Shoemaker Visits Shriners Hospital

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During the team’s last homestand, starting pitcher Matt Shoemaker made a visit to the in-patient wing of Shriners Hospital for Children – Salt Lake City. Shoemaker went room-to-room, spending time with patients and their families. He also took photos and signed autographs for the children.

“It was fun to see the kids smile and be able to interact with them,” said Shoemaker.

Shriners Hospitals for Children® – Salt Lake City provides state-of-the-art medical care in a family-centered environment. The colorful, light-filled hospital is designed to let children with a host of orthopaedic and neuromusculoskeletal disorders learn new skills, make friends and receive care in a safe, supportive and high-tech setting. Every staff member – from surgeons to therapists, nurses to orthotists – is dedicated to helping children achieve their best quality of life.

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

Efren Navarro Visits With Youth

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Efren Navarro knows what it is like to want to give up, but more importantly, he knows what it takes to keep going.

On Monday morning, Navarro visited with youth in the Observation and Assessment program of Utah’s Juvenile Justice Services in South Salt Lake City. He offered insight into what it is like to play professional baseball, to live out a dream and what it takes to make it happen.

“Now is an important time in your lives. You are figuring out who you are and deciding what you want to be. You don’t want to live your life with regrets,” Navarro stressed. “Work hard to achieve your dreams and don’t give up.”

Navarro also emphasized the importance of education. He shared stories of when he was in high school and not taking school as seriously as he should have. But too many people believed in him and would not let him give up so easily.

He told them that changes don’t just happen overnight even once you decide you want to make that change. It can be hard and frustrating. His advice, “keep working. And don’t give up.”
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Salt Lake Bees. Click here to view the original story.

Bees to Honor U.S. Military Personnel on Saturday, May 26

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SALT LAKE CITY – The Salt Lake Bees will honor men and women of the United States Armed Forces during Military Appreciation Night, sponsored by University of Phoenix, on Saturday, May 26 as the Bees take on the Las Vegas 51s at 6:35 p.m. The team will wear camouflage jerseys during the event.

The Bees are offering half-priced tickets for Saturday’s game, available to all military personnel and their families who provide military identification at the Spring Mobile Ballpark box office.

The pregame ceremony will include an on-field parachute jump by the Compulsive Flyers, a giant outfield flag display, the presentation of the colors by the United States Marine Corps and the performance of the national anthem by the 419th Fighter Wing Anthem Choir from Hill Air Force Base.

A concourse booth will be open throughout the game to allow fans an opportunity to send a message via postcard to active military personnel. The 419th Fighter Wing Anthem Choir will also perform “God Bless America” during the seventh-inning stretch and a postgame fireworks show will begin at the conclusion of the game.

The Salt Lake Bees return home for an eight-game homestand beginning tomorrow, Friday, May 25 against the Las Vegas 51s at 6:35 p.m. 2012 Bees season tickets are on sale now with prices starting at just $432 per person. For more information, call (801) 325-BASE or visit slbees.com.

 

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

Over 12,500 Students to Attend Prevention Dimensions Day on May 15

SALT LAKE CITY (May 12, 2012) – The Salt Lake Bees, in conjunction with the Utah State Office of Education, will host Prevention Dimensions Day at the Bees vs. Albuquerque Isotopes game on Tuesday, May 15 at 10:35 a.m. The Bees will welcome over 12,500 students to this ninth annual event at Spring Mobile Ballpark which promotes drug and alcohol prevention.

The fifth and sixth grade students in attendance will enjoy an opening ceremony featuring more than 400 Utah elementary students. Also participating in the program will be Bountiful native Tade Biesinger, star of Broadway’s hit show “Billy Elliot,” Utah’s First Lady, Jeanette Herbert, and Verne Larsen from the Utah State Office of Education.

In addition, the Bees are teaming up with the Utah Food Bank in an effort to promote service through the Prevention Dimensions curriculum while encouraging students to donate a canned food item upon entry.

Prevention Dimensions is Utah’s Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities lesson set, which supports the Utah State Office of Education pre-kindergarten through 12th grade health core. The program began in 1982 as a joint effort between the Utah State Division of Substance Abuse, Utah State Department of Health, Utah State Office of Education, and Utah State PTA, and has been revised several times since. The mission of PD is to give students a strong foundation of effective violence and substance abuse prevention skills.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Salt Lake Bees. Click here to view the original story.

Bees Players Participate in Miracle League Game

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“If I were to tell you about an organized youth baseball league, you might call it ordinary. If I were to tell you the athletes are physically and mentally challenged, you might call it touching. If you were to see them play, you would call it a miracle.”

That is the precept of The Miracle League Association. Helping children with mental and physical disabilities play the game of baseball with the assistance of buddies, there are currently over 250 Miracle League Organizations across the country and over 200,000 children and young adults with disabilities participating in these leagues.

Last Saturday morning, three Bees players participated as buddies with two teams in Salt Lake’s Miracle League. Outfielder Doug Deeds and right-handed pitchers Matt Meyer and Loek Van Mil took turns pitching, helping in the field and encouraging the youth as they made their way around the bases.

The kids were ready to play and full of enthusiasm. Deeds said, “Enthusiasm is a good word because they are living every day to the fullest. The kids are just out there playing the game and getting a lot of joy from it, doing things like running the bases and being part of a team.”

After the game, each of the kids received a baseball autographed by the players and took pictures with the players.

“Most kids are shy and timid at first then they start to warm up and give you high fives and by the end they want you to sign some autographs. It’s great seeing these kids out here,” said Meyer. “It’s great to see the kids’ faces light up and it brings you back to when you were playing as a little kid. Those memories are forever so it’s great to spend time with them.”

For more information about the Miracle League visit miracleleague.com.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Salt Lake Bees. Click here to view the original story.

McAnulty and Conger Meet With Utah’s JJS

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Hank Conger knows about challenges.

The 24-year-old Salt Lake Bees catcher was drafted out of Huntington Beach, Calif., in the first round of the 2006 MLB Draft by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Conger went from being an 18-year-old kid still living at home to being a professional baseball player out on his own within one month’s time.

Thursday, Conger spent part of his morning talking to a group at the Wasatch Youth Center in South Salt Lake about the difficult times he has encountered in professional baseball. Conger also answered questions from the crowd of around 40 youth about topics ranging from how he hits a baseball that comes at him so quickly to how he interacts with his teammates after a win.

“One of the biggest things I’ve learned as far as myself and my actions that I display is that I respect myself and, at the same time, I respect the team, the Bees, the Angels,” said Conger. “You look at yourself and respect yourself first. You tend to make better decisions in your life when you do that.”

Bees infielder/designated hitter Paul McAnulty met Wednesday morning with a group of youth at the Decker Lake Youth Center in West Valley City.

McAnulty talked about choices and how they lead you to where you are. He told the group about his choices, especially those he made earlier in his life, and how they have helped him achieve his dream of playing professional baseball.

“Choices lead you to where you are today. Some people might say it was your situation or your circumstance, but I believe you were in that situation or circumstance because of your choices,” said the Oxnard, Calif. native.

McAnulty continued with a reminder, “Don’t let other people tell you that you can’t do something. You can do or be whatever you want.”

The Bees are in the fifth year of the team’s mentoring program with Utah’s Juvenile Justice Services (JJS). The program includes player visits to facilities as well as inviting JJS groups to the ballpark for a player-given tour and tickets to a Bees game.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Salt Lake Bees. Click here to view the original story.

Wild About Reading Concludes For 2012

A record 97,000 students are striving to read 970,000 books

FRESNO, Calif. – The Fresno Grizzlies have announced that its extensive, award-winning Wild About Reading program enrolled over 97,000 students across the Central Valley in 2012, setting a new record for total enrolled students. The seven-year-old program experienced an increase of over 26,000 students from last year’s previous record of 71,000 students.

“It is amazing to see the amount of interested schools and students for Wild About Reading this year,” said Grizzlies’ Community Relations Manager Ryan Moran. “To watch the program grow to extraordinary levels over the last couple of years, we are proud of the Central Valley students that are striving to reach their reading goal and cannot wait to see them at a Grizzlies game.”

The reading program encourages students to read 10 books in five weeks. If a student reaches the goal, he or she receives two free tickets to a 2012 Grizzlies home game. Students can redeem their tickets for the specific game date designated to their school. This year’s Wild About Reading game dates are April 15, April 20, April 29, May 11, June 3 and June 10.

In addition to the goal of reading 10 books, Wild About Reading features an interactive assembly held at schools from as far north as Merced to a southern-most reach of Lemoore. In 2012, Grizzlies mascot Parker, Eddie the Owl from EECU and the Grizzlies front office staff performed the assembly at 165 schools. The program runs for three months from January to March.

Wild About Reading is presented by PG&E, National Parks Conservation Association, Educational Employees Credit Union (EECU), Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino, and Ruiz Foods.

The Fresno Grizzlies kick off their 15th season in Fresno on Friday, April 13th when they take on the Tacoma Rainiers, Triple-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. Fans are encouraged to Orange Out Opening Day for the 7:05 pm game. Tickets are available through the Chukchansi Park Box Office, online at www.FresnoGrizzlies.com or by calling 559.320.TIXS.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Fresno Grizzlies. Click here to view the original story.

‘Topes Staff Begins Belen Little League Renovations

On Tuesday, March 20, the Isotopes award-winning field staff began upgrades to Belen Little League as part of “Minor League Makeover.” The staff was met by several sponsors volunteering both time and donations to the project.

The first Albuquerque Isotopes “Minor League Makeover” turned out to be a smashing success, with Belen Little League earning a field makeover by virtue of amassing the most “Likes” in the ‘Topes’ Facebook contest.

Belen got the word out early and racked up a total of 4,718 likes and 813 shares, barely holding off West Gate Little League, which accumulated 4,682 likes. The 13 fields participating in the contest ended up generating a total of 13,865 total likes and 1,515 total shares, testament to the passion the area has for Little League baseball.

The Isotopes field staff will continue refurbishment to Belen’s Little League field throughout the day on March 20th. The Home Depot has also decided to chip in on the effort, providing fences and dugout materials. The makeover is scheduled to include field surface refurbishment, outfield fence repair, and dugout renovation.

 

 

 

Grizzlies To Host Inaugural Golf Tournament

Proceeds from the event to benefit Fresno Community Food Bank

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FRESNO, Calif. – The Fresno Grizzlies will host their inaugural golf outing on Wednesday, June 6th and is scheduled to be played at Copper River Country Club. The event, presented by Crown Jewels Produce and the Fresno Grizzlies Community Fund (GCF), will benefit the Fresno Community Food Bank and the GCF. Grizzlies fans will enjoy a round of golf with friends, co-workers, and business associates while supporting two local non-profit organizations. The field is limited to 144 golfers or 36 teams of four members.

Participants in the outing will also have the opportunity to golf alongside Fresno Grizzlies players and coaches at the event. There are a limited number of players and coaches participating, however, so it is recommended golfers register for the event early, as groups will be formed on a first come, first serve basis.

In addition to the 18 holes of golf, registration also includes lunch before the tournament, a bucket of range balls, free beverages provided at holes 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15, a post-tournament mixer with drinks and hors d’oeuvres, team photo, and sponsored giveaway items.

Several sponsorship packages are available for the golf outing:

    • Individual Player Registration ($250)

Includes: Single Player Green Fees & Cart, Two mid-week ticket vouchers to a Grizzlies game

    • Grizzlies Team Pack ($800)

Includes: One team of four golfers, Four ticket vouchers to a Grizzlies game per player

    • Grizzlies Gold Pack ($2,500)

Includes: Two teams of four golfers, Hole Sponsor, Two ticket voucher packs (10 tickets per pack) per player

    • Grizzlies Platinum Pack ($3,000)

Includes: Three teams of four golfers, Hole Sponsor, $250 in Pro Shop Credit, One Luxury Suite Night for a mid-week Grizzlies game

    • Grizzlies Diamond Pack ($3,500)

Includes: One team of three golfers, teamed with a Grizzlies player or coach, Hole Sponsor, $350 in Pro Shop Credit, One Owner’s Suite Night for a mid-week Grizzlies game

Additional sponsorship opportunities are available, such as tee box sponsor, green sponsor, longest drive, closest to the pin, and much more. To register or seek more information, please contact Director of Corporate Sales Jerry James or Account Executive Chris Curry of the Fresno Grizzlies front office or by calling 559.320.HITS.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Fresno Grizzlies. Click here to view the original story.

United Way Pancake Breakfast

United Way of Central Oklahoma, the Central Oklahoma Combined Federal Campaign, the State Charitable Campaign, and the Heart of the City Campaign officially began their 2011 fundraising campaigns Friday, September 9 at a pancake breakfast at RedHawks Field at Bricktown.

At the morning event, Campaign Chair, Martha Burger, announced a fundraising goal of $21.2 million before a crowd of more than 850. The community campaign runs September 9 through November 18, 2011.

That evening, RedHawks Field at Bricktown held a movie night for the United Way of Central Oklahoma donors, volunteers, and employees. Guests enjoyed popcorn, snacks, and drinks while watching a movie from the outfield grass.

Guests enjoying pancakes cooked by local celebrities and public figures.

All-American Blood Drive

The Oklahoma City RedHawks and OBI (Oklahoma Blood Institute) hosted the All-American Blood Drive to help ensure Oklahoma’s blood supply on Independence Day weekend 2011.

The motto of the day: FEEL GOOD. GIVE BLOOD.

The event was held at RedHawks Field at Bricktown from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, July 1, 2011. Oklahomans were encoured to give blood (if 16 years of age and older) to receive 2 tickets to the RedHawks 4th of July game and fireworks show. Free parking and hotdogs were also available on July 1st for all of the blood donors. All that just for giving blood and showing Oklahoman pride!

Celebrity Softball Game Delivers Fun and Funds

The Albuquerque Isotopes’ first celebrity softball game turned out to an immense hit, as around 30 celebrities ended up raising $10,000 for YDI in Albuquerque.

Billed as “Breaking Bad” vs. “In Plain Sight,” the game featured actors from those two shows as well as others shooting projects in the area, such as Cobie Smulders from “How I Met Your Mother,” and even local luminaries like Mayor of Albuquerque Richard J. Berry.

Each roster also featured a number of local news celebrities including Dean Staley and Jessica Garate from KRQE 13, Jeremy Jojola from KOB 4, Chief Meterologist Joe Diaz from KOAT 7, and Nikki Stanzione and Kristen Van Dyke from New Mexico Style on KASA Fox 2. Assorted radio personalities TJ Trout (94 Rock), Buck, Dex and Baxter (104.1 The Edge), Jeff Siembieda (610 The Sports Animal) and Albuquerque Journal Sports Editor Randy Harrison also took part in the fun. Voice of the Isotopes Robert Portnoy and Myles Copeland from Big I 107.9 served as emcees.

Team “Breaking Bad” was managed by three-time Emmy Award winner Bryan Cranston, while the “In Plain Sight” side was helmed by the star of that program Mary McCormack. In the end, it was McCormack who ended up pulling all the right strings, leading the “In Plain Sight” team to an exciting 5-4 win.

The real winners, however, were Youth Development Inc. of Albuquerque, which was the recipient of $10,000 thanks to generous support from Wells Fargo.

All in all the game featured a lot of fun, a lot of funds, and a ton of smiles from both those participating and those fans watching.

Over 30 celebs took part in the Isotopes’ celebrity softball game benefiting YDI.

This story was originally posted on the Albuquerque Isotope’s website. Click here.  

The Heart Walk

The Heart Walk sponsored by the American Heart Association was held on April 23, 2011, at RedHawks Field at Bricktown.

The Heart Walk is held annually for people who have survived heart disease and remember those who passed away. Numerous teams comprised of friends and family affected by heart disease joined together for this cause. The American Heart Association brought together businesses and organizations to promote awareness and a healthy lifestyle. News Channel 5 covered the event as participants walked either one mile or the entire five miles.

Sounds Connect With Hearing Impaired Children

(Nashville Sounds)
(Nashville Sounds)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Three Nashville Sounds players spent part of their Monday morning at Greer Stadium as instructors for the team’s Annual Fantasy Baseball Camp for the Sylvan Park Elementary, West End Middle IB World Deaf and Hard of Hearing School, and Eakin Elementary, sponsored by Sertoma Club of Nashville.

Catcher Patrick Arlis and pitchers Justin James and Chase Wright provided hands-on instruction to a group of 35 children from the three schools.

Each of the players hosted stations for the camp attendees that featured pitching, hitting off a batting tee, and fielding. At the conclusion of camp, the three Sounds players joined the children for a picnic lunch and signed autographs.

The opportunity to take the field and receive instruction from professional baseball players was something valued by both the participants and the players.

“I like pitching, I want to practice throwing the ball real far, too, and fast. I’ve met a lot of the players, they’re good teachers. They show us how to do everything and they tell us the rules so we understand. They’re always joking around with us and giving us a hard time,” said Marquis, while communicating through an interpreter using sign language.

“Any time the kids can come out and get involved, it is good for both the kids and community,” said Arlis. “It shows the involvement that the organization has here in Nashville. It’s a great experience for these area students to learn about baseball.”

“It’s an amazing feeling when you have a chance to give back to the community that supports you,” said Heather Colvin, the team’s Director of Community Relations. “Watching the kids interact with the players and seeing just how much fun they are having is what it’s all about.”

“As soon as we start mentioning baseball camp, they get excited. They can’t wait to come to the game and see the players that they worked with at camp,” said Lori Reed, an Eakin Elementary Teacher.

The camp is also the continuation of a longstanding partnership between the team and the Sertoma Club.

“We’re delighted to be here,” said Pat Clarke with the Sertoma Club. “The kids are not used to this kind of stuff because they’re not as in the mainstream. It’s a big deal to the kids to come to Greer and play baseball with the Sounds players.”

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

Hit the Books Contest Winner Announced Wednesday

The Omaha Storm Chasers awarded fourth-grader Gracie Davis this year’s Hit the Books contest winner, in a ceremony at Anderson Grove Elementary Wednesday. Davis was selected by the Storm Chasers community relations staff based on her original bookmark design.

“It was extremely difficult to choose a winner this year with so many great entries,” said Andrea Stava, the club’s Community Relations Manager. “The Omaha metro area has many talented students and we looked at thousands of great submissions. We’re excited to finally announce a winner.”

Hit the Books, the Storm Chasers’ literacy program presented by Nebraska Educational Savings Trust (NEST), has a membership of approximately 15,000 students and 1,000 teachers at 50 Omaha-area schools. Students were asked to submit original drawings for this year’s bookmark, which feature the artwork Gracie submitted this January. Bookmarks will be distributed throughout the city to each student who reaches their initial reading benchmark.

Students will have an opportunity to earn the bookmark, a pencil, a ticket to a Storm Chasers game and a prize pack for completing the program. Davis was presented with a Storm Chasers t-shirt, miniature baseball bat, Storm Chasers logo ball and various other items with the full prize pack at Wednesday’s event.