Dragons to Recognize “Community All Stars” Recipient During Game on June 2

Dayton, Ohio — The Dayton Dragons will recognize a “Community All-Stars” recipient during a special inning break of the Dragons game tonight, Thursday, June 2nd, against the South Bend Cubs at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District. The game will start at 7:05 p.m.

The Dragons Community All-Stars Program honors individuals who have gone above and beyond to improve the quality of life in the Miami Valley. They could be firefighters or police officers, doctors or good Samaritans. It could be a first responder or a volunteer. The Dragons are going to highlight these Community All-Stars at games all summer long.

More than a decade ago, a group of Dayton business leaders got together to brainstorm how to get more kids exposed to adventures and careers in aviation, aeronautics, and other STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) related fields.

What came of those meetings was more than just a curriculum, it was an adventure for campers that has now become known as Air Camp, and it’s based right here in the Dayton region.

Air Camp provides campers from 4th grade through high school with a hands-on, educational adventure in aviation and aeronautics every summer. Each camp offers something specific for students and they’re all bolstered with resources to continue their growth in STEM education. There are even camps that teachers can be a part of that allow them to take the curriculum back to all of their students in the fall.

Air Camp students take flight ground school, chart their course and fly as a student pilot. They also explore exciting aviation sites around Dayton, and they get to go behind the scenes and meet scientists from the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright Patterson AFB.

The first Air Camp back in 2010 started with just 40 students, but since those humble beginnings, their reach has soared, connecting with over 33,000 students and 88 teachers from 33 states just last year.

Expanding Air Camp’s mission and their programming is made possible only through the generosity of local donors, and their fundraising efforts make it possible for them to make the program accessible and affordable to anyone who wishes to be a part of the camp. There is so much more on the horizon for Air Camp, and each donor is pivotal to opening greater opportunities for every camper.

For all their efforts to bring STEM education to all, Air Camp is being honored as a Dragons Community All Star. If you want to learn more about how you can help support Air Camp check out their website at aircampusa.org/.

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

This event is the first 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 July 22, 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 42 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.

Fireflies Searching for First Responder Heroes to Recognize In-Game

COLUMBIA, SC – The Columbia Fireflies are looking for eight local First Responders to honor in-game as the Heroes of the Inning on First Responders Night June 16 at Segra Park at 7:05 pm. A First Responder qualifies as any firefighter, law enforcement officer, paramedic, emergency medical technician or any other professional who responds to fire, medical, hazardous material or other similar emergencies.

Fans can submit their nominations 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 June 16 game vs the Carolina Mudcats. Submissions are due by Friday, June 10.

The Fireflies return home for a two-week homestand June 7-19 that includes two Budweiser Thirsty ThursdaysTM, two Freebie Fridays, two firework shows and the return of Negro League Weekend! Tickets for the upcoming games, and all 2022 Fireflies home games, are on sale now and can be purchased online at FirefliesTickets.com, by calling the Fireflies Box Office at 803-726-4487 or by visiting the Fireflies Box Office in-person at Segra Park. 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.

AgCarolina Agriculture Night Set For June 10

ZEBULON – The Carolina Mudcats once again team with AgCarolina Farm Credit for Agriculture Night on Friday, June 10 at Five County Stadium. Agriculture Night is highlighted by post-game fireworks and a one-of-kind souvenir t-shirt giveaway for the first 1,000 fans with paid admission at Five County Stadium.

AgCarolina Farm Credit’s Agriculture Night starts with a 7:00 p.m. first pitch, but the Five County Stadium gates will open at 6:00 p.m. Tickets are available at www.carolinamudcats.com.

For the full schedule, visit www.carolinamudcats.com/schedule. Single-game tickets, season ticket packages, mini plans, suite and DRB HOmes Sky Lounge packages in the US Foods Club Level are all on sale now at www.carolinamudcats.com, (919) 269-CATS (2287), and the Five County Stadium front office in Zebulon.

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.

National Transplant Games Athlete and Liver Recipient to Run Bases at June 3 Reno Aces Game

 

Pati Hughes-Fudge, a 70-year-old horse trainer from Gardnerville, Nev., received a liver transplant in 2015; but rather than slowly ease into life after the transplant, she competed in the Transplant Games of America just six months after her transplant surgery. The Games gather thousands of transplant recipients, living donors and supporters for a weeklong celebration made up of 20 athletic and recreational competitions.

Hughes-Fudge has brought home many medals from competing against other athletes in 2016 and 2018, and she looks forward to 2022’s Games, which will take place in San Diego this July. She will compete in swimming, and track and field.

Currently, 14,000 people in the U.S. are on the national transplant waitlist for a liver.

Thanks to organ donation, Hughes-Fudge continues her passions for training horses, judging horse shows across the country, swim training and spending time with her family. She will run the bases at the Reno Aces’ Home Run for Life game, presented by Donor Network West, after the second inning, Friday, June 3, at Greater Nevada Field as they take on the Tacoma Rainiers.

“I’ve been an organ donor since I got my driver’s license at 14 years old,” Hughes-Fudge said. “Little did I know then that I would need a transplant. It felt like every fiber of my being was fixed after my transplant – it’s a blessing and a joy to be able to go compete in events like the Transplant Games and participate in the Home Run for Life game.”

Donor Network West, northern Nevada and northern California’s federally designated non-profit organ procurement organization, is proud to support six Home Run for Life baseball games throughout the 2022 season. With more than 600 Nevadans waiting for lifesaving organ transplants, the partnership brings critical awareness about organ donation to the community and its sports fans. This will be the third Home Run for Life game of the 2022 season.

“Pati regained her life after her liver transplantation – her husband, her children and her grandchildren regained their loved one because someone said yes to organ donation,” Janice Whaley, president and CEO of Donor Network West, said. “Donor Network West is honored to partner with the Reno Aces in celebrating recipients like Pati who are now able to enjoy life.“

The 2022 season is the first time Donor Network West and Reno Aces have partnered to showcase the Home Run for Life program. Once a month, a brave individual in the northern Nevada community is honored by taking a ceremonial trip around the bases with each team lining the baselines. Individuals honored have received life-saving transplants or have lost a loved one who saved lives through organ donation.

“Watching the fans at the ballpark and community cheer on these local organ recipients has been incredible to experience,” Eric Edelstein, President, Reno Aces and Greater Nevada Field, said. “We’re excited to continue our partnership in highlighting Donor Network West’s community outreach and educational efforts as they work to share the important message of organ donation.”

Anyone can register to be an organ donor. To learn more and to register as an organ donor, visit DonorNetworkWest.org.

 

World Series Hero Mike Timlin & WooSox to Focus on ALS at “Lou Gehrig Day” Celebration, Thursday, June 2

The Mary Beth Benison Foundation, The ALS Association of Massachusetts, The Angel Fund for ALS Research, and UMass Chan Medical School All To Be Recognized at Polar Park

WORCESTER, MA*— *Red Sox World Series Champion Mike Timlin will visit Polar Park and meet fans on Thursday, June 2, to help the WooSox focus on ALS awareness as Baseball celebrates “Lou Gehrig Day.” The WooSox, who will be hosting the Syracuse Mets that night at 6:45 pm at Polar Park, will pay tribute to the Mary Beth Benison Foundation, based in Holden, MA, the ALS Association of Massachusetts, and the UMass Chan Medical School’s Cecil B. Day Laboratory for ALS research in special ceremonies before and during the game on June 2.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a disease for which there is no cure, took the life of Gehrig on June 2, 1941.

Timlin, the 4-time World Series Champion who helped the Red Sox win the 2004 and 2007 Fall Classics, lost his mother, Sharon Timlin, to ALS in 2002. She was born just ten weeks after Gehrig died. The veteran right-hander, who pitched 18 major league seasons, also won the World Series with the Toronto Blue Jays in 1992 and 1993. He will greet fans in the Sherwood Diner from the 3rd-6th inning after he participates in pre-game ceremonies.

“Being at Worcester’s new Triple-A ballpark to raise awareness for such a great cause is going to be a real treat,” said Timlin. “ALS is a cause that’s near and dear to me, and I’m looking forward to being at Polar Park for the very first time. Thank you to the WooSox for supporting and promoting this year’s Sharon Timlin 5K.”

The 19th Annual Sharon Timlin Memorial 5K takes place Saturday, June 18, in Hopkinton. Since its inception in 2004, the annual fundraiser has generated more than $2 million dollars for The Angel Fund, which supports research in Worcester at the Cecil B. Day Laboratory for Neuromuscular Research at UMass Chan Medical School.

“The Angel Fund and its supporters have played a pivotal role in advancing research and gene therapy clinical trials at UMass Chan,” said Dr. Robert H. Brown Jr., DPhil, MD. “These critical investigations give us hope of slowing the progression of ALS and that a cure is within reach.”

“Mike Timlin was one of the most active members in the community during our time with the Red Sox,” said WooSox President Dr. Charles A. Steinberg. “We are thrilled that his annual 5K in his mother’s memory funds research right here in Worcester. He has been a champion on the field and off the field.”

The WooSox and Timlin will recognize the Mary Beth Benison Foundation, a prominent local charity that provides financial support for Central Mass families who struggle with the devastating and costly burden of ALS.

“All of us at the Mary Beth Benison Foundation are looking forward to Lou Gehrig day at Polar Park on Thursday, June 2,” said Katie Benison Camell, Executive Director of the MBB Foundation. “Having Mike Timlin on hand along with the ALS Association of Massachusetts is really going to allow us to collectively shine a light on this devastating disease. We thank the WooSox for their support of ALS families across this region.”

The WooSox and Timlin will also be honoring the ALS Association of Massachusetts, which supports research, patient and community services, public education, and advocacy for those battling the devastating disease. Their mission is to lead the fight against ALS through global cutting-edge research, and empowering people with Lou Gehrig’s Disease to live fuller lives by providing them with compassionate care and support.

“The ALS Association is once again pleased to partner with the WooSox for Lou Gehrig Day,” said John Hedstrom, Territory Executive for New England. “Baseball’s long connection with ALS runs even deeper here in Massachusetts with Pete Frates and Mike Timlin. We are grateful for Mike’s efforts and the work done by the Mary Beth Benison Foundation – together we will end ALS.”

Red Sox Hall of Famer Larry Lucchino, now Chairman & Principal Owner of the WooSox, has been an ardent supporter of ALS awareness and research, both in support of Mike Timlin’s efforts and those of Pete Frates. The late Boston College star, who hit a home run at Fenway Park before being struck with ALS, signed a Red Sox contract on the field on Opening Day, 2015, in tribute to his world-changing efforts as the father of the legendary Ice Bucket Challenge.

On March 4, 2021, Major League Baseball announced that June 2 would forever be celebrated as “Lou Gehrig Day” across the game to honor the Hall of Fame First Baseman, and to raise awareness for ALS.

“It’s a pleasure for all of us at the WooSox to put the spotlight on this disease every year in June,” said Joe Bradlee, WooSox Vice President of Baseball Operations & Community Relations. “Having Mike Timlin at Polar Park for the first time will only help us amplify these efforts, and we’re all looking forward to what will surely be an impactful evening in Worcester.”

Timlin, who won the World Series in 1992 and 1993 with the Toronto Blue Jays, joined the Red Sox in 2003 and helped the Red Sox end the 86-year drought in 2004 and won again in 2007.

Three-Year-Old Casen Hazlewood to celebrate “Home Run For Life” 

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Dodgers and INTEGRIS Health continue the “Home Run For Life” series for an 11th season and recognize their second honoree of 2022, Casen Hazlewood of Ponca City, during the Dodgers’ 7:05 p.m. game Friday against the Reno Aces at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

Hazlewood weighed 1 pound, 4 ounces at birth, as he was at just 26 weeks gestation, and went on to spend his first 154 days at INTEGRIS Health Children’s.

“Home Run For Life” recognizes individuals in the community who have overcome a significant medical event with the help of their families, physicians and health care professionals. To symbolize the end of their battle against adversity, honorees take a home run “lap” around the bases during a pregame ceremony.

“Each month during the baseball season, we are proud to partner with INTEGRIS Health to honor the perseverance and courage displayed by these incredible Oklahomans,” OKC Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes said. “’Home Run For Life’ allows us to uniquely recognize their amazing and inspiring stories of triumph over significant health challenges.”

Doctors determined Hazlewood had selective intrauterine growth restriction, a condition that stunted his development as his twin brother, Hudson, was getting most of the placental sharing.

Twins Casen and Hudson were born May 6, 2019, after their mother, Kari underwent an emergency cesarean section surgery.

Sadly, Hudson passed away unexpectedly from an infection just 12 days after his birth.

Soon after, Casen came down with the same infection. His parents feared the worst.

“There were multiple times we didn’t know if he was going to make it,” his father Donnie Hazlewood said.

Casen overcame the infection, just as he continues to overcome everything.

“I think he’s the toughest little kid I’ve ever seen,” Donnie said. “He’s been able to conquer and overcome so many things in his short life.

Hazelwood’s immune system is not as strong as an average child his age. Just last August, he was hospitalized with a cold and was there until October.

“We are ready to go at a moment’s notice,” Donnie said. “A cold can put him in the hospital for a long time.”

The Hazlewoods have driven back and forth numerous times from their Ponca City home to Oklahoma City, staying in an RV most nights while their son has been in the hospital.

The family gushes about the loving and welcoming care they received at INTEGRIS Health Children’s.

“We think the world of them,” Donnie said. “We consider them some of our closest friends.”

To read Hazlewood’s full story, visit the OKC Dodgers’ “Beyond the Bricks” website at: medium.com/beyond-the-bricks.

The OKC Dodgers are in the midst of a six-game home series against the Reno Aces at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark that continues tonight at 7:05 p.m. Upcoming promotional highlights include:

• Friday, May 27 – 7:05 p.m.: An on-field naturalization ceremony will take place prior to the game as approximately 80 people will be naturalized as United States citizens. Friday Night Fireworks are scheduled to follow the game.

• Saturday, May 28 – 7:05 p.m.: The first Hometown Heroes Military Celebration Night of the season presented by Casey’s General Stores takes over Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark as the Dodgers honor the service and dedication of local military members and their families. Dodgers players and coaches will wear special camouflage jerseys and hats during the game.

The first 1,000 fans through the gates, which open at 6 p.m., will receive a camouflage OKC Dodgers hat. A mass swearing-in ceremony for new military recruits will take place pregame, as well as a flyover in conjunction with Vance Air Force Base. Military personnel from Tinker Air Force Base and Fort Sill will participate in pregame and in-game highlights, including a ceremonial first pitch, and the 395th Army Band from Mustang will perform the national anthem pregame. During an inning break, the band will also perform a rendition of “God Bless America.”

• Sunday, May 29 – 2:05 p.m.: Baseball Hall of Fame catcher Johnny Bench joins retired Baseball Hall of Fame President Jeff Idelson and acclaimed photographer Jean Fruth Sunday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark to promote the non-profit Grassroots Baseball and hold a pregame book signing for “Grassroots Baseball: Route 66.” Copies of the book, in which Bench wrote the introduction and a chapter about Oklahoma, will be available for purchase in the OKC Dodgers Team Store.

­­­Idelson and Fruth founded Grassroots Baseball with the mission of promoting and celebrating the amateur game around the globe, with a focus on growing interest and participation at the youngest levels. The overarching goal of Grassroots Baseball is to give back by providing inspiration, instruction and equipment to help ensure more children have the opportunity to learn, play and enjoy the game.

Bench is also slated to throw out a ceremonial first pitch Sunday.

Additionally on Sunday, OKC Dodgers Rookie League participants ranging in age from 3-10 will take place in a pregame parade on the field to celebrate the conclusion of the 2022 Rookie League season.

The OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation, in partnership with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, will host a “They Were All Stars” traveling exhibit along the concourse of Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark throughout June and a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the exhibit will take place during Sunday’s game. The exhibit highlights Negro League players who became Major League All-Stars.

Following the conclusion of the game, kids can take the field to run the bases like their favorite pros.

Tickets for all OKC Dodgers home games through June at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark are on sale now and range in price from $12-33. All tickets are digital and available for purchase online at okcdodgers.com/tickets. For additional information, please call (405) 218-2182 or visit okcdodgers.com.

Live radio coverage of each OKC Dodgers game begins 15 minutes before first pitch on AM 1340 “The Game,” 1340thegame.com and through the free iHeartRadio or MiLB First Pitch apps. All OKC Dodgers games are also available streamed live on MiLB.TV with a subscription.

Armed Forces Appreciation Day: May 28 at PNC Field

The Scranton/ Wilkes-Barre RailRiders are proud to honor those brave men and women who have served or are currently serving our great nation.

As a token of gratitude, join us on Armed Forces Appreciation Day – May 28, 2022 – at PNC Field. Active or retired members of our Armed Forces can present military identification at the Box Office to receive a complimentary ticket. In addition, the RailRiders are pleased to offer 25% off up to four additional tickets for family and friends.

(Based on seating availability. This offer is not available online or over the phone. Must present identification at the time of purchase.)

Gates open at 3 P.M. with a camo hat giveaway courtesy of Metlife.

First Pitch at 4:05 P.M. versus the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp.

Please visit the Box Office at PNC Field or call (570) 969-BALL for more information.

Bark in the Park, Military Celebration Night and Appearance by Johnny Bench Highlight Promotion-Packed Series

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Dodgers’ second annual Bark in the Park presented by Sit Means Sit Dog Training and the first Hometown Heroes Military Celebration Night of the season presented by Casey’s General Stores are just two of the special promotions primed for the Dodgers’ jam-packed upcoming home series against the Reno Aces starting at 7:05 p.m. Tuesday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

The series opens on a $2 Tuesday featuring $2 select beer, soda and bottled water from a line of Budweiser and Pepsi products. COOP Ale Works draft beer will also be available at a special rate of $3.

The Dodgers’ second annual Bark in the Park presented by Sit Means Sit Dog Training is also Tuesday night as fans can bring their dog to the game. The first 300 dogs in attendance will receive a special commemorative dog bandana. Water and relief stations will be available throughout the ballpark for Tuesday’s dog guests.

Other promotional highlights for the series that continues through Sunday include:

• Friday, May 27 – 7:05 p.m.: An on-field naturalization ceremony will take place prior to the game as approximately 80 people will be naturalized as United States citizens. Friday Night Fireworks are scheduled to follow the game.

Also on Friday, three-year-old Casen Hazlewood of Ponca City will be recognized during the second INTEGRIS Health “Home Run For Life” of the 2022 season. Hazlewood weighed 1 pound, 4 ounces at birth, as he was at just 26 weeks gestation, and went on to spend his first 154 days at INTEGRIS Health Children’s.

“Home Run For Life” recognizes individuals in the community who have overcome a significant medical event with the help of their families, physicians and health care professionals. To symbolize the end of their battle against adversity, honorees take a home run “lap” around the bases during a pregame ceremony.

• Saturday, May 28 – 7:05 p.m.: The first Hometown Heroes Military Celebration Night of the season presented by Casey’s General Stores takes over Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark as the Dodgers honor the service and dedication of local military members and their families. Dodgers players and coaches will wear special camouflage jerseys and hats during the game.

The first 1,000 fans through the gates, which open at 6 p.m., will receive a camouflage OKC Dodgers hat. A mass swearing in ceremony for new military recruits will take place pregame, as well as a flyover in conjunction with Vance Air Force Base.

Military personnel from Tinker Air Force Base and Fort Sill will participate in pregame and in-game highlights, including a ceremonial first pitch, and the 395th Army Band from Mustang will perform the national anthem pregame. During an inning break, the band will also perform a rendition of “God Bless America.”

Braum’s Friends & Family 4-Packs are available for Saturday’s game that include four tickets, four hats and four Braum’s restaurant vouchers.

• Sunday, May 29 – 2:05 p.m.: Baseball Hall of Fame catcher Johnny Bench joins retired Baseball Hall of Fame President Jeff Idelson and acclaimed photographer Jean Fruth Sunday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark to promote the non-profit Grassroots Baseball and hold a pregame book signing for “Grassroots Baseball: Route 66.” Copies of the book, in which Bench wrote the introduction and a chapter about Oklahoma, will be available for purchase in the OKC Dodgers Team Store.

Idelson and Fruth founded Grassroots Baseball with the mission of promoting and celebrating the amateur game around the globe, with a focus on growing interest and participation at the youngest levels. The overarching goal of Grassroot Baseball is to give back by providing inspiration, instruction and equipment to help ensure more children have the opportunity to learn, play and enjoy the game.

Bench is also slated to throw out a ceremonial first pitch Sunday.

Additionally on Sunday, OKC Dodgers Rookie League participants ranging in age from 3-10 will join a pregame parade on the field to celebrate the conclusion of the 2022 Rookie League season.

The OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation, in partnership with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, will host a “They Were All Stars” traveling exhibit along the concourse of Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark throughout June and a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the exhibit will take place during Sunday’s game. The exhibit highlights Negro League players who became Major League All-Stars.

Following the conclusion of the game, kids can take the field to run the bases like their favorite pros.

Tickets for all OKC Dodgers home games through June at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark are on sale now and range in price from $12-33. All tickets are digital and available for purchase online at okcdodgers.com/tickets. For additional information, please call (405) 218-2182 or visit okcdodgers.com.

Live radio coverage of each OKC Dodgers game begins 15 minutes before first pitch on AM 1340 “The Game,” 1340thegame.com and through the free iHeartRadio or MiLB First Pitch apps. All OKC Dodgers games are also available streamed live on MiLB.TV with a subscription.

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

 

Dayton, Ohio — The Dayton Dragons will recognize Culture Works as a “Community All-Stars” recipient during a special inning break of the Dragons game on Sunday, May 22nd against the Quad Cities River Bandits at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District. The game will start at 1:05 p.m.

The Dragons Community All-Stars Program honors individuals who have gone above and beyond to improve the quality of life in the Miami Valley. They could be firefighters or police officers, doctors or good Samaritans. It could be a first responder or a volunteer. The Dragons are going to highlight these Community All-Stars at games all summer long.

From its first days as the Dayton Performing Arts Fund in 1974, Culture Works has been central to the success of the arts in Dayton. While Culture Works means many things to the arts community, their two main roles are funding and marketing the wide range of arts in our area.

The success of a world class arts culture like Dayton’s does not happen without someone tending to it, and that’s where Culture Works steps in. Lisa Hanson, the President and CEO of Culture Works, and her team are much like gardeners, ensuring that the programs, projects, artists, performers, and creators in their care all have what they need to grow.

Culture Works has developed partnerships with private citizens, government entities and support from the business community to build a fundraising arm that allows Dayton artists to succeed. One of the best ways to see that success is when artists not only grow but choose to remain in Dayton for the duration of their career instead of taking their talents to another city.

For all their efforts in building up and supporting the world-class arts we enjoy here in the Dayton region, Culture Works is being honored as a Dragons Community All Star.

If you want to learn more about how you can help support Culture Works check out their website here. (https://cultureworks.org/)

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 here. (https://www.milb.com/dayton/community/cas )

This event is the first 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 June 2, July 22, 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 53 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 2021 home games are available atwww.daytondragons.com or by phone at (937) 228-2287.

 

RoughRiders to honor fallen 2d Lt Anthony Wentz on Armed Forces Day

FRISCO, Texas (May 20, 2022) – On Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 21st, the Frisco RoughRiders will honor fallen Air Force 2d Lt Anthony D. Wentz with a special pregame ceremony prior to their game against the Corpus Christi Hooks.

The Riders will honor the life of Second Lt Anthony D. Wentz by dedicating the two seats that Anthony and Cori Wentz sat in during their first official date at Riders Field as well as a ceremonial first pitch from Anthony’s wife, Cori Wentz.

Second Lt Anthony D. Wentz was killed in a military training accident at Laughlin Air Force Base on November 19th, 2021.

Born in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Wentz followed the footsteps of his father and brother by serving in the military after high school. He accepted an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York where he studied mechanical engineering. At West Point, Wentz met the love of his life and now wife, Cori. They began officially dating on December 17th, 2017, going to many cities and sports games, including a visit to a Frisco RoughRiders game in the summer of 2018 as their first date in Cori’s hometown in Texas.

In addition to the pregame ceremony, all members of the Frisco RoughRiders team will wear special military jerseys during the game. The jerseys feature Steel Hearts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring the legacies of the fallen cadets, midshipmen, and graduates of America’s service academies through the sale of high-quality, steel memorial bracelets.

For every Steel Hearts bracelet sold, $10 is donated to a charity, trust, or foundation designated by the surviving family. All team-worn jerseys will be available for auction on MiLB Auctions at a later date.

For tickets and more information about the Frisco RoughRiders, visit RidersBaseball.com or call 972.731.9200.

About the RoughRiders

The Frisco RoughRiders are the Double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers. The team was founded in 2003 and has finished first among all Double-A franchises in attendance for 15 consecutive seasons (2005-2019). In August 2014, the RoughRiders were purchased by an ownership group led by Chuck Greenberg. Since then, the new ownership group, together with the City of Frisco, has spearheaded numerous major franchise enhancements, investing over $8 million in a wide array of facility upgrades and improvements, including a state-of-the-art HD video board, sound system, Bull Moose Saloon, InTouch Grille, Riders Outpost Team Store and the world’s largest water feature in a sports facility, the massive Lazy River. These enhancements earned the Riders and the City of Frisco Ballpark Digest’s prestigious “Best Ballpark Renovation” award for two consecutive years (2015 and 2016). More than 170 former RoughRiders players have gone on to play Major League Baseball. For more information on the Frisco RoughRiders, please visit RidersBaseball.com or contact [email protected].

Bisons' Armed Forces Day to include autographed Cap Raffle

TICKETS: Armed Forces Day | Purchase my 5950 Armed Forces Day Cap | 3930 Caps

Join the Bisons as we pay tribute to the brave servicewomen and men that protect our freedoms on Armed Forces Day at the ballpark, Saturday, May 21 as the Herd hosts the Syracuse Mets at 1:05 p.m., presented by the Buffalo Naval Park.

Along with special pre-game and in-game tributes, the Bisons coaches and players will be wearing special Armed Forces Day Caps as they face their Thruway Series rival. During the game, we’ll hold a special Raffle of the Game-Worn and Autographed Caps, with proceeds to benefit the “Save the Sullivans.” Benefit a great cause as you try to snag a one-of-a-kind piece of Bisons memorabilia.

The Bisons 2022 Armed Forces Day caps are also currently available in the Bisons.com Online Shop in the on-field 5950 and flex-fit 3930 varieties. Get your caps today, or pick yours up at Sahlen Field when you celebrate Armed Forces Day with the Herd on Saturday!

BlueClaws Baseball Is For Everyone – Team to Host Third Pride Night on June 3rd

JERSEY SHORE, NJ – BlueClaws baseball is for everyone! That continues to be the team’s message as the BlueClaws prepare for their third Pride Night, to be held on Friday, June 3rd. Pride Night at ShoreTown Ballpark is presented by Coca-Cola.

The BlueClaws held their first Pride Night, presented by Coca-Cola, in 2019 in front of a capacity, sold-out crowd, and despite pandemic-restrictions, held another successful event in 2021.

“We consider ourselves to be a very open and inclusive organization and proud member of the community,” said BlueClaws Team President Joe Ricciutti. “We want to show the LGBT community that they are, and always will be, welcome at BlueClaws games!”

“It seems so simple–players should be judged on their athletic ability–not by who they love or how they identify. Unfortunately, the sports world can often be the deepest, darkest place in the closet. That’s why Garden State Equality is proud to partner with the Jersey Shore BlueClaws on their annual Pride Night–an evening that sends a message of positivity to LGBTQ people and their families,” said Christian Fuscarino, executive director of Garden State Equality. You have to imagine how inspiring it is for all those young kids sitting in the stands—who might be gay or transgender—when they look up and see their home team saying: ‘It’s okay to be who you are. We support you.’ That’s life changing.”

Pride Night includes a BlueClaws Pride Night cap giveaway for the first 1,500 fans that will be handed out beginning when the gates open at 6:00 pm. Fans are encouraged to stay for post-game fireworks.

Order Tickets: Order tickets online by clicking here.

The BlueClaws will also be wearing special jerseys that will be auctioned off during the game.

“BlueClaws games are about a fun night out with your friends, family, and colleagues. It’s about relaxing, laughing, and having a great time together. This notion has nothing to do with sexual orientation, race, gender, or economic status. It’s a universal notion of affordable, wholesome entertainment. It’s nice to be able to celebrate that with the community.”

Food specials that night include Rainbow Layer Cake in ShoreTown Soft Serve with drink specials available in the Sand Bar and Blue Wave Bar.

Additional resources will be made available for fans at the game. Those interested in attending the night or partnering with the BlueClaws are encouraged to email [email protected].

-Jersey Shore BlueClaws-

Ben Hemmelgarn, 16-year-old cancer survivor, will celebrate his Anthem Home Run for Life at a Dragons Game

Dayton, Ohio—Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Ohio and the Dayton Dragons will host 16-year-old Ben Hemmelgarn during the iconic Anthem Home Run for Life program on Wednesday, May 18, at 7:05 p.m., when the Dayton Dragons take on the Quad Cities River Bandits at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District.

The Anthem Home Run for Life program provides children in the Dayton region who are battling serious medical conditions with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Each honoree gets to take a lap around the bases at Day Air Ballpark during a Dragons home game while the crowd cheers them on.

Ben will also have the chance to throw out a ceremonial first pitch prior to the Dragons game. A couple of Dayton Dragons and Cincinnati Reds players have special messages that will be shown in game after the Home Run for Life lap.

Ben’s Story

In December of 2018, Ben Hemmelgarn was a 7th grader experiencing extreme chest pain. Doctors prescribed him with an­tibiotics for what seemed like pneumonia. Several weeks later, he was still having a sharpness in his side, and a CT scan highlighted a lump on the right side of his chest.

A biopsy confirmed Ben had Ewing Sarcoma, a type of bone or soft tissue cancer that occurs in young children. Ben underwent six rounds of chemotherapy where he experienced a loss of taste and smell, hair loss, mouth sores, and numbness in his hands and feet.

After months of chemotherapy, an MRI scan showed that the tu­mor did shrink, but surgery was required to remove the remaining mass. The operation was successful however left Ben weak – it required doctors to also remove his fourth rib.

Through September of 2019, his chemo treatments continued to ensure the cancer would not return. The ‘End of Treatment’ scans in October of 2019 confirmed that Ben was cancer free!

Today, Ben is a sophomore at Coldwater High School. Ben plays second base for the Cavaliers Baseball team, and recently earned his driver’s license. After reflecting on his journey, he believes his perseverance was the driving force in his battle with cancer. He says “You can’t beat the person who never gives up…and I always try to be that person”

Join us Wednesday, May 18, to celebrate Ben’s Home Run for Life during the Dragons game.

To learn more about Anthem Home Run for Life, please visit www.daytondragons.com/hrfl.

Salute to America, Event to Honor Vietnam POWs

Join The Drive on Friday, June 3 at 6 PM in celebrating a special group of people, the Vietnam POWs. Members of the United States Armed Forces were held as prisoners of war (POWs) in significant numbers during the Vietnam War from 1964 to 1973. The POWs spent years living in unimaginable circumstances. They had a mission to resist, survive and return with honor, and they did.

Fluor Field will be alive with large groups of POWs in Greenville for a reunion and celebration of their survival. Let’s show up and celebrate with them!

Using this evening to celebrate a perfect night of patriotism, bring your family out to Fluor Field for a complimentary community event. Saluting America together, a chance for us to come out and say thank you!

The evening will include special entertainment as a flag jump takes off in a helicopter and then lands back in the stadium. Continued programing to include Miss Liberty Belle, a patriotic fly over, and our special guest Steve Amerson (America’s Tenor) performing “Amazed by America” accompanied by Broadway singer, Laurie Gayle Stephenson. Ending the night in full celebration, we will conclude with fireworks!

You can register for the complimentary event HERE or by using the QR code above.

Come out to Fluor Field to show your appreciation for the these fearless members of society!

Schedule:

6:00 Doors open and concessions open

6:30 Program starts

6:45 Flag Jump into the stadium

7-7:30 Miss Liberty Belle

7:30 Fly over and Salute to America Musical Performance

8:40-8:45 Fireworks

Complimentary community event with donations to the Vietnam POW Reunion Foundation accepted.

Drive For Excellence 2022

In partnership with Greenville County Schools and Furman University, the Drive will be hosting their annual Drive for Excellence celebration on Tuesday, May 17th. This evening is all about recognizing high-achieving student-athletes in Greenville County, as each student-athlete with a 4.0 GPA or higher will receive complimentary admission to the game plus in-game recognition and celebration for their hard work and many accomplishments.

A pregame reception for student-athletes and coaches in the 500 Club will begin at 5:30 PM. As part of the reception, special guest Jackie Carson, the current head coach of the Furman Women’s Basketball Team, will deliver a keynote address congratulating these students for their accomplishments and encouraging future success in all of them.

During the game, on-field recognitions will honor the top performing school in each sport, as well as the school with the highest overall GPA among its student-athletes.

Join us on Tuesday night at Fluor Field to help celebrate these hard-working students for their efforts both in the classroom and on the field!