Victory Field Lights Up Red as Part of #RedAlertRestart

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INDIANAPOLIS – Tonight, Victory Field and other venues around Indiana have gone on #RedAlert to raise awareness for the thousands of Hoosier workers and small businesses in our industry who have been impacted by COVID-19. Live events venues were the first to close and will be among the last to return, and efforts to help us safely back to live events are critical for our economy.

Did You Know?

  • Live events employ over 12 million people.
  • Live events contribute over $1 trillion annually to the US economy.
  • 95% of live events have been canceled due to COVID-19.
  • 96% of companies have cut staff and/or wages.
  • 77% of people in the live events industry have lost 100% of their income, including 97% of 1099 workers.

On September 1, 2020, #WeMakeEvents, a coalition of trade bodies, businesses, unions and live events workers, will light up their venues, home and cities red in over 1,500 locations across North America to raise public and media awareness in support of the live events sector. Will you join us?

How You Can Help

  • Please contact your representatives at WeMakeEvents.org.
  • Post a red-tinted photo of your favorite live event to your social media with the following caption: #RedAlertRESTART: the live events we love may never recover from the pandemic, we need to take action! Take 2 minutes to contact your representatives here, and post a red photo of you at your favorite event, too: https://WeMakeEvents.org #WeMakeEvents #ExtendPUA
  • Turn your photo red here: https://www11.lunapic.com/editor/?action=tint
  • Check out the hashtag #RedAlertRESTART and share/RT images of venues and live events workers you love.

Altoona Curve join Minor League Baseball’s CommUNITY first campaign

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CURVE, Pa. – The Altoona Curve today announced they are joining MiLB CommUNITY First, a new national initiative developed by Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) in conjunction with Feeding America®, to raise funds for local food banks and to honor individuals risking their lives on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Curve fans are encouraged to visit MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst through May 31 to donate. Once on the site, fans can choose their donation amount and the Altoona Curve as the recipient of their donation to direct funds to the Altoona community. For every $10 donated, the Curve will donate one ticket to a future home game this season or in 2021 to a local hero of the pandemic.

School closures, rising unemployment and rising poverty due to quarantine and extended stay-at-home orders have disproportionately impacted people already at risk of hunger and could result in an estimated additional 17.1 million people experiencing food insecurity in the next six months, according to Feeding America. As the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization with a network of more than 200 affiliates, Feeding America has projected a $1.4 billion shortfall in the next six months alone.

In response, contributions from Curve fans and Minor League Baseball will help ensure families and individuals across the country most impacted by the pandemic are fed and cared for during these uncertain times. Join the national campaign by donating and selecting Altoona Curve at MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst and use #MiLBCommUNITYFirst on social media to show your support.

About Feeding America

Feeding America® is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States. Through a network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs, we provide meals to more than 40 million people each year. Feeding America also supports programs that prevent food waste and improve food security among the people we serve; educates the public about the problem of hunger; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Individuals, charities, businesses and government all have a role in ending hunger. Donate. Volunteer. Advocate. Educate. Together we can solve hunger. Visit www.feedingamerica.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

The Altoona Curve, 2010 and 2017 Eastern League Champions, have been the Double-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates since 1999. For tickets or more information, visit AltoonaCurve.com, call 877.99.CURVE or stop by the PNG Field box office. Additionally, the Stockyard Team Store is open online 24/7/365_. _

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Nuts For You, Curve offer free ballpark snacks to essential workers and fans

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CURVE, Pa. – The Altoona Curve and Nuts For You are teaming up to hand out free ballpark snacks to essential workers and fans at Peoples Natural Gas Field on Tuesday, April 28 from 2-8 p.m. The ballpark lights will once again be lit up for the weekly Illumination Ovation to stand in solidarity with the area’s essential personnel.

The drive-through service will distribute Nuts For You’s signature cinnamon roasted almonds, pecans and cashews in addition to kettle popcorn that are proudly served during Curve home games. Each vehicle will be limited to two bags of nuts and one bag of popcorn to help reach as many people as possible during the six-hour window.

“When we’re in a crisis like this, it’s nice for companies to step up,” said Jerry Long, owner of Nuts For You. “It’s perfect to do something generous for people going through rough times. We hope to cheer someone up by grabbing a bag of nuts and for the Altoona Curve and Nuts For You to show we’re thinking about them.”

“We are very grateful for Jerry’s generosity,” said Curve general manager Derek Martin. “There is a distinct aroma that spreads around the ballpark from the Nuts For You stand. This is a simple, kind reminder that the two of us can provide for essential workers and our community that good times have been shared here and more are on the horizon.”

The Altoona Curve, 2010 and 2017 Eastern League Champions, have been the Double-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates since 1999. The Stockyard Team Store is open online 24/7/365.

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Curve organize online raffles and auctions for COVID-19 relief

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Proceeds to fund The Society of St. Vincent de Paul to help those in need

CURVE, Pa. – The Altoona Curve, Double-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, are hosting a series of online raffles through the end of April to raise money for COVID-19 relief. Several pieces of Curve memorabilia are up for grabs with the funds aiding The Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

Schedule of raffle and auction items:

  • Cole Tucker autographed BP jersey auction (April 21-30)
  • Andy Van Slyke autographed baseball raffle (April 21-22)
  • Ballpark Experience raffle – Loco seat visit and goody bag (valid for any 2020 or 2021 home game) (April 23-24)
  • 2017 championship team autographed, uncut card set raffle (April 25-26)
  • Ballpark Experience raffle – four tickets and watch fireworks from the field (valid for any 2020 or 2021 home firework date) (April 27-28)
  • Gerrit Cole autographed program raffle (April 29-30)

The LiveSource app will host each raffle and auction. Instructions for how to download the app and view the items can be found here. Raffle items can be won for as little as $3, the cost of a single digital raffle ticket. Additional chances can be purchased at the buyer’s discretion. Each raffle and auction item closes at 9 p.m. on the last date of each event.

St. Vincent de Paul has put major fundraising programs on hold but continues to operate their Kitchen and Food Distribution Program during the pandemic to help feed those in need.

The Altoona Curve, 2010 and 2017 Eastern League Champions, have been the Double-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates since 1999. The Stockyard Team Store is open online 24/7/365 at AltoonaCurve.com.

Pirates and Marauders Dish Out Pizza to Hospital Staff

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Bradenton, Fla. – On Friday, the Pittsburgh Pirates and Bradenton Marauders teamed up with Fastfire by Oak & Stone and Demetrios’ Pizza House to provide pizzas to healthcare workers on the frontlines during the COVID-19 Pandemic at Blake Medical Center and Manatee Memorial Hospital.

“We are thrilled with the kindness the Pittsburgh Pirates and Bradenton Marauders leadership, staff and players are showing our day and night teams, during this healthcare crisis. Their generosity to not only help hospital’s staff but local business’ is much appreciated.” said Kevin DiLallo, CEO, Manatee Memorial Hospital.

Blake Medical Center President and CEO Randy Currin echoed the sentiment saying, “Blake Medical Center is very grateful for the generous show of support and appreciation from the Pittsburgh Pirates. This thoughtful delivery will touch the hearts of our caregivers as we continue with our work providing the very best care for our patients and community during this trying time.”
Following the lead of Pirates players who purchased more than 400 pizzas from local shops in Pittsburgh for to the staff at Allegheny General Hospital, the Pirates and Marauders set out to do what they could to help during these tough times for both small businesses and hospitals.

“During this time we’ve got to come together as a community. There’s comfort in great tastes and flavors – so providing our Fastfire pizzas to the real heroes, the hospital staffs, is the least we can do. We’re thankful to the Pirates for being our partners and including us in this gesture of thanks,” notes Brett Decklever, Co-Owner of Oak & Stone.

Following that line of thought, owner of Demetrios’ Pizza House Gus Sokos said, “The restaurant and hospitality industry has been devastated over the last two and a half weeks. We recently had to make decisions with staff members whose lives may be impacted forever. Our spirits, along with those in the healthcare profession, are getting drained from the uncertainty that this virus has brought. The Pittsburgh Pirates and Bradenton Marauders are a first class organization and it was an honor to partner with them to help lift the morale of these individuals who have dedicated their lives to caring for others. We wish to thank Jeff Podobnik and his team for their wonderful generosity towards our business and staff today.”

The Pittsburgh Pirates and Bradenton Marauders staffs went out and delivered the pizzas personally, taking the chance to inject positivity into the community and provide a beacon of hope in dark times.

“The Pittsburgh Pirates and the Bradenton Marauders take pride in being woven into the fabric of this community. During this COVID-19 crisis, we know we all need to join together to help our neighbors in any way we can,” said Jeff Podobnik, Pittsburgh Pirates Vice President of Florida and Dominican Operations. “We are proud to help support local businesses and work to lift the spirits of healthcare workers in Manatee County.”

 

Tribe Front Office Volunteers with Sand Creek Fourth Graders

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INDIANAPOLIS – Today the Indianapolis Indians spent the day with the fourth graders of Sand Creek Elementary School. The Tribe front office volunteered their time teaching Junior Achievement’s JA In A Day curriculum on owning and operating a business.

Indianapolis Indians volunteers taught Junior Achievement’s hands-on, interactive curriculum to fourth grade students about personal finance, career paths, entrepreneurship and employability skills. A total of six classrooms participated from Sand Creek Elementary, impacting more than 120 students.

“The Indianapolis Indians fully support Junior Achievement’s mission of preparing Central Indiana youth for a future career, no matter the path,” said Indianapolis Indians President and General Manager Randy Lewandowski. “There’s nothing more important than an education. We’re committed to supporting the children in our community by volunteering and providing resources to help them grow into our leaders of tomorrow.”

“JA is thrilled to have established a strong partnership with the Indianapolis Indians to educate and inspire students to own their future success. This JA Day event is an exciting opportunity to make a big difference in the lives of these young students in a single day,” said Jennifer Burk, JA’s President and CEO.

Indianapolis Indians season tickets, multi-game plans and tickets for groups are now available. Single-game tickets go on sale Friday, February 28 at 10 AM.

To purchase, visit IndyIndians.com or call the Victory Field Box Office at (317) 269-3545.

About the Indianapolis Indians
The Indianapolis Indians are the professional Triple-A baseball club affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates. In continuous operation since 1902, the organization believes in creating affordable and memorable experiences for fans so they can grow closer together with family, friends and the community through the game of baseball. The Indians play their home games at Victory Field, a 13,750-seat ballpark located in downtown Indianapolis and White River State Park. The venue opened in 1996 and has received numerous national accolades as one of the best minor league ballparks in the United States. The team has led Minor League Baseball in combined total attendance over the past 10 seasons. In 2018, the organization was recognized as Ballpark Digest Team of the Year. It was also named a 2019 Best Places to Work by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce.

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

Indianapolis Indians to Hold Open Interviews at Victory Field on Saturday, Feb. 8

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INDIANAPOLIS – In preparation for the 2020 season, the Indianapolis Indians today announced that the organization and its concessionaire Aramark will host open interviews at Victory Field on Saturday, Feb. 8. The open interviews will run from 10 AM to 2 PM, with the Indians and Aramark looking to fill many game day and seasonal positions for the 70-game home schedule. The Tribe’s home opener is Thursday, April 9 against Toledo at 7:05 PM.

Game day and seasonal positions open for hire include bat boys/girls, field operations, game operations, guest relations, merchandise, porters, premium hospitality host, production/audio staff, ticket sellers, ticket takers, Tribe Team (game promotion staff) and ushers. Aramark game day positions open for hire include bartenders, concessions supervisors, dishwashers, food prep, grill cooks, kitchen supervisors, servers and utility/warehouse staff. Aramark applications will be posted on Saturday, Feb. 1.

Descriptions for all of the aforementioned positions can be found at IndyIndians.com/Employment.

Free parking is available in the Victory Field parking lot. Enter the ballpark through the administration entrance and be prepared to complete an application, questionnaire and in-person interview. Applicants must be at least 16 years old. Interviews will take place on the Impact Suite Level.

“Memories are made each summer at Victory Field, and our game day staff plays a key role in creating those positive experiences for our fans,” said Indians President and General Manager Randy Lewandowski. “We look forward to hosting open interviews and welcoming these potential new hires into our friendly, customer service-driven environment.”

Indianapolis Indians season tickets, multi-game plans and tickets for groups are now available. Single-game tickets go on sale Friday, Feb. 28 at 10 AM.

To purchase, visit IndyIndians.com or call the Victory Field Box Office at (317) 269-3545.

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

Job Fairs Scheduled for Seasonal Game Day and Concessions Positions

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Positions available for Pirates Spring Training and the Bradenton Marauders’ season

Bradenton, Fl. – The Pittsburgh Pirates will hold two (2) job fairs at LECOM Park to hire seasonal staff for Pirates Spring Training and the Bradenton Marauders’ season. Game day staff and concessions positions are available. Interviews will be conducted on the spot at both hiring events.

The first hiring event will be held on Thursday, January 9 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. The second will be held on Tuesday, January 14 from 1 p.m. -7 p.m. LECOM Park is located at 1611 9th Street West in Bradenton. Parking will be available in the gated lot along 17th Avenue West.

All positions for Pirates Spring Training and the Bradenton Marauders’ season are posted online at Careers.Pirates.com. Prospective employees who cannot attend the hiring events can apply online for consideration.

The Pirates will play a 16-game home schedule at LECOM Park this spring, beginning with a matchup against the Minnesota Twins on Saturday, February 22. Season tickets and groups tickets are available now by calling 941-747-3031. Single game tickets are on sale now at the LECOM Park box office, by phone (1-877-893-2827), and online through www.Pirates.com.

The Bradenton Marauders play a 70-game home schedule beginning on Thursday, April 9, running through Labor Day.

For more information about employment with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Bradenton Marauders, please call 941-747-3031, visit www.bradentonmarauders.com, or email [email protected]

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

National Anthem Auditions Scheduled for Saturday, January 18

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Bradenton, Fla. – The Pittsburgh Pirates will hold National Anthem auditions on Saturday, January 18 from 10:00 a.m.-12 p.m. at LECOM Park. Auditions are open to anyone interested in singing The Star Spangled Banner prior to a Pirates Spring Training game in 2020. Prospective singers must feel comfortable performing in front of audiences of 7,000 people or more.

Auditions will be conducted a cappella and must be no longer than two minutes in length. There is no preregistration for auditions. Prospective singers will perform in the order they sign up on the day of auditions. Registration will close at 11:30 a.m. National Anthem auditions will be conducted for vocalists only.

Pirates employees will supervise the auditions and determine which performers to invite to fill open spots in the Spring Training schedule. Contestants that wish to sing the Canadian National Anthem before the Pirates game against Toronto on March 1, March 9, or March 12 are welcome to audition singing O Canada as well. Participants that audition but are not selected to perform will have their information kept on file for potential anthem openings during the Bradenton Marauders season. The Marauders are preparing for the 11th season in franchise history, which runs from April 9 until Labor Day.

The Pirates will play a 16-game home schedule at LECOM Park this spring, beginning with a matchup against the Minnesota Twins on Saturday, February 22. Season tickets and group tickets are available now by calling 941-747-3031. Single game tickets go on sale Saturday, January 11 at 10:00 a.m. at the LECOM Park box office, by phone (1-877-893-2827), and online through www.Pirates.com.

For more information about Pittsburgh Pirates Spring Training or National Anthem auditions, please call 941-747-3031, visit www.bradentonmarauders.com, or email [email protected]

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

Indians to Offer Employee Donation Match Program

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INDIANAPOLIS – In honor of Giving Tuesday, the Indianapolis Indians have announced a new Employee Donation Match Program. As of December 3, 2019, all full-time Indians employees are eligible to donate up to $500 annually with a one-to-one match from Indianapolis Indians Charities.

Earlier this offseason, the team announced the creation of Indianapolis Indians Charities, its new 501(C)(3) organization focused on uplifting Central Indiana youth and families through partnerships with local nonprofits who work in youth development, family success, education and neighborhood development. Rolling out in early 2020, fans will be able to donate directly to Indianapolis Indians Charities to support its efforts around Central Indiana youth and families.

This season was the third consecutive year the Tribe set a franchise record for total charitable giving, highlighted by a total contribution of $583,623 to Central Indiana organizations. The front office also set a record for staff volunteer hours, giving back through 1,486 hours of volunteer service projects.

Tickets for the 2020 season of Indianapolis Indians baseball are on sale now in full- and half-season plans, plus mini and flex plans. Groups can also purchase tickets for the new Elements Financial Club, a social VIP space scheduled to open in time for Opening Night on Thursday, April 9. Single-game tickets go on sale March 1.

For more on the Indianapolis Indians, contact the Victory Field Box Office at (317) 269-3545 or visit IndyIndians.com.

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

Indians Set New Records for Charitable Giving

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INDIANAPOLIS – For the third consecutive year, the Indianapolis Indians set a franchise record for total charitable giving. Including monetary donations and in-kind contributions, the Tribe gave back $583,623 to community organizations in fiscal year 2019. The Indians operate with a fiscal year of October 1-September 30.

Earlier this offseason, the team announced a new 501(C)(3) organization, Indianapolis Indians Charities, focused on uplifting Central Indiana youth and families through partnerships with local nonprofits who work in youth development, family success, education and neighborhood development.

Of the $583,623 in charitable contributions in 2019, $307,823 came from monetary donations to community events and in-stadium fundraising during Tribe games. The other $275,800 came from gifts in-kind of donated tickets, merchandise and mascot appearances.

“The Indians have been a community asset for a long time, and we continue to value our role in giving back,” said Indians President and General Manager Randy Lewandowski. “One of the most impactful ways we work with our partners is providing them the platform of Victory Field and the nearly 600,000 fans that attend home games each season. Now we’re finding new ways to work outside our walls, like Indianapolis Indians Charities and the continued dedication of our staff volunteering their time around Central Indiana.”

The Indians front office volunteered for 40 organizations in 2019, totaling more than 1,486 hours, another team record. The club instituted a staff volunteer program last season that allows employees to volunteer for local organizations during office hours throughout the year. Tribe players also got involved, making 40 appearances for 175 service hours.

Fans were instrumental in two initiatives in 2019-specialty jersey auctions and Thirsty Thursdays at Victory Field. The Indians auctioned off eight specialty jerseys for themes ranging from the team’s new Circle City alternate logo to MARVEL Super Heroes to Indy 500 Night to Stars & Stripes on Independence Day. Fan participation from the auctions drove the total donation for the season to nearly $55,500, another franchise record.

Thirsty Thursdays also received strong fan support in 2019. The new promotion offered discounted soda and draft domestic, premium and craft beer, including $1 from every Sun King craft beer purchase going to a different local nonprofit every Thursday night. The Tribe donated nearly $10,000 to eight non-profits through the Thursday promotion.

Tickets for the 2020 season of Indianapolis Indians baseball are on sale now in full- and half-season plans, plus mini and flex plans. Groups can also purchase tickets for the new Elements Financial Club, a social VIP space scheduled to open in time for Opening Night on Thursday, April 9. Single-game tickets go on sale March 1.

For more on the Indianapolis Indians, visit IndyIndians.com.

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

VA Medical Center, Curve host veterans recognition event

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

Indians Specialty Jersey Auctions Break Records

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INDIANAPOLIS – The Indianapolis Indians announced today the team and its fans raised $55,461 through specialty jersey auctions in 2019, a record-breaking total for one of the club’s most popular promotions every season. The funds were raised through in-park auctions benefiting seven different nonprofit organizations.

“Specialty jersey auctions have held a prominent place on the Indianapolis Indians promotions calendar for the past ten years, which speaks to their popularity among our fans and partners,” said Indianapolis Indians President and General Manager Randy Lewandowski. “It’s important we use our platform as a long-standing community partner to lift up those around us. We’re focused on helping Central Indiana youth and families, and the Victory Field experience is one way we can do it.”

The 2019 beneficiaries were Folds of Honor Indiana (May 3 – Indy 500), Indiana National Guard Relief Fund (July 4 – Stars & Stripes), Children’s TherAplay Foundation (July 6 – Spider-Man), Teachers’ Treasures (July 20 – Prospects Night), Riley Children’s Foundation (August 3 – The Incredible Hulk), Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Indiana (August 17-18 – PAW Patrol, August 23-24 – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), and Special Olympics (Postseason – Circle City).

Earlier this offseason, the Tribe announced the creation of Indianapolis Indians Charities, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to helping youth and families grow stronger together, learn more and live healthier lives. It will support organizations across Central Indiana who serve in youth development, family success, education and neighborhood development. Established in 1902, the Indians are formalizing their community outreach for the first time in franchise history.

For more information or to purchase a 2020 ticket package, visit IndyIndians.com or call (317) 269-3545.

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

Tribe Unveil New Indianapolis Indians Charities

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INDIANAPOLIS – The Indianapolis Indians today announced the formation of Indianapolis Indians Charities, a new nonprofit organization dedicated to helping youth and families grow stronger together, learn more and live healthier lives.

It will support organizations across Central Indiana who serve in youth development, family success, education and neighborhood development. Established in 1902, the Indianapolis Indians will formalize their community outreach efforts for the first time in franchise history.

“The Indianapolis Indians are proud to create a new organization devoted specifically to amplifying our efforts to give back to the community,” said Indianapolis Indians Chairman and CEO Bruce Schumacher. “We take pride in our reputation as a longstanding grassroots partner, and we look forward to going deeper with new and existing relationships.”

The new organization’s first project is a field renovation at Forest Manor Park on the near eastside of Indianapolis on Friday, September 27. Plans include a complete rebuild of the large baseball diamond and refurbishment of the youth and softball diamonds. Four community entities use the diamonds at Forest Manor Park-Indy Parks, Indianapolis Public Schools, RBI Indianapolis and The BASE Indianapolis.

“Indianapolis Indians Charities provides us an opportunity to support youth and urban baseball programs in new ways,” said Indianapolis Indians President and General Manager Randy Lewandowski. “The Charities board is finalizing plans on new initiatives supporting our partners both at Victory Field and in the community. We’re excited for 2020 and beyond.”

The organization’s board of directors include from the Indianapolis Indians: Schumacher (Board President), Lewandowski (Board Vice President), Assistant General Manager – Corporate Sales and Marketing Joel Zawacki, and Director of Merchandise Mark Schumacher. Other board members include Strada Education Network CEO Bill Hansen and Indy Parks Director Linda Broadfoot.

“The Indianapolis Indians have been a key part of the Indianapolis community for many years, and I am gratified to play a role in the organization’s renewed and deepened commitment to youth and families around Central Indiana,” said Hansen. “I look forward to being part of the board charged with determining where the Indians can make the most impact in improving the lives of our fellow community members.”

“Partnerships are key to thriving communities, making today’s announcement even more valuable,” said Broadfoot. “The support from the Indianapolis Indians to Indy Parks is incredibly supportive of our mission and purpose—creating places and spaces that inspire. We are ecstatic about working with the Indians to beautify Forest Manor Park.”

For more on Indianapolis Indians Charities, visit IndyIndians.com/Charities.

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

Owen Tabbed as Indy’s Pirates Community Commitment Award Winner

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INDIANAPOLIS – Representing the Indianapolis Indians with class both on and off the field, utilityman Hunter Owen will be honored in an on-field ceremony at Pittsburgh’s PNC Park on Wednesday, September 18, prior to the Pirates hosting the Seattle Mariners at 7:05 p.m. ET. The Evansville, Ind. native and Indiana State University product has been selected as Indy’s 2019 Pirates Community Commitment Award winner.

Owen led all Indians players by dedicating a combined 15 volunteer service hours to the Altoona, Pa. and Indianapolis communities. One honoree is chosen from every affiliate in the Pirates farm system each season.

In Indianapolis, Owen devoted off-the-field hours to Make-a-Wish and the Indianapolis Kiwanis Luncheon, where he was a guest panelist. Owen, 25, also dedicated his time to youth clinics, meet-and-greets with young Indians fans and autograph signings. In Altoona, he volunteered at the Central Pennsylvania Humane Society.

Instituted in 2008, the Pirates Community Commitment Program (PCCP) helps each player in the Pirates organization understand the personal and professional growth opportunities linked to community service, as they are viewed as role models or potential leaders.

To purchase season tickets, contact the Victory Field Box Office at (317) 269-3545 or [email protected]

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