Philadelphia Phillies

Redcay Strong Community Day Slated for June 14th

May 27, 2014

Fundraiser for Derrick Redcay and family to be held at FirstEnergy Stadium

ReadingFightinPhils_2014-05-27 — On June 14th, the Fightins will be holding the Redcay Strong Community Day at FirstEnergy Stadium. (Brad Drey)

Following the overwhelming support from the Muhlenberg Township community to raise funds for the Derrick Redcay Strong fund on Saturday, May 3rd’s game, the Reading Fightin Phils will be hosting Redcay Strong Community Day at FirstEnergy Stadium on Saturday, June 14th from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. thanks to Savage 61, Forino, and Lowe’s.

Admission to the event is free for all ages. A $10 wristband for unlimited access to children’s activities during the afternoon will also be available at the event.

As part of the day’s festivities, Savage 61 will be donating a brand new 2014 Dodge Dart to be raffled off at $10/ticket. All money earned through the raffle will go to the Redcay Strong fund. Savage 61 will also be coordinating a handicap accessible van for Derrick and his family.

Lowe’s will also be donating supplies to the Redcay family in order for them make the family garage accessible for Derrick.

The event benefits the Derrick Redcay Strong fund, which has been set up to assist with the ongoing expenses related to the support and care of Derrick and his family. Local fire companies, ambulance, police department, township, and school officials have joined forces with his church Alsace Lutheran in the fundraising efforts.

On April 24, 18 year-old Muhlenberg High School senior Redcay suffered a rare stroke to his spinal cord that severed his nerves at the C4-C6 area. As a result, Redcay no longer has sensations and movement below his neck and needs assistance with breathing, which his family hopes is temporary.

Derrick is a member of the high school varsity baseball team, the Alsace Lutheran Church Youth Group, and is a member of the National Technical Honor Society, earned by maintaining a 3.5 GPA since the 9th grade. Derrick is also a volunteer firefighter with the Goodwill Fire Company, helping out at a 5-alarm blaze in the township less than 24 hours before he was stricken. Derrick has been accepted to the University of New Haven to study Fire Science.

Volunteers from the Redcay Strong fund will be on hand June 14th to sell Redcay Strong t-shirts, bracelets, and decals with the proceeds going to the fund.

The day of fun will feature live music on the Weston Center Winning Smiles Stage. In addition, businesses, organizations, and individuals will be running stands, games, and activities throughout Tompkins VIST Bank Plaza. A list of the activities can be found below:

•   Face Painting-Goodwill Fire Company
•   Gatorade/Lemonade Stand-Mason Yeager
•   Bake Sale-Alsace Lutheran Church
•   Dunk Tank-Reading Education Association
•   Chair Massage-BTI
•   Cotton Candy-Ethosource
•   Moon Bounce-Ethosource
•   Pony Rides (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.)-Ananda Farm
•   Door Prizes/Raffle-Lori Pottinger
•   Kids Fire Fighter Hose Shoot-Temple Fire Company
•   Children’s Games (Duck Pone, Lollipop Tree, and more)-Alsace Lutheran Church
•   Fish Pond-Mary Heister
•   Bean Bag Toss-Muhlenberg Ambulance
•   Chair Massage Station-United Artists

Fightin Phils concession stands will be open during the event from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

For more information regarding the Redcay Strong fund and how you can donate, visit RedcayStrong.org.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Reading Fightin Phils. Click here to view the original story.

ALS Celebrity Waiter Event Returns June 4th

May 20, 2014

Fundraiser once again held at TGI Friday’s in Brick

The BlueClaws are proud to hold their 14th annual ALS Celebrity Waiter Event on Wednesday, June 4th at TGI Friday’s on Route 70 in Brick.

The event, which started in 2001, raises money for the ALS Association of Greater Philadelphia, the principal charity of the Philadelphia Phillies.

This marks the third straight year the event will be at TGI Friday’s in Brick. There will be two seatings: one at 5:30 and another at 7:00. As in years past, BlueClaws players will be serving as the waiters, and coaches will serve as bartenders.

20% of every check, plus 100% of all tips, will be donated directly to the ALS Association of Greater Philadelphia.

Reservations are encouraged and can be made by calling 732-262-0937.

“This has been a wonderful partnership between the BlueClaws and the ALS Association over the last 13 years and we are looking forward to what is always a great event,” said Jim DeAngelis, BlueClaws Director of Community Relations.

“The Phillies and their family have raised money to fight ALS for 30 years and here at the minor league level, the BlueClaws have been able to do the same since our inception in 2001,” he added.

The ALS Celebrity Waiter event has raised nearly $125,000 in its first 13 years.

There will also be a silent auction, while BlueClaws players will sign autographs and pose for pictures throughout the night.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. They have led the South Atlantic League in attendance in all 13 years of existence.

Tickets for all remaining BlueClaws games are on sale by calling 732-901-7000 option 2 or online at BlueClaws.com.

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

Home Runs, Strikeouts Benefit Local Charities

May 15, 2014

BlueClaws partners OceanFirst Bank, Stop & Shop donate to local organizations through two initiatives

The BlueClaws have partnered with OceanFirst Foundation and Stop & Shop to raise money for local organizations when a BlueClaws batter hits a home run or when a BlueClaws pitcher strikes out an opposing hitter at FirstEnergy Park this summer.

OceanFirst Foundation’s Home Runs for Heroes
The BlueClaws and OceanFirst Foundation have again partnered on Home Runs for Heroes, a program that raises money for local military-based non-profit organizations. Each inning of the game is tied in with a local military-based organization. Each time the BlueClaws hit a home run in Lakewood, OceanFirst Foundation makes a donation of $1,000 to that organization. For a rundown of charities, please click here.

The program is now in its sixth season and has raised over $120,000 so far. For more on OceanFirst Foundation, click here.

Stop & Shop’s Strike Out Hunger
The BlueClaws and Stop & Shop have again partnered on the Strike Out Hunger campaign, through which Stop & Shop makes a donation to the Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties for every BlueClaws strikeout by a pitcher in Lakewood this year. Last year, the program raised over $10,000 for the Food Bank, which supports over 260 pantries and soup kitchens at the Jersey Shore.

Further, this year, as part of their 100th anniversary celebration, Stop & Shop will give out a $100 gift card to one lucky fan each time the BlueClaws reach a 100-strikeout milestone this year (100th, 200th, etc strikeout of the year).

For a program rundown, click here.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. They have led the South Atlantic League and New Jersey in attendance in all 13 years of existence. For tickets to any BlueClaws home game, call 732-901-7000 option 2 or click here.

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

4th Annual Cutters 5K Run to Benefit CDC

May 6, 2014

The Williamsport Crosscutters, in partnership with the Children’s Development Center, will be holding the 4^th Annual Cutters 5K on Saturday, June 28^th at Susquehanna Bank Park 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 over 200 participants while raising over $10,000 for the CDC.

“Since the affiliation between Hope Enterprises and the Children’s Development Center was finalized, both organizations have been working together to enhance the service options for children and their families in our area. Having the support of our community with events such as the Cutters 5K, allows us to be better prepared to meet the needs of those to be served” stated Hope Enterprises President, Jim Campbell.

Prizes will be awarded for 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd 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 that evening. Prizes will also be awarded to the top three male and female walkers.

“We are proud to partner with the CDC again 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 June 29th Crosscutters vs. Mahoning Valley Scrappers game at 7:05pm. Registration forms and more information are available online at crosscutters.com, at the Crosscutters offices at Bowman Field or the CDC offices located at 625 W. Edwin St. Sponsorships of the event are also still available.

Opening Night 2014, presented by Susquehanna Bank and KISS 102-7, is slated for Friday, June 13 as the Crosscutters host the rival State College Spikes. Season Tickets and Bonus Book mini-plans are now available at the ballpark, online at www.crosscutters.com or by phone at (570) 326-3389.

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

Home Show, Breast Cancer Awareness on Wednesday

May 2, 2014

BlueClaws open series with Kannapolis (White Sox)

Wednesday night at FirstEnergy Park includes both a Home Show and Breast Cancer Awareness Night as the BlueClaws open up a three-game series with the Kannapolis Intimidators (White Sox) at 6:35 pm.

The annual Home Show at FirstEnergy Park includes vendors that specialize in home improvements and decor will be located all around the concourse. Fans can visit their tables and learn how they can improve their homes over the summer! Over 20 vendors will be present at the game at tables around the ballpark.

It’s also Breast Cancer Awareness Night, which will include a pre-game ceremony and set-ups from Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the American Cancer Society, Monmouth Medical Center, and Kimball Medical Center. The tables will have information on screenings, treatments, and more.

Plus, there will be a large pink ribbon autographed by the BlueClaws team which will be raffled off to one lucky fan at the information tables.

For tickets to the game, call 732-901-7000 optoin 2 or click here.

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

Cutters Launch Anti-Bullying School Assembly Program

April 28, 2014

“Bully Busters Unite” Outreach Initiative to Raise Awareness in Elementary Schools

The Williamsport Crosscutters are proud to announce the launch of Bully Busters Unite, a new anti-bullying program aimed at raising awareness for a priority issue in local elementary schools.

The program, underwritten by Susquehanna Health, utilizes the star power of the team’s beloved mascot “Boomer”, who will engage students in recognizing bullying behavior and exploring what to do should they witness or experience bullying of any kind. The Crosscutters will provide free school assemblies and incentivize students with the goal of making a strong impact in the fight to stop bullying before it starts.

“While the Williamsport Crosscutters are proud of the success of our award-winning Grand Slam Reading Program that has been in existence for 19 years, reaching over 10,000 students per year, we have been searching for another worthwhile school outreach program to add to our arsenal that we thought could make an impact,” said Gabe Sinicropi, the team’s Vice-President of Marketing and Public Relations. “With Bully Busters Unite, we feel we’ve found that program and we couldn’t do it without the support of our friends at Susquehanna Health.”

Speaking about their involvement, Susquehanna Health Director of Corporate Communications Tracie Witter stated, “Susquehanna Health knows that healthy behaviors also include positive actions toward each other. Working with the Crosscutters to reinforce the value of positive behaviors to area youth supports our mission to create a healthier community.”

Developed with the assistance of Bruce Productions, a production company based in Wilmington, Delaware, the Bully Busters program kicks off this May in Williamsport area schools and continues this fall in elementary schools throughout the Susquehanna Valley.

Each assembly will star “Boomer” and Cutters staff members, who will engage students in recognizing bullying behavior and exploring what to do should they witness or experience bullying of any kind.

At the conclusion of each interactive assembly, students will be asked to take the “Bully Buster Pledge” both in school and at home with their families. Students who do so will be rewarded with two complimentary tickets to a select Cutters game in June. The Crosscutters will also provide teachers and counselors with a take-home activity book for students, further reinforcing the importance of the anti-bullying message.

Kirk Felix, Principal of Stevens Elementary School in Williamsport said, “We at Stevens Primary in the Williamsport Area School District are happy to assist the Crosscutters with launching their Bully Busters Unite program. ‘Developing responsible citizens through excellence in education’ is our District’s mission statement. We appreciate the Cutters interest in supporting our students, staff and families with learning how to take responsibility when it comes to bullying. The children love Boomer and we look forward to him helping teach children and their parents about appropriate behaviors.”

School administrators interested in booking a Bully Busters Unite assembly can contact Sarah Budd, the Crosscutters Director of Community Relations at (570) 326-3389 x1200 or sarah@crosscutters.com.

The Crosscutters 2014 season opens on June 13 at Susquehanna Bank Park 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 article originally appeared on the official website of the Williamsport Crosscutters. Click here to view the original story.

BlueClaws, CJBC Blood Drive on May 17th

April 21, 2014

All donors receive a ticket to a BlueClaws game

The BlueClaws and Central Jersey Blood Center will partner on a Blood Drive on Saturday, May 17th that runs from 7 am – 2 pm.

The drive will take place in a blood mobile located outside the ballpark, and each donor will receive a pair of tickets to a future BlueClaws game.

The BlueClaws and Central Jersey Blood Center encourage all fans to donate, as this is the time of the year when donations are in the greatest need.

To register online, click here. Donors can also register by calling 732-842-5750 ext. 225.

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.

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

IronPigs to Host Allentown Police vs Firefighter Softball Contest

April 17, 2014

90-minute Softball Game to Be Followed by IronPigs Game at 6:35 p.m.

The Allentown Police and Fire Departments will square off in a 90-minute softball game at 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, as the IronPigs pay tribute to local police, fire and EMS personnel with a very special, promotion-stuffed Heroes Night at Coca-Cola Park. Both the IronPigs and Pawtucket Red Sox will join in on the festivities during their 6:35 p.m. game that night by donning unique specialty jerseys that promote local Police and Fire Departments.

All gates open at 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, but fans are reminded that they must have a ticket to the IronPigs-Red Sox game to gain admittance to Coca-Cola Park for the earlier softball contest.

“We truly hope that this becomes an annual tradition at Coca-Cola Park,” exclaimed IronPigs General Manager Kurt Landes. “We owe a great deal of gratitude to local police, fire, EMS and emergency personnel in the Lehigh Valley that keep our community safe.”

The specialty jerseys will be auctioned off during that night’s game with proceeds benefitting the Allentown Police Athletic League, the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lehigh Valley and IronPigs Charities.

Heroes Night will also allow fans the opportunity to honor the local police, firefighters, EMS personnel, and military members who serve and protect the Lehigh Valley and the entire nation, in a pre-game on-field ceremony. As part of the Heroes Night activities, the Color Guard ceremony will be performed prior to the game by the Allentown Police.

As an added bonus to all fans in attendance on Heroes Night, there will be a special post-game fireworks show featuring patriotic music presented by Lehigh Carbon Community College.

IronPigs and Red Sox fans can bid on their favorite player’s jerseys from anywhere with the easy-to-use Qtego service that allows fans to place bids, receive notifications when outbid and check the status of their item via text messages on their mobile phones. Fans without texting access can even call in their bid after registering their phone at Coca-Cola Park.

Register your phone from anywhere in the U.S. by texting “Pigs” to 79230. Detailed instructions on how to place your bid will be made available at ironpigsbaseball.com on April 25.

Winning bidders of the IronPigs home jerseys will have the opportunity to go on the field immediately following the game to have their jersey autographed. Please note that the on-field jersey signing will only occur with the home team jerseys. Bidders not in attendance at Coca-Cola Park can either pick up their signed jersey at a later date or have it mailed directly to them.

Great seats are still available for this game and all upcoming games and can be purchased in-person at Coca-Cola Park (Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), by calling (610) 841-PIGS (7447) or online at ironpigsbaseball.com. Make sure to inquire about some of our newest seating areas, including the “Hot Corner” and the “Bacon Strip”, which offer IronPigs fans the most unique and distinctive seating and hospitality areas in all of Minor League Baseball.

Fans are reminded that there are three entry points for parking and are encouraged to use the Dauphin Street entrance when traveling from downtown Allentown. In addition to the Dauphin Street entrance, entry to Coca-Cola Park can be gained off American Parkway and Union Boulevard. Preferred/Handicapped Parking access is available via American Parkway only.

The cost of parking in Coca-Cola Park’s “Pig Tail Porking Spaces” is $3 per vehicle for all IronPigs home games.

Single-game tickets, mini-plan packages and group tickets for all IronPigs home games presented by Capital BlueCross, are on sale now and can be purchased at the Coca-Cola Park Ticket Office, online at www.ironpigsbaseball.com or by calling (610) 841-PIGS.

Don’t forget to ask about the four-person “islands” in the Red Robin Oasis located directly above the left field bullpens. Each island is covered underneath a thatched roof and includes a circular half-table, cocktail-style seating for the four fans in the party and wait service.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. Click here to view the original story.

BlueClaws Baseball Academy Open Tryout on May 4th

April 15, 2014

BBA will run three teams this summer based at FirstEnergy Park

LAKEWOOD, NJ – BlueClaws Baseball Academy will hold an open tryout on May 4th at FirstEnergy Park with registration starting at 9 am and the tryouts starting at 10 am.

Coming off an extremely successful Fall and Winter season with their two 17-under teams, the BBA Claws will be adding a freshman team (for players that are currently high school freshman). Last year’s roster included players from 11 high schools and three counties. In all, the organization will have three teams consisting of 40 players at both the 17u and 16u levels.

Anyone that is currently in 9th, 10th or 11th grade and interested in trying out must contact Joe Agnello at 732-901-7000 ext 209 or email jagnello@blueclaws.com to register. There is a $20 tryout fee though any player that makes a team will have the money credited towards their registration.

The BBA Claws will begin practicing in June in order to be ready for the start of the Summer season. The team will participate in Perfect Game Super 25 Mid-Atlantic Regional qualifier, Diamond Nation 18u World Series, and BlueChip Prospects Showcase at Maple Zone Sports Institute, their own BBA College Showcase, weekly practices, and take part in a pre-game ceremony before a Lakewood BlueClaws game.

The schedule will also consist of games played against local teams at FirstEnergy Park and other local fields. The roster will be made up of Shore-area players and compete at both the 16u and 17u age level. The team will again be run by Joe Agnello, the director of the BlueClaws Baseball Academy, whose resume consists of nine years of coaching at the collegiate level, and for Major League Baseball player development in Southeast China.

BBA has also teamed up with Turn 2 Sports Consulting of Tinton Falls to help players and parents with the recruiting process. This exclusive partnership will educate, coach, and train families on how the recruiting details, NCAA academic and eligibility requirements, effective marketing strategies, and basic phone and interview preparation.

BlueClaws Baseball Academy is a year-long instruction-based program for youth players at the Jersey Shore. They run clinics througout the year and in 2013, ran two 17-under travel teams based out of FirstEnergy Park. It is believed to be the first time that a Minor League Baseball team sponsored and hosted youth travel teams from their own facility.

With any questions about BlueClaws Baseball Academy, contact Joe Agnello at 732-901-7000 ext 209.

– BlueClaws Baseball Academy –

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

“We Salute You” Wednesdays to Honor Military

March 24, 2014

Individuals or businesses can make tax-deductible donations

LAKEWOOD, NJ – The Lakewood BlueClaws are pleased to bring back the Military Partners Program and We Salute You Wednesdays for the 2014 season. Through the program, companies can donate tickets to a series of Wednesday games for exclusive use by both veterans and active military members.

The five We Salute You Wednesday dates are April 16th, May 7th, June 11th, July 2nd, and August 27th.

At these We Salute You Wednesday games, the BlueClaws will have an extensive military presence including an assortment of the following:

Special Military-Themed Jerseys Worn By Players and Coaches
Rendition of God Bless America
Pre-Game Military Ceremonies (such as honoring a soldier returning from active duty or a re-enlistment ceremony)
Prize Raffles Exclusively for Military Personnel

Each participating donor (individual or business) will receive exposure through various BlueClaws outlets as well as the potential for tax deductbility.

There are six levels of donations: 10 tickets, 25 tickets, 50 tickets, 100 tickets, 250 tickets, and 500 tickets. Each donated ticket is $7 and the donation levels range from $70 to $3,500. Additional bonuses for participating donors, in the form of BlueClaws tickets and outings, are available depending on donation levels.

With any questions or for more information, please call Kevin Fenstermacher at 732-901-7000 ext 115 or email kfenstermacher@blueclaws.com.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. They have led the South Atlantic League in attendance in all 13 years of existence.

Tickets for all 2014 BlueClaws home games are currently available by calling 732-901-7000 or online at BlueClaws.com.

– BlueClaws –

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

Learn From the Pros at BlueClaws Youth Baseball Camp

March 18, 2014

Three sessions available in 2014; registration now open

LAKEWOOD, NJ – Young players can learn the game from the pros at the annual BlueClaws Youth Baseball Camps in 2014 where BlueClaws players serve as instructors to youngsters at FirstEnergy Park.

The BlueClaws Youth Baseball Camp is open to players ages 7-12 and there are three sessions available:
Session I: Thursday, July 10th & Friday, July 11th.
Session II: Thursday, July 24th & Friday, July 25th.
Session III: Monday, August 4th, Tuesday, August 5th, Thursday, August 7th, & Friday, August 8th.

Camp each day runs from 9 am – 12 pm and includes lunch from 12 pm – 12:30 pm, an autograph session with BlueClaws players on the last day of camp, BlueClaws merchandise, and one ticket to the BlueClaws game on Wednesday, August 27th.

The camp will cover all aspects of the game, with emphasis on hitting, base running, fielding, throwing, pitching, and position work. The objective of the camp is to instill the fundamentals of baseball, promote good sportsmanship, and create an enjoyable learning atmosphere for all.

Registration is now open and can be made by calling Kevin Lodge at 732-901-7000 ext 146 or by returning this registration form. Sessions I and II are $100 while Session III is $175.

– BlueClaws –

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

Youth Field Renovation Nominations Sought

March 18, 2014

Email Kelly Gooley by Friday, March 21 for consideration

The IronPigs are currently seeking nominations for local little league fields that need field renovations this spring. Please email Kelly Gooley at kgooley@ironpigsbaseball.com with your contact information by Friday, March 21 at 12 p.m. to garner consideration.

The winning youth little league organization will receive a complete infield renovation from IronPigs head groundskeeper Ryan Hills and members of the IronPigs front office staff! The IronPigs will assist in all facets of this renovation in an effort to get your league ready for the upcoming season.

For more information, please contact Kelly Gooley at kgooley@ironpigsbaseball.com or call (610) 841-1213.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. Click here to view the original story.

Dusty Wathan Hosting Catching Clinic on March 30th

March 18, 2014

Fightins skipper to teach advanced catching skills for up-and-coming catchers

Fightins manager Dusty Wathan will be hosting a catching clinic on March 30th from 5:00 to 6:15 p.m. for catchers ages eight & up. (Ralph Trout)

As the Reading Fightin Phils prepare for the 2014 season, manager Dusty Wathan is giving local youth catchers a chance to do the same for their respective baseball seasons at the Dusty Wathan Catching Clinic on Sunday, March 30th from 5:00 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. The clinic will provide players ages eight through college aged the opportunity to work on advanced catching skills with the Fightins skipper.

Sign-up to Wathan’s coaching clinic cost $60 per person and $50 per person if you sign up three or more individuals. To reserve your spot in the clinic, sign up via Fightins.com or call 610-370-BALL.

A former major league catcher, Wathan had a 14-year career playing in the Seattle Mariners, Florida Marlins, Milwaukee Brewers, Kansas City Royals, Cleveland Indians, and Philadelphia Phillies minor league systems. He made his major league debut in 2002 with the Royals, going 3-for-5 with an RBI in three games.

Wathan is heading into his seventh season managing at the minor league level where he has a record of 138-146 in the past two seasons as manager of the Fightin Phils. Since he took over the reins in 2012, Wathan has seen 14 of his players, including Darin Ruf, Cody Asche, and Jonathan Pettibone, go on to make their debuts in the majors. He has also had a major hand in the development of standout Phillies catching prospects Cameron Rupp, Tommy Joseph, and Sebastian Valle.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Reading Fightin Phils. Click here to view the original story.

SIXTH ANNUAL BEER FESTIVAL TO BENEFIT SUNCOAST HOSPICE FOUNDATION

March 12, 2014

Over 100 craft beers will be available for sampling on Saturday, October 4^th highlighting the Hops for Hospice Beer Festival at Bright House Field. The sixth annual event, sponsored by the Clearwater Threshers and Frenchy’s Restaurants has already raised over $100,000 in its first five years which benefits the Suncoast Hospice Foundation.

Beer distributors in the Tampa Bay area will sample their latest and most popular craft beers to attendees during the 4:00-8:00 pm event. Distributors include Great Bay Distributors, JJ Taylor Distributors and Brown Distributors. Other vendors include a wine sampling area represented by Zonin Wines as well as a Green Screen Photo Booth.

Every attendee will receive a commemorative beer mug, sponsored by Abe’s Place Tap & Grill that can be used during the event to sample the products. Other activities include a corn hole tournament, a closest to the pin golf contest that takes place on the field sponsored by East Lake Woodlands Golf Club, music provided by a DJ at the Frenchy’s Tiki Pavilion located on the concourse in left field and food vendors including Abe’s Place Tap & Grill who will be raffling off an IPAD Mini.

Tickets are only $25 in advance or $30 on the day of the event and can be purchased at the Bright House Field ticket office (Mon-Fri 10-4 pm), by phone at 727-467-4457 or on-line. For Groups with 10 or more tickets, please contact Doug Kemp for a special discounted rate at 727-712-4316 or dkemp@ThreshersBaseball.com

Suncoast Hospice is a not-for-profit agency committed to serving individuals and families as they face chronic illnesses, near the end of life, deal with end of life issues or are in grief. To learn more about Suncoast Hospice, call (727) 586-4432 or visit TheHospice.org.

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

Threshers Support Local Little Leagues

March 3, 2014

The Phillies Organization Has Been Active In Youth Baseball

At the Opening Ceremonies for the Clearwater Little League (City of Clearwater)

CLEARWATER, Fla. – The Clearwater Threshers have always been involved in the community. Nowhere is this more evident than with the local Little Leagues. The Phillies’ support of youth baseball stretches back decades, and this season is off to a great start.

Saturday, Feb. 15, was the reopening of the Sid Lickton Complex and opening ceremony for the 2014 Clearwater Little League season. On hand to celebrate the event was the Threshers’ very own Phinley, as well as Clearwater Mayor George Cretekos, two-time Olympic champion Michele Smith and Phillies’ first baseman Ryan Howard.

The Threshers sponsor teams in many local Little Leagues – including Clearwater, Countryside, Safety Harbor, East Lake, Largo, Palm Harbor, South Brandon, and West Pasco Girls Fastpitch Softball.

In addition to team sponsorship, the Threshers take part in league opening ceremonies and host end of season parties at Bright House Field. Teams also have the opportunity to participate in Baseball Buddies and accompany Threshers players on the field for the National Anthem.

The Threshers also have their Lil Anglers Club, for children 13 and under that meets during every Tuesday Home Game. Some highlights of Lil Anglers Club membership are an official T-Shirt and visor, as well as admission to and a meal deal for every Tuesday home game. Members also can run the bases after and participate in a parent/kid catch before every Tuesday home game.

For more information on how to get your team involved, contact Dan Madden at the Threshers, 727-712-4403.

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