Specialty Jersey Night to Honor Paralyzed Veterans of America

August 11, 2016

The Bristol Pirates are excited to host the first-ever specialty jersey night at Boyce Cox Field next Thursday, August 18, when the Pirates play host to their division-rival Johnson City Cardinals.

Pirates’ players and staff will sport special jerseys for the one game, in support of the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), courtesy of the generous support of Food City.

NASCAR legend and PVA supporter Richard Petty will be on hand to throw out the ceremonial first pitch, along with NASCAR driver Aric Almirola and the president of the PVA, Bill Lawson.

Following the game, Petty and the player or staff member wearing each jersey will autograph the jerseys.

During the game, fans can bid on the jersey of their favorite players in a silent auction conducted in the ballpark pavilion on the third-base side of the field. Following the game, until the end of the Pirates’ regular season, bidding will continue online at www.milbauctions.com.

Gates will open early at the special time of 4:30 p.m., for this game, which promises to draw a large crowd. The game will begin at 5:30 p.m., and fans are invited to stay after the game and enjoy the transporter parade as it makes its way down Euclid Avenue, past the ballpark. It is expected that the parade will also feature fireworks.

“We are tremendously excited to host this event, and the King of NASCAR, Richard Petty, and to be able to call attention to the wonderful work the PVA does across the country,” noted Pirates’ General Manager Mahlon Luttrell. “We would not have been able to do this without the wonderful support of our friends at Food City.”

For more information on the Pirates, visit www.BristolPiratesBaseball.com. To keep up with breaking news, follow the Pirates on Twitter (@PiratesNBristol) or visit their Facebook page.

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

TRIBE TO CELEBRATE ARMED FORCES MAY 16

May 14, 2015

On May 16, Armed Forces Day, fans in attendance for the Indianapolis Indians vs. Norfolk Tides baseball game, will be treated to several unique experiences including Tribe players donning camouflage jerseys, a postgame fireworks show, and the opportunity to support advance education opportunities for Indiana National Guard members.

Using Qtego Auction Technology and via one’s mobile phone, Indians fans will be able to bid on the jerseys worn by the players and coaches via a special auction. Proceeds will help fund WGU Indiana scholarships for Indiana National Guard members.

Once registered, Qtego’s service instantly informs participants of the current high bid on an item of interest or notifies they have been outbid.

“This is a fun, unique way for all Indians fans everywhere, both at Victory Field or not, to connect with our players while supporting education opportunities for Hoosier soldiers,” said Indians Senior Marketing and Communications Manager Jon Glesing.

Once fans arrive on Saturday, they may register their mobile phone at the Qtego display in Victory Field’s PNC Plaza, or online at IndyIndians.com in advance. Once registered, one can participate in the auction immediately. Information, including the list of Indians players and coaches whose jerseys will be up for auction, will be posted on the team’s blog prior to the start of the game. Victory Field gates open at 5 p.m. with first pitch at 7:05 p.m.

Armed Forces Day is a national day of observance in the United States on the third Saturday of May each year. Indiana currently has 16,000 active duty National Guard members. Recognition for their service on Saturday will continue after the game with a special fireworks show courtesy of the Indiana National Guard and WGU Indiana.

“This is a day to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country,” Brigadier General Corey Carr said. “We honor the Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen who have given their lives for the cause of freedom and American ideals. The Indiana National Guard is grateful to Hoosiers and Americans everywhere for their continued support over the past decade of war and for taking the time to honor Indiana’s fallen heroes this Armed Forces Day. We recognize and appreciate the patriotism and support of the Indianapolis Indians and WGU Indiana as they wear ACU (Army Combat Uniform) jerseys to raise scholarship funds for Hoosier Soldiers and their families.”

“With more than 200 veteran students and alumni, we’re happy to partner with the Indiana National Guard in the Indianapolis Indians Armed Forces Day game sponsorship,” WGU Indiana Chancellor Allison Barber said. “We not only praise the many sacrifices of our veterans, but also support them in their efforts to pursue their degree through scholarships and our online, competency-based model that fits their busy lifestyles.”

Tickets to Indianapolis Indians games are available through IndyIndians.com, the Victory Field Box Office or by calling (317) 269-2282. Box office hours are Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and in the Hot Corner Gift Shop Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fans save $2 when they purchase at least a day in advance.

About the Indiana National Guard

The Indiana National Guard is a joint-force organization. The Indiana Army and Air National Guard are reserve components of the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force. During times of national emergency, National Guard members may be called into active federal service by the President of the United States. During peace times, the National Guard assists local law enforcement agencies during emergencies at the direction of the governor. The distribution of soldiers, equipment and facilities across the state allows the National Guard to respond quickly and efficiently to emergencies statewide.

About WGU Indiana

WGU Indiana is an online, competency-based university designed to expand access to higher education for Indiana residents. Established by the state of Indiana in partnership with Western Governors University, WGU Indiana is designed to serve the needs of Indiana citizens. WGU Indiana offers more than 50 accredited bachelor’s and master’s degrees in high-demand career fields.

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

Peanut Allergy Awareness Night

April 28, 2015

PEANUT ALLERGY AWARENESS NIGHT AT VICTORY FIELD, APRIL 29

April 27, 2015 – On the short list of foods fans most-commonly associate with the game of baseball is probably peanuts. After all, they are referenced in the beloved song,“Take Me Out to the Ballgame.”

But this popular snack fare that Americans consume on average over 1.5 billion pounds of each year in the form of peanut butter and peanut products is also what forces a growing number of families from attending and enjoying a visit to an Indianapolis Indians game. According to Food Allergy & Research Education the number of children in the U.S. with peanut allergy more than tripled between 1997 and 2008.

In an effort to draw awareness to this medical condition, on April 29, 2015 the Tribe will partner with Indy PoCHA (Parents of Children Having Allergies) for Peanut Allergy Awareness Night.

With representatives from Indy PoCHA on site in Victory Field’s PNC Plaza, this inaugural night at the ballpark is intended to help educate fans and draw awareness to Food Allergy Awareness Week 2015 (May 10-16).

“This is a special opportunity to shine a spotlight on food allergies,” said Lauren Kossack with PoCHA. “There are many easy ways you can get involved in raising awareness, educating others and inspiring action. We’re grateful for the opportunity to do just that at Victory Field.”

On this night when the Indianapolis Indians host the Louisville Bats at 7:05 p.m., Victory Field will suspend for one night the sale of all products with ties to peanuts – peanuts, CRACKER JACK®, peanut M&Ms, and peanut-related ice cream toppings – and will make every reasonable effort to thoroughly clean the stadium, but cannot guarantee complete absence of peanut particles or residue. Peanut products will also be disallowed in The Lawn area on April 29.

Peanut Allergy Awareness Night does not mean the ballpark will be completely peanut-free. Fans with peanut allergies should exercise their normal precautions.

Other facts you may or may not know about peanuts and peanut allergy:

Peanuts are not nuts. They are legumes – a type of plant with seeds that grow inside pods such as peas or beans.
Peanuts grow underground, not on trees like nuts (almonds, cashews, walnuts, etc.). Peanut seeds flower above ground and then migrate underground to reach maturity.
It takes an average of 540 peanuts to make one 12-ounce jar of peanut butter.
30,000 peanut butter sandwiches can be made from one acre of grown peanuts.
More than 3 million Americans report having an allergy to peanuts, tree nuts or both. That’s roughly 3x the population of Indianapolis.
Click here to view a peanut allergy fact sheet.

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

Sixth Annual Baseball Basics for Women Clinic Announced

January 27, 2015

Clinic to be held March 23

The Pittsburgh Pirates and Bradenton Marauders are accepting registrants for the sixth annual Baseball Basics for Women clinic presented in partnership with Manatee Memorial Hospital. The clinic is intended for young adult and adult women interested in learning or refining their baseball fundamentals. It will be held Monday, March 23 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at McKechnie Field.

The registration fee is $45. Pirates Major League and minor league players and coaches will instruct participants in hitting, catching, running the bases, and fielding. Each of the women will also receive a free t-shirt, a goodie bag filled with great prizes , like a free massage at Elements Massage, and a ticket to the Saturday, March 28 Spring Training game against the Blue Jays. Gecko’s Grill & Pub will provide dinner after the clinic. The Kona Bar built by NDC Construction will be open for family members and guests during the clinic and for participants during dinner. All participants will be entered in a raffle for a ceremonial first pitch opportunity for the March 28 game.

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Manatee Memorial Foundation. The Manatee Memorial Foundation is a non-profit organization that supports the health-related needs of the Manatee County community. Community healthcare needs and scholarships for medical education are the benefactors of the Foundation.

Registration for Baseball Basics for Women must be completed by Monday, March 2 in order to be guaranteed a t-shirt. The Baseball Basics for Women registration form can be accessed online at www.bradentonmarauders.com. For more information or to register, call Carly Paganelli at 941-747-3031 (ext. 4362) or email Carley.Paganelli@pirates.com.

Participants can receive a $5 registration discount by joining the new Lady Marauders Club. For $50, Lady Marauders receive admission to every Saturday night Bradenton Marauders home game, happy hour specials from 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. at Saturday games, a club T-shirt, and invitations to special pre-game events before select Saturday games. For more information on the Lady Marauders Club, call Anne Putnam at 941-747-3031 (ext. 4350) or email Anne.Putnam@Pirates.com.

For more information about the Manatee Memorial Foundation, visit www.manateememorial.com/community-information/mm-foundation-inc.

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

James Dietrich Award Scholarship by FSL and Marlins

July 25, 2014

Dietrich receives $1,500 for his studies at St. Petersburg College

The Florida State League Scholarship Committee has awarded twelve (12) $1,500 educational scholarships to applicants from each team in the League. The Bradenton Marauders are proud to announce that James Dietrich has been selected as a scholarship recipient.

The scholarship winners will be guests of the Miami Marlins in pre-game ceremonies on Sunday, August 3 at 1:10 PM.

The Committee awarded the scholarships after a review of applications submitted by each candidate. The award is based both on financial need and grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Students eligible for this award must be an employee of, or the child or grandchild of an employee of the participating club and must be at least a high school junior by the 2014 Fall Term.

The scholarship will aid Dietrich during his senior year at St. Petersburg College, where he is majoring in Mass Communications. After completing his associate degree this fall, Dietrich plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in journalism at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg. His goal is to work in international journalism. Dietrich has been employed with the Marauders since 2012, working as a seller in the ticket office and as a front desk receptionist at Pirate City.

The Miami Marlins have sponsored this program for 15 years and have contributed a total of $148,500. Florida State League President Chuck Murphy stated, “This program is one of the great things we do in the League and I again congratulate the Directors and General Managers on their dedication and enthusiasm in administering this program.” The purpose of the program is to send a message that an education is key to success in life.

For more information about the Bradenton Marauders, call 941-747-3031, visit www.BradentonMarauders.com, or email MaraudersInfo@pirates.com.

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

Christmas in July: Monday to benefit Covenant House

July 16, 2014

WV battles Rome July 21 with holiday celebration and canned food drive

The West Virginia Power, a Class-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, will celebrate “Christmas in July” on Monday, July 21, at Appalachian Power Park. The Power will hold a canned food drive to benefit Covenant House as well as playing holiday seasonal games and music through the course of the night.

Fans are encouraged to bring two canned goods to the Morris St. gate in exchange for a $2.00 discount coupon off a box seat ticket for any remaining Power home game this season. All donations will benefit the Covenant House in Charleston. Covenant House was founded in 1981 to help people with the fewest resources meet their basic needs: food, clothing, and shelter. Discount coupons are limited to two per person.

The festivities also include an Ugly Sweater Contest for a chance to win four Budweiser Party Deck passes. Second place will walk away with four free box seats, and third prize goes home with four general admission tickets. Other games include a holiday karaoke challenge and a dizzy candy cane race.

Gate open at 6:00 pm on Monday, July 21, with a candy cane giveaway. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. For tickets and more information, contact the Power front office at 304-344-BATS.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the West Virginia Power. Click here to view the original story.

Saluted: Power and WVAW honor heroes

July 9, 2014

Invitation to local responders with free tickets to July 18 game

The West Virginia Power, a Class-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, are pleased to announce a partnership with West Virginia American Water to welcome “Hometown Heroes” to Appalachian Power Park for free on July 18, 2014. The Power will host the Rome Braves at 7:05 pm and West Virginia American Water will provide free tickets for members of the military, firefighters, law enforcement and other first responders.

“Our employees are our heroes, and we are planning a special night for them and their families at the ballpark on July 18,” said Jeff McIntyre, president of West Virginia American Water. “However, we also wish to thank the many other ‘hometown heroes’ – our military members, firefighters, law enforcement, and other emergency responders – for their ongoing dedication and service to the community and for their tireless efforts as they worked alongside our employees in response to the Freedom Industries spill earlier this year.”

Civil servants in these or other related fields must reserve these complimentary tickets in advance by calling the West Virginia Power box office at 304-344-2287. At the time of pick-up, identification noting civil service affiliation will be required. Each civil servant is eligible to receive up to four tickets courtesy of West Virginia American Water. The evening will conclude with a fireworks show.

“We are happy to work with West Virginia American Water on an event like this,” stated Power general manager Tim Mueller. “There are so many individuals that are vital to day-to-day life and to invite them to the park was a tremendous idea. This is just one way that we can help (WVAM) thank them for all that they do.”

For more information, contact the Power front office.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the West Virginia Power. Click here to view the original story.

Star Wars Night, July 19, to Benefit Center for Building Hope

June 18, 2014

Marauders Will Wear Boba Fett Jerseys and Auction Them Off

The Bradenton Marauders will hold Star Wars Night on Saturday, July 19 when the team hosts the Clearwater Threshers at McKechnie Field. First pitch is at 6:30 p.m. with gates opening at 5:30 p.m. Bradenton’s foray into a galaxy far, far away will help benefit the Center for Building Hope in the fight against Cancer.

The Marauders will dress in jerseys custom made to resemble the uniform of iconic bounty hunter Boba Fett. The jerseys will be auctioned off in a silent auction held during the game to benefit the Center for Building Hope. Auction winners will be invited onto the field after the game to receive their jersey and have it autographed by the player of coach wearing it.

A survivor’s walk around the warning track will be held at 5:45 to recognize all cancer survivors in attendance. A charity balloon pop is also being held during the game to benefit the Center for Building Hope. Fans will be able to pay $10 or $20 to pop a balloon and receive the prize that corresponds to the chosen balloon.

Fans can get pictures with their favorite Star Wars characters at picturesque McKechnie Field. A full cast of costumed characters will be in attendance. The Marauders also encourage their fans to dress up as their favorite Star Wars characters. A costume contest will be held in the sixth inning to determine the best dressed.

The McKechnie Field ticket office is open on non-gamedays Tuesday-Friday from 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. On Monday-Friday gamedays the ticket office is open from noon until the conclusion of the game. The ticket office opens two hours before Saturday, Sunday, and morning games. Single game tickets can be purchased at the ticket office, online at www.BradentonMarauders.com, or by phone be calling 877-893-2827.

For more information about the Bradenton Marauders please call 941-747-3031, visit www.BradentonMarauders.com, or email MaraudersInfo@Pirates.com.

About Center for Building Hope

Center for Building Hope offers free information, programs and services to cancer patients, caregivers and family members, while connecting them with others who are undergoing a similar experience. www.centerforbuildinghope.org

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

“Pink the Park” is Back for the Second Straight Year!

June 14, 2014

Jammers and WCA Hospital will team up to raise awareness for Breast Cancer June 20th.

Next Friday (June 20th), WCA Hospital and the Jamestown Jammers will team up to host the second annual Pink the Park baseball game at Russell E. Diethrick Park. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. followed by the first pitch at 7:05 p.m. as the Jammers begin their two-game series against the State College Spikes.

In addition to decorating the park in pink, the Jamestown Jammers players and coaches will be donning pink socks and wrist bands (courtesy of the Jamestown Cycle Shop), and are asking fans to join them as they Pink the Park by also wearing pink.

In addition to raising awareness for good breast health and promoting annual mammograms, WCA and the Jammers will pay tribute to breast cancer survivors just before the ceremonial first pitch. All breast cancer survivors are invited to gather near the Jammers dugout along the third base line at 6:45p.m. before being honored on the field.

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

Altoona Mirror & AMBUCS Altoona Team Up for Curve, Pa. Heroes Game

May 22, 2014

Proceeds from in-game jersey auction and other fundraising efforts will purchase an Action Trackchair for one local veteran

The Altoona Mirror and AMBUCS Altoona have partnered up with the Altoona Curve to present the Curve, Pa. Heroes Game during the 2014 Eastern League All-Star Stop presented by UPMC Health Plan, the parties announced today. The Curve Pa. Heroes Game presented by the Altoona Mirror & AMBCUS Altoona will kick off the two days’ worth of festivities surrounding the Eastern League’s midsummer classic in Curve, Pa.

The Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team (WWAST), which is made up of young, competitive, athletic veterans and active duty soldiers who have lost limbs post-9/11 while serving their country in the military/war, will be taking on a group of Curve, Pa. Alumni in the Heroes softball game. One member of the WWAST that will be participating in the game will be Josh Wege, who was in the U.S. Marines and served in Operation Enduring Freedom. Wege participated in the 2013 MLB Legends Celebrity Softball Game and was named the game’s MVP.

“The Mirror is thrilled with the opportunity to be involved with such a great event in the all-star game and such a great cause in the Wounded Warrior Project,” said Ray Eckenrode, the Mirror General Manager for Advertising. “To be able to recognize the sacrifices of our service men and women is truly an honor. The POW/MIA Chair is a pet project of our publisher, Ed Kruger, and we’d like to thank the Curve staff for taking Ed’s vision and making it a reality in such a special way.”

Already scheduled to represent the Curve Alumni in the game are Adam Hyzdu, Mike Johnston, Tike Redman, Chris Snusz and Jack Wilson. They’ll be joined by a few additions in former Curve OF Kory DeHaan and LHP Mike Connolly.

DeHaan, who is currently the hitting coach with High-A Bradenton, played for the Curve during their inaugural season in 1999, reached the major leagues in 2000 with San Diego and again in 2002. DeHaan batted .268 with 13 doubles in 47 games for the Curve during the 1999 campaign. He last played professionally in 2003 for the Portland Beavers (Padres’ AAA Affiliate), playing in 54 games.

Connolly played for the Curve from 2003 to 2006 and reached as high as Triple-A both in 2005 and 2006. He was originally a 19th round draft pick in the 2000 draft out of Oneonta (NY) HS. Connolly currently resides in Altoona and is the co-owner/operator of ERA Sports, a baseball and softball academy offering advanced lessons and fielding teams that travel regionally to participate in tournaments.

“It will be great to welcome Kory and Mike back for the Heroes Game,” said Curve General Manager Rob Egan. “Our fans remember Kory for his outstanding second-half with the Curve in our inaugural season and for being just our second-ever player to go on and play in the Major Leagues. ‘Conno’ was a big part of our starting rotation for four years and, in each of those seasons, the Curve made the playoffs. It’s great to see him having success running ERA Sports teaching hundreds of local young players how to play the game.”

AMBUCS Altoona , which is a national non-profit service organization consisting of a diverse group of men and women who are dedicated to creating mobility and independence for people with disabilities, has partnered up for the first day of events to help raise support and funds for the purchase of an Action Trackchair for one veteran here in Blair County. AMBUCS is working with the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center to select the recipient for the Action Trackchair. The Action Trackchair is the ultimate in off-road wheelchairs and will give its user the ability to navigate mountain roads, campgrounds, woods, beaches, hiking trails, frozen lakes, snowy terrain and much more.

All proceeds from the Ghostman Games & Hitting Challenge jerseys that the All-Stars will wear will be donated to the fund to purchase of the Action Trackchair. In addition, fans can purchase their very own Ghostman Games jersey with a portion of the proceeds from the sales going to the purchase of the Trackchair. The Curve will be accepting general donations up until the Eastern League All-Star Stop during game days at the Laurel Eye Clinic Customer Service Booth or non-game days inside the front office at Peoples Natural Gas Field.

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

Curve to Dedicate POW/MIA Chair Following Heroes Game on July 15

May 22, 2014

Team will dedicate one Toyota Diamond Club Seat to remain unoccupied for all future Curve games and events in honor of those American soldiers unaccounted for

The Altoona Curve, in conjunction with the Rolling Thunder (American Legion Riders Post 12) based out of Somerville, N.J. will dedicate a seat from the Toyota Diamond Club to those American soldiers who are unaccounted for with a POW/MIA seat following the Curve, Pa. Heroes Game presented by the Altoona Mirror and AMBUCS on July 15, the team announced today.

The seat, which will be painted black and affixed with the POW/MIA decals, is located in section 112, row 3, seat 3. There will also be a plaque that goes with the seat, which will be installed and located in an area around section 112.

“We are proud to honor those who have served our country,” said Curve General Manager Rob Egan. “The dedication of the POW/MIA seat will serve as a reminder of those who did not come home and remain unaccounted for. All too often, their service and the pain experienced by their families, friends, and fellow service members fails to be mentioned. In this way, we’re hopeful this dedication will help in reminding people and spurring further efforts to bring them home.”

The seat dedication is a part of a series of events surrounding the 2014 E.L. All-Star Stop presented by UPMC Health Plan to honor those that have served our country. A group of Curve, Pa. alumni will be playing the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team (WWAST) in a softball game for the Curve, Pa. Heroes Game to start the events on the 15^th.

Both the Eastern Division and Western Division All-Stars will don special jerseys for the Ghostman Games & Hitting Challenge that will follow the POW/MIA seat dedication ceremony. All proceeds from an auction of those jerseys will be put toward the purchase of an Action Trackchair for one local veteran that will be selected by AMBUCS in conjunction with the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center.

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

Bradenton Boosters Make Annual Donation

March 14, 2014

Money Assists Pirates Charities in Manatee County Efforts

Bradenton, Fla. – The Bradenton Boosters today presented their annual donation to Pirates Charities. The club’s officers presented a check for $35,000 to Pirates Senior Director of Florida Operations Trevor Gooby before the Spring Training game against the Philadelphia Phillies at McKechnie Field.

The Bradenton Boosters have volunteered at Pirates Spring Training since 1969. Members of the Boosters work as ushers, program sellers, parking lot attendants, and several other roles at McKechnie Field and Pirate City. The Boosters annual donation has helped to grow several Pirates Charities programs in Manatee County, such as the Fields for Kids program and the Miracle League of Manasota.

Pirates Charities is the official philanthropic arm of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Since its creation in 2006, Pirates Charities has made focused financial contributions to causes benefitting youth health, fitness, and education. For more information about Pirates Charities visit www.Pirates.com/community.

For more information about the Pirates Spring Training, call 941-747-3031 or visit www.Pirates.com. To purchase tickets to the game call 877-893-2827 or visit the McKechnie Field Ticket Office on weekdays between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., or Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

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

PIRATES PLEDGE $1.2 MILLION DONATION TO BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF MANATEE COUNTY

January 16, 2014

Multi-year donation will bolster Boys & Girls Clubs programs throughout Manatee County

Bradenton, Fla. – The Pittsburgh Pirates today announced a $1.2 million donation to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County. The gift will be distributed over 12 years and will be used to help fulfill the critical mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs, which serves more than 6,000 children at seven locations county-wide.

“Today marks a new chapter for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County’s long-standing partnership with the Pittsburgh Pirates and the City of Bradenton. Our slogan ‘Great Futures Start Here’ is being represented today,” said Marc Dosogne, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County.

“The Pittsburgh Pirates and Bradenton Marauders are proud of our long-standing relationship with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County, an organization that shares our commitment to the young people in our communities,” said Bob Nutting, Pirates Chairman of the Board. “We are excited to extend our partnership by making this multi-year pledge to support the Boys & Girls Clubs’ ability to enhance its services and continue to provide a safe and positive environment for youths and families throughout Manatee County.”

The Pirates’ donation comes at a critical time as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County has decided to serve children in club facilities closer to where the children live and go to school. This reorganization reduces transportation time and costs and is more convenient for families, Dosogne said.

“Thanks to the Pirates commitment, we will be able to continue offering hope and opportunity with a guide to the door to a great future at our Desoto Club and our school-based clubs, such as our new Orange Ridge Elementary Club, serving members who had been attending the Bradenton Club,” he said. “This will give us the ability to serve more children in the community today, tomorrow and for years to come.”

“This major gift from the Pittsburgh Pirates is very special and will be very helpful in continuing our success in helping young people at our clubs succeed, especially those who need us the most,” said Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee Board Chairman Michael Moschella.

The Pirates and the Boys & Girls Clubs were neighbors for decades, until the reorganization led to the closing of the Boys & Girls Clubs’ facility on Ninth Street West. Located on city-owned property that borders the north side of McKechnie Field, the facility closed in September 2013 after programs were moved to the DeSoto Club and Orange Ridge-Bullock Elementary School.

The aged building is making way for the expansion of McKechnie Field and to advance redevelopment of the area as an arts and entertainment district. A parking area that was removed to expand the practice field behind the main field will be replaced at the former club site, allowing patrons quicker access to stadium entrances.

“Relocating the parking area north of McKechnie is part of the City of Bradenton’s strategy to develop an arts and entertainment district in the city,” said Mayor Wayne Poston. “This development will enhance the fan experience for Spring Training and the Bradenton Marauders seasons and will be an asset as we bring events in addition to baseball to McKechnie Field.”

McKechnie Field has been the site of Pirates Spring Training since 1969. The Pirates are preparing for the 46^th year of Spring Training baseball in Bradenton.

For more information about the Boys and Girls Clubs of Manatee County, please call 941-761-2582, visit www.bgcmanatee.org, or email info@bgcmanatee.org.

For more information about Pirates Spring Training, please call 941-747-3031, visit www.BradentonMarauders.com, or email MaraudersInfo@pirates.com.

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

2013 Marauders Honored for Community Commitment

September 28, 2013

Matt Benedict and Nick Kingham received commendations for their community service in 2013

A pair of 2013 Marauders received “Pirates Community Commitment Awards” at PNC Park before the Pirates faced the Padres on Tuesday, September 17. Matt Benedict received an award as a Marauder, while Nick Kingham was honored as the Altoona Curve representative. Both right-handed pitchers completed an exemplary amount of community service and showed great dedication to their communities during the 2013 season.

As part of the Pirates Community Commitment Program, each minor league player must complete 10 hours of community service in their affiliate’s community each season. Many players go above and beyond the 10 hour mark. The 2013 Bradenton Marauders completed more than 300 hours of community service through the program.

Near the conclusion of each affiliate’s regular season, the Pirates present one player from each affiliate with the “Pirates Community Commitment Award” in recognition of his commitment to his community and the program. The Pirates will fly each award winner to Pittsburgh to receive the award as part of a special on-field ceremony at PNC Park that will also include the presenting of the team’s annual Roberto Clemente Award to the Pirates Major League Player selected for his character and charitable contributions to his community.

Benedict, a St. Petersburg native, completed more than 30 hours of community service in 2013. He has pitched for the Marauders in each of the last two seasons. 2013 was his third season in professional baseball.

Kingham resides in Las Vegas Nevada. A 2013 Florida State League All Star, Kingham was promoted to Altoona in June for the remainder of his fourth professional season.

For more information about the Pirates Community Commitment Program, please visit http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/pit/community/commit_prog.jsp.

This article originally appeared on the Marauders’ website.

Representatives from each affiliate were recognized at PNC Park last week for their community service.

New Life Necessities Diaper Drive

August 9, 2013

FREE Admission with a Diaper Donation

Your donation of a package of diapers will gain you free admission to Power games all month long!

Life Necessities Diaper Bank, a program of CDOM, was established to eradicate diaper need in West Virginia. New Life Necessities provides diapers at no charge to agencies who distributes them to families in need.

“New Life Necessities Diaper Bank has distributed over 5,000 diapers to almost 300 families in just the last four months that we’ve been open,” says Erica Strother, Director of New Life Necessities. “Diaper need is a basic need for babies just like food, clothing and shelter, yet there is very little assistance. Both the parents and the children suffer emotionally and physically,” said Strother.

“We are excited to partner with Erica and the Diaper Bank for the remainder of our 2013 regular season home schedule,” says Jeremy Taylor, Assistant General Manger of the Power. “Since the opening of Appalachian Power Park in 2005, the West Virginia Power has, and always will be, a community driven organization and we are more than thrilled to be able to help with the tremendous need for diapers in this community.”

With every package of diapers donated at the West Virginia Power Box Office on Morris Street you will receive two free General Admission tickets to that night’s game or an upcoming 2013 regular season game of your choice. Your donations may be dropped off at the Box Office.

For more information contact the Power Front Office at 304-344-BATS (2287).

This article originally appeared on the official website of the West Virginia Power. Click here to view the original story.