Altoona Curve Launch Charitable Nonprofit

 

CURVE, PA – The Altoona Curve are pleased to announce the launch of Altoona Curve Charities, a 501c3 organization devoted to supporting local youth programs and organizations that promote exercise, health, activity, and education for the betterment of youth and community.

Altoona Curve Charities provides support to local organizations for the betterment of Altoona and the surrounding area by contributing time and funds that align with the Curve’s mission.

“The Curve have long been community partners, focused on improving the lives of all of our fans and the creation of Altoona Curve Charities will give us another tool to support programs and organizations that work toward that goal,” said Curve General Manager Nate Bowen. “We look forward to engaging with many of our existing relationships with community partners and forging new ones in 2022.”

Local support from Curve Charities has already touched the Altoona area with its contributions to a field renovation at the East End Little League in 2018 with new sod, infield dirt and edging led by the Altoona Curve Grounds Crew. The renovation came after East End Little League’s field suffered thousands of dollars in damage from vandalism and drew hundreds of neighbors, community members and Curve Front Office employees to donate their time to creating a brand-new, safe environment for kids to play baseball.

“The renovation of East End Little League was the first step for our organization toward taking a more pro-active approach in support of local youth baseball and softball,” said Curve Charities Director, Annie Choiniere. “Our 2022 Grant Program will accept applications in the fall and we look forward to creating rewarding experiences on the diamond for kids all over Blair County through this program.”

Applications for the 2022 Curve Charities Grant Program, which will be accepted from October 1 to December 15, 2022, can be submitted by visiting www.milb.com/altoona/community/altoona-curve-charities

In addition to the Grant Program, Curve Charities will oversee and administrate a 50/50 raffle at Curve home games in 2022, presented by Loyal Gaming Rewards.

Fans can purchase 50/50 raffle tickets at every Curve game and one lucky fan will win 50% of the total amount collected during each game, with the remainder going to support Curve Charities’ 2022 programming. Winners will be pulled at Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday games at Peoples Natural Gas Field with winning tickets posted at www.milb.com/altoona/community/altoona-curve-charities/5050

The Curve are slated to begin the 2022 season on Friday, April 8 with a three-game series against the Harrisburg Senators. For tickets and 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 5 p.m., during every home game and online 24/7/365.

Curve Join Minor League Baseball in Celebration of Black History Month 

In celebration of Black History Month, throughout February, teams across Minor League Baseball are taking a look back at five of the best Black players to suit up for their club.

While some of these standout performers went on to long and illustrious Major League careers, others simply had great Minor League careers or, in some cases, just one incredible season that went down as “a year for the ages.”

Here is a look at five of the best Black baseball players ever to suit up for your Altoona Curve.

LHP Shane Youman (2004-06)

Easily one of the best pitchers of the first ten seasons of Curve baseball, left-hander Shane Youman turned in one of the best seasons on the mound in Altoona Curve history. A native of New Iberia, Louisiana, Youman was selected in the 43rd round by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2001 MLB Amateur Draft.

A lefty reliever at the outset of his professional career, Youman steadily climbed the Pirates minor league system by serving as the closer at Short-Season Williamsport, Single-A Hickory and High-A Lynchburg in his first three seasons. In 2004, Youman arrived for the playoff push in Altoona and threw a scoreless inning in the postseason aiding the Curve to their first appearance in the Eastern League Championship series.

Youman returned to Altoona for Opening Day in 2005 and quickly settled into a high-leverage relief role for Manager Tony Beasley and the Curve. The 2005 Curve were one of the Eastern League’s top teams combining a powerful hitting core with several future major leaguers on the mound. At the plate, Josh Bonifay and Jose Bautista sent baseballs into orbit all summer long, combining for 48 home runs, driving in speedsters Rajai Davis and Rich Thompson; who each set the franchise record with an Eastern League best 45 stolen bases.

On the mound, Youman joined future major leaguers Tom Gorzelanny, Matt Capps and Paul Maholm to lead the Curve to the postseason. Youman finished the regular season tied for third on the team with 44 appearances, including five starts, and recorded a 3.92 ERA. Youman made one start in the 2005 Eastern League Playoffs against the Akron Aeros, allowing three runs in four innings pitched, a series taken by the Aeros in five games.

Youman returned to Altoona in 2006 and turned in one of the best seasons in Eastern League history. With a dramatic cut in his walk rate from the season before, Youman set the Curve’s single-season franchise record for lowest ERA in a season with a 1.51 mark. As he swung between the bullpen and starting rotation, the crafty left-hander allowed just 92 baserunners (70 hits, 20 walks, 1 intentional walk, 1 hit by pitch) and struck out 64 batters in a swing role between the bullpen and rotation, totaling 95.1 innings pitched. All told he appeared in 23 games for the Curve and made 11 starts before earning a promotion to Triple-A Indianapolis.

The 2006 campaign finished in Pittsburgh for Youman where he made his major league debut on September 10, 2006 with a start against the Cincinnati Reds. Despite being charged with a loss, Youman allowed just three runs in 5.1 innings pitched. Youman would pitch in five games and make three starts for the Pirates at the tail end of the 2006 season allowing just seven runs in 21.2 innings, recording a 2.91 ERA. Youman would go on to make 16 appearances, eight starts, for the Pirates in 2007, going 3-5 with a 5.97 ERA.

While his major league career spanned only 79 career innings in Pittsburgh, Youman’s pro career was just taking off as he would spend the next ten years playing all over the world. Youman spent four seasons in the Atlantic League before earning his first overseas opportunity with Lamigo in the Chinese Professional Baseball League in 2011. After seven dominant starts in the CPBL, the Lotte Giants of the Korean Baseball Organization took notice and signed Youman for the 2012 season where he quickly emerged as one of the league’s best. With a 2.55 ERA in 28 starts, good for third-best in the KBO, Youman led a late-season surge into the postseason for the Giants. After a thrilling victory in a four-game series with Doosan in the quarterfinals, Lotte lost a hard-fought five-game series with SK Wyverns in the semifinals. Youman would go on to spend four seasons in the KBO where he went 42-27 with a 3.99 ERA.

A 15-year professional career wrapped up for Youman following 13 starts in the Venezuelan Winter League in 2016-17 where he was still effective to the tune of a 4.15 ERA at age 36. All told, the left-hander threw more than 1700 innings as a professional and recorded a 3.87 career ERA.

OF Rajai Davis (2005)

Pittsburgh found a diamond in the rough late in the 2001 MLB Amateur draft when the Pirates selected outfielder Rajai Davis in the 38th round out of Division-III UConn-Avery Point. Davis, a native of nearby New London, CT, used blazing speed to become one of the best outfielders in the Pirates minor league system and quickly rose to prominence for his exploits on the base paths combined with a patient, contact-oriented approach at the plate.

By the time Davis arrived in Altoona for the 2005 campaign, he already had a pair of 40 stolen base seasons under his belt and had established himself as a .300 hitter at the lower levels of the Pirates minor league system. Davis kept the good times rolling with the Curve and combined with Rich Thompson to create havoc on the basepaths. Davis and Thompson both stole 45 bases during the 2005 season, tops in the Eastern League, to lead Altoona to a third straight playoff appearance. Named to the Eastern League All-Star team, the Curve missed Davis’ presence in the postseason after he was placed on the Injured List in late-August and missed the rest of the campaign. Davis finished his lone season in Altoona with a team-best 140 hits and 82 runs scored in 123 games played.

Davis’ speed combined with his contact-oriented approach at the plate would serve him well as he went on to a 14-year major league career with Pittsburgh, San Francisco, Oakland, Toronto, Detroit, Cleveland, Boston and the New York Mets. Davis made his major league debut on August 14, 2006 with a pinch-hit appearance against the Milwaukee Brewers in a 4-2 Pirates victory. Like many young players, his first two seasons in the majors saw him shuttle back and forth between the major league club and Triple-A. Davis totaled 44 games in a Pirates uniform, batting .242 with three doubles, one triple and six stolen bases, and his speed allowed him to make highlight reel plays in the outfield. As the trade deadline arrived in the summer of 2007, the San Francisco Giants came calling and acquired Davis, along with a player to be named later, for righty Matt Morris. Davis played 51 games down the stretch of the 2007 season for San Francisco and batted .282 with 17 stolen bases. His performance helped establish him as a reliable contributor in the outfield that would put him in demand at the major league level.

Davis moved to the American League and into a starting role with the Oakland Athletics after they claimed him off waivers prior to the 2008 campaign. While patrolling center field for the A’s for three seasons, he compiled a .283 average and stole 120 bases in 381 games. Davis went on to spend three seasons in Toronto before advancing to the postseason for the first time in his major league career with Detroit in 2014. Led by a veteran core at the plate with future Hall of Famer Miguel Cabrera in the middle of the order, Davis combined to man center field with Austin Jackson and helped lead the Tigers to an AL Central Division title.

Despite a sweep at the hands of the Baltimore Orioles in the 2014 Division Series, Davis would soon write his name into the history books when found himself back in the thick of the playoff chase with AL Central rival Cleveland in 2016. On July 2, 2016, Davis became the eighth player in Major League history to hit for the cycle in reverse. Facing off against his former teammates in Toronto, Davis homered to lead off the game, tripled in the third inning, doubled in the sixth and singled in the ninth to finish off the cycle. As the Indians surged to their first World Series appearance since 1997, Davis played a massive role in the Fall Classic; a seven-game thriller with the Chicago Cubs. With Cleveland trailing by two runs in the bottom of the eighth inning and just four outs away from elimination, Davis swatted a 2-2 offering from Chicago’s Aroldis Chapman over the wall in left field to tie the game at 6-6. The Cubs went on to win break the Curse of the Billy Goat with a victory in extra innings.

Following the heartbreaking loss in the 2016 World Series, Davis signed a free agent deal with the Oakland Athletics and found himself back in the postseason the very next year as an extra outfielder for the Boston Red Sox after they acquired him up at the 2017 Trade Deadline. Despite making just one plate appearance in the postseason, Davis complimented Jackie Bradley Jr. in center field providing a right-handed platoon and maintained a veteran presence in the clubhouse that had several young stars including Mookie Betts, Andrew Benintendi, Xander Bogaerts and Rafael Devers.

Davis’ 14-year major league career wrapped up following another season with Cleveland in 2018 and the New York Mets in 2019. All told he played in 1,448 major league games batting .262 with 62 home runs, 387 runs batted in and 415 stolen bases. Prior to the 2021 season, Davis accepted a role with Major League Baseball as Senior Director, On-Field Operations overseeing the Northeast region.

OF Andrew McCutchen (2006-07)

One of the most popular players in Altoona’s franchise history, Andrew McCutchen has gone onto a brilliant major league career with Pittsburgh, San Francisco, New York (AL) and Philadelphia.

Drafted 11th overall in 2005 by the Pirates out of Fort Meade HS in Fort Meade, Florida, McCutchen immediately became one of the top prospects in the organization and overall, in baseball. Prior to the 2006 season, Baseball America named McCutchen the #50 prospect in the minors as he embarked on his first full-season campaign as a professional, opening the season with Single-A Hickory where he was named an SAL All-Star and earned a late-season promotion to Altoona. Reaching Double-A as a 19-year-old, McCutchen continued his dominance at the plate by hitting .308 in the final 20 games of the regular season and aiding the Curve to a fourth straight postseason appearance. Despite being the youngest player to suit up for the Curve at 19 years, ten months and five days, McCutchen picked up four hits in a five-game postseason series with Akron; a series won by the Aeros with a 5-2 decision in the decisive fifth game.

McCutchen returned to Altoona as the Opening Day Center Fielder and immediately put together an All-Start worthy campaign in the Eastern League. Named as a top-15 prospect in the minors by both Baseball America and Baseball Prospectus, McCutchen showed off an impressive power/speed combination with 33 extra base hits and 17 stolen bases in 118 games while batting .258 with a .327 on-base percentage while playing as one of the youngest players in the league. At just 20 years-old, McCutchen was named an Eastern League All-Star and earned a promotion to Triple-A Indianapolis late in the season. Combined in 2007, he batted .265/.329/.388 with 11 home runs and 21 stolen bases. After the season he played for the Phoenix Desert Dogs of the Arizona Fall League and was named a Rising Star and to the AFL’s All-Prospect Team.

After a Futures Game appearance in 2008, McCutchen finally reached Pittsburgh to make his Major League debut after 49 games in Indianapolis to start the 2009 campaign. Following a June 3 trade of center fielder Nate McLouth to Atlanta, the Pirates recalled McCutchen and he singled in his first career at bat off Mets starter Mike Pelfrey to begin a two-hit day at the plate and lead the Pirates to an 11-6 win at PNC Park. McCutchen’s rookie campaign saw him finish fourth in the National League Rookie of the Year voting after he batted .286/.365/.471 with 26 doubles, nine triples, 12 home runs and 54 runs batted in.

McCutchen blossomed into one of the National League’s brightest stars in his nine seasons in Pittsburgh. 2011 marked the first of five consecutive All-Star Game selections, four Silver Slugger Awards, a 2012 Gold Award and in 2013 he earned the National League MVP Award; becoming the first Pirate to claim the award since Barry Bonds in 1992. McCutchen secured 28 of 30 first place votes in the MVP voting batting a sensational .336 from April 30 to the end of the regular season, the best mark in the league. McCutchen was one of three National League players to rank in the top-seven in batting average (.307), on-base percentage (.404), and slugging percentage (.508) and led the Pirates to their first postseason appearance since 1992, defeating Cincinnati in a one-game Wild Card Playoff before meeting fellow NL Central rival, St. Louis in the Divisional Round. The Cardinals pitching staff proved to be too much for Pittsburgh, who could manage only two runs over the final two games of the series, in a five-game series. McCutchen and the Pirates remained one of the NL’s best teams in 2014 earning a second straight postseason appearance, but again ran into elite pitching as San Francisco’s Madison Bumgarner delivered a four-hit shutout at PNC Park to lead the Giants to an 8-0 win over the Pirates in the National League Wild Card Game.

A model of consistency, McCutchen homered at least 20 times in each of his final seven seasons with the Pirates. In nine seasons total in the Steel City, McCutchen batted .291/.379/.487 with 203 home runs in 1,346 games. Prior to the 2018 season, the final year of a six-year contract extension he signed before the 2012 campaign, the San Francisco Giants acquired McCutchen and cash considerations for righty Kyle Crick, outfielder Bryan Reynolds and International Bonus Slot Money.

McCutchen’s name rings loudly in the Pirates record books, standing in the top-10 in franchise history in home runs (4th), doubles (9th), RBI (10th), extra-base hits (7th), and walks (7th) as well as the 2015 Roberto Clemente Award; given annually to the Major League player who best exemplifies the game of baseball, sportsmanship, community involvement and the individual’s contribution to his team. McCutchen also ranks first in PNC Park history in hits (751), home runs (92) and runs batted in (357).

After splitting the 2018 campaign between San Francisco and the New York Yankees, McCutchen signed a three-year free agent contract with the Philadelphia Phillies. A promising 2019 season was cut short due to a torn ACL though McCutchen bounced back with 19 extra base hits in the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign that saw him take the field for 57 of a possible 60 games for the Phillies who just narrowly missed the postseason. In 2021, McCutchen turned in his most powerful campaign since 2017 with 27 home runs and 52 extra base hits in 144 games with Philadelphia.

The now 35-year-old outfielder is a free agent after playing 1,761 games across 13 major league seasons. He holds a career batting line of .280/.373/.476 with 270 home runs, 933 runs batted in and 197 career stolen bases.

IF Josh Harrison (2010)

A native of Cincinnati, Ohio native, Harrison was selected by the Chicago Cubs in the 6th round of the 2008 Amateur Draft out of the University of Cincinnati. As the 2009 trade deadline approached, the Pirates acquired Harrison in a five-player deal that sent pitchers John Grabow and Tom Gorzelanny to Chicago.

The Pirates identified a speedy player with a versatile glove on the infield and a knack for making solid contact that would blossom into an All-Star contributor for their playoff teams in the mid 2010’s. After finishing off the 2009 season with a Carolina League Championship at High-A, Harrison opened the 2010 season in Altoona with many of his same teammates and immediately established himself as one of the Eastern League’s best hitters.

On Opening Day 2010, Altoona was greeted by a prospect-laden roster that included four of the Pirates Top-10 prospects according to Baseball America and eight of the Top-30 overall prospects. It was also a roster that had veteran talent, and it proved to be the perfect mix to get Altoona off to a nearly perfect start as the club started the season 7-1, a drastic turnaround after starting 2009, 0-8.

Included in those first eight games was one day where everything seemed to fall into place for a memorable afternoon at BCB. After the first three games of the season were played under dreary cold conditions, mother nature opened the skies for a perfect 67-degree day on April 11th when the national spotlight turned to Altoona for the first professional start of Harrisburg Senators phenom Stephen Strasburg. More than 70 media members from around the country and upwards of 7,800 people came to watch the professional debut of the heralded Strasburg on the picture-perfect day in Curve, Pa. The Curve managed to get four runs off the future Major League All-Star but fell 6-4 to the Senators.

Harrison bounced between second and third base that season on the field. He went on to knock 156 hits, tied for the fourth-most in a single season in Curve history. He also set the record for the most doubles in a game with four on June 27 against Bowie. He was selected as an Eastern League Mid-Season All-Star.

The Curve remained at the top of the Western Division standings throughout the summer and eventually finished the season with an 82-60 record, the second-most wins in a season in franchise history and the team’s second-ever division title.

Bouncing between second and third base, Harrison finished off the regular season with an even .300 average, 33 doubles, three triples, four home runs and 75 runs batted in. He added 19 stolen bases and played a significant role in Altoona’s push toward the Eastern League Championship. After defeating the Harrisburg Senators in four games, the Curve overcame another Major League All-Star on the mound, New York Yankees left-hander Andy Pettitte, in the opening game of the Eastern League Championship Series and secured their first title in franchise history. During the playoff run, Harrison recorded a team-best 11 hits in eight postseason games and homered three times, matching Chase D’Arnaud and Jordy Mercer for the team lead.

Harrison began the 2011 season with Triple-A Indianapolis and got the call to Pittsburgh for the first time on May 31, 2011 and suited up against the New York Mets, going 2-for-4 with an RBI. His debut season saw him work mostly in a bench role with 65 appearances on the diamond, showcasing a versatile glove and a solid approach at the plate.

After shuttling back and forth between Indianapolis and Pittsburgh, Harrison finally took hold of an everyday spot in the starting lineup in 2014. Named to the National League All-Star team that summer, Harrison batted .315 with a career-high 38 doubles, 13 home runs and 52 runs batted in. Harrison’s season finished the season ninth in the MVP voting helping the Pirates to an appearance in the National Wild Card Game. His .315 batting average was second-best in the National League, just behind Colorado’s Justin Morneau.

Harrison picked up a second National League All-Star selection in 2017 with a slight bump in the power department, smashing a career-best 16 home runs, and finished his eighth season with the Pirates in 2018. A .317 hitter in his time in the Steel City, Harrison has since appeared with the Detroit Tigers, Washington Nationals and Oakland Athletics. Headed into his age-34 season in 2022, Harrison has played in more than 1,000 major league games and holds a career batting average of .277. He is currently a free agent after finishing off the 2021 campaign with 48 appearances with the Athletics.

1B Josh Bell (2015)

A native of Irving, Texas, first baseman Josh Bell roared through the Pirates minor league system and quickly established himself as one of the top power hitters in the National League.

Selected by the Pirates in the second round (61st overall) of the 2011 draft, Bell quickly emerged as one of the top prospects in the Pirates minor league system and in his first full season of professional baseball was named a South Atlantic League Mid-Season and Post-Season All-Star with the West Virginia Power. Bell batted .279 with a league-best 37 doubles, two triples, 13 home runs and 52 runs batted in to lead the Power to a Northern Division title and an 82-58 record under future Curve Manager Michael Ryan.

Bell began his 2014 campaign at High-A Bradenton and immediately established himself as one of the leagues best. In a league that was notoriously difficult for young power hitters, Bell grew his game at the plate and found a more contact-oriented approach that led to a third-place finish in batting average (.335) and a 13th place finish in on-base percentage (.385) to go with 20 doubles, four triples ad nine home runs. Named a Mid-Season Florida State League All-Star, Bell earned a late-season promotion to Altoona and batted .284 with seven runs batted in in 24 games. For his outstanding efforts, Bell was named the Pirates Minor League Player of the Year, an award he would claim a second time in 2016.

The 2015 Curve opened the season with high expectations as Bell, Tyler Glassnow, Chad Kuhl and Adam Frazier highlighted the star-studded group. Bell, a consensus top-60 prospect in minor league baseball according to multiple outlets, starred in the middle of the order. At age 22, Bell put together another All-Star worthy campaign, earning a selection to the Eastern League’s Mid-Season All-Star team, hosted bt the Portland Sea Dogs at Hadlock Field. Bell would also earn a spot in the Futures Game; played in Cincinnati. His 2015 season in Altoona found its way into the record books with a .307 average, the best mark in a single season in franchise history by a switch-hitter. Teaming with Adam Frazier, the Curve had two players bat .300 during the season (minimum 300 plate appearances) for just the fourth time in franchise history. While Bell became one of 12 Curve players to earn a promotion to Triple-A Indianapolis during the season, Altoona reached the postseason for the first time since 2010. Under the direction of Manager Tom Prince, Bowie eliminated Altoona in four games, capping off a season in which the Curve had its highest attendance total in nine seasons. The campaign earned the Eastern League’s nomination for the John H. Johnson President’s Award, the top honor in Minor League Baseball.

After spending much of the 2016 season in Triple-A, Bell reached Pittsburgh to make his major league debut. That season saw 14 different Curve alumni make their MLB debut including Alen Hanson, Jameson Taillon, Jacob Stallings, Adam Frazier, Chad Kuhl, Steven Brault, Tyler Glasnow, and Max Moroff all debuting with Pittsburgh. Bell made his debut on Friday, July 8, 2016 in an 8-4 win over the Chicago Cubs with a pinch-hit single off Jake Arrieta in the bottom of the seventh inning. Bell would go on to play 45 games in his rookie season with Pittsburgh, batting .273 with a .368 on-base percentage and three home runs.

Bell grew into the starting role in 2017 and blossomed into the one of the National League’s best young players. At just 24 years old, he swatted 26 home runs, good for second-most among NL rookies and his steady presence in the middle of the Pirates order helped him drive in 90 runs and earn a third-place finish in the NL Rookie of the Year voting. Bell’s 24th home run of the season set the record for most home runs by a rookie switch hitter in major league history.

After managing just 12 home runs in the 2018 season, Bell found his stroke in 2019 and capitalized on his massive power potential. Bell became the fourth player in PNC Park history to hit a ball directly into the Allegheny River on May 8. Just two weeks later he hit another home run into the river as part of dazzling month at the plate. Bell earned the National League Player of the Month in May of 2019 after hitting .390/.442/.797 with 12 doubles, 12 home runs, 31 runs batted in and 11 walks in 29 games played. Bell became the third player in NL history to log at least 12 doubles and 12 home runs in a single calendar month, joining Hall of Famers Hank Aaron (July 1961) and Frank Robinson (July 1961). Bell’s month of May also saw him record three multi-homer games, the first Pirate to do so since Brian Giles in August 1999.

Bell was named to his first Major League All-Star Game in the summer of 2019. Leading the league with 70 runs batted in and in extra base hits with 54, Bell became the first Pirates first baseman to be named an All-Star since Jason Thompson in 1982.

While the Pirates sagged in the standings, Bell managed to put the finishing touches on an outstanding campaign in 2019. He finished the season ninth in the league with 37 home runs and sixth in the league with 116 runs batted in. Overall, he hit .277/.367/.569 with 37 doubles, three triples and a .936 OPS which ranked tenth-best in the league.

Following a down 2020 season, the Washington Nationals acquired Bell in exchange for RHP Wil Crowe and RHP Eddy Yean and he bounced back with 27 home runs and a .260 average in his first season with the Nats. Through six major league seasons, Bell has hit 113 home runs and holds a .261 career batting average.

Black History Month: Indy Celebrates Indians, Clowns and ABCs History

 

In celebration of Black History Month, throughout February, teams across Minor League Baseball are looking back at five of the best Black players to suit up for their club or play for a team within its market.

While some of these standout performers went on to long and illustrious Major League careers, others simply had great Minor League careers or, in some cases, just one incredible season that went down as “a year for the ages.”

Here is a look at five of the best Black baseball players ever to suit up for the Indianapolis Indians, Indianapolis Clowns and Indianapolis ABCs.

Andrew McCutchen

After being selected by Pittsburgh as the 11th overall pick in the 2005 First-Year Player Draft, it took just two years for outfielder Andrew McCutchen to rise from rookie ball to Triple-A. Following a brief 17-game showing with Indianapolis in 2007 in which he hit .313, he paced the 2008 Indians in batting average (.283), hits (145), doubles (26) and OPS (.770) while finishing second in stolen bases (34) to earn himself a spot on the International League midseason All-Star team and a selection to the Futures Game.

Despite the stellar season, the budding five-tool superstar found himself in Indy once again to start the 2009 campaign. He hit safely in 17 of his last 20 games in an Indians uniform, compiling a .368 average, nine extra-base hits, 11 RBI and 16 runs scored during the stretch. He then broke into the majors with Pittsburgh on June 4 and collected two hits, three runs scored, one RBI and a stolen base in his MLB debut, and never looked back. He has become a five-time National League All-Star (2011-15), four-time Silver Slugger (2012-15), Gold Glove Award winner (2012) and MVP (2013). His NL MVP honor made him just the sixth former Indian to win an MVP Award and the first since Hall of Famer Larry Walker in 1997.

In addition to his numerous on-the-field accolades, McCutchen was presented with the Roberto Clemente Award in 2015, given annually to an MLB player who “best represents the game of baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions, both on and off the field.”

Razor Shines

A name synonymous with Indianapolis Indians baseball, Razor Shines played in over 800 games for the Indians across nine seasons (1984-89, 1991-93). Shines’ best season with Indianapolis came in 1984, his first campaign in the Circle City, when he had 26 doubles, 18 home runs and 80 RBI to earn Team MVP honors. Overall, his longevity and success has him among Indy’s all-time leaders in home runs (T-3rd, 68), RBI (4th, 404) and doubles (5th, 138).

While he only saw brief major league action in parts of four seasons, Shines played a huge role in guiding Indianapolis to American Association supremacy throughout the 1980s. He was part of four American Association pennant-winning teams (1984, ’86, 1988-89) and contributed to four consecutive AA postseason championships (1986-89). His image and likeness will forever be connected to the baby-blue Montreal Expos uniform era of dominance in Indianapolis Indians history.

Shines served as a player-coach for Indy in 1993, the final year of his playing career, and attended the final game played at Bush Stadium on July 3, 1996. He managed and coached for various minor and major league teams (White Sox, 2007; Mets, 2009-10) up through 2015. Shines most recently returned to Indianapolis in August 2019 to celebrate the 30-year anniversary of the Indians 1989 American Association championship during Fan Appreciation Weekend.

Minnie Miñoso

After three years with the New York Cubans of the Negro National League, two of which he was named an All-Star, Minnie Miñoso made his major league debut with Cleveland on April 19, 1949, at 23 years old. Following the Golden Days Era Committee vote in December 2021, he will become the 13th former Indianapolis Indian enshrined in the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

In 17 major league seasons, Miñoso – nicknamed the Cuban Comet – consistently ranked among American League leaders, topping the AL three times in stolen bases (1951-53) and triples (1951, ’54, ’56), and once in total bases (1954), doubles (1957) and hits (1960). The nine-time All-Star (1951-54, ‘57, 1959-60 [midseason and postseason]) and three-time Gold Glove Award winner (1957, 1959-60) finished fourth in AL MVP voting four times, the first coming in his first full MLB season when he also finished second in the AL Rookie of the Year race.

Miñoso, at age 38, appeared in 52 games with Indianapolis – then-affiliate of Chicago (AL) – in 1964. He hit .264 (47-for-178) with 11 doubles, four home runs, 26 RBI and six stolen bases. It was his first trip back to the minor leagues since 1950 with Triple-A San Diego. He was inducted into the Mexican Baseball Hall of Fame in 1996 and received 14 votes from the 16-member Golden Days Era Committee on Dec. 5, 2021, to be elected into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Miñoso, who died on March 1, 2015, will be officially inducted posthumously in the Hall of Fame Class of 2022 on July 24 in Cooperstown.

Hank Aaron

In 23 years in Major League Baseball, Hank Aaron became known as one of the best to ever step foot on a diamond. He hammered – a good testament to his well-known nickname, Hammerin’ Hank – 755 home runs over the course of his lengthy major league career, with an MLB-leading 44 in 1957 when he was voted National League MVP. He is the current record holder for career RBI (2,297) and total bases (6,856) over 3,298 games. He spent 21 of his 23 MLB seasons with the Braves, from Milwaukee to Atlanta where he died in 2021. However, that’s not where his career began.

As an 18-year-old, Aaron spent 26 official games donning an Indianapolis Clowns uniform. That’s according to The Howe Sports Bureau, because those stats can seldom be found anywhere else. In those games, he hit .366 with five home runs, 33 RBI, 41 hits and nine stolen bases – numbers that do not count toward his career MLB totals.

Over his career, he led MLB four times in RBI (1957, ’60, ’63 and ’66) and total bases (1957, 1959-60, ’63), three times in slugging percentage and OPS (1959, ’63, and ’71), twice in total hits (1956, ’59) and runs (1963 and ’67), and once in batting average (1959), not to mention the seasons in which he just led the National League. In addition to his 1957 NL MVP Award – the year in which he led the Milwaukee Braves to a World Series title over the Yankees – he was named an All-Star 25 times over 21 consecutive seasons from 1955-75, earned MVP votes 19 consecutive seasons from 1955-73 and won three Gold Glove Awards (1958-60).

Oscar Charleston

Hall of Famer Oscar Charleston’s long and historic career began in his hometown of Indianapolis. After working as the batboy for the Indianapolis ABCs as a child and spending his mid-to-late teenage years serving in World War I, Charleston hit cleanup for the ABCs in 1920, the first year of the National Negro League.

Nicknamed the Hoosier Comet, Charleston led the league with 122 hits, 80 runs scored and 11 triples that season. After a year away, he returned to Indianapolis in ’22 and continued to flash his speed and just a hint of power. He led the league in almost every offensive category that season, setting career highs in games played (101), runs scored (105), total hits (150), triples (18) and RBI (102). In 18 years with seven different teams, Charleston played in 916 games and hit .364 with 80 triples, 143 home runs, 853 RBI and 209 stolen bases.

During his playing career Charleston also served as manager of the Harrisburg Giants (1924-26), Hilldale Club (1929), the Pittsburgh Crawfords-turned Toledo/Indianapolis Crawfords (1933-40) and Philadelphia Stars (1941). He managed the Stars in 1948 at the age of 51 and came out of retirement in 1954 to manage the Indianapolis Clowns, a team that featured two women – Connie Morgan and Mamie “Peanut” Johnson – on its roster.

Other Black players who played for the Indians or in the Indianapolis market and narrowly missed top five recognition include George Foster, Ken Griffey Sr., Eric Davis, Hal McRae, Don Buford, Dallas Williams and Larry Raines.

National Anthem Auditions

 

Bradenton, Fla. – The Pittsburgh Pirates are accepting auditions for the National Anthem. Anyone interested in singing The Star Spangled Banner or O Canada prior to a Pirates Spring Training game in 2022 may submit a video or a YouTube link to be considered. Prospective singers must feel comfortable performing in front of a camera and performing in front of audiences of 7,000 people or more. Submissions are also open to choirs. All submissions must be conducted a cappella.

Pirates employees will watch the videos 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 are welcome to sing O Canada as well. Participants that submit videos but are not selected will have their information kept on file for potential anthem openings during the Bradenton Marauders season.

Videos or links must be submitted to Rebekah Rivette, Manager of Marketing & Game Presentation via email to [email protected]. Those wishing to perform must send in their audition no later than February 18th.

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

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Indians Select Indy RBI as Triple-A Final Stretch Beneficiary

 

INDIANAPOLIS – Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) today announced the creation of a “Homers That Help” campaign, a charitable component to the 10-game Triple-A Final Stretch of games that will benefit 501(c)3 charities in each Triple-A city. The Indianapolis Indians selected Indy RBI, the exclusive affiliate of Major League Baseball’s Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities initiative, as the Circle City beneficiary.

MiLB will donate $50 to Indy RBI for every home run hit by the Indians over the final 10 games. Further, the Triple-A team to finish with the most home runs over the 10-game span will generate an extra $5,000 donation from MiLB to its respective charity.

“The last two years have been the most stable Indy RBI has been financially thanks to the Indianapolis Indians and Indianapolis Indians Charities,” said Mike Lennox, Indy RBI Executive Director. “We’ve been able to focus our efforts on getting kids to play baseball and softball while having fun and maintaining good sportsmanship. We are thankful for Minor League Baseball’s donation which will contribute to our success next season.”

The Indians belted 120 home runs through their first 119 games of the season. Individually, Indiana native Hunter Owen leads the club with a career-high tying 19 homers.

“We are excited that our powerful lineup will lead to a powerful community impact during the Triple-A Final Stretch,” said Randy Lewandowski, Indianapolis Indians President and General Manager. “Indy RBI provides great opportunities for inner-city youth to play baseball and softball, and we’re thankful for Minor League Baseball’s contribution to one of our greatest community partners and nonprofits in every Triple-A market.”

The Triple-A Final Stretch begins tonight when Jacksonville hosts Memphis. The Indians begin their Final Stretch games tomorrow with the series opener of a five-game set at Omaha.

“Minor League Baseball teams have long been great community partners, and we are pleased to make a donation to each of these local charities on behalf of our Triple-A teams for their performance during the Triple-A Final Stretch,” said Major League Baseball’s Vice President, Minor League Operations and Development, Peter Woodfork. “These charities provide a variety of valuable services to their community, and it is our honor to recognize their efforts.

Tickets for Indy’s final five-game homestand against the Nashville Sounds are still available. To purchase, visit IndyIndians.com or contact the Victory Field Box Office at (317) 269-3545 or [email protected].

Indianapolis Indians Charities Introduces Circle City Donor Club

 

INDIANAPOLIS – Indianapolis Indians Charities (IIC) today unveiled the Circle City Donor Club, providing a new way for fans to donate to IIC while receiving love in return. The Donor Club has four levels ($50, $75, $100, $250) and each donor threshold receives benefits. Fans interested in impacting Central Indiana can join the Donor Club here.

“This is an exciting day for Indianapolis Indians Charities as our nonprofit continuously seeks ways to leave its mark on the community,” said Jo Garcia, Indianapolis Indians Charities Community Outreach Manager. “Fan and partner donations are the lifelines to our organization and its ability to positively influence youth, families and those in need in Central Indiana.”

Beginning today and continuing through Sunday, July 18 at 11:59 PM EST, the first 50 donors to make a minimum $50 donation are guaranteed to win a Sun King gift card. To be eligible, donors must be 21 years of age or older.

Since its inception in Sept. 2019, IIC has poured over $630,000 back into the community. Over $85,000 and 180-plus volunteer hours can be attributed to baseball and softball field renovations in the Circle City. Further, IIC donated 500 lunches to local nurses on #NationalNursesDay and recently funded 490 league fees and uniforms for Indy RBI participants among many other notable charity efforts.

Circle City Donor Club levels and benefits are highlighted below:

$50 Donor Benefits

Indians-branded swag including a sticker and a koozie
Name listed on the Circle City Donor Club webpage
First notice of Indianapolis Indians Charities events and Indians community events
$5 Sun King gift card to the first 50 $50 donations

$75 Donor Benefits

Indians-branded swag including a tote bag, sticker and a koozie
Name listed on the Circle City Donor Club webpage
Name listed in Indianapolis Indians Charities annual fiscal year report
First notice of Indianapolis Indians Charities events and Indians community events
$5 Sun King gift card to the first 50 $75 donations

$100 Donor Benefits

Indians-branded swag including a water bottle, tote bag, sticker and a koozie
Two (2) tickets to an Indians home game
Acknowledgement on Indians social media accounts and the Circle City Donor Club webpage
Name listed in Indianapolis Indians Charities annual fiscal year report
First notice of Indianapolis Indians Charities events and Indians community events
$10 Sun King gift card to the first 100 $100 donations

$250 Donor Benefits

Indians-branded swag including sunglasses, a water bottle, tote bag, sticker and a koozie
Two (2) tickets to an Indians home game
One-time online coupon code for 20% off Indians merchandise
Acknowledgement on Indians social media accounts and the Circle City Donor Club webpage
Name listed on Victory Field marquee with photo distributed to donor electronically
Name listed in Indianapolis Indians Charities annual fiscal year report
First notice of Indianapolis Indians Charities events and Indians community events
$15 Sun King gift card to the first 50 $250 donations

Edgar Snyder & Associates and Altoona Curve Team Up on “Bases for Bikes” Campaign

 

CURVE, PA – The Altoona Curve and the law firm of Edgar Snyder Associates are pleased to announce the return of the “Bases for Bikes” campaign that provides adaptive bicycles to children with disabilities. This is the eighth year that Edgar Snyder & Associates has sponsored the program.

With each stolen base by an Altoona Curve player this season, Edgar Snyder & Associates will make a $50 donation to Variety the Children’s Charity to support Variety’s “My Bike” program. Variety the Children’s Charity began the “My Bike” program in 2012; the program works toward the goal of providing each child the chance to feel the wind in his or her hair along with the fun and adventure of riding a bike.

“We’re so grateful to be a part of this exciting partnership. The support by Edgar Snyder & Associates and the Altoona Curve has been incredible, and through Bases for Bikes, we will impact more kids with disabilities by giving them an adaptive bike made just for them,” said Variety’s CEO, Charlie LaVallee.

“It has been an honor to support Variety the Children’s Charity throughout the years. The excitement that we have seen on children’s faces as they ride a bike for the very first time is indescribable. Variety gives them and their families a childhood joy they might not otherwise have had, and we’re proud to partner with the Altoona Curve to spread that joy to even more kids,” said Michael Rosenzweig, Managing Partner of Edgar Snyder & Associates.

Through 17 games this season, the Curve have stolen 15 bases. Ji-Hwan Bae, Cal Mitchell, and Canaan Smith-Njigba lead the team with three stolen bases each. Daniel Amaral and Ethan Paul have each stolen two bases, while Rodolfo Castro and Oneil Cruz have each stolen on base on the season.

The Curve begin a six-game series with the Erie SeaWolves (Detroit Tigers) on Tuesday night. Friday May 28 is a Free Shirt Friday to the first 1,000 fans, presented by James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center. There will also be post-game fireworks on Saturday May 29th, presented by Furrer Beverage and M&T Bank, and Sunday May 30th, presented By Super 8, Blair Candy, Penn Highlands Healthcare and Furrer Beverage.

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 5 p.m., during every home game and online 24/7/365.

In Memory of Mom: Indianapolis Indians Charities Donates to Riley Children’s Cancer Center

 

INDIANAPOLIS – Today on Mother’s Day, Indianapolis Indians Charities (IIC) donated $2,000 to the Riley Children’s Cancer Center in support of Indians pitchers Geoff Hartlieb and Cody Ponce. Both men lost their mothers to cancer – Hartlieb’s mom, Wendy, passed away from lung cancer in April 2015, and Ponce’s mom, Jennifer, died in Dec. 2017 from Stage 4 brain cancer. One-thousand dollars went to programs related to mothers of children undergoing cancer treatment in honor of Wendy Hartlieb and another $1,000 went toward brain cancer research in honor of Jennifer Ponce.

Fans wishing to join the donation efforts can make their monetary contributions here.

“As we celebrate moms across the country, our organization understands that Mother’s Day can be uplifting for some and a day of remembrance for others,” said Randy Lewandowski, Indianapolis Indians President and General Manager. “Both Cody and Geoff are great competitors for us on the field, and we know their moms are with them every step of the way. We are honored to support them as they collectively wanted to bring awareness to cancer research.”

Additionally, Cody and Geoff will be donating their own autographed Pittsburgh Pirates uniforms and cleats to two families who have children undergoing treatment at the Riley Children’s Cancer Center.

Indianapolis Indians Charities, Teachers’ Treasures Announce Whiteboard Double Play Campaign

 

INDIANAPOLIS – You donate, we match! Today, Indianapolis Indians Charities (IIC) and Teachers’ Treasures introduced the Whiteboard Double Play campaign, an initiative where IIC will match all donations made to Teachers’ Treasures up to $10,000 through Monday, May 10. Teachers’ Treasures is a nonprofit that obtains and distributes school supplies free to teachers in need. On average, teachers in Marion County spend $800-1,200 per year on school supplies for their students.

“With Central Indiana schools adjusting to a virtual, e-learning experience because of the pandemic and teachers and students now returning to their respective classrooms, the Indianapolis Indians and IIC are proud to partner with Teachers’ Treasures to ensure students receive the items they need to learn and grow every day no matter the classroom setting,” said Randy Lewandowski, Indianapolis Indians President and General Manager. “The Whiteboard Double Play campaign will be a home run on all accounts, and we look forward to contributing funds to this great initiative.”

IIC compiled 500 booklets for students across Marion County in May 2020 and donated desks, office chairs and mini refrigerators, among other items, to Teachers’ Treasures last December. Now, IIC will double the impact of every donation made to Teachers’ Treasures through May 10. Donations can be made here starting as low as $5 with donation impact detailed below:

$5 = 4-pack of dry erase markers for one student
$10 = Dry erase board, 4-pack of dry erase markers and an eraser for one student
$25 = Dry erase boards and 4-packs of dry erase markers for 10 students
$50 = Dry erase boards for an entire class
$100 = Dry erase boards for two classes and a special shoutout from mascot, Rowdie
$250 = Dry erase boards for an entire school and a special shoutout from mascot, Rowdie

“Teachers’ Treasures partnership with Indianapolis Indians Charities has provided a pillar of support during a turbulent year to 270+ schools within Marion County,” said Alicia Van Rensburg, Teachers’ Treasures Development Manager. “Through masks and distance learning, the need for personal whiteboards and supplies has been indispensable to our teachers and students.”

Marauders to Highlight Non-Profits, Small Businesses at Home Games

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 26, 2021

BRADENTON, Fla. — The Bradenton Marauders, Low-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, have announced plans to feature local area non-profit organizations and small businesses for Friday and Saturday games at LECOM Park in 2021. The Marauders will partner with the Manatee Chamber of Commerce, the Manasota Black Chamber of Commerce, and the Gulf Coast Latin Chamber of Commerce to promote the program.

The Marauders will feature one non-profit organization at each Friday home game (10 scheduled) and one small business at each Saturday home game (10 scheduled). Businesses and organizations that would like to participate are encouraged to submit a nomination at BradentonMarauders.com.

Each winning non-profit or small business will receive a free advertising package that includes four complimentary tickets, in-park and digital activations on the day that they are selected.

“Non-profit organizations and small businesses are the lifeblood of our community. After a challenging year, we’re excited to provide them with an opportunity to share their mission or their brand,” Marauders General Manager Craig Warzecha said.

For more information about the Bradenton Marauders, please call (941) 747-3031, visit BradentonMarauders.com, or email [email protected].

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Indy RBI Ready for Successful 2021 Season

Back in the early 1980s, Mike Lennox was experiencing instability in his line of work. Out of college, Lennox worked in the radio business bouncing from station to station, but it did not provide a stable life at home. In his twenties at the time and newly engaged, Lennox transitioned into public relations and marketing work, landing his first job off the airwaves with the Indiana Department of Commerce in its Tourism Development Division. He was a supportive team member for its Wander Indiana campaign that promoted tourism opportunities for the entire state, but the gig still left him unfulfilled.

In the late 80s, Lennox joined the Family Service Association of Indianapolis as its director of development, and it was there where he found his calling. He attended an intense 7-day fundraising course through The Fund Raising School, which is now part of the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, and was mesmerized.

“This is it,” Lennox, the current Executive Director at Indy RBI, remembered thinking at the time. “I quickly learned that I wanted to help raise money for the less fortunate, but the right opportunity just wasn’t there for me yet.”

Insert Milt Thompson, an active member on the Indianapolis Indians Board of Directors. Lennox gives Thompson, who attended the same church as him and became a close friend, a ton of credit for getting him to where he is today.

“Milt knew I wasn’t happy with the work I had been doing, so he told me one day, ‘I’ve got a job for you if you want it.’” Lennox said.

The offer was to help run an inner-city baseball program called the Indiana Amateur Baseball Association, a nonprofit Thompson had originally founded in 1982. Lennox received the offer in March 1996. He accepted, but soon after he experienced one of the biggest hurdles he would have to overcome.

“I went to Lilly Endowment and asked for a $100,000 grant to help get IABA off its feet again. It felt like we were shooting for the moon and this was a make-or-break situation,” Lennox recalled. “Once we received that contribution, we hit the ground running.”

Still in his first year, Lennox was part of IABA’s request to join Major League Baseball’s Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) initiative. It didn’t take long for that approval, and the positive impact on inner-city youth and families – providing every kid the chance to play baseball or softball each summer – has since been noticeable.

“Every kid is given the chance to play, but it’s not just the kids who benefit from our Indy RBI program… truthfully, the parents and mentors to these student-athletes learn a lot about themselves every summer,” Lennox said. “[The parents] grow as individuals and realize that our leagues are not focused on the winning and losing, but rather on the idea of creating major league citizens. We practice good sportsmanship, teamwork, and try to foster positive off-the-field behavior.”

In a normal year, Indy RBI has nearly 2,000 participants in youth baseball and softball for various age groups. Teams play mostly at Forest Manor Park, Rhodius Park, Christian Park and Garfield Park, with many Indianapolis Public School (IPS) and charter school fields used for the older divisions. However, 35% of those approximate 2,000 ballplayers are unable to cover the $25 registration fee, which equates to nearly $15,000 in registration costs covered by Indy RBI alone each summer. That is where partners like Indianapolis Indians Charities, or individuals in the community, have and still can step up to the plate.

Now in his 25th year with Indy RBI, Lennox understands that the organization’s successes aren’t possible without great partners like Indianapolis Indians Charities.

“We were at a disadvantage for years because we do not have a major league team [in Indianapolis],” he said. “The RBI programs in Chicago, Cincinnati, St. Louis, any city with a major league team, they are funded six figures by those clubs. Fortunately for us, four or five years ago, the Indianapolis Indians increased their support to us to help cover registration fees, uniform costs, field projects and umpire dues.”

And the relationship has only strengthened from there.

Indianapolis Indians Charities recently made a three-year commitment of $300,000 to cover team sponsorships, events and league programming. Also, in partnership with the Indianapolis Parks Department, Indians staff has committed itself to spending Indy Do Day renovating a city park diamond that will be used by Indy RBI and other inner-city schools. In years’ past, staff has volunteered renovating fields at Forest Manor Park and Manual High School. Further, internal work by Indians staff to rework Indy RBI’s website and social channels has not gone unnoticed by Lennox, either.

“Everything Indianapolis Indians Charities and the Indians staff has done over the last couple years has been nothing short of amazing,” he said.

With a season that begins in early May and wraps up with Indy RBI hosting a regional in mid-July, the 2021 season will come and go in the blink of an eye, meaning the time to act – and support – is now.

Indians fans and those wanting to contribute to Indy RBI are encouraged to visit IndyRBI.org and click the ‘donate’ button. A $25 donation will cover the registration fee for one player while a donation of $300 will cover the costs associated with sponsoring an entire team. For those wanting to possibly coach an Indy RBI team or umpire baseball and softball games, email [email protected]. Any volunteer work or monetary donation is of great value to Lennox and his team. After all, Indy RBI has served over 25,000 boys and girls ages 3-18 since 1996, and momentum is picking up as teams are filled and added for the 2021 season.

“We will never turn a child away who wants to play ball,” Lennox said. “We want them to learn fair team play, become major league citizens and enjoy [baseball or softball] their entire lives.”

On top of its support to Indy RBI, IIC also has existing partnerships with the Indy Flames and Indy Thunder.

The Flames participate in Alternative Baseball™, which provides a traditional baseball experience to those with autism and other disabilities, ages 15 and up. The program was founded in Dallas, Ga. by a young man on the autism spectrum. His goal was to develop physical and social skills in an environment where players will be accepted for who they are, encouraged to be the best version of themselves, and instilled with confidence to fulfill their dreams on and off the field. Please email [email protected] or visit alternativebaseball.org for more information.

The Thunder are part of the National Beep Baseball Association, an organization that was founded in 1976 and is committed to fostering competition and camaraderie through the game of beep baseball for the blind and visually impaired. Beep baseball is a challenging, demanding and enjoyable competitive sport that requires a combination of strength, skill and auditory senses to focus on the beeping ball and buzzing bases. For more information and to donate, visit nbba.org.

National Girls and Women in Sports Day

 

Behind the scenes of the game day experience at Victory Field is a staff of hard-working, dedicated individuals who strive to make each day the best for those around them. For the Indianapolis Indians, National Women in Sports Day is an opportunity to shine a light on a group of them.

As you walk into the ballpark, you might see Michelle Trevino at the front desk or Cara Carrion in the ticket window. Through the gates is Hayden Barnack, checking to see how many bobbleheads are left on a giveaway night. You’re met by Sarah Haynes, who is walking the concourse right beside you, ready to answer any questions you may have along the way.

You see Jo Garcia coordinating the first pitch as Kim Stoebick and Shayla Smith are standing on field with a group of students ready to sing the National Anthem. In the outfield, you can see Casey McGaw snapping photos with her phone that you’ll later see on social media.

If you travel upstairs to the suite level, you’ll find Kathryn Bobel ready to help you find your seats. Anna Kayser is in the press box and Jessica Davis is in the control room, ready for the game to start at 7:15 on a Friday night. Kylie Kinder and Christina Toler are in the new Elements Financial Club, cultivating relationships with corporate partners.

And although Paige McClung has yet to experience a true gameday at Victory Field, she was instrumental in bringing The Links and Flicks to life over the course of 2020.

That’s just a snapshot, a few fleeting seconds where you might see all of these amazing women in action, but they’re greater than what their work title implies. They are mothers (to both children and dogs), avid readers, wellness advocates, sports fans, music fans, travelers, and so much more.

We asked these women four questions: What are you proud of, what motivates you, what are some of your hobbies and which woman has inspired you the most. Here are some of their answers, highlighting what they represent both for the Indianapolis Indians and beyond.

Hayden Barnack, Game Presentation & Promotions Manager

I’m motivated by being an anchor to a team. I’m extremely competitive with myself and always want to bring the best ideas and solutions to the table. There’s a fire and energy that comes with gathering all the information and putting the puzzle pieces together. If I’ve done the work and am operating at my best, I believe it’s only going to make the team stronger.

Personally, I enjoy traveling as much as possible. There’s something about going to a new country or city and discovering their culture or the sweet spots that the locals love. I’m also a huge foodie and craft beer enthusiast; I studied to become a cicerone to know all 70+ styles of beer.

Women who inspire me: My mom and my grandma – the way they’ve overcome and succeeded in their respective male-dominated industries has always inspired me. Even more so, they’ve always led with compassion and integrity.

Kathryn Bobel, Premium & Ticket Services Manager

I realized in my late teens that I wanted to work in professional baseball, and I’ve made it happen ever since. A multitude of people have been absolutely instrumental along the way, and it’s been the most tremendous journey.

In my early 20s I was going through a rough patch and my mom shared this advice that’s stayed with me since – the sun is going to rise every morning and good Lord willing so are you. The world is going to keep turning, and it’s your choice how you want to participate in that day.

Women who inspire me: My parents and sister are gratefully the most stabilizing elements of my life, and my mother’s creativity, discipline, and work ethic continue to amaze and inspire me. It’s interesting how those elements come into perspective as you gain experience yourself.

Cara Carrion, Ticket Services Coordinator

Right now, I am most proud of my promotion to my role as Ticket Services Coordinator with the Indians. Since my internship with the Indians in 2017, I have found a passion working in ticket services and operations and made it my goal to eventually be in a full-time ticket services role. It has been challenging at times, but I have learned so much along the way and continue to learn new skills every day. To find a profession that I love and be able to work for such a great organization is a dream career come true. Sometimes I have to pinch myself and remember that this is real life.

Outside of work I don’t have many secret hobbies, but my favorite thing to do is collect records, listen to music and attend concerts. I also love watching old films, going to hockey games, decorating for the holidays and collecting ticket stubs from live events I’ve been to!

Women who inspire me: My mom and three grandmothers come to mind first. All four of those women are intelligent, hard workers who have shown me to stand my ground and work for what I want. I also have many female friends and coworkers who are amazing and inspire me all the time.

Jessica Davis, Graphic Designer

I am most proud of my independence and the life that I have built thus far. My career goal since college was to work in sports and with some leaps of faith and moving across country and back, I have made that dream a reality. It was a scary thought, moving to an unfamiliar place, not knowing a single soul, but I am so happy I made that decision and that the Indians gave me that opportunity. In my work, I am motivated by being a reliable, supportive teammate to my department. Someone they can turn to in a pinch, knowing that the work will get done efficiently and at a high standard.

My family and friends keep me motivated outside of work. I am constantly making plans to visit them, which feeds into my passion for traveling. I also love to bake and cook, bringing them treats during my visits. Sports is another passion, of course. I am usually watching a soccer or hockey game in my free time.

Women who inspire me: My grandma in her faith, my mom in her perseverance to move forward and Megan Rapinoe in her ability to speak her truth no matter the consequences.

Jo Garcia, Community Outreach Manager

I love a hard day’s work. It sounds strange, but I’m motivated by feeling like I gave the day all I had and got a lot out of it, whether it be spending time with friends or a day of work spent with the community. A hard day’s work nourishes my soul!

I’m proud of the incredible friends and family I have and the relationships I’ve been blessed with. I have a rich, full life and a big part of that is the people I have around me.

The undercover nerd in me adores dinosaurs, the Marvel universe, reading and making pumpkin bread. The public facing me adores traveling, hiking, live concerts and pretending to have a well-behaved Australian Shepherd.

Women who inspire me: My mom, aunt and close personal friend, Michelle Obama.

Sarah Haynes, Business Operations Manager

One thing I am very proud of is landing a job with the Indians. After college I had no idea what to do, so I started to apply to all sorts of jobs. I had no connection to the organization. Once I got the position, I quickly learned that most of the staff had been hired after an internship with the organization. I was an outsider they took a chance on.

My love for the job keeps me motivated. I really enjoy what I do, and that keeps me motivated to come to work every day. I want to continue to learn and grow here, and hopefully be a role model for my daughter. It’s pretty motivating to be a female in such a male-dominated business.

On a personal note, I am proud of where I’ve made it in life thus far. I left a small town, graduated college, started a career that I love, have been financially stable since being on my own, and have started a family with my amazing husband.

Women who inspire me: How do you pick?! Honestly, the women in my family have always been my biggest inspiration.

Anna Kayser, Baseball Communications Coordinator

My job revolves around the game of baseball, and during the pandemic that obviously changed quite a bit. I’m very proud of the growth I was able to make during a very uncertain time; I was able to focus on my writing and better myself, not only in my personal wellbeing but also in contributing to the success of the Indians organization and the people around me.

I’m a work-oriented person, I’m never satisfied until I’ve crossed every item off my weekly to-do list and I’m restless when bored. Being stuck at home for the majority of the summer, I learned to channel that energy into myself, taking long walks with my dog and keeping my mind active while unwinding at the end of a day. The opportunity to continue learning, both personally and professionally, motivates me.

A woman who inspires me: My grandma. She may have cheated at card games, but she loved deeply and always knew how to have fun.

Kylie Kinder, Partnership Activation Manager

I love being able to work in a place where I’m constantly learning and growing. That helps me be a role model for my daughter, Lilly – showing her what hard work, dedication, working full-time and balancing home life looks like. The best part of my job is the people, I love talking and building relationships with people. Being able to do that in my job is motivation in itself!

I absolutely love reading and spending time with my family! I have recently joined two different book clubs as I find that I spend a lot of free time reading and drinking a glass of wine. I also enjoy working out, both alone and with friends – I enjoy the competition!

Women who inspire me: My mom, Nana, Aunt Lisa and my sister, Kirstie.

Paige McClung, Stadium Events Manager

I am most proud of my newly growing family! Bringing my son into the world was single-handedly the best thing I’ve done. I am also proud of goals I’ve been able to reach: graduating college, starting a small business and independently purchasing my first home.

People have always been a huge motivator in my life. My family and friends inspire me to work hard and push myself to my full potential. I also find great satisfaction in completing a good to-do list/reaching personal and professional goals for myself.

A woman who inspires me: My mother! She is giving, creative and determined. She inspires me to give back to my community and create memories with my family.

Casey McGaw, Social Media Coordinator

I’m proud I lost around 30 pounds since April. I’m proud of having worked for two of Pittsburgh’s pro teams (Steelers, Penguins) and getting hired full-time with the highest affiliate of the third. I’m from Pennsylvania and am proud that I moved to three new states without knowing a single soul to pursue work in the sports industry. I’m proud of how I’ve grown in my role here with the Indians. I’m self-taught in photography and am proud of seeing how my work has improved. I am also a proud cat mom.

I love photography. I love watching the Steelers, Penguins and Penn State play. I love coffee and finding new local coffee shops. I grew up doing local theater for about 15 years. I play music, and even played paid gigs around Harrisburg with my dad before I left for college.

Women who inspire me: First answer, my mom. Second answer, I’ve gotten to work under some incredible women in sports and they all inspire me to be great and confident in what we do.

Shayla Smith, Digital Marketing Manager

I am so proud of my independence. I have always strived to take care of myself to the best of my ability mentally, physically and financially. I am proud to be extremely happy right where I am, and that I’ve surrounded myself with a great job and wonderful friends. I am also proud of some personal accomplishments like finishing a few half marathons and adopting my sweet pup a year ago!

I try to do hot yoga or hot pilates as often as possible and also enjoying hiking! I am a huge “reader,” but I can only listen to audiobooks, which I love to do while walking my pup and exploring Indy. I enjoy trying new craft beer and am working my way through visiting every MLB stadium. Does having an obsession with reality tv (i.e. The Bachelor and Real Housewives) count as a hobby/passion? 🙂

Women who inspire me: I have always been inspired by the female leaders I’ve had in my career, from my high school advisor to my current boss. They’ve taught me to be confident and know I deserve a seat at the table.

Kim Stoebick, Director of Marketing & Promotions

I’m proud of many things in my life; giving birth to my beautiful daughter Addison, navigating first time parenthood during a pandemic, breaking the glass ceiling and succeeding as a woman in a male-dominated industry, raising over $30,000 for Susan G. Komen in memory of my mother and living a happy, healthy life. After losing many close people in my life – my mom, brother, and grandparents – I don’t take my health for granted especially nowadays.

My immediate family and close friends keep me motivated. I’ve always been a very organized, productive and determined person as I push myself and others to do their best professionally. Working from home has been more difficult, but I found that my family and friends keep me grounded. I love playing games – board games, card games, Nintendo games, you name it – watching cooking shows and movies and trying out new recipes.

_A woman who inspires me: _My mom – she ALWAYS put others first and saw the good in everyone.

Christina Toler, Director of Corporate Sales

I really enjoy spending time with my family and friends. We love to be active, whether it’s playing outside, participating in activities or attending sports and cultural events. Every year we take a trip to Disney World and it has really become one of our favorite places to make memories. I love my Peloton bike and the Peloton community. It’s such an inspiring community to be connected to and provides so many health and wellness benefits.

I’m motivated by the people I get to work with inside and outside of our organization and the effect that engagement has on fans coming into the ballpark and throughout our community.

A woman who inspires me: My grandma is the woman who has most inspired me. She raised me to invest time in things I’m passionate about and that it takes hard work to be successful.

Michelle Trevino, Guest Relations Coordinator

I’m proud of my kids – two girls, Alejandra and Anjel, and two boys, Dakota and Tristan. They’re all in college or high school and succeeding in their academics and sports. I help out with my sons’ sports programs and I love volunteering in general, I love giving back to the community.

I’m very passionate about running. I run almost daily, and I am currently training for a half marathon. I’m motivated by setting daily and long-term goals for myself and crossing them off my list.

A woman who inspires me: My stepmom, Jen. She inspires me daily with her strength and compassion to always be the best she can be for herself, my dad and everyone she encounters. She works endless hours to make sure everyone is taken care of and loves doing it. She has the biggest heart.

Curve giving free ticket vouchers to area hospital employees

 

CURVE, Pa. – The Altoona Curve are honoring health care employees at area hospitals with one free undated ticket voucher to any 2021 home game at Peoples Natural Gas Field as a thank you for their constant sacrifice for our health during the pandemic.

Hospital employees in Blair, Bedford, Cambria and Huntingdon counties will all be included. Specific health facilities include UPMC Altoona, Tyrone Regional Hospital, James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center, Nason Medical Center, UPMC Bedford, JC Blair Memorial and Conemaugh Memorial. Curve personnel will deliver tickets directly to the facilities for distribution among hospital staff.

Undated ticket vouchers can be used for any Curve home game during the 2021 season. Whenever employees wish to use their voucher, they may visit the PNG Field box office on the day of any Curve home game to exchange the voucher for a game ticket before entering the stadium. Vouchers can also be turned in for a specific game date after the 2021 game schedule is available. All seating is based on availability at the time of redemption.

-CURVE-

James E. Van Zandt VAMC partners with Altoona Curve for mask giveaway

1,000 face coverings to be handed out at PNG Field on December 18

CURVE, Pa. – The James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center and the Altoona Curve will give away 1,000 face masks at Peoples Natural Gas Field on Friday, December 18.

The drive-through event in the PNG Field parking lot will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., or while supplies last. Visitors shall remain in their vehicles and the traffic pattern. Masks will be handed to them by a Curve or VA staff member. Each black face mask features white logos of the Curve and the VA.

Both the Curve and the VA will also collect non-perishable food items during the mask giveaway. Collected items will be donated to St. Vincent de Paul Assumption Chapel Food Pantry and are not required to receive a mask.

Indianapolis Indians Charities Partners with Toys for Tots

Rowdie plush doll donations highlight “Rowdie’s Toy Drive”

INDIANAPOLIS – Indianapolis Indians Charities is partnering with Toys for Tots of Central Indiana this holiday season thanks to the Tribe’s lovable mascot, Rowdie. The toy drive campaign begins today on Giving Tuesday, Dec. 1 and continues thru Thursday, Dec. 17, with various initiatives driven by IIC, fan and community involvement benefiting Toys for Tots.

“Rowdie brings smiles to the faces of thousands of young Hoosiers each year at the ballpark and in our community,” said Randy Lewandowski, Indianapolis Indians President and General Manager. “This holiday season, we hope Rowdie’s plush dolls bring the same delight into the homes of children in Central Indiana through our partnership with Toys for Tots.”

Over 100 Rowdie plush dolls have already been donated by IIC to Toys for Tots thru a merchandise initiative. From Nov. 23-29, online merchandise orders over $60 received free shipping and as a bonus, IIC donated one Rowdie plush doll per order to the toy drive.

Starting today and continuing until Sunday, Dec. 6 at 11:59 PM ET, IIC will donate a Rowdie plush doll to Toys for Tots for every doll purchased online by fans.

Sun King Brewing is generously contributing to IIC’s Toys for Tots collection efforts by housing toy collection boxes at its four locations in downtown Indy, Broad Ripple, Fishers and Carmel thru Dec. 17. Sun King’s contributions expand to three consecutive Tuesdays – Dec. 1, 8 and 15 – with the local brewery donating $1 to Toys for Tots for every 4-pack sold at each location on those dates.

Any direct donation to Toys for Tots this holiday season can be made here.