Public Recognition/Celebrations/Events

Dayton Police, Dayton Fire to Take Part in Battle of the Badges

July 25, 2014

Charity Softball Game at Fifth Third Field to Raise Money for the Humane Society of Greater Dayton

The Dayton Police Department and the Dayton Fire Department have teamed up with the Dayton Dragons to host “Battle of the Badges,” a charity softball game, on July 27, 2014 to benefit the Humane Society of Greater Dayton. The Dragons host the Cedar Rapids Kernels at 2 p.m. that afternoon and the softball game between Dayton’s finest will follow.

The Humane Society of Greater Dayton is the largest, most-established “no-kill” animal welfare agency in the Dayton region. As a 501(c)(3) organization, they receive no government funding and rely solely on donations to run their programs and services. Each year, the Humane Society of Greater Dayton saves the lives of thousands of animals and ensures that all animals are valued and loved within the Dayton community.

“As first responders we have an obligation and duty to assist the citizens of Dayton,” said Officer Nathan Speelman, Captain of the Dayton Police softball squad. “As a team, we strive to further assist and support local charities in the Miami Valley. We feel this is a great opportunity to raise money to help support The Humane Society of Greater Dayton.”

“On behalf of the Dayton Fire Department and Local 136, we would like to thank the Dayton Dragons organization and the Dayton Police Department for allowing us to participate in the Battle of the Badges Softball Game again this year,” noted Scott Davis, Captain of the Firefighter team. “The proceeds from this year’s charity game will go to help the animals at the Humane Society of Greater Dayton. Come out and support your local police officers and firefighters as they square off in a softball game for a great cause!”

Tickets can be purchased at http://daytondragons.com/badges using the special offer code, “Dragons”. Each purchased ticket earns one person admission to the Dragons game at 2 p.m. vs. Cedar Rapids as well as the Battle of the Badges contest. Tickets must be purchased by the end of the day on Saturday. There are a limited number of tickets available.

“The Humane Society of Greater Dayton is honored to be working with the Dayton Police and Dayton Fire Departments for this year’s Battle of the Badges,” said Brian Weltge, President & CEO of the Humane Society of Greater Dayton. “All of our organizations are in the business of saving lives. To be in the company of these heroic men and women who risk their lives each day for the community is a true privilege.”

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

Dragons and Ford Present Honor Them Program

July 24, 2014

All season long, the Dayton Area Ford Dealers will be honoring Miami Valley veterans and telling their service stories at Dayton Dragons games. Please join us on Sunday, July 27 as they recognize local veteran Shawn Brunello.

Veteran Shawn Brunello’s Story

Dayton native Shawn Brunello has spent nearly half of his life in the U.S. Marines. From mapping convoy routes between bases and criminal investigation to escorting entertainers, Brunello, now a Chief Warrant Officer, has served in many ways while deployed.

Brunello joined the Marines after high school, following his twin brother into the service. He was first deployed to Iraq in 2003 and again in 2005. In 2011, Brunello was deployed to Afghanistan and worked as a convoy commander. He facilitated the transport of food and equipment from a primary base to outlying bases. Every couple weeks, he would map out the routes for convoys which could include from 20 up to 270 vehicles. The destinations never changed, but the road they traveled always had to be different to avoid enemy detection and ensure as safe of a passage as possible.

One of the biggest changes Brunello found across his earlier deployments was communication, both with his family and with the vehicles in the convoys. During his early deployments in Iraq, his convoys had to rely on maps and two-way radio to communicate as they drove across the Iraqi deserts. While from a personal standpoint, he was only able to call home every couple of weeks.

By his 2011 deployment to Afghanistan, technology had progressed enough where he was able to talk to his family every day and could track vehicle convoys, as well as enemy locations through satellites.

Brunello currently lives in Washington Township with his family and is a system engineer for LexisNexis. He is still part of the Marine Reserves, and commits one weekend a month to his service, training and teach other Marines.

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

Birds rally on Prostate Cancer Awareness Night

July 24, 2014

Pelicans GM gets prostate exam while serenading the fans

Myrtle Beach Pelicans General Manager Andy Milovich during his prostate exam while singing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame." (Graham Jenkins / Myrtle Beach Pelicans) — Myrtle Beach Pelicans General Manager Andy Milovich during his prostate exam while singing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.” (Graham Jenkins / Myrtle Beach Pelicans)

The Myrtle Beach Pelicans, Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Texas Rangers, won the series finale with the Frederick Keys 5-4 on Thursday night at TicketReturn.com Field at Pelicans Ballpark. Pelicans Vice President and General Manager Andy Milovich sang “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” while receiving a prostate exam during the seventh inning stretch in front of a sellout crowd of 6,599 to raise awareness of the need for annual prostate exams.

The Pelicans (18-17, 62-41) struck first in the bottom of the first inning. With one out, Chris Garia singled and advanced to second on a Nick Williams walk. In the next at-bat, Royce Bolinger scored Garia with an RBI single to center field. Pelicans led 1-0 after the first.

In the bottom of the fourth the Birds increased their lead to 2-0. After Edwin Garcia grounded out, Christopher Bostick singled to center field. With two outs, Luis Mendez drove a double to center field, allowing Bostick to score from first. Mendez was thrown out trying to advance to third on the hit by right fielder Chih-Hsien Chiang to end the inning.

The Keys (16-17, 48-52) scored two runs in the top of the fifth to tie the game. After Joel Hutter walked and Tucker Nathans doubled to begin the inning, Johnny Ruettiger scored Hutter and advanced Nathans to third base with an RBI fielder’s choice. Two batters later, Trey Mancini hit an infield single to the shortstop, scoring Nathans. Pelicans starter Luis Parra walked Chiang to put runners on first and second with two outs, but escaped the inning when Chiang was thrown out in the ensuing play. Jason Esposito singled on a line drive to left field, but Chiang was caught in between second and third base when Garia’s throw came to Mendez, who ran and tagged Chiang trying to retreat back to second.

Frederick took the lead in the sixth inning. With two outs, and Wynston Sawyer and Nathans on base, Ruettiger lined a triple down the right field line, scoring Sawyer and Nathans to give the Keys a 4-2 lead.

Myrtle Beach answered with a run of its own in the bottom half of the sixth on an RBI infield single by Mendez.

In the bottom of the seventh the Pelicans took the lead for good, scoring all of their runs with two outs. After Garia and Williams flew out, Bolinger and Preston Beck walked to put runners on first and second. In the next at-bat, Garcia slammed a 1-0 pitch off the left field wall, scoring Bolinger and Beck. The Pelicans took a 5-4 lead.

After pitching a scoreless eighth, Pelicans reliever Abel De Los Santos (8) came back out for the ninth to complete the two-inning save.

Cody Ege (4-1) allowed the go-ahead runs in the sixth but earned the win in relief. Keys reliever Jimmy Yacabonis (0-3) took the loss, allowing the go-ahead double from Garcia in the seventh.

Andy Milovich passed his prostate exam with no problems.

Video of the event, including his rendition of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame,” is available on YouTube.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. Click here to view the original story.

“Peanut Free Night” at Werner Park July 29

July 23, 2014

3rd annual night includes “Peanut Free Experience” Ticket Package

Next Tuesday, the Omaha Storm Chasers will kick off their eight-game homestand with “Peanut Free Night” in association with the Asthma and Allergy Center, allowing fans affected by various allergies to visit Werner Park worry free in the third annual event.

“Peanut Free Night with the Omaha Storm Chasers is fast becoming one of our most unique, community events,” said Martie Cordaro, President and General Manager for the Omaha Storm Chasers. “Our ballpark operations staff, led by Brett Myers and Matt Owen, work tirelessly to make sure that Werner Park is safe for all those that would otherwise not be able to attend a professional baseball game.”

For this special night, Werner Park will not serve any peanut-related items including sunflower seeds, tree nuts and of course peanuts. The process of deep-cleaning Werner Park for any peanut residue started immediately after Omaha’s game this past Sunday and will continue up until Tuesday. Werner Park also features gluten-free and vegetarian options at the Heartland Healthy Cart and other areas throughout the park.

In addition to welcoming fans affected by these various allergies that would not usually be able to attend a game, the Storm Chasers are taking it one step further by offering the “Peanut Free Experience” Ticket Package. The $10 package (with an option to add on a $3 Centris Family Fun Zone Wristband) includes:

Meet and Greet, Autograph session with two Omaha Storm Chasers Players (to be determined)
Pre-Game Peanut Free Parade on the field
Opportunity to be on “Peanut Free Field of Dreams Team” and chance at throwing out a first pitch
Deadline to purchase “Peanut Free Experience” Ticket Package is July 25

“We are excited to see all the allergic families come out to the baseball game in a peanut-free environment. We’ve heard from parents telling us how much they appreciate this opportunity to have their children experience one of America’s past-times,” said Dr. Gregory Daniel Brooks of The Asthma and Allergy Center. “Peanut Free Night gives everyone a chance to raise awareness about food allergies and learn about new products, research and education. The Asthma & Allergy Center is proud to be a sponsor of Peanut Free Night and to help provide this night of baseball for all the allergic community. ”

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Omaha Storm Chasers. Click here to view the original story.

Spinners to welcome Boston Renegades, 7/27

July 21, 2014

Visually impaired athletes to play prior to game

LowellSpinners1_2014-07-21 — Brett Rudy/Boston Baseball

Leading national braille publisher, National Braille Press (NBP) announced today that it will participate in Braille Literacy Night hosted by the Lowell Spinners on Sunday, July 27^th. The evening will include awareness around the issue of braille literacy and its decline among the visually impaired community and will also feature an appearance from the famed beep ball team the Boston Renegades, a baseball team comprised of visually impaired athletes. The pre-game activities will take place before the Spinners take on the Brooklyn Cyclones at 5 p.m. at their home field at LeLacheur Park in Lowell, Mass.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with the Lowell Spinners on this event which we hope will raise awareness around the growing trend in the decline of braille literacy for the blind and visually impaired,” said Brian MacDonald, President of National Braille Press. “The fact that we are able to share this night with the Renegades, a group of truly remarkable and talented young men and women makes this even more special.”

National Braille Press will distribute complimentary braille alphabet cards to fans and attendees and also host a table where attendees can learn more about National Braille Press, braille literacy and the Boston Renegades.

Prior to the game, the Boston Renegades will provide attendees with an exhibition of “Beep Ball”, a form of baseball that includes a beeping ball and a buzzing base. The exhibition game will be played at 4pm along with other pre-game events including clips from the film The Renegades: A Beep Ball Story, which will air over the Spinner’s jumbotron and the team’s participation in the ceremonial throwing out of the first pitch.

“On behalf of the Boston Renegades, we’d like to thank the Lowell Spinners for welcoming us onto their field,” said Joe Quintanilla, 12 year member of the Boston Renegades and Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving at National Braille Press. “It’s not every day we get to play in front of hundreds of baseball fans and we are excited to have this opportunity to showcase Beep Ball to such a large audience.”

ABOUT BOSTON RENEGADES

The Boston Renegades are a team of visually impaired athletes and volunteer coaches from the greater Boston area that compete in an adaptive form of baseball. This is a competitive team which is part of the NBBA and plays against opponents all over the country. The Boston Renegades are operated by the Association of Blind Citizens.

ABOUT NATIONAL BRAILLE PRESS

A non-profit braille publisher, National Braille Press promotes literacy for blind children through outreach programs and provides access to information by producing information in braille for blind children and adults. National Braille Press is the premier braille publisher in the US that specializes in producing original braille works written by blind authors expressly for blind people. www.nbp.org

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

‘Recycling Pays’ Nights at The Pfitz to Demonstrate Importance of Recycling

July 18, 2014

The Potomac Nationals are excited to announce a pair of “Recycling Pays” nights at Pfitzner Stadium sponsored by the Prince William County Recycling Program. The first recycling appreciation night is scheduled for Friday, July 18th as the Nationals take on the Wilmington Blue Rocks (Kansas City Royals), and the second evening in which recycling will be in the spotlight is Friday, August 15th in a P-Nats contest against the Carolina Mudcats (Cleveland Indians).

P-Nats fans will get the opportunity to save money and the environment with these events thanks to Prince William County Solid Waste Division’s Recycling Program. All fans who show up to the Potomac Nationals Ticket Office on each game day with recyclables in hand will receive half-off general admission tickets. In addition, everyone who tweets or posts to Facebook a picture of themselves recycling inside the ballpark during the July 18th game will receive a ticket to the second recycling night on August 15th.

On August 15th, the P-Nats’ faithful may also bring recyclables to receive 50% off GA tickets for that evening’s game and can tweet or post to Facebook the act of recycling at The Pfitz to receive an undated ticket voucher for the 2015 season.

About PWC Solid Waste Division
The Prince William County Solid Waste Division (SWD) provides solid waste management, recycling, composting and waste resource education to over 400,000 residents. The division employs more than 50 people and operates the only active Extraordinary Environmental Excellence (E4) rated landfill in Virginia, the highest level of certification awarded by Virginia Department of Environmental Quality‘s (DEQ) Environmental Excellence Program (VEEP). In 2013, the SWD also earned the Governor’s Gold Award for Environmental Excellence for its Sustainability Program. The SWD is a part of the Prince William County Public Works Department, an accredited agency of the American Public Works Association.

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

Express to Host 2nd Annual “Triple-A For a Day”

July 16, 2014

E-Train Brings Dell Diamond Experience to RBI Austin Championship Game

The Round Rock Express is taking the show on the road. For the second year, the Rangers Triple-A affiliate has partnered with RBI Austin for “Triple-A for a Day.” The Express promotional staff is turning Downs Mabson Field into Dell Diamond of the South for the RBI Austin Kid Pitch Championship game on Saturday, July 26.

Joining the Express promo crew will be Spike, the lovable mascot, Ballpark Rob and the Party Patrol. Every player and coach from both teams will be introduced as they stand on the foul lines for the singing of the National Anthem, a tradition seen at professional ballparks throughout the country. In between innings, fans will compete in a variety of games seen at Dell Diamond similar to the dizzy bat race and the Great Texas Chicken Race.

The Express hopes this game will provide RBI Austin Kid Pitch athletes, their families and the community the opportunity to watch baseball in a fun and unique setting they would not normally experience.

“We’re proud to partner with RBI Austin again this year for their championship game,” Express General Manager Chris Almendarez said. “It’s an absolute honor to be able to give these kids a memory they’ll never forget.”

Downs Mabson Field is located at 2812 E. 12^th St. in Austin. Pre-game activities will begin at 6:40 p.m. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. The championship will feature the 9 and 10-year-old age division. Admission to the game is free.

Click here to view last year’s “Triple-A For A Day.”

For more information on the Express, visit www.RoundRockExpress.com or call (512) 255-2255. Keep up with the Express on Facebook and Twitter!

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Round Rock Express. Click here to view the original story.

Express to Host Military Appreciation Night

July 16, 2014

E-Train to Honor All Branches of Military during Express Game

On Thursday, July 17, the Round Rock Express will honor and support the brave men and women that serve or have previously served in the United States Armed Forces by hosting Military Appreciation Night at Dell Diamond, presented by Budweiser and USAA.

There will be special military-themed promotions and recognitions throughout the evening as the E-Train takes on the Iowa Cubs. Military vehicles will be on display outside of Dell Diamond for fans to observe as they enter the stadium.

Two generations of heroes will be involved in the night’s ceremonial first pitch. A veteran of World War 2, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, Rufus Dye Jr. will be joined by his son Colonel Michael Dye. Michael currently serves in the Texas Army National Guard as the Director of Army Aviation for Joint Forces Headquarters.

Joining the Express on the field for the National Anthem are the children of troops deployed from the 3^rd Calvary Regiment out of Fort Hood. The Anthem will be performed by country music artist Jenna McDaniel.

During the game, each branch of the military – Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard – will be recognized individually along with a Marine Corps swearing-in ceremony. Silver Star recipient SSG Matthew Kinney, Gold Star Mother Tami Sims and SGT Travis King, who is scheduled to deploy in the coming weeks, will be among those honored during the game. Express players and coaches will wear commemorative patriotic jerseys that will be auctioned off during the game with proceeds going to WISH for OUR HEROES. Additionally, there will be a wish granted during the game in conjunction with the Wish for Our Heroes initiative.

For the seventh-inning stretch, country music artist and songwriter Ryland Edwards will be on hand to sing “God Bless America”.

All military personnel receive half-price tickets to all Express games by presenting their military ID.

For more information on the Express, visit www.RoundRockExpress.com or call (512) 255-2255. Keep up with the Express on Facebook and Twitter!

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Round Rock Express. Click here to view the original story.

Nominate a Military Hero: Military Card Set Giveaway, 8/30

July 16, 2014

Calling all local military families, friends…nominate today!

The Lowell Spinners, Class-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, are once again looking for local military veterans and active duty soldiers to salute in their second edition “Military Hero Baseball Card Set,” presented by Army ROTC and The Lowell Sun. 30 honorees will be selected to comprise the set, which will be given to the first 1,000 fans in attendance August 30.

“We are thrilled to be able to continue what we hope is an annual tradition with this special baseball card set,” said Spinners President and General Manager Tim Bawmann. “Last season’s game was perhaps one of the most emotional nights at the ballpark of my baseball career, not just for the honorees, but for everyone in attendance. We can’t wait to meet this year’s honorees.”

Following the first edition of the set, given away during the 2013 season where the Spinners honored 34 local veterans and active duty servicemen and women, the promotion was so popular it was awarded a Minor League Baseball Golden Bobble Head for “Best In-Game Promotion.” In addition, over 12 other organizations have implemented a similar promotion in their community this season.

“When they say imitation is the best form of flattery, they were not lying,” said Bawmann. “To have this promotion take off to the point where other communities are doing a similar theme to honor their local servicemen and women is so great to see.”

The non-traditional baseball card set will feature men and women from throughout the Merrimack Valley who have served our country. The 30 card set will be given away to the first 1,000 fans through the gate Saturday, August 30 with the families and heroes themselves in attendance.

“As we learned last year, the hardest part of the process is whittling the set down to 30 honorees,” said Bawmann. “There are so many heroes out there which is why we are so happy to have this as an annual promotion.”

The Spinners are calling on people throughout the Merrimack Valley to nominate their friends, family, co-workers and neighbors. Nominations can be made at www.lowellspinners.com/militaryhero now through Tuesday, August 12 and the “roster” will be released shortly thereafter.

For more information on nominating a member of the community for the set, visit www.lowellspinners.com or www.lowellspinners.com/militaryhero.

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

Lowcountry Resident to Receive Order of the Silver Crescent Prior to RiverDogs-GreenJackets Game on Saturday

July 15, 2014

David Beasley to receive the state’s highest honor for community service

Lowcountry resident David Beasley will be honored with South Carolina’s highest award for community service — the Order of the Silver Crescent — prior to the Charleston RiverDogs‘ Military Appreciation Night game against the Augusta GreenJackets on Saturday, July 19, at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park.

Beasley is being recognized for his long-time volunteer work with the American Red Cross as a platelet donor and for his involvement in other community activities that include the Adopt-a-Beach Program, the Historic Charleston Foundation, and the Riverland Terrace Neighborhood Association.

“The Charleston RiverDogs and Riley Park are proud to serve as the site for this special presentation to a worthy individual,” said RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols. “Mr. Beasley wanted to have the presentation at our Military Appreciation Night game because he wanted to share his honor with all the other reservists who put their civilian lives on hold to answer the nation’s call for help.”

State Senator Paul Thurmond will be presenting the award on behalf of Governor Nikki Haley on the field around 5:40 pm and prior to the game that begins at 6:05.

Beasley is a retired Coast Guard Reserve chief warrant officer who was mobilized three times after 9/11.

The Order of the Silver Crescent is awarded to residents of South Carolina for exemplary performance, contribution and achievement within the community. It is the state’s highest award for volunteer and/or community service.

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

HOPE Week Headlines Seven-Game Homestand

July 14, 2014

July 19 Includes Military Appreciation Night, Bill Veeck Bobble-Leg, Modern Sequel of Disco Demolition Night

The Charleston RiverDogs are back at home for a seven-game homestand from Tuesday, July 15 through Monday, July 21. HOPE Week 2014, an annual New York Yankees outreach initiative, runs through the first five days of this homestand. Saturday, July 19 will be full of fun as the RiverDogs will host Disco Demolition 2: You Better Belieb It along with Military Appreciation Night and a Bill Veeck Bobble-Leg Giveaway.

Tuesday, July 15, 7:05 pm: HOPE Week 2014 begins as the RiverDogs partner with Warriors 4 Warriors. It is Harris Teeter 2-for-$20 Date Night, presented by Nash FM. Couples that show a VIC Card at the box office will receive two tickets to the game, two tacos, two fountain drinks and a nacho tray for just $20. It is also Choose Your Knight Night. Upon entering the ballpark, fans can choose one of three colored cards which correspond with three knights that will compete throughout the night in various contests. The knight with the most total points will be the winner, and fans who selected that color may turn in their card to receive a ticket voucher for an upcoming RiverDogs game.

Wednesday, July 16, 7:05 pm: Day Two of HOPE Week 2014 features South Carolina Youth Advocate Program. HealthSouth Senior Wednesday, sponsored by MeTV, offers a food voucher for all senior citizens (age 65 & older) who enter the park before 7 pm. The voucher is good for a free hot dog, a bag of chips and a 16-ounce fountain drink. The RiverDogs are also hosting “Dogs with a Cause” to support The Spokes Group Charleston. It is also a Guaranteed Wins-Day, so if the RiverDogs are not victorious, all fans in attendance may use their tickets to get into the next Wednesday home game for free.

Thursday, July 17, 7:05 pm: HOPE Week 2014 continues with Lowcountry Food Bank’s Food Works Program. It is also Budweiser Thirsty Thursday, courtesy of 95SX, with $1 drafts and DJ Natty Heavy in the Ashley View Pub. Wild Wing Café will also sponsor a wing-eating contest in the Ashley View Pub. The RiverDogs are also continuing their Thursday concert series, which is presented by Palmetto Brewery and Awendaw Green. Cheap Hats and Bourbon, an acoustic band that plays covers and original songs, will be playing adjacent to the Beer Garden.

Friday, July 18, 7:05 pm: The RiverDogs will partner with Mighty Mack and Scout on Day Four of HOPE Week 2014. ISHPI Red Shirt Friday, presented by 103.5 WEZL, encourages fans to wear red to the game and save $1 off your ticket purchase at the box office or donate that dollar to Canines for Veterans and Folds of Honor. United States Air Force Night will be celebrated as well. There will be a pregame awards ceremony for the annual Youth Baseball Camp, which is presented by The Kickin’ Chicken. The RiverDogs will wear red jerseys on Friday and will receive help from Titus the Wonder Dog, who will serve as a batdog for an inning. Miller and Coors present $3 Aluminum Pint Night in the Ashley View Pub. Stick around following the contest for another stellar fireworks display over the scenic Ashley River.

Saturday, July 19, 6:05 pm: HOPE Week 2014 wraps up, featuring Fields to Families. The first 1,000 fans through the gates will receive a Bill Veeck Bobble-Leg from WCBD Channel 2. In honor of Military Appreciation Night, presented by ISHPI, all active and retired military members and their immediate families can get into the game for free. The RiverDogs are also hosting Disco Demolition 2: You Better Belieb It. Fans that bring Justin Bieber and Miley Cyrus merchandise and memorabilia will get a $1 ticket. All of the donated items will be destroyed in a postgame demolition on the field. Social Media Saturday invites fans to use Facebook and Twitter to send the RiverDogs requests for songs, promotions and other ballpark features. It is also West Ashley Night at The Joe. Barefoot Night includes a Barefoot wine sampling around the Beer Garden.

Sunday, July 20, 5:05 pm: CCPRC and Crews Subaru Kids Club Sunday, sponsored by Y102.5, offers free admission for all members of Charlie’s Kids Club. Parking is free, and all children will receive a voucher for a free hot dog, a fountain drink and chips for Kids Eat Free from Pepsi. Pirates and Princesses Night is also set for Sunday. Children can make their own crown and treasure at the game while pirates from Blackbeard’s Cove roam the ballpark. An ice princess pregame meet and greet and Disney gift card giveaways are also scheduled. All fans can enjoy pregame catch on the field and postgame autographs with the RiverDogs. Patriots Point and its mascot, Scrappy, will be on hand for Sunday’s game as well. Charleston will wear its stylish seersucker uniforms on Seersucker Sunday. Fans that wear seersucker to the game can save $1 off their ticket purchase at the box office or donate that dollar to the Preservation Society of Charleston and the Historic Charleston Foundation. Celebrity “Smokin’ Chef” Aaron Siegel from Home Team BBQ will serve smoked pork belly pastrami with pickled local slaw and smoked Poblano mustard on a brioche bun at the RiverDogs’ new meat smoker.

Monday, July 21, 12:05 pm: The homestand closes with a special 12:05 pm start time, setting up the Business-Man’s Special and Service Industry Day. Play hooky from work or ask the RiverDogs to send an intern to your business and cover your shift so you can come to the contest. The Business-Man’s Special offers $7 upper reserve tickets. Members of the service industry will be rewarded for their hospitality with $5 general admission tickets for Monday’s matinee. Coors and Magic 107.3 present Dollar Dogs and Beers Night in the Ashley View Pub. There will also be an Old Mexico DVD Giveaway at the homestand finale.

This seven-game RiverDogs homestand is the longest home stretch in July at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park. For more information or to order tickets to any RiverDogs game, visit the Riley Park Box Office, call (843) 577-DOGS (3647) or head on-line to www.riverdogs.com. If fans cannot make it to the ballpark, they are encouraged to tune in to all the action this year both home and away worldwide on www.riverdogs.com and locally on 1250 WTMA, the new radio home for RiverDogs baseball.

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

Drive to Celebrate Greenwood Day on Sunday

July 14, 2014

Key assets to the Greenwood community will be honored throughout the day

On Sunday afternoon, the Greenville Drive will celebrate Greenwood Day as they continue to honor the local communities that make the Upstate such a great place to live, work and play.

As part of the game event, the Drive will have members of the Greenwood community serve in pregame honorary positions, and key members and community assets of the town of Greenwood will be highlighted during the game.

Don’t miss your opportunity to thank the Greenwood community for everything they provide to the Upstate. First pitch for the game with the Asheville Tourists is at 4:05. To purchase tickets, stop by the Main Street Box Office, call (864) 240-4528 or log onto GreenvilleDrive.com.

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

Celebrate First Responders on Sunday

July 12, 2014

Festivities begin at 2:00 on Field Street

The Greenville Drive are proud to celebrate the First Responders of the City of Greenville on Sunday at Fluor Field.

The game with the Augusta GreenJackets begins at 4:05, but the activities will kick off outside the south gate on Field Street before the game. The entire street will be set up with hands-on equipment exhibits, including interactive displays and demonstrations of SWAT team tanks, EMS vehicles, patrol cars, K9 teams and much more.

All kids who participate with the hands-on equipment will have the opportunity to parade around the field as Future First Responders, along with squad cars, motorcycles, emergency vehicles and the members of each first responders department prior to the game.

First Responders will serve in pregame honorary roles, and throughout the game, the Drive will recognize and thank special members of each organization. They will also participate in between innings activities include a T-shirt toss by firemen/policemen repelling off the roof, tug-of-war, an eating contest and more.

Be sure to come out on Sunday to honor and thank these First Responders for the important role they serve in the community. To purchase tickets, stop by the Main Street Box Office, call (864) 240-4528 or log on to GreenvilleDrive.com.

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

RiverDogs Again Join Yankees HOPE Week Initiative

July 12, 2014

Outings Planned for July 15-19 throughout the Lowcountry

The Charleston RiverDogs are once again proud to partner with their parent organization, the New York Yankees, for the HOPE Week Initiative. The initiative runs from July 15-19, and RiverDogs players, coaches and front office staff will make appearances throughout the Lowcountry during the five-day outreach.

This will be the sixth year in which the 27-time World Series Champion New York Yankees have held their HOPE Week Initiative. HOPE is the acronym for “Helping Others Persevere and Excel,” and this will be the third time that the RiverDogs will bring the concept to Charleston. Contributing sponsors this year include Harris Teeter and Tideline Tours.

“We are excited about the opportunity to partner once again with the New York Yankees for such a fantastic cause,” said RiverDogs Director of Community Relations Lauren Allio. “It is a great way for us to continue to be active in the community and to recognize some truly amazing people.”

“This initiative in which we’re partnering with the Yankees has been part of our makeup for several years as we have hosted ‘Dogs With A Cause’ at every Monday home game and the Hope Initiative takes it to another level,” said RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols. “Part of our overall marketing initiative stems from our being very active in our community, and this actively involves the players in which our fans will certainly enjoy.”

The RiverDogs will participate in events every day from July 15-19 to garner awareness for highlighted causes, individuals and organizations. In addition, every day over the five-day period, a different non-profit organization and/or family in need will receive an once-in-a-lifetime experience of interaction with RiverDogs players and an evening of fun at a RiverDogs game.

The RiverDogs and all of the Yankees’ affiliates received a citation from the President’s Volunteer Service Award for last year’s HOPE Week.

The schedule includes:

· Tuesday, July 15: Warriors 4 Warriors Foundation

o Warriors 4 Warriors Foundation provides emotional support and connection to women who have been diagnoses with breast cancer, are going through treatment and are survivors. They focus on quality of life for these women, their families, children and caretakers through their various programs.

o Players will help put together care packages for women currently receiving treatment, deliver those care packages and help with a make-over through the Warriors Wear Lipstick program.

· Wednesday, July 16: Therapeutic Foster Parents, SC Youth Advocate Program

o Carolyn & Martin Meier serve as the therapeutic foster parents for several years, serving the long-term needs of numerous medically fragile children in foster care.

o Players will join the Meiers and a social worker on a Dolphin Adventure boat tour through the Lowcountry marshes.

· Thursday, July 17: Lowcountry Food Bank

o The Lowcountry Food Bank’s primary mission is to lead the fight against hunger in the area with a vision to end hunger in coastal South Carolina.

o Players will work side-by-side with this summer’s Food Works apprentices to prep meals for Meals on Wheels.

· Friday, July 18: Mighty Mack and Scout

o Mighty Mack is a six-year-old boy who suffers from a rare form of leukemia. His four-year-old sister, Scout, is his bone marrow donor.

o Players will surprise Mack and Scout with a fun day at the ballpark, joining in on batting practice and other pregame activities.

· Saturday, July 19: Fields to Families

o Fields to Families is a nonprofit organization that helps the hungry in the Charleston community gain access to nutritious fruits and vegetables. When local farmers have fruit and vegetables that they can spare, either because they can’t harvest them in time or because they simply can’t use them, they contact Fields to Families.

o Players will go to the participating farms and pick/harvest unwanted produce that will then make their way to Lowcountry organizations that feed the hungry.

Visit www.RiverDogs.com or contact Lauren Allio at 843/723-7241 for more information.

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

Autism Awareness Night

July 11, 2014

The Tampa Yankees will support Autism Awareness as they host their first annual “Autism Night” on Saturday, July 26 at George M. Steinbrenner Field against the Fort Myers Miracle. The game will begin at 6:00 pm & the gates will open to all fans at 5:00 pm.

On “Autism Night,” custom jerseys will be worn by the players & coaches that will be auctioned off during the game. Auction winners will have the opportunity to get their jersey signed by the player or coach who wore it after the game. The auction will benefit The Inspire Foundation, a non-profit organization whose mission is to bring music and the arts to ALL children with special needs. Fans will also have the chance to win a 2014 Ford F150 STX if they enter the raffle at the game.

Saturday, July 26^th will also be Friends & Family Night, where Family 4-Packs will be available for $38. Included are four reserved tickets, hot dogs, bags of chips, sodas, TY caps & two passes to Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo. Family 4-Packs can only be purchased at the Steinbrenner Field Box Office.

Before the game, kids will have the opportunity to run the bases from 5-5:15 pm & player autographs will be given on the concourse from 5:10-5:30 pm. A face painter will be on the concourse as well from 5-7:00 pm.

Tickets are $4 for general admission, $6 for reserved seating and can be purchased at the George M. Steinbrenner Field Box Office.

The Tampa Yankees are the Single A-Advanced affiliate of the New York Yankees. For more information you may contact the Tampa Yankees offices at (813) 673-3055 or visit www.tybaseball.com.

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