PawSox Foundation to Present “A Veterans Home Run: A 5k Walk ‘N Run” on Saturday Morning, May 19

The PawSox Foundation will again present “A Veterans Home Run: A 5K Walk ‘n’ Run” to benefit those who have served in the military. The 7th annual event is scheduled for Saturday, May 19 at 9:30 a.m., starting and finishing at McCoy Stadium. Participants receive complimentary t-shirts, food, and tickets to a PawSox game.

The event will benefit Operation Stand Down, which serves 67,800 veterans and their families, as well as other organizations. The PawSox will also again recognize the “21 Heroes,” the Pawtucket veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice in the Vietnam War.

One of the premier road races in the area, the PawSox 5K will start from the McCoy Stadium parking lot, weave through the streets of downtown Pawtucket, and finish with “a touch of home” on the PawSox’ actual baseball diamond.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE

“We have enjoyed our community partnerships with Operation Stand Down, 21 Heroes, and the many organizations who provide needed care to our veterans,” said PawSox Senior Vice President/Club Counsel Kim Miner, who also oversees the foundation. “Our 2017 race had more than twice as many participants as our 2016 race, and we are eager to see the number increase again in 2018.”

“Our veterans and those currently serving in the armed services give so much to us to ensure that our freedom and the American Dream endure,” said Pawtucket Mayor Donald Grebien. “Partnering to promote causes to support our veterans is the least that we can do. Thank you to the PawSox for working with our local organizations and investing in our community. And thank you to Operation Stand Down and Heroes 21 for ensuring that our veterans are never left behind.”

Erik Wallin, Executive Director of Operation Stand Down RI added, “Operation Stand Down Rhode Island is grateful for the continued support of the PawSox Foundation. The PawSox have demonstrated a commitment to, not only recognizing the service of our local veterans, but also to join OSDRI in giving local veterans in need a hand up. The organization has been truly committed to serving those who have served and giving back to our local heroes.”

The race is presented by National Grid, Planet Fitness, and Coast 93.3. Participants (up to 500) who register on pawsox.com will receive a free race t-shirt. Special pre-sale entry fees start today and continue through March 31. Participants may sign up at normal fees thereafter. On the day of the race, registration will open at 7:30 am and last-minute sign-ups will be accommodated for $5 more per person.

Cash prizes will be awarded to the winners. Participants receive free tickets to the May 23 PawSox game at 6:15 p.m. vs. the New York Yankees’ affiliate (Scranton/Wilkes-Barre), and are invited to take part in a pre-game parade and award ceremony.

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

PawSox Infielder Mike Miller Refurbishes Field in Hawaii with “More Than A Game”

When the grueling “every day” grind of a baseball season finally comes to an end, rarely do players opt to spend more time away from their families, and impact communities that they often have no connection to. After going back to his home in California at the conclusion of the 2017 PawSox season, Mike Miller began preparing for a new venture in Hawaii, where plans to refurbish a field on the Big Island would soon come to fruition.

Miller was awarded with the PawSox’ Sullivan Tire Community Spirit Award in 2017, an award given to a PawSox player who goes above and beyond in the Rhode Island Community. His most notable community efforts came over the All-Star Break when his comrades from “More Than A Game” flew to Pawtucket, and together refurbished Pawtucket’s Fairlawn Little League Field with PawSox Front Office members.

Also known as MTAG, More Than A game is an organization that uses baseball to impact lives domestically and around the world through field construction, equipment donation, and instructional clinics. The project executed in Hilo, Hawaii was their sixth community service project of the year, including the group’s efforts in Pawtucket.

“Mike continues to exemplify what ‘More Than A Game’ is all about,” said Marshall Murray, Miller’s longtime friend, and President/CEO of More Than A Game. “His leadership and inspiration impacts the game of baseball and communities no matter where we go.”

Miller and his team rolled up their sleeves in Hilo, Hawaii, and got back to work this November. Placing down new field turface, installing a new practice mound, and donating a beautiful new set of bleachers were all some of the more notable changes made to the field on the Big Island. Their efforts concluded with a Youth Clinic put on for over 50 kids from the Big Island’s Boys and Girls Club— Kids who will all be able to enjoy the newly conditioned field for years to come.

“Mike Miller is one of the most community-minded baseball players I have had the pleasure to meet,” said PawSox President Dr. Charles A. Steinberg. “Mike’s love of the game, and his desire to attract young people to our game, was illustrated when he spent his All-Star Break physically fixing a field in Pawtucket, and now he’s spending precious off-season days refurbishing a diamond in Hawaii. He embodies the organization to which he is dedicated: ‘More Than a Game.’ He has our admiration, respect, and gratitude.”

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

Pawsox Spread Cheer at VA Medical Center and Tomorrow Fund Clinic for Annual Holiday Caravan

Today the PawSox spread cheer at the Providence VA Medical Center, and the Tomorrow Fund Clinic at Hasbro Children’s hospital during their Annual Holiday Caravan. Representing the PawSox was Hitting Coach Rich Gedman, relief pitcher Kyle Martin, and Club President, Dr. Charles Steinberg.

The PawSox presented a $3,500 check to Operation Stand Down, an organization that provides a wide range of support services to Rhode Island veterans. Accepting the check on behalf of Operation Stand Down was Executive Director Erik Wallin, and Tony DeQuattro who is President and Chairman of the Board.

After cheering up veterans in Providence, the caravan continued to Hasbro Children’s Hospital where the PawSox paid a visit to patients in the Tomorrow Fund Clinic. The check presented to the Tomorrow Fund was a cumulative representation of the PawSox support throughout the calendar year.

Rich Gedman, Kyle Martin, and Jerry Remy will be back in Pawtucket tomorrow at 11am for the PawSox’ 3rd Annual Enchanted Village Holiday Party.

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

PawSox Present 3rd Annual Veterans Day Steak Dinner

The Pawtucket Red Sox tonight presented their 3rd annual “Veterans Day Steak Dinner” in the PawSox’ Clubhouse at venerable McCoy Stadium in Pawtucket. At the event, PawSox President Dr. Charles Steinberg presented a ceremonial check from the PawSox Foundation for $5,000 that will be distributed to various veterans causes this year.

The primary funding source for the donation was the successful “Veterans Home Run: A 5K Walk ‘n’ Run” this past spring that drew more than three times as many participants (289) as the preceding year (93).

Tonight’s honorees were members of such organizations as Operation Stand Down, Chapter 3 of the Pawtucket Disabled American Veterans, Central Falls American Legion Post 79, Newport VFW Post 406, the YWCA of Rhode Island Gateway to Independence, and the Rhode Island Military Organization.

Participants enjoyed a homemade four-course steak dinner prepared by PawSox Chef Rob Gemma, a native of West Warwick who now lives in Cranston, Rhode Island.

Guests also received gifts from the club and a tour of the PawSox’ Hall of History.

“We hope a hot homemade dinner on a cold November night in a warm baseball environment brings joy to our veterans,” Steinberg said. “We also hope that the funds the PawSox Foundation distributes throughout Rhode Island help even more members of this special community to whom we owe so much.

“As we launch our third season with the PawSox, we plan to continue our nightly ‘In Debt to a Vet’ ceremony, increase participation in our ‘Veterans Home Run,’ and increase the impact of the PawSox Foundation for veterans organizations throughout our state.”

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

PawSox Foundation to Unveil Second Class of PawSox Scholars this Friday Afternoon at McCoy Stadium

For the second straight year, the PawSox Foundation has selected a pair of local middle schoolers, each of whom will receive a college scholarship of $10,000. One child is from Joseph Jenks Middle School in Pawtucket and the other from Calcutt Middle School in Central Falls.

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

PawSox Welcome Families and Children for Second Annual Trick or Treat at McCoy Stadium on Halloween

For the second straight year, the Pawtucket Red Sox invite families and children to Trick or Treat on Halloween at McCoy Stadium from 3-6 p.m.  The free event on Tuesday, October 31, includes candy, visits with Paws and Sox, as well as the music and décor of the season.

Families can enter through the Main Gate, visit the Halloween version of the PawSox’ Hall of History, and even take pictures at the field on the warning track.

“Halloween is a special day for children, and we at the PawSox are eager to contribute to their joy,” said PawSox President, Dr. Charles A. Steinberg.  “Whether it’s a piece of their favorite candy or a hug from an embraceable polar bear, we hope to provide a smile-inducing environment with some magical memories for the little ones in our neighborhood.”

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

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Pawsox to Host Thanksgiving Food Basket Drive with First Lady of Pawtucket

The PawSox are teaming up with Lauren Grebien (The First Lady of Pawtucket) to help feed those in need by distributing food baskets on November 21 from 9am-5pm, the Tuesday before Thanksgiving.

This year’s goal is to fill 650 baskets of food for underprivileged families in Pawtucket and Central Falls, and we need your help.

If you are interested in volunteering your time, please contact Sandy Benson at (401)-728-6554.

Those who are unable to donate food or volunteer, but would like to make a financial contribution, please reach out to Herb Weiss, City of Pawtucket’s Economic & Cultural Affairs Officer at 401-728-0500 ext. 437.

The PawSox and the City of Pawtucket would like to thank you in advance for your generosity.

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

PawSox Begin 2nd Year of Pioneering Partnership with “Mentor Rhode Island” at Pawtucket’s Agnes E. Little Elementary School

Here is a link to the original story on the team’s website.

 

The Pawtucket Red Sox today announced that they will continue their pioneering mentor program with elementary school students in partnership with MENTOR Rhode Island. Last year, the PawSox became Pawtucket’s first partner of the organization that coordinates and operates mentoring throughout Rhode Island. For the second consecutive year, PawSox front office members will serve as mentors to children at Agnes E. Little Elementary School.

Each week, staff members visit the nearby school and spend an hour with individual children. Last year, the students were third graders. To provide continuity this year, the staff will mentor some of those same children, who are now in fourth grade.

“Whether we were sharing pizza, trying out a guitar, or taking a walk on the playground, the visits were so rewarding for us,” said PawSox President Dr. Charles A. Steinberg. “You looked forward to the smile that awaited you, and you let the conversation go wherever the child took it. It’s a wonderful way to gain insight to the lives of these thoughtful, sensitive young people in our community.”

“The relationships formed from mentoring have a profoundly positive impact on students, and helps broaden their perspectives of the world,” said Michael Gilmore, the school’s principal. “We are excited to be kicking off another year of this partnership, and everyone from the teachers to the students are looking forward to seeing the PawSox Front office staff back in our building, as part of our school community.”

Formerly known as the “Rhode Island Mentoring Partnership,” MENTOR Rhode Island supports the services of various programs statewide that provide more than 4,000 mentors to more than 5,000 students. It also directly operates programs in five other cities and towns: Warwick, Woonsocket, Newport, Middletown, and Cranston. The program established in January of 2017 was their first in Pawtucket.

“MENTOR Rhode Island is thrilled to continue and expand our partnership with the PawSox and the Agnes E. Little Elementary School with the second year of our Pawtucket Mentor Program,” said Jo-Ann Schofield, President and CEO of MENTOR Rhode Island. “The PawSox have been amazing and dedicated partners by providing the inaugural mentors for the children of their host community. Every PawSox staff member who served as a mentor last year has eagerly returned along with some additional recruits. We are hopeful other businesses will follow the PawSox’ example and provide mentors to the program so we can expand to serve more students. We are so grateful for the PawSox making this program possible.”

“We are grateful to Jo-Ann Schofield, to Michael Gilmore, and to the teachers and administrators in Pawtucket’s city school system for the inspiring work they do every day,” Steinberg said. “They make a difference.

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

PawSox and Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza Team Up with Family Service RI on “Walk to School Day”

Here is a link to the original story on the team’s website.

On Wednesday, October 4, the PawSox celebrated National Walk to School Day in the city of Providence. The club joined forces with Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza and Family Service RI to help make sure that students arrived to school safely and on time.

“Studies have shown that walking your child to school in the morning can help prevent chronic absenteeism, a problem that many schools in our community are facing,” said PawSox Director of Communications & Community Relations, Joe Bradlee. “We hope that our mascot Paws made walking to school a memorable experience for some of the students at Fogarty Elementary School.”

Joining the PawSox and Mayor Elorza on the walking route were also members of the Providence Fire Department.

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

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PawSox Foundation Presents Tomorrow Fund with Donation of $21,156

The PawSox Foundation today presented $21,156 to the Tomorrow Fund at Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Providence, RI, to help families of children who are battling cancer. The funds are generated at the PawSox’ nightly “Hurl the Pearl” contest presented by six local Honda dealers.

“Childhood Cancer is one of the primary areas of focus of the PawSox Foundation,” said PawSox President Dr. Charles Steinberg. “We are inspired by the great work and good deeds of the Tomorrow Fund, and we are pleased to help their efforts. Talking to the families who have benefited from their care, we recognize what a treasure Rhode Island has in the Tomorrow Fund.”

Tomorrow Fund Executive Director Lisa Abbenante received the donation from a PawSox contingent that included Steinberg, as well as Julie Hershkowitz (Director of Client Services), Mike Lyons (Account Executive, Partnerships) Joe Bradlee (Director of Communications & Community Relations), Jackie Dempsey (Special Assistant to the President), and team mascots Paws and Sox.

At each game, fans purchase soft white baseballs and throw them at a Honda circling the field. Their donations go to the Tomorrow Fund. (Fans who toss balls through the open sun roof receive a PawSox Prize Pack of souvenirs.)

Last year, fans raised $10,008 for the charity.

 

The local Honda Dealers who sponsor the promotion (and provide the decorated vehicle) are Balise Honda, Grieco Honda, Herb Chambers Honda, Majestic Honda, Saccucci Honda, and Colonial Honda of Dartmouth.

For the second straight year, the PawSox helped launch Childhood Cancer Awareness Month (September) in their final weekend of the season.

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

PawSox and Jordan’s Furniture Donate Record Amount of Equipment to the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket

For the fourth year in a row, the PawSox teamed up with Jordan’s furniture and collected new/used baseball equipment during the 2017 season to benefit aspiring young baseball players at the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket.

At every home game, fans were invited to donate equipment in red barrels that were located directly inside the Main Gate at McCoy Stadium. This season the barrels filled up quicker than ever, and the PawSox were able to donate more equipment than they ever have to the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket.

“This equipment changes lives,” said Jim Hoyt, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket. “We’d once again like to thank the Pawtucket Red Sox and Jordan’s Furniture for their generosity.”

“Dropping the equipment off to the Boys & Girls Club at the end of each season is something that we look forward to every year,” said PawSox Director of Communications & Community Relations, Joe Bradlee. “We’re able to see first-hand the impact we are making on so many young athletes in the area.”

The PawSox would like to thank our fans who came out to the ballpark this season and made a difference for our local youth.

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

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PawSox Break Ground with RIBCTC in City of Woonsocket

  On Tuesday, September 5, the Rhode Island Building & Construction Trades Council and the Pawtucket Red Sox announced their organizations’ newly formed charitable partnership, Building Baseball.

The concession stand will be in use by next baseball season, and will allow Nap Lajoie Field in the City of Woonsocket to be eligible for state and regional tournament play.

“We are grateful Building Baseball has chosen our city as its first project to enhance our Little League field,” said Woonsocket Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt. “The concession stand will fulfill the final requirement for utilizing the Napoleon “Nap” Lajoie Field for tournament play. I am looking forward with great anticipation and am extremely excited for the use of the concession stand and press box during next year’s baseball season.”

“One of the most vital tenets of the Building Trades is giving back to the communities where we work and raise our families,” said Michael F. Sabitoni, President of the Rhode Island Building & Construction Trades Council (RIBCTC). “We know the positive impact the game of baseball has on youth and the life lessons it teaches. Through the Building Baseball collaboration with the PawSox, our highly skilled union tradesmen and women can volunteer their time and expertise to assist in the restoration and rejuvenation of ball parks, as well as inspire more passion for the sport.”

“As Rhode Island’s professional baseball organization, we are excited to enhance our support of the Ocean State’s Little Leagues by collaborating with the hard working men and women of the Rhode Island Building Trades,” said Dr. Charles Steinberg, President, Pawtucket Red Sox. “Our goal is to spark more children and young athletes to participate in the game and benefit from all the opportunities it provides. Our combined efforts through the Building Baseball partnership will translate into safer and more welcoming ballparks in Rhode Island’s communities.”

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

PawSox and Rhode Island Blood Center to Host Second Annual 9/11 Blood Drive at McCoy Stadium

For the second year in a row, the Pawtucket Red Sox and the Rhode Island Blood Center are teaming up on September 11 to host a “Day of Remembrance” Blood Drive in the Visiting Clubhouse at McCoy Stadium. The drive will take place from 1:00pm-8:30pm, and fans who donate blood will receive a $5 Dunkin’ Donuts Gift Card and a PawSox Baseball Cap.

Last year on the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, members of the PawSox community set a club record by donating 71 units of blood for the Rhode Island Blood Center at McCoy Stadium. PawSox blood drives in past years had garnered less than a dozen units.

“When America was attacked on 9-11, it affected us, unified us, and inspired us to do what we could to help,” said PawSox President Dr. Charles A. Steinberg. “The PawSox commemorate this spirit with our annual ‘Day of Remembrance’ Blood Drive, when again, we come together as a community to do what we can–this time to save the lives of our friends and neighbors.”

There are over 370,000 people in Rhode Island who are eligible to donate blood, but only about 5% of the state’s population donates on a regular basis. Over 200 units of blood are needed each day by the RIBC, which is where people in the PawSox Community can make a difference.

“It’s important for more people to begin donating blood and try to give as often as possible,” said Kara LeBlanc, Communications Manager of the Rhode Island Blood Center. “Unfortunately, we live in a world where disasters happen too frequently. Because blood donations take two days to test and process, it is the blood on the shelves from regular donors that save lives.”

Fans who donate blood will also be able to take photos on the field, and take a trip down the PawSox Hall of History.

For more information, please contact PawSox Director of Communications and Community Relations, Joe Bradlee, at jbradlee@pawsox.com

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

Rhode Island Building & Construction Trades Council and the Pawtucket Red Sox announce newly formed charitable partnership, Building Baseball

The Rhode Island Building & Construction Trades Council and the Pawtucket Red Sox are proud to announce their organizations’ newly formed charitable partnership, Building Baseball. By combining their talent and resources, Building Baseball aims to further advance the revitalization of Little League fields and Babe Ruth ball parks in urban and underserved communities throughout the state. Its first project will be the construc-tion of a state-of-the-art concession stand at the Lajoie Little Leaue Field in Woonsocket.

“One of the most vital tenets of the Building Trades is giving back to the communities where we work and raise our families,” explains Michael F. Sabitoni, President of the Rhode Island Building & Construction Trades Council (RIBCTC). “We know the positive impact the game of baseball has on youth and the life lessons it teaches. Through the Building Baseball collaboration with the PawSox, our highly skilled union tradesmen and women can volunteer their time and expertise to assist in the restoration and rejuvenation of ball parks, as well as inspire more passion for the sport.”

The RILBTC is a coalition of sixteen (16) local trade unions with over 9,500 members in and around the state. Since its inception, it craftsmen and women have volunteered their time and skills in local construction pro-jects that serve our communities.

“As Rhode Island’s professional baseball organization, we are excited to enhance our support of the Ocean State’s Little Leagues by collaborating with the hard working men and women of the Rhode Island Building Trades,” states Dr. Charles Steinberg, President, Pawtucket Red Sox. “Our goal is to spark more children and young athletes to participate in the game and benefit from all the opportunities it provides. Our combined efforts through the Building Baseball partnership will translate into safer and more welcoming ballparks in Rhode Island’s communities.”

Not only will the concession stand at Lajoie Field add more convenience and a better experience for players and spectators, it will allow the city to host tournaments.

“We are grateful Building Baseball has chosen our city as its first project to enhance our Little League field,” states Woonsocket Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt. “The concession stand will fulfill the final requirement for utiliz-ing the Napoleon “Nap” Lajoie Field for tournament play. I am looking forward with great anticipation and am extremely excited for the use of the concession stand and press box during next year’s baseball season.”

Building Baseball will also offer other communities the opportunity to apply for services at their ballparks in the near future.
For more information contact: Gina Fattore at gina@neliunapr.org, 401.374.1012 or Joe Bradlee at jbradlee@pawsox.com 401.724.7300.

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

Mayor James A. Diossa teams up with PawSox for “PLAY BALL SUMMER” Initiative

Central Falls, RI – Mayor James A. Diossa and the Pawtucket Redsox will host Central Falls Youth youth in various baseball activities as part of the United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) continued support of the “PLAY BALL SUMMER” initiative, which focuses on the fun nature of baseball and encourages an active and healthy lifestyle for kids in all communities. During the Summer of 2017 mayors are implementing the initiative throughout cities with the goal of strengthening the connection of communities with the National Pastime.

The National Mayor’s Play Ball initiative will at Higginson Avenue Sports Complex will take place from 10am-12pm. PawSox players will be out running drills and competitions for youth of all ages including a baseball game and home run derby.

Mayors across the country are hosting similar activities to engage citizens, families, and city departments to organize individual and community events (such as playing catch, running bases in the backyard, family gatherings, park and recreation activities, business-supported activities, etc.). These activities will be focused on exposing children to the sport of baseball and providing a fun opportunity to remain active throughout the summer.

“Baseball is America’s favorite past time and a great way to engage our youth, especially in urban communities like Central Falls,” stated Mayor James A. Diossa. “There is no better way to do so than together with the Pawtucket Red Sox. I’d like to thank the U.S. Conference of Mayors for this initiative.”

“The PawSox are happy to be teaming up with Mayor Diossa on this exciting and worthy initiative,” said PawSox Executive Vice President & General Manager, Dan Rea. “It’s our job to keep our local youth excited about baseball and we hope they have some fun with our ballplayers on Wednesday.”

Per Milb: “On May 18, MLB announced that baseball and softball combined to rank as the most participated team sports in the United States in 2016 (25 million participants), according to the annual Topline Participation Report produced by the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA). Overall baseball participation increased by 7.7 percent and slow-pitch softball participation increased by 8.1 percent in 2016, with casual participation in both baseball and slow-pitch softball showing the highest growth. In 2016, casual participation in baseball rose by 18.1 percent and slow-pitch softball increased by 12.4 percent. Casual participation in baseball and slow-pitch softball is up 34 percent over the last five years. When combined, baseball and softball (fast-and slow-pitch) have more casual participants than any other sport (10.25 million).”

The PLAY BALL initiative with the USCM focuses on recruiting cities to promote and support PLAY BALL through the use of baseball-related activities. Primary targets are cities with Major League and Minor League Baseball clubs, although the initiative toolkit and self-reporting strategy will be electronically distributed to hundreds of cities across the country with the assistance of Major League Baseball.

Local leaders and citizens will report their activities to PLAYBALL.org via usmayors.org. The site provides parents, coaches and kids with information on how to get involved with PLAY BALL activities as well as how to join community baseball leagues. Coaching tips and video tutorials from Major League Baseball players and coaches are also a prominent component of the site.

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