Yard Goats to Once Again Host Connecticut’s Largest Halloween Trick or Treat Community Event    

 

Free Event set for Sunday, October 24th at Dunkin’ Donuts Park from 12:00PM until 3:00PM

Hartford, Conn- The Hartford Yard Goats Baseball Club, the Double-A Affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, has announced it will be hosting Connecticut’s largest Halloween Trick or Treat community event for the third year at Dunkin’ Donuts Park on Sunday, October 24th from 12:00 pm until 3:00 pm. This free event will be open to the public and kids 12 and under are invited to participate. The Yard Goats Halloween Trick or Treat will take place throughout the open concourse at the ballpark. All participants may enter through the Center Field gate on Trumbull Street.

Over 50 local businesses and sponsors will be participating in the event and passing out candy to the kids.

“We’re happy to be able to once again provide a fun environment for children to celebrate Halloween,” Yard Goats President Tim Restall said. “It’s another great way Dunkin’ Donuts Park serves as the front porch of our community.”

What: Hartford Yard Goats Halloween Trick or Treat Community Event

When: Sunday, October 24**th** (12:00pm until 3:00pm)

Where: Dunkin’ Donuts Park in Hartford

The Yard Goats open the 2022 season on Friday, April 8th against the New York Mets affiliate, the Binghamton Rumble Ponies.

Fright Night 2021 at Parkview Field

Date: Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021
Time: 5:00-6:45 p.m.
Event: Scavenger Hunt
Description: Come out to Parkview Field and search for all the hidden items around the ballpark! Attendees can take as much time as they need during the hours of 5:00pm to 6:45pm to take part in the Scavenger Hunt. The fan who guesses the correct number, or closest to that, will win a special prize pack from the TinCaps and Parkview Field! We will also have limited concessions available for attendees to enjoy! Suitable for all ages.

Click here for more information on Fright Night 2021 around Downtown Fort Wayne!

BlueClaws Spooktacular – Nightmare Before Christmas on October 29th

 

JERSEY SHORE, NJ – Halloween weekend starts early with the BlueClaws, with the team hosting a Nightmare Before Christmas movie night at the ballpark on Friday, October 29th. The event is presented by RWJBarnabas Health and the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore.

Gates will open at 6:00 pm with the movie shown on the 1,857 square foot video board beginning at 7:00 pm.

Ticket Information: Tickets are just $10 and include popcorn plus soda/water. Kids ages 2 & under are free. Additional food and drink will be available for purchase. CLICK HERE TO ORDER TICKETS ONLINE.

“Our movie nights were extremely popular last summer, especially our Halloween-themed night, and we’re looking forward to another great night this year,” said BlueClaws Team President Joe Ricciutti. “Watching the movie from the field is a very unique experience plus we have other fun on tap as well. It promises to be a great night out for all!”

Additionally, the event includes a costume parade for kids, and fun, safe, and low-contact trick-or-treating. There will be a costume contest as well with the winner earning a Luxury Suite outing for a 2022 April/May game.

As part of the Nightmare Before Christmas festivities, Santa Claws will be here for pictures with fans as well.

Partner participation includes Bimbo Bakeries with others to be added.

Everyone is encouraged to come dressed up. Fans are permitted to bring lawn chairs or blankets to watch the movie from the field.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. Over 7.8 million fans have enjoyed BlueClaws baseball since the team’s inception in 2001. The 2022 schedule has been released with Opening Night at the Jersey Shore set for April 8th. For additional information on 2022 ticket packages and group outings, visit BlueClaws.com.

-Jersey Shore BlueClaws-

Public Invited to Halloween with the Hooks on October 28

 

CORPUS CHRISTI – We’re putting a spell on Whataburger Field as H-E-B presents Halloween with the Hooks on Thursday, October 28 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Admission to the event is free.

All activities will take place on the field, including trick-or-treat candy stops around the warning track, carnival games and a pumpkin patch “photo BOOth” at second base. A costume contest will begin near home plate at 6:30 p.m.

“H-E-B has been a long-time supporter of the family-friendly entertainment the Hooks organization brings to Corpus Christi,” said Krystal Houck, H-E-B Director of Marketing & Merchandising. “We are excited to partner with Rusty, Sammy and the rest of the Hooks team to bring this exciting, safe option for local families who want to celebrate Halloween.”

The seventh annual Halloween with the Hooks coincides with CC Movie Nights, presented by Reliant. The Disney classic “Hocus Pocus” will begin playing on the videoboard at 7 p.m.

Attending guests are encouraged to donate a canned food item for the Coastal Bend Food Bank, which has received more than 400 pounds of food in past years.

“We’re excited to bring this special community event onto the field,” said Maggie Freeborn, Hooks Director of Business Development. “The Hooks are thankful for the support of H-E-B and our local businesses who help provide a fun, safe night for trick-or-treating and activities.”

Ballpark food, soda and beer will be available for purchase. Pets are not allowed.

Companies who wish to participate in trick-or-treat for free may contact Maggie Freeborn via email ([email protected]) or by phone at 361-561-4676.

Shorebirds to host Hocus Pocus Halloween Movie Night and Trick or Treating Event Saturday, October 23 presented by T-Mobile

 

On Saturday, October 23, the Delmarva Shorebirds will be hosting a special Halloween Movie Night featuring the film Hocus Pocus along with Trick or Treating prior to the film at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium presented by T-Mobile. Gates will open for Trick or Treating at 5 PM on the second level concourse with the movie Hocus Pocus being shown on the Shorebirds high definition videoboard beginning at approximately 6:30 PM.

Admission to the Shorebirds Movie Night is $5 per person, which includes entry for Movie Night and Trick or Treating along with one (1) free small popcorn and a canned Pepsi product or bottled water. To purchase tickets for Shorebirds Movie Night, please visit theshorebirds.com and all kids 3 and under get in free. The Shorebirds encourage people to buy tickets in advance online at theshorebirds.com or by clicking here as a limited number of walk-up tickets will be available on the day of the event at the gates.

“The Shorebirds are excited to partner with T-Mobile to host another Movie Night and incorporate Trick or Treating into the festivities this season,” explained Shorebirds General Manager Chris Bitters. “We are thrilled to continue to bring the community together after a successful 2021 season and partner with great local businesses like T-Mobile for fun and exciting community events here at Perdue Stadium.”

Parking for the event will be free and candy will be distributed by local businesses on Delmarva. If your business is interested in reserving a table to market your brand and pass out candy, please contact Ben Vigliarolo by email at [email protected] or call the office at 410-219-3112. Booth space is limited to the first 20 businesses.

Concessions and bathrooms will be open during the event and fans will be able to choose a seat anywhere in the seating bowl on a first-come, first-serve basis. In addition, if fans want to sit on the grass berm located down the left field line, the Shorebirds recommend bringing a blanket, pillows, etc. to sit on during the show.

For any questions, please call the Shorebirds front office at 410-219-3112 or email the Shorebirds at [email protected]. The Shorebirds thank you for your support and can’t wait to see you for Shorebirds Movie Night with Trick or Treating prior to the show on October 23 presented by T-Mobile.

Safe Trick or Treating Event Returns to Four Winds Field on October 25

 

SOUTH BEND, IN – For the fourth year in a row, the South Bend Cubs will partner with the South Bend Police Department for Stu and Swoop’s Cops and Goblins trick or treating event on Monday, October 25 at Four Winds Field. Gates will open at 5:00 p.m. and trick or treating will run until 7:30 p.m.

This event will be limited to 8,000 ticketed guests. Tickets can be picked up at the South Bend Police Department and the Cubs Den Team Store beginning Monday, October 11. The Cubs Den Team Store is open Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Additional locations to pick up tickets will be announced on the South Bend Police Department’s Facebook page. Tickets will not be made available on the day of the event and only those with a ticket will be allowed to enter. Those interested in attending are encouraged to get their tickets early to guarantee entry.

Families with tickets for each member will be allowed to enter the stadium through the centerfield gate, located at the corner of Western Avenue and Lafayette Boulevard, between the buildings of The Ivy at Berlin Place. Guests will be allowed to park in any paved lot around the stadium for free with the exception of the Ivy at Berlin resident parking lots.

The trick or treating line will split in two once inside the stadium. Guests will only be allowed through one line. Distribution tables will be placed throughout the stadium and candy will be distributed by vendors and placed in the bags or buckets of the trick or treaters. Guests will exit the stadium through Gates A or B, which are the gates on the home plate side of Four Winds Field. In order to keep the flow of traffic moving in one direction, guests will not be allowed to backtrack through the line.

The Cubs Den Team Store will be open to the public during the event. Access to the Cubs Den Team Store will be available through the William Street entrance only.

Any other businesses and organizations who are interested in hosting and sponsoring a table at the event can contact Officer Keenan Lane at 574-235-5941 for more information. This is a rain or shine event.

About the South Bend Cubs

The South Bend Cubs are the High-A minor league affiliate of the 2016 World Series Champion Chicago Cubs. Over the past 34 years, the team has won four Midwest League titles, most recently in 2019, and has captured eight division titles. In 2019, the South Bend Cubs hosted the final Midwest League All-Star Game. In June 2017, Four Winds Field, home of the South Bend Cubs, was voted Best Class A ballpark in the country by Ballpark Digest. In 2015 the team was named Ballpark Digest’s Team of the Year and received the John H. Johnson President’s Award, the highest award in minor league baseball. The team is owned and operated by Swing-Batter-Swing, LLC whose principal shareholder is Andrew T. Berlin of Chicago, Ill.

Safe Trick-Or-Treat Night Oct. 23 at FirstEnergy Stadium

 

The Reading Fightin Phils are excited to offer another safe Trick-or-Treat opportunity for the community. On Saturday, October 23rd, fans can experience a safe Halloween at FirstEnergy Stadium filled with lots of fun, candy, and the perfect movie. Join us for our Halloween at the ballpark thanks to Tomkins VIST Bank & Berkshire Hathaway Homesale – Gary Lando. .

Have more than one Halloween night with your family this year! The R-Phils are starting the holiday season early so that you can have another opportunity to Trick-Or-Treat with family and friends. Don’t miss out on an exciting outdoor event in a safe environment.

Limited passes will be available for this event for only $3 when purchased in advance. Passes will increase to $6 each the day of the event. Passes may be purchased here! A portion of the proceeds will go to Baseballtown Charities.

The gates will open at 4:00pm, with the Trick-or-Treating taking place on the warning track of the field! Family friendly live music will play in the Tompkins VIST Bank Plaza. The event will conclude with “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” movie on the FirstEnergy videoboard. The movie run time is 25 minutes.

All attendees are encouraged to dress in costume or Halloween attire. R-Phils classic ballpark concessions will be open for dinner and drinks along with merchandise store.

The organization is committed to bringing exciting events to the ballpark this fall. This is a great opportunity to spend some time outdoors in a safe, community environment. Don’t miss out on one of the last events at the ballpark this season! Buy a pass today: CLICK HERE!

For all information about this night and all events at FirstEnergy Stadium please visit rphils.com/events. FirstEnergy Stadium is the Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies and the home of the Reading Fightin Phils. The stadium is located at 1900 Centre Avenue, Reading, PA 19605.

Soul Bowl Return To Blue Wahoos Stadium Brings Welcome Community Boost 

 

For the first time in its three decades, the Soul Bowl didn’t happen in 2020. Another unfortunate event cancellation amid the coronavirus pandemic.

That void has created an emotional backdrop for Saturday’s 29th annual youth football showcase at Blue Wahoos Stadium, which organizers were determined to make happen.

“It was extremely important we have the Soul Bowl,” said Lumon May, long-time director of the Southern Youth Sports Association, along with serving on the Escambia County Commission.

“I have been around sports all my life,” said May, 51, who has been part of this event since the first one was staged. “And so to not have the Soul Bowl… something as significant, particularly to the African-American community in Pensacola as this is… it was very sad, very odd last year.

“This year, all the coaches, all the parents, they were not worried about cancelling the season. They said, ‘If we don’t play any other games, if we don’t play any other Saturday, let’s just play the Soul Bowl. Even if we can’t finish the season, we want to go down to the Wahoos Stadium and play the Soul Bowl.’

“That’s what the Soul Bowl has meant.”

The event will feature five games among five different age divisions between the SYSA Tigers and Albritton & Gant East Pensacola Rattlers. This will be the first football played on the newly resodded Blue Wahoos Stadium, after last Saturday’s scheduled game with the University of West Florida was cancelled.

The continued concern and effect of COVID-19 in the community has led to alterations for this year’s Soul Bowl. There will be Soul Food vendors outside the stadium — a decision reached Thursday — but not the mass variety as before.

The Unity Circle celebration in early afternoon Saturday will instead be a solemn memorial to those with ties to the Soul Bowl who passed away from complications involving the horrific virus.

“We’ve lost coaches, cheerleader coaches, volunteers who had been part of this game for a long time,” May said. “So it’s going to be emotional.

“We know we will have some hiccups. But if we can just get the kids out there to play, that’s the biggest win. We may not have the Soul Food trucks and all the outside activity we’ve have had in the past.

“But I thought it was important for the community to have this and most important for the children involved that we do something for them.”

May said there was some debate on whether to put on the Soul Bowl this year. But after talking with Blue Wahoos owner Quint Studer, who led the way 10 years ago for the Soul Bowl to move into Blue Wahoos Stadium from its previous two neighborhood park venues, it reaffirmed a push to stage the 2021 event.

The day-long event is made possible through sponsorship of attorney Troy Rafferty, shareholder in the Levin, Papatonio, Rafferty Law Firm, along with Cox Communications, the Blue Wahoos and other sponsors.

“Quint said, ‘Let’s do it,’ and that was great,” May said. “.And thanks to Quint Studer it has become the signature event for inclusion in downtown Pensacola.”

With favorable weather forecast, the expectation Saturday is for a festive atmosphere and celebration of youth football, which includes parents and spectators setting up tailgate tents inside the stadium and picnic-style atmosphere around kids playing football.

“It’s just a fun thing to see,” said Shannon Reeves, the Blue Wahoos events director who has coordinated as stadium host the past four Soul Bowl games. “The stadium is packed, the music is loud, little kids are everywhere, parents are taking pictures, parents are excited.

“And it really has found its niche here. I feel like people expect it to be here. It’s a well oiled machine from their side (Soul Bowl organizers) of things. Parents know what to expect, coaches know what to expect.”

29th SOUL BOWL YOUTH FOOTBALL

WHO: Southern Youth Sports Association (SYSA) Tigers vs. Albritton & Gant East Pensacola Rattlers

WHEN: Saturday, games are at 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12 p.m.. 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.

WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium

ADMISSION: $8 general admission (good for all games) if purchased Thursday or Friday; $10 on Saturday. Children 3-under admitted free.

FORMAT: Games begin with teams ages 6-under, then 8-under, 10-under, 12-under, 14-under for final game. Stadium gates will open at 8 a.m.

RESTRICTIONS: Food purchased outside at one of the food vendors will be permitted inside stadium. But no other outside food or beverage will be permitted to be brought into stadium. Concessions will be open before the first game.

Wahoos Octoberfest Is Month-Long Array Of Popular Community Events 

 

The field transformation at Blue Wahoos Stadium into a football venue has ushered another change, which has evolved in recent years.

It’s now viewed in a different realm as a fall events place.

From the annual Soul Bowl youth football event on Saturday (Oct. 2), it begins the stadium’s own version of an Octoberfest.

Events in the month include a specialty Bingo Night on Oct. 7, the First City Art Center Pumpkin Patch on Oct. 9, a first-time appearance by the Nitro Circus motorcycle stunt riders on Oct. 14, the Light Up Learning gala on Oct. 21, a Halloween weekend event (Oct. 29), along with University of West Florida football games on Oct 16 and Oct .23, plus high school homecoming parties.

“There’s not a weekend — from now until the end of the year — that we don’t have something going on,” said Shannon Reeves, the Blue Wahoos events manager. “Either on a Friday, a Saturday, a Sunday or on multiple days the same weekend.

“I see more people interested in booking something at the stadium. It’s become a place where a lot of people can get together in a safe way.”

It’s now approaching 20 months into the coronavirus pandemic and its effect and reshape of the entertainment and sports world. After making a quick pivot a year ago in a 2020 summer without baseball, the Blue Wahoos have continued to find the ballpark viewed as a safe haven for events.

A full October calendar at the stadium is proof of that.

“COVID showed us a lot about what we can do here,” said Blue Wahoos president Jonathan Griffith. “We were doing movie nights, dinner nights, bingo nights, trivia nights (in 2020) and I think it gives people an option during COVID as far as having a place to go that is outdoors and a safe environment.

“I think that is still a thing for us. Especially among a lot of non-profit organizations, who are having their events here. You don’t get any more open air than Blue Wahoos Stadium.

“Even in our version of a suite area, the Hancock Whitney Club, it is open air. So no matter where you are, as far as a event, this is a great place to have that. And having Shannon Reeves to drive that has been great.”

Whether it’s through baseball games or special events without connection to sports, the stadium has provided the Blue Wahoos options to meet the quest for year-round activities.

It is something baseball team owners Quint and Rishy Studer wanted to ensure when pitching a multiuse stadium project more than a decade ago.

“Quint built the stadium as a community space and my job is to keep it a community space and pack these events in here,” Reeves said. “With our Blue Wahoos staff, we have all these fantastic minds coming together about. ‘let’s do this or have that.’

“Just super creative minds in the community to bring these events to our stadium.”

The First City Art Center Pumpkin Patch event moved to Blue Wahoos Stadium last year. Thousands of pumpkins were sold. It was the first time all pumpkins were sold. This year, a couple thousand people are expected for the day-long Oct. 9 event.

“I started here four years ago, and really not a lot of people knew about our events,” Reeves said. “In the last four years our team has come together and we’ve turned the stadium into a space where we’re holding everything under the sun here.

“And with that comes different audiences. When you host a variety of events, it brings a variety of new eyes, new audiences and this new awareness of, ‘Oh my gosh, look at what they can do here.’

“So it’s not just seen as a baseball stadium. We’ve really worked to make it a year-round events center.”

WAHOOS OCTOBERFEST

Biggest public events in October at Blue Wahoos Stadium.

Oct. 2 – Soul Bowl Youth Football (All day).

Oct. 7 – Bingo Night (6-10 p.m.)

Oct. 9 – First City Art Center Pumpkin Patch (2-6 p.m.)

Oct. 14 – Nitro Circus (7-9:30 p.m.)

Oct. 16 – UWF Football Homecoming Game vs. West Georgia (4 p.m.)

Oct. 21 – Light Up Learning Fundraiser Gala (5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.)

Oct. 23 – UWF Football vs. Shorter (4 p.m.)

Oct. 29 – Halloween Trick-or-Treat, Movie Night, Fireworks (5 p.m.-9 p.m.).

Tickets/Info: www.bluewahoos.com and www.goargos.com.

Boomer’s Drive-Thru Trick or Treat Returns October 29

 

The Williamsport Crosscutters, in association with the City of Williamsport, have announced the return of Boomer’s Drive-Thru Trick or Treat, a free trick or treating experience for children and their families. The event will take place in the Muncy Bank Ballpark parking lot on Friday, October 29 from 6pm-8pm and is sponsored by UPMC and Backyard Broadcasting.

The event will be hosted by Boomer, the Cutters popular mascot, and give children age 14 and under in costume, the opportunity for a fun, safe, trick or treating experience. Over a dozen other exhibitors, including some of Boomer’s mascot buddies, are slated to be part of Boomer’s Drive-Thru Trick or Treat.

Crosscutters Vice-President of Marketing and Public Relations Gabe Sinicropi stated, “Due to the overwhelming success of this event last year, with over 700 kids in attendance, we wanted to bring it back bigger and better this year to give area children and their families a safe trick or treating experience.”

All participants will be required to stay inside their vehicle as they receive treats from the Williamsport Crosscutters and other area businesses. Those attending the event are asked to enter the Muncy Bank Ballpark lot via the West 4th Fourth Street entrance only. All vehicles will exit at the back of the stadium on Blaine Street.

Any local businesses who would like to be part of this event, at no charge, can contact the Cutters at (570) 326-3389.

Twenty-Third Annual “Trick or Treat” at Eastwood Field on Tuesday, October 26th presented by T-Mobile, media partners 21 WFMJ and WBCB and radio partner Mix 98.9

 

Niles, Ohio – The Scrappers are excited to announce the twenty-third annual “Trick or Treat” at Eastwood Field. The event will take place Tuesday, October 26th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. “Trick or Treat” at Eastwood Field is a fun and safe way to celebrate Halloween for children age 12 and under. Ticket quantities are limited and are available on a first come first served basis. Children and adults will require a ticket. Tickets are just $1 each and are available starting October 1st at the Scrappers Team Office located at Eastwood Field. In addition, anyone that donates canned goods at the “Trick or Treat” event for Feed Our Valley will receive a free general admission Scrappers ticket valid during the 2022 season.

Back for the 2022 Trick or Treat event is the “Fast Pass”. The “Fast Pass” is only available for the first 100 kids, includes admission for one child and two adult tickets and allows you to skip the line and get in at 5:45pm for only $10. Those that purchase the Fast Pass will receive a wristband upon purchase.

The Scrappers are looking for area businesses to participate in this year’s “Trick or Treat” event. Businesses will receive table space at Eastwood Field. This is a community event and a great way to promote your business to the public. Early reservations are encouraged as space is limited. Click here to download Table Registration Flyer . Please contact Heather Sahli for complete details by calling 330-505-0000 or emailing [email protected].

To stay up to date with the Scrappers in the offseason or for more information on 2022 ticket packages, visit www.mvscrappers.com or contact the front office at 330-505-0000. Mahoning Valley is one of six founding members of the MLB Draft League, joining the Frederick Keys, the State College Spikes, the Trenton Thunder, the West Virginia Black Bears and the Williamsport Crosscutters. The Scrappers 2021 season is presented by Lordstown Motors.

###

WooSox are “Going Gold” for Childhood Cancer Awareness Night, Set for Friday, September 24, 6:35 PM

Resilience of those in the fight will be celebrated with pregame ceremony, in-game tribute, and postgame gold-themed fireworks show.

 

WORCESTER, MA – September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and the Worcester Red Sox will pay tribute by “going gold” for their final Friday night game at Polar Park this inaugural season, scheduled for September 24 at 6:35 PM. Gold ribbons will be painted on the field in foul territory, players will have the option of wearing gold wristbands, and more than 100 childhood cancer patients and their families will be invited to help form a human gold ribbon in the outfield during the WooSox’ pregame ceremonies. At the end of one inning, tentatively set for the 3rd inning, the players from both teams will hold gold placards, as will fans, media, and broadcasters, each inscribed with the name of someone who has been in the battle.

The families who are participating come to the WooSox via Dana-Farber’s Jimmy Fund Clinic, the Make-a-Wish Foundation of Massachusetts & Rhode Island, the Tomorrow Fund, the UMass Memorial Health Cancer Center, and Why Me & Sherry’s House. All are community partners of the WooSox and the WooSox Foundation.

In advance of the night, the WooSox will present a check for more than $50,000 on Wednesday, September 22 to UMass Memorial Medical Center, the exclusive health care provider of the WooSox. On Friday, the WooSox Foundation will present another $10,000 to the Jimmy Fund Clinic. WooSox fans raised those funds at Polar Park in advance of last month’s Red Sox/ Jimmy Fund Radio Telethon on WEEI and NESN.

Worcester Red Sox Principal Owner and Chairman Larry Lucchino is the Chairman of the legendary Jimmy Fund. The Dana-Farber Institute has saved Lucchino’s life three times.

“It is part of our Red Sox ethos to partner with the Jimmy Fund, part of our Worcester ethos to partner with UMass Memorial, and part of our Pawtucket heritage to partner with the Tomorrow Fund,” Lucchino said. “We are also joining forces with local charities, such as Why Me? and Sherry’s Place, with more to come in the future. All of Red Sox Nation should be aware of the long history we have of fighting this cruel, miserable disease. We should be aware of the strides we have taken, the heroic research going on right now, and the miles we have to go before we conquer cancer.”

Fans will find the gold placards at their seat, and after writing the name of the person whom they want to remember or honor, they will rise as one at the end of the third inning. Fans with general admission tickets may pick up the placards and permanent markers at tables around the ballpark.

Following the game, the WooSox will present their final fireworks show of the season, gold-themed with inspiring music about perseverance, strength, and compassion from “Rocky,” Rachel Platten, and others. The fireworks spectacular is presented by UniBank.

The WooSox invite fans to help make Polar Park a sea of gold on Childhood Cancer Awareness Night and donate to the WooSox Foundation as part of its ongoing commitment to fight childhood cancer. Fans may donate by visiting marked tables around the ballpark, scanning the QR code located on the back of their gold placard, or by visiting woosoxfoundation.org. Tickets

for the game may be purchased online at polarpark.com, by phone at (508) 500-8888, or in person at the Polar Park Ticket Office at 100 Madison Street.

Captains announce Trick or Treat at Classic Park, powered by NOPEC

 

(Eastlake, OH) – The Lake County Captains are excited to announce a brand new Halloween-themed event coming to Classic Park this Fall. On Saturday, October 16, the Captains will host a special Trick or Treat at the ballpark event, powered by NOPEC.

The event will run from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. and will feature trick or treat stations, costume contests, photo opportunities, children’s characters, inflatables and more. Admission for the Captains Trick or Treat event is free.

Captains partners are invited to become a community partner for the event and pass out candy or promotional items. Space is limited. Interested organizations should email Ian Pertz at [email protected].

About the Captains

The Lake County Captains are the High-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. For more information, visit the Captains’ website at www.CaptainsBaseball.com, Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/CaptainsBaseball, Twitter @LCCaptains and Instagram @LCCaptains. Fans can also get the latest Captains news and offers by signing up for the Captains’ newsletter, The Anchor.

About NOPEC

NOPEC is a non-profit energy supplier that provides competitive energy cost savings to residents and small businesses using a buy-in-bulk method. NOPEC negotiates for lower energy rates and better terms and conditions, educates residents and customers on how they can conserve energy and save even more on their energy bills, and advocates for consumer-friendly energy legislation at both the state and federal level. Since 2001, NOPEC has saved Ohio consumers hundreds of millions of dollars on their energy costs and has awarded over $40 million in community energy-efficiency grants.

Wilmington Blue Rocks Annual Judy Johnson Night Helps Keep His and Negro League Baseball’s Legacy Alive

 

On Saturday August 28, the Wilmington Blue Rocks held their 25th annual Judy Johnson Night. The night allowed those in attendance to honor and learn more about both the Hall of Fame third baseman the field is named after and Negro League Baseball.

With the work of the Judy Johnson Memorial Foundation and their Executive Director Andrea McCoy-Carty, the event had booths all around the concourse that had Negro League Baseball memorabilia and a pregame ceremony that honored three former Negro League players.

The three players honored by the Wilmington City Council, Pedro Sierra, Sam Allen, and Leon Day, who’s widow, Geraldine Day was there to represent him, were ones who made a name for themselves through Negro League baseball during the mid-1900s.

Since Negro League Baseball is such a big part of their lives, events like these are important to them, to make sure the legacy of this league is kept.

“We have to do as much as we can because there’s not that many of us alive. In 2000, the Negro League Museum had a reunion, the legacy reunion, there was 145. Right now there is maybe scrapping 20,” Sierra said. “So it is very important that this upcoming generation knows its importance.”

All three of Sierra, Allen, and Mrs. Day have been coming to the Blue Rocks celebration of Judy Johnson for many years now, to help not only keep the legacy of the Negro League alive, but the Johnson’s legacy alive as well.

“It is a great event,” Allen said. “And to honor Judy Johnson, one of the greats, matter of fact, a Hall of Famer.”

Along with the former Negro League players, there were also Board Members from the Judy Johnson Memorial Foundation at the game who have extensive knowledge of the league and Johnson’s career and life.

Jim Knotts was a close friend of Johnson’s after his playing career, so an event like this is very important for him, especially since many people might not know about one of the most successful ball players from the state of Delaware.

“It is an honor to be anywhere that is honoring Judy. Our goal is to keep his name alive as best we can,” Knotts said. “Delaware knew very little about Judy Johnson and naturally he is the only one who is in the National Baseball Hall of Fame, in fact he is in several.”

What Knotts hopes people know about Johnson goes beyond his skills on the baseball field though.

“Most of all, he was a perfect gentleman,” Knotts said. “I learned a lot from him, just how to be a gentleman. He was well loved by those who knew him, highly respected.”

Ray Banks, another Board Member and the founder of the Hubert V. Simmons Museum of Negro Leagues Baseball in Maryland, echoed the Knotts sediment.

“Judy Johnson, as far as I’m concerned, was one of the best third baseman to play the game,” Banks said. “He was a wonderful gentleman and a great role model for any of the youth, no matter what color you are, he was a good role model for all of us.”

The importance of this event that has been held by the Blue Rocks for 25 years and all events that celebrates both Judy Johnson and Negro League Baseball can not be understated, as Pedro Sierra explains.

“It is a great honor to honor a great player,” Sierra said. “I would say I rode the shoulders of Judy Johnson and all of those who came before me. And I am very proud to be apart of that legacy and one thing I think, in my opinion, people need to know that Negro League Baseball is one of the most important chapters in the history of baseball.”

Timothy Stone to Celebrate “Home Run For Life” with INTEGRIS and OKC Dodgers Friday

 

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Dodgers and INTEGRIS Health conclude the 2021 “Home Run For Life” series Friday by honoring Timothy Stone of Jenks, Okla., during the Dodgers’ 7:05 p.m. ¡Celebración Cielo Azul! game against Round Rock at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

Stone had a physically demanding job working on cars and was in excellent shape traveling the country as a competitive bare-knuckle fighter for 20 years. He rarely slowed down, even for several years after being diagnosed at the age of 40 with cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart that makes pumping blood throughout the body difficult. Then at the age of 49, Stone collapsed while mowing his backyard in Jenks, Okla., and his health quickly spiraled downward starting in March 2015.

Stone would endure multiple surgeries, including five open heart surgeries and a heart transplant at INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center. He would spend about four months in the hospital in Oklahoma City.

Now almost six years later at the age of 55, Stone is back living life with vigor and new perspective with the goal of helping others facing similar difficult journeys thanks to the care he received at INTEGRIS Health.

“I owe them everything,” Stone said of the staff at INTEGRIS Health.

“Life is precious. We have all heard that a million times, but I think we look at it a little differently now.”

“Home Run For Life” recognizes individuals in the Oklahoma City community who have overcome a significant medical event with the help of their families, physicians and health care professionals. To symbolize the end of their battle against adversity, honorees take a prerecorded home run “lap” around the bases during an in-game ceremony.

“’Home Run For Life’ allows us to uniquely recognize some amazing Oklahomans who have endured significant health challenges,” OKC Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes said. “Each month during the baseball season, we are proud to partner with INTEGRIS Health to honor the perseverance and courage displayed by these individuals and to help inspire others with their incredible stories.”

After collapsing in his yard in the spring of 2015, Stone’s wife Leslie took him to the hospital in Tulsa. A series of serious health setbacks followed throughout the next five months. Eventually with the right side of his heart shutting down, he was brought to INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City in August 2015.

When he arrived, he faced seemingly insurmountable odds with a prognosis of a five to 10 percent chance of survival without a heart transplant.

He had 12 surgeries, including five open heart surgeries.

He typically weighed around 175 pounds, but in October 2015 was down to about 118 pounds and then came the devastating news that he had about eight days to live.

With three days left and his organs shutting down, he said his goodbyes to his wife and children telling then how much he loved them.

Everything changed on Oct. 29, 2015 when they found a heart that was a perfect match.

The sixth anniversary of his heart transplant is soon approaching and Stone now mentors others going through transplants.

He was fortunate to have the unending support of the INTEGRIS Health staff, his wife Leslie, daughter, son and family throughout his journey back to health, but knows not everyone is so lucky.

“We were blessed to have a lot of great people and a lot of loving people help us along the way,” he said.

To read Stone’s full story, visit the OKC Dodgers’ “Beyond the Bricks” website at: medium.com/beyond-the-bricks.

The Oklahoma City Dodgers will take the field as Cielo Azul de Oklahoma City for their upcoming home series against Los Chupacabras de Round Rock starting Thursday. Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Monday night’s games have a scheduled 7:05 p.m. first pitch.

Gates open at 6 p.m. and on Friday, a mystery bobblehead, presented by Lime, will be given out to the first 1,000 fans in attendance. Fireworks are also scheduled to follow Friday’s game. During the game, the Clubhouse Collectibles silent auction for game-used OKC Dodgers memorabilia will also take place.

Following Sunday’s 2:05 p.m. game, kids can run the bases. Tuesday’s 12:05 p.m. series finale falls on a $2 Tuesday, featuring $2 select beer, soda and bottled water from a line of Budweiser and Pepsi products. COOP Ale Works draft beer will also be available at a special rate of $3.

Tickets are available by visiting okcdodgers.com/tickets. For additional information about Cielo Azul de Oklahoma City and the OKC Dodgers’ 2021 season, please visit okcdodgers.com or call (405) 218-2182.