PawSox Heritage Day at Polar Park

On Saturday, July, 9, the Worcester Red Sox paid tribute to their Pawtucket Red Sox history and Rhode Island roots. In order to commemorate their 50 years in Pawtucket, the WooSox transformed back to the PawSox, wearing their old jerseys and hosting their old mascots.

Worcester hosted more than 500 fans, friends, and employees from their time spent in RI, including some who have been watching the team since 1970. Former Red Sox and PawSox player Ken Ryan was in attendance to take pictures and sign autographs for fans throughout the day. Ken is a native of Pawtucket who has deep ties with the organization.

The WooSox also continue a tradition that was held at McCoy Stadium: the “Scout Sleepover,” where Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts are invited to camp out overnight on Polar Park’s outfield grass. The sleepovers were implemented in Worcester last season and this was the third of the season.

Among those honored in the pre-game ceremonies were the Pawtucket YMCA and the Pawtucket Boys and Girls Club. Both were longtime community partners of the organization during its time in Pawtucket. Representing the YMCA were leaders Charlene Lamountain, Jennifer Cantone, and Joemeli Garcia-Torres. For over 72 years, children from the Boys and Girls Club received tickets to attend a World Series game, a tradition started by local umpire Hank Soar.

Representing the Boys and Girls Club of Pawtucket were Phil Ayoub, Arthur Kaufman, Joe Fleming, and Matt Bergeron. Also in attendance was State Representative Carlos Tobon, who was a member of the program and currently serves as first Vice Chair of the House of Veterans’ Affairs Committee and a member of the House Innovation, Internet, and Technology Committee.

Throwing a Ceremonial First Pitch was former PawSox and current WooSox photographer and talented singer Tayla Bolduc. A Pawtucket native, Bolduc was a huge fan of the PawSox growing up before following her beloved team to Worcester.

Honored as the Hometown Hero was the president and CEO of the Rhode Island Foundation, Neil Steinberg. Steinberg’s leadership has helped raise over $600 million in funds since 2008. He also led the charge in creating the Crater Roger Williams Scholarship and the Andrew Scholarship.

Next, the WooSox honored a group of employees who worked for both the PawSox and WooSox. First up was “The King of Baseball,” and former president of the Pawsox, and current vice chairman of the WooSox, Mike Tamburro. Also honored was public relations stalwart, Senior Vice President of Communications Bill Wanless; Senior Vice President of Corporate Partnerships Michael Gwynn; corporate sponsorships member Mike Lyons; Vice President of Ticket Operations Sammy Soccoia-Beggs; Senior Vice President of Marketing and Assistant General Manager Brooke Cooper; Chief Ambassador and five-generation Rhode Islander Rick Medeiros; and ushers Steve Martin, Tony Souza, Graham Watkins, Russell Giles, Brendan Teller, and Louann Valleta.

The pre-game ceremonies concluded with the singing of the national anthem and the Game Ball to the Mound presentation. The anthem was performed by the Private Label, a barbershop quartet that performed the anthem at McCoy Stadium over 40 times. The game ball was delivered by a 10-year-old Pawtucket native named Brayden.

Honored on Saturday during the “In Debt to a Vet” ceremony was Sergeant Dan Foley, who served in Vietnam in 1969 and 1970; Staff Sergeant and Major Jack Dean, who is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and Army and served in the Vietnam war; Petty Officer First Class Thomas Newell, who served in the United States Navy from 1974-1996 and is a former PawSox Season Ticket Holder; and E-4 Specialist Joseph Vadnais, who is a veteran of the United States Army, serving from 1990-1995.

The WooSox lost a close game, 3-2, to the Scranton Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, the Triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, but for hundreds of fans, it was still an impactful day.

WooSox to Celebrate UniBank Women in Sports Day Saturday 7/23

Tuesday, July 19, 2022

Free panel features longtime T&G sports reporter Jen Toland,

7-time WFA champion Allison Cahill, and others;

Fans will be greeted virtually in-game by Janet Marie Smith,

Bianca Smith, Katie Krall, and Emma Tiedemann.

WORCESTER, MA — The Worcester Red Sox will celebrate “UniBank Women in Sports Day” at Polar Park Saturday, July 23, when the team hosts the Syracuse Mets (Triple-A, New York Mets) at 4:05 p.m.

From 12:30–1:30 p.m., the club will host a free panel in Polar Park’s DCU Club. Comprising the panel are influential women in the sports industry, such as Jen Toland, who has been a sports reporter for the Telegram & Gazette for more than 30 years; Kate Myshrall, who covered the Boston Red Sox, Boston Bruins, National Football League, and Summer Olympics for 13 years as a sports reporter for NESN and NBC; Boston Renegades star Allison Cahill, who is the first quarterback to lead a women’s football team to seven national titles; Professor Libby O’Hara, who directs the sport management program at Assumption University; and Katie Wickstrom, a former captain of the Santa Clara University women’s rowing team.

Fans can register for the panel at WooSox.com/WIS.

During pre-game ceremonies, the WooSox will honor panel guest Kate Myshrall as their “Hometown Hero.” As their “Heart of Worcester,” the club will recognize Girls Inc.

Other pre-game honorees will include Missy Clement of the Sharks Women’s Slow Pitch softball team out of Warwick, RI; reigning America’s Most Beautiful Miss Massachusetts Britt Klocko, a former New England Patriots cheerleader and current ER nurse at UMass Memorial; and reigning America’s Most Beautiful Miss Connecticut Dr. Brianna Muñoz, a former Pats cheerleader who now serves as president of the Connecticut Oral Health Initiative.

WooSox photographers and talented singers Tayla Bolduc and Natalie Reid will perform the National Anthem.

During the game, fans will be greeted on the videoboard by several prominent women in the Red Sox family: Janet Marie Smith, who partnered with WooSox Chairman and Principal Owner Larry Lucchino to create Oriole Park at Camden Yards, save Fenway Park, and design Polar Park; trailblazing Red Sox coaches Bianca Smith and Katie Krall; and Director of Broadcasting for the Portland Sea Dogs, Emma Tiedemann.

“For more than 33 years, women have held the highest positions in organizations run by Larry Lucchino,” said WooSox President Dr. Charles Steinberg. “We would like to show young women that the doors are open, the pathways are clear, and heights are limitless.

“At the WooSox, women have various leadership roles, from Executive Vice President to Senior Vice President to Vice President to department heads. There is nothing gender-specific about the love of baseball or of career opportunities in baseball.”

Fans will receive a special “UniBank Women in Sports” silicone bracelet as they enter Polar Park. In addition, the WooSox Team Store will sell limited-edition “Women in Sports” shirts.

Earlier on Saturday, all youngsters can participate in the second free WooSox Youth Clinic of the season, presented by Hanover Insurance at 10 a.m. WooSox players, coaches, and front office staff will teach the basic mechanics of hitting, pitching, and fielding on Polar Park’s outfield grass. The first clinic, held Saturday, July 9, attracted more than 120 children of various ages. Register at WooSox.com.

Following the clinic, participants will be invited to a “meet-and-greet” with several women from the WooSox front office.

Following the game, all can enjoy a gentle Sunset Catch on the Field, presented by Dunkin’.

A special $24 ticket package includes a “UniBank Women in Sports” shirt, $2 of ballpark credit, and a spot on the Simply Orthodontics Berm in left field. The $38 ticket package includes a shirt, $2 of ballpark credit, and a seat in the third base field box. Fans can purchase their package at fevo.me/womensports.

Tickets are available at WooSox.com, the Polar Park Ticket Office, or by calling (508) 500-1000. Fans may reach Group Events Manager Tom Steiger at [email protected].

RiverDogs Named “Small Business of Year” by Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce

The Charleston RiverDogs have been selected as the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce’s “Small Business of the Year”. The award is presented annually to an outstanding small business who has demonstrated value in community engagement, entrepreneurship, employee relations, leadership and performance.

“We are humbled to receive this honor from the Chamber of Commerce. As we work with many other small businesses in the Lowcountry on a daily basis, we know that there are a myriad of great candidates for an award like this,” said RiverDogs President and General Manager Dave Echols. “Our success is based in large part on our partnerships with other businesses in the area and the community that supports us every season.”

Following the cancellation of the 2020 season and significant restrictions for the 2021 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the RiverDogs have enjoyed an incredible bounce back year in 2022. Attendance figures are returning to pre COVID-19 numbers, and the Segra Club is exceeding expectations for booking special events, allowing the organization to launch the RiverDogs Food Truck, while also increasing the number of full time RiverDogs staff.

The 2022 campaign has also allowed the RiverDogs to return to active community engagement. The RiverDogs have quickly re-established their leadership role with area youth baseball programs, local military, diversity and inclusion initiatives, literacy and advocating for children’s health.

“We are thrilled to announce the Charleston RiverDogs as our 2022 Small Business of the Year,” said Bryan Derreberry, President and CEO of the Charleston Metro Chamber. “The RiverDogs have had an incredible impact on our community and continue to demonstrate incredible leadership.”

The RiverDogs and other award recipients will be celebrated at The Honors event hosted by the Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, September 7 at the American Theater. Throughout the evening, the Chamber of Commerce will present The Honors Awards, honoring companies and individuals who have provided exceptional advancements to the Charleston region, including the prestigious Joseph P. Riley Leadership Award.

Tickets for all RiverDogs games are still available! Visit riverdogs.com to secure your seats now. Season tickets, Dog-E Coin plans, and group tickets, including options to the Segra Club at Riley Park, are available at riverdogs.com/tickets. The Segra Club is also open for events year-round. Visit segraclub.com for more information. The brand new RiverDogs Food Truck is available for your next event! Contact the RiverDogs front office at 843-577-3647 (DOGS) for more information.

Dragons to Recognize “Community All Stars” Recipient During Game Tonight on July 22

Dayton, Ohio — The Dayton Dragons will recognize Chloe Adkins as a “Community All-Star” recipient during a special inning break of the Dragons game tonight on Friday, July 22 against Fort Wayne Tincaps at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District. The game will start at 7:05 p.m.

At nine, Chloe Adkins has spent most of her life giving back to her community. Kettering and Dayton have been blessed by her activist nature since she was four years old.

Starting at the Kettering Backpack Program, Chloe helped to build bags for students in need of meals outside of school hours. She even donates a portion of any money she earns through allowance or other jobs to charities like Kettering Backpack.

Chloe’s mental compass seems to lead her directly to the causes in her community that need the most attention, and she does whatever she can to shed a light on that charity or program by getting the word out to encourage action.

When her school program needed more items to fill birthday-cake care kits, Chloe offered to record a video for social media to remind parents to get their donations in. And, when she learned cancer patients like herself needed blood donations, she recorded a video to encourage people to donate to local blood drives like the one she led with the Community Blood Center.

Now, she’s competing in a world-wide educational contest called the Invention Convention to fill a need in her community. Chloe is creating a fashion-forward design that provides confidence to patients while they get better with shirts with medical port coverings.

When she’s not volunteering, Chloe enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and doing regular kid stuff.

For all her work inspiring the community and making Dayton a better place—Chloe Adkins is our Community All-Star.

If you know other great individuals or organizations that are going above and beyond for our community, tell us about them! You can nominate an All-Star by telling us about them at daytondragons.com/communityallstar. The Dragons Community Al by the generous support of Flying Ace Express Carwash.

This is the third of five special Community All-Stars spotlights at Dragons games this season. Community All-Stars is presented Flying Ace Express Carwash. Additional tributes are scheduled for August 10 and September 1 each focused on a different individual or organization who have gone above and beyond to improve the quality of life in the Miami Valley.

The Dragons play at beautiful, downtown Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District and are scheduled to play 21 more home games during the regular season. Game times are 7:05 p.m. for Tuesday through Saturday games and 1:05 p.m. on Sundays. No Monday games are scheduled at this time. Gates open one hour prior to game time. Single-game tickets for all Dragons 2022 home games are available at www.daytondragons.com or by phone at (937) 228-2287.

Saints To Honor Jimmy Lee, Local Umpires As Part of Major League Baseball's “The Nine” Initiative On August 9

ST. PAUL, MN (July 21, 2022) – Umpires hear the boos and jeers from the crowd. They are yelled at from both dugouts. You know an umpire has done a great job if nobody notices them. The St. Paul Saints believe umpires should be lauded and respected for all their hard work just like one of the most well-known umpires in Minnesota was often observed for the amazing job he did. As part of Major League Baseball’s “The Nine” initiative, the Saints will honor Jimmy Lee, presented by St. Paul College, and create an annual program in his name honoring local umpires.

On Tuesday, August 9 the Saints will honor the hard-working men and women in blue kicking off an annual tradition that will be known as The Jimmy Lee Umpire Awards. Both baseball and softball umpires will be nominated by their league’s assignors in five different categories: Top Rookie Umpire (first year ump), Top Young Umpire (ages 12-18), Most Dedicated Umpire, Most Improved Umpire, and Lifetime Achieve Award. The winners will be chosen by a panel of Saints staff and will be honored at CHS Field prior to the August 9 game against the Columbus Clippers.

Jim “Jimmy” Lee was born in Vicksburg, Mississippi, moved to St. Paul when he was 23, and got a job with a downtown bank. He was involved in sports and played on the Uptown Sanitary Shop and the Twin Cities Colored Gophers, two of the most renowned Black baseball teams at the time. He became a local referee in both football and basketball and an umpire in baseball, considered by many the greatest official in the area at all three sports. He was the first black baseball umpire in the Big 10. He wrote columns for the Minneapolis Spokesman for over a decade. Lee was inducted into the Minnesota High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame (1972), the Minnesota Softball Hall of Fame (1982) and posthumously into the Minnesota State High School League Hall of Fame in 2013.

This is the second of two nights promoting “The Nine,” a new, Black-community focused outreach platform specifically designed to honor and celebrate the historic impact numerous Black baseball pioneers made on the sport, provide new opportunities for youth baseball and softball participation, further diversify the business of baseball, and embrace millions of passionate fans throughout MiLB’s 120 communities nationwide.

Saints tickets continue to be a tremendous value. Tickets begin at $5 for the Treasure Island berm seating, $6 bleacher seats, $15 for outfield reserved, $18 for drink rail, infield reserved, and home plate reserved. Friday home games with Post-Game Fireworks are an additional $2 per ticket. Post-Game Fireworks Supershows (September 4) are an additional $3 per ticket. Tickets purchased on the day of the game are an additional $2 per ticket. Children under the age of 12 and seniors 65 and older receive $1 off the admission price. Children under 2 that don’t require a seat are free.

Sea Dogs to Host Women in Baseball Night August 25th

Buy Tickets HERE

In honor of National Women’s Equality Day on August 26th, the Portland Sea Dogs will host Women in Sports Night at Hadlock Field on Thursday, August 25th when the Sea Dogs take on the Hartford Yard Goats at 6:00 PM.

The night will start with a meet and greet with several women in the baseball industry at 4:15 PM in the Corporate Corner picnic area located behind the left-field grandstand. Each person will speak for 10-15 minutes about their careers and how their experiences have led them to where they are today. Afterward, there will be a Q & A for those that are attending.

Among the women expected to take part in the event are Emma Tiedemann, Katie Krall and Erin Santana. Tiedemann is the Director of Broadcasting for the Portland Sea Dogs, the first female broadcaster in Sea Dogs history and one of three in Minor League Baseball. Krall is the Development Coach for the Portland Sea Dogs, making her the first female coach in Sea Dogs history and the second female coach in the Red Sox organization. Santana, a Maine native, is the Minor League Education Coordinator for the Chicago White Sox.

Fans interested in attending the meet and greet can purchase game tickets at www.seadogs.com or by calling the Sea Dogs ticket office at 207-879-9500. Sports groups looking to attend the game and receive a group discount can contact Allison Casiles at [email protected]. Once at the ballpark, please enter through the third base gate to access the Corporate Corner picnic area.

Mudcats & The Nine: Negro Leagues Tribute Night

ZEBULON – The Carolina Mudcats proudly present Negro Leagues Tribute Night on Saturday, July 23, at Five County Stadium. Part of Minor League Baseball’s “The Nine” initiative, and in partnership with the Buck Leonard Association, Negro Leagues Tribute Night will see the Mudcats play the Down East Wood Ducks and will begin with a 5:00 p.m. first pitch.

Ticket options, including single-game tickets, group options, and luxury suite packages in the US Foods Club Level are all on sale now at www.carolinamudcats.com, (919) 269- 2287, and the Five County Stadium front office in Zebulon.

Negro Leagues Tribute Night is highlighted by a Negro Leagues inspired souvenir t-shirt giveaway for the first 1,000 fans with paid admission. Negro Leagues Tribute Night will also include pre-game and in-game tributes designed to celebrate the legacy of Negro League teams and players, specifically Rocky Mount, NC native Buck Leonard who was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, 50 years ago, in 1972.

To help celebrate the 50th anniversary of Leonard’s induction into the Hall of Fame, the Buck Leonard Association will bring “UNDFEATED: The Buck Leonard Experience” to Five County Stadium for Negro Leagues Tribute Night.

Developed in partnership with Dr. Derek Ham and his students at the NC State University School of Design, the interactive exhibit tells the life story of Walter “Buck” Leonard with the help of four unique augmented reality features.

LEARN MORE: History and Augmented Reality Meet to Uplift a Black Icon from North Carolina

UNDEFEATED also provides an exclusive opportunity for guests to see Barnstormers: Determined to Win – a Virtual Reality experience where players face-off against Negro Leagues baseball legends Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson, and Buck Leonard, while bearing witness to the unique challenge of playing baseball during the time of racial segregation.

Developed by Dr. Ham and produced by his company Logic Grip in partnership with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, Barnstormers earned a 2022 invitation to the prestigious Cannes Film Festival and recently won Best VR Experience at Australia’s Ignite Film Festival. With partner Learning Lab 360, Barnstormers is brought on-location in mobile VR Labs, equipped with state-of-the-art Oculus™ VR headgear.

Created with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Programming in mind, UNDEFEATED becomes the new flagship program of the Buck Leonard Association “Sports & S.T.E.A.M. Collective”, which provides active-learning opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math for historically marginalized and at-risk youth in Rocky Mount and the surrounding area.

The objectives of the program are to present Negro Leagues baseball history in a way that engages and entertains, while inspiring young learners to pursue education and career paths in technology, and all guests to learn more about Negro Leagues baseball and its unsung heroes.

The Carolina Mudcats are the officially licensed Carolina League, Class-A, affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. First established in 1991, the Mudcats have provided affordable family fun for over 30 years at Five County Stadium in Zebulon, N.C. Follow the Mudcats online at www.carolinamudcats.com, and on social media at facebook.com/carolinamudcats, twitter.com/carolinamudcats, tiktok.com/@carolinamudcats and instagram.com/carolinamudcats.

Blue Wahoos And Marcus Pointe Baptist To Hold Baptisms And Baseball

The Blue Wahoos and Marcus Pointe Baptist Church have partnered to hold “Baptism And Baseball” on Sunday, July 31 at Blue Wahoos Stadium. Following the Blue Wahoos game against the Mississippi Braves that afternoon, any interested fan in attendance will have the opportunity to be baptized by Marcus Point Baptist Church on the field at the stadium following the game.

“We’re excited to partner with Marcus Pointe Baptist to bring this first-of-its-kind event to our ballpark,” team president Jonathan Griffith said. “The idea actually originated with my six-year-old son who came home from church one day and said he wanted to be baptized. I asked where and he said ‘at the ballpark!’ We called Marcus Pointe to see if it would be possible and we’re excited to be able to offer the opportunity to any interested fan.”

The Blue Wahoos game that afternoon will begin at 4:05 PM with the baptism event following the game’s conclusion. The team will also offer postgame kids run the bases and family toss in the outfield thanks to WKRG 5 News.

Tickets to the game can be purchased at BlueWahoos.com. All participants in “Baptisms And Baseball” will receive an exclusive t-shirt from Marcus Pointe Baptist Church and there is no fee to participate in the baptism event.

Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding Awareness Night August 3

What is WIC:

WIC provides complete nutrition care for thousands of Maine families, helping Maine kids to grow up strong and healthy. WIC food benefits are available based on income guidelines and up-to-date nutrition research. WIC serves eligible Maine families with Healthy foods, free nutrition education, and resources for growing families, including breastfeeding and chestfeeding information and support. WIC has Breastfeeding Peer Counselors to support participants in feeding their children. For more information, please see www.maine.gov/wic

Information about the game:

The Sea Dogs will host Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding Awareness Night, presented by the Women’s, Infants and Children Supplemental Nutrition Program, on Wednesday, August 3rd when the Sea Dogs host the Erie SeaWolves at 6:00 PM at Hadlock Field.

WIC is open to anyone living in Maine, including migrants working in Maine. Applicants can be any of the following:

• Women and birthing parents who are pregnant, breastfeeding, chestfeeding, or had a baby in the last six months.

• Infants and children up to the age of five, including adopted and foster children.

• Non-birthing parents or guardians may apply for their children

Stop by the WIC table at the game to learn more about our Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding Supports for parents.

WIC has 65 convenient locations around the state to support you and your baby. See www.maine.gov/wic for more information.

Canadians To Host Pride Night July 28th

VANCOUVER, BC – The Vancouver Canadians are excited to announce the return of Pride Night for the 2022 season. This year’s celebration of “Baseball For All” will take place on Thursday, July 28 at Nat Bailey Stadium when the C’s host the Everett AquaSox (Mariners). Gates open at 6:00 p.m. and first pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. The first 2,500 fans to enter the ballpark will receive a Pride flag.

Baseball is a game for everyone, and the Canadians are firm believers that The Nat – and every ballpark across the globe – should be a place where every fan is made to feel comfortable in a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment while rooting on their favorite team.

The C’s have partnered with Vancouver Pride Society, the West End Slo-pitch Association (WESA) and the Mabel League on this year’s edition of the annual event. Pride t-shirts and Pride pins will be available for purchase, with net proceeds benefitting those three organizations. Tickets and more information are available at CanadiansBaseball.com.

About Vancouver Pride Society

Vancouver Pride Society strives to produce inclusive, celebratory events, and advocate for 2SLGBTQAI+ communities through an intersectional lens. They strive to produce events that reflect the pride the 2SLGBTQAI+ community has in itself by strengthening the sense of community, and contributing to the vibrancy, health and overall well-being of all persons in the community.

About WESA

The West End Slo-pitch Association (WESA) has been proudly organizing games and socials for LGBTQ2S+ folks & allies since 1978. Now in our 44_th__ season, WESA has over 270 members drafted onto 19 teams. In addition to coordinating fun softball play, WESA operates with three main objectives: foster the bonds of community fellowship; develop and promote true sportspersonship; and raise funds ($120,000 over the past 33 years) for local community LGBTQ2S+ charitable organizations. “Together in Pride!”_

About the Mabel League

_The Mabel League is an East Vancouver queer fast pitch softball league that fosters a safe and fun environment for lesbians, bisexual women, queer people, trans people, and women allies to learn and play recreational softball. The Mabel League was established in Vancouver, BC, Canada in 1990. _

Scout Day at the Drive

*Enjoy the Adventure, Achievement & Fun at Fluor Field on Sunday, July 24th! *

Special Scout Day programming includes:

  • Commemorative Scout Day at the Drive patch
  • Pre-game Parade of Champions around the warning track of Fluor Field
  • In-game Recognitions of Upstate Scouts and Scout Leaders
  • Opportunity to participate in between-inning games
  • Post-game Kids Run the Bases with Reedy Rip’It
  • PLUS, a post-game campout on the field!

All tickets are General Admission and will be located on the 1st base side of the stadium in sections 116-120 to accommodate group seating by troop/pack.

Tickets are $8 each for game + post-game campout on the field! To secure your ticket, click HERE.

Additional information will be sent out closer to the date surrounding the campout rules and procedures.

Round Rock Express to Host “End the Stigma Night” on July 27  

ROUND ROCK, Texas – The Round Rock Express are set to host End the Stigma Night, on Wednesday, July 27 at Dell Diamond as the Express take on the Sacramento River Cats (San Francisco Giants) at 7:05 p.m. The night will highlight the importance of mental health and self-wellness as former Express outfielder and current Mental Health Advocate for the San Francisco Giants, Drew Robinson, will discuss his journey after surviving a suicide attempt and how we need to “End the Stigma,” surrounding mental health. Robinson will speak to the crowd from the top of the dugout before the game begins.

“I’m so excited to return to Dell Diamond, which is where I spent so much of my time growing not only as a baseball player, but as a person,” Robinson said. “To be able to share my story with everyone at the stadium that welcomed and embraced me throughout my time spent there, through the ups and downs, is something not many players get the opportunity to do. I’m incredibly excited to come share my story and some lessons learned since my attempt in April 2020 with such a meaningful environment to me.”

Robinson will speak to the crowd 15 minutes before the game starts. Fans in attendance will be able to purchase an “End the Stigma” t-shirt, with proceeds benefitting the Better U Foundation.

Robinson’s story was detailed in the 60-minute film, “Alive: The Drew Robinson Story,” which aired in May of 2021 as part of ESPN’s “E:60” series and won a Sports Emmy for Outstanding Journalism. The documentary describes how Robinson survived 20 hours after attempting to take his own life.

Robinson was a fourth-round selection by the Texas Rangers in 2010 and he appeared in 100 games in the major leagues. Over the course of 2017 and 2018, Robinson appeared in 95 games for Texas and spent time with the Express from 2014-2018. He retired from baseball in July 2021 and continues to promote his message of self-love across the country.

“We’re thrilled to have our old friend Drew Robinson back at Dell Diamond,” Express President Chris Almendarez said. “He has overcome so much in his life and his message of positivity and strength will be incredibly powerful for our fans to hear.”

Local mental health non-profit organizations will be tabling on the concourse to spread awareness. If your organization is interested in having a table, please e-mail [email protected].

Tickets to July 27’s End the Stigma Night are on sale now and can be purchased online at RRExpress.com or by phone at (512) 255-2255. For more information about the Express, visit RRExpress.com or call (512) 255-2255. Subscribe to the E-Train email newsletter and keep up with the Express on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

Salute to the Negro Leagues Night: Akron Black Tyrites vs Jax Red Caps

On Saturday, July 9, the Akron RubberDucks will take on the Altoona Curve in a very special Salute to the Negro Leagues night. The Akron RubberDucks will honor the Akron Black Tyrites while the Altoona Curve will honor the Jax Red Caps by wearing the salute to the Negro League uniforms of the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp.

The Akron Black Tyrites were a member of the Negro National League in 1933. The club began that year in Columbus before moving to Akron for just 10 games. The team finished the season in Cleveland as the Giants.

The name was originally supposed to be “Tyr-ites” from the British word for tire, “tyre,” but the name soon became “Ty-rites” to match Akronites.

The team played their games at Akron’s League Park, which was a $135,000 ballpark constructed in 1928 on property at Crosier Street, Park Avenue, and Long Street.

Since the team only played a small number of games in Akron, only a few photos of the front of the uniform jersey appeared when the RubberDucks front office staff began research. To celebrate and honor the original Akron Black Tyrites, the RubberDucks created logos and uniforms in a style the team might have worn in 1933.

The Red Caps were originally formed by a group of local Black train porters, employees of the East Coast Railroad, that played together when they were off duty. The porters wore red hats as part of their uniform, and they were called the Red Caps during their workday. The team was officially put together by the Jacksonville Terminal Station and managed by player Alonzo “Fluke” Mitchell. The Red Caps, who called Durkee Field home, only played seven league games in their debut season in the Negro American League in 1937, finishing with a 4-6 record. They played more than 180 games between 1938 and 1944 and recorded a winning percentage of .401. The Red Caps moved to Cleveland in 1939 but return to Jacksonville in 1941. They finished the season at 12-20, coming in second to last in the league. The 1942 season was no better for the club, with a 7-22 record, and the team was dropped from the league in July. The Red Caps played as an unaffiliated team at Durkee Field in 1944.

Durkee Field, which is now known as JP Small Park, is one of only five Negro leagues ballparks still in existence. Edward Waters University, which is a local HBCU, used the field now for their games, as well as some local high schools. Outside of JP Small Park is a statue of Buck O’Neil, who is going to be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown this summer. Buck attended Edward Waters College before his Negro leagues playing and managing career and MLB scouting and coaching career. He then went on to found the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City.

July 9 will mark the first time both of the Fast Forward Sports Group teams’ salute to the Negro Leagues uniforms will be worn on the same field. Tickets are still available by calling 855-97-QUACK or by visiting akronrubberducks.com.

To help the RubberDucks and Jumbo Shrimp celebrate and share the story of the Akron Black Tyrites and Jax Red Caps, you can get your own Akron Black Tyrites merchandise here and your Jax Red Caps merchandise here.

Canadians host Indigenous Peoples Night on July 14

VANCOUVER, BC – Nat Bailey Stadium – home of the Vancouver Canadians – sits on the lands of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations. The Canadians, in partnership with Coastal First Nations and Rogers Communications, will pay homage to the people of those lands on Thursday, July 14 when they host their inaugural Indigenous Peoples Night.

The festivities will begin well before first pitch. Traditional music and dance will be performed at the ballpark entrance from 5:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. The on-field pregame welcome ceremony will be led by Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations leaders.

In conjunction with the Indian Residential School Survivors Society, 20 residential school survivors and their families have been invited to the game and 20 athletes from the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council will take the field with the C’s starting lineup as part of the Baseball Buddies program.

All Canadians game day staff will be wearing HstryMkrs “Every Childs Matters” orange t-shirts in solidarity with the theme of the night. The shirts will be available for presale and on site during the game with 100% of the proceeds benefitting residential school survivors. Shirts are available for presale now by clicking here.

The C’s extend their gratitude to Coastal First Nations for their consultation, guidance and support in launching this yearly event.

*Who: *Vancouver Canadians

*What: * Indigenous Peoples Night at The Nat

*Where: *Nat Bailey Stadium (4601 Ontario Street, Vancouver, B.C.)

*When: * Thursday, July 14, 2022, at 7:05 p.m. PDT

Tickets for the event are available now by calling the box office at 604-872-5232 or by clicking here.

Dragons 5K at Day Air Ballpark, July 16

Dayton, Ohio– The annual Dragons 5K presented by Orthopedic Associates is taking place Saturday, July 16, at 8AM at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District. The event began in 2011 and has become a local tradition as one of the largest races in the Miami Valley region, featuring over 2,000 people each year.

The Dragons 5K will continue offering a virtual option for those that prefer that method. Participants that sign up for the virtual option can complete the race on their own time then input their time online by July 16.

All race participants (including virtual) will receive four (4) tickets to a Dragons game, Dragons 5K shirt, Dragons hat, and finisher’s medal. The registration fee is $30 for ages 18 and up and $20 for ages 17 and under. The registration fee will increase to $35 after July 8, so be quick to register before this price increase. For the virtual race option, there is an additional charge of $10 for swag bag shipping or they can pick-up the week following the 5K at the Dragons Box Office.

Fans can still sign up online at https://runsignup.com/Race/OH/Dayton/Dragons5KOH or by visiting the Dragons Box Office at Day Air Ballpark between the hours of 10AM and 5PM. You can also sign up on the day of the race starting at 7AM.

Early race bag and bib pickup for participants will take place on Friday, July 15 from 8AM to 6PM at Day Air Ballpark located in front of the Dragons Box Office. Anyone not able to make early race bag pickup can pick up their bag and race bib before the race beginning at 7AM on Saturday, July 16.

The race will begin at 8AM and participants may choose to run or walk the course. Baby strollers are also permitted. The course will move through downtown Dayton and end back at the ballpark. Following the race, fruit and water will be distributed to participants.

Once race results are finalized, winners will be posted on the Dragons 5K race page and will be contacted via email with information on how to claim their prizes. The top three male and female overall finishers will receive a specially engraved baseball bat and be honored during a special inning break at a Dragons game. Awards will also be given out to the top 3 overall males and females in each age group and top 3 finishing groups. Top groups will receive great group prizes and the grand prize is a luxury suite to a Dragons game in 2023!

For any Dragons 5K related questions, please visit the Dragons 5K race page or contact Jake Arthur, [email protected].

The 2022 Dragons 5K is being presented by Orthopedic Associates. As the regional leader in comprehensive orthopedic care, Orthopedic Associate’s passion is helping Dayton’s families get back to doing what they love. Orthopedic Associates is proud to be the trusted orthopedic provider serving your Dayton Dragons for more than a decade. Learn more at www.BonesFixed.com_._