Bees National Anthem Auditions Slated for March 7

 

SALT LAKE CITY (February 6, 2020) -The Salt Lake Bees invite talented singers, groups and musicians to audition for the opportunity to perform the National Anthem before a Bees game this season. An open tryout will take place at Smith’s Ballpark on Saturday, March 7 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The audition will be first-come, first-served and is open to the public, individuals and/or small groups (eight people or fewer).

It is required that the National Anthem be sung in a cappella and traditional manner with no styling or individual musical interpretation. Audition participants should enter at the Diamond Entrance at Smith’s Ballpark to sign in. There is no need to bring résumés, photos, portfolios or recordings. Selected performers will be notified via email if they have been invited to sing the National Anthem before a Bees home game during the 2020 season.

If applicants are unable to attend the live audition, a video recording can be submitted to Caylor Tarter via email to Caylor.Tarter@slbees.com. Video submissions must be received by Thursday, March 12 to be considered for the 2020 season.

The Bees season begins on Thursday, April 9 at Smith’s Ballpark with a five-game series against the El Paso Chihuahuas. Season tickets and mini plans are on sale now and single game tickets will be available at www.slbees.com starting on March 1.

WHO:               Talented singers, groups and musicians

WHAT:             National Anthem auditions for the 2020 Salt Lake Bees season

WHEN:            Saturday, March 7

10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

WHERE:          Smith’s Ballpark

77 West 1300 South

Salt Lake City, UT 84115

–slbees.com–

 

About the Salt Lake Bees

The Salt Lake Bees are entering their 20th season as the Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels and will continue to be the top affiliate of the Angels through the 2022 season. While with Los Angeles, Salt Lake owns five division championships and two trips to the Pacific Coast League Finals. Smith’s Ballpark, the home of the Bees, is consistently voted as one of the best ballparks in baseball, including a Top 10 Ballpark in the United States by Better Homes and Gardens. In 2015 the Bees were awarded the Bob Freitas Award by Baseball America as the top franchise in Triple-A. For more information visit www.slbees.com.

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

OKC Dodgers Hosting Annual Job Fair February 27 & 29

 

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Dodgers will host the team’s annual job fair for 2020 customer service staff and food service staff on Thursday, February 27 from 4-8 p.m. and Saturday, February 29 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

The Dodgers are seeking multi-talented, highly motivated team players. Available positions include ushers, gate attendants, ticket window attendants, retail workers, field crew, cashiers, cooks, kitchen/stand managers, premium-level wait staff, team store staff and much more.

A full list of open positions can be found below.

“Our gameday staff is a vital piece of our organization and the experience at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark,” said OKC Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes. “We typically have around 250 gameday employees working during our home games, and the people we hire during our job fair are the ones on the front lines assisting fans and providing a level of unsurpassed customer service.”

The job fair will be held in the Legends Lounge at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark on both days. Interested job seekers should enter the ballpark through the glass doors adjacent to the team store located on South Mickey Mantle Drive. Those applying for any position must be available for all 70 Dodgers home games as well as other events held throughout the year. All applicants must be at least 16 years of age.

For more information on the 2020 OKC Dodgers job fair, visit okcdodgers.com or call (405) 218-2154.

AVAILABLE POSITIONS

CUSTOMER SERVICE

  • Ticket Office Representatives
  • Ticket Takers
  • Ushers

FOOD SERVICE

  • Cash Managers
  • Concession Cooks
  • Prep Cooks
  • Premium Level Wait Staff
  • Bartenders
  • Quick Service Expeditors & Managers
  • In-Seat Vendors & Wait Staff
  • Warehouse Attendants
  • Dishwashers

TEAM STORE

  • Sales Associates

GROUNDS CREW

  • Field Crew Assistants

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

A League of Her Own

 

The Fresno Grizzlies are proud to announce a new initiative to support and encourage girls in the sports industry-whether on the field or in the front office. Through the overarching initiative “A League of Her Own,” we aim to provide real and meaningful experiences for girls to participate in sports. The Grizzlies will implement this new mission through three unique programs: Summer Shadow Program, Women in Sports Speaker Series and a Girls’ Baseball Clinic.

This summer, the Fresno Grizzlies will kick off the Summer Shadow Program. This program aims to give young girls a meaningful opportunity to explore their options for a career in the sports industry. There will be two week-long cohorts from June 15-20 and July 13-18. Up to five young women between the ages of 14-18 and who are currently enrolled in high school will be selected for each cohort. The selected participants will rotate through each department within the Fresno Grizzlies’ front office and game day operations. At the end of the week program, each girl will be recognized during a pre-game, on field ceremony. To apply for the program, click here.

Another program that the Grizzlies will kick off this summer is the Women in Sports Speaker Series. The series aims to give young women inspiration to follow their sports dreams through role models already in the industry. The program will take place one Sunday a month, prior to a Grizzlies home game. Speakers will highlight local women who have pioneered a career in the sports industry, whether on-field or in the front office. There will be a free pre-game forum with purchase of any ticket to the game.

Finally, the Grizzlies are partnering with the Visalia Rawhide to provide two back-to-back weekends of Girls’ Clinics for the Central Valley. Both clinics will provide young women with the opportunity to learn baseball fundamentals from each team’s own players. The Grizzlies clinic will highlight keynote speaker Ila Borders; who is the first woman to pitch and win a game on a professional men’s baseball team. The Grizzlies clinic will also be free for young women ages 5 – 12 and will take place Saturday, May 23 from 8 am to 1 pm at Chukchansi Park. To register for the clinic, click here.

The Grizzlies support and encourage all girls and women who aspire to pursue a career in the sports industry to be involved in this new initiative. If you would like to learn more information about the programs listed, please click here.

 

#Growlifornia

 

ABOUT THE FRESNO GRIZZLIES

The Fresno Grizzlies, Triple-A affiliate of the 2019 World Series Champion Washington Nationals, are a member of the 16-team Pacific Coast League (PCL) and one of 30 clubs in the world playing the highest level of Minor League Baseball. The team plays at Chukchansi Park in Downtown Fresno, which is also a year-round community venue, hosting a myriad of other special events beyond Grizzlies’ games, such as concerts, festivals, high school baseball and over 100 non-profit community events every year. The Grizzlies enter the 2020 season – their 23rd in Fresno – on the momentum of the fifth championship in 10 years by their big league affiliate. The team celebrated their own PCL title in 2015.

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

Aces and 1868 FC Celebrate National Girls & Women in Sports Day

 

Today the Aces and 1868 FC shine a light on women in sports as we participate in National Girls & Women in Sports Day. Today is about showcasing the confidence, strength, and character of the women in our front office. As Oprah so astutely put, “you can’t be what you can’t see” so here we are, standing up for girls everywhere to show them that if they work hard, anything in life is achievable! There is a place for you to continue your career in sports whether it is on the field, in the training room, broadcast booth, or front office. We can’t wait for you to join us!

February 5, 2020, marks the 34th Annual National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD). This celebration inspires girls and women to play and be active, to realize their full power. The confidence, strength and character gained through sports participation are the very tools girls and women need to become strong leaders in sports and life. We invite you to celebrate NGWSD in your community and to join the Women’s Sports Foundation as we Lead Her Forward in 2020.

For more information on how to get involved go to: https://www.womenssportsfoundation.org/get-involved/ngwsd/

Hear how sports and working in the industry have affected some of the women in our organization:

Emily Jaenson, Reno Aces General Manager, Hometown: Lake Villa, Illinois

“Participating in sports was everything to me starting from the age of five when I played my first season of t-ball through my junior year of college where I was lucky enough to continue to play soccer. It helped me to become a team player, a leader, someone dedicated to improvement, and someone willing to hustle.

“I have a tremendous amount of gratitude as my participation in baseball, soccer, gymnastics, iceless hockey, basketball, volleyball, track, cross country, and cheerleading all shaped the woman I am today. Here’s to the next generation of female leadership as we celebrate the importance of equal opportunity for all girls and women in sports today!”

Samantha Hicks, Chief Revenue Officer, Hometown: Milford, Michigan

“Sports unite people, getting to walk into a stadium every day to bring more fans to our games, how cool is that for work?!”

Courtney Baker, Corporate Partnerships Account Manager, Hometown: Scottsdale, Arizona

“Growing up, my gym was my second home. My teammates were my second family. To have another place to feel safe and supported for eight years was such a blessing. Not only was cheerleading fun, it kept me in shape and allowed me to compete under the lights, on stage, in front of thousands of people.”

“Even while I was a cheerleader, I’d take every opportunity during my free time to attend a Diamondbacks game or watch on TV. I spent 20 years in Scottsdale, Arizona, so I grew up watching greats like Randy Johnson and local stars such as Luis Gonzalez, Tony Womack, and Steve Finley. To now have the opportunity to work full-time in the game (and for the Triple-A Affiliate of my hometown team) is surreal. I not only get to work in the sport I have lived and breathed for so many years; but I also get to work for our soccer club as well, Reno 1868 FC. One of the best parts about working in sports is that I’m constantly surrounded by so many strong, powerful women. I can’t wait to continue my career for decades to come!”

Leah Withrow, Assistant Groundskeeper, Hometown: Gardnerville, Nevada

“When I was younger, sports were a chance to run around with your friends and maybe get some orange slices. I really didn’t think too much of it because it was genuine fun and I was just there enjoying all of it. I think I just liked being a part of a team, the discipline and the drive it gave me to push myself. Nothing has really changed for me since deciding I wanted to make a career working in sports. I come into the stadium every day and I love being part the team, pushing myself, running around with my friends and maybe getting some orange slices.”

Ellie Stockwell, Group Sales Account Executive, Hometown: San Mateo, CA

“Sports always felt like home to me, giving me the opportunity to grow and learn and pave my own path, and so working in sports felt like the natural transition. It means more to me than I thought, and gives me opportunities to grow every day into someone I am more and more proud to be.”

Wilma Compton, Community Outreach Account Executive, Hometown: Chico, CA

“For me, sports are about the process: finding the right coach, following the system, doing your best, figuring out how to overcome weaknesses, capitalize on strengths, and collaborating with teammates. Working in sports means that every day I come in to work, I’m excited and enthusiastic to be here and just want to work through the process, because to borrow the title from one of my favorite sports books, “the score takes care of itself.”

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

Elmore Sports Group, Bowie State University Form Partnership to Promote Diversity in Minor League Baseball

 

San Antonio – The Elmore Sports Group, owners of the San Antonio Missions, have partnered with Bowie State University to diversify the front office staffs of its teams. The partnership is the first of its kind for Maryland’s oldest historically black university and is designed to create a college-to-career pipeline for students with an interest in a career in sport management.

Two seniors in Bowie State’s sport management program landed paid, nine-month internships with the Elmore Sports Group, which are providing them with valuable hands-on experience in their field. Dionte Johnson is a sales and game-day operations intern with the Missions while Danielle Lang has been hired as a sales/social media intern with the Inland Empire 66ers in San Bernardino, California.

“I want to own a sports facility, so starting at the bottom will teach me how everything operates, and once I know how to operate the building, I’ll be able to own the building,” said Johnson. “I’ll work my way up. Stadium operations is what I want to do. Working here gives me the opportunity to learn.”

Elmore Sports Group, a family-owned company that owns several Minor League Baseball teams and other sports clubs, has a track record of hiring collegiate interns as full-time employees. The company anticipates hosting more Bowie State interns who are ready to turn their classroom knowledge into real-world experience.

“I’d like to be able to have jobs set for our graduates in the industry, and the new relationship with Elmore Sports Group is definitely leading us in that direction,” said Dr. Joseph Spears, coordinator of Bowie State’s sport management program. “We are looking forward to working with the Elmore Sports Group over the long term in the recruiting, retention and preparation of our students.”

All Bowie State sport management students complete full-semester internships for credits during the final semester of their senior year to complete the bachelor’s degree program; in fact, about 15 students are working in industry internships each semester. While many of the graduates do find successful careers in sport management, partnerships, like the budding relationship with Elmore Sports Group, will smooth the transition for students looking to enter the field directly after graduation.

“The Elmore Sports Group is proud to partner with a great institution like Bowie State,” said DG Elmore, president of Elmore Sports Group. “Bowie State has a history of producing outstanding students who are ready to make an impact in the world of sports management. As MiLB and Elmore Sports Group seek to build diversity into the front office of Minor League teams, we hope that this partnership serves as a model for other clubs.”

 

About Bowie State University
Bowie State University (BSU) is an important higher education access portal for qualified persons from diverse academic and socioeconomic backgrounds, seeking a high-quality and affordable public comprehensive university. The university places special emphasis on the science, technology, cybersecurity, teacher education, business, and nursing disciplines within the context of a liberal arts education. For more information about BSU, visit bowiestate.edu.

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

Missions to Host Job Fair on Saturday, February 15

 

San Antonio – The San Antonio Missions and their catering service, Diamond Creations, will host a job fair on Saturday, February 15 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Nelson Wolff Stadium.

The Missions are looking to fill numerous 2020 seasonal positions in the following categories: bat boys/clubhouse attendants (ages 16-20 only), ticket office employees, production team members (film crew/camera operators), game operations crew, team store associates, seasonal grounds crew assistant, fun zone attendants, parking attendants, receptionists, hosts, and hostesses.

The club will also be looking to hire a Clubhouse Assistant (ages 18-25). This person is responsible for assisting the Clubhouse Manager with set up and cleaning of the clubhouse and dugout on a daily basis when the Missions are in town. This includes assisting with laundry, errands, and special requests from the players, transport of the team to and from the hotel, and coordinating equipment transfers to and from the airport.

The facilities team is hiring cleaning crew members for both their day crew (4 p.m.-12 a.m.) and their overnight crew (10 p.m.-6 a.m.).

Diamond Creations will be taking applications for the following hourly positions: concession stand attendants/cashiers, cooks, dishwashers, kitchen preparation staff, picnic area attendants, runners, suite/patio servers and warehouse. Please have your ID, SS card, TABC and Food Handlers Card ready when interviewing.

All interested candidates can apply at the Missions’ Administrative Office on the first base side of Wolff Stadium. Please enter the stadium on the first base/Hwy 90 side.

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

Registration Now Open For 2020 National Anthem Tryouts

 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Registration is now open online for the 10th annual Oklahoma City Dodgers National Anthem Tryouts. The OKC Dodgers will host open auditions Saturday, March 28 at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark for musical performers to sing or play “The Star-Spangled Banner” before Dodgers home games throughout the 2020 baseball season.

National Anthem Tryouts will take place from 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. March 28 in conjunction with OKC Dodgers Fan Fest. The tryouts will be held on the ballpark’s outer Johnny Bench Plaza, located at the corner of South Mickey Mantle and Reno Avenues.

“Our National Anthem Tryouts bring out many talented performers each spring and pairing the auditions with our annual Fan Fest has become an exciting way to kick off our season,” Oklahoma City Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes said. “This is the 10th straight year we have held auditions in front of a live audience, and the second straight year at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. We look forward to previewing what these skilled individuals and groups will showcase throughout the upcoming baseball season.”

The first 125 people to register online will have a guaranteed audition. The tryouts will be open to the public and registration begins today online at: okcdodgers.com/anthemtryouts. Registration slots typically fill well in advance of the event each year, so interested performers are encouraged to register early. The auditions draw a wide variety of performers from the Oklahoma City area, as well as from across the state of Oklahoma and even a handful from surrounding states.

Performers will take the stage to audition in front of a live audience and a judging panel consisting of city officials, community leaders and OKC Dodgers front office staff. Winners will be selected based on voice quality, creative style and stage presence.

Winners will perform the national anthem at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark throughout the upcoming 70-game home schedule. The grand prize winner will have the opportunity to perform as part of the OKC Dodgers’ Independence Day celebration July 3.

Those who do not register online will still have a chance to audition on a standby basis the day of the event. If the tryouts run ahead of schedule, or if a performer does not show up for a scheduled time, those in the standby line will be chosen to audition. Standby performers are encouraged to arrive early and will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis throughout the day.

Additional details about 2020 OKC Dodgers Fan Fest will be released soon. For more information about OKC Dodgers National Anthem Tryouts, 2020 season ticket packages or group outings, call (405) 218-2182 or visit okcdodgers.com.

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

Express, RS3 to Host Job Fair for 2020 Gameday and Concessions Staff

 

ROUND ROCK, Texas – Have you dreamed of working at Dell Diamond? The Round Rock Express, RS3 Strategic Hospitality and RS3 Turf are hiring gameday and concessions staff for the upcoming 2020 season! The organizations will host a job fair on Saturday, February 15 from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. inside the United Heritage Center at Dell Diamond.

Hiring managers will be on hand looking for qualified, hardworking candidates with great guest service skills who are able to work baseball games as well as other sporting and non-sporting events in a variety of different positions. Candidates must be at least 16 years of age to apply and must be able to work all Express home games at Dell Diamond as well as additional events as needed. The 2020 Round Rock Express schedule can be found here.

Positions available include the following:

  • 50/50 Raffle Sellers
  • Bartenders
  • Box Office Service and Cashiers
  • Cash Room Attendants
  • Cashiers
  • Cleaning Crew (Green Team)
  • Cooks
  • Expeditors
  • Facilities and Grounds Crew
  • Gameday Entertainment Staff
  • Guest Services
  • Line Managers
  • Parking Lot Attendants
  • Playground Attendants
  • Retail Cashiers
  • Security
  • Stand Managers
  • Suite Services
  • Ticket Takers
  • Ushers
  • Video Control Room Staff
  • Wait Staff
  • Warehouse Staff

Candidates should enter through the United Heritage Center at 3400 E. Palm Valley Blvd. and park in the Suite Lot in front of the Railyard Team Store. Those wishing to apply are urged to bring a résumé and dress to impress. A positive, friendly attitude is essential. Applicants who cannot attend can apply online at RRExpress.com. No calls please.

The Round Rock Express, RS3 Strategic Hospitality and RS3 Turf are proud to be equal opportunity employers.

The Express kick off the 2020 season on Thursday, April 9 against the newest member of the Pacific Coast League, the Wichita Wind Surge (Miami Marlins affiliate) at 7:05 p.m. at Dell Diamond. Full season and mini season membership plans are on sale now.

For more information on the Express, visit RRExpress.com or call (512) 255-2255. Keep up with the Express on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

OKC Dodgers and MidFirst Bank Present “Pack the Park Pink” T-shirt Design Contest

 

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Dodgers and MidFirst Bank are calling for submissions to design this season’s “Pack the Park Pink” T-shirt.

The 2020 “Pack the Park Pink” game to benefit Susan G. Komen Oklahoma and promote breast cancer awareness is scheduled for Friday, July 31, when the Dodgers face the Las Vegas Aviators.

The special limited-edition T-shirt will be gifted to all breast cancer survivors attending the game, and it will as be distributed to fans attending the game through the “Pack the Park Pink” group ticket package.

The template for T-shirt design submissions is now available to download at okcdodgers.com/pink. Each T-shirt design can feature two colors, one of which must be pink. There are no limits on the amount of submissions an individual can make, but all submissions must be received by April 3 by uploading them to okcdodgers.com/pink or via email to [email protected].

The winning design will be announced in June. The winner will receive four complimentary tickets to the “Pack the Park Pink” game and will be recognized during an on-field presentation.

“Pack the Park Pink” is an annual tradition between the Dodgers, MidFirst Bank and Susan G. Komen Oklahoma. Unique events will be held throughout the evening and “Pack the Park Pink” will culminate with a pink fireworks show following the game. More details regarding the game will be released in the future.

The Dodgers’ game-worn pink jerseys and hats, in addition to pink bats, breast cancer awareness baseballs and game-used bases will be auctioned off throughout the night to benefit Susan G. Komen Oklahoma. The mission of Susan G. Komen Oklahoma is “to save lives by meeting the most critical needs in our communities and investing in breakthrough research to prevent and cure breast cancer.”

A special “Pack the Park Pink” ticket package is currently available for purchase starting at $12 per person for groups of 10 or more and includes the new T-shirt and a pink Dodgers hat.
Other season ticket packages and group outings for the 2020 season are currently on sale. For more information, call (405) 218-2182 or visit okcdodgers.com.

 

NEST, Storm Chasers Announce Annual Writing Sweepstakes

 

PAPILLION, NE (January 21, 2020) – The Nebraska Educational Savings Trust (NEST) and the Omaha Storm Chasers have officially begun the 18th annual “Why I Want to Go to College” essay sweepstakes, Nebraska State Treasurer John Murante announced Tuesday.

Seventh and eighth grade students from around the country may submit their entries leading up to the March 27 sweepstakes deadline. Essays must be 750 words or less, describing the value of a college education and the student’s educational goals for the future. Entries are to be typed, double-spaced, on 8½-by-11-inch paper and must be the student’s original work. Each essay must be accompanied with the required cover sheet.

Three winners will be chosen from each of Nebraska’s three Congressional districts, and three others will be selected from outside Nebraska. Winners will receive contributions to the NEST college savings accounts equaling $2,000 for first place, $1,000 for second and $500 for third.

All winners from Nebraska will be notified in April. Winners also receive four tickets to the Storm Chasers game on May 3 and will be recognized prior to the contest for their achievements.

Complete rules and information on the essay contest can be attained by contacting Andrea Bedore at andreab@omahastormchasers.com.

Entries must be postmarked by March 29 and sent to:

Omaha Storm Chasers

Attn: Andrea Bedore

12356 Ballpark Way

Papillion, NE 68046

The Storm Chasers begin the 2020 regular-season Pacific Coast League play at Memphis on April 9. Their first home game at Werner Park is set for April 14 against Round Rock at 6:35 p.m.

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

River Cats to host job fairs January 25 and February 8

 

West Sacramento, Calif. – The Sacramento River Cats will be hosting their annual job fairs on Saturday, January 25 and on Saturday, February 8 at Sutter Health Park (formerly Raley Field) in West Sacramento. Those interested in working for the River Cats during the 2020 season are encouraged to attend these free events. Hiring managers will conduct interviews during each event, and select positions may extend job offers on the spot.

The River Cats have some 300 part-time and seasonal positions available for the upcoming 2020 baseball season. Available positions include concessions attendants, dishwashers, line cooks, promotions team, security, EMS staff, and more. A full list of hiring positions is available at rivercats.com/employment.

All applicants must be at least 16 years of age (with a valid work permit). For positions that serve alcohol, applicants must be at least 21 years old.

The two events are to be held at Sutter Health Park on Saturday, January 25 from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. and on Saturday, February 8 from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Both events will take place rain or shine. Interested applicants must submit an online application prior to attending the job fair by visiting rivercats.com/employment.

For questions and inquiries, please call (916) 376-4722.

***

About the Sacramento River Cats

Sutter Health Park is the West Sacramento home of the 2019 Triple-A Champion Sacramento River Cats, and proud affiliate of the three-time World Champion San Francisco Giants. Sutter Health Park is consistently voted one of the top ballparks in America. Season Tickets, Mini-Plans, and Flex Plans can be purchased for the 2020 season by calling the River Cats Ticket Hotline at (916) 371-HITS (4487). The only place to guarantee official River Cats tickets is at www.rivercats.com or by visiting the Tri Counties Bank Ticket Office. For information on other events at Sutter Health Park, visit www.sutterhealthpark.com.

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

Grizzlies Give Back More Than $1M in 2019

Chukchansi Park thrived in 2019, playing home to more than 135 non-profit events, with a total of nearly 25,000 attendees. The Grizzlies also gave more than $1 million in monetary and in-kind donations, which was the most in Minor League Baseball’s Triple-A Pacific Coast League.

The Fresno Grizzlies take pride in assisting, rewarding and supporting worthwhile causes throughout the Central Valley. In 2019, the Grizzlies and Chukchansi Park were grateful to help out so many individuals and organizations.

“Giving back to the community is in our DNA at the Fresno Grizzlies, and these efforts extend far beyond the baseball diamond,” said Madeline Hamada, Community Engagement Manager. “Grizzlies’ programs and community initiatives are helping fulfill our vision of giving back and making the Central Valley a better place to live.”

Non-profit events held at the ballpark included the Cen Cal Fury softball clinic, the Downtown Academy graduation, the Valley Children’s water safety presentation and the Exceptional Needs Formal. Also, the Fresno American Indian Health Project company retreat, Valley PBS end-of-year awards and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Light the Night Walk held their events in the friendly confines of Chukchansi Park.

“The Grizzlies are an integral part of Downtown Fresno and we are so thankful for the team’s exceptional community contributions,” stated Lee Brand, Fresno mayor. “The array of events that Chukchansi Park hosted last year clearly demonstrate the organization’s dedication to the City and its residents.”

Besides these non-profit events, the Grizzlies continued a trio of programs with amazing community benefits. Junior Grizzlies, a 10-week, non-competitive, adaptive baseball league for children and adults with mental and physical disabilities had more than 160 children and adults participate during the 2019 season. Wild About Reading, which incentivizes students to read frequently celebrated its 16th season in 2019. Since 2012, Wild About Reading has reached 95,000 students with more than 160 schools involved. Finally, Making the Grade allows area schools to reward hard-working students with an afternoon at Chukchansi Park. Nearly 20,000 students and 224 schools participated this year.

Overall, the Grizzlies gave $1,038,310 in monetary and in-kind donations during 2019. $65,500 was raised in ticket fundraisers for non-profits and little leagues, $11,500 was earned through theme jersey auctions, $10,530 was raised through food donations to the Poverello House through the Zero Waste Policy and $10,500 was awarded in Farm Grown Scholarships. On top of that, the Grizzlies front office spent 400 plus hours volunteering around the Central Valley. If you would like to help around your community, join one of these amazing events or be apart of helping the Grizzlies in 2020, click here to learn more.

#Growlifornia

ABOUT THE FRESNO GRIZZLIES

The Fresno Grizzlies, Triple-A affiliate of the 2019 World Series Champion Washington Nationals, are a member of the 16-team Pacific Coast League (PCL) and one of 30 clubs in the world playing the highest level of Minor League Baseball. The team plays at Chukchansi Park in Downtown Fresno, which is also a year-round community venue, hosting a myriad of other special events beyond Grizzlies’ games, such as concerts, festivals, high school baseball and over 100 non-profit community events every year. The Grizzlies enter the 2020 season – their 23rd in Fresno – on the momentum of the fifth championship in 10 years by their big league affiliate. The team celebrated their own PCL title in 2015.

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

Nashville Sounds Foundation Now Accepting Applications for 2020 Scholarship Program

 

For the fifth consecutive year, the Nashville Sounds Foundation will award four scholarships worth $2,500 each to graduating high school seniors who plan to attend college in fall of 2020.

The program, which began in 2016, has awarded $40,000 in scholarships and is designed to help deserving Nashville and Middle Tennessee students help pay for college tuition during their freshman year.

“The Nashville Sounds Foundation is proud to continue our scholarship program into its fifth year,” said Nashville Sounds Foundation Executive Director Destiny Whitmore. “To be able to help Middle Tennessee students pursue their dream of a college education is extremely fulfilling. The continued support of our fans through fundraising efforts makes this possible. We’re thankful for the ongoing generosity.”

Interested seniors must complete the application process at www.nashvillesounds.com/community/scholarship. The process includes submitting a 250-or-less word essay explaining a project the student developed or participated in to change their community.

In addition to the essay, each submission must include at least two letters of recommendation from a teacher and/or coach, and an official high school transcript. The scholarship will be awarded based on the culmination of the student’s school work, extracurricular activities and involvement in the community.

Each winner will receive tickets to a select 2020 Nashville Sounds game of their choice and a special surprise from the Nashville Sounds Foundation. The deadline to be considered for the 2020 scholarships is Friday, February 14, 2020. Scholarship winners will be notified no later than March 27, 2020.

Winners from 2019 include Emmi Allen (University of Tennessee), Joshua Garretson (University of Tennessee), Ian Hall (Stanford University) and Faith McPhearson (East Tennessee State University).

The 2020 season begins on Thursday, April 9 when the Sounds host the Iowa Cubs at 6:35 p.m. 2020 season ticket memberships are on sale through the Nashville Sounds ticket office. For more information on membership packages, call 615-690-4487, or e-mail tickets@nashvillesounds.com.

About the Nashville Sounds Foundation:

The mission of the Nashville Sounds Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization, is to utilize baseball to positively impact the communities throughout Middle Tennessee by emphasizing the importance of social responsibility, education and the power of sport to transform lives.

The Nashville Sounds Foundation is funded through monetary donations, private entities, memorabilia auctions and in-game custom public address announcements.

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

Chihuahuas Cheer and Dance Classic Registration Now Open

 

EL PASO – January 6, 2020 – Leg Up Entertainment and Superior Festivals is proud to present the Chihuahuas Cheer and Dance Classic to be held on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at Southwest University Park!

Teams from the southwest region are invited to participate! The dance competition is slated for 8:30 a.m. with the cheer portion scheduled to begin at 2 p.m.

Registration closes on February 14, 2020 and payment deadline is February 21, 2020.

Registration fees are as follows:

DANCE (Groups and Solo):
$150 per team (seven or more)
$150 per ensemble
$150 per exhibition
$50 per solo routine

CHEER (Groups and Solo):
$150 per team
$50 per solo
$100 per exhibition

Please see below for rules and regulatios. CLICK HERE for more information.

TIME LIMITS
Team or Rec – Rules & Restrictions
• Each team will perform a choreographed routine not to exceed 2 minutes and 30 seconds (150 seconds).
• Up to 90 seconds of the routine may be performed to music 60 seconds must equal cheer.
• No voice-overs or words may be recorded to make the team’s vocal projection sound louder.

All Star – Rules & Restrictions
• Each team will perform a choreographed routine not to exceed 2 minutes and 30 seconds (150 seconds).
• Music is required for all of the routine.
• A .5 penalty will be assessed if music is not used for the entire routine.

BEST CHEERLEADER – RULES & RESTRICTIONS
• Each participant will perform for a maximum of 90 seconds and in the following order: three consecutive jumps, tumbling pass, and a cheer.
• Music IS NOT allowed.
• A partner may not be used during the performance.
• Judging is based on voice projection, showmanship, cheer execution, spirit, and ability in the areas of jumps and tumbling, as well as overall impression.
• There will be a .5 penalty if more than five tricks are performed in your cheer and a separate penalty if the routine exceeds the time limit.

TOP STUNT – RULES & RESTRICTIONS
• Groups of no more than four (4) cheerleaders. May have only one (1) male per group.
• Participants must be 9-12th grade and must be from the same squad/school/gym.
• Groups will have no more than 45 seconds to perform their stunt sequence.
• Each group must have at least one (1) extended stunt from a full down.
• Group will be dged on difficulty, execution, overall technique, and overall performance.

OVERALL GENERAL RULES
• All teams will follow standard competition and safety guidelines as printed on the waiver form.
• To ensure the competition runs as efficiently as possible, no teams will be allowed to change their performance order. Additionally, there will be no division changes allowed after the registration deadline. No refunds will be given once a team is registered.
• Before the day of competition, all participants must complete the Release and Waiver Form. This MUST be signed by Parent or Legal Guardian for the participant to be able to perform. All Participant forms must be given to the Registration Table upon checking into the competition.

COMPETITION SPECTATORS
Friends and families are more than welcome to watch the cheer & dance competition. Tickets will be sold through the Southwest University Park Box Office and can be purchased before and on the day of competition. Advanced ticket purchase is suggested. Click here to purchase.
Admission – $10 + Tax
Children under 3 – Free

REGISTRATION CHECKLIST
• Complete Cheer Registration Form
• Check division
• List number of participants in each specific division
• Indicate number of teams and total due
• Complete online registration
• Registration form should be completed by February 14, 2020. Payment should be completed and/or postmarked by February 21, 2020.

NO PERSONAL CHECKS
Methods of payment: School or business checks, money orders, school purchase orders or PayPal.

LATE FEE POLICY
It is extremely important we receive your payment before the deadline. If payment is not received by February 21, 2020, the prices will increase to:
Team – $200/team
Solos – $100/individual
Exhibition – $200/exhibition

REFUND POLICY
A full refund will be made for any registered event up to the designated cancellation deadline. After the designated deadline, there will be no refund and arrangements for full payment will need to be made. If payment is not made by the designated deadline, responsible parties will need to arrange for payment ASAP.

CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellations of any registered event must be made in writing to Superior Festivals by the designated registration deadline.

Registration Open for OKC Dodgers Rookie League 2020 Season

 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Area youth baseball players can register now to participate in the upcoming third season of the Oklahoma City Dodgers Rookie League, as well as sign up for hitting clinics to be held Jan. 18-19 at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

The OKC Dodgers Rookie League is a youth baseball league formed in 2018 in partnership with Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation to help increase youth baseball participation in the community, as well as foster an environment that emphasizes leadership, teamwork and sportsmanship.

The league consists of four baseball divisions to accommodate boys and girls in multiple skill levels and age groups. Teams compete in divisions of 4U T-Ball, 6U T-Ball, 8U Coach Pitch and 10U Kid Pitch. Practices will be held once per week starting March 23. Game play begins April 4 and runs through June 13.

New for 2020, two OKC Dodgers Rookie League Hitting Clinics will take place Jan. 18-19 at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. Participants will learn the fundamentals of baseball and have the opportunity to hit in the batting cages used by OKC Dodgers players. A clinic for 4U and 6U participants will take place from 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 18. A clinic for 8U and 10U participants will take place from 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19. OKC Parks and Rec staff will be on hand both days to assist with clinic and season registration.

The cost to attend is $20 and can be applied toward the participant’s OKC Dodgers Rookie League registration fees. If the participant is already registered for the 2020 Rookie League season, the clinic is free to attend. Registration is available now at okcdodgers.com/rookieleague. Spots are limited, so early registration is encouraged.

“Through the Rookie League, we are directly impacting the Oklahoma City community by providing opportunities for area youth to participate in baseball and to help grow the game we know and love,” OKC Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes said. “We are proud to partner with OKC Parks and Rec to help our youth learn valuable lessons such as teamwork and sportsmanship, while having fun and being active. The Rookie League continues to expand each year and we look forward to opening 2020 with our new hitting clinics later this month.”

The OKC Dodgers Rookie League originally formed in 2018 when the OKC Dodgers partnered with Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation to provide resources and help reduce costs in order to make baseball more accessible to area youth.

The OKC Dodgers Rookie League has already experienced substantial growth. Starting with more than 200 players in 2018, participation quickly grew by 40 percent in 2019 during the league’s second season. Rookie League players hailed from throughout Oklahoma City last season, representing 52 of the 74 zip codes in the metro area.

The OKC Dodgers provide jerseys, hats, belts and equipment for each team. Registration fees for 4U and 6U participants are $35 and for 8U and 10U participants are $55 to help cover operation expenses such as umpires and field maintenance.

The OKC Dodgers Rookie League season schedule consists of seven games played at Wheeler Park, located at 1120 S. Western Ave. in Oklahoma City.

An on-field parade for OKC Dodgers Rookie League participants will be held prior to an OKC Dodgers game at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark in May and closing ceremonies will take place at the ballpark in June.

The deadline to register is Feb. 24 and players can register online or find more information about the OKC Dodgers Rookie League at okcdodgers.com/rookieleague. A limited number of complimentary baseball bat/baseball combo packs are available to registrants, so early registration is encouraged.

Individuals interested in coaching or volunteering for the OKC Dodgers Rookie League can email ryan.hill@okc.gov or call (405) 297-2477.

Season ticket and group packages for the OKC Dodgers’ 2020 season are available now for purchase as the team’s home opener is scheduled for Tuesday, April 14 against Nashville. Visit okcdodgers.com or call (405) 218-2182 for more information.

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