BlueClaws Charities Announces 2018 Grant Recipients

BlueClaws Charities announced the 39 different organizations to receive a grant as part of their 2018 grant distribution.

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LAKEWOOD, NJ – BlueClaws Charities completed their 10th annual grant distribution by handing out grants to 39 area organizations, it was announced on Monday.

BlueClaws Charities Community Partner organizations, all 501c3s that work with the BlueClaws throughout the year, were eligible to apply for a grant and all organizations that applied for a grant received one.

Each applicant was asked to detail a specific use for the grant, with the requirement that all money received from BlueClaws Charities stays in Ocean & Monmouth Counties. A complete list can be found below.

“We are very proud to be support such a wide variety of local organizations that do tremendous work as part of the non-profit community around the Jersey Shore,” said Jim DeAngelis, BlueClaws Charities Executive Director. “These organizations are on the ground working with the underserved in our communities, doing spectacular work.

“Further, it is important that all of the grant money donated by BlueClaws Charities stays here in Ocean and Monmouth Counties,” said DeAngelis. ” It is an honor for BlueClaws Charities to be able to assist these great groups doing their work in our local community.”

The following organizations received grants:

– ALS Association of Greater Philadelphia – to subsidize the cost of services for people living with ALS who reside in Monmouth and Ocean Counties.
– Alzheimer’s Association – to provide services to people living with Alzheimer’s and their families.
– The Arc, Ocean County Chapter – to provide funding to the Arc programs that support 1,500 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in residential, vocational, and recreation services throughout the community.
– The Ashley Lauren Foundation – to assist children with cancer and their families through direct family financial assistance.
– Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Ocean County – to continue community mentorship programs in Ocean County.
– Boy Scouts of America, Jersey Shore Council – to provide direct support to the Scoutreach Cub Scout pack at the Clark Elementary School in Lakewood.
– The Brodie Fund – to continue their mission of offering financial assistance to families that have pets fighting cancer.
– Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey – to help defray the cost of criminal background checks completed on all volunteers prior to assignments.
– Cheer Dream Scoliosis Foundation – to enhance the equipment for their special needs team.
– David’s Dream and Believe Cancer Foundation – to offer financial assistance and wellness services to families affected by a cancer diagnosis.
– Dottie’s House – to provide essential counseling to families to become self-sufficient in their futures.
– Easterseals New Jersey – to teach individuals living with disabilities and special needs and their families about health, nutrition, and exercise education.
– Exit 82 Theatre Company – to assist in their 2019 production season.
– Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore – to fund the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore’s outreach program in Ocean County.
– Go 4 The Goal – to support the Kart 4 Kids, a kart stocked with snacks, gift cards, toys, activities, and electronics to entice kids of all ages.
– Guidinglight House – to provide funding for program services for homeless female veterans.
– HABcore, Inc – to help fund the supportive services program component of HABcore’s Rapid Re-Housing Program in Ocean County.
– JAR of Hope – to fund research in the hope of eliminating Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
– Kids Need More – to enhance the lives of children and their families dealing with a diagnosis of cancer or life threatening illness.
– LADACIN Network – to support their Child Care and Preschool Program which integrate children with and without disabilities.
– Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II Memorial Fund – to provide funds to assist in aiding and assistant wounded warriors and their families.
– The Mya Lin Terry Foundation – to support their Holiday Gifting Campaign to benefit pediatric cancer warriors.
– Northern Ocean County Habitat for Humanity – to provide necessary repairs and modifications to a senior’s home through their Aging in Place program.
– Ocean County Family Support Organization – to offset the costs of trips for their Youth Partnerships Program.
– Ocean County Shrine Club – to expand and upgrade the hospital’s Walk-in and Urgent Pediatric Fracture Clinic.
– Ocean County YMCA – to support kids, families, and seniors through the Y-Cares Financial Assistance Program such that they will be able to benefit from membership regardless of their financial resources.
– Ocean’s Harbor House – to replace aging computers in their Emergency Youth Shelter.
– Ocean Partnership for Children – to provide needed equipment for the agency’s consulting psychiatrist to use with the youth being seen, as well as to provide books, sensory materials, and toys for the waiting room and psychiatrist’s meeting space.
– Piece of the Puzzle – to produce a Corner Cafe vocational curriculum for students with autism.
– Parents of Autistic Children – to provide a challenger sports league designed to offer a socialization opportunity between disabled students along with typically developing peers from across Ocean and Monmouth Counties.
– Probation Association of New Jersey Education Fund – to enhance education training opportunities through the operation of their annual training conference.
– Raising Hope for Others – to offset the cost of their August fundraiser.
– RJM Sportsgroup – to help raise money for scholarships for students who belong to the Jackson School District.
– The Salvation Army of Ocean County – to help fund their weekly soup kitchen meal, which serves 50-100 meals each week.
– Seabrook Village – to provide scholarships to eligible student employees who graduate high school and are participating in a form of higher education.
– Society for Prevention of Teen Suicide – support Ocean County Youth Council programming for the 2018-19 academic year by engaging youth ambassadors in the prevention process and working on suicide prevention projects.
– The TEARS Foundation – to provide assistance to families who have lost a child due to pregnancy or infant loss in Monmouth and Ocean Counties.
– Tom Giannattasio Jr. Memorial Fund – to provide scholarships to graduating seniors residing in Brick Township.
– United Way of Monmouth & Ocean Counties – to purchase warm clothing for low-income children.

Money is raised for BlueClaws Charities throughout the year including through a nightly 50/50 raffle at all BlueClaws home games, special jersey auctions, and events like the Nine and Dine golf outing.

BlueClaws Charities, in addition to this grant program, supports hundreds local organizations and fundraising events with gift package donations, golf outing hole-in-one sponsorships, and specialty organizations such as OCEAN, Inc., a federal program that assists the less fortunate in the community. The “Tickets for Kids Program,” another BlueClaws Charities initiative, donates over 2,000 tickets to under-served youths in Lakewood and elsewhere in Ocean County.

Other events hosted by BlueClaws Charities include a Challenger Clinic for the developmentally disabled, a food & toy drive during the holiday season, a school supply drive leading into the fall, and baseball camps for the underserved in conjunction with the MLB Players Association.

Organizations that would like to become Community Partners can call Jim DeAngelis at 732-901-7000 ext 114. Space in the program, which includes both fundraising and promotional opportunities, is limited and those interested are encouraged to contact the BlueClaws as soon as possible.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. In 2018, the team debuted a brand-new nine-hole Family Mini Golf Course, Biergarten, and Home Run Pavilion (boardwalk game area) as part of a major renovation to FirstEnergy Park.

2019 ticket packages and group outings are currently on sale by calling 732-901-7000 option 3 or online at BlueClaws.com.

– BlueClaws –

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

Fightins Receive 2018 John Henry Moss Community Service Award

(Reading, PA) – Minor League Baseball has announced the Reading Fightin Phils have received the 2018 John Henry Moss Community Service Award. They are the sixth-ever recipient of the award. The award was introduced in 2013 by Minor League Baseball in honor of John Henry Moss, who founded the South Atlantic League in 1959 and headed the circuit until 2007. The award is given to a club that demonstrates an outstanding, on-going commitment to charitable service, support and leadership. The award will be presented at the Baseball Winter Meetings Banquet on Dec. 9, 2018, at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. In addition to the award, Minor League Baseball Charities will make a $2,500 donation on behalf of the Fightin Phils to Baseballtown Charities.

“On behalf of Baseballtown Charities and the Reading Fightin Phils, we are honored, and humbled, to receive the John Henry Moss Community Service Award”, said Fightins General Manager Scott Hunsicker. “Baseballtown Charities thanks the many sponsors, volunteers, R-Phils Front Office staff, game staff, and the fans – the citizens of Baseballtown – for giving of their time, and of their treasure, to help the kids. The Savage 61 Dream Field, and Gordon Hoodak Stadium at Lauer’s Park, are incredible facilities that will help children for many years to come. They provide the physical place where volunteers can interact with the children on a human level, and really make a difference.”

This past April, the Fightin Phils unveiled the brand new Savage 61 Dream Field, which is a facility that provides children with physical and developmental disabilities the opportunity to play baseball. The unique rubberized surface is the first field of its kind to be built in Berks County. The project is fully funded by Baseballtown Charities, the Reading Fightin Phils charitable organization. 110 children with physical and developmental challenges played in the inaugural spring league, plus another 60 children played in the fall league. More than 850 volunteers have devoted their time in working with these children.

The Dream League Field is the second one million dollar stadium built by Baseballtown Charities. The first, Gordon Hoodak Stadium at Lauer’s Park, built in 2006 has provided more than 1,000 children from Reading the opportunity to learn baseball, softball and life lessons through the game.

The momentum of Gordon Hoodak Stadium, the Baseballtown Dream League, and now the John Henry Moss Award, Baseballtown Charities is even more energized and ready to tackle their next challenge: Baseballtown Charities Rip It for Life. Rip It for Life is a program that will identify young baseball and softball players who want to get better as players, but who face socio-economic challenges. Players identified to participate in the newly formed Baseballtown Charities Rip It for Life program will receive incredible baseball and softball training at no cost to them. The goal of Rip It for Life is to make the kids the best they can be, both as players, and as people, one kid at a time.

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. 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.

America’s Classic Ballpark is proud to be a part of Pennsylvania’s Americana Region. Individual and group tickets 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.

OceanFirst Foundation Donates $78,000 Through Home Runs for Heroes Program

The 2018 Home Runs for Heroes program has now generated over $300,000 in 10 years for area non-profits thanks to the OceanFirst Foundation!

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The OceanFirst Foundation donated $78,000 to area non-profit organizations as part of the Home Runs for Heroes program in 2018.

Each time the BlueClaws hit a home run at FirstEnergy Park this year, the organization(s) paired with the corresponding inning received $1,000 from OceanFirst Foundation. The program has now raised over $300,000 in 10 years for local organizations that support military-personnel, both veterans and active.

The BlueClaws hit a franchise record 44 home runs at FirstEnergy Park this year, but because four innings featured two different organizations, home runs hit in the second, third, fourth and fifth innings each generated $2,000 in donations.

Organization Inning Home Runs Total
Cape May County Coast Guard Community Foundation 1st 5 $5,000
National Guard State Family Readiness Council & Army Emergency Relief 2nd 6 $6,000
Vetgroup Inc & Chariot Riders Inc 3rd 6 $6,000
Lt Dennis W Zilinski II Memorial Fund & Jewish Family and Children Service of Southern NJ 4th 10 $10,000
Citizens Veterans Advisory Committee Inc & Veterans of Foreign Wars 5th 8 $8,000
GI Go Fund & Catholic Charities Diocese of Trenton 6th 4 $4,000
Navy – Marine Corps Relief Society 7th 2 $2,000
American National Red Cross 8th 2 $2,000
Operation First Response, Inc 9th + Extras 1 $1,000

Rodolfo Duran led the BlueClaws with 10 home runs at FirstEnergy Park while Jake Scheiner hit seven, Quincy Nieporte hit six, and Jhailyn Ortiz added five.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. The 2019 season opens April 4th at FirstEnergy Park against Hickory (Rangers). Click here to see the 2019 schedule (pdf file).

2019 BlueClaws Five & Ten-Game Membership Plans are currently on sale. This year, they include a Monthly Payment Plan option through which members can pay for their tickets in monthly installments through August. A Five-Game Membership Plan is available for as little as $5.42 per month! For more in BlueClaws Membership Plans, click here.

Since its founding in 1902, OceanFirst Bank has built a solid reputation and legacy as a good neighbor and responsible corporate citizen. The Bank’s strong commitment to helping families, organizations, schools and communities throughout central and southern New Jersey has spanned several generations reaching new heights in 1996 with the creation of OceanFirst Foundation. The Foundation provides grants to nonprofits and local schools that meet community needs within the OceanFirst Bank footprint. In 2017, OceanFirst Foundation will contribute more than $1.6 million to community initiatives and since its inception, more than $30 million in grants have been awarded to over 750 nonprofits throughout central and southern New Jersey.

– BlueClaws –

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

Boo Bash Returns to Spectrum Field on October 31, 2018!

Boo Bash 2018 at Spectrum Field

  • Wednesday, October 31
  • 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
  • FREE

The Clearwater Threshers, the City of Clearwater, and dozens of local businesses and organizations will be passing out candy and treats at Boo Bash on October 31, 2018, at Spectrum Field. Boo Bash is a safe and family-friendly Trick-or-Treat event.

Bring the whole family in costume for FREE candy, inflatables, the costume parade and on-field hayrides. Be sure to get your photo with and say hi to Phinley – the Clearwater Threshers mascot!

Parking is free. The concession stands will be open with ballpark fare available for purchase.

Boo Bash is not a pet-friendly event, but service dogs are always welcome at Spectrum Field.

Spectrum Field – 601 N Old Coachman Rd, Clearwater

Boo Bash 2018 Vendor Registration PDF

Boo Bash 2018 Vendor Information PDF

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

Hops for Hospice 2018 is October 6 at Spectrum Field

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
Hops for Hospice
Saturday, October 6, 2018
4 p.m. – 8 p.m. at Spectrum Field

HOPSforHOSPICE.com

Join us at beautiful Spectrum Field on Saturday, October 6th where Clearwater Threshers present the 10th annual Hops for Hospice Beer Festival, to benefit Empath Health and the Suncoast Hospice Foundation. Over 100 different beers will be available for sample from JJ Taylor, Great Bay Distributors and local breweries.

Tickets are available for just $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Only a limited number of tickets will be available for the event. Every attendee will receive a complimentary beer mug to sample the product.

Get your tickets soon and don’t miss this great event! Tickets can be purchased at the BayCare Box Office at Spectrum Field, online at HopsforHospice.com or by phone at 727-467-4457.

Support Suncoast Hospice Foundation while sampling a variety of beers.
Sponsorship opportunities are still available.

You must be 21+ years old with a valid photo ID to attend the festival.

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

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Fightin Phils to raise awareness of Spotted Lanternfly on June 26th

(Reading, PA) – The Reading Fightin Phils, proud double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, have announced they will be hosting Agricultural Appreciation Night to stop the Spotted Lanternfly on Tuesday, June 26th at 7:15 p.m. at FirstEnergy Stadium. The first 2,000 adults will receive a Fightin the Spotted Lanterfly T-Shirt courtesy of Anewalts Landscape Contracting and Clover Hill Vineyards and Winery.

Since 2014, the Spotted Lanternfly has threatened the state’s grape, fruit tree and logging industries. Adult lanternflies have a black head and grayish wings with black spots and their body seems to glow red. They have been a threat to the local wine industry because of their negative impact on grapes.

“Growing quality grapes are the first crucial step into making premium wine,” said Kari Skrip, owner of Clover Hill Vineyards and Winery. “The Spotted Lanternfly has the ability to cause major damage to our vines and as a result to Clover Hill Vineyards and Winery. It is imperative that we find solutions to this pest for our vines, wines and our livelihood.”

“Although beautiful, the spotted lanternfly can do immeasurable damage to our local and greater community,” said Lori Anewalt, owner of Anewalt’s Landscape Contracting. “It is our duty to be on the cutting edge of what a lanternfly can do and to treat it with great urgency. We are deeply concerned about the future of the fruit industry, especially that of Clover Hill Winery being that they are close family of the Anewalt’s.”

At the game, State Sen. Judy Schwank will have a table with informational flyers about the spotted lanternfly.

“The spotted lanternfly is a serious problem and is having a huge impact on our communities and on our farmers,” Schwank said. “Everybody needs to be engaged on this issue. Come out on June 26 to learn more.”

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has three steps to help eradicate the spotted lanternfly:

1.      Kill them

2.     Scrape the eggs off your trees

3.      If you are in a new area report it to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) by emailing badbug@pa.gov or call the Invasive Species Hotline at 1-866-253-7189

For individual tickets visit fightins.com/tickets or call 610-370-BALL.

For group outings, please reach out to Director of Groups Sales Jon Nally at jnally@fightins.com or Assistant Director of Group Sales at bwells@fightins.com

America’s Classic Ballpark is proud to be a part of Pennsylvania’s Americana Region. Individual and season tickets for the 2018 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.

Thursday is LGBT Pride Night

The Lehigh Valley IronPigs are celebrating their first ever LGBT Pride Night presented by Air Products during Thursday’s game against the Pawtucket Red Sox. This theme night will feature a cap giveaway, a special appearance from former Major Leaguer Billy Bean, and great performances.

To kick off the event, Air Products is sponsoring a Pride Night Cap giveaway featuring the IronPigs logo and the LGBT community’s rainbow of colors for 3,000 guests 18 and older. The plaza gates are set to open early for an extended pre-game happy hour from 5-7 p.m. featuring $1 Berks hot dogs and $2 domestic drafts.

Bean, MLB’s Director of Inclusion, will be in attendance to promote the message of inclusion and diversity. Bean was the first openly gay Major League Baseball and now serves as a resource for all 30 big league clubs.

LGBT Pride Night will highlight some special entertainment including a National Anthem performance by the Lehigh Valley Gay Men’s Chorus and a God Bless America performance by the B.A.S.I.C. Choir.

All fans who decided to donate a portion of their ticket proceeds to the Bradbury Sullivan LGBT Community Center through a special ticket package can pick up their complimentary gameday T-Shirt sponsored by Air Products in the TD Bank Plaza.

“We’re happy to host the first of what we hope is an annual, inclusion-themed evening at Coca-Cola Park,” said IronPigs President and General Manager Kurt Landes when the night was announced in March. “We’d like to thank our partners, Air Products and Bradbury-Sullivan, as well as Billy Bean, for partnering with us to help promote diverse and prejudice-free environments.”

Here are some other fun things happening this weekend at Coca-Cola Park:

6/15 (7:05 p.m.): Scout Sleepover | Will Smith Friday Night Fireworks presented by Coors Light

6/16 (6:35 p.m.): Zac Brown Band Saturday Night Fireworks presented by AT&T

6/17 (1:35 p.m.): Father’s Day | Tube 6-pack cooler bag giveaway for 2,000 men 18 and older | Post game Kids Run the Bases presented by Lehigh Valley Children’s Hospital | IronPigs Charities Father’s Day bases and bat raffle

Single-game tickets for all home IronPigs contests are available here, or by calling (610) 847-PIGS (7447).

The 2018 IronPigs baseball 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.

First Responders Night with Fireworks on June 23

CLEARWATER, Fla. – The Threshers are honoring local emergency personnel on Saturday, June 23, with First Responders Night at Spectrum Field. The day features community police and fire departments playing softball on Spectrum Field in the afternoon and a huge fireworks show after the game, plus recognition of the heroes in attendance during the game.

Gates open at 5:00 p.m. for the 6:15 p.m. game with the Dunedin Blue Jays. The fireworks are presented by Banquet Masters.

For a group tickets, or tickets for the afternoon softball games, call Bobby at 727-712-4408.

Tickets on ThreshersBaseball.com

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

Cutters Dominican Dinner Returns July 10

The Williamsport Crosscutters have teamed up with A.C.E.S. North America in announcing the 5thAnnual Dominican Plate – An Evening of Dominican Dining and Entertainment with the Cutters.

The event will be held on Tuesday, July 10 in the Grand Ballroom of the Genetti Hotel, 200 W. Fourth St., Williamsport. Doors open at 5:30pm with hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar followed by a Dominican-style dinner served at 6:30pm.

The buffet dinner of traditional Dominican fare will be served by members of the Williamsport Crosscutters who hail from the Dominican Republic, along with some of their teammates.

Proceeds from the event benefit A.C.E.S. North America, an organization working to create sustainable development projects in the Dominican Republic. The charity, founded in Williamsport in 2005, uses all-volunteer personnel for its operations.

A.C.E.S. Founder Linell Stabler stated, “Teaming up with the Crosscutters for this Dominican fundraiser has been a great way to raise funds for our mission of helping people in the Dominican Republic.”

In addition, the night will feature live musical entertainment, Chinese and live auctions of sports memorabilia and other items plus a balloon bust wine raffle.   Last year’s event raised over $7,000 for the charity.

“This is a tremendous opportunity to help out a worthy charity that does outstanding work in an area of the world many of our players call home,” said Gabe Sinicropi the team’s Vice-President of Marketing and Public Relations.

Due to the popularity of this event in the past, reserved seating is utilized to make for a more comfortable evening for all attendees. Tickets for The Dominican Plate are $20 for adults and $10 for children age 12 and under. Tables of 8 may be purchased for $150. Tickets must be purchased in advance online at crosscutters.com, by phone at (570) 326-3389 or by visiting the Sawmill Team Store at BB&T Ballpark.

CLICK HERE to purchase tickets to the Dominican Plate

For more information on A.C.E.S., visit www.acesnorthamerica.org.

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

Military Appreciation Night, Troop Supply Drive on June 14th

Military Appreciation Night on June 14th includes a Troop Supply Drive.

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LAKEWOOD, NJ – The BlueClaws will be hosting their annual Military Appreciation Night and Troop Supply Drive, presented by OceanFirst Bank, at the game on Thursday, June 14th. First pitch is at 7:05 pm.

There will be both pre-game and in-game ceremonies honoring members of the armed forces. A Black Hawk Helicopter will be stationed on the Great Lawn in front of the ballpark for pictures with fans.

Tickets – Call 732-901-7000 option 2 or click here to order online.

Additionally, the BlueClaws will once again be collecting items for their Troop Supply Drive. Boxes will be set up for the Troop Supply and Care Package Drive in the front of the ballpark and fans are encouraged to donate razors, snacks, baby wipes, shampoo, soap, non-chocolate candies and sweets, sun block with SPF 40+, lip balm, writing utensils, silly string, deodorant, tissues, q-tips, white socks, batteries, insect repellent, and flashlights.

The BlueClaws will also be collecting, as always, gently used cell phones at the New Jersey Natural Gas Information Booth to benefit Cell Phones for Soldiers.

This supply and care package drive is in conjunction with the Monmouth-Ocean Central Labor Council Military Committee, Monmouth-Ocean Building Trade Council, National Guard, Toms River Armory, A.R.M.S, and IBEW Local 400 Military Committee.

Vets Night Out – Through the BlueClaws Vets Night Out program, presented by OceanFirst Bank, fans can donate tickets that will be given directly to veterans to enjoy BlueClaws games on June 14th and August 21st this year. For more in Vets Night Out, click here or call Tyler Odle at 732-901-7000 ext 124.

In addition, former Yankee Bucky Dent will be signing autographs at the game. Dent hit one of the most famous home runs in baseball history to win a one-game playoff against the Red Sox in 1978. His signing will begin at 6 pm when the gates open.

Bucky Dent VIP Express Pass – A VIP Express Pass lets holders skip the main autograph line. A limited number of express passes are available and can be ordered online by clicking here on the phone at 732-901-7000 option 2. Please note when ordering that the VIP Line price includes a game ticket ($23 adults, $20 junior/senior).

It’s also a Thirsty Thursday, presented by 95.9 WRAT, with dollar beer and soda plus 75-cent wings in the BlueClaws Biergarten. For more on the BlueClaws Thirsty Thursday Club, which includes seven undated Thursday tickets and access to a VIP Line in the BlueClaws Biergarten, click here.

– BlueClaws –

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

Threshers Veterans and Military Appreciation Night is June 2

CLEARWATER, Fla. – The Threshers are saying ‘thank you’ and honoring those who serve at Veterans and Military Appreciation Night at Spectrum Field on Saturday, June 2. The day features inter-service softball games in the afternoon, a Hero Card Set giveaway, a POW/MIA Chair of Honor Dedication, a troop care package packing event, on-field ceremonies, a game-used jersey auction, and post-game fireworks. The night is presented by Bosley and Bratch, Lawyers for Veterans.

The first 1,000 guests to arrive will receive a free Hero Card Set giveaway, a baseball-style card set featuring local military heroes and veterans – with their photo and a bio included. The heroes, or their representatives, will be honored along the 3rd base line prior to game time.

Along with Rolling Thunder and Hussey Seating, the Threshers will be dedicating as part of the pregame ceremonies, a POW/MIA Chair of Honor to be on permanent display at Spectrum Field. Media is encouraged to attend this photo opportunity with military, local, and team officials.

In addition to the displays and happenings on the concourse, there will be a swearing-in of new recruits on-field, and SOCOM Para-Commandos from MacDill AFB will be jumping in to the ballpark. The special Threshers camouflage game jerseys will be part of a silent auction fundraiser during the game. Those with winning bids may collect their jersey from the player with an autograph, on-field after the game.

The Stano Foundation is partnering with the Threshers for a Troop Care Package packing event to take place during the game on June 2.

Military Night Packing Event Flyer PDF

Items to fill the snack sacks may be dropped off in the administration office of Spectrum Field during business hours in the weeks leading up to Veterans and Military Appreciation Night. Donations are encouraged of protein bars, granola bars, trail mix, peanuts, small bags of chips, and similar snacks.

Gates open at 5 p.m. for the 6:15 p.m. game with the Florida Fire Frogs, and a huge fireworks show follows the game. A portion of every military ticket sold will benefit the Haley House Fund and Injured Warriors of Florida. Historic military equipment from various branches including the Coast Guard will be on display around the park with many vendors inside.

 

The ‘Battle of the Branches’ softball games, organized by Navy Federal Credit Union, will take place on Spectrum Field during the afternoon preceding the Threshers game. Teams from the U.S. Coast Guard Sectors St. Pete and Clearwater, MacDill AFB, and VetSports will be competing for fun and bragging rights. Group tickets are available for the softball.

Call the BayCare Box Office at 727-467-4457.

Ticket Prices:

Field Box Seats – $10

Box Seats – $8

Military/Child/Senior – $6

Berm – $6

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

Hispanic Heritage Celebration highlights next homestand

The Lehigh Valley IronPigs return to Coca-Cola Park for a four-game homestand May 21-24 against the Rochester Red Wings. Fans should look forward to the two-night Hispanic Heritage Celebration presented by La Mega Radio that includes both a jersey auction and cap raffle featuring our “Tocino” logo.

We are kicking off Wednesday’s theme night with a team photo and autograph session presented by People First Federal Credit Union. Guests will have the opportunity to take photos with and get autographs from players from 5:30-6:15 p.m. before the first pitch at 7:05 p.m.

In addition, the jersey auction and cap raffle presented by Tito’s Handmade Vodka will take place over the two-night event. The winners will be announced following the game on May 24. The jersey, which has a white base with blue sleeves and red accents, features the word “Tocino” in bacon-filled letters across the chest. The numbers on the back feature the same bacon pattern and a blue outline. The cap includes the same “Tocino” script and features alternating white and red panels with a blue bill. Proceeds from the jersey auction will benefit the Fe Foundation and their ‘Futuros Empresarios’ (Future Entrepreneurs) Program.

The celebration will be complete with Hispanic music, entertainment, and food choices.

5/21 (7:05 p.m.): $1 Berks hot dogs | TD Bank Dog Days | St. Luke’s EMS Night

5/22 (7:05 p.m.): Penn State Lehigh Valley/ IronPigs visor presented by UGI Utilities | Agriculture Night | Lucky Ticket Tuesday presented by PA Lottery

5/23 (7:05 p.m.): Team photo and autograph session presented by People First Federal Credit Union | Hispanic Heritage Celebration presented by La Mega Radio | Tocino jersey auction and cap raffle presented by Tito’s Handmade Vodka

5/24 (7:05 p.m.): Hispanic Heritage Celebration presented by La Mega Radio | Tocino jersey auction and cap raffle presented by Tito’s Handmade Vodka

The 2018 Season is the IronPigs’ 11th season at Coca-Cola Park and 11th as the top affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies. Fans can get closer to the team than ever before with a Bacon, USA membership — a year-round IronPigs experience pass featuring numerous amenities such as savings on parking at games and at the Majestic Clubhouse Store at Coca-Cola Park, on-field VIP access to watch batting practice, access to the annual holiday party, and more. For more information, visit IronPigsBaseball.com or call (610) 841-PIGS (7447).

The 2018 IronPigs baseball 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.

BlueClaws, CJBC Blood Drive on May 12th

The BlueClaws are hosting a Blood Drive on Saturday, May 12th.

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LAKEWOOD, NJ – The BlueClaws and Central Jersey Blood Center are teaming up for a blood drive on Saturday, May 12th from 8 am – 1 pm at FirstEnergy Park.The drive will take place in the BlueClaws Executive Conference Center and each donor will receive a pair of tickets for a 2018 BlueClaws game.

The BlueClaws encourage all fans to donate as the supply of blood needs to be replenished at this time.

While walk-ins are accepted, donors are encouraged to pre-register. To sign up, call 888-71-BLOOD or click here to register online.

Don’t Forget: Please eat before donating. All equipment used during the procedure is sterile and disposable. Donors must be healthy, be at least 16 years of age and weigh at least 120 pounds. Donors must present signature ID.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment.

2018 BlueClaws single-game tickets, ticket packages and group outings are currently on sale by calling 732-901-7000 option 3 or online at BlueClaws.com.

– BlueClaws –

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

Allergy Awareness Day, With Ballpark Nut Free, on May 9th

Allergy Awareness Day, a day where FirstEnergy Park goes “Nut Free” for those with food allergies, is Wednesday, May 9th.

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LAKEWOOD, NJ – The BlueClaws will host an “Allergy Awareness Day” at FirstEnergy Park on Wednesday, May 9th at the team’s 6:35 pm game against Charleston (Yankees) which includes the ballpark being nut free for this game only.

At this game, the BlueClaws will not be selling or distributing any products that contain peanuts, and no peanut products will be used in food preparation or available for sale (peanuts, Cracker Jacks, etc.), giving those with peanut-allergies the chance to experience BlueClaws baseball!

“The BlueClaws are pleased to be able to offer this night for those around the Jersey Shore impacted by allergies,” said Jim McNamara, BlueClaws Vice President of Tickets. “We want everyone around the area to have to opportunity to enjoy BlueClaws baseball and look forward to a great night.”

This year, the BlueClaws unveiled a new Mini Golf Course down the right field line and the Toyota World Home Run Pavilion opened in centerfiled. The Home Run Pavilion includes traditional boardwalk games like Hoop Shot, Cat Rack, Balloon Darts, as well as a Sweet Shop with traditional boardwalk favorites.

Tickets are currently on sale. To order, call 732-901-7000 option 2 or click here to order online.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment.

– BlueClaws –

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

Nominations Being Accepted for Most Valuable Teacher Program

Most Valuable Teacher Night is Friday, June 15th.

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The BlueClaws honor Most Improved Students every year, but this year, the BlueClaws and the NJEA are partnering to honor Most Valuable Teachers at the game on Friday, June 15th.

Teachers can be nominated by students, parents of students, fellow teachers, principals, or other administrators.

How to Nominate: Click here to fill out a nomination form. Plus, the BlueClaws encourage nominators to email videos to MVT@blueclaws.com. Video submissions, where the student talks about why their teacher is a Most Valuable Teacher, could be used on the BlueClaws video board the day of the ceremony.

“Teachers are the bedrock of our education system and we want to recognize their achievements this spring,” said BlueClaws General Manager Joe Ricciutti. “This event, honoring the top teachers at the Jersey Shore, is extra special since we are taking the nominations and videos from the students and parents themselves.”

Upon nomination, teachers will be contacted through their schools. Each teacher will receive a complimentary ticket to the BlueClaws game on June 15th and will be recognized in a pre-game ceremony.

The Friday, June 15th game also includes post-game fireworks thanks to New Jersey Natural Gas.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable family entertainment. Ticket packages and group outings are currently on sale for the 2018 season by calling 732-900-7000 option 3.

– BlueClaws –

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