River Cats to Honor Valley High School Baseball Team

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 15, 2013

RIVER CATS TO HONOR VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL TEAM

On-field recognition ceremony scheduled for Friday, May 17

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Sacramento River Cats will honor the heroic act of the Valley High School baseball team this Friday, May 17, with an on-field ceremony, in addition to treating the entire team to a night of baseball at Raley Field.

The Valley High School team received national attention recently for pulling a car off a young girl and saving her life on Tuesday, May 7. According to the Sacramento Bee, players from Valley High’s varsity and JV baseball teams heard a girl screaming and came to her aid, pulling a sedan off her and allowing their coaches to pull her from underneath the car.

In addition to the on-field recognition prior to Friday’s 7:05 p.m. game, the Cats are treating both teams and their coaches to complimentary tickets to Friday’s game against the Oklahoma City RedHawks.

Valley High School co-head coach Brett Sawyer said that his team is “beyond ecstatic” for the opportunity to take his players to Raley Field this weekend.

“John Wooden once said, Sports don’t build character, they reveal it,” Sawyer said. “The Valley baseball team exuded character in the truest form that day, and the school, administration, community and coaching staff are proud of each and every one of them.”

The Cats open an eight-game homestand beginning Thursday, May 16, at 7:05 p.m. During the homestand, fans will be treated to two nights of fireworks, two Miller Lite Thirsty Thursdays, and the first of nine bobblehead giveaways of the season, scheduled for Sunday, May 19, when 2,500 fans will receive Barry Zito bobbleheads. Tickets are available at rivercats.com, ticketmaster.com, Raley Field’s Round Table Pizza Ticket Office, or by calling (916) 371-HITS.

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

Second Annual Golf Tournament set for June 5

Golf with Grizzlies players and coaches, help support the Grizzlies Community Fund

FresnoGrizzlies_2013-04-30

 

FRESNO, Calif. – The Fresno Grizzlies will host their second annual golf outing on Wednesday, June 5th at Copper River Country Club. The event, presented by Jani-King International Inc., will benefit the Fresno Grizzlies Community Fund (GCF). This is a chance for golfers to play alongside select Grizzlies players and coaches and benefit a worthwhile cause. The field is limited to 144 golfers and there are a limited number of Fresno Grizzlies players and coaches participating, so it is recommended interested golfers register early.

The second annual Fresno Grizzlies Golf Tournament will have a 12:30 pm shotgun start, with lunch provided before the tournament begins. Registration includes a bucket of range balls, team photo, sponsored giveaway items, free beverages provided at five different holes, and a post-tournament mixer with drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Golf attire is required. Check-in is at 10:30 am on the day of the tournament.

Registration options include:

  • Individual Player Registration – $150
    • Single player green fees & cart
  • Foursome Pack – $600
    • One team of four golfers
    • Two Grizzlies ticket vouchers per player
  • Grizzlies Team Pack – $800
    • One team of four golfers
    • Hole Sponsor
    • Four Grizzlies ticket vouchers per player
  • Grizzlies Gold Pack – $2,500
    • Two teams of four golfers
    • Hole Sponsor
    • Four The CRU Club game tickets per player
  • Grizzlies Platinum Pack – $3,000
    • Three teams of four golfers
    • Hole Sponsor
    • $250 in Pro Shop Credit
    • One Luxury Suite night for a 2013 home game (1 per group)
  • Grizzlies Diamond Pack – $3,500
    • One team of three golfers teamed with a Fresno Grizzlies player or coach
    • Hole Sponsor
    • $350 in Pro Shop Credit
    • One Owner’s Suite night for a 2013 home game (1 per group)

Golfers can enjoy a round with friends, co-workers, and business associates while supporting the Fresno Grizzlies Community Fund, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The Fresno Grizzlies Community Fund manages several community programs, including Wild About Reading, Farm Grown, and Junior Grizzlies. The Fresno Grizzlies Community Fund impacts many lives throughout the Central San Joaquin Valley through its own programs or by partnering with other local organizations. For example, Wild About Reading enrolled 101,000 Central Valley students in 2013, challenging each student to read 10 books over five books with two free tickets to a Grizzlies game as an incentive.

Additional sponsorship opportunities are available, such as tee box sponsor, green sponsor, longest drive, closet to the pin, and more. To register or seek more information, please contact Jerry James or Whitney Campbell of the Fresno Grizzlies front office at (559) 320-HITS.

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

GCF raises money for CAF’s Boston Marathon Fund

Funds to help procure adaptive equipment for victims

FRESNO, Calif. – The Fresno Grizzlies Community Fund (GCF) raised $784 for the Challenged Athletes Foundation’s Boston Marathon Fund during the Grizzlies’ game at Chukchansi Park on Saturday, April 20th. The GCF raffled off an autographed bat, which was signed by the entire Fresno Grizzlies team, during the game.

“The tragedy during the Boston Marathon affected the entire nation, and we felt it was necessary for our community of Grizzlies fans to do our part,” said Team President Chris Cummings. “As a native of New England, I am proud of the Grizzlies and the Grizzlies fans for their donation to a worthy cause with the Challenged Athletes Foundation.”

Challenged Athletes Foundation started the Boston Marathon Fund in response to last week’s bombings at the Boston Marathon on April 15th.

Challenged Athletes Foundation supports athletes with physical challenges by providing the appropriate adaptive equipment, hosting clinics, and connecting mentors and mentees. In addition to helping victims procure adaptive equipment, they are hosting a running clinic in Boston in October. They are also inviting the Boston Marathon bombing victims to CAF’s San Diego Triathlon Challenge, which features more than 250 physically challenged athletes in October.

Challenged Athletes Foundation is still accepting donations for its Boston Marathon Fund. For those that are interested, they can donate to the grant fund here.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Fresno Grizzlies. Click here to view the original story.

Isotopes “Batting for Boston” Raises Nearly $4,500

Albuquerque-IsotopesWhen called upon to help victims of the devastating events in Boston, Albuquerque responded emphatically, contributing nearly $4,500 as part of the “Batting for Boston” fundraiser last Saturday, April 20, at Isotopes Park. Over the course of five hours, more than 200 cars came through the drive-thru fundraiser, which was hosted by the Albuquerque Isotopes.

Contributions ranged from a few dollars to a check for $500.00, as people throughout the Duke City took time out of their busy day to donate to the great cause which raised $4,368.65. Proceeds from the fundraiser go directly to the One Fund Boston, Inc., created by the City of Boston to benefit the victims and their families most affected by the tragic events during the Boston Marathon.

One-fund-Boston“The generosity of the people of Albuquerque is truly amazing,” said Isotopes General Manager John Traub. “We were overwhelmed by the response of the community and we offer our profound thanks to everyone who took the time to come down to Isotopes Park and donate.”

This article originally appeared on the Isotopes’ website.  Click here to view.

Express Announces Relief Initiatives to Assist Victims of West, Texas Fertilizer Plant Explosion

RoundRockExpress_2013-04-19

 

ROUND ROCK, Texas – The Round Rock Express announced Friday their plans to aid in relief the victims of the devastating fertilizer plant explosion in West, Texas on Wednesday.

During the entire four-game series against the New Orleans Zephyrs starting on Saturday, fans can donate items for the victims and residents of West. Items will be collected outside of Dell Diamond near the home plate entrance starting at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Monday and Tuesday and 11:30 a.m. on Sunday. Donations will be accepted up until 30 minutes after the scheduled first pitch.

The following items are currently needed the most: personal hygiene items and toiletries, phone chargers, pillows, baby care items (diapers, wipes, baby food, etc.), non-perishable food items, new socks and underwear, bottled water, bedding, and pet food and supplies.

To thank fans for their donations, the Express will provide them with a pair of general admission tickets to that night’s game. If tickets have already been purchased for that game, they will receive a Be Our Guest pass, good for two reserved seats to a future game, Sunday – Thursday.

The Express will deliver all donations to West, Texas following the homestand.

A moment of silence will be observed for the victims of the tragic explosion before the start of the game on Saturday.

For more information on the Express, visit www.RoundRockExpress.com or call (512) 255-2255.

 

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

51s Team Up With Donate Life Nevada – Sat., April 13

51s Landon Powell to participate in Donate Life Nevada

LasVegas51s_2013-04-11

 

LAS VEGAS: The Las Vegas 51s professional baseball team of the Pacific Coast League (PCL), Triple-A affiliate of the New York Mets, will host “Donate Life Nevada” Night on Saturday, April 13 against the Colorado Springs Sky Sox, Triple-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, at 7:05 p.m. at Cashman Field, to help promote awareness of the need for organ donors.  The first 2,500 fans through the gates will also receive a 51s Fleece Blanket Night, sponsored by Nevada Donor Network.

Donate Life Nevada is proud to team up with the 51s to bring awareness to the critical shortage of lifesaving organs, celebrate the lives of those saved by transplant and honor the heroic donors who have given a second chance to so many people. Donate Life Nevada will have a table in the concourse to help fans learn how the decision to be an organ, tissue and eye donor could save or change lives of more than 60 people.

“We are excited to partner with Donate Life Nevada and to help educate the baseball fans on the importance of donating lifesaving organs,” 51s General Manager Chuck Johnson said. “We welcome all of the organ recipients that will participate with the “on field” festivities prior to the game.”

Donate Life Champion Award:

Don Logan, 51s Executive Vice President, will present fellow Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame Inductee Simon Keith with the Donate Life Champion award. Simon was a star on the soccer field for many years, including at UNLV, now he’s a supporter of organ eye and tissue donation.  Keith was the recipient of a heart transplant in 1986 (27 years ago).

“Simon has the true heart and soul of a champion, said Joe Ferreira, Nevada Donor Network CEO. “He never misses an opportunity to teach and learn from others to make the world a better place in honor of his heroic donor. He does this with his relentless care and compassion for those around him, no matter what their needs or struggles. The donation and transplant community is fortunate to have such a remarkable person as an advocate and a champion.”

Donate Life America (DLA) will work with state affiliates to present more than 50 Donate Life Champion awards to well-known athletes, teams and other role models within the sports community who have demonstrated remarkable support for donation.

More than 117,000 Americans are currently waiting for a life-saving organ transplant.

51s Catcher Landon Powell:

Catcher Landon Powell, a member of the 2013 Las Vegas 51s, will also address the crowd regarding his experiences and why he became an advocate/fundraiser for Donate Life and organ donation.

Powell suffers from autoimmune hepatitis (had the disease since birth), a genetic disorder that caused his immune system to attack the liver cells and may be a candidate for a liver transplant later on in his life. His daughter, Izzy, passed away on January 25, 2013 from a rare disease and he and his wife, Ally, donated his daughter’s tissue.

“The Donate Life charity is near and dear to my family’s heart for personal reasons,” Landon Powell said. “The organization does great work nationwide and 1 organ donor can save up to eight lives. What better way to leave this world than to be a hero by being an organ donor.”

He is in his first season in the Mets organization and played in parts of three Major League seasons with Oakland (2009-11) and caught the 19th perfect game in Major League history and was behind the plate for Dallas Braden’s Mother’s Day gem on May 9, 2010 vs. Tampa Bay.

This following links is in regards to Landon Powell’s story.

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/mets/mets-powell-opens-losing-daughter-rare-disease-article-1.1275286

http://espn.go.com/new-york/mlb/story/_/id/8868869/landon-powell-fought-autoimmune-disease-now-trying-make-new-york-mets-m

 

Important Facts – Organ Donors

1 organ donor can save up to 8 lives!

1 tissue donor can heal more than 50 people!

More than 117,000 people are waiting for life saving transplants, that’s enough to fill all the seats at Cashman Field nearly 13 times!

A new name is added to the waiting list every 10 minutes.

In Nevada, 543 people are waiting for life saving transplants.

Organ donors save the lives of more than 25,000 people every year.

Fans interested in being an organ donor are encouraged to register at http://www.nvdonor.org

The 51s are home for an eight-game homestand against Colorado Springs (April 12-16) and a four-game series against division-rival, the Sacramento River Cats, from Tuesday-Friday, April 16-19, all games at 7:05 p.m.

Season tickets and mini-plan packages (10 & 10-Game You Pick’em, 20, 33-game plans) are available by calling the 51s office at (702) 798-7825.

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

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

Wild About Reading reaches goal of 100,000 students

Program finishes its 10th year by reaching new heights

Fresno-GrizzliesWild About Reading wrapped up its 10th year with over 100,000 students enrolled in the program, the Fresno Grizzlies Community Fund announced. The 100,000+ students enrolled is the highest number of students registered in a single year for the program. Wild About Reading, presented by Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino, Educational Employees Credit Union (EECU), and PG&E, challenges students to read 10 books over five weeks with the incentive of two free tickets to a 2013 Grizzlies game at Chukchansi Park for those that reach the 10-book goal.

“Thank you to all the students and schools that helped us reach our goal,” said Grizzlies Community Fund Manager Whitney Campbell. “We are happy to have been able to reach 100,000 students with the Wild About Reading program in 2013. The educational experience of reading and reward of attending a Fresno Grizzlies baseball game will have an impact on numerous Central Valley students for years to come.”

Fresno-Grizzlies-Community-Fund-logoWild About Reading utilizes baseball to promote reading in and outside the classroom. There are 10 Grizzlies games this season in which Wild About Reading students that reached their goal are assigned to attend. The GCF will also be giving away Kindle Fires to lucky readers at Grizzlies games as well as two laptops to the school with the highest game attendance percentage.

EECU-logoThis year’s program featured a new Farm Grown magazine that was given to each student enrolled in the program. The Farm Grown magazine, published by the Grizzlies Community Fund and Farm Progress, included the program’s main story “Parker Goes To The Farm,” which teaches readers the importance of the farming industry to the Central Valley region and how food goes from farm to plate. The Farm Grown magazine also has games and puzzles with farming themes for grades K-8.

From December of 2012 to March 2013, Parker, Eddie the Owl from EECU, and the Grizzlies front office staff visited over 150 schools in the Fresno, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, and Merced counties to perform over 250 Wild About Reading kickoff assemblies.

Information about the Wild About Reading program for 2014 will be available after the Grizzlies’ 2013 season.

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

RedHawks Join Greater Oklahoma City Sports Consortium

Organization to enhance city’s profile through sports and special events

OklahomaCityRedHawks_2013-03-30

 

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City RedHawks announced they have joined the newly-formed Greater Oklahoma City Sports Consortium. The non-profit organization’s goal is to raise the economy and overall profile of the Oklahoma City metro area through sports and special events.

The organization will be governed by a 15-member board. The RedHawks will occupy one of 12 permanent slots, featuring the area’s most influential members in the sports and special event industry. RedHawks President/General Manager Michael Byrnes will serve as the team’s representative on the board.

“We’re very happy to be part of this initiative,” Byrnes said. “Annually we host 72 RedHawks games, the Bedlam Series, and the Phillips 66 Big 12 Baseball Championship, so anything we can do to continue to attract large-scale events to Oklahoma City will benefit the entire sports community.”

Other permanent members of the Greater Oklahoma City Sports Consortium include All Sports Association, Amateur Softball Association, City of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma City Boathouse Foundation, Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau, Oklahoma City Thunder, Oklahoma City University, Oklahoma State Fair, Prodigal, SMG, and University of Central Oklahoma.

“This is another great example of private industry, government, and sports franchises coming together for the betterment of Oklahoma City and its surrounding communities,” said Chairman of the Greater Oklahoma City Sports Consortium Bob Funk, Jr. “The Sports Consortium will provide a platform for communication and collaboration between the various entities involved in sports and special events.”

The RedHawks begin their 2013 home schedule Friday, April 12 at 7:05 p.m. against the Memphis Redbirds. For more information on single-game tickets, partial season ticket packages or group outings, please call the RedHawks at (405) 218-1000 or visit okcredhawks.com.

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

Sky Sox and Domino’s Pizza Announce New Charity Spotlight

The Colorado Springs Sky Sox are proud to announce today a new partnership with Domino’s pizza that will showcase local charities. The new joint venture has been named the “Charity Spotlight” and is designed to help charities in the Colorado Springs area. In the current economic environment, many charities are working harder than ever to meet budgets to support the ever increasing demand for their services.  Domino’s wants to provide these charities with an opportunity to market themselves and raise awareness for their causes at Security Service Field during the Sky Sox 2013 season free of charge.

Through their partnership with the Sky Sox during the 2013 baseball season, Domino’s will provide charities in Colorado Springs the opportunity to market themselves through the “Charity Spotlight” at one of 35 Sky Sox home games. The selected charities for the game will receive a tremendous marketing package provided free of charge by Domino’s that includes:

  1. A marketing table in the main concourse to showcase their organization
  2. Four tickets to the game and VIP Parking
  3. Public address announcement and live in-game scoreboard recognition
  4. A ceremonial first pitch
  5. On-air charity recognition during the Sky Sox broadcast on AM 1300 “The Animal”

Any charity wishing to be considered for the “Charity Spotlight” can apply online at www.skysox.com where a nomination form will be posted. Members of the community can nominate their own charity or someone else’s.

“We understand that times are extremely tough and many charities are dealing with diminished budgets”, said Domino’s Franchisee Craig Williams. “At Domino’s, we recognize the importance of the many charities here in Colorado Springs and we are exceptionally proud to team up with the Colorado Springs Sky Sox to spotlight local non-profits while providing them with a night of fun they will never forget.”

“The Sky Sox are honored to partner with Domino’s to provide this excellent program”, said Sky Sox President and General Manager Tony Ensor. “These charities are an integral part of Colorado Springs and we are proud to lend a helping hand in this effort.”

For more information please contact Alyce Bofferding at (719) 304-5625 or through e-mail at abofferding@skysox.com.

Click here for the nomination form
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Colorado Springs Sky Sox. Click here to view the original story.

Boux, Clotile flex their muscles for MDA

Zephyr Field hosts MDA’s third annual Muscle Walk

NewOrleansZephyrs_2013-03-11

 

Zephyr Field was home to the third annual Muscle Walk hosted by the Greater New Orleans Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) on Saturday, March 9.

The venue served as a backdrop for more than 700 supporters and friends, as they took the field for a walk around the park in support of muscular dystrophy research. Participants marched around the warning track of the stadium with the “Pocket Aces” brass band leading the way.

The event drew laughter, music, and even a cupcake eating contest sponsored by the Kupcake Factory.

Boudreaux and Clotile welcomed friends to their home, including Gumbo and Sir Saint from the New Orleans Saints, Bones and Mojo from the New Orleans Voodoo, along with the Voodoo Dolls. All mascots and participants took part in a dance competition, crafts for kids, and a fire truck display courtesy of the Jefferson Parish Fire Department.

Each year the Muscular Dystrophy Association hosts Muscle Walks across the country to help raise funds for research and medical support, the largest event of its kind in the United States. This year, the event raised $50,000.00 to support local MDA initiatives.

“Our annual family-reunion style fundraiser is not just about raising funds to help in the fight against muscle disease and ALS,” said April Catarella, MDA Executive Director-New Orleans.  “It’s about getting our families together and raising awareness with the public. This year, we couldn’t have been more excited to have Zephyr Field graciously host this event. Each year we continue to grow, and the facility really enabled us to expand and create a truly memorable experience for our families. Not to mention the unique opportunity to have a second-line around the field.”

“Their staff also went above and beyond in accommodating our needs. We hope to have found our Muscle Walk home for years to come.”

MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research.  The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education.

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

Aces Foundation, Jakks Pacific to Donate 15,000 Toys

Toys will go to Northern Nevada children’s charities

Kids from Boys and Girls Club of Truckee Meadows Early Learning Program select toys during today's press conference at Aces Ballpark. (David Calvert / Reno Aces)
Kids from Boys and Girls Club of Truckee Meadows Early Learning Program select toys during today’s press conference at Aces Ballpark. (David Calvert / Reno Aces)

For Immediate Release
Aug. 29, 2012

RENO, Nev.–The Reno Aces Foundation, in partnership with leading US toy company JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (Nasdaq: JAKK) will distribute 15,000 toys over the next month to underprivileged and deserving children throughout Northern Nevada, the Reno Aces Baseball Club announced at a press event this morning.

The toys will be distributed to children through various non-profit organizations in the Reno-Sparks area, including Renown Children’s Hospital, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Nevada, Volunteers for America, Boys and Girls Club of Truckee Meadows, Children’s Cabinet, Salvation Army and the Committee to Aid Abused Women.

“Through my friendship with Stephen Berman, of JAKKS Pacific, I have come to know he is a very generous and giving person who cares deeply about people,” said Herb Simon, owner of the Reno Aces. “We are so grateful to Stephen and JAKKS Pacific for this opportunity to bring some happiness to many deserving children in the community.”

US. Foods, one of the nation’s leading foodservice distributors, has partnered with the Aces and JAKKS Pacific to aid in the storage, delivery and distribution of the toys.

“Our partnership with Herb Simon and Reno Aces Foundation is a very special one for us,” said Stephen Berman, CEO of JAKKS Pacific. “We are thrilled to bring smiles and laughter to thousands of youths in the Reno-Sparks area through this important partnership. We are thankful to the Reno Aces Foundation for the hard work they put into this event and the invaluable services they provide to the community.”

The Reno Aces Foundation, the nonprofit division of Northern Nevada’s first Triple-A Baseball franchise, seeks to use professional baseball as a vehicle for making a positive impact within the communities that comprise Northern Nevada and the surrounding region. The foundation focuses its efforts on supporting youth and family initiatives. Through providing unique experiences, underwriting unmet expenses and using professional baseball as a channel to accomplish greater goals, the Reno Aces Foundation is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of people throughout the region.

JAKKS Pacific, one of the top five United States toy companies, is a California-based company that has been designing, developing, producing and marketing toys and consumer products for children and adults around the world since 1995. JAKKS Cares is the philanthropic arm of JAKKS Pacific and since inception has donated over $50 million in toys, school supplies and monetary endowments to millions of underprivileged children around the world.

 

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

‘Topes Host 130 Participants for Second Youth Baseball Clinic

The Albuquerque Isotopes hosted 130 participants in their second of two McDonalds Youth Skills Baseball Clinics on Saturday morning at Isotopes Park.

Follow an opening reception from the Isotopes team, Manager Lorenzo Bundy, hitting coach John Valentin, pitching coach Glenn Dishman, strength and conditioning coach Brandon McDaniel; pitchers Michael Antonini, Blake Johnson, Derrick Loop, Scott Rice, Will Savage; infielders Joe Becker and Alex Castellanos, and outfielders Jerry Sands and Brian Cavazos-Galvez offered one-on-one instructions to kids ages 5-15 on a variety of baseball fundamentals.

Clinic participants were divided into groups and rotated through a series of stations including; throwing, bullpen, outfield, conditioning, infield, and hitting. Each station ran nearly 30 minutes to provide ample opportunity for each participant to fully take part in all of the baseball action.

After each group had a chance to try each station, those in attendance were served lunch courtesy of McDonald’s in the picnic pavilion. ‘Topes players and coaches concluded the clinic by spending time with the participants and signing autographs.

The Isotopes hosted a combined total of 242 participants for both clinics.

Rainiers, Union Bank Homer For Kids

South Sound organizations help send kids to baseball camp

TacomaRainiers_2012-08-03

 

TACOMA, Wash. — The Tacoma Rainiers and Union Bank have partnered with the Boys and Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound to swing for the fences and send underprivileged youth to baseball camp this summer. For every home run hit by a Rainiers player during home games played from July 12th-August 20th, Union Bank has pledged to donate $50 toward scholarships to the Boys and Girls Club baseball camp held at Cheney Stadium on Tuesday, August 21st. The Rainiers have committed to matching the donation contributed by Union Bank and will give an equal amount dedicated to sponsoring underprivileged youth at this year’s camp.

“Investing in the youth in our communities is a priority for Union Bank, and we are delighted to partner with the Tacoma Rainiers to further strengthen our relationship with Boys and Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound,” said Maryetta Williams, Union Bank’s SVP and Regional Manager for the bank’s South Puget Sound branches. “We look forward to seeing you at Cheney Stadium and providing yet another reason to cheer for every home run hit by a Rainiers’ player.”

Along with lunch and a complimentary T-shirt, every participant at this year’s baseball camp will be provided an opportunity to interact with and learn from some of the top players and premium prospects on the Rainiers. Campers will sit in on a team meeting with Tacoma manager Daren Brown before taking part in a variety of baseball drills. An autograph session will be held at the conclusion of the camp.

The following night, Wednesday, August 22nd, every participant at the camp and their families will be treated to a night out at the ballpark as the Rainiers host a 7:05 p.m. contest against the Las Vegas 51s.

For any additional information regarding this year’s camp or to donate a scholarship for a camper, please contact Jinnie Hanson, Director of Marketing and Communications for the Boy and Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound, at (253) 502-4618 or by emailing hansonj@bgcsps.org.

To purchase season tickets, group packages or party decks for the 2012 season, please call (253) 752-7707 or email tickets@tacomarainiers.com. Up-to-date news and notes leading up to the season can be found at www.tacomarainiers.com and by following the Rainiers on Twitter 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.

Conger Reads at Millcreek Library

SaltLakeBees_2012-08-03

 

Bees catcher Hank Conger spent Thursday morning reading to children at Millcreek Library as part of a Salt Lake Bees Storytime event.

Conger entertained the children while reading several books, including a story about dinosaurs playing baseball. After reading, he answered questions and signed autographs.

The 24-year-old California native and Angels’ top catching prospect reiterated the importance of reading and how to make it fun.

Bees players have visited libraries across the Wasatch Front during the 2012 season to help promote reading while continuing the team’s strong tradition of community involvement.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Salt Lake Bees. Click here to view the original story.

‘Topes Host Over 100 Participants for Youth Baseball Clinic

The Albuquerque Isotopes hosted 112 participants in their first of two annual Youth Baseball Clinics on Saturday morning at Isotopes Park.

Follow an opening reception from the Isotopes team, Manager Lorenzo Bundy, hitting coach John Valentin, pitching coach Glenn Dishman, strength and conditioning coach Brandon McDaniel; pitchers Stephen Fife, Blake Johnson, Derrick Loop, Scott Rice, Will Savage, Cole St. Clair; infielders Joe Becker and Tyler Henson, and outfielders Jerry Sands and Brian Cavazos-Galvez offered one-on-one instructions to kids ages 5-15 on a variety of baseball fundamentals.

Clinic participants were divided into groups and rotated through a series of stations including; throwing, bullpen, outfield, conditioning, infield, and hitting. Each station ran nearly 30 minutes to provide ample opportunity for each participant to fully take part in all of the baseball action.

After each group had a chance to try each station, those in attendance were served lunch courtesy of McDonald’s in the picnic pavilion. ‘Topes players and coaches concluded the clinic by spending time with the participants and signing autographs.