Students, Teachers Celebrate STEM Achievements at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark

 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Hundreds of third- and fourth-grade students across the state of Oklahoma celebrated the culmination of the fifth year of the Oklahoma City Dodgers MVP Program: Encouraging STEM Education Saturday morning at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

The program is free to all participants thanks to partners Devon Energy and Olsson and rewards area elementary students’ achievements in science and math while incentivizing students as well as their teachers to participate in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) curriculum. Top-performing MVP students received tickets to an OKC Dodgers game as well as a commemorative MVP baseball hat.

The fifth year of the program wrapped up on Saturday with MVP Field Day at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark — an exclusive event for participating MVP students and teachers, as well as their families.

Attendees enjoyed participating in a variety of STEM activities and demonstrations presented by Devon Energy, Olsson, NASA, COSTEMA (Central Oklahoma Regional STEM Alliance), Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum as well as Mad Science of Central Oklahoma.

“MVP Field Day allows us to reward MVP Program students, teachers and their families with a day filled with fun STEM activities and learning opportunities at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark,” OKC Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes said. “STEM education is so important for our youth and we thank all who participated this school year for their hard work and efforts throughout Oklahoma.”

Participation in the MVP Program was initially open only to Oklahoma City Public Schools in 2017. After a successful start, the program expanded in 2018 to include additional metro-area classrooms in the Mid-Del, Putnam City, Edmond and Norman school districts. The OKC Dodgers MVP Program became available statewide in 2019.

The program was offered throughout Oklahoma for the third straight year in 2021 and has experienced increases of more than 1,000 percent in both participating classrooms and total students impacted since the program’s inaugural year in 2017. The 2020 and 2021 programs each impacted more than 10,000 students per school year, even in the midst of the unique challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The OKC Dodgers MVP Program will resume in September for the 2021-22 school year, which will be the program’s sixth year. For additional information about the OKC Dodgers MVP Program, or to register as a participating teacher, visit okcdodgers.com/mvp or email [email protected].

The Dodgers opened a 12-game homestand earlier this week with a six-game series against the Reno Aces. Highlights for the Dodgers’ remaining July home schedule during the 12-game span include:

• Sunday, July 18 vs. Reno Aces and Sunday, July 25 vs. Sugar Land Skeeters: Kids can run the bases following each Sunday home game throughout the Oklahoma City Dodgers’ season.

• Tuesday, July 20 vs. Reno Aces and Tuesday, July 27 vs. Sugar Land Skeeters: Throughout the season, $2 Tuesdays feature $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. First pitch for both games is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

• Friday, July 23 vs. Sugar Land Skeeters: Loop Rawlins will perform his one-man Wild West show, presented by Heartland Flyer. The trick roper, whip cracker and gun spinner will perform a variety of jaw-dropping feats throughout the night. Fireworks are scheduled to follow the 7:05 p.m. game.

• Saturday, July 24 vs. Sugar Land Skeeters: Enjoy the OKC Dodgers’ 6:05 p.m. game before taking in a postgame concert by Crowder presented by Scott Dawson Evangelistic Association on Faith and Family Night. Groups of 10 or more will receive a special rate and an OKC Dodgers hat in addition to the postgame concert. Also during the game, the INTEGRIS Home Run For Life series continues, featuring July’s honoree.

OKC Dodgers single-game tickets are available by visiting okcdodgers.com/tickets.

Tickets for the OKC Dodgers’ 2021 season are digital and will be scanned at a touchless scanner upon entry. Additionally, the new clear bag policy will continue to be enforced at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark and face masks are encouraged­. A full list of ballpark health and safety regulations can be found at okcdodgers.com/safety.

For more information, please call (405) 218-2182 or visit okcdodgers.com.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio and Dragons present Anthem Game Changers

 

*Dayton, Ohio – *Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Ohio and the Dayton Dragons will host Paramedic, Nathan Heaton, EMT, Jennifer Domenick, and their employer, Kettering Health, for the unique Anthem Game Changers program on Wednesday, July 14, when the Dayton Dragons take on the Great Lakes Loons at Day Air Ballpark.

The Anthem Game Changer program recognizes essential workers, and their organizations, for the relentless commitment to the community during the pandemic. Their selfless efforts to provide necessities such as food, education, and emergency medical support throughout Covid-19 are immeasurable. Please join us to thank these Game Changers for their support and dedication. They changed the game for many in our community.

Nathan and Jennifer’s Story

When the pandemic shut the world down last spring, essential personnel rose to the occasion to provide critical needs for our community. The selfless efforts of these people ensured we still had access to necessities such as food, education, and emergency medical support. Today, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Ohio and the Dayton Dragons highlight Nathan Heaton, Jennifer Domenick, and their employer, Kettering Health, for being Game Changers during COVID-19.

In the spring of 2020, Paramedic Nathan Heaton and EMT Jennifer Domenick paired up as an emergency transportation team for Kettering Health. As a transportation team, Nathan and Jennifer drove patients from an emergency room to one of Kettering Health’s main hospitals. Along the way, one drives the vehicle while the other assisted the patient with their medical needs.

The emergency response team saw a direct impact of the pandemic. The volume of rides increased while the number of available COVID units decreased. This meant that Nathan and Jennifer drove thousands of miles and hours more to ensure COVID patients could reach appropriate care. In addition, the importance to keep riders safe meant following new health and safety protocols like personal protective equipment (PPE) and truck decontaminations.

But while this team was faced with adversity, they continued to put their patients and other staff at Kettering Health before themselves. Nathan and Jennifer would treat each patient as they would a family member; remembering to stay calm, communicate well, and keep things positive. During their time off or slower shifts, the team would also jump in and help with room visits at main hospitals and emergency rooms to assist with the overload of new patients.

After seeing the effects of their work, Nathan and Jennifer want to urge Dragons fans to not procrastinate and take advantage of the time we have now to see the people we want to see and take the trips we want to take, because there will be a moment when we will not have any more time. Their line of work unfortunately shows them too often that time with loved ones can be fleeting, and they do not want anyone to have regret over what they did not do.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio and the Dayton Dragons applaud Nathan, Jennifer, and Kettering Health for their commitment to provide for our community during an unprecedented time. They changed the game for many in the community! Please join us in thanking this Anthem Game Changer at the Dragons game on Wednesday, July 14.

The Dragons play at beautiful, downtown Day Air Ballpark and are scheduled to play 30 more home games during the regular season. Game times are 7:05 p.m. for Tuesday through Saturday games and 2:05 p.m. on Sundays. No Monday games are scheduled at this time. Gates open one hour prior to game time. Single-game tickets for all Dragons 2021 home games are available at www.daytondragons.com or by phone at (937) 228-2287.

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Margaritaville, Military Appreciation Nights to star in Aces’ August promotions

 

RENO, Nev. – The Reno Aces to host Margaritaville and Military Appreciation Nights as part of August’s feature promotions at Greater Nevada Field. Tickets are available on RenoAces.com, by calling (775) 334-7000 or texting “TIXX” to 21003.

The Aces will go down to Margaritaville, presented by Greater Nevada Credit Union and KOLO 8 News Now, in its ode to legendary singer Jimmy Buffett on Saturday, Aug. 7, with an Aces Bucket Hat giveaway, presented by GNCU, available to fans at the gates on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Attendees can also package their tickets with a limited edition Aces Hawaiian shirt by clicking here for just $35 per package. Along with the bucket hats, fans will get a full Margaritaville experience with specialty food and beverage options such as “Margarita Burger”, “Island Tots”, “Tequila Lime Chicken Sliders” and Margarita specials.

The club will also be wearing a Hawaiian-shirt-inspired jersey for the game and will be auctioned off via Livesource for charity.

“As we continue to roll both on and off the field with Aceball this season, we know that the August promotional calendar will give all fans something to be excited about,” Aces President Eric Edelstein said. “Greater Nevada Field will continue to be the place to be all summer long in Northern Nevada.”

Following Margaritaville to kick off August’s promotions, the Aces will welcome all current and former frontline fighters to the field for Military Appreciation Night, presented by Silver State International & Peterbilt Truck Parts & Equipment, KOH AM 780 and KOLO 8 News Now, on Saturday, Aug. 28.

The evening will feature a Kevin Cron Tank bobblehead giveaway with limited quantities available for fans at the gate. A pregame collaboration with Rescue 22, a local non-profit organization dedicated to pairing service members with emotional support animals, will take place on-field so all attendees are encouraged to arrive early. During the contest, the Aces and the Sierra Nevada Vietnam Veterans 989 Chapter will hold a re-dedication ceremony for our Prisoner of War chair. The evening dedicated to our brave soldiers will also feature a postgame fireworks display.

Reno will sport a special Camo-based jersey for Military Appreciation Night and will also be auctioned off for charity through Livesource. Any active military members can buy discounted tickets by clicking here.

Biggest Little City Sundays, where the team dons their red alternate BLC ‘City Pride’ caps, are set to continue next month and will be featured twice, Aug. 8 against Tacoma and Aug. 29 versus Sacramento.

Our K-9 fans will be welcomed to the stadium once again on Monday, Aug. 9, as part of the team’s Dog Days of Summer. The first Monday of each month allows fans the opportunity to bring their dogs to the park, vaccination paperwork is required. For more information, please click here.

Baseball Bingo has returned to Greater Nevada Field for every Monday home game. When in attendance, stop by section 104 to pick up your scorecard to play along during the game and win prizes.

Daily Deals will also be featured throughout the month. Every Monday is Military Monday, presented by 105.7 KOZZ, which offers buy-one-get-one-free tickets to all military and first responders. Each week also includes Taco Tuesday, presented by Alice 96.5, featuring two tacos for six dollars, or two and a beer for 10 dollars. Additionally, Thirsty Thursdays, presented by Coors Light, Rock 104.5 and ESPN 94.5, offer two-buck Coors Lights drafts and four-dollar Aceball Ale drafts.

Weekend Daily Deals feature Firework Fridays, presented by Saint Mary’s, My News 4, Fox 11 and Nevada Sports Net, Super Saturdays’ giveaways and Family Sundays, presented by 106.9 MoreFM, that offer one-dollar hot dogs.

MILITARY APPRECIATION DAY: Aug. 29

 

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The Fort Wayne TinCaps are partnering again with OmniSource LLC, Steel Dynamics Inc., and the San Diego Padres to welcome military personnel to Parkview Field for Military Appreciation Day on Sunday, Aug. 29 (1:05 p.m.) when the team hosts the Dayton Dragons (Cincinnati Reds affiliate).

Complimentary tickets are currently available at TinCapsMilitary.com for military families—both active and veteran—to enjoy the game on Aug. 29, thanks to the generosity of OmniSource, Steel Dynamics, the Padres, and caring individual donors.

The Padres, Fort Wayne’s Major League Baseball affiliate, are underwriting the costs for 1,000 tickets for military families. The San Diego Padres are proud to partner with the TinCaps in support of military and charity initiatives in the Fort Wayne area. The Padres had the first military outreach program in professional sports and theirs is currently the largest in MLB.

“The events of the last year-plus have given us pause to prioritize what really matters,” said TinCaps President Mike Nutter. “Supporting our military for the sacrifices they make is at the top of the list. We’re so grateful for partners like OmniSource, Steel Dynamics, and the Padres that help us thank the military in our area.”

In 2019, the TinCaps were a finalist for Minor League Baseball’s Charles K. Murphy Patriot Award, which recognizes outstanding support of the United States Armed Forces and veterans, both at the ballpark and in the community.

The TinCaps are also continuing their partnerships with multiple military organizations, offering military personnel in attendance the chance to visit kiosks highlighting many of the support organizations and offerings available to military in the region.

Tickets will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Fans with questions can contact Morgan Warnock at 260-482-6400 or [email protected].

In addition, the TinCaps continue to take nominations for the team’s Hero of the Game throughout the season. Click here for more details.

With Parkview Field back to full capacity for games, the TinCaps have added to their promotional schedule with more Fireworks Nights, Theme Nights, and other events like Scout Nights. Click here for the full promotional schedule.

Press Release: First July Homestand Features Military Appreciation Night and National Baseball Day Celebration

 

The Charleston RiverDogs will host games at The Joe for the first time in the month of July when the Augusta GreenJackets come to town for a six-game series July 13-18. The team will reach the halfway point of the 120-game season during the series. The RiverDogs own one of the best records in Minor League Baseball and lead the Low-A East’s South Division.

The week will begin with the second Military Appreciation Night of the season and come to a conclusion with the inaugural National Baseball Day. In between, the RiverDogs will host weekly staples such as Thirsty Thursday and Fireworks Friday, as well as celebrate iconic Japanese animation on Anime Night Saturday. Here is the full lineup:

Tuesday, July 13, 7:05 p.m.: Military Appreciation Night/Medal of Honor Society Visit/Dog Day: The RiverDogs and Boeing will open the week with a gigantic tribute to military members on our second Military Appreciation Night of the season. Military members and their families can receive free tickets to the game by calling the box office. The team will take part on the field, wearing special patriotic jerseys. The RiverDogs will also have special guests in attendance from the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. The society is in Charleston to recognize their 2020 and 2021 Citizen Honorees. Several Congressional Medal of Honor Recipients will be recognized throughout the game in the ballpark with one of them, Sergeant Major Matthew O. Williams, throwing out the ceremonial first pitch. In addition, four-legged friends are welcome every Tuesday so don’t leave them at home! Bring the pup along to the ballpark for each and every Island Coastal Lager Dog Day, when we encourage you to #TakeItEasy. Fans can also enjoy $2 hot dogs and $2 beers. Tuesday games are presented by 96.9 the Wolf.

Wednesday, July 14, 7:05 p.m.: Wicked Wednesday: It’s the middle of the work week! As is the case for every Wednesday at the ballpark, we will celebrate craft beer and throw in some wicked good fun thanks to Wicked Weed. It is also Segra Business Night Out, celebrating the local business community. This week’s wicked deal will feature $5 Upper Reserved, Grandstand and General Admission tickets with use of the promo code: WICKED5.

Thursday, July 15, 7:05 p.m.: Thirsty Thursday: Where else would you rather be on a Thursday night? $1 beers are available throughout The Joe on each Budweiser Thirsty Thursday this season! That’s right, you can grab a $1 beer (or two) no matter where you are in the ballpark. DJ Natty Heavy will be dropping beats on the Ashley View Pub and the between inning entertainment will feature a party-game theme. Thursday games are presented by 95SX.

Friday, July 16, 7:05 p.m.: Fireworks/Red Shirt Friday: As always on the final day of the work week, the RiverDogs and Boeing invite you to wear red in support of those who serve our country. On the field, the team will participate as well, wearing special red jerseys. The night will be capped with another fireworks spectacular presented by REV Federal Credit Union. The fireworks show will be set to songs from boy bands. Friday games are presented by 103.5 WEZL.

Saturday, July 17, 6:05 p.m.: Anime Night: Kamehameha!!! Grab your shuriken and help us take down our aite from Augusta on this night celebrating iconic Japanese animation. Following the game, a helicopter will drop thousands of numbered bouncy balls onto the field. If a ball lands on the target at home plate, the fan with the corresponding number will walk away with $1,000. If no ball lands on the target, the nearest ball will be worth $500. Saturdays are presented by ABCNews4 and MyTV Charleston.

*Sunday, July 18, 5:05 p.m.: National Baseball Day Celebration/Family Sunday: * The homestand will come to a conclusion with our celebration of the Inaugural National Baseball Day. RiverDogs Director of Community Outreach Chris Singleton, a former Chicago Cubs draft pick, will host a free clinic during the afternoon for children to learn more about the game. The team will also honor players and coaches from the Post and Courier’s All-Lowcountry baseball and softball teams during the contest. As always, the week ends with a Family Sunday presented by MUSC Health. Parking is free and children are invited to stick around and run the bases following the game. This Sunday is presented by Mix 95.9.

All RiverDogs tickets for the 2021 season are available for purchase online and will be delivered digitally. Once purchased, tickets can be printed at home or scanned on a phone. For answers to frequently asked questions, fans are encouraged to visit the RiverDogs Digital Ticket Guide. In addition to tickets, the entire RiverDogs gameday experience will be cashless including parking, the team store and concessions. Fans who do not have credit or debit cards will be able to use cash to purchase gift cards at Fan Services on gamedays. Masks are no longer required, but suggested for non-vaccinated guests. The RiverDogs also have a no bag policy, with the exception of medical bags, diaper bags, and clutch-style purses no larger than 6.5in x 4.5in.

RiverDogs season tickets, flexible ticket plans, and group tickets, including options to the Segra Club at Riley Park, are now available for the 2021 campaign at riverdogs.com/tickets or by contacting the RiverDogs front office at 843-577-3647 (DOGS). A full schedule for the 2021 season is available at riverdogs.com.

Mets to support military families at Clover Park on Friday

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (July 8, 2021) – The St. Lucie Mets will show their support to military families and RememberEveryoneDeployed.org (R.E.D.) on Friday, July 9 when they take on the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels at 6:10 p.m.

R.E.D. is an organization that raises awareness about the hardships of those deployed and their families. They act in support of the ‘silent soldiers,’ the families of those deployed and provide direct aid to active duty military and their families. R.E.D. was founded in 2016 in Jacksonville, N.C. at Camp LeJeune, a Marine Corps Base, to show solidarity and support for deployed service members.

The Mets will support the organization with a promotional giveaway at Clover Park on Friday, July 9. The team, along with Fiserv, will give away a military-themed T-Shirt to the first 1,500 fans in attendance in support of RememberEveryoneDeployed.org.

R.E.D. representatives will be throwing the ceremonial first pitch and will conduct on-site activations on the concourse at Clover Park where fans can donate to the cause and support active duty military and their families.

R.E.D. and Fiserv will honor the Hometown Hero of the Game, SGT Eliza Ale-Finks, who serves in the United States Army and has recently returned home from deployment.

Fans interested in learning more about the cause or how to donate can visit remembereveryonedeployed.org. All military members and veterans can receive a free ticket to the game courtesy of A & G Concrete Pools by showing their military ID at the box office.

Dragons to Recognize “Community All-Stars” Recipient During Game On July 9

 

Dayton, Ohio — The Dayton Dragons will recognize CareSource and the CareSource Foundation as a “Community All-Stars” recipient during a special inning break of the Dragons game on Friday, July 9th against the West Michigan Whitecaps at Day Air Ballpark. The game will start at 7:05 p.m.

The Dragons Community All-Stars Program honors individuals who have gone above and beyond to improve the quality of life in the Miami Valley. They could be firefighters, police officers, doctors, or good Samaritans. It could be a first responder or a volunteer. The Dragons are going to highlight these Community All-Stars at games all summer long.

It says a lot about a company for its employees to embrace its mission statement and commit their personal time to its foundation.

This is the case at CareSource. Employees live the CareSource Foundation’s mission statement of improving and making a lasting difference on the physical and mental health and well-being of the Dayton community.

CareSource is downtown Dayton’s largest employer, employing over 3,000 people in the Miami Valley. Each year, these employees volunteer thousands of hours to serve their Dayton neighbors.

Since 2006, the CareSource Foundation has supported the local Dayton community with 21 million dollars in funds donated to nearly 900 community partners.

While CareSource and the CareSource Foundation have always been committed to meeting community needs, during the global pandemic they stepped up to the plate. The CareSource Foundation donated over one million dollars in funds to help keep small businesses afloat and supported unexpected needs for community partners. These efforts included packing food boxes for seniors in the early days of quarantine and supporting digital equity efforts to bring internet and Chromebooks to Dayton neighborhoods.

CareSource and the CareSource Foundation have remained committed to the Dayton community during this unprecedented time and will continue to support and be a proud part of the local community.

For going above and beyond to improve the quality of life in the Miami Valley, the CareSource Foundation is being honored as a Dragons Community All-Star.

Nominate other individuals or organizations that are going above and beyond for the Dayton community at https://www.milb.com/dayton/community/cas

This event is the second of five special Community All-Stars spotlights at Dragons games this season. Presenting sponsors are Flying Ace Express Carwash, CenterPoint Energy, Great Clips, and Synchrony. Additional tributes are scheduled for July 28, August 17, and September 1 each focused on a different individual or organization who have gone above and beyond to improve the quality of life in the Miami Valley.

The Dragons play at beautiful, downtown Day Air Ballpark and are scheduled to play 34 more home games during the regular season. Game times are 7:05 p.m. for Tuesday through Saturday games and 2:05 p.m. on Sundays. No Monday games are scheduled at this time. Gates open one hour prior to game time. Single-game tickets for all Dragons 2021 home games are available at www.daytondragons.com or by phone at (937) 228-2287.

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Hillsboro Hops Announce New “Community Champions” Program

 

Hillsboro, OR. (July 7, 2021) –The Hillsboro Hops (@HillsboroHops) in partnership with Lam Research (@LamResearch), today announced a new program that will recognize individuals who have stepped up to support others and make a difference in our community. These “Community Champions” show the true spirit of empathy and human kindness and we want to share their stories.

“There have been many challenges that have impacted our beloved communities this past year, but these challenges have also put the spotlight on the amazing individuals who have put others before themselves,” said Hillsboro Hops Senior Director, People and Culture Jen Anderson. “In partnership with Lam Research, the Hillsboro Hops wanted to develop a program that would allow us to share the work of these selfless people and remind everyone that there are ‘Champions’ among us”

The Hillsboro Hops are requesting nominations from to recognize community members including, but not limited to, medical staff, first responders, teachers, counselors, delivery drivers and more.

Nominations can be submitted via the following link: https://www.milb.com/hillsboro/community/champions

Champions will receive a digital baseball card that will be shared via the Hops’ social media platforms as well as tickets to a future Hops’ game where they will receive in-game recognition for their contributions.

The deadline for submissions is August 10, 2021 to allow for game selection.

Questions on submissions can be directed to the Hops’ Community Engagement Coordinator, Hannah August ([email protected]).

About Hillsboro Hops:
The 2014, 2015 & 2019 Champion Hillsboro Hops are the Single-A Advanced baseball affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks of Major League Baseball. The team’s season runs from April to early September. The franchise relocated to Hillsboro in 2012 and began play in 2013 in a new state-of-the-art 4,500 capacity ballpark, Ron Tonkin Field. Follow the Hops on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HillsboroHops and on Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat @HillsboroHops.

Dragons to Recognize “Hometown Heroes” Recipient During July 7 Game

 

Dayton, Ohio — The Dayton Dragons will recognize St. Vincent Supportive Services as a “Hometown Heroes” recipient during a special inning break of the Dragons game on Wednesday, July 7th against the West Michigan Whitecaps at Day Air Ballpark. The game will start at 7:05 p.m.

The Dayton Dragons shine the spotlight on the military, past and present, through the Hometown Heroes program. This program hosts military families at every Dragons game, recognizes outstanding military organizations and individuals and welcomes the newest members of the armed forces during special ceremonies.

On any given night in America, there are 76,000 US military veterans sleeping on the streets. Those same veterans who once defended America’s freedom are forced to call park benches and bus stops their bed for the night. The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) has instituted many programs aimed at solving the causes of veteran homelessness. One of these programs is right here in our backyard. It is the St. Vincent de Paul’s Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF).

The SSVF assists veterans and their families with homelessness prevention and rapid re-housing. The program identifies veterans who are homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless, and helps them secure stable and affordable housing. Many of the veterans served by SSVF are in very low-income families who reside in or are transitioning to permanent housing.

The task is no small one for the SSVF. Seventeen percent of the overall homeless population is made up of veterans and more than half of those homeless veterans also have disabilities. Whether they suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder or another disability, it is much harder for disabled veterans to secure employment, especially in the times of the current pandemic.

In these cases, the SSVF provides the veteran with help in obtaining their rightful VA benefits, plus additional support such as rent and utility assistance, and connections to employment opportunities.

If you are a local veteran needing assistance, or know someone who is, please visit St. Vincent de Paul’s website for more information and to reach out for help. Their website is located at stvincentdayton.org.

This event is the third of five special Hometown Heroes spotlights at Dragons games this season. At each Hometown Heroes event, the Dragons pay tribute to all service men and women past and present. Presenting sponsors are the Dayton Development Coalition, Reynolds & Reynolds, and the Dayton Dragons. Additional tributes are scheduled for August 1 and August 21 each focused on a different aspect or organization involved in the military.

For more information on the Hometown Heroes program, please visit https://www.milb.com/dayton/community/hometownheroes

The Dragons play at beautiful, downtown Day Air Ballpark and are scheduled to play 35 more home games during the regular season. Game times are 7:05 p.m. for Tuesday through Saturday games and 2:05 p.m. on Sundays. No Monday games are scheduled at this time. Gates open one hour prior to game time. Single-game tickets for all Dragons 2021 home games are available at www.daytondragons.com or by phone at (937) 228-2287.

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First Responders Celebration is Sunday

 

The Drive’s series with Aberdeen wraps up on Sunday July 11th, with first pitch at 3:05pm with our annual First Responders Day celebration. This annual event at the ballpark recognizes & celebrates the sacrifice of all our community’s First Responders and thanks them for keeping us safe & healthy – this past year more than ever. Make sure to bring your kids and check out Heroes Alley on Field Street (presented by Ingles) beginning at 1pm with great music, face painters, balloon artists, bounce houses, and a special opportunity to see & climb in actual First Responder vehicles. And then make sure to stick-around post-game for Kids Run The Bases, presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield!

Yard Goats to Host Negro Leagues Day Celebration at July 15th Game

 

Autographs and Photos with Sean Gibson, great grandson of legendary Negro League Player Josh Gibson

Hartford, Conn- The Hartford Yard Goats Baseball Club, the Double-A Affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, will be hosting a Negro Leagues Day Celebration at its home game on Thursday, July 15th (7:05 PM vs New Hampshire Fisher Cats) at Dunkin’ Donuts Park, in partnership with the Josh Gibson Foundation. The National Negro League was founded in 1920 by Rube Foster and showcased the talents of Jackie Robinson, Satchell Paige, Josh Gibson and others.

Gibson, considered one of the greatest home run hitters, and most feared sluggers of any era, played in the Negro Leagues, Dominican Republic, Mexico and Puerto Rico leagues, but never played in the Major Leagues. He was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1972, the second ever Negro League player to be so honored.

Sean Gibson, Josh’s great grandson, will be in attendance and available for autographs and photos. Live music, a step show, drumming and vendor tables will also be part of the event. The first 1,000 fans will receive a commemorative Negro League lanyard. Tickets are available by calling 860-246-GOAT (4628), by visiting online at www.yardgoatsbaseball.com, or in person at the Click It or Ticket Box Office at Dunkin’ Donuts Park.

“‘Negro Leagues Day’ is Hartford and Connecticut’s day to recognize the history, culture, education, and long overdue awareness of challenges and triumphs experienced by so many, including the legends like Josh Gibson, Hartford’s own, Johnny ‘Schoolboy Taylor’ and the first woman to play professional baseball full-time, Toni Stone,” said Executive Director of the Hartford Yard Goats Foundation Tiffany Young. “July 15th will mark a day of celebration through music, dance, art, and baseball for all to enjoy.”

Josh Gibson left an undeniable legacy, and to honor that legacy of achievement, the family established “The Josh Gibson Foundation” in 1994. The Josh Gibson Foundation has evolved into an organization dedicated to providing a variety of academic and athletic programs that allow the next Josh Gibson to reach his or her potential.

Pride Night Celebration at LMCU Ballpark

 

What: The Whitecaps close out Pride Month by announcing a Pride Night Celebration for fans at LMCU Ballpark on Saturday, September 4th at 7:05 p.m. Additionally, the Whitecaps are working on special in-game entertainment, music, giveaways, and more.

Whitecaps: “We are excited to announce Pride Night at LMCU Ballpark will take place on September 4th! We’re looking forward to a game night celebrating the LGBTQ+ community and all the wonderful diversity we have right here in West Michigan.” said Joe Chamberlin, Whitecaps CEO. “As a community centric organization, we work hard to always be inclusive and to ensure all Whitecaps fans know we celebrate them. Everyone is invited and our team is working hard to ensure September 4th will be a ton of FUN!”

Fans will be encouraged to show support on social media throughout the night by using #CAPSPRIDENIGHT

Media: For more information or comments, contact Jenny Garone at [email protected] or 616.821.1383.

About West Michigan Whitecaps: The Whitecaps minor league baseball team was established in 1994. The Whitecaps are the High- A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers and play in the Eastern Division of the High-A Central League. The team’s home games are played in West Michigan’s favorite, largest, outdoor, multi-purpose venue, LMCU Ballpark. For more information visit whitecapsbaseball.com. Contact: Steve VanWagoner at [email protected] or 616.318.8949.

I-Cubs to Host 13th Annual Naturalization Ceremony on July 6

 

DES MOINES, IA – The Iowa Cubs will host their 13th Annual Naturalization Ceremony on the field at Principal Park on Tuesday, July 6. The ceremony will take place prior to first pitch between Iowa and the St. Paul Saints, scheduled for 6:38 pm.

Traditionally, the ceremony has been done on the Fourth of July before the start of an Iowa Cubs game. This year, Iowa is on the road on Independence Day, but will treat their Tuesday, July 6 game as their typical July 4 event.

Iowa Cubs Principal Owner and Chairman Michael Gartner will open the ceremony with welcome remarks before court is called into session by senior federal judge Robert Pratt. 25 candidates from 15 different countries will be individually honored before taking an oath of allegiance to the United States of America.

The first on-field citizenship ceremony at Principal Park was held on September 4, 2009. Since then, the Iowa Cubs have been a part of the naturalization of 396 citizens of the United States through the last 12 years.

Following the ceremony, the Iowa Cubs and St. Paul Saints will play the first game of a six-game series, with post-game fireworks set to complete the celebration.

Military Appreciation Night, Troop Supply Drive, Set for July 8th

 

JERSEY SHORE, NJ – The BlueClaws will host their annual Military Appreciation Night, featuring a Troop Supply Drive, on Thursday, July 8th at FirstEnergy Park. The event is once again presented by OceanFirst Bank.

As part of Military Appreciation Night, the BlueClaws are hosting a Troop Supply Drive in conjunction with the IBEW Local 400 Military Committee. Items that will be collected include: soap, razors, toiletries, socks, non-perishable snacks, sunblock, flashlights, sports equipment, batteries, tissues, and baby wipes.

Fans can donate at tables outside the ballpark.

For single game tickets to Military Appreciation Night, click here.

Additionally, the game will feature ceremonies and other recognitions for military members throughout the night.

The BlueClaws have also launched Host a Hero, through which fans can donate a group of tickets for heroes. This will be used both for Military Appreciation Night on July 8th and First Responders Night on September 11th. Fans can donate tickets online by clicking here. Donation rates are as follows:

  • $50 – host 5 heroes
  • $100 – host 12 heroes
  • $250 – host 30 heroes
  • $500 – host 75 heroes

Additionally, Military Appreciation Night falls on a Thirsty, so that means Thirsty Thursday with $2 Coors & Coors Light cans both in The Sand Bar and concourse wide. BlueClaws Thirsty Thursday Club tickets are available through which fans get 10 undated Thirsty Thursday tickets for just $120, 50% savings off the single-game price. For more information, or to order tickets online, click here.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. The 2021 season runs through September 12th at FirstEnergy Park, a state-of-the-art facility that includes a 9-Hole Family Mini Golf Course, Boardwalk Games, and a Sand Bar! Kids Eat Free every Sunday and fireworks light the sky after every Friday home game. Plus, Kids Run the Bases after every BlueClaws game this summer.

-Jersey Shore BlueClaws-

Pride Night on tap for Thursday, June 24

 

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Columbia Fireflies’ inaugural Pride Night will be on Thursday, June 24 at Segra Park.

Pride Night – now two years in the making after the cancellation of the 2020 season – is a night of inclusion, celebration and reaffirmation that Segra Park is a welcoming place for all people.

“Segra Park was built by our community and for our community… our entire community,” said Fireflies team President John Katz. “Columbia has a robust, active LBGTQ+ community and the Fireflies have many fans within that community. Columbia Fireflies baseball is truly ‘Fun for ALL.’”

The Fireflies have partnered on Pride Night with five local Pride Partner organizations that do amazing work in the community. SC Pride, South Carolina Black Pride, the Harriet Hancock Center, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (Columbia Center) and PALSS – Palmetto AIDS Life Support Services.

“Events like Pride Night at Fireflies really help to bring awareness of LGBT issues to more mainstream — and often under-represented — audiences,” said SC Pride President Jeff March. “It’s important that our allies — no matter who they are — step up to help show that LGBT issues are human issues. We are your friends, your neighbors, your coworkers, and we are as much a part of every facet of society as anyone else.”

Each of the five Pride Partners will have a table on the stadium concourse to share information about their programs and goals; they will also be distributing one of five exclusive Fireflies Pride buttons to fans. Please be sure to visit all five tables to collect the entire series. All buttons are free and quantities are limited.

“Harriet Hancock Center is so proud to be a part of an event that supports the LGBTQ community,” said Harriet Hancock Center Board President Kimmah Dozier-Burt. “Pride Night with the Fireflies offers the community a much-needed opportunity to reconnect, celebrate Pride together, and to collectively root for the home team!”

The Fireflies will be auctioning off a full set of custom Fireflies Pride jerseys during the game, with 100% of the proceeds being donated evenly to each of our five Pride Partners.

The Fireflies will also be selling their Pride t-shirts and caps throughout the day and will be donating 20% of the net proceeds to our Pride Partners.

“We are excited to be a part of this beautiful historic moment,” said South Carolina Black Pride President and CEO Darius Jones. “Celebrating Pride Month with the Columbia Fireflies at Segra Park is not just beautiful but historic too. It proves that SC has come a long way, and it brings visibility to LGBTQ+ athletics.”

In addition to the fundraising opportunities above, the Kansas City Royals have also pledged to donate an additional $1,000 to each of our Pride Partners to help further their work in our community.

Billy Bean, who serves at MLB as Vice-President & Special Assistant to the Commissioner, has sent a welcome video to Fireflies fans to kick off the Pride Night festivities. As a senior advisor to Commissioner Manfred, his role focuses on player education, LGBTQ inclusion, and social justice initiatives. Bean played in the Major Leagues from 1987-1995 and, in 1999, was just the second Major Leaguer to come out publicly as gay.

“I’m incredibly proud of the Columbia Fireflies for the comprehensive effort they’re making to reach out and support their LGBTQ fans,” said Bean. “Pride Night on June 24th is going to be a great day at Segra Park. I truly appreciate the inclusive message the club is setting for all of minor league baseball.”

Tickets for Pride Night on June 24 are available here.

Season ticket memberships for the 2021 season are still available for purchase. Memberships start as low as $70. Partial plans are now available to purchase in the Bullpen Boxes. To reserve your seats, contact the Fireflies Box Office at 803-726-4487 or visit The Fireflies Box Office at Segra Park.

For more information about the upcoming Fireflies season or other events at Segra Park, visit www.ColumbiaFireflies.com.