Pay It Forward Wednesdays Return

Moosic, Pa. – Wednesday baseball at PNC Field will continue to mean a little bit more in 2017. The SWB RailRiders (Triple-A/New York Yankees) proudly announce the return of a special wrinkle for Wednesday night home games this season, “Pay it Forward Wednesdays”. On these nights the team will donate a portion of walk-up ticket sales to non-profit/charitable organizations.

For those select nights, the designated Community Organization of the Game will receive a donation from a portion of the club’s walk-up ticket sales. The donation structure sits below:

Walk-up Price                    Amount Donated to COG

$16-Infield Box                  $5

$15-Field Reserve $3

$13-Bleacher                     $2

$12-Lawn                           $1

Eligible beneficiaries must be a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. For more information, groups are encouraged to contact the RailRiders by phone at (570) 969-BALL, by e-mail to RailRiders Director of Community Relations Jordan Maydole (jmaydole@swbrailriders.com) or in person at the team’s PNC Field front office from Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

“The first-year success of the Pay it Forward program exceeded our expectations and the goals our team had set forth,” said RailRiders President/General Manager Josh Olerud. “We are excited to see the growth of the program this season as we continue to serve our community to the best of our abilities.”

Fans will also get an opportunity to taste the best selections of local wineries as part of “Wine and Dine Wednesdays” at PNC Field. Fans 21 years and older have the opportunity to participate in tasting a variety of wines from Bartolai Winery out of Harding, Pa., Grovedale Winery from Wyalusing, Pa., and Barefoot wines. For a $2 flight sample fee, fans receive a one-hour sampling session and a punch card with an exclusive deal from that winery.

The 2016 Gildan Triple-A National Champion RailRiders open their 2017 home schedule on Monday, April 10 against the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Philadelphia Phillies). For tickets and more information, please call 570-979-BALL (2255) or visit swbrailriders.com.

– SWB RailRiders Baseball – The Place to Be! –

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

Outstanding Students Program returns in 2017

(Reading, Pa) – The Reading Fightin Phils have announced schools can register for the Capital BlueCross “Live Fearless” Outstanding Students Program this season. There is absolutely no cost to the school to participate, and in fact the school receives money through the program.

The Capital BlueCross “Live Fearless” Outstanding Student Program is a unique incentive-based program designed to recognize and reward hard-working students. Each school decides their own method of distributing the tickets to their “Outstanding Students”. Through the program, the students are given an opportunity to celebrate their achievements with their families at a designated Fightin Phils home game. Each student recognized by their school as an “Outstanding Student” receives two FREE tickets to a Fightins game, receives an Outstanding Student Medal from a Fightins player, and gets to high-five the Crazy Hot Dog Vendor and has their photo taken with him during a special pre-game Outstanding Student Ceremony.

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

In 2016, as part of the Capital BlueCross “Live Fearless” Outstanding Student program, the Reading Fightin Phils donated $3,073 back to participating schools in the club’s surrounding community. The Fightins hope to donate even more money to schools during the 2017 program. The more schools that sign up for the Outstanding Student program, the more money that the Fightins can donate to those schools. With the funds received, schools will be able to support students’ needs and contribute to the educational process.

The Capital BlueCross “Live Fearless” Outstanding Student Program is extremely easy to sign up for, and again, it is FREE for the schools. The person that signs up can be a school teacher, administrator, or PTO/PTA representative. Schools can sign up now for the 2017 season by contacting the Fightin Phils Director of Educational Programs, Music, & Game Presentation Todd Hunsicker at 610-375-8469 x.206 or by e-mail at thunsicker@fightins.com. Dates are available in May. The program is easy to implement, and your school receives a check from the Fightin Phils.

America’s Classic Ballpark is proud to be a part of Pennsylvania’s Americana Region. Season tickets for the 2017 season are available online at Fightins.com, by phone at 610-370-BALL, and in-person at FirstEnergy Stadium. Follow the Fightin Phils on Twitter at @ReadingFightins and like them on Facebook via www.facebook.com/fightins.

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

Tickets available now for Let’s Move Blair County Day with the Curve

ALTOONA, Pa. – Let’s Move Blair County Day is set to take place at Peoples Natural Gas Field on April 30 as the Altoona Curve face the Harrisburg Senators. The event begins when the ballpark gates open at noon and features a free health and wellness fair during the game, which starts at 1 p.m.

Tickets are available now for company groups who wish to sit together and area residents interested in attending. Deadline for groups to purchase tickets is April 16.

The day is sponsored by Let’s Move Blair County and the Healthy Blair County Coalition, two organizations whose mission is to help residents engage in healthy eating and more physically active lives while enjoying family fun. The Let’s Move Blair County effort is aimed at reducing the community’s health risks, such as diabetes, obesity and sedentary habits.

UPMC Altoona, Nason Hospital, and Tyrone Regional Health System lead this wellness effort along with area YMCAs, recreational centers and businesses. A free health and wellness fair will be on the ballpark’s concourse level.

The day’s festivities include a trophy presentation to the businesses who participated in the Corporate Wellness Challenge, a three-month, team-oriented weight loss effort involving 38 Blair County businesses and 819 people.

For more information on how to purchase tickets, contact Corey Homan at CHoman@AltoonaCurve.com or call 814-283-3122.

The Curve open the home slate of their 2016 schedule at Peoples Natural Gas Field against the Akron RubberDucks on April 13 at 6 p.m. Single-game tickets are now on sale online at AltoonaCurve.com, by phone at 877.99.CURVE or in person at the PNG Field offices.

-CURVE-

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

Valent and Spidale to host Baseball Camps

(Reading, Pa) – The Reading Fightin Phils have announced that 2016 Reading Baseball Hall of Famer Eric Valent and 2017 Reading Baseball Hall of Fame Inductee Mike Spidale will host baseball camps at FirstEnergy Stadium for youth baseball players this season. Fightin Phils players will assist Valent and Spidale in hosting the camps.

Spidale will host camps for kids ages 7-14. Valent will host camps for kids 4-8. Here are the details:

Spidale Camp for Kids Ages 7-14:

The Fightin Phils Baseball camp hosted by 2017 Reading Baseball Hall of Fame Inductee, and two-time Fightins Team MVP Mike Spidale gives kids the chance to interact and play with Fightin Phils players with three days of instruction by Fightin Phils players and leading baseball coaches from around the area. In addition to the chance to work on their baseball skills on the perfectly manicured field here at America’s Classic Ballpark, each participant will also receive a Fightins Baseball Camp T-shirt and two tickets for a Fightin Phils game. At that game, the campers will be honored on the field before the Fightins game. There will also be an autograph session with Fightin Phils players as part of the camp.

You can sign up as an individual, or you can sign up as a group. If you sign up as a group (group can be as small as two campers), not only do you receive a group discount, but you also guarantee that your group will be bundled together as they move from station to station throughout the camp. Bring the whole team, or a group of friends, and the Fightins will guarantee that you are in the same bundle of campers for the entire camp!

The Spidale Fightins camp is limited to 125 campers and boys and girls from the ages of 7-14 can attend. The camp will run from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. each day.

The first Spidale Fightins camp will be from Tuesday, June 20th through Thursday, June 22nd. Campers who attend this session will receive two tickets for the Reading Fightin Phils game on Thursday, June 22th at 7:05 p.m., and will be honored on the field prior to the Fightins game.

The second Spidale Fightins camp will be from Tuesday, August 1st through Thursday, August 3rd. Campers who attend this session will receive two tickets for the Reading Fightin Phils game on Thursday, August 3rd at 7:05 p.m., and will be honored on the field prior to the Fightins game.

Cost:    10 or more players: $70/camper
6-9 players: $80/camper
2-5 players: $90/camper
1 player: $100/camper

Valent Camp for Kids Ages 4-8:

For the seventh straight year, former major leaguer and Reading Baseball Hall of Famer Eric Valent will be hosting the Reading Fightin Phils Fun & Fundamentals Baseball Camp The camp is designed for YOUNG players to have Fun, and learn some Fundamentals. During the camp, kids will receive on-field instruction from Eric Valent and Fightin Phils players, participate in fun baseball activities followed by a medal ceremony, autograph session and pizza party lunch with Fightin Phils players. Campers will also have access to Phunland following camp as well. Each camper will receive two tickets to attend the Fightin Phils game on their final day of camp. The Valent Fun and Fundamentals Camps are one-day camps, but please feel free to sign up for both days if you would like.

The first camp will be Thursday, July 20th. Boys and girls ages of 5-8 can attend this session. The camp will run from 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.

The second camp will be Friday, July 21st. Boys and girls ages of 4-6 can attend this session. The camp will run from 9:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.

Like the Spidale Camp, with the Valent Camp you can sign up as an individual, or you can sign up as a group. If you sign up as a group (group can be as small as two campers), not only do you receive a group discount, but you also guarantee that your group will be bundled together as they move from station to station throughout the camp. Bring the whole team, or a group of friends, and the Fightins will guarantee that you are in the same bundle of campers for the entire camp!

Cost:    10 or more players: $35/camper
6-9 players: $40/camper
2-5 players: $45/camper
1 player: $50/camper

For more information regarding the camps, parents can contact Stephen Thomas by emailing him at sthomas@fightins.com or by calling 610-375-8469 ext. 213. Parents can purchase tickets by going here: http://fightinphils.milbstore.com/store.cfm?dept_id=1390&store_id=96&parentID=1390

America’s Classic Ballpark is proud to be a part of Pennsylvania’s Americana Region. Season tickets for the 2017 season are available online at Fightins.com, by phone at 610-370-BALL, and in-person at FirstEnergy Stadium. Follow the Fightin Phils on Twitter at @ReadingFightins and like them on Facebook via www.facebook.com/fightins.

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

Cutters Raise over $7,700 for Williamsport Area Little League

The Williamsport Crosscutters 11th annual Hot Stove Banquet was held January 16 at the Genetti Hotel in downtown Williamsport.

The event featured Phillies manager Pete Mackanin, outfielder Roman Quinn and TV voice Tom McCarthy in addition to Cutters manager and former World Series MVP Pat Borders and Japanese baseball legend Tom O’Malley. The guests entertained attendees with stories, answered audience questions and signed autographs.

Quinn, reflecting on his time playing in Williamsport in 2012 said, “Just looking back on that year, it was a good time. It was my first professional baseball experience and it was great. Playing in front of the Williamsport fans was awesome.”

The night, presented in part by Pana Patriot Power, WRAK Radio and the Williamsport Sun-Gazette, was also highlighted by auctions that featured a wealth of sports memorabilia including a special Phillies VIP Game Experience, a Maikel Franco autographed bat, a NY Yankees VIP Game Experience and much more.

Another highlight of the event was the induction of Tony Visco into the Bowman Field Hall of Fame.   Visco, the owner and principal architect of Anthony H. Visco Architects has been part of virtually every renovation project at BB&T Ballpark since 1994. Over the last 24 years, Visco and his crew have been involved in no less than 12 renovations covering literally dozens of different projects.

A portion of the proceeds from the evening were donated to the Williamsport Area Little League. At the conclusion of the festivities, they were presented with a check for $7,725

The Crosscutters 2017 home opener is scheduled for Tuesday, June 20 against the State College Spikes. Season tickets, bonus books and mini-plans are now available by phone, online at crosscutters.com or in-person at BB&T Ballpark.

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

Coaches Clinic Coming to PNC Field Feb. 11

Moosic, Pa. – The SWB RailRiders’ (Triple-A/New York Yankees) popular RailRiders University baseball camp will flip the script on Saturday, Feb. 11. Instead of instructing the baseball stars of tomorrow, this time around the teaching will sport a free Coaches Clinic to help area baseball leaders enhance their own instruction. And the mentors of the mentors all have incredible resumes along with significant NEPA ties:

-Longtime NEPA resident Andy Ashby, a two-time MLB All-Star with 14 seasons of Major League playing experience with the Phillies, Rockies, Padres, Braves and Dodgers.

-Hazelton Area grad Russ Canzler, a former MLB player, four-time MiLB All-Star and the 2011 Triple-A International League MVP.

-NEPA’s own Gary Ruby, who spent three decades as a professional pitching coach or coordinator with the Angels, Phillies, Pirates and Astros.

The trio will talk pitching, hitting and organizing effective practices from 12 p.m.-2 p.m. at PNC Field in the upstairs Mohegan Sun Club. If a league registers beforehand, it will be invited to attend a special meet-and-greet with the three speakers from 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

To RSVP, or for more information, please contact Robby Judge with the RailRiders at 570-558-4612 or e-mail rjudge@swbrailriders.com.

The 2016 Gildan Triple-A National Champion RailRiders open their 2017 home schedule on Monday, April 10 against the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Philadelphia Phillies). For tickets or more information, please call 570-969-BALL (2255) or visit swbrailriders.com.

– SWB RailRiders Baseball – The Place to Be! –

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

Cutters & NYPL Foundation Donate to the American Rescue Workers

The Williamsport Crosscutters and the New York-Penn League Foundation recently donated over $8,000 to the American Rescue Workers. The donation represented the proceeds from the New York-Penn League Foundation 50/50 Raffle held at Cutters games in 2016.

“We were delighted to have the American Rescue Workers as a partner in our nightly 50/50 raffle and look forward to assisting them in their mission again in 2017,” said Cutters Vice-President of Marketing and Public Relations, Gabe Sinicropi. “The amount generated exceeded our expectations and we want to thank all of our fans for their support.”

This past season, the Crosscutters utilized the services of 50/50 Central, a company that provides electronic 50/50 raffle services to many sports teams across the U.S.

Monies generated from the 50/50 raffle go directly to the New York-Penn League Foundation and are then distributed to the American Rescue Workers.

The mission of the American Rescue Workers, founded in 1884, is to give spiritual and material aid to those in need.

The New York-Penn League and its 14 member clubs created the New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, in 2003. The mission of the Foundation is to provide focus and support for the collective and individual charitable and community efforts of the New York-Penn League, its Clubs, and their staff.

### CUTTERS BASEBALL…FUN ON THE CUTTING EDGE###

Photo Identifier- Members of the Williamsport Crosscutters present a check for $8,151.22 to the American Rescue Workers. The check represents the proceeds from the team’s 2016 50/50 raffles.

(L-R) Sarah Budd – Crosscutters Dir. of Community Relations, Col. Dawn Astin – ARW Co-Commanding Officer, Col. Sam Astin- ARW Co-Commanding Officer, Doug Estes – Crosscutters Vice-President/General Manager

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 $10,000 grant to Montoursville based K’s For Cancer.

K’s for Cancer is a 501(c)(3) public charity created in the memory of Justin Flannery Hilton. The organization raises money to provide direct and immediate support for everyday items like gas, food, and more for cancer patients and their families in Lycoming County.

Each year, Phillies Charities, Inc. awards dozens of local charities and organizations who are making an impact in the Phillies’ major league and minor league community.

“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 K’s For Cancer, an organization we have supported for a number of years.”

Representatives from K’s For Cancer, accompanied by Crosscutters representatives, will be in attendance on Tuesday, Dec. 13, 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.

The Crosscutters 2017 home opener is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, June 20 against the State College Spikes. For more information visit www.crosscutters.com or call (570) 326-3389.

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

Fightins Donate $3,073 to Local Schools

As part of the Capital BlueCross “Live Fearless” Outstanding Student program, the Reading Fightin Phils have donated $3,073 to participating schools in the club’s surrounding community. Schools will be able to support students and contribute to the educational process with the funds donated through the program.

“We’re happy to have been able to donate $3,073 to local schools through the Capital BlueCross ‘Live Fearless’ Outstanding Student program, and we are hoping to donate even more money next season and beyond as the program grows,” said Fightins General Manager Scott Hunsicker. “We can’t thank Capital BlueCross enough for sponsoring this program and putting us in a position to be able to donate this money to the schools.”

Below is a list of the 32 schools that have participated in the program.

School
Berks Christian School
Bethel Elementary School
Colebrookdale Elementary School
Conrad Weiser East Elementary School
Conrad Weiser High School
Conrad Weiser Middle School
Conrad Weiser West Elementary School
Denver Elementary School
Goddard Sanatoga
Goddard Wyomissing
Green Valley Elementary School
Greenwich Elementary School
Hamburg High School
Hamburg Middle School
Jacksonwald Elementary School
Kutztown Elementary School
New Hanover Elementary School
Oley Valley Elementary School
Oley Valley Middle School
Penn Bernville Elementary School
Perry Elementary School
Pine Grove Elementary School
Pottsgrove Middle School
Robeson Elementary School
Rupert Elementary School
Schuylkill Haven Elementary School
Spring Ridge Elementary School
Tilden Elementary School
Washington Elementary School
Whitfield Elementary School
Willow Creek Elementary School
Wilson West Middle School

The Capital BlueCross “Live Fearless” Outstanding Student Program is a unique incentive-based program designed to recognize and reward 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. Each student who participated in the program during the 2016 season received two tickets to a game, a pre-game meet-and-greet with a Fightin Phils player, individual recognition during a pre-game ceremony, and an Outstanding Student medal from the Crazy Hot Dog Vendor.

For each ticket purchased or redeemed through the Capital BlueCross “Live Fearless” Outstanding Student Program, the participating school received $1 back.

The Capital BlueCross “Live Fearless” Outstanding Student Program is a five-year program that runs through the 2019 season. Schools can sign up now for the 2017 season by contacting the Fightin Phils Director of Educational Programs, Music, & Game Presentation Todd Hunsicker at 610-375-8469 x.206 or by e-mail at thunsicker@fightins.com. Dates are available in May. The program is easy to implement, and your school receives a check from the Fightin Phils.

Season tickets for the 2017 season are available online at Fightins.com, by phone at 610-370-BALL, and in-person at FirstEnergy Stadium. Follow the Fightin Phils on Twitter at @ReadingFightins and like them on Facebook via www.facebook.com/fightins.

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

Dream League Field comes to Berks County

Reading, Pa., Oct. 26, 2016 – Baseballtown Charities’ Dream League, a non-profit organization based in Reading, Pa., raised more than $650,000 towards building Berks County’s first baseball field for special needs players at their kick off Diamonds and Dreams Dinner Under the Stars event hosted by the Reading Fightin Phils at FirstEnergy Stadium on Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016.

At the Diamonds and Dreams Dinner Under the Stars event, the 300 community and business leaders in attendance were introduced to 11 of the leagues’ future players and treated to meals from four of the area’s finest chefs including: Chef Brad Fisher from Berkshire Country Club, Chef Tim Twiford from the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Chef Dave Brennan from Panevino, and Chef Devin Schwartz & Owner Operator George Zeppos from Willoughby’s on Park. Proceeds from the event will help build the Baseballtown Dream League’s Savage 61 Field of Dreams complex custom-designed for those with physical and developmental disabilities.

“Parents of special needs players in the Miracle League in Lehigh County tell us how their children live for the days when they’re playing baseball. But for many families, the distance to the Lehigh County fields is inaccessible,” said Chuck Domino, president of Baseballtown Charities. “We’re thrilled to partner with the Reading Fightin Phils and community leaders to be able to support the first special needs field in Berks County that can serve families in Greater Reading and surrounding areas.”

Baseballtown Charities was established in 2002 and has since raised more than $1 million to build Gordon Hoodak Stadium, a field of dreams in the heart of inner-city Reading, which has provided more than 1,000 boys and girls who otherwise might not have had the opportunity with a chance to participate in the game. Baseballtown Charities’ Dream League recently expanded its campaign to give those with physical and developmental disabilities the same chance to experience the magic of baseball and thrill of playing on the diamond through custom-designed, turf fields that accommodate wheelchairs and other assertive devices while helping to prevent injuries.

The Savage 61 Field of Dreams is slated to open Fall 2017. Baseballtown Charities will continue to raise funds to support the Baseballtown Dream League complex. Baseball town is also recruiting community members to serve as volunteer “angels” to assist Dream League players at every game.

Parents and community members interested in signing up children, volunteering or donating can email Baseballtown Charities at baseballtown@fightins.com for more information.

About Baseballtown Charities’ Dream League

Baseballtown Charities’ Dream League is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization based in Reading, Pa. that focuses on making dreams come true one pitch at a time. The Savage 61 Field of Dreams will be constructed at Relevant Sports Complex in Temple, Pa. Since 2002, Baseballtown Charities has worked to build inclusive baseball diamonds as well as bonds between players, teammates and supportive communities. For more information, visit www.baseballtowndreamleague.com.

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

Cutters Offer MedReturn at Wednesday Games

Lycoming County District Attorney’s office has teamed up with the Williamsport Crosscutters to give fans the opportunity to safely dispose of unwanted or expired household medication.

Officials will be in attendance with the MedReturn box to collect medication at every Cutters Wednesday home game. Collection dates are June 22, July 13, August 3, August 10 and August 31.

Lycoming County District Attorney Eric Linhardt stated, “The best way to avoid the risks of prescription drug abuse, especially for children and teenagers, is to safely dispose of medications when they are unused or expired. The Pennsylvania MedReturn drop boxes offer the public a safe, accessible, and convenient alternative to keeping prescription drugs that aren’t being used in the home where they can get in the wrong hands or be disposed of in landfills or down the drain where they can end up in the water supply.

All fans turning in medication will receive a coupon for a free hot dog and soda, courtesy of the District Attorney’s office, redeemable at any Cutters home game during the 2016 season.

“We are pleased to assist the D.A’s office in helping get as many unused prescriptions as possible out of homes and safely disposed,” stated Gabe Sinicropi, Cutters Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations.

MedReturn is committed to providing a safe, simple, secure and environmentally friendly way to help law enforcement agencies and communities collect unwanted or expired household medication, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs and unused pharmaceuticals in locations throughout the U.S.A.

For more information on the program, call the Williamsport crosscutters at (570) 326-3389.

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

Charitable Tuesdays Bigger and Better in 2016

For the third consecutive season, the Williamsport Crosscutters will present Charitable Tuesdays. The program, presented by Woodlands Bank, gives local non-profit organizations a no-cost opportunity to have a presence at BB&T Ballpark, for the purpose of educating fans about their organization.

One organization will be featured at every Tuesday home game and receive;

  • A display table in the stadium to display and distribute promotional literature and materials
  • A live on-field interview before the game
  • Ceremonial 1st pitch honors for the organization
  • The opportunity to be a guest on the Crosscutters radio broadcast for one inning
  • A $250 donation to the organization courtesy of Woodlands Bank and the Crosscutters presented during an on-field ceremony

“When approached by the Crosscutters with the idea to partner with them for Charitable Tuesdays, it was an immediate yes”, stated Jon P. Conklin, President & CEO of Woodlands Bank. “Woodlands Bank is defined by its commitment to the local community. Daily, we work, live, and give in Lycoming and Clinton County. The Cutters are a great organization that shares the same values as we do, which I know will lead to giving to great and worthy local non-profits this season.”

Interested organizations should submit an application, available online at crosscutters.com or at BB&T Ballpark. Applications must be received by June 3, 2016. More information is available by contacting the Cutters Director of Community Relations, Sarah Budd at (570) 326-3389 or email sarah@crosscutters.com

The Crosscutters 2016 season opens on June 17 when they host the State College Spikes. The full schedule can be found at crosscutters.com.

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

6th Annual Cutters 5K to Benefit CDC

The Williamsport Crosscutters, in partnership with the Children’s Development Center, will be holding the 6th Annual Cutters 5K on Saturday, June 25th at BB&T Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field.

The race, through Williamsport’s West End, begins at 9am with registration open at 8am. The course has runners starting outside the ballpark entrance with the final sprint inside the stadium finishing at home plate. Both runners and walkers are encouraged to take part in the event.

All proceeds from the event benefit the Children’s Development Center of Williamsport. Since 1923, the CDC has been providing services to children with special needs from birth to 21 years of age. Last year’s event attracted almost 200 participants. Since its inception, almost $60,000 has been raised for the CDC through this event.

“Hope Enterprises and its Children’s Development Center strive every day to accomplish its mission of serving children and their families in this area. Due to the tremendous community support Hope has received over the years, we are able to meet the very specific needs of those we serve. As an example of that support, we are extremely proud and fortunate to partner with the Williamsport Crosscutters and their 5K run” stated Hope Enterprises President, Jim Campbell.

Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in seven male and female age categories. In addition to the prize awards, the top male and female runners will throw out ceremonial first pitches at the Williamsport Crosscutters game on July 1st. Prizes will also be awarded to the top three male and female walkers. The event will also feature a new Kids Fun Run, free for children age 10 and under. All kids participating will receive an award.

“We are proud to partner with the CDC annually on this event. It just keeps growing every year”, said Cutters Vice-President of Marketing Gabe Sinicropi.

Registration is $15 in advance and $20 on race day. All participants receive a race t-shirt (while supplies last), and a ticket to the July 1st Crosscutters vs. Batavia MuckDogs game at 7:05pm. Registration forms and more information are available online at crosscutters.com, at the Crosscutters offices at BB&T Ballpark or the CDC offices located at 625 W. Edwin St.   Sponsorships of the event are also still available.

The Crosscutters open the 2016 season on June 17 against the State College Spikes at BB&T Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field. The full schedule, along with detailed information on ticket packages, is available at www.crosscutters.com or by calling the Cutters at (570) 326-3389.

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

NYPL Announces Scholarship Contest

The Class-A Short-Season New York-Penn League and its member clubs are proud to announce that the league’s philanthropic arm, the NYPL Charitable Foundation, will once again award over $10,000 in scholarships this summer to deserving high school graduates from the league’s 14 markets.

Now in its eighth year, the 2016 NYPL Scholarship Contest is open to any graduating senior from a public or private high school within the league’s footprint. Any student who has been accepted at a two- or four-year college or university, vocational school, or technical education institution is eligible. Applicants will be judged based on academic performance, volunteer and extracurricular activities, and the impact their local NYPL club and Minor League Baseball have had on their lives.

The scholarship contest will consist of two stages – a local round and a league round. In the local stage, students will apply directly to their local NYPL team, with one applicant chosen by each of the 14 teams to advance to the league/final round. The 14 finalists will then be judged by league representatives. Three pplicants will be selected to receive the top prize of a $2,500 scholarship. All other finalists will receive a $250 book award.

“The New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation and our 14 member clubs are pleased to have the opportunity to assist outstanding high school seniors within our league’s footprint for the eighth consecutive season,” said Ben J. Hayes, President of the New York-Penn League. “This program will again recognize those seniors who not only meet and exceed traditional scholarship criteria, but demonstrate the positive community impact and lifelong memories fostered by their local NYPL clubs throughout the year.”

High school seniors interested in entering the 2016 Scholarship Contest can obtain the official application from their local NYPL club, or by visiting the league’s official website, NewYork-PennLeague.com.  Download Application Here

The deadline to submit applications to the nearest NYPL team is May 20, 2016. Each club’s winner, including the three $2,500 scholarship recipients, will be selected in mid-June.

The New York-Penn League and its 14 member clubs created the New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation, a 501(c) (3) charitable organization, in 2003. The mission of the Foundation is to provide focus and support for the collective and individual charitable and community efforts of the New York-Penn League, its Clubs, and their staff.

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

Cutters Raise over $5,000 for James V. Brown Library

The Williamsport Crosscutters kicked of their tenth season with the Philadelphia Phillies with their annual Hot Stove Banquet on January 18 at the Genetti Hotel in downtown Williamsport.

The event featured Phillies manager Pete Mackanin and catcher Cameron Rupp in addition to Cutters manager and former World Series MVP Pat Borders and Japanese baseball legend Tom O’Malley. The guests entertained attendees with stories, answered audience questions and signed autographs.

In talking about the 2016 Phillies, Mackanin stated, “We experimented last year. This year is the other half of the experiment. I think we’re starting to build some depth to where we’re going to be pretty good.”

The night, presented in part by Woodlands Bank, WRAK Radio and the Williamsport Sun-Gazette, was also highlighted by auctions that featured a wealth of sports memorabilia including a special Phillies VIP Game Experience, an autographed giant Phanatic bobblehead and a full uniform worn by Tom O’Malley as a hitting coach for the Hanshin Tigers in 2014.

Another highlight of the event was the induction of the 2001 Williamsport Crosscutters team into the Bowman Field Hall of Fame. The team, managed by Tony Beasley, had a record of 48-26. After losing game one of the NYPL Championship Series to the Brooklyn Cyclones, the remainder of the series was canceled due to the tragic events of September 11th. Brooklyn and Williamsport were declared co-champions, marking the first championship for a Williamsport professional team since 1960. A total of eight players from that squad went on to play in the major leagues including former Pirates outfielder Chris Duffy who returned to Williamsport for the event.

A portion of the proceeds from the evening were donated to the James V. Brown Library whose mission is, “To enable people to be the best they can be, to grow, to learn and to enjoy their lives while learning”. At the conclusion of the festivities, the library was presented with a check for $5,025.

The Crosscutters open the 2016 season on June 17 against the State College Spikes at BB&T Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field. Season tickets, Bonus Books and group packages are currently available and can be purchased online at www.crosscutters.com or by calling the Cutters at (570) 326-3389.

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