Public Recognition/Celebrations/Events

Saluted: Power and WVAW honor heroes

July 9, 2014

Invitation to local responders with free tickets to July 18 game

The West Virginia Power, a Class-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, are pleased to announce a partnership with West Virginia American Water to welcome “Hometown Heroes” to Appalachian Power Park for free on July 18, 2014. The Power will host the Rome Braves at 7:05 pm and West Virginia American Water will provide free tickets for members of the military, firefighters, law enforcement and other first responders.

“Our employees are our heroes, and we are planning a special night for them and their families at the ballpark on July 18,” said Jeff McIntyre, president of West Virginia American Water. “However, we also wish to thank the many other ‘hometown heroes’ – our military members, firefighters, law enforcement, and other emergency responders – for their ongoing dedication and service to the community and for their tireless efforts as they worked alongside our employees in response to the Freedom Industries spill earlier this year.”

Civil servants in these or other related fields must reserve these complimentary tickets in advance by calling the West Virginia Power box office at 304-344-2287. At the time of pick-up, identification noting civil service affiliation will be required. Each civil servant is eligible to receive up to four tickets courtesy of West Virginia American Water. The evening will conclude with a fireworks show.

“We are happy to work with West Virginia American Water on an event like this,” stated Power general manager Tim Mueller. “There are so many individuals that are vital to day-to-day life and to invite them to the park was a tremendous idea. This is just one way that we can help (WVAM) thank them for all that they do.”

For more information, contact the Power front office.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the West Virginia Power. Click here to view the original story.

Heroes & Legends Softball Game in Lakewood October 10th

July 9, 2014

Jay Johnston, Jim Dowd, Stephen Baker, Bruce Harper among participants; event benefits military-based non-profit organization

The BlueClaws will host a Heroes & Legends Charity Softball Game at FirstEnergy Park on Friday, October 10th.

Heroes and Legends is an organization dedicated to supporting veterans rehabilitative sports programs while assisting a wide network of military-based charities.

Among the participating former athletes:
Jay Johnstone – Former Phillie, Dodger & Yankee and two-time World Series Champion
John “The Count” Montefusco– Former SF Giant & NY Yankee who was the NL Rookie of the Year in 1975 and threw a no-hitter in 1976
Stephen Baker “The Touchdown Maker” – Former NY Giant Super Bowl XXV Champ
Jim Dowd – Former NJ Devil and 1995 Stanley Cup Champion
Bruce Harper – Former NY Jet running back
Keith Elias – Former Princeton and NY Giant running back
Jeff Frazier – Former Detroit Tiger and Toms River Little League Hero
Johnny Petraglia – PBA Bowler Member of Pro Bowling Hall of Fame
Parker Bohn – PBA Bowler Member of Pro Bowling Hall of Fame

Todd Frazier of the Cincinnati Reds, and a member of the 1998 Toms River East Little League World Series Championship team, and Frankie Edgar, Toms River native and former UFC Champion, will also make appearances at the event.

TICKETS: Tickets for the event are $10 for adults, $5 for children (kids under 5 are free), and $5 for enlisted or active military. Tickets are on sale now by calling 732-901-7000 option 2 or online by clicking here.

There will be a Home Run Derby beginning at 5:30 pm and the softball game itself will begin at 7:00 pm.

The program is dedicated to supporting veterans rehabilitative sports programs and charities honoring our Heroes past and present.

The Heroes Team is The Purple Heart Heroes All Star Team all of whom have been awarded the Purple Heart for their meritorious service.

Proceeds from this event will benefit Sanctuary Island, a non-profit organization that serves Wounded Warriors and other disabled to enhance health, literacy, life experience, and self esteem.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. They have led the South Atlantic League and New Jersey in attendance in all 13 years of existence.

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

Quilting for Veterans donates 60 quilts

July 8, 2014

Raises $1,260 for local Veterans

Sixty quilts and $1,260 was presented to Don Tyne and Linn County Veterans Affairs as part of Quilts to honor Vets in an on-field ceremony before the Kernels game with Beloit on July 5^th.

The project began on March 8^th as local quilters, organized by Connie Moyer and Connie’s Quilt Shop in Marion, began making quilts at Veterans Memorial Stadium, with 60 quilts produced by June 2nd. Also, a special quilt was made that was raffled off at the July 5^th game, and $1,260 was raised for Linn County Veterans Affairs through the quilt raffle.

The quilts will be given to local veterans in need through Linn County Veterans Affairs and events like Stand Down for Veterans.

“It was my honor to represent all of the quilters who spent their time and talents to make the 60 quilts that were given to Don Tyne to be distributed to local veterans as our way of saying thank you for their service to our country.”, said event organizer Connie Moyer of Connie’s Quilt Shop.

The Kernels begin a three game home stand tonight against the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers at 6:35 pm with the gates opening at 5:30 pm. The current home stand continues through Thursday, July 10^th.

Morgan Hawk brings you all of the play-by-play on the radio home of Kernels baseball, 1450 KMRY AM and 93.1 KMRY FM. Fans may listen on-line at www.kmryradio.com, or www.kernels.com.

Tickets may be purchased on-line at www.kernels.com, or by calling the Kernels Ticket Office at 896-7560. Ticket office hours are 10 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday, and 10 am to 2 pm on Saturday.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Cedar Rapids Kernels. Click here to view the original story.

Pulaski Mariners Host Danville on Military Appreciation Night

July 8, 2014

Wednesday night the Pulaski Mariners return to Historic Calfee Park following a four night road trip. The game against the Danville Braves will be Military Family Appreciation Night at the Ballpark sponsored by the Military Family Support Center, the U.S. Army Recruiting Command, and Virginia Eagle Distributing.

Admission to the park is free for all active, retired, or veteran members of the military and their family. In addition, one hot dog, one drink, and one bag of chips will be provided. Families are encouraged to register for tickets by calling either the Military Family Support Center at 540-4000-8301 or the Pulaski Mariners at 540-980-1070.

Wednesday is the first opportunity for Mariner fans to watch the East Division leading Danville Braves as they do battle with Pulaski Mariner stars like Wayne Taylor, Carlton Tanabe, and Jay Baum.

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

Rainiers and Carol Milgard Breast Center To Host ‘Pink At The Park’ This Saturday

July 7, 2014

The Tacoma Rainiers and Carol Milgard Breast Center (CMBC) have teamed up for a fourth consecutive season to host ‘Pink at the Park’ this Saturday, July 12th at Cheney Stadium – a benefit game devoted to raising money to fund mammogram screenings for medically underserved women in the South Sound.

This year’s event begins when gates open at 6 p.m. for the Rainiers game against the Fresno Grizzlies. The first 3,000 fans arriving to the ballpark will receive limited edition pink trucker hats courtesy of CMBC. Pre-game activities will also include video testimonials of patients who have successfully defeated breast cancer and the formation of a ‘Circle of Hope’ around the pitcher’s mound that will be comprised of breast cancer survivors and their friends and families. Survivors will release pink balloons symbolizing the release of fear and renewed hope for the future.

When the game gets underway at 7 p.m., each Rainiers player and member of the coaching staff will wear special pink jerseys in recognition of breast cancer patients and their families who have battled the disease. Each of the game-worn jerseys will be autographed and auctioned off as part of a live auction along the third base line of the stadium immediately following the conclusion of the game. Proceeds from the auction will go directly towards CMBC to support the breast center’s continued efforts to provide sustainable breast health services for all women in the South Sound.

“Pink at the Park is our flagship fundraiser for the breast center,” says Jackie Ostrom, executive director of CMBC. “The money raised during this event plays a key part in helping us fulfill our mission of treating all patients, regardless of their ability to pay.” To date, CMBC has provided over $2.3 million in compassionate care services to medically underserved and underinsured patients in our community.

CMBC recently celebrated its fifth anniversary as the first dedicated breast imaging center in the South Puget Sound. Since welcoming its first patients on February 23, 2009, CMBC has provided more than 120,000 screening mammograms to women, and has performed more than 250,000 exams and procedures in total. The breast center’s most important milestone, however, has been saving more lives through early detection. CMBC estimates it has diagnosed over 3,000 breast cancers in its first five years. “We’re honored to be making a real difference in our community, because we know that early detection saves lives,” says Khai Tran, M.D., medical director and visionary of the breast center.

Breast cancer continues to rank as the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women, with one in every eight women in the U.S. affected by the disease. Women whose breast cancer is detected at an early enough stage have been shown to have a 93 percent or more survival rate. The breast center supports screening guidelines established by the American Cancer Society, recommending that every woman 40 years of age and older receive a routine screening mammogram every year.

The Carol Milgard Breast Center is a non-profit organization whose mission to provide sustainable breast health services to all women in the South Sound is reliant upon support from the community. For additional information about the Carol Milgard Breast Center or to contribute a donation, please call (253) 759-2622 or visit CMBC online at www.carolmilgardbreastcenter.org.

To purchase tickets to the Rainiers ‘Pink at the Park’ game this Saturday or another upcoming Tacoma Rainiers game in 2014, please visit the team online at www.tacomarainiers.com, call 1-800-745-3000 or visit the Cheney Stadium Box Office located at the front entrance of the ballpark. Up-to-date news and notes about ‘Pink at the Park’ or any can be found at www.tacomarainiers.com and by following the Rainiers on Twitter (@RainiersLand) or liking the team on Facebook.

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

RailRiders Announce HOPE Week Activities

July 2, 2014

Week-Long Festivities Commence Sunday, July 6

What began as an ode to the parent club and the community has turned into an annual tradition in NEPA. The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Triple-A/New York Yankees) are proud to announce that beginning on Sunday, July 6 the RailRiders will join the New York Yankees in support of HOPE (Helping Others Persevere and Excel) Week 2014, a unique week-long communal program that brings to light extraordinary stories intended to inspire individuals into action in their own communities.

Initiated in 2009 and now in its fifth campaign in NEPA, HOPE Week is rooted in the fundamental belief that acts of goodwill provide hope and encouragement to more than just the recipient of the gesture. Each day from Sunday, July 6 through Friday, July 11 members of the RailRiders front office staff or club will reach out personally to connect with an organization, cause or individual. 2014 marks the third straight year that each of the Yankees’ six U.S.-based affiliates will participate in the program, making the initiative one that the entire organization proudly stands behind.

HOPE Week begins with the RailRiders’ annual food drive on Sunday, July 6. Patrons are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to the 7:05 p.m. contest against the Charlotte Knights (Chicago White Sox) in exchange for one lawn seat in the NEPA Honda Homer Zone. SWB has partnered with the Voluntary Action Center which will distribute the collected items to agencies and food pantries around the region. The RailRiders will respond by honoring Voluntary Action Center’s ‘Volunteers of the Year’ with a pre-game ceremony on the field.

Scranton/Wilkes-Barre coaches, players and front office staff will trek to the Gino Merli Veterans Center in Scranton on Monday, July 7 to participate in a full day of inspiring visits. The RailRiders will visit residents in their rooms and see who has the best stuff in some games of Wii baseball. The visit includes a social filled with baseball-themed snacks.

Fortune favors the bald? We will find out on Tuesday, July 8 when the RailRiders join the Vs. Cancer Foundation with a night at PNC Field committed to raising money for childhood cancer research. Half of the funds raised will be donated to the National Childhood Cancer Research Foundation and the other half will be donated locally. RailRiders players and front office staff will shave their heads during and after the game to help raise awareness. A number of names are scheduled to participate including RHP Danny Burawa, SHP Pat Venditte, C Francisco Arcia and team president/GM Rob Crain. The RailRiders have set a team goal of $10,000 for the event.

On Wednesday, July 9, Children’s Miracle Network kids and their families will journey into the RailRiders’ home clubhouse for a personal meet-and-greet with players before the game.

The RailRiders head to the NEPA Boys and Girls Club on Thursday, July 10. SWB has partnered with Combined Forces Mobile Laser Tag for the fun and excitement of laser tag. The event includes inflatable barricades, walls and laser guns. RailRiders’ players and staff will participate in the team sport with club members from 10 a.m.-11 a.m.

The big league baseball dream propels the RailRiders each day. On Friday, July 11, the RailRiders will seek to help dreams of a different variety. HOPE Week concludes with Princess and Pirate Night at PNC Field as the RailRiders partner with the Make-A-Wish foundation to honor two deserving kids. Limos, along with staff dressed in their best princess and pirate attire, will escort the two honorees to PNC Field for special on-field recognition and ceremonial first pitches. Each child will receive a complimentary princess and pirate costume and promotional package.

HOPE Week is just a part of the RailRiders’ community outreach this season, and the RailRiders look forward to continuing their involvement both during and after HOPE Week. Any inquiries regarding the week-long festivities should be directed to RailRiders community relations manager Rachel Mark by calling 570-969-2255 (ext. 3140) or by e-mailing rmark@swbrailriders.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Scranton Wilkes-Barre Yankees. Click here to view the original story.

Dragons Celebrate Matt Louis, Community All-Star

June 30, 2014

Heavy flooding after a very rainy day on May 21 led to a dangerous situation on interstate 75. Thankfully for several local residents, a hero was ready to risk his life to save others.

Flood waters rose quickly along interstate 70 near Huber Heights. The water consumed several cars, leaving them stranded and in need of help. Matt Louis stepped up to the plate.

“It was all instinct,” Matt said. “A little bit of adrenaline kicked in. One woman was screaming that she can’t swim, and I just had to help.”

Matt waded into flood waters that reached his chest and approached one of the cars. He carried an infant from the car back to safety and then went back to help the baby’s mother. Matt went out for a third time to save another woman in a second car who was unable to swim.

“Matt really earned his Superman cape,” Erin Dorn, a friend of Matt’s, said. “We were just glad everybody was okay. That was very brave to go out there in the water not knowing what the current was.”

For risking his own life to save the lives of others, Matt has been selected as a Dragons Community All-Star. The Dragons Community All-Stars Program honors individuals and organizations that have gone above and beyond to improve the quality of life in the Miami Valley.

The Dragons Community All-Stars Program is made possible by the generous support of Vectren. For more information on the program or to read about the All-Stars we have honored in 2014, visit daytondragons.com.

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

GARY CARTER FOUNDATION FUNDRAISER — JUNE 29th

June 29, 2014

Earlier this year, the Mets family lost a long-time member with the passing of beloved Hall of Fame catcher and Mets icon, Gary Carter, who left us on February 16th after a courageous battle with brain cancer. Throughout his Hall of Fame career, Gary Carter graced the game he loved with the fearlessness of a warrior and the joyful exuberance of a kid. His passion, leadership and guidance cemented his place in Mets lore as one of the most influential players in franchise history.

The Kid was a key cog during the Mets World Series Championship in 1986, and will forever be revered as a fan favorite by those who root for the orange and blue. Although Carter entered the Hall of Fame as a member of the Montreal Expos, he always had the orange and blue of his beloved New York Mets running through his veins.

With that in mind, the Cyclones will remember Gary Carter in a special pre-game ceremony on Friday, June 29th prior to the 7:00 pm game against the Aberdeen IronBirds. That evening the Cyclones will wear special orange and blue jerseys with a “Kid 8” memorial patch on the right sleeve – the same patch that the New York Mets are wearing throughout the season.

These special jerseys will be raffled off throughout the game with a portion of the proceeds to benefit the Gary Carter Foundation. This organization carries on Gary’s mission to better the physical, mental and spiritual well being of children in need. Even after his death the Kid continues to enrich the lives of those less fortunate.

Here’s a look at the special jerseys the team will wear and raffle off that evening:

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

Military Appreciation Night on Tuesday

June 26, 2014

USO and Upstate Warrior Solution on hand to support the military; Fireworks to follow the game

As part of an exciting kickoff to the Fourth of July weekend, the Drive are proud to honor both current and retired members of the military as they host Military Appreciation Night on Tuesday, July 1^st at Fluor Field. The game between the Drive and Asheville Tourists begins at 7:05.

USO will be on hand to show their support for all military members in attendance. USO is a nonprofit organization that relies on the generosity of individuals and other organizations to perform their mission of lifting the morale of America’s troops and their families. They will have an enter-to-win table on the concourse for a pair of Stars and Stripes hats signed by Drive players.

Fluor and Duke Energy, a pair of Drive partners, will also be on hand to support military members all game long.

Before the game, fans will get a chance to see parachute jumpers enter the stadium, and children of military members will participate in the “Field of Dreams” and take the field with Drive players.

During the game, the Drive and Upstate Warrior Solution will present Purple Hearts and Navy Commendation Medals on the field in between innings. Upstate Warrior Solution is a community-based nonprofit organization in the Upstate that connects warriors and their families to the resources they need in their lives.

A fantastic post-game fireworks show will cap off a special patriotic evening. Don’t miss out as the Drive honor the bravery of current and retired military members and thank them for their service for our country!

To purchase tickets for Tuesday’s game, 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.

Everyday Heroes Night on July 3rd

June 25, 2014

On Thursday, July 3rd the Tampa Yankees will host Everyday Heroes Night at George M. Steinbrenner Field to honor all those who work to keep our nation safe as they play the Lakeland Flying Tigers at 7:00 pm. The gates open at 5:00pm to all fans.

All active & retired Military, EMT Specialists, Firefighters & Police Officers will receive FREE ADMISSION if they show up with a valid I.D.

In honor of Everyday Heroes Night, each of the players will wear a customized jersey, which will be auctioned off during the game in a silent auction. All proceeds will benefit the Everyday Heroes non-profit organization and each purchaser will have the opportunity to have their jersey signed and meet the player it was worn by.

Before the game, fans will enjoy a Food Truck Rally with Tasty Stacy, PAO Truck, Kona Ice, Hot Mess, Disco Donuts, Sarges BBQ, PaniniRiffic and Escomo.

Everyday Heroes Night, lands on a Thursday and you know what that means…Throwback Thursday! Instead of paying $6 for reserved seating or $ 4 for general admission, fans will be able to purchase tickets like it’s 1994. Reserved seating will only cost $2 and general admission will be just $1. In addition to our reduced ticket pricing , fans can enjoy 14 oz. Draft Beers for $2, small sodas for $1 & half price nachos from 5-7 pm, presented by 98.7 The Fan.

After the game, fans will enjoy a fireworks display as a celebration of Independence Day, courtesy of Budweiser.

Tickets for Everyday Heroes Night, as well as future Tampa Yankees games, can be purchased at George M. Steinbrenner Field Box Office or through TicketMaster

The Tampa Yankees are the Single-A Advanced affiliate of the New York Yankees. For more information please 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.

Timber Rattlers host Military Appreciation Series July 1-3

June 24, 2014

Players and coaches to wear military-themed jerseys during three game set

The Timber Rattlers and American National Bank present a Military Appreciation Series from July 1 through July 3.

The three games between the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers and Cedar Rapids Kernels at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium from Tuesday, July 1 through Thursday, July 3 will have a distinctly military feel to them. The Timber Rattlers and American National Bank prepare you for your Independence Day celebrations with a Military Appreciation Series.

Timber Rattlers players and coaches will wear jerseys with a military camouflage design during all three games of the series. Each of the jerseys will have a different military motto where the player name usually goes. The players and coaches will also wear patriotic caps during the series.

There will be a silent auction for both the jerseys and the hats with proceeds to benefit the Fox Valley Veterans Council Emergency Fund. The silent auction will begin at 5:30pm on July 1 and conclude at the end of the seventh inning of the game on July 3. Fans may phone in bids for the military-themed jerseys by calling (800) WI-TIMBER or (920) 733-4152 from 9:00am to 2:00pm on July 2 and July 3. Bids for the silent auction on the hats must be made in person during the games.

The Timber Rattlers are offering a free reserved bleacher seat to all active, reserve, and retired military personnel for all three games of this series. Please bring a valid military ID or form DD-214 to the box office to receive free admission to these games. Friends and family of the person receiving the free ticket may purchase additional reserved bleacher seat tickets at a discounted rate of $7.00 per ticket.

Additionally, Boxkar will be performing a free concert outside the stadium before the game on Wednesday, July 2.

All three games of the series are scheduled to begin at 7:05pm and the regular weekly promotions will be offered on their respective nights. These promotions include the Baker Tilly Business Person Special from WVBO and WNAM on Tuesday; WIXX Bang for Your Buck on Wednesday; and Arty’s Old Fashioned Drinks Thirsty Thursday presented by 95.9 KISS-FM.

American National Bank and the Timber Rattlers will also be giving away a Jim Henderson bobblehead on Tuesday, July 1. The first 1,000 fans to enter the stadium on that date will receive a bobblehead of Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jim Henderson, the Timber Rattlers closer in 2009.

There will also be a special Thursday night fireworks display on July 3, the final game of the series and of the homestand.

Tickets for the Military Appreciation Series are available online, over the phone at (920) 733-4152 or (800) WI-TIMBER, or in person. The free ticket offer for military personnel is only available in person at the Box Office. The Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium Box Office is open from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm Monday through Friday and Saturdays from 10:00 am to 3:00pm.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. Click here to view the original story.

Cardinals having an impact on and off the field

June 24, 2014

Members of the Palm Beach Cardinals and Jupiter Hammerheads shaved their heads on June 17 to support the Vs. Cancer Foundation. Over $7,500 was raised for the event.

The Palm Beach Cardinals, the Class-A Advanced affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, have had a terrific first half to the 2014 season. The team landed five All-Star selections to the Florida State League South roster, individuals have won weekly league awards and have been promoted within the organization, and overall, the team has been winning a lot of games.

None of the individual honors or impressive team winning streaks come close to how the 2014 squad has impacted the community off the field.

Earlier this month the Cardinals teamed up with the Vs. Cancer Foundation to raise money to help the fight against childhood cancer. On Tuesday, June 17th, Roger Dean Stadium hosted the Vs. Cancer Foundation Fundraiser Night at the Ballpark. Members of the Palm Beach Cardinals lined up to get their heads shaved in front of the dugouts following the game that night against the Jupiter Hammerheads.

Prior to the event, players on both the Cardinals and Hammerheads collected donations via fundraising pages to support the cause. Once the Cardinals learned that half of all proceeds from the fundraiser would benefit national childhood cancer research and the other half would help local children at Palm Beach Children’s Hospital, the team joined together to make the event a huge success.

The whole team took to social media right away, getting hundreds and hundreds of retweets from family, friends, and fans. Former college teammates and loyal supporters in the Cardinals organization took notice and helped spread the word. News about the team’s efforts spread like wildfire and the donations started pouring in.

The team goal of $5,000 was met after just three days of fundraising and was eventually shattered by more than one thousand dollars. Members of the team, led by Charlie Tilson and Joe Cuda, created an autographed ball giveaway for select fans who donated. The team spread the news via twitter that five autographed balls would be given away at random to those who donated to the cause.

“I’m just glad I could be a part of this,” Cuda said. “I never would have thought that it would have created this much buzz. It’s crazy how the baseball community is so connected together.”

On June 17th, the Cardinals gathered in front of the home dugout following the game to cap an extremely successful fundraising campaign by shaving select team members heads. Players who participated in the head shaving event were, Cuda, Tilson, Iden Nazario, Bruce Caldwell, Alex Mejia, Jesus Montero, Nick Martini and Jimmy Bosco. Even head trainer Keith Joynt stepped into the dugout barber shop to support the cause.

For the Cardinals, this wasn’t a one-time ordeal. Players have been giving back to the community all season long.

In early May, members of the team signed up to visit Palm Beach Children’s Hospital to spend time with children for a few hours before a home game. While just a few guys were asked to ride along for the visit, multiple players asked if they could go as well for fun.

While the fact that the Palm Beach Cardinals ranked in the top five in numerous batting and pitching categories among Florida State League teams in the first half of the season is impressive, the character of the guys in the Cardinals clubhouse is something to be commended.

The 25 players in the Cardinals locker room are truly making a difference in the Palm Beach community.

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

Fort Wayne Military Members Celebrated at The Principal® Financial Dreams Tour

June 23, 2014

Come to Parkview Field July 14 for a Night to Remember

The Principal Financial Group^® and the TinCaps will honor members of the military and the outstanding contributions they make to our country and communities during the 2014 Principal^® Financial Dreams Tour on July 14 when Fort Wayne hosts South Bend at 7:05 p.m. The Tour will make 18 stops from coast-to-coast and will provide attendees with information to help them plan for a brighter financial future for themselves and their families.

The July 14 game will feature postgame fireworks presented by The Principal and is a U.S. Foods Family Feast night. TinCaps fans also will have the opportunity to meet major league legend Bill Buckner for an autograph and photo at the Principal Dreams Tour autograph table. Buckner spent 22 years in the Majors from 1969 through 1990, accumulating nearly 3,000 hits. He played for six teams during his career, including the Cubs, with whom he won the 1980 National League batting title.

Since 2004, The Principal^® has brought more than 450 events to minor league ballparks, attracting nearly two million fans. Past tours have given fans the chance to meet some of baseball’s biggest stars, including Steve Garvey, Dave Stewart, Tommy John, Rollie Fingers and Lee Smith, among others.

Additionally, at the Dreams Tour event, The Principal will make a $1,000 contribution to the Wounded Warrior Project veteran’s charity supporting veterans employment programs.

“We’re thrilled to support hometown heroes,” said Steve Whitty, vice president of corporate marketing at The Principal. “We know these brave men and women are strong pillars of the community, and we’re honored to be able to give back to them through The Principal Dreams Tour, since they’ve already given us so much.”

“The Principal has been a tremendous partner for the TinCaps and supporter of our Fort Wayne community over the years,” TinCaps Vice President David Lorenz said. “Thanks to The Principal, we’re excited for fans at Parkview Field to have the opportunity to meet a legendary ballplayer like Bill Buckner.”

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Fort Wayne TinCaps. Click here to view the original story.

Meet MEGA Brain during Strike Out Stroke Night on June 27

June 22, 2014

Rattlers team up with Neuroscience Group

See MEGA Brain at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium on Friday, June 27!

Fans will see something at the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers game on Friday, June 27 that they have never seen at a Timber Rattlers game before…a gigantic MEGA Brain! It’s all part of Strike Out Stroke Night presented by Neuroscience Group and the Timber Rattlers.

The MEGA Brain provides visitors with a highly interactive educational experience about the central nervous system’s most critical organ. Visitors can step inside the 18 foot long by 14 foot wide by 12 foot high human brain, learn about the various structures and normal brain function, observe examples of brain trauma and disease, and view displays explaining some of the latest neurological medical treatments.

“We are so excited to be able to facilitate the Strike Out Stroke program, and to have the MEGA Brain available with which to educate people about the signs of a stroke,” said Cheryll Poissant, Director of Clinical Operations for the Neuroscience Group. “Our ultimate goal is to save lives through education and awareness.”

The MEGA Brain will be on display at Neuroscience Group’s main clinic located at 1305 W American Dr in Neenah on Friday, June 27 with Timber Rattlers players and Fang, the team mascot from 9:00am to noon. The MEGA Brain will be in front of the Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium beginning at 4:30pm on June 27.

Fans will also be able to stop by a Neuroscience Group information table on the main concourse for complimentary blood pressure screening.

“We’re very excited to partner with Neuroscience Group and Strike Out Stroke to help spread awareness about the signs of a stroke,” said Rob Zerjav, Timber Rattlers President. “We’re also excited to showcase the MEGA Brain to our fans as a way to further provide a memorable interactive educational experience.”

The game is also Peanut Free Night and North Shore Bank Family Night presented by Y100. No peanuts will be sold in the concession stands or allowed into the stadium as part of Peanut Free Night. For North Shore Bank Family Night, Children 12 and under receive a voucher that is good for a free hotdog and soda and children 14 and under may run the bases courtesy of Molina Healthcare after the postgame fireworks display.

Tickets for this game are available online, over the phone at (920) 733-4152 or (800) WI-TIMBER, or in person. The Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium Box Office is open from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm Monday through Friday and Saturdays from 10:00 am to 3:00pm.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. Click here to view the original story.

P-Nats Military Night Auction To Benefit Wounded Warriors

June 19, 2014

The Potomac Nationals are turning Military Appreciation Night into a “can’t miss” event on Sunday, June 22^nd. In addition to honoring all military members, along with appearances by former Redskin Dexter Manley and Congressman Rob Wittman, the P-Nats will hold a silent auction during the game with dozens of iconic baseball memorabilia items thanks to Reality Realty and Mammoth Global Partners.

The centerpiece of the items is a Stephen Strasburg autographed inaugural game ticket collage, which will be raffled off for free for all military attendees. Other coveted items available for bid by the general public will be a Cal Ripken Jr. autographed bat and a signed Willie Mays photo and baseball. All of the money raised in the auction will go to Arms Outstretched Ministries benefitting the wounded warriors of Bethesda and Belvoir.

A complete list of the items in the silent auction can be found below:

Stephen Strasburg Autographed Inaugural Game Ticket Collage (to be raffled off for all military attendees)
Cal Ripken Jr. Autographed Bat
Willie Mays Autographed 16×20 Photo
Willie Mays Autographed Baseball
Stephen Strasburg Autographed 16×20 Photo
Sports Illustrated Magazine Signed by Tom Seaver and Nolan Ryan
Cachet Collage Signed by Cal Ripken Jr. and Cal Ripken Sr.
Orioles “Golden Boys” Photo signed by Cal Ripken Jr., Jim Palmer, Bobby Grich, Davy Johnson, Brooks Robinson, Paul Blair and Roberto Alomar
Replica Redskins Helmet Signed by Doug Williams
Alfred Morris Autographed 16×20 Photo
Michael Oher Autographed Football
Joe Theismann Autographed 8×10 Photo
Frank Robinson Autographed Baseball
Duke Snider Autographed Baseball
Whitey Ford Autographed Baseball
Eddie Murray Autographed Baseball
Jim Palmer Autographed Baseball
Cal Ripken Jr. “Ironman” Giclee
Manny Machado Autographed Baseball

Pregame festivities will feature player autographs in the concourse and a pre-game ceremony for military persons in attendance. Post game will feature Sunday staples with fireworks and kids run the bases presented by Glory Days Grill. First pitch is set for 6:05 ET against the Salem Red Sox.

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