Bees Offer Custom Jerseys For “Pack the Park Pink”

SALT LAKE CITY (April 26, 2017) – The Salt Lake Bees are again offering a one-of-a-kind VIP package to raise money for Huntsman Cancer Foundation (HCF) at the team’s 11th annual “Pack the Park Pink Night” at Smith’s Ballpark on Saturday, May 13.

The VIP package includes a customized Bees jersey that will be worn on field by Bees players and coaches. The name on the back of each jersey will be chosen by donors to honor loved ones that have battled cancer.

“We were overwhelmed with the response to this unique jersey last year,” Bees General Manager Marc Amicone said. “Putting someone else’s name on your back gave our players something special to play for that night and it meant the world to the families who took advantage of the offer. It also helped us set a new team-high for fundraising for Huntsman Cancer Foundation with over $26,000 raised during the game and that is what the night is all about.”

Also included in the VIP package are two on-field passes to watch batting practice before the game, 10 tickets to the game that night and a chance to take their own batting practice on June 24. After the game on May 13 donors will be invited onto the field to meet the Bees player that wore their jersey and have it autographed. Donors are then welcome to stay on the field to watch the fireworks show.

The package is available for a minimum donation of $400 to Huntsman Cancer Foundation. Donations can be made by contacting George Mathis at Huntsman Cancer Foundation at 801-584-5834 or gmathis@huntsmanfoundation.org.

Additional details about the VIP packages are available at www.slbees.com. All items in the package are donated by the Bees without cost, with 100 percent of all funds raised directly benefiting Huntsman Cancer Foundation.

About the Salt Lake Bees

The Salt Lake Bees are in their 17th season as the Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels and will continue to be the top affiliate of the Angels through the 2020 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.

About Huntsman Cancer Foundation

The Huntsman Cancer Foundation (HCF) gives a Reason to Hope® to cancer patients and their families around the world. HCF’s sole purpose is to fund the mission of Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI): to understand cancer from its beginnings, to use that knowledge in the creation and improvement of cancer treatments, to relieve the suffering of cancer patients, and to provide education about cancer risk, prevention, and care. HCF relies on the generosity of individuals, corporations, community groups, and other organizations to reach fundraising goals.

SACRAMENTO RIVER CATS PARTNER WITH SUNRUN TO EDUCATE FANS ON HOME SOLAR POWER

WEST SACRAMENTO, California – April 12, 2017 – The Sacramento River Cats announced it will be one of 16 teams featured in a multi-year partnership between Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) and Sunrun (Nasdaq: RUN), the largest dedicated residential solar company in the United States. The partnership, now in its second year, was inked in 2016. As the “Preferred Residential Solar Power Provider of Minor League Baseball,” Sunrun will help educate baseball fans across the country on the financial and environmental benefits of Sunrun solar.

The River Cats join a list of clubs in all classifications of MiLB to support Sunrun’s campaign to educate fans on the financial and environmental benefits of Sunrun solar. The campaign aims to raise awareness of the Sunrun brand, showcasing that it can provide homeowners access to technology that enables energy generation, storage and management.

As part of the campaign, River Cats right-hander Tyler Beede has been selected to Sunrun’s ‘The Future is Bright’ lineup. The list, compiled by participating clubs, highlights one top prospect in each of the 16 communities that Sunrun serves in partnership with MiLB. Beede continues to show the promise that made him the San Francisco Giants’ first round pick in 2014 out of Vanderbilt University. The 23-year-old has posted a 2.76 ERA in 25 starts since the beginning of the 2016 season, while striking out 138 batters in 153.1 innings.

“Tyler Beede is a top prospect in the San Francisco Giants organization and certainly deserves to be included in Sunrun’s ‘The Future is Bright’ lineup,” said Sacramento River Cats General Manager Chip Maxson. “We’re proud to partner with Sunrun this season to educate our fans on the benefits of using solar to power their homes.”

This season, the River Cats will also host “Sunrun Sundays,” giving young fans the opportunity to escort players to their on-field positions as part of Sunrun’s Jr. All-Stars program.

To learn more about the partnership between Sunrun and Minor League Baseball, visit Sunrun’s website.

About the Sacramento River Cats

The Sacramento River Cats are the Triple-A affiliate of the three-time World Champion San Francisco Giants. The team plays at Raley Field in West Sacramento, consistently voted one of the top ballparks in America. River Cats Season Tickets, Mini-Plans, and Flex Plans can be purchased for the 2017 season by calling the River Cats Ticket Hotline at (916) 371-HITS (4487). For more information about the River Cats, visit www.rivercats.com. For information on other events at Raley Field, visit www.raleyfield.com.

About Sunrun

Sunrun (Nasdaq: RUN) is the largest dedicated residential solar company in the United States with a mission to create a planet run by the sun. Since establishing the solar as a service model in 2007, Sunrun continues to lead the industry in providing clean energy to homeowners with little to no upfront cost and at a savings to traditional electricity. The company designs, installs, finances, insures, monitors and maintains the solar panels on a homeowner’s roof, while families receive predictable pricing for 20 years or more. For more information please visit: www.sunrun.com.

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

Teague Moore to Celebrate “Home Life For Life” Saturday with OKC Dodgers

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Dodgers and INTEGRIS Health open the 2017 “Home Run for Life” series Saturday, April 8 as part of Opening Weekend at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark by recognizing Teague Moore, who suffered severe burns in a house fire at the age of 4.

Moore, from Chickasha, was burned over 40 percent of his body during the fire that destroyed his family’s home. He would endure 14 surgeries in a span of less than six months to help his skin and body heal, including seven surgeries at INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City. Today, almost two years after the fire, Moore is in kindergarten and enjoying life as an energetic 6-year-old thanks to the care he received at INTEGRIS.

“Home Run For Life” recognizes individuals in the Oklahoma City community who have overcome a significant medical event with the help of their families, physicians and health care professionals. To symbolize the end of their battle against adversity, honorees take a home run “lap” around the bases during an in-game ceremony.

“We are proud to continue the Home Run For Life Series this season and honor some remarkable individuals in our community who have battled exceptional challenges with their health,” OKC Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes said. “Their resolve and courage offer great inspiration for us all and we are pleased to join with INTEGRIS to recognize their triumphs.”

On a warm, rainy evening in June 2015, a fire ignited in the garage of the Moore family home where the young boy was playing with his pet dog Ranger. Moore got caught in the flames and screamed for his mother. Shelby Moore rushed from the kitchen into the garage to save her son, instinctively rolling him on the ground to put out the flames that had quickly enveloped him.

He was transported by ambulance to emergency care in Oklahoma City and later that night traveled by MediFlight on a plane to a Texas hospital.

“Things were touch-and-go in the beginning,” Shelby Moore said. “We did not know if he would survive for the first 12 days.”

After spending a total of 48 days out of state, including 32 days in intensive care, 28 days on a ventilator and enduring seven surgeries, he returned home to Oklahoma.

Upon returning to Oklahoma, Teague spent approximately two more months in the hospital during two stays at INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center. When he was first admitted to the Paul Silverstein Burn Center, Teague underwent sedated dressing changings and cleanings on his wounds every few days and was fed through a tube and IV to help improve his nutrition levels as his body healed.

Once he was healthy enough for additional surgery, Teague had three major grafting sessions and was placed on a ventilator to help him heal. A few months later, he returned to INTEGRIS for additional corrective surgeries.

Shelby Moore praised the care her son received at INTEGRIS, in both the pediatric unit and the burn center.

“When we got to Baptist, everyone – I mean everyone down to the kitchen staff – was so kind and patient,” Shelby Moore said. “They almost went at his pace. The nurses and staff truly started the healing process, not only physically, but mentally and emotionally. They are some of the most amazing people I have ever encountered in my life. They became family.”

Shelby Moore, her oldest son Trace, and Ranger were fortunate to not suffer significant physical injuries from the fire, but the injuries to Teague and loss of their family home and belongings took mental tolls on all. The staff at INTEGRIS aided them as well.

“They are equipped to treat not only the burn patient, but the burn families,” Shelby Moore said. “Everyone in the family is injured, not just the child that was burned.

“They healed us.”

The family moved into a new house in Chickasha in the fall of 2016 and they regularly return to INTEGRIS on an outpatient basis to ensure Teague’s grafts are growing with him. Shelby Moore describes her son Teague’s physical scars as “intense,” but said he does not have any physical limitations due to his injuries.

“I hope he never changes,” Shelby Moore said. “I hope he stays brave and fearless. And I hope he uses it to show the world that it doesn’t matter what you look like – that it’s your brain and soul that does amazing things.

“He is the bravest and most strong person I know.”

To read Moore’s full story, visit okcdodgers.com. Interview requests for the family of Moore, as well as INTEGRIS or Dodgers personnel can be made through the Dodgers communications department.

The OKC Dodgers open the 2017 season with a five-game home series against the Iowa Cubs. Opening Weekend begins at 7:05 p.m. Thursday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark on a $2 Thursday featuring $2 select beer, soda and water from our line of Pepsi and Budweiser products. Fireworks will follow Friday night’s 7:05 p.m. game. Watch Teague Moore complete his “Home Run for Life” following the third inning of Saturday’s game. The first 2,000 fans through the gates Saturday will also receive a 2017 magnetic schedule. Sunday’s 2:05 p.m. game marks the first Chaparral Energy Family Sunday of the season. The series then wraps up with an 11:05 a.m. game Monday. To purchase tickets, or for additional information, please call (405) 218-1000 or visit okcdodgers.com.

Chasers In The Community

Between February 27 through March 3, the Omaha Storm Chasers took part in “Read Across America”, with six front office staff members and Stormy participating. Those staff members in total read at nine different schools over the course of the week, reading to over 3,300 students. At the completion of this month, the Storm Chasers staff will have visited more than 30 schools, totaling over 7,000 students, in addition to 64 mascot appearances.

Previous Notable Community Events

  • Read Across America – February 27-March 3
  • Classroom Visit program – over 30 schools/7,000 students in March
  • Partnership 4 Kids Futures Fair – March 8

Previous Notable Mascot Appearances

  • Read Across America – February 27-March 3
  • Heat the Streets & Walk for Warmth – March 4
  • Walk to Cure Arthritis Kick Off – March 5
  • Southwest YMCA Open House – March 18
  • Summit Dental Health Ribbon Cutting – March 24
  • Millard Athletic Association Meet Your Coach – March 25
  • Habitat for Humanity – March 31

Upcoming Community Events in April

  • Ronald McDonald House – April 25 (5:00-7:30pm)
  • Player Appearance at Paddock Road Elementary ­- April 28 (10:30-11:00am)

Upcoming Scheduled Mascot Appearances for April

  • Autism Society Puzzle Walk – April 8 (9:00am)
  • Omaha Health, Wellness & Fitness Expo – April 9 (10:00am)
  • Claussen-Leahy Maverick Walk – April 22 (9:00am)
  • 6th Annual Keep Kids Alive Drive 25 Walk to Remember – April 29 (9:00am)

For more information on Omaha Storm Chasers community relations, please click here.

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

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OKC Dodgers Hosting Fan Fest and CommUNITY Run Saturday

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Dodgers will host their third annual Fan Fest as well as the inaugural CommUNITY Run Saturday, March 25 at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

The CommUNITY Run begins at 8:30 a.m. and Fan Fest will take place from 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. Both events are open to the public, and admission is free.

“Fan Fest has become an event that is highly anticipated by our fans,” said OKC Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes. “We can’t wait to open up the gates to Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark and get Oklahoma City ready for baseball season.”

Gates will open at 10 a.m. for Fan Fest, and the festivities will begin at 10:30 with a question-and-answer session with former Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman and 1992 National League Rookie of the Year Eric Karros. Karros played 14 seasons in the Major Leagues, including 12 with the Dodgers. Karros will be available to the media following the question-and-answer session, and he will be available for autographs at 11:30 a.m. in the Legends Lounge.

Fan Fest will also feature the second annual Dodger Dog eating contest at 11 a.m, and fans can watch the area’s top adult home run hitters put on a power display during a home run derby beginning at noon.

Events also include behind-the-scenes tours of the ballpark, giving fans special access to areas they normally cannot see, such as the home clubhouse. While visiting the clubhouse, fans of all ages can take batting practice in the team’s indoor batting cages.

Team mascots Brix and Brooklyn will be available to take pictures with fans throughout the day. There will be plenty of family-friendly activities, including inflatable games, a balloon artist and a face painter.

Fans will have the chance to purchase ticket packages and pick their seats for the season. Ticket representatives will be on hand to assist and answer any questions, and the ticket office will be open to sell single-game tickets. The OKC Dodgers Team Store will be open with brand new merchandise for the 2017 season, with certain items in the store on clearance.

Fan Fest will also coincide with the OKC Dodgers CommUNITY Run. The 5K and 1K fun run will start at the ballpark and finish on the field. Registration is still open at okcdodgers.com, with entry fees ranging from $25-$30. Additionally, a special kids’ run will take place on the field, with a registration cost of only $10. All entry fees and monetary donations at the event will go directly to the OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation and the OKC Police Athletic League.

Runners who participate in the 1K and 5K will receive a race t-shirt and commemorative medal. All kids race participants will receive an OKC Dodgers baseball. Top finishers in the 5K will receive a separate medal during the winner’s ceremony.

Minor League Baseball launched the CommUNITY initiative in Aug. 2016 to create a call to action to encourage fans to think of ways to be a positive influence on their families and communities to help end senseless violence and discrimination. As a result, the OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation and OKC Police Athletic League are partnering together to create positive opportunities for youth in the Oklahoma City area through sports and education.

“The OKC Dodgers CommUNITY Run is more than a race,” said OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation Managing Director Jennifer Van Tuyl. “It is an opportunity for the community to come together and showcase our ability to have a positive impact in the place we live and with the people that make this place so great.”

Free parking for all events will be available in the Joe Carter Lot, located behind right field at the northeast corner of Reno and Joe Carter Avenues. Due to construction, those parking in the Joe Carter Lot must enter from Reno Ave.

The Oklahoma City Dodgers open the 2017 season Thursday, April 6 against the Iowa Cubs at 7:05 p.m. at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. For more information about Fan Fest or the 2017 OKC Dodgers season, visit okcdodgers.com or call (405) 218-1000.

AutoZone Park Sprouts Miracle-Gro® Rooftop Garden

MEMPHIS, Tennessee – The Memphis Redbirds are proud to announce the Miracle-Gro® Rooftop Garden, a one-of-a-kind addition to AutoZone Park that has wide-reaching benefits for community health, education, and environmental sustainability.

The Miracle-Gro® Rooftop Garden will be built on the 3rd Floor landing at AutoZone Park, which overlooks the plaza inside the front gates at the corner of B.B. King and Union.

“When the Memphis Redbirds approached Miracle-Gro with a plan to repurpose the third level deck at AutoZone Park, we were thrilled to partner with them and bring this project to life,” said John Sass, Vice President and General Manager of Miracle-Gro. “The soil and plant food we provided will help create a space that educates and inspires all who visit this iconic urban space.”

“As we continue to prioritize connectivity within the Memphis community, we are proud to build the first urban rooftop garden in all of Minor League Baseball,” said Redbirds Principal Owner Peter Freund. “And to have an opportunity to partner with Miracle-Gro on this project, one of the most innovative corporations in America, will ensure its long-term success and opens the door for an exciting evolution of how the garden can grow.”

The applications of the ballpark’s Rooftop Garden are numerous and cross multiple segments of the community. The Redbirds are planning to use a portion of the food and herbs grown in the garden in food served at the concession stands during games. Local and sustainable food is a major push in Memphis’ culinary culture, and the Redbirds have recognized the movement with the ability to use some of the most local and sustainable food seen anywhere.

In addition, during the Redbirds’ annual Education Days, school children in attendance could tour the garden, learn about nutrition, and see how they could grow a garden of their own in whatever space they have at their home. Additional garden tours on gamedays and during special events are being planned as well.

The community will be able to access information about the garden, watch videos, and get gardening tips through the Miracle-Gro® Rooftop Garden webpage located at www.memphisredbirds.com/miraclegrogarden.

The components of the Miracle-Gro® Rooftop Garden are constructed with over 3,200 linear feet of Cypress lumber. The footprint of all raised beds is about 1,200 square feet, which is one-quarter of the entire landing area, and the beds hold 80 cubic yards of soil.

The Redbirds will be able to grow many different varieties of fruits, vegetables, and herbs, such as broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, lettuce, onions, peppers, spinach, tomatoes, basil, cilantro, dill, mint, oregano, and many more. More varieties will be added throughout the growing seasons.

The 2017 season begins on Thursday, March 30 against the St. Louis Cardinals in a “Battle of the Birds” exhibition game. The regular-season home opener is Tuesday, April 11 against Colorado Springs. For more information on single-game tickets and mini-memberships, visit www.memphisredbirds.com/tickets. For more information on “Battle of the Birds,” visit www.memphisredbirds.com/battleofthebirds.

About Scotts Miracle-Gro

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company is the world’s largest marketer of branded consumer products for lawn and garden care. The Company’s brands are the most recognized in the industry. In the U.S., the Company’s Scotts®, Miracle-Gro® and Ortho® brands are market-leading in their categories, as is the consumer Roundup® brand, which is marketed near worldwide by Scotts and owned by Monsanto. In the U.S., we maintain a minority interest in a joint venture with TruGreen®, the largest residential lawn care service business, and in Bonnie Plants®, the largest marketer of edible gardening plants in retail channels. In Europe, the Company’s brands include Weedol®, Pathclear®, Evergreen®, Levington®, Miracle-Gro®, KB®, Fertiligène® and Substral®. For additional information, visit us at www.scottsmiraclegro.com.

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

Sky Sox and Domino’s Announce Charity Spotlight

The Sky Sox are proud to announce that they will be partnering with Domino’s to showcase local charities in Colorado Springs during the 2017 season. The joint venture, named the “Charity Spotlight”, is designed to help charities in the Colorado Springs area who are working harder than ever to meet budgets to support the ever increasing demand for their services. Domino’s will provide these charities with an opportunity to market themselves and raise awareness for their causes at Security Service Field during the 2017 Sky Sox season free of charge.

“At Domino’s, we recognize the importance of the many charities here in Colorado Springs and we are proud to once again team up with the Colorado Springs Sky Sox to spotlight local non-profits while providing them with a night of fun at the ballpark”, said Domino’s Franchisee Craig Williams.

Throughout the season, Domino’s will provide 30 charities with the following marketing package at one of 30 individual Sky Sox home games:

  1. A marketing table in the main concourse to showcase their organization
  2. Four tickets to the game, parking & two medium Domino’s pizzas
  3. Public address announcement and live in-game scoreboard recognition
  4. A ceremonial first pitch
  5. On-air interview during the Sky Sox broadcast on AM 1300 “The Animal”

Spots for the Charity Spotlight will be filling up quickly so please call Tricia Metzger at 719-304-5612 for additional assistance. Any charity wishing to be considered for the “Charity Spotlight” must download the form linked here, and email the completed form to Tricia Metzger at tmetzger@skysox.com.

“The Sky Sox are proud to continue this partnership with Domino’s while assisting area non-profit organizations with their marketing efforts”, said Sky Sox President and General Manager Tony Ensor. “Colorado charities survive on bringing awareness to their organizations and the services they provide. Our local Colorado Springs charities are an integral part of this community and we are proud to lend a helping hand in their effort.”

The 30th season of Sky Sox Baseball begins April 6, 2017. For information about the Sky Sox and the 2017 season at Security Service Field, please call (719) 597-1449 or email info@skysox.com. Get the latest Sky Sox news on Facebook or follow the team on Twitter at @skysox.

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

Redbirds, MLB Make Donation to Memphis Public Schools

(Roger Cotton/Memphis Redbirds)

PHOTO GALLERY

MEMPHIS, Tennessee – The Memphis Redbirds Community Fund, in conjunction with Major League Baseball, has made a donation to Pitch In For Baseball to benefit Memphis Public Schools as part of MLB’s biennial RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) Institute held this week in Memphis.

The donation will provide $25,000 worth of baseball and softball equipment to help 460 students get on the field, benefitting 24 baseball and softball teams at 16 schools in the Memphis area.

“We are very proud to be able to make this donation to Memphis Public Schools through the Redbirds Community Fund,” Redbirds President and General Manager Craig Unger said. “One of our main missions is to help better our community, and the Redbirds Community Fund is one of the leading vehicles for how we can use our position to do so. We look forward to being able to do more to benefit our community and the Mid-South as a whole.”

The week culminated today with a free PLAY BALL event at AutoZone Park, where area children were able to play on the field and have fun learning skills and celebrating the love of the game. Event participants also received a PLAY BALL t-shirt and a bat and ball set to continue the play at home.

The RBI Institute covers topics such as league operations, players’ health on and off the field (i.e., Pitch Smart, anti-bullying and drug-free lifestyles), educational programs, best practices, coaches training, league finances, equipment procurement and more.

The Redbirds have hosted an RBI site since 1998, where boys and girls ages 6 through 16 join with children from their own community to form teams which travel throughout the city to play each other. Memphis RBI began with six locations and has grown to serve 12 communities and over 1,000 participants.

The mission of the Memphis RBI program is to increase participation and interest in baseball and softball among underserved youth through instructional and competitive play, while encouraging youth to achieve academically, demonstrate good sportsmanship, and contribute positively to the community.

Pitch In For Baseball provides new and gently-used baseball and softball equipment to boys and girls in the United States and around the world who want to play ball but lack the equipment to do so. PIFB reduces barriers to play and promotes youth development by providing equipment directly to leagues, schools and organizations around the world to start, continue, and/or expand their programs. Over the past 10 years, PIFB has donated more than $5 million worth of equipment to 500,000 under-resourced kids in nearly every state and 80 different countries.

For more information on Pitch In For Baseball, visit www.pifb.org.

Schools Receiving Equipment

American Way Middle School (Baseball)

American Way Middle School (Softball)

Bellevue Middle School (Baseball)

Colonial Middle School (Baseball)

Colonial Middle School (Softball)

Grandview Heights Middle School (Baseball)

Hamilton Middle School (Baseball)

Hamilton Middle School (Softball)

Havenview Middle School (Baseball)

Havenview Middle School (Softball)

Hickory Ridge Middle School (Baseball)

Hickory Ridge Middle School (Softball)

Highland Oaks Middle School (Baseball)

Kate Bond Middle School (Softball)

Kingsbury Middle School (Softball)

Kirby Middle School (Baseball)

Memphis Grizzlies Preparatory Charter School (Baseball)

Memphis Scholars Raleigh-Egypt Middle School (Baseball)

Memphis Scholars Raleigh-Egypt Middle School (Softball)

Oakhaven Middle School (Baseball)

Oakhaven Middle School (Softball)

Raleigh-Egypt High School (Softball)

Raleigh-Egypt Middle/High School (Baseball)

Riverview Middle School (Baseball)

About the Redbirds Community Fund

The Redbirds Community Fund benefits area youth organizations by offering outreach programs, providing baseball instruction, giving opportunities for children to attend professional baseball games and to interact with professional players and personnel, providing and refurbishing area facilities for youth activities, and providing financial support to many worthy area Section 501(c)(3) organizations that effectively and efficiently serve the needs of children in the community.

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

Green Acres Nursery & Supply School Garden Contest

Enter your school for a chance to win a new garden!

The Sacramento River Cats and Green Acres Nursery & Supply are teaming up again for the second annual Green Acres Nursery & Supply School Garden Contest. Sacramento-region schools are encouraged to enter for an opportunity to win their very own garden or one of several other prizes.

Finalists will be chosen by Green Acres Nursery & Supply and the River Cats with a vote on Facebook to decide the winner!

CLICK HERE TO ENTER

First Prize
School Garden

  • Garden build-out with Green Acres Nursey & Supply Garden Experts and Cats Care volunteers
  • Veggie garden, complete with seeds, soil, fertilizer and quart-sized veggies and perennials
  • One (1) free Healthy Living AAA School Assembly, presented by Wear It! California
  • Classroom garden kits for future plantings

Second Prize
Classroom Planting Kits

  • Five (5) classroom planting kits
    • Kits include seeds and soil for classroom plantings
  • Educational materials for planting
  • One (1) free Healthy Living AAA School Assembly, presented by Wear It! California

Third Prize
Seed Packets

  • 100 Seed Packets
  • Educational Materials for planting

DEADLINE TO ENTER – MARCH 10, 2017

Official Contest Rules

Please contact Ellese Dias for more information.

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

Baby Cakes donating to tornado relief fund

The New Orleans Baby Cakes have made a financial contribution to the Greater New Orleans Foundation’s tornado relief fund.

Proceeds from the fund support nonprofit organizations providing assistance to families who suffered catastrophic losses due to the devastation wreaked by tornadoes throughout the region on Tuesday.

“We encourage anyone who is able to join us in assisting those in the community who need help getting their lives back to normal,” said Baby Cakes Senior Vice President and General Manager Cookie Rojas.

The Greater New Orleans Foundation donations page is located here.

Baby Cakes legal counsel and local owner Walter Leger, Jr. sits on the Board of the Greater New Orleans Foundation. Through Sunday, the Trombone Shorty Foundation is matching donations to the fund dollar for dollar up to $50,000.

Chasers Charities Awarding 10th Annual Jackie Robinson Scholarships

Chasers Charities, the charitable arm of the Omaha Storm Chasers, is proud to announce the tenth annual Jackie Robinson Athletic Scholarship contest presented by The Weitz Company. The program honors two local African-American students in an effort to commemorate the baseball legend that broke Major League Baseball’s color barrier in 1947.

One male and one female student in the Omaha area will be awarded a $1,000 dollar scholarship from Chasers Charities. Each student will be chosen based upon their work in the classroom, involvement within the community, athletic achievement and other qualities.

“We remain committed in continuing the legacy of Jackie Robinson by offering these scholarships for the tenth year, and we are thankful to The Weitz Company for their partnership in 2017,” said Storm Chasers President and General Manager Martie Cordaro. “Every year we receive many deserving applications, and we expect this year to be no different.”

Interested applicants must submit their application by March 24, and the winners honored at the Storm Chasers’ contest on April 15. To be eligible for the Jackie Robinson Athletic Scholarship, students must meet the following criteria:

  • United States citizen or permanent resident
  • Resident of Sarpy, Douglas, Cass, Lancaster or Pottawattamie County
  • Minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
  • African-American (male or female), and a high school student participating in athletics
  • High school senior or graduate planning to enroll in a full-time undergraduate course of study at an accredited postsecondary institution

More information on the application process for the Jackie Robinson Scholarship can be found online by clicking here. Completed applications should be sent by March 24, 2017 to:

Chasers Charities
c/o Omaha Storm Chasers
Attn: Becki Frishman
12356 Ballpark Way
Papillion, NE 68046
BeckiF@omahastormchasers.com
(402) 738-2181

About Chasers Charities. Created in 2010, the mission of Chasers Charities is to support the community through charitable contributions that benefit sports and recreational activities with a focus on youth. The foundation accomplishes this mission through financial donations, as well as in-kind support, including memorabilia, tickets and publicity.

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

Chasers & Heartland Hope Team Up For “Soup”er Bowl February 4-6

The Omaha Storm Chasers and Heartland Hope Mission are teaming up for the “Soup”er Bowl at Werner Park on Saturday, February 4 and Monday, February 6. Fans who donate canned goods at the ballpark during those two days will receive a special discount at the Storm Front Team Store.

For every two canned goods brought to the Storm Front Team Store at Werner Park during Team Store hours, fans will receive $10 off a t-shirt purchase. In addition from Saturday through Monday, online orders of $40 or more will receive $10 off their entire order. For each online order from February 4-6, the Storm Chasers organization will also donate four canned goods to Heartland Hope Mission.

The Storm Front Team Store at Werner Park will be open on Saturday, February 4 from 9:00am until 12:00pm, and on Monday, February 6 from 12:00pm until 5:00pm. The Team Store will not be open at Werner Park on Sunday, February 5, but will still be accepting online orders at www.omahastormchasers.com/shop. Some exclusions apply, and the discount cannot be combined with other offers.

Heartland Hope Mission is a faith-based 501(c)3 charitable organization founded to help the working poor by proving them with some of life’s most basic staples. They provide pantry items, prayer and financial education to help people on the road to self-sufficiency.

For more information on Heartland Hope Mission, please visit www.heartlandhopemission.org.

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

Sky Sox To Host Academy Little League Opening Day

The Sky Sox have announced that they will host the Academy Little League Opening Day Ceremony at Security Service Field to begin their 2017 baseball season.

“The Sky Sox are excited to host Academy Little League’s Opening Day Ceremony at Security Service Field in 2017,” said Sky Sox President & General Manager Tony Ensor. “Each Sky Sox player began their career in youth baseball and as a proud community partner we’re thrilled to support one of the gems of our city in Academy Little League while providing these children with the memory of a lifetime as they celebrate the start of their season on a professional baseball field.”

Located at the base of the Rocky Mountains along the Rampart Range, Academy Little League serves the northern communities of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Originally formed in 1995 with approximately 200 players, they now average approximately 62 teams and over 500 players annually. The league name was adopted in recognition of their proximity to the United States Air Force Academy, which is included in their boundary. The league’s logo is red/white/blue and depicts the Academy’s most famous landmark, the Cadet Chapel.

“Academy Little League has always had a great relationship with the Sky Sox organization, enjoying our annual Sky Sox Day at the Park,” said Tamee Lashlee, President of Academy Little League. “After losing our home fields, we were thrilled when Sky Sox management reached out to us during our planning session last year, offering to host our Opening Day ceremonies. Opening Day is such a special day for our 500 kids and their families and holding it at the Sky Sox stadium really pumped up the excitement! We are so pleased that Sky Sox have once again offered to host our Opening Day ceremonies this spring. As the league works hard to fundraise and look to the future for new fields, community support from organizations such as the Sky Sox, allows kids to just be kids and focus on what they love, playing ball. We couldn’t be more grateful!”

The festivities will include the introduction of each individual team in a pre-game on-field ceremony, a special honor guard presentation, recognition of the league’s All-Star teams and the national anthem.

The 30th season of Sky Sox Baseball begins April 6, 2017. For information about the Sky Sox and the 2017 season at Security Service Field, please call (719) 597-1449 or email info@skysox.com. Get the latest Sky Sox news on Facebook or follow the team on Twitter at @skysox.

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

Aces reach community impact records in 2016

RENO – Since the Reno Aces Baseball Club’s inception in 2009, the club has maintained a dedicated focus on making a positive impact in Reno and the surrounding Northern Nevada region. The Aces posted record-breaking charitable donations in 2016, thanks to overwhelming support from Aces fans and the community.

“In return to our great fans and wonderful community, we strive to impact Reno and Northern Nevada through a variety of programs and charitable donations,” said Reno Aces and Reno 1868 FC president Eric Edelstein. “Our vision builds on making Greater Nevada Field more than just a sporting venue, but a center for community empowerment and celebration.”

The Aces and their staff focused on four key components to the club’s overall community impact: baseball development, community events at Greater Nevada Field, community outreach and in-game fundraising and awareness.

BASEBALL DEVELOPMENT

In 2016, the Aces showed their continued support to baseball at all levels locally by hosting youth baseball camps and high school games at Greater Nevada Field.

105: In partnership with Gamer Baseball, the Aces served 105 campers over three separate youth baseball camps. The camps provided instruction on the fundamentals of baseball, along with speed, agility and strength training to make Northern Nevada youth successful baseball players in the future. Each camper received a free Reno Aces t-shirt, Aces Team Card set, two tickets to an Aces game and an Aces batting practice viewing session.

4,767: The Reno Aces partnered with multiple Northern Nevada and California little league and softball leagues to provide on-field inspiration and once-in-a-lifetime experiences through Reno Aces Youth Baseball & Softball Days. Youth baseball and softball teams attend a Reno Aces game and parade around the field pre-game. In 2016, three Youth Baseball & Softball Days were held with over 4,767 participants.

$15,000: The Aces and University of Nevada baseball team played their annual exhibition game in early April, with $15,000 of the ticket sales proceeds being donated to the Nevada Dugout Club.

$54,000: For a seventh consecutive season, the Aces invited local high schools to play regular season games at Greater Nevada Field. To participate in the program, high schools committed to purchasing 500 tickets (good for any Aces regular season home game) to sell to local community supporters, with the proceeds benefiting their respective school’s athletic program. Twelve high school baseball programs participated in 2016, and a total of 4,500 tickets were sold, equating to $54,000 in donations.

COMMUNITY EVENTS AT GREATER NEVADA FIELD

In 2016, the Aces and Greater Nevada Field hosted 56 programs and events, ranging from the Biggest Little Startup Fair to Trick-or-Suite prior to Halloween. A few major events are highlighted below:

30: Biggest Little Startup Fair, benefiting the Northern Nevada Community – Greater Nevada Field hosted the Biggest Little Startup Fair for a third consecutive year. The fair is a cooperative effort between 30 Reno startup companies, the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada, the University of Nevada and Truckee Meadows Community College. Students from across Northern Nevada were given the opportunity to meet potential employers and find out about volunteer opportunities, internships and job openings.

500+: Christmas on the Corridor, benefiting the Northern Nevada Community – For the first time, Greater Nevada Field hosted the Washoe County Sheriff’s Department annual Christmas on the Corridor event. This event provided coats, toys, child I.D. and the opportunity to meet Santa for children living along the 3rd, 4th and 5th Street corridors of Reno. Families and children that attended also received the opportunity to meet the Aces mascot, Archie, and got a voucher to skate at the Reno Ice Rink. Over 500 families attended the 20th anniversary of the corridor event.

$550 + 1,077 = 898: Trick-or-Suite, benefiting the Food Bank of Northern Nevada – The Aces and Greater Nevada Field hosted the fourth annual Trick-or-Suite to provide a safe trick-or-treat environment for children in the Northern Nevada community. Aces community partners decorated suites along the suite level and passed out candy to provide youth in Reno-Sparks a unique and fun trick-or-treating experience. Admission to Trick-or-Suite was $3 or 3 canned food items, with all proceeds and food benefiting the Food Bank of Northern Nevada. A total of $550 and 1,077 pounds of canned and boxed foods were donated, equaling 898 meals.

11,032: Slaughter House, benefiting the Washoe County School District Children in Transition Program – Slaughter House returned to Greater Nevada Field for its third year in 2016. Slaughter House is Reno’s largest and longest running haunted house, and has become the most attended and highly anticipated Halloween attraction in Northern Nevada. Slaughter House donated a portion of all proceeds to the Washoe County School District Children in Transition Program after a total of 11,032 people visited in 2016.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

The Aces’ heightened focus on community outreach paid dividends in 2016.

20′: Sierra Arts Foundation Partnership, benefiting the Northern Nevada Community – The largest community relations initiative the Aces and Greater Nevada Field advocated for in 2016 was the inclusion of local artwork at the Field. The initiative stemmed from seeing other ballparks’ inclusion of local artwork, and the fact that Reno has the most public artwork per capita than any other city in the world. Two 20-foot murals were painted at Greater Nevada Field’s home plate gate, and the Nevada Appeal Luxury Suite level featured local artwork along the hallway and in each suite. The Aces and Greater Nevada Field plan to continue this partnership with Sierra Arts into 2017 with another ballpark mural and new artwork in the suite level.

$1,355: Nevada Humane Society – In the fall of 2014, the Aces fostered Princess, a pit bull from the Nevada Humane Society, in effort to get her adopted and begin the organization’s goal to be ambassadors for not only pit bulls, but all animals in need of a home. After five months of no potential adopters, the organization officially adopted Princess and crowned her the “Princess of the Field.” This past year, the Aces started selling Princess Plush toys in the Team Shop. All proceeds from those sales benefited the Nevada Humane Society. In 2016, 231 Princess plush toys were sold and $1,355 was donated.

$151,175: In-Kind Donations/Donation Requests, benefiting various Northern Nevada and California Communities, Organizations, Schools and Non-profits – Throughout the year, the Reno Aces donated tickets, memorabilia, mascot appearances, merchandise and ice skating admissions to as many organizations in the Northern Nevada and California communities as possible. Donated items are used for members of those organizations to raise funds for their cause, provide awards and spread the love of baseball. The Aces donated to 532 organizations, resulting in a monetary value of $151,175.

IN-GAME FUNDRAISING AND AWARENESS

The Aces hit a home run with their in-game fundraising and awareness in 2016, with fundraising totals reaching $190,434.

$12,406: Jersey Auction Totals, benifiting Veterans Guest House, American Red Cross of Northern Nevada, Northern Nevada Children’s Cancer Foundation, Artown, Special Olympics and Omicron Alumni Association (NAK) – The Aces hosted six jersey theme nights in 2016, with the jersey tops being auctioned off as an in-game fundraiser. Each theme night was dedicated to one of the organizations listed above. The six theme nights are listed with their corresponding jersey auction totals in parentheses: Star Wars Night ($3,690), Artown ($2,924), D-backs Affiliation Night ($2,385), Going for the Gold Night ($2,325), Heroes Night ($555) and Los Aces Night ($527).

42,500: JAKKS Pacific Home Run for the Holidays, benefiting various Northern Nevada organizations – For the fifth consecutive year, the Reno Aces partnered with JAKKS Pacific, Inc., and Reno 1868 FC to donate toys to help less-fortunate children living in Northern Nevada. This holiday season, 3,000 toys were donated to organizations in the Reno-Sparks/Carson community assisting at risk and in need youth. Since 2011, JAKKS Pacific has donated over 42,500 toys to the Northern Nevada community.

$123,271: Non-Profit Ticket Fundraising Program presented by Greater Nevada Credit Union, benefiting Northern Nevada Non-Profits – The Non-Profit Ticket Fundraising presented by Greater Nevada Credit Union program returned for the third consecutive season, with 106 organizations participating in 2016. Available to non-profit organizations, schools, sports teams, special causes and community organizations, the Aces provided tickets and fundraising materials for groups to sell game tickets at an increased price in effort to make the organization the most money possible. Groups also receive a variety of benefits to spread awareness about their cause during their game, depending on the number of tickets sold. In 2016, non-profit organizations raised a total of $123,271 through the program.

2016 monetary donations: $36,015.00

The Aces open their 2017 season on Thursday, April 6 at 7:05 p.m. against the Fresno Grizzlies at Chukchansi Park. The home opener is set for Tuesday, April 11 at 6:35 p.m. against the Albuquerque Isotopes at Greater Nevada Field. Season memberships are on-sale now at www.renoaces.com or by calling (775) 334-4700. For up-to-date news and notes throughout the offseason, follow the club on Twitter (@aces) or like the team on Facebook.

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

NEST, Chasers Present Annual Essay Contest

The Nebraska Educational Savings Trust (NEST) and the Omaha Storm Chasers have officially begun the 15th annual “Why I Want to Go to College” essay contest, as announced by Nebraska State Treasurer Don Stenberg.

Seventh and eighth grade students from around the country may submit their entries leading up to the March 17 deadline. Essays must be 750 words or less, describing the student’s educational goals and dreams for the future. Entries are required to be typed and double-spaced on 8 1/2 by 11″ paper and must be the student’s original work. Each essay must also be accompanied with the required cover sheet, which can be found by clicking here.

Faculty and students in the College of Education at the University of Nebraska Omaha will serve as preliminary judges for the contest, with Treasurer Stenberg making the final selections. Winners will receive prizes ranging from $500 to $2,000 toward a NEST College Savings Plan. First, second and third place winners will be honored from each of Nebraska’s three congressional districts, in addition to out-of-state entries.

All winners hailing from the state of Nebraska will be notified in May and will also receive four box seat tickets to the Storm Chasers’ game on May 21 versus the Reno Aces, in addition to being recognized prior to that day’s contest for their achievements. Each winning student will also get an opportunity to meet Nebraska State Treasurer Stenberg during the visit.

Complete rules and information on the essay contest may be viewed by clicking here.

Entries must be postmarked by March 17 and sent to:

Omaha Storm Chasers

Attn: Becki Frishman

12356 Ballpark Way

Papillion, NE 68046

The Omaha Storm Chasers are the Triple-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and play at Werner Park in Papillion, Sarpy County, Nebraska. For more information please visit www.omahastormchasers.com and follow us on Twitter @OmaStormChasers and “like” us at www.facebook.com/omahastormchasers.

The Storm Chasers return to Werner Park for Opening Night 2017 on Tuesday, April 11.

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