed $37 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 on October 23rd

NILES, OH – The Scrappers and Chemical Bank present the twentieth annual “Trick or Treat” at Eastwood Field, with media partners 21 WFMJ & WBCB. The event will take place on Tuesday, October 23rd 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 serve 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 Project Feed Our Valley will receive a free general admission Scrappers ticket valid during the 2019 season.

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 330-505-000 or emailing kwalsh@mvscrappers.com.

To stay up to date with the Scrappers in the offseason or for more information on 2019 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.

Dragons and Vectren Present 2018 “Community All-Stars”

Dayton, Ohio – The Dragons and Vectren will honor Shoes 4 the Shoeless during the unique “Community All-Stars” program on Monday, June 25, at 7:00 p.m. when the Dayton Dragons take on the Great Lakes Loons at Fifth Third Field.

The Dayton community is a great place to live, work and play. But what makes Dayton truly great are the people that call Dayton home. We have great people and great organizations in our community that do incredible things each and every day. Throughout the season, the Dragons and Vectren will honor five “All-Stars” with a special inning break tribute in recognition of their service.

Shoes 4 the Shoeless Story: “Shoes & Socks Bring Hope”

Kris Horlacher is a nurse by trade, but a decade ago she began devoting her time to a tutoring and mentoring program for homeless kids. Whether it’s finding food to eat or shelter for the night, these children have plenty of needs, and something that is often overlooked is their feet. According to Horlacher, “a pair of shoes and socks that are in good condition and fit, is the biggest unmet need for children living in poverty.” After researching, they found only a few organizations nationwide who provide these resources. They did not appear to be highly effective so, in 2010, Horlacher decided to take action into her own hands.

Within the first year of forming Shoes for the Shoeless (S4TS), Horlacher and her team won the Pepsi Refresh competition, a nationwide competition for organizations to compete for a $50,000 grant. Horlacher proudly states, “against all odds, Shoes 4 the Shoeless won, beating out large corporations from all across the country.” This funding was the traction needed to launch the organization.

Many of the children served by S4TS have never owned a pair of new shoes. Instead they wear hand-me-downs that are extremely worn, and not even close to the right size. Children go to school wearing shoes full of holes, missing soles, taped together, etc. Hundreds of local children do not even own socks. S4TS corrects these painful and embarrassing problems for children on the spot.

Since 2011, Shoes 4 the Shoeless has served over 75,000 children in 7 counties. Around 500 volunteers go to schools each month and work one-on-one with kids to find the right pair of shoes. Around 1,000 pairs of gym shoes are donated by Shoes 4 the Shoeless each month! To learn more and help support Shoes 4 the Shoeless, please visit www.shoes4theshoeless.org

The Dragons Community All-Stars Program is made possible by the generous support of Vectren. For more information or to nominate an All-Star in your life, visit www.daytondragons.com/communityallstar.

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

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Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Dragons present an Anthem Home Run for Life

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Dragons present an Anthem Home Run for Life

Bentley Renner will celebrate his Anthem Home Run for Life on Wednesday, June 27

Dayton, Ohio – Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Dayton Dragons will host five-year-old Bentley Renner during the unique Anthem Home Run for Life program on Wednesday, June 27, at 7:00 p.m., when the Dayton Dragons take on the Great Lakes Loons at Fifth Third Field.

The Anthem Home Run for Life program provides children in the Dayton region who are battling serious medical conditions with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Each honoree gets to take a lap around the bases at Fifth Third Field during a sold-out Dragons home game while the crowd cheers them on.

Bentley’s Story

After a premature birth, Bentley Renner had a difficult time swallowing. Doctors diagnosed him with severe dysphagia. They felt his challenges with swallowing were due to his prematurity and would improve with time.

Two months later, a common cold put Bentley back to the hospital. He was admitted for eight weeks and needed life support. While in the PICU, Bentley was unable to swallow, and his motor skills quickly declined. Bentley went through intense feeding therapy and needed a g-tube to digest food.

For the next year and a half, Bentley was in and out of the hospital. At three years of age, Bentley underwent a diagnostics workshop at the Mayo Clinic and visited the National Institute of Health. Bentley and his parents were shocked to learn he had mitochondrial myopathy.

Mitochondrial myopathy is a genetic disease affecting specific parts of the cells in the body. In an affected cell, the mitochondrion cannot produce the energy the body needs. In response, these cells don’t provide enough fuel for the body’s muscles and nerves, creating a setback in development. A disease like this causes several issues like muscle weakness, hearing loss, trouble with balance, and seizures. These common symptoms often make it difficult for doctors to diagnose.

Treatment started immediately for Bentley. He has had several airway surgeries and takes mitochondrial vitamins daily. Since he was born, Bentley has had 19 hospital stays in the ICU. “I am sad when I have to go to the hospital because I really miss my family and friends,” Bentley said. “But I usually get to play games with the doctors and nurses, which is fun!”

Today, Bentley is five-years-old and full of energy. He will be starting kindergarten at Brookville Elementary in the fall. Bentley looks forward to spending time with his family in Florida this summer.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Dayton Dragons applaud all those who have been instrumental in Bentley’s life, including his parents Jerry and Trisha, siblings Ella and Olivia, his pediatrician Dr. Amy Jones, and his entire medical team. Please join us in cheering on Bentley as he completes his Home Run for Life at Fifth Third Field on June 27.

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.

The Hope Foundation & the Scrappers Partner to Help Raise Funds for Kids

NILES, OH – The Hope Foundation of the Mahoning Valley and the Mahoning Valley Scrappers have joined together to help raise funds for chronically/terminally ill children in our community throughout the 2018 season. “We are excited about teaming up with the Mahoning Valley Scrappers in an effort to spread our mission to educate and help chronically and terminally ill children of the Mahoning Valley,” states Tony Spano, Founder and Executive Director of The Hope Foundation of the Mahoning Valley.

Saturday, July 7th has been designated as The Hope Foundation of the Mahoning Valley Awareness Night at the Scrappers at Eastwood Field in Niles. In addition, when fans purchase tickets online for the July 7th game or any other game this season, The Hope Foundation will receive a portion of the sale, when they type the word “HOPE” in the Special Offer Code box. The HOPE code is valid for all online tickets, including game day purchases up to 4:00pm the day of the game. The offer is not valid with the purchase of tickets at the window or by phone or for July 4th or buck nights.

The Hope Foundation will also fundraise with jersey auction for the Scrappers game worn Star Wars jerseys, which will be worn the Friday, June 22nd game against the Auburn Doubledays, sponsored by Liberty Comics and Middlefield Bank.

The Hope Foundation of the Mahoning Valley (H.F.M.V.), a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization, was founded in 2007 after the increasing success and popularity of the Game of Hope Charity Basketball Classic. Our unpaid staff, volunteers and supporting individuals and organizations are committed to our mission. They provide charitable and financial support to local charities that share our goal of improving the lives of chronically/terminally ill children. With money raised from donation and our signature fundraisers, The Foundation provides grants of up to $5,000. For more information about The Foundation please visit the website at www.HopeMV.org.

Tickets for the Scrappers 2018 season are now on sale. For more information, contact the Scrappers Front Office at (330) 505-0000 or visit mvscrappers.com for a complete schedule.

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

Special Dragons Jersey Friday on Defeating Cancer Night

DAYTON, OHIO-The Dayton Dragons will wear specially-designed jerseys on “Defeating Cancer Night” at Fifth Third Field on Friday, June 8 when they host the Bowling Green Hot Rods at 7:00 p.m. Each jersey will be autographed by the Dragons player or coach who wore it that night for a jersey auction that will begin after the game. All proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society.

The specially-themed jersey night will be a first in the Dragons 19-year history. The Dragons have never worn specially-designed jerseys for a single game and then conducted a jersey auction after the game.

Jerseys worn by all Dragons players and coaches will be part of the auction, which will last one week and be viewable at daytondragons.com.

“The Dragons organization is very excited with this opportunity to assist the American Cancer Society in their continuous fund-raising efforts,” said Robert Murphy, Dragons President & General Manager. “This will be the first full-team jersey auction in our history and we are pleased to give fans the opportunity to bid on these special jerseys to be worn on Friday night by our players and coaches.”

“We are looking forward to Friday night and sharing our resources with the community,” said Shayna Knack, Senior Manager, Community Development, with the American Cancer Society. “It’s an honor to be part of this event and we want to thank the Dragons organization for partnering with us in the fight to end cancer.”

Defeating Cancer Night at Fifth Third Field on June 8 will include a variety of special events and activities.

  • The American Cancer Society’s pink semi-truck will be parked on the plaza in front of the ballpark with an information table.
  • The Bob Ross Auto Group’s pink vehicle will be parked on the plaza with a tent and showcase items.
  • The Pink Ribbon Girls’ pink fire truck will be parked on the plaza with a tent and information table.
  • Free sunscreen samples will be available through a partnership between Minor League Baseball and the American Cancer Society that promotes awareness and prevention of skin cancer.
  • Andrew Heil, a two-time cancer survivor, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch.
  • The event will also feature in-game recognition of cancer survivors, battlers, care providers, and family members.

A portion of ticket revenue from the game on June 8 will also be donated to the American Cancer Society and Pink Ribbon Girls.

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

Dayton Dragons MVPs to Celebrate at Fifth Third Field

Dayton, Ohio– The Dragons MVP Program presented by Bob Evans Farms provides thousands of area fourth and fifth grade students with “MVP Field Day” at Fifth Third Field this Saturday, June 2, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The students from Clark, Greene, Miami, Montgomery, and Warren Counties were all recognized by their teachers through the “Dragons MVP Program” as having done something extraordinary inside or outside of the classroom this school year.

The Dragons MVP Program provides students, who are recognized by their teachers, with a unique opportunity to attend this special event where they will have a chance to meet the 2018 Dayton Dragons and enjoy a day of fun activities at Fifth Third Field. Among the activities scheduled are inflatable games, carnival games, mascots, a special treat from Bob Evans Farms, a free team poster, “baseball skills” stations with the Dragons players, and an autograph session.

FACTS ABOUT THE MVP PROGRAM

This is the 13th season for the Dragons MVP Program. More than 1,200 classrooms and 35,000 students participated during the 2018 season.

Each teacher selected five Dragons MVPs for their classroom, resulting in more than 6,000 students being recognized for their achievements in and out of the classroom.

The children selected as Dragons MVPs received a customized certificate and complimentary tickets to enjoy a Dragons game at Fifth Third Field with their families. At the game, they received a specially designed Dragons MVP ball cap. MVPs also received tickets to the “MVP Field Day” to be held at the stadium on June 2.

The Dragons MVP program presented by Bob Evans Farms is also made possible courtesy of CollegeAdvantage, Sinclair College, WDTN-TV and Dayton’s CW.

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.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Dragons present an Anthem Home Run for Life

Dayton, Ohio – Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Dayton Dragons will host 12-year-old Gabe Duplechian during the unique Anthem Home Run for Life program on Wednesday, May 30, at 7:00 p.m., when the Dayton Dragons take on the West Michigan Whitecaps at Fifth Third Field.

The Anthem Home Run for Life program provides children in the Dayton region who are battling serious medical conditions with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Each honoree gets to take a lap around the bases at Fifth Third Field during a sold-out Dragons home game while the crowd cheers them on.

Gabe’s Story

Around Christmas of 2012, Gabe Duplechian came home from school with a sore arm. There was no incident earlier that day that would have caused the constant pain Gabe was feeling, so his parents took him to urgent care. Based on preliminary tests, it was suggested Gabe had a fracture and his arm was placed in a cast to heal.

Unfortunately, this didn’t solve Gabe’s issues. Quickly after having his cast removed, he had similar pain in his other arm and then shortly thereafter his legs. The pain was so excruciating that he was unable to walk and perform daily functions. After months of tests with results seemingly normal, Gabe’s parents were frustrated and took him to the emergency room for some answers.

After many more tests, Gabe and his parents were shocked to learn he had Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). Gabe didn’t have the typical signs of this condition, and it had taken months for the family to get an accurate diagnosis.

ALL is a cancer of the white blood cells characterized by excess lymphoblasts. Malignant, immature white blood cells continuously multiply and are overproduced in the bone marrow. This form of cancer causes damage by crowding out normal cells in the bone marrow, and eventually spreads to other organs.

Treatment started immediately for Gabe. He had a one-week induction with steroids and then started chemotherapy. Gabe went through 30 days of isolation, lost his hair multiple times, had a buildup of ammonia, and experienced liver issues during his treatment.

Today, Gabe is 12-years-old and feels great. His last round of chemotherapy was in June of 2016 and he’s extremely grateful to be in remission. “This experience has taught me to not take things for granted,” Gabe said. “Things could always be worse. And even though I had cancer, cancer didn’t have me.”

Gabe will be in eighth grade at Kettering Middle School next school year. He enjoys english, wrestling, and playing the saxophone.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Dayton Dragons applaud all those who have been instrumental in Gabe’s life, including his parents Jason and Adrienne, his specialist Dr. Dole, and his entire medical team. Please join us in cheering on Gabe as he completes his Home Run for Life at Fifth Third Field on May 30.

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.

“Little Big Leagues” Grand Prize Game Winner Selected

DAYTON, OHIO – It doesn’t get much better than baseball played by kids. The love affair with our national pastime began on little league fields across the country for so many of us. In that spirit, the Dayton Dragons and IGS Energy are proud to continue a multi-year partnership to shine a spotlight on youth baseball players all across our region.

The Dragons “Little Big Leagues” program, presented by IGS Energy, is a season-long program filled with amazing experiences for kids and a chance for all fans to celebrate youth baseball.

IGS Energy is sponsoring a Grand Prize Game on Tuesday, June 5 at 7 PM. Two local youth baseball teams from Midwest Ohio Baseball will square off under the lights at Fifth Third Field as if they were playing in a Dragons game. All the elements from a Dragons game, including PA announcers, video board graphics, Dragons in-game entertainment, and more, will be part of this experience. Gates open at 6 PM for this free open to the public event. The two teams won this opportunity by signing up for a Little Big Leagues Pre-Game Parade, presented by IGS Energy.

Thousands of youth baseball players have the opportunity to participate in one of the IGS Little League Parades before a sold-out Dragons game this summer. Leagues that come to a Dragons game as part of a group outing will be escorted for a lap around the warning track at Fifth Third Field during pre-game warmups and have an opportunity to take a league-wide photo on the field. Leagues were encouraged to sign up early so they could be entered to win the Grand Prize Game and other experiences.

For more information on how little league teams and players can get involved in the Dragons “Little Big Leagues” program, presented by IGS Energy, contact the Dragons group sales department at (937) 228-2287, email dragons@daytondragons.com, or visit www.daytondragons.com/IGS.

About IGS

IGS is a leading provider of retail energy supply, home services products, distributed generation such as solar and combined heat and power as well as compressed natural gas services. With over 25 years of experience, the company leverages extensive in-house expertise to bring innovation to the energy industry. By embracing new technologies, supporting alternative energy resources, and encouraging energy independence, IGS is inspiring homeowners, businesses, and communities to make smart energy decisions. The company also has a community investment program which provides employees with opportunities to get involved with and give to causes that are meaningful to the company and to them personally.

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

Kettering Health Network Presents the “Strike Out Stroke” Event

Dayton, Ohio – Manual Bidaara, a stroke survivor, will throw out the first pitch at the Dayton Dragons game on Sunday, May 20, at 2:07 p.m. when Kettering Health Network presents the “Strike Out Stroke™” event. The Dragons will be hosting the Great Lakes Loons at Fifth Third Field in downtown Dayton. Strike Out Stroke is a registered trademark of the “Retreat and Refresh Stroke Camp.”

Bidaara, a 17-year-old foreign exchange student from Portugal, was brushing his teeth one morning in April and noticed he couldn’t move his left arm or hand. Then, his left leg gave out and he collapsed. The whole left side of his body went numb and Bidaara began to slur his speech.

Bidaara’s host brother helped him up and notified his host guardian, Jim. Jim knew something was wrong and took Bidaara to the emergency room at Soin Medical Center. There, he was stabilized by Scott Balonier, DO.

After evaluation, it was theorized that Bidaara, who is active in sports, had recently suffered an ankle injury that created a blood clot. The clot moved upwards through his body and passed through a hole in Bidaara’s heart due to a heart condition from his childhood. Then, the clot made its way to Bidaara’s brain and caused the stroke.

Bidaara had surgery in early May at Kettering Medical Center and is on the road to recovery. His career ambition is to one day become a neurologist to study the brain himself.

Kettering Health Network will be on the plaza from noon-2:30 p.m. with stroke awareness and prevention information and will also be passing out various stroke awareness items.

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.

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