SeaWolves Announce Chace Numata Scholarship

Purchase a Chace Numata T-shirt. Proceeds benefit the Chace Numata Scholarship

Chace Numata Scholarship Information and Application

The Erie SeaWolves, Double-A Affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, announced today that the team has established the Chace Numata Scholarship in honor of the SeaWolves catcher who tragically passed away in September.

The SeaWolves Community Fund will award a minimum of four (4) $1,000 scholarships annually to Erie-area senior student-athletes participating in varsity baseball or softball. Honorees will be selected based on their accomplishments, contributions to a team, and their positive impact on the lives of others.

Fundraising efforts for the scholarship will begin immediately. Starting today, fans can purchase Chace Numata yellow jersey tees featuring his number (#10) and the hashtag #LiveLikeNumi. Numata T-shirts are available at the UPMC Park Team Store and online at SeaWolves.com. All proceeds from T-shirt sales will benefit the scholarship. Additional fundraising efforts will be announced in the near future.

Those wishing to donate to the Chace Numata Scholarship can send checks payable to the SeaWolves Community Fund to:

SeaWolves Community Fund

ATTN: Numi Scholarship

110 E. 10th Street

Erie, PA 16501

Scholarship applications are now being accepted. Completed applications will be due by February 15, 2020. All candidates for the scholarship must be nominated by a teacher or coach. The teacher or coach must attach a letter of recommendation describing the candidate’s:

  1. Positive impact on the lives of others
  2. Contributions to improving a team
  3. Accomplishments on and off the field
  4. Experiences or traits that make the candidate an exceptional scholarship nominee

Eligible student applicants must meet the following criteria:

  1. College-bound senior currently attending high school and playing varsity baseball or varsity softball in Erie County, PA.
  2. Must be attending a 4-year college or university in the fall of 2020; candidate is NOT required to participate in collegiate athletics.
  3. Minimum grade point average of 2.5.
  4. Demonstrate the value of being a good teammate and a kind, positive influence on others.

A selection committee, including SeaWolves players, front office staff and the Numata family will determine the scholarship winners. There will be no discrimination regardless of gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation. The selection committee will not base its decisions in any way on the employment status of an applicant or the employment status of the applicant’s parents/guardians.

ABOUT CHACE NUMATA

Chace Numata was a switch-hitting catcher with the Erie SeaWolves, the Double-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. He passed away during the 2019 baseball season at the age of 27. “Numi” played 10 professional seasons in the Phillies, Yankees and Tigers organizations and was a leader on and off the field. He was a talented baseball player and a world-class teammate. It didn’t matter if you were a professional athlete or a young child, Chace made you feel welcome. His smile was contagious and unrelenting, and his fun-loving personality could light up any environment.

ABOUT THE SEAWOLVES COMMUNITY FUND

The SeaWolves Community Fund is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to improving the lives of children and adults in the greater Erie region. The SeaWolves Community Fund places a special emphasis on supporting youth programs focused on baseball, education, and wellness by developing partnerships with those who share in our mission.

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

VA Medical Center, Curve host veterans recognition event

 

CURVE, Pa. – The Altoona Curve and James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center will hold a joint veterans recognition event on Friday, November 8 at 9 a.m. in the second floor auditorium at the VA’s Pleasant Valley Boulevard location.

The Curve will present a donation to assist in approving the quality of life of veterans who use the local VA. The money was raised during the team’s June 7 jersey auction when Curve players and coaching staff wore specialty uniforms to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of D-Day.

“The 75th Anniversary of D-Day game was one of the most memorable nights of our 2019 season,” said Curve general manager Derek Martin. “In addition to the special uniforms that were worn, we had a World War II Stuart Tank and reenactors at the ballpark that night, which really brought to life the sense of pride we have for our veterans. Our partnership with the VA Medical Center on the D-Day jersey auction was a perfect fit and we couldn’t be more grateful for what they do for our community’s veterans.”

“The Altoona Curve have been one of our strongest community partners,” said VA Medical Center Director Sigrid Andrew, “they have demonstrated a strong commitment to our Veterans and to our local VA hospital.”

The Curve have partnered with the VA Medical Center for many years and has included the recognition of veterans at games, hospital visits by the players and staff in addition to donated tickets for disabled veterans living at the VA.

Friday’s event is part of a week-long recognition that includes 15 speaking engagements, three parades, and events at each of the VA’s five community-based outpatient clinics. The week wraps around Veterans Day (Monday, November 11) and concludes on Saturday, November 16 at 7 p.m. with the Saint Francis men’s basketball team hosting American University in their Military Appreciation Day, which they have partnered with the VA Medical Center for the past two years.

For more information, please call the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center Public Affairs at 814-943-8164 ext. 7404 or 814-569-3386.

The Altoona Curve, 2010 and 2017 Eastern League Champions, have been the Double-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates since 1999. For tickets or more information, visit AltoonaCurve.com, call 877.99.CURVE or stop by the PNG Field box office. Additionally, the Stockyard Team Store is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on non-gamedays and online 24/7/365. 

 

-CURVE-

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

FirstEnergy Stadium Pays Tribute to All who Served with Annual Veterans Day Ceremony

 

(Reading, PA) – The Reading Fightin Phils will celebrate and honor those who served on Monday, November 11thin hosting the sixth annual Veterans Day ceremony at FirstEnergy Stadium. The R-Phils, in partnership with Savage 61 Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM, will be presenting the Veterans Day Wreath in front of the Veterans Monument at FirstEnergy Stadium at 1 p.m.

All veterans and military members are encouraged to attend, and the event is open to the general public.

Local community leaders will join R-Phils front office members at the ceremony, in which the American Legion Gregg Post 12 will lay a wreath in front of the ballpark’s dog tag monument near the entrance to FirstEnergy Stadium. The monument pays tribute to all members of the United States military who sacrificed to protect the United States of America.

Snacks and refreshments will be provided by the Fightin Phils upon conclusion of the ceremony in the Steve Moyer Subaru Team Store.

Originally called Reading Municipal Memorial Stadium, FirstEnergy Stadium was completed in 1951 and was named in honor of the servicemen and women who risked their lives in defense of their country. In 1999, a statue in the form of giant dog tags was placed in front of the stadium in a special rededication ceremony to honor the area’s veterans.

Beginning with the 2014 season, the Fightins have honored a specific veteran at each home game with a ceremonial flag service. The veteran, or his or her family, is recognized with a video tribute and ovation prior to the start of the game. The flag flies by the dog tag statue at the stadium’s main entrance, and is given to the veteran or veteran’s family following the game.

Prior to the start of the 2016 season, the Fightin Phils also unveiled a permanently unoccupied black seat in FirstEnergy Stadium. This seat pays tribute to the tens of thousands of military service personnel who were prisoners of war or have been declared missing in action.

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

FirstEnergy Stadium to Host 13th Annual Eastern PA Toy Run

 

(Reading, PA) – FirstEnergy Stadium will welcome the 13th Annual Eastern PA Toy Run, presented by Classic Harley-Davidson, on Sunday, November 3rd from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Tompkins VIST Bank Plaza.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the United States Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program and The Children’s Home of Reading. Guests will be admitted to the holiday event by presenting a new, unwrapped toy of any value or by making a monetary donation that will be used to purchase additional toys for children.

Attendees who donate to the cause will also be treated to a free hot dog and drink, and enjoy live music in the VIST Bank plaza. Santa Claus will be on hand for photos from noon to 2 p.m.

Enjoy live music beginning at 12 pm with a performance by “Stupak Gallagher”

The Steve Moyer Subaru Fightin Phils Team Store will be open during the event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Everything in the store will be 20% off, with some merchandise discounted up to 50%.

Motorcycle registration for the Toy Run will begin at 9 a.m. at Classic Harley-Davidson. Santa Claus will lead the ride as it departs from Classic Harley-Davidson on Route 183 at 11 a.m. and follows a 25-mile course before arriving at America’s Classic Ballpark at approximately noon. All motorcycles, Jeeps, and classic cars are welcome to participate in the Eastern PA Toy Run with a donation of an unwrapped toy.

The Eastern PA Toy Run began in 2007 after the Berks County Toys for Tots motorcycle run was nearly cancelled due to the deployment of the Marine Corps Reserve Unit. Multiple motorcycle runs combined and teamed with the Fightin Phils in order to continue benefitting Toys for Tots in Berks and Lebanon counties as well as The Children’s Home of Reading.

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

Crosscutters Accepting Applications for Hot Stove Dinner Charity

 

The Williamsport Crosscutters are now accepting applications from area non-profits for the 14th Annual Hot Stove Dinner & Auction to take place January 15, 2020 at the Genetti Hotel in Downtown Williamsport. The event will feature ESPN’s Tim Kurkjian and other baseball celebrities to be announced.

 

Each year, a portion of the proceeds from the evening are donated to a local non-profit.  “Our Hot Stove Banquet is one of the highlights of the off season,” stated Gabe Sinicropi the team’s Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations. “We look forward to another night of fun and the opportunity to raise needed funding for a worthy local charity.”

 

Local non-profit agencies who wish to be considered must complete and return a short application by November 14, 2019. The application is available online at the link below, at the Cutters offices at Historic Bowman Field or you can request an application by emailing sarah@crosscutters.com.

 

A full guest list and ticket details regarding the annual dinner will be announced in the coming weeks. Businesses wishing to receive sponsorship information for the event may contact the Crosscutters at (570) 326-3389.

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD APPLICATION

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

Bring the kids to Safe and Seen on Sunday, Oct. 27

The State College Spikes are once again partnering with Centre LifeLink EMS to give fans a chance at free family fun for the Halloween season with Safe & Seen at the Ballpark. The family trick-or-treating event is scheduled for Sunday, October 27 from 3-5 p.m. at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, rain or shine.

Safe & Seen will feature the opportunity for families to bring their young trick-or-treaters to the ballpark in costume for a safe Halloween event that will include many fun activities for fans of all ages. Admission and parking are free.

Youngsters can also bring a bag or bucket to be filled by area organizations stationed throughout the ballpark as they go “door-to-door” to collect treats and other fun items.

Several community groups will be on hand to help bring an array of family-friendly fun at the ballpark with stations along the trick-or-treat route. Fans young and old can experience ambulance tours, fall crafts, kids games, Spikes mascot meet-and-greets, and more.

Local organizations still interested in being part of Safe & Seen in the Ballpark can contact Joe Putnam of the Spikes at jputnam@statecollegespikes.com.

Fans are also encouraged to bring a donation for Centre LifeLink EMS in support of their life-saving services.

Medlar Field at Lubrano Park will play host to even more fun in 2020 when the Spikes’ home schedule begins on Thursday, June 18 against the Williamsport Crosscutters (Philadelphia Phillies).

Fans can catch every moment of the family fun and exciting entertainment of the 2020 season and enjoy numerous benefits with Spikes Season Ticket Memberships. Season Ticket Members get early entry into the ballpark for every game, giving them the first opportunity at many of the Spikes’ fantastic giveaways.

In addition, fans committing to Season Ticket Memberships before Friday, October 25, will be entered in a drawing which could give them their 2020 season seats for free. Fans purchasing one-year memberships will receive one entry per account, while fans committing to three-year memberships will receive three entries per account.

To purchase a Season Ticket Membership and enjoy amenities that last all year long, call a Spikes ticket representative at (814) 272-1711, or click here for more information on Season Ticket Memberships.

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

Dinner Under the Stars Supports Baseballtown Charities

 

(Reading, PA) – America’s Classic Ballpark hosted the fourth annual Diamonds & Dreams Dinner Under the Stars on Thursday night, with all proceeds from tickets sold donated directly to Baseballtown Charities.

In 2002, the R-Phils established Baseballtown Charities, a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization founded to keep baseball alive in Reading, so children can benefit from the many life lessons the game teaches. Since that time, Baseballtown Charities has been a part of many projects throughout the community.

The Dream League was formed to give those with physical and mental disabilities the chance to enjoy the game of baseball. Teams play on a custom-designed turf field that accommodates wheelchairs and other assistive devices while helping to prevent injuries. The Dream League was created to allow anyone with physical or cognitive disabilities to play baseball, and there are no age requirements or barriers to participate.

In addition to the Dream League, Baseballtown Charities’ key projects have included the opening of Gordon Hoodak Stadium, Baer Park, and Oakbrook Park, and the creation of the Rip It for Life program, which provides local children and adolescents the opportunity and instruction to grow as players, and as people.

Thursday’s Dinner Under the Stars event welcomed attendees with a cocktail hour on the diamond, featuring Stockertown Beverage, Sly Fox Brewing Company, St. Boniface Brewing Company, and Adelphia Seafood.

President of Baseballtown Charities Chuck Domino, Fightin Phils General Manager/Vice President of Baseballtown Charities Scott Hunsicker, and Executive Director of Baseballtown Charities Tonya Petrunak presented opening remarks, and recognized Dream League/Rip It for Life players and contributors in attendance.

With tables strewn across the outfield grass, attendees enjoyed a delicious dinner featuring the work of local chefs Tim Twiford (Redners Market), Josenoly Capitle (Crowne Plaza), Brad Fisher (Berkshire Country Club), and George Zeppos (Willoughby’s on Park). A variety of desserts were provided by Cakes & Candies by Maryellen, Sweet Ride Ice Cream, and Sweet Street Desserts. The Uptown Band performed to a sea of guests adorned in white, as part of the night’s “Beisbol Blanco” theme.

The event also gave a spotlight to families who have been positively affected by the endeavors of Baseballtown Charities. Guests had the opportunity to hear the uplifting stories of Melissa Noyes and her son Ryan, and Miriam Feliciano.

To donate to Baseballtown Charities, visit https://one.bidal.net/baseballtown. For more information on Baseballtown Charities and the Dream League, visit www.baseballtown.org.

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

Spikes, WHVL, NFFF to host 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb

 

The State College Spikes are proud to partner with WHVL-TV and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) to host the inaugural Central Pennsylvania 9/11 Stair Climb. The event will be held on Saturday, September 28 at the home of the Spikes, Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, which is located on the campus of Penn State University.

The Central Pennsylvania 9/11 Stair Climb is open to the community and participants may register as an individual or as part of team. The cost is $30 per individual or team member. All climbers receive a commemorative shirt and a name badge of the firefighter they are honoring. Anyone interested in participating may register by visiting http://events.firehero.org/whvl or www.whvl.com, and there are no restrictions on who may climb.

All proceeds from the Central Pennsylvania 9/11 Stair Climb will go to the NFFF. The NFFF funds programs to support the families of your local fallen firefighters and the FDNY Counseling Services Unit. For more information about the about the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climbs and the NFFF, fans can log on to www.firehero.org.

“When firefighters, EMS or police perish in the line of duty it has a great impact on our communities and across the country,” said Penny Hain, General Manager of WHVL. “We wanted to find a way to honor the folks that we have lost while helping the loved ones, friends and co-workers they left behind.” 
“We are honored to host this event and cannot wait to welcome all of the climbers to our ballpark to pay homage to the heroes who put their lives on the line,” said Spikes General Manager Scott Walker. “Medlar Field at Lubrano Park has always been and will always be a place for our community to come together, and we are looking forward to continuing that tradition with the Central Pennsylvania 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb on September 28.”

The activities begin on the day of the event with climber check-in at 8:00 a.m. followed by opening ceremonies at 9:00 a.m. Climbing will begin at 10:00 a.m. and the participants will climb the equivalent of 110 stories to symbolize the number of floors in each of the Twin Towers. Following the climb, participants and volunteers will treated to an after party beginning at 1:30 p.m.

For more information, contact WHVL at 814-234-9485 or visit www.whvl.com.

 

IronPigs raise more than $26K on ‘Strike Out Cancer’ Night

The Lehigh Valley IronPigs in conjunction with Air Products, the Lehigh Valley Health Network Cancer Institute and the Lehigh Valley Cancer Community raised $26,100 while donating 450 IronPigs game tickets to those fighting cancer, or aiding the fight versus cancer, and their families for the special “Strike Out Cancer Night” game on Tuesday, August 20. All proceeds from the game were donated to the “Strike Out Cancer’ initiative.

For the second straight season, IronPigs fans, Air Products, the Lehigh Valley Health Network Cancer Institute, our sponsors and the entire Lehigh Valley Cancer Community made this night a memorable one”, said IronPigs President and General Manager Kurt Landes. “The entire community came out in such a strong way and we couldn’t be more thankful for the impact this night has made in the community and in helping to raise valuable funds for the fight against cancer.”

“Strike Out Cancer Night” has now raised just over $40,000 over the past two seasons combined. Last season, over $14,000 was raised in the first ever “Strike Out Cancer Night”.

Nine local organizations – Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley, Angel 34 Foundation, Life Always Facing Forward, Julia’s Grace Foundation, Cancer Support Community, Dream Come True, Boutique at the Rink, Women’s 5K Classic and the American Cancer Society were on-hand to help make this night memorable for the 8,551 fans who were in attendance on Tuesday evening. Each organization will share in the proceeds in helping to further their specific missions.

The highlight of the night, in the middle of the 5th inning, featured every fan in attendance standing in silence holding their “Strike Out Cancer” placard honoring their loved ones who are battling or have battled cancer.

All proceeds from the evening’s 50/50 raffle went towards the Strike Out Cancer initiative along with the proceeds from all Strike Out Cancer T-Shirt sales. The IronPigs donated $4 per ticket from the tickets purchased for the night through a special “Strike Out Cancer” link.

The team also hosted a raffle and sold a unique Purple Ribbon Drink Special throughout the game with all proceeds supporting “Strike Out Cancer.”

A list of additional sponsors who helped make this night possible: • Keystone Canna Remedies
• Olympus
• Buckno Lisicky & Company
• Bennett Toyota
• Joe’s Battery and Tire
• Diversified Refrigeration
• PALCS
• Clemens
• Apgar Oil
• Buzzi Unicem, USA
• Piramal Critical Care
• ASR Media
• KD & Son Heating
• Jean Roth
• Lehigh-Northampton Airport

The 2019 IronPigs season is the team’s 12th as the top affiliate for the Philadelphia Phillies and 12th at Coca-Cola Park. Follow the IronPigs on Twitter at @IronPigs and like them on Facebook via Facebook.com/LHVIronPigs.

The 2019 IronPigs season is presented by Capital BlueCross.

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

IronPigs announce scholarship winners

The Lehigh Valley IronPigs announced Tuesday that four gameday employees will each receive $500 towards their college education in the first season of the team’s scholarship program. To be eligible, gameday employees must work at least one full year with the team.

The winners are:

  • Avita DeMieri (Plaza Ice Cream)
  • Leah Fastenau (Jaindl Smoke Shack)
  • Samantha Ganser (Hot & Fresh Pizza)
  • Andrew Malozzi (Home Plate Ice Cream)

Avita DeMieri has worked with the IronPigs for three years for Food and Beverage at the Yuengling’s Ice Cream stand (TD Bank Plaza). DeMieri will attend the University of Pittsburgh in the fall and major in nursing.

Leah Fastenau has worked with the IronPigs for two years for Food and Beverage at the Jaindl Smoke House (Section 118). Fastenau will attend the University of Minnesota in the fall and major in special education.

Samantha Ganser has worked with the IronPigs for two years for Food and Beverage at the Hot & Fresh Pizza (Section 108). Ganser will be attend Lafayette College and major in Biochemistry.

Andrew Malozzi has worked with the IronPigs for three years for Food and Beverage at Home Plate Ice Cream (Section 113). Malozzi is attending Florida State University and majoring in Actuarial Science and Economics.

For more information regarding the IronPigs Scholarship Program, fans can call the IronPigs at 610-841-PIGS (7447) or can go online to ironpigsbaseball.com/scholarship.

The 2019 IronPigs season is the team’s 12th as the top affiliate for the Philadelphia Phillies and 12th at Coca-Cola Park. Follow the IronPigs on Twitter at @IronPigs and like them on Facebook via Facebook.com/LHVIronPigs.

The 2019 IronPigs season is presented by Capital BlueCross.

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

Fightins, Capital BlueCross Announce Return of Outstanding Student Program

The Reading Fightin Phils, in partnership with Capital BlueCross, have announced the return of the Capital BlueCross “Live Fearless” Outstanding Student Program for the 2019 season. The program is designed to raise funds for participating schools in the club’s surrounding community.

The Outstanding Student Program is a unique incentive-based program which recognizes and rewards hard-working students. Through the program, students are given an opportunity to celebrate their achievements with their families at a designated Fightin Phils home game. The Fightins have given back $9,400 to local schools since the program began.

Schools can register now to take part in the Outstanding Student Program this season, at no cost to the schools.

Each school decides its own method of selecting its “Outstanding Students,” and every student recognized by his or her school receives two FREE tickets to a Fightins game, an Outstanding Student Medal from a Fightins player, and a photo with the Crazy Hot Dog Vendor during a pregame Outstanding Student Ceremony. This year’s ceremonies will take place on April 25, April 29, April 30, May 7, May 12, and May 16.

For each free ticket that is used, and for any additional tickets that are purchased by family members through the Capital BlueCross “Live Fearless” Outstanding Student Program, the participating school receives $1 back.

School teachers, administrators, or PTO/PTA representatives can sign their school up now for the 2019 season by contacting the Fightin Phils Director of Education Todd Hunsicker at 610-375-8469 x.206 or by email at thunsicker@fightins.com.

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

Help Wanted: Two job fairs set in January

MOOSIC, PA (December 19, 2018) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders will host two job fairs in January to hire seasonal employees for the upcoming 2019 season at PNC Field. The club is celebrating 30 years of professional baseball in Northeast Pennsylvania and is looking for energetic and dedicated personnel for 70 home games plus additional events during the new calendar year.

The first job fair is on Saturday, January 12, 2019, from 10 A.M until noon. A second will be held on Wednesday, January 16, from 6 to 8 P.M. Those interested in seasonal employment only need to attend one of the two events to be considered. Potential employees will fill out applications and the front office staff will do interviews on the spot during the job fair.

“Our game day staff is vital to what we accomplish at PNC Field,” stated Josh Olerud, the RailRiders President and General Manager. “We are working on bringing a ‘Fan First Philosophy’ to one of Northeast Pennsylvania’s premier experiences. We need individuals who will take pride in what we do every game.”

The RailRiders are looking for game day employees to fill a variety of roles within the organization. The game day staff includes bat boys/ girls, club level attendants, EMTs, grounds crew, parking attendants, porters, security staff, ticket sales representatives, ticket takers, ushers and video/ production assistants. The team is also looking for members of the Pinstripe Patrol, the on-field promotions crew, as well as fun zone employees and performers to serve as the team’s mascot during games.

Legends, the official catering, concessions and merchandise provider of the RailRiders, will also conduct interviews during each job fair. Legends is seeking concession stand managers, workers and cashiers. In addition, Legends will hire prep and grill cooks, food vendors, general kitchen help, suite attendants and retail associates.

Interviews for internships will not be conducted during the two RailRiders job fairs. More information regarding internships will be available in January.

The 2019 season begins on the road at Buffalo on April 4 with the home opener scheduled for Thursday, April 11. For more information, contact the RailRiders front office at (570) 969-BALL.

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

Making their Pitch: ESU students to toss ideas at RailRiders front office staff

MOOSIC, PA (December 5, 2018) – On Thursday, December 6, students majoring in sport management at East Stroudsburg University will have a unique opportunity to present their marketing plans to the front office staff of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders during a class titled “Concepts of Sport Marketing.”

Earlier in the year, students in this class traveled to PNC Field to attend a RailRiders game and to meet members of the front office, including Team President and General Manager Josh Olerud, to learn about the organization’s marketing plan overviews. Throughout the semester, the students have been building strategic sport marketing plans to meet the needs of the RailRiders organization. The class culminates in the student presentations to members of the RailRiders executive team.

“We are excited to see the culmination of their work,” Olerud said. “This has been a lengthy process for these students, but was surely a valuable experience, both for this course and for their future as well. The RailRiders have had a strong partnership with East Stroudsburg University and this opportunity is tremendous. They gain insight and practice, we always learn a thing or two and may even find a future intern or employee. On behalf of the RailRiders, I would like to thank the students for their hard work and effort.”

For interviews or more information regarding the “Concepts of Sport Marketing” class, please contact Liz Richardson at (570) 422-3139 or at erichard10@esu.edu.

The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders begin the 2019 campaign on April 4 in Buffalo before opening PNC Field for the first time in the new season on April 11. Season tickets, corporate partnerships, and mini-plans, including the new nine-game bobblehead plan, are available now. Visit swbrailriders.com or call (570) 969-BALL for more details.

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

Local Program Recipient of Phillies Charities, Inc. Grant

The Philadelphia Phillies recently announced that their charity arm, Phillies, Charities, Inc., has awarded a $15,000 grant to Family Promise of Lycoming County.

Family Promise of Lycoming County brings the community together to help families regain their housing, their independence, and their dignity. Family Promise aims to help children and their families who are facing homelessness.

“Each year, Phillies Charities reaches out to us to provide information about worthy charities in our area,” said Sarah Budd the Crosscutters Director of Ticket Operations & Community Relations. “We are elated they chose to support Family Promise of Lycoming County, an organization with a great track record of success in our community.”

Family Promise Director Jenny Hull stated, “Family Promise of Lycoming County is so grateful and humbled to receive this wonderful gift from Phillies Charities. With this significant contribution we are able to continue to serve homeless families and provide services to the children of Lycoming County.”

Representatives from Family Promise, accompanied by Crosscutters representatives, will be in attendance on Thursday, December 6, at the Phillies Charities, Inc. Holiday Giving Party at Citizens Bank Park, where they will be recognized and saluted along with other award recipients by the organization for their charitable efforts.

In the past year, more than $1.2 million was awarded by Phillies Charities, Inc. to charitable organizations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and near the Phillies spring training and minor league affiliates. Phillies Charities, Inc. serves as the fundraising arm of the Phillies organization and awards grants to a variety of charitable organizations each year. For more information on Phillies Charities, Inc. please visit www.phillies.com/community.

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

13th Annual Hot Stove Banquet to Benefit NAMI

The Williamsport Crosscutters 13th Annual Hot Stove Banquet will be held on Wednesday, January 16 in the Grand Ballroom of the Genetti Hotel in Williamsport. The event is presented in part by Panda Patriot Power, River Valley Transit, WRAK 1400AM, and the Williamsport Sun-Gazette.

A portion of the proceeds from this year’s event will be donated to the local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). “The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of North Central PA is very excited and honored to be selected as the beneficiary of the Hot Stove Banquet charity funds,” stated NAMI chairperson Carol Sides. “We will utilize the donation towards educational opportunities for our community on mental health awareness, suicide prevention and suicide awareness.”

Guests at this year’s event include former Phillies outfielder Gary “Sarge” Matthews, ESPN baseball analyst Tim Kurkjian and from the Academy Award nominated movie “Field of Dreams”, actor Dwier Brown.

Matthews, a first round draft pick of the San Francisco Giants in 1968, hit .281 in his 16-year major league career with 234 home runs and 978 RBI’s. Matthews was the National League Rookie of the Year in 1973 with the San Francisco Giants and the MVP of the National League Championship Series in 1983 with the Phillies. After his playing and coaching career, he was a popular broadcaster for the Phillies from 2007-2013.

Kurkjian has covered baseball since 1978 and has been a baseball writer, reporter, analyst and host at ESPN since 1998. He has been a regular on Baseball Tonight and Sportscenter. Kurkjian has been part of ESPN’s coverage of the MLB Little League Classic the last two years at Williamsport’s BB&T Ballpark.

Brown, an actor for 37 years, has appeared in hundreds of films, plays and televisions shows, but it was his role as Kevin Costner’s father, John Kinsella, in “Field of Dreams” that changed his life.

The evening will consist of a full-course dinner, live and silent auctions of sports memorabilia along with interviews and question and answer segments with the special guests. Additionally, Brown will speak about the making of “Field of Dreams” and the special bond between fathers, sons and the game of baseball. Other highlights of the event include the inductions of the latest members to the Bowman Field Hall of Fame and the Lycoming County Sports Walk. Those inductees are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

The ballroom doors open at 5:30 PM with the dinner and entertainment portion of the event kicking off at 6:30 PM. An autograph session will take place at the close of evening.

Tickets are $59 per person and can be purchased by calling the Cutters offices at (570) 326-3389 or ordering online at the link below. This event is a virtual sell-out every year, so fans are encouraged to purchase tickets now. Reserved seating is assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis as tickets are ordered. Business sponsorships for the event are also available.
Tickets – Order Now!

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