Promoting Health/Fitness

Record-setting Race to Home 5K raises $15K

April 11, 2015

Third annual event brings all-time fundraising total to more than $33,000 for the Bandit Scholars Program

Nearly 700 runners and walkers set a new record for participation in the annual Bandits Race to Home 5K and Fun Run presented by Palmer Chiropractic Clinics on Saturday morning. In its third year, the unique bi-state race that ends inside Modern Woodmen Park helped raise more than $15,000 – also a new event record – for the Bandit Scholars Program.

Since the inaugural year in 2013, the event has more than doubled its annual participants – to 695 this year – and more than tripled its annual proceeds for the Bandit Scholars Program, which annually awards two Bandit Scholarships to cover the entire first year of college tuition for Quad Cities-area students. In three years, the event has raised more than $33,000 for the Bandit Scholars Program.

“We are tremendously grateful to all of the participants, sponsors, volunteers, staff and spectators who made the Bandits Race to Home 5K presented by Palmer Chiropractic Clinics the most successful yet,” said River Bandits owner Dave Heller. “As one of the largest fundraisers for the Bandit Scholars Program, this event makes an impact in the lives of Quad Cities-area students, and it is a unique community celebration that is the perfect way to kick off another River Bandits season at Modern Woodmen Park!”

The top three overall female and male finishers received a medal and an engraved, game-used baseball bat. The top three finishers in each of the 13 age groups – (14 and under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70 and above), were awarded medals, and all Fun Run participants received ribbons. All participants also received a free T-shirt and a free ticket to a 2015 River Bandits home game.

Danielle Berndt of Bettendorf, Iowa, became the event’s first repeat overall winner Saturday, leading all female participants by finishing in 19:09 – setting the female record for the Bandits Race to Home 5K. She led all females with a 20:21 finish in 2014.

Jerry Lack of East Moline, Ill., was the top male finisher at 17:48. It was his second race title, as he led all males in the inaugural race in 2013 with an 18:01 finish. He was third in 2014 with an 18:02 mark.

Here is a link to full race results; and below is a list of the winners in their respective age group.

Female	1st Place	Time	2nd Place	Time	3rd Place	Time
Overall	Danielle Berndt; Bettendorf, IA	19:09	Morgan Casey; Davenport, IA	20:16	Danielle Blocker; Davenport, IA	20:50
14 & U	Kaitlyn Powell; Blue Grass, IA	24:53	Lydia Wood; Davenport, IA	25:32	Karsyn Kuffler; Moline, IL	28:36
15-19	Jadwin Woodall; Bettendorf, IA	26:42	Christine Hultquist; Davenport, IA	33:21	Ashley Walters; Clinton, IA	33:33
20-24	Hannah Schoening; Davenport, IA	24:16	Faith Raaen; Moline, IL	25:19	Burgus Brittany; Bettendorf, IA	26:19
25-29	Lauren Vasicek; Davenport, IA	24:24	Chelsea Masterson; Davenport, IA	24:58	Katie Mayer; Le Claire, IA	25:16
30-34	Ashley Spain; Dewitt, IA	22:53	Kathryn Monroe; Davenport, IA	24:14	Teresa Thoensen; Silvis, IL	24:25
35-39	Nicole Callahan; Moline, IL	22:10	Bethany Wood; Davenport, IA	25:33	Allison Kopp; Osco, IL	25:59
40-44	Melissa Braddock; Dewitt, IA	23:12	Cheryl Allen; Wellman, IA	23:47	Jennifer Burris; Davenport, IA	24:50
45-49	Christina Martinez-Mcdowell; East Moline, IL	24:37	Jeanette Dawson Rhodes; East Moline, IL	29:37	Shari Connell; Macomb, IL	29:48
50-54	Kathleen Jensen; Davenport, IA	24:17	Kathy Evanchyk; Davenport, IA	25:17	Denise Gonzales; Davenport, IA	27:24
55-59	Cheryl Bivens; Moline, IL	25:24	Carol Brockway; Bettendorf, IA	25:29	Jolene Vipond; Aledo, IL	29:53
60-64	Karen Nelson; Le Claire, IA	28:25	Sarah Schafer; Sherrard, IL	30:07	Kathy Loomis; Davenport, IA	30:30
65-69	Marianne Schroeder; Bettendorf, IA	26:24	Amy Prusa; Sherrard, IL	35:18	Jeanne Carton; Atkinson, IL	35:29
70-plus	Judith Teeple; Davenport, IA	33:55	Barbara Donald; Bettendorf, IA	44:40	Only 2 Finishers
Male	1st Place	Time	2nd Place	Time	3rd Place	Time
Overall	Jerry Lack; East Moline, IL	17:48	Jay Whitmore; Donahue, IA	18:30	Mitchell Hines; Davenport, IA	18:32
14 & U	Christopher Guise; Davenport, IA	19:28	Ben Rhodes; East Moline, IL	22:36	Trent Doty; Port Byron, IL	24:52
15-19	Andrew Sattler; Clinton, IA	20:18	Logan Rathjen; Bettendorf, IA	23:15	Timothy Schwartz; Moline, IL	25:37
20-24	Noah Forbes; Rock Island, IL	22:10	Mark Steinhauser; Bettendorf, IA	22:55	Kyle Kiel; Davenport, IA	23:42
25-29	Luke Anderson; Moline, IL	19:58	Zach Knobloch; East Moline, IL	20:04	Jacob Clark; Davenport, IA	20:51
30-34	Jacob Knobloch; East Moline, IL	18:59	Travis Lynch; Rock Island, IL	19:41	Chris Massie; Eldridge, IA	19:57
35-39	Billy Butler; Moline, IL	20:11	Kurt Haiar; Davenport, IA	21:16	Matthew Holst; Davenport, IA	21:23
40-44	Joel Madden; East Moline, IL	20:27	Kory Kuffler; Moline, IL	20:41	Kirby Winn; Davenport, IA	21:12
45-49	Stephen Rhodes; East Moline, IL	18:44	Andy Feliksiak; Rock Island, IL	23:27	Rob Woodall; Bettendorf, IA	24:37
50-54	Mark Taghon; Bettendorf, IA	19:14	Scott F Caldwell; Moline, IL	21:17	Mark Schmidt; Blue Grass, IA	22:27
55-59	Michael Oberhaus; Rock Island, IL	23:36	Brian Kopf; Davenport, IA	24:19	Dave Craddick; Moline, IL	24:50
60-64	Steve Vipond; Aledo, IL	24:39	Gary Nelson; Le Claire, IA	25:46	Craig Foster; Davenport, IA	26:06
65-69	Tom Miller; Bettendorf, IA	26:17	Tony Schiltz; Davenport, IA	26:44	James Knorr; Milan, IL	29:10
70-plus	Dave Zimmer; Long Grove, IA	25:47	Arthur Tate; Blue Grass, IA	34:04	John C Gardner; Bettendorf, IA	34:52

The Bandits Race to Home 5K began on 2nd Street in Davenport, Iowa, in front of the YMCA. The five-kilometer route crossed the Centennial Bridge into Rock Island, Ill., and the Rock Island Arsenal Bridge back into Davenport before ending at home plate inside Modern Woodmen Park. The quarter-mile Fun Run for kids began outside the party plaza and ended inside the playing field.

Additional sponsors for the 2015 Bandits Race to Home 5K were Triumph Community Bank, ECS, Inc., Aramark, Hy-Vee, Sam’s Club, Pepsi, 7G Distributing & Michelob Ultra.

UP NEXT: Gates open for the home opener at 12:15 p.m. Sunday, when the first 1,000 fans receive a Mediacom River Bandits pennant, and the first 2,000 fans receive a Mediacom River Bandits magnet schedule. River Bandits players will sign autographs on the field at 12:30 p.m. The Nintendo Wii-ster Egg Hunt is at 12:45 p.m., with three Wii-U systems to be given away. Family Sunday presented by B-100 and ESPN 93.5 means Bark in the Park on the Modern Woodmen Berm and postgame Kids Run the Bases presented by Prairie Farms. Individual tickets are on sale at the River Bandits box office and online at riverbandits.com. Ticket plans of 12 to 70 games – which include free parking, reserved seats, merchandise discounts, and guaranteed giveaways – are available by calling 563-324-3000.

ABOUT THE BANDITS: The River Bandits ownership in 2014 made one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 105 feet over the playing field, opened May 24, Space Camp opened June 20; the new Drop’N Twist debuted in July; and the newly expanded 300-foot long zip line also reopened.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Quad Cities River Bandits. Click here to view the original story.

Chihuahuas and Gatorade Announce “Gatorade GO PLAY” Community Initiative

March 20, 2015

Promotes and celebrates kids living an active lifestyle

Athletes of the Miracle League of El Paso were treated to a surprise last night as Chico, the Chihuahuas mascot, and Andy Imfeld, the Chihuahuas on-field emcee, launched the Gatorade GO PLAY Community Program. Along with a visit from Chico the athletes received Gatorade donated by Pepsi.

“The surprise visit was a huge hit and our athletes had a blast,” said Sandie Olivar, founder and executive director of the Miracle League of El Paso. “The disabled community normally lives a very sedentary lifestyle that does not get the opportunity to get outside and play. The Miracle League gives them the outlet to be active and play baseball while having some fun too.”

Gatorade GO PLAY’s mission is to celebrate and promote kids living an active lifestyle. Chico and Andy will be going around the Greater El Paso Area to surprise kids who make the choice to be active rather than live a sedentary way of life.

“Along with Gatorade and Pepsi, we are proud to work with the inspirational athletes in the Miracle League. These kids exemplify desire and determination,” said Brad Taylor, general manager of the El Paso Chihuahuas.

Included in the Gatorade GO PLAY program is a social media component. The Chihuahuas are asking how kids “GO PLAY”. Fans are encouraged to take a picture of themselves or their team being active and share it on Facebook, Twitter and/or Instagram using the markers #GatoradeGoPlayEPC and @epchihuahuas.

The best pictures and examples of living an active lifestyle will be featured by the Chihuahuas on their social media sites.

Chico will continue to make surprise visits over the next few weeks. Children are encouraged to remain active and keep an eye out for him.

Olivar concluded, “Last night was an incredible evening for our four competitive teams – Yankees, Longhorns, Fearless and Young Guns. Thank you to the Chihuahuas and Chico for a memorable night.”

This article originally appeared on the official website of the El Paso Chihuahuas. Click here to view the original story.

Lather Up, then Batter Up With CCCN & The 51s

March 4, 2015

LasVegas51s_2015-03-04 — Photographer: Tom Donoghue

‘Lather Up, Then ‘Batter Up’ with Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada (CCCN) & The 51s

The Las Vegas 51^sprofessional baseball team of the Pacific Coast League (PCL), Triple-A affiliate of the New York Mets and the 2013 & 2014 Pacific Conference Southern Division Champions, announced today they have teamed up with Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada (CCCN) to offer complimentary sunscreen at Cashman Field during the 2015 baseball season. The sunscreen will be available beginning with the Big League Weekend “day game” between the Chicago Cubs vs. Oakland A’s on Saturday, March 14 at 12:05 p.m. CCCN medical oncologist Dr. Paul Michael will throw out the ceremonial first pitch at the game.

Fans will be able to protect themselves from potentially harmful UV-A and UV-B rays by visiting one of two CCCN sunscreen kiosks on the main concourse at the ballpark. Additionally, skin-safety messages will be displayed on the videoboard and public address announcements will remind guests to stay proactive with skin protection. Cashman Field ushers will also have a supply of complimentary sunscreen available for fans, so they may conveniently reapply during the game.

“Awareness as well as a preventative approach are critical in preventing skin damage and potentially skin cancer,” said James Kilber, executive director of CCCN. “So many of our local families enjoy a trip out to Cashman Field each year. We hope everyone will take advantage of the free sunscreen and skin safety messages this season as they cheer on the 51^sto victory.”

The partnership offers complimentary SPF 30 sunscreen to the projected 300,000 plus fans that will visit Cashman Field throughout the summer. The 51^shave 11 day games scheduled at Cashman Field during its 2015 season.

“We are excited with the partnership with CCCN and it will provide the fans at the ballpark an opportunity to apply sunscreen during the matinee games at Cashman Field,” 51^sPresident/COO Don Logan said. “The awareness of skin cancer is very important and with the help of CCCN, it will provide a safer experience for both the players and fans this season.”

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Las Vegas 51s . Click here to view the original story.

Bandits, Genesis plan Community Day Saturday, Jan. 31, at 9 a.m.

January 20, 2015

Ballpark to host 500 free flu shots, youth activities, team’s annual job fair, national anthem tryouts

The Quad Cities River Bandits and Genesis Health System are inviting the Quad Cities community to join their team to protect the community from seasonal influenza, and to build a lineup that will make another memorable season for guests at Modern Woodmen Park. Community Day on the morning of Saturday, Jan. 31, will include 500 free vaccinations to protect against seasonal influenza, the River Bandits’ annual job fair, and auditions for national anthem singers.

“We hope people who haven’t yet gotten a flu shots this year will take this pitch out of the park,” said Ken Croken, vice president of marketing and corporate communications, Genesis Health System. “We know it has already been an active flu season locally and nationally, but the only real protection is a flu shot, and it isn’t too late to get that protection. And at this event, it will be free.”

The Genesis Flu-Free Quad Cities program – which the River Bandits and Main Street Amusements supported as part of a $50,000 donation to the Genesis Health Services Foundation in November – has provided flu shots to about 48,000 Quad Cities adults and children since the fall and protected thousands more indirectly. Nearly 9,000 elementary school children received free flu shots at their schools this fall.

“The River Bandits and Main Street Amusements have been proud to partner with Genesis Health System to make the family-friendly fun of Modern Woodmen Park become a positive and lasting impact for our community with programs such as Genesis Flu-Free Quad Cities,” said River Bandits owner Dave Heller. “Community Day continues our strong partnership to provide fun, health and wellness to entire Quad Cities region.”

The doors will open for all Community Day events at 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 31. All events will be on the suite level of Modern Woodmen Park. Information about each event are listed below.

9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
500 free flu shots and Genesis events

Complications from seasonal influenza can be fatal for as many as 30,000 nationally in a single year. The youngest, the oldest and those with chronic conditions are at highest risk for serious complications. Each person who receives seasonal influenza vaccinations is believed to protect five people around them, including higher-risk individuals.

Genesis will also host a throwing clinic to prevent injuries in young baseball and softball players; free blood pressure checks; and a jump analysis for kids.

9:00 a.m. – noon
2015 Modern Woodmen Park Job Fair

The Quad Cities River Bandits, Main Street Amusements and Professional Sports Catering, the food and beverage provider at Modern Woodmen Park, are seeking outgoing, hard-working, fun-loving, friendly people to assist fans and be a part of the team that will help make another memorable season for guests at the ballpark.

The River Bandits, Main Street Amusements and Professional Sports Catering will host a job fair on Saturday, Jan. 31, from 9 a.m. to noon at Modern Woodmen Park to fill the ballpark’s game day staff and food and beverage positions. Interested individuals can fill out an application and be interviewed on the suite level during the job fair.

Listed below are the positions that the River Bandits, Main Street Amusements and Professional Sports Catering need filled:

Amusements
Amusements and kids zone workers (includes work on non-game days)

Box Office & Ticketing
Box Office Intern
Box Office Employees
Ticket Takers

Ballpark Hospitality
Ushers
Parking Attendant

Concessions
Kitchen Staff
Gameday supervisors
Warehouse Employees
Seat Vendors
Attendants
Cooks
Cashiers
Bartenders

Field/Stadium Maintenance
Field/Grounds Crew
Custodial Host (Mornings)
Custodial Host (Game Ops)

Merchandise
Retail Store Employees

Promotions
“Street Team” in-game entertainment staff

Video Production
Video production interns

The River Bandits, Main Street Amusements and Professional Sports Catering are equal opportunity employers; women, minorities and U.S. veterans are encouraged to apply.

9:00 a.m. – noon
2015 River Bandits National Anthem and Talent Auditions

The River Bandits will hold tryouts on Saturday, Jan. 31, from 9 a.m. to noon for individuals and groups, including National Anthem singers, to perform and entertain fans with their talents prior to home games during the 2015 season.

National Anthem and other pre-game performance tryouts will take place in the Budweiser Champions Club at Modern Woodmen Park. Registration is first come, first served. Talents can range anywhere from singing, dancing, and comedy to miming, juggling or magic.

Everyone participating in the tryouts will perform their talent for a panel of River Bandits staff and local judges. Those talented enough to entertain crowds at River Bandits games this summer will be included in the show during the 2015 season.

9:00 a.m. – noon
Ticket plans, Kids Club and more on sale

Fans may learn about ticket plans and group outings, and purchase or renew ticket packages for the 2015 season. For children ages 14 and under, the River Bandits will offer another one-day special on 2015 Kids Club memberships. Normally $30 per child 14 and under, a membership will be $25 at Modern Woodmen Park on Saturday, Jan. 31. A Kids Club Membership includes a free bleacher ticket good for all River Bandits 2015 regular season home games, a membership card, a T-shirt, a 10 percent discount off purchases in the team store, an email newsletter with exclusive special offers and much more.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Quad Cities River Bandits. Click here to view the original story.

MBF Spotlight: The ROCK Center for Youth Development

December 22, 2014

Creating new, positive path for area youths at core of mission

For the staff of The ROCK Center For Youth Development, creating a new, positive path for area youths isn’t just an idea. It’s at the very core of everything they do.

The ROCK, based in Midland, is a teen-focused organization that helps youth succeed and thrive. Its mission is to provide every youth with unconditional love, support, respect, a safe environment, guidance and a model of healthy behavior.

And it works.

In a recent evaluation by The Legacy Center for Community Success, teens involved in The ROCK’s Exposure program scored higher in all developmental asset categories while the program curriculum positively impacts participants.

“If we can get young people to truly desire something positive, then that makes everyone’s job easier – parents, teachers … everyone involved with their lives,” said Beverlee Wenzel, ROCK’s executive director.

“Once a person is on fire for something, they’re going to succeed.”

In a season of giving, while also spotlighting non-profit organizations in the Great Lakes Bay Region, The ROCK (Reaching Our Community’s Kids) has provided solid ground for local teens looking to build life skills, gain confidence and make healthy life choices.

The Michigan Baseball Foundation has recognized The ROCK’s efforts by rewarding them with three grants over the years: In 2008, MBF provided $4,000 toward the purchase of The ROCK’s mobile rock climbing wall; in 2011 it provided $2,500 for playground equipment, and in 2013 $1,580 was given for a portable sound system of sporting events.

“The rock climbing wall is a big part of our ‘Unplugged’ program,” said Wenzel. “It’s used for larger events in the community that we’re a part of, plus it’s just a great symbol for what we are.”

The ROCK was established in 2001 as an independent, grass-roots program located at 2300 E. Gordonville Rd. Bullock Creek Schools bused students to the facility, and the program provided after school and Friday and Saturday night activities.

Since then, the program has expanded widely, encompassing several local schools, establishing a new base at the Midland Community Center, while also providing programs for juvenile care and detention centers.

It’s open to any teen.

“We do well with at-risk kids but we target all kids,” said Wenzel. “We serve all socio-economic groups.”

The ROCK offers three umbrella programs: ROCK Exposure, ROCK Grounded and ROCK Unplugged. The group employs several full-time “coaches”, or mentors, who work with teens in a variety of settings and activities.

The Exposure program includes ROCK-authored curriculum focused on developing life skills and character. Within Exposure are four unique programs: Drive, Perform, Build and Accelerate. Courses, which are taught by ROCK staff members, include character development, decision-making, conflict resolution, independent living, resource and finance management, trades or college, and employment.

“It’s highly activity-based,” said Wenzel. “If I stand up there and say (to a teen), ‘You need to do this,’ it’s not nearly as effective as them experiencing it. Once you experience something you really can’t un-experience it.”

Current venues and classrooms for the Exposure program include Meridian High School, Coleman 7-12 school, Bullock Creek High School and Middle Schools, Midland High, Midland Dow High, Jefferson and Northeast Middle Schools, the Academic and Career Education Academy and the Juvenile Care Center.

In 2014, Midland Public Schools approved Exposure as curriculum and it is provided in the classroom to all freshmen.

The ROCK Grounded program provides after school mentorship, tutoring, food and activities at Northeast, Jefferson, and the ROCK Underground at the Midland Community Center. In fact, The ROCK has taken over all of the after school non-athletic teen activities at the MCC.

Part of the Grounded program’s mission is to provide a safe place for students who might otherwise go home to an empty house. Its mentors/coaches fill a need for positive role models many teens don’t have.

“With teens, you have to provide something safe enough that the parents trust, but you also have to have programs that are relevant to the teen,” said Wenzel.

Another consistent lesson in ROCK programs, says Wenzel, is perseverance.

“One of the things we teach is grit,” said Wenzel. “There are always going to be tough times in anyone’s life, but you have still have to find a way to get up and face another day. The tough times will pass, but you have to learn how to endure them in a positive way.”

ROCK’s Unplugged program provides community-based summer activities that encourage healthy life choices and relationship. Its activities include the climbing wall, an annual Battle of the Bands, the Midland County youth fishing program, and teen pool parties.

“The Rock Wall was really the start of that program in many ways,” Wenzel said. “We wanted something unique to take to events, and we felt it was also a universal symbol for what we’re about.”

To contact The ROCK’s offices, call (989) 835-2542. Information can also be found on its website, www.therockc4yd.org.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Great Lakes Loons. Click here to view the original story.

PawSox win Moss Community Service Award

November 13, 2014

Award, honoring late Sally League founder, was established in 2013

Minor League Baseball announced today that the Pawtucket Red Sox are the recipients of the second annual John Henry Moss Community Service Award. The award was created in 2013 by Minor League Baseball in honor of the late John Henry Moss, who founded what would become the South Atlantic League in 1959 and headed the circuit until 2007. In its inaugural year, the Grand Junction Rockies were named the winners of the recognition. The Pawtucket Red Sox will receive their award at the Baseball Winter Meetings Banquet on Sunday, Dec. 7, at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront in San Diego, California.

“The PawSox family is extremely honored to be selected for the 2014 John Henry Moss Community Service Award,” said Pawtucket Red Sox President Mike Tamburro. “The role of any successful franchise must be to help lift those in its community who are in need. The past four decades we have quietly tried to do our part.

“We take great pride in our ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of life within our community and for creating partnerships that have carried on for generations. We share this award with our community, our Major League partner the Boston Red Sox and our wonderful fans who make all our charitable efforts possible,” added Tamburro.

For the last 38 seasons, the Pawtucket Red Sox have been an integral part of their local community. Along with providing the best in affordable family entertainment, the PawSox primary goal as a team is to be actively involved in making a difference in Southeastern New England. The PawSox are strong financial supporters of countless charitable organizations and youth-based programs in their area, and every staff member either serves on a Board of Directors, sits on Advisory Council or volunteers in some capacity with multiple community organizations.

The Pawtucket Red Sox Charitable Trust has contributed to hundreds of charitable organizations and important causes in the area, donating more than $250,000 during the last five years. For almost 40 years, the PawSox have also contributed to local charities through the team’s Ticket Fundraiser Program. This program has donated more than $200,000 over the last five years to worthy organizations such as American Parkinson’s Disease Association and the American Cancer Society, among many others.

The PawSox have also supported their community by hosting a number of fundraising events on non-gamedays including the Jeffrey Osborne Foundation, which benefits inner city youngsters in the Providence, Rhode Island, area. This event included an All-Star Softball Classic game held at McCoy Stadium featuring celebrities from the sports and entertainment worlds. Light the Night Leukemia Walk, held on Sept. 27, at McCoy Stadium, was another of the team’s non-gameday events. Approximately 2,000 walkers participated and raised $250,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Both the Boy Scouts of America and the Girl Scouts have benefited from the PawSox generosity to the community. For the last five years, the PawSox have hosted five events at McCoy Stadium annually and donated $10,000 each year to the Boy Scouts. The team has also hosted the Girl Scouts Project Undercover, a clothing drive for needy families in the community, collecting hundreds of new socks, underwear and diapers.

Although the PawSox are busy contributing to the community year-round, the team also supports its own employees by providing five $2,000 college scholarships to seasonal workers who are selected based on their outstanding work ethic during the season.

“It is well established that all members of the professional baseball family are extremely generous with their time, money and efforts in support of their local community,” Randy Mobley, International League President, stated. “The heart of the Pawtucket Red Sox organization is big enough to not only fill Rhode Island, but much of New England. Following the lead of Mike Tamburro and Lou Schwechheimer, this organization has a well-earned reputation for being a selfless regional treasure that is ready to assist and lend its support to all that is good for the community.”

“The Pawtucket Red Sox commitment to their community has positively impacted countless organizations and individuals in Southeastern New England,” Pat O’Conner, Minor League Baseball President & CEO, stated. “Through the Pawtucket Red Sox Charitable Trust and a number of other philanthropic efforts, the PawSox have embodied one of Minor League Baseball’s most important principles, giving back to the communities where our teams are located. On behalf of Minor League Baseball, I commend the team for their good work, and congratulate them on this honor.”

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Pawtucket Red Sox. Click here to view the original story.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk is Saturday at Fifth Third Field

October 14, 2014

The 2014 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk will take place at Fifth Third Field on Saturday, October 18 starting at 8:00 a.m.

This event is part of a national fundraising effort. In 2013, over 1 million walkers across the country collected more than $60 million to help fight this disease.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. The Dragons website, www.daytondragons.com, has gone pink in October in support of efforts by Kettering Health Network to increase Breast Cancer awareness in the Miami Valley.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of death in women between ages 40 and 55. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and a life is lost to the disease every 14 minutes. And while the breast cancer diagnosis rate has increased, there has been a steady drop in the overall breast cancer death rate since the early 1990’s.

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

Blue Rocks honored with Minker Award

October 8, 2014

Community service award is named after Wilmington team’s founder

The Wilmington Blue Rocks were honored by the Carolina League on Wednesday with the Matt Minker Community Service Award, which goes to the club that best demonstrates an outstanding, on-going commitment to charitable service, support, and leadership within its community. The award is named after the Blue Rocks’ founder, who owned the club until his death in 2007. Minker, whose construction company also built Frawley Stadium, is still the team’s honorary president. It is the first year the title has been awarded to an entire organization, after going to individual players since its inception in 2009.

“Matt Minker was instrumental in laying the foundation for the Blue Rocks and for the franchise’s success in the years to follow,” said Blue Rocks general manager Chris Kemple. “It is fitting and appropriate that this honor bears his name and we are absolutely privileged to be the first organizational recipient.”

The Blue Rocks won the award thanks in large part to their numerous school programs, charitable endeavors and hospital visits.

As an organization the Blue Rocks work with area schools to promote academic achievement (Rocky’s Reading Challenge), citizenship (Outstanding Student Program), and active lifestyles (Titus Sports Champions Physical Health Program). The team helped raise tens of thousands of dollars for good causes through partnerships with Habitat For Humanity, Boys & Girls Clubs of DE, Fight for the Gold, Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition and many other charities in 2014. It also contributed school supplies to the Red Clay School Consolidated School District during the Remax Stuff the Bus Campaign and donated thousands of tickets to other worthy community programs. Several times each season the team also visited the Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital For Children, brightening the spirits of that facility’s patients and their families.

“We could not accomplish much of what we do without the partnership and cooperation of our players and the Kansas City Royals organization,” said Blue Rocks director of community affairs Kevin P. Linton. “Their commitment to community fits perfectly with the vision that Matt Minker set forth for the Blue Rocks franchise and that we continue to follow to this day.”

Community service is so engrained within the organization that three of the five times the award was presented to individual players it went to Blue Rocks. Everett Teaford was the inaugural winner in 2009 and was followed by Tim Melville in 2011 and Whit Merrifield in 2012.

As the Carolina League’s recipient of the Matt Minker Award, the Blue Rocks received the eight-team league’s automatic nomination for the John Henry Moss Community Service Award, given out by Minor League Baseball at its annual national convention, to be held this December in San Diego.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Wilmington Blue Rocks. Click here to view the original story.

Squirrels Nominated For John Henry Moss Community Service Award

October 7, 2014

Richmond Tabbed by Eastern League for Award in 5th Season

The Richmond Flying Squirrels, Double-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, are pleased to announce that the organization has been nominated by the Eastern League of Professional Baseball Clubs for the 2014 John Henry Moss Community Service Award. The league nominates just one team for the award, presented annually by Minor League Baseball.

The John Henry Moss Community Service Award is bestowed upon a club that demonstrates an outstanding, on-going commitment to charitable service, support and leadership within their local community and within the baseball industry.

Community impact has been a foundational focal point for the Squirrels since their inception in 2010. The Squirrels’ nomination comes following a season in which they continued to expand many of their community aims. That included the launch of the Squirrels’ new non-profit arm, Flying Squirrels Charities, created with the goal of growing opportunities for local children. The first major fundraising campaign for Flying Squirrels Charities was “Smooch-a-Pig,” which included the involvement of 10 local celebrities and benefitted “Operation Renovation.” The campaign, which endeavored to rebuild 12 little league fields for the Richmond City Department of Parks & Recreation, raised over $60,000.

“There are many awards that the Squirrels as an organization would be delighted to receive,” said Flying Squirrels’ Vice President & COO Todd “Parney” Parnell. “However, this nomination is of particular significance to us. Community service is the bedrock of the Squirrels’ organization, and it is gratifying that our sustained effort continues to have a profound impact.”

The Squirrels continue to be one of the most active teams in professional sports within their community. Among their other programs and highlights:

“Go Nuts for Reading Program (39,000 student participants)
Flying Squirrels Art Contest (5^th Year)
Score an “A”, Score a Ticket Program
Kroger Squirrels Tails Kids Club (24,000 Members)
In-Season Youth Camps
Drives (Food, Books, School Supplies, Blood)
Mustaches for Kids Program
Ed Randall’s Bat for the Cure
Charitable Events (Turn Left Golf Classic, Hot Stove Banquet, Nutzy’s Rotary Funn Run, Squirreloween, Puritan Cleaners Coats for Kids Drive, etc.)
450 Mascot Appearances Annually (Local Schools, Businesses, Non-Profits, Festivals, etc.)
30 Player and Coaches Appearances During the 2014 Season (200+ Hours of Community Service)
Executive Speaking Engagements (100+ in 2014)
ASK Fun Walk & 5K (Ask Foundation – 9^th Annual)
Camp Warrior
Flying Squirrels Regional Youth Baseball Tournament
Monetary Gifts & Gifts In-Kind ($150,000)

The John Henry Moss Community Service Award is named after the longtime, former South Atlantic League president, who founded the SAL and presided over it for a half-century (1959-2008).

The John Henry Moss Community Service Award will be presented at the Baseball Winter Meetings, which will be held in San Diego, CA, from December 7-11.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Richmond Flying Squirrels. Click here to view the original story.

Fifth Third Field to Host Walk to End Alzheimer’s

October 6, 2014

Fifth Third Field will host the Walk to End Alzheimer’s^® on Saturday, October 11th. Check-in for the event begins at 8:30 a.m. on October 11. Opening Ceremonies begin at 10:00 a.m. and the walk will start at 10:15 a.m.

The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s^® is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. In 2013, more than 42,000 teams participated in nearly 650 walks across the United States, raising more than $55 million. The Walk provides a means for participants to learn more about Alzheimer’s and become involved in the cause.

Each walker may participate in a ceremony to honor those affected by Alzheimer’s. Walkers will also have the opportunity to have team photographs taken.

A City of Dayton water truck will be on site and walkers may bring a water bottle to refill. Healthy snacks will be available.

Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. One-out-of-three senior citizens dies of Alzheimer’s. More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s.

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

Race for the Cure at Fluor Field on Saturday

September 25, 2014

Registration begins at 6:30 AM; Race begins at 8:00 AM

What: 20th Annual SC Mountains to Midlands Race for the Cure
When: Saturday, September 27, 2014
Where: Fluor Field, Home of the Greenville Drive in downtown Greenville, SC
Online Race for the Cure registration has closed, but you can still register at Fluor Field on Friday, September 26th from 11am-7pm and Saturday September 27th starting at 6:30 AM. The race begins at 8:00 AM. Celebrate 20 years of local giving with Susan G. Komen and SC Mountains to Midlands this Saturday, September 27!

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

Legends in the Community: Big L is busy

September 25, 2014

Big L will be in Richmond October 1 and Corbin October 8 in addition to his visits in the Lexington area.

This time of year is sometimes called the “off-season” in minor league baseball, and though the Lexington Legends 2014 season is over, it’s anything but time off for the Legends’ Big L.

Big L has appearances planned in Richmond October 1 and Corbin October 8, in addition to events in the Lexington area. He and other staff members will represent the Legends at the following locations through October 9:

Wednesday, October 1 – 8 a.m. – 9 a.m. Anti-bullying rally at Madison Middle School, 101 Summit Street, Richmond.

Wednesday, October 8 – 7:15 a.m. Big L will help Lexington’s Ashland Elementary School celebrate International Walk to School Day, on which students are encouraged to walk or bike to school as a means of promoting healthy habits, a cleaner environment and attention to safety.

Wednesday, October 8 – 1-1:30 p.m. Big L and Pee Wee will appear at a Project Fit America event presented by Baptist Health Corbin at Lynn Camp Elementary School, 366 N. Ky. 830, Corbin.

Thursday, October 9 – 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Health Fair Party, Leestown Middle School, 2010 Leestown Road, Lexington.

“The off season is an exciting time for the Legends, as it provides us the opportunity to spend more time immersed in the community,” said Sarah Bosso, the Legends’ director of community relations and special events. “Having the opportunity to participate in a variety of events throughout Central Kentucky allows the Legends and Big L to assist in fun ways to bring attention to important issues and organizations. We love this time of year!”

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

Little Lake Monsters Program Wins Award

September 8, 2014

Minor League Baseball has announced today that the Vermont Lake Monsters‘ “Little Lake Monsters Community All Stars” program has won their Promotion of the Month for August/September.

The program, presented by Northwestern Urgent Care, named nine winners based on their answers to three questions that focused on sportsmanship, living a healthy lifestyles and community. Each of the winners were rewarded with an experience of a lifetime, and saw what it was like to be a professional baseball player for a day. The promotion held a four-week entry period, and culminated with the event day on Friday, August 22nd at historic Centennial Field.

During each month of the 2014 season, Minor League Baseball recognizes one promotion as the Promotion of the Month. Organizations that are named Promotion of the Month winners are be automatically designated as a finalist for a Golden Bobblehead Award, presented at the Promotional Seminar in Oklahoma City.

Each of the winners:
• Signed a one-day promotional baseball contract at a press conference at the Free Press Media’s headquarters, where they received their very own custom Lake Monsters jersey and cap. Their contracts were signed by Oakland’s Athletics Vice President and General Manager, Billy Beane, and they were represented by Vermont’s own, professional sports agent, Jamie Murphy, whose agency represents several Major League players, such as Troy Tulowitzki, Evan Longoria, Nick Markakis, Tim Hudson, Mark Ellis, and several other professional baseball players
• Took a limousine from the press conference to Centennial Field, where they met the Vermont Lake Monsters team and took batting practice, infield, and ran the bases with the team
• Threw out a ceremonial first pitch
• Joined the Lake Monsters on the field for the National Anthem
• Sat in the dugout during the game
• Received their very own custom Vermont Lake Monsters baseball card, which was a giveaway for the fans on the night of the game
•In the spirit of the promotion, each of the kids donated and paid forward their $50 salary for the day to their local United Way

For more information on the Vermont Lake Monsters community efforts, please visit the Community tab at here on the website.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Vermont Lake Monsters. Click here to view the original story.

TinCaps’ Lloyd racks up Ks for the cause

August 21, 2014

Padres righty raises money with six strikeouts in one-hit outing

Kyle Lloyd has racked up victories in four of his last five Midwest League decisions. (Emily Jones/MiLB.com)

Kyle Lloyd had plenty to be proud of Wednesday, and his pitching performance was only a small part of that.

The right-handed Padres prospect visited the pediatric wing of Fort Wayne’s Parkview Hospital before his start, and then raised $1,500 for Stand Up to Cancer on the mound.

“My start is what it is, but if I’m able to brighten up a kid’s day or maybe make their week, that goes a lot further than six innings,” Lloyd said.

The 23-year-old threw six innings of one-hit ball, striking out six and walking one in Class A Fort Wayne’s 10-0 thrashing of visiting Great Lakes on Wednesday. It was Stand Up to Cancer Night at Parkview Field, and Fifth Third Bank donated $250 to that organization for each punchout.

“I actually didn’t know that until after the first, when I heard an announcement,” Lloyd said. “I’m not going to say I was trying to strike people out, but when I got a couple strikes on somebody, I did think of that, and I wanted to put him away that much more.”

The University of Evansville product is 6-4 with a 3.58 ERA, and with roommate Justin Livengood co-leads the TinCaps in community appearances with about a dozen. He has struck out 14 and issued just one walk over his last 11 innings spanning two starts.

“It’s always good not walking guys and being able put guys away. I was getting ahead in a lot of counts. That’s something we talk about a lot with the pitching coach [Burt Hooton], and I’m glad I’ve been able to do that.”

The lone hit Lloyd allowed was Devan Ahart’s two-out bunt single in the first inning. He struck out Joey Curletta to end that frame.

“There couldn’t have been a better bunt than what [Ahart] laid down,” Lloyd said. “Getting the strikeout was nice. Then we scored three [in the bottom of the first] to cap that, and we had the momentum the rest of the game.”

Lloyd was perfect until he faced Curletta again, this time walking him on a full count with two outs in the fourth.

“As a whole, I threw more quality pitches in that at-bat than not,” he said.

No other Loons hitter reached against Lloyd. He struck out two in the fifth and one more in the sixth.

“I definitely felt pretty locked in,” he said. “I threw first-strike pitches on the majority of the batters and put myself in a good position. That kind of puts hitters’ backs against the wall, which is what all pitchers want to do, and I was able to do that.”

Lloyd exited the game not because of pitch count, but because the TinCaps put up five runs — including two on Fernandez Perez’s second homer of the game — in a prolonged bottom of the sixth.

“We got a few guys on and there was a pitching change, and I was sitting longer and longer,” said Lloyd. “We had [Eric Yardley] warming up during the inning, and he was loose by the time it ended, so they just went with him.”

Yardley worked around Paul Hoenecke’s single in the seventh, and Tyler Wood tossed two perfect frames to close out the shutout.

Perez finished 3-for-4 with three RBIs and three runs scored.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Class A Midwest League. Click here to view the original story.

Community Contributions Exceed $65,000 in 2014

August 20, 2014

RockHounds Release In-Season Cash Contributions

A Calling to Serve

RockHounds Announce Summer Donations to Local Charities

For more than four decades, the core commitment of the RockHounds franchise has been to provide West Texas families with fun and entertainment throughout the summer and offer a place for the community to gather in fellowship through the game of baseball.

This mission, however, is not restrained by the physical boundaries of Security Bank Ballpark. Rather, the impact of the organization is felt throughout the Permian Basin, as the franchise remains a vanguard of community stewardship in the region.

Since the RockHounds’ Opening Day (April 3), the team has donated more than $65,000 to local charities.

“At its core, our work is not only about baseball; it is about bringing families and friends together in a fun, safe, and entertaining atmosphere,” said RockHounds general manager Monty Hoppel. “Through our efforts in the Permian Basin, our goal is straightforward: we want to make a tangible, positive difference in the lives of our friends and neighbors.”

The Club has established strong partnerships with several prominent groups, such as the Y MCA, Unite d Way, Gifts of Hope, High Sky Children’s Ranch, and Big Brothers Big Sis ters of Midland. Additionally, the team incorporates new organizations into its philanthropy each year.

During the RockHounds’ regular season, the team hosts several annual events that benefit local charities and civic organizations. The highlight of these, for many, is the Summer Concert Series event, which brings a country music star to the ballpark for a live concert; past performances at Security Bank Ballpark have included Dierks Bentley, Eli Young Band, and Brad Paisley.

The chart below outlines the RockHounds’ primary cash contributions this summer; it does not include in-kind and other forms of charitable giving.

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

RockHounds Summer Event Cash Contributions

Event (Charity) – Contribution
Eli Young Concert (YMCA) – $34,000
Victory Run (Gifts of Hope) – $10,000
Golf Tournament (Scott Seator Foundation) – $6,500
Gold Star/Military Appreciation Night (Permian Basin Honor Flight) – $4,200
RockHounds Scholarship Program (Permian Basin Graduating Seniors) – $4,000
Specialty Jersey Auctions (High Sky Children’s Ranch) – $2,000
Jersey Auctions / Dunk Tank (Nino Rodriguez Family) – $1,643
Matt Maher Concert (Permian Basin Mission Center) – $1,050
Miscellaneous Functions (Various) – $3,830

TOTAL ROCKHOUNDS IN-SEASON CASH CONTRIBUTIONS: $67,223

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