Saturday: Join us as the Bisons host Native American Heritage Night (6pm)

GET MY TICKETS – Native American Heritage Night

The Buffalo Bisons are proud to partner with Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino to host Native American Heritage Night as the club faces the St. Paul Saints on Saturday, July 25. First pitch is at 6:05 p.m. with the Sahlen Field gates opening at 5 p.m. TICKETS

The night will be a celebration of the rich Native American culture here in Western New York and throughout the country. The Indigenous Spirit Dancers will perform on the field pregame as well as during the game while traditional music will be played throughout the night. The Bisons will feature trivia and educational messages on the scoreboard while additional information will be available inside the ballpark’s concourse.

Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino will also be handing out Free Sunglasses to the first 900 fans that stop at their concourse table. Seneca Nation of Indians President, Matthew Pagels, will throw out the night’s ceremonial first pitch while Layla Seneca will sing the anthems for the game.

Saturday’s game is also the club’s first Labatt-urday Night of the season, featuring $4 Labatt Blue and Blue Light from 5-7 p.m. in the concourse by Section 106. Be sure to enter pre-game as a fan 21 years or older could win ‘Beer for a Year’ if a Bisons player homers off the giant inflatable Labatt can beyond the right field wall. GET MY TICKETS

Blue Wahoos And Cox Honor Legacy Of Chappie James To End Homestand On Juneteenth 

The Blue Wahoos were unable to sweep their week-long series against the Tennessee Smokies.

But they won the day in other ways Sunday, following a 5-1 loss at Blue Wahoos Stadium on an unforgettable Father’s Day at Blue Wahoos presented by Cox Communications that coincided with Juneteenth, National Freedom Day.

In addition to their title sponsorship of the day’s festivities, Cox Communications provided 100 game tickets, hats, and food to children in the community and the opportunity for the kids to take the field with the Blue Wahoos!
Nino Mendez

Their lone loss in this six-game series with the Smokies still kept the Blue Wahoos on verge of clinching the first-half division race in the Southern League South Division. The other three South Division teams, including nearest chaser Biloxi Shuckers, all lost Sunday as well.

While bats were quieted, the Blue Wahoos still stirred crowd attention among the 4,123 who braved the hot afternoon.

For the first time, the Blue Wahoos wore specialty, all-blue jerseys which included four silver stars in honor of the Gen. Daniel “Chappie” James Jr., who rose from Pensacola to become in 1975 the first African-American four-star general in United States Armed Forces history.

James’ decorated legacy included tours of combat duty in the Korean War and Vietnam War, earning him rarefied placement in U.S. Air Force history prior to his death 1978.

His granddaughter, Britt James, who was attending her brother’s wedding in Washington state, provided a video tribute and local members of the Chappie James Flight Academy and Chappie James Memorial Bridge Foundation were recognized on the field.

Then moments before the National Anthem was played, an 11-year-old boy tossed a ceremonial first pitch to a man who been in a stepdad role. On the baseball were the words, “Let’s Make This Official.”

The two melted in each other’s arms with tears as paperwork was presented for the adoption to become official.

Happy Father’s Day, indeed.

There were also youth league teams across the field in pregame warmups as part of a sponsorship from Cox Communications, who provided 100 game tickets, hats, and food to children in the community. In what might be a team record, 10 different people threw out a first pitch.

The game itself fell in what seemed a familiar comeback scenario to the Blue Wahoos.

After trailing 4-0, they had the first two batters on base in both the seventh and eighth innings. Unlike previous home game, late-inning comebacks, the Blue Wahoos (33-25) could not follow with a big hit to extend a five-game winning streak.

As it turned out, however, win or lose Sunday, the Blue Wahoos position for a playoff-clincher would not have changed. Playing hours earlier, Biloxi fell 7-6 in 10 innings, on the road against the Chattanooga Lookouts, ending Biloxi’s four-game win streak.

The Blue Wahoos will travel to Biloxi on Tuesday to begin a six-game series with the Shuckers (30-31) that will end the first half schedule. The Blue Wahoos need just one win to wrap up first-place in the first half and gain a playoff spot for mid-September.

Because each team in the South Division has played a different number of games, winning percentage is what determines the first half winner.

Cody Mincey delivered a solid start Sunday for the Blue Wahoos, working six innings, giving up all three of his runs in the second inning, but not walking a batter in his outing. He had tough luck in the second when a potential double-play was botched with a wide throw, leading into Cole Roederer’s two run single.

The Blue Wahoos got their lone run in the seventh on Jan Mercado’s two-out single, but managed only six hits against three Smokies pitchers. Cobie Fletcher-Vance went 2-for-3 as the Blue Wahoos’ lone multiple-hit batter.

WHAT’S NEXT?

WHO: Blue Wahoos vs. Biloxi Shuckers

WHEN: Tuesday (June 21) through June 26.

WHERE: MGM Park, Biloxi, Miss.

GAMETIMES: Start times are 6:35 p.m. for games Tuesday through Saturday, then 5:05 p.m. on Sunday (June 26).

TICKETS: www.biloxishuckers.com/tickets.

RADIO: : ESPN-Pensacola (99.1 FM and 1330 AM and WYCT 98.7 HD4).

TV: YurView (check provider) and MILB.tv (streaming) through www.milb.com/live-stream-games with subscription discount using BLUE WAHOOS.

NEXT HOME SERIES: Begins on June 28 vs. the Montgomery Biscuits.

RWJBarnabas Health To Host Pride Night With The Patriots On August 23

Bridgewater, New Jersey – RWJBarnabas Health, the official healthcare provider of the Somerset Patriots, will host Pride Night at TD Bank Ballpark on Tuesday, August 23 for the team’s 7:05 pm game versus the New Hampshire Fisher Cats.

GET TICKETS!

Pride Night is part of a Minor League Baseball (MiLB) nationwide initiative to showcase ballparks as an inclusive and safe environment for everyone. The game will focus on bringing LGBTQ+ members together with their families, friends and organizations to celebrate and highlight the community.

“RWJBarnabas Health is committed to providing a safe and welcoming space where members of the LGBTQ+ community can receive the medical care they need and are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve,” said Trina Parks, Corporate Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, RWJBarnabas Health. “We are proud to partner with the Somerset Patriots to promote greater awareness of resources available to the LGBTQ+ community to promote their health and wellness.”

The event will feature the Babs Siperstein PROUD Center at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset and the PROUD Gender Center of New Jersey at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, which provide comprehensive health care services for the LGBTQ+ community, including primary care services, hormone therapy, gender affirmation surgery, behavioral health services and support groups.

Fans in attendance will be able to visit displays on the concourse to get information and engage with organizations involved in inclusion and working closely with members of the LGBTQ+ community.

The Patriots and RWJBarnabas Health will be fundraising for LGBTQ+ organizations at the ballpark through a 50/50 raffle held on site.

The Team Store will have special pride t-shirts and apparel available for purchase at the ballpark and online at somersetpatriots.com.

“We are excited to host Pride Night at the ballpark with our great partners at RWJBarnabas Health,” said Patriots President/General Manager Patrick McVerry. “Since we opened in 1999, we have always looked at our home as a safe and accessible environment for everyone in our community. It’s something that we take great pride in and look to make it a special night for our LGBTQ+ fans enjoying a game again or for the very first time.”

Tickets for Pride Night can be purchased at TD Bank Ballpark, by phone at (908) 252-0700, or by visiting somersetpatriots.com.

About the Somerset Patriots
The Somerset Patriots are the New York Yankees Double-A Affiliate and develop today’s top minor league talent into the pinstriped superstars of tomorrow for MLB’s winningest team. The Patriots compete in the Double-A Northeast League and play their home games at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, NJ, where fans of all ages and levels of baseball fandom get to enjoy the unique experience that is minor league baseball.

To learn more, visit: _**www.somersetpatriots.com_**

Saturday is Treasure Coast Hospice Night of Hope

Saturday is Treasure Coast Hospice Night of Hope. The Mets will wear special jerseys that will be auctioned off to benefit Treasure Coast Hospice’s Little Angels Pediatric Care Program & Good Grief Children’s Bereavement Program. The jersey auction begins Friday at 5:00 p.m. and ends on Tuesday at 9:00 p.m. You can bid at milbauctions.com.

Saturday at Clover Park there will be a local celebrity softball game at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are good for both the softball game and the Mets game.

Local celebrities include fire chief Nate Spera, former NFL player Luther Robinson III, WPTV Reporter Meghan McRoberts,fFormer MLB Player & World Series champion Rusty Meacham and members of our local police and fire agencies.

There will be postgame fireworks!

Trash Pandas Explore Negro League History

Baseball is a game built on its history, with the sacrifices of players’ past paving the way for today’s stars to shine brightest. In Alabama, that history is especially significant, with professional baseball’s roots in the state dating back more than a century.

The Rocket City Trash Pandas are the newest addition to Alabama’s rich baseball history, blasting off with the inaugural season in 2021. This week, the Trash Pandas will celebrate the history with Negro League Tribute Night on Thursday, June 16.

The second annual Negro League Tribute Night at Toyota Field will feature appearances from former Negro League players Eugene Scruggs of the Detroit Stars and former Birmingham Black Baron Horace Moore. Also on the concourse will be a traveling exhibit from the Negro Southern League Museum in Birmingham.

During the Trash Pandas’ road trip in Birmingham in May, several players and coaches visited the museum before a game, learning about the history of the game that is their passion. At the museum, the Trash Pandas explored a wide variety of Negro League memorabilia and artifacts, including uniforms, equipment, contracts, and even a hologram of the legendary Satchel Paige with a hologram of his arsenal on the mound to show movement on his pitches.

It was an eye-opening experience for the Trash Pandas, and a preview of what fans can expect on Thursday night.

“It’s an awesome opportunity for the players. I’m really excited for them to be able to experience this,” Trash Pandas Manager Andy Schatzley said. “It’s incredibly informative and celebratory of a portion of the game that needs to be celebrated and recognized.”

“Coming here and getting to take in the museum, it’s definitely humbling and I’m also proud of the heritage of the people that came before me that paved the way for me to be able the game that I love today,” said outfielder Torii Hunter Jr., who was recently promoted to Triple-A Salt Lake. “I’m extremely grateful, appreciative, and I’m also humbled because they endured a lot to get us to where we are now but I’m thankful for everything they’ve done and the contributions they’ve made to this game.”

The exhibits featuring Negro League legends such as Paige, Josh Gibson, Willie Mays, and many more were especially meaningful to some, and it speaks to the overall message of the Negro Southern League Museum.

“We tell the story of black baseball through the eyes of Birmingham and the country,” said Valerie Wilson, Project Manager for the Negro Southern League Museum. “It’s so important to pay respect and homage to the players and their adventures.”

The story behind many of the exhibits on display feature even greater significance, with each player paving their own success story. That message was felt by the Trash Pandas.

“The biggest thing is that people didn’t care about what kind of bat was used or what kind of glove they had. They were just out there to play the game and be the best they could,” Hunter Jr. said. “There were not a lot of excuses being made. It makes me take a step back and look at my career and how everything has gone for me. There’s not many excuses for me to not go out there and play the game the right way because that’s what they did, especially given the circumstances that they were in.”

“It was nostalgic,” Schatzley added. “Understanding that every player, these players included, have their own individual path to getting to where they want to be and being able to learn and empathize with the path of some players that came before these guys is awesome for the players to see.”

“In the minor leagues you go from city to city, league to league, it’s a grind,” said Hitting Coach Kenny Hook. “I think it’s important for them to understand the history of the Southern League. There’s so much history here and it’s something they are proud to be a part of.”

“Being here and seeing all of the history. It’s cool to be able to take a step back and see where our game was and how our game has grown,” added pitcher Kolton Ingram.

Those thoughts echo what the museum is hoping to hear when players from other teams stop by throughout the season.

“It’s extra special for us that current players respect their elders and want to learn about their history,” Wilson said. “We’re always excited when players take the time to come here and learn.”

For more information on the Negro Southern League Museum in Birmingham, visit birminghamnlsm.org.

United Way of Greenville County Centennial Celebration Held at Fluor Field

United Way of Greenville County is celebrating 100 years of impact and service to the Greenville community and they’re inviting you to join in on fun! Starting at 6 PM when the gates open, enjoy the fun throughout the concourse with our Drive inflatables, face painting, balloon art, and magic!

Throughout the game, the Drive will honor and recognize different leaders, organizations and volunteers that have helped to shape the lives of so many throughout Greenville County. If you were a Hands on Greenville Day volunteer, make sure to wear your t-shirt to the game and pick up a free drink voucher at a specially marked table at either gate. End the night with a bang and make sure to stick around for the best fireworks show in town, courtesy of United Way of Greenville County.

Get tickets for the night HERE.

WooSox Honor History While Celebrating City's Tercentennial at Start of Polar Park Homestand

WORCESTER — Even though the WooSox have been in existence for only two years, the team understands how to recognize 300 years of history for its new home.

The city of Worcester celebrated its tercentennial last weekend while the WooSox were on the road, so the team kicked off a 12-game homestand at Polar Park by continuing the historic celebration on the actual June 14 birthday.

In perfect Worcester fashion, the WooSox finished with a 4-0 victory over the Toldeo Mud Hens in front of 5,669 at Polar Park.

Prior to Tuesday night’s game, the WooSox presented Bill Wallace, the Worcester Historical Museum’s executive director, with a time capsule to be opened on the city’s 400th birthday.

WooSox team president Dr. Charles Steinberg had every member of the team sign a baseball to present as part of the time capsule. The ball was photographed from all sides and the players were asked to legibly sign the ball, so future generations will know who played for the team in 2022.

A key to the city was presented to members of the Tercentennial committee, including Kate McEvoy, Kim Salmon, Yaffia Fain, Mary MacKenzie, Amy Peterson and Julie Bowditch. Mayor Joseph M. Petty also was in attendance and threw out the ceremonial first pitch to celebrate the city’s birthday.

“We’re celebrating who we are,” Wallace said. “We have a commitment to the future.”

The WooSox also recognized Jose Santiago, who was a key member of the 1967 Boston Red Sox’ pennant-winning Impossible Dream Team. The right-hander posted a 12-4 record with a 3.59 ERA in 50 games. He also pitched Game 1 of the ’67 World Series and also hit a home run in a 2-1 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals.

The tradition of honoring local nurses continued during the pregame ceremony, along with Worcester Chief of Police, Steven Sargent, and Worcester Deputy Fire Chief, John Powers, Deputy Chief Adam Roche and firefighter Jay O’Brien.

A moment of silence was held as the WooSox remembered police Officer Manny Familia, the Worcester 6 and three other firefighters who also made the ultimate sacrifice. The team also recognized Polar Park security guard Scott Gauvin, who passed away unexpectedly last week.

After Mary MacKenzie sang the national anthem, the WooSox announced the team is restoring the annual Police and Firefighter’s charity baseball game. The game will be played Sept. 26 at Polar Park.

Jovan Familia, the son of Manny Familia, who passed away June 4, 2021, attempting to save a drowning child, along with Ava Roy, the daughter of firefighter Christopher Roy, who passed away on call Dec. 9, 2018, will serve as the honorary captains of the charity baseball game. Jovan and Ava then threw out a ceremonial first pitch.

Prior to the top of the fifth inning, the team’s “In Debt to a Vet” recognized Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Joseph Paul Genduso, 93, of Worcester, who earned a Purple Heart in the Korean War.

Then, everyone in attendance sang “Happy Birthday” to the city of Worcester.

It was a night of recognizing everything that makes Worcester a special place to call home.

“We’re celebrating everything that’s good about Worcester,” Wallace said. “It’s past. It’s present, and the role of all of us, and the ballpark in the future. Our role is to preserve all this and we’re pleased to be recognized, but this is also an exciting time for Worcester.”

It was only four years ago when the dream of having the Red Sox’ Triple-A affiliate in Worcester became a reality. Steinberg, a historian of the game, quickly went to work learning everything he could about the deep roots of baseball in Worcester.

“When you’re first learning about Worcester, you start studying the dates, and you learn about the flag and the seal, and you see 1722,” Steinberg said.

From Day 1, the WooSox had their focus on 2022 and the Tercentennial. Steinberg believed it was a special opportunity to recognize the team’s new home. The WooSox spent countless hours with Wallace, who taught the organization about the city’s history, so it was only natural for the Opening Celebration’s fireworks to take place last Friday at Polar Park.

“To be able to have Polar Park bat leadoff in the 300th celebration felt really good,” Steinberg said. “It felt like we had created a place that beyond baseball was a focal point for such a special celebration.”

The city’s history is evident all over Polar Park. From the heart-shaped lights, the city seal on the end of each row of seats, the city’s flag beyond the right-center field wall, and the numerous artifacts, the inside and outside of the ballpark is a living time capsule.

“It’s a ballpark that’s filled with Worcester-isms,” Wallace said.

Wallace added he would give the WooSox an A-plus in a course of Worcester history.

The next 100 years in the Heart of the Commonwealth could be a special time in the next chapter of the city’s future. Anything and everything could happen.

“Who knows?” Steinberg said. “That’s the beauty of it.”

This piece originally was published in The Telegram & Gazette on June 14, 2022

Pregame Yoga session featured in Yoga Night Ticket Package

You might have heard of the seventh-inning stretch, but on Tuesday, June 21, it’s whole another kind of stretching on Yoga Night at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park!

In celebration of International Yoga Day, the Spikes will hold Yoga Night in advance of and during their 6:35 p.m. home game against the Frederick Keys. Fans can purchase the Yoga Night Ticket Package for the event, which includes admission to a Pregame Yoga session at 4:30 p.m. in the Porter Gardens area adjacent to the ballpark, presented by TriYoga of Central Pennsylvania. The package also includes a Diamond Club ticket for the game, as well as a complimentary glass of wine or soft drink, all for just $20.

Fans can purchase the Yoga Night Ticket Package now at this link. For more information on the Yoga Night Ticket Package, contact Abrielle Clark at 814-272-0212 or email [email protected]

Fireflies Searching for Military Heroes to Recognize In-Game

Nominate an Active Duty, Reserves or Veteran to be honored July 7

COLUMBIA, SC – The Columbia Fireflies are looking for eight local military heroes to honor in-game as the Heroes of the Inning for Military Appreciation Night July 7 at Segra Park at 7:05 pm. Any current or former member of any branch of the military can qualify to be honored.

Fans can submit their nominations online here. Those selected as “Heroes of the Inning” will be contacted directly by a Fireflies representative. Honorees chosen will be given two reserved tickets to the July 7 game vs the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. Submissions are due by Monday, June 27.

The Fireflies are home until June 19 playing the Carolina Mudcats (Class-A Affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. The homestand includes a Budweiser Thirsty Thursday and the return of Negro League Weekend. We’ll have appearances from former Negro Leaguer Russell “Crazy Legs” Patterson and Josh Gibson’s Great-Grandson along with a fireworks show and a t-shirt giveaway to help celebrate those who played in the Negro Leagues. Individual game ticket prices range from $5 to $12 and premium seating options are available starting at $14 per person. All tickets will be sold on a first come first serve basis and are based upon availability.

Dragons to Recognize “Hometown Heroes” Honorees During Game on June 12

Dayton, Ohio — The Dayton Dragons will recognize Army recruits of the Miami Valley as “Hometown Heroes” during a special inning break of the Dragons game on Sunday, June 12 against the Great Lakes Loons at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District. The game will start at 1:05 p.m.

The Dayton Dragons shine the spotlight on the military, past and present, through the Hometown Heroes program. This program hosts military families at every Dragons game, recognizing outstanding military organizations, groups, and individuals.

Everyone who joins the military has one thing in common: they have sworn in by repeating either the military Oath of Enlistment or Oath of Office. During the game on Sunday, future soldiers of the United States Army will be taking a solemn oath of enlistment, marking the beginning of selfless service to their nation.

The Dayton Dragons Hometown Heroes program is made possible by the generous support of the Dayton Development Coalition, Reynolds & Reynolds, and the Dayton Dragons. For more information, please visit daytondragons.com/hometownheroes.

BlueClaws Partner With Wreaths Across America In New One-of-a-Kind Program

JERSEY SHORE, NJ – The BlueClaws have partnered with Wreaths Across America on a one-of-a-kind program through which fans can both reserve a ticket to BlueClaws Military Appreciation Night on July 7th and sponsor a wreath to be laid at a soldier’s grave this December.

Military Appreciation Night at ShoreTown Ballpark is set for Thursday, July 7th at 7:05 pm, and is presented by OceanFirst Bank.

There are several options for fans to participate in this one-of-a-kind program.

· Sponsor a wreath and donate a ticket for a veteran to enjoy Military Appreciation Night for $15

· Sponsor a wreath, donate a ticket for a veteran to enjoy Military Appreciation Night, and receive a ticket to the game for yourself for $25.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE.

All tickets for veterans will be distributed directly through accredited channels.

“Wreaths Across America and the BlueClaws have been talking about this program for the better part of three years, and are thrilled to launch the program heading into Military Appreciation Night,” said Mel Russen, Board Member and Local Location Leader for Wreaths Across America.

“The wreaths that are sponsored through this program will be placed on gravesites of local veterans around the Jersey Shore. Additional wreaths will go to Arlington National Cemetery for the nationwide Wreaths Across America Day on December 17, 2022.”

Military Appreciation Night will include special ceremonies before and after the game. Fans are encouraged to get to their seats early.

“We’ve been very excited to launch this program with Mel and Wreaths Across America,” said Bob McLane, BlueClaws Senior VP of Ticket Sales & Service. “We are working with a truly special organization and this program will serve to both bring veterans out to the ballpark but also to provide wreaths for local veterans’ graves.”

In 2021, Wreaths Across America laid over 2.3 million wreaths at over 3,100 locations around the country, including in all 50 states.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. They have drawn nearly 8 million fans to ShoreTown Ballpark since their 2001 inception.

-Jersey Shore BlueClaws-

RWJBarnabas Health And Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey Host National Cancer Survivors Event with the Somerset Patriots

Bridgewater, New Jersey – The Somerset Patriots, the New York Yankees Double-A affiliate, partnered with RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey to host National Cancer Survivors Night at TD Bank Ballpark on Tuesday, June 7.

Over 200 cancer survivors and their guests gathered at the ballpark in celebration of their strength and commitment to defeat cancer and inspire others to do the same.

13-year old cancer survivor Grace Eline and Dr. Rahul Parikh threw out ceremonial first pitches wearing Patriots home jerseys with “Beat Cancer” on the back.

“The opportunity to throw out the ceremonial first pitch alongside 13-year old cancer survivor Grace Eline, with more than 200 cancer survivors and their families in attendance, was inspirational,” said Dr. Parikh, Medical Director, Laurie Proton Therapy Center at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey. “As an organization, the Somerset Patriots share our core values, and this was truly a special evening celebrating survivorship, while raising awareness for cancer research, treatment and prevention.”

Eline was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2018 and received her successful treatments including proton beam therapy at RWJBarnabas Health facilities- Children’s Hospital of New Jersey at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, the Laurie Proton Therapy Center at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, and the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey. Grace is cancer free and living her life as a “normal” teenager.

The event was also part of Hope At Bat, a Minor League Baseball initiative designed to help save lives, celebrate lives and lead the fight for a world without cancer. The Patriots will be auctioning off a team signed purple bat through MiLB Auctions. The online auction will run until 9:00 pm on Thursday, June 30. The proceeds from the auction will benefit RWJBarnabas Health Oncology Services. Bidding can be done at https://bit.ly/3Q9vZfp.

“We were honored to open our home to so many cancer survivors, their families and friends,” said Patriots President/General Manager Patrick McVerry. “There isn’t a person whose life has not been impacted by this terrible disease. It was a special night recognizing the unbelievable strength of those that are battling and beating cancer and hopefully encourage others to join the fight.”

Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey is the state’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. Together RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute offer the most advanced cancer treatment options close to home.

About the Somerset Patriots

The Somerset Patriots are the New York Yankees Double-A Affiliate and develop today’s top minor league talent into the pinstriped superstars of tomorrow for MLB’s winningest team. The Patriots compete in the Double-A Northeast League and play their home games at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, NJ, where fans of all ages and levels of baseball fandom get to enjoy the unique experience that is minor league baseball. To learn more, visit: www.somersetpatriots.com.

CareSource, Dragons Team Up to Honor Local Veteran

DAYTON, Ohio –CareSource and the Dayton Dragons will host United States Marine veteran Robert De Roziere during the CareSource Veteran Salute Program on Sunday, June 5, 2022, at 1: 05PM when the Dayton Dragons take on the South Bend Cubs at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District. Sunday will be the second of five special CareSource Veteran Salute dates of the 2022 season.

The CareSource Veteran Salute Program provides veterans in the Dayton region with a once-in-a-lifetime experience to celebrate their service to their country. Each honoree has their story shared in front of the crowd at Day Air Ballpark, followed by a standing ovation in appreciation of the veteran’s hard work and dedication both in military and civilian accomplishments.

Robert De Roziere’s Story

Robert De Roziere, born and raised in Kettering, graduated from Miami University with a degree in Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs in December of 1987. He always wanted to serve his country. He was commissioned as an officer (2nd Lieutenant) in the Marine Corps in 1987. Robert served 31 years in the military; 11 years active duty and 20 years in the reserves.

Robert began his career with the Marines in 1988 at Camp Pendleton in California. He served as Company Radio Officer/Operations Officer and deployed with the 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade during Operation Desert Shield/Storm. Robert was quickly promoted to First Lieutenant. After his deployment, his second tour of duty lead him and his family to Philadelphia where he assisted in recruiting. He was then promoted to Captain in 1992.

In 1994, Robert’s third tour of duty brought him to Quantico where he was assigned to Marine Corps Systems Command and earned his master’s degree in Telecommunications in 1998. He left active duty and transferred to the Marine Corps Reserve in Cincinnati. In 2003, Robert was deployed and served in Operation Enduring Freedom/Iraqi Freedom.

Robert was awarded the Legion of Merit which is presented by the President of the United States and many other services and campaign medals. He exemplifies a veteran who loves his community by sharing his service journey and appreciating the three decades of leadership, structure, and growth he gained. Robert has four sons, 13 grandchildren, and resides in Middletown with his wife. He enjoys spending time with his family, attending sporting events, and staying busy at his home.

To nominate a veteran in your life for the Veteran Salute Program, please visit daytondragons.com/veteransalute today.

CareSource’s Veteran Salute program highlights five veterans’ stories during the course of each season. Veterans who are chosen are honored at a Dragons game with an in-game ceremony and provided with VIP treatment during their special night. The program is an extension of CareSource’s continued commitment to serving special populations and its new efforts to support veterans through innovative health and life services programs. For more information about the Veteran Salute program, visit www.daytondragons.com/veteransalute.

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Drive Honor Black Spinners

On Friday, June 10th, the Greenville Drive will honor the successful Black Spinners team from the early 1900’s. This night is important not only to the Drive, but to the Greenville Community. With the opening of Unity Park, it’s important to honor The Black Spinners, Sterling High School, and the Negro League All-Stars that all once played at Mayberry Field and meant a lot to this community.

They will take the field sporting “throwback-style” uniforms to showcase the Black Spinners team look to the modern day Greenville community.

During the pre-game ceremonies, the Drive will recognize Frank White, the only remaining living Black Spinners player, as well as family members of former Black Spinners players. John Whiteside, a former shortstop at Sterling High School, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch.

Throughout the game, vignettes will run on the DriveVision video board, telling the story of the Black Spinners, Sterling High School, and the Negro League All-Stars.

We look forward to telling and honoring the stories of historic baseball teams from our very own community!

Brett Favre Returns to the Field for Donald Driver Charity Softball Game

GRAND CHUTE, WI – Brett Favre is confirmed! The Pro Football Hall of Famer and Super Bowl Champion will join Donald Driver, James Jones, AJ Dillon, Aaron Jones, and many more for the Donald Driver Charity Softball Game presented by Network Health at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium on Sunday, June 12, 2022. The event will raise money for the Donald Driver Foundation and additional local and player charities. Game time is 1:00pm.

Favre was the host of the annual charity softball game from 1999 through 2007 before Driver took over as the host for the 2008 game.

“I am excited that my brother from another mother, Brett Favre, is returning to play in the charity softball game he started 20 years ago,” said Driver. “Let’s turn out in HUGE numbers Packers fans!”

Favre joins Desmond Bishop, Jarrett Bush, Nick Collins, Robert Ferguson, Jermichael Finley, Antonio Freeman, and Ahman Green as confirmed participants in this year’s game.

Tickets are available for the game on the phone at (920) 733-4152, in person at the Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium Box Office, or through the internet at timberrattlers.com.

Tickets remaining for the game are $43 for a standard box seat, $25 for a reserved bleacher seat. and $15 for a general admission grass seat.

The mission of the Donald Driver Foundation is to display Strong Hands, Strong Minds, and Loving Hearts to serve as a hand up, not a handout. The Donald Driver Foundation has a core focus in serving underprivileged children and families by addressing health & wellness, safety, and education & career development.