2020 Charlotte Area High School Senior All-Star Classic presented by Truist

 

(UPTOWN CHARLOTTE, NC) — The Charlotte Knights are pleased to announce that the 2020 Charlotte Area High School Senior All-Star Classic presented by Truist will take place on Thursday, July 9 at Truist Field. First pitch of the game is set for 4:30 PM. Gates will be closed to the general public.

“We are pleased to be able to host this great game,” stated Charlotte Knights Chief Operating Officer Dan Rajkowski. “This will be a special day for all of these athletes, their families, and the Charlotte community. We look forward to a memorable day at the ballpark on Thursday.”

The Charlotte High School Varsity League, which features about 100 players from a dozen area local high schools, was formed last month after the high school baseball season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The league, which fielded six teams, played games in Matthews and Huntersville in June and early July. The All-Star Classic will give the seniors in the league the chance to play their last prep game at one of the premier baseball venues in the country, Truist Field.

Archbishop Hoban, St. Vincent-St. Mary Renew Rivalry At Canal Park, presented by Goodyear

 

(AKRON, OHIO) June 29, 2020 – The Akron RubberDucks are proud to once again host the annual matchup of crosstown rivals the Archbishop Hoban Knights and the St. Vincent-St. Mary Fighting Irish this year at Canal Park. This year’s edition of the baseball version of the “Holy War” will begin with first pitch of the nine-inning game presented by Goodyear at 7:05 p.m. at the home of the Akron RubberDucks.

Due to the high school baseball season being cut short due to the COVID-19 outbreak, each team will be able to celebrate Senior Night in a memorable way as players will have their pictures on the video board and pregame celebrations will commemorate the occasion. Post-game fireworks for this event will begin shortly after the conclusion of this game.

Can’t make it to the game? This rivalry game will also be broadcast over the radio at 640 WHLO, the new home for Akron RubberDucks Baseball beginning with the pregame show at 6:45 p.m.

“As an alumnus of Archbishop Hoban, I am very familiar with this rivalry and thrilled to see these student-athletes have this tremendous opportunity to play one last game together” said RubberDucks General Manager Jim Pfander, “This annual event has taken place at Canal Park every year since 1997 when these schools played the inaugural game at our ballpark, and it’s safe to say this year’s edition will be a quite memorable one.”

The Akron RubberDucks will continue to follow all social distancing protocols as outlined by Gov. DeWine, Mayor Horrigan, and state and local health officials. The attendance for this event will be limited to 1,000 fans at Canal Park, socially distanced within the seating bowl.

TICKETS

Tickets to this event are available for $10 and can be purchased online or by directly contacting the Akron RubberDucks sales team at (330) 253-5151 or [email protected]. Each fan in attendance will need to present their ticket—either printed in advance or displayed on a mobile device—at their designated point of entry into the ballpark with all members of their party together at the time of entry.

INSIDE THE BALLPARK

No outside food or beverage is permitted, but Canal Park concessions will be available for purchase via CASHLESS purchases. All guests at Canal Park will be required to wear face coverings at all times, except while sitting in their assigned, socially-distanced seating location.

RubberDucks staff members are available by phone and email to answer any questions or concerns. The ticket office can be reached at [email protected].

The Akron RubberDucks are the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. Fans can purchase tickets by calling 330-253-5151 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, or visit www.akronrubberducks.com. For more information about the team, please call 330-253-5151, visit the website at akronrubberducks.com, Facebook page facebook.com/AkronRubberDucks, or on Twitter at @AkronRubberDuck, and Instagram at @akronrubberducks.

Tortugas to Host Graduation for Richard Milburn Academy

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The Daytona Tortugas will host graduation for Richard Milburn Academy of Florida’s class of 2020 at Jackie Robinson Ballpark, the team and school announced today.

The graduation will be held on the field at the ballpark at 6 p.m. on June 30 with students receiving their diplomas at home plate. The students’ families will be permitted to watch from the grandstands.

All Tortugas staff will wear masks to prevent against the spread of COVID-19. Students and family members are encouraged to wear masks and asked to adhere to social distancing guidelines.

Richard Milburn Academy decided to host graduation at the ballpark because the school wanted a venue that could provide a memorable and safe experience for its graduating class of about 160 students and their families.

“We are so excited to have our graduation at Jackie Robinson Ballpark this school year,” RMA Principal Art Sands said. “It’s our first time holding an event here, but it more than likely will not be the last. The accommodations we are receiving for our graduates and their families are the best!”

The Tortugas are excited to partner with RMA and welcome the school’s students and families to the ballpark.

“We are thrilled to partner with Richard Milburn Academy and provide a memorable experience for the graduating class of 2020 at Jackie Robinson Ballpark,” Tortugas General Manager Jim Jaworski said. “We believe The Jack is the perfect setting for community events like this.”

ABOUT THE DAYTONA TORTUGAS

The Daytona Tortugas are the High-A Affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and a member of the Florida State League. The Tortugas play at Jackie Robinson Ballpark in downtown Daytona Beach, Fla. Jackie Robinson Ballpark also plays host to Bethune-Cookman University and many large community events and initiatives throughout the season.

ABOUT RICHARD MILBURN ACADEMY

RMA Florida is a free public charter school designed to help at-risk students who have experienced difficulty in a traditional school setting. RMA Florida opened its first charter high school in Daytona Beach in 2005 and another in Deland in 2010. RMA helps students complete their high school education and graduate prepared for post-secondary education or work.

Tortugas Seek Nominees for Community All-Stars

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The Daytona Tortugas want your help to honor all-stars who are going above and beyond to assist others in the community.

The Tortugas will select Tortugas Care Foundation Community All-Stars from the community’s nominations. Each All-Star will receive a customized virtual trading card and an invitation to an exclusive event including the opportunity to take batting practice on the field at Jackie Robinson Ballpark later this summer. Nominations can be submitted here through July 7, selections will be announced on the Tortugas’ social media channels beginning July 14, and the batting practice event is scheduled for Aug. 11.

The Tortugas were scheduled to host the Florida State League All-Star Game today in what would have been Daytona’s first time hosting the FSL’s midsummer classic since 2007. The festivities were also to include a home run derby, celebrity softball game and fan fest. When those events had to be canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the team was determined to create a new way to showcase and celebrate the community.

“We know there are so many people from all walks of life working tirelessly to help our community through these unprecedented times, and we cannot wait to give them the recognition they deserve and treat them to an unforgettable experience at Jackie Robinson Ballpark,” Tortugas General Manager Jim Jaworski said. “While we were incredibly disappointed not to be able to host the Florida State League All-Star Game and all that comes with it for our fans, sponsors and partners this year, we wanted to use this opportunity to honor and thank the tremendous all-stars who make our community better each and every day.”

The Tortugas have already applied to host the FSL All-Star Game in 2021.

ABOUT THE DAYTONA TORTUGAS The Daytona Tortugas are the High-A Affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and a member of the Florida State League. The Tortugas play at Jackie Robinson Ballpark in downtown Daytona Beach, Fla. Jackie Robinson Ballpark also plays host to Bethune-Cookman University and many large community events and initiatives throughout the season.

ABOUT THE TORTUGAS CARE FOUNDATION The Tortugas Care Foundation is a nonprofit philanthropic organization of the Daytona Tortugas. It was established in 2016 and supports the community through financial and in-kind contributions with a focus on youth sports and sea turtle conservation initiatives.

Nominate Your Community Hero Here!

Salem-Keizer Volcanoes to continue tradition of honoring military 

 

SOLD OUT! SOLD OUT! SOLD OUT! KEIZER, OR — The Salem-Keizer Volcanoes’ long-standing tradition of “Thanking, Honoring and Saluting” members of the military is set for July 4, 2020.

This year’s event will be, as in prior years, held at Volcanoes Stadium in Keizer. Unlike each of the prior tributes, there will not be a Volcanoes baseball game held in conjunction with the evening. Due to COVID-19, the Patriotic Tribute will be a drive-in type of event in the stadium’s parking lot. It will still feature recognition of our military heroes, swearing-in of members to the armed services, a Fallen Warrior memorial and many tributes to those who have defended our country with multiple deployments.

The Volcanoes have become known throughout the region and country for their patriotic tributes. In 2019, the Volcanoes’ Jerry Howard won the National Charles K. Murphy Award for the best Patriotic Tribute in the Nation.

Drive-In 4**th** of July Protocol

Vehicle spaces are limited and separated by at least one parking stall width. Staff will direct parking – vehicle parking will be staggered to allow best visibility.

Taller Vehicles (Trucks, Vans, RV’s) that would limit site lines of lower vehicles will be parked towards the back of the parking lot to assure viewing for all

Event Rules: NO PERSONAL FIREWORKS

  • Maximum Parking Lot Speed 5 MPH
  • Vehicle must stay in assigned parking spot.
  • Unless needing to use restrooms or to visit concession stand, guests must stay within the passenger compartment of the vehicle.
  • Encouraged to wear facemask if visiting restroom or concession stand. Minimum 6’ Social Distancing to be observed at all times.
  • Guests may not place any object outside of a vehicle that may obstruct the view of other guests
  • Headlights, parking lights, and interior lights must remain off while parked
  • No excessive noise allowed that would impair the hearing of other guest
  • Drugs, Alcoholic Beverages, Smoking or vaping of any substance is prohibited
  • Personal food and drink is allowed
  • Guests must take all trash with them
  • No exit and return to event is allowed
  • Sale of goods or services by guests is prohibited
  • Cooking, grilling, or other food preparation is prohibited
  • Pets not permitted (services animals allowed – but must remain inside vehicle)
  • Should this event be canceled for any reason – there are no refunds.

Failure to follow Event Rules or staff instructions will be cause for removal from event or police action.

Admission ticket is good for a passenger vehicle with up to eight (8) people. Additional ticket(s) need to be purchased for vehicles with more than 8 people.

Attendees voluntarily assumes all risks and dangers of personal injury as a result of attending the event.

Concession Stand Opens 6:00pm – Beer Sales end 9:15pm – Concessions Close 9:45pm

Menu: Hot Dogs $4. Hamburgers $5. Cheeseburgers $6. Nachos $4. Large Popcorn $5. Candy $2. Red Ropes $3. Canned pop or DASANI water $3. Canned or draft beer $6. Large $8.

Flying Squirrels, Brown Distributing, CBS 6 looking to honor heroes on July 4

 

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Flying Squirrels, Brown Distributing and CBS 6 will recognize military personnel and veterans with Honoring Our Heroes presented by Brown Distributing on July 4 at The Diamond.

As part of Honoring our Heroes presented by Brown Distributing, five military personnel and veterans will receive a VIP experience at The Diamond and will be featured during CBS 6’s live broadcast of the July 4 fireworks celebration.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO NOMINATE

The winners will be announced on Wednesday, July 1 between 6:30 and 7 a.m. on “CBS 6 This Morning.”

“Brown Distributing is proud to be a part of this event and honoring our heroes,” Brown Distributing Company Co-President Dave Sorokowski said. “Our team of over 250 employees are proud supporters of the community we work in and look forward to bringing Richmond together on July 4.”

Selected honorees will also receive a swag pack of Flying Squirrels gear, CBS 6 merchandise, gift cards and more.

“Brown Distributing has been a great partner since the Squirrels arrival in Richmond,” Flying Squirrels VP & COO Todd “Parney” Parnell said. “Their desire to join this unique television event, honor military personnel and help the Richmond citizens through these times speaks volumes about their commitment to this community.

The live broadcast of the Fourth of July fireworks at The Diamond will air on CBS 6 on Saturday, July 4 from 9-10 p.m.

 

In an effort to practice safe social distancing and best ensure the health and of the Flying Squirrels family, the team’s front offices and team store are currently closed. Fans looking to reach out to the Flying Squirrels front office can find information here and are encouraged to interact on social media through Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Additionally, COVID-19-related updates and resources from the Flying Squirrels can be found here.

McCombs Ford West’s High School Baseball Seniors Celebration Rosters Announced 

 

San Antonio, TX – The San Antonio Missions, along with the San Antonio Area Baseball Coaches Association, are excited to announce today the rosters for the High School Baseball Seniors Celebration on Thursday, July 2 at Wolff Stadium.

The doubleheader will begin at 4 PM with a matchup of players from San Antonio area Sub-6A and private schools. The nightcap at 7 PM will feature players from San Antonio area 6A schools. Following the doubleheader, fans will be treated to a Wolff Stadium fireworks spectacular.

The Sub-6A/private school contest will pit Team Liberty against Team Freedom. Devine High School Head Coach George Villa will manage Team Liberty and will be joined on staff by head coaches Bob Herb of Medina Valley High School and Amaro Villarreal of Hondo High School. Team Freedom will be led by McCollum High School’s Geoffrey Curtin. Assisting Curtin will be Matt Gomez of Southwest High School and Adrian Juarez of Highlands High School.

The 6A tilt features Team Stars against Team Stripes. Head Coach Tim Goins (Taft) heads Team Stars along with a staff of Eric Jupe (Brandeis), Ty White (Marshall) and Weston Heiligman (O’Connor). MacArthur High School head coach Tom Alfieri will guide Team Stripes. Assisting Alfieri will be David Smith (Steele), Eric Vasquez (East Central) and Dennis Schlueter (Churchill).

Team Liberty Roster

Team Freedom Roster

Team Stripes Roster

Team Stars Roster

Team Liberty will the home team in the opener and Team Stars will be the home team in the nightcap.

Tickets for the McCombs Ford West Seniors Celebration are $12 for adults and $8 for any student or school personnel. Fans can purchase tickets at www.samissions.com. For additional questions or more information, please call 210-675-7275.

Social distancing protocols will be in effect during all games at The Wolff. For more information on Wolff Stadium’s COVID-19 Readiness Plan and protocols, click https://bit.ly/2BRnd40.

Flying Squirrels, Brown Distributing, CBS 6 looking to honor heroes on July 4

Submissions being accepted to recognize local military personnel and veterans during Independence Day celebration

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Flying Squirrels, Brown Distributing and CBS 6 will recognize military personnel and veterans with Honoring Our Heroes presented by Brown Distributing on July 4 at The Diamond.

As part of Honoring our Heroes presented by Brown Distributing, five military personnel and veterans will receive a VIP experience at The Diamond and will be featured during CBS 6’s live broadcast of the July 4 fireworks celebration.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO NOMINATE

The winners will be announced on Wednesday, July 1 between 6:30 and 7 a.m. on “CBS 6 This Morning.”

“Brown Distributing is proud to be a part of this event and honoring our heroes,” Brown Distributing Company Co-President Dave Sorokowski said. “Our team of over 250 employees are proud supporters of the community we work in and look forward to bringing Richmond together on July 4.”

Selected honorees will also receive a swag pack of Flying Squirrels gear, CBS 6 merchandise, gift cards and more.

“Brown Distributing has been a great partner since the Squirrels arrival in Richmond,” Flying Squirrels VP & COO Todd “Parney” Parnell said. “Their desire to join this unique television event, honor military personnel and help the Richmond citizens through these times speaks volumes about their commitment to this community.

The live broadcast of the Fourth of July fireworks at The Diamond will air on CBS 6 on Saturday, July 4 from 9-10 p.m.

In an effort to practice safe social distancing and best ensure the health and of the Flying Squirrels family, the team’s front offices and team store are currently closed. Fans looking to reach out to the Flying Squirrels front office can find information here and are encouraged to interact on social media through Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Additionally, COVID-19-related updates and resources from the Flying Squirrels can be found here.

Chenango Forks, Maine Endwell, and Binghamton Seniors To Graduate June 26-28

 

Binghamton, NY – The Binghamton Rumble Ponies will host their first ever Graduation Weekend at NYSEG Stadium from June 26th – June 28th. The Rumble Ponies will host Chenango Forks High School (June 26th), Maine Endwell High School (June 27), and Binghamton High School (June 28th) for Graduation Ceremonies,

“It was important for us to work with the schools and host Graduation Weekend at NYSEG Stadium,” said Managing Director, John Bayne. “The Seniors have worked hard for this moment, and students and proud parents deserve a Graduation ceremony. The Rumble Ponies are happy we can partner with the local school districts to shine a spotlight on these graduates.”

In accordance with the guidance from Governor Andrew Cuomo all groups will be limited to 150 people, proper sanitation and social distancing will be observed. All spectators, graduates, administrators, and support staff will also be required to wear a face mask while attending the ceremonies.

NYSEG Stadium will be thoroughly sanitized between sessions to ensure the health and safety of all attending Graduation Weekend.

“This is a real community event and shows how strong the Southern Tier is,” said Bayne. “Without the assistance of the sponsors none of this would have been possible.” Sponsors for the event include: BAE Systems, FE Jones Construction, M&T Bank, The Smith Group, Friends of Donna Lupardo, Insurance Office of America, IBM, Price Chopper, Servpro, Visions Federal Credit Union, NBT Bank, Blaze Pizza, and J&K Plumbing & Heating.

The Binghamton Rumble Ponies are the Double-A Affiliate of the New York Mets. For more information follow along with the Ponies on Facebook facebook.com/RumblePoniesBB, or on Twitter at @RumblePoniesBB.

### Rumble Ponies ##

Bulls & Blue Cross NC to Provide Meals and Recognition for Health Care Workers

 

The Durham Bulls announced the launch of a summer community outreach program in partnership with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) to recognize the effort and sacrifice made by health care workers during the COVID-19 crisis and beyond. As a way to say thank you, health care workers in Durham and Chapel Hill will receive professionally prepared meals, along with recognition on social media and more.

“We are happy to partner with Blue Cross NC on this outstanding community program,” said Chip Allen—Assistant General Manager at Durham Bulls Baseball Club. “Frontline health care workers and many other essential workers in our community put themselves in harm’s way every day to help us. We hope rewarding these health care workers during the summer, through a meal, a day out at the stadium, or their name in lights in front of the ballpark represents a small part of how grateful we are here at the Bulls.”

Beginning today, the Bulls and Blue Cross NC will deliver 600 meals per week to health care workers at Duke Health and UNC Health locations, along with other small tokens of appreciation such as Bulls ticket vouchers.

This eight-week program will be executed by Bulls and Blue Cross NC staff, including the greatest mascot in the world, Wool E. Bull! Individually packaged meals will be prepared by Blue Cross NC’s cafeteria vendor, Compass. Health care workers will also be recognized with photos, videos and special messages on social media.

In addition to the meals and social media recognition, the Durham Bulls and Blue Cross NC will also launch a “Community Heroes” campaign, allowing fans to nominate community workers who have gone above and beyond in times of need. Winners will be featured on Bulls and Blue Cross NC digital channels, as well as on signage at and around Durham Bulls Athletic Park (DBAP). The program will culminate in a health care worker appreciation day hosted at the DBAP, where local health care workers and their families will be invited to enjoy a day of fun on the field.

“Blue Cross NC is honored to work with the Durham Bulls to show our appreciation to health care workers in the community we call home,” said Reagan Greene Pruitt, Vice President of Marketing and Community Engagement at Blue Cross NC. “We value and respect the dedication of these health care professionals working tirelessly to protect the health and safety of all North Carolinians.”

Additional information on this program can be found on the Durham Bulls website (https://www.milb.com/durham/community/meals-for-medics). We encourage the entire community to check out our website and social channels for opportunities to participate in this program and send messages of thanks to our community heroes.

Drive Named Greenville County Schools Partner of the Year

 

Superintendent Dr. Burke Royster today announced the Greenville Drive as the 2020 Greenville County Schools Partner of the Year. This award was created to recognize and affirm organizations, groups, or individuals who are making a significant positive impact on our ability to fulfill the school district’s mission. This impact is seen through volunteer time, financial contributions, in-kind donations, or other collaborative supports to students, schools or the district as a whole.

“Recognizing the Greenville Drive as our Partner of the Year is the result of a multifaceted partnership between the Drive and Greenville County Schools,” said Superintendent Dr. Burke Royster. “We are fortunate to have a strong partnership that recognizes our athletes for their academic achievement, that recognizes our employees and helps recruit teachers into the profession and to our district, and that brings recognition and awareness of the various careers in manufacturing and health care to our students.”

The Greenville Drive has been a longtime champion of Greenville County Schools’ students and staff. Employee support is evident in the Drive’s annual GCS Appreciation Night to honor all employees. Every employee receives a complimentary ticket to the game and a ballpark food voucher. Employees are celebrated and recognized with between-inning games, great prize giveaways, and teacher recognition.

The Drive teams up with Public Education Partners for #Teach864 Night to celebrate teachers and promote the teaching profession. GCS teachers received a complimentary ticket, free t-shirt, and food voucher, and are honored on the field throughout the game.

The Reading All-Stars Program is aimed at promoting reading and academic success for students in second through eighth grades. Students who complete the reading program receive a ticket voucher as well as Reading All-Stars merchandise, a book for their personal library, and participation in the pre-game parade or Meet-the-Player event.

Since 2015, the Greenville Drive has sponsored the Drive for Excellence academic awards, presented annually to high performing athletic teams and athletic departments. Under normal circumstances, student athletes are recognized at a spring Greenville Drive baseball game. Recognition includes gift bags, snacks and guest speakers during a reception and the winning schools’ principal and athletic director are recognized and receive the trophy during the game. Each of the winning sport teams are recognized between innings on the field, and all teams with an average GPA of 4.0 are recognized on the message board. Due to this year’s COVID-19 pandemic, the awards were presented on-field, but the Drive highlighted GCS winners during the #BetheLight recognition.

Another partnership between the Greenville Drive and LaunchGVL gives high school students the opportunity to participate in a paid internship. The Greenville Drive also sponsors programs such as Manufacturing Night and Health Careers Night for students to learn about careers and certifications in these fields.

Flying Squirrels looking for All-Stars in the community

Squirrels partnering with Elephant Insurance to recognize individuals in the area making a positive difference

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Flying Squirrels and Elephant Insurance have launched the Community All-Star of the Week program, and they are turning to fans for help in finding nominees. The Flying Squirrels want to recognize members of the local community, such as healthcare workers, first responders and teachers, helping to ease the impacts of COVID-19.

The program is open to nominations of anyone who is making a positive impact around the greater-Richmond community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR NOMINATION

“While there is no action on the field at the moment, there are plenty of All-Stars working in our community keeping us safe and healthy,” Flying Squirrels VP & COO Todd “Parney” Parnell said. “We appreciate Elephant Insurance joining in our program to showcase these Community All-Stars with this great program. Stay positive and we hope to be back together soon physically. In the meantime we will continue to do all we can to bring our fans and community together any way we possibly can.”

“We really value our partnership with the Flying Squirrels and we are proud to support the team’s efforts to recognize our local heroes and support local businesses during this time,” said Alberto Schiavon, CEO of Elephant Insurance. “This is a fun way that we can work together to give back to deserving community members and we’re looking forward to the weeks ahead.”

The selected Community All-Stars will be recognized across the Flying Squirrels’ social media channels, and they will be presented with a gift card to a local restaurant as well as a Flying Squirrels prize pack.

About Elephant Insurance

Elephant is a consumer-focused car insurance company headquartered in Richmond, VA with the aim to put its customers at the center of all efforts. Elephant Insurance is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Admiral Group, plc., one of the U.K.’s leading insurers with a presence in eight countries and over 6 million customers worldwide. More information is available at www.elephant.com.

In an effort to practice safe social distancing and best ensure the health and of the Flying Squirrels family, the team’s front offices and team store are currently closed. Fans looking to reach out to the Flying Squirrels front office can find information here and are encouraged to interact on social media through Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Flying Squirrels looking for All-Stars in the community

Squirrels partnering with Elephant Insurance to recognize individuals in the area making a positive difference

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Flying Squirrels and Elephant Insurance have launched the Community All-Star of the Week program, and they are turning to fans for help in finding nominees. The Flying Squirrels want to recognize members of the local community, such as healthcare workers, first responders and teachers, helping to ease the impacts of COVID-19.

The program is open to nominations of anyone who is making a positive impact around the greater-Richmond community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR NOMINATION

“While there is no action on the field at the moment, there are plenty of All-Stars working in our community keeping us safe and healthy,” Flying Squirrels VP & COO Todd “Parney” Parnell said. “We appreciate Elephant Insurance joining in our program to showcase these Community All-Stars with this great program. Stay positive and we hope to be back together soon physically. In the meantime we will continue to do all we can to bring our fans and community together any way we possibly can.”

“We really value our partnership with the Flying Squirrels and we are proud to support the team’s efforts to recognize our local heroes and support local businesses during this time,” said Alberto Schiavon, CEO of Elephant Insurance. “This is a fun way that we can work together to give back to deserving community members and we’re looking forward to the weeks ahead.”

The selected Community All-Stars will be recognized across the Flying Squirrels’ social media channels, and they will be presented with a gift card to a local restaurant as well as a Flying Squirrels prize pack.

About Elephant Insurance

Elephant is a consumer-focused car insurance company headquartered in Richmond, VA with the aim to put its customers at the center of all efforts. Elephant Insurance is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Admiral Group, plc., one of the U.K.’s leading insurers with a presence in eight countries and over 6 million customers worldwide. More information is available at www.elephant.com.

 

In an effort to practice safe social distancing and best ensure the health and of the Flying Squirrels family, the team’s front offices and team store are currently closed. Fans looking to reach out to the Flying Squirrels front office can find information here and are encouraged to interact on social media through Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Four Winds Field to Host South Bend Community School Corporation Graduations July 24 & 25 

 

SOUTH BEND, IN – The South Bend Cubs and Four Winds Field are proud to partner with the South Bend Community School Corporation to host their 2020 Graduation Ceremonies. The five area high schools will hold their ceremonies over two days, July 24 and 25 with a rain date of July 26.

“The generosity of the South Bend Cubs and Four Winds Field management has been essential in allowing us to safely honor our graduates in person,” said Superintendent Dr. C. Todd Cummings. “Our community partnership with the South Bend Cubs, the guidance of Dr. Mark Fox with the St. Joseph County Health Department, and the input of our graduating seniors have all made it possible for us to grant Class of 2020 the meaningful experience they deserve.”

“We know how important these ceremonies are, not just to the graduates, but to the families as well,” said South Bend Cubs Team President Joe Hart. “We’re proud to partner with Dr. Cummings and his staff to provide a safe place for the seniors to be recognized.”

In accordance with CDC guidelines and the Saint Joseph County Health Department, all participants including graduates, Corporation staff, School Board members, and invited guests will be required to wear masks and use hand sanitizer upon entering the stadium. Masks will be provided and must be worn when entering and exiting the venue.

Tickets will be distributed by each school based on the size of each graduating class (two or four tickets maximum). A letter will be sent to all graduates and guests outlining health and social distancing guidelines.

For those unable to attend, the South Bend Cubs will stream the ceremonies live through their social media channels.

Graduation Schedule:

• Dress rehearsals – Thursday, July 23, 2020 from 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

• John Adams High School – Friday, July 24, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. (doors open at 5:45 p.m.)

• Washington High School – Saturday, July 25, 2020 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. (doors open at 8:30 a.m.)

• Clay High School – Saturday, July 25, 12:00 p.m.- 1:00 p.m. (doors open at 11:30)

• RISE UP Academy – Saturday, July 25, 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. (doors open at 2:00 p.m.)

• Riley High School – Saturday, July 25, 5:00 p.m.- 6:30 p.m. (doors open at 4:30 p.m.)

Additional details are available on the South Bend Community School Corporation website.

About the South Bend Cubs

The South Bend Cubs are the Class A minor league affiliate of the 2016 World Series Champion Chicago Cubs. Over the past 32 seasons, 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 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.

Generals Open Gates For Local Graduation Ceremonies 

 

As the public health risk escalated through March and April, thousands of Tennessee seniors nearing the finish line of their high school journey were left in limbo. After four laborious years, the chances of a traditional graduation were slim, and school officials were left seeking alternatives.

“We started tossing ideas around to see what other places were doing, like virtual, and things of that nature,” said JMCSS Superintendent Ray Washington. “Then my wife and I were talking, and she said, ‘what about Generals park? You should have plenty of room to space out,’ and I said, ‘Ya, I’ll float that passed the mayor.’”

“The Mayor and the Health Department said ‘yes,’ and we started formulating the plans about two weeks ago.”

The plans consisted of limiting tickets to six per student, placing spectators in alternating rows, and limiting the 6,500-seat stadium to roughly 20% capacity. Many wore masks, student chairs would be spaced out six-feet apart across the Ballpark’s infield, and staff members would maintain distance while handing out diplomas. Madison Academic Magnet High School Principal Chad Guthrie was mapping the ceremony with fellow staffers 24 hours before Pomp and Circumstance echoed through the stadium speakers.

“I’m usually shaking their hands and we are pretty much shoulder-to-shoulder for the photo,” said Guthrie. “When we have it in our auditorium at Madison they are probably about a foot or two apart, and here they are going to be six feet apart, all the way around. So that is different. It doesn’t have the feeling of closeness, but they all know that we care about them and that we are going to give them something for graduation this year.”

Walking down the third base line to home plate and receiving honors offers quite a unique landscape to that of a school auditorium, but it’s a scene that many students won’t soon forget.

“This will be an event that these kids will have that other generations of Madison academic students won’t have,” said Madison County Mayor Jimmy Harris. “The School system has done and excellent job in trying to get everything arranged, and we appreciate the Generals allowing us to use this stadium out here. It’s going to be a great event.”

Liberty Tech Magnet High School Principal Brad Barnett stood near the railing of the home dugout prior to his school’s ceremony. A former college baseball player himself, Barnett chuckled and shook his head when asked if he pictured graduating students on a professional baseball diamond.

“I didn’t even know if we would be able to have any kind of a ceremony,” Barnett acknowledged. “I didn’t dream about this, but I’m really happy to have it and we’re really thankful to be here tonight. [The students] wanted to have something as close to what a traditional graduation ceremony is, that every other kid has had for the last 50 or 75 years. This is a real once-in-a-century kind of deal.”

The Ballpark of Jackson hosted Madison and Liberty graduations on Thursday night, and was also scheduled to host Jackson Central-Merry Early College High and North Side High School on Friday. Due to impending rain, those graduation events were moved indoors to Oman Arena.