BlueClaws, Horizon Open Healthy Plate Concession Stand

Puts Good Nutrition Right in Baseball Fans’ Strike Zone

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LAKEWOOD, NJ – As a nutrition-conscious America looks for more healthy menu options when dining out, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey and the Lakewood BlueClaws are teaming up to bring smarter eating choices to America’s pastime.

Just in time for the BlueClaws 2013 baseball season, Horizon BCBSNJ is opening a new “Horizon Healthy Plate” concession stand at FirstEnergy Park, where fans at every game will be able to find nutritious alternatives to the traditional ball park fare.

“Good food and family fun are the great staples of a professional baseball game at any of New Jersey’s Minor League ballparks,” said Jonathan Pearson, Director of Corporate Philanthropy and Community Affairs for Horizon BCBSNJ.  “Healthy eating should be a part of the ballpark experience, too. That’s why Horizon BCBSNJ’s pitch to fans is to bring their appetites to the Horizon Healthy Plate concession, where menu options are both nutritious and delicious,” Pearson said.

“Enhancing our ballpark menu to offer a more healthy variety of food is something that we are excited to do this summer,” said BlueClaws General Manager Brandon Marano. “We thank Horizon BCBSNJ for their support and we think our fans will enjoy these new options.”

The Horizon Healthy Plate concession has received the support of the New Jersey Department of Health, which administers ShapingNJ, a public/private partnership for nutrition, physical activity and obesity prevention.

“The New Jersey Department of Health and the ShapingNJ  Partnership are pleased to collaborate with Horizon BCBSNJ to bring healthy concessions to places where our residents enjoy leisure-time activities,” said Peri L. Nearon, MPA,  Director of the Office of Nutrition & Fitness, NJ Department of Health. “It is so important to give families and individuals healthy choices, and to make healthy choices easier  for people to make not only for themselves, but for their children.”

The BlueClaws and Horizon BCBSNJ will officially open the Horizon Healthy Plate concession stand on Thursday night with a ceremony at 5:45 pm, before the 6:35 pm game.

The Horizon Healthy Plate menu was designed by certified dieticians under the direction of Glenn D. Pomerantz, MD, JD, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of Horizon BCBSNJ.  The menu includes a long list of popular heart-healthy dining choices, such as a grilled vegetable sandwich, a turkey burger, and frozen yogurt topped with fruit. The  Horizon Healthy Plate menu also includes nutritional alternatives to the traditional ballpark fare, such as a veggie burger, a veggie hot dog and pop chips.  From entrees to appetizers; from side dishes to beverages; each affordably-priced item includes calorie and other nutritional information.

Click here to see a full menu.

“Making the right nutrition choices in every meal, including those enjoyed at leisure-time, is key to maintaining health and wellness,” Pearson said. “We encourage fans to take their smart eating habits out to the ball game this season by stepping up to the Horizon Healthy Plate concession at FirstEnergy Park.”

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About Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, the state’s oldest and largest health insurer, is a tax-paying, not-for-profit health services corporation, providing a wide array of medical, dental, and prescription insurance products and services.  Horizon BCBSNJ is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, serving 3.6 million members with headquarters in Newark and offices in Wall, Mt. Laurel, and West Trenton.  Learn more at www.HorizonBlue.com.

About the BlueClaws

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. They have led the South Atlantic League in attendance in all 12 years of existence.

– BlueClaws –

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

BlueClaws, Stop & Shop to Help Strike Out Hunger

Stop & Shop to make donation to Food Bank for each strikeout by a BlueClaws pitcher at FirstEnergy Park this summer

Stop & Shop will make a donation to the Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties for every BlueClaws strikeout.
Stop & Shop will make a donation to the Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties for every BlueClaws strikeout.

LAKEWOOD, NJ – The BlueClaws, in conjunction with Stop & Shop, will help Strike Out Hunger this summer at the Jersey Shore.

Each time a BlueClaws pitcher strikes out an opposing hitter at FirstEnergy Park, Stop & Shop will make a donation to the Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties as part of this new Strike Out Hunger initiative.

“Providing food for the less fortunate in Ocean and Monmouth Counties is a cause we are thrilled to aid,” said BlueClaws General Manager Brandon Marano. “We are very grateful to Stop & Shop for their support and look forward to a summer of strikeouts from BlueClaws pitchers.”

“Stop & Shop focuses on improving the lives of children and fighting hunger in the markets it serves.  We are proud to partner with the BlueClaws on this initiative to benefit the Food Bank of Monmouth & Ocean Counties.  It is our way of giving back to the community and helping support those in need,” said Arlene Putterman, spokesperson for Stop & Shop New York Metro Division.

BlueClaws.com will keep a running tally throughout the season. Further, on August 31st, Stop & Shop will sponsor a BlueClaws Lunch Bag giveaway for the first 2,000 fans 17 & under. There will be a presentation on the field before the game as part of the Strike Out Hunger program.

The Food Bank of Ocean and Monmouth Counties serves over 260 pantries, soup kitchens and other feeding programs with almost 7 million pounds of food distributed annually. With the help of roughly 1,000 volunteers each year, the FoodBank’s programs are truly a community effort, working to eliminate hunger by providing emergency food, skills training, outreach programs and advocacy for families in need. For more, visit www.FoodBankMOC.org.

Stop & Shop is proud to have donated over $29 million in 2012 through donations and in-kind support to help local communities fight hunger, combat childhood cancer, and promote general health and wellness – with emphasis on children’s educational and support programs.  Stop & Shop operates 184 stores in the New York Metro Division with 62 stores in the state of New Jersey.

Opening Day at FirstEnergy Park is Thursday, April 4th, as the BlueClaws kick off the season against the Kannapolis Intimidators (White Sox). Tickets for Opening Day and every regular season game, plus the 2013 South Atlantic League All-Star Game and Celebrity Hitting Challenge, are on sale now by calling 732-901-7000 or online at 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 12 years of existence.

– BlueClaws –

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

2013 Grant Beneficiaries Announced

Lehigh-Valley-IronPigsIronPigs Charities presented by The Air Production Foundation, a non-profit organization striving to provide educational and recreational opportunities for children in the Greater Lehigh Valley area, will award a total of $85,700 in cash grants to 20 non-profit organizations during Thursday’s sold-out Phillies Winter Banquet featuring 1,100 guests at the Sands Events Center. Since debuting in 2007, IronPigs Charities has contributed a total in excess of $550,000 in cash grants and $215,000 in in-kind donations to dozens of local non-profit entities.

“Without question, this is the most rewarding night of the year for our organization,” remarked IronPigs Charities President Kurt Landes. “Make no mistake; these contributions would not be possible without the loyal support of our fans and business partners. We are truly humbled by the generous backing that IronPigs Charities receives and we look forward to continuing to make a tangible impact in our wonderful community.”

IronPigs-Charities-LogoOne of the annual highlights of the Winter Banquet event is the distribution of grants to local non-profit organizations. In fact, over $280,000 has been distributed at this event alone since debuting in 2008.

The 2013 beneficiaries along with a brief synopsis of their benefitting programs are listed below:

  • Allentown School District Foundation: An after-school intra-district middle school baseball program will be started in Allentown School District. At current, the Allentown School District does not have a baseball program at the middle school level. This program will allow for dozens of 6th, 7th and 8th graders to play baseball.
  • Boys and Girls Club of Bethlehem: Mind, Body and Soul are the three components of the Triple Play program. The multi-faceted program is designed to help young people become healthy and active while forming new relationships.
  • Boys and Girls Club of Easton: The Triple Play program consisting of the Mind, Body & Soul components, addresses a need for low-income youth to get more structured exercise in sports, explore healthy nutrition and learn social skills.
  • Community Bike Works: Children participate in a three month “Earn a Bike” program in which they receive instruction on bike mechanics, bike safety, employment skills and business concepts. At the successful conclusion of the program they earn a bike and a helmet.
  • Easton Police Athletic League: New uniforms and equipment will be purchased for the Easton Police Athletic League’s wrestling program. This program serves 50 youth from the Easton area.
  • Family YMCA of Easton, Phillipsburg & Vicinity: The Family YMCA Summer Youth Basketball League serves boys and girls ages 8 to 18. This program supports 80 youth and focuses on low income families.
  • Friends of the Allentown Parks: The Queen of the Court will give girls in the city of Allentown the opportunity to play basketball. Nearly 100 girls are expected to participate in the four week program.
  • Lehigh County Conference of Churches: The Aspires mentoring program addresses the health and wellness of at-risk youth in the Allentown School District. The IronPigs Charities grant will fund ten weeks of recreational and educational group activities.
  • Lehigh County Youth Association: LCYA serves over 100 youth who participate in a variety of sports, including baseball. The IronPigs Charities grant will provide new catchers equipment, a pitching machine, new bases as well as field maintenance equipment.
  • Lehigh Valley Zoo: The Lehigh Valley Zoo’s Wildlife & Wellness Program is a nature inspired health and fitness after-school program to benefit primarily disadvantaged, school-age youth in our community.
  • Lower Macungie Youth Association: After receiving a 2012 grant for field maintenance related items, Lower Macungie Youth Association will now receive funding for a storage shed for the items that were purchased last year.
  • Mikayla’s Voice: This June, Mikayla’s Voice will be hosting a one-of-a-kind triathlon for children with and without disabilities. Children with physical disabilities will participate in all three phases of a triathlon with a little help from their friends.
  • Miracle League of the Lehigh Valley: Their mission is to provide an all-inclusive baseball program for children with various special needs. The IronPigs Charities grant will provide uniforms and equipment for the nearly 300 players in the league.
  • Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley: Golden Dippers Ice Cream Parties will take place at the Children’s Hospital at Lehigh Valley Health Network for children battling cancer who are hospitalized. Additionally, PCFLV will celebrate the end of chemotherapy treatments with a Last Round of Chemo party.
  • Sacred Heart Hospital: An afternoon program of health and wellness will provide over 400 low-income youth with fitness activities, healthy snacks, fresh fruits and vegetables and a backpack giveaway filled with school supplies.
  • Salvation Army: The Breaking Barriers Fitness Camp will teach youngsters how to get fit, how the body works and the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. Each child will receive a personalized workout routine after the instructional sessions.
  • Special Olympics Lehigh County: A full course of track and field events will be setup for over 500 Special Olympics Athletes at Whitehall High School.
  • Valley Youth House: Valley Youth House will be building “Pigtown” as the fifth element of the adventure course at Camp Fowler. Throughout the year nearly 850 youth will participate in the adventure course.
  • YWCA of Bethlehem: The YWCA will give over 50 girls the opportunity to learn the game of golf. Held at Southmoore Golf Course and Wedgewood Golf Course, the young women will learn the necessary skills needed to play in tournaments throughout the area.

Philadelphia Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro, Jr., manager Charlie Manuel along with Dave Brundage (IronPigs manager), C Erik Kratz and INF Kevin Frandsen headline the sold-out 2013 Phillies Winter Banquet presented by The Air Products Foundation, Coca-Cola and the Lehigh Valley Health Network to be held on Thursday at the brand-new Sands Events Center in Bethlehem. Other Phillies dignitaries include Benny Looper (Asst. GM), Joe Jordan (Dir., Player Development) and Steve Noworyta (Asst. Dir., Player Development).

The Phillies Winter Banquet beneficiary, IronPigs Charities, is a recognized 501(c) (3) non-profit organization on the state and federal level.

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

Cutters banquet raises over $4,000 for YWCA

Phillies pitcher Justin DeFratus (left) was one of the featured guests at the Cutters Hot Stove event.
Phillies pitcher Justin DeFratus (left) was one of the featured guests at the Cutters Hot Stove event.

With a star-studded guest list and a jam-packed Genetti Ballroom, the Williamsport Crosscutters 7th Annual Hot Stove Banquet was a great success while raising over $4,000 for charity.

On a snowy winter night in Williamsport, Phillies pitcher Justin DeFratus, 2-time Cy Young Award winner Denny McLain, local hero Tom O’Malley & Phillies front office personnel entertained attendees with stories and answered audience questions.

The night, presented by HB Rentals, Woodlands Bank, WRAK Radio and the Williamsport Sun-Gazette, was also highlighted by live and Chinese auctions that featured a wealth of sports memorabilia including a bat signed by Phillies all-star first baseman Ryan Howard, baseballs signed by Phils catcher Carlos Ruiz, pitcher Cole Hamels, hall-of-famers Rod Carew, Dave Winfield and many others.

Other highlights of the event included the induction of Lou Hunsinger, Jr. into the Bowman Field Hall of Fame. Hunsinger, the President of the Bowman Field Commission and longtime baseball historian was part of a group that helped salvage hundreds of historic baseball photos in danger of being lost to posterity from the files of The Grit newspaper and publishing company. Through those efforts, the Grit Baseball Photograph Collection was donated to the James. V. Brown Library and subsequently inventoried, organized and cataloged.

A portion of the proceeds from the evening were donated to YWCA of Northcentral PA whose mission is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. At the conclusion of the festivities, the YWCA was presented with a check for $4,075.

The Crosscutters 15th anniversary season opens on June 18 at Historic Bowman Field. Season tickets, bonus books and group packages are currently available and can be purchased online at ww.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.

IronPigs Announce Drive to Benefit Lakewood

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The Lehigh Valley IronPigs are asking fans for their support of a fellow Phillies affiliate, the Lakewood BlueClaws, in an effort to assist in the relief efforts for those impacted in the Lakewood community by the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy.

“Our entire organization has been deeply saddened by Hurricane Sandy’s devastation throughout the region, including in Lakewood, New Jersey, where the community of a fellow Phillies affiliate has been deeply affected,” said IronPigs General Manager Kurt Landes. “We ask our fans to assist our efforts in any way possible during our week-long drive to support the Lakewood community.”

Beginning on Saturday, November 10, fans are encouraged to bring the following items to the Majestic Clubhouse Store or the Lehigh Valley IronPigs front offices located at Coca-Cola Park to support the Lakewood community drive.

Here is an updated list of items needed:

  • Work Gloves & Latex Gloves
  • Flashlights
  • Batteries
  • Bleach and other Cleaning Products
  • Rakes
  • Contractor Bags
  • Packing Tape
  • Markers (Sharpie-type)
  • Paper Towels
  • Rags
  • Sponges
  • Mops & Buckets
  • Firewood
  • Shelf Milk
  • Storage Bins
  • Cereal
  • Gatorade

Donations will be accepted at Coca-Cola Park through Saturday, November 17.

In addition to the IronPigs and the BlueClaws, the Reading Phillies and Trenton Thunder are also asking those in their local communities to assist the Lakewood community relief efforts. Staff members from all of the clubs will be distributing the donated items during volunteer efforts in Lakewood on November 19.

For more information, please contact the IronPigs front office at (610) 841-PIGS (7447).

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

$33,000 Raised In Home Runs for Heroes

Nine military-based, local non-profit organizations received a total of $33,000 from OceanFirst Foundation as part of the 2012 Home Runs for Heroes program in conjunction with the BlueClaws and WOBM.

Through the program, which just concluded its fourth season, each time the BlueClaws hit a home run at FirstEnergy Park, $1,000 is donated from OceanFirst Foundation to one of nine organizations. Each organization is tied into one particular inning. This year’s leaders were Army Emergency Relief of Fort Dix and Fort Monmouth (first inning) and National Guard State Family Readiness Council (second inning), which each received $7,000 for seven home runs hit in their respective innings.

The four-year total for the program is now $108,000. Checks were presented to the organizations at a FirstEnergy Park ceremony on September 18th.

“Ocean First Foundation is proud to partner with the Lakewood BlueClaws and WOBM to honor and support local veterans and the servicemen and women who protect and serve our country here at home and abroad. We had another great year of home runs and OceanFirst Foundation is proud to support these great organizations,” said Katherine Durante, Executive Director of OceanFirst Foundation.

BlueClaws 1B Chris Duffy and 3B Maikel Franco each hit seven home runs at FirstEnergy Park to account for $14,000 of the $33,000 donated this season. 1B Jim Murphy, who hit seven home runs in Lakewood in 2009 and 11 more in 2011, has accounted for $18,000 in donations and is the program’s all-time leader.

“This program has been enormously successful over the last four years,” said BlueClaws General Manager Geoff Brown. “We’re very grateful to OceanFirst Foundation for their generosity in this program and we are thrilled we can help these wonderful organizations.”

2012 Home Run / Fundraising Totals:

Organization Inning Home Runs Total
Army Emergency Relief (Ft Dix/Monmouth) First 7 $7,000
National Guard State Family Readiness Council Second 7 $7,000
Navy/Marine Relief Third 5 $5,000
VETGROUP Fourth 0 $1,000
American Recreational Military Services Fifth 1 $1,000
Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski, II Memorial Fund Sixth 3 $3,000
Catholic Charities Seventh 3 $3,000
American National Red Cross, Jersey Coast Chapter Eighth 4 $4,000
Chariot Riders Ninth/Extra 2 $2,000

 

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

IronPigs’ Wives Hosting Sock & Underwear Drive

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The IronPigs player’s wives are hosting the 2nd annual Sock and Underwear Drive prior to the IronPigs-Bisons game on August 8, 2012, at Coca-Cola Park. The drive will benefit the Lehigh County Conference of Churches, Allentown Rescue Mission and New Bethany Ministries.

For each and every donation, fans will receive raffle tickets to win a variety of great autographed memorabilia. Receive one raffle ticket for each newly packaged pair of socks or piece of underwear donated. Raffle tickets will also be available for purchase with proceeds benefiting the Sock and Underwear Drive.

Last season, more than 2,500 items were collected and an additional $4,500 was raised with each organization receiving a $1,500 donation in addition to the socks and underwear.

For more information on the Drive, please contact Sarah Marten at smarten@ironpigsbaseball.com.

Single-game tickets, mini plans 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.

The Lehigh Valley IronPigs are dedicated to providing family-friendly entertainment and are the only Minor League team to offer bubbles to fans entering the AT&T Plaza and balloons for all children exiting Coca-Cola Park.

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

Phanatic, Troop Supply Drive on June 14th

Phanatic appearance thanks to OceanFirst Bank

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The Phillie Phanatic will be here for Military Appreciation Night on June 14th.

LAKEWOOD, NJ – The BlueClaws will host their annual Troop Supply Drive on Military Appreciation Night at their June 14th game (7:05), a night that also features an appearance by the Phillie Phanatic, thanks to OceanFirst Bank.

Boxes will be set up for the Troop Supply 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.

JERSEY AUCTION: The BlueClaws will be wearing camouflage jerseys. These will be auctioned off (silent auction) on the concourse during the game.

This supply 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, Troop Clothing Drive, and IBEW Local 400 Military Committee.

Further, fans are also encouraged to bring gently used clothes to also be shipped to the Troops by A.R.M.S & JDK Wholesale.

In addition, the BlueClaws encourage fans are also to bring items for the K9 Sgt. Denny Project, sponsored by the Dennis W. Zilinski Foundation. Sergeant Denny is a two year old German Shepherd stationed in Afghanistan and trained to detect explosives. His handler is a Monmouth County native. Suggested items include: tennis balls used as training rewards, one-ingredient treats (such as freeze dried liver), KongR toys, NylaboneR chews and toys, unscented shampoo with oatmeal added to prevent dry skin, collapsible water bowls, and leather leashes.

“Military Appreciation Night here in Lakewood has been a great event these last seven years,” said Pat O’Keefe of the IBEW Local 400 Military Committee. “It’s great to see the local community come out and support the event and our Troops overseas.”

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

There will also be a Black Hawk helicopter provided by the New Jersey Army National Guard. Fans are encouraged to go inside the helicopter and take pictures from 5 pm until the 7th inning stretch.

In addition, the Phillie Phanatic will be making his first of two visits, thanks to OceanFirst Bank. The popular Phillies mascot will be entertaining fans throughout the game like only he can. He has been the Phillies mascot since 1978 and has been at FirstEnergy Park since the BlueClaws began play in 2001.

Now the dean of all professional sports mascots, the Phanatic has entertained millions of fans all over the world. He has traveled to Japan, Australia, Mexico, Canada, Venezuela, and Puerto Rico and made numerous national television appearances appearances on shows like the “Today Show” and “Good Morning America.” He has also starred in commercials on ESPN and the Fox Network.

Finally, the night is a Thirsty Thursday, presented by 66MVP, with $1 beer and soda plus 50-cent wings from Ivy League Restaurant, in the Coors Light WRAT Trap.

To order tickets to this or any BlueClaws game, call 732-901-7000 option 2 .

– BlueClaws –

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

Prostate Cancer Awareness Night set for May 18th

Post-game concert provided by the Black Honkeys

The Clearwater Threshers are proud to bring back Prostate Cancer Awareness Night on Friday, May 18. The team will once again be wearing special blue jerseys, many of which will be available for purchase in a silent auction during the game.

Additionally, the first 1,000 guests through the gates for the 6:30pm matchup versus Jupiter will receive a special blue Threshers hat sponsored by First Priority. Gates open at 5:30pm.

After the game is over, winning bidders of the auction will be able to meet the player on-field and have them sign the jersey. Proceeds will go to the Morton Plant Mease Foundation and the Ed Randall “Bat for the Cure” program, as we work together to help stop prostate cancer in its tracks.

Once the auction and jersey presentations are complete, everyone in attendance is invited to take part in a special concert brought to you by the Black Honkeys!

ClearwaterThreshers_2012-05-15
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Clearwater Threshers. Click here to view the original story.

Greg Gross ALS Auction Returns Saturday

Memorabilia Auction Benefits ALS Association

Current Phillies hitting coach is bringing his ALS auction to Reading on Saturday. (Associated Press)
Current Phillies hitting coach is bringing his ALS auction to Reading on Saturday. (Associated Press)

Current Philadelphia Phillies hitting coach and former R-Phils hitting coach Greg Gross is once again bringing his ALS Auction to FirstEnergy Stadium this season with a handful of great items that you won’t find anywhere else.

This Saturday, May 5, the R-Phils along with Gross will once again hold this great event at America’s Classic Ballpark when the team takes on the Erie SeaWolves at 6:05 p.m. The night also features one of the first post-game fireworks shows of 2012 thanks to Carpenter Technology Corporation.

During his time with Philadelphia (1979-1988), Gross began working to help fight ALS and remained dedicated to the battle. ALS is cause near and dear to the world of baseball and is commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease, named after the New York Yankees Hall of Famer who was diagnosed with the disease in 1939.

VIST Financial Plaza gates open at 4:05 p.m. and fans are encouraged to check out some great autographed memorabilia. All fans will have the opportunity to bid on these great auction items. Below is a list of the items that will be up for auction:

  • Home Plate signed by the 2012 Phillies infield (Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins, Freddy Galvis, Placido Polanco, and Carlos Ruiz)
  • Pitcher’s Rubber signed by Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, and Cole Hamels
  • Carlos Ruiz Chest Protector (autographed)
  • Ryan Howard signed slip cover (autographed)
  • Shane Victorino Batting Helmet (autographed)
  • Jonathan Paplebon Batting Practice Jersey (autographed)
  • Vance Worley game-worn spikes (autographed)
  • Steve Carlton autographed ball (autographed)
  • Hunter Pence game-worn spikes (autographed)
  • Chase Utley game-used bat (autographed)
  • Jim Thome game-used bat (autographed)
  • Cliff Lee autographed baseball
  • Jimmy Rollins autographed baseball
  • Carlos Ruiz autographed baseball

Tickets for all regular season Reading Phillies home games, as well as Baseballtown All-Star Classic Events, are available online at www.RPhils.com, by phone at 610-370-BALL, or in person at the R-Phils Ticket Office located at FirstEnergy Stadium. Fans can also add the all-you-can eat Deck Buffett wristband to any order for only $12.

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

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

Rutgers Against Hunger Food Drive – April 25th

Hosted by BlueClaws Charities and benefits Lunch Break of Red Bank

Fans who donate will receive two tickets to an April or May BlueClaws game.
Fans who donate will receive two tickets to an April or May BlueClaws game.

LAKEWOOD, NJ – The BlueClaws are partnering with the Rutgers Against Hunger program and hosting a joint food drive on Wednesday, April 25th. Fans are asked to kindly donate non-perishable food items at this game and all donors will receive two complimentary tickets to a BlueClaws game in April or May.

All food collected will be donated to Lunch Break of Red Bank, a BlueClaws Charities Community Partner.

“There has been an increase among those who need food assistance in the last year and the BlueClaws are pleased to be able to continue to help fight hunger in New Jersey,” said BlueClaws General Manager Geoff Brown. “We are grateful to Rutgers Against Hunger for their support as we raise food donations for a worthy cause, Lunch Break of Red Bank.”

The April 25th game begins at 6:35 pm and serves as Community Partner Night at FirstEnergy Park. There will be a large representation at the game among the 45 BlueClaws Charities Community Partners who will have tables on the concourse. Many volunteers from these organizations will be present as well.

In addition, the first 2,000 fans will receive a BlueClaws magnetic schedule courtesy of Investors Bank.

Rutgers Against Hunger works to increase awareness of hunger, encourage activism and service to tackle hunger, stimulate research to assist those in need, and provide immediate relief through food drives and other events to raise money and collect food.

Rutgers Against Hunger partners with the New Jersey Federation of Food Banks which includes The Community FoodBank of New Jersey, the Food Bank of South Jersey, the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, the Mercer Street Friends Food Bank, and NORWESCAP Food Bank as well as several other community food banks and pantries throughout the state. Visit RAH.Rutgers.edu for more information.

BlueClaws Charities, the official non-profit foundation of the Lakewood BlueClaws, rasies money throughout the year and returns the money to the community in the form of grants to the 45 Community Partners and donations to other non-profit organizations.

While the program is sold out for 2012, with any questions about the program, to be added to a waiting list for 2013, or for other ways your organization can raise money with the BlueClaws, please call Jim McNamara at 732-901-7000 ext 176.

– BlueClaws –

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

Scout Patch Design Contest Returns

Submissions being accepted from local boy and girl scouts until March 23rd

Emily Miceli of Girl Scout Troop 170 was last year's winner.
Emily Miceli of Girl Scout Troop 170 was last year’s winner.

LAKEWOOD, NJ – The BlueClaws are once again looking for area boy and girl scouts to design the patch given out by the BlueClaws to scouts at BlueClaws scout nights this year.

Submissions will be accepted until March 23rd. The BlueClaws will choose the finalists and voting will occur on the BlueClaws official Facebook page or via email at scouts@blueclaws.com until March 30th at noon.

The winning scout will receive a ceremonial first pitch at their scout night in 2012, a meet and greet with a BlueClaws player, and, of course, have their patch be given out to the approximately 5,000 scouts that come out to the park this summer.

Interested scouts can download this form (click here) and fill in the circle, using 10 colors or less. The BlueClaws will adjust the patches with the proper logos.

All forms must be returned to:

Pete Walsifer
Scout Patch Contest
2 Stadium Way
Lakewood, NJ 08701

Forms must include the name of their scout pack or troop as well as the name of the scout.

Scouts that enter must be a member of a pack or troop that has booked their 2012 BlueClaws outing. The BlueClaws will host five Scout Nights in 2012, two of which (July 28th and August 11th) are Scout Night Sleepovers, where scouts camp out on the field after the game.

Last year’s winner, shown above, was Emily Miceli of Girl Scout Troop 170.

For information on bringing a scout group to FirstEnergy Park, call Pete Walsifer at 732-901-7000 ext 171 or visit BlueClaws.com/scouts.

The BlueClaws have led the South Atlantic League in attendance in all 11 years of existence and this year will become the fastest team in New Jersey and SAL history to reach 5-million fans.

Ticket packages and group outings for the upcoming season are 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.

Cutters banquet raises $4,500 for charity

Bresnahan inducted into Bowman Field Hall of Fame

Phillies GM Ruben Amaro, Jr. (left) is interviewed during the Cutters Hot Stove festivities.
Phillies GM Ruben Amaro, Jr. (left) is interviewed during the Cutters Hot Stove festivities.

With a star-studded guest list and a jam-packed Genetti Ballroom, the Williamsport Crosscutters 6th Annual Hot Stove Dinner & Auction with the Phillies was a great success while raising $4,500 for charity.

On a cold winter night in Williamsport, Phillies GM Ruben Amaro, Jr, former Phillie Andy Tracy, former Phillies GM Ed Wade and others entertained attendees with stories and answered audience questions.

Tracy, who will manage the Crosscutters in 2012, discussed his excitement about his first year as a manager this summer in Williamsport and helping young players advance through the Phillies farm system. In talking about ending his playing days after the 2011 season, he remarked, “I was ready to enter the next phase of my baseball career.”

The night, presented by HB Rentals, Woodlands Bank, WRAK Radio and the Williamsport Sun-Gazette, was also highlighted by live and Chinese auctions that featured a wealth of sports memorabilia including a bat signed by Phillies third baseman Placido Polanco, baseballs signed by Phils catcher Carlos Ruiz, hall-of-famers Goose Gossage, Rod Carew, Jim Rice and many others.

Other highlights of the event included the induction of Dave Bresnahan into the Bowman Field Hall of Fame. Bresnahan played for the Double-A Williamsport Bills in 1987 and gained national and worldwide notoriety for his trick play that involved using a potato instead of a baseball in a game that season against the Reading Phillies.

At the event, Bresnahan entertained the audience by describing in detail the trick play and it’s planning. The play was ruled illegal and Bresnahan was released by the parent Cleveland Indians the next day. He made numerous TV and radio appearances across the nation in the days, weeks and years following the stunt which has been dubbed “The Great Potato Caper”.

A portion of the proceeds from the evening were donated to Andrew’s Special Kids Foundation. The foundation’s mission is to “Provide special needs children with every opportunity in life which will enable them to reach their full potential by providing them with adaptive equipment, special education opportunities, safety equipment, therapies and financial assistance for out of state travel.”

At the conclusion of the festivities, Dean & Amy Kriebel the founders of the charity along with their son Andrew, accepted a check for $4,500 to help the charity and its mission.

The Crosscutters 2012 season opens on June 18. 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.

Lehigh Valley Toyota Tundra Food Drive

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The Lehigh Valley Toyota Dealerships will be collecting non-perishable food items this holiday season, during the 2nd annual Lehigh Valley Toyota Tundra Food Drive in support of local food bank, Second Harvest Food Bank of Lehigh Valley and Northeast Pennsylvania. The 2011 edition of the Lehigh Valley Toyota Tundra Food Drive is scheduled to culminate on Monday, December 19 at 11:30AM, when a convoy of Toyota Tundra pick-up trucks will deliver the collected non-perishable food items to the Second Harvest Food Bank warehouse in Allentown.

Included in the Lehigh Valley Toyota Dealers is Krause Toyota in Fogelsville, Bennett Toyota in Allentown and Milham Toyota in Easton. When asked about the importance of the Tundra Food Drive Milham Toyota Owner Kurt Koch stated that “It is very important to the Lehigh Valley Toyota Dealers that we put our best efforts in supporting hunger relief initiatives in the Lehigh Valley. We are so proud to be working hand and hand with our partner the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, the local media and the great people at Second Harvest to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to get a warm meal this holiday season.”

The Lehigh Valley IronPigs will be supporting the 2011 Lehigh Valley Toyota Tundra Food Drive by way of food collection and providing special appearances by Lehigh Valley IronPigs mascots. “We are thrilled to partner with the Lehigh Valley Toyota Dealers to support Second Harvest Food Bank this holiday season. The Toyota Tundra Food Drive is a great opportunity to help those in need in our local community; we encourage our fans to participate by bringing donations to their local Lehigh Valley Toyota Dealership or the Majestic Clubhouse Store at Coca-Cola Park” said Lehigh Valley IronPigs General Manager Kurt Landes of partnering with the Lehigh Valley Toyota Dealers in the annual food drive.

Second Harvest Food Bank of Lehigh Valley and Northeastern Pennsylvania provides food and grocery products to more than 66,000 individuals each month through a network of more than 200 member agencies. These agencies include emergency pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and child care, rehabilitation, and senior citizen centers. “Donations from community food drives provide much needed variety to the product that we can offer to our members. Variety is not only the “spice of life,” it can lead to improved nutrition for program participants. We greatly appreciate the Lehigh Valley Toyota Dealers contribution to our efforts to end hunger” said Ann McManus, Director of Second Harvest Food Bank.

“As a proud member of the Lehigh Valley Toyota Dealers we are honored to donate food to Second Harvest Food Bank during the Toyota Tundra Food Drive” said Chris Zerfass, General Manager of Bennett Toyota in Allentown. “Second Harvest Food Banks mission aligns with our desire to help people in need of food and to distribute that food right here in the Lehigh Valley.”

These thoughts were echoed by Bob Krause, Owner of Krause Toyota in Fogelsville who insisted that “the Lehigh Valley Toyota Dealers are very proud to be a driving force towards hunger relief in the Lehigh Valley. With the support we have received from our customers we are excited to have collected supplies for Second Harvest Food Bank. We are hopeful that this will make a difference in the lives of Lehigh Valley residence in need and for better times ahead.”

The Lehigh Valley Toyota Dealers is comprised of Bennett Toyota in Allentown, Krause Toyota in Fogelsville and Milham Toyota in Easton. Second Harvest Food Bank of Lehigh Valley and Northeastern Pennsylvania is located at 2045 Harvest Way in Allentown.

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

IronPigs Charities Annual Report Released

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The 201l IronPigs Charities annual report details all of the club’s initiatives from this past year. IronPigs Charities donated $106,000 to local non-profits over the last year, the highest yearly contribution to date.

Established in October, 2007, before the IronPigs ever played a game, IronPigs Charities was created to provide educational and recreational opportunities for Lehigh Valley Youth.

IronPigs Charities is presented by The Air Products Foundation. Thank you to The Air Products Foundation for their continuous support of IronPigs Charities and the Lehigh Valley community.

IronPigs Charities is governed by a 13 member Board of Directors. The Board meets four times annually (March, June, September, December). The 2011 IronPigs Charities report can be viewed by clicking here.

For more information on IronPigs Charities, please call Sarah Marten at (610) 841-1213.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. Click here to view the original story.