2010 Fisher Cats Foundation Scholar-Athletes Recognized June 4th

On Friday, June 4, 2010 the Fisher Cats Foundation awarded its annual Fisher Cats Foundation Scholar-Athlete Scholarships. Each year the foundation awards $2,500 scholarships to ten New Hampshire and two Massachusetts college-bound students. The twelve scholar-athlete scholarship recipients are selected based upon their academic success, athletic achievement and active citizenship.

The 2010 recipients and their families were invited out to the Fisher Cats game where they were recognized down on the field before the game. Fisher Cats President, Rick Brenner, presented each the Fisher Cats Foundation Scholar-Athlete with a certificate as his/her name was being announced.

After the pre-game ceremonies the scholar-athletes and their families were treated to a barbeque buffet out in left field in the Poultry Products Dinner in the Den, where they had the opportunity to meet members of the Fisher Cats Foundation as well as past scholarship winners.

“The Fisher Cats would like to congratulate the 2010 Fisher Cats Foundation Scholar-Athletes and their families,” said Fisher Cats President, Rick Brenner. “We would also like to thank all those who support the Fisher Cats Foundation and their continued efforts in making this night possible.”

Since 2007, the Fisher Cats Foundation has awarded over $110,000 in scholarships.

Fisher Cats President Rick Brenner with the 2010 Fisher Cats Foundation Scholar-Athletes

Students “Go Nuts for Reading!”

In the Flying Squirrels Inaugural Season, we also launched our inaugural reading program, “Go Nuts for Reading!”. Elementary school students throughout the Greater Richmond Area participated by reading eight books over two months to earn a ticket to a Flying Squirrels game this past spring. While at the game, students were recognized by participating in a pre-game parade around the warning track led by Nutzy!

To encourage the children to read, Nutzy and his friends went out to the schools and put on assemblies talking to the students about the benefits of reading, our reading program and Nutzy even acted out “Casey at the Bat”! The classroom that read the most books total from each school district was rewarded with a pizza party and visited by a Flying Squirrels player and Nutzy!

In our first year, over 32,100 students participated within nine school districts!

Nutzy and kids after on-field parade to celebrate reading program
Nutzy at a reading assembly acting out “Casey at the Bat.”

CPR “Certified” Fun at The Diamond!

On Saturday, May 29, the Richmond Flying Squirrels teamed up with the Richmond Chapter of the American Red Cross for CPR Grand Slam!  Residents in the Greater Richmond area took an online class and then finished their CPR certification training in the outfield at The Diamond! Participants were greeted by Nutzy as they checked in, then taken down on to the field to finish training.  Once the course was completed, the newly certified patrons earned a ticket to that night’s Squirrels game and were recognized for attending the life saving training! The youngest participant certified was 13 years old–he tossed out the ceremonial first pitch!

Red Cross CPR training on the outfield
Nutzy and our first pitch winner after completing CPR training at only 13!

Tribute to the Peanut Night Supports Central Virginia Food Bank

On Tuesday, May 18, the Richmond Flying Squirrels teamed up with the VA Peanut Growers to raise awareness about peanuts and the need for peanut butter for the Central Virginia Food Bank. People that brought a jar of peanut butter to the game to donate to the Central Virginia Food Bank were entered into a drawing to win an authentic Flying Squirrels practice jersey. Along with raising awareness about a great organization that is in constant need of support, we had a lot of fun as well as we were not only joined by two peanut mascots (one from the Virginia Peanut Festival & one from VA Diner) but also Peanuts characters Charlie Brown, Lucy and Snoopy! Samples of peanuts were distributed to our fans as fun was had by all in a tribute to one of Virginia’s most well known foods, the peanut!

Two happy Squirrels fans donating for a great cause!
Peanut Mascots helping with an on-field contest-Peanut Ring Toss!

FLYING TIGERS GO PINK TO RAISE MONEY FOR THE MARY KAY FOUNDATION

The Lakeland Flying Tigers Pink in the Park Night on May 1 at Joker Marchant Stadium helped the Mary Kay Foundation raise over $12,000 for the inaugural event. The Mary Kay Foundation proudly supports research dedicated to finding cures for cancers that affect women and programs committed to ending domestic violence.

Flying Tiger players and coaches wore pink jerseys during the game and fans had the opportunity to take the jersey off the back of their favorite player after the game. Autographed Detroit Tiger pink bats were auctioned off during the game.

There was a pre-game cancer survivor parade as well as a pink Cadillac parade on the field. Bases were painted pink as well. Even the post-game fireworks show had bursts of pink. The inaugural event was a great success helping raise awareness and funds for the Mary Kay Foundation.

Flying Tiger Alden Carrithers with his pink jersey winner after the game.

RoughRiders Host 3rd Annual ‘Riders Bowl

The Frisco RoughRiders Foundation hosted their 3rd Annual ‘Riders Bowl tournament on Wednesday, April 21st at Main Event in Frisco, TX. The entire 2010 RoughRiders Team participated in the event and all funds raised went to the Frisco RoughRiders Foundation.  The event raised over $6,000 for the RoughRiders foundation through registrations and silent auction/raffle ticket sales.

Over 100 people participated in the event and 19 out of 20 lanes were sold. First place was claimed by the team headed by ‘Riders pitchers Zach Phillips and Ryan Falcon. Second place went to the team that included infielder Marcus Lemon and the third place team included catcher Kevin Richardson.

All proceeds from the event benefited the RoughRiders Foundation.  The RoughRiders Foundation’s mission is to help families in North Texas through programs and events. In 2010 the Foundation has partnered with Frisco Family Services, The Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County, Gilda’s Club North Texas and The Frisco Miracle League.

Frisco RoughRiders Players before the bowling tournament.

 

 

 

Lookouts, SunTrust and Fans Team Up to Benefit Food Bank

The Lookouts have partnered with SunTrust Bank to introduce “SunTrust Sundays” to benefit the Chattanooga Area Food Bank at AT&T Field this season.

For every Sunday game this season, with the exception of July 4th, fans are encouraged to bring canned food items to AT&T Field to put in the bed of the Lookout’s Dodger Blue antique truck parked outside the stadium. On SunTrust Sundays, each fan that donates food items will receive a free general admission ticket for that Sunday’s game. Tickets will be distributed on a “per person” basis and are subject to availability. The canned food items will be donated to the Chattanooga Area Food Bank.

“We are excited to partner with SunTrust to help the Chattanooga Food Bank, and utilize this opportunity to help our community, too.” said Lookouts Owner/President/General Manager Frank Burke.

“SunTrust Bank is looking forward hosting SunTrust Sundays and helping strike out hunger,” said Alexandra Santiago, Director of Sales and Marketing at SunTrust. “SunTrust Sundays is a solid partnership that enables us to encourage Lookouts Fans to help the Chattanooga Area Food Bank while enjoying a ballgame at AT&T Field.”

The Chattanooga Food Bank, whose mission is to feed the hungry by linking America’s food bounty with those in need, distributed nearly 8.8 million pounds of food to more than 125,000 families in need last year.

“The Food Bank is excited that Lookouts fans are joining our mission to feed the hungry. Food donated at Lookouts games will help replenish our Emergency Food Box pantry,” said Gary Paul, Development Director of the Chattanooga Area Food. “During the past two years, we have seen a big increase in demand for food assistance. Last year we gave out 17,000 food boxes to families in our community, twelve percent more than the year before. I cannot think of a better way to fight hunger: help your neighbors and see a great game!”

RiverDogs Team Up with Charleston Miracle League

Fans who frequent Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park on a nightly basis hear the crack of the bat, the roar of the Charleston faithful and the laughter and joy that permeates the air.

In another part of Charleston, there exists another game for those who will never play in the big leagues, but the enthusiasm and teamwork that persists makes this a league where dreams become reality.

The Charleston RiverDogs most recent monthly volunteer project involved an afternoon spent with the Charleston Miracle League, which gives children and adults with special needs (i.e. mental and/or physical challenges) the opportunity to play baseball, for free, in formally organized league at a state-of-the-art complex in the City of Charleston’s Forrest Park Playground located in West Ashley built specifically for them.

“The City of Charleston and our fans have brought so much joy to Joseph P. Riley Park through the years,” said RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols. “It’s always great to get the opportunity to give something back to our deserving community, especially by teaming up with such a great organization as the Charleston Miracle League.”

The heart of this complex is our specially designed, rubberized-surface Joe Griffith Miracle Field, which allows players to fully participate regardless of their challenges. In addition, our complex boasts a fully functional concession stand, press box, covered picnic pavilion and handicap accessible restroom suites complete with lifts. Covered stands with viewing platforms ensure that everyone, regardless of his or her abilities, can enjoy watching a Miracle League game.

In addition, the CML is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that teaches volunteers of all ages, who typically serve as buddies for our players, the value of giving back to others and their community.

The Charleston Miracle League also engages in a yearly partnership with the Cooper River Bridge Run called “Bridging the Gap Through Baseball.” Interested participants may sign up for the bridge run as a representative of the league with 100% of the proceeds raised from this going directly to helping the Charleston Miracle League fund their Youth and Adult league programs. For 2010, the Charleston Miracle League has been selected as one of the official 2010 Cooper River Bridge Run charities.
For more information about the league or to donate or become a volunteer, visit the league’s website online at www.charlestonmiracleleauge.org.

Mascot Musical Teaches Students

The Indianapolis Indians are proud to announce that their mascot Rowdie, along with a team of actors from the Actors Theatre of Indiana, is currently participating in the second season of the educational program “Rowdie: Home Run for Health”.

The play is designed to entertain and educate elementary school students on the “bases” of scoring a healthy home run in the game of life. The play’s script pays special attention to three key areas of a healthy lifestyle: nutrition, exercise and personal hygiene.

Indianapolis Indians Community Relations Manager Ryan Bowman expressed that the play acts as an add-on for the information students are already learning.

“Rowdie: Home Run for Health was started to reinforce the healthy lifestyle lessons taught in our local elementary schools. We are extremely excited to work with the Actors Theatre of Indiana in the development of such a fantastic learning mechanism for young students.”

This program evolved due to the need for improved awareness of childhood obesity. After speaking with local elementary school officials and parents, the staff behind the play learned that many school districts rated child obesity as their biggest challenge to overcome in their schools.

The 25-minute play plans to journey to more than 30 Indianapolis-area schools, with the final performance to be held on Thursday, April 1. Aside from a free viewing of the show, each student also receives a multi-page Rowdie Fun & Fitness Activity Book filled with great activities and games promoting the play’s message of a healthy lifestyle.

The show itself includes a hand-created Victory Field backdrop accompanied with its very own flip down food pyramid. The play also features many baseball themed song and dance routines such as “Food for Thought” and “Let’s Get Some Exercise”.

Spinners Behind-the-Scenes Wine Tasting a Hit for CVB

The Lowell Spinners, Class-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, held a special fundraising event at LeLacheur park Thursday, February 18 to benefit the Merrimack Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau, who have seen a 70 percent slash in their funding and 90 percent of their staff cut in the previous months.

The Spinners opened their gates on a cold February night allowing patrons an all-access behind the scenes pass rarely given to the general public. Fans were granted access to the Spinners front offices, clubhouse and locker room for a night of wine, food and beer tasting not soon to be forgotten.

Wine vendors organized by Tutto Bene of Lowell sampled their product in the clubhouse once called home by everyone from Jonathan Papelbon to Kevin Youkilis, with jerseys hung in each stall.

Beer samples were provided by Merrimack Valley Distributors, allowing fans to sample the newest products from Sam Adams, Ipswich Ale and Longtrail Ale, with additional wine provided by Celebrity Wines, including pinots represented by Red Sox stars including David Ortiz and Youkilis.

The office typically manned by Spinners manager Gary DiSarcina was turned into a relaxation hotspot as the ladies from Body Destinations in Tewksbury offered complimentary chair massages.

In the Spinners conference room were the stars of the night: the 2004 and 2007 Boston Red Sox World Series trophies, ripe for photographs.

With tickets sold for $50 each and a silent auction of sports memrobilia, the event raised over $6,000 for the CVB in their time of need.

Kelly Larosa from Samuel Adams posing with beer samples and the Red Sox 2004 World Series trophy. (Photo by John Corneau/Lowell Spinners)
Curtis Lemay and Jeffrey Cohen sampling food and wine from Cobblestones/Moonstones in the Spinners clubhouse. (Photo by John Corneau/Lowell Spinners)

‘Birds Unveil 2010 Hit the Books Program

The Delmarva Shorebirds have teamed up with Sylvan Learning Center and Farmers Bank of Willards to kick off the 2010 “Hit the Books” Reading Program. The “Hit the Books” Reading program is designed to promote reading outside the classroom. Participating students are asked to read four books of their choice and track their progress on the official “Hit the Books” bookmark given to all students. Each book completed gets them to the next base and when they hit their homerun they are rewarded with two complimentary tickets to a Shorebirds game and the chance to set foot on the field and represent their school in a pre-game parade with Sherman.

“We’re proud to participate in this year’s reading program. Sylvan and “Hit the Books” are a good match because we have a common goal- to reach as many students as possible across the Eastern Shore and get them excited about reading. We look forward to recognizing their hard work and achievement at the Perdue Stadium this spring, and we hope the Delmarva community will join us in honoring these great readers as well,” said Becky Grinath, Director, Sylvan Learning Center.

Chris Davis, President of Farmers Bank of Willards also stated, “Hit the Books is a great program, and we are proud to be a sponsor in 2010. This program gives us the opportunity to give back and thank the community for its overwhelming support of the Farmers Bank of Willards. It’s the perfect partnership for a community bank that’s celebrating its 85 years in business and our local students who are the future leaders for our community.”

This season, the “Hit the Books” program will reach more than 45,000 students from 121 schools across the Eastern Shore. To accommodate the growing number of students who complete the program each year, the Shorebirds have added two additional dates, raising the total from six in 2009 to eight in 2010.

“As an organization, we take a lot of pride in our “Hit the Books” program. It is an excellent community outreach program and it is wonderful that we have the opportunity to get such a large number of young students involved in this educational program,” General Manager, Chris Bitters stated. “We are very much looking forward to rewarding all the fine young men and women that completes the program this season with an exciting evening at the ballpark!”

Blue Rocks Donate Nearly Half a Million for Local Causes

The Wilmington Blue Rocks proudly announce that the 2009 season saw the team, in tandem with its marketing partners and fans, donate and raise $424,000 worth of contributions to local charities, schools and community organizations. The sum represents a collective of many different types of contributions with the majority coming from monetary and ticket donations.

“We take pride in being able to contribute at this level to youth and charitable organizations in the greater Wilmington area,” said Blue Rocks general manager Chris Kemple. “I’m certain that we could not have done this without assistance from our 2009 marketing partners and fans that also played a large role in raising these funds.”

Blue Rocks concessionaire, Centerplate, allows community organizations the opportunity to volunteer at the concession stands during home games in return for a percentage of the money received at each stand. Thanks to this program almost $74,000 was given back to community organizations.

The Blue Rocks continue to support local youth baseball and donated over $1,600 as well as used baseball equipment to local Little League organizations.

Game-worn memorabilia auctions saw an increase in frequency and dollar amounts, helping to raise over $6,300. On April 19, the Blue Rocks wore purple hats to raise money for the Bernadette Farrell Memorial Fund as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Night. The Rocks sported pink jerseys on May 29 to benefit the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition.

The Rocks wore camouflage hats on May 30 and August 1 to raise money for Delaware Boots on the Ground and USO Delaware. On July 3, Wilmington donned patriotic jerseys to support United Cerebral Palsy of Delaware (UCP). The Rocks wore Red hats on June 25 to raise funds for the American Red Cross of the Delmarva Peninsula. The Rocks also sported gold jerseys on Aug. 13 for Elvis Night to benefit the local chapter of the American Lung Association. Blue Rocks players went beyond the laundry too, donating game-worn cleats and batting gloves that were auctioned off for charity.

Almost 60,000 tickets were distributed to area schools over the course of the season. Mascot Rocky Bluewinkle led the charge to promote literacy with

his Reading Challenge, presented by the Delaware State Education Association. The Blue Rocks worked with local schools to reward kids who met their reading goal. In 2009, over 150 area schools were awarded a total of 57,000 tickets. Along with Rocky’s Reading Challenge the Blue Rocks donated over 2,500 tickets through programs like the IFS Outstanding Students Program, which allows teachers to reward students who display excellence in behavior and performance in the classroom.

The team also donated over 8,000 tickets to community organizations throughout the 2009 campaign with 6,000 going to local fundraisers, 1,000 donated to the USO Delaware to use for their soldiers and staff, and the remainder finding a number of other local non-profit organizations in need. Those same non-profit groups received another $2,000 worth of free/discounted video board advertising and concourse tables to promote themselves and their worthy events.

The Blue Rocks organized special events to collect money and goods for those less fortunate. Before the season, the team held a gift drive for kids at the Mary Campbell Center. The team also offered ticket discounts to fans that donated items to the Food Bank of Delaware. The Blue Rocks Charity Golf Classic, held at Deerfield Golf and Tennis Club on Aug. 17, raised over $1,500 for UCP and CHILD, Inc. in one day.

Community appearances proved a regular item on the team’s calendar. Mascot Rocky Bluewinkle and numerous Blue Rocks players visited A.I. duPont Hospital for Children at least once a month throughout the season in addition to other appearances. Rocky logged over 60 community service hours at schools and charitable events as well. Rocks’ players put in over 20 hours despite their grueling 140-game schedule over five-plus months time. The Blue Rocks visited schools and community organizations throughout the Delaware Valley, tallying over 40 hours of their time throughout the season.

The K’s for Kids Program presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware (BCBSDE) completed its fourth season with great success. BCBSDE donated $10 to a local charity for every home game strikeout the Blue Rocks pitching staff recorded. Thanks to this program, BCBSDE presented Girls on the Run a check for $5,000 before the Blue Rocks game on Sept. 2.

Challenger Little League returned for its annual day of baseball on May 12. Teams from the league were able to play their games on Judy Johnson Field before the Rocks’ contest later that night in a tradition that has spanned over a decade.

During the last homestand of the regular season, the Wilmington police department collected donations for the daughter of a slain Georgetown police officer Chad Spicer. The generosity of Blue Rocks fans contributed over $5,000 to Aubrey Spicer’s trust fund.

Blue Rocks players (left to right) Clint Robinson, Adrian Ortiz and Ryan Eigsti joined with Rocky Bluewinkle for a visit at A.I. duPont Hospital during the season. (Brad Glazier)

Royals, Team’s Advertisers and Fans Aid Several Worthy Causes

The Omaha Royals increased their giving to local charities, community organizations and schools during the team’s 2009 season. The Royals, with the help of several of the team’s advertisers and its fans, donated more than $861,000 this season, mostly in the form of tickets and cash. That figure was up almost $40,000 from 2008.

“We continually talk about being engaged in the metro community and 2009 was again proof of our mission,” said Martie Cordaro, Royals Vice President/General Manager. “We are excited about what we have planned for 2010 and hope that new sponsors will join us so we can even further impact the community.”

Two season-long promotions generated over $11,000 in cash for two charities. The “Hurl the Pearl” promotion, presented by Nissan of Omaha and McDonald’s, raised almost $8,200 for the Ronald McDonald House. Werner Enterprises donated $2,870 to PlaySmart through its RBI promotion, in which the Royals’ 2009 presenting sponsor pledged $10 for each Royals RBI at home.

Once again in 2009, the Royals held silent auctions of various specially-designed jerseys and caps – autographed by the players who wore them –  during several home games. On June 6, an auction of baby blue jerseys and caps raised $2,155 for the Nebraska Colon Cancer Screening Program. The Royals wore red caps on June 27, with that auction and a $1 donation for every red item sold at the Royal Treasures Gift Shop netting $1,114 for the ALS Association. The fourth annual Strike Out Breast Cancer Night on August 7 featured an auction of pink jerseys and the sale of pink hats, providing $3,479 for Susan G. Komen for the Cure. An auction of Royals black hats on August 28 raised almost $1,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, while a September 3 auction of baseball memorabilia generated over $1,400 toward the team’s $11,000 goal to support the AllPlay Foundation in 2010.

In 2009 the Royals donated thousands of tickets to their home games, with most of them being earned by school children through good work in the classroom. Almost 24,000 students from 74 area schools were encouraged to read books in exchange for tickets to Royals games in the Hit the Books program, which was presented by the Nebraska College Savings Program. Nearly 11,000 students from 70 area schools received tickets to the team’s April 20 game for the 10th annual Cox Communications Home Run for Youth Day. The Royals donated 25,000 Reserved Seat tickets for their August 8 game to the Omaha Public Library’s Summer Reading Program.  10,000 General Admission tickets went to the United Way for that organization to use as a “thank you” gift for their donors.  Also, businesses and season ticket holders donated over 2,800 Royals tickets to Baseball Buddies, with those tickets going to kids who normally wouldn’t be able to attend a game.

The team’s Community Organization of the Night program continued to grow in 2009. Partnering with Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, the Royals provided over $53,000 worth of advertising, booth space and tickets to 72 non-profit groups and gave them a forum on-field and on the team’s game broadcasts to talk about those organizations’ work in the community.

Royals fans brought more than 2,200 cans and boxes of Our Family Brand food to Sunday home games, with all of it going to the Open Door Mission. In exchange, those fans received more than $15,000 worth of tickets.

The Royals staff, players and mascots were also busy away from the ballpark, with the staff giving more than 400 hours and the players and mascots chipping in over 200 hours to community service and appearances. On June 11 alone, Royals staff members committed more than 50 hours of community service, in honor of the team reaching the 11-million fan milestone earlier in the season. On August 22, a dozen staff members, family, partners from Lovgren Marketing Group and Casey took part in an ALS Walk at Elmwood Park, raising $4,500 in pledges. The team held its annual golf tournament on August 31 at Pacific Springs, raising more than $2,500 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association in honor of Royals manager Mike Jirschele’s family.

Bees Receive ASA Award

Salt-Lake-Bees-LogoThe Salt Lake Bees have been named the recipient of the 2009 American Spirit Award (ASA) in an announcement made today by the United States Air Force.

The club will be presented the award by Col. Michael Brice, Vice Commander of the Air Force Recruiting Service, on Saturday, August 22 following the Bees game and prior to the fireworks show.

US-Air-Force-LogoThe ASA is the United States Air Force Recruiting Service’s highest form of recognition, designed to recognize civilians or civilian organizations that have consistently displayed obvious and continual support of Air Force recruiting efforts and exhibition of patriotism and service to our country.

“We are honored to receive this award and appreciate the recognition from the United States Air Force,” said Bees General Manager Marc Amicone.  “The Bees have always been strong supporters of the men and women of our nation’s armed services and we will continue our part in honoring the sacrifices for freedom given on our behalf.”

The Bees are recognized for the club’s effort during the 2009 season including Military Appreciation Night on May 29 and the Airman’s Opener on June 1 to kick off 2009 Air Force Week in Salt Lake City.

Highlights of the Airman’s Opener included a KC-135 Tanker and four F-16 fighter aircraft fly-by over the ballpark and a Wings of Blue parachute drop to present the game ball.

“The Salt Lake Bees’ tremendous support has given us the opportunity to inform and educate the American public about their Air Force. In turn, that support has opened doors to many American youth, allowing them to serve their country in the world’s greatest Air Force,” said Col. Brice.  “I am looking forward to presenting this prestigious award to a great community partner Saturday evening.”

This is a first-time award for the Bees and the Larry H. Miller Group of Companies. The Bees are also just the second Triple-A baseball team to ever receive an ASA.

The first ever American Spirit Award was presented in the fall of 1980 to entertainment legend Bob Hope. Other well known recipients of the ASA include Dolly Parton, Jerry Reinsdorf, Paul Harvey, Rudolph Giuliani, the St. Louis Cardinals and the Indianapolis Colts.

Ports Thank Supporters for Book Giveaway aid

The Stockton Ports were proud to add to their efforts to promote literacy through baseball, by welcoming acclaimed author Larry Tye to Banner Island Ballpark on Thursday, June 18, to discuss his latest book about Negro Leagues star Satchel Paige, “Satchel: The Life and Times of an American Legend.”

The Ports and Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce hosted the appearance in support of the Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library Summer Reading Program, The Library & Literacy Foundation for San Joaquin County, and The Friends of the Stockton Public Library.

The Stockton Ports would like to thank the following people for their generous support. Without them, the Ports would not have been able to give away 350 copies of the new biography, “Satchel: The Life and Times of an American Legend” by acclaimed author Larry Tye to fans at the June 18 game.

•The Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce
•Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library Summer Reading Program
•Library & Literacy Foundation for San Joaquin County
•The Friends of the Stockton Public Library Stockton Sports Commission
•United Way of San Joaquin County in honor of Gordon Medlin
•Comcast
•Goldstrand Planning Group
•California Water Service Company
•Humphrey’s College
•Stockton Delta Rotary
•F&M Bank
•Servicemaster Building Maintenance
•Mayor Ann Johnston
•Doug Wilhoit, Frank Ferral, and Mikki Gilbert Melvin Boles
•John & Francesca Vera
•Andy & Carol Prokop in memory of Gordon Medlin
•Bill Loyko & Susan Mora Loyko
•William Murray
•Gary Gillis
•Stephen Barney
•San Joaquin Sheriff Stephan Moore
•Marilyn Bewley

…and all of the fans and community members that supported this event in hopes of raising literacy awareness and the history and story of Satchel Paige and the Negro Leagues.

“We are very proud to be able to work with the Mayor, Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce, and so many other groups to present this event,” said Ports President and General Manager Pat Filippone. “Satchel Paige and the Negro Leagues are an important part of baseball history, and we are excited to be able to share such a well-researched book with so many children.