Pacific Coast League

Utah Military Members Celebrated at The Principal Financial Dreams Tour

July 25, 2014

Utah Military Members Celebrated at The Principal^® Financial Dreams Tour

Come to the ballpark August 7 for a Night to Remember

The Principal Financial Group and the Salt Lake Bees will honor members of the military and the outstanding contributions they make to our country and communities during the 2014 Principal^® Financial Dreams Tour. The Tour will make 18 stops from coast-to-coast and will provide attendees with information to help them plan for a brighter financial future for themselves and their families.

The first 2,000 fans through the gate on event day will receive a Replica Bees Batting Helmet souvenir.

Since 2004, The Principal^® has brought more than 450 events to minor league ballparks, attracting nearly two million fans. Past tours have given fans the chance to meet some of baseball’s biggest stars, including Steve Garvey, Dave Stewart, Tommy John, Rollie Fingers and Lee Smith, among others.

Additionally, at the Dreams Tour event, The Principal will make a $1,000 contribution to the Wounded Warrior Project veteran’s charity supporting veterans employment programs.

“We’re thrilled to support hometown heroes.” said Steve Whitty, vice president of corporate marketing at The Principal. “We know these brave men and women are strong pillars of the community, and we’re honored to be able to give back to them through The Principal Dreams Tour, since they’ve already given us so much.”

“We are excited to be partnering with Principal Financial. Over the years we have seen a lot of success with the Principal Financial event and we are happy to continue that relationship,” Salt Lake Bees General Manager Marc Amicone said. “We appreciate their commitment to hiring our Veterans and helping give back to such a vital piece of our country.”

This year’s Tour will feature MLB All Star Aaron Boone as the Tour’s Social Media Ambassador. During his career Boone played for the Cincinnati Reds, New York Yankees, Cleveland Indians, Florida Marlins, Washington Nationals and Houston Astros. He is best known for his walk-off home run in the 11th inning during Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS, which gave the New York Yankees a 6-5 victory over the Boston Red Sox. He is currently employed by ESPN as a game analyst and contributor to Baseball Tonight. Aaron will share Tour activities, media interviews and messages with his social media following throughout the tour to keep fans in the loop and part of the action.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Salt Lake Bees. Click here to view the original story.

“Peanut Free Night” at Werner Park July 29

July 23, 2014

3rd annual night includes “Peanut Free Experience” Ticket Package

Next Tuesday, the Omaha Storm Chasers will kick off their eight-game homestand with “Peanut Free Night” in association with the Asthma and Allergy Center, allowing fans affected by various allergies to visit Werner Park worry free in the third annual event.

“Peanut Free Night with the Omaha Storm Chasers is fast becoming one of our most unique, community events,” said Martie Cordaro, President and General Manager for the Omaha Storm Chasers. “Our ballpark operations staff, led by Brett Myers and Matt Owen, work tirelessly to make sure that Werner Park is safe for all those that would otherwise not be able to attend a professional baseball game.”

For this special night, Werner Park will not serve any peanut-related items including sunflower seeds, tree nuts and of course peanuts. The process of deep-cleaning Werner Park for any peanut residue started immediately after Omaha’s game this past Sunday and will continue up until Tuesday. Werner Park also features gluten-free and vegetarian options at the Heartland Healthy Cart and other areas throughout the park.

In addition to welcoming fans affected by these various allergies that would not usually be able to attend a game, the Storm Chasers are taking it one step further by offering the “Peanut Free Experience” Ticket Package. The $10 package (with an option to add on a $3 Centris Family Fun Zone Wristband) includes:

Meet and Greet, Autograph session with two Omaha Storm Chasers Players (to be determined)
Pre-Game Peanut Free Parade on the field
Opportunity to be on “Peanut Free Field of Dreams Team” and chance at throwing out a first pitch
Deadline to purchase “Peanut Free Experience” Ticket Package is July 25

“We are excited to see all the allergic families come out to the baseball game in a peanut-free environment. We’ve heard from parents telling us how much they appreciate this opportunity to have their children experience one of America’s past-times,” said Dr. Gregory Daniel Brooks of The Asthma and Allergy Center. “Peanut Free Night gives everyone a chance to raise awareness about food allergies and learn about new products, research and education. The Asthma & Allergy Center is proud to be a sponsor of Peanut Free Night and to help provide this night of baseball for all the allergic community. ”

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Omaha Storm Chasers. Click here to view the original story.

Golf alongside Future Giants on August 6 at Copper River C.C.

July 22, 2014

Fresno Grizzlies players and coaches will join the field

The Grizzlies Community Fund will be hosting the third annual Grizzlies Golf Tournament on August 6th at the Copper River Country Club located on 2140 E. Clubhouse Drive in Fresno, California. One of the marquee events put on by the Grizzlies Community Fund, the golf tournament places participants right alongside Future Giants as teams compete in a four-man scramble for various prizes. All proceeds from the event directly benefit the Grizzlies Community Fund, which seeks to continue making a lasting and positive impact in the Central Valley. In 2013, tournament proceeds aided in the ability to support over 500 community and non-profit groups throughout the Central Valley.

Foursome packages are still available for interested participants, along with individual and team options. To register for the tournament, a downloadable registration form can be found here. Participants are encouraged to register as soon as possible as there are a limited number of foursomes remaining.

Registration includes: A pre-tournament breakfast, a bucket of range balls, team photo, sponsored giveaway items, free beverages (provided at holes 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15), and a post tournament mixer that will include drinks and hors d’oeuvres.

Golf attire is required. Collared shirts and slacks or shorts are preferred (no steel spikes are allowed on the course). Check-in for the tournament begins at 7:30 a.m. and a breakfast will be provided before the shotgun start at 9:00 a.m.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Fresno Grizzlies. Click here to view the original story.

The Shade Tree Night – Friday, July 25

July 22, 2014

51s Team Up With Volunteers from The Venetian Hotel & Casino to Host Donation Drive for The Shade Tree!

The Las Vegas 51^s professional baseball team of the Pacific Coast League (PCL), Triple-A affiliate of the New York Mets & 2013 Pacific Southern Division Champions, will open an eight-game homestand on Friday, July 25 against the Salt Lake Bees, Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, at 7:05 p.m. at Cashman Field.

The 51^s organization will team up with volunteers from the Venetian Hotel and Casino to present a donation drive for The Shade Tree. The Shade Tree’s Mission Statement: To provide safe shelter to homeless and abused women and children in crisis and to offer life-changing services promoting stability, dignity, and self-reliance.

“The Shade Tree is blessed to have such caring and compassionate partners as the Las Vegas 51^s and the Sands Corporation,” Erica Thompson, The Shade Tree Director of Fundraising & Major Gifts, said. “Guiding women and children on a path to self-sufficiency can be difficult at times. We know though that by combining our resources with the generosity of community leaders like the 51^s and the Sands Corporation, together we can provide help, healing and hope to those in need.”

“The 51^s recognize the importance to be a Community Partner and to team together with Las Vegas Sands to provide donated items from our great fans for such an outstanding organization like The Shade Tree,” 51^s President/COO Don Logan added.

Fans are encouraged to bring donated items to “The Shade Tree Booth” located inside Cashman Field and fans will receive two free 51^s hats for their generous donation.

The donated items requested by The Shade Tree include: women’s underwear (sizes 6-10), feminine hygiene products (tampons, sanitary pads, panty liners), bath towels, wash cloths, bed sheets, mattress covers, women’s shorts (sizes 5-22), hats, trash bags, bottled water, plus sized women’s clothing, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, body wash, diapers (all sizes), boy’s underwear (sizes 14-16), girl’s underwear (sizes 14-16), toilet tissue, paper towels, socks (for adults & children).

“Part of the mission of Sands Cares is to aid the causes that are most important to our team members in the Las Vegas community,” Stephanie MacDonald, Property Chair, Sands Cares Las Vegas, said. “The Venetian/The Palazzo and Sands Expo team recognized The Shade Tree as an organization that leads the way in providing support to the underserved women, children and pets in the city.

“We are proud to partner with them as they celebrate their 25^th anniversary and encourage Las Vegas 51^s fans to assist in our efforts by bringing a donation to the stadium on Friday night.”

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Las Vegas 51s. Click here to view the original story.

U.S. Bank Aces baseball camp set for Saturday

July 22, 2014

The 2014 U.S. Bank Reno Aces baseball camp is set for Saturday, July 26 and is accepting participants. Instruction will be led by Aces players and former Major League Baseball pitcher Roric Harrison.

The camp is open to children ages 7-14 and will be from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Campers will receive instruction in pitching, hitting, fielding, outfield defense and infield defense.

For just $99, campers will receive instruction, a camp t-shirt, catered lunch, camp photo and a ticket to Saturday night’s Aces game against the Albuquerque Isotopes at 7:05 p.m.

Space is limited and interested participants are encouraged to reserve their spot. To sign-up, contact Cody Lyford at (775) 334-7076 or clyford@renoaces.com. Click here for registration form.

Single-game tickets are on sale for the remainder of the 2014 season. For more information, or to purchase an Aces ticket plan, call (775) 334-4700. For up-to-date news and notes throughout the offseason, visit www.RenoAces.com, follow the club on Twitter (@aces) or like the team on Facebook.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Reno Aces. Click here to view the original story.

Express to Host 2nd Annual “Triple-A For a Day”

July 16, 2014

E-Train Brings Dell Diamond Experience to RBI Austin Championship Game

The Round Rock Express is taking the show on the road. For the second year, the Rangers Triple-A affiliate has partnered with RBI Austin for “Triple-A for a Day.” The Express promotional staff is turning Downs Mabson Field into Dell Diamond of the South for the RBI Austin Kid Pitch Championship game on Saturday, July 26.

Joining the Express promo crew will be Spike, the lovable mascot, Ballpark Rob and the Party Patrol. Every player and coach from both teams will be introduced as they stand on the foul lines for the singing of the National Anthem, a tradition seen at professional ballparks throughout the country. In between innings, fans will compete in a variety of games seen at Dell Diamond similar to the dizzy bat race and the Great Texas Chicken Race.

The Express hopes this game will provide RBI Austin Kid Pitch athletes, their families and the community the opportunity to watch baseball in a fun and unique setting they would not normally experience.

“We’re proud to partner with RBI Austin again this year for their championship game,” Express General Manager Chris Almendarez said. “It’s an absolute honor to be able to give these kids a memory they’ll never forget.”

Downs Mabson Field is located at 2812 E. 12^th St. in Austin. Pre-game activities will begin at 6:40 p.m. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. The championship will feature the 9 and 10-year-old age division. Admission to the game is free.

Click here to view last year’s “Triple-A For A Day.”

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

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Round Rock Express. Click here to view the original story.

Express to Host Military Appreciation Night

July 16, 2014

E-Train to Honor All Branches of Military during Express Game

On Thursday, July 17, the Round Rock Express will honor and support the brave men and women that serve or have previously served in the United States Armed Forces by hosting Military Appreciation Night at Dell Diamond, presented by Budweiser and USAA.

There will be special military-themed promotions and recognitions throughout the evening as the E-Train takes on the Iowa Cubs. Military vehicles will be on display outside of Dell Diamond for fans to observe as they enter the stadium.

Two generations of heroes will be involved in the night’s ceremonial first pitch. A veteran of World War 2, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, Rufus Dye Jr. will be joined by his son Colonel Michael Dye. Michael currently serves in the Texas Army National Guard as the Director of Army Aviation for Joint Forces Headquarters.

Joining the Express on the field for the National Anthem are the children of troops deployed from the 3^rd Calvary Regiment out of Fort Hood. The Anthem will be performed by country music artist Jenna McDaniel.

During the game, each branch of the military – Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard – will be recognized individually along with a Marine Corps swearing-in ceremony. Silver Star recipient SSG Matthew Kinney, Gold Star Mother Tami Sims and SGT Travis King, who is scheduled to deploy in the coming weeks, will be among those honored during the game. Express players and coaches will wear commemorative patriotic jerseys that will be auctioned off during the game with proceeds going to WISH for OUR HEROES. Additionally, there will be a wish granted during the game in conjunction with the Wish for Our Heroes initiative.

For the seventh-inning stretch, country music artist and songwriter Ryland Edwards will be on hand to sing “God Bless America”.

All military personnel receive half-price tickets to all Express games by presenting their military ID.

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

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Round Rock Express. Click here to view the original story.

Rainiers and Carol Milgard Breast Center To Host ‘Pink At The Park’ This Saturday

July 7, 2014

The Tacoma Rainiers and Carol Milgard Breast Center (CMBC) have teamed up for a fourth consecutive season to host ‘Pink at the Park’ this Saturday, July 12th at Cheney Stadium – a benefit game devoted to raising money to fund mammogram screenings for medically underserved women in the South Sound.

This year’s event begins when gates open at 6 p.m. for the Rainiers game against the Fresno Grizzlies. The first 3,000 fans arriving to the ballpark will receive limited edition pink trucker hats courtesy of CMBC. Pre-game activities will also include video testimonials of patients who have successfully defeated breast cancer and the formation of a ‘Circle of Hope’ around the pitcher’s mound that will be comprised of breast cancer survivors and their friends and families. Survivors will release pink balloons symbolizing the release of fear and renewed hope for the future.

When the game gets underway at 7 p.m., each Rainiers player and member of the coaching staff will wear special pink jerseys in recognition of breast cancer patients and their families who have battled the disease. Each of the game-worn jerseys will be autographed and auctioned off as part of a live auction along the third base line of the stadium immediately following the conclusion of the game. Proceeds from the auction will go directly towards CMBC to support the breast center’s continued efforts to provide sustainable breast health services for all women in the South Sound.

“Pink at the Park is our flagship fundraiser for the breast center,” says Jackie Ostrom, executive director of CMBC. “The money raised during this event plays a key part in helping us fulfill our mission of treating all patients, regardless of their ability to pay.” To date, CMBC has provided over $2.3 million in compassionate care services to medically underserved and underinsured patients in our community.

CMBC recently celebrated its fifth anniversary as the first dedicated breast imaging center in the South Puget Sound. Since welcoming its first patients on February 23, 2009, CMBC has provided more than 120,000 screening mammograms to women, and has performed more than 250,000 exams and procedures in total. The breast center’s most important milestone, however, has been saving more lives through early detection. CMBC estimates it has diagnosed over 3,000 breast cancers in its first five years. “We’re honored to be making a real difference in our community, because we know that early detection saves lives,” says Khai Tran, M.D., medical director and visionary of the breast center.

Breast cancer continues to rank as the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women, with one in every eight women in the U.S. affected by the disease. Women whose breast cancer is detected at an early enough stage have been shown to have a 93 percent or more survival rate. The breast center supports screening guidelines established by the American Cancer Society, recommending that every woman 40 years of age and older receive a routine screening mammogram every year.

The Carol Milgard Breast Center is a non-profit organization whose mission to provide sustainable breast health services to all women in the South Sound is reliant upon support from the community. For additional information about the Carol Milgard Breast Center or to contribute a donation, please call (253) 759-2622 or visit CMBC online at www.carolmilgardbreastcenter.org.

To purchase tickets to the Rainiers ‘Pink at the Park’ game this Saturday or another upcoming Tacoma Rainiers game in 2014, please visit the team online at www.tacomarainiers.com, call 1-800-745-3000 or visit the Cheney Stadium Box Office located at the front entrance of the ballpark. Up-to-date news and notes about ‘Pink at the Park’ or any can be found at www.tacomarainiers.com and by following the Rainiers on Twitter (@RainiersLand) or liking the team on Facebook.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Tacoma Rainiers. Click here to view the original story.

Storm Chasers to Accept Donations for Pilger Relief Tonight, Tomorrow

June 23, 2014

Fans can bring various suggested items or make cash/check donations

A week ago today the community and residents of Pilger, Nebraska were devastated by twin tornadoes, leaving many survivors without their homes and belongings. In a show of support for their fellow Nebraskan community, the Storm Chasers will ask fans attending tonight and tomorrow’s games to donate various items to be sent to the city that lies just over an hour and a half from Omaha.

Items that the Storm Chasers suggest to be donated by fans are totes, gloves, personal hygiene items, first aid supplies and non-perishable foods. No clothing is needed at this time.

The Storm Chasers will also accept cash donations at Werner Park through 2 p.m. Tuesday, as well as check donations that will go directly to aid the Pilger community. Checks should be made out to the Home Run Foundation of Greater Omaha. All donations, both monetary and physical, can be made outside of Werner Park near the Ticket Office.

As the relief effort continues and grows, the Storm Chasers will be participating and will alert fans to other ways they can get involved as well. Fans can follow the team and their community relations information on Facebook and Twitter to get updates.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Omaha Storm Chasers. Click here to view the original story.

Fans Invited to Participate in Bee Healthy Week at Smith’s Ballpark June 19-21

June 16, 2014

Highlights Include Bee Healthy Challenges, Clinics, Giveaways and More

The Salt Lake Bees will present Bee Healthy Week June 19-21 at Smith’s Ballpark as part of the team’s ongoing commitment to health and wellness. During the games those evenings, fans of all ages will be invited to participate in a variety of interactive Bee Healthy Challenges featuring special prizes. In addition, Bees players will host baseball clinics throughout the week to show local youth ways to stay active while having fun.

In collaboration with Intermountain LDS Hospital, SelectHealth and the Utah Department of Health, six Bee Healthy Challenges will line the concourse of Smith’s Ballpark during games June 19-21. Fans who complete at least four of the six challenges will receive a Bee Healthy T-shirt and entry into a drawing to win autographed Bees items, including a mini-helmet, jersey, bat or baseball. Designed to educate and inspire fans to embrace healthy living, the Bee Healthy Challenges will include:

LiVe Well Operation Game, a life-size version of the board game “Operation”
Blood pressure checks
Health-based social media contests
Chair yoga
Body fat analysis
Healthcare Wheel of Misfortune, a game featuring a large spinning wheel to help educate fans about healthcare reform

As part of the Bees organization’s ongoing efforts to encourage youth to stay active and live a healthy lifestyle, players will also lead five clinics during Bee Healthy Week, two of which will be open to Knothole Club members. The clinics will provide youth with a chance to interact with Bees players during a series of baseball drills, along with autograph and photo opportunities.

During the Bee Healthy homestand, All-Star Catering will debut a variety of individual salads and fruit plates as part of its “Fresh Express” menu for fans. Concessionaries will continue to offer healthy choices such as vegetable trays, baked chips and bean and rice burritos at Smith’s Ballpark. On Friday, June 20, when the team takes on the Memphis Redbirds, attendees will also receive Bee Healthy water bottles to help them stay hydrated while on the go.

The Bees will host the Memphis Redbirds and the Nashville Sounds during its eight-game homestand June 17-24. Tickets are available at the Smith’s Ballpark box office from 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., as well as at all Smith’sTix outlets and Smith’s Food & Drug Stores. Tickets may also be purchased online with no additional fees at www.slbees.com or by phone at 801-325-BEES (2337).

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Salt Lake Bees. Click here to view the original story.

Free kids clinic on Wednesday, June 18

June 13, 2014

Legends for Youth baseball clinic at Principal Park

Kids will have an opportunity to play with their big-league heroes at the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association Legends for Youth baseball clinic series on Wednesday, June 18, at Principal Park. The free clinic features former major-league baseball players who will teach baseball skills, drills and life lessons for kids ages 6-16.

Players scheduled to attened include Don Wengert, Dwight Siebler, Don Eddy, Curt Kaufman and Matt Wagner.

The clinic will take place at Principal Park from 9-11 a.m. Players will train at stations including pitching, catching, base running and life skills. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. The morning will conclude with an autograph session for children in attendance.

To register for this clinic, please visit www.baseballalumni.com. Registration is required.

For more information regarding the clinic, please contact Nikki Warner, Director of Communications, at (719) 477-1870, ext. 105 or visit www.baseballalumni.com.

About The Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association (MLBPAA)
MLBPAA was founded in 1982 with the mission of promoting baseball, raising money for charity and protecting the dignity of the game through its Alumni players. The MLBPAA is headquartered in Colorado Springs, CO with a membership of more than 6,900, of which approximately 5,300 are Alumni and active players. Alumni players find the MLBPAA to be a vital tool to become involved in charity and community philanthropy. Follow @MLBPAA for Twitter updates.

About Legends for Youth Clinics
MLBPAA’s Legends for Youth clinics impact more than 15,000 children each year, allowing them the unique opportunity to interact with and learn from players who have left a lasting impact on the game of baseball. The MLBPAA has reached children across America and internationally in Australia, Canada, the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, the United Kingdom and Venezuela, through the Legends for Youth clinic series. To donate to this program, visit baseballalumni.com/donate. The official hashtag of the Legends for Youth clinic series is #LFYClinic.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Iowa Cubs. Click here to view the original story.

Slugging ALS Night at Dell Diamond June 20

June 12, 2014

2014 Marks 75th Anniversary of Lou Gehrig’s Inspiring Speech at Yankee Stadium

A pitcher can’t strike out just anyone, but Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as ALS, can. The Round Rock Express, along with the ALS Association Texas Chapter and MJ’s Army, will co-host Slugging ALS Night at Dell Diamond on Friday, June 20 as the Express take on the Sacramento River Cats. The event will further raise awareness about the disease that knows no racial, ethnic or socioeconomic boundaries in hopes of finding a cure.

Express players and coaches will wear commemorative pinstripe jerseys with the name Gehrig on the back and a #4 patch on the sleeve. This year marks the 75^th anniversary of Lou Gehrig’s heart wrenching retirement speech at Yankee Stadium that brought this disease to the medical forefront. In 1941, following his death from ALS, the disease became more commonly known as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease.” The game-worn, commemorative pinstripe jerseys will be auctioned off as part of a special silent auction during the game with proceeds benefitting the ALS Association Texas Chapter and MJ’s Army. The auction will also include one-of-a-kind autographed baseball memorabilia.

To further raise awareness with a focus on Gehrig’s iconic jersey number, general admission/berm tickets are available at a discounted price of $4 for this special game.

“We are thrilled to host Slugging ALS night at Dell Diamond,” Express Sr. Vice President of Marketing Laura Fragoso said. “Bringing attention to this disease and keeping the fight started by Lou Gehrig alive is something that we are proud to be a part of.”

MJ’s Army will also be hosting the inaugural Slugging ALS Texas Timber Wood Bat Baseball Tournament from June 20-22 in the greater Austin area to generate more support for ALS research. The event is open to any amateur team wishing to play with divisions starting as young as age eight and 100% of the tournament’s proceeds will go towards MJ’s Army.

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

About ALS
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Early symptoms of ALS often include muscle weakness that gradually becomes worse over time. Most who are diagnosed with ALS are only given between 3-5 years of life expectancy.

About MJ’s Army
Shortly after being diagnosed with ALS in June of 2011, Michael Jaillet (MJ) formed MJsARMY.org with the help of family and friends. MJ’s Army is a non-profit organization based out of Austin,TX whose mission is threefold: 1) to raise awareness about ALS, 2) to volunteer locally to assist families affected by ALS and 3) to raise much needed research dollars to fund treatments, and ultimately, a cure for ALS.

About the ALS Association
The ALS Association is the only national not-for-profit health organization dedicated solely to the fight against ALS. ALSA covers all the bases – research, patient and community services, public education, and advocacy – in providing help and hope to those facing the disease. The ALS Association (National Office and the Texas Chapter) operates under a shared mission: to help people living with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and to leave no stone unturned in search for the cure.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Round Rock Express. Click here to view the original story.

SKY SOX LOOKING FOR LOCAL HEROES TO BE HONORARY MANAGERS

June 11, 2014

Nominate Your Hometown Hero for the 2014 Heroes Classic on Saturday, June 21

The Colorado Springs Sky Sox will be hosting the 2014 Heroes Classic Charity Softball Game on Saturday, June 21 with Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson in attendance along with many other former Major League players. Despite the many former players that will be on hand to play along side members of the Colorado Springs Police and Fire Departments as well as injured service members, the Sky Sox are still in need of one important position to fill out each roster, the manager.

In order to fill the all important manager position for each squad, the Sky Sox are asking the Colorado Springs community to nominate local citizens who have performed heroic acts right here in the Front Range region. If you know someone that deserves special recognition for a selfless act please go to www.skysox.com/heroes and fill out the online form created by Verizon Wireless to nominate that individual. The Sky Sox will be taking nominations all this week and will announce the two selected winners on Tuesday, June 17 at 5:00 PM.

The winners will be invited to the game as special VIP guests to serve as the honorary manager for one of the two teams. They will be in uniform in the dugout for the game and will be asked to enjoy the day with their players and work with Sky Sox staff to manage the various events going on throughout the game. Each hometown hero will also be recognized on the field during the game.

About the Heroes Classic: The event will raise funds for three outstanding charities, the Colorado Springs Fire Protective Association, The Police Foundation of Colorado Springs, and the Wounded Warrior Project. For each ticket purchased for the event, five dollars will go towards raising funds for these very worthy organizations. In addition, as part of the game day activities, the teams will don custom made uniforms and these unique, game worn jerseys will be auctioned off during and after the game with 100% of the proceeds benefitting the selected charities. To date, this event has raised close to $40,000 for charity.

During the game, there will be a special silent auction of all the players’ jerseys which will be held in the concourse at the main entrance of the stadium. Following the game, a live auction will be held on the Sky Sox dugout that will feature a select number of jerseys including Brooks Robinson’s. All jerseys will be autographed by the player that wore them and will be accompanied with a certificate of authenticity. The MLBPAA will also auction off a variety of baseball memorabilia during the game with a portion of the proceeds benefitting all three charities.

The two teams playing the game will consist of members of the Colorado Springs Police and Fire Departments as well as injured service members who will represent the Wounded Warrior Project.

In addition, each team will also include several former Major League baseball players, local media members and local dignitaries. Highlighting the former Major League players who will be attending the event is Hall of Fame third baseman Brooks Robinson who will be signing autographs for fans throughout the game. The night will culminate with a tremendous fireworks display following the game.

Tickets for the event come in two different options and can be purchased online at www.skysox.com, in person at the Sky Sox box office or by calling (719) 591-SOXX. Five dollars from each ticket purchased will be donated to and split evenly amongst the Colorado Springs Fire Protective Association, The Police Foundation of Colorado Springs, and the Wounded Warrior Project.

A limited number of special VIP package tickets are available for $30 and include:
- An Upper Reserved ticket to the game.
- Access to a special VIP autograph session before the game with the former Major League players, including Brooks Robinson
- Membership in the MLBPAA
- Upgrade to a box seat for just $3 more
Regular game tickets to the game will be $10 for Upper Reserved and $13 for Box Seats
Group tickets can be purchased in advance for groups of 20 or more through the Sky Sox group sales department for $7 each.

Former Major League players that will be participating in the game include:

Brooks Robinson: Hall of Fame third baseman, American League MVP in 1964, World Series MVP in 1970, 14-time All-Star, 16-time Gold Glove winner, played 23 seasons with the Baltimore Orioles, won two World Series with Baltimore 1966 & 1970.
Bob Knepper: Two-time All-Star, pitcher played 15 seasons with San Francisco & Houston, won 146 games in his career including six season with 10 or more wins.
Mark Knudson: A member of the Rockies inaugural 1993 team, pitcher played in eight seasons with Houston, Milwaukee & Colorado.
Gary Krug: Mitchell High School grad and current Pine Creek JV Baseball Head Coach played for the Cubs in 1981, former Head Baseball Coach at Cheyenne Mountain High School.
Brian Fisher: A 2^nd round draft pick of the Atlanta Braves in 1980, the righty won 36 games in seven seasons with the Yankees, Pirates, Astros and Mariners.
Bobby Johnson: A catcher & first baseman who played three season with the Texas Rangers. He is also the nephew of Hall of Famer Ernie Banks.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the . Click here to view the original story.

Bees to Honor U.S. Military Personnel on Saturday, May 24

May 21, 2014

The Salt Lake Bees will honor men and women of the United States Armed Forces during Military Appreciation Night on Saturday, May 24 as the Bees take on the Fresno Grizzlies at 6:35 p.m. The evening will feature ticket specials and military-themed entertainment.

The Bees are offering all military personnel with proper identification a free reserved ticket to the game. Military personnel can also purchase half-priced tickets for their families. These tickets can be purchased by calling 801-325-BEES (2337) or at the Smith’s Ballpark box office.

Colonel Ryan Britton with the US Air Force will throw out the ceremonial first pitch, the 807^th Medical Command out of Fort Douglas, Utah will lead the presentation of the colors and the Hill Air Force Base 419^th Anthem Choir will perform the national anthem and sing “God Bless America” during the seventh-inning stretch. A special military-themed fireworks show presented by Big O Tires will begin at the conclusion of the game.

Bees tickets are available online with no additional feels at slbees.com, by calling 801-325-BEES (2337), at the Smith’s Ballpark box office from 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. or at all Smith’sTix outlets and Smith’s Food & Drug Stores.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Salt Lake Bees. Click here to view the original story.

Chicken of the Sea Donates $10,000 to Kiwanis Miracle League

May 16, 2014

Christie Fleming (far right) from Chicken of the Sea presents the check for $10,000 to representatives from the Kiwanis Miracle League.

In a special ceremony prior to tonight’s Iowa Cubs game at Principal Park, representatives from Chicken of the Sea made a $10,000 donation to the Downtown Kiwanis Miracle League. The donation will allow 50 kids to play the entire season with the Miracle League this summer in downtown Des Moines.

The donation was part of the Chicken of the Sea’s “Great American Gratitude Tour.” In celebration of their 100th anniversary, Chicken of the Sea is touring the country to give back to local organizations and individuals who are doing great work in their communities. Chicken of the Sea will donate $1,000,000 by the end of their tour. Chicken of the Sea Vice President of Marketing Christie Fleming addressed the crowd and made the official presentation to several of the board members, parents, and players from the Miracle League on hand at Principal Park tonight. Fleming is a native of Oskaloosa, Iowa and a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa. She was joined on the field by Catalina, the mermaid mascot for Chicken of the Sea.

To find out more about the “Great American Gratitude Tour” and the organizations that have benefitted from these donations, visit chickenofthesea.com/100. For fans that received a gold coin at the game tonight, that’s also the place to enter your code to see if your coin is worth $10,000 or another prize from Chicken of the Sea.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Iowa Cubs. Click here to view the original story.