Photo submission for Salute to Armed Forces specialty jersey

The Sacramento River Cats will host their annual Salute to Armed Forces Night on Saturday, May 6th when they take on the Reno Aces at Raley Field.

If you or a loved one has served in the U.S. Armed Forces, or know someone who is currently serving, please submit your photo to the “Salute to Armed Forces Jersey Submission” tab by clicking here.

Selected photos will be featured on specialty jerseys worn by River Cats players and will be auctioned off during the game. That night’s game will be proceeded by the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team game, which will conclude a day dedicated to commemorating those who serve.

Fans wishing to submit a photo of a service member must click on the link below and then email the correct contact with a high-resolution (300dpi) photo of the service member in uniform (must be a picture of just them) and a 2-3 sentence description of said person.

If your photo is selected, you will be contacted with information on how you can preorder the jersey. All proceeds will go toward USAA, who proudly serve millions of military members and their families with competitive rates on insurance, banking and investment services.

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

Sounds Announce 2017 Scholarship Program Details

For the second consecutive year, the Nashville Sounds Foundation will award four $2,500 scholarships to graduating high school seniors who plan to attend college in fall of 2017.

The program began in 2016 and is designed to help four deserving Nashville and Middle Tennessee students help pay for college tuition during their freshman year.

“Our community initiatives and being connected to the youth of Nashville and Middle Tennessee is a responsibility we take seriously,” said General Manager Adam Nuse. “The fundraising efforts throughout the 2016 season have allowed us to play a small role in fulfilling the dreams of these graduating seniors. Our fans play a huge role in this program and we are very thankful for their continued support.”

Interested seniors must complete the application process at www.nashvillesounds.com. The process includes submitting a two to three-page essay answering the following prompt: “Define what leadership means to you and how you have demonstrated leadership ability either in or outside of school. How will you continue to positively impact your community after graduation?”

In addition to the essay, each submission must include at least two letters of recommendation from teachers and/or coaches, 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 Nashville Sounds game during the first homestand of the 2017 season and will be recognized during a pre-game ceremony. The deadline to considered for the 2017 scholarships is Friday, February 17, 2017.

Winners from 2016 include Alex Abernathy of Central Magnet High School (University of Tennessee), Arianna Hunter of Lead Academy High School (University of Memphis), Micah McDowell of Oakland High School (University of Kentucky) and Stuart Warner of Marshall County High School (University of Tennessee-Martin).

The 2017 season will be the Sounds’ 40th in franchise history and their third as the Oakland Athletics’ top affiliate. Season ticket memberships are available now by calling (615) 690-4487 or by visiting www.nashvillesounds.com.

About the Nashville Sounds Foundation:

The mission of the Nashville Sounds Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization, is to positively impact the thriving Middle Tennessee community through various programs and initiatives. The Nashville Sounds Foundation supports programs that energize and influence youth through education, physical development and by maximizing community service.

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.

For the Sacramento River Cats, the Season of Giving is year-round effort

The Holiday season is upon us, and with that comes the “Season of Giving.” At the River Cats (supported by SAFE Credit Union), though, the season of giving isn’t limited to a specific time of the year. Instead, with programs like Cats Care, the River Cats Foundation, and others, we’re working year-round to give back to our community.

Whether it’s Dinger visits to local schools, hospitals, or charity fundraisers, or Cats Care volunteer events at the Front Street Animal Shelter, our dedicated River Cats staff are always finding ways to give of their time, energy, and talents. Even the players get involved, participating in local events for various charity and community organizations.

In addition to giving of our time and energy, we’re proud to say that we’ve donated over a combined $100,000 through the River Cats Foundation and ticket donations. This past year, our donations reached various non-profit organizations – both national and locally – as well as local programs, specifically geared toward youth and healthy living.

While not a complete picture, enjoy this visual breakdown of all that our team has done over the past year!

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

River Cats, K-LOVE, and Raley’s bring Holiday cheer with bear drive

WEST SACRAMENTO, CA – The Sacramento River Cats are excited to partner with Raley’s and K-LOVE for a Holiday “Buster Cozy” teddy bear drive on Sunday, December 18th. The three organizations are coming together to benefit families and children in need this Holiday season.

Customers visiting Raley’s Loomis on Sunday, December 18th between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. will have the opportunity to purchase a “Buster Cozy” teddy bear at time of check out. All proceeds from these bears will benefit Raley’s Food for Families, an organization that helps provide meals to families. While this program is important year-round, Food for Families is especially impactful during the holiday months and every bit of support goes a long way.

After purchasing a “Buster Cozy”, customers will then have the option to donate their merry teddy bear to the River Cats and K-LOVE. In turn, the bears will be gifted to the Child Abuse Prevention Center and from there, the bears will make their way to children as cuddly holiday gifts. In addition, all those that donate their bears to the River Cats and K-LOVE will receive two tickets to a 2017 River Cats game.

Santa Claus and Dinger will also be joining the drive on the 18th, further spreading holiday cheer to fans and customers.

The “Buster Cozy” holiday teddy bears are available at Raley’s locations across Northern California. The River Cats and K-LOVE will join Santa Claus and Dinger at Raley’s Loomis for this very merry bear drive on Sunday, December 18th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

***

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.

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

OKC Dodgers Introduce Inaugural CommUNITY Run

OKLAHOMA CITY – The OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation, in conjunction with the Oklahoma City Police Athletic League, will host the first OKC Dodgers CommUNITY Run on March 25, 2017.

Runners can participate in a 5K or 1K Fun Run, and all runners will receive a t-shirt and commemorative medal. Each run will start at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark and end on the field.

There will be also be a special Kids Run for children ages 5-10 that will take place on the warning track inside Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. Kids Run participants will receive an OKC Dodgers baseball.

Registration fees range from $5-25, and runners can sign up by clicking here. All entry fees and monetary donations at the event will go directly to the OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation and the OKC Police Athletic League.

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 creative 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.”

The CommUNITY run will be held before the Dodgers’ third annual First Look Fan Fest. All runners and spectators are encouraged to stay at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark to enjoy the festivities, as the Dodgers gear up to start the team’s 20th season in Bricktown.

The OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation was established in 2015 as a 501(c)3 nonprofit in the state of Oklahoma. Its mission is to impact the lives of the families in the state of Oklahoma, provide educational opportunities for our youth and support the first responders of our great state, through charitable contributions and programming initiatives.

The Oklahoma City Police Athletic League (OKC PAL) is a 501(c)(3) organization that exists, in partnership with the Oklahoma City Police Department, to serve students and schools in Oklahoma City. OKC PAL strives to better the relationship between police officers and kids by providing students and schools with a variety of athletic outlets, mentoring programs, and service opportunities.

For more information about the OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation, please contact Jennifer Van Tuyl at (405) 218-2104 or jennifer.vantuyl@okcdodgers.com.

Paws for Presents Toy Drive 2016

Paws for Presents Toy Drive is BACK as the Chihuahuas Foundation, El Paso Fire Department and Operation Santa partner together again in 2016

EL PASO – November 30, 2016 -The El Paso Chihuahuas Foundation and the El Paso Fire Department present “Paws for Presents” for the third year, a holiday toy drive assisting Operation Santa, a Fort Bliss-based charity.

The drive will run from Thursday, December 1st through Saturday, December 24th. The Chihuahuas and the Fire Department request all gifts be new and not gift wrapped for children up to the age of 13. Monetary donations are also welcome with checks made payable to Operation Santa.

Anyone that brings a new toy for donation at the Durango Team Shop (located at 1 Ballpark Plaza on Durango St) during their normal operating hours will receive a 5% holiday savings upon check out on your entire purchase. Fans can also donate new or gently used toys at any of the 34 El Paso neighborhood fire stations.

“Santa Chico” will also be available for a meet/greet and picture time in the Durango Team Shop on the first three Saturdays in December (December 3rd, 10th & 17th) from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Donate a toy, do some holiday shopping and take a family picture with Chico!

The Durango Team Shop will be open for all your gift shopping needs from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Monday through Saturday, and 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. on Sundays through December 24th.

“It’s a privilege for the Chihuahuas to team up with our local fire department and Operation Santa to provide gifts for kids this time of year,” said Brad Taylor, El Paso Chihuahuas general manager.

Operation Santa, in its 59th season, distributes toys and bicycles to military families, the Boys and Girls Club of El Paso and clinics in Juarez, Mexico. The non-profit, located on Fort Bliss, has donated millions of toys and tens of thousands of bikes to the military and civilian communities.

For more information on the Paws for Presents Toy Drive call (915) 242-2043.

PAWS FOR PRESENTS TOY DRIVE

WHAT: “Paws for Presents”, a toy drive benefiting Operation Santa. Toys must be new and unwrapped for children up to the age of 13. Monetary donations also accepted.

WHEN: Thursday, December 1st through Saturday, December 24, 2016.

WHERE: El Paso Chihuahuas Team Shop on Durango and El Paso Fire Department’s 34 stations

Round Rock Express Wins John Henry Moss Community Service Award

Click here to read our full 2016 Community Impact Report detailing all the ways we gave back this year.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Minor League Baseball today named the Round Rock Express the recipient of the fourth annual John Henry Moss Community Service Award. The award was created in 2013 by Minor League Baseball in honor of the late John Henry Moss, who founded what would become the South Atlantic League in 1959 and headed the circuit until 2007. The Express will receive their award at the Baseball Winter Meetings Banquet on Sunday, Dec. 4, at Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland.

“The Round Rock Express is honored to be named the winner of the 2016 John Henry Moss Community Service Award as one of our core values is to passionately give back to the community and it is something our staff proudly promotes and practices throughout the year,” said Express President Chris Almendarez. “We are able to make Central Texas a better place to live and play through this great game of baseball and this year, we were able to make an impact on an international level with the founding of Jana’s House, a home being built for orphaned girls in Zambia in honor of my wife, Jana. Receiving this award is a testament to the hard work of our staff, players and coaches and the community itself for continuing to support us in our charitable efforts all year long.”

“The Round Rock Express continue to be a model franchise when it comes to community service and engagement,” said Minor League Baseball President & CEO Pat O’Conner. “Despite working through an incredibly tough and emotional year, the club managed to do so much good in and around its community, and of course with their efforts to make Jana’s House a reality. Their efforts were second to none and it is my honor to present them with this award.”

In addition to the award, Minor League Baseball Charities will make a $2,500 donation on behalf of the Express to the Nolan Ryan Foundation in Round Rock, which supports youth, education and community development in Central Texas.

The Round Rock Express engage in a wide variety of community service initiatives to provide assistance to area programs, charities and educational organizations in Round Rock and the surrounding communities. The Express have more than 75 community partners, 13 youth programs, 11 military appreciation initiatives, 25 in-game fundraising and awareness events and 10 community outreach initiatives.

This year, the Express took the field in specialty jerseys six times to benefit community charities. In total, specialty jersey nights provided $36,884 to charitable organizations. Together, with their hospitality sister company, Ryan Sanders Sports Services (RS3), the Express raised over $600,000 through in-stadium events such as auctions and raffles. The franchise donated a grand total of over $788,000 in 2016.

The 2016 season brought considerable sadness to the Round Rock baseball family with the passing of Jana Almendarez, creating a renewed sense of purpose. Rallying around one another, the Express staff adopted a yearlong motto of “One Team” that transcended the front office to the players and coaches, sponsors, fans and the entire Central Texas community. In the months that followed Jana’s passing came record-breaking attendance numbers, inspired events like Military Appreciation Day and Cancer Awareness Night, and the undertaking of Jana’s House, a home under construction in Zambia that will house 12 orphaned girls in Jana’s honor.

The Express go to great lengths to serve the youth of their community by hosting year-round baseball and softball camps, partnering with libraries for reading competitions, holding Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts nights at the ballpark and much more. The Round Rock mascot, Spike, made over 117 appearances throughout the season at fundraisers, assemblies, youth sporting events and other community gatherings. Additionally, the Express made players available for public speaking events and autograph sessions.

PREVIOUS JOHN HENRY MOSS COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD WINNERS

2013          Grand Junction Rockies, Pioneer League

2014          Pawtucket Red Sox, International League

2015          Fort Wayne TinCaps, Midwest League

About Minor League Baseball

Minor League Baseball, headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida, is the governing body for all professional baseball teams in the United States, Canada, and the Dominican Republic that are affiliated with Major League Baseball® clubs through their farm systems. Fans are coming out in unprecedented numbers to this one-of-a-kind experience that can only be found at Minor League Baseball ballparks. In 2016, Minor League Baseball attracted 41.3 million fans to its ballparks to see

the future stars of the sport hone their skills. From the electricity in the stands to the excitement on the field, Minor League Baseball has provided affordable family-friendly entertainment to people of all ages since its founding in 1901. For more information, visit www.MiLB.com.

Follow Minor League Baseball on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

About Round Rock Express Baseball

Round Rock Express Baseball Club is in its 17th year and its sixth as Triple-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers. The franchise was founded by Ryan Sanders Baseball – an ownership group spearheaded by Reid Ryan, son of Baseball Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan and is now led by CEO Reese Ryan. The Express began as the Double-A affiliate of the Houston Astros in 2000 and moved to the Triple-A Pacific Coast League in 2005, remaining an Astros affiliate through the 2010 season. Round Rock has established numerous attendance records at Dell Diamond and has remained in the top five in total attendance in all of Minor League Baseball 16 of the past 17 seasons. The Express won the 2011 PCL American Southern Division title and the 2015 American Conference championship.

River Cats salute Veterans with special ticket package

West Sacramento, CA – The Sacramento River Cats are proud to announce a special ticket package in celebration of Veterans Day. These Veterans Day ticket packages will be available only to military personnel (past or present) and their dependents on Friday, November 11 and Saturday, November 12 at the Round Table Pizza Ticket Office at Raley Field.

The ticket packages are available in both a Senate level option or an Assembly level option and include five River Cats games for the 2017 season: Opening Night, Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Game & Salute to Armed Forces doubleheader, Independence Day Eve, Salute to First Responders, and Labor Day.

In addition, the Assembly option comes with a River Cats-themed military challenge coin ($60) and the Senate option includes a River Cats camo cap ($90). Specialty items are based on availability.

“The Sacramento-region has very strong military ties, ranging from Beale and Travis Air Force Bases, the US Coast Guard at McClellan, the California National Guard units, reservists, retired service members, and their families and friends,” said River Cats General Manager, Chip Maxson. “We want to do our part to recognize these exemplary citizens and provide them a fun and unique River Cats experience.”

All military members or dependents can purchase this special package only on Friday, November 11, and Saturday, November 12 at the Round Table Pizza Ticket Office at Raley Field. The ticket office will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and again from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. Please be prepared to show Military ID or proof of service upon purchase.

For more information, please call the River Cats ticket hotline at (916) 371-HITS (4487) or email tickets@rivercats.com.

***

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 upcoming 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.

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

Chasers Earn Ballpark Digest’s Charity Award

The Omaha Storm Chasers have been announced as the recipient of Ballpark Digest‘s “2016 Charity Award” for the organization’s work in the community throughout the 2016 season. The Storm Chasers were also a finalist for the award in 2015.

“Our organization is truly humbled to receive this award,” said Storm Chasers President and General Manger Martie Cordaro. “While we give back to our community because we believe we have a responsibility to do so, it is still rewarding to be honored. I personally thank Ballpark Digest for recognizing our staff as industry leaders in giving back.”

The Storm Chasers organization, through its charitable arm Chasers Charities, set an all-time record in charitable giving in 2016, the fourth consecutive year the club has achieved that feat. In total, the organization donated $768,695 to local charities, an increase of $82,558 compared in 2015.

Among the highlights of the organization’s 2016 charitable work included providing a platform for 74 non-profit organizations at Werner Park as the “Community Organization of the Night”. Over $20,000 was raised through the McDonald’s and Huber Chevrolet Hurl the Pearl promotion for the Ronald McDonald House, in addition to over $23,000 donated to local charities, including Let’s Go Miles, Nebraska Organ Recovery and Methodist Hospital Foundation through four Game-Worn Jersey Auctions.

In total, the organization also combined for over 420 mascot and player appearances in the Omaha Metro community. The Storm Chasers front office also joined forces to record 932 hours of community service in 2016.

A full overview of the Storm Chasers’ 2016 Community Relations efforts can be found online at www.omahastormchasers.com/community.

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

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

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

“Trick-or-Suite” event raises record donation amount

RENO – The Reno Aces Baseball Club and Reno 1868 FC are thrilled to announce that a record amount of food items were donated by over 3,500 attendees at Greater Nevada Field’s annual “Trick-or-Suite” event.

The event allowed children to “trick or treat” on the suite level in advance of Halloween, with admission being $3 or three canned food items per child. Accompanying adults were permitted free entry. Various games, a bounce house and an appearance by Reno Aces mascot “Archie” added to the fun-filled evening.

“Giving back to the community is our main motive,” said Winter Moreno, promotions and community relations coordinator for the Reno Aces and Reno 1868 FC. “Hosting an event like this allows us the opportunity to raise charitable items for a greater cause, while enjoying the many costumes and smiling faces from all participants.”

All proceeds benefited the Food Bank of Northern Nevada.

Both clubs send their appreciation to all volunteers, including the Reno Fire Department and Reno Police Department.

2017 Aces season memberships are on-sale now at www.renoaces.com or by calling (775) 334-4700. Follow the club during the offseason on Twitter (@Aces) or like the team on Facebook. To purchase a Reno 1868 FC founding membership or 2017 season membership, call (775) 334-7001 or visit www.reno1868fc.com. You can follow the club on Twitter (@reno1868fc) 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.

Nashville Sounds Foundation to Host 2nd Annual “Suites-N-Treats” Event October 26

The Nashville Sounds Foundation will host its second annual “Suites-N-Treats” event on Wednesday, October 26 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at First Tennessee Park.

The pre-Halloween event is designed as an opportunity for underprivileged youth in the greater Nashville area to trick-or-treat in a safe and fun environment. Children can walk the Club Level at First Tennessee Park and visit each uniquely decorated suite to collect treats.

Other activities for children include decorating their own trick-or-treat bags, face-painting, complementary food provided by Centerplate and drinks provided by Coca Cola. Each child will have the opportunity to meet and take pictures with Sounds mascot Booster.

The Sounds have teamed with several non-profit organizations to invite children to the private event. Close to 600 children will participate with the help of the following organizations: Big Brothers Big Sisters, First Steps, Dreams and Wishes, and the Martha O’Bryan Center.

“The Sounds organization is very thankful for the support from these tremendous non-profit organizations,” said Adam Nuse, Sounds General Manager and COO. “With their help, our goal of providing a safe and memorable trick-or-treating experience for these children will be made possible.”

“Suites-N-Treats” will take place on the Club Level with the help of the Sounds’ suite holders, who were invited to decorate their suite so the children could experience a true Halloween-based trick-or-treat experience. The Sounds’ front office staff will also decorate select suites and dress up as part of the festivities.

The mission of the Nashville Sounds Foundation is to positively impact the thriving Middle Tennessee community through various programs and initiatives. The Nashville Sounds Foundation supports programs that energize and influence youth through education, physical development and by maximizing community service. For more information on the Nashville Sounds Foundation and its initiatives, please visit www.nashvillesounds.com and click on the Community tab.

The 2017 season will be the Sounds’ 40th in franchise history and their third as the Oakland Athletics’ top affiliate. Season ticket memberships are available now by calling (615) 690-4487 or by visiting www.nashvillesounds.com.

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

Chasers Set All-Time Charitable Giving Mark

The Omaha Storm Chasers set an all-time record in charitable giving for the fourth consecutive year in 2016. In total, the organization donated $768,695 to local charities this year, an increase of $82,558 compared to last year’s top mark.

“Remaining a cornerstone of charitable giving is imperative to what this organization stands for,” said Martie Cordaro, President and General Manager of the Omaha Storm Chasers. “With the visible presence and community center that Werner Park has become, we have a responsibility to Sarpy County and the Omaha Metro to give back and address needs in our community.”

The Storm Chasers organization provided a platform for 74 non-profit organizations at Werner Park as its Community Organization of the Night. The McDonalds and Huber Chevrolet Hurl the Pearl promotion also raised a record number of $20,663 for the Ronald McDonald House. In addition, over $23,000 was donated to local charities including Let’s Go Miles, Nebraska Organ Recovery and Methodist Hospital Foundation through four Game-Worn Jersey Auctions, with players and coaches wearing specialty jerseys.

The organization remained visible throughout the Omaha Metro, with mascots and players combining for over 420 appearances in the community. The Storm Chasers front office also combined for 932 hours of community service in 2016.

A full overview of the Storm Chasers’ 2016 Community Relations efforts can be found online at www.omahastormchasers.com/community.

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 omahastormchasers.com and follow us on Twitter @omastormchasers and at facebook.com/omahastormchasers.

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

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

Missing Child From 51s Stadium Signage Found

          

LAS VEGAS: The Las Vegas 51s professional baseball team, Triple-A affiliate of the New York Mets, announced today that a missing child seen on 51s signage at Cashman Field this past season has been found and returned home safely.

            Stephanie Swanson was safely located in Henderson, Nev., on September 21, 2016. The BairFind signage location was at the front entrance of the ballpark.

            The BairFind Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to finding missing children. The Foundation points out that the number one proved method to finding missing children is to have as many eyes as possible “looking.” If you or someone you know has any information on the whereabouts of a missing child, please call 1-800-THE-LOST and the website is www.BairFind.org

The 51s will open their 35th season in the Silver State on Thursday, April 6 at El Paso, Texas against the Chihuahuas, Triple-A affiliate of the San Diego Padres. The 2017 home opener is on Tuesday, April 11 against the Fresno Grizzlies, Triple-A affiliate of the Houston Astros, at Cashman Field at 7:05 p.m.

2017 season tickets and mini-plan packages (11, 22, 36-game plans) are available by calling the 51s office at (702) 943-7200. Individual game tickets for the 71-game home schedule will go on sale in March.

Official licensed 51s team merchandise is available on the “Team Shop” section of the website.

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

OKC Dodgers to Host Free Car Seat Check Saturday

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Dodgers, the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office, and Safe Kids Oklahoma are teaming up to sponsor a free car seat check from 9 a.m. – noon Saturday, Sept. 10 at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

Child Passenger Safety Week runs Sept. 18-24, but organizations such as the Dodgers are hosting events throughout the month of September to benefit the campaign, which is dedicated to helping parents and caregivers make sure their children ride as safely as possible, every trip, every time.

Certified technicians will be on hand to install car seats and booster seats, and to check previously installed seats, at no charge. Car seats will also be available for $10 for those who can provide proof of government assistance. To receive a car seat check or be eligible to receive a car seat, the child must be present and an expectant mother must be within six weeks of delivery.

“The Dodgers are pleased to have the opportunity to partner with the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office and offer free car seat checks to the Oklahoma City community,” OKC Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes said. “OHSO is among the leaders in communicating important safety measures to the public, and their partnership with Safe Kids in organizing these events further shows what an asset they are to our state.”

Technicians will be stationed just east of Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark in the Joe Carter Lot, located at the northeast corner of the intersection of Joe Carter Avenue and East Reno Avenue, on Saturday.

“It’s our job to keep our children safe,” Devon Sisson, director of Safe Kids Oklahoma, said. “Get your car seats checked. Make certain they’re installed correctly, that your kids are in the right seats and are buckled in correctly. Even if you think your child is safe, check again, so you can be sure that your child is the safest he or she can be while traveling.”

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends keeping children in rear-facing seats as long as possible. Once the child outgrows the rear-facing seat size limits, the child is ready to travel in a forward-facing car seat with a harness and tether. After outgrowing that type of seat, children should be placed in booster seats until they are the right size to use seat belts safely.

For more information about car seat safety or to locate a certified technician, visit: safercar.gov/parents.

The OKC Dodgers continue play in the American Conference Finals against the Nashville Sounds at 7:05 p.m. today at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. Nashville leads the best-of-five series, 1-0. Today is a $2 Thursday featuring $2 soda, water and select draft beer. For tickets, please call (405) 218-1000 or visit: okcdodgers.com.

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

Round Rock Express Backs the Blue This Sunday

ROUND ROCK, Texas – For 72 games a year, the Round Rock Express rely on the help of local law enforcement, the Round Rock Police Department, to keep Dell Diamond and their fans, staff, players and coaches safe.

With the recent attacks on law enforcement and the shooting of Round Rock citizen and Travis County Sheriff Deputy Sgt. Craig Hutchinson, the Express are backing the blue this Sunday, July 31 and encouraging fans to wear blue in a stand of solidarity with local law enforcement. The Express will raffle off a team-autographed blue jersey with all proceeds from raffle ticket sales going to the family of Sgt. Hutchinson and local law enforcement agencies.

“These officers protect us every single day at the ballpark and in the community,” Express Manager Jason Wood said. “They’ve become family and when one of our family members is attacked, we rally around them. We want them to know that we stand with them and appreciate the work they do in putting on that uniform every day.”

The Express players and coaches will also wear blue uniforms on Sunday in a show of support as they take on the Memphis Redbirds at 7:05 p.m.

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